[The following morning, the train, with an engine blowing its whistle, and carrying Dimitri, Anya, Pooka, and Vladmir, chugs through the beautiful snow covered Russian countryside, leaving the city of St. Petersburg behind. The mighty locomotive is plowing up huge furrows of snow as it steams toward its intended destination. Inside the train, Dimitri, Vladmir, Anya, and Pooka are inside the carriage.]
Mutt gets the window seat. (sits next to Anya) Stop fiddling with that thing, and sit up straight! Remember, you're a Grand Duchess.
How is it that you know what Grand Duchesses do or don't do?
I make it my business to know.
Look, Anya, I'm just trying to help, alright?
Dimitri, do you really think I'm royalty?
Then stop bossing me around!
Vladimir She certainly has a mind of her own.
Yeah, I hate that in a woman.
[Anya sticks her tongue out at him and quickly turns back to the window before Dimitri see her. Vladmir writes scores in his book as the train continues onward]
Look, I think we got off on the wrong foot.
Well, I think we did too.
But I appreciate your apology.
Apology? Who said anything about an apology? I was just saying that we--
Please, just don't talk anymore, okay? It's only gonna upset me.
Fine, I'll be quiet. I'll be quiet if you will.
Fine. [after a pause] You think you're gonna miss it?
It was a place I once lived. End of story.
Well, then you must plan on making Paris your true home.
What is it with you and homes?!
Well, for one thing it's something that every normal person wants, and for another thing, it's a thing where you--
[Vladimir enters the compartment]
Thank goodness it's you! Just, please, remove him from my sight!
Vladimir [to Dimitri]
What have you done to her?
Vladimir [to Pooka]
Oh, no! An unspoken attraction?
[gasps]
"ATTRACTION?!" For that skinny little brat?!! Have you lost your mind? [storms out]
Vladimir I was only asking a simple question.
"Attraction?" Ridiculous.
[Meanwhile, crashing through brittle limbs, as they navigate their way toward the train and the suspecting travelers, Rasputin's minions catch up with the train, and as they rocket beneath the train and the engine, Rasputin's green minions leave a wake of flames on the tracks behind them. The minions, now tiny little green demons, crawl all over the train engine and enters its boiler, and when it starts to overheat, the engine glows red, speeds up, and rattles as if it is about to fall apart.]
OM Old Man
[Cut to: Enter Streets of St. Petersburg - 10 years later with Russia now becoming the Soviet Union in 1926] ["Rumor in St. Petersburg" plays] [People work in a shabby factory and wait in long lines in a gray, cold winter.]
♪St. Petersburg is gloomy♪
YW Younger Woman
♪St. Petersburg is bleak♪
SM Shivering Man
♪My underwear got frozen standing here all week!♪
A All
♪Oh, since the revolution, our lives have been so gray.♪ ♪Thank goodness for the gossip that gets us through the day!♪ ♪Hey!♪ ♪Have you heard there’s a rumor in St. Petersburg?♪ ♪Have you heard what they’re saying on the street?♪
N Newsman
♪Although the Czar did not survive♪ ♪One daughter may be still alive♪
A All
♪The Princess Anastasia!♪
N Newsman
♪But please do not repeat!♪
A All
♪It’s a rumor, a legend, a mystery!♪ ♪Something whispered in an alleyway or through a crack!♪ ♪It’s a rumor that’s part of our history!♪
B Babushka
♪They say her royal grandmama will pay a royal sum♪
A All
♪To someone who can bring the princess back!♪ [We go to a seedy corner of the town, where black marketers ply their wares. Some are selling remnants from the ransacked palace. Vladimir waits nervously while Dimitri, now 20, haggles with a scary looking gangster.]
BM Black Marketers
[various solos]
PSST! Over here! Fell off the truck, Big bargain!
Vladimir Dimitri! I’ve got my part done.
BM Black Marketer #1
♪A ruble for this painting. It’s Romanov, I swear!♪
BM Black Marketer #2
♪Count Yusopov's pajamas! Comrades, buy the pair!♪
BM Black Marketer #3
[holding a ratty fur coat]
♪I got this from the palace, it’s lined with real fur.♪
♪It could be worth a fortune if it belonged to her!♪
Vladimir [Dimitri rejoins Vladimir.]
Well, Dimitri, I got us a theater.
[grins]
Everything’s going according to plan. All we need is the girl. Just think, Vlad, no more forging papers, no more stolen goods. We’ll have three tickets out of here. One for you, one for me and one for Anastasia! [singing] ♪It’s the rumor, the legend, the mystery!♪ ♪It’s the princess Anastasia who will help us fly!♪ ♪You and I, friend, will go down in history!♪ ♪We’ll find a girl to play the part, and teach her what to say♪ ♪Dress her up and take her to Paris.♪ ♪Imagine the reward her dear old grandmama will pay!♪ ♪Who else could pull it off but you and me?♪ ♪We’ll be rich!♪
Vladimir ♪We’ll be rich!♪
Vladimir ♪We’ll be out!♪
VA Vladimir and Dimitri
♪And St. Petersburg will have some more to talk about!♪
Vladimir Yaah!
A All
[Widen away from Dimitri and Vladimir to see they’re only one small group in a giant city where all are concerned with one thing.]
Shh! [softly] ♪Have you heard there’s a rumor in St. Petersburg?♪ ♪Have you heard what they’re saying on the street? ♪ [People in the plaza babble indiscintly] ♪Have you heard there’s a rumor in St. Petersburg?♪ ♪Have you heard♪ ♪Comrades, what do you suppose?♪ ♪A fascinating mystery♪
♪The biggest con in history!♪
A All
♪The Princess Anastasia!♪ ♪Alive or Dead?!♪
WW Window Washer
Who knows? Shh!
[Cut to: Enter Bureau of Burewcracy - Day] [Anya and Pooka step up to a window.]
One ticket to Paris, please.
TA Ticket Agent
[gruffly]
Exit visa?
TA Ticket Agent
No exit visa, no ticket.
[The Ticket Agent hangs a Peoples lunch break sign on his booth and slams his shutters in Anya’s face. The entire row of ticket agents do likewise.]
Oh, hmm.
SW Sweeper Woman
[A Sweeper Woman with her broom approaches Anya.] [whispering]
Psst. See Dimitri. He can help.
[TNT.]
Where can I find him?
SW Sweeper Woman
At the old Palace, but you didn’t hear it from me.
SW Sweeper Woman
Go, go, go, go.
Hmm, Dimitri.
[Cut to: Theater] [Dimitri and Vladimir are sitting at a large table. On top are stacks of Resume’s and 8 x 10 glossies. Dimitri has an enormously long list of names in front of him, a roster, that spills out onto the floor in front of him] .
[Dimitri looks over to Vladimir and crosses the second to last name off the list.]
Nice, nice, very nice, yeah…
A Actress
And I look like a princess, and I dance like a feather.
… Okay, hmm, thank you, thank you. Next, please!
L Ludmilla
[The last Anastasia wannabe steps into the spotlight on the stage. She is clearly not right for the roll.]
Grandmama. It’s me, Anastasia…
Vladimir [Dimitri and Vladimir, staring in amazement at the sight. Vladimir groans and puts his head down on the table.] [moans]
[to himself]
Oh, brother.
Vladimir [Cut to: Enter St. Petersburg Street outside of Theater – Later] [Dimitri and Vladimir leave the theater and head down the street.]
That’s it, Dimitri. Game over. Our last kopeck gone for this flea-infested theater, and still no girl to pretend to be Anastasia! [frustrated]
We’ll find her, Vlad. She’s here somewhere, right under our noses.
[Dimitri grabs Vladimir as Anya walks by and pulls out the music box.]
Don’t forget, one look at this jewelry box and the Empress will think we’ve brought the real Anastasia …
I’m looking for the Catherine …
[Dimitri bumps into Anya.]
Excuse me. …do you know where that is?
… and before she catches on, we’ll be off spending the ten million rubles.
S Stranger
There’s nothing there. No, no there’s no one living there, go on.
[Cut to: Balcony of Palace] [Dimitri and Vladimir are watching Anya.] [yelling]
What are you doing in here?
[Anya is startled. As she runs back up the stairs to the landing of the ballroom, Dimitri chases after her.]
Hey! Hey! Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop, hold on a minute. Hold on!
[Dimitri’s POV. Anya turns, caught in a ray of moonlight, directly in front of the image of Anastasia in the frieze He sees that the resemblance is striking.]
Now, how did you get in he-here?
Vladimir Excuse me, child.
[Close on Dimitri as slow smile that spreads across his face He elbows Vladimir.]
Vlad, do you see what I see?
Vladimir No.
Vladimir [Dimitri puts Vladimir’s glasses on him. He gets it.]
Oh yes, yes.
[Dimitri hands Pooka to Vladimir and walks up the stairs to Anya.] [Leading]
Perhaps, that depends on who’s looking, for him.
My name is Anya … I need travel papers… [whispered] They say you’re the man to see even though I can’t tell you who said that.
[Dimitri smiles again and starts circling her.]
Hmm, hmmm.
Hey and why, why are you circling me? Were you a vulture in another life?
Anya, it’s just … just that you look an awful lot like … Never mind … Now, you said something about travel papers?
Uh, yes … I’d like to go to Paris.
You’d like to go to Paris?
Vladimir [Dimitri gives Vladimir a knowing look.] [laughter]
Who is this here. Oh, Oh, look. Oh, oh, he likes me.
Vladimir Oh, oh, it’s marvelous. Aw! I love, I love, I love you.
Let me ask you something, Anya was it … Is there a last name that goes with that?
Well, actually … This is going to sound crazy … I don’t know my last name. I was found wondering around when I was 8 years old.
And before that … before you were eight?
Look, oh, look, I know it’s strange but I don’t remember. I have very few memories of my past.
[Angle on Dimitri.] [whispers to Vladimir]
Hmm, that’s, that’s perfect.
[Dimitri knows now that this is the "girl"]
Well, I do have one clue, however, and that is Paris.
[Dimitri rolls his eyes.] [relieved]
Right. So, can … so can you two, help me or not?
[whispers to Vladimir]
Hey, Vlad, Vlad, tickets! [to Anya] Ah sure would like to … in fact, oddly enough, we’re going to Paris ourselves.
[Vladimir pulls the tickets out of his pocket, we see that they are Moscow Circus tickets. He hands them to Dimitri anyway.]
… Ah, ah, and I’ve got three AW … well, this one is, but I’ve got tickets here …
[Anya tries to grab the tickets.]
Oh, I...
… Eh, Unfortunately the third one is for her, Anastasia.
[He gestures to Anastasia’s portrait in the frieze. Anya looks up.]
Oh.
Vladimir [The two men take Anya by the arm leading her to a portrait of Marie.]
We are going to reunite the Grand Duchess Anastasia with her grandmother.
[setting her up]
You do kind of resemble her.
Vladimir The same blue eyes.
Vladimir Nicholas’ smile.
Vladimir [Vladimir takes her by the hand.]
Oh, look she even has the grandmother’s hands!
[Angle on Anya as she pulls her hand away]
She’s the same age, the same physical type.
Are you trying to tell me that you think that I am Anastasia?
All I’m trying to tell you is that I’ve seen thousands of girls all over the country and not one of them looks as much like the Grand Duchess as you do. I mean look at the portrait.
[to Dimitri]
I knew you were crazy from the beginning, but now I think you are both mad. Hmm.
[Anya walks away.]
Why? You don’t remember what happened to you…
Vladimir No one knows what happened to her.
You’re looking for family in Paris.
Vladimir And her only family is in Paris.
Ever thought about the possibility?
VA Vladimir and Dimitri
Mmm-Hmm.
[They both nod.]
Well, I don’t know … it’s kind of hard to think of yourself as a Duchess when you’re sleeping on a damp floor. But sure, yeah, I guess every lonely girl would hope she’s a Princess.
Vladimir [Anya, caught up in the fantasy is now right next to them. Dimitri then turns and walks away.]
And somewhere … One little girl is. After all, the name Anastasia means "she will rise again".
[Dimitri, exasperated that Vladimir is still talking to her, turns and walks back to them to retrieve Vladimir.]
Really wish we could help, but the third ticket is for the Grand Duchess Anastasia.
Vladimir [Dimitri and Vladimir start walking down the stairs.]
Why didn’t you tell her about our brilliant plan?
All she wants to do is go to Paris. Why give away a third of the reward money.
Vladimir [Cut to: Underscore: "The music box Theme"] [Anya, alone on the landing, looks at the frieze of Marie and young Anastasia.] [Cut to: Dimitri and Vladimir.] [whispered]
I’m telling you … We’re walking away too soon …
[whispered]
Not to worry, I got it all under control, All right… but walk a little slower.
[Cut to: Anya as she fiddles with the key then touches the portrait She looks up at Marie’s face.]
Hmm...
[Dimitri and Vladimir walking down the steps] [silently]
Three … Two … One.
Vladimir [Dimitri smiles.]
Ha, right in the palm of our hand.
[Dimitri turns and looks back at Anya on the stairs.] [shouts]
Dimitri, wait!
[innocent]
Di … Did you call me?
if I don’t remember who I am, then who’s to say I’m not a princess or a duchess or a whatever she is … Right?
Yeah, and if I’m not Anastasia, the Empress will certainly know right away … and it’s all just an honest mistake.
Vladimir But if you are the princess, then you’ll finally know who you are and have your family back.
[laughing]
You know, you know, he’s right! Either way, it gets you to Paris. [Anya puts her hand out for a handshake. Dimitri, a little taken aback, shakes it’. She gives him a solid shake. He grabs his hand in pain.]
[Cut to: Enter Ransacked Palace Rafters] [Downshot Bartok’s POV of Dimitri, Vladimir and Anya.]
May I present her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess Anastasia.
[As Dimitri and Vladimir bow, the "Anastasia" echoes throughout the room. Even the tapestries shutter in response to the name, as Dimitri and Anya exit the hall they bicker.]
Pooka, we are going to Paris!
What are you talking about, the dog goes.
[Tilt up as a breeze seems to carry the echo up to the rafters. The Reliquary glows behind Bartok, unnoticed as he looks down at the trio below. smoke wisps ominously from its top.]
Anastasia. Yeah, just one problem there fella, Anastasia’s dead. All the Romanovs are dead. They’re dead, dead, dead, dead …
[A Minion emerges from the Reliquary, hovering beside Bartok.] [to Minion]
… Am I right, my friend? I mean, how could that be Ana … [realizing whom he’s talking to]
[Minions pour forth from the Reliquary, eagerly reaching toward Anya but disappearing in a puff of smoke inches from their unearthly home…]
Oh, come on now. Am I supposed to believe that thing woke up after all these years just because some guy claims she’s a Romanov?
[The Reliquary glows bright, shaking violently.] [spooked]
Okay! Okay! I get-the message! Enough already with glowing and the smoke people!
[He takes another look at Anya, far below.] [amazed]
If that things come back to life it must mean Anastasia’s alive.
I am not leaving the dog.
Vladimir Come we’ve got a train to catch.
[The Reliquary takes off like a rocket, dragging Bartok with it’ They dive straight-for the floor, Bartok covers his eyes as he crashes through the floor.]
Whoah!!!
[The Reliquary pulls him down into the icy water pulling him further and further down. He hits the bottom of the lake and is now in the soil under the water, continuing to do down.] [He continues to go down further into the earth at a tremendous speed.]
Mayday, Mayday! Hey! Aah! Oh! Yech! Ooh! Oh. Waah! Help! Oh, oh, oh! Hot. It's hot! Aah! Oh, oh…
[Enter Rasputin’s Chamber - The Nether World] [Rasputin is crashing around, trashing stalactites, etc. when the Reliquary rockets Bartok into the underworld, slamming him into the ground.]
- Oh, boy. Ow. what. Ow!! I tell you.
Who dares intrude on my solitude? Get out! Get out! OUT!
[Rasputin picks Bartok out of the rubble squashing the very breath out of Bartok’s little body.]
Bartok? Is that you?
Ahh, Ooh… Master? You're alive? You’re…
Yeah, In a manner of speaking.
[Rasputin drops Bartok. Rasputin’s eyeball pops out and lands in Bartok’s arms.]
Whoa, that fell right out of there, sir.
I knew it! I could feel the dark forces stirring.
I’m not surprised because I saw her. Anastasia … Oh!
[Rasputin’s lips pop off.] [Bartok can’t take is eyes off them.]
Ah, sir, your lips they’re... ah...
Wow… Yeah, ain’t that a kick in the head. I guess a curse just ain’t what it used to be, huh, sir?
[Rasputin, in a rage, grips Bartok in one fist. He doesn’t even know he’s holding the bat as he squeezes for emphasis.]
That’s why …
… I’m stuck here in limbo!
[He raises Bartok for the final blow. Bartok squeaks in terror. Rasputin finally realizes he’s about to crush Bartok.]
My curse is unfulfilled.
[He flings his hand. His hand still gripping Bartok, disconnects and hits the wall. He stops, realizing his hand is gone.] [Bartok carries Rasputin’s hand, over to him. collapsed onto his bed, filled with-self-pity.]
Wow, Ooh, Oh … [humming and grunting as he carries the hand]
[Crying]
Look at me. I’m falling apart! I’m a wreck!
Actually, considering how long you’ve been dead you look pretty good.
[Truly flattered]
Really?
Sir, is this the face of a bat who would lie to you? Come on, for a minute there, you had your old spark back.
If only I hadn’t lost the gift from the dark forces, the key to my powers.
[Bartok picks up the Reliquary from the rubble.]
What? You mean this Re1iquary?
[Rasputin’s eyes widen.]
Oh, Where did you get that?
[Interrupts]
Give it to me!
[He grabs the Reliquary.
All right, All right, Don’t get so grabby.
[Stroking the Reliquary]
My old friend, together again. [Holding it, closing his eyes] Ah, Ha Ha! Now my dark purpose will be fulfilled, and the last of the Romanovs will DIE!!
["In the Dark of the Night" plays]
♪In the dark of the night I was tossing and turning♪ ♪And the nightmare I had♪
♪It scared me out of my wits♪ ♪A corpse falling to bits♪ ♪Then I opened my eyes and the nightmare was me♪
♪I was once the most mystical man in all Russia♪ ♪When the royals betrayed me they made a mistake♪ ♪My curse made each of them pay♪ ♪But one little girl got away♪ ♪Little Anya beware, Rasputin's awake♪
Creatures ♪In the dark of the night, evil will find her♪
C Creatures
♪In the dark of the night, just before down♪ ♪Aah♪
♪When the curse of complete♪
A All
♪In the dark of the night♪
♪I can feel that my powers are slowly returning♪
♪Tie my sash, add a dash of cologne for that smell♪ ♪As the pieces fall into place♪
♪I'll see her crawl into place♪ ♪Do svidaniya, Anya, Your Grace♪ ♪Farewell♪
C Creatures
♪In the dark of the night, terror will strike her♪
♪Terror’s the least I can do!♪
C Creatures
♪In the dark of the night, evil will brew♪ ♪Ooh!♪
♪Soon she will feel that her nightmares are real♪
A All
♪In the dark of the night♪
C Creatures
♪In the dark of the night, evil will find her♪
OC One Creature
♪Find her♪
C Creatures
♪In the dark of the night, terror come true♪
OC One Creature
♪Doom her♪
♪It's the end of the line♪
A All
♪In the dark of the night♪ ♪In the dark of the night♪
♪Come, my minions♪ ♪Rise for your master♪ ♪Let your evil shine♪
C Creatures
♪In the dark of the night♪ ♪In the dark of the night♪
♪Find her now♪ ♪Yes, fly ever faster♪
A All
♪In the dark of the night♪ ♪In the dark of the night♪ ♪In the dark of the night♪
[Cut to: Enter. Latvia Russia – Morning] [On descending from the mountains, spring is in the air. The crocus’ are peeking their heads thru patches of snow. Vladimir is in a feverish excitement over meeting an old flame in Paris.]
Are we going to walk to Paris?
We’ll take a boat in Germany.
Oh. Then we’re walking to Germany?
No, your grace. We’re taking a bus.
Vladimir [calling out]
Sophie, my dear, Vlady’s on his way!
Vladimir [lost in warm memories]
Who is Sophie? … She’s a tender little morsel.
Vladimir The cup of hot chocolate after a long walk in the snow.
Vlad, ix-nay on the "Ophie-say."
Vladimir She’s a decadent pastry filled with whipped cream and laughter …
Is this a person or a cream puff?
Vladimir She is the Empress’ ravishing first cousin. [Humming]
But I thought we were going to see the Empress herself. Why are we going to see her cousin? Dimitri!!
Well, nobody gets near the Dowager Empress without convincing Sophie first.
[Vladimir hums and gathers flowers in the background.]
Oh no, not me, no. Nobody ever told me I had to -prove I was the Grand Duchess.
Show up. Yes. Look nice. Fine. But lie?
[She fiddles with her necklace.]
You don’t know it’s a lie. What if it’s true? OK, so there’s one more stop on the road to finding out who you are. I just thought this was something you had to see through to the end no matter what.
[sighs]
But look at me, Dimitri! I am not exactly Grand Duchess material here, Aah.
Vladimir [Anya stomps off.] [Cross Dissolve to:] [To bridge where Anya joins Vladimir. He directs her attention to the water.]
Tell me, child, what do you see?
[She looks at her reflection, face smudged and wearing boy’s clothes.]
I see a skinny little nobody, with no past and no future.
Vladimir I see a engaging and fiery young woman … who on a number of occasions has shown a regal command equal to any royal in the world. And I have known my share of royalty. You see my dear, I was a member of the imperial Court.
[Dimitri’s face shows up reflected in the pond next to theirs.]
So, are you ready to become the Grand Duchess Anastasia?
[Anya is still annoyed at Dimitri for not being honest with her. Vladimir gives Dimitri a look.]
What?
Vladimir There’s nothing left for you back there my dear. Everything is in Paris.
[Beat, She decides.]
Gentlemen, start your teaching.
Vladimir [Musical Number Begins]
I remember it well.
Vladimir ["Learn to Do It" plays]
♪You were born in a palace by the sea♪
♪A palace by the sea?♪ ♪Could it be?♪
Vladimir ♪Yes, that's right.♪ ♪You rode horseback when you were only 3.♪
♪Horseback riding?♪ ♪Me?♪
Vladimir ♪And the horse♪
Vladimir ♪You made faces and terrorised the cook♪
Vladimir ♪But you'd behave when your father gave that look♪
Vladimir ♪Your long-forgotten past♪
VA Vladimir and Dimitri
♪We've lots and lots to teach you♪ ♪And the time is going fast♪
Vladimir ♪Now shoulders back and stand up tall♪
♪And do not walk, but try to float.♪
[Anya floats. Dimitri sort of floats. Vladimir really floats!]
♪I feel a little foolish. Am I floating?♪
Vladimir ♪Like a little boat.♪
Vladimir [Anya curtsies, placing her hand in Dimitri's]
♪Your hand receives a kiss♪
VA Vladimir and Dimitri
[Anya and Dimitri pull away, embarrassed]
♪Most of all, remember this♪
Vladimir ♪If I can learn to do it, you can learn to do it♪
♪Something in you knows it♪
VA Vladimir and Dimitri
♪There's nothing to it♪
Vladimir ♪Follow in my footsteps, shoe by shoe♪
VA Vladimir and Dimitri
♪You can learn to do it too♪
Vladimir ♪Now elbows in and sit up straight.♪
♪And never slurp the stroganoff.♪
♪I never cared for stroganoff.♪
Vladimir ♪She said that like a Romanov.♪
Vladimir ♪The caviar.♪
♪Dessert and then good night?♪
VA Vladimir and Dimitri
♪Not until you get this right♪
Vladimir ♪If I can learn to do it, you can learn to do it♪
♪If he can learn to do it♪ ♪You can learn to do it♪
Vladimir ♪Pull yourself together♪
VA Vladimir and Dimitri
♪And you'll pull through it♪
Vladimir ♪Tell yourself it's easy♪
VA Vladimir and Dimitri
♪And it's true♪ ♪You can learn to do it too♪
Vladimir [From nowhere, Vladimir produces a huge chart- the family tree] [spoken]
Next, we memorise the names of the royalty. [singing] ♪And now here we have Kropotkin♪
Vladimir ♪In the Botkin♪
Vladimir ♪And dear old Uncle Vanya loved his vodka♪
Vladimir ♪The Baron Pushkin♪
Vladimir ♪Count Anatoly♪
Vladimir ♪Count Sergei♪
Vladimir ♪I hear he's gotten very fat♪
♪And I recall his yellow cat♪
Vladimir ♪I don't believe we told her that♪
[Vladimir and Dimitri exchange a baffled glance]
♪If you can learn to do it, I can learn to do it♪ ♪Don't know how you knew it♪ ♪I simply knew it♪ ♪Suddenly I feel like someone new♪
VA Vladimir and Dimitri
♪Anya, you're a dream come true♪
Vladimir ♪If I can learn to do it♪ ♪You can learn to do it♪ ♪Pull yourself together♪
♪If he can learn to do it♪ ♪You can learn to do it♪
A All
♪And you'll pull through it♪ ♪Tell yourself it's easy♪ ♪And it's true♪
Vladimir ♪You can learn to do it♪
A All
♪You can learn to do it too♪
[They go off down the road, the lesson continuing. The threesome and Pooka approach a ship.]
[Cut to: Enter. Ship – Night] [Anya, Dimitri, Vladimir and Pooka are in a cabin. Dimitri is sound asleep, his backpack beside him on the floor. Anya is wrapped in a blanket. Vladimir is braced against the ship’s beams, not weathering the storm well.] [whispering to Vladimir]
Oh … are you all right?
Vladimir Fine, fine. Just riddled with envy., Look at him. [Indicating Dimitri] He can sleep through anything.
[The ship tilts, timbers groaning. Pooka-climbs inside of Dimitri’s backpack knocking it over and The Music Box slides out of it and stops near Anya. She picks up the Music Box. Anya immediately has a sharp recollection, a shock. She cradles the box lovingly.] [gasp]
Vladimir Pretty jewelry box, isn’t it?
Jewelry box? Are you sure that’s what it is?
Vladimir What else could it be?
Oh well, something else … Something special … something to do with a secret. [Laughs] Is that possible?
Vladimir [Angle on Pooka, licking Anyals feet, wanting attention.] [Vladimir climbs into his berth.] [Anya laughs.]
Anything’s possible. You taught Dimitri how to waltz, didn’t you?
Vladimir [She secures the Music Box in the backpack.] [Pooka begs at feet of Anya to be picked up. She picks him up. She climbs into her berth, Pooka climbs up on her tummy.]
Sleep well, your majesty.
[Vladimir’s large body traps Pooka between him and Anya. Anya uses her foot to move Vladimir]
Sweet dreams, Pooka.
[Enter. Underworld Cut to: Night] [Rasputin and Bartok gaze at the image of Anastasia falling asleep.]
There she is, master, sound asleep in her little bed.
And pleasant dreams to you, Princess. I’ll get inside your mind, where you can’t escape me. [As he says this, smoky images begin to collect around the Reliquary, images of faces, trees, a lake all blur together.]
A Alexi
[Rasputin chuckles with delight. He blows at the cloud of images sending them shooting skyward.] [Cross Dissolve to: Ship’s Cabin – Night] [From under the door smoky images silently slither. They move over toward Dimitri sleeping on the floor. Recognizing that he is not the right person they float across the cabin to her shoes then up over her berth and swirl around Anya.] [Close on Anya’s closed eyes as the Smoky Images wait for the opportunity to enter her mouth when she yawns. She smiles as Rasputin’s dream begins. Images of Butterflies appear and circle around her face.] [Cut to: Enter. Forest - Day - In Her Dream] [Anya is sleeping peacefully in a sunny open meadow. Alexi, Anastasia’s young brother, walks up, surrounded by large Mystical Dream Butterflies. He waves to her, she waves back. He motions the Butterflies toward Anya. They approach her and fly around her.] [Cut to: Ship’s Cabin - Reality] [Anya’s eyes are closed as she smiles in her sleep and sits, up in bed. The Dream Butterflies still swirl around her head. She gets out of her berth following them, sleepwalking to the cabin door it opens and she exits. As it closes …] [Angle on Pooka as he wakes up.] [Cut to: Enter. Ship’s Hallway – Night] [Anya sleepwalks down the hallway toward the stairs following the "Dream Butterflies”. The ship pitching violently in the storm.] [Cut to. Enter. Ship’s Cabin] [Pooka whines scratches at the cabin door, crying, and looking Anya.] [Angle on Dimitri sleeping. Pooka jumps on him trying to wake him. He just rolls over.] [Enter. Ship’s Deck] [Cut to: Rolling on a giant swell. Anya sleepwalks to the upper deck. In her dream, Alexi and the three butterflies lead her up a rock embankment and through a field of daffodils. Anastasia’s three sisters in swimsuits in the distance. Alexi points to them as they leap to the pool below.] [Pull Back to Reality] [Anya has climbed over the railing of the deck and is looking into the black ocean. Smiling she slides back against the ships railing.]
Come on!!
[Enter. Ship’s Cabin] [Close on Dimitri and Pooka. begs for him to wake up.] [still half asleep]
What, what, what, what, what, Pooka? Pooka, what? [Dimitri looks up at Anya’s empty berth and sees that she is gone.]
N Nicholas
[Dimitri scrambles from his makeshift bed and runs toward the door. Pooka and Dimitri burst out the door and run toward the stairs. Pooka remains stranded at the bottom of the stairs.] [Cut to: Enter. Ship’s Deck] [Anya, holding the guide line, is teetering on the ships railing.] [Enter. Forest - Day - In Her Dream] [Anya holds on to a vine at edge of precipice overlooking a beautiful swimming pool. Little Alexi points down toward the offstage swimmers, the family looking up, is waving to her. Anya watches as little Alexi leaps toward the blue pool and she giggles.]
Hello, sunshine.
S Sisters
Come into the water!
N Nicholas
Jump in, jump!
[Enter. Ship’s Deck – Reality] [Anya stands on the ships railing, holding on to the guide wire, inching toward death.] [Angle on Dimitri racing toward camera as the stormy sea crashes over him.]
Anya!
[Dimitri is washed up into the crow’s nest and suddenly sees Anya.]
Anya, stop!
[He grabs on to a rope line and swings out to rescue Anya about to leap to her death.] [Enter. Forest - In Her Dream] [Close on Anya in her dream. Nicholas waves for her to jump into the clear pond and join them. Anya nods and moves to jump in. Just as she is about to jump, Nicholas, face turns Hideous and Frightening, suddenly becoming Rasputin.]
Anya, NO!
[Rasputin continues to grow into an evil god-like figure as the dwarfed Anya rises on a column of skulls. Flying bat-like Minions swarm in a circle around Anya. She reacts in fear. A giant Rasputin towers over her on the column of skulls. His harpy-like Minions are grabbing at her, encouraging her to jump.]
The Romanov curse!
[A Flying Minion grabs Anya around the waist, from behind …] [Enter. Ship’s Deck – Reality] [Dimitri is holding her around the waist she struggles, rescuing her from the fall into the stormy sea.]
Anya! Anya! Anya, wake up, wake up.
[Anya jolts awake, terrified to see what almost happened to her. Dimitri lifts her to the other side of the railing. Anya, shaking and almost crying with fear, still half in a dream, throws her arms around Dimitri.]
The Romanov curse. Curse.
The Romanov what? What are you talking about?
I keep seeing faces... So many faces.
[Anya hugs Dimitri and cries.]
It was a nightmare. It’s all right, you’re safe now.
[Cut to: Enter. Paris Opera House Steps - Night] [As the Beautiful People of Paris arrive, a very dapper Vladimir paces nervously on the steps. Dimitri also all done up, sits nearby.]
We don’t have anything to be nervous about. She’s the princess…
Vladimir [misunderstanding]
I know, I know but….
[pointedly]
No, no, no, you don’t know. I was the boy - in the palace. The one who opened the wall. She’s the real thing, Vlad.
Vladimir [Vladimir’s jaw drops open, he can’t believe it.]
That means our Anya has found her family! We have found the heir to the Russian throne! And you…
[Vladimir stops. He suddenly gets it.] [finishing]
… will walk out of her life forever.
Vladimir But…
Princess’ don’t marry kitchen boys.
Vladimir I know but… Dimitri.
We’re going to go through with this as if nothing has changed.
Vladimir You’ve got to tell her?
[Dimitri turns and Anya is suddenly there.]
Tell me what?
[Anya smiles sweetly and looks down. Anya takes his arm and they walk up the stairs together.] [to get Vlad’s attention] [Clear throat]
Vladimir Ah, Sophie.
[Cross Dissolve to: Enter. Paris Opera House - Night] [Anya is halfway up the grand staircase, when Dimitri finishing checking their coats and looks up at her. He stares. She turns back and nods for him to join her. Shaking the spell her beauty has cast over him, he leaps to her side. Anya wears navy dress with her necklace, earrings and dress shoe pumps to the concert] [Cross Dissolve to: Enter. Opera Box] [Dimitri, Vladimir and Anya take their seats. All around them people are whispering, taken with Anya.] [Dimitri turns to Anya and gestures to the box seats to the left. He hands her the opera glasses and watch the silent musical theater, Cinderella.]
Look. There she is.
[Anya gives Dimitri a very nervous look and takes the glasses aiming them toward Marie.] [Anya’s POV of the majestic Marie, sitting beside Sophie.] [like a prayer]
Please let her remember me…
[Anya is very nervous, she watches Marie instead of the Ballet. She tears up her program. Dimitri reaches over and takes her hand.]
Everything’s gonna be fine.
[Intermission] [Cinderella ending in the silent musical theater. The lights come up, Dimitri turns to Anya.] [bittersweet]
Come on. I guess it’s time. Relax, you’re gonna be great.
[Anya goes to turn away.]
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey take a deep breath everything’s gonna be fine.
[Cross Dissolve to: Enter. Mezzanine -- Minutes Later] [They approach Marie’s private balcony.]
Wait, here just a moment. I’ll go in and announce you properly.
[Anya stops him.]
Dimitri.
Look, we’ve been through a lot together…
…well, thank you I guess. Yes, thank you for everything.
[Dimitri takes his leave, then turns back.]
Anya, I…
I wanted to wish you good luck…… Well… here goes.
[Dimitri smiles sadly and walks into the private balcony.]
[Cut to: Enter Marie’s Study - Night] [The music box is on Marie’s desk beside an unopened jewelry box. Marie sits on a sofa, a large simple wooden box open beside her. Anya sits on a hammock at her feet, looking at an informal photograph of her family, touching the faces slowly with her fingertips, tears welling up in her eyes. Marie gently takes the picture from behind her, stroking her hair.]
I remember now, how much I loved them.
They would not want us to live in the past, not now that we have found each other. Oh look here -- [taking a water color from the box] The drawings you gave me -- Remember?
[taking the picture]
Yes! Olga made me so mad -- she said it looked like a pig riding a donkey! She was right!
[Her voice bubbles with laughter.]
In your laughter, once again I hear my Nicky, your dear father…
[She stands and leads Anya to the jewel box, opening it. Displayed in rich velvet is a dazzling array of jewelry. Anya gasps.]
But you have the beauty of your mother, Alexandra, Empress of all Russia.
[Marie takes the exquisite tiara from the box and places it on Anya’s head, turning her to look in the mirror. Wide-eyed, ANYA sees that she looks like a princess indeed. From her C.U.] [Cross Dissolve to: Enter. Anya’s Bedrrom in Sophie’s House -- Day] [The same crown, the same wide-eyed expression, but now as we pull back from the reflection in this mirror, Sophie and a seamstress are just stepping back, rapturous, making final adjustments, and revealing Anya in her exquisite gown. Anya turns slightly, watching herself, touching the gown in wonder.] [Cut to: Enter. Marie’s Study - Day] [Dimitri stands before Marie and an open valise filled with the reward money.]
You sent for me, your grace?
Ten million rubles… As promised, with my gratitude.
I accept your gratitude. Your Highness. But I don’t want the money.
[Marie smiles.] [a bit suspicious]
What do you want, then?
Unfortunately nothing you can give. [Bows]
[He starts to leave, Marie is puzzled and intrigued.]
Young man. [He stops] Where did you get that music box?
[Dimitri doesn’t answer. She crosses to him.]
You were the boy, weren’t you? The servant boy who got us out. You saved her life, and mine. Then you restored her to me, yet you want no reward?
Not anymore.
Marie Why the change of mind?
It was more a change of heart. [Almost fleeing] I must go.
[Dimitri bows and leaves quickly. Marie is left wondering.] [Cross Dissolve to: Enter. Hallway of Marie’s House - Day] [Anya sees Dimitri coming down the steps. She draws herself to full regal height. He stops when he sees her.] [distantly]
Hello, Dimitri.
Did you collect your reward?
MD Major Domo
Eh, young man, you will bow and address the Princess as "Your Highness."
[Dimitri raises his hand to stop her. He bows.]
Please, your Highness. I’m glad you found what you were looking for.
Yes, I’m glad you did too.
Well, then… Goodbye. [Adding] Your Highness.
[He bows and exits. Anya stares after him for a moment.] [softly, to herself.]
Goodbye.
Vladimir [Cut to: Enter. Marie’s Apartment - Afternoon] [Vladimir is looking in the mirror admiring himself. He is in full yellow fancy dress for the coronation. Anya wears yellow fancy dress and coffee colored dress shoe pumps for the coronation day. Pooka enters in full yellow fancy dress wearing a crown, a medal and a sword. Vladimir sees that Pooka looks and feels miserable.] [to Pooka: the dog’s clothes]
You look fabulous. Oh, do you mind?
Vladimir [Vladimir steals the medal from around Pooka’s neck and pins it on his own chest.]
No, of course not, you’re a wonderful dog.
[Dimitri enters and picks up his travel bag. Vladimir sees his reflection in the mirror and turns.]
Well, if you’re ever in St. Petersburg again look me up. So long, Vlad.
Vladimir [Vladimir hugs Dimitri.]
Oh, my boy, you’re making a mistake.
Trust me, this is the one thing I’m doing right.
[Forcing a smile, Dimitri cuts Vladimir off, shaking his hand and patting him on the shoulder. Pooka understands that Dimitri is leaving, he whimpers. Dimitri scratches his nose.]
So long, mutt.
[Pooka licks Dimitri’s hand]
I can’t stay. I don’t belong here.
[Dimitri exits.] [Cut to: Enter. Grand Palais - Night] [Couples in splendor, waltz on the floor while guests whisper excitedly about Anastasia appearing. Many of them were at the opening ball in St. Petersburg. An Ornate Chir sits alone on an empty stage - waiting for the Princess.]
