The Borrowers Edit

A species so similar to our own,

A tie with an electric guitar on it! Just what I've always wanted!

A woman's heart is a curious thing.

Aaaargh!

Aaaargh!

Aaaargh!

Aaargh!

Aaargh!

Aaargh!

Aaargh!

Aaargh!

Aaargh!

Aaargh! Something just moved down there.

Aaarghh! Aaargh!

Actually does, sense a bean before they're seen.

Ah, are we primed?

Ah, how wonderful! You can talk!

Ah, it's no use! Hold him steady!

Ah!

Ahem.

All I know is that for three weeks every year,

All right, boys, I still got the top score, yeah?

All that work and what I did on the house gone!

All these years, I've wanted to get away.

An enigma wrapped in a quandary a cryptic conundrum secretly scrawled

Anatomical analysis physical tests, blood work.

And do I get a thank you?

And I know where you can find a whole load more of them.

And I thought I could keep up the repayments.

And keep her safe, I was told, and I get the coin! I kept her safe!

And risked his life to do it too.

And soon they all will be.

And they're laughing at us. But I'll have the last laugh.

And we'd have been taken too! Come back.

And yet, the very notion

And you end up forgetting about what's really important.

And you wonder why your father kept you under the floorboards.

And you've been getting them every night!

And your...and your attics, and when things go missing,

And, er, Atelerix albiventris, the African dwarf hedgehog,

And...and quite annoying. Actually, very. And arrogant!

Anywhere you want. Back to the Underground, wherever you choose.

Apologise! For what?

APPLAUSE AND CHEERING FROM SCREEN

Are a mystery that I've never been able to solve.

Are you all right?

Are you jealous?! Hey, I don't do jealous.

Are you OK?

Are you OK? Yeah.

Are you sure you know what you're doing?

Aren't you gorgeous?

Argh!

Argh! Arrietty, run!

Argh! You're pulling my face off! Let him go!

ARRIETTY LAUGHS

ARRIETTY SCREAMS

Arrietty, are you all right?

Arrietty, I think you've done really well,

Arrietty!

Arrietty!

Arrietty!

Arrietty! Come on! Go, go, go, go, go!

Arrietty?

Arrietty.

Arrietty.

Arrietty. Yes!

As did his father and his father before him.

Be focused on the zoological department of a London University.

Be quiet, Jennifer!

Beans are coming! What? No, they're not.

Beans.

Because Arrietty's just about to save us. What?!

Because Homo sapiens redactus lives amongst us! You Philistines!

Because I want that coin. And I need to keep you safe to get it.

Because you took...sorry, 'borrowed', the other things.

Been more careful. I wouldn't have been seen.

BEEPING

Before we get down to the serious business of...

Beginner's luck.

BELL RINGS

Blimey, Pod, that's insightful.

BORROWERS SCREAM

Both. It's nothing. Well, no, it's not nothing, it's my paint pots,

BREATHES A SIGH OF RELIEF

But I think your mother's right, and I think I should drive now.

But I'm glad you're here.

But I've only just found you.

But now, we really need to get out of here.

But there is something else you could do to get my gran's attention.

But this is your favourite game.

But you should be proud,

But you're my idiot,

By keeping me under the floorboards? You're still young.

By the way, I was wondering, is there a Mr Driver?

Calling us names like that!

Can I have a closer look?

Can we do it again?

Can you get us back home to my old home, I mean?

Can you give me a hand?

CAT GROWLS

CAT GROWLS

CAT MIAOWS

Cebuella pygmaea, the pygmy marmoset.

CHATTER

CLEARS HER THROAT

Climb!

CLOCK TICKS

Come here.

Come here.

Come here.

Come on, climb!

Come on, James, you can talk to me. I'm your grandmother.

Come on, these are the only clothes I've got.

Come on, you know you love it, Dad!

Come on, you little beggars!

Come on!

Come on! Oh, come on!

Come on.

Come on.

Come on. No! Get off me!

Come on. Saved you a spot.

Come...come... Oh, God!

Completely and utterly.

COMPUTER BEEPS

Cos you never told me your name.

COUGHS

Countless times, we come across these examples of,

Crick, Watson.

Dad?

Dad?

Dad...?

Dad's in his underpants and Mum's shouting. So I guess they're OK.

Dad's in trouble! He'll be fine.

Despite clear photographic evidence.

Did you hear that? Hear what, Etty?

Didn't your mum get you this?

Disperse! Disperse!

Dissection. Obviously dissection.

DISTANT WHIRRING

Do I what?

Do we get to slay them now?

Do you have it?

Do you really think we'll be able to find them?

Do you really think we're going to be able to pull it off?

Do you remember telling me that this was from one of your dolls?

Do you think he'll like it?

Do you think she's a bunch of flowers or a box of chocolates sort of person, hm?

Do you want some rat? It's good.

Does this mean I get to dissect the little skebangas?

Don't be silly, Etty, your dad's far too clever to get mixed up with those creatures.

Don't be. Take her, Spiller.

Don't call him that.

Don't come running to me because these people are watching us.

Don't hurt them! Vermin!

Don't just jump out of the way!

Don't know how you mean.

Don't let them escape!

Don't look at me like that. I meant what I said. I still don't like you.

Don't think it's because I like you. I don't. So why did you come back, then?

Don't touch. They're wily little weasels.

Don't you say that!

Don't!

DOOR CREAKS

DOOR OPENS

DOOR OPENS

DOOR OPENS

Down here, she's safe. Down here, we can take care of her.

Drop it from the course. I'm no longer asking.

Eat you? What would be the point?

Eggletina.

ENGINE STARTS

Er, alive preferably, but if not,

Er, they said I had too much experience.

Erm, I, I, I...

Erm, silk stockings, perhaps?

Etty, trust me, please.

Etty! It's all right, we'll fit underneath them.

Etty?

Even though he saved the town, everyone blamed him for her death?

Everything all right, Jennifer?

Evidence, Jonathan, you need evidence.

Excellent, so, how can I help you?

Excellent.

Excuse me, would you mind if I have a look at that?

FAINT FOOTSTEPS

FAINT FOOTSTEPS CONTINUE

Fair enough.

Fairies, pixies, leprechauns, the Hawaiian Menehune,

Feels like he does.

FLOORBOARDS CREAK ABOVE

FOOTSTEPS ABOVE

For breakfast?

For now.

For running her over.

For saving your life!

From me?!

From the little people.

Garth Woods, 2.50.

GASP AND GROAN

Get away from me!

Get back! Ow! I was only going to help you out.

Get him, get him!

Get off of me! Get off!

Get out of the way! Get out of the way. Come on, get out of the way!

Get out the way!

Get that specimen!

Give my warmest regards to your grandmother.

Give them here. I can do it!

Go back to the Underground, Spiller!

Go on? Those creatures of yours.

Go with him to the Underground.

Go with Spiller.

Go, go where?

Go, go, go! Come on!

Go! Jump! Go!

God, you're such a princess.

Good. Very good.

Got some hedgehog. You're really quite grubby, aren't you?

Got you!

Gran, stop, please! Arrietty!

Gran, stop! Vermin!

Gran, would you please stop? Not until I see what's down there.

Gran, you won't believe this.

Gran!

Gran!

Gran!

GROAN

GROANING

GROANING

GROANS

Ha! Have you found him?! He's got to be there somewhere!

Hang on a minute, it was brave! Wait...

Have you ever been on the back of a motorbike?

He called you Arrietty.

He claims that there are whole communities of these Borrowers living underground.

He could've killed you. Pod, breathe!

He doesn't.

He had to make a choice.

He risked his life to save you. We'll go back for him.

He saw them, too. Tell him!

He stopped the beans from finding the Underground,

He was going to squash you. No, he wasn't!

He's an idiot.

He's got job interviews, and the only reason he's working every night

He's got...

HEAVY METAL MUSIC PLAYS

Hello?

Hello.

Help!

Help! Help!

Here, I got you this.

Here, take your stupid coin.

Hey, hey! Not the face!

Hey, I didn't know she was your daughter.

Hey, I've got the car. I'll be waiting for you.

Hey, you're shivering.

Hey!

Hey! That... Who is he?

Hi? Don't 'hi' me. Didn't you see my daughter there?

Hi.

Hi. My name's Spiller.

His name's Professor Mildeye. He has them in his laboratory.

Hmm, I think I'll use ultrasound...

Hmm?

Hmm. Strawberry cream for dessert every night. Nuts. Chocolate...

Hold him! Hold him! Pull!

Hold on tight.

Homily, don't start!

Homily, just let her get on with it.

HOMILY: AHEM!

Homo sapiens redactus?

Homo sapiens redactus...

Hoover? What hoover? I could hear through the floorboards.

How about I show you?

How about I show you?

How could you be so stupid? I'm sorry!

How did it go?

How did this get here?

How do people know Dad?

How do you know my dad?

How do you know my dad?

How do you know the words to this?

How exactly did you find out about my particular area of expertise?

How long have you been standing there listening to me?

How?

How? How is it going to be all right?! How can you say that?!

Huh?

Humping meat around is so we can afford a nice Christmas.

I am.

I believe these creatures to be scavengers.

I built a den under there for my toys.

I can't believe she was right.

I can't see any... Wait... I can see some footprints.

I could tell you were spoilt.

I cut the crusts off so your hair won't go curly.

I didn't know what I was doing! If you'd've taught me...!

I didn't say that.

I didn't see anything.

I didn't see anything.

I don't believe you.

I don't care about Christmas.

I don't care what you call it,

I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but is this the only one you have?

I don't need to. Aunty Julie always gets me socks.

I don't think so.

I don't think that's what your father's worried about!

I don't understand. The matches will dry, we'll get you out.

I don't.

I dread to think. I'm just glad Etty's safe.

I found a guide. He's going to take us to a house far away from here.

I guess we'll find out tomorrow.

I had a word with your dad about taking you upstairs.

I had it under control.

I hate you!

I have to say, I find it a little disconcerting that you had that

I haven't got close to strawberry cream in years,

I haven't got your stupid coin!

I hope it's nothing too serious.

I hope you've got something else for us to eat.

I just don't understand... How is it possible?

I just saw those two. Oh.

I knew I'd win you round in the end.

I know it's not, but you're turning purple and you're scaring her.

I know your reputation, but I have to ask.

I know.

I lived in a hole.

I love you, Dad.

I made sure he didn't see... see where we lived.

I made you a sandwich.

I mean, isn't it...isn't it excellent how your grandmother copes?

I miss her.

I miss them.

I picked it up. They sing it every borrowing season.

I promise.

I really don't like you.

I really thought you were dead. No, not even close.

I see you've met our guide.

I shall join the pantheon of scientific greats Darwin, Mendel.

I should've let you get sucked up by that machine.

I suggest we get moving now!

I suppose I must've been wrong.

I suppose that's why we find it so alluring, isn't it, Clive?

I take it Dad's not home.

I think he'd rather his dad was around than some swish toy.

I think I'd rather believe your grandmother on that score, thank you.

I thought I'd done something right for a change!

I thought I'd never see you again!

I thought they'd gone for ever.

I thought we agreed not to speak to them!

I thought we could put them up on the roof. Gran's got a ladder in the garden.

I thought you didn't want to be like him.

I thought you were doing something noble, something brave.

I took it.

I understand the creatures of the world at a cellular level,

I want those clothes off by the time I get back.

I wanted it to be special.

I was just playing.

I was only borrowing it.

I was thinking maybe we could stay here?

I was trying to do right by you.

I was worried sick.

I was wrong.

I will be cross, but not as much as if you lie.

I won't rub you up any way.

I wonder where they've gone.

I wouldn't be able to keep me eye on her.

I wouldn't go that far.

I'd better get to bed.

I'd have thought of something.

I'd have thought of something.

I'll be able to do it.

I'll be cleaning myself for a week.

I'll be vindicated! I will be vindicated! I will!

I'll see you soon.

I'll see you soon. Make sure you look after Spiller.

I'll show you.

I'm 16!

I'm going to lower down another trap now.

I'm not crazy, Robert. I know what I saw, and so does he.

I'm not doing anything.

I'm not hiding anything. Have a look if you like.

I'm not putting up with her insults

I'm nothing like him.

I'm on my way now.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sure of it.

I'm used to it by now.

I've always been solid behind you.

I've been an idiot, haven't I? Yes, you have.

I've been seen. Get your things. Come on, come on!

I've been waiting for this moment all my life.

I've looked outside. There's hundreds of houses, thousands.

I've seen one of them.

I've taken a night job, just to tide us over.

I've tried to imagine what it looked like, the sky, the houses.

If anything's happened to Spiller... He'll be fine.

If I didn't do it, I wasn't going to get my reward, was I?

If I wasn't, you wouldn't like me.

If it wasn't for me you'd have been sucked up into that machine.

If Mildeye's got him, we're going back.

If not THE greatest discovery in natural history we've ever known.

If she says so, I believe her. Hurry!

If that was supposed to be funny...!

If that's someone breaking in, I suggest you break back out again.

If you didn't want for nothing,

If you want to get out, this is your last chance.

If you were planning to set a trap for Homo sapiens redactus,

If you'd shown me how to borrow, I'd have...

In years to come, this will be regarded as one of...

Indeed. Behold.

Is it worth a lot of money?

Is James in?

Is that an offer?

Is there any sign of our quarry?

Isn't it?

It certainly has.

It really wasn't as bad as it sounds. Arrietty...

It runs all the way out of the city. Beans never come down here,

It serves you right for nearly running me over.

It should be comfortable.

It was there. My wristwatch was on the wall.

It was too dangerous! You're as bad as each other!

It wasn't ours to give... Remember, we don't take things.

It'll get easier. Yeah, I know.

It's all right. It's not.

It's amazing.

It's been a while.

It's bigger.

It's called snow.

It's fascinating, isn't it?

It's going to be all right.

It's just that there's only one of it.

It's no use. It's too heavy.

It's OK to admit it. Even I am a little bit.

It's really changed here.

It's so unfair!

It's too late. They're here.

It's worth a try.

Jacket. Well, that's because it is a doll's jacket...

JAMES GROANS

James, you don't have to do this.

James? What are you doing with those?

Jenny?

Jeremy Harris, 70 pence.

Jump! Come on, I got you!

Just returning the favour. If you hadn't done what you did...

Just...don't sell Gran, OK?

Keep back! That's my husband you're molesting.

Keep out of sight and let me do the talking.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Homo sapiens redactus,

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you...

Laters.

LAUGHS The penmanship and enthusiasm.

LAUGHS AND HUMS TO HIMSELF

LAUGHS More chocolate.

LAUGHTER

Leave this lot. I'll sort it out when I get back.

Let me. You're making a right mess.

Let's go.

Let's see.

Liar! Carol.

Like you and me, a primate.

Liquorice shoelaces!

Liquorice shoelaces!

Listen to him.

Little thieves, with their little hands, little faces.

Look, I'm so sorry. I had no idea you'd fly so...well.

Look, I've had complaints.

Look, if you'd have let me go up with you...

Look, there's nothing we could've done. We could've tried!

Look, you can't go after them. They're gone!

Looks like two. Three, maybe.

Maybe I had another reason.

Maybe if we wait a while, they'll, they'll forget. We could go back.

Maybe that's a good thing.

Maybe this year it'll be something different.

Merry Christmas!

MIAOWS

Microcebus myoxinus, the pygmy mouse lemur, which let us not forget, is,

Mildeye.

Molecular, even,

Move, move, move!

MUFFLED SPEECH

Mum, it's OK. I'm fine. Hi.

Mum, please don't embarrass me!

Mum, where are you going?

Mum!

Mum! Dad!

Mum?

MUZAK PLAYS

My compact, my old wristwatch.

My cousin!

My mum.

My name's James.

My own little person!

My paint pots.

My things.

Myths. Legends.

Nah, you'd miss me too much.

Naturally.

Night, James. Night. Hold on tight.

No idea how yet, but...

No one stole anything.

No, and you won't either. Take it from me, they're not worth the risk.

No, Arrietty, you...no.

No, Grandad died years ago.

No, I don't have it. But your dad does.

No, I...I can't... I can't just leave him.

No, I'm not leaving you.

No, I'm not. It's you who's...too big, a great big overgrown giant.

No, it doesn't. That's a stupid idea.

No, it's Daniel Wickes' favourite game, only bid, 3.50.

No, Mum! I'm sorry, but no.

No, no, but he did.

No, no! Boy, stop! Stop, stop that boy!

No, no... I just grazed my hand. Oh, well, let me kiss it better.

No, wait, Dad.

No, wait, don't! You nearly had my eye out!

No, you can't be serious. Not one of them.

No!

No!

No! Just listen to him.

No! I won't leave you here. You've got to listen to your father.

No! No!

No.

No.

No. Just a cold.

No. Now that we've been seen, it's over.

NOISES IN DISTANCE

Nonsense, you're letting your imagination run away with you.

Not long... Seconds.

Not sure what yet. Might end up sleeping in a tent.

Not that I'd dream of doing anything.

Not too well, I hope.

Nothing, really. Clearing out some old junk.

Nothing.

Now all we need is somewhere to live.

Now grab the thread! We haven't much time!

Now then, young man,

Now who's grubby, huh?

Now, are we to dismiss it as mere coincidence

Now, now, I can play the part of the conquering hero,

Now, this exquisite grandmother of yours,

Nuts, chocolate, strawberry cream!

Of course we will.

Of life in miniature...and yet,

Of miniaturisation in the Homo genus is dismissed...

Of the existence of the species as a live one, isn't it?

Of the utmost complexity it's unfathomable.

Oh, Clive.

Oh, don't be such a cry baby.

Oh, hello, um...

Oh, I'm sorry, this is Jennifer, my international research student.

Oh, no!

Oh, no!

Oh, no!

Oh, Pod, I don't know how much more I can take of this.

Oh, really?

Oh, where are you going?

Oh, yeah. Don't suppose you've seen my keys anywhere, have you?

Oh, yes, I most assuredly am for real.

Oh, you keep rubbing me up the wrong way, see what happens.

Oh!

Oh!

Oh!

Oh! Where's my card?!

OK, grab it. OK.

OK, OK, I'm sorry.

OK, OK! I'm sorry.

OK?

OK.

On a scroll of finest woven papyrus and locked in a cyrus cylinder

On the internet. Ah, a silver surfer, eh?

One of the little people.

One of them. The little people!

One of what, exactly?

Only for a very short period

Only one bean.

Oof!

Ooh, choco lattes.

Or is it not more likely that there is in fact truth behind that myth?

Ostracised for expounding a theory that has turned out to be correct.

Outside the city.

Ow!

PANTS

Pants! She bought me a pair of pants! Ooh. Lucky old you.

Payment on arrival, as agreed. Can I at least see it?

Penny toffee.

Phe ew!

Phew!

PHONE RINGS

Please, don't say I'm can't go out again. I'm not going to.

Please!

Please! Ow, get off!

Please! Stop, they're getting away! Oh!

Plenty of borrowings.

Pod?

Pod? I'm thinking.

POP CLUMP, POP CLUMP

POP CLUMP!

Probably not.

Prof. Trap 501 has been deployed.

Prof...

Professor Jonathan Mildeye...

Professor?

Professor? Check this.

Proper food.

Proximal factors, close human contact, airborne diseases, shock.

PUFFS

Pull the cord! Pull it!

Pull!

Pull!

Pull!

Pull! That's it, that's it!

Quick, hold this. Me and Henry will herd them towards you.

Quite so readily to hand.

Really?

Relax, stay calm. Get us out of here now!

REPORTER: '.. where the lecture is due to begin.

Rest assured, Carol, anything you wish to say to me,

REVEREND:.. whom in the Lord Jesus...

Rhinitis acuta catarrhalis.

Right, better get going.

Right, if anything, he's probably jealous of me...if anything.

Right, right, let's just get out of here.

Right, so if it wasn't either of you two and it wasn't me, who else could it be?

Right, you must promise not to tell anyone.

Right!

Right. You're dead!

Rob, it's really dark down here.

Rubbish! I was the one looking after you! What?!

Rugged good looks?

RUMBLING ABOVE

Run, Arrietty! Run!

Run!

SCOFFS Unbelievable!

SCREAM

SCREAM

SCREAM

SCREAM

SCREAM

See if I can detect a heartbeat.

See ya.

See you around some time. No, wait! Spiller!

See you, squirt. Thanks for everything, James!

Seriously, where are they?

Set the trap. And make sure that the mechanism is well camouflaged.

She didn't make it.

She died last year.

She doesn't care what your name is!

She doesn't just get the bad bits from you,

She gets the good stuff too.

She has a rare and inquisitive mind.

She made a mistake.

She used to play with it for hours.

She used to talk to her dolls as if they were real people.

She'd understand.

She's far too stubborn for that. Oh, she gets that from you.

She's like you. Borrowing's in her blood.

She's so alive, she's so, so vital.

Shut the door, quick. We can't let it escape. Let what escape?

SIGHS

SIGHS

SIGHS

S******S

So called because of its white stomach.

So close, so close.

So I might have it?

So it's safe to travel, night and day.

So there ARE more of you?

So they're still alive, then? For now.

So what does 'shortlist' actually mean?

So what exactly does this thing do...aaargh!

So what would you suggest I give her next?

So why didn't you?

So you DO like me?

So you DO like me. Thanks, Spiller.

So you thought you'd get away, did you?

So you're forgiven.

So you're going to help me?

So you've said.

So, how can I help you?

So, um, if I can ask,

So? Do you?

Socks!

Somebody stop that! Somebody stop those wretched little creatures!

Somebody, please!

Someone stamp on it! Stop it!

Somewhere new.

Somewhere safe.

Sorry, I mean, 'the beasts'.

Sorry, I wasn't...

Sorry, I, um, just obviously, I'm glad you're safe.

Sorry, we should've told you.

Sorry.

SPILLER SIGHS

Spiller, is that you?

Spiller, we haven't got time for any of your stupid games!

Spiller, what happened?

Spiller!

Spiller! Go! I'll be fine! Run!

Stay with your mother.

Still, it'll be an adventure, won't it?

Still, it's gone...

Stop that car!

Stop that infernal contraption!

Stop!

STRAINS

Sustenance will naturally be provided.

Switch it back on, it'll escape!

Take care.

Tell her we won't rest till we've captured all of these creatures.

Tell me the truth now, and I won't be cross. Well, that's not true.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you... Thank you all for your patience.

Thanks for giving back the watch and the mirror.

Thanks! You're amazing!

That looks like your grandfather's gold sovereign.

That probably explains why you had it so good

That separate cultures individually dreamt up the same myth,

That she's got the same sense of adventure as you.

That the Earth revolves around the sun, but I am not so easily turned.

That was the furthest yet!

That would've been a change!

That's because you haven't got to know me yet.

That's because you haven't got to know me.

That's him! You're alive!

That's it, Henry, don't let him escape.

That's right. You've got to realise that borrowing is boring.

The attention of the scientific community will tomorrow

The beans are coming! Are you sure?

The beans leave rich pickings for us Borrowers.

The boy made the most extraordinary suggestion.

The camera's set up, ready to broadcast across the net.

The candle! Maybe we could melt the frame.

THE CAR BANGS ALONG THE VENT

The greatest discoveries in scientific history.

The hoover?

The implications of them are extreme...

The inquisition may have forced Galileo to recant his notion

The little people?

The little swine.

The mattress has real springs and everything.

The Professor wants them to get a good look at your anatomy.

The pygmy hippo, Choeropsis liberiensis.

The South African tokoloshe. Let's not forget the tokoloshe.

The strawberry creams. Every one of them's been eaten.