The party field. Where scOrcs of Hobbits are busy preparing for the big night.
GANDALF (CONT'D) Ah, the long expected party. So, how is the old rascal? I hear it's going to be a Party of Special Magnificence.
FRODO:
You know Bilbo...he's got he whole place in an uproar.
GANDALF:
Oh, well...that should please him.
(CONTINUED) 9.
FRODO:
Half the Shire's been invited...
GANDALF:
Good gracious, me.
FRODO:
He's up to something.
GANDALF:
Oh, really?
Frodo shoots a knowing look, as Gandalf averts his eyes.
FRODO:
Alright then..keep your secrets. Before you came along we Bagginses were very well thought of.
GANDALF:
Indeed?
FRODO:
Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected.
GANDALF:
If you're referring to the incident with the Dragon...I was barely involved...all I did was give your Uncle a little nudge out the door.
FRODO:
Whatever you did...you've been officially labelled as a Disturber of the Peace.
GANDALF:
Oh, really?
ANGLE ON:
ODO PROUDFOOT looks up as the Cart passes by, deeply suspicious.
CUT TO:
EXT. HOBBITON -- DAY
CRANE UP:
As the cart rattles into the small village of Hobbiton...a quaint rustic settlement, nestled amongst rolling green hills and large trees.
(CONTINUED) 10.
CONTINUED:
The Hobbits live in Hobbit Holes: neat burrows dug into the grassy hillside, with round doors and cute front gardens.
ANGLE ON:
Excited children, chasing after the cart.
CLOSE ON:
Gandalf ignOrcs the children's cries. The children stand deflated, watching Gandalf disappear up the lane. At that
moment:
spinning balls of bright color suddenly leap out of the cart, fizzing over the heads of the delighted children.
ANGLE ON:
Gandalf smiling to himself, well pleased with his joke. ODO PROUDFOOT is unable to suppress a chuckle. Frodo stands up in the cart as Gandalf reigns in the horse.