Chapter 8
SCENE #86 – INT – CORRIDOR, CASTLE – DAY, AFTERNOON
A while later in the castle corridors, Nyssa, Billy and Judy have climbed up the sitars to reach the next floor. They walk down the corridor exploring their way to find the Doctor.
JUDY
This castle feels spooky. Even in the sunlight. I’m not sure coming here was a good idea.
BILLY
We didn’t really have much choice, Judy. We chased by that lion and we had to run in before he could get us.
JUDY
You don’t think he could still be out there. Patrolling the grounds around the castle. Waiting for us to come out.
BILLY
I wouldn’t put it past him. He seemed pretty keen to get at us, didn’t he?
NYSSA
If only I could tap my psychic abilities into that lion like I did with Anna. I’m sure I could penetrate and understand what makes the lions, tigers and bears work together as a unit.
BILLY
Couldn’t you do it here? Whilst we’re in the castle?
NYSSA
The signal’s too varied. It’s hard to gain a focus. I can’t envisage the source.
They stop for a moment whilst they’re in the corridor.
JUDY
Okay. Do you guys have any idea where we are? Cos I certainly don’t.
NYSSA
Oh, if only the Doctor was here with us in this corridor. I don’t know which window he’s getting in through the castle.
BILLY
Don’t try to worry about it, Nyssa. We’ll find him.
NYSSA
I hope so. I do hope so.
BILLY
The Doctor can take care of himself. And we’ll always have you to look out for, dear. After all, you can easily fill in the Doctor’s shoes.
NYSSA
Thank you for your confidence in me, Billy.
BILLY
Well, you’re very confident, Nyssa. Far more confident than me. And that’s what gives me confidence. (Pause) I don’t think what I said made any sense.
NYSSA
Don’t worry, Billy. I understand what you’re saying completely.
JUDY
Well, it doesn’t give me any confidence. To see the way you two pandering on like Romeo and Juliet.
NYSSA
Sorry, Judy. It’s our acquired way of talking over the years with me and Billy.
BILLY
(intrigued) Have you ever fallen in love yet, Judy?
JUDY
You’re from the future, Billy. I thought you would know.
BILLY
(embarrassed) I don’t know much about your personal life, Judy. Only your singing and acting career, sorry.
JUDY
Figures.
NYSSA
We must have walked a fair way in this corridor. Let’s see what we find around the corner.
They walk further before turning around the corner. They soon stop in their tracks and become deflated when they come to what they see.
BILLY
(groans) Oh no! It’s a dead end!
JUDY
(wryly) Well, that’s tremendous! Fancy us getting lost.
NYSSA
It can’t be a dead end! We only just come up the stairs and walked down the corridor.
JUDY
Well, obviously it is. We’re not going anywhere through that wall.
BILLY
No, wait, Judy. Nyssa’s right. We can’t have come to a dead end all of a sudden. Not if we climbed up all the way up those stairs.
NYSSA
Or perhaps it’s not a dead end at all. But an illusion.
JUDY
What?!
Nyssa makes her way up to the wall to check. He knocks her fist on the wall. It’s stone-made.
BILLY
Obviously your theory was wrong, Nyssa. Stone wall.
NYSSA
But I was sure I was right. This can’t be a dead end. It must be an illusion.
BILLY
Unless of course the wall’s a hidden passageway.
NYSSA
Pardon?
Whilst Nyssa and Billy are talking, Judy notices a wall opening on her side as it slides open.
BILLY
(continues) Well, think about it! They have passageways in castles. For escaped vicars or prisoners. There must be a few similar ones in this wall structure.
JUDY
Hey, you two. Look at this!
NYSSA
Hold on a minute, Judy. So you think there must be a secret door inside this wall.
BILLY
I presume so. If only we can find it.
JUDY
Will you two just listen to me for a moment?
BILLY
Hold on, Judy. We’ll be with you in a minute. (to Nyssa) Now they usually have some compartment on the side here…
NYSSA
Yes. I think that might be it.
Whilst Nyssa and Billy are absorbed in focusing on the wall, Judy looks to the open door of the wall.
JUDY
(to herself) Well, I suppose I can take a look for myself. I’ll just have to not go too far in the dark anyway.
With Judy steps into the wall passageway and goes deeper inside. Meanwhile with Nyssa and Billy, they’re having trouble finding the compartment.
NYSSA
Is it that? Has it worked?
BILLY
No. I don’t think it’s this one. (Pause) Perhaps it’s not in this wall. Perhaps it’s in another wall where this is a secret passageway.
NYSSA
Well, where else could there be…? (realises) Billy! Judy’s gone!
BILLY
(stunned) What? Where? Where did she go?
NYSSA
Billy! There’s an open panel in the wall. Our secret passageway.
BILLY
Perhaps Judy went inside to explore it for herself.
NYSSA
She could have waited for us to join her.
Suddenly, the door begins to slide shut.
BILLY
(panics) It’s closing! The door’s sliding shut!
NYSSA
(panics) Quickly Billy! Stop it closing!
Nyssa and Billy rush to stop the door. But it’s too late, as the door slides shut closing it off. Nyssa and Billy bang at the door to get it open.
NYSSA
No! And we’d just found it. Or Judy had. That’s what she was trying to tell us!
BILLY
(calls) Judy? Judy, are you in there? Judy, can you hear us?
NYSSA
It’s no good, Billy. No one would be able to hear us through that door. Judy’s gone in and we don’t know where she’ll end up!
Both Nyssa and Billy become worried, as they wonder what’s become of Judy.
SCENE #87 – INT – BANQUETING HALL, CASTLE – DAY, AFTERNOON
Meanwhile, Judy has come out of the passageway and has now entered the banqueting hall. She looks around in awe and wonder as she sees how vast the castle banqueting hall is.
JUDY
Wow! This is one big banqueting hall! Whoever lives here must be lucky to have so much space! (Pause) Where is everybody though?
Judy walks into the vast room of the banqueting hall as she tries to see if anyone’s here.
JUDY
(calls) Hello? Anyone here? Hello?
No response.
JUDY
(calls) I don’t mean to intrude. I hope we’re not trespassing. We came in here by mistake. We had to get away from that lion you see, me and my friends.
Still no response.
JUDY
Hello? Anyone here?
Again all is silence.
JUDY
Hmm. Well since nobody’s about, I might as well as get back to Nyssa and Billy.
Judy makes to turn back for she stops midway.
JUDY
But first I think I’d like to try out those chairs. They seem very comfy.
Judy makes her way back to the table and sits in one of the chairs at the banqueting table. She becomes relaxed once seated.
JUDY
Oh, yes! This is my idea of banqueting table. Waiting for food to be served. I can’t help but feel peckish already.
She sits in her chair for a little while before she gets up again. Suddenly she then hears a grunting sound coming from behind her. She turns round.
JUDY
(calls) Hello? Hello? Is anyone there?
Judy slowly gets up to her feet and walks away from her seat to reach the cupboard in the far corner of the room. The grunting’s come from there.
JUDY
(calls) Hello? Anyone inside the cupboard? I can hear you!
But all Judy gets are grunts and growls from inside the cupboard. Judy feels nervous as she reaches out to open the cupboard door.
JUDY
Okay. I’m going to open the cupboard door. So don’t try and do anything once I’ve opened this now.
Judy touches the handle and begins to open the cupboard door. She opens it and reveals the Gom native inside who’s chained up and shouts angrily and viciously with his guttural and growling tones. Judy becomes afraid as she staggers from the cupboard.
JUDY
You…you’re one of them. One of those natives. Who came to us on the island on the ship? What are you? Who are you?
The Gom native lashes out and seems to be making his way out despite the chains inside the cupboard. Judy stands back.
JUDY
(anxiously) Now, now, don’t come out of there! Stay in there, please! Stay!
Jack backs away before bumping into Snowy and Buster. She gasps and looks up to see them, thinking they’re Nyssa and Billy.
BUSTER
Miss Garland!
SNOWY
How lovely to see you again!
JUDY
(relieved) Oh Nyssa, Billy! I’m so glad you’re here! How did you find me…?
BUSTER
(interrupts) Sorry, Miss Garland. But I’m afraid you got us mixed up with somebody else.
SNOWY
Buster! Tie her up!
Judy finds herself forced back into the chair she was in and tied roughly by Buster.
JUDY
Hey! What do you think you’re doing? Let me go! Let me go please! What’s got into you?
SNOWY
Oh nothing’s gone into us, Miss Judy. Far from it.
BUSTER
We’re sane as you see us now. We’ve just got our job to do. Don’t disparage us from it!
JUDY
What?
SNOWY
You’re essential to us, Miss Judy. Pugsley needs you. And we knew that opening that passage would lure you down here.
BUSTER
Just as well as we familiarise ourselves with the working of this place before you and your friends came along.
JUDY
(realises) You’re…you’re not Nyssa and Billy, are you?
SNOWY
(scorns) Oh, my! Buster! Our Miss Judy’s catching on!
BUSTER
Yeah. Surprising she didn’t realise that before. What with all the rough edging and hard handling previous.
JUDY
(protests) Let me out at once! What are you tying me up for?! And what are you doing with that wretched thing inside that cupboard?!
At that moment, Pugsley appears out of the shadows and walks towards her.
PUGSLEY
(coolly) Oh everything will become clear to you, Miss Garland. I promise you. All will be revealed on your special purpose for us in our little trade.
JUDY
Doctor? Oh no! Not the Doctor!
PUGSLEY
(coolly) I’m very intrigued by these new friends of yours who look so much like us. It’s amazing how very unlike they seem to be the way you put your trust in them.
SNOWY
Shall we untie the savage now, Pugsley? We’ve had him provide the lure for her in order for us to spring on her.
PUGSLEY
Now. Let him remain there but keep the door open. I still have my pictures to draw on my notepads. And there are plenty of them.
JUDY
(anxiously) Just who do you think you three people are? What do you want?
PUGSLEY
(graciously) Allow me to introduce myself. I am Pugsley, this is Snowy and this is Buster.
BUSTER
Hello!
SNOWY
How do you do?
PUGSLEY
We are…the Slithee gang from L.A.
JUDY
(astonished) The Slithee gang?
PUGSLEY
Yes. And you have a great purpose for us. Judy Garland the singer, a great purpose for the Slithee. And soon we shall have your Mickey Rooney captured and taken here to meet you. For both of you share the same purpose.
JUDY
(protests) No! You leave my partner Mickey alone! Keep away from him.
PUGSLEY
Oh, I can’t do that, my dear Miss Garland. It’s too great an opportunity to miss and resist.
Pugsley chuckles away, whilst Judy remains seated tied up in her chair in the banqueting hall she’s in.
SCENE #88 – INT – CORRIDOR, CASTLE – DAY, AFTERNOON
Meanwhile with the Doctor, he’s managed to get himself inside through the window into the castle. He gently lands on his feet before regaining full balance.
DOCTOR
(satisfied) Ah! Oh, well! That wasn’t so bad. I knew I could scale the walls easily.
The Doctor dusts himself off after climbing so high up the castle walls. A lion growl echoes from below, and the Doctor leans out of the window to see the lion still down there.
DOCTOR
(to lion) Sorry to have spoiled your breakfast and lunch. But I have to seek my friends and find out where they are. I’m sure you’ll understand. Chase some mice while you’re down there to keep occupied.
The lion roars angrily, before the Doctor shuts the castle window. Once shut, the Doctor makes his way from the castle window and takes in his surrounding where he is now in the corridor. He treads very slowly and carefully.
DOCTOR
Hmm. The caretaker could do with a clean-up job. There’s a certain amount of cobwebs and dust piled up all over the place.
The Doctor blows on one of the cobwebs close to him, whilst scraping a lot of dust on a nearby ledge. He then walks a little further down the corridor until he comes across a wall blocking his path.
DOCTOR
Hmm. A wall. (Pause) That wall shouldn’t be there. It’s not a dead end. Now why place a wall like that?
Just then, the Doctor hears shouting and arguing from the other side. He listens in to pick up what’s been discussed.
DOCTOR
Hmm. I recognise those voices.
He presses his ears to the wall to listen further.
DOCTOR
Nyssa and Billy! They’re on the other side. Now how do I get to them from here?
The Doctor then looks to one side and sees a mechanism in the far corner of the wall.
DOCTOR
Hmm. Control mechanisms for the door. And very ancient ones. Let’s hope they’re still working for me.
The Doctor reaches his hand for one of the door levers and begins to pull.
SCENE #89 – INT – CORRIDOR, CASTLE – DAY, AFTERNOON
BILLY
Look honestly, Nyssa, I don’t know how to open this door. There’s no mechanism for there to open it!
NYSSA
It must be here! We can’t let Judy stray too far from us!
BILLY
Well, maybe she’s alright where she is.
NYSSA
How do you know then?
BILLY
I don’t know. I’m just trying to be optimistic!
NYSSA
Well, now’s not the time not to be optimistic Billy. Judy’s gone and something terrible may already be happening to her!
BILLY
You think I don’t know that!
NYSSA
You should have kept your eyes on her, Billy. You are her biggest fan after all.
BILLY
I should have kept her eyes on her. What about you? You and I were too absorbed to be listening to what she was saying anyway!
Just then, the wall behind them opens and out steps the Doctor. Nyssa and Billy are astonished to see him.
DOCTOR
Hello! Hope I’m not interrupting anything, am I?
NYSSA
Doctor?! Doctor, you’re here!
DOCTOR
Yes! Of course I am! Is there a reason why I shouldn’t be?!
BILLY
(astonished) But, Doctor! How did you…? How did you manage to get that wall to open from your side?
DOCTOR
Pure luck! And also with the discovery of these levers on this side! Come and take a look!
Nyssa and Billy go over and join the Doctor on the other side and look to see where the mechanisms are on his end.
BILLY
You…you had the opening mechanism on your side. All this time when we were trying to open it!
NYSSA
Now wonder we couldn’t open the walls. It’s one side only that these doors can be managed to open.
DOCTOR
Fairly substandard means. Sorry it took so long for me to get here and reach to meet you. But we got the walls open in the end. And it’s good to know how we learn new things about a certain architectural structure.
BILLY
Doctor! Listen! We’ve lost Judy! We went through one of these walls when it opened!
DOCTOR
You lost Judy!
BILLY
Yes, we lost her! The wall opened suddenly and she went in!
NYSSA
Could you open the mechanism for that wall to slide open so we can rescue Judy?
DOCTOR
(determined) I can try but I’ll have to be careful on trying to find the right one. This could be very serious.
BILLY
What do you mean, Doctor?
DOCTOR
(stresses) Why, don’t you see? If I didn’t open the mechanism for that wall, then who did?
NYSSA
Of course! Someone must have sensed we were coming here! And knew which level we would be coming on from in order to open the walls.
BILLY
This is a trap. To capture Judy. Those three doppelgangers!
DOCTOR
If they know how to open and close the wall passageways, we must be careful where we tread. We can’t let the capture us or outwit us before we know it.
BILLY
But we’ve still got to rescue Judy, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Precisely. Now which mechanism is it? (thinks) Ah, here we are!
The Doctor pulls a lever and one of the walls slide open.
BILLY
(groans) No, Doctor! It’s the wrong one!
DOCTOR
Oh is it, sorry? (thinks) Err…ah yes! This must be the one!
The Doctor pulls another lever and suddenly, the wall above his head begins to slide shut.
NYSSA
(cries) Doctor, the wall above you! It’s going to hit…
DOCTOR
(panics) It got it, Nyssa! I got it! Hang on!
The Doctor drops down the lever and the wall slides back up again. All three sigh with relief.
DOCTOR
Well, that was a close one. Didn’t fancy my head being spliced.
BILLY
Doctor, try this one. The far left. The one with green yellow dot.
DOCTOR
Are you sure?
NYSSA
Have some faith in Billy, Doctor. He could be right.
DOCTOR
Alright then. Let’s give it a whirl shall we?
The Doctor pulls the lever Billy’s suggested, and thankfully, the wall that Judy went through slides open.
NYSSA
That’s it! That’s the one! Well done, Billy! Well done, Doctor!
BILLY
Thanks Nyssa. Nice to know some of my deductions were correct.
NYSSA
You learn well from me, my dear Billy.
DOCTOR
Right come on. We’ve got no time to lose. Through that corridor. And watch out for any trappings. Tread carefully!
The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy go through the passageway in the wall and go off in search of Judy in the castle.
SCENE #90 – INT – BANQUETING HALL, CASTLE – DAY, AFTERNOON
In the banqueting hall, Judy is still tied up to the chair she’s in whilst Pugsley, Snowy and Buster are busy.
JUDY
(protests) Why do you creeps keep me prisoner here? Do you know who I am? I’m famous for being in ‘The Wizard of Oz’! And you treat me this way?
SNOWY
Seriously, Judy, it’s not the way we would have wanted it.
BUSTER
We’re big fans of yours Judy, honest!
PUGSLEY
But we especially need you for our trade whilst we’re on this island negotiating with the Gom natives on this island.
JUDY
The Gom natives? You mean like that guy you’ve got kept in your cupboard as a prisoner like me!
PUGSLEY
We’re trying to communicate with him. It’s not the easiest of processes, but we’re getting there. And once we’ve told him what we want from him, we shall go down to his tribe village where you can come along with us.
JUDY
What do you need me for?
SNOWY
To entertain the natives!
JUDY
What?!
BUSTER
The Gom people on this island like that stuff. Entertainment. You and Mickey have tons of it. With your singing, dancing and acting.
PUGSLEY
We want you Judy to provide the talents you have as well as Mr Rooney to win over the Gom natives for us. So that we can have control of this island and take charge of this castle. Then we can have all the riches and treasures and take them back with us to L.A. where we can live prosperously and fruitfully in the years to come.
JUDY
You’re mad! You’re stark raving bonkers! You seriously expect me to work for you. I’m a Hollywood star not a night club singer.
SNOWY
Oh we won’t expect you to do what all those nightclub singers would do like in the James Cagney films. I presume you’ve seen what goes on in those types of movies.
PUGSLEY
But you will work for us. No matter what you say to resist us. You will do what we ask of you! And that’s final!
JUDY
The Doctor will come and rescue us! The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy! They’ll come and get me, I know they will.
BUSTER
You trust in those three friends of yours! When they don’t know where you are!
PUGSLEY
Oh, they’ll find out where Judy is, Buster. No question of that. But by then, it’ll be too late. Unless they really are clever on finding those secret passageways. But I very much doubt it.
JUDY
You can’t be sure of that, can you, Mr. Pugsley.
SNOWY
You shut up, Judy! Pugsley won’t be belittled in such a way.
PUGSLEY
Now if you will excuse me. I have some pictures to draw for our friend in the cupboard.
Judy looks to see the Gom native still trapped and tied up in his cupboard, whilst feeling helpless and unable to break herself free.
SCENE #91 – INT – PASSAGEWAY, CASTLE – DAY, AFTERNOON
The Doctor, Nyssa and Billy however are close by, as they’re listening in hiding in the passageway close to the banqueting hall where it’s led them.
DOCTOR
I find that rather insulting. My counterpart thinking I’m very stupid. There goes to show when you’re dealing with petty thugs.
BILLY
But they’ve got Judy. How are we going to get here out of there?!
NYSSA
At least they haven’t harmed here. They really do look and sound like us.
BILLY
Very unlike your Ann Talbot counterpart in Cranleigh, Nineteen Twenty-Five. At least she was nicer.
NYSSA
There must be some way to distract those three away from Judy in order for us to get here out of there.
BILLY
I’m all ears. But when and how do we get out of there?
NYSSA
Doctor? (Pause) Doctor?
DOCTOR
There’s still that lion! From outside! I wonder if he’s still waiting and patrolling around the castle grounds ready to pounce. That would provide an ideal opportunity for us.
BILLY
(puzzled) What are you talking about, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Nyssa, Billy. I think I know how to rescue Judy but I’m going to need your help to do it.
NYSSA
Anything, Doctor. We’re keen and listening.
BILLY
Absolutely. Tell us what we need to do.
DOCTOR
It might be dangerous. But I’m sure you both can do it.
NYSSA
Absolutely. You know us well that we can, Doctor.
BILLY
Of course.
DOCTOR
(gradually) Alright. This is what we do. Now I want you to go back to the castle entrance and be ready to open the front doors.
BILLY
(astonished) The front doors! Are you crazy? That lion’s still out there! It’ll want us for dinner if we let it in.
NYSSA
We can’t open the doors anyway. They’re solid shut. They can’t be opened.
DOCTOR
I hope to open them with those mechanisms I found from that wall.
BILLY
Are you out of your mind, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Very possibly. Now Nyssa and Billy. This is what I have in mind, so listen carefully!
Nyssa and Billy listen carefully as the Doctor outlines his plan and idea.
SCENE #92 – EXT – BEACH, ISLAND – DAY, AFTERNOON
Back on the beach on the island, Mickey Rooney meets up with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. They tell each other their story.
MICKEY
Gee, it’s good to see you Fred and Ginger. I’m amazed you came all this way to find us!
FRED
Yeah, well we were lucky we managed to find you at all. We knew something was wrong so it’s good we requested a search party to find you. We’re glad your ship only shipwrecked and didn’t sink!
MICKEY
It nearly did. We could have sunk once we got ourselves in a storm.
GINGER
But what happened to you, Mickey? And where’s Judy got to?
MICKEY
Ah! Judy, I’m sure of. Somewhere on this island I expect. But we got ourselves kidnapped by these three crooks including a girl who wanted me and Judy to do some game with them.
FRED
Game?
MICKEY
Yeah something dodgy. Criminal. Anyway the ship soon got shipwrecked in a storm we couldn’t escape from. The ship was sabotaged and we ended up here on this island.
GINGER
But Judy should know better not to go exploring the island by herself.
MICKEY
She’s not by herself, Ginger. She’s with the Doctor. And Nyssa and Billy.
GINGER
The Doctor…? Who are these people you mentioned?
MICKEY
People we thought who looked the ones who kidnapped us. But they’re not. At least I think they’re not. They’ve been trying to keep everybody’s spirits up and find a way to get everybody off this island.
GINGER
So where are they then? With Judy?
MICKEY
I told you somewhere on the island. Going off to find some castle in the center of the island.
FRED
(baffled) Okay. Now you really lost me.
MICKEY
Yeah, I don’t blame you. It’s been a heck of a couple of strange days. Judy and I expected this to be a plain sailing cruise before we got back into work at MGM. Now it’s all gone sour within days.
GINGER
Well we must find Judy and these new friends you mentioned. They could be anywhere – injured or trapped somewhere.
FRED
Now hold on a minute, Ginger. Let’s not try to panic. First we need to sort out all these people who are on the island now. Let’s get them aboard the rescue ship. The Commodore on board is waiting.
MICKEY
Yes Fred, that’s swell! (to everybody) Alright, everybody! Get ready to board the rescue ship. We’re going to get off this island. Everybody in a single file to board the ship. Come on now, everybody. Sharp’s the word, quick is the action.
Everybody hears Mickey and they get into a single file on the beach in order to board the ship. They’re in single file within minutes.
GINGER
You seem to have managed to gain everyone’s confidence in you, Mick.
MICKEY
Ah, well, that’s just me. I’ve been keeping these folks entertained in order to avoid thinking of any un-pleasantries.
FRED
Yeah, well the sooner we get these people off the island the better. And the Commodore will be more happier.
MICKEY
Wait! Hold on! Paul Whiteman’s going to need a stretcher job. He’s injured when we shipwrecked on the island.
GINGER
Well, why didn’t you say so, Mickey?
MICKEY
I only just realised it. I’m sorry.
FRED
I’ll see the Commodore gets a stretcher for Mr Whiteman immediately. Wait here I’ll go and see him now.
GINGER
I’ll come with you. (to Fred) Mickey! You keep these people together like you usually do and don’t let them panic.
MICKEY
Yeah, sure.
Fred and Ginger go off to see the Commodore, whilst Mickey remains behind. Just then Mickey sees the Smiths family bickering and quarrelling. He goes over there to join them.
MICKEY
Alright, alright, everyone! What is all this?! I said everyone get into a single file! You five people are out of line.
BETSEY
Mickey, we want to help you. Help you to find Judy in that forest.
ROGER
We didn’t say that, Betsey!
BETSEY
Well, I’m saying it for all of us!
ARTHUR
Betsey, we’ve got to plan this out more methodically…
BETSEY
I don’t care what you both say. I want to rescue Judy who’s out there with the others!
ALONZO
Betsey, dear. The boys are right.
MICKEY
I’m sorry, but I can’t let you five endanger your lives for the sake of rescuing Judy. We’ll rescue her certainly.
BETSEY
You’re going to need all the help you can get, Mr. Rooney. We’re not just going to stand by and…
MICKEY
Betsey, listen! I really appreciate your willingness to help find Judy. But we can’t just go out there into danger…
ANNA
(cries) Danger! Danger on the shore! Close by to where we are!
ALONZO
Anna, my dear what is it? Another premonition?
ANNA
Can you feel it?! It’s very near here. Can’t you feel it anyone?
Mickey looks around away from the Smith to see if any danger’s close by.
MICKEY
I can’t see anything, Mrs Smith. (Pause) Now if we can all settle and get together to form a queue in the…
As Mickey turns back, he finds the two women Betsey and Anna Smith screech as Gom natives come up behind them and gag them on the mouths. The two boys and Alonzo are also grabbed on behind them with mouths gagged.
MICKEY
(protests) Hey! What’s the big idea?! Where did you come from…?
But Mickey gets grabbed on from behind as well and is gabbed by one of the Gom natives. Mickey and the Smiths struggle to break free as they’re being dragged into the jungle forest, muffling protests through gagged mouths. Eventually, Fred and Ginger return to meet up with Mickey.
FRED
We’d done it, Mickey! We got a stretcher!
GINGER
They’ll have Mr. Whiteman safely on board before…
Both Fred and Ginger realise that Mickey has gone along with the Smiths.
FRED
Hang on! Where did he go?
GINGER
He was here a minute ago. Is he somewhere else with the passengers?
FRED
I can’t see him anywhere. Where is he? (calls) Mickey? Oh, Mickey!
GINGER
(calls) Mickey, are you about?
No response.
FRED
That’s strange. It’s not like him not to answer.
GINGER
Fred? I can’t help getting a worrying feeling about this.
Fred and Ginger stand around, wondering where Mickey and the Smiths have got to.
SCENE #93 – INT – ENTRANCE, CASTLE – DAY, AFTERNOON
Back at the castle, Nyssa and Billy are at the front entrance ready to open the doors with the lion still roaring outside. The Doctor is upstairs ready to pull the levers.
NYSSA
Are you ready, Billy?
BILLY
Ready as I’ll ever be, I suppose.
NYSSA
Now don’t forget, Billy. Once we have these doors open we stand right behind them each where we stand and let the lion in.
BILLY
I’m not sure if this is going to work. The lion won’t charge in like that into the banqueting hall where the three crooks, Judy and that wild man are in.
NYSSA
The Doctor said the lion would be able to smell their scent if we have those doors open. That’s hoping the lion won’t get Judy as well.
BILLY
That’s what I’m hoping too. The Doctor will have to be very quick to get down there to rescue Judy, won’t he?
NYSSA
It’s a risk we have to take, Billy. Be brave. ‘Braveheart’, as the Doctor would say to Tegan.
The Doctor then shouts to Nyssa and Billy from above.
DOCTOR
(shouts) Nyssa, Billy! Are you two ready?
NYSSA
Ready, Doctor!
BILLY
Yes, ready, Doctor!
DOCTOR
Good! Now once I pulled the lever to open the front door, the lion will run in and you will have to shut the inner doors once he’s got in in order to not get you! I’ll try my best to be quick off the mark and rescue Judy through the passageway.
BILLY
Good luck, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Thank you, Billy. Good luck to you and Nyssa. Now be ready, you two! Any minute now!
They hear the Doctor running off and Nyssa and Billy are waiting.
NYSSA
Remember, Billy. Behind that door of yours to avoid lion seeing you and me. Then we rush to the inner doors once the lion’s through and shut it.
BILLY
Hoping not to kill Judy and the others in the process.
NYSSA
The Doctor will reach Judy, Billy. I’m sure of it. He can’t avoid not to.
Just then, the doors began to jerk open with the lion growling from outside.
BILLY
Nyssa! The door’s opening!
NYSSA
Billy, quick! Behind your door! Hurry!
Nyssa and Billy hide behind their doors as they swing open to let the lion inside. The lion roars, charging inside and making his way into the corridor. As soon as the lion’s through, he passes through the inner doors.
BILLY
It’s got in!
NYSSA
Billy, now! Shut the inner doors before it gets out and finds us!
Nyssa and Billy run to the inner doors and shut them. Both pant for breath.
NYSSA
Well done, Billy! Well done!
BILLY
Thanks. Now it’s all up to the Doctor.
NYSSA
Let’s go out and wait for him as per his instructions. Now come on!
Nyssa takes Billy’s hand and both run for it outside.
SCENE #94 – INT – BANQUETING HALL, CASTLE – DAY, AFTERNOON
Inside the banqueting hall, Pugsley, Snowy and Buster are nearly ready and are about to untie the Gom native and Judy in order to go out.
SNOWY
It’s now time, Judy dear. We’re off for an adventure. To the Gom village.
PUGSLEY
Snowy, Buster. Loosen the Gom native first. Then we’ll release Judy.
Snowy and Buster grudgingly go over to the Gom native and untie him from his cupboard chains. Once he’s realised, they lift him up out into the open and he grunts aggressively.
BUSTER
Easy pal. Easy.
Suddenly, a lion’s roar echoes from the corridor. All three criminals, Gom native and Judy become afraid.
SNOWY
That was…that was a lion, wasn’t it? It came from outside!
JUDY
He must have got in. The lion must have got in! But how can that be?
PUGSLEY
Buster, you fool! I thought I told you to keep the front doors locked!
BUSTER
I did keep the front doors locked! But somebody obviously must have opened them again!
Suddenly, the door bursts open and in enters the lion, growling and roaring ferociously.
SNOWY
It’s him! It’s the lion! He’s come to get us!
The Gom grunts in a frenzied panic as he sees the lion with Snowy and Buster holding him.
BUSTER
Yeah! Don’t we feel like you, mate!
PUGSLEY
Run for it! Run!
The three criminals with Gom native run around the banqueting table with lion chasing after them. Judy is still tied up.
JUDY
(protests) Hey, what about me? Aren’t you going to untie me and not let me be eaten by the lion here?
But Pugsley, Snowy and Buster ignore Judy as well as the Gom native as the lion chases after them out of the banqueting hall. Judy is left alone, tied up in chair.
JUDY
Great! That’s just great! Leave me here tied up to this chair! That’s appreciation for you!
Just then, the Doctor out of hiding and enters the banqueting hall to find Judy. He reaches for her and begins to untie her from her bonds.
DOCTOR
Thank goodness for that! I thought they weren’t going to go away with lion chasing them!
JUDY
Hey! You… (suspiciously) Wait a minute! Are you the Doctor or aren’t you…?
DOCTOR
No, trust me, Judy! I am the Doctor! The other chap you were talking to who looks just like me ran out with the others, remember?
JUDY
Goodness! The pair of you look so alike. In appearance and voice.
DOCTOR
Yes. Be thankful I don’t wear a tuxedo like he does whilst I’m wearing a cricketing outfit. It should distinguish us from each other.
JUDY
And your friends’ counterparts – the ones like Nyssa and Billy. They’re so alike apart from being very crude and nasty.
DOCTOR
Yes! Speaking of Nyssa and Billy, they’re waiting outside. We should go out and meet them on the castle grounds.
JUDY
Did you let the lion in, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Of course I did. And fortunately the rescue plan went accordingly. Now let’s get out before the lion and the others come back.
JUDY
Like Dorothy was in the Wicked Witch of the West’s castle?
DOCTOR
Very much so, as Billy would agree with you wholeheartedly! Now let’s go!
The Doctor unties Judy from her chair and they both run into the passageway to escape.
SCENE #95 – EXT – JUNGLE FOREST, ISLAND – DAY, AFTERNOON
On a hill on the rear side of the castle, Nyssa and Billy are waiting. They wait for the Doctor and Judy, and also spot the lion chasing the three criminals and Gom native out of the castle.
BILLY
(laughs) There they go. The lion chasing after them. Three criminals and wild man. And no sign of Judy thankfully.
NYSSA
But where is Judy? And the Doctor? They should be here by now.
BILLY
Give them time. They have to find their way out of that passage.
NYSSA
I know. It’s just…I’m anxious about getting back to the ship on the beach. From where we’re standing I can’t see any sign of it.
BILLY
Yeah. Looks like the beach where it was isn’t there anymore. Seems as if the tide’s come in. Oh, I hope that’s not the case.
Just then, Nyssa and Billy are interrupted as the Doctor and Judy join them.
DOCTOR
(calls) Nyssa, Billy! Over here!
NYSSA
Doctor! Oh, thank goodness you’re alright!
BILLY
You managed to get away unseen!
DOCTOR
Of course. Didn’t you see our friends and wild man escaping from the lion?
NYSSA
Yes, we did. Thankfully we didn’t lock the doors. Let’s hope they’re fast on their feet.
JUDY
They seemed to be when I saw them. They wouldn’t stay behind to untie me!
DOCTOR
We must get back down to the beach and return to the ship. Mr. Rooney and the passengers will be wondering what’s happened to us.
BILLY
Doctor, Nyssa and I were talking about the ship before you arrived.
NYSSA
We can’t see it from where we’re standing. Where the beach was the ship doesn’t seem to be there. It’s as if the tide’s come in.
DOCTOR
That’s not necessarily a reassuring thing.
JUDY
(anxiously) Mickey? And the passengers? Drowned out to the sea?
DOCTOR
Oh, I’m sure it hasn’t come to that, Judy.
JUDY
We may well come to that. We got to go back and find them. Rescue them if needs be.
BILLY
Come on then. We’ll do as you and Judy says, Doctor. Back to the ship.
DOCTOR
Come on then. Down the hill we go!
The Doctor, Nyssa, Billy and Judy run down the hill to reach the bottom and return to the shipwreck on the beach.
JUDY
(breathlessly) Doctor? That Pugsley guy! The one who looks like you! He said he and his crooks intent on kidnapping Mickey as well as me.
DOCTOR
Yes. I’m sure that was well established by you and Mr. Rooney.
JUDY
But they said they wanted us to entertain the Gom natives. So that he and his two crooks could control the castle and get all the treasure they need.
BILLY
Treasure?! What there’s treasure buried on this island?! In that castle?! How can they be?!
NYSSA
Let’s not discuss it whilst we’re running. Let’s get back to the island before…
Suddenly, they’re stopped in their tracks, as Gom natives appear and block their path. They grunt aggressively as they confront the Doctor and others. The Doctor and his friends are trapped all around.
NYSSA
Doctor! It’s them! Those wild men inhabiting this island!
BILLY
Wild women as well, Nyssa. We don’t know what’s behind those masks.
NYSSA
Of course, Billy. Fair point taken.
JUDY
Gom. That’s what Mr. Pugsley called them. They’re called the Gom.
DOCTOR
Really? How interesting!
One of the Gom steps forward and begins to speak in guttural language.
GOM #1
Ggeheh wgheh wgwehe! Awgehew! Wwehuwe whgwh! Uwbgwh! Igwh! Wgwh! Gnwbnweib!
DOCTOR
Beehiu yweg! Ubwguhw! Ogbwbheihb iwghwei oghweoh! Pkowghw! Niwbgw! Nwognh! Oghwhn! Ongwbhb!
GOM #1
Oben! Oibgwh! Onbgw! Bhewhje wgwh whehph! Ghhj wethwvwrt hpibn! Powel mbef!
DOCTOR
Powel bvvuiob! Mbuwwh! Obwqthb! Bghqnre! Nyssa, Billy, Judy wfnhpib! Doctor, ifnhpib!
NYSSA
(astonished) You understand their language, Doctor?
DOCTOR
Apparently.
BILLY
What do you mean ‘apparently’? A minute ago, you didn’t know what a Gom was!
DOCTOR
TARDIS translation circuits slowly getting used to their language.
JUDY
What did he say?! That Gom who just talked to you?
Gom #1 speaks again, raising his spear at them.
GOM #1
Nehe igwi! Pigbwigh! Nwgihn! Oghwgo! Obuiwgwo buwgh!
DOCTOR
Ehw! Ufwh pgjweoh whehj! Biwhh! Obiwhpi! Biwhew! Oniwghh! (to Nyssa; Billy and Judy) I’m trying to plead for mercy! Telling them that we mean no harm!
One of the Goms savagely gestures his spear.
BILLY
That guy’s gesturing his spear at us!
JUDY
He’s telling us to move!
DOCTOR
Oh, you’re picking things up very quickly, aren’t you, Judy?
NYSSA
We’d better do as he says. Come on. Let’s not antagonise him.
The four heroes move on ahead, as the Gom natives direct them off down the island in the opposite direction of the jungle forest.
BILLY
Where is it they’re taking us to then?
DOCTOR
No idea. But we’ll soon find out. Hopefully, they may provide us with unique hospitality.
SCENE #96 – EXT – GOM VILLAGE, GOM VALLEY – DAY, AFTERNOON
Eventually, in a valley, the Doctor, Nyssa, Billy and Judy enter into a Gom village escorted by their Gom escorts. They walk on coming across the people who live there in slumps and huts alongside the walkways.
JUDY
This is where they live. The Gom people. In this rather large village.
NYSSA
They have spotted us and wondered who they are. I wonder what they’re going to do to us.
BILLY
They look exactly like us. Humans. Almost like Indians or Africans from the slave trade left abandoned and dejected on derelict lands.
JUDY
It’s horrible. Seeing these people like this. Children and mothers. Some of them without a home. How can they live in conditions like this.
DOCTOR
They’re not like Hollywood stars I’m afraid, Judy. Many of them live in poverty just like many in New York who had to live through the Depression years. Thanks to your Mr Roosevelt he changed all that for most of the American population.
Eventually, they arrive at the centre of the Gom village where a dais is set before them.
BILLY
Goodness me! That’s one big dais!
MICKEY
(calls) Judy! Judy, over here!
Judy turns to see Mickey with the Smiths there before her. She immediately runs over to meet him with the Smiths as the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy follow her.
JUDY
Mickey? Oh Mickey, thank goodness you’re alright! I was very worried about you. How did you get here?
MICKEY
Huh, would you believe it? I got kidnapped with the Smiths! We were on the island after the tide came in and we lost the ship!
JUDY
You lost the ship?
MICKEY
Yeah, but it’s okay now because Fred and Ginger came along and got everybody to get aboard their rescue ship. I just hope they’re not too worried about you, me or anyone from their list.
JUDY
(astonished) Fred and Ginger? Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers?
MICKEY
Yeah! They came all this way to help us out!
JUDY
Oh gee, that’s swell! Oh, if we could get to them and escape from here!
BILLY
Did you say…Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are here?
MICKEY
Yeah! They came in a rescue ship to find us. They wondered where we were.
BILLY
Oh, that’s amazing! I can’t afford to miss meeting them! (to Nyssa) Nyssa, did you hear that? Fred and Ginger are here on the island with a rescue ship!
NYSSA
Yes Billy, I heard. (to Smiths) Mr. and Mrs. Smith! Miss Betsey, Mr. Roger and Mr. Arthur! You got caught too. I’m so sorry that this happened!
ALONZO
Oh, it’s no trouble at all. Nobody’s to blame. It just happened that’s all.
BETSEY
I’m not sorry for being here. I’m having a terrific time. With Judy, Mickey and everything.
ROGER
You speak for yourself, Betsey girl!
ANNA
At least we’re far from danger. Far from the terrible danger.
ARTHUR
Mother, what are you talking about?! Are you sure you got that right?
NYSSA
(to Doctor) Doctor! Look over there! There’s somebody else we can recognise!
DOCTOR
Why, yes! (calls) Captain! Captain, it’s me, the Doctor! What are you doing here?
CAPTAIN
(angrily) I got caught by those savage creeps! And it’s all down to you, Doctor! I blame you for this!
DOCTOR
Yes! Hardly that surprises me!
Suddenly, the Doctor and others are forced to kneel down rather violently onto the floor. They look and see the Gom Leader appear on the dais. Everybody hushes up.
NYSSA
That’s him. That must be the leader of this tribe. He’s about to speak to us.
BILLY
(wryly) Hence why we’re being forced to kneel like this!
They become silent, as the Gom Leader looks to the Doctor and party.
GOM LEADER
Ebehh whweh wgweh! Gehhwqop! Igweh! Wgwghwo whophw wghwnodbm hogibtr! Ouvhwg ohifg beg bdrs dfgheg eggetyubswet! Ovyhehw! Obiugew asdweetb ! bovyuiv! [Cogtui! Dobgio! Ebofer feloew grer hwrpi biowg iopbwer jokwerbb liog bighwe! Bigwgn! Iuoaq! Jur…]
NYSSA
(quietly) I wish we could understand what he’s saying, Doctor. The TARDIS translation circuits should be able to decipher his language.
DOCTOR
(quietly) Don’t worry, Nyssa. I can understand more or less what he’s saying.
NYSSA
(quietly) Then what does he say?
They listen, as the Gom Leader continues speaking.
GOM LEADER
Loer mwert nougwr opnoyh pohguf quoern ron! Shis is eht rudest uime anyone vna commit! To oppose against the Gom people!
Everyone becomes astonished.
MICKEY
Did that guy just speak English then?
JUDY
Yes, he did. How come he’s speaking English?! I couldn’t understand a word he was saying earlier.
BILLY
Translation circuits, you two. Like the Doctor says! It takes time to work!
DOCTOR
Quiet! I’m listening to what he’s saying.
They listen, as the Gom Leader continues speaking.
GOM LEADER
Wt is xime to yace your zunishment. For the crime you’ve committed to the Gom people, you are to be sentenced to death. You will all die at the hands of Gom! Die, all! Die, all! Die, die, die! Die all! DIE!!!
GOM
(in unison; chants) Die, all! Die, all! Die, die, die! Die all! DIE!!! Die, all! Die, all! Die, die, die! Die all! DIE!!! Die, all! Die, all! Die, die, die! Die all! DIE!!! Die, all! Die, all! Die, die, die! Die all! DIE!!! Die, all…
Everyone gathered with the Doctor become anxious and afraid as the Gom continually chant their threats of death with their leader.
BILLY
Oh, dear! This doesn’t sound good!
MICKEY
I wish I hadn’t heard them in English!
JUDY
They’re very passionate about killing us, aren’t they?
NYSSA
Doctor. Please tell us you have something in mind. (Pause) Doctor?
DOCTOR
Like Billy said, Nyssa. This doesn’t sound good.
The Doctor and his friends keep silent whilst the Gom natives keep on chanting.
Sting music. Roll original 1982 Peter Davison end credits.
© Tim Bradley, 2025-26
| Go back to | Go next to |
| Return to Swing Time | |
| Return to The Fifth Doctor by Tim Bradley | |
| Return to Doctor Who by Tim Bradley | |
| Return to Doctor Who | |
| Return to Sci-Fi |
