Little House: Look Back to Yesterday (1983)

Episode transcripts for the TV show "Little House on the Prairie". Aired: September 11, 1974 - March 21, 1983.*
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Based on Laura Ingalls books series revolved around the adventures of the Ingalls family who owned a farm in Walnut Grove during the late 1800s.
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Little House: Look Back to Yesterday (1983)

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[knocking on door]

It'’s open.

Afternoon, Albert.

Oh, hi, Pa. What'’re you
doing home so early?

Uh, Mr. Caldwell gave me
the rest of the day off.

See, he figured
I might wanna come home
and celebrate.

-Celebrate?
-Mm-hmm.

Boy, you are looking at
the new purchasing agent

for J.R. Bennett
and Company.

Oh, Pa, that'’s great!
Congratulations!

Oh, hey, listen,
that is not all.

They'’re gonna send me back
to Minnesota

on a business trip
for one month.

For a month?

Yeah.

Yeah, I feel
kind of bad about

being away from you
that long, but...

I tell ya, I worked so hard
to get this promotion, I...

I just have to keep at it,
you know?

How would you like
to go with me?

How would I like it?
Are you serious?

-How would you like it?
-But if you'’re gonna be gone

for a month,
Ma might need me--

I'’ve already talked to
your ma,

she was the one
suggested you go with me.

-Really?
-Really.

Now listen,
we can spend some time
at that university

you'’re going to attend,
look around,
see what it'’s like,

and then go on and spend
some time at Walnut Grove.

What do you say?

So when do we leave?

End of the week soon enough?

Oh, Pa, thank you.

All right, Isaiah,
it'’s now or never.

I know, I know.

All right then,
let'’s get him out.

All right.

All right.

All right, let'’s go.

[chattering]

-Come on. Come on.
-Come on.

Come on.

[chattering]

Here comes the one.

[man ] Come on, Willie,
you can do it.

[cheering]

Come on! Bring it in!

-Bring it in!
-[man ] Come on!
Bring it in!

[man ] Come on, Willie.
Come on.

[man ] Come on!

He'’s safe!

Safe? Safe?

How can you call him safe?

He was out from me to you.

Now, now, Isaiah, this was
a, a close decision,

but the good Lord helped me
make the right decision.

Well, that'’s wonderful,
but the good Lord

wasn'’t leading by two runs,
we were!

-Isaiah! This is Sunday!
-Beautiful slide, Willie.

Let'’s not question
divine guidance.

Let'’s go everybody,
time to eat!

Isaiah, I dropped the ball.

Oh, if this would'’ve been
Saturday,

Willie would'’ve been out!
Oh...

Oh, John, the team
was pretty lucky today.

[chuckles] I don'’t know
about that.

Willie gave Isaiah'’s
snake ball
a pretty good lick.

That was not my snake ball,
but you can bet your boots

it will be next time.

Isaiah, are you telling me
your team

wants a rematch?

Sure, why not?

And I guarantee you things

are gonna be different too.

Well, well, gentlemen,
it sounds to me

like we have the basis
for a possible wager here.

Now, you'’re talkin' there,
Monty.

You put up the money and
I'’ll put up my snake ball.

-Uh-huh.
-Snake ball?

That'’s Mr. Montague,
and I'’d hardly call

your snake ball
a sound investment.

[laughing]

We'’ll talk about this later.

[chattering]

Snake ball, snake ball.

Kinda slithers up to the...

Oh! [laughs]

[chattering]

Dear Lord, we thank you
for this food that
you'’ve given us

and for this beautiful day
so that we can enjoy

the fellowship
of our good friends.

And we would also humbly
ask your guiding hand

to lead us and our neighbors
through these most

difficult times.

These things we ask
in Jesus name.

-Amen.
-Amen.

I was talking to
Brad Sutherland
after services today.

Did you know he was gonna
sell off his place?

Oh, no.

I knew things were getting
tough for him

but Brad had his grain crop.

Isaiah and me are all set
to mill it for him.

Yeah, it wouldn'’t have been
much, but it would'’ve been

enough to keep him goin'’.

That'’s what
he thought too, but...

Well, he had an agreement
with Zack Taylor

to-to sell
the crops together,

but then Zack went ahead
and sold his on his own.

So, Brad was forced to sell
at Zack Taylor'’s prices.

-Right?
-Yeah, exactly.

Taylor has three times
the property Brad has,

why didn'’t he just wait
for Brad to harvest?

That'’s what
he wanted to know.

But when he went out
to see him,

Zack chased him off
his property.

I heard Mr. Oleson say
Bobby Sutherland'’s
moving away.

So?

So, it makes me feel bad.

All my friends
are moving away.

And now I'’m wondering if
we have to move away too.

[bell tolling at a distance]

Here are the records
you requested, Mr. Hall.

-Thank you, Mrs. McInnes.
-Pardon me.

Certainly.

So, you want to be
a doctor, Albert?

-[Albert] Yes, sir.
-Hmm.

It'’s going to take a lot
of hard work.

Oh, I know that, sir,
but that'’s my goal.

I, uh, I hope to be able
to go back home one day

and become my town'’s doctor.

Well, from what I see
in this file,

you take that goal
very seriously.

Mr. Ingalls, you have a very
bright young man here.

You should be proud.

Thank you, sir,
I am very proud.

Oh, Albert, you'’ve got
that nosebleed again, son.

-Oh, no, not again.
-Yeah.

Excuse me, Mr. Hall,
I'’ll go take care of this.

-You want me to go with you?
-No, I'’ll be fine.

[Hall] The water closet
is down the hall
and to the right.

Oh, thank you.

That'’s the second one
he'’s had,

it must be the dry air,
I'’m sorry.

Oh, don'’t be sorry,
I understand.

Now then, Mr. Ingalls,

here'’s the complete
breakdown of
the tuition fees

plus the book
and laboratory costs.

Is there something wrong?

Well, to be perfectly honest
with you, Mr. Hall, the...

the cost
is just a lot more

than I thought
they were gonna be.

[sighs]

Mr. Ingalls,

the study of medicine is not
an inexpensive endeavor,

but please remember
the investment
you make today

will be more than returned
once Albert
becomes a doctor.

Uh, do you mind?

No, no, go right ahead.

This may sound strange
to you, Mr. Hall,

but Albert wants to
become a doctor
so he can help people.

I mean, when he opens his
practice in Walnut Grove,

more than likely his fees
are gonna paid in

chickens
and bushels of apples.

Well, the university has
a number of philanthropic

scholarships
at its disposal.

And it is possible
with Albert'’s
fine scholastic record

that he could qualify
for a partial

if not complete
scholarship grant.

Well, that, that would
be wonderful

if you think he can do it.

Well, when the Scholarship
Committee convenes next week

I shall give them
my strongest recommendation.

Albert is a fine student.

And I think he'’ll make
a very fine doctor.

His mother and I feel
the same way about it.

Oh, here are some papers
you need to fill out,

perhaps I better go over
them with you.

For some reason,
the Admissions Office

makes forms that are only,
um, understandable

by those with
a master'’s degree.

I appreciate everything
you'’re doing.

Well, and I appreciate
a young man like Albert

wanting to help the people
he grew up with.

W-Where do we start?

[chattering]

Excuse me.

Thank you.

-Hey, how'’s your nose?
-Oh, it'’s fine.

What'’d you find out
from Mr. Hall?

Well, first thing
I found out
is your tuitions gonna cost

about twice as much as
we thought it was going to.

Well, I can drop
some classes, Pa,
that'’ll help.

Maybe get a job,
maybe I'’d just better wait

-till next year.
-Albert, relax.

Mr. Hall told me
you got a good chance
at getting a scholarship

that'’ll help pay
for most of it.

-Pa, are you serious?
-You'’re darn right
I'’m serious.

And I'’m hungry too.
Come on, I'’ll tell you
about it on the way.

A scholarship!
Can you believe it?

-You think I have a chance?
-Hey, you'’re an Ingalls.

Of course, you got a chance.

[chattering]

Howdy, Jason.

Hi.

I lost my job today, Etta.

Mr. Knudsen is gonna have
to cut back

to two days a week,
so he had to let me go.

Oh, Vance.

At this rate, I'’ll still be
tryin'’ to build us a house

when I'’m .

But I'’m still teaching.

I mean, it may not pay much,

but at least it'’s steady.

No.

Etta, when you said
you'’d marry me,

I promised
to build you a house

and that'’s what
I'’m gonna do.

We'’ll just have to postpone
the wedding.

I'’m sorry.

Vance...

I don'’t need you
to build me a house.

I'’d be just as happy
living in a tent...

as long as we'’re together,

that'’s what really matters.

I'’ll tell you what,

I'’m gonna talk
to Mr. Anderson
over at the bank.

Maybe he can loan me
the money.

[exhales]

Jason, what are you doing?

Quiet, Jeb, just go away.

Jason,
what are you looking at?

I'’m watching Mr. Reed
give Miss Plum a kiss,

so I'’ll know
how to do it right

when I try it on Amy Bryant.

Jason Carter,
I wouldn'’t kiss you

if you were the last boy
on Earth!

[screams]

You see what you'’ve done?

[Jeb]
I haven'’t done anything.

You did, too!
You messed everything up.

You heard her,
she wouldn'’t kiss me

if I was
the last boy on Earth.

And you believed that?

You think she was lying?

Of course, she was.

Yeah.

Sure, all you gotta do now
is wait for all

the rest of us to die.

Thanks a lot, Jeb.

The stage is comin'’!

[horse galloping]

-[laughs] Isaiah,
how ya doing?
-Oh, Charles.

Oh, excuse me, I mean,
Mr. Ingalls, sir.

-Welcome to Walnut Grove.
-What are you talkin'’ about?

Well, Laura told me about
your new job

and I just wanted you
to feel at home.

I feel quite at home
without all of that.

Thanks. Ah,
there'’s my granddaughter.

-Hi, grandpa.
-How you doing? Hi, Jenny.

-Hi.
-Look at you. Hi.

-[Albert] Pa?
-Yeah?

Here, come on,
the road was a little rough,

feelin'’ queasy.

You gonna be all right?

Yeah, I think I just need
some fresh air, is all.

[Laura]
Pa!

-Oh, welcome home.
-Hi, darlin'’.

I just got off the phone
with Ma. Aunt Rue had twins.

-You kiddin'’?
-A boy and a girl.

Hey, your uncle'’s gonna
be in shock.

Hi, Laura.

Hi, big brother.

How do you feel?

Well, right now
I'’m a little tired.

Well, I tell you what,
why don'’t we go back

to the house
and you can rest
while I make supper?

That sounds very good to us.

First it was the wheat,
then it was the barley.

Charles, the prices
on all the crops

have dropped
to practically nothing.

All the farmers, well,
they'’re bitter and angry.

It'’s just hard to believe
things got so bad
so quickly.

I'’m tellin' you if it wasn'’t
for that lumber contract

with the army,
the mill would be
closed down, too.

Mr. Ingalls,

I have made
a thumbnail assessment

of the financial dilemma,

which has befallen
this town.

And it is quite clear
that the primary shippers

have chosen to
purchase goods
from areas closer

to the railroads.

As I have told everyone,

Walnut Grove
simply cannot compete

and expect to survive.

Pa, with your new job,

maybe you could
do something?

I don'’t know, darlin'.

At least not
until I get to talk

to that shipper
over in Redwood Falls.

I tell you, Charles,
anything you can do
would be appreciated.

I'’ll do what I can,
you know that.

Albert, Laura tells me

that you have decided
to study medicine.

Yes, sir, that'’s right.

Well, it is a commendable
endeavor,

and I wish you all the best.

Thank you.
I'’m sure I'll need it.

Of course, first I have
to get that scholarship.

Yeah, we ought to know
in about two weeks.

I told them
to contact us here.

It seems like Laura'’s
teaching must'’ve done

some good after all, huh?

[Isaiah] Tell you what you
gotta do, Albert.

Soon as you learn all
that doctorin'’ stuff,

you gotta get back here
to Walnut Grove

so Doc Baker can go fishin'’
with me all the time.

I'’ll tell you, Mr. Edwards,
when that happens,

it will be
a dream come true.

I propose a toast,
to the future Dr. Ingalls.

May the medical challenge
be easily attained.

-[Isaiah] Here! Here!
-[Charles] Here! Here!

Jeb,
can I ask you somethin'’?

Sure.

Have you ever kissed a girl?

Yeah, lots of times.

Listen, I'’m not talkin'
about the goodbye
kind of kiss, Jeb.

I mean the real thing,
you know,

the "I like you" kind.

If you'’re gonna put
it like that,

then I guess I'’ve only
kissed two.

Well, did they like it?

I think one of them did,
but not the other one.

-How come?
-[Sarah] Jeb, Jason!

If you want breakfast,
you'’d better hurry!

-Comin'’, Ma!
-[Jason] Wait a minute.

Didn'’t the other girl like
you kissin'’ her?

I don'’t know.
Come on, Jason,
or the eggs will get cold.

This is more important
than eggs.

We'’re talkin' kissin'’!

[chuckles] Jason, will you
just forget about it?

Amy Bryant already told you
she ain'’t gonna kiss you.

Well, so what?
I'’ll kiss someone else.

I don'’t care who it is.

Dag burn it!
I'’ll be an old man
before I get any kissin'’.

[Montague chanting]

Mr. Montague?

Um, I'’m sorry
to disturb you,

but I just wanted
to tell you--

[Montague]
Then don'’t.

[chanting]

Well, I-I just wanted
to tell you

that breakfast is ready.

Today is the th!

Must I remind you of the
significance of that date?

Oh, your fast,
I'’m sorry, I forgot.

It'’s too late!

[chanting]

Well, I'’m afraid
Mr. Montague
has started his fast,

-so he won'’t be joining us
for a while.
-[Montague chanting]

Wh-wh-what'’s that noise?

That'’s Mr. Montague.

Uh, he has a few
unusual habits.

Unusual? I call it
downright strange!

-Now, Mr. Edwards,
you be nice.
-Well, I am bein'’ nice.

Charles, don'’t you think
it'’s a little peculiar

for a man to get up every
mornin'’, stand on his head

in the corner and howl
like a coyote?

Well, just off hand,
I'’d say that was odd.

[laughing]

I went to wake up Albert,
but he'’s fast asleep.

Hm, he didn'’t get much sleep
on the train

and that stagecoach ride
was pretty hard on him.

Well, I'’ll just let him
sleep as long as
he wants then.

Charles, if you want
to stop and see Nels

before we go, we had better
get to movin'’.

-[Charles] All right.
-Get your books, Jenny.

-Good day.
-You too.

Hey, Charles, think you'’ll
be back by Sunday?

Sure. Why?

Well, we got this here
baseball game

after the services
and I thought

maybe you could play on
my team.

Albert can play
for John Carter'’s.

It sounds like fun,
we'’ll be there,
gimme a kiss.

-I'’m gonna walk you out.
-All right.

Hey, we'’ll see you
in a couple of days.

Have a good trip.

[Montague chanting]

We need to set some traps
around here.

[muttering]

Fourteen, no,
cans of peaches.

Well, that'’s it.

Let'’s see how
we did last month.

[Charles]
Mornin'’, Nels.

Charles!

Hey, how are ya?
It'’s good to see you.

-You'’re looking well.
-Oh, it'’s good to see you.

-You look very well
yourself.
-Why thank you.

Laura told me that you
and Albert were coming.

Oh, Charles, Rachel.

Rachel,
this is Charles Ingalls.

It'’s a pleasure to meet you,
Mr. Ingalls.

Willie has told me so much
about you and Albert.

I feel like I know you
both already.

Well, thank you. I must say,
Willie married himself

a very, very lovely bride.

If you'’ll both excuse me,
I'’ll go help Willie

open the restaurant.

All right.

Pleasure to meet you.

Uh, it'’s hard to believe,
Willie married.

[Nels]
Yeah, it sure is.

-Where'’s the missus?
-Oh, on her way
to St. Louis.

She left two days ago.

We have some land down there
and Harriet went down

to see if she could sell it.

We'’re pretty much down
to empty pockets.

You and everybody else
in town.

Charles!
The stage is comin'’!

I'’m heading over
to Redwood Falls.

Gonna meet Otis Wagner,
he does a lot of shipping
for our company.

You wouldn'’t know him,
would you?

Yeah, I know Otis,
shrewd businessman.

-But he is honest.
-I'’m glad to hear that.

Maybe we can get some
business goin'’ around here.

-[Nels] Oh, Lord, I hope so.
-I'’ll see you on Sunday.

[Nels]
You bet.

[exhales]

[knock on door]

Come in.

Oh, I'’m glad to see you
finally woke up.

Oh, I didn'’t realize
I slept so late.

What time is it?

It'’s almost noon.

You look kinda pale,
are you feeling all right?

I feel so tired.

I guess it'’s all
the excitement
from the trip

and getting to visit
the university is all.

Well, how about
some breakfast
or I should say lunch?

No, I'’m really not
very hungry, Laura.

Tired, not hungry.

What'’s city life done
to you, boy?

[chuckles]
I don'’t know.

Well, I tell you what,
I'’m gonna go downstairs

and pack us
a nice picnic lunch.

I think a little
fresh country air

is exactly what you need.

-I'’d like that.
-Good.

You come down
when you'’re ready.

Okay.

[sighs]

[chattering]

Oh, well, thank you, Jason.

It'’ll keep the growls away
until I can get back

to the mill.

Mr. Edwards,
you probably know

quite a bit
about kissin'’ girls.

-Don'’t you?
-Kissin'’?

Jason, ain'’t you kinda
young to be thinkin'’

about a thing like that?

Oh, uh,
I wasn'’t askin' for me.

It'’s for my friend.

-He'’s older, but kinda shy.
-Oh, oh.

Well, it'’s pretty much up
to the individual

but mostly you
just pucker up,

smack '’em on the lips.

Do you keep your eyes open
or closed?

Well, the ladies, they like
to close their eyes,

-see, but I keep mine open.
-Why?

Mainly '’cause my aim
ain'’t too good,
see, and I don'’t

wanna to wind up kissin'’ 'em
on the nose.

Especially, if they
got a cold. [laughs]

Yeah, that makes sense,
all right.

Pucker up, smack '’em
on the lips, eyes open.

I got it, thanks!

[chuckles]

I loved coming here
when we were kids.

It'’s still so peaceful.

Yeah, well,
nothing'’s changed.

Fish still aren'’t biting.

[laughs] Do you, do you
remember when we told Willie

that we had a family secret
for catching fish?

[chuckles]
Do I?

Do you remember he spent
the entire summer

trying to figure out
what that secret was

and he was so mad
when he found out

-that it was just cheese!
-It was just cheese.

[both laughing]

Gosh, it was fun
growing up here.

Oh, yeah.

[sighs] Sometimes I wish
I was still a little girl.

Laura, are you happy here?

I mean, now that
you'’re married
and you have Rose?

Yeah, I'’m very happy.

If I had it my way I'’d stay
here the rest of my life.

Me, too.

I'’m going to school
to become a doctor,

but I want
to come back here.

This is where life seems
the best,

not in the city where no one
has time for one another.

Will the future Dr. Ingalls

be giving my family
a discount?

Oh, of course,
you can pay me one chicken

instead of two!
[laughs]

Oh, no! This always seems
to happen at the wrong time.

Here.

Do you get these often?

Yeah, it seems like every
darn day lately.

[sighs] I used to get '’em
when I was little.

I guess it'’s just a phase
that all kids go through.

Kids?

I'’m about to start
medical school.

Well, then, physician,
heal thyself.

I'’m gonna go catch a fish.

As you can see, Mr. Ingalls,

everything is shipped
right on schedule.

I'’ve been doing business
with Bennett and Company

for over five years

and I'’d like to think
we have a good relationship.

Well, that goes without
saying, Mr. Wagner,

you'’re probably
the most reliable
of all our shippers.

Why, thank you.

I do try to run
a smooth operation here.

Mr. Wagner, I'’m curious
as to why your agents
stopped buying

from the farmers
around Walnut Grove?

-May I call you Charles?
-Certainly.

Charles, ever since
the railroad put in
its new spur line,

we'’ve had our business
practically double.

I mean, take your company,

you can see for yourself
the amount of goods

we ship just to you.

I know that, but you'’re
shipping the same things

those farmers raise.

Yes, and I have to say that
the quality is much better

than I'’m buying now,
but the problem is

that the farms around
Walnut Grove
are just too small.

From the amount of goods
I need to fill
my customer'’s orders,

I have to deal with
the large farms
who can deliver.

[scoffs] I guess that'’s what
people call progress.

I'’m afraid it is.

Well, we'’ll be going.

It'’s a pleasure meeting you,
Mr. Wagner.

-Please, call me Otis.
-All right, Otis.

I'’m gonna be leaving for
Walnut Grove in the morning.

I'’ll see you
on my next visit.

Very well, have a good trip.

I sure will, thank you.

[clock ticking]

Time'’s up.

Pass your tests
to the center.

Now, then, I'’d like
to remind you all that our

annual field trip will be
at the end of the month.

Please make sure
that you have selected

a subject for your
nature projects by then.

Yes, what is it, Nancy?

Miss Plum, I just wanna know
if the whole class

has to make that
silly climb up
to Harper'’s Bluff again?

Yes, I think
it'’s a tradition

that everyone
looks forward to.

Well, not me.

-Nancy.
-Yes, Amy.

Ma'’am,
I wasn'’t here last year,

and what'’s Nancy
talkin'’ about?

Well, Amy, each year at
the end of the field trip,

we all climb up to the top
of Harper'’s Bluff.

And you take along
a keepsake to put

in the strongbox
that'’s buried there.

-[Amy] But what for?
-That'’s what I keep asking.

You see, Amy, it all
started about ten years ago

when a group of children
found some

old Indian artifacts
up there.

They thought it would be a
good idea to leave something

of their own,
you know, something

for those who come later
to remember them by.

Oh, I think that'’s
a wonderful idea.

Well, so do we,
and that'’s why we're
gonna climb up there again.

-Right, children?
-[all] Right!

[Etta] All right, children,
it'’s time for lunch.

[all]
Yeah.

Hi, how you doin'’?

-Hi.
-Hi.

-Hi, Albert.
-Hi!

-Jeb, how you doin'’?
-[Jeb] See you
in baseball then.

-[Albert] Okay, after lunch.
-[Jeb] Okay.

Albert!

Hi, Miss Plum.

-How are you?
-I'’m fine, just fine.

Uh, I just wanted to come by
and say hello to everybody.

Well, I'’m glad you did.
It'’s good to see you.

Hello, Albert.

Hi.

Michele?

Michele Pierson?

Uh-huh, the one and only.

The last time I saw you--

Probably wearing
dirty overalls, cutting down

wheat alongside
my two brothers, right?

Right.

Miss Plum, Nancy took
the ball again

and stuffed it down
her dress.
Now we can'’t use it.

I'’m coming.

Will you be visiting
a while, Albert?

Yes, ma'’am, my pa and I will
be here for about a month.

Oh, good, I look forward
to seeing him, too.

Well, if you'’ll excuse me,
my favorite student

needs some attention.

-Well, how have you been?
-How'’s life in the city?

[chuckles]

All right, um,
I'’ll answer first.

I'’m fine.
Now it'’s your turn.

Oh, it'’s not bad,

but I'’d much
rather be living here.

How'’s that?
[laughs]

Just fine.

You really have changed.

Oh, gosh, I didn'’t realize
I looked so bad.

Oh, no, that'’s not
what I meant.

I meant
you really look nice.

You know, your dress
and all that.

Oh, thank you.

I guess I just figured it
was time to start
being a girl.

And since I'’ll be going
to college

I better look like
I belong there.

You mean you'’ll be going
to the university?

Uh-huh, I want to
be a teacher,

so I'’ve been helping
Miss Plum here
a few days a week,

you know, just to get
the feel of things.

Oh, that'’s nice.

You know, I'’ll be starting
at the university myself.

I want to become a doctor.

Oh, a doctor!
Albert, that'’s wonderful!

Oh, my gosh,
maybe we'’ll be seeing...

I mean...

I'’ll probably see you there
once in a while.

Yeah, I'’m sure you will.

Well, I'’d better go.

It sure was nice to see
you again, Michele.

Yeah, it was nice
to see you, too, Albert.

Michele, I'’m going to
a picnic and baseball game

on Sunday after church.

If you'’re not busy,
would you like to go?

Why, yes. Yes,
I'’d like that very much.

Well, great!

I'’ll see you on Sunday then.

Yeah, see you on Sunday.

[knock on door]

-Yes, who is it?
-[Charles] Otis, it'’s me,
Charles Ingalls.

Charles, come in, I thought
you'’d left for Walnut Grove.

No, no, I don'’t leave
until the morning.

Could I talk to you
for a minute?

Why, certainly, come in,
sit down.

Ah, I just made some
fresh coffee,
would you like a cup?

Yeah, that sounds good,
thank you.

-How do you take it?
-Just black.

I was hoping
you'’d still be here.

Oh, yes, I usually am.

In fact, my wife
is threatening

to move my bed in here.

Otis, let me tell you
why I'’m here.

I was thinking about
what you were saying
this afternoon

about not being able to buy
from the farms around

Walnut Grove
because they'’re so small.

It can'’t be helped, Charles.

As it is,
I kept on buying from them

long after
the other shippers stopped.

I know that, Otis,
I found out
and I appreciate it.

But let me ask you this,

what if I can get those
farmers to work together,
form a co-op?

Could you buy
their goods then?

[sighs] This is something
I thought about myself,

but as far as I can see it,
it won'’t work.

Why not? You already told me
you preferred their products

to anybody else'’s.

Yes, I know, but the price
I'’d have to pay your people

in order for them
to make a profit

would just be unrealistic.

Why, they can'’t compete
with the larger outfits.

They buy their seed
in quantity.

They use
the most modern machinery.

What do we do,
just write '’em off?

I mean, they'’ve worked their
whole lives for these farms.

Look, suppose I can-- suppose
I can sell you those goods

for the same price you'’re
paying now, delivered here.

Why, you don'’t realize
what you'’re saying, Charles.

Your people
will be working for,

at the very most,
just a few pennies.

Well, what do they have now?
They have nothing.

Come on, Otis, try it.

What do you say?

All right,
I'’ll buy their goods,

but you have to guarantee
that Bennett and Company

supports this deal
one hundred percent.

I guarantee it.

Well, I hope you
can make it work.

Well, so do I.
I'’ll be in touch with you.

[cheering]

I must say they'’re really
taking this game
very seriously.

You'’re telling me,
it'’s all I've heard about
the last two weeks.

Well, you know what
they say, boys will be boys.

[all chuckle]

We'’re losing.

[man ]
Come on, Isaiah!

[cheering]

Too bad.

Out!

-I got it. Mine.
-I got it! I got--

Watch it!
What? Don'’t you...

Get off.

-Will you get off--
-I had the ball...

[men clamoring]

Come on, John, pitch it.

[chattering]

[cheering]

[man ]
Safe!

-Go ahead, Jason.
-It'’s all right, Jason, go.

[chattering]

Batter up!

Albert, we got two men on,

give it a ride,
it'’s up to you.

-Go get him, Albert.
-Come on, Albert.

[chattering]

-Oh, all right!
-Strike one!

-[man ] Albert.
-[man ] Come on, Albert.

Bring it home.

All right, Albert,
here it comes.

[man ] Hit the ball.
Hit the ball.

All right, Albert,
look out.

The old snake ball
is ready to bite.

What a hit!
Way to hit it, Albert.

Come on, Bobby.

Go! Come on, Albert.
Come on.

He'’s out!

[shouting]

We did it.

[Jeb] Something'’s wrong
with Albert!

Albert?

Hey, Albert?
Son, what'’s wrong?

How do you feel now, Albert?

Kinda numb.

You had this before,
blackin'’ out, I mean?

No.

Well, he has been havin'’
some nosebleeds

and he'’s been feelin'
kinda tired lately.

How often has he had '’em?

[Charles] Well, let'’s see,
he had one on the train,

then another one when
we were at the university.

And when we were at the pond
the other day,

he had one, too.
It was kinda bad.

[Isaiah] Had one at
the mill yesterday.

Charles, I think you ought
to take him
to the hospital in Mankato.

Mankato? What do you think
is wrong, doc?

I'’m not sure, but they're
much better equipped

to diagnose Albert'’s problem
than I am.

I'’d only be guessing.

Oh, it'’s just a couple
of nosebleeds.

I don'’t need a hospital.

Albert, it wouldn'’t hurt
for '’em to take
a look at you.

Doctor Houser is the Chief
of Staff over there.

And he'’s an old colleague
of mine.

I'’ll call
and set things up for you.

Appreciate it. We'’re ready
to leave anytime.

Charles, I'’ll drive you.
I'’ll have the wagon ready
in no time.

Thank you.

Pa, do we have to go?

I mean, all this fuss over
some nosebleeds?

Hey, come on. You just do
what the doc tells you.

When you become a doctor,
you don'’t wanna

have the patients ignorin'’
your advice, do you?

No, sir.

Here we go again.

Oh.

Here are the last two,
doctor.

Huh? Oh. Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Dr. Houser,
were you able to

find out what'’s wrong
with Albert?

Yes. Yes, we were.

Why don'’t we all sit down?

Mr. Ingalls...

Albert is
a very sick young man.

Uh, I'’m afraid he has
a blood disorder which is...

Well, it'’s causing him
to lose strength.

Oh, I see.
Well, h-how long?

I mean, how long
will the treatments take

before you can get him back
on his feet?

Mr. Ingalls,
I'’m sorry, but, uh...

Well, there is no treatment.

Albert'’s not going to
get any better...

only worse.

Wait a minute, doc.

Are you, you tellin'’ us

Al-Albert can'’t be helped?

Yes, that'’s right.

But I-I don'’t understand.
I mean...

He, he was fine
up until yesterday.

I mean, he'’s-he's been a
little bit tired and all...

Mr. Ingalls, uh...

you see, Albert has had
this problem for a long,
long time.

And, uh, well,
we'’re just now

beginning to see the signs

because, uh, it is getting
progressively worse.

Wait, wait a minute. Uh...

Wait a minute.
The, uh...

This-this blood disorder
you'’re talkin' about, uh...

I don'’t know if I told you,
but-but Albert had a...

he had a, he had a problem
with morphine
a little while back

and, and I think that...

that this is probably just
an aftermath of that...

[Houser]
I don'’t think so.

I'’ve seen this disease in
infants as well as adults.

What do you mean
you'’ve seen it before?

You'’re supposed to
be a doctor.

You know what it is,
do something about it!

Mr. Ingalls, I'’ve told you--

I don'’t care what you
told me! You'’re a doctor!

You went to school to learn
how to save lives!
Save my son!

I can'’t.

I can'’t.

[sobbing]

How long does my son have?

It could be any time.

There'’ll be days
when he'’ll be just fine,

full of life...

and then he'’ll weaken again.

That'’s usually a sign
that the end is near.

Have you told him?

[Houser]
No.

[whimpers]

[sighs]

[sniffles]

Can I, uh...

Can I go see him now?

Certainly.

Mr. Ingalls...

would it be easier
if I told him?

Easier for who?

Did you reach '’em?

I couldn'’t get
a hold of Caroline.

I told Laura.

He'’s been asleep
ever since you left.

[Albert]
I'’m not asleep.

[thunder rumbling]

Can I get you anything?

A glass of water,
my mouth'’s real dry.

There you go.

Thanks.

I talked to Laura.


She and Almanzo
are making plans

to come and see you
before I take you home.

Pa, I'’ve been thinkin'.

I want to go home...

but I don'’t want to go home
to Burr Oak.

I want to go home
to Walnut Grove.

Walnut Grove?

But you, you ought to
be home with the family.

Pa, just hear me out.

I'’ve been trying to think
what I'’d like to do
with the time I got left.

You know, seein'’ some of
the places I'’ve read about.

Even goin'’ to sea.

But my mind keeps goin'’
back to Walnut Grove.

But what-what about your ma?

I'’ve been thinkin'
about that, too.

I'’ve been thinkin' about
Ma and my brother
and my sisters.

Pa...

I don'’t want 'em
to watch me die.

That'’s all they'd be doin'’,

watchin'’ it happen.

They wouldn'’t be able to do
anything about it.

I mean, it'’s better for them.

Albert, believe me they
want you to be with them.

But I don'’t want 'em to be.

I don'’t have,
I don'’t have much time left.

I want to spend it doin'’
as many things as I can.

The things I used to do
when I was a kid.

I know it sounds selfish.

But it'’s my last chance.

Albert, I unders...

I understand how you feel.

Pa, you don'’t understand
how I feel.

No one understands
how I feel but me.

I know you'’re tryin' to,

but you don'’t know.

I'’m going to die, Pa.

Don'’t you think it should be
my right to say

what I want to do
with the rest of my life?

Hm?

Yeah.

[sobbing]

Yeah.

But I don'’t know
what to tell your ma.

I'’ll tell her.

I'’ll call her
in the morning.

Take me back
to Walnut Grove, Pa.

I became
Albert Ingalls there.

Remember?

Take me back.

Let me go back there
and stay there forever.

Please, Pa.

Okay?

-Hmm?
-Yeah.

[Charles crying]

[sobbing]

[sniffles]

I got worried when
I woke up
and didn'’t see you.

[sniffles]

I found these today...

[sniffles]

when I was packing
for the trip.

Albert and I made them
for each other
a long time ago.

[sniffles]

[sighs]
I remember we were

or ...

and we wanted to
start a club.

There was me and Albert

and Willie...

and another boy named
Andrew Garvey.

And we made these
leather badges
for each other.

[sniffles]

And then each one of us
cut our fingers.

Not much,

just enough
to get some blood.

And then we put
our fingers together.

And became blood brothers.

[chuckles]

All except Willie.

[sniffles] As soon as he saw
all the blood, he fainted.

[chuckles]

That sounds like Willie.

[sighs]

[sniffles]
It seems like yesterday.

Beth, why don'’t you
come back to bed?

I'’ll heat up some milk,
it'’ll help you sleep.

No.

I'’d just like to sit here
by myself,
if that'’s all right?

Sure.

I love you.

[crying]

[horses snorting]

Personal profile seem to be
the most popular,

so I felt we should put
the one about your pa

right next to
the announcement for
the town meeting.

You know, to remind people
to be sure and come.

That'’s a good idea.

Um, we can'’t forget
Jeanie Galiher'’s new baby.

I promised her we'’d put
an announcement in, too.

Oh, of course. I'’ll add it
on to the back page.

Laura...

I can finish this
if you want.

No. No, thanks.

It helps keeping busy.

You know, I keep thinking
this is all just a dream

and I'’m just gonna
wake up and...

I know.

Jeb and Jason haven'’t really
known Albert that long,

but it didn'’t make it
any easier to tell them.

You know, I think children
can understand

when someone old is dying,

but to see someone like
Albert...

[Jenny]
Aunt Laura!

Aunt Laura, Mr. Edwards'’
wagon is coming up the road!

Mr. Carter'’s out front.
He drove me home.

Oh.

Aunt Laura.

What will I say?

I don'’t know what to say.

[horse carriage rattling]

Let'’s go.

[crying]

Come on, now, be strong.

Be strong, you promise me?

-Here you go.
-Easy.

How have you been,
Mr. Carter?

Just fine.

How about yourself?

Well, I have
had some better days.

Well, big sister,

I'’m home to stay
if you'’ll have me.

[crying]

It'’s all right.

Go ahead and cry.

You'’ve gotta promise me,

after today, no more tears
around me, all right?

Okay?

I promise.

Well, I'’m gonna go
and get some sleep.

Laura, Mr. Edwards
must have hit every rut

between here and Mankato.

Here, now,
don'’t go blamin' me.

I didn'’t start drivin' till
we were more than

halfway home!
[chuckles]

Mr. Carter...

Mr. Edwards has agreed
to give our team a rematch.

What do you say?

We'’ll do it.

Snake ball and all!

Come on.

I can'’t believe it.

Now the boy wants
to play baseball.

He just wants us
to treat him
like nothin'’ happened.

And that'’s
what we'’re gonna do.

That'’s what we're gonna do.

[chattering]

[door opens]

[Charles]
Now listen to me.

Now listen to me
for one minute,
just hear me out.

Believe me, it'’ll work.
It'’ll work.

All we have to do
is combine our labor,

everybody contributes,
everybody benefits.

And we take one man'’s team,

we put it with another
farmer'’s unused plow.

The same with the seed.

Some of you need a little
bit, some of you need a lot.

We buy it collectively.
We save money.

For the first time,
you gotta be competitive

with the big outfits.

Mr. Ingalls...

everything you'’ve said
seems to make sense,

but what about our profit?

How much is everybody goin'’
to be able to make?

Well, I'’m afraid not a lot
in the beginning.

At least, not until we can
get a guaranteed contract

from the shipper
in Redwood Falls.

[chattering]

Mr. Ingalls. Mr. Ingalls.

I read in here in
the bulletin about
your new job

and your plan to help us.

And what some of us
would like to know is

what'’s in all this for you?

[chattering]

Excuse me.

-Sit down.
-Wait, hold it.

Excuse me.
I don'’t think we've met.

The name'’s Taylor.
Zack Taylor.

All right, Mr. Taylor,
would you believe me
if I told you

absolutely nothing?

Not one red cent.

Can'’t say as I would.

You see,
I wasn'’t around this country

back when you were
such a vital part of
this community.

All right, now, hold on.

Charles here is trying
to help us.

Of course, we all know
you don'’t need any help,

so why don'’t you just leave?

Isaiah, it'’s all right.
Sit down. Sit down.

Uh, Mr. Ingalls, I remember
you as being a good man.

If, indeed,
you are here trying to help,

why can'’t you just pay
each of us

who have the crops
a fair price

and let it go at that?

Because it'’s not
my money to pay.

Look, I'’m just tryin'
to show all of you

how to get back on your feet
until things get better.

That'’s all I can do.

I still say he'’s with them,

the city buyers,
makin'’ the price so low

that you'’re gonna steal
the profit!

-[man ] Yeah.
-[man ] Yes, he is!

[chattering]

What is wrong with
you people?

What'’s happened to
all of you?

Just who are you to ask
that kind of question?

My name'’s Albert Ingalls.

The man who'’s trying
to help you is my father.

Well, that don'’t make you
something special.

Go on back to the big city
with your old man.

We don'’t need
no kid not grown
tellin'’ us what for.

Come back in ten years
when you'’re a man!

[all laugh]

That'’s enough, Zachary.

[chattering]

[man ]
You got that?

Quiet!
Quiet a minute, I say!

Zack Taylor, that boy that
just walked out of here

is more of a man
than you'’ll ever be.

And he cares a hell of a lot
more about this town.

You see, he remembers it
when it was a town
full of friends

and neighbors who really
cared about each other,

who were willing
to work together,

no matter how tough it got.

And you told him to come
back here when he'’s a man.

Well, you see,
he can'’t do that...

'’cause he's dyin'’.

But he came back here

because of all the places
in the world, this place,

this town is where he want
to spend his last days.

And you all think
you got it tough.

I'’m just sorry he saw
what happened to this town.

Edwards...

I'’d like to take part
in Charles'’ plan.

-[man ] Yeah!
-[man ] Good for you,
Zachary!

Let'’s take a vote.

All right, all in favor?

[all]
Aye! Aye! Aye!

All opposed?

All right. By God,
we got us a town again.

-Good mornin'’.
-[Laura] Good morning.

Morning?

-I dare say it'’s past noon.
-It is?

Hmm.

I wanted to go back out
and help with the farm.

Why didn'’t somebody wake
me up?

Why, I asked Pa not to.

I didn'’t think you needed to
be in that hot sun.

It'’s really not that bad.

I enjoy working
and talking with everybody.

Albert, you'’ve got
to get some rest!

Why is it that you have to
be doing something all
the time?

If both of you
will excuse me,

I have to get these chapters
on the afternoon stage.

Mr. Montague, would you mind
giving me a ride into town?

[Montague]
Why, no, not at all.

I'’ll bring the buggy
around to the front.

[sighs]

Laura...

the things I want to do

I can'’t put off
until tomorrow.

Pa understands that.

I just wish you could.

-[door opens, closes]
-[sighs]

Albert.

-Wheat.
-Mm-hmm.

Barley, and corn.

All right,
that'’s all of 'em.

Thanks, Jenny.

All right, class.
Everyone back to your seats.

Albert!

Hi. I hope I'’m not
disturbing anything.

[Etta]
No, not at all.

It'’s so good to see you.

We just finished
making plans for
our field trip.

Oh, really? That'’s nice.

Oh, does the class still
make that

climb up to
the Keepsake Tree?

Oh, yes. In fact,
we just finished making
our keepsake.

Class, does anyone
want to tell Albert

what we decided to
put in the strongbox
this year?

[Etta]
Amy.

Well, we all thought
since the town

was starting a new
community farm,

it might be nice if
the keepsake were some seeds

from each of the crops.

Well, yeah.
That is very nice.

-Miss Plum?
-Yes, Nancy.

[Nancy] Could I ask Albert
a question?

[chuckles]

Certainly.

What'’s it like knowing
you'’re going to die?

-Nancy!
-Nancy!

Nancy, I don'’t think
that'’s any of your business!

Oh, it'’s all right,
Miss Plum.

I don'’t mind
talking about it.

Well...
[chuckles]

Well...

[sighs]

Well, at first, I...

I was scared...

and angry.

But, you know,
once I started to think
about my life...

I found that
I had made myself some

really wonderful memories.

You know,
things that I had done.

All the good times.
All the good friends.

And, you know, the best
thing about it all...

is that they all took place
right here.

And that'’s why I came back.

'’Cause there's
no better place
on God'’s Earth.

Just don'’t waste the time
you have on it.

All of you.

Just go out
and have a good time.

Make yourself
lots of good friends.

You see, that way...

you see, that way,

when it'’s your time
to look back
and find your memories,

you'’ll see that you won't be
scared or angry either.

That was a real
fine supper, Michele.

Your ma sure can cook.

I'’m sorry,
I couldn'’t eat much.

Oh, that'’s all right,

but she doesn'’t get all
the credit.

I made the dessert.

[chuckles] Well, it was
really good.

The sky sure
is pretty tonight, isn'’t it?

Yeah, it sure is.

Albert, uh...

you know...

I had a dream
about you and I.

You had a dream about us?

Yeah.

It was just a silly dream.

Well, come on.
Tell me about it.

No, you'’ll just laugh
and think I'’m really silly.

Michele, I promise I won'’t.

Cross my heart
and hope to die.

Why do you joke about it?

Why not?

All right. Now, come on,
tell me about your dream.

[sighs]

Well...

we were sitting out here,
just like now and...

I said how beautiful
the sky was.

And then you turned my head

and I saw you smiling at me.

Then you took my hands...

and then you pulled me
close to you.

And you kissed me.

[chuckles]
See, I...

I told you it was stupid.

Just go ahead
and laugh if you want to.

Michele,
I'’m not going to laugh.

Especially not at you.

I don'’t know how to
say all this...

but I'’ve been doing some
dreaming about you, too.

And...

the thing is,
I haven'’t got much time

to do everything
just proper.

You know,
the courtin'’ kind of stuff?

So...

Albert...

I'’m so glad you came back
to Walnut Grove.

I am, too.

[door closes]

-Albert, is that you?
-Yeah, Pa.

-I'’m sorry I'm so late.
-That'’s all right.

Your sister was upset.

She got mad at me
for letting you out alone.
[chuckles]

I wasn'’t alone.

Have yourself a good time
over at Michele'’s?

Oh, yeah. I sure did.

What'’d you two do?

Oh, we just sat on
her porch.

Just talkin'’.

And you know,
things like that.

[chuckles]

It sounds like you
made yourself another
nice memory.

Yeah, I sure did.

It'’s been the best one yet.

[chuckles]

Hey, wait a minute.

A letter came for us today.

Thought you might want to
take a look at it.

"Therefore,

we proudly award you
a four-year
academic scholarship

to the University
of Minnesota School
of Medicine."

I made it.

-I made it!
-You'’re darn right you did.

You know somethin'’...

I really think
I would have made
a fine doctor.

I know you would.

I want to tell you
something.

You'’ve been the greatest son
a man could ever have,

I'’ll tell you.

You weren'’t a bad
pa yourself.

I can'’t believe you're going
along with this.

Laura, he'’s going on
a field trip.

It'’s no different than
anything else
he'’s been doing.

Yeah, well,
I guess it'’s all right then.

I mean, if Albert wants to
play baseball,
then it'’s fine.

If it'’s working at the farm,
or going to Michele'’s house

till all hours of the night

everyone just smiles
and wishes him well.

These are the things
he wants to do.
You know that.

Pa, you'’ve seen him.
He looks so weak.

He needs to get some rest.

Why?

Well, I guess it doesn'’t
matter what I have to say.

I mean, if it'’s climbin' up
to the Keepsake Tree,

if Albert wants to do,
then he'’s just gonna go
right ahead and do it.

All right, what is it you
want me to do?

I want you to tell him that

he cannot climb up
that mountain!

Laura, Albert
is going to die.

I know that.
Why are you telling me that?

Then let him spend the time
he has left

doing what he wants to do.

If you had it your way,
he'’d spend

the rest of his life in bed.

Well, why not?
It'’s better than
watching him drain himself.

Better for him
or better for you?

Come on, Laura.
Let me hear you say it.

"My brother
is going to die. "

Come on, no more pretending.
Say it.

"My brother
is going to die."
Let me hear it.

I can'’t.

You can.

-I can'’t--
-Now, come on and say it.

-No.
-"My brother
is going to die. "

-Come on, say it.
-No.

Say it.

-I...
-Say it.

I can'’t.

[sobs]
My-My-My-My-My...

My brother is going...

is... is gonna die.

Oh, God! Oh, God! Oh, God!

[crying]
Oh, my God, he'’s gonna die.

[crying]

He'’s gonna die.

Ah, there you go.

It doesn'’t seem
to be stopping, Mr. Ingalls.

Yeah, I know,
Hold this against it, son.

Maybe we ought to get
you back home.

Oh, no, Pa. It'’ll stop.

Just give it time.

I'’m glad you came.

-Are you all right?
-Mm-hmm.

See, Pa,
I told you it'’d stop.

Now, you'’re not out
here just to worry, are you?

No, and I brought you these.

Oh, my gosh, Laura.
Where'’d you ever find them?

They were
in one of my trunks.

[Laura] Do you remember
when we made those?

Oh, do I? Are you kidding?

I remember Willie, uh,
fainted because we all
cut our fingers.

[both laugh]

I thought you might like
to put '’em up
in the strongbox

at the Keepsake Tree.

I love you.

I love you, too.

Albert!
We'’re going up the hill now!

Miss Plum asked
if you'’d lead the way

and put our keepsake
in the strongbox.

Oh, you bet I will.

Are you sure
you can make it, son?

-Yeah, I think I can, Pa.
-I know he can!

'’Cause I'm going to be
with you all the way
to the top.

Are you serious?

Oh, we did it once
a long time ago

and we'’re going to do it
again today.

You'’re not the only one
reliving old memories,
Albert Ingalls.

-[chuckles] Okay.
-Come on.

[Etta] Come on, children.
Let'’s get going.

-[boy ] Yeah, let'’s go!
Come on!
-[boy ] Come on!

Well, they reached
the halfway point.

How'’s Albert doin'?

He looks to be doin'’
all right.

[sighs]

Laura...

I think I'’d better rest
a while.

[sighs] That'’s fine
with me, Albert.

Take all the time you need.

[sighs] I don'’t remember it
being this hard to climb.

[both sigh]

Yeah, but...

that was before you became
an old married woman.

Very funny.

[both laugh]

[boy ]
Come on!

Are we gonna let those
young'’uns catch up to us?

Not if we can help it.

[breathing heavily]

Let'’s go.

They'’re movin' again.

[groans]

Well, that boy of yours
sure is somethin'’.

He sure is.

[breathing heavily]

[panting]

[breathing heavily]

Go on, Albert.
Go on.

[panting]

Go on.

[Isaiah]
He made it! He made it!

[laughing]

[Almanzo]
They made it!

Phew!

[sniffles]
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