♪ She went... and... and... ♪ (barking, growls) ♪ When she ate some alphabet soup ♪ ♪ Then what happened was bizarre... ♪ On the way to Martha's stomach, the letters lost their way.

They traveled to her brain, and now... ♪ She's got a lot to say ♪ ♪ Now she speaks... ♪ How now, brown cow?

♪ Martha speaks ♪ ♪ Yeah, she speaks and speaks and speaks ♪ ♪ And speaks and speaks... ♪ What's a caboose?

When are we eating again?

♪ Martha speaks... ♪ Hey, Joe, what do you know?

My name's not Joe.

♪ She's not always right, but still that Martha speaks... ♪ Hi, there.

♪ She's got a voice, she's ready to shout ♪ ♪ Martha will tell you what it's all about ♪ ♪ Sometimes wrong, but seldom in doubt ♪ ♪ Martha will tell you what it's all about ♪ ♪ That dog's unique... ♪ Testing, one, two.

♪ Hear her speak ♪ ♪ Martha speaks and speaks and speaks and speaks and... ♪ ♪ Communicates, enumerates, elucidates, exaggerates ♪ ♪ Indicates and explicates ♪ ♪ Bloviates and overstates and... ♪ (panting) ♪ Hyperventilates.

♪ ♪ Martha-- to reiterate-- Martha speaks.

♪ All right, you guys, snuggle up close.

Hot diggity day after the holidays!

I can't wait to get to Karl's!

His garbage is sure to be a veritable cornucopia of tasty trash.

Turkey!

Ham!

Sweetmeats!

(confused bark) Do I know what sweetmeats are?

(barks) Yeah, me neither.

Eat first, ask questions later, I always say.

Oh, I can smell Karl's garbage from... (hissing) (scared barking) (hissing) (panting) That cat is almost as bad as Nelson.

(hissing) (barking) I'm hungry too.

Hm... Maybe if we flatter her?

I think cats like compliments.

(skeptical bark) Yeah, you always hear people saying, "Who's a pretty kitty?"

and, you know... Hi there, you pretty kitty-kitty.

(growling) Sorry if we startled you, ma'am.

We're just on our way to... (hissing) No, no, no, we are harmless.

We are just passing through.

Ow!

No, wait!

(scared barking) (growling) (barking) I have no idea what got into her.

More importantly, I have no idea how we're going to get into Karl's garbage.

This is hopeless.

Or is it?

Oops.

(banging noise) Sorry.

(hissing) No, hey!

Let me go!

That cat has ruined everything!

A holiday without a hambone is like rolling in a yard with no stinks.

What's the point?

If I ever see that cat again, I'm going to give her a piece of my... (screams) (whimpering) It's okay.

Just the TV.

REPORTER: We interrupt this broadcast for a special television announcement.

What's that cat doing on the TV?

As a major snowstorm makes its way toward Wagstaff City, a beloved pet, Mittens the cat, has gone missing.

Mittens?

That's an awfully nice name for such a bundle of mean.

It seems a door was left ajar and Mittens dashed out after being startled by this vacuum cleaner.

(shuddering) Vacuum cleaners.

They do more harm than good.

(barks) But worst of all, it seems Mittens is about to have kittens.

What?

So that's why she was so territorial about the alley!

Will she have them in the snow?

Will the kittens survive?

(whimpering) If Mittens isn't warm and well-fed, how will she nourish her newborn kittens?

GIRL: What does nourish mean?

I was about to ask the same thing.

REPORTER: I'm glad you asked.

So am I.

When you nourish someone, it means you give them food.

I know how Mittens feels.

I could use some nourishment myself.

If you have any information about Mitten's whereabouts, please call us at WAGG TV-- Wagstaff City's source for local news.

C'mon, let's go home so we can call the station.

(barking) I know, I know!

The kittens, the kittens, the kittens!

It's ringing... Hello!

I'd like to report a sighting of Mittens.

She jumped out at me and my friend when we were on our way to raid the garbage cans outside Karl's.

Have you ever eaten at his garbage can?

He has the best trash, bones and... Oh, sorry.

Like I said, we saw Mittens in the alley.

We wagged our tails, we lowered our ears, we even showed our bellies so she'd know we were friendly.

But I think she has something against dogs, because...

But I'm not crank calling!

I'm really a dog!

I really did see Mittens!

(dial tone) He didn't believe me.

(frustrated whining) Poor Mittens!

She'll be stuck out there in the snow.

(whimpering) Yeah, the kittens, too.

But what can we do about it?

REPORTER: It's begun to snow, but still no sign of Mittens.

There would be if your operator hadn't hung up on me!

We can only hope that Mittens and her kittens are somewhere warm and secure, away from all the snow.

(confused barking) Secure means someone is safe from danger, like from the cold or from being attacked.

(whimpering) Like we're probably about to be.

Oh, Mittens!

Please don't hurt me... Mittens!

(barking loudly) I'll do the calling.

See if you can sniff out Mittens' trail.

(barking) (sniffing) Oh, Mittens!

Come out, come out, wherever you are!

(sniffing) (surprised barking) What?

A moving snowball?

(gasps) Wait!

(meowing) That's not a snowball!

That's one of Mittens' kittens!

(meowing) They must be freezing.

(howling) Now, calm down, Skits.

Howling won't help.

If only we had some way to keep them warm... (panting happily) Well, yeah, there's that.

But where is Mittens?

(barking) Scared of us?

No, she's not scared of us.

She attacked us, remember?

(confused barking) When you attack someone, it means you're trying to hurt them.

Dogs attack by biting.

Cats attack by scratching.

There's no way Mittens would leave her kittens in the cold.

Something must've happened to her!

(shivering) We need to get these kittens inside.

Uh...

Okay, you keep the others warm while I take Snowball home.

Hang on, Snowball!

REPORTER: With a snowstorm barreling our way, there is still no sign of Mittens.

We can only hope she has found a warm place where she can comfort her kittens in this terrible, terrible storm.

What does comfort mean?

When you comfort someone, it means you try to make them feel better.

You might comfort them by giving them a hug, or by saying some comforting words like, "There, there, it will be all right."

Now then, don't you feel comforted?

Here you are!

Safe, secure and toasty-warm.

(meowing) Oh, okay, uh... Oh, I bet you miss your mommy, huh?

And your brothers and sisters.

Oh!

(toys squeaking) They may not be family, but they're warm and fuzzy and hopefully a little comforting.

Now you stay right there while I run and get everybody else!

(meowing) (whimpering) Oh, Skits, don't cry!

We'll save all the kittens.

(barking) Oh yeah, I know.

Their claws are really sharp.

Hang in there!

(meowing) Look, Snowball, I brought you some company!

Your brother... or sister.

Can't really tell.

But either way, you guys can snuggle up and comfort each other while I go get the rest of the gang.

(meowing) (groaning) Only two kittens left.

You take one and I'll take the other one.

(barking) Now everyone stay nice and warm with Uncle Skits while Auntie Martha goes to find your Mama.

(barking) I have to go.

Those kittens must be starving.

I know I am.

You and I can't feed them.

We need Mittens.

(whimpering) REPORTER: And here's another update on Mittens, which is... ...we still have no clue where Mittens is.

Don't cry, little girl!

We've found all the kittens, and I promise to find Mittens too!

Mittens!

Mittens!

(sniffing) (gasps) A little nourishment would probably give me more energy to look for Mittens.

Whoa!

Oh, why fight it?

(chewing loudly) I wonder where Mittens is?

(gulps) (groaning) I seem to be stuck.

(door closes) We're home!

Mom wanted to do some shopping and we got stuck in traffic.

Where's Martha?

(clapping) Want your dinner?

What's the matter with you?

(meowing) (gasping) Boing!

Skits had kittens!

(gasping) (chewing loudly) (grunting) Ah, freedom!

(loud banging) Uh-oh, I'm going to get in trouble.

(frantic meowing) Mittens?

Mittens!

We've been looking all over for you.

What are you doing in there?

(meowing) You say you were looking for a warm, secure place to put your kittens and you got locked inside?

Well, don't worry.

Skits and I took all your babies to our house.

They're nice and warm.

C'mon, I'll take you to them.

(meowing) Oh, I see.

You can't jump that high with your baby.

Karl!

(barking loudly) Karl!

Aw, he must've closed up early because of the snowstorm.

Maybe I can find something out here we can use to make a ladder for you.

Watch out!

Clear the deck!

Heads up!

Still too far to jump with a baby.

(meowing) Hey, I know what we can use!

(grunting) Hm... See if you can climb that.

You made it!

Come on, I'll take you to the rest of your babies!

Follow me!

(meowing) I know you don't really like dogs and you're afraid I might attack your babies...

But how about if I carry your baby for you, because I can go faster?

And I have an idea of how you could go faster, too.

(panting) Won't be long now!

Thank goodness.

How is this possible?

MARTHA: I found Mittens!

Mittens?

The cat they were talking about on the radio?

Uh-huh.

That's right.

Get in there and get some nourishment, you guys.

They're so cute when they all snuggle.

(laughing) Hello?

WAGG TV?

We found Mittens.

They're all safe and secure.

Huh?

Why would I be pretending to be a dog?

(sighs) I love happy endings.

Snowball!

You have to snuggle up to Mama so you can grow big and strong.

That's not snuggling.

When you snuggle with someone, it means you get really close to them.

(meowing) Aw, look!

Mittens is a really good snuggler.

Mom said the TV station called.

Mittens' family can't come and get her tonight because of the snow.

So they can stay here tonight?

Uh-huh.

And I get to stay down here with you and the kitties, too.

C'mon in!

We're all snuggling.

(laughing) (sighs) This is the best happy ending of all.

(purring) (shivering) It's snowing again.

Dog shake!

Stand clear!

(yelps) You done?

All shaken and ready to be properly dried.

(shivering) Por favor Helen, would you please carry your summer clothes upstairs so I can store them in the attic?

I've been asking you since the fall.

I'll do it right away.

TD: Helen!

Hey, let us in!

The guys are here!

Can I move the clothes later?

TRUMAN: It's cold!

End our suffering!

Well, I don't want them to suffer...

I would move the summer clothes for you if I had hands.

You're a good dog, Martha.

I know!

And good dogs get treats.

Am I right or what?

(barking) He says he's a good dog, too.

Snow fell off a branch into my shirt.

Nothing causes discomfort like getting snow down your back.

Discomfort?

Is that like extra-special comfort?

No, if you have discomfort, it means something is bothering you, like cold snow down your back.

We like snow on our backs, right, Skits?

(barking) A bath.

Now that causes discomfort.

High-pitched sounds?

Those definitely cause discomfort.

Got it!

(sighs) What a relief.

I'm comfortable again.

People have unusual ideas about what causes discomfort.

We came to play our game.

Let's play!

(cheering) (game beeping) Who wants to build a snowman?

Who's with me?

No thanks, Dad.

We've got two levels to go.

(sighs) There's fresh snow, but they would rather play the game they've been playing every day: Space Animal.

It's not Space Animal.

It's Multi-Dimensional Intergalactic KleineNachtGopherAttack Four.

I don't know what you just said.

I call it That Loud Thing.

If you need me, I'll be downstairs building the new bookshelf.

Hey, how about I make some good, old-fashioned, snowy-day hot cocoa on the stove for when you finish?

We won't finish today.

It took us a month to get through one level.

Okay.

If you change your mind, I'll be upstairs.

(saw buzzing) Does a winter day get any better than this?

(game beeping) (sighs) I'd much rather be building a snowman.

(computer beeps) Uh-oh.

(game beeping) I just read a news report that the storm's getting worse.

It's causing blackouts in other towns.

What's a blackout?

A blackout is when the electricity stops working.

In a blackout, anything that's plugged in and uses electricity doesn't work, like lights.

And the TV and the game?

Oh, no!

We're almost through this level!

Don't worry, Martha.

We've never had a blackout here.

Huh?

Is a blackout something like this?

It's exactly like this.

The power to my table saw went off.

It's a blackout.

Can we do anything to fix it?

No, we just have to wait for the power to come back on.

Huh?

It's not coming back on!

It's only been 12 seconds, TD.

Okay, TD.

Now.

It's not coming back on!

Maybe I should go home.

(phone ringing) Hello?

Hi.

Yes, our power is out, too.

Okay, I'll tell him.

Truman, your mother said until the storm lets up, she doesn't want to risk the long walk home.

Hey!

What are you doing?

Waving to my mother.

Okay, I'll stay here!

Long walk home?

I think it's a longer walk up to Helen's room than it is to your house.

I'd like to see you walk up those stairs in that much snow.

Bring in the snow and I'll do it.

Helen, where's your shovel?

Guys, snow stays fresher outside.

Leave it there and we can build a snowman with it.

That sounds cold.

Can I call home and tell them I'll stay here till the storm stops, too?

(sighs): Sure.

(sighs): Nothing to do.

No power.

Too cold to go out.

And your dad won't let us bring snow in.

(sighs) I've never heard of a blackout before and already it's my second-to-least favorite thing.

Second to least?

Cats.

Oh, right.

Hey, I know.

We're ready to be nourished and comforted by hot snowy-day cocoa.

Sorry, I can't make it.

The stove is electric.

It won't turn on while the power's out.

(sighing) Well, that's disappointing.

Oh, you people are so helpless without electricity.

You should act more like dogs.

What do you plan to do during the blackout?

I won't moan and complain.

I'll just sleep until dinner.

Dinner?

Martha, our can opener is electric.

It is?

That's right.

During a blackout, we can't open a can of soup.

But, but, but...

I have to eat!

I'll starve!

I'm starving now!

You don't know what it means to be starving.

Uh-huh!

If you starve, that means you don't eat for a very long time and are very hungry.

That is one full dog belly.

You are not starving.

Am so!

Starve means to suffer from hunger.

Look, I'm suffering!

Starving!

Oh, discomfort and lack of nourishment.

Soup, where is thy sting?

What a performance!

This is why I always wanted my own dog.

(groaning) I think we're running out of air, too.

No, we're not, Martha.

The air is not electric.

Oh, good.

Make me a sandwich?

You are not starving.

You had a biscuit when the guys got here.

That's right.

It was the last one!

I'll feed you when it's time to eat.

Not before.

Make me a sandwich?

Poof, you're a sandwich.

Never joke about food to a dog with no can opener.

Que frío.

Am I the only one feeling a chill?

(shivering) I'm chilly, too.

If you're feeling a chill, that means you're cold.

I'll start a fire.

If you want to feel a real chill, forget to tuck your tail in when you sit on an icy sidewalk.

That's a chill.

Gather round.

A nice fire is the best way to attack a chill.

We should do something.

Maybe we could open a can with a ballpoint pen and cook soup on the fire.

I meant something to keep from feeling cold and bored.

Hot soup is the best thing when you feel chilly.

I heard a doctor say that on TV.

Or now, was that a chef?

Why don't we finish playing Multi-Dimensional Intergalactic Kleine NachtGopherAttack Four?

What?

That Loud Thing.

Oh.

Where's the nourishment in that?

How can we play a video game in a blackout?

We recreate it in reality.

We have people.

We have a whole house.

Let's put on a game!

That's a great idea!

Make me a sandwich?

I'm just a neighbor.

I'm not allowed to touch the food here.

(groans) The game has four levels-- underground, above ground, outer space and the space station.

The basement will be level one, the underground, where gophers get power veggies.

The gopher team that moves the most power veggies up to the space station wins.

Wait, veggies?

There's real food in the game?

No, Martha.

We need something to be our pretend veggies.

I've got it!

We'll pretend these summer clothes are veggies.

Pretend.

Don't eat my socks.

You'll be the nasty farmer.

You attack on level two and try to take your veggies back.

Stop you from taking the summer clothes-- I mean, the power veggies-- upstairs where they belong...

I mean, to the space station?

I'll be the farmer if she won't!

I've always wanted to be a farmer.

I think it's the cows.

Okay, then you'll be the salad bar satellite that attacks on level three and tries to swipe the veggies in outer space.

I'll do my best.

And the most important part, the difference between a regular gopher and a nachtgopher: headlights.

Ready, set, gopher go!

Yeah!

(panting) Attacking vegetables is harder than I thought.

Maybe I'm not cut out to be a farmer.

We made it through level two!

On to level three!

We're in outer space!

There's our space station, level four.

Ready, set, gopher go!

Salad Bar Sinister is attacking!

Watch out!

Back to Earth for more veggies!

Wow, this is exactly like playing the video game!

Not exactly.

We're throwing shorts with flashlights tied to our heads.

(laughing) Team one, ten veggies.

Team two, nine veggies.

Nine?

We had ten!

Martha... Hm?

Sorry.

I didn't know this was the game-winning sock.

Well, the real winner is me because Helen's summer clothes are finally up there.

So this was a great game.

Mm...

Comfort, nourishment and snuggles at last.

Did anyone but me notice that video game turns out to be just a fancy way to play catch?

I think I like the flashlight-on-my-head laundry version better.

I promised hot cocoa, and here it is.

How did you do that?

I fired up the barbecue out back.

Then you can make steaks!

Martha, you're eating a sandwich.

I know, but steak...

The blackout's turned out to be fun, but I'm ready for it to be over.

(cheering) The power's on!

We can finish the game!

We already finished the game.

Yeah, but we can finish it again the right way.

We have power!

I have a better idea.

Turn off all the lights, strap flashlights to our heads and play again!

You know, that was fun.

Who needs power?

Woo-hoo!

I'll go get the clothes down from the attic!

No, Danny, don't bring that down!

I'll find some other stuff we can use as veggies.

Like real veggies!

ALL: Ready, set, gopher go!

(cheering) Truman, come on!

or check out your local library for the Martha Speaks books.

Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org