Secret of Moonacre, The (2008)

[bunniefuu]

Lord, we commit the body of your son,

Colonel George Herbert Merryweather,
to the ground.

Earth to earth, ashes to ashes,

dust to dust,

in the sure and certain hope of
the resurrection into eternal life.

What the Lord giveth,
he also taketh away.

The fever of life is over.

Ah, Miss Merryweather.

[DOOR SLAMS SHUT]

"This being the last will
and testament

"of Colonel George Herbert Merryweather
of London."

Er... h-h-he... lost it all?

Mm.

Including the house?

No! No, Papa can't have been in London.

Why, he wrote to me and said
that he was coming home.

He wouldn't arrive and not...

[SOBS]

Ah, well, your father
did leave you this book...

...as your inheritance.

The Ancient Chronicles
of Moonacre Valley.

I know this is hard,

but, you know, I'm sure
that your father did... did love you.

He... he just...

And, you know, everybody does have
to go out on their own

at some point in their lives and...

Miss Heliotrope, I'm fine! Really.

Yes. Mm-hm.

Mm-hm.

[MARIA] Once upon a perfect time,

many hundreds of years ago,

when the old magic
came to Moonacre Valley...

...there was a young woman
whose skin gleamed as pale as a star,

and whose heart
was as pure as moonlight.

Such was her bravery and goodness,
she was beloved by nature,

as if she were its own daughter.

One fateful night,
the moon blessed her

with an extraordinary gift

that would change
the magic of the valley forever.

The moon pearls.

From that day forth,
she was known as the Moon Princess.

Two ancient families lived
in harmony at the edge of the valley,

sharing nature's bounty.

Daughter of the De Noir clan,
the Moon Princess fell deeply in love

and was to be married
to Sir Rolf Merryweather.

Her father, Sir William De Noir,
blessed the union

by presenting the couple
with a rare black lion.

For my daughter's bridegroom...

[LION ROARS]

[GASPS]

[ROARS]

Thank you, Father.

In turn, Sir Rolf gave his bride a unicorn,

lured from the wild white horses
of the sea.

Only an animal
of such beauty and purity

could be the companion
of a moon princess.

Her heart overflowing
with happiness,

the Moon Princess revealed
the magical pearls to both families.

Nurtured fathoms deep
in the heart of the ocean.

These pearls were given to us
by Mother Nature herself,

promising untold riches to us all.

Look. They have a unique power.

They can reveal the truth
in men's hearts.

Legend told of their unique power,

so strong the pearls
would grant every wish,

both good and evil.

- [MAN] Goodbye, Miss Merryweather.
- Goodbye.

- Goodbye.
- Bye, miss.

You'll be Miss Maria Merryweather, then.

My man! Quick!

[CLOCK CHIMES]

Ma'am.

Yes.

Get on with you!

- Goodbye.
- Ma'am.

Yes, yes, yes.

Miss Heliotrope...

Maria... when your dear mother died,

I promised her faithfully
that I would take care of you.

So I'm not going to abandon you now.

If you're going
to live with your uncle

amongst the rigours
of the countryside,

then I shall be there with you.

[BELCHES]

Eugh! Where are my charcoal tablets?

Oh, this is doing nothing
for my indigestion.

[SIGHS] I'm an absolute martyr
to my stomach.

[SCREAMS]

How can I possible go
to live in the country?

It's full of... the countryside.

Aah!

[HORSES NEIGH]

Maria, there is only one thing
that can save us now.

[BOTH] Classical French needlepoint.

Halt!

[MAN SINGS]

[SINGS]

[MARIA] What's happening?

Have we arrived?

[MISS HELIOTROPE] Is he deaf or something?

The man's obviously a halfwit.

- [SCREAMING]
- [MAN] Take the old one!

[SCREAMING]

Check her pockets!

Aah!

[HORSE NEIGHS]

Aagh!

[MARIA] Who were they?
What did they want?

[MISS HELIOTROPE] Don't worry, my dear.
Sir Benjamin will protect us.

I'm sure of that.

Ladies.

Oh!

Welcome to Moonacre.

Unfortunate circumstances.

There we are. Nothing to be done.

I'm pleased to meet you, Uncle.

Miss Heliotrope.

Oh, Sir Benjamin,
what a journey we've had!

Oh, not one hour from this very door,

we were accosted
by a bunch of ruffians...

Madam, please.

I'll hear your fascinating story
some other time, if I may.

[DOG PANTING]

[MISS HELIOTROPE GASPS]

His name is Rolf.

There are those
who find him alarming.

He can k*ll in an instant.

But you're a Merryweather.

He very probably won't harm you.

Miss Heliotrope, your room is over there,
on the right.

Oh, thank you, Sir Benjamin. Yes...

Well, come along, Maria. I'm sure
that your room will be next to mine.

No, Maria's room is up in the tower.

But, Uncle, I...

Perhaps you'd like to inspect your room
first before you turn your nose up at it.

[HUMS]

Good night, Uncle.

Charmed, I'm sure.

[DOOR CREAKS]

What on earth is this?

Oh, no.

No, I think not.

Huh?

Hmm.

Young lady, we're taking breakfast
through here.

- Where did you get this from?
- Oh, Papa left it to me.

Well, he had no right to.
This belongs here.

But that's mine!

Miss Heliotrope!

Tell him! Tell him he can't take
my father's book from me!

Maria! Good gracious!
Where's your self-restraint?

- He can't just go round thinking...
- Maria!

Don't worry. I'm sure he's just
keeping it safe somewhere for you.

Sit down. Have your porridge.

- Miss...
- Mm-hm.

That'll be your breakfast, miss.

Maria, you really must try
this delicious kedgeree.

Mmm. A dish best enjoyed
in silence, I'm told.

Oh. Oh... interesting.

Uncle, you ought to return
my father's book to me.

Well, you certainly have
a very good cook, Sir Benjamin.

Have you...? Have you had her long?

Madam, no woman has set foot
in this house for years

and, believe me, the
silence has been blissful.

Oh. [GIGGLES NERVOUSLY]

Well, I must say... this country food

is doing wonders
for my trapped wind.

Cat's teeth! Can't a man enjoy a meal
in his own home in silence?

Well, do tell us, Uncle.

Why did you invite
such irritating noisy females

into your nice quiet house?

I'd love to know.

My useless brother dies in debt
and it falls on me to take you in.

The man was
a cowardly good-for-nothing.

- Sir Benjamin!
- How dare you say that!

My father was a colonel!

Yes, and he died in debt
owing money to half the regiment!

He fought for his country.

And got himself k*lled
in a backstreet gambling den.

Borrowed money once too many times
from the wrong money lenders.

[SIR BENJAMIN SIGHS]

He wouldn't take money from me,
would he?

Oh, no. Damn fool and his pride!

You are a Merryweather, Maria.

And this is where you belong.
Here at Moonacre.

[SIGHS]

There we are.
There's nothing else to be done.

[BELCHES]

Library private
and my study prohibited.

And in here...

...the east wing closed.

The west wing out of bounds.
There we are. In here...

Uncle, about that attack yesterday.
Can't something be done?

- Yes, keep your little nose out.
- I beg your pardon?

Just keep out of the forest.

But why? Who are they?

There is a band of ruffians
in the woods.

The De Noir clan.

You mean like the De Noirs
in the storybook?

Oh, no, no. These are real enough.

Poachers, bandits, plunderers,
the lot of them.

Ladies... this should suit your needs.

And this will be your classroom.

[DOOR SLAMS SHUT]

[SPEAKS FRENCH]

[HORSE NEIGHS]

[GASPS]

[SCOFFS]

[GASPS]

Digweed, bring me my whip.

- You weren't expecting me to...
- She can't ride, can she?

Sir Benjamin, it is a medical fact that a lady
should never be allowed to sit upon a horse.

Th-Th-they are unstable
and they are vicious... creatures.

It... [SHRIEKS]

- Oh!
- [SQUELCHING]

Oh, oh, dear!

[DIGWEED] That'll be the
horse nuggets, miss.

[GIGGLES NERVOUSLY]

Oh, I think, Sir Benjamin,

it might be an appropriate moment
for me to retire.

I-I-I... Excuse me.
Take care, Maria, my dear!

Come, Maria.

Every Merryweather can ride.
It's in the blood.

This is Periwinkle.

She's a little feisty
but she's a loyal steed.

Just hold out your hand.

I give you my word.

It'll stay attached
to your wrist, miss.

You see, miss. She knows.

[NEIGHS]

- You're getting on well with Periwinkle.
- Yes, Uncle. She's a bit feisty.

We should be heading back.
It's getting late.

Uncle, I'm really enjoying this.
Could I stay out a little longer?

As long as you promise
to stay within Moonacre boundaries.

Remember,
I can only vouch for your safety

if you stay out of the forest.

I shall be home before long
and Periwinkle will take good care of me.

Very well.

- Come, Atus.
- Goodbye, Uncle.

What's so special
about the forest, anyway?

[BIRD CALL]

You stay here.

[BIRD CALL]

You poor little thing!
Who did this to you?

Here. How do you open this?

One trap, two catches.

- What do you want?
- [LAUGHS]

That's girls. Catch an animal,
they can't resist coming to help.

I know who you are.
You're bandits and plunderers!

[JEERING AND LAUGHTER]

- My turn.
- Whoo!

- You!
- You're coming with us now.

My father is just dying
to make your acquaintance.

[GROWLS]

Demon dog!

Robin, let's get out of here!

- [DOG BARKS AND GROWLS]
- Robin!

Thank you, you old demon dog, you!

Come on, little one.
Let me take you home.

Robin, it's your father!

What did I do to deserve
such a prize dolt for a son?

Hup!

[HUMS]

[DOG BARKS]

I hope Periwinkle gave you
an educational tour of the estate.

I... I have a wounded hare.

[LAUGHS] That, young lady,
is a rare Moonacre rabbit.

By far the more beautiful,
brave and serene creature.

As you've brought her in from the wild,
she's now your responsibility.

And with your knowledge of animals, I very
much doubt if she'll live to see the morning.

[SIGHS] Keep out of the forest, child.

Maria? Oh, goodness gracious!

Look at your... [HUFFS]

Dress.

Oh, really. [SHRIEKS]

[GROWLS]

Maria, there's something alive
in your bonnet.

Miss Heliotrope, please, calm down.

This is a Moonacre rabbit.

A beautiful, brave
and serene creature.

I intend to look after it.

Oh... [MUMBLES]

And I'm going to call her Serena.

[MARIA GASPS]

Uncle... I really think you and I
have some matters to discuss.

There are some very strange things
going on in this house.

For a start, who is it who leaves the
dresses and the biscuits in my room?

The stars on my ceiling move.

There's a mysterious
white horse outside.

This place is falling apart.

Things appear, things move,
the piano plays music on its own.

I mean, I've never even seen a kitchen,
so where on earth does this food come from?

Do you ever stop asking questions?

Uncle, I...

[DOOR SLAMS SHUT]

Sit down, my dear.

Hm?

- [WHINES]
- Rolf.

Where are we going?

[GROWLS]

[GASPS]

Rolf.

- Rolf!
- [BARKS]

Rolf!

Marmaduke Scarlet. Chef of all chefs.

At your service, little princess.

[GLASS SHATTERS]

How did you do that?

Cut me some chervil, will you?

Chop, chop. Neither dilly nor dally!

I'm not actually really sure
what a chervil is.

Never to mind. I'll get it.

[MARMADUKE CLEARS THROAT
AND GLASS SHATTERS]

Are you the one who leaves
milk and biscuits for me?

The oats and fruits so sweet
always makes a healthy treat!

These past few days,
it's all come back to me! [LAUGHS]

Lunar soufflé, astral meringue! [LAUGHS]

I've got my gastro back!

[LAUGHS]

Mr Scarlet, please. Will you
stand still for just one moment?

Surely somebody in this household
must be able to answer my questions.

Little princess, a little bit of magic
has come back to the valley.

You obviously haven't finished
reading the book.

The book? Papa's book?

But my uncle took it away from me.

Ah, in the library. Far side.

You'll find a snip volume.
Secret doors and private lockers.

Perhaps a piece of stargazer pie
while you study, hmm?

[MARIA] The Moon Princess truly believed
in the goodness of all.

But the men soon revealed the greed
that was in their hearts,

each desperate to claim
the power of the pearls for himself.

We are the chosen ones.

These pearls will stay
with the De Noir clan for ever.

Father...

Come. Be with me. Let Moonacre
be your home and me your family.

Speak true!

With the power in these pearls,
I can claim the whole valley for myself!

Oh, no. Together.

I mean,
together we could rule the valley.

These pearls belong to no man!
They belong to nature.

- Give them to me!
- No! Give them to me!

[MOON PRINCESS] No, no, no! I beg! Please!

Do not let your hearts
be ruled by greed.

Betrayed by those
she loved the most,

the Moon Princess unleashed the power
bestowed upon her

and cast a terrifying curse
over them all.

Hear me!

You have spurned the gifts of nature
and you shall suffer for it!

Nature will wreak her revenge
and put a curse upon this valley!

One day, a pure heart
will walk among you

and if she is not heard,
when the 5,000th moon rises from the sea,

this valley shall be plunged
into eternal darkness!

The moon pearls vanished that day

and where to find them
remained a secret.

Marmaduke, the house, the valley,
it's all...

[PANTING]

Cursed.

Oh, yes.

Take a look around you.

Everything is falling apart.

Ever since that terrible day,

the two families
have been totally consumed

with pride and blind hatred.

And the only person
who can break this curse...

...is a true moon princess.

The Moon Princess?
But she lived hundreds of years ago.

And legend tells
of a little white horse,

a mystical companion to protect her.

A magical creature.

Invisible, so they say, to anyone...
except a true moon princess.

You mean...
I'm supposed to be this...?

I'm supposed to undo this curse?

Everyone knows the legend.

Peace will never be restored

until the pearls are returned to the sea
and the families reunited.

This is all madness!

Time is slipping away.



Stop! Stop!
I don't want to hear another word!

You're all insane!



...times 13 for the moons per annum.

Plus...

...seven moons for this year.

That's...

That makes...



Oh, Serena, the very next moon that rises
will be the 5,000th moon.

[MARMADUKE]
Everyone knows the legend.

[MOON PRINCESS]
These pearls belong to no man!

They belong to nature.

[MARMADUKE]


[BENJAMIN]
You are a Merryweather, Maria.

[MAN 2] Moonacre can rot in hell!
[MAN 3] We are the chosen ones!

[SIR BENJAMIN]
Keep out of the forest, child.

[MARMADUKE]
Peace will never be restored.

[MAN] Revenge!

[SCREAMS]

I have to get out
of this unearthly place, Serena.

I don't want anything more
to do with this.

Miss Heliotrope
will take good care of you.

[WOMAN] Maria.

Maria.

[SCREAMS]

Who are you?

You look... just like the lady
in the painting.

Come along.

Oh, do come in.

Oh.

[GASPS] You naughty hedgehog!

In my favourite chair again!

You cheeky monkey.

- Ah...
- [HISSING]

Be nice and still.
Don't make any sudden movements.

- Then she won't be so scared.
- I'll try.

Oh, I was talking to the snake.

[LAUGHS]

I rescue as many injured
creatures as I can.

And are you the "I" embroidered on
all those strange dresses in my room?

Yes, I am.

My name is Loveday.

Geraniums wither and die.

Rosemary cures the shivers.

Our time is nearing its end, my dear.

The moon shall not love us forever.

You saw something, didn't you?
Didn't you?

- Tell me what you saw!
- I have to leave.

No, no, no, no. Forgive me.

I've frightened you, haven't I?

You see, I'm not used to visitors
and I do so want us to be friends.

It's no use, you know.
Your father, he tried to run away, too.

But there's nowhere to hide.

He sent you here
because he loved you.

Because Moonacre is where you belong.

You and I are the same.

Except...

Except?

Where I failed, you may succeed.

What about my uncle, Sir Benjamin?
Can't he help?

Never ever mention that man
to me again. Do you understand?

Your past is behind you.

Your future awaits you,
if you want it.

You decide.

I want to help.

I just don't know
what I'm supposed to do to begin.

Find the pearls.
Nobody knows where they are.

Each family blames the other
for taking them.

Well, they're both to blame.

The De Noirs took the casket
and we must have the key.

The key.

[LOVEDAY LAUGHS]

[MARIA] Now for the casket.
You have to take me there.

- Where?
- To the De Noirs.

You have to take me
to where they live.

[SQUAWKS]

[LOVEDAY MUMBLES]

[MARIA] There it is.

[MUMBLES]

Loveday, are you all right?

I'm sorry! I can never go back there!

Loveday!

Loveday! Loveday!

[DRUNKEN SINGING]

Come along, you!

[SHOUTING]

[LAUGHTER]

[CHATTERING]

[SQUAWKS]

Father, I've prepared a plan
to snatch the girl.

Don't go near Moonacre.
That house is damned!

No. Word here is
she's about to meet her downfall.

[SCREAMS]

Let go of me!

How kind of you to join us,
Moon Princess.

[GIGGLES]

Oh, oh, now what is this?

She has brought us
the lost key, gentlemen!

[LAUGHTER]

Because the terrible De Noirs

have had the moon pearls
hidden up here all the time,

haven't we?

Well, it's true, isn't it?
Your ancestor stole them!

My ancestor?

Well, perhaps, princess,
I should introduce you.

Maria Merryweather,
the last moon princess.

Sir William.

The very first Coeur De Noir.

The pearl casket.

And you so very kindly
brought us the key.

Oh!

You've hidden them!

They were never there, girl!

Your filthy Merryweather family took them.

Before he picked up the box,
they stole the pearls.

But soon the final moon will rise

and the thieving Merryweathers
will be punished!

And now that we have you here,

there's nothing anyone can do to stop it.

At last the entire valley will be ours.

And the De Noirs
will finally feast upon revenge!

[CHEERING]

- Leave me alone, you oaf!
- [LAUGHS]

For someone in your current predicament,
I have to admire your spirit.

[HE GROANS]

- Ooh.
- [LAUGHTER]

I told you she was feisty, Robin!

I wouldn't take that from her, Robin.
What are you gonna do?

- Sort her out.
- Hey, lock her in!

Right, sir.

Welcome to your new home!

Make friends with the c*ck.
Sweet dreams.

[ROBIN] Come on, let's go.
Guard, watch her. She's slippery.

Oh.

[SIR BENJAMIN] Where is that girl?

Unbelievable.

- Absolutely irresponsible!
- Irresponsible.

- Damn right foolhardy.
- Foolhardy... Foolhardy.

[GUARDS TALKING OUTSIDE]

[HORSE NEIGHS]

Oh, this dress!

Huh?

Come back, you little witch!
Come back!

- She's escaping!
- Come back!

Come back! You won't get away!

Stop her!

Stop her! Don't let her get away!

After her!

Princess...

What are you gonna do now?

[SCREAMS]

Quick! After her!

[GROANS]

She will never find
her way out of the forest.

Come on! After her!

[HORSES NEIGH]

- She can't have come this far.
- No. Let's try north.

[SQUAWKS]

How will we find her?

I want her k*lled!

I won't let her stop the curse.

Their death is our victory.

Stupid girl. You should have stayed
where you were.

Come on! Giddy up!

Robin.

Come on.

This way.

Oh, Rolf.

- [WHINES]
- Rolf.

Point me. Can you find the way home?

[DOG BARKS]

That demon dog
can't protect you forever!

[HORSE NEIGHS]

- [DOG BARKS]
- [MISS HELIOTROPE] Maria! Oh!

- That'll be Miss Maria home, then, sir.
- Oh. Oh.

Oh, Uncle... Uncle Benjamin,
Miss Heliotrope...

- I have such a story to tell.
- Maria, what...?

Where...?

Where are your...? Where are your...?

Miss Heliotrope!

- Are you all right, ma'am?
- Miss Heliotrope.

I'm perfectly all right, yes.

But where... where
are your clothes, my dear one?

How dare you come home
in this manner and at this hour!

I'm sorry but you don't know what happened.

I was... I was in the forest
and I got...

In the forest? Did I not expressly
forbid you to enter the forest?

Yes, but...
Listen, I have so much to tell you.

Go upstairs this instant
and tidy yourself up!

- But...
- Just do as your told!

You are not my father.

Maria, my dear...

- [KNOCK ON DOOR]
- [SIR BENJAMIN] Maria. Maria, open this door.

Listen.

It may be possible that I was...
a little bit on the firm side earlier.

The point is you were gone
for such a long time

and without even telling us.

I... We...

Miss Heliotrope
was beside herself with worry.

Maria.

[SIGHS]

I know that...

Well, given that women and I
don't always see eye to eye...

...it wouldn't be untrue to say that...

I'm glad that you're back.

Who put this back on the wall?

Digweed!
Digweed, come and take this away!

Soon there won't be any stars left, Serena.

The moon is getting closer and closer.

What are we going to do?

How could you leave me like that
in the forest?

This belonged
to the first ever moon princess.

Forgive me?

It fits you like a glove!

Oh, Loveday, this is all hopeless.

What?

I'm as far away from
actually finding the pearls as ever.

They have to be here somewhere.

Hidden.

Come on. Come with me.

Where? Downstairs?

Oh, no, no. I'm not going downstairs.

[PIANO PLAYING]

Isn't it bad luck for the groom
to see the dress?

I wanted you to see me just as I am
before the wedding.

And what does that mean?

Benjamin...

I have to tell you something.

Something I should have told you
a long, long time ago.

My darling, whatever is it, hmm?

I'm not who you think I am.

I'm a De Noir.

A De Noir?

I was brought up to despise the
Merryweathers but then I met you

and that changed everything.

- You've tricked me.
- No.

- Ah, you pretended to love me.
- No.

And all this time
you were plotting behind my back,

- trying to find those ridiculous pearls!
- No, Benjamin! Please, no!

It was your father
that sent you, wasn't it?

No. By marrying you,
I've lost his love forever.

But, Benjamin, don't you see?

Our love could bring
our families back together.

It could put an end to this curse!

Curse?
Oh, don't give me that nonsense!

And you've filled this house
with your De Noir flowers!

No, no! Please! Don't you understand?

Doesn't love change everything?

No, my dear.

But hate does.

So...

you missed your chance
to bring the families together?

He broke my heart.

I think he broke his heart, too.

But he let me be lost forever.

It must have been
quite a shock for him.

I mean...

maybe if you'd waited
for him to calm down...

- [SIGHS]
- Perhaps apologised.

Oh, me apologise?

Oh.

You don't understand, do you?

I'm starting to understand one thing.

The real curse of this valley is pride.

- Digweed, stop!
- That'll be the master's wishes.

Don't move a muscle. I'll be back.

[MISS HELIOTROPE] A girl like this
is known as a moon princess, is she?

[MARIA] Exactly.

Maria, tell me more about this curse.

Oh. Ooh!

- Ah.
- Good heavens.

There she is.

Each time a new moon princess arrives,

so does this picture.

But look at it! Look at it!

Erm...

Digweed, you can move now.

Oh, thank goodness.

Can't you see? There, look!

She's showing us.
She took the pearls.

Maria, are you telling us

that the moon princess herself
took the moon pearls?

Yes! Yes, and she's showing me
where she hid them.

Well, where? Where did she put them?

They're in a tree somewhere.
Out in the forest.

- Well, that's a help.
- No, I saw what was nearby.

I think I'd know it again if I saw it.

- Hmm.
- Hmm, what?

What?

There's only one person
who has walked the woods his whole life.

Someone who has it in his blood.

Robin? Impossible.

He's an arrogant so-and-so.

I never ever want to see him again.

It's a point of honour.
It's a matter of...

Pride?

- Good luck, little princess!
- Bye.

Whoa!

Wait! Wait!

No, Miss Heliotrope.

You won't stop me.

This is my home
and I'm going to fight for it.

Oh, no, no, no.
I know you have to do this.

I-I-I'm beginning
to understand a little.

I believe in you.

- Bye.
- Bye, miss.

- But be careful, my dear.
- I will.

That'll be the post, sir.

Loveday?

Princess, giving yourself up.
How good of you.

[GIGGLES]

Agh! Agh!

The great trapper trapped.

Let me down, you little witch!

Certainly.

- No, don't you dare!
- No?

Ow! Ow, my foot!

Agh! Aagh!

Thank you, darling Serena.
Off you go.

[ROBIN] Please!

[ROBIN GROANS]

Wait!

This is really hurting.
I can feel my head swelling.

Oh, no. It was like that before.

I will let you down,
if you do one thing for me.

- What?
- Just promise you will listen.

Say "I promise."

- Just say it!
- I promise.

- All right, you beat me. Let me down.
- Very well.

Agh! Agh!

[DOG BARKS]

[GROWLS]

What about him?

You're a De Noir.

He very probably will hurt you.

I'm listening.

[SQUAWKS]

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

- Miss De Noir.
- Sir Benjamin.

- Well...
- Well...

[BOTH SIGH]

Benjamin...

I'm here.

- I believe apologies are in order.
- Yes, they are.

After all, one's behaviour
has not been as it might.

That's right.

- [SIR BENJAMIN] I'm sorry.
- Yes, so you should be.

[SIR BENJAMIN] I beg your pardon?

It shan't be easy
to forgive you but...

Forgive me?
What on earth are you talking about?

Don't play games with me,
Benjamin Merryweather!

- You asked me here.
- It was you who asked to see me.

[LOVEDAY] What?

It's Maria.

Maria.

Where the devil is that girl?

- Bye.
- Robin, please!

I promised I would listen
to you and I have.

Robin, you have to help me!
You have to!

You are a Merryweather!

Right now, I ought to k*ll you.

k*ll me and the whole valley dies with me!

You and I can stop it
and we only have until moonrise.

- Tonight.
- I'm still listening.

She's back in the forest.

And this time she won't be leaving.

Go on!

There are armed men out there
whose express aim it is to do her harm!

I-I-I would never have agreed if...

[SIGHS]

I didn't know, you see...

I must go to her.

Oh, don't be a fool!
I'll go. I know the forest.

[CLEARS THROAT]

If you'll forgive me,

I believe I know exactly
where Maria will be.

- You do?
- How do you know?

I'm a superb chef, madam.

It follows that I possess
a truly superb nose.

In my youth,

when I would roam those woods,

I could track anything that moved.

Plus she told me
where she was going.

Oh!

- What was that?
- A false trail.

What were you doing with one of my ribbons
in your pocket?

They're in a tree
but it's very distinctive.

It has massive roots
twisting around a big dark hollow.

- And...
- I know where that is.

Suppose for a moment
I do decide to help you,

and suppose we actually manage
to find the pearls,

what then?

Well, we'd... return the pearls to the sea
and then we'd go...

My father's coming after you.

It's just a matter of finding them
before he finds me.

Hmm.

Miss De Noir, it is highly dangerous out
there. This is no mission for a woman.

Perhaps you should have
told that to Maria.

As a matter of fact, I did.
Frequently.

Wait! Wait!

Oh, cat's teeth, tongue and tonsils!

That'll be another female
for the party.

Madam, you are not required
on this expedition.

Not req...

But...

[LONG, LOUD BELCH]

Oh. That's better.

- That'll be your wind.
- Enough... Dogweed.

Right, I have been caring for Maria
since she was a baby

and I intend to protect her now.

[HORSES NEIGH]

I know which way to go!

- [LOVEDAY] Oops!
- Come on.

[LOVEDAY] Where's he gone?

Marmaduke?

[CLEARS THROAT]

You blithering egg-scrambler!
What are you doing?

Fruit and nuts. Sorry, sir.

Overzealous exuberance.

It appears my powers out here
are not what they are in the kitchen.

Just show us where to go, would you?

Certainly.

[PANTING]

I notice the house is falling down.

It's sad to see the place
in such a state of disrepair.

If you were so fond of it,
why did you run away from it?

You took everything I held dear
and you ripped it away from me.

How could I stay?

Run far, did you?

No. Not very far. But then you never
came to look for me, did you?

He spent months on horseback,

scoured the entire county
searching for you.

Marmaduke, are you leading
this expedition or not?

Er, yes, sir, yes.

Mm, strawberry.

This way.

I think we might have
a greater chance of finding her

if we divide
and spread the arc a little wider.

[ROBIN] It's through the clearing
and over the next hill. We're not far now.

[MARIA] Rolf!

Rolf?

Robin?

[WHINES]

- Rolf?
- [BARKING]

Rolf!

Right, let's go, boy.

Come on!

[HORSES NEIGH]

Come on! Come on!

- [DOG BARKS]
- Rolf.

Ah, you got the dog.

- Oh, this is pretty!
- Father, let me explain.

Is it not enough for one member
of my family to betray me?

Now I find that her brother
is a traitor, too!

I will take care
of this princess myself.

Once and for all!

[YELLS] Dulac!

[HORSES NEIGH]

Rolf!

[NEIGHS]

This is the place.

[SQUAWKS]

[SHOUTS]

Where are the pearls?

Listen... [SCREAMS]

The moon will k*ll us all!

[g*nsh*t]

Maria!

[GROWLS]

Get back!

Rolf, we have to find Maria.

[g*nsh*t AND BARKING]

Rolf!

[MARIA SCREAMS]

[YELPS]

[SCREAMS]

Agh!

You! How could you
betray me like that?

- [DE NOIR] Robin...
- Maria, wait!

- I will not let you take her, Father.
- Put the knife down, boy.

Father, please! You have to listen
to what Maria has to say!

Traitor! You are nothing to me now.

Go!

I'll know where to find you again!

Back where it all began.

Keep up! Run!

There they are, Dulac.
They're right behind us!

[DULAC] Come on!

In here.

Where have they gone?

I swear they were here.

Robin, look at this.

[DOOR CREAKS]

[MARIA] Where are they?

It's hers. It must be.

Where? Where did you put them?

[GIGGLES]

The pearls!

[SHOUTING]

[DULAC] Open the door!

[MARIA] Robin, let's go!

[DULAC] Anybody home?

[GROANS] Witchcraft!

I don't believe this!

[ROBIN WHISPERS] It's so dark in here.

[MARIA] Moon pearls, we
need your power now.

Show us the way.

[GASPS]

- Agh!
- Robin, sh!

It certainly seems very quiet.

That'll be the absence
of the ladies, then, sir.

Oh, oh!

Sir Benjamin!

[ROBIN] We're lost.

[HORSE WHINNIES]

- Maria...
- Robin, come on.

[NEIGHS]

Don't you see?
She's showing us the way.

Coeur De Noir!

Merryweather!

Good evening.

Your niece has failed!

If you have harmed that girl
in any way, I'll...

Sir, no!

[MARIA] Stop!

- No, Uncle, no!
- Father, we got them.

- Look!
- Give me the pearls!

Those damned pearls! They brought us
nothing but heartache and grief.

No, Uncle.

It is not the pearls but the greed in
our hearts which brings us this misery.

Father.

Why is there so much hatred
in your heart?

My daughter.

Don't you want to be free
of this darkness imprisoning you?

- It is he! It is he!
- Father!

Benjamin.

Look. The 5,000th moon.

The curse is coming true.

If you can sacrifice your pride,
we can save our families.

We can save the valley.

[SIR BENJAMIN] You first.

[DE NOIR] No, no. After you.

I must do this myself.

At the 5,000th moon,

I, Maria Merryweather,
Moon Princess of Moonacre,

do remove the curse
that darkens this valley.

Take back what is yours!

[SIR BENJAMIN] No, no!

No!

[ALL] Maria!

[NEIGHING]

[ROBIN] Maria!

[LOVEDAY] Maria!

Oh, my sweet child, you're alive.

Uncle!

[ROARS]

Were you worried, Robin?

No. Anyone could have done that.

- [LOVEDAY GASPS]
- [MARIA LAUGHS]

You're the true moon princess.

[LION ROARS]

- Oh.
- Cat's teeth.

That'll be a black lion, then, sir.

It's all right, Uncle.

It's just Rolf.

[GROWLS]

[NEIGHS]

[GROWLS]

Please forgive my stubborn pride.

Loveday...

Stop right there!

I will finish her now.

[DE NOIR] No! Stop, Dulac!

- Hee ya!
- Oh!

Ooh! Ouch! Stop it!

Ow! Please!

Ow! Ow! Whoa!

That'll be the search party, sir.

Maria, I'm here!

- My dear, I've come to save you!
- Thank you but all is well.

Loveday.

[MISS HELIOTROPE] Oh.

Is there... to be a wedding?

Oh, ma'am.

[SIGHS]

Mr Dogwood, er...

Mm...

[CLEARS THROAT]

[LAUGHS]

Well, there we are, then.

Nothing to be done.

[NEIGHS]

[ROARS]

♪ It's funny when you find ♪

♪ What you want was by your side ♪

♪ The whole time ♪

♪ I couldn't quite believe it ♪

♪ Suddenly I see it ♪

♪ And you saw me ♪

♪ I saw stars, I saw sky ♪

♪ I saw everything inside ♪

♪ And you saw me ♪

♪ I am not afraid ♪

♪ You won't make me hide away ♪

♪ This time ♪

♪ I couldn't quite believe it ♪

♪ Suddenly I see it ♪

♪ And you saw me ♪

♪ I saw stars, I saw sky ♪

♪ I saw everything inside ♪

♪ And you saw me ♪

♪ You saw me ♪

♪ Light from dark, shine on night ♪

♪ Solar systems, oh, so wide ♪

♪ And you saw me ♪

♪ And you're opening my eyes ♪

♪ You're leading me up on ♪

♪ I'm following the light ♪

♪ That you shone on me ♪

♪ I saw stars, I saw sky ♪

♪ I saw everything inside ♪

♪ And you saw me ♪

♪ You saw me ♪

♪ Light from dark, shine on night ♪

♪ Solar systems, oh, so wide ♪

♪ And you saw me ♪

[DIGWEED] That'll be the end, then, folks.