Original subtitles

- Father O'Malley. - Yes.

Welcome to St. Mary's.

Thank you.

I suppose you're tired after traveling.

It's pretty tiresome, all the way in the day coach.

Your room's all ready.

There's nothing to do now but go to bed.

Is Father Fogarty still here?

No. They took him away this morning.

Poor man. My heart went out to him.

Poor man? Why?

You'll find out.

I think you'll find everything you want here.

Couldn't I get you a cup of tea?

No, thanks.

I don't understand what you mean about Father Fogarty.

I'll find out what?

What Father Fogarty found out.

The poor man.

There you go again. What happened to him?

They took him away mumbling to himself in a wheelchair.

They took him away? Where?

Shady Rest.

He even said a prayer for you...

that your stay here might be successful and enjoyable...

though he doubted it.

He had very definite ideas about running this school...

about the education of children, and so have they.

They?

The sisters.

Father Fogarty said they wanted their way in everything...

and after he was confined to a wheelchair, they had it.

Maybe he was just getting along in years.

No.

He looked all right when he got here.

That's strange.

I don't anticipate any trouble.

You don't?

You've never been pastor of a parochial school, then.

It's my first experience.

Oh.

Well... I see you don't know what it means...

to be up to your neck in nuns.

No.

Good night.

Good night.

Sleep well tonight.

Good morning, Sister. I'm Father O'Malley.

Good morning.

This is our school bell.

We usually ring it an hour from now when the children are here.

Could I see Sister Superior? Is she up?

I'm sure she is.

- Will you come with me? - Yes.

Good morning, Sam.

Good morning.

Sam.

Sister Benedict and the others...

are eager to meet you.

I'll tell her you're here.

Thank you.

I'm sorry.

Our cat had kittens, and they're all over.

The father's a member of the parish, I presume.

Excuse me.

I'll tell Sister you're here.

Good morning.

Won't you sit?

Good morning.

Would you sit?

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

This has been my...

This is Sister Superior.

Father O'Malley, Sister Mary Benedict.

How do you do?

How do you do?

Sisters, this is Father O'Malley.

How do you do?

He's a substitute for Father Fogarty...

who has departed for a much needed rest.

We hope your stay will be pleasant.

Thank you.

We look forward expectantly to your views as an educator.

I'm sure Father wishes to say a few words.

Yes, I...

St. Mary's has been here many years...

and has seen the labors of many sisters of your order.

I know the work hasn't been easy.

In the eyes of the world, very few take notice...

but earthly honors and rewards are not for you.

You've sent forth generations of pupils...

who have been a credit to the teachings inculcated here.

St. Mary's has grown old doing good.

As for myself...

I'm happy I've been selected as pastor of St. Mary's.

Working in a parish where there's a parish school...

is going to prove a new experience for me...

and I'm sure a very interesting one.

I see what you mean.

However, as in all things...

we assume our assigned task without complaint...

and with a hopeful view to the future.

Yes.

By the epistle of St. Peter, where he says...

"Be sober and watch."

Was it St. Paul?

Just to get serious for a moment, it...

In conclusion, may I say that I'm happy...

I'm sorry, but that's the first bell...

and the sisters have to go to their classes.

Care to talk to the pupils before the second bell?

You may prefer speaking to the children.

I'd certainly be more at ease.

I want to speak to you, too.

I pledge allegiance to the flag...

of the United States of America...

and to the republic for which it stands...

one nation, indivisible...

with liberty and justice for all.

Children.

Our new pastor, Father O'Malley, wishes to speak to you.

I'm sure you'll be glad to greet him...

and I'm sure he has something important to say.

Children, you'll see a lot of me in the future.

I'm going to be here a great deal.

Here's the shortest speech you ever heard...

This is a holiday. Take the day off.

Yay!

Pretty effective speech, huh?

I had to get my self-confidence back.

When we were kids, we lived for holidays.

We shouldn't get far away from our childhood.

Do you realize what you've done?

They're liable to get into mischief.

The responsibility is yours.

It seemed like a good idea.

You can't call a holiday just like that.

You have to get permission of the superintendent of schools.

What will we tell him?

I'll call him.

He really needs a holiday.

I may give him the day off.

My school wasn't like this.

I could look out the window...

and see fields, trees, the old swimming hole.

Hang your clothes on the tree.

Last out finds them tied in knots.

- Where? - Missouri.

I came from Ireland.

I used to.

Where you from?

I was born in Sweden, but when I was small...

Don't tell me. Minnesota.

That's right.

I love the winter.

I used to ski to school, and there was one big hill.

Oh.

You carry them home after.

She was a tomboy from what I hear.

That so?

She played baseball and football with the boys.

How good were you at...

I hit over.300.

That's in the wheat belt.

We had it better than these kids.

They haven't even got a place to play.

That used to be our playground.

Over there?

Yes. We sold the ground.

We needed money to fix our building.

They were going to condemn it.

Where'd you put the money?

You'd be surprised.

We installed a new sprinkler system, fire escapes.

The foundation had to be reinforced.

Hardly seems worth it.

We think so.

Yes. Of course.

What are the other classrooms like?

What's going on up there?

Roof repair. It leaks.

A trifle.

You're overcrowded, aren't you?

Yes.

A trifle.

Looks like St. Mary's is in a bad way... a trifle.

We're relying on you to help us.

Too bad you don't have a building like that.

That would be your answer to everything.

That's where we intended our new St. Mary's.

A building very much like that.

There it is, only we don't own it.

Confidentially, that's what we've been praying for.

For what?

That the owner will wake up one morning...

and give it to us.

That who would wake up when and give you what?

Mr. Bogardus, the owner.

That's what we're praying for.

Oh, woman, great is thy faith.

If faith can move mountains...

You figured you could move right in?

Yes.

You've got to be practical.

Anybody ask the owner about this?

No, we just prayed.

That's where you could help us.

What do I do when he says no?

All you kids! Get out of there!

Why aren't you in school? You hear me?

They shouldn't be doing that.

After all, it's a holiday.

Who's this?

That's Mr. Bogardus.

We better go now.

Tell him why the children aren't in school.

Want me to say anything about the building?

Some other time.

Hey, you, here.

What's going on here?

- You see that fence? - Yeah.

See what those children are... Who are you?

I'm the new pastor.

See to it that those brats are punished.

I'll handle it, Mr. Bogardus.

I will censure them severely.

You know who I am?

Yes, I do.

You the fella I'm to do business with?

I'm here to make some recommendations.

I've been looking over the school.

You have?

What do you think of it?

Looks pretty tired.

Tired is no name for it.

If you don't sell... You got my offer, right?

- Right here. - What do you say?

It's a difficult decision.

I can't jump at it.

If you don't sell to me, it's going to be condemned.

By whom?

The City Council.

How do you know?

I'm chairman.

You are?

You're darned right.

When they order you to tear it down...

you've got to pay for it.

You look like a practical man.

I do?

There's not a mother or father in the parish...

that wouldn't rather see their children over at St. Victor's.

Fine modern building. Everything up to date.

Sunlight, good heat in the winter.

I'd never send my children into that firetrap.

You have any children?

No.

- That's a long story. - Skip it.

All right.

How far do the children have to go to get to St. Victor's?

As far as I had to go as a child.

Let's walk over.

Why not take my car?

Can't walk too much.

I've got a bad ticker.

Let's ride out to St. Victor's.

Now you're talking.

Just close this school...

and send the children to St. Victor's.

Sell the property to you?

That's right. It's that simple.

You can always find me. I'm here every day.

I won't do anything without talking to you.

I'm a slow thinker, though.

You don't look it. No, sir.

Good-bye.

Father?

How do you do?

Are you in charge of the school here?

That's a question. I have some authority.

You look like a man who could understand my language.

Let's find out.

Start talking.

I'd like very much to put my daughter in school here.

Mm-hmm.

You see, uh...

I think it would be better...

if she was away from me for a while.

Could she board?

It might be arranged, but why did you...

Does she need any references?

Do you have to know very much about her background?

Yes. That is customary.

Well, um... it's like this.

I ran away from home when I was young to get married.

Stop me if you've heard this.

He left me a long time ago in Syracuse.

Thirteen years, to be exact.

Did you get married?

Yes, after a little argument.

I think he was afraid of settling down.

- He was a piano player. - Oh.

He had a wonderful smile.

I'll bet.

Very like yours.

He had a little band...

kind of a nonrecording orchestra.

Did you ever hear of Gallagher's Gambleers?

No. Did anyone else?

I doubt it.

Anyway, the little band got an offer to play in Cincinnati.

He promised once he got money, he'd send for me.

You were left alone in Syracuse?

Till the baby came.

You've been supporting her all this time?

Mm-hmm.

I suppose you're wondering as to how.

So is she.

She's getting to be a big girl now.

She's beginning to think I'm no good.

I want to put her in your care...

before she finds out she's right.

Anyone as concerned about their daughter as you...

isn't doing too badly.

If there was anything really wrong, you wouldn't care.

Joe was the only man I was ever really in love with, but...

If you care so much, why didn't you look him up?

I wouldn't know where to start.

Besides... he ran out on me.

Oh, that's it.

I'll do the best I can for you.

What's your daughter's name?

Patricia.

Patricia.

I'll make a deal with you.

I'll take care of your daughter, if you'll take care of yourself.

Thank you. Father...

- O'Malley. - O'Malley.

Good-bye, Mrs. Gallagher.

Good-bye.

A young lady's calling to see you.

Send her in.

- Miss Gallagher? - Yes.

You'll board across the street with Mrs. Breen.

That will be just lovely.

My boy will take your bags.

Eddie, take those bags to the back bedroom.

OK, Mom.

Well, Patricia...

The sisters were expecting someone younger, and so was I.

I was trying to look older.

I've been looking for work.

I thought I'd quit school and take a job.

I was up early answering ads.

I'm perfectly able to take care of myself.

Patsy, you'll be very happy here at St. Mary's.

You'll enjoy every minute of it.

You'll find that life can be very bright, beautiful here.

The character came off.

Let me look at you.

That's fine.

Give us a chance, and we'll fix you up.

What do we got here?

What are you smuggling?

What is this here?

It's a rat.

Around here, you can't wear even a small mouse.

Things are brightening up already, aren't they?

Oh, goodness.

Holy Toledo. Look at that.

You sent for me?

Yes, Patricia.

I wanted to talk to you.

You're falling behind in your studies.

If the work is too hard, I'll be glad to help.

That isn't it.

I guess I'm just a featherhead.

Don't you like school?

You're holding back on me.

What's troubling you?

Nothing.

If you'll only work a little harder...

you'll get good marks.

We want to send your mother a nice report card.

You want your mother to be proud of you, right?

That's all.

You may go.

Thank you.

Hi, Pat.

Hi.

How's she doing?

Not very well.

No?

I'm sorry to hear that.

We accepted this child on your recommendation.

We know little about her parents.

What kind of home life did she have?

The usual.

- You met her mother? - I have.

Do you know Mrs. Gallagher well?

Yes, I know her quite well.

Did you meet her father?

I've heard about him.

What is his occupation?

He's a... musician.

They tell me he has a charming personality, too.

I like people who like music, don't you?

Are they separated?

Yes.

Is there anything I should know that would help?

No, that's all that I...

Care to tell?

Yes.

Did anyone ever tell you you have a dishonest face?

For a priest, I mean.

Break it up.

I'll knock your two heads together.

The winner!

You're pretty shifty, aren't you?

Let's see you operate.

Can't hit you. Look at your shoe.

You got to keep watching.

Eddie, come over here.

Go inside and wash your face.

Why didn't you fight back?

You're pretty handy. What's your name?

Tommy Smith.

Keep your head up.

He's all right.

You better speak to Tommy.

He's new, and I'm afraid he's a troublemaker.

He's a good fighter, though.

We don't tolerate fighting here.

If he continues to pick fights, we may have to send him away.

Aren't we supposed to be educators?

Instead of sending him away, let's correct him.

I observed little correction in your attitude.

Actually, I detected a slight note of pride.

Naturally, I like to see a lad who takes care of himself.

On the outside, it's a man's world.

How are they doing?

Not too good.

You know what I mean.

Sometimes a man has to fight his way through.

Wouldn't it be better to... to think your way through?

That's pure conjecture, of course...

from someone on the inside.

That's very well put, though.

Don't you think sometimes in raising boys...

a woman's influence can be carried too far?

You mean they may become sissies?

That's right.

You look after Tommy, and I'll look after Eddie...

who lost the fight because he listened to me.

Eddie?

Yes?

Come here. We'll fix you.

Let me look at that.

How did this happen?

I was minding my own business when Tommy trips me.

Although I was very mad, I controlled myself...

like you said.

I said to him, "Why'd you do that?"

What did he say?

He didn't say anything. He just hit me here.

Fine thing.

Then what did you do?

I remembered what you said... I turned the other cheek.

Then he really let me have it.

You're a very good boy.

I turned away to ignore him, and he kicked me!

I'm very proud of you.

I don't feel so hot.

But you really won a victory over Tommy.

Did I?

Yes. You were really the better man.

You and I know that.

Nobody else knows it.

To tell you the truth, I don't know it.

Nobody was proud of me.

Even Father O'Malley.

Don't you think he thought Tommy was the best man?

The better man.

I was thinking.

Since I've taken such a beating, and I've been through so much...

maybe I wouldn't have to go to school today.

Maybe.

But if you think I should go...

I'll go no matter how bad I feel.

Maybe I'll declare a holiday just for you.

Thanks.

Are you interested in baseball?

Oh, yes, yes.

Tell me, have you any textbooks...

on the manly art of self-defense?

I beg your pardon?

Oh, she means pugilistics.

I mean boxing.

Boxing?

Yes, yes, of course.

They're right over here.

Now, here's a book endorsed by James J. Corbett.

He won 10 straight fights.

Nobody could lay a glove on him...

till Fitzsimmons knocked him out.

Did Mr. Fitzsimmons write a book?

Did Mr. Fitzsimmons write a book?

No.

Oh, there's a very scholarly book here...

by Mr. Tunney.

Oh, well, we'll take that.

That'll be $1.00.

Thank you. Thank...

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

- Good afternoon, Father. - Good afternoon, Sister.

Move this so we have more room. That's fine.

It's nice of you to come on a Saturday.

It's worth it, Sister.

I read this whole book last night. It's perfect.

Your homework, Sister?

Yeah.

Now, the four most valuable punches...

it says here...

are... now let me show you...

the straight left...

a right cross...

a left hook...

and a right uppercut.

See? Now let me see how you stand.

Well...

Like that?

How do you fight?

Well, uh...

like that.

Oh, no, no. It's nothing like it.

We'll start from the beginning.

Now put this foot back a bit.

Back. That's it. See how I stand? Like this.

And bend your knees a little bit. Bend them.

Uh, no, your toe should be in here.

That's right.

And your hands up like that.

Yes, that looks pretty good.

Your head should be down. That's right.

Now, that's fine.

Now just like that.

Let me see now, what do we do next?

Yes. We start to move around.

We move around a little bit.

And keep...

uh, keep shooting your left.

That's right.

Right. Uh-huh.

That's good.

Now, Eddie, keep your chin down like this...

and get your shoulder up.

Well, I can't do it so well in this collar.

You know what I mean? You protect your chin that way.

And another thing, you have to be weaving.

Weaving, that's right. And bobbing.

A moving target is much harder to hit. Remember that.

For instance, if I try to hit you on this cheek...

you move to the other side. You weave.

I'm sorry. Sorry.

You should be weaving, you see what I mean?

See, like that. And now...

Got that? That's right. Now faster.

Gosh, that's better than turning the other cheek.

Much more fun if they miss, don't you think?

Well, I'll admit...

it's easier on your face.

You said it, Sister.

Well, now, where were we? Let me see.

Although they say this is the most valuable punch of all...

the left jab...

it seems this is the payoff.

Now we'll try both hands.

The one...

Eddie, keep your mouth closed.

That's very important. Keep your mouth closed.

The man devoted two whole pages to that.

He meant if you don't, you'll be sorry.

Now keep your mouth closed, real tight.

Now we'll use both hands.

Now, if I try to hit you here...

you block it with this hand.

That's right, and block it there...

and then again.

That's right. That's right.

But be careful. Look out for the payoff.

There are lots of things to remember...

lefts and rights and bobbing and weaving.

Let's try them all.

Move around.

Come on. Here we go. Look me right in the eye.

See if you can anticipate my blows.

Look out now. Look out.

Ohh. That was very, very good.

That's splendid, Eddie.

Yes. You learn fast.

That's right.

Now let's go again. Come on.

Move around.

You're so clumsy.

You have to be on your toes. Move around quickly, you know?

Oh, that's my fault. I forgot to mention footwork.

It says that footwork is almost a lost art.

It's very important. We have to learn it.

It's lots of fun. You'll like it.

See? Sometimes it gets very fancy.

Yes, it's...

Well, maybe that's too much for the first lesson.

Yes. I think we'll wait.

We have enough to think about.

Just try now to... You try to hit me.

That's right. Come on. Come on.

Uh-huh. That's right. And then a little... No.

See? You just can't hit me, can you?

Go ahead, Eddie.

But I don't wanna hit you.

Oh, don't worry.

Come on now. I won't be there.

Ah, you see what I mean? You just can't...

Ohh!

I'm sorry, Sister.

Oh, that's all right.

That's enough for the first lesson, though.

You forgot your footwork.

You forgot something, didn't you?

Something?

I forgot everything.

I forgot to bob, I forgot to weave.

I had my mouth open.

And I ran right into the payoff!

Ohh.

Good evening, Father. Patsy's right in here.

Good.

- Hello, Father. - Eddie.

Will you stop that and get off to bed?

Stay up. You'll get a draw.

I don't know what's wrong with him lately.

I think he's been out in the sun too much.

Not during school hours, I hope.

Good evening, Patsy.

- Good evening, Father. - Sit down.

You're up a little late, aren't you?

What's the matter? You in trouble?

Father, shouldn't I quit school and take a job?

What can you do?

You have to know something to do anything, you know.

You shouldn't get discouraged, Patsy.

I've been watching your marks, and they're all right.

They're getting better.

Oh, Father, you're just being nice.

Every time I think I know one thing...

then they ask me something else.

I'm just a perfect blank.

Guess I haven't got what it takes.

Now don't ever think you're dumb.

All right, Father...

let's just say I'm not very bright.

Hmm. What's the problem tonight?

Why are you up so late?

It's an essay, Father.

"The Five Senses." That's an interesting subject.

What have you discovered about them?

Nothing. See what I mean?

What are the five senses, Patsy?

Well, to see, to hear, to taste, to smell...

to feel.

That's right. Who's the essay for?

Sister Benedict.

Oh, we'll have to take dead aim on this one...

see if we can get you an "A."

But you don't wanna be like your classmates.

They'll all come up with the same stereotyped answers.

We want to be different, be unique.

We'll write Sister an essay on another sense, huh?

Let's see. Man is endowed with...

certain powers which we call the five senses.

Now, if he has common sense...

he'll get great happiness out of life...

by using these powers within right reason.

For instance, you're happy you came to St. Mary's, right?

Yes, Father.

To be...

to be glad you're alive...

to be grateful because people are kind to you...

to be able to see some of nature's great wonders...

the budding of the flowers in spring...

the changing of leaves in the autumn...

to be able to appreciate beautiful music...

to be conscious of the beauty of tasting and feeling...

and hearing only the things that are good for you.

To be aware of why you're here.

Oh, I could go on and on and on, but...

Well, why don't you, Father?

Hmmph. I think I will.

Every time you're near a rose...

aren't you glad you've got a nose?

And if the dawn is fresh with dew...

aren't you glad you're you?

When a meadowlark appears...

aren't you glad you've got two ears?

And if your heart is singing, too...

aren't you glad you're you?

You can see a summer sky...

or touch a friendly hand...

or taste an apple pie.

Pardon the grammar, but ain't life grand?

And when you wake up each morn...

aren't you glad that you were born?

Think what you've got the whole day through.

Aren't you glad you're you?

Patsy, I'll leave you with those few little thoughts.

What do you make of them?

Well, if you can't appreciate your five senses...

then your life isn't worth five cents.

That's good, good.

Hope you do well tomorrow.

Thank you, Father. I feel much better.

I feel pretty good myself.

Now, children!

Seems I can't leave you for a minute.

"Dear class, it's a holiday."

Now, who did this?

I must ask you again. Who did this?

Now, children, I'm putting you on your honor.

Who did this?

It's your duty to tell me.

Good morning.

We're honored with your visit, Father.

Be seated, children.

Won't you take my chair?

We'll take this matter up later.

Now we'll continue.

Read what you've written, so Father O'Malley may hear it.

Luther.

Luther? How'd he get in here?

We never knew.

"The Five Senses.

"I like to see a good movie...

"with Roy Rogers."

"I like the taste of ice-cream cones...

"especially strawberry.

"I like to listen to the Lone Ranger.

"Heigh-ho, Silver!

"I like the smell of hot dogs at the ball park.

"I like to feel good."

Don't laugh, children.

Luther means he wants to be a good boy.

You want to feel good in here, don't you, Luther?

No, Sister. I meant to feel good...

is like when the bell rings at 3:00...

or when it's Easter vacation, better still.

That's how I meant to feel good.

Well, it has both honesty and imagination.

You can sit down.

And now, um, Patricia.

"The Six Senses."

The subject I gave was the five senses.

Well, I chose for my subject six senses.

Well, go on, Patricia, go on.

"The six senses... to see, to hear, to taste...

"to smell, to feel...

"to be.

"And the most important is the last.

"The sixth sense...

"is to be able to enjoy the five senses properly."

"To be... that's what really matters.

"It's a like world inside us, and we make what we may of it."

"We see others, we hear others...

"we know others with our five senses...

"but how do we ever know ourselves?

"Through common sense.

"Common sense is an internal sense...

"whose function it is to differentiate...

"between the various reports of the senses...

"or to reduce these reports...

"to the unity of a common perception."

Two great words..."To be."

Other words grow out of them...

I am, you are, he is, we are, they are.

That sort of takes in everybody.

As Shakespeare said...

"To thine own self be true...

"and it shall follow, as the night the day...

"thou canst not then be false to any man."

And he was so right, Sister.

Oh, yes.

He was just talking about the sixth sense.

To put it in my own words...

"To be or not to be, that is the question."

Very good, Patricia.

Very good.

And one more thing, Sister...

Saved by the bell.

In the name of the Father...

and of the son and of the holy ghost, amen.

You may go now, children.

I really learned something.

Oh?

She shows a lot of promise.

Oh, definitely.

You giving her a "B," perhaps?

Oh, no. I think an "A."

Good. That's fine.

As a matter of fact,

it should be maybe an "A"-plus, don't you, Father?

That might be overdoing it a little.

It had a plus quality to it.

Yeah. A girl like Patsy needs a lot of encouragement.

She has such a fine mind.

Yes. Remarkable.

In fact, she has the mentality of a man your age.

There's another sense, you know, Sister?

Oh, don't tell me.

Yeah. Sense enough to know when to leave.

Good morning, Sister.

Little Bobby wants to play with you.

Fight! Fight!

Fight! Fight!

Yay!

I'm sorry I had to do that to you...

but if you're a good sport, we'll shake and be friends.

I'll even buy you an ice-cream cone.

- Two scoops? - Two scoops!

Eddie, how did you learn to fight?

Yeah, how about that?

Sister.

You missed some excitement here.

I did?

Yes, you did, uh...

Yes, you did. Ahem.

It was quite a fight.

That little Eddie there...

That is Eddie, isn't it?

Oh, yes. Yes, that's Eddie.

The boy in that fight a while ago?

Mm-hmm. Yes.

Quite a change.

It's incredible.

He's an improved man.

I wonder.

Does it mean anything, Father?

Does it prove anything to beat up your fellow man?

Somehow, don't you think...

it's what we are in here that matters?

I mean...

I mean, to be.

You're so right. Ahem.

But how do you account for such a sudden change...

in such a short time?

Oh, we try to do our best to raise masculine little men...

with our limited knowledge of the outside world.

Yes, Sister?

I'm sorry, Father, but you're disturbing us.

Disturbing who?

We're rehearsing a play and the children can't concentrate.

They're first graders, easily distracted.

We're making too much noise?

To use your own words, yes, Father.

We heard about your play...

and we've prepared a little surprise for you.

You can't have a Christmas play without Adeste Fideles.

Oh, yes.

You mean there's no room in your play...

Not in our play.

What? I'd certainly like to see a play like that.

Would you like to see a rehearsal?

Yes. You kids stay here and practice awhile.

What are you going to use for music?

Come and find out.

Bobby! Bobby!

Well, here's the little man I was telling you about.

Bobby's an old pal of mine.

You in the play, Bob?

Yes. I made it up.

I bet you've got a good part.

Yes. It's beautiful.

Can we see the play now, Bobby?

It's a little bit not good.

We're just practicing it.

It'll be better at Christmas.

We won't mind a few mistakes.

No. What's it about?

That's what I tell you at the beginning.

Why don't we begin? You ready?

The children have done this all by themselves.

Every time the dialogue is different.

Every line is a surprise to me.

Heaven knows what it's going to be at Christmas.

Performing before their parents...

they'll probably forget everything.

This is Mary, and I'm Joseph...

and we're going to Bethlehem...

to see if we can have someplace...

find someplace to stay.

And that's all you have to know, really.

- Knock knock. - Hello?

This is Mary, and I'm Joseph.

We came to Bethlehem to find a place to stay.

Do you have any money?

No, sir.

Then you can't stay here tonight.

Well, that's too bad for us.

Mary, we can't stay there...

because we don't have any money.

I'll be all right as long as I'm with you.

Well, I think we ought to find a house...

because it might rain soon.

It's winter, you know.

Well, why don't you try next door?

Good idea.

Knock knock knock knock.

Can't stay here because you don't have any money.

I didn't ask yet. Go back inside again.

Knock knock knock.

- Hello there. - Hello.

This is Mary, and I'm Joseph...

and could we... could we...

stay here for the night? Please?

Do you have any money?

No, but Mary's awfully tired.

Could you think it over?

OK.

What did he say, Joseph?

He said he'd think it over.

Well, when will he know?

I don't know.

Hey, Joseph, I thought it over.

You can stay in the stable.

Golly gee, did you hear that?

Yes, Joseph.

Uh...

the next scene will be the Lord Jesus' birthday.

You're supposed to lift it.

No, no, Jimmy. Go back.

Go on back. You're in the play.

His baby brother.

Well, here we all are in the stables...

and we're very happy here in Bethlehem...

and there's our star.

Here's our angel...

there are the shepherds...

and here are the wise men...

there, there, and there.

And, oh... the neighbors are coming in...

bringing their presents because it's his birthday.

Thank you. You make Mary and I very happy.

Now what, Bobby? You sing Holy Night, perhaps?

No, Father. We have another song.

Oh? How's it go?

Happy birthday to you...

Happy birthday to you...

Happy birthday, dear Jesus...

Happy birthday to you.

Well, Father?

Oh, their simplicity is beautiful.

I wouldn't change a word of it.

But they will.

You won't be needing my talents at Christmas.

No, Father.

Maybe at Easter time I could stage an egg hunt.

Mm-hmm.

Look, Sister. There's Father O'Malley.

I hope he finds him in a favorable mood.

He could be. It's spring, you know.

We're not getting anywhere, Father.

It's a difficult decision, Mr. Bogardus...

to decide that there'll be no more St. Mary's.

If you ask me, it's not much now.

It is to the sisters.

To you, that school is just a piece of property...

but to them, well, it's everything.

It's not just selling you the property...

it's the thought of selling them out.

You're getting sentimental, aren't you?

I've been here long enough to know how they feel.

What about when it's condemned?

They're expecting a miracle.

A miracle?

What miracle will get them out of trouble?

You'd be surprised.

Oh! Oh, gee!

No, Delphine, you're not doing it right.

Show me, Sister.

You don't hold it right.

This is the way you should hold it.

And straight.

You chop it.

Don't chop like that.

Keep your hands together and step into it.

You see?

Hit one, Sister. Throw it.

I don't think so. You better do it.

Yay! Yay!

Oh! Aah!

Doggone those kids! There they go again!

Here's your chance. They're coming to apologize.

Ask them if they're willing to sell.

If it's all right with them...

it's all right with you?

I'll recommend it.

'Course, you'll have to see the bishop.

He has the final word.

How's his business sense?

You'll be glad to come to me... and you'll have to.

I'll give you the letter to see the bishop...

but only after you've straightened yourself out...

with the sisters.

Good luck.

Oh, I'll never get this deal closed.

Is he very angry?

I think you'll find him quite forgiving.

You mean, for giving?

Would it be a good time to ask him, Father?

Never be any better.

We are so sorry, Mr. Bogardus.

It's nothing, Sister. It's perfectly all right.

- We'll pay for it. - Don't think of it, Sister.

It's a little hard to get glass today, but I'll get it.

It is a magnificent building.

Thank you, Sister.

I know how you feel...

when I look at that tumbled-down school.

I have one problem, however...

before my dream is complete.

It's a parking problem.

You see, The Bogardus corporation...

will have several hundred employees...

and they all have cars.

Parking's becoming more of a problem every day.

Here's where my desk is going to be.

Here are the blueprints.

It would take us years to raise the money...

to build a building like this.

Oh, you could never do it.

You'd be surprised what it's cost me.

Would you like to see the rest of my building?

Oh, yes. By all means.

You just follow me.

Shall we ask him now?

Ever see anything like this?

It's tremendous, Mr. Bogardus.

15,000 square feet without a column.

The balcony seats 400.

We can hold dances here, conventions, everything.

It certainly is ideal.

It's perfect.

The Lord must have been the architect.

I wish he had been.

I had Butler and Deane, a couple of thieves.

Robbed me right and left.

It cost me 30% over the estimate.

But you must be happy with your accomplishment.

One thing could make me happier...

and you know that.

I believe we're thinking about the same thing.

Yeah?

It isn't what we acquire in life, is it?

It's what we give.

And this is a monument to you.

I can see the cornerstone reading...

"Donated to St. Mary's...

"through the generosity...

"and benevolence of Horace P. Bogardus."

You're a very fortunate man, Mr. Bogardus.

I am?

You know it's more blessed to give than to receive.

This will live long after you're dust.

Now that is real happiness.

Can't you just picture that?

Would you mind saying that again?

Picture what? When I'm dust?

You don't have to make up your mind right away.

Why don't you sleep on it?

I can't sleep now.

You shouldn't be surprised.

Sometimes we don't know why we do things.

You didn't know why you built this building.

I didn't? I thought I did.

You built it in answer to our prayers.

We've been praying and praying for this.

And we're going on praying.

Do you mean to say you've got the idea...

We'll leave you now...

with this thought...

"Donated to St. Mary's...

"through the generosity and benevolence...

"of Horace P. Bogardus."

Generosity...

benevolence...

and dust.

I'm sure that nice little man...

is going to give us his building.

We must keep on praying until...

God's will be done?

And may God's will be our will.

What if our prayers aren't answered?

Oh, thou of little faith.

We have reason to know...

more things are wrought by prayer...

than this world dreams of.

Therefore, let thy voice...

rise like a fountain, night and day.

What's all the excitement?

Notre Dame win another one?

No. I asked him.

- And? - He didn't say no.

So you finally got here.

Been waiting for you fellas since 6:00.

McKAY: Will you stop flying off the handle?

You're working too hard, Horace.

You ought to be in bed.

With this building on my hands?

Should have been ready three months ago.

You don't know how much money I'm losing.

McKAY: If you're talking about money, see your banker.

I'm your doctor.

You can't go on like this, Horace.

You don't know what I'm going through.

Took me three weeks to get that glass.

There you are. Sign this.

What's this? What's all this?

What's all what? Sign it.

I want to know what I'm signing.

We get overtime after 6:00!

You should've been here before 6:00. I was.

Didn't even leave to go to my doctor's office.

One more crack, we'll take that glass back...

and it'll take you six weeks to get it put in.

Sign it.

See what I'm up against?

- Calm down, Horace. - That's the way they do things.

McKAY: You mustn't let anything upset you.

I know.

McKAY: You're too big a man for that.

Go home and get a good night's rest.

Nothing can take the place of a good night's sleep.

Rest. Tranquillity. Relax.

A man in your position hasn't got a worry in the world.

Just keep saying...

Save it. I won't feel it.

McKAY: Now what's the matter?

You don't know what they're doing to me.

I'll stop that.

What's the matter with you, Horace?

First, you're out of patience.

Now you're out of glass.

And now you want me to sleep.

What's new, Horace? I heard the crash.

I wondered if anybody got hurt.

Father O'Malley, Dr. McKay, my physician.

- How do you do, Doctor? - Glad to know you, Father.

That's really too bad.

Isn't glass hard to get these days?

Hard to get? I'll say it is.

Can't you get them to stop that, Father?

McKAY: Stop it, Horace? It's beautiful.

His nerves are all shot.

It's hardly noticeable.

What is that, Father? Isn't that "O Sanctissime"?

That's right, Doctor.

Beautiful. I've heard it many times.

How do the words go?

Do you know it, too?

I want to go home.

McKAY: Now you're making sense.

He's had a big day, Father.

Come in, Father.

- How are you, Mrs. Gallagher? - Just fine.

Father, I was wondering what's so important...

you couldn't tell me over the telephone?

I don't know how to go about...

- Is it about Patsy? - Yes.

What's happened, Father? What's she done?

It's not bad news.

In fact, this could be good news.

Oh, I'm so glad.

She's been getting along so well...

If anything should upset her now...

Take it easy. Nothing has happened.

You said it had something to do with Patsy.

Well, it has. I found her father.

Joe?

Well, I think so.

I told him the story as you told it to me.

I described you to him.

How on earth did you run him down?

Once a piano player, always a piano player.

I got him through the Musician's Union.

I went right to the top... Petrillo.

I really don't know what to say.

Neither do I.

Well, um...

is, uh, is he in town?

In town? He's out in the hall.

- Oh, no. - Shall I bring him in?

Oh, no. Not... That is...

Wait just a minute, will you?

I, uh... you know.

She'll be a few minutes.

She's fixing her hair, powdering her nose.

You know how it is.

Father, this is, uh...

kind of a big moment for me.

Mind you, it's 13 years.

I was a little bit younger then.

He hasn't exactly been on ice, you know.

Well...

Well... shall we?

Hello.

Hello.

Good-bye.

- Don't go yet, Father. - Please stay a little while.

All right.

Joe, sit down.

You, too, Father. Sit down a little while.

You haven't changed a bit.

Neither have you, Joe.

Do me a favor, will you?

What's that?

Play the piano.

Please. I want Father to hear you.

I've been telling him all about you.

Listen to this. He's really good.

What was that song we used to love so much?

You mean "By the Sea"?

No, Joe.

No. It... it had a bit of the Rosary in it.

Hmm hmm hmm hmm.

Hmm hmm hmm hmm.

Hmm hmm hmm hmm.

But that wasn't the melody.

Joe... don't you remember?

We said that...

that no matter what happened...

that song would always see us through.

And then we pressed the rosebud in the book.

What happened?

Yeah.

Where's the book?

Ahem.

What's the matter? Do you know it?

Why, sure. That's an old song called...

"In the Land of Beginning Again."

Why didn't you say so?

You never asked me.

Come on over here and get in, then.

You'll be sorry.

There's a land of...

Beginning again.

Where skies...

Are always blue.

Though we've made mistakes...

That's true...

Let's forget the past...

And start life anew.

Though we've wandered...

By a river of tears...

Where sunshine...

Won't come through...

Let's find that paradise...

Where sorrow can't live...

And learn the teachings...

Of forget and forgive...

In the land of...

Beginning again...

Where broken dreams...

Come...

True.

The girls are excited, aren't they, Sister?

Yes.

It reminds me of when I graduated.

It's a big moment in their lives.

It's the first time they're wearing high heels.

I'm sure I'll get the hang of it.

Look, Sister.

Yes, that's really nice, Patsy.

It's very... Push the sleeve up a little bit like that.

It's a little long.

It's supposed to be, Sister.

Yes, but not... Only on one side.

You don't want to stumble.

Sister Benedict's giving Patsy all the attention.

That isn't right.

- Patsy's teacher's pet. - Meow!

She is, too.

You gave her the prettiest dress.

It would look better on me.

Girls, I think that's about enough.

You better take your dresses off.

I just got a funny idea.

Suppose, after all this, I flunk?

I wouldn't worry.

- Would you do that to us? - Oh, no.

It would be great to cut out the finals entirely.

You can't get around me that way.

Run along. Take your dresses off.

Be careful.

- Sister? - Yes, dear?

Can I show this dress to my mother?

Yes. That would make her very happy.

Thank you, Sister. I know it will.

I'll get the tickets to Syracuse.

- Good-bye, Joe. - Good-bye, honey.

Hold it!

Would you like a stick of gum?

I answered this one two ways, Sister.

Yes and no.

- All right. Run along. - Thanks.

I'm sorry, Patsy.

Time is up.

May I come in?

Don't get up. I'm just the pastor.

Grading the papers, I see.

Yes, Father.

They're a wonderful bunch of children.

You should be very proud of them.

We are.

I ran into some of the girls.

They're dying with curiosity about their marks.

I'm supposed to come in and without your knowing...

find out how they turned out.

I presume you opened your heart and passed them all?

All but one, Father.

Patsy?

Oh, no.

Well, this is only one subject.

The others are even worse. Her average is below 60.

She got the date and her name right.

Couldn't she get something on that?

Add it up again, maybe pass her?

Don't you think the honor of the school means anything?

But what about Patsy?

St. Mary's isn't being very much help to her.

Don't you think we should help a child like that?

She's beginning to believe in herself.

A blow like this, the child may never get over it.

Do you believe in just passing everybody, Father?

Maybe.

Maybe I do.

I can't believe you mean it.

It's easier for some children to make the grade.

They don't have to study.

Some have the best marks in school...

and never made much of a mark afterward.

I knew a character once...

a fellow named Elmer Hathaway.

He and I went through school together.

Or rather, I went through school.

Elmer just stood still.

I think he was three years in the eighth grade.

He was quite a boy.

The teacher often wondered how he found his way to school.

Sometimes he didn't.

Kids used to make fun of him.

He was sort of a dreamer.

Sometimes he'd forget what day it was...

and he'd come to school on Saturday.

Asked him who Plato was, and he said, "Plato who?"

But he was good with his hands.

He built a boat...

a sailboat.

One time he disappeared for two, three days.

When he came back...

they asked him where he'd been...

and he said, "Oh, just sailing."

He got to be about a foot taller...

than anybody in the class.

They felt sorry for him, so they decided to pass him.

Besides, I think they needed the desk at the time.

He never knew about it.

From that time on, he developed assurance.

You've heard of Hathaway Shipyards, haven't you?

- Yes. - That's Elmer.

And to this day, he cares for his less fortunate pals...

the ones who used to get 99 and 100.

If any of them are broke or out of a job...

they can always work for Hathaway.

He's a good man.

By the way... just what is passing anyhow?

75, you know.

Yes, I know, but who started it?

Our school is based on it.

If we don't have standards...

Yes?

But certainly you're not serious?

I am.

Aren't we here to help the children...

or are we here to measure their brains with a yardstick?

Why do they have to have 75 to pass?

- You'd put the standard at 65? - Why not?

Then why not at 55? Why any grades at all?

Why not let them run wild?

Better than breaking their hearts.

That's unfair, Father.

My heart aches for Patsy...

and what you infer, you're being very unjust.

Realize I've done everything possible to help her...

but I must uphold our standards.

If you order me to pass her...

I shall do so.

But her mark remains the same.

Come in, Patsy.

Thank you, Sister.

- Hello, Father. - Patsy.

I failed, didn't I, Sister?

Yes, you did, Patsy.

That's what I thought.

I'm sorry.

Well, that's all right, Sister.

It wasn't your fault.

I was... I was just thinking...

I won't be needing this now, and...

well, Delphine liked it so much.

I was just thinking that, um...

I was just thinking...

that maybe I'll do better next year, Sister.

Sister, you and I...

have had our differences of opinion...

but they haven't been important.

This is serious.

I'm not ordering you to do anything.

It's up to you, but...

But she failed.

Hooray, Luther! Give him a hand, fellas.

Who's next?

Watch yourself, Bruce.

Go on. I'll be right back.

I'll go with Sister.

What's happened?

Sister Benedict's ill. She fainted in the chapel.

Did you call a doctor?

- She doesn't want one. - Oh, she doesn't, huh?

Come in.

Doctor's on his way. How you feeling, Sister?

Who sent for a doctor?

She did.

You can't trust him. He's an informer.

How are you feeling, Sister?

I feel all right. Won't you sit down?

I want to talk to you. Please excuse us.

What have I done now?

You've been writing.

You've been writing to Mother General.

Oh?

Going over my head.

Yes, I received that letter from her.

I just wrote expressing my own opinion, Sister.

But I hope that hasn't brought this on.

No.

No, I... I'm just tired.

But you actually considered tearing down St. Mary's

and sending our children to St. Victor's?

That's right. I thought about it quite a bit.

We have to face facts, Sister.

Yes.

Yes, I know what you mean, Father.

We've tried so hard...

not to face facts.

But there...

there must always be a St. Mary's.

Of course, Sister.

Now, just relax. Take it easy.

Pardon me, but the doctor's...

Come in, Doctor.

- Hello, Father. - This is Dr. McKay, Sister.

- Hello, Doctor. - Hello, Sister.

He's Mr. Bogardus' doctor, you know.

Oh, yes?

Are you his personal physician?

McKAY: Yes. I have other patients...

possibly a hundred or so...

and Horace P. Bogardus.

Lately, he's been a full-time job.

Rings me up all hours of the night.

We pray for him all the time.

That's very nice. He certainly could use it.

May I ask why?

They need a new school.

They're praying for him to give them his building.

McKAY: Give? Bogardus?

Pardon me.

It's all right. I have a sense of humor.

McKAY: Maybe your prayers are having some effect.

He can't sleep nights. I'm giving him sleeping tablets.

Prayer's a wonderful thing...

but if Bogardus ever gives you that building, I'll...

Bup, bup. Nothing spectacular, Doctor.

McKAY: OK.

Well, I can't do much here.

If you're able tomorrow, come in for a checkup.

Nothing's wrong. I'm just tired.

I know, but you let me be the judge of that.

I want to know the cause of your being tired.

- But I... - She'll be there, Doctor.

McKAY: Keep right on praying, Sister, but not tonight.

You need a good night's rest.

So does Bogardus.

McKAY: Yes, that's right. Ha ha.

You heard what the man said.

You take it easy.

McKAY: You won't forget, Father?

You'll see she gets to the office tomorrow?

She has a mind of her own...

but I'll get her down there. This anything serious?

McKAY: She's running a little temperature.

She's had these attacks before?

That's what I heard today.

I hope it's nothing serious. She's such a remarkable woman.

McKAY: I could tell that when I walked into the room.

Does she really believe...

that Bogardus is going to give that building?

Yes.

McKAY: Well, I've heard of such things...

but I've never come across it before...

not since I was a little boy...

and wished for what I wanted for Christmas and got it.

It's sort of the same thing.

McKAY: But when we grow up, we get practical.

She's not very practical, is she?

She thinks she is.

McKAY: What'll she do when she doesn't get...

You see? Now she's got you worried.

McKAY: Yes, she has. I hate to see her disillusioned.

Not to change the subject... much...

but Bogardus has a bad heart, doesn't he?

McKAY: Yes.

What are you giving him for it, pills?

McKAY: Have you got a better prescription?

Well, I knew a fellow once.

He had a very bad heart.

In fact, they only gave him six months to live.

But he spent that six months doing so much good...

do you know he lived to be 90?

McKAY: That so?

You mean doing good for others...

is good for a bad heart?

Don't you spend your life doing good for others?

McKAY: Yes... yes.

- How's your heart? - Fine.

There you are.

McKAY: Are you tampering with the laws of medicine?

We have a lot in common.

We're both interested in the good heart.

McKAY: Your suggestion is that I change my prescription?

You're the doctor.

McKAY: I'm not so sure, O'Malley.

- Good day. - Good day.

Mr. Bogardus.

Father O'Malley.

Oh, yes, Father. Excuse me. I didn't see you.

You seemed to be looking right past me.

My mind was miles away.

Yes, you don't seem to be yourself today.

I'm not, Father. I've just come from my doctor.

You know, Father...

if I had to live my life over again...

there'd be a lot of changes made.

Yeah?

Yeah, a lot of changes.

You know, there's great beauty in this world...

if you just have the eyes to see it, isn't there?

Oh, naturally.

Oh.

Thank you.

Ah, yes, life can be very beautiful.

That's right.

Father, you've spent your whole life...

doing things for people.

- No, I... - Oh, yes, you have.

Come to think of it, Father, how's your heart?

Great, great.

That's what I mean.

Would it be all right, Father, if I go into the church?

You're perfectly welcome. There it is.

And here's a thought that might help you.

It's meant a lot to me.

I shall pass this way but once.

If there's any good I can do for anyone...

let me do it now and not put it off...

for I shall not pass this way again.

Oh, thank you, Father. God bless you.

Thank you, Father.

Good-bye.

Wait a minute.

That's a puppy.

Oh, wait, wait.

Wait, wait.

Allow me, lady.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

It's a beautiful world, isn't it?

You pretty near left it there.

I nearly did. I'll get off to church.

Mr. Bogardus.

I'm sorry about this, Sister.

I didn't realize he'd followed me to the church.

Sweet little fellow, isn't he?

That's quite all right.

Bring him anytime.

I mean, it doesn't matter.

I see that animals love you.

Oh, yes, but people don't.

You must be wrong.

I'm sure when people get to know you, they love you.

No, no. That's when they don't.

- You see, Sister... - Yes, Mr. Bogardus?

I've never had any children of my own.

And I've never even liked children.

And they don't like me.

Why don't people like you?

Well, I've been very selfish.

And lately, I've been giving it a lot of thought.

Come to any conclusion?

Yes.

This is going to surprise you.

And I do want people to like me...

so... I was wondering...

if you would accept... my building.

Oh!

What's the matter?

It's a bit of a shock to you?

Yes... yes.

Well, you can have it.

I'll go straight to my lawyer...

and have him make out the deeds right away.

Thank you, Mr. Bogardus!

St. Mary's won't forget it, and the children will love you.

I'll have the papers made out right away.

Come on, doggy.

Come on, come on.

Aah! Aah!

What happened?

All right, back it away, back it away.

What's the big idea?

I don't need any help.

Mr. Bogardus, how are you?

- I'm all right! - And your legs?

OK. No bones broken.

Oh, Father O'Malley.

Well, Sister, that was lovely.

What is it called?

It means, uh... "It's spring."

Don't let me stop you. Sing something else.

What do we know?

How about, uh... Do you know "Birmingham Bertha"?

No.

How about the school song then?

Sister has a new version of it.

- She's proud of it. - Well, sing that.

Won't you sing the melody, Father?

Sister, you talked me into it.

Ding dong.

Ding dong.

Ding dong.

Ding.

Oh, bells of St. Mary's...

We always will love you.

With your inspiration...

We never will fail.

Your chimes will forever...

Bring sweet mem'ries of you.

So proudly ring out...

While we sing out...

Hail, hail, hail!

So proudly ring out...

While we sing out...

Hail...

Hail...

Hail.

Ding dong.

Ding.

Won't you ring dem bells?

Haven't had a chance like that in years.

I had to try it.

- Father. - Yes?

- The doctor's here. - Oh, good.

- How are you, Father? - Hello, Doctor.

McKAY: Sister Benedict was in to see me.

She's in great spirits, the happiest person alive.

Isn't it wonderful what faith can do?

McKAY: Everyone's so happy around here...

I hate to be the bearer of bad news.

I examined Sister Benedict.

Can she be sent away for a while?

Why? Where?

McKAY: Some place like Arizona, for instance?

You see this area here?

- Yes, why? - That's the right lung.

McKAY: And here, in this area...

I never could make out those things.

What is it, Doctor, TB?

Yes.

A very early stage.

McKAY: It's not that bad.

We're lucky to catch it right now.

That's why I asked if she could be sent...

to a drier climate...

to an infirmary or a home for old people...

some place where she could have light duties...

not another school.

If it has to be done, I guess it can be done, but...

not to be with children...

McKAY: Not for a while.

Not until this condition's cleared up.

Does she know about this?

Not yet. It's very important that she doesn't know it.

She has a wonderful vitality, a natural optimism...

and that's the best medicine anyone can have.

If that spirit is dampened...

it would have a depressing effect and delay her recovery.

She'll have to know about it.

We can't just send her away.

Don't you people go where you're told without question?

Yes, and we're supposed to have...

the stamina to take it.

McKAY: She has plenty of that.

But you don't quite understand, Doctor.

You see...

Sister and I haven't always agreed...

on how to run the school.

It's about one rather serious difference of opinion.

Now, if she's sent away without any explanation, why...

she's bound to think that...

Up to here, Father, we were discussing her health...

what's best for her.

Now we're discussing your feelings.

It's a heck of a way to put it.

McKAY: I only want to see her get well.

I guess I can see to it that she's transferred, but...

not to tell her why...

send her away without any explanation...

You would put it that way.

Her opinion of me or her health.

Right down here, men.

There.

All right.

Just straighten it a little bit.

There, that's...

Yes, that's right. Thank you.

This is... -

Go up there.

There.

Be sure to leave room for their knees.

You know how they go. You remember.

- Good morning, Father. - Morning, Sister.

Look out, Father, you're in the way.

Here, let me help you with that.

There.

Just put it down there.

I'm glad you're here. There's lots on my mind.

I want to talk to you, too.

When you bring the desk, put it over here.

Yes, Sister.

Let's go where there's less noise.

Now we can finally tear down our old school...

and that can become our playground.

It's all so wonderful. And I'm tired.

I'll sit down for a minute.

Working too hard. You shouldn't be lifting things.

It must be all the excitement.

What was I going to say?

Yes, about commencement. Did you ask Mr. Bogardus?

- Yes, and the doctor. - Fine. He's a nice man.

He telephoned and said I had nothing to worry about.

I'll have you know he said there's nothing wrong with me.

I'm perfect.

That is good news.

Yes, isn't it?

Do you want me to thank Bogardus publicly?

Oh, yes, by all means...

and convey our sincere gratitude...

for his wholehearted generosity.

But don't make a long speech.

I'll be the soul of brevity.

The children will be restless...

and the parents will be interested only in them.

But impress upon the graduating class...

that they must never give up their pursuit of learning...

and at all times carry uppermost in their minds...

the ideals of St. Mary's.

Yes, I think that'll take care of everything, Father.

If you think I'll be long-winded...

why don't you write the speech?

I have, Father. I have it here.

And I have one more wish...

that the next year will be a joyous and successful one...

and that we'll never have any more misunderstandings.

Serious ones, I mean.

I know how you feel about Patsy.

You still disagree with me, don't you?

Father...

sometimes we have to do things that aren't easy.

No matter how much they hurt us...

we have to do what we believe is right.

I have something to tell you, Sister...

that isn't going to be easy.

What is that, Father?

You'll be notified shortly...

that Sister Michael is going to be in charge next year.

Oh, she...

She'll be so happy.

And I?

Will...

will I... I be her assistant?

It's only fair to tell you, Sister...

that you're being transferred.

It's going to be difficult to leave St. Mary's.

But we shouldn't become too attached to any one place.

Any other school may seem strange at first...

but as long as I'm around children...

I'll be happy.

How do you know all this?

Have you been writing Mother General again?

Will I be here for graduation?

Yes, Sister, of course.

Is this the desk that goes in your office, Sister?

Yes.

Yes.

Was there anything else you had to say, Father?

That was all?

Yes, Sister.

I'll go with you.

Sorry you couldn't be with us, Pat.

Thanks, Del.

What happened to my dress?

Sister has it. It didn't fit me.

Too many milk shakes.

Well, better luck next year.

I'll be rooting for you.

Thanks.

Where is she?

Which one's Patsy?

I... I don't see her.

I'll look for her.

You go find Father O'Malley.

OK.

Who is that?

My mother, Sister.

Is she here for the exercises?

I guess so.

You didn't tell her you're not graduating?

No, Sister.

My dear child, why not?

She's been out of town.

It's embarrassing, Patsy, I know...

but you mustn't feel so badly about not graduating.

If we don't fail sometimes...

our successes won't mean anything.

You must have courage.

Don't give up.

I'll explain to your mother, so she won't think ill of you.

I know she loves you, and you love her...

and where there's love, there's understanding.

If you ask me, nobody understands anything.

You don't understand anything...

Father O'Malley doesn't understand anything...

my mama does...

Oh, Sister, I'm sorry.

What is troubling you, Patsy?

Oh, Sister, help me.

Oh, please help me.

Yes, of course.

Of course I want to help you.

I want to be a nun, Sister.

How can I become a nun like you?

There's one thing I do know... something is troubling you.

No. I just want to be a nun.

You don't say it that way, my dear.

"I want to be a nun."

You don't become a nun to run away from life, Patsy.

It's not because you've lost something.

It's because you've found something.

You're still a little girl.

You don't know yet.

Oh, but I do.

I just want to be like you.

You don't know what the next four years will bring.

You haven't been to high school yet.

Those are years you'll always treasure.

New companions, new interests...

lots of fun...

as well as study.

Going to parties.

Football games.

Your first prom.

Your first party dress.

Your first waltz.

You can't give up these things if you know nothing about them.

Not until you've known all this...

and more...

can you say with complete understanding...

"I want to be a nun."

Oh, but I can. I can!

I know them all now.

Well, then, Patsy, that's another thing.

Your marks aren't good enough.

You have to pass your examinations.

But I could have.

I could have passed.

I didn't want to.

You mean you failed on purpose?

I thought I could stay here another year.

Everything's so nice here, Sister.

You don't know.

Everything's so clean...

and so good and...

even if I am in the same grade...

I don't care.

I'd be with you.

Oh, Patsy.

I'm beginning to see what's wrong.

Did Father O'Malley know about this?

Nobody knows, Sister.

Nobody but me.

"I."

No, Sister, you're wrong.

"But" can be used as a preposition...

as well as a conjunction...

and then it takes the objective case.

That was on the examination, wasn't it?

Uh-huh. And I missed it.

I'm brighter than you think I am.

Ask me more questions.

I wouldn't be a dumb nun.

Oh, Patsy.

Sister, this is Mr. And Mrs. Joe Gallagher.

Patsy's mother and father.

How do you do?

Patsy, your father.

Hello, Patsy.

Don't look at me like that, Patsy.

Give me time.

I may grow on you.

Darling, don't cry.

Everything's going to be different from now on.

Mommy and daddy are going to see that you have a home...

a real home...

and have a room all your own.

You can have children over...

as often as you like.

You...

Well, you...

You won't be lonely anymore.

Oh, mama!

Oh, mama!

Is this my real daddy?

Yes, darling.

Yes.

We came to see you graduate.

Isn't it time you were getting ready?

We were just about to get ready...

weren't we, Patsy?

Yes, Sister.

How were her marks, Father?

I didn't see her report card.

Her marks? They were exceptional.

There wasn't a child in the class anywhere near her.

Oh.

This is indeed a great day for St. Mary's...

the first birthday of the new St. Mary's.

There's the old, here's the new.

We owe it all to the generosity and benevolence of one man...

a man whose name will be graven...

on our cornerstone and in our hearts...

for many years to come.

Speaking of hearts...

a truly great heart beats in the bosom...

of Mr. Horace P. Bogardus.

Mr. Bogardus is a very modest man.

When you have a heart that loves children...

that thinks only of others...

that's capable of doing so much good...

then you have a heart...

that can laugh at the years.

Mr. Bogardus is a fine example...

of the joy of giving.

To him, every day is Christmas.

Indeed, he has holly in his heart.

Thank you.

St. Mary's is founded on faith, hope, and charity.

The greatest of these is charity.

A gift to the church is deductible.

So thank Mr. Bogardus for his generous gift.

Now I'd like to say a few words...

to the boys and girls of our graduating class.

I'll make it very brief.

Today is a joyous one for you because you're graduating.

It's also a sad one because you're leaving St. Mary's.

I can't sum up in a few minutes...

what you've learned in eight years.

What you're taking with you...

isn't just what's in the books.

That's important, but it isn't everything.

What you're taking with you...

is what you have to give to others...

what the good sisters have taught you.

If any of you are ever in trouble...

no matter what...

you just dial "O"...

for O'Malley.

Did you order the cab?

Yes. It will be waiting outside.

Sister Benedict in the chapel?

Why?

Dear Lord...

Dear Lord...

remove all bitterness from my heart.

Please...

help me to see thy holy will...

in all things.

Help me.

Please.

Oh, please help me.

Are you going with me, Sister Angela?

Yes, Sister.

Good-bye, Sister.

Good-bye.

Good-bye, Sister.

Good-bye.

- Good-bye, Sister. - Good-bye, Sister.

Good-bye, Sister Genevieve.

You know that wherever I am...

my heart will always be with St. Mary's.

Good-bye, Sister Benedict.

Good-bye, Sister Michael.

Father...

Sister, we know your heart will be here.

We'll always remember you in our prayers.

Thank you.

- Good-bye, Father. - Good-bye.

Sister?

Sister Benedict?

Sister, I can't let you go like this.

You know, when Dr. McKay said you were perfect...

he was right...

for that's what you are.

But he didn't mean physically...

because, Sister...

you have a touch of tuberculosis.

Oh, Dr. McKay felt that...

you shouldn't know about this, but I fe...

Thank you, Father.

Thank you.

You've made me very happy.

I'll get well quickly now.

Of course you will, Sister...

and if you ever need anything, no matter what it is...

or wherever you happen to be...

Yes.

I know.

I'll just dial "O" for O'Malley.

Right.