Editing Arthur and the Haunted Tree House/Transcript

== Opening ==

''It is Halloween night in Elwood City. The scene cuts to the tree house, where Ladonna is telling a story.''

'''[[Ladonna Compson]]:''' And they never found Doc. Some say he's still out there. Hiding in the swamps, living off frogs and leeches. His skin shriveled and yellow, with an evil smile plastered on his face...

''She shines a flashlight on her face.''

'''Ladonna:''' ...like this!

''Arthur and Buster scream while Ladonna laughs.''

'''[[Arthur Read]]:''' Can we turn the lantern back on now?

'''Ladonna:''' Aw, come on. It wasn't that scary.

'''[[Buster Baxter]]:''' Wait, you don't really have a cousin named Doc, do you?

'''Ladonna:''' Sure I do! But he lives in Miami, not a swamp. He's a nutritionist.

'''Arthur (turning on the lantern):''' Um...

'''Ladonna:''' What are you supposed to be again?

'''Buster:''' Candy Boy. (puts on his costume glasses) Candy Boy get angry when he no get candy! (roars, then takes off his glasses) But don't worry, Candy Boy is very happy this year. He beat last Halloween's candy quota. Oh, yeah!

''The wind is heard blowing.''

'''Arthur:''' Shh. Did you hear something?

''The three friends look outside the tree house.''

'''Ladonna:''' Uh-oh, maybe it was angry villagers, Frankenstein. (she giggles)

'''Arthur:''' I'm not Franken-stein, I'm Franken-tist.

'''Buster:''' That's a combination of Frankenstein and a dentist.

''The wind blows again.''

'''Arthur:''' There it is again!

'''Ladonna:''' That's just the wind. You sure are jumpy.

'''Buster:''' You didn't mix the sour-gummied worms with the peanut clusters, did you? That always makes me jumpy.

'''Arthur:''' No.

'''Ladonna:''' So, what's up?

'''Arthur:''' You wouldn't believe me if I told you.

'''Buster:''' Yes, I would.

'''Ladonna:''' Me too. If it were me I might not believe me, but you? Tell us.

'''Arthur:''' It's this tree house. It's... it's haunted.

''Buster and Ladonna laugh at the idea.''

'''Buster:''' What? No way.

'''Ladonna:''' Come on? This old thing?

'''Arthur:''' I'm serious. There's a ghost here. She's angry. And I think she's coming for us.

== Part One ==

''The title card, "Arthur and the Haunted Tree House" is shown. Ladonna reads "Arthur and the Haunted Tree House, Part One".''

Ladonna: Wait, back up. What do you mean "there's a ghost here"?

Buster: Did you really see it?

Arthur: Kind of.

Buster: What did it look like? Aw, man. You're so lucky. I want to see a ghost.

Arthur: No, you don't. Anyway, I'm not sure I want to talk about it.

Ladonna: Oh, come on! You can't just say you've seen a ghost and then not tell us about it.

Arthur: (sighs) Okay. I guess it all started about a week ago.

===Arthur's story (in the form of a flashback)===

Arthur (narrating): ''I had just told Mom I wanted to have a Halloween sleepover at the tree house.''

Mom: I don't know, Arthur. I'm not sure it's safe to sleep up there. What if someone rolls over and...

Arthur: We're going to put a crate up there to block the opening.

Mom: Okay, but how are you going to get your sleeping bags and stuff up there?

Arthur: Already thought of that, too. We hooked up a pulley. It's really cool. You should come out and see it later.

D.W.: Did I hear someone say sleeping bags? Are we going camping?

Mom: No, sweetie. Arthur jsut wants to have a Halloween party at the tree house.

D.W.: I want to come, too!

Arthur: You can't, D.W. It'd be too scary for you.

Árthur (holding out a cereal box): Here, looking for the cereal?

D.W.: Too scary? Ha! The only thing that scares me are octo-potties, and they're only at the beach, so...

''D.W. opens the cereal box to reveal fake snakes popping out. She screams.''

Arthur (laughing): I rest my case.

Mom (sternly): Arthur.

Arthur: Sorry. I was just trying to prepare her for Halloween.

''Arthur follows Mom to the house door.''

Arthur (begging Mom): So, Mom. Please? Can I have the sleepover?

Mom: Well, I'd have to check with your father, but I guess it's okay.

Arthur: Yes!

D.W.: I wasn't really scared by the cereal snake. I was just acting.

Mom: You'll have a much better time at home anyway. Your father and I are going out that night, but Grandma will be here. Why don't you invite Bud over?

D.W.: Okay.

''Mom heads out and closes the front door.''

D.W.: But I'm ten times braver than you.

Arthur (patting D.W.'s head): Sure you are.

D.W.: Ha! Let's just see who's braver, Arthur Read.

''The scene cuts to Arthur climbing a ladder to his house attic.''

Arthur (narrating): ''The next day after school, I went up to the attic to get some scary decorations for the tree house.''

''Arthur tries to turn on the attic light, but ends up turning on a flashlight as the attic light was not working. He approaches a corner with a box labed "Halloween Decorations". On a table near the box, Arthur spots a doll.''

Arthur (narrating): ''That's the first time I saw it.''

''Arthur picks up the doll, and one eye is shown.''

Arthur: Ugh! Where on earth did this come from?

''Arthur turns to the back of the doll, where its name is shown.''

Arthur (reading off the doll): Zelda.

Arthur (narrating): ''I thought that the doll had belonged to Mom or Dad. Or maybe even Grandma Thora.''

''The scene cuts to the living room of Arthur's house. Arthur talks to his Dad.''

Arthur: It's really old and spooky. If it's okay, I'd love to use it for my sleepover.

''Arthur notices that the doll is not in the Halloween decorations box.''

Arthur: Huh? But it was just here a minute ago.

''Dad shrugs and leaves the living room.''

Arthur: Maybe Pal ran off with it. It'll turn up.

Arthur (narrating): ''The next day, after school, I took the decorations over to the tree house.''

''Arthur sets down the Halloween decorations box on the pulley platform he built earlier. He suddenly notices a strange voice.''

Unknown voice: Arrrr-thurrrrr....

Arthur (startled): Who's there?!

''Arthur walks around the tree house and only sees leaves blowing with the wind.''

Arthur: Just the wind.

''He climbs up the ladder to the tree house. Inside the tree house, Arthur pushes the crate to block the opening. He notices strange writing on the back wall that reads "This is MY tree house".''

''Back in real time.''

Arthur: It said, "This is MY tree house". Right there. Written in chalk.

''Buster gasps as he turns to the back wall.''

Arthur: I wiped it away.

Ladonna: Maybe it was just D.W. playing a trick on you.

Arthur: She's not allowed to come up here alone. And anyway, she can't write.

Ladonna: Well, neither can dolls.

Buster: Unless, of course, that doll isn't really a doll.

Ladonna: Oh, phony-baloney. You guys are jumping to conclusions.

Arthur: Wait, it gets worse. After I finished decorating, I didn't come back until earlier today.

''The flashback resumes.''

Arthur (narrating): ''I wanted to drop off some stuff before getting into costume and trick-or-treating. I also thought someone might be playing a trick on me, but I wasn't going to let it ruin my sleepover.''

Arthur: If you're trying to scare me, it's not going to work, so you can just give up now!

''Arthur climbs the tree house after looking around for things trying to scare him. After pushing the crate, he screams. The doll is seen beside a box. It falls over and opens the one eye. The flashback ends.''

===In real time===

Arthur: She was sitting...

''Arthur points to where he last saw the doll.''

Arthur: ...right there!

Buster: (gasps) No way!

Ladonna: Come on! You're making this up.

Arthur: I'm not! I swear.

Buster: What did you do?!

''The three friends look outside the tree house.''

Arthur: I dug a hole and buried her over by that rock. But what if she comes back?

Ladonna: Guys, relax. I'm sure there's a rational explanation.

Buster: That's true. Maybe Zelda's an alien.

Ladonna: ''That's'' a rational explanation?

Arthur: Well, whatever it is, I'm starting to think that this sleepover was a really bad idea.

''A knocking sound is heard, which scares the friends.''

Voice: Arthur...

''The friends scream. Francine climbs up to the tree house, wearing a prom queen costume.''

Francine: Ha! I know this prom dress costume was scary.

Arthur (relieved): Phew! It's just you.

Francine: Who were you expecting? Muffy's not here yet? Oh, man! She's going to be so angry at me.

Buster: Why?

Francine pulls up a pulley to bring her stuff into the tree house.

Francine: I was supposed to meet her at her place, and then we were going to trick-or-treat at the fancy houses, but I got stuck at this one apartment in our building. It was actually kind of freaky.

Arthur: Was there a doll there? With a big head and one eye?

Francine: Huh? No. It was even scarier than that.

===Francine's subplot (in a flashback)===

'''Francine (narrating):''' ''Every year, the tenants in our building put up a list of apartments you can trick-or-treat at. I know them all by heart.''

''In the flashback, Francine walks up to an apartment. A woman walks up and opens the door.''

'''Francine (narrating):''' ''There's Mrs. Parizeau. She always gives fruit.''

'''Francine:''' Trick or treat!

''Mrs. Parizeau hands Francine a bag of prunes.''

'''Mrs. Parizeau:''' There you go. Prunes, sweetheart. That's nature's candy.

'''Francine:''' Uh, thanks.

''The scene cuts to Francine walking up to another door.''

'''Francine (narrating):''' ''There's Mr. Bellamy. He always does the old "hand in a bowl of candy" trick.''

'''Francine:''' Trick of treat!

''Mr Bellamy sticks his hand through the bowl of candy he holds out.''

'''Francine (acting surprised):''' Oh, no! It's a live hand in a bowl of candy!

''Francine grabs one piece of candy, but it falls to the floor.''

'''Francine (narrating):''' ''And then Mr. Bellamy forgets that his hand is in the bowl.''

'''Mr. Bellamy:''' Oh! You dropped some.

''Mr. Bellamy accidentally pours out the candy bowl as he tipped his left hand downward.''

'''Mr. Bellamy:''' Oh!

''Francine sighs, then kneels down to help Mr. Bellamy fill his candy bowl again. The scene cuts to Francine getting candy from two costumed people.''

'''Francine (narrating):''' ''Then there are the Lancasters. They always try to guess your costume, and fail.''

'''Mr. Lancaster:''' You're a fairy godmother?

'''Mrs. Lancaster:''' Uh, a fancy lampshade?

'''Mr. Lancaster:''' Uh, Queen Isabella of Spain?

'''Mrs. Lancaster:''' Oh, oh! The Feudal System? Huh?

'''Francine (disappointed):''' I'm a prom queen. Thanks.

'''Francine (narrating):''' ''I only had one more apartment to hit. Someone I had never met before.''

''Francine approaches apartment 237 and knocks on the door. A woman opens the door.''

'''Woman:''' Yes?

'''Francine:''' Trick or treat!

'''Woman:''' Oh, is it Halloween already? I completely forgot. Come in, come in!

''Francine enters the woman's apartment.''

'''Woman:''' Excuse the mess, I was just going through some old photos. Sit, sit. I have candy here somewhere.

''Francine notices a photo of something weird. She picks up the picture.''

'''Francine:''' What is ''that''?

'''Woman:''' That, my dear, is a golem.

'''Francine:''' What's a golem?

'''Woman:''' A monster made from clay and then brought to life by a magic spell.

''Francine laughs at the idea.''

'''Woman:''' Oh, you don't believe me? I took that picture myself. But even without a photo, I would never forget the face of that hideous creature. I'd tell you the story, but I shouldn't be frightening children like this.

''Francine smiles.''

'''Woman:''' I was a little girl, just about your age. We lived in a small town called Mindelplatz, not far from Prague.

''A flashback begins. A street of Mindelplatz is shown, and a trolley car on rails is seen passing by.''

'''Woman (narrating):''' ''There was a young man in the town who was a great violinist.''

''The man is seen playing the violin on the streets of Mindelplatz. The woman, as a little girl in that time, gives the man some money for his performance. The flashback cuts to the man playing the violin in front of dead plants hanging from a window box.''

'''Woman (narrating):''' ''His music was so beautiful, it was said it could make dead plants grow.''

''The violinist's music brings the dead plants back to life. People on the street clap for him. The scene cuts to the man walking down a street, near trolley tracks.''

'''Woman (narrating):''' ''Then, one day, the violinist was in a terrible accident. He was hit by a trolley car, and all his fingers were broken.''

''The scene cuts to someone's house. The camera zooms into an upstairs window.''

'''Woman (narrating):''' ''They eventually healed, but he was no longer able to play the violin.''

''Now inside the house, it is shown that it is the violinist's house.''

'''Woman (narrating):''' ''People rarely saw the violinist after that. He stayed in his room, reading ancient books about magic.''

''The man hears a cat meowing, and walks out to his window. A cat is meowing on the street, and the girl takes a picture of the cat. The cat then leaves, and the girl turns to the open window with the violinist looking out from it. She waves at him. The man angrily closes his window.''

'''Woman (narrating):''' ''He grew bitter, angry at the world.''

''In a dark area, the man is reading a book.''

'''Woman (narrating):''' ''In one of his books, he learned how to make the golem.''

''A creature is shown lying down on a wooden board. The man pushes a piece of his violin into the body of the slimy creature. The creature starts moving.''

'''Woman (narrating):''' ''And he brought him to life.''

''The golem gets up, and walks towards the man.''

'''Woman (narrating):''' ''But the golem turned against him.''

''The golem chases the man, who then runs out of the basement.''

'''Woman (narrating):''' ''He couldn't control the creature.''

''The scene fades to the girl trying to take a portrait of a boy.''

'''Woman (narrating):''' ''No one could.''

''A crowd runs past the boy and girl. The golem is seen approaching the boy and girl. The boy runs away, while the girl falls over and takes a picture of the golem. The flashback ends.''

'''Francine:''' Wow! That's some story! How'd you escape?

'''Woman:''' Who's to say I did?

'''Francine:''' Huh?

'''Woman:''' Anyway, look what I found for you.

''The woman holds out a violin made of marzipan.''

'''Woman:''' It's marzipan, a delicious almond paste.

''She hands the marzipan violin to Francine.''

'''Woman:''' Happy Halloween, my dear.

''Francine leaves the woman's apartment, but notices something in her Halloween candy basket.''

'''Francine (narrating):''' ''Right after I left the apartment, I noticed that somehow one of the woman's photographs had fallen into my Halloween bag. So I went to return it.''

''Francine returns to the apartment and knocks on the door.''

'''Francine (narrating):''' ''But this time, a man answered the door.''

'''Francine:''' Oh, hi. You must be Mr. Saperstein. Somehow this fell in my bag.

''Francine lets Mr. Saperstein see the photo she had.''

'''Mr. Saperstein:''' That's my little sister. She disappeared when we were children.

''Francine gasps; the flashback ends.''

===In real time (again)===

''The friends gasp.''

'''Ladonna:''' So, t-that was her g-ghost?

'''Francine:''' I don't know. Maybe.

'''Buster:''' Why does everyone get to see a ghost except me? No offense, but I think her story was scarier than both of yours.

'''Arthur:''' It's not a competition!

'''Francine:''' Can I borrow your phone? I have to call Muffy.

''Buster lends his iPhone-like smartphone to Francine.''

'''Francine:''' She already left by the time I got to her house.

''Francine calls Muffy, who is seen answering the phone on a moving chair.''

'''Muffy:''' I waited for 45 minutes!

'''Francine:''' I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I got held up at my building.

'''Muffy:''' Well, where are you now?

'''Francine:''' The tree house. Are you coming?

'''Muffy:''' I'll be there in a little bit. I still have to hit the MacNeil Mansion.

'''Francine:''' Well, hurry up. I can't wait to tell you what happened to me. You're never going to beli...

''The phone call is interrupted.''

===Muffy's subplot===

'''Muffy:''' Hello? Francine? Are you there?

''Muffy looks at her phone and finds that the battery is dead.''

'''Muffy:''' Oh! I'm out of juice. 

''The camera cuts to showing Muffy riding in the back of a tandem bike with Bailey pedaling at the front.''

'''Muffy:''' Bailey, can I borrow your phone?

'''Bailey:''' Alas, I didn't bring mine, Ms. Muffy. It didn't feel appropriate that the Mad Hatter would be carrying one.

''A thudding sound is heard, and the bike shakes.''

'''Bailey:''' Oh, dear!

'''Muffy:''' What happened?

'''Bailey:''' We seem to have blown a tire.

''Muffy feels worried. The scene cuts to Bailey assessing the damage.''

'''Muffy:''' Can you fix it?

'''Bailey:''' Perhaps. Do you have any chewing gum?

'''Muffy:''' Chewing gum?! Me?! Really, Bailey, you know me better than that.

'''Bailey:''' Hmm. I didn't think so. Then I'm afraid we're in a bit of a pickle.

'''Muffy:''' Well, we have to do something! The MacNeils give out chocolate truffles ''and'' pralines. It's the best house on my list!

'''Bailey:''' Might I suggest walking, Ms. Muffy?

'''Muffy:''' Oh, I was afraid you were going to say that. These shoes are very pinchy. Well, if we're going to walk, we might as well take the shortcut.

'''Bailey:''' You mean... through the cemetery?

'''Muffy:''' Sure. Why not.

''Muffy opens the gate to the cemetery.''

'''Muffy (cunningly):''' Don't tell me you're afraid.

'''Bailey:''' Bailey Carson Belvedere III, ''afraid?'' I think not!

'''Muffy:''' Good. Then we'll be there in a jiffy.

''A raccoon comes out of a bush and crosses Bailey's path, which causes him to fearfully yelp. Bailey then shivers in fright.''

'''Muffy:''' And when we get to the McNeils, we'll call a taxi.

''The scene fades to Muffy and Bailey continuing their cemetery walk. A cawing sound is heard in the distance.''

'''Bailey:''' Egads! What was that?

'''Muffy:''' (sighs) Probably another raccoon. You know, it's fine if you're scared.

'''Bailey:''' (clears throat) Yes, well, thank you for your concern, Ms. Muffy. But as I said, I'm absolutely...

''An owl flies across the screen, scaring Bailey and causing him to yelp.''

'''Bailey:''' Gadzooks! That looked like a flying badger!

''The owl hoots.''

'''Muffy:''' It's just an owl, Bailey.

'''Bailey:''' Well, owls are very dangerous... if you're a small rodent. (grunts) Perhaps I ''am'' a little edgy, but why aren't you, Ms. Muffy?

'''Muffy:''' Last Halloween, before Francine and I went trick-or-treating, we dared each other to run through the cemetery.

''A flashback starts: Francine and Muffy are in front of the cemetery gates. Francine opens the gate and takes a look into the cemetery.''

'''Francine:''' You sure you want to do this?

'''Muffy:''' Crosswires ''never'' back down from a dare.

'''Francine:''' Well, neither do Frenskys.

''Muffy starts walking into the cemetery. Francine starts jogging, and so does Muffy. The duo jog through the cemetery, and an owl is heard hooting.''

'''Muffy (narrating):''' ''We were both terrified. But we made it all the way. And, well, it was super exciting!''

''Muffy and Francine make it to the other cemetery gate, and lie down on the grass next to the path while panting, then laugh.''

'''Muffy:''' Let's do it again!

''They then run back the other way. The flashback ends.''

'''Muffy:''' After that, we did it ''four more times''. So now this place doesn't scare me anymore.

''Muffy sits down on a bench to adjust her shoes.''

'''Muffy:''' To tell you the truth, I actually miss being a little scared. It made Halloween more fun.

''Thunder claps and it starts raining.''

'''Muffy:''' (gasps) Oh, no! This dress is going to get ruined. Now, that's scary. Come on!

''As Muffy and Bailey walk, the rain gets heavier. Muffy screams.''

'''Muffy:''' I can barely see where I'm going!

'''Bailey:''' We best take shelter, Ms. Muffy. Over here!

''Bailey helps direct Muffy to a raised, covered platform in the cemetery, where the two wait out the rain. A meowing sound is heard.''

'''Muffy:''' My sentiments exactly. This evening is ruined.

'''Bailey:''' I beg your pardon, Ms. Muffy. But I didn't say anything.

'''Muffy:''' You didn't? Then who...

''The two turn around, and see a pair of eyes glowing in the dark. A screeching sound is heard, causing Bailey and Muffy to yelp in fright.''

===Back to the tree house===

''The scene cuts back to the tree house, where it is also raining. Arthur, Buster, and Ladonna are looking outside.''

'''Arthur:''' Do you think we should go to my house? Even if there aren't any ghosts, this roof can leak.

'''Ladonna:''' What? No, we have to stay. I mean, just for a little bit longer? At least until the rain lets up.

''A panting sound is heard, which Francine notices.''

'''Francine:''' Huh?

''Francine looks outside and screams.''

'''Francine:''' What's that?!

''An unknown figure is seen running towards the tree house.''

'''Buster:''' I bet it's the golem!

''The figure stops and reveals himself as Binky.''

'''Binky:''' Hey! Sorry I'm late.

''The friends sigh with relief.''

'''Buster:''' What a night!

''Inside the tree house:''

'''Francine:''' What are you supposed to be? A couch?

'''Binky:''' I'm Puffy McPuffmeister. He's a professional wrestler. He pins people with his squishy body.

''Binky squeezes Buster against a tree house wall.''

'''Buster:''' You win! Uncle!

'''Binky:''' Sheesh! Have I had a strange night.

'''Arthur:''' You, too? We were just talking about all the spooky things that have happened tonight.

'''Buster:''' Nothing spooky happened to me. Except somebody gave me some Brussels sprouts. Want some? They're actually delicious.

''Buster eats a Brussels sprout, to the disgust of the other friends, who say "Ew!".''

'''Binky:''' Well, ''my'' story is the spookiest. It all started when I went over to toilet-paper Mr. Ratburn's house.

'''Arthur:''' You what?!

'''Buster:''' You are in so much trouble!

'''Francine:''' Are you nuts?!

'''Binky:''' Calm down. I didn't actually do it. In fact, I never even wanted to do it. But the Tough Customers always do a prank on Halloween. It's a tradition.

===Binky's subplot (as a flashback)===

''Binky, Molly, Rattles, and Slink are at the schoolyard jungle gym. The Tough Customers draw straws, and Binky ends up with the shortest one.''

'''Binky (narrating):''' ''And I drew the short straw.''

'''Binky:''' Oh, man!

''The other Tough Customers feel annoyed at what Binky said. Molly and Slink say "Huh?" in an annoyed manner.''

'''Binky:''' I mean, yipee!

''Binky fake smiles. The scene cuts to Binky in front of Mr. Ratburn's house on Halloween night. In his costume, he is carrying a backpack with many rolls of toilet paper. Binky approaches the front door of Mr. Ratburn's house.''

'''Binky (narrating):''' ''But when I got to his house, I knew I couldn't go through with it. I was just about to turn around when...''

''Binky tries to leave, but is stopped by a voice.''

'''Voice:''' Nevermore!

''Binky looks at a raven decoration, thinking the voice might have come from there.''

'''Binky:''' Was that you?

'''Raven:''' Nevermore!

'''Binky:''' Never more what?

'''Raven:''' Nevermore!

'''Binky:''' If you say nevermore one more time, I'm going to pluck your feathers!

''The raven screams in fear. The front door to Mr. Ratburn's house opens, and a puppet appears after a puff of smoke.''

'''Puppet:''' If you solve the puzzles within, countless treasures you shall win. But if you enter and you fail, eternal doom shall prevail. So, mortal, do you dare to enter Mr. Ratburn's terrible lair? (laughs)

'''Binky (narrating):''' ''The doom part didn't sound so good, but I did like the idea of "countless treasures".''

'''Binky:''' Eh, it's worth a shot.

''Binky leaves his backpack outside and enters Mr. Ratburn's house. The front door closes behind him.''

'''Raven:''' Nevermore!

''The scene cuts to Binky inside Mr. Ratburn's house. It is dark inside, and Binky walks into a room after passing through some curtains. Inside the room, a lantern is seen on a table, and a pendulum showing "12:00" dings. Binky looks at his watch as he enters the room.''

'''Binky:''' Uh, Mr. Ratburn? That clock is wrong. It's only 8:15.

''A fake spider drops down and shows Binky a note.''

'''Binky (narrating):''' ''The note said to turn the lantern on. So that's what I did.''

''Binky walks up to the lantern and turns it on. The light shines on a puppet lying on a bed, and it opens one eye.''

'''Binky (narrating):''' ''All of a sudden, I noticed this puppet in the corner, and it opened one eye!''

''Back to the tree house, briefly:''

'''Arthur:''' Wait! Did this puppet have a baby's head? Was it called Zelda?!

'''Binky:''' Um, no. It was some old guy. And I didn't ask him his name. But that creepy eye...

''The flashback continues. Binky is staring at the one-eyed puppet.''

'''Binky (narrating):''' ''It was really, really creepy!''

''A beating sound is heard.''

'''Binky (narrating):''' ''And then, I heard this beating sound, like a heart. It wouldn't stop. And it kept getting louder, until finally...''

''Binky runs out of Mr. Ratburn's house.''

'''Binky:''' That's it! You can keep the treasure! I'm out of here!

===Back in real time===

'''Binky:''' It was the scariest room I'd ever been in. Except, maybe for math class.

'''Francine:''' Wait a minute, that scene you just described. That's from ''The Tell-Tale Heart''.

'''Binky:''' (scratches his head) The wha?

'''Arthur:''' You know, the short story by Edgar Allen Poe.

'''Francine:''' Binky, we've been studying them in class for the past two weeks. Haven't you been paying attention?

'''Binky:''' Um, no comment.

''Arthur takes out a book from his backpack.''

'''Arthur:''' I thought it might be fun to read one aloud tonight.

''Arthur hands Binky an Edgar Allen Poe book; Binky starts reading it.''

'''Buster:''' Hey! I bet the treasure was under a floorboard. That's where the "thump-thump" was coming from in the story.

'''Binky:''' You mean I was standing on top of candy all that time? Oh, man!

'''Ladonna:''' Well, look at it this way. At least nothing ''actually'' scary was going on.

'''Binky:''' Yeah, I guess you're right.

''Binky lies down to read the book. But then he suddenly yelps and drops the book.

'''Buster:''' What is it?

'''Binky:''' I left my backpack with the toilet paper in it at Mr. Ratburn's house! Now he'll ''know'' what I was planning! He could give me detention for life! I've got to get it back!

''Binky hurriedly leaves the tree house, presumably to return to Mr. Ratburn's house.''

'''Buster:''' You know, this is a very weird Halloween.

'''Francine:''' I'll say! But you know something? I'm not afraid. Ghosts-shmosts.

'''Arthur:''' Neither am I. If we all stick together, we'll be just fine. Let's get into our sleeping bags.

''As Arthur is about to unwrap his sleeping bag, an evil laughter is heard, scaring the friends.''

'''Arthur (frightened):''' Did you giggle?

'''Buster:''' I didn't giggle. (to Ladonna) You?

'''Ladonna:''' Uh-uh.

'''Francine:''' It wasn't me.

'''Arthur:''' Maybe it was a frog.

'''Buster:''' Do frogs giggle?

'''Arthur:''' I don't know.

''The laughter is heard again.''

'''Buster:''' Okay! That wasn't a frog!

'''Voice:''' This tree house is mine! ("mine" echoes)

''The friends scream as a thunder clap is heard and lightning is seen. The friends climb down to the ground and run away from the tree house.

'''Buster:''' I'm out of here!

''Ladonna is the last to climb down. She looks at the friends running away, and laughs.''

'''Ladonna:''' Oh, the looks on their faces!

''Ladonna then jogs away from the tree house.''

== Part Two ==

=== Main plot (in Arthur's house) ===

''The scene cuts to the back door of Arthur's house, where the thunderstorm from the previous part is continuing.''

'''Arthur (from inside the house):''' ''And then we heard the voice!''

''Inside Arthur's house, Grandma Thora is handing towels for Arthur and his friends to dry up from the rain.''

'''Buster:''' It said, "This tree house is mine!"

'''Francine:''' It was clear as day.

''The camera zooms out to show Grandma Thora, D.W., and Bud in the kitchen/dining room of Arthur's house.''

'''[[Thora Read|Grandma Thora]]:''' Are you sure it wasn't just the wind? It was really howling a little while ago.

'''Arthur:''' Uh-uh. It was Zelda. I know it was.

'''D.W.:''' Poor Arthur. (singing) Afwaid of a wittle doll.

'''[[Bud Compson]]:''' Was it shaking its scawy wattle?

''D.W. and Bud laugh.''

'''Arthur:''' D.W., this is serious. You would have been terrified out there.

'''D.W.:''' Would not! Anyway, I guess we'll never know, because you didn't invite me to your party.

'''Arthur:''' You should be ''thanking'' me for not inviting you!

'''Grandma:''' All right, all right. Settle down, you two. Why don't I make us all some nice, hot cocoa?

'''Francine:''' Can I use your bathroom? I got mud all over my prom dress. I actually think it looks better now, but I borrowed it from Catherine.

'''Arthur:''' Sure.

''Buster notices that Ladonna is not in the kitchen.''

'''Buster:''' Hey! W-where's Ladonna?

'''Arthur:''' I thought she was right behind you.

'''Buster:''' She was!

'''Arthur:''' You don't think that Zelda...

''A rapid knocking on the door is heard, causing Arthur and Buster to briefly scream. Arthur hesitantly opens the door, where Ladonna is seen.''

'''Ladonna:''' Quick, quick, close the door!

'''Buster:''' W-what happened?!

'''Ladonna:''' I went back to get my backpack.

'''Arthur:''' What?! That's crazy.

'''Ladonna:''' I know! But I had some of my favorite books with me. I wasn't about to let that doll get them! Which... she almost did.

'''Buster:''' (gasps) No way!

'''Ladonna:''' When I went back to the tree house, I saw her sitting in the corner. I snatched my bag and I ran towards your house. Then I looked behind me, and, and she was limping after me!

''Ladonna, Buster, and Arthur move away from the kitchen.''

'''Bud:''' Wow, she's got one eye ''and'' a limp? Poor little doll.

''D.W. and Bud laugh as they follow the friends.''

'''Ladonna (annoyed):''' Oh, you wouldn't be laughing if you'd seen her!

'''Ladonna:''' Anyway, that's when I tripped in the mud. Could I borrow a sweatshirt or something?

'''D.W.:''' Come on, I'll find you one of Mom's.

''D.W. takes Ladonna upstairs. Bud follows them.''

'''D.W.:''' You don't want to wear one of Arthur's smelly old things.

''Arthur and Buster look out a window, where it is still raining. The scene cuts to just outisde Arthur's parents' bedroom, with the bedroom door open.''

'''D.W. (inside the bedroom):''' ''Was Arthur really, really scared?''

'''Ladonna (inside the bedroom):''' ''Oh, yeah. When he heard that voice, he turned white as a powdered doughnut.''

''Inside the bedroom:''

'''Bud:''' That's because I do such a good ghost impression.

''Bud is seen holding a walkie-talkie.''

'''Bud (into walkie-talkie):''' This tree house is mine!

''D.W. and Ladonna laugh, as the latter puts on a pink sweatshirt. Francine exits the bathroom and notices laughter coming from the parents' bedroom. She listens in.''

'''Bud (into walkie-talkie):''' I may only have one eye, but Zelda sees everything!

'''Ladonna:''' Shh! Keep it down. Someone will hear you.

'''D.W.:''' I think I've shown Arthur who the scaredy-cat is now. (to Ladonna) Thanks for the help.

'''Ladonna:''' Wait. I've saved the best part for last. Arthur buried the doll after the last time he saw her. So...

''Ladonna takes out the Zelda doll from her backpack, and shows it to Bud and D.W.''

'''Ladonna:''' I dug her up! (laughs)

'''D.W.:''' Eugh!

'''Bud:''' She looks even worse than before.

'''Ladonna:''' I know. Pretty cool, huh? Oh, I also brought back the other walkie-talkie. What do you say we pull one last trick? (giggles)

''Francine grins in an evil manner after overhearing the plan. She returns to the kitchen, where Arthur and Buster are drinking hot cocoa.''

'''Francine:''' I just saw Zelda.

'''Buster:''' Where?!

'''Arthur:''' In the house?!

'''Francine:''' In your Mom and Dad's bedroom. With her friends.

'''Buster:''' She has friends?! We're under attack!

'''Francine:''' Relax. Her friends happen to be Ladonna, Bud, and D.W. They've been pranking us.

'''Arthur:''' But that voice. How did...?

'''Francine:''' I saw Bud with a walkie-talkie. I bet they planted the other one in the tree house.

'''Buster:''' Wow. He sure does a good creepy-baby-ghost doll.

'''Arthur:''' Of all the rotten tricks! I bet this was all D.W.'s idea. I'll show her who's...

'''Francine:''' Wait. I've got a better plan. Maybe it's time they got a taste of their own ''medicine''.

=== Muffy's subplot ===

''At the cemetery, Muffy and Bailey are still scared by the mysterious growling. A lightning flash lights up the area, showing that there is a cat hiding from the rain. The cat appears scared from the thunder.''

'''Muffy (relieved):''' Oh, it's just a cat.

'''Bailey:''' It seems to have a collar. It's probably lost. Perhaps there's an address on its tag.

''Bailey tries to go toward the cat to help find the cat's owners, but Muffy tries to stop him.''

'''Muffy:''' Careful, Bailey. It looks very afraid.

'''Bailey:''' Oh, not to worry, Ms. Muffy. I'm very good with cats. Sometimes, I think they believe I'm one of them.

'''Bailey (to the cat):''' Here, little kitty. Don't be afraid.

''The cat growls off-screen. Fabric-ripping is heard.''

'''Bailey:''' Oh dear! No! Not the trousers!

''Bailey's costume is ripped by the cat.''

'''Muffy:''' I think that one believed you were its scratching post.

'''Bailey:''' Indeed. This really hasn't been my night.

''Bailey sits down in defeat.''

'''Muffy:''' Oh, poor Bailey. Here, have some of my candy.

''Muffy offers Bailey some of her Halloween candy to try to comfort him. Bailey takes a piece of candy while Muffy sits down next to him.''

'''Muffy:''' I'm sure the rain will let up soon.

''The rain continues; lightning is seen with a thunderclap.''

'''Bailey:''' Ms. Muffy, watch out! That crazed panther is advancing.

''The cat goes towards Muffy, who backs up a little.''

'''Muffy:''' Shoo! Scat! You're a mean butler-scratcher.

''The cat brushes against Muffy.''

'''Muffy:''' Oh, stop it! You're getting hair all over my costume.

''The cat licks Muffy's hand.''

'''Muffy:''' (sighs) I give up. I guess I'll be Alice ''after'' she met the Cheshire cat.

''Muffy picks up the cat and lets the cat rest on her lap. Muffy reads the cat's tag.''

'''Muffy (reading the tag):''' My name is Inky Krueger. I live at 1428 Elm Street.

'''Bailey:''' That's not far from here.

'''Muffy:''' But it's in the opposite direction of the MacNeil house.

''Muffy notices that the rain has stopped.''

'''Muffy:''' Look! It stopped raining. Maybe she'll just find her own way home?

'''Bailey:''' Ms. Muffy, do you really want to just leave her here?

''The cat feels scared.''

'''Muffy:''' Fine. We'll drop her off. But let's hurry. The MacNeils turn off the chocolate fountain promptly at nine.

'''Muffy (to Bailey):''' Can I have your hat?

''Bailey hands over his costume hat to Muffy, who directs the cat to jump in.''

'''Muffy:''' In!

''The cat jumps into Bailey's hat. Bailey and Muffy begin to make their way out of the cemetery.''

=== At Mr. Ratburn's house ===

''Two trick-or-treaters pass by Mr. Ratburn's house. One is wearing a ghost costume.''

'''Kid in ghost costume:''' Are these decorations, or is this house always like this?

'''Raven decoration:''' Nevermore!

'''Friend of ghost-kid:''' (gasps) Let's get out of there. This place is weird.

''The two trick-or-treaters leave the area.''

'''Raven:''' Wait, come back! Of course they're just decorations! I don't actually live like this!

''Mr. Ratburn comes out to the front of his house.''

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' (sighs) 8:15 and I've only had one trick-or-treater.

''Mr. Ratburn takes a look around his house and the decorations.''

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' Hmm. Maybe I did go a bit too far this year.

''He tries to remove a cobweb decoration, but he trips on Binky's backpack as he pulls out the cobweb, which causes him to get caught in another cobweb decoration while holding the one he pulled out.''

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' Oh, oh dear! I'm caught!

''As Mr. Ratburn tries to break free, the Tibble Twins and Grandma Tibble pass by Mr. Ratburn's house. The Tibbles and their Grandma get scared at the sight of Mr. Ratburn stuck in the cobwebs, and quickly run away, after the Tibble Twins briefly scream. Mr. Ratburn manages to throw away the cobwebs, but then sees a backpack with toilet paper rolls inside.''

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' Mm-hmm.

''He takes the backpack with him as he enters his house.''

=== Arthur's house (main plot) ===

''The decorated front yard of Arthur's house is shown. Inside, D.W., Bud, and Ladonna are behind the main staircase.''

'''Ladonna:''' Okay, it's all set.

'''D.W.:''' Did you put the doll someplace he'll see it?

'''Ladonna (whispering to D.W.):''' It's right on top of his bed, and I left the door open. He can't miss it.

'''Ladonna (to Bud):''' Wait for my signal, and then start moaning.

'''Bud:''' What kind of a moan should I do? The "I got a stomach ache" moan? Or the "I can't find my hat" moan?

'''Ladonna:''' I don't know. Just do something spooky.

''Ladonna holds out her fingers in a spooky manner. Bud goes into the door that leads into the basement, while Ladonna and D.W. go into the living room, where Arthur and his friends are watching a movie.''

'''Ladonna:''' What are we watching?

'''Arthur:''' ''The Curse of the Moomy.'' It's what those video games are based on.

''D.W. sits next to Arthur.''

'''D.W.:''' Arthur, I'm chilly. (putting her hand on Arthur's shoulder) Would you get me my blankie from upstairs? I left it in your room.

'''Arthur:''' No!

'''D.W. (begging):''' Pretty, pretty please with sugar on top?

'''Arthur:''' There's one right here.

''A green blanket is seen next to Francine, who hands over the blanket to D.W.; she begrudgingly takes the blanket. Buster sits next to D.W. with a bowl of popcorn, and winks at Arthur, who then smiles in an evil manner.''

'''Buster:''' What did I miss?

'''Francine:''' The Moomy's about the scare that archeologist.

'''D.W. (throws away the blanket):''' This one is too itchy!

'''D.W. (to Arthur):''' Look, I'll give you some of my Halloween candy if you just get me my blanket from upstairs.

'''Buster:''' How much candy? I'll do it!

'''D.W.:''' No! It has to be Arthur. (pauses, then smugly puts her hand on Buster's shoulder) After all, you're a guest.

'''Arthur (smugly):''' Okay. But I want 12 pieces. And I get to choose which ones.

'''D.W.:''' Fine.

''Arthur leaves the living room. As he does, Ladonna fake sneezes with an artificially-sounding "Ah-choo!"''

'''Ladonna:''' Oh, excuse me. I think I'm allergic to black-and-white movies.

''Bud is peeking out the basement door. He quickly closes the door as Arthur approaches. As Arthur climbs the stairs, Bud moans in his walkie-talkie.''

''Back in the living room, D.W. and Ladonna get suspicious. D.W. approaches Ladonna.''

'''D.W. (whispering to Ladonna):''' Shouldn't we have heard a scream by now?

''Arthur comes back into the living room with D.W.'s blanket. He throws it over D.W.''

'''Arthur:''' Here you go.

'''D.W.:''' Was everything all right up there?

'''Arthur:''' Uh-huh.

'''D.W.:''' Are you sure?

'''Arthur:''' Uh-huh.

''Arthur eats some Halloween candy he got from D.W. He gives some to Francine and Buster.''

'''Arthur:''' Here, Francine. Buster, have some.

'''D.W. (annoyed):''' Excuse me!

''D.W. leaves the living room.''

'''Ladonna:''' (sniffles) Uh, I need a tissue. Be right back.

''Ladonna follows D.W. Arthur, Buster and Francine laugh after they left the living room. Grandma Thora, carrying Baby Kate, walks in.''

'''Grandma (suspiciously):''' Are you three up to something I should know about?

'''Arthur:''' Us? No.

'''Francine:''' Uh-uh.

''Grandma looks at the three suspiciously.''

=== At the cemetery ===

''The scene cuts to Muffy and Bailey at the cemetery gate. Bailey tries to open the gate, but the gate is locked.''

'''Bailey:''' The gate appears to be locked.

'''Muffy:''' Locked?

'''Bailey:''' They must have closed the cemetery while we were waiting out the rain.

'''Muffy:''' What do we do?

''Bailey looks at the fence and has an idea; he approaches the fence.''

'''Bailey:''' It's not terribly high. I'll just lift you over.

''Bailey lifts Muffy, with the cat in Bailey's hat, over to the other side of the fence. Muffy and the cat are safely lifted to the other side. Bailey tries to lift himself over the fence.''

'''Muffy:''' Do you need any help?

'''Bailey:''' No, no. In the Butler Academy I attended, we were trained for all sorts of...

''Bailey's left foot gets caught at the bottom of the fence.''

'''Bailey (grunting):''' ...eventualities.

''Bailey takes off his left shoe, which falls into the cemetery side, but gets his left foot free.''

'''Muffy:''' (gasps) Oh, no! Your shoe!

''Bailey manages to climb over to the other side, but part of his jacket gets caught on a fence post, which rips it slightly.''

'''Muffy:''' Your jacket!

'''Bailey (exhausted):''' Although, I suppose it's impossible to prepare for a night like this.

''Bailey reaches into a gap in the fence to try to pick up his left shoe, but is unable to reach far enough, and gives up.''

'''Bailey:''' Shall we... forge on, Ms. Muffy? I'll pick my shoe up in the morning, if it hasn't been devoured by wild dogs.

''Bailey and Muffy walk away from the cemetery. The scene fades to a street scene where trick-or-treaters are seen throughout. Bailey and Muffy walk down the street to 1428 Elm Street, where Inky lives.''

''1428 Elm Street is a medium-sized two-storey house decorated for Halloween. Bailey and Muffy walk towards the front door and ring the doorbell; Mrs. Krueger, in a princess costume, answers the door. Inside the house, a Halloween party is going on; Mr. and Mrs. Read are both inside and chatting with other guests. Mr. Krueger comes out to greet Bailey and Muffy.''

'''Mr. Krueger (referring to Bailey):''' Now ''that's'' a great zombie costume.

''A close-up of Bailey's ruined Mad Hatter costume is shown.''

'''Mrs. Krueger (referring to Muffy):''' Hmm, and what are you? A magician?

'''Muffy:''' Um, kind of.

''Muffy pulls out Inky from Bailey's hat, who meows. Mr. and Mrs. Krueger smile. The Krueger's daughter runs to the front door.''

'''Krueger's daughter:''' (gasps) Inky!

''The Krueger's daughter takes Inky inside the house. Bailey and Muffy are invited to their Halloween party, and go inside.''

=== Return to Mr. Ratburn's house ===

''Binky arrives at Mr. Ratburn's house and notices that his backpack is no longer at the front of his house.''

'''Binky:''' I could have sworn I left it there.

''Binky approaches the raven decoration.''

'''Binky:''' You didn't see a backpack around here, did you?

'''Raven:''' Nevermore!

'''Binky:''' That's not very helpful. Mr. Ratburn must have found it already. I'm doomed!

''Binky sits on a decorative hay bale and imagines.''

'''Binky:''' I wonder what the punishment is for planning to toilet-paper a teacher's house.

''In a imagination sequence, Binky imagines being wrapped in paper to resemble a mummy. Mr. Ratburn writes down equations on the chalkboard.''

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' All right, now who can solve this problem?

''Some students raise their hand to volunteer.''

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' Binky?

''Binky answers with muffled speech as he is wrapped in paper.''

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' No. (imitating muffled speech) is incorrect. You get another F for class participation.

''Binky tries to protest that, but his attempts are muffled. The imagination sequence ends.''

'''Binky:''' (groans) This is the worst Halloween ever!

''Mr. Ratburn's front door opens, and the front-door puppet appears.''

'''Puppet:''' Solve the puzzles in Ratburn's lair, and perhaps your punishment he will spare!

'''Binky:''' No way. You don't know Mr. Ratburn. I'm doomed!

''The scene cuts to show Mr. Ratburn operating the puppet from inside a room. Mr. Ratburn sighs.''

'''Mr. Ratburn (in puppet voice):''' Know him well, I think I do. Do what I say, and he will be merciful to you.

'''Binky:''' I'm not so sure.

'''Mr. Ratburn (in normal voice):''' Oh, just come inside already!

''The puppet disappears; Binky goes back inside Mr. Ratburn's house.''

=== Return to Arthur's house ===

''D.W. Bud, and Ladonna are looking at Arthur's bed; Ladonna is pointing at Arthur's bed.''

'''Ladonna:''' I'm telling you, I put her right there, facing the door, so he couldn't miss her.

''Looking at Arthur's bed, there's no doll on it. Ladonna moves a pillow, showing a walkie-talkie hidden under it.''

'''Ladonna:''' See? The other walkie-talkie is still there.

'''D.W.:''' Do you think Arthur knows we're up to something?

'''Bud:''' Maybe it was my moan. I should have done my "I don't want a bath" moan. That one's the scariest.

''Ladonna puts down the walkie-talkie on the nightstand. She notices something.''

'''Ladonna:''' Wha... wait a second. What's that?!

''Brown footprints are seen leading away from Arthur's bed and past his bedroom door.''

'''D.W.:''' They look like... little baby footprints!

'''Bud:''' Could they be Kate's?

'''D.W.:''' Kate is downstairs with Grandma.

'''Buster:''' Hey guys!

''Buster unexpectedly drops in on D.W., Ladonna, and Bud. This scares them and causes them to scream briefly.''

'''Buster:''' What's going on? You're missing the movie.

''Bud puts down his walkie-talkie on the nightstand. The three pranksters leave Arthur's room.''

'''Ladonna:''' J-just looking for tissues. (giggles)

'''Bud:''' Thought I left my hat here.

'''D.W.:''' Now, where did I put my candy?

''Buster follows the pranksters briefly, then goes to the bathroom door.''

'''Buster:''' I'll be right down. Just going to the bathroom.

''Buster opens and closes the bathroom door. He then goes back into Arthur's room and spots the two walkie-talkies on the nightstand. Buster laughs evilly.''

=== At the Krueger's house (1428 Elm Street) ===

''A cell phone charger is plugged into a wall outlet. Muffy connects the other end to her iPhone-like smartphone. She sets it down on a pumpkin decoration and walks over to the nearby buffet table. Bailey is pouring punch for himself.''

'''Muffy:''' That Mrs. Krueger is so nice. She just lent me a charger for my phone.

'''Bailey:''' And this is the most delightful punch I ever had.

''Muffy looks at the foods available in the buffet.''

'''Muffy:''' Ooh! Chocolate-covered strawberries. The goodies here are even better than the McNeils.

'''Bailey:''' I never want to leave.

'''Mrs. Read (off-screen):''' Muffy!

''Muffy turns around and walks toward Mr. and Mrs. Read.''

'''Muffy:''' Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Read. What a great party!

'''Mrs. Read:''' I know. But what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at Arthur's sleepover in the tree house?

'''Muffy:''' It's a long story. But I'm heading over there right after this.

'''Mrs. Read:''' We'll give you a lift. (to Mr. Read) We should be leaving soon, anyway.

''Muffy notices a woman in a costume she likes and goes over to compliment her.''

'''Muffy:''' I love your costume, Mrs...

'''Woman:''' Saperstein. Ethel Saperstein. And I love yours. You can't go wrong with ''Alice in Wonderland.''

''Muffy notices another costume she likes.''

'''Muffy:''' What's ''he'' dressed as?

'''Ethel:''' My husband? He's a golem.

'''Muffy:''' What's that?

''Ethel sits down on a couch, and invites Muffy to sit next to her.''

'''Ethel:''' Have a seat. I'll tell you a little story. I was a little girl, just about your age. We lived in a small town called Mindelplatz, not far from Prague...

=== Inside Mr. Ratburn's house ===

''The pendulum dings at 12:00, as with before. Like before, the fake spider drops down with the note.''

'''Binky:''' I know, I know. "Turn the lantern on."

''Binky turns on the lantern; the light shines on one-eyed puppet from before, and the beating sound is heard.''

'''Binky:''' Hmm. Now, what did Buster say? Oh, yeah. Under the floorboards.

''Binky pulls up one of the wooden floorboard panels, revealing a book.''

'''One-eyed puppet:''' Congratulations! You have solved the first puzzle.

'''Binky:''' A book?! I was kind of hoping for some candy.

'''One-eyed puppet:''' It's the collected works of Edgar Allen Poe, the annotated version. A treat for the mind.

'''Binky:''' I prefer treats for the belly.

'''One-eyed puppet:''' But this treat also contains clues for solving the other puzzles. Proceed to the next room.

''The one-eyed puppet points to an opening in the curtains. Binky walks through the curtains to find a room with a brick wall.''

'''Binky:''' Well, nothing in here but a brick wall.

''Binky turns around to leave the supposedly featureless room, however, he hears scratching and moaning from the other side.''

'''Binky:''' Yikes! Mr. Ratburn has a really bad mouse problem.

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' Alas, I am trapped in this wine cellar forever! Just like poor Fortunato... in which classic Edgar Allen Poe story?

'''Binky:''' (opens book) Oh! ''The Gold Bug?''

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' No!

'''Binky:''' ''Eleonora?''

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' No...

'''Binky:''' ''The Pit and the Panda-loom?''

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' No! And it's pronounced ''pendulum.'' Have you read any of the stories I've assigned?

''Binky walks toward the brick wall.''

'''Binky:''' Wait! Is that you, Mr. Ratburn? That toilet paper wasn't mine. Okay, it ''was'' mine, but I wasn't going to toilet-paper your house! Okay, I ''was'' going to toilet-paper your house, but I couldn't go through with it. Please! (pounds wall) Don't give me detention for life!

''Binky knocks down the prop brick wall, revealing Mr. Ratburn operating the special effects behind it.''

'''Binky:''' I didn't do that, either.

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' ''The Cask of Amontillado.''

'''Binky:''' Huh?

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' That's the name of the story on which this room is based. Had you answered correctly, you would have won a licorice skeleton.

''Mr. Ratburn takes out a bowl of licorice skeleton candies.''

'''Binky:''' Too bad. That looks really good.

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' Oh, you can have some anyway. I bought tons of candy, and you were my only trick-or-treater.

'''Binky:''' Oh, thanks!

''Binky eats a skeleton candy.''

'''Binky:''' Wow! Kids don't know what they've missed. This place is really cool!

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' You really think so?

'''Binky:''' Yeah. In fact, it kind of makes me want to read all these stories.

'''Mr. Ratburn (happily):''' Oh, I almost forgot.

''Mr. Ratburn takes out the backpack Binky had earlier.''

'''Binky:''' (gasps) I really wasn't going to do it. I swear.

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' I believe you, Binky. But if you must do a prank, try to find something a little safer for the environment.

''Mr. Ratburn returns the backpack to Binky, who puts the Edgar Allen Poe book inside to take with him.''

'''Mr. Ratburn:''' Now, let me show you the rest of the house. I'm particularly proud of my ''Fall of the House of Usher'' room.

''Mr. Ratburn takes Binky on a tour of his decorated house.''

=== Arthur's house ===

''The scary-movie credits roll. D.W. and Bud appear to have fallen asleep, but wake up.''

'''D.W. (bored):''' That wasn't very scary.

'''Bud (bored):''' Yeah. The only scary part was when the big spider ate the guy's hat.

'''D.W.:''' Huh? I don't remember that.

'''Bud (yawning):''' Oh, wait. I think I dreamed that part.

''Francine yawns.''

'''Grandma:''' I think someone might be ready for bed.

''D.W. takes Grandma's hand; Grandma takes D.W. up to her room.''

'''Ladonna:''' Yeah. I should take you home, Bud.

''Ladonna holds out her hand; Bud holds her hand as he stands up from the couch and the two leave.''

'''Arthur:''' You can return the sweatshirt tomorrow. Sorry things didn't work out at the tree house.

'''Ladonna:''' Huh? Oh, right. I'm just glad that spooky doll didn't show up again.

'''Arthur:''' Me too. Well, get home safe.

''As Ladonna is about to leave, Francine hands Ladonna her backpack.''

'''Francine:''' Don't forget your backpack.

''Ladonna takes her backpack and, with Bud, walk back to their house. Arthur and Francine smile as they leave. The scene fades to D.W.'s room, where D.W. and Grandma check under D.W.'s bed.''

'''D.W.:''' Okay. All clear.

''Grandma tucks D.W. into bed.''

'''D.W.:''' And you promise you didn't see any muddy footprints in my room, right?

'''Grandma:''' No, dear. Why?

'''D.W.:''' No reason.

''D.W. yawns and Grandma gives her a bedtime kiss.''

'''D.W.''' (sleepily): Good night, Grandma.

'''Grandma:''' Good night, D.W.

''Grandma Thora turns off the bedroom light and closes D.W.'s bedroom door. The scene cuts to Ladonna and Bud in Arthur's front yard, presumably returning to their house.''

'''Bud:''' What about Zelda? Where'd she go? Mom will be upset if she finds out she's missing.

'''Ladonna:''' We'll go back and look for her tomorrow. I still don't understand how...

''A weird laughter sound is heard.''

'''Ladonna:''' What's so funny?

'''Bud:''' I didn't laugh.

'''Male voice:''' I know what you did!

'''Bud:''' It's her! It's Zelda! She's come to life!

''Bud hugs Ladonna.''

'''Bud:''' It was all D.W.'s idea, Zelda!

'''Ladonna:''' Calm down. I think I know what's going on.

''Ladonna takes off her backpack and checks the inside of it.''

'''Male voice:''' You can't find me. I'm everywhere!

''Ladonna digs into her backpack. She finds fake spiders, which causes her to yelp. After throwing them away, Ladonna finds a walkie-talkie in her backpack. Buster and Francine laugh by the window, the former holding another walkie-talkie. Ladonna fake smiles after she sees them.''

''The scene fades to D.W. sleeping. A faint voice is heard.''

'''Voice:''' D.W....

'''D.W. (fearfully):''' Who's there?!

'''Voice:''' Come play with me, D.W.

'''D.W.:''' "Me"?! Who's "me"?!

''D.W. looks at her pile of stuffed dolls and starts to move some dolls aside.''

'''Voice:''' I don't want to play with Arthur. I want to play with you!

''D.W. uncovers the creepy Zelda doll at the bottom of the pile of dolls.''

'''Voice:''' I've missed you, D.W.!

''D.W. screams at the top of her lungs, loud enough for Arthur, who has a walkie-talkie, to hear her scream from his room.''

'''Arthur (softly):''' (makes a victory fist) Yes!

''At the bottom of the stairs, Arthur's parents arrive home with Muffy. D.W. races down the stairs.''

'''D.W.:''' Mommy! Mommy! Arthur put a creepy doll in my bed and scared me really bad!

''D.W. runs to Mom, to comfort her, as Arthur comes down the stairs.''

'''Arthur:''' She's the one who started it! She ruined my whole sleepover.

''Dad appears cross, as Muffy goes into the living room, where Francine and Buster are seen sitting on the couch, eating popcorn.''

'''Muffy:''' Hey, guys! Why wren't you at the tree house? I just came from there.

'''Francine:''' Ladonna, Bud, and D.W. pranked us and made us think the tree house was haunted.

'''Buster:''' We just pranked 'em back.

''Francine and Buster shake hands as Muffy sits down.''

'''Francine:''' How was your Halloween?

'''Muffy:''' Well, I never got to the MacNeils, but I did wind up at this other house where they were having a party, and had great treats!

''Muffy takes out her phone.''

'''Muffy:''' Here, I took some pictures. 

''Muffy shows a picture of Bailey dancing with another man at the party.''

'''Muffy:''' There's Bailey. He started dancing and wouldn't stop. I've never seen him have so much fun.

''Muffy scrolls to a picture of Ethel and Mr. Saperstein.''

'''Muffy:''' Those were some kooky guests I met.

''Muffy scrolls to a picture of Mr. and Mrs. Read.''

'''Muffy:''' There are the Reads.

'''Francine:''' Wait, wait. Go back. (Muffy scrolls back to the previous picture) That's the woman I was telling you about.

'''Buster:''' You mean the one who...

'''Muffy:''' Oh! You know the Sapersteins? They're a hoot! They told me about this great trick they play on kids every Halloween.

'''Francine:''' Trick? What trick?

'''Muffy:''' First, she tells the story about some monster called a golem, and then they pretend she's his little sister who vanished. It's really elaborate.

'''Francine:''' It sure is! (sarcastically) Who would ever fall for that?

''Arthur walks into the living room.''

'''Arthur:''' Hey, guys. Mom and Dad said I have to cut the Halloween sleepover short. I kind of scared D.W. a little too much.

''The exterior of Arthur's decorated house is seen, then Arthur and D.W. are seen with Mom in the upstairs hallway.''

'''Mom:''' So, truce?

''Arthur and D.W. shake hands.''

'''Arthur and D.W.:''' Truce.

'''Mom:''' All right. Good night, you two.

''Mom kisses Arthur and D.W.''

=== Epilogue ===

''Arthur is reading a book in bed; D.W. walks in.''

'''Arthur:''' What is it, D.W.?

'''D.W.:''' I'm still scared.

''Arthur sighs, closes his book, turns off the bedside reading light, and invites D.W. to sleep beside him.''

'''Arthur:''' That was a pretty complicated trick you pulled on me. I'm still trying to figure out how you did all that.

'''D.W.:''' It wasn't so hard. After you scared me with that fake snake in the cereal box, I called Bud.

''A flashback begins; Bud is seen in the Compsons' dining room talking on the phone with an iPhone-like smartphone.''

'''Bud:''' A fake snake in a cereal box?! Of all the rotten tricks! Sure, I'll help you get him back.''

''Bud hangs up and thinks. Later, Bud is giving Ladonna some money, a candy cane, and two stickers.''

'''D.W. (narrating):''' ''We paid Ladonna 13 cents, an old candy cane, and some monster stickers to help us. But I think she really did it for kicks. She was the one who had the idea to scare you with that beat-up old doll.''

''Ladonna takes out the Zelda doll from her closet, scaring D.W. and Bud. The two then smile at each other. The scene then fades to Ladonna, Bud, and D.W. putting the Zelda doll in the attic, near the "Halloween Decorations" box.''

'''D.W. (narrating):''' ''I knew you would want to decorate the tree house for your party, so we put Zelda near the Halloween stuff.''

''The scene fades to Arthur descending the main stairs with the Halloween decorations box. D.W. is walking by, but she hides quickly.''

'''D.W. (narrating):''' ''That was the whole plan, just to scare you in the attic.''

''D.W. notices that Zelda is in the Halloween decorations box.''

'''D.W. (narrating):''' ''But when I saw that you had taken Zelda with you, I decided we should keep going.''

''D.W. smiles and walks into the living room. She has an idea, and takes Zelda.''

''At the tree house, Ladonna puts a walkie-talkie on the roof of the tree house; D.W. and Bud watch from the ground.''

''As seen earlier in the special, Arthur is walking toward the tree house with the Halloween decorations box. He sets down the box on the pulley platform.''

'''Bud (in walkie-talkie):''' Arrrr-thurrrrr...

''D.W., Bud, and Ladonna are seen hiding behind a bush.''

'''Arthur:''' Who's there?!

''Arthur walks around the tree house and only sees leaves blowing with the wind.''

'''Arthur:''' Just the wind.

''Arthur climbs up the tree house. As he does, D.W., Bud, and Ladonna laugh quiety behind the bush. The flashback ends.''

'''D.W.:''' And then Ladonna wrote on the wall of the tree house in chalk, and then she put the doll...

'''Arthur:''' Okay, okay. I know the rest.

''Arthur and D.W. reminisce the Halloween that just happened.''

'''Arthur:''' Well, this is one Halloween I'm sure going to remember.

'''D.W.:''' Me too.

'''Arthur:''' I would never let anything really scary happen to you. (puts hand on D.W.'s shoulder) I'd protect you. You know that, right?

'''D.W.:''' Yeah. And I'd protect you, too.

''Arthur and D.W. close their eyes to sleep. But a strange giggling sound is heard.''

'''Arthur:''' D.W.!

'''D.W.:''' It wasn't me! I swear!

''The giggling continues, causing Arthur and D.W. to gasp. In the living room, Baby Kate is laughing in a walkie-talkie that Grandma Thora is holding. Arthur and D.W. scream. Grandma and Kate laugh and shake hands.''

'''''The end.'''''

[[Category:Transcripts]]
[[Category:Specials transcripts]]