Original subtitles

Mopu is a wild place.

There isn't even a policeman there.

Just the General's agent. How do you do?

A Mr Dean.

Do you know what the locals call this place?

The House Of Women.

What if this house doesn't want us here, Sister?

Did you priest not tell you about Srimati Devi?

Sister Briony! A needle, now! Go!

For God's sake, woman! We don't need your help.

SHOUTING

Now stop it!

..as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Our Father who art in Heaven,

hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done...

Sister Clodagh, I'm asking you not to do this.

The women in the village can care for him.

Excuse me.

Do you need me to...? Yes.

If anything happens to him...Would you have the boy bleed to death?

I've told you, I can't answer for

the consequences of you treating him.

Well, go, then. Mr Dean. We don't need your help.

We can manage without you. All right. If that's what you want.

You're on your own.We are with God.

THEY CONTINUE TO RECITE THE LORD'S PRAYER

Bye, Mr Dean.

Namaste, Mr Dean.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done...Yes.

HE CRIES OUT IN PAIN

...Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us

Amen.

VOICES AND PRAYING TALK OVER ONE ANOTHER

HE MOANS

Sh, sh, sh, sh.

..and forgive us our trespasses

..as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Lead us not into temptation.

Forgive us our trespasses.

Sisters, can you tend to Sister Ruth, please.

Perhaps the chapel would be more suitable.

It's all right, Sister,

Lean on me.

No!

Thank you.

I thank God for your steady hand, Sister Briony.

I can't say it's my fanciest embroidery...

..but it'll do.

We did the right thing.

The danger is passed, Sisters.

Sister Ruth...

..we should get you to bed.

It's all been too much for you. Don't touch me.

You're not allowed to touch me.

WIND HOWLS

GOAT BLEATS

Oh! The hill post...

..and my harmonium.

Morning, Sister Clodagh.

They're coming.

Good morning, Sister Briony.

Keep going.

Namaste. Namaste.

Would you put the crates over by the door, please?

Thank you.

Ah!

We must keep ticking over...

MOTHER DOROTHEA'S VOICE: Dear Sister Clodagh,

may the Lord bless and keep all at the convent of St Faith.

I'm glad to hear the of coming of winter

has made little impact on your work at Mopu.

While every member fulfils her purpose,

the community of St Faith

will surely succeed to the glory of the Lord.

Only time will tell

if Sister Ruth is truly suited to the conditions in Mopu.

I have discussed your suggestion with Father Roberts.

We are agreed when the dear Father makes his Christmas visit,

he alone will determine if it is best

for Sister Ruth to be brought back to Darjeeling.

Remember, Clodagh,

the superior of all

is the servant of all.

St Faith, Sister Clodagh.

Isn't it good to see her? Indeed, it is, Sister.

Can I have a hand with Our Lord?

Oh, well, it would be so nice to have a proper place to put St Faith,

Sister Clodagh, not to mention Our Lord.

A plinth. Is that what it's called?

Can't you ask the gardeners to make something?

They seem handy enough. No, not with carpentry.

HE SPEAKS LOCAL DIALECT

Good day to you.

How many will we need?

Ah, yes. Blankets. Very good.

Sister Ruth, what do you think?

They look like they'd help to keep out the draughts.

Ooh, they're a decent weight at least.

Oh, is that Mr Dean?

Yes, it is.

Mr Dean? Good day to you.

Good day to you, Sister Briony.

Sisters.Mr Dean.

Oh, look. Isn't that Om's mother?

Perhaps you should speak to Mr Dean

about the statues, Sister Clodagh,

and actually there are quite a few jobs that need looking at.

We can't keep running to Mr Dean, Sister.

He has his own work to do.

Sister Blanche said Om expects the baby to be there at home

every day when he comes home from school. Bless his soul.

I wonder how many we actually need.

How are you, Sister Ruth? Very well, thank you, Mr Dean.

Actually, I was quite unwell for a time.

Sorry to hear it.

I'm feeling much stronger now.

Sister Ruth, can you help me, please?

Can you say for me 24 annas is the most we'll pay for eight blankets?

But there are five of us.Yes.

One for Joseph Anthony, one for Kanchi and one for Angu.

SHE ASKS IN LOCAL DIALECT

What am I - a donkey now, eh?

Here's your milk, Sister Ruth. Drink up. That's it.

Now, Angu, the bathhouse needs cleaning.

Sister Ruth will help you.

When Srimati Devi was ill,

sometimes...

..sometimes we had to lock her in here,

for keeping her safe.

What was wrong with her?

She will not harm you, Sister.

Srimati Devi is sad.

I thought you said she was hungry?

Yeah. Hungry for happiness...

..or maybe to be reborn.

Oh, maybe just for some milk.

VOICE ECHOES

DOOR SLAMS VIOLENTLY

VOICE CRIES OUT

Lameni!

It's all right, Kanchi. I didn't mean to make you jump.

Maaf kare.

Have you ever seen a moving picture?

It is from Angu.

For read.

Can you read English?

This, to try. I try.

Gary...Cooper.

Thank you, Kanchi.

Dilip Rai, you do us a great honour,

but we're quite unprepared.

Dear Sister Clodagh, there's no need for that now my uncle isn't here.

I've come to see you on a practical matter.

I wish to attend your school.

5am to 7am, algebra, geometry, arithmetic.I see.

But the timetable is only a suggestion, Sister.

Of course, the lessons can be decided by you.

I'm very sorry, Highness, but it isn't possible.

A convent doesn't teach men pupils, you see.

Ah.

Jesus Christ was a man, though.

Wasn't he, Sister Clodagh?

He took the shape of a man.

You must understand, I want so much to learn,

I am only the shape of a man.

My uncle was going to send me to the University of Cambridge,

but after my brother died, Uncle said I couldn't go.

I thought if I show him how quick I am to study,

and to learn,

he might change his mind.

We can't go against the General's wishes, Excellency.

You must see that. Oh, Toda Rai is happy for me to come to school here.

He very much wants me to improve my English.

It's just the plans for Cambridge he disapproves of.

Well, then...

..I shall certainly consider it.

Thank you, Superior Sister. Good day.

Are you quite well, Sister Clodagh?

Yes.

It's this business with Dilip Rai.

I know this is an unusual place, Sister Clodagh,

and we should expect unusual things,

but surely it isn't right for a boy the young general's age to...

He's more of a man than a boy.

What are we to do?

I could write to Toda Rai explaining our objections but...

..the post is so slow now.

Mightn't it be a help to talk to Mr Dean?

He's worked for the General for so long

and if there's really no way round Dilip Rai coming, then...

..he might be able to speak to him about how to...

..conduct himself.Man to man?

Is that what they say?

I'm sorry, Sister Briony, it's just the thought of Mr Dean giving

anyone a lesson on how to conduct themselves!

You'd think the young general would find it strange,

the thought of coming here every day.

I suppose he doesn't remember his mother at all.

It's not just the young general, Sister Clodagh,

we really can't do without Mr Dean for all the work that's needed.

And since your falling-out, he's been steering clear of us.

Yes, you're right. You're quite right...

..Sister Briony.

Good sense, as always.

This is an unusual place and we should expect unusual things.

YAK GRUNTS

Sister Clodagh, it's been a while.

I'm afraid that I'm not fit for receiving visitors.

I should have sent a note, Mr Dean.

But there's a matter I need to discuss with you.

In person.

By all means.

As long as you take me as you find me.

Would you like to have a seat?

Water, I presume?

Dilip Rai, the young general...

He wishes to study with us at St Faith's.

I know I can rely on you to be direct.

Is it safe?

A beastly savage, you mean? Clearly, that's...

That's not what I meant at all.

The boy seems charm itself.

It's just...I'm not sure what his...

..expectations are...

..about women, Mr Dean.

If we are to accede to his uncle's wishes

and accept Dilip as our pupil...

Well, you can see my dilemma.

He comes from another world.

Dilip Rai will be a cuckoo in your nest.

No doubt about it.

He's been spoiled rotten.

But there's no harm in the lad and his manners put mine to shame.

He'll respect your...

..discipline.

Particularly if he thinks any bad behaviour

will get back to his uncle.

I could a word with him, if you like,

but I doubt he'll pay me much mind.

Would you?

That would be a great comfort.

Thank you.

I'll leave you to your supper.

I owe you an apology, Mr Dean,

for the way I've spoken to you in the past.

It was uncalled for.

Well...

..you're only human.

So I'm discovering.

I'm not much of a cook.

The factory women keep me from starving.

I...

We hope to see you at the palace soon.

SHE GIGGLES

HER LAUGHTER ECHOES

ICE SMASHES

Dear Mother Dorothea,

it has been strange indeed to go

so long without communion or making confession.

At the General's request,

Dilip Rai is taking daily lessons at the school.

He is a dedicated pupil

and his manners respectful of our discipline.

Work proceeds at the palace

and you will be pleased to hear

Sister Ruth's health is much restored.

I look forward to showing Father Roberts

everything we've achieved at St Faith's.

COUGHING

Bonjour, Sister Ruth.Bonjour.

Bonjour, Sister Clodagh!

Comment allez-vous?

Good day, Excellency.

Tres bien, merci.

Il fait froid, n'est pas?

Mais c'est tres bon.

Non...

Beau. Tres, tres beau!

Oui, vraiment beau.

WIND HOWLS

So, there won't be any vegetables at all on the terraces come spring?

It seems a shame to waste such a glorious aspect on onions.

When I thought...

Sister...

Lady Hillingdon. It's a repeat flowerer.

I was going to underplant it with jonquils and daffodils.

You see, you could start them off indoors

and plant them as soon as the ground...

Sister Philippa, the order has already spent a great deal

on equipping the classroom, not to mention all the other works.

But the terraces will be so glorious in spring.

The lupins and sweet peas, with a border of petunias.

And if we could consider the Japanese peonies for next year...

I know the red ones are expensive but...

..the colour...

..is...

..magnificent.

FLOOR CREAKS

FOOTSTEPS

I'm not inclined to trouble Mother Dorothea

with pure extravagance.

Yes, Sister Clodagh.

It is not extravagance, though,

if it is for the glory of God.

DOOR CLOSES

CHILD: Four sevens are 28.

CLASS: Four sevens are 28.

Four eights are 32.

Four eights are 32.

THUNDER RUMBLES

Four nines are 36.

Four nines are 36.

Four tens are 40.

Four tens are 40.

Kanchi.

Excuse me, sisters.

This is the passage in English.

You can read it in Nepali.

HALTINGLY: "Where is God?

"God is...

BOTH: "..everywhere."Very good.

Sister Clodagh, Mr Dean has finished. He's in your office.

I'm just making his coffee now.

Thank you, Sister Briony.

"Where is God?"

Mr Dean.

Glad to hear the young general's behaving himself.

Like a lamb. Though I can't help thinking he's finding our standard

of scholarship rather disappointing.

Christianity isn't taking, I hope.

I needn't tell you what a disaster it would be

if you tried to convert him.

Dilip Rai is about as spiritual as you, Mr Dean.

You're confusing spirituality with religion, Sister.

It's not the same thing at all. In fact, from what I've observed,

that two are rather mutually exclusive.

Coffee, Mr Dean?

You spoil me, Sister. Oh!

Thank you. Are you forgoing Sister Briony's special coffee?

Friday is our fast day, till three.

Thank you, Sister. Always a pleasure, Mr Dean.

You look ill.

I'm just tired, that's all.

The wind seems to keep me awake.

I've been using the time for this.

It's for Kanchi.

My Nepali is so poor it'll probably take me years.

I could try my hand at it, if you like.

At this point, I know more Nepali

than I've forgotten of the King's English.

Or the Catechism, for that matter.

That's kind. Thank you.

Kanchi so wants to learn.

She's a special soul, I think.

Surely you're obliged to think every soul is special.

Well, we do.

We do.

But some are more special than others.

What you said about spirituality...

..do you think that's true of what you've seen here at St Faith's?

What do you care what I think?

You've changed these last few weeks.

Have I?

You're nicer.

DOOR CREAKS CLOSED

LAUGHTER

..in my thoughts and in my words...

WHIP SNAPS

..what I have done and for what I have failed to do.

WHIP SNAPS

..my most grievous fault.

WHIP SNAPS

WIND HOWLS

OMINOUS MUSIC

INSTRUMENTS SOUND

CHILDREN CHATTER EXCITEDLY

Stop it.

SHE SPEAKS NEPALI

CHILDREN LAUGH

SOUNDS SWIRL

God be with you, Sister.

And with you, Sister Briony.

BELL RINGS

God be with you, Sister. And with you.

BELL RINGS

God be with you, Sister.

And with you.

God be with you, Sister. And with you.

WIND HOWLS

Sister Philippa, I wish to speak with you

about your plans for the garden.

I suppose it could wait until recreation,

but I've been thinking about the flowers.

You're right.

Mopu demands its tribute.

Beauty for the glory of God.

Now, I would suggest half a dozen of the peonies rather than the dozen,

and Pin says he can get hill crocuses for free

rather than the daffodils, but...

I thought you'd be pleased.

Sister...

Sister, what is it?

I have written a letter to Mother Dorothea.

I wish to return to the community at Darjeeling.

But...

..you love it here.

The gardens... That's the trouble.

You made me see...

..if I stay, I will forget my purpose.

Since we came here,

all I can think about is the beauty of everything.

It is too much.

The air is too clear.

We can see too far.

It's as though the mountains are watching us.

Not God.

Take great care.

I think this place is too much for all of us, Sister Clodagh.

SHE HUMS AND CHILDREN CHATTER

Had God any body?

God has no body.

Had God any body?

God has no body.

He is...

SHE GASPS

You careless creature.

Angu will give you a whipping for this.

No, please. Stop. Stop, Kanchi.

Kanchi, don't touch me. Kanchi, stop it!

Sister?

This is not the girl's fault at all.

In fact, I think it is a blast of freezing and thawing.

This is science.

Get up.

KANCHI SPEAKS NEPALI

Oh, no, you mustn't. You must speak in English. We are modern people.

Thank you, Dilip Rai.

That's enough.

Off you go. Angu will be wondering where you are.

Where on earth did that girl get hold of scent?

That's me, Sister Ruth, not Kanchi.

I sent for it from the Army and Navy stores in London.

Do you like it? It's called Black Narcissus.

I certainly do not.

Good day.

SCREAMING

SHE SCREAMS

Sister Ruth? Whatever are you doing?

Careful.

It's not my fault.

It was Kanchi.

It's broken.

Goodness.

Still, Sister Briony's been boiling bones for glue

ever since we arrived.

I'm sure she will be delighted that she can use some of it.

Shall we go and ask her?

Oh, Sister...

You're not yourself.

When Father Roberts arrives,

I'm going to ask him to take you back with him to Darjeeling.

You'll see a doctor.

I so wish...

I wish you could see how much I want to help you, Sister Ruth.

We all do.

"A true witness delivereth souls,

"but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.

"In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence,

"and his children shall have a place of refuge.

"The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life

"to depart from the snares of death.

"In the multitude of people is the king's honour,

"but in the want of people is the destruction of the prince.

"He that is slow...

WIND HOWLS

BELLS JANGLE

"O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL" PLAYS ON HARMONIUM

SHE PLAYS WRONG CHORD

Oh, no, that's wrong.

MUSIC CONTINUES

Joseph Anthony, would you fetch the cooked mince pies, please?

Where is the meat in this mincemeat?

There is none.

It's traditional, you see, as part of the celebrations tomorrow.

When Shrimati Devi was alive, we had so many parties.

What was it that happened to the princess? You're always hinting.

Can't you guess, Sister?

SHE CHUCKLES

Same story, always - another man who told Shrimati Devi

he loved only her...till a baby was made. And then...

Happy Christmas, sisters!

ALL: Happy Christmas!

I so want to shake Father Roberts' hand. And the new sister.

Are they here?Sister Adela? Unfortunately not, Highness.

This weather's bound to have held them up at Goontu.

Well, look what I have for you, sisters.

Dean caught me on the way up.

AS DEAN: "Dilip Rai, you can save me a job."

LAUGHTER

I do love him, don't you? He's a democrat!

Thank you. Thank you. Joseph Anthony, Sister Briony.

Oh, my word.Oh, dear.

He can't have known that we're not allowed to accept personal presents.

Open it, Sister, huh?

At least you should see what it is you can't have.

Shall we really not be allowed to keep them, Sister Clodagh?

Well... Sister Ruth... ..they are exceedingly practical.

I suppose we could consider them a donation to the order.

Oh, I could dance a jig!

Night after night I've been up with my chilblains,

and now my poor old trotters will be warm and dry!

I know the man's a rogue, and they say he drinks and worse,

but I won't hear a word against him.

Aren't you going to try yours on, Sister Ruth?

Look...

Look, there are knots in the string.

Leave her, Sister Clodagh.

There's no point in spoiling Christmas Eve.

JOSEPH ANTHONY: Angu, this is for you.

Ohh!

Your favourite.

THEY LAUGH

Exciting. A knife!

It's definitely for a big boy.

LAUGHTER

# O come all ye faithful

# Joyful and triumphant

# O come ye O come ye

# To Bethlehem

# Come and behold him

# Born the king of angels

# O come let us adore him

# O come let us adore him

LANTERN CLATTERS

MR DEAN SINGS IN HARMONY

# O come let us adore him

# Christ, the Lord

# God of god

# Light of light

# Lo, he abhors not the Virgin's womb

# Very God

# Begotten not created

# O come let us adore him

# O come let us adore him

# O come let us... #

They're very festive. They've beautiful.

They're better than those little things that you had,

with your toes... Certainly warmer.

Thank you so much, Mr Dean.

Thank you. They're lovely. So kind.

The least I could do.

Sister Clodagh, allow me to congratulate you

on the birth of Jesus Christ.

Thank you, Excellency.

MR DEAN BURPS AND SISTER LAUGH

Forgive me my trespasses.

You couldn't carry Joseph Anthony to his bed for me, could you, Mr Dean?

We can't leave him in the chapel all night. He'll catch his death.

Your wish, Sister Briony, is my command.

SHE LAUGHS

He's in fine form this evening.

Happy Christmas, Mr Dean.

And season's greetings to you, Sister.

These came all the way from England.

The order in Kenstead.

It's for your...

You don't have a buttonhole. Oh, no.

Not in these glad rags.

May I? Oh.

It's awfully prickly.

MR DEAN GROANS

WHISPERS: Where should I take him?

Just take him to the kitchen, please, Mr Dean. Thank you.

Oh, careful!

Night, Sister Clodagh. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, sisters.

Mr Dean. What just happened with Sister Ruth?

I think you'd better ask Sister Ruth.

How much have you had to drink?

Just a dram or two...

..to wet the Christ child's head.

How dare you come to our place of worship drunk?

Tonight of all nights.

Spare me the sermon. Why not take the night off?

You really are objectionable.

Well, so are you...

..but in the morning, Sister, I'll be sober.

Goodnight, Sister Clodagh. I did so enjoy the singing, didn't you?

Goodnight, Dilip Rai.

I didn't know you could sing, Dean. Your voice is so strong and loud.

Goodnight.

HORSE WHINNIES

Sister, it's my turn to apologise. The whisky...

The whisky?

You're right.

It's no excuse.

What can I do? I've tried.

We rely on you so much - we have to. There's simply no other choice.

I'm sorry.

Clodagh, that's not your real name.

They make you change it.

Clodagh is my real name.

It's my name in Christ.

HORSE WHINNIES

BELL RINGS

You wish to see me, Sister Clodagh.

Sister Ruth.

Won't you sit?

WIND HOWLS

Last night...

..after the service...

..did something happen between you and Mr Dean? In the chapel?

If he took advantage of you, I will have words with him.

Took advantage?If Mr Dean attempted to touch you.

Please don't make fun of me.

I would never make fun of you.

You must know that.

You've never wanted me here.

None of you have.

Everyone's against me.

No.

If everyone's against you,

don't you think that some of that feeling might be your fault as well?

Is that why you gave the lace school to Sister Blanche

and landed me with teaching the brats?

I already explained my reasons for that.

I really think that your unhappiness...

I'm not unhappy.Very well, let me be plain -

I think you've let yourself fall into thinking too much

about Mr Dean.

SHE LAUGHS

Well, you'd know all about that, wouldn't you?

He's not a good man, Sister...

..in ways perhaps you don't understand.

That's why you try to bully me to force me back to Darjeeling -

because you want him for yourself.

Oh, sniffing after Mr Dean like a bitch in heat.

You'd better watch out. You've already driven away one sister,

and Mother Dorothea won't think you're such a marvellous success

if you push me out as well.

If all that was in your mind...

..it's better said.

It's... It's not.

It's not what I think.

Forgive me, Sister Clodagh, I...

I don't know what I'm saying sometimes, and I...

I don't know what's happening to me.

WIND HOWLS

Sister Clodagh. Sister Clodagh.

It's Sister Adela.Sister Adela?

Where's Father Roberts?

Father Roberts' pony's lame.

I've left him in the woods. Can you send a horse, please?

I'll saddle Love, Sister Clodagh.

Thank you, Sister. It won't take me long to fetch Father Roberts.

It's blowing a storm out there. Please sit.

Sister Blanche, can you get my cape and gloves, please?

WIND HOWLS

Try to keep warm, Sister Adela.

I won't be long.

Please take. Oh.

Thank you very much.

Sister Ruth?

Sister Clodagh, your gloves.

She's taken Love.

But she's not used to horses. What does she think she's doing?

Fetch me a lantern, Sister. She won't get far in this.

WIND HOWLS

Sister Ruth!

SHE GASPS

Father Roberts!

Sister Ruth!

Sister Ruth!

Father Roberts!