Original subtitles

[MUSIC PLAYING]

-Surely there must be something involving children.

-Employee would keep watch while 4 groups of 20 children

take alternating recesses.

-A playground supervisor?

-It pays $3.10 an hour.

-No thanks.

When it comes to baby sitters, I'm used to doing the hiring.

-How many children do you have?

-Just one.

He's staying with my parents in Nebraska until I get settled.

Then I'll need baby sitters again.

-I'll loan you my list.

I have an eight-year-old daughter

who goes through baby sitters like Sherman through Georgia.

-How do you manage?

-Day by day.

How's your typing?

-I wish I could say I don't type at all.

Truth is, I used to be pretty fast.

I'm awfully rusty though.

Look, I know you're not going to want to hear this,

but my advice is you polish up your office skills

and take temporary assignments until we can find

something better for your talents.

Pay for office work is OK and the hours are flexible.

-You know any place I can hawk a teaching

credential for a typewriter?

-No, but I'll give you the name of a place

where you can rent one.

Now, look, you take this home, you practice,

and you call us when you're ready.

And all the time you're practicing,

and doing all your assignments, you keep telling yourself

this is temporary, that you're moving on to something better,

you're preparing for bigger things.

[TYPEWRITER CLICKING]

[PHONE RINGS]

[TYPEWRITER CLICKING]

[INTERPOSING VOICES]

-Hi.

Nice to see you again.

-I don't feel great about being here, Inez.

I should drop the choir altogether.

-You need some time of your own.

Don't deny yourself something you've always enjoyed.

You can't spend all your time at the hospital.

-Zoe, how nice.

You made it.

-Well, I didn't have anything else planned.

With no TV.

-Well, have you found a job yet?

-I may have to give up on the teaching job.

But I'll hit the pavement again tomorrow.

-Oh, I'm sorry.

Zoe Jensen, meet Muriel Moore.

Muriel, Zoe just moved into the apartment below me,

all the way from Omaha.

-Oh, how do you do?

-Hi.

Are you married, or still one of us girls?

-No, I'm divorced.

I got the papers this week.

-Oh, I'm so sorry.

-Don't be.

I'm beginning to enjoy being on my own again.

-Well, I don't know how good the pickings will be here.

You know San Francisco.

But there's a new conductor.

-I was telling Zoe that this morning.

-None of us have seen him yet.

But he does have an interesting name.

-Really?

-Uh huh.

Ephraim Adams.

REVEREND LOHMAN: I won't try to list for you

all the landmarks of his career.

Let me just say that he's had a great deal

of experience in music of all kinds.

He was supposed to have been retired as of this last year.

But like so many of our senior citizens,

he didn't relish the idea of inactivity.

And so he has chosen to work with us.

No one is expecting miracles.

But I-- I'm sure we'll have a more

enjoyable year ahead for all of us.

And now I would like to introduce you

to your new choir master, Mr. Ephraim Adams.

-Thank you, Reverend Lohman.

Thank you.

Ladies and gentleman of the choir,

I don't want take up valuable time tonight

with a lengthy speech, but I do feel an obligation

to put our relationship on as frank a basis as possible.

Just as the Reverend Lohman was called to his vocation,

I was called to mine, which happens to be music.

I view music not as a recreation, nor as

a competitive sport, nor as a social activity,

nor even as a religious duty.

Music is a craft, a craft that takes hard work

and perseverance and rewards us accordingly.

Your minister has said that he does not expect miracles.

I do.

I fully intend to make something out

of the cacophony I heard last Sunday.

It is conceivable that we may even

achieve the status of a choir.

Whether or not we do that in the next few weeks

depends upon every one of us.

In addition to the regular Sunday services,

we will give a special Christmas performance,

Handel's "Messiah."

I have chose "Handel's Messiah" precisely because it

is difficult and worthy of the effort we intend to make.

Now, those of you who wish to take part in that performance

are invited to stay.

For those who are seeking a more relaxing pastime,

I urge you to leave now and make your way

to the nearest hot tub.

[LAUGHTER]

-Hot tub?

REVEREND LOHMAN: Although I understand

we have some new members, 19 voices

will not do justice to Mr. Handel's great work.

We need to build this choir in theory as well as quality.

And now, I would like to introduce our new organist,

a former student of mine who knows my peculiarities

and has a few of his own, Mr. Seth Ruben.

[APPLAUSE]

CHOIR: (SINGING) Lift up your heads, o ye gates,

and be ye lifted up--

-Open your mouths.

CHOIR: (SINGING) Ye everlasting doors and the King of glory

shall proclaim--

EPHRAIM ADAMS: Open the sound, open.

CHOIR: (SINGING) Who is the King of glory?

The King of glory, who is the King of glory?

Who is the King of glory?

The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord strong and mighty,

and our God in battle.

Lift up your heads, all ye gates and be ye lifted up--

EPHRAIM ADAMS: Get them out of the throats.

CHOIR: (SINGING) And the King of glory shall come in.

And the King of glory shall come in.

Who is the King of glory?

Who is the King of glory?

INEZ: Morning.

-Morning.

-From your boy?

-Yes.

I guess he made this at school.

-He must be awfully sweet.

-He is.

I'm gong to bring him out here as soon as I can afford to.

-Did you get to meet everyone last night?

-Well, not everyone.

-I meant to introduce you to Henry.

-Who?

Henry Quist.

He's Danish, like you, and a bachelor.

-Inez, I am not Muriel Moore.

-Now, now, dear.

Nobody said you were.

[TRAIN HORN BLOWS]

MAN: Working temp must be a real drag.

-It can be tiresome.

-How about an early lunch?

Would that pick you up?

-I brought a sandwich.

Thanks anyway.

-See you in an hour.

-Robbie, I miss you an awful lot,

but I got to talk to Grandma now.

Give yourself a nice big kiss right on the forehead.

ROBBIE (ON PHONE): But how can I kiss myself on the forehead?

-(ALONG WITH ROBBIE) Stand on a chair.

I love you, honey.

ROBBIE (ON PHONE): I love you too, Mom.

OK, here's Grandma.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): So how are you?

I've been so worried.

-Mom, I said I couldn't call too often.

It's expensive.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Well, call collect, dear.

-Well, I can afford this one.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): You mean, you found a job?

Wha-- what school?

-I'm not teaching.

I have a temporary office job.

There are no teaching jobs in this area.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Oh, Zoe.

-Mother.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Honey, I just want what's best for you.

It's hard knowing your daughter's alone,

without a proper job, without a husband, in a strange--

-Mom, I'll be fine.

Why, right at this very moment, I'm

in the company of a rather handsome fellow

with a devastating smile.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Oh?

Wh-- what's his name?

-I think it's Jack.

You did say your name was Jack, didn't you?

What?

Oh, stop it.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Zoe, what's going on?

-Look, Mom, I'm neglecting him.

I've got to go now.

Kiss Robbie for me.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): I will.

Now, be careful, Zoe.

-Right, Mom.

Bye.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Goodbye, dear.

EVANGELINE: Evangeline Burns.

You remember?

I phoned you on Monday about my experience.

Well, a long time ago, I used to sing with this choir.

But it-- it became so, you know, so discouraging.

So I decided to look for something

more challenging for me, you know, light opera, well,

civic light opera, and concerts uh, here and there with friends

and so forth.

But I've heard such the wonderful things

about your work that I decided to come

back and give it another try.

-Well, that is very kind of you.

And I hope you won't be disappointed.

We are about to begin, so if you want to hang your coat up

and take a seat, I'll be with you in a moment.

-Hartley Wood, reporting for duty.

-I'm glad you decided to accept my offer, Mr. Wood.

If you'll just take a chair.

-Uh, no thanks.

I think the church needs it more than I do.

I wouldn't mind sitting down though.

-Third row, please.

-Ah, suits me.

CHOIR: (SINGING) All we like sheep.

All we like sheep have gone astray.

All we like sheep.

All we like sheep have gone astray.

We have turned.

We have turned every one to his own way.

-Ladies and gentleman of the chorus,

may I caution you against taking this text quite so literally.

"We have turned every one to his own way"

does not give you license to become

a conglomeration of soloists.

And "we like sheep have gone astray"

does not mean that you need to illustrate it by wandering

from the key in which we happen to be singing.

And now, before we adjourn, I have an announcement.

The first half of next week's rehearsal

will be devoted to auditions for the four solo parts.

-Do we have to audition in front of the whole choir?

Last year, we could audition privately.

-If you wish to perform "Handel's Messiah" privately

in your closet or bathtub, you may be audition privately.

Otherwise, your audition is intended to reflect not only

how you sing, but how you sing under pressure.

And the pressure in this room, I assure you,

will not be as great as in church with 400 people present.

-She really has a beautiful voice.

-Did you hear her do that last piece.

-I can't help but hear her.

I can hear you only because I sit so close to you.

But your voice is really lovely.

-Maisie, you should try out too.

It doesn't hurt.

-No, I don't think so.

-Inez Pfeifer, I was surprised to see

you here after all these years.

-I love the choir.

It doesn't seem like a long time to me.

-Well, I think it's wonderful the way

you keep going in spite of everything.

[DOORBELL RINGS]

[DOORBELL RINGS]

-Hi.

-Muriel.

-Doing anything?

-Uh, well, I was just painting.

-Oh, what a cute apartment.

-It's only temporary until I can afford something bigger.

-Oh, but it has possibilities.

It really does.

I just love to help people decorate places.

-Well, I don't want to spend too much money on this place.

-Oh, it doesn't have to cost very much.

I go to garage sales and I find just

precious things for nothing.

-Well, I don't want to get too encumbered.

Paring down, you know?

-Oh, I think that is so wise.

I think we should all do that, don't you?

-Yes, we should.

Would you like some coffee?

-We don't have time.

We're going to have a girl's night out.

-Look, I can't.

-No, no, no, please.

This is my treat.

I brought my math money.

-I think that man is watching us.

-What man?

-Over there by the telephone.

-I doubt it, Muriel.

He's probably just waiting for his date

to come out from the john.

-I don't know.

He had that look in his eye.

I was just very embarrassed.

-Now, what can I get you tonight?

-Uh, I'll have a Tom Collins, please.

-Oh, let's see.

I want something special.

Do have anything that comes in a pineapple?

Was it OK to bring my drink in here?

-Oh, sure.

Lots of people do that.

-I don't know.

I got some funny looks.

But I don't care what anyone says.

It's my drink, and I'm going to finish it.

ZOE: Good for you.

-You know, if we hurry, we can catch a movie after this.

-Oh, Muriel, I'm going to go home and collapse for the night

as soon as I've conquered my shrimp salad.

But if you want to go to the movies,

please go on without me.

-I wouldn't think of it.

This is our night out.

-How could I forget?

-Nice morning.

-Yeah, it is.

-Is everything all right, Wendell?

You seemed preoccupied during the service.

-Why, was I off key?

-No, you are always on key.

It drives me crazy.

Can't you goof up once in awhile like the rest of us?

-No, I can't.

I'm sorry.

I don't mean to be rude.

It's just--

-If you want to be alone, I understand.

-Lordy, is it Sunday already?

-Yeah, and the Oreos come out to play.

-Just keep walking, man.

-Ooh, you hear that, man?

This dude must be bad.

-Bad?

The dude may be bad, but his dress is strictly off the rack.

-Have you not seen a choir robe before?

-Hey, this dude got the same tail,

but he talk kind of funny.

-No, see, he's the organ grinder.

This here is the monkey.

-All right, you guys, cut it out!

-Come off of him!

Perhaps you better move on!

Move on!

-We'll be back, man!

We'll be back!

-Move it!

-What you doing up?

-Uh, studying.

I have exams this week.

-What is that you're drinking?

-Coffee, Granny, just coffee.

Can I make you some breakfast?

-Wendell, you get yourself back to the books.

I take care of the kitchen.

-You take your kitchen.

You take of the cleaning and the money making.

All I do is study.

-Well, that's the hardest work of all.

So what you carrying on about?

-You know, Grandma, if I-- if I could switch to night school,

get a full-time job, we'd have more money

and we'd both be happier.

-Listen, I'll be happy when you're schooling's finished

and you get yourself a job that means something.

Now why are you going to make me wait

four years for that when you can do it in two?

-Because I want to help you now, Grandma.

You're 70 years old.

And cleaning offices all night is hard on you.

Why should you have to work so hard for me, huh?

You're all I got, Wendell.

I'll do as much for you as I want.

-(SINGING) The trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be

raised and the dead shall be raised incorruptible.

-Thank you, Mr. Quist.

You may resume your position.

-Thank you.

-Any other candidates for bass solo?

Mr. Wood, would you care to solo?

-Well, I gave it up for Lent, Mr. Adams.

-I think we are well past Lent for this year.

-And I'm well past singing solos.

I'm not past everything, however.

-(SINGING) Rejoice greatly, oh daughter of Zion.

Shout oh, daughter of Jerusalem.

Behold thy King cometh unto thee.

Behold thy King cometh unto thee.

-Thank you, Mrs. Burns.

Any other soprano solo candidates?

Mrs. Kim, step over here, please.

Mrs. Kim, you have your selection?

-Number 45, sir.

-Proceed.

-(SINGING) I know that my redeemer liveth and that He

shall stand, shall stand on the latter day upon the earth.

I know that my redeemer liveth and that he shall stand

on the latter day upon the earth, upon the earth.

-Oh, Maimy?

-It's Maisie, Mrs. Burns.

-Oh, sorry.

I just wanted to say how sweet I think your voice is.

-Thank you.

-I've heard of so few singers among your people.

-We do a variety of things.

-Well, you keep up the good work.

With training, I think you show real promise.

-What's he doing in bed?

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): He's being disciplined, Zoe.

He came home two hours late yesterday.

Maybe he had a good reason.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): The reason is his mother's a thousand

miles away and he thinks no one cares what he does.

Are you coming home for Thanksgiving?

-I can't afford to.

You know that.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Oh.

Still at the same office?

-I wish.

I'm in the third office this week.

Choir makes up for it though.

We had solo auditions last night.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Oh, did you get one?

-I didn't try for one.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): You could get a solo in Omaha.

-I don't want one, Mother.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): And we need teachers too.

Why, I heard just this last week that the school

board has decided that--

-I'm in San Francisco, and I'm staying.

It's time you accept that.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Well, I can't accept it.

There you are all by yourself without a decent job,

without a husband, without a proper place to live.

I don't know, Zoe.

I just don't know.

Are you listening?

[PHONE RINGS]

[TYPEWRITER CLICKS]

[PHONE RINGS]

-Couldn't get used to the idea of a Christmas

without snow either.

We transferred here from East Lansing.

Matt wanted to take on the challenge

of an inner city church.

-Do you have any children?

-Just one, Terry.

He's 17.

He came today to lend a hand.

He's so helpful.

As soon as Matt mentioned the choir needed more members,

Terry offered to join.

-Is he improving at all?

-I don't know.

It's so-- so complicated now.

-Well, we're praying for you.

-I'm praying too.

-Muriel just acquired another piece for her hope chest.

-Good heavens.

What was it this time?

-A fork, I think.

-I'll just have to get a husband for that woman.

I don't think the church can withstand

her being single much longer.

-All right, people, people.

We want to get some pictures of the bride

and my handsome new son-in-law.

Jerome has his new camera.

Now, let's see.

First of all, I want to get Reverend Lohman

and his lovely family up here with Jackie and Bob.

Oh, Reverend Lohman, please.

Alice, you come over and get here with your cousin.

Now, let's see.

Where's Terry?

-Terry?

-Oh, Terry, come on.

Come on.

-Jackie, scrunch in closer to Bob.

You just married him after all.

-I'm glad you decided to come on a hike.

Danes got to stick together.

-Is it uphill or downhill?

-A little of both.

-I only go on downhill hikes.

-Oh, well, then maybe I could, uh--

-Henry?

I was just kidding.

How'd you find this place, Henry?

-Old friends.

It was started by a German hiking club.

-My grandmother was German, the only one among all those Danes.

And you still don't like the sauerkraut?

-Not when I have five miles to climb uphill.

-Fill the yellow tea kettle?

-Yeah.

The coffee stuff's on the counter next to the stove.

-I see it.

How do the feet feel now?

-I don't know.

Dead dogs don't talk.

-What?

-It's an old Nebraska saying.

Dead dogs don't talk.

-Oh.

Well, you should have told me about sooner, you know?

I mean, I always carry a first-aid kit

in case of blisters.

Ah, here.

Off with the sock.

-Um, all right, I can do it.

-I'm sorry, Zoe.

I didn't mean.

-Wow, these sweat socks sure earn their name today.

Oh, Henry.

Henry?

This just doesn't seem to be working out too well.

Can I just be alone now please?

-Good night.

CHOIR: (SINGING) And with His stripes, and with His stripes

we are healed.

With his stripes we are healed.

And with his stripes we are healed.

And we are healed.

With his stripes we are healed.

And with his stripes--

EPHRAIM ADAMS: Very good.

CHOIR: (SINGING) And with his stripes we are healed.

And with his stripes we are healed.

-Well, as you know, I am not one who

is given to showering praise impetuously or without reason.

Nevertheless, that was a distinct improvement.

We shall return to that part of the score later.

Before we go on to the next section,

there are some announcements to be made.

It is never easy to choose one person over another, especially

when the factors of talent and experience

can be so vastly different.

Nevertheless, music and life require such choices.

The bass soloist for the "Messiah" will be Mr. Garner.

The alto solos are the responsibility of Ms. McGuire.

Tenor solos will be sung by Mr. Jefferson,

and the soprano solos by Mrs. Kim.

Are there any questions?

Very well.

If you will please turn to section 28 in your score,

Mr. Ruben will give us a starting chord.

CHOIR: (SINGING) He trusted in God that he would deliver him.

Let him deliver him, if he delight in him.

He trusted in God that he would deliver him.

Let him deliver him, if he delight in him.

He trusted in God that he would deliver him.

Let him deliver him, if he delight in him.

He trusted in God that he would deliver him.

-Mrs. Burns, blend.

CHOIR: (SINGING) --if he delight in him.

Let him deliver him, let him deliver him,

if he delight in him.

-Mrs. Burns, There is no solo in this section.

There are no solos for anyone.

-I'm not sure, Mr. Adams, you'd know

a soloist if you heard one.

-I know an ego when I hear one.

You have a very impressive voice, Mrs. Burns.

There's no denying that.

But it is what I think of as an operatic voice, one not easily

suited to music sung by a group.

-A group of amateurs who can't even sing on key!

-Mrs. Burns is right, of course.

You are amateurs, unlike certain pseudo professionals

like myself who insist on slave wages.

Your voluntary and steadfast attendances at these rehearsals

fully qualifies you for any definition of the word amateur.

But what Mrs. Burns and many others are wrong about

is the meaning of the word, which

has to do with motivation, not quality.

Now, you will remember amo, amas, amat, the Latin verb

to love.

The meaning of amateur is he or she

who does a thing for the love of it.

There is no higher reason for singing

than the love of doing it.

And in that respect, you do indeed qualify as amateurs.

And I salute you for it.

Now, shall we get on?

[SEAGULLS CRYING]

ZOE: Is this Mr. Adams?

HARTLEY: Yep, taken before the war.

ZOE: How did you two meet?

-Longshoreman strike, 1934.

-Which side was he on?

-Dab smack in the middle.

He was reporting for a newspaper.

Ephraim saved my life during that strike.

-How?

-Well he, uh, sort of distracted a goon

who was trying to finish me off with a baseball bat.

-And you didn't invite him today?

Oh, I quit inviting him any place years ago.

He's a loner.

And I think he likes it that way.

-Watch your step there.

OK, just right along here.

-Well, welcome aboard, Mrs. Curtis.

I'm Hartley Wood, the captain of this rig.

-Pleased to meet you, I'm sure.

-Here, let me give you a hand.

-How you doing Hartley?

-Good.

-There you go.

-Is it ready?

-Well, if it gets any more ready, it'll fall apart.

Can we eat?

-Not until we're all here.

Well, can we let it sit for a bit, then?

-Good.

Just don't let it get too cool.

-Oh, there's still plenty of heat in this old carcass.

-That's no way to talk about yourself, Hartley.

-Yeah.

-Hey, everybody, uh, Henry's here.

Now we can eat, huh?

Hello, Henry.

Happy Thanksgiving.

-And the same to you, Zoe.

Uh, I'm glad you're here.

-OK, everybody.

Find your places.

-This is terrific.

Two of the most wonderful turkey cookers I've ever met.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[INTERPOSING VOICES]

INEZ: Mrs. Curtis, how can we get you to join the choir?

Wendell tells us you have a wonderful voice.

-Oh, did that boy say that?

Well, I always did like to sing in church.

But I work nights.

Besides, where I growed up, we didn't read the music,

you know?

You folks read your music, don't you?

-Well, some of them do.

Some of us just make a stab at it.

-What denomination do you belong to, Mr. Wood?

-I belong to the church of beautiful women.

I am a recent convert.

Uh, now, teach us some songs that we don't have to read.

-Well, um, I don't know.

ZOE: Maybe there's some hymns we both know.

Then we can teach them to these heathens.

-Oh.

-(SINGING) What a fellowship, what a joy divine,

leaning on the everlasting arms.

What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,

leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarm.

Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning.

it

-(SINGING) The glory of the Lord is risen, is risen upon thee,

is risen, is risen upon thee.

Oh, glory.

Oh, glory.

The glory of the lord is risen, risen upon thee.

CHOIR: (SINGING) Oh, thou that tellest good tidings to Zion,

get thee up into the high mountain.

Oh, thou that tellest good tidings to Zion,

good tidings to Zion, arise.

Arise.

-Thank you, tenors, for paying attention.

It's a great relief for me to know that I'm waving my arms

here not simply to ventilate the place.

That is the seventh time we have tried that section.

There's no point in finishing it unless we can get it right.

So I am going back to the beginning, including the solo.

And this time, I want to hear your voices, all your voices.

Ms. Moore.

-What?

-Would you please give me the text of measures 43 to 48?

-OK.

Uh, was that, um-- was that-- was that before

or after the, uh-- (SINGING) The cities of Judah?

-Measures 43 through 48.

-Well, um, Mr. Adams, I don't-- I um--

I don't seem to have those numbers on my score.

-Why not?

-Well, I know you told us to, uh, measure--

to number all the measures, but, um, I don't-- um,

numbers and music don't seem to go together for me.

-Music is fraught with numbers.

Rhythms are numerical relationships.

And measures need to be numbered if we

are to have some common reference

to find our way through this piece of music.

I suggest that you number your score or find

a choir that is less demanding.

Now, Mr. Goodman, would you please

read me the text of measures 43 to 48?

-"Lift up thy voices with strength.

Lift them up.

Be not afraid."

-Again, please.

-"Lift up thy voice with strength.

Lift it up.

Be not--

-Be not afraid!

Now, all of you, not just Ms. Moore and Mr. Goodman,

lift up thy voices with strength.

Are you here to sing or to swallow your words

and hold back and mouth your way through a great piece of music?

Well, it's a waste of time, yours and mine.

We have four weeks, four weeks.

-Three?

-Yes.

My daughter's 12 now.

It's time she got some culture.

-Thanks.

The church could use a full house.

-Mr. Charleton Marchetti, good morning.

Yes, this morning.

-I know it's been bad before.

But this, this is a lot worse.

-Can we get another loan?

I don't know.

We'll have to get a new treasurer just

to sort this thing out.

I wonder if we could cut down on the maintenance expenses.

-I'm sorry to interrupt.

-Yes, Terry?

-Could I borrow the car Wednesday night,

because some of the kids are going to the beach for a cook

out and I said that maybe I could drive.

-Sounds fine to me.

Matt?

Isn't that the day you volunteered

to drive for the senior citizens, son?

-Yeah.

Uh.

-Well, Matt, maybe.

-No, uh, never mind.

I'll just tell them some other time.

-Sure.

We'll help you plan it.

You know, one thing we could use is some more fund-raising.

[CHOIR SINGING]

-Well, that was much better.

Next week, we'll go into part two

and hope that the improvement continues.

In the meantime, I want you all to work

on your vocal exercises.

So thank you very much.

I'll see you next week at our usual time.

[INTERPOSING VOICES]

-Mrs. Pfeifer, may I speak with you downstairs, please?

-Yes, Mr. Adams.

-Thank you for coming down.

I want to thank you also for that jar of marmalade.

I did not think it appropriate to mention it

in front of the entire choir, but I did appreciate.

-I gave them to several people.

The recipe makes a big batch.

What did you want to talk about?

-Well, I wanted to discuss several things.

You've been a member of this choir for a long time.

So I think you understand what this choir means to the church.

And I hope you understand what I'm trying to do here.

-Yes, I understand all of that.

-Good.

I think you also understand that in any group endeavor,

the ultimate consideration has to be

what is best for the group and for the goals of that group.

-You want me to drop out of the choir, don't you?

Mr. Adams, I'm 72 years old.

I know my voice is not what it was when I was 20.

I just wanted to sing as long as I could, as long

as it was acceptable.

If it's not, that's your decision.

You have every right to make that decision.

-It is my responsibility to make that decision.

And it's not easy.

-I know.

And I appreciate how you're changing this choir.

I really do.

And I don't want to stand in the way of that.

But I can't stop coming here.

Giving up all this would be like dying.

-What can we do?

-I've thought of something.

I think you need an assistant.

There are so many things that need to be done.

People in the choir keep losing parts of their score.

There's a lot of organization needed.

I can run a copy machine.

And I'm good at notation, at least on paper.

Also, the robes need a good overhaul before Christmas.

They're in terrible shape.

I don't think you've noticed how they're

falling apart, have you?

-No, I haven't.

-Well, I have.

We are going to make this not only the best sounding choir

this church ever had, but also the best

looking one and the most organized.

I appreciate what you've tried to say, Mr. Adams.

I really do.

But I hope you never have to be told

to stop doing something you love as much as this.

I don't know if you could take it.

WOMAN (ON INTERCOM): Dr. Gordon, call 32, please.

-I'm so sorry.

I thought the treatments were going so well.

-They liked.

The treatments just prolonged his pain.

-I don't think they lied, Cora.

I'm sure they did the best they could.

Doctors are not infallible.

-Matt, what do I tell the children?

-Sometimes God's reasons are difficult to fathom.

-How do I tell that to a six-year-old?

What do I say?

-Uh, maybe I better drive you home.

-What are you, God's taxi service?

-Cora.

I want to know why Rory died.

Ask God why a beautiful man dies in the prime of life.

-Maybe I'd better take you some place

where you won't be disturbing others.

-Oh, am I disturbing others?

But I'm disturbed!

My husband just died.

People die in this place!

Does that disturb you?

It disturbs me!

I wanna know why God let Rory die!

[CRYING]

-So even if we spend the $5,000 now,

we've got to follow it up with another 10

to get the thing in tip top shape.

I'm just wondering, gentleman, if this may not

be the best time to write off this organ

and use the insurance money to make a better investment.

-Such as?

-An electronic organ.

I own a piece of an ice skating rink.

We just put in one there for $6,000.

It sounds great.

$6,000, complete?

-Complete.

Now, we may need a bigger model here.

But for 12,000 to 15,000, you can get the top of the line.

The maintenance is nothing.

It's all solid state.

-Ephraim, sir, what do you think about that?

-I think that to write off this noble instrument is criminal.

-You'd be surprised by what they can

do with electronics these days.

-I know what an electronic organ can do.

And I know what it cannot do.

At least this side of your Heavenly gates, Reverend

Lohman, there is no substitute for the sound of a pipe organ.

-Seth, are you totally opposed to this as well?

-No, not totally.

I mean, I have some very-- but they're not quite the same.

If we could get this organ repaired.

-Gentlemen, I did not finish my report.

The problem is not only money.

It is time.

There are only three companies who do this kind of work.

And none of them can get to it before February.

-What about an out of town company?

-It's the worse time of year.

Every church who can afford it schedules

a servicing before Christmas.

-On the electronic, we can get a free trial demo, no obligation,

for two months.

-Looks like we have very few choices.

-Very few.

-Please, no applause.

I'll go on all day.

What do you think?

-Uh, well, Mr. Luke, the volume is certainly impressive.

But the choice in the--

-And that was only 60% of max output from these amps.

This model can blow your roof off.

-What we do for an encore?

-Listen, encores, preludes, processionals,

funeral stuff, this model can do it all.

You've got your string effects, your harpsichord, your brass.

-Could I, uh, try something a little more

like the music we play on the organ?

-Hey, listen, you're the expert.

What do I know?

Be my guest, Sid.

Do you mind if I call you Sid?

-I think his parents might object.

-My name is Seth, Seth Ruben.

-Seth, of course.

Here, we've got an adjustable bench.

Make yourself comfortable and play whatever you want.

Wow, that's really nice.

-That's not too bad, is it?

-It's a good imitation of a great sound.

CHOIR: (SINGING) Glory be to the Father and to the Son

and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning,

is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Amen, amen.

-"And she brought forth her first-born son and wrapped him

in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn."

The Bible tells us the child was born in utmost simplicity.

Shouldn't we at least reflect that simplicity

in our celebrations?

The birth of Christ required no complicated attendants.

Why then should our celebrations of that birth

be attended by such rabid commercialism?

[RADIO CUTTING IN AND OUT]

Is it really necessary--

[RADIO CUTTING IN AND OUT]

-Is it really necessary in an age when

one quarter of the world's population

goes to bed hungry to consume the meaningless, disposable

products of a civilization steeped in gluttony?

MAN (ON RADIO): Dispatch?

Can we do that after lunch?

[LAUGHTER]

-I had a feeling it was going to be one of those days.

[LAUGHTER]

-Matt?

-Uh huh?

-That was one of your better sermons, I must say.

-Oh, really?

Well if it's going to be that entertaining ever Sunday,

maybe we should just keep the damn thing.

DOOR BUZZER RINGS]

-Who could that be?

[DOOR BUZZER RINGS]

-Oh.

-Oh, no, it's all right, Terry.

I'll-- I'll pick them up later.

-No, I'm sorry.

-And you don't have to say you're sorry about everything,

OK?

-Oh, Reverend, thank god you're home.

It wouldn't be right if you heard

about it from somebody else first.

-Heard-- heard what?

-Well, I've been thinking it over in my head

a million times.

And after the fight, well, I-- I felt

he must be capable of anything.

I-- I know I'm right.

-Right about what?

-The vandalism.

I know who broke the organ.

I saw him leave the church that night.

It was Wendell Curtis.

-Well, you know, Muriel, you-- you're clearly mistaken.

I mean, perhaps if somebody just talked to Wendell, he--

-No, no.

The police are questioning him right now.

-The police?

-They told me I acted very responsibly.

-I have to get down there right now.

Sorry about lunch.

I'll be back as soon as I can.

REVEREND LOHMAN: I got here as soon as I could.

-Did my Grand-mama call you?

-No.

I heard about it from Muriel.

-Muriel?

Well, Muriel is a crazy woman.

That woman is crazy.

And they believe her.

-What do you mean?

-Man, I know she saw me come out of the church that night.

But I was practicing man, just practicing.

All I wanted to do was see what my voice

would sound like in the church.

Man, I didn't break nothing.

I swear to God I didn't break nothing.

-Wendell, it's going to be all right.

If you're innocent like you say you are,

then you've got nothing to worry about.

-Would he talk to you?

-Not much.

-Do you still want to press charges against him or not?

-I-- I don't even know if he's guilty.

-That's what jury trials are for.

-He told me he didn't do it.

-Hey, then he'll get off.

-What's the good of pressing charges?

-Have it your way.

-Excuse me, are you in charge?

-That's right.

What can I do for ya?

-Uh, I got to confess something.

-Terry!

-Was it like a black out?

I mean, did you know what you were doing?

-No, it wasn't a blackout.

I remember everything, even how it looked and what I did

and how it felt.

-Did-- did it feel good?

-What do you mean, did it feel good?

-I mean, whatever you were angry about,

did it feel good to get it out?

-I don't know.

I-- I was just walking behind the altar.

And I saw this vase of flowers.

And I felt like knocking it over.

So I knocked it over.

And then I saw something else.

And I hit that.

And I just kept going, you know?

I remember I felt just a lot of-- a lot of energy, you know?

And then I started laughing because some

struck me as funny.

-What was so funny?

-I-- I thought about what people always say about

destroying private property, you know?

And I wondered whether this was private property or not.

I mean, I still don't know.

I mean, who does the church belong to?

Well, we live here.

And we're it all the time.

But does it belong to us?

Or does it belong to the congregation,

or does it belong to anybody?

-Of course it belongs to use, not

like a car or a bank account.

But my god, Terry, this is our life's work.

This church means more to me than anything in the world,

and to your mother.

-The warpage isn't to bad in there.

But several pieces have to be made from scratch.

-I know this metal.

I could work this with my tools.

-It might look easy, Henry.

But it's going to take very precise tolerances.

-In Denmark, I was apprenticed to a silversmith.

But it's going to take more than one person.

-Well, you've got me.

All we need now is a woodworker.

-Maisie Kim's husband works in a cabinet shop.

-If he can join us, we might be able to get

it back together by Christmas.

It would be a wonderful surprise for Ephraim.

-My lips are glued.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

-Do you think maybe Terry should be here helping us with this?

-He's doing volunteer work through a probation officer.

-Maybe he can't bring himself to come back here.

-That boy's been over churched anyway.

He ought to do his penance somewhere else.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

-Mr. Adams, good morning.

Thank you for coming early.

-Any Sunday morning in which I mus forgo my second cup of tea

and my Times crossword is not a good morning.

-It's the electronic organ.

-That monstrosity.

[ORGAN PLAYING]

CHOIR: (SINGING) Hallelujah, hallelujah,

hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

Hallelujah, hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah

hallelujah.

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

-And I was just getting used to the police calls.

[LAUGHTER]

[PHONE RINGS]

[PHONE RINGS]

[PHONE RINGS]

-Hello?

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Zoe, where have you been?

I've been calling all afternoon.

I've been out trying to find something for Robbie

for Christmas.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Zoe, that's

what I've been trying to reach you about.

We can't find him.

-What?

How long has it been?

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Well, I put

him to bed early last night.

But his bed wasn't slept in.

-All night?

Did you call the police?

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Yes, we've talked to everyone.

He got very upset the other day and threatened

to go to San Fransisco.

You don't think--

-Did you check the bus station?

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Yes, but they don't keep records.

You don't suppose he'd hitchhike?

-Oh, my god, I hope not.

Oh, well, I don't know what to do.

I can't come there.

He might be on his way here.

ZOE'S MOM (ON PHONE): Oh, I don't know, Zoe.

I don't know what more any of us can do.

[THUNDER RUMBLES]

[DOORBELL RINGS]

[DOORBELL RINGS]

MAN: Are you sure this is the right place, kid?

ROBBIE: Yeah.

MAN: Well, it better be.

Otherwise, we're heading straight for the cops.

I don't have time--

-Robbie!

ROBBIE: See, I told you the right address.

MAN: Right, right. -Are you all right?

-Yeah.

-Oh, my god.

I've been so worried.

-Well, the fair is $3.50, lady.

-Oh, oh, sure.

There you go.

Thank you very much.

-Wow! This is a neat place!

-Ah, you're welcome. Well, merry Christmas.

-Merry Christmas.

Robbie, where have you been?

-Hiding on that dumb bus for two days.

That's where I've been.

And they only had one bathroom.

And you know what?

-What?

-That didn't work.

-Oh, no.

-I thought I was gonna--

-You thought you were gonna what?

-You know.

-Did you eat anything?

You must be starving.

-Well, I made myself a couple of peanut butter sandwiches.

But I think I used them up before Utah.

-Utah?

What did you eat between Utah and California?

-Oh, I had a hamburger at a place called Reno's.

Boy, they have a lot of slot machines there.

I used up most of my money on the hamburger.

But I had a quarter left.

And I snuck in and tried it.

-Oh, Robbie, that was crazy, when you don't have anything

left to use it on a slot machine.

Well, at least you found out what a gyp they are, right?

-Right.

-You can pay for the call to Grandma.

CHOIR: (SINGING) Unto us a son is given.

For unto us a child is born.

For unto us a child is born.

Unto us a son is given.

Unto us a son is given.

For unto us a child is born.

For unto us a child is born.

Unto us a son is given.

Unto us a son is given.

Unto us, unto us, a son is given, a son is given.

And the government shall lean upon his shoulders.

And the government shall lean upon his shoulders.

And the government shall lean upon his shoulders.

And his name shall be called--

-Come on now.

Not having money can be good for you.

It forces you to be creative.

What should we make for Grandma.

-We could draw her some pictures.

-That's a start.

Why don't we put the pictures on a calendar?

-Yeah.

And we can mark the days that are special.

-Like what?

-Like March 19th.

-Look, smarty pants, we'll put everybody's birthday on it.

-OK, but mine's in red.

What can I get Daddy?

-I don't know, honey.

He's always been difficult.

-I know what I'd like.

-What?

-To all be together like it was.

-Don't start now, Robbie, OK?

-How come?

-Because it's not going to happen.

I told you that back home in Omaha.

-Daddy said you were the one who wanted a divorce.

-Damn him.

-Mommy.

-He knows very well.

-You mean, Daddy lied to me?

-We all lied to ourselves for too long.

-So in addition to Terry's apology to you and mine,

the three of us were picked as sort of a committee

to come here and tell you that everybody misses you

and that we're all sorry about what happened.

And we hope you'll come back with us

as soon as you feel like it.

-It's OK.

You didn't have to bother.

-It's no bother, Wendell.

Something terrible happened.

You got caught in the middle.

We don't want it to happen to you or anyone else again.

-You can't play hooky, Wendell.

We need all the tenors we get.

Otherwise, the basses will wipe us out.

-There is a dinner planned for the Friday

before the performance, pot luck with lots of good food.

Everybody will be there.

We'd love to have you, Wendell.

-Well, uh, thanks for the invitation.

I'll try and make it.

-Well, thank you for being so understanding.

-Take it easy, son.

-Yeah, I will.

-Wendell, why aren't you mad?

-What?

-Angry.

Why aren't you angry?

You have every right to be?

Uh, It's nothing to be angry about. it was just a mistake.

It was more than that and you know it.

We all know it.

It was terribly unfair.

-Zoe, sometimes life is unfair.

You can't expect justice all the time.

-No, you can't.

But when life is that lousy, when people act that way

and we bear the brunt of it, we have every right

to hit the ceiling, to hit something, a wall, a door.

Do it when we leave.

But do it, Wendell.

Get it out.

-Egg nog?

-No, thank you.

I'm already way over my calorie count.

-Isn't that what a party's for, to stop counting.

-Normally I'd agree with you.

I seem to have lost my appetite.

I guess I've got stage fright a day early.

-Hey, my brother is one of your soloists.

And, uh, he's so nervous, he can't stop eating.

-Your Will's brother?

-Yes, but I'm thinking of resigning.

Until then, my name's Dan Gardner.

-I'm Zoe Jensen.

[SINGING HAVA NAGILA]

[APPLAUSE]

-Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

-Thank you.

Mr. Adams, that's very nice of you.

But you know what the rules of the gift exchange were.

-Yes, Mrs. Pfeifer.

Yes, I knew what the rules of the gift exchange are.

I'm also a man who normally sets great store

by rules, as you all know.

I am also a man who makes great demands on people.

And therefore, I am just trying to find a way to thank you

all for your effort and for your devotion to our common goal.

If you'll excuse me for being a little out of breath,

the bus to go down this evening.

And I took to the sidewalks, forgetting

about our San Francisco hills.

So if you don't mind, I'd like to sit down.

Thank you very much.

[APPLAUSE]

-Wendell, I want you know I didn't accuse you of anything.

I just told people what I saw.

I hope you're not angry with me.

-I am.

Maybe you should figure out what you're angry about.

-You know, Ephraim, these shirts were a nice thought.

But, uh, it's not that easy to get off the hook.

No, we've been slaving for you long enough now.

So before you get your piece of cake,

you're going to have to sing for yourself.

Oh, he can sing, you know?

It's just that he's a bit backwards sometimes.

Come on up here.

[APPLAUSE]

-Now, at least I'm not going to ask him to do a solo.

This is a song that he and I sang together many years ago,

down to the waterfront.

Let's see who remembers it the best, huh?

All right, Seth.

-(SINGING) If the river were whiskey and I was a duck,

I'd dive to the bottom and never come up.

Oh, how long will I have to wait?

Can I get you now?

Must I hesitate?

I was born in Alabama, I was raised in Tennessee.

If you don't like my peaches, don't shake my tree.

Tell me how long will I have to wait.

[SIREN WAILING]

-Any news?

-The nurse said the doctor's still with him.

Well, we should hear something soon.

Now, who wanted cream and sugar?

I hope I got it straight.

-Oh, I'm sure you did.

-Thank you.

-Seth, there's one for you.

-Seth, you can go home if you want to.

-I can't go home.

He's dying.

-He is not going to die.

It may be serious, but I don't think he's going to die.

-He is!

He's dying right now.

He's dying, and we're out here drinking coffee!

-Is anyone here a relative of Ephraim Adams?

-No, Ephraim's all alone.

-Is it serious?

-It was a mild stroke.

How he recovers is a matter of physical therapy

and his own will to improve.

-Well, if it's only a matter of will,

there's nothing to worry about.

He's got plenty of that.

-I talked with his doctor again about noon.

And he said he was doing fine, despite the paralysis.

I-- I think he's a good doctor for Ephraim.

He said when a patient starts ordering the staff around, even

on note paper, it's a sure sign of recovery.

However, the question remains what do we do about next week?

I suppose that the easy thing to do would be to cancel.

But I'd just hate to see all your wonderful work go

for nothing.

Seth, isn't it possible that somewhere we could find a choir

director who was familiar enough with the "Messiah" to step in?

-No.

Uh, I know how individual Ephraim's vision of this music

is.

It's not something you can just hand over

at the last moment to someone else.

-Since you do know it so well, Seth,

wouldn't it be possible for you to conduct?

-It's true.

You're the only one who knows the music as well as Ephraim.

-No, I can't play and conduct the choir.

-I'll turn pages for you.

-No.

I-- I just can't do that kind of thing.

I know some people can.

But I can't.

Then we can't go on with the performance.

-Can't died in the cornfield.

-What did you say?

-Can't died in the cornfield.

It's an old Nebraska expression.

I just remembered it.

-Can't died in the cornfield, Seth.

-That's right, Seth.

Can't died in the cornfield.

-(TOGETHER) Can't died in the cornfield.

Can't died in the cornfield.

Can't died in the cornfield.

Can't died in the cornfield.

Can't died in the cornfield.

-OK, OK.

Can't died in the cornfield?

-All right!

[ORGAN PLAYING]

MAN: (SINGING) Comfort ye.

Comfort ye, my people.

Comfort ye.

Comfort ye, my people, saith your God.

Saith your God.

Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem.

Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto

her, that her warfare, her warfare is accomplished.

CHOIR: (SINGING) And the glory of, glory of the Lord

shall be revealed, shall be revealed.

And the glory, the glory of Lord shall be revealed,

shall be revealed.

And the glory, the glory of the Lord shall be revealed.

And all flesh shall see him together.

And all flesh shall see him together.

-(SINGING) All nations I shake, the heavens, the earth,

the sea, and the dry land all nations I shake.

And the desire of all nations shall come.

CHOIR: (SINGING) And he shall purify.

And he shall purify the sons of Levi.

And he shall purify.

And he shall purify.

And he shall purify.

And he shall purify the sons of Levi.

And he shall purify.

And he shall purify.

-(SINGING) And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude

of the heavenly host praising God and saying--

CHOIR: (SINGING) Glory to God.

Glory to God in the highest.

And peace on earth.

-(SINGING) Rejoice, greatly, oh, daughter of Zion.

Shout, oh daughter of Jerusalem.

Behold thy King cometh unto thee.

Rejoice.

-(SINGING) And he shall gather the lambs with his arm,

with his arm and carry them in his bosom.

CHOIR: (SINGING) And with his stripes, and with his stripes

we are healed.

And with his stripes we are healed.

And with his stripes we are healed.

And with his stripes, and with his stripes we are healed.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah,

hallelujah.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah,

hallelujah, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah,

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

And he shall reign for ever and ever.

The king of kings and lord of lords.

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

Hallelujah.