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Samantha:
An American Girl Holiday (2004)

It all began one day last April

I was living with my Grandmary
in Mount Bedford, New York

She was determined to teach me
to become a proper young lady

But that day, in particular,
I was more interested in getting away

from my next-door nuisance, Eddie Ryland

Samantha!

You're so dumb, you probably think
three times four is twelve.

Three times four is twelve, Eddie.
Now, if you don't leave me alone...

I'll find your money jar
and empty it in the river.

- You're too dumb to find it.
- Eddie Ryland, you...

Come back here, Eddie Ryland!

And that was the day
I met my new friend, Nellie O'Malley

- Who are they?
- They're our new servants.

- The big one is my new maid.
- She's too young to be a maid.

Maybe her mother is the maid.

It's grand, Da. Look at that water.

Come along now, Bridget.

- I'm tired, Da.
- I know. It won't be long.

I know you're hungry, Jenny,
but you'll just have to wait.

I'm really hungry, Nellie.

Are we going to eat soon?

Look, Nellie, next to the pump.

- See what you did.
- I didn't do nothing.

You threw a rock and broke the window.

I'm going to tell
unless you pay me a penny.

I don't have a penny.

She is not paying you a cent,
Eddie Ryland.

And if you make any more trouble,
I'll tell your mother...

that you took her good petticoat
and made a kite's tail out of it.

I'm really scared, Samantha.

Edward!

I have an errand for you!

Edward, I'm waiting.

- Thank you, miss.
- I'm Samantha.

I live next door.

I'm Nellie, and this is Jenny and Bridget.

Pleased to meet you.

Don't pay any attention to him.

Have to pay some attention, miss,
if we want to keep our place here.

Nellie girl, come along now.

Are you going to Mount Bedford School?
Maybe we'll be in the same class.

I don't go to school, miss.
We're here to work.

- May I see you tomorrow?
- Like I said, I'll be working, miss.

From the size of this place,
from dawn to dusk.

Goodbye, Nellie. Goodbye, Bridget.
Goodbye, Jenny.

Goodbye.

They're beautiful.

The Rylands have new servants.
A father and three girls.

One of them is my age.

Samantha, look at those stockings.

Your grandmother won't like that.
No, she won't.

- Yes, Mrs. Hawkins.
- Be sure to wash your hands now.

Yes, Mrs. Hawkins.

- Hello, Samantha.
- Hello, Grandmary.

I trust you have a good explanation
for that tear in your stockings.

I fell. I'm sorry.

- You weren't running, were you?
- Not when I fell, no.

- Haste makes waste, Samantha.
- Yes, Grandmary.

- Did you know there are three girls...
- You can tell me over tea, dear.

Begin practicing.

- Three girls are moving next door...
- Samantha, please begin.

The afternoon mail, Mrs. Edwards.

Thank you, Jessie.
You can just leave it on the table, please.

- Is there anything from Uncle Gard?
- We'll open the mail later, dear.

But he is coming back when he said?
He didn't miss the boat, did he?

Samantha, please.
Just finish your practice.

Hello, miss.

- Please don't call me "miss."
- Get in trouble if I don't, miss.

Where did you come from?
Before Mount Bedford, I mean.

New York City.

- My Uncle Gard lives in New York City.
- Dad and I worked at a factory there.

- You worked in a factory?
- Yes.

But Dad thought we'd be better off
living in the country now.

- Is your mother...
- She died, miss. Last winter.

If you don't go to school, would you
like to borrow some of my books?

Wouldn't do no good, miss,
unless they're all pictures.

My mother was going to teach me
to read, but...

I could teach you.
Every day beside the hedge.

- I wish I could, miss.
- You can.

You can bring some work with you,
like darning or mending, can't you?

You have to sit down some time.
I could sit with you. It isn't hard to learn.

Thank you, Jessie.
Just leave it on the table, please.

- Jessie?
- Yes, miss?

How old were you
when you first started to work as a maid?

Would you like anything else, ma'am?

No, thank you, Jessie. That will be all.

- Samantha.
- Yes?

We do not discuss personal matters
with the servants.

- In the kitchen we talk about all sorts of...
- This is not the kitchen.

The secret to a happy household
is for everyone to know their place.

Do you understand?

- Yes, Grandmary.
- Good.

Are you enjoying your needlepoint?

Yes, Grandmary.

Then I'm sure you'll have no interest
in that package that's addressed to you.

It's from Uncle Gard!

How could it get here before he did?
He's not due for three weeks.

What is it?

It's a stereopticon.

He says, put in the first slide,
and I will see where he is right now.

The first slide.

Oh, my!

It's Paris. The Eiffel Tower.

As if we were really there.

Uncle Gard always gives me
the best presents.

He's taking me
to the exposition in St. Louis...

for a whole week in July.

We're going to see Japanese pagodas
and temples...

and eat peanut butter and fairy floss
and everything.

- They make butter out of peanuts?
- That's what Uncle Gard says.

And what's fairy floss?

Uncle Gard says it's made
out of pink sugar and comes on a stick.

- Uncle Gard is the best person I know.
- Better than your ma and da?

Did I say something?

Maybe we should start
your reading lesson.

I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, miss.

My parents are gone.

Like your mother.
Only, in an accident. On the river.

Both of them?

That's awful.

I don't know what I'd do without my da.

You want to see them?

She's beautiful. And he's so handsome.

She used to sing to me.

Sometimes I try to hear her voice.

But it just slips away.

I know.

I wish I could ask Grandmary...

but speaking about Mother
hurts her too much.

I keep them close this way.

I like that you're here, Nellie.
I think we'll be great friends.

I've never had a real friend
outside the family.

Well, you do now, Nellie O'Malley.

- Friends forever.
- Forever.

Come on.

Okay. Now...

"Th" sounds like this:

The, that, this.

Then, those, these.

There, thorn, Thursday.

Thanksgiving.

"A roaming cat with a lily fair sat
on a rose-blossom mat...

"with a..."

Stop your fidgeting, Jenny.

You're pulling too hard on her.
Wind slower.

Now stretch your hands.
There you go, Jenny.

- Why doesn't Jenny speak?
- Hasn't said a word since Ma died.

- Did she talk before that?
- Some.

And she talks in her sleep.

- That looks like fun.
- It does?

Can I try it? Here.

I'll beat the rug while you read.

"Cat, sat, mat."

Good. Go on.

"Fat, rat, hat.

"Cat, fat, rat."

You girls about through killing the rug?

I'm sorry, Mr. O'Malley. It was my fault.

There's no fault to it.

- You almost done here?
- All done, Da.

Good, then. Move on inside.
Mrs. Ryland was calling for you.

Yes, Da.

- Tomorrow, Samantha?
- Tomorrow.

I wanted to thank you, Samantha, for
your kindness toward Nellie and the girls.

No thanks needed, sir.
Nellie and the girls are my friends.

It's Uncle Gard! That's my Uncle Gard.
He's come back from Europe.

- Goodbye, Mr. O'Malley.
- Goodbye.

Goodbye, Jenny, Bridget.
My Uncle Gard is here.

Goodbye.

Well, here we are.

Thank you.

Uncle Gard!

My angel.

- I missed you so much.
- I missed you so much.

- Did you get my present?
- Yes, I love it. It's wonderful.

- I have an even bigger surprise for you.
- What is it?

If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise.

Will you take me for a ride now?

First I want you to say hello to someone.

- How are we coming along, my dear?
- Fine. Thank you.

Samantha, you remember Miss Pitt,
from Christmas?

Please, call me Cornelia.

Hello.

- Can we go now?
- In a moment.

Your Uncle Gard says
you love to read, Sam.

- My name is Samantha.
- Very well, Samantha.

I thought you might like this.
It's The Wizard of Oz

Girls in New York love it.

Thank you.

Come on, you two.

But I thought you said
we were going for a ride.

First we need to say hello
to your Grandmary.

Shall we?

Here we are.

- Mother.
- Gardner!

- You remember Miss Pitt?
- What a pleasant surprise.

- How are you, Miss Pitt?
- Very well, thank you, Mrs. Edwards.

Gardner promised me
he would tell you I was coming.

I can see he didn't.

I like surprises. Don't you, Samantha?

I'm sure we'll have plenty of time
to catch up later.

For now, Mrs. Hawkins can show you
to the guest room.

- Thank you.
- This way, ma'am.

Thank you.

Gardner, you really should warn me
when you're bringing home guests.

You look well, Mother.

- This is for you.
- Oh, my!

It's lovely.

Has the Admiral been to see you lately?

Let's see.

We were going to do something now.

- What?
- I don't remember.

- Excuse us, Mother.
- Where are you going? Gardner.

All right, I'm going to let it out now.
Here we are.

- Did you see the Mona Lisa?
- Yes, we saw the Mona Lisa

It was delightful.

But what we are more excited about...

is this new style of art
called Impressionism.

- Yes.
- By a man named Monet.

You've been away a very long time.

How has your firm managed without you?

I don't think they noticed
I was gone, Mother.

Nonsense, Gard. Of course they did.

Cornelia is the one
who's making a difference in New York.

How so?

She's organizing suffrage meetings
all over the city.

Gard, perhaps this isn't the best time.

I don't really understand
why women need to vote.

Women of my generation found many
ways to influence the course of events...

without having to stand on a soapbox.

Yes. Although, if women are expected
to obey the laws our leaders make...

shouldn't we have a say
in selecting those leaders?

I believe Samantha should have
as much say in her government...

as that little boy next door.

Uncle Gard, when are you
going to tell us the surprise?

I was going to wait until...

- Are you coming to live in Mount Bedford?
- No. But it is wonderful news.

Against her better judgment...

this beautiful woman...

has accepted my proposal of marriage.

Gardner, you sound so old-fashioned.

We've been talking about this
for almost a year.

While I was in Paris,
I was getting her parents' blessing.

My. Well, then...

I'm very happy for both of you.

I'm happy for you, too, Uncle Gard.

Since Cornelia's family lives abroad...

we were hoping you would allow us
to have the wedding right here, Mother.

- We can hold it in the conservatory.
- It's beautiful.

- We thought the end of July.
- July?

- This year?
- Yes, of course, this year.

- Why so sudden?
- I don't want to wait.

I've found the woman of my dreams.

I want you to be my bridesmaid,
Samantha. Would you?

She's very young.

My sister will be the matron of honor,
her daughter, my flower girl...

but I don't have a bridesmaid.

- What do you say?
- Say yes.

Yes.

- Samantha.
- Hello.

I know you're upset with me.

I don't want things to change anymore,
Uncle Gard.

You've had more change in your life
than anyone ought to have.

But you'll see, Cornelia is going to be
a wonderful friend.

In fact, if your mother were still alive,
I'm sure they'd be the best of friends.

- They would?
- Oh, yes.

They're quite similar in many ways.

Your mother was so full of life...

questions, and causes, and right now,
she's smiling down on us.

Making fun of your bushy eyebrows.

- How did you know about that?
- She tortured you. She told me so.

And I miss her every time I think about it.

You're so like your mother.
You have her spirit.

You have her will and her curiosity.

What's this?

St. Louis, the exposition.

Oh, no. I promised to take you, didn't I?

I'm sorry. How can I make it up to you?

- It's all her fault.
- No, Samantha.

Cornelia is a wonderful person.

She's strong and caring,
and she loves children.

You'll have your own family
and forget all about me.

You are my family.

You'll always be my little girl.

- That was lovely, Samantha.
- Thank you, Grandmary.

- Grandmary?
- Yes.

- Do you like Cornelia?
- Do I...

Certainly I do, Samantha.

She's going to be Gardner's wife
and your aunt. Our family.

Much as we would like things to remain
as they are, Samantha, they don't.

And so we must learn
to accept change with grace.

- Do you understand?
- Yes, Grandmary.

"She gave a dose of it to Peter!

"'One tablespoon to be taken at bedtime.'

"But Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail...

"had bread and milk and blackberries
for supper. The end."

I can't believe
how quickly you learned this, Nellie.

I think I've been reading
over Da's shoulders ever since I was little.

He says I should
start teaching Bridget soon.

Hello there.

- I should get back to work.
- Can you stay a minute longer?

I'm trying to decide
what kind of cake to have for the wedding.

Now, then...

have a bite of both
and tell me which one you like better.

Lemon or almond vanilla.

I like the lemon,
but the almond vanilla is wonderful, too.

Maybe you'd better taste them again.

- I'd say the lemon.
- I have to agree.

Lemon it is.

All right then,
I'll just give the rest to the dog.

No, ma'am, cake's not good for dogs.

- It gives them a tummy ache.
- And we don't have a dog.

That's right. I forgot.

Why don't we take them
to Bridget and Jenny?

Good idea.

Very good. Thank you, girls.

She's not so bad, you know.

What did you wear
when you got married, Mrs. Edwards?

- Belgian Lace.
- How elegant.

The gown had tiny pearls
all along the hem...

and crystal stitching
in between each pearl.

And there was a large satin bow
just above the bustle.

Bustle?

Yes, it was the height of fashion,
I will have you know.

Tell her about the veil.

The veil. It flowed from behind
like a waterfall.

My mother wore it, too.

She looked like an angel.

And here's the fabric
for the bridesmaid's dress.

Grandmary, look. It's lavender.

- Your favorite color.
- It's the prettiest color I've ever seen.

Samantha had her heart set
on going to St. Louis.

We have to make it up to her.

I want her to come and stay with us
for the fall.

You said yourself
Aunt Francis is not getting any better.

It's impossible. You'll be newly married.

The last thing you need
is a child on your hands.

She can come and stay with us
in New York.

Let us share the burden, Mother.

It's just for a few months.

What on earth?

I tried to sleep, but I kept on hearing
what they said.

They were talking about sending me away.

To New York. Grandmary and Uncle Gard.

They think I'm a burden.

Look at you, you're shaking.
You're so cold.

- How long have you been out here?
- Please come with me.

I don't want to be by myself.

I thought this was just a boathouse.

This is my secret hiding place.

There are so many beautiful things here.

It's where my mother, father,
and I used to keep our boat.

But after they died...

no one came here anymore.

Sometimes when I come here...

I feel like they're still here.

What do you do in here?

Read, mostly. Make wishes.

What do you wish for?

Depends on my mood.

Sometimes I wish for Eddie Ryland
to run into a tree.

And other times...

I wish my parents could be here.

Da says, "No sense thinking
about what you don't have.

"Better to think about what you do."

But I still wish I could see my ma.

If I go to New York, I'll miss you so much.

- You can write me every day.
- And you can write back.

What's her name?

Lydia. Just like my mother.

I've never seen anything so beautiful.

If I go away, will you keep her for me?

- Do you mean it?
- Yes.

I wouldn't trust her with anybody
but my best friend.

- You know anything about stars?
- A little.

First star you see, that's the wishing one.

"Star light, star bright

"First star I see tonight

"Wish I may, wish I might

"Have the wish I wish tonight"

I found you!

- You get out of here right now, Eddie.
- Pay me a nickel and I won't tell.

How much do you want
for never speaking to me again?

I found them!

What do you think you're doing,
you senseless girl?

You had the whole neighborhood
looking for you.

This is completely unacceptable.

Servants in my household don't
trespass on other people's property.

Nor do they sleep outside
with the neighbor's children.

I'm so sorry.
I cannot understand how this happened.

It's my fault, Mrs. Ryland.
It was all my idea.

I asked Nellie to keep me company.

Nevertheless, I expect my help
to behave respectfully at all times.

- I don't think the girls meant any harm.
- I promise you it won't happen again.

Please forgive her, mum.
She's still young and forgets her place.

I'm so sorry, ma'am.

I knew better. I did.

It's all right, Nellie.

Mother.

What's this?

Pictures of Lydia.

Lydia's journal.

Samantha.

A few months in New York City
might be good for Samantha.

- Lf you're sure you can manage.
- Oh, I am.

Yes, Grandmary.

I have some wonderful news.

Your Uncle Gard has invited you
to spend a few months...

in New York City
with him and Cornelia this fall.

With you in the city...

I thought I would take the opportunity
to visit Great-aunt Francis.

I'm sorry I put Mother's pictures
in the boathouse.

This is not a punishment, dear.

I'll never do it again,
I promise, Grandmary.

When all we have left of someone
is our memories of them...

then we must keep those memories close.

I'd be disappointed if you didn't have
a special place for your mother.

- She did the very same thing.
- My mother?

She once had a kitten named Mabel.

It was fluffy and gray
and a little cross-eyed.

Cross-eyed?

She loved that kitten more than anything.

One day, Mabel didn't come home.

She took all of Mabel's favorite things
and placed them in the boathouse.

- She did?
- Just like you.

Isn't it the most wonderful gown
you've ever seen, Grandmary?

The most wonderful.

I was just on my way up
to see Cornelia. Join me?

- You look like a fairy tale.
- Just like a princess.

I have some pieces here.
They've been in the family for years.

You must wear them.

Mrs. Edwards, thank you so much.

Oh, my! They're so pretty.

- Oh, my goodness, they're so delicate.
- They're wonderful.

- Don't feel obligated.
- Thank you so much.

Your veil is ruined.

I'm sorry, Aunt Cornelia. I didn't mean to.

It's all right, Agatha. Don't be upset.

You look lovely.

Would you like to wear my mother's veil?

I couldn't.

You must.

It's so beautiful.

Thank you both so much.

Would you help me?

Wilt thou, Gardner, have this woman...

to thy lawful wedded wife,
to live together after God's ordinance...

in the holy estate of Matrimony?

Wilt thou love her, comfort her...

honor and keep her
in sickness and in health...

and, forsaking all others...

keep thee only unto her...

so long as ye both shall live?

I will.

Wilt thou, Cornelia, have this man
to thy wedded husband...

to live together after God's ordinance
in the holy estate of Matrimony?

Wilt thou obey him and serve him...

Love, honor, and keep him
in sickness and in health...

and, forsaking all others,
keep thee only unto him...

so long as ye both shall live?

I will.

I now pronounce you man and wife.

Agatha, pull harder!

Thank you so much.

What a pleasant occasion.

And he's a fine catch. But then again,
we always knew she'd marry well.

- Not so well.
- What do you mean?

His niece is coming to stay with them
till Christmas.

Poor Cornelia.

A ready-made family
less than a month after her wedding.

Goodbye!

Goodbye. Thank you.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye, Mother.

We'll be back in a month, and then
we'll have many wonderful adventures.

How does that sound?

Are you ready?

Letting Cornelia have your mother's veil
was very generous, Samantha.

I did it for you.

I know.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Uncle Gard.

Samantha, over here.

Look what I found.
Yes. Eddie Ryland's money jar.

I watched him when he bullied
the milkman this morning.

Then I followed him
and found his secret hiding place.

The well.

Whatever should we do with it?

I know the perfect place for it.

Good morning.

Amen.

I will write to you three times a day.

I'll miss you so much.

I am going to miss you something awful,
Samantha Parkington.

- You promise you won't forget me now?
- Forget you?

I will be back before you know it.

We'll celebrate
Christmas after Christmas together.

That sounds grand.

I promise. Not even New York City
can keep us apart. You'll see.

Dear Nellie, today,
Uncle Gard, Aunt Cornelia, and I

went on a tour of New York City

First we stopped in the Madison Square

and saw the magnificent Fuller building

I sent you a slide
They call it the Flatiron now

Isn't that silly,
naming a building after an iron?

Nellie, there are so many people here
from all over the world

speaking different languages,
shouting, laughing

that it makes my ears hurt

The streets were so full
of carriages and automobiles

that there were times
when we could hardly move

Uncle Gard says that next month
an underground train will open

It's called a subway, and it can take
a person from City Hall

to the Harlem meadows
in less than 15 minutes

Imagine that!
I tried the chestnuts like you said

I like the smell better than the taste

Hello. One, please.

- There you go, miss.
- Thank you, sir.

You're welcome.

School is going fine, I suppose

I'd like to introduce a new student...

Samantha Parkington, who comes to us
from Mount Bedford, New York...

which is quite a change.

- Isn't that right, Samantha?
- Yes.

Maybe you would like to tell us a little
about your life in Mount Bedford?

First, Mount Bedford is not a mountain.

It's houses and churches...

and a river.

- And what river is that?
- The Husson.

The Houson.

The Hudson. Sorry.

That's all right. We're all nervous
when we come to a new place.

The river is the Hudson River...

the same that runs down
the west side of Manhattan.

It would be so much more fun
if you were with me

I miss you so, Nellie
Please write back soon

Your best friend, Samantha

Dear Samantha,
I'm sorry I haven't written much

but Da 's been under the weather,
and I've had to take on more chores

Your uncle's house sounds grand

all stone and marble, like the fine houses

in the Gramercy Park
that Da used to point out

I miss you, too, Samantha

and I can't wait until you get back

Love, from your friend, Nellie

Mrs. Vandergeld has installed a shower.

Passing fancy.

- Like a rain shower?
- Exactly.

Only it's inside the house...

and you stand underneath,
and then the water falls.

- A ridiculous contraption.
- Absurd.

Prone to breaking, I'm sure.

I'm sure.

- And you'd like one, I suppose?
- Absolutely.

From Grandmary.

She has been to see the Admiral.

What's so amusing?

The Admiral proposed to Mother
twice a year...

for the last dozen years, I'd say.

No wonder she thought
we were rushing things.

Good morning, class.

Good morning, Miss Stevens.

Today, I have
a very exciting announcement.

The school is conducting
a speaking contest...

on the subject "Progress in America."

You can write on a topic of your choice.
Anything modern and new.

- Yes, Edna.
- Could I write about the telephone?

The telephone is an excellent example.
Anyone else? Samantha?

- Factories?
- Another good idea.

A single factory can do the work
of an entire town in one day.

Think of it. Yes, Emma.

My uncle runs a factory.
May I write on that, too?

You all may write on anything you wish...

but only 12 speeches will be chosen.

Those chosen will be presented
in front of the entire school...

at the Christmas program.

Your speeches are due by Thanksgiving.

The time has come
to change the old ways.

Women must vote.

The time has come for all of us
to speak out...

and in support,
Mrs. Winthrop and Mrs. Vandergeld...

will organize a peaceful gathering
at Madison Square Park...

a week from Tuesday.

Women in all 45 states will be holding
similar gatherings on that day.

I'm very pleased
to have met you, Samantha.

I'm pleased to have met you, too.

I'm always greatly encouraged
when young people join our discussions.

Are you anxious to vote one day?

I'm not sure. No.

Then you won't have to.
Isn't that right, Mrs. Vandergeld?

Quite right.

It's the right to vote we're fighting for,
not the requirement.

- Good night, Samantha.
- Good night.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

...will soon be replaced
by those made by machines.

- Uncle Gard.
- Hello, my angel.

- How was school today?
- It was good, thank you.

I'm practicing my speech.
Would you like to hear it?

Of course.

Factories are the foundation of progress
in America.

They can make perfect products
every time, and plenty of them, too...

enough for everyone all at once.

They will provide jobs for everyone
who wants one, too.

Products that are made by hand...

will soon be replaced
by those made by machine.

I am impressed.

Afternoon mail.

Hello, sweetheart.

Anything for me?

There is a postcard here to all of us
from Grandmary.

Nothing from Nellie?

No, I'm afraid not.

I haven't heard from her in weeks.

There's a letter here from Mount Bedford.
From Mrs. Hawkins.

What does it say?

Oh, dear.

What?

Nellie's father has died. From influenza.

No.

Poor Nellie.

May I see?

She says that Mrs. Ryland has sent them
to an orphanage...

in New York City.

Cold Rock House.

Do you know where it is? Is it near?

It shouldn't be hard to find.

Can we go see them, Uncle Gard?

I will get the address and stop at the
orphanage on my way home tomorrow.

Dear Nellie, I just received word
about your dad

I'm so sad for you and the girls We all are

But Uncle Gard is going to arrange for me
to see you

and I'll be there in no time

Write me back soon as you can

Your friend, Samantha

I'm practicing for my piano lesson.

I'd like to stay and listen. Do you mind?

That was lovely, Samantha.

Would you like to help?

Uncle Gard told me
you remind him of my mother.

I take that as a great compliment.

I remember her hair...

in my face
when she would kiss me good night.

And I don't know why I thought of this,
but she hated chickens.

- Chickens?
- She hated them.

- It's Gard.
- Uncle Gard.

Hello, ladies.

Look at you two.

I'd say I'm the luckiest man in New York,
wouldn't you?

- Did you find the orphanage?
- I did.

- Wonderful.
- How is Nellie?

- They didn't let me see her.
- What do you mean?

The orphans are not allowed
to have unrelated visitors...

- unless they are serious about adoption.
- That's preposterous.

- Why?
- Each institution has its own rules.

There must be some way
that I could see her.

Mr. And Mrs. Vandergeld donate
a great deal to New York orphanages.

One of them could well be Cold Rock.
Excuse me.

Hello?

Could you connect me, please, to the
Vandergeld residence on Fifth Avenue?

I'm Mrs. Edwards. I phoned earlier
about seeing Mrs. Frouchy.

Thank you.

She'll be right with you.

You must be Mrs. Edwards.
We've been expecting you.

Pleased to meet you.

Mrs. Vandergeld sent word of your arrival.

She spoke very highly of you.

And of you, Mrs. Frouchy.

Mrs. Vandergeld is our
most generous benefactor.

Would this be a convenient time
for a tour?

Yes, of course. Lillian.

Thank you.

Nancy, you wait.

No speaking!

Ma'am, I'm sure you must understand
the importance of rules for girls like this.

Obedience, order, and discipline.

These are the things
that will enable them to find homes.

Here is the dormitory
for the younger girls.

Are there always this many?

There are not enough beds
for these children.

Two of the girls are leaving today...

to a good home, in the country.

We'll have a party for them later.

Here we have the dormitory
for the older girls, 9 to 16.

- May my niece hand out fruit?
- Yes, of course.

- What a lovely, well-behaved child.
- Thank you.

Now then, Mrs. Frouchy...

how many children do you have
in this dormitory?

The number of children ranges from...

Nellie.

Samantha.

- What are you doing here?
- Are you all right? You look so pale.

And look at your hands.
Here. Take my gloves.

Did you see
Bridget and Jenny downstairs?

- Are they all right?
- You mean you don't get to see them?

They won't let us play together.

I'm sure they think I've abandoned them.

You cannot stay here.
Are you ever allowed outside?

Only when I take out the ashes
around the back.

Every day at 4:00.

We must let the girls rest now.

Samantha, are we ready?

I'll come to the alley, 4:00. Ready.

What's the basket for?

- It's for coats.
- Coats go in the coat closet.

This is for old coats
that you don't want anymore.

- Why do you want our old coats?
- It's for an orphanage.

They need all kinds of things,
like hats and gloves...

anything that's warm, really.

They're stuck there,
and we need to help them.

Maybe you do.

I have some old coats at home.

They don't fit anymore. And gloves, too.

- I'll bring them in tomorrow.
- Thank you.

- I like your pilgrims.
- Thank you.

Yes, Mrs. Edwards.
Mrs. Frouchy is expecting you.

I have a hamper here
full of pumpkin pies...

and Thanksgiving treats for the children.
May we bring them into your kitchen?

I'll take that for you. Follow me.

- I'll just wait outside.
- All right.

Nellie.

You found me.

Here, I brought you some rolls,
with cheese inside.

Thank you, Samantha.

Mrs. Frouchy says she'll place me out
if I don't behave.

What's that?

Sending me away on the orphan train,
to get adopted by a family far away.

Mrs. Frouchy says girls with my training
go really fast in the farm country.

- Jenny and Bridget?
- No, they're too young.

If she sends me,
I'll never get to see them again.

You cannot go!

The three of you have to stay together.

I have to think about what to do.

I'm not going to let this happen
to you, Nellie. I'm not.

Did you hear, Gertrude...

that our Samantha has been chosen
out of all the girls in her school...

to speak at the Christmas program?

Isn't that wonderful?

It's not just me. There are 12 of us.

That is quite an accomplishment
to be one of the 12, Samantha.

It is a shame that Mother won't hear her.

Grandmary will have the pleasure of
hearing only Samantha when she returns.

- Now, will you look at that.
- It looks splendid, doesn't it?

Beautiful. Our first Thanksgiving.

I wish that everyone had all the blessings
that we have tonight.

That's very thoughtful, Samantha.

Shall we?

Father, we thank thee for this food...

for health and strength
and all things good. Amen.

Come on. Everything's ready.
We need to hurry.

What? What are you talking about?

Look, if we don't go now, we never will.

- Go? Where?
- With me. I'm taking you all.

- What's wrong?
- I'm scared.

It'll be all right.
Go get Bridget and Jenny...

and I'll meet you
in front of the coat closet.

I'll meet you there in five minutes.

Go now.

Come on, girls. We need to go now.

What's it for?

- I came to bring donations. For the girls.
- Yes.

I usually come here with my aunt...

who is very good friends
with Mrs. Vandergeld.

We usually just leave the boxes
beside the coat closet.

- Fine, off you go.
- Thank you.

Nellie? Where are you?

Samantha.

I'll deposit the donation money Monday,
Mrs. Frouchy?

Best give it to me. I'll hold on to it.

- For safekeeping.
- Yes, ma'am.

Get in. Bridget, under the desk.

Who's there?

- Run!
- What?

Bridget, come on.

Stop! Wait! Help! Stop them!

Hurry.

Don't stop.

Thief!

Run!

Hurry, let's go!

Police, stop!

Someone took my babies
and the donation money. All of it.

Keep on running, Nellie. Don't stop.

Bridget, hurry.

Come on, Jenny, run!

Go, go up.

Come on. Go, Jenny. Go!

Dinner!

Bridget, be quiet.

If we get caught, we'll get in trouble,
and so will Samantha's family.

- Why can't we live here?
- We're wards of the State.

That's what Mrs. Frouchy calls us.
We belong to them.

To the State?

Yes, and if anyone finds us here,
they'll be made to turn us in.

So you must be quiet now.
Do you understand?

It's all right for now. Eat up.

There's turkey and dressing
and cranberries.

Slower, Jenny.

I put fresh pajamas on the bed.

How did you get all this up here?

I told Gertrude it was for a family in need.
And it is.

It's so nice and warm.

Oh, no. They're home.
I'll try to come up after.

How can I ever thank you?

You're my friend. That's what friends do.

- Samantha's been here all afternoon.
- Are you certain?

- Samantha?
- Yes?

Any further questions?

My matron informed me that she was
at the orphanage a short while ago.

A few of my girls have since gone missing
along with $200.

What are you implying?

If I find that she has been involved...

I'll report her to the authorities.

You'll not make threats here.

Good day.

I said good day.

I hope they don't find out.

- Do you think she knows?
- I am not sure.

She said she'd go to the police...

and that we took money.

That is a terrible lie.

Samantha, I don't want you
to get into any trouble on my account.

I'm going to find a job as soon as I can...

so we can get a room of our own.

Someone will hire me.

I miss my Da.

Don't worry, Nellie.

I'm not going to let anything happen
to any of you.

I promise.

Gertrude had a visitor today.
Mrs. Frouchy.

What did she want?

Hard to say, madam.

But it seemed to me she was
accusing our Samantha of stealing.

Gard, we must do something
to stop this woman.

Dear Grandmary, it's almost Christmas,
and I can't wait to see you

Cornelia and I are making our own
ornaments for the Christmas tree

And making cookies and fruitcakes
and even plum pudding

though I'm not sure we did it right

Since Nellie is in New York City now

all that's missing is you Love, Samantha

Jenny, what are you doing down here?

Is something wrong? What's the matter?

What is it?

All right, I'll come with you.

Bridget? Are you all right?

You're so hot. Burning up.

Do you know where Nellie went?

Was she looking to find a job?

Is this where she went?

Put your name on that list.
If you can't write, make an "X."

Then get in line behind them.

My finger's stuck!

No, please!

If that needle breaks,
it comes out of your pay.

Look, the needle broke.

See what you've done.

Go on, get out of here!

Come on up here,
and we'll have a look at it.

Hold it tight now.

All right, we've got an opening now.

Come on, hurry up.

Sir, I'm looking for my friend.

This ain't a tea party.

You wanna see your friend?
Get in line behind them.

- Wait till 7:00.
- No, sir, I can't wait.

This is an emergency. There she is.

Nellie, come quick.

Leave the machine, lose the machine.
Them's the rules.

Bridget is sick. Come on.

You decide, girlie.
You leave now, you don't come back.

All right, we got an opening now. Next!

Why didn't you tell me
what factory work was like?

Nobody wants to know
where their frocks come from...

just so they keep coming.

- Are all factories like that?
- All the ones I've seen.

I'm worried, Samantha.
I don't want to lose Bridget, too.

Come on, let's run.

She's burning up, Samantha.

I've never seen her this bad.

It's my fault for leaving.

It's so cold in here.

Hello, angel.
The big day is coming, isn't it?

How's the speech? Are you nervous?

I can't wait to hear it all the way through.

I need to talk to you. Both.

We're listening.

I did something wrong, and I need help.

Nellie's sister, Bridget, is sick...

upstairs.

Upstairs?

She's quite dehydrated.

Under my orders, you are not to move her,
at least for a few weeks...

until she gets her strength back.

Of course, Doctor.

- Any improvement?
- Not yet.

All the girls stay here
until the patient recovers.

- I'll come in the morning to check on her.
- Thank you, Doctor. I'll see you out.

Gertrude's made up beds for you
in Samantha's room. Go on up now.

- I'll go sit with Bridget.
- Samantha brought us here...

to save me from being sent
on the orphan train without my sisters.

They're not supposed to separate families.

Ma'am, they do a lot of things
they're not supposed to.

Good night,
and thank you for your kindness.

- Good night, Nellie.
- Good night, Jenny.

Good night, Jenny. Good night, Nellie.

I'm sorry, Uncle Gard, Aunt Cornelia.

You can't break the law, Samantha,
even when a law seems unfair.

But I had no choice.

You always have the choice
to come to me. You know that.

But you don't even want me here.

Why would you want three girls
who aren't related to you?

Who says we don't want you here?

- Aunt Cornelia's friends.
- My friends?

At the wedding.

They said it was a shame
that I was coming here.

Samantha, don't think for a minute
that's how I feel.

They were just jealous and mean
and petty.

You're our family, Samantha,
I want you here.

Yes, Aunt Cornelia.

No one touched Mrs. Frouchy's money.

We know that.

Please don't make Nellie go back.
They can't go back there.

I have no alternative, Samantha.

I must inform the authorities
they are here.

No!

- Would you like some tea?
- No, thank you.

- I'll be brief.
- Before you speak, I'd like to say...

that we're not going to press charges
against the Parkington girl...

as long as she returns the money
she took.

She claims she didn't take it.

With Christmas coming...

we may have to rely once more
on generous benefactors such as yourself.

- We don't want to disappoint the children.
- No, we don't.

Which is why, Mrs. Frouchy,
we're replacing you.

You're what?

The board of directors is unhappy
with the way you run Cold Rock.

It was never our intention to fund a prison.

And there have been indications
for some while that funds...

have been misappropriated.

- You simply can't be serious?
- Yes.

I simply can. Good day.

Factories will produce many goods
at the same time...

and that's why factories
are the golden future of America.

And the final speaker will be
Samantha Parkington.

Americans are very proud
of being modern.

We are proud of our progress...

and we're proud of the machines in
our factories, and the products they make.

But Americans are proud
of being truthful, too.

Last week, I went to a factory...

and what I saw
was nothing like what I had been told.

There were children, younger than I am...

working from early morning
until after dark.

They were dirty, they were cold...

and they couldn't leave.

They don't have time to go to school...

and they're too tired to play.

Children are hurt in these places.

I know. I saw one.

If our factories can hurt children...

then we have not made
good progress in America.

These words are not the words
I had written...

but are the words that I need to say.

Americans are good and kind...

and good and kind people
take care of children...

even if they are not their own.

And once we do that...

we can truly be proud of our factories
and of our progress.

She was marvelous.

- Wonderful, Samantha!
- We're proud of you.

Grandmary.

- You were here?
- Yes.

- I missed you.
- I missed you, too.

- Did you know they were coming?
- We wanted it to be a surprise.

You were magnificent.

How did you know about factories?

Because of Nellie.

I went to go get her at her work and...

Forgive me,
you remember Admiral Bemmis?

Very nice to see you again, Admiral.

That was
a very impressive speech, Samantha.

No wonder your grandmother
talks about you so much.

Excuse me.

Samantha, that speech was not
the speech you entered in the contest.

I changed it when I saw the truth.

I'm afraid you've been disqualified
from the competition.

- Disqualified? For telling the truth?
- She won me over.

And I'm a much harsher judge,
I can assure you.

I believe it takes two to speak the truth.

One to speak it and the other to hear.

I beg your pardon.

I'd like you to give that speech
to my women's group, Samantha.

We're very proud of you.
How do you feel, Samantha?

I feel that Gertrude is overworked.

Which is why she's so slow.

- Slow?
- She needs help.

Cornelia, you've created a crusader.

After all, it is a very large house
for one person to keep.

And how many more maids do we need?

- Three.
- Which is really four, counting Gertrude.

Besides, if I come to visit more often...

What do you mean if?

...you're going to need more help.

I'm a handful.

Samantha, Cornelia and I were hoping
that you'd like to come stay here with us.

Permanently.

You mean leave Mount Bedford? For good?

But what about Grandmary?
I don't want her to be all alone.

She won't be.

Because Grandmary has finally decided...

- No.
- Yes.

She has accepted the Admiral's proposal.

Which is why we hoped
you'd consider staying with us.

What do you say, Samantha?
Will you adopt us?

Will I? Yes.

Here you are.

It's so beautiful.

- Grandmary.
- Samantha.

Who did all this?

I did, miss. With a little help.

It's the prettiest tree I've ever seen.

You're probably worn out.
You should rest. Really.

Save your strength.

- Can we open presents now?
- Not now.

Not until tomorrow.

But you can start working
on your notes to Santa.

And there's hot chocolate in the kitchen.

Uncle Gard, does Santa know
that Nellie and her sisters are here?

Believe me, Samantha,
Santa knows everything.

Just a moment,
let me get the notes for Santa.

Nellie and Jenny. Yes.

Do you want
to do Bridget's, too, Samantha?

Girls, milk for Santa.

I imagine he'll be very thirsty.

- What is all this?
- It's for the orphanage.

- Quite a bounty.
- This is nothing.

Cornelia's arranged
for a whole Christmas feast tomorrow.

She's got half of New York
donating presents, clothes, and food.

- May I help?
- Of course.

I can't believe we're here.

It's so wonderful
that we can be together, Nellie.

This is my favorite Christmas Eve.

I wonder where we'll be next Christmas.

Let's make a wish.

Up there someplace is our wishing star.

Make your wish, Nellie.
Close your eyes tight...

and wish like you've never wished before.

I'm wishing, Samantha.

Merry Christmas, Bridget.

- How's our patient?
- Hungry.

Let's go for Christmas.

Wait, before you start screaming
at all the silly things Santa has left you.

- There's something we need to tell you.
- Uncle Gard.

Samantha asked if we would
let you three girls come and be maids.

Yes, sir. We will work very hard.
Morning to night, sir.

But we do not need any more maids.

However, Samantha's gonna
live with us permanently...

and there is one thing she needs
that we would love to give her.

She needs three sisters.

But not just any three sisters.
She needs you.

All of you.

- What do you say?
- Oh, yes!

- Sisters, Samantha.
- Sisters!

Aunt Cornelia and I want all four of you
to be our girls...

to live here in this house
and grow up together as one family.

- Would you like that, Bridget?
- Yes.

- Jenny?
- Jenny says, "Yes, sir."

She spoke!

That's my girl.

Merry Christmas.

This is for you.

- Here you go.
- Thank you, and merry Christmas.

I'm waiting to see all their happy faces.

Merry Christmas.

Christmas, Samantha.
Do you think we're dreaming?

If we are, I hope we never wake up.

The End