Synopsis

__Overall Project__

Story Statement:

Arthur, a young businessman who has trouble keeping his composure around women, meets Melanie, a student, and falls in love. Yet when their dates continually end in disappointment due to Arthur's clumsiness and his failure to find his keys every time they go to his house. Arthur must find a way to become more organized to win the heart of the women he loves.

Story Ending:

Arthur finally finds the solution to his disorganization by inventing the keychain. The keychain is made from the heart necklace he gave to Melanie. It symbolizes their love and Arthur’s growth thanks to Melanie. Arthur uses the keychain and his newfound confidence to win her back.

Plot Summary for Each Scene:

SCENE 1:

A young man and woman are seated at a table for their first date at the café, a popular get-together place for students and recent graduates. ARTHUR, a businessman, tries to impress his date, but she seems disinterested. The WOMAN is wealthy debutante who realizes that she has made a mistake in going out with this seemingly successful, yet actually bumbling guy. As Arthur tries to pull out a present to impress her, he manages to clumsy knock over items on the table and have things falling out of his pocket. The woman becomes disgusted and terribly impatient. She hastily gets up and leaves in a huff.

Arthur is left sad and torn. He half-heartedly cleans up the table. He loosens his collar and sighs, but knocks over something again. Suddenly, he hears a giggle behind him. He turns wearily and sees a lovely young woman, MELANIE. She smiles as she timidly holds a book in front of her face. Arthur looks embarrassed, but smiles at her. They exchange a few words of greeting. Melanie finds Arthur to be cute and approachable, so she decided to join him at his table. They continue to converse happily. Melanie is confident and curious, while Arthur is shy, but happy and interested in her.

SCENE 2:

For their first date, Arthur and Melanie have a romantic scroll through the park and enjoy some ice cream. Arthur walks awkwardly, stumbles occasionally, and makes a mess of his ice cream. Melanie lovingly holds his hand and gently wipes his face.

SCENE 3:

At the end of their date, Arthur timidly asks Melanie if she’d like to come in for a coffee. Melanie happily nods. Excited, Arthur, quickly reaches into his pockets for the key. He takes out a key and jams it into the lock. He realizes it’s the wrong key and continues to fumble. After a minute, Melanie sighs, pecks him on the cheek, and waves goodbye. Arthur stands lonely on the porch as he watches her go. His heart falls.

SCENE 4:

On their next date, Arthur and Melanie have a picnic lunch on the grass and read books. Arthur again is clumsy with his food and has trouble focusing on the book as he shyly glances at her. Melanie caringly picks up after him and is very patient with his staring as she tries to read.

SCENE 5:

At the end of their date, Arthur asks Melanie again if she’d like to come in for a coffee. Melanie nods expressing that she is interested only if he is sure. Arthur again quickly reaches into his pockets for the key. He is determined this time to get it right, but fails to find the key and pulls out a bunch of useless junk from his pockets. After a minute, Melanie looks disappointed and sad. She puts her hand on his shoulder and leaves. Heartbroken, Arthur stands lonely on the porch as he watches her go. This time he is very glum, but becomes resolved to win her back. And turns to his door.

SCENE 6:

Arthur straightens himself and walks towards Melanie, who is sitting on a bench reading. She doesn’t look up until he is in front of her. He holds out a case and reveals a heart necklace. She looks surprised, but nods and lets him put the necklace around her neck. They smile at each other and she kisses him on the cheek. They stand up together and walk off.

SCENE 7:

At the end of their date, Arthur determinedly asks Melanie again if she’d like to come in. Melanie nods apprehensively and gives Arthur a serious look. Arthur gulps, then mans up and fishes for the key. He panics and realizes that his pockets are empty. Melanie becomes angry, quickly undoes the necklace and tosses it at him before storming off looking disappointed and hurt. Arthur sadly holds the necklace and looks down. Something catches his eye elsewhere on the porch and he spots the key on the ground. Arthur picks up the key and holds it up with the necklace. Suddenly in a flash of inspiration, it dawns on him. He smiles and starts to work on something off-screen.

SCENE 8:

Arthur finds Melanie at the Café with a bouquet of flowers. This time he looks more put together with his hair done and he is in a more confident stance. Melanie is again reading her book. She is subdued. She looks a little hurt, but is still happy to see him. He helps her up and gives her the flowers. She looks a little hesitant, but accepts gingerly. He takes her arm and steers her off as she tries to keep up.

SCENE 9:

Melanie stands quietly behind Arthur as she hugs the bouquet. Arthur confidently takes out the keychain from his suit pocket and holds it up. Melanie is surprised and recognizes that it is her heart necklace with the house key on it. Arthur effortlessly opens the door and holds it open for her. She happily takes his hand and they go inside. The door closes.