When you find a dream to call your own, all it takes is what you have to do.
All it takes is one leap, and your heart takes flight.
And sometimes, that dream will carry you further than you ever imagined.
I grew up in rural Oklahoma in the 1920s, what used to be Indian territory.
There were changes going on all around us.
We've been a state only a few years, and old ways were bumping into new ones all the time.
Eight, nine, ten.
Life seemed pretty simple for us kids, though.
We had time to play, and time to dream.
I was just a young girl.
But I was already doing things most folks would never have thought a kid could do.
And the sky seemed big enough to hold anything I could dream up.
Help! Help!
Come in, mama!
Your father's ready to go!
None that cheek could tame me took.
Listen, mama, I just fell.
Your father's ready to go now.
Get inside and comb that rat's nest and chains that shirt around the whole town's gone.
I think Georgie has a brother.
Kids, if y'all want to go, we need to go!
Your father's ready.
Ew.
Where you been, Pearl?
You know you're supposed to practice your music for church tomorrow.
I've been looking for you, I'm thinking.
Hurry up, Peanut. Now do as mama says, I don't want to be late.
Hey, Daddy.
My mom was Chickasaw.
You guys need to hurry up, Daddy's waiting for you.
You may have one.
You're welcome.
She taught us about our great heritage and how we had been forced here from the east on the Trail of Tears.
But this was our home now, and we were determined to make the best of it.
Thank you.
Opal, please be sure to watch Georgie while you're in town.
Georgie, you may have one slice.
One slice of Georgie.
Give me that back, Georgie!
Aye, yeah.
Oh, no.
Let's go, kids.
I have an important meeting at the office, and I don't intend on being late.
Honey?
Are you sure you don't want to go?
Not today.
I have all the canning to do, and I want to get it all finished, so you'll have preserved to take to the tenants.
You will.
You look nice.
Thank you, Missy.
Have fun.
♪
Even without the use of his eyes, my daddy was one of the most successful business men in these parts.
He had a way of seeing opportunities that passed others right on by.
Ready, Daddy?
Ready, Peanut.
Careful, Chloe.
That's just stuff.
It's all ready to lie.
Hey, look here.
There she is.
Land six.
With all his business sense, you would think that George Carter may squat.
Enough.
Not to let a female drive his motor car.
Shoot.
I wouldn't let that girl at Pearl Carter get any closer than 25 feet of my...
tractor.
Yeah, I've seen your tractor.
Let's see.
A dime for the show, times four kids.
How much is that, Peanut?
You know, Daddy.
Well, I would want to give out the wrong amount now, would I?
How much?
40 cents.
Opalita, here.
Can we get some popcorn to Daddy and Coke?
Can you tell me how much more you'll need for all that?
A nickel.
A nickel more for each of them.
So altogether, that would come too.
It's 20 cents.
It's 20 cents more.
Oh, you're such a dumb door.
I was just about to say that, and I'm not dumb.
You love Pearl Carter.
Sorry, Daddy.
Okay.
Well, everything's shake, Dad.
You better shake a leg.
We don't want to be late for the show.
Have fun, kids.
I'll see you back at the house later this afternoon.
Pearl?
After the movie, pick us up a newspaper.
Okay.
Thank you, sweetie.
How you doing, Mr. Carter?
Good morning, boy.
Right on time of doors.
Come on in.
Thanks for coming.
I'm excited to be here.
I'm really glad you can make it.
I am too.
I think it's going to be a good shadow.
I think it is too, honey.
I think it's going to be a good shadow.
Come on, y'all.
Come on, y'all.
The new spread, Lindbergh's name was on every town.
Crowds stood in the streets discussing rumors and reports of the flight.
Please, yeah. I'll be back.
In France, Lindbergh started--
Shh! I'll be back.
And 33 hours after the take-off, Lindy landed at La Borsheck.
During his short stay in France, Lindbergh was the idol of that nation as well as the United States.
He was America's goodwill ambassador, strengthening a long existing friendship between the two republics.
When he came home on an American battle cruiser, Lindy received the greatest reception New York has ever seen,
including the first big ticker tape snowstorm.
♪♪
Girl?
Hey, what are you doing?
Shh, back down, William.
People are trying to watch a movie.
Deprived to be on our first across the Atlantic,
Commander Bird later flew across the north and south poles.
♪♪
Stick 'em up, you yellow-bellied side-winder.
No, Gee.
I'm gonna get you, Pearl. Just you... wait.
Come on, you two.
What about Opal?
She's a little busy with the sheep right now.
Wait here. I gotta get something for Daddy.
But I want to--
Just wait. I'll be right back.
♪♪
Hey, Snake.
Have a nice day, ladies.
That's $2.12, Gidry.
♪♪
♪♪
Shh, ma.
♪♪
A $1.42.
♪♪
$1.42.
♪♪
$1.42.
♪♪
Mr. Haley?
Look, Lady.
You're gonna pay for this or not.
There ain't no credit here for your kind.
Hey, now, where are you going?
♪♪
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I took my ski.
♪♪
It's a piece of Lattro.
♪♪
Is that over?
I think it's over.
♪♪
Opal, we're leaving now!
Sorry.
♪♪
Okay, well.
Oh, right now!
Well, you know, huh?
What is wrong with you?
What happened is there?
You're supposed to watch the movie with us.
But instead, you're back to it right there.
You know, sometimes you're such a brat.
Oh, you just drive me so crazy, Pearl.
You're just Georgie!
Pearl, you've killed Georgie!
I've really done it.
Georgie, Georgie.
Georgie, are you okay?
Georgie.
♪♪
What were you thinking?
What's wrong with you?
You're so reckless, this car is not a toy.
Well, if you were making out with art prep the last minute,
maybe I would have drove slower.
Why is it always about that?
You're just so good.
Georgie!
Isn't anyone going to see if I'm okay?
♪♪
Georgie, you're all right?
Puzzle-lutely.
You're a little rascal.
I thought you were really hurt.
Well, calm down, old boys, all right.
Can I go again?
Dad's going to hear about this.
If you make a big deal about this,
there's something else Dad's going to hear about.
What are you talking about?
Oh, art prep!
♪♪
♪♪
So we're all agreed.
Here comes Mom.
♪♪
Well, how was the movie?
It was a good one, real exciting.
Yeah, Georgie seemed to really like it, didn't you, Georgie?
Yep, sure did.
It hardly stay in my seat.
♪♪
Two weeks?
That means Mom will have to drive you out to town and pick up friends.
That's right.
It's inconvenient for her.
But this is an important lesson that you need to learn now.
Okay.
You can find something interesting in that paper.
♪♪
Here's one.
Spirit of St. Louis lands in Seattle.
That was his cheer here along Parade Room.
Hey, I said Lindy's going to stop in Oklahoma City on the 28th.
Can we go, Daddy? Can we go?
You're grounded, remember?
Oh, yeah.
How much does a plane weigh, Daddy?
Oh, I suppose a two-seater, like the one Lindy flew across the Atlantic,
probably weighs about a thousand pounds or more.
A thousand pounds?
But how does something so big just flew in here like that?
Things don't float, peanut.
Not like balloons.
It has something to do with wind resistance.
You know, like flying a kite.
I wish I could be up there with those birds.
Most people just soon never leave the ground.
Why?
Well, they're afraid of things they don't know much about.
And air travel is one of those things.
Are you afraid of anything, Daddy?
Well, yes. There is one thing.
I'm afraid one of my daughters might fall asleep in church tomorrow morning.
Oh, Daddy.
Okay, Peanut, it's time for bed.
Now, don't forget to set out your sheet music for your special.
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this time we've shared in your word today.
Go with us as we leave this place.
Help us to seek your will for our lives and be a reflection of your love for us.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
I didn't know it then.
But something big was about to drop into my life.
Right out of the clear blue sky.
♪
Help?
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Hi, Daddy.
George Carter, this is my wife Lucy.
You landed in our field.
****, Mr. Carter.
Man, I hope it's okay, Mr. Carter, but your field was the only place I could land.
George, this is my brother Wiley.
He's got his license to fly solo now and I suppose he just came here to show off.
It's a place to meet you.
How about you be my first passenger, Mr. Carter?
Excuse me, Mr. Wiley Post.
This is my daughter Pearl.
Hey there, Shorty.
We say Mr. Carter's not a field in the world like someone through the skies.
You gang?
Oh, Daddy, you absolutely have to.
George.
Well, Mr. Post.
Well, call me Wiley, please.
Wiley.
Well...
♪
Don't mind if I do.
No, all right.
All right then, come on right this way.
♪
Sit down.
All right.
Put down here.
All right, you hold on.
I'm holding Wiley.
♪
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What's going on?
What's happening here?
Thanks, Wiley.
Wow.
You're right.
That was something else.
What was it like, Daddy, were you scared?
Boy, I wish I could have gone up too.
Can I go up next?
Do you think I could fly the plane?
Pearl, settle down.
Oh, that's all right, Mr. Carter.
A little care you asked me a good thing.
Though I am a bit surprised, it comes such a dainty young thing.
I don't let these clothes fool you, Mr. Post.
We just came back from church.
I ain't scared of flying.
Now, how do you know that?
You ever been up there before?
No, but I'm not scared of anything.
Just ask anybody.
I could drive a car.
Well, when I'm not in trouble, that is, right, Daddy?
George, you better put a stop at this where you still can.
Now, Pearl, I'm sure Mr. Post would like to spend some time
visiting with his relatives this afternoon.
After all, that's...
No offense, Mr. Carter, but on a gorgeous day like today
when it comes to flying, I'd rather be up there doing it
than you're talking about it.
Well, George, in that case...
Daddy, CS, CS!
We just grounded her for being reckless, George.
Yes, dear, but think about it.
How often does a plane come tomorrow?
And laying in our backyard.
If Pearl wants to fly, and Mr. Post here wants to take her up,
then I say, "Grounded or not, let's give our daughter this opportunity."
Thank you, Daddy, thank you, thank you.
Thank you.
Alright, keep your belt off.
Oh.
Claire?
Alright, here we go!
♪♪
Whoo!
Whoo!
♪♪
♪♪
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♪♪
Oh, thank you, Mr. Post.
It was more than the bee's knees.
I absolutely have to go up again.
Hey, is that where the gas goes?
Will you tell me what all the other gauges mean?
Oh, Mr. Post, will you take me up again, please?
Daddy, Daddy, he let me fly his plane.
He actually let me fly his plane.
Oh, Mr. Post, I want to go up again.
Can we go up again, please?
Pearl, you just came down.
Give yourself a man to catch the boat.
How does this stay up there?
The whole front of the plane blocks the entire view.
How in the world are you able to land
and take off without even seeing what's in front of you?
Okay, Pearl, okay, just settle down, settle down.
But, Daddy, I was up there with the birds.
And it was so wonderful.
♪♪
We're supposed to be on the same team.
Don't you think, Rainbow, that's mine?
Just hit that ball to kill him, come on.
It's a poaches.
It's Bob.
It's Bob.
♪♪
George, that daughter of yours is right at home up there.
I kid you not.
I think you have an ABA here in the family.
She's a bit young yet, Wylie.
George, she's young.
She showed more composure up there and most grown men, I know.
She's sharp.
Eager to learn.
I tell you what, there's not a timid bone in that body.
She certainly did take the driving pretty quick.
How long has she been driving?
About a year.
I know it's outside the norm for a girl her age,
but it's a great business convenience.
It allows Lucy to stay home with the younger children.
Pearl already knows her way around this entire state.
Well, I'm no businessman, but if that's the case,
it just seems to me that having your own personal pilot
makes good sense.
♪♪
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Go away.
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Go away.
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Come on, Pearl.
They're playing in teams and they won't let me play unless you play too.
Shh.
Get away.
I'll go out later.
What are you listening to?
Nothing.
I get it.
♪♪
I'm told you wear a patch.
How'd you lose the eye?
Oh, my.
Working on an oil rig.
Grill bit flew off and into my...
got infected, had to be removed, save the other.
But he got a good enough settlement to buy a plane.
[ Chuckles ]
♪♪
How about you, George?
♪♪
My two brothers and I were harvesting broom corn
and the chaff flew into our eyes.
Mom called the doctor and Charlie hid.
But the doc gave art and me some drops that made our eyes bleed.
Charlie's sight came back.
Mine and I just didn't.
Oh, you'd never know it the way you get around.
I learned a long time ago.
It's not the problems I count.
It's just the way that you handle them.
Most people just give up too easy.
♪♪
You're here.
[ Chuckles ]
So Joe tells me that you've got some idea about a pressurized suit.
What's that about?
Well, it's just basic science, really.
Higher up you go with the less pressure there is on the pilot.
Body can only withstand so much of this.
Suits supposed to balance the effects of the lack of pressure,
making it possible for the pilot to fly higher or longer.
I designed her right.
She should be good all the way to the mooning back.
[ Chuckles ]
♪♪
Sorry to interrupt, boys, but Joe,
we need to get our kids home for their baths.
Is it already that time?
Afraid so, dear.
♪♪
[ Sighs ]
♪♪
♪♪
Kid?
Are you really going in the moon, Mr. Post?
[ Chuckles ]
Well, I think we'll put 'em in there someday, Shorty.
I sure do.
But it probably won't be me.
Or even in my lifetime, but it might be in yours.
Hey, are you gonna come back tomorrow, soon?
Sure will.
If we get the okay from your dad,
I'll take you up for another ride in the plane.
How 'bout that?
Let me swell.
Would you teach me to fly it too?
Slow down, now, there, Peanut.
Let's give the man a break.
We'll save that conversation for another time.
♪♪
♪♪
Do you ever think about what you want to do when you grow up?
I'm gonna travel and not get married until I'm at least 25.
But you'll end up a spinster.
I'm gonna learn how to fly.
Why is it gonna come back and he's gonna teach me?
Do you really think I'll come back?
Sure you will.
You promised.
Besides, this brother lives around here.
Pearl, your parents aren't gonna let you take flying lessons.
Besides, you don't even know what to play,
so what could we do to know how to fly one?
You would've gone up yesterday, you'd understand.
Once you're up there, you can see how big this guy really is.
It's wide open and so peaceful.
Everything below you just gets smaller and smaller.
It's the most incredible feeling.
No problems, no boundaries.
Just the wind and that big sky that goes on forever.
It gives you this amazing feeling of...
being free.
Almost at our last stop, Daddy.
Okay, Peanut, this shouldn't take long.
John is from the tub, right?
Yep.
Pearl!
Is everything all right?
Pearl, what's going on?
Pearl!
Pearl!
What's going on?
Pearl!
What's going on?
Pearl!
Pearl!
Pearl!
Yeah, sorry, Daddy.
I was...
daydreaming, I guess.
Get your head out of the clouds.
Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
At least when I'm riding.
Let's go, Peanut.
Do you hear that?
Sounds like an old friend.
It's him! I know it is!
It is him!
He's back! I can see the plane!
Woohoo!
Suppose you should go out there and say hello?
Well, yeah.
Oh, that is.
If it's okay, if I can go up, right, Daddy?
He may have other plans today, Peanut.
But if he offers to take you, you have permission to go.
Thanks, Daddy.
Wally! Wally! You're back! You came back!
Well, I said I would, didn't I?
Now, come on, what you waiting for, Shorty, hop in.
Wally told me that I was just a natural-born fly.
For the next six months, every time he came back to town,
he'd take me up and teach me a little more.
All right, you have your old gauges down here.
You got your temperature, and you got your pressure.
You keep an eye on him to make certain you're not running too hot,
and you don't have a leak.
It has a shape to it. It's not flat. It's called an airfoil.
Whoa! Whoa!
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Coming down!
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George, Pearl's a born flyer.
Now, she might be young, but she got the nerve it takes to fly.
What do you think, Pearl? Are you really serious about this?
Yes, sir. I am.
You think you can do it?
I know I can.
Okay, then.
If you can find her an airplane and a good teacher,
I'll build her a landing strip and hang her.
Whoo!
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She's good to go, Mr. Carter.
Here's the key to the hangar.
Thank you, Tom.
There's just one more thing me and the boys would like to do,
just a formality of sorts.
♪♪
Pearl, we have something for you.
Go ahead, open it.
♪♪
What is it?
Well, no airport would be complete without a wind sock.
We thought it fitting that you should do the honors.
♪♪
[applause]
Okay, Peanut.
Here you go.
It's all yours now.
Thank you, Daddy.
You're welcome, Peanut.
♪♪
Anticipation.
We bought more food in anticipation of extra guests.
Anticipation.
♪♪
Everyone get in your seats this instant.
I won't have this.
Pearl, Pearl Carter, you get back here.
♪♪
But months just seemed to drag by.
But finally, the moment I had been waiting for a ride,
my new plane was here.
It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.
♪♪
♪♪
What do you think, Pearl?
Oh, I love it.
I love it.
I love it.
George, Lucy, Pearl, this here is Slim Marshall.
He's the best teacher this side of the Mississippi.
Glad to know you, Slim.
Mr. Carter.
We'll leave you to talk.
Hey, Pearl, let's say you and me take a better look
at this new plane of yours.
Jim, oh, me, Mr. Carter.
But you said, daughter, I just took it for granted.
She was grown.
Just how old is she, anyway?
She's 12.
Why do they say she can fly a plane as well as any man?
Well, sure.
But I can see even if she can do anything,
she sets her mind on, Mr. Marshall.
Now, I'm told you're the best flight instructor in this state.
That's what I want for Pearl.
Just how much do you know about this new plane?
Oh, Curtis Robin.
She's built for endurance and she's 26 feet long,
a 41-foot winged span, weights of 1,480 pounds empty.
Now, she'd carry up to 3,700 pounds.
Maximum flying speed is 99 miles an hour.
She cruises about 84, but she lands at 44.
50 gallon tank, or nearly 600 miles, dual controls.
And she is powered by old reliable, the OX-5.
So, when do you want to get started?
Well, how about now?
I'd kind of like to take her up and see what she's made of.
Is it a plane or a pearl?
Well, I already know about the plane.
All right, shorty. Come on.
♪
Over the next year, we lost hundreds of hours in the year.
After respect to the fact, flying is dangerous.
When you're up here, you're putting not just your own life
in your hands, but the lives of your passengers.
Some was a great teacher.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
No, sometimes.
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Well, you got a little more than you bargained for.
As you could say, we had our share of ups and downs.
I signed up for this.
What your determination is, I think.
Now you can never be 100% certain that it won't bug.
That's why you have got the nearly-or plane inside and out.
♪
All right, shorty. Take it away.
♪
You just might make yourself a pilot after all.
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♪
So, how do I look?
Oh, Apple, you look just lovely.
Oh, there's Arthur.
Where are you two going tonight?
We're picking up Lucy and Don and the four of us
are going to the barn dance.
Where is this barn dance?
Just west of town, I think.
She looks swell.
Oh, no.
Evening, Mr. Carter. Miss Carter?
What?
Hello, Arthur.
Opelita was just telling me about your plans for tonight.
I'm afraid she cannot accompany you.
Sir?
A barn dance is no place for a daughter of mine.
But, Daddy, it's just music and dancing.
Besides, there's nothing else to do in this town.
Barn dances are more than just music and dancing.
There's too much drinking, it always leads to trouble.
My mind is made up.
Opel, you're not leaving this house tonight.
So, you're telling me that that girl can fly a plane across the state,
but I can't even go to a local dance?
No, wait a minute.
But, sir, what about our plans to, you know, meet up with friends?
Why don't you come and tell them you're going to have your date here?
It's a lovely evening.
You can set it on the porch, listen to the radio.
I'll make some brownies.
You know, if you could see, you'd realize that you have more than just one
daughter living in this house.
Opelita mentee!
Opelita!
Opel!
♪♪
Just when you think you're flying high, the bottom can fall out.
But then you catch an updraft, and before you know it,
you're on your way.
Hey, Slim.
Morning, Shorty.
Ready to go up?
Ha, ha, ha.
You know, Shorty.
You know all I know about this plan.
You're more than ready to handler.
So low.
♪♪
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Carolyn, give me the Carter House.
All right.
This is Carter.
It's Pearl.
She's flying.
No!
She's flying by herself.
All by herself.
Ha, ha, yeah!
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Excellent job, Shorty.
Shorty, that was real smooth.
Take off to land.
Congratulations, Pearl.
Thanks, everyone.
Slim says it was a magnificent first solo flight.
I'm really proud of you, Peanut.
Maybe now people stop saying I'm too young to fly.
Hi, Daddy.
I suppose we might have to think about getting a license now.
Sure.
It's really Daddy.
Oh, now slow down now, Mr. Carter.
And she won't be old enough to apply for a permit for another three years.
Well, we'll just have to see about that.
Kids, I don't want you to be late for school.
You better get on home now.
♪♪
One for Daddy, for Daddy, for Daddy, for Daddy.
Pearl?
Pearl got a letter.
♪♪
Yes! It's my license.
It's my student pilot, perfect license.
I thought it was a gun, Daddy.
Let me see that, Pearl.
♪♪
This says she's 16, George.
And her height's wrong, too.
What did you do?
It's just a formality, Lucy.
♪♪
It says here that she's not allowed to fly with anyone except a flight instructor
and only within the vicinity of a landing field.
George.
♪♪
Not to my cohes. An up-feely-took?
Come on, Lucy.
The paperwork is just going to get filed away in a drawer somewhere.
Nobody ever actually checks it.
What kind of example is that set for our children, George?
And Pearl is still very young.
She has already proven that she can safely fly anyone anywhere.
She's been doing it for months now.
Yes.
She is young.
She is the youngest flyer in the United States.
And if we had waited for her to be old enough to apply for that permit,
she could have never earned or enjoyed that distinction.
♪♪
So we lie for the distinction.
♪♪
Thank you, Apple.
♪♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
[ Cheers and applause ]
Victory, the youngest flyer in the United States.
Nith. That's right, folks.
Nith.
Pearl Colonel!
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
Did you guys hear that?
Pearl Carter is going to put Marlowe on the map.
If *** had intended for a man to fly, he would have.
There she goes!
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
You know why I always said she was really going to be special someday?
Oh, you never said no such thing.
It ain't right. I tell you it ain't right.
[ Cheers and applause ]
♪♪
We're crying out loud.
Just cutting down on your high horse and enjoy the show.
Can't even fly coy.
What was that?
[ Cheers and applause ]
Daddy, can I have some cotton candy?
No, you just had a big breakfast now, right now.
Come on, Georgie. Let's go to the pilot's area waiting for Pearl.
Georgie, I'm worried about Opal.
She didn't eat any breakfast this morning,
seemed a little out of sorts.
She'll be fine. She just being a teenager.
They're always afflicted by one thing or another.
I don't know.
You worry too much, Lucy. She'll be fine.
♪♪
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Come on.
♪♪
Are you nervous?
Not about marrying you.
Come on.
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Is everything alright?
Georgie, why don't you sit next to me for a moment.
♪♪
Mother and father,
I am very sorry to have to run away like this.
But Arthur and I are very much in love.
Please understand.
Much love, Opalita.
♪♪
You still got me, Daddy.
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When Opal left,
I think I had Daddy the hardest.
There was a hole there that was going to take time and fill.
I was determined more than ever to make him proud.
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
The next few years went by in the blink of an eye.
Bigger air shows, better stunts, and more celebrity.
I was making quite a name for myself and enjoying every minute of it.
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
♪♪
The effects of the stock market crash are still being felt throughout the country,
with stocks remaining at all time lows.
As banks and businesses continue to fail,
millions of Americans are reduced to pounding the pavement in search of food, shelter,
and an honest day's work.
In the Midwest, a crippling drought is added further misery to the already bleak picture,
drying up farms and towns and turning entire states into dust moles.
Farmers are left with little choice except to pack up and leave in search of greener pastures.
♪♪
What I've been reading here getting pretty busy.
How would you keep up with your shifts?
Well, I only have air shows a few weekends a year,
and I only play business with art on Mondays.
Some of those folks around here know me.
Yeah.
♪♪
Well, people are going to come here to be waited by the teenage aviator.
You know that.
And I will make you a good waitress, I promise.
♪♪
All right.
You'll be here first thing in the morning.
6 a.m. sharp.
♪♪
We conducted business in Ada, McAllister, Muskogee, Tulsa,
and Oklahoma City all today.
And we made it home in time for supper.
And you know, if we had driven, it would have taken us each a week to accomplish all we did in this one day.
And I don't know if this is a record or not,
but it's something that doesn't happen in these parts.
I've been telling these men all along that air travel can be a big advantage to their businesses.
And now they understand.
Right.
My 14-year-old daughter, Pearl, is their pilot.
14-year-old daughter?
14.
Stan, get a shot of this.
Sure hope this drums up some business, boys.
Yeah, you bet.
We'll go to the meeting.
Yes, sir.
Sure.
♪♪
Order up!
♪♪
Order up!
♪♪
Looker, all right.
Honey, if you want to keep this job,
you've got to keep Harold happy.
Cut her some slack, Harold.
I'm still breaking her in.
♪♪
Have a nice one, Mr. Hockey.
Yeah, you didn't leave a ticket.
The farm boys breakfast with chocolate milk and coffee?
Yeah, that's right.
Is that your horse out there?
Yep.
Sure is.
You right?
Yeah.
But my little brother's always been wanting a horse.
Can't stop talking about him.
Well, is he going to get with animals?
Is he?
George, he's better with animals than he is with people.
Well, how's about if I can buy some time?
Teach him a ride.
That'd be great.
I would...
Georgie would love it.
Yeah.
Okay.
Well, how about Friday?
Friday's good.
Do you know where we live?
I think so.
A house with the airstrip and the hanger in the backyard?
That'd be the one.
Okay.
See you Friday.
I actually miss not having Opal around.
I talked to her the other day.
You did?
Mm-hmm.
Opal and Arthur are going to plant Broomcorn Cotton next year.
And they have an anniversary coming up.
And Opal said they're going to drive the Dunkin' Count a real nice dinner.
Once you get married, your life changes.
And it's not your own anymore.
You have a family and you have a husband to take care of.
And you know, those dreams just kind of fade away.
And they make room for new dreams.
But bring you any of her greater joy.
What did you want to do when you were our age mama?
Oh.
I played the piano a little.
I wasn't as good as your girls, though.
Now, when I was sure I just was all still Indian territory.
Besides marriage, there wasn't a lot of options for girls like me.
Besides, I fell in love with your father.
Howdy, ma'am.
Pearl.
Mama, this is Louis Scott.
He's a regular down at the cafe.
Most folks call me Scotty.
You must be Sally's boy.
Yes, ma'am.
It's all for nice to meet you, Scotty.
Nice to meet you.
I told him how much Georgie's been wanting a horse,
so he offered to give him a lesson on how to ride a horse.
Uh, well, that is, if it's all right with you and Mr. Carter,
I mean, my horse is a real gentleman.
Well, that's fine by me.
Maybe he'll stop talking about it so much.
[chuckles]
Pearl, why don't you run on in and get your brother?
It sure is kind of you to come out and spend time with our Georgie.
You know, there's some things that his father just said.
I don't know.
Well, maybe he'll stop talking about it so much.
[chuckles]
Pearl, why don't you run on in and get your brother?
You know, there's some things that his father just can't teach him.
There's no problem.
Scotty, this is my little brother Georgie.
Georgie, this is Scotty.
I do, partner.
He's gonna teach you how to ride a horse.
Oh, hey, that's great.
Yeah, so, uh, so why here, you have a way with animals.
Yeah, I look after my bulldog, Sarge.
Now, I used to have a pet raccoon named Jigsaw
and everywhere on my shoulder.
Oh, is that right?
Thank you.
Yeah, I want to get a horse, but I'm not sure Daddy will let me have one yet.
Georgie figures that if he learns how to ride one,
then daddy will be more apt to buy one.
What's his name?
Uh, Mabel.
Mabel, that's a girl's name.
Yeah, that's right, Georgie.
That's because he is a she.
I guess that takes care of less than one, huh?
Can I ride her now?
Okay, boy, hold on.
Hold on.
First thing's first.
What I want you to do is go ahead and grab the reins,
and let's walk her down to the pasture, okay?
Let's give her a go.
All right, you ready?
Yeah.
Okay.
We'll put you up here.
Okay.
First thing I want to say, Lord, good, good.
Now, with the other hand, grab the reins.
Right there.
Come on.
Um...
Oh.
I was thinking, since you're doing this for Georgie as a favor for me,
maybe I should do something for you.
What might that be?
Well, how would you like for me to take you up into my plane sometime?
There's nothing in the world like it.
Definitely sounds exciting.
Oh, it is.
You'd love it.
Give me some time to think about that one.
I'm not sure I'm ready to put my life in your hands just yet.
I'd better go see what she wants.
Thanks for, you know, doing this.
Yeah, well, Georgie seems like a nice kid.
And, uh, well, it's not every day I get to talk to the famous Pearl Corner.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
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Month by month, Scotty and I grew closer and closer.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
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After more than a year, I had to face it.
We were in love.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
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See you guys later.
I'm heading off to the ice cream parlor.
What?
Pearl, I was expecting you to drive me to the parkers tonight.
Daddy, can mom take you this time?
I don't want her leaving the kids here alone.
It's already close to Georgie's bedtime and Anita's got the sniffles.
Well, can we go soon?
I'm kind of in a hurry.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
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Thanks.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[CHUCKLES]
I'm sorry.
At the last minute, Dad asked me to.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
It's all right.
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Well, Pearl, you really look beautiful.
Thank you.
You look swell, too.
No.
I don't know about that.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
I thought I'd be a little bit more prepared, but I guess I was wrong.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
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You still wearing the ribbon?
I never took it off.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
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Pearl, I've, uh, got a question.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Will you marry me?
This is Connie.
♪ ♪
About my dad.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Otis, well, what if I can find somebody to fly his boat?
Would I be able to jump with you?
Sure thing, Pearl, but--
Be our back.
♪ ♪
Hey, y'all.
You're the Pearl Carter.
What on earth are you doing?
I was-- I'm just gonna jump.
Oh.
And just how many lessons have you had in parachuting?
No, no formal ones.
But I've seen the guys do it a hundred times.
And Otis said I--
I don't care what Otis says.
Without proper instruction on how to land,
you can break both of your legs.
No, Pearl.
No, this has gone too far.
You go change.
Look, I--
Absolutely not.
End of discussion.
♪ ♪
Sometimes.
What is going on in terms?
Sometimes.
♪ ♪
All right, everyone.
Class dismissed.
I'll see you tomorrow.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
[water rushing]
[water rushing]
[whistling]
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
[water rushing]
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Kids, it's time for bed.
I'll be up shortly to check on you.
Be sure to brush your teeth in our kneadily.
Please help Georgie if he needs any help.
♪ ♪
Georgie, I'm pretty sure that Pearl's with Scotty.
I talked to Sally and he's not home either.
My guess is that they've eloped.
What?
What do you mean eloped?
Pearl is just a girl. She wouldn't do that.
Pearl's a young woman.
She's almost the same age as Opal when she eloped.
Besides her best dress and her overnight bag her missing.
♪ ♪
No, Lucy.
Not again.
Not my Pearl.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Hey, I'm Ty!
♪ ♪
Just look at those kids.
What do you mean kids?
Well, I heard y'all, we were about that age when we tied the knot.
Good, Lord in Heaven.
Just be on that, Mom.
♪ ♪
I'm gonna get her some drinks.
Oh, Pearl, that looks like so much fun.
Oh, Evelyn, it was.
Just wait till it's your turn.
That may come sooner than you think.
Huh?
Billy proposed last night.
♪ ♪
So happy for you.
♪ ♪
Either of your kids want another glass of tea?
No, thanks, Billy.
All right, Evelyn.
Well, don't stay out here too long.
Start and get chilly.
♪ ♪
Your parents have been great, Scotty.
I don't know what we would have done.
They didn't really stay here.
Yeah, well, that's Mom and Dad for you.
They're genuinely happy for us too, but...
Still, they're all I want us to get our own place as soon as possible.
I know money's gonna be tight until we can save up enough to buy land and build a house, but...
I'm gonna ask Harold for some more hours at the cafe, and there's money I can bring in from the air shows.
How can you be so sure your dad's still gonna let you fly that plane, Pearl?
I mean, you two haven't even spoken to ceremony now that you're talking about dropping out of school?
I don't know.
I just... I don't know.
We'll see what happens.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Hi, Mama.
How you been?
Fine. Um...
♪ ♪
Guardian, I got married.
Yes, I heard.
It was in the mouth of this church in Lawton.
How's Dad?
He's worried these days, Pearl.
He's worried about a lot of things. Crash has affected business, and long dry spells made it hard for our tenants to make rent.
There's a man in Loco who was offered to buy the roadster, so your father may have to sell it.
My mom's sorry things turned out like this, but I knew Dad wouldn't understand about me marrying Scotty.
We really do love each other.
Your father loves you too, Pearl. You both do.
We always will.
No, Mom. I love you so much.
I love you too.
Do you think Dad will ever forgive me?
Just give him some time, honey. Just give him a little time.
♪ ♪
Many of you tithe and give offerings to *** through his church, and that's good.
That's biblical.
It shows your willingness to love and obey ***.
The most important gift we have to give *** is ourselves.
It's a constant struggle to rid ourselves of our ambitions, our desires, our dreams, and our plans.
But until we do, we don't allow Christ to enter us and fill us with his spirit of love and forgiveness.
Old wounds can't heal, relationships can't be restored, lives can't be transformed.
It's when we die to self that we truly glorify Christ.
Won't you do that today?
Join me in prayer.
Father, be with us now and throughout this week.
Help us to live our lives so that they will bring glory and honor to you.
We ask all these things in the name of your precious Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
♪ ♪
George, stay here for a moment. I need to speak to Mrs. Wallace before she leaves.
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
♪ ♪
Dad, I have something for you.
Mom said you might have a buyer for the Roadster, so you'll be needing us.
But Pearl.
It's okay, really. We have Scotty's truck.
Oh, and here.
Wanted you to have this too.
It's the key to the hanger.
No, we weren't planning to sell the plane.
I know, but with things the way they are, I just didn't feel right about.
Nonsense.
I bought that plane for you.
It's yours as long as you want to fly.
Besides, times are getting tough.
You might want to use that plane to bring in some extra money.
Are you sure?
I'm sure.
Under two conditions.
Yeah.
One.
Don't go parachute now at any planes.
Two.
How about you and Scotty come over for dinner this afternoon?
I think with your help, I may be able to convince your mom to drive some chicken.
I love you.
Oh, I love you too, Peter.
Oh, I love you too.
I have an announcement to make.
Scotty.
Pearl.
Your mother and I were disappointed that you too did not include us in your decision to marry.
However, what's done is done.
We didn't certainly expect this to happen so soon for our Pearl,
but we want you to know that we love you both.
And sincerely wish nothing but the best.
The dust hasn't been quite as bad for us as out west,
but as you know, it has been unusually dry and the market prices have dropped.
So I suspect that it will take the land of two places to keep you going.
I don't know what to say.
Thank you, Mr. Carter.
Mr. Carter.
With two farms, there will be twice as much work,
but there's a house on one that should suit you.
Thank you, Daddy.
Thank you.
Mom.
Sir, this is a very generous, sir.
Thank you, I appreciate it.
Thank you so much.
Okay, Scott, it's okay.
Go on, go on.
Now, Lucy, I know you made a cobbler yesterday.
That's all I have some of that.
I got it.
Rosita!
Baby!
Mama said we might find you all here together.
Congratulations, you two little sneaks.
Just following in my big sister's footsteps.
Okay, family, let's eat.
Our family felt whole again.
Like we'd weather the pretty tough storm and come through it all right.
But I was starting to learn that when you have a family of your own, things change.
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Pearl, that wasn't necessary.
What are you talking about?
That spending nose dive was too dangerous and you know it.
I'm fine. Besides, the crowd loved it.
You know those risky stunts bring in more people and that means one money for us.
You don't have to go to such extremes to get a reaction from the crowd, Pearl.
Maybe I don't, Scotty, but I love doing it.
It thrills me to do something that most pilots around here won't do.
There's a reason that they don't, Pearl.
Maybe these guys, maybe they want to go home with their families.
What's that supposed to mean?
Pearl, Pearl Carter, look this way, please.
Scotty.
This way, Miss Carter.
Hey, fella, her name is Mrs. Scott, all right?
[MUSIC]
Give us a big smile, please.
[MUSIC]
[MUSIC]
Times just kept getting harder and harder.
The Dust Bowl and the Depression were sucking the life out of the country around us.
But somehow, you find a way.
And there were a few bright spots to keep us going.
What do you think, Georgie?
You used to be a boy or a girl.
I think it's gonna be here, girl.
You think it's gonna be a girl?
Yeah.
[MUSIC]
And year after year, the drought dragged on.
Fighting food and water for the cattle was a never-ending job.
We'd have to do this every day.
Yeah.
[MUSIC]
Famous aviator, Wiley Post has done it again.
He and his Winnie Mae have set a second speed record
circumnavigating the globe in 187 hours.
21 hours less than the record he set just two years ago.
[MUSIC]
The gauges on the left hand side are a little bit harder to see.
[LAUGHTER]
Mr. Post?
Yes, sir.
Got a silly question for you.
Well, silly questions are probably the only ones I'm fit to answer.
So, you go right on ahead.
How do you keep from getting bored?
Sitting on all those hours over these great distances.
Flying's never boring, no matter how long the trip is.
But still, having a radio compass and an autopilot
didn't make it a little bit easier to stay loose the second time around.
[LAUGHTER]
How about that?
All right, we wrapped up here.
Is that everything?
All right, let's wrap this little show up.
Thank you all very much.
Thank you.
[APPLAUSE]
George, this little dog and pony show should be over here in a minute.
Now, why don't you let me take Pearl back to the other airport
and bring a pickup or plane.
That way you too can get a jump on your drive back to Marlow.
That's a good idea.
Well, Wiley, if you're sure, that would work out great for us.
We'd be home before it gets too late.
All right, let's skedaddle.
Let's go, George.
Hold it, hold it, hold it.
You know, the Winnie Mae.
That old girl made me famous.
Besides my mechanic, I'm the only fellow in the world's ever flown.
Up 'til now.
What do you mean?
Now I have flown with you,
and I've watched you fly for years now, Pearl.
I cannot tell you how proud you've made me.
I would be honored if you would fly the Winnie Mae for me, Pearl.
Are you serious?
Mm-hmm.
[LAUGHS]
Well, you are going to be controlling it from the back, right?
Nope.
Nope, today she's all over you.
You know, when you took me to meet Will Rogers,
that was the greatest day of my life.
[LAUGHS]
But, now this is Wiley.
Really.
Hey, Wiley.
Are you really going to let Pearl here fly the Winnie Mae?
You betcha.
Let's get a photo.
You know, honey, with money as tight as it is,
I was thinking about going back to barnstorming.
There's a crew from Tulsa passing through town.
I've worked with some of those pilots before,
and they said I can join them whenever--
Ow!
Scotty, that's too tight.
Look, Pearl, when we got married,
I told you that if you wanted to fly,
then fly.
But I would appreciate it if you wouldn't make it sound as though
that you're forced to do it because I--
because I can't provide for our family.
That's not what I meant at all.
Sure sounded that way to me.
Honey, I'm sorry.
Shofling businessmen from town to town,
it's a poor substitute for the thrill of an air show.
But you knew I'd feel that way well before I realized it,
and I guess I just didn't want to admit it.
You're spending those dives or flat hats or death drops?
None of the above, I promise.
Do you want me to go?
No, I know it's hard for you to watch,
but we can meet up at mom and dad's afterward.
Okay.
Thank you.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
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Hi, Scotty.
Hi, Louise.
Come see Big Mama.
[CHEERING]
Certainly didn't expect to see you here.
We thought you'd given up on these air circuses.
Yes, sir, I had.
Well, what made you change your mind?
She's my wife.
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(tense music)
, what's wrong, Pearl?
(birds chirping)
- I don't need this anymore, Dad.
I'm done with flying.
- What?
Pearl, you've loved flight, it's, it's what you do.
Look, look, I should do this because of me,
then please don't, how are you?
- I'm not, honey.
I'm not.
Flying.
It's just a part of who I love.
I realized today,
there's other things that are more important to me.
Important to us.
So your mind is made up then?
- Yes.
Dad, it is.
- I am so very proud of you.
For 18 years, I've seen the world through your eyes.
You've made it a richer, more exciting place for me.
I thank you for that.
You will always be my peanut.
(gentle music)
- Let's go home, dear.
(gentle music)
- Mother was right.
Sometimes the dreams of your childhood
have to make way for new ones.
And those dreams can bring you an even greater joy.
I knew my love for my family was the most important thing
in my life, I couldn't risk leaving them.
Once you've known the freedom of flight,
it never leaves you, even with your feet on the ground.
And a part of me will always remain
in that big Oklahoma sky.
(gentle music)
(gentle music)
- Well, my daddy,
would never, ever let me say I can't.
If he ever heard me say that, I gotta spank him
because he said, "You can if you want to."
And I would look at him and I'd look at Wally
and they went ahead and did what they wanted to do.
And my daddy, when he died,
he died when he was 50 years old.
And he owned 350, 365 places.
And if he could do that without his eyes
and Wally could do what he did with one eye
if a person wants to do anything, they can do it.
(gentle music)
♪ Just one word can change your life ♪
♪ Just one note can write a song ♪
♪ Just one me and your heart takes flight ♪
♪ Just one dream to come your home ♪
(upbeat guitar music)
♪ Miles and miles of clear old blood home of sky ♪
♪ Feels like looking inside myself ♪
♪ For the very first time ♪
♪ I'll think I'm crazy but they don't see ♪
♪ This big blue sky is a fear for me ♪
♪ All in a dream but I will never give up ♪
♪ So instead of gab now wish me luck ♪
♪ Just one word can change your life ♪
♪ Just one note can write a song ♪
♪ Just one me and your heart takes flight ♪
♪ Just one dream to come your home ♪
♪ Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ♪
(upbeat guitar music)
♪ My home I have this straight in front of me ♪
♪ Oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh ♪
♪ I will I know where I need to be ♪
♪ Life can be crazy it can spin you around ♪
♪ Leave you hang and slam you straight to the ground ♪
♪ I'll keep my head up then maybe I'll see ♪
♪ What life is dreaming of for me ♪
♪ Just one word can change your life ♪
♪ Just one note can write a song ♪
♪ Just one me and your heart takes flight ♪
♪ Just one dream to come your home ♪
(upbeat guitar music)