An American Tail: Fievel's New York Tails Volume 1

Episode 3: Tony, Private Eye

SCENE 1A

*The episode opens with the title of the episode before a lightning flash transition to a black background. Then we hear Papa Mousekewitz's voice telling a private eye detective story. At the same time, the black background transitions to the pages of the detective story; one page on the left featuring the words, and one page on the right with a picture of a mansion during a stormy night. We then zoom in on the picture of the mansion.*

Papa: (narrating) "It was a dark and stormy night in the city. The thunder clapped and the wind blew hither and thither!"

*Transition to the library room in the mansion, where three mice, two male, and one female wandering around*

Papa: (continues) "Three worried citizens were wandering around in the library of a huge mansion. They wondered what was going to happen...when all of a sudden...the door burst open!"

(Door slams open, lightning flash, and thunder SFX. We see the silhouette of a private eye who presumably is a male mouse character)

PAPA: (continues) "'I suppose you're all wondering why I've called you here tonight' said the private eye, 'It's because a thief has stolen the banshee's jewel from the city museum. The thief happens to be here somewhere...in this very room! And that thief is...'"

-Suddenly the strong wind blew the window open and the candles went out-

(We hear clamoring before Mama lights the candle, and it reveals Papa in the chair with Fievel and Tanya on his lap listening to the story)

Mama: Oh, my heavens. It's quite dark. (After lighting the candle). There. That's much better.

Fievel: A-And then what happened, Papa?

Tony: (sitting with Bridget)Who stole the banshee's jewel, Papa? Was it the butler?

Bridget: Please, tell us who did it.

Tanya: Yes, please.

Papa: Well, I'd like to tell you, but it seems my glasses have disappeared. I can't read the story without them.

(Tony gets up and looks around the Mousekewitz house, especially the floor, to find Papa's glasses)

Mama: Well, where have they gone?

Papa: Well, they must have fallen off when the candlelight went out.

(Tony looks behind Papa's chair only to find the glasses on the floor)

Tony: Say, Mr. M. It seems that the detective here has just solved this case. (Shows Papa his glasses) Here ya go!

Papa: (gasps) My glasses! Thank you. I didn't lose them after all. You know what, Tony? You make a better private eye than the hero of the story. (chuckles)

Tony: Ay, don't mention it. I wouldn't have found a friend like Fillie if it wasn't for our escape from the sweatshop!

Fievel: (giggles) And I wouldn't have a best friend like you. I think you'd make a great private eye too, Tony!

Tony: (to himself) Me? A private eye? Say, that's not a bad idea.

SCENE 1B

(The next day, Tiger arrives at the Mousekewitz family house to see Papa carrying in a piece of craftwood to make violins with and Fievel carrying another one. When they come back out, they see Tiger)

Tiger: Hey, Fie!

Fievel: Hi, Tiger!

Tiger: Say, uh, I was wondering if you and I could go play hide-and-seek today. (chuckles)