and wash our hands, so we have ('IT'S THE HARD-KNOCK LIFE') So even though he wanted to do a lot as president, he died of pneumonia after only 32 days. So we can all learn from William Henry Harrison to wear our coats and wash our hands, so we have better immune systems. The end. (shoes tapping rhythmically) -(students groan) -(scattered applause) Good job, Annie. Okay, Annie B. Your turn. You sure there's time? I don't want to keep anyone from vacation. (students laugh) Just get up here. Where's your essay? Up here. And it's more of a performance piece. -(students laugh) -Here we go. My president is Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He was elected in 1932, when almost everyone was poor. So pretty much just like now, but without the Internet. (students laugh) Everyone except the front row, you be the poor people. You are hungry and mad. So growl and stomp your feet. (rhythmically): Grr! Grr-grr! STUDENTS (chanting): Grr! Grr-grr! Grr! Grr-grr! Grr! Grr-grr! Front row, good news, you're the rich people. Laugh and clap like you're better than everybody. (rhythmically): Ha-ha! Ha-ha-ha! STUDENTS (chanting): Ha-ha! Ha-ha-ha! (syncopated chanting) But FDR didn't like it that everyone was poor, so he gave them all jobs. He called it the New Deal. Work hard, and you get rich. So when I tap you, you're rich. He had people build roads and got paid. Cut down trees and got paid. Made it easy to buy a house, go to college. Soon the whole country was happy. But don't worry, rich people, you're still better than everyone because you get even richer! -(school bell ringing) -TEACHER: Good job, Annie. -Have a good vacation, everyone! -(excited chatter) You gonna make it in time? I always do. We'll cover for you. Good luck. Luck's for suckers. (fast-tempo drumbeat begins) (jackhammer drilling in rhythm with drumbeat) WOMAN: # Tomorrow # To-To-Tomorrow # To-Tomorrow... # # It's a hard-knock life for us (doors shut, horn honks to rhythm) # It's a hard-knock life for us # (horn honking with rhythm of melody) (bicycle bell dinging to melody) Excuse me! Do you have any time left? I have about ten minutes. -I'll return it for you. -Really? Promise. Thanks! (siren wailing) SUBWAY ANNOUNCER: Stand clear of the closing doors, please. (electronic bell dings) ROCK BAND SINGER: # I think I'm gonna like it # I'm sure I'm gonna like it # I think I'm gonna like it # I'm sure I'm gonna like it # I think I'm gonna like it here. # CROWD: ...nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one! (crowd cheering) Yes! Light it up! How many of you guys want some free Stacks phones, huh? I can't hear you! (cheering continues) Any reservations for Bennett? Honey, I told you. If anyone I think could even remotely be your parents walk in, I'm gonna let you know. And I mean remotely. Name's Bennett, Senate, Pomegranate, black, white, other... I'll let you know. I'm guessing you're gonna wait anyway. Yep. (chuckles) STACKS: Get your free Stacks phone, never drop a call. Thanks, thanks. Cool. Free Stacks phone. Okay? Thank you, thank you. All right. And there we are, ma'am. Free Stacks phone. Never drop a call. I'm totally gonna vote for you for mayor now. Yeah, well, you know what, this isn't a campaign event. (whispers): But I would totally love that. -Oh! (laughs) -Mm-mm-mm! Mm-mm! All right. Okay, that's it. We're done. Thanks. -Hose me down. I feel like I'm on fire. -Yeah. You should clean your tongue. You kissed a few babies. -You don't want to catch colic. -You know what, you're right. -Oh. Will! Well, you shake 500 hands and you tell me how you feel, huh? Feel like a zookeeper. -WOMAN: Marry me, Will! -Okay, sure. (people talking quietly) Sorry. It's okay. I just come for the cannoli. I'll see you next Friday? You know it. Hey, girl. How'd it go? -Nah. -Eh. -Can I? -Sure. As long as you give those to my lady. Thanks. (ladder creaking) (TV playing quietly) (clattering in distance) (thumping in distance) HANNIGAN: Freeze! (groans) I said freeze, you little rat. I know you heard me. Get over here! These are from Lou. They look like they're from Lou. I'll tell him you loved them. You think the world wants a smart-mouthed little girl? No, they don't. Or you wouldn't be here. And the only reason you are here is because I get $157 a week from the state. Which, believe me, is not worth it. I should put a leash on you, you little... You're so pretty. I used to be a bright star. I was in the biggest band in the world: C+C Music Factory. About to go on Arsenio Hall Show. September 16, 1991. But I was too good for them. Fired me right before I went out on stage. You have a very pretty voice. I will die with that secret! Hey, you little monster! I wasn't done with you! Get back here! I haven't told you how I was almost one of Hootie's Blowfish! (girls laugh) How did I get here? You find them? Nah. But it's okay. -So sorry. -Sorry, Annie. -Shh! The witch will hear us. They're never gonna be at that restaurant. Be quiet, Pepper. Yes, they are. You be quiet, Isabella. Annie's never gonna find her family. None of us are. Don't say that. Don't listen to her, Mia. You're gonna get adopted. I promise. You keep saying that. I'm almost 13. No one wants a teenager. Yes, they do. We all have families somewhere. Can you read your note again? -Okay. -PEPPER: Oh, God. For the millionth time? Yeah, read it, Annie. But quietly. ANNIE: They went to Domani's, ordered two cannolis, and wrote me this note: "Please take care of our baby. "Her name's Annie. "We'll be back to get her soon. "There's half-a-locket around her neck, "and we have the other half, "so when we come for her, you know that she's our girl." Can I see it? They're gonna come back for all of us. I promise. (snapping rhythmically) # Maybe far away # Or maybe real nearby # He may be pouring her coffee # She may be straightening his tie # Maybe in a house # All hidden by a hill # She's sittin' playing piano # He's sittin' paying a bill # Betcha they're young # Betcha they're smart # Bet they collect things like ashtrays and art # Betcha they're good # Why shouldn't they be? # Their one mistake was giving up me - # So maybe now it's time -(girls harmonising) -(Pepper groans) - # And maybe when I wake # They'll be there calling me "baby" -(Mia yawns) -Shh! # Maybe - # Betcha he reads - # Betcha he reads - # Betcha she sews - # Betcha she sews # Maybe she's made me a closet of clothes # Closet of clothes # Maybe they're strict # As straight as a line # Don't really care # As long as they're mine # So maybe now this prayer's # Maybe now this prayer # The last one of its kind # Won't you please come get your "baby"? # Won't you please come get your "baby"? # Maybe. # (dog barking in distance) 1 HANNIGAN: Wake up! Wake up, rats. -(Mia shrieks) -Get out of bed! It's so early. And it's Saturday. Thanks for the time and date. Now over to Stormy for the weather. -It's raining! -(Mia groans) The city called; they're coming to inspect. You got to go and clean this whole place up! Aren't they supposed to give a couple days' notice? Aren't I supposed to be married to George Clooney? Get out of bed and start cleaning! Who's George Clooney? Exactly, girlfriend. Exactly. No breakfast until this place is spotless! I hate her so much. And if you find any loose change over a nickel, it's mine. I was having the best dream. I was ice-skating on real live ice. Save your dreams for good stuff. Like shopping with an unlimited credit card. Or swimming in candy. Or flying to the moon in a rocket ship. All things that will never happen. (shrieks) Now clean like your life depends on it, 'cause it does. It's the hard-knock life. It's the hard-knock life. It's the hard-knock life. (sweeping rhythmically) (mopping rhythmically) (mop squeaks to rhythm) (thumping rhythmically) It's the hard-knock life. Wait-- what does "hard-knock life" mean? It means our life sucks. Oh. Then, yeah. # It's the hard-knock life for us # It's the hard-knock life for us # 'Steada treated # We get tricked # 'Steada kisses # We get kicked # It's the hard-knock life... Less singing and more cleaning! And make sure my bathroom shines! But don't touch my medicine cabinet! # It's the hard-knock life for us # It's the hard-knock life for us # 'Steada treated # We get tricked # 'Steada kisses # We get kicked # It's the hard-knock life # Don't it feel like the wind is always howling? # Don't it seem like there's never any light? # Once a day, don't you wanna throw the towel in? # It's easier than puttin' up a fight # No one's there when your dreams at night get creepy # No one cares if you grow or if you shrink # Empty belly life # Rotten smelly life # Full of sorrow life - # No tomorrow life -(plate shatters) # Santa Claus we never see # Santa Claus? What's that? Who's he? # No one cares for you a bit # When you're a foster kid # It's the hard-knock life... "Make my bathroom shine! "But don't touch my medicine cabinet!" -(girls laugh) -Good one, Mia. # It's the hard-knock life for us # Yank the whiskers from her chin! # It's the hard-knock life for us # Jab her with a safety pin! # 'Steada treated, we get tricked # Send her to the loony bin! # 'Steada kisses, we get kicked... Oh, I'm so sorry! Toss me the broom! Incoming. Plastic. Paper. Can. -(Pepper gasps) -(girls laugh) # It's the hard-knock life for us # Yank the whiskers from her chin! # It's the hard-knock life for us # Jab her with a safety pin! # No one cares for you a bit # Send her to the loony bin! # When you're a foster kid # It's the hard-knock life... I said no singing and dancing! (whispers): # It's the hard-knock life. # (doorbell buzzes) The inspector's here. Here. Read a book, braid her hair, blow on this, put this together. It's a kitty cat. What should I do? -Pray. -I've tried. -It hasn't worked yet. -(knocking on door) Okay, showtime. You guys act well cared-for. ALL: We love you, Miss Hannigan! Take it down a thousand; nobody's gonna believe that. (laughter) (groans) Get under here. (grunts) Well, hello there. Are you Colleen Hannigan? My maiden name, but I'm not married to it, -if you know what I mean. -N-No... Come on in. The girls are just recreating. (girls clamouring) (clamour stops) Um, should we start here in the bathroom? Why, Mr. Inspector, how forward you are, but I'm right behind you. -What? -What? -No, I'm asking you. -This way. -Wait, what? -(gags) Oh, your arms are so strong. The dude dropped this. This has all of our information! -What? -Really? -No way. -You're kidding! Damn, I've been in a lot of homes. TESSIE: This says I've been in millions. PEPPER: That's your Social Security number, dummy. What's a "scoso cucruity murder"? It's what the government uses to keep track of us. Wait, this is what I need to get my records and find my parents. I'll copy it down. Plan your exit. Okay. You know, people come for the bathroom, but they stay for the bedroom. -What? -You know it. Can I go to the library to study? Can we talk about this after the handsome inspector with no wedding ring is gone? Okay. Can I have some floss? I think I have some nutritious breakfast stuck in my teeth. -What? -Pretty sure I saw some in the medicine cabinet. Oh, right there? You know, I just remembered we're out of floss. Maybe you want to pick some up on your way to the library. Thank you, Miss Hannigan. Bye, Mr. Inspector. Bye now. -Seems like a great kid. -Yeah, she seems great. (both chuckling) Oh-oh, I know that run. How much you need, mija? $43.55. -By when? -Now? Go rob Bank of America. Here, I'll loan you my mask. I'll work for it. Please, Lou. That face. Take the expired drinks from the cooler. Go ahead. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Whoa, whoa, whoa, what are you doing, girl? This ain't no Whole Foods. Don't throw them out; change the date. STACKS (over TV): I believe in hard work. I don't just settle for okay. Great is all I know. I built my company to be a worldwide leader, and that's what I want to do with the city. I want to, uh, I want to make it great again. REPORTER: You're 20 points down in the polls. You've got billions to spend and it's not working. How are you gonna change people's minds? Everybody wants to count my money, huh? 4.3 billion. You know, I have feelings, and I feel for people that... Baba Booey! Baba Booey! See, that's probably... probably one of my satisfied customers right there. Oh, my God. Oh, my God, this is terrible. Do you really think a businessman can run the city? At Stacks Mobile, I made a cell network that never drops a call. As mayor, I'm gonna make a government... that never drops a citizen. Yeah, as long as those citizens live below 96th Street. You're lucky you can't vote yet, mija. Politicians are all liars. What date should I change these to? One week for the milk, two weeks for the juice. GUY: You need to smile more. You only smiled four times. -Is that right? -Really? -Voters respond 23 percent more favourably to full-teeth smiles. Yeah, how about thumbs up, huh? Uh, 16 percent better if you give them a single. 38 percent if you shoot them double. Why do I get the feeling like I'm wasting my time here? Am I gonna win or not? 'Cause this seems -like a waste of time. -You hired me to win. You're gonna win. Put this on. Why? I'm already dressed. How you doing? -Yeah. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, I got to feed the hobos? Don't say "hobos," say "bums." For some crazy reason, everybody thinks you're a rich elitist that can't relate to regular people. Oh, so the girl from Oxford is trying to tell me how to keep it real. I'm telling you if you want a chance at this, you're gonna have to remember where you came from. Okay, Gatsby? Compliment them on the food, but not too much. -Oh, I ain't eating this food. -You're gonna eat the food. -I don't eat no hobo food. -And you're gonna like it, but you're not gonna love it, okay? We don't want to seem like we're pandering. I don't eat hobo food. That's good. What... How we doing, folks? Starving? How do you sleep at night? Silk sheets and Ambien. Look at all these handsome faces. There you go. All right. And here we go. -God bless. -Bet you never had mashed potatoes, Mr. Stacks. Are you kidding me? Why, my grandmother made some of the best mashed potatoes in Queens. You know that's where I'm from. Born and raised. On the playground is where I spent most of my days. And look at this. It's not amazing, but it ain't terrible, huh? Look at this, huh? Mmm-mmm! (COUGHS) (CROWD GASPS) Went down the wrong pipe. This is disgusting. -Look, it's terrible. -Oh, God, you're a child. Well, how do you guys think that went? Nash, you saw it. Would you vote for me if you didn't work for me? No, sir. Thank you for your honesty. You're fired. That didn't take long. And... there are already parodies. # Mashed potatoes, mashed potatoes # Mashed potatoes, mashed potatoes # See, this is why China is winning. Not really. (spitting, goofy electronic blipping) -Okay. -Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. Just because you can run for mayor doesn't mean that you should. We already discussed this. It's great for my profile. It's going to grow the company. Plus, the city needs me. All right, take it easy, Batman. You let all your employees talk to you like this? The ones that make me billions, I do. You make me mayor, you can say anything you want. -(horn honking) -Hey, hey! -Oh, no, not again. -Nash, -why we stopping? -Sorry, Mr. Stacks. Uh, I'll fix it. Next! I'd like to get my records, please. You'll need DOH form number 4380... BOTH: ...point seven, dash eight. -And $43 and... -55 cents. And an application signed by a parent or a... Guardian. Bam. It's all there. Are you going to stare at me the whole time? Sorry. Next! Can you read it? I'm too nervous. (scoffs) "Annie Bennett. Abandoned outside 26th precinct. "Age estimate at time of abandonment, four years. "Placed in state foster care. No further data." What does "no further data" mean? That's all there is to know about you. Sorry, honey. It's okay. I'll figure it out. (distant siren wailing) # The sun'll come out tomorrow # Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow - # There'll be sun -(child giggling) # Just thinkin' about tomorrow # Clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow # Till there's none # When I'm stuck with a day # That's grey, and lonely # I just stick out my chin and grin # And say... - # Oh! -CHILD: Faster, Daddy! # The sun'll come out tomorrow # So ya gotta hang on till tomorrow - # Come what may -(child giggling) # Tomorrow, tomorrow # I love ya tomorrow # You're always a day away (child giggling) (child laughing) # When I'm stuck with a day # That's grey, and lonely # I just stick out my chin and grin # And say... # Oh # The sun'll come out tomorrow # So ya gotta hang on till tomorrow # Come what may # Tomorrow, tomorrow # I love ya tomorrow # You're always a day away # Tomorrow, tomorrow # I love ya tomorrow # You're always # A day... # A... # ...way! # (dog barking) BOY: Get it! Get it! -BOY 2: Come on! -Hey! (DOG BARKS) -Throw something at it! -BOY: Throw the can! -ANNIE: Hey! -Mind your own business! -Stop! -STACKS: What's goin' on? -NASH: I don't know. I'm not a chemist. Jimmy Neutron here had me throw this experimental engine in. It shows that he cares about the environment. You know? That he's forward-thinking. Oh, great. Here they come with the pictures. We gotta distract her. Something whimsical. Let's get into a leaf fight. -Ma'am. -Okay, okay. -I'm gonna call a car. -Hey. -I'm gonna go walk. -What? -What? -Where's he going? -I want to be alone. We don't really have time. I know how to walk down the street! I'll text you directions. Don't need 'em. This is all your fault. Take it easy, pantsuit. And, you-- I'm sorry. MAN: Hey, Stacks! Your phone bill's killing me, bro! -BOY 2: Get it! -ANNIE: I told you to stop! (panting) BOY: Try to hit it! ANNIE: Leave it alone! -Hey! -(horn blaring) -(barking) -All right, kick it! Kick it! -Stop! Leave it alone! -See how scared it is! Leave it a... (grunts) (horn honking) -(tyres screeching) -Watch where you're going, kid! -Are you okay? -BOY 2: Let's get out of here! Go! You could've got run over. -Sorry. -Don't be sorry. You be careful. -Why're you running? -Gets me places quicker. Little kids. Kids with germs. (blender whirring) How was the library? Educational. Well, I have some more education for you. I told the inspector I don't want to foster you anymore. As of next week, you're somebody else's problem. Did they say who? Not a who, sweetie. A what. Group home. Okay. Maybe that'll teach you to stop running your mouth. STACKS (voice-over): So where are we with our new phones? -Well, we've got the battery up to 150 hours. -That's not a week. I said I need the charge to last a week, Grace, specifically. At the moment though, unfortunately, the phone is burning up in people's hands. -What? That's what I told Mom, and she says to me, she said... (screams) You burned me! -(phone rings) -Don't worry. She signed a waiver. You burned me! You... What up, Guy-O? You're up five points in the polls. Really? They liked that he vomited on a homeless man? Uh, no, Grace. They liked the fact that he saved a little girl from getting hit by a van. -What? -Some guy recorded it, put it on the Internet. Check it out-- "Oh, I'm a little girl "who doesn't see where I'm going. "Well, look! I bumped into the future mayor of New York who just saved my life!" This is fantastic, Will. I'm telling you, it's the most human thing you've done this entire campaign, all due respect. -None taken. -You didn't tell me you saved a little girl. You didn't tell me anything. -Like Batman. -Hey, listen to me. -You got to capitalise on this. -Course we do. -You invite her to lunch, see how she's doing. -No. Snap a few pics. The press'll eat this up. -Do we know who she is? -That's the best part. She's a foster kid from Harlem. -Mm! -Did you hear what I said? Foster kid! Harlem! -Your under eye vein is bulging. -I'm gonna go get her. No, no, no. I'm gonna let Grace go get her. -What? Why? -What? Do you actually want 5-hour Energy to go over there and scare this little child? I don't even know what this is about. Grace, please. For me, Grace, please. Thank you. -Please, let... Don't send her. -They will whoop your ass in Harlem. -Don't shut me off. Don't shut... -Thank you. Don't shut me off! Don't shut me off! (buzzing) HANNIGAN (over speaker): Yeah? Is that Colleen Hannigan? (over speaker): No hablo ingles. Uh, I was wanting to talk to you about a girl in your care. Annie. (Hannigan groans dramatically) (voice-over): I work for William Stacks, and he would love to take Annie out for lunch. -Why? -They ran into each other yesterday. She didn't tell you? No. We didn't have a chance to, uh, have our girl-talk jawbone last night. Annie! So you said he ran into her? Huh? 'Cause I noticed that her neck did seem a little whiplash-y. We are happy to make a donation to the charity of your choice. Gosh! There's so many to choose from. -There is. -Let's see, uh, Save the Whales, of course, and clean water, but you can't have whales without water. (groans) Gosh, you know what, just make it out to "cash." I'll divvy it up. -Perfect. -Annie! You know, she's such an angel. We don't inherit the Earth, we borrow it from our children. It's a lovely sentiment. Oh, there she is. Hi, Annie. I'm Grace. I work for Mr. Stacks, the gentleman that you ran into yesterday. He'd like to invite you to lunch. I promise we won't keep you long. You can keep me as long as you want. -No way! -Is this for real?! -This car's as big as a subway! -You're so lucky! It's incredible. -Oh, my gosh. I want that! -Oh, my gosh! Help yourself to whatever you want. No way. Really? Sure. PEPPER: Give me that! -Give me this! I want this! -Oh, my God! Oh, I want that one! I want that! Oh, this is crazy! Oh, my God! Oh, my God! Kids love candy, huh? -(gasping) -Hey, Annie! Maybe I should come with you and make sure that everything's USDA Grade A awesome, huh? I'm good. Thanks. Bye, Annie! -Bye! -Later. -Thanks! -Oh, my gosh. -I can't believe we got candy! -Hey, gorgeous! How does it feel to have a famous kid? What are you talking about? It's Annie! Your Annie. Hey, you want to go out tonight? I got my dance pants on. I haven't hit that rock bottom yet. -I love it when you throw me shade. -(scoffs) -Here, Lou. -It's okay. She likes me. Oh, my God, this is so good. Mr. Stacks would like to take some pictures with you, if that's all right. I guess so. Why? People want to know that you're okay. What people? Everybody who saw that. Whoa, my hair's gigantic. We can listen to whatever you like. Can you put on talk radio? Are you sure you don't want to listen to music? I love talk radio. It calms me. So do I. I loved it when I was a little girl. I used to think that they were all my friends. (chuckles) Sorry. That sounded very sad. (laughs) I... Sorry. I have a lot of friends, so don't worry about me. I mean, so I work a lot. I do. And I-I could have some more friends. But how many friends do you really need? I mean, if you were my parents asking me, "Are you fulfilled and are you happy, Grace?" that's a whole different conversation, right? But we're not having that conversation. And, frankly, it's really not your position to ask me that at all, so... Okay. There she is. Our own Little Orphan Annie. Foster kid. She's here. Hey, this is, uh, This is the one, huh? All right. Let's get this. -Slow your roll. -Excuse me? Can we eat first? It was a long drive. (whispering): Yeah, yeah yeah. Go, go. Yeah, yeah, sure. Let's, uh... Let's eat. We got time for that. All right. So how are you feeling from yesterday? So, what's the hustle? W-What makes you think there's a hustle? There's no hustle. -Come on, come on. -Just, uh... I'm ten. I'm not an idiot. I never said you were. An idiot. Or ten. Truth of the matter is, I don't know how old you are. Ten. Well, now we know that you're not an idiot. But there are a lot of people out there that are, and when they saw that photo of us, they thought that I would make a great mayor. Why? Why? Because I'm, uh, I'm a rich guy. I saved an orphan. I'm not an orphan, I'm a foster kid. -And you didn't save me. -Oh, I didn't save you? I didn't just push you out of the way of a van? Why don't I call that van back, and have him finish up what... -(Guy clearing throat) You know what? The more we're seen together, the better it is for my campaign. Wait. That's how a mayor gets elected? -Yes. Insane, isn't it? -I bet if I moved in with you, you'd become president. (coughing) That would be... This is not that kind of party. That's it. That's it. Oh, that's it. (beatboxing) I think he wants to tell you something. Actually, that's not a bad idea. Annie coming to live with you. -What? -What? -From what I understand, it's very crowded where you live. How'd you like some more space? Is that something that you might like? Living with the richest guy in the world? Yeah, that's something I might like. -Great. Perfect. -Guy, what are you talking about? Listen to me. It'll only be for a few weeks. Then she'll go back to wherever she came from. Taking in a foster kid, that's an automatic 15 point jump in the polls. -Guaranteed. -You want me to play Daddy? It's easy. All I need is a bed and meals. You don't have to do anything else. And you get $157 a week. (laughs): Do I look like I need $157 a week? Everybody needs an extra $157 a week. You're not really thinking about doing this? You want photos, right? I'm sure there's easier ways to get photos. -Not with me in them. Smile. Hey, Stacks! Are you really doing this? Yeah, won't even know she's there. It's like having a turtle. I wonder if she has her shots. -How was your lunch? -What's your name? Her name is Annie, and she'll be staying with Mr. Stacks for awhile. He's going to adopt you? No, no, no. I have parents. This is just temporary, if he gets approved. -(laughs) What now? -Next. I need a temporary guardian approval, please. There is a six-week waiting period, and you need form NYS 84 dash... Sweet Lord. Hi. Bam. You know, I don't normally do the site visits, but I've just, I've taken such a liking to young Annie. I forget sometimes, you know, why I got into this. -(shutter clicks) -It's for my files. So does the guardian have, uh, "adequate income to provide basic shelter"? I'm just gonna go ahead and check that box. (elevator bell dings) Come on in. MALE REPORTER (over TV): ...about $95 per share in cash and stock... FEMALE REPORTER: ...detonated an explosive while fire... (various newscasts continue, indistinctly) -Whoa. -Oh, yeah, whoa. Hey, is there a, uh, co-temporary guardian? No. Would you like a co-temporary guardian? GRACE: Why don't I take these guys on a tour, and you can get back to work? Best idea of the day. GUY: I'll come with you. Will. Will, Will! Okay, so the state says that you must have at least one water source in... Check. And a window that's... Okay. And then at least one chair per ten persons. I think the Starship Enterprise is gonna count. I'm gonna check that box. How does it do this? It's a smart house. So it recognises your voice, and then adjusts itself accordingly. It's like a friend. I consider it a friend. But I have real friends that aren't robots. Let's forget this conversation and the previous conversation, and start afresh. Got that? Great. I'm gonna record your voice now, Annie, and it'll be in the system. So just say something into this. -What should I say? -Anything. I think I'm gonna like it here. (electronic chiming) Got it. Great. It's all yours. Have a go, and I'll be back. Just... Ma'am? E-Excuse me, ma'am... You are not allowed to go in there. MRS. KOVACEVIC: This is very nice. Are those halogen bulbs? -GRACE: Ma'am. MRS. KOVACEVIC: This sink is bigger than my entire country. (fast-tempo rhythm begins) I think I'm gonna like it here. # I think I'm gonna like it # I'm sure I'm gonna like it # I think I'm gonna like it here # So, think it and it shall appear # I think I'm gonna like it here GRACE: # Because it knows just what you wanna see ANNIE: # Wait, I think it and it comes to me? # Here's something grand for you to play # Wait, I couldn't do that yesterday # I think I'm gonna like it here # It's very hard not to, my dear # Yes, yes, I think I'm gonna like it here # Yes, yes, I think I'm gonna like it here # Think I'm gonna like it here # I think I'm gonna like it # Yes, yes, I think I'm gonna like it here # Yes, yes, I think I'm gonna - # Like it here -(gasps) # Think I'm gonna like it here GRACE (voice-over): Look! # It knows the temp you're comfy in. # That's great. Can it teach me to swim? GRACE: # We'll get a coach. No need to fear. (muffled): # I think I'm gonna like it here (muffled): The water's cold! # Everything you've ever dreamed # Is at your fingertips # And if you haven't dreamed it yet # Add it to your # Wish list... Is this Mr. Stacks's room? GRACE: No, Annie, this is your room. Sweet Lord! # I think I'm gonna like it # I know I'm gonna like it # I know you're gonna like it # Damn right, you're gonna like it # I think I'm gonna like it here # Yes, yes, I think I'm gonna like it here # Yes, yes, I think I'm gonna like it here # Think I'm gonna like it here # I think I'm gonna like it # Yes, yes, I think I'm gonna like it here # Yes, yes, I think I'm gonna like it here # Think I'm gonna like it here # Yes, yes. # (sighs happily) ANNIE: The closet was so big, I thought it was the living room. -Really? -Really? -How big was the living room? I thought it was Connecticut. -Oh, my gosh. -Is he nice? I think so. He just doesn't know it yet. We're gonna miss you, Annie. I'm not. Finally can get a little space in here. ANNIE: Well, whenever you miss me, all you gotta do is call. Bam. -Bam. Bam. -What? -Are you serious? -Stacks Phones? -Even one for you, Pepper. I know you're gonna miss me. Bam. -Wow. -No case, huh? This is janky. Hey, Mr. Will Stacks. Or should I say Soon-to-Be Mr. Mayor? No, thank you. We're just waiting on someone. I'm not looking for temporary companionship. Not judging you. God has a path for us all. Your path should be away from the car. -What?! -NASH: Ma'am, want to move away from the car, please? How dare you...! Oh, really, you're gonna spray me? What, you think you're better than me? Is that what it is? You think you're better than me? I do. I do think I'm better than you. -ANNIE: Hey, Miss Hannigan. -What?! I just want to thank you for everything you've done for me. You think your life is a fairy tale? There is no happily ever after. And the worst thing is to get a little taste of something good, 'cause it never lasts. And then all you can taste from then on out is... not that taste. -Huh? -Shh. Just let her talk when she gets like this, remember? Shut up! Colleen Hannigan! H-bomb! Like me on Facebook! I don't like you in Harlem. Why would I like you on Facebook? -Come on, rats, let's go! -(girls gasp) -Inside! -Bye. -Bye. -Bye, Annie. -Bye. Who was that? Don't worry about it. All right, Nash, we can take off. -I can't. There's a truck. -Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Bogey on your left, Nash. Bogey on your left. Steady. No, thank you. I'm not looking for companionship. -What is it with this neighbourhood? -No, that's Lou. -You know her name? -It's a he. -Hey, girl. -Hey. I got you something. Oh, no, thanks. Those things are evil. They steal your private information so that big business can spy on you and crush your soul. Really? I'm happy for you, though, mija. Getting off the block. Take care. -Bye, Lou. -Stay warm, Mr. Stacks. Sorry. He just doesn't like you. A lot of people don't like me. That's why we're doing this. Don't worry. I got a game face. Let's take some photos. MAN: My opponent wants to be mayor for two reasons: to feed his ego and bolster his business interests. And now he coincidentally takes in a foster kid? Come on. Don't pee in my ear and tell me it's hot rain. Are you saying Annie is a political move? I'm surprised he hasn't gotten a dog yet. Are you sure I can have one? -No. -Yes. GUY: Look, kids love dogs. Come on, they see them on the street, and they all go, "Aw." -Am I right? -Hello. -You know, women do the same thing. -Hello. (barks twice) Hello. -What about that one? -She was separated from her pack too early. She just needs a little love. STACKS: Don't pick that one. It's licking its own hoo-hah. Hey, girl, we found each other. I'll never leave you again. I promise. FEMALE REPORTER: Annie, what are you gonna name it? -She's like a hurricane. -Sandy. Her name's gonna be Sandy. I told you. Ow! -Annie, will you take a picture with us? -Um, Sure. Thanks, Annie. She really likes you. (Sandy panting) Look. Hey. Something wrong? Couldn't sleep. So quiet up here. What you doing? I'm working. This late? Always. When do you have fun? This is fun. I haven't been to Disneyland, but I don't think they have a paperwork ride. Look, if you're hungry, there's not a lot of food here; only takeout. Fridge. Cool. Knock yourself out. You don't have a cook? Or, like, a million servants? Nope, I don't. I like to be alone. So, why do you need all this space? 'Cause I like to be alone with a lot of space. Look, I think people surround themselves with other people just so they can feel loved. I don't believe in that. I believe the people that actually love you, you can count 'em on one hand. You know you're making a fist. Whatever. Where are your people? Wow, you ask a lot of questions, little one. My people aren't around. You don't want new ones? -I'm good. -You know what? I am hungry. I can make a meal out of anything. -Pick five ingredients. -I don't want to. -Come on. This will be fun. -Annie, listen, -I don't have time... -Not work, but almost as fun. (sighs) All right. Fusilli, pancetta, steak, pomegranate, truffle, sun-dried tomatoes. I've only heard of two of those things. Google it. Okay, where are your pots and pans? Pots and pans. -I know. Cool. -Cool. -Put some in there. -Eh... Put in some carrot... You're not gonna chop that carrot? You lactose-intolerant? I'm kid-intolerant. -How's your cholesterol? -It's good right now. I'm gonna go downstairs and get some supplies. See you later. Orange you glad I'm back? The sixth ingredient is my jokes. Order up. -Are we really doing this? -Cheers. (groans) You gotta be kidding me. Sorry. It's gross. But you gotta learn to stop spitting. You're not a camel. (Stacks chuckles softly) Guy has this crazy idea that I should take you to a movie premiere -tomorrow night. -A movie premiere?! Yes. Can I bring my friends? There's more of you? More photos. Click, click. All right. More photos. More photos. -It's worse the second time. -Yeah. This is kind of like a bunk bed. -Morning, Annie. -Good morning, Nash. I know this sounds crazy, but do you guys -spy on people with your phones? -Why? I really need to find some people. Come with me. Come on. You got it. There you go. Stacks Mobile Control Center. We can trace every call, every data transmission made on every carrier over the past 20 years. -Whoa. -Mm-hmm. People shouldn't be scared of governments. They should be scared of cell phone companies. Check for Bennett. Checking. NASH: Whoa. That's a lot of Bennetts. ANNIE: Can you please go back six years? Around the 26th precinct. It'll take a bit, but we'll let you know. Thanks. (girls squealing) TESSIE: Oh, my God! Did Hannigan catch you? Nah, she's passed out. Things that make you go glug-glug. WOMAN: Uh, Mr. Stacks, who are you wearing? -Armani. -Annie, who are you wearing? This is my friend Isabella's, and this, I think I found somewhere. MAN: Annie, how'd you like the French toast -you had for breakfast this morning? -Wait. How'd you know that? You tweeted it: @annie4realz. I started you a Twitter account. 1.3 million followers so far. You get it? "4realz." Because she's "for reals." -(Guy chuckles) -All right. You get it, right? Hey! Stacks Phones! Never drop a call. And, uh, vote for me, too. Things happen for a reason. Says the boy who doesn't have to go home to the Moon every night. -Then don't go. You know it's not my choice. What the hell is happening? Her Moon tears are running out. Oh, yeah. Course they are. MAN (in movie): Then I'll make it my choice. Did you just grab yourself? -Shh. -(cell phone buzzing) MAN (in movie): You're buzzing. -It's your phone. -Oh. Hey, it's one of our phones. It's time. That cost us $500,000. What? Product placement-- it's the only thing that's keeping the movie business afloat. Execute your orders and return to the queendom. You succeed, and your mother will be set free. If not... (growls) (audience screaming, Annie laughs) We are ready down there. Once the Moon sets, we will attack. Thanks, Sakana. What is going on? The fish are going to attack the Moon. I know, but they should attack already. There's not gonna be enough time for Kyle and Saffron to get away from the Luna Monsters. -(panting) -(squeals) Attack, Sakana, attack! AUDIENCE: Shh! # She's a fish and he's a boy # Moon Quake, Moon Quake... # (squealing) Sakana, Sakana! Sakana! Sit down. I can't believe Sakana told on them. Of course you can. You can't trust the fish people. -Gwarklark warned them. -I think she was bluffing. Nah, it was a warning. They come back in the next movie. -There's a next movie? -There are four more. -Shut up! -Shut up! -Whoa! -Cool! (groans) I gotta get back to work. -You can't stay for the party? -No. I haven't worked in two hours, and three of my men think I'm dead. -"I'm alive." -You've worked enough. If your building gets any taller, it's gonna hit the sun. You got this crazy way of turning a no into a yes. How do you do that? I think, when people say no, they're just really scared of saying yes. Well, I'm not scared. No. -Please. -No. Please. -Yes. What...? -Yes! -Come on. -(stammers) Uh-uh. Listen. Uh, I don't know. -Well, okay. -GRACE: This is amazing. Mr. Stacks. Will. I can't believe how long you've been here. We're gonna be late for the Jets-Giants game. -You're doing the ceremonial coin flip. -That's right. And remember, they're both New York teams, so heads or tails, you gotta be equally happy and sad. You're right. -You go, I'll stay here with the kids. -You sure? -Yeah. -All right, come on, let's go. What is that? MIA: Look, Tessie! -Can we make one more stop? -TESSIE: Shh. -Sure. -Don't wake up Hannigan. -GIRLS: Bye. -GRACE: Bye, girls. You come here every Friday? It's the only day they serve cannoli. And that's all you've got to go on? Do you think you'll remember what they look like? I think I'll just know. (TV playing indistinctly) (groans) (girls singing along to stereo in other room) (continue singing) - Moon Quake, Moon Quake... -What are you doing still up?! (music stops) Where did you get all of this stuff? Where'd you get it? Where'd you get it? We went with Annie to the movies, and we got candy and soda, and we went-ice skating, and Mr. Stacks is so cool, -and I got fish earrings. -Nice, Tessie. I can't keep a secret. I got fish earrings. -Pack it up. It's going back. -Why? -Because you don't deserve it. -PEPPER: Yes, we do. -It's from our friend. -She's not your friend. And neither is Mr. Stacks. They're all just a bunch of parasites who suck the life out of you and move on once you're not the shiny new object in the Factory anymore. You're being mean. I'm being educational. Now, pack it up! You look ridiculous. (clattering) I didn't fall. (girls laughing) DOLL: Mama. Mama. # Little girls, little girls # Everywhere I turn I can see them DOLL: Mama. Ugh. # Little girls, little girls # Night and day I eat, sleep and breathe them Get out of here! # I should be anywhere but here # Private planes, on the stage and MTV # But I find myself here at the snot house # Little shoes, little socks # Please kill me, I'm serious, please kill me # I'm not singing, I'm asking # Locked in a cage with all the rats # I've slipped through the cracks and now I'm # Stuck with the scraps and I can't # Seem to find my way back # Get me out, get me out of here LITTLE GIRLS: # Oh, get her out # I'm ready for stardom after all these years # I'm done - # With little girls -(girl giggling) # I wanna be someone in this world # Little girls, little girls # Everywhere I turn I can see them Ugh. # Little girls, little girls # Night and day I eat, sleep and breathe them # Get out of here! # Locked in a cage with all the rats # I've slipped through the cracks and now I'm # Stuck with the scraps and I can't # Seem to find my way back # Oh, get me out, get me out of here # Oh, throw me a rope # I'm ready for stardom after all these years # I'm done with little girls # I wanna be someone in this world # Little girls, little girls. # (girls giggling) HANNIGAN: Ugh. (slow, steady clapping outside) -LOU: Oh, my God. -(clapping continues) That was beautiful. Your voice matches your beauty. You sound like a church bell, if it was stuck on top of a beautiful woman, or if a beautiful woman was inside a church bell. Not that you look like a church bell. That's not what I'm saying. I mean, if you looked like a church bell, -I'd go to church every day. -What?! I got you a T-shirt and you're gonna love it. Here, you ready? Here. (grunts) What are you...? It's-it's not your colour? Not your size. I got more in the store. You know what I'm talking about the church bell, right? (chuckles) 1 Cannoli. One for your pretty friend. Thank you. Sorry, kid. It's okay. Can you not tell Mr. Stacks about this? I don't want to bother him with it. Sure. (over TV): He's worked selflessly his entire life for New York. From his first job teaching in inner-city schools to his 25-year stint on the city council. -Whose voice is that? -I don't know. Endorsed by the New York Times, the New York Post, and me, Michael J. Fox. STACKS: Michael J. Fox? -It's over. We're finished. -Okay... If Michael J. Fox endorses him, then I'll vote for him. Listen to me, Michael J. Fox is not as great a guy -as you think he is. -Oh, no. Come on, he's a saint. -I hear there's a tape. -Forget it. I don't want to hear it. -You've plateaued. -Michael J. Fox. Okay, pay attention. Follow the little green dot. Okay, that's you right there. I don't need a pointer to read a graph. Well, read this. Annie's taken you as far as she can, okay? But it's not over. How bad do you want this? I don't start things I can't win. Well, how far are you willing to go? Or should I say, how far do you want me to go? I pay you a lot of money for you not to ask me those types of questions. Okay, Guy-O? Rat-a-tat-tat, message received, boss. (Sandy whimpers quietly) -Good morning. -Made you breakfast. You made me breakfast. (clears throat) Hey, I was thinking, uh, maybe you would want to go in to work with me today. Cool. -That'd be cool? -I'll go make us drinks. -All right. -Don't let your food get cold. Mmm. (mouth full): Okay. I won't. This is... this is amazing. Oh... Annie, you really outdid yourself. Annie, this is a triumph, honey. You got me eating this thing up like a dog. Oh, mmm! This is good. What is it? Mmm. Paprika. Mmm. Oregano. What is...? Mmm, mmm! What is that, Gouda cheese? You want to know what's Gouda? This breakfast. Cool, a helicopter! Yeah. Oh, make sure you duck! Why? I don't know, they always duck in the movies. Hop on up. All right. Here we go. Do you get airsick? Don't know. I've never been in the air before. Ah. I threw up on the swings once. Annie, we're gonna do a cell tower check. Make sure they're all working. You do that yourself? Yep. Told you work is fun. Gilbert, let's roll. You'll be all right. STACKS: You want to know the secret to "Never drop a call"? Not really. Yes, yes, I do. Desperately. Good. See, we have five times as many cell towers as the other guys. But we hide them in plain sight, like right there-- you see? No. It's in her crown. -Yeah! -(chuckles) ANNIE: That's so cool. STACKS: It's beautiful, isn't it? How'd you do this? How'd you become king of the world? Well, I wouldn't say king of the world. But I work my butt off. The harder I work, the more opportunities I get. See, you got to play the cards that you've been dealt, no matter how bad the cards are. What if you don't have any cards? Then you bluff. See, that's what I love about this city. No matter who you are or what you are, you just got to want it bad enough and work with what you got. # This is just the start of your story # If you got guts, you'll get glory # Anyone can make their dreams come true # In New York City # And now's the time you gotta stand tough # 'Cause if you work hard, you can rise up # Anyone can make it, even you # In New York City # Look at me, I'm just blood pumpin' # You and me are two hearts thumpin' # We are two souls feeling the same beat # And so take it all # The city's yours # It's worth fighting for # It's all yours # And so take it all # The city's yours # It's worth fighting for # It's all mine # It's all yours... # Why don't you go above 96th Street? No reason. Gilbert, go uptown. This is my New York City. Where'd you live? Everywhere. Oh, I see a cell tower! STACKS: Where? See it? Right there. Right under that devil bird. STACKS: Good eyes. You know, Annie, sometimes what you're looking for... ...is right in front of your face. # In New York City # And so take it all # So take it all - # The city's yours - # The city's mine - # Worth fighting for - # It's worth fighting for - # It's all mine - # It's all mine - # So take it all - # So take it all # The city's yours # The city's mine # Worth fighting for # It's worth fighting for - # It's all mine - # It's all mine # It's all yours # In New York City. # -Grace. -Hmm? What's our presence past 96th Street? Um, well, we're mostly focused below, but I've been saying for awhile we should try to... No, but I had it this way. -Let me do this... -Whoa, whoa, whoa... -I've got it. -What are you doing? I know what I'm doing. -Miss Farrell? -Oh. -It arrived. Thanks. -What's that? I bought a dress for Annie to wear to the event tonight. -Oh, nice, nice. -It's gorgeous. I just need you to tie the bow and make sure that the satin is... -I tie the bow? -Yeah. -I'm dressing her? -You just have to tie the bow. No, I... (clears throat) What kind of bow? -It's just a simple bow. -Like a slipknot? 'Cause you know I didn't take Boy Scouts. It's very easy, Will. And have the satin facing out. -The satin? I knew a girl named Satin. -Yeah. I'm sure you did. You don't need to elaborate. Satin and bows is not necessarily my... You know what? I'll come over. -Yeah, I mean, either way. -Great. -She's gonna look gorgeous. -Mm-hmm. . Annie. (chuckles) You didn't... you didn't, you didn't see anything? I didn't see anything. Good. Good. 'Cause I... Well, I don't know, I thought I saw you... Nope! Here the whole time. (elevator bell dings) What were you guys doing? Just hanging out? Hi. Evening. Wow. Uh, Grace, you look great. Oh, please. You look... handsome. Lovely. -No. -Yes. This is old. This is my grandmother's. It's nothing. Your grandmother is hot. I mean, not that I... I've never seen your grandmother. I'm not... I'm saying that the dress is nice. Well, you're sweet. You look good. So do you. Let's go and get you dressed. Let's go! -Okay... Oh, oh, her dressed. I was already dressed. -Come on! -Yes. -Come on. -Yeah. Get some... (chuckles) ANNIE: Ready? -Yes. I'm very excited. Oh, Annie, it's gorgeous. You're just gorgeous. I can't believe it. STACKS: All right, ladies, let's go. Let's go. We're running late. Annie! Wow! I know, right? I've never seen a bow this big. Yes, and I noticed that you put the satin on the outside of the bow; that's a very interesting choice. You know what? Get out of here. We're not done yet. You know what? When did this stop being my house? -ANNIE and GRACE: Out! -Okay, fine. You know what? You're changing everything. As a matter of fact, this used to be a Basquiat. Now it's a dog and a deer in a meadow. Why is that combination so cute?! (both laugh) Come on. Let's do your hair. Why aren't you and Mr. Stacks together? (laughs): That's a complicated question. Not really. Do you like him? Well, you know, I work for him. You know, liking him doesn't really come into play. Okay. I mean, is he my friend? Yes. Do I find him attractive? Sure. And not just in the physical sense. But he is... he's very good-looking. Got lovely shoulders and a great, chiselled face. Lovely lips. Good hair. I wouldn't bank on the hair, sister. Well, I'm far too busy to be bothered with anything like that anyway, so... That sounds like something Mr. Stacks would say. Yeah, it does, doesn't it? When my friend Pepper liked this boy at school, she punched him in the face. She got suspended, but they play in the park together now. Sometimes I'd like to punch Mr. Stacks in the face. I'm just meaning punching. That's it. Just pun... I just want to punch him. He's annoying. -(horns honking) -(reporters clamouring) (cameras clicking) Hey. Thanks for doing this, Will. Your name's gonna look great up there. Now, you sure the Guggenheims are okay with me taking their name off? You gave me 100 million reasons not to care. (laughs) Did they find anything on my parents? No, not yet. And we dug real deep. I'm sorry. ANNIE: Thanks for trying. Annie! REPORTER: Annie, look up! (clamouring continues) New Yorkers face challenges every single day. Challenges that seem insurmountable. We all tell ourselves "no" a lot. We say, "No, I won't get that job," or "No, I can't afford college." Unless it's you, Franklin, coming from the mean streets of Martha's Vineyard. (laughter) -(orchestra plays rim shot) -Hey! Yeah. STACKS: Let's change those no's to yesses. Because when we say no, we're actually just scared to say yes. So let's start saying yes to ourselves, and let's say yes to a brighter future. (crowd cheering) Now, many of you know that, uh, I've had a visitor staying with me recently. She only knows the word "yes." -Annie? -Hmm? -Could you come up, please? -Go on. -(crowd cheering) You'll be great. Go on, darling. -Swallow your shrimp, Annie. -Come on. STACKS: Now, Annie, I don't want to embarrass you. I just want everyone to see what the future of our city is all about. Now, do you have anything you want to say to these good people that are just oozing with liberal guilt? Except for you, Senator. I know you trying to build that fence. (laughter) I can't believe I'm here. I'm in a dress that feels like a cloud. I'm standing in the middle of a giant cinnamon roll. (laughter) With a band that has little violins. -Big violins. -(orchestra playing softly) One of those. Oh, a piano. Mr. Stacks has taught me so much. He's given me such a big opportunity. # Under the glow of the very bright lights # I turn my face towards the warm night skies # And I am not afraid of a thousand eyes # When they're above 500 smiles # Oh, I used to think # Oh, she used to think # What wouldn't I give # What wouldn't she give - # For a moment like this - # For a moment like this # This moment, this gift # Now look at me and this opportunity # It's standing right in front of me # But one thing I know # It's only part luck and so # I'm putting on my best show # Under the spotlight, I'm starting my life # Big dreams becoming real tonight # So look at me and this opportunity # You're witnessing my moment, you see # My big opportunity # Oh, I used to think # Oh, she used to think # What I wouldn't give # What wouldn't she give - # For a moment like this - # For a moment like this # This moment, this gift # And now look at me and this opportunity # It's standing right in front of me # But one thing I know # It's only part luck and so # I'm putting on my best show # Under the spotlight, I'm starting my life # Big dreams becoming real tonight # So look at me and this opportunity # You're witnessing my moment, you see # My big opportunity # I won't waste it. # I guarantee. (crowd cheering) Take a bow. (Guy laughing) That was great. -(quietly): Now read my speech. -What? That speech I wrote you. My speech. It's right there. Is everything all right? I'll make it bigger for her. There it is. "Thank you, Mr. Stacks." -Hold on a second. -No. Annie, is everything okay? Leave me alone. -(crowd murmuring) -Annie! Annie! Annie? (microphone feedback squeals) # This is your big opportunity # To vote for William Stacks. # Annie! Annie! -Annie! Wait! -(horns honking) Wait, wait, wait! Annie! Hey! Wait, Annie. Slow down. What are you doing? -Annie... -Wait, wait, wait. I got it. What's going on? -It's nothing. -Young lady, you're gonna have to tell me what's going on with you right now. -No, I don't! You're not my dad. Wow. Well, I know that. I know I'm not your dad. But I would like to know what's going on with you. I can't read. What do you mean you can't read? I've watched you read, Annie. Maybe you were just nervous. Sorry I ruined your shrimp event. NASH: What happened? I don't know. She freaked out. Hey, what were you two talking about earlier? She asked me to help her find her parents. But it was a dead end. Even asked some of my old buddies on the force. There's nothing on that kid. Her parents. Genius. -(reporters clamouring) -Annie, what's wrong? Get back! Hey, hey, get back! -Grace! -Get back! -Nash! -Hey! Hey, hey, hey, hey. Make room. She's a kid. Get back. She's a kid! 1 (doorbell buzzes) Who is it?! (over speaker): It's Guy Danlily. I work for Will Stacks. (sweetly): Come in. (lock release buzzes) (clears throat) (clicks tongue) Hello there. Uh, Colleen Hannigan? That's my maiden name, but I'm not married to it, if you know what I mean. (clicks tongue) Can I buy you... another drink? So if he wins, I get paid a fortune. I mean, more than anything I've ever been paid combined. -Why so much? -It's like getting paid long odds on a dark horse. I mean, do you know how hard it is to get Will Stacks elected? I mean, "Never drop a call." What does that even mean? Everybody texts now. There have been worse politicians than him. I know; I got them elected. Schwarzenegger, Kim Jong Il, that blood diamonds guy. -What? -But I'm over it. I'm tired of being the cockroach everybody needs but treats like a... -Cockroach? -Exactly. -Hmm. This is my last roll at the table. Get paid and get out. There's no such thing as a way out, trust me. There's always a way out, trust me. And in this particular case, it's all about finding Annie's parents. # You know I'm tired of being the black hat # Of running the show down in the snake pit Are you singing to me? # So this is our chance To get out of this place Is this really happening? # So come on, let's run for it # To Easy Street # Easy Street # Where you'll sleep till noon # Yeah, yeah, yeah If Stacks reunites Annie with her parents, 80 percent surge in the polls for sure. We talked about this already. They don't exist. We'll make them exist. Find a couple people to pretend to be her parents. They learn every detail and miraculously show up right before the election. (chuckles) Add water, instant parents. What's in it for me? Same as for me. Ka-ching. And... no more being a cockroach. # Yeah, I'll be the girl who's dripping in jewellery # The crowds'll go wild # When I sing # I won't have to look out # On a fire escape -Two. # The view will be billboards of me # On Easy Street # Easy Street To a way out. # Where we all # Get paid # Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah # Yeah, yeah, yeah (cheering) # Move them feet # To Easy Street # When ya get there # When ya get there... # When ya get there # Stay. # I knew I liked you. -(chuckles) -(grunts) Okay, we're not doing that right now. That's fine, YOLO, YOLO. That's fine. To Easy Street. (song ends) I've been telling her she can do anything she wants to do in this city, and come to find out she can't even read. (sighs) How does that happen? A lot of kids get lost, Will; a lot of people get lost. Well, it's unacceptable. We got to get her a tutor. For her, though, right? Not just for press. -Yeah. Yeah, for her. -What? -(chuckles) I can feel you smiling with those Britisher-than-thou lips. Your secret's safe with me, Batman. -What secret? -That you care about her. I care about the kids that are in New York City. And Annie. Well, she lives in New York. So therefore, she's... -Okay, just... -...cared for. -It's a blanket, it's... -Mm-hmm. She's within the structure of the whatever. Annie, where you going? Thanks for everything. Sorry I messed up last night. Hope you can still be mayor. What are you talking about? Get back here. It's okay. I'm good at this part. I've had a lot of practice getting kicked out of places. (sighing): Oh, Annie... Listen, put your bag down. You're not going anywhere. -Sandy's got to go. -Stop it. You and Sandy are staying here, and I don't care what happened last night. No, I mean Sandy's got to "go." No, I mean... Oh, Sandy's got to "go." Okay, well, is it, uh, is it champagne or gelato? -What? -Is it Mountain Dew or is just plain old doo? -(chuckles) -Is it lemonade or chicken nuggets? We should... I should go. Now I want to go. Because my bladder's full. Come on, let's go. (voice-over): I saw you sign your name. That's all you got to know how to do. But what about your teachers? How is this possible? I'm good at hiding it. Okay, at home? They didn't catch it at home? "At home"? How come you didn't tell anybody about this? It's not like the whole world wants a foster kid to begin with. And plus, it's embarrassing. I didn't want anyone to know. You know what? I-I want to show you something. (voice-over): This is good here. -Where are we? -Queens. Do I need my passport? (laughs) Truth is, Annie, everybody's got something that they don't want anybody to know. Including me. For me, this is it. This is my family. Can you see them right now? No, I don't. I see them in my mind. Like-like this part of the track right here? This is where my father worked. 20 hours a day. Work and work and work and work. And then, uh, he died. I was 12 years old. What was he like? I don't know. I barely knew him. He was always working. And that's why I felt like if I worked hard enough, then that would probably bring me closer to him. And that's why I developed this. Well... now... you got this. Yeah, all right, Annie. You know, this pollen or something has got my eyes all scratchy. Let's walk this way. We can see where the trains go. MAN: It's good to see you after all these years. PEPPER: Yo, suit, no cuts, no buts, no coconuts. You got to sign in. -For what? -The auditions. Audition? Oh, my God. Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait! Oh, we've been trying so hard to find you! -Where is she? -Back there. Why? Wait! Hey, stop! Stop! Wait. That's an interesting choice. "Oh, darling girl, it's so good to see you... -Hey. -...after all these years!" -"We've been trying so hard "to find you and then we saw pictures of you "with the nice man running for mayor." "Let's sing our special song only us three know." Locket. (singing scales) # The sun will come out # Pronto # Bet your sweet bottom, fella, that - # Pronto -(beatboxing) # There'll be sun! # (imitates scratching) What the hell is this? A disaster! You're garbage, you're pitchy. -Next! -Come on. -I really like the script. -David Kramer says hello. -Out! That hack. -What are you doing? -You told me to find two people to play her parents. I meant some friends or some neighbourhood toughs, not open auditions. These are callbacks. I know, right? -And why are they singing? -People love musicals. Bursting into song for no apparent reason, it's magical. # There's a window, there's a bed # Here's a table, there's your head # Okay, you're done. I'll take care of finding the parents. You don't do anything. -I'll call you when I need you. -But... No buts. We're running out of time. Oh! (laughing) -Touch the sign! -I did it! You ever see Casper the Friendly Ghost throw up? No. (gagging) (laughing) (playful growling) Would you like a marshmallow? Psych! How about a graham cracker? Ow! You son of a... (muffled talking) (chuckles) You make me laugh. (laughing) (voice-over): Hey, Grace. Uh, let me ask you something. (sighs) Exactly how hard would it be, uh, to become a foster parent? And-and not temporarily, either. More like a, uh... Well, you know, permanent situation. You mean adopt Annie? Yeah, well, whatever the word is. That's the word, Will. Then, uh... yeah. Sandy. We slept in the bed. Which one do you prefer, Will? -Hmm? -Uh... red. It's been two hours. I don't think she's completely learned to read yet. Yeah, well, not completely, but... GUY: Will! Will! We got our game changer. Every election needs a game changer, and we got our game changer. -Stop saying game changer. Annie's parents, they saw her picture and they called us. It's a miracle. Game changer. Apparently, they've been looking for her for years, but she's not in the system. How do they know she's their daughter? Well, they know everything about her. They know about the locket, the note, and oh, yeah, I ran a DNA test. Boom goes the dynamite! DNA test. (clears throat) All right, but don't tell her. I want to meet them before Annie finds out. Well, I wouldn't have it any other way. I mean, you should totally be the one who tells Annie (loudly): that we found her parents. You found my parents? Yes, honey, we did. Well, we think so. -Really? -Uh, yeah, we-we're gonna meet them -at a place called Domani. -That's where the note is from. -No way! -I knew they'd come for me. Uh... I'm happy for you, Annie. I know this is what you always wanted. And it's all because of you. 1 ANNIE (voice-over): I can't believe I'm gonna see my parents. I'm kind of freaking out. (crowd clamouring, cameras clicking) REPORTER: Annie! Annie! Over here! Are you happy? Are you happy? Very happy for you. Thanks. Annie: The Reunion. -Annie. -Hi. -My girl. (chuckles) Is it a match? Let's see, huh? (gasps) It's a match. We thought we'd lost you forever. Me, too. DAD: We fell upon hard times. We just felt it was best for someone else to look after you. -I figured. -I've never forgiven myself for it. DAD: But when we got back on our feet, well, we just couldn't find you, kid. MOM: But the angels were looking out. Where do you live? -New Jersey. -Ooh... -(chuckles) -But we're moving to Brazil for my job. I think you're gonna like it there. -Cool. -Okay, let's get started. Everything is, uh, in order. We have the DNA test signed by the judge. Now we just need signatures of the parents. -That's you guys. -That's us. Ma'am, sign right there. Hey, remember me from before? -You know what, I do. Uh... -That's right. I didn't know that you were Annie's foster mom. -Amongst other things. -I know. She said that you're a very good singer. What'd she say? (whiny): "Oh, she's a really good singer"? No, she didn't do any of that. She just said you have a very nice voice and she liked it. -She did? -Yep. Said it made her feel good about herself. MRS. KOVACEVIC: Thank you, Rodney. The, uh, guardian of record. That's you, Stretch. Come on, right here. You sure about this? That this is gonna win you the election? Yeah. No. Annie. You don't pay me to worry about her. MRS. KOVACEVIC: And the current temporary guardian, William Stacks. Mr. Stacks, we meet again. That's a very big pen. Thank you. Okay, well, according to the State of New York, you are officially reunited. -Yay! -Hooray! MOM: We'll pick you up at... -4:00. -Great. (clamouring) -Hold it. -Take it easy. REPORTER 2: What were they like? Hey, hey, hey, wait! How did you do the DNA test? You can do anything with money. Well, who-who are those people? What's your plan with her, anyhow? Don't worry about it. She served her purpose. What does that mean? That they'll hold her for a while, then dump her back in the system till after the election. -No harm, no foul. -You can't do that to her. I mean, she's still a little girl. What do you care? Look, just go home and keep your mouth shut. Hey, you can't talk to me like that. I know things about you. Well, if you know what's good for you, you'll go home and keep your mouth shut. (engine starts) REPORTER 3: Mr. Stacks, has it helped you in the polls? Hey, folks, Mr. Stacks is thrilled for Annie and her family. Never drop a citizen. Vote Stacks for mayor. REPORTER 4: Annie, Annie, did you enjoy seeing them? How was it, Annie? (clamouring) We're gonna miss you, Annie. -Yeah. We can finally get those bubbles out of the apartment. (chuckles) (softly): Yeah. (sighs) Warm enough? Yeah, are you? Yeah. Is it dusty in here? Nah. NEWSCASTER: "The New York Post" reports Will Stacks reuniting Annie with her parents has pushed him into a dead heat in the race for mayor. He was once trailing by as much as 30 points. His recent friendship... Hey, baby. So I haven't seen you in here for a minute. To what do I owe this pleasure? Take it easy. How you doing? Not super awesome. You want me to make you a sandwich? (scoffs, gags) How about if I make you a key? (sighs) You ever do anything that you thought was really a good idea at the time, but then after, it's like you-you're not so sure? Yeah, putting up that key sign. I don't know the first thing about making keys. What's the matter, sweetie? What did you do? 'Cause whatever it is, you know I'm here to help. Why are you so nice to me, the way I treat you? Because under all that bitter, there's a sweet lady with a big heart. She's just been gone for a while, that's all. Hmm. Yeah. # Who am I and what have I become? # Do I stand for something # Or for money? # Who am I and where's # My good girl gone? # You know I had a good heart once # You see # Who am I # Now that my armour's gone? # You gave me what I didn't know # I needed # Who am I # Now that my heart is won? # I didn't know I needed anyone BOTH: # But I've got today # I got to make # The best I can of it # 'Cause yesterday # Is dead and gone # And me along with it # I want to start again # So I look within # Remember what I wanted # 'Cause I don't know # Who I've become # But I will trust in it # Yeah, I will trust in it # Who am I? # I spent my life alone # Forever looking for someplace # To call home # Who am I? # About to meet myself # This should feel right # But something don't ALL: # I want to start again # So I look within # Remember what I wanted # 'Cause I don't know # Who I've become # But I will trust in it # I will trust in it # Oh, I will trust in it # Oh, I will trust in it # Oh, I will trust in it # I will trust in it # But today # I gotta make # The best I can of it # 'Cause yesterday # Is dead and gone # And me along with it # I want to start again. # (song ends) (sighs) TESSIE: Cinderella dressed in yellow. Went upstairs to choose her fellow. Made a mistake and kissed a snake. -How many... -Guys... I need your help. -Hey. -Hey. Got to give this back to you. It won't work in Brazil. Yeah, we're not in Brazil yet. We're in Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia... Actually, southern Colombia. Now, Bogota, that's a tough place to penetrate. Yeah, I've heard that about Bogota. Made you something. Really? That's me, that's Sandy, and that's you. I copied "Stacks" from my phone. I'm gonna miss you. (elevator bell dings) -Annie. -Hi. -You ready? -We're gonna go straight to the airport, kid. ANNIE: Okay. It's been great getting to know you, Annie. You're such a special little girl. You should punch Mr. Stacks in the face, so you can go play in the park together. Then you'll have a real friend. (laughs): That was between us. -Okay? -Okay. I'd like to help you out. (clears throat) No. Thank you. We don't believe in hand-outs. Only hand-ups. And you've already given us one. Bye, Annie. (whispers): Never slow your roll. You neither. (Sandy growling, barking) -Whoa! -(gasps) What a cute dog. Come on. Bye. (quietly): Bye. Good-bye, Annie. The press is eating this up. We're gonna crush. (chuckles) Good-bye, Harold Grey, you pathetic, nonprofit do-gooder. Grace, where are we with that phone battery? -What? -A full week on one charge-- where are we with that? -We're close. -Close is not good enough. -Well, we don't have the... -We've already wasted enough time. I'm gonna go call the research department. (reporters clamouring, cameras clicking) Knock 'em dead, kid. REPORTER: Bye, Annie! Will... I hate seeing you like this. -Grace, I'm fine. Let's just... -NASH: Mr. Stacks, I think you're gonna want to hear this. TESSIE: Annie's in trouble. -What? -Those weren't her real parents. What?! What is happening? Ignore her, 'cause she's clearly insane. Watch your mouth, chango. HANNIGAN: Look, I did something terrible, and I'm really sorry. What do you mean those aren't her real parents? He had them take her somewhere. -I can't believe I danced with you! -You danced with him? I-I was desperate. He was a little handsy. -Where is Annie? -What have you done? Where's Annie?! . ANNIE: Is it cold in Brazil? -(whispering): Just be cool. -She's asking questions. (whispering continues) Do you collect ashtrays? No. Art? No. -Do you play piano? -Just shut up. Where are we going? We're just taking you someplace for a little bit. Just relax. You're not my real parents, are you? -Just sit-sit back. -What are you doing? Stop that. -Sit still. -Let me go! When Mr. Stacks finds out about this, you're gonna... Stacks doesn't need you anymore. Why do you think we're taking you? You work for Mr. Stacks? He wouldn't do this. Yeah, well, I guess he has enough photos. Mr. Stacks did this? Call my guy at the FBI. I want to get everyone on it. -I got it. -I'm already on with the police. I'm such an idiot. I didn't think anything like this could happen. How could you not know who has her? Well, I got a guy who takes care of these kinds of things. It keeps our hands clean. Trust me. I can't trust you. You took Annie. -Hey! -Hey, look! -It's me! -Annie! -Hey, girl! -Help! -(camera clicks) Get her. Grab her. -Stop that. -Sit, sit, sit still. -Don't touch me! -(Sandy barking) -Sit still! -(tyres screeching) (horns blaring) Everybody, listen up! I want you to check every call within a ten-mile radius. -On it. I knew they could do that. I knew they... Someone just posted a picture of Annie on Twitter. -Where? -54th and 6th. -(phone chimes) Another one on an Annie blog. It looks like she's waving. 57th and 6th. Let's go. Hey. You do this and everyone will know. Forget about being mayor. It'll destroy your whole business! -I don't care. -You're making a huge mistake. Think about everything you've worked for. That everything means nothing. -You're fired. -No... You! -Ow! -Talk to him. You're the only one he'll listen to. (groans) It's not 'cause she likes you. Oh, she's got these pointy little... Oh! Nice chopper! What is this, a Bell 429? What? What, a guy like me can't know about helicopters? I don't know anything about helicopters. -It's written right here. -(girls laugh) -Gilbert, let's go. -Roger that. -Who's Roger? -Who's Roger? Is anyone else dizzy? BOY: Look! -It's Annie! -Help. TESSIE: Another picture on Instagram. 65th and 10th. Head west, Gil. (Hannigan gasps, whimpers) (kids clamouring) Hey, what are you doing? -Hey! -Hold her still. Hold her still. (tyres screeching, horn blaring) We'll find her, Will. -(phone chimes) -Just posted on the George Washington Bridge. GRACE: She's waving. She's doing it on purpose! Head uptown, Gil. There she is! STACKS: Don't lose them. (Hannigan screaming) On an Annie blog! She's heading to the State Park. STACKS: They're headed into the park. Gilbert, don't make me come up there and fly this helicopter. -There they are! -Annie! Annie! Annie! -Annie! I don't think she can hear you. (siren wailing) What? It's the cops. (tyres screeching) Oh, no. It's Stacks. Why would he be following us? (sirens wailing) -Watch it! -Whoa! "DAD": Watch out! -Annie! -(weakly): Annie. (Hannigan retching) -Gil! Let's land this! -Cut them off. (weakly): I really hope we find Annie soon. -No! -(tyres screech) Annie! -Get them! -OFFICER: NYPD! Hold it! STACKS: Annie! Annie, are you okay? I'm fine. We're even now? -What? -Want another photo? (cameras clicking) -It's not like that, honey. -It's exactly like that. You don't care about me. I was just a opportunity to you. -No, that's not true. -It is true. You did all this to me so you could be stupid mayor! No... Listen, you got to trust me! I can't trust you. I can't trust anybody! No! Just let me go! Listen, I'm sorry for what happened to you. And I can't look you in the eye and tell you that I didn't know that something was going on. But I did not know that those people weren't your parents. You gotta believe me. This is you, Annie. It's you. REPORTER: Oh, wait, wait. -Sir! -(cameras clicking) I officially withdraw from this mayoral race. I think that this city deserves someone better than I am. I want to take time out to concentrate on things that really matter to me the most. And that's this amazing little girl, Annie. Because... Oh, it's kind of dusty. (sniffles) No, it's not dusty. I'm crying. (voice breaks): That's my family. Thank you. (reporters clamouring) I need one more thing from you. You are always on the hustle. What is it now? Stop playing games. Oh, yeah. I got this. You all right? I'm fine. Grace... listen, I've always had a problem with realising what's right in front of me and... Well, I'm learning. Uh, would you like to go out to dinner with me? What?! I mean, without you, I can't... I can't function. That just doesn't mean work either. I mean, you're right... you're right about everything. You're right about the phone, you're right about Guy, you're right about this mayoral race, you're right about -the wind, you were just right about... -Oh, shut up! -Ooh! -(girls laughing) (laughs) # Together at last # Together forever # We're tying a knot # They never can sever # I don't need sunshine now # To turn my skies to blue # I don't need anything but you # You've wrapped me around # That cute little finger # You've made life a song # You made me a singer, oh # You're not warm and fuzzy # And ain't the most shyest girl # But nothing on earth # Could ever divide us... Today was terrible. Today was a straight-up nightmare. # But that was then # 'Cause I was looking for something # Looking for my loose end # Now I don't need anything but you # But that was then # 'Cause I was looking for something # Looking for my loose end # Now I don't need anything but you # But nothing on earth # Could ever divide us # But nothing on earth # Could ever divide us # But nothing on earth # Could ever divide us # But nothing on earth # Could ever divide us... Yeah, all right. # Everybody dance now... No, no. It's their thing, mami. # Together at last # Together forever # We're tying a knot # They never can sever # You're two of a kind # The happiest pair now # Like bright shooting stars # You're floating on air now # And what's the title of the dream that just came true? # I don't need anything # Anything, anything # I don't need anything but you. # Keeps singing and dancing like that, there's no way he was ever gonna win. ANNIE: "The city is full of opportunity. "It's yours to take. The sun will come out tomorrow." (crowd cheering, marching band playing) # The sun'll come out tomorrow # Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow # There'll be sun # Just thinkin' about tomorrow # Clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow - # Till there's none -(Sandy barking) - # When I'm stuck with a day - # A day - # That's grey - # That's grey # And lonely - # I just stick out my chin - # My chin - # And grin - # And grin # And say # The sun'll come out tomorrow # So ya gotta hang on till tomorrow # Come what may - # Tomorrow, tomorrow - # But nothing on earth - # I love ya, tomorrow - # Could ever divide us - # You're always a day away - # But nothing on earth - # Could ever divide us - # Tomorrow - # But nothing on earth - # Tomorrow - # I love ya, tomorrow - # Could ever divide us # You're always # A day # away! # To-To-To-To-Tomorrow - # Tomorrow is a day away. # -(music stops) (whispers): Yeah! (chuckles) ALL: Whoo! www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Able 2017