>> announcer: the following program is a paid presentation for the shark rotator lift-away brought to you by euro-pro. >> [british accent]: all right, i agree, your shark vacuum has a no loss of suction sealed system and it's easy to steer, just like me old dyson, but... [harp glissando] my new dyson has the strongest suction of any vacuum! so there. >> well... >> here we go again. >> testing proves that the new shark rotator lift-away... [harp glissando] deep cleans carpets better than your new dyson. >> what-- shark outcleans this $600 dyson? >> 'fraid so. and my new shark rotator also lifts away! >> crickey! how'd she do that? >> so i can take the rotator's incredible cleaning power wherever i need to... up stairs, on furniture, under appliances, out to the car...

and now i can even put my lift-away on wheels. >> the rotator does all that? >> that's not all. my shark rotator has enhanced swivel steering, and the shark is now the most recommended vacuum brand in america. >> lord love a duck. is there anything it doesn't do? >> it doesn't cost $600. >> hey... [comical drumbeat] >> announcer: the trouble with most vacuums? as soon as you turn them on they begin to clog and lose suction. and they're so heavy and hard to steer. dyson solved those problems with their no loss of suction and steering technology, but those solutions cost nearly $600. two years ago shark introduced their amazing lift-away upright which truly revolutionized the vacuum industry because it too offered no loss of suction and swivel steering technology. but it also featured a sealed system, and it converted into a lightweight and portable vacuum, all for one-third the price of a dyson. even after two years of home usage, the result is over 95% of

shark owners still recommend it to a friend. go online yourself to see all the four- and five-star reviews the shark has earned. all this proudly made shark the most recommended vacuum in america. and now shark has redefined the vacuum industry again! introducing the all-new, revolutionary, high-performance rotator lift-away! it's the greatest vacuum breakthrough in the last 20 years. a powerful, no loss of suction upright with enhanced swivel steering for superior maneuverability in and around furniture and tight corners. a lift-away for super lightweight and portable cleaning that tackles the toughest jobs where other vacuums just can't go. and with the optional caddy, now you can put the lift-away on wheels for ultra convenience and cleaning wherever you need it. >> i would definitely give the lift-away five, if not six stars. it just exceeded all my expectations. >> it is the best vacuum cleaner that i have ever owned.

>> five stars, absolutely. >> announcer: we've taken the most recommended vacuum in america and made it even better. better suction power for deep-down carpet cleaning that removes the hidden dirt you can't see. better at more flexible multi-surface cleaning. enhanced swivel steering for even better maneuverability. a new, extra-large capacity dust cup lets you clean larger areas faster and instantly empties with the push of a button. and of course you still get shark's patented true no loss of suction technology. best of all, the rotator lift-away offers even more versatility for easy cleaning on stairs and banisters, hard-to-reach places like ceiling fans and bookcases. under small, tight areas like kitchen appliances. instantly remove pet hair and dander from chairs and couches. delicately clean small keepsakes and computer keyboards... or simply take it to your car for super clean detailing. >> i can go from my area rugs to

my tile to my thick pile rug and my steps all with one vacuum. >> announcer: and the rotator lift-away doesn't stop there. just like higher priced vacuums such as miele and dyson, the shark rotator lift-away is engineered to have a completely sealed system, and it's scientifically proven to reduce exposure to allergens. for years the vacuum industry has claimed that having a hepa filter was the best way to trap dust and allergens. it's time to clear the air about this dirty little secret. the truth is, if your vacuum does not have a system that is completely sealed, then the dust and allergens you vacuum up escape back into the air before they even reach the hepa filter. that's bad news because allergy and asthma experts such as the american academy of allergy, asthma and immunology agree, even low levels of particle pollution can be damaging to people with allergies and put children, teens and seniors at risk for things like asthma. but the shark rotator

lift-away's complete seal technology locks in 99.99% of dust and allergens. that's great news for pet owners and people with allergies. so it's no wonder the shark rotator has been certified by the british allergy foundation. compare the dyson to the new rotator lift-away. both give you a system that's completely sealed, both provide powerful pet hair cleanup with superior no loss of suction technology and swivel steering. but the new shark rotator lift-away gives you so much more because all this no loss of suction power is portable. it has more cleaning capacity, and if that's not enough, the new rotator lift-away actually deep cleans carpets better than the latest dyson dc41. but, perhaps shark's most amazing breakthrough: they give you all this new and improved cleaning power but haven't raised the price by one penny-- still under $200! >> i cannot believe the value that i got with this vacuum. >> announcer: and speaking of

value... if you order the shark rotator in the next 30 minutes they'll include their amazing shark steam mop which cleans and sanitizes floors without chemicals. that's a $100 gift for ordering a less than $200 product. but it's yours absolutely free when you order the all-new, amazing shark rotator lift-away. >> hi, amy motta and i'm with shark c.e.o. mark rosen. mark, so i hear you have some exciting news to share. >> let me introduce you to the new shark rotator lift-away. it gives you enhanced swivel steering and better cleaning performance. we added even more suction power and increased cleaning capacity. like the original lift-away the new shark rotator is still the only vacuum... that lifts away to give you that same no loss of suction cleaning power in a portable. the rotator also has a totally sealed system so advanced that it actually cleans the air in

your room as you vacuum because its anti-allergen complete seal technology locks in 99.99% of the tiniest dust particles so they don't escape back into the air you breathe. and the best part: we put all that added performance into the new rotator lift-away and still kept the price under $200. and the new rotator power head with enhanced, easy-to-maneuver swivel steering has patented technology that even deep cleans carpets better than dyson's newest vacuum. >> that's a big statement, mark. you sure you can say that on tv? >> i can if i can back it up. >> that's dyson's latest, isn't it? >> it sure is, and actually, it's advertised as having the most suction power of any vacuum. the new rotator lift-away has improved suction power that can actually deep clean carpets even better than that new dyson. so here's a dirt pickup demonstration that i think will surprise and impress you. we prepared both these areas

exactly the same way. we poured exactly the same amount of sand on both sides and embedded it deep into the carpet with a heavy roller. now let's see which vacuum does a better job of pulling out that sand. are you ready to go? >> let's go! >> one... two... three... four. all right. >> o.k. >> let's see how much sand we got. >> right. >> you go first. >> o.k. >> all right, now let's see how the rotator lift-away did. >> wow! [chuckles] >> look at that. that's almost twice as much as that newest dyson. look, it even overfilled the tube and went into the funnel. >> that's impressive, mark. i mean, i want a vacuum with that kind of cleaning power because i know that ground-in dirt acts as an abrasive to my carpets, wearing it out faster.

>> but you also want great cleaning power like you've just seen so you can remove the dust and allergens that live deep in your carpets so they don't keep getting kicked up into the air your family breathes. >> i like that. >> woman: it's amazing, you can see in that canister everything that's coming up. >> i would recommend the rotator vacuum because i can really tell the difference from other vacuums that i've used and i was really surprised at how much it sucked up every time i used it. >> i am sold on the rotator. >> you can't beat the shark rotator, you just can't. >> amy, it's clear: our new rotator powerhead technology delivers better deep carpet cleaning, but it also has enhanced swivel steering. look how easy and light this is to maneuver-- it's incredible! >> i like the light. that would be helpful. it maneuvers really well too. [♪...] hey, mark... you missed a spot. >> amy, i said enhanced swivel

steering. this is truly next generation technology. it's gonna make cleaning your home a lot easier. >> that swivel head makes it much easier to make turns. >> and it moves with our hand and it just angles and turns and it picks up. >> i can get under the coffee table, around the coffee table without actually having to move the furniture. >> oh, and the maneuvering... i don't have to push it too hard, it just turns pretty much on its own. >> your new rotator lift-away cleans better, steers easily and it costs less. i guess i'm not surprised that lift-away is now the most highly recommended no loss of suction vacuum brand in america. and now it's your turn to try the next generation rotator lift-away in your own home. >> announcer: we've taken the most recommended vacuum in america and made it even better. introducing the shark rotator lift-away. better suction power. better multi-surface cleaning.

better cleaning capacity. it's an upright with enhanced swivel steering and superior maneuverability. it's a portable lift-away so you can use the rotator's unbelievable cleaning power wherever you need it. and with the optional caddy now you can even put the rotator on wheels-- talk about convenience! just like higher priced vacuums such a miele and dyson, the shark rotator lift-away is engineered to have a completely sealed system and it's scientifically proven to reduce exposure to allergens. for years the vacuum industry has claimed that having a hepa filter was the best way to trap dust and allergens. it's time to clear the air about this dirty little secret. the truth is, if your vacuum does not have a system that is completely sealed, then the dust and allergens you vacuum up escape back into the air before they even reach the hepa filter. that's bad news because allergy and asthma experts such as the american academy of allergy, asthma and immunology agree,

even low levels of particle pollution can be damaging to people with allergies and put children, teens and seniors at risk for things like asthma. but the shark rotator lift-away's complete seal technology locks in 99.99% of dust and allergens. that's great news for pet owners and people with allergies. so it's no wonder the shark rotator has been certified by the british allergy foundation. compare the dyson to the new rotator lift-away. both have completely sealed systems. both provide powerful pet hair cleanup with superior no loss of suction technology and swivel steering. but the new shark rotator lift-away gives you so much more because all this no loss of suction power is portable! it has more cleaning capacity, and if that's not enough, the new rotator lift-away actually deep cleans carpets better than the latest dyson dc41. but, perhaps shark's most amazing breakthrough: they give you all this new and improved

cleaning power but haven't raised the price by one penny. why would you use any other vacuum when you can swivel, lift and seal with the incredible shark rotator lift-away? >> i would've expected it to cost upwards of $500. >> announcer: but you wot pay $500... or $400... not even $300. are you kidding me? at five payments of $49.95 it's a tremendous value. along with your rotator you'll also receive this onboard crevice tool, dusting brush and the premium pet hair power brush. but wait it gets even better! call or go online right noand we'll make oneayment for you. that's right-- the new shark rotator lift-away can be yours for just four payments of only $49.95. >> i know you're going to love my new shark rotator. but if you're not happy for any reason, just send it back and i'll even pay the return

shipping. but if you do order direct from shark, i'm going to give you my incredible v.i.p. service guarantee. if anything goes wrong in the next five years, we'll take care of everything-- even the shipping cost both ways. you pay absolutely nothing, guaranteed. but if that's not enough to convince you, today i'm also giving away my bestselling shark steam mop for free, just for trying my shark rotator. and the best part? it's yours to keep even if you decide to return the rotator. >> announcer: when you call ask about a very special offer to turn the lift-away into a canister vacuum to give you even more cleaning versatility. also don't forget to ask your operator about the shark dust eliminator kit-- great for pet owners and allergy sufferers. you get all this plus the v.i.p. service guarantee that incdes a five-year, full-service in-home warranty plus the free steam mop. and remember, you get to keep the $100 steam mop even if you

return the lift-away. shark will even pay the return shipping. with a full 60-day money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose. that's a total value of nearly $400 all yours for just four payments of $49.95. the new shark rotator-- the next generation lift-away. save big, clean better. call now. [♪...] [music changes] >> i vacuum at least twice a week. for me, a big thing is dust. because my husband has a lot of allergies, i really try hard at keeping my home clean and making sure that he is not having any breathing issues. with the rotator i'm able to use the attachments and that seemed to pick up everything. ...using the turbo brush attachment i'm able to clean up pet hair and dander that has

collected on the couches. >> i like it just 'cause i can switch and push a button from hard surface to carpet. i like that, it's easy. >> with this new rotator he'll be able to help with more of the chores around the house. >> mark: with the new shark rotator's anti-allergen complete seal technology 99.99% of all dust, dander, pet hair and other allergens that you vacuum up stay locked inside the lift-away so they don't escape back into the air you breathe. >> well, every vacuum with a hepa filter says they do that, right? >> they say it, but unless your vacuum has a sealed system, all kinds of dust and allergens can leak around the hepa filter and escape back into the air you breathe. and now you can actually see it for yourself with the help ofou. we tested two different brand-name vacuums with a special dust that glows under black light. i think you're going to be shocked by what you're about to see. this is the dust going into a

popular vacuum and this is the dust coming out of that same vacuum. >> oh, my gosh, that is unbelievable. >> now, we did it again with another brand and look: the same thing happened. the dust is leaking around the hepa filter and pouring out of the vacuum. now, when we tested the lift-away with the same exact dust, we didn't see a speck of dust escaping. that's why our anti-allergen complete seal technology is so important for everyone. >> announcer: so what does that mean for you and your family? >> mark: we had an independent lab test how many more particles escape from these unsealed hepa vacuums compared to sealed hepa vacuums like dyson and shark. i wanted to show everyone what that could look like in an actual room in their home. this animation represents the number of particles in the air after vacuuming with shark or dyson. not many at all. now this is a relative

comparison of what it would look like after using this vacuum. [scoffs] well, now, that's a lot of dust and allergens. here's the second competing vacuum. whoa! imagine all this in your air. now here's the third one, and keep in mind, all three of these have hepa filters. but clearly... they don't have sealed systems. >> the complete seal technology was important to me because i have severe allergies to dog dander. the shark has been a big help to us because whatever we vacuum up stays in the vacuum. >> so the fact that i can keep all of the pollen and the dust and the allergens in this canister is just a real benefit, and i just feel better knowing that my air is cleaner, my carpet is cleaner, it's not getting kicked back up. it's the best vacuum i've ever used. >> one of the things we really like about the rotator is the complete seal technology. my kids have allergies and when

i started using the shark rotator i noticed the dust is not coming back into the air after i vacuum. we love our rotator vacuum. >> announcer: people all over the country are falling in love with the shark lift-away, making shark america's most recommended vacuum brand. now shark presents their latest and greatest innovation in vacuum technology: the all-new shark rotator lift-away! call or go online now and order your shark rotator lift-away at the discounted, special price of just four payments of $49.95. that's an incredible value! along with your rotator you'll also receive this onboard crevice tool, dustinbrush and thpremium pet hair power brush. plus we'll include a five-year v.i.p. service guarantee. if anything goes wrong shark will take care of everything, including any shipping costs, both ways. you pay absolutely nothing, guaranteed. and if that's not enough to

convince you, order immediately and shark will also include their bestselling steam mop, a $100 value, and it's yours free just for trying the new shark rotator lift-away. when you call ask about a very special offer on the incredible shark caddy, giving you even more cleaning versatility. also don't forget to ask your operator about the shark dust eliminator kit, available only for your shark rotator lift-away. you get all this plus the v.i. service guarane that includes a five-year, full-service in-home warranty plus the free steam mop. remember, you get to keep the $100 steam mop even if you return the lift-away. shark will even pay the return shipping. with a full 60-day money-back guarantee you have nothing to lose. that's a total value of nearly $400 all yours for just four payments of $49.95. the new shark rotator-- the next generation lift-away. save big, clean better. call now.

[♪...] >> amy: you say your new rotator lift-away never loses suction, but it seems every vacuum claims to have big suction or no loss of suction these days. >> that's true, amy. but you know what? i can prove my new rotator lift-away has huge suction power and it doesn't lose it. we vacuumed up about six months' worth of industry standard extra-fine dust with my new rotator and this competing upright. so let's empty this other competing vacuum... >> o.k. >> and to make it more challenging for the rotator, let's leave all that dust and dirt-- remember, that's six months' worth inside the rotator. now let's see how many pool balls we can each suck up. ready? >> ready. >> let's go. one... >> one. >> two. >> two. >> three. >> three... four... >> four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,

15... 16! look at the weight of this! look at this-- i'm holding the pool balls! shake yours! look at that! look at that suction power! now that's an incredible suction demonstration for you, amy. >> that's the kind of dependability you want in a vacuum, isn't it? you want to know when you turn it on it's not gonna let you down. >> you really don't expect that much power from this small of a vacuum. even with the canister full, it still kept its suction power. >> this is my new turbo brush. >> o.k. >> check out how quickly and easily it makes fast work out of this pet hair mess. look at that-- the pet hair is gone from the surface in seconds, but i'm also pulling out all that fine dust and pet dander from inside the sofa. it's incredible! >> wow, that's fantastic. that's something every pet owner will love.

>> i've had my dog 8-1/2 years so he's definitely a part of my family, and i can't keep him off the furniture. it's a little embarrassing to have someone come over and when they get up, there's some dog hair. ...it's amazing when you can see what it's lifting up. and the pet hair's gone. i think the shark rotator, in my mind, is the ultimate pet vacuum. >> amy: why wouldn't you take advantage of this incredible offer? mark is giving you 60 days to try the new rotator lift-away right in your own home. if you don't love it, no problem, send it back. shark will even pay return shipping. >> call now. i guarantee you'll be happy you did. >> announcer: we've taken the most recommended vacuum in america and made it even better. introducing the shark rotator lift-away. better suction power. better multi-surface cleaning. better cleaning capacity. it's an upright with enhanced swivel steering and superior maneuverability. it's a portable lift-away so you

can use the rotator's unbelievable cleaning power wherever you need it. and with the optional caddy now you can even put the rotator on wheels-- talk about convenience! just like higher priced vacuums such a miele and dyson, the shark rotator lift-away is engineered to have a completely sealed system and it's scientifically proven to reduce exposure to allergens. for years the vacuum industry has claimed that having a hepa filter was the best way to trap dust and allergens. it's time to clear the air about this dirty little secret. the truth is, if your vacuum does not have a system that is completely sealed, then the dust and allergens you vacuum up escape back into the air before they even reach the hepa filter. that's bad news because allergy and asthma experts such as the american academy of allergy, asthma and immunology agree, even low levels of particle pollution can be damaging to people with allergies and put children, teens and seniors at risk for things like asthma.

but the shark rotator lift-away's complete seal technology locks in 99.99% of dust and allergens. that's great news for pet owners and people with allergies. so it's no wonder the shark rotator has been certified by the british allergy foundation. compare the dyson to the new rotator lift-away. both have completely sealed systems. both provide powerful pet hair cleanup with superior no loss of suction technology and swivel steering. but the new shark rotator lift-away gives you so much more because all this no loss of suction power is portable! it has more cleaning capacity, and if that's not enough, the new rotator lift-away actually deep cleans carpets better than the latest dyson dc41. but, perhaps shark's most amazing breakthrough: they give you all this new and improved cleaning power but haven't raised the price by one penny. shark consistently earns four- and five-star ratings. in fact, online surveys show 95%

of lift-away owners say they tell friends and families to buy a lift-away, making shark america's most recommended vacuum brand. why would you use any other vacuum when you can swivel, lift and seal with the incredible shark rotator lift-away? >> i would've expected it to cost upwards of $500. >> announcer: but you won't pay $500... or $400... not even $300. are you kidding me? at five payments of $49.95 it's a tremendous value. along with your rotator you'll also receive this onboard crevice tool, dusting brush and the premium pet hair power brush. but wait-- it gets en better! ca or go online right now an we'll make o payment for you. that's right-- the new shark rotator lift-away can be yours for just four payments of only $49.95. >> i know you're going to love my new shark rotator. but if you're not happy for any

reason, just send it back and i'll even pay the return shipping. but if you do order direct from shark, i'm going to give you my incredible v.i.p. service guarantee. if anything goes wrong in the next five years, we'll take care of everything-- even the shipping cost both ways. you pay absolutely nothing, guaranteed. but if that's not enough to convince you, today i'm also giving away my bestselling shark steam mop for free, just for trying my shark rotator. and the best part? it's yours to keep even if you decide to return the rotator. >> announcer: when you call ask about a very special offer to turn the lift-away into a canister vacuum to give you even more cleaning versatility. also don't forget to ask your operator about the shark dust eliminator kit-- great for pet owners and allergy sufferers. you get all this plus the v.i.p. service guarane that includes a five-year, full-service in-home warranty plus the free

steam mop. and remember, you get to keep the $100 steam mop even if you return the lift-away. shark will even pay the return shipping. with a full 60-day money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose. that's a total value of nearly $400 all yours for just four payments of $49.95. the new shark rotator-- the next generation lift-away. save big, clean better. call now. [♪...] the preceding has been a paid presentation for the shark rotator lift-away. i was having trouble getting out of bed in the morning because my back hurt so bad. the sleep number bed conforms to you. i wake up in the morning with no back pain. i can adjust it if i need to...if my back's a little more sore. and by the time i get up in the morning, i feel great! if you have back pain, toss and turn at night or wake up tired with no energy, the sleep number

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♪ and find that something shocking has occurred ♪ ♪ among the candy canes and toys ♪ ♪ you'll hear a funny little noise ♪ ♪ you've got yourself a cricket on the hearth ♪ ♪ cricket on the hearth ♪ take that horseshoe off your door ♪ ♪ with a cricket on the hearth ♪ ♪ you can leave that lucky penny ♪ ♪ sitting on the floor ♪ cricket on the hearth ♪ throw that rabbit's foot away ♪ ♪ with a cricket on the hearth ♪ ♪ you can save that sticky wishbone ♪ ♪ for another day ♪ let him abide by the fireside ♪

♪ and luck will come a-knocking on your door ♪ ♪ and the spirit of christmas will live with you ♪ ♪ forevermore ♪ cricket on the hearth ♪ leave that mistletoe above ♪ ♪ with a cricket on the hearth ♪ ♪ knock it down, you'll still be lucky ♪ ♪ step on the cracks and spill the salt ♪ ♪ cross a cat that's black, not a thing can halt ♪ ♪ your luck if you have a lucky cricket ♪ ♪ cricket on the hearth ♪ deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪ ♪ fa la la la la la la la la ♪ ♪ 'tis the season to be jolly... ♪ whoo! welcome back home. that is a chilly one. oh, right. oh, excuse me. be with you in a blink.

home at last. well, merry christmas to you. mmm. i suppose you're all wondering what me, a cricket, is doing here on christmas eve with a home of me own. see, i am a part of the family, as it were. oh, and it's a lucky household what has a cricket on their hearth. and indeed i am good luck, for if it hadn't been for cricket crocket here, why, there wouldn't be no blinking family. i'll tell you how it all began. a long time ago it was. springtime, if i remembers correct. oh, i was some cracking cricket, i could tell you. ready to take on the world, i was. i was looking for a proper family to adopt when all of a sudden, i spies...

about the happiest house i'd ever seen... and a toy shop, too. i'll return in a little while. here, now. here, now. you watch it. why, it's a cricket. here, now. just watch it. i am very fragile. there, there. i mean you no harm. why, i've heard that you crickets bring good luck with you. how about staying with us for a while? come on, now. just go inside and make yourself at home... if you've a mind to. oh, well, uh... oh, it's not a very exciting place. just me and my daughter and of course the toys. sir, i'd be delighted. crocket's the name. cricket crocket. i'm caleb plummer. we'll work out the arrangements later, after i deliver these toys. ta-ta.

i suppose i had never seen a happier room, and there, in the corner, was the nicest little hearth you could ever hope for. perfect. [woman crying] here, now. what's this? oh, edward, i shouldn't. no, bertha. you go right ahead and cry. but i don't want you to remember me like this-- all teary. any memory of you will be the most precious a man could carry. but i promised myself that i'd be brave and smile till the very end. [crying] oh, why must you go away? i must serve out my enlistment. i must go to sea tomorrow. for 2 years? it's just not fair. darling... i'm a commissioned officer in the royal navy and--

oh, i hate that commission, and i hate that uniform, and i hate the royal navy. bertha! oh, no, i don't... really. i'm sorry. i'll release you from your promise... if you want. oh, no! oh, edward! crocket's voice: i couldn't help meself. see, that's the way it is with us crickets. we get involved. my darling, you will be here when i return? promise? oh, edward. i love you so. ♪ don't give your love away ♪ ♪ wait for me, i will come back ♪ ♪ to you ♪ and we'll have a thousand days of may ♪ ♪ don't give your love

♪ away ♪ i've kissed your smiles away ♪ ♪ i know waiting will be hard for you ♪ ♪ and i wish i could do more than say ♪ ♪ don't give your love away ♪ ♪ my longest day will be when i remember ♪ ♪ today ♪ and i'll wonder if you'll be there ♪ ♪ if the years haven't touched our love affair ♪ ♪ still moment, speak for me ♪ ♪ tell her words are much too weak for me ♪

♪ what i feel comes to my lips one way ♪ ♪ don't give your love ♪ away crocket: well, the time passed right quick. i suppose it always does when you're busy. ooh, and busy we was. christmas was getting nearer and nearer. 2 tacks, cricket. 2 tacks on their way. more red paint, crocket, if you please. hmm...make it smiling red. smiling red you want, smiling red you get.

how's that, love? ooh, divine. the perfect color for a smile. i suppose i'm being extravagant with the paint, but no child wants a doll who can't smile. [sniffles] now, now, what's this? was that a tear that i saw, bertha? now, you shouldn't get yourself all unhappy and teary over thinking about your young man. it's been a year and a half since edward went away, and, well, sometimes when i think about him, i smile and cry because i'm happy. ♪ if a tear falls when you're smiling ♪ ♪ and you're still gay inside ♪ ♪ then it means that you've found a happiness ♪ ♪ your tears can never hide ♪ ♪ smiles go with tears ♪ smiles go with tears ♪ ♪ sometimes when you're happiest ♪

♪ smiles go with tears ♪ when you haven't seen a loved one ♪ ♪ and he suddenly appears ♪ even though you try to control yourself ♪ ♪ you'll never hide the tears ♪ ♪ smiles go with tears ♪ smiles go with tears ♪ ♪ sometimes when you're happiest ♪ ♪ smiles go with tears ♪ let a happy little tear fall ♪ ♪ let it cry right down your face ♪ ♪ let it say, "i love you. i missed you so" ♪ ♪ "no one can take your place" ♪ ♪ smiles go with tears ♪ smiles go with tears ♪ ♪ sometimes when you're happiest ♪ ♪ smiles go with tears

now for the eyes. brown or black or...sky-blue pink? [laughter] [door opens] oh! [door closes] what...what can i do for you? you are a certain caleb plummer? i am. call me jeremiah bleak. i am a certain agent of her majesty the queen. oh? you have a certain bertha plummer for a daughter, who in turn was engaged to a certain edward belton? you mean...is engaged. i am sorry, but it is my melancholy duty to inform you that a certain edward belton, late of her majesty's royal navy, is lost at sea. lord have mercy. no. no! no! his small mournful effects

willed to the girl. aah! [thunder] bertha. bertha, my darling daughter, it's all a mistake, i'm certain. it could be a mistake, couldn't it? hardly. oh, no. no, no. my poor baby. my poor baby. [door opens] [wind blowing] [door closes] crocket's voice: blimey. that's a day i'd soon as not remember-- the beginning of all our troubles, for you see, the shock of that awful message, delivered the way it was, turned poor bertha...blind. oh, my baby. my poor, poor baby.

crocket's voice: oh, grim times was upon us, i'll tell you. how quick everything changed-- poor dear bertha living in her world of darkness, and old caleb beside himself with grief. all he did was nurse his daughter. didn't touch the unfinished toys, and christmas was only a short way off. and when the happy season came, he wasn't ready. he didn't sell one toy that year.

made nary a halfpenny. yeah, what money he did have all went to the doctors he brought in, but they could do no good, and caleb, not thinking, went out and borrowed more and more money, never having any idea how he was going to pay it back. [evil laughter] and one sad day, they could no longer pay the rent, and they were deep in debt. old caleb had no choice but to pack up and leave. [wind blowing] oh, they was hard times, i can tell you. long, hungry days, looking for a bit of work, anything. and finally, one day... caleb: no use. can't go one step farther. we have no other choice. no choice, father? well, what do you mean?

the poor house? oh, no. you can't give up. what else can i do? oh, if we ever needed a little bit of luck... coo... is that what i think it is? a toy factory. now, i'd wager they could use a fine toymaker like you. do you think so? let's find out, mate. let's find out. cricket, is father seeing mr. tackleton now? uh-huh, uh-huh. shh! so you want a situation as a toymaker, do you? well, toymakers come threepence a dozen. correct, uriah? [squawk] ah, yes. but i'm a very good worker, sir, and i have my own tools, and...and i'm... very good, sir. he's very good, uriah. ha ha.

ha ha. my friend, uriah caw, thinks that's very funny. i'm sorry. i really best... be going. no, wait. caleb plummer, huh? aye, i've heard of your skills. well, you won't be paid anything, but you can live on the premises, and there will be leftover food for you. whatever you say, sir. where are the other toymakers? ha ha! did you hear that, uriah caw? he wants to know where the other toymakers are. [squawk] there are no other toymakers. [laughter] is this our new home, father? what's it like? well, uh... splendid. splendid. quite palatial. and mr. tackleton-- what's he like, father? oh, he's fine.

and he's made me head man of his entire factory. oh, father, how i wish i could see it all. i'll see everything for you, my dear. and everything i see shall be beautiful. i promise you. ♪ through my eyes ♪ you will see the world ♪ as it should be ♪ through my eyes ♪ always gay ♪ pretty colors ♪ covering the gray ♪ through my eyes ♪ let me dry your foolish tears ♪

♪ now and forever ♪ take my love and throw away ♪ ♪ the word called "never" ♪ let my heart teach you how to feel ♪ ♪ and my love help you to reveal ♪ ♪ the secret world ♪ a new world through my eyes ♪ ♪ through my eyes ♪ you will see the world as it should be ♪ ♪ through my eyes

♪ and one day ♪ you'll be happy that you found the way ♪ ♪ that you saw the world ♪ through my eyes ♪ through my eyes

cook. oh, i can't call you cook. what's your name? becky? you're a very quiet girl, becky. and you are jarvis, are you not? "yes, milord." well, that'll be all, jarvis. you can have the night off. "thank you, milord." and it was like we lived in 2 worlds-- what was real for us and what was real for blind bertha. oh... of all the blinkety blooming hearths in all the blinkety blooming world, this hearth is the blinkingest and the bloomingest. [crash]

oh, well, what's the use? "make do, cricket crocket. make do." blimey! [squawk] evening, matey. [squawk] we got no place for bugs around here. hello, hello. who are you calling a bug? i am an insect, i am. i will thank you to address me by my proper rank. i loves to mangle insects. [squawking] ow! tackleton: uriah? uriah? [squawk] what are you doing out here? naughty, naughty birdie. come to beddy-bye now. into your cage, uriah caw. it's late. [squawking]

[sighs] oh...whew-ee. whew. nighty-night, little friend. [snoring] crocket's voice: well, it was obvious one of us had to go. oh, yeah, but i'm getting ahead of my story. it was about a week before christmas, and poor old caleb plummer was working night and day to keep up with the demands of the season, as it were. plummer, you're using entirely too much paint on the dolls' faces. just trying to give them nice smiles. who the blazes cares about smiles? a dot and a half is enough for any doll. paint costs money! yes, sir. oh, but tackleton toys was mean and grubby things. oh, all he cared about was the shillings and pennies they'd bring. but caleb, oh, he couldn't see them go out into the world like that, so every night, me and him would sneak in and fix them up proper,

then pop them back in their boxes by morning so tackleton wouldn't find out. it was just 2 days before christmas when we met up with...him. oh, excuse me, sir. i had so much in my arms, that i couldn't see you. no, it was my fault, i assure you. here. allow me to help you pick those up. ooh! what is it, sir? my bones ache so terribly. i've no money for a room. been sleeping out-of-doors. why, that's terrible. in this weather? well, you must come home with me. i haven't much to offer, but you're quite welcome to share it with me. bless you, son. bless you. he was a funny, quiet sort of fellow. wouldn't hardly say boo. just sat there looking at bertha with them sad, old eyes. we're so glad you could stay with us. oh. oh, it is my pleasure indeed.

bertha. [gasp] what is it? the way you said my name just now, it-- i'm sorry. indeed i am. i was too forward. "miss plummer" i meant to say. here now. here now. no serious formalities, for we are all one family, and it's almost christmas. and we're going to have a splendid christmas this time. aren't we, father? with mistletoe and a big tree and decorations and everything. oh, promise me, father. oh, promise me. even though i cannot see them, you will have those things? but of course. of course. crocket's voice: now, caleb had been ly-- stretching the truth for a long time now

to keep bertha happy, but when it came to fibbing about christmas, well...he just wasn't quite up to it. caleb: ♪ would it be christmas without the mistletoe? ♪ ♪ would it be christmas without the winter snow? ♪ ♪ no fireplace ♪ no christmas tree ♪ no decorations, just you and me ♪ ♪ would it be christmas then? ♪ ♪ on the first christmas ♪ there was no mistletoe ♪ on the first christmas ♪ there was no winter snow ♪ ♪ no fireplace ♪ no christmas tree

♪ no decorations, just the wise men three ♪ ♪ and it was christmas then ♪ ♪ the holiday season has changed ♪ ♪ but the reason we celebrate remains ♪ ♪ it can be christmas without the mistletoe ♪ ♪ it can be christmas without the winter snow ♪ ♪ no fireplace, no christmas tree ♪ ♪ no decorations, just you and me ♪ ♪ it can be christmas then ♪ for christmas lives in the heart ♪

♪ of men [bell tolling]

wish you a merry christmas ♪ ♪ we wish you a merry christmas ♪ ♪ we wish you a merry christmas ♪ ♪ and a happy new year... crocket's voice: well, the following day, it was christmas eve. ooh, and we were really busy. tackleton: rest period. do take a rest. [squawk] i've decided to give you a christmas bonus-- 4 whole shillings. here. a shilling for you, girl. i hope it doesn't bankrupt the old skinflint.

actually, i must confess to an ulterior motive. ha ha ha. this is a lonely old place for me, and i've finally decided that what i need is a wife. a wife, sir? you? and why not? i cut a splendid figure. ha! you say something? no, sir. ah. well, to get to the point, i'm happy to inform you that i've decided that the girl i would most like to so honor is none other than your own dear lucky bertha. what? we could be wed tomorrow. it's christmas, a holiday. that way, we wouldn't lose a day's work. oh, sir. now, you don't have to make up your mind right away. take your time. think it over. why, i'll give you an hour and 15 minutes.

meanwhile... back to work. oh, father, i'm so very honored. but...but, my dear, you're just a child. father, i haven't been a child for a long time. you've just got to accept the fact that i am a big grown-up girl now. ♪ lullabies and fairy tales ♪ ♪ pinafores, piano scales ♪ ♪ satin bows and cheeks of rose ♪ ♪ that was yesterday ♪ little girl upon your knee ♪ ♪ that was what i used to be ♪ ♪ bunny nose, but heaven knows ♪ ♪ that was yesterday ♪ so look up, your little girl's a lady ♪

♪ with a weighty problem ♪ daddy is her problem ♪ he thinks she's still a child ♪ ♪ carousels and wishing wells ♪ ♪ golden shoes with silver bells ♪ ♪ starry eyes and cherry pies ♪ ♪ that was yesterday ♪ carousels and wishing wells ♪ ♪ golden shoes with silver bells ♪ ♪ starry eyes and cherry pies ♪ ♪ that was yesterday ♪ yesterday

[door opens] miss plummer. who's that? the old gentleman? i have happy news, sir. and i've something to tell you. i've waited too long. no, no, no. let me tell my news first, for it is bursting inside of me. the most wonderful man in the whole world has asked me to be his wife! indeed? i offer you then my heartiest congratulations. ha ha ha. they don't sound very hearty. and now...what have you to tell me? well, i, um... that is... oh, blast all this telling one another. we've got no time for it. this is an emergency. why, cricket, what a thing to say. excuse me. what's wrong with the old fellow? never mind him. think of her.

what can i do? have i deceived her all this time but to break her heart at last? father... i've made up my mind. when mr. tackleton returns, i shall tell him that i accept his proposal. crocket's voice: see, i was determined that bertha would never get a chance to say yes. so i called together some of me mates. well, right on the dot, he arrives. bertha: do come and sit beside me, mr. tackleton. i've made tea. i shall. oh, i shall, my pretty little lady. one lump or 2? 2. oh, yes, 2, my pretty. 2, he says. coming up, matey. oh! ooh! ooh, is anything wrong? no. and now, my dear, we come to the reason for my presence here. ha ha ha.

"ha ha ha." that's what you think, chum. pepper. and have you made up your pretty little mind? ha ha ha. well, to tell the truth, kind sir-- yes? ha ha ha. [ah-choo!] oh! oh, what was that? never mind. now-- [ah-choo!] well, what on earth? excuse me, my pretty-- [ah-choo!] [ah-choo! ah-choo!] it was that cricket made a fool of me. uriah, get rid of him once and for all. [squawk] and this time, no slip-ups. get professional help so you won't bungle the job. i want that cricket eliminated. [squawk] [piano playing]

all right, quiet. moll's gonna sing. aw, shut up. [music playing] ♪ diamonds, furs, and ocean trips ♪ ♪ they don't go with twopence tips ♪ ♪ don't feed me champagne talk ♪ ♪ when we're eating fish and chips ♪ ♪ half a pint, some smoky kips ♪ ♪ where never meant to touch my lips ♪ ♪ don't speak those platinum words ♪ ♪ when we're eating fish and chips ♪ ♪ can't you get out of the habit ♪ ♪ of saying meat when you mean rabbit? ♪ ♪ or saying sable when you can't afford raccoon? ♪ ♪ you've got caviar tastes and shad-roe pockets ♪ ♪ and you never ever buy me the moon ♪ ♪ with my life i've come to grips ♪

♪ throw away your clever quips ♪ ♪ i'm prepared to love you ♪ ♪ and to love my fish and chips ♪ [applause] [squawk] hello, strangler, slink. i've got a proper evil proposition to put to you. what's the job this time, uriah caw? we eliminates an annoying cricket. a cricket? not that easy. he's a clever one, he is. but he must be put away. i have a better idea. we'll capture him. i knows a captain who pays well for captured crickets. sells them in china for good-luck faces. [laughter] hello, and...

[squawking] now, where's our pay? i've got your payoff right here, lad. [gunshots] crocket's voice: oh, i've hitched up with a lovely crew, i can tell you. there i was, setting sail for china on christmas eve, leaving poor bertha in the hands of that... [ahem] coo... what will my family do without their lucky cricket on the hearth?

aye, you'll fetch a pretty price, you will-- a bolt of silk or a crate of tea. um...uh! what be the matter with you? go on! deader than a doornail he be. a dead cricket's no good to me! my plan worked perfect-like. i only overlooked one thing-- crickets can't swim. but luck was with me, for another thing i forgot was crickets float.

now, i know you're not going to believe how i got back to land, but this is the way it happened. look, so help me. it was just before midnight when i got back. home at last. coo... a wedding dress.

she's going to go through with it. [cuckoo clock] it's midnight, midnight on christmas eve-- the one hour in the year when magical things are supposed to happen. oh, look, maybe this bloke's still in luck. hello, hello. here now. here now. what's up? blimey. the toys. they're coming to life. hoo hoo hoo... what a sight. run around. run around. hey. oh, lovely. simply lovely. oh, we've been upstairs. dearie, humans must never see toys come to life. those are the rules. crocket: here, now. save your worries. look, i'm no human. i'm a-- an ant! an ant!

blimey, no! i am a cricket. whew. crickets don't count. and let me be the first to say that i am happy to have you on my side. aw... you're all going to help stop poor bertha from marrying that crow-loving skinflint, aren't you? we'd do anything for caleb and bertha. if it wasn't for them, we'd be ugly. mama. hush, hush. but we haven't much time. in a moment, we'll have to go to sleep again. it's the rules, the rules, the rules, the rules... yeah, yeah, can't break the rules. so let's get cracking. any ideas? conference. mama. [whistles] all right, break it up. break it up! enough talk. let's have a little action. right-o. follow me, lads.

huh? hey, look, why are we bothering with that old geezer? blimey. oh, look. he's coming apart. coo. that is not an old man. that's...edward belton. oh, but it couldn't be. you were lost at sea. kindly allow me to explain. you see, edward belton didn't drown when his ship went down. he built himself a raft and sailed to a beautiful unchartered island. and he was there. uh, please, sir. he was there 2 years before a whaler found him and brought him back to england. but then why the disguise? [cuckoo] well... uh-oh. our time is up.

what's the matter with you toy blokes? i asked a simple question. i expect a simple answer. my beard. my wig. cricket crocket is onto you. now speak up. the whole story. well... i may as well tell you. i was shipwrecked, you see. i know all that-- the raft and the island and the whaler. what i don't understand is the whiskers and the wig. i came directly to her, but then i saw she'd gone blind, and i realized it was my fault. i couldn't just step back into her life after what i'd done to her. oh, come on now. she needs you more than she needs 6 new eyes. that's what i hoped. but i had to be sure, you see, and so i adopted the disguise. this way, i could be near her without anyone knowing. blimey! oh, there were a thousand times i was on the verge of telling her, but something always interrupted. and yesterday i made up my mind.

you remember. i came in to tell her, only to see her radiant face, radiant because "the most wonderful man in the world" had asked her to be his wife. those were her very words. ooh, you nincompoop! paying any attention to the words of a gushing female. oh, no. i could tell she meant it. and he had so much more to offer her. i'm still poor. poor? why, she wouldn't trade the bank of england for you. i wish i could believe that, cricket. i came back tonight for one last look at her. i...i guess i just fell asleep watching her. you're asleep, all right. asleep all over. you romantic sentimental ninny. she don't love nobody else but you. if i could only believe that.

bertha, love. bertha? wake up, now. [blows] gentle. oh, gentle. it's only me. oh. oh. oh, cricket. you're back. you're safe. cricket? cricket? oh. oh? darling. am i dreaming? i...oh, edward. edward! oh, edward, you're alive! you're alive, edward. oh, you're alive. edward... do you know about me? i'm... ♪ through my eyes

♪ you will see the world ♪ as it should be ♪ through my eyes ♪ and one day ♪ you'll be happy ♪ that you found the way ♪ that you saw the world ♪ through my eyes

@@ everybody happier than larks, all except, uh... tackleton: there i was, waiting at the church. what's this? what's this? what's going on here anyway? this just isn't fair. after all i've done for you. [sobbing] oh, mr. tackleton. mr. tackleton, i'm so terribly sorry. but you see, my heart belongs to edward.

it always has. nobody loves me. but we all love you, and there will always be a place in my heart for a fine and kind and noble and handsome gentleman such as you. fine... kind, noble, and... and handsome? [crying softly] but of course. dear me, i feel good all over. nobody ever said such nice things to me before. i feel as light as a lark, happy as a hummingbird. why? why? i wonder why. maybe because it's christmas. it really is christmas. but of course. ha ha ha! of course! merry christmas! merry, merry christmas!

oh, cricket, you're the luckiest thing that ever happened to anyone. well, that's my story. ended happy it did. here's hoping all your stories end happy, too. may you all have good health, good cheer, and a good merry christmas. and above all, may you never, never be without a cricket on your hearth. ♪ cricket on the hearth ♪ see that mistletoe above ♪ ♪ with a cricket on the hearth ♪ ♪ knock it down, you'll still be lucky ♪ ♪ cricket on the hearth

i thoroughly enjoyed playing old man plummer, and my daughter bertha in the play was played by my real-life daughter, marlo thomas. and her boyfriend, edward benton, was ed ames. and the singing cat was delightfully played by miss abbe lane. and gruff old tackleton, that fine actor and my dear friend, hans conried. and our wonderful narrator, the lucky cricket crocket, was marvelous actor roddy mcdowall. and in the song "the first christmas," there are the lines, "the holiday season has changed, but the reason we celebrate remains." yes, that reason hasn't changed since the very first day, when the wise men presented their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. and on that subject, there's a lovely poem by the author edmund cooke that sums it up pretty well.

mr. cooke wrote, "'tis not the weight "of jewel or plate "or the fondle of silk or fur. "'tis the spirit in which the gift is rich "as the gifts of the wise man were. "and we are not told whose gift was gold or whose was the gift of myrrh." ♪@ sps ee♪ nderaoñ ♪usyo@@ ú ♪ icachsts en ú@@ú@úúú4 f cisasiv t ort♪d ♪usy♪ ome

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ the north pole in the coldest place on earth, is the snow queen palace. it has dozens of huge jagged tours and its walls are made of ice. how do you do that tom? do what? put all these pieces of the sky together so quickly, they all look exactly the same to me. just talent and intelligence i suppose. i should