All language subtitles for Courage to Love 2000

[footsteps]

(Williams)
Before the Civil War,

New Orleans was unique
in all the world,

more French
than it was American.

Races freely mixed, creating
a new class known as
Creoles,

or free people of color.

European men
were especially enchanted

by the exotic light-skinned
women of this class,

whose ancestors were the
children of master and slave,

Spanish and French.

Big night tonight.

[bell tinkling]

(Williams)
Parties were thrown
at the old Orleans ballroom,

where the Europeans would select
the young women,

pledge support,
raise families with them,

yet never marry.

One such liaison,

that between Jean-Baptiste
and Pouponne DeLille,

produced a daughter
whose dreams would change

the old Orleans ballroom
and her world forever.

Au revoir.

(children)
Au revoir.

Bye.

Au revoir.

Au revoir.

[bell pealing]

Oh, I'm late.

Grandmama gave it to me
to wear on my night,

for luck.

It brought me love.

It will bring you
the same.

Célie.

Papa,
Maman
has to finish my hair.

I want you to show me

those fancy new steps
of yours:

a reverse, lightly, hmm?

As a bird
suddenly flies.

So one, two, three.

(Cécilia)
I will fly like a bird,

but I won't have a partner

if my hair's a bird's nest.

Ah.

Ma chèrie.

Mm-hmm.

[violin music]

Ah, chin up, chin up.

You don't need to see.

You must trust your partner.

I like to know
where I'm going, Papa.

Then you should not waltz.

It is the
quadrille
for you,

or...the polka?

[laughing]

Bonsoir,
Jean-Baptiste.

Bonsoir, chèrie.

Henriette,

late, on your
sister's night.

(Cécilia)
She forgets everything else

when she's
in the classroom.

Forgive me, Célie.

And will you forget

next year,
when it is your turn?

I certainly hope so.

I might not be able to waltz
by then, anyway.

(Pouponne)
Oh, nonsense.

Nonsense.

You must stop
with your grand opinions.

It will only upset her.

I won't say
another word about it.

It was so dull without you
on Sunday at dinner.

Mama didn't eat a thing.

Well, I, um...

Henriette--

[women giggling]

Girl?

Betsie.

Where is that wine
I asked for?

Sorry, Mr. Jean.

Don't give me excuses, girl.

Bring me some wine.

Papa, was I
doing it so wrong?

Maybe you will be ready
next year,

if you keep your chin up.

Left, left.

Chin up, chin up.

♪

I know you will have
a wonderful time,
ma chère.

You look beautiful.

But you said you would
attend with us.

I wish I could,
but unfortunately,

I have
important business.

Uhh.

Bonsoir, mon amour.

Bonsoir.

But, Papa, I--

Célie, every man there
will watch you dance

and wish he were
your partner.

By the way,
your bird's nest

looks lovely.

A bientot.

Bonsoir.

Hyup.

[waltz music]

♪

(man)
Je vous presente

Monsieur Samuel Dupré.

Enchanté.

♪

Your father
has chosen well.

Pray for her.

Pray for love,
Henriette.

♪

(man)
Amelia,

ego to baptizo
en nomino patris

et filiis et spiritus santci.

[baby fussing]

Amen.

(Cécilia)
Amen.

[baby crying]

(Henriette)Maman,

why isn't Papa here?

(Pouponne)
Obviously,

the business at the plantation
is taking longer than expected.

Well, he said
he was gonna be here.

Your papa has not
stayed with me for 25 years

because I insisted
that he be here or there.

Don't you care?

Questions, Henriette,
always questions.

Ask too many questions,

and you will drive
your man away.

Marie is gonna meet us
at the boat.

She's bringing
school supplies,

and Julie and I
promised to be there.

You'll be very careful?

It's dangerous there
since the Americans came.

Au revoir.

Au revoir.

[goat bleating]

[bells ringing]

(man #1)
Now, who'll start
the bidding at 150?

150, do I hear 150?

Yes, sir.
Thank you.

200, anyone?

200.

(man #2)
200.

(man #1)
Yes, sir.
Thank you very much.

325, 325, do I hear--

(man #3)
325.

Papa?

Were you
addressing me?

No, sir.

I thought I knew the gentleman
you were talking to.

Did you, now?

Henriette.

Henriette.

[horse whinnies]

(Henriette)
I thought I just saw
my papa.

Bonjour.
Bonjour.

(Julie)
Here's the bread
you wanted for Marie.

Ma'am.
Ma'am.

Henriette.

Uh, be right there.

[poignant music]

Would you like some?

(man #1)
Gimme that!

(man #2)
Get away!

[men shouting]

Miss, let me
do that for you.

No, no.

Miss, it ain't seemly.

[sighs]

(Henriette)
In a city like this,

the masters do nothing?

[men shouting]

They just can't
work no more.

Henriette.

(man)
Jacques!

Get over here!

Yes, sir.

Don't make me
call you twice.

Get over there

and help Mrs. Morgan
with her things.

Sorry, ma'am.

Let me get those
for you.

What am I giving
Marie now?

Oh, she won't
go hungry tonight, Julie.

Oh, there she is.

Marie!

Oh. Oh, it's heavy.

Excuse me, sir.

Would you mind
stopping--

[shrieks]

[splashing]

Mum!

Don't worry, ma'am.
I'm comin'.

[Marie coughing]

[all talking]

[gasps]

Apparently, I missed
the delta waters

more than I knew.

[laughing]
Oh, thank you,
thank you.

So much trouble
for such an old maid.

Miss,

I'd do it again.

It's kinda hot out here,
anyway.

[laughing]

Enough of that.

It'll go to his head,

and I'll get
a week of sulking

and slow service
out of him.

Sir, he dove in
to save a woman's life,

while the rest of you
stood by,

checking your watch fobs.

(man)
There are laws
against sassing.

Better learn that
for your own good.

[gulls squawking]

(man)
Jacques.

Clean yourself up.

I don't want people thinkin'
that we dress you like that.

Looks like
main street in Sodom.

How can you make me
leave Charleston for this?

Look at them
paradin' around.

Give it time, dear.

Things are gonna change.

[goat bleats]

Well, is anyone else
for a swim?

Allow me
to introduce myself.

I am Gerard Gaultier.

My parents have just taken up
residence in a plantation

up near Pontchartrain.

Enchantée.

I'm Marie Alicot.

These are my good
friends Julie Gadin

and Henriette DeLille.

Uh, welcome
to New Orleans.

Would you do me the honor
of allowing me to see you home?

We have our own carriage,
but thank you.

Then at least
I can carry your things.

Well, well, well.

[clears throat]

The accent's not
from the West Indies.

I think
he's from France.

You can always ask him
at the ball next week.

I'm not going to the ball.

But...it's been arranged.

Oh, I saw
my father today.

Of course,
he didn't see me.

I don't want that--not for me,
not for my children.

(Marie)
I expect you'll be telling
your mother soon.

She'll understand.

Mm-hmm.

Ah, you've
imported rocks?

[laughing]
They're books.

We're teachers
at the parish school,

and Marie's a missionary.

Oh, wonderful.

This will be difficult
to accomplish with dignity.

I'm sure you'll be able
to manage somehow.

Oh, only with
your steadfast belief

and encouragement,
mademoiselle.

[clears throat]

(Henriette and children)
One, two, three, four.

(Henriette)
Excellent.
That's it for today.

Au revoir. Merci.

(children)
Au revoir.

Thank you.
Au revoir.

Au revoir.
Merci. Au revoir.

Au revoir, merci.

[girls chatting]

Take your seats.

Simone.

I'm so glad we found
your parish, Father Rousselon.

The cathedral seemed--
well, full of foreigners.

And we're glad
to find you,
Mrs. Morgan,

and to have
your husband--

'Scuse me.

As a warden.

(Henriette)
D.

(girls)
D.

A catechism class
for girls this late?

Très bien,
Simone.

[gasps]

Slave children?

Mrs. Morgan, slaves
are God's children too.

We are allowed
to teach them at night.

Henriette.

Bonsoir,
Father.

(Rousselon)
Bonsoir.

(girls)
Bonsoir,
Father.

This is our newest
student, Simone.

Her father will bring her
to church on Sunday.

That's my Jacques'
daughter.

I can read, Father.

Very good.
Well--

Very good.

Teaching coloreds to read
requires permission.

(Henriette)
God...

is...love.

Repeat.

(girls)
God is love.

[laughing]

Excellent.

Henriette, do you have
their permission?

You know it's illegal
to teach slaves to read

without their masters' consent.

How can they learn
the catechism
unless they read it?

How can they
truly worship

if they can't read
the Bible?

Do the masters
know, Henriette?

God knows.

(Pouponne)
Henriette, what is this
I have heard?

You are teaching
slave children?

Do you want to hurt
your father?

Do you realize

he does business
with their masters?

And the sons
of those masters

will be attending
your ball this week.

Maman,
about the ball--

Do you want them laughing
at you behind your back?

Do you want them
to wash their hands

after they've finished
dancing with you?

[chuckling]

(Pouponne)
Henriette, I have
asked you a question.

Papa?

[giggles]

[whispers fiercely]
No.

You will not
parade your heart.

You want these
white bastards to see?

Unh.
Come on, Ree.

She'll blame me
if you're not ready.

I hate this.

You know
how much I do.

Ooh, Maman was right
about the green.

Do you love him?

Who?

Oh, Samuel?

Yes.

He has promised
that we will be together

until we're old
and crotchety.

But you can't marry,
Célie.

What difference
does it make

if he stays with me?

[sighs]
God means us to be married
till death parts us,

to walk across a square openly,
as man and wife.

Otherwise,
we're just being bought.

It's--it's like the--

Look, Ree.

Think before you speak.

[sighs]

(Jean-Baptiste)
What made you think

things would be
different with us?

[door shuts]

(Pouponne)
Jean-Baptiste,
you made a promise to me.

Was I naive
to believe in you?

And I've
kept my word.

I help you raise the girls.

Cécilia is taken care of,

and now Henriette
is well-placed too.

And me, Jean.

Me!

I must produce
legitimate heirs.

You knew that.

It is something I must do!

You will be
ravishing.

Every man there
will hunger after you,

and they will envy
your gentleman, Paul Cartier,

who has assured me
he will provide you

with the finest
of everything.

Did he say for how long?

And when I see you
in the square

tomorrow
or the next day,

will you see me?

You are my beloved children,
and you always will be,

even if I can't see you
again for a long time.

I'm getting married.

And then
you'll leave us.

So this is the life
you want for me, Maman?

I will not
go to the ball.

I will not meet
Paul Cartier.

How do you intend to live

if you don't go
to the ball, my dear?

How will we?

If you have not
understood things,

your papa
has just ended our lives.

Oh, Pouponne,
don't be so dramatic.

You can keep the slave
and lease her out

and the house, of course,
too, as I promised.

Well, at least we won't
be begging in the square

where you and your wife
might see us.

(Jean-Baptiste)
Pouponne.

(Pouponne)
Oh, Jean-Baptiste,

if this is my house,

get out.

[Cécilia sniffles]

No, no, no, no.

Not now.

Cecelia, you fasten
your sister's gown.

(Cecelia)
She's right.
Let's go.

We will be late
if we don't hurry.

[waltz music]

♪

There is no love here.

This is
what we do, Ree.

We have no choices.

♪

[people chatting]

♪

Mademoiselle
Henriette DeLille,

je vous presente
monsieur Paul Cartier.

Je suis enchanté,
mademoiselle.

Shall we?

[stately waltz music playing]

♪

May I, mademoiselle?

[romantic music]

♪

Monsieur,
you took me by surprise.

Was there
any other way?

Monsieur Gaultier,

I have made previous
arrangements for this one.

But don't worry.

There are plenty
others to choose from.

Shall we dance...now?

I've always
understood that

a lady could choose
her partner.

A lady?

Monsieur, I am committed
to a year's support.

Retire.

I'm sure your friends
used to believe

that you were
a gentleman.

Sir?

I am sorry.

Maybe
I do not understand

the way of things
in America...yet.

♪

So this is what's to come
of my steadfast belief

and encouragement,
Gerard Gaultier?

You saved me.

If you had not
taken my hand,

I would've been committed
to a duel at the oaks.

I'm sure of it.

Some of the men
that attend these balls

are suspect in character.

I suppose
that's to be expected.

You have nothing
to say for yourself?

Forgive me.

I only came here
to look for you.

(Pouponne)
Henriette.

May I call
on you sometime?

[whispers]
Don't look back.

Be coy.

Good night.

(Pouponne)
What were you thinking
tonight?

You shamed me, Henriette.

Your life is not for me.

Oh, my life is
not good enough for you.

Not good enough
for your father,

not good enough for you!

I have no say in this?

I have no freedom?

You get out.

You are his.

You are just like him!

You just get out.

Get out, Henriette!

Get out of my house!

[door shuts]

[bell peals]

[horses whinnying]

[bell peals]

[dramatic music]

♪

[panting]

Who's there?

Henriette?

Are you hurt?

I can't live the life
I'm supposed to live.

I can't pretend.

Then you mustn't.

Then I can never go home.

You are always
welcome here,

in God's house.

God's house?

Yes.

Everyone's house.

[horse hooves clopping]

(Henriette)
There you go.

For you.

And for you.

Thank you.

Oh, Marie'll
look at your leg

over there.

(Rousselon)
Henriette, may I present
Dr. Gerard Gaultier?

I said I would pay a call.

You have already met?

Doctor?

I was.
I gave it up.

(Rousselon)
Dr. Gaultier's trained

in the most advanced
medical science,

and he has come to help us
set up the infirmary.

You were given
the gift of healing,

and you gave it up?

For what?

I'm sorry.

I always ask
too many questions.

In France, I shared
a practice with my uncle,

but my patients
were so rich

they could have hired
God himself to cure them.

They certainly
did not need me.

But you couldn't
give it up
in your heart.

So here you are,
helping us.

If you will have me.

This was your idea?

Well, no, I--

But Father Rousselon
tells me--

(Henriette)
I just saw a place that
would be safe for them.

The people of the parish
bring food,

and Julie,
Marie, and I

serve it every day
for them.

So that's where
you have been: here.

Oh, I called
at your cottage
more than once.

Your sister--
Cecelia, is it?

She would not give me
any information,

even when
I assured her

that my intentions
were honorable.

She means well.

I stay with Julie now.

I, uh...I understand
your mother is ill.

Is there anything
I can do?

It's nothing
that medicine can cure.

I apologize.

I do not mean to pry.

(Betsie)
Miss Célie?

Miss Célie!

(Cecelia)
Betsie? Maman went mad.

She tried
to hurt herself.

I finally got her
settled in bed.

She was a wild thing.

She was screaming
and running.

Amelia. Here.

Oh, Maman.

She's screaming
and running.

Go get Henriette.

[baby fussing]

We'll see you
tomorrow, Maman,

and I'll bring you
some pears.

I would prefer

if you'd wait
a few days.

She needs to settle in
on her own.

Have you seen
my little Sasha?

Have you seen
my little Sasha?

They took her,
you know.

Madame D'Orsay, I'm sure

these women know nothing
about your little girl.

Come, now.

[whispers]
Forgive me, Maman.

[sighs]
Forgive me.

[man grunting]

[moans softly]

Ah? Much better, huh?

That was brave of you,
Jason.

Mm-hmm.

Here. Okay?

Yeah, all better now.
Off you go.

I took the liberty

of speaking with
your mother's doctor.

The night of the ball,

I broke
my mother's heart.

I was too proud,

too selfish.

I couldn't see
the pain of her life.

I'll never forgive myself.

Henriette.

She will be
well taken care of.

Ohh.

What happened?

Some white folk
caught him readin', sir.

Reading?

They say there's a new law.

Every week, they publish
a new law in that journal.

Of course, slaves are not
allowed to read it.

Excuse me.

[man moans softly]

[grunts]

♪

Imagine
if you weren't here.

My class make me feel
so ashamed.

My own class
has slaves.

People choose to be
full of love or hate.

It's not limited
to class.

Well, it seems
mine has chosen hate.

Well, he's
in God's hands now.

You asked me
how I could give up healing.

It is answers like that:

"It is in God's hands,"

"It is God's will,"

"God knows."

It is not good enough.

I'm a doctor.

I want to save lives.

Oh, so you believe
you're the healer,

that it's all up to you?

That's pride, vanity.

Yet you blame yourself
for your mother's illness.

You broke her heart.

People do not die
from broken hearts.

Maybe that is your vanity.

All I know is that

if the spirit breaks,
so does the will.

We've both seen that.

We've also seen people
fight to live and win.

I believe that's
the true mystery of God.

[laughs softly]

No science can have
the answer for that.

Ah,touché.

[playing plaintive melody]

♪

May I be so bold as to claim
this tune as our own?

Are you asking me
to dance here,

without a chaperon?

Yes.

[chuckles]

♪

In Paris,

couples stare
into each other's eyes

during the waltz.

I might get dizzy.

I'll be your center.

Make me
your still point.

[Henriette laughing]

That is it.

Oh.

Oh, for luck.

And if I am good,

he will love me forever.

[giggles]

Oh.

Oh, I must get ready.

My gown is lilac.

It has just arrived
from Paris.

See you tomorrow, Maman.

Today was a good day?

Yes, she was
much better, thank you.

Maybe we can
take her home soon?

You should know:

She told me that
she didn't have a home.

That's ridiculous;
of course she--

For now,

you must be thankful
for the good days.

[footsteps receding]

(Jacques)
Been sick at her stomach,

tired all the time.

Master say she more trouble
than she worth.

Master havin' company.

I supposed to be
getting more whiskey.

'Stead, I'm here.

Where is her mother?

I don't know.

Simone.

It is time
to tell us.

(Simone)
It's nothin'.

Master say
it were time to breed me.

[breathes raggedly]

You're 12 years old.

Breed you?

Who he breed you with?

He come in the night.

And he say...

I'm a woman now.

No!

(Gerard)
Jacques.

Do not make it worse.

(Simone)
Master goin' free me

so his baby
can be free too.

It's gonna be all right.

Same thing happened
to her mother,

and she wasn't
all right.

(Gerard)
Henriette.

Henriette.
Where are you going?

To put a stop to this.

[knock at door]

[door opens]

(woman)
Oh, miss Henriette.

May I speak
to your master, please?

Well,
he got company.

Tell him
it's an urgent matter.

Well, what is it?

Oh, you.

The one feeding niggers
at the church.

If you want scraps,
go round to the kitchen.

I've come about Simone.

Simone.

Simone.

I have a house
full of guests.

I'm her catechism teacher.

The Lord's Prayer,
the Ten Commandments--

I teach her that
they apply to white people

as well as black.

Are you sassin' me?

Adultery is a sin.

What the devil
are you talkin' about,

standin' at my front door,
preachin'?

Does your wife know that your
mistress is a 12-year-old child?

(Frank)
Simone is my slave,
nothing more.

Simone is pregnant.

Frank?
What's the matter?

What's she doin' here?

Just some high-falutin' quadroon
confused about where she's at.

She's just leaving.

I was just leaving,
myself, monsieur Morgan.

I would be happy to see
the young lady out.

Oh, you will.

So you do
know each other.

How about that?

Madame Morgan,

your hospitality was
bewitching, as always.

Merci beaucoup.

[laughing]

[door closes]

[chains rattle]

[horses' hooves clicking]

[horse chuffs]

What is the matter with you?

Are you mad?

Yes.

Perhaps not as mad as Maman,

but in my own small way, yes.

You dare to challenge
a man of my class!

Do you even care to know
what he did?

Frank Morgan and his Americans
are making a new Louisiana.

They are the future,
ma chère.

So you dine with them,
and you sell to them.

You marry one of them,
and now

you'll become one of them.

We must all survive,
ma chère.

Maman waits to hear from you
every day.

May God help you...

and your kind.

[dog yelping]

Henriette.

[plaintive music]

♪

Allez.

Bye, Papa.

Oh.

[chuckles]
We've come for a visit.

Oh, my.

Oh, Amelia's grown.

Ah, she's finally
fallen asleep.

I'm going
to put her down.

Henriette, please.
You're my sister.

This ridiculous law
about covering

or braiding your hair
has no place

amongst family.

I am not
your family, Samuel.

Have I offended you
in some way?

I will take care of you
as my family.

I swear.

But you're not married
to Cecelia.

You know it's only
that the law forbids it.

Have you presented
my sister

and your child
to your parents?

My parents are in Europe,

and I'm not close
to my family here.

You know that.

Do they even know
you have a daughter?

Any of them?

I cannot change
the way things are.

(Cecelia)
Please, Henriette.

(Henriette)
Is it just,

the way things are?

This Dr. Gerard.

Cecelia tells me that--

He will not be
taking care of me either.

Oh, I wasn't asking that.

I just thought...

perhaps he has introduced you
to his parents.

Oh. Well.

Perhaps when the time comes.

[coughing]

[sobbing]

I told master
if he touch her again,

he'd best kill me.

And leave Simone alone.

(Jacques)
She goin' on and on about hope.

Any white church
sellin' hope

is sellin' lies.

Jacques, come on Sunday.

God's ways
are mysterious sometimes,

but if you open your heart
and pray, I believe you--

Pray.

Pray?

Pray for what?

For things to get better?

I did that already.

I guess your God must be
havin' a joke with me.

(Gerard)
He has a right
to his anger.

Perhaps we can only heal

his physical wounds.

(Henriette)
I will not give up on him.

Simone's
way too important.

If I come on Sunday,
will you sit with me?

Hmmph.

Mr. Morgan and his wife
would not approve.

And that
would be fantastic.

What about
you sit with me?

Thought so.

Can I walk you home,
Miss DeLille?

That would be fine,

if you're willing to wait.

[horse whinnies]

Good night, sir.

Such beautiful hands

that do so much.

No.

But I want
to be with you,

to make my life with you.

We can't even sit together
in church,

and I won't be your mistress.

I--that is--

What was I thinking
could come of this?

Henriette, listen.

In front of
all of these people,

I ask you...

will you do me the honor

of becoming my wife?

If it were only possible.

But it is.

In France, we can
be legally married.

France.

But my mother, my sister,
the church, my school.

We can work together,
side by side,

a man and his wife in France
without this insanity.

But I can't abandon
my people.

But what about yourself?

What about your happiness?

Gerard,

to be your wife--

oh, just to say that:
"your wife,"

it's like
a dream come true,

but I can't if it means
I'm running away.

Do not say no
just yet.

I will wait.

As long as you want,

I will wait.

[soprano chanting,
water splattering]

[drumming]

There's so many of them.

Must be the rain.

I must say,
it's most encouraging.

We had 20 more today.

Welcome them,
and they will come.

We're also working
on the free families.

(Morgan)
Father,
you start bringing

too many blacks in here,

collection plate's
gonna get mighty bare,

'cause no white folks'll
be fillin' it.

All colors have
worshiped here together

for generations, sir.

(Morgan)
Is that a fact?

Well, maybe
we better start

havin' two services,
then, huh?

(Betsie)
Miss Henriette!

Betsie?

Miss Henriette.

You must come quick.

Is it Célie?

It's Mr. Samuel.
There's been an accident.

(woman)
Mr. Samuel's
aunt's coming.

Ma'am, the hearse
is here.

You have to leave.

But we haven't even
paid our respects.

Ma'am,
I'm so sorry.

I shouldn't
have let you in

in the first place.

What--

But--but--I'm the only
family that he has.

He hasn't even met
his aunt.

Miss, please.

You have to go.

Why?

How can they do this?

I'm his family.

[bells pealing]

Monsieur Blanc?

I represent the wardens
of Father Rousselon's church.

Are you aware of what's been
goin' on these last few months?

Because it just keeps
gettin' worse,

and all you do is

nip at the edges.

[children laughing]

I'm gonna
catch you.

Children, children.
Come, come.

Come.

(Henriette)
A...B...C...

Why are these lay workers
wearing habits?

They donated their wardrobes
to the needy

and simply chose
to dress in a uniform

more practical
for their work.

The wardens want to put a stop
to all of this work.

These women are bringing
this parish to life.

We must refuse.

I have...

for now.

But it's rumored
Rome will denounce slavery.

Our position is precarious
with the Americans.

They want
the school closed.

They want you out.

And I see you've
started an infirmary.

Many of those we help
return to mass on Sunday.

The church
is filling up.

With abandoned slaves.

What they're doing
is so clearly God's work,

and we may not be able
to protect them.

Oh; oh, no,
not this one too.

You can't give away
your ball gown.

That one
more than any other.

No; I'll keep it.

You've been speaking
with Betsie about freedom.

You're giving away
all your clothes,

and next will be
this cottage,

and where will that
leave me and my children?

There is no worry.
God will care for us.

And Maman?

We'll pray for her.

Everything Samuel left to the
children--our children--

will be given
to his white family.

Is that how God
answers your prayers?

After I have this baby,

it would seem that I will
have to attend a ball

because I will need to find
someone to take care of us.

I hope I look as bewitching
as you were when I wear green.

(woman)
Are we taking
all this, ma'am?

And this one too?

Thank you, ma'am.

Thank you.

[rapping]

[rapping]

I came
as soon as I heard.

It's bad, miss.

She came too soon.

Gonna die
here in my arms,

and that'll be
the end of this.

I give up on your God.

(Simone)
Papa?

Is she here?

Ask her.

I don't want
none of this.

Baptize my baby
before she die.

I can't baptize the child.

I'll send
for Father Rousselon.

(woman)
But she might die
before then.

There won't be time.

Please, sister.

[whispers]
Please.

Heavenly Father,

bless this water
with Your Spirit,

and make it holy.

What name
do you give this child?

Henriette.

(Henriette)
Henriette,

I baptize you
in the name of the Father

and of the Son

and of the Holy Ghost.

(Simone)
She's safe now.

[baby hiccups]

(Gerard)
The baby has
a chance to survive.

You did the right thing.

(Henriette)
There wasn't time
to ask for permission,

was there?

And what if my prayers
don't work?

No, no, it was right.

You changed the world
for them tonight.

Oh, Gerard, I felt it.

I felt it.
I really did.

You changed
the world for me.

Do you know how much?

You make me feel hope.

You make me feel like
I can make a difference.

Henriette,

will you come with me
to meet my parents?

Yes.

Then we can be
together forever?

[giggles]
Yes.

[horse whinnies]

Oh, vous êtes
très belle.

Cécilia let me
borrow her dress.

They are going
to love you.

Allez.

[thunder rolls]

[goats bleating, dogs barking]

(man)
Whoa.

Get out of the way!

Pardon me?

Move!

What?

[animal noises]

(woman)
Any other
people here?

(man)
I have
some paying customers.

Your people are so dedicated
to making us feel inferior.

Is this our day, then:

you poking me with daggers,
me hanging my head?

If a man insults me,

there is no question
of what I would do.

I would oil my pistols
and meet him at Twin Oaks.

I know how to be brave
for that.

But this--it is like
walking in a fog.

There are no boundaries.

The look on their faces--
I wanted to hide from it.

Henriette,

I do not know
how to be brave for this.

I love you.

I'm sorry.

We'll both have to learn.

I'll depend on you
for strength in it.

Perhaps we should
spend some time alone

before we fight more ghosts.

Oh, but I put
my dress on,

and I did my hair
to meet your maman.

She's expecting us
for dinner.

Henriette.

I am afraid.

You did tell them.

And they...

They said, um...they would
treat you with kindness.

Pity.

Respect.

Respect for you.

Their stomachs will turn
at the sight of me.

Then they'll wash their hands
twice before I'm gone.

I cannot protect you
from that.

I don't want to be protected.

I want to be free of it.

I'm sorry.

You don't understand.
You can't.

Gerard, I do believe
you love me.

But you can't make me
disappear into your world.

Henriette, please, no.

Let me take you back.

Henriette?

I didn't recognize you.

I used to hear
the angels sing.

I can't hear them anymore.

They're still here.

I'll see you
at the funeral.

What funeral?

You haven't heard,
then?

Heard what?

Simone hemorrhaged
in the night.

She never woke up.

[crying]

They found her baby
sleeping peacefully beside her.

I heard what you did.

I'm sure
it gave her peace.

[bell clanging]

[woman crying]

(Henriette)
Is God so wrathful?

Suffering
on top of suffering,

with no lesson,
no reason?

I don't understand,
Father.

Bonjour,
sister.

Bonjour.

I've sought;
I've prayed.

I still do not understand.

Bonjour,
sister.

[whispers]
Bonjour.

Draw on your faith.

We're not meant to grasp
everything at once.

[man crying]

That answer
does not satisfy me.

I need to know why.

I don't understand.

He called you
"sister."

They all do.

Haven't you heard
them?

You've touched them,

and so you've become
a sister of the Lord.

I didn't ask for it.

No; you say God hasn't
helped the suffering,

but He has.

He gave them you.

But-I-I can't--

Do you remember the night
you came to Him?

You were abandoned,

and yet you knew
where to come.

You knew the solace
it could bring others.

What does God want
from me?

Come on, sister.

[knocks once]

You cannot give me
a second chance?

Let's begin
at the beginning.

Why were you
at the ball that night?

I was there looking
for you, Henriette.

To be your concubine?

No.

I want to be able
to believe you always.

Then believe me.

Because every time
I visit my mother

and see how she was destroyed

because she loved a man
from a different world--

I am not
your father.

I could not abandon you.

If I have to choose
between you and my world--

my parents, even--
I'd choose you.

We can have a real life
in France,

a real marriage.

We can be happy.

Happy.

[whispering]
Yes,
ma chère.

I will protect you.

People will look at us
and shake their heads

and wish that
they'd married for love.

[whispering]
We will change the world.

Here.

You don't look
very well.

Oh, I'm just tired.

Perhaps we should
delay the departure.

No, I'm fine,
I'm fine.

We'll be fine.

You just enjoy whatever
time you have together.

[sighs]
To be loved

and to let
yourself be loved,

to be touched
so deeply, Célie.

You told me,
but how could I know?

You might as well
take some of these dresses.

They don't fit me
anymore.

[laughing]

Uhh.

You have nothing
to worry about.

Gerard has promised

to take care
of you and Maman.

He's gonna help you
fight for your inheritance

that Samuel
wanted you to have.

Oh, you're so lucky.

You must write to me

the moment
you set foot in Paris.

Write?

You'll visit.

We expect you
at the wedding.

Oh,

Gerard's gonna complain
about my rocks,

my books.

He's always--

Célie?

Célie.

[tapping at door]

(Gerard)
Henriette,

look what I have.

(Henriette)
It's Cecelia.

Her fever's very high.

They say
Creoles don't get it,

but she got it.

There's an outbreak
of yellow fever.

It can affect anyone.

My medical bag is here.

Gerard, I--

I-I know.

I'm sorry.

Me too.

It would be nice to have
a conversation between us

when one of us does not
have to say how sorry we are.

[Henriette praying softly]
The Lord is with thee.

[whispering]

Quinine solution
is very effective in the--

The Lord is with thee.

Blessed art thou
amongst women.

Blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary,
mother of God,

pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

[church bells pealing]

You gonna pray
for me, sister?

With all my heart.

How is Célie?

The fever broke
just an hour ago.

Ah, the quinine
mixture, it was--

I was trying
something new.

The quinine had
little to do with it.

But it was the medicine
that saved her.

How many times have you given
medicine to patients

and lost them?

But without it?

Prayer saved her.

How can you
believe that?

Because it's true.

[man coughing]

Your sister is well.

I do not care why.

It does not matter why.

This is wonderful,

and we can begin
to plan again.

Henriette,

do not turn your back
on us.

Not now.

I'm supposed to be here.

My work is here.

But we can do
even more in France.

We can work openly,
perhaps build a hospital.

And you would not
be accused

of corrupting
the slaves.

Because there are
no slaves.

We can heal
bodies and spirits.

I prayed
for the answers, Gerard.

I found out
what God wants from me.

God has been calling me
for a long time,

and I can't deny it.

I feel God is working
through me.

You said you wanted
an ordinary life,

a life with me.

[whispers]
I know.

We can't have it.

And so now there is
nothing for me?

Here,

we cannot even marry.

What do you want from me?

Welcome.

Thank you, sister.

These women
are not sisters.

You must not
call them that.

You deceive this parish
with those costumes.

Thank you, sister.

I'm sorry,
but this time,

you'll have to stop
wearing them.

Well, what am I to wear?

I've given
everything away.

[sighs]
Henriette.

[sighs]
Do you know what I see
when I pray?

I see the Virgin Mary,
but her skin is brown.

The slaves in
the
gens de couleur

need to know that
God is their God too,

and we can't
just tell them.

Color needs to be seen
with their own eyes.

[sighs]

God wants black faces
working in his church.

Henriette,

there are forces against you,
powerful people

who can ruin everything
we've accomplished.

We need to go slow.

Are we intended

to be frightened
into submission?

Marie?

You're crying.

The bishop has just
banished me from the parish.

Banished?

Yes, I'm being sent upriver

to teach wealthy children
on a plantation.

(Rousselon)
The wardens
have pointed out

that it's become illegal

for integrated groups
to work together.

(Henriette)
And you knew about this?

The bishop is forced
to disband you.

So he's decided to play
on the side of the masters.

They will also close
the parish schools,

since slave children
are being taught with whites.

I am next on their list.

This has got to stop.

[church bells pealing]

(Blanc)
As I see by your costume,

obedience is not a virtue
you put much store by.

Please, Your Excellence,

just hear an idea?

There's a house.

My friends and I have
just enough money to buy it.

With donations,
there's a building next door

that we can fix up
and turn into a mother house.

You mean to build
your own church now,

complete with a convent?

And we need you
to bless the endeavor.

As there are no colored
religious orders,

I would be blessing
only an act of your pride.

But you've seen
their faces,

those hungry souls
that worship
in our church.

You cannot say
you are not moved.

Do you expect the Catholic
Church of Louisiana

to challenge the state?

To start a fire
that could sweep away

what they've left
of their freedom?

But the reward would be
greater than the risk.

Even if I believed
you should be nuns,

it can take years
to receive
Rome's consideration,

and then the answer
could well be no.

I cannot see
how I can help you.

Perhaps you don't need
to appear to be helping us.

This church serves
a changing community.

Why, that sounds
positively threatenin'.

I understand you have moved
to block my appointment

of Father Rousselon
to the cathedral.

We will not continue
to tolerate interference

in church business.

I understand you filed
a lawsuit against us.

Rather extreme reaction.

I thought you should know

I also am connected with
the courts down in the Delta,

and I can assure you
money will win out

in the end.

And I can assure you

the rape of a child
is considered a sin,

even in the Delta.

There are no secrets
in this parish.

What about baptizing
a half-breed bastard child

outside the church?

A warden of the church
should be above reproach,

especially one married to
someone as pious as your wife.

But, as I said,

the church is here
to serve the whole community.

May I suggest instead

we let them build
a place of their own?

The coloreds?

They'll never do it.

But we must
let them build it.

And if they fail,
they fail on their own terms,

'cause if they don't,

there's no tellin'
what trouble they'll cause,

Your Excellence.

[birds chirping]

Maman?

You're so thin.

I thought you promised me
that you would eat.

And you...
you look like a nun.

You should wear
more color.

Green.

It goes so well
with your eyes.

Oh. Ohh.

How we danced
at the ball.

Your papa never danced
with another woman

after he waltzed with me.

[wailing softly]

Ohh.

[sobs]

[sobbing]

(Julie)
It's hard to imagine this
as a convent.

At this rate,
it'll take us years

to raise enough money
to fix it up.

We don't have
years to waste.

To be an effective order,
we need a place to live,

an infirmary
properly equipped, a school.

What about your house?

Sell my house?

The cottage isn't
mine to sell.

Cecelia needs it
to raise a family.

My parents worked
themselves to death

to leave that place to me.

Am I now to consider
giving all that up?

In the name of God.

I think your parents
would be proud

to know their legacy is being
used to serve the community.

Julie, we need to sever
all of our attachments.

And Gerard?

Were you able to say
good-bye so easily?

Good-bye?

I thought you knew.

He's going
back to France, Ree,

within a month.

Thank you.

For what?

For coming.

I wasn't sure you would.

I've been offered a post
at a hospital in Nice,

a teaching hospital,

quite experimental.

You'll make
a wonderful teacher.

Henriette, why am I here?

Uh, my reason...

our church has run
out of building funds.

Is that all I am to you?

I--no--

You might as well
have stayed at the ball.

I apologize.

That was uncalled for.

The truth is, I wanted
to know whether you still--

I will always love you.

My parents have cut me off

for refusing to marry

the suitable woman
they have found.

A year ago, I might have,

but you changed me.

So...now we both
work for the poor,

alone, apart.

Gerard, I'm sorry.

Sorry.

Is that why God
made us twin souls,

so we could be
so unhappy?

Such beautiful hands.

Henriette,
it's official.

The bishop says
we can build a church

if we can raise
the funds.

(men and women)
♪ Ride on, King Jesus.

♪ Ride on.

♪ No one can a-hinder me.

♪ Ride on, King Jesus.

♪ Ride on.

♪ No one can a-hinder me.

♪ No one can a-hinder--

♪ In that great
gettin-up morning, ♪

♪ fare thee well,
fare thee well. ♪

♪ In that great
gettin-up morning, ♪

♪ fare thee well,
fare thee well. ♪

(children)
Un, deux, trois.

[pounding]

[pounding]

[man speaking French-Latin]

(all)
Hallelujah.

(woman)
Hallelujah.

[people laughing
and talking]

(woman)
Praise God.

(people)
♪ Ride on, King Jesus.

♪ No one can a-hinder me.

♪ Ride on, King Jesus.

♪ No one can a-hinder me. ♪

Is it not illegal
for blacks to congregate?

Yes, it is.

Well, something
will have to be done.

Our first service.

Giving up my house
was worth it.

We may not
be nuns as yet,

but the bishop
will have to
at the very least

recognize
our dedication.

Um...the bishop
has arranged

for you to study as novices
at St. Michael's.

He feels you need experience
living in a religious community.

So the wardens got us
out of their church,

and the bishop...

He will petition
the Vatican
upon your completion.

In the meantime,

he has appointed me
to your church.

He's a clever man.

[chuckles]

Our parish is
very lucky to have you.

I'm only disappointed

we're suddenly
so far from our goal.

Ree,

remember Sister Martha,

when we were
in school?

No cross, no crown?

We are going
to see this through,

until the Pope himself
invites us to Rome and says,

"You must be
Sister Julie.

I have heard
so much about you."

[all laughing]

[women singing in Latin]

What are you doing?

Being a nun.

Ah, that sense of humor again.

Do you see the chapel?

I'd say it hasn't

been cleaned
this week.

No, we just finished.

I'll return
to inspect it...

after dinner.

Shall we just

cut your tongue out
and be over with it?

Julie, what are we
supposed to learn here?

How to keep
a convent spotless.

We could be serving
on the outside,

teaching.

Scrub.

Scrub, scrub.

Augh!

Scrub,
scrub, scrub!

Would you like
some help?

(Henriette)
Reverend Mother.

Jesus washed the feet
of his apostles.

Mother Superior.

(Henriette)
Oh, Reverend Mother.

I'm sorry.

There's something that
these flowers at night

reminds me
of my mother's perfume.

Does it make you sad?

When I was a novice,
I was too proud to admit

my previous life
still mattered for me.

The more I pretended,
the worse it felt.

I worry that conquering
my own pride is impossible.

That's what the scrubbing
is for: to help you sleep.

Did you love someone?

I thought so.

I try to forget.

I try to stop.

Why?

Do you think
because you're becoming a nun,

you stop being a woman?

You must bring
all of yourself to service,

through humanity,
which will give you compassion

for those who most need
to be saved.

Good night,
chère.

Good night,
Reverend Mother.

Father!

It's yellow fever.

So many are sick.

I'm sorry, but
the infirmary is closed.

Please, Father.

The hospitals are full.

They're even
turning away white folks.

Um...

run to the
St. Michael's convent.

Tell Sister Henriette
and Julie.

Tell them to come
fast as they can run.

[people moaning]

Sister Henriette,
the hospital full.

Done turn us away.

Master Morgan,
he's sick bad with fever.

He needin' tending.

(Henriette)
Put him here
on the table.

I will pay for a bed.

Mrs. Morgan,
the beds are taken.

Your money won't make
a difference here.

[coughing]

(Mrs. Morgan)
I can pay

for anything you need.

Your money can't even
buy quinine.

Only doctors can get it,

and we don't
have one here.

I'll take care of her.

(Julie)
There are more coming,

white and black.

Look at this.
We need a miracle.

Short of that,
you must rest.

Marie!

[Marie gasps]
Henriette.

Oh, Marie.

[laughing]

I heard what's
been happening here

while I was
on the plantation.

Marie.

[gasps]

[Marie gasps]
Quinine?

Oh, my goodness.

Who could've sent you
this much quinine?

Only a doctor.

(Gerard)
"My dear Henriette,

"you know my wish is

"to give you so much more
than mere medicine.

"Whenever
you are in need,

"look to your heart,
and I will be there.

Love, Gerard."

[romantic music]

♪

[labored breathing]

Please help him.

[breathing rapidly]

[whispering]
Please.

I'm so cold.

[breathing becomes louder]

Can you forgive me?

I'll send
for Father Rousselon.

[whispers]
Sister.

[panting]

I'm--I'm frightened.

Sister,

forgive me.

(Henriette)
I will pray
for your forgiveness,

Mr. Morgan.

[gasps]

(woman)Father!

Father! Father!

They're coming
to burn the church!

[knocking]

(man)
Fire! Fire!

(Henriette)
Get everyone out.

Fire! Everyone out.

(Julie)
Henriette!

(Henriette)
Get everyone out!

[fire crackling]

Come on.

(man #1)
Hurry! Hurry!

Hurry!

(man #1)
Over here.

(man #2)Okay.

Hold onto me.

Let's go.
Let's go!

I suppose you brought
the fires of hell

right to your doorstep.

You have to go now.

Yes.

(child)
Sister, help!

Come on.

[people shouting]

We have to leave now.

(woman)
Are all
the children out?

[children shouting]

[child shrieks]

(man)
Out this way.

Everyone up.
Come on.

[fire roaring]

[people coughing]

Is everybody out?

Julie!
Henriette!

Julie.

Julie?

Oh, my God.

Julie's inside!

No!

Henriette!

No!

[gasps]

[coughing]

Julie.
God help us!

Hurry! Hurry!

Hurry! Hurry!

[men shouting]

Let it burn.

(man)
Yeah, let it burn.

Julie!

[coughing]

[debris clatters]

[gasping]

[fire roaring]

You are my hope.

You are my life.

I love you,

and I will die for you.

Whoa.

[woman crying]

[people shouting]

[timbers clattering]

(Jacques)
Sister Henriette!

(Henriette)
Jacques!

[laughing]

Julie.

Look at the angel
God has sent us.

Henriette.

Rest; I'll help you.

Sister Julie.

Uh...Sister Henriette,

you'll need funds.

Let me look and see

what's in the coffers
of the diocese.

Oh, thank you,
Your Excellence.

Thank you, my child.

No, wait.

Let it be.

It will give everyone
something to think about.

Sister.

Master's wife freed us
this mornin'.

She paid the fee
for all of us:

the entire household

and the field slaves.

Oh, God bless her.

I always dreamt of this day.

I figured
my first day of freedom,

I was gonna sleep
till I wake up.

Then I was gonna roll over
and go back to sleep again.

[chuckles]

'Stead, I got my life
packed up,

and I'm gonna be
on a riverboat
by sundown,

and that feels mighty fine.

God bless you.

Good-bye, Sister.

And thank you
for everything.

[children shouting]

[ringing]

(Williams)
Henriette's community received
a formal religious rule of life,

adopted a habit,
and pronounced their vows.

They bought
the old Orleans ballroom

and converted it
into a sanctuary

for education and the needy.

Today, they continue to service
the poor, the sick,

and the illiterate.

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