A look at life through the eyes of a tyke, a dyke and an ex-bikie –
losers in so many ways
losers in so many ways
A little background...
... on how House of Horace was brought into the world…
When Xena: Warrior Princess was taken off Australian TV screens before the final season was aired, it left many, many ‘Xenites’ disappointed and frustrated, myself included.
I was already subscribed to a fabulous Sydney website that promoted Xena – Mary D Brook’s AUSXIP (Australian Xena Information Page – found here: https://ausxip.com/xena/ ) so I knew where to ask pertinent questions. A quick pleading email to Mary, a subsequent visit to her headquarters and an outline of what I had planned secured me high-quality video tapes of the entire final season of Xena: Warrior Princess hot from the United States. I wanted to share these with the world! Well, Sydney, at least. But how?
My dependence on good coffee (skim-flat-white-extra-hot) already saw me a regular at a small café in Sans Souci: Eclectica Bookshop Café, now, sadly, no longer. My daily infusion of caffeine there made me a good customer and friend of the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Jordan, and their son, Darren. He and I discussed many things and we discovered we had lots in common, among them a passion for writing and for heroic women like Xena. Before long, we had it all organised: a fan night for Xena and Buffy in the café after closing on a Saturday. We advertised on Mary D’s website and had an instant, if small, gathering which became known as “The Sydney Xenaphiles” and that was the First Gathering of the Fans.
That was just the beginning. Darren was a young up-and-coming writer who had already produced his own magazine, “Eclectica”, and was interested in developing a series for television. I wanted to be part of that journey and soon, as the coffees were downed, the characters and settings were nutted out and the first storylines were developed and scripts written.
That is how House of Horace came to be.
The Sydney Xenaphiles went on gathering for a number of years thereafter and good friendships were formed… but that’s another story.
When Xena: Warrior Princess was taken off Australian TV screens before the final season was aired, it left many, many ‘Xenites’ disappointed and frustrated, myself included.
I was already subscribed to a fabulous Sydney website that promoted Xena – Mary D Brook’s AUSXIP (Australian Xena Information Page – found here: https://ausxip.com/xena/ ) so I knew where to ask pertinent questions. A quick pleading email to Mary, a subsequent visit to her headquarters and an outline of what I had planned secured me high-quality video tapes of the entire final season of Xena: Warrior Princess hot from the United States. I wanted to share these with the world! Well, Sydney, at least. But how?
My dependence on good coffee (skim-flat-white-extra-hot) already saw me a regular at a small café in Sans Souci: Eclectica Bookshop Café, now, sadly, no longer. My daily infusion of caffeine there made me a good customer and friend of the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Jordan, and their son, Darren. He and I discussed many things and we discovered we had lots in common, among them a passion for writing and for heroic women like Xena. Before long, we had it all organised: a fan night for Xena and Buffy in the café after closing on a Saturday. We advertised on Mary D’s website and had an instant, if small, gathering which became known as “The Sydney Xenaphiles” and that was the First Gathering of the Fans.
That was just the beginning. Darren was a young up-and-coming writer who had already produced his own magazine, “Eclectica”, and was interested in developing a series for television. I wanted to be part of that journey and soon, as the coffees were downed, the characters and settings were nutted out and the first storylines were developed and scripts written.
That is how House of Horace came to be.
The Sydney Xenaphiles went on gathering for a number of years thereafter and good friendships were formed… but that’s another story.
HOUSE of HORACE
Created and developed by
Darren Jordan and Susanna Bonaretti
Created and developed by
Darren Jordan and Susanna Bonaretti
The series overview
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If this outline piques your interest, please click onto the latest versions of scripts below.
HOUSE OF HORACE
Walter Mitty Meets Dumb and Dumber
by
Susanna Bonaretti
Walter Mitty Meets Dumb and Dumber
by
Susanna Bonaretti
Below are the scripts of the individual episodes together with a short synopsis
House of Horace - Episode 1 - The Manuscript |
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Episode 1 – The Manuscript
Self-contained Storyline: An introduction to all the main characters and their quirks, foibles, desires and shortcomings. Horace has completed his epic and presents it, under a pseudonym, to Samson and Samson for publication. Pandemonium as Horace loses a well-known author’s precious manuscript because of Giacobbe’s ongoing altercations with Puff. Spit's devious plans to save his job go awry and becomes indebted to Horace while Andrea does all she can to help everyone without falling off the fence she uncomfortably sits upon. Sub-plot: Victoria's desperation to conceal her past only makes things worse. The Voice calls, “You are a murderer and I’m not happy. Dig deeper because making me happy is the only thing keeping you free.” |
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House of Horace - Episode 2 - Jungle Gym
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Episode 2 – Jungle Gym
Self-contained Storyline: A bet, an antique camera and an upcoming amateur opera cause a falling out between Horace and Spit and, once more, it's up to Andrea to sort them out as they go undercover in a gym. Giacobbe and Mrs Wilson-Smith carry on carrying on about Horace and Puff. Giacobbe receives a disturbing letter from his cousin in Italy. Sub-plot: Victoria's troubles deepen as she tries to pay off her debt. The Voice calls, “You have been found by the Meesa Masheena. I’ve put someone undercover to protect you. Don’t get killed and don’t fail me! Get me that link!” |
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House of Horace - Episode 3 - This Gun for Hire
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Episode 3 – This Gun For Hire
Self-contained Storyline: Spit takes on a job from a local thug to eliminate his competitor. Horace and Andrea put their lives at risk to help him out. Victoria seizes an opportunity. Sub-plot: The Voice calls, “The Meesa Masheena has put a contract out on you. Keep low.” More is revealed about Victoria’s past. Giacobbe makes a furtive call to Italy. |
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House of Horace - Episode 4 - Andrea's Little Adventure |
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Episode 4 – Andrea’s Little Adventure
Self-contained Storyline: It’s Andy’s birthday and she enlists Horace’s help to get her out of a few extra dinner dates. Spit becomes a hero.
Sub-plot: The Voice calls, “That shit you sent is useless. Connect the dots now!” More exposition on Victoria.
Giacobbe tells Horace he wants to talk to him about his mother.
Self-contained Storyline: It’s Andy’s birthday and she enlists Horace’s help to get her out of a few extra dinner dates. Spit becomes a hero.
Sub-plot: The Voice calls, “That shit you sent is useless. Connect the dots now!” More exposition on Victoria.
Giacobbe tells Horace he wants to talk to him about his mother.
House of Horace - Episodes 5 - 8
Episode 5 – The Wooing**
Self-contained Storyline: S&SBP take on the franchise of a popular “how to” reality and craft show from New Zealand. Mr Solomon mixes up tickets for a craft show with Spit’s tickets for a house of ill repute.
Sub-plot: The Voice calls, “This is your last chance; fail this and you’re back to gaol for a very long time.”
Giacobbe is forced to tell Horace that, miracle of miracles, his mother didn’t die in childbirth and that she is trying to contact them. Giacobbe is terrified by this turn.
Episode 6 – The Supermarket**
Self-contained Storyline: A killer is loose in the local shopping centre ring a book launch. It’s up to Giacobbe to save the day.
Sub-plot: The Voice reveals himself to be a well-dressed executive-type. The recipient appears to be Victoria. He tells her that despatching the SGA operative was a bad move.
Giacobbe tells Horace that his mother, Malvolia Balorengre, is coming – and that she is a gypsy.
Episode 7 – The Truce**
Self-contained Storyline: Giacobbe finds himself enjoying the company of Mrs Wilson-Smith while Spit gets up to no good with secretive Victoria’s package.
Sub-plot: Victoria must dig up some dirt, anything, on Mr Solomon or she will go to gaol.
Malvolia arrives to claim a place in the Benedetti’s home.
Episode 8 – The Ransom**
Self-contained Storyline: Spit is kidnapped by his ex-bikie mates and held to ransom for speed. It’s up to Horace and Andrea to rescue him. Victoria sees this as a chance to get rid of Spit once and for all.
Sub-plot: Victoria can’t find – and doesn’t want to find – anything that implicates Mr Solomon doing anything illegal.
Major disruption in the Benedetti’s household when Malvolia puts the evil eye on Giacobbe.
Self-contained Storyline: S&SBP take on the franchise of a popular “how to” reality and craft show from New Zealand. Mr Solomon mixes up tickets for a craft show with Spit’s tickets for a house of ill repute.
Sub-plot: The Voice calls, “This is your last chance; fail this and you’re back to gaol for a very long time.”
Giacobbe is forced to tell Horace that, miracle of miracles, his mother didn’t die in childbirth and that she is trying to contact them. Giacobbe is terrified by this turn.
Episode 6 – The Supermarket**
Self-contained Storyline: A killer is loose in the local shopping centre ring a book launch. It’s up to Giacobbe to save the day.
Sub-plot: The Voice reveals himself to be a well-dressed executive-type. The recipient appears to be Victoria. He tells her that despatching the SGA operative was a bad move.
Giacobbe tells Horace that his mother, Malvolia Balorengre, is coming – and that she is a gypsy.
Episode 7 – The Truce**
Self-contained Storyline: Giacobbe finds himself enjoying the company of Mrs Wilson-Smith while Spit gets up to no good with secretive Victoria’s package.
Sub-plot: Victoria must dig up some dirt, anything, on Mr Solomon or she will go to gaol.
Malvolia arrives to claim a place in the Benedetti’s home.
Episode 8 – The Ransom**
Self-contained Storyline: Spit is kidnapped by his ex-bikie mates and held to ransom for speed. It’s up to Horace and Andrea to rescue him. Victoria sees this as a chance to get rid of Spit once and for all.
Sub-plot: Victoria can’t find – and doesn’t want to find – anything that implicates Mr Solomon doing anything illegal.
Major disruption in the Benedetti’s household when Malvolia puts the evil eye on Giacobbe.
House of Horace - Episode 9 - Mona Lisa |
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Episode 9 - Mona Lisa
Self-contained Storyline: It’s Mr. Solomon’s birthday and it’s Horace’s job to find a venue for the celebration. What place could be better than his third cousin’s poshy restaurant? It goes horribly wrong when the wife of the head chef doesn't take her medication and insists on coming in to work. The team unites to save old Mr. Solomon from the wrath of this hormonally-challenged psychopath. Sub-plot: Victoria says she can’t betray Mr. Solomon. The Voice says it’s curtains for her unless she gets him anything on anyone! Giacobbe believes he is dying. He confesses to Horace that he may be a gypsy prince |
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House of Horace - Episode 10 - 12
Episode 10 – Dearest Mummy**
Self-contained Storyline: Victoria is despondent. Her mother is about to be put into a nursing home. Horace, Spit and Andrea combine forces to keep her out of it. Giacobbe suspects Horace wants to dump him there and enlists Mrs Wilson-Smith help to prevent it.
Sub-plot: Victoria faces life imprisonment.
Giacobbe takes a turn and is on his deathbed, confessing that he may not be Horace’s father.
Further episodes with detailed treatments:
The Function**
The Literary Awards Night is on and it’s S&SBP’s turn to host it. Unfortunately, it has been left to Horace, Spit and Andrea to organise. Spit come to the violent conclusion that he doesn’t like intellectuals.
Dog Gone**
The mystery “Voice” has everyone guessing that it is Victoria’s secret lover. Horace and Andrea are determined to find out who it is. Spit is determined to spoil Horace’s fun.
** Detailed treatment completed
Self-contained Storyline: Victoria is despondent. Her mother is about to be put into a nursing home. Horace, Spit and Andrea combine forces to keep her out of it. Giacobbe suspects Horace wants to dump him there and enlists Mrs Wilson-Smith help to prevent it.
Sub-plot: Victoria faces life imprisonment.
Giacobbe takes a turn and is on his deathbed, confessing that he may not be Horace’s father.
Further episodes with detailed treatments:
The Function**
The Literary Awards Night is on and it’s S&SBP’s turn to host it. Unfortunately, it has been left to Horace, Spit and Andrea to organise. Spit come to the violent conclusion that he doesn’t like intellectuals.
Dog Gone**
The mystery “Voice” has everyone guessing that it is Victoria’s secret lover. Horace and Andrea are determined to find out who it is. Spit is determined to spoil Horace’s fun.
** Detailed treatment completed
Promo reel for House of Horace
House of Horace - Promo scripts
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A bit of a teaser - click on the button below to go to the credits page and short promos
And here are some of the book titles that Solomon and Solomon are famous for:
With enormous gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Kathryn Bonaretti for these fabulous promo posters!
The very fine print:
All rights by all media reserved
Copyright Susanna Bonaretti
Copyright warning: The whole contents of this work are copyright of Susanna Bonaretti.
No part of the contents may be reproduced or dealt with in any way that is inconsistent with the rights of Susanna Bonaretti under copyright law.
In particular, no part of this may be disseminated to a third party without the prior written permission of Susanna Bonaretti.
All rights by all media reserved
Copyright Susanna Bonaretti
Copyright warning: The whole contents of this work are copyright of Susanna Bonaretti.
No part of the contents may be reproduced or dealt with in any way that is inconsistent with the rights of Susanna Bonaretti under copyright law.
In particular, no part of this may be disseminated to a third party without the prior written permission of Susanna Bonaretti.
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