Original subtitles

Thank you.

Happy birthday.

Never mind all that.

Late for my meeting.

Oh, Sarah, how could you let me be late?

You've got lots of time.

Here.

You know what I said. I don't want any fuss today.

In my opinion, birthdays are just a lot of stuff and nonsense.

Well, I won't mention it to anyone else, I promise.

Please just open it.

Here you are.

The one you liked.

Oh, yes, so it is.

It's lovely, and I thank you for it.

Now, that's the last I want to hear about birthdays, you understand? Aunt

Hattie, this is a special one.

It's a benchmark.

It's your 50th. Sarah, stop it.

Where did I put my manuscript?

Oh, there it is.

Now, child...

Don't be idle whilst I'm gone. No running off somewhere when there's

to be done.

For example, this floor needs washing.

It looks perfectly clean to me. And the beds need changing and the parlor needs

dusting. And as for the kitchen, dishes don't wash themselves, you know.

Aren't you going to at least have breakfast?

Breakfast?

No, I couldn't eat a thing. My stomach's all in knots this morning.

Over this meaty...

Many happy returns. Oh, Olivia, please, not another word. I am going to miss my

train. Why do you have to go to see your publisher on the day of all days, on

your birthday?

It so happens that Mr. Wilton's son has taken over the company and he wishes to

discuss a strategy for the release and promotion of my latest manuscript.

It's quite an honor, really.

Not every day they take this much interest in a writer.

Now, Sarah, I shall board the three o 'clock train there, which means I'll

arrive back here at the flight stop at five o 'clock.

Don't be late picking me up. I won't. Oh, don't stay there daydreaming until

they have a train to catch.

Am I the only one with her head on her shoulders?

A dozen strawberry tarts and two dozen blueberries.

You know, I think I'm going to have to borrow another set of dishes from

Abigail.

I can't think of a solitary thing to get for Hetty.

Aunt Eliza, you should have been thinking about a present weeks ago.

But I have been thinking about it for weeks. I think you can't decide.

What about this?

Oh, children.

Very well done.

But, uh, do you think you could do it again and leave out the half -century

part? I told you, Felix, it makes it sound ancient.

She is ancient.

No, she is not.

I am ancient.

Oh, and I don't want Daniel getting into the paint, so make sure all the tins

are closed.

Morning.

She's gone and she doesn't expect a thing.

She'll be home at five o 'clock sharp.

Perfect. The guests will start arriving at six.

And I'll have her here by a quarter past six, by hook or by crook.

Sarah, maybe you could help me.

I can't think of a thing to give your aunt.

Eliza, stop fretting. Go to Lawson's and buy something.

Anything.

Alec will take you.

Has she given you any hints?

Nothing. She won't even mention it.

Why does Aunt Hetty hate birthdays so much?

Oh, I don't know, dear. It's just in her nature.

But it's because she's never really had a good birthday.

Well, today's going to be different.

It's going to be the best one Aunt Hetty's ever had.

The fact is, Miss King, the sales figures for your last novel were

disappointing, to say the least. Isn't that so, Mr. Beasley? Yes, Mr. Bolton.

Crossed Swords and Crimson Lips is the sort of ten -cent novel claptrap that

reading public has turned away from.

My father used to like that sort of thing.

But, as my father's successor, I intend to take Wilton and Straub to new

heights.

As for your new manuscript, well,

Quite simply, it's stale.

I cannot publish it in its present state.

Perhaps it would be improved if it were set in a more exotic locale.

For example, India or Africa.

Books of that type are selling in good numbers. Isn't that so, Mr. Beasley?

Mr. Wilton.

Have you ever been to Africa, Miss King?

Of course not.

Paris is a popular setting for novels.

Have you been there?

Never.

New York City?

Oh, I wouldn't set foot in New York City if my life depended on it.

Haven't you been anywhere?

Montreal. I loathed it.

It is a fact, Miss King, that the best writers draw from deep personal

experience. To my mind, you have seen very little and done even less.

Which is why your novels are artificial and life -threatening.

Good day.

As for our contract, page 8, paragraph 5, subset B.

It is within the right of Wilton and Straub to terminate the contract at such

time as Wilton and Straub deemed that all the conditions of the contract are

being met by the contractee.

Wilton and Straub is exercising that right.

I beg your pardon.

Your contract is terminated.

Trust the King family to throw a party for Hetty, obligating everyone to buy a

gift.

Ah, this is much more the price range I was thinking of, Elvira.

What did you get, Hetty? Oh, a lovely pair of kid gloves.

Oh, too extravagant to be asked me.

Hetty King has never bought me a birthday present in my entire life.

Why should I spend a fortune on her?

Because, Rachel Linden, you cannot take your money with you when you go.

I'm a widow trying to raise two young ones on a pittance of savings.

I'll be happy if there's enough money to get me to the time when I do go.

And how are you doing, Miss Ward? Have you made up your mind yet?

It's not easy with this really paltry selection.

Well, I've made my choice. I'll take this, Elvira.

You're not buying her that, are you?

What's wrong with a hanky?

Nothing whatever, if you need to blow your nose.

But I hardly think it's a suitable gift for a woman turning 50.

Besides, surely 40 years' friendship is worth more than a few pennies.

Tell me, has Hetty admired anything in particular, Mrs. Lawson?

Unlike some, the price is no object.

I'll be right with you, Miss Ward.

Hello, Lawson's General Store.

Oh, hello, Hetty.

Where are you calling from?

Springsdale.

I think the connection must be bad. You said what?

miss it for the world. Look at you, how you've grown.

You're a regular young lady. Thank you. This is beautiful.

You certainly patched enough for a few nights today.

You're the first to know. I'm moving back to Avonlea. I've taken over the old

Hudson place.

Wonderful. Sarah.

Sarah, thank goodness you're still here.

Hattie just called. She's coming on the early train. She'll be here at two o

'clock. Two?

She wasn't supposed to be back until five.

She wants you to meet her.

But that's too early. What am I supposed to do with her from two until six? Why

don't we meet her together and we can take her to my place for the afternoon?

Oh, that's perfect.

And finally, the steamer to get to London.

Southampton. Oh.

Well, I want to see Buckingham Palace first, then Tower Bridge.

Of course, dear.

I can't imagine what it'll be like. traveling all the way across the

Where do you think it's going, Mama?

Across the Atlantic Ocean for miles and miles.

Not a piece of land in sight until halfway around the world.

Sometimes I wish I could sail away on a boat like that.

Why?

I wish I had a chance to see more of the world.

Oh, I don't bother.

I love it here.

I always want to stay here with you. Stay here with me.

Born for train number seven, bound for Carmody, Hillsdale, Parkdale, Avonlea,

Emerald Junction, and Summerside.

I hope Hetty appreciates all this, you know.

She wasn't exactly exuberant about it being her birthday this morning.

Oh. She protests too much.

There'd be no living with her if we didn't do something to mark the day.

I'm not so sure about that.

I'm not so sure about this.

Oh, it's a lovely gift, Aunt Eliza. He'll adore it.

As the years go by, I certainly use one of these less and less.

I shouldn't have let Rachel Lynn rush me into a decision.

Oh, Felicity, where's Digger?

Felix put him out just as he was going to work. Good. You make sure he stays

there. I don't want him getting into the food.

We've worked far too hard to have that dog ruin one more.

Oh.

Daniel.

Janet, I just got back from town.

Well, I need more flour and sugar. Oh, and maybe some more streamers. Well, why

couldn't you have told me you needed those things when I was in town with

Because your son hadn't destroyed the cake by then. Now, come on. It was your

idea to have this party. What's a birthday party without cake?

All right, all right. Hurry. I'll be back in half an hour. Alex!

Wait for me.

I'm going with you.

I'm taking this back.

Well, you can expect us back sometime next week.

in Avonlea.

Why, Muriel Stacy, it's been a while.

Too long, Hattie. How have you been?

Oh, never better.

Miss Stacy's offered to drive us home. But first, you must come and pay me a

visit in my new home.

Your new home? She's come back to stay. Isn't that wonderful?

Oh, my mother says full of surprises. Please get in, Hattie. You look done in

from your trip.

You certainly know how to operate this machine, Muriel. Of course I do. But I

must admit, there are a few raised eyebrows when people see that it's a

who's driving.

Really?

First woman in Avonlea to drive an automobile, you know.

Well, Stacey's been telling me both wonderful stories.

She went to India and saw the Taj Mahal.

A pleasant for you, Muriel.

Sir, I hope you didn't bring back any foreign diseases with you.

When I was little, I traveled with my parents to India, but I haven't been

anywhere since I came to Avonlea.

Meryl, must you deliberately sneak out the biggest hot foals to drive through?

I'm so sorry, Hattie. This road wasn't meant for automobiles.

I must say, I am envious of your new career.

I read cross swords and trimmed to lips in one sitting. It was so exciting.

Oh, yes, Aunt Hattie, how was your meeting?

Oh, quite enlightening.

Pardon?

Enlightening.

Aunt Hattie, look at this teacher.

More than a hundred years old.

I had to barter for it with an old man in the market in Calcutta.

Really? Uh -huh.

Took me the best part of 20 minutes to get him to trade me for a set of ebony

buttons I bought in Paris.

Oh, Miss Stacy, you must tell Aunt Hetty the story about when you went tiger

hunting with that gentleman from New Delhi.

Can you imagine it, Hetty? She got to ride on an elephant.

I'm sure it was a more comfortable ride than this one.

Good afternoon.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Lawson. I fear I must return.

And, um, I'd like to exchange this, too, if I may.

Oh, loosening the purse strings, are we, Rachel?

I want to get her a gift.

Something that she will remember me by when I'm gone.

Well, Hetty does love hats.

A hat is a memorable gift.

Oh, I often remember occasions by the hat I'm wearing.

There's just the hat for Hetty. Oh, no, that's not her cup of tea at all, is it,

Alec?

Uh, well... I think I've known Hetty King long enough to know what she would

like and what she wouldn't.

Don't use that tone of voice when speaking to your elders.

I seem to remember Hetty admiring this hat.

Oh, too much frou -frou for Hetty.

It wouldn't interest you, Rachel. It costs too much.

Can I get some flour, Mrs. Lawson, while these ladies make up their mind?

Excuse me, ladies.

You saw a man walk on hot coal?

Barefoot. And I can show you a picture of an Indian snake charmer.

Stop, Bill, Bill, stop. Please.

Please,

won't you join us for a cup of tea?

I brought back some specially, all the way from India. No,

I'd rather go straight home, thank you, Muriel.

Have a plain old ordinary boring cup of tea. Well, it would be my pleasure to

drive you.

Oh, no, no, needn't bother.

Think about this.

Conflaction. It's not agreeing with my stomach, I'm afraid.

Besides, Alex's wagon's there. He can drive me the rest of the way. If you're

not feeling very well, well, make sure you do go straight home and take a nap.

Don't even dare stir from the house, you promise me?

I need an exact promise from me, child.

I'll indeed go home.

Will indeed rest.

You're sure?

Yes. Come along, Sarah.

I promised Miss Stacy, though, that I'd help her unpack.

If that's all right with you.

Oh, I see.

Oh.

Yes, of course.

That's what you prefer to do.

As long as you're fine.

Oh, of course I'll be fine.

Go on, then.

I promise to have her back safe and sound.

Dreamer Dalek.

Now, I'll just see if there are any more colors.

Well, these should do.

You know, I think it's just wonderful what you're doing.

I love surprise parties.

What surprise party?

Hey.

A, uh... What party?

A party for Janet.

It's our anniversary next week, remember?

Thought I'd surprise her.

Well, it's the first I've heard of it.

Well, it was a spur -of -the -moment thing. I thought... Really, Harry King,

like you.

Leaving everything to the last minute.

The very good thing I turned up to help you out. No, I don't want your help.

I'm planning this myself.

You are?

Yes, you don't need to bother.

Well, then I won't.

Could you at least give me a ride home?

I can't. I have to... You expect me to walk, do you?

I'm waiting for Eliza.

Mrs. Lynde will drive me.

Thank you, Eliza.

Well, then, I'll wait for you outside.

Not your colour, Rachel.

Not catch me in a hat like that, not for love nor money.

I told you she wouldn't like it.

What's wrong?

Oh, nothing.

Some silly pain in my stomach is all.

From all the traveling, bumping around, no doubt.

Take me by your place first, Alec, will you?

My place? Yes.

I'd like to get that recipe of Janet's for that digestive elixir.

Well, I'm not sure that Janet's home.

She said something about...

Going to visit Mrs. Spencer.

Oh, it doesn't matter. I know exactly where she keeps the recipes.

Just do it, Alex.

Oh, now, now.

That's more than just a little stomachache there.

Nonsense. It's nothing. Just indigestion. Well, we're not going

you've seen the doctor.

Doctor? I don't need a doctor. We're seeing the doctor.

Here we are.

The doctor's no.

His name is Fry, and I'm next. You may as well have a seat.

I'm not spending my entire afternoon in here, you know. Yes, you are.

I mean, you've got to get something for that stomachache. Now, I've got one more

errand to run in town, so you just sit here and wait for the doctor, and I'll

right back to get you. You stay there.

Oh.

Shall I summon the doctor?

Oh, no, no, no. I'll be all right. It's just a little congestion and the gout.

What's wrong with you?

Oh, absolutely nothing.

I wouldn't be here if my knothead brother hadn't insisted on it.

A little pain is all it is, right here.

Well, you have to expect it. It's the twilight years.

Something goes wrong every day when you get to be our age.

Well, when I get there, I shall let you know.

Excuse me.

Felix, I need you to run home and tell your mother that Hedy is on her way to

the house with me.

No, I know you're working, but I... No, it's important. You've got to figure out

a way to keep her out of the house.

That's a good boy.

So that will be the sugar bowl and the creamer and the teapot.

And put a satin ribbon around it. No one is going to accuse me of being a

cheapskate. Well, have you decided yet, Eliza?

There's nothing I want here.

Finished so soon?

Yes, I am fit as a fiddle. All I need is that recipe.

Now drive me to your place, Alec. No ifs or buts.

Well... Well...

I don't know what is taking out so

long. I'll never finish that cake on time.

Oh, I knew this wouldn't work. I just knew it.

Why don't you go over to Rose Carter's and get some flour?

Mother, we don't have enough time. We need a cake that's already made.

Already made?

Already made, that's it.

The White Sands, they have ready -made cakes.

Wonderful, wonderful. You go, go, go. So,

how was your meeting with the publishers?

Oh, well, you know how I hate singing my own praise.

I don't think my life has been boring.

What kind of question is that?

Do you?

No.

Well, what have I done?

What will I be remembered for?

Well, you've been a teacher, a darn good one.

And you've been bringing up Sarah.

The night's hardly been boring. It's not over yet.

But what would you know? You haven't done anything interesting either.

Bethany, no.

I'm sorry. He got into the paint before I could stop him. Well, I told you to

keep that paint closed. Now go clean it.

Father's on his way up the road. First time. He has Aunt Hedy with him.

No, no, no, that can't be. She's not the book to write till five. This will ruin

everything. Well, what are we going to do? We've got to do something.

What have you been up to?

Well, I've been meaning to paint that front hall for months now, and we

got at it.

I'd invite you in, but the floor's still wet.

Couldn't we go in through the kitchen? I dearly love a cup of tea, Janet. Well,

once we got started, we just couldn't stop, and I painted the floor in the

summer kitchen, too.

Oh, you painted yourself out of a house.

Silly me.

What a nuisance.

Then I don't suppose you could get your recipe for that stomach elixir, could

you? Oh, stomach elixir? Well, yes, I'll have one of the children run it over

just as soon as that paint's dry.

Aunt Hattie!

Am I glad to see you.

Mr. Tremaine would like to have a meeting with you right away.

No. Oh, dear.

What does he want?

He didn't say.

That has finally dawned on him. He can't manage that place on his own. Never

could.

I can take you in the wagon. Right, Father?

Oh, right, right.

It's all right, Janet.

Duty calls.

If it doesn't take too long.

Look, Phil.

Aunt Olivia's over at the White Sands Hotel buying a cake, so be careful.

Here it is, Mrs. Dale. One birthday cake. I can't thank you enough, Mr.

Tremaine. Anything to help with the party? Oh, it...

Felt wrong.

It's two P's, not two D's.

Oh, I can just hear him now. I have hated the way it sounds.

Hedy, H -E -D -D -Y.

Believe me, Mrs. Dale, if you ever open up a restaurant, whatever you do, don't

hire a French chef.

You'll have to redo this.

I'll supervise.

Hedy, what are you doing here?

Oh, he who sent for me.

I did?

Yes, Felix said that I... Oh, yes, I did send for you.

I'm ordering some new napkins for the dining room, and I wondered if they

be blue or white.

They've always been white.

Oh, white, you say.

Good choice, thank you.

Yes, white.

Good.

You brought me all the way out here for a napkin?

Well, actually, Felix misunderstood me. I wanted him to find you and ask what

your opinion was, not bring you here.

Felix, you really must pay closer attention.

Yes, sir.

You know, Simon Tremaine, it really is a wonder that you can hold this place

together at all.

Don't worry about work. You take your aunt right home.

Yes, sir. Where are you going?

To get a glass of water.

Olivia.

Harry.

Well, at least I know what that is.

You do?

Oh, yes, Olivia.

It's a cake.

And what's more, it'll go stale. It's far too early to collect it now, you

It is?

Quite clearly, you and Alec could use my help.

Why, the two of you couldn't organize your way out of a paper bag.

Besides, I'll not be excluded from the party plans.

Party planning?

Don't play dumb, Olivia.

Alec told me all about it.

He did?

Yes. The surprise anniversary party for Janet next week.

Oh, he told you.

Yes.

And if I'm not included in the party plans, it'll be a disaster.

So, let me see the cake.

No, Hedy.

We really don't need your help.

Of course you do.

Oh, no, we don't.

Olivia. Hedy.

Remember how you tried to plan my wedding, and we certainly don't want

happen again.

I thought you loved your wedding. Oh, I did.

Really?

I did. Oh, you didn't explain it.

Why would she want to spend time?

Boring old woman.

This is all of you when you were young?

Oh, yes.

Jasper developed that from an old glass negative.

This is my mother?

Mm -hmm.

Everyone looks so serious except Aunt Hetty. I remember that day.

Our parents could barely get Hetty to sit still long enough to have the

photograph taken.

Aunt Hetty?

No, she was different when she was younger.

Free spirit, if ever there was one.

Didn't you say she was always late for school?

Mm -hmm.

I can't imagine Aunt Hetty ever being late for school.

Well, she liked to take the roundabout way along the shoreline and...

She dawdled and played and just forget about the time. She always made straight

A's anyway.

Drove me to distraction.

What happened to her? She never smiles like that anymore.

People change, Sarah, for whatever reason.

Don't forget, when our mother died, Eddie had to grow up pretty fast.

Oh, it's about time.

Well, really, Sarah, I hardly expected to spend the entire day with Muriel

Stacy. I was quite prepared to make dinner without you.

Well, we don't have to cook at all. Aunt Janet's invited us over there for

dinner. Oh, no.

Not tonight. I'm quite comfortable here, thank you.

But, Aunt Hennie, you have to come.

I'm tired from my trip, Sarah. Besides, I have no desire to be asphyxiated by

paint fumes.

What paint fumes? Oh, Janet, painting the house from top to bottom, some such

silliness. Well, I'm sure the fumes are dry by now.

Well, then you go along.

I'm staying right here.

Aunt Hattie, please, you have to come. I don't want to.

Aunt Hattie.

I said no, Sarah.

Oh, and please be good enough to respect my wishes at a simple request.

I want to be left alone.

But... I'm quite sure I'll have a much better time without you.

No, don't. Leave me be.

Surprise!

But... Where is she?

Surprise. She won't come.

What? Oh, I knew this wouldn't work. I just knew it. I tried, but she's in one

of her moods.

Oh. Isn't that just like Hetty King to spoil her own party?

You're very brave.

You're the oldest, and I know that you'll be able to take care of your

and sisters.

If something should happen to me... No!

Shh! You're very brave.

You're the oldest, and I know that you'll be able to take care of your

and sisters.

I could never take care of the children. I don't know how.

You'll know when the time comes.

Oh, Mama.

What are we going to do with all this food?

Well... I think we should eat it.

Let Hetty stew in her own juice.

It's not a bad idea.

I knew this wouldn't work.

I think you're all forgetting a most important thing.

It's Hetty King's 50th birthday.

And we want to celebrate it with her.

If the mountain will not come to Mohammed, then Mohammed must go to the

mountain.

Bunny?

Aunt Hattie?

Uncle Alec, come here!

Hurry! What is it? Uncle Alec!

Oh, good Lord.

Hattie.

Oh, goodness gracious.

Move her to the sofa. No, don't. No, don't.

Get some pillows.

Jenny, you better run for the doctor. No, no, let me go. The car will be

And is it tender here?

I'm sorry, Miss King.

I know that hurts.

It's her appendix.

It could burst at any time. I'll have to operate here.

Here. She never survives a trip to the hospital in Charlottetown. If I don't

operate now, she'll die. So let's clear off this table. It looks like the best

spot.

Mr. King?

Please have your guests go home. Dr.

Dale, please take the children into the parlor. Keep them calm.

Mrs. King, madam, I need your help with the operation.

Plenty of sheets and boiling water. Lots of it.

You'll have to hold it.

It's ether, Miss King.

Breathe in and you'll go to sleep.

You won't feel a thing.

Breathe in and go to sleep.

That's the way.

Why do they call boats sheep?

I don't know.

Perhaps because they're so grateful and strong at the same time, like you.

Does it matter if I only ever stay in Avonlea, Mama?

Measure your life not by what you do, but how you feel.

Not by what you do, but how you feel.

She made it through the operation.

Now, there's still a danger of complications and infections.

Leave her where she is for the rest of the night. When she's feeling stronger,

you can move her to her bedroom.

I'll check on her in a day or so, but right now, rest is the best thing for

It'll be a couple of weeks before she's up and around.

May we see her now?

It's really good.

Bugle bracelet, necklace amber, perfume for a lady's chamber, golden cloth and

stomachers for my lads to give their dears, pins and poking sticks of steel.

For she's a jolly good fellow, for she's a jolly good fellow, for she's a jolly

good fellow.

And so say all of us, and so say all of us, and so say all of us. For she's

a jolly good fellow, for she's a jolly good fellow, for she's a jolly good

fellow.

And so say all of us.

Why,

why, Rachel, how beautiful.

Cost a pretty penny.

But then, what's money where friendship is concerned?

Isn't that right, Eliza?

Where's your present?

When did she learn to play the piano?

Bravo.

That was your present?

I wanted to give Hetty something she would remember.

I always wanted to learn to play the piano, but never had the chance.

And now, at this great age, we shall not go into details about Felicity

teaching me how to play.

So you see, Hetty, we are never too old to learn or to try something new.

And that is my gift to you.

And that'll have the award.

It's the greatest gift of all. I thank you.

I think that it's time that I take my leave.

It's been a lovely party, Harry.

Happy belated birthday.

Oh, I thank you for those spices from India, Muriel.

You must come to dinner.

Oh, once I'm able to cook with them.

Oh, I will.

Oh, Hattie, it is so good to be back in Avonlea.

You know, I think there's something you've known all along that it's taken

30 years to realize.

After all my travels, there are very few places in the world as beautiful as

where we are right now.

I'm fine.

When we do get together, Muriel, let's chat about Avonlea in the old days,

we? Yes.

Let's.

Bring some of that India tea, will you?

My pleasure.

Bye, Miss Stacy.

Bye -bye now, Sarah.

You know what, Sarah?

I'd like to go to the beach.

Right now?

Yes, now.

Well, the dishes won't wash themselves, you know.

There's been too much dishwashing around here, if you ask me. Not enough sunset

watching.

Shall we?

Oh, I loved this beach when I was a child.

I wanted to stay here forever.

It's not so much I didn't want to travel, really. I just couldn't imagine

there'd be any place lovelier than this.

Best authors write about the things they know best.

I think I'll write about this.

I will never forget the days of my youth, when the waves rippled between my

toes, taking the pink and silver grains of sand back out to the depths of the

sea.

There was a peace then, an indescribable feeling of immortality

in the ebb and flow of the tide and the...

seemingly endless stretch of beach and sky.

Now, as I gaze out upon those same sparkling waters, I realize

that youth is never left behind, but is carried always gently

in the heart.