White flowers are scattered among the Well seeded grasses.
An idyllic setting at the end of a long hot summer... the figure is reading a book. ON THE SOUNDTRACK: In the distance, growing louder..over the Gentle clip clop of an approaching cart and horse can be heard the HUMMING OF A DEEP VOICE to the tune of "The Road Goes Ever On and On..."
SUDDENLY! The figure in the grass sits up...looking straight at camera is a handsome young HOBBIT, with dark curly hair and deep blue eyes. This is FRODO BAGGINS...his EYES alight with EXCITEMENT! Tossing away the long stem of grass in his mouth, Frodo runs off.
CUT TO:
EXT. SHIRE LANE -- DAY The cart rattles along a leafy lane, driven by a stooped figure in Grey.
INTERCUT WITH; SHOTS OF FRODO RUNNING... CAREERING DOWN A HILL. . .JUMPING OVER LOGS... DODGING TREE BRANCHES.
ANGLE ON:
The shambling OLD PONY snorts and rears as... SUDDENLY FRODO appears on a bank above the cart.
FRODO:
You're late.
CLOSE ON:
GANDALF glowers at the young Hobbit...
GANDALF:
A Wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.
They look at each other a moment..then both start laughing as FRODO'S face breaks into a smile and he leaps on to the front seat of the cart.
FRODO:
It's wonderful to see you, Gandalf!
Next to Gandalf, we see how small Hobbits are...Frodo is 3 foot 6 inches tall.
GANDALF:
You didn't think I'd miss your Uncle Bilbo's birthday?
CUT TO:
8.
EXT. HOBBITON FIELDS -- DAY
Wide on:
The cart rattles past a FIELD LUPIN being tended by HOBBITS.
FRODO:
What news of the outside world? Tell me everything!
ANGLE ON:
Gandalf looks down at Frodo, a twinkle in his eye.
GANDALF:
What, everything? Far too eager and curious for a Hobbit. Most unnatural...
Wide on:
The cart rattles over a Stone bridge towards a Busy Hobbit Marketplace.
GANDALF (V.O.) (CONT'D) Well, what can I tell you? Life in the wide world goes on much as if it has past age. Full of its own comings and goings, scarcely even aware of the existence of Hobbits...
Close on:
Gandalf as he surveys the peaceful scene before him.
GANDALF (CONT'D) ...for which I am very thankful.
ANGLE ON:
Hobbits look up exclaiming in wonder and excitement as the cart bearing Gandalf and Frodo rolls past the Green Dragon