That Girl (1966–1971): Season 1, Episode 16 - Christmas and the Hard-Luck Kid - full transcript
While on a break from her job at a department store as one of Santa's helpers, Ann tells Donald about a Christmas she spent with one of her students while she was a teacher at a boarding school. A little boy name Tommy, who has always spent Christmas in hotels, is stuck at the school while his parents finish working on a movie. Since she's isn't allowed to bring him home with her, Ann stays at the school with him to give him his first happy Christmas.
Ho! Ho!
Son, I hope you get everything
that you want for Christmas.
Well, who we got here?
Oh.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Excuse me, Ma'am, I'm sorry.
It's quite all right.
It certainly is
crowded, isn't it?
It's that time of year.
Yes.
Well, I, I guess
your children are
anxious to meet Santa Claus.
Child.
I only have one.
Oh, well, I bet he's excited.
No, he's at home Oh,
I thought this little
fellow belonged to you.
I thought he belonged to you.
Oh, no, no, I just
stopped by to take one
of Santa's helpers to lunch.
Isn't that a coincidence?
I just stopped by to
bring one of Santa's
helpers a present.
Uh, she and my son, Tommy,
once spent Christmas together.
Oh,
now, which one of
Santa's helpers is that?
Over there.
That girl.
♪♪
Wasn't that sweet?
Yeah, but you're not supposed
to open it before Christmas.
Well, presents in this category,
you can. What category?
From people you don't really
know. I'm dying to find out what it is.
If you don't know her,
why she buy a present?
Well, her son's
a friend of mine.
Yes, she told me that.
Did she also tell
you about the time
I almost ruined his Christmas?
Why? Did you tell him
there's no Santa Claus?
There's no what?
Oh, sorry.
Oh, look, isn't that darling?
Honey... Isn't that cute?
Honey, I'm assuming
that the son you spent
the Christmas with is like that.
Oh, well, no, Donald.
Actually, he was more like that.
Oh.
Oh, he was so cute.
It was three Christmases ago
before I ever became an actress.
I mean, before I
became a Santa's helper.
Oh, boys, you were
all great. Just great.
Now, don't run. And remember to return
all the branches back to Ms. Berman.
Alfred, wait till you get to your
room before you take off your leaves!
Tommy, aren't you gonna
take off your costume?
Yeah, but it was
fun being a tree.
And you're a very
good tree, too.
Yeah.
No, you were.
I wish I could've talked.
Well, it isn't easy being
a silent Christmas tree
and you were very,
very believable.
Thank you, Ms. Marie.
Hey, you really were.
I mean, the way you swayed,
it was just like a
tree in the wind.
What ever made you
think of moving like that?
It was the pine
needles. They itched.
Well, anyway, it
was just terrific.
And if I ever find a
Broadway producer
who's looking for somebody
who can play a tree,
I'm gonna tell them
I know just the guy.
A Broadway producer?
Yeah, well, I hope I
meet one someday.
You see, I wanna be an actress.
Aren't you coming
back after the holidays?
No, I don't think so.
Gee, everybody I
like is an actress.
What do you mean?
My mother is an actress.
Really?
Isn't that nice?
Do you wanna be an
actor when you grow up?
No, I think I'd rather
be an astronaut
or work in a gas station.
Well, who knows? You may be able
to do both. By the time you grow up,
they may have gas
stations on the moon.
Okay, now, you take these
back to Ms. Berman's room.
And you were just
a wonderful tree.
It was very nice
knowing you, Tommy.
Have a Merry Christmas.
Fat chance.
What do you mean fat chance?
I'm sure you've had
lots of fun Christmases.
I've never had it in a house,
only in a hotel.
And the last three Christmases,
Mom and Dad weren't even here.
Well, I'm sure they're gonna
be here this year. Aren't they?
I think so, if the
movie is finished. I'm
just waiting to see what
goes wrong this time.
Well, I'm sure if anything
was gonna go wrong,
you'd have heard by now.
We'll see. So long, Ms. Marie.
Hey, wait a minute.
Aren't you gonna give
me a kiss goodbye?
Uh uh. Astronauts
don't kiss girls.
Gas station attendants do.
Okay.
Bye. Bye.
Well, that was one of the most successful
Christmas pageants we've ever had.
Well, I've always
had a way with trees.
Won't you sit down,
please? Thank you.
Now, are you still thinking
of giving up teaching?
Well, for the time being, yes.
I really wanna try acting.
Well, I'm sure you'll
be very good at it.
You have a nice theatrical feel.
The children respond
to you very well.
Thank you. It was a lot of fun.
Mrs. Merman and
I particularly liked
that little boy whom you
had swaying like the wind.
Well, that wasn't swaying,
that was scratching.
What? Tommy
Phillips was scratching.
A slight case of pine needles.
Oh.
Well, I'm afraid I have
some bad news for Tommy.
His parents aren't coming
home for Christmas?
Well, how did you know?
Tommy said something
might happen.
They're making a film,
it's behind schedule.
That poor kid.
If only I'd known,
I could have done something.
Well, what could you have done?
Oh, I don't know.
Maybe, make him one
of the trees that talked.
Oh, hi, Roger.
How do you do, Ms.
Marie? Am I disturbing you?
No, I'm getting ready to leave.
Would you like to come in?
I just came to give you a gift.
For me?
Yes, Merry Christmas.
Oh, Roger, you
shouldn't have done that.
Why not?
Oh, well, that's
just an expression
people use when they get
a present they didn't expect.
It's okay.
My mother won't let me keep it.
What is it?
My dead bug collection.
Oh.
You don't already
have one, do you?
Oh, oh, no, this
will be my first one.
You'll find in
there ants, spiders,
seven regular flies
and one horsefly.
Oh, Isn't that beautiful?
Oh, Roger, I can't tell
you how happy I am
you gave this to me.
I wish my mother liked
bugs as much as you do.
Well, different people
like different things.
Anytime I find any new bugs,
I'll bring 'em right to you.
Terrific.
Bye, Ms. Marie.
Bye.
Hi, Tommy.
I heard about the telegram.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
Well, where are you
gonna spend Christmas?
Right here.
But everybody's leaving.
Not Mr. Carson, the caretaker.
He lives in the school grounds.
Oh.
Well, he's nice.
Yeah, I spent Christmas
with him last year.
Tommy Phillips, how
would you like to spend
Christmas with me?
Are you staying here, too?
No, I'm gonna go home.
And I'd love to
take you with me.
To your house?
Uh um. And let me tell you,
Christmas at the Maries'
is really something.
Wait 'till you see.
There'll be a
house full of kids,
and we'll have a
big Christmas tree,
and it will be all
decorated real terrific-like,
and we'll even build a snowman.
And I will personally
guarantee you
a snowfall on Christmas Eve.
Terrific!
Well, one thing.
And you gotta watch it.
I'm the best snowball
thrower in Putnam County.
What do you mean I can't
take Tommy home with me?
Now, if you just calm down,
I'll explain it to you.
Well, try explaining
it to Tommy.
He's packing right now.
Oh, I'm sorry as you are,
but the school is
responsible for his safety.
But I'm a teacher.
I'll watch him every second.
I'll even handcuff
him to me if necessary.
We have an insurance policy
in the event the child is harmed.
And that policy only covers
the 10-mile radius of the school.
Now, I'm sorry, but
you'll just have to accept
the fact. We can't let
you take Tommy home.
All he wanted was
one rotten Christmas.
Boy, that's just
what he's getting.
Bye. Merry Christmas.
Bye, Miss Marie.
Bye. Bye.
I'm almost ready, Ms. Marie.
When do we leave?
Tommy, I have
something to tell you.
Is it bad?
Well, to be perfectly
honest with you,
I guess you could say it's bad.
You can't take me home with you.
Is that it?
Yes.
You don't like me?
Oh, of course, I like you.
It's the insurance company.
They don't like me?
No, they like you.
It's just that, well,
they're a business
and they have these
business problems.
And they don't want
a teacher or anybody
to take a child ten
miles or more away
from the school and,
and it doesn't really matter.
Because you know what,
I have got a much better idea.
Good or bad?
A better idea is always good.
You and I are gonna
celebrate Christmas
together right here.
Oh, it's gonna be great.
We'll have a wonderful
time, you'll see.
Hello?
Ann, you should be
on your way home.
What's the matter?
Did they keep you after school?
Yes, I wrote "teacher is a dope"
on the blackboard
and they caught me.
Is, uh, is anything wrong?
Well, there's this boy at
school named Tommy and...
Oh, you'd rather go
dancing with a football player
than spend Christmas
with your parents.
Daddy, Tommy is eight years old.
He's a pupil of mine.
Oh? What's the matter with him?
Well, there's nothing
really the matter with him.
It's just that he's very lonely.
You see, at the last
minute, his parents
can't make it for Christmas.
And he's gonna have to spend it
all alone in this
great, big school.
And to tell you the truth,
Daddy, I really don't think
I can have a very Merry
Christmas thinking about that.
Would you and Mom understand
if I decided to stay here
and spend it with him?
Your mother is gonna
be awfully disappointed,
but I'll try to use my, uh,
influence with her.
Thanks, Daddy.
And Ann, you're a good kid.
That's your opinion.
Merry Christmas, Daddy.
Merry Christmas, darling.
Goodbye, darling.
Bye bye, thank you so much.
Have a Merry Christmas. Bye.
Merry Christmas. Bye.
Merry Christmas, darling.
Goodbye.
Well, Now, we
can start having fun.
Yeah.
This is gonna be
the best Christmas
you ever had.
Yeah.
It sure is gonna be.
It's gonna snow
out pretty soon and,
and look at this tree.
Who ever had a tree this size,
in their very own fort.
It sure is big.
Sure is.
I wonder how Rockefeller
Center missed it.
It's getting dark.
Does that mean it'll
start snowing soon?
Sure.
And tomorrow morning,
we're gonna be right
out there building a snowman.
Tommy.
Yes?
How do you build a rainman?
You said the kid
had no Christmas
but you had a
big, beautiful tree.
Oh, Donald, the tree
doesn't make a Christmas.
It's the people around it.
So what did you and the kid do?
Well, actually, I
didn't know what to do.
So every time we found
something that worked,
we just repeated it.
We played Checkers,
74 games of Checkers.
And we ate jelly sandwiches.
74 jelly sandwiches?
No, 67.
And we redecorated the tree.
Let's see there.
Hey, now, that's not bad.
Where would you like the angel?
Just where you had it.
I think you should
really be sure, Tommy,
'cause after all,
this is your tree.
This isn't much
fun for you, is it?
It's okay.
I really enjoyed watching
you move the angel around.
Should I move the
Santa around again?
We already moved
that around a lot.
I think we should
move the Santa around
for a little while,
and I think we should
play a couple of games
of Checkers and...
Hey, you know we haven't
even had any dinner yet?
I'm not hungry.
Sure, you are.
How about our
favorite special deluxe?
Oh, no, not jelly
sandwiches again.
Come on. I'll race
you to the kitchen.
But I always beat you.
Well, come on, let me see.
All right, how do you want it?
Cut in two or folded over?
Cut in two. Cut in two.
Let's see.
Okay.
Folded over.
Now, listen, my menus
may not be the greatest,
but I can still cut
a sandwich in two.
Like that.
Clean incision.
There we go. Thank
you so much, young man,
and please come again.
Think I'll have
mine folded over.
How is it?
Any good?
There are never jelly
sandwiches. Yeah?
I think we should light
the centerpiece, don't you?
There. What's that?
What's what? Footsteps.
Oh, that's just
your imagination.
Is he my imagination, too?
Good evening, Ms. Marie.
Oh.
Oh, Mr. Carson, it's you.
See, Tommy, it's just
Mr. Carson, that's all.
Hello, Tommy.
Would you like to join us?
We're offering two different
cuts of jelly sandwiches.
Oh, no, no. No
thank you, Ms. Marie.
Oh, please do.
I'm just so glad you're here.
It will be nice having
somebody else around.
Oh, that's what I've come to
talk to you about, Ms. Marie.
If it's all right with you,
I'm not gonna be here.
What do I have to do with it?
Mr. Merman said it'd be
okay to visit my brother
for Christmas if
you'd be good enough
to look after a
few things for me.
Well, if there isn't
too much to do...
Hardly anything.
Just set the sprinkler system,
be sure all the doors
and windows are locked,
turn out all the lights,
and check the furnace.
Check the furnace?
Oh, it's really very easy.
It's all push buttons.
Uh, thank you very
much, Ms. Marie.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Do you know how to
take care of a furnace?
Sure. Are you kidding?
Very easy.
It's all push buttons.
So, that's what a
furnace looks like.
Now, what do I do?
It's just a matter
of pushing a button,
he said.
Okay. Is it a red button,
a green button
and a yellow button?
He forgot to tell me
which button to push.
I'll try the green button.
I guess that's not right.
Wait a minute.
He just said to
check the furnace.
He didn't say
what to check it for.
As long as you're
talking to yourself,
maybe you'll know the answer.
That's the answer.
I'm scared to death,
I'm going upstairs.
What's going on?
Oh, nothing.
I just thought you might
be a little scared up here
all by yourself in this
big, empty building.
You wanna hear a story?
No. I'm sleepy.
Don't be... you don't
have to be ashamed
to tell me if you're
a little frightened.
I'm not scared.
Honest.
Tommy, now, if you're
embarrassed to ask me
to sleep in here,
well, don't be.
Okay.
Okay what?
Okay, I don't mind
sleeping here alone.
Well, the least I can
do is read you a story.
Well, if you really want to.
If I really want to?
I don't want to.
I thought you wanted
me to read you a story.
If you don't want
me to, I won't.
Good night.
Good night.
Ms. Marie, would you
like me to read you a story?
Good night, Tommy.
Good night.
Oh, sure, everything's
just fine, Mom.
Yeah, he's in the gym
right now playing basketball
all by himself.
I just wish I could
think of something
- to make him happy.
- Yeah, so?
I'm not gonna say it.
Hey, Mom, I just heard
something unbelievable.
I'll call you right back.
Okay, bye.
Let's do this.
Hi, fellows.
Hey, isn't that nice, Tommy?
We've got company.
Roger and I are playing.
How do you do, Ms. Marie,
and how are my dead bugs?
Oh, they couldn't be better.
What are you doing
over here, Roger?
I live near the
school, Ms. Marie,
so I come over to use
the gym during vacation.
Oh, isn't that great, Tommy?
Roger's staying all day.
Do you wanna play with us?
Are you kidding?
Just name the game.
Great!
Come on, Tommy, make it.
Oh, terrific.
Here we go.
Shoot, shoot!
Here's two.
It's a funny place for a ledge.
Touch the nose.
Touch the nose. Touch the nose.
Hop, hop, hop, hop.
Under the table.
Under the table.
Over the chair.
Over the chair.
Touch the red ball.
Touch the blue ball.
Touch the blue ball.
Touch the blue ball.
Bounce.
Bounce.
Bounce.
Oh, gosh, I have to go home.
Oh, gosh, I have to go home.
Oh, gosh, I have to go home.
No, I really got to go home.
It's late.
Oh, come, Roger. One more round.
Get out, come on.
I hate you, Tommy. All right.
Roger has to go home. Now,
we'll walk Roger to the door.
Come on, Tommy.
It sure was fun watching TV.
Yeah, that was a blast.
We're sorry you
have to go, Roger.
Well.
Come on, Roger, one more game.
No, I can't.
Well, goodbye.
And Merry Christmas, Miss Marie.
Merry Christmas. Bye.
Merry Christmas.
Sure was fun.
Yup, sure was.
Okay, I hope you find
a good hiding place
because when I count
to three, I'm coming out.
One, two, three.
Ready or not, here I come.
Is that the best place
you could find to hide?
I don't feel like playing.
Why, because Roger left?
It's just that he can go home
and have Christmas
with his parents.
And all I can do is look at this
old tree and eat
jelly sandwiches.
I know, Tommy, and I'm sorry.
It's not your fault.
But I still wish my mom and dad
lived right here in town.
I think I'll go up to my
room and study comic books.
Okay.
Hello? Mrs. Green?
This is Ann Marie.
You know, Roger's teacher.
The one with the dead bugs.
Well, you may think this
is a terrible imposition,
but you know little Tommy?
Yes, he is darling.
Well, that's just it.
I really think Tommy should be
spending Christmas with a family
rather than with just a teacher.
And I was wondering
if you and your family
would mind having another
little boy for Christmas.
Oh, oh, that's so nice of you.
Oh, thank you.
Yes, I'll tell him right away.
And Merry Christmas.
Bye.
Come on, come on. They're
waiting. Gee, Ms. Marie.
I hate to leave you all alone.
Oh, don't be silly.
I'll be just fine.
There. Now, don't eat too
much and have a good time.
Goodbye. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, darling.
You want a kiss?
Oh, I'd love it.
Thanks. Bye. Goodbye.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
What a great tree.
♪♪
It's just one night.
One Christmas.
I'm not a kid anymore.
He should be back
any minute, Daddy.
I know, I'm dying
to hear about it.
How was your Christmas?
Uncle Charlie had too
much egg nog again.
I knew it.
Hi, Tommy.
Hi, Ms. Marie.
Look at the truck they gave me.
Oh, isn't that great?
Did you have fun?
Great!
He says he had a great time.
It was terrific.
Thanks for getting me invited.
He's absolutely thrilled.
It was the best
Christmas I ever had.
He says it was the best
Christmas he ever had.
I bet they had a big
Christmas tree, too, huh?
No, they didn't.
They had a small tree.
No, they didn't.
They didn't have
a Christmas tree?
No. They're Jewish. Oh.
Jewish people don't have a tree
and they don't
celebrate Christmas.
They celebrate Hanukkah.
Yes, I know that.
But the Greens celebrated
Christmas just for me.
It was terrific.
I'm sorry to keep
you waiting, Daddy.
Okay, I'll see you
in a couple of days.
Merry Christmas,
and Happy Hanukkah.
I'll tell you when I see you.
Bye.
Ann, that's a very nice story.
Makes you understand
what Christmas is all about.
Hmm. It does. But
you know, to this day,
I can't stand jelly
sandwiches. Oh, I gotta go.
Why, where are you
going? What's the matter?
Well, Santa's in trouble.
What's that got to do with you?
I'm Santa's helper, remember?
See you later. Goodbye.
Of course, you can have
what you want for Christmas.
All right. Don't cry.
♪♪
Son, I hope you get everything
that you want for Christmas.
Well, who we got here?
Oh.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Excuse me, Ma'am, I'm sorry.
It's quite all right.
It certainly is
crowded, isn't it?
It's that time of year.
Yes.
Well, I, I guess
your children are
anxious to meet Santa Claus.
Child.
I only have one.
Oh, well, I bet he's excited.
No, he's at home Oh,
I thought this little
fellow belonged to you.
I thought he belonged to you.
Oh, no, no, I just
stopped by to take one
of Santa's helpers to lunch.
Isn't that a coincidence?
I just stopped by to
bring one of Santa's
helpers a present.
Uh, she and my son, Tommy,
once spent Christmas together.
Oh,
now, which one of
Santa's helpers is that?
Over there.
That girl.
♪♪
Wasn't that sweet?
Yeah, but you're not supposed
to open it before Christmas.
Well, presents in this category,
you can. What category?
From people you don't really
know. I'm dying to find out what it is.
If you don't know her,
why she buy a present?
Well, her son's
a friend of mine.
Yes, she told me that.
Did she also tell
you about the time
I almost ruined his Christmas?
Why? Did you tell him
there's no Santa Claus?
There's no what?
Oh, sorry.
Oh, look, isn't that darling?
Honey... Isn't that cute?
Honey, I'm assuming
that the son you spent
the Christmas with is like that.
Oh, well, no, Donald.
Actually, he was more like that.
Oh.
Oh, he was so cute.
It was three Christmases ago
before I ever became an actress.
I mean, before I
became a Santa's helper.
Oh, boys, you were
all great. Just great.
Now, don't run. And remember to return
all the branches back to Ms. Berman.
Alfred, wait till you get to your
room before you take off your leaves!
Tommy, aren't you gonna
take off your costume?
Yeah, but it was
fun being a tree.
And you're a very
good tree, too.
Yeah.
No, you were.
I wish I could've talked.
Well, it isn't easy being
a silent Christmas tree
and you were very,
very believable.
Thank you, Ms. Marie.
Hey, you really were.
I mean, the way you swayed,
it was just like a
tree in the wind.
What ever made you
think of moving like that?
It was the pine
needles. They itched.
Well, anyway, it
was just terrific.
And if I ever find a
Broadway producer
who's looking for somebody
who can play a tree,
I'm gonna tell them
I know just the guy.
A Broadway producer?
Yeah, well, I hope I
meet one someday.
You see, I wanna be an actress.
Aren't you coming
back after the holidays?
No, I don't think so.
Gee, everybody I
like is an actress.
What do you mean?
My mother is an actress.
Really?
Isn't that nice?
Do you wanna be an
actor when you grow up?
No, I think I'd rather
be an astronaut
or work in a gas station.
Well, who knows? You may be able
to do both. By the time you grow up,
they may have gas
stations on the moon.
Okay, now, you take these
back to Ms. Berman's room.
And you were just
a wonderful tree.
It was very nice
knowing you, Tommy.
Have a Merry Christmas.
Fat chance.
What do you mean fat chance?
I'm sure you've had
lots of fun Christmases.
I've never had it in a house,
only in a hotel.
And the last three Christmases,
Mom and Dad weren't even here.
Well, I'm sure they're gonna
be here this year. Aren't they?
I think so, if the
movie is finished. I'm
just waiting to see what
goes wrong this time.
Well, I'm sure if anything
was gonna go wrong,
you'd have heard by now.
We'll see. So long, Ms. Marie.
Hey, wait a minute.
Aren't you gonna give
me a kiss goodbye?
Uh uh. Astronauts
don't kiss girls.
Gas station attendants do.
Okay.
Bye. Bye.
Well, that was one of the most successful
Christmas pageants we've ever had.
Well, I've always
had a way with trees.
Won't you sit down,
please? Thank you.
Now, are you still thinking
of giving up teaching?
Well, for the time being, yes.
I really wanna try acting.
Well, I'm sure you'll
be very good at it.
You have a nice theatrical feel.
The children respond
to you very well.
Thank you. It was a lot of fun.
Mrs. Merman and
I particularly liked
that little boy whom you
had swaying like the wind.
Well, that wasn't swaying,
that was scratching.
What? Tommy
Phillips was scratching.
A slight case of pine needles.
Oh.
Well, I'm afraid I have
some bad news for Tommy.
His parents aren't coming
home for Christmas?
Well, how did you know?
Tommy said something
might happen.
They're making a film,
it's behind schedule.
That poor kid.
If only I'd known,
I could have done something.
Well, what could you have done?
Oh, I don't know.
Maybe, make him one
of the trees that talked.
Oh, hi, Roger.
How do you do, Ms.
Marie? Am I disturbing you?
No, I'm getting ready to leave.
Would you like to come in?
I just came to give you a gift.
For me?
Yes, Merry Christmas.
Oh, Roger, you
shouldn't have done that.
Why not?
Oh, well, that's
just an expression
people use when they get
a present they didn't expect.
It's okay.
My mother won't let me keep it.
What is it?
My dead bug collection.
Oh.
You don't already
have one, do you?
Oh, oh, no, this
will be my first one.
You'll find in
there ants, spiders,
seven regular flies
and one horsefly.
Oh, Isn't that beautiful?
Oh, Roger, I can't tell
you how happy I am
you gave this to me.
I wish my mother liked
bugs as much as you do.
Well, different people
like different things.
Anytime I find any new bugs,
I'll bring 'em right to you.
Terrific.
Bye, Ms. Marie.
Bye.
Hi, Tommy.
I heard about the telegram.
I'm sorry.
It's okay.
Well, where are you
gonna spend Christmas?
Right here.
But everybody's leaving.
Not Mr. Carson, the caretaker.
He lives in the school grounds.
Oh.
Well, he's nice.
Yeah, I spent Christmas
with him last year.
Tommy Phillips, how
would you like to spend
Christmas with me?
Are you staying here, too?
No, I'm gonna go home.
And I'd love to
take you with me.
To your house?
Uh um. And let me tell you,
Christmas at the Maries'
is really something.
Wait 'till you see.
There'll be a
house full of kids,
and we'll have a
big Christmas tree,
and it will be all
decorated real terrific-like,
and we'll even build a snowman.
And I will personally
guarantee you
a snowfall on Christmas Eve.
Terrific!
Well, one thing.
And you gotta watch it.
I'm the best snowball
thrower in Putnam County.
What do you mean I can't
take Tommy home with me?
Now, if you just calm down,
I'll explain it to you.
Well, try explaining
it to Tommy.
He's packing right now.
Oh, I'm sorry as you are,
but the school is
responsible for his safety.
But I'm a teacher.
I'll watch him every second.
I'll even handcuff
him to me if necessary.
We have an insurance policy
in the event the child is harmed.
And that policy only covers
the 10-mile radius of the school.
Now, I'm sorry, but
you'll just have to accept
the fact. We can't let
you take Tommy home.
All he wanted was
one rotten Christmas.
Boy, that's just
what he's getting.
Bye. Merry Christmas.
Bye, Miss Marie.
Bye. Bye.
I'm almost ready, Ms. Marie.
When do we leave?
Tommy, I have
something to tell you.
Is it bad?
Well, to be perfectly
honest with you,
I guess you could say it's bad.
You can't take me home with you.
Is that it?
Yes.
You don't like me?
Oh, of course, I like you.
It's the insurance company.
They don't like me?
No, they like you.
It's just that, well,
they're a business
and they have these
business problems.
And they don't want
a teacher or anybody
to take a child ten
miles or more away
from the school and,
and it doesn't really matter.
Because you know what,
I have got a much better idea.
Good or bad?
A better idea is always good.
You and I are gonna
celebrate Christmas
together right here.
Oh, it's gonna be great.
We'll have a wonderful
time, you'll see.
Hello?
Ann, you should be
on your way home.
What's the matter?
Did they keep you after school?
Yes, I wrote "teacher is a dope"
on the blackboard
and they caught me.
Is, uh, is anything wrong?
Well, there's this boy at
school named Tommy and...
Oh, you'd rather go
dancing with a football player
than spend Christmas
with your parents.
Daddy, Tommy is eight years old.
He's a pupil of mine.
Oh? What's the matter with him?
Well, there's nothing
really the matter with him.
It's just that he's very lonely.
You see, at the last
minute, his parents
can't make it for Christmas.
And he's gonna have to spend it
all alone in this
great, big school.
And to tell you the truth,
Daddy, I really don't think
I can have a very Merry
Christmas thinking about that.
Would you and Mom understand
if I decided to stay here
and spend it with him?
Your mother is gonna
be awfully disappointed,
but I'll try to use my, uh,
influence with her.
Thanks, Daddy.
And Ann, you're a good kid.
That's your opinion.
Merry Christmas, Daddy.
Merry Christmas, darling.
Goodbye, darling.
Bye bye, thank you so much.
Have a Merry Christmas. Bye.
Merry Christmas. Bye.
Merry Christmas, darling.
Goodbye.
Well, Now, we
can start having fun.
Yeah.
This is gonna be
the best Christmas
you ever had.
Yeah.
It sure is gonna be.
It's gonna snow
out pretty soon and,
and look at this tree.
Who ever had a tree this size,
in their very own fort.
It sure is big.
Sure is.
I wonder how Rockefeller
Center missed it.
It's getting dark.
Does that mean it'll
start snowing soon?
Sure.
And tomorrow morning,
we're gonna be right
out there building a snowman.
Tommy.
Yes?
How do you build a rainman?
You said the kid
had no Christmas
but you had a
big, beautiful tree.
Oh, Donald, the tree
doesn't make a Christmas.
It's the people around it.
So what did you and the kid do?
Well, actually, I
didn't know what to do.
So every time we found
something that worked,
we just repeated it.
We played Checkers,
74 games of Checkers.
And we ate jelly sandwiches.
74 jelly sandwiches?
No, 67.
And we redecorated the tree.
Let's see there.
Hey, now, that's not bad.
Where would you like the angel?
Just where you had it.
I think you should
really be sure, Tommy,
'cause after all,
this is your tree.
This isn't much
fun for you, is it?
It's okay.
I really enjoyed watching
you move the angel around.
Should I move the
Santa around again?
We already moved
that around a lot.
I think we should
move the Santa around
for a little while,
and I think we should
play a couple of games
of Checkers and...
Hey, you know we haven't
even had any dinner yet?
I'm not hungry.
Sure, you are.
How about our
favorite special deluxe?
Oh, no, not jelly
sandwiches again.
Come on. I'll race
you to the kitchen.
But I always beat you.
Well, come on, let me see.
All right, how do you want it?
Cut in two or folded over?
Cut in two. Cut in two.
Let's see.
Okay.
Folded over.
Now, listen, my menus
may not be the greatest,
but I can still cut
a sandwich in two.
Like that.
Clean incision.
There we go. Thank
you so much, young man,
and please come again.
Think I'll have
mine folded over.
How is it?
Any good?
There are never jelly
sandwiches. Yeah?
I think we should light
the centerpiece, don't you?
There. What's that?
What's what? Footsteps.
Oh, that's just
your imagination.
Is he my imagination, too?
Good evening, Ms. Marie.
Oh.
Oh, Mr. Carson, it's you.
See, Tommy, it's just
Mr. Carson, that's all.
Hello, Tommy.
Would you like to join us?
We're offering two different
cuts of jelly sandwiches.
Oh, no, no. No
thank you, Ms. Marie.
Oh, please do.
I'm just so glad you're here.
It will be nice having
somebody else around.
Oh, that's what I've come to
talk to you about, Ms. Marie.
If it's all right with you,
I'm not gonna be here.
What do I have to do with it?
Mr. Merman said it'd be
okay to visit my brother
for Christmas if
you'd be good enough
to look after a
few things for me.
Well, if there isn't
too much to do...
Hardly anything.
Just set the sprinkler system,
be sure all the doors
and windows are locked,
turn out all the lights,
and check the furnace.
Check the furnace?
Oh, it's really very easy.
It's all push buttons.
Uh, thank you very
much, Ms. Marie.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
Do you know how to
take care of a furnace?
Sure. Are you kidding?
Very easy.
It's all push buttons.
So, that's what a
furnace looks like.
Now, what do I do?
It's just a matter
of pushing a button,
he said.
Okay. Is it a red button,
a green button
and a yellow button?
He forgot to tell me
which button to push.
I'll try the green button.
I guess that's not right.
Wait a minute.
He just said to
check the furnace.
He didn't say
what to check it for.
As long as you're
talking to yourself,
maybe you'll know the answer.
That's the answer.
I'm scared to death,
I'm going upstairs.
What's going on?
Oh, nothing.
I just thought you might
be a little scared up here
all by yourself in this
big, empty building.
You wanna hear a story?
No. I'm sleepy.
Don't be... you don't
have to be ashamed
to tell me if you're
a little frightened.
I'm not scared.
Honest.
Tommy, now, if you're
embarrassed to ask me
to sleep in here,
well, don't be.
Okay.
Okay what?
Okay, I don't mind
sleeping here alone.
Well, the least I can
do is read you a story.
Well, if you really want to.
If I really want to?
I don't want to.
I thought you wanted
me to read you a story.
If you don't want
me to, I won't.
Good night.
Good night.
Ms. Marie, would you
like me to read you a story?
Good night, Tommy.
Good night.
Oh, sure, everything's
just fine, Mom.
Yeah, he's in the gym
right now playing basketball
all by himself.
I just wish I could
think of something
- to make him happy.
- Yeah, so?
I'm not gonna say it.
Hey, Mom, I just heard
something unbelievable.
I'll call you right back.
Okay, bye.
Let's do this.
Hi, fellows.
Hey, isn't that nice, Tommy?
We've got company.
Roger and I are playing.
How do you do, Ms. Marie,
and how are my dead bugs?
Oh, they couldn't be better.
What are you doing
over here, Roger?
I live near the
school, Ms. Marie,
so I come over to use
the gym during vacation.
Oh, isn't that great, Tommy?
Roger's staying all day.
Do you wanna play with us?
Are you kidding?
Just name the game.
Great!
Come on, Tommy, make it.
Oh, terrific.
Here we go.
Shoot, shoot!
Here's two.
It's a funny place for a ledge.
Touch the nose.
Touch the nose. Touch the nose.
Hop, hop, hop, hop.
Under the table.
Under the table.
Over the chair.
Over the chair.
Touch the red ball.
Touch the blue ball.
Touch the blue ball.
Touch the blue ball.
Bounce.
Bounce.
Bounce.
Oh, gosh, I have to go home.
Oh, gosh, I have to go home.
Oh, gosh, I have to go home.
No, I really got to go home.
It's late.
Oh, come, Roger. One more round.
Get out, come on.
I hate you, Tommy. All right.
Roger has to go home. Now,
we'll walk Roger to the door.
Come on, Tommy.
It sure was fun watching TV.
Yeah, that was a blast.
We're sorry you
have to go, Roger.
Well.
Come on, Roger, one more game.
No, I can't.
Well, goodbye.
And Merry Christmas, Miss Marie.
Merry Christmas. Bye.
Merry Christmas.
Sure was fun.
Yup, sure was.
Okay, I hope you find
a good hiding place
because when I count
to three, I'm coming out.
One, two, three.
Ready or not, here I come.
Is that the best place
you could find to hide?
I don't feel like playing.
Why, because Roger left?
It's just that he can go home
and have Christmas
with his parents.
And all I can do is look at this
old tree and eat
jelly sandwiches.
I know, Tommy, and I'm sorry.
It's not your fault.
But I still wish my mom and dad
lived right here in town.
I think I'll go up to my
room and study comic books.
Okay.
Hello? Mrs. Green?
This is Ann Marie.
You know, Roger's teacher.
The one with the dead bugs.
Well, you may think this
is a terrible imposition,
but you know little Tommy?
Yes, he is darling.
Well, that's just it.
I really think Tommy should be
spending Christmas with a family
rather than with just a teacher.
And I was wondering
if you and your family
would mind having another
little boy for Christmas.
Oh, oh, that's so nice of you.
Oh, thank you.
Yes, I'll tell him right away.
And Merry Christmas.
Bye.
Come on, come on. They're
waiting. Gee, Ms. Marie.
I hate to leave you all alone.
Oh, don't be silly.
I'll be just fine.
There. Now, don't eat too
much and have a good time.
Goodbye. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas, darling.
You want a kiss?
Oh, I'd love it.
Thanks. Bye. Goodbye.
Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas.
What a great tree.
♪♪
It's just one night.
One Christmas.
I'm not a kid anymore.
He should be back
any minute, Daddy.
I know, I'm dying
to hear about it.
How was your Christmas?
Uncle Charlie had too
much egg nog again.
I knew it.
Hi, Tommy.
Hi, Ms. Marie.
Look at the truck they gave me.
Oh, isn't that great?
Did you have fun?
Great!
He says he had a great time.
It was terrific.
Thanks for getting me invited.
He's absolutely thrilled.
It was the best
Christmas I ever had.
He says it was the best
Christmas he ever had.
I bet they had a big
Christmas tree, too, huh?
No, they didn't.
They had a small tree.
No, they didn't.
They didn't have
a Christmas tree?
No. They're Jewish. Oh.
Jewish people don't have a tree
and they don't
celebrate Christmas.
They celebrate Hanukkah.
Yes, I know that.
But the Greens celebrated
Christmas just for me.
It was terrific.
I'm sorry to keep
you waiting, Daddy.
Okay, I'll see you
in a couple of days.
Merry Christmas,
and Happy Hanukkah.
I'll tell you when I see you.
Bye.
Ann, that's a very nice story.
Makes you understand
what Christmas is all about.
Hmm. It does. But
you know, to this day,
I can't stand jelly
sandwiches. Oh, I gotta go.
Why, where are you
going? What's the matter?
Well, Santa's in trouble.
What's that got to do with you?
I'm Santa's helper, remember?
See you later. Goodbye.
Of course, you can have
what you want for Christmas.
All right. Don't cry.
♪♪