[upbeat intro music plays]
[man's voice] Look at you, starting boarding school,
and you're not even ten years old.
[woman's voice] Oh, enrolled herself, don't forget, Hugh.
[Hugh] And Winchesterfield- Downsfordvale Academy
is about to get one very capable, brave and big-hearted student.
We're proud of you, Alice Miranda.
Oh, we are.
Oh, Mum, please try to be brave.
You and Dad work so hard
and have much more important things to do than look after me.
Darling, you're our daughter.
We don't mind a bit.
[giggles]
We can't wait to start our first day of boarding school, right Bony?
What adventures await?
The principal's secretary, Miss Higgins,
was supposed to be here to show you around.
I'm sure she's not far off.
Oh. Make sure you call us immediately
at any time if you want to come home.
Mum, don't be silly.
I'm certain I won't need to.
We love you very much.
-Goodbye, darling. -Goodbye, darling.
Bye.
It seems Miss Higgins has been held up, Bony.
[snorts]
Why don't we take a tour of the school?
Come on, then.
Oh my goodness, Bony.
Look, it's gorgeous!
"No walking on the grass."
"Students to be quiet at all times."
"No squealing, giggling or silliness tolerated."
There seems to be a lot of rules, Bony.
[neighs]
-[frightened neigh] -Hello? Is anyone there?
[ominous music plays]
[frightened whinny]
I feel like someone's watching us.
And... where are all the glorious flowers?
-It's odd that we haven't seen any yet. -[crashing sound]
[gasps]
Wait here, Bony.
[man's voice] It's just not right. What a waste!
She's gone completely bonkers this time.
The grass is as bare as a bald man's noggin!
Hello. My name is Alice Miranda,
and I'm very pleased to meet you, sir.
[stutters]
You must be the gardener.
I'm just new today, and this is a very beautiful school.
Oh. The girls call me Charlie.
Is everything alright?
Oh!
How strange.
Poor Charlie.
All those beautiful flowers.
But why?
He said "she's gone completely bonkers."
I wonder who he's talking about.
Whoa, Bony!
Something smells delicious! [giggles]
Brownies? Yum!
[neighs]
Not for us, Bony.
Oh!
Hello, there. You must be the school's cook,
Mrs. Smith.
My name is Alice Miranda, and I'm very pleased to meet you.
This is my pony.
Boneparte. But I call him Bony.
Although he's not really, is he?
[Mrs. Smith] Oh goodness, child.
What are you doing here? It's early. Run along now.
I'm sorry you're upset.
Are those photos making you sad?
I can't say.
And besides, what can a little girl do, anyway?
[Alice Miranda] Whoa, Bony!
She didn't mean it.
Poor Mrs. Smith is just upset.
The adults at this school seem so unhappy.
Surely the principal would have something to say if she knew.
I wonder if I could find her.
[neighs]
Your new home, Bony.
Isn't it lovely?
I wonder which stall is yours.
[woman's voice] Yes, my darling. I wish things were different too.
But I can't ask for time off. You know what she'll say.
Louella, it's wrong the way she controls your life like this.
[neighs]
Pardon me for interrupting.
I'm Alice Miranda, and I'm very pleased to meet you.
Alice Miranda, of course! I'm Miss Higgins.
Oh, I was supposed to meet you for a tour, wasn't I?
She's going to be so upset with me again.
It really wasn't a problem, Miss Higgins.
Bonaparte and I had a great time exploring the grounds.
Didn't we, Bony?
Alice Miranda, this is my fiancé, Constable Derby.
Pleased to meet you, miss.
I hope whatever was troubling you both earlier, is sorted out quick smart.
Oh, that's kind of you, but... sadly, things change very slowly around here.
Ah, Charlie. Would you look after Boneparte, please?
I'll come back and see you later, Bony.
Please show your manners.
-[neighs aggressively] -Hey!
Bony!
Come on, fellow. Let's go.
I'd better get back to the police station.
[Miss Higgins] Well then, let's get you settled into your dorm
and introduce you to Mrs. Howard, your house mistress.
Well, that's silly! [giggles]
I'm pretty sure those glasses aren't yours.
It's such a lovely school, Miss Higgins.
But I couldn't help noticing a few odd things.
Oh, yes?
It's just that, all the adults here seem unhappy.
Surely there's a way we can cheer them up.
I'm not sure what you mean.
I wondered if I could meet the Principal, Ms Grimm.
I'm sure she would hate to learn that all of her staff are--
Oh, look!
These are interesting.
Yes, the school has been here for over 100 years.
There's my mum!
She came here.
And look. There's Granny Valentina!
She was a really good swimmer.
"Vale Schools for Boys."
That's our brother school.
It's not far, just the other side of the village.
Oh, how wonderful.
I can't wait to meet everyone!
Both schools have very impressive ex-students.
Politicians, Nobel Prize winners.
Even a movie star.
Well, I won't let the school down, Ms Higgins.
I want to make Winchesterfield- Downsfordvale just as proud of me!
[woman's voice] You can start by keeping your dorm tidy at all times.
Ms Grimm doesn't take kindly to mess.
Ah, this is Mrs. Howard.
Hello, I'm Alice Miranda, and I'm very pleased to meet you.
Woo-hoo!
My new home!
-You'd better get acquainted with these. -Oh?
-Oh! -[Mrs. Howard] The school rules.
[Alice Miranda] Oh, wow.
There are quite a lot of them.
"Sweet treats for the new boarder. Love, Granny Valentina."
Granny, you're the best!
There you go, Brummel.
How are you feeling about our new adventure?
[girl's voice] Porridge and peas.
You're supposed to salute and say it back to me.
Uh... porridge and peas?
It's the dorm password. Changes every week, so you'd better remember it.
Or you won't be let into the midnight feasttime planning.
My name is Alice Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones,
and I'm very pleased to meet you.
I'm your new roommate.
Millicent Jane McLoughlin-McTavish-McNaughton-McGill.
Call me Millie.
Call me Alice Miranda!
[giggling]
A midnight feast sounds wonderful!
Well, it's lucky I have some contributions too.
You're going to be popular.
I can't really take the credit.
Granny Valentina was kind enough to pack some treats.
She must have known about the tradition.
[cars honking and children's voices]
The other students are arriving. Come on, I'll introduce you.
[giggling]
Shh!
No giggling or running, remember?
Just walk like me.
Oh! Wait, Millie. Is this the principal's office?
I just want to introduce myself.
Are you mad?
I've been here for two years, and I've never met her.
I really need to get to the bottom of a few things.
You can't go in there!
[Millie gasps]
Ms. Grimm? Hello?
No one has seen her for the last ten years.
Ten years?
That can't be right.
What about assemblies and parent-teacher nights?
Mm-mm.
There must be a reason she hides away.
Maybe she's sad.
Or bonkers.
Have you seen her school rules?
They're ginormous.
Hand wash shoe laces. Polish shoes twice a day.
Ribbons in a double bow. No talking, ever.
That is unusual, but every school needs its principal.
[groans]
[mysterious music plays]
Curious.
"Dear Ms. Grimm. I hope you are well.
Please contact me as soon as you can.
I urgently need to speak with you."
O-M-G. This is going to end badly.
I was already starting to like you.
"You can find me in Room 12, Grimthorpe House.
Kind regards, Alice Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones."
-Done. -[Millie] Can we go now?
[tense music plays]
[woman groans]
[cheerful music plays]
Hi! How was your holiday?
Hi! Oh, I missed you guys so much.
How were your holidays?
-This is my new roommate. -Hello!
I'm Alice Miranda, and I'm very pleased to meet you all.
-Hi! -Hello.
Don't be fooled by her size.
This one has guts.
She walked right into Ms. Grimm's office.
[gasp]
This is Suzannah, Ivory and Ashima.
And this is Jacinta Headlington Bear.
She's a top gymnast.
And the school's second-best tantrum thrower.
So, how do you like Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale?
There's more rules here than you can poke a stick at.
It's lovely, but... I must admit...
I'm curious about Ms. Grimm.
Why hasn't anyone seen her for so long?
-She's a witch. -She has green claws!
She keeps students locked in a dungeon!
She's dead and haunts the school at night.
Oh, I don't believe that.
I'm sure there's a good reason she doesn't come out.
Maybe we can help her.
She is beyond help, Alice Miranda.
Why was Charlie throwing away all his flowers this morning?
And why was Mrs. Smith crying over some photos?
Charlie isn't allowed to plant flowers anymore because Ms. Grimm won't let him.
And Mrs. Smith can't take a holiday to spend time with her grandchildren,
because Ms. Grimm won't let her.
I wonder if Ms. Grimm is actually allergic to flowers.
Whatever.
Millie, if Jacinta is the school's second-best tantrum thrower,
who's first?
-[Millie] That would be-- -Ouch!
Alethea Goldsworthy.
-[gasp] -[girl's voice] Oh, I'm so sorry.
Did that get you?
I must be more careful next time.
And you are?
Hello, I'm Alice--
Bored already, squirt.
Bags.
Well, that's no way to treat your friends.
Careful. She bites.
Newsflash: I run this school, and I do what I like when I like.
Best not forget that, new girl.
I can see it's going to take some work to be friends with her.
Friends? With her?
Time to get settled. Quickly now, girls.
[giggles]
I'm sure someone must be missing those.
By the way, I checked the school website
-in the library. -Why?
Ms. Grimm is still listed as the school principal.
-So? -So she must be here somewhere.
Most kids would be glad their principal wasn't around.
Now come on. It's lunchtime and I'm starving.
Hmm.
Curious.
Ugh! Yuck!
This isn't food.
Mrs. Smith is right there,
and she can hear you.
Speak when spoken to, new girl.
Well, I think it's delicious.
Ugh! I'd rather starve than eat this muck.
That's not very nice.
And what did I say about speaking, squirt?
Alice Miranda! Rule 29:
"Students are to be quiet at all times."
[sighs]
[melancholy music plays]
[sniffs]
It might all seem strange at the moment, Brummel.
But I'm sure we can make things a bit better.
We just need to be brave.
What if...
[Mrs. Howard] All students, lights out now!
Whoa!
Oh!
-[screams] -Millie, I just had the best idea.
Oh, dear.
What are you girls up to?
We'll take the dinner shift, Mrs. Smith. You can have the afternoon off.
But, I...
Grandma, we're here!
Well, hello!
-We're going on a picnic. -A picnic?
Millie and I arranged it.
Alice Miranda!
I can't have an afternoon off without Ms. Grimm's approval.
That won't be a problem, Mrs. Smith. She'll never know.
I suppose if it's just for an afternoon...
Must be the onions you've been chopping.
Thank you.
Yes, thanks for that, Alice Miranda.
Allergy-free flower seeds.
"Dear Charlie,
hopefully these will help brighten up the school.
Ms. Grimm can't object if they're allergy free.
Love from Alice Miranda and Millie."
Louella, there's a table for two booked at Bon Appetit.
A rose? Bon Appetit? But, oh...
I must admit it wasn't my idea.
It was that little girl in the stables.
She seemed to think we could use some time together.
Alice Miranda?
But Ms. Grimm would never allow me to go out for the evening.
What if she needs me?
Alice Miranda says it's all sorted.
She doesn't have to know, does she?
You know what? I've always wanted to try Bon Appetit.
I hear the lobster bisque is excellent!
Come on. It'll soon be time for the midnight feast.
I'm so excited to be at my first midnight feast,
even if it's only 9 p.m.
That's a school tradition.
[knock at the door]
-Password? -[Ivory and Ashima] Porridge and peas.
Hi.
[girls] Delicious! Yum!
These are Granny Valentina's delicious toffees.
-[Jacinta] Yum! -[Alice Miranda] And her vanilla fudge.
It melts in your mouth.
[girls] Mmm! Yum!
[mouth full] I'm mamully mied mand mone to meaven.
[girls] What?
I've actually died and gone to heaven.
[giggling]
Get them!
[screaming]
-[Alethea] These look delicious. -[girls] Hey! Stop it!
Alethea!
[cruel laughter]
You're welcome to join us.
[woman's voice] Aldous.
[eerie music plays]
[woman's voice] Amelia.
[gasps]
Hello?
Alice Miranda?
Alice Miranda, where are you?
[Ms. Howard] Miss McLoughlin-McTavish-McNaughton-McGill!
To your dorm quick smart.
[eerie music plays]
[Alice Miranda] Whoever you are...
please wait.
You don't know Ms. Grimm, do you?
Or where I could find her?
I just want to talk to her.
Whoa!
Someone is spying on the whole entire school?
[cheerful music plays]
I know I left my glasses somewhere.
Now I'm sure she's crazy.
I just knew someone would be looking for these.
Thank you.
Good morning, girls,
and officially, welcome back for another term.
I trust you're all ready to give your best
and to follow school rules.
If not, you will find yourself spending time in detention.
I'm looking at you, Millicent Jane McLoughin-McTavish-McNaughton-McGill.
My first announcement involves the appointment of the new Head Prefect.
Oh, no. It can't be.
Alethea Goldsworthy.
I will be the best head prefect
Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale has ever seen.
Of course, there really was no other option.
Thank you, Alethea, for your...
graciousness and humility.
Oh, one last item.
All students under the age of ten
must sit a series of tests
to determine their suitability to remain at this school.
Failure of any of these challenges will lead to...
immediate expulsion!
[girls gasp]
Am I...
...the only student under the age of ten?
You've upset Ms. Grimm.
Now she's punishing you.
I'm afraid Millie is right, Alice Miranda.
I was only trying to help.
I don't think Ms. Grimm is someone you can help.
This is so unfair.
Don't worry, Millie. I quite like exams.
And I'm sure, with enough preparation, I'll be just fine.
-The challenges start right now. -Oh!
The first is an academic suitability test.
I don't want you to leave. You just got here.
Well, I'd better do my best, then.
Good luck, Alice Miranda. It's now 10 a.m.
Maths. History.
English.
Science.
Geography.
And art.
Come on, brain. Here we go.
Hmm, which is the largest river in the world?
Hmm... Is it the Nile? Or maybe the Amazon?
I think, uh... the Nile.
[clears throat]
[giggles] No, the Amazon.
Hmm...
Apparently, she's the youngest girl ever to attend Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale.
Mm, the boys from Fayle School have even come along.
See him?
He's that movie star's son.
Lawrence Ridley.
Wow. He looks just like his father. So dreamy.
I'm sure he would want to meet the head prefect.
[giggle]
They're right. He's dreamy.
Challenge number two.
[Ms. Reedy] Alice Miranda,
you must sail to all three buoys,
collect the flags and sail back with them.
You must complete this task in under three minutes,
or you will have failed.
This is madness. Three minutes is not enough time.
The school record is two minutes, 55 seconds.
But I've never sailed a boat like this one before.
You can do it. Just pull on the ropes to tighten the sails
and use the rudder to steer.
Thanks, Millie.
Are you ready?
On your mark, get set, go!
[girls] Come on Alice Miranda! Go Alice Miranda! You can do it!
Yes!
Tighten the sails more! Use your weight!
[grunts with effort]
[girls] Yay!
-Go, Alice Miranda! You can do it! -Well done!
Push the rudder to the left.
Now lean the other way!
[tense music plays]
[screams]
She's not going to make it.
[Ms. Reedy and girls] Ten, nine,
eight, seven,
six, five...
How do you stop it?
Release the rope!
Go, Alice Miranda!
[screams]
-[girls cheer] -Ugh.
The challenge has been completed, with a second to spare.
[children cheer]
Oh, the child's an inspiration.
This is the third and final test.
[neighs]
Challenging Alice Miranda today
is reigning school champion,
Miss Alethea Goldsworthy.
Go, Alethea! Go, Alethea!
[grunts]
Each rider must complete a series of jumps
of increasing height and difficulty.
The winner will be the rider who completes the track
without knocking over the obstacles.
Riders, are you ready?
Come on, Bony. We really want to stay at this school.
Let's show Ms. Grimm we're worthy.
[neighs in agreement]
Yay!
Look around, squirt.
It's the last time you'll be here.
[Ms. Reedy] Miss Goldsworthy,
you are first up.
Oh!
-Go, Alethea! -Come on, Alethea!
[nervous snort]
Don't be nervous, Bony.
Just focus on what we have to do.
[determined snort]
-[Alethea] Oh! -Yay!
Congratulations, Alethea. You've scored a clear round.
Well done, Alethea.
[snorts] Good luck. You'll need it.
Alice Miranda, are you ready?
We are!
Go, Alice Miranda! You can do it!
You can do it, Bony.
Yay!
There's no way she'll make the next one.
[girls] Come on, Alice Miranda!
Yay!
One more to go! Come on, you two!
Please raise the obstacle to the highest notch.
You'll never make that.
[nervous neigh]
We've jumped that high before, Bony. Remember?
When we competed at the fair last year?
And you got carrots as a reward.
[Bony neighs enthusiastically]
Are you certain, Alice Miranda?
We are, aren't we, Bony?
Okay.
Ready, Bonaparte? Let's go!
-[terrified neigh] -Whoa!
It's okay, Bony. It was just a balloon.
Calm down.
[laughs cruelly]
Bony, look what I've got.
Yeah, Bony! Go for that carrot!
[enthusiastic neigh]
[Millie] Bony... Look what I've got... It's a present!
[girls] Come on, Alice Miranda! Do it!
Yay!
The new champion is Alice Miranda.
After scoring 91 percent on your academic test,
completing the sailing challenge and winning the equestrian competition,
you've earned your right to stay at this school.
[cheering and applause]
[Alice Miranda] I'm so proud of you, Bony.
You cleared that jump with so much pressure.
And now, we can stay at the school.
[Alethea] Don't get too comfortable. This isn't over, Alice Miranda.
I'm still number one around here.
And you'd better remember that.
Dear me, Bony.
Some people really need to win.
But there must be a reason why Alethea is so competitive.
-Hi. -Hello.
[eerie music plays]
Hello? Is anybody there?
Is that you, Ms. Grimm?
You dropped something.
This looks just like me.
Amelia?
I wonder who she is.
[Mrs. Smith] That's us at
the Winchesterfield Country Fair.
I'm so thrilled you had another afternoon with your grandchildren, Mrs. Smith.
You're so kind to have organized it.
Now run along. I need to prepare for the big opening.
What big opening?
It's a surprise. You just wait and see.
I love surprises!
I actually thought we could surprise Charlie today with a cake.
It's his birthday!
Of course. I've baked some cakes fresh this morning.
Thank you.
And my nose tells me you've made a batch of delicious brownies too.
And you're very welcome to one.
There's three missing!
But brownies don't have legs. They can't walk off by themselves.
Then we must have a thief on our hands.
A brownie thief? How curious.
Probably just a hungry little girl, Alice Miranda.
Nothing to concern ourselves with.
Charlie? Hello?
I know it's a very special day for you.
Charlie!
That's one of Mrs. Smith's brownies.
So it was taken from the kitchen.
Someone was very hungry indeed.
-[breaking china] -[Alice Miranda gasps]
Is that you, Charlie?
"A.G."
Alethea Goldsworthy?
Alethea? Is that you?
Alethea, did you drop a handkerchief?
No talking in class Highton-Smith-Blah-Blah-Blah.
Good morning, girls.
[girls] Good morning, Ms. Reedy.
Today we're going on a wonderful adventure into the world of the Brothers Grimm.
[over speaker] This is Ms. Grimm.
...which will have to wait.
Whoa.
She hasn't used the loudspeaker since last year.
[Ms. Grimm] At last, the new library is complete.
Oh, that must be the surprise event Mrs. Smith was telling me about.
[Ms. Grimm] All girls must be in attendance
at the official opening of the Alethea Goldsworthy Library
tomorrow, 10 a.m. sharp.
I told Daddy I don't even like libraries.
[giggles] But he insisted.
How exciting, Alethea.
She might actually have to read a book now.
And my mother, the famous fashionista,
is flying in from Milan tomorrow morning for the ceremony.
Very well, Alethea. Back to work, girls. Open your books.
Like that's going to happen.
Alethea's mother has never been to the school.
She's way too busy to care about Alethea.
Oh, how sad.
[bell rings]
[girls chatter]
Alethea, wait!
What makes you think the head prefect has time for this?
I think you dropped your handkerchief in the greenhouse.
Ugh! That filthy thing?
Are you trying to give me a disease?
Hey!
Oh, do watch where you're going, McLoughlin-Mc-Whatever.
[cruel laughter]
Perhaps she honestly didn't see you.
If you believe that, you're as batty as Ms. Grimm.
Alethea's mean, selfish, vain and plain horrible.
Maybe it's because she thinks her mother doesn't care about her.
I'm sure her mother is just very busy
and doesn't realize how much it means to Alethea.
Maybe. But even if that handkerchief was hers,
I wouldn't give it back.
Who else in the school has the initials A.G.?
Nobody I know of.
Why don't you ask Charlie?
Bye!
Happy birthday, Charlie!
Did you find the extra special cake we left?
I did, and I thank you for your kindness.
There you are: the first of the non-allergenic flowers you sent me.
No smell at all. Isn't it gorgeous?
[chuckles]
Now I know how much children love cake,
but I was surprised to find you'd eaten a few slices on the way.
Some of the cake was missing?
Quite a large chunk for a little girl.
It wasn't me, Charlie.
Unfortunately, I think we have a thief with a very sweet tooth.
And they lost their handkerchief in the greenhouse this morning.
"A.G.?"
There could be lots of girls with those initials.
That missing piece of cake...
Is that the only unusual thing you've noticed around the school?
You are quite the detective, aren't you?
Come to think of it, I did notice my blankets missing.
And last night, I thought I heard someone knocking about in the gym.
When I checked, there was no one there.
The gym?
[Jacinta grunts with effort]
[Alice Miranda] Hello? Jacinta, whatever's the matter?
Leave me alone!
But you're very upset.
I'll go if that's what you want.
But I've always found that nothing's as bad as it seems if you talk about it.
Talking won't convince Ms. Grimm
to let me compete in the annual inter-school gymnastics competition.
The whole school knows what a great gymnast you are.
There must be some reason.
Well, I might have forgotten to do my assignment on endangered species.
I'm not very good at schoolwork.
You need some help, that's all.
I know!
My Aunt Charlotte volunteered working with orangutans last year.
Why would you help me?
Nobody likes me. We're not even friends.
I don't see any reason why we can't be.
I'll ask Mum if Aunt Charlotte can call.
Jacinta, did you happen to be practicing in here last night?
Until Charlie started locking up, then I ran back to my room. Why?
Hmm... Bye.
Thanks for taking my international call collect
and for passing on the message to Ms. Goldsworthy.
I do love your magazine.
Hello, Mum.
Oh, no. I'm having a great time.
It's an interesting school.
I was hoping you might be able to arrange for Aunt Charlotte to call me.
One of my new friends, Jacinta, needs help with an assignment.
[Ms. Grimm over speaker] Alice Miranda to Ms. Grimm's office!
[Ms. Higgins] Come in.
Hello, Ms. Higgins.
Hello, Ms. Grimm. Still behind the wall, I see!
[splutters]
I'm so glad you summoned me.
I wondered whether you had seen anything unusual
in your security cameras.
How do you know about the cameras?
Is it a secret? They are everywhere, you know.
You see, there's been a spate of thefts from the kitchen.
I'm sure the person is simply hungry.
Have you seen anything suspicious, Ms. Grimm?
No? Then I'll have to keep looking.
Alice Miranda, wait.
Ms. Grimm wishes to pass on a message.
Jacinta Headlington-Bear is being punished for laziness.
You are not to help her with her assignment.
Even if she completes it, she will not be going to the gymnastics competition.
That seems rather... unfair.
Perhaps... Ms. Grimm, are you feeling unhappy today?
My mum says nothing makes one feel happier
than fresh, allergy-free flowers.
-[bell rings] -Afternoon tea! It's scones today.
I hope you like the flower, Ms. Grimm.
Oh, Mrs. Smith, afternoon tea is in ten minutes.
Bless me, is that the time?
Scones are in the oven. They'll be ready shortly.
Ms. Higgins, perhaps you'd like to try my apple and cinnamon pie.
It's gone! It was right there!
Warm scones with jam and cream? Mmm, my favorite.
Ugh! Not scones again.
Doesn't Mrs. Smith know how to cook anything else?
Oh! Alethea, what are you doing?
[cruel laughter]
Millie, please don't.
[laughter]
My prefect's badge.
Now it's war.
-[Millie] She started it! -[girls shout]
[girls shout and laugh]
-[girl 1] I'm going to get you! -[girl 2] I'm going to get you first!
Oh! Stop it!
Girls, enough! What a disgrace!
-[wails] -[laughs]
My hair!
I just had it styled for the library opening.
[over speaker] This is Ms. Grimm.
Go to your dormitories now!
Well, there'll be no dessert for a month.
You have to admit it was funny seeing Alethea covered in cream.
She's going to be so mad!
I don't care. It was worth it to see the look on her face.
[giggles]
[Alethea] Laugh while you can.
As head prefect, I've decided on your punishment.
You're going to wash my hair
tomorrow morning before the library opening.
With the most expensive mineral water you can afford.
Am I understood?
Did I say "mad"?
Did you see all that sticky orange juice in her hair?
Yes. The shine is quite destroyed.
Mineral water won't bring that back.
One day, my mum washed her hair in mineral water.
It became all dry and frizzy.
Hmm... Exactly which mineral water did your mother use?
Nothing like fresh air to help you think right, Bony?
I wish I could work out what's going on.
[inquisitive snort]
We know the food thief likely has the initials A.G.,
loves all kinds of cakes
and has even been poking around in the greenhouse.
Taking blankets.
And Ms. Grimm...
There must be a reason she's so unhappy.
[excited neigh]
Hello!
Hi.
Down, boy! Down, Sport!
-You're Alice Miranda, aren't you? -Yes.
I'm Lucas.
And this is Bony.
Bony, the very naughty pony. Sorry about that.
[laughs] I saw you at the lake. Spectacular finish.
[giggles] Thanks for the sailing tips.
I hear we're your sister school.
But did you know there's a secret tunnel between our schools?
Wow! I'd love to see that.
Do you like it at Fayle?
Yes, it's pretty good.
Although the teachers sure do make us work hard.
"No boy should fail at Fayle." That's our school motto.
[unfriendly neigh]
Bony! Stop that! I'm so sorry.
Maybe we'd better go. Shall we race?
[giggles] First one to the edge of the woods!
[Alice Miranda] Yay! Yah! Go, Bony!
Go, Sport!
Whoa!
Well, that was fun.
I'd better get back to school.
And thanks, by the way.
What for?
Most people only ask me about my dad.
He's a famous movie actor.
And you asked about me. That's rare.
Bye, Lucas!
-[Sport neighs] -[Bony snorts]
Bony!
You've already had your lunch.
A pie? Pies are not for ponies!
Especially ones with big tummies!
[disgruntled neigh]
[sniffs] Funny, this smells like...
I'd know that delicious smell anywhere.
Mrs. Smith's cinnamon apple pie.
How curious.
Look, Bony! Footprints.
Bony, that was a clue.
I suppose there's no harm in investigating.
Bony, look at that pie dish.
Hello?
Is anybody here?
That's the same girl. Amelia, the one from Ms. Grimm's photograph!
Only...
who is the woman with her?
Oh, no!
[dramatic music plays]
Oh! Oh!
[Alice Miranda screams]
Oh.
There you go. A cup of tea'll make you feel better.
I've called the school, and Charlie's on his way to come and get you.
Thank you for saving me, Mr...
Grump. Aldous Grump.
Is Amelia your daughter?
How do you know about her?
I found a photo,
like the one you have.
Who is that woman with her, Mr. Grump?
The woman who was to be Amelia's stepmother.
-Ophelia Grimm. -[gasps] Ms. Grimm?
She loved Amelia so much.
I fell for her myself.
After some time, I asked her to marry me.
What could possibly have happened?
Amelia was such a frail child. She got a bad cold.
It turned into pneumonia.
She went to sleep one night...
and never woke up.
I blamed Ophelia for not protecting her.
I told her I never wanted to see her again.
And ever since then, I've been wandering the world.
It's been ten years now.
Ten years!
I came to Winchesterfield hoping to catch a glimpse of Ophelia.
We used to meet here.
Never saw her.
As for the pies, I never could resist Mrs. Smith's cooking.
[happy neigh]
[giggles] I think Bony agrees.
Time is a funny thing.
I realized that in leaving, I lost them both.
Mr. Grump, no one has seen Ms. Grimm for ten years.
She locked herself away.
Then it is my fault.
I'll leave today.
You just need to explain everything.
It's not that simple, Alice Miranda.
There are some things in the world of adults that just can't be fixed.
Please, take this.
I no longer have need of it.
Mr. Grump!
Goodbye, Alice Miranda.
Mr. Grump, please.
We'll find some way to help you.
Wake up, sleepyhead!
Am I late for breakfast?
I'm afraid you missed it completely.
I woke you up, but you must have gone back to sleep.
Oh, no! Operation Hair Wash! I haven't organized a thing.
I found the mineral water for you.
You're the best friend ever.
Are you sure about this?
Alethea definitely won't be happy when she sees the result.
She's the bossiest girl at school.
It's time someone stood up to her.
[Alice Miranda] Hmm...
Haven't either of you ever been to a real hair salon?
The chair needs to tilt. [squeals]
[Alethea] The head goes directly over the basin!
[Alethea growls]
Ouch! [grumbles] You're late.
Get on with it.
Yes, Alethea.
You'd better do a good job.
I need to look my best.
My mother is coming.
Your hair will look completely different.
I promise.
[grumbles]
Operation Hair Wash was a crazy success.
Thanks for getting your Aunt Charlotte to call.
So, has Ms. Grimm changed her mind?
No, but I'm determined to make it next year.
-Friends? -We always were. You just didn't know it.
Girls, silence please.
Alethea, could you come up here for the official opening, please?
No!
My mother's on her way. I know it!
It has already been 20 minutes.
Surely we can wait a little while longer.
Alethea, we need to cut the ribbon.
Her flight from Milan must have been delayed.
She'll come, I just know it.
[Ms. Grimm over speaker] Enough! Ms. Reedy, cut the ribbon.
Alethea?
No, look!
There's my mother.
I can't believe she came.
Hello, darling. Am I late?
No, mother.
[Ms. Grimm over speaker] I declare the Alethea Goldsworthy library open!
Well I'd eat my hat if I had one.
The first visit ever.
Look at her face, Millie!
She's so happy.
I think you know more about this than you're letting on.
She only needed reminding how much she means to Alethea.
Alice Miranda, you're the kindest girl I've ever met.
Thank you for coming!
Of course, darling.
I had no idea you were the school's champion show jumper.
I loved horse riding myself when I was a student.
Oh, I'd love to ride with you, Mother!
It's all been arranged.
[gasps]
I wonder which year Amelia arrived at the school?
[Ms. Grimm] What are you looking at, Alice Miranda?
Perhaps all Ms. Grimm needs
is a reminder of when she was happy.
[suspenseful music plays]
[gasps]
Amelia.
[wind whistles]
[mischievous music plays]
[thunder]
[giggles]
-Password? -Dead!
-That's not it! -No, but that's what you'll be,
if you don't open this door.
[Alice Miranda] Would anyone like a brownie?
-Yes, please! -Alice Miranda, you're the best.
[Ashima] Brownies! Yummy.
[Ivory] Oh, delicious. Yum!
The new girl's coming tomorrow.
I hope she's not mean, like Alethea Goldsworthy.
-Yeah. She's so mean. -Oh, she's so horrible.
[knock at door]
Password?
-[gasp] -Alethea!
Alice Miranda.
Mother told me what you did for the library opening.
And I just want to say...
thank you.
Oh! You're welcome. Would you like to join us?
Oh, no. I'm going on a holiday to Paris with Mother early tomorrow.
I just came to say, I suppose I owe you one.
I can't believe it! What happened to her?
She just needed some time with her mum.
Mmm.
I think we should tell scary stories.
[overlapping] Yeah, woo-hoo! Scary stories!
I've got one.
It's a true story about the witch who lives in the woods near the school.
[terrified gasps]
The witch lives in a giant old house with hundreds of cats.
I don't believe in witches. They're only in fairytales.
It's true.
Totally true!
And the worse thing is, the witch's face. It's all... [growls]
-[thunder] -[screaming]
[giggles]
You'd better be quiet, or Mrs. Howard will--
[gasps]
Jacinta Headlington-Bear.
This was your idea, I'm sure.
Please, Mrs. Howard, don't blame Jacinta.
We're here too.
Would you like a brownie?
All right. But off to bed, girls.
And I don't want to hear another peep.
Thank you.
[peaceful music plays]
[Jacinta yawns] I wonder when the new girl's arriving.
Good morning, girls.
I'd like you to meet our new student,
Sloane Sykes,
and her mother, Mrs. Sykes.
Please make them very welcome.
Call me September, girls.
Mrs. Sykes sounds old, and I'm not old, am I?
We prefer parents to--
This is Sloane, and she's beautiful and clever, just like her mother.
You mean I'm sharing a room with her ?
Maybe Sloane's embarrassed. Her mother seems a little intense.
I have another exciting announcement.
Oh!
This year, for the annual play with Fayle School for Boys,
we'll be performing Snow White .
I've got the scripts here. Auditions are at 3 p.m. today.
Sloane's a fabulous actress.
She should have the lead part.
Of course I'll get the lead, Mummy.
She doesn't look embarrassed.
Smug more like it.
We should give her a chance. Everyone deserves that.
And besides, she's going to be your roommate.
Maybe we can invite Sloane on our horse ride later.
-Alright. -Whatever.
Whoa!
Bony.
I'm only coming for Mrs. Smith's raspberry cupcakes.
Or it would be gymnastics practice all the way!
Ow! Bonaparte Napoleon Highton-Smith- Kennington-Jones,
you're the naughtiest pony that ever was.
[neighs, then farts]
[Jacinta and Millie laugh]
Yuck! Bony, that's disgusting.
I've got Stumps for the new girl.
Where is Sloane?
Sloane, is that my best riding jacket that you're wearing?
I didn't think you'd mind.
I'm sure it looks better on me.
Oh!
I'm sure she'll take care of it, won't you Sloane?
Should we get going?
[Charlie] Well, hey, hey! Miss, you'll spook Stumps
getting on from that side.
My teacher was an Olympic rider,
and we had the fanciest Hungarian horses.
I know what I'm doing.
[threatening neigh]
Oh! [groans]
[neighs]
[giggling]
I think our horses must be different to your Hungarian ones.
Stumps is very easy for a beginner.
I'm not a beginner.
Okay, just don't use the H-word.
It makes Stumps bolt back here.
Charlie means "home," that's the H-word.
Ugh. Whatever!
And don't be too long, girls.
It looks like a storm might be on its way.
Do you like your room? Jacinta's heaps of fun to share with.
Only if you think it's fun sharing with a cranky cow.
Do you have any brothers or sisters?
My stinky brother's started at Fayle School.
[giggles] Sep will fail at Fayles.
-Sep can't fail. It's a legal thing-- -What?
If 25 percent of the boys fail any test,
the whole school goes to the oldest living member of the Fayle Family.
Huh? So some crumbly old founder came up with that rule?
Weird.
But Fayle has amazing teachers.
So it would never happen.
Look! Beautifully flat.
Do you feel like going faster?
Uh, I just adore riding fast.
Great! Race you!
Let's go!
Want the last raspberry cupcake?
[Jacinta] Time to get back for auditions.
And before it rains.
I hope I get to be the narrator.
Do you think Lucas will try out?
-I don't care if he does or not! -[Millie giggles]
Really?
Who's Lucas?
His father is the actor Lawrence Ridley.
Oh, he's gorgeous!
Yeah, Lucas looks exactly like his dad.
He's a great rider as well.
I saw him one day when Bony and I were out riding.
Whatever!
Let's get back to stupid school.
-Home! -[whinnies]
Whoa!
[Sloane screams]
I'll follow her. Come on, Bony!
Sloane! Duck!
[screams]
[dramatic music plays]
[sniffs]
Bony!
You're going the wrong way!
[eerie music plays]
[spooky crow caws]
[screams]
A vegetable patch.
Bony, you're so naughty.
I have no idea where we are.
Do you think someone there will help us?
[cat meows]
Hello. You're cute.
This is your home, is it?
Can't be so creepy, then.
[cats meow]
Hello?
Is this really a good idea?
Okay, if you say so.
[suspenseful music plays]
There's no such thing as witches...
is there, kitty?
Tea. Tea is normal.
Your owners must be around here somewhere.
[distant woman's voice]
Hello?
[distant woman's voice]
Is anybody there?
Whoa!
Are you okay?
This stupid, stuck-up school
has the most stupid horses ever!
Where's Alice Miranda?
It's her fault I'm all wet and sore.
She said we'd ride together, and then she disappeared.
Alice Miranda wouldn't have just left you.
She and Bony are probably waiting somewhere for the storm to pass.
She's sensible. Give her 20 minutes.
Okay, I guess.
[muffled woman's voice]
[gasps]
[sobbing]
Please forgive my rudeness for just walking in.
I'm just lost, and I need help.
I'm Alice Miranda, and I'm very pleased to meet you.
[tea kettle whistles]
Would a cup of tea help?
What's your name?
Aren't you afraid of me?
No, but you seem afraid of me.
I'm the woman they call "the witch in the woods."
[Alice Miranda] Oh, I see.
I wondered about that when I saw the cats.
But I know there's no such thing as witches.
I'm Hephzibah Caledonia.
Now I know your name, we can be friends.
There was a fire here, years ago,
and I used to live with my sister, but now I'm alone.
What happened to your sister?
She got married,
and we lost touch.
Do you mind taking off your scarf? I can't see your face.
Oh. My face is scarred from the fire.
You have such lovely eyes Ms. Hephzibah.
I didn't even notice.
Oh. That's so... sweet.
[sobs]
They're so stuck-up here, Mummy!
Can't I come home?
[September] No, Sloaney.
Your mean step-grandmother Henrietta has already paid all your school fees.
Ugh, the nursing home keeps bugging me
about some ridiculous blue suitcase she wants.
How ridiculous! I mean,
I haven't seen a blue bag anywhere.
Don't you even care how I feel?
[September] Oh, hurry up and get an invitation
to a snooty girl's house.
We need to start hobnobbing with the rich and famous people!
Okay, bye-bye, sweetie.
Oh! Oh!
Oh. What's this?
That was kind of Ms. Hephzibah to give you to me.
And I know the perfect person
to adore you.
[happy meowing]
[Ms. Grimm] Oh! Oh my word.
-You are cute. -[happy meow]
"Love me, please?"
Of course I love you!
I think I'll call you "Inky."
Alice Miranda!
You made it just in time.
We were about to close the auditions.
And you're auditioning for the main part!
Yes. Snow White.
Good. Now...
Imagine you're utterly lost in a dark, creepy forest.
[spooky music plays]
[director] The evil queen is jealous of you because of your great beauty.
You've tried to run away,
but suddenly, there he is with his axe raised!
"Please, don't kill me!"
"But I have a job to do. The Queen commands it."
"I have done no wrong.
I beg you, with all my heart. Spare me!"
The girl's an inspiration!
Wonderful, Alice Miranda.
I think we can safely say you have the part.
...brother went there! Oh, I love Fayle.
I'm the narrator!
-And I'm the magic mirror. -Yes!
[cheering]
Who are you, Alice Miranda?
I got the lead role.
I'm Snow White. I think Sloane's going to be upset.
I'm the Evil Queen.
Best role ever!
[giggling]
Perfect typecasting.
[Ms. Reedy] This play is part of a tradition
between Fayle and Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale.
So I expect you girls to do our school proud.
Take it from line 72.
Lucas! How are you?
These are my friends, Jacinta and Millie.
-Hi. -Hi.
Hi. This is my friend Sep.
Sloane's brother.
How are you liking Fayle?
It's the best school ever!
I should send my step-grandmother a thank you card for paying my fees.
Henrietta's such an old dingbat!
I doubt she can even read.
[giggles nervously] You've met my charming sister, right?
Oh, yeah.
How are you going? The narrator's a terrific role.
I'm fine, just... busy learning my lines.
I'll leave you to it, then.
He definitely got his dad's movie-star looks.
[sighs]
Did you see the way Lucas looked at me?
He's totally into me.
I hate her.
Try to ignore her. She just wants a reaction.
[woman over speaker] Is Sloane Sykes here?
Emergency call for Sloane Sykes in the Fayle office.
Ugh.
Mummy? I've got exciting news.
Oh, who cares about that?
[September] I've just discovered we're rich!
We own Fayle School!
We own what?
I found some papers in that ridiculous blue bag
that your step-grandmother Henrietta wanted.
It says we're the Fayle School for Boys benefactors.
Because she's the oldest living member of the Fayle family,
and we're her legal guardians.
But the Fayle boys have to fail, don't they?
And that's never going to happen!
Oh, don't be such a dummy!
Now you're going to get your hands on the Fayle tests,
and make it happen.
Oh, Mummy, we'll be so rich!
That's my girl. Now get to it.
No! You stop suddenly, then you all bump into him.
Don't you see?
-[giggling] -[kids on stage] Oh...
Oh! Something's going on.
Why did you want a tour?
Because Fayle's such an amazing school.
Hm... What's that room?
Maths.
Professor Plus just loves his tests.
Oh, that must be harsh.
So many tests.
Yeah. Now can we get back?
Sep and I were going to run our lines.
Where's the girls' bathroom?
Down there.
See you inside.
[evil laugh]
[ominous music plays]
Fail! Oh!
And another fail.
Fail! Oh.
Oh, but how can that be?
Principal, I have shocking news!
I can't believe Fayle's closing.
I heard Sloane's parents own it now.
I've got a strange feeling about this.
Something's not right.
Strange feeling?
More like a dirty trick, and I bet I know who pulled it.
Fayle boys are stupid, that's all.
Where did you disappear to during rehearsal the other day?
Dreamy Lucas gave me a school tour.
Where you changed the Fayle tests?
What are you talking about?
I wonder how Ms. Grimm feels about Fayle closing?
Ms. Grimm?
I'm sorry to disturb you,
but I brought this for your kitten.
[toy jingles]
I'm sure you've heard about Fayle school closing.
Everyone is very sad.
This will be the last play we do with them.
Will this child never give up?
Will you come?
Your students need you now more than ever!
I, uh... I met Mr. Grump.
He told me about what happened between you.
Oh. How?
What? Aldous?
I want you to know he still loves you.
And you loved him once.
Aldous loves me?
I know there's love in your heart.
Well, think about the play.
Please?
She's making it up, but...
Where did this come from?
How on earth?
[Millie] Ugh... Caledonia Manor? Creepy manor more like it.
It's an interesting old house.
And you're going to adore Ms. Hephzibah.
Uh-huh.
I'm going to miss these woods.
What? These creepy ones?
[giggling]
-Hey, Alice Miranda, what's up? -I don't know.
Maybe there really are some things in the adult world
that just can't be fixed.
Maybe not alone, but remember you've got friends.
I once played Snow White
in the Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale-Fayle play.
Anyone for tea?
Thank you, Mr. Grump.
These are my friends, Millie and Lucas.
-Hi. -Hello.
Hello.
I'm so glad you're settling in here.
It was a good idea of yours.
I can't thank Ms. Hephzibah enough for putting me up.
Some company and someone to help around the house was just what I needed.
Well, this is the last play because Fayle School for Boys is closing.
-Excuse me? -The boys failed a test.
The school is going to the Sykes family because Mr Sykes's father
married the oldest living Fayle, Henrietta.
Henrietta?
It sounds like someone needs to do something.
Let me tell you a story about a girl
called Hephzibah Caledonia.
Hi, Alethea. How was your holiday?
It was great! Come in.
You know how you said you owe me one?
Well, we need your help.
I'm in the play, so I can't do it myself,
and we might have to break some rules.
Go on.
[sighs]
[sobbing] The last play.
I can't believe it.
Let's give them a show to remember.
The show must go on, and all that.
Three minutes to curtain!
[sighs] This is too sad.
It may not be as bad as you think.
Alice Miranda, what's going on?
Sloane, you look terrific.
Break a leg.
Really? I hope you break your leg too, you little brat!
Two minutes to curtain. Take your places, please.
-Good luck! -[sneaky laugh]
[meows]
Ms. Grimm, I'm borrowing your kitten.
Alethea, put her down!
[Ms. Grimm pants]
Come back!
Once upon a time, long, long ago, a beautiful queen...
Hey, turn on the lights!
[audience gasps]
Well. Get on with it!
[Ms. Grimm pants]
Alethea Goldsworthy, stop right now!
It's all right, kitty.
[audience laughs]
[pleased reaction]
[out of breath] No running in secret tunnels!
[pants]
-Who's the fairest of them all? -[audience gasps]
You are the fairest of them all.
Oh, there she is!
Mummy's here, darling!
-Yoo-hoo! -[audience groans]
Follow me.
Oh!
[audience laughs]
Inky? Oh!
Inky, I thought I'd lost you.
Please, please don't kill me!
But I have a job to do!
Aldous.
The Queen commands it.
I have done no wrong.
I beg you.
With all my heart, spare me!
[gasps] Oh!
[gasps]
But I cannot find it in my heart to do so.
I'm a good man,
but I'm a sad man.
If I could turn back time ten years,
I would take back what I said.
Those words that ruined my life
made me lose the one I loved...
[gasps]
...and still love.
[audience gasps]
[audience] Awww!
What's happening here? That's not in the script!
[snores]
You need to use this script.
Trust me. It will make sense.
[audience gasps]
[laughter]
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?
Dear Queen,
your cheating ways and evil lies have earnt you now the greatest prize.
A dear, dear friend has come to speak
about the havoc you did wreak.
That's not how it goes!
[gasps]
[boy's voice] It's the witch from the woods!
I know what you did, Sloane Sykes.
The witch from the woods!
Oh!
I haven't done anything!
You changed those maths papers,
Sloane Sykes.
You made the boys at Fayle fail!
She made me do it!
She said I had to!
She said we'd be rich!
[stutters]
Oh, I don't know what she's talking about.
Oh, she's such a good actress.
I'll never forgive you for this, Mummy.
[audience boos]
And the Evil Queen was banished.
And Snow White lived happily ever after.
[cries] But, this is a much better version.
[audience cheers]
[chuckles] Thank you, thank you! I have to thank everybody else.
Please meet Ms. Hephzibah Caledonia-Fayle.
The oldest living member of the Fayle Family.
[cheers]
I think we might need to have a little chat.
[happy music plays]
Hi, Sep. Hi, Lucas.
Isn't it exciting?
I'm so happy Hephzibah's keeping Fayle open.
It all looks lovely, Alice Miranda.
And without you, I never would have found my sister.
And Fayle would've closed forever.
We owe you everything.
Thank you, but it wasn't just me.
Everyone helped.
Sep, where's Sloane going?
New school.
Oh! That's a pity.
Everyone deserves a second chance.
Alice Miranda, you're too nice.
I'm not! Sloane's gutsy and funny.
And her mum pressured her.
Sorry, Sep. I'm not giving up on Sloane!
It's okay, but you're wasting your time.
I've never given up on Bony.
And he's the naughtiest pony ever born!
[neighs]
Oh, here they come!
It's a double wedding!
Oh, she looks so happy.
-Ms. Grimm? I can't believe it! -Beautiful.
[Inky meows]
I'm so glad you came.
We are gathered here on this very special day,
in these very special grounds
to celebrate the union
of love and marriage.
[students] Yay! Woo-hoo! Bravo!
Alice Miranda, you're amazing.
Perhaps little things can make a difference after all.
[giggles]