A Little Princess

A very long time ago...

...there lived a beautiful princess,

in a mystical land known as...

...India.

She was married to the

handsome Prince Rama...

...who had been banished

to the enchanted forest...

...by his jealous stepmother,

Queen Kaikeyi.

One day...

...Princess Sita saw a wounded deer

in the woods...

...and she begged Rama

to go and help it.

Rama drew a circle in the ground

and said to her:

''This is a magic circle.

So long as you stay inside it...

...no harm can come to you. ''

That night,

the princess heard a horrible cry.

Help me.

Thinking it was her beloved Rama

in danger...

...the princess ran from the circle

to answer the cry.

She soon came across

an old beggar man.

Although she had no money

to give him...

...she could not refuse his plea.

As soon as he had the bracelet...

...he transformed into the

1 0-headed demon, Ravana.

He grabs her and takes her

to his palace...

...to make her his bride.

Did you ever know

a real prince, Maya?

Laki's father.

- I thought he was in the army.

- He was.

And he was my prince.

And I, his princess.

But I mean real princes

and princesses.

All women are princesses.

It is our right.

I shall miss it here.

India is the only place on earth

that stirs the imagination.

I wish we could stay here forever.

I know, sweetheart.

But now that England's at war...

...I must go too.

You understand, don't you?

But why must I go to America?

Because it's safer.

And you'll be going to the school

your mother went to at your age...

- ...in a city called?

- New York.

Papa?

Maya told me that all girls

are princesses.

- Maya is a very wise woman.

- Then it's true?

You can be anything you want to be,

as long as you believe.

- What do you believe?

- I believe that you are...

...and always will be,

my little princess.

I gave this to your mother

on our wedding day.

I want you to have it.

She was so beautiful.

What did you love most about her?

Tough question.

I loved the way her eyes lit up

when she laughed.

Just like yours do.

I loved the sound of her voice when

she sang me the Indian folksong.

But I think,

more than anything else...

...I loved dancing with her!

Hello!

You must be Captain Crewe.

My sister will be down presently.

We were just preparing

the young lady's room.

Your things arrived this morning.

Thank you...?

Heavens, Amelia.

Amelia Minchin.

Captain Crewe.

How delightful to meet you!

And this must be little Sara.

My, what a beautiful child.

- I was telling the Captain--

- Thank you, that'll be all.

Won't you follow me?

Classes begin promptly at 8:00.

We cover all subjects:

literature, math, science...

...and of course, French and Latin.

Oh, Sara speaks fluent--

Luncheon is served at 1 :30.

Then we take our daily walk...

...unless the weather is

extremely inclement.

At 4:
00, the girls attend

etiquette classes...

...where they're trained in

the formal graces of society.

Study hall is between 4:30 and 6:30,

followed by a light supper.

Before bedtime,

we read from one of the classics...

...something the children

look forward to with anticipation.

Sunday is a day of rest.

Students may write to their parents.

And of course, we attend church.

Have you any questions?

Come along, dear.

Girls.

Say hello

to our new arrival...

...Miss Sara Crewe.

Hello, Sara.

You must tell them about

your exciting life in India.

No doubt she'll be our most

popular student in no time.

There are certain rules

that should be made clear.

First is the Order Rule...

...which requires the girls keep

their rooms spotless.

These rules are strictly enforced.

But I assure you, the results

are well worth the effort.

Our reputation for sending

the most poised...

...and charming young ladies

into society...

...is one of the highest.

I've no doubt.

Also, I'm afraid jewelry

and such finery are not allowed.

What if I wear it in my room,

during my free time?

If you absolutely insist.

I do.

She'll get in trouble.

This is splendid.

It's our largest suite.

Thank you for all the care

you've taken.

I want Sara to feel at home

while I'm away.

- No expense shall be spared.

- Of course not.

I'll let you say goodbye.

You don't have much time

before your boat leaves.

We'll write to each other

every day.

How do you like your room?

I made sure it was the best,

with corner windows and a fireplace.

And with all your toys

and clothes moved in...

...it's as if you were really...

I think I saw something...

...on that chair over there.

She came all the way from France

to be with you.

Her name is Emily.

Dolls make the very

best friends.

Just because they can't speak

doesn't mean they don't listen.

Did you know, when we leave them alone

in our room, they come to life?

- They do?

- Yes.

Before we walk in, they quickly

return to their places.

Why don't they come to life

in front of us?

Because it's magic.

Magic has to be believed.

That's the only way it's real.

Whenever you're afraid,

or miss me terribly...

...just tell Emily.

She'll get the message to me,

wherever I am.

And I'll send one back right away...

...so when you hug her...

...you'll be getting a hug from me.

It's all right, Papa.

I'm going to be fine.

What are you doing?

Memorizing me by heart?

I already know you by heart.

Goodbye princess.

What was that noise last night?

Somebody was crying for hours.

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