All language subtitles for The Green Promise (1949).eng2

Oh, boy.

I sure like this
country around here--

all the trees.

Mmm,
they smell good.

Everything looks
like it's just been scrubbed.

It's probably as muddy
as anyplace else when it rains.

Mr. Matthews,

how did you happen to decide
to come to Millwood?

Well, sir, I don't suppose
you ever had to watch

a good farm
blow away

right out from
under your feet.

No.

Well, it ain't
pleasant

watching all your work
go for nothing.

The children's mama was
sort of in love with the place,

and she wouldn't
give up.

But after we collected
the money from the insurance

she persisted in carrying,
why, we just up and sold out.

It must have been hard to leave
old friends and neighbors.

Oh, those folks
weren't as neighborly

as a man
might expect.

Say, you know, that ad you
had in the farm journal

sounded to me just like
something I've always wanted.

Exept that it will take
nearly all the money we--

Debbie.

We're here to see if it's all
you've cracked it up to be.

It's just
the carburetor.

The float's sticking.

Carburetor.

The float's stuck.

Well, anyway,
it isn't a tire.

Hiya, Mr. Larkins.

Need some help?

Well, their
motor stopped.

Mr. Matthews,
this is Davie Barkley,

our county
agricultural agent.

I'm happy to know you,
Mr. Matthews.

What seems
to be the trouble?

The motor cut out
all of a sudden.

It's the carburetor.

Cut out all of
a sudden, huh?

Doesn't sound much
like the carburetor, sir.

Do you mind if I take
a look at it?

No.

Around these parts,

when a human being
isn't feeling well,

why, we call
Doc Pomeroy.

But for anything else,

like farms, crops, animals,
machines or whatever,

we hunt for Davie.

You know, I don't believe
there's anything he can't fix.

Well, if he believes
it ain't that carburetor,

he can't fix that truck,

'cause I can tell just by
the wheeze of it what's wrong.

Well, Davie, what did
you find wrong?

Nothing.

Oh, uh--oh, you mean
with the motor?

Yeah.

Yeah, well, a distributor
wire jumped loose.

I figured it was that--
or the carburetor.

Well, I'd check it again if
you're planning to go very far.

Oh, not too far,
I hope.

I'm showing Mr. Matthews
the Brady place.

And if it suits him, we'll have
some new neighbors.

Say, that's fine.

It's a good farm,
Mr. Matthews.

That's what
Mr. Larkin tells me,

and I'll know better
when I see it myself.

Well, Davie,
thanks for your help.

I'd like to come by and see you
after you get settled,

have a talk with you.

Sure, sure,
Barkley, anytime.

That is,
providing we buy.

Well, we'll try
to make you feel welcome

if you do, sir.

I'll, uh--I'll catch
that hood for you.

Thanks.

Thank you.

So long,
beautiful.

Don't you kids
go nosing around.

Well,
there it is.

Of course, it hasn't been
lived in for six months.

A little fixing

will put it
in apple-pie shape.

Yes.

Let's take a'look
at the land.

Well, the fields start
right over there.

Come on, come on.
I'll give you a ride.

What did I tell you
about nosing around?

Well, there's your big field,
80 acres--

runs over around
behind that barn.

There's ten acres of fine timber
on top of that hill,

and over in back
is Catfish Creek.

I caught some big ones
there when I was a boy.

What else you got
to show me?

Well, there's some nice grazing
land I'd like to have you see,

then we could take a look
at the inside of the house.

Fine.

Oh, whatever furniture you see
goes with the place.

All it needs to make
it a home is people.

I feel sorry for house
without people in them.

Hey, those kind of thoughts
belong to a poet.

Oh, but Abigail's
our poet.

You know she can
put words together

that rhyme
the first time?

Can't you,
honey?

It just comes
natural to me.

It's quite a gift.

Papa, can Mr. Larkins
show me the kitchen?

I guess so.

Why, surely.
Right this way.

There's a range
that goes with it.

Good, now you'll get
your stove, Debbie.

It needs a bit of polish,
of course.

Yes.

Well, what do
you think?

I think it just
about fills the bill.

But, uh, you know,

I'm a great believer
in the democratic process.

A family, Mr. Larkins,
is just like a nation.

Everybody in it should
have his or her say.

Now, I wouIdn't think
of imposing my will

on important decisions
that affect all of us.

What we do is hold a meeting
and vote on things,

and whatever the majority rules,
that's what we do.

I'll show you
what I mean.

All right, the meeting
will come to order.

Now, we've seen
the farm and the house,

and I've told you
the terms.

Now, I'd like to hear a motion
that we buy the place.

I make a motion
that we buy it.

Do I hear
a second?

I second
the motion.

No discussion?

All those in favor,
hold up their right hand.

Good, passed
by unanimous decision.

You get the paper,
Larkins.

Hmm?

The papers.

Oh, yes.

Now, while Mr. Larkins and I
are going over the details,

you kids can start
unloading that truck.

It's Helen.

Benedicta
the Blessed.

It's Helen.

It's
Benedicta.

Benedicta.

Let me up!

Benedicta!

Susan, Abigail.

Stop that fighting,
do you hear?

Now, what started this?

She wants
to get it named Helen.

Get what named Helen?

Benedicta
the Blessed.

It's going to be
Helen.

Susan.

Oh, Papa,
you did buy her.

You did
bring Helen.

Helen?

Her name's
Benedicta.

Bene-what?

Benedicta
the Blessed.

What are you kids
talking about?

Benedicta,
our new cow.

But, Papa, you as good as
promised I could name her,

and I've chosen Helen;
it's a beautiful name.

It stinks.

It does not.

Here, cut that out,
you kids.

Neither one
of them names will do,

because what I bought
ain't a cow.

You can name that
if you want to.

Take him
to the pen, Phinny.

Be careful, son;
he's kind of mean.

Debbie, can't you keep these
kids out from underfoot?

I thought you
were buying a cow.

You'll get your cow,
Debbie--a pair of them.

Mr. Clavin, here's, letting
me have two at a bargain.

What about that tractor,
Mr. Matthews?

I'll let that go
at a good price too.

Terms you
could like.

Tractor? But we can't
afford a tractor.

We've spent so
much money already.

Mr. Clavin, I'll talk
to you about that later.

I'd like
to think it over.

Accommodate yourself,
Mr. Matthews,

only a buy like that
don't wait long for takers.

I know that,
Mr. Clavin.

I imagine the young ones
will be starting school

right away?

I'll keep them out
until next term.

We need all the help
we can get.

Expect you will
at that,

seeing the season's
so far advanced.

A tractor'd
come in mighty handy.

Sure would.

Well, so long.

So long,
Mr. Clavin.

Now, Debbie.

About that tractor--

Susan, Abigail,
and Phineas

are not staying
out of school.

You need help,
and we can't afford--

I'll manage.

We promised Mama
they'd get their education.

Phineas can help you
after school,

and the girls and I'll
divide the chores.

We'll hold a meeting
and decide.

No.

They're going
to school.

See you tomorrow.

Bye, Jessie.

Go away,
you old bull.

Go away!
Go away!

Go back.
Go back.

Stay away,
do you hear?

I want to get by
and go home.

Whatcha doing?

Playing tag with Caesar?

He likes
to play games.

Well, you can just chase him
about his business, Mr. Smarty.

I promised l'd hurry home,
and I'm late already

on account of Miss Milligan
keeping me.

So chase him away
right now.

Well, if you're going
to act so bossy about it,

I'll leave you
right where you are.

Take care of her,
Caesar.

Oh. Oh!

Aw, I was
just teasing.

He wouldn't
hurt a fly.

Look.

He's a purebred Angus

imported all the way
from Scotland.

Come on,
scratch him.

He likes it.

What's the matter?
You scared?

Did he really come
all the way from Scotland?

Sure, he did.

Cost me more
than $1,000.

A thousand dollars?

And he's yours?

Sure, he's mine.

All the cattle
in this pasture are,

and I raised them.

You mean they really
belong to your father

and he lets you
pretend they're yours.

I mean no such thing.

They are mine.

My dad gave me two
Angus calves for a start,

but I paid him back
a long time ago.

Say, you're one
of the new kids

who just moved here,
aren't you?

Yes.

What's your name?

Susan Matthews.
What's yours?

Peter Wexford, but
everybody calls me Buzz.

Why?

I don't know,
unless it's because--

Because he's got bees
in his bonnet.

What are you
doing here, Jessie?

Spyin'.

Brothers are mostly dopey,
but interesting.

Say, I saw you
at school today.

Susan, this is
my sister, Jessie.

Jessie thinks I couldn't
find my way home without her.

You couldn't.
You’re dopey.

And you're
an undersized snoop.

Well, I can't stand here
wasting my time

talking to girls.

I got to get the cattle
headed home for their supper.

I'm grain-feeding them
to put weight on 'em.

I've got
to get home too.

Come on.
I'll open the gate for you.

And all of these cows
and Caesar,

are really yours?

I told you they were,
didn't I?

Well, bye, Buzz.
Bye, Jessie.

Good-bye, Susan.

See you
in school tomorrow.

David Barkley's
very handsome.

David Barkley's
tall and slim.

David Barkley
is very handsome.

Bet the girls
all fall for him.

What kind of a song
is my little girl singing?

Something she
just made up?

What, Papa?

That song you were
just singing

about somebody named
David Barkley.

Why, I hardly knew
that anyone would hear it.

Surely you remember
David Barkley, Papa.

He's the county agent.

You know,
the man that knew

more about your truck
than you did?

The one that stared
so at Deborah.

What about him?

Why, nothing,
Papa--

At least, nothing that
means anything, I'm sure.

Well, if it
doesn't mean anything

that all the girls
fall for Mr. Barkley,

why don't you
tell us what you know?

I'm sure we'd
all like to hear.

I don't know how
Abigail would know it,

but I think what
she wants to tell you

is that I met and talked to
Mr. Barkley in Millwood today.

Henry Larkins told me when
he delivered the groceries.

It wouId be much nicer,
Abigail,

if, when you wished to tell
things on the rest of us,

if you'd be more
straightforward about it.

Oh, I don't want
to even think

what's going
to become of us

if these suspicions
and bickerings keep up.

Maybe you'd like
to tell us what you found

so interesting
to talk about

with the so-attractive
Mr. Barkley.

It was just
about the farm.

After all, he is the county
agricultural agent,

and I asked him what crops
he thought we ought to raise.

And I imagine he was very happy
to offer his advice?

He did suggest
that we plant potatoes.

Oh, he didn't care
for soybeans, huh?

He said the summers here
aren't hot enough.

I don't suppose

Mr. Barkley got his knowledge
from working a farm.

He studied in college.

Well, after all,
40 years of actual farming

is apt to give
a man more know-how

than he can get
from reading about it.

But he is in touch with
all the farmers in the county,

and the state university
supplies him

with the latest
information and ideas--

I've got all
the ideas we need.

Now I've got something
important to take up.

Phinny.

Yes, Papa?

Sit down here.

We're going to have
a meeting.

Yes, Papa.

Meeting will
come to order.

Now, before I get
to what I have in mind,

is there anybody got
anything they want taken up?

All right,
Susan's got the floor.

Speak up.

Papa, I'd like to borrow
enough money to buy two lambs--

like these.

I want to raise them
for my very own.

When they're grown, I can
sell the wool and pay you back,

and after a while, I'd have
a lot of them, like Buzz.

Buzz?

Buzz Wexford.

His papa gave him two calves,
and now he's got a whole herd

and a prize bull named Caesar
worth more than $1,000.

And they're all
his very own.

Only I want
to raise lambs.

Please, Papa, may I?

I met Buzz;
he's a swell guy.

One fellow told me that
Buzz made over $800 last year,

just from his cattle.

I think that's
a good idea, Susan.

There's something in this
far more serious

than the borrowing of money
to buy two expensive lambs.

And I'm surprised
at you, Deborah,

and you too,
Phineas,

that you didn't notice it
before you spoke up.

Well, Susan, we'll put
your idea to a vote,

but I've got
to go against it,

'cause I think
it's purely selfish.

I don't suppose
you understand that,

for if you did,
you wouldn't want to go on

possessing thing
all by youself

and shutting
the rest of us out.

Or is it that
you don't want to share

because you don't love us
like we love you?

Well, you've heard
Susan's plan

and discussions
about it.

Now we'll put it
to a vote.

All those against.

Shouldn't those in favor
vote first?

What difference
does it make?

Those against.

Good, I guess that
settles that.

Now, if there's
no other business,

I got a plan
I'd like to propose,

one that will be
good for all of us.

You know we need
that tractor

of Mr. Clavin's
in the worst way.

Of course, he'd be willing
to rent it to me,

but you know we believe
in owning things outright.

Wouldn't it be better
to rent it?

I believe I can make out
a way we can buy it.

How, Papa?

We cut that timber
at the top of the hill

and sell it
for lumber.

I've already spoken to Mr. Gale
about it at the lumber mill,

and he's willing to pay us
a good price for it.

Then we make a down payment
in the meantime--

All right,
out with it, baby.

What's wrong?

He isn't fair.

Papa isn't fair.

He got his tractor, but--

I didn't want those
lambs for my own

because I don't
love all of you.

I wanted them because--
because I...

I think I can
help you see why.

It's because you want
to be an individual.

And to prove
that you are one,

you've got to do something
all by yourself,

to own something
that's wholly yours.

Is--is that wrong?

I don't tink so.

But how will I ever be able
to do anything like that?

Abigail always votes
the way Papa does,

and if Papa even
looks at Phinny,

Phinny gets too scared
to vote against him.

It's sort of like
fighting a pillow, honey.

You can't win.

You dent it in one place,

and it just fills out
in another.

All you do
is exhaust yourself.

I found that out.

But who knows what
could happen tomorrow?

I've got work to do.

Want to ride with me?

That's better.

Hello.

Hello, Mr. Barkley.

How are you, Susan?

Fine.

I hate to do this.

Miss Matthews,

by the power
vested in me

by the United States
goverment,

I must ask you
to keep an eye

on this young woman.

Why, Mr. Barkley,
what do you mean?

I mean that
a certain young farmer

named Buzz Wexford

found your sister
trespassing in his pasture

and frightening
his prize bull, Caesar.

No.

So that since
that day,

neither he nor Caesar
have been quite the same.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

That's a big fib.

Susan, here's something
I want you to look over.

What have you decided about
your crops, Miss Matthews?

I told Papa--my father--
what you said,

and he figured
he'd rather work a crop

with which
he's more familiar.

Oh.

Well, I can understand
how he feels.

I see you've started
your plowing.

Yeah, I just hope I can
keep the furrows straight.

Would you mind
a suggestion?

No.

The furrows would be
more effective in holding water

and preventing erosion if
they were run across the field.

The one bad place
on your farm is that hill.

There's a soil condition
up there

that should be protected
by some drainage ditches.

What kind of
soil condition?

An old fault
runs across the top.

The water
seeping into it

might tend to loosen
the front of the hill.

You mean that the whole
face of that cliff

could fall
onto our farm?

Well, Mr. Larkins
never told us about that.

I doubt if
he knows it.

It's an old fault.

There's no active danger

with trees and their roots
to hold the soil.

But Papa's cutting
down the trees.

Mr. Barkley, would you mind
telling my father about this?

By all means.

I certainly think he
should know about it.

He's up on the hill now.

Papa.

Look out!
Get back!

You remember
Mr. Barkley.

Oh, yeah.

What's on your mind,
Barkley?

It's about these trees,
Mr. Matthews:

I'd suggest you leave
them standing, sir.

I expect you
county agents

have got to make
some sort of suggestion

in order to hold
your jobs,huh?

Well, I--
if you don't mind,

I'd like to show
you something, sir.

It's right over here.

Look at this,
Mr. Matthews.

That ground has slipped
down and away

from the earth
we're standing on.

Yeah, but that
looks to me

like it appened
an awful long time ago.

It did, but there's
no telling

how deep
this fracture goes.

Look.

Here is the face
of your hill.

This fault runs
across here

as a natural drainage
into a dry ravine down below

that points directly
at your farm.

Without this trees,

the whole top of this hill
could erode away.

But by keeping
the trees in

and putting in some drainage
ditches along here

to protect the fault,
it will save you money.

It might even
save your farm.

Well, thanks again
for your interest, Barkley,

but I ain't going
to let a crack in the ground

stop me from making
several thousand dollars.

And now, as a man
who's got work to do,

you'll excuse me.

Well, thanks
for listening, sir.

That's all right.

It won't be long now
before I'll be able show you

what a real farm
looks like.

I'd like to stop by
and see you again--

Any time, Bar--

Debbie, if Mr. Barkley
don't mind,

I'd like to speak to you--
privately.

Thank you.

Mr. Barkley.
Mr. Barkley.

Can I--

may I walk to your car
with you?

Well, don't you think
it might cause people to talk?

There aren't
any people.

Oh, well, in that case,
come along.

Has Deborah
a steady boyfriend?

Deborah?

What's so suprising
about that?

She's a very
pretty girl.

Deborah?

Well, yes.
Don't you think so?

No.

You can take
my word for it.

She is.

She is?

Mm-hmm.

She ever go out
with any of the fellas

back where
you came from?

Only Charlie Gidget.

Charlie Gidget?

What did he
look like?

Oh, he was tall
and kind of skinny,

and his teeth stood
out like this.

He didn't have
much hair.

Sounds kind
of unattractive.

Did Deborah
like him?

I don't know.

She laughed
at everything he said.

How many times did
she go out with him?

Just once.

Well, Susan, thanks
for accompanying me.

You can follow this creek bed
right down to your house.

But I wanted
to ask you something.

You did?
What?

About this,
the 4-H club.

Oh,yes,
the 4-H club.

Susan, the theme
of the 4-H club

is show, not say.

Got time to take
a little ride with me?

Sure.

You may be the key
to open the door

and let the sun
shine in.

Huh?

We can get to my car
right up here.

Come on, sweetie.

That's a funny name
for a club, 4-H.

Each one of the letters
stands for something.

The first "H"
stands for "head",

the second for "heart",

the third, "hands",
and the forth, "help".

And the four-leaf clover
is for good luck.

I think the 4-H club members
make their own luck.

Can people do that?

Sure, if they use

their heads,
hearts and hands.

You see, Susan,

the 4-H club was started
for kids just like you,

to help them learn

better methods of
farming and homemaking

so that when
they grow up

and have farms
and homes of their own,

they'd know how
to run them successfully.

As county agent,
it's part of my job

to help the club members
with their projects.

Huh?

Uh, each member
has a project,

a piece of work
that he plans

and carries through
all by himself.

Oh.

It can be
almost anything--

oh, raising rabbits, a garden,
a calf, chickens, fruit trees.

Baby lambs?

Sure, or sewing,
cooking, canning.

There are
all kinds of projects.

Is Buzz Wexford
a 4-H member?

Buzz?

Oh, he's the star
of the Millwood club.

He's already made enough money
from his Angus herd

to put himself
through college.

They look fine,
Dell.

Thanks a lot.

Say, these
are new hutches.

Yeah, I built
them myself

from those plans
you got for me.

Oh, it's
a nice job.

Tell me, how are
your books?

I can tell you,
Mr. Barkley.

He hasn't
kept them up.

Keep after that,
Dell.

Keeping books
is as important

as any part
of a project.

I'll do them tonight
for sure.

Good.

What do we have here?

Canned pears.

They're for you
to sample.

Oh, well,
thank you.

How's your canning
project working out?

Mr. Larkins took 50 mixed
quarts on consignment,

and the Franklin store
in Barton has ordered 30 pints.

You better save some of those
for Pop, or he'll be sore.

Ah, those are beautiful.

You know something,
Herb?

I think she's going
to win you some ribbons--

that is, if you take
good care of her.

Gee, Mr. Barkley,
I treat her just like a mother.

Did you get the lime
I suggested, Roberta?

Yes, and I used
the proportions you gave me.

Does my garden
look good enough

to win an award?

Well...

Later, I mean.

It probably will

if you work
like the dickens.

Oh, I don't mind
doing that.

You see,
this is mine.

It's something I've done
all by myself.

The things you create
for yourself

give you the most
satisfaction,

and you've got the makings
of a fine garden.

Mom and Dad
are so glad

you talked me into joining 4-H,
Mr. Barkley.

I--I wasn't
very happy before.

Well, 4-H is happy
you joined.

Susan, there's one more place
I thought we might stop.

Benny Tilton's proect's
raising sheep.

He's got a couple
of fine lambs

I promised
to look at.

No.

No, I don't want
to see them.

I want to go home.

Please.

Okay, sis.

Home, it is.

Miss Matthews,
I'd like--

If it's about the furrows,
Mr. Barkley--

It's not about
the furrows.

They've having a dance
in town Saturday night,

and I wondered
if you'd like to go with me.

I'm afraid that
would be impossible.

Why impossible?

I don't like
to toot my own horn,

but most folks
around here

think of me
as a pretty solid citizen.

The remark wasn't
meant to be personal.

My invitation was.

It's just that social
activites don't interest me.

Wait a minute.

I'm not speaking now
as county agent.

This will be a purely
personal observation.

You're a coward.

Your father, who's probably
ruined several farms

and is setting out
to ruin this one,

seems bent on ruining
his family as well.

Don't interrupt me.

I just brought Susan back
from showing her

some of the work being
done by the 4-H clubs.

She pretended
she didn't like the idea

for the same reason
that you just turned down

my dance invitation--

because you're both
afraid of your father.

There's some excuse
for Susan.

She's just
a little girl,

but there's no excuse
for your quitting

without putting up a fight,
except cowardice.

Mr. Barkley,

if you don't get off
this property right away,

I'll run you off
with this tractor.

You haven't got the gumption,
Miss Matthews.

Oh!

Hiya, beautiful.

Hi.

Stick around
after church.

I got something
I want to tell you.

I can't talk now.

I have to pump up
the bellows on the organ.

Don't forget.

Well, well,
the Matthews.

Good morning,
Mr. Larkins.

How are you?

We thought
we'd try you out

and see what kind
of preacher you've got.

Welcome
to our church.

Nice church,
Mr. Larkins.

It looks friendly.

We mean it to be.

Our Reverend Benton
is less given

to preaching at us
than talking to us.

We like it
that way.

I'll show you
to a seat.

Hiya, Susie.

Hiya, Jessie.

Hello, David.

Good morning.

God of our fathers,
whose almighty hand

leads forth in beauty
all the starry band.

My sermon today is inspired
by the story of Moses

and the promise
that God made to him.

The story may be found
in the Old Testament,

the book of Exodus.

The promise was that
if Moses and the Israelites--

who were suffering cruelties
and slavery

at the hands of the Egyptians--
would but have faith,

God would show Moses

how to lead them
out of their bondage

into a land of milk
and honey.

It was the promise
of a new life,

a beautiful green
promise,

but before it
could be fulfilled,

there was a sea
and a wilderness to be crossed,

thirst and hunger
to be overcome.

The fulfillment, you see,
had to be earned.

Now, I find a parallel

between those ancient Israelites
and ourselves,

all of us.

We, too, are in bondage,

lashed with the bullock-hide
whips of ignorance,

shackled by the iron chains
of the unknown.

But the same promise,
the beautiful green promise,

has been made to us.

Only the sea of doubt,

the barren desert
of illiteracy,

the hunger of bigotry,
and the thirst of incompetence

stands between us
and freedom,

between us and
the land of promise.

Now, we've been given
not just one Moses to guide us,

but many:
our men of science--

our doctors, chemists,
agronomists,

all those patient seekers
after fact and truth,

the delvers into
the mysteries of matter,

the searchers of the mind

for a better understanding
of human behavior.

These men are our Moses,
turning our feet away

from the false and easy trails
of superstition

and guiding us along this steep
and toilsome path of knowledge,

the one true--
and the one and only--

road to the land
of promise,

where we may claim
our own heritage.

To my mind, the really
sinful man or woman

is the one who, through bigotry
and ignorant pride,

refuses to learn

and, calling his
ignorance virtue,

tries by self-made rule
and by scorn

to keep all others
from learning.

These are
the real sinners,

and here is
the vilest evil:

to feed their ego,
to disguise their inadequacies,

to hide their quaking fears,
they sneer at the new,

revile the experimenter,
and deride the pioneer

and then hypocritically
defend their actions

behind the fogbound
fortress of intolerance.

Mr. Matthews.

Enjoyed your sermon,
Reverend.

It was a fine talk,
made sense.

Thank you,
Mr. Matthews.

I'm glad you could
attend our service.

I'll see you all again
next Sunday, I hope.

Oh, we'll
be here.

We're a churchgoing
family.

Papa,
we must hurry.

Come along,
Abigail.

Excuse me.

Hey, Susie,
Susie Matthews.

Hey, wait.

I told you I wanted
to see you after church.

I forgot.

That's the way
it is with me.

I just don't make
any impression on girls.

What I wanted to tell you
is that my mom--

she and Reverend Benton are
the leadersg of our 4-H club--

would like to invite you
and your sister and brother

to our club's
masquerade party.

The party's
about five weeks away,

but I thought
I'd better speak early,

before you met
some better-looking guy.

Is it a date?

I know he's kind of homely,
but please say yes,

or he'll have to invite
some awful-looking girl.

Besides, Mother said I could
serve some of my drop biscuits.

Oh, no,
not those.

I dropped one once
and like to broke my foot.

He likes
to exaggerate.

If you let go
of one of my biscuits,

it will just float
in the air.

How about it, Susie?
Will you come?

They'd be very happy to come
to your party, Buzz,

and thank your mother
for the invitation.

Good.

There'll be
a swell gang there,

and I'll make it
a personal project

to see you have
a good time, cutie.

You ought to wear those things,
butterfingers.

Susan, aren't you finished
with Phinny's room yet?

You've got to help me
straighten up Papa's.

Hey, whatcha doing
with my fishing tackle?

Well, I thought maybe
you'd take me down to the creek.

Will you, Phinny?

Well, gee, I--
oh, I daren't, Susie.

I ain't got
the wood cut

for Deborah
to cook supper with.

Papa would skin me alive.

Oh, please, Phinny.

We'll only stay
a little while,

and I'll help carry in
the wood.

Well, maybe there'll
be some early ones

hungry enough
to bite.

But we've got
to start home

in time for me
to get the wood in.

Boy, this looks good,
Susie.

We ought to get
some big ones here.

Come on.

I can get up
by myself.

Oh, this is swell.

Hand me the worms.

Here you are,
Susie.

I'll do it for you.

No.

It isn't fair to let others
do an unpleasant thing

you can do
for yourself

just because
it's unpleasant.

Hiya, Phinny.
Hiya, Susie.

Oh, hiya, Buzz.

You know, you're
trespassing on my pool.

You're trespassing
on our property.

Well, gee whiz.

You got
a fishing license?

No.

Well, if you won't
say anything, I won't.

You're fishing
in the wrong spot.

Right over there
under that bank

is the grand pappy
of all catfish.

There is?

Come on.
I'll show him to you.

I like it
where I am.

She got the colic
or something?

Come on.
Show me the catfish.

What is it, Buzz?

It's Jessie.

Pretend you don’t notice,
or you'll embarrass her.

She's spying again.

See that shadow?

There he is.

Gee whiz,
let's try and catch him.

Oh, he's too smart.

All he does
is just bounce his bait.

Jessie.

He's almost as smart
as Buzz thinks old Caesar is.

Caesar is smart.

Caesar's smarter
than you, anyway.

You didn't know
I was trailing you.

Sure didn't.

I thought it was
an old stray cow.

Did you?

Homer says you're going
to enter Caesar

in the state fair
this fall.

Are you, Buzz?

He is if he wins at
the county Achievement Day.

Achievement Day?
What is that?

It's when all the clubs
in the county compete.

Whosever project wins
gets to show at the state fair.

If Caesar wins that,
I get to take him

to the national show
in Chicago.

Boy, wouldn't that
be something?

'Course, it ain't
all up to Caesar.

I gotta learn
how to show him,

got to be able to
produce all the records

of how much it
cost to raise him,

what he ate,
and all that.

Those judges want
to know everything.

I sure hope
you make it, Buzz.

I wish Papa
would let--

Phinny, time for us
to start home.

Anyhow, no one
could catch fish

with all the jabbering
that's going on.

Now you did it.

Did what?

Only a woman
would understand.

Oh--oh, shut up.

Yes, it's full,
and I had to fill it.

You just you wait,
Phineas Matthews,

until Papa
hears about this.

He'll probably give you
a good whipping.

But, Abby, it wasn't
Phinny's fault.

i made him go.

Explain that
to Papa.

You're gonna
get it.

Listen, Abby,
if you won't tell Papa,

I'll give you a new Indian
bracelet I just made.

Let me see it first.

It's upstairs.
Come on.

The bracelet will be
mine for keeps, you know.

You give me that,
you nasty little snoop.

Dr. Lumlock's Secret Lotion
FORM DIVINE

If you read that, I'll--

You give me that,
or you'll be sorry.

I won't be
the one who's sorry

after Papa sees this,
Miss Form Divine.

You give me that.
Give me that!

What's all this
screeching about?

We were just playing,

weren't we, Abby?

Why, yes, Papa.

We were just playing.

Well, I guess
two healthy girls

are going to make a little noise,
but hold it down, huh?

I'll go with you,
Papa.

There's something
I want to show you.

What?

What a fine pile of wood
Phinny cut for Deborah.

Excuse me.

Did you do your
homework, Phinny?

No.

Hey, I wonder
whose car that is.

It isn't
Mr. Barkley's.

Of course not.

Papa would run him
off the place.

"Pi-sic-can".

What does that mean?

"Physician".

It means "doctor".

Someone's sick!

That's Deborah's.

A tree fell on him.

Oh, Papa,
Papa.

Abby, Abby,
be careful.

He has two bad
leg fractures

and a nasty cut
on his head.

I'm afraid he'll be laid up
for some time.

When I get the splints on,
he'll rest easier,

but he's going to need
a lot of care.

He'll get the best of care,
Dr. Pomeroy.

Good.

Oh, would you send
one of the youngsters

down to my car

and get my other
grip, please?

Phinny.

How's Papa?

He's resting better

since Dr. Pomeroy
gave him those pills.

Oh, what are we
going to do?

We're going to behave
ourselves, for one thing.

But with Papa hurt
and not able to work,

we'll lose the farm
and this house,

and we'll all be put
in an institution--

Oh, Abigail,

would you please
stop that sniveling?

I got no intention
of letting us lose this farm.

I'm gonna to plant and harvest
crops if it kills me--

and you kids
as well.

I don't see how you expect
us to do everything--

plowing and planting
and feeding the stock

and cutting down trees.

We're not going
to out down the trees.

But Papa
wants us to.

I'm afraid some
of Papa's plans

will have to be
changed.

You mean that almost
the very minute

that poor Papa
is stricken helpless--

and maybe lying
on his deathbed--

that you're plotting

to change everything
he planned

and ruin us?

Abigail, now,
listen to me.

No. No, I'm
going to tell.

I'm going to tell
Papa everything.

I'm glad I never
took the notion

to write for Dr. Lumlock's
Secret Lotion.

I'd hate to have
any friends of mine

asking about
my form divine.

What on earth has come
over you, Susan?

Nothing,
nothing at all,

except I'm pretty sure
Abigail didn't mean it

when she said she'd
tell Papa everything.

Did you, Abby?

No,
of course not.

I was just
making a joke.

I wouldn't think
of telling Papa

anything you didn't
want him to know, Deborah.

Honest.

Get me some hot water,
Phineas.

Of course, the children
are in school,

but they do help
with the chores,

so as far as my father
and the house go,

I think we can manage.

But it's the farm
that bothers us,

and I just thought that perhaps
you could give us some advice

on what we could best do.

If you could stay
for a few minutes,

a friend of mine
is coming by

who knows much more about
farming than I do, I'm sure,

and I think he'd be glad
to help you.

But maybe you know him--
David Barkley.

Oh, yes.

I'm terribly sorry.

I just remembered
I have to go to Millwood

before Mr. Larkins
closes the store.

Closes?

Why, you have
all afternoon.

Mr. Larkins never closes
until 6:00 in the evening

Help!

Help!

Help!

Help!

The truck's brakes
must have slipped.

I can't let go long
enough to set them.

Mr. Barkley,
I can't--

Oh, I owe you
my life.

I couldn't have held out
much longer.

I can't tell you
how sorry I am.

I set the brake.

Forget it,
Miss Matthews.

But, Mr. Barkley,

why didn't this rock
hold back the truck?

What?

A thing like that
could ruin a tire.

Hello, Susan.

The, uh--

Oh, Reverend,

my sister-in-law
and her mother

wanted me to say
good-bye to you, uh--

tell you how much
they enjoyed your sermon.

Have they gone?

Left yesterday.

Brother Ed wired,

said if she didn't
want him to starve to death,

she'd better
get home.

Think it could
be jealousy?

Oh, quite possibly.

Your sister-in-law
is very attractive.

Oh, we Barkleys have an eye
for pretty women.

Well, there's certainly
nothing wrong in that.

Oh, David, Miss Matthews
came by to ask my advice

on how best to manage the farm
now that her father's laid up,

and I told her
you were the one

really most qualified
to help her.

And it just occurred to me,
I think it would be a good idea

if you'd go out to
the farm right now,

and then you could talk things
over right on the spot.

An excellent idea,
Reverend, excellent.

Would you lead the way,
Miss Matthews?

Hey,
you forgot me!

Deborah,
you forgot me!

Deborah!

- Thanks, Jim.
- Thanks a lot.

Deborah?

Yes?

Debbie, could I--

could I join
the 4-H club

and have a project
raising lambs?

Oh, I know I was outvoted,
but it wasn't really fair.

Oh, please say yes,
Debbie, please.

Please.

Well, we might
just as well

get hung for a lamb
as a sheep.

Only if your lambs
cost too much,

you'll have to choose
some less expensive project.

Oh, I don't know
how much purebreds cost,

but the minute we stop,
I'll ask Mr. Barkley.

He'll know.

He's so pretty.

Thank you.

There's something
I'd like to tell you.

Yes?

Maybe we'd better talk
about the farm first.

I guess I shouldn't
have let Reverend Benton

talk you into
trying to help me.

Oh, but he didn't.

What I mean is,

standing here, I realize
how crazy it was,

my going to him
in the first place,

thinking I could
handle things all by myself.

It would mean
a fight.

I'm not the coward
you think me, Mr. Barkley.

It's just that,
well, fighting

when you haven't got
a chance to win--

well, it's foolish.

History's been made
by that kind of fool.

I'm willing to work,

but I don't see
how I could ever manage.

All this land--
and the children.

Oh, it would be tough,
all right,

but if you had
the courage to try,

I could help.

There are methods
and shortcuts

that I could show you

that would cut the job
down to manageable size--

that is, if you're
not afraid to tackle it.

I'm not afraid.

How could I start?

Can you take orders?

I think so.

Good.

The first one is
that you call me David.

Mr. Barkley, I--

Well, now, if you can't follow
a simple order like that,

there's no sense
going on.

Frankly, David,
I'm scared.

The best way to overcome
that is to get busy.

Come on, Deborah.

Gee whiz, Abigail,

you'd think they'd
run out of words after a while.

Abigail?

Thank you, Abigail.

What have you
been telling Papa?

I haven't said
a word to him.

Cross your heart
and hope to die?

There, does that
satisfy you?

Deborah!

Deborah,
come up here.

Deborah,
you hear me?

Yes.

Yes, Papa.

What was it
you wanted?

Now, you listen
to me, Deborah.

Don't you think for
one minute that I don't know

what's going on behind
my back, because I do.

But if Abigail hadn't come up
and raised that window

to give me
some fresh air,

I would never have known
about this treason.

I heard every word you and
that book-taught farmer said.

The two of you probably prayed
that I'd be struck down,

so's you could try out
your crazy schemes.

You're a jezebel.

That's what you are,
a jezebel!

Well, you don't care
if his insane ideas ruin us

and drive your helpless
sisters and brother

out into the world,
homeless and--

Papa, be quiet.

You slept through the sermon
when Reverend Benton

was describing the sinner
who didn't want to learn

and who tried to keep
everyone else from learning.

He might have
been describing you.

David called me a coward
for not standing up to you,

and I got angry.

I realize he was
telling the truth.

I've made up my mind
not to be afraid any longer.

Since you can't run
this farm, I must,

and I intend to run it
David's way.

Now, if you need anything,
you call me.

Where's Susan?

I don't know,
and furthermore,

I don't care.

Hello.

What are you
doing in here?

Oh, Buzz, I've got something
wonderful to tell you.

You'll have to wait
until this finishes.

Miss Murdock
sure uses a lot of air.

She likes to hear
that old organ roar.

What is it you want
to tell me about?

Well, Buzz, I...

I can join
the 4-H.

Swell.
You'll like it.

What are you going to choose
for your project, cooking?

No, sheep.

Sheep?

Deborah said
I could buy

two purebred lambs
to raise--

that is, if they
don't cost too much.

Do they, Buzz?

Well, they're kind
of expensive, Susie.

How expensive?

Well, real good lambs cost
about $30 or $40 apiece.

Is that too much?

Hey, listen.

Maybe you could
borrow the money

from Mr. Grinstead.

Who's he?

He owns the bank
down at Millwood.

Sometimes if he thinks
it's a good risk,

he lends money
to 4-H club members

so's they can start
new projects.

Buzz, do you think
he'd lend some to me?

Well, I can't say
for sure,

but once you're
a 4-H'er,

you could talk
to David Barkley

and get him to help.

It's time
for the first hymn.

Please, Buzz,
could I?

Well, all right.

You better hurry up
and start your pumping, though.

They're about ready
to start.

And keep that bobber up there,
no matter what.

Sowing in the morning,

sowing seeds of kindness,

sowing in the noontide
and the dewy eve,

waiting for the harvest
and the time of reaping,

we shall come rejoicing,
bringing in the sheaves.

Bringing in the sheaves,
bringing in the sheaves,

we shall come rejoicing,
bringing in the sheaves.

Bringing in the sheaves,
bringing in the sheaves,

That's it.
Keep it up there.

We shall come rejoicing,
bringing in the sheaves.

We shall come rejoicing,

bringing in the sheaves.

The fire burned
all the cover

off the north side
of Strawberry Hill,

leaving it bare and
subject to erosion by rain.

Excited?

The committee
on soil erosion

had planned
to replant it

with oats or barley,

but we'd appreciate
the county agent's advice.

Thank you, Joe.

I've had some information

from the state director
at the university

about a new cover grass.

The Department would like
to make some field experiments,

so if the committee agrees,

I'll send for seed
to replant the hill.

The grass is a rapid grower
and has a deep root...

Miss Susan Matthews.

Just step up there,
please.

You've been approved
to become a member

of the Millwood 4-H club.

Please raise your right hand and
repeat the 4-H pledge after me.

I do solemnly swear
that I, Susan Matthews,

will uphold the rules
and bylaws of the 4-H club.

I do solemnly swear
that I, Susan Matthews,

will uphold the rules
and bylaws of the 4-H club.

And as a true
4-H member,

I pledge my head
to clearer thinking...

And as a true 4-H member,

I pledge my head
to clearer thinking...

my heart
to greater loyalty...

my heart
to greater loyalty...

my hands
to larger service...

my hands
to larger service...

my health
to better living

for my club, my community,
and my country.

my health
to better living

for my club, my community,
and my country.

I herewith declare you
a member in good standing

of the 4-H club
of Millwood.

Here's your
membership card,

your 4-H badge, and a member's
card to put on your house.

Congratulations,
and good luck on your project.

Congratulations,
Susie.

Thank you, Mrs. Wexford.
Thank you, everyone.

I'm going past your house,
Susan; would you like a ride?

Mom and me
were going to take her,

but you better
take her, David.

She's got something
to ask you.

Well, good deal.

Bye.

Good morning,
Mr. Grinstead.

This is
Miss Susan Matthews,

the 4-H club member
I spoke to you about.

Susan, this is
Mr. Grinstead.

I'm pleased to meet you,
Mr. Grinstead.

Come in.

Sit down.

You belong
to the 4-H.

You want to make
a project

out of raising two
purebred Karakul lambs.

You have no money,
no security,

but you want to borrow
money from my bank.

Is that right?

Yes, Mr. Grinstead.

How do I know
you know anything

about raising
Karakul lambs?

They're a very hardy
breed of sheep

imported to the United States
from Bokhara.

Many experiments prove
they thrive in this country.

Their wool and hides
are very valuable

and have a ready market.

The wool from
the grown sheep

measures
from 8 to 12 inches

and weighs
from 7 to 9 pounds

and it's used for rugs,
carpets, blankets,

and sometimes
to make hats.

The meat is not considered
as good as that of other breeds,

but it's wholesome,

and the milk from ewes
is made into fine cheese.

The ewes grow to a weight
of 125 to 175 pounds,

the rams,
from 150 to 200 pounds.

My brother, Phineas,
has promised to help me

build a shed
and feeding troughs.

I'll raise two beautiful lambs,
Mr. Grinstead.

Do you know
what interest is?

Yes, it's what you pay
for the use of money.

My bank charges 6%.

Are you prepared to sign
an agreement to pay that

for any money
you borrow?

Yes, Mr. Grinstead.

What's your full name?

Susan Anastasia Matthews.

Your address?

R.F.D. number 3,
Millwood.

How much money
would you need?

Seven--

seventy-five dollars.

Sign here.

Oh, Mr. Grinstead.

Papa, you're being
very silly about things.

Phinny, we got them!

Where are they?

The back.

Deborah, Deborah,
come on!

Deborah!
Deborah!

Deborah,
where are you?

Deborah!
Deborah!

I'm coming.

Deborah, Deborah,
we got them.

We got them,
believe it,

and they're beautiful,
they're just beautiful!

Here, Susie.

And I've got their formulas,
because they have no mother,

but I'm going to be their mother
and bring them up

to be the two best lambs
in the whole wide world.

Deborah!

Deborah, Deborah.

Where?

Up in the woodlot
on the hill--

they got a power saw
and everything.

What are you men
doing here?

We're not trimming
our nails, miss.

Well, who gave you permission
to cut down these trees?

I bought them
from Old Man Matthews.

My father
sold them to you?

Well, if the old boy
is your father, he did.

You can't have them.

Now, look, miss, these men
and this equipment

is costing me plenty
every hour.

Now, if your old man
wants to change his mind,

he's going to have
to pay for that,

plus the profit
I have a right to expect.

You bring me a check
to cover it,

I'll call off the men.

Otherwise, no.

You'd better stay here,
Phinny.

That man in the woodlot--

What about him?

You sold him
our trees.

I did. We need
the money.

You’re going to give it back,
every penny of it,

so I can tell him to get
his men off our property.

I am not.

Then I'll return
the tractor to Mr. Clavin

and get back
our down payment.

I already sent
him his check.

The tractor's ours.

If they just hadn't
taken out all the stumps.

Papa wanted them to.

He planned to put in
a vineyard.

How bad is it,
David?

Well, any rain will drain
down into the fault.

What about digging
those ditches you spoke of?

That's a big deal.

There are a lot of roots
that will hold for a while.

Don’t look so serious.

I'll work out a plan
when I get back from Fulton.

You're going away?

Only for a week.

Think you can bear it?

I guess so,
if I must.

Meanwhile,
I'll show you something

that Phineas
can get started.

Now, this erosion here funnels
water right into the fault.

Even if the fault
weren't weakened,

it still spills water
into the dry creek bed

that aims
right at your farm.

After all my work, I don't
want it all flooded out.

Well, it won't be.

Have Phineas put posts
on each side,

stretch wire
in between--

he can anchor it down
with rocks--

and it will catch any rubble
that comes down this way

and gradually fill in.

There's another spot
over here.

Now, Maurice,
hold still and mind me.

I'm your mother,
you know.

How do you expect
to win a prize this fall

if you don't learn
to behave?

Susan?
Susan.

I'm out here.

You're always
out with those lambs.

Come on in and get
your costume fitted,

or you won't be ready
for Buzz's party tonight.

I'm coming.

You think you can behave
yourself while I'm gone?

Very well, then.

See that you do.

Susan.

I'm coming.

Here's your hood,
Susie.

Thanks.

I wired those
ears up good.

They're beautiful.

Let's try this,
Phineas.

Ow!

Well, stand still.

Gee, you
look swell.

Deborah made it.

I'm Daniel Boone.

No.

Hey, you going
with us?

I'm going out,
but not with you.

Where?

To a dance.

To a dance?

Well, don't act
so surprised.

That's not
very flattering.

I'll bet I can guess--
David Barkley's back.

Oh, you're
much too smart.

He's coming back
late this evening.

Well, gee whiz.

Susan, there are times
when I could just--

Who are you
supposed to be?

Mom says she's
a femme fatale.

I am not.

I'm Mata Hari, the famous
international spy.

Ha!

Oh, look,
Buzz got the dasher.

What's the matter,
Susie?

You're aren't afraid
of a little lightning, are you?

No, it isn't that,
Buzz.

It's--

It's what?

It's my lambs.

They're out
in the barnyard, and--

They're in their shed,
aren't they?

Well, yes, but--

Where do you want them,
in your bed?

Your lambs
are safe.

Come on.
Eat your ice cream.

I churned it with my own
sweaty little paws.

Yes, and if I hadn't
been spying on him,

he'd have left out
the salt.

He's an awful
problem.

Aw.

Want to trade?

Uh-uh.

Aw, it's just
a little lightning.

Could I have everybody's
attention

for just a moment?

It's storming so hard
that Mr. Wexford and I

think it's too dangerous
for anybody to go home.

He's helping me
put up some beds now,

and you can all
spend the night.

Let me show you
how to do that.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Jiggling Jessie
will now attempt

to juggle the jiggling candle
and the jittery match

Or so she says.

Please, Phinny.

Yeah?

We can't stay here.

We've got
to get home.

I 've never heard
rain like this.

If anything should happen
to my lambs, I--

Oh, they'll be--

Please, Phinny.

Oh, but Deborah told us
to wait for her and David,

and, well, you heard
what Mrs. Wexford said.

All right, Phinny.

Deborah.

Help!
Help!

Deborah!

Deborah!

Where's Susan's room?

Over there.

Is she--

All right,
just worn out.

Where's Deborah?

When the barnyard
started flooding,

she went upon the hill
to check some barriers.

I'll put Susan to bed
and go look for her.

Deborah!

Deborah!

Deborah,
it's no use.

We've got to
get out of here.

David, no,
I've got to.

Let me alone.

Let me alone;
I've got to try.

I'll get you some
breakfast, Susan.

No, thank you,
I don't feel like eating.

My lambs.
Are they--

They're behind
the stove, Susan,

fat and sassy.

I want to call
a meeting to order.

I'll wait outside.

You’re mixed up
in our affairs enough

to stay and hear
what I've got to say.

Sit down,
all of you.

I guess even an ugly man
can look in a mirror

year after year and find
satisfaction in what he sees--

he never sees
what's really there

or only what he
wants to see:

a reflection of himself
as he likes to imagine he is.

But if, one day, something
comes along that

makes him look closer,

he'd know then and
forever after that he was--

he was just an ugly man.

Mr. Barkley,

I knew deep down inside

your advice was
well-intended and good,

but I turned it down,

just like I did
everything else

that didn't happen to agree
with my own peculiar notions.

Also, I was afraid
that you and Debbie--

well, I was afraid
of losing her

and all the work
she could do for me.

I preached the idea of us all
working and owning together

because I was afraid
to compete with others

and show up my
own lack of ability.

I tried to hide all this,
even from myself,

behind what I was pleased
to call a "democratic process."

If my judgment was bad
and my methods unfair,

I realize,

now that it's too late.

We're in desperate trouble,

all on account of
my bullheadedness,

without much hope
of saving ourselves.

But if you children

could find it
in your hearts

to forgive me,

I know that I could find
in that the courage to...

the courage to try
and make things up to you.

We understand,
Papa.

And don't worry.

Everything's going
to be all right.

Oh, Papa.

Come on, David.

The 4-H gang's ready
to start cleaning up.

Yeah.

What are you
doing here?

Men gotta eat.

I made biscuits.

We're ruined.

You gotta show us
where to start.

Okay, Buzz,

we'll start in the field
behind the barn.

Coming with me?

Yes, David.

You guys coming too?

Sure.

Well, come on.

We gotta help.

Get down,
dad-rach-it!

Oh, Papa, Papa,
I'll take them right out.

No.

You know, Susie,
I'm beginning to like them.

Oh, Papa.