All language subtitles for A Dog of Flanders

[Baby crying]

Father.

Mary!

Papa.

I know...

I know you've little
for yourself, Father.

Promise me you'll take
care of Nello for me.

Do you still
have my drawings?

Oh, yes.

Please give them
to my boy...

to help him remember me.

Even when I'm gone...

I'll be watching
over you...

my little masterpiece.

God has so much

planned for you.

I love you.

I love you, Nello.

I'll always be with you.

* If I could *

* I'd protect you
from the sadness in your eyes *

* Give you courage
in a world of compromise *

* Yes, I would *

* If I could *

* I would teach you
all the things I never learned *

* And I'd help you cross
the bridges that I've burned *

* Yes, I would *

* If I could *

* I would try to shield
your innocence from time *

* But the part of life
I gave you isn't mine *

* I've watched you grow *

* So I could let you go *

* If I could *

* I would help you make it
through the hungry years *

* But I know that I can never
cry your tears *

* But I would *

* If I could *

Ha ha ha ha!

What?

Can you hear your mother?

You must listen
with your heart.

She talks to you
through your God-given talent.

You even make me look good.

Ha ha ha!

Come on, I'll race you
to the village.

Come on!

That's it.

I'll beat you,
Grandpa.

Look at him go.

I'll beat you.

[Bell tolling]

MAN: Here you are,
Nello.

NELLO: Thank you.

Hello, Jehan.

JEHAN: Good day.

Good morning, madam.

Hello, and good day
to you, sir.

Ahh.

What have you been
up to now?

Have you forgotten
how old you are?

Oh, yeah.

I prefer to think of
my spirit as ageless.

Here.

No, no.
The boy, the boy.

Thank you, sir.

If you please.

Thank you, ma'am.

Just a moment.

That's for you.

If you please.

Thank you, ma'am.

And this, too.

Thank you.
Bye-bye.

[Whip cracks]

Move!

[Dog whimpers]

[Whip cracks]
Move!

[Rooster crows]

Move!

[Whimpering]

Move!

Move!

[Dog whimpers]

[Whimpers]

You know what, Nello?

I think tonight
we'll have veal stew.

Minus the veal,
of course.

NELLO: Grandpa, look.

Is he alive?

Well...

barely.

Who could do such a thing?

Some men have
no respect for life.

This is a dog
of Flanders--

a hardworking
breed of dog.

We can't just
leave him here.

Can we keep him?

He could share my food.

He's not hungry.

Well, it takes
energy to eat.

Leave it.

Maybe later.

What else can we do?

A little broth,
a lot of love.

He's starved for both.

I love you so much.

So you'll have
to get better, OK?

It's a magic necklace.

It'll heal you.

JEHAN: What's that?

You should draw
what you hope to see.

[Coughing]

JEHAN:
Oh, it's too sad, Nello.

JEHAN: That's better.

Grandfather,
he's drinking it.

He's getting better.

Ha ha!
Well, I'm gonna get me

one of those
magic necklaces, huh?

JEHAN:
That's the spirit.

So, what do you think?

[Woof woof]

Never underestimate
the power of love, my boy.

[Laughing]

He needs a name.

Patrasche. Ah.

Your mother's middle name.

Great.

Then they'll both
be watching over me.

[Sighs]

Grandfather, maybe
you should see a doctor.

For him to tell me
something I already know,

that I'm old and tired?

I know that.

Grandfather,
you're never gonna die

and leave me
like Mother, are you?

Ohh.

Ha ha ha ha!

Why don't you
take Patrasche

and introduce him
to Aloise, huh?

No. I'd rather
stay here with you.

Oh, come on.
Go, have fun.

You're becoming
an old man like me.

Now we meet Aloise,
my best friend.

[Woof woof]

NELLO: Don't worry.

She's not a dog.
She's just a girl.

Hi, Aloise.

Hi, Nello.

Whose dog is it?

Mine.

Aloise, meet Patrasche,
my new best friend.

I thought I was
your best friend.

I mean my best dog friend.

Just like Posche is
your best horse friend.

OK. Sounds reasonable.

Nello, how come you
never go to school?

I don't know.

Is it because you have
to help your grandfather?

I like helping Grandpa.

Besides, who cares
about books anyway?

Grandpa.

Grandpa.

Huh?

Ahh.

Ohh.

[Laughs]

I seem to be
more trouble

than help
these days, huh?

Oh, you're no trouble.

You just need
a magic necklace, too.

I got you a present.

Ohh.

[Laughing]

Well...

I got you
a present, too.

Yeah.

This was your mother's.

She wanted you
to have it

so you would always
remember her.

Seems like yesterday

I was walking along
a canal with your mother.

This was your mother's
favourite place.

Yes, God gave your mother
a wonderful talent.

Yeah. Just like you.

[Chuckles]

That looks like the statue
of the man by the cathedral.

It's Peter Paul Rubens,

your mother's hero.

This was your
grandmother Rosa.

Yeah.

Influenza
took her from me.

But...

that is my
favourite picture.

Your mother drew that
for my birthday.

I wish I could
have known Mother.

Well...

Why did she leave
the village?

Well, uh...

she fell in love.
She met your father.

Did you know him well,
my father?

Your mother was...

She was very secretive
about her love.

She had her own mind.

Ohh...

She never told me
who your father was,

but she loved him
dearly. Yes.

But were they in love?

Oh, of course. Of course
they were in love.

Why would you think
they weren't?

Of course.

And she told me that
he was a very good man.

Oh, yes.

[Door opens]

Not feeling too well again,
Jehan, huh?

Oh, just...

just a touch of gout.

I'll be fine.

Good.

Now, where's my rent?

I have most of it,

Master Stephens.

This is all?

We'll pay you,
Master Stephens.

We always do.

You better had.

Sadly, patience is one
virtue I do not possess.

Good evening, gentlemen.

[Door opens and closes]

NELLO: I hate him.

No, Nello.

Oh, no, you never hate.

You never lower yourself to
the level of people like that.

Yes, Grandpa.

* Cheer up, Nello *

* Give me a smile *

* Where's that smile *

* I used to know? *

* Soon skies
gonna clear up *

* Nello *

* Cheer up, Nello *

* Just be glad you're you *

[Giggling]

[Rooster crows]

[Whimpering]

Ohh.

Patrasche.

[Woof]

[Woof]

[Woof]

[Woof woof]

Patrasche, cut it out.

[Woof woof]

[Whining]

[Barking continues]

[Woof woof]

What is it?

[Woof]

Crazy dog.

[Whining]

Look, he wants to help.

Oh, that's his nature.

That is a dog's dog.

[Laughs]

Don't worry, Grandfather.

You rest.
We'll do the milk run today.

A boy and a dog.

I don't stand a chance.

[Bellows pumping]

Hello!

Hello, Nello!

There you go.

Ahh.

[Laughs]

[Gargles]

Nothing like milk
in the morning.

Ah, he's healed up
real nice.

You did a good job
with him, Nello.

What's your name,
dog?

Patrasche.

Well, Patrasche,

if you're going to be
seen with Nello Daas

and bear his dear
mother's birth name,

this old rope
will never do.

Leave him with William
for a little while.

[Woof]

Go on. Go draw me a nice
picture of Aloise, huh?

I don't work for free,
you know?

We'll fix you
right up here.

Just think.

My mother once
sat right here,

just like me.

She was gonna become
a famous artist.

Then she got sick.

I'm glad my mom
never gets sick.

I don't know what I'd do
without her.

Aloise, come back here.

You're supposed to be
modelling for me.

Well, models are supposed
to get paid, you know.

Not if they don't
sit still.

Aloise, sit--

[Laughing]

Yours.

Thank you, William.
It's wonderful.

Ooh, such soft leather.

Where did you get it?

Where'd you get it,
William?

Your apron!

Oh, no!

Look at your faces.

What have you
been doing?

Your father will
blame me for sure.

Aloise, come on.

Your mother's been
looking for you.

Coming, Papa.

Look at you.

Who's been painting
your face, huh?

Hello, Master Cogez.

Nello, William.

Say bye-bye, Nello.

Bye-bye, Nello.

Say bye-bye, William.

Bye-bye, William.

Bye-bye.

Bye, Aloise.

Oh, look at you.

Lucky man,
baas Cogez, huh?

You and Patrasche
get that milk to town

before you lose
your customers.

Clean your face
on the way.

Thank you,
William.

All right.

[Children
laughing and shouting]

TEACHER: Children,
children, sit down.

Hi, Aloise.

There's a great painting
inside that cathedral.

Grandpa says
Mother once saw it.

Wish I could see it, too.

Are you an admirer
of Peter Paul Rubens as well?

Yes, sir.

He's my hero.

I'm sure the great master
is happy

to see bright new eyes
looking up at him.

I want to meet him.

Rubens passed away
many years ago.

Of course,
his art lives on.

Great men and their deeds
always do live on.

And that's a comfort.

Please, sir.

Tell me more.

I want to become
a great artist, too.

Oh, you do?
Well...

you made a proper start.

Rubens was a master
of every aspect of art--

composition, light,
movement--

but he had to study.

He studied right down
that street there,

around the corner.

Right here in this city?

He was a great
teacher as well,

but what made him
really great

was that he was interested
and excited by everything.

I'm like that.

I'm sure you are.

MAN: Michel!

Milk?

Artists
of our calibre

should only
drink cognac.

Let's see what these characters
are up to, shall we?

Well, Robert Kessler,

may I present
Master Michel La Grande?

I've studied your painting
in the town hall, sir.

I believe
you know his father,

our esteemed mayor.

Of course.

Young Robert's
been away studying

at London's Royal
Conservatory of Art.

As you can see, he has
a lot of potential.

You always had
an eye for potential.

Let me introduce you
to my friend...

Nello.

Nello.
Master Steerns, Robert.

Yes, well,
I don't suppose

I know his father,
do I?

Dietrich, please.

Yes, well...

I was just prepared
to show Robert

Rubens' greatest work,

if you care to join us.

I was just on my way...

with my friend Nello.

Can Patrasche come, too?

The priest
doesn't allow dogs.

He barely tolerates humans
unless they have...

potential.

So tie up your friend,
and then join us.

OK.

Come, Patrasche.

Michel, I'm starting
a little salon on Tuesdays.

You should drop by
for schnapps.

I'm afraid I'll be busy
for the next 4 or 5 years.

[Steerns laughs]

STEERNS: That, my boy,
is what we call a brush-off.

LA GRANDE: Not at all.
I'm going off to Rome

to paint some murals--

a new commission
from the church.

STEERNS: Really?

Does his holiness pay well?

I myself would pay
to paint

in the city
of Michelangelo.

Well...

to each his own.

This is the painting
here, behind the drape.

Where's the priest?

Ah, Father.

I've come
to see the Rubens.

Does light
hurt the painting?

On the contrary,
young Robert.

It's light that brings
the painting to life.

So why do they have
to keep it covered?

Let's just say
it wasn't Rubens' idea.

His paintings were meant
to be enjoyed by everyone.

As if the masses were
interested in art.

Father.

Oh, uh, yes.

Robert, you surely
have a silver franc.

Bless you.

[Woof woof]

This is the house of God!

[Barking]

Patrasche, no, come.

PRIEST: Hey, you!

You thief!

Thief!

MICHEL: Nello!

You little sinner!

If you worried so much
about saving souls

as you do about silver,

maybe there'd be no sinners
in this entire city!

Nello.

It's all right.

[Whimpering]

Patrasche,
I was going to see

Rubens'
greatest painting.

So...

[Growling]

You found my darling dog.

[Woof]

Your dog?

I found him by the side
of the road.

He was almost dead.

Either way,
he is mine.

He doesn't like you.

As long as he obeys me, boy.

One way or another,

I'm taking
my animal back.

Understand me, boy?

You understand me?

Run, Patrasche, run!

[Woof woof]

You try to run
from me, huh?

I'll teach you
better than that!

This dog is mine.

It's my dog.

You stole him from me!

Now get away,

or I'll cut
your damn heart out.

[Patrasche barking]

No! Patrasche is mine!

You left him to die!

You let
that dog be!

Get behind me!

Get behind me now!

You want trouble?
You got it.

Come on, come on!

Are you insane?

Nello, you all right?

Master La Grande,
look out!

It's over.

It's done.

Nello, come with me.

You are a brave dog.

You're a brave dog,
Patrasche.

When can I take
my bandage off?

Keep it on for a while.

Keeps the dirt
from the cut.

Are you a great artist, sir?

I strive to be, Nello.

But perhaps not.

Oh!

I think you're great, sir.

Nello, I thank you.

But Rubens was the best,
though, right?

Oh, Rubens was a genius.

Is that greater than great?

Genius is a greatness that
burns like an eternal flame.

That's you.

I like that one.

You have good taste.

A very gifted student
drew that for me.

Did he become great?

She could have been.

But as you know, Nello,
in our society,

no one lets you forget
what station you're from,

especially for a woman.

She was from
a poor family.

She was young.

I was foolish.

I let her get away.

Master La Grande?

Yes?

I have a friend, Aloise.

She models for me.

Would you like
to see her picture?

Of course.

You drew this?

Is it any good?

It's exceptional.

Especially
for a boy your age.

Perspective's off
here and there,

but that comes
with study.

Do you ever give lessons
in exchange for work?

Oh, Nello,
I'd be so honoured,

but I'm off to Rome.

What about your friend--
the one that drew you?

Does she give lessons?

She went away.
I never saw her again.

But, anyway, you don't
need lessons right now.

The main thing
is to keep drawing

from your heart,
the way you do.

And examine--
look at things.

The greater part
of drawing

comes before you even
touch the paper.

Ask questions. Find out
what things are made of.

Store information
for the inner eye--

the eye
of the intuition.

Is that how Rubens did it?

I want to become like him.

That's good. Always
reach for the stars.

You could be great,
Nello.

Why not?

Do you believe
you could be great?

Maybe.

Good.

[Horse neighs]

Slow down.

I don't believe this.

Aloise, I thought
we talked about

you racing through
the fields.

Besides, there's work
to be done.

Nello says when
he's a great artist

I'll never have
to push a cart again.

Yeah. Down you get.

Ahh.

Well, most artists
would be happy

to settle
for enough to eat.

Did he tell you
that, too, huh?

Peter Paul Rubens
was great and rich.

Nello knows
all about him.

Nello can't even
read or write.

So I'll teach him,

and he'll use me
as his model to paint.

He's such
a good artist, Papa.

I don't want Nello
filling your mind

with any more nonsense.

And there's no more riding.
You've got work to do.

Nello will have to find
another model, huh?

[Clicks tongue]
Come on.

Your father
just wants what's best.

All fathers do.

Why doesn't he like Nello?

He likes Nello.

He just remembers
what it was like

when he was poor--

how hard life can be.

Money doesn't make
people happy.

Nello and
his grandfather--

they're poor,
and they're happy.

You are so smart.

Ha!

I don't know
who you take after.

Ha ha!

Nello will be great.

I know he will.

Of course he will.

He has you
to believe in him.

Nello...

is that you?

Master La Grande.

You're home.

Yes and no.

I must return to Rome.

Oh.

But not for long.

The bishop wants
a smaller nose, that's all.

But look at you.

I barely recognized you.

Of course,
I recognized your friend

Patrasche.

[Woof]

And your model
hasn't changed a bit.

Master Rubens.

But let's see.
Let's see.

Let's see
how you are doing.

Oh...

Nello.

Your eye has grown clear,
and your hand strong.

You've cared wisely
for your talent.

Perhaps it's time...

to graduate
to painting.

Painting?

Perhaps it's time.

Beautiful.

This is for you as well.

I was all prepared,
you see?

And the brushes.

You'll need many brushes.

Those are all for me?

Tools of the trade

for a fellow artist.

Early Christmas present.

I've never seen so many
beautiful things before.

Those pigments
are very strong.

Here.

Try one colour at a time.

Place it next
to other colours.

Mix them.

Fall in love
with the colours.

Here, look.

And then look at nature

and your surroundings.

See how these colours
are reflected.

How many colours,
for instance, in your blouse?

Let's see.

Blue, of course.

There's white.

But it has
other colours as well.

But, also,
a little green

will bring it
to that shade exactly.

Experiment.

Here.

Sometimes,
at the end of a day,

I have 30 colours
in my palette--

different shades.

Now for a box for you.

Nello.

Nello.

What?

The city fathers

sponsor a Rubens
junior art contest

each Christmas.

You must enter.

I could never win.

What's that?

Is that my pupil speaking?

Hmm?

How could I?

The first step to winning

is believing you can win.

Of course
you can win, Nello.

It's too late for me.

There's plenty of time
before Christmas.

You can do it.

I mean it's too late for me
to start my art studies.

Nonsense.

Rubens himself
was older than you

when he started.

Really?

Really.

And did I forget
to mention

that the winner gets
1,000 silver francs

and a scholarship
to art school?

Did you hear that,
Patrasche?

[Woof]

1,000 silver francs.

And he's going
to win it, Patrasche.

He's going to win it.

[Woof]

[Barking]

Boo!

Aloise. Hi.

Hi, Nello.

I made you some cookies.

They're not
that good, though.

Mother says I ride
better than I cook.

Papa thought the heart-shaped
cookie was for him.

[Patrasche barks]

And this one's
for Patrasche.

Thanks, but...

they're too pretty
to eat.

Ha ha ha!

I've got something
for you, too.

It's beautiful.

What is it?

It's what it will be
that matters.

I'll call it "Portrait
of a Princess."

[Horse neighs]

It's beautiful.

I feel so small
when I look up at the sky.

Really?

Why are some people
born rich,

some poor,

some healthy...

some real sick?

It just isn't fair.

I guess I really hadn't
thought much about that yet.

Ever since my mother died,

I wondered where she went.

Maybe she's one of
those real bright stars

that come out
every night.

I hope so.

It wouldn't be right

if the spirit of
a great man like Rubens

and good people
like my mother

just didn't go on
after they died.

I'm sure
you're right, Nello.

God's too smart
for that.

[Woof]

[Patrasche whimpers]

ANNA: Aloise!

I better go.

It's time to go, Aloise.

Meet me here
tomorrow night,

and I'll finish your sketch.

All right, Nello.

You're going to be a great
artist, just like Rubens.

[Music playing]

Listen.

Can you hear it?

[People chattering]

Yes.

Music.

It's the circus.

I saw them pass earlier
on the way to the city.

Papa says circus people

stuff little girls
in sacks and sell them.

Like grain?
That's silly.

They travel and play games
and make people happy.

How could they be bad?

I don't know.

[Sighs] Better
get you home first.

Nello Daas,

if you're not afraid,
I'm not afraid.

[Music playing]

[People chattering
and laughing]

Maybe we should go back.

Are you kidding?
This is great.

[Laughs]

Come on, Nello.

[Music stops]

WOMAN: Mmm, you will be
great one day, little one.

Your life and love

will touch many.

Your stars are crossed.

Your hearts beat as one.

You have known
each other before.

In this life,

you will finally find
true happiness.

[Dog barking]

[People chattering]

[Laughter]

Aloise!

[Bird caws]

Aloise!

Aloise!

Where are you?

Can you hear me?

Aloise!

Answer me!

Aloise!

Oh, my God.

I'm sorry, Papa.

I fell asleep.

Master Cogez,
it was all my fault.

I wanted to draw
her picture.

Do you have any idea
how worried we've been, Nello?

Do you have any idea at all?

Papa, no.
It was my fault.

I'll deal with you later.

You're thoughtless
and irresponsible, Nello.

Aloise is our life,

and I won't let you
jeopardize that.

Do you understand me?

Ooh!

COGEZ: Nello Daas.

Millie, take Aloise
inside, please.

Nello,
would you come here?

That picture
you did of Aloise--

personally, I think
that painting is foolish,

but it does look like her,
and my wife seems to like it.

I'll buy it from you.

It's not for sale.

So be it.

Anna...

fetch the boy
his picture.

Master Cogez,

it's a present.

Nello, I want you to
stay away from my daughter.

But Aloise is my friend.

You're not welcome here
anymore.

Because of last night?

No.

Because it's for the best.

The best for who, sir?

I could've seen the Rubens

with that silver franc.

I couldn't sell her picture.

One day, when we're great,
Patrasche...

Aloise's drawing will be
worth its weight in silver.

[Crying]

Don't cry.
I'll talk to him.

Nicholas, you're right
to be upset with him,

but you've gone too far.

She'll get over it.

Nello is like
a brother to her.

A brother?
Anna, come on.

You know where
this is going.

And what if it did
come to pass?

Would that be
so terrible?

Nello is a fine,
hard-working boy.

He's an orphan.

No girl can do better
than to be happy,

even if it means
marrying a tinker's son,

like you were.

I married you for love.

I went against
my father's wishes,

and I didn't judge you

because you were
poor and had dreams.

No, no, no.
I had ambitions.

This boy dreams of nothing
but being an artist.

What kind of future
is that?

I turned your father's
simple farm

into a prosperous mill.

Is it so wrong for a father
to want more for his daughter?

No...

but...

this mill will provide
for Aloise always.

You forget.

I know what it's like
to be poor.

Nello...

It's Aloise's birthday soon.

I made her something.

I'm not going this year.

Oh.

Well...

Master Cogez
is a strong man,

but, you know,
there is good there.

He just wants the best
for Aloise.

Master Cogez thinks

that money
is all that's important.

Poor, my boy.

Being poor is hard on you?

We've lots.

We've Patrasche
and each other.

I don't care
what he thinks.

Heh heh.

Well...

A little more food
would not be disagreeable,

though, would it, huh?

Huh?
Ha ha ha ha!

Ah...

One day, we will
all be with God

and realize this was
just a dream.

Huh? Just
one big dream.

Sometimes good,
sometimes bad.

Will we really
all be together again

after we die?

Of course.

Oh, our real home
is with God,

and he will not be happy

until we--we all
come back to him.

Heh heh.

[Patrasche barks]

Then I will see
Mother again?

Oh, yes.

Yes.

But remember...

she's here now--

always with you,

even though
you can't see her.

Oh, yes.

ANNA: Here she is,
the birthday girl.

Look at all the presents.

Thank you for
the lovely gift for Aloise.

STEPHENS:
And so, then,

I threw
the old fool out,

and then I bought
her house for nothing.

[Laughs]

Sir?

Thank you, Millie.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Thank you.

You look very beautiful
tonight, Millie.

[Laughs]

Olga, thank you
very much for coming.

Sweetheart,
you go on ahead.

I have some business I want
to discuss with Nicholas.

Ha ha ha!
Business? Tonight?

Discuss something
tonight?

I won't have my wits
about me--

not after this much ale.

Exactly, my friend,

exactly...

because you are
too sly for me

when you are sober.

[Laughs]

You've had enough.

I know when
I have had enough.

Don't you ever tell me

how to do
my business, woman.

Now you go on home.

[Whimpers]

[Meow]

[Meow]

Aloise. Aloise.

Nello?

Happy birthday,
Aloise.

Nello.

How pretty.

I love it.

It's hard
not seeing you anymore.

I know--

for me, too.

After the art contest,

everything
will be different.

I pray every night
for God to let you win.

Then I can't lose,
Aloise.

[Bell ringing]

MAN: Fire!

Fire!

[Meow]

Fire!

Huh?

Fire!

[Horse neighs]

ALOISE:
Oh, my God!

Somebody get
a bucket!

COGEZ: Oh, my God!
Put it out!

Oh, dear God.

Oh, dear God.

The house and the barn
could go next!

Uhh!

MAN: Fire!

[People shouting]

Everybody get in a line!

Get to the stream!
Get the buckets!

Millie, get the buckets!

Get the buckets!

WOMAN: Aah!

WOMAN: I'm trying!

OK.

OK, go! Go!

Grandfather!

What are you doing?

These old bones

can still help
a neighbour.

Someone!

Someone!

I'm going to lose
everything!

Someone!

Stephens!

Get on the pump!

More!

More!

[Gobbles]

Water?

Uh-huh. Yes.

Thank you,
William.

I owe you, William.

Without your help,
we'd have lost the barn, too.

Are you all right,
Grandfather?

A little winded.

Don't you find it
mysterious?

I looked. I found
no broken lantern.

How could fresh, stored grain
burst into flames

all by itself?

What, do you mean
that someone

started the fire
deliberately? No.

Does anyone have any idea
who may have visited here

after Aloise's party?

Ah, you always see
the worst in things.

Accidents happen.

This was no accident.

Come here, boy.

Come here!

[Patrasche
whines]

You were looking for revenge,
weren't you, boy?

For Master Cogez
not allowing you

to see Aloise.

Was Nello here
last night?

What are you holding?

Where did you get that?
Anna?

Where did she get that?

Did you see my daughter
last night?

I don't believe this.

Are you responsible
for this fire?

Do you really think
that Nello

could do such
a thing?

People will go to any
lengths for revenge.

I was in bed when
the fire started.

You started the fire.

Nello could never have
done such a thing.

Wait a minute, Anna.

Stephens is right.

The boy started the fire

because he was angry
with me.

I did not!

You're a liar,
Nello Daas!

On what grounds do you
attack my grandson?

A birthday present?

I brought the puppet,
but that was all.

Proof!
There you have it.

There is your proof.

But I didn't do it!

I didn't start
that fire!

Please believe me!

[Patrasche barking]

Nello!

No one will do business
with me.

I know, lad.

Stephens' man
was already here.

He's taken over
your milk run.

So that's who's been
doing my deliveries.

Listen, Nello,
I have some chairs.

You and Patrasche
can deliver 'em for me.

I'll give you money.

Come on, let's get
rid of your cans.

You can leave 'em here.

Why don't you ask
Stephens' helper?

Well, since I decided

to quite drinking
milk this morning,

Stephens and I aren't
on speaking terms.

'Course we were never
very close, huh?

Come on.

[Groaning]

Rosa!

Rosa!

After your mother died,

a part of your
grandfather died, too.

And some of me.

Your mother was
a very special person.

What was she like?

Oh. Always smiling.

A hard life.

The devil knows what
she had to smile about,

but, oh...

she could light up
a room.

Wish I could have
known her.

Ah...

If you know yourself,
you know her.

When I win
the art contest,

everybody will know
Nello Daas...

son of Mary...

grandson of Jehan.

Everyone.

Everyone.

Grandpa left this to me.

It's from your mother.

"Dearest Father,

"how long I've wanted
to write you

"but could not
find the words.

"I had to leave.

"I hope you'll
understand.

MARY AND WILLIAM:
"I did not want to hurt you

"or cause anyone disgrace.

God has his reasons,
of that I am sure."

MARY: The birth of my son

was the most joyful day
of my life.

It proves to me
that real happiness

comes not from
our possessions

or our positions

but from within.

Father, I so look forward
to sitting with you again

by the water,
watching the boats pass

with your beautiful
grandson on your lap.

I heard Anna had a daughter
named Aloise.

Please give them my love.

"Did Nicholas Cogez

"start building
his windmill?

"Well, for now,
I must go.

"Give everyone
my very best wishes

"for a happy,
healthy Christmas.

"Love always,
your daughter...

"Mary.

PS.
His name is Nello."

Why don't you
come back to the shop

and have a bite?

You could stay
the night.

I could use
the company.

Thank you, but...

I've something
very important to do.

Please, sir!
[Pants]

Here's my painting
for the Rubens art contest.

I'm sorry. The deadline
passed 3 minutes ago.

No, but I must win!

Perhaps next year.

No, but I have to win
this year!

It's my only hope.

I'm sorry.
I'm late,

and my family
is waiting.

Please, sir.

This is...

very good.

This is...

really good.

I'll take it.

Thank you, sir.

Merry Christmas.

And merry Christmas
to you, sir.

Good luck.

You're late again
on the rent, boy.

How many times
have I warned you?

I still have to pay off
Grandfather's funeral.

I am not interested
in your troubles.

You will have to leave.

As for this month's,
I'll settle for the dog.

No!
He's my best friend.

You can't afford
to feed yourself.

When I win
the art contest,

we'll have
all the money we need.

Oh, you are
a dreamer, boy.

Just like your mother.

My mother
was a great woman.

Keep the dog.
I'll take this.

No!

And you leave me

every miserable scrap
that you own.

I want you out of here
by the morning.

But I've no place
to go, sir.

You are not
my responsibility!

Don't blame me for your
miserable life, boy.

Blame your mother.

Out of here
by the morning.

Why can't you wait
until after Christmas

to rebuild the shed?

I'll tell you why.

Because with everything
we lost in the fire,

I have to work the mill
twice as much.

Besides which, I have
nowhere to store the grain.

I should never have let
you borrow on the farm

to build
that damn windmill.

Really?

Well, you like your city-bought
party dresses well enough.

I liked
our simple life.

I liked the man
I married.

You've become
just like Stephens,

driven by the money
instead of your heart.

My duty is to provide
for my family.

It takes more
than money

to provide for
your family, Nicholas.

CHOIR: * In the fields
where they lay *

* Keeping watch
on their sheep *

* On a cold
winter's night *

[Patrasche whines]

* That was so deep *

* Noel, noel *

* Noel, noel *

[Whines]

* Born is the king
of Israel *

* Noel, noel *

* Noel, noel *

* Born is the king
of Israel *

Welcome,
ladies and gentlemen.

Every Christmas,

nothing gives me
more pleasure--

well, let's say
almost nothing--

[Laughter]

than the Peter Paul Rubens

young people's
art competition.

For without Rubens,
what would our city be?

It would be
like a Christmas

without, uh,
roasted pheasant,

uh, plum pudding,
uh, fine wine--

And cold ale!
Hail ale!

[Laughter]

[Laughs]

Moving right along...

with our
esteemed judges,

Masters Steerns,
Van Wyck...

and rejoining our fair city
after a long absence,

Michel La Grande.

[Applause]

Please, Master La Grande,
say a few words

and, uh--and announce
the winner, please.

[Whispering]
Mayor Kessler.

Yes.

Perhaps it's better if
Master Steerns speaks.

[Chuckling]
Nonsense!

Uh, "wisdom
before beauty,"

or...or whatever.

Go on.

It has been written:

"All nations...

"closely should you
treasure your great men,

"for by them alone

will the future
know you."

In this, our city
has been wise.

She glorified
her greatest son

during his life

and magnified his name
after his death.

Indeed, what would
this city be,

as the mayor said,

but a sad
bundle of stones

without his art
to spark its citizens,

as we who teach art...
know.

Technique
can be acquired,

but real, true talent

is a gift...

only from God.

This year, my vote went
to the most talented boy

I've ever come across.

His dynamic painting
exhibited vision

and a comprehension
way beyond his years.

He means me.

But I am just
a single vote--

Yes, well,
it is getting late,

and I believe that
what Master La Grande

[Chuckles]
means to say...

is...

is that the winner

is a young artist

whose potential

is immense--

Master Robert Kessler.

MAYOR:
Wow. Robert.

[Patrasche
whining]

MAN: Good work!

Huh?

Excellent, Mayor.
Very good.

Thank you.

It's over, Patrasche.

It's over.

[Whining]

It's all over.

Oh, Patrasche.

We've got nowhere to go.

No one wants us anymore.

[Sniffing]

[Whining]

Come on, it's cold.

[Growling]

What is it,
Patrasche?

What is it?

[Patrasche moaning]

It's a wallet!

Look at all this money.

Nello. Patrasche.

Come in,
you poor dears.

Nello.

Patrasche.

Something terrible
has happened.

Millie, make up a big bag
of food for them.

Is Master Cogez
here?

No, he's out looking
for the--

This?

Oh, dear God, Nello.
You found it!

It was Patrasche.

Oh, it's a Christmas
miracle! Thank you.

[Patrasche barks]

Thank you,
Patrasche.

Millie!

Look!

Isn't it wonderful?

We won't need
that food now.

We'll all eat together,

and you can give
the wallet yourself.

Dinner is
almost ready.

OK.

Come on, Nello.
There's butter cookies.

Can you please give
Patrasche some warm milk?

Come on, Patrasche,
come on.

Good boy.

Madame.

Please tell Master Cogez

it was Patrasche
who found the money.

He won't deny an old dog
a roof over his head,

will he?

Oh, Nello.

Nicholas will
be back very soon,

and you and I will
tell him together.

You know what?
I have something for you.

Sit by the fire.

I'll be back
in a moment.

Where did Nello go?

I don't know.

Maybe he went home.

[Horse whinnies]

It's Nicholas.
He's home.

Nicholas!
Nicholas.

We're ruined, Anna.

Everything's gone,
you understand?

All those years
of work.

Wait.
Listen to me!

I've looked everywhere
for the wallet,

and I can't find it.

What is that damn dog
doing here?

I want him out.

Here!
Here's your money.

Take it.

Nello may never
amount to much,

but you're lucky
he's such an honest boy.

And that "damn dog"
Found it for you.

And don't worry.

There's not
one franc missing.

Sir?

Madam?

You should eat
something, Aloise.

There's something
I must tell you, sir.

Master Stephens told me
that if I told you,

I'd lose my job.

I like the job.

I like your family.

Oh, I don't care.

When I think about Nello
outside alone...

What are you talking
about, Millie?

He didn't do it, sir.

Nello didn't
cause the fire.

How would you know?

Because I was there, sir.

It was Master Stephens, sir.

It was an accident,
but he did it all the same.

He was drunk.

Mmm.

He...

He...

He lit up his pipe
in the shed.

I'm sorry.

Nicholas, what are you
going to do?

I'm going to find Nello.

I've done that boy
a terrible wrong, Anna.

[Barking]

Nello!

Nello!

Nello!

Nello!

Nello!

Nello!

Nello, where are you?

Nello,
answer me, boy.

Nello!

We'll never
find the boy.

Nello!

Nello!

Nello!

Nello! Nello!

We'll never find the boy
without the dog.

He can't survive
this night.

Nello!

Nello!
Nello!Nello!

Patrasche!

Find him!

[Whining]

Patrasche.

What are you
doing here?

Merry Christmas.

This has been
the coldest Christmas ever.

Ah, but it hasn't chilled
the hearts of our parishioners.

The good Lord
has been bountiful.

Are you ready,
Patrasche?

[Whines]

OK.

Oh, Patrasche.

Not enough light.

Can't see it.

It's even colder in here
than it is outside, Pat--

Must be the stones.

[Whining]

It isn't long till
the sun rises, Patrasche.

Once we see
his masterpiece,

we can join Mother...

and Grandfather--

the only people
who still love us.

Look.

ALOISE: That's it.

I'm sure Nello
went to see the Rubens.

Patrasche.

Look.

Master Rubens?

So...

What do you think?

It's...

It's magnificent.

I quite liked your
circus painting, too.

You saw my painting?

I've taken
a strong interest

in your artistic
career, Nello.

But...why didn't I win
the art contest?

You didn't want
to just win, did you?

No.

And I can't blame you.

You want to be accepted,
Nello,

to feel loved.

What you want,
all men seek.

In 200 years from now,

when people will admire
our paintings,

you really think
anyone will remember

that silly contest?

Will I be
a great artist?

People will be
inspired by you

for years to come.

I know how you feel.

I left home once...

went to Italy
for 8 years,

then my mother
got sick.

By the time
I came back here,

she was dead.

My mother's dead, too.

You were her hero.

Mary Daas.

She's a very
fine artist.

You knew my mother?

Of course.

Why do you think

I've taken such a strong
interest in you?

Master?

Yes?

If it's all right,

Patrasche and I would
like to come with you.

No one cares.

Do you really think
you're not loved?

Then you've
yet to learn

to see like
a true artist--

with your heart.

[Patrasche barking]

[Whining]

My son.

Nello!

My son.

My beautiful son.

PRIEST:
"The lord is my shepherd.

"I shall not be in want.

"He maketh me lie down
in green pastures.

"He leadeth me
beside quiet waters.

He restores my soul."

[Bell tolling]

"He guides me in the paths
of righteousness

for his name's sake."

"Even though I walk

through the valley
of the shadow of death..."

[Aloise sobbing]

I went to find the boy

who truly deserved
to win the contest,

but I was too late.

ANNA: We were all
too late, sir.

Are you his mother?

His mother
lies there.

And his grandfather
lies there.

The boy had
no other family.

Where is his father?

Most people
believe that...

Nello's father
lived in another city

and that he died
after Nello was born.

And what do you
believe, madam?

I believe what his
mother confided in me--

that she had been
in love...

with a prominent
artist...

from this city.

I wanna live my life,

but I don't want to
leave you, Grandfather,

or you, Mama.

Oh, sweetheart.

You are loved,
my son.

I'll always be here
waiting for you.

[Clock ticking]

Nello!
Nello!Nello!

WILLIAM: Nello,
we're coming for you.

Nello!

ALOISE: Oh, no, Papa.
Is he dead?

Oh, no.

[Crying]
No.

Oh, Nello.
I thought you were dead.

Aloise.

I saw my own funeral.

All of you were there...

just like I see you now.

Rubens was with me...

my mother...

and Grandfather.

Forgive me, Nello.
I'm sorry.

Forgive me, forgive me.

I have something.

This was given to me
when I was your age.

I knew you'd come.

Just like in my dream.

Did you know you taught
my mother how to paint?

Your mother?

Mary Daas,

your gifted student.

Mary.

Mary never told us...
who you were.

She was afraid of the disgrace
that it would bring, and...

she was afraid that
the scandal would ruin you.

She loved you so much.

My son.

My son.

Father.

Dear God, thank you.

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