[The movie begins in the countryside]
Narrator: This old world is filled with wonders, but to me there's no place more wonderful than a farm in springtime when the sun is just lifting on the skyline. The air is so sweet, and everywhere you look, little miracles are happening. Buds swell into blossoms, eggs hatch, young are born. Everything's off to a fresh start, and life is good and busy and brand new. Around the barnyard, big families are a blessing. The more the merrier. Root and grunt. Push and shove. Room for everybody. Well, everybody except the runt. John Arable had been up since daybreak. He'd seen the size of the pig. He wasn't looking forward to what had to be done.
Fern: Good morning, Papa.
John: Morning, Fern.
Fern: Here are the eggs, Mama.
Mrs. Arable: Thank you, Fern.
Fern: What's Papa gonna do with that ax?
Mrs Arable: Some pigs were born last night.
Fern: Why does he need an ax for?
Mrs. Arable: One of the pigs was a runt and your father has to do away with it.
Fern: Do away with it? You mean kill it?
Mrs. Arable: Well, yes.
Fern: Just because it's smaller than the others?
Mrs. Arable: Don't yell, Fern. The pig would probably die anyway.
[Horrified, Fern ran out of the house to stop her father from killing the runt.]
Fern: Papa! Papa! Papa! Papa, stop! Don't kill it! It's unfair!
John: Fern, you'll have to learn to control yourself.
Fern: Control myself?! This is a matter of life and death and you talk about controlling myself!
John: Now Fern, I know more about raising pigs than you do. A weakling makes trouble. Now run along.
Fern: [tearfully] But it's unfair! lf I'd been very small, would you have killed me?
John: Certainly not! A little girl is one thing, a runty pig is another.
Fern: I don't see any difference. This is the most terrible case of injustice I ever heard of.
John: I've got a good mind to let you raise this pig. Then you'd see what trouble a pig can be.
Fern: Papa, would you? Please!?
[A pause...John gives the lone pig to Fern.]
John: All right, he's yours. Saved from an untimely death.
Fern: Look at him. He's absolutely perfect! His name is... Wilbur.
John: A pig doesn't grow fat on kisses and hugs. Take him inside and feed him.
[??]
Mrs. Arable: John Arable, you've gone soft.
Fern: Isn't he precious?
Avery: Can I have a pig, too, pop?
John: I only distribute pigs to early risers. Fern was up at daylight, trying to rid the world of injustice. Seems to me you've already got more wildlife than you can take care of.
[Montage of Fern raising Wilbur with her love and care as she sings "There Must Be Something More".]
Fern: [singing] There must be something more to us than you and me
It must be tangled up, somehow, with destiny
I used to think the sum of one and one was two
But we add up to more, me and you
When we are close together it's so plain to see
Together we are better than we used to be
I don't know how to say the things I'm thinking of
But the something more I'm feeling must be love
I used to think the sum of one and one was two
But we add up to more, me and you
I don't know how to say the things I'm thinking of
But the something more I'm feeling must be love
Narrator: But to a boy named Henry Fussy, fun was something he'd only heard about.
Fern: Henry!
Henry: Hey, where'd you get the pig?
Fern: Papa gave him to me because he was the R-U-N-T.
Henry: Let me hold him.
Fern: You know Henry, you ought to have a dog or something.
Henry: Well, Mother says pets are unsanitary.
Fern: Wilbur's not! He's clean as a whistle.
Mrs. Fussy: Henry Fussy, you put that thing down! Shoo! Shoo! Get out! Shoo! Shoo!
Fern: All right, Wilbur. Make a wish.
John: This pig now sits at the table like one of the family?
Fern: It's Wilbur's birthday, Papa. He's two weeks old.
Fern: Then it's time for him to start behaving like a pig. Tonight he starts sleeping outside.
Fern: But, Papa!
John: Don't But, Papa me. Now, take that pig outside where it belongs.
Fern: It's my old comfy blanket when I was little. You'll be nice and warm. Go on in. Try it. Goodnight, Wilbur. I'll see you in the morning. You'll be just fine. Go to sleep now. Oh, Wilbur! [singing]
There must be something more to us than you and me
Mrs Arable: John, wake up! Robbers!
Avery: Help, Papa! There's a ghost in my bed!
Narrator: Wilbur was what the farmers call a spring pig, which means he was born in springtime. By the time he was six weeks old, he'd grown so you'd never know he started life as a runt. Wilbur had gotten so big, in fact, that John Arable decided it was time he stopped being a pet and started being a pig.
John: He's got to go, Fern.
Fern: Papa, no!
John: You've had your fun raising a baby pig, but Wilbur's got to be sold. He's not a baby anymore and his brothers and sisters are already sold.
Fern: Oh, Papa!
Avery: [confused] What's the matter with Fern?
John: Fern is learning a hard fact of farm life.
Fern: Oh, Wilbur!
Narrator: The next day was the saddest Fern and Wilbur had ever known, for the young pig was taken from his home under the apple tree, and sold down the road to Fern's uncle, Homer Zuckerman.
[The truck with Wilbur aboard drives away and heads for the Zuckerman farm.]
Fern: Goodbye, Wilbur. Goodbye, Wilbur! Goodbye.
[Changes to that night, the lonely Wilbur has settled into a pigpen at the bottom of the barn. A goose stands nearby, having noticed Wilbur's sadness.]
Goose: Sorry, sonny, sorry, I'm sitting-sitting on my eggs, but if you'd like to come over here and talk, you're welcome-welcome-welcome.
[Wilbur does not answer.]
Goose: Can't you talk-talk-talk?
[Wilbur shakes his head.]
Goose: You probably-obably could if you tried. Try-try-try.
[Wilbur sits up and tries to speak, moaning slightly.]
Wilbur: Wwwww...
Goose: You can do better-better-better than that!
Wilbur: Wwwwwwww...Wilbur!
Goose: Very good. Very good!
Wilbur: Wwwwilbur!
Goose: There-there-there! You speak very well.
Wilbur: I can talk? I can talk! I can actually, factually talk!
[He enjoys his ability to talk in song, "I Can Talk".]
Wilbur: Isn't it great that I articulate?
Isn't it grand that you can understand?
I don't grunt, I don't oink I don't even squeak or squawk
When I wanna say a something I open up and talk
I can talk I can talk, talk, talk, I can talk
I pop with perspicacity I'm loaded with loquacity
My vocalized verbacity is tops
Semantically, each bit of me's the verbalized epitome
My plethora of patter never stops!
Isn't it great that I articulate?
Isn't it grand that you can understand?
I don't awk, I don't eek I don't even squeak or squawk
When I wanna say a something I open up and talk
I can talk I can talk, talk, talk, I can talk
It's wondrous and mystical
I'm hardly egotistical Because of this linguistical aplomb
But speaking quite pragmatically My self-esteem emphatically
Dramatically improved since I was dumb!
Isn't it great that I articulate?
Isn't it grand that you can understand?
I don't awk, I don't eek I don't even squeak or squawk
When I wanna say a something I open up and talk
I can talk I can talk, talk, talk, I can...
Why don't you keep it down?
I can talk!
- Now, aren't you glad-glad-glad? - No, I'm still sad-sad-sad.
I miss Fern.
Luvery: Pig, pig, pig. Here, pig. Something's wrong with that new pig, Homer. He won't touch his slops.
Zuckerman: Probably needs a spring tonic. Give him a couple of spoonfuls of sulphur and molasses.
Here, pig.
Here you go, Wilbur.
Now, just take this...
There you go.
Hey, this pig is a fainter.
You have a good home-home here.
Why aren't you happy-appy-appy?
Wilbur: I miss Fern.
You're quite a pig.
It felt good to hear a word of praise, but what he really wanted was a friend.
- Better eat, Wilbur. - I don't want food. I want a friend.
- Will you play with me? - I'm no flibberty-ibberty-gibbet.
I'm staying here and hatching my goslings.
- Will you play with me, Templeton? - I hardly know the meaning of the word.
It means to run, skip and make merry.
I never do any of those things, if I can avoid them.
I prefer to spend my time spying,
and hiding, and eating.
Help yourself. I'm not hungry.
- Wanna play? - May l, Papa?
Certainly not. In the first place, you can't get out of your pen.
In the second place, sheep do not play with pigs.
- Why not? - It's a matter of status.
Sheep, for instance, are highly regarded by Zuckerman because we furnish him with good quality wool.
With pigs, on the other hand, it's just a matter of time.
- Time till what? - Till you're fat enough to kill.
- What did you say? - Everybody knows it.
In the fall, you'll be turned into smoked bacon and ham, as soon as cold weather sets in.
They'll kill you!
Templeton!
Would you do something-umthing - umthing about Wilbur, please?
Is it true what the old sheep says? Is that awful thing true?
It's a dirty-irty trick, but it's true.
I don't want to die. I want to stay here in my warm manure pile.
And breathe the beautiful air and lie in the beautiful sun.
You're certainly making a beautiful noise.
I don't wanna die! I don't wanna die!
???: Quiet, Wilbur. Now, chin up.
Wilbur: Who said that?
???: Do you want a friend?
Wilbur: Yes, I want a friend. But I want to live, too.
???: Well, chin up. I'll be your friend, and I'll try to save your life. I've been watching you, and I like you.
Wilbur: I can't see you. What do you mean, chin up?
Charlotte: Now, go to sleep. You'll see me in the morning, and I'll explain everything then.
Narrator: Wilbur's stomach was empty and his mind was full. When your stomach is empty and your mind is full, it's always hard to sleep. But sleep and Wilbur finally found each other.
[He is awoken next morning by the mysterious voice, who sings "Chin Up" to him.]
Chin up! Chin up! Everybody loves a happy face!
Wear it! Share it! It'll brighten up the darkest place
Twinkle! Sparkle! Let a little sunshine in
You'll be on the right side Looking at the bright side
Up with your chinny-chin-chin!
Wilbur: Attention, please! Will the party who addressed me last night kindly come out of hiding?
???: If you do have a friend, you're probably disturbing his rest. I beg everyone's pardon. I didn't mean to be objectionable.
Chin up! Chin up! Put a little laughter in your eyes
Brave it! Save it! Even though you're feeling otherwise
Rise up! Wise up! Make a little smile begin
You'll be happy-hearted Once you get it started
Up with your chinny-chin-chin!
Salutations!
Wilbur: Salu-what?
???: Salutations.
Wilbur: What are they? And where are you?
???: Salutations are greetings. It's my fancy way of saying hello. Look up here in the doorway!
[Turns up to the doorway to reveal a big spiderweb in the corner; hanging from it is the speaker, Charlotte, a grey barn spider, who lowers down to Wilbur.]
Charlotte: Chin down, you can't help frowning Turn round, start in clowning
Think sad, your troubles double
Think glad, they burst like bubbles
Chin up! Chin up! Every little time your spirits wilt
Chin up! Chin up! Give your attitude an upward tilt
Twinkle! Sparkle! Make a little fun begin
You'll be on the right side Looking at the bright side
Up with your chinny-chin... Chin up!
- See me now?
Wilbur: Oh, yes. Good morning! Salutations! I can't see you very well, though.
Charlotte: Is that better?
Wilbur: Oh, yes.
Charlotte: I promised I'd tell you all about chin up and I did.
Wilbur: What is your name, please?
Charlotte: My name is Charlotte. Charlotte A. Cavatica.
Wilbur: I think you're beautiful.
Charlotte: Well, I am pretty. Almost all spiders are nice-looking. I'm not as flashy as some, but I'll do.
Wilbur: About saving my life, do you really think you can?
[A fly gets caught in the web.]
Charlotte: Just a minute, Wilbur. He'll make a perfect breakfast for me.
Wilbur: You mean you eat flies?
Charlotte: Why, certainly. I eat anything that gets caught in my web. I have to live, don't l?
Wilbur: Why, yes, of course. Do they taste good?
Charlotte: Delicious! I don't really eat them. I drink their blood. I love blood.
Wilbur: Please don't say things like that.
Charlotte: Why not? It's true.
Wilbur: But it's cruel!
Charlotte: Well, you can't talk. You have meals brought to you in a pail. Nobody feeds me. I live by my wits.
Wilbur: It just seems an odd sort of diet.
Charlotte: lf I didn't eat them, bugs would get so numerous they'd destroy the earth. Spiders are really very useful creatures.
Wilbur: I wish I were useful. Maybe I'll spin a web.
Charlotte: Let's see you do it.
Wilbur: How do I start?
Charlotte: Take a deep breath. Now climb to the highest place you can get to.
[???]
Wilbur: Oh, what did I do wrong?
Charlotte: Nothing. It was a nice try.
Wilbur: I know what I need. Are you there, Templeton? Got a little piece of string I could borrow? I need it to spin a web.
Templeton: What's in it for me?
Wilbur: I'll save you a part of my breakfast.
Templeton: You've got yourself a deal.
Wilbur: Tie one end to my tail, will you?
Templeton: No trouble at all.
Wilbur: Now, attach the other end up there to that rafter. Everybody watch!
[???]
Wilbur: Oh. I'm gonna try that again.
Charlotte: I advise you to put the idea out of your mind. You lack a set of spinnerets and you lack know-how. But chin up. Why should you worry about trapping food?
Wilbur: I'm glad you're here, Charlotte. Will you stay for a long, long time?
Charlotte: A spider's life is an uncertain thing, but I promise I'll stay as long as I can. lf it bothers you so, I'll eat it after you're asleep.
Wilbur: Thank you, Charlotte. You're very considerate.
Narrator: The early summer days on a farm are the fairest and happiest of the year. And Wilbur looked forward each day to a visit from Fern. All the animals trusted her because she was quiet and friendly. And it made Fern happy just to be near them.
[???]
Charlotte: I'm sure everyone will be gratified to learn that after four weeks of unremitting effort and patience by the goose, the goslings have arrived.
Wilbur: Congratulations! How many are there?
Goose: There are seven.
Charlotte: Seven is a lucky number.
Goose: Luck had nothing to do with this. It was good management and hard work.
Templeton: Why didn't this one hatch?
Goose: It's a dud, I guess.
Templeton: What are you going to do with it?
Goose: You can have it. Roll it away and add it to that nasty collection of yours. Be careful A rotten egg can be a regular stink bomb.
Templeton: I know what I'm doing. I handle stuff like this all the time.
Wilbur: Let me see your family. I've never seen goslings before.
Goose: Come along, Jeffery.
Jeffery: Oh, it's big out here.
Goose: It is big, and it is frightening at times. But, on the whole, the world is a wonderful place.
Sheep: This one's undersized.
Goose: That's Jeffery. He takes after my side of the family-amily.
Sheep: I never saw a gosling that tiny. There must be something wrong with him.
Jeffery: Are you my mother?
Wilbur: No, I'm Wilbur. I'm not your mother, but I'll be your friend. I was a runt like you once.
Jeffery: You're kidding!
Wilbur: No, I'm not.
Jeffery: Then I want to be like you.
Wilbur: Well, why not? [singing]
Oh, we've got lots in common where it really counts
Where it really counts we've got large amounts
What we look like doesn't count an ounce
We've got lots in common where it really counts
You've got feathers, I've got skin But both our outsides hold us in
Cow: [singing] I've got hooves, you've got webbed feet But we both stand up to eat
Wilbur: [singing] 'Cause we've got lots in common where it really counts
Where it really counts we've got large amounts
What we look like doesn't count an ounce
We've got lots in common where it really counts
You've got a beak and I've a snout But the both of us can sniff about
Horse: [singing] You'll say quack and I'll say neigh But we're talking either way
All: [singing] 'Cause we've got lots in common where it really counts
Where it really counts we've got large amounts
What we look like doesn't count an ounce
We've got lots in common where it really counts
Charlotte: [singing] You're born to swim and me to spin But we both love this world we're in
We share the sun, the earth, the sky And that's the reason why
All: [singing] We've all got lots in common where it really counts
Where it really counts we've got large amounts
What we look like doesn't count an ounce
We've got lots in common where it really counts
Goose: Come along, Jeffery-effrey, it's time for swimming lessons.
Jeffery: You want to go?
Wilbur: I'd love to go swimming with you, but I don't swim.
Jeffery: I'll stay with Wilbur, Mom.
Goose: Suit yourself.
Jeffery: Let's be friends forever, Wilbur. Want to?
Wilbur: Jeffery, there's a horrible fact of life that you don't know about yet. And I don't want to tell you, but Charlotte's working on the problem. Aren't you, Charlotte?
Charlotte: Indeed, yes. But I see no point in withholding unpleasant information from your friend. The fact is, Jeffery, Wilbur's life is in danger. I'm trying to think of a way to save him.
Jeffery: Can I help?
Charlotte: We'll see. First I have to think of an idea.
Jeffery: I love you, Wilbur.
Wilbur: I love you, too, Jeffery.
[In the house]
Fern: Papa, did you know that Uncle Homer's goslings have hatched?
John: Oh? How many?
Fern: Seven. There were eight eggs, but one didn't hatch. The goose told Templeton he could have it.
Mrs. Arable: The goose did what?
Fern: Told Templeton she didn't want it.
Mrs Arable: Who's Templeton?
Fern: A rat. None of us like him much.
Mrs Arable: Who's us?
Fern: Everybody in the barn cellar. Wilbur, the sheep, the lambs, the goose, and Charlotte and me.
Mrs Arable: Charlotte? Who's Charlotte?
Fern: Wilbur's friend. She's terribly clever.
Mrs Arable: What does she look like?
Fern: Well, she has eight legs and catches flies so she can drink their blood. Wilbur adores her.
Mrs Arable: Stop inventing these wild tales.
Fern: I'm not inventing. I'm just telling the facts.
Mrs Arable: Darling, I want you to play outside today instead of going to Uncle Homer's barn.
Fern: But I like it there.
Mrs Arable: You spend too much time there. It isn't good to be alone so much.
Fern: But I'm not alone. My best friends are in the barn cellar. And it's not at all lonely.
Narrator: Once she had promised Wilbur she was going to save his life, Charlotte was determined to keep her promise. Day after day, she hung from her web and waited patiently for an idea to come to her.
Charlotte: How perfectly simple.
Wilbur: What's that, Charlotte?
Charlotte: I'll save your life by playing a trick on Zuckerman.
Wilbur: The trick won't hurt him, will it?
Charlotte: Trust me, Wilbur. People are very gullible. They'll believe anything they see in print.
Avery: Why isn't that gosling with its mother?
Fern: Because he likes Wilbur.
Avery: Shrimpy little thing. Sounds more like a pig than a gosling. Wow, look at that big spider! I'm going to catch it for my collection.
Fern: Avery, you leave that spider alone!
Avery: That's a fine spider and I'm catching it! What's the matter with you, Wilbur?
Fern: He doesn't like you in there. Now get out.
[???]
Fern: What did you do, Avery?
Avery: Goodnight. What a stink!
Templeton: Its a good thing for you I saved that egg, Charlotte.
Charlotte: It certainly is, and I'm grateful to you, Templeton.
Sheep: This whole business is well and good for Charlotte, but what about the rest of us? Who wants to live in a barn perfumed with rotten eggs?
Wilbur: It will clear soon. See, the breeze is already taking it away.
Narrator: Afternoon passed and evening came. Shadows lengthened across the farm and the cool, sweet breath of evening flowed in.
Wilbur: Charlotte?
Charlotte: Yes, Wilbur.
Wilbur: Are you thinking about your plan to save my life?
Charlotte: Chin up, Wilbur. Just stop worrying.
Wilbur: I don't want to die, Charlotte. I love it here in the barn.
Charlotte: Of course you do. We all do.
Wilbur: How are you going to save me?
Charlotte: Go to sleep. You'll see me in the morning.
Wilbur: I'll try.
Charlotte: Get some sleep, Wilbur. [singing]
Now is the hour when frogs and thrushes
Praise the world from the woods and rushes
Sleep, my love
Sleep, my only, deep in the dark
Chorus: Fragile and magical shadows
Silently start to appear
Lovely and lyrical Silvery miracle
Charlotte's web
Carefully spinning her tracings
Lacy and gracefully sheer
Over and under The infinite wonder of
Charlotte's web
Why is she spinning and weaving away
All night long?
What is she trying so hard to convey
With her silent song?
Templeton: What are you doing?
Charlotte: Working.
Templeton: Why so late?
Charlotte: I'll be lucky if I'm finished by sun-up. Go to sleep, Templeton.
Templeton: Goodnight, Charlotte.
Charlotte: Goodnight, Templeton.
Chorus: Sometimes when somebody loves you
Miracles somehow appear
And there in the warp and the woof Is the proof of it
Charlotte's web
Luvry: I'm seeing things! Mr Zuckerman! Mr Zuckerman!
Zuckerman: Something's happened to Lurvy.
Luvry: Do you see what I see?
Zuckerman: Some pig.
Mrs Zuckerman: You don't suppose that spider...?
Zuckerman: Edith, we have received a sign. We have a very unusual pig.
Mrs Zuckerman: Seems to me you're a little off. Seems to me we have no ordinary spider.
Zuckerman: No, it's just a common grey spider. It's sitting right there.
Luvry: It's a miracle!
Mrs Zuckerman: We must share this with our friends.
- Some pig!
That's what it says!
Hey, pig. Some Pig, look this way!
Narrator: Getting to be famous didn't change Wilbur one bit. Through all the crowds and publicity and glamour, he stayed the same old Wilbur. He was glad when the crowds stopped coming and he could be with his real friends again. Even Mrs Fussy fell for the message in the web, and let Henry come over to see the famous pig.
Henry: A hornet! Duck!
Fern: Oh, it's all right, Wilbur. Everybody knows you're some pig.
Mrs Fussy: Henry, I told you could visit, not spend the day.
Henry: I'm sorry, Mother. We were having fun.
Mrs Fussy: You've kept your music teacher waiting 20 minutes. Run along home. Those words in the web. Was that some trick of yours, Fern?
Fern: No, ma'am. It was a miracle.
Mrs Fussy: It doesn't look very miraculous any more.
Wilbur: Charlotte, if people start doubting the miracle, will my life still be safe?
Charlotte: Most definitely not.
Wilbur: I hate to keep bothering you...
Charlotte: You're no bother to me Wilbur: . You are my one true friend. Attention, everybody. May I have your attention, please? Templeton, you too.
Templeton: Sorry, I'm busy.
Charlotte: I've called this meeting because I'm concerned about Wilbur's safety. lf anybody can think of another message, I'll weave it into the web.
Jeffery: How about Wilbur's nice?
Charlotte: Well, he is nice, but I need something a little more exciting.
Lamb: How about Pig Supreme?
Charlotte: No good. Sounds like a rich dessert.
Goose: How about terrific-terrific-terrific?
Charlotte: Cut that down to one terrific and it might do very nicely. I think terrific will impress Zuckerman.
Wilbur: But Charlotte, I'm not terrific.
Charlotte: You're terrific as far as I'm concerned. Can anybody spell it?
Goose: I think it's T, double E, double R, double R, double l, double F, double l, double C-C-C.
Charlotte: What kind of an acrobat do you think I am? It would take all night to write that.
Sheep: I'd advise you not to consult geese in matters of spelling. The word is spelled T-E-R-R-l-F-l-C.
Goose: I still think it's prettier spelled T, double E, double R, double l, double R...
Charlotte: Please! Let me spell it my way. Why don't you try over by the fence, Templeton? Lurvy dropped half a sandwich from his lunch there.
Templeton: Why, thank you, Charlotte.
[???]
Templeton: That wasn't nice, Charlotte.
Charlotte: Perhaps the next time I call a meeting, you'll see fit to attend.
Luvry: Pig, pig, pig, pig! Here, pig! Mr Zuckerman, another miracle!
Mrs Zuckerman: Hi. This morning. Terrific. Plain as anything.
Another miracle at Zuckerman's.
Narrator: People who had come to see Wilbur when he was Some Pig came back again now he was Terrific.
- That's some pig! - Yeah, some terrific pig!
- He's terrific! - I never saw a pig like that.
Narrator: But gradually the crowds got to be smaller and smaller. Finally, people stopped coming altogether.
Luvry: Here, pig! That's some pig!
Zuckerman: He's terrific.
Luvry: Yeah, he's a wonderful pig. You'll get some extra good ham and bacon when it comes time to kill that pig.
Jeffery: Charlotte, look at Wilbur!
Charlotte: Templeton, please! Would you revive Wilbur, please?
Wilbur: Charlotte, they're going to kill me! I don't want to die!
Charlotte: Wilbur, calm down. I can't stand hysterics.
Wilbur: But I want to live, Charlotte!
Charlotte: And live you shall. Templeton, would you please stay? There's going to be a meeting.
Templeton: I'm going back to bed.
Charlotte: There's been a new threat to Wilbur's life. You can help us.
Templeton: Why should I worry about Wilbur?
Goose: You'll worry when winter comes! lf Wilbur is killed and his trough stands empty, then you'll grow so thin we can look through your stomach and see objects on the other side.
Templeton: What exactly did you have in mind, Charlotte?
Charlotte: I need new ideas for the web. Go to the dump and bring back a magazine clipping.
Templeton: Right after I've finished my nap.
Charlotte: No, Templeton, there is not a second to spare.
[Templeton groans.]
Templeton: It says Crunchy.
Charlotte: No, that's wrong. It might start Zuckerman thinking about crunchy bacon. Wilbur, I forbid you to faint. Templeton, I'll have to ask you to try again.
Templeton: What do you think I am? A messenger boy?
Charllote: Now, Templeton, please.
Templeton: Well, I know where there's a package of soap flakes with writing on it. I'll bring you a piece of the package.
[???]
Templeton: With new radiant action.
Charlotte: What does it mean?
Templeton: How should I know? I suppose you want me to fetch a dictionary.
Charllote: With new radiant action. Wilbur, run around. I want to see if you're radiant in action.
[Wilbur runs around.]
Charlotte: Jump in the air. Do a back flip with a half twist in it. I'm not sure that's radiant action, but it's interesting.
Wilbur: Actually, I feel radiant.
Charlotte: Then radiant you shall be. Thank you, Templeton, you've been most helpful.
How's that for a pig? - That pig is radiant!
- Never seen nothin' like it! - That's some pig!
That's a pig'll win prizes!
Yeah! Yeah! (laughs)
Fine swine, wish he was mine!
(Everyone claps until Zuckerman makes an announcement.)
Mr. Zuckerman: Friends! I don't want my radiant pig all worn out now. But you'll see him again because I'm taking him to the county fair.
[Everyone cheers] Yay! Yay!
Mr Zuckerman: Lurvy!
Lurvy: Yes, sir.
Mr Zuckerman: Make a large green crate with gold letters.
Lurvy: What should they say?
Mr Zuckerman: They should say "Zuckerman's Famous Pig".
Lurvy: Yes, sir!
(crowd clapping and cheering)
Jeffery: What do you do at a fair?
Wilbur: Well, you win a prize if you're the biggest and the best.
Jeffery: Do you think we'll win?
Wilbur: I hope so.
Sheep: He has to win. It's the only way he can save his life.
Charrlote: Pay no attention to him, Wilbur.
Wilbur: Charlotte, I've just got to win a prize at the fair.
Charlotte: Don't worry, Wilbur. It's character that counts. You have a very good character.
Wilbur: You're going with me, aren't you Charlotte?
Charlotte: Well, I don't know. The fair comes at a bad time for me.
Wilbur: I can't stand going to the fair without you. You've got to come.
Charlotte: I really ought to stay home and get some work done.
Wilbur: Let it go!
Charlotte: Wilbur, what's come over you?
Wilbur: I just can't stand any more violence!
Charlotte: I could've used that nourishment. The time has come for me to make an egg sack and fill it with eggs.
Wilbur: I didn't know you could lay eggs.
Charlotte: Oh, yes, I'm versatile.
Wilbur: Does versatile mean full of eggs?
Charlotte: Certainly not. Versatile means I can turn with ease from one thing to another.
Wilbur: Why don't you come with me to the fair and lay your eggs there?
Charlotte: Oh, Wilbur, you don't know the first thing about egg-laying. When I get ready to lay eggs, I have to lay eggs. Fair or no fair. But let's leave it this way. I'll come to the fair if I possibly can. There's so much to do and so little time.
[She begins to sing "Mother Earth and Father Time" to him.]
Charlotte: How very special are we
For just a moment to be
Part of life's eternal rhyme
How very special are we
To have on our family tree
Mother Earth and Father Time
He turns the seasons around
And so she changes her gown
But they always look in their prime
They go on dancing their dance
Of everlasting romance
Mother Earth and Father Time
The summer larks return to sing
Oh, what a gift they give
Then autumn days grow short and cold
Oh, what a joy to live
How very special are we
For just a moment to be
Part of life's eternal rhyme
How very special are we
To have on our family tree
Mother Earth
And Father Time
Narrator: Indian summer came, and the morning of the fair dawned hot. Lurvy rushed about and did his chores in half the time it usually took. Homer Zuckerman rushed through breakfast. But in the midst of all the hullabaloo, Mrs Zuckerman stayed calm.
Mrs Zuckerman: Homer, I'm going to give that pig a buttermilk bath.
Zuckerman: A what?
Mrs Zuckerman: My grandmother used to bathe her pig with buttermilk when it got dirty.
Zuckerman: Wilbur's not dirty.
Mrs Zuckerman: Oh, he's filthy. And I'm going to clean him with buttermilk.
Zuckerman: Edith, you're crazy.
[Later]
Zuckerman: Edith, I've got to hand it to you. That pig looks 100% better.
Mrs Zuckerman: You just wait till he's dry.
Zuckerman: That's a pig'll win prizes.
Mrs Zuckerman: Buttermilk'll do it every time. Now, let's get dressed and go to the fair.
Charlotte: I'll go with you. It's inconvenient, but somebody has to go who knows how to write.
Wilbur: Thank you, Charlotte.
Goslings: Come on, Mama. Hurry up!
Goose: Where in the world do you think you're going-oing-oing?
- To the fair!
Goose : Oh, no you're not. Get out! Shoo! Go on, out, out, out!
Charlotte: Templeton! Templeton, may I have a word with you?
Templeton: Yes?
Charlotte: I think you'd better come, too. I might need somebody to run errands and do general work.
Templeton: I'm staying right here. I haven't the slightest interest in fairs.
Goose: That's because you've never been to one. You can creep out late at night and find a fantastic banquet. [singing]
A fair is a veritable smorgasbord-orgasbord-orgasbord
After the crowds have ceased
Each night, when the lights go out
It can be found on the ground, all around
Oh, what a ratly feast!
A fair has enough disgusting leftover food to satisfy a whole army of rats.
Templeton: Is this true? Is this appetizing yarn of yours true? [singing]
Will I find melon rinds and bits of hot dogs
Cookie crumbs and rotten cotton candy
Melted ice cream, mustard dribblings Mouldy goodies everywhere?
Lots of popcorn, apple cores
Banana peels and soggy sandwiches
Gobs of gorgeous gook to gobble at the fair?
Goose: Yes, yes, yes!
Templeton: I like high living. What you say tempts me.
Goose: It's true. Go to the fair, Templeton. You'll find it will surpass your wildest dreams.
Templeton: You mean tin cans with particles of tuna sticking to 'em? Greasy paper bags stuffed with rotten eggs?
Goose: Yep-yep-yep! True-true-true!
Templeton: That's enough. Don't tell me any more. I'm going!
A fair is a veritable smorgasbord-orgasbord-orgasbord
After the gates are shut
Each night, when the lights go out
It can be found on the ground, all around
That's where a rat can glut, glut, glut, glut!
Charlotte: Hurry, Templeton. There's no time to be lost. Get into the crate and hide yourself well.
Templeton: Can you see me?
Wilbur: Pull in your tail. Charlotte, where will you be? I want you where I can see you.
Charlotte: I've got to be where nobody can see me, Wilbur.
Sheep: Listen to me, when they open the crate to put you in, struggle. Pigs always resist when they're being loaded.
Wilbur: lf I struggle, I'll get dirty.
Sheep: Never mind. lf you were to walk into the crate without resisting, Zuckerman would think there's something wrong with you.
Templeton: Struggle if you must, but kindly remember, I'm hiding down here and I don't want to be stepped on or kicked in the face or crushed or bruised or lacerated or scarred or biffed. Just watch what you're doing when they're shoving you in, Mr. Radiant.
Sheep: What a cargo! That sign ought to say, Zuckerman's Famous Pig and Two Stowaways.
Zuckerman: There he is.
That's some pig.
Avery: He's terrific.
Zuckerman: He's radiant.
Mrs Zuckerman: Well, he's clean, anyway. That buttermilk certainly helped.
Zuckerman: Now, if we can just get him into that crate.
Avery: Come on, Wilbur, in here.
Mrs Arable: Avery, get out of that crate! What do you think you are?
Avery: I'm a pig!
[???]
Lurvy: Look here. This little gander thinks he's going to the fair, too. Hold this rascal till we get down the road a way.
Exhibitor?
Lurvy: You betcha. Zuckerman's Famous Pig.
- I hear he's some pig.
Lurvy: He's terrific!
Livestock section to the right.
That's Zuckerman's Famous Pig.
Zuckerman: Let's get this pig in the shade. Well, the judging isn't until tomorrow. Let's see the sights.
Avery: Can I have some money, Pop? I'm going to get a frozen custard, a cheeseburger, and some raspberry soda pop.
Mrs Zuckerman: Now, don't get lost.
Mrs Arable: And don't get dirty.
John: And watch out for pickpockets.
Avery: I promise.
John: Fern, aren't you going with Avery?
Fern: I think I'll stay with Wilbur a while Just till he feels at home.
John: Well, your mother and I are going to look at deep freezers and tractors. We'll meet you here when it gets dark.
Fern: Yes, Papa. [singing] There must be something more to us than you and me
Henry: Hi Fern, I'm Henry.
Fern: Henry Fussy, where have you been?
Henry: I went to see my grandpa. Know what he did? Accidentally stepped on my violin. Broke it to smithereens.
Fern: He sounds nice.
Henry: Yeah. We went fishing every day, got dirty, took baths in the creek, camped out on top of this mountain. I really had a time.
Fern: Well, I'm mad with you. You didn't say you were going away.
Henry: Don't be mad, Fern. Time I heard Zuckerman's Famous Pig was here, I came looking for you.
Fern: Well, I'm not Zuckerman's Famous Pig!
Henry: Come on, Fern! I got some money and came to ask if you'd like to ride on the Ferris wheel.
Fern: Gee, I'd love to!
Wilbur: [singing] The something more I'm feeling must be... [speaking] Charlotte, she didn't even say, Goodbye, Wilbur. How do you like that?
Charlotte: I like it just fine.
Wilbur: I thought Fern loved me.
Charlotte: She does and she always will. But Fern's changed. She's growing up. She's suddenly seeing Henry Fussy with new eyes.
Wilbur: Nothing terrific about him. He's not even radiant.
Charlotte: He is to Fern.
Templeton: Hey, what's going on out there? Is it safe to venture out yet?
Charlotte: I'd wait until dark, Templeton.
Templeton: I'm starved. Where are you going?
Charlotte: To see the lay of the land.
Wilbur: What's it look like from up there, Charlotte?
Charlotte: There's a pig in the next pen and he's enormous. I think I'll drop down and have a closer look. May I have your name, please?
Uncle: No name. Just call me Uncle.
Charlotte: Are you a spring pig?
Uncle: Sure. Think I was a spring chicken? That's a good one, huh, sister?
Charlotte: I've heard funnier ones. Glad to have met you. I must be going.
Wilbur: What's he like?
Charlotte: He claims he's a spring pig. But he's not anywhere near as attractive as you. He's going to be a hard pig to beat, though. But with me helping you, it can be done.
Wilbur: When are you going to spin a web?
Charlotte: This afternoon. lf I'm not too tired.
Wilbur: What will it say?
Charlotte: That depends on Templeton. As soon as it's dark, I'll send him to find a word.
Templeton: I'm warning you, Charlotte, I'm not going to spend all my time running errands.
Charlotte: You'll do exactly as I tell you. Because if Wilbur dies, then you'll die...of starvation.
Templeton: What kind of word would you like?
Charlotte: A good one. A very good one. Since I shall be writing tonight for the last time.
Wilbur: What does that mean?
Charlotte: Nothing for you to worry about. I've got to have a nap so I'll be fresh for work tonight. Let's all take a nap.
Narrator: All afternoon, the pig, the rat and the spider rested, while on the midway, the Zuckermans and the Arables found something to interest them. When darkness came, Charlotte sent Templeton out on his mission. Her web was almost finished when he returned carrying the newspaper clipping.
Charlotte: What does it say?
Templeton: It says Humble.
Charlotte: Humble? Humble has two meanings: it means not proud and it also means near the ground. That's Wilbur all over.
Templeton: I hope you're satisfied. I came to this fair to enjoy myself, not to deliver papers.
Charlotte: You've been very helpful, Templeton. Thank you.
Wilbur: Nobody's going to get any sleep around here tonight.
Charlotte: Try. I want you looking your best for the judging tomorrow.
Wilbur: Will you sing me a song, Charlotte?
Charlotte: Not tonight, Wilbur.
Wilbur: What are you doing up there?
Charlotte: Making something, as usual.
Wilbur: Please tell me what it is.
Charlotte: I'll tell you in the morning. When the first light comes into the sky and the sparrows stir and the cows rattle their chains, when the rooster crows and the stars fade, you'll look up here and I'll show you my masterpiece.
Templeton: The goose was right. This fair is a rat's paradise. Bye-bye my humble Wilbur! Fare thee well, Charlotte, you old schemer! This will be a night to remember.
A fair is a veritable smorgasbord-orgasbord-orgasbord
After the crowds have ceased
Each night, when the lights go out
It can be found on the ground, all around
Oh, what a ratly feast!
Melon rinds and bits of hot dogs
Cookie crumbs and rotten cotton candy
Melted ice cream, mustard dribblings Mouldy goodies everywhere
Lots of popcorn, apple cores
Banana peels and soggy sandwiches
Gobs of gorgeous gook to gobble at the fair
A fair is a veritable smorgasbord-orgasbord-orgasbord
After the gates are shut
Each night, when the lights go out
It can be found on the ground, all around
That's where a rat can glut
Glut, glut, glut!
Narrator: Next morning, when the first light came into the sky, Wilbur awoke and looked for Charlotte. He saw her up overhead, in a corner near the back of his pen.
Wilbur: Are you awake, Charlotte?
Charlotte: Yes.
Wilbur: What is that nifty little thing? Did you make it?
Charlotte: I did indeed. It's my egg sack. My magnum opus.
Wilbur: I don't know what a magnum opus is.
Charlotte: That's Latin. It means great work. This egg sack is my great work. The finest thing I have ever made.
Wilbur: What's inside it? Eggs?
Charlotte: 514 of them.
Wilbur: 514! You're kidding!
Charlotte: No, I'm not. I counted them.
Wilbur: Are you really going to have 514 children?
Charlotte: lf nothing happens, yes. Of course, they won't show up until next spring.
Wilbur: What makes you sound so downhearted? I should think you'd be terribly happy.
Charlotte: Don't pay any attention to me, Wilbur. I just don't have any pep any more. I think I'm languishing, to tell you the truth.
Wilbur: What does "languishing" mean?
Charlotte: It means slowing up, feeling my age. I'm not young any more, Wilbur. It may be that... Oh, I don't want you to worry about me. This is your big day.
Wilbur: But Charlotte...
Templeton: I'm back! What a night! Never have I seen such leavings! Everything well ripened, seasoned with the passage of time and the heat of the day. Oh, it was rich, my friends, rich!
Charlotte: You ought to be ashamed. It would serve you right if you had acute indigestion.
Templeton: My stomach can handle anything.
Wilbur: Templeton, lf you weren't so dopey, you'd notice that Charlotte's made an egg sack.
Templeton: Hooray for Charlotte.
Wilbur: She's going to become a mother. For your information, there are 514 eggs in that peachy little sack.
Templeton: This has been a night!
Fern: Oh, look at Charlotte's web!
Zuckerman: Now, isn't that just the word for Wilbur? You folks want to see something?
It's Zuckerman's Famous Pig.
Look what it says in the web!
A miracle!
Avery: Uncle Homer! Uncle Homer!
Zuckerman: What's the matter with you, boy?
Avery: This pig has won first prize already.
[A blue ribbon is on Uncle's pen.]
Fern: Oh, no!
- Mr Homer Zuckerman?
Zuckerman: That's me.
I've been instructed to escort you and your famous pig to the grandstand.
Zuckerman: What for?
I don't know, but we'd better get going.
Mrs Zuckerman: My goodness! Go up in front of all those people? Does my hair look all right, Homer?
Zuckerman: It looks fine.
Mrs Zuckerman: You didn't even look.
Mrs Arable: You're all right, Edith. Just keep calm.
Mrs Zuckerman: Aren't you going to crate the pig, Homer?
Zuckerman: No. Let him walk, so everybody can see him.
[Everyone cheers]
Mayor: Ladies and gentlemen, we now present Mr. Homer L Zuckerman and his distinguished pig!
Yay! Yay!
Mayor: The fame of this unique animal has spread to the far corners of the earth, attracting many valuable tourists to our great state. You recall that day last summer when the writing appeared mysteriously on the spider's web in Mr. Zuckerman's barn. This miracle has never been explained. All we know is that we're dealing with supernatural forces here, and we should all be proud and grateful. In the words of the spider's web, this is some pig!
[Everyone cheers; a barbershop quartet performs "Zuckerman's Famous Pig" as Wilbur dances.]
He's some pig
Some pig
Some terrific, radiant, humble pig
He is some pig
Oh, wow, look at him now Zuckerman's Famous Pig
Soo-ee, what do you see? The greatest hog in history
Fine swine, wish he was mine What if he's not so big?
He's some terrific, radiant, humble
Thing-a-ma-jig of a fine phenomenon
My land, isn't he grand? Zuckerman's Famous Pig
Golly, you've got to agree He's a real celebrity
Fine swine, wish he was mine What if he's not so big?
He's some terrific, radiant, humble Thing-a-ma-jig of a pig
The terrific
Radiant
Humble
Zuckerman's
Zuckerman's
Zuckerman's Famous Pig!
Yay! Yay!
Mayor: On behalf of the governors of the fair, I have the honor of awarding a special prize of $25 to Mr Zuckerman.
Yay! Yay!
Mayor: And this handsome bronze medal, suitably engraved, to this radiant, this terrific, this humble pig.
(crowd clapping and cheering)
Zuckerman: Thank you, thank you, everybody. He's some pig! And if I have anything to do with it, he's going to live to a ripe old age!
Yay! Yay!
[Everybody sings and marches around the fairground with Wilbur leading.]
All: [singing] Oh, wow, look at him now Zuckerman's Famous Pig
Soo-ee, what do you see? The greatest hog in history
Fine swine, wish he was mine What if he's not so big?
He's some terrific, radiant, humble Thing-a-ma-jig of a pig
The terrific, radiant, humble
Zuckerman's
Zuckerman's Famous Pig!
Zuckerman's Pig!
Yay! Yay!
[Back at Wilbur's pen, Wilbur still has the medal around his neck.]
Charlotte: It's a beautiful medal, Wilbur, and you deserve it.
Wilbur: Are you all right, Charlotte? You don't sound like yourself.
Charlotte: I'm a little tired, perhaps, but I feel peaceful. Your success today was, to a small degree, my success. You will live now, secure and safe.
Wilbur: Why did you do this for me, Charlotte?
Charlote: You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. After all, what's a life anyway? We're born, we live a little while and we die. A spider's life can't help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my own life a trifle.
Wilbur: I haven't got your gift for words, Charlotte, but you've saved me, and I would gladly give my life for you.
Charlotte: I'm sure you would.
Wilbur: Won't it be wonderful to be back in the barn cellar again, with the sheep and the geese, Charlotte?
[Unfortunately...]
Charlotte: I will not be going back to the barn.
Wilbur: [confused] Not going back? What are you talking about?
Charlotte: I'm done for, Wilbur. In a while, I'll be dead. I haven't even strength enough to climb down into the crate.
Wilbur: Oh, no! [starts crying]
Charlotte: Come, come, now, Wilbur. Let's not make a scene. Chin up, remember? Everybody loves a happy face.
Wilbur: I can't stand it! I won't leave you alone here to die! I shall stay, too!
Charlotte: Don't be ridiculous, Wilbur. Zuckerman's on his way here right now. You'll be going home in a few minutes.
[Looking at the sac, Wilbur makes a decision to bring the egg sac home.]
Wilbur: Charlotte, where's Templeton?
Charlotte: He's sleeping, there, under the straw.
[Wilbur walks over to his crate, where Templeton is napping.]
Wilbur: Templeton, pay attention.
Templeton: What kind of monkey-shine is this?
Wilbur: Listen to me. Charlotte has only a short time to live. She can't go home with us. It's absolutely necessary that I take her egg sack with me. You're the only one that can reach it.
Templeton: So, it's old Templeton to the rescue again, is it?
Wilbur: Templeton, hurry up!
Templeton: So it's Hurry up, Templeton", is it? And what thanks do I get for these services I would like to know?
[Wilbur comes up with an idea...]
Wilbur: I'll make you a solemn promise. Get Charlotte's egg sack, and for now on, I'll let you eat first when Lurvy slops me.
Templeton: [surprised] You mean that?
Wilbur: Cross my heart.
Templeton: It's a deal.
[Templeton starts climbing up to the rafters where the egg sac is.]
Wilbur: Use extreme care! I don't want a single one of those eggs harmed!
[Templeton unsnaps the sac and scoops it in his mouth; he returns to the ground.]
Templeton: [muffled] This stuff sticks in my mouth. It's worse than caramel candy.
[He enters the crate, securing the sac safely. Wilbur goes to check on Charlotte as her final moments are afoot.]
Wilbur: Charlotte, your children are safe. [No answer] ...Charlotte?
Charlotte: I'm thinking of your life, Wilbur. Nothing can harm you now.
[She begins to sing softly and flashbacks are shown of Wilbur's entire life.]
Charlotte: The autumn days grow short and cold
It's Christmas-time again
Then snows of winter slowly melt
The days grow short, and then
He turns the seasons around
And so she changes her gown
Mother Earth and Father Time
[Her words slowly reduce lower and lower to a whisper]
How very special are we...
For just a moment... to be...
[She edges herself to hide from Wilbur's view atop the rafter.]
Part of life's....
Eternal.....
Rhyme.
[Charlotte passes away; Wilbur notices.]
Wilbur: Charlotte? Charlotte...?! CHARLOTTE!
[Brokenhearted, Wilbur started to sob. Later, the humans arrive to pick him up; Fern knows why he's crying and kneels down to comfort him.]
Henry: Look at Wilbur. He's got tears in his eyes.
Avery: Probably having such a good time, he hates to go home.
John: He's not sick, is he?
Zuckerman: Probably just homesick. I guess we all are.
[Wilbur is loaded into the crate and is taken back home.]
Narrator: And so Wilbur came home to his beloved manure pile in the barn cellar. Around his neck he wore a medal of honour. In his mouth he held a sack of spider's eggs. Wilbur no longer worried about being killed, for he knew that Mr Zuckerman would keep him as long as he lived. The autumn days grew shorter. One evening, just before Christmas, snow began falling, and cold settled on the world. All winter, Wilbur watched over Charlotte's egg sack, as though he were guarding his own children, and after many long days and nights, the snows melted and ran away. The sun grew warmer and morning came sooner. The land was good and green again. Everywhere there were signs of life renewing itself.
[The egg sac bursts open, and the 514 baby spiders crawl out.]
- Hello there. - Hello.
I'm an old friend of your mother's. Is everything all right?
We're just fine. Nice place you've got here.
[Suddenly, they climb onto the fence and take off into the sky on spinnerettes of silk.]
Wilbur: What are you doing up there?
Goodbye!
- Goodbye!
Wilbur: Wait a minute! Where do you think you're going?!
Goodbye!
We're going out into the world to make webs for ourselves!
Wilbur: Are all of you going!? You can't all go! Children!
Goodbye!
[After the last of the spiders disappear, Wilbur starts to tunnel himself out. The sheep notices and stops him.]
Sheep: What are you up to now?
Wilbur: I'm running away! I can't stand it here! This place is too full of memories and all of Charlotte's children are gone!
[But before he could do so...]
Hello!
Sheep: There are three little runts up there that couldn't fly away.
[Three of the spiders have stayed behind and are making tiny webs at the top of the doorway. )
Wilbur: Huh? [gasps upon seeing them] Salutations!
Spider: Salu-what?
Wilbur: Salutations! That's my fancy way of saying hello. Are you going to stay?
Spider: We're too small to fly.
Wilbur: Chin up! This is a nice place. Stay here with me.
Spider: Does that mean we are welcome here?
Wilbur: For as long as you'll stay.
We like this place.
- And we like you.
Wilbur : We must find names for you. Why are you trembling?
Joy: I'm trembling with joy.
Wilbur: Then your name is Joy.
Arenea: What was my mother's middle initial?
Wilbur: A.
Aranea: Then my name is Aranea.
Nellie: Will you just pick out a sensible name for me?
Wilbur: Nellie?
Nellie: I like that very much.
Wilbur: Are you writers?
Spiders: No, but we will be when we grow up.
Wilbur: Then write this in your webs when you learn. This hallowed doorway was once the home of Charlotte. She was brilliant, beautiful and loyal to the end. Her memory will be treasured forever.
Oh, that would take us a lifetime!
Wilbur: A lifetime? That's what we have. Everybody, come see, quickly! Charlotte's daughters: Joy, Aranea and Nellie.
Daughters: Salutations!
Hello!
- Welcome.
Glad to see you.
We thought well of your mother.
Narrator: Wilbur never forgot Charlotte. Although he loved her children and grandchildren dearly, none of the new spiders ever quite took her place in his heart. She was in a class by herself. It's not often that someone comes along who is a true friend, and a good writer. Charlotte was both.