An American Girl Holiday (2004) - full transcript

It all began one day last April.

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

And she was determined
to teach me

to become a proper young lady.

But that day, in particular,
I was more interested

in getting away from my next-door
nuisance, Eddie Ryland.

Samantha!

You're so dumb,
you probably think 3 times 4 is 12.

3 times 4 is 12, Eddie.

Now, if you don't
leave me alone,

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



You're too dumb to find it.

Eddie Ryland, you...

Come back here, Eddie Ryland!

And that was the day
I met my new friend,

Nellie O'Malley.

Who are they?

They're our new servants.

The big one is my new maid.

But she's too young
to be a maid.

Maybe her mother is the maid.

It's grand, da.

What's that?
Look at that water.

Come along now, Bridget.

I'm tired, da.



I know. It won't be long.

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

It's beautiful.

There'll be one room
for all of you.

This will be fine.
Thank you, ma'am

I'm really hungry, Nellie.

Are we going to eat soon?

Look, Nellie, next to the pump.

Oh, Nellie.

See what you did.

I didn't do nothin'.

You threw a rock
and broke the window.

And I'm gonna tell
unless you pay me a penny.

I don't have a penny.

She is not paying you a cent,
Eddie Ryland.

And if you make
any more trouble,

I'll tell your mother that
you took her good petticoat

and made a kite's tail
out of it.

Oh, I'm really scared, Samantha.

Edward!

Edward!

I have an errand for you!

Edward!

Edward, I'm waiting.

Thank you, miss.

I'm Samantha.

I live next door.

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

Pleased to meet you.

Don't pay any attention to him.

Have to pay
some attention, miss,

if we want to
keep our place here.

Nellie girl, come along now.

Are you going to
Mount Bedford school?

Maybe we'll be
in the same class.

I don't go to school, miss.

We're here to work.

May I see you tomorrow?

Like I said,

I'll be working, miss.

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

Samantha!

Oh, goodbye, Nellie. Goodbye,
Bridget. Goodbye, Jenny.

Goodbye.

They're beautiful.

The Rylands have new servants.

A father and 3 girls.

And one of them is my age.

Samantha,
look at those stockings.

Your grandmother
won't like that.

No, she won't.

Yes, Mrs. Hawkins.

Be sure to wash your hands now.

Yes, Mrs. Hawkins.

Hello, Samantha.

Hello, Grandmary.

I trust you have
a good explanation

for that tear in your stockings.

I... I fell. I'm sorry.

You weren't running, were you?

Not when I fell, no.

Haste makes waste, Samantha.

Yes, Grandmary.

Did you know there are 3 girls...

You can tell me over tea, dear.

Begin practicing.

3 girls are moving next door...

Samantha, please begin.

The afternoon mail,
Mrs. Edwards.

Thank you, Jessie.

You can just leave it
on the table, please.

Is there anything
from uncle Gard?

We'll open the mail later, dear.

But he is coming back
when he said?

He didn't miss the boat, did he?

Samantha, please.

Just finish your practice.

Hello, miss.

Please don't call me "miss."

Get in trouble if I don't, miss.

Where did you come from?

Before Mount Bedford, I mean.

New York City.

Oh, my uncle Gard
lives in New York City.

Dad and I worked
at a factory there.

You worked in a factory?

Yes.

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

Is your mother...

She died, miss.
Last winter.

If you don't go to school,

would you like to borrow
some of my books?

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

Oh.

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

I could teach you.

Every day beside the hedge.

Oh, I wish I could, miss.

You can.

You can bring
some work with you,

like darning or mending,
can't you?

You have to sit down some time.

And... and I could sit with you.
It isn't hard to learn.

Thank you, Jessie.

Uh, just leave it
on the table, please.

Jessie?

Yes, miss?

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

Would you like
anything else, ma'am?

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

Samantha.

Yes?

We do not discuss personal
matters with the servants.

But in the kitchen
we talk about all sorts of...

This is not the kitchen.

The secret to a happy household

is for everyone
to know their place.

Do you understand?

Yes, Grandmary.

Good.

Are you enjoying
your needlepoint?

Yes, Grandmary.

Then I'm sure
you'll have no interest

in that package
that's addressed to you.

Oh, it's from uncle Gard!

How could it get here
before he did?

He's not due for 3 weeks.

Oh!

What is it?

It's a stereopticon. Oh.

He says, put in the first slide,

and I will see
where he is right now.

The first slide.

Oh, my!

It's Paris.
The Eiffel Tower.

As if we were really there.

Uncle Gard always gives me
the best presents.

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

for a whole week in July.

We're going to see
Japanese pagodas and temples

and eat peanut butter and
fairy floss and everything.

They make butter out of peanuts?

That's what uncle Gard says.

And what's fairy floss?

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

Uncle Gard is the best person
I know.

Better than your ma and da?

Did I say somethin'?

Maybe we should start
your reading lesson.

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

My parents are gone.

Like your mother.

Only, in an accident.
On the river.

Both of them?

That's awful.

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

You want to see them?

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

She used to sing to me.

Sometimes, I try
to hear her voice.

But it just slips away.

I know.

I wish I could ask Grandmary,

but speaking about mother
hurts her too much.

I keep them close this way.

I like that you're here, Nellie.

I think we'll be great friends.

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

Well, you do now,
Nellie O'Malley.

Friends forever.

Forever.

Come on.

Ok. Now...

Thorn, th...

"Th" sounds like this:
The, that, this.

Then, those, these.

There, thorn, Thursday.

Thanksgiving.

"A roaming cat
with a lily fair sat

on a rose-blossom mat with a..."

Stop your fidgeting, Jenny.

Bridget.

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

Now stretch your hands.

There you go, Jenny.

Why doesn't Jenny speak?

Hasn't said a word
since ma died.

Did she talk before that?

Some. And she talks
in her sleep.

That looks like fun.

It does?

Can I try it? Here.

I'll beat the rug
while you read.

"Cat, sat, m-m-mat."

Good. Go on.

"Fat, rat, hat.

Cat, fat, rat."

You girls about through
killing the rug?

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

There's no fault to it.
You almost done here?

All done, da.
Good, then.

Get a move on inside. Mrs.
Ryland was calling for you.

Yes, da.

Tomorrow, Samantha?

Tomorrow.

I wanted to thank you, Samantha,

for your kindness
toward Nellie and the girls.

No thanks needed, sir.

Nellie and the girls
are my friends.

It's uncle Gard!
That's my uncle Gard.

He's come back from Europe.

Goodbye, Mr. O'Malley.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Jenny, Bridget.

My uncle Gard is here.

Goodbye.

Well, here we are.

Thank you.

Uncle Gard, uncle Gard!

My angel.

Oh, I missed you so much.

Oh, I missed you so much.

Did you get my present?

Yes, I love it.
It's wonderful.

Well,
I have an even bigger surprise for you.

Oh, what is it?

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

Will you take me for a ride now?

First I want you
to say hello to someone.

How are we coming along there,
my dear?

Fine. Thank you.

Samantha, you remember miss Pitt,
from Christmas?

Please, call me Cornelia.

Hello.

Can we go now?

In a moment.

Your uncle Gard says
you love to read, Sam.

My name is Samantha.

Very well, Samantha.
I thought you might like this.

It's the wizard of oz.
Girls in New York love it.

Thank you.

Come on, you two.

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

First we need to say hello
to your Grandmary.

Shall we?

Here we are.

Mother.
Gardner!

Uh, you remember miss Pitt?

W-What a pleasant surprise.

How are you, miss Pitt?

Very well, thank you,
Mrs. Edwards.

Gardner promised me he
would tell you I was coming.

I can see he didn't.

I like surprises.
Don't you, Samantha?

I'm... I'm sure we'll have

plenty of time
to catch up later.

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

Thank you.

This way, ma'am.

Thank you.

Gardner,

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

You look well, mother.

Oh, this is for you.

Oh, my!

Oh!

Oh!

Oh!

It's lovely.

Has the admiral
been to see you lately?

Gardner.

Let's see.

We were going to
do something now.

What?

I don't remember.

Excuse us, mother.

Where are you going?
Gardner.

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

Did you see the Mona Lisa?

Yes, mother,
we saw the Mona Lisa.

It was delightful.

But what we are
even more excited about

is this new style of art
called impressionism.

Yes.

By a man named Monet.

You've been away
a very long time.

How has your firm
managed without you?

I don't think they even noticed
I was gone, mother.

Nonsense, Gard.
Of course they did.

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

How so?

She's organizing suffrage
meetings all over the city.

Gard, perhaps this
isn't the best time.

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

Women of my generation
found plenty of ways

to influence
the course of events

without having to stand
on a soapbox.

Yes. Although,
if women are expected

to obey the laws
our leaders make,

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

I believe Samantha should have
as much say in her government

as that little boy next door.

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

I was going to wait until...

Are you coming to
live in Mount Bedford?

No. But it is
wonderful news.

Against her better judgment,

this beautiful woman

has accepted
my proposal of marriage.

Oh, Gardner,
you sound so old-fashioned.

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

And while I was in Paris,
I was getting her parents' blessing.

My. Well, then,

I'm very happy for both of you.

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

Since Cornelia's family
lives abroad,

we were hoping

you would allow us to have
the wedding right here, mother.

We can hold it in
the conservatory.

It's so beautiful here. We
were thinking the end of July.

July?
This year?

Yes, of course, this year.

Why so sudden?

I don't want to wait. I've
found the woman of my dreams.

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

She's very young.

My sister will be
the matron of honor,

her daughter, my flower girl,

but I don't have a bridesmaid.

What do you say?

Say yes.

Yes.

Samantha!

Samantha.

Hello.

I know you're upset with me.

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

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

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

And, in fact, if your mother
were still alive,

I'm sure they'd be
the best of friends.

They would?
Oh, yes.

Why, they're quite similar
in many ways.

Your mother was so full of life,

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

Making fun of
your bushy eyebrows.

How did you know about that?

She tortured you.

She told me so.

And I miss her
every time I think about it.

You're so like your mother.

You have her spirit.

You have her will
and her curiosity.

Oh.

What's this?

Oh.

St. Louis, the exposition.

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

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

It's all her fault.

No, Samantha.

Cornelia is a wonderful person.

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

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

You are my family.

You'll always be my little girl.

That was lovely, Samantha.

Thank you, Grandmary.

Grandmary?

Yes.

Do you like Cornelia?

Do I...

Certainly I do, Samantha.

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

Our family.

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

And so we must learn to
accept change with grace.

Do you understand?

Yes, Grandmary.

"She gave a dose of it to Peter!

"'One tablespoon to
be taken at bedtime.'

"but Flopsy, Mopsy,
and Cotton-tail

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

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

I think I've been
reading over da's shoulders

ever since I was little.

He says I should start
teaching Bridget soon.

Hello there.

I should get back to work.

Can you stay a minute longer?

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

Now, then have a bite of both

and tell me which one
you like better.

Lemon or almond vanilla.

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

Maybe you'd better
taste them again.

I'd say the lemon.

I have to agree.

Lemon it is.

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

Oh, no, ma'am,
cake's not good for dogs.

It gives them a tummy ache.

And we don't have a dog.

That's right. I forgot.

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

Oh, good idea.

Very good.
Thank you, girls.

She's not so bad, you know.

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

Oh, Belgian lace.

Oh, how elegant.

The gown had tiny pearls
all along the hem

and... and crystal stitching
in between each pearl.

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

Bustle?

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

Tell her about the veil.

The veil. It flowed from
behind like a waterfall.

My mother wore it, too.

She looked like an angel.

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

Oh, Grandmary, look.
It's lavender.

Your favorite color.

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

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

We have to make it up to her.

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

You said yourself aunt
Francis is not getting any better.

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

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

She can come and stay
with us in New York.

Let us share the burden, mother.

It's just for a few months.

Nellie.

Nellie.

What on earth?

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

They were talking about
sending me away.

To New York.
Grandmary and uncle Gard.

They think I'm a burden.

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

How long have you been out here?

Please come with me.

I don't want to be by myself.

I thought this was
just a boathouse.

This is my secret hiding place.

There are so many
beautiful things here.

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

But after they died,

no one came here anymore.

Sometimes when I come here,

I feel like they're still here.

What do you do in here?

Read, mostly.
Make wishes.

What do you wish for?

Depends on my mood.

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

And other times...

I wish my parents could be here.

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

Better to think
about what you do."

But I still wish
I could see my ma.

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

You can write me every day.

And you can write back.

What's her name?

Lydia. Just like my mother.

I've never seen
anything so beautiful.

If I go away,

will you keep her for me?

Do you mean it?

Yes.

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

You know anything about stars?

A little.

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

"Star light,

"star bright

"first star I see tonight

"wish I may, wish I might

have the wish I wish tonight"

I found you! I found you!

Oh, you get out of
here right now, Eddie.

Pay me a nickel
and I won't tell.

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

I found them!
I found them!

I found them!

I found them!

What do you think you're doing,

you senseless girl?

You've had the whole
neighborhood looking for you.

This is completely unacceptable.

The servants in my household do
not trespass on other people's property.

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

I'm so sorry.

I cannot understand
how this happened.

It's my fault,
Mrs. Ryland.

It was all my idea.

I asked Nellie
to keep me company.

Nevertheless, I expect my help

to behave respectfully
at all times.

I don't think
the girls meant any harm.

I promise you
it won't happen again.

Please forgive her, mum.

She's still young
and forgets her place.

I'm so sorry, ma'am.

I knew better. I did.

It's all right, Nellie.

Mother.

Huh?

What's this?

Pictures of Lydia.

Lydia's journal.

Samantha.

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

If you're sure you can manage.

Oh, I am.

Yes, Grandmary.

I have some wonderful news.

Your uncle Gard has invited
you to spend a few months

in New York City with him
and Cornelia this fall.

And with you in the city,

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

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

This is not a punishment, dear.

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

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

then we must keep
those memories close.

I'd be disappointed
if you didn't have

a special place for your mother.

She did the very same thing.

My mother?

She once had
a kitten named Mabel.

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

Cross-eyed?

And she loved that kitten
more than anything.

One day, Mabel didn't come home.

She took all of
Mabel's favorite things

and she placed them
in the boathouse.

She did?

Just like you.

Samantha!

My.

Oh!

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

The most wonderful.

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

You look like a fairy tale.

Just like a Princess.

I have some pieces here.

They've been in the family for
years. I do feel you must wear them.

Oh, Mrs. Edwards,
thank you so much.

Oh, my! They're so pretty.

Oh, my goodness,
they're so delicate.

They're wonderful.
They're lovely.

Don't feel obligated.

Thank you so much.

Your veil is ruined.

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

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

You look lovely.

Would you like to wear
my mother's veil?

Oh, I couldn't.

You must.

Oh, it's so beautiful.

Thank you both so much.

Would you help me?

Wilt thou, Gardner,

have this woman
to thy lawful wedded wife,

to live together after
god's ordinance

in the holy estate of matrimony?

Wilt thou love her, comfort her,

honor and keep her
in sickness and in health,

and, forsaking all others,

keep thee only unto her,

so long as ye both shall live?

I will.

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

to live together after
god's ordinance

in the holy estate of matrimony?

Wilt thou obey him
and serve him,

love, honor, and keep him
in sickness and in health,

and, forsaking all others,

keep thee only unto him,

so long as ye both shall live?

I will.

I now pronounce you
man and wife.

Agatha, pull harder!

Thank you.
Thank you so much.

What a pleasant occasion.

And he's a fine catch.
Mmm.

But then again,
we always knew she'd marry well.

Not so well.

What do you mean?

His niece is coming to
stay with them till Christmas.

Poor Cornelia.

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

Goodbye!

Goodbye. Thank you.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, mother.

We'll be back in a month,

and then we'll have
many wonderful adventures.

How does that sound?

Are you ready?

Ooh.

Letting Cornelia have
your mother's veil

was very generous, Samantha.

I did it for you.

I know.

Have a wonderful time.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, uncle Gard.

Samantha, over here.

Look what I found.

No.
Yes. Eddie Ryland's money jar.

I watched him when he bullied
the milkman this morning.

And then I followed him and
found his secret hiding place.

The well.

Whatever should we do with it?

I know the perfect place for it.

Thank you.

Good morning.

Amen.

Shh.

Is that everything?

Yes, dear. It's all here.

I will write to you
3 times a day.

I'll miss you so much.

I am going to miss you somethin' awful,
Samantha Parkington.

You promise
you won't forget me now?

Forget you? I will be back
before you know it.

And we'll celebrate Christmas
after Christmas together.

That sounds grand.

I promise.

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

Dear Nellie, today,
uncle Gard, aunt Cornelia,

and I went on a tour
of New York City.

First we stopped in
the Madison square

and saw the magnificent
Fuller building.

I sent you a slide.

They call it the flatiron now.

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

Oh, Nellie, there are
so many people here

from all over the world,

speaking different languages,
and shouting, and laughing,

that it makes my ears hurt.

And the streets were so full
of carriages and automobiles

that there were times
when we could hardly move.

Uncle Gard says that next month

an underground train will open.

It's called a subway,

and it can take a person
from city hall

to the Harlem meadows
in less than 15 minutes.

Imagine that!

Oh, and I tried the chestnuts
like you said.

I like the smell
better than the taste.

Hello.
Hello.

One, please.

There you go, miss.

Thank you, sir.
You're welcome.

School is going fine, I suppose.

I'd like to introduce
a new student,

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

which is quite a change.

Isn't that right, Samantha?

Yes.

Maybe you would like to tell us

a little about your life
in Mount Bedford?

Well,

first,

Mount Bedford
is not a mountain.

It's houses

and churches

and a river.

And what river is that?
The Husson.

The Houson.

The Hudson. Sorry.

That's all right.

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

The river is the Hudson River,

the same one that runs down
the West Side of Manhattan.

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

I miss you so, Nellie.

Please write back soon.

Your best friend, Samantha.

Dear Samantha,

I'm sorry I haven't
written much,

but da's been under the weather,

and I've had to
take on more chores.

Your uncle's house sounds grand,

all stone and marble,
like the fine houses

in the Gramercy Park
that da used to point out.

I miss you, too, Samantha,

and I can't wait
until you get back.

Love, from your friend, Nellie.

Mrs. Vandergeld has
installed a shower.

Passing fancy.

Like a rain shower?

Exactly.
Only it's inside the house,

and you stand underneath,
and then the water falls.

A ridiculous contraption.

Absurd.

Prone to breaking, I'm sure.

I'm sure.

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

Absolutely.

Oh, from Grandmary.

She has been to see the admiral.

What's so amusing?

Well, the admiral
proposed to mother

twice a year for the last
dozen years, I'd say.

Oh. Oh, no wonder she thought
we were rushing things.

Good morning, class.

Good morning, miss Stevens.

Today, I have
a very exciting announcement.

The school is conducting
a speaking contest

on the subject
"progress in America."

You can write on
a topic of your choice.

Anything modern and new.

Yes, Edna.

Could I write
about the telephone?

The telephone is
an excellent example.

Anyone else?

Samantha?

Factories?

Another good idea.

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

Yes, Emma.

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

You all may write
on anything you wish,

but only 12 speeches
will be chosen.

And those chosen
will be presented

in front of the entire school
at the Christmas program.

Your speeches are due
by Thanksgiving.

The time has come
to change the old ways.

Women must vote.

The time has come for
all of us to speak out

and in support, Mrs. Winthrop
and Mrs. Vandergeld

will organize
a peaceful gathering

at Madison square Park
a week from Tuesday.

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

She works so hard.

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

I'm pleased to
have met you, too.

I'm always greatly encouraged

when young people
join our discussions.

Are you anxious to vote one day?

I'm not sure.

No.

Then you won't have to.

Isn't that right,
Mrs. Vandergeld?

Oh, quite... quite right.

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

Good night, Samantha.

Good night.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

Good night.

Goodbye.

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

Uncle Gard.

Hello, my angel.

How was school today?

It was good, thank you.

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

Of course.

Factories are the foundation
of progress in America.

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

enough for everyone all at once.

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

Products that are made by hand

will soon be replaced
by those made by machine.

I am impressed.

Afternoon mail.

Hello, sweetheart.

Anything for me?

Well, there is a postcard here
to all of us from Grandmary.

Nothing from Nellie?

No, I'm afraid not.

I haven't heard
from her in weeks.

Oh. There's a letter here
from Mount Bedford.

From Mrs. Hawkins.

What does it say?

Oh, dear.

What?

Nellie's father has died.
From influenza.

Oh, no.

Poor Nellie.

May I see?

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

in New York City.

Cold rock house.
Do you know where it is?

I-Is it near?

It shouldn't be hard to find.

Can we go see them, uncle Gard?

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

Dear Nellie, I just received
word about your dad.

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

But uncle Gard is going
to arrange for me to see you,

and I'll be there in no time.

Write me back soon as you can.

Your friend, Samantha.

I'm practicing
for my piano lesson.

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

That was lovely, Samantha.

Would you like to help?

Uncle Gard told me
you remind him of my mother.

I take that as
a great compliment.

I remember her hair

in my face when
she would kiss me good night.

And I don't know
why I thought of this,

but she hated chickens.

Chickens?

She hated them.

It's Gard.

Uncle Gard.

Hello, ladies.

Look at you two.

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

Did you find the orphanage?

I did.

Oh, wonderful.

How is Nellie?

Well,

they didn't let me see her.

What do you mean?

The orphans are not allowed to
have visitors who are not related.

Unless they are serious
about adoption.

That's preposterous.

Why?

Each institution
has its own rules.

There must be some way
that I could see her.

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

One of them could
well be cold rock.

Excuse me.

Hello?

Could you connect me, please,
to the Vandergeld residence on 5th Avenue?

I'm Mrs. Edwards.

I telephoned earlier
about seeing Mrs. Frouchy.

Thank you.

She'll be right with you.

You must be Mrs. Edwards.

We've been expecting you.

Pleased to meet you.

Mrs. Vandergeld sent
word of your arrival.

She spoke very highly of you.

And of you,
Mrs. Frouchy.

Mrs. Vandergeld is our
most generous benefactor.

Would this be a
convenient time for a tour?

Uh, yes. Yes, of course.

Uh, Lillian.

Thank you.

Hello.

Thank you.

Nancy, you wait.

No speaking!

Ma'am.

I'm sure you must understand

the importance of rules
for girls like this.

Obedience, order,
and discipline.

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

Here is the dormitory
for the younger girls.

Are there always this many?

There are not enough beds
for these children.

2 of the girls are leaving today

to a good home, in the country.

We'll have a party
for them later.

Here we have the dormitory
for the older girls,

9 to 16.

May my niece hand out fruit?

Yes, of course.

What a lovely,
well-behaved child.

Thank you.

Now then, Mrs. Frouchy,

how many children do you have
in this dormitory?

The number
of children ranges from...

Nellie.

Samantha.

What are you doing here?

Are you all right?
You are so pale.

And look at your hands. Here.

Take my gloves.

Did you see Bridget and Jenny
downstairs? Are they all right?

You mean you don't
get to see them?

They won't let us play together.

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

You cannot stay here.

Are you ever allowed outside?

Only when I take out
the ashes around the back.

Every day at 4:00.

We must let the girls rest now.

Um, Samantha, are we ready?

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

What's the basket for?

It's for coats.

Coats go in the coat closet.

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

Why do you want our old coats?

It's for an orphanage.

They need all kinds of things,
like hats and gloves

and a-anything that's warm,
really.

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

Maybe you do.

I have some old coats at home.

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

I'll bring them in tomorrow.

Thank you.

I... I like your pilgrims.

Thank you.

Yes, Mrs. Edwards.

Mrs. Frouchy
is expecting you.

I have a hamper here
full of pumpkin pies

and Thanksgiving treats
for the children.

May we bring them
into your kitchen?

I'll take that for you.
Follow me.

Oh, I'll just wait outside.

All right.

Nellie.

Nellie!

You found me.

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

Thank you, Samantha.

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

What's that?

Sending me away on
the orphan train,

to get adopted
by a family far away.

Mrs. Frouchy says
girls with my training

go really fast in
the farm country.

And, Jenny and Bridget?

No, they're too young.

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

Oh, you cannot go!

The three of you have
to stay together.

I have to think
about what to do.

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

Did you hear, Gertrude,

that our Samantha
has been chosen

out of all the girls
in her school

to speak at
the Christmas program?

Isn't that wonderful?

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

That is quite an accomplishment

to be one of the 12, Samantha.

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

I think Grandmary will
have the pleasure of

hearing only Samantha
when she returns.

Oh, now, will you look at that.

It looks splendid, doesn't it?

Beautiful.
Our first Thanksgiving.

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

That's very thoughtful,
Samantha.

Shall we?

Father, we thank thee
for this food,

for health and strength
and all things good. Amen.

Nellie!

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

What?
What are you talking about?

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

Go? Where?

With me.
I'm taking you all.

What's wrong?

I'm scared.

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

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

I'll meet you there
in 5 minutes.

Go now.

Jenny, Jenny, look!

Come on, girls.
We need to go now.

What's it for?

I came here to bring
donations. For the girls.

Yes.

I usually come here with my aunt

who is very good friends
with Mrs. Vandergeld.

We usually just leave the
boxes beside the coat closet.

Fine, off you go.

Thank you.

Nellie? Where are you?

Samantha.

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

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

For safekeeping.

Yes, ma'am.

Get in.
Bridget, under the desk.

Mmm.

Who's there?

Run!
What?

Bridget, come on.

Stop! Wait! Help!
Stop them!

Help! Stop them!

Stop!

Hurry.

Don't stop.

Stop!

Thief!

Run!

Run!

Hurry, let's go!

Police, help!

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

Which way?

Keep on running, Nellie.
Don't stop.

Bridget, hurry.

Come on, Jenny, run!

Go, go up.

Come on. Come on.
Go, Jenny. Go!

Dinner!

Shh! Shh!

Bridget, be quiet.

If we get caught,
we'll get in trouble,

and so will Samantha's family.

Why can't we live here?

We're wards of the state.

That's what
Mrs. Frouchy calls us.

We belong to them.

To the state?

Yes, and if anyone
finds us here,

they'll be made to turn us in.

So you must be quiet now.

Do you understand?

It's all right for now.
Eat up.

There's turkey and dressing
and cranberries.

Slower, Jenny.

I put fresh pajamas on the bed.

How did you get
all this up here?

I told Gertrude it was
for a family in need.

And it is.

It's so nice and warm.

Oh, no. They're home.

I'll try to come up after.

How can I ever thank you?

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

Samantha's been here
all afternoon.

Are you certain?

Samantha?

Yes?

Any further questions?

My matron informed me

that she was at the
orphanage a short while ago.

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

What are you implying?

If I find that
she has been involved,

I'll report her
to the authorities.

You'll not make threats here.

Good day.

I said good day.

I hope they don't find out.

Do you think she knows?

I am not sure.

She said she'd go to the police

and that we took money.

That is a terrible lie.

Oh, Samantha, I don't want you

to get into any trouble
on my account.

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

so we can get a room of our own.

Someone will hire me.

I miss my da.

Don't worry, Nellie.

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

I promise.

Gertrude had a visitor today.

Mrs. Frouchy.

What did she want?

Hard to say, madam.

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

Gard, we must do something
to stop this woman.

Dear Grandmary,

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

Cornelia and I
are making our own ornaments

for the Christmas tree.

And making cookies and
fruitcakes and even plum pudding,

though I'm not
sure we did it right.

Since Nellie is
in New York City now,

all that's missing is you.
Love, Samantha.

Jenny, what are you
doing down here?

Is something wrong?
What's the matter?

What is it?

All right, I'll come with you.

Bridget?
Are you all right?

You're so hot.
Burning up.

Do you know where Nellie went?

Was she looking to find a job?

Is this where she went?

Put your name on that list.

If you can't write,
make an "X."

Then get in line behind them.

- My finger's stuck!
- Hold on now!

No, please! Ow!

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

Oh, look, the needle broke.

No! No!

Now see what you've done.

Go on, get out of here!

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

Hold it tight now.
Hold it tight.

All right,
we've got an opening now.

Come on, hurry up.

Sir,

sir, I'm looking for my friend.

This ain't a tea party.

You wanna see your friend?

Get in line behind them.

Wait till 7:00.

No, sir, I can't wait.

This is an emergency.
Oh, there she is.

Hey!

Nellie, Nellie, come quick.

Hey, leave the machine,

lose the machine.
Them's the rules.

Bridget is sick.
Come on.

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

All right,
we got an opening now. Next!

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

Nobody wants to know
where their frocks come from,

just so they keep coming.

Are all factories like that?

All the ones I've seen.
I'm worried, Samantha.

I don't want
to lose Bridget, too.

Come on, let's run.

She's burning up, Samantha.

I've never seen her this bad.

It's my fault for leaving.

It's so cold in here.

Hello, angel.

The big day is coming, isn't it?

How's the speech?
Are you nervous?

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

I need to talk
to you. Both.

We're listening.

I did something wrong,
and I need help.

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

Upstairs.

Upstairs?
Upstairs?

She's quite dehydrated.

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

until she gets
her strength back.

Of course, doctor.

Any improvement?

Not yet.

All the girls are to stay here
until the patient recovers.

I'll be back in the morning
to check on her.

Thank you, doctor.
I'll see you out.

Gertrude's made up beds for you

in Samantha's room.
Go on up now.

I'll go sit with Bridget.

Samantha brought us here

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

They're not supposed
to separate families.

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

Good night, and thank you
for your kindness.

Good night, Nellie.

Good night, Nellie.
Good night, Jenny.

Gertrude.

Good night, Jenny.
Good night, Nellie.

I'm sorry, uncle Gard,
aunt Cornelia.

You can't break the law,
Samantha,

even when a law seems unfair.

But I had no choice.

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

But you don't even want me here.

Why would you want 3 girls
who aren't related to you?

Who says we don't want you here?

Aunt Cornelia's friends.

My friends?

At the wedding.

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

Oh, Samantha.

Don't think for a minute
that's how I feel.

They were just jealous
and mean and petty.

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

Yes, aunt Cornelia.

No one touched
Mrs. Frouchy's money.

We know that.

Please don't make
Nellie go back.

They can't go back there.

I have no alternative, Samantha.

I must inform the authorities
they are here.

No!

No, thank you.

I'll be brief.

Before you speak,
I'd like to say

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

as long as she returns
the money she took.

She claims she didn't take it.

Well...

With Christmas coming,

we may have to rely once more

on generous benefactors
such as yourself.

We don't want
to disappoint the children.

No, we don't.

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

What?

You're what?

The board of directors
is unhappy

with the way you've been
running cold rock.

It was never our intention
to fund a prison.

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

Have been misappropriated.

You simply can't be serious?

Yes.

I simply can. Good day.

Factories will produce
many goods at the same time,

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

And the final speaker
will be Samantha Parkington.

Americans are very proud
of being modern.

We are proud of our progress,

and we're proud of the
machines in our factories,

and the products that they make.

But Americans are proud
of being truthful, too.

Last week, I went to a factory

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

There were children,
younger than I am,

working from early morning
until after dark.

They were dirty, they were cold,

and they couldn't leave.

They don't have time
to go to school,

and they're too tired to play.

Children are hurt
in these places.

I know. I saw one.

If our factories
can hurt children,

then we have not made
good progress in America.

These words are not the words
I had written,

but are the words
that I need to say.

Americans are good and kind,

and good and kind people
take care of children,

even if they are not their own.

And once we do that,

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

Thank you.

Bravo!

She was marvelous.

Wonderful, Samantha!

We're proud of you.

Grandmary.

You were here?
Yes.

Oh, I missed you.

I missed you, too.

Did you know they were coming?

We wanted it to be a surprise.

You were magnificent.

How did you know
about factories?

Because of Nellie.

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

Oh, forgive me, you remember
admiral Bemmis?

Very nice
to see you again, admiral.

That was a very impressive speech,
Samantha.

No wonder your grandmother
talks about you so much.

Excuse me.

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

I changed it
when I saw the truth.

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

Disqualified?
For telling the truth?

She won me over.

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

I believe it takes two
to speak the truth.

One to speak it
and the other to hear.

I beg your pardon.

I'd like you to give that speech

to my women's group, Samantha.

We're very proud of you.

How do you feel, Samantha?

I feel that Gertrude
is overworked.

Which is why she's so slow.

Slow?

She needs help.

Cornelia, you've created
a crusader.

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

And how many more maids
do we need?

3.

Which is really 4,
counting Gertrude.

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

What do you mean if?

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

I'm a handful.

Samantha,
Cornelia and I were hoping

that you'd like
to come stay here with us.

Permanently.

You mean leave Mount Bedford?

For good?

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

She won't be.

Because Grandmary
has finally decided...

No.
Yes.

She has accepted
the admiral's proposal.

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

What do you say, Samantha?

Will you adopt us?

Will I?

Yes.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Here you are.

Oh, it's so beautiful.

Oh, Grandmary.

Oh, Samantha.

Who did all this?

I did, miss.
With a little help.

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

You're probably worn out.

You should rest.
Really.

Save your strength.

Can we open presents now?

Not now.

No, not until tomorrow.

But you can start working
on your notes to Santa.

And there's hot chocolate
in the kitchen.

Ooh!

Um, Gertrude. Go on.

Uncle Gard,

does Santa know that Nellie
and her sisters are here?

Believe me, Samantha,
Santa knows everything.

Oh, just a moment,
let me get the notes for Santa.

Nellie and Jenny. Yes.

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

Girls, milk for Santa.

I imagine he'll be very thirsty.

What is all this?

It's for the orphanage.

Quite a bounty.

Oh, this is nothing.

Cornelia's arranged for a
whole Christmas feast tomorrow.

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

May I help?
Of course.

I can't believe we're here.

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

This is my
favorite Christmas Eve.

I wonder where
we'll be next Christmas.

Let's make a wish.

Up there some place
is our wishing star.

Make your wish, Nellie.
Close your eyes tight

and wish like
you've never wished before.

I'm wishin', Samantha,
I'm wishin'.

Merry Christmas, Bridget.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Bridget! How's our patient?

Hungry.

Let's go for Christmas.

Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait,
before you start screaming

at all the silly little things
Santa has left you.

There's something
we need to tell you.

Uncle Gard.

Samantha asked

if we would let you
3 girls come and be maids.

Oh, yes, sir.
We will work very hard.

Morning to night, sir.

But we do not need
any more maids.

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

And there is one thing she needs

that we would love to give her.

She needs 3 sisters.

But not just any 3 sisters.
She needs you.

All of you.

What do you say?
Oh, yes!

Sisters, Samantha.

Sisters!

Aunt Cornelia and I want
all 4 of you to be our girls,

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

Would you like that, Bridget?

Oh, yes.

Jenny?
Jenny?

Jenny says...

Jenny says, "yes, sir."

She spoke!

That's my girl.

Merry Christmas.

This is for you.

Here you go.

Thank you, and merry Christmas.

I'm waiting to see
all their happy faces.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Merry Christmas.

For you.

Christmas, Samantha.

Do you think we're dreamin'?

If we are,
I hope we never wake up.