- 20 hours ago
Out Town: A Forgotten Tale is a classic story from a forgotten era, bringing back the feeling of old times, lost memories, and unforgettable moments. This timeless film follows a journey filled with mystery, emotions, and memories from a world that has slowly disappeared. A nostalgic tale that captures the atmosphere, drama, and spirit of classic cinema.
Step into the past and experience a forgotten story that continues to live through time. Perfect for fans of vintage films, old movies, classic storytelling, and timeless adventures.
Step into the past and experience a forgotten story that continues to live through time. Perfect for fans of vintage films, old movies, classic storytelling, and timeless adventures.
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Short filmTranscript
00:00:00The End
00:02:00Longitude is 70 degrees, 37 minutes.
00:02:04Running right through the middle of the town is Main Street.
00:02:07Cutting across Main Street on the left is the railroad tracks.
00:02:10Beyond the railroad tracks is Polish Town.
00:02:12You know, foreign folks who come here to work in the mills, a couple of Canuck families and the Catholic
00:02:18Church.
00:02:20You can see the steeple of the Congregational Church.
00:02:23The Presbyterian is just across the street.
00:02:26The Methodist and the Unitarian are up a block.
00:02:29The Baptist Church is down in the hollow by the river.
00:02:34Next to the post office is the town hall.
00:02:37Jail's in the basement.
00:02:39Brian once made a speech right from those very steps.
00:02:42It's a nice town.
00:02:43Know what I mean?
00:02:45Nobody very wonderful ever come out of it, so far as we know.
00:02:48The earliest dates on the tombstones up there in the cemetery say 1670.
00:02:53They're Grobers and Cartwrights and Gibbses and Herseys.
00:02:58The same names as you find around here now.
00:03:01First, we'll show you a day in our town.
00:03:03Not as it is today in the year 1940, but as it used to be in the year 1901.
00:03:10All right, operator, let's start.
00:03:14Yes, sir, that's the way our town looked back in the year 1901.
00:03:19Along Main Street, there's a row of stores with kitchen posts and horse blocks in front of them.
00:03:23The first automobile is going to come along in about five years.
00:03:28The date is June 7th, 1901.
00:03:32It's just before dawn.
00:03:35Yeah, just about.
00:03:37The sky is already beginning to show some streaks of light in it over there in the east, back of
00:03:42our mountain.
00:03:44The morning star gets wonderful bright the moment before it has to go.
00:03:49The only lights on in the town are in a cottage over in Polish Town where her mother's just giving
00:03:53birth to twins.
00:03:54And down in the depot where Shorty Hawkins is just getting ready to flag the 545 for Boston.
00:04:00She is now.
00:04:04Of course, naturally, out in the country all around, there have been lights on for some time, what with Milton
00:04:08and so on.
00:04:09But town folks sleep late.
00:04:14Here comes Joe Crowell delivering the morning papers.
00:04:19So, another day has begun.
00:04:22Here comes Doc Gibbs from that baby case I was telling you about.
00:04:27And this is Doc Gibbs' house.
00:04:29His neighbor is at the web.
00:04:32There's Mrs. Gibbs coming downstairs to get breakfast.
00:04:35Later on, about 1910, she's going out to visit her daughter Rebecca in Canton, Ohio.
00:04:42Mrs. Gibbs is going to die there.
00:04:44Pneumonia.
00:04:46But she's going to be brought back here and she's going to be buried in the cemetery right here in
00:04:50our town
00:04:51with a whole mess of Gibbs's and Percy's.
00:04:55In our town, we like to know the facts about everybody.
00:04:58And there's Mrs. Webb coming downstairs to get her breakfast, too.
00:05:03Mrs. Webb was a Grover before she married Editor Webb.
00:05:07Yeah.
00:05:09Children, children, time to get up.
00:05:12George, Rebecca, Emily, time to get up.
00:05:15Wally, 7 o'clock.
00:05:18Hello, Lizzie.
00:05:33Morning, Hyde.
00:05:34Morning, Miss Gibbs.
00:05:35Seems like you're late today.
00:05:36Yeah, something went wrong with the separator.
00:05:38Don't know what's worse.
00:05:45Baby.
00:05:45Thanks, Hyde.
00:05:55Morning, Miss Webb.
00:05:56Come on, Mr. Newsome.
00:06:01Mighty fine Dave.
00:06:03Yeah.
00:06:08How's Miss Newsome?
00:06:09Good.
00:06:13Emily?
00:06:14Wally?
00:06:15George?
00:06:16Rebecca?
00:06:24Come on, get up.
00:06:27Bessie, come on.
00:06:29What's the matter with you?
00:06:31Oh, they're put taking milk.
00:06:33Now, come on.
00:06:34Morning, Howie.
00:06:34Come on.
00:06:35Morning, Doc.
00:06:36Bessie acting up?
00:06:38She's all mixed up about the route ever since the Lockhart stopped taking a quart of milk
00:06:41a day.
00:06:42She wants to leave my quart just the same.
00:06:44Keeps scolding me the whole trip.
00:06:46Somebody's sick?
00:06:47Twins over at Mrs. Gorlislavski's.
00:06:49Oh, twins.
00:06:49This town keeps getting bigger every year.
00:06:51Come on.
00:06:52Now, come on, Bessie.
00:06:53Morning, Doc.
00:06:54Morning, Joe.
00:06:54What's your paper now?
00:06:56Yeah, I'll take it.
00:06:57Anybody been sick, Doc?
00:06:59No, twins over in Polish town.
00:07:01Joe, I see your teacher, Miss Foster's, going to get married.
00:07:04Yes, sir, to a fellow over in Concord.
00:07:06Where?
00:07:07How do you boys feel about that?
00:07:08Well, of course, it ain't none of my business, but I think if a person starts out to be a
00:07:12teacher, she ought to stay one.
00:07:15How's the need, Joe?
00:07:16Fine, Doc.
00:07:16Never think about it at all.
00:07:18Only like you said, it always tells me when it's going to rain.
00:07:21What's the telling of the day?
00:07:22Going to rain?
00:07:22No, sir.
00:07:23Sure?
00:07:24Yes, sir.
00:07:24The knee never makes a mistake?
00:07:25No, sir.
00:07:26Doc?
00:07:27Joe.
00:07:28I want to tell you something about that boy, Joe Crowell.
00:07:31Joe was awful smart, so he got a scholarship to Boston Tech.
00:07:36Yes, and going to be a great engineer, Joe was.
00:07:39But the war broke out, and he died in France.
00:07:44All that education for nothing.
00:07:47Everything all right, Frank?
00:07:48Yes.
00:07:51I declare he's his kittens.
00:07:53Children, hurry up.
00:07:54George, Rebecca.
00:07:57Bacon will be ready in a moment.
00:07:58Sit down and drink your coffee.
00:08:01You can catch a couple hours sleep this morning, can't you?
00:08:03Miss Whitworth's coming up 11.
00:08:05Guess I know what's about, too.
00:08:08Stomach ain't what I told to be.
00:08:09All told, you won't get more than three hours sleep.
00:08:12Frank Gibbs, I don't know what's going to be coming.
00:08:13I tell you, I think we should go away someplace and take a rest.
00:08:16I think it'll do you good.
00:08:24Children, hurry now.
00:08:25Emily?
00:08:26Wally?
00:08:29I'm going to clear you have to speak to George.
00:08:30Seems like something's come over him lately.
00:08:32He's no help to me at all.
00:08:33Can't even get him to cut me some wood.
00:08:34Is he a sassy, do you?
00:08:36Just wine.
00:08:37All he thinks about is that old baseball.
00:08:39George, Rebecca, you'll be late for school.
00:08:42George!
00:08:43George, look sharp.
00:08:44Yes, ma?
00:08:45Don't you hear your mother calling you?
00:08:46Guess I'll go upstairs and catch 40 weeks.
00:08:49Ma!
00:08:50Ma, what dress shall I wear?
00:08:52I'll wash tonight.
00:08:53I have the blue gingham for you special.
00:08:54Oh, ma, I hate that dress.
00:08:57Oh, how's that with you?
00:08:59Every day I go to school dressed like a sick turkey.
00:09:02Why, Rebecca, you always look very nice.
00:09:09Ma, George is throwing soap at me.
00:09:12I'll come up and slap the both of you.
00:09:13That's what I'll do.
00:09:16Hurry up, children.
00:09:17After 7 o'clock.
00:09:18Now, I don't want to call you again.
00:09:28Ma?
00:09:29Come on, children.
00:09:30Come on.
00:09:33Children, I won't have it.
00:09:35Breakfast's just as good as any other meal,
00:09:36and I won't have you gobbling like wolves.
00:09:37It'll stunt your growth.
00:09:38That's a fact.
00:09:39Wally, put your book away.
00:09:40Oh, ma, by 10 o'clock, I've got to know all about Canada.
00:09:44You know the rules as well as I do.
00:09:46No books at table.
00:09:47As for me, I'd rather have my children healthy than bright.
00:09:50I'm both, mama.
00:09:51You know I am.
00:09:52I'm the brightest girl in school for my age.
00:09:54I have a wonderful memory.
00:09:56Eat your breakfast.
00:09:59Well, I'll speak to your father about it when he's rested.
00:10:02It used to be like 25 cents a week's enough for a boy your age.
00:10:04I declare I don't know how you spend it all.
00:10:06Oh, ma, I've got a lot of things to buy.
00:10:08Strawberry fox face.
00:10:09That's what you spend it on.
00:10:11Well, I don't see how Rebecca comes to have so much money.
00:10:13She's got more than a dollar.
00:10:14I've been saving it up gradual.
00:10:16Well, dear, I think it's a good thing to spend some now and then.
00:10:18Ma, you know what I like most in the world, do you?
00:10:23Money.
00:10:24Eat your breakfast.
00:10:28That's for a spell, I've got to go.
00:10:36Hurry up, Wally.
00:10:40Bye, Mama.
00:10:42Bye, Mama.
00:10:43Come on, Mama.
00:10:44Come on, you can't wait too long today.
00:10:46I won't pass, but you don't have to run.
00:10:48Wally, pull up your pants for me.
00:10:50Rebecca, give this horse to my best.
00:10:52Congratulations.
00:10:53Can you remember that?
00:10:54Yes.
00:10:55Rebecca, pick up your feet.
00:11:06Chick, chick, chick, chick, chick, chick, chick, chick, chick, chick.
00:11:09Let all of you fight, fight, fight.
00:11:11That's all you do.
00:11:13Oh, where did you come from?
00:11:14You don't belong to me.
00:11:15What are you scared of?
00:11:17Nobody's going to hurt you.
00:11:18Morning, Julia.
00:11:20Morning, Myrtle.
00:11:20How's your call?
00:11:21Oh, still got that tickling feeling in my throat.
00:11:23Told Charles he didn't know as I'd go to choir rehearsal tonight.
00:11:26Ever try singing over your voice?
00:11:27Yes, but somehow I can't do that and stay on key.
00:11:30Beans have been good this year.
00:11:31Let me help you.
00:11:32Mm.
00:11:33I thought you put up 40 quarts, but it kills me.
00:11:36Children say they hit him, but I noticed they managed to get him down all winter.
00:11:40Myrtle, I've got to tell you something.
00:11:41And if I don't tell somebody, I'll burst.
00:11:43But Julia Gibbs, one of those second-hand furniture men from Boston, came to see me last Friday.
00:11:48First, I thought it was a patient waiting to see Dr. Gibbs.
00:11:50But he wormed his way right into my parlor.
00:11:53Myrtle Webb, he offered me $350 for Grandmother Hershey's highboys.
00:11:56I'm sitting here.
00:11:57Well, you're going to take it, aren't you?
00:11:59I don't know.
00:12:00You don't know?
00:12:01$350?
00:12:02Well, what's come over you?
00:12:03Well, if I could get the doctor, take the money, and go away someplace on the trip, I'd sell it
00:12:08like that.
00:12:09You know, it's always been the dream of my life to see Paris Rand.
00:12:14Crazy, I suppose.
00:12:16For years, I've been promising myself if we ever had the chance.
00:12:19How's doctor feel about it?
00:12:20Well, I did beat about the bush a little.
00:12:23Said if I ever got a legacy.
00:12:25That's the way I put it.
00:12:26I'd make him take me.
00:12:27What'd he say?
00:12:28You know how he is.
00:12:30Haven't heard a serious word of him since I've known him.
00:12:33No, he says.
00:12:34Might make him discontented with Grover's Corners to go traipsing over your...
00:12:37No, that's well enough alone, he says.
00:12:40Well, if that second-hand man's real serious about buying it, you sell it, Julia.
00:12:44Then you'll get to see Paris.
00:12:46Just drop a hint from time to time.
00:12:48That's how I got Mr. Webb to take me to see the Atlantic Ocean, you know.
00:12:51Sorry I mentioned it.
00:12:52But it seems to me, once in your life, before you die,
00:12:55you ought to see a country where they don't speak in English and don't even want to.
00:12:59That'll do, ladies.
00:13:00Thank you very much.
00:13:01Now we'll skip a few hours.
00:13:11Now, before we get on, I think we ought to have a little more information about the town.
00:13:15A kind of a scientific account, you might say.
00:13:18So I've invited Professor Willard of our state university to come here and kind of sketch in a few details
00:13:24of our past history.
00:13:31There he is now.
00:13:34Am I late?
00:13:35Right on time.
00:13:37May I introduce Professor Willard of our state university?
00:13:41Now, uh, just a few brief words, Professor.
00:13:44Unfortunately, our time's limited.
00:13:45Yes, uh, let me see, uh, Grover's Corners.
00:13:50Uh, Grover's Corners lies on the old Pliocene granite of the Appalachian Range.
00:13:55I might say that's some of the oldest land in the world.
00:13:58We're very proud of that around here.
00:14:01Some highly interesting fossils have been found.
00:14:04I might say unique fossils.
00:14:06Two miles north of town in, uh, Silas Peckham's cow pasture.
00:14:10These may be seen in the museum of the university at any time.
00:14:14Well, that is, at any reasonable time.
00:14:18Uh, shall I tell them about the meteorological conditions, the mean precipitation, etc.?
00:14:22I'm afraid we won't have time for that, Professor.
00:14:24We might have a few words about the history of man here, though.
00:14:28Oh, anthropological data.
00:14:30Yes.
00:14:30Let me see, um, early Amerindian stock, Cotahatchee tribes.
00:14:35No evidences before the 10th century of this era.
00:14:38Now, entirely disappeared.
00:14:40Well, possible traces in three families.
00:14:44Migration in the early 17th century of English brachiocephalic blue-eyed stock,
00:14:48and, uh, since then, some Slav and Mediterranean and...
00:14:52And the, uh, the population, Professor?
00:14:55Uh, within the town limits, 2,640.
00:14:59The fo...
00:15:01Oh, is that so?
00:15:03In that case, the population at the moment is 2,642.
00:15:08The postal districts bring in 507 more, making a total of 3,149.
00:15:14Mortality, birth rates, constant.
00:15:17Uh, by McPherson's gauge, 6.032.
00:15:21Thank you very much, Professor.
00:15:23I'm sure we're all very much obliged here.
00:15:24Not at all, sir.
00:15:25Not at all.
00:15:26Good morning.
00:15:27Good day.
00:15:30And now, the social and political report.
00:15:34Oh, Editor Webb?
00:15:36Mr. Webb?
00:15:38Charlie Webb's the father of Wally and Emily.
00:15:41Emily's the smart girl with a good memory.
00:15:44You know, you saw her at breakfast.
00:15:47All right, Editor Webb, it's your turn now.
00:15:49Well, I don't have to tell you that we're run here by a board of select men.
00:15:53All males vote at the age of 21.
00:15:56Women vote indirect.
00:15:58Politically, we're 86% Republican, 12% Democrat, 4% Socialist.
00:16:04Rest indifferent.
00:16:05Rest indifferent.
00:16:06Religiously, we're 85% Protestants, 12% Catholics.
00:16:11Rest indifferent.
00:16:13Very ordinary town, if you ask me, but our young people here seem to like it well enough.
00:16:19Lots of them settle down right here to live, even after they've been away to college.
00:16:24Now, is there anybody in the audience who'd like to ask Editor Webb any questions about our town?
00:16:31Is there much drinking in Grover's Corner?
00:16:34Well, ma'am, I wouldn't know what you'd call much.
00:16:38Saturday nights, the farmhands meet down at Ellery Greenhouse's stable and holler some.
00:16:43We got one or two town drunks, but they're always having remorses every time an evangelist comes to town.
00:16:49No, I'd say that liquor wasn't a regular thing in the home here, except in the medicine chest.
00:16:55Right good for snake bites, you know, always was.
00:17:00Mr. Webb?
00:17:02Yes?
00:17:03Mr. Webb, is there any culture or love of beauty in Grover's Corner?
00:17:09Well, no, ma'am, not much.
00:17:11That isn't the same true me.
00:17:14There's some girls that play the piano with the high school commencement, but they ain't happy about it.
00:17:20No, there ain't much culture.
00:17:23Robinson Crusoe and the Bible and Handel's Largo, we all know that, and Whistler's Mother.
00:17:29Well, that's about as far as we go.
00:17:31Thank you very much, Mr. Webb.
00:17:34Is there no one in town aware of this?
00:17:35No, I'm sorry, but we haven't time for any more questions.
00:17:38We must be getting on with the picture.
00:17:41It's getting on in the afternoon.
00:17:43All 2,642 have had their dinners.
00:17:46All the dishes have been washed.
00:17:48There's an early afternoon calm about the town.
00:17:52Charlie Webb's going home to mow his lawn.
00:17:55One man in ten thinks it's a privilege to push his own lawnmower.
00:17:58The afternoon session of school is over.
00:18:02Doc Gibbs is in his office tapping people and making them say, ah.
00:18:06Ah.
00:18:12I can't, Louise.
00:18:13I have to go home and help my mother.
00:18:15I promise you.
00:18:17Emily, walk simply.
00:18:19Who do you think you are today?
00:18:24Papa, you're terrible.
00:18:26One minute you tell me to stand up straight,
00:18:28and the next minute you call me names.
00:18:30I just don't listen to you.
00:18:34Golly.
00:18:35I never got a kiss from such a great lady before.
00:18:39Hello, Emily.
00:18:41Oh, hello.
00:18:45You made a fine speech in class today.
00:18:49Well, I was really ready to make a speech on the Monroe Doctrine,
00:18:53but the last minute Miss Foster made me talk about the Louisiana Purchase instead.
00:18:59I worked an awful long time on both of them.
00:19:02Gee, it's funny, Emily.
00:19:04In my window up there, I can see your head nights
00:19:07when you're doing your homework over in your room.
00:19:11Why can you?
00:19:13Well, you certainly do stick to it, Emily.
00:19:16I don't see how you can sit still that long.
00:19:19I guess you must like school.
00:19:23Well, I feel it's just something you have to go through.
00:19:27What do you think, Emily?
00:19:29We might work out a kind of telegraph from your window to mine,
00:19:33and you could give me a hit every once in a while on those algebra problems.
00:19:38Well...
00:19:38Oh, I don't mean the answers, Emily.
00:19:40Of course not.
00:19:41I mean...
00:19:42Just some little hint.
00:19:45Oh, I think hints are allowed, so if you get stuck, George,
00:19:50just whistle to me and I'll give you some hints.
00:19:56Gosh.
00:19:58You're just naturally bright, I guess.
00:20:02Well, I figure it's just the way a person's born.
00:20:06Yeah.
00:20:07But you see...
00:20:09Well, I want to be a farmer, and my Uncle Luke says
00:20:13that whenever I'm ready, I can come over and work on his farm,
00:20:17and if I'm any good at all, I can just gradually have it.
00:20:22You mean the house and everything?
00:20:24I...
00:20:30Well, I guess I'd better be getting off the baseball field.
00:20:34Thanks for the talk, Emily.
00:20:37Afternoon, Mrs. Webb.
00:20:38Good, George.
00:20:39So long, Emily.
00:20:41So long, George.
00:21:21Emily, what you doing?
00:21:23Nothing, Mama.
00:21:25If you're doing nothing, you can come in here and help me with this yarn.
00:21:40Well, George Gibbs let himself have a real conversation, didn't he?
00:21:44He's grown up.
00:21:46How old would George be?
00:21:48Oh, I don't know.
00:21:49Let's see.
00:21:50He must be round 17.
00:21:53Mama made a speech in class today.
00:21:55I was very good.
00:21:57You must recite it to your father at supper.
00:21:59What was it about?
00:22:00The Louisiana Purchase.
00:22:02It was like silk off a spool.
00:22:06I'm going to make speeches all my life.
00:22:09You're holding it too tight, Emily.
00:22:11Yeah, that's better.
00:22:13Mama.
00:22:14Mm-hmm?
00:22:15Will you answer me a question?
00:22:17Serious?
00:22:18Seriously, dear.
00:22:19Not serious.
00:22:21Seriously, will you?
00:22:22Of course I will.
00:22:24Mama.
00:22:26Am I good looking?
00:22:28Of course you are.
00:22:30Both my children have got good features.
00:22:32Be ashamed if they hadn't.
00:22:34Oh, Mama, that's not what I mean.
00:22:36What I mean is, am I pretty?
00:22:40I've already told you yes.
00:22:42Now, that's enough of that.
00:22:44You've got a nice, young, pretty face.
00:22:46Never heard such foolishness.
00:22:48Oh, Mama, you never tell us the truth about anything.
00:22:51I am telling you the truth.
00:22:54Mama, were you pretty?
00:22:57Yes, I was, if I do say it.
00:22:59I was the prettiest girl in town next to Mamie Cartwright.
00:23:02Oh, but, Mama, you've got to say something about me.
00:23:06Am I pretty enough to get anybody?
00:23:09Well, to get people interested in me.
00:23:13Emily, you make me tired.
00:23:14Now, stop it.
00:23:16You're pretty enough for all normal purposes.
00:23:24It's evening.
00:23:25You can hear the choir practicing in the congregational church.
00:23:30The children are all home doing their schoolwork.
00:23:35The day is running down like a tired clock.
00:23:38The day is running down like a tired clock.
00:23:42We share our youthful woes.
00:23:49Our youthful woes.
00:23:53Our youthful woes.
00:24:05It's fine to get in the conversation.
00:24:14Our youthful woes.
00:24:15The day is running down like a tired clock.
00:24:21Our youthful woes.
00:24:22Our youthful woe.
00:24:23In his house in one place,
00:24:30One we shall live in thy new heart,
00:24:40And hope to be a new.
00:24:49All right.
00:24:50That's better.
00:24:53It ain't no miracle.
00:24:56And I'll do it again.
00:24:59Now remember, ladies,
00:25:02Music come into the world to give pleasure.
00:25:09Now try it again.
00:25:12Let's be the wise and wise
00:25:19Of our hearts in Christian love.
00:25:31Now listen, everybody.
00:25:34Get a lot of your minds that music's only good when it's loud.
00:25:40You leave loudness to the Methodists.
00:25:46You couldn't beat them, even if you wanted to.
00:25:50Once again now,
00:25:52Art thou weary?
00:25:55Art thou languid?
00:25:57It's a question, ladies and gentlemen.
00:26:02Make it talk.
00:26:04Oh, and remember,
00:26:06On Sunday, take the second verse real soft.
00:26:13Sort of die out at the end.
00:26:18Ready?
00:26:19Ready.
00:26:34Emily.
00:26:38Oh, hello.
00:26:40Hello.
00:26:44I can't work at all.
00:26:46The moonlight's so terrible.
00:26:53Emily, did you get the third problem?
00:26:57Which?
00:26:58The third.
00:27:02Oh, yes, George.
00:27:04That's the easiest of them all.
00:27:08I don't see it.
00:27:11Well, Emily, could you give me a hint?
00:27:18Well, I'll tell you one thing.
00:27:22The answer's in yards.
00:27:26In yards?
00:27:29What do you mean?
00:27:31Square yards.
00:27:32Oh, square yards.
00:27:35Well, yes, George.
00:27:37Don't you see?
00:27:39Yeah.
00:27:42Square yards of wallpaper.
00:27:46Oh, I see.
00:27:48Square yards of wallpaper.
00:27:51Thanks a lot, Emily.
00:27:53You're welcome.
00:27:58My.
00:28:00Isn't the moonlight terrible?
00:28:09I think if you hold your breath, you can hear the train all the way to Contookook.
00:28:21Hear it?
00:28:24Well, what do you know?
00:28:31Well, I guess I'd better get back now and try to work.
00:28:35Good night, Emily.
00:28:38Good night, George.
00:28:42Oh, George.
00:28:44Can you come down a minute?
00:28:45Yes, Pa.
00:28:53Make yourself comfortable, George.
00:28:56I'll only keep you a minute.
00:28:57Good night.
00:29:00Good night.
00:29:00George, how old are you?
00:29:03Me?
00:29:04Oh, I'm past 17.
00:29:07What do you want to do after school's over?
00:29:11You know, Pa, I...
00:29:12I want to be a farmer on Uncle Luke's farm.
00:29:15Mm-hmm.
00:29:17And you'll be willing, will you, to get up early and milk and feed the stock?
00:29:22And you'll be able to hoe and hay all day?
00:29:24Hmm.
00:29:25Sure I will.
00:29:27What do you mean, Pa?
00:29:30Well, George,
00:29:32when I was here in the office today,
00:29:35I heard a funny sound.
00:29:37What do you think it was?
00:29:39It was your mother chopping wood.
00:29:44Now, there you see your mother,
00:29:47getting up early, cooking meals all day, washing and ironing,
00:29:52and yet she has to go out in the backyard and chop wood.
00:29:56I suppose she got tired asking you.
00:29:59I suppose she just gave up and decided it was easier to do it herself.
00:30:07Yet, you eat her meals.
00:30:09You put on the clothes she keeps nice for you.
00:30:13and then you run out and play baseball.
00:30:18Like she was a hired girl we kept around the house but didn't like very much.
00:30:26I knew all I had to do was call it to your attention.
00:30:33Here's a handkerchief, son.
00:30:40I wonder what's happened to your mother.
00:30:47The choir practice never was as late as this before.
00:30:51It's only half past eight, Pa.
00:30:55I don't know what she wants in that choir anyway.
00:30:58She hasn't got any more boys than an old crow.
00:31:03Drapesing around the street at this hour of the night.
00:31:11It's just about time you retired, don't you think, George?
00:31:16Yes, Pa.
00:31:22Yes, Pa.
00:31:41Nice place.
00:31:43Real nice choir practice, weren't it?
00:31:45Myrtleweb, look at that.
00:31:48Potato weather, sure.
00:31:51Well, naturally, I didn't want to say a word about it in front of those others.
00:31:54But now we're alone.
00:31:57Really, it's the worst scandal that ever was in this town.
00:31:59What?
00:32:00Why, Simon Stimpson.
00:32:02No, Luella.
00:32:03But, Julia, to have the organist of a church drink and drunk year after year.
00:32:08Luella.
00:32:09Julia, you know he was drunk tonight.
00:32:11Now, Luella, we all know about Mr. Stimpson, and we all know about the troubles he's been through.
00:32:16And Dr. Ferguson knows too.
00:32:17And if Dr. Ferguson is willing to keep him on in his job there, the only thing the rest of
00:32:21us can do is just not to notice it.
00:32:23Not to notice it?
00:32:24But it's getting worse.
00:32:25No, it ain't, Luella.
00:32:27It's getting better.
00:32:28I've been in that choir twice as long as you have, and it doesn't happen anywhere near so often.
00:32:33Oh, my.
00:32:35I hate to go to bed on a night like this.
00:32:38Well, good night, Luella.
00:32:40Good night.
00:32:40Good night, Julia.
00:32:41Night, Myrtle.
00:32:43You'll be at home all right, Luella?
00:32:45Oh, it's bright as day.
00:32:47I can see Mr. Soames scowling at the window now.
00:32:52You think we've been to a dance the way the menfolk carry on.
00:32:56Good night, Julia.
00:32:58Good night, Luella.
00:32:59See you on Sunday.
00:33:00See you then.
00:33:06Well, we had a real good time.
00:33:08You're late enough.
00:33:10Frank ain't any later than usual.
00:33:16You stopping the gossip with a lot of hands.
00:33:19Now, don't be grouchy.
00:33:24Now, my heliotrope.
00:33:29What did you do all the time I was away?
00:33:31Oh, I rave as usual.
00:33:35Well, what did the girls gossip about tonight?
00:33:38Believe me, Frank, there's something to gossip about.
00:33:40Simon Simpson?
00:33:42Far gone, was he?
00:33:42Oh, worst I've ever seen.
00:33:44Frank, how's all that gonna end?
00:33:46Dr. Ferguson can't forgive him forever.
00:33:48I guess I know Simon as well as anybody in this town.
00:33:52Some people just ain't made for small-town life.
00:33:56I don't know how that'll end.
00:33:58But there's nothing we can do but leave it alone.
00:34:02Get in.
00:34:02Oh, no, not yet.
00:34:04Frank, I'm worried about you.
00:34:07What are you worried about?
00:34:08Well, I think it's my duty to plan for you to get a real rest and change.
00:34:13And if I get that legacy, I'm going to insist upon it.
00:34:16Now, now, Julie, now.
00:34:18There's no sense in going all over that again.
00:34:21Come on.
00:34:21It's getting late.
00:34:23First thing you know, you'll catch a cold.
00:34:26I gave George a piece of my mind tonight.
00:34:29I reckon you'll get your wood chop.
00:34:31For a little while, anyway.
00:34:33You know, Frank, Mrs. Fairchild always locks the front door every night.
00:34:35All the people up in that part of town do.
00:34:38They're all getting too city-fied.
00:34:40That's the trouble with them.
00:34:43They haven't got a thing fit to burgle and everybody knows it.
00:34:50Good evening, Constable.
00:34:52Good evening, Mr. Webb.
00:34:55Quite a moon.
00:34:57Yeah.
00:34:59All quiet tonight?
00:35:01Simon Stimson is rolling around a little.
00:35:03I just saw his wife moving out to hunt for him.
00:35:06So I looked the other way.
00:35:09There he is now.
00:35:30Good evening, Simon.
00:35:36Good evening.
00:35:38Most of the town settle down for the evening.
00:35:42Guess we'd better do the same.
00:35:44Can I walk along with you?
00:35:55Good night.
00:36:08I don't know how that's gonna end.
00:36:11Oh, Bill, if you see my boy smoking cigarettes,
00:36:14give a word to him, will ya?
00:36:16He thinks a lot of you, Bill.
00:36:18I don't think he smokes no cigarettes, Mr. Webb.
00:36:21This way he's not more than two or three a year.
00:36:24Well, I hope not.
00:36:26Good night, Bill.
00:36:27Good night, Mr. Webb.
00:36:51Good night, Mr. Webb.
00:36:52Good night.
00:36:52Who's that up there?
00:36:54Is that you, Myrtle?
00:36:56Oh...
00:36:56No, it's me, Papa.
00:36:58Why aren't you in bed?
00:37:01I don't know, I...
00:37:03just can't sleep yet, Papa.
00:37:09The moonlight's so wonderful
00:37:11and the smell of Mrs. Gibbs' heliotrope.
00:37:19Can you smell it?
00:37:23Mm, yes.
00:37:26Having any troubles on your mind, have you, Emily?
00:37:28Troubles, Papa? No.
00:37:31Well, don't let your mother catch you.
00:37:33Good night, Emily.
00:37:34Good night, Papa.
00:37:44I never told you about that letter Jane Crowfoot got from her minister when she was six.
00:37:50He wrote Jane a letter, and on the envelope, the address was like this.
00:37:54It said Jane Crowfoot, the Crowfoot Farm, Grover's Corners, Sutton County, New Hampshire,
00:38:04the United States of America...
00:38:06What's funny about that?
00:38:08But listen, it's not Finney.
00:38:10The United States of America, continent of North America, western hemisphere, the earth,
00:38:19the solar system, the universe, the mind of God.
00:38:24That's what it said on the envelope.
00:38:27Yes, what do you know?
00:38:29Yep, and the postman brought it just the same.
00:38:34What do you know?
00:38:59Well, three years have gone by.
00:39:02The sun's come up over a thousand times.
00:39:05Summers and winters have cracked the mountains a little bit more, and the rain's brought down
00:39:08some of the dirt.
00:39:09Some babies who weren't even born before have begun talking regular sentences already.
00:39:14And some folks who thought they were right young and spry have discovered they can't
00:39:18bound up a flight of stairs the way they used to without their hearts fluttering a little.
00:39:22All that can happen in a thousand days.
00:39:24Nature's been pushing and contriving in other ways, too.
00:39:27A number of young people fell in love and got married.
00:39:31Most everybody in the world gets married.
00:39:33In this town, there aren't hardly any exceptions.
00:39:37Most everybody climbs into the grave married.
00:39:41What you've seen was called the daily life.
00:39:44Let's call what you're going to see love and marriage.
00:39:47So, it's three years later.
00:39:49It's 1904.
00:39:51It's July 7th, just after the high school commencement.
00:39:54That's the time most young people jump up and get married.
00:39:57As soon as they've passed their final examinations and solid geometry and Cicero's orations,
00:40:02that's the time most young people think themselves fitted to get married.
00:40:06It's early morning again.
00:40:08Only this time it's been raining.
00:40:10It's been thundering and pouring.
00:40:13I don't know.
00:40:15May start in again any moment.
00:40:19Yeah?
00:40:20Ready for 545 for Boston?
00:40:23And there's Cicero delivering the papers like his brother before him.
00:40:27And there's Mrs. Gibbs.
00:40:30And Mrs. Webb coming downstairs to get breakfast just as though this were an ordinary day.
00:40:36I don't have to point out to the women in the audience that both these ladies they see before them.
00:40:40Both these ladies have been cooking three meals a day.
00:40:43One of them for 21 years and the other for 25.
00:40:46And never took a summer vacation.
00:40:49Raised two children apiece.
00:40:51Washed.
00:40:51Cleaned the house.
00:40:52And never had a nervous breakdown.
00:40:56And here comes Howie Newsome and Bessie delivering the milk.
00:41:03Morning, Howie.
00:41:04Morning, Si.
00:41:05Anything in the paper I ought to know?
00:41:07Nothing much.
00:41:09Except for losing about the best baseball pitcher Grover's Corner's ever had.
00:41:12George Gibbs, huh?
00:41:14I don't see how I'd give up a thing like that just to get married.
00:41:17Would you have, Howie?
00:41:18Can't say.
00:41:19Never had no talent that way.
00:41:21But in 95, we had a player, Si, that even George Gibbs couldn't have touched.
00:41:25Name of Hank Todd.
00:41:26But he went down to Maine to become a parson.
00:41:29Wonderful ball player.
00:41:31Si.
00:41:32Howie.
00:41:42Morning, Miss Gibbs.
00:41:44Morning, Howie.
00:41:45Ah, it's too bad it's so wet, but I guess it's cleared up for good.
00:41:48Certainly hope it has.
00:41:49Gonna have a house full of relations today, Howie.
00:41:51Looks like I'll need three of milk and two of cream.
00:41:53Three of milk and two of cream.
00:41:55My wife says to tell you we hope they'll be happy.
00:41:57No, they will.
00:41:58Thanks a lot, Howie.
00:41:58Tell your wife, I hope she gets the wet.
00:42:00Maybe she can.
00:42:00She'll get there if she can.
00:42:04Morning, Miss Webb.
00:42:05Morning, Mr. Newsome.
00:42:06Told you four quarts, but I hope you can spare me another.
00:42:09Yes, sir.
00:42:09I brought you a pint of cream, too.
00:42:11Miss Newsome told me special to tell you how we hope to be very happy.
00:42:15No, they will.
00:42:16Thank you, Mr. Newsome, and thank Mrs. Newsome.
00:42:18We're counting on seeing you at the church.
00:42:20Yes, sir.
00:42:20We hope to get there all right.
00:42:21Couldn't miss that.
00:42:27Well, Ma, day's come for losing one of your chicks.
00:42:31Frank Gibbs, don't you say another word.
00:42:32I feel like crying any minute.
00:42:34Sit down, drink your coffee.
00:42:35Gloom's upstairs shaving himself.
00:42:37Only the way very much to shave.
00:42:39He's whistling and saying like he was glad to leave us.
00:42:42Every now and then saying, I do, to the mirror.
00:42:46But it don't sound convincing to me.
00:42:48I declare, Frank, I don't know how he's going to get along.
00:42:51I've always arranged his clothes for him.
00:42:53Seemed to it that his feet were dry and he had water.
00:42:55Wrong things on him.
00:42:56They're too young, Frank.
00:42:57Emily will never think of those things.
00:42:58You'll catch his death a call within a week.
00:43:00I remember my wedding morning, Julie.
00:43:01Don't stop that, Frank Gibbs.
00:43:03I was the scaredest young fellow in the state of New Hampshire.
00:43:06Thought I'd made a mistake for sure.
00:43:08And when I saw you coming down the aisle,
00:43:10I thought you were the prettiest girl I'd ever seen.
00:43:13The whole trouble was I'd never seen you before.
00:43:16There I was, right in the Congregational Church,
00:43:18being married to a total stranger.
00:43:20Well, how do you think I felt?
00:43:21Well, I tell you, Frank, weddings are perfectly horrible things.
00:43:24Farces, that's what they are.
00:43:28Made something for you.
00:43:29Why, Julie Hersey.
00:43:32French toast.
00:43:34Ain't hard to make.
00:43:36Besides, I had to do something.
00:43:39How'd you sleep last night, Julie?
00:43:42Heard a lot of hours, Draco.
00:43:45I get a shock every time I think of George setting out as a family man.
00:43:49That great, gangling thing.
00:43:52I tell you, Julie, there's nothing in the world so terrifying as a son.
00:43:55The relation between a father and a son is the dangdest, awkwardest...
00:43:59Well, mother and daughter's no picnic, I can tell you.
00:44:04I do.
00:44:06I do.
00:44:08I do.
00:44:10I do.
00:44:13They'll have a lot of trouble, I suppose, but that's none of our business.
00:44:17Everybody's got a right to their own trouble.
00:44:21You know one thing that scared me when I married you?
00:44:25How long with you?
00:44:27I was afraid we didn't have material for conversation more than it'd last a few weeks.
00:44:36I was afraid we'd run out and have to eat our meals in silence.
00:44:40That's right.
00:44:42Well, you and I have been conversing for 20 years without any noticeable barren spells.
00:44:48Good weather, bad weather, it ain't very choice, but I always find something to say.
00:44:53Did you hear Rebecca staring around up there?
00:44:56No.
00:44:57This is the only day of the year when she isn't managing everyone's affairs up there.
00:45:01She's hiding in her room and I have an idea she's crying.
00:45:04Man, please, this has got to stop.
00:45:06Rebecca?
00:45:08Rebecca, come and eat your breakfast.
00:45:17Good morning, everybody.
00:45:18Only four more hours to live.
00:45:21George Gibbs, where are you going?
00:45:24I'm just stepping across the grass to see my girl.
00:45:26Now, George, put your rubbers on.
00:45:28It's been raining torrents.
00:45:29You don't step out of this house unless you're prepared for it.
00:45:31Oh, Ma, it's just a step.
00:45:33Go catch your death of call and call for a little service.
00:45:35Ah, George!
00:45:37Do as your mother tells you.
00:45:43From tomorrow on, you can kill yourself in all weather.
00:45:46But when you're in my house, you'll live wisely, thank you.
00:45:49Maybe Mrs. Webb ain't used to call us at seven o'clock in the morning.
00:45:52Here, have a cup of coffee first.
00:45:54Be back in a minute.
00:45:58Good morning, Mother Webb.
00:45:59Goodness, you frighten me.
00:46:00George, I hate to say it, but you understand I can't ask Ian.
00:46:03Why not?
00:46:04You know as well as I do a groom can't see his bride on his wedding day.
00:46:07Not till he sees her in church first.
00:46:09Oh, that's just a superstition.
00:46:10Good morning, Mr. Webb.
00:46:12Morning, George.
00:46:13You don't believe in that superstition, do you?
00:46:14There's a lot of common sense in superstitions, George.
00:46:18Millions have followed it, and don't you be the first to fly in the face of customs.
00:46:23How's Emily?
00:46:24She hasn't waked up yet.
00:46:25Haven't heard a sound out of it.
00:46:27Emily's asleep.
00:46:28Well, no wonder we were up till all hours, sewing and packing.
00:46:32Tell me what I'll do, George.
00:46:33You sit down here with Mr. Webb for a minute, drink that cup of coffee.
00:46:36I'll run up and see that she doesn't come down, and he'll surprise you.
00:46:39There's some bacon there, and I'll be too long about it.
00:47:11Well, George, how are you?
00:47:14I'm fine.
00:47:19Mr. Webb, what common sense could there be in a superstition like that?
00:47:25Well, George, on the wedding morning, a girl's head is full of, oh, you know, clothes and one thing and
00:47:31another.
00:47:31Don't you think that's probably it?
00:47:33Well, I guess I never thought of that before.
00:47:40The girls have to be a mite nervous on her wedding day.
00:47:44Gee, I wish a person could get married without all that marching up and down.
00:47:50Every man that's ever lived has felt that way, George.
00:47:54But it hasn't been any use.
00:47:56It's the women folks who've built up weddings, my boy.
00:48:00The man looks mighty small at a wedding, George.
00:48:03All those good women standing shoulder to shoulder, making sure that the knot's tied in a mighty public way.
00:48:12Well, you believe in it, don't you, Mr. Webb?
00:48:15Oh, yes.
00:48:16Oh, yes.
00:48:17Now, don't misunderstand me, George.
00:48:19Marriage is a wonderful thing.
00:48:20A wonderful thing.
00:48:22Don't you forget that, George.
00:48:24No, sir.
00:48:31Mr. Webb, uh, how old were you when you got married?
00:48:36Well, you see, I had been to college, and I'd taken a little time to get settled.
00:48:41But Mrs. Webb wasn't much older than what Emily is.
00:48:44Oh, age hasn't much to do with it, my boy.
00:48:48That is, compared with, uh, other things.
00:48:52What were you going to say, Mr. Webb?
00:48:54Hmm?
00:48:56Oh, I don't know.
00:48:57Was I going to say something?
00:49:02George?
00:49:04I was remembering the other night the advice my father gave to me when I got married.
00:49:09Yes, he said.
00:49:10Charles, he said.
00:49:12Start right off by showing her who's boss.
00:49:16Best thing to do is to give an order about something, even if it don't make sense.
00:49:22Just so she'll learn to obey, he said.
00:49:26Then he said, if anything about her irritates you, conversation or anything, get right up
00:49:30and leave the house.
00:49:32That'll make it clear to her.
00:49:33And, oh, yes, he said.
00:49:36Never tell your wife how much money you have.
00:49:39Never.
00:49:40Well, I couldn't exactly do that.
00:49:42So I took the opposite of his advice, and I've been happy ever since.
00:49:48So let that be a lesson to you, my boy.
00:49:51Never ask advice of anybody on personal matters.
00:49:55George, Emily's got to come down and eat a breakfast.
00:49:57She said dear love, but she don't want to lay eyes on you.
00:49:59Goodbye.
00:50:03Goodbye.
00:50:09Myrtle, I guess you didn't know about that older superstition.
00:50:12What do you mean, Charles?
00:50:13Since the caveman, no bridegroom should see his father-in-law on the day of the wedding
00:50:16are near.
00:50:17Remember that.
00:50:24Now, before we get on with the wedding, I think we should see how it all began.
00:50:28This plan to spend a lifetime together.
00:50:30I'm awfully interested in how such big things begin.
00:50:35You know, you're 21 or 22, and then you're 70.
00:50:39You've been a lawyer for 50 years.
00:50:42And the white-haired lady beside you has eaten 50,000 meals with you.
00:50:46How do such things begin?
00:50:49Now, George and Emily are going to show you the conversation they had when they first knew,
00:50:52as the saying goes, they were meant for one another.
00:50:55Now, it all happened last year on the way home from school.
00:50:58George had just been elected president of the senior class,
00:51:01and Emily had just been elected secretary and treasurer.
00:51:04Now, you all know how important that is.
00:51:06Emily, uh, can I carry your books home for you?
00:51:10Well, uh, thank you.
00:51:12It isn't far.
00:51:16Bob, if I'm late, start practice and give Herb some long highway.
00:51:19All right.
00:51:23I'm awfully glad you were elected, too, Emily.
00:51:29Emily, why are you mad at me?
00:51:33Well, I'm not mad at you.
00:51:36You've been treating me so funny lately.
00:51:41Well, since you asked me, I might as well say it right out, George.
00:51:45Goodbye, Miss Cochran.
00:51:46Emily?
00:51:47Bye, Miss Cochran.
00:51:48George?
00:51:50What is it?
00:51:54I don't like the whole change that's come over you this last year.
00:52:00I'm sorry if that hurt your feelings, but...
00:52:04I've just got to tell the truth and shame the devil.
00:52:08A change?
00:52:10What do you mean?
00:52:13Well, up to a year ago, I used to like you a lot.
00:52:17I used to watch you while you did everything.
00:52:20Because we'd been friends for so long.
00:52:24And then you started spending all your time at baseball and you never stopped to speak to anybody anymore.
00:52:30Not to really speak.
00:52:33Not even to your own family you didn't.
00:52:36George, it's a fact.
00:52:38George, it's a fact.
00:52:38Since you've been captain, you got awful...
00:52:42Stuck up and conceited.
00:52:44And all the girls say so.
00:52:47It hurts me to hear him say it, but...
00:52:50I have to agree with him a little because it's true.
00:52:56Oh, gosh, Emily.
00:52:58Emily, I never thought that such a thing was happening to me.
00:53:03I guess it's hard for a fellow not to help.
00:53:05Some faults creep into his character.
00:53:08I always expect a man to be perfect, and I think he should be.
00:53:13Well, I...
00:53:15I don't think it's possible to be perfect, Emily.
00:53:18Well, my father is.
00:53:20And as far as I can see, your father is.
00:53:25And there's no reason on earth why you shouldn't be too.
00:53:29I feel that it's just the other way around.
00:53:33Well, men aren't naturally good, but girls are.
00:53:38Well, you might as well know right now that I'm not perfect.
00:53:43It isn't as easy for a girl to be perfect as a man because...
00:53:50Well, we girls are more nervous.
00:53:58Oh, now, I'm sorry I said that about you.
00:54:02I don't know what made me say it.
00:54:04Emily, you...
00:54:05Now I can see it isn't the truth at all.
00:54:09Suddenly, I feel it isn't important anyway.
00:54:21Emily, would you like an ice cream soda or something before you go home?
00:54:30Thank you, I would.
00:54:35Hello, George.
00:54:37Hello, Emily.
00:54:38Hello, Smargan.
00:54:39Well, what can I do for you?
00:54:41Why, Emily, what have you been crying about?
00:54:44She got an awful scare, Mr. Morgan.
00:54:47That hardware store wagon almost ran over her.
00:54:50Everybody says that Tom Huckins drives like a crazy man.
00:54:53Well, here, let me give you a glass of water.
00:54:56Gracious, you look all shook up.
00:54:59I tell you, you've got to look both ways before you cross Main Street these days.
00:55:02It's getting worse every year.
00:55:05What do you have?
00:55:08I'll have a strawberry phosphate, Mr. Morgan.
00:55:11Oh, no, Emily.
00:55:11Have a soda with me.
00:55:13Well, I...
00:55:14Two strawberry ice cream sodas, Mr. Morgan.
00:55:17Two strawberry ice cream sodas, yes.
00:55:21Yes, sir, I want to tell you something.
00:55:23There were 275 horses in drovers' quarters this very moment I'm talking to you.
00:55:27State inspector was in here yesterday.
00:55:30Now, with all these automobiles coming along, looks to me like the only safe place to stay was to home.
00:55:35Gracious, I can remember the time when a dog had left out in the middle of Main Street all day
00:55:39long without anything coming along to disturb him.
00:55:43There you are.
00:55:45Howdy, Mrs. Ellis.
00:55:46What can I do for you?
00:55:47I've got a prescription.
00:55:48Yes?
00:55:49Well, let's see.
00:55:50Shouldn't take long to fill that.
00:55:52You just sit down here, be with you in just a minute.
00:55:53They're so expensive.
00:55:55No, Emily, don't you think about that.
00:55:58We're celebrating our election.
00:56:01Emily, I...
00:56:02I want to ask you a favor.
00:56:05What?
00:56:08If I go away to State Agricultural College next year,
00:56:14will you write me a letter once in a while?
00:56:17I certainly will.
00:56:21I certainly will, George.
00:56:26It certainly seems like being away three years, you'd get out of touch with things.
00:56:35Maybe letters from Grover's Corners won't seem so interesting after a while.
00:56:40Grover's Corners isn't a very important place when you think of all New Hampshire, but...
00:56:47I think it's a very nice town.
00:56:49Well, the day wouldn't come when I wouldn't want to know everything about our town.
00:56:56I know that's true, Emily.
00:56:59Well, try to make my letters interesting.
00:57:09You know, Emily, whenever I meet a farmer,
00:57:13I ask him if he thinks it's important to go to agricultural school to be a good farmer.
00:57:17Why, George?
00:57:19Yeah, and...
00:57:19Some of them even say it's a waste of time, and...
00:57:23Well, you can get all that stuff anyway in the payments the government puts out.
00:57:27Well, Uncle Luke's getting pretty old, and he's about ready for me to start taking over his farm.
00:57:35Tomorrow, if I could.
00:57:38Oh, but, George, maybe it's important for you to go and learn all that about...
00:57:43cattle judging and soils and those things.
00:57:49Of course, I don't know.
00:57:53Emily, I'm going to make up my mind right now.
00:57:56I won't go.
00:57:58I'll tell Paul about it tonight.
00:58:00But, George, you don't have to decide right now.
00:58:02It's a whole year away.
00:58:04Emily, I'm glad you spoke to me about that...
00:58:07that fault in my character.
00:58:10Everything you said was right, but there was one thing wrong with it.
00:58:14That's when you said I wasn't noticing people.
00:58:17You, for instance.
00:58:20If you say you were watching me when I did everything.
00:58:24I was doing the same thing about you all the time.
00:58:27Why?
00:58:29Sure, I...
00:58:30always thought about you as...
00:58:32one of the chief people I thought about.
00:58:36I always made sure what you're setting on the bleachers,
00:58:39who you were with.
00:58:42For three days now, I've been trying to walk home with you,
00:58:46but something always gotten away.
00:58:48And yesterday, I was standing out by the wall waiting for you.
00:58:54I walked home with Miss Cochran.
00:59:00Oh, George.
00:59:03Life's awful funny.
00:59:05How could I have known that?
00:59:06Emily, I'm going to tell you why I'm not going to agricultural school.
00:59:12I think that once you've found a person
00:59:14that you're very fond of,
00:59:17a person who's fond of you too,
00:59:20likes you well enough to be interested in your character,
00:59:24I think that's just as important as college is,
00:59:27and even more so.
00:59:31That's what I think.
00:59:34I think it's awfully important, too.
00:59:39Emily?
00:59:42Yes, George?
00:59:46Emily,
00:59:47if I do improve and
00:59:50make a big change,
00:59:53would you be...
00:59:57I mean,
00:59:59could you be...
01:00:01I am now.
01:00:02I always have been.
01:00:09So, I guess this is a
01:00:11pretty important talk we've been having.
01:00:16Yes.
01:00:20Yes.
01:00:28So long, Miss George.
01:00:29Day.
01:00:30Day.
01:00:32Day.
01:00:38If you'll wait a minute,
01:00:39I'll walk you home.
01:00:52Mr. Morgan.
01:00:54Yes?
01:00:56I'll have to go home
01:00:57and get the money to pay you for this.
01:01:00Why, George Gibbs,
01:01:01do you mean to tell me that you...
01:01:02Mr. Morgan,
01:01:03I had a reason.
01:01:04I'll leave my gold watch with you
01:01:06until I get back.
01:01:07No, no, no.
01:01:08You keep your watch, George.
01:01:09I'll trust you.
01:01:09But I'll be back in five minutes.
01:01:11I'll trust you for ten years, George.
01:01:14Not a day more, though.
01:01:20Feeling all right now, Emily?
01:01:22Oh, yes.
01:01:23Thank you, Mr. Morgan.
01:01:24It's nothing.
01:01:27I'm ready.
01:01:31I'm ready.
01:01:41Well, now to get on with the wedding.
01:01:46There's a lot of things to be said about a wedding.
01:01:48We can't get them all into one wedding, naturally.
01:01:51Especially not a wedding in Grover's Corners,
01:01:53where weddings are mighty short and plain.
01:01:56People think a lot of thoughts during a wedding.
01:01:59The bride, the groom, the relatives and the guests,
01:02:03and even the minister.
01:02:06Yes, a lot of thoughts go on during a wedding.
01:02:12I've married 200 couples in my day.
01:02:16M marries N.
01:02:18Millions of them.
01:02:20The cottage, the go-kart,
01:02:23the Sunday afternoon drives in the country,
01:02:25the first rheumatism,
01:02:27the grandchildren,
01:02:29the second rheumatism,
01:02:30the deathbed,
01:02:32the reading of the will.
01:02:36Once in a thousand times it's interesting.
01:02:41I don't know why on earth I should be crying.
01:02:44I suppose there's nothing to cry about.
01:02:48This morning breakfast has just come over me.
01:02:53There was Emily eating her breakfast,
01:02:55as she's done for 17 years.
01:02:59She's going out of my house.
01:03:02I suppose that's it.
01:03:07I never felt so alone in my whole life.
01:03:11I don't want to get married.
01:03:15Why can't I stay for a while as I am?
01:03:19Papa Donnie,
01:03:21don't you remember what you used to say all the time
01:03:23that I was your girl?
01:03:26I don't want to get married.
01:03:35Gee, I'm going to get married.
01:03:37I'm grown up.
01:03:39I'm getting old.
01:03:41I don't want to get old.
01:03:43Taking on all these responsibilities.
01:03:46Why is everybody pushing me so?
01:03:48All I want to do is be a fella.
01:03:51And I'm going to get married.
01:03:59Cheer up, Ma.
01:03:59I'm getting married.
01:04:02Come on, Ma.
01:04:04Now, Ma, you save Thursday nights.
01:04:06Emily and I will be over for supper every Thursday night.
01:04:08You'll see.
01:04:12Come on, Ma.
01:04:13We've got to get ready for this.
01:04:15Got the ring?
01:04:15Oh, yes, sir.
01:04:17Come on.
01:04:38We've got to get married.
01:04:42We've got to get married.
01:04:55I want to get married.
01:05:14It's a lovely wedding, a list wedding I ever saw.
01:05:19Oh, I do love a good wedding, don't you?
01:05:22Doesn't she make a lovely bride?
01:05:36Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God and in the face of this
01:05:42company to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony.
01:05:46I don't know when I've been in such a lovely wedding.
01:05:49I always cry.
01:05:51I don't know if I am, but I always cry.
01:05:55I just like to see young people happy.
01:05:58They're such a lovely couple.
01:06:01I've never been to such a nice wedding.
01:06:03I'm sure.
01:06:12Do you, Emily, take George to your wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for
01:06:20for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to
01:06:26cherish till death you do part, according to God's holy ordinance, and thereto plight him
01:06:32your troth?
01:06:34I do.
01:06:37What token dost thou give of thy sincerity?
01:06:41With this ring?
01:06:43With this ring?
01:06:44I thee wed.
01:06:46I thee wed.
01:06:47For as much as George and Emily have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed
01:06:52the same before God and this company, and have declared the same by giving and receiving
01:06:57a ring, I pronounce that they are husband and wife.
01:07:01Amen.
01:07:11I mean forever, forever and ever.
01:07:34Hey, you're first of the month, like usual.
01:07:36Hey, you're howling.
01:07:42A man his age shouldn't be driving one of those things.
01:07:45Not when he's got a lot of young fellas to do it for him.
01:07:48Well, Howie likes to deliver the milk himself.
01:07:50Says he gets the feel of the town that way.
01:07:53You know, in all these years, he never kept a book?
01:07:55Carries all the accounts in his head.
01:07:57I hear he's been doing so well, he's begun locking his front door at nights.
01:08:01Afraid of burglars.
01:08:02Ain't no burglars in this town yet.
01:08:04No.
01:08:05Well, but Howie's heard about him.
01:08:07Heh.
01:08:26This time, nine years have gone by, friends.
01:08:29It's the summer of 1913.
01:08:32Rad dual changes in Grover's corners.
01:08:35Horses are getting rarer.
01:08:37Farmers are coming into town now in fords.
01:08:41Still, you'd be surprised, though, on the whole.
01:08:44Things don't change much around here.
01:08:50This is an important part of Grover's corners up here in this hilltop.
01:08:54Lots of sky, lots of clouds.
01:08:57Often lots of sun and moon and stars.
01:09:01It's certainly a beautiful spot up here.
01:09:07I often wonder why people want to be buried in Woodlawn or Brooklyn when they might pass the
01:09:11same time up here in New Hampshire.
01:09:14Over here are the old stones, 1660, 1670, strong-minded people who come a long ways to be independent.
01:09:24Over here are some Civil War veterans, iron flags on their graves, New Hampshire boys.
01:09:35They had a notion that the Union ought to be kept together, although they'd never seen more than 50 miles
01:09:40of it themselves.
01:09:42All they knew was a name, friends, the United States of America, the United States of America, and they went
01:09:51and died about it.
01:10:01This is the new part of the cemetery.
01:10:04There's Mrs. Soames, who enjoyed the wedding so much, remember?
01:10:09And there's our friend Mrs. Gibbs.
01:10:12And Doc Gibbs lost his wife three years ago, just about this time.
01:10:17And then the two webs boy, Wallace, whose appendix burst on a Boy Scout trip to Crawford Notch.
01:10:23There's Mr. Stimson, the organist of the Congregational Church.
01:10:27He drank a lot, they used to say.
01:10:29Hung himself in the attic.
01:10:31They tried to hush it up, but of course it got around.
01:10:34He wrote his own epitaph.
01:10:36It ain't a verse exactly, it's just a lot of notes.
01:10:40I wouldn't know what it was.
01:10:43It was all read up in the Boston papers at the time, though.
01:10:46A lot of sorrows kind of quieted down up here, too.
01:10:48All those important things, mother and daughter, husband and wife, enemy and enemy, money and miser.
01:10:57All those terribly important things.
01:11:01The earth part kind of burns away, burns out.
01:11:07And what's left?
01:11:08What's left when memory is gone and your identity, Mrs. Smith?
01:11:15Something eternal.
01:11:18We all know down in our bones that something is eternal.
01:11:22And that something has to do with human beings.
01:11:25All the greatest people that have lived for the past 5,000 years have been telling us that.
01:11:30And yet you'd be surprised how we lose sight of that fact.
01:11:34There's something eternal about every human being.
01:11:41I guess I'm thinking these thoughts today on account of our friend, Emily.
01:11:46Another baby's expected down at that happy home we saw started.
01:11:50It's Emily's second.
01:11:51There's a little boy about six years old.
01:11:55But this time, Emily's pretty sick.
01:11:58Doc Gibbs is going around these days with a mighty worried face.
01:12:02Let's go.
01:12:34I want to live.
01:12:39Oh, I want to live.
01:12:41I want to live.
01:13:07Who's coming now, Julia?
01:13:10My daughter-in-law, Emily.
01:13:12What ails are?
01:13:14Trouble bringing a baby into the moon.
01:13:17Why?
01:13:18I remember Emily's wedding.
01:13:21Wasn't it a lovely wedding?
01:13:24I remember I called on George and Emily at their farm just before I died.
01:13:29Perfect, beautiful farm.
01:13:31I remember I went home.
01:13:33Yea, I remember.
01:13:35I?
01:13:50I haven't been able to live.
01:13:51You certainly have a boy.
01:13:51I was talking to a lady.
01:13:51I was talking to a baby.
01:13:51I don't know that you were dead before.
01:13:53I was talking to a baby.
01:14:00I've been able to live.
01:14:07Dear friends
01:14:09As we gather here in the last tribute of memory to our loved one
01:14:13Hello, Mother Gifts
01:14:14Hello, Ashley
01:14:17Hello, Emily
01:14:18Hello, Mrs. Soames
01:14:22Hello, sis
01:14:25Hello, Ollie
01:14:28Eternal
01:14:30In the heavens
01:14:42Mother Gifts, they're going
01:14:44Yes, dear
01:15:07Father Gifts is bringing some of my flowers to you, Mother Gifts
01:15:21Mother Gifts, I never realized how troubled and sad he looks
01:15:26Mother Gifts, I loved him so
01:15:28Mother Gifts
01:15:32Mother Gifts
01:15:34Mother Gifts
01:15:57Mother Gifts
01:16:01Mother Gifts
01:16:03When does this feeling go away?
01:16:07Being strange here
01:16:10How long does it...
01:16:13Just wait
01:16:14Be patient
01:16:17How do you do, Mr. Stimson?
01:16:20How do you do, Emily?
01:16:24Mother Gifts
01:16:25George and I have made that farm into just the best place you ever saw
01:16:30We thought of you all the time
01:16:32We wanted to show you the new barn and a great long cement drinking fountain for the stock
01:16:38We bought that out of the money you left us
01:16:41I did?
01:16:44Mother Gifts, don't you remember?
01:16:46The legacy you left us
01:16:50That was more than $350
01:16:54Oh, yes
01:16:56Yes
01:17:00It won't be the same to George without me
01:17:06But it's a lovely farm
01:17:13My boy is spending the day at Mrs. Carter's
01:17:16Oh, Mr. Carter
01:17:18My little boy is spending the day at your house
01:17:20He is?
01:17:22Yes, he loves it there
01:17:27Mother Gifts
01:17:29One can go back
01:17:32In memory
01:17:33And live each of those days over again
01:17:38For just then, for a moment, I was thinking about
01:17:42About the farm
01:17:44For a moment I was there
01:17:47And my baby was in my arms as plain as day
01:17:50Yes, but when you've been here longer
01:17:52You'll realize that our life here is to forget all that
01:17:57To think of what is ahead
01:18:00And be ready for what is ahead
01:18:03Oh, but Mother Gifts, how can I ever forget that life?
01:18:08It's all I know, it's all I have
01:18:12One can go back and live all those days over again
01:18:17I feel it, I feel it, I know it
01:18:20You not only live it
01:18:23You watch yourself living it
01:18:27I'll choose a happy day
01:18:28Oh, Emily, it isn't wise
01:18:31Really, it isn't
01:18:32I'll choose the day I first knew I loved George
01:18:41Why should that be painful?
01:18:43Because it's the happiest days that are the hardest to relive
01:18:47And to forget
01:18:50I must
01:18:52I must
01:18:54Then choose an unimportant day
01:18:57Choose the least important day in your life
01:19:01It will be important enough
01:19:06I'll choose
01:19:09I'll choose
01:19:11Yes, Emily
01:19:13Think hard
01:19:16Remember
01:19:19Remember
01:19:23Remember
01:19:24Remember
01:19:31But there's Main Street
01:19:36That's Mr. Morgan's drugstore before he changed
01:19:40And there's the livery stable
01:19:44That's the town I knew as a little girl
01:19:48And look
01:19:51There's the old white fence that used to be around our house
01:19:54Oh, I'd forgotten that
01:19:56I love it so
01:20:06There's Mama coming downstairs to make breakfast
01:20:20Mama
01:20:26Look, there's Howie Newsom
01:20:28But there's Joe Crowell
01:20:32Morning, Howie
01:20:33Morning, Joe
01:20:35Children
01:20:35Emily
01:20:36Wally
01:20:37Time to get up
01:20:39Morning, Miss Webb
01:20:41Morning, Miss Newsom
01:20:43Here, it's cold
01:20:44Yes, envelope of my barn, Miss Webb
01:20:51Keep yourself wrapped up, Mr. Newsom
01:20:53Yes, ma'am
01:20:55Oh, tell Emily many happy returns of the day
01:21:01Now I know
01:21:02It's my 16th birthday
01:21:05Mama
01:21:07I can't find my blue hair ribbon anywhere
01:21:09Just open your eyes, dear
01:21:11That's all
01:21:11I laid it out special for you on the dresser there
01:21:13If it were a snake, it'd bite you
01:21:19How young Mama looks
01:21:22I didn't know Mama was ever that young
01:21:24Morning, Howie
01:21:25Morning, Mr. Webb
01:21:27There's Bob
01:21:27You're up early
01:21:28Yeah, I've been back from all the college to New York State to make a speech
01:21:31Any news here?
01:21:33Yeah, a constable was called up this morning to rescue a foolish boy
01:21:35Turn your front desk, he was
01:21:36We'll put that in the paper
01:21:42Morning, Mother
01:21:42Well, there you are, back at last
01:21:45How'd it go, Charles?
01:21:46Oh, fine, I guess
01:21:47I told him a few things
01:21:49Everything all right here?
01:21:51Yes, can't think of anything that happened special
01:21:53It's been mighty cold
01:21:55Howie Newsom says ten below down to his barn
01:21:57Yes, well, it's colder than that at Hamilton College
01:22:00Students' ears are falling off
01:22:01They ain't Christian
01:22:03Paper have any mistakes in it?
01:22:05None that I noticed
01:22:06Well, you can have your coffee when you want it, Charles
01:22:10Don't forget, it's Emily's birthday
01:22:12Did you remember to get her anything?
01:22:13Got her right here
01:22:15Where's my girl?
01:22:17Where's my birthday girl?
01:22:18Don't interrupt her now, Charles
01:22:20You can see her breakfast
01:22:21She's slow enough as it is
01:22:25I can't bear it
01:22:30Why did they ever have to get old?
01:22:35Mama
01:22:36I'm here
01:22:38I'm grown up
01:22:41Oh, I love you all
01:22:43Everything
01:22:46I can't look at everything hard enough
01:22:52Hurry up, children
01:22:53Seven o'clock
01:22:53I don't want to call you again
01:23:04Morning, Mama
01:23:07Well now, dear
01:23:08A happy birthday to my girl
01:23:10And many happy returns
01:23:11The prize is waiting for you
01:23:12On the table there
01:23:13Oh, Mama
01:23:14You shouldn't have
01:23:15Can I?
01:23:17Can't
01:23:17Birthday or no birthday
01:23:19I want you to eat your breakfast
01:23:19Good and slow
01:23:20I want you to grow up
01:23:21And be a good, strong girl
01:23:22That and the blue package
01:23:23Is from your Aunt Carrie
01:23:26Good morning
01:23:27George
01:23:27Good morning, George
01:23:29I brought this over for your birthday, Emily
01:23:31Many happy returns of the day
01:23:33Thank you
01:23:34You saw me a photograph, Album
01:23:36George, I'd forgotten
01:23:38Oh, it's beautiful
01:23:39Oh, it's just an album
01:23:43I'm going out to my Uncle Luke's farm today
01:23:45I like it out there
01:23:47George
01:23:48We grew up and were married
01:23:50Don't you remember?
01:23:51Uncle Luke gave you the farm
01:23:54Well, goodbye
01:23:56Goodbye
01:23:56Thanks
01:23:59Chew this bacon, good and slow
01:24:00It'll help keep you warm on a cold day
01:24:05Mama
01:24:07Just look at me for one minute
01:24:08As though you really saw me
01:24:11Mama
01:24:12Twelve years have gone by
01:24:15I'm dead
01:24:18I married George Gibbs, Mama
01:24:22Wally's dead, too
01:24:23Mama
01:24:24His appendix burst on a cabin
01:24:26Drip for Crawford Notch
01:24:27We felt just terrible about it
01:24:29Don't you remember?
01:24:33Just for a moment now
01:24:34We're all together
01:24:37Mama, let's be happy
01:24:39Just for a moment
01:24:41Let's look at one another
01:24:44That and the yellow package
01:24:46Is something I found in the attic
01:24:47Among your grandmother's things
01:24:48You're old enough to wear it now
01:24:50And I thought maybe you'd like it
01:24:51Oh, and this is from you
01:24:54It's lovely
01:24:55It's just what I wanted
01:24:58It's beautiful
01:24:58I hoped you'd like it
01:25:01Wally has a present for you, too
01:25:02He made his manual training pass
01:25:04Be sure and make a fuss over it
01:25:06Your father's got a surprise for you, too
01:25:09Don't know what it is, myself
01:25:12There he comes
01:25:13Where's my girl?
01:25:15Where's my birthday girl?
01:25:16I can't, I can't go on
01:25:24It goes so fast
01:25:29We don't have time to look at one another
01:25:39I didn't realize
01:25:45So all that was going on
01:25:49And we never noticed
01:25:54First I go back to my grave
01:25:58Wait
01:26:01One more look
01:26:07Goodbye
01:26:08Goodbye
01:26:08Goodbye
01:26:08Goodbye
01:26:08Goodbye
01:26:09Goodbye
01:26:10Goodbye
01:26:11Goodbye
01:26:12Goodbye
01:26:13Goodbye
01:26:17Mama
01:26:18Mama
01:26:19Papa
01:26:21Goodbye
01:26:22The clock's ticking
01:26:25My butternut tree
01:26:27And Mama's sunflowers
01:26:29Food and coffee
01:26:31New iron dresses and hot baths
01:26:35And sleeping and waking up
01:26:41Oh, Earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize
01:26:46Do any human beings ever realize life
01:26:49Oh, they live it
01:26:50Every, every minute
01:26:55Oh, I want to live, I want to live, I want to live
01:26:57Of course you do, Emily, of course
01:27:02One of the concentric
01:27:04Oh, ahhh
01:27:10Who, who, who, who, who, who, who, who.
01:27:28One term
01:27:28Oh, Tian
01:27:41Most everybody's asleep in Grover's Corners.
01:27:44Oh, there are a few lights on.
01:27:48Down at the depot, Shorty Hawkins has just watched the Albany train go by.
01:27:52Of course, Alton, George, and Emily's farm.
01:27:55They're still up.
01:27:57Talking over the new baby, I suppose.
01:28:00It's like what one of those Midwestern poets said.
01:28:04You've got to love life to have life, and you've got to have life to love life.
01:28:19Eleven o'clock in Grover's Corners.
01:28:22Tomorrow's another day.
01:28:25Everybody's resting in Grover's Corners.
01:28:28You get a good rest, too.
01:28:40Good night.
01:28:41Good night.
01:28:42Good night.
01:28:55Good night.
01:28:59Good night.
01:29:01Good night.
01:29:01Good night.
01:29:01Good night.
01:29:01Good night.
01:29:02Good night.
01:29:03Good night.
01:29:04Good night.
01:29:07Good night.
01:29:08Oh, my God.
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