Frankie & Hazel (2000) - full transcript

(mellow music playing)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(Stefan claps)
Pay attention, girls.

Audition is coming.

We need hard work.

Very hard work.

Victoria, listen to music.

And one, two, three, four.

Better.

Karina, long neck.



Make like princess.

Francesca, show class.

(mellow music playing)

-(music stops)
-Voila. Very good.

(claps) Audition.

Girls, audition is soon.

Nine weeks.

This year is great honor.

Natalia Slavyanska herself
will be one of judges.

Is great honor.

Nine weeks.

We need hard work. Hard work!

Very, very few girls
are accepted by City Ballet.

You may never have
this chance again.



You must be ready.

Only nine weeks.

Practice. Practice. Practice.

[Frankie] I've been taking
ballet lessons my whole life.

Since I was three-years-old.

My mother was a prima ballerina.

She danced on six continents.

My grandmother tells me
that men all over the world
were madly in love with her.

I don't remember her at all.

But I miss her.

My grandmother
and my teacher, Mr. N,

say that it is my destiny
to be a dancer.

They say that I'm very lucky
because I've inherited
my mother's gift.

Hi.

Did you know you can actually
divorce your family
in some states?

Are you trying
to tell me something?

Very funny.

You know, I like to keep
on top of these things.

Knowledge is power.

I thought ignorance was bliss.

Ignorance is ignorance.
Bliss is bliss.

They've got nothing to do
with each other.

So what do you wanna do?

What do I wanna do,
or what do I have to do?

[Hazel] I know.
You wanna go to the park

but you have to go
to the library, right?

[Frankie]
Hazel's my best friend.

We can read each other's minds.

Hazel says we have
mental telepathy.

She's one of
the smartest people I know.

I knew it.

[Frankie] Throw it to second!
To second!

Oh, you would've had him.

(sighs)

-He would've had him.
-[Hazel] Yeah?

Isn't baseball
the most beautiful game?

If you say so, amiguita.

Really, it's like nothing else.

That's true. It's the most
boring game on the planet.

I'd love to play on a team.

So why don't you? Look.

-(chuckles) Yeah, right.
-I mean it.

-Get out of here.
-Face it, Frankie.

You're not happy sitting
on the sidelines.

I think you should get it
out of your system,
once and for all.

Come over here tomorrow,
and try out for the team.

You're crazy. I'd never make it.

Why not?

I've only ever played
with your dad and Carlos.

So? You can hit. I've seen you.

I'm not gonna get on the team.

Not with that attitude,
you're not.

(sighs)

Oh, no. I gotta get
to the library.

(instrumental music playing)

And even if I got on the team,
when would I play?

I've got ballet class five times
a week

and my audition is coming up.

That's exactly my point.

There's more to life
than ballet, Frankie.

You need to expand
your horizons.

You know, live a little.

And how about my grandmother?

Can you see her going along
with this?

She doesn't need to know what
you're doing every second
of the day.

Ignorance is bliss.

[Frankie] What happened to
"Knowledge is power?"

[Hazel] In the right hands.
Granny's ignorance...

is our bliss.

What's this?

"Closed Wednesday,
Saturday afternoon and Sunday."

That's pathetic. It should say,
"We never open."

But the mayor says right here
we have "An open door into
the 21st century."

Well, you know what?

Mayor Harrison will be
hearing from me.

How in the world am I gonna get
that report done by tomorrow?

(both chuckle) Carlos.

[Frankie] I moved
to Percaucus, New Jersey,
when I was four.

And I've lived next door
to Hazel
and her brother, Carlos,

and their parents ever since.

They're like my second family.

Antonio!

Hola, hijita. Hola, Frankie.

-Hola, papi.
-Hey!

I have a hot tip on some
beautiful Yankee tickets.

So keep your fingers crossed.

Oje. Ven pronto y lavate
las manos.

Dinner's on the table.

-So come over after dinner?
-Okay.

-Hasta pronto, amiguita.
-Cheerio then, love.

[Frankie] I live with
my grandmother.

My parents were killed in
a car accident
when I was a baby.

Granny isn't like anyone else
you've ever met.

She lives by her very own
set of rules and passions.

The first rule is that
there are two types of taste.

Her taste and bad taste.

[Mrs. Ferrar] Uh, we were
thinking gladiolus.

Hmm.

-Unless--
-Shall I tell you what I think?

I think gladioli are lovely,
in the right places.

Funerals, hospitals,

dentist waiting rooms and so on.
(chuckles)

That sort of thing.
But for a wedding,

we must be very careful.

We are creating mood of beauty,

joy, love, romance.

In a word, roses.

Oh. Roses. Of course,
long-stem red roses.

Tiny, delicate, pink tea roses.

Tea roses. And maybe
a little fern?

[Frankie] Hi, Gran.

Oh. Francesca darling,
you're late.

Sorry, Gran,
I lost track of time.

Mrs. Ferrar, Millicent,
my granddaughter, Francesca.

-[Mrs. Ferrar] Hello.
-How do you do?

How do you do, darling?
So this is the ballerina?

Oh, she is stunning!

Remember when you took ballet?

I always said
you never should've given it up.

Mom, I was five-years-old.

You were five-year-old,
and now you're
twenty-five-years-old.

and we're talking liposuction.

Well, uh, it's been lovely
seeing you again.

And everything
is coming along beautifully.

Now, what about tablecloths?

Ah, yes, yes. Well, next week,
we'll discuss the linens.

[Mrs. Ferrar] Good. Goodbye.

[Phoebe] Goodbye. And Millicent,
you'll make a charming bride.

-[Millicent] Thank you.
-(door closes)

And your mother will be the most
terrifying mother-in-law
that ever lived.

It's tragic how weddings
bring out the worst in people.

And when you come home late,
it brings out the worst in me.

I'm sorry.

But, darling,
you know how I worry.

Next time,
just pick up the phone.

Now, do you have any homework?

Lots. And did you know that
the library's closed
on Wednesdays now?

No. This city is coming apart
at the seams.

[Carlos] I've got a thing
on King Tut with some
incredible stuff on embalming.

Oh, wait, here's what you need.

Stream Ecology.

This is a good one.
It's pretty recent.

Oh, gracias, Carlos.

These are great.
Can I take them home?

Uh, sure, let me just log in
which issues you're taking.

Carlos, you're such
an obsessive compulsive.

I'm proud of it. (chuckles)

[Frankie] You've saved my life.

Well, I better go get started.

So you're gonna
try out tomorrow?

-Try out? For what?
-[Hazel] Fall Ball.

Frankie wants to play
but she doesn't think
she's good enough.

You should go for it.
You're good enough.

-You think?
-Yeah. Here, you can even use
my old glove.

-Thanks.
-[Carlos] Go on
and take it and I'll...

log it in later.

So you're gonna go for it?

I might. Muchas gracias, Carlos.

Night, Hazel.

Night, slugger.

-Give me a break.
-[Carlos] Night, Frankie.

She's gonna do it.

I know these things.

(mellow music playing)

Bedtime, Henry.

Right-o.

Nighty-night.

[Frankie] Granny reads to me
every night,

just as she read to my mother.

She started on Shakespeare
when I was five.

We've read most of Dickens,

except for
"A Tale of Two Cities"

which she says is rubbish.

Now we're doing
"The Bronte Sisters."

Another one of granny's rules is

that you've got to get
the 19th century under your belt

before you become
too cynical about romance.

Now, let's see.

Where did we leave
that rogue Heathcliff?

Still staggering about
the moors, no doubt.

"The rainy night had ushered in
a misty morning,

"half frost, half drizzle."

(indistinct chatter)

Okay. Jeff, you're up after...

-Ray-jiv?
-It's Rajiv.

All right. Okay.

You then, Jeff.

Then, uh, Nick and Frankie.

Now, we've only got
two positions left, boys.

Need a couple of hitters,
guys that can really
smack that ball.

Somebody's not gonna make it.

-Don't get your hopes up.
-Nice guy.

Warm, supportive, caring.

Don't pay any attention to him.

What do you mean
don't pay any attention to him?

He's the coach.

-Daniel, you're pitching.
-Okay, Dad.

-Dad?
-Mark on first base.

Abdul on second, Pete, third.

Louie, Carmine, and Tim
in the outfield.

Uh, the rest of you kids
line up here.

And, uh...

-Rajiv.
-Yeah, yeah. Uh, you're up.

Pete, get over here.

-Hazel.
-What?

I'm the only girl.

Good for you.

-I've changed my mind.
-You can't change your mind.

-Oh, yes, I can.
-Listen to me, Frankie.

Where would we be today

if Susan B. Anthony
had changed her mind?

Where would we be if Rosa Parks
had changed her mind?

Where would we be
if Amelia Earhart
had changed her mind?

Hazel, Amelia Earhart
disappeared over the ocean
without a trace.

She should've changed her mind.

Picky, picky, picky.

-[boy] I got it, I got it.
-Not bad.

(indistinct chatter)

-[man] Yeah, nice smack.
-Okay.

That's enough. That's good.

Uh, Nick.

(indistinct chatter)

[boy] Great going! Good one.

Uh, thanks, Nick.

Don't call us. We'll call you.

Next! Frankie Humphries!

Come on, come on,
Frankie Humphries!

Let's go.

(whistle blows)

-Frankie Humphries!
-That's me.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Hold on a minute.

(sighs)

This is an all-boys team.

The sign didn't say anything
about an all-boys team.

Well, sometimes you just have
to read between the lines.

I don't understand.
Are you saying I'm not allowed
to try out for this team?

Uh, don't take it personally.

It's, uh, just a question
of, uh, safety.

Listen, if you really
wanna play baseball,

you should try Roselle Park,
there's an all-girls
league there,

that's not half bad!

But that's miles away.

Sorry. (blows whistle)

Say, has everyone else
had a shot now?

No!

Time's a-wasting.
Please step away from the plate.

I'm afraid
she can't do that, coach.

-I beg your pardon.
-You heard me.

And you are...

Hazel Perez, counselor-at-law.

And you have just violated
Title IX,

which constitutes
gender discrimination.

All right.

Daniel, pitch a couple
to Gloria Steinem over here

and let's move this thing along.

(indistinct chatter)

Hey, Daniel, maybe you should
try pitching like a girl.

(laughter)

Thanks, but no thanks.

(clears throat) Show... show her
what you got, son.

[boy] Whoa!

Uh, anyone else out there
uh, wanna try?

Anyone?

No?

Well, uh, looks like it's uh,
Ray...

and Frankie.

(chuckles)

Listen, Frankie, there'll be
no special treatment,

no special uniforms
and no whining.

Practices are Wednesday
and Friday, 4:30 p.m. sharp.

Uh, first game's in three weeks.
Uh, welcome to the team.

-You did it!
-I can't believe it.

-Way to go.
-[coach] Uniforms over here!

Cool.

(instrumental music playing)

Hazel, are you really a lawyer?

Well, I haven't
passed the bar yet,
but I'm working on it.

-So do you play baseball, too?
-No.

I'm just here for my client.

-Oh, I see.
-[coach] Daniel!

Get a move on.

-Well, maybe
I'll see you around.
-Sure.

(sarcastically)
I'll see you around, Hazel.

-Stop.
-He's cute.

Yeah.

You were fantastic!

[Frankie] Boy, I almost blew it.

-[Hazel] Well, I'm proud of you.
-[Frankie] Thanks.

But there's still
one big problem.

♪ Who threw the overalls
In Mrs. Murphy's chowder? ♪

♪ Nobody spoke
So I shouted all the louder ♪

(door closes)

-Is that you, lovey?
-Yes, Granny.

Well, come quick.
Wash your hands and sit down.

-Supper's ready.
-Hi, Gran.

Hello, my darling. Mwah.

-How was your day?
-Great.

I went to the park with Hazel.

-And what did you girls do?
-Well...

There was a baseball try out.

Baseball?

I must say I've never understood
your interest in that game.

It's really
a wonderful game, Gran.
I think you'd like it.

Darling, I'm too old
to swing a bat.

No, I mean to watch.

Uh, it's excruciatingly slow.

Slow?

In the major leagues,

the ball's coming at you
at 90 miles per hour.

Not at me, thank you very much.
God forbid.

It's kinda like ballet.

You know how everyone thinks
it looks so easy?

Well, with baseball,
it's the same--

Baseball is nothing
like the ballet.

Just brute force.

A lot of men
scratching themselves

and spitting out
great streams of brown fluid.

It's revolting.

But I'd really like
to play and--

You are a dancer, Francesca.

And right now, there can only be
one focus in your life.

And that's your audition.

I know, Gran,
but I could do both.

If you get accepted
by this school,

in a few short years,

you could be dancing with one
of the finest companies
in the world.

I understand that, Gran, but--

You have the talent, darling.

I know you have.
I watched your mother.

A gift like that
is very precious.

You must not squander it.

(mellow piano music playing)

-Brava!
-(music stops)

(sarcastically)
Brava. Brava, Francesca.

(laughter)

Well, I think she's lovely.

-Don't you think she's--
-Highly overrated.

-In my opinion.
-Yeah.

I think Mr. N is losing it.

He just likes her because
her mother is hanging
on the wall over there.

-I think you're jealous.
-Jealous?

She's such a little goody-goody.
(chuckles)

You should see her
with her grandmother.

"Yes, Granny. Of course, Granny.
Can I kiss your feet, Granny?"

-She's a pathetic little wimp.
-(girl clears throat)

I need new ribbons.

These ones are short.

[Phoebe] Of course she has
all that studying to do.

I know,
they have a test tomorrow.

-Yes, a history test.
-Right.

Oh, now, here she is.

Oh, Francesca,
where's your jacket?

You'll catch pneumonia.

-Goodbye, Eliana.
-Goodbye, Phoebe.

Francesca, I'm afraid
I have to go out.

-Where are you going?
-Floral emergency.

I can't see why they can't
solve these things without me,
but there we are.

Now, I've left some sandwiches

and biscuits on the table
for you.

Um, please make sure you have
a glass of milk.

-Mm-hm.
-And don't forget
the history test tomorrow.

-All right.
-So crack those books open.

-Gran.
-Yes, dear?

Nothing. Bye.

Buh-bye, darling.

I am a pathetic little wimp.

[boy] Throw it to me.

(indistinct chatter)

[Carmine] Hey. Hey, Abdul.
Abdul.

Get a load of number nine.

All dressed up.

-(chuckles)
-(whistle blows)

Okay, listen up, you guys!

Partner up
and practice catching.

Two new kids, uh...
What's your name?

Frankie and, uh... Radish,
you two follow me.

-Its's Rajiv.
-Yeah.

[boy] Hey, give me a grounder.

Carmine, throw here!

[boy] Come on, man,
put some heat on--

Uh, Rajneesh. Grounder.

Okay.

Frankie.

(scoffs)

Good!

Frankie!

Frankie.

You're gonna have to do
better than this if you wanna
play with the boys.

Mark! Get over here!

Take Frankie into the outfield
and throw her a few.

-Do I have to?
-Yeah, you have to.

[boy] Hey, Mark,
you got a girlfriend?

Nobody wears their uniform
to practice, you know.

I know now.

[Carmine]
Hey, Mark, you got a date?

You're gonna need a step stool.

(sighs)

(mellow music playing)

(groans softly)

Hello, Frankie.
How did practice go?

Not so good.

They don't really want me
on the team.

What makes you say that?

I can just tell.

Hey, give 'em some time,
Frankie. They'll come around.

Oh, and there's one other
minor problem.

I can't catch.

You just need some practice.

I mean, hey,
everybody needs practice.

Here. Go.

All right.

(groans) See, I told you.

Uh, let me see
how you're holding that glove.

Okay, um...

Hold it up more. Like this.

All right?

All right, let's try it again,
okay? All right.

Don't be afraid to move,
Frankie. Jump for it.

And remember to cover the ball
with your other hand,
so you don't drop it.

-Okay.
-Okay, let's try it again.

There you go.
See, you're gettin' it.

Try it again.

[Carlos] Hey, good shot.

(chuckles)
Muchas gracias, amigo.

Your turn.

(giggles)

-Not bad.
-Not good.

You just need some practice.
Everyone need to practice.

Ha-ha.

How do you say "I love plums"
in Spanish?

Hmm.

"I love plums in Spanish."

It feels like fall.

Don't remind me, my dad
will have me
raking the leaves soon.

I love your father.

Yeah, he's a pretty good guy.

Do you remember
your father at all?

No, I was too young.

But Granny says
I take after him though.

You know, he was a pretty big
bird lover.

Oh, no kiddin'. So I guess
you take after both of 'em.

You get the birds
from your father
and ballet from your mother.

I wonder where the baseball
comes from.

Maybe the baseball's
just from you.

Keep the glove, Frankie.
It's yours.

Thanks.

I wonder how you could possibly
recommend that book, Edie.

I could barely make it through
to the last page.

You know
what your problem is, Phoebe?

You're a snob.

Not everything's Shakespeare.

This book is charming.

It's heartwarming.

I wept, and I'm not ashamed
to admit it.

Well, you ought to be.

(whispering) Now-now, Phoebe.

[Sasha] I have to be honest.

I haven't read a thing
since I met Raul.

[Frankie] Hello, everybody.

-Hi, Gran.
-Ah, hello, my darling.

Francesca. My love.

You look more like your mother
every day.

-[Sasha] Yeah.
-[Edie] Oh, yes.

I'll never forget seeing her
at Lincoln Center.

Francesca.

Oh, let me see that face.

(exclaims) She's a knockout.

Come and sit beside me,
Francesca.

And bring me up to date.

Any boyfriends yet?

[Phoebe] Francesca doesn't
have time for boys.

She's too busy practicing
for her audition.

You can't control
her life forever, Phoebe.

Don't you pay any attention
to your granny.

There is always time for boys.

And men are crazy for dancers.

(door opens)

-[Hazel] Hello?
-Come in, Hazel.

-Honestly.
-Thank God you're here.

What's that?

It's a petition
to keep the library open
longer hours.

Well, you've come
to the right place.

Attention. Attention, everybody.

Hazel has an important
announcement to make.

Fellow citizens of Percaucus,

it has recently come
to my attention

that the library hours
have been severely shortened.

Consequently, I have drawn up
this petition,

which I plan to present
to the mayor.

Good for you, Hazel.

-Hear, hear.
-I like a girl

who goes after what she wants.

When you run for president,
you'll have my vote.

What was it last year?
Toxic waste?

Francesca, come back.

One more time.

Olga, play that part again.

(music starts playing)

-Nicht! No!
-(music stops)

Francesca, where is your mind?

At school? With boy?

-It's not here.
-I'm sorry.

Again.

(piano music starts playing)

[Abdul] Daniel. Hey, Daniel.
Hey.

-Looking for number nine?
-Who?

No way. He's looking
for the attorney.

(chucking) Ah!

And here she comes.

[Abdul] Hey, hey, hey.

(chuckling)

(indistinct chatter)

-Hi.
-Hi.

-Come here often?
-All the time.

-You?
-No.

I'm just here to see
my best friend.
She's on the team.

-Hmm.
-Wow! How do you do that?

Oh, it's not so hard.

What are you reading?

Oh. "Great Women Leaders."

It's fascinating.

My name is Hazel by the way.

I'm Cynthia.

Is that your friend?

-[Hazel] Yeah, it's Frankie.
-[Cynthia] I've heard about her.

Frankie! You're 15 minutes late.

Now, under normal circumstances,
I'd send you home

but the truth is,
you're the worst player
on this team

and you can't afford
to miss practice.
(blows whistle)

-Everybody on to the field.
-Do you believe that jerk?

Do you know him?

Sort of.

(chuckles) He's my husband.

Sorry. I'm sure he's a great guy
when you get to know him.

Well, his bark is worse
than his bite.

Right.

Listen, do you know
what's going on
with the libraries in this town?

-Mm-mm, no.
-I've prepared a petition.

To present to the mayor.

Good for you.

I know my husband's real upset
that he's cut
the park's budget again.

-He has?
-Mm-hm.

That's an outrage.

I have to tell Frankie
about this.

[Frankie] Help clean up
our parks.

[Hazel] Help save our libraries.

Please. This is important.

The decline of civilization
is upon us.

[Frankie] Please, sir,
take a pamphlet.

[Hazel]
Please, this is important.

Please, ma'am.

The apathy in this town
is really starting
to get on my nerves.

Look who's here.
Now's your chance.

Mr. Mayor. Mr. Mayor!

Mr. Mayor, what are you
planning to do
about the library?

I beg your pardon.

The library. You know, the place
with all the books.

Yes, yes, I know the library.
What's your point?

My point is,
the library's closed

more often than it's open,
and the park is a total mess.

I wanna know
what you're planning
to do about it.

Young lady,
if you have a concern,

all you need to do is
contact the mayor's office.

He reads every letter that goes
across his desk.

Well, apparently,
you haven't read mine, sir.

I've sent you
six letters already.

And I have a petition here
with 583 signatures--

I'll be happy
to look at your petition,

but right now I'm on my way
to a council meeting.

Why don't you call
my office on, uh... Monday.

-But--
-Who was that kid?

That guy is so out of touch.

If I were mayor, I'd want to
listen to what I have to say.

You'd make a great mayor.

You know what? Nobody's even
running against him this year.

So here's your chance.

Hmm.

Mayor Perez.

I could get used to that.

Flour, raisins, rice.

Ah.

[Carmine] What, you tryna' make
fun of my culture?

Rajiv! Don't touch that.

Ah... I'm just gonna go look
at the magazines, Gran.

All right.

[Carmine] All right.

And more chips...

A guy's gotta eat, okay.

-[Rajiv] This is enough.
-[Carmine] All right...

Get the chips, man.

-[Abdul] Throw it to me.
-Go long, go long.

[Carmine] It's Joe Montana!

[Abdul] Throw it, Carmine.

-(gasps)
-(dramatic music)

(grunts)

(applause)

-[Abdul] Yeah!
-(sighs)

[Abdul] Nice catch.
That was amazing.

Nice catch, baby.

-Thanks.
-[Abdul] Yeah, way to go.

-[Phoebe] Francesca?
-Got to go.

-See you at the game, no. 9.
-[Rajiv] See you in an hour.

-[boy] Bye.
-[boy 1] Bye.

[Phoebe] I'm meeting Millicent
and her mother,

but I'll be home by 5:00.

[Frankie] Oh, okay.

Please don't be late again.

I won't.

Francesca?

(sighs)

-Yes, Gran?
-Have a good class, darling.

Thanks.

-[Frankie] Oh, good,
you made it.
-Of course, amiguita

Here's your uniform.
Here's my bike.

Go get changed.

[Frankie] So what are--

What are you gonna say?

Don't worry,
I have something figured out.

Have I ever failed you before?

I feel so guilty.

Don't be silly.
You can't miss your first game.

Now, get out of here
and get changed.

(indistinct chatter)

Oh, look,
it's Francesca's little friend.

At least she has a friend.

[Stefan] Hazel!

Mr. N.

Where is Francesca?

Oh, I just saw her down the--

Wow, that's gonna be
a really bad zit.

(gasps)

She can't come to class today.

-Something terrible happened.
-What?

Her uncle died, suddenly.

I am so sorry.

She was close to him?

He was her favorite uncle.

Uncle...

Boris.

I too had one Uncle Boris.

Of course,
she must go to say farewell.

Hazel, tell Francesca

I will light candle for her.

[man] Okay, my friends,
this is not about

winning or losing.

This is about
having a good time.

And working with your teammates.

I'm proud of the progress
you've made so far.

Now, everybody's gonna get
a turn at bat today,

so try and relax.

What happens here

is not gonna change
the course of history.

Just go out there

and do the best you can.

-All right?
-[boy] All right.

Put it in here.

[all] Roar, Tigers, roar!

(whistle blowing)

[coach] All right!

Pay attention.

Thanks for joining us, Frankie.

Now, I'm sick and tired
of you people goofing off.

This is the real thing.

Junior League, six innings,
you got it?

I want you to use your noggins.

No daydreaming,
no stupid base running,

and please, please, please,

remember to hit the cutoff man.
Is that clear?

-Yes, sir.
-(whistle blows)

Hit the field.

And, Frankie,
don't embarrass us.

Don't pay
any attention to him, Frankie.

-We sure don't.
-Hey, Frankie, baby.

You know,
that was some catch back there.

Hey, you were flying.
Where'd you learn
to jump like that?

Ballet school.

(indistinct chatter)

[Hazel] Hey, Frankie!

-Hi.
-Hi!

This is so exciting.
What are you reading?

"The Power of She." It's great.

Thanks for recommending it.

-(cheering)
-Look.

You're really getting it.

-[boy] Let's go, Daniel.
-[umpire] Play ball.

[man] Swing batter,
swing batter.

[man] Now, run.

(indistinct cheering
and shouting)

[umpire] Out.

(cheering)

(intense music playing)

Whoo!

(crowd cheering and applauding)

Nice catch, Frankie.

Thanks.

[boy] Let's go, guys.

[boy 2] Okay, let's go.

(indistinct chatter)

(players yelling)

Come on, yes!

[umpire] Safe.

Come on, Frankie, you can do it.

[Cynthia] Come on, Frankie.

(indistinct chatter)

[boy] Come on, Frankie,
send me home.

[boy 2] Girl can't hit.

[umpire] Strike one.

-Strike two.
-(crowd groans)

[umpire] Strike three,
you're out of there.

(crowd applauding)

Oh, no, this will really
shake her confidence.

Oh, poor kid.

I know just how she feels.

Strike three.

You're out.

You're out!

Out!

Well, I guess we can kiss
this game goodbye.

[boy] You can do it!

(indistinct cheering)

(ball thumps)

Way to go, Frankie!

(crowd cheering and applauding)

Finally!

[Hazel] Way to go, Frankie!

Whoo!

(ball thumps)

-Yes!
-Whoo!

(crowd cheering)

-Yeah!
-Way to go!

That's my boy!

(all cheering)

Excuse me! Oh, Tigers,
who's roaring now, huh?

Huh? Come on, come on! Come on!

Jeez, what a psycho.

(vocalizing)

Hey, Hazel, how you doin'?

Hi. Nice game.

Thanks. Listen, um,
I was wondering if you got

any more of those petitions.

Thought I could maybe help you
get some signatures.

Sure, thanks.

No problem.

Thanks a lot.
I'll see you around.

You were great.

Felt so good to hit that ball.

By the way,
what'd you tell Mr. N.?

-Bad news.
-What?

Your Uncle Boris died.

But it was a lovely funeral.

You gave a touching eulogy.

Hazel, I don't even have
an Uncle Boris.

Not anymore.

What time is it?

If I'm late again,
Granny's gonna freak.

Frankie, it's time to spill
the beans to Granny.

Lies have a way
of catching up with you.

Look, if I tell Granny,
that's the end of baseball.

She thinks the only way
I can become a prima ballerina,

is if I live and breathe ballet,
like my mother did.

I'm not ever going
to change her mind.

(mellow music playing)

(music continues)

(door opens)

(door closes)

Hi, Gran.

Oh, Francesca, where on earth
have you been?

I was at the park with Hazel.

Well, you're late again.

Just ten minutes.

Well, late is late.

You should've called me.

Gran...

Anything can happen
in ten minutes.

How many times do I
have to go over it with you?

[Frankie] It was just
a few minutes.

Give me a break.

I beg your pardon?

What is going on with you?

-Nothing.
-Nothing?

I hardly recognize you anymore.

Gran, what do you want from me?

A great deal
more than I've seen lately.

Now, go wash
and get ready for supper.

I'm not hungry.

Don't be ridiculous,
supper is ready.

I don't want any.

(melancholic music playing)

(birds chirping)

Hey, Frankie.

(sniffles)

Hey.

[Carlos] What are you doing?

Thinking.

Thinking about what?

Oh... Life.

Oh.

What about it?

I don't know...

It's just... Everybody's got
these high expectations of me.

I mean... I love ballet.

But it's all
I've ever been allowed to do.

Well, is that what you wanna do?
Be a ballerina?

Yeah.

I think so.

It's just...
sometimes, it feels like

I'm only doing it because
everyone expects me to.

It's your life, Frankie.

I know. But why does it
have to be so complicated?

(Antonio speaking Spanish)

Look at my crazy father.

He always does
his best translations

in the warm weather
when he can work outside.

(Speaking in Spanish)

[Antonio] Yes, yes, yes!

What's he saying?

He's translating a poem.

(continues in Spanish)

No me hagas luchar el amor.

What's that mean?

It means, um...

Don't make me fight love.

Oh.

(man speaking on radio)

Hey, you guys, listen to this.

[Churchill on radio] Lead on,
oh union, strong and free.

What is it?

Winston Churchill.

It's very inspirational,
don't you think?

Guess what, I looked through

every book
I could lay my hands on,

and I can't find anything
in the city charter

that says a kid can't run
for mayor of Percaucus.

Oh, no, does that mean
what I think it means?

[Hazel] Yep, I'm throwing
my hat in the ring.

I'm running for mayor.

You're running for mayor?

(chuckles) I'm leaving town.

I think it's great.
I wish I could vote.

Remind me to look into
lowering the voting age.

[Churchill on radio]
...give us the tools

and we will finish the job.

[Hazel] Fellow citizens,
it's time we took notice

of what is happening
in our community.

It's time to take back our city.

We can't sit by and watch
as it falls apart.

The future of Percaucus
depends on us.

(whimpering)

You be the cheering section.
I'll be right back.

(dog yelping)

Hey guys, I need your help.

Hazel's running for mayor.

How can she run for mayor,
she's a kid.

She'd make a great mayor.

[Frankie] She's giving a speech.

I need you guys to come with me.

Give me a break, Frankie.

I was just about to eat lunch.

Carmine, she's got big plans
to clean this place up.

This is important.

I'll tell you what's important.

I got a sandwich here
cryin' out to me.

[Abdul] Now,
come to think of it,

I hear it too, only, uh...

it's calling my name.

Hey, hey, come on, you guys.

Hazel's our number one fan.

-We should help.
-And let's face it, Carmine,

if Frankie hadn't caught
that ball in the sharp right,

you'd be in the slammer.

You owe her, big time.

Did I say I wasn't gonna help?

I'm just hungry, all right?
A guy could starve around here.

All right. Frankie, baby,

what do you want us to do?

(instrumental music playing)

(men chatting indistinctly)

Sure you wanna move there?

Huh?

Listen, my friend's giving
a speech in the park.

-[woman] Uh-huh.
-My friend's running for mayor.

She's 13. She's giving a speech
right over there.

-You wanna come?
-[woman] I'll go.

[Carmine] Hey, Father Joe.

Well, well, well,
if it isn't Carmine.

Long time, no see.

And in the words
of Winston Churchill,

"Victory at all costs.

"Victory however long and hard
the road may be."

(in a hoarse voice) Uh, hello,
is this the news room?

I thought you might wanna know

there's a breaking story
here in the park.

[Hazel] I'm running for mayor
because I'm frustrated like you.

We know firsthand
what it means to sit

in an overcrowded,
under-equipped classroom.

Every day, we walk down
these littered sidewalks,

and we ride our bikes
through these pot-holed streets.

-[man 1] Right on!
-[man 2] We sure do.

-And so, fellow citizens...
-[man] Press coming through.

[Hazel] ...in the words
of a great leader,

ask not what Percaucus
can do for you,

ask what you
can do for Percaucus.

-[woman] Hear, hear!
-(crowd cheering and applauding)

We are here at Percaucus Park

where a rally is being held
by a new candidate for mayor,

thirteen-year-old, Hazel Perez.

Miss Perez, tell us,

what makes you think
that you are possibly qualified

to run a city?

I'm glad you asked
that question, Jean.

Look, I've lived in Percaucus
all my life,

I know what it means

that there's no budget
for park programs

and that the libraries
are closed half the time.

I challenge the mayor to come
out here and discuss

these issues in an open debate.

Thank you all for coming.

And remember,

a vote for Perez
is a vote for Percaucus.

(crowd cheering and applauding)

Viva Percaucus!

-[all] Viva!
-Viva Percaucus!

[all] Viva!

Viva Hazel!

[all] Viva!

I'm telling you, Tom.

You can't keep ignoring
this kid.

You're starting to go down
in the polls.

What are you talking about?
I'm running unopposed.

[man] Not anymore, you're not.

This Perez kid's filed papers.

She's on the ballot.

That's ridiculous.

Oh, maybe so.

But every day, she's out there
wowing the voters,

and you're...

unavailable for comment.

People are saying she's right,

you are out of touch.

People are saying,
you're afraid of a little girl.

You're telling me I should
stand up in public

and debate a child?

That's precisely
what I'm telling you to do.

(laughs)

(sighs)

Sir... Excuse me.

Hi.

(indistinct chatter)

[Antonio] Phoebe, over here.

I'm glad you made it.
Hola, Frankie.

This is exciting.
Good luck, Hazel.

-Thank you.
-Antonio.

-Phoebe...
-I got here as soon as I could.

I had to retake
the stupid history test.

Frankie, you've got to help me.

I can't do this. I'm only a kid.

I must've been crazy.

You just have stage fright.

Everybody gets it before they do
something important.

Yeah?

What do they do about it?

Well, before I go
on stage to dance,

I close my eyes
and I hear my music in my head.

The music reminds me
that I love to dance.

I don't hear anything.

-I'm leaving.
-You can't leave.

You really care about this town.

You have great ideas.

That's your music, amiguita.

Listen to it.

Miss Perez,
we are ready for you.

(buzzer buzzes)

You'll be great.

-I am very nervous.
-(chuckles)

Good afternoon and welcome,

as WNKW of Percaucus

brings you the first debate
of this mayoral campaign.

His Honor, Thomas Harrison,

has been mayor of Percaucus
for over two decades.

For many citizens,
he is Percaucus.

Thirteen-year-old challenger,

Hazel Perez, is an honor student

at Alexander Hamilton
Junior High School,

and a lifelong citizen
of Percaucus.

[Mayor] ...for this city.

And in my 22 years in office,

I've worked tirelessly
to create jobs for Percaucus,

and to encourage the growth
of industry in our fair city.

I believe my record
stands for itself.

Experience like mine is just
not something

you can learn
in junior high school.

[Hazel] That's true, Mr. Mayor.

But while you were
in your office all those years

making policy
and encouraging industry,

my classmates and I

were experiencing
overcrowded classrooms,

overworked teachers,
and outdated textbooks.

[Hazel on TV]
I may be just a kid,

but when I walk down
our littered streets,

-play in our filthy park...
-[Daniel] All right, Hazel.

...or find the library closed
more than it's open,

I have to ask, why?

Miss Perez, you know nothing
about how government works.

[Hazel] Maybe not.

But I was raised to believe
that government

was supposed to work
for the people.

My father always says,

"Hechos son amores
y no buenas razones."

That means,

that you judge a person
by his good deeds.

You have been in charge of
the highest office in Percaucus

for 22 years, Mr. Mayor.

How will the future judge you?

What good deeds
will you leave behind

for the children of Percaucus.

(cheering)

-Ah!
-(giggles)

Miss Perez...

(paper rustling)

Miss Perez, I came
to this debate
with the sole purpose

of nipping your campaign
in the bud.

The idea
of a 13-year-old candidate

seemed so preposterous to me.

But now...

Miss Perez,
you remind me of a young man

who became mayor of this town

many years ago,
because he had...

new ideas
and a passion for change.

Miss Perez,
you've given me an idea.

Would you accept a brand-new
position in my administration?

The position of Youth Advisor

to the Office of the Mayor.

(all gasp)

[Mayor] Please say yes.

Percaucus needs you.

Thank you, Your Honor.

It's a very tempting offer.

I'll think about it.

(applauding)

[all] Viva Hazel!

(alarm ringing)

Francesca, this is not
up to your usual standards.

(bell rings)

Francesca, come back,
I want to talk to you.

(piano playing)

(clock ticking)

Francesca, come back.
Where you are going?

Hey, hey, hey.

Toro, toro.

Toro.

[Daniel] Go Frankie.

[man] Out!

Hi, Gran.

Is supper ready? Smells great.

Sit down, Francesca.

(clears throat)

I had an unfortunate
phone call today.

You did?

[Phoebe] Yes, I did.

Apparently,
you're about to fail history.

Oh, I can explain.

There's nothing to explain.

You and Hazel are out
riding your bikes in the park,
every afternoon,

and you're neglecting
your studies.

You've had
abysmal test scores and...

today, I understand,
you fell asleep in the class.

I promise it won't happen again.

It certainly won't.

You are grounded
until further notice.

(Henry chirping)

(Henry chirping)

Now I know how you feel, Henry.

Cooped up all day.

Well, at least you don't
have to do homework.

(doorbell ringing)

[Phoebe] Millicent,
what a surprise! Come in

I was just in the neighborhood.

I hope I'm not
interrupting anything.

No, not at all.

I was just about to have
a glass of sherry.

Why don't you join me?

(knocking on window)

What are you doing here?

You know I am grounded.

Amiguita...

the boys and I thought
you needed some cheering up.

Come on, guys,
the coast is clear.

Only two weeks to go
before your wedding.

It's a very exciting time
for you.

(sobbing)

Um... Perhaps,
a little stressful.

There are just
so many decisions to make.

And, Mom and I
don't agree on anything.

Listen, now, not to worry.

That's my job.

Your job is to have
the time of your life.

(sobbing, sniffing)

You leave your mother to me.

-Hey, Frankie.
-Hey, Rajiv.

Carmine,
I can't believe it, hey!

-Hey, nice place.
Nice wallpaper.
-[Frankie] Thanks.

-[Henry] Good morning.
-Nice bird.

Hey, what are you guys
doing here?

(softly) Guys, guys, quiet.

My grandmother is gonna kill me.
(sighs)

-[Rajiv] Hey, Dan, Dan.
-Shh...

What's the matter, baby,
aren't you glad to see us?

Yeah, we've missed you.

Yeah, specially Rajiv, you know.

He wants to marry you.

-[Rajiv] Shut up, Carmine.
-[Hazel] Rajiv...

[Frankie] Shh. Stop it.

So are you gonna get out
on good behavior.

Not before my audition.

When's that?

Two weeks.

Can't believe you actually
wear these things.

Everyday.

So you stand on your toes...
and dance.

Sounds like torture to me, baby.

Oh, no!

When the music carries you,
it feels like you're flying.

-Let's see.
-Yeah. Let's see.

Show us how you do that jump.

-Really?
-Yeah, come on, Frankie.

[Henry] Uh-oh.

She even says
my dress looks cheap.

Don't pay any attention
to your mother, dear.

(loud thud)

Would you excuse me a moment?

(thudding continues)

(indistinct chatter)

[Frankie] Oh, careful.

-Shh.
-[Carmine] Tinkerbell.

(clattering)

(thudding)

Francesca?

Quick, she's coming.

(all clamoring)

-[Phoebe]
Is everything all right?
-Yes, Gran.

Come on, get going.

May I come in?

I heard a noise. What happened?

Um, I was just practicing.

And I knocked over some books.

Oh.

Oh, that's all right.

Good. Carry on, darling.

And I'm sorry for interrupting.

(sighs) Bye, Gran.

[Carmine] Come on,
get out and go.

Whoa! Aw, nuts!

Whoa!

It was my granddaughter.

Practicing for her audition.

It's very important for her.

Now...

what was I saying?

Your mother.

You know, I've seen this happen
a thousand times.

The older generation
seems to lose touch

with the younger generation.

It's as if they can't remember
what it's like to be young.

-(cloth rips)
-(thuds)

[Carmine] Pirouette.

(whistling)

-(groans)
-(objects clatter)

(alarm ringing)

Good morning.

(piano music playing)

Hi, Phoebe.

I took the liberty
of bringing you
the newspaper this morning.

What?

Hazel, you're the bee's knees.

How does it feel
to be taking over at City Hall?

-Feels great.
-(laughs)

-[Frankie] Hi, Gran.
-Look who is in the paper.

Oh, my God, you're famous.

Now, don't forget all
the little people who
helped you on your way up.

Of course, not.

And your name is?

Very funny.

Oh, I know you.

Aren't you the little girl
with the big audition today?

Don't remind me.
I'm a nervous wreck.

But of course, you are, darling.
It's par for the course.

(telephone ringing)

You'll be fine
when you get there.

Hello.

I'm sorry, who?

You... Oh.

Mrs. Ferrar.

(knocking on door)

Hey, Frankie,
is the coast clear?

Hey, Hazel.

-(overlapping chatter)
-Shh.

Uh, what, no, I'm afraid
that's impossible.

I did explain to you,
if you remember,

my granddaughter has a very
important audition today.

Yes, that's why
I sent Jean-Pierre.

What are you guys doing here?
Isn't the game about to start?

Yeah, but we can't play
without you.

Thanks, guys, but today's
my audition, remember?

Jean-Pierre?
What on Earth is going on?

What?

Really? Oh, gracious.

You don't understand, Frankie.
You've gotta play.

Show her.

We're beggin' ya, baby.

I can't. My audition's
at one o'clock.

The game will be over by noon
at the latest.

-You'll make it.
-Sure, you will, Frankie.

Well, did you try
some champagne?

Oh.

Right.

Well, pour some into Mrs. Ferrar

and I'll be there
in half an hour.

Frankie, please.

-Please.
-Frankie, come on.

(coughs)

Francesca, there's a crisis.

Now, there's a chance I will be
able to be back in time

to take you to the audition.

I'll have to meet you there.
Do you think you can manage?

Uh, I guess so.

Well, take Hazel with you
for moral support.

Now, listen, my love.

I know you're going to be
simply wonderful.

I have complete faith in you.

Don't have so much faith
in me, Gran.

I might disappoint you.

Impossible.

(chuckles)

I only wish your mother
were here to see you.

Bye, Gran.

Goodbye, darling.

(door opens)

-(whispers) Come on.
-(door closes)

[all] Please.

(instrumental music playing)

(groans) Oh! Sorry.

[Phoebe] I'll be right back,
young man.

(indistinct chatter)

(sighs)

Thank God you're here.

She says she won't talk
to anyone but you.

Where is she?

(instrumental music)

Millicent dear,

it's Phoebe Harkness.

[woman] Oh, there she is.

(camera shutters clicking)

[woman 1] This is exciting.

(speaking in Spanish)

-(indistinct chatter)
-How nice to see you.

(indistinct chatter)

Strike two!

(indistinct chatter)

[boy] Come on, Daniel.

[boy 1] Keep your eye
on the ball.

(indistinct chatter)

Strike three! You're out!

(indistinct chatter)

Hustle, hustle.

Good job, Daniel. The rest
of you guys, get serious.

Stefan Petrovich,

we understand you have a star
for us this year.

Ah, yes, Francesca Humphries.

Francesca Humphries?

Any relation to Anna Humphries?

-Her daughter.
-Hm.

Does the girl measure up
to her mother?

Wait and see.

(indistinct chatter)

[umpire] You're out!

That's three.

-Where are you going?
-It's over, isn't it?

How can it be over?
Nobody scored.

I don't get it.
What happens now?

We go into extra innings.

How long does that take?

You better take out
your knitting.

This could go on all day.

...so you walk down the aisle,

looking more beautiful
than ever,

and your lovely Carl
will be waiting for you.

You look into each other's eyes,

then you'll join hands
to become husband and wife,

forever together,

till death do you part.

But...

Yeah, but what, dear?

(sobbing) But he's so...

so...

boring!

(indistinct chatter)

Hazel, this is bad,
really, really bad.

I think I have to leave.

No. I've got an idea.

(sobbing)
Granny's gonna kill me.

Don't worry, amiguita.

Good news, everyone.

Millicent has come
to her senses.

Oh, thank God.

The wedding is off.

(gasps)

(piano music playing)

(gasps)

(scattered applause)

I can't believe.
That floor is terrible.

Oh, God. Please, God.
I'll never tell another lie
as long as I live.

Just get me out of this mess.

Frankie, relax.
You're making me nervous.

Sit down.

Carmine, you don't understand.

Nine years of ballet
for nothing.

(umpire speaks indistinctly)

Oh, man.

Hello! Anybody home?

What are you bozos
trying to pull?

Are you deliberately
trying to lose?

Because if I didn't know
any better,

I'd say you were trying
to throw this game.

(whispers) Psst. Hey, Carmine,
come here a second.

[Carmine] What?

(whispering) I've got an idea.
I think I know...

[umpire] Strike one!
Two! Three! You're out!

(grunts)

Don't let us down.

[umpire] One! Two! Three!
You're out.

-(groaning)
-Yes!

-All right!
-(grunts)

Way to go, way to go.

What's going on?

Hey, Frankie,
it's like I always say,

it's not whether
you win or lose,

it's how you throw the game.

[umpire] Strike!

Strike three! You're out!

(grunts)

(cheering)

I can't believe you guys
would do that for me.

Forget about it. Let's go.

(piano music playing)

(applause)

(dramatic music playing)

(cycle bells ringing)

Next, Francesca Humphries.

Francesca Humphries.

Last call, Francesca Humphries.

(indistinct chatter)

Ladies and gentlemen...

(clears throat)

...on behalf of His Honor,

Thomas P. Harrison,
Mayor of Percaucus,

I'd like to extend
a formal welcome

to the legendary
Natalia Slavyanska.

Thank you.

Your life and career
are an inspiration

to each and every one of us.

Thank you so much.

Young lady,
that's all very nice,

but we are in the middle
of an audition here.

Sergei, please, don't interrupt.

Let her talk.

Continue, child.

Miss Slavyanska...

ever since I was born,

in a humble but respectable home

right here in Percaucus...

(intense music playing)

Uh... Hi, Gran.

Francesca?

And as the Mayor's
special representative,

I'd like to offer you

the key to the city.

(kids laughing)

Of course,
this isn't the actual key.

This is really the key
to my locker at school.

It's just to give you the idea.

(door opens)

But I don't want to waste
any more of your valuable time.

Without any further ado,

may I present my friend,
Francesca Humphries.

Good luck.

(piano music playing)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(crowd applauding)

Yes!

(indistinct chatter)

Great job.

Good job.

-Frankie.
-Hey.

-That was great.
-Thanks.

Where's Gran?

Oh, I think she left.

Oh. Okay.

Gran?

I'm sorry.

I can explain.

Can you?

How long has this been going on?

A couple of months.

I see.

I wanted to play baseball
and I thought you'd say no.

So I figured if I could do it
and still do my ballet,

it wouldn't matter.

I'm really sorry.

I'm sorry too.

(melancholic music playing)

(sobbing)

Gran...

will you come to the game?

It's my last one.

I think that's too much to ask.

I didn't mean to upset you.

I just wanted to play baseball.

This is not about baseball,
Francesca.

You know that.

It's about how you've lied to me

and deceived me all this time.

I don't know
how you can do that.

But I had no choice.

Well, of course,
you had a choice.

You could've told me.

But, Gran, if I told you,
you just have tried to stop me.

Yes.

Yes, I would.

To safeguard your future.

My future?

Francesca,
I know plenty of people

who when they're older
blame their parents

for not pushing them
when they were young.

And they say,
"I could've done this,

"I might have been that,

"if only you'd made me
work at it."

I didn't want that for you.

I know that, Gran.

I realize that the ballet
demands dedication,

and a certain amount
of sacrifice,

but your mother did it.

And surely, it's worth it

if it makes your dreams
come true.

Whose dreams, Gran?

What?

Shouldn't I be allowed
to choose my own dreams?

Because it's my life.

Not yours, not my mother's.

Mine.

(door opens)

[Edie] Phoebe, we're here!

-Hello, darling.
-Francesca.

Why, Francesca,
what a delightful costume.

It's not a costume,

it's my baseball uniform.

I've got a game today.

I didn't know
she played baseball.

I dated a baseball player once.

He had quite an arm,
let me tell you.

-Phoebe.
-[Sasha] Phoebe, darling.

Why don't we all go and watch,
cheer Francesca on?

Fabulous. Phoebe, let's go.

I thought we were supposed to be

having lunch together.

I have a souffle in the oven.

Come on, Phoebe. We've never
seen her play. It'll be fun.

You go if you want to.

I don't feel like
going out today.

Well, save some for us, darling.

I'm sure it won't take long.
(chuckles)

(scoffs)

[crowd] Go Pups! Go Pups!

Go Pups! Go Pups!

Yay, Pups!

Everything all right, Frankie?

-I'll be okay.
-Okay.

[man] Let's go, boys. Come on.

Listen up, you guys.
This is the big one.

The one that separates
the men from the boys.

No offense, Frankie.

You have to win this one.

Don't make me look
like a jackass.

I don't think he needs any help
in that department, do you?

[coach] Now, that last game
was a horror show.

Nine innings,
you still managed to blow it.

I don't wanna see that same
feeble performance today.

Daniel, try to pitch the ball

over the plate
for a change, huh?

And the rest of you clowns,
think before you throw.

I don't know how many times
I'd have to tell you that

to get it
through your thick skulls!

Now, get out there
and show those Tigers

you're not
a bunch of marshmallows!

-Thanks, coach.
-We got it.

I don't know about you guys,

but, uh, makes me feel
like a million bucks.

Oh, yeah, I'm all pumped up now.

Come on, Shane. Come on.

[umpire] Play ball.

(indistinct chatter)

[man 1] Let's go, Daniel.

[man 2] Hey,
batter, batter, batter.

[umpire] Strike one!

(crowd cheering)

Oh, man. No.

(crowd cheering)

Yoo-hoo, Francesca!

-Darling! Darling!
-Francesca! Francesca!

(indistinct chatter)

-Mr. Mayor, hi.
-Hey, nice to see ya.

Hey, move.

-Great day, isn't it?
-Meet Cynthia.

Oh, hi.

Phoebe.

Hola.

I can't control the aphids.

(chuckles) I can see that.

Aren't you going to the game?

I'm not particularly interested
in baseball.

Well, but... but it's Francesca.

Antonio, I don't think

you fully understand
the situation.

Uh, perhaps not,
but we both know
she meant no harm.

You have done a fantastic job
raising Francesca.

She's a wonderful girl.

And you know
she loves you very much.

But now,
and if you forgive me, Phoebe,

you must let her
find her own way.

I'm sorry, Antonio,

but I think I know
what's important
for my daughter.

Uh, I mean my granddaughter.

You know my favorite aphorism?

"The greatest gift
you can give your child

"is roots and wings."

And you have given her
very strong roots, Phoebe.

Come with me to the game.

Forgive her, Phoebe.

(indistinct chatter)

Come on, Rajiv!

-You can do it!
-Smack it, baby!

[boy] Keep your head on it.

Hit that ball!

-Strike!
-[boy 1] You can do it, come on.

(cheering)

It's about time.

-[boy 2] Come on, Frankie.
-[boy 3] It's all you, Frankie.

Hey.

Papi, where's Phoebe?

I'm sorry, amiguita.
I did the best I could, huh?

(dramatic music playing)

[umpire] Strike one!

O and one.

[umpire] Strike two! O and two.

-(indistinct chatter)
-One more, one more.

Strike three!
You're out of there.

-(grunts)
-Oh, Frankie.

[boy 3] You got it, Wendell!

(crowd cheering)

[umpire] Out at first.
That's two.

(crowd cheering)

You're out!

Strike one.

(crowd cheering)

All right, Rajiv, come on,
hit it out of the park.

(crowd cheering)

(indistinct chatter)

-Time out, ump.
-[umpire] Time!

-Frankie, come here.
-Time out!

Listen, uh,
there's still a chance

that we can win this one.

Um...

Let's face it.
You've never been that reliable.

Daniel, you're up!

Frankie, sit down.

Wait a second, Frankie.

-Dad.
-You heard me, son.

That's not fair.
It's Frankie's turn.

Oh, you're breaking my heart.
Now, move it.

This isn't right, Dad.

Did I ask for your opinion?

Now, do as you're told.

-No.
-Excuse me?

I said no.

Is this some kind of a joke,
Daniel?

No, Dad.

What the hell's wrong with you?

Don't you wanna win?

Not this way.

You know, son, that's the way
a loser talks.

Harold.

Cynthia, honey, sit down.
You don't know anything
about baseball.

Harold, you sit down.
And shut up.

[umpire] Let's go, coach.
Get a batter in the box.

(instrumental music playing)

Go ahead then, Frankie.

It's all up to you.

Screw it up
and we lose the pennant.

Good luck, Frankie.

-Come on.
-[Carmine] Go, Frankie!

Wait for your pitch, Frankie.

[boy] You can do this, Frankie.

-Strike one!
-[Carmine] It's all right,
Frankie. Don't think about it.

[Abdul] Come on, Frankie,
you can do it.

-[umpire] On one.
-Come on, let's go.

[Hazel] Come on, Frankie!
Come on, Frankie!

-Come on, Frankie!
-Hit it, Frankie! Hit it!

-Frankie, hit it!
-Touchdown, touchdown.

[umpire] Strike two!

Okay, Frankie, come on,
hit me home, come on.

There goes the whole season
down the toilet.

(cheerful music playing)

[boy] Come on, Frankie,
let's do it.

[man] Let's go in, field!

Good pitch now, Mike,
good pitch.

[Carmine] Frankie, come on.

Come on.

(all cheering)

Well done, Frankie! Well done!

(all cheering)

(cheering continues)

We did it, we did it.

[Hazel] Way to go.

Coach.

(laughs)

Frankie? Frankie?

Brava, Francesca.

Brava.

Frankie...

(all chanting)
Pups, go! Pups, go! Pups, go!

Pups, go! Pups, go! Pups, go!

Pups, go! Pups, go! Pups, go!

(triumphant music playing)

[Frankie] It's funny how a path
you thought was taking you
somewhere else

can lead you home again.

When the letter came
accepting me into City Ballet,

Gran was thrilled.

But best of all, I realized
that it was my dream all along.

The Pups love their new
assistant coach, Cynthia.

Hazel found her inner music

and has practically
taken over city hall.

Oh, and Gran and I finally
finished "Wuthering Heights,"

and now we're on to "Jane Eyre."

She still reads to me
every night.

I'm glad some things
never change.

(piano music playing)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music continues)

(music stops)