FLIP & JOKE The Story:

Flip and Joke are worlds apart physically and emotionally, but both are homeless and rejected by society. Together they try to survive in the urban jungle, wandering around looking for odd jobs. Despite their good will, every attempt they make to reintegrate society is a total failure. Their awkwardness and the nastiness they find everywhere casts them in highly ludicrous situations. Wherever they go, the stage is set for catastrophic events... At night they go back to the homeless quarters, a sort of "thieves' den" of lore, a squat that is part shantytown and part rundown buildings. That's where they find kinship among other "left behinds," friends of misfortune in a cruel world. Meanwhile, in the posh business district, a powerful Corporate Trust headed by a terrible woman (a "Cruella" of sorts) decides to buy out the shantytown property to build the largest shopping centre in the world, a temple dedicated to the cult of hyper consumerism. With the help of their friends of misfortune, Flip and Joke set out to do everything they can to stop the project and preserve their miserable "peace haven." No holds are barred in this battle. The Trust unscrupulously sends in thugs to intimidate and chase out the squatters, along with an army of shady lawyers full of dirty tricks. It is Goliath against David. Facing them, our two ingenious heroes outfox their foes to defeat the project and maintain what dignity they still have...

The Characters Flip is close to 40. He is tall, muscular, innocent and a blundering fool. Curious as a child, he is unaware of his Herculean strength that is often the cause for much destruction. A simpleton whose frankness and innocence often help get him out of trouble. He is a friend of nature, he loves animals and flowers and he is constantly rushing to their rescue. He is an orphan who grew up in an institution. The only family he has is his friend Joke to whom he is completely devoted. Joke is over 40. He is small, quick, scheming, crafty and what is more he is overly sure of himself. He is the boss and he makes all the decisions although he does not always assume the consequences of his acts. It is usually when he tries to prevent another one of Flip's blunders that his caution creates horrendous catastrophes. His past remains a mystery, but it is safe to assume that he once had a job, a home and even a family and that he lost it all overnight. Down and out, he is attached to Flip, treating him a bit too much like his servant, always in need of him. Their friendship rests on the fact they are so different and they complement each other flawlessly Their homelessness has brought them together and they are now inseparable. Their relationship, a mixed bag of master-and-slave and an undying love, is reminiscent of "Laurel & Hardy" or Tex Avery's "George & Junior," related to the famous "George & Lenny," heroes of Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men." The ruthlessness their homeless life and their fellow man's indifference and selfishness, makes them all the more likable.