TO THE RESCUE

Treatment written by

Tess Meyer Polish: 22/02/2021

Based on a treatment by Peter Dollinger. For Studio 100 Media GmbH

Based on the novels "Heidi’s Years of Wandering and Learning” and "Heidi: How She Used What She Learned” By

Tess Meyer E: [email protected] 1. WELCOME TO THE MOUNTAINS A mysterious wind blows a spiraling dandelion seed across the blue sky. It soars over pastures, above the forest, high up into the majestic Swiss Alps. A wild and beautiful place. Higher and higher the twirling seed climbs. Glorious. Free. Then TWEET! A GOLD FINCH snaps up the seed in its little beak and flits down. It follows the path of a babbling stream, winding its way through the forest below. The whispers of tumbling leaves in a summer breeze add to the quiet music of nature calling us into this secretive world until- MAAAAAAAH! Startled, the Goldfinch drops the seed, which spirals to the forest floor to investigate the bleating of, well, what was that? MAAAAAAAH! A tiny, fluffy, mischievous baby goat, LITTLE MARMOT, pops its head up over a fallen log. Little Marmot takes a massive bite of bark from the log and chews rapidly. Behind her a herd of goats graze lazily in the meadow. Little Marmot peaks at them, as though to see if anyone is watching. She turns to leap into the forest when- MAAAAAAAAH! The scruffy hair and bright eyes of a young girl pops up on the other side of the log, startling the goat! This is HEIDI (8), clever, kind and full of promise. That’s far enough, Little Marmot! Am I going to have to protect the forest from you all summer? She chuckles and ushers the goat back to the herd. PETER (12) - a young Goat General, as curious, food motivated, and stubborn as his charges - calls out. Why should she listen to you when you’re abandoning her? Heidi, full of indignation insists that just because she’s going on a teeny tiny holiday after the summer doesn’t mean she’s abandoning the mountains. Peter disagrees, you are too! They flop on their backs in the grass above the treeline, descending into the age old battle of “am not, are too.” Above them, the RED KITES soar beneath shifting clouds. Heidi grunts. Erugh! Peter is infuriating. There’s no where she’d rather be. But she always keeps her promises and she promised her friend Clara she’d travel to the seaside to help her improve her walking. Peter squints, Heidi promised him half her lunch this morning and he’s yet to see that. Heidi pulls out a bundle from her bag, a note attached reads “for Peter”. Peter sighs, snatching the bag. Alright then. Go on your fancy holiday. But the goats won’t be happy about it. Heidi smiles. Peter doesn’t have to worry. She knows where home is. With Heidi and Peter distracted, Little Marmot cheekily bounds back into the forest. Skip! Skip! Skip! Deeper and deeper she goes. Her little eyes widen at the tall trees, then settle on a delicious patch of dandelions growing in a small clearing ahead. She licks her lips, yum! HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 2.

Heidi and Peter notice summer storm clouds gather over the crest like a dragon. Heidi looks up, the red kites have vanished. She doesn’t like the look of that, the Alm can quickly turn perilous. Peter divides the herd between them to lead them back down the mountain. But someone is missing. Where is Little Marmot? That baby goat is too much like Heidi. Always wandering off! Heidi leaps up to go look for her. Peter stops her. He proudly states that he should be the one to go, he is the Goat General! He’s older and wiser and frankly more qualified. Why just look at how his herd respects him! He gestures to the goats like soldiers. Attention. ATTENTION! The goats keep on with their lunch. A cricket chirps in the grass nearby. Erm... at ease! The goats ignore him completely, and Peter turns back to his friend, triumphant. But Heidi is already halfway to the tree line. Heidi calls back over her shoulder, he might be older but she’s faster! She’ll be back with Little Marmot in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. Peter huffs. Alright, “queen of the forest”. Just hurry up we need to get back. Don’t go finding some mouse that needs a house, or a bird who’s lost it’s flock, we don’t have time for that today! Nearby, a goat, SCHWANLI, bleats. Peter scolds it. That’s enough out of you Schwanli. You traitor. In the dappled light of the forest, Heidi’s feet pad deftly through the undergrowth, jumping over fallen branches and tip toeing across stones. She calls for Little Marmot. But the goat is nowhere in sight. Heidi wanders deeper into the shade of the trees, it’s cooler and darker here. A lone sunbeam casts its way into a clearing and lands on Little Marmot, busily chewing on a patch of dandelions. One gets up her nose. PZZZRT! She sneezes. Heidi is about to rush forwards to nab her when she sees she’s not the only one with her eyes on Little Marmot. A LYNX still but for the movement of its eyes, watches hungrily from the tree nearby. Heidi’s eyes widen in awe. Woah, a lynx! Little Marmot scratches her butt on the ground, oblivious to the fact she’s about to be lunch. But Heidi can tell. Uh oh! Heidi approaches the baby goat with care, gently making her presence known. The lynx takes her in, tennising it’s gaze between Heidi and Little Marmot. Heidi pauses still, she reaches into her pocket, pulling out a sock filled with something. She SCRUNCHES it’s contents, grain. Little Marmot jolts up, triggered by the exciting sound. Heidi turns to hide the sock of grain, teasing the goat’s curiosity, before revealing it again. The goat eyes the sock. Heidi smiles and reaches for it again. SCRUNCH! Little Marmot springs for the sock. Heidi laughs and wraps the baby goat up in her arms as she nuzzles at the sock. What a little adventurer. Heidi looks up to the lynx, but the lynx is gone. Wow! She didn’t even make a sound! HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 3.

YEEEEHOOOOO! Heidi is in her element as she and Peter race down the mountain with their goats. She was amazing Peter, she disappeared without a trace I wish you had seen her! Peter calls out to Heidi. I don’t! Seeing a lynx is a really bad sign! Heidi doesn’t see how a new friend could be a bad sign. Peter disagrees, lynx are extremely rare and really good at hiding. They only show themselves when trouble is coming. I’ve only ever seen one. The very next day I dug a moat around our house to protect us even though my mother said not to. And then I got in trouble! Which is proof that seeing a lynx is a bad sign. Heidi is confused. If Peter knew trouble was coming, why would he do something he wasn’t supposed to? Peter rolls his eyes. As usual she’s completely missing the point. His Grandmother told him all about them. If you see one it means you need to be watchful, someone is coming to get you. Heidi assures Peter they have nothing to worry about. Nothing bad will happen to them here in the mountains. Heidi takes a head start before calling back to Peter, last one to the meadow is a fainting goat! They race their herds down the mountain towards the lower meadow. Camera soars ahead into the valley far below, over beautiful farm land and meadows filled with bright yellow flowers towards: DÖRFLI - a small, sturdy, alpine village nestled in a dandelion-filled valley between the rugged peaks and forested slopes of the alps. Stone and log houses topped with rough- hewn wooden roof tiles shelter LOFT MICE from GOLDEN EAGLES that soar through the crystal clear sky above. Freshly baked bread is pulled from the village oven. The trill call of passing children ANNA and FRIEDRICH, interrupts the moment as they bicker over who stole who’s wooden cow. Anna runs off to look for it. Friedrich sneakily checks the cow is still safely in his back pocket. Little scamp! We take a turn down the main street and float by gossiping VILLIAGERS, take in quaint shop fronts, dodge horses swatting flys with their tails, and hover by a small but energetic yodeling contest taking centre stage in the village square. Two YODELERS - one squat and the other stringy, sing a song of village life that follows us all the way to the end of the street as we arrive at the Train Station. PSSSSSSST! A train pulls into the station. The cheerful STATION MASTER reaches for the carriage door but- SLAM! A man in a very proper hat, Mr. SCHNAITTINGER (34), opens the door of the carriage with gusto, sending the Station Master stumbling back. Schnaittinger thoughtlessly empties his pipe on the platform, all the while tilting his hat - all smiles - to the station master. He tugs on a leash and a large, hungry looking dog, ARCO, appears by his shiny shoes. Come along Arco. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 4.

Schnaittinger winces as he takes in the small village before him. Charming. His tone drips with insincerity. Arco growls. WOOF WOOF! Heidi’s St Bernard, JOSEPH, greets her as she and Peter arrive at her Grandfather's humble but strong wood cabin with the herd. He barks happily at Little Marmot ushering her safely into the barn. Heidi and Peter part ways. See you tomorrow! Heidi finds her GRANDFATHER making cheese. She rushes to tell him all about the lynx. He shoves a piece of bread and cheese in her mouth. She gave half her lunch to Peter again didn’t she? Food first, then stories. While she eats, Heidi acts out what happened in the forest, jumping about and babbling a thousand miles a minute. The lynx was ready to pounce on Little Marmot, but I was smarter and I got to her first because I know she has a weakness for two things, grain, and your old socks! So I used both! And then POOF she disappeared! It was amazing. Heidi looks up with a sudden realisation. This cheese is GOOD! Oh and a storm is coming! Grandfather had been wondering where his old socks were disappearing to. As he prepares the cabin and barn for a storm Heidi follows him around with questions. He explains the significance of her sighting. Lynx are cautious creatures who don’t normally go near humans. Something must have happened to its home for it to risk coming this far down. Grandfather tells Heidi she must keep her discovery secret. Lynx are a prize to hunters, and hunters with guns roaming the mountains can be dangerous. They are challenging animals to find, let alone capture. But they are vital to the mountain ecosystem. Grandfather teaches Heidi how to recognise a lynx paw print, big paws with no claw marks. Now she and Peter can cover any tracks they find to avoid any hunters spotting them. Heidi is relieved the lynx came to their part of the mountain where it can be safe. That night as Heidi crawls into bed lit by the warm glow of flickering oil lamps, a summer storm rolls in over the mountains. From her perch in the hay loft, Heidi calls down to her grandfather. How come she’s never seen a lynx before? What else is hiding in the forest that she doesn't know about? Her grandfather smiles. The forest is a mysterious place and lynx are very mysterious creatures. While she might not have seen a lynx, she can be sure they are always watching over the forest. Heidi is surprised, they are? Grandfather smiles. The lynx are guardians of the forest. The lynx and the trees are connected, you see. Old friends. Grandfather shows Heidi the lynx constellation in the sky. It is made up of the faintest stars, this is because lynx are very good at hiding. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 5.

As Grandfather tells her the story of ‘The Lynx and the Growing Tree’, Heidi's imagination brings the stars to life. We watch as the story is told by the shifting stars. SKY SEQUENCE Long ago, before the town was a town, and the forest was a forest, there was only the great, rocky mountain. Until one day a wind from the east blew in a wayward seed. It landed and sprouted. Its green shoots caught the attention of a young lynx, traveling through the mountain pass. At first the lynx was confused. What was such a little sprout doing on such a big mountain? The sprout whispered to the young lynx softly, “I’m here for you.” It would say no more. The lynx, being a quiet creature, became fond of the leafy little sprout. She settled near it for a time and the sprout grew into a seedling. It soon came time for the lynx to continue her travels, but winter on the mountain was harsh. While the lynx could leap far across rocky crags to shelter in caves, the seedling had no defenses from the icy claws of frost and snow. So the lynx stood guard, she weathered every snowfall in the open to make sure the seedling was safe. Each time the lynx asks her green friend why it would want to grow in such a dangerous place. And each time, the seedling replied,“I’m here for you.” Time passed, and under the watchful eye of the lynx the seedling grew into a sapling. A deer wandered past and licked its lips, the sapling looked like a tasty meal. The lynx cheekily licked her lips, revealing her teeth, and replied the deer looked tasty too. The deer quickly moved on. The lynx was built for the mountain wilderness, she had keen eyesight to spy danger from far away, claws she could hide to escape it as light as a feather, and of course, her very sharp teeth, to ward off undesirables. She wondered why the sapling would choose to grow leaves that are so tasty to deer in a place where no other trees would take root? The sapling simply whispered, “I’m here for you.” The seasons changed and, with the protection of the lynx, soon the sapling became a tree. The tree stretched its branches into the sky. As the worst storm in a thousand years crested over the mountain the lynx worried. She was older now, and her body was tired. She could not protect the tree from this and she would not survive it herself. It was time for both of them to leave the mountain. But the tree smiled and gathered its strong roots into a shelter. It whispered, “Old friend, I told you, I’m here for you.” The old and weary lynx crawled into her safe den under the protection of her oldest, dearest friend. And together they rode out the storm, safe and warm. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 6.

And so the tree grew seeds, and from those seeds grew a forest, and the lynx and the forest have protected each other, and the mountain they respected ever since. END SKY SEQUENCE To this day, the lynx hunt the deer that eat the saplings, the youngest trees, to make sure they grow up big and strong. In turn, they are allowed to shelter amongst the exposed roots of strong trees where they are protected. Heidi understands why the lynx is thought to be a warning sign, because of all the danger the lynx warned the tree about. But every time something happened the lynx protected the little tree. So it could be a good sign too, a sign of protection. Grandfather smiles. He’s always thought so. But some people lose their connection to nature as they grow up. They feel they need to fear or control it, rather than seeing it for what it truly is and respecting it. Heidi catches sight of her little star in the sky. It comforts her, and as summer the storm clouds roll over their meadow and cover it, Heidi falls asleep.

2. THE BELLS OF CHANGE Heidi is startled awake the next morning by the ominous BONG! of urgent church bells. Heidi knows what that sequence of bells means, there is an emergency! Someone needs help! Heidi, Grandfather and Joseph rush towards the village. Halfway to the village they arrive at a disaster zone. The storm has softened the soil in a recently logged hillside. Heidi’s shocked to see a chunk of the hill has collapsed, mud and debris have destroyed the Feichtmooser farm below it. Heidi, Grandfather and Joseph find Schnaittinger, attempting to calm a distraught, INGE FEICHTMOOSER, (12). No one has seen her father! He was in the farm house when the mudslide hit! Schnaittinger introduces himself to Heidi’s Grandfather with a strong handshake and a charming smile. Having recently acquired the Feichtmooser farm, Schnaittinger has brought several carts and new tools to remove the rubble. It’s like his father always said, with the right tools you can move mountains! He proudly states with his help they will surely find him. Heidi points out they may not have time to wait, they had better send in Joseph. Arco growls as Joseph approaches. Joseph pays him no mind and gets to work, sniffing through the rubble and mud. On his bark, Grandfather and Heidi rush to help clear a pile of debris and discover MR. FEICHTMOOSER He is alive but injured. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 7.

As the village doctor tends to his immediate injuries, Heidi promises a grateful Mr. Feichtmooser she and Grandfather will take care of his injured cow and her calf until he is feeling better. Not to be outdone, Schnaittinger announces he will repair the damage and lease the farm back to Mr. Feichtmooser so that he may stay in his home. He loudly mentions he is interested in acquiring more trees to log for his saw mill. He’ll make a generous offer to anyone who would like to sell. Heidi’s ears prick up. He owns the sawmill? Do his tree loppers cut down many trees in the forest? Schnaittinger is taken aback by this precocious urchin. Of course they work in my forest, where else should I take my business? The sea? His joke gets a few laughs from the locals. But Heidi is irked by his dismissal. Grandfather cautions him to choose his work sites carefully, and reveals logging on the hill is the reason the mudslide happened in the first place. Removing the strong old trees weakened the hill side. He suspects Mr. Feichtmooser knew better than to cut them down, he wonders if someone else convinced him to ignore common sense? The villagers, chastened from Schnaittinger’s offer by Grandfather's concerns, move along. Schnaittinger sees an enemy in Heidi and her Grandfather, but he hides his anger with a smile and a jovial chuckle. Not everyone understands the importance of progress. Surely the mountain is beautiful, but there is always room for improvement. And after all, no one could have predicted such a terrible storm. Heidi looks up at Schnaittinger earnestly. She didn’t know anything about storms before she came to the mountains either. But Grandfather knows everything there is to know about the Alm, everyone here calls him the Alm Uncle! Perhaps he could give Schnaittinger some lessons? Grandfather stifles a laugh. Arco growls quietly. Joseph appears at Heidi’s side, a gentle reinforcement. Schnaittinger gives her a curious look, perhaps indeed. He bids them farewell and yanks on Arco’s lead. The growling dog yelps and follows obediently. Heidi is the only one who notices Schnaittinger’s clenched fist. Grandfather cautions Heidi to be careful around Schnaittinger. This is clearly a man who is not used to being disagreed with. At their cabin, Joseph stands guard in the barn. Heidi and Grandfather care for Feichtmooser’s cow and her calf. Peter watches. Grandfather needs medicinal herbs found at the top of the tree line to make a salve for the cow’s injured hoof. Heidi and Peter head up the mountain through the forest path to collect the herbs. Heidi tells Peter about what happened. She gets a funny feeling from Schnaittinger. She’s sure his loggers are the ones who drove the lynx from her home. And his dog seemed angry too. Peter thinks perhaps Arco was just hungry. Peter always gets cranky when he’s hungry. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 8.

Besides, anyone who wants to help their village should be given a chance. That money could go a long way for a lot of people. Most people in the village can’t afford to buy anything new, or even fix things when they break. This worries Heidi. If too many of the villagers sell their trees to Schnaittinger the whole forest could be in danger! Peter spots the herbs they need and they stop to collect them when suddenly- MEW! MEW! They follow the sound and happen upon a mischievous LYNX KITTEN stuck on a ledge. Heidi carefully edges forward and bravely saves the lynx kitten, handing it to Peter. It’s SO CUTE! But just as they wonder how to help it, Peter hears the sound of other kittens meowing. They follow the MEW’s through the forest to the lynx’s den, nestled in the exposed roots underneath an old tree. It’s just like Grandfather’s story! The lynx paces nervously. Two other KITTENS call out for their lost brother, the lynx readies herself for a fight. Heidi and Peter freeze, not wanting to aggravate the lynx. Heidi takes the kitten from Peter and speaks slowly and calmly as she lowers him to the ground. They are just bringing him home. The lynx kitten licks Heidi gratefully and trots to his mother. Heidi and Peter stay very still. The lynx locks eyes with Heidi, for a moment it seems like she might pounce. But she blinks as though in thanks, sharing a moment of understanding with Heidi. Then she ushers her kittens back into their den. Peter evaluates the den. It doesn’t look like they have been there long. He thinks Heidi might be right, a lynx would never leave her den by choice when she had kittens, the loggers must have cut down her old home! Heidi makes Peter promise not to tell anyone about the lynx. Peter swears, on his honor as Goat General, that he will not tell a soul! They should give it a secret name so they can talk about it without anyone knowing. Given lynx are only found high up in the mountains just like Edelweiss, and because they are such noble creatures, Heidi names the lynx Edel - meaning noble. If only they knew where Schnaittinger was planning to log next maybe they could stop him before Heidi has to leave to keep her promise to Clara. As they leave they destroy the lynx footprints. Heidi tells Peter the reason the Edel is so quiet is because she walks with her claws tucked in. She gets to know everything that happens in the forest without ever being heard. This gives Heidi an idea…

3. A LITTLE RECONNASENCE Heidi and Peter sneak through the village following Schnaittinger, wearing only Heidi’s Grandfather’s old woolly socks on their feet. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 9.

Peter isn’t sure this is such a good idea. And why do these socks smell like goats!? But Heidi sees no alternative. The lynx and her kittens are counting on them! They have to find out what Schnaittinger is up to. We follow them into a reconnaissance MONTAGE: Schnaittinger eats a large breakfast every morning. Arco sits and waits obediently, only to be tossed a disappointingly small scrap of leftover sausage. Schnaittinger and Arco then make their way through the village. He meets with townsfolk and politely enquires as to the trees on their properties. The warm to him, open to his offers just as Heidi feared! Peter and Heidi make a list of people he has spoken to. Heidi quietly pads after Schnaittinger as he heads to the post office where he complains about their regular delays, and then finally to the Telegraph office. Heidi listens in as he sends an urgent message to a town councillor, but Arco catches her in the act! Heidi and Peter rush off before Schnaittinger can spot them. OUR MONTAGE ENDS. Back at the cabin Heidi rushes to tell her Grandfather everything she learned. Schnaittinger is persuading villagers to meet about selling their trees, and he wants very much to meet with a town councillor! It seems he wants to buy every tree on the Alm! Grandfather sighs. Men like Schnaittinger don’t understand that no one ever truly owns the land, or the trees. The Mountains are here before us, and they will be here after we die. We are only ever caretakers. But the village is important too, and we must also take care of each other. Schnaittinger is offering the villagers something that is hard to say no too. We just need to find a way to talk to everyone, and help them see that his methods might not be safe. Heidi looks at her Grandfathers wheels of cheese, an idea blossoming. Maybe they have something to offer too. The next morning Heidi and Peter arrive at the villagers' homes with gifts, wedges of her grandfather's cheese. They sweetly persuade them not to sell their trees until the Alm Uncle has taken a look and made sure it is safe. The village gossip BARBLE takes one whiff of the delicious cheese and wholeheartedly agrees. Schnaittinger returns to the houses with contracts, only to be turned away by villagers, who stall him. All of them try and fail to hide the delicious cheese they’re eating. Arco whines, it smells so good! Schnaittinger is confused and furious. He doesn’t believe in coincidences, there must be a connection between the cheese and the trees! But what is it?! Summer fades into early Autumn and Schnaittinger and Arco arrive at Heidi’s mountain home with a loud knock. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 10.

Schnaittinger reveals he’s been told by no less than ten people in town that if he wants to fell any trees he must consult the Alm Uncle himself. He has come to reassure Heidi’s Grandfather there is no need for his oversight. Heidi comes to the door, opening it a little wider behind her. Schnaittinger notices several wedges of the cheese the villagers were eating inside the house. His eyes narrow. So! The Alm Uncle himself is the mysterious cheese man who’s been souring his customers. Schnaittinger puts all the wrong pieces together. He accuses the Alm Uncle of driving himself into his business so he can charge him a consulting fee! Schnaittinger has half a mind to call the police! Grandfather shakes his head and steps in front of Heidi. There’s no law against being helpful, or generous Schnaittinger. Not everything has to be bought. And I’d be happy to help you choose the correct trees any time you like, free of charge. Schnaittinger refuses. He’s been in this business a long time. He knows what he is doing. But if the mountain folk don’t know a good opportunity when they see one perhaps he will take his generous offers elsewhere. Heidi thinks this is a great idea! With a disapproving grunt at Schnaittinger, Grandfather ushers Heidi back inside with him. He closes the door on Schnaittinger. He SCOFFS. Perhaps rudeness is genetic. MAAHHHHHH! Little Marmot jumps out at Schnaittinger’s feet catching him unaware. Schnaittinger lets out a high pitched YELP! Heidi giggles, peeping from the window. She disappears just as Schnaittinger catches her and scowls. He collects himself and makes his way towards the path into town. But then Schnaittinger hears a cow mooing from inside the barn. Curious, he sneaks in and sees it is sporting Mr Feichtmooser’s tag, which means it now belongs to him. What is his cow doing here with the Alm Uncle? He leaves, cooking up a plot in his mind. Meanwhile, in the cabin, Heidi and Grandfather celebrate. It looks like the villagers are holding strong! They did it! Grandfather kisses a wheel of his cheese. Who knew a little cheese and commonsense could be so convincing! Schnaittinger will have to give in now. And they are just in time! Grandfather grabs Heidi’s suitcase. Now she can leave for the seaside to see Clara as planned without worrying about silly Mr. Schnaittinger. Heidi hesitates but Grandfather promises to take care of the mountains, while Heidi goes and keeps her promise to Clara. Heidi thinks it over and agrees, promises should always be kept. She will go as planned. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 11.

The next day Peter and Heidi arrive at the station to find Schnaittinger talking closely with the Telegraph station CLERK. Something got into his hen house last night and killed his prize hen, Gerty! Schnaittinger consoles him. How awful! There must be so many treacherous beasts this high up in the mountains. Can any of them really be sure their chickens are safe being so near to all that wild forest? Perhaps we should gather a hunting party to flush the dangerous creature out. My father always said to meet your enemies where they sleep! And Arco has a good nose for game. Arco licks his lips. Heidi, concerned, can’t help herself. She interjects. She’s very sorry to hear about Gerty. Her eggs were the best and biggest in the whole village. But they don’t need to go hunting, the creatures of the Alm don’t come down to the village. They are shy and too afraid of humans to wander that far from the safety of the forest. The Clerk nods, Heidi is probably right. After all, if anyone would know it would be the Alm Uncle’s granddaughter. Schnaittinger turns to Heidi. Well, as an expert on such matters, what do you think took Gerty? A fox? A wolf? Not wanting to condemn any animal Heidi shakes her head, she doesn’t know. Peter pulls Heidi away. Schnaittinger watches her walk off, suspicious. As soon as they are out of earshot Peter admits he is worried, what if it was Edel? Heidi assures him it wasn’t. Grandfather said lynx wouldn’t come into the village. Peter nods. Alm Uncle is never wrong. He promises to keep covering Edel’s tracks while Heidi is away. He gives Heidi a gift for good luck, to ensure her safe return. It is a wooden edelweiss he carved himself. Heidi couldn’t imagine a more beautiful present. She promises to return with stories and treats. Peter cheers up at the thought of food! PSSSSSSSSST! The doors to Heidi's train open. Heidi boards the train, excited to be on her way to see Clara. She watches as Schnaittinger, turns to Peter and gives him a coin to take a letter to the post office. Peter eagerly accepts the money and rushes off. Schnaittinger notices Heidi through the train window, he smiles insincerely and waves her goodbye. As they pull out of the train station Heidi tries and fails to shake the uncertain feeling in her stomach. On the platform, Schnaittinger watches as the train makes its way out of town. Good riddance! A cheerful man, the Town Councilman, arrives for his meeting with Schnaittinger. He has brought the documents concerning logging activities on the Alm that Schnaittinger asked for. The extent of his plan is something far bigger than anything they have ever done before. It will take careful consideration and the agreement of all the land owners. Schnaittinger turns on the charm. He insists he has pockets full of “consideration”, and he's sure his offer will prove beneficial for all involved. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 12.

After all, have you heard reports of the chicken killing monster lurking in the forest? Something must be done to protect the village from the dangerous beast!

4. ADVANCING ONES EDUCATION The train journey north to the Baltic Sea is long, but Heidi is ecstatic to be met at the station by her best friend, CLARA and her kind father, MR SESEMANN. The early Autumn weather is still pleasantly warm and Heidi is awed by the fresh salty air and sparkling sea. Clara thinks her doctor might be right after all, this is the perfect place to build her strength! Mr Sesemann is also looking forward to the week. He has bought them tickets to the carnival later! Heidi asks where they can buy a ticket to use the beach. She would love to play on the sand with Clara. Mr Sesemann smiles, there’s no need for a ticket! This beach is public land, made for everyone to enjoy. Heidi eagerly helps a happy Clara towards the sand while Mr Sesemann attends to their accommodations. Heidi is filled with excitement as she explores the seaside with Clara, who practices her walking. With Heidi’s help, Clara gains more and more confidence. In a MONTAGE of their first week together, Heidi discovers new animals and birds, squeals while watching the firework displays and slurps tasty treats from the vendors on the promenade. At the seaside, Clara tries hard to improve her walking but sand is tougher than grass to practice on. Heidi encourages her not to give up. She can do anything she puts her mind to. They meet some new friends, the DIPPERS, two local girls just a little older than Clara who help visitors learn to swim. Heidi and Clara would love to be able to swim in the sea! But Clara is still learning to walk on the sand. The Dippers assure them that the water will help carry Clara, it will be easier than walking once she gets the hang of it! They offer Heidi and Clara a free swimming lesson. Heidi happily tosses off her dress and rushes to the water in her petticoat, encouraging Clara to join her. Clara is nervous at first, but with Heidi cheering her on and the help of her new Dipper friend, the water takes her weight, and she begins to feel free! Her arms, strong from years of pushing her wheelchair around, quickly serve her well in the water. Clara takes to the sea like a fish. Heidi manages just well enough but Clara is an incredible swimmer! The Dippers share tales of mermaids in these very waters, maybe Clara is one of them! Heidi laughs as she struggles in the deeper water. Clara is a mermaid, but Heidi is clearly a mountain goat. Soon the afternoon sun casts long shadows across the sand and it’s time to come in. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 13.

A flustered HOTELIER approaches as Heidi is exiting the water. He shouts at the girls to leave this instant. Heidi is confused. What have they done wrong? The Hotelier is appalled, these ragamuffin Dippers have been told to take their business elsewhere. This part of the beach is occupied by the hotel and their guests exclusively. Heidi doesn't understand, how could anyone possibly own the beach? But her Dipper friend sighs. It doesn’t matter, the hotel has a lot of sway here. They will have to leave. He reminds Heidi of Schnaittinger. Clara arrives with the help of the other Dipper and the Hotelier becomes even more flustered. He had no idea Miss Sesemann had fallen foul to the tricks of these scavengers! On seeing her new friends embarrassed, Clara steps up to the plate. The Dippers are offering a vital rehabilitative service. I was so pleased to have found them at my very own hotel! The Hotelier struggles with his response, Clara has been lead astray, these girls do not work for the hotel. They shouldn’t be anywhere near his beach! Clara looks at him confused. Her father, a lawyer, told her specifically that this was a public beach, and that as such it belongs to everyone. The Hotelier is dumbstruck. Heidi is dumbstruck too, but quickly agrees with Clara and backs her up. It’s true! Just like the mountains, one can never own this beach, we are only ever it’s caretakers! The Dippers look up, hopeful. Mr. Sesemann happens to arrive at that very moment. He is surprised to see Clara and Heidi have been in the water. And who are these other young ladies? The Dippers introduce themselves. Heidi tells Mr Sesemann the Dippers have taught Clara to swim, and she’s really good at it! Mr Sesemann’s face beams with pride. Really? That’s wonderful Clara! He is very happy to meet the Dippers, he’s wanted to learn to swim all his life, they simply must come back tomorrow to give him lessons too! He will pay handsomely. The Hotelier is at a loss. Yes, he supposes they should come back tomorrow. At the full time employ of the hotel of course, on a trial basis. The Dippers are over the moon! Heidi is astounded! How did Clara know to do that?! Clara shrugs, she just told the truth. Mr Sesemann smiles, he always believed the truth was always the best argument because it cannot be denied. But some times people try to hide the truth because it doesn’t suit them, and you have to fight for it. He beams with pride at his daughter, it seems Clara would make a fine lawyer. Heidi, agrees, she’s also a great mermaid! Mr. Sesemann chuckles. Indeed! You must tell me all about it over tea and cakes! At tea, Heidi confesses to Clara that she wishes Peter and Grandfather could see how beautiful the sea side is. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 14.

She is worried about them, and the mountains. Clara nods, she can understand why with that awful mister Schnaittinger around! There must be something they can do. Heidi sighs, Peter says Mr Schnaittinger is very rich, he could buy every tree on the alm. Clara frowns, so does Mr Sesemann. It’s been his experience that men of such great wealth rarely get there by honorable means.

5. A NEW APPROACH In the mountains, still seething from his encounter with Heidi’s Grandfather, Schnaittinger gets to work on his plan. He casually asks the villagers about him and the strange little girl living with him. It’s quite a story, the villagers tell him. Alm Uncle was a total recluse. Then Heidi’s Aunt showed up and dumped Heidi on his doorstep. But her presence made a change in him. He was always relied on for guidance, but he’s become much more a part of the community again since she arrived. Why just yesterday he helped the Alphorn players learn which of the trees to cut down safely to make the best instruments! Schnaittinger finds all this very curious indeed. The Alm Uncle must want something for his help. The villagers disagree. Schnaittinger shrugs, it seems to him like Alm Uncle doesn’t want anyone to go up into the mountains. That’s a little odd isn’t it? And what of the mountain beast that ate Gerty the chicken? Is Alm Uncle doing anything about that? The villagers assure him the Alm Uncle only means well, and that Gerty was most likely taken by a fox. There’s nothing the Alm Uncle could do, they’re everywhere. Schnaittinger fakes surprise. He thought the Alm Uncle could fix anything. The villagers shuffle uncomfortably. Schnaittinger has planted a seed of doubt that will only grow. As Schnaittinger gossips with Barbel in the village, he overhears a SHRIEK from the storekeeper's daughter, Anna. Their rooster has been stolen! There are paw prints on the ground, too large to be any of the village cats. She draws an image of them, big paws with little claw marks. Schnaittinger points out that something that big could only have come from the mountain. Schnaittinger craftily plants a seed in her parents mind. Surely if something that enormous was living in the mountain the Alm Uncle would have seen it already and warned the village. Would he not? Unless of course he’s protecting something up there. The Storekeepers begin to gossip to their customers. Does the Alm Uncle know something they don’t? He’s been very against the saw mill acquiring any mountain areas to log. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 15.

What could possibly be hiding in the Alm that is more important to protect than the lives and livestock of the villagers? Today it took a rooster, but what if tomorrow it attacks one of the children?! Peter overhears them. This is bad news!

6. A BATTLE WON, A PLOT, AND PERIL! Schnaittinger is so close he can taste it. But he needs to seal the deal and discredit the Alm Uncle once and for all. He visits poor recovering Mr. Feichtmooser. He asks about his cows. Mr. Feichtmooser confirms he left the cows in Alm Uncle's care. His injury has left him unable to work and he’s struggling to afford food, let alone care for livestock. Schnaittinger offers him a new deal. He’ll allow Feichtmooser and his daughter to stay in their house rent free until he is better. But in exchange, Mr. Feichtmooser must pretend he has forgotten everything that happened on the day of the mudslide, and never speak of their old contract to anyone. Mr Feichtmooser doesn’t understand, why would that matter? Schnaittinger threatens him. Oh it doesn’t matter, and he doesn't have to accept the offer... But they would have to find somewhere else to live. Scared of losing his home, and wanting to protect his daughter, Mr. Feichtmooser agrees to the new terms. Schnaittinger tears up their old contract, and hands Mr. Feichtmooser a new one to sign. Unseen by Schnaittinger, Inge Feichtmooser, who has been watching the whole time, sweeps up the old contract into her dustpan for safe keeping. Schnaittinger walks through the village in discussion with the Town Councilman. His loggers have started on the smaller trees at the base of the mountain, but it is not enough to fill his quota. He wants the taller trees in the high forest done today. The Town Councilman isn’t sure that is a good idea. Perhaps they should consult the Alm Uncle. Schnaittinger is incensed. Nonsense! They will commence logging immediately. He’s an expert logger! He’s been doing this all his life just like his father before him. Schnaittinger is so tired of people telling him to listen to the Alm Uncle! Soon everyone will see what the Alm Uncle really is… just you wait! The village yodelers sing a song about dark deeds and the trouble that follows as Schnaittinger passes. The next morning Peter arrives to collect the goats from Grandfather's house. Just as Peter is about to leave with the goats, two officers arrive to arrest Grandfather for livestock theft. Little Marmot jumps out at them and BLEATS in alarm - startling the officers who SHRIEK in surprise. They quickly compose themselves, embarrassed. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 16.

Grandfather is confused, he hasn’t stolen any livestock there must be a mistake. The police officers open the door to the barn and find the cow, now healed and her calf. Grandfather explains he was tasked with their care by Mr. Feichtmooser. The police disagree, those two belong to Mr. Schnaittinger, along with the rest of the Feichtmooser property. He has filed a complaint. Grandfather must accompany them to the village. He’ll be placed under house arrest in his town house to await trial in the winter when the Judge is available. Grandfather assures a worried Peter this is just a misunderstanding. Peter promises to look after the animals for as long as it takes. As Grandfather goes peacefully with the police officers Peter looks to Little Marmot who kicks at the ground, unnerved. Peter feels the same way. He pulls out the coin Schnaittinger gave him to deliver a letter. It might just be enough to send a short telegraph. Heidi needs to come home now. As Grandfather is led through town with a police escort. Peter rushes to the telegraph office running right into Schnaittinger. Schnaittinger is in the middle of sending a telegram about a hunting trip in the mountains to take care of the dangerous chicken eating beast. It struck again just last night! Peter knows with Grandfather under house arrest there will be no one to stop the hunting party. His telegraph to Heidi is even more urgent. But he’ll have to send it under the watchful eye of the Schnaittinger! He thinks up a coded message fast. At the seaside, Heidi receives Peter’s coded message while at breakfast with Clara and Mr. Sesemann. Alm needs you. Edelweiss being picked. See you soon. P.S. Forget my treat. The Alm? Edelweiss? Forget his treat!? Peter would never turn down food! And telegrams are expensive! Something is very, very wrong. Heidi thinks Peter might be trying to tell her to come home. Could something have happened to Grandfather? Has Edel been captured! Heidi feels awful to leave Clara early, but she must return to the mountains! Mr. Sesemann and Clara see the urgency in Heidi’s eyes. They launch into action. Clara will help Heidi pack. Mr. Sesemann will make arrangements for her to be on the next train, with treats! On its way back to the mountains, Heidi’s train takes a detour and passes an abandoned village. She GASPS, winded by the sight in front of her. Trees cut to their stumps. Not a single living creature in the whole village. She asks the TRAIN GUARD what happened here. He responds that the town used to be a bustling village, until the saw mill came to town. He shakes his head, sadly. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 17.

Heidi returns home to find the cabin empty. Peter arrives shortly after with the goats and tells her Grandfather is ok, but he is under house arrest! Heidi is distraught! She must go to the police immediately and tell them the truth. Heidi thanks Peter for being such a good friend and taking care of the goats. She tosses him a bag of treats from the seaside and rushes off into town. Peter, mouth immediately full of treats, calls out that he will meet her later! Heidi petitions the guard standing by Grandfather's town house. He hears her out but tells Heidi her word is not enough, she will need confirmation from Mr. Feichtmooser that the cows were in Grandfathers care. Mr Schnaittinger is claiming Grandfather stole the cows to further his cheese business. They found several wheels of cow’s milk cheese at his cabin. Heidi is relieved, he doesn’t sell his cheese, he gives it away! He didn’t do anything wrong! This is all a big misunderstanding! She just needs to speak to Mr. Feichtmooser. She yells out to her grandfather not to worry! She’s going to get him out! She tears down the street. Heidi arrives at Mr. Feichtmooser’s farm to convince him to come forward, but tells her he cannot remember anything that happened the day of the mudslide. Heidi notices he seems almost scared. Heidi pleads with him to remember. He asked her to care for his cows, and they are doing much better. Surely he could not believe she would have stolen them! He’s very sorry, but he can’t help her. Inge Feichtmooser overhears him. She sneaks out to talk to Heidi but Heidi has already run off. Inge opens a biscuit tin, inside it are the torn pieces of the old contract. She thinks a minute before closing it. With the Alm Uncle out of the way, chicken disappearances on the rise, and the villagers growing wary of beasts traveling in the dense forest, Schnaittinger finds his business improving most satisfactorily. The only thing standing in his way of logging the whole forest is Alm Uncle. He complains to the Town Councilman that some villagers are still struggling to believe Alm Uncle is a thief, and are mad at Schnaittinger for bringing charges against him. If only he could find proof of the beast he believes the Alm Uncle is protecting, surely then people would take his side. Wouldn’t they?! The Town Councilman nervously backs away from a manic Schnaittinger. A sad Heidi goes to see her grandfather to tell him what has happened. The kindly guard lets her in. Grandfather tells her not to worry about him, they will have a chance to tell the truth when the Judge comes to town. In the mean time, Heidi needs to make sure Edel is alright, and help the villagers keep Schnaittinger at bay as best as she can. Hearts and minds make the difference. Money can only ever be spent, it doesn't replace a community. That's another thing Schnaittinger doesn't understand. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 18.

Heidi promises she will do her very best but she is worried. She tells her Grandfather that Peter said many of the townsfolk can hardly afford materials to repair their houses when something breaks, and a little money would mean a lot to them. What if they sell their trees to Schnaittinger to get the other things they need? His eyes sparkle with a cheeky idea. Perhaps there is something they can do about this after all. Autumn passes us in a MONTAGE as soon enough, everywhere Schnaittinger goes to finalise an offer, he finds Heidi and Peter one step ahead, repairing houses, building rocking chairs, knitting blankets, and mending fences for the local families. Heidi stays with Peter’s family and they get up at the crack of dawn each day to start their work together. Every time they encounter a problem they don’t know how to fix, Heidi visits her grandfather who teaches her the correct method. She in turn teaches the villagers, sharing his knowledge. Heidi and Peter comedically pop up in every hole in a roof, leaky well, or creaky door. Always with a smile. Always right on time to beet Schnaittinger. By the time the leaves have fallen from the trees the whole village is invested in the repairs and modernisation of alpine life. Heidi goes door to door, trying her best to convince the villagers of her grandfather's innocence. But with more and more chickens disappearing from town things look bad for the Alm Uncle again as rumors of the mountain beast grow. The villagers start to see Heidi as a sweet naive girl who has been misled. Never the less thanks to Heidi’s and Peters efforts some of the villagers do begin to reconsider their deals with Schnaittinger. Door after door is closed in Schnaittinger’s face. Barble shrugs as she opens her door to Schnaittinger. She’s sorry but she doesn’t need the money now that Heidi has fixed her fence so her trees are no longer for sale. Schnaittinger growls. My father always said everything is for sale, you just need to find the right price. END MONTAGE Schnaittinger grows increasingly paranoid and determined to squash his pint sized opponents. He’s worked so hard for his saw mill to be a success. He won’t be stopped by a couple of kids! He sneakily follows Heidi and Peter up the mountain, believing they will lead him to proof the Alm Uncle is hiding a beast up there. But little Marmot seems to have developed a 6th sense for Schnaittinger, bleating loudly whenever he’s near by so Heidi and Peter manage to give him the slip. They set misleading trails all over the mountain, successfully frustrating Schnaittinger to no end. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 19.

Heidi and Peter turn the tables on Mr Schnaittinger, following him to his logging operation. The trees he has managed to secure are being clear cut with no caution or concern. He’s gone right up to the treeline. He’s practically driving the marmots from their holes! Some of the hills he is logging are in the path of the train tracks below, posing a dangerous risk of a winter avalanche.

7. A DEAL ON THE TABLE With Heidi refusing to quit her campaign of helpfulness against him. Schnaittinger visits Grandfather with an offer. He tells him to leave his business be, give him the lumber on his land and he will drop the charges of theft. Grandfather refuses. He hasn’t done anything wrong, and he would never betray his granddaughter like that. Schnaittinger turns on Grandfather, then he will go to jail. And the little girl will have nowhere to turn. One way or another, I’m getting those trees, Alm Uncle.

8. HEIDI’S CHOICE Winter falls and Heidi and Peter have worked so hard they’ve run out of chores they can do for the villagers. Yet, while they are grateful, nothing seems to convince the villagers that her Grandfather is innocent. Heidi is devastated, she’s trying everything she can think of and nothing works. Facing the loss of her home and her Grandfather, Heidi decides to send an urgent telegram to Mr Sesemann. He knows the law and how to fight for the truth. He will be able to help Grandfather! On their way down the mountain to the telegraph office, Heidi and Peter cross paths with Schnaittinger and two other cruel looking men. Prize HUNTERS just arrived from the north. Schnaittinger informs them they are off to hunt down this beast in the mountains once and for all. Heidi protests in an impassioned plea. They can't, Edel is innocent! She would never come near the village! None of the mountain creatures do! Schnaittinger's eyes light up in triumph. I knew you and your Grandfather were hiding something, there IS a beast up there in the hills! And when I bring it back, the villagers will know once and for all who they should really trust. Heidi has to make a choice, leave now to race the men up the mountain and save Edel, or race to the telegram office and hope Mr Sesemann can arrive in time to help save her grandfather. Peter struggles with indecision. What should we do? Should we try to head them off before they can find Edel? On the other hand the Alm Uncle’s trial is tomorrow! We need to reach Mr Sesemann needs to right away! This is impossible. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 20.

I know! I need to eat something! I skipped lunch and my brain is too foggy to make this kind of decision. A sudden breeze takes Heidi’s eyes to the sky. No birds can be seen. She looks to the clouds. Maybe we don’t have to choose, look Peter, the birds! Peter looks up, What birds, I don’t see any birds? Heidi looks to him urgently. Exactly! Peter realises her meaning, There’s a storm coming! Heidi rushes after Schnaittinger and begs him to listen to her. You can’t go up the mountain today, it will be dangerous! You don't understand- Schnaittinger cut’s her off. He understands perfectly. Heidi and her Grandfather have been standing in his way ever since he arrived. She wants to ruin everything he worked for to save a few trees! But she’s too late. He’s already acquired half the trees on the Alm and her Grandfather is going to prison for theft. She certainly shouldn’t count on Mr. Feichtmooser remembering anything in court tomorrow. Not if he knows what’s good for him. The penny drops, Heidi realises Schnaittinger is behind it all! You know Grandfather didn’t steal the cows. What have you done to poor Mr Feichtmooser? BAAAAAAAAAH! Everyone but Heidi jumps as Little Marmot appears out of no where, bleating as though in support of Heidi. Even Peter clutches his chest in surprise. Schnaittinger coughs the allegation away. If Heidi really wants to help her Grandfather, she should convince the old goat to sell his lumber. Then I might be generous enough to drop the charges. As the hunting party makes for the mountain, Heidi and Peter trust what they know about the weather and stick to the plan. They will telegraph Mr Sesemann. They are going to have to hope Edel is clever enough to hide until the storm sets in. Then it will be up to the mountain to keep her safe. Schnaittinger and his hunting crew head up the mountain. Schnaittinger is determined to bag himself that beast. An early snow storm heads in, Mr Schnaittinger tells his crew to pay it no mind. A little snow never hurt anyone. They dig trenches and set traps. Then head high up into the mountains and settle themselves up in a cave to wait. The weather soon turns on them, and Mr Schnaittinger trips on one of his own leftover traps, injuring his ankle. They realise they may need to stay the night. They set up camp in the cave. Unprepared for the situation. They shiver as they eat the snacks they brought with them. Arco barely gets a scrap of food. He turns away from Schnaittinger and growls. That night, Heidi returns home to the cabin alone. She diligently attends to setting the house and the barn up for the coming snow storm, just like her grandfather would, and shares a small meal with Joseph. With Grandfather still under house arrest, and Edel in danger, Heidi reaches her lowest low point. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 21.

Heidi takes her blanket and cuddles up next to Joseph, tears escaping her eyes. The wise old dog nuzzles Heidi’s tears away. Then- MMMMAAAAAAAH! Little Marmot reveals herself, leaping at the window! She draws Heidi’s attention to the window where Heidi sees her little star, shining next to the lynx constellation. Heidi smiles and lets Little Marmot in. Together they make a wish for Grandfather and Edel on Heidi’s star. In the village, Grandfather looks up at the same star. Outside his window, the Yodelers sing of a dark night, and the trials of hope and doubt.

9. A FRIEND LENDS A HAND The morning of Grandfather's hearing arrives, Heidi waits with Peter at the station for Mr Sesemann, but the station master looks grave. There was an avalanche on the tracks last night. It came all the way down from the top of the mountain. Seems the forest that used to hold it back from the tracks had recently been logged. Heidi was right! They are working to clear it but the train won't make it until nightfall. Heidi and Peter share a look, worried for Edel and her kittens! Peter steals away to make sure she is ok. As he rushes up the mountain, Heidi heads to the Feichtmooser Farm. Without Mr Sesemann there’s only one way to save grandfather. She must convince Mr. Feichtmooser not to be afraid of Schnaittinger. This time she won’t take no for an answer. The yodelers provide a tense vocal backdrop of ominous yodeling as the villagers gather in the town square to watch the hearing. Grandfather and the Town Councilman are both present. But both Schnaittinger and Mr Sesemann are still missing. The Town Councilman appeals to the JUDGE that they wait a little longer. But the cranky old Judge has traveled all the way from Mainfeild. It’s cold, they’re not going to wait around all day! It’s now or never! And will those yodelers please shut up! Heidi arrives, breathless, at the Feichtmooser farm to find Inge Feichtmooser. Her father has already gone to the trial. Heidi pleads her case. Mr Schnaittinger is going to put her grandfather in jail, and he’s innocent! All because Heidi offered to care for the cows. Inge has to believe her! Grandfather isn’t a thief. Inge is moved. She believes Heidi. She knew that Schnaittinger was bad news, her father should have stood up to him from the beginning. Just because he’s threatened to take their home, doesn’t mean Heidi should lose hers. Heidi has been nothing but kind. She is so sorry for all the trouble they have caused. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 22.

Inge opens the biscuit tin with the torn up contract, now roughly glued it back together, in it. Heidi should take it to the Judge today. They will have to ask her father about it. Then he might tell the truth! Heidi gratefully accepts the tin and thanks Inge. Maybe now she has a chance! CUCKOO! CUCKOO! Inge’s clock alerts them to the hour. Oh no! The Trial is starting now. Heidi will be late! Inge instinctively looks back inside to her sled, sitting innocently by her broom. Heidi follows her eye line. I won’t make it in time, unless... Heidi smiles to Inge.

10. THE TRUTH WILL OUT! Peter tracks his way up the mountain, he is almost at Edel’s hiding spot when he nearly falls into a trap. He looks down to see someone else wasn’t so lucky. Poor Edel is pacing back and forth in the trench, unable to get out! Peter tries to calm her but she is terrified. Peter starts looking for a way to get her out when he hears a call for help. He looks around and realises a nearby cave he knows well has been nearly covered in snow and debris. He tells Edel to hold on, he’ll be back with help! Peter rushes for the cave. WOOSH! Heidi and Inge speed down the snow covered side of the mountain towards the village, Heidi drives as Inge holds on for dear life. WOOOOOOHOOOOO! The Town Councilman nervously presents Schnaittinger’s case on his behalf. He wavers a little, unsure of his words. He seems desperately to want to lose, but unable to do so! Ladies and Gentlemen, honorable Judge, the evidence points to the theft of a cow by the Alm Uncle. Not that I want it to! It just does. And it’s very sad but there doesn’t seem to be anything any of us can do about it. Even though if some of us could do something. We would. Very much. WOOOAHHHH! Heidi and Inge barrel to a stop at the edge of the village. Inge dizzily stands up, stumbling, and rushes Heidi on. Go! I'm right behind you! Heidi dashes down the street into the village. Inge spins around and OMPH! topples over. The Judge silences the Town Councilman, who is still wishing he could do more. The Judge asks who will represent the Alm Uncle? There is silence as no one from the village steps forward. Grandfather searches the faces, there is no sign of Mr Sesemann. He sighs, heart broken. No one is able to help him. Just as it seems there will be no defense for Grandfather, Heidi rushes in with the biscuit tin. I will! I will represent my Grandfather! The Judge takes her in. In this moment she is the ultimate underdog. The crowd murmurs and chuckles. Surely not little Heidi! Does she plan to sway the Judge with biscuits? HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 23.

But Grandfather shoots them a disarming look and the murmurs quieten. The Judge looks to Grandfather, is this child, this, Heidi to be your council? He nods to Heidi and turns to the Judge. She is the bravest, most honest person I know. The Judge turns to Heidi. What qualifications does she have to stand before this court? Heidi looks up at him earnestly. The truth, sir. I have the truth. The Judge considers it. Well that's refreshing. Go ahead Heidi. Heidi steps up in front of the whole town and hands the Judge the tin with contract from Inge. She said the Judge would know what to make of it. Using only the truth, Heidi presents her case. Grandfather is not a thief! Mr Feichtmooser is lying, but it’s not his fault. He was bullied by Mr. Schnaittinger, who threatened to take his home away if he didn’t pretend to have lost his memory. Heidi doesn’t blame Mr Feichtmooser. She knows how scary that is. Because right now, Mr. Schnaittinger is trying to take my home too. He’s even trying to take my family away. She turns to the townsfolk, he is trying to take the whole Alm. A murmur rustles through the crowd. The Judge has finished examining the contract. The Judge calls Mr. Feichtmooser forward. Is this true? Inge Feichtmooser steps forward through the crowd. It is! Tell them father! With the eyes of the village on him, and his daughter now holding his hand to give him strength, the injured Mr Feichtmooser confesses. The mudslide that injured him happened because Schnaittinger needed his quota for the saw mill filled. From there it just got worse. Schnaittinger was going to take everything they had. What Heidi said was true, she had promised to look after the cow and calf. The Alm Uncle is innocent. Indignation rises amongst the villagers. Release the Alm Uncle! Schnaittinger lied to all of us! We demand justice! The Judge bangs the gavel. For goodness sakes, quiet! The Alm Uncle is cleared of all charges! The Town Councilman heaves a sigh of relief. A great cheer rises up! Grandfather grabs Heidi in a big hug. Heidi hugs him tight. She loves him so much! Grandfather hugs her back. I’m so proud of you, Heidi. But their moment of celebration is short lived as the sounds of the emergency church bells ring. Peter rushes onto the scene with Arco. Mr Schnaittinger is injured and the hunters are stuck on the mountain! Arco pads through the light snowfall, the shopkeeper's daughter, Anna, SQUEALS in shock. Those are the footprints of the beast who took her chickens! She’d know them anywhere! She pulls out the drawing she made of the prints from her pocket. It’s a match. The telegraph clerk takes one look at Arco and his big teeth. Oh no! His poor Gerty! He faints. Arco whines, hungry. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 24.

MR SESEMANN arrives to find the town square in shock. It’s OK! His and Clara’s train got stuck behind an avalanche. He ran all the way here, to represent the Alm Uncle! What has he missed?

11. RESILIENCE, RESCUE AND REDEMPTION The town launches into a flurry of action. They grab shovels, picks and lights to help clear the train tracks. Daylight is fading and many have family on the train. Hurt by Schnaittinger’s betrayal, they feel they should leave him where he is. Let the mountain deal with that lier! They want to lock Arco up too so he cannot hurt any more innocent chickens. But it’s not happening on Heidi’s watch. She can’t bear seeing the other villagers like this. It’s not Arco’s fault! Mr Schnaittinger only feeds him tiny scraps. Peter stands in front of Arco, protecting the dog. Peter knows what it’s like to be so hungry you’d eat just about whatever you could find. The villagers pause a moment. Not sure of what to do. Heidi seizes the opportunity. Mr. Schnaittinger may be awful, but some people just can’t help being awful because they don’t know any better. We have to help show them! We’d never leave someone up there alone. Would we Grandfather? Grandfather smiles proudly. Heidi is right. He will lead the rescue mission. The Town Councilman offers to help, as does Mr Sesemann. They will take Joseph and go immediately. The rest of the town will help clear the avalanche from the train tracks and fetch the doctor for Schnaittinger. Peter then tells Heidi about the lynx, Edel is up there in his trap! We have to find a way to sneak off to help her. But Heidi has another idea in mind. Maybe we won't. Come on! Heidi leads the charge with Grandfather as the rescue party heads up the mountain. It’s dark and cold. Their boots sink knee deep into fresh powder. But Grandfather knows the mountain like he knows his cheese. He wisely points out the safest route. The rescue party continues on. They soon see the small light of a fire at the mouth of the cave. When they arrive at the cave they find Mr Schnaittinger and the hunters cuddling together to keep warm. Mr Sesemann and the Town Councilman bundle them in a blankets. The other Hunters shuffle to their feet, teeth chattering. Schnaittinger is shocked. He lost the case? Grandfather serves him a gruff look, Inge Feichmooser came forward. It seemed I didn’t steal that cow after all. Mr Schnaittinger realises he’s been found out. And yet they still came to rescue him? Even after everything he did? Why? Heidi extends a small hand to help him up. This is what we call a real mountain welcome Mr Schnaittinger. We take care of each other here, no matter what. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 25.

Schnaittinger nods, baffled. He goes to follow the others out of the cave but Heidi steps in front of him. It’s your turn to help to save someone else now. Mr Schnaittinger is surprised to find a terrified lynx caught in their trap. The poor creature is worried out of its mind, and clearly poses no threat to any of them. Mr Schnaittinger realises his mistake. Such a timid creature would never have gone near the village. Oh no. What have I done?! Grandfather hands him a shovel. Lucky for you, nothing that cannot be undone. Together they fill in part of the trench, enough to make a ramp out. But Edel won’t move. Schnaittinger worries, what can they do? Heidi wanders slowly towards Edel, calming her down. The lynx takes in Heidi, her friend. There is a trust between them. She follows Heidi out of the trench. Schnaittinger is impressed. Heidi amazes him, as he watches her connect with the creature, which seems to trust her implicitly. Heidi thanks Edel for warning her, and for looking after the mountains. She’d better get back to her kittens! Edel seems to understand her, she bows her head in a gentle gesture of thanks, and rushes off to her den. Grandfather hopes the others are having the same good luck at the train tracks. Schnaittinger is confused, what happened? Grandfather sighs. Seems the trees that normally protect them from avalanches were removed. Schnaittinger gapes, appalled at himself. He never wanted to put anyone in danger! He took over his fathers sawmill business when he died. He only ever wanted to make his father proud. But he got so caught up in his battle to prove himself that he forgot what he was fighting for. If the Alm Uncle is still open to giving him some lessons on the mountain, he’ll take them gratefully. Maybe he can find a better way to do business. Heidi offers him lesson one for free; always feed your dog really well, or else he might go looking for other peoples chickens... The look of shock on Schnaittinger’s face is priceless.

12. TOGETHER AGAIN IN THE MOUNTAINS Snow softens the fall of footsteps as the villagers make their way to the town hall to mark the winter solstice. Lanterns carved by village children light up the longest night of winter with a warm glow. The Yodelers sing a quiet song with the message that as long as they stand together, their little town will shine bright through the darkest night. Everyone has brought a dish to share and the aroma of a simple but generous meal fills the town hall - Peter in turn fills his plate! Clara adds another helping of potatoes to Inge’s plate, they chuckle like new friends! Grandfather and Mr Sesemann share a sneaky toast. Even the Town Councilman seems to have made some friends as he giggles over warm cider with Mr Feichtmooser, who is back in good health and happier than we have ever seen him. HEIDI_TREATMENT_POLISH_22022021 26.

The door opens to Schnaittinger. He enters, wary, the room goes quiet. Heidi enters after him and holds his hand. It gives him confidence. He admits he was wrong to see only profit in Dörfli, and to overlook it’s wonderful people. He’s going to invest in the town. He has grown to like village life, and he’s heard they have a pretty good cheese maker too. No one laughs at his attempt to lighten the mood. He takes a breath and earnestly announces his plans. I’m very sorry for the trouble I caused. The saw mill will stay open, but wood will be kept aside for anyone here who needs it. Heidi steps forward on his behalf. Grandfather has agreed to help Mr Schnaittinger to make sure they only log trees that are safe to cut down. Grandfather pipes up, gruff but fair. On the condition that they replant every tree they take! The villagers murmur. Mr Schnaittinger finds his confidence. It’s a new approach, but I am ready to learn. Like my father always said; The success of any business, or of any person, means nothing without the support of their community… And with your permission, I would very much like to stay. The town dissolves into murmurs and is soon it’s back to the jovial scene before Schnaittinger arrived. Heidi smiles up at him, that’s the best he’s going to get but he’s part of the town now, no matter what. Schnaittinger breathes a sigh of relief. Clara gives him a plate and Grandfather offers him a seat and a small gift, a wedge of cheese. Schnaittinger is amazed. He’s never gotten a present like that before, it really does smell delicious! He sits down to eat, but a WHINE from Arco has him pick up his entire plate and offer it to his dog who gobbles it up quickly. Arco is looking almost as plump as Joseph who sits happily next to him. Heidi laughs. This is what she loves most about living in the mountains, you never know when you’ll make a new friend! The Yodelers take centre stage with a song that starts as a simple Swiss folk song, and launches into an absolute slapper evolution of yodeling. Heidi pulls everyone up to dance! The ALPHORN PLAYERS and SCHWYZRERÖRGELI PLAYERS join in. The villagers dance and sing into the night.

CODA As we fade out we soar up to the top of the mountain, in the forest, the lynx licks her kittens clean and they snuggle in for a good night's rest. Happy and safe. Above her Heidi's little star sparkles a little brighter in the night sky. The End.