Original subtitles

[theme song]

I don't like this, Johnathan.

I just don't like it.

What don't you like?

You don't even know what the assignment is yet.

Neither do I. - Yeah.

I don't know what the assignment is,

but I know what the job's gonna be.

That's what I don't like.

Oh, come on.

I mean, look at this country, the rolling hills and pastures.

And horses.

That's the thing, horses.

What's the matter with horses?

I thought you grew up on a ranch when you were a kid.

I did.

That's why I know what I'm talking about.

They're killers, Jonathan.

They're vicious, mean-spirited killers.

Mark, that's nonsense and you know it.

Horses don't like me.

That's because you don't like them.

Hey, if one thing horses got, it's good instinct.

They got stink all right.

And there's nothing good about that.

And flies.

I'm telling you, horses come with flies.

We're gonna turn up here.

Why don't people ever need help in Hawaii?

Now, look at that.

You gonna tell me that's not beautiful?

Oh, well, the girl's beautiful,

but the horse is the fly factory.

How are you doing?

Just fine.

Well, that's a beautiful horse.

Yeah, Bucephalus is a great horse, got

the makings of a real champion.

We're looking for a Mr. MacGill.

He's a trainer here. - Yeah.

I know. He's my father.

JOHNATHAN: Oh.

You in the market for a horse?

No.

Actually, we're in the market for a job.

Oh.

I think you're wasting your time.

We have all the help we can use right now.

Can't hurt to try.

You never know.

All right.

Let me put this horse up and we'll find my dad.

JOHNATHAN: Thank you.

You're quite a rider.

You ever compete?

Oh, just minor league stuff.

Well, you would've fooled me.

It sure didn't look like minor league stuff back there.

Oh, thanks.

Getting to the Nationals, it takes more than a rider though.

You need a great horse.

And those can run a couple thousand dollars.

You can't exactly squeeze that out of a trainer salary.

What about the horse you were riding?

You said it had the makings of a champion.

Oh, he does.

He's not mine though.

I wish he was.

He belongs to Garth Armstrong Jr. That's the owner's son.

They shipped him over here from Europe for the munchkin.

The munchkin?

Yeah.

That's what he was last time I saw him about eight years ago.

He comes up to my shoulders.

Anyway, he went away to school in Europe

and they shipped his horse here ahead of time,

so we could work with him.

Oh, my name's Lizzy by the way, Lizzy MacGill.

I'm Jonathan Smith.

This is my friend, Mark Gordon. - Hi.

Hi.

Dadgummit.

Hi, Daddy.

Hi yourself.

Daddy, this is Johnathan Smith and Mark Gordon.

They're looking for work.

I told them we didn't have anything right now.

Not until about an hour ago when two of the stable hands

quit.

That's why I'm alone with this maniac.

You fellas know anything about horses?

Yeah, a little bit.

Yeah, very little.

We're terrific gardeners though.

You got anything in gardening?

What's the horse's name?

MACGILL: Hurricane.

What else?

All right, Hurricane, just stop, right there.

I wanna talk to you.

Hey now.

My name is Jonathan.

You scared of me?

Oh, now, come on.

There's no reason to be scared of me.

I'm a friend of yours.

OK?

Now, listen.

How'd you like it if I got on your back

and rode you a little bit?

All right. All right.

I'll do that.

There we go now.

He's calming down a little bit.

I never saw anything like that in my life.

JOHNATHAN: Just the knack, I guess.

I speak a little hoarse.

He speaks a little human.

We understand each other.

Mr. Smith, you and your friend just got yourself a job.

JOHNATHAN: Hey, thank you.

Come on.

I'll show you where you bunk.

Great.

Just great.

He's starting to settle down, Mr. Armstrong.

Looks pretty good, don't you think?

He ought to.

He cost enough.

He has some bad habits.

Mac, I want my son to have a horse that's

gonna win him the National.

If Bucephalus isn't it, let's cut our losses

and find him one that is.

If there's a champion in that horse, we'll bring it out, sir.

That's what I'm paying you for, Mac.

Yes, sir.

Whoa.

Easy, Bucephalus.

Easy, boy.

What kind of an idiot are you?

That's the dumbest stunt I've ever seen in my life.

This is private property, you know?

Who are you anyway?

Oh, come, come, my dear.

We've only just met.

Already we're having our first tiff?

Hey, creep, don't walk away from me.

This is private property.

I'm talking to you.

Hi, Dad.

Pretty flashy entrance, wasn't it, son?

Son?

It's the munchkin.

That's the munchkin?

Oh god.

I guess he grew.

Listen, I'm sorry I called you a creep.

I didn't recognize you.

Why should you recognize me?

Have we met or do you just read the society

pages under the dryer?

Garth, you remember MacGill's daughter, Elizabeth?

Lizzy the butterball?

Yeah.

I've slimmed down.

Yeah, and filled out.

Well, the old homestead might not be such a bore after all.

Beautiful body.

Nice legs.

Remember, you're engaged.

Yeah, I was talking about the horse, Dad.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Did I embarrass you?

No.

No.

Bucephalus is a great horse.

How does he handle?

Well, he looks good, but he's spoiled rotten.

Really?

Yeah, really.

Likes to prance around and show off his breeding,

but I can handle him.

I'm gonna go give him a bath.

I'll walk with you.

You can tell me more about my horse.

Hey, what's wrong?

I guess good breeding doesn't count for much after all.

Hey, hold on, Lizzy.

Let me explain something--

No.

There's nothing to explain.

You're engaged to another girl and you made a pass at me.

And maybe that's the height of sophistication in your book,

but it's not in mine.

Lizzy, there are three things I have to do in order

to get my trust fund, finish college, which I just barely

managed to do, win the Grand Nationals, which I intend

to do, and marry Lane Kensington, which I will be

forced to do in a few months.

In the meantime, I just thought we could have a good time.

That's all.

You're disgusting.

You know that?

Hey, if my father wants to force me to marry someone,

that's his business.

Where I find happiness, that's mine.

I feel sorry for you.

Yeah?

Well, don't lose any sleep over it.

Don't worry.

I won't.

[romantic music]

Hey there.

Yes, sir?

What's your name?

Jonathan Smith.

Well, Jonathan Smith, what's the story on Lizzy?

I don't know what you mean.

Oh, come, come, Smith, let's not be coy.

She got a boyfriend?

What's the story?

Oh, I haven't worked here very long,

but I don't think she does.

Near as I can tell, all she cares about

is riding in the Nationals.

She's going to compete?

All is not lost.

I didn't say she was gonna compete.

I said she wanted to.

She told me she couldn't afford the kind of horse

it would take.

No, I suppose not.

You know, I bet she'd be pretty tough on a horse

like Bucephalus there.

Yeah, I bet she would.

Thanks for the information, Jonathan.

You bet.

My feelings exactly.

Looks like that Armstrong boy took quite a shine to you.

Really?

I hadn't noticed.

You're a lot like your mother, Lizzy, rest her soul.

She wasn't much of a liar either.

I don't think there's much to be

concerned about where the munchkin and I are concerned.

Well, I hope you're right, Lizzy.

Hearsay.

Daddy, Garth Armstrong Jr. is the last person

on Earth I'd think about getting involved with.

That's the same thing that your mother said to me.

Daddy, what I want is what you had with mother.

And I don't think anybody is ever gonna have that kind

of relationship with Garth.

I feel sorry for him more than anything else.

Eat your food, before it gets cold.

Yes, ma'am.

JOHNATHAN: What do you think?

Kinda cute, huh?

LIZZY: Whose idea was it to gift wrap Bucephalus?

Well, I've got a note here.

It'll probably explain all that.

It's from Garth.

"Dear Butterball, if you think you're so hot,

you ride Bucephalus in the Nationals.

Though corrupting young girls is a hobby of mine,

I know you're burdened with scruples.

So don't consider this a gift.

Think of it as a loan, just to ensure

I get some decent competition.

Garth."

I can't accept this, can I?

I don't see why not.

He just said it was a loan.

John, I'm gonna ride in the Nationals.

I mean, I'm really gonna do it.

I gotta go tell my dad.

[exuberant music]

Woo hoo.

Daddy's around here someplace where the Armstrongs.

If you see him, will you tell him

that I went out with the officials

to walk over the course? - Yeah, OK.

OK.

Jonathan, um, you better find out

what time the veterinary advisor and the ground official

are gonna want to test Bucephalus.

Right. LIZZY: OK.

And Mark, get Bucephalus settled in and brush him down for me.

OK?

Couldn't we do it the other way around?

Let Johnathan take care of the horse?

Now, you're gonna have to get used to him sooner or later.

Besides, Bucephalus is crazy about you.

Just pretending.

He's waiting to get me alone.

See you later.

Johnathan.

I gotta go see the vet.

Johnathan, I don't like it in here.

You're gonna be fine, Mark. You're gonna be fine.

I'm not gonna be fi-- Jonathan.

[whinnying] Don't do that.

I don't like that.

All right.

Now, you-- lo-- you stay away from me.

Look, I'm a cop, you know?

And I'm-- I'm an expert in martial art.

I knew it.

Tried to kill me.

He-- he loves when I do that.

[neighing]

Hear that?

That-- that's a horse laugh.

[giggle]

MAN (PA): All competitors to the starting area.

Please, all competitors to the starting area.

Hi, Butterball.

Hey, you look nervous.

Relax.

Comes easy for you, doesn't it?

Of course it does.

Oh, Lizzy, it's just a game after all.

It's just riding around on four-legged beasties.

It's not important to you at all, is it?

Sure it is.

It means I get my trust fund.

Then, I don't have to worry about achieving anything.

I can rest on my laurels and my father's money.

Somebody ought to give you a swift kick in your laurels.

It'll probably never happen though.

You're probably just gonna breeze

right through your whole life.

I hope so.

LIZZY: Well, I feel sorry for you.

You have everything, looks, talent, money.

None of it means anything to you.

That's a horrible way to live.

Yeah.

It is a burden.

But it's my cross and I bear it in silence.

What do you say loser buys the winner a dinner?

If you lose, you can treat me to a hamburger.

If I lose, we go to the Tour d'Argent in Paris.

My hamburger against a trip to Paris?

Yeah.

Or Rome or London.

MAN (PA): The next rider is Lizzy MacGill on Bucephalus.

You're on.

So what about the bet?

Let's compromise.

Say winner buys a pizza.

Period.

MAN (PA): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

[intense music]

[cheering]

Beat that if you can, Munchkin.

Watch me, sweetheart.

The next rider is Garth Armstrong on Jabar.

Nice riding, baby.

MAN (PA): 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

[peaceful music]

[neighing]

Ah, get with it.

Well, hail to the conquering hero.

Where shall we go for that pizza?

Are you kidding?

I'm not going anywhere with you.

What are you talking about?

You won, didn't you?

You set your goal and you achieved it.

I thought that's what it's all about to you.

How could you just throw a tantrum

and walk off without even finishing the course?

You saw what happened.

I had a refusal.

There's no way I could've won.

I feel the need for a little fresh air.

Finish brushing Bucephalus for me, would you?

Right.

Thank you.

Lizzy.

I don't get it.

There's no way I could've won.

Why knock myself out for nothing?

Well, you could've finished the course like a man,

instead of a spoiled brat.

Who do you think you're talking to?

I'm talking to you.

Well, what's it to her?

Or to you, for that matter?

It's nothing to me, Garth.

Maybe it means something to her, because, for some reason,

she likes you.

Oh, she does, does she?

Well, we'll see who's in the winner's circle

when the finals come around.

Oh, and if you want to keep that job of yours, my friend,

watch your mouth around me.

You got it?

I thought that horses were stupid.

You know, that kid needs to get knocked on his butt a time

or two.

Mark, I have a feeling he's gonna be.

[country music]

Hey, get me another one.

I'll be with you in a minute.

If you want a tip, I want some service.

I'm waiting on another customer.

I said, I'll be with you in a minute.

Hey, baby, how'd you like to go to Paris?

How'd you like to go to the hospital?

You talking to me?

That's right.

Well, I'm not talking to you.

Come on, rich kid.

Get up.

Hey.

Garth, old buddy, it's getting late.

Time to go home.

Stay out of this.

Hey, Garth, I'm trying to be nice.

You stay out of this.

Rich kid needs a lesson.

I know.

But I'm against teachers hitting students.

Look, leave me alone.

Goodnight.

There you go.

What happened?

We had a little accident.

Your jaw hit my hand, but I'm OK.

Oh, it's you.

Yeah, it's me.

Yeah, well, stay away from me.

Hey.

You're in no condition to drive the car.

I said, stay away from me.

Look at this.

You gotta get this car serviced.

You know that?

W--

Come on.

It's a nice night for a walk.

Hey, you sobering up?

Yeah, little bit.

Sorry I had to pop it back there.

But I figured it was better me than him.

Yeah.

Guess I was a real jerk back there, wasn't I?

Yeah, you were.

Always agree with the boss's son.

Why?

Why what?

Why do you act like a jerk?

I'm not just talking about tonight either.

Oh, I know.

You'd have to be a real rich kid to understand.

Try me.

Well, from the time I was a little kid,

I always heard everybody telling me how lucky I was,

because my old man was loaded.

Self-made millionaire, my father.

Made his first million when he was 20.

Well, hell.

How am I gonna compete with that?

I could bust my butt and never come close to making

that kind of money.

So why try?

So I laugh my way through life and act like a jerk.

Now, why would anybody expect you to make as much money

as your father?

Besides, you don't measure a man's success in life

by how much money he makes.

Oh, you do in the circle I run in.

See, I'm gonna marry a girl named Lane.

Her family's loaded too.

That's why we're suited.

See, rich marries rich, so the families

are guaranteed that each generation gets richer.

Do you love her?

No, of course not.

It's planned breeding.

You know, like horses.

Yeah, with one big difference.

You have a choice.

I do, huh?

Look at this place.

It's beautiful, isn't it?

If I do what my dad wants, it'll all be mine someday.

Come on.

You're gonna tell me you wouldn't wanna live like this?

Without love?

No.

And I don't think you want to either.

Goodnight, Garth.

[bittersweet music]

All right.

I don't even wanna know.

I probably weigh a ton.

I went off my diet and pigged out last night.

I probably gained a ton.

Why can't ice cream be low cal and lettuce be fattening?

All right.

How much of a gain?

Nothing.

LIZZY: You're kidding.

No.

I'm not kidding.

As a matter of fact, you--

you've lost 10 pounds.

I did?

That's great.

Lizzy, have you been taking any diet pills?

No.

You're telling me the truth?

Yes.

Well, I don't figure it.

All these years, fighting to keep

your riding weight down and then, all of a sudden, bingo.

Let's not look a gift horse in the mouth.

I guess it's just nerves thinking about the Nationals.

You could be right.

But let's keep an eye on that weight.

OK? - OK.

[knocking]

Oh, it's you.

You could've saved yourself a trip.

I was just gonna bring Bucephalus over to your place.

I had this early doctor's appointment--

No.

I didn't come to pick up the horse.

Oh, I figured after yesterday--

What?

Because you chewed me out?

I deserved it.

You were right.

I acted like a jerk.

You're admitting it?

I just did, didn't I?

Yeah, you did.

Well, anyway, that's what I came to tell you,

that you were right.

So see you around.

Hey.

I owe you an apology.

For what?

You didn't do anything.

Yeah, I did.

I misjudged you.

No.

You didn't.

I'm still a jerk.

But I'm working on it.

You still owe me a pizza.

That's right.

7 o'clock all right?

Yeah.

7 o'clock is absolutely all right.

[romantic music]

All right.

There you go.

You're all set.

Johnathan, I don't like this.

Oh, come on, Mark.

You're never gonna get over your fear of horses until you ride.

I'd just soon keep the fear.

All right?

Trust me, will you?

I don't trust you. It's--

Come on.

Get on.

Go on.

I got a feeling I'm gonna regret this.

Nice, horsey.

[neigh] There?

You see?

He hates me.

JOHNATHAN: No, he doesn't.

Well, then, what was that?

He was just saying, hello.

Now, don't worry.

I used the stuff.

I got the stuff?

No, no.

The-- the horse has got the stuff.

Oh.

[screaming]

Cute, Jonathan.

Cute.

Cute.

Well, Lizzy, you can afford to eat pizza tonight.

I still think this is a mistake.

Daddy.

People don't change overnight.

I'm telling you, Liz.

It's an act.

He's picked up the challenge.

I know young men like him.

And you know me.

So stop worrying.

I'm a father.

It's my job to worry.

He's a rich, spoiled kid.

He's also a person.

And people do change.

And didn't you always tell me, don't

judge a book by its cover?

I wish you didn't have such a good memory.

Does his fiancee know about this?

Daddy, we are going out for pizza.

Probably gonna spend the evening talking horses.

[knocking]

I won't be late.

Would you get that worried look off your face?

GARTH: You all ready?

LIZZY: Yep.

And I'm starved.

Have fun.

[door closes]

But not too much.

Better speed up.

You're running outta time.

I am not.

You're saying that because I'm winning.

That's true.

[fanfare playing]

New record.

Beat that. - No.

I can't.

I surrender.

There any pizza left?

But of course.

[giggling]

What?

Don't look at me like that.

I can afford to eat.

My weight's down.

Oh, that isn't the look I was giving you.

What then?

I was just thinking how much fun it

is to be with someone like you.

Someone like me?

Someone real, someone I care about.

Uh oh.

What's uh oh?

My dad warned me.

He said that I was another challenge to you,

just another conquest.

I'm just letting you know that you're wasting your time.

Cause I don't swoon over lines like that.

It wasn't a line and I didn't expect you to swoon.

I made a mistake.

I tried to be honest with you.

I apologize.

I apologize.

I'm sorry.

Forget I said that.

That wasn't fair.

Apology accepted.

Come on.

I'm gonna beat you that game if it's the last thing I do.

MR. ARMSTRONG: Garth.

You're up late, Dad.

I was reading.

Lane called.

Oh.

Wanted to know where you were.

There was a dinner party tonight.

Yeah.

I had some thinking to do.

You were with the MacGill girl, having a pizza.

I happened to ask one of the boys if they'd seen you.

Yeah.

I owed her a pizza from the other day.

This is a small town.

People talk.

Don't do anything to jeopardize your marriage to Lane.

Oh, come on, Dad.

There's only one thing that could jeopardize that.

It's very unlikely you'll go broke.

I'll see you in the morning.

She's gonna be tough to beat.

She always was.

Garth, well, there's my long lost fiance.

Oh boy.

Lane, what brings you out here?

Well, if the mountain won't come to Muhammad.

It's been a few days.

I missed you.

Yeah, well, I've been busy.

I can see that.

What a beautiful horse.

Yeah, Bucephalus.

Isn't that the MacGill girl?

GARTH: Yeah.

She's quite a rider.

Is that all?

What?

Nevermind.

Your father and I were talking about a wedding present.

And I couldn't make up my mind until now.

Daddy, you know what I'd love?

That horse.

He's yours.

Wh-- but you-- you've never been interested.

I'm quite a good rider, really.

And since I'm gonna be part of this family,

I think I should spend more time riding.

It is all right, isn't it, Daddy?

I said he was yours.

But I promised Lizzy she could ride the horse in the Nationals

if she makes it.

Well, Garth, you'll just have to find another horse to ride.

Oh, Liz.

Liz.

Hi, Mr. Armstrong.

MR. ARMSTRONG: Liz, do you know Lane Kensington?

Sure. Hi.

Hello.

Well, Lane has decided she'd like to have

Bucephalus as a wedding gift.

We'll find you another mount.

Well, he's an awful lot of horse

if you're not an expert rider.

I am, thank you.

As a matter of fact, I'd like to feel him out right now.

Well, you be careful.

I'm always careful with anything that's mine.

Garth.

I have some work to do.

LANE: Garth.

[laughing]

It was really hard to keep a straight face.

I've never seen her with a hair out of place.

Well, she was a vision.

I don't know what got into that horse,

but he couldn't've picked a better time.

Lizzy, you in here?

Well, she was upset.

She might've gone home.

I'll take care of the horse.

Thanks.

Lizzy.

Lizzy?

Lizzy.

What happened?

I don't know.

I just got dizzy.

Old Dizzy Lizzy.

Can you get up?

Yeah.

I just feel a little lightheaded.

Well, you got your horse back.

What?

Bucephalus looked like he was coming out of a chute.

Lane wants no part of him.

LIZZY: All right.

I'm sorry it happened.

I know.

But I'm still gonna beat you on Saturday.

You know how I like my pizza.

Oh, Garth, Lane is all cleaned up.

She's waiting for you at the house.

Yeah.

I'm coming.

I'll talk to you later.

Hey, you're still not too stead on your feet, young lady.

I know.

I've been feeling kind of puny lately.

Look, why don't you let me run you over to the doctor?

No. I'll be fine.

Hey, don't be stubborn, even though I

know you can't help it.

All right.

You talked me into it.

JOHNATHAN: Let's go.

Lizzy, you've dropped another five pounds.

Keep this up, I'm gonna be modeling for Vogue.

I'm gonna run a few tests, see if I can track this thing down.

Maybe I just need a few vitamins.

Maybe you just need a few tests taken.

Yes, sir.

You gonna have to take blood?

Yes.

I'm gonna have to take blood.

Ew. Yuck.

I hate that.

So the food is divine.

And you know how I'm about desserts, especially--

Aren't you excited, dear?

Garth.

What?

Aren't you excited?

About what?

About the honeymoon, silly.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

It's almost time.

I'd better get ready.

Good luck.

Is everything all right, Garth?

I've never seen him so quiet.

Oh, he's all right.

He's probably thinking of the competition.

Jonathan.

Hey, Garth.

We were just going to saddle up Jabar.

Oh, great.

Where's Lizzy?

She's second stall from the end.

Thanks.

You know what you were talking to me about, about living

in a big house without love?

Mhm.

You were right.

Hi.

Hi yourself.

Ready to get beat?

No way.

Oh, you're that sure of yourself?

Yeah.

Well, maybe you'd like to up the ante.

I would, but I can't afford it.

GARTH: Hey, you just said, no way you can lose.

I know.

But my dad taught me never bet what you can't afford.

All right.

I'll make it easy on you.

You win, I buy the pizza.

If I win, you marry me.

Very funny.

Who's laughing?

[romantic music]

Lizzy, I love you.

If you do marry me, I'll probably

get cut off by my father.

I thought you should know that.

But what the hell.

Pizza's not expensive anyway.

She's really quite good, isn't she?

I wouldn't know.

Nice ride.

Thanks.

Looks like you're stuck for a pizza.

That's where you're wrong, former Ms. MacGill.

I never said it was a bet.

You never said it wasn't either.

MAN (PA): Our last contestant is Garth Armstrong, riding Jabar.

See you at the altar.

He is crazy.

You know that?

Yeah, about you.

[lively music]

MAN (PA): Our winter with no faults

and the fastest elapsed time is Garth Armstrong on Jabar.

MR. ARMSTRONG: Garth.

Garth.

Garth.

Mr. Garth's not here, sir.

He left about two hours ago.

Oh, he did?

Did he say why he didn't show up at the awards banquet?

No, sir.

He left you a note.

The damn fool.

[knocking]

Mac.

Mac, are you here?

Mac, I want you to know something.

This so-called marriage between your daughter and my son

is not gonna do you or her any good.

Do you understand me?

I'll cut him off without a penny.

Mr. Armstrong--

MR. ARMSTRONG: Now, you keep out of this.

Now, if you know where they've gone, I advise you to tell me,

so we can stop this before it even starts.

I'm not gonna have any gold digging daughter of a ranch

hand moving into my family.

No.

No.

No.

[ominous music]

[sobbing]

What in God's name is the matter with him?

I stopped by this evening to give Lizzie and her father

the news about her tests.

Te-- wh-- what are you talking about?

Lizzy has cancer, Mr. Armstrong.

[theme song]