EXT. CASTLE GROUNDS – NIGHT

A magnificent castle. Resplendent, bespeaking great wealth and power. The grounds and stonework immaculate.

@NARRATOR
(V.O.) 
Once upon a time in the hidden heart of France, a handsome young Prince lived in a beautiful castle...

RACK FOCUS to a single red rose clinging to a rose bush on a stormy spring night. A weathered hand plucks the rose.

@NARRATOR
Although he had everything his heart desired, the Prince was selfish and unkind.

INT. BALLROOM ENTRANCE - CASTLE – NIGHT

TIGHT ON THE PRINCE being groomed by his servants. (We do not see their faces.) A FRENCH MAID paints an exotic animal mask on the Prince’s face with a feather brush. A TALL VALET draepd the Prince with an elaborately bejeweled coat. 

@NARRATOR
He taxed the village to fill his castle with teh most beautiful objects...

The MAID dusts his wig with powder -

@MAID
Poof poof...

- while a MAJORDOMO holds a pocket watch, indicating that they are running late.

@MAJORDOMO
Master, it’s time.

With a haughty wave, the Prince instructs his FOOTMAN to bring more light. 

@FOOTMAN
Oui, maître. 

A candelabra is lifed to the preening Prince as he looks at himself in an ornate hand mirror. 

@NARRATOR
…and his parties with the most beautiful people.

INT. BALLROOM - CASTLE – NIGHT

The ornate room is filled with beautiful people from all corenrs of the world, each on display for the Prince’s pleasure. A circle of eligible maidens bow their heads.

Seated in a throne chair dominatted by a majestic coat of arms, the Prince snaps his fingers impatiently at an ITALIAN MAESTRO, who smiles, revealing comically rotten teeth

The MAESTRO sits at a harpsichord and motions to his wife, a LARGE DIVA holding a tiny bichon frise. As the music beings, the Prince steps forward.

The DIVA fills the room with a voice as big as her frame. The Prince performs a roundelay with several debutantes:

@DIVA
Oh how divine
Glamour, music and magic combine
See the maidens so anxious to shine
Look for a sign that enhances
Chances
She’ll be his special one