Fun and Fancy Free (1947) Movie Script
[ Swing ]
[ Continues ]
[ Woman ]
Oh!
[ Murmuring ]
[ Continues ]
And let's hear it
for our final couple,
ladies and gentlemen!
-[ Man ]
All right! Nice job!
-[ Woman ] Wonderful!
[ Stops ]
On this day,
as we've done for generations,
we dance to pay tribute
to the Muses--
Hmph!
to thank them for
their everlasting gift
of divine inspiration.
You know,
as Magistrate of Rumba,
I'm often asked--
[ Whispering ]
She's over there.
"Hysterius, what's so great
about your little town?"
And I always say,
we may not be Athens,
but we are
the dance capital of Greece!
- [ Cheering, Applause ]
-And now, without further ado,
Hmph!
it's time
to announce the winners
of this season's Panathenia!
And the winners are--
[ Drumroll ]
[ Whispering ]
Oh, please.
- couple number two!
- [ Audience Gasping, Cheering ]
Yea!
Couple number two--
[ Girls Giggling ]
[ Mid-tempo Swing ]
Why don't you watch
where you're going?
But I didn't--
[ Girl ]
She's all wet!
- You think you're gonna be
a dancer someday, huh?
- Why not?
You need a partner to dance.
- Who'd wanna dance
with a loser?
-[ Girl ] What a freak!
Look! I think
she's gonna cry.
[ Girls Chanting ]
Crybaby! Crybaby!
Crybaby! Crybaby!
[ Chanting Fades ]
Crybaby! Crybaby!
[ Man ]
Watch it, Althea!
Whoops.
Whoa.
Ow! Ooh!
I'm sorry.
No, it's my fault.
I take up way too much space.
Huh?
Joke.
It was a joke.
[ Laughing ]
Oh, yeah!
Uh, anyway, thanks for
being so understanding.
Uh, could you tell me
which road leads to Croton?
That one.
Great.
I-- Well, thanks.
[ Hysterius ]
That means no jumping,
no leaping,
no lifting your partner
off the ground.
Remember, children,
the Muses grant us
inspiration,
but they can also
take it away!
We are simple mortals...
and must not aspire
towards their exalted realm.
Break the rules,
and you will be disqualified!
Any questions?
Then let's make this
the best Panathenia ever!
[ Onlookers Applauding ]
Hey.
Well, well, well.
Some people never learn.
You've got
two left feet, ducky.
You don't have a chance.
What did I ever do to you?
Well, for starters,
you were born.
- [ Gasps ]
- [ Girls Giggling ]
[ Girl ]
Nice move.
Stop wasting your time.
You need a partner
to enter the contest.
Yeah, right!
You see?
No one's crazy enough
to dance with you.
I'll be your partner.
[ Gasps ]
[ Man Narrating ]
This is the story
of a time long ago,
a time of myth and legend,
when the ancient gods
were petty and cruel,
and they plagued mankind
with suffering.
Only one man dared
to challenge their power--
Hercules.
Hercules possessed a strength
the world had never seen,
a strength surpassed
only by the power of his heart.
He journeyed the earth,
battling the minions
of his wicked stepmother, Hera,
the all-powerful
queen of the gods.
But wherever
there was evil,
wherever an innocent
would suffer,
there would be... Hercules.
- [ Screeching ]
- [ Roaring ]
Hail!
- You?
- Thought you might need a hand.
She's gonna need
a lot more than that.
You must be
as desperate as she is.
- Who's holding up the line?
- They are, Uncle.
This line
is for contestants only.
We are contestants.
Right?
- And who are you?
- I'm Hercules.
[ Onlookers Murmuring ]
Well, why didn't you
say so?
As magistrate of our fair town,
I humbly welcome you to Rumba.
- Uncle!
-I knew you had many
talents, Hercules.
I didn't realize
dancing was one of them.
Neither did I.
Actually, I've, uh,
never done this before.
I'm sure you'll do
just fine.
I look forward to seeing
some of your... moves.
Me too.
Now, if you'll excuse us,
we have to get back in line.
We have a contest
to enter.
Uncle, do something!
Don't worry.
They don't stand a chance.
I can't thank you enough!
Well, don't thank me yet,
Althea.
I have some moves of my own,
some steps I've been working on.
Don't worry.
We'll practice.
Boy, am I glad
I bumped into you.
Oh, that reminds me.
You, uh, you dropped this.
Thank you.
My mother gave this to me
before she died.
I would never have
forgiven myself
if I'd lost it.
She said
it would bring me luck.
I guess she was right.
[ Chuckles ]
W-W-Where we going?
Well, you can't practice
on an empty stomach.
And anyway,
you gotta meet my father.
Boy, is he gonna be impressed
when I bring home
the son of Zeus!
Hercules, huh?
Thought you'd be wearin'
a cape or something.
Daddy.
I tried,
but it just didn't fly.
[ Laughing ]
And what brings you
around these parts?
I was on my way
to meet a friend and--
And he decided
to stay a few days.
He hasn't got
anywhere to sleep.
I-- I-I was thinking--
Well, I was wondering,
maybe he could stay...
here?
You any good
with your hands?
Some people think so.
Of course he is!
I'm building a cistern
out back.
Got some logs
need to be moved.
I'd be glad to help.
All right, then.
You can stay in the barn.
[ Whispers ]
Yes!
Thank you.
[ Hercules Grunting ]
[ Sighs ]
It's lemonade.
[ Sighs ]
[ Sighs ]
I made it myself.
[ Clears Throat ]
Sorry about my father.
He never really got over
Mother's death.
Why didn't you tell him
the truth?
If he knew we had
entered the contest,
he probably wouldn't
let me leave the house.
He thinks dancing's
a waste of time.
I wouldn't want to go
against your father's wishes.
It wouldn't be right.
Hercules, please?
It's... been
a dream of mine,
ever since I was a little girl,
to dance at this contest.
Althea, it's just--
You saw the others,
how they treat me.
This is the only way
I can show them
I'm as good as they are.
If I give up now,
they'll never let me
live it down.
Please, Hercules!
Please?
Please!
All right, all right.
[ Squeals ]
Althea?
You have to tell your father
that you entered the contest.
I will.
Althea!
Beforethe contest?
Okay.
[ Giggling ]
Okay, here's the deal.
I'll do my routine once
so you can see it, and then
we'll do it step by step.
You stay here.
I need some room.
[ Exhales ]
All right.
- Are you all right?
- Shh, shh, shh, shh!
Wait till I'm finished!
[ Humming ]
[ Exhales ]
What do you think?
I think we're gonna
need some help.
Right.
[ Rumba ]
Aah! Aah!
[ Stops ]
[ Deejay ]
Ow! My eye!
[ Crashing ]
[ Dance Partner Whining ]
I'll never dance again!
What's the matter,
cupcake?
Oh, Uncle!
There, there.
What's troubling you,
my dear?
I'm never gonna win
with these stiffs
you keep sending me.
Now, now.
Of course you'll win.
You've won
three years running.
[ Sobbing ]
But you let Hercules...
enter the contest!
Hercules has never danced
a day in his life.
But this is
the dance capital
of Greece!
There's a dance school
on every corner!
Don't worry.
I've taken care
of everything.
I'm looking for a dance teacher.
Do you have any room
in your classes?
Please, miss, we're looking
for a dance teacher.
[ Door Slams ]
The contest
is in five days!
We don't stand
a chance.
A lot can happen
in five days.
Trust me.
Things will work out.
[ Tweeting ]
[ Rumba, Faint ]
[ Continues ]
Where's that music
coming from?
[ Tweeting Continues ]
Hercules?
[ Tweeting Continues ]
[ Woman ]
Oh, hello.
Welcome back.
[ Continues ]
[ Giggling ]
Oh, you clever bird.
Like snakes to a charm,
my darlings!
And I am,
oh, so charming.
Do I know you?
Well, where I come from,
across the seas of time,
I'm known as
the Mistress of Music,
the Queen of Crescendo.
But you can call me...
your new dance teacher.
[ Chuckles ]
You're a dance teacher?
The Widow Twanky
extraordinaire.
Known in all the ports
of the China Sea
as Mad Alice Cudlip,
inventress
of the Twanky Twiddle,
the most daring dance move
ever performed, and quite
illegal in these parts.
But if you're very, very good
I might teach it to you.
How did you know
we were looking for a teacher?
How does the porcu know to pine?
Why does the beaver give a dam?
What is the difference
between a duck?
Answer all these questions,
and there's nothing left to do.
dd You seem
a bit confused dd
dd A trifle unbelieving dd
dd The truth be told
I may seem old dd
dd But looks
can be deceiving dd
dd Don't be afraid
to take a chance dd
dd That's my philosophy dd
dd Just stick with me
and you will see dd
d
dd I'll teach you how to dance d
dd You'll reign
supreme dd
dd A dancing queen dd
dd And you'll look cool dd
dd You dancing fool dd
dd Honey, if you try dd
dd I know
you'll reach the sky dd
dd Just learn
to spread your wings dd
dd And fly dd
[ Vocalizing ]
dd And so, you see
just stick with me dd
dd And you too can be
so fancy-free dd
dd Darlings, if you try dd
d
dd I know you'll reach the sky d
dd Just learn
to spread your wings dd
dd And fly dddd
- Wow.
- So, what do you say?
[ Both ]
Sure.
Oh, good!
In order to dance,
one must be able
to move freely.
Now then, lesson
number one: rhythm.
Althea, what do we know
about rhythm?
- Beats me.
- Precisely!
You clever little girl!
Rhythm
is all about beats.
Good guess.
[ Heartbeat ]
There.
Do you feel the beat?
Uh... yeah.
[ Chuckles ]
Yes, I know.
You see, all life
moves to the rhythm of
our most glorious instrument--
the human heart.
[ Horse Whinnies ]
Rhythm is everywhere.
All you have to do...
is listen.
[ Heartbeat Continues ]
I can't hear anything.
Look.
[ Hercules ]
A man sawing wood.
Yes. You see?
And over there-- that man
banging away on his anvil.
See?
[ Heart Beating, Saw Sawing,
Anvil Banging ]
Mmm.
You see,
rhythm is life.
[ Various Sounds Continue
In Rhythmic Harmony ]
And the rhythm of life
is a powerful beat.
Come on.
Pick your feet up.
Don't be shy.
That's it.
Come on.
That's it! Come on!
[ Mutters ]
I feel so stupid.
[ Whimpering ]
[ Yells ]
[ Cat Yowls ]
Good night,
sweetheart.
Good night, Daddy.
Uh, good night, sir.
He misses Mother so much.
I wish I could see him
smile again.
Just once.
How long has it been?
She died when I was four.
I never really got a chance
to know her.
He-- He says
I'm as pretty as she was.
Do you think I'm pretty?
Well, yes, I--
I think you're very pretty.
I-- I--
[ Knocking ]
I'll get that.
The magistrate would like
a word with you.
Hmm.
Don't worry.
I'll be back soon.
[ Hysterius ]
Hercules.
Thank you for coming
on such short notice.
I must admit
you've caught us
a little bit off guard.
You're the first celebrity
we've had here,
and we've done nothing
to honor your gracious visit.
Well, I appreciate the thought,
but I'd rather you didn't.
And modest too.
You really are a...
hero.
Which is why
I would like to invite you...
to be our first
celebrity judge...
at the Panathenia.
Of course, you'd have to
withdraw as a contestant.
Well,
thanks for the invitation,
but I've already agreed
to be Althea's partner.
Ah, yes, that...
girl.
Between us adults,
I'm a little concerned
about her well-being.
Really?
She's been through
so much--
the death of her mother,
never really fitting in
with the other children.
I'm afraid if you
enter the contest and lose,
she'll be crushed.
We have no intention
of losing.
I think you may be
overestimating your chances.
If you really thought that,
we wouldn't be having
this conversation.
I'm glad you're here,
Hercules,
to comfort and protect
that poor girl,
but I do worry about
what might happen to her
after you've gone.
Believe me,
if anything happens to Althea,
I'll be coming back.
Have a good night.
Althea.
What are you
still doing up?
You changed your mind,
didn't you?
Not a chance.
We're in this together.
Nothing's gonna change that.
I don't know what I'd do
without you.
You're the best thing
that's ever happened to me.
I love you, Hercules.
This... isn't right.
I'm sorry.
Who am I kidding?
Stupid.Stupid.
Um...
I know this isn't
what you want to hear,
but what you're feeling,
it's not love.
I know what it means
to love someone, Hercules.
I'm not a little girl
anymore.
No. No, you're not.
You are a, uh,
beautiful young woman.
When the contest is over,
you won't forget about me,
will you?
Now, how could I possibly
ever forget you?
You will always be...
my first dance partner.
You're awfully quiet
this morning.
I feel like such a fool.
I'm so embarrassed.
Oh, don't be.
You said what was on your mind,
and that took courage.
[ Sinister Laughter ]
[ Althea Gasping,
Whimpering ]
What are we gonna do?
[ Laughter Continues ]
Hercules!
[ Grunting ]
Come on! Hold on tight!
Don't look down!
Huh?
[ Clears Throat ]
[ Screaming ]
I've got you. Come on.
You ready for
your next lesson?
What do you mean?
Balance.
I feel like a hamster.
[ Grunts ]
[ Whimpering, Sobbing ]
They tried to kill us.
Althea, look at me.
Come on, look at me.
I can't do this!
It's not worth dying for!
But it is
worth fighting for.
I will not let
anything happen to you.
Besides,
you were great.
Late. Late, late,
late, late, late!
Sorry we're late,
but we had to do a little
practicing of our own.
Oh, practicing?
Is that what you call it
these days?
Mucking about,
discovering appendages
you never even knew you had.
Ooh, you are a nasty,
nasty little boy.
Put your hand out now!
Pardon me?
[ Gasps ] Don't you
"pardon me" me, you!
I shall give you "pardon me."
I shall "pardon me" you
into the middle of next week!
Now, hold that hand out--
right now, young man,
or there shall be
no lesson today.
Oh. That's quite
a strong hand, really.
Shapely forearm.
Look at the size
of those biceps!
Oh, he's huge!
Hold me.
[ Sighs ]
Uh, shouldn't we be
getting on with the lesson?
Oh. Yes, right.
Plenty of time
for that later.
Hey--
Now then, watch.
Now it's your turn.
- I can't do that.
- What do you mean?
You haven't even tried.
Go on.
[ Sighs ]
That's it. Yes.
Lift and breathe
and stretch!
[ Groans ]
- Oh.
- [ Grunts ]
Althea, you okay?
[ Sighs ] I told you
I couldn't do it.
If you say that once more,
I shall wash your mouth out
with soap.
Do you understand?
Yes.
Good.
Now...
close your eyes...
and feel the rhythm
of the steps.
That's it.
Let it flow
through you.
Off you go.
I did it.
[ Laughing ]
I did it!
All right!
She did it!
[ Weeping ]
I'm so happy.
[ Sarcastically ]
Yeah, right.
You'redreaming.
[ Sighs ]
What's your name?
Travoltus.
He'll do.
Have him fitted
for his costume.
Sir. Sir!
What'she
still doing here?
What's the matter?
Uh, Hercules and the girl
managed to... avoid
the accident this morning.
Oh, Uncle,
you promised!
Now, now!
You know I'm a man
who keeps his word.
It seems Hercules
has left us no choice.
Time for a more
hands-on approach.
Oh, that's what
youalwayssay!
Now I'llneverwin
the Panathenia!
Stop whining,
you blubbering brat!
[ Gasps ]
[ Snickering ]
[ Shrieking ]
[ Henchman Shouting ]
Your turn.
I... don't twirl.
Oh, of course you do,
you silly boy.
You do it every day.
I-I don't think so.
Oh. Really?
[ Yelling ]
[ Continues Yelling ]
[ Laughing ]
There. You see?
Youdotwirl.
You see, fighting,
in its very essence,
is like a dance.
And you, my hunky Herc,
are a natural.
Thanks, I think.
Now, tell me,
have you ever fought
with a partner?
Yes.
Mmm!
And what, perchance,
is his name?
Iolaus.
Iolaus!
Well, Hercules,
I know this'll be difficult,
but I want you to imagine,
for a moment,
thatIam Iolaus.
Now, I know it's a stretch
of the imagination,
but I would appreciate
the effort.
Now, then--
[ Gasps ] Oh, no!
We're surrounded!
[ Gasps ]
Completely defenseless!
What are we going to do?
[ Yelling ]
- Hah!
- Waaah!
[ Hooting, Grunting ]
That was great!
Yeah.
You're not bad.
You're not bad yourself.
[ Chuckles ]
But now you two must learn
to do that together.
Hercules, Althea,
do you promise
to trust each other,
to catch each other
when you fall,
and to move together...
as long as you both
shall dance?
[ Together ]
We do.
Then, darlings,
it's time to learn...
the Twanky Twiddle.
And this being
the most dangerous part,
because to any action
there is an equal
and opposite reaction.
[ Men Singing
In African Dialect ]
And back, and through,
and one, and two--
One and two!
Get it up!
[ Continues ]
dd La-la-la-la dd
dd Down-doo-doo-down dd
dd Hey, la-la-la dd
dd Hey, la-la-la, hey dd
dd Hey, la-la-la dd
dd Doo-doo-doo-doo dd
[ Man Vocalizing ]
[ Singing Continues
In African Dialect ]
dd Down-down-down
Down-down dd
dd Down-down-down
Down-down dd
dd Down-down-down
Down-down-down-down dddd
[ Vocalizing Continues ]
Righto, my darlings.
This is the one.
I know it.
I can feel it.
Off you go.
Ow! Ohh!
It's just too hard!
You can do this, Althea.
I know you can.
The contest is tonight.
I just don't think
I've got it in me.
That's exactly
what your mother said
all those years ago.
You knew my mother?
Oh, yes.
She was a pupil of mine,
and the most incredible dancer
this town has ever seen.
My mother was a dancer?
I've never seen anybody
with such a passion,
such a fire inside.
I never thought
I'd see anyone else
sparkle like that again...
till I saw you.
Why did my father
never tell me?
[ Sobbing ]
Althea, wait!
Why didn't you
tell me?
Tell you what?
That my mother
was a dancer.
Who told you that?
The Widow Twanky.
You've been dancing
behind my back.
Stop treating me like a child...
[ Sniffles ]
and start telling me the truth!
Please!
She did love to dance.
Winning the Panathenia
meant everything to her.
We would have too.
We?
You were her partner?
It was the happiest time
of my life.
She refused
to follow the rules,
so the magistrate
disqualified us.
We were banned
from the contest forever.
The truth is,
your mother died
of a broken heart.
[ Sighs ]
That's why I forbid you...
to enter the contest.
You can't stop me.
Elis--
How dare you.
I know you want
what's best for your daughter,
but... this is her dream.
I am trying to protect her!
If you really
want to protect her,
then encourage her, support her.
But if you don't
let her dance,
youwillbreak her heart.
[ Panting ]
Twanky!
- [ Gasps ]
- [ Muffled Yelling ]
Now, what is it they say, again,
to wish someone luck?
[ Chuckling ]
Oh, yes.
Break a leg.
[ Laughing ]
Break a leg. Get it?
[ Continue Laughing ]
Hey.
[ Twanky, Muffled ]
Hercules!
Let me guess.
You're, uh, looking
for a dance partner. Hmm?
- [ Grunts ]
- Sorry, but you're
not my type.
[ Grunting ]
[ Yelling ]
-Ohhh!
- [ Grunting Continues ]
- [ Yelling ]
-[ Horse Whinnies ]
Oh, Hercules,
I'm so glad to see you.
[ Muffled Yelling ]
You all right?
No, I'm not!
How they manhandled me!
And it's been so long.
Yeah. Well, uh, we should
get to the competition.
Wait!
You're not going
to the Panathenia
dressed like that!
It's all I ever wear.
I know, and I'm sick of it.
Come on.
[ Upbeat ]
Come, my dear.
Well, let's get straight to it,
shall we?
From the Dionysian Institute
of Danceology,
couple number one!
[ Audience Cheering,
Applauding ]
[ Mid-tempo Lounge ]
You better not
screw this up.
Althea.
I'm sorry I didn't
tell you the truth.
I was afraid.
You're so like your mother.
But Hercules was right--
You need to
follow your dream
wherever it takes you.
That's what she would
have wanted you to do.
Oh, Daddy!
Now go get ready...
and finish
what she started.
[ Continues ]
[ Continues ]
[ Ends ]
Weren't they wonderful?
[ Applause, Cheering ]
Let's give them
another round of applause!
And since there are
no more contestants,
the judges will now
select a winner.
[ Exhales ]
[ Door Opens ]
[ Audience Gasping ]
[ Whimpers ]
You're too late, Hercules!
The contest is over!
[ Violin: Solo ]
[ Rumba: Slow ]
Oh. Mmm. Mmm!
[ Continues, Faster ]
Get them
off that dance floor now.
Come on!
]
[ Continues
[ Groaning ]
[ Yelling, Grunting ]
[ Henchmen Chuckling ]
[ Yelling,
Grunting Continue ]
[ Audience Gasping ]
[ All Gasping ]
Oh, Uncle, do something!
[ Sputtering ]
[ Woman ]
Ohh!
Stop this outrage!
You have insulted the Muses
by breaking the rules,
and now they'll turn
their backs on us!
Wrong.
Do you understand?
Yes.
Good.
[ Grunting ]
[ Audience Cheering,
Applauding ]
Stop it!
The Muses inspire us
to find what's already
in our hearts.
But your magistrate
wants you to forget that.
Well, there is nothing wrong
with reaching for the sky.
Don't let his rules
keep you from trying.
Thank you. Thank you!
Well, you heard him!
What are you waiting for?
Let's dance!
[ Giggling ]
[ Upbeat ]
Come on, big boy.
I am your magistrate!
Stop this at once--
Aah!
Do you hear me?
Stop this! Stop it!
Stop this at once!
Oh, shut up!
[ Groans ]
[ Continues ]
Hey-hey! Hey!
I don't know how to
thank you enough.
You don't have to.
We did this together.
Well, how about
the last dance?
You know, I'd love to,
but I think I'm gonna
have to get in line.
Yeah!
[ All Murmuring ]
Go on.
Thank you.
[ Continues ]
And where do you think
you're going?
Actually, I'm gonna go see
my friend, Iolaus.
Oh, no, no, no,
you're not!
But he's--
[ Continues ]
[ Woman ]
Oh!
[ Murmuring ]
[ Continues ]
And let's hear it
for our final couple,
ladies and gentlemen!
-[ Man ]
All right! Nice job!
-[ Woman ] Wonderful!
[ Stops ]
On this day,
as we've done for generations,
we dance to pay tribute
to the Muses--
Hmph!
to thank them for
their everlasting gift
of divine inspiration.
You know,
as Magistrate of Rumba,
I'm often asked--
[ Whispering ]
She's over there.
"Hysterius, what's so great
about your little town?"
And I always say,
we may not be Athens,
but we are
the dance capital of Greece!
- [ Cheering, Applause ]
-And now, without further ado,
Hmph!
it's time
to announce the winners
of this season's Panathenia!
And the winners are--
[ Drumroll ]
[ Whispering ]
Oh, please.
- couple number two!
- [ Audience Gasping, Cheering ]
Yea!
Couple number two--
[ Girls Giggling ]
[ Mid-tempo Swing ]
Why don't you watch
where you're going?
But I didn't--
[ Girl ]
She's all wet!
- You think you're gonna be
a dancer someday, huh?
- Why not?
You need a partner to dance.
- Who'd wanna dance
with a loser?
-[ Girl ] What a freak!
Look! I think
she's gonna cry.
[ Girls Chanting ]
Crybaby! Crybaby!
Crybaby! Crybaby!
[ Chanting Fades ]
Crybaby! Crybaby!
[ Man ]
Watch it, Althea!
Whoops.
Whoa.
Ow! Ooh!
I'm sorry.
No, it's my fault.
I take up way too much space.
Huh?
Joke.
It was a joke.
[ Laughing ]
Oh, yeah!
Uh, anyway, thanks for
being so understanding.
Uh, could you tell me
which road leads to Croton?
That one.
Great.
I-- Well, thanks.
[ Hysterius ]
That means no jumping,
no leaping,
no lifting your partner
off the ground.
Remember, children,
the Muses grant us
inspiration,
but they can also
take it away!
We are simple mortals...
and must not aspire
towards their exalted realm.
Break the rules,
and you will be disqualified!
Any questions?
Then let's make this
the best Panathenia ever!
[ Onlookers Applauding ]
Hey.
Well, well, well.
Some people never learn.
You've got
two left feet, ducky.
You don't have a chance.
What did I ever do to you?
Well, for starters,
you were born.
- [ Gasps ]
- [ Girls Giggling ]
[ Girl ]
Nice move.
Stop wasting your time.
You need a partner
to enter the contest.
Yeah, right!
You see?
No one's crazy enough
to dance with you.
I'll be your partner.
[ Gasps ]
[ Man Narrating ]
This is the story
of a time long ago,
a time of myth and legend,
when the ancient gods
were petty and cruel,
and they plagued mankind
with suffering.
Only one man dared
to challenge their power--
Hercules.
Hercules possessed a strength
the world had never seen,
a strength surpassed
only by the power of his heart.
He journeyed the earth,
battling the minions
of his wicked stepmother, Hera,
the all-powerful
queen of the gods.
But wherever
there was evil,
wherever an innocent
would suffer,
there would be... Hercules.
- [ Screeching ]
- [ Roaring ]
Hail!
- You?
- Thought you might need a hand.
She's gonna need
a lot more than that.
You must be
as desperate as she is.
- Who's holding up the line?
- They are, Uncle.
This line
is for contestants only.
We are contestants.
Right?
- And who are you?
- I'm Hercules.
[ Onlookers Murmuring ]
Well, why didn't you
say so?
As magistrate of our fair town,
I humbly welcome you to Rumba.
- Uncle!
-I knew you had many
talents, Hercules.
I didn't realize
dancing was one of them.
Neither did I.
Actually, I've, uh,
never done this before.
I'm sure you'll do
just fine.
I look forward to seeing
some of your... moves.
Me too.
Now, if you'll excuse us,
we have to get back in line.
We have a contest
to enter.
Uncle, do something!
Don't worry.
They don't stand a chance.
I can't thank you enough!
Well, don't thank me yet,
Althea.
I have some moves of my own,
some steps I've been working on.
Don't worry.
We'll practice.
Boy, am I glad
I bumped into you.
Oh, that reminds me.
You, uh, you dropped this.
Thank you.
My mother gave this to me
before she died.
I would never have
forgiven myself
if I'd lost it.
She said
it would bring me luck.
I guess she was right.
[ Chuckles ]
W-W-Where we going?
Well, you can't practice
on an empty stomach.
And anyway,
you gotta meet my father.
Boy, is he gonna be impressed
when I bring home
the son of Zeus!
Hercules, huh?
Thought you'd be wearin'
a cape or something.
Daddy.
I tried,
but it just didn't fly.
[ Laughing ]
And what brings you
around these parts?
I was on my way
to meet a friend and--
And he decided
to stay a few days.
He hasn't got
anywhere to sleep.
I-- I-I was thinking--
Well, I was wondering,
maybe he could stay...
here?
You any good
with your hands?
Some people think so.
Of course he is!
I'm building a cistern
out back.
Got some logs
need to be moved.
I'd be glad to help.
All right, then.
You can stay in the barn.
[ Whispers ]
Yes!
Thank you.
[ Hercules Grunting ]
[ Sighs ]
It's lemonade.
[ Sighs ]
[ Sighs ]
I made it myself.
[ Clears Throat ]
Sorry about my father.
He never really got over
Mother's death.
Why didn't you tell him
the truth?
If he knew we had
entered the contest,
he probably wouldn't
let me leave the house.
He thinks dancing's
a waste of time.
I wouldn't want to go
against your father's wishes.
It wouldn't be right.
Hercules, please?
It's... been
a dream of mine,
ever since I was a little girl,
to dance at this contest.
Althea, it's just--
You saw the others,
how they treat me.
This is the only way
I can show them
I'm as good as they are.
If I give up now,
they'll never let me
live it down.
Please, Hercules!
Please?
Please!
All right, all right.
[ Squeals ]
Althea?
You have to tell your father
that you entered the contest.
I will.
Althea!
Beforethe contest?
Okay.
[ Giggling ]
Okay, here's the deal.
I'll do my routine once
so you can see it, and then
we'll do it step by step.
You stay here.
I need some room.
[ Exhales ]
All right.
- Are you all right?
- Shh, shh, shh, shh!
Wait till I'm finished!
[ Humming ]
[ Exhales ]
What do you think?
I think we're gonna
need some help.
Right.
[ Rumba ]
Aah! Aah!
[ Stops ]
[ Deejay ]
Ow! My eye!
[ Crashing ]
[ Dance Partner Whining ]
I'll never dance again!
What's the matter,
cupcake?
Oh, Uncle!
There, there.
What's troubling you,
my dear?
I'm never gonna win
with these stiffs
you keep sending me.
Now, now.
Of course you'll win.
You've won
three years running.
[ Sobbing ]
But you let Hercules...
enter the contest!
Hercules has never danced
a day in his life.
But this is
the dance capital
of Greece!
There's a dance school
on every corner!
Don't worry.
I've taken care
of everything.
I'm looking for a dance teacher.
Do you have any room
in your classes?
Please, miss, we're looking
for a dance teacher.
[ Door Slams ]
The contest
is in five days!
We don't stand
a chance.
A lot can happen
in five days.
Trust me.
Things will work out.
[ Tweeting ]
[ Rumba, Faint ]
[ Continues ]
Where's that music
coming from?
[ Tweeting Continues ]
Hercules?
[ Tweeting Continues ]
[ Woman ]
Oh, hello.
Welcome back.
[ Continues ]
[ Giggling ]
Oh, you clever bird.
Like snakes to a charm,
my darlings!
And I am,
oh, so charming.
Do I know you?
Well, where I come from,
across the seas of time,
I'm known as
the Mistress of Music,
the Queen of Crescendo.
But you can call me...
your new dance teacher.
[ Chuckles ]
You're a dance teacher?
The Widow Twanky
extraordinaire.
Known in all the ports
of the China Sea
as Mad Alice Cudlip,
inventress
of the Twanky Twiddle,
the most daring dance move
ever performed, and quite
illegal in these parts.
But if you're very, very good
I might teach it to you.
How did you know
we were looking for a teacher?
How does the porcu know to pine?
Why does the beaver give a dam?
What is the difference
between a duck?
Answer all these questions,
and there's nothing left to do.
dd You seem
a bit confused dd
dd A trifle unbelieving dd
dd The truth be told
I may seem old dd
dd But looks
can be deceiving dd
dd Don't be afraid
to take a chance dd
dd That's my philosophy dd
dd Just stick with me
and you will see dd
d
dd I'll teach you how to dance d
dd You'll reign
supreme dd
dd A dancing queen dd
dd And you'll look cool dd
dd You dancing fool dd
dd Honey, if you try dd
dd I know
you'll reach the sky dd
dd Just learn
to spread your wings dd
dd And fly dd
[ Vocalizing ]
dd And so, you see
just stick with me dd
dd And you too can be
so fancy-free dd
dd Darlings, if you try dd
d
dd I know you'll reach the sky d
dd Just learn
to spread your wings dd
dd And fly dddd
- Wow.
- So, what do you say?
[ Both ]
Sure.
Oh, good!
In order to dance,
one must be able
to move freely.
Now then, lesson
number one: rhythm.
Althea, what do we know
about rhythm?
- Beats me.
- Precisely!
You clever little girl!
Rhythm
is all about beats.
Good guess.
[ Heartbeat ]
There.
Do you feel the beat?
Uh... yeah.
[ Chuckles ]
Yes, I know.
You see, all life
moves to the rhythm of
our most glorious instrument--
the human heart.
[ Horse Whinnies ]
Rhythm is everywhere.
All you have to do...
is listen.
[ Heartbeat Continues ]
I can't hear anything.
Look.
[ Hercules ]
A man sawing wood.
Yes. You see?
And over there-- that man
banging away on his anvil.
See?
[ Heart Beating, Saw Sawing,
Anvil Banging ]
Mmm.
You see,
rhythm is life.
[ Various Sounds Continue
In Rhythmic Harmony ]
And the rhythm of life
is a powerful beat.
Come on.
Pick your feet up.
Don't be shy.
That's it.
Come on.
That's it! Come on!
[ Mutters ]
I feel so stupid.
[ Whimpering ]
[ Yells ]
[ Cat Yowls ]
Good night,
sweetheart.
Good night, Daddy.
Uh, good night, sir.
He misses Mother so much.
I wish I could see him
smile again.
Just once.
How long has it been?
She died when I was four.
I never really got a chance
to know her.
He-- He says
I'm as pretty as she was.
Do you think I'm pretty?
Well, yes, I--
I think you're very pretty.
I-- I--
[ Knocking ]
I'll get that.
The magistrate would like
a word with you.
Hmm.
Don't worry.
I'll be back soon.
[ Hysterius ]
Hercules.
Thank you for coming
on such short notice.
I must admit
you've caught us
a little bit off guard.
You're the first celebrity
we've had here,
and we've done nothing
to honor your gracious visit.
Well, I appreciate the thought,
but I'd rather you didn't.
And modest too.
You really are a...
hero.
Which is why
I would like to invite you...
to be our first
celebrity judge...
at the Panathenia.
Of course, you'd have to
withdraw as a contestant.
Well,
thanks for the invitation,
but I've already agreed
to be Althea's partner.
Ah, yes, that...
girl.
Between us adults,
I'm a little concerned
about her well-being.
Really?
She's been through
so much--
the death of her mother,
never really fitting in
with the other children.
I'm afraid if you
enter the contest and lose,
she'll be crushed.
We have no intention
of losing.
I think you may be
overestimating your chances.
If you really thought that,
we wouldn't be having
this conversation.
I'm glad you're here,
Hercules,
to comfort and protect
that poor girl,
but I do worry about
what might happen to her
after you've gone.
Believe me,
if anything happens to Althea,
I'll be coming back.
Have a good night.
Althea.
What are you
still doing up?
You changed your mind,
didn't you?
Not a chance.
We're in this together.
Nothing's gonna change that.
I don't know what I'd do
without you.
You're the best thing
that's ever happened to me.
I love you, Hercules.
This... isn't right.
I'm sorry.
Who am I kidding?
Stupid.Stupid.
Um...
I know this isn't
what you want to hear,
but what you're feeling,
it's not love.
I know what it means
to love someone, Hercules.
I'm not a little girl
anymore.
No. No, you're not.
You are a, uh,
beautiful young woman.
When the contest is over,
you won't forget about me,
will you?
Now, how could I possibly
ever forget you?
You will always be...
my first dance partner.
You're awfully quiet
this morning.
I feel like such a fool.
I'm so embarrassed.
Oh, don't be.
You said what was on your mind,
and that took courage.
[ Sinister Laughter ]
[ Althea Gasping,
Whimpering ]
What are we gonna do?
[ Laughter Continues ]
Hercules!
[ Grunting ]
Come on! Hold on tight!
Don't look down!
Huh?
[ Clears Throat ]
[ Screaming ]
I've got you. Come on.
You ready for
your next lesson?
What do you mean?
Balance.
I feel like a hamster.
[ Grunts ]
[ Whimpering, Sobbing ]
They tried to kill us.
Althea, look at me.
Come on, look at me.
I can't do this!
It's not worth dying for!
But it is
worth fighting for.
I will not let
anything happen to you.
Besides,
you were great.
Late. Late, late,
late, late, late!
Sorry we're late,
but we had to do a little
practicing of our own.
Oh, practicing?
Is that what you call it
these days?
Mucking about,
discovering appendages
you never even knew you had.
Ooh, you are a nasty,
nasty little boy.
Put your hand out now!
Pardon me?
[ Gasps ] Don't you
"pardon me" me, you!
I shall give you "pardon me."
I shall "pardon me" you
into the middle of next week!
Now, hold that hand out--
right now, young man,
or there shall be
no lesson today.
Oh. That's quite
a strong hand, really.
Shapely forearm.
Look at the size
of those biceps!
Oh, he's huge!
Hold me.
[ Sighs ]
Uh, shouldn't we be
getting on with the lesson?
Oh. Yes, right.
Plenty of time
for that later.
Hey--
Now then, watch.
Now it's your turn.
- I can't do that.
- What do you mean?
You haven't even tried.
Go on.
[ Sighs ]
That's it. Yes.
Lift and breathe
and stretch!
[ Groans ]
- Oh.
- [ Grunts ]
Althea, you okay?
[ Sighs ] I told you
I couldn't do it.
If you say that once more,
I shall wash your mouth out
with soap.
Do you understand?
Yes.
Good.
Now...
close your eyes...
and feel the rhythm
of the steps.
That's it.
Let it flow
through you.
Off you go.
I did it.
[ Laughing ]
I did it!
All right!
She did it!
[ Weeping ]
I'm so happy.
[ Sarcastically ]
Yeah, right.
You'redreaming.
[ Sighs ]
What's your name?
Travoltus.
He'll do.
Have him fitted
for his costume.
Sir. Sir!
What'she
still doing here?
What's the matter?
Uh, Hercules and the girl
managed to... avoid
the accident this morning.
Oh, Uncle,
you promised!
Now, now!
You know I'm a man
who keeps his word.
It seems Hercules
has left us no choice.
Time for a more
hands-on approach.
Oh, that's what
youalwayssay!
Now I'llneverwin
the Panathenia!
Stop whining,
you blubbering brat!
[ Gasps ]
[ Snickering ]
[ Shrieking ]
[ Henchman Shouting ]
Your turn.
I... don't twirl.
Oh, of course you do,
you silly boy.
You do it every day.
I-I don't think so.
Oh. Really?
[ Yelling ]
[ Continues Yelling ]
[ Laughing ]
There. You see?
Youdotwirl.
You see, fighting,
in its very essence,
is like a dance.
And you, my hunky Herc,
are a natural.
Thanks, I think.
Now, tell me,
have you ever fought
with a partner?
Yes.
Mmm!
And what, perchance,
is his name?
Iolaus.
Iolaus!
Well, Hercules,
I know this'll be difficult,
but I want you to imagine,
for a moment,
thatIam Iolaus.
Now, I know it's a stretch
of the imagination,
but I would appreciate
the effort.
Now, then--
[ Gasps ] Oh, no!
We're surrounded!
[ Gasps ]
Completely defenseless!
What are we going to do?
[ Yelling ]
- Hah!
- Waaah!
[ Hooting, Grunting ]
That was great!
Yeah.
You're not bad.
You're not bad yourself.
[ Chuckles ]
But now you two must learn
to do that together.
Hercules, Althea,
do you promise
to trust each other,
to catch each other
when you fall,
and to move together...
as long as you both
shall dance?
[ Together ]
We do.
Then, darlings,
it's time to learn...
the Twanky Twiddle.
And this being
the most dangerous part,
because to any action
there is an equal
and opposite reaction.
[ Men Singing
In African Dialect ]
And back, and through,
and one, and two--
One and two!
Get it up!
[ Continues ]
dd La-la-la-la dd
dd Down-doo-doo-down dd
dd Hey, la-la-la dd
dd Hey, la-la-la, hey dd
dd Hey, la-la-la dd
dd Doo-doo-doo-doo dd
[ Man Vocalizing ]
[ Singing Continues
In African Dialect ]
dd Down-down-down
Down-down dd
dd Down-down-down
Down-down dd
dd Down-down-down
Down-down-down-down dddd
[ Vocalizing Continues ]
Righto, my darlings.
This is the one.
I know it.
I can feel it.
Off you go.
Ow! Ohh!
It's just too hard!
You can do this, Althea.
I know you can.
The contest is tonight.
I just don't think
I've got it in me.
That's exactly
what your mother said
all those years ago.
You knew my mother?
Oh, yes.
She was a pupil of mine,
and the most incredible dancer
this town has ever seen.
My mother was a dancer?
I've never seen anybody
with such a passion,
such a fire inside.
I never thought
I'd see anyone else
sparkle like that again...
till I saw you.
Why did my father
never tell me?
[ Sobbing ]
Althea, wait!
Why didn't you
tell me?
Tell you what?
That my mother
was a dancer.
Who told you that?
The Widow Twanky.
You've been dancing
behind my back.
Stop treating me like a child...
[ Sniffles ]
and start telling me the truth!
Please!
She did love to dance.
Winning the Panathenia
meant everything to her.
We would have too.
We?
You were her partner?
It was the happiest time
of my life.
She refused
to follow the rules,
so the magistrate
disqualified us.
We were banned
from the contest forever.
The truth is,
your mother died
of a broken heart.
[ Sighs ]
That's why I forbid you...
to enter the contest.
You can't stop me.
Elis--
How dare you.
I know you want
what's best for your daughter,
but... this is her dream.
I am trying to protect her!
If you really
want to protect her,
then encourage her, support her.
But if you don't
let her dance,
youwillbreak her heart.
[ Panting ]
Twanky!
- [ Gasps ]
- [ Muffled Yelling ]
Now, what is it they say, again,
to wish someone luck?
[ Chuckling ]
Oh, yes.
Break a leg.
[ Laughing ]
Break a leg. Get it?
[ Continue Laughing ]
Hey.
[ Twanky, Muffled ]
Hercules!
Let me guess.
You're, uh, looking
for a dance partner. Hmm?
- [ Grunts ]
- Sorry, but you're
not my type.
[ Grunting ]
[ Yelling ]
-Ohhh!
- [ Grunting Continues ]
- [ Yelling ]
-[ Horse Whinnies ]
Oh, Hercules,
I'm so glad to see you.
[ Muffled Yelling ]
You all right?
No, I'm not!
How they manhandled me!
And it's been so long.
Yeah. Well, uh, we should
get to the competition.
Wait!
You're not going
to the Panathenia
dressed like that!
It's all I ever wear.
I know, and I'm sick of it.
Come on.
[ Upbeat ]
Come, my dear.
Well, let's get straight to it,
shall we?
From the Dionysian Institute
of Danceology,
couple number one!
[ Audience Cheering,
Applauding ]
[ Mid-tempo Lounge ]
You better not
screw this up.
Althea.
I'm sorry I didn't
tell you the truth.
I was afraid.
You're so like your mother.
But Hercules was right--
You need to
follow your dream
wherever it takes you.
That's what she would
have wanted you to do.
Oh, Daddy!
Now go get ready...
and finish
what she started.
[ Continues ]
[ Continues ]
[ Ends ]
Weren't they wonderful?
[ Applause, Cheering ]
Let's give them
another round of applause!
And since there are
no more contestants,
the judges will now
select a winner.
[ Exhales ]
[ Door Opens ]
[ Audience Gasping ]
[ Whimpers ]
You're too late, Hercules!
The contest is over!
[ Violin: Solo ]
[ Rumba: Slow ]
Oh. Mmm. Mmm!
[ Continues, Faster ]
Get them
off that dance floor now.
Come on!
]
[ Continues
[ Groaning ]
[ Yelling, Grunting ]
[ Henchmen Chuckling ]
[ Yelling,
Grunting Continue ]
[ Audience Gasping ]
[ All Gasping ]
Oh, Uncle, do something!
[ Sputtering ]
[ Woman ]
Ohh!
Stop this outrage!
You have insulted the Muses
by breaking the rules,
and now they'll turn
their backs on us!
Wrong.
Do you understand?
Yes.
Good.
[ Grunting ]
[ Audience Cheering,
Applauding ]
Stop it!
The Muses inspire us
to find what's already
in our hearts.
But your magistrate
wants you to forget that.
Well, there is nothing wrong
with reaching for the sky.
Don't let his rules
keep you from trying.
Thank you. Thank you!
Well, you heard him!
What are you waiting for?
Let's dance!
[ Giggling ]
[ Upbeat ]
Come on, big boy.
I am your magistrate!
Stop this at once--
Aah!
Do you hear me?
Stop this! Stop it!
Stop this at once!
Oh, shut up!
[ Groans ]
[ Continues ]
Hey-hey! Hey!
I don't know how to
thank you enough.
You don't have to.
We did this together.
Well, how about
the last dance?
You know, I'd love to,
but I think I'm gonna
have to get in line.
Yeah!
[ All Murmuring ]
Go on.
Thank you.
[ Continues ]
And where do you think
you're going?
Actually, I'm gonna go see
my friend, Iolaus.
Oh, no, no, no,
you're not!
But he's--