04x02 - Rupert and the Wool Gatherers

[bunniefuu]

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Yahoo!

Whee!

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Here you are, Filbert! This is the last one.

This is the only time of year

I wish I had my house at the bottom of the tree.

Ha, ha! But think of all the snow

you'd have to shovel from around your door step.

Right you are, Rupert!

And we're going to get a fair dose of it this winter.

Just look at how big the hats are on these acorns.

And I've never seen the caterpillars looking fuzzier.

Sure signs of a harsh winter ahead.

Really?

Oh, yes!

You folk who live in the village don't take much notice,

but out here we live by Mother Nature's signals.

Speaking of signals, mine are telling me

it's time to go home and have something to eat.

(Chuckling)

I'll bet you've worked up quite an appetite.

And all I have to offer is a cheek full of acorns.

Thanks again for your help, Rupert!

You're welcome, Filbert! Have a good winter. Goodbye!

That's odd. A bush wearing a sweater.

Now this is a sign of a tough winter ahead!

I wonder how it got here?

And here's a jacket!

This looks too big to belong to the same person.

Hmm, I think the best place for these things

would be Constable Growler's lost and found box.

GRANNY GOATImagine, they came right over the hedge as bold as you please,

and took it right off the clothes line!

I think locking the scallywags up for a day or

would do them a world of good.

Now, now. Did either of you actually see Freddy and Ferdy

near your property at the time of the disappearances?

Well, no, not really.

Oh, but it's just the kind of mischief

you'd expect from those Fox boys.

At least you could come around

and get finger-prints or something!

Sorry, Sir. I'm afraid I can't start an investigation

based on such shaky evidence.

It could have been the wind that carried your clothes off.

(Door chimes tinkling)

Good morning!

My jacket!

My sweater!

Oh, h*! My hero!

Where did these items turn up, Rupert?

I found them side by side on the common.

Well, thanks to Rupert here, it looks like the case is solved.

Solved? Aren't you going to arrest the culprits?

Oh, I think I'd have a lot of trouble

trying to arrest a gust of wind.

Now, why don't we all go home and enjoy

the rest of this beautiful day.

I dare say there won't be many more like it

before winter sets in.

Thank you for gathering up those clothes, Rupert.

You saved me a morning of paperwork.

You're welcome, Constable Growler.

If you need any other cases solved just call me.

I will, Rupert, I will.

(Phone ringing)

Right now it sounds like someone is calling me!

Constable Growler speaking.

Your laundry? Vanished you say?

Well, as a matter of fact-- Oh, excuse me for just a second.

Hello? Your favourite socks?

In broad daylight?

I don't blame you, Sir. Yes, I'll look into it.

Now, where was I? Yes, there have been some reports--

(Second phone ringing again)

Hello? pairs of flannel trousers? Yes, I--

Uh-oh! I've lost my scarf!

Hmm. Oh, now I remember.

I was using it to help Filbert pull acorns up the tree.

I'd better go back for it.

It's going to be a cold winter, you know.

I'm back again.

Rupert! I knew you'd be back soon.

I hung your scarf right over-- Well, isn't that peculiar.

I put it right here just a moment ago!

I have a feeling someone else is preparing for a tough winter.

And he's probably wearing a yellow scarf!

MUMOh, really Rupert,

this scarf is long enough to wrap around you times.

That's exactly how I want it! Thanks.

Don't be in such a rush, Rupert.

There's still a tail hanging out the end.

You don't want it to unravel.

Don't worry, Mum, that's part of my plan.

Bye!

That boy, he always has a plan.

Whoever is stealing the clothes


won't be able to resist this scarf.

As soon as they take the bait, I'll catch them red handed!

(Cicadas chirring)

(Yawning)

Perhaps I'm using the wrong bait. After all,

I've never gone fishing for clothes robbers before.

Hold on! I've got a bite!

Whoever's at the other end of this is very fast!

Hmm.

I must be nearing the end soon.

Ohh! Some plan. All I've done is lost another scarf!

(Sheep bleating)

Hey, I don't believe it!

That's Mum's nightie, and Dad's waistcoat!

MANShh! Go away! Shh! Go away!

Hey, go away! Hey, cut it out! Oh, shh, go away!

Caught you at last! You--

Whoa!

Odmedod?

Rupert! Oh, am I glad it's you!

I've been on the run since sunrise. Just look at me,

I'll bet I've lost a bale of stuffing.

Has it really been you taking everyone's clothes?

It's not something I'm proud of Rupert,

but I didn't know what else to do!

My friends have always given more

than their fair share of wool,

so I thought it would be all right to get some back for them.

Here we are, with a harsh winter just around the corner,

and some heartless wool rustlers are taking

the sheep's only protection from the cold.

Wool rustlers?

And they aren't going to stop

until the whole flock is clipped!

I go to bed thinking my job is done,

but when I wake up in the morning,

more sheep have been sheared.

Why hasn't Farmer Brown reported it?

Farmer Brown is gone for the week, Rupert.

He's at the county fair.

And I certainly can't go wandering into

Constable Growler's office.

(Crows cawing)

We scarecrows aren't supposed to be seen

talking and walking about, you know.

Don't worry, I'm sure I can explain things

without giving away your secret.

Odmedod! I can't find Constable Growler! He's not in his office.

This is terrible, Rupert!

I don't want my friends to be left out in the cold!

We can't let this go one.

If we use our heads, we can put a stop to it!

My head doesn't have much to offer,

it's just full of stuffing.

But I'm with you all the way!

Rupert, that's very good!

Thanks, Odmedod.

Hopefully, this will help us find out who's been--

Rupert! Rupert? Who are you talking to?

Dad! Er, um, no one, just talking to myself.

Well, well. What do we have here?

He's, er-- it's a scarecrow.

I like the surprised expression you've captured on his face.

Thanks, I'm glad you like it.

I've got something here that will finish him off nicely.

Now where is it?

Ah-ha! Here we are!

That suits him to a "T".

Keep that if you like, Son.

Uh, thanks, Dad.

(Coughing)

Sorry, Odmedod.

Oh, that's all right, Rupert.

Although I would have preferred a liquorice stick.

We had better get over to the meadow before sunset.

This looks like a good spot.

I can almost see every sheep through this knot hole.

Shh! I think I hear something.

(Approaching footsteps)

Sounds like it's getting closer.

Can you see anything?

It's too dark.

Ahh!

There he goes!

After him!

Oof!

Are you all right, Odmedod?

I tripped on a root. Sorry, Rupert.

I don't think we would have caught him anyway.

He slipped into these trees!

(Knocking on door)

Open the door! Someone, open the door!

Shh!

Hurry up, there's someone following me!

Oof!

(Struggling sounds)

Gotcha! Rupert, I got him!

Well done, Odmedod!

Let's see who we're dealing with here.

Get off me, you big oaf!


It's an Imp of Spring!

What's all the racket out-- ohh!

Rupert? What are you doing here?

We thought we were chasing a thief.

A thief?

I've never stolen so much as a button in my whole life!

Someone has been taking wool from the sheep during the night.

Rupert and I are trying to find out who it is.

Winter's coming and the poor things will freeze out there!

Step inside for a moment.

We're making woolly long johns for our long cold winter sleep.

But all the wool you see here was gathered honestly.

We only gather the little wisps

that get caught on fences or thorn bushes.

I've spent my whole life in that meadow.

Why haven't I ever noticed you gathering wool before?

We try to stay hidden.

That's why we do most of our work at night.

But we've seen you rambling around and talking to the sheep.

You have? Uh-oh!

Don't worry, we won't tell anyone.

We have our little secrets too.

I'm glad wool rustling isn't one of them.

We should be getting back to the flock to nab the real crooks.

Sorry for disturbing you.

That's all right, Rupert.

I only wish there was something we could do to help.

(sheep bleating)

Oh, no! They've done it again!

I hope we're not too late.

(Sheep bleating)

Whoever is doing this certainly doesn't waste any time.

It looks like they've got the rest of the flock this time!

MANCome on. Come on, get your tails up the ramp!

You wait here and guard the sheep.

I'm going over for a closer look.

MANOh! Time for a haircut.

It looks like some kind of mobile workshop!

MAN #Keep them coming, Charlie! I want to finish them off tonight.

Looks like that's the last of them, Louie.

Hold on, there's a straggler over here.

Come on, come on, don't be shy.

Hey! What kind of hoodwinking is this?

What do you think you're doing here?

I was about to ask you the same question.

Why don't you come and have a little talk with Louie?

I'll bet he'll have lots of questions,

and you better have the right answers!

Let me go!

Rupert should be back by now.

(Sheep bleating)

No, no. Stay! Stay.

You can't come! Stay!

(Sheep bleating)

Oh, all right, you can come, but you have to be quiet.

(Sheep bleating)

I don't like it when little snoopers come nosing around

and interrupt my work.

Taking wool that doesn't belong to you isn't work.

It's stealing!

Let's see you shear or more sheep a night.

Then we'll see if you still think it isn't work!

I don't know what your making such a big deal about.

Their wool will grow back.

Not before winter. No one shears sheep at this time of year.

Exactly why there happens to be a shortage of this stuff.

Why don't you relax and look on the bright side?

We could be taking mutton chops instead! Heh-heh-heh.

Hmm. We have to be at the harbour before dawn.

But first we'd better make sure our little friend here

didn't bring any other uninvited guests.

Okay, Louie I'll have a look around.

RUPERTLet me go!

LOUIENot until we make it to Newcastle, snooper.

If you're a good boy, I'll put you on a train back to Nutwood.

But if you continue to annoy me, you'll be walking home!

Hey! All right, don't move a muscle, buster.

We've already grabbed your friend,

so don't try anything silly.

Oof! Now-- ohh! I got you! You lanky bag of--

I'll be a monkey's uncle! You're made of straw! Ha, ha!

Where's Charlie?

Likely wandering around lost in the dark.

I thought I told you no funny business!

What are you doing out here?

Sitting down on the job, eh?

I just tripped over something.

Quit your lollygagging! We'd better get over to the hideout.

Thanks to Mr. Nosey back there, we're running behind schedule.

Let's get out of here on the double.

Okay, Louie.

Move it!

Oh my gosh! They're kidnapping Rupert!

(Sheep bleating)

No! Sit! Stay!

Bad sheep, stay!

Please?

Oh, come on then!

Oh... can't... reach!

I know you just want to help, but please, please be quiet!


(Sheep bleating)

There it is. Take it slow when you turn in.

I'll leave the shearing to you. You leave the driving to me.

(Panting)

They've stopped at that abandoned farm.

Now I have a chance to catch up.

Excuse me, girls, coming through!

What's this? I don't believe it!

That little troublemaker's disappeared!

Good! Now we don't have to pay for his train ticket!

You knucklehead!

He's likely halfway to Nutwood by now.

And once that little snooper squeals on us,

the cops will be swarming here in no time.

We'd better get a move one.

I've got to stop them!

Let's get the van loaded and get out of here on the double.

Start with this pile over here.

(Wood creaking sounds)

Oh, no! Ahh...!

Oof!

Well, well. Look who dropped in.

Hey, Louie, Louie. Lets get him to load all the sacks of wool

while we sit back and have a tea break!

I'm not going to help a couple of thieves!

We don't have time for tea breaks. Start loading up!

And as for you...

(Gulping)

Rupert? Rupert?

He's not in here.

Shh! Quiet! They're going to hear you!

Why don't you hang around for a while, snooper?

(Snickering)

Hey! Do you hear that?

Yeah, sounds like, uh, sheep.

I know a sheep when I hear one! What are they doing here?

Maybe they're looking for him.

Go outside and have a look around.

I'll keep my eye on Little Bo Peep.

(Sheep bleating)

Come on, come on, get out of the road! Huh?

Oh, just a scare--

Say, you're that straw man from down the lane!

Well, you're not going to fool me with that scarecrow get-up!

There's somebody hiding under all that stuffing.

Huh? There's nothing but straw!

Boo!

Ahh!

Psst! Come over here. Sit. Sit.

Good sheep. Now stay.

Help! Help! Get off me!

CHARLIEHelp! Let me up!

Now what's he got himself into?

Louie, Louie! Get him off! They're heavy!

Charlie, will you quit goofing off? We got work to do!

Come on then! Get off him!

(Sheep bleating)

Odmedod! Now I know why the sheep are here!

Yes, I think we're a team now.

I'll have you down in a jiffy, Rupert.

He's a living breathing scarecrow, I tell you!

Oh, stop your gibberish! You've wasted enough time as it is.

Maybe he's a "what-you-call-it", disenchanted or something.

(Strange howling noises)

Oh! Wolves!

Get off of me, you nincompoop!

(Sheep bleating and men shouting)

(Pretend howling noises)

(Men arguing)

(Sheep bleating)

Now's our chance. We'll let the air out of their tires.

(Pretend howling noises)

Oh, look out! Let me up! Ohh! Oof! Ow!

(Pretend howling)

Won't the air come out any faster, Rupert?

Never mind. Even if we only manage tire,

it will slow them down.

Whoo-- uh-oh.

(Gasping)

Now you've really got something to how about, snooper!

Take them inside, Charlie!

With pleasure Louie. Ha, ha, ha, ha.

That's the last one, Louie.

All loaded up and ready to roll.

I hope you two are comfortable up there,

because I won't be making my anonymous call

to the Nutwood police station until tomorrow. Heh-heh.

That is, if I remember.

(Snickering)

Let's step on it, Charlie, we've got a boat to catch.

So long, snoopers!

(Snickering)

Oh, thanks for trying, Rupert.

We almost had those wool rustlers rounded up.

Yes, though I'm not sure who can stop them now.

Huh?

What's that?

It's the Imps of Spring!

Are we glad to see you!

Well, I said I wished we could help, so here we are!


But how did you find us?

A scarecrow running down a country lane,

in the middle of the night,

followed by a herd of strangely dressed sheep,

is pretty hard to miss,

and luckily very easy to follow. Ha, ha!

Too late for the sheep, I'm afraid.

It's a pity you weren't here an hour ago.

As a matter of fact Rupert, we were!

(Whistling)

RUPERTIt's the stolen wool!

Every time those crooks brought a sack of wool out to the van,

we emptied it and filled it with straw.

All they've got away with is a van load of scarecrow stuffing!

(Laughing)

(Sheep bleating)

A perfect fit. You'll be warm as toast all winter.

All right, who's next?

The case of the missing wool has been solved,

and with a happy ending-- ooh!

(Sheep bleating)

Look, Rupert! She has something for you.

Ha, ha, ha! My scarf! Thank you!

I wouldn't want to go through winter without this.

Yes, I hear it's going to be a "baaad" one!

(Laughing)

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