Gortimer Gibbon's Life on Normal Street (2014) s01e05 Episode Script
Gortimer Gets Shushed
I've lived my whole life
on Normal Street.
There's a lake at one end,
and a forest of shady trees
at the other.
But what lies in between
is anything but normal.
The Normal Street
Bookmobile.
No one knows
where it comes from,
but it shows up once a year,
and drives up and down
the street for a few hours.
That's all it does.
It just drives.
It never pulls over.
Not for gas.
Not for a bathroom break.
Not even for a
reasonably priced lemonade.
Never.
Why? Who knows.
It never stops
so we can't ask the driver.
For some of us,
the most unnerving thing is
not knowing who
the driver is.
It could be anyone.
Or, according to Ranger,
anything.
Do it. I'm begging you.
Can't you just find out
who's driving
without us having to
dare you?
[sighs] Come on.
Do this for me.
Okay, Ranger,
we officially dare you
- to figure out
who's driving the--
- I accept.
And I'd just like to get
my theory on the record.
It's Mr. Berg,
the tennis coach.
I always suspected he was
more reptilian than human.
What's your plan?
You don't want to ruin
the surprise, do you?
Is the surprise that
you don't have a plan?
We should all get
some supplies together.
What kind of supplies?
We just need to be ready
for anything.
That sure narrows it down.
Meet me in front
in 17 minutes.
Wow, your brother painted
your portrait.
Look. It looks
just like you.
I think we might have
a prodigy on our hands.
Mom, I'm really in a rush.
What are these?
Garlic presses.
- Can I have one?
- Why?
Because we have two.
Well,
can't argue with that.
I found it with your
old stuff in the garage.
I figured
you might want to
read it again.
Why? It's just a kid's book.
Maybe Ranger could use it.
- Gotta run. Love you.
- Okay, wait, wait, wait.
Excuse me.
Gardner wants to
hug you goodbye.
This is my
fourth favorite shirt.
I don't want him to
get paint on it.
Wow. I was thinking
something more like--
like this.
[kissing noises]
Okay, we're gonna
need to get closer.
Follow me.
Talk us through
your plan again.
And by again, I mean
for the very first time.
The plan is to
make it up as we go.
That's the opposite
of a plan, Ranger.
Let's see what
you guys brought.
Hey! Careful.
Your instructions
could have been
more specific.
Okay, I mean,
I guess they're fine,
but they won't make
much of a statement
when they bounce off
the side of the Bookmobile.
Wait, we're just gonna
throw stuff at it
until it stops?
What a great plan.
Gortimer. Throw it.
You need to get it to stop.
[tires screech]
This?
It's just a
silly kid's book.
Maybe if you tell us
what you're looking for--
Shhh!
[grunting]
Gortimer,
are you okay?
Did you get a
good look at it?
No, all I could see
was dark shadow.
- [clears throat]
- What?
Why are you
whispering?
I can't help it.
It shushed me.
I can't talk.
I've been shushed.
- Did you see the lo--
- Did you see the logo
that was on the back of
that thing's sweatshirt?
That's what I was
going to whisper.
Sorry.
I recognize it.
It's the old
Normal Street
Library logo.
- Good catch, Mel.
- Good catch, Mel.
Let's see if the library has
any info on the Bookmobile.
What about the way
the hood reacted
when it saw the book?
Like it was looking
for something.
Looking for
something?
Like what?
Maybe what it's looking for
is another copy of the book.
We have to figure it out
and get my voice back.
Well, we have to figure it out
and get Gortimer's voice back.
[sighs]
Excuse me.
Do you know how few people
respect the low volume mandate
we have here at the library?
Gortimer: I was hoping
you could help us.
You, sir, are an
exemplary representative
for your generation.
Thanks.
We're looking for--
While I'm sincerely
touched by your efforts,
I actually can't hear you.
We're looking for information
on your Bookmobile.
Bookmobile.
Uh, that program was
shut down years ago.
I'm sure you could find
some info
down in the old files.
Oh.
What was that
all about?
He wanted my picture for the
Library Patron of The Month
award.
There goes my
six month run.
This place is awesome.
Ranger,
don't touch anything.
[blowing]
[coughing]
Oh, book mobile.
Should have seen that coming.
[gasps]
Mel. Ranger.
Guys, it's the hood.
Where?
[sighing]
Not funny,
Gortimer.
You shouldn't scare us
like that.
Me?
What'd you find?
I didn't find anything
about the Bookmobile,
but the library had a copy of
"The Mighty Adventures of
Fearless Frida."
It was checked out by
a Michael Van Goethen.
Over 30 years ago.
It looks like he never
returned the book.
My piano teacher
lives above a Van Goethen.
I've seen the name
on the mailbox.
Think it's
the same guy?
There's only one way
to find out.
It's too dark.
Yeah, I can't see
anything.
Hello, there.
What's up?
I know this seems
suspicious,
- but we are--
- Why are you whispering?
We're sorry to
disturb you, sir.
We're looking for a
Michael Van Goethen.
He borrowed a book from
the Normal Street Library
years ago.
I'm Michael Van Goethen.
You guys seem a little young
to be library cops.
Do you happen to have
a library copy of
"The Mighty Adventures
of Fearless Frida"?
Why are you so interested?
We're just huge fans
of the book,
and the library
only had one copy.
What's it about?
Huge fans would know.
It's about a girl
named Frida.
And she has
mighty adventures.
Wait.
Mel: Wait!
Frida's mom was
a famous pirate.
Her best friend is
a spider named James.
And they travel
across the world
looking for
the lost treasure
of a Catalan prince
who disappeared at sea
in the 17th century.
Okay.
Okay.
You can take a look.
But don't get
your hopes up.
I've got a lot of books.
Well,
here we are.
You kids are
more than welcome
to look around.
I'm gonna make
some tea.
This is crazy.
How are we supposed to
find that one book?
It's like trying to
look for a needle in a--
- Haystack?
- No.
It's like trying to
look for a needle in
a pile of other needles.
A needle pile.
Guys, we have to
find the book
before the Bookmobile
disappears again.
[sighs]
This is impossible.
Yeah,
it doesn't even look like
they're organized.
Not by title.
Not by author.
But they are organized.
Oh, this is brilliant.
But how?
By plot geography.
See, all those take place
in Australia.
And those in South America.
And those are set
in the Arctic.
Whoa. You read a lot.
Where does "The Mighty
Adventures of Fearless Frida"
take place?
On an island chain
off the coast of Africa.
Found it.
Ranger:
And it's the library copy.
Let's just hope it's what
the hood's looking for.
I can't believe you found it.
Can we take it
with us?
No.
Why? You didn't even know
you had it until we found it.
It's mine.
Well, technically,
it belongs to the library.
I was happy to
let you kids look around,
but you have to leave now.
But--
Um
can we borrow
another book?
Okay, but make it quick.
"Grotsky and the
Red Ring of Death."
That sounds scary.
What's it about?
It's a Russian version of
"Red Riding Hood,"
but the wolf is the hero.
Do you know the adage
"never challenge a wolf
to a staring contest"?
- No.
- Oh. Well, it comes
from that.
What about
"Two Gins and a Lead"?
That's a hilarious story
about some best friends
who get lost in
the Rocky Mountains
and nearly starve.
Hilarious story?
Well, maybe not hilarious,
but I picked up some
good survival tips.
That last one
sounds great.
Thanks,
Mr. Van Goethen.
That is one
interesting guy.
Let's get
Gortimer's voice back.
What now?
The Bookmobile's like
a library on wheels, right?
So maybe you have to
return the book.
Don't worry.
I'm sure nothing scary
will happen.
Gortimer.
Gortimer!
What?
Just make sure you get
a good look at what's
under that hood.
Hello?
- Help.
- Both: Gortimer!
So, I have your book.
Is this the one
you wanted?
So, where, uh--
Where are we going?
Shhh!
You can just
drop me off anywhere.
My house is around here.
Somewhere.
Can't stop now.
Gotta keep driving.
It's what I do.
Ever since
that night.
What night?
I had just been named
Normal Street's newest
librarian.
It was my dream job.
But it meant
many late hours,
and time away from
my little brother,
who meant more to me than
anything else in the world.
And he was having
a hard time with
our parents' divorce.
Lily.
Not now, monkey,
I'm in the middle of a story.
But you haven't read to me
in forever.
It's not fair.
You're interrupting,
monkey.
[sighs]
I felt horrible I'd
hurt his feelings.
So I promised him
I would come home early
and read to him.
Just the two of us.
You can pick out
anything you want.
It'll be our
special book.
He picked out
"The Mighty Adventures
of Fearless Frida."
- Yes!
- Shh.
That afternoon,
a new shipment of
books arrived.
I love the smell
of new books,
so I volunteered to
catalog and shelve them all.
I lost all track of time.
The sun was setting
by the time I left,
but I figured if I hurried,
I could
still make it in time
to read my little brother
a goodnight story.
But I never made it home.
Gortimer:
What happened?
Lily: A dense fog rolled in as I drove down Normal Street.
I couldn't see the road.
I was lost.
Forever.
But every year the fog parts,
and I find myself on
Normal Street again.
That is,
until the fog returns,
and I'm lost
for another year.
You never saw
your brother again?
The fog stole my memory.
It's like trying to
remember a dream.
Always just out of reach.
But when I saw you holding my
little brother's favorite book,
it all came flooding back.
What if you were finally able
to read the book to him?
Hm. And where am I
supposed to find him
after all these years?
I know where to find him.
You know where my
little brother is?
- Gortimer!
- Gortimer!
Both: Gortimer!
Hey, guys.
You got
your voice back.
What does the hood
look like?
This is Lily.
A pretty girl?
Come on. We have to get to
Van Goethen's apartment.
Why?
Because Lily is
his sister.
Both: What?
Let's go.
I'm not gonna
change my mind.
Hi, monkey.
Lily?
Oh, Lily, how--
Would it be okay
if I came in?
Maybe we could spend
a little time together.
I'd like nothing more
in the entire world.
"The islanders didn't count on
Frida's extensive knowledge
"of the native flora.
"For instance,
Frida knew that
if she scratched
"the kitten blossom
near the base of flower
"it would open up.
"Just like a kitten yawns
when you
"scratch it under the chin.
"This gave her access to
the rare pollen
"from which she could concoct
a powerful sleeping potion."
Please don't go.
I'll be back.
Exactly one year
from tonight.
We've only just started
Frida's story.
There are dozens
of chapters left.
I'm so sorry.
Shh!
I love you, monkey.
I love you, Lil.
Van Goethen was reunited
with his sister.
And Lily was able to find
everlasting peace
and happiness
with a simple
bedtime story
read to a little brother.
"In his tiny spider voice,
"interrupting the
famous pirate,
"absolutely not.
"Frida's a better swimmer
"than all the sharks
in Sharkbite Bay.
"And that one thing that
everyone could agree on
"was that Frida
was fearless."
♪♪
on Normal Street.
There's a lake at one end,
and a forest of shady trees
at the other.
But what lies in between
is anything but normal.
The Normal Street
Bookmobile.
No one knows
where it comes from,
but it shows up once a year,
and drives up and down
the street for a few hours.
That's all it does.
It just drives.
It never pulls over.
Not for gas.
Not for a bathroom break.
Not even for a
reasonably priced lemonade.
Never.
Why? Who knows.
It never stops
so we can't ask the driver.
For some of us,
the most unnerving thing is
not knowing who
the driver is.
It could be anyone.
Or, according to Ranger,
anything.
Do it. I'm begging you.
Can't you just find out
who's driving
without us having to
dare you?
[sighs] Come on.
Do this for me.
Okay, Ranger,
we officially dare you
- to figure out
who's driving the--
- I accept.
And I'd just like to get
my theory on the record.
It's Mr. Berg,
the tennis coach.
I always suspected he was
more reptilian than human.
What's your plan?
You don't want to ruin
the surprise, do you?
Is the surprise that
you don't have a plan?
We should all get
some supplies together.
What kind of supplies?
We just need to be ready
for anything.
That sure narrows it down.
Meet me in front
in 17 minutes.
Wow, your brother painted
your portrait.
Look. It looks
just like you.
I think we might have
a prodigy on our hands.
Mom, I'm really in a rush.
What are these?
Garlic presses.
- Can I have one?
- Why?
Because we have two.
Well,
can't argue with that.
I found it with your
old stuff in the garage.
I figured
you might want to
read it again.
Why? It's just a kid's book.
Maybe Ranger could use it.
- Gotta run. Love you.
- Okay, wait, wait, wait.
Excuse me.
Gardner wants to
hug you goodbye.
This is my
fourth favorite shirt.
I don't want him to
get paint on it.
Wow. I was thinking
something more like--
like this.
[kissing noises]
Okay, we're gonna
need to get closer.
Follow me.
Talk us through
your plan again.
And by again, I mean
for the very first time.
The plan is to
make it up as we go.
That's the opposite
of a plan, Ranger.
Let's see what
you guys brought.
Hey! Careful.
Your instructions
could have been
more specific.
Okay, I mean,
I guess they're fine,
but they won't make
much of a statement
when they bounce off
the side of the Bookmobile.
Wait, we're just gonna
throw stuff at it
until it stops?
What a great plan.
Gortimer. Throw it.
You need to get it to stop.
[tires screech]
This?
It's just a
silly kid's book.
Maybe if you tell us
what you're looking for--
Shhh!
[grunting]
Gortimer,
are you okay?
Did you get a
good look at it?
No, all I could see
was dark shadow.
- [clears throat]
- What?
Why are you
whispering?
I can't help it.
It shushed me.
I can't talk.
I've been shushed.
- Did you see the lo--
- Did you see the logo
that was on the back of
that thing's sweatshirt?
That's what I was
going to whisper.
Sorry.
I recognize it.
It's the old
Normal Street
Library logo.
- Good catch, Mel.
- Good catch, Mel.
Let's see if the library has
any info on the Bookmobile.
What about the way
the hood reacted
when it saw the book?
Like it was looking
for something.
Looking for
something?
Like what?
Maybe what it's looking for
is another copy of the book.
We have to figure it out
and get my voice back.
Well, we have to figure it out
and get Gortimer's voice back.
[sighs]
Excuse me.
Do you know how few people
respect the low volume mandate
we have here at the library?
Gortimer: I was hoping
you could help us.
You, sir, are an
exemplary representative
for your generation.
Thanks.
We're looking for--
While I'm sincerely
touched by your efforts,
I actually can't hear you.
We're looking for information
on your Bookmobile.
Bookmobile.
Uh, that program was
shut down years ago.
I'm sure you could find
some info
down in the old files.
Oh.
What was that
all about?
He wanted my picture for the
Library Patron of The Month
award.
There goes my
six month run.
This place is awesome.
Ranger,
don't touch anything.
[blowing]
[coughing]
Oh, book mobile.
Should have seen that coming.
[gasps]
Mel. Ranger.
Guys, it's the hood.
Where?
[sighing]
Not funny,
Gortimer.
You shouldn't scare us
like that.
Me?
What'd you find?
I didn't find anything
about the Bookmobile,
but the library had a copy of
"The Mighty Adventures of
Fearless Frida."
It was checked out by
a Michael Van Goethen.
Over 30 years ago.
It looks like he never
returned the book.
My piano teacher
lives above a Van Goethen.
I've seen the name
on the mailbox.
Think it's
the same guy?
There's only one way
to find out.
It's too dark.
Yeah, I can't see
anything.
Hello, there.
What's up?
I know this seems
suspicious,
- but we are--
- Why are you whispering?
We're sorry to
disturb you, sir.
We're looking for a
Michael Van Goethen.
He borrowed a book from
the Normal Street Library
years ago.
I'm Michael Van Goethen.
You guys seem a little young
to be library cops.
Do you happen to have
a library copy of
"The Mighty Adventures
of Fearless Frida"?
Why are you so interested?
We're just huge fans
of the book,
and the library
only had one copy.
What's it about?
Huge fans would know.
It's about a girl
named Frida.
And she has
mighty adventures.
Wait.
Mel: Wait!
Frida's mom was
a famous pirate.
Her best friend is
a spider named James.
And they travel
across the world
looking for
the lost treasure
of a Catalan prince
who disappeared at sea
in the 17th century.
Okay.
Okay.
You can take a look.
But don't get
your hopes up.
I've got a lot of books.
Well,
here we are.
You kids are
more than welcome
to look around.
I'm gonna make
some tea.
This is crazy.
How are we supposed to
find that one book?
It's like trying to
look for a needle in a--
- Haystack?
- No.
It's like trying to
look for a needle in
a pile of other needles.
A needle pile.
Guys, we have to
find the book
before the Bookmobile
disappears again.
[sighs]
This is impossible.
Yeah,
it doesn't even look like
they're organized.
Not by title.
Not by author.
But they are organized.
Oh, this is brilliant.
But how?
By plot geography.
See, all those take place
in Australia.
And those in South America.
And those are set
in the Arctic.
Whoa. You read a lot.
Where does "The Mighty
Adventures of Fearless Frida"
take place?
On an island chain
off the coast of Africa.
Found it.
Ranger:
And it's the library copy.
Let's just hope it's what
the hood's looking for.
I can't believe you found it.
Can we take it
with us?
No.
Why? You didn't even know
you had it until we found it.
It's mine.
Well, technically,
it belongs to the library.
I was happy to
let you kids look around,
but you have to leave now.
But--
Um
can we borrow
another book?
Okay, but make it quick.
"Grotsky and the
Red Ring of Death."
That sounds scary.
What's it about?
It's a Russian version of
"Red Riding Hood,"
but the wolf is the hero.
Do you know the adage
"never challenge a wolf
to a staring contest"?
- No.
- Oh. Well, it comes
from that.
What about
"Two Gins and a Lead"?
That's a hilarious story
about some best friends
who get lost in
the Rocky Mountains
and nearly starve.
Hilarious story?
Well, maybe not hilarious,
but I picked up some
good survival tips.
That last one
sounds great.
Thanks,
Mr. Van Goethen.
That is one
interesting guy.
Let's get
Gortimer's voice back.
What now?
The Bookmobile's like
a library on wheels, right?
So maybe you have to
return the book.
Don't worry.
I'm sure nothing scary
will happen.
Gortimer.
Gortimer!
What?
Just make sure you get
a good look at what's
under that hood.
Hello?
- Help.
- Both: Gortimer!
So, I have your book.
Is this the one
you wanted?
So, where, uh--
Where are we going?
Shhh!
You can just
drop me off anywhere.
My house is around here.
Somewhere.
Can't stop now.
Gotta keep driving.
It's what I do.
Ever since
that night.
What night?
I had just been named
Normal Street's newest
librarian.
It was my dream job.
But it meant
many late hours,
and time away from
my little brother,
who meant more to me than
anything else in the world.
And he was having
a hard time with
our parents' divorce.
Lily.
Not now, monkey,
I'm in the middle of a story.
But you haven't read to me
in forever.
It's not fair.
You're interrupting,
monkey.
[sighs]
I felt horrible I'd
hurt his feelings.
So I promised him
I would come home early
and read to him.
Just the two of us.
You can pick out
anything you want.
It'll be our
special book.
He picked out
"The Mighty Adventures
of Fearless Frida."
- Yes!
- Shh.
That afternoon,
a new shipment of
books arrived.
I love the smell
of new books,
so I volunteered to
catalog and shelve them all.
I lost all track of time.
The sun was setting
by the time I left,
but I figured if I hurried,
I could
still make it in time
to read my little brother
a goodnight story.
But I never made it home.
Gortimer:
What happened?
Lily: A dense fog rolled in as I drove down Normal Street.
I couldn't see the road.
I was lost.
Forever.
But every year the fog parts,
and I find myself on
Normal Street again.
That is,
until the fog returns,
and I'm lost
for another year.
You never saw
your brother again?
The fog stole my memory.
It's like trying to
remember a dream.
Always just out of reach.
But when I saw you holding my
little brother's favorite book,
it all came flooding back.
What if you were finally able
to read the book to him?
Hm. And where am I
supposed to find him
after all these years?
I know where to find him.
You know where my
little brother is?
- Gortimer!
- Gortimer!
Both: Gortimer!
Hey, guys.
You got
your voice back.
What does the hood
look like?
This is Lily.
A pretty girl?
Come on. We have to get to
Van Goethen's apartment.
Why?
Because Lily is
his sister.
Both: What?
Let's go.
I'm not gonna
change my mind.
Hi, monkey.
Lily?
Oh, Lily, how--
Would it be okay
if I came in?
Maybe we could spend
a little time together.
I'd like nothing more
in the entire world.
"The islanders didn't count on
Frida's extensive knowledge
"of the native flora.
"For instance,
Frida knew that
if she scratched
"the kitten blossom
near the base of flower
"it would open up.
"Just like a kitten yawns
when you
"scratch it under the chin.
"This gave her access to
the rare pollen
"from which she could concoct
a powerful sleeping potion."
Please don't go.
I'll be back.
Exactly one year
from tonight.
We've only just started
Frida's story.
There are dozens
of chapters left.
I'm so sorry.
Shh!
I love you, monkey.
I love you, Lil.
Van Goethen was reunited
with his sister.
And Lily was able to find
everlasting peace
and happiness
with a simple
bedtime story
read to a little brother.
"In his tiny spider voice,
"interrupting the
famous pirate,
"absolutely not.
"Frida's a better swimmer
"than all the sharks
in Sharkbite Bay.
"And that one thing that
everyone could agree on
"was that Frida
was fearless."
♪♪