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The Chronicle Of Edwin

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The Chronicle Of Edwin is the 23rd Veggietales video (Also counts as the 23rd episode) and was released on November 30th 2004. It is a Christmas special and not only has elements based on the Parable Of The Prodigal Son but also having a few elements based on the fairy tale Thumbelina by Hans Christian Andersen. This Veggietales video introduces two new guest actors, being Australian singer Sam Moran and Australian-American voice actor Keith Scott. The video would get a re-release on DVD in a double box set released in Christmas 2009 alongside St Nicholas: A Story Of Joyful Giving.

OFFICIAL DESCRIPTION[]

"A festive, beautiful and dramatic story of following both responsibility and heart. Join Bob and Larry as they recount the Edwardian story of an orphaned scholar named Edwin Thumb, who; now a teenager, desires to go out into the world and feel like he's noticed and accepted for more than just his intelligence, dreaming of becoming a performer. Along his journey, he meets new faces that desire to use him for their own advantages and take him away from the path of family and responsibility. What's also not good is as a result of this, Edwin could be making the wrong decisions. Can Edwin realise from God what is truly important to do for his dream and not only show his mentor that he is ready, but help those who are also being strayed from their own dreams? Join in this all new musical Christmas special to find out!"

PLOT[]

Countertop Intro[]

The movie begins with Bob on the countertop once again. However, it seems that he's more focused on getting ready for Christmas instead of getting on with the show. Bob realising that the show has started greets the audience and wishes them a Merry Christmas. He loses his footing while trying to hang the decorations however and falls off the ladder he was using, but is unharmed. He greets himself and mentions how they have a new letter that arrived. Before he can read the letter though, he needs to find Larry as he was supposed to fetch the mail after decorating. The audience hears another crash sound and they see Larry with a Christmas Tree star singing "O Christmas Tree". Bob questions what he was doing, with Larry replying that he was trying to decorate the Christmas Tree, but Bob reminds him that the tree had already been decorated by himself with Larry forgetting that he needed to get the mail. Bob, slightly annoyed with Larry's irresponsibility and focus on the wrong thing calls him out for it, but Larry tries to cheer him up by recalling that it's Christmas. Larry gets up, leaves the countertop and comes back with the letter. The letter is written by a boy named Riley from San Jose California. The letter states:

"Dear Bob and Larry. My parents told me that my big sister is "Moving Out" soon to go to a place called college and reach a goal. I wanted to reach my goal too and asked if I could go to college and move out. But my parents said that I'm too young and I need to be old enough to finish school and be more "Responsible". How do I know when I'm ready, and why do I need to be responsible to grow up and do what I want? Your friend, Riley."

Bob before attempting to explain to Riley, is interrupted by Larry who is excited to tell a story that he and Bob wrote that would be based on the lesson. Bob at first annoyed again by Larry's interrupting, quickly excited as well by the idea of telling a story that he and Larry wrote together, is grabbed by Larry as they rush to find the notebook with the story in it. They rush back, with Bob saying "You know Riley, you really might learn a thing or two about what it truly means to follow your heart!" and the two begin to tell the story of The Chronicle Of Edwin.

The Chronicle Of Edwin (Act 1)[]

On a frosty Christmas night in Manchester, England 1890, a baby lies in a basket crying on the doorstep of "Cyril Literary Archives and Home For Children Of The Lost". The door opens and the baby is found by the Headmaster Cyril (Scooter Carrot) who baffled at the sight finds a note lying near the basket that says "This child is not worthy of a poor family's love. Take care of this dear Thumb child." Cyril's baffled state transforms into fury at the idea that a parent could abandon an innocent baby, especially in the night. Unfortunately his anger does not calm down the baby. Another figure walks out to the front, this being the teacher, mentor and caretaker of the building Sir Maurice Reginald Handson (Exclusive to the movie) and reminds the headmaster that while he too is disheartened by the sight, reminds him to not shout around the child as he is just as sad and scared as they are. The headmaster agrees and is reminded by Maurice that they will do what they always did with 2 of their other children Douglas Index (Mr Lunt) and Roland Ring (Bob The Tomato). Give the child the love, affection and education it needs and pray that God will be rid of his fears and bring fourth joy and hope. Before going inside, Maurice sings a portion of "Silent Night" to calm the baby and help him sleep. After that he and the Headmaster head for inside. The child would be named Edwin Thumb by the two, named after rich happiness and would become the newest addition to the archives. Years would pass and Edwin would grow to become a very intelligent, polite, respectful, responsible, timid and dreamy addition to the archives. However, he had a secret talent of being a multi-talented performer and dreamed of going out in the world for an adventure that showed others his skills. This only grew when the eldest student Douglas Index turned 18 and left the archives to pursue his own goals.

Time would fast forward to 1906 in the Edwardian period and soon enough, Edwin (Now played by Archibald Asparagus) would be 16 years old. This year would also be the day that the second student Roland Ring would leave the archives to once again pursue his own goals now that he was 18. Later on in the day, Edwin would have a discussion with Maurice about his own dreams and leaving the archives just like Douglas and Roland. Maurice would reply saying that he is not yet allowed to leave the archives because he not only he isn't old enough, but because his studies have not been completed and he still has much more to learn about responsibility and making decisions, not to mention even if he were allowed to leave, he would miss out on the Christmas season coming up. When Edwin retaliates saying that he's already intelligent enough to understand what it means to go out into the world and wants to show more capability than being smart, as well commenting that he has grown tired of being "Cooped up" in the archives and only being noticed for things that everyone else in the archives had done better than him, wanting to be accepted and noticed for more. He also comments that there is more to life (Such as following your heart) than having an education, even if God wants everyone to be ready at the right time. This results in an argument between the two, which ends with Edwin yelling "Maybe it was better that I was never found that Christmas night! Because even with the loneliness and pain I would've dealt with then, at least I would have a better chance at doing more!" And stomps up to his room, slamming the door. This act not only saddens Maurice, but also seemed to wake up the Headmaster from his nap, who kicks the door in an enraged state yelling "I sleep for 5 minutes and I wake up to the sound of the archives going mad! WHO IS DRIVING ME TO BECOMING AN INSOMNIAC?!", but before he can continue yelling he begins to understand the situation.

Later on in the night, Edwin is lamenting about how he feels he doesn't have anything more to show staying in the Archives, and doesn't want to wait to follow his dreams. This transitions into a slow ballad style song sung by Edwin who is still depressed over the revelation of continuing to wait for more in his life. After the song, Edwin makes the heartbreaking but blunt decision to run away and leave the archives to follow his dream, no longer willing to wait for his dreams to come true. Most likely, he would never return. And so that night he would pack his things and tearfully sneak away from the archives, but not before leaving behind a note stating:

"I'm sorry Sir Handson. I'm sorry Headmaster. While what I have said back there was nothing but regretful and cruel, my point still stands. I can't keep on waiting to follow my heart if when you say I'm ready to, it could be too late and I wouldn't be truly recognised. This may not be what you or whoever you state wants, but it's my decision. It's what I want. Don't expect me to return this Christmas, and don't expect me to return at all. I'm sorry. Seasons Greetings, Edwin Thumb."

The next morning, the Headmaster discusses with Maurice the idea of setting up a test for Edwin to prove that he has what it takes to follow responsibility and his dream after Christmas by letting him leave the archives temporarily, but it only makes Maurice more reluctant. They head to Edwin's room to greet him good morning and discuss the idea, but are shocked to find that Edwin disappeared. But once they read the note, they realised what has truly happened. Maurice begins to blame himself for what has happened, but The Headmaster reassures him to remain optimistic that he will be alright, and in a short time he will arrive home safely. All they can do now, is pray that Edwin is safe and makes the right decisions to get through his hardships. Meanwhile out in the Manchester snow, Edwin walks in a cold state to find somewhere to pursue his goals. After a short period, Edwin finds a stage near the town square and sees two entrepreneur's greeting themselves as Appales Enterprises brothers Alfred (Exclusive to the movie) and Arthur (Mr Nezzer) Appales. They go on to ramp up the crowd for a "graceful, magical and timeless performance that will not only stun the audience but will also want you to throw in your mo- want you to give away more to unfortunate families that deserve a beautiful sight such as this!" and bring out the "Heavenly Violinist" Chervilia (Exclusive to the movie). This amazes Edwin as he believes it could be his chance to show his talent. Chervilia gets on stage but looks reluctant to play her violin, this angers Alfred, but Arthur tries to encourage her so nothing goes wrong. Chervilia at that moment of encouragement, begins to play on her violin "The First Noel". Edwin is so amazed and in love with the performance, that he out of nowhere begins to accompany the violin and sing. This makes everyone freeze in their tracks, even making Chervilia stop her performance at the sound of Edwin's sublime singing voice. This puts Alfred back in his angry state until he sees Chervilia inviting Edwin on stage to accompany her performance. Arthur is amazed at Edwin's voice and believes he has what it takes to be a performer in their show. Alfred on the other hand is more interested in using him for profit with all of the money coming in from the song.

Once the performance ends, Edwin begins preparing to continue his journey until he is stopped by the performing company, who ask if he would like to join them in their show. If he joined, then the money that would "Be taken to charity" would be split evenly with him and Chervilia, with the rest going to a "Nearby orphanage". Edwin is at first skeptical as while he would need the money and sees how this would make him feel recognised, he still has doubts it would get him far. But after a musical number, Edwin makes the wrong decision to join them now more focused on his dream than ever, despite the company's most likely true intentions and Chervilia's reluctance to continue. As Edwin and Chervilia get acquainted, a discussion between the brothers ensues with Alfred ready to at any cost make sure that Edwin is a reliable asset to the company so they can get richer and richer, even if it means emotionally hurting him. Arthur while also wanting to see Edwin perform, protests against the idea. But after Alfred threatens him, Arthur makes the wrong choice to give in. This would not only be the start of Edwin's rise to his goals, but would also be where Edwin's hardships get worse.

The Chronicle Of Edwin (Act 2)[]

Weeks would pass back at the archives, and with Christmas around the corner, Maurice becomes struck with despair and begins to lose hope that Edwin will return, even despite The Headmaster's encouragement. Remembering that when hope all seems lost he should pray, Maurice goes upstairs to Edwin's now abandoned room and sings a prayer to God for Edwin, reminiscing on the time they spent together and regrets letting him run away. He quietly sobs as the scene transitions back to the city, where the audience sees that Edwin has become widely popular and is even one of the main sources of money for the performing company. But as a result, he grows more irresponsible with his payment and his behaviour (An example being how while on a break, he spots two town children who are doing a charity work, to which Edwin laughs at them and uses the money for himself). However, as time goes on Edwin begins to grow more unhappy at his lifestyle, mainly due to Alfred's pressure, slandering and demanding behaviour to and around him and Chervilia. It gets to the point where he becomes worried about Maurice and The Headmaster. One night, Chervilia confides into Edwin about the truth of the company and reasons with Edwin that what he is taking apart of is not a good responsibility. To further make him understand, she discusses her own story of how as a young child she became an orphan after her parents tragically passed from an illness, and not wanting to go to an orphanage in fear of abuse, she takes up a regretful offer to train to become a violinist at the Appales brother's company, who believed that the company would be fair, equal and give their money to charity. One day after being subjected to more slander, found out the truth that the company was a fraud and she was only used for their own profit. Threatening to leave the company and go to the authorities, Alfred threatened to make her stay by saying all of her money and belongings would be gone and they would run away. So she was forced to stay.

Edwin shocked and disgusted by this revelation begins to realise that this was not a good idea after all, and realised where his irresponsibility and decisions got him. Unfortunately Alfred overhears this and just like with Chervilia, threatens Alfred if he leaves or says anything then he will suffer the same fate as what Chervilia would've gotten. Arthur attempts to stop Alfred's threats, but is pushed away, which makes Chervilia angry. Edwin puts up more of a fight to stop Alfred even trying to stand up to him stating that he will leave and go back to the archives for Christmas like he should've done. But before he can do anything he is locked in his performing room, where Alfred makes sure he would stay until his Christmas Eve performance. Chervilia tries to free him, but she too is pushed away and is forced to stay in her room until the performance as well. Edwin, seeing the error of his ways and the reality of his situation breaks down in tears regretting leaving the archives and that he should've waited until he was fully ready. He even wishes that he was back home with the archives for Christmas. He prays that somehow they will find him and free him from his situation and sings a tearful reprise of the song he sang before he ran away. Chervilia sneaks in and comforts Edwin and tells him not to lose hope, as he gave her the hope she needed to push on and to stop Alfred. The two sing a duet to comfort one another before Chervilia sneaks away back into her room.

The next night is Christmas Eve night and the whole town has gathered to the town hall to see the company perform once more. This time, Edwin is reluctant to go on stage, but with the help of Chervilia, a plan is made to make the town see who the company really is and help Edwin get home. Suddenly before Edwin gets ready to perform, he spots a shocking sight of Maurice and The Headmaster searching the town to find him. His hope is lifted seeing that this whole time, they haven't given up on him. The only problem is though he has to go on stage and cannot escape or else Alfred will find out. So he devises a plan to get their attention and show that he too has not given up on them and still loves them, showing he is sorry. This plan is to instead of sing his designated song, he sings a reprise of Silent Night, the lullaby Maurice sang to him. Maurice and the Headmaster slowly walk backwards to the town hall and finally find Edwin after weeks. Maurice tearfully joyful and relieved, joins him in the song showing that they have found each other. Maurice runs onto the stage as he an Edwin embrace in a tearful reunion, finally reconciling from their argument. This also prompts Edwin to tell the whole crowd the truth behind the company, which sends Alfred into a rage. But before he can deal with a frightened Edwin, Chervilia stops him and finally stands up to him once more stating: "You may think because you own this company that you can control all of us and make us feel like we have strayed from our own decisions, but your far from that! Your nothing but cowardly, selfish and greedy and only use us for your own gain! But the truth is, we still have the power no matter what! And we now know that we can still make decisions for the good of others! We all know that, the town knows that and even God knows that! It's what he wants after all. But you don't and never will know that, because you never let anyone even yourself do that! You can break us all you want, but we don't care! We will never let you do this to anyone anymore!"

This response was so moving, that even Arthur apologises for blindly following his brother and doing almost the exact same things as he did, and is on their and God's side, to which everyone is glad that Arthur stepped up and has changed, and they all forgive him. Alfred at this point is so furious, that he attempts to push Edwin and Maurice off the stage, But Arthur and Chervilia move them out of the way and tell them to run. The trio from the archives are successful in their escape and eventually, Alfred is arrested for crimes of fraud, theft and abuse against workers and is sent to jail. Everyone is reunited again and Edwin once more apologises for his actions, realising that he should've never followed his dream if he was so irresponsible and naive. Maurice reassures Edwin that it's perfectly okay, if not amazing to follow your heart and never give up on your dreams, but you would still need to be ready for the time that you are fully responsible and are able to always make the right decisions to do just that. He continues to reassure that it's never too early nor too late to do just that and no matter what, God will always be there to guide you, and then will you see your dream come true. Maurice and The Headmaster forgive Edwin and tell him that no matter what, they will never give up hope on him and that they will always be with him and love him. Chervilia is rewarded for her courage and justice by receiving a portion of the money that the company owned so that she can use it to pay off her debts in the future, with the rest going to many charities and orphanages, and is even invited to have a home in the archives, to which she happily accepts. She and Arthur are also invited to the archives Christmas feast. The story ends with everyone singing one last musical number at the archives dining hall, with even Douglas and Roland joining them.

Countertop Outro[]

After the story ends, the scene transitions back to the counter where Larry is crying his eyes out because of how beautiful the story was. Bob denies that he was that touched, but begs to differ when he sees a few tears fall from his eyes. He wipes away those tears and helps Larry pull himself together so they can discuss what they have learned today. The song starts up at that moment and Bob, tired of having to sit through it again attempts to turn it off, but stops when he sees Larry cheering up from hearing it. After the song is done, Bob explains that Edwin learned that while it's never too early or late to follow your dreams, you have to be responsible enough to make the right decisions and not give into those who plan to use you for bad intentions. Larry additionally states that Edwin also learned to never give up hope on those who love you while you pursue your goals, as no matter what you face, they will never give up searching and will always love you. Bob starts up Qwerty to discuss the verse related to the lesson, which is:

"There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." Proverbs 23:18

Before Bob and Larry sign off, another crash sound is heard. This time, it's The Christmas Tree that fell. Bob asked if Larry forgot to put the tree on a stand so it wouldn't fall, to which Larry just says "Oops." as the video ends and credits roll.

CAST AND CHARACTERS[]

  • Bob The Tomato: Narrator and Roland Ring the Second Student (Voiced By: Phil Vischer)
  • Larry The Cucumber (Voiced By: Mike Nawrocki)
  • Archibald Asparagus: Edwin Thumb (Voiced By: Phil Vischer)
  • Sir Maurice Reginald Handson (Voiced By: Sam Moran)
  • Alfred Appales (Voiced By: Keith Scott)
  • Mr Nezzer: Arthur Appales (Voiced By: Phil Vischer)
  • Chervilia (Voiced By: Jessica Kaplan/Jaci Velasquez - Singing)
  • Mr Lunt: Douglas Index the First Student (Voiced By: Phil Vischer)
  • Scooter Carrot: Headmaster Cyril (Voiced By: Jim Poole)
  • Junior Asparagus: Town Child 1 - Cameo Only (Voiced By: Lisa Vischer)
  • Laura Carrot: Town Child 2 - Cameo Only (Voiced By: Kristen Blegen)
  • Extras (Voiced By: Phil Vischer/Keith Scott/Kristen Blegen/Lisa Vischer)

SONGS[]

FUN FACTS[]

MORAL[]

  • You should always follow your heart and your dreams, but you also need to follow responsibility with it.
  • It's never too early or too late to believe in yourself.
  • Always make the right decisions and don't let those who deceive you make the decisions for you.

TRIVIA[]

  • The episode would be the first to have voice acting done outside of an American studio, as Australian voice acting had been done at Electric Avenue Studios in Sydney.
  • This episode would be the first to not only be distributed in North America on the same day, but also at the same day have an Australian release (Most likely due to Australian recording companies collaboration with the video at the time). It would also be one of few Veggietales videos to have an Australian release.
  • This video is regarded by audiences to be one the few Veggietales videos to have a more dramatic approach to it's story than comedic.
  • A soundtrack of and based around the video would be released on December 13th 2004 in North America by Big Idea studios. Not only would the soundtrack include the new songs from the video, but also soundtrack exclusive songs in collaboration with Electric Avenue Studios and Big Idea Studios. The soundtrack wouldn't receive an Australian release until the next year on December 8th 2005, licensed by ABC Kids.
  • The Prodigal Son tale, which inspired elements of the video would be re-used again in the 2007 video "The Wonderful Wizard of Ha's".
  • This is the second character named Alfred in the Veggietales series, with the first being Alfred from the Larryboy series. These two do not come from the same stories and story continuity.
  • The names of few of the characters in the main story are supposed to be a spin on names of a hand and it's fingers.
    • Sir Maurice Reginald HANDSON (Hand)
    • Douglas INDEX (Index finger)
    • Roland RING (Ring finger)
    • Edwin THUMB (Thumb as well as being a play on Thumbelina)
  • The video was in development as far back as during near completion of the Jonah movie in 2002 and if the movie was successful, would plan to have a full budget release for late 2003, due to them already working on The Star Of Christmas. Due to the financial failure of Jonah as well as the Hit Entertainment trial that followed after they filed a lawsuit in 2001, which resulted in Big Idea's bankruptcy however, the film was delayed to the next year in 2004.
  • This video is one of the only Veggietales videos to get a separate and complete soundtrack.
  • This is the only Veggietales video to have video and music licensing by ABC Kids, most likely due to the short collaboration and contracts it received from featuring ABC licensed stars and productions.
  • In the silly song "Larry's Super Duper Crazy Christmas List", Larry makes a few references to different items from real life as well as one's previously featured in previous Veggietales videos. These include:
    • A ribbon replica Cebu (The Song Of The Cebu reference)
    • And don't forget those Lego gummy bricks! (Lego reference)

RELEASES[]

TRANSCRIPT[]

CREDITS[]

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