ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

by Elisabeth Dubois

Short Film
Email: [email protected]

10 page short - fantasy (Halloween story) Three young children from a poor single parent country family, are heart broken when their mother uses the only pumpkin they have to make a meekly meal; they decide to steal one as not to miss out on Halloween.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
By Elisabeth Dubois
©Elisabeth Dubois
AWG Registered
[email protected]
Australia.
EXT. O’LANTERN’S PUMPKIN FIELD - AFTERNOON
A massive three metre high pumpkin with small heart shaped
windows carved into its walls, stands in the centre of a large
field of pumpkins.
Several large signs placed around the field read: “Of The
Lantern Estate”. Keep out!
INT. WOODEN COTTAGE - AFTERNOON
The lounge/ dining/ kitchen area presents a floor of worn out
timber surrounded by similar walls. A wooden table centres the
room with four wooden stools.
MARIE-LOUISE, a haggard looking 35 year old, toils carving a
pumpkin into pieces with a large knife, on a bench near the
cast iron stove; there, a large pot is steaming.
Two boys, SQUASH, 13 and CROOKNECK, 11 and a girl, PATTYPAN, 7
enter - shabbily dressed with no shoes, covered in mud.
MARIE-LOUISE
Well look at the three of you. Out
you go and get yourselves cleaned
up.
Marie-Louise places the pumpkin pieces in the pot.
SQUASH
Is that our pumpkin?
Marie-Louise places the lid on the pot as the three near her
with a sad face. Marie-Louise responds the same way.
CROOKNECK
But mom you promised we could make
a Jack O'Lantern with it.
She wipes her hands on her apron and bends down to their
level.
MARIE-LOUISE
I did promise and I’m really sorry,
but the chicken didn’t lay any eggs
this morning and there was nothing
I could trade at the market.
PATTYPAN
I wish daddy was still alive. We
had plenty food then.
Pattypan rushes out, watched sadly by Marie-Louise.
EXT. NORTHERN OUTSKIRTS OF O’LANTERN’S FIELD - SUNSET
Squash, Crookneck and Pattypan are in a huddle as they point
towards the field. Pattypan breaks the clan and broods
crossing her arms.
PATTYPAN
But I want one too!
SQUASH
I’ll quickly run in and take one.
No-one will see me.
PATTYPAN
No! I want one too!
CROOKNECK
If she’s getting one then I’m
getting one.
SQUASH
Oh all right then, but stay close
and don’t make a sound. You don’t
want Butternut to hear us.
They dash into the field each picking out a medium size
pumpkin, making a quick get away but, Pattypan fumbles, falls
and hollers in pain as the boys keep running.
PATTYPAN
Wait!
The two look back, dusk as now set upon them.
SQUASH
Hurry up Pattypan! You know what
happens...
The large pumpkin begins to glow inside out as a 40 year old
obese female’s silhouette, BUTTERNUT, appears at one of the
windows looking their way.
All look to the large pumpkin, gaping in fright. Pattypan
still on the ground, holds tight to her pumpkin.
CROOKNECK
She’s seen us!
Butternut shrieks out in a whining manner.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter! Peter! Thieves in the field!
Pattypan tries to get up but feels paralyzed.
PATTYPAN
Crookneck, help me up!
Crookneck tries to move but his feet appear frozen on the
spot.
PATTYPAN
Squash?
SQUASH
I’m stuck too!
2.
All pumpkins in the field, except theirs, begin to carve
themselves out revealing devilish grins and evil eyes and then
begin to glow inside out.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter! Peter! Come quick!
PETER, a rugged looking 40 year old, dressed in farmer’s
clothes, materializes from nowhere and stands in front of
them; a lit Jack O’Lantern in hand.
PETER
Well, well, well! Three little
thieves.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter! Peter! There are thieves in
the field!
Peter rolls his eyes as he looks around to the large pumpkin.
PETER
Yes Butternut - I’m dealing with
it!
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Is dinner ready Peter?! I’m
starving!
Peter sarcastically mimics in a whining low tone as he rolls
his eyes and sighs.
PETER
I’m starving Peter...I’m thirsty
Peter...Peter, Peter, Peter.
Peter shakes his head in frustration then looks to the three
angrily.
PETER
So! Stealing my pumpkins are we?
SQUASH
No sir! I mean... yes sir.
Squash downcasts his eyes in shame.
CROOKNECK
It’s almost Halloween and we have
no money to buy a pumpkin sir.
PETER
So you just come along and decide
to pick three of my pumpkins
without asking?-- Hey?!
Pattypan feels remorse and speaks hesitantly.
PATTYPAN
We could do chores to pay for them?
3.
Peter laughs.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter! I’m starving!
His facial expressions reveals his frustration. He ponders an
instant. Peter raises a brow and chuckles as he looks towards
the large pumpkin then back to Pattypan.
PETER
Chores? A fair exchange. You have a
deal.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter!
Peter cringes.
PETER
You may keep your pumpkins. I
expect you here first thing
tomorrow morning. Or else!
PATTYPAN
Or else?
PETER
A deal’s a deal. No one plays the
O’Lantern family for a fool. Even
the devil knows that.
Squash and Crookneck glance to each other in horror then look
back to Peter.
SQUASH
The Devil?
CROOKNECK
The Devil?
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter!
Peter emits a disgruntled moan then sighs as he looks back to
the large pumpkin.
PETER
Yes Butternut! I’ll be there
shortly!
Peter looks back to the three and waves his Jack O’Lantern in
the air, which releases them from the immobilizing spell.
Pattypan stands and rejoins the boys, pumpkin in hand. She
offers the pumpkin back to Peter.
PATTYPAN
I don’t want mine anymore.
PETER
Oh no dear little one. A deals a
deal. Keep it and be back at the
crack of dawn.
4.
(MORE)
(very loud)
Now go!
The three jump in fright then quickly exit out of the field,
pumpkin in hand - if they could fly, they would.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter!
Peter’s eyes furiously widen as he looks to the large pumpkin,
enunciating loudly.
PETER
Yes my Butternut pumpkin. I’m
coming.
EXT. WOODEN COTTAGE’S FIELD - NIGHT
The three are running towards their lit cottage as fast as
possible. Pattypan is in tears and stops.
PATTYPAN
I can’t run anymore.
The cottage door opens and Marie-Louise walks out.
MARIE-LOUISE
Where have you all been, I’ve been
so worried.
She sees Pattypan sitting on the ground in tears and runs to
her. She hugs her.
MARIE-LOUISE
What’s the matter?
She looks at the two boys who have stepped near her.
MARIE-LOUISE
What have you all been up to? Where
did you get those pumpkins?
PATTYPAN
We took them, but we got caught.
Marie-Louise looks to Squash in an angry manner.
MARIE-LOUISE
What have I taught you about
stealing. You go and return them.
CROOKNECK
We can keep them, in return for
chores.
MARIE-LOUISE
Please tell me you didn’t take them
from Peter O'Lantern’s field.
Squash and Crookneck nod in shame. Pattypan is crying. Marie-
Louise consoles her.
5.
PETER (CONT'D)
SQUASH
I’m sorry mom.
Pattypan ease her crying and wipes her tears.
PATTYPAN
Mommy? Why does he keep Butternut
in a pumpkin?
Marie-Louise helps Pattypan up.
MARIE-LOUISE
No-one really knows...
All four make their way back towards the cottage.
MARIE-LOUISE
...but the rumor is that she is
evil and he keeps her there so that
no-one...
They enter the cottage. The door shuts.
EXT. O’LANTERN’S PUMPKIN FIELD - NIGHT
The pumpkin field is brightly lit by all the Jack O'Lanterns,
including Butternut’s. The most annoying piercing shriek
echoes through the field.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter! Peter! I want more food!
Peter!
INT. PETER’S COTTAGE - NIGHT
Peter sits on a wooden chair placed near a wooden table; his
hands pressed hard against his ears, a ladle in one hand. A
Jack O'Lantern placed on the table provides the interior
light.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter! More pumpkin soup!
Peter closes his eyes shut. The room is filled with pumpkin
shells strewn around the floor. The pot on the cast iron
stove is bubbling.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter! Are you listening to me?!
He gets up to stir the soup.
A figure materializes next to him; it’s JACK, a rugged 60 year
old man, dressed in farmer’s clothes.
Jack
I had warned you about her, Peter.
Peter, a little startled, looks to Jack with a smile.
6.
PETER
Dad, what are you doing here?
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter!
Peter cringes placing his hand over his ears. Jack does the
same.
PETER
Summon the devil for me dad. Make
her go away.
EXT. O’LANTERN’S PUMPKIN FIELD - DAWN
The three are nearing the field quietly and cautiously.
PATTYPAN
I’m scared.
Squash places his arm around her shoulder in console as Peter
suddenly materializes in front of them. They jump.
PETER
Right on time.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter! The thieves are back!
Peter cringes as chills run up his spine; he shivers.
PETER
Yes, Butternut. I’m dealing with
it.
Peter heads towards his cottage, visible in the distance.
PETER
Follow me.
The three follow, Pattypan hugging close to Squash.
PATTYPAN
(whispers)
Where are we going?
Squash gestures her to be quiet.
EXT. PETER’S COTTAGE - CONTINUOUS
Peter opens the door and directs them inside, following them
and then closes the door.
INT. PETER’S COTTAGE - CONTINUOUS
Six medium pumpkins and carving tools are placed on the wooden
table.
7.
The outside light filters through the open window. The three
look to each other then to Peter.
PETER
Your chores were to carve pumpkins
into pieces and feed Butternut.
But, there’s been a slight change
of plan. I now need you to carve
out two pumpkins each, with the
most hideous faces imaginable.
CROOKNECK
Why?
Peter shoves them closer to the table.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter! I’m hungry! Peter!
Peter moans in frustration.
PATTYPAN
Why do you keep Butternut in
that...
PETER
I don’t want to hear another sound.
Now get carvin’. I’ll be back in
two hours.
SQUASH
But we can’t do...
Peter disappears.
CROOKNECK
Now what do we do?
SQUASH
Start carvin’.
Pattypan begins to cry, Squash consoles her.
SQUASH
I’ll help you do yours.
EXT. O’LANTERN’S PUMPKIN FIELD - MORNING
Marie-Louise cautiously enters the northern end of the field
and heads for the large pumpkin.
She steps near it as Butternut’s grotesque wart loaded face
suddenly pops out of the carved window, biting into a large
chunk of peeled pumpkin. With her mouth full she hollers.
BUTTERNUT
Peter! I want more pumpkin!
8.
Marie-Louise, unseen, is taken aback in a start and quickly
rests her body flat against the large pumpkin shell. A long
loud burp is heard. Marie-Louise pulls a face in disgust.
Butternut disappears back into the Pumpkin shell.
Marie-louise hears a loud fart. The smell overpowers her. She
waves her hand in front of her face, the other covering her
nose and mouth as she dry reaches.
INT. PETER’S COTTAGE - MORNING
Three pumpkins are under way. Pattypan is scooping the
interior of one as Squash is carving out a twisted mouth on
another.
Crookneck stands by the window.
SQUASH
Can you see him?
CROOKNECK
No.
Crookneck sees his mom.
CROOKNECK
Mom’s out there!
The other two run for the window. Pattypan isn’t high enough
to see and rushes to the door and opens it.
SQUASH
No wait.
Pattypan rushes outside, followed by Squash and Crookneck.
EXT. PETER’S COTTAGE - CONTINUOUS
PATTYPAN
Mom! We’re over here.
Marie-Louise sees them and runs over.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter! Peter! Someone’s in the
field!
Marie-Louise reaches the three as Peter materializes in front
of them. She protectively grabs hold of the three.
Peter is speechless as his eyes meet with Marie-Louise’s. She
also appears speechless. Pattypan tugs at her apron.
PATTYPAN
Mom! What’s wrong?
Peter breaks the stare and looks to the three.
9.
PETER
We have a deal, now back in there.
He points to the open door.
PATTYPAN
Can mom help?
Peter and Marie-Louise share another passing glance. Marie-
Louise blushes. In an almost loving tone, Peter replies.
PETER
If she likes.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter! More food!
He looks at the four, his expression revealing agony.
PETER
I’ll be back in an hour.
Peter disappears. Marie-Louise looks around.
MARIE-LOUISE
How did he do that?
Crookneck grabs hold of her apron and tugs.
CROOKNECK
Come on mom, we only have an hour.
They enter the cottage. Marie-Louise looks around once more, a
smile upon her face then enters.
EXT. DENSE WOODS - MORNING
Jack sits on a stump, his Jack O'Lantern beside him. Peter
materializes next to him, a grin on his lips.
JACK
Have they carved out the six
pumpkins?
PETER
Almost.
Peter sits on another nearby stump.
JACK
I’ve summoned the devil. He is
ready to make a deal.
PETER
You’ve tricked him once before. Why
would he deal with you again?
10.
JACK
That’s my concern. When the
pumpkins are ready, you will need
to place a piece of the devil’s
fire in each.
Jack opens his Jack O'Lantern lid and removes the glowing
fragment. He breaks it in half and hands it to Peter.
JACK
Break this into six and place a
fragment in each pumpkin tonight at
midnight.
Peter takes the fragment which glows in his hands.
JACK
It’s the fires of hell. It will
summon the devil and by tomorrow,
you’ll be rid of Butternut.
PETER
How?
Jack smiles.
JACK
Next time, choose wisely. I will
not be around to help you.
PETER
Why? What have you promised him?
Jack stands and smiles then touches Peter on the shoulder.
JACK
Never you mind, son.
Jack disappears.
INT. PETER’S COTTAGE - LATER
Six pumpkins, carved with the most hideous faces are on the
table. Marie-Louise and her three children are tidying up the
cottage. Peter enters the open front door mesmerized.
MARIE-LOUISE
Thought we’d give it a clean for
you.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter! Where’s my soup?!
Marie-Louise pulls a face.
MARIE-LOUISE
Why do you keep her in that
pumpkin?
Peter skews his mouth.
11.
PETER
She farts, she snores, she burps,
she’s fat, she’s ugly and she makes
me puke every time I set eyes on
her.
The children giggle, Marie-Louise holds hers back.
MARIE-LOUISE
Why take her as a wife?
PETER
I didn’t. She’s a witch. She’s cast
a love spell on me and I’m bound to
her till she dies.
MARIE-LOUISE
That’s terrible.
Peter is captivated by Marie-Louise.
PETER
You are so beautiful.
Marie-Louise blushes. The children watch on silent, gaping.
BUTTERNUT (O.S.)
Peter! Peter!
The children cover their ears.
MARIE-LOUISE
There must be a way to break the
spell.
PETER
As long as she is in that pumpkin
she is powerless.
Peter pulls out the fire from his pocket. All mouths gape as
they look to the glowing fragment.
PETER
Tonight, at midnight, on the eve of
Halloween. I will place this fire
of hell into these six pumpkins and
the devil will take her. Forever!
MARIE-LOUISE
Oh my!
Anticipating, Marie-Louise’s facial expressions reveals an
unexpected infatuation as she looks to Peter.
Pattypan looks to Marie-Louise then to Peter, who have locked
into a mesmerizing stare then looks back to Squash who stands
beside her and whispers.
PATTYPAN
Is he going to be our new daddy?
12.

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