Misty (1961) - full transcript

I thought
no one lived
on this island.

Oh, that's only
the automatic lighthouse.

We can see it
from the farm.

Grandpa says there's
no one here but the birds
and some wild ponies.

Come on. Let's go.

Where you going?

To explore.
Now let's go.

We ought to wait
on the beach like
grandpa told us.

We got plenty of time
before he comes back.

What is it,
an old Indian bow?

Bet you I know.



Bet it's the rib
bone from the hull
of a ship

that's been wrecked
and buried here.

I'll bet you this
is a regular
graveyard for...

It's just an old
piece of wood.

Gee, you were
the one so anxious
to come here.

Now you don't
want to even
explore assateague.

Well, I'm going to.

I'm going
to look for some
wild ponies.

Paul, look!

Get down so
they won't see us.

Look at that one
ahead of the others.

Could she be
the phantom?

The one daddy
told us about?

And this must be
the pied Piper's mare.



She's just like
he described her.

Shh. Don't scare
them away.

They're going away.

They must have known
we were here.

You think it was her?

You think it really was?

I know it was her.

She's just like
daddy told us.

Remember what he
said about her?

She's the only pony
he saw on assateague

that he really wanted.

Do you suppose he knows
we just saw the phantom?

Maybe sometimes,
when they feel like it,

they could even come down
and ride on the phantom.

They could, you know,
if they wanted to.

Mother...she didn't
care for riding much.

She liked it
all right, but...

It wasn't very
important to her.

Not like it was to dad.

Oh, Paul, wouldn't it be
wonderful if we could...

I mean...
The phantom,
if we could...

Grandpa said
I could ride

on pony-penning day
with him this summer.

Fire department
wouldn't take less
than $100 for her.

But if we could earn
enough money...

hello!

It'd be almost like...

Hello!

Hi.

Hi, gramps.

When I delivered
the game warden

to count the birds,

guess what.

What?
What?

He gave me this cigar.

Well, how do you
like the island?

Well, we saw
some wild ponies

and the phantom, too.

We're sure
it was her, grandpa.

Well, it could be.

Pied Piper grazes his mares
on this side of the island.

Hey, where'd you hear
about the phantom?

Well, dad talked
about her.

He told us all
about her.

How about that now?

Bob only...

Your daddy only saw her once
when she was a yearling.

She was the first
wild pony

he really set
his mind to have.

Hasn't anybody ever
caught the phantom
on pony-penning day?

Nope.

She always outrun us,
you know?

There's one pony
has her heart set

on staying free.

Grandpa...

Is it true about
the Spanish galleon

and the wild ponies,

or is it just a legend,
like some people say?

'Course it's true.

Every one of these ponies
in these herds

are direct descendants
of those Spanish horses.

Happened right out there
on that reef

way back
in the early 1600s.

You see, the Spaniards

had to have horses
to tote the gold

out of the mines
in Peru.

The only way they could
get the critters

was to bring them across
the ocean in ships.

One of those
Spanish galleons

got herself caught
in a howling northeaster.

The wild sea just slapped
that galleon silly

and finally flung her
onto the reef there

to turn her
into kindling wood.

The only thing
we know for sure

was that when her ribs
stove in

and the whole ship
opened up

like a stepped-on
strawberry box,

her cargo of horses was
finally free of the hold

and found themselves swimming
for their lives.

So they came ashore
on assateague,

and the sweetness
of the rain-washed air

made them forget the unhappy
days they spent penned up.

Instead of musty hay,

they had the salty taste
of marsh grass...

strange to them,
but wonderful.

Best of all, nobody lived
here to hinder them none.

Nobody at all.

White men finally came
to live on chincoteague,

but they left assateague
with the ponies all alone.

Did the white men
ever try to tame
the ponies?

Oh, the pioneers
on chincoteague...

They were too busy
to fool around

with the wild,
thrashing horses.

Besides that,
the wild ones...

They ain't even worth
the gentling.

Only the youngsters.

They're the only ones
worthwhile bothering with

as far
as the gentling goes.

Remember that.

Hmm?

Tide's ebbing.

Best we be making home.

Grandpa, can I
drive the boat?

You can take turns.

Grandpa?

Yeah?

How'd pony-penning
day start?

Oh, long before my time.

It's one of the oldest
round-ups in America.

When did they start
swimming the ponies
across the channel?

That come quite
a bit later.

Kind of added fun
to the whole outing.

Grandpa, do they
only sell the foals?

Only the foals,

and some
of the yearlings.

It's like I said...

Only the youngsters
are worthwhile
bothering about

as far
as the gentling goes.

They sell the foals
and yearlings?

Yep.

How old's
the phantom?

Oh, I would say, uh...

She's about
3 years old now.

Well, supposing
somebody had
the money...

shh!

Why'd you shush
your sister?

Well, i...i did it
because...

Well, she was going to...

We kind of planned on...

shh!

You kind of
planned on what?

Oh, you!

Well,
it's a surprise.

Yeah. For grandma.

Oh, for grandma. Well...

Don't they ever
let girls ride
in the round-up?

You'll have plenty
to do, helping
prepare the food.

But I can ride
as good as Paul.

Don't you think
I can, grandpa?

Well, that has nothing
to do with it.

Womenfolk ain't allowed
to ride on the round-up.

But...

I don't want to hear
any more about it.

Go to bed, dear.

Good night, grandma.

Night, grandpa.

Good night, sleep tight,
and don't let the...
anything bite.

Some nights
it's just awful
being a girl.

Grandpa says I
can't ride with you
on pony-penning day

because womenfolk
aren't allowed.

I'll bet the phantom
wouldn't shy away
from another girl.

Maybe, because
she's a 3-year-old,

the fire department
won't even sell her.

Not even to us?

I don't know.

You hear what
grandpa said?

There weren't many
that could be gentled
after living wild so long.

I'll bet
we can do it.

Paul,
I know we can.

We're going
to have her, Maureen.

How will we
get the money?

I don't know yet,

but we're going
to own the phantom,

and that's a promise.

I finished helping
grandma with dinner.

Are these
assateague colts?

Yep...

Except they were all
foaled right here
on the farm.

Mr. Beebe, how come
those wild horses

you get in assateague
are so small?

Never seen one
over 13 hands.

How much is
a hand again?

Four inches. Shh.

They're small
for a couple of reasons...

generations of inbreeding,

and their diet isn't
what you call first class.

How much
for that one,
Mr. Beebe?

The small one.

$125.

I like that Colt
best of all.

You like them all
best of all.

Besides, it's grandpa's
business selling ponies,

and he can't
keep them forever.

Open the gate, Paul.

Might as well gone
to assateague
and captured one.

Wouldn't have been
any Wilder,

saved myself
some money.

To begin with,
those ponies belong
to our fire department.

Nobody's allowed
to just go over

and help himself
to a horse.

Anyway,
it would take more
than just one man

to pick a foal
from a wild herd.

The boss stallion
would kick you to death.

I'll have to spend
another 20 just
to get somebody

to take the fight
out of him.

You know somebody
who can break him
real quick?

If I did, I wouldn't
even speak to him.

A good trainer
won't break a foal.

He'll gentle him.

Breaking him's
the quick way,

but gentle him,
that's the sure way.

How long will
that take?

Depends upon you
and your children.

Just keep talking to him.

Horses learn to like
the sound of human voices.

After a while,
they learn to trust you.

Now...he's scared.

He'll be scared
when you get him home.

He ain't never
rode in a thing
like that before.

Be kind, be patient
with him.

After a while, he'll
be following you around
like a happy hound dog.

Tell you something.

If you're not happy
with this pony in,
say, about a month,

just haul him back here,

and I return your money.

I couldn't ask
for a better deal.

Thanks a lot,
Mr. Beebe.

Thank you.

Bye, now.

Mainlanders.

Just 'cause a horse
is a dumb animal

is no reason for
its owners to be.

Will he bring him back,
grandpa, do you think?

I don't know.

I don't know,
Paul.

Break him.

What are you doing?

Think that man
will bring him back?

Maureen...

I been thinking,

and if we're going
to buy the phantom
by pony-penning day,

we're going to have
to set a course
and hold to it.

Pony-penning day
is only in four
months, you know.

We can get odd jobs
after school,

then when school's out
for the summer,

we can really work.

Did you hear
what that man said?

He'd have to pay
20 extra dollars

for the gentling
of that Colt.

All right, now look.

Six of the mares
have a Colt apiece.

The black has
a yearling,

and the Chestnut,
a suckling.

How many do you
think grandpa will
sell by next July?

All but the suckling.

That's
what I figure.

Now, if we could
teach them some
good manners,

maybe
halter-break them,

bet you people
would pay more
money for them.

Wouldn't they?

Maybe they would.

Sure, they would.

Maybe grandpa
would pay us
the difference.

But don't tell
him why we want
the money.

Sure smells good, ida.

Don't you like it?

Yes, grandma, it's fine.

Then don't let it grow
on your plate.

Aren't you hungry, dear?

Yes, grandma.

I mean,
yes, I am.

Grandma...

Do you like
mannerly colts?

Yes, I do,

but I like mannerly
grandchildren who eat
their supper more.

What he means,
grandma,

if you came
to a pony farm
to buy a foal,

would you choose
a gentled one
or a wild one?

I can just see your
grandma crow-hopping
along on a wild pony.

Not likely
to ever see that.

'Course, I'd take
the mannerly Colt.

Would you pay
more money for it?

Well, it depends
how much more.

Well, if it was nice
and mannerly,

would you pay as much
as $10 more?

Mm-hmm,
think I would.

There, you see, grandpa?

See what?

If Maureen
and I halter-break
and gentle your colts,

could you pay us
the $10 extra you'd get
for selling them?

What for?

Must be a secret,
Clarence.

Tell you something.
I never pried a secret

out of nobody
in my whole life.

I'm not going to start
poking and prying now.

It's a deal.

Don't tell me what
the money's for

until you're ready
to spend it.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

I'm real glad
for what you did,
Clarence.

Letting them earn
some money by
gentling the colts

may help them
get over the loss
of Bob and Mary.

My land! They got
that Colt gentled
down already!

Gentled nothing.

I bet you I know why
he's eating out
of their hands.

Look, grandpa.

Look how he eats
out of my hand.

Give me the sugar.

Both of you.

Don't feed
the foal sugar.

But he loves it,
grandpa.

'Course he does,
but let me tell you
something,

and don't you
forget it.

A foal that develops
a sweet tooth

will turn
into a nipper.

Sooner or later,
he'll bite the hand
that sugared him.

I didn't know that.

Well,
you know it now.

No sugar,
understand?

Yes, grandpa.

All right, now.
Take him inside
with his mama.

Ok.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

My filly's
already a lady.

I told you.

It takes a girl
to teach a girl.

Paul...

Stop fooling around
with those foals

and get ready for school.

Yes, grandma.
Yes, grandma.

Did you
make your bed?

No.

Gee, neither did I.

Clarence, I've never
seen two youngsters go
so crazy about horses.

What did you expect?
They're beebes.

It's in their blood.

They're learning
fast, I got to say.

I know, but there
are other things just
as important to learn.

More important.

They're going
to learn them, too.

Ida,
give them some time.

They've been only here
for a few short months.

Living with us
is different for them.

Don't interfere with
my trying to teach
them their duties.

We're not going
to spoil them like
some grandparents do.

Yes, mother.

Paul, Maureen.

Yes, grandma?

Your school clothes.

Your nice school clothes.

Just look what
you've done to them.

You think I'd let you
wear dirty clothes
like that?

I just got them
a little dusty,
grandma.

Go upstairs and change.

I won't have
anybody in this town

thinking we don't
care how you look.

But first, sit down.
Both of you.

You're not on vacation

like the other times
when you came visiting.

You live here now.

It's different
than what you were
used to in Philadelphia.

You got to learn
that on a place
like this

each of us has to do
his and her share.

You think
your grandpa and I

have given you
too many chores?

No, grandma.
No, grandma.

Each have your own room,

which you're supposed
to keep tidy.

I'll make my bed
right away, grandma.

I will, too,grandma.

Keep those halters
in the tack room,

not in your bedrooms.

I'm not through.

Maureen, you forgot
to gather the eggs
last night.

I had to do it
after you went to bed.

Grandma, I'll clean
the henhouse out

when I get home
after school.

You can play
with the foals
all you like,

but not until
after your chores.

Is that clear?

Now go clean up
for school.

See? He's as gentle
as a kitten.

My boy will be
real happy with him.

It's worth
the extra money

to get a gentle one,
Mr. Beebe.

I reckon it is.

Good luck with the pony.

Thank you.

Well, I don't think
I have two 5s.

Is a 10-spot ok?

Yes, fine.
Yeah, fine.

You really
earned it.

I didn't expect
to get $100
for that pony.

The man
gave me $125

without
batting an eye.

Hey.

Gee, isn't it pretty?

I'll say.

Where are we
going to keep it?

I found this
in the barn.

It's an old tobacco pouch
of grandpa's.

He doesn't need it
anymore.

It'll hold a lot.

Where will we
keep that?

Well...

It belongs
to both of us.

It's to buy
the phantom with,

and she'll
belong to us.

That's right.

So...

I was going to keep it
in my bureau,

but if you want
to keep it
in your room,

it's all right
with me.

You keep it in here.

Which one
shall we gentle next?

Oh, I guess
the brown and white foal.

Ok. We can get
a lot done tomorrow.

It's Saturday.

I'll be glad
when school's out.

It just interferes
with everything.

You children
get to bed!

Yes, grandma!
Yes, grandma!

Gee, just think.

Only $90
left to get.

Good night,
Paul.

Good night.

Sleep well, phantom.

All the horses are there,

so he's not out riding.

Maureen, what did you
plan to do today?

Nothing
but what I told you.

We were going
to start breaking

the brown
and white filly

after finishing
our chores.

Clarence,
I'm getting worried.

Oh, ida, there's
nothing to worry about.

Paul!

Hey, Mr. Beebe!

Mr. Beebe,
brought your boat back.

Aw, don't be afraid,
girl.

I won't hurt you.

Hey, are you
Paul Beebe?

Yes, sir.

You all right?

Yes, sir.

Well, you sure
scared the pants off
your folks.

Assateague
coast guard,

this is assateague
coast guard 1.

The Beebe boy is ok.

Pick us up. Out.

Got your grandma
so sick with worry,

she almost had
to take to her bed.

I'm so upset
all I thinking of

is whaling the tar
out of you.

How do you think we felt
seeing our boat towed back?

I'm sorry, grandpa.

I didn't mean
to lose the boat.

We were scared
you were drowned.

Why did you do it,
Paul?

Answer your grandma.

Why did you go off
to assateague alone?

I don't know.

I knew it was wrong,but...

I'll promise you
something.

You ever do a trick
like that again,

you'll eat
off the mantle
for a week.

Go change your clothes
and meet me in the barn.

We'll hay the horses.

We're all late
with our chores today,

thanks to you.

I'm sorry,
grandpa.

I'm real sorry,
grandma.

Some is,
some ain't...

Akin with
the wild things.

Used to be
myself.

I used to
hear the call
of assateague...

When I was
a young one.

Now I
don't hear it.

I don't see
the beauty
no more.

Now when I
go over there,

all I do is
cuss the flies
and mosquitoes.

You sure gave
everybody a scare.

Did you see
the phantom again?

Did you
get close to her?

She's so different
from all the other horses.

It's like she knows

she's something special
or something.

What do you mean?

Well, she's
part of the herd,

and she belongs
to the pied Piper,

but yet she doesn't.

We just got
to have her, Maureen.

You've sure got
a nerve.

Why didn't you
take me with you?

Well...

I'm sorry.

Come on, girl.

See her, Mike?

See her?

You be a good girl
at your new home.

You won't have
any trouble
with her, sir.

She's real gentle.

Let's go, dear.

Thanks a lot,
Mr. Beebe.

Well, that's
the last of the foals.

Thanks, grandpa.

You earned it.

What if he says
we can't have
the phantom?

What?

Well,
she's a 3-year-old.

Grandpa said
only the young ones
could be tamed.

She can be tamed.

Paul, what if
he says no?

She can be tamed.

We won't ever
sell her.

Not for anything.

But before
we can buy her,

we got to earn
another $40.

We will.

I know we will.

Old Mr. Platt

will pay us
a good price
for these.

I can't stand them.

Eew! Don't, Paul!

Ow!

There must be
another way

to earn the money
we need.

Mr. Burton?

Need any extra
helpers here?

We need the work,
Mr. Burton.

What's the matter?

Did grandpa Beebe
fire you off the farm?

No, sir. We have
to earn some money.

We sure do need it.

We'll do anything.

I can't give you any work
counting clams,

but I'll buy
all you can dig.

Thanks,
Mr. Burton.

Thanks for me, too.

Gee, thanks,
Mr. Burton.

We really
appreciate it.

How is
your grandfolks?

Fine, thank you.

Selling many ponies
these days?

Well, no, sir.

Last Colt was sold
quite a while ago.

Nothing since then.

Would you buy
more clams from us
if we catch them?

Yup, yup. I will.

Bye, Mr. Burton.

Bye.

We're still $6.00 short.

It's only a week
until pony-penning day.

I noticed weeds
in Mrs. Chester's
garden.

Maybe she'll hire me
to hoe them.

After our chores tomorrow,
I'll go into town.

Somebody must
need something done.

Morning, Mr. Hancock.

How are you today,
Paul?

Fine, thank you, sir.

Need any help
around here,
Mr. Hancock?

Know how to carve
a decoy?

No, sir,

but I can help hammer
some lobster traps
together.

Don't need any.
Got more than I
can sell now.

How about me
sweeping up the place?

I'll do a good job.

Make everything
real neat and clean
for only $1.00.

50 cents?

A quarter?

I just got to
earn the money,
Mr. Hancock.

We need it real bad.

Is things
that tough, huh?

Yes, sir.

All right.

50 cents.

$102.

And 40 cents.

We made it.

When can we
bring her home?

The roundup's
on Wednesday,

and the sales's
on Thursday,

so Thursday,
I guess.

Paul, won't it
be wonderful?

We'll own the phantom.

When grandpa
gets home from town,

we'll talk
about renting
an empty stall.

Phantom
has got to have

a real nice stall
to live in.

How much is the rent?

I don't know.

I can do extra work
for grandpa
to pay for it.

Phantom's worth it.

Well, I guess
that's about it,
Charlie.

Corn, oats.

How much do I owe you?

Why don't I
figure it out later?

You can pay
when you come in
for feed.

Figure it out now,
and I'll pay you now.

There's no hurry
about it, Clarence.

I trust you.

I never gave you
any reason not to.

Come on.
How much do I owe you?

Clarence,
we've been friends
for a long time.

You don't have
to beat around
the bush with me.

I'm willing
to give you credit.

I don't remember
asking for it.

What bush are you
beating around?

What's the matter?

I'm doing you
a favor,

and you're
losing your temper.

I'm not losing my temper!

I'm just trying
to figure out
what's going on.

Jenkins
at the harness shop
gave me the runaround.

What's happening?
Doesn't anyone do
cash business anymore?

We heard you were
in a little trouble.

We were only
trying to help.

Trouble?

Trouble?

What kind of trouble?

Shucks, Clarence.

Any man can run short
from time to time.

Ain't nothing
to be ashamed about.

Now, who told you that?

Oh, quite a few folks.

You mean everything's
all right with you?

It was
until I heard this.

Who's spreading
this kind of talk
about me?

Why, the way
your grandchildren

been pestering
everybody for jobs,

saying how bad
they needed money,

well,
we got the idea

that you folks
was hard up.

How much do I owe you?

$18 even.

Hard up.

That Minnie Gellison?

Yeah.

She insisted I
take these things
for Maureen.

Said her daughter
had outgrown them.

What else did she say?

She didn't
come right out
with it,

but she thinks
we can't afford

to buy clothes
for Maureen
and Paul.

Clarence...

You keeping
something
from me?

Are we
in any kind
of trouble?

Them two young'uns are.

What did they do?

That's what I aim
to find out.

Maureen!

Paul!

We'll ask grandpa

about renting the stall
for phantom now.

Sit down.

Now, what exactly
have you two
been up to?

Cleaning out
the small corral.

I don't mean that.

Since school's been out,

what have you
been doing in town?

We've been working
when our chores
are done.

We've done
all sorts of work.

What did you tell
the folks

that you pestered
for these jobs?

We didn't
pester anybody.

What did you
tell them?

We only told them
we wanted work.

'Cause we had to
earn some money.

You said you had to
earn some money?

We told everybody
we needed it
real bad.

Oh. And did you
tell them

you needed it real bad
because I was broke?

No, grandpa.

You got everybody thinking
I can't even pay my bills.

You got them thinking

I can't even
put clothes on your back.

Why did you do it?

Well, we needed
the money.

For what?

Are you trying to be
the richest kids
in Virginia?

You got $60 from me
for gentling the foals.

But, grandpa,
that wasn't enough.

Enough for what?

Enough to buy
the phantom with.

The phantom?

You said
the fire department

charges $100.00
for a pony,

so we just had
to earn the rest.

We earned $102.40.

You don't need
to buy any pony.

The corral
is full of them.

Go out and ride
anytime you want.

But we want
to own one, grandpa.

We want one
that doesn't
have to be sold.

Well, then pick
one out,

and you can have it
for keeps.

It's the phantom
we want, grandpa.

We wanted her
the first time
we saw her.

Wanting her
and getting her is
two different things.

She's given
the horse laugh

to the best
roundup men
for two years.

What makes you think
she can be caught?

I'll be riding
with you this time,
grandpa.

Paul, listen to me.

The phantom's
not a horse.

The phantom's
a piece of wind
and sky.

That's why we call her
the phantom.

Grandpa, that's
why we want her
so much...

because
she's different.

If you'll rent us
one of your
empty stalls,

I'll do extra work
to pay for it.

Knowing what you want
and going after it
is a virtue.

They have more
than their share.

I'll tell you
something.

If the phantom's
caught the day
after tomorrow,

you can buy her,
and I'll give you
a stall

and feed and everything
for nothing.

They think I'm poor.

I'm the richest man
on this whole island.

That's
the black comet.

Sure is frisky,
isn't he?

He's owned
by his rider.

Young Albert Lee
brings him down
every year

to get a feel
for the track
before the race.

Hyah!

Hyah!

Hyah!

Hyah!

Hyah!

He's fast,
really fast.

Sure is. He's won
the pony-penning
day race

for the last
two years in a row.

We never seem
to give him
competition

in chincoteague.

Hi, Tom.

Hi, Paul.

Have a good time
at the roundup.

Yes, sir.

I've gathered corn,
carrots, rutabagas,

and a jar
of molasses

to whet
her appetite
when she gets here.

Be sure and lay
a clean bed of straw
for the phantom.

I will, before
grandma and I
go to town.

You ride watcheye.

Can he outrun
the phantom?

Not likely, but you
keep your mind
on the roundup.

Follow the orders
of the roundup man.

All right. Let's go.

Morning, Wylie.

Morning, boys.

Let's go aboard.

All right.
Come on, Paul.

Cast off, boys.

We're ready
to cast off.

Go ahead, Paul.

All right.
Let's go.

Get going.

All right.
Let's go, boys.

Come on, Paul.

Come on.

Bring them
up here.

Bring them up.

Line up here, Paul.

Line right up here
at the side.

All right, now
pay attention
to Mr. Mattox.

Miles, you and Jeff
ride south.

Lloyd, you and ward
ride north.

Clarence and
the grandson go east.

The rest of us
go towards the woods.

Bring all ponies
to the old pen.

What time
is low water?

About 10:00.

Get them to
the old pen about 9:30.

We'll rest them
before swimming them
across the channel.

Let's go.

All right, Paul.

Look.

Pied Piper's bunch.

Hey! Hey!

Straggler run
that way. Get him!

Gee, I didn't know
you had a baby.

Think he's lost?

I don't rightly know.

Hey, look! Phantom.

Boy, that's something
to be proud of...

bringing in
the phantom.

I don't know.
I think she sort of
brought me in.

The pied Piper's
bugle can be heard
a long way.

She wants to be
with him

especially now
that she has a foal.

Tide's out. The
current's slack.

Time to swim them
across the channel.

Let's get them
started.

Hey!

Hey!

Hey!

Hyah!

Hyah!

Hyah!

Hyah!

Grandpa, she's drowning.

He's in the water.

Come on, Paul.
Come on.

Come on, Paul.
Come on.

I swum
the whole way
with you, son.

You're the
most wonderful and
craziest young'un

in the whole world.

Can I get through?

Excuse me.

Paul, are you
all right?

Paul, you
were wonderful.

Is that
phantom's Colt?

It sure is.

That's misty.

How come she has
a name already?

Well, I just
called her that

on account of that's
what she looked like

when I first saw her.

All misty.

Could have talked
it over with me

before you
named her.

It is sort of
a nice name though.

Misty. I like it.

Don't be dropping
none of those
popped corns.

Hey, let's go
see misty again.

Don't be
gone long.

The race will be
starting soon.

You want a hot dog?

Yeah.

All right.

Hi, young'un.

Hi, Mr. Apscott.

How about buying
the last two chances
on a sorrel pony?

No, thanks.

Only $1.00.

How about $100 pony
for $1.00?

Isn't she beautiful?

How are we going
to get the phantom
and misty

for $102.40?

Well, how can we
buy both of them
tomorrow?

Well, I've been
thinking about it,

and we'll have to
be here at sunup

to catch
the fire chief early.

Then I'll say to him,
"Mr. Jones, sir,

we want to buy
the phantom
and her filly misty."

But we've only
got $102.40.

"We've earned $102
in less than 4 months,
and we..."

don't forget
the 40 cents.

"We can earn
another $100
in 4 more months,

"so the fire department
will get all
their money

for misty."

That's what
I'll say to him.

Maybe I'll say it
to him today...

If I see him.

Well, can you think
of anything better?

She sure picked
an awful time
to have misty.

Let's go find
Mr. Jones now.

Think Lucy Lee's
got a chance?

How about peaches?
Can she beat
black comet?

Well, they'll
make a race of it.

I'll be seeing you.

Hello, Paul.
Maureen.

Hello, Mr. Jones.

You having
a good time?

We know the pony sale
isn't until tomorrow.

I got to get
over there.

I'll see you later.

Mr. Jones, Paul
and I want to buy
the phantom!

Let's go see
the race.

The race is 1/2 mile.

Riding black comet
is his owner,

12-year-old Allen Lee.

Riding patches is
11-year-old Denny Colton.

Upon Lucy Lee is
12-year-old Benson Hamlin.

And they're off!

Come on, Denny!

Go! Go!

Come on, Denny!

Come on!

Come on, patches!

Next year
the phantom's going
to be in this race.

Next year
she's going to win.
You'll see.

Come on. Let's
go find Mr. Jones.

Paul, look.

Well, we'll just
have to get here
early in the morning

and talk
to Mr. Jones then.

Gee, I can
hardly wait.

First we'll have to
find Mr. Jones

and settle it
with him.

Grandpa said
he'd be around
the Colt pen.

There he is.
Come on.

Misty's wearing
a sold tag.

Does that mean
the phantom's
been sold, too?

Misty's wearing
a sold rope.

Who?

Misty's phantom's
Colt, sir.

We've been saving
to buy the phantom.

We want
both of them.

We earned $102.40
in 4 months.

We could earn
$100 more
if you'd trust us.

We'll hunt clams
and crabs

if you'll let us.

I know we can earn
the money.

We didn't know
the phantom
would have a foal.

Why didn't
you tell me?

We tried to yesterday.

Sorry, I didn't know
you wanted them.

Come on over here
and sit down.

Last night, this man
by the name of
Mr. Foster

looked me up.

He's got business
and couldn't be here
for the sale.

He and his boy
took a fancy
to that foal.

He bought misty
last night?

Well, he put
$50 down.

I told him the foal
was too young

to be separated
from his mother.

He's taking
the phantom, too?

Picking them
both up

when he drives
back through here
on Saturday.

If you'd only
told me before.

It wouldn't be right
if I went back
on that deal

I made with
Mr. Foster.

I'm sorry, Paul.
Maureen.

Real sorry.

Gramps!

What's the matter
with you two?

They...they sold the phantom
and misty last night.

That old man's going to
take them away Saturday.

Want to see
something?

How do you like that
for a horse family?

They're
the best yearlings
of the whole lot,

and the prettiest,
too, if you ask me.

A long time ago,

when I was
about your age,

I had my heart set
on a spaniel pup.

Before I’d
saved the money
to get him,

the man sold him
to somebody else.

I felt so bad,
I thought I'd never
get over it,

but you know
something?

My daddy bought me
another dog,

and before
I knowed it,

I couldn't remember
what that spaniel
looked like.

You want to stay

and watch them
drive the ponies
back through town

for their swim back
to assateague?

It's the same
as before, isn't it?

Yep,

but they go
in the other
direction.

We got chores
to do at home,
grandpa.

Ladies and gentlemen,

all the foals and yearlings
have been sold.

We are now ready

to swim the mares
and stallions

back to assateague.

Hyah! Hyah!

Tomorrow's Saturday.

I don't need you
to remind me.

If only I hadn't gone
on that darn roundup.

I should have
gone right up
to Mr. Jones,

race or no race.

We both should have.

We should have
told him then.

What'll we do
with the money?

Maybe we can buy

an electric toaster
for grandma and grandpa

and save the rest
to go to college
on the mainland

when we get older.

All right.

Shall we do it
tomorrow?

Might as well.

Paul?

Maureen,
I don't want to talk
any more about it.

Paul!

Maureen!

Will y'all
come here a minute?

Come over here a minute.

Mr. Foster
has a problem here,

and I thought you might
be able to help him out.

The other day,
Mr. Foster and his son

bought them
a mare and a foal.

A mare
and a foal?

On the way out,

they took a chance on that
sorrel pony in the raffle.

They won the raffle,

and now Tommy says
he likes the sorrel pony

better than he does
the foal.

Better than misty?

Yep.

Now, this presents
a real problem
to Mr. Foster.

He don't want
to go back on his word,

'cause he already
put up the money,

and we were wondering

if you knew someone
who could take them
off his hands

for, uh, maybe $100?

For both?

Yep. I'll take $100
for the lot.

Mr. Foster,
you got yourself
a deal.

It makes me sad,

the way she keeps
looking off at assateague.

She's just not used
to civilization yet.

Will she ever be?

Of course.

She just needs time,
that's all.

You like?

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

She's learning.

Mm-hmm.

Easy now, girl.

We'll be finished soon.

Just keep going.

She even lets me
brush her now.

Oh, any critter
would learn to like that.

You got her,
but you ain't
gentled her yet,

not by a long shot.

That settles it.

I'm getting a bronc buster
to break that phantom.

No, grandpa.

I told you
in the beginning

only yearlings like misty
are worth fooling with.

But she didn't
hurt me, grandpa.

I just fell down,
honest.

She'll get used
to a lead rope.

I'm willing to pay
for the bronc buster.

But you said it was wrong
to break a pony.

Yeah, you said
breaking a pony
was the fast way

and gentling
was the sure way.

We want
to gentle her,
not break her.

Ohh!

Stop pestering me.

I'll keep the phantom
busy with an apple

while you place this
girth around her.

Grandpa says she won't
mind it after she
gets used to it.

You can't come
this time, misty.

You can't come.

Stay there, misty.

Why are you
so surprised

at his gentling
the phantom?

You're the one
who said it.

Said what?

That he was kin
with the wild things.

Grandpa?

Huh?

We just can't
get the phantom

to take a bit
in her mouth.

Well, uh...
Ain't she
traveling right?

Yeah, we lean the way
we want her to go

and lay the rope
against her neck.

Well, what more
do you want?

It's ok?

Of course.

The phantom
will probably
be happier

never knowing
a metal bit.

Why ask
a question
like that?

Well...

We were worried
that you'd
be ashamed of us

if we didn't do
the right job
on our own pony.

Ashamed?

Why, I'm so proud,
I'm almost busting.

Name me two other kids

that ever gentled
a 3-year-old wild pony?

Misty sure
is happy here.

Yeah, but I wonder
if the phantom
is happy, too.

Did you see her
when I rode down
to the point today?

Her hoofs
were hardly
touching the ground.

I know she's happy
when she runs, but...

then we'll have
to run her
all the time.

She's not
very happy here.

It's cold out there.

Grandpa, there's an old
kerosene heater in the barn.

May we have it to put
in the phantom's stall?

What for?

To keep her
and misty warm.

They must be
freezing out there.

Compared to the winters
she's spent on assateague

without so much as
a roof over her head,

this is
a regular vacation.

Yeah,
but what about misty?

This is
her first winter.

Her ma
will take care of her.

She won't suffer none.

They're all right,
don't worry.

But you're going
to catch your death

if you keep walking around
in bare feet.

Up with you.

Merry Christmas.

And a happy new year.

They just love popcorn.

Me, too.

A sure sign
of spring.

Mm-hmm.

Friendly or not friendly,

I will not have you
in my kitchen.

You get out of here
and stay out.

Will one of you please
teach this pesky creature

she's a filly
and not a human?

Honestly!

Hi, Paul.

Hi, Denny.
How's patches?

Fine.
How's the phantom?

Fine.

I heard she runs
pretty good.

Are you going
to enter her
in the race

next
pony-penning day?

We haven't been
invited to yet,

but I'm hoping to be.

Patches nearly beat
the black comet
last year.

Race you to those
clump of trees.

Ok, then. Let's go.

All right.

Hyah! Hyah!
Hyah! Hyah!

Boy, I'll say
she can ride!

She might even
be able to beat
the black comet.

I think she can.

Just because
the phantom

beat patches
in the Meadow

don't mean anything.

It means she's faster
than the pony
that come closest

to beating
the black comet
last year.

Can't you hold still?

The boy said
the phantom didn't
just beat patches,

she beat the
britches off him.

I wouldn't bet on her.

Who's asking you to?

However fast her speed,
the black comet's
got the experience.

Since when
don't it matter

how much speed
a pony's got
in a race?

Jeb, I think
you nicked me.

The way you're jerking,

you're lucky I didn't
cut you to the bone.

You entered the phantom
in the race this year,
Clarence?

It's not
for me to say.

That pony belongs
to my grandchildren.

All right, Jeb.
Get on with it.

Oh, watch how
he's plum tuckered out.

I think he's mad
about the phantom

beating him so many times.

Bet I could beat patches
even worse than you did.

What makes you
think that?

Because
I weigh less

and the phantom
runs even faster
with me riding her.

Paul!

Maureen!

Come here.

You have a visitor.

Hello, Paul. Maureen.

Mr. Jones.
Hello, Mr. Jones.

I hear you own a pony

that might bring
the racing championship

back to chincoteague.

The volunteer fire department
would be honored

if you'd enter
the phantom

next pony-penning day.

Will you do it?

We...
yes, sir...

we were hoping
you'd ask.

It's settled.

It'll be the phantom
against the black comet.

It hasn't
been decided yet

about the other
chincoteague pony.

It might be patches
or Wyle Mattox' firefly.

Are there any rules
about who can ride?

Only that an owner
or owner's child must ride.

We don't allow
professional jockeys.

Nobody over 16 years old.

Are girls allowed?

We never had
a girl rider before,

but there's
no rule against it.

You eat every bite
of that now.

I want you
in good condition
for the race.

After school,
I'll take you
running on the beach.

I'll ride her
after school today.

It's my turn.

It's not just
riding her.

You got to put her
in special condition.

I know as much
about it as you.

3 miles.

Start at a slow jog,

trot her,
then ask for
a burst of speed.

And slow jog her
all the way home.

Grandpa told me
about it, too.

It's the pied Piper again.

I'd know his call
anywhere.

Clarence?

Huh?

What's wrong between
Paul and Maureen?

I know something's
going on.

He comes in,
she goes out.

She goes in,
he comes out.

They just
rode off together
on the phantom

and still acted
like they were on
separate ponies.

We got to settle it
sometime,

so let's
settle it now.

It's settled to me.

Girls just don't
ride in races!

Chief Jones
says there's no
rule against it.

I don't care!

It's not right!
It's not fitting!

I ride as good as you.

That doesn't matter.

Phantom's as much
mine as yours.

All right then,
we'll flip for it.

Two out of
three times.

I don't care if it's
five out of five.

Listen here,
Paul Beebe,

you rode
in the roundup

'cause girls
aren't allowed,

so I get to ride
in the race.

It's only fair.

I guess
that's right.

Ok.

You really mean it?

You really and truly
mean I can?

If you want it
that way.

Don't worry.
The phantom
and I will win.

I know. I promise.

Don't do that.

Hey, isn't that
the black comet?

Hi.

Hello.

That's the black
comet, isn't it?

Fast as a comet, too.

We saw her win
the race last year.

She sure is fast.

My name's
Paul Beebe.

This is
my sister Maureen.

This is the phantom
and misty, her Colt.

That's the phantom?

Yeah, and she's faster
than your old horse.

Yeah?

Yeah.

How'd you like
to prove it?

Just wait till the race.
You'll find out.

I'll tell you
what I'll do.

I'll race you
right now.

Go ahead and get on.

You do it.

You call it.

If you think your nag
can last that long,

we'll race to
that sand dune

and back to here.

You can even let
your sister say go.

On your Mark...

Get set...

Go!

Come on, Paul!

Come on, Paul!

You beat him!

You beat
the black comet!

Come on.

Let's get home
and tell grandpa.

I'm willing
to put my money
where my mouth is.

Which one of you think
the black comet

is going
to win the next race?

You're wasting your time.

Everybody's betting
on the phantom now.

Only money on the comet
is over on the mainland.

Come on, Clarence.

I got to get
some bets down.

I know.
We have to get started

if you're going
to drive all the way
to the mainland.

Yes, sir,
ladies and gentlemen,

step up and see
the little mare

who's going to
bring the championship

back to chincoteague.

Hard to believe,
isn't it?

Hard to believe?

They're beebes,
aren't they?

Stop it! Stop it!

Oh, hold on there,
Maureen.

Can't you see
what she's doing?

She's kicking her.
She's kicking her foal.

I know it looks like
that mare's kicking
her baby away,

like she doesn't
love her anymore.

It's not
like that at all.

She's
proving her love,

showing it
the hardest way
you can,

by letting go.

Sure, she'd like to
have her foal depend
on her always,

but she knows that
that time is over,

that the time for
letting go has come.

Come on. Let's go in.

Come on.

Grandpa says
there's never been
so much betting

as there is this year.

The race isn't
for two months yet.

This will be the first
time in three years

since chincoteague
ever had a winning pony.

How much
does a winner get?

Hmm?

How much
does a winner get?

$12, I guess.

Gee...

I wish I could make
the phantom feel happier.

She was happy when she
beat the black comet.

Yeah, but she
can't race all the time.

She didn't finish all
her oats last night.

It's the pied Piper.

We got to let her
go back, Maureen.

Let her go back
to assateague
where she belongs.

All right.

Go.

Go on back!

Go on!

Go home!

You hear me?

Go back where you belong!

Yes, it's him.

The pied Piper's
waiting for you!

Now go on!

You, too, misty.
Go on back with her.

You belong there...

Both of you.

I'm sorry
about all the people

who made bets on her.

They won't lose anything.

We had to do it,
Maureen.

I couldn't stand seeing
the phantom so unhappy.

Grandpa will understand.

Guess she was just
a phantom after all.

Never stopped belonging
to assateague

and the pied Piper.

Captioning made possible by
Paramount pictures corporation

captioning performed by
the national captioning
institute, inc.

Captions copyright 1991
Paramount pictures corporation