09x11 - Alden's Dilemma

[bunniefuu]

The tomato crop
is just beautiful.

Yeah, I noticed.

[Sighs]

John, maybe you
just shouldn't go.

No. The grange
elected me local
representative.

It's my
responsibility.

Even with almanzo
sharing expenses,

Money's just going
to be awfully tight,
that's all.

Well, when
hasn't it been?

I just don't want
to wind up sleeping
in somebody's doorway.

Especially
in san francisco.

Ah, here she comes,
right on time.

Laura:
it's so far away.

Oh, there's
nothing to
worry about.

Isaiah:
well, let's go.

Driver: whoa!

Rev. Hale: thank you.

Good morning.
I'm reverend hale.

Could you tell me
where I might find
reverend alden?

Probably over at
church working on
tomorrow's sermon.

Thank you.

Well, I hope
it's safe to leave
you two behind.

Now,
don't be silly.

He's a preacher.

Don't want to get
behind schedule, folks.

All right, now,
you two keep your
wits about you.

Remember that town
is crawling with
thieves and no-goods.

Oh, don't worry
about a thing,
isaiah.

I've spent a good
part of my life
in big cities.

Oh! Not like
san francisco,
you ain't.

Driver: mister,
we've got to go.

Isaiah:
remember what I said, now.
All right, come on.

[Horse neighs]

All right,
take it out.

Hyah!

Giddyup!

I see.

So you're just on
a tour of our churches
in the district?

Yes.

Our district manager
hasn't the time
to come himself,

But he is concerned
about being in touch
with his ministers,

Seeing to their
needs, and such.

Oh, our needs
are quite humble,
you'll find.

We seem to be able
to meet them.

Usually, that is.

Right now,
our biggest problem

Is replacing our
worn-out hymnals.

Isn't that
a coincidence.

I beg your pardon?

A large shipment of them
has just been donated.

I'm sure there's
more than enough
to replace yours.

That would be
appreciated.

I'll send
word today.

Reverend alden,
I wonder...

Would it be possible
for me to...

Share your pulpit
at service tomorrow?

I would be
very pleased.

Thank you.

Working as I do
for the diocese,

I do miss
my own ministry.

Well, I'd
best check in
at the hotel.

[Train whistle]

John?

Hmm?

I'm sorry
to keep you up.

Then why are you?

I'm just too
excited to sleep.

Imagine me
winning an award

For thinking up
a new wrinkle
in irrigation.

Too bad we both
aren't winning one.

Why is that?

Then I would
have gotten a free
round-trip ticket, too.

[Laughs]

Yeah, I see
what you mean.

Hey, I wonder
if san francisco

Is really as wild as
isaiah says it is.

Oh, I've heard
my share of stories.

Tall tales,
if you ask me.

No city could be
that different.

Almanzo, we've got
5 days of travel
ahead of us.

I'd sort of like
part of that
time to sleep.

Yeah, sorry.

Mrs. Oleson:
well, it was wonderful,
simply wonderful.

Thank you
very much,
mrs. Oleson.

Very impressive.

Oh, will you
be going
back soon?

No, I'll be
staying here for
a little while.

Mrs. Oleson:
oh! Well, how nice.

We'd love to have
you over for dinner.

You, too, of course,
reverend alden.

Mrs. Oleson:
ah, yes, of course.

Tomorrow night?

Reverend?

- Fine.
- We'll be there.

Mrs. Oleson:
oh, wonderful.

What time
would be
convenient?

Oh...6:00?

Rev. Hale:
see you then.

All right, wonderful,
that's just wonderful.

Yes, come along.

All right.

Yes, I'm...
Good-bye.

I must agree...

That was
a fine sermon.

Thank you.

Not too long,
I hope.

Not long enough,
according to
my taste.

And perhaps
you'll give me
another chance?

Next sunday?

Are you staying
that long?

I think so.

Reverend alden,

You are
a fortunate man.

To me, you have
the perfect ministry.

Small, intimate,

With simple, honest,

God-fearing people.

I'm very happy.

As well you should be.

You know,
it seems to me,

If you want
a ministry of your own,
you should have one.

It's been
a problem partly
of no openings,

And, well,
a certain
reluctance

On the part
of the diocese
to release me.

Oh?

My business training.

My studies at harvard
were aimed

At my taking over
the family business.

But by the time
I graduated,

God had
already called me.

The diocese,
as it turned out,

Was more in need of
a business administrator

Than a practicing
minister, so...

When the superintendent
heard of my background,

Well...

He's promised me
a ministry as soon
as the opening occurs.

Meanwhile, I remain
more of a businessman,

I'm afraid,
than a messenger
of god's word.

That's why you're
staying on?

Yes.

The church is
always interested in
sound investments.

So, I'll be looking into
properties in the area.

Your mr. Edwards...

Has agreed to show me
around this afternoon.

How good it felt...

To stand here before
the congregation.

How very good indeed.

Isaiah: now, this next place
I'm going to show you,

It's nice, but it's
kind of run-down.

The folks who owned
it weren't real
keen on fixing.

In fact, old fred caldwell
couldn't drive a nail
in a snowbank.

Hale: why did they leave?

Isaiah: oh, the drought
ruined a crop.

The bank had to foreclose.

Giddyup, there.

Whoa, there, whoa.

Hale: well, now, this
might be promising.

Oh...
[Chuckles]

Well,
like I say, it's
a little run-down,

But it is
a nice house.

A little soap and water
could work wonders.

The house, at any
rate, looks to be
well-constructed.

Yes...it might be just
what I'm looking for.

A little more run-down
than I thought.

Yeah, a little dirtier
than I thought, too.

Well,
what do you think?

Definite
possibilities.

Excuse me.

I guess isaiah knew
what he was talking
about after all.

I've never seen
anything like it.

- Afternoon.
- Afternoon.

How much are
your rooms?

For one or
for two?

For two.

A dollar
and a half.

Do they have
two beds?

Yep.

Yeah.
We'll take it.

I can't
give it to you.

Why not?

Well, we're full up.
There's a convention
in town.

Well, why didn't you
tell us in the first
place you were full up?

Well,
you didn't ask.

You know where
we can get a room?

No.

The town's full,

On account
of the grange.

We'll just have
to keep on looking.

Thanks for your time.

Thank you.

Why, think
nothing of it.

Good afternoon!

Well,
good afternoon.
[Door closes]

How much are your rooms?

Is that for one
or for two?

Whoa.

Why are we
stopping here?

You'll see.

Come on.

Here, look.

Here,
look at that.

Yes, I heard that
the reverend hale bought
the old caldwell place.

Yeah, he just
wrote out a check.

The district office
authorized it.

Isaiah, why
are we hiding?

Shh!

We're hiding because
there's something funny
going on, that's why.

- Funny?
- It's downright peculiar.

I mean, ever since that
fellow come to town,

He's been acting
like he's running
for public office.

Got the womenfolk
cooking him breakfast,
lunch, supper...

Very popular.

Then, in between times,

He's over here working
on this place like
there ain't no tomorrow.

I suppose he gets
personal satisfaction
out of it.

That's what
I thought at first,

Until he started
ordering furniture
from the olesons.

I mean, if the
man's going to
sell this place,

It seems to me
that the people who
are going to buy it

Would have
their own furniture.

I suppose
that's true.

Yeah, you bet it's true.
You know what I think?

I think he's planning on
moving in here hisself.

But why?

Yeah.

Why?

Which?

This street here.

What do we do if
this one doesn't
have a room?

We sleep outside
the convention
hall, I guess.

Suppose japanese hotels
are all that different
from regular ones?

Almanzo, listen,
if there's a bed and
a tub of hot water,

That's all
I care about.

And food.
I'm starved.

This is it.

At least the numbers
are in english.

[Laughs]

Woman: [speaking japanese]

What is she
pointing at?

- Beats me.
- [Speaking japanese]

Can help?

We're looking
for a mr. Aga-shy.

Agishi. Hi.

I am agishi.

The clerk at
the last hotel we
tried sent us here.

We've been to
every one in town.

We have
one room left.

[Speaking
japanese]

Why is
she pointing
at our feet?

Take off boots.

What?

Honorable custom.

Do not enter
japanese establishment
with boots!

Ah.

[Speaking
japanese]

[Speaking
japanese]

How long
you stay?

Two nights.

That $1.

Apiece.

In advance.

That's kind of
steep, isn't it?

Ah, but include
bath and food.

Where
are the beds?

[Speaking
japanese]

Pillows?

Put under neck.
Most restful.

Take off clothes
and put on robe.

I wait outside.

What for?

[Speaking
japanese]

For what?

[Chuckles]
bath.

[Speaking
japanese]

Well, I'll be.

Yeah...

It looks pretty
good to me.

Whew,
yeah.

Ahh.

Ohh...

[Women laughing]

John!
John.

[Speaking japanese]

I thought this
was a men's bath.

Shh.

[Speaking japanese]

- They're talking to us.
- I know.

What are they
going to do?

- Almanzo...
- What are they going to do?

Uh, girls...
Girls, girls.

Please...
Please, don't
do that.

We'd rather do it
ourselves, okay?

- Thank you.
- Yes, but thank you.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

[Speaking
japanese]

Hello.

Nice to see you.

[Speaking
japanese]

[Sighs]
[laughs]

[Speaking
japanese]

I don't think
I'm going to get
the hang of these.

I don't know.
I think I got it.

The odd thing is
I slept like a log.

Yeah, me too.

My neck feels
like it's a block,
speaking of logs.

You actually used
that wood block?

Well, I thought
I'd try it.

I fell sound asleep.

I tell you, john,
these folks have
some strange customs.

I thought
the food was tasty.

Yeah, but why
am I still starving?

Yeah, me too,
actually.

Tell you what.
What do you say we go get
a great, big steak....

Some bread,
some ham,
some potatoes...

[Laughs]
say no more.

That looks like
a pretty good place
right over there.

Fine.

Please, sirs,
can you help me
across the street?

I'm crippled
and nearly blind.

Why, sure,
ma'am.

I'll head off
the traffic.

Okay, step
right down here.

Thank you.

Thank you
very much.

I'm sorry.

Almanzo: okay, we're
almost there, ma'am.

Almost there.

You've got
one more step.

Ah, thank you, sirs.

Thank you.

Almanzo: you're
welcome, ma'am.

Let's get that steak.

Hey.

What's wrong?

My wallet's gone.

- Hey, you!
- Oh!

- Come back!
- Come back here!

- We got you!
- [Screaming]

Give us back
the wallet!

Thieves!
Robbers!

Help! Help!
They're robbing me!

Woman:
help! Help!

Oh, please, sir,
I'm being robbed!

Help me!
Help me!

Please, help me,
somebody! Help me!

Woman: they're trying to rob me.
Please, somebody, help!

What's going
on here?

They're trying
to rob me, sir.

That's a lie.

A poor, helpless
old cr*pple.

She stole my wallet.

Is that a fact?

That's right,
officer.

Are you two
together?

John: yes.

Ganging up on me,
they was.

She took my wallet.
I just want it back.

Why don't you
search her?

Woman: yes, search me.
Shame me for all to see.

A half-blind
old cr*pple.

Take the last
of my pride

And grind it
into the dust.

Did anybody
see anything?

Man: they were after
her, all right.

Roughed her up
pretty good.

Woman: she was only
trying to get away.

- But I tell you--
- look at my poor arm.

They probably
yanked it out
of its socket.

John: officer,
come on, please.

Woman: I was just
trying to protect myself
from thieves, I was.

Man: she's right.
It's an outrage!

All right, the two
of you come along
with me now.

You mean you
don't believe--

I mean
you're both
under arrest.

You're making
a serious
mistake, officer.

You really are.

Officer: not as serious
as the one you just made.

Almanzo:
officer! I'm with
the grange, officer!

Oh, my poor arm.
It hurts me so.

Man: come on.
Sit down over here,
ma'am. Come on.

Sit down
over here.

I can hardly
stand it.

There, now you
stay and rest.

Thank you, dear.
You've been so
sweet to me.

What a mess.

It wasn't
your fault.

Could have just
as easily been me.

I wonder how much
of the convention
we're going to miss.

Well, they said
they'd check us
out at the grange.

Maybe just
part of today.

So, you've got
our tickets,
don't you?

Oh, sure.

Oh, no.

I had them in my
wallet, along with
the money and...

And what?

The train tickets.

[Hammering]

Well, that ought to
hold her, reverend.

Thank you,
isaiah.

Thank you.

Good afternoon.

- Reverend.
- Howdy.

Another
beautiful day.

It is, indeed.

He said anything yet?

You mean
about assuming
the ministry?

Yeah.

Not a word.

Isaiah, I think
we're jumping
to conclusions.

Hmm...could be.

Well,
thank you again.

I wonder
if I might...

Yes?

Well,
that is...

Well, the time
is so short now,

I should be
able to confide
in somebody.

What about?

Rev. Hale:
you see, my being sent
here by the diocese

Is more involved
than I've let on.

Well, that is,
I haven't exactly
been untruthful.

Reverend hale,
exactly what are you
trying to tell us?

It concerns
reverend alden.

Well, has he done
something wrong?

The diocese wants
to reward him

For his outstanding
years of service.

So reverend alden
is being presented

With a house of
his very own.

Oh, my goodness!

That's
wonderful!

Shh!

It is a secret.

You see, I thought I
could take care of
everything myself,

But I've fallen behind.

The inside of the house
isn't nearly as clean
as it should be.

The furniture is
arriving on saturday.

We need
new curtains.

So you would
like us to
help you?

My problem is I can't
stay beyond sunday,

And I would like to
present the house
to reverend alden

Right after services.

But that gives
us only two days.

Yes.

Oh, dear.

What's wrong?

Tomorrow I have
a deadline to meet
for the newspaper.

I have tutoring
all day saturday.

Well, there isn't
all that much to do.

I'm sure if you
came by tomorrow,
mrs. Wilder,

And mrs. Carter
on saturday...

Well, that sounds
fine to me.

Certainly.
Oh, it's so
exciting!

What was that
all about?

I don't know,

But he's sure
up to something.

Tell you what,
I'm going to keep my
eye on that fellow.

I still can't believe
that they never even
checked with the grange.

- And I think I know why, too.
- What?

Because if they'd
have found out we were
respectable folks,

They'd had no reason
to fine us the $2.00.

Lucky you had it.

Yeah, and little more.

Tickets,
gentlemen.

We had them
stolen.

That's too bad.
You've got to
have tickets.

But we're members.

Tickets would
show that.

That's why they
have them printed.

- But I'm receiving--
- look, look.

I'm john carter, and
I represent a portion of
southwestern minnesota.

This is
almanzo wilder,

Who's being
presented an award
tonight.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

But you still have
to have tickets.

If you'd check with
somebody inside...

Look, I can't
interrupt the meeting,

And I can't
leave my post.

Now, get this
through your heads.

You're not getting
through these doors
without tickets...

Or do I have to
put it in writing?

That's that,
I guess.

[Sighs]

One thing's
for sure.

If I don't get some
food in me pretty quick,
I'm going to pass out.

Well, we can't go
back to the hotel,

Except to pick
up our bags.

You've got any money?

Dime.
How about you?

Nickel.

That sure
ain't much.

Especially with
your appetite.

Get out of...

Come on, let's see
what it'll buy.

I hate this city,
I can tell you.

I'm never coming
back here again
as long as I live.

[Wagon approaching]

- Good morning!
- Good morning.

Bright and
early, I see.

Well, I wanted us
to have as much time
together as we needed.

Rev. Hale:
what's this? A picnic?

Laura: I figured we'd
be starved by the time
we were half through.

Come inside.
I can't wait to
get this done.

It can't be.

It just can't be.

I'll take that.

It's mostly full
of cleaning things.

And with the looks of
this place, I'm going
to use all of them.

Now, first let's start
by measuring the windows
for new curtains.

All right.

"The selected
writings of ralph
waldo emerson"?

Yes. I take it
everywhere,

Along with my bible,
of course.

It's been a powerful
influence in my life.

Oh, what a coincidence.
Mine, too.

Really?

In fact, I had
the good fortune
of hearing him speak

Not long before
his death.

That's wonderful.
Coming from harvard,

I'm glad to say
I've heard him quite
a number of times.

His poetry isn't nearly
as favored as his essays.

I'm rather
partial to it.

Oh, I'm sorry to say
I'm not too familiar
with his poetry.

Then let me read
you something.

[Clears throat]

"Give all to love.
Obey thy heart.

Leave all for love."

It can't be.
Not laura.

"Yet hear me...
Yet.

"One word more,
thy heart behooved,

"One pulse more,
a firm endeavor.

Keep thee--today,
tomorrow, forever."

Laura:
oh, reverend hale,

That's so wonderful.

Hello, mr. Edwards.

Why are you standing
in the middle
of the road?

Half-pint,
you've got something
you want to tell me?

About what?

About reverend hale,
that's about what.

I was just with him.

Yes, I know you
were just with him.

Well, I'm not sure I
know what you mean,

But we do
have a secret.

Sarah carter's
in on it, too.

She'll be with
him tomorrow.

Sarah carter is...

She is...
She is spending
tomorrow with him?

Mm-hmm. Just like
I was today!

Like you did today?

That's right.

Half-pint, I think
you'd better tell me
about this secret.

Oh, I'm sorry,
I can't do that.

But don't worry,
you won't have
to wait long.

There'll be
an announcement
on sunday.

I'd really like
to stay and chat,
mr. Edwards,

But I want to get
to the mercantile
before it closes.

See you.

Announcement?

Her and sarah carter?

Am I going loco?
The whole world
is going loco?

[Grunts]

Secret!

Hello, isaiah.

Hope I ain't
bothering you, doc.

No, no.

Just closing up
shop for the night.

Something
the matter?

- I'll say there is.
- What is it?

- I can't tell you.
- You can't tell me?

Well, leastways,
not right now,
it's just...

It's too awful.

Well, then, how am
I going to help you?

Doc, I need
to talk to somebody.

I need to
ask some questions.

Now, you're
an educated man...

I tell you what,
doc, if I was still
a drinking man,

Now's the time I'd
pick to tie one on.

Isaiah,
you're not...

I know, I know,
I'm not making
much sense.

But I've got to
get things sorted
out in my head.

Well, go on,
sit down.

Doc, what I need
to know is,

Aren't there folks that
can make other folks do
things against their nature?

You know, make them
do things they never
dreamed of doing?

What kind of things?

Well, terrible things.
Awful things.

You mean like
somebody casting
a spell over...

That's it,
that's exactly
what I mean.

Oh.

Hmm, well...

I have seen and known
some very persuasive
individuals in my time.

But, as for actually
casting a spell...

That'd be rare.

But yes, I think
there are some people
you can say that about.

I knew it.
I just knew it.

Why? Have you met
somebody like that?

You bet I have.

Well, I ain't
100% sure yet.

I will be by tomorrow.

And I'll tell you,
when I am 100% sure,

There's some fellow
around here going to need
your services pretty bad.

Thanks, doc,
you've been
a big help.

Isaiah, is that all
you're going to tell me?

I'm afraid so.

Isaiah!

[Wagon approaching]

Good morning.

Oh, good morning,
reverend.

- Here.
- Thank you.

Ahh...thank you.

Oh, I'm so excited
about this.

[Laughs]
then let's not
waste any time.

Yes.

[Laughs]

- After you.
- Thank you!

Well, I guess
you and laura made
the most of yesterday.

Yes, I'd say.

Rev. Hale:
there's really not
that much left.

Oh, you don't know
me, reverend hale.

What do you think?

Perfect.
Absolutely perfect.

We thought
you'd approve.

I certainly do.

Sarah: just right.

Reverend hale?

Yes?

May I ask you
a personal question?

I hope so.

Are you married?

Rev. Hale: no.
I have not yet
been so blessed.

Sarah: I find
that so difficult
to understand.

Rev. Hale: why?

Sarah: well, you're
obviously a very fine man.

You're dedicated,
intelligent, sensitive...

Hale: oh, my.

Sarah: but besides all that,
you're so very handsome.

Rev. Hale: now, mrs.
Carter, you're going
to have me blushing.

Sarah: [laughs]
if I've embarrassed
you, I'm sorry.

No, of course
you haven't.

Mrs. Carter, if you
could only know...

What more could I
ever ask for than
my own ministry...

And the love
of a good woman?

[Groans]

[Grumbling]

John?

Yeah?

Can I have another
apple, please?

Almanzo, you know
these have to last
5, 6 more days.

I know that.
I've just never
been so hungry.

Well, when we reach
the watering station,
we'll both have one.

Are you sure that's
the best place
to sneak a ride?

I'm not sure of
anything right now.

It just seems
more likely, is
all I can say.

I hope so.

Are you sure there's
nothing more I can do?

I don't think so.
We've got the place
fairly shining.

Mr. Oleson will be
by with the furniture
sometime this afternoon.

- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

Oh, reverend hale...

This is such
a beautiful thing
you're doing.

Isaiah: aah!

What on earth?!

Good heavens, man!

All right, come on.
Get up so I can
finish the job.

Mr. Edwards, what is
the meaning of this?

I'll tell you
what the meaning
of this is.

You're about
the lowest dog
I ever seen.

But what
did he do?

Oh, no need
pretending.

I mean, it'd be bad
enough if it was some
lonely, single woman,

But two of the most
respected married
women in the county!

What are you
talking about?

Well, I heard your love
talk with this one
here and with laura.

All right, you just
get up now and take
your medicine.

Mr. Edwards,
are you intimating

That reverend hale
and I were--

I am not inta--
whatever!

I am saying!

Ohh!

Oh, you filthy
man, you! Oh!

Oh! Oh!

[Shrieking]

You swear? You mean
this whole thing

Was just a surprise
for reverend alden?

As god is
our witness.

I can't go
any higher
than that.

But when I heard
the love talk...

You telling him
how handsome he is.

Rev. Hale: we were having
a discussion as to why
I haven't yet married.

And as far as the
so-called love talk
you heard yesterday,

That was a poem
I was reading
to mrs. Wilder.

Oh, my...

I don't know
what to say.

I don't know
what to do.

Sarah, I'm sorry.

I'm sure
you understand...

Good day.

Nels:
afternoon, sarah.

Whoa!

Afternoon,
gentlemen.

Well, I've got
your furniture.

Uh...

What's going on
here, reverend?

Nothing, mr. Oleson.

Absolutely nothing.

[Cows mooing]

- John?
- Yeah?

How many apples
we've got left?

One.

Apiece?

Between us.

And we can't divide
it until tomorrow.

Can you imagine how
many steaks we're
looking at here?

Hmm?

How many roasts...
Ribs...meat loaves.

Manzo, manzo.

Will you quit
torturing yourself...

And me?

Sorry.

Rev. Hale:
it is never a choice

For a man to become
a minister of god's word.

It is a calling.

A calling
which promises little

In the material benefits
and comforts of this world.

These are provided him,

Though humbly, of course.

And perhaps never more humbly

Than for your reverend alden.

Selflessly,
with little regard
for his own comfort,

He has served god
these many years

With total dedication
and humility.

The diocese would
like to recognize this

With more than justly
deserved praise.

Reverend alden, we'd
like to reveal to you

The best-kept secret
in walnut grove.

With the help of members
of your congregation,

We have fixed up
the old caldwell place.

And with all the love
and esteem that
we have for you,

We would like to present
you with the keys
to your new home.

What?

[Applause]

Did you know
about this?

Yes, I knew.

Why, i...

I never for
a moment dreamed...

The choice
was left up to me.

I can only hope
that it's sufficient.

Guess who's
speechless.

[Laughter]

In that case, why don't
we all go out there and
start the celebration?

[Congregation
chattering excitedly]

Doc baker:
harriet?

Thank you
very much,
doc baker.

Rev. Alden:
this is wonderful!
This is just wonderful!

And to think
I suspected...

I can understand.
Now...

Excuse me.
Reverend hale,

He's here,
but he's not
coming in.

Reverend, we have
a reluctant guest.

I'll be right back.

Mr. Edwards,
could we speak?

I don't think I'm
ever going to get
over what I've done.

Then let me
take part of
the blame.

You?

I was, after all,
behaving in a rather
mysterious fashion.

Necessarily,
of course, but still,

I can see where
a misinterpretation
could occur.

You were looking
out for us.

Yeah, I guess
you could look
at it like that.

Rev. Hale: and we do.

Of course,
I never anticipated
getting one of these.

Yeah, that is
kind of a beaut,
ain't it?

[Laughter]

That mean I'm forgived?

You're forgived.

Rev. Alden: isaiah!

Isaiah, come in and see
this wonderful place.

By all means.

I wish john and
almanzo were here.

I know. But they're
sure to be on their
way home by now.

Full of exciting
stories of their
big adventures.

[Cows mooing]

I know we can't,
but if we could, how
would you like yours?

Medium.

No. Medium rare.