The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm (1962) Movie Script

(male narrator) Early in the

1800's, the fearful sounds of war

once again shook the heart

of Europe.

Not far from the field of

battle, there was another sound

soft and gentle.

Yet, it has echoed

down the years

to be heard long after

the guns were stilled

and the battles forgotten.

If you listen closely,

you can hear it... now.

Well, Grimm.

How goes the work today?

Mr. Grubber!

Forgive me. I-I didn't know

you were here.

Does my presence disturb you?

Your hands are trembling.

My brother has not been

feeling wel I, Mr. Grubber.

His health is really not--

And he still continues to work.

What heroic devotion to duty!

It's nothing.

On the contrary, Grimm.

On the contrary, His Grace,

the Duke would be most grateful.

And find ways to show it.

Eh, may I examine the fruits

of your labor?

But it isn't complete.

You rather wait until the

entire manuscript.

No! No.

"And as he fell

"he ceased to be a frog

and turned into a prince

with beautiful, kind eyes."

And where does this event occur

in the Duke's

family history? Hm?

Well, I-I heard

this little story

and, while it was fresh

in my mind

I, I thought I'd borrow

just a few minutes.

- Borrow?

- Borrowed.

You cal I it borrowing , do you?

Stealing!

You are stealing from the duke

who's paying you

to write his family history.

When you steal from the duke,

you are committing a crime

of which he could put you

behind bars

like any other thief.

'Oh, need I say more,

gentlemen?'

[mellow music]

Don't be angry, Jacob.

Anger poisons the mind

and sours the stomach.

Wilhelm, these are

perilous times.

Work is hard to find,

money is scarce.

I swear, word of honor.

I'm a reformed man.

You have a responsibility,

your wife, your children.

You are rig ht, absolutely.

You see, I heard this-this

wonderful, wonderful story

from the old flower vendor..

I don't want to hear it.

...about this beautiful

young princess

playing with a golden ball.

The ball falls into the well

and-and she thinks it's lost.

When suddenly, a frog offers

to fetch it up for her

but only if she'll invite

the frog for dinner.

- And then, she--

- Wilhelm!

- Off to the clouds again.

- The poor moonstruck ninny.

The whole world on fire and

he can't even smell the smoke.

Forgive me, ladies,

but I do smell the smoke

and the gunpowder.

True, the whole world

is at war

'blood is flowing everywhere.'

Wilhelm!

Real blood, ladies.

Not dragon's blood,

which isn't harmful.

Nor witch's brew,

which can turn an old hag

into a beautiful young princess.

That is my world, dear ladies.

If you prefer yours,

I beg you keep it

with my fond blessings

and a cordial good day.

[laughter]

I honestly believe

his mind is going.

Gone, my dear.

Never to return.

That was the

last gasp from the old Wiilhelm.

From now on you'll see.

Jacob, Jacob Grimm!

You see what he wants.

I'll go and buy the bread.

Alright, but hurry.

We are late already.

Jacob, come here!

Mr. Grimm.

Don't you want to buy a rose?

No. No, no, thank you.

I have another one for you,

Mr. Grimm.

A darling story.

No. No more stories.

...about the funny little man

who spins gold out of straw.

Spins gold out of straw?

No. No, no.

How does it go?

A pretty girl is locked

in the king's castle.

"Spin this straw into gold ,"

he says.

"Or you will die."

Such a sweet story.

Yes, yes. Go on, go on.

That's a little better.

Now, if you could

possible manage to

look a little less gloomy, eh?

If you've cal led me

to criticize my appear--

No, my friend Jacob, no.

Your gloominess

is only a symptom.

Now the diagnosis.

Too much work, no pleasure,

too many hours alone.

Look, I feel fine.

Don't be absurd.

Symptom, diagnosis,

and now the cure.

- I must..

- Ms. Greta Heinrich.

May I present Mr. Jacob Grimm?

I don't believe it.

A man so young?

Why, I saw you on the street,

and it never entered my mind

that you could be Jacob Grimm

author of all

these marvelous works.

Well, I..

That is not precisely true, I..

...collaborate with my brother.

Ah, the married brother? Yes.

You will be thrilled to know

that Ms. Heinrich has bought

one of your books.

One that you wrote

all by yourself.

I can't wait to read it.

" Legal Antiquities?"

A marvelous choice.

Old laws are so much nicer

than new ones, sir.

I told Ms.-Ms. Heinrich

if she waited, the author would

write something in the book.

Yes, but what should I write?

Anything.

Respectfully.

Sincerely.

Affectionately.

Will it be alright

if I just signed my name?

Oh, oh, of course.

It's not the words

but the thought that counts.

Ms. Heinrich is visiting

from Berlin with her aunt.

Doesn't know a soul in town.

There are many

young people here.

She won't be lonely.

Ah!

Well, thank you, Mr. Grimm.

You are very kind.

Not at all.

Jacob? Jacob, look,

I want to talk to you.

My brother Wilhelm,

Ms. Greta Heinrich.

- Delighted.

- Mr. Grimm.

- Wilhelm.

- Stoneless.

I do hope

we'll I see each other again.

- It's inevitable.

- Oh, really?

In such a small town, one's

always seeing everyone else.

Oh ! Oh, yes, yes, of course.

- Goodbye.

- Good bye, Ms. Heinrich.

Thanks very much for coming in.

Good day, Mr. Stoneless.

Oh!

Well, what's the matter?

Your muttonhead brother.

I introduce him

to a charming girl

who goes out of her way

to buy one of his dull books--

To you, they may be dull.

To everyone. Look here.

German grammar, volume one.

German grammar, volume two.

Analysis of German grammar.

As a good friend ,

I give them space.

As a better friend,

I say to you

"Write books people will buy."

Write about girls.

- Oh, about, you mean?

- No. I mean about..

Hm, hm, hm.

But what do I know about girls?

Nothing. About everything

that's important

you know nothing.

Stoneless , don't you dare talk

to my brother like that.

Jacob is the wisest

most kind, most generous--

Where is the bread?

The bread?

Yes, uh, Jacob, I wanted to talk

to about that.

So, you bought

an another story

From that villainess

flower vendor

and the bread money is gone.

Just this once if you'll lend me

some money, I promise..

What, I swear.

(both)

Word of honor, never again.

You see?

He's a prince among men.

He's a fool.

Next to you

the biggest fool in the world.

But it's not too late to change.

For me, for your dearest friend,

please.

Write about girls.

Jacob, write about girl ..

[instrumental music]

We are already 57 minutes late.

I hope you have an explanation.

Have you ever known me when

I haven't had an explanation?

Look, the reason we are late..

...is we stopped

to buy our roses.

We stopped? Our roses?

After all, you paid for them.

Besides, you stopped to force

your attentions

on a pretty girl.

I paid for the bread.

Oh, no, no.

I insist, I insist.

You take half a credit

for the roses

and half the blame

for being late.

Daddy, daddy.

Will you hear what happened?

Run in. Come on, go on.

Go on. Help! Help, help, help.

'Savages, mad dogs.'

Help! Save me.

Ooh ! Ah-ah, ah-ah!

Now, my little kids,

it's my turn.

You'll pay and pay dearly.

I will grind your bones

and slit open these eyes.

And for you, my dear,

I have other plans--

Where have you been?

For one whole hour

the dinner's been kept waiting.

What kept you?

Oh, what's this, Wilhelm?

A tribute to your kind,

sweet, gentle, beauteous mi--

Where is the bread?

Bread?

What bread?

Children, go and wash

your hands. Will you?

I gave you money for bread

instead of which

you come back with..

What am I to do? I don't have

two children, I have..

Jacob, you should know better.

We've barely enough money for..

...the bread.

You didn't forget the bread?

No, Dorothea, he didn't forget.

And don't you forget.

Men does not live

by bread alone.

That's a strange

sentiment from you.

It's not from me.

It's from "The Bible."

And from Stossel's book shop.

You see..

...a young lady came in and

bought one of his books today.

Asked him to write in it.

A very beautiful young lady,

eh, Jacob?

I-I didn't notice.

Well, she obviously noticed you.

What was her name?

- Do I know her?

- Um..

Rita Albrecht.

Greta Heinrich.

You see?

That's our Jacob for you.

Can't remember a face,

but never forgets a name.

If dinner is ready,

why don't we eat?

Ooh, right away.

They are lovely.

They are just lovely.

It's my turn.

It is not. It's my turn.

It was your turn yesterday.

No, it was your turn yesterday.

How can it be your turn today

if it was yours yesterday?

Children.

You may share the honor.

(both)

Bless us, O Lord and these gifts

which we are about to receive

from thy bounty.

Grubber.

That shriveled husk.

He doesn't know the meaning

of the word "happy."

And as for our gracious,

patron, the noble duke--

Someone might hear you

and tel I him.

Good. It might reduce

his bloated ego.

Might also throw us out

of this house

which he gives us rent-free.

- Might also put you in jail.

- You are right.

And so are you.

The duke doesn't want scholars,

he wants toadies

to sing the glories

of his illustrious name.

So that he can be a toady

to a king of Prussia.

However, we need the money,

so, to work.

No, Jacob, I'll go to work.

I'm gonna make up

for the borrowed time.

Well, don't look so surprised.

I'm a reformed man.

Well, don't disturb

the children.

The children would be

wise not to disturb me.

What was he doing

to make Grubber angry, hm?

Jacob, what was he doing?

Just being himself.

[children giggle]

[dog barking]

[giggling continues]

Not here?

Now, let me see.

They must be there, huh?

Boo!

(both)

Fooled you. We fooled you.

Shh. Now, that's enough.

To bed, come on.

And to sleep instantly.

Come on, come on.

We want a story.

No, absolutely not.

- Oh, papa, just one.

- No.

- No more stories.

- No more stories?

Not never?

Not "ne. ."

Not ever.

You should be

studying your grammar.

Not never.

Why, that's atrocious grammar.

Oh, grammar's too hard.

Nothing's too hard, son,

nothing.

If you want it badly enough,

you'll get it.

Now, remember the Woodsman.

What he wanted was

impossible, nevertheless--

What Woodsman?

Well, you know the Woodsman,

who lived the forest all alone.

- What did he want so bad ly?

- 'How did he get it?'

Well, it happened on the day,

a very special day.

He decided to embark

on a great adventure.

A journey far from the forest

that was his home.

♪ I dream of winning

a princess ♪

♪ La-la-la la-la-la la ♪

Ah. Mwah. Mwah. Mwah..

♪ Ah la-la-la la-la-la la-la ♪

♪ Happy and gay am I ♪

[scoffs]

[knocking on door]

(Gypsy)

'Come in.'

[door creaks open]

Good morning there, Gypsy.

- I've come to bid--

- Bid me good bye.

Who told you?

The cards.

Who else would ever speak to me?

What else they tell ya?

That your purse is empty.

And your heart's

full to overflowing.

With love for you.

Oh, no.

Not for me

but for the king's daughter.

The loveliest flower

in all the land.

And you hope to win this flower.

I shall try.

Goodbye, Gypsy.

Woodsman, wait.

I have something for you.

No one has ever

given me a word of kindness

but you.

When others have scoffed ,

you alone have smiled.

Give me one smile in return,

and I'll be happy.

That you shall have..

...and something more.

[instrumental music]

Hold out your hand.

Now, you see it.

And now you don't.

My hand.

Take this cloak of invisibility.

It will hide you

from men's greed

and protect you from their envy.

Will it help me

to win the princess?

[laughs]

That you'll never know

until you try.

You'll need this too.

Thank you.

[door creaks open]

(Woodsman)

'Bye, Gypsy.'

♪ I dream of winning

a princess ♪

♪ Dreaming a princess is mine ♪

♪ La la-la la la la-la la ♪

♪ Dreaming with love

less than mine ♪♪

He bows very well, doesn't he?

Oh, very well indeed.

Oh, stop it, stop it, stop it.

That's enough.

Who are you?

'Oh, no, no, no, let me guess.'

You are a prince in disguise.

Duke? Baron?

Baronet? Knave?

Your Majesty, ah..

...I'm just a humble woodsman.

Oh, that's wonderful!

Ha-ha, that's marvelous.

Oh, a woodsman.

That means

that you are accustomed

to the axe!

Ha! To the axe.

[laughter]

[Woodsman laughs]

Ah, the rules.

[clears throat]

- He who..

- Discovers how my daughter..

Walks holes through her slippers

every night..

Without telling me

how she does it..

I tell you

another pair every night

and it costs me a fortune.

Uh, proceed.

He who discovers

the why and where for..

Gets half my kingdom.

Oh, yes, and the princess too.

Now, tel I him the bad part.

Whoever shall try and fail ..

As all others

have tried and failed

shall have his head separated

from his body for evermore.

That's the good part really.

But please, my daughter

is very sensitive.

Promise you won't tell her?

Cross my heart and hope to die.

Oh, delicious.

How delightful!

Good luck, Woodsman,

but remember

don't lose your head.

'Ha ha!'

[laughing]

Oh, don't lose your head.

[laughter]

Ooh, he's the handsomest by far.

[giggles] Don't you want

to look, Your Highness?

Certainly not.

Fetch the sleeping potion.

Good evening , Woodsman.

You may rise.

Here's some warmth

for the long, cold night ahead.

Is something wrong?

Yes, yes, I expected you to..

...to be beautiful.

Am I not?

Oh, no, princess.

You are divine.

Well, cheers.

Ah.

We certainly don't get wine

like this in the forest.

Well, I'm sure you don't.

Well, good night, Woodsman.

Oh!

Excuse me.

[bells jingling]

[thuds]

Pleasant dreams, Woodsman.

Don't forget.

Return before dawn.

'Or the king

will surely find out.'

Coachman, have you seen him?

A man with a mask?

No. princess.

I have seen no one.

But there is

another man waiting at

the castle that you must

marry if you are late.

Hyah!

Hyah! Hyah!

Hyah!

Ha!

Ha! Ha!

Ha!

'Ha! Ha !'

Hyah!

You tried, and you failed!

How sad ! Too bad !

Uh, get to work!

Just a moment.

[scoffs]

Your Majesty

I know how the princess

wears holes in her slippers.

I don't believe it.

Not a word.

Princess!

Princess.

'Where does she walk?'

Nowhere. She dances.

All night.

Fiddlesticks !

Alone in her bedroom?

No.

She goes through a hidden door

and then rides this carriage--

Oh, oh, I got you now.

I know every hidden door,

secret room

in then sliding

palace in the panel.

The panel, panel in the..

And no botheration.

Off with his head.

Ha-ha-ha.

Wait a minute now.

Now wait a minute.

Let me, let me explain.

I am the king , you..

Now, let me show ya.

Nobody tel ls me anything.

Oh, you see?

He guessed your secret.

Every night,

dancing and prancing.

I love to dance but..

...nobody asks me.

Well, a, a bargain

is a bargain.

So, now we'll have

a great, big party.

There'll be no party.

I shall never marry him.

Ta-ta-ta-tat, my girl.

You're not the king.

You're only a princess,

which isn't as good.

Besides, I gave my word.

And last night,

I gave my heart.

To a stranger.

And they lived

happily ever after.

[dog squealing]

(Wilhelm)

Shh.

Well..

I gave them a severe talking

to about their grammar.

Mm-hmm.

Well, I told them one story.

A story that will

give them nightmares.

Oh, no, no,

it was a beautiful story.

About the dancing princess

and the woodsman.

- You mean the tailor?

- Tailor?

The, the way you heard it,

it was a tailor?

The way I heard it,

you were a reformed man.

Well, you aren't.

You're absolutely

beyond redemption.

All I can say for you is..

...I love you.

I, uh..

I have work to do.

The work is almost done.

Go to bed.

What is your object?

To make me feel guilty?

My object is to finish this

wretched thing on time.

Mm-hmm.

By the way..

...you remember the story

of the dancing princess?

Whom did she marry?

A woodsmen or a tailor?

- A farmer.

- A farmer?

An honest, conscientious,

hard working farmer.

A farmer.

- It was a fisherman.

- A fish..

How do you know?

Because I'm a man

of infinite wisdom

who has heard

the story a thousand ti mes.

But that's terrible.

Tailor, woodsman,

farmer, fisherman.

Four different versions.

- Now isn't that terrible?

- It is terrible.

Come on.

You know, that proves my point.

These stories should

be written down.

Better you should

write about girls.

Talking about girls..

- Ms. Greta Heinrich.

- Yeah?

Will you tel I her

something for me?

[inaudible whispering]

Wilhelm!

- 'We'll be late.'

- I'll be there.

I'll be delighted.

It was a delicious dinner,

Mrs. Grimm.

Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Won't you sit here,

Ms. Heinrich?

Oh, thank you.

Oh.

[giggling]

Uh, we hope, Ms. Heinrich..

...Jacob and all of us

that you like our town.

Oh, I do.

The people are so friendly.

Must seem very quiet to you

after Iivi ng in Berlin.

Still, we hope,

uh, Jacob and all of us

that you won't hurry away.

Well, it was to have been

just a short visit.

But I wouldn't mind

staying indefinitely.

- Wilhelm, it's getting late.

- Get the children, um..

- It's time to go to bed now.

- Come along now.

Say good night to Ms. Heinrich.

- Good night, Ms. Heinrich.

- Good night, Uncle Jacob.

(both)

Goodnight, Uncle Jacob.

- That's right. Run along .

- Come on, off you go to sleep.

Your children

are charming, Mr. Grimm.

Thank you.

Children are a specialty

of the Grimm family.

We hope that yours

will be equally as, uh--

Yes, well, uh..

It's getting late.

I think, I'll go on up too.

Oh, stay!

And talk a while with us.

Tel I Ms. Heinrich

one of your stories.

Wilhelm has a

very fertile imagination.

- Oh, really?

- Oh, yes.

You would hardly believe what

fantastic thoughts occur to him.

Go ahead, Wilhelm.

'Let us have

one of your stories.'

Funny, I just can't

seem to remember any.

Oh, they come and go, slip away.

It's a pity there isn't

someone to write them down.

Oh, well.

Goodnight.

It was most kind of you

to take pity

on a stranger

and invite me here.

To be honest, it was not

I who invited you.

I thought..

Well, that-that is,

I was given the impression

'that it was your idea.'

Say yes.

(Jacob)

In all honesty, no.

It's a rare experience,

Mr. Grimm

to meet a man so honest.

I shan't inquire whether

you wish to take me home, but

since it's getting late--

But, uh..

Honesty, Ms. Heinrich,

requires the whole truth.

Although it was not my idea

I'm very glad

you were invited here.

Equally glad that you accepted.

[giggling]

(Greta) 'Tell me about

your work, Mr. Grimm.'

- 'Oh, I--'

- No, Jacob.

Don't, please.

I'd like to ask you

a question, Ms. Heinrich.

A rather personal question.

How did you like my book?

How I was enchanted.

Enchanted?

By "Legal Antiquities?"

Oh, well, the subject

isn't important.

(Jacob)

'I beg your pardon.'

(Greta) 'What enchanted

me was the tremendous'

'knowledge and Intelligence

it took to write such a book.'

Forgive me, Mr. Grimm, but..

...I must be honest too.

You are a brilliantly

fascinating man.

Nonsense.

'I'm a conscientious scholar'

'dedicated to his work,

that's all.'

Aah!

[birds chirping]

Grubber!

Your Grace, if this

portrait is to grace

the cover of your

grace's family history

may I ask that, Your Grace,

face this way.

And smile.

Grubber!

Sir?

You've finished

reading it, Your Grace?

Have the Brothers Grimm done you

proper justice, Your Grace?

Are you pleased, Your Grace?

You're very good

at asking questions,

now answer one.

Do I look pleased?

Ohh.

Get those brothers,

and bring them here!

Stoneless.

You've always been a good ,

true, loyal, and dear friend.

Uh, good morning, dear ladies.

Now I'm going to give you

a chance to prove it.

May I prove it later?

I'm waiting

on these dear ladies.

Oh, what are they looking for?

Mr. Stoneless knows my taste.

Who doesn't?

Ah, just the thing.

"History of the 100 Years War."

Every page reeking

with blood and gore.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Really, Wilhelm, come on.

Listen, we've just finished

writing the Duke's

family history.

Now I can concentrate on

collecting and writing stories.

- Stories about girls?

- Oh, Stoneless, you worry me.

A, a priceless

literary heritage is dying.

Now unless these

wonderful fairytales are

written down and published ,

they'll soon be forgotten.

Now, look, you know

a man called Dantino.

Dantino, yes, the

foremost publisher in Berlin.

- A good, true and loyal friend.

- Yes, yes.

I'm sure he'd agree that

you are a complete looney.

A looney.

Who'd want such a book?

Anyone with a

desire to be happy.

I would.

- They would .

- They? Who are they?

You, you, you, and you.

Come on, come inside.

Really, they should lock

him up. He's dangerous.

Shh. Now.

Now, don't be frightened .

I just want to ask.

Do you want a

book of fairytales?

- No, sir.

- Hup!

Of course you do.

Why not?

I can't read.

- Well, you can hear, can't you?

- Yes.

Alright then.

Ah, ah, come here.

Wilhelm, what are you doi ng?

Sit down.

Madam.

My dear.

If you please.

And not another

word out of anyone.

'Now, listen.'

Once upon a time..

...there was a cobbler.

An old, old cobbler.

He had snowy white hair.

A big thick mustache.

Bushy eyebrows

riding on a sea of wrinkles.

He worked very hard.

Day in and day out.

But for various reasons

his customers were not pleased.

- Cobbler!

- Yes?

Oh, your honor, the mayor.

Are my shoes ready?

Uh, not yet, Your Excellency--

Not yet?

Why, the King's Christmas

party is tomorrow afternoon.

If my shoes aren't ready,

it will go on with you.

Oh, to be sure,

Your Worship, but--

No buts.

I shall return

tomorrow morning.

[dramatic music]

I'll, uh, try my very best.

♪ Pure of heart ♪

♪ And mind and hand ♪

♪ I shall dwell ♪

♪ In Christmas land ♪

♪ In my heart ♪

♪ The Christmas spirit ♪

♪ Listen closely ♪

♪ You can hear it ♪

♪ Christmas land ♪

♪ I shall dwell in ♪

♪ Christmas ♪

♪ Land ♪

♪ On my cheeks ♪

♪ Two roses grow ♪♪

[bell rings]

My sllippers, they are finished,

huh, cobbler?

'Are they? Are they? Are they?'

Uh, regretfully,

I've been so busy I--

Without my slippers,

how am I to dance for the king?

I'll try, Your

Ballerinaship. Please--

If I do not dance

the king will be mad with rage.

And I would hate to see you..

...boiled in oi I.

Yeah.

I don't think

I'd care for it much myself.

Cobbler!

Your, your, your hunting boots,

I--

I know, but--

They, they're

not quite ready yet--

If they're not by tomorrow..

...instead of hunting wild pigs

for the king's table..

...I'll be hunting tame cobbler

you understand?

[echoing]

Yes, your marksmanship.

I suppose you're going to

the King's birthday party, too?

No.

We came to sing for you.

- 'Why?'

- 'Cause you like us.

Do not.

Why didn't you, um,

get jobs or get married?

Nobody asked me.

Well, then, go and see

your good luck elf.

They'll handle

those things for you.

Orphans don't

have good luck elves.

Nonsense.

Everybody's got good luck elves.

If you don't believe in them,

they won't come to you.

I'll, uh, I'll tell you

about it sometime.

Uh, now go home. I'm busy.

Very, very busy. Go home.

[mellow music]

You do like us, don't you?

Do not.

- Do to.

- Do not.

You've got to.

'Cause nobody else does.

Ah, ah.

Well, I'm up.

[alarm blaring]

Alright. I said I'm up.

But, why?

Why?

[yawing]

Why, what?

Why am I up?

Ask him.

Hey.

Why am I up?

How should I know?

Why am I up?

Because it's Christmas Eve.

[yawing]

Ha-ha.

I've got it.

[stuttering]

He's got it.

He can have it.

Christmas is the time

for good cheer.

Good cheer is what we bring

because we're good luck elves.

I'd rather be a bad luck elf.

Why?

'Cause he gave me a

crooked mouth, that's why.

Don't you like your mouth?

- No!

- Then keep it shut!

Unless those shoes

are finished by morning

he's in terrible trouble.

Good. Serves him right.

Get to work. Everybody.

Get to work.

Begin.

Get busy.

Commence.

Go!

What's wrong?

(all)

How do you fix shoes?

Ah, um..

(all)

Ah, um?

Ah, I know.

You, cut!

Ah-oom.

You, stitch.

Ah-oom!

You, glue.

Ah-oom.

You, shine.

Ah-oom.

I, catch.

♪ Ah oom ah oom ♪

♪ It's fun to whack with a ♪

♪ Tack and a hammer ah-oom ♪

♪ To whack with a tack

and a hammer ah-oom ♪

♪ Your eyes light up and

your heart goes boom ♪

♪ Ah-oom ♪

♪ Ah-oom ah-oom ah-oom ♪

♪ To brush some glue

on the shoes what you do ♪

♪ For the heel ♪

♪ For the heel for the heel ♪

♪ You brush some glue

on the shoe for the heel ♪

♪ You do get sticky

but gee you feel ♪

♪ Ah-oom ah-oom ah-oom ♪

♪ Ah-oom ah-oom ah-oom ah-oom ♪

♪ To whack away on shoes ♪

♪ We'll chase

a stack of glue ♪

♪ We'll make like Jake

when you're awake ♪

♪ And dreamy when you snooze ♪

♪ Ah-oom ah-oom ♪

♪ To shine from

the front to the back ♪

♪ With a whack and wham ♪

♪ A wham ♪

♪ From front to back

with a whack and a wham ♪

♪ If that ain't heaven

I don't know what am ♪

♪ Ah-oom ♪

♪ La-la-la ohh ♪

♪ Ya-la-la ooh ♪

♪ Ya-la-la hohoo ♪

[gasps]

♪ Ya-la-la hoo-hoo ya hoo-hoo ♪

Not so hard.

I'm paying him back

for my crooked mouth.

Shh.

♪ To whack away on shoes ♪

♪ We'll chase a stack of glue ♪

♪ We'll make life Jake

when you're awake ♪

♪ And dreamy ♪

♪ When you snooze ♪

♪ Ah-oom ah-oom ♪

♪ Shine from the front to the

back with a whack and wham ♪

♪ A wham ♪

♪ Front to back

with a whack and a wham ♪

♪ If that ain't heaven

I don't know what am ♪

♪ Ah-oom ah-oom ♪

♪ Ah-oom ♪

♪ It's time to whack

with a hammer and a tack ♪

[yodeling]

♪ To whack with

a hammer and tack ah-ooh ♪

[yodeling]

♪ It's time to whack

with a hammer and tack ♪

♪ To whack with the tack

from the front to the back ♪

♪ From the front to the back

with a hammer and tack ♪

Go!

♪ Ah-oom ah-oom ah-oom ♪

♪ Aah ♪♪

Oh, it's so nice.

Cobbler! Open up!

Blast you, cobbler,

my hunting boots.

- Open up!

- Cobbler! Open the door!

I need my shoes!

Oh, my dancing slippers,

they must be ready.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Your Worship, Your

Ballerinaship, Your Marksmanship

um, I'm afraid, you're not gonna

like what I have to tel I you.

Just what do you mean

by that?

It's, you see, it's um..

[clears throat]

It's Christmas.

And some people, little people,

but very, very important

people were forgotten.

So, I decided that since it was

Christmas, that I would ..

Oh!

How beautiful!

- Wonderful !

- Good and sturdy, cobbler.

[laughing]

You had me worried, old rump.

There you are, my man.

Well done.

Thank you.

Twice your usual price,

cobbler

and a Merry Christmas to you.

Well, a Merry Christmas to you,

Your Lordship.

(Ballerina)

'I shall dance like a princess'

and the king will know

it's all because of you.

- 'And Merry Christmas.'

- 'Merry Christmas.'

Thank you. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

[mellow music]

'But I didn't.'

How could I?

Maybe I did.

I must have.

Oh, well.

♪ Pure of heart and mind

and hand ♪

♪ I shall live in

Christmas land ♪

♪ In my heart

the Christmas spirit ♪

♪ Listen closely

you can hear it ♪

♪ Christmas land

Christmas land ♪

♪ I shall live in

Christmas land ♪

♪ On my cheeks two roses grow ♪

♪ On my nose a speck of snow ♪

♪ Holy olive in my hand ♪

♪ I shall live in

Christmas land ♪

♪ Christmas land ♪♪

(Dorothea)

'Wilhelm!'

Wilhelm!

- The Duke--

- Just a minute, dear.

Well, did you like the story?

(children)

Yes.

- Where's Jacob?

- In the park with Greta.

Would you like, would you like

a whole book of stories?

(children)

Uh-hmm.

- You would, you would?

- You really would?

Oh, marvelous, marvelous.

Bless you.

Just a minute.

How much money have you got?

None.

- You?

- None.

- How about you?

- One kreutzer.

One kreutzer.

Out, out, all of you.

Now, Stoneless..

Write about girls, please.

Wilhelm, the Duke wants to

see you and Jacob.

Oh, but where is Jacob?

In the park with Greta.

Oh, yes, yes, that's rig ht.

Oh, can't you think of anything

except money?

And girls, at your age! Really!

Wilhelm!

Oh!

[instrumental music]

Jacob! Jacob!

Jacob, the Duke has sent

for us. Excuse me, Greta.

But you're not Greta. I thought

you said you're taking Gret..

Oh, oh, um,

I'm so terribly sorry.

Do excuse me.

Good luck to you both.

We've been gone some time now.

My aunt will be wondering .

So, perhaps we better--

One other thing, uh,

a question.

A question requiring

a great deal of thought

consideration, pros and cons

the...advantages

and the disadvantages.

What is the question?

I shan't expect

an immediate answer.

A decision like this

cannot be made instantly.

What's the question?

Will you marry me?

- When?

- You mean you will?

- Well, of course.

Without even thinking?

Oh, Jacob.

The first time I saw you

I knew I was going to

fall in love with you.

Amazing.

I have fallen in love with you.

And more than anything

in the world

I would like to marry you.

Are there any more questions?

Just one.

May I kiss you?

Of course.

Very well.

[instrumental music]

Jacob, Jacob, the Duke.

He wants to see us rig ht away.

- Excuse me, Greta.

- We're going to be married.

I'm terribly sorry, come on.

Ma-married?

Oh, oh, that's wonderful.

Oh, oh, I'm so pleased.

Come on!

[drum roll]

Correct me if I'm wrong.

But the terms of your contract,

you guaranteed

to write a complete and accurate

history of my family.

Notable deeds,

meritorious service

in war and peace, etcetera.

That is correct.

I said,

"Correct me if I'm wrong ."

The said family history to be

dedicated and presented

to His Majesty,

the King of Prussia

on the forthcoming anniversary

of his coronation.

[sneezes]

What are you doing?

I'm just sneezing, Your Grace.

Don't touch that.

It's priceless.

Yes, sir.

Uh, this is the

complete history?

Yes, Your Grace.

And may I point out that

we finished two days early?

May I point out you chopped off

one whole branch of my family?

The Rhineburg branch,

represented by my third cousin

'Baron Ulrich of Rhineburg !'

(Jacob)

'Yes, sir but I thought--'

(The Duke) 'I don't pay you

to think, I pay you to write.'

A point of fact, sir,

you haven't paid us at all.

Ha! The minstrel speaks.

The tale teller

who steals my time to collect

frogs and dogs, hags and dragons

haven't paid you, huh?

Have I given you a house

for six months rent-free?

- Yes, but, um. .

- Yes, but..

You will receive no money until

you fulfi ll your contract.

Now, then you thought what,

my illustrious scholar?

Well, sir. In your library,

there's very little

about the Rhineburgs.

And in fact,

it not very flattering.

For example, the behavior of

Baron Ulrich at the Battle of--

(The Duke)

'That's a lie!'

[clattering]

Perhaps, but he is such

a distant relative.

Baron Ulrich is a

nephew by marriage

of His Majesty,

the King of Prussia.

I see, sir. Well..

We'll be back at work

first thing in the morning.

First thing in the morning

you'll take the boat

to Rhineburg.

In the cathedral archives,

you'll find all names and dates.

'Baron Ulrich himself

will correct all lies.'

But-but this is

very difficult for us to..

We've only two days left

and I doubt that

we can finish in time.

Oh, you will.

Because if you don't, I'll throw

you out of your house

and into debtors prison.

Where I will make it

difficult for you

beyond anything

you can possibly imagine.

What are you doing?

- I'm-I'm so sorry, Your Grace.

- Go!

Purely unintentionally,

Your Grace.

- Go!

- I apologize, Your Grace.

Go!

Go! Go!

♪ La la la la la la la la ♪

♪ La la la ♪

♪ La la la la la la la la ♪

♪ La la la la ♪

♪ La la la la la la la la ♪

♪ La la la ♪

♪ La la la la la la la la ♪

♪ La la la la ♪♪

♪ Dreaming and dreaming ♪

♪ I dream of winning

a princess ♪

♪ Bringing loves light

to her smile ♪

♪ it does seem unlikely

for some fellow like me ♪

What's going on?

It must be a celebration.

Go directly to the church

and talk to the priest

in charge of the archives.

Look, it's a festival tree.

It is a celebration.

Pardon me, but what are we

celebrating?

I said , "What are we

celebrating?"

It's a wine festival.

Did you hear that?

- And did you hear what I said?

- Yes.

Go to the church,

talk to the priest

collect all important data

on the Rheinberg grant

to the family

especially anything relating

to the King of Prussia

and report back here

at 5 o'clock.

Thank you, my man.

Thank you.

Not at all, not at all.

It's.. It's good.

- Thank you very much.

- It's a pleasure.

It's an absolute pleasure.

I thank..

The boat leaves

at 5 o'clock.

We must be on it.

Remember that.

Don't worry.

I never forget a thing.

Wilhelm!

- Thank you, sir.

- Thank you.

[chorus singing

in foreign language]

I'm very grateful, father.

It's been a pleasure delving

into the past with you.

You were bored to death,

Mr. Grimm.

And I respect you for it.

Nothing is quite so dull

as digging up

obscure names and dates

which should be allowed

to rest in oblivion.

Give me young living voices

singing "Mozart."

[singing continues]

- Father?

- Pay no attention.

- Today is Friday.

- Friday?

(Wilhelm)

'Oh, yes, yes, so it is.'

[singing continues]

Every Friday as long as

anyone can remember

the children of Rheinberg

have been invited

to visit Anna Richter.

There are some

who call her a witch.

Do you believe in witches,

Mr. Grimm?

- Witches?

- Oh, you don't!

I should've thought you did.

Well, uh..

Yes, as a matter of fact,

I, um..

Well, she is no witch.

She only has the power

to bewitch and beguile

and create a world of beauty

that even Mozart would envy.

She tel ls the most wonderful

fairy tales ever heard.

Fairy tales!

Is, uh, is that

where they're going?

[clears throat]

Shh!

Father!

When I was his age

I used to do the same thing

every Friday.

I'd gladly do it again

right now, but it's too late.

Only children are invited.

Um..

Well, I-I must be going.

You've been most helpful .

A mil I ion thanks, goodbye.

Goodbye.

- What do you want?

- Good afternoon, ma'am.

My name is Wilhelm Grimm.

I've heard that--

You've heard that I'm a witch,

I suppose.

Have you come to scoff and jeer

like everybody else.

No, quite the contrary.

If I may, I'd-I'd very much like

to come inside.

I won't have it.

Go away.

[Wilhelm groans]

Your foot is in my door.

Yes, I'm..

I'm so sorry.

Might I just come in

and sit quietly and listen? I--

Children only.

Oh, but I'm much younger

than I look.

Ah, people tell me that..

[kids shouting]

You little monkey,

you were late.

My mama made me take a nap.

Well, I hope it did you good.

Now, my young scamps.

What should we have?

- Witches!

- Dragons!

[indistinct shouting]

Settle down ! Settle down!

Which of you would like

to laugh today?

Uh..

I can see, you'd rather I made

your blood run cold.

Yes! Scary, scary story!

[laughing]

Very well, a scary story

it should be. Shh!

(Anna)

'Once upon a time. .'

...long , long ago,

in a faraway land

there lived a huge

and fearful dragon.

He was as tall as the tallest

tree in the forest.

When he walked ,

it was an earthquake.

When he breathed ,

a forest fire.

All the people lived in terror

of this monstrous beast

who had Invaded their land

from no one knew where.

For he ate up their crops

devoured their cattle

'and carried off all the young

children to his lair.'

What for?

- Dessert.

- Oh!

- Didn't anyone try to stop him?

- Of course, they did.

The king sent north,

south, east and west

offering half his kingdom

to anyone who'd come and slay

this horrible beast.

'Many came to try

and earn the reward .'

But the dragon sizzled them.

Then he frizzled them.

Then he gobbled them up

and he picked his teeth

with their bones.

Now it happened one fine day

that two men

a knight named Ludwig

and his servant Hans

set out in search

of adventure.

♪ Why am I thirsting

and flopping and bursting ♪

♪ No relation passed to

the ghastly adventure ahead ♪

♪ What ea yest thou, Knave? ♪

♪ 'Cause you're courageously

outlandish ♪

♪ Outrageously brave ♪

♪ Why am I not daunted

by fears ♪

♪ That would haunt

the most fearless? ♪

♪ 'Cause you're outrageously

brave ♪

♪ With a courage courageously

fearless ♪

♪ Ha ha and now ♪

♪ And now ♪

♪ We go ♪

♪ We go? ♪

♪ To add a dragon ♪

♪ To my ego ♪♪

[dragon growling]

We're in luck, master.

That dragon's at home.

Not so loud.

[intense music]

♪ A D-R-A-G-O-N ♪

♪ Dragon ♪

♪ A 53-foot monster

snorting fire ♪

Aaaah!

♪ A 53 or maybe even higher ♪

Whoooaa!

♪ I heard one thrashing ♪

♪ Through the forest ♪

♪ Crushing

and it seems smashing ♪

♪ They do bag him ♪

♪ A D-R-A-G-O-N ♪

♪ Dragon ♪

[dragon growling]

♪ Dragon! ♪♪

Alright, lad, in you go.

I'll stay here

and protect you over there.

That'll take a bit of doing.

Go on! Go on!

(Ludwig)

Go on, you silly sausage!

Is he there?

(Ludwig)

'Speak up, pudding-brain.'

Oh, he seems to have gone,

master.

Uh-huh.

Well, let me at him.

Charge!

Oh!

Are you sure he is gone?

I looked all over the cave,

master.

Well, help me up.

Flat feet!

Look at the filthy beggar

took one look at me

and realized

he's met his match. Huh!

Rig ht now, he's probably

a 100 leagues from here

running for his life, huh.

M-m-master!

(Ludwig)

Pity in a way.

I should've enjoyed puncturing

the ugly brute.

Hans, kill him!

Yes, master.

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!

Don't anger it. Just kill him.

[grunts]

[intense music]

Aah!

Oh-ho! Whoa!

'Whoa!'

Whoa-whoa-whoo!

Whoa!

Aaah!

Hans, do something,

you bumbling boobie.

Watch out, master, here I come!

Oh, oh, ah! Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah!

Whoa!

Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah!

Master, do not leave me!

I'm not leaving you, crybaby!

I'm going for help.

Oh, oh, oh. Oh!

Whoa! Whoa!

Aah!

Whoa!

Whoa! Ah!

Whoa! Whoa!

Ah!

'Oh ! Oh.'

'Whoa!'

'Eww! Whoa!'

'Oh ! Oh, whoa! Oh !'

'Oh !'

'Whoa! Oh ! Wow!'

Oh, oh!

Ah! Uh.

Whoa!

Oh!

Help.

- I said, help!

- And now, dragon.

I'm not as tasty as I look.

Oh, no.

Ah!

M-master!

Help!

'Master!'

What is it?

'The dragon is dead .'

Yes. Dead?

Are you sure that he's not just

pretending it?

Oh, I-I-I-I stake my life on it.

Well, we can't claim the reward

without the creature's

head, can we?

I will be more than happy.

No, no, give me the sword.

If you want something

done right, I say

do it yourself.

And en garde!

[crashing]

Whoa! Well, Hans..

You must be ti red.

Rest here a while.

Have a drink of water.

No, thank you, master.

You are very kind.

But after you, sir.

No, no, no, a good commander

always looks

after his men first.

- Go ahead. Go ahead.

- Oh, thank you, sir.

Is it too blood-curdling ,

children?

- 'Shall I stop?'

- We know it's only make belief.

(all)

Please, don't stop.

Don't stop. Please. Come on.

Very well.

So, because he feared

that someone might discover

it was the servant

and not the master

who had slain the dragon

greedy Ludwig killed Hans

and buried him

under the apple tree.

(Anna) While Ludwig

went on to claim the reward

and dwell in a fine castle

good Hans lay beneath

the ground.

Spring passed and

the earth's breast was warmed

by summer's gentle touch.

Autumn came painting

the leaves

with rainbow colors.

The north wind brought

winter into the land

covering it with an icy

blanket of purest white.

And then it was spring again.

Spring, the time for wakening.

With the dragon gone

everyone felt safe again

and the countryside flourished.

And so one fine day

a shepherd with his flock

passed by the apple tree.

Suddenly, he saw

something at its feet.

With a bit of carving

the shepherd thought

I could make a fine flute

to play on and soothe my flock.

Straightaway

he took out his knife

and began to whittle holes.

♪ Oh, shepherd ,

listen to my tale ♪

♪ I sleep beneath the tree ♪

May I ask, oh majesty

why my presence

was requested here?

I have discovered

a new musical instrument

which I thought might amuse you.

As ruler of half your kingdom

I'd like to remind you

that I simply loathe music.

As ruler of the other half

I suspect that you will

change your mind.

Eh, shepherd ,

would you play us a tune?

Thank you so much

Some other time, perhaps.

♪ Oh king pray listen

to my tale ♪

♪ I sleep beneath the tree ♪

♪ My master Ludwig

raised his sword ♪

♪ And drove it into me ♪

♪ I'll never walk

the Earth again ♪

♪ Or hear a bi rd

or plant a seed ♪

♪ Till the man

who slew me says ♪

♪ He's sorry for thy deed ♪♪

Well, Sir Ludwig?

Your Majesty,

it was an accident.

You see, my sword slipped

and poor Hans happened to be

directly underneath.

Because it was poor Hans

who slew the dragon

and not you, isn't that so?

Yeah, yes,

he was holding the sword

when it entered the beast.

Mercy, Your Majesty,

I didn't know what I was doing.

Mercy, I beg of you.

The court will pass sentence.

[indistinct chatter]

You have been found guilty

of the crimes of greed

treachery and murder.

- The penalty is--

- Wait!

Don't do anything hasty!

I'm sorry I did it.

Truly sorry. Really am.

Well, fancy that.

My boy, you're just in time

to hear a sentence

passed on an evil person.

Hans ! Don't let them kill me.

If you'll overlook

that one little incident.

I was always

a good master to you.

It's true, Your Majesty.

He was a good master.

Any bit of old clothing

he couldn't use

he gave it to me.

Then on a cold, bitter night

he let me sleep next

to his nice, warm horse.

And any scrap of food

his dogs wouldn't eat

he'd let me have 'em.

I implore you, Your Majesty

spare his life.

So be it.

His life shall be spared.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Well, help me up, crumpet face.

Wait, I have not finished.

You, Ludwig

shall spend the rest of

your life as servant to Hans.

- Oh no.

- 'Come here, my boy.'

Hans here after to be known

as Sir Hans, the dragon killer.

Don't you worry, sir.

I'll be just as good

a master to you

as you were to me.

Thank you, Sir Hans.

(kid #1 )

'Tell us another one.'

No, no. It's getting late.

You must go home.

No. No arguments now.

Off you go.

- Bye, Aunt Anna.

- Goodbye, my boy.

- Bye, Aunt Anna.

- Goodbye.

(Anna)

'Goodbye, dear.'

'Goodbye.'

- Good bye, Aunt Anna.

- Goodbye, my boy.

Look after the girls now,

won't you?

- Good bye, Aunt Anna.

- Goodbye, my dear.

Hmm.

What is it?

- What's the matter?

- Nothing.

It will pass.

Hmm.

Hmm. Thank you.

- I'll go and fetch a doctor.

- No, no.

Get me a hot cup of tea.

And have some yourself.

You're soaking wet.

Thank you.

I told you to go away.

'What were you doing outside?'

Listening.

You know?

You shouldn't live

here all alone.

I'm not alone.

Death has been my companion

for sometime now.

You have many good years left.

I shall only regret

leaving the children.

But they'll remember me

because of my stories.

Like their parents before them.

Those stories don't just

belong to a few children.

They belong to children

all over the world.

Now and forever after.

I like you Wilhelm Grimm.

Enough to tel I me

some more stories?

But there are so many of them.

There's one about a little boy

that was no bigger

than my thumb.

And there's a poor little

girl whose face

was always covered in cinders.

And the other one whose skin

was as white as snow.

Would you like

another cup of tea?

No. No, just the stories.

When she saw the blind prince,

she wept with joy.

Two of her tears

fill into his eyes

and suddenly he was able to see.

[fog horn blaring at distance]

The boat.

Must be getting late.

I really must go.

How can I ever thank you?

You have. You have.

- Jacob I--

- The boat waited ten minutes.

- I went to the church.

- I lost all track of time.

They told me you'd left

over an hour ago.

That's true, I did.

Jacob, listen.

I.. I found this

wonderful old woman.

The stories she tells, but..

If only you could have seen

the happy faces

of those children.

Wha.. With their eyes wide

and their souls warm.

Look.

These, these are pure gold.

You can't realize

how valuable they are.

We have worked over six months

on the Duke's family history.

Unless it's delivered tomorrow

we won't be paid.

That's how valuable they are.

Look. We'll get there somehow.

Look. We can hire horses.

Or-or a coach.

We-we might even be able

to catch them on the next land.

- What's the matter?

- Where is it?

Where's the manuscript?

I don't know, I..

I must have..

I slipped while

crossing the river--

You fool.

Six months.. .thrown away.

Our whole career ruined ,

but these are safe.

- Jacob forgive me.

- Ask the Duke to forgive you.

You form us

an explanation ready.

You're gonna explain

to the Duke.

But this time it's up to you.

Because I won't be there.

I'm not going back.

What?

But-but where will you go?

Wherever I can find

work by myself.

I can't work

any longer with you.

You ruin everything you touch.

I know you don't mean it.

You-you're very angry and

you have every right to be

but, but we need you.

- All of us.

- I've got needs of my own.

A wife, a home and time

to do work that's important.

I'll never have anything

as long as I'm tied to you.

Jacob.

I'm sorry, Wilhelm.

But I'm much more

sorry for your family

with nothing

to live on but dreams.

It's not enough

to lose the manuscript.

Not enough to rob me

of my gift to the king.

Here's my portrait,

just trample it.

Wipe your boots on my face.

You and your illustrious

brother.

You are very pleased

to see me made ridiculous.

No sir. And you mustn't

blame my brother.

- I'm entirely responsible.

- Yeah.

Hear that? He's a man of honor,

our minstrel!

Takes full responsibility

for the crime.

Brings to mind the old saying,

"Honor among thieves."

What shall I send

to the king of Prussia instead?

A pretty basket full of frogs

and dogs and cats and dragons.

Your grace.

May I please be excused?

Full responsibility you take

and full punishment.

To begin you get no money.

I expect none, sir.

Well, what do you expect?

Answer!

Your grace, I'm..

I can't think, I..

I could punish you in a way

you couldn't even imagine.

Fortunately for you,

I'm a civilized man.

I'm very glad to hear that.

Listen to him.

Detect a note of sarcasm?

Unmistakably, sir.

It wasn't meant to be.

For six months, I've given

you a house, rent free.

You owe me that rent

and you'll pay it.

I'll try, your grace.

You'll not try, you'll pay.

I'll give you three days.

Three days!

If not, you will be evicted

and sent to debtor's prison.

Your grace.

I can't. It's impossible.

Not in three days.

Please wait, your grace.

How is he, doctor?

Is he better?

I can't truthfully say

he's better.

I can only say,

he's no worse.

No, not just words, doctor.

I want to know the truth.

In the morning ,

we shall all know.

- He has been ill before?

- Not this I I I.

Never for such a long time.

Come.

Such a fool he is.

So little strength.

And he throws it away

chasing day dreams.

My father is not a fool.

Oh, no, darling.

What Mr. Stoneless means,

is that it's

foolish for your father

to give so much of himself.

To-to be so unselfish.

That's what I mean.

The whole world should be

made of such foolishness.

It's late.

It's time for bed.

- Greta, would you?

- Oh, of course.

- Goodnight.

- Come along, children.

Children don't understand.

We scold most,

the ones we love best.

Momma.

Will it help

if we pray for papa?

(Dorothea)

'Yes, my darling .'

Mr. Grubber.

Come in.

I bring a communication from

the Duke regarding your husband.

That's very thoughtful

of his grace.

Mrs. Grimm

the communication is an order

to evict your husband

and his family from this house.

Evict?

A man who may

never see tomorrow?

- You can't do that.

- I must.

Unless he's able to pay

six months rent.

He's not able to sit up

to raise his head.

The Duke has given me orders!

May I give you

an order, Mr. Grubber?

Jacob! Oh!

Tell his benevolent highness

he will get his money.

(Greta)

Darling.

Oh ! I'm so glad you're here.

May I ask? When the Duke

will receive the money?

As soon as I sell my library.

Sold.

You'll get your money

in the morning, Grubber.

Or would you prefer to put me

in debtor's prison?

Eh, now please understand.

I'm only obeying

the Duke's order.

We do understand.

If there were no Duke,

there would be no Grubber.

Exactly.

If there were no dogs..

...there would be no fleas.

This way.

Jacob, don't go.

I'm-I'm here--

Please, come back, Jacob.

- I'm rig ht here, Wilhelm.

- Come back.

Forgive me.

You've got to listen.

- Can you hear me?

- Forgive me.

I won't go away.

When you're well, we..

...we'll start working again,

just as before.

L-I promise you.

Just..

'Just get well, Wilhelm.'

(Wilhelm)

'lt's gone, the manuscript.'

'I'll find it.'

Jacob?

Dorothea?

'Who is it?'

Is this the residence

of Wilhelm Grimm?

I'm Wilhelm Grimm.

Who are you?

I'm a..

...giant.

Don't be absurd.

There are no giants.

Tsk, tsk, tsk.

He's a lot sicker

than we thought.

We? Who's we?

Friends of mine.

Go away.

I'm dying.

Everybody knows it.

You stop that.

My friends are pulling

in my trouser legs

they want to see you.

I don't want to see anybody.

I'm tired.

Very tired.

Easy-easy, you over-grown ox.

That's him?

Please, go away.

'I want to sleep.'

You be quiet now.

He says he's dying.

We must be respectful.

Why, huh?

Why? Is he respectful to us?

Please leave me alone.

You see? You see?

No respect at all.

He's mean and selfish.

You're a nasty little man.

Nasty little man?

I am only nasty to them what's

nasty to me.

And nobody is nasty to me

until I'm nasty to them first.

'And that includes everybody.'

He thinks he's clever because

he can spin gold out of straw.

Can he really do that?

Stop talking about me.

When people talk about me,

my beard itches

and I can stand an itchy beard.

He has quite a temper,

hasn't he?

Yes, and he really enjoys it.

Why you little pipsqueak.

I could crush you under my foot.

'You-you..

What is your name anyway?'

I don't know.

What is my name?

How should I know?

You see?

How should I know?

He doesn't care

whether we live or die.

All he's interested

is in himself

and anybody who's only

interested in himself

is not interested

in anybody else too.

I don't know

what you're talking about.

What he means, Mr. Grimm,

is that our lives depend on you.

If you die,

we will never be born.

We will never be born?

[cries]

Oh, now stop that!

You promised if I brought

you along, you wouldn't cry.

They're very sentimental ,

Mr. Grimm.

But I'm, I'm so tired.

I've no more life left in me.

But if you're gonna die,

the least you can do

is give us names.

Please, Mr. Grimm, would you?

Without names, we're nobodies.

(all)

We're nothing.

Please, give us names.

[frog croaks]

Please.

Would that be asking

too much, Mr. Grimm?

Well, since you're..

...no bigger than my thumb..

...I'll call you Tom Thumb.

Tom Thumb? Tom Thumb!

Hurray! I got a name!

Tom Thumb.

Your...face is dirty.

It's from cinders.

Then you should be called.. .

Cinder-ella.

(all)

Cinderella!

Oh, I like that very much,

Mr. Grimm.

Thank you.

Cinderella.

And I?

You are.. .white as snow.

You are Snow White.

Oh, Thank you, Mr. Grimm.

Thank you, Mr. Grimm.

- Oh, no. What?

- Hansel.

Hansel.

(Wilhelm)

'Gretel .'

Gretel.

Mr. Grimm.

This is easy.

You're Little Red Riding Hood.

Thank you, Mr. Grimm.

But what about me?

You forgot about me.

Don't I get a name?

Rumpel-stilts-kin.

My! Well, that's ridiculous.

When do you ever heard

such a name?

Rumpeldid. Uh, uh, Rumel?

What does it mean anyway?

I.. I can't see you.

All things die differently,

Mr. Grimm.

We die like dreams,

fade into forgetfulness.

No.

Don't. You mustn't.

We haven't much more ti me.

When you reach

your last heartbeat

we reach ours.

But it-it isn't fair.

Why must this be

on my conscience?

Say goodbye.

(all)

Goodbye, Mr. Grimm.

Goodbye,

and thank you, Mr. Grimm.

Come back.

Didn't you forget something?

Bye.

Tell them to come back.

Tell them.

Only you can call them back.

Only you.

Wait.

Only you.

- Don't leave me.

- 'Only you.'

Where are you?

'Only you.'

Where've you gone?

[dramatic music]

Wilhelm!

Thea!

Don't go in. I'll go.

Jacob, I've got to.

Please let.

It's gone.

The fever's gone.

What's this?

"Once upon a. ."

"One upon a time,

there was a tiny little boy.

His name was Tom Thumb."

Of course, it's difficult,

but by his own admission

the Duke is a civilized man

And if we go on paying our rent

he will graciously permit us

to go on living in our house.

Of course

he's raised the rent, but--

Well, that has

a strange sound to it

as though you plan

to go on living there too.

When my brother was ill

I made him a promise

that I would stay

and work with him.

You also made a promise to me.

They are very different.

One is,

you might call it a duty

but it's much more.

The other much less?

No, darling.

But I-I have only so much money

and the family

has to be taken care of.

But it's his family, Jacob,

not yours.

He's my brother.

[sighs] Does that give him

a claim on your whole life?

I know he needs you,

but so do I.

Oh, it's humiliating to beg.

But I don't care.

With you I have no pride.

If only you'd wait a while.

How long is a while?

A month. A year?

I don't know.

Forever?

Greta, I love you.

You love me and I love you

and there's nothing more

to say, is there?

Well, there's nothing

to be gained

by tormenting each other.

I'm going home.

Wait, I.. I'll take you.

Not my aunt's home.

My home...in Berlin.

Goodbye, Jacob.

[instrumental music]

Jacob, where have you been?

- Have you had supper?

- I wasn't hungry.

I felt like walking.

This is for you.

Your flower vendor

drives a hard bargain.

'Still it's quite a good story.'

'It's about a. .'

About a tailor, who kills seven

with one blow.

Seven flies that is.

'Town's people misunderstand'

'and they are amazed.'

So am I.

I thought that fairy tales

were just a waste of time.

Yes.

It's true.

I did feel that way.

How do you feel

about Greta Heinrich?

Ms. Heinrich and I

have reached an understanding.

I know.

She came to say goodbye.

She was crying.

Goodbyes are sentimental

occasions for women.

In fact,

sentiment often blinds them

to practical matters.

Aha? Such as?

I need Wilhelm

to complete my work.

He needs my help

to complete his stories.

We'll start first thing

in the morning.

Goodnight.

What are you doing here?

We want a story.

- Papa, can we?

- Not tonight.

Papa's too ti red.

- Oh, just one.

- Just a little.

- Just a teeny-weeny one.

- No, you heard your mother.

- Come along .

- We'll never get..

- Come along I say.

- Scary story.

Come along.

And no complaining.

And don't annoy your father,

he's been much too sick.

- But he's better now.

- Shh, into bed I say.

I will tell you a story.

[chuckles]

You don't know any stories.

You're wrong, I just heard one

today from the flower vendor.

- Did you pay her?

- What did it cost you?

What did it cost me?

Enough.

(Dorothea)

'Wilhelm.'

Wilhelm!

- Wilhelm. Oh, dear.

- What is it?

- What's the matter?

- The Duke is here.

He's downstairs.

Well, what's the trouble?

We-we pay the rent.

Maybe he's raising it again.

More likely throwing us out.

Why that miserable--

Don't keep him waiting .

You know what a temper he's got.

Jacob, my illustrious scholar,

my gifted man of letters.

I came here the moment I heard.

Heard what?

How are you?

I'm-I'm very much better.

Thank you.

I'm happy to present

my distinguished protege

Jacob Grimm, uh

and his brother.

Mr. Dantino from Berlin.

The Dantino?

I'm very honored

to meet you, sir.

How do you do, sir?

Have you met our friend Stoneless?

We have been in communication.

I know all about it.

- All about what?

- Silence.

Silence.

I've been commissioned

by His Majesty

Wilhelm lll, King of Prussia..

Man of Honor,

courage, wisdom

the man I'm humbly grateful to.

[clears throat]

Continue.

To inform you, gentlemen

that you have elected

to membership

in the Berlin Royal Academy.

- Did you hear that?

- Royal Academy.

Surprised, huh?

But not I.

I want you

to know I was the first

to recognize the talent.

I know all about it.

- I told him.

- Oh.

The induction ceremony

will take place in Berlin.

I present you now with your

certificate of membership.

Excuse me.

"In recognition of the literary

and scholarly excellence

"of the German grammar,

Serbian grammar

"legal antiquities,

Grimms law of consonants

Latin poetry. ."

Is something wrong?

No, it's..

It's just that there's

no mention of the fairy tales.

Fairy tales?

Never mind.

It's not important.

Fairy tales? Ridiculous.

Frogs and dogs

and hags and dragons.

Frogs and dogs

and hags and dragons.

- There's the sign.

- What does it say?

Berlin. We're getting close

to Berlin.

- We're almost there.

- Quiet, children.

Now be quiet, let Uncle Jacob

think what he's going to say.

Uncle Jacob knows

what he's going to say.

Members of the academy

I'm deeply grateful

for this honor

which I regret to say is,

is an outrage.

That's not very polite.

Nor sensible.

It's your day,

stop resenting it.

Look, whatever work we performed

we performed equally.

Whatever honors are received,

we should share equally.

You know, if you're not careful,

you'll also share

in my reputation

such as loony, mad--

No, you're nothing of the sort.

Neither is Jacob I hope.

We are being honored

for your work, not mine.

Oh, you were rig ht

about the fairy tales

they were a waste of ti me.

Oh, quick reading .

Quickly forgotten.

Never mind that.

It is an outrage.

In my speech,

I'm going to tell them that--

Jacob, just tell them..

Just tell them

that I'm your brother.

The Berlin Royal Academy

welcomes you.

The Brothers Grimm in our midst.

We want a story.

Just tel I them I'm your brother.

We want

a story. We want a story.

Once upon a time..

...there were two brothers.

The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm (1962) - full transcript

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