( meows )
( cawing )
( bird warbling )
( children laughing and talking )
( bell rings )
Time for lessons, children.
Come along.
WOMAN: Come on, Debra.
All right.
Come along.
( knocking )
Come in.
I've checked everything, Lady Mary.
Is there anything else you need?
No, thank you, Martha.
Forwarding address.
And everything else we've already discussed.
Well, Martha.
You'll be sitting there tomorrow.
Misselthwaite is all yours now.
I'll do my best, Lady Mary.
Don't you worry.
I'm not in the least bit worried.
You're the only person I'd trust to look after our orphans.
Thank you.
We shall all miss you.
There's just one more thing.
Come with me.
I'm going to leave this in your hands, too.
Oh, my goodness.
You're the only person I can trust with it.
Are you sure?
Absolutely.
It was your brother who restored this garden to life.
Well, I'm not Dickon, Lady Mary
but I promise you I'll do my best.
It's always been a wonder to me how you can find that door.
Oh, as long as I've got the key, I've never had a problem.
( birds singing )
Promise to eat all your vegetables, Doris.
Yes, Lady Mary.
Good girl.
Stephen, take care of them.
I will, Lady Mary.
Good boy.
How are you feeling, Penelope?
Much better, Lady Mary.
Every day a little better.
Oh, that's wonderful.
Keep your hopes up.
I'm sure we'll be able
to bring you to America for the operation.
Safe journey.
CHILDREN: Bye.
Bye, Lady Mary.
Bye.
Bye, Lady Mary.
Oh, Martha...
Miss Sowerby.
Will you be joining us
for supper in the dining room then?
Not tonight, Toby.
I've got some things to catch up on.
Very good then, Miss Sowerby.
I'll keep something warm on the stove for you.
I'm still just plain old Martha, Toby.
You're the mistress of Misselthwaite
in Lady Mary's absence...
Miss Sowerby.
( birds singing )
Ow.
Ooh.
( clicks tongue )
Hey now, Martha.
What's got into you?
I can't seem to find the garden door.
Well, uh...
didn't Lady Mary show it to you?
Yes, she did.
But I can't see it.
Well, perhaps you'd be so kind as to point me to it.
Well, blessed if I can.
Lady Mary always opened it for me every day.
Well...
You've scratched your hand.
Oh, never mind the scratches, Will.
What are we going to do if I can't find the door?
Well, don't take on so, Martha.
You'll find it. After all...
you've got the key.
But it doesn't seem to be doing me any good.
Otherwise I'd-I'd just be able to part the ivy
like Lady Mary did, and there it would be.
Well, let's have a cup of tea and try again tomorrow.
It won't be any different tomorrow.
It was here.
I know it was.
I marked it.
Well, what are we going to do then?
I am charged by Lady Mary to look after the garden.
And so I shall.
Call the stonemason, Will.
Tomorrow.
GIRL: Put it right over the plate.
( cheering )
GIRL: You're out of there.
( children talking and playing in distance)
Welcome to the Sisters of Charity, Lady Mary.
Thank you. It's a pleasure.
Will you come inside?
Mm-hmm.
Hello.
We're honored to be a part
of your exchange program, Lady Mary.
SISTER MARY: Come along, please.
Come along now.
Just here, Father, thank you.
Don't dawdle. Come along now.
SISTER MARY: Come on, James. Put the ball down.
That's right. Come on now.
This is Lady Mary Craven
the wife of the new British ambassador to the United States.
And she's working on a special program
that I think sounds exciting.
Lady Mary.
Thank you.
Well, I haven't come here to make a long speech.
I've come to see if one of you might be interested
in a rather grand adventure.
LADY MARY: Like you, many children in my country lost their parents
in this terrible war which has finally ended.
And through our program of exchanging orphans
we're trying to help those who need it most
to come to America
for operations that we can't provide for them in England.
So...
is there anyone amongst you who might like to live
in a country house in England for a year or so?
Oh, dear.
That many.
Well, I don't know
how I'm going to choose just one of you.
SISTER MARY: Go back to your play, children.
( children cheering )
I'd like to be really sure about the child.
Is there any way I might meet them individually?
Of course.
Go right ahead.
Thank you.
( sings )
( bird singing )
( clears throat )
What lovely white roses.
Who are you?
I'm Mary Craven.
Might I ask what your name is?
Lizzie Buscana.
( bird singing )
Would you take a walk with me, Lizzie?
You aren't mad 'cause I didn't go listen to you?
Oh, no, not at all.
No one was obliged to come.
Might I ask why you didn't?
My roses have aphids
and I don't have any powder for them.
I have to pick them off with my hands.
Without gloves?
Let me see.
Oh, your poor hands.
You must love these roses very much.
You have gardener's hands.
Just like my mom does.
Did.
You've got a garden?
Oh, yes.
And I miss it very much.
When we were children
we used to call it the Secret Garden.
We used to have all sorts of adventures there.
My mom and dad and me had a garden.
We didn't have any adventures in it though.
We grew vegetables
for the fancy restaurants in Manhattan.
It was the best truck garden in Brooklyn.
What's it like, your Secret Garden?
Oh, well, how do I describe it?
I never could.
It's not really a formal garden.
I suppose I'd have to call it...
a children's garden.
Will you tell me
about your garden in Brooklyn?
Oh, wow.
I'm telling you.
We couldn't grow enough tomatoes or zucchini
or Boston lettuce or greenhouse strawberries.
Oh, I'm very impressed.
Strawberries are difficult.
Especially in a greenhouse.
Not for me.
I have a green nose.
( laughs )
I think that's "a green thumb."
I know what a green thumb is.
My mama said...
What did she say, Lizzie?
She said I had a green nose
'cause I always had it in the dirt...
right beside her...
since I could crawl.
You must miss her very much.
( bird singing )
My parents were flying to San Diego.
My pop was in officer school in the Navy.
The plane crashed.
It wasn't even in the war.
I understand how you feel.
When I was a girl your age
I came to Misselthwaite from India.
I'd just lost my parents, too.
You did?
They died in an epidemic.
So I was to be raised
in a faraway place called England
by a distant relative.
I didn't want to go.
I was terrified.
But it turned out
to be the best place in the world for me.
I felt at home there.
And I think you may come to feel that way, too.
I have to leave my mama's roses.
Your mama's roses will be safe with me.
I'll replant them myself in the best spot
in the residence garden.
Promise?
I promise.
LADY MARY: I'll stop at Misselthwaite
and take very good care of Lizzie.
Good-bye.
PRIEST: Good-bye.
LIZZIE: Lady Mary!
This is an American Beauty.
My mom grew them in her front yard.
I brought a cutting from her very best bush.
Oh.
We're having a very important dinner
tonight at the Ambassador's Residence.
Do I have your permission
to wear this wonderful rose in my hair?
It's okay with me.
Thank you.
Bye-bye, Lizzie.
Bye.
MAN: I hope you had a pleasant evening, sir.
MAN 2: Yes, we did, thank you.
MAN: The worst thing about this job
is these awful state dinners.
I thought they'd never leave.
You seem a thousand miles away, Mary.
I had the most extraordinary experience today, Colin.
I saw someone we haven't seen for years.
Who?
Robin Redbreast.
I think we're going
to have to cut down your schedule, Mary.
It sounded just like him.
I could never forget that song. Could you?
Don't look at me as if I've just gone daft.
It took me right back
to the first time I heard Robin Red Breast
and stood in the Secret Garden.
Personally, I can't tell
one robin's song from another.
Or one robin, for that matter.
And I doubt if you can, either.
Well, even if I imagined it, it comes to the same thing.
I met the most interesting little girl.
And she's agreed to come to Misselthwaite.
But I'm a bit worried
because she's not the sort we usually look for.
Why, what's wrong with her?
Too American?
I'm afraid they're all American, Mary.
No, I'm... I sense she might be a little stubborn.
Do you think I'm being hasty
if I take a chance on her?
Penelope needs at least a year in America.
That's an awfully long time
if this girl doesn't like Misselthwaite.
I've never known you misjudge a child.
Trust your heart, Mary.
You won't go far wrong.
It's the only way I know how to choose.
So... it's decided.
Mm-hmm.
Shall we go up?
Yes.
Thank you, everyone.
It was a lovely party
thanks to your very hard work.
Thank you, madam.
Let's all have a sleep-in in the morning, shall we?
BUTLER: Thank you. Good night.
You've reminded me.
I've been carrying this about all day.
There's a telegram from England.
It's from Martha.
Something wrong?
She's put a new door in the Secret Garden.
She's what?
"Have encountered difficulties
"in making use of existing door.
"Have found it necessary to put in practical door.
"Saw no alternative.
Do hope you understand."
She can't find the door.
Didn't you leave her the key?
Yes.
Of course, I left her the key.
But don't you see?
It's not working.
She can't open the door.
Poor Martha.
She must be devastated.
Well, she did
the right thing then, didn't she?
There was no alternative.
I wish I knew what was wrong.
Is it something to do with me?
How am I to know?
Well, what's done is done.
( train wheels rumbling )
( train whistle blows )
( engine puffing loudly )
( brakes squealing )
CONDUCTOR: Misselthwaite.
Good day there, miss.
I'll take your case.
Mabel.
Here she is, then, Miss Sowerby--
Elizabeth Buscana.
All the way from America.
Hello.
My name is Lizzie.
Lizzie Buscana.
MABEL: Slept most of the way from London.
Quite recovered herself, it seems.
So then, Lizzie Buscana
how was your trip?
I read a lot.
And the stewardess taught me checkers on the plane.
Oh.
Well, it's late, Lizzie.
So, let's get you home to Misselthwaite
and tucked into bed, shall we?
Here we are then, Lizzie.
Now come inside out of the cold air.
You'll be exhausted from all your traveling
whether you know it or not.
When can I see the Secret Garden?
Lady Mary told you about the Secret Garden?
A little bit.
What did she say?
I don't know. It's a children's garden.
Yes. I suppose you could see it like that.
When can I see it?
You'll see it Sunday.
That's when the children are allowed in.
Now let's go inside, shall we?
How come you don't have electric lights here, Miss Sowerby?
We do, Lizzie
but we don't want to turn them on just
to get up the stairs, do we?
We have to watch our pennies here at Misselthwaite.
Isn't Lady Mary rich?
We have 30 children to look after.
It all adds up.
This is your room.
I hope it's to your liking.
Are you kidding me?
This is the nicest room I've ever been in.
It was Lady Mary's room when she first came to Misselthwaite.
She asked that you have it.
Ah, it's a good job
you brought a wool nightdress.
It could be a bit chilly when you get up in the mornings.
We don't have much
in the way of frills at Misselthwaite, Lizzie
but we'll do our best
to make you feel at home, all right?
Do I have to wait till Sunday?
Wait? For what?
To see the garden.
Ah.
The children are allowed in on Sunday after church
for tea and deportment classes.
Allowed in?
Yes, Lizzie.
There are rules at Misselthwaite
which have to be obeyed.
But...
Now, no more questions.
It's time you got ready for bed.
You'll need your sleep.
We get up with the roosters hereabouts.
Well, I'll see you in the morning.
Good night, dear.
Enjoy your breakfast.
Thank you.
There you are, Katie.
Thank you.
Now here's Lizzie, everyone.
Have some porridge first, Lizzie.
Porridge?
It'll keep you warm.
Morning.
And a glass of milk.
WOMAN: Good morning, Lizzie.
Good morning.
I'll take your spoon. This way.
There we are.
Now, children, say good morning to Lizzie Buscana.
ALL: Good morning, Lizzie.
Good morning.
Now there's room over here next to Geraldine
and there's your spoon.
And remember, children, no talking at mealtime.
Hello.
Hi.
You didn't happen
to bring any smokes with you from America, did you?
You smoke?
Don't be silly.
But they're worth a fortune in the village.
Did you?
No.
Too bad.
Uh-oh. Miss Bloody Sow's got her eye on us.
We'll talk later.
I say, Lizzie. Do you know how to play baseball?
Sure, I do.
I'm from Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn Dodgers are World Champions.
Do you think you can teach me how to play?
I'm rather good at cricket.
I want to be a professional baseball player.
Sure. What's your name?
Stephen Brinkie.
You got a ball and a bat?
I've got a cricket bat
and some tennis balls. Will they do?
Sure. We'll make them do.
Happy birthday, Dickon.
Oh...
how could they be so careless?
Watch where you're going, Yank.
Shh!
What on earth do you think you're doing?
Sorry.
Miss Sowerby might see me.
She might think I was spying on her.
But you were spying on her, weren't you?
No. I was spying on the garden.
You must tell me more
but I'm afraid it'll have to wait.
Time for lessons.
It may very well be
that Professor Toynbee
is correct in his hypothesis of challenge and response
but the question is
are civilizations really necessary?
If they're so good, why do they keep on failing?
So you feel that your arguments should be taken seriously
alongside those of Professor Toynbee?
Why shouldn't my arguments be taken seriously?
Just because I'm an orphan?
The problem is not in your stars, Mr. Eglinton.
It is in your arguments.
You make assertions, not arguments.
Professor Toynbee offers
irrefutable proof from the historical record
in support of his assertions.
You offer no proofs from the record
therefore your assertions have no force
other than the loudness of your voice.
If I were to find historical proofs
then would you take my arguments seriously?
I would examine your proofs
and satisfy myself as to their persuasiveness.
Then I would take your arguments seriously.
All right, then.
I will write an essay supported by facts
to prove that I am right and Professor Toynbee is wrong.
( thunder rumbling )
Wouldn't you know.
Just when I decided to work outside.
Hello.
Hi.
What're you working on? A poem?
No, no. It's my essay for Dr. Snodgrass.
Oh, yeah. To prove you're smarter
than Professor what's-his-name.
If you don't mind.
I love the rain.
Is that a new gate in the wall of the Secret Garden?
Yes, why?
Just wondering.
Why is it called the Secret Garden?
Good question.
It's not a secret anymore.
I call it the Sacred Garden.
The Sacred Garden?
Yeah, wait till Sunday. You'll understand.
It's worse than sitting in a church.
I really must get on.
I'm going to recopy all of this.
Why can't we go in except on Sunday?
If you please.
Fine. Be that way.
( thunder rumbling )
( bird warbling )
( bird continues warbling )
( bird singing )
( crows cawing )
( gasps )
( cawing )
Ow.
Mama, help me.
( owl hooting )
( gasps )
It's the door.
( sniffling )
The garden's dying.
Hey, baby.
( clicks tongue )
It's okay.
( crow cawing )
( organ playing )
MARTHA: Thank you, Vicar.
That was a lovely service.
Lovely to see you.
Thank you.
( horn honking )
( bird singing )
MRS. CHILBLAINE: Now, children.
This week
we shall learn the proper way to comport oneself
when one is served tea in the garden.
LIZZIE: It was right there.
I'm sure of it.
You will find on your laps some crockery and cutlery...
Or was it over there?
Please don't fiddle with it.
You will find a plate, a saucer
a cup, a small teaspoon
a fork for cakes
and a little knife.
Sow's got her eye on you.
MARTHA: Quiet.
Pay attention.
One's first consideration
when seated beside others is
putting them at ease.
No, no, Lizzie.
You're not to touch the flowers.
The garden's in a very delicate state.
Sorry.
One's second consideration is...
not to spill anything on them.
With one's napkin unfolded
thusly...
one makes careful use of one's knees as a tea table.
Watch please.
You see?
The Sacred Garden.
Bow down and worship in silence.
It's not funny.
I don't know why you're making such a fuss about it.
Everything dies sooner or later.
Why don't you just get off your high horse
and stop being such a know-it-all poet for once.
And why don't you stop pretending you care
so much more than the rest of us.
You'll go home, and you'll never see this place again.
You're only doing it to get attention.
You take that back, or I'll wipe that stupid grin off your face.
Lizzie, sit down.
I'd like to see you try, Miss America.
( gasps )
How could you?
You will leave this garden immediately.
And pot duty for the entire week, starting with lunch.
Until then, you can wait in your room.
It wasn't her fault, Miss Sowerby.
Robert said something rude to her.
Did you, Robert?
I said something
honest to her.
Some people can't bear to hear the truth.
MARTHA: Both of you.
To your rooms.
March.
What are you waiting for?
I wouldn't want to walk with her.
I said march.
And now, children, that you've had an example
of how not to behave
you may resume your lesson on deportment.
Mrs. Chilblaine.
Thank you, Miss Sowerby.
Now children, to resume...
( sobbing )
Can I come in?
Hi.
( sniffling )
I just wanted to see that you're all right.
Thanks.
You must miss America terribly.
Yeah.
But I like it here.
I wish I could go to America.
I want to go to Hollywood and become a film star.
If I had a friend out there
I'd run away from here right now.
I'd stow away on a boat for New York.
Wouldn't it be grand to become film stars together?
I want to be a landscape architect.
And I want to stay right here
till I figure out what's wrong with this garden.
Well, that's rather obvious.
It's got some sort of disease.
Maybe, maybe not.
Can you keep a secret?
Of course I can.
Wild horses couldn't drag it from me.
I snuck into it last night.
Did you now?
There's something very strange about this garden.
There was a door.
Not the ugly new door.
It was like the garden's real door.
Only it was locked.
And I couldn't find it from the outside
because of all the ivy.
And today, I couldn't find it from the inside either.
It's supposed to be a magic door.
But I don't believe in magic.
Magic?
You're supposed to have the key to find it.
But you found it without the key.
So that proves it isn't magic.
What key?
The key to the Secret Garden.
Sow has it.
She keeps it in Lady Mary's study
in her desk.
How do you know that?
Let's just say
I've had occasion to poke around in there.
They say if you have the key and can open the door
then you'll know the garden's secrets
or some such rot.
( knocking )
MARTHA: Lizzie?
Are you in there?
Yes, Miss Sowerby.
Shut the door, Lizzie.
Well, now...
I don't know what got into you today, Lizzie.
But I have to tell you
I was appalled at your behavior in the garden.
I'm sorry, Miss Sowerby.
Is that all you have to say for yourself?
Robert said the garden was dying.
And he had this stupid grin on his face.
I wasn't going to let him get away with that.
You do not need to concern yourself with that, Lizzie.
Will is doing
everything he can for the garden.
I know.
But maybe I could help.
You could help me a great deal
if you'd make an effort to live by the rules
we have here at Misselthwaite.
Yes, ma'am.
Rules are rules, Lizzie.
And I can't make any exceptions.
Otherwise we'll have no order
or discipline at all here.
Do you understand me?
Yes, ma'am.
Very well then.
Your kitchen duties will begin in half an hour.
( whispering ): Geraldine.
That was close.
Sow would've skinned us both if she'd found me.
Don't call her Sow, okay?
At least not around me.
I shouldn't think you'd care
after the way she's punishing you.
I had it coming.
Miss Sowerby is strict, but she's fair.
Miss Sowerby it is then.
Good.
( typing and knocking on door )
( typing continues )
( knocking )
Come in.
Miss Buscana.
Shouldn't you be preparing for bed?
I got a few minutes yet, Dr. Snodgrass.
Is there something you wish to speak to me about?
If you've got a few minutes.
Have a chair.
Now then. What can I do for you?
Stephen said you're not just a teacher.
You're a minister or something, too.
Is that right?
I'm a Doctor of Divinity
All Souls College, Oxford University.
I came to teach the orphans here at Misselthwaite
shortly after the war began.
So, you know about right and wrong
and things like that, right?
Well, I have some general familiarity
with the subject, I suppose.
If somebody thought they had to do something
even if they knew they weren't supposed to
should they do it?
Drawing on all my years of experience and study
I should have to say...
that depends.
May I ask a few questions for clarification?
Sure.
Is this thing against the law?
No.
Would it do harm to anyone or their property?
No.
Would it do good for someone other than yourself
if you were to do this thing?
I think so.
In that case
I advise that you trust in your own conscience
and let that be your guide.
That's all?
Are you going to tell me what this thing is?
No.
I didn't think so.
Then yes, lacking facts in the matter, that is my advice.
Thanks.
Don't mention it.
Abandon hope, all ye who enter here.
Lights out, Robert.
It's an hour past bedtime.
I bid you adieu.
Indeed.
We'll have a talk in the morning, you and I.
Sleep well.
( bird warbling )
( warbling continues )
( door opening )
( whining )
( sniffing )
( whining continues )
Thank you, Mr. Fox.
( whines )
( crow cawing )
( squeaking )
( squeaking continues )
( sniffing )
Hello.
( caws )
( rapid sniffing )
What's wrong with the garden?
What is it?
What do you all want me to do?
( rapid sniffing )
( crow caws )
"To the memory of Dickon Sowerby
"who gave his life for his country
"and who gave life to this garden
and to all the birds and animals..."
( sniffing )
...and to all who knew him."
( bird warbling )
I'm not Dickon Sowerby.
He was a hero.
I'm just an orphan from Brooklyn.
I can't save the garden.
( whining )
( squeaking )
( cawing )
( wind chime sounds )
( branch crackling )
( grunting )
LIZZIE: Fire.
GIRL: What's wrong?
Fire.
( children chattering )
( panting )
Robert.
( fire bell dinging )
( gasps )
Open the window.
( fire bell ringing dinging )
( bell stops )
( sighs )
Well done, you two.
MARTHA: What on earth has happened in here?
I'm sorry. I'm afraid I started a fire.
Is anybody hurt?
No, we're all okay.
Well, thank goodness for that.
Gracious to think what could've happened.
Whew. Whole place might've burned down.
( clank )
Oh.
This key...
was in the desk in Lady Mary's study.
What is it doing here?
I took it... Miss Sowerby.
What are you doing here?
I came to see that everyone was all right.
Go downstairs, Geraldine, with the other children.
You know the drill.
Yes, Miss Sowerby.
You took this key out of the study, Stephen?
Yes, ma'am.
Go downstairs and join the others.
Yes, ma'am.
So, how did the fire start?
It was my fault entirely, Miss Sowerby.
I was reading my Byron by candlelight...
and I must have fallen asleep and knocked the candle over.
Lizzie saved the day.
Lizzie and Stephen.
Well, that was very good of them.
And for that much I'm grateful.
But I understand why he's still dressed.
How is it that you're still dressed?
And how is it that you were the one to raise the alarm?
I was in the Secret Garden.
I saw the flames in the window when I was coming back.
And what were you doing in the garden?
I was looking around.
I thought maybe I could figure out what was wrong with it.
I see.
And did you?
No, ma'am.
Robert... go downstairs
and tell Toby
and the other staff
that it's safe to put the children back to bed.
And Lizzie
you come with me.
And not one word of a lie, young lady
or you'll be on your way back to America
before another day is over.
Do we understand each other?
Yes, ma'am.
Is what you said about the fire the truth?
Yes, ma'am.
Very well.
We'll leave that be for the moment.
Now let's discuss the key, shall we?
Did Stephen take it?
No, ma'am.
He didn't know anything about it.
I think he just said that to take the blame for me.
And you let him.
If I say why
I'm going to get somebody else in trouble.
Geraldine was standing right behind me when I asked you.
Was she signaling you behind my back?
I'm not trying to put the blame on anybody else.
I know you're not.
Just tell me the simple truth, for goodness' sake.
She was shaking her head really hard
for me not to fess up.
I got confused.
How did you know where it was?
Hmm?
The key.
Did you search through every drawer
behind every book?
Geraldine told me where it was.
I see.
And armed with that knowledge, you decided to steal it.
I was just going to borrow it for a couple of hours
Miss Sowerby.
I would've put it right back where it belonged
if Robert didn't start a fire.
You may call it "borrowing" in America, Lizzie
but here in Yorkshire, we call it "stealing."
I must tell you, I'm shocked.
Shocked and disappointed.
I never stole anything in my life.
Until now.
My mom and dad always taught me
to be honest like they were.
They would have called it "stealing," too.
It is stealing.
Sit down, child.
What did you want it for?
The key.
To see if I could open the other door.
What door?
The one under the ivy.
Go on.
This wasn't the first time
I snuck into the garden at night.
I snuck in another night, too...
over your... over the new door.
I heard a robin sing from my window.
I thought it wanted me to go to the garden.
The wind sounded like music.
Like a flute or something.
Like a panpipe.
You've heard it?
A long time ago
when my brother Dickon was alive.
And...
when you went back with the key tonight
what happened?
A fox was outside the garden and led me to the door.
When I went through it
all the animals and birds came to me
and sat with me by the fountain.
It was like they wanted me to do something.
Only I didn't know what.
The animals came to you.
Yes.
Birds
and the rabbits and deer and the fox
and two little furry, round things
I've never seen before.
Hedgehogs.
That's exactly the right name for them.
Dickon was especially fond of the hedgehogs in the garden.
Look...
I'm really sorry for all the trouble I've caused
Miss Sowerby.
I really, really am.
I think you should send me back to America.
I don't deserve to be here anymore.
Stand up, Lizzie.
I believe this belongs to you.
No, it doesn't.
You're in charge of it.
I was left in charge of it, but it seems that was a mistake.
It seems it was meant to belong
to an orphan girl from across the ocean.
Just as it belonged to another orphan girl
from across another ocean.
If I weren't so thick, I suppose I should have guessed.
I'm not anything like Lady Mary.
You're more like her than you know, child.
( dog barking )
Good morning.
What's got you up so early, Lawrence?
This just come for you by special messenger
straight from the dock in London
from Lady Mary.
It's marked "urgent."
I run it straight over.
Thank you, Lawrence.
I could have put out the fire myself, you know.
What were you going to do?
Read poetry to it?
Take it easy.
I'm just kibbitzing.
Kibbitzing?
That's Brooklyn for "rubbing it in."
What you Americans have done to the English language.
You were going to sneak into the garden last night
weren't you?
I was not.
Except you fell asleep, right?
Where do you get these outlandish notions?
I saw someone sneak into the garden
the night I came.
The moon was bright
just like last night.
It was you, wasn't it?
You haven't said anything to Sowerby
have you?
What do you think I am, a snitch?
What do you do it for?
( footsteps approaching )
Are you done, Lizzie?
Yes, Miss Sowerby.
Just finished.
Come with me, please.
Eh, give it a good pull.
It's a cutting from my mother's roses.
Look, there's a note
from Lady Mary.
"Dearest Lizzie, this cutting
is from your mother's American Beauty varietal bush."
Th-there's no need to read it aloud, Lizzie.
It's addressed to you.
I want to read it out loud.
"I regret to tell you that despite our very best efforts
"the replanting failed, and the bush withered
"but I did manage
"to save this cutting, and I send it with my prayers
"that it will have survived the journey.
With all my love, Mary Craven."
Can I plant it now
before I go to lessons?
Will you be wanting to put it in the Secret Garden?
Can I?
You are the keeper of the key, Lizzie.
It's your decision.
( children murmuring )
STEPHEN: Lizzie!
That was a really dumb stunt you pulled.
Nice but dumb.
I only wanted to protect you.
I hope you're not angry with me.
Course not.
Nobody except my parents
ever did anything that nice for me.
Lizzie...
would you be my sweetheart?
Your sweetheart?
Yes.
You do have sweethearts in America, don't you?
Yeah, sure.
So may I have your answer?
I don't know what to say.
All you need to say is yes or no.
Sure.
Okay, I guess.
Do you mean it?
Yeah, sure I do.
That's wonderful.
Well, I must be running along.
Ta for now.
( bird chirping )
( caws )
Hello, there.
( squeaks )
( clanking )
( chitters )
( door creaks )
Lizzie!
What are you doing here?
Martha gave me the key to the old door.
She said it belonged to me.
Did she?
She said that also means
I can come whenever I want.
You don't mind, do you, Will?
Not a bit.
I never thought Martha was the one to have it.
You didn't?
No.
Why not?
She's a fine woman, Martha.
Finest woman I know.
But she just lacks the temperament
to be the keeper of the key.
The temperament?
That's all I'm going to say against her.
Martha Sowerby has
my wholehearted admiration and respect.
You like her, don't you?
Yes.
Like sweethearts, I mean.
( chuckling )
You Yanks.
You just come right out and say things.
Sorry.
It's none of my business.
She hasn't been asking about those things, has she?
No.
Oh.
What's this?
It's a cutting from my mother's roses.
Lady Mary sent it.
Martha said I could plant it here, but...
I'm afraid to.
There, there, lass.
You have every right to be
Lord knows.
Do you think I could plant it in the greenhouse?
Till it gets stronger?
You've done this before, little Lizzie.
Yes.
Maybe this will help.
Well, it can't hurt.
LIZZIE: Why did you tell me not to tell?
I didn't want you to get in trouble.
Did you?
I sure did...
for not telling.
That's just awful.
I'm so sorry.
Are you being sent back to America?
I don't think so.
What a relief.
I was worried sick.
I'd miss you terribly.
I'd have to run away and join you there.
Stephen is staring at you, Lizzie.
Infants should be seen and not heard, Doris.
I think I just made a really bad mistake.
Oh?
Don't you have lessons, Doris?
No.
Would you like my scone and butter
tomorrow morning at breakfast?
Oh, yes, please.
Then go find something to do.
There's a good girl.
Stephen's sweet on you.
But you like Robert instead.
Shh.
How does she know that?
Everybody knows.
Stephen asked you to be his sweetheart, didn't he?
Yeah.
And you said yes.
What am I going to do?
I'll talk to Stephen for you if you like.
Thanks, but I think I have to do this myself.
If you're sure.
Great.
The little blabbermouth told Robert.
Look on the bright side...
at least he's jealous.
I have it on good authority
that you've given over the key to the Secret Garden.
From the horse's mouth so to speak.
I had good reason.
And it's a relief to me, Will.
It's been a calamity me having it.
Well, you can't blame yourself, Martha.
I'm the gardener here.
This is just as hard on you
as it is on me, isn't it, Will?
Well, the truth is I haven't been sleeping very well lately.
I feel I've let you down.
Never once.
Never, Will, since we were children ourselves.
I say, Lizzie.
Did you see me at bat?
No.
I've never had a sweetheart before
but I think you're supposed to be
rather interested in watching me.
Or at least a little, I should think.
Listen, Stephen...
about that sweetheart thing?
I shouldn't have said "yes."
It's just I didn't want to hurt your feelings
'cause I really like you...
but as a friend.
I'm sorry, but I have to be honest.
I hope you understand.
Yes, of course.
It was awfully forward of me
asking you in the first place.
Please forgive me.
You're the one that has to forgive me.
Done. Let's not say another word about it.
You aren't angry?
It's okay if you are.
Not a bit.
But I must get back to the game.
Thanks.
Did she send you after me?
She doesn't know the first thing about it.
I've come to see that you're all right.
I'm fine.
No, you're not. You're furious.
And I don't blame you.
Don't you tell her anything.
I don't want her to have the satisfaction.
Don't worry.
Ever since Miss Sowerby gave her that key
she's been Miss High and Mighty
and too good for you.
( mutters ): Not too good for Robert.
It'd serve her right if she lost the key.
Old Sow would ship her back to America in a blink.
I'd bet.
Then she'd be sorry she treated you so shabbily.
Robert, it's me, Lizzie.
I looked for you at supper.
Robert...
don't be like this, okay?
I need to talk to you.
Robert?
Are you in the garden?
Where are you?
Oh, no.
How could he?
Have you gone stark raving mad?
How could you take my key?
It was guarding my rose.
Lizzie, whatever it is you think I did
I didn't, I swear to you.
You didn't steal the key to get in here?
I climbed over Sowerby's gate
like I always do.
Why'd you come here tonight?
I'm running away.
I came here to gather my thoughts.
I usually find it peaceful here.
You can't run away.
Why can't I?
Look at it.
Lizzie, even if you save your rose
even if you save the garden
what difference would it make?
Would it bring back your family?
Or mine?
I need your help to save the garden.
I don't see what help I could be even if I did want to help.
Just having a friend I could trust would be a help.
( music playing faintly )
Do you hear that?
Hear what?
The music.
Look.
They want me to plant my mother's rose here.
They?
The animals and birds that live in the garden.
Lizzie, what's going on here?
I accepted the key.
I didn't believe in the garden.
Not when it counted.
I believe in the garden now.
It's going to save my mother's rose.
You're only setting yourself up
to get your heart broken all over again
Lizzie.
The garden's heart is broken.
That's what's wrong with it.
What would break a garden's heart?
That's what we have to figure out.
And maybe then, we can mend it.
But I have to have the key.
I can't do anything without the key.
Dr. Snodgrass.
Hmm?
He writes mystery novels under a nom de plume.
He knows lots about detective work.
Look.
It's the fox again.
How extraordinary.
They want to wish us good luck.
( sawing )
Brought your tea out to you, Will.
Oh, I haven't had any tea this week.
Too much to do.
Exactly.
So if you won't come to tea
the tea should come to you.
This is nice.
Oh, I do love it out here by the lake.
It's so romantic.
You're a bit larky today.
Larky?
Robinish, perhaps.
What are you going on about, Martha?
Oh, I just feel so much better than I have lately.
It's as if a dark cloud had passed.
And it's all to do with that little Yankee girl
from across the ocean.
She's going to be good for the garden, Will.
I hope so.
Hey, good tea.
Made it for you myself.
Got me thinking, Will.
Has it now?
How long have you worked at Misselthwaite?
As if you didn't know.
We were kids here together.
I can hardly remember when, uh, play turned into work.
Half our lives.
But we still have the other half, God willing.
The better half, some say.
If a body makes it so, certainly.
Oh, and how would a body do that, in, uh, in your opinion?
A body could.
Or two could.
What exactly are you trying to say, Martha?
I feel that I'm free.
Free to leave Misselthwaite
if I should take a fancy to it.
There's a whole world outside those gates, Will.
You're leaving then?
One way or another.
Well, we're all leaving here one way or another.
One day.
And you, Will...
what's kept you here all these years?
You.
( chuckles )
Would marrying me
and moving into a little farmhouse I've had my eye on
15 miles up the Post Road
would... would that count as leaving Misselthwaite?
It would be all the world I would ever want.
Class dismissed. Thank you.
Dr. Snodgrass?
What is it, Miss Buscana?
Is it true you write detective stories under a phony name?
What concern is that of yours?
Do you or don't you, sir?
It is not true.
Oh.
I write mystery stories, set in Rome
in the time of Claudius.
Not detective stories.
Under my own name, but in Latin.
Would you help me solve a mystery?
Please?
What kind of mystery?
Somebody took the garden key
from where I left it in the greenhouse.
I need it back to save the garden.
I see.
But... why must you have it to save the garden?
Because it's magic.
I can't do anything without the key.
When confronted with a mystery of human making
requiring a solution
the citizens of Rome would ask themselves
"Quis bono?"
Do you know what that means?
No.
Who benefits?
Who benefits by the key being stolen from you?
So who do you think "bonos" from stealing the key?
Nobody that I can see.
They wouldn't want to use it
'cause they'd get caught.
So it must be they did it so I wouldn't have it.
You don't suppose...
What?
No, it's absurd.
What? What?
Do you know who I think "bonos?"
Geraldine.
Geraldine? She's my friend.
Is she now?
All right, spill it.
Well, I thought it was all a bit odd
her getting you to steal the key and then deny it.
That almost got you sent home.
And who knows?
Maybe Sowerby will send you home for losing it.
But I don't understand.
How could she hate me so much and never show it?
Well, she fancies herself as an actress, doesn't she?
Maybe she's better than we've given her credit for.
( music playing )
( knocking )
Who is it?
Lizzie. Can I come in?
Enter.
( turning music off )
You busy?
Just looking at some of my magazines.
Pitiful... my newest one's nine months old.
Look...
Bette Davis. Isn't she gorgeous?
And such a wonderful actress.
I love the characters she plays.
Did you steal the garden key from the greenhouse?
What? The key's been stolen?
Why don't you knock it off, Geraldine?
You're not fooling anybody.
Give it back.
Or I'm going to knock the snot right out of you.
I didn't take it, I swear.
I'm not kidding.
I have to have it to save the garden.
I'm telling you the truth.
You got Stephen to do it, didn't you?
I don't know what you're talking about.
( splashing )
I need the key, Stephen.
I'm supposed to have it.
The garden's going to die if you don't give it back.
And so will my mother's rose.
Give it to me!
I threw it in the lake.
You what?
Just now.
Why?
I don't know.
Satisfied?
Is that what you wanted?
How was I to know he'd throw it in the lake?
How can you hate me so much?
What did I ever do to you?
I don't hate you, Lizzie.
I want to be your best friend; truly I do.
Well, you got a funny way of showing it.
Your friend in America...
I was going to run away and join you there.
Only first you had to be in America, didn't you?
You can't just make people do what you want
whether they want to or not.
That's just it.
I can.
I always could.
Even before Mummy and Daddy...
I've made such a mess of this. I always do.
I didn't mean for you to hate me.
I didn't.
STEVEN: Neither did I, really.
I don't know why I did it.
I'm awfully sorry, Lizzie.
I'm sorry too.
Honestly.
I know you'll never believe a word I say, but it's true.
I just wanted to be your friend.
All right, all right. Forget it.
No more of this stuff, okay?
Now what?
Now nothing.
MARTHA: He threw it in the lake?
I have a good mind to throw him in the lake and Geraldine, too--
the pair of them.
I'd like to go back home, Miss Sowerby.
What? Oh, nonsense.
You love it at Misselthwaite.
I know you do, Lizzie.
I've messed everything up.
I don't belong here.
Oh, yes, you do.
You were meant to be here.
And you must believe that.
Believe in yourself.
But how can I be keeper of the key
if I've lost the key?
Because the key is just a key; it doesn't matter.
It's what in your heart that matters.
I don't know what to do.
Well, I had a cable just this morning from Lady Mary.
She's arriving tomorrow with Lord Craven
on a special leave.
She is?
Uh-huh. Perhaps she'll know what to do.
She will. I know she will.
Nearly done?
Oh, yes, Miss Sowerby.
I hope it's to your satisfaction.
Sit down, Geraldine.
Yes, Miss Sowerby.
You are a liar, aren't you, Geraldine?
Yes, Miss Sowerby.
Do you think you've learned your lesson?
Yes. Oh, yes.
Do you think you'll ever lie again?
No. I won't. I promise.
And that's a lie, isn't it, Geraldine?
Isn't it?
I'm so ashamed, Miss Sowerby.
You must despise me.
No, no, child.
You've done more harm to yourself with your lying
than you've done to anyone else.
A liar lives in a hell of her own making.
She finds that no one believes her
even when she thinks she's telling the truth.
And if she believes everyone else tells lies
the same way she does
she's never going to be sure what truth really is.
And that's a worse punishment
than cleaning out dining halls.
And it won't stop until the lying stops.
Do you understand me?
I think so.
Well, you will when you've thought about it.
And in the meantime, you can mop out the dining hall
every night for a week.
It's a good opportunity for reflection.
( children laughing )
Hi.
What are you doing?
Trying to find the old door.
But I can't. Martha's wrong.
I have to have the key.
Perhaps the garden's time is over, Lizzie.
Did you ever think of that?
Nothing lasts forever.
No. I know that's not true.
The Secret Garden can live forever, if we want it to.
You believe it, but you don't know it.
No one can know that.
I know it.
( robin warbling )
What evidence?
Shh...
Hear that?
I don't hear anything.
It's Robin Redbreast.
No, it's just the children playing.
( children laughing )
Come on.
Come on!
Don't ask why. Just come.
Come on, girls, on your feet.
Follow me.
What's happening?
Where are we going?
Get a move on.
Come on. Follow Lizzie!
( children yelling excitedly )
Let's find the door.
No, this isn't the right door.
Let's go around one more time!
Hello, Robin!
Hello, Fox!
Hello, Secret Garden!
We've come to play!
Where are you?
( gasping )
You lied.
You didn't throw it in the lake after all.
I did. I'm not a liar.
( children shouting )
I'm the keeper of the key, and I say play.
( cheering )
( hooting )
( birds chirping )
( girl laughs )
( crow squawks )
( children laughing )
That's what broke the garden's heart.
The children weren't allowed to play anymore.
( door creaks open )
( laughing )
Lizzie.
Hi, Lady Mary.
I'm glad to see you again.
The pleasure is entirely mine.
This is my husband, Sir Colin.
Hi.
Hi, yourself.
The garden seems to have made a miraculous recovery.
I can't explain this, Lady Mary.
As God is my witness
when Will and I drove out of here this morning
it was like I said in my last letter.
Wasn't it, Will?
Not a word of a lie, Lady Mary.
I-I'd given the garden up for dead.
Perhaps Lizzie can explain.
I let the children in, Miss Sowerby.
Even though it's against the rules.
Just felt I had to do it.
I think I understand now, Lizzie.
Perhaps I was wrong.
It is a children's garden, isn't it?
I-I think I'd forgotten that.
Please come.
You said the key didn't matter.
That I have to believe in myself.
You were right.
I'd like you to have my first rose.
Oh, I couldn't.
That honor belongs to Lady Mary.
The rose is yours, Martha.
May it be the first of many.
Thank you, Lizzie.
Here's the key, Lady Mary.
It's not mine anymore.
It's yours now, Lizzie.
I think I'll just leave it in the door...
for anyone to use.
( singing )
( shouting and laughing )