Original subtitles

Well, those correspondence times would pile up real quickly.

I don't know.

Investment proposals, business ventures.

I'm tired of painting land.

Here's the one I was telling you about.

The indoor food refrigeration system.

Remember? The airtight cabinet that helps preserve food.

Sounds good.

The more I think about it, the better the idea sounds.

Perhaps I should paint a still life.

They're asking for short -term capital to help generate a prototype.

Risk, of course, but I think the positive outweighs the negative, don't

think?

Absolutely. Maybe a bowl of fruit or some flowers.

I'm going to wire him right away.

If this project is as successful as I think it could be... One of Beth's

figurines sitting on her night table.

It's perfect, isn't it?

Yes.

Perfect.

The Minutemen gathered right here.

Ordinary citizens of Concord banding together, united in their... Is this

to be on the test?

Just listen, Tommy.

Imagine a spring day, April 19th, 1770. Oh, wait. Do we need to know dates?

Yes, but for now... We do?

But you told us not to bring our pencils and paper.

Well, all of you just stop.

Don't you understand?

We're lucky enough to walk through a town where so many great things happen.

Shut up. I said I'm working.

You're always working. Yeah, you ought to try it sometimes instead of always

getting in my way.

This is where history was made.

The shot heard around the world. I got a better idea.

How about you and I go upstairs, huh? You better mind your manners if you know

what's good for you.

Got a feeling you'd be good for me. At least that's what I hear. This hotel

wasn't here. Instead, it was a... I'm so sorry.

It's not all right. You're wet.

You're very wet.

I'm aware of that.

The reason I came over early was so we could talk and have tea.

Amy, I can't. I have chores to do.

Does that smell fresh to you?

Joe!

We could really use one of those refrigeration cabinets about now. Keep

vegetables fresh in the warm weather.

Refrigeration cabinet?

Yeah, that new invention that you and Laurie are investing in.

What?

Didn't he tell you?

No, when did he tell you?

I don't know, the other day.

Why would Laurie go and invest in something without consulting me first?

I mean, I am his wife.

I think I should have some say on how we spend our money.

I'm sure he intends to tell you, Amy.

Probably just slipped his mind.

Remember, Bess, you were near tears.

Well, look.

One hundred.

Sorry I'm late.

You did say five.

Oh, that's your mind.

Father, look how I did on my test.

Bess, that's wonderful.

Isn't she doing beautifully?

Oh, did you show them your story, the one that you wrote about your trip to

Europe? Oh, no, it's all about Paris.

I'll be right back.

Why didn't you tell me about the refrigeration cabinet that you invested

Yeah, Laurie, regular.

I already did.

When? The other day.

I remember we were in the parlor.

You were talking to me about the landscape you're painting.

I'm not painting a landscape, Laurie. I'm painting a still life.

Weren't you listening to me?

Weren't you listening to me?

You know, I think I smell dinner.

Obviously, you weren't paying any attention, otherwise... Well, obviously,

weren't paying any attention either.

I could barely get a response from you when I told you about the still life

I was going to paint.

You know, I do smell dinner. Now, forgive me if I didn't summon up the

appropriate enthusiasm.

I don't want your enthusiasm if it has to be summoned.

I have an idea.

Why don't we sit down and we'll discuss the refrigeration cabinet and the still

life painting over dinner.

Okay?

Wrong. We're choosing teams to play ball and we're one person short. Do you

mind?

What? Knocking.

Sorry.

Come in. So you want to play ball with us?

I can't. I'm busy.

Doing what?

Shaving.

Shaving what?

I'll look at the mail.

Nick wants me checked for those hinges. Then come right back. I need help with

this list.

I take no more credit.

You'll have to put something back.

I can't do that, Mr. Gerson. Sure you can.

How about this flower?

Well, how do you expect me to bake a chocolate cake without any flower?

That's your problem, Miss McGregor.

Unless you have another 35 cents.

You know that I get paid on Friday. Then come back on Friday and buy it. No,

that's too late. My brother's birthday is tomorrow.

No, let go.

But he wants a chocolate cake.

Oh! Oh!

Oh, my. Now look what you've done.

It was an accident. Are you all right?

Yeah, yeah. Here, here. Let me do that. No, please. No, I'll just wipe them.

Oh, no.

What? Well, the glass popped out. Give me that.

Didn't I... Well, how are you? Hello.

Hello? Oh, you must think I'm so awful and clumsy and rude.

I must.

Well, of course you would, considering you've just dried off from the last

occasion, and here I...

Well, this should just brush right off, honestly.

That's not necessary. Well, I'm almost done.

Don't. I mean, thank you.

Well, don't thank me. No, it's just not another thing.

Bye.

You all right, Ron?

And Franz, he used to stay in there minding his own business, when whack,

sack of flour exploded all over him.

It was great.

Yeah, she really got you good, Franz.

Yes. Yes, she did.

That makes twice.

I know.

The girl, she's so... Pretty? Yes. I mean, no. No, she's

infuriating.

Exasperating. Always making a scene.

Hmm. Maybe you should steer clear of her, then. Absolutely.

That girl's nothing but trouble.

Kind of liked her.

Yeah, me too.

Obviously, so does Franz.

Coming through loud and clear.

But you just said she was nothing but trouble.

The good kind of trouble.

Huh?

Another few years, Anne.

You'll understand.

How? When Laurie and I talk now.

We talk.

We don't listen.

Not really.

You heard us, Joe, last night.

Well, that was one minute.

I know.

But it started me thinking.

And I realized that this kind of thing has been happening a lot lately.

There's a certain... I don't know.

Lack of interest.

Oh, Amy.

All relationships experience a little...

Lull, now and again.

Do you and Edward?

Well, no.

But our relationship is very new. We still have so much left to discover

one another.

What if Laurie and I have already discovered everything about each other?

What if there's nothing left to know? Oh, Amy, don't be so dramatic.

I'm not, Meg.

I just feel as if we're drifting apart.

Amy.

I remember Fritz and I.

We used to get so caught up in the routine of our lives that we would have

stop and remind ourselves to appreciate each other.

Yes, maybe that's all you need, a reminder.

You think so?

Just talk to Laurie.

Get things out in the open.

And you never know, Laurie may not even share your doubts.

I'll talk to him tonight.

It's a shock, isn't it?

The hundred that Bess got on her arithmetic test.

She's becoming a regular mathematician.

How about that story she wrote?

I know.

So descriptive and eloquent.

It felt like we were in Paris all over again.

I know this will sound silly. I'm sure I'm overreacting.

It's just that I've been feeling lately.

What is it?

Things don't seem as easy between us anymore.

No, they don't.

But that's not to say that things aren't wonderful.

I mean, any couple married over 14 years is bound to experience a little...

Lull? A lull.

That's a perfect word for it.

Experiencing a lull.

And that doesn't bother you?

Bother me?

No.

Because I know.

I mean, I'm sure this is just temporary.

It'll pass.

It will pass, won't it?

It'll pass.

Absolutely.

Thank you. Thank you.

Well, that was too long.

Yeah, thanks, Nancy. Everyone turned around and thought it was me.

Well, I was just having the best dream.

About the big fish I'm going to catch.

Well, it had to be a dream. Because everyone knows I'm going to catch the

biggest fish today.

Best?

Fishing. I didn't know you developed such an interest.

Oh, well, it's become kind of a tradition.

We have this little friendly competition every Sunday. We thought you'd spend

the day with us.

Oh.

Well, I just assumed that... Sunday's our chance to meet again.

But you just had dinner with me the other night at Plumfield.

I know, but we scheduled such a lovely afternoon, just the three of us.

Well, I guess the fish can wane.

Wonderful. I guess I win by default.

Hello.

I was wondering, um, have you talked to him?

I feel so much better now that we've discussed everything.

See? You just needed to get everything out in the open.

Absolutely.

You were right.

So you and Laurie... We're fine, Jo.

We're just a little low.

It'll pass.

Franz!

That's her.

The one who dumped flour on France.

How did you know my name?

Mr. Gerson told me.

Here.

It's a cake.

Oh.

You're not going to throw it at me?

No, it's silly. I baked it for you.

To make up for all that mess.

That's nice. You shouldn't have gone to the trouble.

Oh, no trouble. I was already baking one for my brother, so I just doubled the

recipe.

So you got the flower after all. Oh, sure.

Well, Gerson makes a fuss now and then, but he knows I pay up when I can.

Yes, Mr. Gerson likes to make a fuss.

Hello. Joe, um... We were... I mean, this is... Isabel McGregor. Isabel

McGregor. This is Joe Bear.

It's a pleasure. I've heard so much about you. Oh, I can only imagine I've

causing Fort Franz so much trouble.

Well... I'm sure he hasn't minded much, now have you?

No, no, not too much.

Well, I don't care what it looks like. You'll never see me passing up a piece

chocolate cake. I'm with you, Asia.

I was very thoughtful of Miss Porter, don't you think?

Oh.

Well, at least she could do after what I heard.

Throwing all that flour and water on you.

She does have spirit.

Yes.

Maybe you should think about courting her.

What? What?

Well, he is of courting age, after all.

That doesn't mean that... Well, and she did bake you this cake.

She obviously thinks very highly of you. Now, Joe, stop pressuring him.

I'm not pressuring him. I'm really not interested.

Not interested?

Really? Yes.

I'm not interested. The way you were standing there gazing at her.

Gaping? Yes, Franz. Your jaw was hanging open. You could barely speak.

Well, she hardly gives me the chance.

I know what that's like. She's too impetuous and strong -willed and loud.

We're too different. This is silly.

Well, differences are good sometimes.

You know what they say.

Opposites attract.

They don't know what they're talking about.

I still think that you should... I am not courting Isabel McGregor.

That's the end of it.

And by our tape.

And Joe?

Beth.

Good evening, sweetheart. You should be in bed.

I know. I just couldn't sleep.

You couldn't sleep?

Oh. I'm not sick or anything.

I, um... Well... Don't you cry.

Don't. What's wrong?

It's my parents.

Did something happen today?

No. Nothing in particular.

They've just been acting so strange lately.

They seem so tense.

Well, your father has been working awfully hard lately.

No. I mean with each other.

It's so strange because they seem to be trying so hard to seem happy.

But underneath, I know something's wrong. I can feel it.

Do you know what it is?

Yes.

I wouldn't worry about this. Married couples, they... They go through off

This will pass.

Hello?

Hello?

Did you forget something?

No, I just... Taking a stroll?

Yes, I mean... So, this is where you work?

Yes, this is the Grand Palace.

Nice.

Nice paint, and the windows are exceptionally clean.

Really sparkling.

Well, thank you.

It's funny how you can walk through town all the time and not even notice.

Oh, I'm pleased you did.

Isabel.

Yes, Tom?

Could you, um, um, would we...

Would you do me the honor of accompanying me on a carriage ride?

could enjoy a picnic. Yes.

Say again?

I said yes, Franz, to your very sweet invitation.

Yes.

All right.

Well, I'll see you soon.

Later.

I was looking for a reason to come by and talk to you. Laurie, you never need

excuse. I'm glad that you came by.

I'm sure Amy's spoken to you about our difficulties.

Yes, she has.

Laurie, Beth is aware of it, too.

She came to me last night distraught.

She said that she sensed a strain between the two of you yesterday.

I'm not surprised.

I spoke with Amy and she said that the two of you had cleared things up.

We did.

Sort of.

We both feel a certain distance in our marriage.

And?

Well, I've been thinking about it.

I finally realized when it all started.

It was when Beth first moved here to Plumfield.

Oh, Laurie, of course there's going to be a bit of adjustment when a child

leaves the home. It's more than that, Jo.

It seems so empty at home without her.

The only time Amy and I seem to connect now is when we're talking about Beth or

when Beth is with us or... The two of you have so much to offer each other.

not so sure anymore.

We've always been a surprising match, you know that.

At first, that was part of the attraction.

I remember when we began courting in Paris.

Everything was fresh and romantic and exciting.

We fell in love quickly, married quickly, had Beth quickly.

We were the incident family, and that was wonderful.

Now Beth is living here, and it's the first time.

that Amy and I have ever really been alone together.

I can't help wondering.

I mean, is Beth the only thing we have in common now?

Did we ever have anything in common?

I mean, tell me, Joe, is there a reason for Amy and I to stay together?

Going somewhere?

What do you want, Nan?

Well, when you gave us that assignment and you said 500 words, you meant 500

words approximately, right?

Because I got the feeling mine might be a little short.

How short?

Oh, 400 or so.

Give or take 100.

Keep writing.

Where are you going?

Who says I'm going anywhere?

We've been standing in front of that mirror now for ten minutes.

Ten minutes?

Have you been standing there the whole time?

You're going to go see that girl, aren't you?

That Isabel.

You are, aren't you?

Come on, Franz, where are you taking her? Look, it's really none of your

concern. I'm not concerned. I just want to know.

Anne. Where are you taking her?

If I tell you, do you promise to leave?

Yes, I promise.

Well, we're going on a carriage ride followed by a picnic.

Sounds good. You see, there's this poetry reading in the park, and I

maybe we could... Wait, back up.

Did you say poetry reading?

Yes. What's wrong with that? Well, Franz, you might as well be taking her

school. Goodbye, Nan.

Fine, but if you ask me, a girl like that is not going to be interested in

poetry. And what makes you so sure?

Because she's not the poetry type.

She's more like...

Well, more like me.

You ought to take her out to the countryside and do something fun.

Fun?

Yeah. And anything is better than a poetry reading.

Trust me.

Are you comfortable?

Couldn't be better.

You better move aside, though.

Why's that?

Well, there's a turtle down here, and I think he wants to pass us.

Well, it's a winding road.

You never know what's coming around the bend.

Kind of makes it more interesting, though, don't you think?

You mind?

What are you... What are

you... Isabel, come on.

It's fine.

No, it's not, because... Come on, Isabel.

There's a room!

There's a room!

There's no room!

I think those two have been eating here a lot lately.

They have, haven't they?

Right.

Joe, I know why my parents have been eating at Plumfield's a lot lately.

It's because they don't want to spend time alone together.

Oh, yes, that's not true. Your parents... Yes, it is.

I overheard you and my father talking yesterday.

Your parents are going through a difficult time. time right now, Beth,

true.

But they'll work through it.

They just need to remember why their marriage is so special and why the two

them belong together.

I think I have an idea to help them remember.

But I'm going to need everyone's help, including you.

I'm sorry, Franz.

I sure didn't mean to break anything.

Don't worry. Nick will fix it.

Nick? Our caretaker.

I'll just ride back to Plumfield and... No, we don't need anybody's help.

I've fixed wagons worse than this before.

You're going to fix it?

Of course.

All right.

Sweetheart. Bonjour, maman, papa.

C 'est fantastique de vous voir.

My, how sophisticated.

French lessons today?

Les études?

J 'en comprends pas.

Bienvenue à Paris, madame.

Allez.

I mean, bonjour.

Bonjour. I'm free, s 'il vous plaît.

What's for this?

It's for you.

It was remarkable how you fixed that wagon.

Oh, well, I couldn't have done it without you.

All I did was hand you my suspenders. Exactly.

Without them, I wouldn't have been able to fix it.

Oh, I put a lot of pepper in my potato salad. I like them spicy.

Me too.

Marvelous.

Marvelous.

Now, I've never been out with anyone so polite before.

It's lucky we cracked here.

It's so beautiful.

Indeed.

I mean, yes.

Sort of recall the Lewis Carroll pastoral setting.

Don't you think?

I wouldn't know.

Haven't you read Through the Looking Glass?

It's wonderful.

You should.

Well, I don't get much time for reading, really.

Middlemarch is a great novel.

Just finished reading that.

Never heard of it.

It's by George Eliot.

Don't know him either.

Her.

Who?

George Eliot. That's a woman.

Named George?

Well, it's a pseudonym.

Look, Franz, you don't have to make fun of me.

What? I mean, I don't know about books or pseudonyms or women named George. I

didn't get proper schooling.

Isabel, I know. I wasn't making fun of you.

I just... just got nervous, that's all.

Nervous?

Why?

Because I don't know what to say all the time.

And I know I'm not the most interesting person.

You're very interesting.

Not like you.

You're so confident and outspoken.

You must be used to boys who are the same and... I'm just not that...

bold. You are a gentleman.

You're sweet and you're kind.

And that's why I like being with you.

I like being with you, too.

Oh, Dad, wait. All right. I want you to say... You can't remember all that.

Of course you can.

I feel stupid.

Please, Sam.

Thank you.

Uh, booters, please.

More wine?

Yeah.

Oh, Asia, I want you to... I know, I know.

L 'air pour l 'air.

Magnifique, Madame.

I'm starting to remember all around me.

Wish you didn't have to work this afternoon.

I know, me too.

I had a fine time

today. Thank you.

Thank you.

Perhaps we could... You were saying?

I hope the two of us can...

It's what happens when you fix a wagon.

Um,

I should get going.

Yes, you should.

Isabel. Thank you for the picnic. I had a wonderful time.

Goodbye.

this trouble to transport us back to France.

It's been delightful, Beth.

But why?

Paris. That's where you two first fell in love, isn't it?

Yes. And I thought you'd like to remember that old feeling of loving each

You first did.

Unfortunately, some of our French accents made sure that you never left

Massachusetts.

Let me get some of these dishes.

Thank you, Jim.

Anyways, don't mind me. Go ahead and talk.

All right.

Well, we certainly do love pears, don't we?

Yes.

There's definitely a magic about that city.

And you certainly managed to capture that magic, sweetheart. Thank you.

Yes, but please stay.

And tell us how you plan such a wonderful treat.

Well, I guess I can stay for a bit.

I told Aunt Jo about the idea, and she thought it was very lovely, so... Here

are.

I'm sorry.

I know what you were hoping for.

I'm sorry to think it would make a difference.

I mean, one latch can't change everything.

That's right.

I have to be with them all the time, Aunt Jo.

Beth, that isn't the answer. I'm leaving Plumfield.

What?

I've made my decision.

I mean, my parents need me, Aunt Jo. I have to move home with them.

But you're leaving just like that.

It's not like I had a choice in there.

Yes, you do.

You can stay. Let your parents fight it out by themselves.

My parents are not fighting.

They're just not very happy with each other right now.

Do you think having you around will cause some sort of party?

Well, I'm kind of gonna... You know.

Yeah, me too.

There. That'll do it. Morning, Nick.

Didn't see you there.

Everything all right, friend?

Yes, yes.

Fine.

Nick, I didn't want to make a big fuss about it in front of everyone, but I

Isabella on a picnic.

You did?

How'd it go?

Oh, it was splendid.

I mean, I've never felt so... But, you know, our personalities, our

backgrounds, we're a terrible match.

Are you?

Oh, yes.

Anyone can see that. It's obvious.

So you don't want fear anymore?

Well, I... I just think it's important for couples to have things in common,

that's all.

Don't you?

Well, I suppose it helps.

The question you gotta ask yourself is this.

Are you happier with this girl?

With that?

She's determined to move home. She's packing right now. Why?

Because she thinks it's the only thing that will help.

Maybe it is.

How can you be so selfish?

Joe, you can't burden Bess with this. This is your problem to solve.

Now, I understand that you are both having a hard time right now, and I will

anything that I can to help you.

But if Bess is truly the only thing keeping your marriage together...

And bringing her home to make things feel right again is only going to be as

make -believe as the day that you spent yesterday in Paris.

9, 10, 11, and 27 cents.

That settles it.

Until next week.

As always, I'm glad you're doing business with me.

Isabel,

I'm looking all over for you.

Is that so?

Yeah, I just went to the hotel. The manager told me where to find you.

Well, he'll be expecting me back.

Wait, Isabel.

Look, I know I behaved badly that day. I don't need an explanation.

But you deserve an apology.

I'm sorry.

Isabel, just give me a moment of your time, please.

Go on.

Look, I know people are going to look at us.

And they're going to say, what an odd combination.

You, you're so full of fire and spirit.

Me, I haven't seen much life outside the classroom.

But I also know that ever since you spilled water on me that day,

I haven't been able to stop thinking about you.

Isabel, when I'm with you, I feel so happy and alive.

I guess I just want to make you happy, too.

What happens the next time some folks start whispering or looking at us funny?

I don't care.

I don't care what people think anymore.

I intend to court Miss Isabel McGregor.

And no one had better have an unkind word to say about it.

Bronze bear.

Must you always make such a scene?

Oh, father and mother. I'm so glad you came.

Bess.

It took a while, but I managed to squeeze everything in.

Sweetheart, we're not taking you home.

But I want to go.

No.

But, Father, I gave it a try, as I promised, and I'm really not enjoying

I appreciate what you're trying to do.

You don't understand. I'm not trying to do anything.

Bess, we don't want to pretend anymore.

The difficulties your mother and I are having, we will deal with them.

Work them out.

And you need to stay here with your friends and continue your studies.

You're doing so well.

And we are both so proud of you.

But I just don't understand.

I'm not sure that we understand either.

But I do think that your father and I need to spend some time alone together.

I get to know each other again.

But you guys still love each other, right?

I didn't mean to interrupt.

I don't mind.

Those colors.

You wouldn't think so at first, but they do complement each other beautifully.

Yes.

And they find a lovely balance somehow when you see them side by side.