1939 New York World's Fair

FADE IN:

INT. BURT'S APARTMENT - DAY

The camera pans over a cluttered desk, revealing newspaper clippings, blueprints, and a half-eaten sandwich. A radio in the background plays a lively tune that echoes the bustling spirit of 1939 New York City.

BURT (V.O.)

(Narrating)

It was the summer of '39, and the air had anticipation. The city that never sleeps was getting ready to throw the biggest party the world had ever seen. The New York World's Fair was just around the corner, promising a glimpse into the future we could only dream of.

The camera moves to show BURT, a young, ambitious journalist with a pen in hand and a determined look on his face, staring out the window at the construction of the fair's iconic structures.

BURT (V.O.)

(Cont'd)

And me? I was just trying to get a decent story before everyone forgot the Depression ever happened.

INT. THE TIMES SQUARE TROLLEY - DAY

The trolley rattles down the street, packed with a diverse crowd of New Yorkers dressed in their Sunday best. Burt squeezes through, holding onto a strap with one hand and clutching a notepad with the other.

BURT (V.O.)

(Cont'd)

They called it the "World of Tomorrow," a beacon of hope, innovation, and progress. Little did we know, it was about to become the stage for a tale that would unfold like a page out of one of those pulp comics I used to read as a kid.

INT. THE DAILY CHRONICLE OFFICE - DAY

Burt arrives at the newspaper office, dodging typewriters and reporters shouting into telephones. He makes his way to his desk and sits down, surrounded by the chaos of deadline day.

BURT:

(To himself)

Just another day in the big city.

Suddenly, the office goes silent as the editor-in-chief, MR. MASON, strides in.

MR. MASON

(A gruff, no-nonsense man in his 50s)

Burt, my office.

Burt looks up, hopeful yet cautious.

INT. MR. MASON'S OFFICE - DAY

Mr. Mason sits behind a cluttered desk, smoking a cigar. He throws a stack of newspapers at Burt.

MR. MASON

Look at this. Every paper in town is already singing the fair's praises. We need something new, something fresh. Give me a hook!

BURT:

(Thinking)

Maybe I can find something at the fair that's not in the guidebook.

Mr. Mason leans forward, intrigued.

MR. MASON

You got 48 hours. Don't disappoint me.

INT. THE WORLD'S FAIR GROUNDS - DAY

The camera sweeps over the massive, futuristic structures of the fair, crowded with people. Burt, wearing a fedora and holding a press pass, navigates through the throngs of visitors, searching for a story.

BURT (V.O.)

(Cont'd)

The fair was a playground for dreams, but every playground has its secrets.

INT. THE PERISPHERE - DAY

Burt steps into the shadow of the massive Perisphere, its gleaming white surface reflecting the bright sun. He looks around, noticing a group of officials huddled together, whispering in hushed tones.

BURT (V.O.)

(Cont'd)

The Perisphere was the crown jewel of the fair, a symbol of the future. But today, it felt more like a fortress with secrets.

Burt approaches the group, flashing his press pass.

BURT:

Gentlemen, care to share what's got everyone's attention?

One of the officials, visibly nervous, looks around before speaking.

OFFICIAL:

You didn't hear it from us, but there's talk of some... unconventional exhibits being brought in for the grand opening.

BURT:

(Excited)

Unconventional? Like what?

The official leans in, lowering his voice.

OFFICIAL:

(Whispering)

I've heard rumors of something... alive.

Burt's curiosity piqued, he decides to investigate further.

INT. THE TRYLON - DAY

The Trylon, a triangular obelisk, towers over Burt as he walks towards it. The surrounding area is bustling with activity as workers and performers prepare for the fair's opening night.

BURT (V.O.)

(Cont'd)

The Trylon stood tall and proud, but I had a feeling it wasn't just steel and concrete keeping it upright.

Burt spots a group of mysterious men in lab coats being escorted by security. He tails them, noticing their path leads to a restricted area.

INT. THE AVIATION BUILDING - NIGHT

The Aviation Building is dimly lit, with only the soft glow of blueprints and model planes to guide the way. Burt sneaks in, dodging guards, and overhears a heated argument in a back room.

SCIENTIST 1

(Through the door)

We can't just cover it up!

SCIENTIST 2

(Through the door)

You know the risks of going public with this!

Burt's hand tightens around his notebook, heart racing as he presses his ear to the door.

INT. THE FUTURAMA - NIGHT

The Futurama, a vision of the city in 1960, is eerily quiet in the late hours. Burt slips in, using his press pass to bypass the locked doors. He stumbles upon a hidden lab, where a single light bulb flickers above a table covered in mechanical parts and wires.

BURT (V.O.)

(Cont'd)

This was definitely not part of the guided tour.

Burt sees a shadow move in the corner, and he ducks behind a large model of the city. The shadow reveals itself to be a young woman, LILY, with a wild look in her eyes.

LILY:

(Panicked)

You're not one of them, are you?

BURT:

(Surprised)

Who?

Lily sighs with relief.

LILY:

Thank goodness. I need to tell someone about this.

INT. THE FUTURAMA LAB - NIGHT

Lily leads Burt through a maze of futuristic inventions to a cage in the back. Inside is a creature unlike anything he's ever seen before. It's a mix of metal and flesh, with glowing eyes that seem to pierce the darkness.

BURT (V.O.)

(Cont'd)

This wasn't just a story. This was a revelation.

Burt stares in awe at the creature, which seems to stare back at him with a strange mix of curiosity and fear.

LILY:

It's called the "Mechano-Marvel." It's supposed to represent our advancement, but it's alive. It's suffering.

Burt's journalist instincts kick in, and he starts to ask questions.

BURT:

How did it get here? What do they plan to do with it?

Lily's voice shakes.

LILY:

I don't know. I just know we have to help it.

INT. THE FUTURAMA LAB - LATER

Lily shares her suspicion that the creature was the result of a secret government experiment, designed to showcase the power of human innovation.

BURT:

(Awestruck)

This is huge, Lily. If we can prove it, we'll have the story of the century.

They devise a plan to expose the truth without putting the creature or themselves in danger.

INT. THE LIFE-SAVERS PARACHUTE TOWER - NIGHT

The tower stands tall, a beacon of excitement amidst the fairgrounds. Burt and Lily watch from a nearby bush as workers prepare for the next day's opening ceremony.

BURT:

(V.O.)

(Cont'd)

We had to get proof without anyone knowing. The future of the fair, and possibly the world, was at stake.

They spot the Mechano-Marvel being moved into a hidden chamber. The creature seems to sense their presence,

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