Adventures from the Book of Virtues – Episode 30: “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” is a timeless animated moral story segment featured in the PBS educational series Adventures from the Book of Virtues, produced by PorchLight Entertainment.
This tale tells the legendary story of the Pied Piper, who uses his magical pipe to rid the town of Hamelin from a plague of rats. When the townspeople refuse to keep their promise to reward him, the Piper teaches them a powerful lesson by leading their children away in consequence. Guided by the wise lion Plato, this story illustrates the importance of keeping promises, trustworthiness, and the consequences of broken commitment.
Key Themes in This Episode
Trust and keeping promises
Moral consequences of deceit
Responsibility to others
Ethical behavior and accountability
Story Context
Series: Adventures from the Book of Virtues
Episode Segment: The Pied Piper of Hamelin
Production Company: PorchLight Entertainment
Original Network: PBS
Genre: Educational, Moral, Family, Animated
Language: English
This story is perfect for children, families, and educators seeking engaging animation that teaches enduring lessons about trust, promises, and ethical decision-making.
pied piper of hamelin lesson trust promises moral story accountability consequences animated morals educational clip family animation classic animation pbs education virtue learning storytelling animation children learning family friendly english cartoon vintage animation 1990s cartoon educational tv ethical behavior honesty responsibility moral guidance animated teaching values education child development learning ethics animated classics family viewing educational entertainment virtue stories moral philosophy ethics for kids character building animated storytelling classic kids animation education through stories moral clarity integrity learning animated education family cartoon learning values ethical learning animation history educational family show moral development classic educational animation kids education family entertainment animated values story based learning moral awareness ethical understanding virtue education cartoon morals animated life lessons #PiedPiper #Hamelin #trust #promises #moraleducation #ethicalvalues #characterbuilding #virtuelearning #lifelessons #animatededucation #familyfriendly #classiccartoon #pbs #kidslearning #educationforkids #storybookanimation #familyviewing #educationaltv #valuesforkids #moralstories #animatedclassics #learningethics #familycartoon #educationalanimation #accountability #honesty #integrity
This tale tells the legendary story of the Pied Piper, who uses his magical pipe to rid the town of Hamelin from a plague of rats. When the townspeople refuse to keep their promise to reward him, the Piper teaches them a powerful lesson by leading their children away in consequence. Guided by the wise lion Plato, this story illustrates the importance of keeping promises, trustworthiness, and the consequences of broken commitment.
Key Themes in This Episode
Trust and keeping promises
Moral consequences of deceit
Responsibility to others
Ethical behavior and accountability
Story Context
Series: Adventures from the Book of Virtues
Episode Segment: The Pied Piper of Hamelin
Production Company: PorchLight Entertainment
Original Network: PBS
Genre: Educational, Moral, Family, Animated
Language: English
This story is perfect for children, families, and educators seeking engaging animation that teaches enduring lessons about trust, promises, and ethical decision-making.
pied piper of hamelin lesson trust promises moral story accountability consequences animated morals educational clip family animation classic animation pbs education virtue learning storytelling animation children learning family friendly english cartoon vintage animation 1990s cartoon educational tv ethical behavior honesty responsibility moral guidance animated teaching values education child development learning ethics animated classics family viewing educational entertainment virtue stories moral philosophy ethics for kids character building animated storytelling classic kids animation education through stories moral clarity integrity learning animated education family cartoon learning values ethical learning animation history educational family show moral development classic educational animation kids education family entertainment animated values story based learning moral awareness ethical understanding virtue education cartoon morals animated life lessons #PiedPiper #Hamelin #trust #promises #moraleducation #ethicalvalues #characterbuilding #virtuelearning #lifelessons #animatededucation #familyfriendly #classiccartoon #pbs #kidslearning #educationforkids #storybookanimation #familyviewing #educationaltv #valuesforkids #moralstories #animatedclassics #learningethics #familycartoon #educationalanimation #accountability #honesty #integrity
Category
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Short filmTranscript
00:00Tell me a story, read me a poem
00:24Wrap it in melody, sing me the song
00:29Then let me hold it deep in my heart
00:34Where it can speak to me all the day long
00:39The adventure of virtue, the adventure of truth
00:45The thrill of the knowing that it's up to you
00:50Building a new day shining in the sun
00:54This is my story, the adventure has begun
01:01But Annie, you promised and promised and it's still not done
01:25Uh-oh, sounds like Annie's in trouble
01:28It's not honest to break your word
01:30I haven't, I'll get to it, believe me
01:34This fence is as good as painted
01:36Really? You could have fooled me
01:41And I suppose this furniture's as good as painted too
01:45Um, I guess not
01:48Look, I know it's taken a while
01:51Two months and counting
01:53But it'll be worth waiting for
01:56You'll see, this yard will look like a dream
01:59This fence will be perfect
02:04Not a paint drip or a bubble anywhere
02:07The birds won't even want to perch on it
02:09Because they won't want to get it dirty
02:11And the furniture will look so shiny and new
02:14The flowers will feel shabby next to it
02:17So, when's this backyard magic going to happen?
02:23Next year? Next century?
02:26Nope, next Saturday no matter what
02:29You have my word
02:30Mmm
02:32Hmm, and I'll count on you keeping it
02:35Oh, by the way
02:38You've got some mail
02:40Thanks, Mom
02:40Hi, Annie
02:47Guess I better perch here while I can
02:50You heard that, huh?
02:53Guess you think I'm pretty flaky
02:55Well, this fence sure is
02:59Mmm, your mom's right
03:01It needs help
03:03Yeah
03:03This paint job's gonna be a full day's work
03:06Good thing I don't have anything else planned Saturday
03:09I'm invited to Janelle's birthday party?
03:15Yes!
03:16Once at La Concha
03:17The New Mexican place
03:18I've been dying to go there
03:20Then miniature golfing
03:21And birthday cake back at Janelle's
03:23This will be so much fun
03:26Please save Saturday, June 12th
03:29Oh, no
03:30That's next Saturday
03:31I'll just have to postpone the painting
03:34I'll tell Mom something really important came up
03:37She'll understand
03:39Won't she?
03:41Sorry, Annie
03:42But I don't think that'll fly
03:43Oh, you're right
03:46I've gotta paint the fence
03:47But I can't miss this party
03:49And I can't be in two places at once
03:52Unless
03:54I promised Mom the painting would get done
03:57I never said who would do it
04:00Maybe I can hire someone
04:02A measly 22 bucks
04:07Oh, great
04:08By the time I buy Janelle's present
04:11I've got 15 bucks to pay for painting
04:13Max
04:14No one's gonna work all day for that
04:17Mom's just gotta let me put it off
04:20It's a nightmare
04:27I've painted myself into a corner
04:29And I'm too broke to get out
04:31Hey, why don't you hire me?
04:34You wouldn't have to pay me any money
04:36Just a few dozen brownies
04:38Of course, I've never painted a fence before
04:41But I have painted lots of rocks
04:44Which means I'm still left holding the paintbrush
04:47Maybe it's better you can't pay someone else to keep your promise for you
04:52Because you might gain more from keeping it yourself
04:55That's right, Annie
04:57What's worth more in the long run?
05:01Being honest or going to a party?
05:03What party?
05:04The party I'm gonna miss to keep a date with a paint can
05:08Unless you know someone who'd work wonders with a fence and outdoor furniture for 15 bucks
05:13Ta-da!
05:15That's me!
05:16Mr. Wonder Worker
05:18You saying you'll do it?
05:21You bet
05:2115 bucks would just pay for that new CD I've been wanting
05:25Of course, you could sweeten the deal with some lemonade
05:28All you can drink
05:30Deal
05:31Hey, Eddie!
05:38I'm getting thirsty out of here
05:39Lemonade coming right up
05:42I made you a whole pitcher full
05:48Because you're gonna have a long day ahead of you
05:51I don't believe it
05:54You're almost done
05:57But you can't be
05:58You've only been here an hour
06:00It's impossible
06:01Told you I was a Wonder Worker
06:04So, you think you could pay me that 15 bucks now?
06:12I thought I'd stop by the music store on my way home
06:1415 bucks for an hour's worth of work?
06:18For the fence and the furniture
06:21That's what you promised, isn't it?
06:24Yeah, but...
06:26But what?
06:27But I'm gonna be late for the party
06:30We'll settle this later, okay?
06:31I promised Mom a really good job
06:39And it can't be that good if you did it that fast
06:43Oh, yeah, but you can't find one paint drip or a bubble anywhere
06:48Hmm...
06:49Guess not
06:51So, I finally get my 15 bucks?
06:56No, 7
06:57It was gonna be 5
06:59But since it looks this nice, I figure I should pay you more
07:02You should pay me what you said
07:05Okay, 8 bucks
07:07That's my final offer
07:08Your offer was 15
07:11You're cheating me
07:12That was for a whole day's work
07:15But it only took you an hour
07:17You're cheating me
07:18So, give me your honest opinion, Sock
07:22Who's the cheater?
07:23Me or Zach?
07:26I'll have to think about that
07:28I think I'd think better after a tummy rub
07:33Especially if my tummy was full
07:36Are you asking for a bribe?
07:39He'd sell his soul for a bag of cookies
07:41I would not
07:43But I'd definitely rent it out
07:46Forget it!
07:48So, Ari, what do you think?
07:51Hmm, it's a tough one
07:52Honesty is the wisest policy
07:55You did make a bargain, Annie
07:57Tell it to Annie
07:58She won't pay me my 15 bucks
08:01Just cause that painting job didn't take as long as she thought
08:05But no kid gets paid 15 bucks an hour
08:08It's just not fair
08:09That's what the Badgers of Hamlin thought about the deal they made with the Pied Piper
08:14Oh, was that the fellow who picked a pack of pickled peppers?
08:18No, that was Peter Piper
08:20Oh
08:21The town of Hamlin had a serious rat problem
08:25But the real rats in town weren't vermin
08:29They were town officials wearing ermine
08:32Uh, what's ermine?
08:34A special kind of fur
08:35In the old world, in the old times
08:39It was used to trim fancy robes
08:41Like the mayor and the town council wore
08:44You mean, these patcher officials wore someone else's fur?
08:49Oh, that's not all they did
08:51They also made lots of promises
08:55And broke them all
08:57They promised to repair the broken cobblestones on the town's streets
09:04Plaid flowers in the town square
09:07Buy books for the schoolhouse
09:10Build a bridge over the river
09:12Of course, to do these wonderful things
09:15The mayor and council needed to have meetings
09:19Lunch meetings
09:20Dinner meetings
09:22These fat cat badgers spent so much on themselves
09:27There was nothing left to spend on the town
09:30So they raised the taxes
09:32But they raised their salaries too
09:35Soon there was no more money left to keep their promises
09:39But that didn't stop them from making more promises than ever
09:42And those promises sounded so fine
09:46The townsfolk never quite caught on
09:49That is, until the rats came
09:52At first, there were only a couple of rats
09:55The mayor and council promised to buy traps to catch them
09:59But instead, they bought another dinner
10:03And the rats, seeing there were no traps
10:06Went and got their friends
10:08Who got their friends?
10:11And instead of a rat here and there
10:13Soon they were everywhere
10:15And when it seemed the rats would take over the town
10:19The citizens of Hamelin finally called a meeting of their own
10:24While you fat cats have been sitting on your hands
10:28The rats have been scaring our babies
10:31Cleaning out our cupboards
10:32Nesting in our beds
10:34The citizens of Hamelin have had enough
10:36If you don't get rid of every last rat in 24 hours
10:41We are getting rid of you
10:43My dear Goethe
10:48There are so many rats and so little time
10:51We'll need at least a few weeks
10:53You've had too much time already
10:56One day more
10:58But Goethe, wait
11:04Grandpa, are you done wilking?
11:10Can you go fishing with me now?
11:13No, Klaus
11:14Maybe tomorrow
11:16But you said that yesterday
11:18You're always saying that
11:20Please, Grandpa
11:21You promised
11:22And I'll keep my promise
11:26Soon
11:27But right now we must meet and find a way to get rid of these rats
11:31Or they'll lose our jobs
11:33Not to mention our lunch
11:40I say
11:43We set traps at once
11:45Oh, too late for that, Johan
11:47There aren't enough traps in this whole country to catch them all
11:51Perhaps we could bring in some rat specialists
11:54No time
11:56They'd have to do a study
11:58Write a report
12:00It would take at least six months
12:01Even if we could afford the fee
12:04Which reminds me
12:06Dietrich, what can we afford?
12:09I'll have to go check our money bags
12:11These are heavier than I remember
12:17We're doomed
12:21Excuse me, your honours
12:25I hear you have a rat problem
12:27Perhaps I can help
12:29Oh, then by all means, come in
12:31And who might you be?
12:33You don't look much like a rat catcher
12:36Or a scientist, either
12:37I am known as the Pied Piper
12:40My music weaves a strange spell on those who hear it
12:45No creature can resist it
12:47I have freed many a town from many a pest
12:51And, for the right price, I'll be happy to make short work of your rats as well
12:57How short?
12:59Can they be gone in a day?
13:00In an hour
13:02And what is the right price?
13:05One hundred gold pieces
13:07Which, judging by your dinnerware, you can easily afford
13:12Will you excuse us so we can discuss it?
13:18We can't pay him that
13:20It will clean out the town chest
13:22We are wasting our time
13:24I say we send him packing
13:26And I say we agree to his bargain
13:29That silly old pipe of his won't rid this town of one rat
13:32Let alone thousands
13:33But, it will give us someone else to blame for our failure
13:38When the rats aren't gone, we can say the Piper broke his promise
13:42And buy ourselves more time without spending a penny
13:47Oh, that's a great idea
13:51Very well
13:54We agree to your fee
13:56But, you must get rid of every single rat in Hamelin
14:01If you do, you shall have your money
14:04Best start counting it then
14:06Because I'll soon hold up my end of this bargain
14:10Yeah
14:17Yeah
14:17Yeah
14:17No
14:18Oh
14:20Oh
14:20No
14:21No
14:21Actually, Grandpa was here.
14:51Look, Grandpa, the rats are going swimming.
15:13It looks like the rats are sunk.
15:20And so are we.
15:23Yes.
15:24I'm afraid we shall have to pay the piper.
15:31You've done it!
15:33Actually, I've done it.
15:35And now I like my reward.
15:38Here you go, my good fellow.
15:41Only 20 gold pieces.
15:43Your bargain was for a hundred.
15:46You weren't serious, were you?
15:49Why, no one pays a hundred gold pieces for an hour's work?
15:54After all, it's my job to guard our good citizens' money.
15:58Now what kind of mare would I be if I paid you a fee like that?
16:03An honest one, which you obviously, sir, are not.
16:07Good citizens of Hamelin, I ask you, is it honest for this piper to expect a hundred gold pieces for a little piping?
16:17No!
16:18Well, I ask you, is it honest for this mare to make a promise and then break it?
16:27No, sir, but he always does that.
16:35It is up to you good people to make sure your mare keeps his bargain or you will have to face the music.
16:43Oh, he's bluffing. He can't pipe the rats back out of the river.
16:48Get out!
16:49Very well, but don't say I didn't warn you.
16:56Your Honor! Look! Your grandson is following the piper!
17:01What of it? Klaus always did like music. I'm sure he'll turn back in a moment.
17:07What's this?
17:09Other children are following him too!
17:12After them!
17:27Children! Stop!
17:31He's not going to drown them in the river like he did the rats!
17:36No, look! He's heading towards a mountain!
17:39There's no trail! It's sheer rock!
17:45You're right! They'll have to turn back!
17:48The game is up!
17:56Children! Come back! Come back!
18:00Children!
18:01Children! My children!
18:02Children!
18:03Children!
18:04Children!
18:16Where's the piper? Why did the children follow him?
18:19His music promised he would take us to a wonderful place where no one is ever sick or sad or lame anymore.
18:32And the breeze is always gentle and the flowers are always bright.
18:38But...
18:41I could not keep up!
18:43And now I fear I'll never get there!
18:47And I fear they'll never get our children back!
18:51Don't say that!
18:53This must be some trick!
18:55He can't have taken them that far!
18:57We must put out the word!
18:58If you'll just bring them back, we'll pay him anything!
19:05I bet that mayor wishes he were more honest with his grandson.
19:09And the piper.
19:11Well, the townsfolk weren't too honest either.
19:14They could have made him pay the piper, but they didn't.
19:17That's right!
19:19And because of their dishonesty, they lost something far more valuable than money.
19:25Their children.
19:27Well, I think the piper was mean to take revenge like that.
19:30And besides, he was overcharging.
19:33Just like Zack.
19:35You still don't get it, do you?
19:38Okay, fine. Don't pay me. You'll be sorry.
19:41Why? Are you gonna get me back?
19:43No, Annie. I just won't believe anything you say. Ever!
19:49Okay, fine!
19:51Is it fine, Annie?
19:53Sounds like you're also in danger of losing something more important than money.
19:58Your integrity.
20:00Not to mention a good friend.
20:03Yeah, right.
20:07Hey, that's not how it's supposed to end!
20:09No. This is how it's supposed to end.
20:13So, Willy, let me and you be wipers of scores out with all men.
20:19Especially pipers.
20:21And whether they pipe us free from rats or from mice.
20:25If we've promised them art, let us keep our promise.
20:30Mom, that's the nicest wedding cake you've ever made!
20:35It must have taken you forever!
20:37No, but it took longer than I thought.
20:41About twice as long as normal.
20:43I think I'll take a picture of it from my album.
20:47You're charging the normal price for this cake?
20:50But it took you extra long.
20:52Shouldn't you charge extra money?
20:55No, Annie.
20:57That's what I agreed on and I'm going to keep my word.
21:00My integrity is worth far more than a few extra dollars.
21:04It's priceless.
21:08Another fine cake from a fine person.
21:11We know we can always trust your work.
21:14And your word.
21:16I just won't believe anything you say, ever!
21:18Oh no!
21:19Dear Zack, you are invited to a party at Plato's Peak.
21:29So, what's the occasion?
21:32It's an appreciation party.
21:33For you.
21:34To thank a fine person for a fine painting job.
21:35Dear Zack, I know I can always trust your work.
21:37And your word.
21:38I'm sorry you couldn't trust mine.
21:40Here's your fifteen dollars.
21:41Please forgive me.
21:42And I hope I haven't lost your friendship.
21:43No way, Annie.
21:44Oh, great!
21:45Let's eat!
21:46I made us all some sandwiches and lemonade.
21:47And I baked you a whole bag of cookies, Zack.
21:48As an extra thank you.
21:49Oh no, you don't!
21:50Just let me just hold this, please?
21:51I won't steal a single cookie.
21:52I can't believe you have a holy recipe.
21:53I mostly can't wait for me to know how to reward my life with me.
21:56I'm sorry I got my job.
21:57And you didn't want to spend it on my luck.
21:58What are you doing?
21:59And I'm sorry you couldn't trust mine.
22:00What?
22:01I don't want to be a good idea.
22:02I don't want to be a good idea.
22:03This is annoying.
22:04You can't be a good idea.
22:05A bad idea.
22:06I'm sorry you couldn't trust mine.
22:07Here's your fifteen dollars.
22:08Please forgive me.
22:09And I hope I haven't lost your friendship.
22:10No way, Annie!
22:11Thanks. Oh, no, you don't. Oh, just let me hold this, please. I won't steal a single
22:19cookie. I promise. Okay. Hey, come back. You're breaking your word. I said I wouldn't steal
22:29a single cookie. I never said I wouldn't steal the whole bag. I never should have trusted
22:36him. I know, which is why I hid the cookies in my backpack. Hey, these aren't cookies.
22:43They're trash bags. Hey, no fair, you cheated me.
22:48To meet some of our characters online and learn more about adventures from the Book of Virtues,
23:07visit our website at pbskids.org.
23:18Oh, oh, oh, oh.
23:48Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
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