Undercover Kids (2004) - full transcript

For weeks, the
mysterious disappearance
of the Zulu diamond had
baffled the authorities.

With no leads and
no suspects, it appeared
to be the perfect crime.

Throughout the city, museums and
jewelers have heightened their
security, as the culprits are
still at large.

Even the mayor's specially
appointed task force has been
unable to draw a deed on the
masterminds behind the crime.

However, in an amazing
development, the case of
the missing African Zulu
diamond has been solved.

Was it the Interpol?
The FBI?

No, the heroes in
this mystery are
"Undercover Kids."

[crowd cheering]

[police siren]

[voice on radio]
Unit One, move in.
Move in!

Unit Two, move to rendezvous
point. Repeat,...
move to rendezvous.



-Did you see him?
-Affirmative.
-Where?

That's Four Finger
Freddy, allright.

Wonder why they call
him Four Finger Freddy?

Lost a finger trying
to crack a safe.

He just wouldn't let
go of the diamonds.

Look out!

That was close!

Too close.

I suspect he suspects.

He'll wait a while
to make his move.

But how could he?
He couldn't have seen us.

Hold it right there! Hands in
the air.

Uh, oh. Looks like trouble.

I was afraid of
something like this.



Nothing we can't handle.

Hey, hey... I know you!
You're that genius kid.
Yeah, yeah... you're, ah...

-George Booker.
-Yeah, yeah, that's it.

So what's going on?
You on a case?

Oh, sorry about that.
Now, fill me in.

We're tracking
Freddy Willard.

Four Finger Freddy.

We almost had him tonight.

Maybe you kids better
leave police business
to the police.

Especially with
Four Finger Freddy.

He's on the most
wanted list.

-Dangerous... very dangerous.
-But you see...

You're right, officer.
Absolutely. We're just
on our way home.

Yeah. Why don't you kids move
along?

Whoa!

-George Booker?
-The one and only.

-Maggie Kline, For...
-Fortune Made magazine.
I know. Pleasure.

What's she doing here?

Yeah, what are
you doing here?

I've been following
you for days.

I was hoping for
an interview?

You've been following
me for days?

You bet!

-Well
-Well, she's gonna have
to swear to secrecy if we're
gonna let her in.

What if she
tells somebody?

I... I won't tell.

Cross your heart?

Cross my heart.

Let's go.

-Clear!
-Clear!

Hey!

I'll watch my
post outside.

We've had movement on
the Sunshine school case.

Go on, what happened?

The basketball team
discovered all the
equipment missing.

Assign agents 333
and 467 to this case.

Done. I've got the security
monitors up...

so if Four Fingers goes anywhere
near that building,
we'll know about it.

Kevin will radio if
there's anything the
camera doesn't get.

So, what has this
Four Fingers guy done?

He hasn't done
anything yet.

The museum's restoring
a very valuable painting

in the warehouse across the
street.

We got a tip that
Four Fingers might
swipe the painting.

If we catch him in the
act, we can put him away.

That's what I wanted
to interview you about.

How you started
the Undercover Kids
Detective Agency
and all the details.

Where should we start?

The beginning
is always good.

Funny enough, a
vandalism case started
the whole agency.

Grandpa!Grandpa!

Hey guys, c'mon, let's get
this stuff out of the car.
Everybody grab a load.
C'mon, move it.

That's when I first
spotted the twins and
their sister Susan.

So, you were spying?

Well, I don't like
to call it spying.

Let's just say I was...

investigating.

That's when you realized
the twins were telepathi?

Amazing.
When they started that first
day of school...

I'm sure they never knew how
important reading each o
ther's minds would be.

What about Susan?

She was doing her best
to take care of the
twins...but

... she also
needed to find a job.

[burping]

Nelson!

Sorry...

You should know better.

And don't egg
him on, Nick.

What did I do?

You know very
well what you did.

Hey, why don't you guys
go upstairs and get your
rooms straightened out?

I'm not finished yet.

Well, then take
it with you.

-They're really something.
-Yeah, they are.
And Nelson is gonna eat you
out of house and home.

Don't worry. I'm just
glad you're here.

Thanks for having
us, grandpa.

We couldn't stay with
all the memories...

and Dad's pension would
only last us so far.

But as soon as
I get a job, we'll
get our own place.

I'm proud of you, Susan.

It can't be easy starting your
own career as a big city
reporter, then having to move
home

to take care of the twins after
the accident.

Not many young people
would step up the
way you have, Susie.

Well, we're family.

That's way more important
than any career.

And besides, I still
have to win the Pulitzer.

It's only a
matter of time.

You know, you can stay
for as long as you like.

You know, you might
regret saying that.

This isn't going
to be easy.
They're very close.

I mean, there's times
when even I feel left out.

It's almost as if
they have a language
of their own.

can you go any faster?

You want me to get
it right, don't you?

All right, jacks
or better to open.

And no cheating.

How many do you want?

Three...
no, two...

No, three...
Four!

How many?

Four. I want four.

You don't have an ace,
so you can't have four.

Nelson! I told you,
no cheating!

Who says I'm cheating?

You knew I didn't
have an ace.

You're not supposed to use
your powers during a game.

Lucky guess.

Let's start over.

No way!

I have a good hand.

I know.

You're cheating too.

C'mon, how many
cards do you want?

I wanna start over.
I'm not giving up this hand.
Let's just promise: no more
cheating.

Yeah, sure.

I don't wanna
play anymore.

Okay, I promise.
No more mind reading.

It's just so hard to
turn it off sometimes.

Twin telepaths... awesome.

What are the odds?

Give it up, Nelson!

Watch out, Nelson!
You're gonna trip!

These twins are
really something!

Goodnight, Nicole!

Goodnight, Nelson!

'Night, Susie!

Goodnight, Grandpa!

Goodnight, Susie!

Goodnight, Grandpa.

Don't let the
bedbugs bite.

Goodnight, Susie!

Goodnight, sweetie!

Goodnight, turkey brain!

Goodnight, frog face!

Goodnight, sports fans!

'Night, Dad...'Night, Mom.

Goodnight, everybody.

Hi, I'm Susan Moore.
I just moved here.

Hi, I'm Ms. Moore.
I'm here to apply for the job.

Hi! I'm Susan Moore, but you can
call me Susie.

Ladies first.

You're no lady,
you're my sister.

Okay, the perfect
interview outfit.

Look professional.

Where'd you get
that outfit?

Something wrong with it?

All right, checklist?

Got it.

Notebooks?

-Nick?...Nicole?

-Huh?
-Will you take your headphones
off and listen to me, please?

Come on, Susie! It's Courtney
Willow, and she's singing my
favorite song.

I don't care who it is.
Take them off and listen to me.

Do you have
your notebooks?

Yes.

Pens and pencils?

Checking.

Lunch money?

Checking.

-Homeroom numbers?
-Check.

And anything else in
the world you would
possibly need for the
first day of school?

-Check.
-Alrigh, when we get there you
guys go to your homeroom

and I'm gonna go to the
principal's office to make sure
eveything is a-ok.
-Check.

Now, you guys are going
to be okay to walk home
from school, right?

Yes!

Susie said things
were going to be
different here.

Guess she was wrong.

Janet, have you got the
police on the phone?
Tell them to get right over.

-Excuse me, but...are
you...?
-Peter Vaughn!

What are you doing here?

I work here. Principal.

Wow, what a surprise.

It's been so long.

Yes, I think you were
about...this tall.

Well, time flies.

So, what brings
you to Monroe?

I'm actually enrolling
my brother and sister.

So, what's going on here?
Why are the police coming over?

Well, we've had a
little disturbance.
It's nothing.

Sorry to hear about
your parents, Susie.

Your dad and I were
really close in school.

Thank you, Peter.

It was a big shock
to all of us.

Look, I promise
I'll keep an eye on
the twins for you.

Thank you,
although...frankly,
they're pretty good at
keeping an eye on each other.

So anyway, what was
that disturbance you
were talking about?

Vandalism. Yeahh...probably just
a prank, But we want to nip this
in the bud before it snowballs.

Well, I should be going. I've
got a lot of pavement to pound.

I'm job hunting.

Good luck. Hey, if I hear of
anything, I'll be sure
to let you know.

Great. Thank you.

Susan was right.
Things really were going
to be different here.

And Nelson found out
what it's like to be the
new kid on the block.

Hey, moron.
Watch where
you're going.

I'm sorry, I was just...

Being a moron?

-You know what I got here?
-No.

I got a ticket to
an "A," my friend.

Has all the answers
to the test.

I see you've found
yourself a willing
customer, Premo.

-But...this isn't
what it looks like.
-Save it for the principal.

I guess defiling school
property wasn't enough
for you, huh Premo?

now, you boys all look like you
could use a little exercise.

I'll see you, all four of you
losers in the gym at lunch time.

Who is he?

The gym teacher,
Mr. Munson.

But we call him munster,
like the cheese.

Don't be a hero, man.

Beautiful work, eh?

Yeah.

You're a real artist.

Not me, man.

But I'd personally like
to shake the dude's hand.

You really didn't do it?

No, but I might as well have. I
get blamed for everything.

But, you were trying to
sell me that cheat sheet.

No, we were just messing
with you, man, 'cause
you're the new kid.

Truth is, that test
isn't any good.

No teacher is going
to use the same
test as last year.

[blowing whistle]

That bad?

You're next! Get your behind
into the principal's office!

And the rest of you
ladies, move it!

And get that banner
off the wall...

so the custodian doesn't have
to clean up everything.

Let's move!

[blowing whistle]

Nelson realized that
Tony was innocent.
It was just a matter of
how to prove it.

[door bell]

-Hi, I'm here to drop this
off for Mr...
-Michael?

Susie?

I didn't know you
were back in town.

I just moved in
temporarily with
my grandfather.

My parents were, um...

there was an accident and
I had to move back from
New Yorkto take care
of the twins.

Oh, I'm... I'm sorry
to hear that.

Thanks.

We'll be okay.

So, where are you headed?

The Morning Star, actually.
I heard they are hiring a
junior reporter and...

I really need a job!

I know it's not much,
but I was the editor
of my school paper...

and I did the
Stanley Pierce
You're hired!journalism...

-Hired for what?
-The reporter.

I'm the editor-in-chief...
Susie, I own the paper.

Nelson, you were on
the honor's list at
your previous school.

Why would you risk ruining
it all by doing something
stupid like this?

I was just looking for
my History classroom and
I bumped into these guys.

So you're saying you
were at the wrong place
at the wrong time?

Exactly!

All right, Nelson.
I'm gonna to let it go this time

because of your
exemplary record and as
a favor to your sister.

Just make sure this
doesn't happen again.

Thank you, sir.

So, how's uh...

how's your sister
Susan settling in?

She's all right...
I guess.

Good... good.
Uhm...

If you ever need anything,
my door's always open.

Nelson, close the
door behind you.

I can't...

I won't work like this!

The costumes
must be perfect!

We can't work like this!

No, we can't!
Everything has
to be right.

Who was that?

Stella Lawrence,
the drama teacher.

That's drama, all right.
As in drama queen.

So, what do you wanna do?

I think those guys
are getting blamed for
something that they didn't
do, just like I was.

Premo's actually
kinda cool.

Well, you know, we
don't really know
what we're doing.

Sure we do. We'll just do
what Dad would've done.

Well, that's
three nothing.

You have to remind me?
Are you good at
everything?

It comes naturally.

The twins needed a plan
of action, so they made a
pact to clear Tony's name.

Water-based.

Keep the can. Let's move on.

Gotcha.
I was just thinking the same
thing. Meet you there.

I found this in
the bathroom.

Our vandals didn't mean
to do permanent damage.

If they had, they would
have used oil-based paint,
not water-based paint.

What's next on the list?

Let's go check out
where they broke in.

See anything
incriminating?

No...

wait a second...

What's this?

What?

It's a... footprint.

Take a picture!

We need...

a camera.

Looks like a
sneaker print.

There's an impression
on it, but I can't
quite make it out.

Maybe we can blow it
up and then read it.
What's next?

Motive.

Sorry, Sherlock.

We've got to put this
investigation on hold.

Grandpa's not going
to be happy if we're
late for dinner.

[undistinguished talk]

It's Susie!

You don't think he called
her in about me, do you?

Shh... I'm trying to hear
what she's saying.

Well, a lot of the
kids are mad, Susan.

These extracurricular
activities are
important to them.

With the budget cuts,
those activities are
likely to disappear.

So they're lashing
out with vandalism.

Well, it's just a theory.

Any other theories?

Well, there is the handful
of obvious suspects.

Such as?

Well, Tony Premo, for one.

Underneath the
leather he's a good
kid, but, ah...

it's not unlikely he's
behind the trouble.

[coughing]

What was that?

It's not Tony.

It has to be
an inside job.

You heard him say how
mad the kids were.

Their clubs might get cut
from the school budget.

Mad enough
trash the school?to...

But how do we find
out which club did it?

We go undercover...

...like Dad used to.

And we'll join all
the clubs and find out

which one was mad enough
to vandalize the school.

I like the way you think.

You're just saying
that 'cause I can
read your thoughts.

And you think
you're brilliant.

You know,
if Mr. Vaughn
squealed...

and told Susie
what happened...

she's gonna kill you.

I'm innocent,
totally innocent.
I'll take a lie
detector test!

George!

George, can you hear me?

I want you here right now!

Be down there in a second.

Not your second,
young man,
my second. Now!

Okay, okay!

Nelson, Nelson, come here!

What's wrong?

Peeping Tom.
Over there
on the balcony.

You wish.

I'm serious.

So what should we do?

We're gonna go over
there and talk to him.

We?

I want you to take
this down the block
for Dr. Moore's family.

It's...

not a pot roast, is it?

What's wrong with
my pot roast?

Uhh...

Wuh...
well...Speechless, huh?

We just thought we'd
drop in on our new...

Pervert.

What? I'm not a pervert.

Funny, but you
look like one.

I'm not. Really.

What was that
telescope on the
balcony?

That was you
spying on me.

Well, yes... but it wasn't
spying. It was a... a scientific
investigation.

Right, so you're
a scientist, huh?

Well, you must be the
twins from down the block.

How nice of
you to stop by.

I was just going to
send George over with
a nice pot roast.

Maybe we could use him.

Yes Ma'am.

We were just going to
introduce ourselves
to your son.

Our grandfather told us all
about him.

Well, isn't that
nice...

George, why don't you
show them your bedroom?

-We'd love to see it.
-Well then, come on in!

Caught in the act.
How embarrassing.

I can't believe she
thought I was a... a...

well, you know.

What was your first
impression of the twins?

Well... Nicole was cute.

I mean for a girl.

Anyway, they were
working on this case.

And they asked
you to help.

Nicole thought I could
be their secret weapon.

Awesome!

I can't believe
this place.

Amazing.

Are you really in college?

Uh huh.

So you're pretty smart...

for a pervert.

I'm not a pervert.

I was just... curious.

Curiosity killed the cat.

I don't have a cat.

So you're some kind
of genius, huh?

I guess...

Soda anyone?

Sure!

It's a little
invention of mine.

And you won't need ice
because Herbie here keeps
the liquids at precisely
47 degrees Fahrenheit, or

if you're on the
Celsius scale...

You know, if you're
so smart, maybe you can
help us with something.

Well, there's this
thing at school.

We're conducting
an investigation.

Someone's been vandalizing
the school with graffiti.

And Nelson thinks
the wrong people
are being blamed.

-I'll help.
-We think it might have
something to do with the
school budget cuts

and that one of the school clubs
might be involved.

You can be our
secret weapon.

Sure.

And I'm... not a pervert.

Okay, you're not a pervert
but maybe you should aim that
telescope in a different
direction from now on.

[knock on door]

What's he
doing here?

I don't know.
Don't worry.

Hey kids.

This is Mr. Vaughn.

Actually, uh, Nelson
and I have already met.

Oh really?

Yes, uh...

I introduced myself
to him just to welcome
him to our school.

Hmm, good. I thought you were
going to say he was already
in trouble.

-Gotta go.
-Good night.

-Did you want to come in?
-No, thanks. I don't have time.
Uh, but I do have good news.

Guess what reporter's
going to be covering the
school board meeting?

Me? Really?

Yes. I talked
to the board this morning
and they all agreed.

Thank you so much.
This is going to give
such an edge to my article.

Well, like I said,
anything I can do.
I'll see you there.

Thank you so much.

Trying to impress her new
boss, Susan was hot on the
trail of the vandals too.

She just didn't know the
twins were ahead of her.

I've drawn up a
list of the clubs than
can potentially be cut
from the school budget.

We'll split up and
join each club.

Are you listening?

How's this for Chess Club?
Convincing?

Photography Club ?

Hey, uh, Courtney Willow.
She's uh...

quite a performer. You know
I taught her that dance step?

No way!

No, huh... really.

How can you possibly
know Courtney Willow?

Well, I met her in New
York City when we were there
with the CIA cracking the
computer code.

George, Courtney Willow
cracking codes?

She's...quite smart,
really!

Are you thinking
what I'm thinking?

I always do. He's too young
looking for junior high.

I'm afraid I have to agree.
But he does have nice hair.

Remember when Dad took us to
work with him? Why couldn't
George come to school with us?

You know, in some
cultures, people are
married by our age.

He could be our cousin
visiting from New York.

Okay, Brainiac, what subjects
are you good at?

Actually, all of them.
Except sports.

Oh, don't worry.
I've got athletics covered.

Of course, I'm fluent in
all the Romance languages.

What about DOW?
What does that stand for?

DOW. It could be someone's
initials.

Or an abbreviation
for something like...
the Dow Jones average.

Could be the Investment Club.

I'd hate to break up this
brainstorming session...

Or brainless session,
as the casemay be...

but I have to study
my astronomy if I'mgoing
to join their club.

I've got a better idea.

The plan was to
go undercover?

Yes. Pretending to be their
cousin, visiting from New York.

I heard Courtney
Willow was involved.
She's pretty famous.

Nelson didn't believe me at
first, but I really am friends
with Courtney Willow.

As her first CD was making
it to the Top Ten...

we were in Washington
together helping crack
a code for the FBI.

How'd you meet?

Well, we graduated college
together when I was eight.

I agreed to help, of
course, and I had taken a
real interest in Nicole.

Uh, I..I
mean for scientific
reasons, of course.

Wow...The sky in Chicago was
never like this. It's so
beautiful. So many stars.

Breathtaking..
Cold?

Is that the Big Dipper?

No, Sirius.

Yeah I'm serious.
Is that the Big Dipper?

Oh, I mean..it's the
constellation Sirius.

It's in the
shape of a dog.

and..there's its tail and...

there's its head.

Oh yeah! I see it now.

George!...Bedtime!

Oh yeah. I forgot.
You're only ten.

Well... when I'm eighteen,
you'll be twenty-one.

But that's years from now.

I can wait.

What's that?

Oh, it's a... it's a special
lock.

It's also an alarm, see?

If someone even touches
it, it broadcasts
a special signal to me.

And this starts to
vibrate and lets me know
when something's wrong.

Let's see.

And if someone tries to
steal the bike...

there's a special camera in the
lock and it'll take their
picture...

and it'll transmit it to a
docking station in my room
and onto my computer.

Of course, there's a
mini-camera in the pen.

That's amazing.

Oh, it's nothing.

Does it write?

Of course...

It also contains a tiny digital
microchip

that has the capacity to record
for five minutes.

It also works like a
pager, complete with
silent vibration...

Awesome!

Nelson, give it back.

I could provide one
of these for both of
you, if you'd like.

We'd like.

All right, boys, enough with
the toys. Let's get down
to business.

First we'll go into Mr. Vaughn's
office, get a note and then
you'll go to classes with me.

Now remember, you're our
cousin from New York.

Got it, chief.

Don't call me chief.

You can call me chief.

Wow!...
These are all your inventions?

Yes. I've created a whole line:
SPIES LIKE US.

What's there?

It's the drama
club theater.

I'm gonna go check it out.

What are you doing?

Hey guys: DOW strikes again.

[alarm beeping]

Excuse me.
It's Courtney
calling me back.

As in Courtney Willow?

Uh, hello?

Hey, George! I got your message.
I miss you. How are you?

Oh, I'm in school.. Middle
school.

Middle school? What are you
talking about? George,
you're in college, remember?

Long story. Where are you?

I'm in New York... I'm cutting a
new album and I'm getting ready
for a performance right now.

Oh, cool. Cutting a new CD?
Uh, listen, I know someone who
would really like a signed copy.

Sure, no problem...

Wait,
this new friend...
wouldn't be a girl, would it?

Well, yes... yes she is.

I'm jealous, George.

Now, what's this
about a new code?

It's a new case we're working
on. I'll e-mail you all the
details. We really need your
help.

Sure, George. No problem...

Uh, I've got to run. The show's
starting.

Um, but e-mail me all the
details. I'd love to help
if I can.

We're in. She'll help if she
can.

Was that really
Courtney Willow?

C'mon, George. Quit fooling
around.

No, really. It was.

Do you ever have a problem
being a college graduate
at eight years old?

Actually, it's not
always a good thing.

I trust you all studied
the world capitals
we learned yesterday.

Yes, Mr....

Mr....

Booker. I'm George Booker.
I'm visiting.

Okay, what do you
do, Mr. Booker?

Well, I wasn't here
yesterday, so I didn't
have the assignment.

Just do the best you can.

Okay, who can tell me what
the capital of Belgium is?

-Brussels!
-Your hand, Mr. Booker, please,
raise your hand and I will call
on you.

Okay, who can tell me what
the capital of Japan is?

-Mr. Booker?
-Tokyo.

Yes.

Italy?...

Mr. Booker.

-Rome!
-Yes.

Peru?

Mr. Booker?

Lima.

Very good.

Spain?

Mr. Booker

Madrid.

Yes.

Greece?

[applauding]

Excuse me...

Yeah.

I'm here to try
out for the team.

Don't I know you?

Well, sort of.

Yeah, you're the
kid that was hanging
out with Premo.

Son, if I were you,
I'd find myself a
new set of friends.

well, I thought if maybe
I joined the team...

Well, you're a day
late and a few inches
too short, sonny.

I'm not that short. Besides,
have you ever heard of a player
named Mugsy Bogues?

Yeah, I used to
play with him.

Really?
-Nah, I'm just kidding.

So, how about it?

Let's see what you can do.

[laughing]

Do you really think
they're gonna cut the JV squad,
Coach?

Nobody's gonna cut one
penny from my team.
Not if I can help it.

Did I make the team?

Nelson, that's
your name, right?

Well Nelson, in all
my years of coaching,
I have never,
ever, seen anybody...

and believe me,
I've seen a lot...

who was a worse basketball
player than you are.

oh, you know, that
leaves a lot of room
for improvement.

But, I like your spirit. So I'll
tell you what I'm gonna do.

I'm gonna give you a
very important position.

You are going to be
my new team manager.

Sorry. I got caught up at
basketball tryouts. I had to
fluff and fold.

-What?
-It's a long story. But I think
the coach and some players might
be involved.

What makes you think that?

Just a feeling. I heard them
talking about the budget cuts.

Where's George?

Last call.

Is any one of you N. Moore?

That's me. Nicole.

Let's go.

Meet your opponent,
Vladimir Bornikov.

Excuse me, I have to
go to the bathroom.

Sit down.

You don't suppose I
can get a glass of... water?

No. Get started.

Oops!

What took you so long?

I had to go home
and get my board.

Well, hurry up. She can't stall
much longer.

You'll have fifteen
minutes to play the game.

Ms. Moore will take
white, Mr.Bornikov, black.

Shake hands and
start the clock.

She's white.

Good. White opens.

The Sicilian
Defense opening. He'll never see
it coming.

Remember, she needs to
think of the chessboard
as a battlefield.

First, bring
out your troops.

The pawns are your
foot soldiers.

Don't attack until
your king is safe.

Watch it, your
queen's under attack.

Force the black king
to abandon the bishop.

Bishop!

Queen!

Checkmate!

Game to the new...
member, Nicole Moore

Don't be too hard on
yourself, Bornikov.

Brainiac, we did it! She's in!

Excuse me...

Are you...
Yes?Stella Lawrence?

Yes I am, dear.

Stella Lawrence
in the flesh.

Now, what movie do
you recognize me from?

Or perhaps one of
my Broadway plays.

Don't be shy, dear,
tell me your favorite.

Actually, my name is Susan
Moore and I'm a reporter
for the Morning Star.

I was wondering
if I could talk to you
about the budget cuts.

I will not discuss it.

I'm an artist!

I mean, imagine
having to adjust to
these conditions.

Well, do you think the
recent rash in vandalism
is somehow related to the
potential budget cuts?

I mean the vandalism is
obviously the work of
some kids with too much
time on their hands.

I have my ideas
about that.

And that would be...

What?

Um... your ideas.

Oh, well... the sports team,
of course!, I mean...

who else has time to throw
around some dumb ball trying to
hit a basket?

Now, are you worried that
the Drama Club funding will
somehow be cut back in order to
fund the sports teams?

Impossible!

Our work is so much
more important!

I will tell you
one thing...

Okay....and that would be?

They will never,
never defeat us.

Viva la art!

Stella Lawrence, the
Drama teacher, she really
believes she's a star.

Her drama club
means everything.

Susan was poking around
determined to get to the
bottom of the mystery.

-Well?
-Meet the first substitute on
the Monroe Junior High Debate
Team.

May I remind you that
you don't even go there.

Oh, yeah.

So, did you find
out anything?

well, there was some
talk of the graffiti,
but I took the
liberty of bringing... this.

What's that?

It's a portable stress
analyzer, otherwise
known as a lie detector.

It shows if anyone is
under stress when they're
speaking...

and according
to this, which never lies,

no one in the whole
group knows anything
about who did it.

Band practice next.

Did you hear about
the school cuts
affecting band?

I don't care. The only reason
I'm even is because my mom said
I had to do something after
school.

Who's that?

That's Premo...
They're awesome!

* Uh, Uh, I'm like a junior,
but I'm still in Junior
High *

* They call me Premo,
'cause I'm like Super Fly *

* They wanna blame me
every time the school gets
trashed *

* It's like insane beat
hear me out, that's all I ask *

* Me and my crew we 'aint
into graffiti...*

* We just throw down lyrics to
fresh crazy beaties *

* Some think that we be just
nerds, jocks and geekies *

* We've got the rhymes to
make you all super freaky *

* I'm just a kid, y'all, and
they want to rough me up? *

* It's totally wack, they
want to bust me up? *

* Talking 'bout what is
art, and what is not *

* What about justice? Hey, you
all forgot *

* We got a bad reputation we do
not deserve *

* So I'm making fresh rhymes
that you never, ever heard *

* I know, I know, I don't get
good grades, But "Fs" don't
make us all renegades.

* Suspension. Detention. Verbal
extensions *

* Vandalous. Scandalous.
Dishonorable mention *

* We won't stop. 'Till you all
hear us out, uhh *

* That's what it's all
about, school's out *

Uh, oh...

Hey, we got a spy here.

What should we
do with her?

Isn't she one of
those new kids?

It's Nelson's sister. She's
cool.

Sorry to interrupt.
Your group is awesome.
Gotta go.

Not so fast!...
Everyone raps here.

Oh no... I don't know how.

C'mon, just be yourself.

I'll start you off.

* My name's Nicole, the
new kid on the block... *

* My name is Nicole, the
new kid on the block *

* But you still can't believe
the kind of rhymes I drop *

* Me and Nelson my twin, also
known as my double *

* Just whammin, trying,
to stay out of trouble *

Later!

All right. Don't be a stranger.

Dear George. Wish you were here.

Got all the details...

It could be any
one of the clubs.

Breaking the
code is the key.

Solve what DOW stands for
and we've got our case.

I just got a new code
breaking program and I'm
running the possibilities.

The hard evidence
leads to the jocks.

But wait...
why is it so obvious?

I'm beginning to think
that they're being framed.

More later, Courtney.

[knock on door]

Twenty minute
warning, Ms. Willow.

Ha, thanks Jason.

Wow, cocoa, Thanks.

All comes with the territory.
You know, stakeouts and all.

We have to keep ourselves
comfortable.

Any sign of him?

No, not yet. Should we call it
a night?

-He'll be back.
-Back to my post.

So Courtney was trying
to break the code DOW.

Yeah, it was so cool.
Even though she was
performing, she made time.

Now, she started to
feel that the jocks
were being set up.

Set up?

Framed.

Nelson went undercover and
joined the basketball team

Well, he tried.

Hey.

Hey, how was work?

It's good. How was school?

The usual.

You know, I'm covering
a story on vandalism.

You don't know anything
about that, do you?

Who me? No, not a thing.

Hey, where's Nicole?

She's at school. Something with
the photography club.

Well, she better
not be late.

Jeez, sometimes you can be
more strict than Mom was.

Hey...

I miss her too.

You know my boss is
coming over in a little
bit, so, ah, behave. Okay?

Do you like him?

Yeah, I like him.

What do you mean by that?

Is he your boyfriend?

Like I said, behave.

"Stop investigating
or you'll be sorry"

Wasn't she scared?

There's an element
of danger in
our line of work.

The twins knew that and
were wiling to take risks.

I really liked
the article.

You know, we bumped
you from the third
page to the second.

Yeah, I saw that. Thank you.

So tell me, how's the
school story coming?

Good. The, ah, school board
meeting is soon, and they'll
decide the budget cuts.

Poor kids. You know,
that's a no-win situation.
Someone's gonna lose out.

Yeah, but I feel like
there's something more.

More? So you don't think
it's just a few kids
trying to cause trouble?

I don't feel like that.

It seems like someone
is really trying to
put a message through
with this graffiti.

I'm starting to think
the vandalism is actually
tied to the budget cuts.

You know, it sounds like
you're on to something.

Maybe...

Well, I guess I
should be going.

Uh... okay.

Unless...

Yeah?

Would you like to grab a
slice of pizza with me?

Sure.

What about the kids?
Why don't we bring
them along?

Ah, actually, I already made
them something here.

And besides, they're up to
something.

Something secretive
and I'm not sure what
it is yet, but you can
bet I will find out.

Susan still didn't
know the twins were
working on the case?

No way. She's a good
reporter, though...

She knew something
fishy was going on.

So we're pretty sure
it's not Astronomy,
Debate, or Photography.

So, what's the
verdict on Chess Club?

Those chess geeks don't
think about anything but
checks and checkmates.

First, most of the
clues point to Sports.

We've got the sneaker
footprint and the
sports-related graffiti.

And messages like...
FOUL PLAY...NO PAY, NO PLAY.

Check this out.
They're on to us.

Oops.

We won't be scared
off that easy.

We won't?

Now I want to break this
case more than ever.

Take a look at this...

It's a footprint.

Looks like a sneaker.

Probably belongs
to some jock.

Not that!

It's a...

Pin!

Not just any pin.
It's a JV Knights
basketball pin.

Wow!...looks like
we've got our culprits.

Wait! I received an e-mail
from Courtney today.

She's convinced someone is
trying to frame the jocks.

The evidence against them
is purely circumstancial.

Shouldn't we continue
our investigation

until we've eliminated all
the possible suspects?

He's right. We've got two more
clubs left, Art and Drama.

Nelson, you take Art.

But I'm an athlete.
I can't draw.

-We'll just have to use...
-The Power.

Hi.
My name is Nelson
and I'd like to join
the Art Club.

Well, we aren't
really taking any new
members right now.

But I just love art,
and I'm new here.

Well, you'll have to
pass a drawing test.

I could do that.

What's happening?

Shh. I'm trying to concentrate.

Well, if you would
have let me mike him,
you wouldn't have to.

That wouldn't have worked.

A horse?

That's right.

How about a car?

I can draw a
really nice car.

Then perhaps
you ought to move to
Detroit and get a job
designing automobiles.

But what I would like
to see is a horse.

Okay, Nelson. Here we go.
Follow my hand.

Very nice, Mr. Moore.

Very nice.

I must say I'm surprised.

You're obviously gifted.

So I'm in?

-I don't see why not.
-Cool!

My sketch pad.

Art's always
the first to go.

All that matters to
these suits is reading,
writing and arithmetic.

It makes me crazy!
I mean, these kids need
to understand art.

They need music,
they need drama!...

And the Drama Club has swiped
all of our paint again.
We're completely out!

Forgot my sketch pad.

We just got started,
what happens if
they cut the budget?

Yeah, how are we
gonna show coach that
we're good enough
to make the varsity?

My dad's really angry.
He says we ought to do
something about it.

Maybe get everyone
to sign a petition.

That's not gonna work.

Joey says that if they cut
the JV squad, he's gonna
transfer to River View.

Are you kidding me?
He's our best player.

I know. He doesn't want to.
He told Eric that if...

You'll never guess
what I just heard.

See you at the park.
Four o'clock.

-It's a date.
-It's a date.

You know the little dude's
got a major crush on you.

We're just gonna study
for an English test.

So, how do you think
you did on your tests?

I think I aced it.

I wonder. I'd ace all my tests
too if I had a cheat sheet.

Uh, I didn't cheat.

Cheater.

Moore, did you take care
of those towels yet?

Uh, yes Mr. Munster...

Munson.

What's that, Mr. Moore?

Uh, it's nothing.

Just a class assignment.

You're not smuggling
contraband in the
school, are you?

No, sir.

I certainly hope not.

Oh, Tony...Hi!

-Hi.
-What's up?

Just wanted to warn you...
Someone's out to get you.

Me? Why?...

What's that?

It's a note you wrote saying
Mary Davis

has been making out with me.
She's not too happy about it.

I didn't write any note.
Let me see it.

This isn't even
my writing.

I wouldn't spread
rumors about anyone.

That's what I thought.

But I just wanted
to warn you.

Thanks. Why do you care?

I know what it's like to
be accused of something
that you didn't do.

Think I don't know about
the whole school saying
I'm the creep who's
painted the graffiti?

I don't.

Really?

Really. I know you didn't
do it. And me and Nelson
are trying to prove it.

You are?

You're doing that for me?

Yeah. We're getting
really close to
breaking the case.

Cool.

Peter, hi. You look busy.

-Yeah, school board
meeting stuff.
-Yeah. I know...that's actually
why I'm here too...

I wanna get the right angle on
this article. Do you have any
idea yet of what'll be cut?

No...

Off the record?

Yeah, of course.

I haven't come up
with a solution yet.

Something's going to
have to go. It's just
a matter of what.

Do you have any
idea of what yet?

C'mon, off the record.

Okay.

Investigating the vandalis...

it'sstarting to look like
the basketball team had
something to do with it.

-And?
-Ah, if that's the case, I
really have no choice...

They would be first in line
for the cut.

Well, I hope you're wrong.
There's got to be some
other solution here.

Too conservative.

Loser.

You the man!

Hey, George.

Shall we?

Coffee?

Coffee? Don't you have any
sodas?

I'm having a test
on this tomorrow.

Shakespeare is
so medieval.

Um, you'll probably
be quizzed on the
basics, uh, character,
plot, key phrases.

Phrases? I'm dead.

Here's a trick
that'll help.

First, write
down the phrase.

Then circle the first
letter in each word and
memorize the initials.

"Beware the
Ides of March."

B.I.M - B, I, M

BIM...see?

Let me try.

Dogs of War.

D.O.W.

DOW!

So...

DOW is...

The Drama Club.

They're more likely to get cut
from the budget...

than any of the sports teams.

Didn't Nelson say that
the Drama Club was
raiding art supplies
from the Art room?

To use it to write
their messages.

What about the
clues that lead to
the basketball team?

To make it look like
the jocks did it.

They couldn't resist
leaving their signature.

Courtney was right. Dogs of War.
The jocks were framed.

No one's gonna believe
it unless we have proof.

We have to tell
Nelson fast.

There's the school
board meeting tonight.

Someone tried to get me
in trouble by planting a
cheat sheet in my locker.

Tony said someone's
been trying to spread
rumors about me.

Ha, it's obvious, they
know we're on the case.

So...

what've we got so far?

It's either the
Art Club, the Drama
Club, or the jocks.

And I vote drama.

So what do we do now?

We've gotta get home. Susie's
expecting us.

We've gotta go to
the drama rehearsal.

We can't. They're already
on to us.

We'll just gather up
the evidence and bring
it to the meeting.

But...I could...

See you later, George!
See you later, George!

Call it intuition...
I had a feeling that all
of our answers were around
that drama club.

I took a chance.
Nicole and Nelson
had to go home.

Imagine their surprise
seeing Courtney
Willow in the flesh.

It's Courtney Willow!

Let's go!

Courtney!Courtney!

Hey, um, I was
looking for George...

but he's not home

oh, He's gonna be
be glad to see you.

[laughing]
You must be the friend George
was telling me about.

I can't believe
it's really you.

I have all your CDs.

Thanks. Uh, have you seen
George? I think I solved the
case. It's...

The Drama Club!

We know. We just don't have the
proof.

So, when's the
school board meeting?

It's in a couple of hours.

We were going to gather
the evidence and bring
it to the meeting.

You can stay at our place.

Okay. Thanks.

Coast is clear...
I'm moving in!

Start the fight.

Dreadful acting!

Stop!

Stop!

Ohh!

You're all giving
me a headache.

Twenty minute break!

You, you...come with me.

Did you take care
of the twins?

We did exactly
like you said.

First, we planted
the cheat sheet
in his locker.

Then we started a
rumor about the girl.

No one will believe them
even if they do talk.

Good girls.

You'll get what I
promised: starring roles
in next season's play.

Remember, all the
world's a stage and
we're just players.

Those ridiculous sports
teams gobble up all
the money we deserve.

Artists always suffer.

Not this time.

Because this
is what, girls?

War.

And what are we?

The dogs of war!

Show those jocks team spirit.

[loud thump]

Mr. Smith...
You're working late?

Hey, wait a minute...
you're not the janitor.

Uh, he's out sick.
Gotta go. Bye!

I told you little
idiots to get rid
of the evidence.

I was tired.
It's hard spraypainting
all those walls.

Hey! It's the genius kid!

Child prodigy, actually.

What are we going to do?
My parents will find out.
I'll go to jail.

Shut up! No one's going
to believe him!

I'm head of the Monroe
Jr. High Drama Department!
Stella Lawrence is
a legend here!

Still, he does present
a slight problem.
At least until the school
board meets tonight.

Your performance
as a janitor was
very unconvincing.

An actor needs to immerse
himself in the role.

Ow!

What are you doing?

Where... were's the light?

Our little hero's not
afraid of the dark, is he?

Don't. Please... or I'll...
I'll...

Tell? So you figured out
we're the dogs of war.
No one'll believe you.
Besides, I'm the big dog here.

Woof!

Help! Someone, please!
Get me out of here! Help!

C'mon, think, think...

Yeah, let's see...

...C'mon, Nelson!

[alarm beeping]

George is in trouble.

What's happening?

George went
under deep cover.
He must have been busted.

Let's go!

C'mon! Hurry up!

In our business, we have
a saying: "the gig's up."
That's how I felt.

Fortunately, my pen
worked perfectly as a
homing device, leading
Nicole straight to me.

[beeping continues]

This way.

As you can see,
we have no choice.

Something has to be
cut from the budget.

Extracurricular
activities, clubs,
band, sports.

Unfortunately, half
of these have to go.

Tonight we'll be
voting on which clubs
are going to be cut.

-Nicole, Nelson, what
are you doing here?
-We know who the vandals are!

Kids, we're having a
big meeting here now.
Let's talk after the meeting.

Wait, listen.
You have to listen to her.

-Wait a minute, aren't you...
-Susie, it's Courtney Willow!

DOW stands for
Dogs of War.

"Cry havoc and let
slip the dogs of war!"

It's from Shakespeare.
Don't you see?
The Dogs of War, D.O.W.

It's the Drama Club!
It's their signature!

Who's signature?

Hers!...She's the big
dog behind all this.

So sorry to be late.
Rehearsals, you know.

Oh, Peter, you're looking
handsome as ever.

Dolores, what
a lovely dress!

Stella, these children
are claiming that you're
involved in the vandalism.

ha ha ha!
They're just mad
'cause they weren't
cast in my play.

No stage presence.

Are we getting on with this
meeting or not? I have some
rather upsetting news regarding
our athletic teams...

Okay, kids. Let's go.
Move it along.

Wait! I've got proof.
I taped her confessing
to everything.

-Let them talk.
-Yeah, leave them alone. I'm a
reporter for the Morning Star.
This is news.

I think the taxpaying
citizens of Monroe have
a right to hear both
sides of the story.

I agree. Let the kids speak.
What could it hurt?

We found these in the
auditorium. They match the
graffiti that's been painted
around the school.

See that signature?

That's Miss Lawrence.

That's ridiculous.

Anyone could have
copied those sketches
from the wall.

I understand your sister
is an accomplished artist.

I have to agree. It's all
circumstancial evidence.

There's no proof they were
drawn by Miss Lawrence.

-No, Wait, there's more.
We really do have proof.
-We taped her confessing to
everything.

C'mon, George.
Everyone's waiting.

It must have dropped it
off somewhere.

-Oh no, George!
-Wait a minute.

Didn't you say that your
pen was connected to mine?

So we must have a
back-up copy, right?

The battery's dead.

So they didn't
believe you?

Of course not. After all, we're
just kids, right? Except Susan.

She stood up for us. Told them
that they had to listen to us.

And once again...

my pen saved the day.
All I needed to find...

Excuse me, but is
that the digital 305
Ultrasound Hearing Aid?

Yeah.

May I borrow it?

A hearing aid?

"Those ridiculous sports
teams gobble up all
the money we deserve.
Artists always suffer"

- Not this time!
Because this is what, girls?"
-War!"

-"And what are we?"
-"The Dogs of War!"

Surely you don't believe
these school children.

I'm Stella Lawrence!
I will not be dragged off
like some hooligan.

Stella Lawrence appeared
on Broadway!

Actually,
it was off-Broadway.
A bit part.

[crowd laughing]

Fine, cast me
to the wolves...

Not one of you cretins ever had
one drop of talent anyway.

I'm a victim of the time,
Joan of Arc of the Arts.
Burn me at the stake!

Don't be such a
drama queen, Stella.

[laughing]

All right, people.

Show's over.

Back to business.

I guess that clears up the
mystery behind the vandalism.

Unfortunately, we
still have the budget
cuts to deal with.

Some of the clubs
will still have to go.

I'm gonna need
one of those.

Done.

So I guess the mystery
was solved, but the
budget problem wasn't?

Actually...
we had a plan
for that too.

[music video playing]

It's so cool that you
offered to share your
proceeds from your new
CD to help the school.

Hey, I'm just
glad I could help.

Help? You saved us jocks.

Yeah, sure...
You're the super athlete.

It was fun helping
to solve the mystery.
And don't forget George.

Yeah. None of this could have
happened without him.

To George.

You kids all right?

-What's up?
-Nothing. Sgt. Ferguson just
called and mentioned that there
was some...

ancient artifact that was
stolen from the museum, so...

I'm gonna go try
and cover the story.

It's nothing
for you kids to concern
yourselves with, though.

All's well that ends well.

And the twins?...
What happened to
Nicole and Nelson?

Agents 202 and 204.

[siren alarm]

Red alert, red alert.

He's back

Move out.

Where are you going?

With you, of course!

No way.

She's a girl.

It's too dangerous.

But we're wasting time.

Fine but... stay back.

So, are you gonna get him?

No, we have to wait
'till he breaks in.

What if he gets away?

He won't. You'll see.

Good job, guys...

cool!

So it was another
successful case solved
for the undercover kids.