Little House: Bless All the Dear Children (1984) - full transcript

[Charles] The winter
of '’96 was a strange one.

My family was used
to nature'’s cold hand
around Christmas.

We learned to survive
her frozen fury.

But that year,
nature laid a warm cheek
on Walnut Grove.

The snow began to melt
in the high country

even before
its white blanket touched
the flat land.

Steam rose from the rivers

as the sun warmed
the flowing waters.

It would be an easy
Christmas for my daughter

and her family...

or so she thought.



Oh! Watch where
you'’re going, clumsy oaf!

I'’m sorry!

[groans]

Shouldn'’t give you
anymore trouble.

I appreciate it.

You know,
that'’s a long trip.

Smart of you
to check everything out
before you start.

Well, especially
with Rose and Laura along.

I wouldn'’t want anything
to spoil their trip.

Mr. Wilder! Mr. Wilder!

Whoa-ho! Whoa.
Slow down there, partner.

I thought
you might have left already.

You remember
what we discussed?

For your mother.



It'’s supposed to be
a surprise.

Don'’t worry about a thing.

You'’ll be back in time
for Christmas?

Long before.

You can do me a favor.

Run over the mill
and tell Mr. Edwards

I'’m waitin' on him.
Will you do that?

Be glad to. And thanks.

That reminds me.

Sarah'’d have my hide
if I didn'’t give you
her list.

Looks like we'’re all
gonna be beholden to you
for Christmas.

-The money'’s in there, too.
-Glad to oblige.

-Safe trip.
-We'’ll do that.

Edwards!

If you'’re waitin' for me,
you'’re backin' up.

[chuckles]

All right, Carter,
you behave yourself
while we'’re gone,

or Santa won'’t come.

[laughs]

[Edwards]
All right. Let'’s go.

Ah, Montague.

I'’d have known
you'’d show up soon
as everything was loaded.

My labors are intellectual,
not physical.

Oh, still turnin'’
them German words
into English, are you?

And to the best
of my ability.

Which is why
I mustn'’t linger here
any longer than necessary.

I merely came out
to wish you a safe
and pleasant journey

and a speedy return.

Well, thank you,
Mr. Montague.

Now, you'’re sure
you can manage
until we get back?

Oh, quite sure.

We'’re not children,
Aunt Laura.

All right. Now, you two
take care of each other.

Next time you think
about it, we'’re gonna
be right back here

loaded down
with Christmas cheer.

Mm, in the form of baubles

and trinkets, no doubt.

Oh, now, Montague,
don'’t tell me

you'’ve got somethin'
against Christmas.

Not Christmas, Edwards.

Grass commerciality
and sentimentalism

masquerading
as Christian love.

Emphasis on gift-giving

is compromising our souls.

Well, I'’ll tell you
something, old buddy.

I never wanna compromise
your soul,

so I'’ll just skip over
buying you a present
this year.

Mm, suits me fine.

-Edwards,
let'’s get a move on.
-Oh, all right.

-Don'’t take
no wooden nickels.
-Oh, I won'’t, Mr. Edwards.

[chuckles]

Ha! Hyah!

Bye. Have a good time!

[groaning]

[sighs]

Patrick.

Patrick?

Patrick?

Your husband is not here,
Elsa.

Huh? Patrick'’s not here?

Oh...

Oh, he'’s waiting for us
in Milford.

Oh...

I...

Oh, why do I feel
so funny?

We had to give you
something for the pain.

It was a very difficult
delivery.

The baby.

The baby.

I wanna hold my baby.

-Elsa...
-Oh.

Is it a boy or a girl?

I know Patrick wants a boy,
but I hope it'’s a girl.

It doesn'’t matter.
We waited so long.

Oh, please, doctor,
bring me the baby.

I wanna hold it.

Elsa, your little boy...

A boy? I have a boy.

Where-- where is he?
[chuckles]

What have you done
with him?

I-- I did everything
I could...

[Elsa] No! No!

No!

-No, no. I want my...
-Doctor?

-I want my son!
-Nurse, hold her down.

-Hold her down.
-You'’re lying...

You'’re lying to me.

Bring me my son.
We have to go to Milford.

[sobbing] I have to bring
Patrick his son.

Here, Rosy.

-Here you go.
-Come here.

All right.
I'’ll see you inside.

Okay.

I'’ll get this f--
freight unloaded
while you check us in.

Well, don'’t go spending
all our profit
at the Red Dog Saloon.

Almanzo, what do you say
a thing like that for?

You know I ain'’t touched
no whiskey in years.

That hasn'’t stopped you from
spending all your spare time

at the Red Dog buying drinks
for your old friends.

You act like
generosity is a crime.

When your generosity
involves my money,
it is a crime.

-Dagnabit, Wilder.
-Just meet us back here

in front of the hotel
in half an hour.

-Half an hour?
-Plenty of time

to get the shipment
unloaded.

Well, I know that!

Socializing
is a very important thing.

Twenty-nine minutes.

I'’m going, I'm going.
Hyah! Hyah!

Come on. Hyah!

Here we are.

Two drops of this
in your tea at bedtime

will put you
in top shape in no time.

Elsa, you'’ve got to get
your strength up

so that you can join
Patrick.

I know he'’s anxious
to have you with him.

I don'’t want
to see Patrick.

When I see him, I have
to tell him about the baby.

And that'’s all he's talked
about for months.

That'’s why he insisted
on going back to Milford
ahead of us

so that he could make
everything perfect

when I brought the baby
to our new home.

Elsa.

Elsa, I know how you feel,

but you can'’t live
in the past.

What'’s happened is over,
and there'’s nothing
you can do

to change it.

Now you have to live
for the future.

There is no future,
doctor.

I can'’t have
another child.

Elsa, you don'’t mean that.

[sniffles]
You say you know how I feel.

If you really did,
you'’d know that I mean that.

Goodbye, doctor.

Elsa...

If there'’s anything
I can do for you,

anything to help...

Thank you, doctor.
But there'’s nothing.

I told him half hour.
That was almost an hour ago.

-Well, maybe he got held up.
-Mm-hmm.

Third bar stool
from the left.

-Almanzo.
-Let'’s go.

Where are we going?

Well, we can stand around
and let moss grow under
our feet,

or we can do
our Christmas shopping.

Let'’s go.

Well, wait for us!
Come on.

Come on. Oh!

Come on, Rosy.

[no audible dialogue]

[sighs] I just can'’t find
the perfect gift
for Mr. Edwards.

Well, I'’m tellin' you,
we'’re not buying him
anything

until we know
if he spent all our money
at the Red Dog Saloon.

-Almanzo Wilder!
-Heh-heh!

-Baby.
-Oh...

Go see the baby.
Look at the baby!

Look! Look!

Ah. Manly?

What?

[Laura] Stay there,
sweetheart.

Do you think
you can keep her distracted
while I go in?

Ah, go ahead.
She won'’t even notice
you'’re gone.

-Thanks.
-Okay.

[Almanzo] Rosy, Rosy,
look at my package here.

Look at that.
Christmas is coming.

Right here.

Rosy, have you been
a good girl this year?

-[Rose] Oh, yeah.
-[Almanzo] I think you have.

I think you'’ve been
a very good girl this year.

-[Rose] Baby.
-[Almanzo]
You want the baby?

Rosy, now I want you
to stand right here

and watch the baby

while daddy goes
and gets some apples

for mommy and daddy
and Rosy, okay?

Good. All right.

I'’ll be right back.
You stay right there. Okay.

[clamoring]

-Come on, everybody! Fight!
-Oh, no.

Keep the change, will ya?

Now for you two.

[screaming]

[man 1] Come on, come on..

[men laughing]

-I could'’ve handled it.
-I can see that.

Well, I could have. You see,
I was just wearing '’em down.

Manly, Mr. Edwards,
are you all right?

Oh, yeah. We'’re-- We're just
gettin'’ a little exercise.

[sighs] Honesty, you two!

I leave you alone
for one minute and...

-Where'’s Rose?
-She'’s right over there...

What?

Rose!

-All right.
-Manly, where is she?

I left her right here.

Right here. Rose!

All right, let'’s split up.
We'’re gonna find her, Beth.

She cannot have gone
too far.

We'’re gonna find her.

Wish I could offer you
more hope.

Lots of children disappearing
these days.

Like they vanished
into thin air.

[Almanzo] There must be
something you can do.

[Sheriff] Well,
happy to go along with you,

ask folks
if they'’ve seen her.

That picture you brung
might help.

Might as well start
where you last saw her.

-Toy store
just up the street.
-Let'’s go.

Hey, Beth,
it might be good if you went
back to the hotel.

She might turn up there.

No, she'’d never find
her way back there.

-I'’m going with you.
-All right.

[laughing]

[laughing]

[growls]

There you are,
Mrs. Norris.

Thank you.

I wonder, I'’ll be traveling
with a child,

a little girl.

[man 2] Will she be needing
a seat?

Oh, no,
I'’ll hold her on my lap.

Then there'’ll be
no extra charge for her.

Thank you.
Thank you very much.

Do you want one?
Coin, coin.

Come along, baby.

You know you'’re not supposed
to talk to strangers.

Well, thank you, ma'’am.

Somebody should'’ve seen
something, somewhere!

Maybe there'’s a better way
of going about this.

Divide up,
cover more territory.

That'’s a good idea.

-Where'’s your rig?
-At the livery.

There is an orphanage
over on the other side,

the north side of town.

Seems like a lot
of lost kids show up there.

Okay. We'’ll ride over
and check it out.

I'’ll continue combing
this area and see
what I can stir up.

I'’ll stay with you.
She knows me.

[Sheriff] Fine.

We'’ll find her.
Now, don'’t worry.

Come on, Beth.

[chair creaking]

You here to adopt a boy?

No, we'’re looking
for a little girl.

I knew it.
Everybody wants to adopt
a girl.

We'’re not looking
to adopt one.

We'’re looking
for our daughter.

She'’s missing,
and we thought
maybe she came here.

Nobody'’d come here
unless they had to.

Say, you got any boys
around your house?

-No.
-Ought to consider it.

A lot of things
a boy can do around
the house to be helpful.

Take me, for instance.

I can chop wood,
feed the livestock,
almost anything.

I bet you'’d be surprised.

I don'’t eat
hardly anything at all.

-I'’m sorry, but--
-Just biscuits
for breakfast.

I can skip supper.

Samuel.

Yes, Mr. Dodsworthy?

Rule nine.

"Do not speak
unless spoken to."

Correct.

You should be in class,
I believe.

Yes, sir.

I ain'’t afraid
of hard work.

Samuel...

Well, I think we might have
some good news for you.

A little girl
was dropped off not more
than five minutes ago.

Rose.

Well, she'’s a shy child.

Won'’t tell us her name,

but, uh, she matches
the description

of your little girl.

Where is she?

Right this way.

We'’ve bathed her,
changed her clothes

and combed her hair.

[girl mumbling]

[girl mumbling]

Rose?

Ah, you got a penny?

Uh, anything you can give,
ma'’am? Uh...

Ah, you got
a coin there, sir?
Oh, you got, uh...

[coins clattering]

Well, hello there.
[chuckles]

Come along, darling.
We don'’t wanna miss
our train.

[no audible dialogue]

[train horn blaring]

[bell tolling]

[train chugging]

Edwards.

-Any luck?
-No.

We were hoping...

We'’ve been in every store
in this side of town.

It'’s a way
to the train station,
but it might be worth a try.

You know how young'’uns are
when they see a train.

[Edwards] She wouldn'’t have
walked that far, you think?

Where else we gonna look?

Let'’s go.

[train horn blaring]

[no audible dialogue]

Excuse me.
Can you help us?

If it'’s about a train,
there ain'’t no hurry.

Last one of the day
pulled out half an hour ago.

This is not about a train.
It'’s about our daughter.

-She'’s disappeared.
-Disappeared?

Here'’s a picture of her.

No, I haven'’t seen her.

Don'’t recall any young'uns
wandering about here today.

Of course I'’ve been
behind the counter mostly.

-You'’re sure?
-Yeah.

I'’ll keep an eye out
for her though,

in case she turns up.

-Thanks.
-Thanks.

Say, uh, I hear you say

you'’re looking
for a little kid.

Our daughter.

Yeah, well, can I see
that there picture?

Yeah, yeah,
I seen her, all right.

[sighs]
Thank God. When?

Well, first time was, uh,
was right here

couple of hours ago, um...

You say, uh,
she'’s yourdaughter?

-Yeah.
-Yeah, funny.

She was with
this other woman, uh,
acted like her mom.

-What are you talkin'’ about?
-Well, this here woman.

I mean,
she told the little girl
to not to talk to strangers.

Oh, my God.

She'’s not lost,
she'’s taken.

Laura.
Do you know where they went?

Well, they, uh, they took
the last train out to--

I remember her now.

I didn'’t see the kid,

but she asked
if she needed a ticket
for her.

-Well, any description?
-Oh.

Just a woman, late 20s,
early 30s, I'’d say.

Uh, about so tall, uh,
hair kind of reddish,
I think.

Do you know where
the train was headed?

Bound for points south,
all the way to the border.

It'’s a one-fare ride.

She could get off anywhere
between here and Mexico.

We'’re never gonna
find her.

Lots of folks get off
at the first stop.

Sublimity.
Quite a settlement there.

-Take you half
a day by wagon.
-Thanks.

-Thank you.
-Hey, uh...

Hey,
you don'’t have to pay me
for helping you out.

I was just doing my duty
as a citizen.

[chuckles] Yeah,
but thanks a lot!

[crickets chirping]

"How far we will have to go

or how long we will be gone,

we have no way of knowing."

"We only know
we won'’t be home
until we find her. Laura."

I can'’t believe it.
Who would do something
like that?

Some poor,
disturbed creature.

You mean they aren'’t
coming home in time
for Christmas?

I don'’t know.

If there'’s anything
we can do for you, Jenny...

Thank you.

We'’re managing quite well.

Still, we thought
you should know the news.

Poor Rose.

Oh, I hope she'’s all right.

'’Manzo?

Why did I leave her?

If I'’d only stayed
with her.

-It wasn'’t your fault.
-Yes, it...

Can'’t you see that?

No, I can'’t.

Listen to me.

It happened...

and it wasn'’t
anybody'’s fault.

We are going to find her.

Look at me.

[sniffles]

We are going to find her.

Would you like something?

Would you like
somethin'’ to eat, ma'am?

No, not right now, thanks.

Ah,
that'’s a pretty little girl
you have.

Thank you.

She'’s been so good
on the trip.

[mumbles]

Well, I'’ll be back through
in an hour or so.

-Bye-bye.
-[Elsa] All right.

[mumbles]

My pretty little girl.

[laughing]

Come on!

[chattering]

Ho-ho-ho.

I'’ll stay with the horses.

-Here we go.
-Get on. Come on.

[boy sneezing]

Gesundheit!

[sneezing]

[sneezing]

All right,
come on out of there
or I'’ll come in after you!

What the...

Oh, I got your wire,
all right.

I even went over
to the train station myself.

But your little girl didn'’t
get off here in Sublimity.

But did you check
the train?

Mr. Wilder, I'’m all the law
there is in Sublimity.

One man.

Now, if I was to have
got on the train,

I couldn'’t have been sure
they didn'’t get off.

Now, as things are,
I can promise you one thing,

nobody got off that train
with your little girl.

All right, just calm...
Hold it! Hold it!

Just calm yourself
down there.

Samuel?

-You know this pup?
-I told you.

What do you have to say
for yourself, son?

Well, I thought
once you got to know me,

maybe you'’d change
your mind about having
a boy and adopt me.

-So you sneaked
into the wagon?
-Yes, sir.

Manly,
what are we gonna do?

We gotta take him back.

What did sheriff
have to say?

We got to go on
to Milford.

The train
has a two-day layover
there.

He thinks we ought to be
able to catch up to it.

Not if we take him
back to Mankato.

All right, we'’ll have
to take him with us.

Only until we find Rose.

And we'’re gonna drop you
in Mankato on the way back.

Yes, sir!

Come on.
We got a long drive
ahead of us.

Well, come on, Samuel.

You can call me Sam.

[chuckles]

This one here.
The blue wool scarf.

Well, I can get that
for you by Christmas.

But... it'’s kind
of expensive, Jason.

I'’ll get the money,
Mr. Oleson, somehow.

All right.
I'’ll order it for you today.

-Thank you.
-Father! Father!

Father!
Oh, hello, Jason.

Look, father,
another Christmas present
for me from mother.

Well,
put it upstairs in your room
with the others.

Too bad you won'’t be getting
any Christmas presents
this year.

-Nancy!
-It'’s true.

Willie said
Mr. Carter gave Almanzo money

to buy Christmas presents.

And now Jason and Jeb

won'’t have any Christmas
at all.

That is about enough
out of you.

It doesn'’t matter
if Mr. Wilder comes back
or not,

Santa Claus
will still bring us
ourpresents.

-That'’s right.
-Heh-heh!

Do you still believe
in Santa Claus?

Oh, you'’re so childish,
Jason.

He may not come
to your house,
but he'’ll come to ours.

[scoffs]

Don'’t pay any attention
to anything she says.

I'’ll have your scarf here
next week.

-Thanks, Mr. Oleson.
-You bet.

I'’ve got your order
back here.

How is Harriet?

[Nels] I got a letter
from her yesterday,

complaining
about the hospital food.

Says the nurses never come
when she calls for them.

Sounds like she'’s feeling
more herself these days.

Yes, it does, doesn'’t it?

Well, I, I hope
she'’s out of the hospital
and home by Easter.

Mm.

Do you want all of these?

I read.

Yeah.

[knocking on door]

[humming]

[knocking on door]

Yes?

I want to talk to you,
young lady.

Oh, father,

I'’m the luckiest girl
in the world

to have all these
Christmas presents.

And I was thinking,
since the Carter children

don'’t have any
Christmas presents at all,

perhaps I should share.

I could give them
one of mine.

Well...

that'’s a lovely,
generous thought, Nancy.

Um, I thought...

maybe I could give
'’em this one.

I already peeked.

It'’s just an eraser
from Willie and Rachel.

I am afraid
that you don'’t appreciate

the real meaning
of Christmas, Nancy.

Sure I do, father.

It'’s a time
when we all give presents

to the ones we love
the most.

And if I happen
to get more presents
than anyone else,

it'’s just
because I deserve it.

It'’s because your mother
spoils you rotten!

You really do hate me,
don'’t you?

Now, don'’t start
that again.

It seems to me
that you'’ve been
on the receiving end

of a lot of Christmas
so far this year,

but I haven'’t seen
very much giving.

I'’m thinking about it.

Well, while
you'’re thinking about it,

I'’ve got a job for you.

A job?

Well, everyone is
contributing to Christmas

together as a family.

Your mother sent
these packages.

I'’m preparing
the Christmas dinner,

Willie and Rachel will read
from the Bible after dinner.

I'’ll sing "Silent Night."

I want you to be
in charge of getting
the Christmas tree.

The tree?

Where am I gonna get
a tree?

The woods are full of them,
my dear.

Why can'’t you get one?
Or Willie?

We are busy with the store
and the restaurant.

Besides, I want you to do
something to contribute

to the spirit of Christmas.

[sighs]

And I wouldn'’t waste
much time in pouting

if I were you,
young lady.

[grunts]

I hate trees.

[whinnying]

[sighs]

You'’ve been mighty quiet
all night.

-Just thinkin'’.
-Mm.

Sometimes it helps
to think out loud.

I have to find a way
to get some money, and fast.

Mm.

This wouldn'’t have anything
to do with Christmas,
would it?

I was counting
on Mr. Wilder.

And now he'’s
not coming back.

I have to find
a way to get
Ma'’s Christmas present.

Maybe you don'’t need
any money.

I bet
if you put your mind to it,

you could think of
something to give her

that you could make
yourself.

A drawing.

You could whittle
something out of wood.

No matter what it is,
if it comes from the heart,

she'’s gonna love it.

Yeah, but this
was special, Pa.

[John chuckles]

You sleep on it
and you'’ll see by
tomorrow morning I'’m right.

[Jason] Pa?

You don'’t think...

[John]
I don'’t think what?

You don'’t think
that just because

Mr. Wilder
isn'’t coming back...

you don'’t think
Santa Claus will skip us
this year too, do you?

Of course not.

[exhales]
I didn'’t think so.

Goodnight, Pa.

Goodnight, son.

-All right.
-Goodnight, Ma.

Mm. Goodnight, son.

Well, did you find out
what'’s bothering him?

He'’s worried about

what he'’s gonna get
his ma for Christmas.

Oh.

I told him

whatever he got for you,

especially if he made it
himself, you'’d love it.

Of course I would.

I'’m just wondering
what kind of Christmas

the boys are gonna have.

If Almanzo
doesn'’t get back in time...

[sighs] it'’s gonna be
pretty meager pickings
under the tree.

Well, there'’s nothing
we can do about it.

It wasn'’t your fault.

I know.

I can explain it to Jeb.

But Jason, he still thinks
Santa Claus is coming.

Oh, I know it.

Maybe it'’s time
we told him.

Oh, Sarah,
I don'’t wanna do that.

-Do you?
-No.

Well, then let'’s just
keep our fingers crossed.

Maybe they'’ll be back
in time.

Well, no matter what,
we'’ll be together.

And that is more important
than any gift.

You'’re right.
Of course.

[sighs]

I hope the Wilders
would be as blessed.

[sizzling]

Oughta consider it.
Lotta things a boy can do
around the house.

Take me for instance.

-Why, chop wood, I suppose.
-Well, yes.

-Cook meals.
-I can do that, too.

[chuckles] Listen, I think
you'’re a real fine boy, Sam.

-You do?
-Yeah, sure I do.

Somebody'’s gonna be mighty
lucky to get you for a son.

But me, see, I, uh,
kinda got my own way,
you understand?

I don'’t eat much.

[laughs]

All right,
let'’s get this stuff loaded.

I can do it.
I'’m real strong.

See what I mean?

Who can tell me the answer
to this one?

That'’s it!

-[Etta] Jason?
-Hm?

You said you had the answer
to the problem.

Oh, no, ma'’am.

But you said, "That'’s it."

Yeah, but that isn'’t what
I said "That'’s it" about.

[kids laughing]

Oh, I see.

Well, try to figure
that one out.

In the meantime,
class is dismissed.

Jeb, tell Ma I might be
late for supper.

I have something to do.

-What?
-I can'’t tell you.

She'’ll skin me alive!

I can'’t tell her you'll be
late for no reason.

Tell her it'’s
about Christmas.

And I'’ll explain later!

Well, that--
that sounds like
a mighty fine offer, Jason,

but, uh, well,
I'’m-- I'm afraid

I'’m not in the market
for anything like that.

Well, thanks,
anyway, doc.

I don'’t understand.

I haven'’t been able to sell
one tree yet to anybody.

Doesn'’t anybody have
a Christmas spirit?

Well, I guess folks have
a Christmas spirit
all right,

Jason, but, uh,
well, folks around here,

they can go out
and chop down their own tree
and bring it home

and put it up themselves.

I guess they don'’t see
the need to pay somebody

to do that for '’em.

Are you gonna chop down
your own tree?

You bet.
I do it every year.

Helps me get
in the Christmas mood.

But what if you don'’t know
how to chop down a tree?

Well, everybody around here
knows how to chop down
a tree.

Not everybody.

Okay, thanks, Doc Baker.

[door shuts]

[chuckles]

Absolutely not!

[Jason] Doesn'’t anybody
have a Christmas spirit?

Mr. Montague, you can'’t chop
down your own tree, can you?

Of course not.

Then if you don'’t buy one
from me,

where are you gonna
get one?

I don'’t intend to have one.

But everybody has a tree.

Not everyone, my lad.

I'’ve never been able
to comprehend the absurdity

of chopping down
a live tree,

jamming it into a space
far too small for it,

crowning it
with garish ornaments

and leaving it there to die.
Hm-hm!

Then if you don'’t have
a tree,

where do you put
the presents?

Jason, my boy,
try to understand.

The idea of giving presents
was drummed up

by the merchants
of our land in order
to line their own pockets.

The message of Christmas
is one of love,

not of mindless
merchandising.

Do you understand
what I'’m saying?

You don'’t have any presents
to put under the tree.

Ah, splendid.

[chuckles]

[sighs]

[door opens]

[bells jingling]

[Nancy]
Any packages for me?

No, not today.

Uh, but Jason Carter'’s
package arrived.

If you see him, uh,
you can tell him it'’s here.

By the way,
Willie and Rachel
wanted to know

when they should come
over and, uh,

help trim
the Christmas tree.

Whenever they want to.

Well, we can'’t very well
trim a tree we haven'’t got,
can we?

You don'’t really expect me
to get the tree?

You have
until Christmas Eve night.

Uh, supper will be ready
in about ten minutes.

-You wanna get washed up?
-[Nancy] I'’m busy.

What are you doing?

Putting up
my Christmas list.

I wouldn'’t want anyone
to buy me something
I don'’t like.

[hammering]

I can'’t believe it.

She is so much like Harriet,
it'’s unbelievable.

Just can'’t believe it.

[door opens]

[bells jingling]

We'’re closed.

That'’s all right.

I just came to tell
your father something.

Father!

Father!

You can tell him for me.

Tell him...

Tell him not to send away
for that scarf.

I can'’t buy it.

It already arrived.
See?

Well, I can'’t buy it.

W-- what are we supposed
to do with it?

Sell it to someone else,
I guess.

I was gonna chop down
Christmas trees
to earn the money for it,

but seems like nobody needs
a Christmas tree.

I'’m sorry.

Wait! Oh... Wait!

Did you say
Christmas trees?

Yeah.

You know, Jason...

I think we just might
be able

to make a deal
for this scarf.

Thank you, ma'’am.

-Uh, you got her?
-Come on.

Up we go.

-Thank you.
-Thank you. Mm-hmm.

Pony!

Oh...

Oh...

-Mm...
-Oh...

Oh, my God...

[sighs]
Thank God you'’re home.

I was so worried
about you.

Oh, Patrick... Oh...

Uh, the baby...

I know.

I got a wire
from Dr. Langley.
I know everything.

He sounded so worried
about you.

And then I didn'’t hear
from you,
and I got scared.

Can we sit down
for a minute?

[sighs]

Here.

Did the doctor tell you
that I can'’t...

Yes.

When he told me that,
I wanted to die.

-Mm-mm...
-I did.

But not anymore.

Oh, Patrick,
there'’s been a miracle.

-A miracle?
-Yes, I...

Come, let me show you.

There'’s our miracle.

I don'’t understand.
Where'’d this child
come from?

She had been abandoned
at the hospital,

and the nurses told me
that they couldn'’t find
her parents

and that she'’d have to be
sent to an orphanage.

Patrick, don'’t you see?

It'’s as if God had given us
the child he'’d taken away.

[Elsa] Don'’t you see?

I couldn'’t let her be
sent to a workhouse.

Well, of course not.

Please, please tell me
you'’ll let her stay.

[chuckles] Well,
it'’s just such a shock.

Dr. Langley
didn'’t mention anything
about a little girl.

Well, he didn'’t know.

It happened right before
we left to come home.

Oh.

Now, I know this
is sudden for you.

Please, Patrick.

[sobbing] I need her.

She'’s such a lovely child.

You'’ll love her, too,
you'’ll see.

-Please--
-Of course she can stay.

Oh... Oh...

-Thank you.
-Mm...

I love you.

I love you, too.

Does she have a name?

Rose.

Ah, Rose.

Well, you'’re welcome
to your new home.

[sighs] You'’ll never fit
through the front door.

I better trim
a little bit off.

I thought you were out
getting the tree.

I'’m thinking about it.

Well, maybe you can think
it already decorated,

then we won'’t have to go
to the trouble.

Now, I am going in
and start the supper.

You get yourself
to the woods
and fetch the tree.

-Father--
-Now, Nancy!

Why do you hate me?

Now, Nancy!

The axe is by the table.

[knocking on door]

[sighs]
Well, it'’s about time.

-Well, where is it?
-Right here.

Oh. [laughs]
That'’s very amusing.

-Now, where is the tree?
-That'’s it.

That'’s the whole tree,
Nancy.

It'’ll look much bigger
once you get it inside.

You could put it
on a table.

You told me you'’d get me
a big, beautiful
Christmas tree.

Well, it was big
and beautiful, but--

You expect me to take
that, that disgrace

into my living room?

It won'’t hardly take
any time at all to decorate.

Jason Carter,
I don'’t ever wanna see
you again.

What about the scarf?

[door slams]

Nancy, what are you doing?

I'’m not feeling well.

Well, you'’re gonna feel
a lot worse

when you don'’t have
any presents on Christmas.

I have lots of presents.

No tree, no presents.

But mother sent me
those presents.

Father
will take them away.

If I were you,
I'’d get out there
and get chopping.

I can'’t carry a big tree
all that way.

Well, get a small tree.

How small?

I don'’t know, just a tree!

Be right back.

Jason!

Jason!

Oh, he'’s gone.

Why did he take
that dumb tree?

Now I'’m gonna have to go
all the way to the woods
and...

I bet Jenny
would like to have you
in her living room.

I bet she can'’t chop down
a tree, either.

Jason! Come in!

I figured with Almanzo gone
you might need a...

[Jenny] Need a what?

Oh, never mind.

You want
some hot chocolate?

No.

What are you dragging
that branch around for?

It'’s not a branch.
It'’s a tree.

-Is, uh,
Mr. Montague upstairs?
-Mm-hmm.

Okay. Thanks.

[vocalizing]

[knocking on door]

Yes? It'’s open.

[humming]

Ah! Young Carter.

Come in. Come in.

What on earth is that?

-A Christmas tree.
-[Montague] Hm.

A Christmas tree!

And just because
it'’s little,
it doesn'’t mean

it isn'’t full
of Christmas spirit.

-Oh. Is that so?
-Yes, that is so.

I bet the only reason you
don'’t like Christmas trees

is because you'’ve never
had a Christmas tree.

Well, now that you
mention it, I never did.

Even when you were a kid?

Mother hated
the way the needles got
into everything.

Difficult to clean.

But, Mr. Montague,

everybody should have
a Christmas tree.

I'’m gonna give you mine.

Now, look here, Jason,

I'’m not going to be
bamboozled

into purchasing
this scrawny little tree.

I'’m not selling it to you.
I'’m giving it to you.

Merry Christmas!

My word.

Merry Christmas.

[thudding]

[wood creaking]

You really do hate me,
don'’t you?

Yes!

[sobbing]

Well, this is as good
a place to start as any.

I'’ll head over to the depot
and look around.

All right,
we'’ll meet you back here
at the sheriff'’s office.

All right.

-Uh, Beth.
-What is it?

-Rose'’s picture.
Where is it?
-It'’s in my bag,

-in the back of the wagon.
-I'’ll get it.

Sam?

What are you doing
with that picture?

We'’re going in
to talk to the sheriff.

We want you to wait here
for us until we get back.

[Sam] Mr. Wilder?

What happens
when you find Rose?

We'’ll start back home.

Back to the orphanage,
you mean.

Well,
I'’m not going back.

[Rose cooing]

Thank you, Mrs. Martin.

Here you go.

-Oh,
she'’s a beautiful child.
-Mm...

You and your husband
must be very proud.

Yes, we are.
She'’s everything to us.

What'’s your name?

[cooing]

Rose. Rose Norris.

-Ah. Your only child?
-Yes.

[clamoring]

[Rose mumbles]

What is it? Boys!

Part of my brood.
Matthew, Mark, Luke
and Johnny.

I got 12 of my own.
All boys.

You see, Mrs. Baker,
my wife, very religious,

uh, named '’em all
after Biblical folk.
[chuckles]

You like that, darlin'’?
Mm-hmm?

Oh, well,
pack up your order.

[Elsa] Thank you.

Need any help?

No, I have all the help
I can manage.

Lot of things
a boy can do to help out.

Take me for instance.

Now, look here, son.

You don'’t have to tell me
about boys.

I got 12 of my own.

Probably wouldn'’t
even notice one more.

I'’m real strong
and I don'’t eat
hardly anything at all.

[chuckles]

-Will there be
anything else?
-Not today.

Up we go.

Your pa
will be worried about us
if we don'’t get back.

-Thank you, Mr. Baker.
-You'’re welcome,
Mrs. Norris.

Bye-bye, Rose.
Merry Christmas.

Rose?

Lot of people comin'’
into the area every day.

I can'’t say
your little girl
is not here.

But I haven'’t seen her.

At least you got here before
the train pulls out again.

We'’ve got about an hour
before it leaves.

That ought to give us
plenty of time to go look
over all the passengers.

You go with him.
I'’ll check the hotels.

Oh, there.

Sam, I thought I asked you
to wait in the wagon.

Yes, sir, but...

But what?

Nothin'’, I, I just got
lonely out in the wagon.

Let'’s get goin'.

All right, Sam, come on,
you come with me.

[chuckling]

It looks mighty good,
Mrs. Carter.

Thank you, Jenny.

I wish Mr. Montague
would'’ve come over with you.

Perhaps you can take him
some supper later.

Yes, ma'’am.

Oh, he said
to tell you that

he doesn'’t believe
in all the...

He had a real fancy word
for it.

Oh, yeah, the folderol
around Christmas.

[laughing]

He doesn'’t even believe
in Christmas trees, either.

-You'’re kidding?
-All right.

-Now let'’s all bow
our heads.
-Mr. Carter?

If you don'’t mind,
I'’d like to ask the prayer.

No, of course
I don'’t mind, Jenny.

Dear Lord,
we'’re very grateful
for all the blessings

You have bestowed
on us this Christmas...

and we thank Thee
for seeing

that we have this wonderful
food and loving friends.

And we know
that You have many,
many people

to look over tonight.

But, Lord,
if You have
a little extra time

and You could find it
in Your heart,

do you think You could lead
Laura and Almanzo to Rose?

Thank You. Amen.

-[Sarah] Amen.
-[Carter] Amen.

[Edwards]
Listen, if she didn'’t get
on the train with Rose,

that means she'’s
somewhere in this area.

All we have to do is search
the surrounding farms.

That could take days.

Well, the main thing
is that we keep quiet
about it

so she doesn'’t get
wind of us and bolt.

Darlin'’...

She'’s here somewhere.

We'’re going to find her.

[scoffs]

It'’s so black out...

There'’s not a single star
in the sky.

You know, I just realized
it'’s Christmas Eve...

We should be sitting around
the table having turkey...

hanging our stockings.

[sobbing] Oh, God,
we'’re never gonna find her.

-We are.
-No, we'’re not!

Why did you leave her?
I asked you to stay
with her!

-You know what happened.
-Oh, yeah, I know.

I know what happened.

Isaiah had
one of his stupid fights,

and you had to leave
our baby to go and help him!

Laura, now, stop it!

Just stop it.

[sobbing]

I saw her today.

What?

I saw Rose.

[Almanzo]
Hello! Is anyone there?

[banging on door]

Open up!

What'’s all the racket?
We'’re closed.

This is very important!
We have to talk to you!

Don'’t you know
it'’s Christmas Eve?
Go on home.

We'’re trying to find
our daughter!

I don'’t know
what you'’re talking about.

Come back in the morning.

You open this door
or we'’ll bust it in!

Oh, oh, all right,
what do you want?

We'’re trying to find
our daughter.

She was
in your store today.

Mm-hmm. Let me see.

Well, yeah, yeah,
she was in here,

but she was
with her ma.

-Who brought her in?
-Well, I told you, her ma.

Look, I don'’t understand
all this.

You don'’t have to.
Who brought her in?
The name?

Uh, Mrs. Norris.
Uh, first time I met her.

I know her husband,
his name is Patrick.

Uh, but, uh, this is
her little girl, all right.

-Do you know
where they live?
-Yeah.

I'’ve made
a delivery out there.
Kinda remote, though.

-Hard to find in the dark.
-[Edwards] We'’ll find it.

Then let me get you a map.
Be easier to show you.

[sighs]

[Almanzo]
I told you. Thank God.

[Laura sighs]

-The...
-Who could that be?

What... Who are you?

Rose!

[sighs]
Oh...

Oh...

Hold it right there.
Put her down.

Put our daughter down.

Your daughter?

Get them out of here.

[Patrick] I'’m warning you,
put her down!

-Almanzo!
-[Almanzo]
Take her out, Beth.

[Patrick] I told you,
put her down!

Put my daughter down!

[Almanzo] She'’s not
your daughter.

[Laura]
Stop it, both of you!

[Patrick]
It'’s your last chance.
Put her down!

No, Patrick. No.

Leave them alone.

She'’s their daughter.

She belongs to them.

I took her.
[sobbing]

I thought
they'’d never find us.

I wanted a--
a child so much...

[sobbing]
When I lost my baby,

something happened to me.

And then I saw Rose and...

[sighs]
the next thing I knew,
we were on the train.

I-I'’m sorry, Patrick.

[Elsa sobbing]

My wife has been
through a terrible time.

I know you have every right

to press charges
against her...

but--

There'’ll be no charges.

Thank you.

I'’m sorry.

I took real good care
of her.

She'’s beautiful.

[Rose cooing]

Rose and I will ride
in the back with Sam.

I'’m never lettin' her
out of my sight again.

Don'’t worry.
We'’ll be right behind you.

You'’re never gonna lose us.

Let'’s go.

There you go.

Almanzo?

Almanzo?

-Is Sam up front?
-No.

Well, he'’s gone.

Tarnation,
where is that boy?

Samuel!

Sam!

He ain'’t gonna answer.
He took off.

Now, why would he go and do
a thing like that?

'’Cause he didn't wanna go
back to the orphanage.

Oh. I should'’ve known.
I should have seen it.

He kept askin'’ me.

"What happens
when we find Rose?
When do we go back?"

That'’s why he didn't tell us
right off he'’d seen her.

-Oh, we'’ve got to find him.
-Let'’s go.

[Laura] Sam?

[Almanzo]
Samuel, come back!

♪ Holy night

♪ All is calm

♪ All is bright

♪ Round yon Virgin

♪ Mother and Child

♪ Holy infant

♪ So tender and mild

♪ Sleep in

♪ Heavenly peace

♪ Sleep in

♪ Heavenly peace

[chuckles]
That was real pretty.

-I love Christmas carols.
-Oh, so do I.

We better get to bed
so Santa Claus could come.

I'’m gonna give him
some milk and cookies.

[sighs]

-Maybe we should tell him.
-Oh...

He'’s gonna be disappointed
come mornin'’.

I know it.

Well, why don'’t you?

I was hopin'’ you would.

We'’ll both tell him.

Oh, there.

He oughta like those cookies.

Jason.

Yes, sir?

There'’s something...

your ma wants to tell you.

Yeah, Ma?

Jason...

Uh, son, you'’re
at an age now where...

Well, what I mean is...

[knocking on door]

You go ahead, I'’ll get it.

[laughing]

Merry Christmas!

He'’s here! He's here!

Why, of course I am!
[laughs]

I told them we
should'’ve been in bed,
Santa. I told them.

That'’s all right,
young Jason.

Now...

let'’s see
what we have here.

For, for, uh, Jenny.

Music box.

Thank you, Santa.

[chuckles]

And, uh, Jeb.

A tackle box.

It'’s full of stuff!
Look it, Pa.

Hooks and lures.
It'’s got everything!

Ho-ho-ho, ho-ho-ho...

John Carter.

Land sakes.

That'’s a beauty.

I don'’t know what to say.

Oh. Uh, thank you
would do nicely.

Thank you.

Ho-ho-ho.

[all laughing]

And, uh, Master, uh, Jason.

A watch!
My very own watch!

Now I'’m grown up!

Thank you, Santa!

Uh, y-- you'’re welcome.

Don'’t you have anything
for my mom?

Mm. Let me see.

[Jason]
She'’s been a good ma.

Oh, I'’m sure she has. Hm.

Ah! Here we are.

I knew it! I knew it.

Santa knows everything!

Uh, very true.

Oh.

It'’s lovely.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas to all...

[chuckles]
...and to all a good night.

[laughing]

Excuse me.

Santa?

If you see Mr. Montague...

tell him we love him.

I shall.

[Almanzo] Samuel!

Samuel!

Samuel!

Samuel!

It'’s gonna be
near impossible
to find him until daylight.

We'’re gonna have to,
it'’s gonna get down
mighty cold

before mornin'’.

Are there any other folks
livin'’ close by?

He wouldn'’t be shy about
askin'’ them to take him in.

No. We'’re to hell
and gone out here.

Dear God, where is he?

[bell tolling]

Isaiah, look.

That star.

Only one in the sky.

I'’ve never seen anything
like that out here.

Come on, let'’s go.

Let'’s bundle him up,
get him back to your place.

We'’ll bed you down there
for the night.

Thank you.

Amen.

Everybody'’s asleep.

You should have seen
it tonight, half-pint.

The star?

Never seen anything like it.

That'’s what Almanzo said.

It was like...

a miracle.

Why not?

It is Christmas Eve.

And the angel said
unto them...

"Fear not...

for behold, I bring you
good tidings of great joy,

which shall be
to all people."

"For unto you
is born this day
in the City of David,

a Savior,
which is Christ the Lord."

"This shall be his sign
unto you...

ye shall find
the babe wrapped
in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger."

There'’s not gonna be
much of a Christmas

for that babe
we found tonight.

Oh, I'’m gonna hate
takin'’ him back there.

[door shuts]

[birds chirping]

[horse snorts]

I wanna thank you
for your help last night.

It'’s me who should be
thankin'’ you.

-I'’m sorry about everything.
-I know.

[sighs]

I-- I made
some extra biscuits
for your trip.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

I felt so sorry
for the boy.

-You don'’t suppose--
-Well, what would you say
if--

Are you thinking
what I'’m thinking?

Yes.

Oh, Patrick... yes.

[Patrick] Edwards!

Hey, Edwards! Wait up!

Ho-ho, ho-ho!

What'’s wrong?

Well, uh, nothing'’s wrong.

Uh, Elsa and I
got to thinkin'’
about Sam and...

I mean,
he wants a family and...

Well, we'’d like to be
his folks.

You do?

[chuckles]

Well, uh,
if you'’ll have us.

Afraid I can'’t make
the trip back with you.

Mr. and Mrs. Norris
need a son awful bad.

I'’ll get my stuff, Dad!

We'’ll let 'em know
at the orphanage
in Mankato.

Thank you.

I can'’t believe it.
I got a home!

Good luck, Sam.

-Let'’s go home.
-Hyah!

Wait till you see!

A lot of things
a boy can do
around the house.

You'’d be surprised.

Well, like the boy said,
let'’s go home.

[Laura] "For unto you
is born this day

in the City of David,
a Savior,

which is Christ the Lord."

"This shall be
a sign unto you,

ye shall find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes,

lying in a manger."