Original subtitles

Good morning. I'm Father O'Banion.

Good morning, Father. I'm Father Lemay.

You're long overdue.

We were told you were to pass through here several days ago.

Well, that was my plan, but, uh,

it's been a very... difficult trip.

To put it mildly, Father Bovard is waiting impatiently for you to relieve him.

It's still a two-day journey to his mission at San-Li-Wan.

I must tell Father Bovard how sorry I am about the delay.

We presumed you'd be traveling alone.

I suppose I should explain why this girl is traveling with me.

We are mildly curious, yes.

Well, um, her mother is a recent convert,

and, uh, she's very eager,

um, to embrace the faith--

to, uh, study more about Christianity.

You see, I made the regrettable mistake

of having saved this girl from the spring floods, and--

Is it a Chinese custom, as she says, that if you save a life

then you are responsible for that life?

That is a tradition.

Well, isn't she overdoing it a bit?

Believe me, I've done everything humanly possible

to get her to stop following me.

I interrupted my journey three times and took her back home.

Trouble is, she's faster than this stubborn excuse for a horse.

Most unusual, Father.

Most unusual? It's been a nightmare.

Anyway, on the fourth time, I managed to break the horse into a gallop

and I got a few miles ahead.

And then when I turned around--

turned around to look at her, there she was,

just a-- a tiny figure.

And then you-- What do you suppose happened?

- I couldn't guess. - She fainted.

What could I do? I had to go back and revive her.

Um, anyway, I revived her.

And I felt it was my duty to continue my journey,

so I put her up on the horse, and here I am, footsore and weary.

She recuperates quickly.

Well, do you intend to remount and get her to run alongside?

Oh, Father, it's so beautiful here. Why don't we stay?

That's a very good idea. Please, get down.

I will leave her here with you and proceed on.

And once I'm safely away, far away, you can return her to her home.

At least that decision makes sense.

I will say good-bye.

- Father, you can't leave me here alone! - I must.

- I will die! - Siu-Lan, you have everything to live for.

If you go without me, I have nothing to live for.

I will kill myself.

You must promise me that you won't.

I promise you I will.

This is much more serious than you indicated.

Siu-Lan, to kill oneself is wrong.

Now, you know the difference between right and wrong, good and bad.

If loving you is not good, then I'm very bad indeed.

But why does being bad make me feel so good?

Siu-Lan, you're very beautiful, and soon you'll find a nice, young man--

You're very beautiful too.

In the name of the Lord, will you say good-bye?

That's what I'm trying to do.

- Good-bye. - Oh, Father, please don't leave me!

Don't leave me!

Just pray that something like this never happens to you.

- Leave me out of this! - Help me!

I beg you!

Father, I beg of you!

Don't leave me!

Don't leave me!

I, uh-- I--

I really am a priest.

I didn't think you were a nun.

You're Father O'Banion, I presume?

I can see I've made you angry, Father.

Really? I'm trying to conceal it.

I'm terribly sorry I'm so late.

I'm not looking for sympathy.

I've been looking for you.

Uh, it was quite a problem to get here. I can explain--

If it takes you as long to explain as it took you to get here,

I do not care to listen.

I just wish to leave.

Ah-Wang!

Hurry up with those bags.

I can make it.

Thank you, Ah-Wang.

Oh-ho!

Finally.

- Well, I see you're all set. - What a brilliant observation.

Yes.

For six endless days and six sleepless nights, I've been all set,

with my poor heart missing every other beat.

For the last six days, I realized there wasn't a minute to be wasted.

You see, I've been given a furlough after 25 years,

and I rather had my heart set on getting out

before the Red rascals moved in from the north.

They're moving very swiftly.

- Have you heard? - Yes, that's the rumor.

Oh.

Aren't you going to acquaint me with the mission?

Uh, certainly.

This is Ah-Wang, your houseboy and cook.

He'll show you where you sleep and eat.

There is the chapel.

Lovely.

There are the nuns.

Do you speak any Chinese?

Very little. You see, I didn't have time--

You were so tardy, you could have learned Greek!

Well, luckily, a few of them speak English.

They know as much about this mission as I do.

Pardon me. Damn!

And now, the moment I've been waiting for.

Father O'Banion, good-bye.

Till we meet again, Father.

Please, let me leave on a happy note.

Father, would you like to meet Sister Theresa?

She's in the dispensary at the moment.

Um-- Yes, of course.

Sister Theresa, this is Father O'Banion.

- Father Bovard has spoken of you, Father. - Yes.

I can imagine.

- Well, what do we got here? - He's got a badly infected throat.

We try to keep the children in good health, but always there are a few.

Hmm.

How do you say "Say 'ah"' in Chinese?

Ah!

Mmm. Do you have any penicillin?

Yes, Father, but it's very difficult to get,

and we try to keep it for the most serious cases.

Sister, what's more important than a small boy?

All right, Father.

You're gonna be well in no time, champ.

Hey, that's a good right.

I make a nice rice cake for you.

You're a fine cook, Ah-Wang.

Father Bovard was fortunate to find you.

Yes. But, uh, sometime he get very mad with me.

- Oh? Why? - I steal altar wine.

Didn't he keep it locked up?

I also steal key.

Clever. But other than that, you're, uh, a good Christian, huh?

Oh, yes.

So if you no lock up wine, I no have to steal.

Makes me all-around good Christian.

Father Bovard say some good in everybody... even me.

Oh! Communists!

Father Bovard captured.

Poor Father Bovard.

I'm sorry, Father, that your trip was so short.

Thanks to you, now I may never get out of China.

These Red devils won't tell me why they brought me back.

All they do is smile politely and point their guns at me.

I'll get an answer from the big brass.

- Ho-San! - A colonel in the Red Army!

Ho-San!

You, of all people, in that uniform!

I wear it with pleasure and pride, old man.

You're the last person on earth I'd expect to see leading these--

these avowed enemies of the Church!

You speak indiscreetly, foreign priest.

For your information, I've been sent out here--

One moment, new one. Are you still in charge?

I am.

You stay out of this. It's between him and me.

Ho-San, you owe me an explanation.

How could you, a man of your intellect,

get yourself into this disgraceful predicament?

As long as you cannot control your tongue, I suggest we go inside.

Suggest? I demand it!

You feeling better, Father?

I couldn't sleep, so I came in here.

I have news on a brighter side.

They painted a sign on the wall of the mission.

Um, made the Sisters very happy.

It guarantees freedom of religion and noninterference with missionaries.

For how long?

Well, I don't know. I-I took a walk outside, and no one stopped me.

I'm very weak and probably guilty of self-pity, but...

I wish the good Lord had beckoned me before I saw Ho-San.

I find it hard to believe he ever was a Christian.

Come here. Look.

Here he is after he served his first Mass.

He's beaming because he made no errors.

As he grew older, we had long talks about him becoming a priest.

I even had visions of him someday taking over the mission.

- Well-- - You don't have to say it.

He probably will take over.

Here he is--

I must get my mind off him.

- I'm sorry. - As I remember, Father,

when you arrived you were about to tell me

of the difficulties you had in getting here.

But I had no time to listen.

Well, now I have time.

Father, you've had a really tough day.

Let me bear my own small burdens.

- Good night. - Oh, Father.

If you open that cabinet, you'll find a bottle of rice wine.

And maybe we both might sleep better if we had a little swallow.

Excellent idea.

Wait. What about Mass in the morning?

No nourishment after midnight.

- What time have you? - I have five minutes to 12:00.

I have one minute.

We'll go by my watch.

- Whoops! - Oh. Good morning, Father.

Beautiful, nice day.

What's so beautiful nice?

- Have you been in the altar wine? - Oh, no. Never in daytime.

What have you been up to? There's nothing cooking, and the table isn't set.

I all set. I all set to quit.

You what?

You tell Father Bovard, please? When he get angry, I be gone.

Now, wait a minute. Why are you quitting?

Colonel Ho-San have talk with me.

I get idea pretty quick is better to quit

and be happy comrade than unhappy dead Christian.

So I-- Oh! I stay too long.

It may seem futile, but I just said a rosary for Ho-San,

praying that I haven't completely lost him.

You'd better start praying for Ah-Wang.

You've lost him. He's quit!

Sorry, Father, but Ho-San say he make me very happy.

Why, you ungrateful traitor!

Just like that, you can discard your Christian faith?

Oh, no, Father. Only outside change.

Inside still Christian.

Good-bye. I will pray for you.

- Oh! - What's in the bundle?

Oh, that, uh, just personal things.

I'm sure personal things. Open it up.

Open--

Instead, I go to happy meeting of People's Party.

What kind of missionary am I?

First, I lose Ho-San, and now Ah-Wang.

Inside, Ah-Wang Christian. Outside, Ah-Wang thief.

Well, Father O'Banion, let's face facts.

I'm your pastor, and I do not intend to become your houseboy.

- Can you cook? - Oh, a little. Nothing fancy.

We have nothing fancy.

Well, if you're willing to take a chance--

With my stomach I shouldn't gamble, but, uh,

see what you can do with Ah-Wang's loot.

Just heat the corned beef hash and mix up some powdered eggs.

I had powdered eggs when I was in the Marines.

You remember how they prepared them?

- I couldn't do worse. - Oh.

- I hope you-- - So do I.

Mmm. Not bad. Mm-hmm.

You heated this very well.

- What was that? - Scrambled powdered eggs.

Mmm.

Not very good, is it, Father?

Father O'Banion, you've outdone the Marines.

Why did you pour it on my--

If you had poured it anywhere but on my hash--

Well, I don't know what to say.

Well, I do. If you'd arrived here on time,

I wouldn't be sitting face to face with this--

You name it and take it and bury it.

Here. You can have mine without the stuff on it.

You've killed my appetite.

Now what's happened?

Colonel Ho-San has sent the children home.

And he says that he can't be responsible for our safety.

I suppose we should be grateful for your concern.

We have found that always after a liberation

there's a period of violence and retribution.

It is best that the Sisters leave.

If you will pack now, my car is at your disposal to take you to the bus.

We take orders only from Father Bovard.

I shall have to be carried out by force.

I admire your courage, Sisters,

but I must give this very serious thought.

Old man, I will do the thinking from now on.

I have respect for the Sisters, but I may be forced to reject them.

Ho-San, you're still talking like a little boy.

You are making it very difficult for me.

And will continue to do so.

What about your posters outside

guaranteeing that there'll be no interference

with the work of the missions?

Oh, new one, your knowledge of the Chinese is very limited.

We guarantee religious freedom.

The education of Chinese children is our responsibility.

The teachers from the People's Party will take over for the time being.

Oh. Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?

Yes. Roast in hell.

I cannot roast in your hell.

I'm no longer a member.

I find this new freedom confining,

like being caught in an invisible noose.

I wonder what new freedom tomorrow will bring.

Today isn't over yet.

Yes. Ho-San has borrowed your horse and my jeep.

This is the receipt.

Looks like we won't be going anywhere.

I was.

But now, it's just as well I'm staying.

Morning.

Are you feeling ill, Father?

It's just that my heart is no longer young.

Oh.

I have not seen you before, child, and yet you speak English.

I learn English in Canton school.

- Are you Christian? - Not yet, but I have been studying.

Good. Good.

- Sit down, child. - Oh, how kind of you.

What brings you so far from Canton?

Mmm, I have followed a young man who is very dear to my heart.

- It is your hope to marry this man? - Oh, yes, Father.

I trust he shares your love.

Um--

He does not admit it, but I know he does.

Then keep following him and make him admit it.

- My prayers go with you. - Oh, thank you, Father.

But without any money, my journey is ended.

Oh.

Well, I can help you a little.

Not much, but a little.

Uh, Father, it is not charity I'm seeking.

I will find work somehow.

Such beautiful food.

Tell me, when did you eat last?

It has been a long time.

I love to cook when the food is beautiful.

- You-- You are a good cook? - Mm-hmm.

My mother say I am the only one who can make a feast from nothing.

Well, it looks like you have found at least temporary employment.

Oh, thank you, Father!

Child, I happen to have the worst cook

in the whole of occupied and unoccupied China.

- Come with me. - Let me share your burden.

You have brightened a dismal day no end, my child.

And mine.

I can't wait to break the news to Father O'Banion.

Careful.

What are you boiling now?

- Just water. - Thank goodness.

Well, one of my worries is over.

You are being replaced as the cook.

I share your relief. But who would dare--

Come in, my child.

Here, let me help you.

Here we are.

Father, it's almost a miracle.

Outside the village, I found just what we need.

Heaven-sent.

Look.

Besides being an excellent cook, she can brew herbs to strengthen my heart.

Her name is, uh, Siu-Lan.

- Yes. - This is, uh, Father O'Banion, my child.

May I take the apron? It does not become you, Father.

Ah. Father, we start to live again.

Show her where things are.

I'll be back when I catch up on my reading.

Will you help me, Father?

You help yourself.

I'm very happy to see you.

I'm sorry, I can't say the same.

Your lips cannot, but your eyes do. You are happy to see me.

If you want me happy, you leave here at once.

You do not mean that.

Is it not wrong for a priest to say what he does not mean?

Huh?

All right, then.

Stop tantalizing me! You must not stay here!

I mean it honestly. You've got to leave!

Father Bovard?

- What is it, Siu-Lan? - Father say I must leave.

Leave?

Why?

I've never heard of a female cook in a mission.

Well, you've heard of it now.

It's no more extraordinary than having female nuns.

Now, Father O'Banion, it so happens that I'm still running this mission,

and Siu-Lan is staying.

So I'll thank you to stop interfering and get out of the kitchen.

Yes, Father.

Proceed, child. The kitchen is all yours.

Thank you, Father.

Father O'Banion, have you lost your mind?

Oh. You look terrible.

- Well, I don't feel too well. - It's your cooking.

Whatever it is, I'm-I'm-I'm miserable.

What bad news brings you here?

I have come to invite the old priest to hear my speech.

I'm addressing the village. I'm sure you'll find it enlightening.

All right. "Know thine enemy."

- I'll go. - Good.

And another thing. I notice you have a new addition to your household--

a beautiful Chinese girl.

Since you took Ah-Wang, she will help us in the kitchen.

But you do not understand, old priest.

She's Chinese. Therefore, she's my responsibility.

With your permission, I will speak to her.

Alone, if you please.

Not even one decent meal did we get before the devil moved in.

He'll order the girl away, mark my words.

Well, perhaps it's for the best, Father.

For the best, you say?

- It was only a thought. - An idiotic thought.

You would do better to pray that the poor girl is left safe in our keeping.

I assure you, I'll do lots of praying.

Aah!

- You think he's harming her? - It was he who cried out.

Let's go and see.

- What happened? - An accident. It is nothing.

I have questioned the girl. For the time being, she may stay.

Ho-San, could it be that a trace of Christianity remains within you?

Do not insult me, old man.

I can change my mind.

You heard him, Father. At least Siu-Lan can stay.

Yes, I heard him.

Siu-Lan, it's all settled. You may stay.

Thank you, Father. I'm very happy.

I don't understand. What did Ho-San say?

He said many things.

And he tried to make love to me.

Never mind that. What did he say?

He said I must report everything that you two do.

- Everything? - Do not worry.

- I make good reports. - Bless you, my child.

So now I am cook, laundress and spy.

I feel the noose is getting tighter.

You're so right.

Well, bless you.

Ho-San had such a crowd at the meeting, I wonder if anyone is here.

I'll see.

Our congregation consists only of Ho-San's father and mother

and, of course, the Sisters.

Bless them. And two loyal altar boys.

We will begin Mass.

Are you worried, Father?

I'm concerned about the future.

You mean about the Christians who are afraid to come to church now?

Yes.

What if they never come back?

What will happen then? Where will we go?

Where will we go?

I'll go where the bishop sends me.

And his orders will not include you.

I wish I could talk to your bishop.

- I could make him understand. - Understand what?

About us.

- About us? - Mmm.

Anything you would say about us could only be a-a fantastic fairy tale.

Not fantastic. Beautiful.

You're Prince Charming, and I'm Lady Fair.

It is written that we will have many heartbreaks

and dark clouds will gather.

But someday, the sun will come peeping through

and love will triumph over all.

- You're nuts. - Nuts?

- You mean, real nuts? - Yes, real nuts.

Explain.

I mean, crazy. You know as a priest, I can't marry.

I pledged. I took a vow.

- You mean never, ever-- - That's right.

Then you are nuts. Other foreign priests get married.

I knew one priest who had two wives and six children.

Soon as one wife died, he took another.

He's not a priest. He's a Protestant-- a minister.

They are allowed to take wives.

There is our happy ending.

You become Protestant.

I become--

You're impossible. I've stayed too long already.

But-- Father?

Father O'Banion? Father O'Banion!

Father! Sorry, Father, if I offended you. Please, don't be angry.

Father O'Banion?

When you're not too busy, I'd like to have a word with you.

Yes, Father.

Get out!

Don't play peekaboo with me!

Come here at once.

Now, Father, you'd better take it easy. Your heart, you know.

Take it easy?

With you probably nestling back there with our beautiful, young cook?

To all appearances, you were fondling, no less.

I wasn't nestling and I wasn't fondling.

I was simply trying to brush her aside.

And then, uh, she put her hand over mine, and I freed myself.

I broke it up.

Broke up what, Father?

Whatever you two were-- That's what I'm trying to find out.

Why did you have to brush her aside?

Because of what happened in the garden.

I was afraid of that. All right.

Out with it.

You think this is a laughing matter?

I'm sorry, Father, but it's-it's so tragic, it's funny.

I'll be the judge of that.

Tell me, in your laughing, carefree manner,

what happened in the garden?

Uh, she... asked me to marry her.

She asked you to-- You gave your consent, of course.

And now, you've come for my blessing.

Uh, when does the wedding take place?

- Father, this is no time for foolishness. - How right you are.

Do you realize you are rapidly replacing the Communists as my biggest problem?

I haven't encouraged the girl.

It's-- It's just a-a childish infatuation.

For once, you are right.

Thank you.

You see, she has confided in me because I'm a more conventional type priest.

She has been engaged in a fruitless search

for the man she actually loves,

and in her frustration she has turned toward you.

Take my word for it.

You're just a ridiculous symbol of her Prince Charming.

And when she finds him, your problem will be over

and you can resume being a full-time priest.

In the meantime, you might find prayer and, uh, meditation beneficial.

Thank you, Father.

Siu-Lan?

Siu-Lan?

Siu-Lan!

Oh. Pardon, Father, but Siu-Lan went to the marketplace

and she's been gone for a long time.

- She should be back. I'm concerned. - Yes, I know.

While I've been praying to Our Blessed Mother,

you've been bleating like a sheep.

"Siu-Lan?"

How do you know she's not back? She may be in the convent resting.

She's not in her room.

You mean you climbed the convent wall?

No. I mean, I called, and she didn't answer.

Oh.

- Father? - There's your answer.

- Come in, child. - Sorry I didn't get to the marketplace.

Two soldiers took me to the headquarters of Ho-San.

His parents were also there.

- Because they came to Mass? - Yes, Father.

Oh, what he said to them. It was very bad.

Never before I've heard a son talk like this to his parents. It is not Chinese.

Ho-San also is aware of the Christian commandment:

"Honor thy father and thy mother."

He broke that commandment all to pieces.

Even his father was crying.

Then Ho-San asked me how I was doing as spy.

I told him I was keeping my eyes open.

He said his eyes open too and he like what he sees, meaning me.

He said he had been working very hard and needed to relax,

and he asked me to relax with him.

Meaning to break another commandment.

I was badly frightened.

But then the soldiers brought in some more people,

and Ho-San say we relax some other time.

So here I am, safe for the time being.

Well, that's the important thing. Isn't it?

Mmm. Yes.

Sorry, Father. No food for dinner.

Well, perhaps this is the moment for me to perform a near miracle.

We could use one.

Right. Now, suppose before your very eyes

I were to produce some savory beef, cooked to perfection

and garnished with a mouth-watering assortment of tender, young vegetables?

- I would say seeing is believing. - All right. Follow me.

Uh, no, no, no. It's to the right.

And-And move-- move the wood.

That's it. Now you have it. All right.

Bring it in and put it on the table.

- Ah. Beef stew. - Siu-Lan, take this.

- Now, to prepare it, you simply-- - Uh, never mind.

She knows how to prepare it.

You want me to put this back?

No. Ah-Wang knows where it is.

Now he'll probably tell the Reds.

I must think of a new hiding place. I've been saving this for a rainy day.

Well, I'd say it's raining already.

Maybe we should eat it before they give us a receipt for it.

- Yes. - Is there anything else in there?

Why, your brain is beginning to function.

I'd forgotten. There are two bottles of cognac.

They're on the left.

And move the wood carefully.

Siu-Lan, I trust this will not find its way into your spy report?

No, Father. I will eat and be guilty too.

Mmm.

- Well, I made it. - Mmm.

Now, I need a drink.

- I'll open one for you. - No, you won't.

You just get a glass from the cupboard.

- A glass? - A glass.

- How's it going? - All right, I think.

All it say is "Heat and eat."

I never tasted beef stew before. Is that an American delicacy?

Well, I'm sure that with your touch--

Pardon me, Father. The bottle's open.

Oh.

- Do you like cognac? - Oh, yes, yes.

- How does it affect you? - Oh, I can handle it.

Hmm. You can get yourself a glass.

Well, thank you.

Here. Pour yourself a short one.

Tut-tut-tut.

Father, here's to a brighter future.

No.

You don't gulp brandy. You sniff the bouquet.

Mmm.

Don't you ever knock?

Pardon the intrusion. I have forgotten.

Is this a religious holiday

or has your excessive drinking become a nightly habit?

Excessive drinking? I've had one little swallow.

Hmm.

Hmm.

Hmm!

Fine old cognac.

And a whole case of costly canned goods.

Old priest, I came to inform you

that my mother and father have finally seen the light.

And no doubt, will join the People's Party.

But-- But now I find you have committed

a much more serious offense against the people.

- Hoarding. - Hoarding?

Father Bovard told me you were an intelligent man.

How can you make such a stupid accusation? These cans--

That insolence will not go unrecorded.

For a newcomer, you are rapidly building a case against yourself.

It is good that your followers do not see you now.

Drinking the finest cognac, gorging yourself with expensive food,

all bought with money you have sweated from the poor.

Old man,

You have lost all touch with the people.

Chan!

You know I took nothing from your people.

Ever since I came here, I have given.

Ho-San, because you find no truth on your side, you speak nothing but lies.

Deliberate lies!

It is too bad that you have spoken to me in this way,

because it only proves that you are drunk and can no longer hold your liquor.

For your own good, I will take this... and this.

Good night.

Oh, uh, be sure to divide that equally among the poor.

If you can't think of a clever answer, just go.

As the saying goes, share and share alike.

- Thank you, Father. - But don't gulp it.

Well, the stew seems to be ready.

I wonder where Siu-Lan is.

Don't start worrying about her again. She'll be back.

I can't help it. With two bottles of your brandy,

Ho-San might decide this is the time to, uh, relax.

Your concern puzzles me.

You must have given up an awful lot when you became a priest.

Oh, Father.

Well, in times like these, we mustn't lose our sense of humor.

Yeah.

I'm going to make sure he's gone.

Siu-Lan.

What are you trying to do?

He wants me to have dinner with him, Father.

I told him I must prepare dinner for you.

That's right. Always the champion of the oppressed I see.

- Let her go. - Oh, thank you, Father.

Go on, go on, go on.

Violence won't prove anything, Ho-San. You'd better leave.

Ah, yes, the good Christian wants no violence.

So, we shall see how well you practice your religion.

Now, you were taught to turn the other cheek.

Now the other cheek. The other cheek!

The other cheek.

The other cheek!

You're a good Christian.

He protected me from Ho-San, but now he will not protect himself.

He has no courage to fight. He has no gall, no liver!

He's a paper tiger.

Thank you, Father, for what you did for me. I'm so proud.

Congratulations, Father. If ever a blow was delivered in behalf of the Almighty--

Was it, Father?

O give me the strength.

- May I see you, Father? - Come in.

I'm very disturbed about what happened with Ho-San.

The more I think of the future, the faster my heart races.

I deeply regret having hit him.

This is no ordinary black mark against us.

This is the Church resorting to violence against an officer of the Red Army.

What a big black mark that will be.

I said I regretted hitting him. What-- What could I do?

Well, if the Church came first, you might have controlled your temper.

He was forcing Siu-Lan into the car!

I felt that it was the will of the Lord that I stop him.

So now you're placing the Lord in your corner.

You know what Ho-San's intentions were. Don't tell me you favor rape!

Now aren't you the clever one. Avoiding the issue by attacking me.

- I'm not attacking-- - Why must you raise your voice?

Why do you feel you must defend yourself?

Tell me honestly. Just why did you strike Ho-San?

- Well-- - Exactly why.

In that situation, I would have come to the defense of any woman.

But this is not any woman, Father. You're bobbing and weaving again.

I lost my head.

Your head, Father O'Banion?

I brought your supper, Father Bovard.

- I could not eat now, Siu-Lan. - Not even a taste? It is very beautiful.

- Thank you, no. - Then I will put it back in the oven.

When you are ready, it will be ready.

There's a place waiting for you in the dining room, Father.

- Thank you. I'm not hungry. - Oh?

Well, then I will put it back in the oven too.

Are you angry with me, Father?

- No, of course not. - Oh, good.

I'm so grateful for what you did for me. You are my hero.

Do you think I'm enjoying this?

Believe me, with all my heart, I wish I were back in the United States.

Believe me, I second that wish.

But since I am here, will you be patient with me?

Let me work out my problems with the help of the Almighty?

I would if I were sure it's the Almighty who's helping you.

So now I'm in league with the devil?

You are? What an interesting thought.

Your thought.

Father, I wish you would stop putting words into my mouth.

It's me once more.

I brought this bell for you, Father Bovard.

When you are ready for supper, please ring.

I don't think I'll be eating tonight, Siu-Lan.

There's no hurry. I'm happy to wait.

I put a bell by your bed too, Father.

Thoughtful of you.

Well, go ahead, say it.

No. I'd rather hear you say it.

You brought her here.

Why aren't you in bed?

I'm concerned about Father Bovard. True.

Uh-huh.

Well, he's been through a lot. I'm sure he can sleep. So there's no need to stay up.

Won't you be needing anything?

I don't need anything.

Nothing?

Nothing.

I want to be alone to meditate.

There is a lovely moonlight.

Maybe we could meditate together, huh?

I wish to meditate alone.

Good night.

Good night.

Well, good night.

Good night, Father.

Did you ring, Father?

I did not.

I thought I heard the bell.

You know very well I didn't ring.

Maybe my ears ring from the fast beat of my heart.

You were so brave today. You are great above all men.

- Now I'm more in love than ever. - Stop that!

Now I'm more...

deeply in your debt than ever.

What can I do for you, Father?

Just one thing. You can leave me alone quickly.

As you wish.

- You think you change your mind? - Go!

What are you doing in here? Get out of here!

I knew you would ring.

No, I didn't ring. It was an accident. That bell fell off the table.

That is not true. You rang the bell and you turned off the light.

No, no, no, it was an accident. It's on the floor someplace. Now get out of here.

I cannot see it.

It probably rolled under the bed. Now get out!

- I find it for you. - You're not supposed to--

Father O'Banion, are you awake?

Yes.

What went out the window?

What? What?

That's what I'm asking you.

What went out the window?

Oh, it could have been a bat.

A bat? Wearing slippers?

Father, you know, without your glasses, your eyesight's a little blurry.

Not that blurry. What was the delay?

Couldn't you decide if you were awake?

I was awake.

Oops. Pardon me, Father.

I could not help overhear. I'm a spy, you know.

You must not get the wrong impression of Father O'Banion.

I'm trying not to.

I heard the bell and I came to see what he wished.

And he explained to me

that the bell had fallen from the table when he turned off the light.

I can see it from here. I get it.

- You see? - Yes, simple.

It's simple.

Go to your room at once, you little bat.

Yes, Father.

And for a change, use the door.

Yes, Father.

Father O'Banion, how can you?

In all my long years, I've never known a man like you.

You have added a new dimension to the priesthood.

Sisters, have you seen--

Father Bovard, you ought to be resting.

That's what we tell him, but he won't listen.

We could be doing these chores.

So I should be resting, with a million and one problems?

And speaking of problems, Sisters, if you will please leave,

I think I can solve one of them now.

As you wish, Father.

Father O'Banion, before you further disgrace yourself and the Church,

Siu-Lan must go.

I agree with you. She should be sent away.

I wish I'd been able to completely convince her that to desire me is wrong.

I thought that I was making some progress, but--

Progress?

In the last episode, she was in your room.

If I hadn't interrupted, where would you have regressed from there?

Father O'Banion, a question keeps popping up in my mind.

When Siu-Lan came here, she said she was searching for the man she loved.

Has she found him?

Yes.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

So I've been praying that she would get together with you.

Now she has to go.

She's in the garden. So go out and tell her at once.

Yes, Father.

- Good morning! - Good morning.

I picked flowers to make the table beautiful for the warmed-over supper.

With pretty flowers, it will look like a fresh breakfast.

Please, sit down.

Siu-Lan, I've been doing some very serious thinking.

- About us? - Yes.

And?

You must leave the mission.

- You mean this is good-bye? - Mm-hmm.

Forever?

But you cannot mean that, knowing that I love you with all my heart.

Oh, Father--

If you care so much for me, you will never say that again.

- But you-- - Promise me you will never say that again.

Very well, Father.

I promise...

I will never say,

"I love you" again.

But you will always be in my thoughts

and in my dreams.

You cannot protect yourself in my dreams.

Such beautiful dreams.

That proves that you must go.

I know it's difficult to say good-bye.

It's cruel!

Maybe, but it's the only answer.

But always remember--

Good-bye, Siu-Lan.

- Father, I can't leave. - You must!

Now mark my words.

The next bus that comes through here, you're going to be on it.

I'll get off!

Father Bovard, I'm overcome. All our work is ruined.

They're destroying the chapel and taking everything away from the school.

- Maybe if you all appeal to Ho-San. - That might help.

No. He'll only send us more receipts.

I'm sorry, Sisters, you were not spared this blow.

The dispensary!

They think our medicine is holy water.

They've destroyed everything, including our penicillin.

Now they'll be spreading disease along with their propaganda.

Oh, no.

You're moving fast, Ho-San.

My-- My comrades have exceeded my orders in their enthusiasm.

I'm sure.

I have made a few alterations in the chapel.

Would you like to see them?

This is now the meeting place for the heads of the People's Party.

Ho-San,

we have worshipped here many times together.

For what you have done to this sacred chapel,

may God have mercy on your miserable soul.

Knowing your concern, his heart is still beating.

- Is there anything I can do, Father? - Nothing.

Ho-San is having a meeting in the chapel.

I think you'd better stay out of sight until he's gone.

Thank you. I will.

Good night.

Ah, he's still breathing.

Thanks to sleeping pills, he doesn't know you're here.

Have you planned anything else for us tonight, or will tomorrow do?

I no longer confide in priests.

Siu-Lan.

Father! Father!

Father!

Ho-San! Stop it! Ho-San!

Untie me!

- Father. - You have not sinned.

There was no intent.

I can no longer offer you innocence.

I had hoped--

I go home now.

Oh, Father!

Oh, Father!

I have brought herbs for you.

This will be of much benefit to your heart.

Thank you.

And I also have written directions for you to prepare when I am gone.

Child, I don't know how well Father O'Banion expressed himself,

but you must leave.

And remember, everything happens for the best.

But, Father, if you only knew--

My child, I am much older and wiser.

And you are so young.

Father, I've just been consoling Siu-Lan.

She seems unduly upset.

I'm sorry I had to be firm about this, but I had no choice.

Siu-Lan, one day soon you'll look back and smile over this.

Yes, Father.

You're a fine one. Why didn't you help me comfort her?

I thought you'd said enough.

Well, you seem to be taking this as hard as she is.

I know parting is such sweet sorrow, but after all, there is a list--

- Ho-San has sent for us. - Tell him you're ill. I'll go alone.

- He wants both of us. - Why don't you leave him alone?

My glasses. My only glasses.

Now I won't even be able to read.

I'll be happy to read to you any time you wish, Father.

Thank you.

In the meantime, we'd better find out what Ho-San wants,

because St. Peter may be reading to both of us.

Yes.

Ah, Ho-San.

You're ill.

Well, at least he's suffering in splendor.

What's wrong?

Something serious, I trust?

I've been stabbed... in the back.

Ah. Now, who would do a thing like that

to a loveable person like you?

That is my affair.

You may be sure there will be suitable punishment.

I sent for you...

because the wound is infected.

Good. Good!

You are unfunny, old man.

I may be old and unfunny, but now it looks like I will outlive you.

Quiet!

He's sick. 105.

Yeah. 106 ought to do it.

Surely your doctor can kill this infection.

At the moment he does not have modern drugs.

What a coincidence.

You need penicillin

and your enlightened comrades have destroyed our supply of it.

What other mission has penicillin?

And why should we tell you?

Because your--

your stupid religion will not permit you to willfully let a man die.

Well, at least you remember that.

All right.

I'm certain you will find penicillin at Lao-Cham Mission,

providing your comrades haven't already taken over the mission

and destroyed its lifesaving drugs.

We have not yet... liberated Lao-Cham.

How unfortunate. Tsk, tsk.

Well, now there's nothing we can do,

but, uh, wait for the end.

Ho-San, I could go to Lao-Cham Mission

if you'd give me a pass to travel through Communist territory.

- Why would you do that? - In exchange for Father Bovard's freedom.

I'll take him along and come back with the penicillin alone.

No. You will make no bargain with this devil.

- I will take a chance. - Good.

But-- But one difference in procedure.

We will keep the old man here until you return.

- And then he will be set free. - What assurance will I have?

You have my word.

You also have my word...

that if you do not come back...

he will be killed.

Make the necessary arrangements.

I'll leave immediately.

Father?

Good-bye. Keep going.

Please.

Well, at least drive slowly.

Such bumpiness make me feel seasick.

May I come out now?

I guess it's all right.

You are going to get medicine to make Ho-San well?

Is that what you call returning good for evil?

Something like that.

I could never be a good Christian.

I wish I had sunk the knife deeper.

Siu-Lan, you must rid yourself of this bitterness.

But I wish he was dead.

That bus is headed in the direction of your home.

I never thought it would end like this.

Well, soon you'll be home, safe with your parents.

This should cover your fare.

- If only I could stay. - Please.

Enough of that.

Father?

Is there a sadder word in any language than... "good-bye"?

No.

But it has to be said.

Siu-Lan, I wish you Godspeed and every happiness.

You have maybe a small picture?

No.

Oh, that's all right.

Your face I will always remember.

Will you forget my face, Father?

Of course not.

I know I promised never again to tell you what is in my heart,

but could you tell me what is in yours?

One last thought I can always remember.

Something I can always treasure.

What might you say if you were not a priest?

I will answer this way.

Never will I think more of you...

than I do at this moment.

May I take comfort from that?

You may.

The bus is here.

Good-bye, my good friend,

Father O'Banion.

Good-bye.

Good-bye, my friend.

But always remember--

I've been expecting you.

Welcome to the cellar.

Father, I'm afraid Ho-San is not going to set you free.

This is no news to me.

The day after you left, I got a receipt for the entire mission.

I hear it's a barracks now.

What happened to the Sisters?

Expelled from the occupied territory.

The Chinese Sisters were sent back to their village.

It's forbidden to lean against the wall.

You got the penicillin, of course.

Ho-San is already improving.

In no time, he'll be feeling better than I do.

As a reward, you will be permitted to deteriorate here with me.

I'm partly to blame, Father.

How? You kept your word.

I kept more than my word.

I-- I smuggled Siu-Lan out of the mission.

Smuggled? But she was free to leave by herself.

Or did you want the pleasure of her company?

I took her to a bus that would take her home.

She was in grave danger from Ho-San.

I don't follow.

Well--

Forget it.

So once more, Prince Charming has rescued the girl.

Well, at least she's out of your life.

Unless you promised to write.

You both look worse each time I see you.

Do you know it grieves me to realize that all these months of suffering

could have been avoided if you had signed these confessions.

My confession seems to have grown thicker.

What have you added since I've been cooped up?

Probably that you've been hoarding lice.

You are behaving like fools.

We are behaving like Christians.

Christians? You're deliberately committing a mortal sin.

Suicide.

But I'm afraid you won't be permitted

to indulge in this self-torture much longer.

Very soon the coordinator from Peking will arrive.

And things will not be so easy for you.

We'll miss the easy living.

I'm sure you will.

This man is not gifted with my patience.

He has his own method of persuasion.

Like pulling out fingernails?

You expect us to be soft toward our enemies

as you made me soft when I almost became a priest?

Now look at me.

An important part of a powerful movement

which will soon liberate the world.

- No limit to my future. - Your future?

I thought there was no place in the People's Party for personal ambition.

I warn you that even my patience can reach the breaking point.

These confessions must be signed at once!

Young priest, your wits are sharper.

Will you explain to this befuddled old man

that signing these papers means immediate freedom?

I'm trying to help you!

So, you are trying to help us?

And I am a befuddled old man?

Why, you blasphemous, treacherous disciple of the devil.

I know your plan.

You would post my confession,

this pack of lies in the village,

where my people would read that I have spent a lifetime betraying them.

I came to China in behalf of the Lord...

to care for your sick and your poor.

I will not let them down.

I will not let them down, never.

Now, I-- I want to go to my cell and sleep.

If he dies, it will be in your jail. You will have killed him.

A martyr to the people who love and respect him.

What will you be to the people then, Ho-San?

I think I'll have my soldiers removed from the mission.

Then he can return and die in his own bed.

Smart thinking... for your future.

I'm almost through.

Ho-San had to return my bed so I can die in it.

I've stopped worrying about you, Father. You're indestructible.

Be careful with that razor.

I must conserve what little blood I have left.

Now this I can do for myself.

I will say, you have been of some help to me in your own clumsy way.

I've even developed a sort of reserved fondness for you.

Nicest thing you've ever said to me, Father.

And I know I'll regret it.

Thank you.

Well, here lies me.

In their rush to get out of here, the soldiers overlooked some food.

With a bit of luck, I might be able to make some Chinese-Irish stew.

After that prison food, I'll gamble.

But just one lump please.

While it's cooking, I'll clean up.

Chinese-Irish stew?

Father, I do hope you're feeling better.

- How'd you like my stew? - I made a mistake.

I was so hungry, I had two lumps.

Well, I made a lot more in case you change your mind.

I won't.

Siu-Lan.

Forgive me, Father, for coming back.

But I'm in need of help.

- I'm with child. - Oh?

Well. Hmm.

Come in.

You have my permission.

Come in.

Come, child. Sit down.

Thank you, Father.

If I were wed, there would be happiness with me.

Now there is only sadness.

When your father discovered your condition, he ordered you to leave home.

To save face of many ancestors.

Of course.

And your mother?

Unknown to father, she gave me money and all her love.

So you came back here.

Well, Father.

Siu-Lan, why have you returned?

She has returned because she's about to have a baby.

Oh, no.

This is a terrible situation.

I'm sorry, Siu-Lan. I--

I never thought of this possibility.

You should have sent her away sooner.

Yes.

This is tragic.

I agree.

Well, stop pacing up and down and do something.

Get someone to help.

- I'll get Ho-San's mother. - Please!

Why Ho-San's mother?

Ho-San is the father.

Father O'Banion never told you?

No.

He also knows it was against my will.

- Everything all right? - Nan hsiao wa wa.

Swell!

- Nan hsiao what? - Wa wa!

- Nan hsiao wa wa. - Nan hsiao wa wa.

Father Bovard!

Father Bovard! Siu-Lan just had her baby.

- What is it? - It's a, uh, nan hsiao wa wa.

Oh. If she'll be nursing the baby, she'll need strength.

That's what I was thinking. I was going to heat up the stew. You hardly touched it.

Well, mash it, strain it, and get those awful lumps out of it.

She may get some nourishment from it.

- Oh, Father Bovard! - Yes?

What is a nan hsiao wa wa?

A beautiful baby boy.

Oh.

I, uh, prepared some food. I hope you like it.

Beautiful.

Very beautiful.

But such beauty should come from wonderful love between a man and a woman.

It was so intended.

I understand I have a son.

I thought it best he knew.

Strong family resemblance, Ho-San.

Too strong.

- I will speak to Siu-Lan alone. - No.

Don't leave me alone with him, Father.

I'll be just outside.

Ho-San--

- Ho-San what? - Ho-San nan hsiao wa wa.

Oh. Ho-San was a beautiful baby.

How he's changed.

The baby is crying. He must be in pain.

Uh, maybe the baby wants his father.

This mother and child will be moved to the home of my parents

as soon as possible.

I will not have my mother and father coming to the mission.

Good. That'll make it easier for them.

And you, come to my headquarters tomorrow morning.

What did he say when you were alone?

Oh, he said something like,

it's too bad things happened the way they did.

Because if they had not happened the way they did,

well, they might have happened some other way, or something like that.

Coming from Ho-San, that meant a lot.

Not to me.

Now I see a future for a nan hsiao wa wa.

You do?

Good morning.

Young priest, I sent for you because--

Before you get started, I have a message for you from your son.

He said, uh, "Goo."

Stop talking like an idiot.

I have received important news.

Many of your brother priests and other missionaries...

have signed confessions and have left China.

They at least have the intelligence to admit defeat.

Please, explain to our comrade

that because you speak no Russian and I speak no Chinese--

I-I also speak English.

Good. Good.

So, we have a common though despicable tongue.

Please understand, comrade, that, as a Russian,

I do not pretend to have any authority over you.

I am simply here to advise those who do have that authority.

Excuse me.

I am aware of your importance, comrade.

Why is the priest here?

Uh, he was just giving me instruction in Communism.

What pity you do not have better teacher.

Well, if you'll excuse me.

Wait.

You mean this foreign spy

actually comes and goes as he pleases?

Only to his house at the mission.

There's an old priest who became very ill when they were imprisoned.

And I thought--

I know. Your record shows you have been doing much individual thinking.

And little else.

Sit down, Priest. We shall come to you later.

Comrade, this is your record.

Absolutely the worst it has ever been my misfortune to study.

The People's indoctrination program--

your achievements have been less than miserable.

That was because the old priest had a strong influence among the people!

But the old priest was leaving China.

- Why did you stop him? - I thought--

There you go, thinking again.

It-- It seemed best to expose him before the people.

So, he has been here for a year. Why didn't you expose him?

He's been very difficult. You don't know him.

No.

But I am getting to know you.

Colonel, you are soft. This house, for instance.

Why do you live in this luxury

when you should be with your soldiers in the village compound?

- I have headquarters there. - Yes, gathering dust.

And these fine furnishings.

Why did you not distribute them among the people

according to procedure in the People's Party?

I distributed the food that was found here.

But-But what would the peasants do with these fine furnishings?

Use it for firewood to cook their rice?

So, you speak of the peasants with contempt.

I simply mean that they have no use for fine things.

So, all fine things you take, huh?

This is sad situation now.

Very sad...

to find an officer in charge who has not become indoctrinated himself.

No matter how you deny it, you are still a Christian.

You have given priests their freedom after they refused to sign confessions.

You have driven your own officers out of their living quarters

so that these priests might live in luxury.

If you think that eight and a half months in confinement--

Quiet!

You have refused to share with the people

so that you alone might live in luxury like a capitalist.

You are a disgrace to the Communist Army.

You have betrayed the People's Party.

I did what I thought was best.

Thinking again. Always thinking.

If they send you where I suggest, you will have lots of time for thinking.

I'm also recommending that Comrade Chung Ren relieve you of your command.

Thank you, comrade.

Before you're sent elsewhere,

I will show how your assignment here should've been carried out.

I am eager to learn.

I will start by demonstrating how to obtain confession from old priest quickly.

No.

Any further suffering inflicted on Father Bovard

would only harm your cause among the people.

- Ho-San is right. - Ah!

Once more, we find a meeting of the minds

on how you and the Church should run the People's Party.

However, if you will permit, we will operate according to accepted procedure.

Within 24 hours, Chung Ren will have confessions from both priests.

And within 25 hours, you will be sent--

You know, Colonel, the longer I look at you,

the farther I see you being sent.

Tomorrow, be prepared for a long journey.

So now, the torture begins...

for us and you.

Me? I'm only being sent away.

Alone. I wonder what will happen to your son?

Fortunately, he's too young to remember you,

and since family ties mean nothing--

Stop it!

You've got a point.

I'm sorry.

Aah!

What bothers you, comrade?

You have no stomach for this?

I was not aware I was supposed to enjoy it.

So?

Are you ready to confess and tell the people the truth?

- Are you, Father? - Yes.

He's ready to tell the truth.

The old one is weakening. He's ready to confess.

"This man you called 'Father,' this man you trusted,

this man to whom you confessed,

from his own lip you will hear how he betrayed you."

Translate. What does he say?

That he has been requested to confess for himself and the young priest.

But those who made the request also made it difficult for him to speak

because of the strangulation.

The old dog opens his mouth too wide.

And with difficulty.

"Here is my answer to those who have tortured me."

"It is your own leaders

who have destroyed your freedom of religion

and reduced you to slavery."

"But they cannot destroy your faith in God

if you have the will to keep it burning inside of you."

I did not wish for violence.

Let us pray...

not one life is lost because of me.

I've telephoned headquarters to advise them of this situation.

- They're sending reinforcements. - I have no need for reinforcements.

Thirty armed soldiers are enough against this crowd.

So, you can control this situation--

You can control this situation with 30 soldiers, huh?

A few miserable bandits from the hills have joined the people.

The priests will pay for this.

So, what is your next brilliant plan, comrade?

A public trial for the priests, to be followed by execution.

Wait!

Before I am banished, may I have one more thought?

Well?

May I suggest, if you expel the priests now,

they would be neither living symbols nor dead martyrs.

The revolt will be left without a cause.

You know, for once, the soft one is right.

Get rid of the people's cause!

Expelled from China in disgrace.

No disgrace, Father.

The people will always remember that you told them the truth.

I hope.

It's Ho-San.

Now-Now he's sending us back to the village to be shot.

There's no such order. I'm trying to escape.

- I need your help. - How can we help?

I have it all planned. Get into my car.

With luck, we can make it before--

I only meant he might have understood English!

Now there's no question. Hurry. I'll join you later.

That was my last act as a non-Christian.

You can sit up now. Don't smother him.

- Siu-Lan! - I'm grateful you have joined us.

May we all have a safe journey.

Are you here of your own free will?

I'm with Ho-San just because of the baby.

If we reach the freedom of Hong Kong,

we will be married...

just because of the baby.

Just to give the baby a name.

No. There's more.

I want to raise my son.

My son.

Our son.

Where a parent may speak freely to his child.

He has much to learn from the mistakes of his father.

You've been a powerful adversary, Ho-San.

I hope you'll be as powerful as an ally.

I will try to be.

In one day, I have suffered a lifetime of disillusionment.

I saw my mother and father shot down in a chapel

just because they came to worship.

Oh, no.

After all my years in China, I have a feeling of futility.

No, Father. It's the greatest tribute the Communists could have paid you.

They were so fearful of your power, they had to expel you.

That's what I've been telling you.

We're being followed.

It's Chung Ren, the murderer of my father and mother.

Pardon me a moment. Be right back.

So now I have performed my first act as a reconverted Christian.

You see how well I've planned?

To the guards on the Communist side of Freedom Bridge,

we are a poor peasant family.

And you, strangers to us, have expulsion papers.

But then on the freedom side, suddenly we're no longer strangers.

The baby's changed. We're all ready for a fresh start.

My wife is your cook,

and I your humble houseboy.

And we go guarantee for your employment.

That is my plan. I've thought it all out.

We'll, you'd better give a little more thought to being a humble houseboy.

Forgive my seeming arrogance,

but I have brought us within a few short miles of freedom.

This brain they said I must not use has outwitted them all.

All except that!

Once more, they show their stupidity.

- It's impossible to land a plane here. - Doesn't sound like a plane.

Helicopter!

Quickly, we'll hide under the trees.

They think I'm traveling alone.

Without me, you could cross the border safely.

Siu-Lan, maybe someday you will say nice things about me to our son.

He will be very proud of you.

Father Bovard, wait!

These are the godparents.

My Uncle Ho Yung Fung and my Auntie Ho Tai Tai.

Well, it's time our son was baptized.

What name will you give the child?

It's your idea. You tell him.

Mmm. Ho-ban-yun.

Ho what?

Ho-ban-yun.

It's her wish to keep your name in my family.