Balloon Farm (1999) Movie Script

[ Woman ] Okay, Willow. If

the trees are pleasing purple,

what color would the fields be?

The fields are bloomin' blue

and the sky is yellin' yellow.

And what about

rip two-shot red?

That's my favorite.

The rivers are

rip two-shot red.

The flowers are

orange-ray sun?

The mountains

are jellybean black.

And the people?

Grassy green.

I think you're talking

about wheezle Mayfield.

- Green people aren't farmers.

They're different than US.

- Yeah? They rich, then?

- Jake.

- Hmm?

I'm gonna go find

Marcy and Charles.

What do you think?

Two,

maybe three weeks.

It don't rain by then,

the seeds are not gonna grow.

[ Groans ]

I'm afraid you're right,

wheezle.

It is worse than we thought.

[ Woman ] Last pot, okay?

Who wants coffee?

None for me, Maggie.

Give it

to the mayor.

Thanks.

Miss Maggie,

that'll be an I.O.U.

On the p-i-e.

Why don't I just put it

on your t-a-b?

[ Man ]

What is deputy boy

up to now?

[ Siren wailing ]

I sure do miss his dad.

I got a 10-95

and a 6-5-4.

What's goin' on?

Shh. The sheriff

caught a crook.

- License and registration,

please, sir.

- Bet he forgot his ticket book.

I'll be right back.

Told ya.

Willow,

where're you going?

I'm gonna get

a better look.

Well, Mr. Uh--

I'm Harvey.

Harvey h. Potter.

Mr. Harvey h. Potter.

You can't be drivin' around

these parts with no license

in an unregistered vehicle.

I'm gonna have to give you

a few of these citations

and impound your vehicle.

- You like pecan pie?

- Uh, what's that?

I make the best pecan pie

that ever warmed your gizzards.

I pick the pecans myself.

Sometimes it takes... only one.

That's right.

But I still gotta

make that pie.

I can't give up.

No, I gotta have Patience.

I gotta cook that pecan

just right.

And if I do, that pecan's

got so much flavor,

it just spreads.

And pretty soon

you got yourself

a whole pecan pie.

Oh, I can...

[ Smacks lips ]

Taste it.

- What's he doin', Willow?

- Shh.

Aw, there's nothing better.

There's nothing better

than that pecan pie.

Mr., uh,

Harvey h. Potter.

Thank you.

[ Sniffing ]

What's that smell?

That's my pie.

And it's for you.

Here you go.

Ahh! Ooh!

Careful, it's hot.

[ Sniffing ]

Mr. Potter, being that

you're new here in town, I'm not

gonna impound your vehicle.

You have a nice pie.

[ Chuckles ]

Day. Day.

Bye, bye.

Thanks.

[ Engine revving,

tires screeching ]

Ahh! Tickets!

Boy, if I knew a pie

could get me out of trouble

like that,

I'd be bakin'

every day.

A truck full of pies

seems pretty weird.

Shh. That farmer had

a pie tin on his seat.

He put one pecan in it,

and the whole pecan pie

is there-- a whole,

steaming, hot pecan pie!

Nobody makes a pie

out of thin air.

Unless...

He's not one of US.

I saw this show

on TV last night...

Where they said they found

a real alien...

After its ship crashed

back in 1950.

It was some old film

someone had been hiding

for years.

They had these experts

from Hollywood

watch the film.

They even said

the alien was real.

[ Wheezle ] Hey, you!

Might as well go back

in the direction you came.

- Nothin's gonna grow here.

Had no rain in over a year.

- Good morning.

Ya deaf?

I said pack up.

You're wasting your time

here.

My name's Harvey Potter.

I don't care what

they call ya, and I don't

wanna know ya, either.

-Just load up and start driving.

-What do you mean, driving?

Ever since the drought started,

wheezle's been gettin'

on everyone.

Why don't you

get on him?

Go on.

I dare you.

Yeah, Willow,

do it!

Go. Come on.

And another thing--

- [ laughing ] Nice shot.

- Hey, you kids!

I seen ya!

- Wasting water again.

I'll be calling your parents.

- [ Laughing ]

And you! I don't know what

you're doing here, but

it better not involve water.

Got my bad eye on you,

Potter.

Hah.

Hmm.

Hey, mama!

What's that?

A centennial banner.

Our farm's gonna be a hundred

years old in September.

We're gonna have a big party.

That's great.

But you know the new farmer

that just moved in?

He made a whole pecan pie

out of just one

little pecan!

Really?

Maybe he'll swap recipes.

I'm serious, mama.

So am I!

Yes, I know, Mr. Mayfield.

I'm very sorry.

I'm sure it won't happen again.

Uh-huh. Uh-huh.

Okay. Okay.

Bye. Why are you

throwing water balloons

at wheezle Mayfield?

I don't need to be getting

those kinds of phone calls.

I'm sorry, daddy.

But he was being a jerk

to the new farmer.

That doesn't excuse

what you did.

Listen,

you know our situation.

So next time,

put something besides water

in those balloons.

And if you're gonna throw 'em

at wheezle Mayfield,

make sure you hit him, okay?

Help you with something?

Yeah.

That oughta do the trick.

Good.

[ Rings ]

So, digging up

a few weeds today?

No, but I got

a lot of plowing to do.

Plowin'?

You may want a bigger tool.

Oh, there goes

the new farmer.

He must have a brain

the size of a corn kernel

to have moved in.

More like the size

of a sesame seed.

He was just in my store and

bought a hand hoe. Said he was

gonna plow his field with it.

That sure ain't

a sane man talking.

Maybe he's got some new way

of irrigating without water.

Irrigate without water?

That'd be what, "air-igation"?

[ Laughing ]

Another slice, please.

All right.

Now, crystal,

I thought

you was on a diet.

Hmm.

I am.

[ Clears throat ]

All right.

Last pot of coffee.

Who wants a cup?

That's me.

I tell you, Maggie.

Limiting bathing is one thing,

but limiting coffee!

Danged arthritis.

You'd think it was gonna rain

by how much it's actin' up.

Wheezle and I were at

the reservoir yesterday.

We don't have more than

two or three months

of drinking water left.

[ Mayor ]

You heard what he said,

everybody.

We've got to tighten

our belts even more.

No extra water use...

Whatsoever.

Uh, yeah.

Right.

Sure.

[ Sighs ]

Ahh! This arthritis hurts.

Telling me I can't make

iced tea. Hmph!

Like this little bit of water's

gonna make a difference.

Whoa! Woo, woo, woo!

Oh, that's better.

Ahh.

What's he doing?

Shh.

Plantin' them pods.

Potter! If you're diggin'

for water, you might as well

go on through to China.

I'm not digging,

I'm plowing.

With a hoe?

A whole field?

You ain't been here but a day,

you're already startin'

to get me bothered.

I've got a notion

to put up a fence.

Keep you off my back.

A fence? Right.

Forget it!

I have no idea

how we're gonna pay these.

Plus the mortgage is due.

Can we get it extended?

Again?

[ Sighs ]

You know what I could do?

I could talk to the bank...

And see if they could

work out some kind of deal.

Deal?

You're not talkin' about

selling, are you? We've been

through droughts before.

Casey,

if we get foreclosed on,

we have nothing.

If I can get them to buy

the land for half of what it's

worth, we can start over again.

What kind of example

are we gonna set

if we just throw in the towel?

We've got to stick together.

We have to get

everybody's spirits up.

That's great, but i'm

trying to be realistic.

This farm has been in my family

for 99 years,

8 months and 12 days.

I know. Okay.

I'm not gonna give it up.

So, we--

so--

work it out.

All right.

This can wait.

Right.

This cannot.

Maybe ten percent to them.

[ Charles ] Look at this fence.

He's building a fortress.

He's hiding something.

I like the way

he made the top look.

I don't like this

one bit!

Here she goes again.

He's being all secretive

'cause of those pods he planted.

Pretty soon, they'll hatch

and start eatin' our brains up,

scooping them out

like they were mashed potatoes.

Before you know it,

the whole town's gonna be

walking around like zombies.

[ Hammering ]

What in the corn nibblets

you think...

You're doing?

[ Hammering ]

It's a fence.

I know it's a fence.

Why're you

putting it up?

'Cause you asked me to.

- [ Wheezle ]

Who says I told you?

- Uh-oh.

[ Willow ]

Looks like he's gonna grow

something.

How'd he plow the field

so fast?

I said I wanted a fence.

Look over there.

Is there a fence around there?

No.

You know why?

'Cause I like my views.

I'm entitled to my view

of your field.

Absolutely right.

No fence because I'm entitled

to a view of your field.

Hey, now.

Why do you want a view

of my fields?

All I need is some nosey farmer

staring at my field all day.

You start hammering

that fence in right now...

Or I'm gonna get steamed.

And you don't wanna see

wheezle Mayfield get steamed.

Potter?

Potter!

Oh, shoot!

[ Rings ]

Good morning, Earl.

Hello again.

How you doing?

Can I help you

with something?

Maybe so.

I wanna take a look

at your corn seed.

Well, there it is.

Are you sure

you don't need no help?

No, sir.

Wait a minute.

I'll take this one.

You wanna buy

just one seed?

Nope.

[ Whispering ]

What's goin' on?

[ Indistinct chattering ]

That one?

No.

[ Crowd sighs ]

[ Charles groaning ]

Hold still!

I can't.

[ Willow ]

Shh. He's getting ready

to start plantin'.

- [ Groaning ]

- [ Yelling ]

Hey, where's she going?

[ Marcy ]

Willow, what's he doing?

Is he planting 'em?

He's finished.

Is he an alien?

Yep.

[ Radio announcer ] The drought

that's been plaguing the

waterston tri-county area...

For the last year, looks like

it's here for the long haul.

No rain in sight.

On a brighter note,

it's my birthday!

Would somebody please mind

explainin' to me...

What all of this

"seed" business

was yesterday?

He's a lunatic

is what it's all about.

Fool thinks

he's gonna grow something.

Not without water, he's not.

Somebody better tell him

the deal here.

All we need is

for some new farmer

to prance in here,

start watering his field

and drain the reservoir.

- Howdy.

- Dang! Maggie!

These are

my favorite trousers.

Hi.

Hi. I'd like

a coffee, black.

With no sugar.

To go.

[ Crystal ]

T-to go?

Oh, um--

w-we don't have no, uh,

"to go" cups.

But, um, if you promise

to bring it back,

- I'll give it to you

in a regular cup.

- I promise.

[ Chuckles ]

All right, then.

So, uh--

I'm Harvey.

- Harvey.

I'm Tom Williams.

- Hi, Tom.

- What are your plans

here in waterston?

- Gonna farm.

[ Snickers ]

That's gonna be pretty hard.

I mean, we're going through

a darned tough drought.

I know all about that.

We've got some mighty tight

water restrictions here too,

Mr. Uh... Harvey.

I won't be doing any watering.

Okay.

One coffee to go.

Oops.

How much do I owe you?

This is on the house.

Welcome to waterston.

Thank you very much.

You're so welcome.

[ Whispering ]

Maggie.

Harvey.

[ Chuckles ]

Bye, now.

[ Indistinct mumbling ]

Shh. I like him.

Child, coffee...

To go!

Two coffees.

Two coffees

and a doughnut.

Honey,

two coffees,

two doughnuts and

a hard-boiled egg to go.

- To go!

[ Rubber duck squeaks ]

We'd have seen pods yesterday

if Mr. Weakling here

hadn't dropped US.

Maybe I tried

to drop you.

Hey, you two.

[ Willow ] I'm still trying

to figure out how he planted

those seeds so fast.

Who says he even planted them?

All you saw was

an empty seed bag.

He could've dumped them

on the ground.

Hey, you kids!

Off of my field!

[ All yelling ]

[ Gasps ]

[ Chuckles ]

[ Knocking ]

Hello, neighbor!

All right, partner.

I know she's here.

Huh?

Don't play dumb

with me!

Oh, the little girl.

Stop fooling around

and get her.

She's already skedaddled.

She ran right through here

and up over the other side

of my fence.

She's long gone by now.

But you're welcome. You can

come in and keep me company.

Wanna do that?

Not in this lifetime, Potter.

Willow Johnson!

Where are you?

[ Gasps ]

Oh, wow!

Bloomin' blue.

Rip two-shot red.

Grassy green.

Bloomin'--

Hi.

My name's Willow.

Hi. I'm Harvey.

Is that a real plant?

Yeah, but this one needs

a little extra care.

- A balloon that grew

on a stalk?

- Mm-hmm.

A cornstalk?

A balloon stalk.

I'm gonna replant it.

You wanna help?

Okay, sure.

I have to say, by far,

this is the strangest thing

I've ever seen.

This puts wheezle Mayfield's

200 pound watermelon

to shame.

Ah, that's a big watermelon.

Yeah, but that was

a long time ago.

Wheezle and his wife

grew it.

But she's dead,

and nothing ever grows

around here anymore.

Till now, of course.

I gotta ask you something

kinda odd.

Sure, go ahead.

Are you an alien?

No.

[ Chuckles ]

Marcy said you probably

came down here

to start breedin'.

After a while,

the whole town's gonna be

walking around like zombies...

After you scoop our brains out

and eat them

like mashed potatoes.

Mashed potatoes?

No! Mashed potatoes

are for gravy.

You magic then?

I'm just a farmer.

Well, if you're not an alien

and you ain't magic,

how'd you grow 'em?

Sometimes you just have to use

what you have.

You didn't water them,

but you used

regular corn seeds?

Everything starts

as a seed.

That tree.

Grass, flowers, cows.

Me, you.

We all start out

as a seed.

Huh.

Hadn't thought of myself

as a seed before.

Unless you count the time when

I was six, and I got stuck up to

my neck in mud by the reservoir.

- I sure felt like a seed then.

- I bet you've grown since then.

You know, I have.

Bye, Harvey.

Bye, Willow.

Hey, wait.

What you gonna do

with all them balloons?

[ Chuckles ]

Oh, great!

Seven, eight,

nine, ten.

I saw 'em.

I saw all the colors

of the rainbow!

Colors?

You hit your head or somethin'?

Earl, you be nice.

Go on, honey,

tell US what you saw.

They're at

the new farmer's place.

He grew a whole field of them.

I don't know how he did it,

being that he didn't use

no water.

But they grew

on a regular stalk

just like corn.

Only it wasn't corn.

I'd know corn if I saw corn,

and it was definitely

not corn.

So, Willow, you sayin'

that this new farmer,

overnight,

grew a crop...

With no water.

Yes.

And what exactly

did he grow?

Well, balloons.

[ All laughing ]

That's a good one, Willow.

[ Tom laughing ]

That's the "air-igation"

I was talking about.

- Balloons?

- Right there on stalks.

Big round ones everywhere.

I hope they've got

my favorite color.

Yeah. I saw a ton

of rip two-shot red ones.

Why don't you have your friend

bring his magic wand here?

Because if he can grow balloons,

I'm sure he'll have no trouble

with our plain ol' corn crop.

- Jake.

- It's no joke, daddy. But you

don't have to believe me.

You can see for yourself

tomorrow at his sale.

Oh, please!

A balloon sale?

I know you don't believe me,

but that's okay.

'Cause you're all

just gonna miss out!

- Uh, I'll take this later.

- Hey, crystal.

What's your hurry?

Uh, I just gotta

do my hair.

- Put that on my tab.

- But you didn't even

drink any.

- Gotta go.

- Hey!

Wait up!

This requires the attention

of a police escort.

[ Sheriff ]

Thank you.

[ Earl ] Sue! Wait up!

[ Sheriff mumbling ]

Wait for me!

[ Knocking ]

Hi, Harvey.

Hello, Willow.

Can we come in?

Sure.

Hey, everyone, come on!

We got a good crop!

Come on in.

[ Gasping,

excited chattering ]

It's like the county fair

in there.

Let's just keep an open mind.

Okay?

Oh, yeah.

[ Girl ]

Look, mom!

See? I told you

there were balloons, daddy.

You told me all right.

Come on, mommy.

You need to touch 'em.

Hi, sue.

Well, this is better than

the annual pumpkin throw.

Yeah, yeah.

I'd about say it is.

He could've spent all night

tying these balloons to stalks.

Balloons don't grow.

Maybe these aren't balloons

at all.

Maybe they're pods.

And this here?

This is their larvae stage.

[ Gasps ]

Orange-ray sun.

My favorite color!

What do you make

of this?

[ Tom ]

Feels like rubber.

And the stalk--

leaves look like corn,

but it turns into

what seems to be...

A string.

Come on,

tell US already!

What can I say?

They're, uh--

they're the real deal.

They're... balloons.

They're balloons.

[ Laughing ]

It's an amazing thing here.

Thank you, Maggie.

Mr. Potter,

excuse me.

If I had known this is

what you were doing here, sir,

I never would've stopped ya.

But now that I have you here,

I was wondering if

I could trouble you...

For another one

of those... pies.

Y-You see, my, uh...

W-Wife--

my wife, she really

liked that pie.

If I could bring one home,

boy, I'd score

some major points.

I mean, I liked--

she... liked it.

Of course.

The wife.

[ Tom ]

Hey, Mr. Potter.

Hey, Tom.

Just call me Harvey.

Thank you, Harvey.

This, uh--

this is pretty amazing.

We were wondering just how--

he's trying to ask you

how the heck you did it.

Hey, Harvey.

Hello, Willow.

- How much for this one?

- Let's see here.

Okay, folks.

All balloons are $10.

[ Woman ]

Ten? What?

Ten?

Ten dollars?

For a balloon?

Dad, can I have this balloon?

I don't know, sweetheart.

That's a pretty pricey balloon.

- But, dad, it's a balloon

that grew on a stalk.

- Even if it grows on a stalk.

[ Casey ]

I'll take one.

I know money is tight,

and we're all not doing

so good right now.

But take a look around.

We are standing next to

a field of balloons!

Balloons that grew

out of this

dry-as-death soil.

Maybe I'm crazy,

but this field is by far

the most amazing thing...

That I have ever

seen before in my life.

I don't know why it's here

or how it's here, but it's here.

And for $10 and the chance for

some of this magic or whatever

it is might rub off on US,

I think it's

a pretty good deal.

Bless your heart.

Thank you.

I'll take one.

Thank you, Maggie.

All right, who's next?

- I'll take this nice red one.

- Okay. Thanks, crystal.

We'll take this blue one.

I hope that covers inflation.

Thank you. Who's next?

I'll take three.

Hey, the mayor's

taking three!

And it's my money.

It's not out of

the town budget.

Get your favorite--

hello, Earl.

You got me, Mr. Potter.

Okay, get your

favorite color.

Mr. Potter, I'll have six.

Get your favorite color.

They're goin' fast.

I'll make a half a dozen

for 50 bucks.

But I only have six.

Well, that's different.

All right.

Thank you very much.

All right.

You got it here.

Thank you, sir.

What the heck?

Balloons?

People, people!

What are you doin'?

We got a drought here,

remember? You can't go

throwing your money away!

We're farmers!

We grow corn and vegetables.

Not balloons!

Gimme that balloon.

Could be a poisonous plant.

Fine!

You all wanna go broke,

go ahead.

This is wrong, Potter.

Dead bug wrong.

You're darn tootin' it's wrong.

You owe me $10, Mr. Mayfield.

Sue me, Potter.

[ Mayor ]

Excuse me.

Hello. Can I have

everybody's attention

for a minute?

I just got a phone call

from a firm...

Up in buxton.

And, well,

they're gonna send a man...

Down here tomorrow

to speak with US

regarding the drought.

So why don't we all

meet tomorrow

at the church at noon?

Okay?

All right, muffin.

It's time for you

to go to sleep.

Daddy, why do you think

balloons grew in waterston?

I don't know, sweetheart.

You have sweet dreams.

What do you think,

mama?

I think it means

that waterston

is a very special place.

- Good night.

Doesn't make me feel special.

Makes me suspicious.

Growing things without water,

let alone balloons!

You saw exactly what I saw.

You touched 'em too.

Yeah, I know.

It's not every day

that balloons grow!

Casey,

balloons don't grow.

Hey, what's going on?

What are you doing here?

Did you just

fly over here?

You did, didn't you?

Must be cold in that corner.

You can stay here if you like.

You can understand me?

We can't tell nobody

about this. No way.

We gotta keep it our secret.

Come on.

[ Rooster crowing ]

Who does he think he is?

Mr. Fancy-shmancy farmer.

Gettin' people all stirred up,

actin' like fools.

[ Woman ]

Federal bureau

of investigation.

I'd like you to send

some people down here...

To investigate

some strange happenings.

Hey, it's him again.

Yes, Mr. Mayfield.

How can I help you, sir?

We got a new farmer here,

and he's growing... things.

Ah, well, yes, sir.

That is quite odd,

a farmer growing things.

Dang right, it's odd,

with no water,

in the middle of a drought.

Uh-huh? And could you

describe these things

for me, sir?

He's growing balloons.

Good-bye, Mr. Mayfield.

[ Phone disconnects ]

Okay.

Uh, okay, everybody.

Let's give a warm

waterston welcome

to our visitor from buxton,

Mr. Keiner.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Thank you.

[ Applauding ]

I represent a firm...

That is interested

in purchasing your land.

I can offer you all

very competitive prices,

close to your original

purchase value.

But I do need

your decisions this week.

I'm leaving my business card

here...

So that anyone interested

can contact me immediately.

Thank you.

My goodness.

What does everybody think?

I'd like to know

what they want our land for.

I think we're pretty lucky

to get any kind of offer.

That don't seem lucky to me.

We either sell to him,

or we get foreclosed on

by the banks.

Think about it.

Balloons don't just grow.

We ain't forgot about 'em.

It's just we got a guillotine

hanging over US right now.

But they grew here

in waterston.

So, what are you saying,

Casey?

I think...

That it's a sign.

Casey,

don't do this.

- A sign?

- Like we've been chosen?

We are in the midst of the worst

drought in 50 years, and some

strange man comes into town...

And starts growing balloons.

Don't you think that

seems a little timely?

What if these balloons

really do mean something?

What if they are a sign...

That things

are about to change?

Most of US have lived here

our entire lives.

Don't we owe it to ourselves

and our families to at least

see this thing through...

And find out

what it all means?

- Maybe it is a sign that

things are gonna get better.

- Yeah.

If those balloons ain't a sign,

well, then, I ain't a libra.

[ Laughing ]

[ Mouthing word ]

What?

So, how do you know?

Well, you can just

feel it.

How about this one?

Out of the way.

Let me through. I want

to see what's going on.

[ Sighs ]

That's a good one.

[ Wheezle ]

People, come on.

We're farmers. We don't

pick seeds like this.

Open your eyes.

[ Man ]

Get out of the way,

you crazy old coot.

Thanks, Earl.

Bye, Earl.

How ya doin'?

Hey.

Here you go.

One cup of coffee, to go,

on the house.

[ Laughing ]

Oh! Thank you.

Bye, Harvey.

[ Together ]

Good-bye.

Bye.

Bye, bye.

So, what do you want me

to do?

Well, it's gettin' late.

You better get on home.

I thought you wanted me

to help?

You already did.

I don't see why

you won't let me watch you

plant them seeds.

I'll see ya tomorrow.

It isn't always what you see.

It's what you believe.

Harvey kicked me

off his farm today.

He did?

Why was that?

So she couldn't see

how he's pullin'

that trick on US.

It ain't a trick, daddy.

What do you think it is then?

Magic?

You think it's a sign

like your mother says?

I don't think so.

I've really had it

with this Potter guy.

I have!

I wish he would take

his stupid balloons

and go away already.

I'll go talk to her.

Sweetheart, I am sorry.

Your balloon is not stupid,

it's your daddy that's stupid.

Forgive me?

Daddy, if I tell you something,

will you promise

to keep it a secret?

Sure... as long as

I can tell somebody.

[ Laughing ]

What is it?

Well, my orange balloon--

mm-hmm.

It's alive.

Oh, really?

Yeah.

It can fly around by itself,

and it sleeps in my bed.

It even understands me

when I talk to it.

You do believe me,

don't you?

Sure, I believe you.

Between you and Potter,

I don't know who's worse.

Now what's wrong?

He's telling Willow

that her balloon is alive.

You believe that?

It's about time

I had a little talk

with Mr. Balloon farmer.

No, you don't.

That's all I need is for you

to go stirrin' stuff up.

[ Knocking at gate ]

Mr. Potter.

Call me Harvey.

Harvey.

You wanna come in?

It seems

we have a problem.

Me and my husband Jake

are concerned that you

might be telling Willow...

Something about her balloon

being alive.

I don't know anything

about that--

you like lemonade?

Uh, but--

what's that?

Lemonade.

You like lemonade?

Oh. Well, sure.

Would you like a glass?

Like I was saying--

uh--

it's the sweetest,

most tangy lemonade

you'll ever taste.

The secret's in the lemon.

I pick it myself.

You gotta make it pure.

If you're patient,

if you use it right, you got

yourself a whole pitcher.

You wanna have

a little taste?

Uh, well, um--

ooh.

That is some good lemonade.

Thank you.

I wanted to thank you

for all you've done

to lift our spirits.

We're all not doin'

so good right now.

But you and

your balloons being here

have really picked US up.

Given US hope.

Hope's good.

Next time, why don't you

bring that old boy,

Mr. Johnson, over?

Oh, Jake.

Well, Jake ain't much

for lemonade.

He's a coffee man.

Coffee.

Lemonade?

Yeah.

But it was really good.

Okay.

We'll see about that.

Whoa!

Hey, Jake.

How ya doin'?

Mr. Potter.

Call me Harvey.

Yeah, Harvey. What I wanted

to talk to you about is--

Casey?

We had lemonade.

Yes, I know.

Listen, Mr. Potter.

I'm not quite sure

what you're up to here,

but I cannot have you

telling Willow

that balloons are alive.

Okay?

I would appreciate it--

[ Sniffing ]

What is that smell?

All it takes

is one good bean.

Mmm.

That has got to be

the best cup of coffee

I ever did have.

Casey said,

"my Jake's a coffee man."

[ Chuckles ]

[ Groaning ]

Earl?

Earl, don't even

think about it.

But I sure could use

a hot bath.

[ Groans ]

Ahh. Oh, my!

[ Laughing ]

* [ Humming ]

Oh, hey, balloon, balloon!

Hey!

[ Chuckles ]

I'm trying to turn

the faucet on. Hey!

Get out of the way!

Out! Out!

[ Laughing ]

You silly balloon!

Hey! Hey!

Come back here.

Come back,

you silly thing!

Come back!

How many times do you think

I can run around this house?

[ Laughing ]

Come here!

You bad thing!

Hey, honey.

You fixed your truck.

I didn't fix it.

It's not making that noise

anymore.

I know.

I didn't touch it.

Hey, you wanna wash it?

[ Tom ]

No.

Federal bureau

of investigation.

He's at it again.

You know, Mr. Mayfield,

the f.B.I. Is no longer handling

balloon farm cases.

I suggest you take this up

with the c.I.A.

I called the c.I.A.,

the p.T.A., the n.B.A.

And the Y.M.C.A.

Good-bye,

Mr. Mayfield.

All right!

I'll handle it myself.

[ Slams phone down ]

[ Snoring ]

[ Snoring continues ]

Ohh! Now--

what's going on here?

Get away from me!

Get away!

What the--

[ Maggie ]

Last pot of the day.

And startin' tomorrow,

I'm gonna have to limit everyone

to two cups.

That hurts, Maggie.

Um, has anybody thought

about...

Those investors' offer?

We've only got a few days left

to think about it. Tom?

Yeah. Oh, yeah, yeah.

Uh--

well, no. I--

I don't know, Jake.

It's just that--

no, please don't say

what I think you're gonna say.

What?

Well, if he don't

wanna say it, I will.

There's somethin' goin' on

with those balloons!

I'm at home yesterday, and

my balloon just floats over...

And rubs against my knuckles.

I tell ya, my arthritis

ain't been this good

in 15 years.

Well, I lost five pounds

in two days.

And I must say that I think

my balloon has been

a big part of it.

- That's great, crystal.

- [ Crystal ] Uh-huh.

[ Tom ] You know

that noise my truck's made

the last couple years?

Bah-dah-bah-dah.

It wasn't all that bad.

Well, my daughter's balloon

landed on the hood, and...

[ Clicks fingers ]

Thing's runnin'

slicker than slick.

Now that you mention it,

ever since I got my balloon,

I don't know.

I feel like a new woman

and I wanna party!

- All right, girl!

- [ Laughing ]

See?

Casey was right.

Those balloons

are bringing US luck.

Yeah, that's just great.

But we got

bigger problems here.

We got a drought

chokin' US to death.

Or did you forget...

Now that Potter's

got you all brainwashed?

A little word of advice.

You might oughta stop swattin'

those mosquitos with a hammer.

Very funny.

I was attacked.

- By what?

- The balloons!

[ Laughing ]

-Wait a second.

You say he grew more?

-That's exactly what I'm saying.

[ Excited chattering ]

Hey.

Hey!

We'll take my truck.

Come on.

Wait for me.

I can't run in these shoes!

Those people are dumber

than a bucket of mud.

[ Excited chattering ]

[ Harvey ]

Yeah, you got it here.

All right, thank you, sir.

Thank you very much.

Take the one you want.

I'm gonna buy two dozen!

Thank you, now.

Thank you, ma'am.

Pick your favorite color.

They're goin' fast.

Thank you very much.

Pick the one you want!

Let's go.

Get the color you want

before it's gone.

- Thank you very much.

Your favorite color.

-[ Balloon pops ]

Hurry up.

They're going fast.

[ Mayor ]

Can I have your attention,

please?

[ Clears throat ]

For the light which

you've brought US...

In such dark times,

and for the happiness

that you've "cremated"--

[ laughing ]

Created!

It's an honor for me

to present you...

With this key

to our town.

Well, really, it's,

it's not a key.

It's a corncob.

Thank you very much.

Thank you, Harvey.

Yeah!

Pretty soon we'll

be celebratin' for you,

Casey.

Your farm centennial's

coming up.

Yep, it sure is.

Bye. See you later.

Be good.

[ Car doors closing ]

You know what I think?

All that talk between

you and Willow...

About the green people and

the bloomin' blue grass and all,

that's gone to your head.

You can't deny

it's very timely, and could

quite possibly be true.

I know what you're trying

to do, Casey,

and it's not right.

You shouldn't be puttin'

your silly thoughts

into other people's heads...

Just so you can reach

your centennial.

It's selfish.

I'm not the selfish one.

Yes, maybe it is

a little crazy,

but isn't that what hope is?

What--

Ah, Jacob Johnson,

you are losing your mind.

[ Door banging ]

Buxton savings bank.

Harvey Potter.

Yes, it's me again.

I'm calling to see whether

you're going forward

with the foreclosures.

Yeah?

Well, that's great.

The town?

Nah, they have no idea.

All right.

Yes, thank you.

Mr. and Mrs. Williams,

I can assure you

this is a very fair offer.

I know you'll feel better

when this is--

when it's all settled.

Bye.

What do you think?

By the end of the week,

they'll all sell.

I hope so, because

those waste companies

aren't gonna wait forever.

Hey, can you imagine

the look

on those farmers' faces...

When they find out

their land is gonna be used

as a garbage dump?

There are no faces here.

Just names on a line.

What is with the balloons

in this town?

[ Horn honking ]

Hi.

What happened?

[ Laughing ]

There!

Now you look happy.

Come on, orange!

Orange!

Got one!

Yes!

That one isn't orange.

Got two, three, jackpot!

Yeah, all right.

There it is.

Take a good look.

I got the seed

off the Potter himself.

Planted it a few days ago,

and here it is.

No balloon stalks, no nothin'.

Just what is it

you're trying to say?

That Potter is a fake!

Don't go spreadin'

your nasty rumors in here,

wheezle Mayfield.

Take a look at

what's happenin', people.

We're down on our luck.

We got a drought here choking US

to foreclosure.

And Mr. Balloon farmer

dang well knows it.

But we think of it

as a sign

things are gonna change.

No!

We touched them.

We felt them.

We've seen them.

It's not just some trick.

And Dorothy saw

the wizard with her own eyes.

But was he real?

Has anything changed

really?

Are we any better off? No!

We've been conned, people.

Conned!

- [ Maggie ]

Oh, no!

- What's wrong, Willow?

- I heard something bad

the other day.

- Tell US. We won't tell.

[ Sighs ]

Heard Harvey on the phone

with the bank up in buxton.

- He said something about

a foreclosure.

- See? I knew it!

Willow Johnson said

she heard Potter talkin'

on the phone with the bank.

Yeah? And?

Was that true?

Did you really hear him?

Well, yeah, but--

[ Willow ]

It's not his--

- I don't know.

- This is terrible, people.

Just terrible!

I don't believe this!

Well, I do.

He's right!

We've been had!

Don't you think

we're jumping to conclusions?

Heck no. Your own daughter

just confirmed everything.

What more do you need?

Some real proof!

Not some runaway gossip.

There's gotta be

an explanation for it.

And I just heard it.

It all makes perfect sense now,

Casey.

We are about to lose

our farm. I'm sorry.

You made US believe once.

But not again.

And nothing...

Has really changed!

Tom!

It's all my fault.

No, it's not

your fault, honey.

Get off,

you dang balloons.

Go on, git!

[ Charles ]

I'm gonna pop all my balloons.

How 'bout yours, Willow?

Not mine!

Willow!

No!

Hello, folks!

I'm fresh out of balloons,

but you're all welcome

to come in.

Don't "hello" US.

We want our money back.

You want your money back?

[ Everyone ]

Yeah.

[ Potter ] Why?

'Cause you robbed US blind.

We know all about

your plan, you--

we don't want any trouble.

And you can forget about

your coffees to go.

[ Crystal ]

Yeah!

So just give US back our money,

and we'll be on our way.

Of course, crystal.

You'll all get

a full refund.

That's more like it.

Well, that's better.

- Just bring

my balloons back.

- [ Everyone murmuring ]

Um, we ain't exactly

got the balloons.

No balloon, no refund.

Sorry, folks.

Oh, now, now, now, now!

I'll take care of this.

Ouch.

It was just a balloon,

Jake. You didn't need

to get rid of it.

I don't wanna talk

about balloons.

We got more important things

to talk about.

I got the offer from

the investors. We can't

afford to wait any longer.

[ Jake sighs ]

The balloons

are not gonna save US.

This right here,

that's gonna save US.

We really have no other choice.

We're gonna have to sell,

and that's final.

Well.

- I think that you're forgetting

that it's my name on the deed.

- Don't do this.

- So I guess that means you

don't have much of a decision.

- I'm not thinking about myself.

I'm thinking about how

to feed my wife and my kid.

[ Jake ]

You're gonna bust up

this family.

I don't think that's what

you want, but that

is what you're doing.

[ Footsteps approaching ]

Hi, sweetheart.

Listen, I'm sorry

about your balloon.

I really didn't have

any choice. It would've

been wrong to have kept it.

What Mr. Potter did,

it was just wrong.

[ Sighs ]

I'm sorry, sweetheart.

Daddy?

Yeah?

Do you still love mama?

Sure I do.

We just haven't been seeing

things eye-to-eye lately,

that's all.

I don't know why.

We all start out as seeds.

The trees, the corn,

you, mama.

We start out small,

and we just keep growing

and growing.

You and mama

are just growing.

Well, that's how Harvey

would put it.

You have sweet dreams,

okay, sweetheart?

[ Sighs ]

[ Siren wailing ]

[ Wailing continues ]

What are you doin'?

This here road

is closed.

And being that it is closed,

I'm gonna need to see

your driver's license.

You know I ain't got one.

Seems like you haven't

taken care of those plates,

have you, Mr. Potter?

No, sir.

I want you

to do me a favor.

You want me

to fix you a pie?

It's good, isn't it?

[ Clears throat ]

No, I do not want you

to make me a pie, Potter.

I want you to leave.

I want you to go away, far away.

I live here.

Nobody wants you

around here, Potter.

I'd throw you in jail...

For what you've done to US,

but I can't 'cause you

ain't done nothing illegal.

I suggest you go home,

you pack up, and you leave.

Or things could get sticky

around here. Sticky.

Like those pecans in the middle

of those sticky

little pecan pies of yours.

Thank you.

You have a nice day now.

Only two days left

on that investor's offer.

Maybe we should've been

selling balloons.

"No balloons, no refund."

He must think he's some kind

of department store.

We should've seen this coming

from the start.

How could we have?

Jeez, sue, he was growing

balloons, that's how.

- Can I get a refill here?

- Nope. You've already had

your two cups today.

- Come on, just one more?

- No! You know the rules.

- Like everybody else, you gotta

cut back on your use of water.

- Like you do?

What's that

supposed to mean?

I guess washing

your truck every day

doesn't count.

At least I don't make gallons

of iced tea.

Hey, that's for my diet.

I need my iced tea.

Yeah, to wash down

the cake.

Well, excuse me, Mr. Bubbles.

How many gallons do you think

that uses up?

What are you

talking about?

About those baths you be takin'.

Your skin's pruned to death

every time I see you.

Those are just wrinkles.

Libra's wrinkle.

[ Laughs ]

That's it!

Everybody stop the fightin'

or get out.

How in blazes could he know

about me washing my truck?

Maybe because

it's always clean!

Excuse me!

Next time you're in

that old, broke-down tub,

why don't you try soakin'

that big ol' head of yours?

What's with everybody?

It's Potter.

He's ruined everything.

It's about time we

did something about it.

Come on.

Yeah!

Do what?

[ Girl #1 ]

Give me a tomato!

Come on!

[ Girl #2 ]

Throw me one.

[ Boy #1 ]

Good throw!

It's him!

[ Charles ]

Grab your tomatoes!

Let's go, let's get his truck!

[ Shouting ]

[ Shouting continues ]

[ Yelling ]

Here, Willow, throw it.

[ Marcy ]

Yeah, throw it, Willow.

What are you doing, Willow?

Throw it!

No, you're wrong.

Harvey's balloons are real.

You're on his side!

Well, fine!

Eech!

Sue, what happened?

No!

- They took everything.

- Sue?

Don't you come near me, Casey.

This is all your fault.

Having US spend our savings

on those balloons!

Because of you,

Tom couldn't sell.

He truly believed

your nonsense.

- But I just didn't think--

- you didn't think of anybody

but yourself.

But that's okay...

Because you got a centennial

to worry about.

You okay?

Jeez!

No, I'm fine.

No, I'm not fine.

I, I wanna know why,

Harvey.

Why did you do this

to US?

I only wanted

to help you.

Sure.

You conned US.

You robbed US blind!

You really believe that?

You got what you came for.

And now we have nothing.

No, you just don't realize

what you got.

[ Jake ] That's great,

sweetheart. I'm glad

you came to your senses.

It is the best thing

in the long run.

I don't wanna talk about it.

Just call the investors

and tell them we'll sell.

You're gonna thank me

for it. It really is

the best thing.

Okay.

[ Jake ]

Our house,

it's like a landmark.

It's nearly 100 years old.

Hey, sweetie.

How you doin'?

It's very nice.

Now tell me about

this land out here.

My property's from

the road clear on up

to the foothills.

Very nice.

We'll draw up an offer.

We'll be in touch.

Okay, thanks.

We'll see ya.

Mommy, you can't

just give up now.

Remember what

you told me?

That balloons just

don't grow in any old place.

We're special.

You don't believe that

anymore, do ya?

[ Gasps ]

You're back!

I'm so glad you're back.

I miss you so much.

We got some

big problems here.

[ TV, indistinct ]

The forecast,

mostly sunny skies today

with brisk easterly winds.

What would Harvey do?

Harvey would make something

like... lemonade or a pie.

Or he'd grow something.

That's it!

[ Kisses balloon ]

[ Whispering ]

I hope we're doing

the right thing.

[ Willow screams ]

[ Bell jingles ]

[ Gasps ]

* [ Humming ]

[ Seeds splattering ]

[ Willow ]

Oops.

[ Grunting ]

It's too heavy.

We're never gonna make it.

What are you doin'?

Wow.

Hurry up.

Come on.

Oh, no!

We lost all the seeds.

There's gotta be one

in here somewhere.

Please, find one.

What would Harvey do

if he only had one seed?

Harvey would use

what he had.

I've got it!

Oh, great.

It's locked.

What do we do now?

Oh, wow!

[ Laughs ]

It's stuck.

Can you help me?

Thanks.

All right!

Yes, it's working!

It's working! Yes, yes!

This better work.

We're gonna be

in a lot of trouble.

[ Inhales ]

[ Knocking on door ]

Potter.

[ Water sprinkler spraying,

rooster crows ]

Oh, no!

[ Water gurgling ]

[ Cell phone rings ]

Sheriff.

[ Ringing continues ]

Sheriff.

W-Wheezle, slow down.

* [ Humming ]

[ Phone rings ]

Mama, daddy, it came back.

My balloon came back.

Hi, mama.

Daddy.

- Willow, what have you done?

- What do you mean?

I just got a call

from the sheriff. Said somebody

drained the reservoir--

listen, it's not what you think.

Just let me explain.

[ Knocking at door ]

Oh!

Hey, come on in.

Hello, Mr. Johnson.

I just tried to--

Mrs. Johnson.

All the paperwork is ready.

All it needs is your name

on that line.

I have a pen right here.

Right there.

Mm-hmm.

Willow,

go to your room.

No!

[ Siren wailing ]

[ Casey ]

Willow?

Sorry about this.

You just stay put.

We'll straighten it out.

Willow Johnson! Whoa!

She's off to Potter's!

[ Jake ]

Casey, hop in.

[ Siren wailing ]

[ Laughing ]

Wow.

It worked!

It really worked!

Harvey! Harvey!

They grew!

Harvey, these aren't

regular balloons.

Yeah, they sure aren't.

There he is!

There's the crook!

All right, Potter, you're under

arrest for illegal use of water.

That's right.

You're done, Potter.

You're done.

And you, little missy,

have some serious explaining

to do.

Our water.

Harvey didn't do nothing.

It was me.

I drained the reservoir.

[ Boy ]

Man, why'd you do that?

So you leave him outta this.

These balloons

that you're so upset about,

they're what

we've been waiting for,

they're our sign.

[ Siren wailing ]

[ Jake ]

What's goin' on?

F.b.i.

We'll take it from here.

Well, it's about time.

[ Man ]

You kids go back.

[ Boy ]

What is it, dad?

What are they doing?

What is going on here?

[ Jake ]

I can't believe we have--

- Willow, come back here!

- Get her!

[ Jake ]

Willow!

Yeah!

The balloons!

Oh, my gosh!

[ Mayor ]

Look!

Ah, Willow,

you did good!

[ Harvey ]

Ah, yeah!

[ Chattering ]

Freeze! Do not approach

the balloon.

Hand it to me.

It belongs to US now.

[ Grunting ]

Yeah!

[ Thunderclaps ]

Hey! Hey, hey!

[ Laughing ]

Yes, it worked!

It worked! Yeah!

They weren't pods

after all.

No, they were

water balloons.

Totally cool, Willow.

Water balloons rule!

Come on, let's go.

Here we go.

Ahhh!

Ah, sweetheart,

I am so sorry

I didn't listen to you.

Jake, I was so worried!

I didn't know

if it was Willow or not.

I didn't know

what was gonna happen.

You were right.

I told you those balloons

were special.

Ah, sweetheart, you sure did.

You made it rain, Willow.

Not so fast, you two.

We had a deal, Mr. Johnson.

Your wife signed that contract.

We've changed our minds.

The deal was--

Willow,

give him the contract.

Let me take a look at that.

Ha! I knew it.

He's in cahoots...

With the bank.

This is just a big smudge.

I can't see any name

on this contract.

What about you, Jake?

Nothing.

Well, I'm sorry.

Sorry, nothing!

You can't just back out now.

None of you can! I've got

20 different waste companies

breathing down my neck.

Waste companies?

Sounds like he was gonna use

our farms...

For dump sites.

And this waste wouldn't

happen to be toxic now,

would it?

Of course not!

Garbage man!

I guess

you wouldn't mind...

If my boys took a look

at your paperwork

on them companies.

But, but--

paperwork?

I think you should come

with US.

You're goin' bye, bye, bye

with the f.B.I.!

Take him away, men.

[ Keiner ]

Get your hands off me!

What do you think you're doing?

[ Laughing ]

[ Mayor ]

Good job, sheriff.

What? My property's

dry as a bone!

They all sure believed him.

Maybe I should have too.

[ Thunderclaps ]

[ Laughing ]

- I'll be leaving now.

- Leavin'?

- [ Earl ] What?

- Harvey, no!

Why, Harvey?

Well, it's time to move on.

Please stay, Harvey. We need

you here to grow more balloons.

You don't need my balloons now.

You got your farms back.

You've got each other.

So long, Harvey.

Thank you.

That's for being crazy.

I'm countin' on you

to keep things right here.

I'm gonna miss ya,

Harvey.

I'm gonna miss you too, Willow.

This is for your friends,

the williamses.

You bought their farm back

from the bank?

With what?

With the balloon money!

He was calling the bank.

Why didn't you just tell US

'cause sometimes,

it's not what you see,

it's what you believe.

Make sure you catch them

before they leave

in the morning.

Okay.

Bye, Harvey.

Bye now.

Bye, Harvey.

We'll miss you.

Bye-bye. Thank you, Harvey.

[ Willow ]

Bye, Harvey.

[ Horn honking ]

I'm so glad I caught you.

What do you want, Casey?

Just a little something

from everybody.

Harvey brought US

this rain.

Jake.

Welcome back.

How 'bout this?

Doesn't look like

it's gonna let up

anytime soon, does it?

[ Laughing ]

No, it sure don't!

Hi!

Honey,

you look beautiful!

Well, everybody's here.

Immediate seating

to your left.

I mean, right.

Look, look, crystal.

Crystal, come here.

Look at this.

Look at who's dancing.

Everybody over there

is having such a good time.

[ Charles ]

Wow, this is a great party.

Everyone's here.

Willow, now that Harvey's

gone, you gonna tell US

how to grow a balloon?

I just use what I have.

Hey, you guys thirsty

for some lemonade?

Sure, but it's gonna take

more than one lemon

to make lemonade.

Not the way I make it.

Come on.

Duh!

Hey, guys,

she's got a new trick!

[ Marcy ]

Yeah, come on.

Let's see what she's doing.

Balloon Farm (1999) - full transcript