Frog (1988) - full transcript
A kid experimenting with frogs finds that one of the subjects can actually speak.
(dramatic music)
(frogs croaking)
(gentle music)
(object clatters)
(gentle music)
- I can't believe we're doing this.
- It's not my fault.
All right guys, where is she?
- [Woman] Arlo?
- Just a second, Mom.
- Arlo?
Oh, Jim!
We haven't seen you in months.
Why don't you stay for dinner?
- Well, I'd love to Mrs. Anderson, but I--
- He has a date.
- A date!
Jim, that's wonderful.
You boys are getting to be that age.
- Mom, matchsticks won't
stop you from crying.
It has no basis in science.
- Well, it works for me.
(playful music)
I read it in a book.
- Uh...
- What are you doing?
- Uh, we'll set the table, Mom.
- Nonsense.
Gertrude!
Come out of there.
Oh, poor thing.
Arlo, I believe I'm a
fairly tolerant human being.
We all have our own special
place in this world.
But I do not allow iguanas in my kitchen.
Even Gertrude. Here you go.
- Yes, Mom.
(gentle music)
Gertrude, you've got to restrain yourself.
Do we understand each other?
Hey, Trico, slow down.
- For the last time, Arlo,
if I knew we were gonna be
messing with your
reptiles again... (sighs)
Snakes, lizards, frogs.
It isn't the same anymore, Arlo.
- Remember when we had 20 guys down here?
They couldn't believe all our snakes.
- We were in the fourth grade, Arlo.
- So?
Kids still think it's cool.
- Well, maybe the Chess Club does,
but the rest of the school
thinks you're a Rubis.
- Well, these guys still like me.
We have a lot in common.
Don't we, Henry?
- Look, Arlo, I'll put it to you straight.
You gotta stop talking to snakes
and start talking to girls.
- Well, I can talk to both, can't I?
- Arlo, any girl who talks
to a guy who talks to snakes
ain't worth talking to.
You never even kissed a girl.
- I have, too.
- [Jim] Name one.
- Uh...
Arlene.
- Your sister?
- It was her wedding.
- Uh, everybody in their cages?
(animals croaking and hissing)
- Coast is clear, Dad.
- Hey, Jimbo.
Long time, no see, buddy.
You and Arlo get into
a fight or something?
- No, busy.
(Henry hisses)
How'd the game go, Mr. Anderson?
(Mr. Anderson huffs)
Well, let's just say that
we're not as young as we used to be.
But I read about your big win over there
at Cleveland Junior High.
Newspaper said you just
flew over those hurdles.
- Well, yeah, except for the last one.
- Yeah, well you stick
with your athletics, Jimbo.
When I was your age, you know
what they used to call me?
- What?
- Lightning Legs Anderson.
Yeah, you play football, don't you, Jimbo?
Well, when I was a first
string running back,
we didn't wear no pads then
either, you understand?
It was man against man, okay?
And when you got in, whoa!
(gentle music)
- Uh, you want to come over Saturday?
- No, I think I got something planned.
- Oh.
Sure.
- Well, I'll be seeing you, Arlo.
- See ya.
Hey, wait.
Do you think...
You think maybe you could get me a date?
- Well, uh...
Let me see what I can do, Snake Eyes.
But you gotta promise me one thing.
- You name it.
- You won't act like a nerd.
(bright music)
Later, gator.
- In a while, crocodile.
(bright music)
- How do I look, guys?
Too much or not enough?
(bowling ball striking pins on TV)
- Strike-aroo!
(Mrs. Anderson laughs)
- Dad?
- [Mr. Anderson] Yeah?
- Could I get an advance for my allowance?
- Oh, they having the
science fair already, huh?
- No, it's not for another two weeks.
- What is it this time?
Mealworms for a gecko?
A frozen rat?
- It's for a date.
- Arlo, really?
A date?
- I'm meeting them in
front of the theater.
- Okay, wait, wait.
Here's a 20, it's enough for a movie
and a couple of malts later.
- Whoa, thanks, Dad!
(dog barking in distance)
Wow, a two-for-one lizard sale!
Who's that?
(playful music)
(frog croaking)
Arlo, you don't need a
frog, you've got a date.
(playful music)
- Well!
I thought the science fair
wasn't for another two weeks yet.
- What kind of frog are you?
- Just came in.
Box says it's from Italy.
- How much?
- Well, for my preferred customers, $20.
(playful music)
(register rattles)
(shop bell dings)
(Jim sighs)
- I'll pay you back tomorrow.
(Jim scoffs)
- Now, remember--
- I know, I know.
- Arlo, Suzy.
Suzy, Arlo.
- Suzy, did you know
some frogs use their eyes
to push down their food?
- Uh, no, I didn't.
- You didn't tell me you were setting up
my best friend with Arlo Anderson.
- I thought I did.
- Well, I only mention that because
we're both in Mr. Fried's science class.
- Oh, really?
- Yeah.
Arlo's the one who brought
in the foot-long worms.
- [Suzy] Oh, yeah.
- Arlo always gets A's.
You should see his science projects.
- Oh, I can't stand science.
But your talk really taught me some things
I never knew about worms.
- Well, actually I'd like
to become a herpetologist.
- Yuck!
- Yuck!
- That's a doctor, right, Arlo?
- Well, yeah.
It's like a doctor of
reptiles and amphibians.
They're extremely interesting creatures.
I mean, did you know that some frogs
raise tadpoles in their mouths?
- [Girls] Yuck!
(movie monster growling)
(frog croaks)
- Uh, the onions.
- Shh!
- [Movie Character] Don't
you think we should be
getting back to the lab?
(playful music)
- [Movie Character] Sure,
pull the other one, Bob.
- Arlo!
What?
- Sorry.
Sorry.
Uh, my shoe.
- Arlo, would you quit moving around?
- Sorry.
Sorry.
- [Movie Character] I don't see anything.
(suspenseful music)
(frog croaks)
- You okay?
- Never felt better.
(movie monster growling)
(Kathy screams)
(suspenseful music)
(movie character screams)
(suspenseful music)
- You know, Mom was right!
You are a dweeb!
Goodbye. Forever!
- Kathy!
- Sorry, Jim.
Sorry.
- (scoffs) Don't.
I've never heard anyone
apologize so much in one night!
- Sorry.
- Look, Arlo,
I gave you a chance.
You have this weird
attraction to reptiles.
You couldn't control
yourself and you had to bring
a frog on your first date!
I'm not mad.
We just don't have
anything in common anymore.
(gentle music)
(Andersons chattering quietly)
(door creaks open)
- Hey, it's 9:15.
Is that the best you could do?
Well, I didn't mean anything by it.
(door slams nearby)
(insects chirping)
♪ When the moon hits your
eye like a big pizza pie ♪
♪ That's amore ♪
♪ When the world seems to shine ♪
♪ Like you've had too much wine ♪
♪ That's amore ♪
♪ Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling ♪
♪ Ting-a-ling-a-ling, and
you'll sing "Vita bella" ♪
- Hey, you've come back!
- Hey, this has been some night, no?
- Uh...
(Arlo thuds)
Arlo?
- Arlo, are you okay?
- Uh...
Uh, sure, Mom.
I was just reading.
- Oh.
- "Timber rattlesnakes are life bearers,
"giving birth in early fall to
a litter of nine youngsters."
- You look a little pale.
You want me to make you some nanny tea?
- No.
Um, just tired.
I hope.
- Well, don't worry, sweetie.
Not every day turns out
the way you planned.
When I think of some of my
dates with your father...
Oh, well you're tired.
But I just want you to know, Arlo,
you're a very special person.
- Thanks, Mom.
- We're all special people.
Each one of us unique,
with our very own personality.
(frog croaking)
A little spark, you see,
that burns only in you.
And that's something we must treasure,
each and every day.
- What a day, I'm bushed.
- You know, Henry David
said it best, I think.
"If a man does not keep
pace with his companions,
"perhaps it is because he
hears a different drummer.
"Let him step to that
music which he hears,
"however measured or far, far away."
Oh, well!
You better get some sleep.
Sweet dreams, honey.
(Mrs. Anderson sighs)
Oh!
And put that frog in the garage
before your father sees it.
(door thuds shut)
- Hey, Arlo, you look confused.
- Are you a dream?
- A dream?
You no see.
I'm a frog.
- A frog?
- Well, not really a frog.
- You're not really a frog?
- [Gus] Yeah, of course not.
- Of course not.
- I'm Prince Giuseppe Bueno Dono.
- Giuseppe Buen-what?
- Better you call me Gus.
I'm a frog, 600 years.
- And I though the teen years were rough.
- But someday you grow up.
I stay frog another 600 years unless...
- Unless what?
- [Gus] Unless I get a kiss.
- You mean?
- One kiss from beautiful
woman turn me back into prince.
(gentle music)
- He's reading.
Out loud.
- It was the dinosaurs.
- What dinosaurs?
- The plastic ones I got
him when he was a kid.
He started reading books on dinosaurs.
Then he started reading
books on (shudders) snakes.
Then he bought some snakes.
Then the snakes took over the garage,
they took over his room.
Now they've taken over our lives.
- Bill, we have to remember,
we have a son who gets straight A's,
whose teachers all like him,
and who comes home right after school.
- Yeah, that's what I'm worried about.
- Well, we should thank our lucky stars
that dinosaurs are extinct. (laughs)
- Are you sure?
(Mrs. Anderson laughs)
- Why me?
- What?
- Why did you choose me?
- Hey, Arlo,
how many people take a
frog on their first date?
(school bell ringing)
So this is your school, no?
Hmm.
I see that style coming back.
- Coming back?
Oh!
- Sure you'll be all right?
- Uh, yes, sir.
(stammering) I just
need a little fresh air.
How was I to know we were
dissecting frogs today?
Are you okay?
(bangs into locker)
- The young lady from the theater, no?
- You should know, you sat on her lap.
How's it going?
- [Gus] You sure have a lot of friends.
(dramatic music)
If you don't mind, I stay over here.
Snakes make me, er, uncomfortable
- People make me uncomfortable.
There!
Just wait until those
science fair judges see this.
- [Gus] They want you hurry with crickets.
They hungry.
- I'm hurrying, I'm hurrying.
Peter, Mary, now, don't
gulp down your food.
Kenneth, I got your favorite grub.
You know, Gus, we got a chance
to make a great contribution to science.
- I just want a kiss.
- Gus, I'd like to help
you, but let's face it,
how can I get you kissed
when I can't get kissed?
- I thought you liked Suzy.
- Well, it's not a question if I like her.
It's how much she hates me.
- [Gus] She very impressed by those worms.
- Yeah, she did like my talk, didn't she?
Worms.
Do they know their left
hand from the right?
- You go on date, no?
- Date?
Why would a wonderful,
beautiful girl like Suzy
want to go out with me?
- Why not?
- Let me see.
Because I'm skinny, homely, nerdy,
clumsy, and in short, a real Rubis.
- [Gus] Well, those are good reasons.
But what about you being a good scientist?
- Oh, who cares?
- [Gus] I met Einstein once.
All the girls liked to kiss Einstein.
- I never heard that.
- Hey, Arlo, all you need is a-confidence.
- Well, I'm pretty a-confident
they'll think I'm a nerd.
- Leave it to me.
I get you date, you get me kiss.
(bright music)
Go ahead.
- Uh, maybe we should do this later, Gus.
My chemistry class starts in a--
- What do you lose?
Already she think you are Aruba.
- That's Rubis.
- Remember, a-confidence.
(gentle music)
- (clears throat) Uh...
(voice breaks) Suzy?
Would you...
Well, I mean, could I ask...
- [Kathy] Spit it out, Arlo.
- [Gus] A-confidence.
- Would you like to be my science fair?
(scoffs) I mean my, my
science fair partner.
- Oh.
Sure, Arlo.
(Kathy gulps)
- Oh, well, that's okay.
I mean, I didn't think,
well, you know it was
just an idea and I...
Did you say...
- Yeah, sure, I'll be
your science fair partner.
- [Gus] What I tell you?
A-confidence!
- [Kathy] I do not believe it.
- Well, I need the grade.
Otherwise I can't become a cheerleader.
And you heard Jim, Arlo always gets A's.
- I know, but you'll have
to be with him sometimes.
- Well, if I can become a
cheerleader, it'll be worth it.
I think.
(Arlo humming "That's Amore")
- Is it me or has Arlo
been acting strange lately?
- It's just another metamorphic stage
of the growth experience, honey.
(doorbell chimes)
- [Arlo] I'll get it!
- See what I mean?
It's strange.
- Uh, this is Suzy, my
science fair partner.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Hi.
(Mrs. Anderson giggles)
I can't believe it.
(Suzy screams nearby)
- Its okay.
Wayne only eats chickens.
- Are these all yours?
- They sure are.
Staring from the right, that's
Henry, a green tree python.
That's Terry, a kingsnake.
Bridget, a corn snake.
There's Jonathan, the monitor.
Um, Gertrude, my iguana.
Oh, I guess you'd like to
see our science fair project.
- Can I just see it from here?
- It used to be blind
reptiles, but I changed it.
- I'm glad to hear that.
- Now it's how frogs communicate.
And here's the star of our exhibit, Gus.
- Arlo, so what if frogs communicate?
- Well, the ramifications could apply
to a variety of species.
The brains of frogs are primitive.
(Gus croaking)
Well, the brains of most frogs.
People always underestimate
things they don't understand.
All creatures have feelings.
And maybe our science
experiment will help them
take another look.
Well, they're not really that slimy.
- [Mr. Anderson] Everybody in their cages?
- Oh, I hope so.
- Uh, yeah, I just brought you guys some
Salty Sailor Pretzels.
I know how hard you have to
work with these, uh, toads,
but you still have to eat, right?
- Uh, thanks, Dad.
- Oh, Suzy, I think it's
great that girls like you
love reptiles like my son does.
- Oh, well, uh...
- I mean, I love 'em, too. (laughs)
I, I wouldn't,
I wouldn't know what to do without 'em.
They're very interesting and I think--
Ah, ah! Oh!
Ooh! (laughs)
Oh, those turtles, they just sorta
sneak up on you like that and, uh...
Well, I guess I'll
leave you two alone now.
I know you have a lot of
work to do on your, uh,
science, uh, project.
- Wheat germ cobbler, anyone?
- How do you stand it?
You and him alone,
with all those things?
- Well, at least it'll be over soon.
Arlo will have the whole
thing done in another week.
- I gotta hand it to you.
I mean, I would not have been
able to use Arlo like that
and still look him in the eye.
- Yeah.
Got to hand it to me.
(dramatic music)
(frog croaking)
- [Gus] What'd he say?
- Uh, that's easy.
A mating call.
- Close.
That a dinner call.
- Two long croaks, one short.
You know something, Gus?
We're on the trail of a major
scientific breakthrough.
If it wasn't for you, I'd
still be doing blind reptiles.
Alone.
- Oh, this is your idea.
You're the scientist.
- Just think what Einstein
could have done with this.
But we still got a lot of work ahead.
- You work, I sing.
- You know something?
I think Suzy really likes me.
Maybe she'd like to go to
Whittlestone's Pet Shop with me.
- Pet shop?
Arlo, what about a nice
Italian restaurant?
A little music, a little pasta.
- Wow.
- By the way, when I get kissed?
- Hey, I'm working on it.
A promise is a promise and I
promise I'll get you kissed.
- Thanks, honey.
Next.
- Uh, would it be any extra
if you kissed me with your eyes closed?
- Oh, for you, handsome, no extra charge.
(coins clink)
All right, batter up.
(woman screams)
- I guess I come on too strong.
- Remember when you used
to kiss me goodnight,
it'd make me feel better?
- Oh, Arlo.
You want a goodnight kiss?
- Not me, Mom.
My frog.
(playful music)
- [Gus] What about Suzy?
- Absolutely not!
- [Gus] Hey, Arlo, hey,
it was just an idea.
- Gus?
Who's Gus?
- His frog.
- He wanted you to kiss a frog?
- I bet you did things like
that when you were his age.
- I didn't know what a frog
was until Arlo came along.
I mean, Suzy looks like a nice girl.
Even if she does like snakes.
(sighs) Here I thought Arlo was finally
joining the major leagues.
Is there some disease, you know,
that makes people like
toads more than people?
- Maybe we should have a talk with him.
- Yeah, well, if we talk, it's
going to be in my ballpark,
not with those (shudders) snakes.
- For the onions.
- Hmm, looks scientific.
Arlo.
Your father and I would like
to have a talk with you.
- Gertrude didn't get out again?
- No.
- [Mr. Anderson] Do you see...
- Go ahead, there's no snakes here.
- Uh, yeah.
Well, you see, son, when I was your age,
I did things that all the other guys did.
- I don't think I'm old enough, Dad.
- No, that's not what I mean.
I mean that, well, maybe we
swallowed a few dozen goldfish.
- Really?
I wish my garter snake ate like that.
- Arlo, what he's trying to say is,
well, we went to parties,
to football games,
to civil rights demonstrations.
(Mr. Anderson tsks)
Well, I went to civil
rights demonstrations.
- Yeah, that's right.
With people.
Arlo, you see, people are
warmblooded creatures, okay?
And toads are coldblooded.
And when yo mix warm
and cold, you get, uh,
lukewarm-blooded.
- Uh, thanks, Dad.
- Well, you can't argue
with that, can you?
(upbeat music)
- Gertrude, move, you're in the way.
Come on, go.
Go.
- You know, she likes her belly rubbed.
(Suzy laughs)
(upbeat music)
- Okay.
I think we're ready to test now.
- Boy, Arlo, you really did a lot of work.
- We did a lot of work.
- Yeah.
You got to hand it to us.
- Yeah.
Notice the Subject B frogs
in the soundproof vessel.
Their only auditory input
comes from this speaker,
which is connected to this microphone
in front of Subject A frog, Gus.
Now, watch this.
Prompted by the auditory
and visual stimulation
of the crickets,
(crickets chirping)
Gus, Subject A frog, should
begin to croak "food is here."
(Gus croaking)
Upon hearing the food call,
the Subject B frogs should
hop towards the speaker
inside the soundproof vessel.
(Gus croaking)
- They did it.
- Now watch this.
Snakes are the natural enemies of frogs.
Gus will croak "Get the
heck out of here, danger."
Gus will croak "Get the
heck out of here, danger."
(Gus croaking)
And the Subject B frogs
beat a hasty retreat.
- (gasps) Wow!
It works!
I mean, Arlo, it really works!
- 'Course it works.
- You know, before I
started working with you,
I'd never given much thought to frogs.
- Yeah.
You didn't even know I
was in your science class.
(upbeat music)
- You see, this is a volcano
and this is how they smoke.
(smoke hissing)
(lava bubbling)
- You did a nice job with the lava.
- Don't you just love lava?
(lava bubbling)
- Looking good, Gus.
- Grazie.
- You know...
Nah.
- This is Arlo Anderson, one
of our best science students.
- And this is Suzy Bennett, my partner.
- Suzy?
I would never have thought that you took
such an interest in science.
Very smart pairing up with Arlo Anderson.
Well, Arlo, let's see how this works.
As our project will demonstrate,
frogs have an extremely complex
system of communication.
When the bull, or dominant
amphibian, subject A here,
let's out a...
(upbeat music)
Proving the lingual
capabilities inherent in
rana catesbeiana, or the common bullfrog.
- It's not bad.
- How frogs communicate?
Ick!
Only a real Poindexter could
think up something like that.
- Arlo thinks that understanding frogs
will help us understand ourselves.
- (laughs) You're kidding!
Gosh, you had a rougher
time than I thought.
- Well, Arlo, what happened
to the blind reptiles?
- Well, amphibian
communication has sort of
captured my attention
in the past few weeks.
- You aren't serious about
this, are you, young man?
- Well, yes sir.
- (laughs) Why, this is nothing more than
a trained animal act.
How'd you do it?
Electric shocks?
- Electric shocks?
- Arlo, do you realize you're speaking
of a type of communication associated with
higher life forms?
- Well, that's exactly
the question I'm asking.
What do we mean by higher life forms?
- You expect us to believe this?
This toad has a brain the
size of this pencil point.
- But this isn't a toad.
No, don't!
- You certainly chose an ugly
representative of the species.
(Gus croaking)
- Could I please have
Subject A back, please?
- What's this?
A scar from an electrode?
- [Gus] Get you peasant's claws
off of me.
- Achoo!
- What did you say?
- Achoo!
Uh, I'm allergic to frogs.
- What are you so nervous about, hmm?
- My theory of amphibian communication
is based on a solid
foundation of several tests.
Frogs use the vocal auditory channel
for the communicative act.
They broadcast a transmission
and have directional reception.
- [Judge] Mr. Anderson,
where is your verification?
- [Arlo] Well, I believe this project
presents plenty of verification.
- Hm, they want a verification,
I'll give them verification.
- We're not here to play games.
The integrity of this experiment
has been severely compromised.
- Frogs have a syntax.
True, it has not been proven
that the communicative act
is for communication alone.
- Mr. Anderson, in all my
years of judging science fairs,
I have never seen anyone
falsify their data.
- Can you believe this?
The only reason you worked with that nerd
was to pass science.
Now he's ruining the whole thing
because of some stupid frog.
- Uh, certainly the data here proves
beyond reasonable doubt
that amphibians communicate.
Sometimes better than people.
- [Gus] Those stinking mud-eating serfs!
- Look, Harding, I must say
I find the boy's hypothesis
outlandish, but also intriguing.
From the results of the field tests,
can we review your linear verification?
- Gentlemen, why don't we
move on to the next exhibit?
Arlo, why didn't you stick
with the blind reptiles?
(dramatic music)
(overhead speakers crackling)
(Gus croaking on speakers)
- [Gus] Mi, mi, mi, mi.
Mi, mi.
♪ When the moon hits your eye ♪
♪ Like a big pizza pie that's amore ♪
♪ When the world seems to shine ♪
♪ Like you've had too much wine ♪
- What the heck?
♪ That's amore ♪
(frogs croaking)
♪ Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling ♪
♪ Ting-a-ling-a-ling, and
you'll sing, "Vita bella" ♪
♪ Hearts will play tippy-tippy-tay ♪
♪ Tippy-tippy-tay, like a gay tarantella ♪
♪ Lucky fella ♪
♪ When the stars make
you drool just like ♪
- Oh, no!
♪ That's amore ♪
♪ When you dance down the street
with a cloud at your feet ♪
♪ You're in love ♪
(frogs croaking)
♪ When you walk in a dream ♪
♪ But you know you're
not dreaming signore ♪
♪ Scusami, but you see, back
in old Napoli, that's amore ♪
(frogs croaking)
(dramatic music)
(people screaming)
♪ When the moon hits your
eye like a big pizza pie ♪
♪ That's amore ♪
(people screaming)
♪ When the moon seems to shine ♪
♪ Like you've had too
much wine, that's amore ♪
(people screaming)
♪ Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling ♪
♪ Ting-a-ling-a-ling, and
you'll sing, "Vita bella" ♪
♪ Hearts will play tippy-tippy-tay ♪
♪ Tippy-tippy-tay, like a gay tarantella ♪
♪ Lucky fella ♪
(people screaming)
♪ Just like pasta e fasule ♪
♪ That's amore ♪
(people screaming)
♪ When you dance down the street
with a cloud at your feet ♪
♪ You're in love ♪
♪ When you walk in a dream ♪
♪ But you know you're
not dreaming signore ♪
♪ Scusami, but you see, back
in old Napoli, that's amore ♪
♪ Scusami, but you see,
back in old Napoli, that's ♪
(speaker screeches feedback)
I should have known about Suzy.
It was too good to be
true for a Rubis like me.
- [Gus] I've not been much help, no?
- [Arlo] Well, I haven't been much help
getting you kissed, either.
You did prove my hypothesis.
I don't care what those scientists say.
- [Gus] You're right.
What do they know?
I met Galileo once.
No one believed him world flat.
- [Arlo] Uh, Gus,
the world's round.
- [Gus] What?
I no believe it.
- Maybe they'll let me back in school.
When I get out of jail.
With time off for good behavior.
- [Gus] Hey, a-confidence.
- Let's face it, Gus.
It's not working out.
We keep getting in each other's way.
- Maybe you're right.
- What will you do now?
- Ah, no worry about me.
Just got to stay away from science fairs.
(Arlo chuckles)
- (sighs) Next time you need a friend
to help you join the human race,
pick someone who really belongs.
(birds singing)
Well, so long, Gus.
- Arlo!
Someday people realize truth about you.
You're a real prince.
(gentle music)
- Coulda told me you were using me.
I still would've helped you pass science.
- I never really wanted to
be a cheerleader anyway.
You know, the judges
were wrong about our...
Your science exhibit.
- Yeah.
Gus proved that.
- (scoffs) What do you mean, Gus?
- Well, it was...
You see,
Gus is no ordinary frog.
Gus was sticking up for me.
That's why he started
to sing "That's Amore."
You see, it's like,
it's like a call for a frog's dinner.
Or is it a mating call?
Anyway, frogs love that song.
- Wait, let's get this straight.
Now, I know the science fair
judges couldn't understand
frog communication, but...
What are you saying?
- Remember the theater?
You thought the croaks were
coming from the screen?
- I certainly remember that.
- Well, at that time, I
didn't know Gus was Gus
until I went home and there he was.
- Now, go slow, this is
the part I don't get.
- That's when he started talking to me.
- Okay.
Okay, I understand.
Like frog talk, right?
- Well, no.
Like people talk.
- People talk?
Like, like English?
- Well, Italian.
But his English wasn't bad.
You see, Gus is very well cultured.
He's been around.
Heck, he knew Leonardo da Vinci.
- Wow.
- You know that underwater
diving suit Leonardo invented?
That was Gus's idea.
Well, Leonardo drew the design, of course.
And you know the helicopter
he was supposed to think up?
- Arlo...
- 600 years ago there was a prince,
Prince Giuseppe Bueno Dono Tarantini.
- Giuseppe Bueno?
- You know, Gus.
He's a frog, 600 years.
And he'll stay that way forever.
Unless...
- Unless what?
- Unless he gets a kiss.
- You mean?
- One kiss will change
him back into a prince.
- You really think this frog is a prince?
- Well, if he's not a prince,
at least he's a pretty good guy.
- Where is Gus?
- Well, we sorta agreed
to go our separate ways.
Last I saw him, he was
down by Grossman's Pond.
(insects chirping)
- I'll do it.
- Do what?
- I'll kiss the...
Gus.
(knocking at door)
- Can I help you?
(frogs croaking)
- You know, I always thought
kids were going to the dogs.
- Yeah, maybe we should leave a few frogs
back at the school.
I bet some of them would graduate.
- Yeah! (laughs)
With honors!
- [Arlo] Didn't think
they'd call the police.
- [Suzy] Who do you call when
frogs attack a high school?
- That's got to be the last load.
Come on!
Gus!
(frogs croaking)
Gus!
- Arlo!
- [Arlo] Hey, Gus!
- Arlo!
- Hey, Gus!
(frogs croaking)
Gus!
- Well, how do you know which one is Gus?
- Well, he has sort of a
smiley mouth.
- A smiley mouth?
(frogs croaking)
- Gus!
- Gus?
Gus!
Gus!
Are you smiling or frowning?
- [Arlo] Gus!
Gus!
Hey, Gus.
(frogs croaking)
Gus!
- [Suzy] Hey, Gus.
Gus!
(frogs croaking)
Gus!
(frogs croaking)
- Yeah, get 'em in there.
- Yeah, yeah, all right.
- Gus!
(water splashing)
- [Suzy] Gus!
Gus!
- Gus!
(frogs croaking)
(dramatic music)
- [Gus] Arlo!
Suzy!
Please make way.
Thank you very much.
Arlo!
I beg your pardon.
- You think they're crazy?
- Nowadays you never can tell with kids.
Let's take 'em in.
(frogs croaking)
- [Gus] Suzy!
Save your kisses for me!
I'm the only real prince in a pond!
- [Officer] All right, the gig's up.
(Gus speaking muffled)
(car doors bang shut)
- Thanks.
- But nothing happened.
I'm not a very good kisser, I guess.
- Well, Gus probably wasn't there.
I'm sure you kiss great.
- You think so?
("That's Amore")
(gentle music)
- Couldn't you have just taken us to jail?
(knocking on door)
- You'll never believe
what these two delinquents
have been up to tonight.
- These are no delinquents.
This is my son, a scientist!
Ha!
Bravo!
(all clapping)
- [Man] Well done.
- Come here, you.
- Arlo, Suzy, we owe you a big apology.
- Dr. Fritsky rechecked your data.
You've made a great discovery.
- Oh, wunderbar!
Mwah, mwah!
Wunderbar!
Mwah, mwah! (laughs)
- We were skeptical that kids your age
could have such insights.
But when we saw all those frogs,
that was all the verification we needed.
- [Arlo] Well, uh--
- I suspected the
hypothesis might be correct,
but such a demonstration
convinced us. (laughs)
- Why didn't you tell us
the frogs were coming?
- Of course, both of you
win the science scholarship.
- Science scholarship?
- And the results of your
exhibit will be published
in "Amphibian Today" magazine.
- Oh, I knew all those seaweed casseroles
would pay off someday.
- The first college
graduate in the family,
chip off the old block.
- Woo!
(all clapping)
- See, I told you to
hang on to those frogs.
- I still think Arlo's a dweeb,
but at least you're okay.
(Kathy screams)
- Kathy, calm down.
You're upsetting Gertrude.
(all laughing)
(accordion music)
- Mm!
Here's to the next Einsteins,
Suzy and Arlo.
(glasses clink)
- He's probably in a
Louisiana swamp by now.
- Don't worry.
We'll find him someday.
- Yeah. (sighs)
(all clapping)
- Why, thank you, thank you very much.
I'm gonna sing for you
tonight a love song.
Love, she's a special language,
understood by everybody and everything.
This is a very special song
for two very special people.
♪ In Napoli, where love, she's king ♪
♪ When boy meets girl ♪
♪ Here's what they sing ♪
♪ When the moon hits your
eye like a big pizza pie ♪
♪ That's amore ♪
♪ When the world seems to shine ♪
♪ Like you've had too
much wine, that's amore ♪
♪ Bells will ring, ting-a-ling-a-ling ♪
♪ Ting-a-ling-a-ling, and
you'll sing, "Vita bella" ♪
♪ Hearts will play tippy-tippy-tay ♪
♪ Tippy-tippy-tay, like a gay tarantella ♪
♪ Lucky fella ♪
♪ When the stars make you drool ♪
♪ Just like pasta e fasule, that's amore ♪
♪ When you dance down the street with ♪
♪ A cloud at your feet, you're in love ♪
♪ When you walk in a dream ♪
♪ But you know you're
not dreaming, signore ♪
♪ Oh, scusami, but you see ♪
♪ Back in old Napoli, that's amore ♪
("That's Amore")
(upbeat music)
(frogs croaking)
(gentle music)
(object clatters)
(gentle music)
- I can't believe we're doing this.
- It's not my fault.
All right guys, where is she?
- [Woman] Arlo?
- Just a second, Mom.
- Arlo?
Oh, Jim!
We haven't seen you in months.
Why don't you stay for dinner?
- Well, I'd love to Mrs. Anderson, but I--
- He has a date.
- A date!
Jim, that's wonderful.
You boys are getting to be that age.
- Mom, matchsticks won't
stop you from crying.
It has no basis in science.
- Well, it works for me.
(playful music)
I read it in a book.
- Uh...
- What are you doing?
- Uh, we'll set the table, Mom.
- Nonsense.
Gertrude!
Come out of there.
Oh, poor thing.
Arlo, I believe I'm a
fairly tolerant human being.
We all have our own special
place in this world.
But I do not allow iguanas in my kitchen.
Even Gertrude. Here you go.
- Yes, Mom.
(gentle music)
Gertrude, you've got to restrain yourself.
Do we understand each other?
Hey, Trico, slow down.
- For the last time, Arlo,
if I knew we were gonna be
messing with your
reptiles again... (sighs)
Snakes, lizards, frogs.
It isn't the same anymore, Arlo.
- Remember when we had 20 guys down here?
They couldn't believe all our snakes.
- We were in the fourth grade, Arlo.
- So?
Kids still think it's cool.
- Well, maybe the Chess Club does,
but the rest of the school
thinks you're a Rubis.
- Well, these guys still like me.
We have a lot in common.
Don't we, Henry?
- Look, Arlo, I'll put it to you straight.
You gotta stop talking to snakes
and start talking to girls.
- Well, I can talk to both, can't I?
- Arlo, any girl who talks
to a guy who talks to snakes
ain't worth talking to.
You never even kissed a girl.
- I have, too.
- [Jim] Name one.
- Uh...
Arlene.
- Your sister?
- It was her wedding.
- Uh, everybody in their cages?
(animals croaking and hissing)
- Coast is clear, Dad.
- Hey, Jimbo.
Long time, no see, buddy.
You and Arlo get into
a fight or something?
- No, busy.
(Henry hisses)
How'd the game go, Mr. Anderson?
(Mr. Anderson huffs)
Well, let's just say that
we're not as young as we used to be.
But I read about your big win over there
at Cleveland Junior High.
Newspaper said you just
flew over those hurdles.
- Well, yeah, except for the last one.
- Yeah, well you stick
with your athletics, Jimbo.
When I was your age, you know
what they used to call me?
- What?
- Lightning Legs Anderson.
Yeah, you play football, don't you, Jimbo?
Well, when I was a first
string running back,
we didn't wear no pads then
either, you understand?
It was man against man, okay?
And when you got in, whoa!
(gentle music)
- Uh, you want to come over Saturday?
- No, I think I got something planned.
- Oh.
Sure.
- Well, I'll be seeing you, Arlo.
- See ya.
Hey, wait.
Do you think...
You think maybe you could get me a date?
- Well, uh...
Let me see what I can do, Snake Eyes.
But you gotta promise me one thing.
- You name it.
- You won't act like a nerd.
(bright music)
Later, gator.
- In a while, crocodile.
(bright music)
- How do I look, guys?
Too much or not enough?
(bowling ball striking pins on TV)
- Strike-aroo!
(Mrs. Anderson laughs)
- Dad?
- [Mr. Anderson] Yeah?
- Could I get an advance for my allowance?
- Oh, they having the
science fair already, huh?
- No, it's not for another two weeks.
- What is it this time?
Mealworms for a gecko?
A frozen rat?
- It's for a date.
- Arlo, really?
A date?
- I'm meeting them in
front of the theater.
- Okay, wait, wait.
Here's a 20, it's enough for a movie
and a couple of malts later.
- Whoa, thanks, Dad!
(dog barking in distance)
Wow, a two-for-one lizard sale!
Who's that?
(playful music)
(frog croaking)
Arlo, you don't need a
frog, you've got a date.
(playful music)
- Well!
I thought the science fair
wasn't for another two weeks yet.
- What kind of frog are you?
- Just came in.
Box says it's from Italy.
- How much?
- Well, for my preferred customers, $20.
(playful music)
(register rattles)
(shop bell dings)
(Jim sighs)
- I'll pay you back tomorrow.
(Jim scoffs)
- Now, remember--
- I know, I know.
- Arlo, Suzy.
Suzy, Arlo.
- Suzy, did you know
some frogs use their eyes
to push down their food?
- Uh, no, I didn't.
- You didn't tell me you were setting up
my best friend with Arlo Anderson.
- I thought I did.
- Well, I only mention that because
we're both in Mr. Fried's science class.
- Oh, really?
- Yeah.
Arlo's the one who brought
in the foot-long worms.
- [Suzy] Oh, yeah.
- Arlo always gets A's.
You should see his science projects.
- Oh, I can't stand science.
But your talk really taught me some things
I never knew about worms.
- Well, actually I'd like
to become a herpetologist.
- Yuck!
- Yuck!
- That's a doctor, right, Arlo?
- Well, yeah.
It's like a doctor of
reptiles and amphibians.
They're extremely interesting creatures.
I mean, did you know that some frogs
raise tadpoles in their mouths?
- [Girls] Yuck!
(movie monster growling)
(frog croaks)
- Uh, the onions.
- Shh!
- [Movie Character] Don't
you think we should be
getting back to the lab?
(playful music)
- [Movie Character] Sure,
pull the other one, Bob.
- Arlo!
What?
- Sorry.
Sorry.
Uh, my shoe.
- Arlo, would you quit moving around?
- Sorry.
Sorry.
- [Movie Character] I don't see anything.
(suspenseful music)
(frog croaks)
- You okay?
- Never felt better.
(movie monster growling)
(Kathy screams)
(suspenseful music)
(movie character screams)
(suspenseful music)
- You know, Mom was right!
You are a dweeb!
Goodbye. Forever!
- Kathy!
- Sorry, Jim.
Sorry.
- (scoffs) Don't.
I've never heard anyone
apologize so much in one night!
- Sorry.
- Look, Arlo,
I gave you a chance.
You have this weird
attraction to reptiles.
You couldn't control
yourself and you had to bring
a frog on your first date!
I'm not mad.
We just don't have
anything in common anymore.
(gentle music)
(Andersons chattering quietly)
(door creaks open)
- Hey, it's 9:15.
Is that the best you could do?
Well, I didn't mean anything by it.
(door slams nearby)
(insects chirping)
♪ When the moon hits your
eye like a big pizza pie ♪
♪ That's amore ♪
♪ When the world seems to shine ♪
♪ Like you've had too much wine ♪
♪ That's amore ♪
♪ Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling ♪
♪ Ting-a-ling-a-ling, and
you'll sing "Vita bella" ♪
- Hey, you've come back!
- Hey, this has been some night, no?
- Uh...
(Arlo thuds)
Arlo?
- Arlo, are you okay?
- Uh...
Uh, sure, Mom.
I was just reading.
- Oh.
- "Timber rattlesnakes are life bearers,
"giving birth in early fall to
a litter of nine youngsters."
- You look a little pale.
You want me to make you some nanny tea?
- No.
Um, just tired.
I hope.
- Well, don't worry, sweetie.
Not every day turns out
the way you planned.
When I think of some of my
dates with your father...
Oh, well you're tired.
But I just want you to know, Arlo,
you're a very special person.
- Thanks, Mom.
- We're all special people.
Each one of us unique,
with our very own personality.
(frog croaking)
A little spark, you see,
that burns only in you.
And that's something we must treasure,
each and every day.
- What a day, I'm bushed.
- You know, Henry David
said it best, I think.
"If a man does not keep
pace with his companions,
"perhaps it is because he
hears a different drummer.
"Let him step to that
music which he hears,
"however measured or far, far away."
Oh, well!
You better get some sleep.
Sweet dreams, honey.
(Mrs. Anderson sighs)
Oh!
And put that frog in the garage
before your father sees it.
(door thuds shut)
- Hey, Arlo, you look confused.
- Are you a dream?
- A dream?
You no see.
I'm a frog.
- A frog?
- Well, not really a frog.
- You're not really a frog?
- [Gus] Yeah, of course not.
- Of course not.
- I'm Prince Giuseppe Bueno Dono.
- Giuseppe Buen-what?
- Better you call me Gus.
I'm a frog, 600 years.
- And I though the teen years were rough.
- But someday you grow up.
I stay frog another 600 years unless...
- Unless what?
- [Gus] Unless I get a kiss.
- You mean?
- One kiss from beautiful
woman turn me back into prince.
(gentle music)
- He's reading.
Out loud.
- It was the dinosaurs.
- What dinosaurs?
- The plastic ones I got
him when he was a kid.
He started reading books on dinosaurs.
Then he started reading
books on (shudders) snakes.
Then he bought some snakes.
Then the snakes took over the garage,
they took over his room.
Now they've taken over our lives.
- Bill, we have to remember,
we have a son who gets straight A's,
whose teachers all like him,
and who comes home right after school.
- Yeah, that's what I'm worried about.
- Well, we should thank our lucky stars
that dinosaurs are extinct. (laughs)
- Are you sure?
(Mrs. Anderson laughs)
- Why me?
- What?
- Why did you choose me?
- Hey, Arlo,
how many people take a
frog on their first date?
(school bell ringing)
So this is your school, no?
Hmm.
I see that style coming back.
- Coming back?
Oh!
- Sure you'll be all right?
- Uh, yes, sir.
(stammering) I just
need a little fresh air.
How was I to know we were
dissecting frogs today?
Are you okay?
(bangs into locker)
- The young lady from the theater, no?
- You should know, you sat on her lap.
How's it going?
- [Gus] You sure have a lot of friends.
(dramatic music)
If you don't mind, I stay over here.
Snakes make me, er, uncomfortable
- People make me uncomfortable.
There!
Just wait until those
science fair judges see this.
- [Gus] They want you hurry with crickets.
They hungry.
- I'm hurrying, I'm hurrying.
Peter, Mary, now, don't
gulp down your food.
Kenneth, I got your favorite grub.
You know, Gus, we got a chance
to make a great contribution to science.
- I just want a kiss.
- Gus, I'd like to help
you, but let's face it,
how can I get you kissed
when I can't get kissed?
- I thought you liked Suzy.
- Well, it's not a question if I like her.
It's how much she hates me.
- [Gus] She very impressed by those worms.
- Yeah, she did like my talk, didn't she?
Worms.
Do they know their left
hand from the right?
- You go on date, no?
- Date?
Why would a wonderful,
beautiful girl like Suzy
want to go out with me?
- Why not?
- Let me see.
Because I'm skinny, homely, nerdy,
clumsy, and in short, a real Rubis.
- [Gus] Well, those are good reasons.
But what about you being a good scientist?
- Oh, who cares?
- [Gus] I met Einstein once.
All the girls liked to kiss Einstein.
- I never heard that.
- Hey, Arlo, all you need is a-confidence.
- Well, I'm pretty a-confident
they'll think I'm a nerd.
- Leave it to me.
I get you date, you get me kiss.
(bright music)
Go ahead.
- Uh, maybe we should do this later, Gus.
My chemistry class starts in a--
- What do you lose?
Already she think you are Aruba.
- That's Rubis.
- Remember, a-confidence.
(gentle music)
- (clears throat) Uh...
(voice breaks) Suzy?
Would you...
Well, I mean, could I ask...
- [Kathy] Spit it out, Arlo.
- [Gus] A-confidence.
- Would you like to be my science fair?
(scoffs) I mean my, my
science fair partner.
- Oh.
Sure, Arlo.
(Kathy gulps)
- Oh, well, that's okay.
I mean, I didn't think,
well, you know it was
just an idea and I...
Did you say...
- Yeah, sure, I'll be
your science fair partner.
- [Gus] What I tell you?
A-confidence!
- [Kathy] I do not believe it.
- Well, I need the grade.
Otherwise I can't become a cheerleader.
And you heard Jim, Arlo always gets A's.
- I know, but you'll have
to be with him sometimes.
- Well, if I can become a
cheerleader, it'll be worth it.
I think.
(Arlo humming "That's Amore")
- Is it me or has Arlo
been acting strange lately?
- It's just another metamorphic stage
of the growth experience, honey.
(doorbell chimes)
- [Arlo] I'll get it!
- See what I mean?
It's strange.
- Uh, this is Suzy, my
science fair partner.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- Hi.
(Mrs. Anderson giggles)
I can't believe it.
(Suzy screams nearby)
- Its okay.
Wayne only eats chickens.
- Are these all yours?
- They sure are.
Staring from the right, that's
Henry, a green tree python.
That's Terry, a kingsnake.
Bridget, a corn snake.
There's Jonathan, the monitor.
Um, Gertrude, my iguana.
Oh, I guess you'd like to
see our science fair project.
- Can I just see it from here?
- It used to be blind
reptiles, but I changed it.
- I'm glad to hear that.
- Now it's how frogs communicate.
And here's the star of our exhibit, Gus.
- Arlo, so what if frogs communicate?
- Well, the ramifications could apply
to a variety of species.
The brains of frogs are primitive.
(Gus croaking)
Well, the brains of most frogs.
People always underestimate
things they don't understand.
All creatures have feelings.
And maybe our science
experiment will help them
take another look.
Well, they're not really that slimy.
- [Mr. Anderson] Everybody in their cages?
- Oh, I hope so.
- Uh, yeah, I just brought you guys some
Salty Sailor Pretzels.
I know how hard you have to
work with these, uh, toads,
but you still have to eat, right?
- Uh, thanks, Dad.
- Oh, Suzy, I think it's
great that girls like you
love reptiles like my son does.
- Oh, well, uh...
- I mean, I love 'em, too. (laughs)
I, I wouldn't,
I wouldn't know what to do without 'em.
They're very interesting and I think--
Ah, ah! Oh!
Ooh! (laughs)
Oh, those turtles, they just sorta
sneak up on you like that and, uh...
Well, I guess I'll
leave you two alone now.
I know you have a lot of
work to do on your, uh,
science, uh, project.
- Wheat germ cobbler, anyone?
- How do you stand it?
You and him alone,
with all those things?
- Well, at least it'll be over soon.
Arlo will have the whole
thing done in another week.
- I gotta hand it to you.
I mean, I would not have been
able to use Arlo like that
and still look him in the eye.
- Yeah.
Got to hand it to me.
(dramatic music)
(frog croaking)
- [Gus] What'd he say?
- Uh, that's easy.
A mating call.
- Close.
That a dinner call.
- Two long croaks, one short.
You know something, Gus?
We're on the trail of a major
scientific breakthrough.
If it wasn't for you, I'd
still be doing blind reptiles.
Alone.
- Oh, this is your idea.
You're the scientist.
- Just think what Einstein
could have done with this.
But we still got a lot of work ahead.
- You work, I sing.
- You know something?
I think Suzy really likes me.
Maybe she'd like to go to
Whittlestone's Pet Shop with me.
- Pet shop?
Arlo, what about a nice
Italian restaurant?
A little music, a little pasta.
- Wow.
- By the way, when I get kissed?
- Hey, I'm working on it.
A promise is a promise and I
promise I'll get you kissed.
- Thanks, honey.
Next.
- Uh, would it be any extra
if you kissed me with your eyes closed?
- Oh, for you, handsome, no extra charge.
(coins clink)
All right, batter up.
(woman screams)
- I guess I come on too strong.
- Remember when you used
to kiss me goodnight,
it'd make me feel better?
- Oh, Arlo.
You want a goodnight kiss?
- Not me, Mom.
My frog.
(playful music)
- [Gus] What about Suzy?
- Absolutely not!
- [Gus] Hey, Arlo, hey,
it was just an idea.
- Gus?
Who's Gus?
- His frog.
- He wanted you to kiss a frog?
- I bet you did things like
that when you were his age.
- I didn't know what a frog
was until Arlo came along.
I mean, Suzy looks like a nice girl.
Even if she does like snakes.
(sighs) Here I thought Arlo was finally
joining the major leagues.
Is there some disease, you know,
that makes people like
toads more than people?
- Maybe we should have a talk with him.
- Yeah, well, if we talk, it's
going to be in my ballpark,
not with those (shudders) snakes.
- For the onions.
- Hmm, looks scientific.
Arlo.
Your father and I would like
to have a talk with you.
- Gertrude didn't get out again?
- No.
- [Mr. Anderson] Do you see...
- Go ahead, there's no snakes here.
- Uh, yeah.
Well, you see, son, when I was your age,
I did things that all the other guys did.
- I don't think I'm old enough, Dad.
- No, that's not what I mean.
I mean that, well, maybe we
swallowed a few dozen goldfish.
- Really?
I wish my garter snake ate like that.
- Arlo, what he's trying to say is,
well, we went to parties,
to football games,
to civil rights demonstrations.
(Mr. Anderson tsks)
Well, I went to civil
rights demonstrations.
- Yeah, that's right.
With people.
Arlo, you see, people are
warmblooded creatures, okay?
And toads are coldblooded.
And when yo mix warm
and cold, you get, uh,
lukewarm-blooded.
- Uh, thanks, Dad.
- Well, you can't argue
with that, can you?
(upbeat music)
- Gertrude, move, you're in the way.
Come on, go.
Go.
- You know, she likes her belly rubbed.
(Suzy laughs)
(upbeat music)
- Okay.
I think we're ready to test now.
- Boy, Arlo, you really did a lot of work.
- We did a lot of work.
- Yeah.
You got to hand it to us.
- Yeah.
Notice the Subject B frogs
in the soundproof vessel.
Their only auditory input
comes from this speaker,
which is connected to this microphone
in front of Subject A frog, Gus.
Now, watch this.
Prompted by the auditory
and visual stimulation
of the crickets,
(crickets chirping)
Gus, Subject A frog, should
begin to croak "food is here."
(Gus croaking)
Upon hearing the food call,
the Subject B frogs should
hop towards the speaker
inside the soundproof vessel.
(Gus croaking)
- They did it.
- Now watch this.
Snakes are the natural enemies of frogs.
Gus will croak "Get the
heck out of here, danger."
Gus will croak "Get the
heck out of here, danger."
(Gus croaking)
And the Subject B frogs
beat a hasty retreat.
- (gasps) Wow!
It works!
I mean, Arlo, it really works!
- 'Course it works.
- You know, before I
started working with you,
I'd never given much thought to frogs.
- Yeah.
You didn't even know I
was in your science class.
(upbeat music)
- You see, this is a volcano
and this is how they smoke.
(smoke hissing)
(lava bubbling)
- You did a nice job with the lava.
- Don't you just love lava?
(lava bubbling)
- Looking good, Gus.
- Grazie.
- You know...
Nah.
- This is Arlo Anderson, one
of our best science students.
- And this is Suzy Bennett, my partner.
- Suzy?
I would never have thought that you took
such an interest in science.
Very smart pairing up with Arlo Anderson.
Well, Arlo, let's see how this works.
As our project will demonstrate,
frogs have an extremely complex
system of communication.
When the bull, or dominant
amphibian, subject A here,
let's out a...
(upbeat music)
Proving the lingual
capabilities inherent in
rana catesbeiana, or the common bullfrog.
- It's not bad.
- How frogs communicate?
Ick!
Only a real Poindexter could
think up something like that.
- Arlo thinks that understanding frogs
will help us understand ourselves.
- (laughs) You're kidding!
Gosh, you had a rougher
time than I thought.
- Well, Arlo, what happened
to the blind reptiles?
- Well, amphibian
communication has sort of
captured my attention
in the past few weeks.
- You aren't serious about
this, are you, young man?
- Well, yes sir.
- (laughs) Why, this is nothing more than
a trained animal act.
How'd you do it?
Electric shocks?
- Electric shocks?
- Arlo, do you realize you're speaking
of a type of communication associated with
higher life forms?
- Well, that's exactly
the question I'm asking.
What do we mean by higher life forms?
- You expect us to believe this?
This toad has a brain the
size of this pencil point.
- But this isn't a toad.
No, don't!
- You certainly chose an ugly
representative of the species.
(Gus croaking)
- Could I please have
Subject A back, please?
- What's this?
A scar from an electrode?
- [Gus] Get you peasant's claws
off of me.
- Achoo!
- What did you say?
- Achoo!
Uh, I'm allergic to frogs.
- What are you so nervous about, hmm?
- My theory of amphibian communication
is based on a solid
foundation of several tests.
Frogs use the vocal auditory channel
for the communicative act.
They broadcast a transmission
and have directional reception.
- [Judge] Mr. Anderson,
where is your verification?
- [Arlo] Well, I believe this project
presents plenty of verification.
- Hm, they want a verification,
I'll give them verification.
- We're not here to play games.
The integrity of this experiment
has been severely compromised.
- Frogs have a syntax.
True, it has not been proven
that the communicative act
is for communication alone.
- Mr. Anderson, in all my
years of judging science fairs,
I have never seen anyone
falsify their data.
- Can you believe this?
The only reason you worked with that nerd
was to pass science.
Now he's ruining the whole thing
because of some stupid frog.
- Uh, certainly the data here proves
beyond reasonable doubt
that amphibians communicate.
Sometimes better than people.
- [Gus] Those stinking mud-eating serfs!
- Look, Harding, I must say
I find the boy's hypothesis
outlandish, but also intriguing.
From the results of the field tests,
can we review your linear verification?
- Gentlemen, why don't we
move on to the next exhibit?
Arlo, why didn't you stick
with the blind reptiles?
(dramatic music)
(overhead speakers crackling)
(Gus croaking on speakers)
- [Gus] Mi, mi, mi, mi.
Mi, mi.
♪ When the moon hits your eye ♪
♪ Like a big pizza pie that's amore ♪
♪ When the world seems to shine ♪
♪ Like you've had too much wine ♪
- What the heck?
♪ That's amore ♪
(frogs croaking)
♪ Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling ♪
♪ Ting-a-ling-a-ling, and
you'll sing, "Vita bella" ♪
♪ Hearts will play tippy-tippy-tay ♪
♪ Tippy-tippy-tay, like a gay tarantella ♪
♪ Lucky fella ♪
♪ When the stars make
you drool just like ♪
- Oh, no!
♪ That's amore ♪
♪ When you dance down the street
with a cloud at your feet ♪
♪ You're in love ♪
(frogs croaking)
♪ When you walk in a dream ♪
♪ But you know you're
not dreaming signore ♪
♪ Scusami, but you see, back
in old Napoli, that's amore ♪
(frogs croaking)
(dramatic music)
(people screaming)
♪ When the moon hits your
eye like a big pizza pie ♪
♪ That's amore ♪
(people screaming)
♪ When the moon seems to shine ♪
♪ Like you've had too
much wine, that's amore ♪
(people screaming)
♪ Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling ♪
♪ Ting-a-ling-a-ling, and
you'll sing, "Vita bella" ♪
♪ Hearts will play tippy-tippy-tay ♪
♪ Tippy-tippy-tay, like a gay tarantella ♪
♪ Lucky fella ♪
(people screaming)
♪ Just like pasta e fasule ♪
♪ That's amore ♪
(people screaming)
♪ When you dance down the street
with a cloud at your feet ♪
♪ You're in love ♪
♪ When you walk in a dream ♪
♪ But you know you're
not dreaming signore ♪
♪ Scusami, but you see, back
in old Napoli, that's amore ♪
♪ Scusami, but you see,
back in old Napoli, that's ♪
(speaker screeches feedback)
I should have known about Suzy.
It was too good to be
true for a Rubis like me.
- [Gus] I've not been much help, no?
- [Arlo] Well, I haven't been much help
getting you kissed, either.
You did prove my hypothesis.
I don't care what those scientists say.
- [Gus] You're right.
What do they know?
I met Galileo once.
No one believed him world flat.
- [Arlo] Uh, Gus,
the world's round.
- [Gus] What?
I no believe it.
- Maybe they'll let me back in school.
When I get out of jail.
With time off for good behavior.
- [Gus] Hey, a-confidence.
- Let's face it, Gus.
It's not working out.
We keep getting in each other's way.
- Maybe you're right.
- What will you do now?
- Ah, no worry about me.
Just got to stay away from science fairs.
(Arlo chuckles)
- (sighs) Next time you need a friend
to help you join the human race,
pick someone who really belongs.
(birds singing)
Well, so long, Gus.
- Arlo!
Someday people realize truth about you.
You're a real prince.
(gentle music)
- Coulda told me you were using me.
I still would've helped you pass science.
- I never really wanted to
be a cheerleader anyway.
You know, the judges
were wrong about our...
Your science exhibit.
- Yeah.
Gus proved that.
- (scoffs) What do you mean, Gus?
- Well, it was...
You see,
Gus is no ordinary frog.
Gus was sticking up for me.
That's why he started
to sing "That's Amore."
You see, it's like,
it's like a call for a frog's dinner.
Or is it a mating call?
Anyway, frogs love that song.
- Wait, let's get this straight.
Now, I know the science fair
judges couldn't understand
frog communication, but...
What are you saying?
- Remember the theater?
You thought the croaks were
coming from the screen?
- I certainly remember that.
- Well, at that time, I
didn't know Gus was Gus
until I went home and there he was.
- Now, go slow, this is
the part I don't get.
- That's when he started talking to me.
- Okay.
Okay, I understand.
Like frog talk, right?
- Well, no.
Like people talk.
- People talk?
Like, like English?
- Well, Italian.
But his English wasn't bad.
You see, Gus is very well cultured.
He's been around.
Heck, he knew Leonardo da Vinci.
- Wow.
- You know that underwater
diving suit Leonardo invented?
That was Gus's idea.
Well, Leonardo drew the design, of course.
And you know the helicopter
he was supposed to think up?
- Arlo...
- 600 years ago there was a prince,
Prince Giuseppe Bueno Dono Tarantini.
- Giuseppe Bueno?
- You know, Gus.
He's a frog, 600 years.
And he'll stay that way forever.
Unless...
- Unless what?
- Unless he gets a kiss.
- You mean?
- One kiss will change
him back into a prince.
- You really think this frog is a prince?
- Well, if he's not a prince,
at least he's a pretty good guy.
- Where is Gus?
- Well, we sorta agreed
to go our separate ways.
Last I saw him, he was
down by Grossman's Pond.
(insects chirping)
- I'll do it.
- Do what?
- I'll kiss the...
Gus.
(knocking at door)
- Can I help you?
(frogs croaking)
- You know, I always thought
kids were going to the dogs.
- Yeah, maybe we should leave a few frogs
back at the school.
I bet some of them would graduate.
- Yeah! (laughs)
With honors!
- [Arlo] Didn't think
they'd call the police.
- [Suzy] Who do you call when
frogs attack a high school?
- That's got to be the last load.
Come on!
Gus!
(frogs croaking)
Gus!
- Arlo!
- [Arlo] Hey, Gus!
- Arlo!
- Hey, Gus!
(frogs croaking)
Gus!
- Well, how do you know which one is Gus?
- Well, he has sort of a
smiley mouth.
- A smiley mouth?
(frogs croaking)
- Gus!
- Gus?
Gus!
Gus!
Are you smiling or frowning?
- [Arlo] Gus!
Gus!
Hey, Gus.
(frogs croaking)
Gus!
- [Suzy] Hey, Gus.
Gus!
(frogs croaking)
Gus!
(frogs croaking)
- Yeah, get 'em in there.
- Yeah, yeah, all right.
- Gus!
(water splashing)
- [Suzy] Gus!
Gus!
- Gus!
(frogs croaking)
(dramatic music)
- [Gus] Arlo!
Suzy!
Please make way.
Thank you very much.
Arlo!
I beg your pardon.
- You think they're crazy?
- Nowadays you never can tell with kids.
Let's take 'em in.
(frogs croaking)
- [Gus] Suzy!
Save your kisses for me!
I'm the only real prince in a pond!
- [Officer] All right, the gig's up.
(Gus speaking muffled)
(car doors bang shut)
- Thanks.
- But nothing happened.
I'm not a very good kisser, I guess.
- Well, Gus probably wasn't there.
I'm sure you kiss great.
- You think so?
("That's Amore")
(gentle music)
- Couldn't you have just taken us to jail?
(knocking on door)
- You'll never believe
what these two delinquents
have been up to tonight.
- These are no delinquents.
This is my son, a scientist!
Ha!
Bravo!
(all clapping)
- [Man] Well done.
- Come here, you.
- Arlo, Suzy, we owe you a big apology.
- Dr. Fritsky rechecked your data.
You've made a great discovery.
- Oh, wunderbar!
Mwah, mwah!
Wunderbar!
Mwah, mwah! (laughs)
- We were skeptical that kids your age
could have such insights.
But when we saw all those frogs,
that was all the verification we needed.
- [Arlo] Well, uh--
- I suspected the
hypothesis might be correct,
but such a demonstration
convinced us. (laughs)
- Why didn't you tell us
the frogs were coming?
- Of course, both of you
win the science scholarship.
- Science scholarship?
- And the results of your
exhibit will be published
in "Amphibian Today" magazine.
- Oh, I knew all those seaweed casseroles
would pay off someday.
- The first college
graduate in the family,
chip off the old block.
- Woo!
(all clapping)
- See, I told you to
hang on to those frogs.
- I still think Arlo's a dweeb,
but at least you're okay.
(Kathy screams)
- Kathy, calm down.
You're upsetting Gertrude.
(all laughing)
(accordion music)
- Mm!
Here's to the next Einsteins,
Suzy and Arlo.
(glasses clink)
- He's probably in a
Louisiana swamp by now.
- Don't worry.
We'll find him someday.
- Yeah. (sighs)
(all clapping)
- Why, thank you, thank you very much.
I'm gonna sing for you
tonight a love song.
Love, she's a special language,
understood by everybody and everything.
This is a very special song
for two very special people.
♪ In Napoli, where love, she's king ♪
♪ When boy meets girl ♪
♪ Here's what they sing ♪
♪ When the moon hits your
eye like a big pizza pie ♪
♪ That's amore ♪
♪ When the world seems to shine ♪
♪ Like you've had too
much wine, that's amore ♪
♪ Bells will ring, ting-a-ling-a-ling ♪
♪ Ting-a-ling-a-ling, and
you'll sing, "Vita bella" ♪
♪ Hearts will play tippy-tippy-tay ♪
♪ Tippy-tippy-tay, like a gay tarantella ♪
♪ Lucky fella ♪
♪ When the stars make you drool ♪
♪ Just like pasta e fasule, that's amore ♪
♪ When you dance down the street with ♪
♪ A cloud at your feet, you're in love ♪
♪ When you walk in a dream ♪
♪ But you know you're
not dreaming, signore ♪
♪ Oh, scusami, but you see ♪
♪ Back in old Napoli, that's amore ♪
("That's Amore")
(upbeat music)