Original subtitles

♪ Way back when in 1863, now part of the American lore ♪

♪ a young family must leave their home ♪

♪because of the civil war ♪

♪ living their lives in a brand new town ♪

♪doing the best they can ♪

♪ four little women are on their own ♪

♪ looking to make their stand ♪

♪ 'fortunes of war can change their way ♪

♪we imagine their lives will be ♪

♪ the march family are on their way ♪

Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy ♪

This morning, Beth was taken hostage by a run away

slave but he let her go right away because he could see that

we wanted to help him.

His name is John and we're hiding him in our cellar.

You see, he'd been forced to serve in the confederate army

against his will.

He'd managed to slip past the soldiers and escape, but now

they're searching for him.

And if he's caught, he'll be severely punished but worst of

all he's lose his freedom and be a slave again.

You in there...

It's all right. Go on.

Open up this door!

Open up! You hear me?

Well, what do you want?

What is it?

We're searching for a fugitive, ma'am.

A deserter.

There's no such person here.

Sorry for the inconvenience but I have to search every

house, ma'am.

I've already told you he's not here.

I heard you the first time but I've been ordered to

search every house in this neighborhood and that is

exactly what I'm going to do.

And if I refuse, what then?

Under Marshall law you don't have that privilege, ma'am.

Now step aside.

There's no one here but me and my girls.

You're wasting your time, gentlemen.

I've been patient so far but now I insist that you open

the door and step aside.

Under the circumstances i suppose I have no choice.

That's right, ma'am.

You don't.

Very well.

Follow her, Lance.

Corporal, that's Hannah our maid.

She's been with us for years.

She's like one of the family.

If she'd seen him, she would have told me.

You never can tell.

Excuse me, ladies.

This won't take long.

My mother and sisters were almost too scared to breathe.

The confederate officer was standing directly on top of

the trap door of the cellar where John was hiding.

I questioned the maid and searched the kitchen, but

there's no sign of him.

She's the only one in there, sir.

Hmm.

Very well.

Search all the rooms downstairs.

Yes, sir.

You go and search the rooms upstairs, woodward.

Yes, sir.

Please don't be harsh with my girls.

They're scared enough as it is.

I understand.

Well, what are you waiting for?

Yes, sir.

There's no one up there but my daughters, corporal.

I swear it.

He could be up there without you're knowing it.

Now, if you'll excuse me me ma'am.

Oh.

By the way, miss, you play beautifully.

Please do go on.

Go on, dear.

Play something.

Please lord, please don't let them find me.

I can't go back.

I can't!

Hmm?

Huh?

That room at the end of the hallway, take a look,

woodward.

Yes, sir.

How nicely she plays.

And with all those soldiers around.

If it were me I'd be too scared.

Excuse me.

We're looking for a runaway negro, miss.

Well, he didn't here.

I warn you miss, if you lie to us you could be

sent to prison.

What I've told you is the truth.

Very well then, young lady.

Will you swear that the man we're looking for isn't

somewhere in this house?

The only strangers here are you and your men.

You there?

The young artist?

You know where he's hiding, don't you?

No. I don't.

If I started to cry, he would have known I was lying

so I held back my tears, picked up my pencil and

started to draw again.

Thank goodness I had my sketch pad handy.

Otherwise who knows what would have happened.

Would you like me to do a complete search of the

room, sir?

No need for that.

But do a thorough search of every other room

on this floor.

Sir.

By the way, young lady, for what it's worth if drawing

portraits is your hobby, i suggest you find another.

Amy, you were wonderful.

Amy!

Amy dear, what's the matter?

Woodward, take three men and search the grounds.

The rest of you men search the out buildings.

Now move out.

We haven't got all day.

Oh, Amy darling.

I'll take you to your bed.

What happened, Meg?

Nothing, dear.

Just rest, all right?

All right.

Smells awful good.

That's mighty fine soup.

We're looking for a negro deserter.

We know he's hiding somewhere around here.

Thought maybe you have seen him.

No. Haven't seen anybody like that.

But if I had, I would have helped him every way I could

think of to get away.

Huh.

You black folks that have been freed up here in the north all

talk real big, for now.

Not for much longer though.

After we win the war and hang that traitor Lincoln, you

yous all gonna be slaves again like you're supposed

to be.

We'll never be slaves again.

Not ever.

John was scared to death certain at the rebel soldiers

would keep on searching until they found him.

We were all frightened too of course, but it seemed that

John was safe.

At least for the moment.

That's lovely.

I haven't heard a piano in two years.

Well, I better have a look at that fireplace.

Fireplace?

Sometimes they hide up the chimney.

Excuse me, miss.

See anything, lieutenant?

No ma'am. Not a thing.

Well done.

Young lady, if I may I'd like to request a favorite of mine.

Would you mind playing home sweet home for me?

I... um...

Go on, dear.

Sir, we searched all the out buildings and there's no

sign of him.

Hmm.

Any luck, woodward?

No, sir.

Very well. The young lady plays quite piano quite

beautifully, doesn't she?

What?

Huh?

How very strange.

There sat Beth playing for the confederate officer who had

forced his way into our home, a man who believed he had the

right to enslave other men simply because their skin was

darker then his.

And yet he wasn't an evil man.

In fact, he reminded me of father, a man who was fighting

for what he believed in and who missed his home and family

very much.

Jimmy! Time for supper!

All right, grandma.

I'm coming.

Grandma!

Grandma!

Oh, Jimmy.

I love you.

Oh.

It seemed like they had given up looking for John, but

then all the sudden...

Huh?

At that point it seemed certain that the lieutenant

had discovered the secret door hidden beneath the rug.

Aren't you ashamed of yourself?

Ma'am, I'm afraid your carpet is ruined.

Corporal Baker, you're to report to headquarters

right away.

We're on our way

but John will get away, sir

yes that's quite true Finch

there's nothing we can do

we've got a war to fight

Do you hear me John?

I hear ya just fine

the solders are gone but you better stay there till we're sure they're not to come back

alright I'll be waitin...

It's a blessed miracle

I'm free now, I'm a free man!

Freedom

yes sir I'm freeee!

Thanks!

There are still several solders patroling the streets

but now thats it's dark we can slip by them

mrs march I'll never forget what you done for me

I thank ya everyone of ya

none sense it was nothing, now you better hurry.

I made a little something for your trip

ah thanks Hannah i appreciate it!

I've included $20 along with the food

you've a long way to go

I can't tell you how gratful I am.

Mrs. march has given you that money as a gift...

But if you're the man I think, you'll pay her back just as soon as you can.

Right?

Right!

Ain't no doubt about that!

I won't hear of it.

It's a gift and so it shall remain.

Well I appreciate that mam!

But I'll pay ya back

someday

those solders might come back, we'd better hurry

yes'um

Ya'll keep playing miss Beth, ya hear, you got talent...

Aha, right...

Life is funny sometimes

the desperate frightened man who had taken Beth hostage

was now happier than anyone I'd ever seen

for his prayers had been answered...

He was a free man!

Most of the solders left the next morning

so even though the rebels were still in control

there were no more searches or patrols

and we all breathed a sigh of releaf and carried on as usual...

Erin has a new doll

oh, lets go see it shall we?

Aha

what does it look like, have you seen it?

Not yet

no, no, no, no, no!... That will never do, it's dredful!

Ahhhhhhhh...

If I have to listen to this cat for one more second I'll go maaad!

Ahhh... Hum...

Hummm ...Ahaha

A... Hum

Uh oh... No milky Ann

don't you dare... Here now...

In the box... Not on the floor

No no milky Ann not over there

you simply must learn to use your box

No milky Ann

excuse me... But I can't write with all this screeching going on

but she hasn't learned to use the box yet.

My novel will never be finished at this rate

a novel Jo... To write something that long... It must be a wonderful story.

It the best idea for a story I've ever had but...

It'd awfully difficult to write with milky Ann crying like that...

Oh please Jo won't you just tell me what happened in

your story I'm just dying to know what it's about

humm, well I might ...Writers don't usually like

to talk to anyone about what they are writing

the more you talk about it the less creative you'll be

but in this case... I'll make an exception

I'm honored miss march

as well you should be miss march

well... What's it about

I haven't quite worked out the ending yet but there is

but there is one thing I can tell you... Its terribly freightening

I can't imagine being more scared than i was the day father saw those rebel solders

I declare... I was trembling like a leaf

Christopher Columbus, if you think that was scarry just wait till you hear my story

it's full of horror and terror an fun things like that

to tell you the truth Jo, I'm not terribly fond of stories like that.

Then perhaps I oughten tell you about it, I wouldn't want to upset you

tell me just a little bit of it, alright?

The best part is about the murder in the

haunted castle. It's been deserted for a hundred years

but in the cellar, deep underground in the darkness...

There's the casket of the count

he's buried in the cellar?

Exactly... His treasure was buried with him. But when the

casket is opened the treasure is missing and so is the count

stop Jo, I've heard quite enough!

But I've hardly begun to tell you what the story's about

I'm sorry Jo but I'll have nightmares for a week if I hear anymore

Uh-oh

No milky Ann not there

you must learn to use the box

there just in time

I do believe it's working, Beth

now listen carefully... The box, you've got to use the box

well, it looks like she's finally learned her lesson, Beth

an historic moment indeed! Congratulations!

It's about time

Beth, there's one problem

what do you mean Jo?

Hannah doesn't like cats at all

my goodness I had no idea.

I knew that Meg didn't like them but I didn't know about Hannah.

She's terribly freightened of cats even more than Meg.

Milky Ann... you head that? Please stay away from Hannah and Meg, alright?

If she wanders into the kitchen Hannah's going to have a fit!

A little more salt

Humm?

Get away from me ya hearrr!

Scat!... shoo!...

Go on get outa here, ain't no cats allowed in the kitchen

gaaaa... Ya... Go on git...

Scat cat... Go on

No... Ahhh! Ahhhhahhh...

Now I'm warning you, don't take one step closer. Now go on, scat, shoo.

Now looky here cat! Why don't you go and bother somebody else?

I got it... Uh oh... O o o o... Yaaaa...

Aha aha aha...

Scat! Shoo! Scat go on now- go on and play with somebody else!

Has aunt march responded to fathers letter yet, mother?

No dear I'm afraid not...

But the mails service hasn't been the same since the war began

she might never have received it. That's why

I've decided to write her about it myself.

Then we're leaving York after all, aren't we mother?

Yes, that's right and we're not the only ones there are

many families moving away until the crisis is over.

Mrs. Walker and her family are moving to Boston

and Mrs. Johnson is moving to Pittsburgh.

Alice is moving to Vermont

why is everyone so afraid?

There's bound to be a battle in this area, Meg.

The conferates are gathering their forces here and

our army must prevent them from attacking the capitol

I've heard that there may be a battle at gettysburg...

That's your father's opinion as well

gettysburg is only ten miles away, no wonder everyone is afraid.

So you see Meg, there's no longer any doubt that it'll be dangerous for us to stay.

Will I suppose we must move then, more is the pity

Ahhhah oh scat, shoo

milky Ann stop that, oh dear

I hate to leave our home as much as you do

but none the less we must move to newcord as soon

as we can. I've no doubt that aunt march will find us suitable lodging.

She's lived there all her life so I'm certain

she's bound to find a lovely home for our family

I don't understand why aunt march should want to do so much for us mother.

She hardly knows us

well, she's always been quite fond of your father

he believes that she'll help us however she can.

When we go... We'll have to leave most of our things here I suppose?

Well we won't take any of the furniture of course...

As for the rest we'll take what we can.

We'll pack everything other than personal belongings

and take them to the station to be sent to the station by freight.

Your talking about the station at gettysburg, right mother?

Yes, thats right

but mother it's likely that's where the battle will take place

what's important now is to gather up what we're taking along

we can decide how to get our things to newcord after we pack.

I'm curious about our financial situation are you sure we can afford it mother?

Why do you ask, Meg?

It will be quite expensive to move.

Hooie, but don't worry. We have enough money to get us to newcourt and then some.

You'll be happy to know that financially we are quite secure

you're father invested his money quite wisely you see.

Invested?

Your father has invested his money with Mr. James who ownes the shoe factory.

He's a wonderful man and your father's best friend.

But father knows nothing. ... . About shoes

that's true, but when Mr. James told father that his

factory had been chosen to make shoes for the army...

Father helped him expand his operation in exchange for some of the profits

Oh no! Ooh!

Aah go on mother!

The point is we have enough money to see us

through and none of you need worry about it.

Now girls, I must finish this letter or we won't be moving anywhere.

And when I'm finished, will you mail it for me, Meg?

Of course.

Even if they are the enemy, their uniforms a quite handsome

how nice to see you again Mrs. Evans.

I haven't seen you and Louisa for some time

hello Meg!

Good afternoon.

Meg dear, how is your mother and your family?

Fine

I take it that you will be coming to our party tomorrow night?

I'd planned on going

but since the rebels are occupying the town now

I'd assumed that you'd delay it for a while.

Whatever for?

Our family has given a dance party during the

first week of July for as long as I remember.

A family tradition is more important than a few soldiers, isn't it?

Right!

It'll be great fun, it'll be a splendid party

but of course many of our eligible young men can't be there because of the war.

It's such a lovely day, I decided a long walk would be just the thing

and since I was in the neighborhood I thought I'd

drop in and see if my dress was ready yet.

Oh yes. I just finished it a moment ago...

Thanks!

Is that our new dress, Meg?

And just in time too. It looks like the Evans are having their party after all!

I'll go tell the family. You must put it on as soon as you get home, Meg.

Huh?

What on earth is taking her so long?

Don't be cross, it isn't every day a girl get a new dress.

Well!

When Meg saw herself in that beautiful dress she began

to image all sorts of things until a sudden load

noise brought her back to the real world again

Ooh!

I heard the noise too- but at that moment I

was too enchantedby Meg's dress to give it a moments notice

I thought it was thunder but if I'd been listening more closely

I'd have known it was something else entirly.

Meg!

It's lovely, it's beautiful- - realy it is!

As it turned out the noise we had heard was the sound

of canons, the battle of gettysburg had just begun.

♪ 'Fortunes of war can change their way ♪

♪we imagine their lives will be ♪

♪ the march family are on their way ♪

Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy ♪