Original subtitles

When I was a child, and given to daydreaming,

I had many visions of myself as a grown-up.

One of these visions was of myself miles in the air while below everyone went...

In another of my daydreams, I was the happy mother of four boys and four girls.

All of them exactly four years old.

As I grew older, I saw myself in a dream ballroom

waltzing with the crown prince of a foreign kingdom.

His heart was breaking because I'd refused to marry him.

It was out of the question.

I'd already promised to marry the junior senator from my home state.

There were other daydreams.

Always, I was glamorous, heroic, and beloved.

But dreams have a way of ending quite suddenly.

You can wake up and find yourself, as I did, that day in September,

starting life over again.

On my way to a place I'd never been, to do something I'd never dreamed of

doing, and trying not to show how scared I was.

Hi.

Well, hello there.

Hello.

That's where I'm going.

I beg your pardon?

There, look.

The Oaks.

That's my school.

Well, come and sit here, won't you?

Thank you.

What's your name?

Kevin.

Kevin Ellison Clark, the third.

My father's the second.

What's yours?

Jan Stewart, the first.

Pleased to meet you.

Thank you.

Are you traveling alone?

Uh-huh.

Are you?

Yes, but you're younger than I am.

I'm ten and ten-twelve.

My mother never goes anywhere alone.

She takes my dad with her.

Do you like her school, Kevin?

No.

I guess it's okay.

Well, what don't you like about it?

The teachers?

They're a bunch of jerks.

A couple are okay.

They're pretty good guys, a couple of them.

Guys?

Have you never had a woman teacher?

A woman?

That'd be horrible.

Woman teachers are creeps.

Are you somebody's mother or what?

I, uh... I'm a creep.

The school catalog spoke of ideal natural surroundings...

combined with unique instructional and recreational facilities.

Still, I wasn't quite prepared for what I saw.

It's a parent's tea.

Dr. Barrett wants you to help.

These are three of your boys.

Boys, this is your new teacher.

Well, how do you do?

You go right on in.

I'll take your things over to your quarters.

Oh, all right.

Thank you very much.

Thanks.

Well, be seeing you, I expect.

A woman teacher?

What do you know?

Where will I find Dr. Barrett?

Could you tell me, please?

In the study, ma'am.

Thank you.

May I remind you, Hargreave,

it was your suggestion... that a woman teacher be engaged.

A qualified woman teacher.

My dear fellow, I've already told you... she comes to us highly recommended.

By her friends, the Kensington Matthews.

Mr. Hargreave, if you find Miss Stewart's work unsatisfactory... that is one thing.

But I object to your habit of prejudging.

Well, well, hello.

Won't you come in?

How nice to see you.

Welcome to the Halls of Akadem.

Thank you, Dr. Barrett.

I want you to meet Mr. Hargreave... who is in charge of the lower school.

Mr. Hargreave, Miss Stewart.

How do you do, Miss... Stewart?

How do you do?

I must tell you that our Mr. Hargreave... is inclined to be somewhat vigorous...

in his expression of opinion.

You and Miss Stewart have things to discuss.

I'll see you later.

Nice to meet you.

Won't you sit down, Miss Stewart?

Thank you.

Mr. Hargreave is a remarkable teacher.

We may have our little differences... but only on matters of policy.

I take it I'm a matter of policy.

I'm sure I can rely on you... to win Mr. Hargreave over to our point of view.

I hope you're right.

It means a great deal to me to be here.

I know.

The Kensington Matthews... told me of your circumstances.

Incidentally, I think it wiser...

not to mention that you have never done work of this kind.

Oh?

Why make an issue of it?

You'll learn as you go along.

Oh, one thing more.

I've let it be known that you are...

Miss Stewart.

Pardon me, sir.

You said to tell you... when Mrs. Carlin and her son arrived.

Oh, yes, yes.

I'll be right there.

Mrs. Carlin is one of our most school-conscious parents.

We are indebted to her for our new swimming pool.

Well, now, these cards...

are for the special problems of each of your 12 boys.

Study them carefully.

Here at the Oaks, we believe... that discipline is the foundation of character.

Here are the school rules.

You will enforce them firmly, but fairly.

Now, then, I want you to meet the parents... and some of your boys.

During tea, Dr. Barrett introduced me... to the Kirklands, who'd given a dormitory...

the Marlows, who'd given the stables for the horses...

and the Elliots, who'd given the horses.

I even met a few parents who'd given nothing.

After that, Dr. Barrett conducted me to assembly.

As you may have observed by now... we have added to our distinguished faculty...

for the first time... a member of the opposite sex.

A most charming member... Miss Jan Stewart.

And now, we shall all rise... and sing the school anthem.

Let's go.

That evening, armed with Dr. Barrett's cards... I made the acquaintance of my twelve.

Here, here.

Let's see now.

Oh, yes, you're Tim Johnson, aren't you?

I see you expect to be a band leader.

Oh, I sure do.

Very well, boys.

No more noise.

Let's have it quiet... and into bed with you, all of you.

All right, you too.

Come along now.

Do you wear that all the time?

Oh, sure.

That's right, Jimmy.

Settle down.

Settle down.

Homer Curtis.

Homer Curtis.

Place of birth, London, England.

Highest IQ in school.

Poor in athletics.

Tends to deprecate faculty.

Correct this.

Michael Elliott.

Somewhat domineering.

Correct this.

Family gave horses.

James Tracy Travers.

Average student.

Table manners and language, crude.

Inclined to make trouble.

Correct this.

All right now, boys, boys.

I think you all know the rules, don't you?

No more talking after I come.

Hey, where's my common book?

Come on, boys, break it up.

Break it up here.

Come along now.

No playing either.

I don't want to hear another single sound out of any of you.

Now... Lights out.

I said lights out.

Quiet, quiet, everybody.

Now you're all to go to sleep right away.

Do you understand?

Very well then.

Good night.

Good night, sir.

I told you she was a creep.

Come in.

Excuse me, sir.

Well?

The thing came out of my pajamas.

What?

I was just lying there in bed.

And all of a sudden it came out.

All by itself?

I guess so.

I was trying to go to sleep.

And then I noticed this.

Sir!

Sir!

There's something in my bed, sir!

In your bed?

It's alive, sir!

It's horrible!

It's all squirmy and wriggly.

Just a minute, just a minute.

There's nothing in your bed, Jimmy.

You know it, and I know it too.

As for you, Michael, get another pair of pajamas.

Don't let that happen again.

Now trot right back upstairs and stay there till I call you in the morning.

Get going.

So, I'd met my first crisis.

Fairly, but firmly.

As recommended by Dr. Barrett.

Well, what do you want?

Oh, I have a stomach ache.

Oh, man, it's just gruesome, sir.

Do you feel sick?

Uh-uh.

It just hurts.

Well, where does it hurt?

Up and down here?

On the right side?

My appendix?

Oh, no, sir.

It kind of hurts all over.

Oh.

Everywhere, all at once.

You know how it is.

Yes, I think maybe I do.

Let me see your tongue.

Well, I think maybe we have a remedy for that.

Maybe if you gave me a glass of water or

something, that would make it feel much better.

For a gruesome stomach ache, let me see what we have now.

Are you going to give me medicine, sir?

Castor oil.

Oh, no, that'd kill me.

Or a milk of magnesia, maybe.

I don't need anything.

Or a calcium carbonate.

My stomach's feeling better.

Lots better.

Honest, sir.

It's okay.

Bobby.

Whose idea was it to come down here?

Mine, sir.

I had a stomach ache.

And yet you didn't want any medicine.

What did you want?

Well, I guess I just wanted... I don't know, nothing.

Well, then, in that case, I think you'd better get back to bed, don't you?

Yes, sir.

Now, get to sleep right away.

Yes, sir.

No talking with the other boys?

Thought I'd drop around a minute, if it's all right.

Oh, well, that's very kind of you.

You know, it's funny how many assorted aches there are the first day of school.

Never met a boy yet who'd admit it was just homesickness.

Homesickness?

Oh.

You mean he wasn't just faking?

Not Bobby.

Most boys miss their parents.

Trouble with Bobby is his parents don't miss him.

Oh, I see.

I was just going to have some coffee.

Will you have some with me?

Thanks.

Oh, it seems the boys insist on calling me sir.

Well, I suppose that'll change with time.

Or else you'll get used to it.

Oh, the coffee.

Oh, goodness.

Oh, most of it's gone, I'm afraid.

Never mind.

I don't want me.

You go ahead.

Oh, all right.

You like your living quarters?

Think you'll be comfortable here?

Well, frankly, I hadn't expected such a big sitting room and a piano hall to myself.

Hate to disillusion you, but this is the common room.

The boys share it with you.

All twelve of them.

Pianos for them to practice on.

I see you got Barrett's card.

Yes, they'll be very helpful.

Do me a favor.

Just play it by ear for a while.

You can't tabulate boys like... like cans of beans.

Especially these boys.

Most of them are here because their parents can't be bothered with them.

They couldn't be more abandoned if they'd been left in a basket on the doorstep.

Naturally, that complicates your problems as a teacher.

There's a popular notion that people who can't do anything else go in for teaching.

What made you become a teacher?

Let's not play cat and mouse, Mr. Hargrave.

In my last year at college, I was an assistant instructor.

That's years ago, and I've never done any teaching since.

Did the Kensington Matthews know that when they recommended you?

I'm not in the habit of telling lies.

I was hired on a trial basis for the period of one year.

Or until something better comes along for you.

Is that it, Miss Stewart?

I'm not Miss Stewart.

I'm Mrs. Stewart.

And if you want my entire life history...

My husband died a few months ago, and when he died, he and I were separated.

Now, wait a minute.

I'm not trying to get your life history.

I'm not trying to get your sympathy.

It means a great deal to me to do a good job here.

I haven't done very much with my life up to now.

Hello?

This is Miss Stewart.

Miss Dunning?

Oh, Miss Dunning.

Yes, he's here.

Hello.

I was going to call you.

I, uh...

I didn't get a chance.

No, Barbara, I can't.

I told you this afternoon.

First day of school.

Okay, I'll, uh... I'll see you tomorrow night.

Well, Mr. Hargrave, where do we stand?

To be a teacher, you need ability...

experience... and devotion.

I'll be all the help I can.

The rest is up to you.

I'll do my best.

This isn't the best school in the world.

But it's by no means the worst.

And it can be made better.

Well, good night.

Good night.

A man of vigorous opinions.

I saw what Dr. Barrett meant about Joe Hargrave.

Next morning, my education continued.

Apollo followed her with the swiftness of light.

Suddenly she stumbled and fell.

She lay there all bedraggled.

What?

Bedraggled.

Quiet, everybody.

B-E-D-R-A-W-G-L-E-D spells bedraggled, Bobby.

Suddenly she stumbled and fell.

She lay there all bedraggled.

And according to Leggin...

All right, quiet, please.

Quiet.

The word is legend.

Do you know what a legend is, Bobby?

It's a... well, let's see.

I know what it is, sir, but...

I know! I know!

Well, Homer?

Medusa!

She had snakes on her head instead of hair.

Anybody that looked at her got turned to stone.

Well, that's right, Homer.

Very good.

Yes, Jeff?

Do you like snakes, sir?

Well, not especially.

Now, let's get on... There's lots of snakes around here, sir.

Garter snakes, gopher snakes, rattlesnakes.

They have a rattle on their tail and two long teeth.

I forget what you call them.

Fangs.

You're welcome!

Quiet, please.

Everybody, quiet!

Quiet!

Sit down, everybody.

Is everything all right, Miss Stewart?

Oh, yes, thank you, Dr. Barrett.

We were just indulging in a rather silly little joke.

I'm afraid he got a trifle out of hand.

Well, no harm in a little fun now and then.

They're always exuberant the first few days.

During play period, they'll work off some of their animal spirits.

Well, carry on.

Kevin, Kevin, stop clowning.

I'll get back to your seat.

I'm not clowning, sir.

Kevin, come here.

Yes, sir.

Write these words on the board.

I must not be a clown in class.

Well, write them.

We're here to work.

Not to play games and make ridiculous jokes.

I'm here to teach you, and you're here to learn.

And so I want you all...

Kevin, go back to your desk and write, I must not be a clown in class 100 times.

Hey, that's not fair, sir.

500 times.

500?

That'll take forever.

That's all right with me.

Get to work and number everyone.

If there's any more disturbance, the entire class will get the same punishment.

That's the bell, sir.

I heard the bell, thank you.

Class dismissed.

Not you.

Ah, gee, sir.

We have horseback riding this afternoon.

Not you.

Go back to your desk.

Oh, what a jiff.

Sir?

Yes?

You ought to see the new saddle my pop bought me.

It's got flowers and butterflies carved all over it.

I... I haven't had a chance to try it yet.

You're not going riding, Kevin.

We're going to do those lines if it takes all day and half the night.

Come in.

Guess where I found this young fellow hiding behind the gym.

Why, Alan, you're supposed to be in riding class, aren't you?

Thank you, Mr. Munsey.

Thank you.

What is it, Alan?

I don't care too much for horses.

I like them, but I don't like to ride them.

Oh, you'll soon get over that.

Why, all boys like to ride horseback.

Not me.

Honest, I don't want to.

I'm scared.

Oh, come on.

What nonsense.

I'll be back.

I'm scared.

Of course you're scared.

Everybody's scared the first time.

Now look, there's a rope on your horse.

I'll hold the other end and we'll walk.

Slow and easy.

That's how I learned to ride.

Want to try it?

Well...

All right, sir.

Atta boy.

Well, here we go.

Good going.

Put your foot in the stirrup.

Here, hold the reins tight.

There.

All right, boys, start off on your own.

Go ahead.

Hey, no galloping.

Hold it down to a trot.

Where's Kevin?

Oh, he's being punished for misbehaving in class.

This is a class, too, you know.

Well, if you like, I'll send him out.

No, you set the punishment.

You'll have to go through with it.

Come on, boy.

263, sir.

That's for the mail, sir.

I'm kind of expecting a letter.

Can I go?

May I go?

Yeah, can I... I mean, may I go?

I did 263 and a half.

All right, you may go.

But I want you back here in 10 minutes.

Yes, sir.

I'll just take this.

Are you sure there isn't something for me from Europe?

Sorry, Bob, not a thing.

Oh, well, I just wondered.

Good afternoon.

Oh, hello.

How many more do you have to do?

Is she sticking to 500?

It's unconstitutional.

All right, Kevin, go along now.

Yes, sir.

352... How

do you do, Jeff?

How do you do?

Just finished the duty schedule.

Here's yours.

Oh, thank you.

Well, Alan, the plane checker's standing up, huh?

How's the backside?

Well, it's okay, sir.

Got the makings of a great cowhand, this fella.

Maestro, how's it going?

Not so good, sir.

Oh, it's not that bad.

353, sir.

My hand gets tired.

That's why it looks so sloppy.

How many more do you have to do?

I gotta do 500 if it takes all day and half the night.

I'm only guessing, of course, but, uh,

I don't think they've used that form of punishment since the middle of the dark ages.

Good night.

Good night.

All right, boys.

Very well, Jeff.

That's enough for tonight.

Thank you, sir.

Now then, it's almost 8 o'clock.

Up to bed.

All of you, come along now. Hurry up.

No more playing.

Just leave everything.

Come along.

Come on home, or I'll be up later.

Just leave it now.

Go along.

Go along.

Hurry up.

Kevin.

357.

All right.

That'll do, Kevin.

But I didn't finish, sir.

I know, I know.

But that's enough.

Here's your tarry now.

Hurry along upstairs.

Honest, sir?

Yes.

Get right to bed.

Try to get to sleep right.

Here's your jacket now.

Kevin.

Huh?

Never mind.

Just go to bed.

Thank you, sir.

Boys, I feel we owe it to each other to...

I hope, boys, that in the future... we can avoid further unpleasantness...

and work together in a more friendly way.

Teachers can make mistakes too, you know.

I like you all.

Every one of you.

Very much.

And... And I want you to like me.

In the next few days... I sought and received some expert advice.

So keep one step ahead of them.

If they ask you questions you can't answer... refer them to the encyclopedia.

That will add to their knowledge...

and yours.

Give them plenty of rugged outdoor exercise.

Plenty of pep and jenniger.

Jenniger?

To instill in them a respect for authority... but authority tempered with justice.

You will find these works to contain excellent hours.

And I spent more hours doing more homework...

than the rest of the school put together.

Why don't you go to sleep, huh?

Hey, maybe he's hungry.

Maybe he's thirsty.

Animals are 94% wealthy, including humans.

Let me hold him.

Huh, Kevin?

Just for a sec.

Well, all right.

I'm going to get some crackers.

What's the matter, pup?

Miss your mother?

Here, pup.

It's peanut butter.

Coconut with almonds.

Want some jelly beans?

Here's your water, pup.

Hey, fellas, here comes Stupa.

Well.

What's the matter, boys?

Didn't you get enough supper?

I was thirsty, sir.

Humans are 94% water.

If you drained all the water from the human body... and put it in a pan...

Undoubtedly, Homer, but excuse me.

All right, boys.

Well.

Well, where did this come from?

It didn't just grow here.

All right, I'll ask you once more.

Where did it come from?

Well?

Mr. Hargrave.

One of his dogs had five of them, sir.

Real beaut.

Did Mr. Hargrave give them to you?

We sort of borrowed them to play with.

But I hardly think a bureau drawer is the ideal place for him to sleep.

I have a hat box in my room... and an extra blanket.

Homer.

Homer, you get a pan now... and see that he has plenty of water.

Here, Kevin.

You mean we can keep him, sir?

Well, I don't see why not.

Yeah, but he belongs to Mr. Hargrave.

Well, I'll talk to Mr. Hargrave right away.

Gee, that'd be a key.

Well,

what do you know?

You know what I think?

I think she's gone off her trolley.

Yeah.

You know, I'm not accustomed to bringing my dates home at 10.30.

That's what comes with associating with oil men...

and cattle barons.

Never mind my associates.

How about Sunday?

Are we going to the lake?

Give it some thought and let you know.

It'll be nice to hear from you for a change.

A little reciprocity would be good for my morale.

Good night, ma'am.

Hey, Joe.

Try missing me once in a while, will you?

I'll put my mind up.

Why, I'm awfully sorry to bother you.

I just came over because I had something to talk to you about.

But if this isn't the right moment... Don't bother at all.

Glad to see you.

Come in.

I'm a little careless about my housekeeping.

Would you like a drink, a cup of coffee?

No.

No, thank you.

Nothing.

Oh, here.

Sit down.

Now, what's your problem?

Well, if you find yourself short one puppy...

please don't report him to the Missing Persons Bureau.

We sort of borrowed him, but we like to keep him.

In the dormitory?

Yes.

And I thought if you give us some instructions about feeding him...

how much and how... Sorry, it can't be done.

No dogs in the dormitory.

But I... I promised them.

Well, explain to them.

They're not morons. They'll understand.

I doubt very much that they'll understand.

As a matter of fact, I don't understand.

If I'm not mistaken, it was you who told me to play it by ear.

Well, you've got to use a little judgment.

You want the boys to like you?

Fine.

But you can't do it with bribery.

Bribery?

Well, spoiling them is no better than cracking the whip.

In other words, everything I do is wrong.

If it's not too much to ask, what would you recommend, Mr. Hargrave?

I'd have them build a kennel for the dog in the stable where he belongs.

I'd tell them it's their dog, their responsibility.

That's offering them reality instead of nonsense.

Nonsense?

I see.

You've really made your mind up about me, haven't you?

There's no use in my trying.

I'll give Dr. Barrett my resignation in the morning.

Now, wait a minute, Miss Stewart.

Good night, Mr. Hargrave.

Hargrave may be in charge of the lower school, but I am still headmaster.

If that is clearly understood, with your

permission, I am going to tear up this letter.

No, keep it.

Please.

If Mr. Hargrave wants me to leave...

There are a number of subjects on which Mr. Hargrave and I do not entirely agree.

It seems that you are one of them.

But where are we going, Karen?

You're supposed to be in shock.

Yeah, but we've got something to show you.

Come on.

Look at this.

Isn't that wizard?

Do you like it, Professor?

I should say so.

Note the flat roof.

Modern architecture.

It was real swell of you, sir, getting Mr. Hargrave to let us keep the dog.

Oh, yes.

Well, that's fine.

Well, let's finish it up, huh, fellas?

How did you make out with Dr. Barrett?

Did he change your mind about quitting?

I'm going to stay for the time being.

Good.

You've got a lot to learn.

But who hasn't?

Boys!

Want to hear it?

Yeah, sure.

I feed your turtle every day.

He's lazy, just like you.

If you do not ever get sick, I was Love Nancy.

Look how she draws a turtle.

Well, what have you got there?

Moths.

We're breeding them.

This is Mr. Beezlebottom, Mrs. Beezlebottom.

Here's Harry Beezlebottom on the top.

Of the species known as Tinea pellionella.

Who cares?

When we get 500 of them, we'll get a lot of mousse in Dr. Barrett's closet.

Really?

What for?

To eat up his clothes.

Good joke, huh?

Well, it's a wonderful joke, but of course, you know,

afterwards you might have to pay for the clothes.

Yeah, it could be expensive, couldn't it?

And besides, you might even scare Dr. Barrett to death.

You know, finding a flock of moths in your closet

can be almost as startling as a frog in the bed.

I think the best thing to do is take them outside now and just let them all go.

Oh, gee!

It sure is tough out here.

Hello?

Yes?

Who turns Atlantic?

Paris?

Mr. Robert Lennox.

Bobby?

Hello?

Hi, Mother.

Yeah, it's me.

It's okay.

About the same as last year.

I'm okay.

Only I don't seem to get letters the way the other guys do.

The Riviera?

Where's that?

Oh... Not even for Christmas?

Gee, couldn't you and Dad maybe...

No, I won't open them till Christmas.

Okay.

Goodbye, Mom.

Goodbye.

All right, boys, it's eight o'clock.

Upstairs, everybody.

Come on, Tim.

Team with.

I was winning.

Well, you can continue tomorrow night.

Hurry up now.

Up you go.

Tomorrow's a big day.

Bobby?

Never mind, Bobby.

By between now and Christmas, they may change their plans.

No, they won't.

They never do.

Well, you'd better run along with the other boys now.

I'll be up to see you in a few minutes, hmm?

Sir?

Yes?

I got a stomachache.

Oh, does it hurt bad?

Yes, sir.

It's just gruesome.

Well, now, I think we can do something about that.

You come here and lie down now.

That's right.

Now, this will only take a minute.

You're not going to give me castor oil, sir.

No, not castor oil.

Melky Magnesia?

That makes it hurt worse.

I had something else in mind.

That fizzly stuff?

No, this is something quite different and very much better for you.

Oh.

You know what I think gave you a stomachache?

The way you were galloping that horse this afternoon.

I think you may have strained some muscles.

Did you see me?

Did I see you?

I never saw a boy ride so well.

I sure streaked in, didn't I?

Nobody else could keep up with me, except Mr. Hargrave.

You made me proud, Bobby, just watching you.

But you scared me, though.

I did?

Did I really?

You sure did.

If anything were to happen to you, an accident or

something like that, well, I just don't know what I'd do.

Like if I fell and got trampled by my horse?

Oh, Bobby, don't say that.

And all the other horses ran right over me, crunching my bones.

Oh, stop, Bobby.

And I'd be all bloody and dead?

If you say another word, I'll faint.

I'll bet Mom would sure cry if I got killed.

Here, Bobby.

Hot chocolate.

Very soothing to the stomach.

Don't you like it?

Oh, yeah, sure.

It's my favorite drink just about.

Good.

Man, you shouldn't have had to make it.

Feeling better?

Yeah, I didn't know it was smoothing to the stomach.

Mmm.

My mom made hot chocolate for me once.

Once?

She did?

I had a bad cold.

She made it herself and brought it up to my bedroom.

Well, it wasn't any better than yours, though.

Thank you.

Sir, did you ever think about getting married?

Well, yes, I did.

Once.

When I'm big and get married and have children, I'm

gonna stay with them all the time until they're real old.

Maybe 30 or 40.

I think that's a very good idea.

Especially at Christmas.

It was at Christmas that I began to change my mind about Mr. Hargrave.

For the boys who had to stay at the Oaks over the holidays,

Joe Hargrave saw to it that the season was properly celebrated.

Western style.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me five golden rings.

Four calling birds, three French hens, two

turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent

to me six geese a-laying, five golden rings.

Four calling birds, three French hens, two

turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me seven swans

a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings.

Four calling birds, three French hens, two

turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me eight manes

a-milking, seven swans a-swimming, six geese a-laying, five golden rings.

Four calling birds, three French hens, two

turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Vigilia.

Vigilia, second bar.

Angle two equals angle three.

Alternate interior angle.

The rays will be back twice, you see.

Once on entering the land, again on leaving.

If you notice, they come to a point right here.

That's the old pep and jenning her boyfriend.

Look, keep your left up in his face.

Now,

line up again, boys.

Come on, in line.

This may surprise some of you, but dancing is not a form of torture.

When you're going to parties, you'll realize

that dancing is really very... Yes, Homer?

Dancing's fine when we reach the mating age.

I beg your pardon?

Dancing started as a tribal custom related to culture.

If we could just wait till we're... All right, Homer.

That'll do.

Just start the record again, will you?

Boys, now we'll start it again, and this time

try and get into the real spiritual things.

All right, now. Let's put ready, everybody.

One, two, three, then we'll start.

Ready?

Okay.

One, two, three, go.

Two, three, ding, ding, ding.

No, no, Alan, that's the wrong thing.

Say, Miss Stewart, why don't you and I give the fellows a demonstration?

All right.

We're just giving the boys a little demonstration.

So I see.

You make a very handsome couple.

There's a party landing on the football field!

Come along, Harvey.

It's the Oliver's.

Be in my office in ten minutes.

I want you to meet Oliver and his son.

You, too.

Who are the Oliver's?

Don't you know, Mr. Oliver?

Of the Houston Oliver's?

Of the oil, airline, and shipping Oliver's?

This ought to be good for a new dormitory, at least.

It is no great problem.

Don't give it a thought, Mr. Oliver.

Our system is to study each new boy to determine his abilities and his needs.

There's no reason he can't make a good showing.

He's healthy, his eyesight and hearing are perfect.

Intelligence, well above average.

But look at those records.

Those letters from his teachers.

Report cards and letters don't tell us very much.

Have you ever tried to figure out what's wrong?

When I have a business problem I can't solve, I hire experts to analyze it.

I assume you're experts.

Oh, absolutely. Quite right.

That is the principle on which the Oaks is based.

What about his home life?

Home life?

Yes, is he happy when he's at home?

How does he get along with you and Mrs. Oliver?

Unfortunately, Mrs. Oliver...

I died when Dick was a year old.

My business keeps me away from home three weeks out of four.

We understand your situation, Mr. Oliver.

Now, I know you are anxious to get away.

You haven't answered Miss Stewart's question.

We'd like to know more about the boy's background.

I wish I had more time.

So do I.

I still have a few matters to discuss with Mr. Oliver.

Oh, Miss Stewart, young Richard is in the sitting room.

Perhaps you would show him around?

Introduce him to his classmates?

Yes, of course.

We'll try and make your son feel welcome here.

If you can keep him out of trouble, I'll be satisfied.

Oh, I'm sure everything will work out all right.

You haven't met him, have you?

No, not yet.

I wish you luck, Miss Stewart.

I'll be very grateful for anything you can do.

Well, we'll try.

Goodbye.

This isn't one of your diplomatic days, is it?

Let Barrett be diplomatic.

I'm sick of these parents who tie their kids in knots...

and expect us to straighten them out.

After all, Mr. Oliver does have his problems.

There's the one with problems... and he can make plenty of problems for you.

Oh, I believe all he needs really is a little understanding...

a little discipline, maybe.

You know something?

You're beginning to sound like Dr. Barrett.

I'd watch that if I were you.

I'm Miss Stewart, your teacher.

Would you like to come along with me and meet the other boys?

I don't care.

Well, I know they want to meet you.

Let's go, shall we?

And this is Tony, Peter, Kevin, Homer...

Jimmy, Alan, Jeff, and Bobby.

And you learn their last names after a while.

Is that really your own plane?

Sure, who's your thing?

He just flew in from Houston, Texas.

Did you get those guns in Texas?

Can I see one?

Do I have to wear one of those monkey coats?

Why, yes, of course you do.

All the boys wear them.

You see the oak tree?

That's the school emblem.

What a lousy school.

Clearly, it was going to require more than a little encouragement...

and discipline to make Dick Oliver feel welcome at the Oaks.

After several weeks, I began to think it might require a miracle.

Come on, break it up, boys.

Get on your feet, Michael. Come on.

What's it all about, anyhow?

Bobby, how did your glasses get broken?

It was an accident, sort of.

Well, how did the accident happen?

He stole my gun.

I saw you.

You punched him.

Why didn't you pick on somebody your own size?

All right, take it easy.

Did you take his gun, Bobby?

Well, I just borrowed it to look at.

I was going to give it back.

Well, next time you get permission before you borrow something.

Yes, sir.

All right, Jimmy, give the gun back.

That's right.

And, Dick, why don't you try being a little more generous with your things?

You'll get on better.

All right, boys, take it easy.

Michael, you'd better go with me.

And, Bobby, don't worry about those.

We'll get them fixed.

Tough guy.

Yeah, well, just leave my stuff alone, see?

Who wants it anyway?

Blouncy old cat pistol.

I got a real gun at home.

A shotgun for shells.

Prove it.

I'll show you tonight.

Hey, Bob, you want to read one of my letters?

Okay.

I wrote my mom again.

Guess she didn't get it.

Maybe she's not at the Riviera anymore.

Is that real gunpowder?

Of course it's real.

Don't you know a shotgun shell when you see one?

Honest to goodness!

Shh, not so loud.

What would happen if you lighted it?

I'd pull the place up, gunpowder explodes

when it's hit with something... or set off with a fire.

I'm confused.

This'll only burn.

Burn, all right.

I'll show you.

Hey, don't!

You want to start a fire?

Yeah, the whole building might burn down.

Now, true.

That's what the sprinklers are for.

When there's a fire, they go off.

Ah, boy, I know how they work.

All you got to do is take that cap off.

It has to be...

Shut up!

Shut up.

Stoop out of yours.

Hey, get off of it.

Yeah, come on.

It has to be hot enough to load the metal.

Hey, get off!

Stop sprinkling!

And even you may need a break.

Boys, give me a thumbs up. Yeah, I know. I know.

The boys will be boys.

All right, wrap it up.

It's a false alarm.

Hey, you kids, get off of that truck.

You want to get hurt?

Everybody back to the bad side.

And I'm laughing for one night.

In brief, this is the most horrible outrage I have ever known.

Never in the history of the Oaks have I

witnessed such an example of wanton vandalism.

I'm going to give you one more chance to tell me who is responsible.

Boys, you must realize... I'll handle this.

And don't ever wear it again.

I think if we go at it calmly... Your calmness has led to mischief enough already.

For the last time, which boy began it?

Answer me at once.

Very well, you shall all be punished.

Every single one of you, unless the culprit steps... Sir?

Yes?

That's unconstitutional.

It says in the... Silence!

I agree.

Punishing everyone, I won't allow it.

And I will not allow insubordination.

From anyone.

Get the boys back to bed.

Report to me tomorrow morning at 8.30.

All of you.

You too, Miss Stewart.

All right, boys, get off to bed.

Go on, fast as you can.

Dirty stinker!

Now we'll all get it.

Oh, shut up.

Why didn't you tell him you did it?

Why should I?

All right, boys, get on upstairs.

Dry your heads.

Get on fresh pajamas.

And there's extra sheets and blankets in the storeroom.

Lights out in five minutes.

Get busy now.

Wet night, isn't it?

If it's all the same to you, I'd like to change my clothes.

You'll look fine.

There's just one thing.

I had a feeling there might be.

Do you know who set off the sprinklers?

Well, I had my suspicions.

Well, hadn't you better talk to Barrett?

I've had a talk with Barrett.

Okay, but remember this.

Boys have their own ideas of right and wrong.

It's wrong to squeal on the others.

It's also wrong for the guilty to keep still and let the innocent take the rap.

If I were you, I'd keep my eyes open.

Thanks.

Anything else?

Yes.

Let yourself go more often.

It does something for you.

Next morning, Dr. Barrett passed sentence.

The boys had already passed a sentence of their own.

I hope you are doing well with your music.

Practice hard every day and make Mommy proud of you.

Someday you will be a great pianist and play in Carnegie Hall.

Oh, showy.

How far do we get, anything?

One from Dad and one from Grandpa.

Know how old he is?

Yes.

Wow.

Come on, you want to read them?

Hey, Bobby, don't you want your mail?

There's a letter for you.

Sailboat Regatta on the Riviera.

That's where she is, all right.

Sir, I got a letter from my mother on the Riviera.

Look, she learned how to type.

Who wants to read my letter from the Riviera?

Hi, Bobby.

Dear Bobby, your daddy and I are terribly sorry not to have written before this.

But you know how it is, darling.

When people are traveling, we've just been on

the go every minute of the last three months.

There's so much to see and so much... Hey, what's the big idea?

Why don't you leave my things alone?

What's wrong?

What did you do that for?

They'll get our wrinkles.

You're supposed to fold them, not tie them up.

Maybe you tied them up so they wouldn't get away.

And give me my pill. This church here?

Come on, Bobby.

Come on, Bobby. look like this pillow? I don't see his name on it.

Here, Dickie boy, catch.

Oh, excuse me.

My eyesight isn't what it used to be.

Go get it.

It's not my pillow.

I don't want it.

I'm not scared of anything.

Down in Texas, they eat tigers for breakfast.

I'll show you scared.

What's all the noise about?

Who's out there?

Open that window at once.

Dick!

Dick!

Just a simple fracture of the tibia and a few bruises.

We'll have him scooting around on crutches in a few days.

Thanks, doctor.

I'll have to get him in a cast.

Now, look, he's in good hands.

You warned me.

I should never have let them out of my sight.

Not for a minute.

What's happened?

There's no need of making yourself miserable.

Uh-oh.

Oh, Dr. Barrett, I suppose it's no good my telling you how terrible I feel.

No good whatsoever.

I've had a long-distance talk with Mr. Oliver.

He is sending his private plane.

Once the boy delivered home immediately.

Why?

He is with Mr. Oliver.

He is withdrawing from the school.

That is why.

Such savagery practice on an innocent boy.

He's not so innocent.

He's the one that set off the fire alarm.

You knew this?

I knew it too.

And I knew that the others would try to get even.

I should have warned Miss Stewart.

You should have come to me.

I am amazed at both of you.

I won't call it negligence.

That is too charitable.

I call it...

It's beyond words.

Why should you take the blame?

I figured you'd been through enough for one evening.

Maybe I spoke too soon.

Miss Stewart.

After what has happened, I cannot allow young Oliver to travel alone.

You will deliver him to his father in person.

And you will explain how it happened, if you can.

But Dr. Barrett, surely... That is final.

You did speak too soon.

That is what is known as... serving the oaks above and beyond the call of duty.

Well, at least you'll be rid of me for a few days.

That's right.

Do me a favor.

Hurry back.

You still think this school needs a woman teacher?

Sure, it keeps life from getting dull.

This is the liveliest year we've ever had at the oaks.

I shouldn't think there's much danger of your life ever becoming dull.

You seem to have found...

diversions.

You can always find diversions, if that's what you're looking for.

Yes, I suppose so.

I haven't had much chance to think about that sort of thing lately.

I've been thinking a lot about it lately.

Miss Stewart.

Oh, Miss Stewart.

Yes, Dr. Barrett?

Before you and the boy leave for Texas, there are

certain instructions the doctor wishes to give you.

If you please, Miss Stewart.

Yes, Dr. Barrett.

Bon voyage.

Thanks.

How do you explain to a father that his boy has built

a wall of silent anger between himself and the world?

For that matter, how do you explain it to the boy?

Aren't you going to have any lunch, Dick?

I'm not hungry, I told you.

You feel better now you're home, don't you?

Here, let me take these.

Here it is.

I'm going back soon, you know.

I won't be seeing you again.

I hate leaving you like this.

I was downtown this morning and I saw a new book about airplanes.

I know you like airplanes.

Thanks.

Dick, listen to me.

I know how you feel.

Sometimes I felt exactly the same way myself.

You've been hurt.

I don't mean just this, but in other ways.

And you think that everybody's against you.

But it's not true.

The boys wanted to be your friends, but you just wouldn't let them.

Miss Stewart, Mr. Oliver wishes to see you in the study.

Oh, all right.

Thank you, Martha.

I want to be your friend, too.

Dick, do you hear me?

Yeah, I hear you.

Get my plane checked out in Mexico City.

Yes, I can make it.

Set the meeting for six.

Don't find the director.

I want them all there this time.

You wanted to see me, Mr. Oliver?

Oh, yes.

When you return to the Oaks, you'll please send me his school records.

I could persuade you to change your mind.

Even if he wanted to go back, which he doesn't,

I wouldn't send him if you gave me the place.

Oh, I'm not blaming you personally, Miss Stewart.

As a matter of fact, I had hoped that you being there might help him some way.

Well, no point going into all that.

Oh, if you're ready, I'll drive you to the airport.

Oh, I'll take a taxi, thank you.

I don't want to travel you.

You won't.

I'm leaving myself.

I've got a meeting in Mexico City.

Does Dick know you're going?

He'll be all right.

The servants will look after him.

I was supposed to be there yesterday.

Mr. Oliver, the car's waiting.

I'll be right there, Martha.

No lunch, son?

Well, that's up to you.

Now, listen, Dick, I'm going away, but I'll be back by the end of the week.

You behave yourself.

I want you to do everything Martha tells you.

Understand?

Hurry up and get well, will you?

We should write to me sometimes, tell me how you are, what you're doing.

I'll be thinking about you.

Goodbye, Dick.

Son, did you hear, Miss Stewart?

Aye.

Sir!

Dick, what is it?

Please don't go.

Don't go.

Don't leave me.

What's wrong, Dick?

Are you sick?

Shall I call the doctor?

No, no.

You go ahead.

I'll stay with you.

Yes, of course I'll stay.

I can take another pain.

There, Dick, it's all right now, darling.

Dick, that's all right.

Everything's all right now.

It's getting late, sir.

Miss Stewart will miss her plane.

She's not going, Martha.

Call the airport. Cancel the reservation.

Yes, sir.

Oh, Martha, cancel mine, too.

I beg your pardon?

I said cancel mine, too.

Oh, splendid! That is good news.

I can't tell you how happy I am.

Oh, my dear Oliver, no, I wouldn't hear of it.

No, no, not a penny.

Well, tell her to stay as long as you and she feel it necessary.

Oh, we're delighted to be of service.

She's necessary right here.

Very good of you to take that attitude.

What's good about it?

She's got 12 boys to look after.

Mr. Hargrave, please.

Perhaps at some later date if you still... Just because he owns half the state of Texas.

Does that give him any right to disrupt our operation?

I was saying if you still feel you wish to show your appreciation of the Oaks, Mr. Hargrave...

I certainly do.

She certainly is.

I hope he explains to Mr. Hargrave that... What's that?

Yes, she has.

She's been wonderful with Dick.

And very tolerant with me.

Please ask him if he... Ask him to tell Joe Hargrave that... Oh, sorry, he hung up.

Dr. Barrett says to carry on.

He wants you to stay as long as it's necessary.

Really?

We'll try to make it as pleasant here for you as we can.

All right.

How about that, Dick?

Oh, me?

Oh, sure, that's fine.

And afterwards we would watch the lonesomeness of the river.

Kind of lazy alone.

And by and by, lazy off to sleep.

Wake up by and by and look...

Hello?

That's right.

Richard Oliver.

It's Houston.

Who wants to be first?

Hello, I'd like to speak to Miss Stewart.

This is Joe Hargrave.

Oh, well, uh... When will she be back?

Thursday?

Where is she?

Oh.

No, uh... No message.

Where is she, sir?

On the Gulf.

They, uh... went on a trip on Mr. Oliver's boat.

Flight 27.

Yeah, the plane's ready to go.

Take it easy, son.

It won't leave without you.

I was wondering... Is our plane out the new turbopox?

No, no, that's a different ship, son.

You've seen them with bigger nacelles.

You know, I thought I might take them with me this summer.

I'll be flying through the Middle East.

Oh, he'd love that.

Sir?

All right, son, all right.

I was saying, I hope I have the chance to see you again soon.

Well, I hope so, too.

Uh, parents are encouraged to visit the school.

Oh, what I was thinking.

This summer... Pardon me, Mr. Oliver.

Would your party go aboard, please?

We're ready to take off.

May I help?

Returning to the Oaks that afternoon, there were two of us with Miss Givings.

But for different reasons.

Come on, fella.

There you are.

Think they're still sore at me?

I don't think so, Dick.

Remember what I said.

Give them a chance to be friends.

What if they don't want to be?

Oh, I think they will.

You just try.

How's your leg?

Oh, just fine.

Hey, you already know how to work those things.

Want to try?

Okay.

Here, hold that.

Everybody get out of my way.

You'll want to get back into the swing of things.

Mr. Hargrave has been taking your classes.

It really was awfully nice of you.

I hope it didn't mean too much extra work.

All in a good cause.

A man in Oliver's position can be of substantial value to the Oaks.

Correct, Hargrave?

Yes, substantially.

Come in.

Given Mr. and Mrs. Larson the grand tour, they're in the sitting room.

You want to see them?

Yes, of course, of course.

Oh, by the way, I had a phone call this morning from Mr. Oliver.

He spoke of you in glowing terms.

And may I say that I sensed more than an impersonal tribute.

Excuse me.

Joe, Joe, wait.

I'd like to explain... It's not necessary.

Dr. Barrett's very well satisfied.

But not you.

On the contrary, I'm very happy for you.

Sightseeing in Texas?

Yachting in the Gulf?

Must be a very pleasant way to pass the time.

Or is this the something better we've been waiting for?

I stayed in Houston for one reason.

Because I thought that Dick needed me.

There were 12 other boys who needed you here.

The way I see it, one out of 13 isn't much of a percentage.

You have such really high standards, Mr. Joe Hargrave.

So high that it's really quite impossible for anybody...

What's impossible about doing your job?

Look, I've listened to you all year.

I don't care to listen to any more.

This term ends in another month.

And when that's up, I shall relieve you of the burden...

of trying to make a teacher out of me for good.

So, that was that.

I tried to make myself think it was a good thing I was leaving.

That I didn't belong here and wasn't wanted.

And yet, I hated to see the weeks fly by... and the end of term drawing near.

Sir, on the test you're not going to ask about small countries, are you?

Large, medium and small.

Oh, what a jip.

Who cares about countries you can't even see?

Receive.

R-E-C-I-E... I before E, except after C.

Oh, sir, you multiply 56 by 5 eighths.

How come it's only 35, sir?

Because 5 eighths is a fraction, less than 1.

Multiply by less than 1... number less than when begun.

You don't... have.

Sir?

Yes, Homer?

What's a posit?

Well, uh... why aren't you studying for the test, Homer?

I know all that stuff.

Yes, I suppose you do.

Well, the Odyssey.

Mr. Hargrave gave it to me.

He said I might like to read something by another fellow named Homer.

It's pretty good stuff.

Listen.

Then Cersei led the wily Ulysses to a fine-carving channel...

with silver knobs and a footstool for his feet.

Then she mixed them with posse.

Posit.

Uh... posse.

Never mind. I'll ask Mr. Hargrave.

A posse is a drink, a punch.

In fact, they're about to slip the wily Ulysses of Mickey Finn.

Yes, sir.

Sir, another letter.

Another picture too.

Oh, that's nice, Bubby.

Only she doesn't say anything about when they're coming back.

Oh, well, you'll soon be here, I suppose.

I expect you, darling, on Sunday.

Oh, murder.

What's the matter, Jeff?

Bad news?

Yes, sir.

Horrible.

Anything I can do?

No, sir.

Sir, wait a minute!

Sir?

Yes, Jeff?

Sir, you've got to help me.

Why, what's the matter?

Oh, it's awful.

You know that piece I've been practicing, the minuet?

Yes.

My mother went and got married again.

Again?

Well, I don't see quite... She married a musician, a pianist.

He'll laugh at me, and then Mom will be mad.

I wrote her I could play the whole thing.

Said I was terrific.

Well, one of these days you will be, let's hope.

You don't understand, sir.

I've got to play for him on Sunday.

She's bringing him here.

Oh, why does she have to marry a musician?

Good question.

Come along.

I can't do it, sir.

I just can't.

Nonsense, Jeff.

Now, we've been over this a thousand times.

You'll do just fine.

Your mother will be here pretty soon.

I think we'd better try it once more.

It'll be awful.

I just know.

Oh, Jeff.

Now, come.

Don't be scared of it.

Just take it easy.

Yes, sir.

Your coffee's boiling over, sir.

Oh, goodness.

Jeff!

I had to get a quiz ready.

Haven't changed a bit, have you, dear?

Joe!

Joe, wait!

Please!

I terribly sorry, but... Joe, you've got to help me.

It's Jeff.

He's run away.

His mother's coming with her new husband.

He's a pianist.

He's a what?

I searched all the rooms and the gym and the stables and... Try Carnegie Hall.

Joe, please.

They'll be here any moment.

All right.

We told the Stevensons we'd be there at 12.

Hope that kind of makes liars out of us, doesn't it?

Well, what are you doing?

Are you crazy?

I'll find him.

I'll bring him to the common room.

All right.

Hurry!

Hello?

Have you found...

Yes, yes, Dr. Barrett.

Bring Jeff over.

Oh, well...

Well, I was sort of hoping that he might practice till the last possible minute...

until he's... They're here.

I'm looking forward eagerly to the performance.

Very well.

Let him go on practicing.

That's my darling.

Isn't it wonderful?

Very talented boy.

Shall we?

Joe!

Joe!

Don't take him round to the front.

Bring him over here.

Quick.

I found him on the road thumbing his way to town.

Oh, gee, thanks, Joe.

How could you do it, Jeff?

Straighten your tie and tuck your shirt in.

Wait a minute.

I'll get your coat on.

That's right now.

Let's have a look at you.

Now play.

Play or I'll bash your brains in.

Hello, Miss Stewart.

Mr. Haldeman, this is our Miss Stewart.

Mommy, so glad to see you.

How are you, sweetie?

Darling, this is Eric.

Your new father, Eric Haldeman.

How do you do?

What do you say, dear?

How do you do?

I've been telling Eric how artistic you are.

Now sit down, Angel, and play your piece again.

Again?

This time we want you to favor us with the full performance.

I'm afraid he's a little nervous.

But why?

Go on, Jeff.

You played so well just a moment ago.

Just a minute, dear.

Last winter in Carnegie Hall, in the Brahms D Minor Concerto, in front of 3,000

people and the symphony orchestra, I played four wrong notes.

Do you know what I did?

I kept right on guard.

Now, once again, right from the beginning.

A little faster.

Oh, Mr. Hargrave, of course you know Mrs. Carlin.

I should say Mrs. Haldeman.

And this is Mr. Haldeman.

Mr. Eric Haldeman.

Ah, Mr. Hargrave.

How do you do?

How do you do?

Mr. Haldeman is not the only artist present.

Jeff has just been demonstrating his prowess at the piano.

Oh, well, how'd it go?

Beautifully.

You should have heard.

Sorry, I missed.

Yes, a rare treat.

Oh, Miss Stewart.

Miss Stewart, it's long distance.

Rio de Janeiro.

Mr. Oliver calling.

Oh, excuse me.

Hello?

Hello, I can't hear you very well.

It's rather noisy here.

Oh, fine, just fine, thank you.

He's right here.

I expect you'd like to...

This summer?

Well, no plans to speak of, really, no.

But this is rather sudden.

I hadn't really...

Well, that's very flattering.

I don't know quite what to say, but of course I'll think it over.

I said, yes, of course I'll think it over.

Well, here's Dick.

Hi, Dad.

Oh, it's fine.

They took the cast off.

Yeah?

No kidding.

Gee, that'll be terrific.

Yeah, I'll talk to her.

Oh, listen, Dad, all the fathers and mothers are gonna be here for commencement.

You will?

Gee, that's terrific.

Oh, Bobby.

Maybe if you gave me some medicine, sir.

Well, first we'd better find out what's wrong.

I gotta be okay for commencement.

When Mom and Dad get here.

Oh, of course you will be.

Hello, Bobby.

What's the trouble?

Well, it could be just an upset stomach, however... However is right.

Let's go, Bobby.

Don't worry.

I am happy to say that these commencement exercises

mark the end of a particularly successful year.

And I want to thank you, each and every one.

Now then, you have your assignments, that is all.

Oh, Miss Stewart, would you stay a moment?

From the Lennoxes.

Oh, Bobby's parents?

Yes, they've decided to return by ship rather than play.

They won't be here until next week.

Oh, no.

Parents can be very thoughtless sometimes.

I had to tell Bobby, of course.

Well, I'll drop in at the infirmary and see him

before I leave and try and cheer him up a bit.

I'd appreciate it.

The boys have developed a great fondness for you.

I'm sure you know that.

What you may not know is how deeply everyone here, myself included,

regrets your leaving.

Thank you.

I took the liberty of writing a letter of recommendation,

much as I doubt that you will ever have occasion to use it.

Yes, I have spoken with Mr. Oliver.

He told me of your plans for the future.

Oh, well...

Thank you very much, Dr. Barrett.

Oh, Miss Stewart, I don't know whether congratulations are in order, but is it

too much to hope that while we may be losing you now as

a teacher, someday we may welcome you back as a parent?

Oh, well... Well, thank you very much.

...reflects enduring credit upon the entire school.

To those who will return, we offer the challenge of a new year and the invitation

to continue exploring the loftiest realm accessible

to the human mind, the realm of learning.

To those who are leaving us, we bid a reluctant farewell and we extend to them

every hope for a happy and rewarding future.

And now, as is customary, we bring to a close another chapter in the history of

the Oaks with the singing of the school anthem.

Good-bye and good luck to you, too.

Good-bye, Dick. Bye.

Bye, Mr. Oliver.

Muncie?

What are we waiting for?

Let's go.

Well, I just have to say goodbye to Bobby and then I'll be ready.

We'll put your luggage in the car.

Thank you.

Come on, son, give me a hand.

Man, it sure has plenty of smell.

Hello, Bobby.

Hello.

Still not feeling too hot, hmm?

I'm okay, only I don't see why they couldn't get here.

Well, Europe, it's a long way off, you know.

It takes time.

Well, at least they could have sent something if they wanted to.

No letter, no nothing.

Well, now, you're feeling very sorry for yourself, aren't you?

That's not the way to get well.

It just so happens that I found this in the mail room.

For me?

No, no.

It's dark in here.

Besides, you're not supposed to use your eyes.

I'll read it to you.

Bobby Darling, I wanted so much to be with you on the last day of school.

And then suddenly, because of a last-minute change

in plans, we had to travel by ship instead of plane.

But we'll be there, dearest, I promise, just as soon as we can.

So please be patient.

I have received wonderful reports from school.

They tell me that Bobby Lennox has made better grades...

in reading and spelling than ever before.

And I see that Mr. Hargrave thinks you're a terrific horseback rider.

I see also that Bobby Lennox is one of the most popular boys in school.

You know how... You know how proud this makes me, and Daddy, too.

Gee, thanks.

She sure writes keen letters, huh, sir?

She certainly does.

Daddy says to tell you how much he's looking forward to being with you...

which will be very soon.

And we send you all our love, Mother.

Boy, that's swell.

That's for being a liar.

You wrote all those letters, didn't you?

I was an idiot not to have known it.

And a lot of other things.

Don't think I'm taking back anything I said.

I had a right to give you a bad time.

I asked for a teacher, and what did I get?

Barrett, I had no business hiring you... and you had no business being here.

You weren't incompetent.

You didn't know enough to be incompetent.

You didn't know anything.

All right.

Well, it's not all right.

You turned out to be a great teacher.

How it happened, I don't know, but it did.

And now what do you do?

You quit.

Just when I find somebody who... when I find somebody who's a fool, off you go.

Those kids are crazy about you.

Don't you care?

Don't they mean anything to you?

Don't I mean anything to you?

Huh?

Thank you.

Oh, sir.

Sir, we all of us, the acorns...

want you to accept this...

this... testimonial.

We all chipped in and we all signed the card, so... so here.

What is it?

It's a coffee pot, the percolator kind.

That one of yours is real crummy.

And so, with you going away... that's why we bought it.

We... we wrote a poem about it.

We are giving you this coffee pot... and to us it is no joke.

We hope that when you use it... you'll remember us acorns at the Oaks.

We hope you like it.

Well, it... it's just the most beautiful coffee pot I've ever seen.

I sure wish you weren't going.

I'll hate having a new teacher.

Me too.

I bet it'll be some gruesome old creep.

Yeah, why do you have to go somewhere?

We don't want anybody new.

Me too.

It will not.

It'll be the same old creep.

Just try any of your fancy tricks next September... and see who bins your ears back.

Joe! Joe! Joe!

Joe, wait!

It's a testimonial.

It's a jiff.

I spent my last 20 cents.

Big deal.

I spent a quarter.

Hey, you told me she was going to leave.

It wasn't me.

It was him.

I didn't have an idea!