Chapter 5
Roll original 1982 Peter Davison opening credits
SCENE #50 – EXT – CHICAGO DOCKS, CHICAGO – DAY, AFTERNOON
In Chicago at the docks, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are waiting. They are worried and wondering whilst waiting for the cruise ship to come into port. It hasn’t arrived.
GINGER
They haven’t arrived yet! Where could they be?
FRED
(gradually) Maybe they got lost in a storm or something.
GINGER
On a sunny afternoon as this?
FRED
There are those clouds approaching. On the far eastern side. They could be the beginnings of a number of storm clouds.
GINGER
Oh, stop it, Fred! You’re not making things any better.
FRED
Well, how do you think I like it? I’m worried about them too, Ginger. We’ve been waiting for nearly an hour and there’s no sign of them.
GINGER
The ship couldn’t have sunk, could it?
FRED
Oh Ginger, you’re now exaggerating.
GINGER
I am not. If it is a storm you could say, anything could have happened to them!
FRED
I said ‘maybe’! I didn’t say it is a storm!
GINGER
Well, what do we do? We can’t just stand around here doing nothing?!
FRED
I’ll ask one of the porters. He might be able to help.
Fred goes over to one of the porters to call for his attention.
FRED
Excuse me? Porter?
PORTER
Yes, sir? (realises) Oh! How do you do, Mr. Astaire! And Miss Rogers! This is a pleasant surprise seeing you on this Chicago docks!
GINGER
We’re waiting for Miss Garland and Mr. Rooney.
PORTER
Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney?
GINGER
Yes, they were on that new cruise ship, the SS Majesty. We were supposed to meet them over a coffee and catch up when they got here.
PORTER
Oh, isn’t that Miss Judy Garland the one who was in that wonderful film ‘The Wizard of Oz’? She’s a sensation! My kids love her!
FRED
Yes! The ship, her Majesty! It’s supposed to arrive here. Where is it?
PORTER
Oh I don’t know, sir. We’ve received no word or sign that the ship coming in. It was supposed to come around noon, but it’s been an hour since.
GINGER
Yes, we know. That’s why we’re here and worrying.
FRED
Can’t you or anyone find out what’s happened to it?
PORTER
I’ll go and ask one of my colleagues. He’ll relay your concerns to the commissioner of this port. We’ll let you know of any recent developments.
FRED
Thank you. Most kind of you.
PORTER
Nice to meet you two. Miss Rogers, Mr. Astaire. Have a good day, the pair of you.
The porter bows and leaves Fred and Ginger, who are now more worried than ever.
GINGER
I do hope nothing’s happened to Mickey and Judy.
FRED
I’m supposed to be seeing my wife and our little girl Ava later this evening back home. She’s growing up fast. I wouldn’t like to be worried about them if they were on that cruise ship like Mickey and Judy.
GINGER
I’m glad your wife and daughter aren’t on that ship. But it’s not fair on those two. It’s supposed to be a straight-forward cruise around the world on a new ship. Nothing bad should happen ever.
FRED
Don’t say that. Remember them heists going on in L.A. That’s where they departed.
GINGER
(concerned) Well, what do you think we should do then?
FRED
Give it another half an hour. Then we’ll go and see the commissioner ourselves to sort out the matter. Hope he’ll agree to send out a search party.
GINGER
Half an hour might be a minute too late.
FRED
There’s nothing we can do at the moment, is there? (Pause) We’ll wait for half an hour. Then we’ll sort out the matter.
GINGER
Yeah. I suppose so. That’s what we’ll do.
Fred and Ginger remain on the docks, looking out to the sea and hoping that the ship their friends were on might dock in.
SCENE #51 – INT – DINING ROOM, S.S. MAJESTY – DAY, AFTERNOON
Far away on a remote island, the SS Majesty has been shipwrecked. Inside the Doctor and friends are recovering, realising they’ve crashed onto the island. They get up from the floor of the dining room. Nyssa and Billy get up with the Doctor, whilst the others including Judy, Mickey, the Captain and the Smith family also recover.
DOCTOR
Nyssa, Billy? Are you both alright?
NYSSA
Yes. We’re fine Doctor, thank you? (to Billy) Billy, darling?
BILLY
I’m fine. No bones broken thankfully. (to Judy; Mickey) Judy; Mickey?
Judy and Mickey groan as they get up.
MICKEY
We’re alive! We just went through a shipwreck! And we’re still alive! (to Judy) Judy?
JUDY
I think I’ve got myself a headache! Did we just tumble and tussle for five minutes?
Everyone gets up from the floor, shattered and stunned.
BILLY
At least everybody’s still here. The Captain and the Smiths.
NYSSA
Yes. But what about everywhere else on the ship. Some people could have got killed on impact towards the island.
JUDY
(shocked) Mr. Whiteman! Paul Whiteman! He’s aboard this ship!
MICKEY
Yeah! Don’t say he’s dead! He can’t be! One of America’s greatest musicians! Close to Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller!
DOCTOR
Don’t worry, Mr. Rooney! I’m sure Paul Whiteman’s still alive somewhere on this ship! I wouldn’t allow him to be killed! He’s far too important in Earth’s history as anyone else.
MICKEY
Oh you’re sure about that, huh?
JUDY
Where are we? What happened? How come we’ve crashed?! Where did we crash?
DOCTOR
Good questions, Miss Garland. You’d make a fine companion.
JUDY
Huh?
NYSSA
What about our doubles? Yours Doctor and me and Billy’s? Supposing they got killed on the ship like us?
DOCTOR
They probably escaped just in time before the ship crashed. I suspect they planned to do that the moment we approached this island!
BILLY
Is that where we are? This island?
There are cries and wails from everywhere, including Betsey who’s upset at having the ship crashed into an island.
BETSEY
(wails) It’s not fair! It’s just not fair! I was having the time of my life on this cruise! Now the ship’s shipwrecked! And I’ve ruined my new dress! It’s not fair!
ROGER
Stop it, Betsey! Wailing and crying’s not gonna do anything!
ROGER
All I wanted was a big juice steak…smothered in onions…for lunch!
ALONZO
Anna? Anna, my dear? Are you alright?
ANNA
Do you not hear them, Alonzo? Do not hear their voices?
ALONZO
What voices, Anna?
ANNA
Angry voices, Alonzo! Angry, hungry voices! They’re coming for us! There are plenty of them! Deep in the forests of this place!
The Smiths tend to themselves, whilst the Doctor tries to get out of the ship.
DOCTOR
Let’s see if we can try and get outside! Let’s hope the ship hasn’t toppled over too much!
NYSSA
Do you think it’s safe? Opening the door?
DOCTOR
We won’t know until we find out, Nyssa.
NYSSA
Well, do be careful, Doctor. Like you said if this ship’s topped over, it may be unstable.
DOCTOR
(reassuringly) I’ll be careful, Nyssa. Don’t worry. Here we go.
The Doctor reaches for the door and makes to open it.
MICKEY
(protests) Hey, steady! We don’t know what’s out there!
BILLY
Ssh! The Doctor knows what he’s doing!
MICKEY
Say look here, don’t tell me to…
JUDY
(interrupts) Mickey! Let’s trust them for a moment now!
At the same time, the Doctor opens the door and creaks open. Sand begins to pour in but only particles of it. The Doctor manages to get outside. Nyssa and Billy with Judy and Mickey follow after him.
SCENE #52 – EXT – MAIN DECK, S.S. MAJESTY – DAY, AFTERNOON
On the main deck of the Majesty, the Doctor steps out in the sunshine and sees the ship has crashed itself onto the shore of the island. There a huge palm trees up against the roof of the ship itself. Nyssa, Billy, Judy and Mickey join him.
JUDY
Wow! It is an island! And a mighty big one too!
MICKEY
How do you know it’s big? We may only be seeing the trees of a small bit of land.
JUDY
Trust me, I know! I can see mountains far in the background. And hills that are lush as ones with heather back home.
NYSSA
I wonder where this island is situated. And how far we’ve come.
BILLY
Well, at least the ship hasn’t toppled over like the Doctor said.
NYSSA
Any idea where we are, Doctor?
DOCTOR
(grimly) End of the line, I’m afraid.
BILLY
(puzzled) What, Doctor?
DOCTOR
(gradually) Call it a hunch, but I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.
The Doctor and the others look around; as they marvel at the sights they’re seeing. The island is larger than they’ve ever realised and the ship is only wrecked on the tip of it.
SCENE #53 – EXT – BEACH, ISLAND – DAY, AFTERNOON
The Doctor and friends don’t realise that they’re being watched, as there are natives who are watching in the trees on the island. These natives sound savage as they grunt and speak in an untranslatable dialect. They speak to one another, commenting on the ship’s arrival.
GOM #1
Zen ibhar iwhe op! Ueh hreh jibn WURHEN! FHENT ODTLH!
GOM #2
Hheg fey grhn! YYRB VWF! HJEW GE VHWB!
SCENE #54 – INT – DINING ROOM, S.S. MAJESTY – DAY, AFTERNOON
Back inside the ship in the dining room, the Smith family and the Captain have regained their full senses and on the way to recover as they stand and walk about.
CAPTAIN
(enquiringly) Is everyone alright? Mr. Smith, are you and your family well?
ALONZO
Yes, we’re doing okay, thank you, sir. A little shattered but not less to be expected.
CAPTAIN
(agitated) Where’s that Doctor and his friends?
BETSEY
They’ve gone outside! Had a look to see where they are. Mickey and Judy went with them.
CAPTAIN
(determined) Well, he and his friends aren’t going to slip away as easily as that! I’m going to make sure they don’t get out of my sight! I’m going out after them!
The Captain stumbles over chairs and tables in order to reach the outside. The Smiths watch him go.
ARTHUR
I don’t think the Captain likes that Doctor very much, do you?
ROGER
I suspect the Captain doesn’t like anyone very much other than himself. He’s such an old ragbag!
ALONZO
Quiet children, quiet. The Captain’s got a lot on his mind. You can’t fault him for that!
BETSEY
I wish I could go out and see what’s out there! Then I can get to be up close to Mickey and Judy. Oh how wonderful that would be. If it weren’t for the fact my dress is ruined!
ROGER
(annoyed) Oh, do snap out of it, sis! That’s all you think about! Meeting Mickey and Judy! You can’t get it out of your head!
ANNA
I hear them! I hear their voices! Harsh voices and growls! They’re hungry on this island! Ever hungry and angry!
ALONZO
Anna, please tell us! What is it you can hear? Who are they?
ANNA
Animals! Wild animals! They live in the jungle! They’re going to eat us alive if we’re not careful. Eat us alive!
BETSEY
Mum, can you not talk that? You’re giving me the creeps! (to Dad) Dad, can you tell Mum to stop?
ALONZO
Quiet, Betsey, my dear! This could be important! You know what your mum’s like.
ROGER
Yeah! Don’t we just?
ANNA
They do not know we’re here! Not yet! But they soon will! And once they do, they will hunt us! We got to get ourselves off this island!
Alonzo and the children become worried and wondering about Anna’s prophecies.
SCENE #55 – EXT – BEACH, ISLAND – DAY, AFTERNOON
Outside, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy with Judy and Mickey have managed to get down from the ship and are now walking on the island. They trail over a beach of sand and explore where they are on the island.
BILLY
Pretty exotic, this place. I feel like we’re somewhere in the tropics. If that’s where we are.
NYSSA
We could be anywhere. In between Los Angeles and Chicago route. (to Doctor) Are you certain you don’t know where we are, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Not a hundred per cent sure, Nyssa. That storm we went through could have taken us anywhere. Away from North America itself if it were the case.
BILLY
Well, surely you can find a clue, Doctor. I mean, this island must be big as Judy says. Can’t you take a sand sample and investigate it.
The Doctor takes Billy’s suggestion and kneels down to inspect the sand. He picks a sand sample and sniffs it with his hand.
DOCTOR
Hmm. Hmm. (Pause) Fairly substantial sand sample for any Earth-type landmass. Close to ocean boundaries of course. But the grains and minute particles could indicate anything. I need the TARDIS laboratories to analyse the substance.
NYSSA
Well, a standout piece of information wouldn’t do us any harm, Doctor. Surely there’s something in the sand that can tell us where we are. Not precise coordinates. Just a piece of information on whether we’re still in the northern continent.
DOCTOR
Oh, we’re still in North America, Nyssa. That’s much for certain.
BILLY
Well, why didn’t you tell us that before, Doctor?
DOCTOR
You didn’t ask.
Mickey and Judy approach.
JUDY
Why are you three jabbering on about? You’re not making one bit of sense!
MICKEY
Alright, let’s just get one thing straight. You three are responsible for this. So before we go any further, perhaps you can explain yourself…
DOCTOR
(interrupts) Perhaps it would be best if we start introducing ourselves before we start accusing one another.
JUDY
Introduce ourselves?! But we know you are already, Dr. Davies. And you already know us…
DOCTOR
Just Doctor, thank you. Not Davies. (to Billy) Now, Billy. Perhaps you would oblige.
BILLY
Sorry, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Introductions?
BILLY
Oh, right, um! Well, this is Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, two amazing Hollywood stars! And this is the Doctor!
NYSSA
And we’re Nyssa and Billy.
BILLY
Yes of course!
DOCTOR
(to Judy; Mickey) Hello, Miss Garland, Mr. Rooney! Pleasure to meet you both! I’m such an admirer on your work.
JUDY
(puzzled) You are?
DOCTOR
Yes! ‘Strike Up The Band’! Love that film!
MICKEY
(realises) ‘Strike Up The Band’?!
DOCTOR
Ah! Except you haven’t made it yet! Sorry! Forget I said anything!
JUDY
(to Billy) That’s what you said, young man! You said I was in ‘Strike Up The Band’!
BILLY
Yes, I did. Look, trust the Doctor and me. Forget what we said.
DOCTOR
(to Judy) But I have seen you Judy in ‘The Wizard of Oz’! That’s a great film! One of my favourites! (to Mickey) And I’ve seen you Mickey in the Andy Harvey films! They’re great, those films! So charming and meaningful! I hope you don’t mind me calling you both Mickey and Judy. I prefer that somehow!
MICKEY
Look! All these pleasantries doesn’t change anything! You’re still the cause for us being here shipwrecked on this island!
DOCTOR
Yes! Very probably, but not deliberately! We’re trying to help.
JUDY
Help?
DOCTOR
Yes! Help in all we can to getting off this island! And I assure you we will try to get everyone off this island, including yours Mickey and Judy!
MICKEY
You will, huh?
DOCTOR
Oh yes! Absolutely!
BILLY
Doctor? Why can’t we take the TARDIS? Surely everybody will fit in there if we want to get off this island!
NYSSA
I agree with Billy, Doctor. Let’s use the TARDIS. We don’t have to remain on this island forever if we don’t want to.
JUDY
TARDIS? Did you say TARDIS before?
MICKEY
Are you just making out words to annoy us?
DOCTOR
No, Nyssa, Billy. We can’t leave the island yet and go off in the TARDIS.
NYSSA
Why not?
DOCTOR
Because we’re still under suspect as criminals. And we need to prove our innocence.
CAPTAIN
(calls; from a distance) Hey! You three! Stop right there! Don’t move a muscle!
DOCTOR
Not for our sake but also for the Captain who’s just come down from his ship and is running his way towards us as you can see!
The Captain meets up with Judy and Mickey with the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy as he’s running, panting out of breath.
CAPTAIN
I’d stop you! I knew I’d stop you! I said I wouldn’t let you get out of my sight!
NYSSA
We haven’t been trying to escape, Captain! There’s nowhere for us to escape even if we wanted to.
BILLY
Yes! And besides Judy and Mickey have been with us. And they know we haven’t tried to escape. We’ve been trying to help.
CAPTAIN
Miss Garland, Mr. Rooney? Is this true? Did you see them not try to escape?
JUDY
Well, as a matter of fact, Captain. We’ve been with them the whole time and they haven’t tried to escape. Have they, Mickey?
MICKEY
Well, no. I suppose they haven’t.
DOCTOR
We must find out what happened to those three criminals who looked like us and got away. They must be on the island somewhere.
NYSSA
We don’t know that yet, Doctor. They could be lost somewhere out to sea in that storm this ship experienced.
BILLY
Yeah. They could have drowned, Doctor.
DOCTOR
No, they’re here. I know they’re here. I can sense their presence even now as I stand on this island.
The Doctor wonders as he looks around the island, wondering what has become of Pugsley, Snowy and Buster.
SCENE #56 – EXT – JUNGLE FOREST, ISLAND – DAY, AFTERNOON
Meanwhile with Pugsley, Snowy and Buster, they’re exploring the jungle part of the island having just arrived via the boat they came in. They tread across brambles and foliage, nearly tripping over as they accustom themselves to this environment.
BUSTER
This is a fine mess you got us in, hey, Pugsley!
PUGSLEY
Oh do stop complaining, you two! You’re the wettest couple I’ve ever had to lead into a jungle. This will all be worth it!
SNOWY
(agitated) You never said about treading through a jungle! My shoes are ruined. And my dress is nearly torn to shreds.
PUGSLEY
I said to you two we would be on an island. Not a gala casino dressed up in bow ties and dresses. Honestly! Do I have to think of everything?!
BUSTER
You said we would get to a castle. You said there was a castle on this island.
PUGSLEY
Quite right too, Buster boy! We’ll soon reach it, don’t worry. Once we find our bearings and get onto firm ground.
SNOWY
You mean you don’t know where we’re going.
PUGSLEY
Well, we had to leave in a hurry. And we got lost in a storm. So you can’t fault me for everything you know.
SNOWY
(wryly) Oh this is just getting better every day!
Snowy trips over and falls flat on her face, as she cries annoyed. Buster helps her up to her feet as she groans.
BUSTER
(concerned) Here, Snowy gal! Let me help you up! Are you alright?
SNOWY
Get your hands off me! I can look after myself!
PUGSLEY
(annoyed) Will you two stop dilly-dallying?! We’ve still got a lot of ground to cover!
BUSTER
Oh, this whole operation has been a shambles! You never planned this out properly, Pugsley! I tell you it’s a shambles!
SNOWY
I agree. You couldn’t have made a fouler blunder!
PUGSLEY
Don’t you dare question my crime operational planning techniques?! I know my crime planning from A to Z.
BUSTER
(scoffs) Really?! Huh! I can’t see it!
PUGSLEY
Oh do shut up, the pair of you! I’ve still got the pearl ring! Be thankful we haven’t lost that!
SNOWY
(annoyed) What use is the ring to us?! Apart from it being so pretty and full of diamonds!
BUSTER
It’s made of pearls, clumsy clogs!
SNOWY
Alright, Buster! You can scram with your smart words!
PUGSLEY
We need to find the Gom and their leader. They’ll want this ring that we give them! Then we’ll have them on our side!
SNOWY
I’m not walking through any more of this foliage! It aches my legs walking through this! Not to mention my ankles!
BUSTER
Oh you have to be such a girl, don’t you?!
SNOWY
I am a girl, numpty!
BUSTER
And we haven’t even got Judy or Mickey with us. We were supposed to have them, remember, Pugsley?
PUGSLEY
We will have them with us, you two! They’ve crashed onto the island in that ship! We’ll soon find it with them on board!
BUSTER
That might take hours, even days!
PUGSLEY
That’s why we need the Gom’s help and friendship! They can help us around this island, knowing it inside and out! And they would have seen a ship crash onto this island to help us out more fully!
BUSTER
You’re sure about that?!
PUGSLEY
(bitterly) Don’t question my judgement! I know so! Now come on! Let’s find the Gom in their village or at the abandoned castle!
SNOWY
Oh no! We’re not moving anywhere! Not until I get my rest!
Snowy sits down on a rock close by to her. Pugsley comes over to her and to get her up.
PUGSLEY
No sitting down on the job, Snowy dear! We walk on! Rest or not!
SNOWY
You can’t be serious! You can expect us to not go without rest!
BUSTER
Yeah! We all need relaxation once in and while, Pugsley. As well as Snowy does!
PUGSLEY
You keep out of this, you stifled ant!
SNOWY
I’m not moving from this spot!
Pugsley picks Snowy up roughly to her feet.
PUGSLEY
You do as I say and get those feet of yours walking! Or else I’ll show you what it means to deal with the leader of this gang!
SNOWY
Get your meat hooks off me, Pugsley! You don’t own me! You’re not my uncle! My bad uncle! He’s always pushing me around!
PUGSLEY
You come with us now or else we leave you behind. Then you’ll get real lost…
BUSTER
Easy, Pugsley, easy! We’ll all go with you. Even Snowy.
PUGSLEY
You’re sure about that?
BUSTER
I’ll help Snowy to walk through this jungle to follow you, pal!
SNOWY
You’ll do no such thing…
BUSTER
That’s what I’ll do to keep you walking. In order to please Pugsley here!
Moment of tense silence.
PUGSLEY
Very well. Come on, let’s go! We haven’t got all day. Let’s go and find the Gom!
Pugsley walks on ahead trudging on through the jungle. Buster helps Snowy on her way through the jungle as they follow after Pugsley.
SNOWY
(bitterly) You have to be so annoying to be so gallantry! Making me walk through this jungle to follow after Pugsley!
PUGSLEY
It was the only way for you to shut up! And to get you going! You’re really dishing Pugsley off with the way you’re behaving and your attitude.
SNOWY
I don’t care! I hate what Pugsley’s doing to us! Making us walk through this jungle! He think he’s clever but he’s not! I won’t have him push us around!
BUSTER
There’s no other way he can push us around. If this gets us our doe for achieving this crime we’ve got, what have we got to lose?
SNOWY
My feet for one thing. Not to mention my shoes. And my new dress!
Buster moves Snowy forward as they carry on through the jungle following Pugsley whose now way up ahead.
SCENE #57 – EXT – BEACH, ISLAND – DAY, AFTERNOON
Back on the beach where the SS Majesty’s shipwrecked, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy are still there with Judy, Mickey and the Captain. They are soon joined by Betsey, Roger and Arthur who come down from the ship.
ROGER
(keenly) So, what’s the bad rush? Spill the beans. Are we marooned and abandoned here forever on this island?
ARTHUR
Mighty big island that is as well.
DOCTOR
Marooned and abandoned, yes. But not forever. We can get off this island if we find a way.
CAPTAIN
Who put you in charge then? You’re not the Captain! I am!
JUDY
How’s Mr. Whiteman? Any news where he is?
MICKEY
Yeah! Be real bad if he got himself killed.
BETSEY
Paul Whiteman’s okay, Mr. Rooney and Miss Garland. We found him injured under a bullhead on his way to the dining room but he’s fine.
ROGER
Mom and dad put Mr Whiteman and some of the passengers who are injured onto beds in the dining room on the dance floor. They’re coming in and tending to their wounds and keeping them safe.
MICKEY
Well, that’s good to hear. Glad there some people who have sense in keeping everybody together and looked after.
JUDY
Yeah. Your mum and dad are swell looking after everybody’s who injured as well as Mr. Whiteman, you three.
ARTHUR
Oh, we had help from Mr. Grogan the waiter who’s also alive apparently. He might be grumpy but he’s good in a crisis.
CAPTAIN
What about my crew? On the bridge? Are my first mate and midshipman still alive?
ROGER
(sadly) They got killed on impact when the ship wrecked up on the island. I’m sorry.
CAPTAIN
(grieved) No. This can’t be. Two of my fine crewmen. And they’re gone. How shocking for that to happen to them?
Nyssa and Billy whisper to the Doctor whilst everyone else is grieving.
BILLY
(whispers) Seems pretty serious this crisis.
NYSSA
(whispers) A pointless waste. And for what reason. For crashing on this island unexpectedly.
DOCTOR
(whispers) I suspect Pugsley and the rest of his gang planned to come here to this island all along. They had some big operation involving Judy and Mickey and something they stole from the captain. They wouldn’t have sabotaged the Majesty ship for nothing.
BILLY
(whispers) Of course! Engineering was sabotaged when we wrecked onto the island and crashed. But they can’t have caused the storm surely.
DOCTOR
(whispers) The storm was merely a coincidence. It came at a lucky time for the ship to crash.
NYSSA
(whispers) Lucky for them. Not for us.
DOCTOR
(whispers) No. But somewhere they’re on this island and we got to find and stop them before whatever it is they’re doing risks all our lives.
NYSSA
(whispers) You think it’s something serious. To affect the course of history on this planet.
DOCOTR
(whispers) Possibly. I’m never sure. It’s best to investigate, you see.
BILLY
(whispers) Let’s hope we can win the confidence of these people here.
NYSSA
(whispers) We’ll just have to find out.
The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy reconvene with the Captain and the others, as he makes an announcement to everyone.
CAPTAIN
I’ve decided. I’m going to take a number of my crew and do a small recce on the island. We’ll report back within an hour to determine where we are and whether there are any natives who will help us.
DOCTOR
I advise against that, Captain. You yourself don’t know what’s on this island and you’re likely to put you and your men in a lot of danger.
CAPTAIN
I do not need your opinions, Doctor. I can make decisions with or without your help.
DOCTOR
I’m asking you Captain to seriously reconsider…
CAPTAIN
You’re the one who puts us in this mess in the first place. You and your friends are the cause for this ship to be wrecked.
DOCTOR
Not entirely. We’re trying to help. I suggest we all reconvene in the ship to discuss a way of this ship. There’s got to be a better way to keep us all alive without losing too many people.
MICKEY
Since when did you take charge? The Captain’s idea is sound. Why do we need you to dictate what we should do?
DOCTOR
I’m not dictating! I’m simply trying…
MICKEY
You and your friends were the ones who kidnapped me and Judy. And the captain you stole his property. You’re not likely to be reliable people to be trusted.
NYSSA
That’s not true. You can trust us!
BILLY
We’ve been trying to tell you we’re innocent and are helping you, but you’re not listening!
MICKEY
Not good enough. I suggest the Captain should lock you three up or at least keep you under guard where you’ll be less likely to trick us or fool us again.
CAPTAIN
That’s a good idea, Mr. Rooney. You three should be locked up!
DOCTOR
Oh, Captain, for heaven’s sake! This is not helping! We should all work together!
CAPTAIN
Crewmen! Take these two back aboard the ship! Put them in the brig!
CREWMAN
We can’t get to the bridge, captain! There’s too much damage on the ship to reach it!
CAPTAIN
(agitated) Then put them under surveillance! In the dining room if you have to!
CREMAN
Aye, aye, sir.
CAPTAIN
Then send some of my crewmen to join me in a recce exploring the island! I want to get us off this island as soon as possible!
DOCTOR
Captain, you’re making a big mistake!
CAPTAIN
Unless you give my ring back and behave like an honest man, I’ll be happy to hear you out!
DOCTOR
I haven’t got the ring, Captain! I’ve already told you!
CAPTAIN
Take them back on the ship! Under surveillance!
NYSSA
Please, Captain, listen to us!
BILLY
We want to help you people! That’s all!
But the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy are ignored as they’re being shoved back up onto the ship and taken away to be put under guard.
CAPTAIN
Now we should make to move out within the next half hour. I expect my recce party to be ready to explore the island.
The Captain moves off to head back to the ship. Judy and Mickey remain behind.
MICKEY
What’s the matter with you, Judy? Why are you looking so glum?
JUDY
Do you think we’re doing the right thing? Treating those three like criminals!
MICKEY
But they’re criminals, Judy! Don’t you see? They’re the ones who caused all this!
JUDY
Well, I’m not sure now. The way I saw them just then. They didn’t seem to act like criminals. They sounded like they really wanted to help.
MICKEY
Oh, you’re imagining things. That’s just their way of getting to you. For putting us under a false sense of security. Don’t let it bother you.
Mickey heads off back to the ship, whilst Judy remains still uncertain.
SCENE #58 – INT – DINING ROOM, S.S. MAJESTY – DAY, AFTERNOON
Half an hour later in the dining room, the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy are put under surveillance whilst everybody else is either tending to wounded or waiting. Judy and Mickey are there. Judy is on guard over the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy.
DOCTOR
It’s been half an hour already. The Captain will already have his ridiculous recce under away in the jungle. Why couldn’t he just listen to me?! He and his men will get lost!
BILLY
There must be something we can do to convince these people on who we say we are. They can’t keep under guard like this.
NYSSA
Why don’t we show them the TARDIS, Doctor?
DOCTOR
What, Nyssa?
NYSSA
Well, we could. It convinced Sir Robert Muir in Cranleigh when we went to the Nineteen Twenties. Why can’t it be the same for this time zone and its people?
DOCTOR
Well, it would certainly proof our credentials. But how can we convince them to get us to the TARDIS and let them see it for themselves.
BILLY
(thinks) Let me try and talk to Judy. Perhaps she can hear me out.
NYSSA
You think Judy will listen to you. She and Mickey still think we kidnapped them.
BILLY
At least I can try. I’m hoping Judy will listen to me. She seems more open and understanding when I first met her. I’m hoping she’ll hear me when I talk to her.
NYSSA
Doctor?
DOCTOR
It wouldn’t do any harm. We’ve tried everything else. I think Billy’s idea is sound anyway. (to Billy) Go ahead, Billy. Good luck with Miss Garland.
BILLY
Thanks, Doctor.
Billy slowly gets up onto his feet and looks to Judy who’s standing there.
BILLY
Judy? Miss Garland? Can I talk to you for a moment?
JUDY
(gradually) Yeah sure. What do you want to talk about?
Billy makes his way slowly towards Judy in order to make eye contact with her.
BILLY
(deep breath) I just wanted to say…I’m a really huge fan of yours. I’ve loved every single film you’ve done. You’re such a star, and you’ve become an inspiration to millions of people in future years!
JUDY
(skeptically) Future years? Millions? (Pause) What did you say your name was again?
BILLY
Billy Walker.
JUDY
(gradually) What exactly do you do, Billy Walker? What’s your thing?
BILLY
I’m a photographer. A freelance photographer, mind. Back where I come from.
JUDY
Photographer? For a newspaper.
BILLY
That’s right. I earn a fair amount of money about two hundred pounds per month. It’s not a great amount, but it’s kept me earning.
JUDY
Two hundred pounds? Is that a lot of money where you come from in…England?
BILLY
Not as much as in dollars. And it’s Wales I come from actually. The capital city of Cardiff in Wales. Not England.
JUDY
I see. Sorry. (Pause) How come you’re on a cruise ship like that if you don’t earn so much money? Did you stowaway?
BILLY
Not really. The Doctor took me and Nyssa in his TARDIS where we could spend our honeymoon. The tickets were pre-paid.
JUDY
TARDIS? I heard you say TARDIS? What does that mean?
BILLY
Time and Relative Dimensions In Space. It’s the Doctor’s time machine.
JUDY
(scoffs) Time machine? You mean to say…you travel in time?
BILLY
That’s right. And space. I come from Nineteen Sixty-Three in your future. It’s where the Doctor and Nyssa first met me and picked me up.
JUDY
I don’t believe this! Time travel isn’t possible! That’s only in works of fiction like H.G. Wells, Jules Verne…
BILLY
I know it’s hard to believe. Trust me, it’s real. We came here in the TARDIS days before we met you and before this ship crashed onto this island.
JUDY
You say you came here? Is it here already? On this ship?
BILLY
Yes.
JUDY
Where?
BILLY
Up on deck. The main deck. It looks like a blue box. Doesn’t look much. But if we took you to see it, I’m sure you’ll believe it’s all real.
JUDY
By meaning taking us to see it, it’ll give you three a chance to escape. No, no, we can’t let that happen.
BILLY
I promise you we’re not going to run out on you. We’re not like that. The Doctor, me and Nyssa, we do whatever to help people. That’s what we do. Most of the time.
JUDY
(hesitantly) I just can’t…fathom all you’re saying. I just don’t believe it. I mean…put yourself in my position. If you were me, would you believe your story?
BILLY
Perhaps not. I’d find it mind-boggling if I hadn’t been so used to this time-travelling with the Doctor and Nyssa. But travelling has given me so much to look at. So much to see, so much to learn. There are worlds out you would never believe have existed. But as for your position, I don’t think I would believe myself for one second.
JUDY
Well, there we are then.
BILLY
But there is one thing I do, Judy Garland. Oh yes, one thing. I know I come from the future. And I know how successful you’re going to be. I can tell you all the films and the songs you’re going to be doing in your career at Hollywood. You’ll even win big fame when you get to do ‘A Star Is Born’ with James Mason. One film that will be raved about as much as ‘The Wizard of Oz’ will be raved about.
JUDY
‘A Star Is Born’? James Mason?
BILLY
But those films and songs in your career won’t happen. They won’t. I’m certain of that. They won’t happen unless you have a leap of faith. A leap of faith in us. Me, the Doctor and Nyssa. To help us put history back on the right track. For that is something I really want to happen. In order for you to be a success.
Judy Garland becomes silent for a moment. Mickey Rooney then turns up.
MICKEY
Hey, Judy? What are you doing talking to this scoundrel?! You should be watching the prisoners, not chatting to them!
BILLY
I was just saying how much I love Judy Garland’s work. I can say how much I like you Mickey Rooney in the Andy Harvey films…
MICKEY
Get back to your friends or do I have to start getting mean…
JUDY
(angrily; interrupts) Now just hang on a minute, Mister! I can handle prisoners any way I like if I want to. (Pause) As a matter of fact, I’d like to see something Mr. Billy Walker and his friends want to show me. Something very special that could give us more of an idea of who they are.
MICKEY
You’re not seriously taking their story seriously…
JUDY
(interrupts) I want to see it! Whether you like it or not! Do you want to come along and see it for yourself as well!
Mickey remains silent, surprised by Judy’s outburst and wondering if he should agree to Judy’s suggestion or not.
SCENE #59 – INT – TARDIS, CONSOLE ROOM – N/A
Very soon, the TARDIS doors open inside and in enter the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy with Judy and Mickey behind them. Judy and Mickey look around in awe as they see the TARDIS for the first time.
JUDY
Oh my!
MICKEY
You’ve got to be kidding me! This is massive!
JUDY
It’s incredible! It’s bigger on the inside…
DOCTOR
(interrupts; finishes) …than it is on the outside! Yes, I’ve heard that being said by so many people who have come in here every once and a while.
JUDY
And…this is your time machine, is it?
DOCTOR
Yes, Miss Garland. It can go anywhere and everywhere one wishes. I set the coordinates; pull a lever and off we go to our next destination. I can give you a little demonstration if you wish. A short trip…
JUDY
(interrupts) No, no. Just…give a moment. This is all too much to take in. (to Billy) So, you weren’t lying then. You do come from the future. You actually travel in time.
BILLY
I had no reason to lie, Judy. I meant what I said.
JUDY
This is too incredible. Have I walked onto a movie set or followed the yellow brick road again like in the movie?
NYSSA
It’s no illusion, Miss Garland. You’re standing in another dimension. A dimensional anomaly fitted inside a box.
JUDY
(baffled) What did you say?
BILLY
(to Nyssa) Don’t confuse Judy, Nyssa. She and Mickey have to take this one step at a time.
MICKEY
And you say you…travel in time?
DOCTOR
And in space like Billy says.
MICKEY
(intrigued) So err…do I still doing acting? Am I still a big star in thirty years’ time? Or forty?
DOCTOR
I can’t give too much information about somebody’s future…
MICKEY
(interrupts; annoyed) Oh come on! Just give me a hint!
BILLY
You did a Disney film in the Nineteen Seventies called ‘Pete’s Dragon’.
MICKEY
What?
NYSSA
Billy!
BILLY
I don’t see any harm in telling him.
JUDY
So, what are you three going to do now? Are you going to take off in your TARDIS?
DOCTOR
We’re not going to do that. We wouldn’t run out on you like Billy said.
NYSSA
We came here to help. And I suggest we all get together in the dining area and discuss a way on leaving this island.
BILLY
And perhaps you two can help in lifting people’s spirits up with music and songs.
MICKEY
You really think that would work. Keeping peoples’ spirits up with music.
JUDY
Can’t you heal them, Doctor? You are a Doctor after all.
DOCTOR
Ah, not a medical Doctor, I’m afraid. But Billy’s right. Your music can uplift people on the ship in order to keep their spirits going.
NYSSA
And besides, isn’t music meant for healing. To make them happy and at rest. That’s a belief I’ve come to keep in my heart where I come from back at home.
MICKEY
Really? You really think music’s a healer.
NYSSA
Absolutely! (to Billy) Don’t you agree, Billy?
BILLY
Yes Nyssa, definitely! (to Judy; Mickey) You two can use that philosophy in one of your films, you know.
Judy and Mickey think as they ponder on the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy’s words.
MICKEY
Alright. You got a point there. Why not? We can give those kids and people some songs and music to keep them happy, can’t we?
JUDY
Yes! After all, that’s what we do in the movies when people come to see us! When they come to hear us sing!
DOCTOR
Splendid! I’m so pleased you two think and feel on those lines. Because I do promise you. I promise to everyone on that ship. You two stars and the passengers. I’ll get everyone home. No matter how dangerous or grim the situation is. I’ll get everyone home.
They soon all leave the TARDIS, as they begin a new objective to uplift peoples’ spirits.
SCENE #60 – INT – COMMISIONER’S OFFICE, CHICAGO DOCKS – DAY, AFTERNOON
Later that afternoon back in Chicago, Fred and Ginger have gone to see the commissioner in his office at the Chicago docks to discuss the missing ship late on coming in.
COMMISSIONER
(tactfully) I appreciate both of your concerns, Mr. Astaire and Miss Rogers. But I don’t see…
FRED
(reproachfully) How long have they been gone, Commissioner? An hour and a half. The longer we wait it’ll be a day and a half. Maybe more. Something has to be done.
GINGER
It’s a ridiculous time to wait for their ship. Something terrible must have happened. To them on that ship on her maiden voyage.
COMMISSIONER
(tactfully) Believe me, Mr. Astaire and Miss Rogers. I have as much concern about the S.S. Majesty as anyone else would. But what else can we do. Protocol dictates that ship not arriving under twelve hours can have precipitate action taken…
FRED
Never mind your so-called snooty protocols, commissioner! Our friends are lost somewhere on that ship. We wanna know what’s happens to them! And we want to know now.
GINGER
Surely if it was one of your friends or even your wife aboard that ship you would understand!
COMMISSIONER
I haven’t got a wife.
GINGER
Alright, your girlfriend then.
COMMISSIONER
I haven’t got a girlfriend.
GINGER
That figures.
FRED
Look, Commissioner! All we want you to do is to send out a search vessel to find what’s happened to the Majesty ship and its passengers. Surely it’s not too much to ask.
COMMISSIONER
I can’t risk one of my rescue ships ported here to go out on a pointless search and rescue mission where results are not likely to be attainable. It costs money for me to have use of my sea rescue ships…
FRED
It’s not pointless! We told you, we’re concerned about our friends.
COMMISSIONER
I’m sorry, Mr. Astaire, but I’m afraid I cannot waste money and time on a search vessel. Even if it’s for one or two of your friends. And even if you’re both Hollywood stars. I’m sorry.
GINGER
Do you want to go down in history as the bad man who refused to rescue two young stars from Hollywood for the rest of your life?! Kids and people will hate you for it.
COMMISSIONER
Hate me for it?
GINGER
Oh, yes! Imagine the headlines in the newspapers when ship goes missing and Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland were on board. You wouldn’t want people to look to you and put blame on you for something you didn’t do. Do you?
FRED
It’ll scar you for the rest of your life! You may not see it yet but it’ll scar you, pal!
The Commissioner remains silent as he considers this information.
COMMISSIONER
(tactfully) I’m not dismissing your request and claims entirely. I just can’t take it in with what you’re saying. A ship’s bound to get lost out in sea and eventually find itself back on course where it started. It shouldn’t be too much of a concern, should it?
FRED
Shouldn’t it? I’m not sure about that.
GINGER
Especially when a ship’s meant to dock an hour and a half ago, I should think it needs to raise a lot of concern about it.
FRED
Exactly! So what do you say?!
The Commissioner thinks. Then he gets up from his seat.
COMMISSIONER
Alright then, Mr. Astaire. We’ll do it your way. I’ll have a vessel ready for a search and rescue mission to look for the SS Majesty and its passengers. If it’s out there lost on the ocean, then we’ll find it!
FRED
(gratified) Swell! Thank you, Commissioner! We knew you’d see reason!
COMMISSIONER
I’ll let you know when the ship’s ready for departure. Just so you’ll be made aware we are doing our duty for the sake of missing lives.
GINGER
Just one thing, Commissioner! We’d like to accompany the search vessel. Me and Fred.
COMMISSIONER
Oh, I’m afraid I can’t allow that…
GINGER
We insist! If Judy and Mickey are out there, they’ll want a friendly face to meet them and rescue them. Isn’t that right, Fred?
FRED
Absolutely. We don’t mind wearing wet suits or anything out on the open sir, Commissioner!
Moment of silence, as the Commissioner is reluctant.
COMMISSIONER
(reluctantly) Very well, Mr. Astaire and Miss Rogers. I’ll inform the Captain you two will be accompanying them. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll see to it now that the rescue party’s ready and the ship assigned.
The Commissioner leaves his desk and makes his way to attend to the dancing duo’s request. Fred does a little jig with delight whilst Ginger claps her hands.
FRED
(delighted) Oh, swell! Now we’re getting somewhere!
GINGER
Yes! Let’s hope we’re there on time! To see Judy and Mickey’s faces!
FRED
Alive and well provided, of course!
GINGER
Of course. How can we expect the worse?
Fred and Ginger soon leave the Commissioner’s office.
SCENE #61 – INT – DINING ROOM, S.S. MAJESTY – DAY, EVENING
It has now come to evening. Back at the SS Majesty on the tropical island, Judy sings a song in the dining room to cheer everyone up. She sings ‘When I Look at You!’ to entertain everyone.*(Song #5) Some people’s spirits are lifted, some less so. The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy discuss together at a table what to do whilst Judy sings. They speak quietly to discuss this.
NYSSA
The important thing we have to consider is getting the Captain back.
BILLY
That won’t be easy. Considering we don’t have a head start on him.
DOCTOR
I’m afraid the Captain will have less things to be concerned about. We must know more about this island and who lives here.
NYSSA
You think the island is inhabited.
DOCTOR
It has to be. Otherwise why wouldn’t our doppelganger criminals come all this way to wreck the ship on the island?
BILLY
You don’t think that…these doppelganger criminals of ours are aliens. In skin suits?
DOCTOR
Billy! That would be ridiculous! They’re probably just people who coincidentally happen to look like us. It does happen. I’ve experienced it before many times.
BILLY
Alright then, could the inhabitants living on this island be aliens?
NYSSA
Why should it be aliens, Billy? These people could be as human as you are or Judy and Mickey are. Natives who live on the island.
BILLY
Oh, like in ‘King Kong’?
NYSSA
Who?
DOCTOR
A Nineteen Thirties film Billy has yet to show you.
BILLY
I’ll remember to take you to see it sometime, dear.
NYSSA
We need to find out what’s going on this island and what threats lie in. And I think that woman Mrs. Smith can tell us.
BILLY
Mrs. Smith. You mean the mother?
NYSSA
She’s got latent telepathic abilities like I have. I could sense it earlier.
DOCTOR
Are you sure?
NYSSA
Well, not entirely. But I think she knows more about what’s going on than anyone else does. If I could connect to her with my own psychic abilities…
BILLY
(interrupts) Nyssa, that could dangerous.
DOCTOR
Besides we don’t even know if Mrs. Smith would be willing to let you tap into her ability.
NYSSA
We’ve got to try. Besides there’s no harm in asking.
BILLY
Well, let’s finish hearing Judy and Mickey sing before we come to that decision. We might as well enjoy the music before we get ourselves into the nitty-gritty of it!
NYSSA
Judy’s singing very well. Although I don’t think all the passengers are fully lifted in their spirits.
Meanwhile, Judy finishes her song*(Song #5). There is faint whiff of applause to which Judy bows to, including from Betsey who’s excited.
BETSEY
(cheers) Fabulous! Absolutely fabulous! We love you, Judy! We love you!
ROGER
(calmly) Alright, Betsey, alright! Calm down and sit down!
Roger gets Betsey to sit down, as Mickey joins Judy up on stage. Nobody realises, including the Doctor that they’re being watched by someone outside looking through the window.
MICKEY
Well, Judy, that was sensational. You know how to sing to keep us cheerful on a remote island, don’t you?
JUDY
One tries one’s best. But perhaps you can help me. With this next song, I mean.
MICKEY
I sure will! We were going to sing the song this morning to all you folks at breakfast!
JUDY
It’s a new song we hope to sing in one of our upcoming films. It’s called ‘Our…
Just then, Anna Smith suddenly screams as she sees the native who’s looking outside. The native howls with rage before climbing down. Everybody has seen the creature outside and they give a gasp of horror.
ARTHUR
(shocked) What is it? What’s out there?!
BILLY
Did you see it, Nyssa?
NYSSA
Yes! I saw it like everyone else! It was a mask! But of a horrible design!
JUDY
(calmly) Everyone, try not to panic! We all got to simmer down!
ANNA
It’s death! Death is waiting for us! Death outside!
BETSEY
(squeamishly) Mum, please! You’re scaring me half to death!
DOCTOR
I’m going to take a look outside! Billy, come with me!
BILLY
Right, Doctor!
NYSSA
I’ll look after everyone here and keep them calm.
DOCTOR
Thank you, Nyssa.
MICKEY
I’ll come with you, Doctor. You and Billy.
ALONZO
Me too.
DOCTOR
Thank you, both. Come on. Let’s not waste time.
JUDY
I’ll help you keep everyone calm, Nyssa.
NYSSA
Thank you, Miss Garland. It’s very kind of you.
The Doctor and Billy head out with Mickey and Alonzo, whilst Judy and Nyssa tend to everyone in the dining room. Anna speaks out more chilling prophecies out loud.
ANNA
(terrified) Death! Death will come to us! Death…from the ones out there!
* See Appendix: Song Lyrics*
© Tim Bradley, 2025-26
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