Original subtitles

[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.

CAPTIONING MADE POSSIBLE BY WARNER BROS. AND NATIONAL CAPTIONING INSTITUTE, INC.