The Official 3/25/92 (sci-fi) Script Thread--Updated 6/25/09

[Phlibbit]

Here's the OFFICIAL forum for discussion of the 3/25/92 SMB Movie Script.

Background: This is the version of the script that I acquired a while ago. It's totally official, and has a Lightmotive cover and everything. It's a more detailed, hard-edged version of the movie that we got. So take the movie we got on steroids, and that's what this script is like. Look for lots of expanded roles and ideas, and different Mario game references.

Link: Click here for the script

UPDATE: 6/25/09--All right, I've finally achieved the near-impossible task of transcribing this thing. Now, I'm not going to comment on it a whole lot initially; I want to hear everyone's thoughts on it after they've finished reading it. However, after reading it again (while typing) I have to say that while the movie we got was better than this script, there were some very interesting additional explorations of the "SMB Movie World" that really fleshed out the story. And on the other hand, as I think some of you will see, there are some glaring problems with some of the characters and how the story ends. Just wanna throw that out there. Let me know what you think!

6/25/09--I'm about to knock this thing out. Only 32 pages left until you can have the full script for your viewing pleasure. I should have it up this evening.

3/24/09--Since I'm on a roll today, I've decided to go ahead and upload the third part of the wonderful early draft script. Enjoy and discuss.

2/26/09--Well, I didn't have time to convert what I had completed until now, so...here it is! Look for Part III next week (for real, I'm not joking).

1/15/09--Yes, I'm slow, I know. My lack of time to be able to do this stuff is really starting to get to me. But my New Year's Resolution is to have at least slightly more time to do stuff. So, I'm working on the next couple of parts of the script, where it really gets good. I'm typing it now, and expect to see it early next week, when I have a chance to get it converted.

10/14/08--Hey, guess what? I have the first part of our Early Draft Script adventure done and uploaded, ONE WHOLE DAY EARLY! How about that for service? So anyway, the interesting stuff in this first part are some different dialogue, Mario and Luigi's run-in with rival plumbers Doug and Mike, and Daisy works as a waitress in a restaurant that Mario and Luigi are doing a plumbing job in. And that's just scratching the surface of what this interesting early vision of the film has to offer.

10/10/08--Okay, everyone! The time is now...almost. The first 10 pages are coming, rest assured. I have them already typed up, but I need an XP computer to convert the stupid thing to a PDF. And that won't be until next Wednesday (10/15/08). But it IS coming and I WILL post it at that date. Maybe I'll get a few more pages done until then.

[Phlibbit]

Okay, so let's get some pre-discussion going. Are you excited, or just plain tired of not having it yet? Another question: should I just post the updated version every time (all the pages), or should I do it in increments (a file with pages 1-10, 11-20, etc.)?

[seanmulry]

I'm deffinately excited!!!!

I've been waiting a long time and now it's almost here!! Thanks for the reminder!

[ultimateemail5000]

Dude I seriously can't wait to read this. I hope it's sort of like the novelization, but then I'll just be like, "why wasn't the movie like this?"

[SuperWario34]

I really want to read the script!

[Saber16]

Thanks for the update, can't wait!

[Phlibbit]

Part I is up! Discuss!

[SuperWario34]

hmmmm...interesting....interesting

[ultimateemail5000]

I already like this way better than the final product. The fact that the bros. wear jumpsuit coveralls at the beginning is sweet. It almost sounds like Luigi would have had a mustache too. Great stuff, can't wait to read more. Oh yeah, I'm still a little shocked they said "shit."

[Phlibbit]

Ha, that's one of the least shocking things in the script. There's a lot more cursing where that came from...

[Jacob]

You could always use CELTX to type the script and convert it to PDF on Mac.
I have it running on my PowermacG4, works great!
celtx.com/
~ jacob

PS: It's free!!

[Saber16]

Hmm.. I'm having some trouble loading the page. Whenever I click the link, I get sent to a page with
Error 403 - Forbidden

You tried to access a document for which you don't have privileges.

Can someone help me out here?

[SuperWario34]

yeah, the link to the script is at the top of this page, in Philbit's first post

[Saber16]

Ah... so it is... Thanks for that.

Anyway, so far I like the early draft. It seems interesting, can't wait to read more.

Thanks again Philbit!

[Sonicroc]

Dude, thanks a lot! I have watched through most of the scenes over and over again, looking for video game references, etc., so it's interesting to see them changed. I wonder why they got rid of the cafe scene. Maybe they didn't want to have to pay for the dishes!

Ha, that's one of the least shocking things in the script. There's a lot more cursing where that came from...

Yes, that is one of the few things that I dislike about the film... But in this case, it's just a script, so I can easily edit it out for my own purposes!

Anyway, I guess I'd prefer you upload them separately, just so I don't have to find my place and all. But at the end, you can compile them all together and put them on the main site!

I hope it's sort of like the novelization, but then I'll just be like, "why wasn't the movie like this?"

Wait, did the book have content that was cut from the film or something?

[SuperWario34]

Sort of, like things like Bowser, that is what they called the King in the end, which is weird.

The thing you should look for is, in the end of this script, whether or not they call him bowser...

[ultimateemail5000]

I hope it's sort of like the novelization, but then I'll just be like, "why wasn't the movie like this?"

Wait, did the book have content that was cut from the film or something?

The book was more in depth with the relationship with the bros. For instance, Mario was kind of ashamed of Luigi, because he didn't think he cared about his family heritage, plus he didn't like the fact Luigi didn't have a mustache. Just little things like that.

[coreyandjustin]

Can't wait to read the whole script!

[coreyandjustin]

I have acquired a very early, 1991 draft of the script!
I'm currently working on digitising it.
If anyone is interested and wants to know more...PM me.

[Phlibbit]

Part II is up guys...hope you like it

[MerrittTheFerret]

Sweet, it's like Mario, but with an 'adult' edge. I like it.

[Carl]

I love how the characters have evolved from the '91 script and through this one, up to the script that was used. I love how Big Eddie became Eddie Scapelli, who later evolved into Anthony Scapelli, the corrupt businessman of the final movie.
I'm glad in the finished cut, it was scapelli's goons that sabotaged the digging site. Mario was admirable in denying Scapelli's offer, but it sucks that he was held at gunpoint and all.
LOL, the old lady scene, I also loved the cop's line "Failure to bribe!"

[Phlibbit]

Like I said in the update, I'm almost done transcribing. It should be up soon!

[Phlibbit]

Yay, it's finally up! Let me know what you guys think...

[MerrittTheFerret]

I'm about to read it, can't wait.

[ultimateemail5000]

This script was very interesting, but not as good as the earlier draft, IMO. This was pretty much like the final product but with some tweaks. I like the part at the end with the Japanese business man who basicly want to make a Super Mario Bros game. What I didn't like about this script though, is at times it just jumps aroudn the place. It felt that I was reading the Bros in one place, and then it said they were somewhere else. It was really confusing, I was really lost durring the final battle with Mario and Koopa. The script was also kind of boring to read at some points, so yeah I definetly was falling asleep at certain times. Did the Bros. ever get their red and gren uniforms? Did I miss the part where that happens, or were they completely in regular clothes the whole time?

I really like the final product better then this draft of the script, but I really enjoy the first draft the best. Hopefully there are more drafts floating around out there and more can be found. I think I waited 3 years to read this script after finding this site, I'm really glad the day finally came.

[Phlibbit]

I gotta say, thanks for hanging in there. I know I'm slow with this stuff. I really wanna get the bulk of the site finished in the next few weeks.

So yeah, I agree with a lot of what you said about the script. It gets off to a good start but about halfway through it gets really jumpy and really confusing. And plot holes galore, more than the movie we got. Mario and Luigi get their coveralls on page 78, around the same time they do during the movie.

Here are some of my (re)initial observations. In the movie, one could say that the characters aren't developed enough. Having said that, notice how many extra characters there are in this script? There is both Hark and Toad; their roles are combined in the movie. Although it was nice to get more of Toad in there, it took a LOT away from Iggy and Spike's characters. Daisy is very, very lightly told of her origins...I don't think they even said that her king was the fungus or anything.

What did you think of the Devo chamber scene? We never see someone de-evolve into a Goomba, and there are no hand-held devo guns in the movie. The role of Simon and the security guard are combined into one role in the movie as well.

But anyway I'll probably write up a full analysis when I post it on the site.

[Redstar]

Just finished reading the entirey of this script for the first time and I have to say I'm pretty surprised at the differences. Phlibb was right: this is our movie on steroids. Most of the changes, cuts, and combining of characters was most likely the result of a dwindling budget, lack of time, and poor resources. I'll be interested to hear what any of the writers have to say on this if we can interview them.

Although it was nice to get more of Toad in there, it took a LOT away from Iggy and Spike's characters. Daisy is very, very lightly told of her origins...I don't think they even said that her king was the fungus or anything.

I really appreciated Toad's expanded role but, as you said, it did take a lot away from Iggy and Spike. However, despite Toad's expanded role he still didn't really have much characterization other than a burned-out stoner with "that's my theory" catch-phrase. I feel all three were eventually re-written into the best representations of their characters through optimum role-importance/screentime.

And, yeah, Daisy's origin was more implied and less crucial than it would later become. The "Guardians" background was still a nice expansion of her role and offered an explanation as to why she was the only one capable of inserting the rock. It seems like the importance of each of her backgrounds was reversed in the final movie, which is unfortunate. It would have been great to both aspects equally presented.

What did you think of the Devo chamber scene? We never see someone de-evolve into a Goomba, and there are no hand-held devo guns in the movie. The role of Simon and the security guard are combined into one role in the movie as well.

I noticed that myself. The scene feels rather pointless without it. When Toad was de-evolved that scene meant something.

One thing I enjoyed was that Big Bertha was a police officer. That gave a legitimate and realistic reason for her to come into possession of the rock, when in the final movie it was just happenstance she took it. The execution was rather poor. This would have also allowed her more screentime and a closer look into both her character and the police.

Conversely, the desert scene could have really been cut down. The "Mad Max"-style bounty hunter/death race just would not have worked in terms of pacing and budget. They should have kept the expanded Toad scenes but left that aspect out.

Finally, the fight with Koopa and Mario was much better. It was probably cut down due to budgetary reasons and time, but seeing a reptilian Koopa crawling on walls and using a tongue to choke Mario would have been an amazing climax. What a waste.

Overall, I think this was a much better movie than what we eventually received other than a few minor points. The pacing was just better, the characters were more active in the story, and everything ended in a tidier way. The only true flaw is the lack of characterization, which I think is a problem with the actual movie anyways.