Original subtitles

[UPBEAT VIOLIN MUSIC PLAYS]

[FEMALE NARRATOR] My father was born a long time ago,

but he was a child like any other,

prone to scraped-up knees and flights of fancy.

- [WOMAN] Have you found it? - Not yet.

[FEMALE NARRATOR] He was always good at finding things.

- Yes! I got it, Mom. - [WOMAN] Are there any lollipops left?

[FEMALE NARRATOR] That's him there, just in case you were wondering.

Got 'em.

- Coming through! - [ALL] Morning, Elmer.

Morning, everyone.

[FEMALE NARRATOR] Whatever his mom called for, he could get it in no time.

Hey, Mr. Linson.

Morning, Elmer.

- [KIDS LAUGH] - Ooh.

Be careful, Rosie.

[CHUCKLES]

There you are, Elmer.

[WHISPERS] Just in time for Mr. Williams's sugar craving.

[LAUGHS]

Ah, strawberry is my favorite.

- [MUFFLED] Thank you. - You're welcome.

And to think that man is a dentist.

[LAUGHS]

Have you got any rubber bands? You know, the kind that keeps beards out of soup?

- Elmer? - I'm on it.

[FEMALE NARRATOR] Now, my father would soon set foot in places

no child had ever been before.

Here you go.

[FEMALE NARRATOR] Dangerous, wild, strange places,

but he didn't know that yet.

[MAN] Elmer, can you help me?

- [WOMAN] Morning, Dela. - Morning.

Morning, Elmer.

- Morning, Magda. - What have you got for us today?

Tangerines.

Everyone likes them because they are easy to peel.

- [MAGDA] Check 'em out. - [DELA] How much are you asking?

- Uh, for you, 30. - Hmm. What do you think, Elmer?

Well, these ones from the bottom are overripe.

- They're sprouting from the inside. - Oh, so I see.

We'll give you half on the tangerines.

Twenty-five, Dela. That's the best I can do.

Twenty, and I'll take another load from you next month.

Your mom drives a hard bargain, Elmer.

[FEMALE NARRATOR] My father lived in a world

that seemed like it would go on forever.

But then it all began to change,

and times got hard for a while.

[OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYS]

What do we do now, Mom?

You don't have to worry about a thing. That's my job, Elmer.

Maybe if we stay here, our customers will come back,

and it'll be okay again.

I'm afraid the world doesn't work like that.

- But I'll get us a new home in the city. - A new store?

- [HESITATES] Sure. Of course. - But we have nothing left to sell.

Oh. You're right.

We'd better get some stock together so we'll be ready for a grand opening.

We don't need much, just a few things to get us started.

There's a strawberry lollipop. It's kinda broken though.

We could sell it cheaply and still make enough to buy some more.

You think you could find more things to sell?

[CHEERFUL MUSIC PLAYS]

[CHUCKLES, GASPS]

That's it. That's all there is.

- You're so good at finding things. - [CASH REGISTER RINGS]

We've even got a little bit of money left.

- [COINS CLATTER] - It'll get us started.

Ready for an adventure?

Ready.

- [CAR DOOR CLOSES] - [CAR ENGINE STARTS]

[SAD MUSIC PLAYS]

[THUNDER RUMBLING]

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYS]

[CARS HONKING]

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC INTENSIFIES]

[MAJESTIC MUSIC PLAYS]

[NEWSPAPER SELLER] Read all about it! Recession hits!

Who's gonna make it, and who's sunk?

Read all about it.

This is it.

- Really? - Yep.

Nevergreen City, our new home.

Look, Elmer.

Wouldn't that make a fine store for us?

But... it's all boarded up.

Can you imagine what it would look like

with a little bit of paint and some attention?

Can you see it?

I guess.

[DELA] We could put some bright lights on the windows.

And before we know it, we'll feel right at home.

[STORE CHIMES]

It will take me some time to save up for all of that.

But when I do, we'll have all we need to get started.

Don't let go of it.

Don't worry, Mom. I won't let go.

Our own store again.

Just like it was before, right? Just like home.

Just like it. Trust me, okay?

Okay.

We just have to open these doors. Ready?

[BOTH] One,

two...

- [ELMER GASPS] ...three! - [WHISTLE BLOWS]

- [GIRL 1] Out of my way! Come on! - Whoa!

[GIRL 2] The cat's too fast for me, Callie.

- [MAN] Watch it, kid. - [CALLIE] Catch her!

[CROWD SCREAM INDISTINCTLY]

Elmer! Elmer!

- Elmer, stay close to me. - [YELPS]

Come on. Help me with this.

We've got to take it all the way up to the top.

- [CAR HONKING] - [CRYPTIC MUSIC PLAYS]

- You didn't say anything about a kid. - I didn't think it'd be a problem.

Well, kids cost extra. Four months' deposit upfront.

But... that's ridiculous.

Kids are loud and rough on furniture.

But there isn't any furniture.

That's 'cause the last kid broke it all.

Uh, well, the ad said fully furnished, so I can only give you a week's deposit.

[OLD LADY GRUNTS]

Please, Mrs. McClaren.

We've come a very long way, and this is a new start for us.

We even brought our own chairs.

[GROANS]

Three weeks.

Oh, great.

Sorry, but you can't trust anyone these days.

- Nothing personal. - Yes, of course. I understand.

[MCCLAREN] And no pets. Pets are worse than kids.

No pets. We don't have any pets.

Rent's due every Tuesday,

and there's not an excuse I haven't heard, so don't bother.

- You got it? - Yes, I get it. Tuesday, rent due.

[SIGHS]

Hey, Mom, I can see our store from here.

Come on. It's a great view.

Then that makes this apartment the perfect spot.

Here, we can save up for the store in this.

- [COINS CLATTER] - [SAD MUSIC PLAYS]

Soon, it'll be just like home.

[THUNDER RUMBLING]

[CARS HONKING]

[SAD MUSIC ENDS]

[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS OVER RADIO]

[PIPE CLANGING]

[WATER SPLASHING]

I think I'm getting a hang of these pipes.

What'd you say?

I said I figured out how to not get splashed.

[KNOCKING ON DOOR]

That's great, Elmer.

[FAUCET SQUEAKING]

[KNOCKING ON DOOR CONTINUES]

[EXHALES, INHALES]

- Hello, Mrs. McClaren. - [GRUNTS]

Look, Elmer. We have a visitor.

Hello, Mrs. McClaren. How are you today?

Well, it's Tuesday. I hear a lot of sob stories on Tuesdays.

- It makes my indigestion flare. - I'm sorry to hear that.

Your rent's due.

The pipes in here rumble and spray water.

I'll pay you half this week and half every week

until the pipes are fixed.

Look, I fix the pipes. I got to charge you more.

Everything costs money, Dela. Don't you think I got troubles of my own?

- Wait. Mom! - [MCCLAREN] See you next week.

I'll figure out a way to fill our savings jar.

And then you won't have to worry anymore. It'll just be you, me, and our new store.

I need to borrow some change, all right?

- But that's the money... - [DELA] I need to make calls.

Come outside with me.

[CAT MEOWS]

[CAR HONKING]

Don't use them all up, Mom.

- We can't get our store without it. - It's just a few coins. No big deal.

- How are we gonna... - Hello.

Yes, yes, I'm calling about the ad.

I have my own truck. It's... it's gone?

- [SIGHS] All right. Bye. - Mom?

[DELA] It's okay. Just one more.

Hello. Hi, I'm calling about the ad.

Wait. I have my own truck, and the first delivery is free. All right.

But, Mom, maybe I can help.

[DELA] I just need you to be quiet. Hello.

Yes, yes, I'm calling about the ad.

[FADING] No, wait! You don't understand. You see, I have my own truck...

- [TENSE MUSIC PLAYS] - [COINS CLATTERING]

[COIN CLATTERING]

[CARS HONKING]

[SIGHS]

[CAT MEOWS LOUDLY]

[CARS HONKING]

[CAT MEOWS]

[GRUNTS] Get off of me!

[CLEARS THROAT] Callie, help!

- Shoo! Shoo! Go, go, go! - [CAT SPUTTERS]

- Get your milk someplace else. - [SCREAMS]

Are you okay, Gertie?

[GERTIE] Uh-huh.

- You ready, Eugene? - I'm ready!

And... hit it!

[GUITAR PLAYING]

'Tis a dark and dreary night!

Aha!

The wind is howling.

[MIMICKING WIND HOWLING]

A far-off land teeters at the very edge of oblivion.

Thank you very much.

The animals cry out,

[DRAMATIC VOICE] "Is there no one who can save us?"

Thank you.

Yes! Yes! There is one who can save them.

One who's traveled both far and wide...

Rubber bands for sale!

All kinds of colors. Amazing deals. Get 'em before they're gone.

- ...a most amazing, stupendous, muscly... - [ELMER] Rubber bands for every occasion.

Red ones, blue ones. Rubber bands? You look like you need rubber bands.

A most amazing, brave, fire-breathing dragon!

[ELMER] Rubber bands? So cheap they're almost free!

Cheap? Free?

Today only.

Today only?

- I said... - Oh, I'd better hurry.

- I know you need some rubber bands. - A flying dragon!

- [ELMER] You can wear them! - [WOMAN] That sure is a bargain.

- Thank you, ma'am. - [CALLIE] Hey!

You took our customer! She was about to put that coin in my hat.

Well, it's mine now.

No, it's not. 'Cause we were here first doin' our show.

Uh, looks like your show isn't as spectacular as rubber bands.

Okay. Here's how it's going to be. You're either going to give me that coin,

or you're gonna give me something out of that backpack.

- No. - You must have something for our show.

- It's mine. - But you owe me. Fair is fair.

- No, I don't! - [SCREAMS]

- [CALLIE] Do so. - [EUGENE GRUNTS]

[ELMER AND CALLIE GROAN]

- [ROARS, SCREAMS] - Get off!

[GASPS] I got it, Callie!

- Hey! Those kids... - [DELA] Come on.

- We have to get back inside. - Come back here!

You take from me, I take from you.

- They took... - Please, come on.

I'm tired, and I have to cook supper. Okay?

[HESITATES] They...

[PIPE CLANGING]

[WATER SPLASHING]

[DELA GRUNTS]

Hey there.

How did you get in here? Did you follow me?

I'll be back in a minute.

[DELA] Don't drink all of that. We need some for breakfast.

[ELMER] Okay.

- [MEOWS] - Shh!

You've got to be quiet. No pets allowed in the apartment.

- Did you say something? - No, Mom.

- [DELA] Come and eat before it gets cold. - I'm coming.

- [MEOWS] - Shh!

Don't make a sound. I'll figure something out.

Hmm! That smells really nice, Mom!

[SIGHS]

[CAT MEOWS]

Hey, look at that.

Mom, I...

Are you trying to get us thrown out on the street?

'Cause if you are, this is a good way to go about it.

- You don't understand. - There's nothing to understand.

Put the cat back wherever you found it, or Mrs. McClaren will tell us to go!

- But, I didn't... - I don't care. I don't have time for this.

- I can explain. - I've had enough.

You're about to lie, and I don't wanna hear it.

You're the liar! You told me we'd start up our store right out there!

It's not that simple.

But you promised!

[HESITATES] I didn't mean right now.

- Why don't you tell me the truth? - You want me to tell you the truth?

I needed you to get out of the truck. That's all.

[SCREAMS] And now I need you to get that cat out of this apartment!

Because I have enough to worry about, okay?

I'm sorry.

Don't be scared.

I'm not scared!

[CRIES] I'll get the money, and I'll open the store myself.

You'll see.

- Elmer. - [DOOR CLOSES]

Hey! No runnin' on the stairs!

- Is that a cat? - [CAT MEOWS]

What in the world is going on?

I'm doing this all by myself, Elmer.

- [FOOTSTEPS DEPARTING] - [SAD MUSIC PLAYS]

[DOOR CLOSES]

Elmer!

[MEOWS]

[PANTING]

[ELMER'S VOICE ECHOES] What do we do now, Mom?

[DELA] You don't have to worry about a thing. That's my job.

That's my job.

- [ELMER] Maybe I can help. - [DELA] I just need you to be quiet.

[WOMEN LAUGH]

[ELMER] Hey! You come back here!

[CALLIE] That money belongs to us.

- [ELMER] That's mine! - [CALLIE] Get him!

- [PANTING] - [WOMAN YELLS INDISTINCTLY]

[DELA] I don't have time for this.

[MCCLAREN] You didn't say anything about a kid.

[DELA] I didn't think it'd be a problem.

[MCCLAREN] Kids cost extra.

[DELA] I have enough to worry about, okay?

- [DELA] Elmer. - [GRUNTS]

[DELA'S VOICE ECHOES] Don't be scared.

[SCREAMS]

[PANTING]

[EXHALES HEAVILY]

[MEOWS]

Hey, cat.

Why is everything so hard?

Are you asking me, or...

Whoa! [YELPS, GASPS]

Oh. [LAUGHS]

You were just talking to yourself. I get it.

[GASPS] You're...

- Whoa. - Elmer. Elmer?

[GRUNTING]

Oh, for goodness' sake. Elmer!

[PANTING] No. You're... a talking cat? No, no, no.

Let me know when you're ready, and I'll answer any questions you have.

[GASPS]

How... how come you can talk?

[SCOFFS] You were kind to me.

So now I'm gonna return that kindness... to you, Elmer.

Um, are you, like, gonna grant me seven wishes?

I am not that kind of magic.

And isn't it usually three wishes?

Well... I need a lot of help.

I need to open a store for my mom and me so she doesn't have to worry anymore.

But I haven't got any money, and...

And this is where I can help.

See, I don't just talk. I listen.

Down here at the docks, I hear about all kinds of things.

Things that might earn a young person like yourself

the money you need to open your store.

Like what?

An amazing, spectacular,

real live,

flying, fire-breathing... dragon!

[LAUGHS]

Yeah, no. Dragons aren't real.

Neither are talking cats. [LAUGHS]

Can't you just imagine having your very own dragon here in Nevergreen City?

Yeah, but how...

[SHUSHES] Just imagine.

[MAJESTIC MUSIC PLAYS]

[DRAGON SNARLING]

You and your mom won't have to worry about another thing.

[DRAGON SNARLING]

[ELMER] Wow.

[HESITATES] I could sell rides and candy and souvenirs!

And Mom and I could finally start our store!

Tell me where the dragon is. How do I get it?

That's the easy part.

It's just sitting there... on this little, tiny island.

But how do I get to the island?

That's easy too.

I got you a ride.

- Whoa! [GROANS] - [LOUD THUMP]

[LAUGHS, MEOWS]

[YELPS, GASPS]

- [LAUGHS] - Say hello to Soda.

[SQUEALS]

That kinda tickles a little. Uh. [GIGGLES]

[CAT] Soda.

- Yes? - Say hello.

- Hello! - [ELMER SCREAMS, GROANS]

Uh, he's... he's got it, Soda.

I'm supposed to ride a whale to the island?

- [SODA GIGGLES] - [GRUNTS]

It's the best I could do on short notice.

[SODA] Uh.

[GIGGLES]

Okay, okay. Phew.

I... I just gotta figure out how to hold on.

- Soda? - [SODA] Elmer!

Take me to the island with the dragon. Please?

[SODA HOLDING IN LAUGH]

[LAUGHS]

- Soda! - Yes, yes, Cat?

Better get going as fast as you can.

[LAUGHS] Yee-haw!

[ELMER] Or slow! Slow's okay too!

Woo! Have a good time. Bye!

[CHUCKLES]

He's such a good kid. Hope he doesn't drown or get eaten.

Or both.

[MAJESTIC MUSIC PLAYS]

Soda, slow down! I got nothing to hold on to!

But I promised the cat I'd go fast. [MIMICS CAR ENGINE REVVING]

- Okay, but just not so fast. - [GIGGLES]

Medium fast. Good, good. I can do that.

Woo-hoo!

Wanna see why I'm called Soda? Wanna see, wanna see?

- Nope. Not real... - [SHRIEKS]

[SODA LAUGHS]

- Did you see it? Did you? - [PANTING]

Yeah, yeah, I saw.

[SODA LAUGHS] I taught myself how to do that.

- Great, Soda. [SIGHS] - I made the whole thing up all by myself.

[PANTS]

[SEAGULLS SQUAWKING]

- Wow. - [SODA] It's something, isn't it?

I love dusk.

One night, I wanna swim all the way to the stars.

Elmer! Elmer! Elmer!

Are you awake?

You're awake, right? You snore.

[LAUGHS] Did you know that?

Or maybe that was your tummy. Does it talk when it's hungry?

Hungry? Want something orangey? 'Cause it's almost morning, you know?

We're in the middle of a sea. Where are we gonna get... [GROANS]

A tangerine?

Ta-da!

Whoa!

This is Tangerina.

Pretty spectacular, right?

- [LAUGHS] - Yeah.

[SODA] Best tangerines in town.

Or, I mean, on the water.

Best tangerines you'll ever taste. That's for sure.

Last stop till the island, so stock up.

[CHEERFUL MUSIC PLAYS]

- Hmm! This is so good! - Right?

[SODA MIMICS A TRAIN'S HORN BLARING, LAUGHS]

How about that? That's a train.

[SPITS, GRUNTS]

[GASPS] Look! Elmer! Elmer, I made a nose!

Look! It's just like yours! Look quickly before it pops!

[ELMER] Not bad. Not bad.

[SODA] Thanks! Taught myself that one. No big deal.

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYS]

[ELMER] Wow!

- That must be it. - [SODA] Yep.

That's Wild Island.

[THUNDER RUMBLING]

Did you say Wild Island?

Yeah, 'cause of the wild animals.

Wild animals?

Yes. They have really big poky teeth and poky claws.

What?

- Yep. - Wait.

They captured the dragon,

so it can lift up the island over and over again.

- Why would anyone do that? - 'Cause it's sinking.

- So this is a rescue? - Didn't the cat tell you any of this?

No!

Well, surprise!

I'm dead.

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONTINUES]

[ELMER SCREAMS]

- [SODA] Bon voyage! - [ELMER SCREAMS]

[GROANS]

[MAJESTIC MUSIC PLAYS]

[GASPS, COUGHS]

[PANTING]

[DRAGON SNARLING]

Don't worry, dragon. I'm here to r... [SCREAMS]

[GROANS]

[EXHALES]

Okay, okay. [EXHALES]

[YELPS]

[CREATURE SQUEALS]

[PANTING]

[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYS]

[PANTING]

Oh my...

[PANTING]

[DRAGON SNARLING]

[COUGHS]

[DRAGON GRUNTS]

Okay, okay.

[EXHALES, PANTS]

[GRUNTS]

[GRUNTS, MOANS]

[DRAGON MOANS]

[GRUNTS]

[GRUNTS]

[DRAGON MOANS]

[PANTS]

[GRUNTS]

[GASPS]

- [ROPE BREAKING] - [GRUNTS]

[MONKEYS CHANTING INDISTINCTLY]

Let go of him!

Hey, stop! I said knock it off!

I can hardly hear Saiwa with all your racket.

Saiwa has made the dragon save us once again,

and this is how you show gratitude?

[MONKEYS SCREECHING]

Quiet down now. There is no need to be afraid.

I brought this dragon to us,

and as long as he lifts us up,

we will never be lost to the sea.

[MONKEYS SCREECHING]

Hey!

[MONKEY SQUEAKING]

Hush. Be calm, be calm.

I have the answers. I will save Wild Island.

[MONKEY 1] I can't take it.

Saiwa's dragon is barely able to lift the island now.

Listen to him. Just listen.

Each time, we lose more ground. I lost my home this time.

The most important thing is that we all keep calm.

[MONKEY 1] I could have drowned! You could drown next!

And you, and you, and you...

- [MONKEY 2] Hey! - [GASPS]

[SCREAMS]

Shut up, Tamir!

[MONKEY 3] Kwan?

Yes, Saiwa?

Give him to me.

- [SCREAMS] - Shush!

[MONKEYS SCREECHING]

[TAMIR SCREAMS]

Stop it. Stop it!

[GROANS] I don't wanna drown. I don't wanna drown.

- [SCREAMS] - Tamir, Tamir, Tamir!

Listen to me. You are scaring everyone.

I'm sorry, Saiwa. I... I just don't wanna drown.

I don't wanna drown! I don't wanna drown! I...

- [ANIMALS CHATTERING] - Be calm. You are all safe.

Be quiet!

Let Saiwa speak.

[TENSE MUSIC PLAYS]

If we surrender to panic, I cannot save you.

No one can.

[SCREAMS]

Please, I simply ask you to trust me.

[GRUNTS, PANTS]

The dragon...

The dragon does what I make him do,

and so should you when I tell you to stop...

- But, but... - But what?

[TAMIR SCREAMS]

[TAMIR GASPS]

[SCREAMS]

Mom!

Stop him, Kwan!

[PANTS]

- [ELMER SCREAMS] - [KWAN GRUNTS]

[KWAN GRUNTS] Oh God...

Let go! Let go!

- [KWAN GROANS] - [GRUNTING]

[GROANS, GRUNTS]

[