From: sunken@gate.net Date: Sun, 9 Apr 1995 09:34:29 -0400 (EDT) The American Adventure Script 1.1 from EPCOT Center-Transcribed from the video tape that I have. Presented to the readers of r.a.d. The American Adventure is, in my opinion, one of the most highly crafted shows in any of the WDW parks. It's audio-animatronics and drama are unmatched. I hope you enjoy this script. Any additions or corrections are welcomed. Send mail to sunken@gate.net. Special thanks to the Kosters who provided the new version of the American Adventure's "Golden Dream" segment's script and corrections to the songs, etc. This script should be correct now. The show begins in complete darkness, as you hear the voice of Ben Franklin. Ben Franklin: In the beginning, America did not exist. Four centuries of work, bloodshed, loneliness, and fear created this land. We built America, and the process made us Americans, a new breed, routed in all races. A spotlight comes up on center stage, showing Ben Franklin, sitting behind a desk, reading a book with feathered pen in hand, while Mark Twain is rocking in a rocker next to the table, dozing off. Ben Franklin: ...stained and tinted with all colors, a seeming ethnic anarchy. Then in a little time, we became more alike than we were different. In society, not great, but fitted by our very thoughts of greatness. Ah, excuse me Mr. Twain. Mark Twain: Eh, what's that? Ben Franklin: Perhaps you recognize those inspiring words from one of America's great writers. Mark Twain: No, Dr. Franklin, I don't recall writing anything like that. Ben Franklin: Oh my, of course not. They're from the pen of John Steinbeck here in the 20th century. Why it seems he has nearly the same spirit as the founding fathers themselves. Mark Twain: Well, listen to the proud younger statesman. Ben Franklin: Mr. Twain, pride is one of our national passions. Even those who overcome it, are proud of their humility. Mark Twain: Easy now, I was born modest. Fortunately, it wore off. Ben Franklin: Hoho. Mark Twain: Dr. Franklin, as our genuine American antique, I suppose our story begins with you. The back screen opens with a painting of the Four Winds, blowing across the ocean, projected onto the curtain froma back projector, meanwhile the desk sinks down below the horizon, as Dr. Franklin speaks. Ben Franklin: Actually it started long before even my time. It started when dreams and visions of a new world were shrouded in the myths and legends of an old world. The scene changes to five ships being blown by the wind. Ben Franklin: Finally through those early mists of uncertainty sailed the first great adventurers. This tiny ship is the Mayflower. Now, the Mayflower appears, projected on the curtain. Ben Franklin: Carrying pilgrims in search of their dream, a dream of religious freedom. The curtain rises and as it does, the Mayflower painting under it changes and Ben speaks once again. Ben Franklin: So if you'll pardon an old man's pride, to me, this is the beginning of the American Adventure. The first song in the show begins. Images complement the pictures of the words to the song. Male Singer: There's a land cross this ocean, I'm waiting to see. A land for these people who dream to be free. So stand by the mainsail, the fierce storms will race aloft with our king mates King Neptune we'll face. Paintings are shown of the Mayflower's deck and mast as the song continues. You think that these landlubbers never would last, this cargo of pilgrims, twelve weak for the mast. Another painting showing the sick people on the voyage, below deck. It's "Land ho!" me hardies, at last we've arrived. and praise thee to God, nearly all have survived. Still another painting of the pilgrims landing on Plymouth Rock, taking their first step on shore. But look o'er this wilderness, brings me to dread, that the first bitter winter will leave 'em all dead. A haunting portrait of a woman kneeling by a grave of a loved one. This painting zooms out as the music continues. They call themselves pilgrims, these poor wretched souls. With a dream to be free, in the new world, their goal. Ben Franklin: Yes, far from welcoming the early settlers, this land severely challenged them. It was a struggle for survival that gained but a tiny toll in a vast untamed wilderness. A painting of a colonial town by the dock, fills the screen in back. Ben Franklin: In the decades that followed, a new challenge began to emerge. We were growing more and more apart from the mother country. Passion began to govern and she never governs wisely. Colonist #1: Ha, the British think it's fools we be. If they tax our trade, then our lives be next, then soon, all else be possessed. Colonist #2: Well now, you ask for the defense against the threats. Should you not help pay for it? A painting (first the left half) fills the screen, depicting a colony meeting hall, with a man pointing at the other. Colonist #3: Parliament's colonial policy is both arbitrary and unjust. A rather stuffy man makes up the right hand part of the painting, which now covers the screen, as he replies. Colonist #4: That's nonsense. The same tea that costs you three shillings a pound, cost us six. A painting of one of the ships in the harbor, in which tea is being dumped off the side, in cases. Ben Franklin: First we spoke out with our voices, then we spoke out with action, with a growing defiance, that led to the Boston Tea Party. The screen goes dark, and a beautiful glass scroll, taking up the entire stage area, comes down from the ceiling. It's the proclamation of King George III, enscribed in flourescent colors. A black light shines upon it. Cryer: Hear Ye, Hear Ye! By royal proclamation, his majesty, King George III hereby... Woman: Look they are closing the harbor. Man: But surely we can work something out. Our King feels we've wronged him. Woman: Your king Tory! Either we cut the ties to England, or we surrender our liberties. Ben Franklin: Finally, the time had come to speak with one voice, in a declaration of independance. The glass is lifted, and a scene arises of Thomas Jefferson in his loft, surrounded by papers on the floor and desk. In his hand is a pen and an exhausted look is upon his face. At this point, Ben Franklin climbs the stairs (a first for an AA character to do). Ben Franklin: Good evening, Mr. Jefferson. Have you finished the new draft yet? T. Jefferson: Those are new drafts all over the floor Dr. Franklin. It seems that one stroke of this pen, brings two changes from Congress. I told you John Adams should have written this. Ben Franklin: Oh, by his own admission, you can write circles around him. T. Jefferson: Mr. Adams has not been prisoner in this loft for 17 days. I shall continue tomorrow. Ben Franklin: You must continue now! Ben walks across the stage. Ben Franklin: Thomas, it is difficult to make 13 clocks chime at the same time, but we must carefully justify separation. T. Jefferson: Dr. Franklin, while you slept soundly through the meeting this afternoon, we did manage to justify separation. As he reads the part of the declaration, the blue screen that had been the background, fades to reveal a colonial town and above it, The words of the declaration of independance. T. Jefferson: We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Various scenes of the revolutionary war play through here, as the second song is sung by a male singer. Male Singer: In the days of '76, my boys, we never must revere That every man takes his musket up and fight for freedom dear. We'll hit the flanks Of the Redcoats' ranks as Yankee volunteers. Oh, tis a great delight to march and fight, But it's getting tough, I fear... The scenery, both image, and Audio-Animatronics (TM) come up in perfect sync in this scene of Valley Forge. We see cannons, and in the shadow, George Washington atop his horse (AA), at stage right. On the other side, two frostbitten soldiers (AA) in rags. Soldier #1: I shan't spend another night here. Soldier #2: Least you got shoes mate, not a dozen that can say that. Soldier #1: Don't tell me friend. Tell the good general then. Tell him that half his camp has typhose, small pox, or dysentery. Soldier #2: There be not a ration amongst us. Now we can forage for hickory nuts. Soldier #1: Aye, while the English overindulge in our Philadelphia's fine food and drink! Soldier #2: 'Tis a strange world we shoulder, George Washington, Congress sleeps warmly in York. Soldier #1: And the British, the British party in Philadelphia. Soldier #2: While we freeze or starve to death in Valley Forge. As it came up, the scenery goes back down in perfect sync and one the background is clear of nothing but clouds, the image moves forward, like in 3D. A great visual effect. The song continues. Male Singer: In the days of Valley Forge, my lords, forever we must hail We fight the cold with bags on our feet, as the lobster backs regail Oh, the time will come When they'll be on the run As their ships will homeward sail. Oh it's a great delight to march and fight Along the victory trail... 'Tis a great delight to march and fight Along the victory trail! The montage of Revolutionary War paintings ends and the screen becomes the eastern part of the US, showing the 13 states. Ben Franklin: In the end, we the people, prevailed and achieved perhaps our greatest dream. Thirteen very different colonies became the United States of America, and we were free to become an entire nation of dreamers and doers. Mark Twain: Western bound, Dr. Franklin, to new frontiers! Ben Franklin: To the age of Samuel Langhorn Clemens. Several images accompany the dialog, men on horses, indians, a woman with an oxen plow, and a panhandler. Mark Twain: Well, I like to think that Mark Twain was part of all that. There is a short musical interlude before Mark Twain continues. Yes sir, Dr. Franklin, you founding fathers gave us a pretty good start, don't ya know. We still had some things to learn the hard way. It seems a whole bunch of folks found out that "We the people", didn't yet mean all the people. Folks like Frederick Douglas. As Mark speaks of slavery, the scene changes to the Mississippi River and a raft carrying a black man with a lighted lantern enters from stage right, floating against a moving backdrop. F. Douglas: Even amidst the cricket song here along Mark Twain's beloved Mississippi, I hear the noise of chains and the crack of the whip. Yet there's hope. Hope born from the words of Harriet Beacher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin has given our nation a key, which can unlock the slave prison to millions. Anti-Slavery is no longer a thing to be prevented. It has grown too abundant to be snuffed out, like a lantern. While he speaks, his boat slowly drifts back to the right, until the lantern goes out and the screen goes dark. Then out of the darkness comes the next segment. Brother: Trouble makers like Douglas got us into this mess. The lights fade up to see a family posing for a picture. The mother carries a baby in her arms, the father stands next to the daughter and the two brothers argue back and forth behind them. The scene is taken from the true life civil war drama of two brothers on both sides of the slavery argument. Brother #2: We only wanted freedom, not war. Brother: Well listen to my abolitionist brother. Pa, he's gonna make a real good Billy Yank. Brother #2: We got a good cause, Johnny Reb. Father: Quiet, both of ya! You're going to ruin Ma's birthday! Mother: No, no, ain't nothing going to ruin today. We are all together, that's what counts. Mr. Brady appears with a newly invented camera and gunpowder flash on stage left. Mother: Now you go ahead Mr. Brady! Mr. Brady: Alright everybody, hold real still now... The camera flashes and the music begins on a very slow and beautiful song. During which photos from the civil war as they related to the two brothers are shown, starting with Mr. Brady's picture. Female singer: Two brothers, on their way. Two brothers on their way, Two brothers on their way, One wore blue and one wore grey. One wore blue and one wore grey As they marched along their way The fife and drum began to play all on a beautiful morning. One was gentle, one was kind One was gentle, one was kind One came home, one stayed behind A cannonball don't pay no mind. A cannonball don't pay no mind if you're gentle or if you're kind It don't think of the folks behind all on a beautiful morning, all on a beautiful morning... The song ends with the picture taken by Mr. Brady. The brother who does not return fades out, leaving the family alone. Then this too vanishes as Ben Franklin takes up the narration. While he speaks the following words, various scenes from of rebuilding fill the screen. Ben Franklin: At last, the terrible civil war ended and time had come to rebuild our shattered nation. And a new wave of immigrants would help us do it. From around the world they came, these new Americans. A thousands noble currents, wrapped up, all pouring in at once. Seems there was a new dawn coming for the American Adventure. A sunset sky now illuminates the back screen, as an indian chief rises from stage right. Chief Joseph: Enough! Enough of your words! Let your new dawn lead to the final sunset on my people's suffering. When I think of our condition, my heart is heavy. I see men of my own race treated like outlaws or shot down like animals. I hope that all of us may be brothers with one country around us and one government for all. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more. Forever... Joseph disappears as the sunset fades into a starfield, during which time Mark Twain returns to speak some more. Mark Twain: The wisdom of the Great Chief Joseph, reminded us once again of our long painful journey through the frontiers of human liberty. The camera pans down on the back film, and we are now in the Great Hall in Philadelphia, where hundreds of inventions were introduced. In front, four "booths" rise up. From left to right, we have Mark Twain, Alexander Graham Bell, Andy Carnegie, and Susan B. Anthony. S. Anthony: Woman has shown equal devotion with man to the cause of freedom. Together, they have made this country what it is. We ask justice, we ask equality, be guaranteed to us and our daughters forever. Mark Twain: Well here we are, back in the heat of Franklin's Philadelphia again. We are a hundred years old today. We came a long way in that first century. Like Susan B. Anthony, we're still speakin' out. A.G. Bell: And why shouldn't we Mr. Twain? S.B. Anothony: As Tom Edison says, "Discontent is the first necessity of progress." Mark Twain: Edison, ah? I'm afraid I don't place the name. Andy Carnegie: Edison is that young phonograph inventor. Why this great hall is filled with new inventions. There's Otis elevators. Cole's magnificent steam engines... A.G. Bell: And don't forget me telephone, the true hallmark of progress. Mark Twain: Ah hah, behold the proud scots! Andy Carnegie: That's right, Carnegie Steel built this place. A.G. Bell: Aye, and it will soon build a new concert hall for New York. Mark Twain: Oh, Carnegie Hall eh? It'll never last. Donating libraries. Andy, that's a grand idea. Andy Carnegie: 'Tis an age for grand ideas. A.G. Bell: An era for innovation. S.B. Anthony: A dawn for new awareness. Mark Twain: A time to challenge the frontiers of a new century... A cartoon like set of Dioramas fill the screen, as the booths fade down. Each depicts a look at inventions, like trolleys, movies, the light bulbs, etc. In the far left upper corner, a plane flies out of it's frame and flies across the screen, as Mark Twain speaks about the country's change. Mark Twain: Yes, sir. We soared into the 20th century on the wings of invention, and the winds of change. But our "America, the Beautiful," view was changing too, and we needed people like Teddy Roosevelt, and an outspoken naturalist, John Muir, to get our attention. T. Roosevelt: Beautiful! Bully beautiful! Those falls are magnificent! John Muir: Aye, Mr. President, but it won't last if the timber thieves have their way. T. Roosevelt: John, you may be right, but the country's growth is putting a tremendous demand on our resources. John Muir: Any fool can destroy trees. Why for more than three thousand years, God has cared for our giant sequoias, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches and floods, but he cannot save them from fools. T. Roosevelt: Now John, you know I can't ask lumbering to stop completely. John Muir: All I ask is that we stop massive destruction. What will our children inherit? Seedlings? T. Roosevelt: Of course not! I realize that we are not building this country for a generation alone. I know we've got to expand our parks. John Muir: Then start it here and now. Make this valley a part of Yosemite National Park. The sunlit sky journeys upward, as the rock that Roosevelt and Muir were standing on, sinks into the stage. Mark Twain: Well I guess we needed those national parks. Seems the simple life of my day was slipping away. Then when the sky is fully in view, the scene changes to a dog fight, as Mark Twain introduces the next segment. Mark Twain: Ready or not, we were soon thrust into the hectic role of a world leader, and into the war to end all wars... Footage from World War I biplanes, from what appears to be old news clips. A picture of the Sopwith Camel, with the caption, "Another enemy aeroplane falls to America's gallant ace Captain Eddie Rickenbacker." Then the scene changes to the tickertape parade for Charles Lindbergh, and then his picture, as the news report is heard. Newsman: More than 33 grueling non-stop hours after his departure from New York, Captain Charles Augustus Lindbergh successfully landed his Spirit of St. Louis in Paris last week. Lucky Lindy's solo flight across the Atlantic has certainly placed him among the greatest in a long line of American pioneers. While the next scene comes on stage an a flickering of lights, a stage is lifted, and a part of the following scene is put in place. It's a good effect, as you don't remember seeing it done. While it does so, a radio report is heard in the background. Newsman #2: Today, Oct. 29, 1929. Wall Street became America's greatest wall of rubble. This stock market crash has tarnished the golden dreams of millions. Perhaps one of the most elaborate sets in the American Adventure. We are taken back to 1929, to a gas station on the outskirts of town. Gas is 18c a gallon and apples, 4 for a dime. Four men sit back. One plays a banjo, the other sells apples. One rocks in a chair, and the other stands by a screen door. A radio is on in the background. A storm rumbles on the back screen. The banjo player strums, and sings a short song. Banjo Player: Once I built a tower to the sun, brick and rivet and vine. Once I built a tower, now it's done. Brother, can you spare a dime? Seller: Spare a dime? Hehehe. Sure buy four of my apples, and I'll loan ya back the ten cents. Rocker: Hey Sam, I heard tell there's New York millionaires selling apples too. Seller: You means ex-millionaires, don't ya? Owner: Hey, it looks like the storm is finally letting up. Maybe the Sunday drivers will come out hunting for gas. Rocker: Ain't many folks will pay no 18 cents a gallon! Seller: Listen Fellahs, ole' FDR has been inaugurated! Franklin D. Roosevelt appears to the left of the gas station in back of a presidential podium. F.D. Roosevelt: The whole truth, frankly and boldly. This great nation will endure as it has endured, will revive, and will prosper. So first of all, let me assert my firm belief, that the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself. Seller: Yeah, I sure hope he's right. Folks could use a little prosperity around these parts. Will Rogers is heard on the radio, and as he is, he appears in front of a studio mike, to the right of the station. Will Rogers: Yessir, before this depression, we sure had enjoyed special blessings. Rocker: Hold it, I think that's Will Rogers... Will Rogers: But ya know, it seems to me, that we was a mighty cocky nation. We had begun to believe that the height of civilization was an automobile, a radio, and a bathtub. Course now we're a lot smarter. Now Congress wants to trim down the Navy, so it will fit in the bathtub too. Ya know, it seems to me that we're the only nation in the country, that waits 'til they get into a war, before we start getting ready for it. He vanishes and the radio is heard once again with an important announcement. Radio Announcer: Yesterday, December 7th, 1941, a date that will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and ground forces... The gas station fades away and we are taken into a ship yard, where Rosie the Riveter is welding a piece of a battleship. On the deck, a crew member is gazing about with binoculars. The radio is playing Voice of America. It's Christmas, and "I'll be Home for Christmas" is playing. The song ends as the radio announces. Radio: Yes, that was dedicated to you, Rosie, tens of thousands of you across the face of America working tonight to keep our boys in the fight. We wish all of you out there, a very Merry Christmas. Sailor: Well Rosie, think you'll ever get this old tub back in the fight? Rosie: We'll sure try sailor. Hey, what did you fellas do, let the whole Nazi fleet use you for target practice? A worker on a lift is pulled up from inside the engine port. It's a woman dirty from work. Worker: Yeah, No wonder they got us working double shifts. A great way to celebrate the holidays with our guys over there. Rosie: Cheer up Jane, maybe we'll all be together by next Christmas. The battleship and the dock sinks into the stage, and the screen turns purple as an eagle flies across. The song is called the Golden Dream and is sung during a montage of scenes. Male Singer: America, spread your golden wings Sail on freedom's wind, across the sky. Great bird, with your golden dreams flying high, flying high. Female Singer: Restless one in a world of change, keeping dreams aloft in the rain. Spirit free, soaring through the clouds of time, of time. Male Singer: America, you must keep dreaming now Dreaming the promised vow of your pioneers America, keep on flying now. Keep your spirit free. Facing new frontiers. President Kennedy is shown during his famous speech, as well as his assassination. During which he speaks from his speech. J.F.Kennedy: And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King then is shown from his speech. Rev. King: I have a dream this afternoon, that the brotherhood of man will become a reality in this day, with this faith. Then from the Flight of Apollo 11, the first manned lunar landing/walk on the moon, 25 years ago, July 20, 1969 [Special events at Disneyland and at the Space Center in Houston. Nasa's Johnson Spaceflight Center Visitors Center was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering]. Apollo 11 Radio: Three feet down, two-and-a-half, kicking up some dust, four forward, four forward, drifting to the right a little, contact light, okay, engine stop. Ground Control: We copy you down Eagle. Apollo 11 Radio: Tranquility Base here, the Eagle has landed. The song begins again for it's final verse and chorus. Female Singer: Spirit free, you must keep flying now, Reaching to touch the sky on the winds of change. Oh restless one, search for brighter days, Soaring through stormy skies With our head held high. Both: America, spread your golden wings Sail on freedom's wind across the sky. Great bird with your golden dreams, Flying high, flying high, Flying high, flying high! As the music fades down, the scene changes to New York Harbor, where the Statue of Liberty is being saluted with fireworks. Then as the camera flies by the statue, the torch comes up from the stage, with Ben Franklin and Mark Twain standing on its platform. Ben Franklin: Well, Mr. Twain, what do you think of our America now? Mark Twain: I think the founding fathers never dreamed of an America like this. Ben Franklin: Of course not! We weren't dreamers. We were visionaries. That is why our constitution withstands the rigors of time. Mark Twain: Easy now, Dr. Franklin! This nation's still just a youngster, don'tcha know? Why, some countries have been around for fifty centuries. We're, uh, barely into our third. Ben Franklin: That's true, but look what we've accomplished in that tiny span of time! Mark Twain: My dear doctor, earlier you found John Steinbeck so inspiring, but he also sounded this warning. "We now face the danger, which in the past has been the most destructive to the humans: Success, plenty, comfort and ever-increasing leisure. No dynamic people has ever survived these dangers." Ben Franklin: I may have invented these bifocals I'm wearing, but I can assure they are not rose-colored. Mr. Twain, the golden age never was the present age, but with human liberty we can fulfill the promise and meaning of America. To everyone a chance, believed Thomas Wolfe, to all people regardless of their birth, a right to live, to work, to be themselves, and to become whatever their visions can combine to make them. This is the promise of America! Mr. Twain, 'tis easy to see, hard to foresee, but I foresee the American Adventure to continue a long, long time! The sun in the back of the statue turns to sunrise. The curtain rises on the statues on both sides of the theatre, with a starlit background as the music continues. All Singers: America, you must keep dreaming now Dreaming the promised vow of your pioneers. America, keep on flying now. Keep your spirit free, Facing new frontiers. America, spread your golden wings Sail on freedom's wind across the sky. Great bird, with your golden dreams, Flying high, flying high, flying high! America! Keep on flying high! The curtain lowers as Ben Franklin and Mark Twain bid a final farewell via a wave. The images during "Golden Dream" are many. I don't know all of them as I only have one tape of the new version of American Adventure. These are the ones I noticed. There are several missing. If you can fill in the gaps, it would be appreciated. The Raising of the flag at Iao Jima The War is Over Norman Rockwell Leonard Bernstein Judy Garland Douglas MacArthur Mary Martin Bob Hope Dwight D. Eisenhower Marlon Brando Eleanor Roosevelt Marilyn Monroe Hank Aaron Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer (not sure which) Johnny Carson Lucille Ball Walt Disney (with a sparkle from Tink) Albert Einstein Louis Pasteur (I think) Frank Sinatra Dizzy Gillespie Ella Fitzgerald Elvis Presley John F. Kennedy The funeral of J.F.K. Rev. Martin Luther King civil rights marches The moon Lunar lander of Apollo 11 Buzz Aldrin The eagle again. Gloria Vanderbilt Billy Jean King Jim Henson & Kermit Vietnam & Vietnam Memorial The Shuttle Crew Ronald Reagan Ryan White The US Hockey Team Mary Lou Retton Kristy Yamagushi Magic Johnson and the eagle again for the third time... Transcribed by for the readers of r.a.d. No money was received for the preparation of this document.