Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm

Cyrus Hartlett:
Kent, our radio program starts next week, and you haven't found me a Little Miss America yet. I'm beginning to lose faith in the whole idea.

Tony Kent:
Mr. Bartlett, if you'll just be patient...

Cyrus Hartlett:
Patient? Look at all this advertising! I can't understand how you had the nerve to spread publicity from coast to coast before you even found the right child for the program.

Tony Kent:
Now, just a minute, Mr. Bartlett. You've turned down some pretty talented kids, and some of them were very successful radio entertainers.

Cyrus Hartlett:
That's just what was wrong with them. They weren't what the program calls for, and you know it.

Harry Kipper:
Are you sure you got that song right?

Rebecca Winstead:
Uncle Harry, I'm awfully hungry.

Harry Kipper:
Not so loud. We'll be eating regular as soon as I hand these guys the old one-two.

Rebecca Winstead:
The last time you gave someone the old one-two, you came home with a black eye.

Rebecca Winstead:
What's stage-fright?

Harry Kipper:
Well, it's something you'll never get.

Rebecca Winstead:
Why not?

Harry Kipper:
Because I trained you, that's why. You're a trouper. That kid's just an amateur.

Orville Smithers:
Sorry, honey, I guess you're not the type.

Rebecca Winstead:
I can change my type. I'm very self-reliant.

Harry Kipper:
But you didn't even let her finish her song!

Orville Smithers:
The chief said he heard enough, and he's the one giving orders around here.

Harry Kipper:
All right, but you're passing up the most colossal, the most...

Rebecca Winstead:
You told him that once before, Uncle Harry, and it didn't do any good.

[last lines]

Rebecca Winstead:
I always told you I was very self-reliant.

Rebecca Winstead:
We'd really get further in our act if he wouldn't talk so much.

Myrtle:
Is he in the act with you?

Rebecca Winstead:
I'm the act. He's my manager.

Myrtle:
I bet you would make a better manager than your father.

Rebecca Winstead:
Uncle Harry isn't my father. He's my stepfather. I've been taking care of him ever since my mother died.

Myrtle:
Why, you poor child.

Rebecca Winstead:
I'm not a poor child. I'm very self-reliant. My mother taught me to always be that way.

Tony Kent:
It wouldn't be long now, Rebecca. Are you getting nervous?

Rebecca Winstead:
Of course not. I never get nervous. I'm very self-reliant.

Tony Kent:
Nice of you to show up for the broadcast.

Lola Lee:
Darling, don't be that way.

Tony Kent:
I suppose I should cheer when you miss a rehearsal.

Lola Lee:
Now you know how I feel when you keep me waiting.

Tony Kent:
Miss Warren, Miss Lee. Miss Lee is an old friend.

Gwen Warren:
How do you do, Miss Lee?

Lola Lee:
Hello, Miss Warren. I've always wanted to meet a farmer's daughter.

Gwen Warren:
If I had known you were coming, I'd have worn my sunbonnet.

Tony Kent:
And this is Rebecca, the star of our program.

Lola Lee:
Oh, isn't she cute? How old are you, little girl?

Rebecca Winstead:
I'm eight. How old are you?

Lola Lee:
That's a question you must never ask a lady.

Rebecca Winstead:
I guess you must be pretty old.

Lola Lee:
You practically broke my arm when I tried to kiss you.

Tony Kent:
Couldn't you have at least until they'd gone?

Lola Lee:
Oh, so that's it. A barnyard romance. No wonder you wanted to broadcast from here. That blonde hayseed has got you doing nip-ups.

Tony Kent:
Don't start anything, Lola. That kid means a lot to me.

Lola Lee:
Oh, yeah? Which kid are you talking about?

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Land's sakes, that's peculiar. If I didn't know Rebecca was upstairs in bed, I'd swear that was her voice on the radio.

Gwen Warren:
Well, it did sound like Rebecca, but of course it couldn't possibly be.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Homer Busby, get off that bed!

Homer Busby:
Mirandy! You're talking to me!

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Of course I'm talking to you. Now take me to Rebecca.

Homer Busby:
Oh, Mirandy, I've waited twenty-five years for this moment.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Fiddlesticks.

Homer Busby:
Don't be stubborn any longer. We're wasting the best years of our lives.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Homer Busby, you're revolting.

Homer Busby:
Come on, Mirandy, give in.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
How can I trust you after the way you've acted?

Homer Busby:
I swear I'll never keep you waiting again. Give me one more chance.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Are you sure you've gotten all the wild oats out of your system?

Gwen Warren:
Congratulations, you two.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Oh, there's no time for this fol-de-rol. Where is Rebecca? Take me to her!

Harry Kipper:
[listening to the radio] That was Rebecca!

Melba:
You're daffy.

Harry Kipper:
I know that kid when I hear her. I've heard her a thousand times.

Melba:
What would Rebecca be doing on a big radio hookup like that?

Harry Kipper:
I told you when you married me you'd be in the dough, didn't I? Come on, get dressed.

Rebecca Winstead:
Tony, when I grow up, will you marry me?

Tony Kent:
Rebecca, I've never received a more flattering proposal, but I'm afraid it won't work out. You see, by the time you're ready to get married, I'll have a long gray beard.

Rebecca Winstead:
Then will you marry Gwen? She's almost ready.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Young man, what are you going to pay Rebecca?

Rebecca Winstead:
But Aunt Miranda, I don't want any pay. I love to sing.

Tony Kent:
Then you don't mind, Miss Wilkins?

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Of course I mind. I'm not going to have my niece be a big radio star and not get paid for it.

Tony Kent:
You won't have a thing to worry about, I assure you.

Gwen Warren:
Aunt Miranda, you're an old dear.

Tony Kent:
You're a honey, Miss Wilkins.

Homer Busby:
And how about me?

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Homer Busby, you're an old fool.

Rebecca Winstead:
But you can't wait much longer, Aunt Miranda.

Homer Busby:
She's right, Mirandy. I got my rig outside if you want to take a little ride in the moonlight.

Gwen Warren:
Go on, I'll bring Rebecca home.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Homer Busby, you always were impulsive.

Orville Smithers:
Gee, that was a swell program, wasn't it?

Gwen Warren:
Yes, it was.

Orville Smithers:
Wasn't she wonderful?

Gwen Warren:
Rebecca's all right.

Orville Smithers:
Oh, yes, she is, but I meant Lola. Gosh, she's sweet.

Gwen Warren:
So it's like that, is it?

Orville Smithers:
Well, only on my side. She's crazy about the chief.

Gwen Warren:
Oh, really?

Orville Smithers:
Gee, he's a lucky guy. He gets everything he wants.

Rebecca Winstead:
Gwen, when these are done, let's take some over to Tony.

Gwen Warren:
I'll be too busy, but you can take some over to him.

Rebecca Winstead:
Don't you like Tony any more?

Gwen Warren:
Of course I like Tony.

Rebecca Winstead:
You sounded like you were mad at him.

Harry Kipper:
Long time no see, folks. Meet the new missus, and this is my attorney, Jake Singer.

Melba:
Pleased to meet you.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
I thought you weren't coming back here, Harry Kipper.

Harry Kipper:
It's like this, Miranda. I've been doing all right, just getting married and all, and I'm ready to take Rebecca back now.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
You'll do no such thing! You gave the child up once, and you can't take her back now!

Harry Kipper:
Now, Miranda, there's no reason why we can't be friendly about this.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
I'd sooner be friendly with a rattlesnake.

Gwen Warren:
It's obvious that you heard Rebecca on the radio and all you're after is her money.

Melba:
It's Harry's kid, ain't it? We got more right to her dough than you have.

Rebecca Winstead:
Oh, Aunt Miranda, don't let them take me away.

Harry Kipper:
Now, honey, you'll have a swell time with me. You can have anything you want.

Rebecca Winstead:
Then I want to stay here!

Gwen Warren:
Oh, Mr. Kipper, you can't take Rebecca away. She's been happier here on the farm than she's ever been in her whole life.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Now you get out of my house!

Melba:
Not without the kid, we don't.

Harry Kipper:
Miranda, I don't want to get tough about this, but you're asking for it.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Just try and take her.

Jake Singer:
Now, my dear madam, all this yelling isn't going to get us any place. Don't forget that Mr. Kipper is the child's stepfather and legal guardian. The courts of New York have decreed that he shall have custody of the child.

Rebecca Winstead:
Maybe if I work hard, Uncle Harry will let me come down to the farm for a visit.

Gwen Warren:
Of course, darling.

Rebecca Winstead:
And maybe you and Aunt Miranda can come up to the city and see me too.

Gwen Warren:
You bet we will.

Rebecca Winstead:
I guess I won't need these in the city. Will you keep them for me for when I come back? Don't cry, Gwen. You said you'd come and see me.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Here are some cookies for you to eat on the way.

Rebecca Winstead:
Thank you, Aunt Miranda. I'm going to miss your cookies.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
And here's a picture of me so you won't forget what I look like. Of course it isn't a very good likeness. It was taken twenty years ago.

Rebecca Winstead:
I'll never forget you, Aunt Miranda.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Oh, of course you will.

Rebecca Winstead:
Please, Aunt Miranda, I don't want to leave!

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Take good care of yourself, Rebecca.

Rebecca Winstead:
I will, Aunt Miranda. I'm very self-reliant.

Rebecca Winstead:
Are you all right, mister?

Hamilton Montmarcy:
I'm almost a nervous breakdown. I get this way before every program.

Rebecca Winstead:
Oh, are you going on the radio now?

Hamilton Montmarcy:
That's just what makes me so nervous. I never know.

Rebecca Winstead:
Then why don't you ask somebody?

Hamilton Montmarcy:
They don't know, either.

Rebecca Winstead:
This is certainly a funny radio station.

Hamilton Montmarcy:
My dear young lady, there's nothing funny about it. I'm an organist, one of the best, if I may say so. Hamilton Montmarcy. Perhaps you've heard of me.

Rebecca Winstead:
I don't think so.

Hamilton Montmarcy:
I'm an emergency musician. But there are never any emergencies around here.

Rebecca Winstead:
Can't I go back to the farm with you and Tony?

Gwen Warren:
I'm afraid not, darling. At least, not for a little while.

Rebecca Winstead:
But I don't want to stay here.

Gwen Warren:
I know, but you can't always have everything you want right when you want it.

Rebecca Winstead:
I guess I won't be able to sing for you now, Tony.

Tony Kent:
Singing isn't important, Rebecca. It's just that we want you with us. But it may take some time, so you have to be a brave little girl.

Rebecca Winstead:
I will, Tony. I'm very self-reliant.

Rebecca Winstead:
Well, I guess it's time to go home.

Harry Kipper:
It may interest you to know, Rebecca, that we have no home. Our landlady locked us out this morning.

Rebecca Winstead:
Why are landladies always doing that to us?

Harry Kipper:
Well, it won't happen again. I'm going to give some of your other relatives a chance to feed you.

Rebecca Winstead:
Oh, goody! You mean we're going to have dinner?

Harry Kipper:
I mean I'm taking you to your Aunt Miranda's at Sunnybrook Farm. From now on, you're living with her.

Rebecca Winstead:
But Uncle Harry, I want to stay here and become a success like my mother wanted.

Harry Kipper:
Well, I've done all I can for you. I've taught you everything I know.

Rebecca Winstead:
I guess it just wasn't enough.

Tony Kent:
Do you realize if we don't find that kid, Bartlett cancels everything?

Lola Lee:
Careful, Tony. Remember your apoplexy. I gotta run, darling. Goodbye, Casanova.

Orville Smithers:
Goodbye, Lola.

Tony Kent:
I gotta hand it to you, Orville. I've been out on a limb before, but I never had a guy behind me sawing it off. You realize we're on the worst spot of the century?

Orville Smithers:
You've got nothing to worry about, chief. We got the kid's address.

Tony Kent:
You have?

Orville Smithers:
Of course. We got all their addresses.

Tony Kent:
I'm going up to my farm where I can relax. Birds, trees, new-mown hay, the simple life, that's what I need. Oh, and when you find that kid, be sure to get that contract signed. Pay her anything she wants. Well, within reason. And if you make any mistakes, I'll tear your head off and use it for a doorstop.

Orville Smithers:
Okay, chief, you know me.

Tony Kent:
Yes, and I'm still regretting it.

Harry Kipper:
Now, you're going to meet your Aunt Miranda.

Rebecca Winstead:
I wonder if she'll like me.

Harry Kipper:
You be nice to her, and she'll be nice to you.

Rebecca Winstead:
Uncle Harry, is this where my mother lived when she was a little girl?

Harry Kipper:
Yup.

Rebecca Winstead:
I think I'm going to like it here.

Harry Kipper:
Now, Miranda, let's not quarrel. I'll only be here a few minutes.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
That's long enough for me.

Rebecca Winstead:
My, this is a fine boarding house.

Gwen Warren:
This is no boarding house, honey.

Rebecca Winstead:
But I thought everyone took in roomers.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
A fine environment you've given her!

Rebecca Winstead:
I want to have my environment fixed.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
I'll wager the child hasn't had a bit of food.

Rebecca Winstead:
Yes, I have. Uncle Harry bought me a candy bar.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
A candy bar? Gwen, take the child into the kitchen and get her something decent to eat.

Rebecca Winstead:
Oh, I can go myself. I'm very self-reliant.

Gwen Warren:
Well, I'm hungry too, so let's go together.

Rebecca Winstead:
My name's Rebecca Winstead. What's yours?

Gwen Warren:
Gwen Warren. We're cousins.

Harry Kipper:
I've had Rebecca on my hands for some time now. It's been quite a burden. Of course, I'm only too glad to take care of the child, even though she really isn't my own. But lately, I've had several financial reverses.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
What you're trying to tell me is you want me to take the child off your hands.

Harry Kipper:
I'd hardly put it that way, Miranda, but that's the general idea.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
You listen to me, Harry Kipper. I'll take Rebecca, but only on one condition. You've got to promise to let me have her for good, so I can give her the right kind of upbringing. I don't want her to come to a bad end like her mother.

Harry Kipper:
Your sister didn't do so bad. You're just against show people.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Show people! If Bess hadn't eloped with that opera singer who died without a cent, she wouldn't have had to marry a no-good like you!

Harry Kipper:
Well, goodbye, Rebecca. Don't miss me too much.

Rebecca Winstead:
I won't miss you, Uncle Harry.

Harry Kipper:
Well, see you folks in church.

Rebecca Winstead:
Maybe it's all for the best. He has been an awful trial to me.

Rebecca Winstead:
[to a piglet] Oh, you bent your tail. I'm surprised Aunt Miranda lets you wear it curled. I'll bet you haven't had any breakfast. I'll ask Aunt Miranda to get you some eggs and bacon.

Tony Kent:
What's your hurry?

Rebecca Winstead:
I was just trying to catch our pig.

Tony Kent:
Don't you know you're trespassing?

Rebecca Winstead:
What does that mean?

Tony Kent:
It means you're very welcome.

Rebecca Winstead:
Thank you, but I must catch our pig.

Gwen Warren:
I'm glad you're not hurt. Or are you?

Tony Kent:
[putting his hand over his heart] I'm afraid so. I've got a strange feeling right here.

Rebecca Winstead:
I hope it doesn't hurt too much. You better let Gwen and me put you to bed.

Tony Kent:
That would be a pleasant experience.

Gwen Warren:
I think Homer can handle the situation. I'm sorry we bothered you, Mr...?

Tony Kent:
Kent. Anthony Kent. I live here, but this is my first trip of the year. I hope you'll bother me again soon.

Rebecca Winstead:
What does Homer do?

Gwen Warren:
He takes care of Mr. Kent's place.

Rebecca Winstead:
Why doesn't Aunt Miranda like him?

Gwen Warren:
A long time ago, Homer asked Aunt Miranda to marry him.

Rebecca Winstead:
Is that why she's mad at him?

Gwen Warren:
Not exactly. You see, he celebrated so much the night before that he forgot to go to the wedding.

Rebecca Winstead:
Mr. Kent is very nice. Don't you think so?

Gwen Warren:
Come on and help me pick berries.

Tony Kent:
I'm so glad you dropped in today. I always say neighbors should be neighborly. What do you always say?

Gwen Warren:
I always say that depends on the neighbors.

Tony Kent:
I can see we're going to get along great.

Tony Kent:
You did find that kid all right, didn't you?

Orville Smithers:
Well, chief, it's this way. The detectives...

Tony Kent:
Did you find her?

Orville Smithers:
Don't get excited. There are a lot of other kids.

Tony Kent:
Quit stalling. What's happened?

Orville Smithers:
Well, chief, I lost Little Miss America.

Tony Kent:
What? What do you mean you lost her?

Orville Smithers:
It's not our fault. We went to her address, and the kid had gone. I tell you, we even hired detectives. That kid has vanished from the face of the earth.

Tony Kent:
It's uncanny!

Gwen Warren:
What is, Mr. Kent?

Tony Kent:
We had a kid all set for our big program. She disappeared, and now it turns out to be Rebecca!

Gwen Warren:
Why, it sounds like a fairy tale.

Tony Kent:
It is!

Rebecca Winstead:
I love fairy tales.

Tony Kent:
My old pal Rebecca! Why didn't you tell me you'd tried out for my program?

Rebecca Winstead:
I didn't know it was your program. Am I going to be on the radio after all?

Tony Kent:
You bet you are! You'll be a sensation!

Rebecca Winstead:
But I don't think Aunt Miranda will like it very much.

Tony Kent:
Don't you worry about Aunt Miranda. I'll go over there this afternoon and sell her a bill of goods.

Homer Busby:
Gonna have to be a mighty good salesman, Mr. Kent.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Just a minute, young man. Are you trying to tell me you want to put Rebecca on the radio?

Tony Kent:
Yes, Miss Wilkins. On a very important program. A nationwide hookup...

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Get out of here!

Tony Kent:
But Miss Wilkins, I don't understand...

Gwen Warren:
Aunt Miranda, please just listen to Mr. Kent.

Rebecca Winstead:
I want to go on the radio so bad.

Tony Kent:
This is a very important opportunity for Rebecca. Surely you can't say no.

Aunt Miranda Wilkins:
Oh, can't I? Just listen, Mr. Kent. No! I know what you show people are, a no-good lot! I took Rebecca out of that unwholesome atmosphere, and I'm not going to put her back into it! She's staying on the farm where I can keep an eye on her.

Rebecca Winstead:
Goodbye, Tony. I wish I could sing to you over the telephone like I did to Mr. Bartlett.

Gwen Warren:
Tony, why not?

Tony Kent:
What do you mean?

Gwen Warren:
Broadcast from here! It's possible, isn't it?

Tony Kent:
Yes, it could be done by remote control.

Orville Smithers:
Sure, chief, we could run the wires like we did on the courthouse. Then the kid could stay in the program.

Gwen Warren:
Please let's try it. With all her talent, Rebecca deserves a chance.

Rebecca Winstead:
Oh, Tony, please do!

Tony Kent:
It's insane, but I don't see why it won't work. Uh-oh. What about Aunt Miranda?

Gwen Warren:
We won't tell her. You can count on us to keep her in the dark.