Once Upon a Forest (1993)

Abigail!
Abigail!
Abigail!
Abigail!
When are you going to learn
to come when you're called?
Abigail!
Oh!
There you are.
I'll have you know that
when I was a furling,
I couldn't wait to get
to Cornelius' class.
Yes, daddy.
At least he's taught
you to behave.
I'm glad you stopped
climbing trees.
Yes, daddy.
See you later.
Love you.
Me, too, Abigail.
Wait, that's my finger! Ow! Ow!
Mom.
They won't give me a
chance for breakfast.
Well, you'll just have
to be quicker, Roland.
I'm not Roland, mother.
I'm Russell.
Russell.
No, no, you couldn't be Russell.
He's at furling class.
Class?!
Hold on.
Almost done.
Mama, Cornelius has a big
surprise planned for today,
and you're making me late.
Now hold still, Edgar.
I'm almost finished.
Well, I...
Don't I even get
a good-bye kiss?
No time.
I'll kiss you when I get back.
Guess what! Guess what!
You're never going
to guess, I betcha.
Uncle Cornelius said
I could go with you
on your ramble today,
but since you lateys have
probably forgotten all about it,
I'll never, ever get to see
what the big surprise is.
What took you so long?
My dad.
My mother.
No breakfast.
Come on. We'd better hurry.
If uncle Cornelius asks,
tell him it isn't my
fault you're late.
good. He's busy.
Think he'll notice we're late?
Hey! where's Cornelius?
Shh! he's experimenting.
On the big surprise, I betcha.
Oh, I love surprises.
Let's have a look.
Don't take another step.
Furlings,
prepare to be amazed.
Wow!
Ooh!
It's really flying!
Look! it's coming this way!
Wow!
Oh, wow!
Well, what do you have to say?
Uh...
Sorry we're late?
No, no, no, no.
About this.
My life's work.
The flapper wingamathing.
Of course, this is
only a test model.
Oh!
One day, I shall
build it full-size.
It's wonderful, Cornelius.
Russell, your mouth
is hanging open.
I want to fly it next.
Please.
Don't be silly. You'll crash it.
Correct, Abigail.
It's far too delicate
for furlings.
Huh?
I didn't mean me.
Ho ho ho ho ho!
Me! me!
Let's have another go, shall we?
Oh, dear.
Furlings!
No, Russell!
No!
There it goes.
No, furlings!
Th-that's delicate!
My books!
Abigail, not that!
Yippee!
Whoa!
Catastrophe!
Catch it, uncle Cornelius.
Oh, no!
No! no!
Huh?
Look, I think it's slowing down.
It's going that way!
Here it comes!
I got it.
I got it!
I got it!
Ahh!
Uncle Cornelius,
your mouth is hanging open.
Great honk!
Look what you've done!
Sorry, Cornelius.
Well, furlings,
there are times
when we of science
must learn to accept...
Setbacks.
Looks like one of those
times, doesn't it?
I guess we wrecked the
big surprise, huh?
No. you wrecked months
and months of work!
The big surprise
is awaiting us on our ramble.
Oh. give me strength.
Now...
Now, let's hurry along
before we have any more...
Setbacks.
Step lively, furlings.
Wait for us!
Left, right. Left, right.
I'm ready.
Come on, you guys!
Hurry!
Michelle! not that way!
That area is off-limits.
Why, uncle Cornelius?
That's not our lesson for today.
Come along, furlings.
Today is plant day.
We'll learn how
everything we need
grows right here in Dapplewood.
Now, what is this, furlings?
I know, I know!
A Willow, Cornelius.
Correct.
And did you know
its bark can be used
to cure rheumatism?
Uncle Cornelius,
what's r-rheumotism?
Rheum-a-tism, Michelle.
Oh!
I know!
Rheumatism makes your bones hurt
when the weather gets damp.
Correct again.
Wow!
Now, as we get further
along the trail...
Very good, Mr. smarty-pants.
Hey! give that back!
Over here! Over here!
Hey!
Furlings!
We shall go home right now
if you are not going
to take this ramble seriously.
No, no! Please, Cornelius!
We promise to be good.
Come along, then.
We've lots to see.
I'll lead the way.
You always lead.
Not so fast, Abigail.
Hey!
What do you think you're doing?
You've been leading long enough.
Now it's my turn.
Forget it.
You don't know where I'm going.
But I know where I'm going.
Whoa!
Hey! wait for us!
Russell.
Where have you led us?
I don't know.
This ground isn't normal.
It's...
It's hard.
And it smells kind of funny.
Furlings!
Get away from there!
Get out of the
road this instant!
Furlings...
Move!
Russell,
you are one lucky hedgehog.
It's rare that a
furling survives
an encounter with...
With...
A monster?
That... is a good name for it.
What was it really, Cornelius?
No more questions.
I want you to forget this place.
Ohhh!
When are we gonna see it?
Are we there yet?
Yes, yes. I believe this
is the right trail.
Ready, furlings?
Here's the big surprise!
Wow! look at the boat!
Are we going to ride in it?
Of course!
Get in! Get in!
Yippee!
I get to steer.
Don't be silly, Russell.
You'd just sink us.
Would not!
Give me a chance.
You two settle down.
Everyone will get a chance.
Hop in, Edgar.
Ha ha!
Now, in you go.
Oh!
Great honk!
All right.
Abigail.
Russell.
You paddle first.
No. no.
Stop, stop, stop, stop!
No. no.
We'll never get
anywhere that way.
Now, together.
Stroke.
Stroke.
And stroke.
Stroke.
Stroke.
Good.
Stroke.
Good.
So much better. So much better.
Gas!
I've got to get help.
Oh, great.
You're going to lose
my paddle, too.
I don't like this.
Yippee! this is fun.
Furlings,
for the last time...
Swim for shore, furlings.
Abigail,
your performance out there
could have cost us our lives.
And as for the rest of you,
in all my years,
I've never had a more
undisciplined...
What's the matter, Cornelius?
Shh!
Something's wrong.
The woods are far too still.
We must hurry home.
But we're all wet.
Now, furlings.
Now!
Oh, dear heaven!
Not here.
What's happened?
Where is everyone?
Mommy!
Daddy!
Michelle!
No!
We must stop her!
It's not safe.
Mommy, daddy, where are you?
Mommy!
Michelle, wait!
No!
Hello?
hello?
Mommy, is that you?
Wait, Michelle!
It's dangerous!
No, furlings!
There's a deadly gas in there.
But... but what about Michelle?
Just a moment.
I'll... I'll think of something.
We're not waiting.
Cover your mouth!
Don't breathe the gas!
Michelle!
Oh, Michelle.
Abigail...
For once I'm glad
you didn't listen to me.
We must get her
to higher ground.
Quickly, furlings!
To my house.
Did you find your mother?
No.
Just... just her apron.
Then...
We're the only ones left.
I was in such a
hurry this morning.
I never kissed my
mother good-bye.
Tell me there's good news.
Can we stay with you tonight?
Of course.
What happened to our
home, Cornelius?
I had hoped you'd
be a little older
before we had this lesson.
A long time ago
when I was a furling,
I lived far away
in a place called willowbrook.
It was winter...
During our bedtime
story when we...
We heard the sound.
Mother and father
told us to run.
I was the first to the door,
and that's when I saw them...
Humans!
We got out,
but mother and father...
They didn't.
There was nothing I could do
for my mother or father.
But there is something
you can do for Michelle.
Us, Cornelius?
I need special plants.
Eyebright to soothe the
burns on her eyes.
And her lungs are badly damaged,
so you must collect
plenty of lungwort.
But everything in
our meadow's dead.
Then you must find another.
Another meadow?
There's no choice.
You only have 2 days time.
The herbs must be applied
before the moon waxes full,
or it will be too
late for Michelle.
You're coming with us, right?
I wish I could,
but I dare not leave her side.
We'll be by ourselves?
No. you'll have each other.
You'll want an early start.
Now get some sleep.
And if you dream,
dream of better
times for Michelle
and Dapplewood.
I can tell time
by the moon
I can tell time
by the sun
no matter how I Mark
the hours light and dark
I tell you,
your time's just begun
it is morning
in your life
day is breaking,
oh, so bright
you've barely
made a start
just one beat
of my heart
don't sleep away
the morning light
please wake up
please wake up
leave
dark dreams behind
please wake up
it's your morning
golden day to find
once I had
a morning, too
I was young once
just like you
it's evening in my life
all I have
is the night
but it's still
early morning for you
for you
for you
Is the pack full yet?
I have more room in my pockets.
Whoa.
This isn't a picnic.
Here. pack something useful.
Boy, I'm already working
up an appetite.
Think we should take this?
Oh, Edgar.
Hmm.
Well, I'm ready. Let's go.
Wait.
I feel like we're
forgetting something,
and I'd hate to be unprepared.
Is this what you're
thinking of, Edgar?
Cornelius! your map.
It will take you to the edge
of Dapplewood Forest.
Then you will be on your own.
Now, I want you
to stay together.
The only other thing
I can give you
is this warning.
Avoid the humans,
and try to work together.
Good luck, my furlings.
Michelle is counting on you.
Wait, Abigail.
Haven't we come far
enough for one day?
Edgar, look at the moon.
Cornelius said
to get those plants to Michelle
before it's full.
We have to travel as
far as we can tonight.
But... but it's not
safe out there.
There's no cover.
OK... if it makes
you feel better,
we'll run for that tree,
catch our breath,
and plan the next
move from there.
Ready?
Let's go.
Hold on.
I got to stop.
Russell, we can't rest now.
Easy for you to say.
You're not carrying
our supplies.
Well, I will. Hand them over.
Abigail, not so loud.
Aah! aah!
Help! help!
Ohh! ohh!
Aah! aah!
Help!
Uhh! uhh!
Aah!
Edgar! Russell!
Abigail! Abigail!
Help!
Oh! uhh!
Uhh!
Ohh!
We're gonna...
Climb?
We can't dig our way up.
Ohh!
Grrr! grrr!
Aah!
Can you see her yet?
Uh-huh.
Aah!
Oof!
Ooh! uhh.
Ooh.
Good thing you're
a slow climber.
Oh!
Hurry! let's get out of here!
Ohh!
There!
Under that log!
That was close.
Ohh! ohh!
Aah!
Ohh! aah!
Shoo!
Go away!
Aah!
Edgar, are you all right?
That's it, Abigail.
That's the last time
I'm gonna let you get
us into trouble.
From now on, I'm...
you're right, Edgar.
I was wrong.
Thanks for coming to my rescue.
What about me?
I broke your fall.
You, too, Russell.
Well...
Now that that's settled,
our only problem is that...
We're hopelessly lost.
Don't worry.
If anyone can get us
on the right trail,
you can, Edgar.
What about our food?
Most of it got
lost on the Heath.
You'll find more, Russell.
That's never been a
problem for you.
That's true.
After all we've gone through,
the worst has to be over.
I sure hope so.
You know, Abigail,
sometimes I wish I was brave...
Like you.
You are.
Good night, Edgar,
Russell.
Ohh.
Huh?
What?
He's gone
ooh
he's gone
ooh
he's gone
oh, my lord, he's gone
I'm gonna miss him so
gonna miss him so
ooh ooh
gonna miss him so
Hey. Maybe they know
where a meadow is.
One more is gone
Brothers and sisters,
it is indeed a sad day.
One of our flock
has crossed over
to a better place.
Excuse me. Excuse me.
My friends and I are
lost, and we...
say no more, child.
We, too, are lost.
Lost in our grief.
Amen, brother Phineas!
But verily, verily, verily,
the end that comes to us all
has come too soon to one
of our feathered brothers,
who has been brought down
by an evil scourge.
Evil!
And by what name
do we call this scourge?
Yellow dragons!
Yellow dragons!
Yellow dragons
have drained our marsh
and turned our nesting ground
into a muddy graveyard!
Ooh
ooh-ooh ooh-ooh
What's he squawkin' about?
Shh!
Someone's died.
Oh.
So, brethren...
Step forward,
and pay your last respects
to our dearly departed...
Bosworth!
Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma!
Good-bye, mother.
Bosworth!
Oh, my son!
Wait. it doesn't
have to be that way.
No?
Is there a ray of hope?
A ray of hope?
Ohh!
There is a ray of hope.
Brothers and sisters,
we ca save bosworth.
Hallelujah! hallelujah!
Russell, you find us a
couple of branches,
and, Abigail, we'll use
the twine you packed.
Eee!
Bosworth!
You're back. Ohh...
He's back!
Ooh
I see him movin'
movin', movin'
I see him movin'
I see him movin',
movin'
I see him movin'
I see him movin',
movin'
what a surprise
my, my, my
surprise
aah!
He's back
he's back,
there's no doubt about it
he's back
he's back,
I'm gonna shout it
stuck in the mud
up to his knees
they came along
and then, well, well
hallelujah
Ha ha ha!
Well, well, well
well, well,
well, well, well
I'm so glad
I'm so glad,
I'm so glad
well, well, well, well,
well, well, well
well, well
well, well, well
ain't you glad about it?
Ain't you glad about it?
I'm glad,
I'm so glad
Ha ha ha!
He's back
he's back,
no doubt about it
I said he's back
he's back,
I'm gonna shout it
he was stuck in the mud
up to his knees
they came along
and they
well, well
ooh
well, well
hallelujah
hallelujah,
he's back
talk to me, now
la, la, la
talk to me
la, la, la
talk to me
yes
yes
la, la, la
he's back
he's back,
no doubt about it
I said he's back
he's back
he was stuck in the mud
up to his knees
they came along
and they... well
well, well
well, well, well
hallelujah
hallelujah
hallelujah
hallelujah
hallelujah
hallelujah
hallelujah
hallelujah, he's back
Hallelujah!
Hal-le-lujah!
There's gonna be some
celebratin' today.
I hope you plan on staying.
Sure. will there be any
food other than worms?
Sorry, we can't stay.
We only have until tonight
to find a meadow.
Oh, on a pilgrimage, eh?
There's a glorious
meadow just yonder,
but you have to walk
among the yellow dragons.
That's the second time
you've mentioned the...
Yellow dragons.
Are they as terrible
as they sound?
Worse.
They are huge monsters
that breathe fire and brimstone!
We can take care of
ourselves, thank you.
Yeah, well, after what
you did for bosworth,
I truly believe you can.
If you're strong of heart,
the only path lies that way,
across accursed ground
over which my flock
will not even fly.
Oh! It's the yellow dragons!
Aah!
Russell, now's no time
to get all balled up.
Oh! ohh!
Ohh!
Ohh!
Aah!
Oof!
Aah!
Hey.
Maybe he didn't want to
eat us up after all.
No, but that one does.
Aah!
Ohh! ohh!
Ohh! ohh!
Whoa!
Suck in your stomach, Russell!
Ohh!
Wiggle. wiggle harder!
Uhh! uhh!
Aah!
Aah!
I'm drowning!
Help! help! Help!
Edgar...
Heh heh heh...
Get up.
Oh... ha ha ha.
Oh... huh.
Wow! Look at this place.
Gives me the creeps.
We're only underground.
Yeah. and you're a mole, right?
Think of this as home.
Only stinky.
We're not helping Michelle
by just standing around.
We've got to get moving.
Listen. what's that noise?
Huh?
Ohh!
Ohh!
Aah!
Aah!
Now where are we?
I don't know.
None of this is on the map.
It's all over.
We'll never find our way now.
Don't say that, Abigail.
Michelle's counting on us.
Maybe if we climb that hill,
we can start over.
Boy, we could be anyplace.
Uh! uh!
Huh?
Huh?
It's a meadow!
We made it!
Now all we need is the
eyebright and the...
wha... ahh... ohh!
Oof!
Ow!
Oof.
Thanks, pal.
Hey, why'd you take that?
Oh, come on, now. You
give that back to me.
Are you all right, Edgar?
Whoa!
Get out of the way!
Ha ha!
Huh! uh! Hey! Uh!
Gee, and I thought meals
were out of control at my house.
I saw it first.
You mice are all the same...
greedy little cowards.
How we gonna get anybody
to help us find the herbs?
Maybe these guys won't be
so grouchy after they eat.
Well, we can't wait that long.
Hey, let go! What's
the big idea?
Whoa! whoa!
Pbfllt!
Hey, just what do
you think you're...
you're...
Gosh, I hope I didn't hurt you
when you threw me down.
Hurt me?
No.
I'm fine.
You're not from
around here, are you?
Mm-mmm.
Aha! now the truth comes out.
They're just here
to steal our food.
No. we're just looking for
lungwort and eyebright.
Liar!
It's true.
We need the herbs to help
a sick badger back home.
More lies.
Why would a mole,
a mouse, and a hedgehog
want to help
a foul-smelling, worm-eating,
good-for-nothing badger?
Michelle's none of those things.
She's our friend, understand?
We've come too far
to be stopped now.
Step aside!
Russell, Abigail,
are we doing this
together or not?
Wait for us!
I'm proud of you, Edgar.
Hey, look at all the eyebright.
For all the good it'll do you.
I'd like to see you
get the lungwort.
No one in oakdale's ever
been able to reach it,
but I'll bet you three can.
That's right.
We've already got a plan.
Right, Edgar?
I don't know.
Ha ha ha! Just
like a hedgehog...
big mouth and no brains.
Hmph!
Don't listen to waggs.
He just likes to pick fights.
Wait a minute.
I know how to get up there.
We'll use Cornelius'
flapper wingamathing.
Russell, good thinking.
We'll fly to the
top of the cliff.
You don't really mean fly.
You heard them, Willy.
They'll flap their little paws
and fly like birdies.
Ha!
Laugh all you want.
We'll show you.
It looks like it
really might work.
To your stations!
Crank the winder-uppers!
Yay! we're flying!
They did it!
They really did it!
Abigail!
I'm locking the wings.
We're on full glide.
Edgar, get ready to
grab the lungwort.
Don't worry, Edgar, I'll do it.
Be careful, Abigail!
Yeah, the wind's picking up.
Oh, no!
What?
Oh!
Aah! aah!
Abigail!
Aah!
Russell, do something!
I've got my hands full.
You've got to save her!
Hang on, Abigail. I'm coming.
I can't hold on!
Help!
Aah!
Aah!
Is everyone all right?
Uh...
Yeah?
I guess we have to try again.
It's no use now.
The lungwort's gone.
We failed.
No, we haven't.
Look! we got it!
We got it? We got it?
They got it!
You're so brave, Edgar.
Ha ha ha!
Look! the land of
the yellow dragons!
Won't Cornelius be excited
to see where we've been?
Abigail, you're
standing in my light.
It's not Abigail.
Look!
Whoa!
Whoa! oh!
Whoa! oh!
Uh-oh!
Whoa! Whoa!
Aah!
Oh!
Ohh!
Whew!
Aah!
Whoa!
Hold on!
Whoa!
Whoa!
Where are we?
Right where we want to be!
Look! the Willow
from our ramble.
We're home!
Michelle.
Come on!
Cornelius...
My furlings, you're back.
Did you get the herbs?
Yes. how is Michelle?
I'm afraid she's slipping away.
I must administer the
herbs immediately.
Any sign of our
parents, Cornelius?
None. I'm sorry.
Huh? huh?
What was that?
Let's see.
Someone's outside!
Cornelius, come here. Quick!
Oh, no, not again.
It's the gas.
We can still get away.
Out the back!
This way.
Aah!
Cornelius?
Russell?
Abigail?
Edgar!
Aah!
There you go, little fella.
Edgar!
Oh, Edgar.
In all my years, I...
I've never...
All right, good. This
area's cleaned up.
Here you go, Edgar.
Thank goodness.
This way, Cornelius.
Where are you leading
me, furlings?
Someplace safe.
Did we make it in
time, Cornelius?
We'll know in the morning.
Whatever happens,
you've done your best.
Oh, my dear Michelle.
Huh? what?
Michelle?
Michelle?
Oh, Michelle.
We were too late.
No, no, my furlings.
You did everything possible...
Oh. everything possible.
Oh, my dear Michelle.
Mama?
Papa?
Uncle Cornelius...
Why do you look so sad?
My goodness!
Michelle!
You're all better!
Oh, Michelle, my child,
you're all right.
Of course I'm all right.
I just had...
A long nap.
Hey, what's that?
Great honk!
My flapper wingamathing!
Yes, we built it.
You built it?
But how did it get here?
We flew it!
You? magnificent!
No, no...
Stupendous!
You three...
You have changed so much
these past few days.
I hardly recognize you.
You're no longer my furlings.
You've grown up.
Huh?
Lookee, uncle Cornelius.
Russell!
Hey, where were you?
We stayed in the forest
until it was safe.
Abigail!
Daddy!
Oh, daddy, I missed you so much!
Uncle Cornelius...
All the mommies and daddies
are coming back.
Not all, my dear.
I'll never be able to replace
your mommy and daddy...
But I'll do my best.
Mama?
Edgar!
Mama?
Mama!
Edgar!
Oh, Edgar!
When we ran from the gas,
I was worried sick about you.
Oh... did you forget
your scarf somewhere?
No, mama. This is what I forgot.
Oh, Edgar.
I guess nothing
will ever be the same again,
will it, uncle Cornelius?
Well, my dear...
If we all work as hard
to save Dapplewood
as your 3 friends
worked to save you,
it will be.
Come away
come away
and your heart
will understand
yesterday
flies away
but tomorrow's
in your hand
come away
come away
there's a place
that it can be
that you can be like
once upon a time
with me
once upon a time
we were flying
once upon a time
we were free
life once let us go
as far as we could go
always remember
once upon a time
with me
come away
come away
and your heart
will understand
yesterday
flies away
but tomorrow's
in your hand
come away
come away
there's a place
that it can be
that you can be like
once upon a time
once against the odds
we were winners
we were all we dreamed
we could be
you touched
night and day
and made them go our way
once upon a time
with me
when we lived our lives
like a story
and the story ends
what will be?
Where this life will go
I don't pretend to know
please don't forget
that once upon a time
with me
come away
and your heart
will understand
yesterday
flies away
but tomorrow's
in your hand
come away
come away
there's a place
that it can be
and you can be like
once upon a time
with me
when one story ends
there's another
it's all up to us
don't you see?
You say let's begin
and I say once again
and you'll find it's not
once upon a time
but here and now
and you and me
come away
and your heart
will understand
yesterday
flies away
but tomorrow's
in your hand
come away
come away
there's a place
that it can be
and you can be like
once upon a time
with me
go
with
me
Captioned by the National Captioning