Original subtitles

(chickens clucking)

(lighthearted music)

(casual conversation)

I'm tellin' ya.

You keep it in your pocket, things will start going your way.

You sure?

Yeah, never fails.

A rabbit's foot?

Oh!

'Scuse me, sir.

Green belly.

You hungry? You gotta eat.

You've been starving yourself ever since your pa died.

How much do I owe ya?

Three bits.

(vendors shouting)

Where'd that come from?

See? The old rabbit foot's workin' already.

Stop them!

Come on!

Thief!

Move!

(police whistle blows)

Thief! Thief!

Stop them! Stop them!

(police whistle blows)

Stop those boys!

Stop them! Thief!

Stop those boys!

Stop them! Stop them!

My violin!

(horse neighs)

End of the line.

Pick-pocket, stop that kid.

Alright.

Give me my money.

Okay, alright.

We'll handle it from here.

You'd better handle it.

Give me my money.

Okay, calm down sir, we'll handle it from here.

Gentlemen. Gentlemen!

It's alright. No one's gonna hurt you.

Sargent, my I ask what you'll be doing with the boy?

We'll book him and leave him at the wayward house

with the rest of the street urchins.

Well perhaps I have an alternative.

My sister-in-law has a school.

It's a happy home-like place for boys

who need teaching and care and a little bit of kindness.

And discipline!

(light orchestral music)

[Voiceover] The year was 1871,

and the little women had grown into wives and mothers.

Passing the joys of childhood onto others.

Jo had married Professor Bhaer

and the two of them set up a school at Plumfield,

the home Jo had inherited from her aunt.

Dearest Jo and Fritz,

Nat is a case after your own heart.

A motherless child, Nat was raised in poverty.

His father taught him how to play the violin

for spare pennies.

Only a few weeks ago, his father died

and the poor lad has been homeless ever since.

I think there's something in him and have a fancy that,

between us, we may give this little man a lift.

With love, John.

He thinks he's full of potential,

he's just lost everything he's ever known.

You're a good woman, and with you tending to his heart,

he'll be fine.

(chipper orchestral music)

[Voiceover] Plumfield was where John Brooks

sent his son and daughter,

and this was where he wanted Nat to go.

He knew his sister-in-law would have a special place

in her heart for the street urchin

he'd rescued at the market

and provide the boy the love and care he desperately needed.

Go into the house, Nat.

Give Molly your letter. She'll look after you.

(horse whinnies)

[Voiceover] Nat was worried,

for he had heard that teachers gave wraps on the head

when lessons were not well done.

Oh, what surprises were in store for the lad

as Plumfield was unlike any school he could have imagined.

(orchestral music)

(knocks)

Hello! Well you must be the new boy.

Come on in. That's it.

This is for Mrs. Bhaer.

Well you just stand there and warm up a bit

while I take this in to her.

Hello, have you seen Aunt Jo?

Not yet.

Hello.

This is my sister, Daisy.

Mrs. Bhaer will see you now.

I'll take him to her, Molly.

Oh, thank you, Daisy.

Come on.

Gotcha! (laughing)

Here he is, Auntie.

Oh, so this is my new boy.

I'm very glad you're here.

I hope you'll be happy with us.

I'm Jo, this is Fritz.

Think of us as Mother and Father Bhaer.

Welcome to Plumfield, my son.

There's a place all ready for you.

All we ask is return is honesty and a willingness to learn.

(bell chimes)

Mmm, the dinner bell.

Are you as hungry as I am, lad?

(giggling)

I'll pull your ears off.

It's a secret.

(kids laughing)

Sit down, Tommy.

[Mr. Bhaer] I must say Molly,

Give me that.

...you and Jo have outdone yourselves with this meal.

Settle down, now.

Oh, the roast beef.

Ah ah ah ah!

Patience is a virtue.

Everyone.

(giggling)

Everyone!

Settle down, Jack.

This is our new boy.

Come on.

Nat Blake.

Hello Nat.

Hello Nat.

Hi Nat.

Hello, everyone.

Please sit down.

This is our mischievous little monkey, Tommy Bangs.

These are Mr. Brooke's children: Daisy and Demi Brooke.

Next to Daisy is George Cole.

But you can call me Stuffy.

And the tall fellow there is Franz.

That is Mr. Bhaer's nephew.

He helps me teach.

And he's also a very good musician.

I hear you are a musician yourself, Nat.

That is Adolphus Pettingill.

But we call him Dolly.

(laughing)

And there is Emil.

Ahoy matey, and welcome to the good ship, Plumfield.

Uh, the commodore has saltwater in his veins.

Arr.

(giggling)

And that is Jack Ford.

You're gonna like it here, Blake.

Sure you'll like it!

And, of course you've met Little Bhaer.

(chuckling)

I know you're all hungry, so I'll say grace.

Let us pray.

It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty,

that we should at all times and in all places,

give thanks unto thee, Holy Father,

Almighty and Everlasting God.

Amen.

[All] Amen.

[Nat] Amen.

You may begin.

Would you like soup, Daisy?

- Yes, please. - Oh, can I have some too, please?

You can all give Nat your how-do-you-dos after supper.

[Boy] Hey! Who took my spoon?

And gently, boys.

Gently.

(chuckling)

What did Mr. Bhaer mean when he said, "gently"?

Because it's Saturday night.

Pillow fight!

(grunting)

(laughing)

This isn't like other schools.

Heads up, Nat.

(grunts)

Go ahead, go on, Nat.

Join in the fun, go on.

Hey, two pillows, that's not fair.

Defend yourself, matey.

Or prepare the walk the plank.

Wop him one, Nat!

(children laughing)

Ah, as usual, our cup runneth over.

Will we make it through spring?

At least Nat's tuition is covered by your brother-in-law.

Well, faith, hard work,

and a little help from above will see us through.

It always has.

[Voiceover] Hey.

Ouch.

Hey, that's not fair!

You care to join me?

[Voiceover] I'll get you for that.

I don't think so.

Ugh, you old wet blanket, you.

Oh.

(laughing)

How much longer, Aunt Jo?

You have 10 seconds, Demi.

(kids laughing)

Four, three, two, one.

(whistle blows)

Hey, hey.

Time is up, time is up.

Into bed, ragamuffins, or pay the forfeit.

We have 15 minutes, and not a second longer.

What's the forfeit?

We lose our fun, Blake.

As in no pillow fight next Saturday night.

(birds chirping)

(cow mooing)

If Mrs. Bhaer cuts a dozen slices of apple pie,

but only serves three-quarters of them,

how many slices are left?

(chalking tapping)

(children thinking aloud)

Yes, Stuffy.

Serving nine slices leaves three.

Good.

Any questions?

Oh, sir, me.

Yes, Stuffy?

When do we get to eat them?

(laughing)

Tonight, I hope.

That will be all for this afternoon, fellows.

See you at dinner!

(recorder playing Amazing Grace)

Please don't stop.

But, we would like to hear you play something, Nat.

I don't know how to play the recorder.

Well, what about this?

I've had it for years.

It's a family heirloom.

How can I thank you?

By playing something.

(violin playing)

(clapping and cheering)

(applauding)

Bravo Nat!

Bravo, well done my son.

Well done!

Well done, Nat!

You were a street musician?

Uh huh. I'd fiddle while my friend Dan did tricks.

You make much money that way?

Mm-hmm.

Sounds tin potty to me.

Supply and demand, Nat.

That's the key to a successful enterprise.

Down at the creek, I can earn five cents a can

selling worms to fishermen.

Dan and me, we made tons of money.

Had tons of fun, too.

Playing all over Boston.

We drew huge crowds wherever we performed.

Huge crowds.

Tons of money.

We know you want to fit in, be well liked.

We want that too.

Perhaps to you it was only a little white lie.

I wasn't lying.

Then shall we say stretching the truth?

Nat, Mr. Bhaer and I like having

poor boys come live with us.

What we don't like is having them tell misleading tales.

What if your story prompted someone to run away?

You know the reality of how hard life is out there.

There are lessons to learn.

In some ways, far more important than any taught in school,

like being honest or being good.

Being good?

And loving to be good.

Come here. I want to show you something.

This is one of the ways I try to help.

I call this my Conscience Book.

There's Tommy's name.

Mm-hmm.

I have a page for each boy.

I keep a little account of how he gets on each week,

and then on Sunday nights, I show him my notes.

There's my name.

Only you and I will know

what is to be written beneath your name.

(instrumental music)

[Voiceover] Flannel nightgowns were unknown comforts

in Nat's world.

And the feeling that somebody cared for him

made that plain room seem like Heaven to the homeless child.

Yet, he wondered what adventures his friend Dan had lived

since that fateful day in the market,

when the two boys were separated.

(horse hooves clopping)

Arr, there you are you scurvy dog!

(wood swords clanking)

My eggs.

Look what you did.

Weren't you looking where you're walking?

Do you know how much this is gonna cost me?

What's the problem here, fellas?

He ran into me and broke my eggs.

Did not, Tommy.

He bumped into me and dropped them.

Nat, the truth?

I didn't even touch him.

He tripped.

It's not his fault, Mr. Bhaer.

We were just playing.

Come with me, young man.

Yes, sir.

When I was little lad, I would tend to lie, too, Nat.

A lie, is a lie.

And although we all tell many polite untruths

in this queer world of ours,

it is not right.

And everybody knows it.

My dear old grandmother cured me of it, though.

Can you guess how?

To this day I can still hear her voice saying,

"I will help you to watch your tongue,

by putting a check on the unruly part."

And with that, she drew it from my mouth,

and snipped the end with scissors,

'til blood ran.

That was terrible, you may believe, but it did me much good.

Because my tongue was sore for days

and every word I spoke came out so slowly,

that I had time to think.

But I prefer to do things differently.

Come.

He's coming down hard on him.

It's all my fault.

Shouldn't have gotten so upset.

Should've thought of that before, Bangs.

(sighs)

I'm ready for you to strike me.

Quite the contrary, my lad.

It is you who will ferule me.

What?

Perhaps, by giving pain instead of receiving it,

you will learn to hold your tongue

and always tell the truth.

But I can't hurt you.

Lying hurts us all, Nat.

Use the ruler.

Don't make me do this.

Now, lad.

Give me six good strokes.

Please, I can't.

You can.

You will.

Obey me.

(ruler clapping)

Now again.

Harder.

Please, isn't that enough?

No, two more!

(ruler clapping)

I'll never, ever do it again.

I'll never tell lies to anyone, ever.

I believe you, my son.

(instrumental music)

Still friends?

Hope so.

There's more where these came from, wanna see?

Yeah.

(piano music)

This is it.

(chicken clucking)

My hens lay them.

Ms. Bhaer buys them.

Five cents a dozen.

We could be partners.

Uh, sure.

We could split the profits.

Okay.

Look, I got one.

[Voiceover] After weeks of searching,

Dan had finally discovered where his friend was taken.

He knew nothing about this strange place called Plumfield

but the streets of Boston prepared a lad

for just about anything.

Psst, Nat.

Dan, what are you doing here?

- It's really good to see you. - It's good to see you too.

How'd you find this place?

Asked around.

Got directions.

Reckon I give Plumfield a try myself.

You mean you want to stay?

You want me to, don't ya?

Of course I do.

But it's not up to me, it's up to the Bhaer's.

The Bhaers?

Yeah. Fritz and Jo.

(Silas) Ready now lad.

(horse neighing)

And we go.

There's Jo now.

Come on, let's go see her.

(horse neighing)

Charley get down.

Whoa, hold still.

Hold still, Charley.

Come on down.

Whoa.

Alright.

(sighs)

Forget about that one, Mrs. Bhaer.

He's un-tamable.

Thank you, Silas, I do appreciate your trying.

(horse neighing)

Mrs. Bhaer.

This is Dan.

Well hello, Dan.

Mrs. Bhaer.

He's my friend from Boston.

Well then, we shall have to make sure that he has a pleasant visit.

Oh it isn't a visit.

He wants to stay, if you'll let him.

It's not as simple as that, Nat.

But I thought you liked helping poor boys.

Mr. Bhaer is not home right now.

We will settle this matter when he returns.

In the mean time, why don't you show Dan around?

Yes ma'am.

(horse snorts)

Come on. Some of the fellas are in the barn.

Ladies and gentlemen!

Let's have a big hand for Tommy the chimp

and the amazing Toby!

(children playing)

Hey everyone.

This is my friend, Dan.

Penny each, two cents total.

He's company, I'll pay for both.

There you go.

Come on.

Welcome gents to the amazing big top.

And now, for your enjoyment,

Tommy the chimp will turn a death-defying flip

off the back of a galloping stallion.

(drumming)

(tambourine banging)

(cheering and clapping)

Yay, yay, yay!

You call that a flip?

Think you could do better?

Hold these.

Woah!

Wow!

By George, a round of applause!

(clapping)

(drumming)

How'd you do that?

It's easy, you could do it.

Just one thing you gotta know how to do.

What?

What'll you give me if I tell ya?

It's nearly brand new.

It's got five blades and only one's broken.

Keep it up 'till you learn, that's all.

(laughing)

Hey, that's not fair!

You want the knife back?

I'll play ya for it.

Stick knife.

Dan!

I'll play.

Take your shoes and socks off.

Spread your legs a few feet apart.

You can only move your right foot.

First one who chickens out, loses.

Bet you two bits Bangs' is a quitter.

Why don't you just steal my money?

(breathing heavily)

Uh uh.

No bending aloud.

Nat?

Why don't you bring your friend into the house?

My Bhaer's home now.

Yes ma'am. I'll be right there.

(suspenseful music)

Keep it Tom.

Ain't gonna risk gettin' cut with no rusty blade.

How old are ya, Danny?

14, and it's Dan.

You look younger.

Do you have any relatives?

Any friends that can help take care of you?

No.

Say no, ma'am.

No, ma'am.

To tell the truth, Dan.

Our boys are sent to us by their parents.

Or they come to us through referrals or sponsors.

We like to know as much as can before we admit them.

We have no choice but to pick and choose.

Dan could have my bed, sir.

And I could sleep in the barn.

I used to sleep almost anywhere with my father.

(bells ringing)

Would you boys leave us alone for a minute,

while Mrs. Bhaer and I discuss the matter?

Yes, sir.

(laughing)

Oh, a ball, where'd that come from?

Hey, that's mine!

This your ball, Teddy?

Want it, Teddy?

Hey!

Ah, look what I got.

Jo, we simply cannot take another boy.

We do not have the money.

- Give it back. - No.

Let's go, Jack.

Hello there.

Hello.

Want to see something?

Sure.

We cannot.

Blow on it.

(blows)

Where'd it go?

I don't know.

Hey, what's there?

There ya go.

Nat.

I think we should be able to find room for Dan

without you having to give up your bed.

Why don't you show him the wash closet

and help him to find some fresh clothing?

Thank you, Mrs. Bhaer.

Thanks, ma'am.

Thank you, sir.

Just remember, Dan.

No fighting, no lying, and no stealing.

If you don't behave, they won't let you stay.

Come on, Nat.

You really think people like them

give a hoot about paupers like us?

I know they do.

Well, maybe the lady.

You saw the look on the old man's mug.

He figures he's got me pegged.

Then prove him wrong.

We hardly know anything about him.

We know that he is in need.

He has a mind, Fritz.

A heart and a soul like everyone else.

Oh, and there is goodness in him.

You saw how he was with Teddy.

Yes. I saw.

I wonder if he has another tricks up his sleeve.

I just hope your experiment works out well.

Hey, Emil, look at this.

What is it?

It's a book on snakes.

(instrumental music)

Great bunch of fellows, huh?

Great bunch of green bellies.

(cows mooing)

(rooster crows)

Good morning.

Ya hungry?

Why don't you help me whip up a few griddle cakes?

Can you pass me the flour, please?

It's the one nearest the lamp.

(snickering)

He can't read.

Sorry Mrs. Bhaer.

I think it is Dan to whom you owe and apology.

Please Dan, accept my apology.

[Voiceover] Ain't no rabbits in these woods.

Sure there are.

So Dan, Nat said you fellas had some great times,

out in the street of Boston.

Is that what he said?

Yeah, made out like bandits.

He was right.

No I wasn't.

It's pure freedom.

You live by your wits, boys.

And your fists.

Just like when you go to sea.

Wouldn't hurt you, Emil, to learn some boxing.

Never know what you'll be up against upon one of them whalers.

Boxing?

Yeah, sure.

I'd be glad to give you some pointers.

Of course, if you don't think you're man enough.

I'm man enough.

What do you say, Emil?

Tonight?

Sure.

How are you, Molly?

Oh grand, sir, just grand.

Will you kindly tell my sister that we're here, Molly?

[Molly] Right away, ma'am.

[Meg] Thank you.

Hello Mr. and Mrs. Brooke.

Nat. How are you doing, boy?

Very well, sir.

Good, good, good, good.

Thank you, sir.

For everything.

Ma'am.

Father!

Mother!

(laughing)

Meg, hello.

John, thanks for coming.

Nice to see you.

Oh, wonderful to see you.

Oh you too, Jo.

Hello Meg.

Hello, Fritz.

(coughing)

Spot of elderberry wine to take the chill out?

That would be delightful, yes thank you.

Come with me, Meg.

So, pumpkin, tell me, how are things going?

Very well.

How is he feeling, Meg?

He has his good days.

I'm reading book on Greenland.

Greenland, oh, that's interesting.

He has many special projects this year.

Are you alright?

[Daisy] I got 100 percent on my,

I'm fine.

[John] Oh, congratulations, that's wonderful.

(violin playing)

Getting to like it here?

It'll do.

Thank you.

I have some unfortunate news.

Victoria Harding passed away.

Oh dear.

How is young Nan taking it?

Very poorly, I'm afraid.

She misses her mother terribly.

But Nat seems to be adjusting well.

He is fitting in beautifully.

Far from the withdrawn youth he was when he first came here.

Indeed.

Shh!

Come on.

(coughing)

Your sister's after me to give up this thing.

John, we've admitted a friend of Nat's to Plumfield.

Oh, who's sponsoring the boy?

Um, no one actually.

No one?

A non-revenue.

But I was under the impression

that the well was running dry.

Yes it is, um,

it is one of the concerns we wanted to discuss with you.

Very well, then.

Tell me about the boy.

Well, at heart he is a thoughtful, kind,

and well mannered boy.

(grunting loudly)

It's okay, it's okay. Slap him back, come on.

Come on, knock his block off!

Keep your fists up!

You don't wanna scrap or get in your face with a whack like that.

Come on, yeah, go go!

Keep moving.

Guard your gut, your head.

Hit him, come on!

Think you've got the hang of it?

Wanna try laying one on me?

Emil?

Or is it Emily?

(shouting)

You swung too wide, too broad.

It's alright, go back in there.

Try aiming directly for the face, the belly.

Think straight lines.

Crank it!

Come on, hit him hard!

What's going on in here?

Hey, now you're gonna get it!

Break it up.

That's enough boys.

That's enough!

Last fella who did that to me,

was left pushing up daisies at Gettysburg.

(knocking)

Hmm.

Pardon me.

Yes?

I'm sorry to disturb you, Mr. Bhaer.

Though you should see this.

Excuse me, something uh, has come up.

I walked in on them.

Havin' a row.

A row?

It was boxing.

I was showing him some moves.

Another one of your many hidden talents, Dan.

Along with tumbling, magic tricks, sticking knives.

Oh you didn't think I knew about your little contest,

did you?

It's my job to know everything around here.

Were you aware that pugilism is strictly forbidden?

Fist fighting.

Yeah, I was aware, sir.

Then why deliberately ignore the rule?

They'll all be mollycoddles if they don't know how to fight.

It was I, sir.

I asked him to teach me.

He'll make a first rate boxer, too.

He's got the guts.

Let me tell you something, my friends.

The measure of a good man is not his ability

to do damage with his fists.

Rather, it is his ability to express compassion.

Fritz?

Best go into the parlor.

John's there, go on.

I'll tend to the lads.

Silas.

You're too dang soft on them boys, Mrs. Bhaer.

Every last one of them.

A good whipping's what they need.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Bhaer.

Guess my temper got the better of me.

That's quite a shiner you've got there, commodore.

Thanks.

It wasn't a compliment.

Now let's have a look at the tough fella.

Oh I see.

It's not pain you're afraid of, is it?

I ain't afraid of nothin'.

Did you and Mr. Bhaer have a nice chat?

Thought he was gonna give us both a whippin'.

We don't give whippings here, Dan.

My husband is a compassionate man.

Do you want to stay at Plumfield?

Then I'll make you a deal.

You follow the rules, then you stay.

But if you continue to break them, you will be sent away.

Mrs. Bhaer?

Yes?

What's compassion?

Everything alright out there?

Just a few of the boys who needed help with their lessons.

Mmm.

Always thinking the best of people.

Beg your pardon?

That's one of the things, Jo, I love most about you.

Are you patronizing me?

Never.

He's come a very long way in a very short time.

I've seen how well the younger boys relate to him.

Mmm, and I've seen how well he manipulates the older ones.

I grant you, there are two sides to every coin.

But, to my mind, there is a real question,

on which side this one will land.

Ah, I must be going.

My train leaves in an hour.

Good boy, Duke.

I'd wish you luck delivering your lecture,

but I know you won't need it.

What takes luck is coxing the society members

to open their wallets.

I haven't given up on the boy, Jo.

Far from it.

Have a safe journey.

Alright, Silas.

[Children] 9 times 12 equals 108.

10 times 12 equals 120.

Good.

So, if you need 60 cents to buy 12 chickens at the market,

how many cents would you need to buy only one?

(chalk tapping)

Dan?

Yeah?

60 cents for 12 chickens at the market.

How much for one?

Zero.

- What? - Really?

How so?

Just grab the clucker and run.

(laughing)

Does anybody know the correct answer?

Hey Dan, want to try your luck?

I bet the only fishing he knows how to do

is for wallets.

I can out fish you any day of the week, Jack.

Nat, you awake?

Huh?

I got a great idea.

Yeah, me too.

Let's go back to sleep.

How'd you like to play a few hands of pocker?

There's no cards here.

Mr. And Mrs. Bhaer don't allow it.

Papa Bhaer ain't home and mama's long asleep.

Where'd those come from?

What's going on?

Five card draw, Jack, wanna play?

Yeah!

Shh, want to wake the whole house?

Sorry.

Bring that lamp and pull up a chair.

What are you fellas doin'?

Little game of chance.

You in?

I am.

Shh.

Come on, Nat. It'll be like old times.

I'd hate to think what would happen if we got caught.

Who's gonna catch us?

Now what are you doin'?

It's cold out there!

So stay under the covers boy,

'cause we're playin' like men.

Who you callin' a boy?

A little beer.

Some cigars.

Are you trying to get us all sent away?

Will you quit being such a scaredy?

Oh, been too long since I've had one of these.

Damn, that's good.

You shouldn't say that. Swearing's bad.

Just puff on it Tommy, and then pass it to Jack.

Yeah Bangs, just puff on it.

(coughing)

I like it.

Here, a swig of this will cool your throat.

(coughing)

That's good too.

Damn good.

(laughs)

Poker's the game, five card draw.

Aces and jokers are wild.

Jack, your a betting man.

You wanna open?

Open, right.

How much should I bet?

Ssh, someone's coming.

Hello Demi, what's wrong?

I thought I smelled smoke.

Not in here, uh were you dreamin'?

Maybe I should get Molly.

No, No.

Everyone straighten up and get back in bed.

(instrumental music)

The window's open, it's just smoke from the chimney.

Why don't you go on back to bed?

That was close.

Yeah, I think we should call it a night.

- Good night. - Good night.

(fire crackling)

Fire.

Fire.

Everybody out of the house!

Fire!

Everybody out!

Fire!

Wake up!

Wake up, wake up everybody!

(screaming)

(coughing)

Out of the house boys.

Tommy! Tommy, you're gonna be okay.

You're gonna be okay, calm down.

(coughing)

Molly, go find Daisy!

You boys get outside!

Come Silas, fetch water!

I'm tryin'!

[Jo] Fresh air!

He needs fresh air!

Make sure there's nobody in there.

Let's fetch some water!

Hurry!

Silas, over here.

Silas, the curtains.

(heavy breathing)

Well done Dan.

And thank you Silas.

Thank God it did go out of this room.

I brought wet blankets Mrs. Bhaer.

Oh thank you Molly, but I think it's over.

Oh Mrs. Bhaer, I'm so sorry.

What ever are you apologizing for Molly?

Well, Demi came to my room, saying he smelled smoke,

I thought it must have been something outside.

Oh please, don't blame this on yourself dear.

Maybe it was a spark from the lamp.

Kerosene lamps don't spark Dan.

Boys, did something go on in here tonight?

There there Tommy.

It hurts.

You poor love.

(sniffling)

Make it stop.

Poor lad.

Make it stop.

[Jo] That's what we're doing here,

and you're going to be just fine.

Whoa boy.

I wish I could make it right sir.

Ma'am.

I'm very sorry.

It was a stupid mistake.

One that I'll never make again.

What are you gonna do with us?

The scares you'll be living with Tommy, are punishment enough.

What about you?

Sorry.

Just as I thought.

Alright, all of you boys can leave now.

All but Dan.

Smoking and gambling.

How many more rules can you arrange to have broken?

I found this beneath the bedroom window.

We can not have you endangering our students

any longer Dan.

With your flagrant disregard of regulations.

So we're sending you away.

To a nice place, run by Mr. Page.

A good fellow.

Who does very well with troubled youths.

Is there something you want to say to us?

No.

I mean, no ma'am.

I reckon not.

(instrumental music)

Remember what I told you about people like them?

You could've asked for just one more chance.

They're sending me to some place in the country.

For troubled youths.

You might like it.

I ain't gonna stay if I don't.

Where would you go?

Maybe head out west, take a look at California.

Or maybe go to sea, have some real adventures.

Whoa.

Dan.

You'll need this.

Not me friend, not me.

(sniffling)

Hey.

I'm sorry, I'll go away if you want me to leave.

Oh, no.

No, no, no one's sending you away.

No.

He's the first.

The first boy we ever failed with.

There's the making of a fine young man in him.

In spite of his faults.

I hope so.

Your faith deserves success.

[Voiceover] Jo had a surprise in store for Nat.

She long had thought the boys would be all the better

with another girl among them.

So she invited Naughty Nan into their midst.

She's here, she's here.

[Voiceover] The girl had been running wild

since her mother died, and her father rejoiced,

when Jo offered to make a place for her, at Plumfield.

[Jo] Hello.

[Silas] Whoa boy.

[Fritz] Come along my child, come.

Come and meet your new friends.

Nat, Tommy, this is Nan Harding.

She'll be spending the fall with us.

And perhaps if she likes it enough, she'll stay.

This is Daisy, perhaps you can do an activity together.

Later we can have tea, while the boys play baseball.

Oh, joy.

(laughing)

Come on Nan.

Thank you Silas.

Alright boys, are we ready for the game?

Yes.

Okay boys, next batter.

Come on Stuffy.

Come on Stuffy.

You can do it.

(kids cheering)

[Jo] Stuffy, watch the ball, watch the ball Stuffy,

come on.

Concentrate, keep your eye on the ball Stuffy.

Strike One.

[Nat] Here comes the pitch, keep your eye on the ball.

Come on Stuffy.

(cheering)

Tea?

Run, run, run.

Safe.

Yeah sure.

One man out and one on first, next batter.

Okay Nat.

Okay Nat.

Your turn, go.

Silas taught them how to play.

That's nice.

[Stuffy] I know you can, come on, we have faith in ya.

Go Nat, yeah.

Strike one.

It was right over the plate, he should've beamed it.

[Jo] That's okay Nat, next one.

There you go, concentrate.

Strike two.

Come on, you could've clobbered it.

(boys cheering)

Hit it out of the field.

Strike three.

Two men out and one on first.

Why did you swing at that one, he was throwing at the birds.

You think you can do better?

Darn tootin.

Okay Ms. Smarty, let's see what you can do.

Oh, oh, whoa.

[Young Boy] Come on guys, move in.

Tommy, go to the right a bit.

(kids cheering)

Reckon, get out of my way.

Go, run home.

Safe.

What a play, like one of the fellow's.

(applause)

She is so much like me when I was a child.

Oh, that I had known you then.

[Jo] Come on.

Okay Mr. Smarty.

Now what can you do?

Play violin.

May I help you with those Nan?

If you want.

Seems Nan's presence has already had a positive effect on the lad's.

Yes, already.

Uh, a messenger brought this ma'am.

Oh, thank you Molly.

What is it Jo?

It's from Mr. Page.

Dan's run away.

Gone, without a trace.

He's gone?

I'll bet he's halfway to California by now.

Catching a ride on the Mississippi river boat.

Playing five card draw, and puffing on a stogie.

No riverboat's big enough for Dan.

He's somewhere in the North Atlantic.

First man on a Boston wind.

Listen to yourselves, Dan nearly got us all kicked out.

I don't know, I kinda miss him.

Miss what bangs, getting burned?

Stinker was nothing but trouble.

Sorry Nat.

Hey, what's the matter with you?

They can say whatever they want.

But I know the truth, he was always there when I needed him.

He just a boy.

Half of them are jabbin good riddance,

and the other half are moping like the milk wagon squished their dog.

We should do something to take their minds off it.

Like what?

I know.

What's this?

Ms. Daisy Brook and Ms. Anthia Harding,

request the pleasure of your company,

at their ball in the barn, Friday evening at seven.

Nat must bring his fiddle, so we can dance.

What does this mean,

Formal attire?

It means we dress up.

I just hope I look half as pretty as the girls you've invited from town.

Oh, I'll let you in on a secret, you're gonna be prettier.

Oh, thank you auntie Jo.

Here, try some of this.

Ah, a bit girl, not a pocket full.

(violin plays)

Excuse me kind sir, but would you think it too forward

if this lady asked you to dance?

Yes.

Come here you cute thing.

(girls giggling)

Would you like to dance?

Oh, why thank you Mr. Bhaer.

Gentlemen, the ladies are waiting.

That one.

Somebody?

(girls laughing)

Dance?

Silas?

Me, oh.

Do you want to give it a whirl?

No thanks.

There you are little bear.

What are you looking at?

Danny.

Oh no, I think it's just a reflection from the moon.

He was there, I saw him.

Dan?

Ouch.

I was going off, come morning.

Just thought I'd peek in, as I went by.

Why didn't you come inside?

I didn't suppose you'd let me.

You just try and see.

Let's take you inside, take care of that foot of yours.

Come on sweetie.

There you go, up now.

There you go.

He's sleeping.

With rest and proper care,

he should be good as new by Christmas.

That's good.

When he's able, we will make other arrangements for him.

What kind of arrangements.

Why some place else to send him of course.

- He's staying. - Some place that's better for him.

He's staying.

Some place that is better for him.

The lad is completely malnourished.

His ankle badly sprained.

We sent him away once and it nearly destroyed him Fritz.

I will not take that chance again.

And what about Plumfield Jo.

Shall we take another chance?

And him destroying it?

(rooster crows)

Hello Dan.

Hello.

Come on.

This is my new friend Nan.

Hello.

Hello.

What happened?

I didn't like it at Page's.

He was good enough, just too dang strict.

So I cut away.

Down river with a guy in a boat.

When I left him, I was doing fine,

until I slipped climbing over a stone wall.

Hello Thomas.

Hello Tommy, come on in.

Oh, good to see you too.

(children laughing)

Can't catch me.

Oh yes I can.

Dan.

I thought as long as you're here, we could use the time wisely.

Shall we work on your reading?

I picked this up this morning while I was in town.

It's a book on natural history.

You'll recognize some of the animals,

some of the words are quite hard,

but together we can master them.

Orangutan.

That's difficult.

(horse neighing)

Eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve.

That is quite the bounty Thomas, well done.

Thank you Mrs. Bhaer.

And thank you chickey's.

Dan, Dan.

I was afraid you ran away again.

Would it have matter?

You ain't been acting like it.

What's that supposed to mean?

You fit right in.

With Tommy and the rest of the green belly's.

You even got yourself a girly.

Nan?

You don't need me anymore, nobody in this rat hole does.

Have you been crying?

Nothing makes me cry, you hear me.

Nothing and nobody.

So you'd better stay away from me.

Or you'll be the one that's crying.

There you are Nat, business is booming.

What got his goat?

He stole it.

I did not.

Liar.

You were the only one who knew where it was.

You've lied before Nat, and you're lying again.

Fellas, that's enough.

What's happening?

Nat stole Tommy's egg money.

Now my son.

Give me an honest answer.

Did you take his money?

No sir.

He was right there in the barn Mr. Bhaer,

looking guilty as sin.

Is that true?

Yes sir, except I didn't do it.

Then what was the matter?

Something between me and Dan.

Nat, I'm very sorry,

but evidences are against you.

But mind, I do not charge you with this theft.

Shall not punish you for it, until I am perfectly sure,

nor ask you about it again.

But if you are innocent my son,

the truth will become clear sooner or later.

And the instant it does,

I will be the first, to beg your pardon for doubting you.

Now then, I have a class to teach.

Alright, alright, come in, let's get started.

He's guilty.

What do you expect from a street urchin,

it's the way they live.

Fritz, I refuse to believe it,

it's simply not like him.

To do what Jo, to lie?

Or to go where his friend leads him.

Oh, I see, it's come down to Dan again, has it?

Who needs this place anyway.

He didn't do it.

How do you know Dan?

Because I stole Tommy's money.

Where's the money now?

Gambled it away, to some fisherman down the creek.

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

We'll give you a week Dan, to regain your strength.

By then, we will have found a suitable place, to send you.

Thank you.

For being too good a man, to say I told you so.

Maybe you can return this to where you bought it.

And help pay Tommy back some of his money.

Keep it.

(instrumental music)

Where are you going Dan?

Some place better for me.

Come inside first.

Please Dan.

Nat, assemble the others, tell them I want them down here.

Alright, come, come on.

There is one among you missing.

Jack went home early this morning.

But he left behind this note.

I took Tommy's money.

What?

Jack?

I peaked in on him at the barn one afternoon,

and saw where he hid it.

I thought Dan would be blamed, but not Nat.

When I saw the way Dan stood up for him,

I started feeling guilty.

I just can't take it any longer.

I am awfully sorry, I am going home,

and don't know if I will ever come back.

Signed Jack.

If he returns, we will accept him,

and hopefully forgive him.

So what now, I'm supposed to say I'm sorry for lying?

No dear, it was a kind lie,

and I can't help forgiving it.

But it is never right to tell lies, even for a friend.

It was an act of true valor.

[Voiceover] Though finally vindicated,

Dan's emotions, too long kept within,

Dan.

[Voiceover] Needed to burst out somehow.

(horse neighing)

What's his problem?

So easy for all of you, to believe it was one of us.

Dan.

[Voiceover] A daring fancy took possession of the boy,

and never thinking of the danger,

he obeyed his impulse.

Dan.

You think you're tough Charlie,

you ain't so tough.

Come on.

He's trying to ride Charlie.

Dan, what are you doing?

Come on.

Dan, get down from that animal.

What's that fool boy, doing now?

Dan.

Come on.

Come on.

Dan get down.

Dan no.

(kids yelling)

Get down.

Dan.

Whoa, he's tamed the horse.

Incredible, that was amazing.

All right Dan, all right Dan.

(kids cheering)

Dan.

Christmas season is almost upon us my son.

Come.

Come with your family.

Come home with us.

Come home.

(kids cheering)

(cheerful music)

(kids screaming)

Looks like a wonderful collection.

Plenty to go around.

But they're all broken.

With a little care and hard work, they soon won't be.

One of the greatest gifts, is the gift of charity.

That's why every year at Plumfield,

we collect old toys, mend them, paint them,

and give them to poor children in the neighborhood.

Children not as fortunate as us.

That's right Dan.

(coughing)

Are you alright sir?

Yes, I'm fine son.

Just the season of cold, that's all.

John?

Can I get you something John?

Perhaps a spot of Elderberry Wine?

(coughing)

Maggie.

John.

Daddy.

(clock ticking)

(instrumental music)

I also lost my father.

[Voiceover] Nat and Dan watched the carriage

take away the man who had in one moment,

changed their lives.

[Molly] Come along in now.

[Voiceover] John Brook, devoted to helping others,

never asked anything for himself,

but bore his own burden, bravely and quietly.

Oh come on in Daisy dear.

Mrs. Brook, let me take your coat.

For John, this was always the time of year,

to give from the heart.

And to receive.

This was always the merriest time of year for him.

He'd want us to keep it that way.

(loud banging)

That's nice work Dan.

Now let's see what we can do about the driver.

Well, I have all the parts,

so it won't be that difficult.

But the horse, that'll be hard.

(kids laughing)

Timber.

(cheerful music)

This is for you.

Thank you sir.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas Jo.

Merry Christmas.

♫ Amazing grace

♫ How sweet the sound

♫ That saved a wretch

♫ Like me

♫ I once was lost

♫ But now am found

♫ Was blind

♫ But now I see

♫ Twas grace that taught

♫ My heart to fear

♫ And grace my fear's relieved

♫ How precious did

♫ That grace appear

♫ The hour I first believed

♫ Through many dangers

♫ Toils and snares

♫ I have already come

♫ Twas grace that brought me safe thus far

♫ And grace will lead us home ♫

[Voiceover] Jo and her husband, stood together for a moment,

feeling that their autumn work,

had been done well.

For love is a flower that grows in any soil,

works its sweet miracles, undaunted by fall frost,

or winter snow.

Blooming fare and fragrant all the year,

and blessing those who give and those who receive.

(instrumental music)