What sorts of things are being said?
Well, Hattie Pringle: you are accused of marking down her papers
just because she is a Pringle.
Here you are said to laugh at the students when they make mistakes.
What?! Well, alright, I did
laugh when Myra Pringle defined an alligator as a large kind of insect. I couldn't help myself.
Oh, dear.
Mr. James Pringle, the father of Jen Pringle,
claims that there is no discipline whatsoever at the school since your arrival
and he is circulating the report that you are a, quote, um, a foundling, unquote.
Well, it goes on and on. Almost every Pringle parent has written the board
demanding--not requesting--demanding your resignation.
Cantankerous, prejudiced old creatures! How can anyone possibly succeed against such tactics?
I'm so sorry, Anne. I do feel responsible.
Well, on behalf of the 15 students who aren't Pringles, I'm determined to persevere.
Capt. Harris has withdrawn his rather substantial financial support toward the college mortgage
and several of the other Pringle families are threatening to do the same.
I see. So, you want me to resign, as well?
Never! The board wants you to resign.
I want you to stay here and make these Pringles eat their words.
If money's deemed to be the power behind this institution,
well then you, my dear Anne, are going to compensate for every single penny that's been lost.
But how? Shall I give up my salary?
Oh, no, my dear. Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. I'm going to insist
that the board give you a probationary term, at least until Christmas.
In the meantime, might you consider mounting a lavish benefit concert?
Highlighting a play, perhaps, directed by a Miss Anne Shirley?
It'd have to be something with a number of superb roles in it, though.
And strong dramatic content. The audience will have to be completely overwhelmed.
I think every Pringle parent would gladly pay to see their daughters' names in the program, don't you think?
Let's see. 100 tickets at $25 a ticket.
Why, that makes exactly $2500.
Well, that's an outrageous price! Do you honestly think anyone would pay for that?
Yes. And all the money will go directly to the school.
You are perfectly ingenious, Miss Stacey.
We'll show the Pringles the meaning of the word capitalism.
Just a moment, Anne. I think that you should have a look at these old diaries.
Mrs. Stanton, our librarian, and I are preparing a history of Kingsport and we literally stumbled accross those in the archives.
They were written by Capt. Abraham Pringle, the founder of Kingsport.
My dear Anne, if you want to win the game, you have to understand the players.
I see.
"And so, for the last time, the old teacher passed the cruel portrait
of herself etched in the wall by her former students.
Gertrude glimpsed the old woman's haughty loneliness
as she retreated silently into the garden.
Shortly thereafter, they learned that the hand of death had touched her,
and Gertrude was haunted by the realization that she could never thank
the woman who had silently given her so much. It was more than she could bear."
At this point in the term, I should like to dedicate this short story to each of you young ladies
who have made the first few weeks here for me so meaningful. Class dismissed.
What are these girls crying for? -I've been reading them a short story, Miss Brooke.
Good grief, crying over an English lesson.
Miss Brooke is here to discuss my suggestion of a play and benefit concert, Anne.
I think it's scandalous, but my opinion matters little since the school needs the funds.
Exactly. I was hoping you would assist me in the coaching, Miss Brooke.
I don't know why you would, since I had nothing to do with drawing up this ridiculous scheme.
The most important question is, then, who shall play the leading role of Mary Queen of Scots? I--
We don't want any greenhorn in the role. I'm not going to be associated with anything that isn't successful.
Jen Pringle is the only one I can think of who could play the part.
No one else has the necessary personality.
I can't deny that Jen has a natural flair for acting.
Then it's all settled. Why, I think that Miss Brooke will make an excellent coach.
And Miss McKay and Miss Kerr can do the decorations, and I'll see to the hiring of hall and the band.
Perhaps I can even entice a famous soprano from Fredericton to sing between acts at no charge.
I trust she'll sing for the creditors if the whole thing flops.
But don't say I didn't warn you.
"Help me! Help me!" -Feel it.
"Let go of the queen!" -Myra, since you're upstage, don't hide your face.
"Help me, my mistress." -Have mercy.
Mercy, nay. I am innocent.
Save me, sweet lady. -Will ye, slave, save me too?
"Drag him away. Pluck his hands off her!" -This scene looks ridiculous.
I'm not going to lower myself any futher!
Hattie, you're as stiff as a poker. -I can't help it. I don't want to bruise myself.
If I can go down easily, I will. -You've all seen Essie carrying on.
Now do it this way.
[Dramatically] "I am innocent! Save me sweet lady!"
Now the queen, she orders the guards to halt, but the guards haul Rizzio away.
Now, Hattie, you try it.
"I am innocent! Save me, sweet lady."
I refuse to play opposite her!
She is the only one who can be remotely convincing as an Italian musician.
Do what you can, Miss Brooke.
Well, don't blame me if the audience leaves.
Once more, Hattie. And please, relax.
Emmeline! Emmeline!
What is it? What is it?
We missed having you in our play.
And I am so sorry about what happened with your father.
When everything calms down, I'm hoping I can get a chance to speak with him and try to explain.
He isn't here. He's gone back to Boston.
Oh, Miss Shirley, I've always wanted to do a play.
I haven't had much of a chance to do anything.
Papa will never let me come back to the school.
I'm to spend the rest of the year with grandmama...alone.
Oh, Emmeline.
Perhaps I can get another copy of the play. And I'll coach you at home.
I'm sure your father, he'll let you come back to the college next term.
I don't think so. And I don't think my grandmama will either.
I had to sneak out while she and Aunt Pauline were napping.
Is someone helping you along with your studies? You don't want to fall behind.
Well, then I shall have to have a chat with your grandmama. -Will you?
You should hurry along home. You don't want to get her cross.
And I promise, I will come by tomorrow and I will speak with her.
Oh, it's number 10 Maple Terrace. You won't forget.
Of course not. Off you go.
I should like to speak with Mrs. Harris. My name is A-- -You can't. She's ill and
won't be disturbed. Good day. -May I speak with Emmeline Harris, then?
She isn't allowed to have visitors.
Is Capt. Harris coming back to--? -He lives in Boston, Miss.
Seldom visits here.
Could you tell Emmeline that Anne Shirley came to see her?
Thank you.
"My Dear Mrs. Harris, ...
I thought you might be interested in these diaries
belonging to Capt. Abraham Pringle,
which I found in the city archives.
There are some wonderful tributes in here by Capt. Pringle to your late husband, Capt. Harris.
I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I did.
Sincerely, Anne Shirley, Kingsport Ladies' College."
I have a delivery here for a Miss Shirley.
Well, you're in luck. I am Miss Shirley.
Thank you.
So, then, it's tomorrow at noon, is it, Mrs. Harris?
Miss Shirley, Madam.
Mama! Mama! -Good grief, girl, you're aggravating.
Miss Shirley.
What? -Miss Shirley.
Satan's life, why didn't you say so in the first place?
So this is the infamous Miss Shirley?
Come to take her pound of flesh, I see.
How do you do, Mrs. Harris? -Far from well.
How much do you want for these diaries?
I hadn't any intention of selling them.
Is there any use in asking you to sit down?
Yes, thank you.
Who else has seen these?
No one, as far as I know.
Then I am ready to negotiate.
I will give you what you want,
if you'll give me your word
not to reveal this monstrosity to the rest of the Pringles.
I was only hoping I might convince you to let me to tutor your granddaughter, Emmeline,
as I understand she will not be returning to school.
Oh, clever, aren't we? Sugar-coated blackmail.
You want a regular salary to keep you quiet, is that it?
I beg your pardon?
Innocent as doves; cunning as serpents.
You knew when you found that scandalous entry about my husband, it wasn't true.
It couldn't be true. The rest of the Pringles will be delighted to believe it, won't they,
and make us the laughing stock of Kingsport.
Which scandalous entry? -Oh, so there's more than one, is there?
Pauline.
"Josiah Harris' ship was burned and the boats taken.
Harris and the crew nearly starved.
In the end, they-- they ate Jonas Selkirk
who had shot himself.
They lived on him until rescued.
Harris told me himself.
Seemed to think it was a good joke."
On occasion, papa would get so angry-- -Pauline! Be quiet!
That is a lie.
My husband never ate anyone, dead or alive.
Let alone, Jonas Selkirk.
Abraham Pringle wrote that nonsense to get a rise out of his silly wife.
Amy Pringle was notoriously gullible.
Oh, please, Miss Shirley. Don't show these to anyone.
Our Pringle relations might publicize it. We'll do anything.
Now, Miss Shirley. How much do you want to tutor my granddaughter?
Why, you've misunderstood me completely.
I'm not threatening you.
I just thought you'd enjoy all the other splendid things said about your husband.
I never dreamed of telling anyone he was a cannibal.
Well, naturally, we tend to be a little suspicious of strangers in Kingsport.
Perhaps we have misjudged you.
I suppose the child should continue with her studies.
Pauline has no time; she's busy looking after me.
You won't mention this misunderstanding to anyone, will you?
I'll try to remember not to.
And when do you want to start?
Immediately.
These two angles of the triangle are equal to each other. The two sides opposite these angles are equal to each other.
Emmeline, why hasn't anyone replaced your spectacles?
Well, papa says I don't really need to wear them as much as I do.
And grandmama won't because she's an old skinflint.
Who gave you those, then? -Mother Superior at the convent in Boston two years ago.
Anyway, I'm only supposed to use them for reading.
You simply cannot use them anymore. You must have another pair.
I found another copy of Mary-- -"Mary Queen of Scots"!
Oh, her very name just thrills me to my fingertips.
I don't believe she really murdered Darnley, do you?
Shh! Heaven help you two if you wake her up.
I think it's ever so dramatic, don't you?
It's a very challenging role. -We used to have dramatics and music at the convent.
Mother Superior said I was quite good at both.
She taught me to play the piano, too, you know.
Unfortunately, grandmama won't let me touch it.
Could we read it together? -I think so.
I'll play all of the other parts, and you read Mary.
Let's start here.
"Forgive all evil toward me of all men, deed or device to hurt me....
"...Yea, I would not bear one heart unreconciled with mine when mine is cold.
"I will not take Death's hand with any soil of hate or wrath or wrong about me.
"But being friends with this past world,
pass it in the general peace of love."
That was wonderful!
Thank you for bringing me, Miss Shirley.
This will be our secret place which you cannot reveal to anyone.
Grandmama never lets me out alone.
She thinks I'm liable to be kidnapped by gypsies.
I don't know why she'd care if I was kidnapped by gypsies; all she cares about is her aching back and sore feet.
Now, now. Old people cling to the way they were brought up themselves.
Secretly she hates me.
She always calls me "the child"
as though I may be "the dog" or "the cat."
If I make a spark of noise, she nearly passes out.
She's and old tyrant and someday, I'm going to run away forever
and become a real actress.
Why have you never lived with your father?
He's very occupied with his business affairs.
I was at two other boarding schools before I came to this one.
But he brought me here so I would be close to grandmama and so he wouldn't worry about me.
I'm sure he means to do what's best.
What Jen Pringle said about my papa hurt, you know...
Because it's true.
"Dear Papa, I want so much to return to K.L.C.
I'd like to ask you to allow me to go back to K.L.C. next term.
I was at the top of my class before I left
and hoped you'd be proud of my grades.
Please understand it was all a mistake.
I tried to reach you in Baltimore, but I suppose you never received the letter."
Miss Shirley is here for your tutorial, Miss. -Thank you.
Miss Shirley! Grandmama will eat you alive!
We're to have our studies in this room. I simply cannot tolerate the gloominess any longer.
I have a wonderful surprise for you.
Miss Stacey has lent me a Royal Conservatory program and you can begin today.
I can't. Grandmama has forbidden me... -Fiddlesticks!
It's high time someone reminded your grandmama what a piano sounds like.
Uh, and it shouldn't be me. You can start with these elementary exercises as a refresher course.
But, it is a step in the right direction.
I'll get your textbooks. Play!
Pauline! Come in here, girl.
We will answer and we will tell them we cannot accept.
Mama wants her stationary, Abigail.
Who on earth is making that confounded racket?
That piano isn't meant to be played!
Get away from there, child!
Who gave you permission to play that piano? - I'm sorry, Mrs. Harris, but Emmeline must be allowed to devote some time to musical studies.
I don't believe in young girls playing the piano in public.
It tends to make them bold and forward.
Why, I think perhaps you are wise, Mrs. Harris.
However, I am told that most of the young Pringle girls in Kingsport have private lessons.
I just wouldn't want to be accused of negligence in Emmeline's proper upbringing.
Well, who gave you permission to open those windows?
I just wanted your staff to see how dusty this room is. It needs a thorough going over.
Well, have it your way. You young people are all so giddy.
Pauline wants to go away and leave me.
It's only for the day, mama. -"Only for the day," says she.
It never seems to occur to anyone that I'd like a day out of this confounded wheelchair.
You may not have the use of you legs, grandmama, but there's nothing the matter with your tongue.
Don't you dare to be impertinent, child!
I know a girl who died in her sleep after being impertinent.
Pauline, what is it?
Uh, my cousin Louisa is celebrating her wedding anniversary in Fredericton next week.
Now, I was her bridesmaid fifteen years ago and I'd do anything to be there.
Well, if I die alone while you're away,
Pauline, I'll leave it to your conscience. I know what a burden I can be.
Mama, please don't excite yourself. I'm not going to go if you're not--
I will excite myself.
Can't I have a little excitement to brighten my dull life?
Oh, my back. My back, it hurts. Close that confounded window, girl.
I can feel the draft. Pauline, get my Afghan and a cushion for my feet. Oh!
Well, you know how people will talk, Mrs. Harris, if Pauline doesn't go to the anniversary.
What? -Oh, I'm sure in your long lifetime
you've learned what idle tongues can say.
Well, there's no need to throw my age up in my face, girl.
his town is full of tattling toadies, and don't I know it.
Well, I'm not stopping her. I left it to her own conscience.
No one would ever believe that excuse.
Miss Shirley and I can even stay with you, grandmama. -Why, Pauline could probably be there and back in a day.
There's something behind all this, isn't there?
Why are you so set on her going?
Because she's a good, kind daughter who needs a day off now and then.
Never mind her weedily ways. Have a peppermint.
Oh. Oh, my head.
Oh, I've got such a pain in my head and I'm so tired I can't argue anymore.
I suppose that means I'm going to have a stroke.
Oh... Alright, you can go. But, if you catch flu and get sick,
don't blame me.
Oh, thank you, mama! Thank you! You're so good to me.
I wanted to go to cousin Louisa's so much,
Oh, mama, I only have this old black taffeta to wear. Do you think-- -Black taffeta is quite good enough for Louisa Hilton's wedding.
She'd dress in scarlet, that one, if I'd let her and she's only waiting till I'm dead to do it.
As long as I'm alive you will be decent, Pauline Harris.
Alright, mama. I'm just going to be glad inside and not even think about what I'm wearing.
And I'm sure that you'll get along with Miss Shirley splendidly, mama.
"I will not take Death's hand with any soil of hate or wrath or wrong about me.
But being friends with this past world,
pass from it in the general peace of love."
Well, you've all done remarkably well and deserve multitudes of praise.
Now make sure you have your lines down pat for next Friday's rehearsal.
And, before you all go, I have one announcement to make.
Mrs. Capt. Josiah Harris and her granddaughter Emmeline would be pleased to invite you to a fall picnic tomorrow morning.
Now, if you care to attend, we'll be meeting at Maplehurst at 10am.
Oh, please bring a small gift for Mrs. Harris out of politeness for her generosity in hosting this event.
You can go home, now, girls.
It's coming. Coming. -They look wonderful.
Quite a reaction from those old diaries, Anne.
It goes to show you how my old students always pull through. -Don't speak too loudly, yet.
I just received a letter from Gilbert Blythe. It seems he's finally in medical school.
I know. Well, how's he doing? -Well, you know Gilbert's so modest.
But reading between the lines, I'd say he's top of his class. He wanted to know how you are doing, as well.
Well, you may tell him I'm keeping out of mischief.
Come in.
It's only me, Pauline. -Oh, Miss Shirley. How do I look?
Dreadful! You simply cannot go in that old thing.
I'm going to lend you my best dress.
Oh, my dear. No, no, no. I'm on tender hooks as it is. Mama might change her mind.
Don't be silly. Get up, and take this black taffeta off. You can put this on underneath and change at the party.
Oh, but-- but-- but to deceive mama, I--
You wouldn't want to bring bad luck to a wedding anniversary wearing that black thing, would you?
No.
Oh, oh, oh, no. Now, just a whiff. Mama won't approve of this.
Oh, apple blossom. Oh, how this reminds me of Adelaide Pringle when she--
Who? -Morgan's wife.
Mother of the child. She was my first cousin on mama's side.
I see.
Pauline, why does your brother never visit?
Oh, Morgan, he's become just become just like papa,
always ordering people about, no time for anyone else.
Morgan used to be so robust and handsome,
and Adelaide used to love music and parties...
What happened?
Well, it's not Christian to speak of the dead.
Well, how did she die, then?
She ran off shortly after the child was born, and died of consumption.
The Pringles all blamed Morgan, including mama.
But it wasn't Morgan's fault.
Now mama won't have anything about that reminds her of what happened to Adelaide.
But that's wrong, Pauline.
What make people on this town hold such grudges against one other?
Oh, the Pringles have always bickered a great deal amongst themselves.
We're very polite to each other in public. -I've never seen such ridiculous behavior.
It is absolutely Byzantine.
Well, in any case, Pauline Harris, you are going to have the day off of your life.
Good morning, Mrs. Harris. -Walking as if we owned the world, are we?
So I do. Come along, Pauline.
I'm ready to go, mama.
Too much color, girl. You look painted.
Oh, no it's just, I'm flushed.
And you don't smell respectable drenched in scent.
It's just the tiniest little bit of-- - I said drenched and I meant drenched!
Turn around.
Is that a rip under that sleeve?
No, mama. -Oh. Remember your manners.
And don't forget to cross your ankles decently when you sit down.
And don't sit in a draft, either. And don't slide down the banisters.
Mama!
Well, you did it at Nancy Pringle's wedding.
Mama, that was 25 years ago! What do you think I am?
Go on, girl. Don't stand there jabbering. Do you want to miss your train?
Uh. No, mama.
And if I'm not here when you come back, remember, leave me out in my wedding dress and mind my hair is crimped.
I don't know how you'll manage her, Miss Shirley. She's such a baby.
I never thought I'd ever get a chance to visit Maplehurst.
Hattie! Hattie Pringle, get away from there! That's Mrs. Harris' carriage.
This is outrageous! I haven't been outside...
If I catch a cold, girl, I shall hold you responsible.
Nonsense. I want you to enjoy the sunshine and all the beautiful autumn colors.
We'll have a lovely carriage ride. And you can criticize everyone as you pass by.
Criticize? That's a very strange idea, Miss Shirley.
That is not Christian. It's simply not Christian.
What is the meaning of this, Miss Shirley? I won't stand anymore of your monkeyshines.
They're such handsome carriages and you never use them.
You put them back, you hear? They've not been out for seven years.
All the more reason to bring them out and use them. Stop being so selfish.
Good morning, girls! You look lovely.
You wheel me back in, you hear? This is anarchy!
Who are these rabble rousers?
Oh, dear saints above, I shall swoon. I can't stand all this fresh air.
It's such a pretty day. I thought you could host a picnic for the school.
I don't eat my lunch outside with anyone, girls.
I'm not a raggle-taggle gypsy! Take me in! Take me in! -Hush, Mrs. Harris.
Some of these girls are Pringles. -Pringles?
Yes, and you don't want them running home and telling tales.
You'll pay for this. If I catch a chill...
You said you wanted a day off from your wheelchair, anyway, grandmama. -Be quiet!
Good morning, Mrs. Harris. You look awfully chipper.
Thank you, Alec McGuiness.
Well, what does it matter if I die anyway? I've been living on borrowed time for too long as it is.
Such friendly people.
Charming neighbors. You know, I don't approve of criticizing people, my dear.
No. May I ask, is that all your own hair?
Yes, every bit.
Hmm. Pity it's red. But I believe red is becoming quite popular again.
Thank you.
You girls are late. What happened, Jen? Was your maid sick again?
And another one?
Oh, how delightful. Thank you, my dear.
This is my gift to you, Emmeline.
Oh, Miss Shirley. However did you pay for this?
I had some lucky savings put aside.
Oh, thank you a million times over!
Someday I'll make it up to you.
Now, wasn't that sweet of all these girls to give me gifts?
Yes, it was.
I rather like your laugh, Miss Shirley. That nervous giggle of Pauline's gets on my nerves.
Well, I hope she has a wonderful time at the party.
She's probably overeaten and made herself ill. Like her father, that girl.
He never knew when he had enough. Hmph.
Did I ever show you Josiah's picture, Miss Shirley?
Why he was very handsome.
Full of heroic spirit, I'd say.
Yes, he was the handsomest man in Kingsport.
And he adored me.
And he adored me. We consulted each other about absolutely everything. Mind you, we didn't always agree.
No. He had his fits of temper. Oh, yes. And so did I. [laughs]
Do you know what he did when I bought a daycap he didn't like?
I can't imagine.
He ate it. It gave him a terrible stomach pain.
Yes, serves him right. He was so irked that I had neglected to consult him. [laughs/cries]
How could he go away and leave me alone and crippled like this?
Dying was the only thing that he ever dared to do without consulting me.
Won't be long before we're together again.
There's no one--no man like him. No.
This is a degenerate age, Miss Shirley.
What about your son?
Morgan.
Well, he managed his money successfully, if that's any merit.
His father spoiled him.
Well, he should never have married his cousin.
It's a blessing that poor Adelaide Pringle died, dear soul.
Morgan got what he deserved, I suppose.
That's a very inhuman attitude for a mother, Mrs. Harris.
Yes. Well, we're not exactly famous for compassion,
Miss Shirley, especially among ourselves.
They're all waiting for me to die so they can get their hands on the money.
Perhaps you ought to realize that Emmeline only wants to be cared for.
If you have any compassion left in your soul, you might spend it on her.
Children should be seen and not heard.
You seem to be very broad-minded in your opinions, Miss Shirley.
That's the nicest compliment anyone's ever paid me, Mrs. Harris.
Pardon me, young man.
I was wondering if you would allow my girls and me the pleasure of a hayride into town in your wagon?
It would be so exciting for them, and I promise they won't be any trouble.
Mama!
Mama?
You'll simply have to go. Good bye.
Mama?
Mama, what's happened? Mama, are you alright?
You're wearing a hat. Mama, I can't remember the last time I-- -Pauline, will you calm yourself?
You sound hysterical. Haven't you seen me wear a hat often enough, girl?
Miss Shirley suggested an alfresco lunch. It was most enjoyable.
I've been so anxious about you, mama. I was worried sick the entire party.
Will you stop fluttering, girl? You fidget.
Pauline, did you have a good time at your wedding party? -Oh, my, yes.
Oh, Louisa sent you her your bouquet, mama. The flowers were wonderful.
The parlor was a bower... -Like a funeral, I suppose.
And the minister married cousin Louisa and Maurice all over again. -Sacrilegious.
Molly and Emily send their love. And, oh, Emily has the most delicious baby.
You speak as though it was something to eat. Babies are common enough.
Babies are never common. Each one is a miracle.
Well, I had two of them. I didn't see much that was miraculous about either of them.
Mama, you're so bright and cheerful today. However did you two get along, Miss Shirley?
Well, that I have a head, and we got on well enough.
I don't care what the Pringles say; I think you're quite good- looking.
Thank you.
Oh, good grief!
Well, well. "Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep and doesn't know where to find them."
Good day, Miss Kerr. After this, I shall be surprised at nothing.
"Leave them alone, and they'll come home, bringing their tails behind them."
Get those sheep out of here!
Papa!
Emmeline! You were told to stop wearing those ridiculous spectacles outside.
Your eyesight will never improve if you constantly wear them--
Yes, papa, but Miss Shirley gave me these new ones and I-- -Go inside.
Immediately. -But...
Hurry up.
Young man! Who is responsible for this?
Is this your wagon?
Oh, thank you. We had a marvelous time. -Miss Shirley. May I have a word with you?
You run along, Miss Kerr. I'll catch up.
Yes, sir.
It seems that each time we meet, a catastrophe lies in my way.
Well, then perhaps you ought to get out of the way.
I get annoyed when people treat my instructions lightly, Miss Shirley.
I gave explicit orders that my daughter was to have no further association with Kingsport Ladies' College.
Would you mind telling me what the devil you're doing here?
We have been on a country picnic, sir. Hosted by your mother.
My mother? She authorized taking out all those carriages and inviting all those girls?
No, sir. I did.
And as she has nothing better to think about than herself,
I thought that it was high time someone tried to help her.
Then you really are as insane as all the rumors I've heard about you.
What have you heard? -You wouldn't want to know.
Yes, I would.
The Pringles have labeled you the "Mad-capped English Professor."
Someone said you had written the most ridiculous story they'd ever read published by...
something or other Reliable Baking Powder Company.
And that you were the silliest red-headed mouse of a schoolmistress they'd ever known.
Thanks to you, I was very nearly fired!
There's a logical explanation behind everything.
But, you people really are the most narrow-minded, self-centered, quarrelsome group I have ever encountered.
I'd like to poison your entire clan. You can't stand to see anyone succeed other than yourselves.
I am sure you're all gloating over who will fly the victory banner at the end of this year.
Well, you have not got the better of me, yet! -Whoa! Come back here, miss.
You're upset by what the Pringles think of you? -I don't care to discuss it, if you don't mind.
I'm sorry.
You're afraid the Pringle rumors might enforce my conclusions about you.
Your conclusions? Don't flatter yourself!
You might be interested in listening to what I actually had to say in your defense.
You ought to look around and see if there's anyone you like to listen to better than yourself.
I took it upon myself to see that this was delivered to you.
I'm sure you're far too busy to forward a change of address to your daughter.
If you weren't so self-absorbed, sir, you'd realize there's a little girl who desperately loves you.
You can go.
Morgan! Oh, Miss Shirley, wait! Morgan!
I'll be right back. Miss Shirley!
Oh, Miss Shirley, thank goodness you didn't let mama see me getting out of that fellow's carriage.
Pauline, you're positively trembling. -Oh, it was heavenly.
I simply have to tell you everything. Isaac Kent drove me home.
He used to be an old beau of mine. Well, no, hardly an old beau;
he never had any real intentions. But we did used to go driving around together.
He, um, paid me a compliment.
He said, "Your hair looks as much like molasses taffy as it ever did."
I hope there wasn't anything improper in his saying that? -Nothing whatsoever.
He asked me to go driving again. Heaven knows what mama's going to say, but...
I dont even care!
Louisa and I walked all around the old house
and remembered all the summers we spent together as little girls.
We saw the lilac bushes we planted years ago.
I don't know. I just never had such a wonderful day.
Pauline, I'm so pleased. -How can I ever repay you?
I just wish you didn't have such a difficult time here.
Oh, I don't even mind coming home, somehow.
Morgan's here for a few weeks on business.
I hope it will be just like old times.
After all, mama needs me,
and it's nice being needed, isn't it?
Oh, thank you, Miss Shirley. -No, you keep the dress.
Heaven knows, you might get to wear it again.
God bless you.
Oh, you've done more than you'll ever know.
Kingsport Ladies' College, Miss Brooke speaking...
Why, Good Afternoon, Mrs. Pringle.
Sore throat? Tonsillitis? Good heavens, I hope it isn't serious.
It's not contagious, is it?
Oh, I see.
No! No, but... No, we understand completely.
One must not interfere with the doctor's orders.
I agree with you, Mrs. Pringle.
I appreciate your giving us sufficient notice.
Thank you. Goodbye.
Jen Pringle will not be performing this evening.
You can't be serious. Not after all this effort.
We shall simply have to return the tickets and put it off.
Until when? We can't afford to rebook the hall. And what about the band?
I still have to pay for them.
Well, Muriel Stacey, I told you it was foolish to get up a play at this time of year. Don't blame me.
Jen Pringle is in no more danger of tonsillitis than I am.
This is a deliberate device to ruin the play and get rid of me.
That's an awfully sour attitude.
What do you intend to do? Read it yourself? That would ruin it. Mary is the entire play.
We are not postponing anything.
I'll be back in an hour. Carry on as we planned until you hear from me.
Miss Shirley. -I would like to speak to Capt. Harris, please.
I'm sorry. He's busy in his study and I regret to say he won't be disturbed.
I'm sorry, Annabel, but this is a matter that goes beyond regret.
Come in. We'll look at the shipment in Boston. On Monday, alright.
I apologize for interrupting you so rudely, sir, but I'll be brief.
Because you've withdrawn you're financial support from the college,
we have been attempting to raise the balance of our operating costs through the production of a benefit concert scheduled for this evening.
Now our concert is threatened because Jen Pringle, our leading performer, has called in ill at the last minute.
Emmeline knows the part cold; we've been studying it together. This opportunity would mean the everything to her.
I know what you think of me, my methods, and the school, but I beg of you to let her perform with us tonight.
I take it, then, your job is on the line? -I intend to see this through, sir.
You have no business interfering here, Miss Shirley. Emmeline is far too easily influenced for her own good.
But, under the circumstances, I...
I feel I owe you an apology for some of the things I said the other day and all the trouble I've obviously caused.
I meant no harm. -Please, that was my own fault.
Perhaps I reacted hastily taking Emmeline out of school.
Pringles like to throw their weight around this community.
You might say I took Emmeline's expulsion as an attack on myself.
But, I thought you supported the general consensus?
Please, don't lump me in with that lot.
Kingsport is a very insidious town.
I am grateful to you for your insights, Miss Shirley.
Emmeline may go. -Emmeline may go?
Emmeline may go.
Thank you, sir. I'm just dizzy with gratitude.
Sorry.
Miss Shirley. Miss Shirley. You and Emmeline hurry along.
The Pringles will be sharpening their knives. -Thank you.
"Forgive all evil toward me of all men, deed or device to hurt me.
Yea, I would not bear one heart unreconciled with mine when mine is cold,
I will not take Death's hand with any soil of hate or wrath or wrong about me.
pass from it in the general peace of love."
Thank you. Thank you all so much for your, well, overwhelming
support for this evening's benefit. I would now like to introduce to you
K.L.C.'s brilliant, young English professor,
an individual who has overseen every last inch of this production
and whose inspired direction has brought forth such magnificent performances from your daughters:
Miss Anne Shirley.
Thank you. -Miss Shirley, on behalf of the Kings County Board of Education,
it gives me very great pleasure to present you with this check,
the proceeds of this evening's exciting events,
made out to the Kingsport Ladies' College,
in the amount of $2500.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
It would be impossible for me to speak without having by my side the three other energetic supporters of tonight's events:
Miss Kerr, Miss McKay, and especially our beloved principal, Miss Katherine Brooke
who all worked so tirelessly on this production.
It was with great trepidation that I began my year here at Kingsport Ladies' College,
and I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to my fellow teachers and to the parents of my students
who all tried to make me feel so at home during my first few weeks in Kingsport.
I have grown to love and respect all of our girls at K.L.C.,
and have found many kindred spirits among them.
If we have opened your hearts this evening
and entertained you even a little, we have succeeded.
Thank you all for your very fine support.
Thank you.
I can't thank you enough for what you've done for my Myra.
She's got along better this term than she has in a long time.
She's a joy to teach.
Thank you. I just hope they all realize what a jewel you are, my dear.
I know some of the other Pringles have been abominable, but I don't care what they say;
You can board with me next term. -Thank you for the invitation.
I had a teacher just like you when I was a girl. You brought back so many memories. -Congratulations.
Thank you for your fine support.
Papa, what did you think? -Emmeline, you were an angel.
You stole away everyone's heart including mine. Come back to Earth now, for a while.
It all seems like a dream.
Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Emmeline! Oh, you were wonderful. -Thank you.
It looks like you've single-handedly routed the entire Pringle clan.
Well, let's just say that the winds of persecution have blown over.
Thank you, sir. This has meant a great deal to me.
I'll never forget it as long as I live.
Nor will I.
Good night, Emmeline. -Miss Shirley, I'd like you to go on tutoring my daughter,
so she'll be caught up when she returns to college next term. I'm prepared to make it worth your while.
Only if you put my wages back into supporting the college.
You're asking me to renegotiate? -Yes.
You have a deal.
Thank you. Good night, Emmeline. Good night. -Good night.
Miss Brooke generously left the light on for us. She must be in a good mood. [Laughs]
Settle down. I'll be along shortly to tuck you girls in.
Isn't that ring around the moon enchanting?
I've seen a good many moons in my time.
You haven't seen this one.
Sit down. Let's let it just soak into our souls.
Wasn't it a marvelous evening?
Don't make a fool out of yourself, please.
It was thought in ancient times, that when a man and a woman sat under such a moon,
they would be bonded together in love for eternity.
Love...
If I died tomorrow, not one living soul would miss me.