Original subtitles

Well, Janet, first meeting as the president of the Presbyterian Church.

Quite an honor.

Oh, I wouldn't call it an honor. No one else would take the job.

It shows you how challenging the position is. And how thankless and time

-consuming.

Oh, dear.

Well, I think you're quite the sport for taking it on, Janet, especially with

the new minister coming in. Well, I don't know why I volunteered. I hardly

time in the day for my own work. Well, you know you did the right thing.

Community service is after all a king's family obligation.

I had hoped to have this piece up to nuff by the time the new minister

But never mind.

We'll stick with onward Christian soldiers.

Now, the Reverend Elliot has been a missionary in Borneo.

Providence knows what he heard for music there.

But for the last eight months, he has also been in the city of New Orleans

waiting for a posting.

Now, I don't want him to think that Avonlea, is some sort of uncultured

backwater.

So what we play, we play right.

I'll expect you all here tomorrow at 4 o 'clock sharp.

I guess we can get things underway.

I'd like to call this meeting to order.

The Elliotts will be here by week's end, and I think we should plan a tea.

Oh, well, a tea would be nice, Mabel, but there is a first order of business.

The man.

Joan is quite right.

A furnished house is part and parcel of the minister's contract, so it follows

that...

The appearance of that man is a reflection on the whole town.

Well, many hands make light work.

If we all put our backs to it, we should have the place looking tip -top by no

time. Right.

What needs doing?

Would the secretary please check the ledger? When was the last time it was

wallpapered?

Oh, it doesn't need papering. I remember hanging that wallpaper. It's as good as

new.

Here it is. June.

1882. Just as I said.

Surely the least we can do is hang a bit of paper every 25 years.

Well, of course you'd say that, Muriel.

We'd have to buy the paper from your store.

I will gladly give everything to the church at cost.

I could have it in by Friday.

Good. Then we can start work on Saturday.

I have music practice that day.

Well, I'd help if I could, but my back is not up to it.

Have an interview in Markdale for the paper.

I'm sorry, Janet, but I have to work in the store. I've given Felicity the day

off to practice with you lately.

Oh, for pity's sake, I'll do it myself.

Janet, you can't take a task like that on all by yourself.

Well, I'll have help.

After all, community service is a king family obligation, isn't that right,

Betty?

Yes.

wallpaper will not stick.

Don't blame the wallpaper.

Clearly, you put too much water in that last batch of paste.

Hitty, you said we were short on paste and the water would stretch it.

So it will stretch it. Then you can't expect it to stick, can you?

Here, let me do it.

All right.

All right. But this is the last time I volunteer for anything.

At least you volunteered.

Oh, Sarah, I didn't mean to drag you into this awful chore here.

It's not the wallpapering I mind, but Aunt Hetty insists that I look after the

new minister's little son when he arrives.

Oh, Sarah, it won't harm you to show the boy a little hospitality.

You merely have to take him under your wing until he learns his way around,

that's all.

How old is he?

A robot 10, according to Reverend Elliot's last letter to the elders. Why

Davy Keith show him around?

Putting Davy Keith in charge of the minister's family would be like leaving

fox to mind the chicken coop.

Here we go.

You know, Sarah, I insist that you do it, and that's that.

What's that charming little tyke's name?

Oh, I believe it's Booth.

Yeah, that's it, Booth. Oh, Hetty, please be careful. Look, it's backwards,

dear.

Boo! Boo!

We're here!

So this is Avonlea.

This is Avonlea. Folks staying long?

Hope not.

Hope to

be here a good long while

indeed. John Elliott, Avonlea's new Presbyterian minister.

You should have told me sooner. You'll be seeing me at Sunday meetings.

Back row!

Probably sing you out just the same. Sit on the floor for all I care, just so

you're there.

Yes, sir, Reverend. Good day.

And what's the thing? He shows up and brings a friend. Now I've had to count

attend it.

Well, I think it's a charming villain.

At least Father's job is going to be easier.

Why is that?

Well, there can't be any sin here.

Where would a person find temptation?

Well, I think we'd better tell Cunningham we're here. We are here a day

after all.

Oh, floated grass, you stupid... Oh, you mind your own

business! Will you please be careful?

Oh!

Look who's early.

This is Heavy King, Janet King, and Sarah Stanley.

These are the Elliotts.

Oh, Reverend Elliot. Mrs. Elliot, welcome.

How do you do?

Who might this strapping lad be?

This is our son, Booth.

Hi.

Good. You wrote that he was a robust tin.

Oh, that would be John's penmanship.

I meant to say that he's a robust teen.

Oh, yes.

It is.

Sarah here has been assigned to show Booth around town.

Oh, yes, but... Time

to meet you.

That my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you.

Now, that reminds me of a dilly of a story.

There were these three ministers in a canoe. A Baptist, a Lutheran, and a

Presbyterian.

And the Baptist says to the Lutheran...

Ah, well, perhaps I'll just save that one for

another day.

Yes, my friends, love and joy. Joy and love.

Now, you have already been called upon to express your love for our neighbors

Markdale. As you may know, they suffer greatly from an outbreak of influenza.

But although I and my wife Violet and our son Booth have had so little time to

greet our new friends here in Avonlea, I know you will join with us in opening

your hearts.

All those who can volunteer assistance in Markdale's time of need, speak to me

following the service.

Mrs. Bugle?

One, two, three.

Good day.

It's a pleasure to have you here. The pleasure is all mine.

Wonderful sermon. Thank you.

Mrs. Elliot.

As president of the Church Women's Society, I'd like to apologize for the

of your welcome.

I trust your wallpaper's dry by now. Oh, it was so charming of you to go to such

effort. I hope after all your world travels, you're not too bored in

Life is as magical as we make it, don't you agree?

Oh, isn't this weather invigorating?

Like breathing in life itself.

Davey! What you got there?

Well, I got us a little entertainment here.

We're going to indulge in the world of music.

Sounds good.

Here comes Davey.

And he's got someone with him.

He's not.

I think he's coming in here.

I don't know what he's doing.

Mr. Elliot, I'm sorry.

Oh, no, Miss Tara, please.

Seeing as you've been assigned to watch over me, the least you can do is call me

Booth.

Booth. It was very thoughtful of you to call on us, but now's really not a very

good time.

Oh, why? What are you doing?

Well, nothing in particular, but that's not the point.

We're alone here. I'm watching the children.

I can see that.

It wouldn't be proper for you to call on me right now.

I know that too, Miss Tara, but then again, I'm calling on Davey.

Come on, sport.

Let's take a look at that piano.

Hey, Davey, you ever hear a striped piano?

Striped piano?

Yeah.

Striped piano.

Ragtime. You told me you never heard it.

Pounding up them old bass notes, tickling them old high notes.

Well, then I'm just going to have to play something for you because there is

sense in me wearing out this tired old language of ours trying to describe a

sound that can pick you up and carry you halfway to heaven.

I'll be like trying to describe the color blue.

You go outside, open your eyes, and just look at the sky.

You know, the streets of New Orleans, boiling over with stuff.

Sure, it's pouring out of the doors, the windows, the gambling hall, the gin

joints. I learned everything I could from one of the finest ticklers in the

French Quarter during the last eight and a half months.

Well, have I offended you, mister?

I'm not an innocent bumpkin.

I know what a gin joint is.

I don't, and I don't even care to think what a tickler might be.

A piano player, Miss Sarah? An ivory tickler?

Listen, if the part of town my father found in his mission in distresses you,

am sorry.

I would like to remind you, Miss Sarah, the good Lord despises sin. However, he

still does love a sinner, too.

Oh, please allow me.

If my talents won't excite you, perhaps this may.

What are you supposed to be doing?

Is my cakewalk that bad?

Your what?

My cakewalk.

Well, it's the sensation sweep in America.

Done in all the fine hotels, shipboard ballrooms. Well, it's even the latest

thing in the capitals of Europe.

It doesn't look like much.

Of course, you're right there, Davey. It's not quite the same without a

Yes, sir?

What's the matter, sir? Don't you know how?

Please, let me teach you everything about the cakewalk.

It would be for the children's sake, of course.

I know this music is a little different, but it's perfect for indoctrination.

Would you please put your right hand to my left?

Aunt Hattie always says that it isn't entirely proper to dance close contact

step clothes.

Yeah, Aunt Hattie's probably right.

Now put your right hand up on my shoulder.

My hand goes here. Now come on in a little closer, Miss Sarah.

Come on in a little closer, Miss Sarah.

All right, we're going to point and step and lean, starting with your left foot.

Ready? One, two, three, and jump.

Oh, I kicked your ankle.

You certainly did, didn't you? I'm sorry. It's all right. I have another

All right, let's move on to the next part.

That's where we're going to put her hands together.

Go right around.

Yeah.

Yeah. You picked me up fast.

Hey, now, no laughing at Miss Sarah here.

Sarah, stand there.

What do you think you're doing?

Godless social dancing, that's what.

Oh, now, hold on, Miss King.

We weren't doing anything wrong.

Me and Miss Sarah were just having a little innocent fun, that's all.

Young man.

I think you should leave.

Well, fine.

Now,

if you please.

Goodbye.

What were you thinking?

I thought you wanted me to befriend the minister's son.

Turns out he's quite old enough to fend for himself.

Too old to be making unchaperoned social calls on young ladies. You lately,

please.

Need I remind you, Sarah, whilst under this roof, you abide by the rules of

common decency.

I'm old enough to have callers.

You may well be of age.

Best realize not everyone in this town is as broad -minded as I am.

You have a reputation to consider. If having fun destroys one's reputation,

perhaps it isn't worth keeping.

That's just the start of trouble. Now, don't you go soft on her.

I have things well in hand, thank you, Eulalia.

Are you sure you're not overreacting, Hedy?

Well, social dancing, limb to limb, without gloves.

Clearly I must forbid Sarah from seeing both Elliot's ever again.

Now, really?

I'm to blame.

No, I should never have allowed one of those infernal machines into my house.

I should have listened to the others.

ministers' children. Why, they're notorious for their carryings on.

Hattie, may I remind you that I am a minister's daughter?

Yes, exactly.

No insult intended.

I think tossing obstacles into the path of budding romance is like adding tinder

to the fire.

Yes, you're right.

You have to remember, Hattie, that you raised Sarah to be a level -headed young

woman. Thank you for that, Alec. Well, I have every confidence that she'll act

accordingly.

I'll return the phonographs to the Elliotts for you.

I'm going to make a nice hot cup of cocoa.

Did you hear that?

I think it came from the parlor.

Mother?

Oh, children.

Oh, you're home early.

Did you just come in?

Oh, Alec.

What ever happened to the...

The wild, impulsive girl you married.

She said he went here beside me.

No.

The look on their faces.

Booth.

Booth, I'm... I'm really sorry about what happened yesterday.

I hope I didn't get you in too much trouble.

Aunt Hattie just doesn't understand.

Well, there are a lot of things that Aunt Hattie just doesn't understand.

Yeah, I understand that.

Come on.

Catherine!

I think that woman has lived a few too many years in the jungle.

Please come in. Thank you.

Oh, I do so enjoy company.

Good.

I know John will be sorry to have missed you.

He's in Markdale again, tending to the thick, and will be gone most of the day.

I've, um, come on behalf of the Presbyterian church women to...

As head of the committee and all, I... Oh, my goodness.

You certainly have redecorated.

Oh, yes.

Some of the other ladies from the church have paid visits, but they barely sat

down.

I hope you'll stay a while longer.

Oh. Oh.

Thank you.

Well, obviously, I've come at a bad time, and you're not dressed.

I was reading.

Transporting myself on the syntactical freedom of Gertrude Stein.

Well, how can the imagination soar when the body is held?

How can the spirit be free when the being is constricted with horse's days?

please sit down.

Thank you.

Have you read this?

Three Lives.

Plot is virtually eliminated.

Conventional structure completely disregarded. Isn't that brave? Don't you

that exhilarating? I find your frankness very refreshing.

The reason I admire Stein is that she doesn't force her ideas into tight,

unnatural lines like turnip and garden row.

Her ideas birth forth in unfettered abundance like wildflowers.

Hummer Meadow.

In a perfect world, wouldn't we all live our lives that way?

I remember my mother suffering through the comings and goings of the

Presbyterian church women.

I want you to know we don't all think the same way.

Oh, I know that.

In all my years married to John, I have encountered many dedicated women, very,

very sensitive, though.

Yes, but still, that...

Can't make it always easy. The secret is to take what the world has to offer.

The fastest way to destroy a spirit is to be a slave to conventional thinking.

Perhaps you're right.

There's a philosophy in the Orient that one must take responsibility

for one's own serenity.

One's serenity can be disturbed only if one allows its disturbance.

Take joy from life.

Live what you would like to live.

And let the rest fall away.

Now, can I get you some refreshment?

Tea?

But it's not too conventional.

Tea would be lovely.

One day my tombstone will read, here lies Sarah Stanley.

She was dull, and then she died.

Sarah, you're not dull.

Just earn it.

If only you knew what it felt like to have everybody think that you're safe

predictable and boring.

Well, that's what you want everyone to think.

No, I don't.

Sarah, what exactly is this all about?

Or should I say who?

How would you feel if someone new and exciting came to town and you felt like

you didn't know anything in comparison?

Well, you've traveled. You've been to Europe.

But that's nothing like living in Borneo or New Orleans.

I didn't even know how to cakewalk.

I see.

I think we should get to practice.

Aunt Janet, why are you still in your nightgown and wrapper?

Oh, I thought I'd wait today and get dressed.

After breakfast.

Why? Sarah, don't be a slave to conventional thinking.

You are responsible for your own serenity.

Oh, let me get that.

Thank you.

Miss King, I want to apologize for any embarrassment that I may have caused by

dancing with Miss Sarah.

And I want to assure you that it was in no way your niece's fault that I was

there at Rose Cottage.

Well, being new to the area, I've been feeling a little nervous about making

friends and all.

I guess... No, I... I know I overstepped my bounds.

I'm sorry.

I see.

Well, I'll concede.

Given your circumstances, I may have been a trifle hasty in my judgment of

I see you have apples and cinnamon in there. I hope you weren't planning on

baking an apple pie for the musicale.

And what if I am?

I am providing an apple pie.

I've already bought the ingredients, so I have no intention of rethinking it.

Why, this music how to raise funds for all the hard luck cases in Markdale has

me stretched to the limit.

Frankly, between looking after the sickly of Markdale and conducting the

ensemble, I'm warned.

Warned to a fiddle string. Oh, for pity's sake, you lady. We're all well

of how put upon you are.

Oh, well, maybe, Miss Bugle, I can help you out.

Oh? Just how would you propose to do that?

Well, I can take over the ensemble practice for you.

Oh, well, that would be wonderful.

I can play four instruments, and I've had some arranging experience.

Nothing that would compare to your background, I'm sure.

And I do know my church music.

Well, I was hoping to shape up just a closer walk with thee for Sunday.

You'll find the parts in the music hall.

And if you prove your mettle, young man, maybe.

Just maybe we can put you on the bill for the Mark Dale Fundraising Musicale.

Well, thank you very much.

Mrs. Buell.

Miss King.

Maybe it's not so bad after all.

We'll see about that.

I blame no one but that Booth Elliot.

But I must say, I thought Sarah had the sense God gave her.

We all expect more from the king, children.

I can hardly hold the kings to blame for that.

That travesty in there.

Oh, no.

It was you, you, Lely Bugle, as I recall.

So eager to turn your baton over to the lad.

Oh, yes.

I know only too well what a smooth talker that Elliot boy can be.

You're well away from him, Sarah.

We all know his type now, don't we?

He's... Not a word.

Good day.

Well, I guess I really messed things up now.

I don't know.

I suppose some folks kind of liked it.

Oh, yeah? Like who?

I did.

Listen to this.

You're pretty good on that thing, Albert.

Me? No.

You want to hear a real squeeze box?

I know this Acadian fella down at the other end of the island. He can rattle

your teeth.

What kind of fella?

Acadian. French folk.

They spring from those who were kicked out of Acadia when France lost the

about a half a century ago.

They have kin down Louisiana way.

New Orleans?

Yeah. They call them Cajuns, don't they?

Hey, Albert, that's not Cajun music.

No, it's the next cousin.

Next week, we're having a real to -do in my neck of the woods.

Grand Mayor Hobie Show's turning 100.

100?

We're going to have some real music then.

I'd love to hear that.

You think I could come along with you, hear these Acadians play?

It'd mean a lot to me.

Sure. Great.

Tag along, yeah.

I'm sure there's plenty of room in the musicale bill for all of Avonlea's

vocalists and musicians.

Well, I don't... And I will take it upon myself to try and organize this into

some kind of program.

Well, don't think you have to put everybody on the bill. Just because the

benefit's a relief for Markdale doesn't mean it has to be a torture for Avonlea.

Eulalie, when you work on a charity, you can't pick and choose.

Well, none of that raggedy...

Raggedy music, I hope.

What about setting up the church? Is that organized?

Oh, yes, decorations.

I mean, let's make something of this event.

What do you suggest, Mrs. Elliot?

Well, if you ladies would entertain the notion of an oriental theme, I happen to

possess several vivid red paper lanterns.

Oh, yes.

I'm sure they're quite lovely in there.

in their place, Mrs. Elliot, but this is a relief benefit, you see, a solemn

occasion. But surely this is a celebration of life.

What good can come from a tragedy of this nature except to remind us of the

preciousness of life?

But Red, it's a church, not a bordello.

I understand that the association of Red is very different in the Orient.

Well, we aren't in the Orient, are we?

A white linen cloth for the sweet table, a bouquet of dried flowers, and a

picture of the king.

That's our way.

Plain and sensible.

Oh, yes.

Heaven forbid we should entertain any new ideas.

Absolutely.

Now, I'm sure that you ladies know best.

I bow to your good taste and excellent judgment.

Now, if you will excuse me, I really must be going.

Oh.

What would you suggest? Oh,

Mr. Lloyd, would you?

The woman went on and on.

Oriental things, she said.

Good grief.

Red paper lanterns hanging in our church. Can you imagine such a thing?

Actually, I can.

Oh, you can, can you?

Oh, Sarah, Sarah.

These last few days, I swear I hardly know you.

Aunt Hattie, not everybody in Avonlea is a slave to conventional thinking.

Oh, indeed.

Well, are you coming inside, or would you rather think unconventionally out

in the cold?

I don't find it cold.

I find it invigorating.

Suit yourself.

Boo!

Yeah. Aren't you afraid of being seen?

No. No, I'm not.

I think your music is wonderful.

It's about life, and life is for living.

You know, I think we should march up to the Presbyterian church women and demand

a place for you on the bill at the Markdale Music House.

They can have it. Yeah, I got other plans that night.

Albert's taking me down to an Acadian gather. We're going to listen to some

music. Fiddle, squeeze box, do a little dancing. Let me come with you, please.

I don't know.

I don't think I'd go over so big with your Aunt Hattie.

Leave Aunt Hattie to me.

Ah, you all set?

Sarah, come on.

I think they have to take us to the musicale.

Sarah!

What's wrong with you?

Oh, good grief, you're not even dressed.

Please, Aunt Hattie, I don't feel very well.

Oh, yes, you're warm. Oh, dear.

Oh, dear, oh, dear. I pray it's not the influenza.

No, I'm fine, really.

I'm just a bit tired and achy. Oh, dear.

Well, then, under the covers with you. And then bundle up there.

I'll tell Ali to go without us. No!

I'll be fine.

Really, you have to go.

The church women have worked so hard to put this together.

What time will you be home?

Annie, come on! Come on. Janet's freezing out in the cutter.

I'll be back by ten on the dot.

Coming, Alec.

Hey, Miss Sarah.

I have to be home by 10 o 'clock.

Fine and good, Sarah Stanley.

I hope you know what you're doing. I do. Come on, get in.

All right, Freddie.

Go, Fred.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Thank you.

Bye.

Oh, thank you, Eric.

The cane.

How wonderful.

Oh, Miss King, you look so smart tonight.

Well, I find a plain black gabardine always turns one in good stead.

I don't think I even own a plain black gabardine.

Oh, wow, you look lovely.

Now, where's your family sitting?

Oh, we're right over there. Only Booth isn't with us tonight.

Oh? He's up to something fun.

You know how young people are.

Oh, um, Boo, Sarah, I'd like you to meet Clément Paquet.

Bienvenue, là. Bienvenue.

Bye, bye, bye. I mean, your friend.

Oh. Come on!

Come on back. You are my friend.

What did Bruce Elliot be up to?

I don't know, Hattie, but wherever he is, I'd pay a dollar to change places

him right now.

How much more of this do we have to endure?

Alec, please. I did help organize the event.

Well, I know the Lord sometimes likes to test us, Janet, but the Presbyterian

church women make the trials of Job look like a Sunday school picnic.

I think I really must leave and check on Sarah, see if she's all right.

No, Hetty, I'm sure she's resting.

Anyway, we can't leave until after Felicity's piano solo.

When is that?

It's right after intermission.

The second intermission.

Do you know what this party means?

A couple of red Chinese lanterns.

Oh, we've moved so many times.

I tell you, I've lived in a lot of places.

That must be really hard, though, always having to make new friends.

Oh, no, not really.

You make friends, you have good times.

And of course, you gotta let go.

Because you have to let go. That's the rule.

Maybe you'll stay longer in Avonlea.

That'd be nice.

Have some place begin to feel like home.

If you're... I've never had to...

Think anybody but myself ever at least until now

What's

the

matter Sarah I like you a lot

I think you're wonderful and pretty.

I'm glad.

It's getting late. We've got to get to bed.

Thank you.

We had a great time.

It was a wonderful evening. Thank you.

Come on, Freddy.

Come again.

So you consider yourself a bit of a comedian, Reverend? Well, I have had one

two satirical stories published in the Presbyterian Advocate.

Well, that was an evening.

A long one.

That's just bringing the cutter around.

Yes, we should be getting home as well.

Heavens, the hour.

Oh, Viola.

Thank you.

Whatever for?

For not owning a black Aberdeen. Oh.

And for red paper lanterns and for reminding me there's still a spirit left

inside here.

Thank you. Come along, Viola. Homeward bound.

Janet, come on.

Come along, will you?

Heavens to Molly. We're waiting. Get in.

What is it? Hurry.

Alec, go. Go.

Good night, Albert.

He's gone to sleep.

About time.

I was getting a crink in my neck.

Daddy!

I'm quite all right, thank you. Good night.

Aunt Hattie?

Is that you?

Yes, it is me.

Go back to sleep, child.

Sweet dreams.

Morning, dear.

Feeling better for a good night's rest, are you?

Did you have a nice time last evening?

We may have suffered more than the poor folk with influenza.

There. There you are.

Oh, never mind.

Come on now.

Sit yourself down.

You're sure you're all right?

Don't look all that well.

I'm fine, darling.

I'd have made eggs and bacon, but when your stomach's upset, that doesn't

sit well, does it?

Well, would you just try to eat a few bites at least?

And then you can climb straight back into bed.

I'll go over to the general store, that's what I'll do. I'll get you a

book to read.

Oh, yes.

Muriel Stacy says she has two copies of A Room with a View. They say you're old

enough now to... Could you sit down, please?

You needn't run yourself ragged tending to me.

I lied to you.

I wasn't done well.

I shouldn't have done that, and I'm sorry.

I suppose I can't blame you for excusing yourself from the musical.

A lot of old ladies warbling away.

I asked Booth Elliot to take me with him to hear Acadian music.

Albert Wurtz was there, and I want you to know it was all perfectly

And Booth is a gentleman.

He has a good heart, and I like him very much.

And I'm going to see him again.

I see.

I have brought you up as I know how, Sarah.

I hope I've given you good values.

A sense of what's right and what's wrong.

But that's it.

I cannot, I will not stand guard over you every hour of the day.

Please.

Just say it's all right for me to see Booth again.

I don't want to have to deceive you in order to see him.

Oh, you're determined, aren't you?

See that in me always.

Like your mother before you.

Like your Aunt Olivia, too, for that matter. Just please say I can see Booth.

What am I to do with your child?

You're willful enough to defy me.

Honest enough to admit it.

I'll not forbid it.

You're spending time with him, if you wish.

Thank you for having me.