Anne of Windy Poplars

Lemon drops, apples, bananas, oranges...

"My dear Miss Shirley, this is to confirm your appointment as vice principal at Pringleton School.

"Vice principals have always boarded with Mrs Stephen Pringle."

BOTH: "You will find satisfactory accommodation on arrival!

"Yours, Harvey M Jason, Superintendent."

I hope I'll like rooming with Mrs Pringle.

Gilbert, I'm going to be a vice principal - my first job.

-Your last too! This time next year, you'll be Mrs Gilbert Blythe.

-Mrs Doctor Gilbert Blythe!

Gilbert!

It's all right - we're engaged.

I know. We were in love once...

I mean... we've been in love for 20 years!

Stop!

-Stop!

-Next stop Pringleton!

TRAIN WHISTLE

This is where I get off, Dr Blythe.

-Write every hour.

-Every half hour! Work hard! I'll be thinking of you!

-Miss Shirley?

-Yes.

-Mrs Stephen Pringle.

-How do you do?

-How do you do?

-It's nice of you to meet me.

-I'll love it here. I appreciate your invitation to board with you.

-That's what I want to tell you.

-I'm afraid you can't.

-I can't?

-Sorry if I put you out any.

-Well, I...

-Could you suggest some other place?

-No. Good day.

-Good day.

Whoa!

Carriage, Miss?

Yes...I suppose so.

Yip!

-Where to, Miss?

-I don't know.

-How's that?

-I better explain. My name is Anne Shirley.

-I'm the new vice principal at the school.

-I'm Jabez Monkman.

-I'm with the school too except during vacation.

-You are?

-A teacher?

-No, janitor.

-You'll be boarding with Mrs Stephen Pringle?

-I was expecting to, but certain things have come up.

-What did you do to her?

-Do?

-To get her dander up.

I didn't do anything to her... to get her dander up.

-I hardly even spoke to her.

-One of the other Pringles will take you.

-How many are there?

Lots! Brothers and sisters and cousins and in-laws.

-They're the e-lite of Pringleton.

-Well, I suppose the e-lite will be good enough for me!

I'm not boarding people now - haven't for several years.

Good day.

Sorry. We're all filled up.

Miss Ernestine Pringle is not at home. The maid asked for my name before saying they were full.

-There's still some others.

-Are they all like the ones I've met?

-Just about.

-Suppose we try some non-Pringles?

-I've had enough cold shoulders.

-You're right.

-Between you and me...

-Just a moment.

-Whoa!

-That house...

-It's so lovely!

-That's Windy Poplars.

-Windy Poplars? What a beautiful name.

-Awful nice folks there.

-It reminds me of Green Gables.

Wouldn't it be perfect if...?

Do you suppose they have a room?

-Ain't spoke for 12 years.

-But you said...

-Cos of old Hester Pringle.

Captain Isaac's widow, 1,000 years old, bosses the whole tribe, whole darn town.

-Miss Kate here's about the only soul she ain't never hogtied.

-Then I'm sure I'll love her!

I'm going to speak to her. Will you wait for me?

I can't. Hester would skin me alive. She hates the Windy Poplars folk - scared of them.

-She is? Why?

-I ain't saying. That's one of the things nobody talks about in Pringleton.

-Can't you drive around for a few minutes?

-I could do that, couldn't I?

-Who's that?

-Matey, brother to Miss Kate.

Don't be scared. He won't hurt a fly.

Childish. I'll be back in a while. If you're gone, I'll know Miss Kate took care of you.

-Good luck, Boss.

-Thank you.

Hello, Matey.

-Howdy, Miss.

-A three-masted schooner?

Barquentine. You can tell by the square rig, the old Whitecap.

-I sailed on her once. You like ships?

-Yes.

-What do you think of that there craft?

-Well...

that's quite a ship.

That ain't a ship - it's a boat. 15-footer - built every inch with my own hands.

I bet you could sail across the bay.

Once. Can't sail anywheres no more.

Why, it's chained!

I'm only allowed to sit in it and make believe.

They think I wouldn't come back!

-Would you?

-No!

Don't guess I would.

You see...

I've been living for a pretty long spell and I figure it would be real nice to end my voyage about now.

Matey, you'll live on for years.

If they keep me on land, I won't never die! I've got to die at sea!

Matey!

-I guess I gotta go in now.

-Your sister?

Housekeeper - Rebecca.

-She likes ships.

-Hello.

-I expect you're Miss Shirley?

-Yes. How did you know?

Half a tale's enough for a wise man. I heard the Pringles weren't taking you in.

-You bunking with us?

-I hope so...

-if there's room.

-Well, we've got the room...

but you better talk to Miss Kate - I'm only the housekeeper.

I'll fetch Miss Kate. Go in the sitting room and sit.

Rope portieres! I knew it would be like this!

Hello, you handsome fella!

Rebecca will have a fit if she finds him in this room.

CAT MIAOWS Dusty Miller! Nice little kitty!

Is that cat in the sitting room?

Take it out of here! Out!

Cat's hairs over this, cat's hairs over that, day in, day out!

Miss Kate, this is the last straw! Either that beast goes or I do! This is Miss Shirley.

How do you do? I just don't know what to do about Dusty Miller.

He's so comforting around the house and such a good mouser. Please sit down.

Thank you.

-Did Rebecca say I was looking for a place to live?

-She was about to.

She said none of the Pringles would take you.

Yes, but I refuse to be unhappy until you tell me I can't live at Windy Poplars!

Very sweet, my dear, and it would be nice having a young person around,

but I can't be sure until I consult with...

Rebecca, Miss Shirley wishes to board here, but we can't take her. Why not?

It'd be too much trouble for you. I'm well used to trouble.

Don't you think...? No, I don't. I'd say take her!

But of course it's your house - I've got nothing to say about it!

Rebecca always has things her own way.

Whee!

Welcome, shipmate, welcome!

So we set sail,

and after 40 days and 40 nights, we dropped anchor...

-..You all bunked down?

-Yes. May I join you? I won't tell.

-This is Betty Grayson. She bunks next door. Hello.

-Hello.

We're not supposed to play.

I'm reading her all about my voyages with Captain Isaac Pringle.

-We've dropped anchor off Singapore.

-Exciting! You're a Grayson? Isn't that Ernestine Pringle's house?

She's only my aunt. My daddy and mummy were Grayson.

Sailed away one day, never came back. When I was real little.

Well, now we'll get on with the voyage.

< It was the year 1884, Betty...

Matey! I told you my name wasn't Betty today!

Oh, sink me! I forgot!

-What is your name today?

-Beth.

Aunt Ernestine scolded me this morning - and Beth is sadder.

It all depends on how I feel.

How wonderful to have a name that can be so many names and still your own!

-Elsie, Beth, Betty, Elizabeth...

-< And Lizzie.

Oh, no, Matey! That sounds like freckles and a pug nose!

I could never feel like Lizzie! Aunt Ernestine thinks changing my name is childish!

-Betty! Matey, I've asked you many times to stop putting nonsense into this child's head!

-Oh, but...

-We were just talking.

-Miss Shirley, you should confine your attentions to the children in your school.

Come along, Betty.

-What a perfectly dreadful woman!

-She's a Pringle, ain't she?

KNOCKING

-Come in.

-Is everything all right?

-Oh, it's perfect.

Whoever arranged this room must've known I'd live in it someday! If only Rebecca liked me...

Don't worry your head about that! Rebecca's a saint!

-Did Matey make this one too?

-Yes, indeed.

He was a fine sailor! Captain Isaac Pringle wouldn't command a ship without him!

-That's how he got his name?

-Captain Isaac was real nice.

He gave this house to Matey when they both retired.

Be sure and part the drapes - more light, you know.

And the view is just as lovely as can be.

On a nice day like this,

you can see for miles around.

Oh, yes! Now I know where I'll do most of my sitting.

What a grim-looking house, the one across the bay!

Maplehurst - Hester Pringle's place.

But the fog hides it most of the time.

Old Hester wanted some of the kin folk to come and live there, but they managed to crawl out of it!

She had to adopt a girl for company. Poor Katherine.

I guess she couldn't help getting grim - like the house.

You'll be meeting her soon. She teaches at school.

I feel sorry for her already!

I feel sorry for anyone who gets tangled up with the Pringles

-and all their politics!

-Yes, it is a bitter, gloomy house.

Pringles! Me own flesh and blood!

Getting so that I can't drag you together once a week!

-You're late, Tony!

-Sorry, Mother.

-Good evening, Hester.

-Drinking again?

-That's why I'm late!

-Why weren't you here last Saturday night?

-I had some important things to finish.

-Important things!

Fix him some tea, Katherine.

-Hello.

-Good evening.

-The new vice principal - Miss Shirley?

-Excuse me. I've heard all this before.

-Tony!

-Aunt Hester, I have nothing against Miss Shirley!

-She can be torn to pieces without me!

-Tony!

Apologise to your Aunt Hester!

Let him go! ..Thank you for dropping in.

-You don't need much time to pay your respects!

-No, not very much.

-I'm sorry, Hester.

-Now...about Miss Shirley... I want her removed!

Hester, I saw the superintendent.

It's Katherine's job! Next year, she's to be principal.

I don't want to be vice principal! I want to teach!

Stephen?

Miss Shirley passed the examination with the highest honours...

Stop apologising for your bungling! I put you where you are!

We did everything we could! We all turned her down for a room!

Oh? Where'd she go?

Well? Where?

Windy Poplars.

What?

That place!

Get me some more tea, somebody!

-Boss!

-Hello, Mr Monkman. Glad to see you again.

-Could you step into my office, please?

-Of course.

-Boss, you done it!

-I did what?

Made old Hester mad at you by going to Windy Poplars to live.

-Boss, she's gonna try and make you quit your job!

-But that's silly.

-When old Hester decides something, it may be mean and ornery, but it ain't silly!

-Well...

-I'll keep my eyes open, but I hope you're mistaken.

-I don't make...

< Jabez! Jabez Monkman!

Any time you want more heat or gas or anything, just write it down and stick it on there.

Thank you.

Mr Monkman! There's a garter snake in my desk drawer!

Well, I reckon school has officially started!

She's here, Mr Gibson.

-How do you, Mr Gibson?

-How do you do?

-Sit down, Miss Shirley.

-Your school is delightful, Mr Gibson.

-Splendid.

We deem it very desirable that our faculty members be enthusiastic

and be completely satisfied with the extent of their duties.

-I'm to have other duties in addition to those of vice principal?

-You will, naturally, assist me

in various executive duties. Then you are to have a first-year class in English -

not difficult, you know.

Furthermore, as a member of the English department,

you will direct the dramatic club.

You see, Miss Shirley, this building houses the entire school system of Pringleton,

-from kindergarten through high school, inclusive.

-Yes, I know...

Lastly, you will take the girls' class in gymnastics. That is all.

-You haven't forgotten anything?

-It's too much?

Oh, no! I'm rather pleasantly surprised!

It's usually difficult to get one job at a time and now I've got four!

Miss Shirley, it is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.

-If you are not entirely qualified...

-But I'm sure I am.

-Gymnastics too?

-I was on the team at college for two years!

Oh...

Miss Katherine Pringle is here.

I'll see her in one moment.

-Return in an hour - I'll take you to your class.

-I'll be here. Thank you, Mr Gibson.

"Thank you, Mr Gibson"!

I'd like to thank him, the old black bun...!

HE CONTINUES MUTTERING

Horse-headed...

chicken-brained...

Miss Burke...if you please...

Miss Burke, this is Miss Shirley, our new vice principal.

She's to take over your class. But...

You will fill the vacancy left by Miss Carson in history.

Perhaps you better introduce Miss Shirley to her class.

-I hope you have a good disposition, Miss Shirley.

-Not too good - why?

-You'll need it.

-Is it that bad?

-Worse. We may as well get it over!

Class, this is Miss Shirley. She is your new teacher.

Ahhhh!

This is the seating chart with their names.

-Fine.

-Good luck!

-Thank you.

Goodbye, class. Goodbye, Miss Burke.

Please, relax, everybody.

You're young men and women and I will treat you as such!

Please discard all of this!

If you give me a minute to learn your names, I'll...

Jen Pringle. Will you please stand?

-To which branch of the Pringle family do you belong?

-Why?

-You're so nice looking, I was interested.

-Mr Morton Pringle's my father!

Thank you.

-Good morning, Miss Pringle!

-Good morning.

-Good morning, Miss Shirley!

-The weather's crisp and invigorating!

It's crisp! And invigorating!

My, isn't this nice?

One gets so cold walking to school!

I've never had worse circulation!

Limbs - they do get so chilled! Nice we can get warm like this before classes begin!

Ooh!

Miss Shirley, I have a complaint from Mr Morton Pringle.

You seem to have a special dislike for his daughter Jen.

-That's not true, Mr Gibson!

-You've sent her to me for discipline six times in a month. Why, Miss Shirley?

-Because she does exactly as she pleases. She's a bad influence, Mr Gibson.

-Why, Miss Shirley?

-She makes it hard for me to control the others because...

-Because what?

-Because she's strong-willed.

-I think I understand, Miss Shirley.

There is a certain situation existing between you and the Pringle family.

I must warn you I will not tolerate bringing this school into a private quarrel.

-I expect you to be more considerate of Jen Pringle.

-I'll treat her with all the consideration she deserves.

I shall expect that you do.

That will be all, Miss Shirley.

Psst! Boss!

-Old buzzard! I'd like to kick him in the pants!

-He's unpleasant.

-How did you know?

-Come here.

'Take this note to Morton Pringle. Tell him Jen will have no further trouble with Miss Shirley.'

When I want to find out what's going on in one room, I shut the dampers in the others. What's Jen up to?

'Jen Pringle, when Miss Shirley sees that picture, you'll catch it!

'No, I won't! After today, she won't barely scold me!'

It's a dirty shame! Give up, Boss! You can't fight the Pringles!

-They've got you whipped!

-No, they haven't! I'll fight them!

Thank you, Jabez. It's nice to know I have one friend!

Here she comes!

Let me compliment you, Jen. You have a talent for drawing.

What? What makes you think I drew that?

I'm psychic. Jen, you draw so well, I'm going to allow you decorate the blackboards for Hallowe'en.

Would you like that?

I guess so...

-How can you tell what people are thinking about?

-I just can.

For instance, you were just thinking that after today I'm not going to scold you.

What...?!

And you're right - because after today I shan't have to.

From now on, all of you be sure to have nothing but nice thoughts.

Yes, Miss Shirley!

-So your name is Betty today?

-Yes.

Because I'm happy - because you're here and because you let me pet Dusty Miller.

-But last night my name was Elsie.

-It was? Why?

-Because I cried - I'm always Elsie when I cry.

Why did you cry last night?

Because I was praying that today would be tomorrow...

-Aunt Ernestine heard me.

-That today would be tomorrow?

Yes - when tomorrow comes, my daddy and mummy are coming home.

-Last night, you were praying that that would be today.

-Yes, but Aunt Ernestine heard me -

-she told me tomorrow will never come.

-Aunt Ernestine is wrong!

-There is a tomorrow - someday you'll see.

-Will I?

-Of course!

That's just what I say! Someday my tomorrow will come.

And my daddy and mummy will take me away from Aunt Ernestine!

I'll live with them till I'm old and grey - like Matey!

Betty! Come into the house now!

-Oh, my goodness! Goodbye, Miss Anne.

-Goodbye, Betty!

PIANO IS PLAYED

Miss Pringle?

-You play so beautifully.

-I studied for ten years.

Katherine, can't we be friends? I do wish we could!

We're both young and I guess neither of us has many friends at school.

I have some work to correct.

-What's wrong with me?

-There's nothing wrong with you as far as I know -

except you hate the Pringles! Aunt Hester says...

-What does Aunt Hester say?

-You'll have to excuse me.

I've a right to know what she said and why you say I hate the Pringles!

How could I? I don't even know you. Katherine, please, help me!

What's behind all this?

I'm sorry. I don't regard it as any of my affair.

And there we was with a cargo of smuggled silk in the hold,

and a revenue cutter abaft our port beam, so I said... Hello, Anne.

-Rebecca wants you to chop some kindling.

-Yeah.

-And the revenue cutter was about to fire a shot across our bow...

-So will Rebecca if the fire goes out!

Yes, I suppose so...

Well, we'll land the cargo of smuggled silk some other time.

Yeah...

Do you know what?

No - what?

When my tomorrow comes, it's going to be a great big one.

And I won't be a hog - you can have a part of it too!

And you'll never, ever cry again.

-But I haven't been crying, Betty, really!

-Oh, yes, you have!

I can tell! But just you wait. I have a whole lot of lovely things planned for us!

-Have you, darling?

-What should I do with Aunt Ernestine in my tomorrow?

What do you think would be better?

To lock her up in a tower with mice or hang her by her toes?

That sounds too messy. Couldn't we just leave her in yesterday?

She's awfully mean!

-Do you know what she did once?

-No. What?

She put a crow on a shelf in my room and said it would peck my eyes out if I was bad.

-Do you know what else?

-What else?

When she went, I looked close.

It wasn't a real crow - it was only a stuffed crow! It could never peck!

My! That was brave of you!

BANGING

Here's something else.

Captain Isaac wrote it with his own hand in the logbook.

"March 4th, 1872.

"Dropped anchor off California coast, midnight. Will land cargo tonight."

I recollect that as well as if it was yesterday.

We had a full cargo. Good money in smuggling then on account of the high duties.

It was foggy! Couldn't see the back of your hand.

What a time we had in Panama!

Men dropping like flies from yellow jack...!

-Hester Pringle has been afraid of you Windy Poplars folks for years, hasn't she?

-That's right.

-This logbook is what she's afraid of!

-She's afraid someday I'll get real mad at her

and give it to some big newspaper!

I'd like to see her face when it comes out that Captain Isaac was a smuggler and a pirate!

-That'll take the wind out of her sails!

-Matey, Captain Isaac was your friend, wasn't he?

-None better.

He must've been a great man -

to have a town named after him, a monument erected to his memory...

-You couldn't do anything to make them think badly of him?

-Yeah... But old Hester! Blast her eyes!

-She's a mean old walrus!

-I know she is, but maybe she wouldn't be if Captain Isaac had lived.

-Matey, I want you to give me this book.

-Sure, shipmate, what for?

-To take it to Hester Pringle.

-No, no!

-Please, Matey!

-Maybe if someone was kind to her just once...

-She'd kick them!

-Anyway, how will you get it there?

-I'll take it after supper.

You what? You'd really go up to Maplehurst all by yourself?

Of course! I'll bet Aunt Hester's only a stuffed crow! She won't peck.

Well, don't be too sure.

Pardon, Mrs Pringle. There's a Miss Anne Shirley to see you.

-Did you tell her I was in?

-Yes.

She said she had an appointment.

She's a liar and you're an idiot.

Show her in.

-Why, Hester...

-Quiet! I'll handle this!

-Perhaps we should... We'd all better...

-Sit down!

All of you!

True to form! You never could face anybody with a bit of backbone!

Good evening.

Oh...

Good evening, Miss...

Shirley!

Oh, yes. Miss Shirley...

-I'm sorry I lied, but I didn't think I could get in to see you any other way.

-Why?

Well, I've been led to feel that you don't like me.

How could I possibly dislike someone I've never met?

That's what I couldn't understand.

-Won't you sit down, my dear?

-Thank you.

And now, Miss Shirley...

..just what is it that you do?

I'm at the school - vice principal and teacher.

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

I've heard of you. Little Jen's in one of your classes.

-Yes.

-Morton tells me you're having a very bad influence on her,

spoiling her in every possible way.

I tried to make friends with her, if that's spoiling her.

Youngsters of that age are very difficult.

Growing pains probably.

-Mrs Pringle, may we speak frankly?

-Frankly?

-About what?

-Ever since I came to Pringleton, I've been subject to every form of prejudice!

-It's made my job almost unbearable...

-Would you like some tea, Miss Shirley?

No, thank you. I get along with people, young or old! It's the only talent of which I'm really proud.

I could make even you people like me if you gave me a chance!

-But that's the trouble.

-Who is causing you all this trouble?

You are - all of you!

You have done everything to make me miserable, to force me to lose my position!

Come, come, my dear! You've brought your imaginings to the wrong place!

Take my advice...

don't put too much stock in all you hear at Windy Poplars!

I didn't come here to ask you a favour, but to do you a kindness.

What could you possibly do for me?

I brought you Captain Isaac's logbook - the book that proves he was a pirate and a smuggler!

But he'd be ashamed if he could see the family he'd left behind!

No warmth, no love,

no respect...

only money.

I pity all of you!

-I wonder where she got it!

-Quiet!

She handed over the one weapon that could have beaten us!

Hello there, Annie, old girl!

It's all right. Come on in.

Did you think it was a ghost?

I was startled.

-Aren't you...?

-Anthony Pringle esquire.

But not exactly in person at the moment.

Have a seat.

I've seen you at your father's bank.

-At the receiving teller's cage. Plenty of cash, but behind bars.

-Why are you drinking?

-It's very simple. I wanna get drunk.

-Why here?

It's the best company in town.

We understand each other.

They once lived small and empty lives as cowardly as mine.

Cheerful Tony!

My superhuman power of observation tells me that you're unhappy.

-I've been to Maplehurst tonight.

-That explains it.

Into the den of wolves she strayed, alone and unafraid.

-Just made it up...

-My exit wasn't quite so glorious.

Did you get a rough going-over?

-Pretty rough. They all played innocent.

-Katherine too?

-She wasn't there.

-I thought so.

She's sour and she's frowsy...

but it isn't her fault.

She's not a Pringle!

You would like her if you got to know her.

If only I could, but...! Tony, maybe you can help me.

-Maybe you know why she dislikes me so much.

-Well...

old Hester always wanted Katherine to be vice principal.

But that isn't it - Katherine was always afraid she would get the job.

-Say!

-Yes?

-It must be because they gave you the dramatic society!

-Katherine loved that job!

-Oh...

Don't go yet.

I'd better. It's chilly and late.

I'll walk with you to the gate.

I can't leave this place myself till I sober up.

-None of my friends here would take me home.

-You've given me an idea. There's nothing to lose by trying.

Look, why get hurt more? Why not give up the whole mess?

No...

I guess you're not the kind who would give up!

Strange lot, us Pringles!

Not really as despicable as we behave...

If it weren't for good Queen Hester holding the reins,

we could all be as nice and as brave as you.

She has no right to that much power, no-one has.

Of course not, but she's got it!

Old Captain Isaac...!

I bet he never dreamed when he gave Hester that big axe that she'd chop out the family's heart!

He was a loveable old scamp if there ever was one!

I'm glad I met you here, Tony!

-You make me feel strong. Good night.

-Good night.

The crown has fallen from thy brow. Thou hath no more of earthly majesty.

Raise thy imperial voice! See if a friend, a deliverer will rise to save you.

-Who will save me from this raging madness...?

-Excuse me. Read quietly to yourselves for a few minutes.

Miss Pringle?

-I've been trying to see you for two days.

-What is it?

-I need some advice.

-I'm sorry - my class is waiting.

-This is about the dramatic club. They never should have assigned it to me.

-Why not?

-My ability is only ordinary. I love the fine things of the theatre...

-You do?

-I can't tolerate a play that isn't well-staged.

-Neither can I.

-That's why when they said I had to put on a play...

-What play will you do?

-That's just it - I haven't one.

But I understand you wrote one.

-Well, I tried to do something a little different with Cinderella.

-Cinderella? That's perfect!

-Jen could play the lead! She has so much talent.

-Yes, she has.

-It could be good if it were done well.

-I heard the plays you put on were magnificent. Katherine...

couldn't we do Cinderella together?

You'd have the last word on everything, I promise.

No. No, I couldn't...

This could be so much fun.

Well...let me think it over.

HUBBUB

Jen, I'd like to talk to you.

What about?

-About the play we're putting on at Christmas.

-Who's "we"?

Katherine Pringle and myself.

-I bet I can tell what you're thinking.

-What?

You're wondering who'll be the leading lady. Remember I'm psychic!

-I wonder if you can you tell what I'm thinking?

-No.

I'm thinking there's only one girl in the school for the part. You!

-Honest, Miss Shirley?

-Honest, Jen.

-Oh, thank you.

-Good night, Jen.

-Good night, Miss Shirley.

-Good night, girls.

-Good night, Miss Shirley.

For weeks now, all the boys and girls of the school have been working very hard on Cinderella.

It's all about a little girl with a mean stepmother.

-I know - like Aunt Ernestine.

-But it turns out beautifully in the end.

-How do the people see the play?

Well, there's a big opening on one side of the stage.

Everyone sits out front and watches.

The stage lights up, the actors appear in costumes,

and the story tells itself right before your very eyes!

Oh, it must be wonderful!

Betty, would you care to see it?

Oh...

-I couldn't.

-You just sit tight. I'll try and fix it.

Your face is so hot.

I believe you have a fever.

-Do you feel all right?

-Sure.

-Tell Aunt Ernestine to call the doctor.

We don't want you to miss the play!

I wouldn't want to miss it. I'd rather take castor oil!

BANGING

I suppose Miss Shirley was telling you a lot of nonsense?

Oh, yes, Aunt Ernestine. You don't like nonsense, do you?

I do not! Poor Aunt Ernestine!

My dear God,

I'm not going to ask you for a merry Christmas.

Aunt Ernestine wouldn't allow that,

but if you'll please let me see Miss Shirley's play,

I promise never to bother you for anything again. Amen.

Matey! Come in here this minute, d'you hear?

You said to shovel the snow. It's getting late.

You wanna be late for the play? Oh...!

Here are your tickets. If I pass this day without forgetting something, it'll be pure luck.

What about little Beth?

-She's coming.

-How did you manage?

-It may have been the free tickets, but Ernestine was almost civil!

-I asked if Betty could go with me and she said yes.

-No!

-Yes!

It's a secret, but that's Pringleton!

Here! That's fine.

Now maybe I can get myself presentable!

DOORBELL

I bet the stage set's burned down!

Gilbert!

-How did you know?

-You darling! Merry Christmas!

-Why didn't you telegraph?

-And spoil the surprise?

-My Christmas is complete!

-You certainly look very happy!

-Everything's going beautifully, almost. Let me get you some food.

Help!

Help!

Somebody help me with my shirt!

Somebody...help...with...

So I've got Jen and Katherine and Tony on my side.

I'll win over the others - wait and see!

-Gilbert...

-Mmm?

-Do me a favour.

-Why, sure! What?

Drive Kate and Rebecca and Matey over to the school.

I better pick up little Betty by myself.

-I'll be glad to.

-If you want another sandwich.

-I know - in the kitchen!

We're going to the show!

Come on, Katie! Yes, I'm coming! Hurry up!

Are you all right?

-Comfortable?

-Quite, thank you.

-I'll meet you there.

-All right.

-What's that on your face?

-Where?

-Let me wash it off for you!

-Ow!

Giddy-up!

-I've come for Betty.

-She's not going.

-Not going? You promised!

-She's been disobedient!

-Miss Pringle, how can you treat her like that?

-She'd her heart set on seeing the play!

-Please don't interfere any more with this child's upbringing.

Betty!

-Betty! You're sick!

-No...

I'm all right! I want to go to the play...

< Sick - fiddlesticks!

She worked herself into a temper!

She is sick. It's been coming on for several days. Have you had a doctor?

Doctor? For a temper tantrum? I'm not made of money!

Come on, darling. Let Anne get you to bed.

Now, you just get right in there where it's nice and warm.

-Tomorrow I'll tell you all about the play.

-I wanted to see it so bad...

When I come, I'll bring you over some presents.

-Santa Claus left some things for you.

-He did?

-Yes.

Now you just be quiet and try to go to sleep.

-I'll be over first thing in the morning.

-All right...

but I did want to see the play.

-Miss Pringle, please, get a doctor.

-If she's not better by the morning, I'll get Dr Watson.

-Oh, it's you.

-Is Miss Shirley here?

-No. I thought maybe you was her.

-Is Katherine here?

-She's awful busy.

-I've got to see her.

-Mr Pringle...

-It's important.

Remember - you're Prince Charming.

The kind of man women fall for.

Gosh, Miss Pringle...

KNOCKING

-Where's Miss Shirley?

-I don't know. You've no business back here.

-I've got to see her!

-She isn't here yet. Excuse me! We're trying to put on a play!

Save your strength. There isn't going to be any play.

No play?

Of course, there'll be a play!

Go on stage and do your lines. Yes, ma'am.

You've got a nerve, getting the children all excited!

I've just come from Aunt Hester's. Jen won't be here.

-Aunt Hester told me to tell Miss Shirley Jen has a cold.

-That's a lie! She was fine an hour ago!

I know the reason she isn't coming as well as you do! Hester wants to give Miss Shirley a comedown!

That's the nastiest thing I ever heard of! Why didn't you bring Jen?

Aunt Hester has her locked up - in your room.

-Where are you going?

-I'm going after Jen!

-You can't do that!

-You just watch whether I can't or not!

-But Hester...

-I'm so sick of Hester, I could choke! I'm going to do what's right!

If it's a revolution, count me in! Down with Aunt Hester!

-Thanks, Tony! I better do it alone. You stay here and tell Miss Shirley.

-Suppose you can't get Jen?

-Don't worry - I will!

-Good luck!

-Evening, Miss Shirley.

-Good evening. Where's Miss Pringle going?

She didn't say. Just said something had gone wrong.

Something HAS gone wrong!

-You're Miss Shirley's doctor friend?

-And you're Tony Pringle?

-Don't let the name Pringle frighten you!

-Anne said you were one of her best friends.

-Gilbert!

-Where did Katherine go?

-Aunt Hester's.

Jen's been delayed, but don't worry.

What happened to Jen? Miss Shirley...?

Heart murmers! Stuff and nonsense!

-You're an old quack!

-You're no chicken now, Hester.

You take one of those every hour or...

-Well? Or what?

-I'll not be responsible for the consequences!

You - responsible?! You couldn't cure a common cold...

much less a bad heart - if I had one!

I'm telling you, Hester! Do as I say!

Stuff and nonsense!

Lock the door after you. If she comes up, I'll pretend I'm you!

She'll know your voice! I'll cry or something.

Now, hurry! There's a sleigh... Katherine, I'm so scared!

Do hurry, please!

What shall I tell Miss Shirley?

Tell her I wish her luck!

HUBBUB

It's fine having a show right in Pringleton, isn't it?

I don't think there's going to be any show! Why not?

A show needs good management. This Miss Shirley will slip up somewhere.

HE WHISPERS

What? After all this hullabaloo?

SHE WHISPERS

Well, I never!

HUBBUB

This is simply awful! Whatever can I do?

-There isn't much you can do.

-Perhaps I should ask them to be patient for a few minutes.

-That would be all right if we were sure Katherine could get Jen.

-They've got you out on a limb, Anne.

I've got to do something!

I've got it!

I know the part of Cinderella! I'll play it!

-You can't do that!

-Why not?

-Of course I can! I can try!

-You can't! They'd howl you off the stage!

-They wouldn't dare!

-No?

They're all out there - except Aunt Hester.

-Morton, Stephen, Ernestine...

-Ernestine?

-Sure.

-She wouldn't miss seeing you take a beating!

-She can't be!

She couldn't leave little Betty.

I saw her come in!

SHOUTING

Quiet - they'll hear you!

Tony, get the girls to help Jen, then announce the play.

-Come on, Gilbert!

-Where are you going?

-To see Betty.

Right, kids, we've got a show to do. Help Jen get dressed!

11 minutes and 42 seconds late!

You could never run a railroad like this! Might as well go home!

Quiet, please! Quiet!

There's been a slight difficulty due to the illness of our leading lady, Miss Jen Pringle.

But, fortunately...

But, fortunately, Miss Pringle has had a most miraculous recovery!

The show will go on immediately.

There's gonna be a show after all! Go on, you Pringles!

Sit down! I know about them!

Dusting, scrubbing, sweeping...

from break of dawn till night.

Oh, how weary I am!

I must pause for a moment's rest for I shall surely drop.

Loafing again, wench? I paused for a moment's rest.

Laziness, lies, deceit - that's the gratitude I get for giving you a roof over your head,

food and a place to sleep! I'm sorry. I'll try to work harder.

Do! I must prepare your half-sisters for the royal ball.

-Betty! Betty!

-Let me have a look at her.

103 at least.

-I wonder when all this started.

-She hasn't been well for several days.

-Get blankets and a hot-water bottle.

-Gilbert!

I'm afraid it's pneumonia.

You look so beautiful! I wish that I might go to the ball.

A kitchen wench at the prince's ball?!

Did you hear that? You'll stay here and polish the pots and pans.

If I could only go as far as the palace grounds, look in and see the dancing...

And disgrace us by being apprehended by the palace guard?

Remember your place! I know - these rags are not meant for princely eyes.

-Will she be all right?

-If I can just break the fever...

She puzzles me, Anne. No spirit - she doesn't seem to care.

-We've got to save her! We must, we simply must!

-I'm doing all I can!

Going up. 104.

If only she'd fight a little!

Betty...

Betty!

Yes, Aunt Annie...?

What do you want?

What would you like to have more than anything?

My mummy...

and my daddy...

They'll come for you.

They'll come for you tomorrow!

Darling, I've told you that over and over again!

You do believe me, don't you?

Yes...

Aunt Annie...

but this isn't tomorrow...

it's still tonight...

I want them...to come for me... tonight.

Maybe they couldn't get here. There's so much snow.

Isn't there anything else?

No...

I just wanted...

to see the play...

Betty?

Betty!

Darling...

you shall see it.

We'll stage the whole play just for you. I'll be the whole cast and you'll be the whole audience.

Now...

look...

Here are the footlights...

and this is the stage.

Now...

the play is about to begin.

Just imagine the stage is a kitchen in a big castle

and that I am Cinderella and I'm talking to the fairy queen.

Speak, tell me your name.

Surely you are a stranger?

Arise, Cinderella, do not kneel to me.

I have come to grant the wish that is nearest to your heart.

You mean I'm to go to the ball?

But my stepmother would be very angry.

She will not know for she will not recognise you. If I only could!

I'd never wish for anything else again as long as I live!

Alone in the palace garden?

Would you care to dance with me?

Dance with you, your highness? But you're a prince.

Tomorrow, you must return to your palace and I...

If your highness but knew what misery tomorrow brings to me...

Oh, Gilbert, I can't go on! I can't!

Please, Anne, please try.

Please...

don't stop...

Aunt Annie...

How can I face tomorrow and all the sorrows it brings?

Some people, your highness, are born to wait

for a happiness that never comes.

I'm sorry - it doesn't fit any of you.

Your foot, maid. Oh, nay!

I beseech thee. It is not mine!

I've searched the city over for a foot to fit this slipper.

I swear I shall not rest until...

I swear I shall not rest until...

'until...'

until...

Until I find my heart's desire!

ECHOING: Whose plaintive smile and gentle look have so entranced me!

Nay, gentle maid, do not refuse for I know I have found my love!

Nay, gentle maid, do not refuse for I know I have found my love!

LAUGHTER

..And, having found you, I've found happiness

for all the tomorrows that are to come.

You can stop now, Anne.

Gilbert!

-Gilbert, she's not...?

-She's asleep.

The fever's broken.

SHE PRETENDS TO SOB

Jen?

I want you to stop this snivelling!

Katherine!

-Where's Jen?

-She's at the school - acting in a play!

-I'll put a stop to that!

-It's too late! Must be over by now!

You...you're responsible for this! But I'll take care of you!

Argh!

-Do you really think she'll be safe with Ernestine?

-I think so -

-after what's happened. But we have to get Betty out of there.

-Whoa!

-How did you enjoy it?

-Out we come.

-How is little Betty?

-Oh, she's better now.

-I wish there was a show like that every night.

-Did you have a good time, Matey?

-You bet!

Tell me all about it.

-Ernestine said Jen played the part, but that was all.

-She was great!

-Did Katherine see it?

-No, she missed it, but...

-Tony! Gilbert!

Maplehurst! Jen said Katherine was locked in her room!

Quick! Let's go!

Hey!

Rebecca!

Rebecca! >

Look!

Maplehurst! I want to go too!

Can you handle that peanut shell of a boat?

Can I handle it?! Get it ready! I'll get the key!

Come on, Rebecca! Hurry up! It's starting to blow!

I'm going as fast as I can!

Are you going...? Where do you think we're going?

Have you got room...? Get in!

More aport! What?

Sit down! Sit down!

Whoa!

Take the horses!

-Where's Katherine?

-I don't know.

-What about Hester?

-Got her out, but it was too late.

Tony! Help!

You can't go in there!

Tony! Oh, he'll never...

Katherine!

Katherine!

What's going on?

It's frozen!

Tony!

She's all right.

-Where's Matey?

-He was here a minute ago. I guess he went to his boat.

He can't! He'll put out to sea and never come back!

Matey!

No! Come back!

Matey!

Move back!

Matey!

About time! Anybody would think you'd had to go clear to town!

What's Miss Anne doing? Watching for her sweetheart.

She's excited about the wedding! Rubbish!

Wouldn't you be?

Oh, go on!

Gilbert! Gilbert!

-Hello, Anne!

-Hello!

-Why, darling, what's the matter?

-I was just thinking.

I bet my daddy used to kiss my mummy like that. Will my tomorrow ever get here?

Will my mummy and daddy ever come for me?

-Betty, when you went to bed last night, what day was it?

-Yesterday.

-Yesterday, what day was today?

-Why, tomorrow!

-Today is tomorrow and your mummy and daddy have come.

-You'll be my mummy and daddy?

-Yes, if you'll have us!

Now my name can be Betty for ever!

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

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