Bartok The Magnificent - English Transcript

(chorus) # In the Russian woods, there 's an evil witch # People only whisper out her name in fright - (men) # Teeth of sharpened iron - (women) # Hands that catch the wind (chorus) # Steals the children sleeping in their beds at night # She flies in a mortar and pestle through darkened Russian skies # If you see her, running would be wise # Baba Yaga - (woman) # Baba Yaga - (child) # Baba Yaga (chorus) # The witch of the Iron Forest, her evil is next to none # Baba Yaga - (man) # Baba Yaga - (man #2) # Baba Yaga (chorus) # The wolves are afraid to chase her, the wind is afraid to race her # All Russia's afraid to face her, except for one! [NOW APPEARING BARTOK THE MAGNIFICENT] Women and children, in front. Gentlemen behind, please. Don't push. There's plenty of room for everybody. Now don't try this at home. Er, part of the show, totally planned. Stay with me now, folks, cos here comes the good stuff. # Once in Mongolia, I noticed afire # Whole city burning and the flames getting higher # They're yelling "Save us or we're all gonna bake!" # I ate the flames and then I drank the whole lake # They called me Bartok the Magnificent # The specifically, terrifically magnificent # A mammal so inflammable he saved the day # I tell you, B-A-R-T-OK Folks, that's 10,000 pounds of pressure. Go over there at once and put a stop to that inane little bat. Ludmilla, leave him alone. I like him, he's funny. - Your Highness, can you... - Yes? As you wish. Leave him be. Folks, this here's a dragon. An exact replica. 150, 200 tons easy. A fire spitter. Kill ya with a flick of the tail. Careful there, sir. Better safe than sorry. # One time in Hungary this dragon appears # He's very hung-a-ry, no dinner in years # And then he grabs me and I'm practically through I summon all my strength, and using the dragon's body weight against him, I throw him off me. And I gave him a one to the solar plexus. And a two to the kidneys! # He was deflated cos I knew my kung fu # That's why I'm Bartok the Magnificent # With a ha and a hiya that are significant # That dragon hasn't eaten since that fateful day # Thanks to B-A-R-T-OK (crowd gasps) (crowd) # Bartok the Magnificent # Undeniably, reliably magnificent # And heaven help a harpy who gets in my way # I guess I'm just a natural or so they say (crowd) # This bat'll go to battle for you come what may I tell ya... (crowd)#B-A-R-T-OK! OK. Great crowd! Good people! Oh, please, you're too kind! - (sighs) Shows over. - Thank goodness. (roaring) Hey, hey, hey, hey. OK. Not so fast there, big fella! Oh, really? Well, why don't you try this on for size? Abraca-watch it! Now watch very closely. There's a half hitch. And here's a sailor's breastplate. And this one's called ropin' the bear. Yes! Yes! Hi-ya! Hoo-wah! (crowd cheering) Hey, thanks a lot, folks. Really, thank you. That's too kind. Oh! Wow. Bravo! Bravo! (man) Prince Ivan! Prince Ivan! That is a ring for a Romanov. No commoner may ever wear that! - Why? - Because... (chuckles) Because that is how it has always been. Well, perhaps it's a time for a change. Very well, Your Highness. Let us go! Thank you for helping my people. Please, don't be silly. It was the least I could do. Bye! Wow, would ya look at the shine on that? You can't go around giving royal jewels to commoners. Especially street performers. You only encourage them. Well, I wanted to encourage him. Ludmilla, don't be that way. The people liked the bat. Did you see how he made them smile? It was nice to see them happy. - Nonsense. - I thought he was funny. - Vol, what do you think? - I thought so. When the feathers cleared, and the bat's standing there holding a chicken. - That's good stuff. - See? Or... when he punched the... Silence! Yes, Your Highness, I know. But one day, you'll be tsar. You must show respect for your crown. If you don't, how can you expect the peasants to? - Your Highness, are you listening to me? - I'm tired of listening to you. (gasps) If I am the future tsar, then I will do as I choose. And it is you who must respect the crown. (gasps) My apologies. (Bartok) One for me and one for me. One, two, three for me. One, two, three for me. And one, two, three, four for me. - (roars) - (screams) Why do you do that? I hate when you do that. (laughing) Ah, that never fails to amuse me. Ha, ha, ha. You're not going to let the fact that I got the better of you ruin quite possibly, one of our finer performances to date. Hmm? You were inspiring today: focused, fully in the moment, exceeding well beyond what your talent would indicate. - Thanks a lot. - And I... Well, suffice it to say, the performance of my death today would have shamed Prometheus. Bound to a cliff... OK, OK, OK, Zozi, with the cliff and the thing. Sheesh! I wish you could hear yourself. It's quite irritating. Critics. - And what, pray tell, are you doing now? - Divvying up the spoils. What do ya mean? This again? Why not just pool our assets? We're always together. - No, no, no. Fair is fair. - You're not planning to keep that, are you? What are you talking about? He gave it to me. Yes, but he's a child. It is a ring for royalty. You should know better. - Yeah, well, maybe I don't. - Well, I can only hope one day you will. There we go. Perfectly balanced, my friend. Here. - Perfectly balanced? - Oh, yeah. - Both sides are the same? - Exactly even. Good. Ha! Then you won't mind if I take this side? Whoa, whoa, wait a second there, fella. What happened to pooling our assets? - Will you give the prince back his ring? - Ah! What's the hurry? He's not going anywhere. Shee! (thunder) (gasps) Oh! Oh, oh, this can't be! - Last night, he was in bed... - Have you searched the grounds? - Every inch. - And? Nothing. He's gone. Oh, good heavens! What is this? A clue? We must inform the peasants. (I fanfare) Good people of Moscow, the prince has been kidnapped. (crowd gasps) But I know who has stolen our tsar. For she left this iron tooth behind. - Baba Yaga! - Baba Yaga! Yes, Baba Yaga! Can anyone help us? Think, good people, think. Who? Who can rescue our prince from the evil Baba Yaga? I know someone. Hey, Zozi! Will you take it easy up there? Avast there, me pint-sized matey. Man the helm. Baton down the hatches. Rough seas ahead. There's a storm a'comin. Heave-ho, hard of starboard. (Zozi/Parret) All hands, clear the deck. Splice the mainsail. - Enemies on the horizon. - What, somebody's coming? Aar, I spy with my, my little eye... Cossacks. Cossacks! Cossacks! I knew you shouldn't have kept that ring. Quick, hide. If they see you're not dead, we will be. Hurry! Hurry, hide! - (Cossack) Halt! - (Bartok) Halting. Are you Bartok the Magnificent? No. No, I'm not. Never have been. Although I hear he is quite gifted. A real talent. - Silence! - All right then, I'll just be quiet then. That's no problem for me to be quiet. I'll shush. What is that? That's Bertok. Bertok the Magnificent. It's really quite different. I take my show in a whole nether direction. You are coming with us. Oh, no, fellas, I really... I have a thing. OK, then. That'll be fun. (I fanfare) Hello, Your Royal impressiveness. Listen, if this is about the ring, just take it. Bow before the regent! Bow! OK, there, bowing. Don't have to tell me twice. I love a good bow. (I fanfare) Oh, Bartok the Magnificent, we are so glad you came. Please, I... You are? Hmm? Our young tsar has been taken by the evil witch, Baba Yaga. Our people and the royal family have called on you to save him. Uh-huh. Don't even think... Go to the Iron Forest and return with our tsar. Uh, good people of the fair city of Moscow, it would give me no greater pleasure than to risk my life, so that I might bring back your fabulous prince. And I mean that. I wouldn’t just say that. He's something special. Unfortunately, my schedule is extremely tight. Let's see, I got a hydra in St Petersburg. I gotta be in the Ukraine on the 20th. I can't get outta that. Hmm, perhaps I could squeeze it in when I get back from Minsk. I assure you, you will be handsomely rewarded. No, no, really. I... Well, perhaps I could push the hydra to June. I mean, no. I really... I can't. Hydra, terrible. Eight heads, flailing about, eating people. It's not pretty. But, thank you. Thank you very much. Mr Bartok? Oh, boy, here comes trouble. Oh, please, magnificent Bartok, save my tsar. Don't do it. Um, well, you see, it's complicated, but... But, I... Please. (sighs) I'll do it. Oh, no. Hey, come on, huh? How often do you get to rescue a tsar? Yay, Bartok! - Or get eaten by a witch? - (Ludmilla) Thank you! OK, thanks for the send-off, fellas. I'll take it from here. Zozi, how's it going in there? Listen, I'll let ya out in a second, but first, I just wanna let you know what a very special friend I think you are. (chuckles) You're warm, you're affectionate, you're supportive, honest, thrifty, clean, reverent... You're furious. You're upset with me, aren't ya? You're peeved. You're fuming. You're incensed. - Bartok... - Hang on, I'm not finished. - You're beside yourself. - Bartok? I mean, literally, you're here and yet you're here. (chuckles) You see the... You get it? Because you're here and yet... They all can't be gems, all right? I'm done. I believe we should do it. It was the little girl. She killed me. Did ya hear the lilt in her voice? Nobody could resist that! - I'm sorry. What'd you say? - We should do it. - We should? - Yes. - There's no denying it will be difficult. - Exactly! - Even dangerous. - Dangerous? OK, then that's it, we're definitely going to St Petersburg. Bartok, these people asked you to help them for a reason. Because they saw something in you. Is it so hard for you to see it in yourself? # Somebody needs you, and that's how it starts # Someone believes you'll come through # You're scared, so what? # I'll bet you've got # A possible hero in you # It's more than courage or just being strong # Those things are easy to do # Have faith, take heart. He's kind, he's smart # That possible hero in you - # Close your eyes - I think I see it. - # You're unafraid - I just might be. # I can almost predict No more tricks, no more false pretences from the back of a wagon. - Maybe I'll save a life someday. - # Or slay a dragon - # Somebody needs you - # What else can ya do? # But take your chances and see (both) # We're on our way - All right? - OK. (both) # A possible hero - # Impossible hero - # A possible hero - # In you - Me? Yes, you. In me (Bartok) Gee, who does her landscaping? OK. Well, it's official. I'm frightened. Well, there's your witch's hut. (Bartok) Gee, looky here. (Bartok and Zozi scream) (laughing) I'm terribly sorry. Did I startle you? Yeah, yeah. You could say that. Hmm. Now, why have you come here? I've come for Prince Ivan. Delightful. And how might I help you? You let him in to talk to that evil witch and he'll handle the rest. And you're certain you're up to the task? Ever heard of Bartok the Magnificent? - Oh, should I have? - Mm-hmm. - Do you like riddles? - Riddles? - Riddles? - Could you answer one? - If I do, will you let me in? - Why not? Let me see. Oh... (chuckling) Ready? If a section of fence is 68 feet by five, and the parallel section is the same length, but both perpendicular sections are twice as long... What is the key that will open the door? I'm sorry. I lost ya there. What was that last part? What is the key that will open the witch's door? - I thought it was an arithmetic thing. - A skeleton key! (roaring) That's what I was just gonna say. A skeleton key. Zozi, ya jumped the gun on me there. Come on. - (Zozi) Ooh! - Hey! - Mnh, mnh, mnh. - (groans) Did you hear me say you could go in? - You go on ahead. I'll wait for you here. - But... Apparently I'm not permitted, and as much as it might pain me to not be with you at this critical juncture in your life, I accept it, fully aware, as you should be, that I am with you in spirit. - In spirit, huh? - Always. "Once more into the breach, dear friends, once more; "Or close the wall up with our English dead! In peace... Thanks for mentioning the dead, really. That's real helpful. (Zozi continues reading) Whoa! Oh, would you look at that. (creaking) Hello! Prince Ivan? Anybody home? (rumbling) Who is in ml! house? I smell a rat. # A witch's life is very solitary # No one around to talk to but trees # So many years of never making merry # But I can feel a change in the breeze # Cos tonight there's no one in the hallway # No one left or right # But my hallways all say # Someone's in my house tonight # No one by my fire. No one sipping tea # My fires burnin' higher. Someone's in my house with me (women) # Witches are people with a magic intuition (men) # And she's havin' a feelin' that is, oh, so bewitchin' (chorus) # Even though no one's hangin' round in the kitchen. # We know that someone is near, dear! # No one in the attic. No one in my chair # But I'm so emphatic, someone's in my house somewhere - (chorus) # Where is he? - # Where are you? # You wouldn't desert me. You know it would hurt me - (chorus) # Where is he? - # Where are you? (chorus) # Little no one, you're through! # No one in the mirror. No one by the door # But I'm getting nearer # Someone's in my house for sure # No one small and dumb, no. No one pink and white, hey - # No one - # Here I come # Cos someone's in my house # Somewhere in her house # And no one's getting out # Tonight 'Ah! -ooh! - Well, that was... convenient for you. - Quiet! OK, sure, whatever you say. Not another peep. You broke into my home. Well, actually, your big head out there by the gate, he gave me a key. Why don't you hang onto that, that's fine. - Shh! Ah, you've come for the prince. - Ah, mm-hmm. But why have they sent you? Filthy little creature. Not quite a rat, not quite a bird. You certainly are not a worthy adversary for me, the evil Baba Yaga! Yeah, well, appearances can be deceiving. - I think. - Yes, they can! I know where the prince is. Oh, what a shocker. (coughs) OK, OK. I'll stop. I'll stop. However, in order for me to show you where he is, you must first prove that you are worthy of saving him. Oh, I'm worthy. I'm extremely worthy. They don't come more worthy than... Sorry. Can't help it. Go ahead. There are three things I seek within my forest. I will tell you where to find them and you must bring them to me. Ah, quick question. Totally hypothetical, of course. What if I can't? You can or you can't. But if you can't, you will die, not a hero, and Moscow will never see its prince again. Sounds like a real win-win. When do I start? - (snorts) You already have - I have? - Head south to the ice quarry - Ice quarry... - and bring Piloff to me. - Bring Piloff... That's it? Bring Piloff to ya? No, it's just I thought you were gonna say more. How am I gonna know this Piloff? (sighs) Go! And tell your furry friend if he helps you in any way, you'll both die. OK, now that I really should be writing down. Both die... It's the little things. Wind. Ooh! Whoa! Hey! OK, well, I guess I'm gonna go now. I'll catch ya later. He's actually rather charming for an oversized skull. Once you get past his inquisitive nature. Gosh, I feel like we've been walking for hours. - We have. - I have absolutely no idea where we are. Mmm. Not unlike Oedipus, blinded with his mother's brooch. - Left to wander the earth, never know... - Zozi. I'm doing it again? I'll stop. Is it getting cold? I must say, it is exciting. The first of three gifts you must search out and bring to her. - Uh-huh. - And I can't help in any way? That's what she said. I am freezing. Why is it getting so cold? (Piloff) Well, hello there! Bingo. Piloff. A-ha! Hello, there! I never get visitors! You know what this is? It's a pleasure. - It's an absolute pleasure! - You must be Piloff. And you must be lost. How delightful! That's it? Little hike, some cold weather, bring this little thing back to the witch? Huh, this is gonna be a piece a cake. Oh. Oh, my goodness. - Hey there, I'm Bartok. - Oh! Sorry about this, my little friend, but I gotta bring you back to Baba Yaga. Ooh, dear. This isn't good. You see, I'm stuck. - Ahh! Ow! - It's unbearable. I don't even know how long I've been here. What year is this? - Oh, boy! - How's it Going? It's not going good! - Ooh, that tickles! - That's really... Pull, pull, pull! Yes! Yes! - Ahh! Ooh! - It's enough to drive you crazy, isn't it? (both laughing) Ahh... oh, boy. Aah! - (thud) - Whoa! From the sound of it, you're making great progress. Oh, that was close. You know, I felt like we almost had something there. Hmm. My goodness. You are determined. I love that. This whole thing is very exciting. - Okey dokey. - Artichokey! (Bartok) My friend, we're going to Baba Yaga's. With or without the extra baggage. Such fun! I am having entirely too much fun! Yeah, well, that makes one of us. Wa-hah! Whee! Hiya! - (Piloff) Careful! Careful! - Whoa! (laughing) Intriguing. Bartok, I've landed and I'm unharmed! - Are ya still on the boulder? - Um, yes! Whoop-de-do. What a strong little bat. You're actually doing quite well. I'm very impressed. (groans) This is one of those days you never forget. When everything you wanted to happen happens, only better. I'm beside myself! You know what? Bartok, you should try and remember this too. Yeah, I'll make a mental note, all right? (Piloff squeals) Oh, talk about fun! We did it Bartok! That was a blast! Whee! Oh! Can you believe this Bartok? We dragged this big boulder across the forest, and I pop off ten feet from the house. That's funny! Yeah, that's hysterical. And where, pray tell, do you think you're going? - In to see Baba Yaga. - Do you have a key? No, she took it. Ah, come on. You're kidding, right? Me, me, me... (clears throat) No matter how hard you hit me, no matter how much I hurt, - Ahh! - I'm always good for a laugh. What am I? - (Bartok) Hmm... - A funny bone. Funny bone. Ha, ha. Key, please. Much obliged. You're really quite good at solving riddles. I say, have you heard this one? What starts off in the morning... - You brought me Piloff! - Hello, Baba! I was stuck to a rock (both giggling) Oh, boy. Ahh! OW! - Unh-unh-unh. Don't sit. - But I'm tired. - (grumbles) - OK, OK. I'm not sitting! Now... go fetch me the crown of Oble, the metalworker. Oble. He sounds big. Is he big? - Enormous. - He's much bigger than you. - Piloff! - Sorry. - Go! - But I'm exhausted. - If you don't, Prince Ivan will be doomed! - Which way? Walk east until it's dark, then look for a fire in the forest. That's it, huh? Walk east and look for fire? No 'thank you'? No 'nice work'? Nothing. Yes, one last thing. - Give me the key. - Why? I solved the riddle twice already. Give it to me. OK, that's yours. Take that. Sheesh, helping people sure can take it outta ya. Good people of Moscow. The prince has been taken from us. God willing, he will be returned, but in the meantime, the affairs of state must continue. And I, as regent, will do my best to carry on and ensure the safety of and respect for the throne of Russia. This is ridiculous. I'm out here working my wings off and for what? If I get back there and she dumps this crown into her stew, I'm gonna have a cow. Meanwhile, I ain't seen hide nor hair of that prince. - (grunts) - Oh, would ya look at that? (Zozi) He is large, there's no denying it. - But perhaps he's friendly. - Ya think? (muttering, chuckles) Let's try, huh? I'll just... I'll just shout to him and ask him if I can borrow his hat. I'll drop Baba Yaga's name. Maybe they're friends. What could it hurt? Hello, good sir! Yeah, very good. We come bearing gifts, sir. (grunts) Well, not real gifts, but gifts of warmth and affection. In exchange for which we'd just love to bring your headdress back to Baba Yaga. Aaba Raaba. Pee wan foof poo mee nana! - What did he say? - I just don't have a clue. Diction, my dear boy. It can make all the difference in the world. Carry on, Bartok. OK. Hot, hot.! Oh, that's hot! It's hot, it's hot! Manna ooo boorin eeeeear? Yeah, you and me both, my friend, I'm sure. Ah, we just need to get that crown of yours and we'll be on our way. (growling) (yelling) - (Bartok screaming) - (Oble grunting) - OK. - Ahh... (chuckling) OK. Hmm... how about this! (groans) Well, how about... Hey, it's hot, hot, hot, hot! Dadya buggeler. Part of the show, totally planned. (chuckles) Stay with me now cos here comes the good stuff. Abraca-woozi! Buggeler? (grunting) (groans) - (grunting) Hey! - (Bartok) Whoa! Zozi, let's roll! (yelling) Bartok, he's still coming. (yelling) (grunting) (signing) (chuckling) (laughing) Would you look at you! You did it! You did it! - He's something special! - Quiet, Piloff! Oh! (chuckling) And she drops it in the soup... Perfect. Tomorrow is the most difficult task of all. (Bartok laughs) (Piloff) Oh, dear. (dreamily) Hold the onions. Yeah, that's to go, please. Eyeeee-ya-yaa! What's with the ruckus first thing in the morning? What happened to a nudge? Or the smell of a nice cup a coffee? Using only this crown and the boulder from the quarry, pluck the magic feather from the sky. Let me stop ya for just one sec It's early, I haven't eaten in two days and I'm a little agitated. - What does this have to do with the prince? - Everything. From where I'm standin' I'm just runnin' errands for your broth there. I am so sorry. How insensitive of me. - Are you still tired? - Honestly? Yes, yes, I am. (yelling) - Are you awake now? - Yes. Yes. - You were talking about a feather? - A magic feather. It floats high in the air, in the middle of a clearing. One feather comin' at ya. One last thing... - What's that? - You cannot fly. Whoa! (cackling) Oh! OW! - You can't fly? - Nope. Cw! How do I do this? Help me here. I can't. Hmm, maybe if I just try... Careful now, I just wanna... Aaaah! Ay! Hot! Oh, I'm exhausted. I haven't eaten in days. This isn't the life for me. Forget it. # A possible hero in you I tried. I did the best I can do. We can get along without Moscow and I won't let that witch find me. Ahh, well, thank goodness. Huh? If you had completed this task, everywhere we went people would know who we are. We'd spend the rest of our lives running around having to help people. The incessant touching of admirers. It's more than one can bear. (.Yells) - It certainly is. - Now we can run away. Hide from Baba Yaga for a few years. I'm behind on my hibernating anyway. Then take the show back on the road and you can go on pretending to be what you always wanted to be. Besides, this is absurd. How are you supposed to get 35 feet in the air with a large crown and a boulder? You just can't do it. Well, no, I can't! Especially now that it's all in pieces. It's, um, in pieces. Ah-ha! But of course. Hi-ya! Ta-d a! Now we get the prince! When is a door not a door? When it's ajar. Child's play. Now open wide. I'm comin' through. Ha-ha! I did it. There ya go. Three for three. You didn't think I had it in me, did ya? Now hand over the prince. You have given me the three things I needed from the forest. But before I show you where the prince is I need something from you. But how could I know what that is if you never told me? (sighs) Hmm! Isn't this a beauty? They don't make 'em like this any more. No, that's not it. OK. OK, OK, here it is, the mother lode. An autographed portrait of Ivan the Terrible. I caught him in a good mood. No, that's not it. No, huh? Well, how about... (panting) It's something from here. Huh? Here! Here ya go. (laughing) Hey, what's so funny? Hey, stop it! Why don't you stop laughing at other people's misery! You never said I had to give ya somethin'. You're a cheat and a liar! Ya babbling old woman with your iron teeth and your hocus-pocus! It's no wonder everybody hates ya! (gasps) (Piloff) Bartok! Yeah, what do you want? Good bye. Oh, yeah, sure, goodbye. Huh? (Baba Yaga crying) Um, what are you doing? I'm just being a silly old woman. I didn't mean what I said. Look, nobody hates you, OK? I just... l... Oh... Oh, I wish I could give you what you need. Oh! Oh! You just did Huh? The most important ingredient, from your heart. And now he is worthy and so he shall see. Come! Come! Hurry up, you little rat bird! I don't have all day. The tower! (laughs) Uh... You never took him, did ya? I never said I did. - You never took any children! - People will believe what they will. I'm happy to live alone in the woods and not be bothered. There! Take this. You may need it. - What is it? - A magic potion. This will allow you to be your innermost self. When you drink it, whatever you are in your heart of hearts, you will become on the outside, tenfold. Wait a minute. You mean the whole time I was doin' all that stuff for me? Mmm-hm. Now leave me and save the prince! Um, could I... Um... How about a... '3 hug? 'A hug? C'mon, bring it in. A hug! Don't push your luck, Bartok. All right, all right, all right! I'm outta here. Colour me gone. And now, all we have to do is tell 'em the prince is in the tower and, boom, we're on to St Petersburg. - What are you doing? - Finding an appropriate character. Zozi, I hate to break it to you, but you can't go. They think you're dead. That is exactly why a rich and multi layered character is crucial. The right wardrobe, a dab of well-placed greasepaint, and none will be the wiser. Um, Zozi, just let me go tell 'em where the prince is. What if something goes wrong? We still don't know who took the prince. Yeah, but... What is this? Cabbage. Cabbage? That's your character? Cabbage? You're gonna blend right in with the crowd. A big, six-foot tall cabbage guy. Yes, but what could be more apropos... than Simka, the Russian peasant woman? I'm going. OK? You wait here. - But... - But nothing, OK? I'll be right back. (I fanfare) Ouch. Ah, brave bat! You have returned from your difficult journey. Healthy, alive! Apparently no worse for the wear. Our congratulations! But where is the prince? (clears throat) The prince never left the city. Never left...? I don't understand. OK, it's a little complicated, and fairly long-winded so everybody listen up, huh? I left here, a fanfare, down into the forest. Lots of trees there, some gargoyles, big, big skull. Solved a riddle, met Baba Yaga. Not a looker, folks. Did three tasks. Not important what they are, but, at this point, I'm confident of my physical, emotional, and intellectual prowess. But the prince? Yeah, hold on. I'm getting there. Me and the witch have a disagreement, some fisticuffs ensue. I come out on top and she slips me this here potion. See? A potion? For what? Well, to be all that I can be, basically. Since I did all the tasks, I'm worthy of saving the prince. It makes you tenfold on the outside what you are on the inside. That's my understanding anyway. Eh, eh, eh. Look, but don't touch, fella. Sounds impressive, I know. Let me break it down. Essentially, if I ever need to be more powerful than I already am, I just give this here sucker the old heave-ho. Yes, but where is the prince? (clears throat) Prince Ivan is in the tower. What? The tower, the tower. Tall building. Just outside. You can't miss it. Oh, my goodness! Well, we must go to the tower at once. Come! I warn you, if the prince is not where you say he is, and this has all been part of some elaborate performance, I assure you, Bartok the Magnificent, the city of Moscow will have your head. Ta-d a! What'd I tell ya? - Hi, Ivan! - Bartok? My prince! I got worried for a sec while we were climbin' the stairs there, I don't mind tellin' ya. You, with the talk about takin' my head and everything. I still might. Hey! hey! You imbecile! What is that? That... That's a prince? Very good. Why didn't you do what I said? I did! I dressed up like the witch, left that tooth, and took the prince. - And what about him? - You told me you wanted him out of the way. Well, what's he doing here? Well, I put him in that cage in the tippytop of the tower. How much more out of the way could he be? Dead, you imbecile! Dead is what he could be! Dead? But he's the prince. - May I interject something here? - No, you may not. OK. I never thought I'd have to see you again. Stupid little bat. It was all so perfect. Eliminate the prince, frame Baba Yaga, send a hapless entertainer to save him. And yet, here you are. The conquering hero, returning from battle with all the answers. Well, all the better. Vol, get the prince. Yes, Your Regency. You three are the only ones who know. And none of you will ever leave this room... alive. I'll take that! Do svidanya. (yelling) Poor Bartok the Magnificent. He's come so far and done so much for the good people of Russia. Such a shame he'll be remembered as a liar. (evil giggle) Ten times more powerful than I already am. Tenfold on the outside what I am on the inside. - (Ivan) Ludmilla, please! - (Bartok) No! No! Oh, not to worry. The water will be along shortly. I'm off to claim my throne. # Starting today, they are going to welcome a new girl # Starting today, no more lying or sneaking about # They'll see someone lovely as a flower # Someone who is totally in power # Starting today when the real Ludmilla comes out # Starting today, every rule's guaranteed to be broken. (shackled men) # Broken # Starting today, every whisper turns into a shout! Aaargh! # I feel all my inhibitions moulting # More than just the peasants are revolting # Starting today when the real Ludmilla comes out (shackled men) # Starting today is the grand transformation # Hide, run away or go on a vacation # Starting today, she'll be ruling the nation, no doubt # Oh, yes, and... # Starting today, the whole world will be mine on a platter (shackled men) # Every man on a plate # Kneel, you peasant, you peon, you dim-witted lout (chorus) # Gee, the future looks great # Now my inner beauty is appearing # I can almost hear the peasants cheering # Starting today when the real Ludmilla # Proves she's a ruler to rival Attilla # Starting today when the real Ludmilla # Comes out! (panicked shouting) People of Moscow! My People! Oh, my goodness! Vol, the water's rising, hurry! Bartok, help! Help! Pssst! Bartok! Whoa! - Eh? Zozi? - Yes. What happened? Oh, you know, not much. Prince Ivan and his guard are about to drown. I'm next cos I can't get out of the cage. Ludmilla drank Baba's potion and is about to take over the kingdom. Other than that, everything is, you know, hunky-dory. I've got an idea. - (Vol) We're stuck! - (Ivan) Don't leave us here! Zozi? I believe I've separated my shoulder. - Hey! Help us down here! - Hurry! One more time oughta do it. Just give it a little more, you know, umph. Oh, that's what I've been doing wrong. I've been lacking... Uuuumph! Arrgh! Lemme ask ya. Ya mentioned something about having an idea. Was, was this what you came up with? You can be honest. I may have made a slight miscalculation. I'm sopping! I'm sorry, Your Highness. Ah, Zozi? Uh-oh... Ta-d a! I'm reminded of Euripides' character Hippolytus. Whose own life hung in the balance. Wronged by Aphrodite. Dying, nobly, in his forgiveness of Theseu... Aaargh! You gotta stop Ludmilla. Go on! Whoa! The potion! Not so fast! Hey, ya got yourself one hard head there, really. Whoa! "At night the sea began to rise in waves of death. Ship against ship the Thracian stormwind shattered us." Oh, you're very good. Thank you. First time I performed that was in '67, the Siberian Greek Tragedy Festival. Do more! All right. That's enough already with the fire. Fire! Fire! The town's on fire! We need water! Lots of water... This is gonna stop her. It's time for the buggeler. It's good, no? In addition ya' gotta realise that these are all a different size and weight. That increases the level of difficulty exponentially. Step right this way. "The man who is well-minded to the state... from me, in death and life, shall have his honour." Please, that's completely unnecessary. Here, dragon lady! - Zozi? - Bartok! We're over here! Ha-ha! Hey, where's the water? Yeah, I'm working on it. Hurry! Hey, good for you! Ya got it. Congrats! Oh, so close on that one. I've been where you are. I had the whole thing with a magic feather. It's frustrating, isn't it? It's right there, but ya can't get at it. It's uh... It's not fun. Much better there. Just up a little bit and to the left. Have a nice trip. See ya next fall. Bartok, where's the water? Talk about your big finish. You can't write stuff like this. Well done, my friend. Well done. Yeah, well, right back at ya, my friend. - Some wicked witch. - Yeah. It was those tasks that helped you become what you always wanted to be. And I never gave her anything. What do you mean? You gave her what she needed most. And what only a true hero could. Your compassion, Bartok. You gave her your compassion. Hey, I did, didn't I? She got upset. And I helped her out. Boom! I just gave her my compassion. Didn't even think about it. When ya got it, ya got it, I guess. Tell ya what. I'm one heck of a guy. You certainly are. For a bat. Citizens of Moscow! (cheering) Please stand with me and give thanks to Bartok the Magnificent. He has saved us and we are forever in his debt. Please, it's embarrassing. Psst. Oh, I almost forgot. Here ya go. - That was my gift to you. - Nonsense, Your Highness. Let me tell ya somethin' about that ring. That ring is a ring for royalty. Huh? (crowd gasps) [BARTOK THE MAGNIFICENT] How's tricks? (Piloff laughing) How's tricks! I think he did really well, don't you, Baba? Piloff, sshhh! Congratulations. (clears throat) Thank you... for everything. Yes, well, fine. Hang on a sec. Is it me or is there a lot a love up here right now? Ya know what? I think it's time for that hug I was talkin' about. - Again with the hug! - C'mon, Piloff. Group hug. - Stop it now. - Bring it in, everybody. I love hugs. Ooooh! OK! Enough! I'll be seein' ya. You can count on it. (Piloff) See yo soon! Auf Wiedersehen! Bye, Bartok. Good bye, Bartok the Magnificent! Uh, see ya later, folks. Subtitles by TokerVision ENGLISH SDH