Sometimes the best way to be a parent is to dress up as a nanny.
Watch the original version of Mrs. Doubtfire
Prologue
Daniel Hillard was a loving father – that much was clear to anyone who knew him. He adored his three children, Lydia, Chris, and Natalie, and would do anything to make them happy. But the problem was, he was also an incredibly irresponsible dad. He showed up late to school events, forgot important dates, and didn’t always make the best decisions. His wife, Miranda, had had enough of it.
After one too many mistakes, Miranda filed for divorce, and the court granted her custody of their children. Daniel was devastated. He loved his kids more than anything, and now he would only be able to see them once a week. That was when he hatched a plan.
Chapter 1: Desperate Measures
Daniel sat alone in his apartment, staring at a photo of his children. He missed them terribly – he missed their laughter, their hugs, their smiles. He couldn’t bear the thought of only seeing them once a week, and he knew he had to do something.
That was when the idea hit him. He could become their nanny.
It seemed crazy, even to him, but he couldn’t shake the idea from his head. He had always been good with kids, and he knew he could provide the kind of love and attention they needed. But how would he pull it off?
He paced back and forth in his living room, his mind racing. Then, it hit him. He would disguise himself as a British nanny – someone his ex-wife wouldn’t suspect. And so, he began to plan.
He spent weeks researching British accents and studying the mannerisms of nannies. He ordered a wig, a prosthetic nose, and a whole new wardrobe. He even picked out a new name for himself – Mrs. Doubtfire.
It was a risk, he knew. If he were caught, he could be in serious trouble. But he was desperate to be close to his children again. He missed them so much, and he knew he had to try.
When he felt ready, he called his ex-wife Miranda and told her that he had heard she was looking for a new housekeeper. She was surprised – Daniel had never shown much interest in cleaning before. But she was also desperate to find someone trustworthy to take care of their home and their children, so she agreed to let him come for an interview.
Daniel was nervous as he made his way to Miranda’s home. He had never been one for subterfuge, and he couldn’t help but feel like he was in over his head. But he pushed those thoughts aside and rang the doorbell.
Miranda answered the door, looking skeptical. “Daniel, what are you doing here?” she asked.
He took a deep breath and plastered on his best British accent. “Good morning, madam. I heard that you were in need of a housekeeper, and I thought I might be able to help.”
Miranda raised an eyebrow. “You want to be my housekeeper?”
“Yes, madam,” he said, trying to sound confident. “I have many years of experience in domestic work, and I believe I could be of great assistance to you and your family.”
Miranda looked him up and down, studying his new appearance. “Very well,” she said finally. “Come inside and we’ll talk.”
Daniel followed her into the house, his heart racing. He had done it. He had made it through the first step of his plan. Now all he had to do was keep up the charade.
As he sat down for the interview, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. This was his chance to be close to his children again, to see them every day. He didn’t know how long he could keep up the disguise, but he was willing to do whatever it took.
And so, Mrs. Doubtfire began her new job as the Hillard family’s nanny – a job that would change everything.
Chapter 2: “The Interview”
Daniel nervously walked into his ex-wife Miranda’s home, trying to control his breathing and calm his nerves. He had spent the last few nights researching British culture and practicing his accent, trying to perfect his persona as Mrs. Doubtfire, his new identity as the family’s housekeeper.
Miranda, who had been in the living room, got up to greet Daniel, who was now dressed as a middle-aged British woman in a tweed jacket and skirt. Miranda couldn’t help but feel suspicious about the woman in front of her, but she was desperate for help around the house and needed the extra help, especially with her hectic work schedule.
“Nice to meet you, dear. I’m Mrs. Doubtfire,” Daniel greeted Miranda with a bright smile and a curtsy, trying to show his best impression of a British nanny.
Miranda raised an eyebrow at the over-the-top performance but decided to give Mrs. Doubtfire a chance. She led Daniel to the kitchen and showed her around, listing all the tasks she would be required to do, from cooking meals to cleaning the house and picking the children up from school.
Daniel listened intently, nodding and agreeing to every request as Mrs. Doubtfire. Every time Miranda left the room, Daniel would practice his voice and mannerisms, trying to perfect his disguise as much as possible.
The first day on the job was tough. Daniel was constantly on edge, worried that his cover would be blown at any moment. He struggled to cook a basic meal for the family, burned the toast, and almost set the kitchen on fire. But he persevered and eventually got the hang of things, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment as he saw the kids smile and enjoy the dinner he had prepared.
As the days went by, Mrs. Doubtfire became more confident and comfortable in her role. She learned the routines of the family, memorized their schedules, and was always on time to pick up the kids from school. She was an excellent listener, providing comfort and advice to the children whenever they needed it.
But it wasn’t just the kids that were warming up to Mrs. Doubtfire. Miranda was starting to notice a change in the household. The house was cleaner, the meals were tastier, and the kids seemed happier. Miranda found herself enjoying the extra help around the house, and even began to confide in Mrs. Doubtfire about her personal life.
Just as things were starting to settle in, a new challenge arose. Miranda’s new boyfriend Stu, a successful businessman, was coming over for dinner. Mrs. Doubtfire was tasked with cooking a fancy meal and making sure that everything went smoothly.
Daniel panicked. He had never cooked such a complex meal before and was afraid that Stu would recognize him. He rehearsed every step of the meal, from the appetizers to the dessert, ensuring that everything was perfect.
When the big night arrived, Mrs. Doubtfire was a bundle of nerves. She greeted Stu with a smile and led him to the dining room, where the table was set beautifully. As they sat down to eat, Stu made small talk, but Mrs. Doubtfire struggled to keep up with the conversation.
Just as Daniel was starting to relax, disaster struck. The pot of soup that he had been simmering for hours suddenly boiled over, spilling all over the stove. Daniel panicked, grabbing a nearby towel and trying to clean up the mess, but it was too late. The smoke alarm went off, and Miranda rushed into the kitchen, furious.
“Mrs. Doubtfire, what is going on?” she exclaimed, seeing the mess on the stove and the smoke filling the room.
Daniel was frantically trying to explain, but as Mrs. Doubtfire, all he could do was stammer in a British accent and apologize. Stu was clearly annoyed, and Miranda was fuming.
As they sat down to eat the meal, things were tense. Miranda barely spoke, and Stu was visibly uncomfortable. But the kids, who knew the truth about Mrs. Doubtfire, tried to lighten the mood, telling jokes and stories to distract from the disaster in the kitchen.
As the night came to an end, Mrs. Doubtfire breathed a sigh of relief. Despite the mishap, the family seemed to have enjoyed the meal, and Daniel had managed to keep his cover intact. But he knew that there were still many challenges ahead, and that he would have to continue to lie and deceive in order to stay close to his children.
Chapter 3: “Learning the Ropes”
Mrs. Doubtfire had quickly become a beloved figure in the lives of Daniel’s children. The kids adored the charming British nanny, and her presence in their lives brought a new sense of joy and stability that had been missing since the divorce. However, Miranda was beginning to grow increasingly suspicious of Mrs. Doubtfire’s strange behavior, and Daniel knew that he needed to be careful if he was going to keep his true identity a secret.
As Mrs. Doubtfire, Daniel was constantly on edge, worried that his charade would be discovered at any moment. Every time Miranda was around, he had to be extra careful with his accent, making sure not to slip up and reveal his true voice. He spent hours perfecting his British accent, studying tapes of British television shows and scouring the internet for tips on how to sound more authentic.
The disguise itself was also becoming more burdensome. Daniel had to wear heavy prosthetics on his face, including a fake nose and a wig that itched terribly. He often felt suffocated under the weight of his costume, and longed to be able to take it off and be himself again.
Despite these challenges, Daniel was determined to make his plan work. He loved his children more than anything in the world, and he would do anything to be closer to them. As Mrs. Doubtfire, he was able to spend more time with his kids than he ever had before, and he relished the moments he got to spend with them.
One day, as Daniel was preparing lunch for the children, he overheard Miranda talking on the phone in the other room. She was speaking to her sister, and Daniel strained to hear what she was saying. “I just don’t trust that nanny”, Miranda was saying. “She’s always acting so strange, and she never takes off that ridiculous costume. I’m starting to think she might be hiding something”.
Daniel’s heart sank as he listened to Miranda’s words. He knew that he had to be more careful than ever before if he was going to keep his secret safe. He hastily finished making the lunch and called the children over to the table.
As the children ate their sandwiches, Mrs. Doubtfire regaled them with stories of her life growing up in England. She spoke in her best British accent and put on silly voices and accents to make the children laugh. For a while, it seemed like everything was going well. But then, just as they were finishing up their meal, Miranda walked into the room.
“What’s going on here?” she asked, eyeing Mrs. Doubtfire suspiciously.
“Just finishing up lunch, dear”, Mrs. Doubtfire replied, her accent faltering slightly.
Miranda frowned. “Why do you always wear that costume? Don’t you get hot in it?”
Mrs. Doubtfire chuckled nervously. “Oh, it’s just part of my character, dear. I find it helps me get into the role of being a proper British nanny”.
Miranda continued to study Mrs. Doubtfire, her eyes narrowing. Daniel could feel his heart pounding in his chest. This was it, he thought. The moment of truth.
But then, just as Miranda was about to say something else, the phone rang. She glared at Mrs. Doubtfire one last time before walking out of the room to take the call.
Daniel let out a sigh of relief. He had dodged a bullet, but he knew that he couldn’t let his guard down. He had to be more careful than ever before if he was going to keep his secret safe.
As the days went on, Daniel grew more adept at living his double life. He learned how to navigate the challenges of being a nanny, from cooking meals to helping with homework to cleaning up messy spills. And all the while, he continued to act as Mrs. Doubtfire, keeping up his disguise and hiding his true self from the world.
But as he tucked the kids into bed each night, he couldn’t help but think about the toll that his deception was taking on him. He longed to be able to go back to being himself again, to take off the prosthetics and the wig and be the father that his children deserved. But he knew that he couldn’t let his guard down, not even for a moment. He had to keep up the act, no matter how difficult it became.
And so, as he closed the door to the children’s bedroom and made his way back to the kitchen, he steeled himself for another night as Mrs. Doubtfire, the beloved British nanny.
Chapter 4: “Close Calls”
Daniel knew that he was taking a huge risk by pretending to be a British nanny. He had to be careful not to arouse any suspicions, especially those of his ex-wife Miranda. Every day was a challenge, as he had to juggle his role as Mrs. Doubtfire with his own identity.
One day, Daniel had a close call that nearly blew his cover. He had taken the children to a fancy restaurant and was struggling to keep up his British accent when Miranda and her new boyfriend Stu walked into the same restaurant. Daniel panicked, knowing that if he were recognized, the game would be up.
He discreetly signaled the waiter to bring him a menu, hoping to use it as a prop to hide his face. But the menu was heavy, and Daniel fumbled it, dropping it on the floor with a loud thud. Miranda and Stu turned to look in their direction, and Daniel could feel his heart pounding in his chest.
He looked around frantically, trying to find something else to use as a prop. And then, he spotted a mask hanging on the wall. He quickly grabbed it, slipping it over his face, hoping that it would conceal his identity.
But as soon as he put it on, he realized his mistake. The mask was a cartoon character – a large, floppy-eared bunny with buck teeth and bulging eyes. It was anything but inconspicuous. The children erupted in giggles, but Miranda and Stu were transfixed.
“What on earth is the matter with that nanny?” Stu whispered to Miranda, who had a look of incredulity on her face. “Is she alright?”
Daniel knew that he was caught. He tried to think on his feet, desperately trying to come up with an excuse that would explain his bizarre behavior.
“I’m afraid I have a bit of claustrophobia,” he said, his voice muffled by the mask. “I find it easier to breathe through a mask.”
Miranda raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “Well, that’s certainly unusual,” she said.
Daniel could feel the sweat trickling down his back. He had to think of something else – fast.
“I’m a performance artist,” he said, hoping that his words would sound convincing. “I’m working on a new character, and I’m trying it out in public to see how people react.”
Miranda and Stu exchanged a look – they clearly didn’t believe him.
“Well, in that case,” Miranda said, her tone icy, “perhaps it’s best that you keep your performances to yourself.”
Daniel felt a pang of despair. He had almost been found out, and he knew that he couldn’t afford any more close calls. He couldn’t risk being separated from his children.
As they left the restaurant, Daniel breathed a sigh of relief. He had dodged a bullet, but he knew that he couldn’t let his guard down. The next time he might not be so lucky.
From that moment on, Daniel became even more cautious, making sure to avoid any situations that might expose his true identity. He had to be careful not to slip up, even in the most innocuous of situations. It was a high-stakes game, and he knew that one false move could ruin everything.
Despite his anxiety, Daniel couldn’t help feeling a sense of pride in what he was doing. He was finally able to be the kind of parent he had always wanted to be, and he cherished every moment with his children. They laughed, played, and snuggled together, and the bond between them grew stronger every day.
But Daniel knew that he couldn’t keep up the pretense forever. He had to find a way to reconcile with Miranda, to be able to see his children openly and honestly, without having to resort to deception.
He didn’t know how he would do it, but he was determined to find a way. He owed it to his children, and to himself, to be true to who he really was.
Chapter 5: “A Nanny’s Touch”
As Mrs. Doubtfire, Daniel had become the kind of parent he had always aspired to be. He had been able to provide his children with love, support, guidance, and discipline, all while keeping his true identity hidden from them. But he knew that he couldn’t keep up the charade forever, and the thought of being separated from his children once again weighed heavily on his mind.
Despite his worries, Daniel threw himself into his role as Mrs. Doubtfire, determined to make the most of the time he had with his children. He spent his days cooking meals, helping with homework, playing games, and taking them on adventures. His children adored their new nanny and looked up to her with admiration and respect.
But as much as he enjoyed his time with his children, Daniel knew that he couldn’t keep up the act forever. He felt trapped in his disguise and longed to be able to just be himself again. The constant pressure of maintaining his image was exhausting, and he often found himself struggling to keep up his British accent and prosthetic nose.
One evening, as Daniel sat alone in his apartment, he couldn’t help but wonder how things had gotten so complicated. He had always wanted to be the perfect father to his children, but his divorce had left him feeling lost and alone. Now, as Mrs. Doubtfire, he had found a new sense of purpose and fulfillment, but at what cost?
As he pondered these thoughts, Daniel heard a knock at the door. He checked the peephole and saw that it was his ex-wife, Miranda. He quickly removed his wig and nose, not wanting to be caught in his disguise.
“Daniel, can we talk?” Miranda asked as he opened the door.
“Uh, sure. What’s up?” he replied nervously.
“I just wanted to say thank you,” Miranda said, surprising Daniel. “You’ve really stepped up as a caregiver to the kids, and I appreciate all that you’ve done.”
Daniel was taken aback by Miranda’s kind words. He had expected her to be angry or suspicious, not grateful.
“Thanks, Miranda. I’ve just been trying to do my best,” he said humbly.
“I know, and I can see that the kids are really happy with you,” Miranda said. “It’s just, well, I’m not sure how long we can keep up this arrangement. Eventually, they’re going to want to know the truth about who you really are.”
Daniel’s heart sank at her words. He knew that Miranda was right. Eventually, he would have to come clean about his disguise, and he had no idea how his children would react.
“I know, and I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately,” Daniel said, feeling his anxiety rising. “I just don’t want to lose them again.”
“I understand, Daniel. But you can’t keep living this lie forever,” Miranda said gently. “Maybe it’s time to start thinking about how we can tell them the truth in a way that won’t be too traumatic.”
Daniel nodded, feeling a sense of relief that Miranda wasn’t angry with him. He knew that he had a lot of work to do before he could muster the courage to tell his children the truth, but he was grateful to have Miranda on his side.
As she left his apartment, Daniel felt a renewed sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he didn’t have to be Mrs. Doubtfire forever. Maybe he could find a way to be himself again, and still be there for his children.
Over the next few weeks, Daniel began to make small changes to his appearance and behavior. He spoke less in his British accent, and spent less time wearing the elaborate wig and prosthetics. He started to feel more like himself again, and it was a relief.
His children noticed the changes, but didn’t seem to mind. They still loved spending time with Mrs. Doubtfire and looked forward to their visits each week.
One day, as they were playing a game of Monopoly, Daniel’s youngest son, Chris, turned to him and asked, “Mrs. Doubtfire, can I ask you something?”
“Of course, dear,” Daniel replied, feeling his heart racing.
“Have you ever thought about having kids of your own?” Chris asked innocently.
Daniel was taken aback by the question. He had always wanted to have more children, but his divorce had left him feeling like it was impossible. Now, with Miranda’s words ringing in his ears, he wondered if maybe it wasn’t too late after all.
“I have thought about it, Chris,” Daniel said, smiling. “But I’m not sure if it’s in the cards for me.”
“Why not?” Chris asked, looking up at him curiously.
“It’s complicated, kiddo,” Daniel said, feeling a lump form in his throat. “But just know that I love you and your siblings more than anything in the world.”
Chris smiled and hugged him tightly. “We love you too, Mrs. Doubtfire.”
As they continued to play their game, Daniel couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for him. He knew that he couldn’t keep up his disguise forever, but he also knew that he couldn’t bear to be separated from his children again. Maybe it was time to start thinking about a new plan…a plan that didn’t involve hiding who he was.
Chapter 6: “Revelations”
Miranda stood in shock, staring at the person in front of her. It couldn’t be… could it? Mrs. Doubtfire, her children’s beloved nanny, was actually her ex-husband, Daniel Hillard.
“How could you do this? How could you lie to me and our children like this?” Miranda yelled, her voice shaking with anger.
Daniel, still dressed in his elaborate Mrs. Doubtfire disguise, felt a wave of guilt wash over him. He knew he had been foolish to think he could keep up the charade forever, but he had grown to love his time with his children as their nanny.
“I’m sorry, Miranda. I just wanted to be closer to the kids. And… I didn’t want to lose them completely,” Daniel said, his voice cracking with emotion.
Miranda’s anger softened slightly as she saw the desperation and sadness in her ex-husband’s eyes.
“Daniel, you know I would never try to keep the kids away from you completely. But this… this is just too much. You’ve lied to us all,” Miranda said, her voice now coated with sadness.
Daniel hung his head, feeling ashamed for what he had done. He knew he had to face the consequences of his actions, but he couldn’t bear the thought of being separated from his children once again.
“I know. I know I messed up. But please, Miranda, don’t take my kids away from me. I’ll do anything to make it right,” Daniel pleaded.
Miranda sighed, unsure of what to do. She still loved Daniel, despite their differences and their messy divorce. And she knew how much their children adored their father, even if he did have a tendency to be irresponsible and childish at times.
“Fine. You can still see the kids, but you need to be honest with them from now on. And you need to respect my boundaries. No more sneaking around in disguises,” Miranda said sternly.
Daniel nodded, feeling relieved and grateful. He knew he had been given a second chance and he vowed to make the most of it.
As Miranda left the room, Daniel slowly removed his Mrs. Doubtfire disguise, feeling a sense of relief as he looked at his own face in the mirror. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, but he was prepared to work hard to regain his children’s trust and respect.
The next few weeks were a blur as Daniel tried to adjust to his new reality. He still spent time with his children, but now it was in the open and without the veil of secrecy. He took them to the park, helped them with their homework, and even cooked them dinner.
At first, the children were hesitant around their father, unsure of what to make of his sudden transformation. But slowly, they began to open up to him, laughing and joking like they used to when he was a part of their everyday lives.
It wasn’t easy for Daniel to earn back their trust, but he knew it was worth it. He felt more alive and fulfilled than he had in years, and he knew that being a part of his children’s lives again was the only thing that truly mattered.
As the weeks turned into months, Daniel and Miranda began to work together in a way they never thought was possible. They still had disagreements and arguments, but they also had a newfound respect and understanding for each other.
And in the end, it was the children who reaped the benefits of their parents’ newfound unity. They no longer had to choose between their mom or their dad, but instead had a family that loved and supported them unconditionally.
As Daniel looked at his children, happy and carefree, he knew that he had finally found what he had been missing all along. It wasn’t the disguise or the silly accent or the fake persona that had made him happy, but the love and connection he had with his family. And he vowed to never let that slip away again.
Chapter 7: “A New Beginning”
As Daniel sat across from Miranda in their lawyer’s office, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. Their divorce had been a messy one, and he was worried that their meeting would only lead to more tension and conflict. But as they began to discuss their children’s needs, Daniel was surprised to find that Miranda was willing to work with him to find a solution that would benefit everyone.
“We can’t keep dragging the kids through court battles,” Miranda said, her voice firm but kind. “They need stability and consistency, and I think we can provide that for them if we’re willing to put our differences aside.”
Daniel felt a weight lift off his shoulders as he realized that Miranda was right. Their children had been through enough already, and they deserved to have a stable and loving home environment.
Over the next few weeks, Daniel and Miranda worked together to create a new co-parenting plan. They decided that Daniel would move back into the family home, but would sleep in a separate guest room. They would share custody of the children equally, with each parent taking turns as the primary caregiver.
At first, it was difficult for Daniel to adjust to the new arrangement. He missed having his own space and struggled to find his place in the household as a co-parent. But as time went on, he began to appreciate the small moments of connection he was able to have with his children – helping them with their homework, putting them to bed, and cooking meals together.
One evening, as the family sat down for dinner, Daniel couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the second chance he had been given. He looked around the table at Miranda and their children, feeling a deep sense of love and appreciation for them all.
“I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past,” he said, his voice soft but sincere. “But I want you all to know that I’m committed to being the best father and co-parent I can be. I don’t want to miss out on any more moments with you.”
Miranda smiled at him, her eyes filled with warmth and forgiveness. “We know you love us, Daniel,” she said. “And we’re happy to have you back in our lives.”
The rest of the evening was filled with laughter, conversation, and joy. As Daniel kissed his children goodnight and settled into his guest room, he knew that he had been given a second chance at being the kind of father he had always wanted to be.
In the weeks and months that followed, Daniel worked hard to build a new life for himself and his family. He found a new job as a graphic designer, one that allowed him to work from home and be more present for his children. He continued to co-parent with Miranda, and the two of them even found a way to become friends again, sharing meals and helping each other with household chores.
It wasn’t always easy, of course. There were still moments of tension and conflict, times when Daniel felt like he was walking on eggshells around Miranda. But he knew that their relationship was a work in progress, and that the most important thing was that they were both committed to doing what was best for their children.
One day, as Daniel was putting his kids to bed, his daughter looked up at him and said, “Daddy, I’m glad you’re back. I missed you a lot when you were gone.”
Daniel felt his heart swell with love as he looked down at her. “I missed you too, sweetheart,” he said. “But I’m not going anywhere. I’m here for you and your brother and sister, no matter what.”
As he kissed her goodnight and turned off the light, Daniel felt a deep sense of contentment. He knew that he had been given a second chance at being the kind of father and co-parent he had always wanted to be, and he was determined to make the most of it.
Some scenes from the movie Mrs. Doubtfire written by A.I.
Scene 1
Characters: Daniel, Miranda, Lydia, Chris, and Mrs. Doubtfire.
Setting: A suburban home in San Francisco.
Dialogue:
MIRANDA: “I can’t keep up with your erratic behavior, Daniel. The children need stability.”
DANIEL: “I know, I know. But the court order is killing me. I need to be with them more.”
MIRANDA: “I need a housekeeper, but I can’t afford one. And I certainly can’t have you looking after them full time. You’re too unreliable.”
DANIEL: “What if I found someone to fill the role of housekeeper? Would that make a difference?”
MIRANDA: “I suppose it would help. But you’re still going to have to abide by the court order.”
EXT. SAN FRANCISCO SUBURB – DAY
Daniel pulls up in front of his ex-wife Miranda’s home. He takes a deep breath before getting out of the car and walking up the driveway.
INT. MIRANDA’S KITCHEN – DAY
Miranda is preparing lunch as Daniel enters the kitchen.
MIRANDA: “What are you doing here, Daniel?”
DANIEL: “I have a proposition for you. I found someone to fill the role of housekeeper.”
MIRANDA: “Really? Who?”
DANIEL: “Me.”
Miranda laughs.
MIRANDA: “You’re not exactly housekeeper material, Daniel.”
DANIEL: “I can be. I’ll do whatever it takes to be closer to my kids.”
MIRANDA: “You’ll have to convince me.”
Daniel takes a deep breath and steps back from Miranda.
DANIEL: “Hello, I’m Mrs. Doubtfire.”
Miranda looks at Daniel, who is now dressed in a wig, prosthetic nose, and a dress.
MIRANDA: “What the hell is going on?”
DANIEL (as Mrs. Doubtfire): “I’m the new housekeeper. I can do the job and be closer to the kids at the same time.”
Miranda is skeptical, but Daniel’s dedication to his children is evident.
MIRANDA: “Okay, Daniel. You can be our new housekeeper.”
Daniel smiles under the mask of Mrs. Doubtfire.
DANIEL (as Mrs. Doubtfire): “Thank you, Miranda. I won’t let you down.”
As Daniel leaves the room, Miranda looks at him with a mix of confusion and concern.
MIRANDA: “What have I gotten myself into?”
Scene 2
INT. HILLARD’S HOUSE – DAY
Daniel, disguised as Mrs. Doubtfire, nervously waits for his interview with his ex-wife Miranda. He adjusts his wig, straightens his dress and checks his teeth in the mirror. Finally, the doorbell rings.
MIRANDA: (opening the door) Hello, you must be Mrs. Doubtfire.
DANIEL: (in a British accent) Good afternoon, madam. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
MIRANDA: (skeptical) Please come in.
Daniel steps inside and looks around the house, taking mental notes.
DANIEL: Lovely home you have here.
MIRANDA: Thank you. So, tell me about your experience as a nanny?
Daniel, still nervous, fumbles with his words before finally responding.
DANIEL: I’ve been a nanny for many years and have cared for children of all ages. I specialize in creating a safe and nurturing environment for children to thrive in.
MIRANDA: (impressed) That’s exactly what I’m looking for. When can you start?
Daniel, surprised at how easy the interview was, quickly responds.
DANIEL: (eagerly) I can start right away, madam!
MIRANDA: (smiling) Excellent. I’ll show you around the house and introduce you to the children.
As Miranda leads Daniel through the house, he’s amazed at how much has changed since the divorce. But he’s determined to make the most of this opportunity to be close to his children once again.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 3
Characters:
– Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire – a loving but irresponsible father who disguises himself as a British nanny to be closer to his children
– Miranda Hillard – Daniel’s ex-wife who hires Mrs. Doubtfire as their housekeeper
– Lydia Hillard – Daniel and Miranda’s teenage daughter
– Chris Hillard – Daniel and Miranda’s younger son
– Stu Dunmire – Miranda’s new boyfriend
– Max – Daniel’s best friend and makeup artist who helps him become Mrs. Doubtfire
Setting: San Francisco, California
Dialogue Excerpt:
INT. HILLARD HOUSE – DAY
Mrs. Doubtfire is frantically cleaning the house while singing “A Spoonful of Sugar” from Mary Poppins. Miranda enters with a suspicious look.
MIRANDA: Mrs. Doubtfire, can I speak with you for a moment?
MRS. DOUBTFIRE: (in British accent) Of course, dearie. What can I do for you?
MIRANDA: I’ve been noticing some strange behavior from you lately. Why do you always wear gloves when you clean?
MRS. DOUBTFIRE: (nervously) Oh, these are just my special cleaning gloves, dearie. Keeps my hands nice and moisturized.
Miranda eyes the gloves suspiciously, but decides to drop the subject for now.
MIRANDA: Well, make sure you’re not neglecting the laundry. Stu’s coming over for dinner tonight and I want everything to be perfect.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE: Of course, dearie. I’ll make sure everything’s shipshape.
Miranda exits, leaving Mrs. Doubtfire to breathe a sigh of relief.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE: (to herself) That was close. I can’t let Miranda find out the truth. I’ll have to be more careful.
Suddenly, Lydia enters the room, catching Mrs. Doubtfire off guard.
LYDIA: Mrs. Doubtfire, can I talk to you about something?
MRS. DOUBTFIRE: (still in British accent) Of course, dearie. What’s on your mind?
LYDIA: I just wanted to say thank you for being here for us. You’re like a second mother to me and Chris.
Mrs. Doubtfire is touched by Lydia’s words and smiles.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE: (in her normal voice) Thank you, Lydia. That means a lot to me.
Lydia looks confused for a moment, but then smiles.
LYDIA: I like your real voice better.
Mrs. Doubtfire chuckles nervously, realizing her mistake.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE: (in British accent) Yes, well, don’t tell your mother about that now, will you?
Lydia giggles and exits the room, leaving Mrs. Doubtfire to contemplate the risks of keeping up her disguise.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
INT. RESTAURANT – DAY
Daniel sits nervously at a table in a busy restaurant, dressed as Mrs. Doubtfire. He checks his reflection in the cutlery, straightens his wig and takes a deep breath.
MIRANDA (O.S.)
(sarcastic)
Well, well, Mrs. Doubtfire. Aren’t you looking lovely today?
Daniel turns to see Miranda approaching the table, a look of suspicion in her eyes.
DANIEL
(struggling to keep up the accent)
Thank you, dear. You look lovely as well.
Miranda takes a seat opposite him and folds her arms.
MIRANDA
So, Mrs. Doubtfire, tell me again why you’re so interested in my family?
Daniel’s heart races as he tries to think of an excuse.
DANIEL
(wincing)
Oh, well, you see, I just love children. And your children are such wonderful little ones. I just wanted to get to know them better.
Miranda raises an eyebrow.
MIRANDA
And what about my ex-husband? Do you know him too?
Daniel’s mind races as he tries to come up with a response.
DANIEL
(smiling weakly)
Oh, I’ve heard of him, of course. But we’ve never actually met.
Miranda looks unconvinced.
MIRANDA
Well, I’m glad you’re so interested in my family. But let’s be clear – I don’t want you getting too close. My children are my top priority, and I won’t let anyone come between us.
Daniel nods nervously, feeling the weight of his deception bearing down on him.
DANIEL
Of course, dear. You can trust me. I’m just a simple nanny, after all.
Miranda gets up from the table, leaving Daniel alone with his thoughts.
As Daniel watches her go, he knows that his secret is perilously close to being exposed. He wonders how much longer he’ll be able to keep up his disguise – and how much it will cost him if he’s caught.
Scene 5
INT. HILLARD FAMILY LIVING ROOM – DAY
Mrs. Doubtfire sits at the kitchen table with her eldest daughter, LYDIA, who is struggling with her math homework.
LYDIA
I just don’t get it, Mrs. Doubtfire.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE
Well, let’s have a look then, shall we?
Mrs. Doubtfire examines the problem and begins to explain it to Lydia in a way that finally makes sense to her.
LYDIA
Wow, thanks Mrs. Doubtfire! You’re a much better teacher than my real math teacher.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE
(smiling)
Well, perhaps I should consider a career change then.
Lydia’s younger brother, CHRIS, bursts into the room.
CHRIS
Mom’s home!
Mrs. Doubtfire quickly removes her wig and prosthetic nose, revealing her true identity as DANIEL HILLARD.
Daniel nervously greets his ex-wife, MIRANDA, as she enters the room.
MIRANDA
(suspiciously)
Mrs. Doubtfire, why aren’t you wearing your wig?
DANIEL
(stammers)
Well, you see…I was just taking a break.
Miranda gives Daniel a long, hard look before turning her attention to her children.
MIRANDA
(to Lydia and Chris)
Alright, it’s time to start your music lessons. Let’s go.
Lydia and Chris grab their instruments and follow Miranda out of the room.
As they exit, Daniel lets out a sigh of relief and begins to put his disguise back on.
But just as he’s about to leave the room, Miranda turns back.
MIRANDA
(suddenly)
Wait a minute…Mrs. Doubtfire, what’s that on your neck?
Daniel freezes, realizing he’s forgotten to remove a piece of his prosthetic makeup.
MIRANDA (CONT’D)
(slowly)
Take off your scarf, Mrs. Doubtfire.
Daniel hesitates, but knows he has no choice but to comply.
He removes the scarf, revealing the telltale sign of his disguise.
MIRANDA (CONT’D)
(angrily)
Daniel Hillard, what the hell is going on here?
Daniel takes a deep breath, steeling himself for the coming storm.
DANIEL
(sincerely)
Miranda, I know I messed up. But I did it all for our children. I just wanted to be closer to them.
Miranda stares at him, her expression unreadable.
MIRANDA
(sighing)
Alright, Daniel. Let’s talk.
