Original subtitles

The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth like the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath.

It is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: Tis mightiest in the mightiest;

It becomes the throned monarch better than his crown: His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,

The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;

But mercy is above his sceptred sway; It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,

It is an attribute to God himself; And earthly power doth then show likest God’s

When mercy seasons justice.

Next!

It's not fair.

Susan, just go ask McLernon why you didn't get the part.

Susan, you may be the best actress in the school. Even when you overdo it a little bit. But but that's not the point here.

It's not just about who's the best.

It's about giving everyone a chance to learn.

So you'll just have to share the spotlight for a change.

Yeah but Ashley as Portia? I'm mean I don't think she understands ---- ----, and plus she's too young.

Susan, were you listening to anything that I said?

Yeah I understand. But... were students, not real actors.

Oh... you scared me, coming in like that.

How was the day at school?

Oh... I see.

Well I have just what you need.

Mrs. Clutchett, unless you can get me the lead in the school play...

...there is really nothing much you can do to cheer me up.

Your favorite!

I'm home!

Susan!

Susan?

Hi Pumpkin.

Dad.

What's up Susan?

I'm not playing Portia. That's what's up.

Who?

Portia. The Merchant of Venice. The school play.

Oh... well how are you doing in math?

What does that have anything to do with it?

It has a lot more to do with anything than acting.

That's a hobby.

How can you say that? Acting was mom's profession.

That's true.

But your mother would have been the first one to tell you...

...that you need a solid foundation in math if you're ever going to make it into a good college program.

Ah.... I can't get this thing to work.

You need a solid foundation in computers if you want to make it in the 21st century.

I'm going to the top. Mr. Reynolds is waiting for me.

It's me Mr. Reynolds!

I'll be right there.

Is that all the mail for today?

uh... some flyers and an insurance bill, oh I wrote out a check.

Thank you.

Ok... pay to the order of Susan Shawson, one million dollars and no cents...

Somehow I think that one's going to bounce.

Well I tried.

How about some headlines? School Lunch Program. Freeway Vandals.

Oh... here's one: Gold Coins found at Construction Site.

Gold Coins?

Yeah.

Is there a theme emerging here?

A cache of US Double Eagle Gold pieces probably buried during the civil war...

...were discovered during excavations at a former Oak Park today and construction work will be suspended...

...while archaeological experts explore the site.

Oak Park. Isn't that the playground just around the corner from here?

Yeah... well they're digging it up to put in another one of those new mini-malls.

Ok so... tell me what's wrong.

Nothing... it's just that I used to play in that park.

That's not what I meant. What happened today?

Oh... I didn't get the part.

But you were perfect when you read for me yesterday.

Well I wasn't so perfect today.

I mean it's so unfair.

How unfair?

"Susan, you may be the best actress in the school, but you have to share the spotlight for a change."

eheh heh heh... is that what the teacher said?

Yeah, but...

Well, maybe she has a point.

How can you say that? I mean that's so unfair.

Well maybe... I used to think a lot of little things were unfair... and then I had my accident.

Maybe it's just a question of perspective, as to what's fair. Isn't it?

I guess you're right. I'm sorry I was whiny.

I'll make us some tea.

You know Susan, I can only judge by your voice, but I think you'd be a wonderful actress.

Your mother would be proud.

You really think so?

I have several books here on famous actresses and not one of them was an overnight success.

Perhaps you'd like to borrow one?

That'd be great!

On the shelf behind you. Ah... I used to go to the theater often with my wife Eleonora.

She was named after two famous actresses of the 1920s: Eleonora Duse and Theda Bara.

Why don't you take the one on Duse.

Okay.

Oh...

What's this?

----

Where did you find this?

Over by the books. So what is it?

I... don't know, maybe something my wife put there.

Oh...

Well look Susan. Just as long as you are taking the newspapers down to the basement...

...why don't you take that and put it in my storage locker. You know, the key is on the hook by the door.

All right.

Sure you're ok?

Let's have some shortbread cookies with our tea shall we?

Okay.

Hello Susan.

What have you got there?

Oh... I'm not sure Mr. Ormondroyd. I found it in Mr. Reynold's bookshelf.

Looks like something that belongs in here.

Yes it looks like the old floor selector panel.

How long ago did Mrs. Reynolds die?

Oh... over ten years now.

Oh... and uh... she died and he was blinded in the same laboratory fire?

Yes.

He lost everything all at once. I mean how does somebody go on after something like that?

That's a good question Susan, but you know him better than anyone.

Aren't you getting off here?

No I'm going down to the basement. I have to drop this off for Mr. Reynolds.

Hmm... I don't know why Mr. Reynolds would have it, but I wouldn't trouble myself over it. Goodnight Susan.

Goodnight Mr. Ormondroyd.

Hmmm... that wasn't there on the old plate.

Eleonora Duse died?

Ahhh!

Susy! It's a me Bodoni

Oh! You scared me to death Mr. Bodoni.

Sorry! I was putting out rat traps on my way to bed.

What is that?

They're uh... what do you call them, decoys.

Oh...

Why are you here so late Susy?

Oh Mr. Reynolds ask me to put something in his locker.

Huh...

Are you... are you hungry?

Don't worry, I'll eat. I brought something down to the basement. And yes my homework's all done.

I am sorry about the play.

Oh... who cares about some dumb school play anyhow.

Can I go online?

Sure...

School day tomorrow ok?

Yes. Just a couple more minutes.

I miss her too.

It's so hard on both of us, without her.

It's ok dad.

Some of us have to get up early tomorrow.

Good night.

Bed soon ok?

Eleonora Duse and Mrs. Reynolds? That's impossible! Where did I leave those keys?

Oh! Yes!

Time travel equations!? Time-space continuum? What is this?

eh... yep... too small... that's it...what's a mattter with you guys... I give you my best a cheese...

Why isn't this thing moving? The keys!

Where am I?

Thank you Maggie, that'll be all for now.

Mommy?

Victoria? Please come down to the kitchen for dinner. It's just you and I this evening.

I don't want to trouble Maggie with serving.

Mama, is Mr. Sweeney coming to call tonight by any chance?

Please Victoria. That's none of your concern. Come now.

Yes maam.

It's nice to be just the two of us at dinner tonight.

Miss Autumn. This house must be too taxing for you do I assume?

Many things have been difficult since my husband passed away, Mr. Sweeney.

Which I hope to change. Can a handsome woman such as yourself can enjoy a life of travel?

And not a pleasure for which she is best suited as my wife.

It is too soon for me. I'm am widowed hardly more than a year and we barely know each other.

Two months merely constitutes an acquaintance.

Not more than acquaintances by now my dear. What difference the amount of time?

I cannot consider so momentous a decision as marriage without thinking of my children first.

As I do. When I suggest a fine military academy for Robert and finishing school for Victoria.

I must think of the feelings of Victoria and Robert, but your offer is more than generous, and I will seriously consider it.

Thank you dear lady. Robert and I can get better acquainted when I fetch him from her Great Aunt's tomorrow.

Good night Nora.

Good night.

Hello Mr. Toad. And here I was expecting the white rabbit.

Ow...

Toby... hey you... here kitty kitty... meow...

...meow...

Good.

...meow...

Please be here somewhere.

Ohhh!...

Oh God... now a ghost...

You should not swear.

I'm not a ghost.

But are you ---- accomplice?

Of course not.

I'm just a little lost that's all.

As soon as I can find the elevator, I'll go back to my floor.

Your floor?

Whatever do you mean?

Look, all I know is I got on the elevator in the basement and it came out on this floor. All I want to do is go back.

Well we do not have a basement.

And we certainly do not have an elevator.

Who's we?

Well we are The Walkers.

I'm Victoria Albertine Walker.

And you are in our house!

Well where's my apartment building?

Where's Susan Shawson's house?

I honestly don't know Susan.

Did you fall perhaps and hit your head?

Good night Maggie.

Mom and Maggie are still up. We need to hide you.

Are you running from someone?

Is that how you got all wet?

No I tripped and fell in your frog pond.

What's it doing over there?

Where am I?

Shhh...

I already told you.

You're in the Walker house.

I... I got to be dreaming.

Oh pinch youself, you'll see that you're not.

We need to get you out of those wet things, whatever sort of strange garments they may be.

Well what's with you people? You're the one's in the weird strange old fashioned outfit.

Old fashioned! We certainly are not old fashioned. Mama just bought me this dress a month ago.

Don't you know what people wear in this day and age?

I'm afraid to ask. Wha... what day and age is this?

Are you certain you didn't hit your head?

Just answer please?

Well it's 1881 of course. The first of July. And lucky for you or else you would have caught your death.

1881?

Mm-hmm...

Oh my God.

Susan! Stop it or else I'm going to have to call someone alright?

Please help me get back to the elevator.

Please, you have to believe me. That's how I got here.

Susan.

I brought some tea Susan. It'll warm you up.

What street is it that I saw the horse and carriage?

Uh... that's Ward Lane.

Ward Lane?

Mm-huh...

Were not in the city?

Oh no of course not. The city is two miles from here.

I brought two biscuits.

Thanks.

Sorry I freaked.

Freaked?

Right. Come on Toto, let go back to the Emerald City and find the Great Oz and find our way back to Kansas.

Toto? The Great Oz?

You know? The Wizard of Oz.

Oh Susan, that's what you think happened to you. A wizard cast a spell on you?

No. I mean the Wizard of Oz. The famous children's book. I guess it's not out yet.

Well then how can you read it?

Well it was published back in 1900.

I'd better go get a doctor.

No listen. Where I'm from, 1900 is back then.

Oh my poor dear. You must be completely mad.

Maybe, I don't know anymore.

Wait. What about these clothes? Look at my shoes. Have you even seen anything like this?

Can you get this in 1881?

I cannot say.

But I have heard of confidence schemes.

I don't want to argue.

I just want to go back. Wait, my CD player.

Look. Here...oh. Come on. Oh no it must have broke when I fell in the frog pond.

Oh... I have to go back. I have to go home. My dad must be going crazy by now.

Susan, I don't know what happened to you or where you want to go back to...

...but please come back into my room before someone hears you.

So... who's the president now?

James Garfield of course.

Garfield. We just studied him. Wasn't he the one who got shot by some guy with a French name?

Bite you tongue Susan Shawson. Why would you wish something like that?

Guess that hasn't happened yet either.

You must be exhausted.

You can sleep in the bed.

And I'll take the divan.

What if someone comes in.

Nobody would come into my room without knocking first.

Susan honey lets go your breakfast...

Susan!

Have you seen my daughter?

No sir.

Gagin. Take line 3. Missing kid.

Gagin.

Alright sir... calm down. How old is your daughter...

How long has she been missing?

Al... alright sir... you're going to have to calm down if you want my help. Now who am I speaking with?

Alright Mr. Shawson. I understand what you're saying...

...but... but could she have gone somewhere maybe to meet a friend a little early?

President Garfield has been shot!

What do you mean?

The postman came with the mail today and he told me that president Garfield...

...was shot this morning in a Pennsylvania Station by a man named Guiteau.

Susan, how did you know?

I told you.

This can't be.

Now do you believe me?

Half of what you say is gibberish and it makes no sense.

Shhh... your mom.

Oh...

I don't understand why you say your hands are tied?

Mr. Shawson, I understand your anxiety, I do. But the fact is your daughter could have gone somewhere on her own.

Why would she do that?

I'm not saying she has, look she's a minor, so even though she has not been missing for 24 hours...

I'm here and I'm talking to you, and I talk to anybody that knows anything, but until we receive a phone call...

...or some kind of ransom note, we can't assume she's been kidnapped.

Instead your assuming that she's runaway.

No... I'm not. Look why don't we just look at the facts. Alright the last time you saw her was in her bedroom.

You didn't hear any sound of disturbance, I've looked around...

Look! My daughter's missing. I don't care about any of that, I just want her found.

I think it has something to do with Mr. Reynolds keys, but...

Your blind friend? Who was once a scientist gave you a set of keys.

And your said that you went into an elevator but it would not work so you pressed some buttons right?

And then you put the key in and turned it. And here you are.

Yeah but why here?

Maybe something wanted you here.

No... that's too far out. Outlandish.

No more outlandish than going back into time for no reason.

Hmmm...

Promise to tell no one? But I have a serious problem. Our maid, Maggie, she's Irish and believes in spirits.

So we asked the spirits for help. And her you are.

Help with what?

With Mr. Sweeney. The fortune hunter who's after mama.

Is that the man I heard in the garden with her last night?

You heard them?

And you're sure there's nothing down in that locker. I would like to take a look myself.

Susan would never take anything of mine.

Of course she wouldn't. Susan doesn't steal things.

Mr. Shawson, I didn't say she would, I'm simply following a line of questioning, trying to establish circumstances.

Now this play she was upset over. Would she have gone to see a friend about it?

Not without telling Frank, Mr. Shawson. Susan wouldn't want to upset him.

I can't believe mother said that to Mr. Sweeney.

Well that's what I heard.

But your mother didn't make any promises.

No?

She thinks Robert and I need a new father.

I miss my father. But I don't need that awful man.

Is he really that bad? When I saw him he kind of looked dorky.

I don't know that dorky is, but it's too good for Sweeney.

Hmm-mm...

And with Robert at Great Aunt Brisley's it's all been up to me.

I wish I could help.

Well you have by telling me what mother said to him.

I wonder what time it is at home?

Oh my... Go....gracious... it's 10am... when I get home my dad's going to ground me for life.

Grounded?

Is that something like locking you in the cellar?

Something like that yeah.

Hello Frank, how are you today?

Not very well Edward. Susan's missing.

Missing! Really since when?

Since last night. It's Detective Gagin.

So you know Susan, Mr.?

Ormondroyd. Yes of course I know her.

When was the last time you saw her?

Well just last night in this elevator.

Did you see her get off?

Well no actually I got off on the ground floor to go to supper and Susan was going down to the basement.

Now we talked to Reynolds upstairs...

...and he said she went down to the basement, she was taking some books downstairs to the storage locker for him.

Well no actually it wasn't books. It was some newspapers and a sort of a brass plate.

He said they were books.

Well what... being blind and all he might have thought it was books.

That could very well be. How do you spell that?

B. O. O.

Your name.

O. R. M...

I got to get off here and make some phone calls see if I can find out something about what's going on.

Susan where precisely is the elevator supposed to be?

Vicky, what about your mom and Maggie?

Oh... they went to town a while ago to do some shopping.

And when were you going to clue me in on this?

Is that "me tell you"?

Yeah.

You said that the elevator came here?

Yeah... but it's gone.

This is cool wallpaper!

Actually I think it's rather warm myself.

May I see the keys.

Yeah sure.

What's this?

I think it's a remote control for a car alarm.

Well it sends radio signals.

Ok you guys don't have radios or pagers and cellular phones.

Is that like a telephone?

You have a telephone?

Well not here of course.

I'll have you know that very few people have talked on a telephone.

But I am one. My father took me to the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia when I was 9.

Well do you know the radio signal that goes through the telephone wire...

...this is exactly the same thing except without the wire. It sends a signal to the car alarm to turn it off and on.

What's a car alarm?

Well... don't worry about that, but why would Mr. Reynolds have it?

To send a signal because he's blind.

Would a blind man drive a horse and carriage?

Now that doesn't sound very safe.

Exactly.

The lockers are at the doors end.

Thanks. I can take it from here.

That's the Super. Mr. Bodoni!

Ahh... Mr. Ormondroyd. How are you? I'm a fixing rat traps.

Fine fine... this is detective Gagin. He investigating the disappearance of Susan Shawson.

Little Susy?

Mmm-huh...

Disappeared? When?

We don't know. Apparently she came down to the Reynolds locker last night.

Sure! Sure. Yes I... I saw her.

Really?

What time would that have been, huh?

Don't know. Eh... 8, 9

That would be right after when I saw her.

Huh!

I'd like to take a look at the Reynolds locker. Would you mind opening it up.

Really?

Really.

Sure!

See the top one has a crack.

How does this send a signal?

Oh you just push the button.

My heavens!

Oh... yes!

Oh my Lord!

Thank you.

It's true!

Yeah, just press a button and I'm going to be home.

Do you want to come?

Oh no... I wouldn't dare.

I was just kidding. Well, how am I ever going to thank you?

Susan you can't just leave.

I can't just stay.

I mean you just got here, and you haven't even met Robert yet.

I'd love to stay in 1881, but I got to go home and see my dad.

Wow. You'll need these.

Duh. See ya... maybe...

Bye.

Goodbye Susan.

Ah... how do I do this?

You know, I am a the man in charge eh?

Mr. Ormondroyd, don't you have some place you need to be?

Oh no, I'm a writer and I keep whatever hours I want.

Mr. Bodoni. This bulb looks new. Did you change it?

No. The tenant's take a care of it.

There's a missing bulb in here? Did you use it in here somewhere?

What does this have to do with Susan?

I'm not sure yet. I'm going back to see Reynolds.

Have you found something?

You just keep making phone calls. I'll come back and... and fill you in later.

Who's there please?

It's me Mr. Reynolds.

Susan where were you?

That's what I want to know?

What do you mean?

I mean what did you do to the elevator?

Di... di... did you go back?

Yes!

Whoever it is, don't tell 'em I'm here.

Mr. Reynolds, it's Detective Gagin again.

Ye... ye... yes?

Am I disturbing something?

Oh of course not. Um... did you have any luck?

No, not yet. Do you mind if I come in?

Of course not. I... uh...

Now, you stated that she took some books down to the basement for you.

Yes that's what I said.

Uh-huh...

Well well well, miss Susan Shawson I presume.

Uh... do I know you?

No. No I'm the detective your father called to find you.

Oh.

Care to tell me where you've been?

uh... been? It's personal.

Oh, it's personal.

Well I don't think your father would like hearing that Mr. Reynolds here had to lie for you.

Mr. Reynolds didn't know where I was.

Mmmm-hmm... ok what do you say you and I go downstairs and have a little chat with your father.

What's going on Susan?

Maybe we should talk to Sandy Hoffman.

That shrink you dated? Dad I'm not crazy.

Then you are grounded for the rest of your life unless you tell me where you've been!

Fine. I'll go talk to Reynolds myself.

Whoa! Mr. Shawson, let's just let things simmer down for a while.

Why should I do that? I deserve an explanation.

Yes sir you do. I don't know where she has been, but at least she didn't wind up in a hospital or worse.

Now Reynolds was not lying about knowing where she was just about what she took down to the basement.

Well how can you be so sure?

Because he is a bad liar and it takes a pretty good liar to get past me.

I hope so.

Sir I am just trying to do my job to get to the truth.

Whatever.

Fine. I'll just show myself out.

Mmmm-hmm...

You want a career in the military, don't you Robert?

Yes sir, I want to make Colonel by 1905.

Oh...

Yeah...

---- ---- ---- ---- to make your name.

Exactly sir!

Huhhuh... well, surest approach to the successful military career means that ---- ---- ----.

You will put in a good word with your mama for me won't you?

Oh yes sir. Yes.

That's a good boy.

Robert Walker, how could you accept a ride from that man?

Listen Vic, I don't know why you hate Mr. Sweeney the way you do. He seems alright when you get to know him.

Can't you see him for what he is? He's a cad and a scoundrel.

He's no gentleman I can assure you.

But he wants to marry Mother and then...

And then let me guess, he's going to send you off to military school.

How'd you know that?

Susan heard him proposing last night in the garden.

And to sweeten it up, he promised to send us both away.

Who's Susan?

You don't know her. And she's left the country.

You're acting mighty strange Vic.

Thank you Maggie.

Children, we must have a serious discussion.

About Mr. Sweeney.

About several matters including that gentleman, yes.

Victoria, why do you despise him so?

Because he's a blaggard mama.

Victoria, I will not have such talk.

You may not like him, but you will be civil.

Now Mr. Sweeney has proposed to me on many an occasion. And until now, I thought it better to refuse him...

Until now mama, what are you saying?

Such an offer and proposal do not come along everyday.

I cannot risk refusing.

What offer?

To send us both away.

To provide for a proper education for both of you, yes.

You're not in love with you are you mother?

There are many reasons for my decision.

Mama, please don't do this for us.

uhh... we do well as we are.

Children, there's something that you're not aware of.

Your fathers investments have gone bad. We're nearly bankrupt.

Bankrupt?

How can this be?

Suffice to say this it is.

Our financial advisor Mr. Branscomb gave me all the details today.

Without Mr. Sweeney's proposal, I'm afraid we will have to sell the house.

Sell the house? No mama! I'll find employment.

Robert, be sensible.

We don't want to be forced to impose on Great Aunt Brisley.

Mama... but there has to be some other way.

Oh my darlings, I would never so anything to make you unhappy.

Your papa invested everything in business ventures to provide the best for us. Sometimes that is a gamble.

And I'm afraid we lost. I'm sorry.

How does it work?

Well, I'm not sure anymore Susan. It's.. it's... it's been twelve years and so much had happened since then...

I never really believed it would work, but Eleonora believed and then when she never came back...

wh... I mea... but... where your wife?

Somewhere in time! I don't know!

And you never looked!?

Well I might have one day but then I paniced and I uh... set fire to the lab to cover her disappearance and afterwards...

I guess being blind, time travel's difficult.

No... no... no... I was always too scared you see, that's whay I never argued with her about going first.

Besides, you're just like her...

I must be nuts but here it goes.

No...

They go over your ears.

But why? Oh...

They're like the telephone ear pieces I told you about. My friend Susan left it behind.

Last time I saw Mr. Bodoni I pressed 1 then 8 then nothing... how does that work?

1, 8, or is it 1... ohhh... 1, 8... 1... 1, 8, 8, 1!

That's it! 1881! So that means the Indians were 1, 3, 5, 7. Oh wow. 1357.

So lets go.

Susan!

Susan. Susan!

Vicky!

Thank goodness you came back.

Oh... yes. May I please present my younger brother. Master Robert Lincoln Walker.

Robert this is Miss Susan Shawson. Nevermind that.

Hey!

Say hello.

Pleased to meet you.

Hi Robert.

Wow...

So now you guys are broke? That stinks!

I beg your pardon?

The hard cheese!

No that's British.

Have you been to Britain?

No I haven't even been to Disneyworld. My dad keeps telling me he's trying to find time.

What's Disneyworld?

Oh, it's kind of like The Centennial Exposition where you saw all the telephones, except a lot bigger.

Well I assure you The Centennial Exposition was quite large.

Well, we were all going to go, my mom, my dad and me, then she died.

Your mother's dead?

Yeah.

Tell me about your mama.

Well she was so beautiful.

Just like your mom.

She was an actress, just like I want to be.

Really?

Being an actor or actress is considered somewhat disreputable.

Mmm-hmm.

Well in 1998, some of the most famous people in the world are actors and actresses.

Really?

More famous than writers?

Or soldiers?

Mmmm... sure because of movies and TV.

Well... well TV's kind of like a box with a window with moving pictures.

My mom was a TV actress on a soap opera.

If we're starting that campaign tomorrow, we better get some shut eye.

Honestly Robert, do you have to use that slang?

Actually I could use some sack time myself.

Daddy, if I'm not back yet don't worry, there is something I have to do. Love, Susan.

These are beautiful Vicky. I've neven seen anything like this. How long have you been doing this?

Since I was six.

What time is it?

Oh... 8:35 in my world but here the crack of dawn.

What did you tell your father?

Nothing, I had to keep a secret from Mr. Reynolds.

No, I mean about coming back.

I snuck out.

Oh.. won't he be awfully angry?

I'm already grounded for life. I mean what more can he do?

Robert Walker. We might have been indisposed.

Really Vic. I wished you hadn't tossed out my good collar. This one is deucedly tight.

Oh Robert, we have much greater worries than your silly...

Ok...

Come in...

Victoria, would you be leaving your room now so I can be doing some dusting in there?

Nobody's coming.

So, what's your strategy?

I don't know yet.

Sue, this is unbelievable!

You can keep it Robert.

Seriously?

Robert...

No! Give...

Let go.

Vic! That was a high score game!

Robert this is serious.

We have to come up with a plan.

Too bad we can't lure ol' Sweeney into Susan's elevator.

No... and even if we could, that would not be right.

Could we scare him off?

Maybe with a letter threatening to reveal all.

No, he's too smart for that.

Wait a minute. He wants your mom's money right?

Mmm-hmm.

Well what if he thought you guy didn't have any.

He'd show a clean pair of heels then.

Wait, but why would he think that?

Because we don't Vic.

Right now all we have to do is let him know.

But what if he really loves mom and sticks by her?

Well, if he does, he just proves himself to you.

Yes if he does that, now I'll just have to learn to accept him. But I know he won't.

So who will tell him?

Well it can't be you or me, so...

Good morning Frank.

Edward.

How is Susan today?

Missing. Again.

Really?

I don't know what's gotten into her, but when I find her, I swear...

Where are you going to look?

Well I thought I start in the basement, see what she found so fascinating about Reynold's locker.

Mmm... good idea.

Mind if I come along?

uhh... well... actually...

Whoa...

My morning dress is all black. The perfect color for a serving girl.

This reminds me of a school play.

Have you been in many?

Eleven so far.

You must be an extraordinary actress.

Please... I'm nervous enough.

Do people wear handbags?

Oh.

How about this old shawl?

Oh! This is the perfect prop!

Robert, I want you go to see if mother and Maggie have gone to the grocers.

And if they have, then I want you to give this letter to Sweeney.

Done.

Yes...

What if Sweeney realizes that the letter is not from your mom?

He won't. I can imitate her writing perfectly.

Perfect.

I guess I better get Badoney.

I think we should.

Whoa.

He wasted no time. Look at him swagger.

Is Mrs. Walker at home?

I'm sorry sir, she's just left.

Really?

I have a note from her to come see her most urgently.

I don't know anything about that.

Mrs. Walker is gone and I don't see how it's any concern of yours.

Quite snippy ain't you?

What is she doing?... he'll leave.

I don't mean to be disrespectful. I've just been discharged, and it's quite upsetting.

Discharged?

For what cause?

I'm not at liberty to say.

Who are you anyway? I've dined here many times, I've never seen you.

My name's Winona. I'm the upstairs.

I've heard of no Winona.

Oh... Miss Winona Ryder at liberty does not no you either, Mr...

Sweeney. Federation girl, I'm Mrs. Walker's Fiance.

Fiance? That presumptuous...

I've have quite a bit of your cheek girl. Now what are you taking about?

If you'll excuse me Mr. Sweeney but I cannot say.

Just a minute Missy.

Un-hand me sir, I am not your missy.

Miss Ryder is it? Please forgive me. The thought of any possible distress in...

...Mrs. Walker's life nearly unhinges me.

I'm sorry Mrs. Walker is in such desperate straits but why should I be paid only half wages.

Half wages? My dear girl, what do you mean?

You seem like a fine upstanding gentleman, and if no one's told you...

My dear... dear Miss Ryder, Winona.

...tell him... tell him...

she's got him Vic...

I implore you.

Their money's all gone, there I've said it.

Really?

Gone? How so?

Bad investments. Speculation. That's all they'd say.

Oh... sir are you alright? See I...I desperately need a ride into town and I was...

No...

...wondering... not alright? not going to town?

No...

If Mrs. McLernon could see me now she'd have no doubt who the best actress in the school.

My that was simply inspired.

That was bully! Absolutely bully! But we don't know if he's gone yet or not.

Of course he has, he's packing his ---- right now.

Okay... I'll be going now.

I'll lock out.

Sure. Sure.

Wow!

As much as I would like to stay, I have an appointment.

You'll be here when I return?

You know Edward, I don't think so. I think I'm going to go to Susan's school and talk to someone.

Really?

Yeah...

So mom will know him for the confidence man he really is.

Oh no!

To my room. Mama's arriving with someone else. Let's go!

Come on!

The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon a place beneath.

It is twice blest; It blesseth him that gives and him that takes: Tis mightiest in the mightiest;

It becomes the throned monarch better than his crown: His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,

...alright let's take 5 and then we'll try it again from the top of the scene ok?

Mr. Shawson. Any word from Susan?

Not yet. I'm just trying to figure out what's going on inside her head.

It's pretty clear I'm a poor excuse for a parent.

No, real poor parents don't care about being poor parents.

And single parents usually have trouble finding enough time. I know I do.

Has she ever met your mother?

A couple of times. I imagine Susan idolized her mom and that's why she's so dedicated to acting.

I'm just trying to figure out what going on inside her head.

I was hoping that maybe she'd confide in a student or...

Who is that?

That's Mr. Branscomb, mother's accountant. She wanted him to fully explain our financial situation to me and Robert.

Vic, Sue, it me.

Under the bed.

Victoria, are you alright? You look a bit pekid.

I'm fine mama.

I'm sorry children. I'm sorry I didn't tell your father to... to bury the money in the yard. Now you know everything.

Dinner will be ready in 5 minutes. Don't doddle.

When your mother said "buried money" it flashed on me.

The newspaper article I read to Mr. Reynolds before I left! I got to go back and find it.

What are you talking about?

Some old Civil War coins buried near my apartment building. So Ward Lane becomes Ward Street!

So they must be near here too.

The streets must be different than they are now.

Very different! But it depends on this house and my apartment building being in the same place.

But don't worry, I'll be back before you guys even finish dinner. So let's go. Come on.

Robert let's go.

Toby!

Toby!

...meow...

...oh Toby...

Tuesday... oh! Wednesday.

D4! That's it! Yes!

...alright this is it!

Toby! Come back. Don't do this. We have to go.

1, 8, 8... Toby! Ugh!

1

Mission accomplished!

What happened?

You were gone for hours.

What are you talking about? I was only gone for 5 mintes. Except I had to...

Sue, I was going to bring this up before.

It seems to me that if the treasure was dug up in 1998, how can we find it now?

What are you talking about?

If down in the elevator is the future, and up is now, it must have already happened before now in the future past.

But we'll get there a full century before anyone else.

But Sue, if we find them, they can't. So how can they be in this newspaper, if it still won't be there in 1998?

Look, all I'm doing is trying to help.

I know!... if we leave a part of it to the future, then we can dig up the rest.

Oh... if you say so.

Well I for one am going to find it no matter how long it takes. Now who's with me?

Right-o, let's go!

Wait for daylight would you?

Mother.

Hide.

Robert, go to your room.

Mama.

Have you heard from Mr. Sweeney?

Why do you ask that?

Nothing... I... just...

You won't be seeing him anymore Vicky.

Aww... mother.

Come on now Victoria, don't pretend that you're sorry.

I'm glad that he's gone. Marrying him would have been a colossal mistake.

I don't know exactly how, but we'll manage. Perhaps Aunt Brisley may help.

Robert may be too young really to find employment, but I could.

Oh... don't be silly Victoria.

Perhaps I could find employment.

Mother.

Well why not? It's not impossbile for a lady to work nowadays.

I can't play piano well enough to give lessons. But I could sell lady's hats.

Lady's hats?

Yes. If we sold the house, I could buy a little shop and we could live upstairs and you could help with the customers.

What do you think?

I think that I would do anything for you mama. Anything at all.

Victoria. I love you and Robert so much.

So... as distasteful as it might be...

...perhaps I'll go and talk to Great Aunt Brisley before I turn your lives upside-down again.

You just brought sandwiches?

Robert Lincoln Walker, it's barely two hours since we breakfasted.

Mmmm.

What if the treasure's on someone elses property? Then it would belong to them.

Well, let's look for it first, and worry about that later. Which way is north?

That way!

Are your mom and Maggie home all day?

They're going to go to town. They'll be back late this afternoon to prepare for Aunt Brisley.

Are you sure were allowed to cross their fields?

Yeah, we're friends. Robert and I trade them apples in the fall.

Where are we Sue?

I don't know but it seems like about the same distance from my house to Oak Park.

Shoo! Shoo! Go!

Come on cows... come on.

Hurry!

That tree looks exactly like the one in Oak Park.

Oh...

Ha! Here it is. It's big. Quick! Here.

Come on...

What is it? What did you find?

Ahhh! Oh darn.

Dumb horseshoe...

It's ok Robert.

Here. You two work the sword for a while.

Right here.

Right here?

Yeah.

It must be past lunchtime. I'm hungry. Let's eat.

Oh. Honestly. Isn't he impossible?

Well who's doing most of the work?

Oh!...

I found something!

Aahuh! The gold?! Wow!

Do you believe the soldier who lost this was killed in battle?

There was a war here?

No, but papa said there was a bivouac.

Was your father in the Cival War?

Of course!

Was your father in the army Susan?

No he was born 10 years after World War II.

World War?!

There were two World Wars?

Well but no more after that I hope?

Well little ones sure, but my dad was too young to fight in Vietnam.

Vietnam, was that an Indian war?

No but just about as useless.

Useless?!

Fighting that opened the West for Americans is not useless. Custard's name will live on in glory forever.

Not!

I hate all this talk about war.

Why does there have to be so much fighting and killing?

Give me that.

No! Give!

Hmmm!

There! That's what should happen to all guns.

We have to fight sometimes Vic, to make the world a safer place.

That doesn't make the world a safer place Robert.

Where I come from, in my time, if we were in Oak Park right now, we'd being worrying about how dark it is outside...

...or trying to find a well lit street to walk down.

But Susan, if people in your time can't sit in a park or walk the streets without being frightened...

...how can they keep from going mad?

Yeah how?

That's a good question. But how are we going to find these coins?

Well when we're done eating, we'll keep digging.

Shoo! Shoo! Go away!

I'm sorry.

Oh... I'm as stupid as the cows! Stupider! You know they wouldn't try and look for a needle in a haystack.

They'd eat the hay.

Susan Shawson, I can't believe what I'm hearing. How many people do you imagine have traveled in time?

Or pulled the wool completely over ol' Sweeney's eyes.

What a minute! You're right! We have a time machine. What are we doing stepping in cow piles? And digging in the dirt.

It's not fair!

Robert it is fair. I called tails. Robert, you can go next time.

Hmmm!

Make sure you're back for supper. Aunt Brisley's coming at six o'clock.

Okay...

This thing doesn't stop on a dime, so if we're late, stall!

It won't hurt, Vicky.

Hey Miss... Halloween's in October.

That's a car.

Come on, let's go!

Come on Vicky! We have important work to do.

When are we going to be at noon faster?

Right around the corner at the construction site.

Is that a TV?

No, even better.

I'm only allowed to use it on emergencies, but I guess this is one.

A machine that makes money!

It must be counterfeit.

It's not.

Too bad the money in 1881 is so different. Guess we have to spend it here!

Alright, we have what we need. Let's get out of here.

Whoa...

Come on, let's go. Vicky stop.

But we already have a camera.

Not this one.

As I live and breathe...

Well a little souvenir of you in the 20th century. Which reminds me, wait 'til you see these pictures. Come on!

Believe is or not, this was Newton's pasture.

Ahhhh!

It's a helicopter.

What?

A flying car. We have rockets to the moon!

No, now you're joking.

I'm serious, we've been! But we don't go anymore because, all it is is moonrocks.

Oh no. Everything is dug up.

We'll never find the gold this way.

Darn Vicky! Why can't anything be easy?

I just wish father hadn't made all those bad investments.

Wait a minute. Let me think.

Hey I know! Let's go online.

Where's online?

Good question. Come on.

Dressed for dinner already? And not yet five o'clock?

Mother says we must be on our best behavior for Great Aunt Brisley. Maggie, especially me.

Aye... that we must.

Where's your sister then?

Getting dressed I think...

Ok, American companies in 1880...

Vicky, a little help here please?

Susan whatever are these for?

Ahh!... They're shades you know. Spectacles to protect your eyes from the sun.

We have to get back to work. Come on, we got to get your family's money back.

So what stock did your dad own that went bad?

I heard papa talk about mining stocks.

Hmmm.

The Comstock lode. Mr. Branscomb said that that was the problem.

Looks like that's right. Discovered in 1859, the Comstock lode declined after 20 years, and totally depleted in 1882.

Let's try something else.

Oh wow! Look at this! This could be it. Anaconda. In 1876, Marcus Daily struck silver near Butte, Montana.

So Anaconda is like Comstock, another silver mine.

No look here. It says when the silver ran out, they found copper.

But the copper isn't valuable. It just makes pennies.

And telephone wires.

Look at this. In 1879 stock in Daily's Anaconda Company sold for four cents. And in July of 1881, it sold for six dollars.

But Susan, how does this help us?

Hmmm...

We did not own any.

Yeah, but it seem to me, if we can go back to 1879...

...and change your dad's bad investments, we can change a little piece of history.

How?

Remember you talking about you imitating your mom's handwriting?

Really?...

My mother told me to bring me this for you sir.

She wants to sell her shares of Comstock and buy Anaconda instead.

Five past the hour. You daughter seems to have no regard for punctuality.

I'll go up.

No need. Boy, fetch your sister!

Yes maam.

Really!

Vic? Sue?

You're late!

Oh my goodness Great Aunt Brisley! I have to get ready! Whoa!

Really Robert. I don't understand what you're trying to explain...

For the last time, what do you mean, "Where is Great Aunt Brisley?"

Good afternoon mama. I'm sorry I'm late.

Good afternoon?

Yes.

Where is Great Aunt Brisley?

Ready mom.

Maggie, where is Great Aunt Brisley?

Well at home in Pittburgh I expect! Where else should she be? And who are we all dressed up to see?

But Mother?

Children, what exactly is the point of this joke? I'm sorry. I don't understand how it works.

And right now, Maggie and I have some shopping to do.

We'll be right back. Victoria, please keep an eye on your brother.

So you told him to sell two thousand dollars worth of Comstock and buy shares of this Anaconda company?

At four cents, that would be 50,000 shares.

Which are now worth six dollars a share.

But that's 300,000 dollars!?

You should have seen the look on Branscomb's face, when he saw how much I've grown.

And he believed the letter was from mother?

Oh yes.

So if we're rich, why hasn't anything changed?

I don't know. Maybe it takes a while.

Well maybe after you saw Mr. Branscomb in 1879...

...he went to see mother to remark on how much Vic had grown, and he found out she didn't write the letter.

I don't think this stock idea worked at all. You two were suppposed to find where the gold was.

We know that's real.

We got pictures.

Yeah.

Sue! What's that big yellow thing!? An automobile?

Well, it's called a backhoe. It's kind of like a big bulldozer.

A what?

Robert! We need to concentrate.

You can't tell where the gold is from these.

I know.

Now instead of poking around in 1879...

...you two should have gone to 1864 during the Civil War before the coins were stashed and scouted around.

This is 1998?

Robert! Don't! It's just a basement. We got to go. This is the takeoff point.

...meow...

Come on!

Sue? There's a cat in 1998 that looks just like Toby.

Oh brother... lets go!

Goby! Now Toby will have a friend.

...Meow!...

Come on. Come on!

How are we going to get photographs of ----?

Just do it! That's the 90's slogan. They'll be blown away.

But they'll think were spies for The Confederacy.

Oh just go, go on.

Toby hurts...

Hey! Where you brats going!?

To Newton's house, out past the oak tree.

Well then go around.

But we always cut through here!

Well not today you aint!

Let 'em through Meadows.

They could be spies.

They're just kids!

Yeah well I hear tell there's 12 year olds fighting in Georgia now huh?

That's Georgia. You a spy ----?

No sir.

What else you got in that bag?

uh... just some personal things...

...meow...

Cat's lazy?

Tired.

Spies bring their cats along with them?

Pack it up men!

Go on kids.

There it is, the old oak tree.

They're leaving.

Robert, those rocks you're sitting on.

What about them?

They're not there in 1881.

Wow!

How could mother ever afford a coachman?

Thank you my good man.

uh... Maggie, could you please take the rest of the presents into the parlor?

Presents?

...meow...

Where'd she go?

Mother and Maggie may be home by now.

Have her sneak out then.

Go find her. Meet up with me later...

...by the oak tree.

Pardon me.

Susan! Susan! You did it! We're rich!

Great Caesar! You found the gold!

Underneath the rock by the old oak tree in Oak Park.

You found the gold!

Well duh! How else would you be rich?

50,000 shares of Anaconda!

What are you talking about?

When we came back from Mr. Branscomb's, everything had changed.

And father's investments hadn't gone bad.

And mama didn't help from Great Aunt Brisley anymore.

Aunt Brisley was gone because she was...

because...

...because she suddenly was never there!

Past, present, and future, you did it Susan!

Wow I can't believe this. We changed history!

So I guess we don't need these coins anymore. I guess we could bury them for a rainy day.

Your mom's rich now. What about Mr. Sweeney?

Sweeney? I don't think he ever existed!

Susan? When you first saw me in the hallway, did you really believe in ghosts?

I don't think so. But last week, I wouldn't have believed in time machines.

Maggie, she said that she once saw her brother seven months after he died at sea.

He had seaweed in his hair and his face was all blue and, Susan, I've been thinking about papa...

I know what you mean.

I've been thinking about my mom too.

Well?

Well, Vicky we can't change that past, I mean we can't go back.

Well what then? The future?

No, well that's way too scary.

Not for me. I've seen it. I think it's exciting!

I'd like to live here.

That'd be wonderful! But why?

I don't know. I could convince my dad to come down here...

...I mean he needs a vacation anyways with all his tax planning and business clients.

Really?

Susan, how fine that would be! How romantic!

Do you think there's a chance?

I think you can do anything.

Look.

My goodness, she looks so much like mother.

Thank you. I'll look after this Mrs. Clutchett.

Now, don't you be too hard on her.

Thank you.

Bye Susy honey!

Bye!

Show me the proof.

Susan these are very expensive. Tell me where you got 'em.

I told you.

Look, you're my little girl. Alright my big girl.

This has nothing to do with little or big. I'm not making this aw... look at these! look!

I've looked! I don't know where you got these things...

...but it wasn't from going back in time, now tell me where you've been!

You know, I've been running away from reality too since your mom died.

I mean it isn't easy being a parent alone, and I'm sorry. But sweetheart, you must tell me where you've been!

I told you!

I think we need to talk to Sandy Hoffman.

I'm not crazy! Let me prove it to you!

If I agree to this, will you talk to Sandy?

Yes! But you have to come back in the elevator with me.

Deal?

Deal.

Besides, I'm giving up my acting career for this.

Okay, your what?

My acting career. Being onstage wasn't really respectable in 1881, but you know that.

Why don't you come back with us?

Well if I thought there was a chance of finding Eleonora there, I might consider it. No Susan.

Thank you very much, but all I have left of her is here and now.

Do you know I can still smell the perfume on her dressing table and feel her sweater in the closet?

But the past is a wonderful place...

Oh...I'm sure it is, for the young and adventuresome, but not for me. Good luck darling.

Oh! I wish I could see your father's face when those doors open!

1, 8, 8, 1... well that's very imaginative Susan. What's this performance all about?

It's really kind of selfish actually. I'm kind of like Portia in Merchant of Venice. Play acting to get what I want.

I want a big house in the country, where it's quiet, and pretty, and birds are singing, and there's stars at night...

...and there's room for everybody, there's sweet smelling air... maybe even a mom again, someone like Mrs. Walker.

So this has all been a scheme to get me married again? I didn't think you wanted that. It's only a matter of time.

1881... did you ever hear such crazy talk?

As soon as I saw that child yesterday, I said to myself, if I've ever seen hysteria, this is it!

But.. but before you said she seemed normal.

Oh that's ---- saves me 5 minutes. Look I've seen shock before. How it takes people sometimes.

Why my husband, Mr. Clutchett, God bless him, look he was hit on the head by a box of old magazines one time...

...and he went around for hours with such a smile!

Look maam this sounds real fascinating and I would love to hear about those magazines but...

Detective Gagin.

Mr. Ormondroyd, good morning.

Don't tell me... Susan's gone again.

Yeah, uh... it would appear so.

And her father with her too.

No...

Any idea of... of... Reynolds isn't saying much. I can't even begin to guess what he's hiding.

Yeah... take a look.

oh...

ahey..hey..hey...don't... Don't touch.

What is all this?

I don't know!

I'm just... I'll just have to let forensics tell me.

Detective Gagin. Good morning.

Mr. Ormondroyd.

You write mysteries do you?

Yes on occasion.

So the girl could have had a traumatic experience. She believed these hysterical fantasies...

or...

...or she traveled back in time.

I reported it as a possible kidnapping so the FBI lab will work on the newspaper.

The pulp process is from the turn of century, but it could still be used somewhere.

The ink has a blacking agent which hasn't been used since 1906.

But detective, don't people sell authentic old newspapers?

Sure they do. But paper acidifies, you can date it. This paper was manufactured less than a month ago.

Oh...

Well I've got to get back to the world of bad guys and homicides.

You think they'll ever come back?

I don't know detective.

I know I wouldn't.

See you around Ormy...

You are going to love this marvelous old horror.

Why the architectural buffs around here are going practically crazy over this house.

Any idea where it stood?

On the other side of town where you are.

On Ward Street. Of course it was Ward Lane back then.

Is there a date on this picture?

1882 or 3 or thereabouts.

uh... do you happen to have a magnifying glass nearby?

Okay.

Thank you.

Priceless isn't it?

Priceless!?

The word the comes to my mind is Timeless!

My..my..my..my..my..... . . .