04x20 - Dennis Goes to Washington
Posted: 11/13/23 06:37
[music playing]
-We know you can do it, Dennis.
-I'm sure glad you
think so, Mr. Mayor.
-Now let's run
through what you're
supposed to do in
Washington just once more.
-All right.
I'm gonna talk to our Senator--
-Senator Philbin.
-That's right and tell him
all those woods and lakes
and streams around
Hickory Mountain
would make a swell National
Forest where men like dad
could take fellows like
me on camping trips.
-Good.
Good.
That's why we picked a boy
your age to do the job.
To show them how much we need
a spot where our children can
get away from the city streets
and be close to nature.
I'm proud of you.
I was just going over some
last minute instructions
with our young goodwill
ambassador here.
-Dennis will do his
very best Mr. Mayor.
We appreciate the
confidence you have in him.
-Oh, I'm sure he'll
dramatize our point
much better than
any adult could.
-Oh, and Allison
I can't thank you
and the committee enough
for paying our way too.
-Well, a boy needs his
parents to watch over him.
-Boy me, and mom, and
dad, and Mr. Wilson
are going to have a swell time.
-Mr. Wilson?
-Oh, our neighborhood,
John Wilson.
He writes for a
national magazine.
Sold his editor on the
idea of coming along
to write an article on what
Dennis does in Washington.
-Well, splendid.
-Oh dear.
It still won't close.
-Oh, I'll help you honey.
-Please feel free to call
on me from Washington
if you need any help or advice.
As mayor of this community,
I do carry some weight,
and it might come
in handy there.
-Your weight might come in
handy right here Mr. Mayor,
if you could just sit on that
suitcase mom can't get closed.
[theme music]
-Yes, Mr. Winfield.
Just what you ordered.
An article on how one
small boy with a just cause
can influence the
cause of Congress.
The voice of a child
heard on Capitol Hill.
That should justify the
payment of my expenses.
eh Mr. Winfield?
Right.
Bye.
That takes care of my editor.
Well, did I forget anything?
-No dear, I'm proud of you.
You even remembered your socks.
-I wish you were
going with me, Eloise,
but they only offered
to pay my expenses.
-Don't you worry about me.
You just get a good story.
-If I wasn't going, there
wouldn't be a story.
I'm the one who'll put our
National Forest bill across.
-Not Dennis?
-Well frankly, his
appointment with our senator
has only sentimental value.
But I know I can depend
on my influential friends
such as Senator
Beaufort, Judge Kingston.
Dennis may get the glory, but
I'll be the power behind him.
-You know dear, it's too
bad we don't have time
to buy you a size suit.
-I wear a .
You know that.
-Yes, I know dear, but you're
a much bigger man in Washington
than you are here.
-Mr. John Wilson, Mr.
and Mrs. Henry Mitchell,
and Dennis Mitchell.
-That's me.
I'm going to Washington.
-Yes, he's uh very
kindly taking us along.
-Yes, your reservations
are confirmed
on Flight , nonstop.
-You mean, we won't stop?
-Not until we get there, Dennis.
-Jeepers, that's a long way.
Suppose I want to--
-There's one on the plane, dear.
-A mailbox?
-What?
-I might want to write
a postcard to Tommy.
So if there's one on the plane--
-You'd better wait until
we get there, Dennis.
-Hey, Dad.
What are you doing
with our suitcases?
-Well, this is where they
weigh them in, collect them
all together, and put
them on the plane.
-I better go along with
that one and make sure
it gets on the plane.
All my schoolbooks are in there.
-Well that's wonderful,
Dennis, you're
going to study on
the trip, are you?
-No, Sir.
I'm taking my books to stand on.
When I talk to
Senator Philbin I want
to look him right in the eye.
-Jeepers, this is great.
This is real great.
If I didn't know
I was in a plane,
I wouldn't even
know I was flying.
-Well, it's official, son.
You're up in the air.
-Way up in the air.
-PILOT (OFFSCREEN):
Good afternoon
and welcome to Flight .
This is your pilot,
Captain Howard Lynch.
-Hi, Captain.
This is your passenger,
Dennis Mitchell.
-Dennis, he can't hear you.
-PILOT (OFFSCREEN):
We are now cruising
at an average speed
of miles per hour
and should arrive
at our destination
in approximately
hours and minutes.
-Boy, I sure hope he gets us
to the right place all right.
-Of course he will.
Why shouldn't he?
-If he can't hear, maybe he
can't see so good either.
-Look out your window, Dennis.
We're flying over
Hickory Mountain now.
-Ah gee, that's pretty.
I sure hope we get them to make
a National Forest out of it.
-Have no fear, my boy, we will.
I have some important
contacts in Washington
who will pave the way for us.
-I have an important
contact in Washington too.
-Indeed?
-Yes sir.
He was my counselor at
summer camp last year
and his name is Freddy Thorpe.
He runs errands at the Capitol.
-Oh, a page boy.
-I guess that's
what you call him.
Anyhow, Freddy's real smart.
-Well if all else fails, we
will use your important contact.
-But I'll talk to the
Senator myself first.
-Everybody comfortable here?
-Yeah, we're fine.
-I heard you say you were
going to see a Senator?
-That's right.
I'm going to get him to fix
up a National Forest for us.
-Really?
-Yes, this young man
has been appointed
to make an appeal for one.
-And when we get
our National Forest,
Dad's promised to
take me camping out
there, just the two of us.
-Why that's wonderful.
-Would you like to go with us?
-Thanks.
But I'm afraid I can't make it.
-I guess three in a tent
would be a crowd any way.
-Yes, I'm afraid it would be.
[music playing]
-I'm Henry Mitchell.
This is Mr. John Wilson.
We've reserved two rooms.
-Yes.
We have them Mr. Mitchell.
A room for yourself and your
wife, an extra cot for your son
and an adjoining
room for Mr. Wilson.
Uh, boy?
and .
-John.
-Yup.
-Hey, Mr. Wilson.
We're the ones that
are here in business.
Shouldn't we room together?
-I requested a room
with a single bed.
-Could you move me
cot in beside his bed?
-Yes, we could do that.
-Perhaps your parents
won't approve.
-How about it, Dad?
It'll just be next door.
-If Mr. Wilson doesn't mind.
-Isn't that great, Mr. Wilson!
We're roommates.
-Splendid.
-Now if we want to
discuss business,
we won't have to
wait until morning.
We can talk all night.
-But this is a very
important matter.
Well, if you just let me speak
to Senator Philbin in person,
I'm sure that-- I know he's
a busy man, but-- All right.
I'll be there tomorrow morning.
-The senator can't see
us today, huh Mr. Wilson?
-So his secretary informs me.
-Well tomorrow
will be all right.
-Delay, delay, delay.
It seems to be the watchword
here in Washington.
The way politicians
put things off
it's a wonder we're not
still a British colony.
-Well it's only a
day, Mr. Wilson.
When you and Dennis get
in to see the senator,
I'm sure it won't take
you long to persuade him.
-Sure.
When he hears about all those
important connections you've
got, he'll be sorry he
didn't see us sooner.
-Well, I suppose you're right.
It's his loss, not mine.
-Well that means we have
the whole day to ourselves.
-Oh boy, let's go sight seeing.
-Well I think I'll
take this time
to rough out the opening
of my magazine article.
You do the town without me.
-You've got to come
with us, Mr. Wilson.
-But I've seen it before Dennis.
-That's why we need you.
So you can show us around.
Mr. Wilson really
knows Washington.
He can answer questions about
it practically in his sleep.
-Yes I proved that
all last night.
-Can't the article
wait, Mr. Wilson?
-All right, all right,
I'll be your guide.
You know, it's too bad the
famous Washington cherry
trees aren't still in bloom.
-They still got cherry trees?
I thought George
Washington cut them
all down when he was a boy.
[music playing]
-Mr.Jefferson surely was
a great man, wasn't he?
-He had a good deal to do with
making this a free country back
in .
-He'll always be
remembered as the writer
of the Declaration
of Independence.
-We learned that in school.
"We hold these truths
to be self-evident,
that all men are created equal.
That they are endowed
by their creator
with certain inalienable
rights that among these
are life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness."
-You certainly learned
that well Dennis.
-Some things go right
through your head.
But that's the kind
of thing that sticks.
-As long as it does,
son, this country
will never have to worry.
[music playing]
-Hey Mom, Dad!
I sure had fun going up in
George Washington's monument.
You should have walked down
like me and Mr. Wilson did.
-The elevator was good
enough for us dear.
-But you missed the
big memorial stones
that all the states and
foreign countries put there.
-That may be but we
sure saved our legs.
Where is Mr. Wilson?
-Oh, he kind of slowed
down and got behind me.
Here he comes.
-John, are you OK?
-Well of course I am.
I pride myself on
keeping in good shape.
-Mr. Wilson, you told me there
were steps in the monument.
-That is correct.
-Well, I only counted .
-Nevertheless, there are .
-Well, I'm going to
write to Tommy about it
and I want to be sure.
Let's walk up and
count them again
-On second thought,
I'm mistaken.
Your count is correct.
[music playing]
-Mr. Lincoln's got a
nice face hasn't he?
-He was that kind of man dear.
-He held this nation together
during the grimmest chapter
in our history.
It caused him great
suffering and pain
but he never lost the
quality of kindness.
-Could I climb up
there on his lap, Dad?
-Not allowed son.
-I'll bet he wouldn't mind.
[music playing]
-Oh, what a lovely mansion.
So beautiful and dignified.
-Yes, a fitting residence for
our most important citizen.
-Yeah, nothing's too
good for Caroline.
-Oh boy.
Hey Mom!
Dad!
Look at the capitol.
-Yes Dennis isn't it beautiful?
-Our nation's capital, where
senators and over
representatives make our laws.
-They all make the laws?
-That's right.
-Jeepers, Dad.
Maybe you better
not go in there.
-Why not?
-Well I heard you
say if you ever
met the fellow you made
the income tax law,
you'd punch him
right in the nose.
of them would take all day.
-Yes, I'll try to
restrain myself.
-Oh, this has been a
fascinating afternoon.
Oh, my feet are k*lling me.
-Mine too.
We've seen a lot of
exciting things today.
-You have a lot
to talk about when
you get back to school Dennis.
-I sure will.
And I bet you're going to write
a swell article about it too.
Because when I see Senator
Philbin tomorrow and-- Freddy!
Hey Freddy!
Mom, Dad!
It's Freddy Thorpe.
You know, my friend's
whose a page boy.
-Well hi, Dennis.
Gee what are you
doing in Washington?
-I'm here on business, Freddy.
For the Mayor.
He sent him-- oh,
Freddy, I want you
to meet by my mom, dad,
and my friend Mr. Wilson.
Freddy's my Washington contact.
-We've been hearing a
lot about you Freddy.
-Ever since last summer.
-Oh, we had a lot
of fun at camp.
Dennis is one of my best men.
I'll tell you what, Dennis.
Why don't you and I have lunch
one day while you're here.
-Oh boy, that'll
be swell Freddy.
-Oh that's very nice of you.
-You better not
make it tomorrow.
-No, Mr. Wilson and I got
a business deal tomorrow.
-Make it the next
day then, Wednesday.
: .
-All right.
I'll meet you right here Freddy.
Wednesday.
: .
-OK.
Well it was nice
meeting you folks.
-Goodbye Freddy.
-Dennis, the people in
your town chose wisely
in sending you on this mission.
I'm very proud of you.
-Thanks Senator Philbin.
The mayor said--
-The creation of
a National Forest.
Always a splendid idea and I'll
certainly give it some thought.
-I knew you'd do it Senator.
How soon can us kids
start camping out there.
-Well these things take
a little time Dennis.
But you just go on
back home, tell them
Senator Philbin said you
did a very fine job here.
-Well, just how do you go about
a thing like this, Senator.
I'm curious.
-Well any bill having to do with
national forests, Mr. Wilson,
has to go through Senator
McDermott of the Interior
Committee.
-McDermott?
-Yes a very powerful committee.
And I will mention
it to McDermott.
Don't worry.
First chance I get.
-Today perhaps?
Tomorrow?
-Well I will be out
of town tomorrow.
It may be a couple
of weeks, but you
will be hearing from me as
soon as I have any news.
Good day.
-How do like that?
Brushed off like
a piece of lint.
-Gee, it sure looks
like it's going
to take a long time to get our
National Forest, doesn't it?
-If we leave it up to that big
windbag, we'll never get it.
-What are we going to do?
All the kids are depending
on me and the mayor too.
-We are going to
get some action.
That's what we are going to do.
Now is the time to use some
of the important contacts I
have here.
-It's lucky you know
all those big people.
Who you going to talk to?
-A very dear friend
of mine, Dennis.
And one of the most
influential men
on Capitol Hill, Senator
Humphrey L. Beaufort.
Chairman of the Monetary
Disbursement Committee.
-Boy he sure sounds important.
-He'll get our bill through
McDermott's office just
like that.
Now I'm going to put
you in a taxi cab,
send you back to the hotel.
And I am off to see
Senator Beaufort.
-Yes sir?
-Oh, John Wilson to
see Senator Beaufort.
-Senator Who-fort?
-Beaufort?
You do know the
name of the chairman
of the committee
that employs you?
-Oh sure but it's not old
Humpy Beaufort, mister.
No.
A funny thing happened to
him on the way to the polls.
-He was defeated?
-Seven years ago.
-Oh good heavens.
Oh, this is very distressing.
I need help badly
on some legislature
that I'm trying-- Do
you know Judge Kingston?
Is he still around?
-Oh sure, he's a very big man.
You know him?
-Do I know him?
Why, Harvey Kingston
and I fought all
through the w*r
together, side-by-side.
-Really?
-Oh, yes.
Yes we had adjoining
desks at the Pentagon.
Oh good old Harv.
He'll flip when
I walk in on him.
-Uh what's his name, Mabel?
John Wilson?
Says he's an old friend of mine?
Oh, all right.
Send him in.
-Harvey!
By George!
It's good to see you.
-How how are you, Wilson?
-Fine, just fine.
Say, you look wonderful.
You haven't changed a bit.
-Well it's, it's
been a long time.
- .
I bet the old Pentagon hasn't
been the same since we left.
-Probably not.
Well, it's nice to see
an old buddy again.
So what can I do for you, Don?
-John.
-John, of course.
-Well I just came by
to kind of kick around
old times, sort of reminiscence.
-Yeah, that would be nice.
-There is one small
favor I need and I
know you can do it
for me just like that.
[snaps]
-And my good friend
Judge Kingston
said your department would
handle the matter for me.
-Judge Kingston is a nut.
-What?
-We got nothing
to do with getting
a bill like that passed.
What you got to do is go down
to the Public Land's office.
-Oh.
Thank you.
-No, the place to
go with that is
the Fish and Game Commission.
-No, the place to go with that
is the Bureau of Conservation.
-No, the place to go with that
is the Monetary Disbursement
Committee.
-But that's where I started.
Oh, I give up.
Well, I'm not sure whether
our bill will be passed or not
but I have a great new
angle for the story.
A small boy's impressions
of Washington.
It-- you don't want a
small boy's impressions
of Washington.
Well I--I know I promised you
a story on how a child could
influence Congress but
you see, I-- You what?
Pay my own expenses?
Mr. Winfield do you realize
how much it costs to-- Goodbye.
-That sounds like
trouble, Mr. Wilson.
What's the matter?
-Everything's the matter.
If that National Forest
bill doesn't go through,
the magazine won't buy my story.
Not only that, I'll be
stuck with all my expenses,
including that $ . piece
of cake you're eating.
-Well, I'm not worried
Mr. Wilson, not with
all those important contacts
you've got in the government.
-And I'm happy to say that
at lat, I've got some action.
Where's Dennis?
-Oh, I just dropped him
over the Capitol, John.
-He's having lunch with
Freddy Thorpe today.
-Oh yes.
Yes, I forgot.
Well, I got so sick and
tired of the pushing
around I got yesterday
that I went over
to Senator McDermott's
office and I camped there
until his secretary
gave me an appointment.
-Oh good.
- : today.
From : until : , Senator
McDermott is all mine.
-I wish Dennis could
go with you John,
but I don't think he'll
be back here by : .
-No.
Freddy has an uncle
here in town and he's
taking them both out someplace.
-Oh, well I'm sure
he'll be disappointed.
But I'll see that he gets
full credit for it back home.
-Oh that's very kind
of you, isn't it Henry?
-Yes it is John.
-Yes.
He'll have his
picture in the paper
as the boy who delivered
our National Forest.
And now I want to take you
both to lunch to celebrate,
and then you can go with me
to Senator McDermott's office.
Miss, please cut in.
My appointment was
: and it's now--
-I'm sorry Sir.
But I cannot break
in on the meeting.
Excuse me, please.
-John, we can wait
just as long as--
-Well I am not
waiting any longer.
I don't believe he's
having a meeting.
I think he's taking
a nap or something.
-John!
-Senator, I I--
Oh, good heavens.
-Do you have an appointment?
-Hi Mom!
Hi Dad!
Hi Mr. Wilson.
Boy, we had the
swellest lunch ever.
And you know what Uncle
Charlie's going do?
-Uncle Charlie?
-Senator McDermott is my uncle.
-Jeepers.
I almost forgot my manners.
Come on Mom.
Senator McDermott,
I want you to meet
my mom, dad, and Mr. Wilson.
-How do you do Mr. Wilson?
-He wants me to call
him Uncle Charlie.
And guess what?
I told Uncle Charlie all
about Hickory Mountain
and he's going to do it.
-You mean the Senator--
the National Forest?
-This boy of yours would make a
fine ambassador, Mrs. Mitchell.
He's charmed me completely.
-Well I, we--
-I thoroughly agree
your state needs
a recreational area and the
Hickory Mountain section
is the one.
I'm putting a bill into
my committee tomorrow.
Oh, uh, I believe
you wanted to see me
about something Mr. Wilson.
What can I do for you?
-Not a thing, Senator.
Not a thing.
I'm just there visiting here.
Just a sightseer, that's all.
-Boy, it sure is a
good thing that you
met Mr. Wilson, Uncle Charlie.
-Oh?
-Yeah.
Because he's got a lot of swell
contacts here in Washington.
And if you ever need
any help with anything,
he'll handle it for you.
Won't you, Mr. Wilson?
[theme music]
-We know you can do it, Dennis.
-I'm sure glad you
think so, Mr. Mayor.
-Now let's run
through what you're
supposed to do in
Washington just once more.
-All right.
I'm gonna talk to our Senator--
-Senator Philbin.
-That's right and tell him
all those woods and lakes
and streams around
Hickory Mountain
would make a swell National
Forest where men like dad
could take fellows like
me on camping trips.
-Good.
Good.
That's why we picked a boy
your age to do the job.
To show them how much we need
a spot where our children can
get away from the city streets
and be close to nature.
I'm proud of you.
I was just going over some
last minute instructions
with our young goodwill
ambassador here.
-Dennis will do his
very best Mr. Mayor.
We appreciate the
confidence you have in him.
-Oh, I'm sure he'll
dramatize our point
much better than
any adult could.
-Oh, and Allison
I can't thank you
and the committee enough
for paying our way too.
-Well, a boy needs his
parents to watch over him.
-Boy me, and mom, and
dad, and Mr. Wilson
are going to have a swell time.
-Mr. Wilson?
-Oh, our neighborhood,
John Wilson.
He writes for a
national magazine.
Sold his editor on the
idea of coming along
to write an article on what
Dennis does in Washington.
-Well, splendid.
-Oh dear.
It still won't close.
-Oh, I'll help you honey.
-Please feel free to call
on me from Washington
if you need any help or advice.
As mayor of this community,
I do carry some weight,
and it might come
in handy there.
-Your weight might come in
handy right here Mr. Mayor,
if you could just sit on that
suitcase mom can't get closed.
[theme music]
-Yes, Mr. Winfield.
Just what you ordered.
An article on how one
small boy with a just cause
can influence the
cause of Congress.
The voice of a child
heard on Capitol Hill.
That should justify the
payment of my expenses.
eh Mr. Winfield?
Right.
Bye.
That takes care of my editor.
Well, did I forget anything?
-No dear, I'm proud of you.
You even remembered your socks.
-I wish you were
going with me, Eloise,
but they only offered
to pay my expenses.
-Don't you worry about me.
You just get a good story.
-If I wasn't going, there
wouldn't be a story.
I'm the one who'll put our
National Forest bill across.
-Not Dennis?
-Well frankly, his
appointment with our senator
has only sentimental value.
But I know I can depend
on my influential friends
such as Senator
Beaufort, Judge Kingston.
Dennis may get the glory, but
I'll be the power behind him.
-You know dear, it's too
bad we don't have time
to buy you a size suit.
-I wear a .
You know that.
-Yes, I know dear, but you're
a much bigger man in Washington
than you are here.
-Mr. John Wilson, Mr.
and Mrs. Henry Mitchell,
and Dennis Mitchell.
-That's me.
I'm going to Washington.
-Yes, he's uh very
kindly taking us along.
-Yes, your reservations
are confirmed
on Flight , nonstop.
-You mean, we won't stop?
-Not until we get there, Dennis.
-Jeepers, that's a long way.
Suppose I want to--
-There's one on the plane, dear.
-A mailbox?
-What?
-I might want to write
a postcard to Tommy.
So if there's one on the plane--
-You'd better wait until
we get there, Dennis.
-Hey, Dad.
What are you doing
with our suitcases?
-Well, this is where they
weigh them in, collect them
all together, and put
them on the plane.
-I better go along with
that one and make sure
it gets on the plane.
All my schoolbooks are in there.
-Well that's wonderful,
Dennis, you're
going to study on
the trip, are you?
-No, Sir.
I'm taking my books to stand on.
When I talk to
Senator Philbin I want
to look him right in the eye.
-Jeepers, this is great.
This is real great.
If I didn't know
I was in a plane,
I wouldn't even
know I was flying.
-Well, it's official, son.
You're up in the air.
-Way up in the air.
-PILOT (OFFSCREEN):
Good afternoon
and welcome to Flight .
This is your pilot,
Captain Howard Lynch.
-Hi, Captain.
This is your passenger,
Dennis Mitchell.
-Dennis, he can't hear you.
-PILOT (OFFSCREEN):
We are now cruising
at an average speed
of miles per hour
and should arrive
at our destination
in approximately
hours and minutes.
-Boy, I sure hope he gets us
to the right place all right.
-Of course he will.
Why shouldn't he?
-If he can't hear, maybe he
can't see so good either.
-Look out your window, Dennis.
We're flying over
Hickory Mountain now.
-Ah gee, that's pretty.
I sure hope we get them to make
a National Forest out of it.
-Have no fear, my boy, we will.
I have some important
contacts in Washington
who will pave the way for us.
-I have an important
contact in Washington too.
-Indeed?
-Yes sir.
He was my counselor at
summer camp last year
and his name is Freddy Thorpe.
He runs errands at the Capitol.
-Oh, a page boy.
-I guess that's
what you call him.
Anyhow, Freddy's real smart.
-Well if all else fails, we
will use your important contact.
-But I'll talk to the
Senator myself first.
-Everybody comfortable here?
-Yeah, we're fine.
-I heard you say you were
going to see a Senator?
-That's right.
I'm going to get him to fix
up a National Forest for us.
-Really?
-Yes, this young man
has been appointed
to make an appeal for one.
-And when we get
our National Forest,
Dad's promised to
take me camping out
there, just the two of us.
-Why that's wonderful.
-Would you like to go with us?
-Thanks.
But I'm afraid I can't make it.
-I guess three in a tent
would be a crowd any way.
-Yes, I'm afraid it would be.
[music playing]
-I'm Henry Mitchell.
This is Mr. John Wilson.
We've reserved two rooms.
-Yes.
We have them Mr. Mitchell.
A room for yourself and your
wife, an extra cot for your son
and an adjoining
room for Mr. Wilson.
Uh, boy?
and .
-John.
-Yup.
-Hey, Mr. Wilson.
We're the ones that
are here in business.
Shouldn't we room together?
-I requested a room
with a single bed.
-Could you move me
cot in beside his bed?
-Yes, we could do that.
-Perhaps your parents
won't approve.
-How about it, Dad?
It'll just be next door.
-If Mr. Wilson doesn't mind.
-Isn't that great, Mr. Wilson!
We're roommates.
-Splendid.
-Now if we want to
discuss business,
we won't have to
wait until morning.
We can talk all night.
-But this is a very
important matter.
Well, if you just let me speak
to Senator Philbin in person,
I'm sure that-- I know he's
a busy man, but-- All right.
I'll be there tomorrow morning.
-The senator can't see
us today, huh Mr. Wilson?
-So his secretary informs me.
-Well tomorrow
will be all right.
-Delay, delay, delay.
It seems to be the watchword
here in Washington.
The way politicians
put things off
it's a wonder we're not
still a British colony.
-Well it's only a
day, Mr. Wilson.
When you and Dennis get
in to see the senator,
I'm sure it won't take
you long to persuade him.
-Sure.
When he hears about all those
important connections you've
got, he'll be sorry he
didn't see us sooner.
-Well, I suppose you're right.
It's his loss, not mine.
-Well that means we have
the whole day to ourselves.
-Oh boy, let's go sight seeing.
-Well I think I'll
take this time
to rough out the opening
of my magazine article.
You do the town without me.
-You've got to come
with us, Mr. Wilson.
-But I've seen it before Dennis.
-That's why we need you.
So you can show us around.
Mr. Wilson really
knows Washington.
He can answer questions about
it practically in his sleep.
-Yes I proved that
all last night.
-Can't the article
wait, Mr. Wilson?
-All right, all right,
I'll be your guide.
You know, it's too bad the
famous Washington cherry
trees aren't still in bloom.
-They still got cherry trees?
I thought George
Washington cut them
all down when he was a boy.
[music playing]
-Mr.Jefferson surely was
a great man, wasn't he?
-He had a good deal to do with
making this a free country back
in .
-He'll always be
remembered as the writer
of the Declaration
of Independence.
-We learned that in school.
"We hold these truths
to be self-evident,
that all men are created equal.
That they are endowed
by their creator
with certain inalienable
rights that among these
are life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness."
-You certainly learned
that well Dennis.
-Some things go right
through your head.
But that's the kind
of thing that sticks.
-As long as it does,
son, this country
will never have to worry.
[music playing]
-Hey Mom, Dad!
I sure had fun going up in
George Washington's monument.
You should have walked down
like me and Mr. Wilson did.
-The elevator was good
enough for us dear.
-But you missed the
big memorial stones
that all the states and
foreign countries put there.
-That may be but we
sure saved our legs.
Where is Mr. Wilson?
-Oh, he kind of slowed
down and got behind me.
Here he comes.
-John, are you OK?
-Well of course I am.
I pride myself on
keeping in good shape.
-Mr. Wilson, you told me there
were steps in the monument.
-That is correct.
-Well, I only counted .
-Nevertheless, there are .
-Well, I'm going to
write to Tommy about it
and I want to be sure.
Let's walk up and
count them again
-On second thought,
I'm mistaken.
Your count is correct.
[music playing]
-Mr. Lincoln's got a
nice face hasn't he?
-He was that kind of man dear.
-He held this nation together
during the grimmest chapter
in our history.
It caused him great
suffering and pain
but he never lost the
quality of kindness.
-Could I climb up
there on his lap, Dad?
-Not allowed son.
-I'll bet he wouldn't mind.
[music playing]
-Oh, what a lovely mansion.
So beautiful and dignified.
-Yes, a fitting residence for
our most important citizen.
-Yeah, nothing's too
good for Caroline.
-Oh boy.
Hey Mom!
Dad!
Look at the capitol.
-Yes Dennis isn't it beautiful?
-Our nation's capital, where
senators and over
representatives make our laws.
-They all make the laws?
-That's right.
-Jeepers, Dad.
Maybe you better
not go in there.
-Why not?
-Well I heard you
say if you ever
met the fellow you made
the income tax law,
you'd punch him
right in the nose.
of them would take all day.
-Yes, I'll try to
restrain myself.
-Oh, this has been a
fascinating afternoon.
Oh, my feet are k*lling me.
-Mine too.
We've seen a lot of
exciting things today.
-You have a lot
to talk about when
you get back to school Dennis.
-I sure will.
And I bet you're going to write
a swell article about it too.
Because when I see Senator
Philbin tomorrow and-- Freddy!
Hey Freddy!
Mom, Dad!
It's Freddy Thorpe.
You know, my friend's
whose a page boy.
-Well hi, Dennis.
Gee what are you
doing in Washington?
-I'm here on business, Freddy.
For the Mayor.
He sent him-- oh,
Freddy, I want you
to meet by my mom, dad,
and my friend Mr. Wilson.
Freddy's my Washington contact.
-We've been hearing a
lot about you Freddy.
-Ever since last summer.
-Oh, we had a lot
of fun at camp.
Dennis is one of my best men.
I'll tell you what, Dennis.
Why don't you and I have lunch
one day while you're here.
-Oh boy, that'll
be swell Freddy.
-Oh that's very nice of you.
-You better not
make it tomorrow.
-No, Mr. Wilson and I got
a business deal tomorrow.
-Make it the next
day then, Wednesday.
: .
-All right.
I'll meet you right here Freddy.
Wednesday.
: .
-OK.
Well it was nice
meeting you folks.
-Goodbye Freddy.
-Dennis, the people in
your town chose wisely
in sending you on this mission.
I'm very proud of you.
-Thanks Senator Philbin.
The mayor said--
-The creation of
a National Forest.
Always a splendid idea and I'll
certainly give it some thought.
-I knew you'd do it Senator.
How soon can us kids
start camping out there.
-Well these things take
a little time Dennis.
But you just go on
back home, tell them
Senator Philbin said you
did a very fine job here.
-Well, just how do you go about
a thing like this, Senator.
I'm curious.
-Well any bill having to do with
national forests, Mr. Wilson,
has to go through Senator
McDermott of the Interior
Committee.
-McDermott?
-Yes a very powerful committee.
And I will mention
it to McDermott.
Don't worry.
First chance I get.
-Today perhaps?
Tomorrow?
-Well I will be out
of town tomorrow.
It may be a couple
of weeks, but you
will be hearing from me as
soon as I have any news.
Good day.
-How do like that?
Brushed off like
a piece of lint.
-Gee, it sure looks
like it's going
to take a long time to get our
National Forest, doesn't it?
-If we leave it up to that big
windbag, we'll never get it.
-What are we going to do?
All the kids are depending
on me and the mayor too.
-We are going to
get some action.
That's what we are going to do.
Now is the time to use some
of the important contacts I
have here.
-It's lucky you know
all those big people.
Who you going to talk to?
-A very dear friend
of mine, Dennis.
And one of the most
influential men
on Capitol Hill, Senator
Humphrey L. Beaufort.
Chairman of the Monetary
Disbursement Committee.
-Boy he sure sounds important.
-He'll get our bill through
McDermott's office just
like that.
Now I'm going to put
you in a taxi cab,
send you back to the hotel.
And I am off to see
Senator Beaufort.
-Yes sir?
-Oh, John Wilson to
see Senator Beaufort.
-Senator Who-fort?
-Beaufort?
You do know the
name of the chairman
of the committee
that employs you?
-Oh sure but it's not old
Humpy Beaufort, mister.
No.
A funny thing happened to
him on the way to the polls.
-He was defeated?
-Seven years ago.
-Oh good heavens.
Oh, this is very distressing.
I need help badly
on some legislature
that I'm trying-- Do
you know Judge Kingston?
Is he still around?
-Oh sure, he's a very big man.
You know him?
-Do I know him?
Why, Harvey Kingston
and I fought all
through the w*r
together, side-by-side.
-Really?
-Oh, yes.
Yes we had adjoining
desks at the Pentagon.
Oh good old Harv.
He'll flip when
I walk in on him.
-Uh what's his name, Mabel?
John Wilson?
Says he's an old friend of mine?
Oh, all right.
Send him in.
-Harvey!
By George!
It's good to see you.
-How how are you, Wilson?
-Fine, just fine.
Say, you look wonderful.
You haven't changed a bit.
-Well it's, it's
been a long time.
- .
I bet the old Pentagon hasn't
been the same since we left.
-Probably not.
Well, it's nice to see
an old buddy again.
So what can I do for you, Don?
-John.
-John, of course.
-Well I just came by
to kind of kick around
old times, sort of reminiscence.
-Yeah, that would be nice.
-There is one small
favor I need and I
know you can do it
for me just like that.
[snaps]
-And my good friend
Judge Kingston
said your department would
handle the matter for me.
-Judge Kingston is a nut.
-What?
-We got nothing
to do with getting
a bill like that passed.
What you got to do is go down
to the Public Land's office.
-Oh.
Thank you.
-No, the place to
go with that is
the Fish and Game Commission.
-No, the place to go with that
is the Bureau of Conservation.
-No, the place to go with that
is the Monetary Disbursement
Committee.
-But that's where I started.
Oh, I give up.
Well, I'm not sure whether
our bill will be passed or not
but I have a great new
angle for the story.
A small boy's impressions
of Washington.
It-- you don't want a
small boy's impressions
of Washington.
Well I--I know I promised you
a story on how a child could
influence Congress but
you see, I-- You what?
Pay my own expenses?
Mr. Winfield do you realize
how much it costs to-- Goodbye.
-That sounds like
trouble, Mr. Wilson.
What's the matter?
-Everything's the matter.
If that National Forest
bill doesn't go through,
the magazine won't buy my story.
Not only that, I'll be
stuck with all my expenses,
including that $ . piece
of cake you're eating.
-Well, I'm not worried
Mr. Wilson, not with
all those important contacts
you've got in the government.
-And I'm happy to say that
at lat, I've got some action.
Where's Dennis?
-Oh, I just dropped him
over the Capitol, John.
-He's having lunch with
Freddy Thorpe today.
-Oh yes.
Yes, I forgot.
Well, I got so sick and
tired of the pushing
around I got yesterday
that I went over
to Senator McDermott's
office and I camped there
until his secretary
gave me an appointment.
-Oh good.
- : today.
From : until : , Senator
McDermott is all mine.
-I wish Dennis could
go with you John,
but I don't think he'll
be back here by : .
-No.
Freddy has an uncle
here in town and he's
taking them both out someplace.
-Oh, well I'm sure
he'll be disappointed.
But I'll see that he gets
full credit for it back home.
-Oh that's very kind
of you, isn't it Henry?
-Yes it is John.
-Yes.
He'll have his
picture in the paper
as the boy who delivered
our National Forest.
And now I want to take you
both to lunch to celebrate,
and then you can go with me
to Senator McDermott's office.
Miss, please cut in.
My appointment was
: and it's now--
-I'm sorry Sir.
But I cannot break
in on the meeting.
Excuse me, please.
-John, we can wait
just as long as--
-Well I am not
waiting any longer.
I don't believe he's
having a meeting.
I think he's taking
a nap or something.
-John!
-Senator, I I--
Oh, good heavens.
-Do you have an appointment?
-Hi Mom!
Hi Dad!
Hi Mr. Wilson.
Boy, we had the
swellest lunch ever.
And you know what Uncle
Charlie's going do?
-Uncle Charlie?
-Senator McDermott is my uncle.
-Jeepers.
I almost forgot my manners.
Come on Mom.
Senator McDermott,
I want you to meet
my mom, dad, and Mr. Wilson.
-How do you do Mr. Wilson?
-He wants me to call
him Uncle Charlie.
And guess what?
I told Uncle Charlie all
about Hickory Mountain
and he's going to do it.
-You mean the Senator--
the National Forest?
-This boy of yours would make a
fine ambassador, Mrs. Mitchell.
He's charmed me completely.
-Well I, we--
-I thoroughly agree
your state needs
a recreational area and the
Hickory Mountain section
is the one.
I'm putting a bill into
my committee tomorrow.
Oh, uh, I believe
you wanted to see me
about something Mr. Wilson.
What can I do for you?
-Not a thing, Senator.
Not a thing.
I'm just there visiting here.
Just a sightseer, that's all.
-Boy, it sure is a
good thing that you
met Mr. Wilson, Uncle Charlie.
-Oh?
-Yeah.
Because he's got a lot of swell
contacts here in Washington.
And if you ever need
any help with anything,
he'll handle it for you.
Won't you, Mr. Wilson?
[theme music]