EXT.

CASTLE GROUNDS - NIGHT 1

A MAGNIFICENT CASTLE. Resplendent, bespeaking great wealth and

power. The grounds and stonework immaculate.

NARRATOR (V.O.)
Once upon a time in the hidden heart of
France, a handsome young Prince lived in
a beautiful castle...

RACK FOCUS to a single RED ROSE clinging to a rose bush on a

stormy spring night. A WEATHERED HAND plucks the rose.

NARRATOR (V.O.)
Although he had everything his heart
desired, the Prince was selfish and
unkind.

2 INT. BALLROOM ENTRANCE - CASTLE - NIGHT 2

TIGHT ON THE PRINCE being groomed by his servants. (We do not

see their faces.) A FRENCH MAID paints an exotic animal mask
on the Prince's face with a feather brush. A TALL VALET drapes
the Prince with an elaborately bejeweled coat.

NARRATOR (V.O.)
He taxed the village to fill his
castle with the most beautiful
objects...

The MAID dusts his wig with powder -

MAID
Poof poof...

- while a MAJORDOMO holds a POCKET WATCH, indicating that they

are running late.

MAJORDOMO
Master, it's time.

With a haughty wave, the Prince instructs his FOOTMAN to

bring more light.
 FOOTMAN
Oui, ma�tre.

A CANDELABRA is lifted to the preening Prince as he looks at

himself in an ornate HAND MIRROR.

NARRATOR (V.O.)
... and his parties with the most
beautiful people.
2.

3 INT. BALLROOM - CASTLE - NIGHT 3

The ornate room is filled with BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE from all

corners of the world, each on display for the Prince's
pleasure. A circle of eligible maidens bow their heads.

Seated in a throne chair dominated by a majestic COAT OF

ARMS, the Prince snaps his fingers impatiently at an ITALIAN
MAESTRO, who smiles, revealing comically rotten teeth.

The maestro sits at a harpsichord and motions to his wife, a

LARGE DIVA holding a TINY BICHON FRIS�. As the music begins,
the Prince steps forward.

The diva fills the room with a voice as big as her frame.
The Prince performs a ROUNDELAY with several debutantes:

DIVA
Oh how divine
Glamour, music and magic combine
See the maidens so anxious to shine
Look for a sign that enhances
Chances
She'll be his special one

5 INT. BALLROOM - CASTLE - NIGHT 5

The dance speeds up. The Prince connects momentarily with a

beautiful woman -- but quickly moves on when his eye catches
someone even more dazzling:

DIVA
 What a display!
What a breathtaking thrilling array
(coos to the dog)
Every prince, every dog has his day
Let us sing with passion, gusto
Fit to bust - oh
Not a care in the world

KNOCK KNOCK. The Prince stops. Then a gust of wind blows open
the windows. Sconces flicker and go dark. The figure enters
in silhouette, hobbling on a CANE.

Furious, the Prince grabs a lit candelabra from the Footman.

He rudely pushes through the crowd, sweeping people from his
path. He crosses to the windows, finally revealing --

AN OLD BEGGAR WOMAN shivering from the rain. She looks to the
Prince with hope and offers him -- A RED ROSE.