Tall Tales & Legends (1985–1988): Season 1, Episode 7 - John Henry - full transcript

[folk music]

- One of the most
interesting heroes

to spring from our country's
folklore

is a man by the name
of Jonathan Chapman.

Better known
as Johnny Appleseed.

Now some say Johnny was a saint.

Others say he was nothing,

but an apple-headed looney bird.

But all agree he left
a living legacy
of apple orchards

across America's heartland
nearly 200 years ago.

Orchards just like this one.



Ah...

[folk music]

[folk music continues]

- Here we are.

Sometimes, that handle
gets stuck.

[car door closing]

Well, there she is.

All 40 acres.

Tell the truth, I hate to sell.

But times are tough.

This ain't exactly the golden
age of farmin'.

[chuckles]

Now, what was it you wanted
to put up here?

A hundred condos...



Gee, I don't know...

Seems like a shame to waste
something so dang beautiful.

Well, they're apple trees!

See?

This is an apple.

And it grows on trees!

Doesn't grow in plastic bags
in the supermarket
as you might think!

Yes, it is pretty amazing.

Yep! This old orchard
has quite a history.

Was planted by Mr. Johnny
Appleseed himself.

What?

You never heard
of Johnny Appleseed?

Where is it you say
you come from? Venus?

You better sit right down here

and I'm gonna tell you
the story of old Johnny.

'Cause if you're gonna dig up
all these trees

and put in a bunch of jacuzzis,

you ought to know
the history of the place.

No, I ain't got a pillow
for your rear-end!

Just sit on the ground!

Now, the day
Johnny Chapman was born,

it was raining cats and dogs.

But the second he came
into this world...

the rain just stopped

and a beautiful rainbow
arched across the sky

and ran smack into an apple tre

right outside
of the bedroom window.

And I guess maybe
that was a sign
of things to come...

'cause from that day on,

little Johnny
was just crazy about apples.

He'd only drink apple juice
from his baby bottle

and he wouldn't even go to slee

lest he was lying
under an apple tree.

And Johnny took on
a few more peculiar habits

like refusing
to sleep or eat indoors.

[father]: Don't encourage him,
Martha.

- The kids in town thought
Johnny had a loose marble

so his only friends
were the animals

and while other kids
had lemonade stands,

Johnny was operating
a roadside pet hospital.

- I wouldn't worry, though.
It's just a little heartburn.

Nah, no charge!

Next! [meowing]

- When Johnny
got to be about 18,

he decided to set out
to seek his fame and fortune.

- Son!

I packed you some apple cookies,

a little strudel
and some dried apple slices
for you to nibble on.

- Thanks, Mom.
I forgot all about food.

- You're throwing away
your future!

- I know, Dad.

- A bum... is that
what you wanna do
with your life?

Be a bum!

- Dad, I... I just...

need to find a place
where I fit in.

- Why can't you fit in
at Harvard?

Pull some strings,
get you an interview...

No, you want to go
traipsing around,

looking for...

What are you looking for anyway?

- Well, I...

I guess I'm just...
looking for me.

- I'll save you a trip.

You're right here,
in your front yard.

- Oh, Walter!

It's just a phase!

He'll grow out of it.

- Into what?
Full grown nut?

- Bye, Mom!

Bye, Dad.

- Get out of here,
you apple-headed looney bird.

- Bye, Dad.

[folk music]

- But before
Johnny hit the road,

he stopped by the general store

to load up
on travelling supplies.

- Hello, Mr. Goodwin.
- Johnny! Congratulations
on Harvard!

- Oh no, I'm not going
to Harvard.

Instead, I'm just gonna...
walk around the country.

And look at the trees and...

talk to the animals, and...

maybe figure out my purpose
in this funny old world.

- Your dad must be thrilled.

- But first thing,
I'm gonna need
some travelling clothes.

- Fine, I have shirts,
shoes, trousers...

- Hey! This looks good.

- That's a sack of potatoes,
Johnny.

- Yeah, I know, but... but...
Look, Mr. Goodwin,

if we cut a hole in the sack
for the head...

and a couple more holes
for the arms...

this could be great!

- You want to wear
a burlap sack?

- Sure!

Oh, I'll need a hat
and a pot for cooking.

[sighs]

- Here's a pot.

Now...

- Wait!

Wait, Mr. Goo...

Wait a second. This...

This is a great idea!
This could be a pot and a hat!

How's it look?

- Frankly, Johnny,
it looks stupid.

- But very functional
because it saves me the trouble
of carrying around a pot.

Forget the hat,
I'm wearing the pot.

- Fine. Anything else?
Boots, canteen, blanket?
Potholders?

[laughs]

- No, no. I think the pot
and the sack will do it.

Do you mind if I pay you
with apple seeds?

- Oh... no need, Johnny.
It's on me.

- Oh, thank you, Mr. Goodwin.

Well, I'm off!

- Yes...

He's... off alright.

- Well, here I am
cooking dinner!

And then, I'll... eat it!

And then I'll...

maybe have some dessert.

Maybe another apple.

And then...

I'll go to sleep.

And tomorrow...

I'll start walking.

Some more...

Of course, I...

I walked a lot today, but...

I only got as far as here.

Maybe...

what I need is... is...

some kind of reason...

for being out here.

[sighs]

[magical music]

- I'll tell you, Johnny,

starting a hurricane
is murder on the hair.

- Who are you?

- Betty. Betty Nature.

You probably know me as Mother.

- You're Mother Nature?

- Johnny, I see you out here
in my territory,

wondering about
and as far as I can tell,

you're just taking up space.

- Yeah, I know. I was...
thinking about that.

- Look, Johnny,

let me come right to the point,

I got a job for you.

You like apples, right?

- I sure do.
- Me, too.

And at the moment,
I have a shortage
of apple trees,

so what I want you to do
is go to the cider mills

and pick up as many apple seeds
as you can carry.

Then, I want you to travel
around the country

and plant apple orchards.

- Really?
What a great job!

Why didn't I think of that?

I gotta start right this second.

- Uh, Johnny...

This is a dream.

Wait until you wake up.

- Oh, yeah, right!
- And one more thing...

You're no longer Johnny Chapman.

From now on,

you will be Johnny Appleseed.

- Johnny Appleseed.

That's nice, I like the way it
kind of rolls off the tongue.

Thank you, Mother Nature!

- Betty.
[Johnny chuckles.]

Now go on out and make me proud.

Johnny Appleseed!

[folk music]

- And so Johnny now
had his mission in life

and he started planting apples
all over the country
like there was no tomorrow!

He travelled like the wind,

planting here, planting there,

stopping only to take a quick
snooze or heal a sick animal.

Johnny even devised his own
original method of planting.

Something he called the
Appleseed Heel and Toe-Ha.

Naturally, all his travelling
and hopping

occasionally brought him
smack dab in the middle
of a settlement.

[light lively music]

[metallic ringing]

- Gentlemen...

[ringing continues]

Gentlemen!

I'm not pleased
with the quality of furs
that you're bringing to me.

Mr. Smith, we're doing the best
we know how to!

- Jed, did I give you
permission to speak?

I don't think so.

Now where was I?

Oh yes!

Unless I see a dramatic
improvement

and I mean soon,

I will be forced to cut off
all your credit

at my trading post,
which means...

that you...

and your homely wives
and disgusting little children
will starve.

[disappointed whispering]

But that would break my heart.

Gentlemen, all I'm asking for

is a couple thousand hides
of beaver, fox and mink!

Is that so difficult?

- There ain't no mink
in these parts!

- I know...

That's why they're so valuable.

Now get trappin'!

Move it!

[ringing resumes]

- Pardon me, friends!

Could you direct me
to the local trading post?

- We ain't your friends.

- Fine.
I can live with that.

You see, I'm in need of
some farming supplies--

- We don't do
no farmin' around here.

Mr. Smith says that's
sissy work!

- We're hunters and trappers.

We live off
the meat of the land.

[knocking]

- Anybody home?

[laughing]

- That's... good.

Well...

Thank you for your help,
gentlemen.

- One strange potato, Joe.

- Cuckoo, Butch.

[soft music]

- Can I help--
- Aaah!

- You shouldn't creep up
behind a fellow like that!

- Oh, I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to creep.

- Oh, no, no, no, no.

I'm sorry I overreacted.

I'm just not that used
to people.

- Is that a pan on your head?

- Oh, no, no.
Actually, it's a pot.

I know it looks sort of funny,
but I'm just...

it's actually very practical.

- I like your burlap shirt.

I mean... pants.

Outfit!

I like it.

- Well, that's just...

something I threw together!

- Oh, I'm Jenny Smith.
I work here.

My uncle owns this trading post.

- Oh, Johnny Appleseed.

- I like to plant.

- Gee, I never met
a man who planted.

- Well...
[chuckles]

I'm looking for mulch?

- Oh, I'm sorry...

Mulch died about six months ago.

- No, I mean, like... manure.

[Jenny chuckles]
- May I help you?

- Oh, hi, Uncle Jack.

- Jenny, I don't recall
giving you permission
to talk with strangers.

- Well,
this is Johnny Appleseed.

My uncle Jack.

Well, I'm gonna go look
for some manure.

- Pardon me if I don't shake
your hand,

but I want you
out of my trading post.

- Any particular reason?
- Yes!

You're ugly, you're dirty
and you smell like bad meat.

I don't want my niece
contaminated by you.

Any further questions?

- Yes. Do you carry any
of those little short shovels?
- Out!

- With the little handles...
- Out!

- And the--
- Out!!!

- Oh!

[horse neighing]

- That's the way
out of town.

If you don't mind.

The Indians will take care
of him.

[diabolical laugh]

- Hello!

I assume you're the chief?

- Mm-hmm.

- Appleseed, Johnny Appleseed.
At your service, sir.

- You're not from Smithville,
are you?

- No, no, I'm not.

- Good, good.

See, I'm convinced

that Smithville is the breeding
ground for all stupid white men.

[chuckles]

- Maybe it's their diet.

- What's that on your head?

- Oh, it's, it's,
uh... a hat.

Well, it's a pot.

Pot-hat.

A pot and a hat.

- I like it.

- Oh, thank you! Well...

It's, it's... it comes in handy.

I mean, can you cook in that?

[chuckles]
- No. It's very impractical
to cook in feathers.

[Johnny laughs]

Ah, corn, good.

I hate corn!

It's all we ever eat.

Cream of corn, corn on the cob,

corn pancakes.

- Oh, have you ever had
one of these?

- What is this?

- It's called an apple.

Apple.

Ap-ple!

- I can hear you.
- Oh! I'm sorry.

- Why are you talking like that?

- I don't know...!

- Mm...

That's what I call food!
- Yeah, isn't it good?

- It's crunchy...

tasty...

And sweet!

- I'm gonna have one too!

- You got more in there?
- Ah! A full bag!

Mm! Isn't it good?

- And so, after teaching
the chief and his people

how to plant and care
for apples,

Johnny finally got around
to saying his goodbyes.

- Thanks for everything, Johnny.

And that cobbler was
out of this world!

- Ah, you liked it?

I'm glad.

- Uh... did I tell you
I liked your pot?

- Only about five times.

Oh! Look, I... I...

I just happen
to have a spare one!

Would you like to try it on?

- Ah!

- Hmm...

- It's you, chief!
[chuckling]

- And here's a gift for you.

This pouch contains

magical healing herbs.

- Oh... thank you.

Take care.

Bye-bye.

[all]: Bye-bye.

[birdsong]

- Anything?

- I'm sorry, honey. I'm just
not a very good trapper.

How's little Mac?

- He's worse.

I don't know what else
to do for him.

- Once...

Just once... I wish
a little luck would come my way.

This is not what I had in mind.

- Morning, neighbour!
Name's Johnny Appleseed.

- Name's Fitz.
You look like a fruit.

- Actually, I don't.

A fruit is... is much smaller,
and they rarely talk.

Friend, I'm here
to change your life!

Johnny's the name
and apples are my game!

And I'm here to offer you
the opportunity of a lifetime.

All I ask is you allow me
to plant an apple orchard
in your land.

I'll provide the seeds,
labour and the knowledge.

Then, with a minimum of effort
on your part,

you become a prosperous man.
- Uh-huh.

What do you get out of it?

- Oh, the simple joy of seeing
those sad hound dog eyes
of yours twinkle with delight.

So... what do you think?

- I think your pot's on
too tight.

- Little Mac's getting worse!

- I wish I knew what to do,
Anna.

- Maybe I can help.

- Here, Johnny.

I boiled those herbs,
just like you said.

- Little Mac...
drink this.

- That's it... oh...

An apple a day keeps
the doctor away.

- If my boy dies, I'll wrap
that pot around your head!

Did I mention I don't like you?

- The fever's broke!
It worked!

- Oh, Johnny!
I love you!

- Could you love me
a little bit less?

Mac, I've got fragile ribs.

[all laughing]

- We'd be mighty honoured
if you stayed the night,
Mr. Appleseed.

- I'd appreciate that, ma'am.

- Yes, I can see the point.

If I was there,
I'd do the same thing.

- Johnny?

You know, you can sleep
in the cabin if you want.

Oh, that's okay, Mac.
I... I prefer the outdoors.

- Who were you talking to
out here?

- Oh, I... I...
I was...

I was just chatting
with your dog.

He was telling me

that most of the animals
are leaving the area.

Apparently, they are...

tired of being killed
by all the trappers.

- Johnny, you don't really talk
to the animals, do you?

- Oh, yeah, yeah.

Of course, you can't...

talk to each animal
the same way.
You have to...

talk to each one individually.

You know, for example, uh...

a dog is... is very smart,
so you can...

talk almost normally to them.

But, uh...

squirrels, racoons,

you talk very slowly so they...

won't get confused.

And birds...!

[chuckles]

Don't get me started on birds.

Aah!

- Johnny, I just wanted
to say that, uh...

if you'd like to
plant some apple trees
on my land,

it's alright with me.

- Ah, thank you, Mac!
That's wonderful,

I'll get started in the morning.

- But I got to warn you
that Mr. Smith
ain't gonna like it.

Of course, he doesn't like me
much anyway...

See, I don't do things
Smith's way,

so I'm sort of an outcast,

and we're just barely
scraping by here.

And believe me,
Smith is not gonna pay me money

for a load of apple hides!

- Peels!
- Yeah, whatever.

Well! Good-night to you.

- Good-night.

- Thanks again, Johnny.
- Oh, thank you!

So anyway, um...

can you talk to them or is it...

do you know
where they're going?
[dog whimpering]

[lively folk music]

- Don't get me wrong,
I really like the guy.

But I truly think he might be
from a different planet.

- Did you two take care of that
matter as I requested?

- Oh oh oh! We fixed
his wagon good.

- Good, good!

- You made sure his apples
won't grow?

I mean, it's not that
I don't trust you,

it's just
that I don't trust you.

How did you do it?

- We spread manure
all over his field.

- Everywhere!
Those seeds don't have a chance!

[laughing]

- You two bring new meaning
to the word moron.

Would you kindly hand me
that club over there?

Boy, I ought to!

- I still can't believe it.
They just...

grew right out of the ground!

And it's really gonna be a tree?

- With your help, man.

- Oh, you bet! I'm not gonna let
my little babies down.

- Well then, here's
what you have to do:

you have to...

[narrator]: Johnny taught Mac
how to care for the newly
planted orchard.

Once again, he hit the road.

Planting more orchards

and of course,
talking with various animals.

Sure, he might have gotten lost
a couple of times,

but he finally made his way
back to Smithville

stopping first to check in
on the MacIntosh family.

- You did a great job, Mac,
these are beautiful!

- Well, I had a good teacher.
[chuckles]

You know there's a guy back East
who'll buy every bushel
I can send him?

- Really?
- Yeah!

- Boy, it sounds like
you're doing real good.

- Yeah...

but I'm the only one.

You were right
about all the animals leaving.

The rest of the folks
are nearly starving.

And Smith ain't no help.

- Well, Mac, remember...

one bad apple doesn't spoil
the whole barrel.

- Yeah...

[sigh]

- Well, it looks like you had
some luck today, Jed.

- Euh, yeah, well...
I came up with these.

- Um, what are they?

- Mice furs.

[chuckles]
- Mice furs.

Imagine this guy coming here
with mice furs.

- Thank you, Miss Jenny.

- What do you have, Zeke?

- Gophers and hamsters.

- Johnny, you're back!

I missed you so much!

You left without even
saying goodbye.

- Oh, I said goodbye,
you just didn't hear me.

I was two miles away
when I said it.

- I forgive you.

- You look more beautiful
than ever, Jenny.

- Oh, I bet you say that
to all the girls.

- I... I don't know
any other girls.

- Did you miss me?

- Miss you... oh, sure, well...
I guess I missed you.

- You sure know
how to flatter a girl.

You're not like any other person
I've ever met.

- Johnny, old pal!

Heard you were back in town!

- Old pal?
- And you're looking
very healthy.

New pot? Love it!
Looks very smart.

Precious, could you excuse us
for just a teeny tiny
little moment?

Thank you, dear.

Listen, you stinking
bag of rotten fruit,

you stay away from my niece
and you get out of my town!

If you're still here
in 30 seconds,

I'm gonna play William Tell
with your head.

[coughing]

- Pleasure to see you again,
Jack.

I'd love to stay,
but I do have to run.

Anyway, best to the family.

- Psst! Johnny.

- Oh, hi, fellows,
what can I do for you?

- We was wondering

if you could teach us some of
this farming and planting stuff?

- Yeah, 'cause there ain't
no more furs and...

Mr. Smith,
he's squeezing us dry.

- And after we seen what
you've done for MacIntosh,

we says to ourselves:

"This is the life for us."

- Oh, you big galoots!

Well, this is
what you have to do.
You have to get...

[narrator]: So,
Johnny began teaching
the men all about farming.

Starting with his own unique
planting method.

[fiddle music]

He taught them how to care
for the young seedlings.

How to feed them,
how to make them strong.

Then, he taught them how
to grow other things
besides apples,

so that they could learn
to be totally self-sufficient.

After that, Johnny taught
the settlers the basics
of animal husbandry.

- And that, students,

is the story of the egg!

[applause]

I see our time is up,

so tonight's homework is
to write a report

on the difference between a cow
and a bull.

[indistinct complaining]

That's enough out of you,
Jeremiah!

[chuckling]

[soft music]

Gosh!

An apple for the teacher.

What an original gift.

- Johnny, I'm so proud of you!

Thanks to you, the whole
settlement is filled with hope.

- Oh...

I'm nothing, but a simple
guy in a burlap bag.

- I think you're wonderful.

- Gee!

I guess there are some
advantages to being nothing but
a simple guy in a burlap bag.

[chuckles]

[breathing heavily]

- Gentlemen.

I am deeply troubled
by the recent turn of events.

As you well know, I have always
held the reins of power
in our humble settlement.

I guess you could say
that I've...

been a father to the people.

In fact,
I've been more like a god.

[both]: Amen.

- But things have changed.

As we speak, Mr. Appleseed
is teaching my people

to be self-sufficient.

And they're liking it!

How dare he think that
he can help my people?!

You know what I'd like to do?

I'd like to take that skinny
little pothead by the throat

and choke him
till he's gasping for air.

Then, I'd like to take his nose

and twist it off his face.

Then, I'd like to take his ears

and shake his head
back and forth!

Back and forth
until I rattle every single seed

out of his head!

[coughing]

Now...

I'd like some feedback
on my proposal.

[narrator]: But before Smith
could make good on his threats,

the rain suddenly stopped

and the entire area was plunged
into a terrible drought.

And the newly planted crops
started to wither and die.

- You call this corn?!

[chuckles]

I call this dead!

[panting]

May I ask what it is
you're doing?

- Oh, you certainly may,
I'm getting water for the crops.

- No, you're not.

- Yes, I'm positive
that's what I'm doing.

See, there's a drought
going on--

- No. No, no.
This is my well.

Therefore, it is my water.

- Oh, well, in that case,
it's very generous of you

to share some of the water
with us, because--

Boy, that's refreshing!

Albeit a bit wasteful...

- Boys, he's getting
on my nerves.

- I... I've never really liked
guns.

Especially when
they're pointing at me.

[grunts]

Now, if you'll excuse me.

[owls hooting]

- Hi, Johnny.
- Hi, Betty.

Don't tell me I fell asleep.

- Don't worry, Johnny,
you're awake.

You see, variety is the spice
of Mother Nature.

Sometimes, I appear in a dream,

sometimes I appear
in the real world

and most of the time,
I don't even appear.

- Well, I don't mean to be rude,
Betty,

but I'm in a big hurry.

- Johnny!
- Yes?

- What are you doing?

- Well, I'm running to the river
to get water for the orchards.

- The river is 50 miles away!

- I know, that's why
I'm in a big hurry.

- Oh, Johnny, sweetheart,
I love you.

And you're doing a terrific job
with your apples,

but you're like...

you're like a snowstorm
on the North Pole.

A lot of activity,

but no effect.

- Well, what else can I do?

The river's the only source
of water left.

That is, unless you'd like to
put an end to the silly drought.

- Mother Nature can't be
that convenient.

Besides, I can't save your hide
every time you get into a jam,

it's not natural.

- Oh, and you think
letting the crops die

and watching people die
is natural?

'Cause if you do--
- Don't argue
with Mother Nature.

Use your head.

There's always a solution
to a problem.

- What can I do?
Why should I care?

I mean, it's...

it's their town
so it's their problem, right?

[squeaking]
I'm just passing through.

A vagabond.

A drifter!

That's why I'm just gonna
».

Hit the road, make like the wind
and blow.

I can't... do that.

I can't desert them.

Wait a second.

This is good,
this is intelligent.

Here I am,
sitting with a beaver.

And you're the one who can help!

'Cause... 'cause like...

you're the head beaver, right?

And you make dams.
[beaver squeaking]

Right and so, for you,

it's not so much like work,
but a way of life, right?

[squeaking]

Right so, considering that,

how would you feel
about making some dams?

[squeaking]

You will?

Oh, that is great!

Thank you so much, Burt,

you are one great beaver,
you really are!

Oh, and tell the other beavers
they're great too.

Oh, this is so exciting!

I think I have to dance for joy.

[happy music]

[horse neighing]

[dramatic music]

- This will plant Appleseed
six feet under.

- What did you do that for,
boss?

- You'll find out soon enough.

[mean laugh]

- Why bother?

There's no water.

Why don't we just let my crops
die in peace?

- Don't worry, I'm taking care
of the water situation.

You got a new horse?

- No, that's Larry's horse.

- How do you know?

- It's his brand.

- Oh.

Well, come on, boy,

I'm taking you back to Larry.

I bet he's sick with worry.

It's not the smartest horse
in the world,

but I'm sure that Larry
will be glad I brought him in.

- Johnny, you're so thoughtful.

- Larry. Is this your horse?

- Yeah, that's my brand. Larry.

- And why is it that
Mr. Appleseed now
has your horse?

- I don't know.

He stole it.
- I see!

Mr. Appleseed, you are now
under arrest for horse stealing.

- Uncle--
- You stay out of this!

When I get through with you,
you won't have a pot to put on.

Come on, let's go!

[metallic ringing]

Folks.

Folks.

It is my unfortunate duty
to inform you

that our beloved
Johnny Appleseed

is nothing more
than a common horse thief!

- What? No!

[indistinct whispering]

- I know, I know it's hard
to believe,

but I have a very reliable
eye-witness.

Larry.

- What?

Oh, that's right.

He stole my horse.

- This is absurd, I didn't--

- I don't think that
these people are interested
in listening to a horse thief.

Friends,

I don't like to be the one
to say I told you so,

but I told you so.

The day that this dirty,
smelly creature

staggered into our town,

mumbling to himself,

I told you he was bad news.

And when he started
filling your heads
with his crazy notions

of farming and growing things,

I told you to ignore him.

He promised you rich rewards

and you morons believed him.

Now, thanks to him,

your crops are wilting
and your orchards are drying.

You see.

This is when the expression
I told you so comes into play.

- You didn't tell us
that the rain would stop!

- Yeah, and that there
wouldn't be enough water!

- I promise you, there is gonna
be enough water.

Look, I've talked to the beavers

and they've agreed to reroute
the river so it'll flow
right past here.

- You talked to the beavers?

- Yes! I spoke to them and--
[Jack laughs]

[loud laughter]

- Let's be serious.

This man is nothing more
than a con artist,

a horse thief and a nut.

[indistinct insults]

I don't think they like you.

- You've got to think
of her feelings.

I mean, she's home with the
puppies all day. You're out--

[sigh]

- Hi, Johnny!

- Jenny, what are you
doing here?

You're gonna get into trouble.
Visiting hours are over.

- I know, but I had
to talk to you.

You have a minute?

That's a really stupid question.

Well, the thing is that
I saw my Uncle Jack today
for what he really is:

a disgusting, evil,
manipulative, slimy dirt bag.

- You mean rotten to the core.

- Yes and I think the only way
you can get out of this mess

is just to kiss his boots,
beg for his forgiveness

and admit that you were wrong
and he was right.

- Uh-huh...

Or you could help me escape.

- Johnny, one of the things
I always loved about you is that

you marched to the beat
of a different drummer.

But please, just for this once,
can't you play the game?

- I'm sorry, I don't even know
the game.

- But if we can get away
from Smithville,

we can build our own life.
Together.

You know, we can get married
and...

settle down and
have a place of our own.

[romantic music]

- Jenny, I'm a rambling man.

I've still got apples to plant,

roads to travel,
animals to talk to.

- But Johnny!

I love you.

Doesn't that mean anything?

- Look...

I don't know much about love.

But I do know that you shouldn't
love a man like me.

- Fine...

Bye, Johnny.

- Bye, Jenny.

[indistinct chatter]

- Trial of Johnny Appleseed
will now come to order.

[man]: Hang him!

- Now, now, now!
As long as I am judge,

this man will receive
a fair trial.

Johnny Appleseed,

you are accused of
the despicable crime
of horse stealing.

As well as vagrancy,
jay-walking, littering

not to mention being the
weirdest walnut we've seen
in these parts in many a moon.

How do you plead?
- Not guilty.

- Alright, you're gonna
make this difficult.

I'll call my first witness.
Larry.

- What?

- Will you take the stand?

[fast]: You promise tell truth,
whole truth, nothing truth,
so help me, God, you do.

Now Larry.
- What?

In your own words, state exactly
what happened.

[fly buzzing]

[whispering]: He stole
your horse...

- He stole your horse!

He stole yourhorse!

[mumbling]

He stole your horse!

- Thank you, Larry.

For that expert testimony.

You may step down.

Well, the court has heard
all the evidence.

I will now pronounce a verdict.

- Don't I get to speak?

- Alright, alright,
but make it snappy.

You've got a hanging to do here.

- I just want to say...

have you all gone crazy?

- Huh!

[laughing]

Talk about the pothead
calling the kettle black!

- You people know I didn't steal
Larry's horse.

I've never stolen anything
in my life.

If I'm guilty of anything,
it's of being different.

I mean, I admit I'm not like...

everybody else.

I'm an individual.

And I refuse to answer
to anybody but myself.

But is that a crime?

It is to Jack Smith.

'Cause he can't tolerate
anything that he can't control.

When you folks
learned about farming

and started
to be self-sufficient,

Jack Smith lost control
over you.

- Yeah.
- It's true.

- And if I in anyway
am responsible for that,

then at least,
I can die a proud man.

[indistinct chatter]

- People, people!

People, come on now!

You're listening to a man
who talks to beavers!

Now let's wrap this up.

I find you guilty!

You'll hang by your neck
till you're dead.

Knock the stool out
from under him.

Let's see some twitching here.

[gunshot]

[western music]

- Good shooting, Jenny!

- Jenny, you don't know
how great it is to see you.

- Yeah, it'll give you the
opportunity of saying goodbye.

- You say goodbye, I say hello.

- What's this doing here?

- I thought you might like to
see some of your old friends.

[rumbling]
- What is that?

- The river!

- The creep bed' full,
we're saved!

[cheering]

[whistling]
- Thanks Johnny, for that!

- Don't thank me,
thank the beavers!

[narrator]: So,
thanks to Burt the Beaver

and all his furry
flat-tailed friends,

Johnny was able to save
the settlement.

And thanks to Jenny,
Johnny was saved.

- Oh, Johnny, I'm glad you
decided to stay a little longer.

- I'm glad that I got to live
a little longer.

Are you hungry?
- Starving.

What did you bring?

- Apples.

Oh, after you.

- Well, my dearest
rambling man,

I'll be sad to see you go.

- Well, I've been thinking
about what you said and...

...maybe I should plant my roots
and settle down.

You know, we could get married

and build a house

and watch our trees grow.

I could get involved
in community affairs.

- Sounds wonderful, Johnny,

but not for you.

You've got itchy feet
and I can't scratch them.

- But...

I just can't bear the thought of
you sitting under the apple tree

with anybody else but me.

[sighs]
- You've got a mission, Johnny,

you can't let me or anybody else
stop you.

- You're right, Jenny.

But at least, allow me to plant
a special apple orchard

in memory of us.
And that way...

you'll always remember me.

- I'll always remember you,
Johnny.

[soft music]

- And this is that very same
orchard

that Johnny planted for Jenny.

Who, by the way, just happens to
be my great-great-grandmother.

Granny Smith.

As for her uncle Jack,

he was tarred and furred

and forced to spend the rest
of his days in an unventilated
room with Larry.

[chuckles]

Anyway, thanks to Johnny and
the beavers moving the river,

the settlement grew
and prospered.

Mac MacIntosh became famous
for his breed of apple,

not to mention Granny Smith's.

And Smithville became known as
the apple capital of the world.

What do you mean »

Listen, you city slicker,

if you can't understand
that these here trees

may be the last living memorial
of the great Johnny Appleseed

then you've got no business
owning this land.

And come to think of it,
I got no business selling it.

Now go on,
get out of my orchard.

You're stinking off the place!

What?
[chuckles]

No way!

You can walk, fat Jack!

[engine starts]

[metal rattling]

- You heard what Jimbo said,
get out of this orchard!

And you better make it quick,

otherwise, I just might throw
the biggest thunderstorm
you ever saw!

[laughs]

[fiddle music]

Subtitles: difuze