Ext. Redfern: Corner of Chamers and Phillips street- vague 1930’s depression era. early afternoon.
A patch of grass has a small mound of sandy dirt. A football is placed on top of the mound by a small rabbit. He stares at the ball, and then kicks it towards his friends, who stand at the other side of the spacious front property.
The property is unique in the street. Cold, drab looking terrace houses squash together one by one down the street and halt at the fence line of the property where the small rabbits play. The property is grassy and slops up towards a small hill in the centre where a modest single level house sits.
Ext. Redfern: Corner of Chamers and Phillips street- vague 1930’s depression era. RAYmond’s Front yard. Early afternoon.
On the veranda of the house, Raymond, a stocky, middle-aged rabbit repairs a few broken floor boards. He pauses from his work, smiles as he watches the kids play, and then continues hammering.
NORTON (os)
You there! Rabbit! How much for your land?
RAYMOND looks up to find a rather tall, well built, well dressed rooster standing at the foot of the veranda.
RAymond
I’m Sorry?
NORTON
(Impatiently)
How-much -for-your-land?
Raymond
My land isn’t for sale, mate.
NORTON
Yes, I know it isn’t for sale. But you see rabbit, I own all the property in this street, except yours... So now I’m here to buy it.
Raymond
Yeah, well, as I’ve already said, it’s not for sale so if you don’t mind mate...
RAYMOND goes back to repairing the front porch. As RAYMOND hammers away, NORTON reaches into his coat pocket and plus out a small stack of casino chips, which he proceeds to mindlessly fiddle with in his feathery hand.
NORTON
I wouldn’t bother with that rabbit; it’s due for demolition after I acquire your property.
raymond
Well mate, I’d hate to spoil your plans but I grew up here, I’ve raised my family here, my children play footy with the neighbor’s kids here, and we have the best view of Redfern oval a Bunny supporter could want...
NORTON
Listen Rabbit!...
NORTON drops his casino chips on the porch, grabs RAYMOND’s collar and pulls him in close.
...Your land is worth a lot of money to me. I knock your dump down, level the land and 6 Terraces go in. You either sign that lease or...
Big Rabbit (o.s)
Oy! You got a problem Rooster?!
NORTON looks up to find RAYMOND’s neighbors have arrived looking quite concerned at NORTON’s threats towards RAYMOND. Several large Rabbits move to the front wearing Football Jerseys, obviously from the local team.
NORTON
You’re everywhere aren’t you? Just like vermin.
Raymond
Nah mate, they’re called friends. You should try it; you might not be such a bastard.
NORTON
That’s right, and this bastard’s gonna throw your mates out of their houses.
RAYMOND
You can’t do that!
NORTON
Then sign over your deed!
RAYMOND looks over at the small crowd of his neighbors, a sad look on his face. Looking down, he notices the small pile of Casino chips NORTON had previously dropped. RAYMOND slowly smiles.
RAYMOND
Tell you what...you can have my land for free if you want to make a bet...
NORTON
For free? What sort of bet?
RAYMOND
You’re a big rooster...do you box?
NORTON
I boxed for year rabbit. I can cock fight like you lot eat carrots.
Raymond
Ok then, you pick any one of those blokes over there in the Rabbitohs jersey; you win, I sign over my land and we’ll be out by tomorrow. You lose...I keep my land, these blokes and their families are guaranteed to keep their homes, and you get the hell off my property.
NORTON
Hmm...ok rabbit, It’s a bet.
NORTON looks over the rabbits in the crowd. From his point of view we see a number of rather large rabbits in football jerseys. He pauses and glances down at quite obviously the smallest rabbit there. He smiles.
NORTON
Him.
RAYMOND’S SON
Daddy, he’ll hurt Little Russell...
RAYMOND
It’s ok son...
RAYMOND turns to NORTON
RAYMOND
Nah mate, no deal, he’s...
NORTON
It’s him or the bet’s off.
RAYMOND
...alright, but you’d better go into the alley. I don’t want the kids to see this.
NORTON and the small Rabbit go into the alley. Suddenly, the alley is full of commotion; the sound of bottles breaking, trash cans being kicked over, punches and distressed rooster crows flood the street.
As feathers fly out of the alley, RAYMOND’S SON tugs on RAYMOND’s pants.
RAYMOND’s SON
How did you know Little Russell would be ok?
RAYMOND
Son, it’s not the size of the rabbit in the fight, but the size of the fight in the rabbit.
BIG RABBIT leans over towards RAYMOND and whispers:
BIG RABBIT
When will the rabies wear off?
RAYMOND
Plenty of sleep, he’ll be right.
The locals laugh and the sun begins to fade across the Roofs of the Terrace Houses. White feather flutter into the wind.
END
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