The movie opens on Barbie and Kelly in a dance studio, practicing the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Kelly attempts to mimic Barbie’s motions, but stumbles.
Barbie: You almost had it, Kelly. Here, let me show you.
Barbie demonstrates the dance move again for Kelly. Kelly lets out a sigh and tries to follow along with Barbie, only to fall a second time. She sits down in frustration.
Kelly, irritated: Ooooh! I’m never gonna get all of these steps right, Barbie!
Barbie walks over to the boombox near the barre and pauses the music.
Barbie: If you keep practicing you will.
She joins Kelly on the ground.
Kelly, worried: But what if I freeze out there, in front of everybody?
Barbie: You’ve just gotta find the courage to try.
She puts a hand on Kelly’s shoulder.
Barbie: ...like Clara!
Kelly: Clara? From the ballet?
Barbie nods.
Barbie: Uh huh! You see, Clara lost her parents when she was very young. She, and her little brother Tommy were being raised by their grandfather Drosselmeyer. He loved them, but he was very stern.
The camera pans out the window of the studio and into the snow, transitioning into a shot of a snow globe inside the Drosselmeyer home. Clara, played by Barbie, is seen admiring the globe in a daydream.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer, in the background: Candles! We need more candles!
He notices Clara’s daydreaming.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: Clara, please. No more daydreaming! We have to finish decorating before our guests arrive!
Clara faces him and puts her hands behind her back sheepishly.
Clara: Yes, Grandfather.
The doorbell chimes, catching the attention of Grandfather Drosselmeyer, who pulls out his pocket watch to check the time.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: Twenty-two minutes early. Such bad manners.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer leaves to get the door, while Clara turns back around to help their maid finish decorating. She unravels a small pink box and pulls out a glass ornament of a ballerina.
The Maid: It’s beautiful, miss!
Clara: Mother gave this to me the Christmas I saw my first ballet!
The Maid smiles at Clara, then turns to grab more decorations from a box behind her. Clara carefully hangs the glass ornament on one of the boughs of the Christmas tree.
The Maid, offscreen: Oh, dear!
Clara faces her. The maid turns to reveal a gingerbread house and soldiers, each with bite marks taken out of them.
The Maid: The mice have found their way into the Christmas boxes!
Clara reaches down and holds up one of the half-eaten gingerbread men.
Clara, suspiciously: Hmm You haven’t seen Tommy, have you?
The Maid and Clara glance around the room for a moment, until the sound of chewing catches their ears. Clara leans over the side of a nearby couch to catch Tommy in the act of eating one of the cookies. She reaches down and snatches the gingerbread man from his hands.
Tommy, angry: Hey!
Tommy folds his arms irritably as Clara and the Maid circle around the couch to confront him.
Clara: Mystery solved!
She gets a better look at her brother’s face and laughs, folding her arms.
Clara: You might want to wash off that frosting before the mice take a bite out of you!
She reaches to wipe some of the crumbs off of Tommy’s face but he swipes her hand away.
Tommy: You can’t tell me what to do!
Clara: No. But I’m sure Grandfather will insist on a bath.
Tommy quickly turns and rushes out of the room to wash his face. Clara turns to the maid and shrugs with a smile. Before they can return to decorating, the door to the room opens, revealing Clara and Tommy's Aunt Elizabeth.
Aunt Elizabeth: Clara!
Clara: Aunt Drosselmeyer!
The two hug, and then pull apart still holding hands.
Aunt Elizabeth: You’re at least a head taller!
Clara: I thought you weren’t coming this year!
Aunt Elizabeth: And miss a chance to visit you and vex my uncle?
Elizabeth chuckles. Grandfather Drosselmeyer enters behind her.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: You’re already conspiring against me!
Aunt Elizabeth: Don’t worry, I’ll wait until your party is over before I perform any mischief!
Grandfather Drosselmeyer frowns disapprovingly.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: Hmph.
As he walks away, Clara rushes up to her Aunt and grabs her by the arm.
Clara, eagerly: Where did you go this time? I want to hear all about it!
Aunt Elizabeth: Well let’s see. I met an emperor, I sailed on a junk, I had my first rickshaw ride, and I hiked The Great Wall of China!
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: I’d appreciate it Elizabeth if you’d stop filling Clara’s head with your stories! Just because you go traipsing all over the globe rather than stay put like a sensible person!
Aunt Elizabeth: There’s a world full of wonders out there Uncle, and Clara deserves to experience them!
Grandfather Drosselmeyer points a finger at Elizabeth and opens his mouth to continue arguing with her but the doorbell rings once again, cutting him off. He pauses, then turns back to say something more to Elizabeth, but this time she cuts him off.
Aunt Elizabeth: Your guests are waiting.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer’s eyes flick between the door and Elizabeth for a moment, before he finally huffs and walks away to greet his guests. Elizabeth turns back to Clara and sighs.
Aunt Elizabeth: Some people never change. But we can always hope!
Elizabeth leads Clara away and the scene transitions to later in the evening, with Tommy playing with new toy soldiers on the rug while Elizabeth regails Clara with stories on the couches nearby.
Aunt Elizabeth: Then he bowed and asked me to dance.
Clara, excitedly: Did you?
Aunt Elizabeth: I couldn’t say no to the king!
Clara, dreamily: You must have felt like a princess!. I wish I could have been there.
Aunt Elizabeth looks over her shoulders to make sure Grandfather Drosselmeyer isn’t listening.
Aunt Elizabeth: Maybe next time you can come with me.
Clara frowns.
Clara: Grandfather would never allow it.
Aunt Elizabeth stands up and walks to a nearby table where a few wrapped presents are sitting.
Aunt Elizabeth: Well, surely he won’t object to these.
She hands a gift to Tommy, who stands up eagerly to receive it.
Aunt Elizabeth: Tommy.
She then turns to Clara with the second gift.
Aunt Elizabeth: And for you, my dear.
Clara takes the gift, but before she can open it, Tommy has already torn open his gift on the ground, removing two more toy soldiers from the box.
Tommy: Wow! A grenadier guard and a bengal lancer! Thanks!
Clara carefully unwraps the gift she was given to reveal a nutcracker.
Clara: A nutcracker!
She holds him up to the light and moves his arm to open and close his mouth.
Clara: He’s wonderful! Thank you, Aunt Elizabeth!
She stands and hugs Elizabeth.
Tommy: He sure is ugly.
Clara: Tommy!
Aunt Elizabeth: On the outside, maybe… but inside beats the heart of a prince.
Tommy: Then I’ll use him to command my army!
He stands and tries to wrench the Nutcracker from Clara’s hands.
Clara, angrily: Hey!
The two wrestle over the toy for a moment before Tommy finally yanks it from Clara’s hands. In the process of pulling the toy away from Clara, Tommy unintentionally broke the left arm of the doll. He holds it up to Clara shamefully.
Tommy: Sorry.
Clara swipes the toy away from her brother furiously.
Clara: You’re impossible!
She turns and sits down on the couch, cradling the Nutcracker in her arms. Tommy hangs his head, looking down sadly at the broken toy.
Clara: Please don’t be too angry with Tommy. I’m sure he didn’t mean to hurt you.
Clara reaches over and grabs a nearby ribbon and with it fashions a sling for the Nutcracker’s broken arm. As she picks up the Nutcracker, his eyes twinkle magically for a moment. Clara stares fondly at the doll as the scene fades to later in the night.
It’s nearing midnight and Clara has fallen asleep on the couch with the Nutcracker in her arms. Grandfather Drosselmeyer leans over the side of the couch and Aunt Elizabeth enters behind him.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: It’s time we wake her.
Aunt Elizabeth: And spoil a beautiful dream? No, let her sleep. Clara’s not a child anymore, she deserves the chance to follow her dreams.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer walks to turn off a nearby lamp.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: A young girl needs to be responsible and practical!
Aunt Elizabeth: Clara is responsible. You raised her well, Uncle. It’s time you trusted her to grow up and make her own choices.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer grumbles to himself as he adjusts the grandfather clock.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: It’s late. I’ll see you in the morning.
He turns and leaves the room. Aunt Elizabeth adjusts Clara’s blanket and smiles at her fondly before leaving. The camera pans over the room before falling on the grandfather clock, which has a wooden owl carved into the top of it. Just before the clock strikes twelve, the owl’s eyes become aglow with green light. Midnight falls and the chime of the antique clock echoes hauntingly through the room. As it chimes for the second time, light explodes from a mousehole near the base of the Christmas tree. Beams of magic flitter through the room, and the owl on the clock blinks its eyes. The camera focuses back on the mousehole, which is now glowing blue as mouse soldiers flood into the room. They begin to destroy ornaments on the Christmas tree, and one of the magical beams engulfs the Nutcracker, causing him to come alive. After his eye twinkles, he blinks his eyes and looks around for a moment before his eyes fall upon the mice. He draws his sword with his free hand.
The Nutcracker: Insolent mice!
The Nutcracker rushes to engage the mice. The noise causes Clara to wake up and she begins to look around for her nutcracker. She spots a mouse on the arm of the couch. He’s eating one of the gingerbread men.
Clara: Get away from there, shoo, shoo!
The mouse is startled and he falls to the ground with a yelp. The camera focuses back on the Nutcracker, who is severely outnumbered as he tries to fight off the mice.
The Nutcracker, struggling: Back off, you traitors!
Clara sees this and shakes her head.
Clara: I must be dreaming!
She looks towards the mouse hole, surprised.
Just then, two more soldiers arrive along with the Mouse King. They stand aside as he comes forward, scanning the room. He notices the Nutcracker and growls angrily.
The Mouse King: Even as a nutcracker you’re a thorn in my side.
The Nutcracker looks down at the Mouse King from his perch and points his sword at him.
The Nutcracker: And a thorn to you I shall remain!
The Nutcracker kicks over a book onto the Mouse King, then leaps down to meet him. The Mouse King and his soldiers throw off the book and he readies his scepter, growling. The two begin to fight, the camera focusing on their shadows during the struggle. The Nutcracker kicks the Mouse King into the wall and they’re brought back into focus as the Mouse King disarms the Nutcracker, his sword clattering to the ground at the feet of two mice. The Mouse King points his scepter in the face of the now prone nutcracker, smiling maliciously.
The Mouse King: It’s time I turned you, into something more useful.
The Mouse King swings his scepter over his head and back down, turning it into an axe.
The Mouse King, venomously: Like kindling!
Just as the Mouse King is going to strike the Nutcracker, Clara approaches behind him carrying a large jar.
Clara: Not in my house!
The Mouse King turns to face Clara, swinging his axe to turn it back into a scepter.
The Mouse King: Meddling human towering tall, let my scepter shrink you small!
The Nutcracker: Look out!
The Mouse King thrusts his scepter forward, golden light shooting from it and striking Clara. He chuckles evilly as Clara begins to shrink. She drops the jar she was holding in surprise, causing it to shatter on the ground. The Mouse King begins to approach her and she retreats nervously.
Clara: This is not good.
The Mouse King: Not so fearless now, hmm?
Suddenly, the Mouse King is struck by one of Tommy’s toy wagons, sending him flying to the ground. The Nutcracker hops off the wagon and retrieves his sword to protect Clara. He engages the two mice again who defend the King. He defeats them and one hides his face behind his shield in fear. The Nutcracker looks to Clara as he fights.
The Nutcracker: Can you make it up to the mantle?
Clara looks up at the mantle above the fireplace warily.
Clara: There is no way.
She spots the horde of mouse soldiers approaching.
Clara, changing her mind: Oh! I’m staying down here!
She rushes to the garland hanging around the fireplace and begins to climb it escaping one of the soldiers in time. She makes it up a good way before noticing that the Nutcracker is being overrun. He sticks his sword into the screen of the fireplace so that he can kick two approaching mice away from him. He then jostles his blade to try and free it but it’s stuck.
The Mouse King: You’ve got nowhere to run, nutcracker!
The Nutcracker dodges a swing from the Mouse King’s axe and decides to abandon his sword, jumping over the Mouse and landing behind him, now disarmed and surrounded.
The Mouse King: You’re not going to get away from me this time. Unless you’d like to feed the fire.
The Nutcracker leaps onto the fireplace screen and begins to climb away from the mouse with his one free arm. The Mouse King snarls and swipes his axe at the Nutcracker’s feet.
Clara: Nutcracker!
The Nutcracker escapes the axe's swing and climbs higher and leaps from the fireplace screen and onto the garland on the opposite side of the fireplace from Clara. He holds himself up by a bauble hanging from the garland, struggling to get his feet under himself. As he struggles the Mouse King changes his scepter once again, this time into a crossbow. He fires a bolt, shattering the bauble that the Nutcracker was trying to hold onto. The Mouse looks to see if the Nutcracker fell, only to realize he’s now dangling from the garland with his good arm. The Mouse King lines up another shot.
Clara, shouting at the Mouse King: Hey! Up here!
She kicks her right foot, hitting the Mouse King in the forehead with her shoe. This is enough to knock out the Mouse, causing him to fall to the ground unconscious. The soldiers all gasp, horrified that their leader was taken out so easily. They scoop up the Mouse King and his scepter and hastily retreat back into the mousehole from whence they came.
A Mouse Soldier, calling to his fellow troops: Come on!
Just as the mice finish retreating, a crack is heard as the garland comes loose from it’s nail on Clara’s side.
Clara: Uh oh. Look out!
The Garland falls, causing Clara to swing and crash into the Nutcracker, the two landing on a pillow nearby. The Nutcracker helps Clara to her feet.
The Nutcracker: Thank you for saving my life.
He undoes the ribbon sling binding his left arm.
The Nutcracker: And for your superior nursing skills.
Clara: Uh, you’re Welcome!
She looks around the room, now towering above her.
Clara: This has to be a dream…
The Nutcracker: I’m afraid it’s all too real.
He frees his sword from the fireplace screen.
The Nutcracker: And I’ve got to return home to Parthenia while I have the chance.
Clara: Well then, would you mind changing me back before you go? Remember? I used to be taller?
The Nutcracker: I’m afraid only the Sugar Plum Princess can reverse the Mouse King’s spell.
Clara: The Sugar Plum Princess?
The Nutcracker: Yes. I’ve been trying to find her since the Mouse King turned me into a nutcracker.
Clara: ...you mean you used to be?
The Nutcracker: Not a nutcracker.
The owl swoops down from its perch on the grandfather clock, hooting as it flies. Clara runs away and the Nutcracker draws his sword defensively, eyeing the owl as it soars overhead.
The Owl: Perhaps I can help.
Clara scurries out from under the couch.
The Owl: You will find the Sugar Plum Princess on an island across the Sea of Storms.
The Nutcracker: But it’s impossible to cross the Sea of Storms!
The Owl: It’s dangerous, yes. But not impossible.
The Nutcracker walks away towards the mousehole but Clara pauses, looking between him and the owl. The owl waves a wing, signaling Clara to follow the Nutcracker. She doesn’t move. The Nutcracker turns around.
The Nutcracker, to Clara: Well? Are you coming?
Clara: Me? With you? In there? I don’t think so.
The Owl: Surely you don’t want to spend the rest of your life the size of a mouse!
Clara: But how would I get back?
The Owl soars over to the Christmas tree and swipes a locket from the neck of the glass ballerina Clara had hung on the Christmas tree the day before. She drops it in Clara’s hand and perches on the arm of the couch.
The Owl: Once you’ve found the Sugar Plum Princess, open the locket and you will return home your normal size.
Clara: But.
Before Clara can object, the Owl flies back up to its place on the grandfather clock and freezes. Clara puts on the locket and sighs heavily.
The Nutcracker: Ready?
Clara: This is crazy. But, yes.
After taking a few steps into the mousehole the floor beneath them gives way and they fall into a magical portal. They fall for a bit before landing in a snowy cave, sliding down a slope until crashing into a pile of snow below. Clara stands up and looks around the frozen cave.
Clara: Where are we?
The Nutcracker: Must’ve taken a wrong turn back there. Now where did my sword go?
Clara spots the sword’s hilt glittering in the dim light of the cave. She walks over to pick it up.
Clara: Here, let me give you a hand.
She pulls out the sword, only to realize her previous statement was literal as the Nutcracker’s hand is still attached to the sword.
Clara: Uh.
The Nutcracker meets her and grabs the arm and sword from her.
The Nutcracker, sheepishly: Sorry. That happens a lot.
The two smile at each other for a moment before the wind picks up, billowing snow through the cave. A twinkle of light flits around the couple.
Clara: A firefly?
The Nutcracker: No, a snow fairy!
Upon closer inspection the light is revealed to be a small fairy played by Kelly. She flies up and inspects Clara’s face, chittering. She then pulls on Clara’s sleeve, causing her to laugh. The fairy loses her grip and is sent flying into the Nutcracker’s chest, bending a wing. She looks up at the Nutcracker and begins chirping angrily at him.
The Nutcracker, laughing: Well I’m sorry, but you should have been more careful!
Clara holds out her hand and the Nutcracker tips the little fairy into her hand.
Clara: Here, we’ll fix this right out!
Clara uses her fingers to flatten out the kinks in the fairy’s wing. The fairy flaps her wings and then flies away.
The Nutcracker: Hmm. Not so much as a Thank You. Now, to find a way out of here.
The two approach a towering wall of ice. The nutcracker draws his sword and attempts to smash it to no avail.
The Nutcracker: These walls are solid ice!
Wind and snow begins to billow around them as more snow fairies appear from amongst the flakes. The fairies dance around Clara and the Nutcracker, with the littlest fairy pulling on Clara’s finger to get her to dance along.
Clara, bashfully: Oh, no I.
The little fairy does a simple dance step and waves her hands for Clara to try. Clara very hesitantly mimics the step but gives up partway. The snow fairies continue to dance, with more fairies appearing as the dance continues. As they near the end of their dance the fairies swarm around The Nutcracker, causing him to stumble closer to Clara.
The Nutcracker: Hey!
As the finale of their dance the snow fairies flew towards the wall of ice and shatter it, clearing the way for Clara and the Nutcracker to leave.
The Nutcracker: I guess that was their Thank You!
Clara: Where’d they go?
The Nutcracker: Probably off to make a blizzard somewhere.
As the two exit the cave the camera lingers on their footprints in the snow. Where Clara footprints lie, flowers begin to bloom. They exit the cave onto a cliff overlooking the Kingdom.
The Nutcracker: Welcome to Parthenia!
Clara: It’s so beautiful!
She reaches down to pick up a handful of snow.
Clara: The snow isn’t even cold.
She takes a deep breath.
Clara: The trees smell like peppermint. And I’ve never seen a sky so blue!
The Nutcracker: Soon it’ll all be a memory if the Mouse King has his way.
Clara: And you’re sure the Sugar Plum Princess can help?
The Nutcracker: She’s our only hope of defeating him.
The duo walks past a tree where a bat is hanging. He looks up at the mention of the Sugar Plum Princess, waiting for them to be out of earshot before speaking.
Pimm: Hmm. Interesting.
Pimm chuckles and flies haphazardly away towards the palace where the Mouse King resides. Pimm lands before the Mouse, who is busy looking over a map on a nearby table.
The Mouse King: Well? What news do you bring?
Pimm: I wish I could remember but I’m so hungry. I feel weak. No, faint!
He collapses to the ground, careful to keep one eye on the Mouse King as he does so.
The Mouse King: You insolent little bat! I should turn you into a… ceiling fan!
Pimm stands up and begins to walk away, a sly look on his face.
Pimm: That would be a shame, then I couldn’t tell you the juicy bit of gossip I overheard.
The Mouse King growls irritably before swiping a tray of fruit from off the table and onto the floor for Pimm to eat. Despite his size the tiny bat gobbles up nearly the entire tray. The Mouse rolls his eyes at him.
Pimm: Thank you very much, your most royal majesty. May I say you’re looking specially regal this evening, sire?
The Mouse King glares at Pimm in silence.
Pimm: Er, right. Well for starters Nutcracker’s back.
The Mouse King: What? Here?
Pimm: And he’s got some girl with him. Don’t know where she came from.
The Mouse King grimaces and rubs his head.
The Mouse King: I do.
Pimm: Now here comes the good part: they’re looking for a Sugar Plum Princess who can supposedly defeat(Pimm pauses for a moment) you.
The Mouse King’s eyes grow wide.
Pimm: Er, according to the Nutcracker!
The Mouse King: Sugar Plum Princess? I’ve never heard of a Sugar Plum Princess!
He whirls around to face a guard who was falling asleep, startling him.
The Mouse King: Bring me the royal registry! And bring me the Nutcracker.
We return to our heroes now, who are walking through the woods. They come across a slightly dilapidated village made of gingerbread covered in a haze.
The Nutcracker: It’s what’s left of the gingerbread village. The Mouse King’s work, no doubt.
They continue to walk through the village, gazing at the destruction wrought by the Mouse King.
The Nutcracker: I didn’t know things had gotten this bad.
Clara spots a forgotten doll in the snow and picks it up, exchanging somber glances with the Nutcracker. The two look up when they hear a horse whinny in the distance. As they approach the stable, the horse nickers and steps back defensively.
Clara: Steady! We won’t hurt you!
The horse leans forward letting Clara pet it. A snowball suddenly strikes Clara in the back, causing her to stumble slightly.
Clara: Ow! Hey!
The Nutcracker: It’s an ambush! Take cover!
Clara and the Nutcracker peer over the wall they’re hiding behind to catch a glimpse of their assailants. It’s revealed to be two young children, a boy and a girl. Nutcracker laughs.
The Nutcracker: It’s alright. They’re just children.
One of the children throws a snowball and knocks the Nutcracker’s hat from his head.
The Nutcracker: With very good aim!
Clara notices the doll and holds it up over the wall.
Clara: Wait! We found this. Is she yours?
The girl stops throwing snowballs and rushes to take the doll.
Peppermint Girl: Patty!
The boy uneasily steps from his cover, hesitant to approach Clara and the Nutcracker at first. After a moment’s pause he reluctantly gets closer. The Nutcracker kneels down to the Peppermint Girl’s level.
The Nutcracker: What happened here?
The Peppermint girl motions to the horse.
Peppermint Girl: We went out with Marzipan to gather Candleberries.
Gingerbread Boy, now standing alongside his sister and Marzipan: ...we came back and everything-
Peppermint Girl: And everyone-
Gingerbread Boy: Were gone!
Peppermint Girl: It was the Mouse King’s army!
The Gingerbread Boy folds his arms and scowls.
Gingerbread Boy: This is all Prince Eric’s fault!
Clara: Who’s Prince Eric?
The Nutcracker: The son of the king who ruled before the mouse took over.
Gingerbread Boy: Yeah, but he wasn’t much of a prince!
The Nutcracker: The king left his throne and the golden scepter to his royal advisor-
Peppermint Girl: The mouse-
The Nutcracker: Until the prince could prove himself worthy.
Clara: Let me guess. The mouse decided that he liked being king. But what happened to Prince Eric?
Gingerbread Boy: Don’t know, don’t care!
Peppermint Girl: We’re better off without him!
The Nutcracker looks around, his expression somber.
The Nutcracker: It’s dangerous here. We’ll travel together until we can find you a safe home.
Marzipan steps forwards and they all pile into the sleigh she’s hitched to. With a toss of her head and a whinny, she takes off down the path. Day fades into evening and they stop for a moment on a cliffside, noticing movement below. A caravan of troops are hauling large carts filled with candy and gingerbread.
Clara: The Mouse King’s army.
Peppermint Girl: Carrying what’s left of our village!
They’re startled by the sound of Marzipan neighing in fear. Two mice have grabbed her reins and are tugging on them. She charges through them and away, sending them toppling to the ground. One mouse looks up and notices the group on the hillside.
Mouse Soldier: There they are!
The mouse soldiers all grab their weapons and begin closing in on them.
Another Mouse Soldier: Come on!
Clara looks around nervously before waving for the group to follow her.
Clara: Come on, into the woods!
With Clara in front, the two candy children behind her and the Nutcracker bringing up the rear, they all run as fast as they can through the forest. The running begins to exhaust them, and the mice begin to gain ground.
Peppermint Girl: They’re getting closer!
Suddenly, a rope ladder is thrown down from the trees.
A Voice from the Trees: Up here!
They look over their shoulder at the mice.
Mouse Soldier: Get ‘em!
They quickly grab onto the ladder and clamber their way up into the trees, with the Nutcracker being pulled up at the last possible moment before the mice can spot them. When he gets to the top of the ladder it’s revealed that there is a whole village hidden in the trees, hosting many refugees and villagers. Clara stands aside holding the candy children close as the villagers all point weapons at them.
The Nutcracker: Is everyone alright?
Clara: I’m not really sure.
Two men in uniform approach, each brandishing swords and eyeing the group suspiciously.
Major Mint: Well, what have we here?
Captain Candy: A wooden spy? Some new kind of Mouse King trap?
Major Mint catches a glimpse of Clara and the children.
Major Mint: Kidnappers as well!
Peppermint: No! They helped us!
Captain Candy: Well if you have nothing to hide you won’t mind answering a few questions.
Major Mint waves a hand to a woman standing nearby.
Major Mint: Come, children. Masha will take care of you.
The children uneasily approach the woman, Captain Candy gestures them to come inside, Clara looks back at them one last time before joining Major Mint and Captain Candy for questioning.
Major Mint: Right let’s start with who you are and what you’re doing here.
The Nutcracker: I’m Nutcracker, and this is Clara. We’re both victims of the Mouse King’s magic.
Clara: We’re trying to find the only one who can defeat him, The Sugar Plum Princess.
Captain Candy: The Sugar Plum Princess?
Major Mint, scoffing: I’ve never heard such a ridiculous story!
The Nutcracker: It’s the truth, told to me by Prince Eric himself.
The Major chuffs at the mention of the Prince.
Major Mint: Prince Eric? He’s the reason we’re in this mess! If it weren’t for that reckless boy, the Mouse King wouldn’t be turning everyone into knick-knacks!
The Nutcracker: You make the prince sound pretty awful.
Major Mint: Awful? That’s a compliment! He was useless, lazy, and irresponsible!
The Nutcracker looks away as Major Mint gets closer. Captain Candy comes up behind the Major to pull him away from the Nutcracker.
Captain Candy: Major Mint, you’re forgetting that Prince Eric was my friend.
Major Mint: Captain Candy! You’re forgetting that I am your superior!
Captain Candy rolls his eyes.
Major Mint: I had high hopes for that boy… no matter... I’ve got more important things to think about, like keeping what’s left of our subjects safe from the Mouse King!
Clara steps forward:
Clara: Then perhaps you should be looking for the princess too.
Major Mint: I don’t have time to search for some...Sugar... Pie…
Clara: Sugar Plum.
Major Mint: ...imaginary princess!
Captain Candy: Wait, Major. They may be telling the truth. I once overheard the king telling Prince Eric about this powerful princess. The king himself believed in her magic... and we’ve tried everything else to defeat the mouse.
Major Mint pauses for a moment, thinking.
Major Mint: Do you know where she is?
The Nutcracker: We’ve learned she’s on an island. Across the Sea of Storms.
The Major scoffs and sputters at the notion of the mission.
Major Mint: Oh, very well. We’ll all go looking for the Sugar Plum Princess… but I’ll be in charge of the expedition!
The Nutcracker: Of course.
As Clara and the Nutcracker turn to leave, Captain Candy catches the Nutcracker by the arm.
Captain Candy: Do you know what became of Prince Eric?
The Nutcracker: The Mouse King destroyed him.
The Captain bows his head somberly as Clara and the Nutcracker exit. The scene fades back to the Mouse King’s Palace as he questions two of the guards responsible for hunting down the Nutcracker.
The Mouse King: So, you’re telling me that the Nutcracker... a wooden utensil…managed to escape a well-armed fighting squadron unharmed?...And, instead of fleeing into the hills, you chose to return to me and report your incompetence?!
Mouse Soldier, timidly: Uh-huh...
Pimm: Why don’t you just blast ‘em with your scepter, sire?
The Mouse King: I suppose I could…
He swings his scepter, transforming it into a sword, causing the two soldiers to gasp nervously.
The Mouse King: But I find it’s power to transform the incompetent much more gratifying. The trick is making you useful.
He tosses the sword into the air, transforming it back into a scepter.
The Mouse King: Pimm, how are we doing with statuary?
Pimm opens a door revealing a room filled with frozen statues of other unfortunate mice.
Pimm: Er Full up, your lordiness.
The Mouse King: Lawn ornaments?
Pimm pulls back a curtain, revealing a courtyard filled with more unfortunate souls turned into statues.
Pimm: Too much ornament, not enough lawn.
The Mouse King: Paperweights?
Pimm lands in a cupboard filled with paperweights made of yet more mouse troops frozen in stone.
Pimm: Covered!
The Mouse King groans.
The Mouse King: What does one create for the palace that has everything?
Pimm lands next to the soldiers.
Pimm: How ‘bout bookends, since there’s two of ‘em?
The soldiers shiver at the sound of that and try to say no
The Mouse King: Wonderful idea, Pimm! I do believe I’m starting to rub off on you.
Pimm is flattered. The Mouse King begins to wave his scepter in a circle, the gem glowing with golden light as he chants his spell.
The Mouse King: Since other tasks posed a challenge to thee, you shall be bookends for eternity!
The mice beg to be spared, only for The Mouse King’s spell to strike them and turn them into a pair of haunting bookends. The Mouse King returns to the desk near his throne and opens the registry. He flips through it a moment before pausing on a page. As he does this, Pimm tries to stand on one of the bookends but falls to ground.
The Mouse King: Here it is--- the Sugar Plum Princess. Kind, clever, and brave.
He looks up, confused.
The Mouse King: That’s it?
In a rage, he throws the book against a nearby column, the impact causing a few small cracks to appear.
The Mouse King: Where is she?!
He stares at the column for a moment before getting an idea. He chuckles darkly, snatching his scepter from the table.
The Mouse King: I suppose I’ll just have to reduce the Nutcracker to a pile of splinters before he can find her!
He points his scepter at the column.
The Mouse King: Rock that will walk, destroy whom I seek! Carnage and havoc will be yours to wreak!
The column explodes into pieces as the spell hits it, then reforms into a towering stone monster. Pimm yelps at the sight of the monster, cowering in fear. The monster lets out a terrifying roar, causing Pimm to scream and run away.
The Mouse King: Find the wooden man...and crush him!
The rock giant turns and lumbers away, his footsteps thundering through the room. Pimm peeks from his hiding place to watch it leave.
The Mouse King: Follow him, Pimmy. He’s a bit rough around the edges and may need some… guidance.
Pimm: You want me to babysit a rock?
The Mouse King scowls at Pimm, tapping his scepter against his hand impatiently.
Pimm: Alright, alright! Better than bein’ a rock.
He flutters away out a window into the moonlit sky. The scene changes back to the village in the trees, where Clara is tucking the candy children in for bed.
Peppermint Girl: What about Marzipan?
Clara: I’m sure she’ll be fine... And you’ll be staying here with Masha until we get back, okay?
Peppermint Girl: Okay.
Clara: Goodnight.
Peppermint Girl/Gingerbread boy: Goodnight, Clara.
Clara walks out and to a balcony where she finds the Nutcracker sitting alone. She sits down next to him.
Clara: Can’t sleep?
The Nutcracker: I’m a nutcracker. (He chuckles to himself) Sleep seems kind of pointless.
Clara: You’re more than a nutcracker… Prince Eric.
The Nutcracker’s eyes grow wide and he looks to Clara in surprise.
Clara: Why haven’t you told anyone?
The Nutcracker: I... I didn’t want to be the prince when I had the chance… now I don’t deserve to be…
Clara puts a hand on his shoulder.
Clara: That’s not true! You’re risking your life to save your kingdom! Isn’t that what princes do?
The Nutcracker: But my subjects think less of me than they do the Mouse King!... My only hope is to find the Sugar Plum Princess so she can help me restore my people’s happiness… I owe them that.
With this the Nutcracker stands and leaves, leaving Clara alone on the balcony. The next day comes and Major Mint, Captain Candy, the Nutcracker and Clara are seen arriving at a perilous path over a ravine made of floating stones.
Major Mint: Aha, there’s a bridge!
Clara gasps softly.
The Nutcracker: ...perhaps we should find a safer place to cross.
Major Mint: Perhaps you should remember who’s in charge of this expedition!
The Major adjusts himself and strides towards the floating bridge confidently. He steps onto the first stone, causing it to shift under his weight.
Major Mint: Right-o, er, no problem at all! Come along!
The Major and the Captain begin to uneasily make their way across the floating rocks. The Captain gets too close to the Major while he’s stumbling and Major Mint unintentionally pushes him off the bridge to catch himself.
Major Mint: Tricky, hmm.
He continues, leaving Captain Candy hanging from a branch as his backpack falls into the ravine below.
Captain Candy: Help!
The nutcracker reaches as far as he can but his arm isn’t nearly long enough.
Captain Candy: Please, hurry!
Suddenly, the Nutcracker’s arm comes within grabbing range for the Captain, and he’s able to be pulled to safety. The Major makes it to the other cliffside and turns to see the commotion.
Major Mint: I’ll be gobstruck!
It’s revealed that the Nutcracker removed one of his arms to give himself extra length to pull Captain Candy up from the ravine.
Captain Candy: Hurry!
With a final tug, the Nutcracker is able to hoist Captain Candy to the cliff and the two tumble away from the edge. The Nutcracker stands and reinserts his left arm into its socket.
The Nutcracker: Sorry... didn’t have any rope.
The Captain takes a few breaths, then readjusts himself, nodding to the Nutcracker in thanks. They then cross the bridge along with Clara, meeting the Major on the other side. Once safely on the other side, Captain Candy sits down on a nearby boulder to compose himself.
Clara: Are you sure you’re alright to travel?
Captain Candy: I’m fine… please...don’t-don’t worry about me.
Major Mint: Bad luck about your knapsack, now we’ll be needing more supplies!
Captain Candy stands angrily, glaring at the Major.
Captain Candy: Supplies? Thanks to you, I almost fell into the ravine!
Major Mint: Well! Don’t blame me for your sloppy footwork and... general clumsiness!
Captain Candy: Clumsy? I’m clumsy?!
Major Mint begins to walk away.
Captain Candy: You’re the bundling clodhopper!
The Major turns around in shock.
Major Mint: Who’s dangling from a branch?!
Captain Candy: Who’s leadership skills put me there?!
The two walk off bickering, leaving Clara and the Nutcracker alone for a moment.
Clara: That was very noble of you.
The Nutcracker: Heh, least I could do for an old friend.
The two leave to follow Major Mint and Captain Candy. Time passes and the party arrives at the shoreline, the sky overcast and rumbling with distant thunder. They look down at a nearby dock and see a few tattered ships run aground next to it.
Major Mint: The Captain and I will make a boat seaworthy, while you two gather...supplies.
The Major walks away and Captain Candy follows him, but not before shrugging at Clara and the Nutcracker.
The Nutcracker: Clara, come with me.
He leads her to an arid canyon, filled with dying trees and yellowing grass.
The Nutcracker: The well used to be over there…
He clears some rocks away to reveal a capped well in the ground.
The Nutcracker: Here it is… hmm, someone must have capped it.
He draws his sword and pries the cap off of the well, and a great number of flower fairies explode from inside, whizzing through the air. A smaller flower fairy flies to the Nutcracker’s ear and chirps into it.
The Nutcracker: You’re welcome! (He turns to Clara) The Mouse King’s army destroyed this valley and trapped them in the well.
The small flower fairy whistles for the other fairies to join her, and then they circle Clara, chirping and chittering.
Clara: ...what?
The Nutcracker: They say you’re… beautiful.
Clara looks away bashfully and the flower fairies giggle at the sight. They then begin to dance around the valley, causing the plants to all spring to life once again. Flowers bloom, and the dying trees sprout leaves and produce apples. As Clara and the Nutcracker walk through the woods, a flower fairy playfully drops some apples on his head. One falls into his hand and he tosses it into the air.
The Nutcracker: Supplies!
Clara begins to pick apples from the trees, and as she does so more flower fairies begin to encircle her, causing her to dance along with them. A few flower fairies push the Nutcracker and Clara together. The two reach out to take each other’s hand, but are interrupted by the sound of large footsteps. The flower fairies gasp and scatter at the sight of the approaching rock giant.
The Nutcracker: Run!
The giant tramples the orchard as it chases after Clara and the Nutcracker. Major Mint and Captain Candy are seen readying a boat to be pushed into the water, when they hear the approaching footsteps.
Clara: Major! Captain!
Major Mint leans on the boat impatiently.
Major Mint: Oh, what’s she carrying on about now, probably saw a snake… or a spider… or--
Captain Candy: Rock giant!
Clara and The Nutcracker race down the hill as the giant comes into view.
Major Mint: Great...googly!
Pimm is seen flying next to the rock giant, flapping wildly to keep up with it.
Pimm: There-there he is! Right there! Blimey… I’m as blind as a bat and even I can see ‘em!
Clara rushes for cover behind a boulder.
Clara: Major, Captain, over here!
The Major and the Captain join her behind the boulder, along with the Nutcracker. The rock giant reaches down, grabs a large stone and hurls it at the boat, splintering it into pieces. The Major stands up irritably.
Major Mint: I worked on that sail a good half-hour, you cheeky blighter!
Captain Candy stands up and puts a hand on the Major’s shoulder, startling him.
Captain Candy, irritably: Why don’t you invite him over for tea and cakes while you’re at it?!
The rock giant roars ferociously and begins to lumber towards them. Just as they feel cornered, the party is suddenly surrounded by snow fairies who begin to freeze the sea and distract the rock giant. A few more snow fairies arrive, leading Marzipan and her sleigh behind them.
Clara: Look! It’s Marzipan!
The Nutcracker: Come on, before the snow fairies disappear!
Clara and the Nutcracker rush to the sleigh, but the Major is frozen in surprise. Captain Candy grabs his hand and yanks him towards the sleigh and the two jump in, flicking the reins. Marzipan speeds off across the ice, and the rock giant begins to follow, undeterred by the fairies.
Captain Candy: Ah, he’ll break right through that ice!
Major Mint looks back at the monster, who doesn’t seem to be putting a dent in the ice.
Major Mint: Hmm, it seems the snow fairies did their job too well.
The Nutcracker leans forward and grabs the reins from Major Mint’s hands, tugging Marzipan to a halt. He then leaps from the sleigh and draws his sword, rushing to confront the giant.
Major Mint: A sword’s not going to do you any good, lad… you’ll be pulverized!
Clara: Be careful!
The Nutcracker slides to a halt, raising his sword over his head.
The Nutcracker: Don’t worry, wood floats…
He brings his sword down, jabbing the ice and causing it to crack and split.
The Nutcracker: ...rock doesn’t!
Clara: Hurry!
Major Mint: Come on! Put some zing in it!
He runs back to the sleigh as quickly as possible, grasping onto the back as the Major flicks the reins to send Marzipan on her way again. The giant hits the splintering ice and his feet plunge into the ocean below. He tries desperately to cling onto the ice, but it cracks and crumbles beneath his arms. With a final roar he sinks beneath the surface. Some time passes and the party is seen riding across the ice through a dense fog.
The Nutcracker: If this fog doesn’t lift, we’ll never find the princess’ island.
Clara: And if we don’t? You battled the mouse king army, rescued Captain Candy, and saved us from a vicious pile of rock! All without the Sugar Plum Princess.
The Nutcracker looks away, uncertain.
The Nutcracker: The Mouse King is too powerful to take on alone. Besides, we’ve got to find the princess if you’re to return home your true size.
Clara looks down somberly.
The Nutcracker: That is what you want, isn’t it?
Clara: Of course…
As the sleigh pulls away from the camera it’s revealed that Pimm had been hanging off of the back, listening in. He lets go and flutters away to report to the Mouse King.
The Mouse King: Nutcracker destroyed rock?!
Pimm: Sent ‘em to the bottom of the sea. ‘Course he had some help. Major Mint and Captain Candy have joined up.
The Mouse King: ...proving they’re gullible idiots!
The camera shows a wide shot of the room, showing a mountain of overturned books in the center of the hall.
The Mouse King: I’ve combed through every page of every book in the royal library...and there’s no other mention of a Sugar Plum Princess!
Pimm: I don't know, they were pretty keen on findin’ her island…
The Mouse King: She’s a fantasy! But if Nutcracker wants to believe in fairytales...he’s about to find out: this one doesn’t have a happy ending.
The scene fades back to the group in the fog, which is far denser now. Major Mint pulls on the reins, causing Marzipan to stop.
Major Mint: Weather’s getting worse. I say we turn about.
Marzipan knickers.
Clara: Wait!
Major Mint: It’s too dangerous! There’s been no sign of this mysterious island! Not to mention what’s going happen when this ice starts to melt!
Clara: Marzipan saw something… I’m sure of it.
Marzipan whinnies and the Nutcracker follows Clara through the fog. Sure enough, once they reach the other side it begins to clear and the island of the Sugar Plum Princess is revealed. They make it to the island and leave Marzipan to graze while they make their plans.
Major Mint: No time to enjoy the scenery! Let’s find this princess!
Captain Candy: I believe the Nutcracker has earned the right to lead us.
Major Mint, stuttering: But... but-but... he’s wood!
Captain Candy: And the reason we’ve made it this far.
The Nutcracker: I’m only half the reason.
He waves for Clara to follow him as they, along with Captain Candy travel further inland. Major Mint watches them incredulously.
Major Mint: Handing the reins to a... a stump?! I’ve never heard of such a thing!
Nevertheless he follows after them. They walk for some time before coming across a towering pink castle in the center of a meadow. The Nutcracker pauses when he notices Clara stop moving. She fiddles with her locket.
The Nutcracker: Are you coming?
Clara: Oh, yes…
The Nutcracker, Major Mint and Captain Candy go on ahead as Clara sighs, hanging behind. They approach the castle and the doors open for them. When they walk inside however, they quickly realize the palace was fake, a cage falling onto them, carried by bats.
Pimm: Good job, mates! Off to the palace!
Clara: No!
Pimm watches the men get carried away before turning around confused.
Pimm: Wait a minute - where’s the girl?!
He leers around looking for her, but Clara is nowhere to be seen.
Pimm: Don’t matter. No way off this island... heh heh... unless she’s part mermaid…
Pimm flies off to the palace the scene dissolves to Clara returning to the shore, noticing that the ice has all melted away, stranding her and Marzipan. She sits down, dejected.
Clara: I should never have come. What was I thinking? That I was going to find a magical princess?
She fiddles with the locket around her neck.
Clara: I could always go back home... I’m sure I’ve got some doll clothes that would fit…
She sighs.
Clara: What am I saying?! I can’t leave! I’m their only hope!...If I could just get off this island…
Just as she says that, the smallest of the flower fairies appears and chitters at her. Clara gasps.
Clara: Hello there!
The little flower fairy waves for Clara to follow her. Clara stands and follows her to a group of flower fairies hoisting a makeshift swing made out of vines. The small flower fairy motions at the swing’s seat, looking at Clara.
Clara: Are you sure about this?
The flower fairy chitters and nods eagerly, waving for Clara to hurry. Clara sits down on the swing.
Clara: Okay then, let’s go-- whoa!
The fairies carry her off into the air, across the sea and lands at a hidden entrance to the palace. Clara steps off the swing, looking back at the fairies.
Clara: Thank you.
The flower fairies all chitter and quickly fly away. Clara sneaks her way into the palace, careful to avoid any guards she comes across. As she does this, the flower fairies fly to the village in the trees to rally the refugees.
Gingerbread Boy: They’re right! It’s time we stood up to the Mouse!
The peasants cheer, and as the camera pans out Pimm is revealed to be listening, raising an eyebrow. The scene changes back to Clara, who has managed to sneak out to a balcony. She peers over the ledge to see the mouse king ordering his troops to build a bonfire.
The Mouse King: More wood! I want this to be an unforgettable show!
The Mouse King glances up at where Clara is standing, causing her to gasp and quickly hide behind a column. Clara sneaks away from the balcony and back into the palace. She follows a hallway to a spiral staircase into the dungeon. The Mouse King is shown pacing in the courtyard when Pimm arrives.
The Mouse King: Pimm-ple! All is right with the world! I’ve got the Nutcracker, and soon my worries will be over!
Pimm: Eh.. well er… that ain’t really so true...sire…
The Mouse King slowly rounds on the bat, raising an eyebrow.
The Mouse King: Oh…?
Pimm: It seems your subjects are planning an uh...uprising.
The Mouse King: What?!
He snatches Pimm by the feet and dangles him in front of his face.
The Mouse King: I want every last villager, fairy, and general troublemaker rounded up to witness this display of my absolute power!
Pimm: I’ll get right on it, sire!
Pimm smiles nervously as the Mouse King snarls at him tightening his grip.
Pimm: Ah, sire… I-I can’t feel my toes.
Pimm twiddles his toes, causing the Mouse King to throw him aside angrily. Pimm flies off into the sky as the scene transitions back to Clara as she makes her way through the dungeons. She rounds a corner and is startled by a pair of guards.
Clara: Oh, there you are! The king needs you right away in the courtyard! And...he said if you didn’t hurry, you’d spend the rest of your lives as houseflies!...or was it… horseflies?
The guards, deceived by Clara’s story and frightened for their well-being, quickly dash off to the courtyard, leaving the door unguarded. Clara lets out a sigh of relief before opening the door with some keys hanging on a nearby wall. Upon entering the room she finds it entirely empty. She turns to leave but pauses.
The Nutcracker’s voice: Clara!
Major Mint’s voice: What’s wrong with the girl?
The Nutcracker’s voice: We can see her… but she can’t see us.
Captain Candy: Or hear us, apparently.
It’s revealed that the Nutcracker, Major Mint and Captain Candy are trapped within an invisible prison. A wavering vision of them appears.
Clara: Why would the Mouse King post guards on an empty room?
The Nutcracker: Clara.
Clara reaches a hand out and steps forward, only for her hand to make contact with the invisible prison. As the camera pans it’s revealed she unknowingly has her hand in the same place as the Nutcracker’s on the other side of the glass. The Nutcracker smiles. Clara turns around and grabs an unlit torch from a nearby sconce and uses it to shatter the magical cell, revealing the prisoners. Clara rushes to hug the Nutcracker, only for the two to quickly step away from each other bashfully. Major Mint folds his arms impatiently and Captain Candy covers his eyes.
Clara: We’ve got to get out of here. The Mouse King is building a bonfire!
The Nutcracker: I doubt it’s to warm up the palace…
The men follow Clara out of the dungeon as the scene changes back to the Mouse King in the courtyard, now filled with all the kingdom’s citizens. Clara, the Nutcracker, the Major and the Captain are seen watching from the balcony above.
The Nutcracker: Sugar Plum Princess or no Sugar Plum Princess, that rat’s has got to be stopped!
He leaps onto the ledge, in clear view of the Mouse King.
The Nutcracker: Is this any way to run a kingdom, mouse?!
The Mouse King: Ah, you’re just in time for your party!
He points his scepter at the bonfire setting it ablaze. The Nutcracker leaps from the ledge, two of the Mouse King’s guards breaking his fall. He takes one of their swords and points it at the mouse.
The Nutcracker: There’s more to being a king than having a crown!
The Mouse King: Oh? Suddenly you’re an expert?
The Nutcracker: You’ll never gain their loyalty until you’ve earned their respect!
The Mouse King: I don’t need their loyalty! I don’t even need them!
He rounds on the peasants, brandishing his scepter.
The Mouse King: Those peasants who do challenge me, living statuary be!
Magic explodes from the crown of his scepter, striking the peasants one by one turning them to stone. Horrified by this act, the Nutcracker engages the Mouse King, The two duel for a moment, and the Nutcracker pushes the mouse back until he falls into a nearby wagon.
The Mouse King: Scrappy little nutcracker! I’m afraid I underestimated you! With the brawn of twenty and six, I’ll smite my enemy into sticks!
The Mouse King’s spell envelops him, causing him to grow in size. He roars as he reaches his full height, swinging his scepter madly at the Nutcracker. He beats the Nutcracker savagely until he smashes into the side of the bonfire, sinking to the ground.
Clara: Nutcracker!
Clara joins him on the ground, looking up at the Mouse King as he looms over them.
The Mouse King: I’ll give you a choice, nutcracker… dismemberment, or barbecue?
Clara: No!
Clara stands up and puts herself between the giant mouse and the Nutcracker.
Clara: You’re nothing but a coward, hiding behind a magic wand!
The Mouse King, angrily: I obviously didn’t shrink you small enough, your mouth is still much too big!...but that is about to change.
Clara leers at the Mouse King as he raises his scepter over his head. Behind her, the Nutcracker wearily grabs the sword lying beside him.
The Mouse King: To the one who vexes me, smaller, smaller you will be!
The Nutcracker: No!
The Nutcracker throws his sword up between the Mouse and Clara, reflecting the spell back at it’s caster. The impact sends the nutcracker to the ground. The spell hits the Mouse King, causing his scepter to vanish as he begins to shrink.
The Mouse King: What? Aaaargh!
The crown the Mouse King wore clatters to the ground around him, as he is now the size of a normal mouse. Terrified he squeaks and scurries away, jumping through a sewer grate. Major Mint appears along with Captain Candy, the former smiling defiantly down at the grate.
Major Mint: Ha ha! Back to where he belongs: the sewer!
Clara is shown cradling the head of the nutcracker somberly. He has scuffs and his paint is chipping in places, his eyes barely open.
Clara: Oh, my poor nutcracker…
The Nutcracker: Don’t worry, Clara... I’m just... wood, remember?
Clara: You and I know you’re much more than that...
She leans down and kisses him on the cheek.
Clara: ...Prince Eric.
The Nutcracker suddenly becomes aglow with magic, which engulfs him. When the twinkling light disappears he is no longer a wooden toy, but a young man. He smiles at Clara.
Captain Candy: It’s Prince Eric!
Major Mint: The prince! Ooh, the prince… ooh…
Clara helps Eric to his feet. As she does so she begins to shimmer with pink light. It swirls around her, changing her nightgown to a sparkling ballet dress and places a golden tiara upon her head. Clara looks at her ensemble, surprised.
Prince Eric: Of course… the princess has been with us all along!
Clara: What?
Prince Eric: Clara, it’s you! You are the Sugar Plum Princess!
Clara: Me? I couldn’t be…
Prince Eric: It all makes sense! You saved me from the Mouse King in your parlor, you rescued us from his dungeon, your bravery led to his defeat and… your kiss has broken his spell. You are the Sugar Plum Princess!
Captain Candy: Look…
The darkened walls of the castle fade away to reveal bright color, and the villagers are all freed from their stone prison. The bonfire melts away to reveal a large fountain, and the overcast sky turns blue.
Prince Eric: You have broken all of the Mouse King’s evil enchantments.
Clara: And now you’re free to take your rightful place as king.
Prince Eric: Well... that’s for the people to decide.
Captain Candy: Three cheers for Prince Eric!
The villagers: Hip hip, hurray! Hip hip, hurray! Hip hip, hurray!
The Flower fairies fly overhead, causing rose petals to fall about the courtyard as the villagers begin to merrily dance. The Gingerbread boy and the Peppermint Girl dance a small jig, then when the music changes, the Major and the Captain step forwards. The two dance to Trepak, only to end up falling over each other by the end. The two laugh and step out of the way as Eric leads Clara to dance. They dance the Pas de Deux, and as they do, the Mouse King’s magic across the Kingdom fully vanishes. Once they finish dancing, the crowd cheers and the flower fairies bring Clara a bouquet.
King Eric: Thank you, friends. As your king, I will let the wise leadership of my father be my guide.
The crowd cheers some more, and Eric turns to Clara.
King Eric: None of this would have been possible without you, Clara. Will you stay...and be my queen?
Clara blushes, touching her locket.
Clara: This locket was supposed to take me home...but in my heart, I feel I’m already there.
She steps forwards and the two share a kiss, meriting a chorus of “oohs” from the crowd. Major Mint elbows Captain Candy and the two nod at each other. Peppermint girl swoons and her brother smiles, shaking his head.
The Mouse King: I absolutely despise happy endings!
The mouse snatches her locket and soars away, laughing as he opens it to release the magic within.
Clara/Eric: No!
Peppermint girl: He’s not going to get away with that!
A pair of snow fairies conjure a snowball in her hand and she hits Pimm in the head with it, knocking him unconscious midair.
The Mouse King: Pimm! Flap! Flap you fool!
The mouse cries out in terror as he and his bat fall from the sky to an unknown fate. Clara is shown to be fading away, much to hers and Eric’s horror. Eric tries to grab her hand, but his passes right through hers.
King Eric: Clara, no!
Clara: Eric…
King Eric: Clara!
Clara fades away entirely.
King Eric: ...I love you.
The clock in Grandfather Drosselmeyer’s parlor chimes on the hour, waking Clara up. She looks around the parlor.
Clara: Nutcracker?
Clara grasps at her neck for her locket, but it’s not there. She begins to search the parlor more frantically for her nutcracker.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: It’s about time you got up.
He glances around at the state of the room.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: I see the mice had a party of their own last night…
Clara: It wasn’t a party, it was a war! The Nutcracker was fighting the Mouse King, who shrunk me with his golden scepter!
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: I’ve never heard such a story-- even from your aunt!
Clara: It’s not a story-- it really happened!
Tommy runs in but is stopped by Clara who grabs him by the shoulders.
Tommy: Time to open presents!
Clara: Tommy, did you take my nutcracker?
Tommy: Why would I want him? He’s just a hunk of wood.
Clara: You’re wrong! He’s really a king, and an evil mouse was ruling his land...the mouse had a bat…
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: What’s all this foolishness?...perhaps I should send for a doctor…
Aunt Elizabeth’s voice from the hall: ...and this is where I grew up.
She enters and Clara runs to her.
Clara: Aunt Elizabeth, have you seen my…
The person Elizabeth was talking to enters. A young man, the spitting image of King Eric appears.
Clara: ...Nutcracker?
He smiles at Clara, who stares at him astounded.
Aunt Elizabeth: Look who I ran into while I was taking my morning stroll! Uncle Drosselmeyer, Clara, Tommy, this is... Eric. The son of a dear friend of mine.
Eric: I’m very happy to... meet you.
He takes her hand and kisses it, appalling Grandfather Drosselmeyer.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: Such familiarity! In my day we would never have-
Aunt Elizabeth: I’ve taken the liberty of asking Eric to stay for Christmas dinner.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: But, this is a most-
Clara: -wonderful idea.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer grumbles.
Grandfather Drosselmeyer: I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to have the young man stay for supper…
He walks away. Clara and Eric join hands and Aunt Elizabeth drags Tommy away from the gifts and out of the room.
Tommy: But about the presents?!
Now that they are alone, Eric puts something in Clara’s hand. It’s her golden locket. She smiles up at him, recognizing him as truly being King Eric.
Eric: May I have this dance?
They both look up at the owl on the clock, who’s eyes twinkle in the morning light. Clara turns back to Eric.
Clara: I couldn’t say no to the king!
Eric leads her to a free space, and they waltz to the tune of the Final Waltz and Apotheosis. The camera pans back down to the snowglobe from the beginning, now having a small figure of Clara and King Eric dancing at the center. Snow fills the globe and transitions back to the window of the dance studio where Barbie and Kelly still sit.
Kelly: So, if Clara hadn’t been brave, she would have never found out she was a princess!
Barbie: That’s right!
Kelly looks down for a second, then back up at Barbie,
Kelly: Can you help me practice until I know all the steps?
Barbie: Of course!
The two stand up, Barbie turns the music back on, and they begin to practice the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy once again. This time Kelly has far more confidence, causing her to perform better. In the end, when they reach the move that stumped her before, she is able to pull it off flawlessly. They make it to the end of the dance and Kelly smiles up at Barbie.
Kelly: I did it!
Barbie: I always knew you could.
The two embrace, and the movie ends.