Original subtitles

[telephone ringing]

- I'll get it, mom!

Hello?

Sure.

Mom's upstairs sewing a big feather on her hat,

so it'll look new for Mrs. Beasley's party.

Say, who is this?

Oh, hi, Mrs. Beasley.

You wanna talk to her?

[theme music]

- Why, really, Mr. Hathaway?

(CHUCKLING) Well, now, that's very flattering.

Why, yes, of course, I'd be glad to show it to you.

Around 2 o'clock?

Oh, yes, that'll be fine.

Good bye.

Martha, you will never guess.

That was one of New York City's most important dealers

in rare coins.

He's heard of my collection and is coming by to see it.

- Well, that doesn't surprise me.

You have a collection to be proud of.

- But to have heard of me in New York City.

Oh, locally, sure, everybody in town knows I'm a collector.

But New York!

- Well, it just goes to prove what I've always said.

My George is a champion in everything he does.

- (CHUCKLING) Oh, you're exaggerating.

[doorbell rings]

- I'm just an average human being with weaknesses and failings

like everybody else.

If my collection is outstanding, it's

only because I work harder and am

more dedicated than most people.

[doorbell rings twice]

- Coming!

Then I guess that's what makes a champion, huh, Martha?

[doorbell rings three times] - Coming!

- Coming! Coming!

- Hi, Mr. Wilson.

- Oh, hello, Dennis.

- I've been ringing your bell.

- We heard you.

What do you want?

- Just seeing if your doorbell would work.

- Oh, for christ sakes.

MARTHA (OFFSCREEN): Ask him to come in, George.

- Hi, Mrs. Wilson!

- Hello dear.

Your mother's been looking for you.

She wants you to go to the park with her.

The Ladies Committee of the Children's Playground Fund

are having their meeting there.

- Jeepers, at lunchtime!

I'm hungry.

- She didn't forget about you.

She's taking a picnic lunch.

- Oh, swell!

You wanna come, Mr. Wilson?

- No, I don't.

- The park's lots of fun.

They got a drinking fountain that you

can squirt at the girls if you put your finger on it.

- I am not interested.

Goodbye, Dennis.

- Bye, Mr. Wilson.

See you when I get back from the park.

- That's what I'm afraid of.

[doorbell rings]

- What did you say? - Nothing.

That kid drives me crazy.

I wish his parents would take him on a trip,

even if just for a week.

- Now, dear, don't think about him,

think about your coin collection.

- Oh by golly.

Yes, Martha.

You're right.

I better get it out so Mr. Hathaway can see it.

- George.

- Yes, Martha.

- I know you'll be careful.

- Hmm?

- I mean about the coin collector.

You know, he's in business to make money,

and sometimes you're a little impetuous about buying coins.

- Now, just relax, Martha.

I have no intention of making any purchases.

And the man doesn't live who can make

George Wilson buy something against his will.

[music playing]

- Well girls, let's get down to business.

- We should hold all our committee meetings here

in the park, Mrs. Elkins.

It's so peaceful.

- (CHUCKLING) I know.

- Hey Margaret, you know what we got here?

It's a wading pool.

- That's all you know, Dennis Mitchell.

That's a fountain. - Gee whiz, dumb girls.

Come on fellas.

Let's go wading.

[gasp]

- Dennis! Dennis.

- It isn't deep, mom.

It's only a wading pool.

- It's not a wading pool, Dennis.

It's a fountain.

- I told him so, Mrs. Mitchell, and I was very polite about it.

I said, Dennis Mitchell, that's a fountain.

- Jeepers, I'm probably the only kid

in the whole world that's hand-picked.

- (STERNLY) Dennis.

Here, wipe your other foot dry.

- What's a matter with wading in a fountain?

- Well, because fountains aren't for wading, Dennis.

- Why not?

- Well, because-- because is why.

- There's a law against it, Dennis.

- Thank you Alice.

I knew there must be some reason.

- Now, you get your shoes and socks on, young man,

and stay out of that water.

[music playing]

- I'm sorry.

- [laughs] Well, let's discuss ways and means to raise money

for the children's playground fund.

Any ideas?

Well, nobody else has a better suggestion.

I think I have the answer.

- Hey mom, you got any more sandwiches?

- Uh, here Dennis.

Here's a deviled egg.

- I don't like deviled eggs.

- Well, keep trying.

You'll learn to like it.

Now run along dear. We're busy.

- (GRUMPILY) Deviled egg.

Hey, how come it's all right to say "devil" when

you're talking about an egg?

- Because it just is, that's all.

Now run along. I'm sorry.

- [chuckles] My idea is a rummage sale.

Wouldn't that be fun?

- Well, a rummage sale is always good, Mrs. Elkins,

but the church has just had one.

- Well, what else is there?

A rummage sale or a cookie sale.

And I want to keep out of the kitchen.

- Here's an idea that might be a little bit different.

We have a lovely fountain right here.

Why don't we call it a wishing well.

The boys and girls can collect coins,

and the contributions can be thrown into the fountain.

And everybody who contributes gets to make a wish.

- Oh, I like that idea.

- Oh, thank you.

MARGARET (OFFSCREEN): Dennis, you stop that!

- Deviled egg, deviled egg, deviled egg.

- We're not children.

Mrs. Mitchell, Dennis swore a naughty word.

- Dennis.

- I said, egg.

[music playing]

- Superb.

- Oh.

Well, they're all in excellent condition.

Most of them even have the original mint luster.

- I could tell.

Mr. Wilson, this is a collection.

- Oh, thank you.

You know, that's very pleasant hearing it

from an expert, Mr. Hathaway.

- I don't suppose I could buy it from you in total?

- Oh, no.

No, not a chance.

- Yeah, that's the story of my life.

But I do manage to pick up a few good coins.

- Oh, well I'm not in the market for anything right now.

- (LAUGHING) Oh, that doesn't matter.

This is just the one collector to another.

- Oh.

- Mint perfect.

- Oh.

All right.

Mm hm.

A 1909 O Liberty Head quarter.

Well, perhaps you noticed I-- I have one of those.

- Oh, so you have.

- Mm hm-hm.

Oh, what's-- what-- what's that?

- That's already committed to one of my customers.

Take a look at this dime.

- Oh, a 1901 S mint.

Oh ho-ho, well, I-- I already have one of those, too.

Now, what's-- what's in that little black bag?

- Oh, I wouldn't want to show it to you, Mr. Wilson.

I wouldn't be able to sell it to you.

Take a look at this half dollar.

It's rather good.

- Yes.

Yes, that's very nice.

But I-- well, what's the harm in my just seeing it?

- Well, Mr. Wilson, the coins I've been showing you up to now

are one thing, but this is a-- well,

this is-- I don't even want to tell you about it.

- Well, Great Scott, man, what's the difference?

- It's not for sale.

I've already committed it.

- I don't want to buy it.

I wouldn't buy it if I could.

You have my word.

I just want to look at it.

- Very well, Mr. Wilson.

[music playing]

- [gasps] Oh, Great Scott.

A 1907 $10 gold piece.

Beautiful!

- Rolled edge.

- Beautiful.

- With periods. - Beautiful!

- And that's how we planned to raise

money for the children's playground fund.

- I think it's a wonderful idea, and I'd love to contribute.

- Make a wish, Mrs. Wilson.

- All right.

Let's see.

I wish--

- Don't say it out loud or it won't come true.

- Oh.

All right, I made the wish.

- Give me the coin.

- No, dear.

No, I better not.

Mr. Wilson would kill me if I gave away any change

before he had a chance to look it over.

It's for his coin collection, you know.

- Oh.

- You come to see me later on, Dennis,

and I'll give you lots of coins.

- I could come now.

- Later, Dennis.

- Are you sure you wouldn't like another cup of tea?

- I haven't time.

I haven't even finished my house work.

Bye.

- Goodbye, Mrs. Wilson.

- I'd like a cup of tea.

- Oh, no you wouldn't.

- If I tried, I could learn to like it.

[music playing]

- Well, there you are, Mr. Hathaway.

$250.

- Mr. Wilson, I tip my hat to you.

When you want something, you keep after it until you get it.

- Oh. [laughs] Well, I suppose it's my background in business.

- [laughs] [door opens]

MARTHA (OFFSCREEN): George, I'm back.

- Oops, it's my wife.

If you don't mind, let's keep this little transaction

between ourselves until I've had a chance to talk with her.

- I understand.

I'm a married man myself.

- Oh, Martha, dear, come on in.

I want you to meet Mr. Hathaway.

- How do you do?

I hope you've had a pleasant afternoon.

MR. HATHAWAY (OFFSCREEN): It's been most enjoyable.

- Yes, you might say it's been mutually profitable.

[laughter] - Profitable?

Oh, well, as long as you two experts are here,

you might check the contents of my coin purse?

- Oh, (CHUCKLING) well, you see, I-- I always go over them.

- Of course. - No.

Martha, there's nothing today.

- Well, it's been wonderful meeting you two,

but I really must run.

Could you call me a cab?

- Cab?

Nonsense!

I'll drive you back to your hotel.

- Thank you.

Thank you.

Well, goodbye, Mrs. Wilson. - Goodbye.

- Thank you.

[music playing]

DENNIS (OFFSCREEN): Hello Mrs. Wilson!

- I'm in here, dear.

- Did you know your kitchen door was unlocked?

- Well I do now.

I suppose you've come over for your coins.

There they are in the ashtray.

You can have all of them.

- Gee, thanks.

Hey.

There's one on the floor.

Finders, keepers?

- Losers, weepers.

- Gee, thanks, Mrs. Wilson.

You know what, Mrs. Wilson?

You're swell.

[music playing]

[music playing]

- Don't shove.

You're always shoving.

- I gotta shove.

You're so slow.

- I am not.

- You are too!

- Dennis, Margaret.

Now, children, don't argue.

Margaret, you go first.

- I wish everybody's wish comes true.

- I wish mom's wish comes true.

I wish dad's wish comes true.

I wish Miss Cathcart's wish comes true.

I wish Mrs. Wilson's wish comes true.

I wish Mrs.--

- Dennis, we can't stay here all day.

- But it wouldn't be fair to leave anybody out

after they gave me their pennies.

- I wish Mr. Quigley's wish comes true.

I wish Mr. Quigley's sister-in-law's wish

comes true.

I wish Mrs. Wilson's wish comes true.

- Dennis, you've said Mrs. Wilson three times, dear.

- I know it.

That's on account of that special penny she gave me.

I wish Mrs. Anderson's wish comes true.

[music playing]

- Are you looking for something?

- Did you find it?

- Find what? - Well, never mind what.

Tell me what you found.

- I didn't find anything.

But if you're looking for your pipe cleaners,

they're right in the kitchen where you left them.

- Oh.

Thank you, dear.

- Now, don't stay up too long.

- All right, Martha.

- Oh, George Wilson, you're a fine one.

Only a chump would spend $250 for a $10 gold piece.

And only a super chump would lose it.

Oh, it's got to be here somewheres.

It's just got to be.

[music playing]

- With a vacuum cleaner.

[music playing]

DENNIS (OFFSCREEN): Hello Mr. Wilson!

[gate flaps closed]

- Oh, Dennis, be quiet.

You'll wake everybody up.

Why aren't you sleeping?

- I've been sleeping all night?

Want a pickle?

- At 6 o'clock in the morning?

No! - OK.

I'll save it for you for later.

What are you doing?

- Oh.

- Are you grumpy today, Mr. Wilson?

I guess you haven't had your coffee yet.

My dad's always grumpy 'til he's had his coffee.

- If I were your dad, I'd be grumpy 24 hours a day.

- Oh, I know what you're doing!

You're cleaning Mrs. Wilson's vacuum cleaner.

You sure are a good husband, Mr. Wilson.

- Now Dennis, I am warning you, I am not a well man.

I haven't slept all night.

I'm right at the breaking point.

I don't know how much longer I can go on this way.

- Poor Mr. Wilson.

I'll help you.

- No!

- Wh-- yes, yes, yes.

Maybe you can at that.

Here now, your fingers are small.

See if they can go inside that tube.

I'm-- I-- see if you can feel anything.

- I feel something! - You do?

What? - Dirt!

- Oh.

Oh, Dennis, come on.

Try again, Dennis.

I'm looking for a gold coin about the size of a quarter.

- You are?

When I was getting the coins from Mrs. Wilson,

I found a shiny one on the floor.

- Great Scott!

That was my $10 gold piece.

Well, where is it, Dennis?

- I threw it into the fountain.

That means you get a free wish. - Free wish.

Oh, I wish-- - Ah!

Don't say it out loud, or it won't come true.

- I wouldn't dare say it out loud.

All right, Dennis.

Now you show good old Mr. Wilson where

you threw his nice, shiny coin.

Heh?

Come on.

All right, drop the vacuum hose.

Well, put--

- I can't.

My finger's stuck in it.

- Oh.

- Boy, just look at all that money.

- Well, where did you throw my coin, Dennis?

- I don't know. When I wish, I close my eyes.

- Oh.

Well, come on.

Let's see if we can find it.

- Are you sure it's OK, Mr. Wilson?

Mom says fountains weren't to wade in.

- Well, your mom is perfectly right.

- She said there was a law.

- I know there's a law, Dennis, I know.

But this is an emergency.

- I like going to the park with you, Mr. Wilson.

We ought to do this every morning, huh?

- [grunts] [gasps] Oo!

- It's pretty cold at first.

But once you're in, it's nice and warm.

- Oh.

Oh. Ew.

I'm in, but it's still cold.

- Do you want to splash me, Mr. Wilson?

We'll take turns.

- I'd like to splash you, Dennis.

You have no idea how much I'd like to splash you.

But I've got to find that coin.

- Is this it, Mr. Wilson?

- No.

Well, wait a minute.

Don't be in such a hurry.

Now, that looked like an old Indian Head.

Some of those are pretty valuable.

- Are these valuable old Indian Heads, Mr. Wilson?

- I don't know, Dennis.

Put them over there on the ledge,

and I'll look them over before we throw them back.

- Boy, I'll bet we're the only people in the whole world

up this early, huh, Mr. Wilson?

[music playing]

- There it is.

I see it.

- I'll get it.

- Oh!

I almost had it, I almost had it.

- You have had it, mister.

Now, get out of there before I have to drag you out.

- See, Mr. Wilson?

I told you there was a law against it.

- Do you know who you're talking to?

- Well, that's what we're going to find out.

Come on, let's see your identification.

- Well, I-- I-- I don't have my wallet with me,

but I'm George Wilson.

And I live right down the street a few blocks at 625 Elm Street.

I'm a law-abiding citizen, and I can explain everything.

- Explain this.

- Hey, don't do that.

That's evidence. - Evidence?

Why, surely, officer, you don't think

I had any intention of stealing those miserable coins.

- No, they just jumped into your shoe all by themselves.

- No they didn't.

I helped him.

- Oh, shame.

You not only steal the coins that the little kiddies

collected for their playground, but you

get another little kiddie to help you.

Mister, we're going to throw the book at you.

- What book?

- Now wait a minute, officers, please.

You're making a mistake.

Tell them, Dennis.

- He only wanted them because they were valuable.

- Now-- now look here officer, I'll have you know Chief

Steward is a friend of mine.

- Oh, trying to intimidate an officer.

- Take your hand off me!

- Oh, resisting arrest, huh?

- Well at least let me get my shoes on.

- No, you can't put them on, they're evidence.

[music playing]

- Hi Sargeant Mooney!

Remember me?

- Heh, like the day I broke my leg.

- Am I going to get fingerprinted?

- Now Dennis, they're not going to fingerprint a little boy.

- Why not?

I was in there breaking the law just as hard as you were.

- Dennis!

- All right, all right.

What's the charge?

- Oh, we found him filching pennies out

of the fountain in the park.

Caught him red-handed.

- Get hold of Mr. Hathaway at the Imperial Hotel.

He can tell you how this whole miserable thing started.

And I demand to see my lawyer.

- Are your hands red, Mr. Wilson?

- Ooh, Dennis, can't you be quiet for one miserable minute?

- Don't you talk to the kid that way.

- Take him inside and get him into something warm, huh?

- Come on, son.

- And watch him, he's a tough customer.

Not him, the little one.

Mrs. Mitchell?

This is Sergeant Mooney at the police station.

- Yes?

MR. MITCHELL (OFFSCREEN): Dennis!

- Yes, I-- I see.

Yes, we'll bring Mrs. Wilson along.

MR. MITCHELL (OFFSCREEN): Dennis!

- Warm clothes, certainly.

Thank you very much for calling.

- I wonder where that kid can be.

- He's in jail.

- Oh.

Jail!

- Go get-- get Mrs. Wilson.

And tell her to bring some warm clothes for Mr. Wilson.

And I'll go upstairs and get some things together

for Dennis.

- Wait a minute.

What's Dennis doing at the jail, and what's this

got to do with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson?

- No, it's Mr. Wilson who got arrested,

and Dennis just happened to be with him.

That doesn't sound right, does it?

Well, what's the difference?

My little boy is in jail.

Who cares how he got there?

- Your little boy's father!

- Oh, thank you.

- Warm milk.

Last time I was here I got ice cream.

MRS. MITCHELL (OFFSCREEN): Where is he?

- George, George, are you all right?

- Martha. - I've been so worried.

- I will explain everything.

- Hi, everybody!

Boy, have we been having fun!

Huh, Mr. Wilson?

- No.

- Do you need a lawyer, Mr. Wilson?

- Everything's straightened out, Mr. Mitchell.

Don't worry, Mr. Wilson.

If your gold coin is in the fountain, my men will find it.

As a matter of fact, that ought to be back any minute.

- Gold coin?

Won't somebody please tell me what's happened?

- Well, I-- I was going to tell you, Martha.

But then I was ashamed to admit I had been so extravagant.

And then I lost it, and I couldn't find it, and then--

- Now, now, George, you know I don't care how much you spend.

- If you do get your coin back, I think you oughta

donate $25 to the children's playground

fund in lieu of a fine.

- Well, if they find my coin, I'll donate $50.

- We found it!

- Oh, let me see it.

Yes.

Yes!

Oh, it is my coin, my beautiful gold coin.

And the water didn't hurt it.

- Good old Mr. Wilson.

- OK, I said $50, and $50 it is.

Thank you, Sergeant.

Thank you, officers.

I'm going to tell Chief Steward he can be proud of you men.

- Oh, Mr. Hathaway.

- Oh!

Oh, I'm sorry to have troubled you, sir.

I don't need you after all.

But I can't tell you how much I appreciate it,

a man of your position coming all the way down here.

I want to shake your hand.

- Do you know this man?

- Wh-- wh-- ay-- uh.

- He's John Higgins, alias Jonathan Hathaway,

confidence man and bunko artist.

- He's been flooding the town with phony old coins.

- Phony!

But I paid $250 for this coin.

You mean to tell me it's worthless?

- I'm afraid so, Mr. Wilson.

- Oh, I--

- Don't cry, Mr. Wilson.

You still got your $50 wish coming.

- Oh ho-ho, Martha.

Martha, take me home.

I want my nerve medicine. [sobs]

- Now just relax, dear, and forget the whole thing.

- I'll never forget it.

This is the worst day in my life.

- Oh, don't say that, dear.

At least you got you check back.

DENNIS (OFFSCREEN): Hello, Mr. Wilson!

- Don't let him in.

- I won't, dear.

Dennis, it's not a good time for you to come in now.

- Jeepers, I haven't got time anyway.

Just tell Mr. Wilson I won't be able to play with him next

week, because I'm going to my grandpa's.

Bye!

- Goodbye.

- Martha, did I hear correctly?

Did I hear him say he was going away for a week?

- That's right, George.

- Well then, this wasn't such a bad day after all.

Martha, that fountain works.

My wish came true! [applause]

[music playing]