7.26 The Birthday Boy

by

Elizabeth and Karin
(elizabeth_42@hotmail.com)
and
(angel_of_dreams4@hotmail.com)




COLD OPENING



FADE IN:

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT

MAX SITS IN HIS CHAIR CHANNEL SURFING

TV

Next Lifetime takes a special look at Tony award winning Andrew Lloyd Webber in Biography.


OFF MAX'S HORRIFIED LOOK

TV

Webber's first musical, The Likes of Us, was a failure.


MAX'S SMILES AT THE WORD FAILURE

TV

But soon came hit musicals like Cats, A Chorus Line, Starlight Express, Phantom Of The Opera...


MAX SCOWLS AT THE TV AND TURNS IT OFF
FRAN ENTERS WEARING SILKY BLACK NIGHTGOWN AND NOTICES THAT MAX IS UPSET

FRAN

What's a matter honey?


FRAN LOOKS AT A FROWNING MAX CLIMBING INTO THE BED

MAX

Lifetime is airing a biography of Andrew Lloyd Webber.


MAX GRABS THE REMOTE AND TURNS THE TV BACK ON

FRAN

Sweetie... Wouldn't you rather do something else?


FRAN INCHES CLOSER TO MAX

MAX

I cannot believe Lifetime would put that man on television.


FRAN INCHES EVEN CLOSER KISSING HIS NECK.

FRAN

Max why don't you turn off that silly ol' tv?

MAX

But--


FRAN FINALLY GETS HIS ATTENTION AND THEY EMBRACE AND KISS

FRAN

See? Isn't this better then watching tv?


FRAN SMILES AT HIM
SILENCE...

FRAN

(IRRITATED) Isn't it?!


MAX LOOKS AWAY FROM THE TV AND SMILES AT FRAN

MAX

Yes of course darling.


FRAN KISSES HIM AGAIN GRABS THE REMOTE AND TURNS OFF THE TV
A SILENT PAUSE...

MAX

I can't do it!

FRAN

What?


MAX FLIPS THE TV BACK ON

MAX

I'm sorry darling I can't do this until this is over.


FRAN SIGHS

MAX

Just look at him! With those beady eyes!


MAX EYES THE TV AND SCOOTS TO THE EDGE OF THE BED

FRAN

Max you're obsessing again...

MAX

I am not!

FRAN

Are to!

MAX

Am not!

FRAN

Max this is the only time in my life I'm asking you to turn something off.

MAX

I'm sorry sweetheart.


MAX CLIMBS BACK INTO BED AND TURNS OFF THE TV
MUFFLED SOUNDS...
A SUDDEN NOISE FROM BEHIND THEIR DOOR

FRAN

What was that?

MAX

This is California maybe it's a burglar.


MAX GETS UP TURNS ON THE LIGHTS AND OPENS THE DOOR
NILES ON HIS KNEES LISTENING IN FALLS FACEWARD TO THE FLOOR

INT. MASTER BEDROOM - A FEW MINUTES LATER

MAX

Care to tell me what you think you were doing?


FRAN PUTS ON A ROBE

FRAN

Niles did she kick you out again?

NILES

No

FRAN

Why aren't you with your wife?

NILES

Oh I don't know she said she wanted to wrap something up, before going to bed.

MAX

Thought you'd get a little snoop before bed Niles?

NILES

Sorta, kinda...


MAX SIGHS AND LEAVES THE ROOM

FRAN

Okay Solicitor, What's up? because I ain't buying it.

NILES

Do you know what day it is on Saturday next week?

FRAN

Yeah, it's Saturday.


OFF NILES LOOK

FRAN

I'm kidding. Of course I know.


THEY BOTH SMILE AS NILES WALKS TO THE DOOR EXITING

FRAN

The two hour Barbra Streisand special airs!


FADE IN:

INT. KITCHEN-AFTERNOON

FRAN, YETTA AND SYLVIA SITTING AT THE TABLE WHILE FRAN POURS TEA INTO MUGS

FRAN

Ma, he seemed really distracted and upset, I hope this don't last a long time.


SYLVIA PICKS UP HER MUG

SYLVIA

Darling, it'll pass as soon as they stop airing that smeggie.

FRAN

That's good, considering its going to air all this month! Oy that reminds me... be right back

SYLVIA

Where are you going?

FRAN

To hide the TV Guide. They are airing it again today.


CC ENTERS CARRYING THE BABY WITH NILES FOLLOWING QUICKLY BEHIND THEM
YETTA GETS UP FROM THE TABLE AND WALKS OVER TO CC

YETTA

Awww if it isn't little Shloma, come here and give your grandma a hug.

CC

Yetta she's not...


SYLVIA LOOKS OVER AT CC AND NILES

SYLVIA

Humor her...

CC

Oh alright!


CC HANDS EMILY TO YETTA
NILES SIGHS AND LEAVE THE KITCHEN

YETTA

(to Sylvia) Does Frannie know this kid looks like the butler?


SYLVIA ROLLS HER EYES
FRAN ENTERS BACK INTO KITCHEN

FRAN

What's wrong with Niles? I just saw him walk by me.

SYLVIA

He looks like his favorite duster became missing in action.

CC

He's upset because I forgot about his birthday, And now that I know...... I really don't care!

FRAN

It's his birthday?

CC

Next week on Saturday.

FRAN

Oh, So that's what he was talking about...

SYLVIA

You forgot too didn't....


FRAN SHOVES A COOKIE IN SYLIVA'S MOUTH

FRAN

Have a cookie Ma.


CC SHAKES HER HEAD AND TAKES THE BABY FROM YETTA

FRAN

You forgot your husbands birthday? You should be ashamed of yourself.

CC

She who gives plastic combs for birthday presents should not point fingers.

FRAN

He told you about that?


CC SMILES

CC

It's amazing what they'll tell you when they're bound to the bed.


FRAN STOPS AND RETHINKS A SECOND

FRAN

I so didn't need to know that.


SYLVIA TAKES THE COOKIE OUT OF HER MOUTH

SYLVIA

Throw him a surprise party.

FRAN

That's it! That's a wonderful idea ma... Ma you didn't borrow any of Val's left over smart pills did you?

SYLVIA

Nope.


FRAN TURNS TO CC

FRAN

So what ya think?

CC

About what?

FRAN

A surprise party for your husband.

CC

Fine.

FRAN

So what should we start with?

CC

We?

FRAN

HELLO!!! He's your husband.

CC

Nanny Fine, I'm barely keeping up with work now since little blue eyes has arrived. I don't have time to plan a surprise party.

FRAN

Fine. I'll take care of it. At least that way it will be done properly.




CUT TO:

FRAN IN THE KITCHEN COVERED IN FLOUR, KITCHEN IS A MESS, FOOD AND POTS EVERYWHERE.

FRAN

Gee, it looked so much easier on tv.


CC WALKS IN WITH THE BABY
FRAN SEES THEM AND WALKS TOWARD THEM

FRAN

Ooo look who's here.


SHE STETCHES HER ARMS OUT
CC PULLS BACK

CC

Nanny Fine, This.....


SHE LOOKS AT HER DAUGHTER

CC

clean baby. That......


SHE LOOKS AT FRAN

CC

dirty hands.

FRAN

Not dirt, flour.


FRAN GOES BACK TO BAKING

CC

Same thing.


CC GIVES THE KITCHEN A ONCE OVER

CC

And you wonder why Maxwell never wants you to cook?


FRAN FROWNS

FRAN

I'm learning. I'm making a cake and some other goodies for Niles birthday.

CC

Uhu...So where is the servant?

FRAN

I asked Val to take him out for a long lunch so I could work alone without worrying about him walking in on me.

CC

And when he sees your so called creation in the fridge.....?

FRAN

I'll tell him it's for Gracie who's having a party.


FRAN PUTS THE LAST TOUCHES ON THE CAKE

FRAN

There. What ya think?


CC CARRIES HER DAUGHTER WHILE WALKING OVER TO SEE FRAN'S CAKE

CC

That's not bad Nanny Fine. Your attempt to be Sarah Lee didn't turn out half bad.

FRAN

Yeah and it only took me four hours too. Kinda reminds me of the one we had to celebrate B going to Harvard. What a waste that was.

CC

So he didn't go to Harvard.

FRAN

No. I meant Ma later ate the whole thing.


FRAN PICKS UP THE CAKE GOES TO THE FRIDGE SLIPS ON A BANANA PEEL

FRAN

Oooyyy


THE CAKE GOES FLYING IN THE AIR AND LANDS ON THE FLOOR
FRAN LOOKS AT THE MESS ON THE FLOOR AS CC COMES UP BEHIND HER

CC

Look on the bright side Nanny Fine. At least Sylvia didn't eat the whole thing.


CC WALKS OUT OF THE KITCHEN LAUGHING



INT. CAFE- MID-AFTERNOON

NILES AND VAL SIT DRINKING COFFEE

VAL

It was nice of you to go to lunch with me Niles, since Fred had to go to the dentist.

NILES

Sure, didn't have much to do today anyway.

VAL

What's wrong? You've been moping all day.

NILES

I'm sorry Val. I'm just a little depressed.

VAL

Why? Because of your birthday coming up?

NILES

How did you know?

VAL

You've been telling me all through lunch.

NILES

Oh...right. Sorry.

VAL

So it's your birthday. It's a natural way of life. You shouldn't feel bad. Ok, so you are old...


NILES LOOKS AT HER RAISING HIS EYEBROWS

VAL

..but you have a beautiful wife, a beautiful daughter......


NILES SMILES THINKING ABOUT HIS FAMILY

VAL

Doesn't matter that you are somewhat older than her and someday she might get tired of you......


NILES REACTS

NILES

Val.

VAL

Yes.

NILES

That's not why I am upset.

VAL

It's not?

NILES

No but it is now.


NILES HAS ANOTHER SAD LOOK ON HIS FACE

VAL

Niles I didn't mean that. She will not get tired of you. You two love each other and always will.

NILES

Yeah you are right.


NILES SMILES AGAIN

VAL

So why so sad?

NILES

No one remembers my birthday.

VAL

Sure they do.

NILES

No they don't.

VAL

They do.

NILES

Don't.

VAL

Do.


BOTH GETTING ANNOYED

NILES

Don't

VAL

Oh please, why do you think I took you out to lunch?


VAL SHUTS HER MOUTH AS SHE TAKES A SIP OF HER COFFEE REALIZING SHE'S SAID TOO MUCH.

NILES

What is going on?

VAL

Eh nothing.

NILES

Val?

VAL

Ok, I was to take you out to lunch so Fran could make a cake for your birthday.


NILES FACE SHINES UP

NILES

Really?


THEN IT HITS HIM

NILES

Fran is making it?

VAL

Yes.

NILES

Fran Fine "I'm always 29 in short skirts and high heels" Sheffield?

VAL

Yes. Oy, I shouldn't have said anything. I can't do anything right.

NILES

Now don't worry Val. I won't say anything to Fran and besides, you made me happy by telling me.

VAL

I did?

NILES

Yes, until now I thought no one cared about my birthday. I should have known better. Thank You.




INT. LIVING-ROOM-EVENING

CC SITS WITH HER DAUGHTER
SHE LOOKS AROUND AND STARTS HUMMING TO EMILY.
FEW SECONDS LATER FRAN ENTERS HOLDING EVE
CC SUDDENLY GETS QUIET

FRAN

Is the radio on? I thought I heard something.

CC

Eeeh.......yeah.


FRAN SITS NEXT TO CC

FRAN

Miss Babcock are ya sure ya don't wanna help to prepare Niles' birthday party?


CC GIVES FRAN A LOOK

FRAN

Okay, okay.


FRAN GETS UP AND STARTS TO LEAVE AS EVE MAKES A FEW NOISES
MAX COMES DOWNSTAIRS AND SEES HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER

MAX

Hello sweethart.

FRAN

Hi...


SHE LOOKS AT MAX WHO IS COOING AT EVE

FRAN

Oh you were talking to her.


MAX SMILES

MAX

And hello to you my darling.


MAX GIVES FRAN A LIGHT KISS

FRAN

That's better. It's time for their nap. Where is Jonah?

MAX

He is with Gracie in her room. Ok, come here you.


MAX GENTLY TAKES EVE FROM FRAN

MAX

Oh we are getting heavy aren't we?


FRAN STARES AT HIM

FRAN

What?

MAX

The baby Fran. The baby.

FRAN

Oh, yeah. The baby.


FRAN LAUGHS, WALKS AWAY AND ENTERS THE KITCHEN.
FRAN NOTICES NILES. SHE SMILES

FRAN

Hi Niles


NILES GIVES HER A BIG GRIN

NILES

Mrs. Sheffield.

FRAN

What's with you? Did you win the lottery and not tell me?


WALKS OVER TO NILES

NILES

No. I never gamble.


FRAN LOOKS AT HIM IN DISBELIEF

NILES

Almost never.

FRAN

So what is going on? You seem to be in a good mood.

NILES

Oh nothing, just thinking how lucky I am to have such good friends as you.

FRAN

Aww, and I'm happy to........Val told you!!

NILES

Well.........

FRAN

Niles!

NILES

Yes.

FRAN

Oy, I should have known better. She's like Dumbo without the flying skills! It was suppose to be a surprise.

NILES

It still can be. We don't have to say that I know. When you and C.C. surprise me I'll act.


FRAN LOOKS AT HIM

NILES

I do know how to act.

FRAN

Yeah, well....sure.


FRAN DRAWS BACK AND SITS AT THE TABLE
NILES FOLLOWS

NILES

Fran? What is it?

FRAN

Niles, sweetie....You know how I was when I had my babies and well, becoming a mother can be......

NILES

Are you trying to tell me C.C. is not planning this with you?

FRAN

Eeeh.....yeah.


NILES FROWNS

FRAN

Niles, she loves you it's just that......she's....busy.

NILES

Uhu.......

FRAN

Niles?

NILES

Excuse me.


HE GETS UP LEAVES THE KITCHEN AND FRAN WATCHES SIGHING



INT. NILES AND CC'S ROOM- NIGHT

NILES AND CC ARE GETTING READY FOR BED

CC

She is gonna be such a beautiful young woman Niles. I can't believe I never tried having one before.

NILES

I can. But don't worry I'll stick a Post It on your forehead so you'll remember her birthday.

CC

What's with you? You've been angry at me all day.

NILES

You should know.

CC

Niles, are you still mad because I forgot your birthday? It's not like it's the biggest thing in the world.

NILES

Hmmm...

CC

You are being a big baby but then, what else is new?

NILES

I'm not a big baby. Is it so hard for you to understand that a man might want his wife to share in his celebration? Even though his wife is the female version of Quasimodo.

CC

(ANNOYED) I told you I'm getting you a present.

NILES

But no surprise.

CC

Well I'm sorry Niles but the Fire Breather and the Clown were all booked up.


NILES TURNS AWAY FROM HER AND TURNS OUT THE LIGHTS



INT. KITCHEN-AFTERNOON

FRAN PUTS THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON HER PAPER ABOUT NILES PARTY
BRIGHTON ENTERS AND OPENS THE FRIDGE
HE STARTS TO GRAB THE CAKE

FRAN

Touch and die B.


CLOSES THE FRIDGE AND WALKS AWAY
CC ENTERED WITH EMILY IN HER ARMS

FRAN

Miss Babcock, it is ok to leave the baby for just a minute.


CC FROWNS GETTING A BOTTLE OF WATER FROM THE FRIDGE STILL HOLDING EMILY WITH THE OTHER ARM.
NILES ENTERS, STOPS LOOKS AT CC.
CC SHAKES HER SHOULDERS AND WALKS PAST HIM OUT OF THE KITCHEN.
FRAN SITS DOWN AT THE TABLE.

FRAN

I'm sensing some tension.


NILES SITS HIMSELF NEXT TO HER.

NILES

We had a little fight last night.

FRAN

Oy. So I noticed.

NILES

I wouldn't even call it a fight but we went to bed angry. At least I did.

FRAN

Why?

NILES

You know.

FRAN

No I do.......Niles, are you mad because she is not as involved in your birthday party as you would like?

NILES

Sorta.....kinda......maybe.....a little.


FRAN GETS UP AND SMACKS HIM ON THE SHOULDER.

FRAN

What is wrong with you?


NILES GETS UP AFTER HER.

NILES

Me?!

FRAN

Yes, you. Niles, in a year she got involved with you, got married to you....twice and gave birth. That's a little shake for any woman but for C.C. Babcock that's an earthquake. It's not easy learning to become a mother. Especially when you consider its her and not someone else.


NILES SITS BACK DOWN

NILES

I know. I just feel ignored myself that's all.


FRAN SITS BACK DOWN WITH HIM

FRAN

She probably doesn't mean to ignore you but when it comes to raising a child it's usually the mother that takes the biggest load on her shoulders.


OFF TO HER SIDE A LITTLE MORE QUIETLY

FRAN

Not to mention what the lack of sex is doing to ya.

NILES

I heard that.

FRAN

Sweetie, all I'm saying the first months are very hard. Don't worry, it will get better.


NILES SMILES AMAZED AT HER DEPTH SOMETIMES

NILES

You're right. When did you get so smart about relationships?

FRAN

In New York with Dr. Joyce Brothers. All those times.....really paid off


AT THAT TIME CC WALKS IN WITH EMILY
NILES GETS UP FROM THE TABLE

NILES

C.C. we need to talk.

FRAN

I'll just leave you two alone.


FRAN GRABS EMILY FROM A RELUCTANT CC

CC

Don't drop her.

FRAN

Oh would you cut the umbilical cord already! You tell about one time when you were 17 that happend and she never let's you forget.


FRAN EXITS WITH EMILY

CC

What is it?


NILES WRAPS HIS ARM AROUND CC

NILES

Have I told you lately that I love you?

CC

Actually, I believe it's been over 24 hours.

NILES

Well I do and I'm sorry.

CC

Sorry?

NILES

I have been a little mad at you. I found out about Fran's suprise party for me and............

CC

........and got annoyed at me for not being part of it?

NILES

Well, yes.

CC

Niles, I......

NILES

I know. You are busy learning to be a mother.

CC

It's hard work.

NILES

I know and you are doing wonderfully.


HE SMILES TO CC WHO SMILES AS WELL

CC

Really?

NILES

Don't ever doubt it.


THEY EMBRACE IN A LONG HUG AS FRAN WITH EMILY LOOKS THROUGH THE DOOR

FRAN

See? Everything is fine. Now, remember this is the way to do it if you wanna know something in this house. Your father will teach you everything you need to know.




INT. LIVING-ROOM FEW DAYS LATER

NILES' PARTY IS IN FULL SWING
BRIGHTON HAS JONAH IN HIS ARMS, GRACIE HAS EVE IN HERS.
SYLVIA IS BUSY EATING HER SECOND PIECE OF CAKE AS YETTA LOOKS AT HER HUSBAND.
MAX AND FRAN ARE TAKING IN THE SCENERY

MAX

Well, sweetheart this turned out very well.

FRAN

Yes, thank god Niles forgave me for forgetting his birthday.

MAX

He understands you have much to do

FRAN

Like what?

MAX

Like uh....you....shop....you.......uh, why are you holding Emily?

FRAN

Niles went to look for C.C.

MAX

Oh, Be right back darling, I have to get something from the kitchen.


FRAN TURNS TO SYLVIA

FRAN

Well Ma, all's well that ends well, Niles is having a wonderful birthday and....

MAX

(OFFSTAGE) NO!!!

FRAN

Oy, he found the TV Guide.




CUT TO:

CC OUTSIDE SITTING BY THE POOL
NILES WALKS UP TO HER AND SITS BESIDE HER.

NILES

Hi there. I missed you.

CC

I just needed to get some air. It's a beautiful afternoon.

NILES

It sure is.


CC TURNS AROUND TO LOOK AT NILES

CC

I've got something for you.


SHE BENDS DOWN, PICKS UP A SMALL PACKET FROM THE GROUND AND HANDS IT TO HIM

CC

Happy Birthday.


NILES SMILES AND OPENS THE PACKAGE

NILES

CC, it's beautiful.

CC

I thought you shouldn't have to wait to your retirement to get a gold watch. Look on the back.


NILES TURNS IT TO READ

NILES

Happy Birthday my servant and to many more together.


NILES LAUGHS AND GIVES HER A HUG
CC HUGS HIM BACK AND LETS GO TO SHOW HIM A PIECE OF PAPER

NILES

What's this?


NILES TAKES THE PAPER FROM HER

CC

Read it.

NILES

A receipt for the watch?

CC

I paid for it in advance when I got it engraved. Look at the date.


NILES LOOKS AT IT AGAIN AND SMILES

NILES

You never did forget my birthday did you?

CC

No.

NILES

You knew even before I told you.


CC SMILES
NILES GIVES HER ANOTHER HUG

NILES

That's the best surprise of them all.


HE GIVES HER A LONG KISS....
...RUSTLING SOUNDS IN A BUSH NEARBY
NILES AND CC TURNS TO LOOK AS FRAN POPS HER HEAD OUT

FRAN

Psst... You two don't know I'm here. You never saw me.




The End




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7.27 Give My Regards To Broadway

by DreamKate

Everyone's giving their regards to Broadway. Grace is auditioning for the school play, Maxwell's missing the Great White Way and where's that gorgeous voice in the park coming from? Find out in next weeks episode of The Nanny!




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