All language subtitles for Though None Go With Me (2006).eng

♪

- it's right up here.
just pull in the driveway.

- so, babe, how long are you
gonna be with your grandma?

'cause we, uh, kind of need
to get going.

- it will only be a second.

besides, we need the money.

- yeah, i know.

- hey, richie.
[kiss]

it won't be long.

[doorbell rings]

- ah! it's you.

i thought you'd left town
already.

- hello, dear. come in.

i'm just doing
a little baking.

- look, you're busy,
and i've got to get going.

so, if you have the money...

- [laughs]
oh, no, no, no, no.

you're not going to get off
that easy.

don't worry. i'll have you
and your money

on your way in no time.

- [sighs] okay, but...

you're not gonna talk me
out of leaving.

- no, i'm not.

but i am not going to let
my only granddaughter

go off to california

without giving her
a little of my... wisdom.

park it.

- okay, girls, play nice.

- thanks, francis.
- i'm off to the store.

call me if you need anything.

- this is so dumb.
i don't have time for this.

- young lady, i gave you
the better part of 20 years.

you can give me 20 minutes.

turkey and swiss?

- i'm not hungry.

- fine. why don't i just
make you something for the road?

- whatever.

- honey, i just wanted to talk
to you for a few minutes.

i just-- i know that
the last few months

haven't been that easy.

- don't you mean years?

- lisa, could you just try
to understand?

- understand what?

that, for some reason,

you don't want me to get out
of three rivers

and go somewhere better?

- that's not it at all.

when i was your age,
i wanted to leave here, too.

- well, then you should
support my decision.

- and if had left then,

i would have gone off
half-cocked, just like you are.

- [scoffs]
i knew you would do this.

- please, lisa.
you barely know this boy.

don't go off with someone that--
that you barely know.

don't change your life
for them.

- well, maybe i love him,
grandma.

- what is your life
going to be like in california?

where are you going to live?

- we'll find a place to stay,
okay?

and richie will have his band,

and bands need managers.

- oh, i see.

and you're going to manage
the band?

- yeah.

and don't try to tell me

that i'm wasting my life
on music.

- me?
oh, i would never say that.

i love music.
- [sniffs]

- oh, honey, believe me, i know
what you're going through.

- you have no idea
what i'm going through.

- well, believe it or not,
young lady,

i was actually your age once.

and it wasn't that long ago.

it was 1951,

and america was knee-deep
in the korean war.

most young girls my age
were pining away

for their men in uniform.

i had just graduated college,

and i was living on
sycamore street with my father,

who was a surgeon.

my mother had passed away
years before,

and i wasn't quite sure

what i wanted to do
with my life.

so, i would spend my days
playing the piano,

entertaining
my best friend, francis.

[piano music]

- [laughs]

that was great!
- i don't know.

i think professor hastings
would call it adequate.

- well, professor hastings
is a ninny.

- [laughs]

[phone rings]

hello, leroy residence.

- elizabeth, i just got a call
from reverend harmon.

he wondered if you wouldn't mind
running an errand for him.

- oh, but, daddy,

fran and i were going
to go to the movies.

- no, it will just take
a little bit.

you come on down here, and i'll
give you the keys to the car.

- daddy...
- elizabeth, i've got to run.

i'll see you when you get here.
- bye.

- what is it?
- rats!

i have to go run an errand
for reverend harmon.

- well, i have to go home
anyway.

hi, will.

- hey, frannie.

- hi, will!
- elizabeth.

thanks for the serenade.

- i'm glad you liked it.
[laughs]

are you still working
on that old thing?

- yeah, i'll get it to work
one of these days.

listen, i was, uh,
going by the cemetery

to put flowers
on my mom's grave.

imagine my surprise when i see

a big bouquet of yellow roses
there.

- [laughs]
- her favorite.

- i was bringing some
for my mom.

i thought she wouldn't mind
sharing.

- yeah, well, thank you.

- well, see you around, will.

- elizabeth.

it's great to have you back.

- thanks.
bye, will.

[phones ringing,
people chattering]

- yeah, i'll see you friday
at the lion's.

- what is so important that
i have to miss

a date with gregory peck?

- reverend harmon
is really swamped,

and it would be a big help

if you could run down
to the train station

and greet
the new associate minister.

his name's benjamin phillips.
he'll be on the 3:15.

just pick him up.
be nice.

please?
- all right.

[train bell ringing,
people chattering]

[brakes squealing]

- excuse me.
ben phillips?

no?
- no, ma'am.

- sorry.

benjamin phillips. no.
- no.

- ben phillips?

- excuse me, miss?

are you looking for someone?
maybe i can help you out.

- i doubt it.
- what's his name?

- benjamin phillips.

- most people just call me ben.

- you mean, you were standing
over there

watching me the whole time?

- [laughing] i must confess.
i'm sorry. uh, your--your name?

- elizabeth.
elizabeth leroy.

- pleasure, miss leroy.
- likewise, reverend phillips.

well, we'd better get going.

- you're going to make me
stay here

and listen to the story
of the day

you spent with some minister?

i have to leave today,
remember?

- oh, just cool your jets.
richie will wait.

besides, ben wasn't just
any minister.

- what did you two do
together anyway?

- well, nothing too exciting.

you think it's dull now,

you should have been here
in 1951.

three rivers was even smaller
back then than it is now.

i picked up ben,

and i gave him the tour
of our little town.

i finished up by showing him
all the shops on main street.

[laughs] that didn't take
very long.

- and what about you?

what do you do for fun,
miss leroy?

- look, i'm going to level
with you, reverend phillips.

there's not a lot to do
in three rivers.

in fact, you're probably the
most exciting thing around here.

no offense.

- none taken.

in fact, i'm rather flattered.

- and here we are.

[engine shuts off]

well, i'm sure if you have
any more questions

about our little town,

reverend harmon
can answer them for you.

- i'm sure.

thank you.

oh, am i going to see you
at the reception tomorrow?

- maybe.

- well, what about church?

- depends.
- depends on what?

- on who's giving the sermon.

- elizabeth,
i'm going to church.

if i get any calls,
be sure to take a message.

i'll be back
after the reception.

- hang on, dad!
i'll be right there.

- this is a miracle.

elizabeth leroy
is going to church

without my having to ask her.

- oh, daddy,
don't be so dramatic.

all: ♪ amazing grace

♪ how sweet the sound

♪ that saved a wretch like me

♪ i once was lost,
but now i'm found ♪

♪ was blind, but now i see

- everyone, take your seats.

good morning, everyone.

before we get started today,

i am very pleased
to introduce to you

our new associate minister,
benjamin phillips.

all: [applause]

- thank you, reverend harmon.

i would first like to thank
miss elizabeth leroy

for the fascinating
and enlightening tour

of three rivers.

i want to let you all know
how happy i am to be here.

from what i've seen,
you have a very lovely town,

and i look forward
to having the opportunity

to getting to know
each and every one of you.

all: [chattering]

[piano music]

- so you thought that i was 35,
and you thought that i was 30.

- would you look at them?

it's embarrassing.

you'd think they never saw
a man before.

- oh, they haven't.
not like him.

- too bad they're wasting
their time.

- what do you mean?
- oh, please.

you must have noticed
he keeps looking over at you.

- oh, he most certainly
does not.

- go talk to him.

- frannie.
- fraidy-cat.

- [huffs]

watch this.

- oh, really? no kidding.

excuse me.

so, first service--
how did it go?

- oh, not so bad.

- i have to admit,

it's a surprise
to see you here today.

a pleasant one.

- oh, well, i thought
it couldn't hurt.

- oh, that it couldn't.

- so, i was interested
in what you said today

about dedicating your life
to god's service.

is that true?

you just woke up one day,
and that was it?

your life was his?

- honestly, i did receive
a calling.

but, over time,
i did make the decision

to commit myself to god
unconditionally.

- unconditionally?
oh, i wish i had your faith.

- elizabeth, i hope
you're not harassing

the new associate minister.

- [huffs] daddy!

reverend phillips,
this is my father.

- i'm the father, jim leroy.
very nice to meet you.

- ben phillips, sir.
likewise.

- ben, how would you like
to come to dinner tomorrow?

just some pot roast and peas,
nothing fancy.

sparkling conversation.

- well, i do love pot roast.

- okay, about 7:00?

- 7:00.
- see you then.

[crickets chirping,
dogs barking]

- oh, daddy, no.
i'll get that.

- no, no, no.
you entertain the reverend.

- delicious.

- you just broke
one of the ten commandments.

- and to what commandment
are you referring?

- thou shalt not lie.

- [laughs]

yes, that is one of
the big ones.

- [laughs] don't worry.

i have other aspirations
than cooking.

- such as?
- such as...

getting out of this silly town.

- oh.

- beautiful night out.

why don't you two
go for a walk?

- that's a lovely idea, sir.

miss leroy?

- thank you.

- mm-hmm.

- so, why did you become
a minister?

- my grandfather was a minister.

and i just remember thinking
that it was the hardest

and most fulfilling job
a person could have, so...

- don't you ever question
your faith?

- all the time.

- i mean, how do you prove
that our lives even have meaning

and that truth even exists?

- well, we can't prove
those things, miss leroy,

but we have to hold on
to our beliefs.

- how do you believe
in something

that may or may not be true?

- well, that's
the very definition of faith.

and my faith
has always been validated

by what god has done
through me and for me.

- hmm.

i have big plans for my life.

you know, i want to see
the world.

i want to go somewhere
where there's music

and there's different cultures,
and...

- you seem to be
quite a challenge, miss leroy.

- for you or for god?

- both, from what i can see.

[car approaching]

- hi, will.

- evening, elizabeth.
- you remember the reverend.

- sure do. reverend.

- hi, will.
beautiful evening.

- certainly is.

- well, i should be
heading home. all right.

thank you for
the wonderful evening,

and give my best
to your father.

and it was
a delightful pot roast.

- [laughs]
- will.

- evening.
- good evening.

- goodnight.
- miss leroy.

- so, um,
how are you readjusting

to life back in three rivers?

- well, it's nice
to be out of school.

i'm back with my dad.
[laughs]

- but, uh, let me guess,

that restless heart of yours
is aching for city life?

- you can say that again.
[laughs]

- well, you look nice tonight.
- thank you.

oh, well, it's getting late.
i'd better go in.

goodnight, will.
- goodnight.

- that's so old-fashioned.

- maybe.

it seems to me that men were
much more gentlemanly then.

- richie's a gentleman.

he is!

- oh, i'm sure.

- well, didn't you get bored?

- well, things started
to liven up a little bit.

ben suggested that i use
my formal education

and teach sunday school.

- okay, who can tell me
the story

of jesus
and the samaritan woman?

anyone?

sally?

- jesus met a samaritan woman
and asked for some water.

so, she gave him her cup,
and he drank from it.

- is that all?

the samaritans were outcasts,

because they had
different religious beliefs.

jesus drinking from
the same cup as this woman

was a powerful symbolic act
of acceptance and of friendship.

- miss leroy,
my friend janet is colored,

and i've know her
since i was four.

but some of my new friends
at the junior high,

they say bad things
about colored people.

- what do you do
when this happens?

- nothing.

- well, the bible makes it clear

that dividing
or despising people

because of their religious
or ethnic backgrounds

was never jesus' way.

- i know, but the thing is,

i'm embarrassed to speak up.

- sometimes, sally,
the simplest act of kindness

can be the most meaningful.

when your friends reject janet,

you stand by her,
you support her.

you don't have to say anything.

you just have to
do the right thing.

- [laughs]

you didn't have to go
through all that trouble.

- [laughs]
i hope you like it tart.

i didn't use much sugar.

- well, thank you.

- [snickers]

- [coughs]
- i warned you.

- indeed you did.

both: [laughing]

- i can get you some sugar.

- no. no, no.

if you can take it like this,
i can too.

- [laughs]

- ah!

- so, i couldn't help but notice

that you've made
quite the impression

on the female members
of our congregation.

i hope you don't mind me asking,

but, how have you been able
to remain single?

- well, i might ask you
how you've avoided

getting engaged to that
young man that you're seeing.

- but i'm not seeing anybody.

- oh, i thought that you
and will bishop were...

- will? no.
will and i are just friends.

- really?
- do you care if i'm available?

- well...
[clears throat]

miss leroy, uh,
you've made it very clear

that your future
doesn't lie here,

and right now, mine does, so...

- i can imagine
a situation where...

i might change my mind.

- and what situation
would that be?

- well, the person
who's interested

would have to approach me
directly

instead of asking other people
about me.

- ah.

well, uh, miss leroy,

i would like it if you would
join me for a picnic

on sunday afternoon
after church.

and i would like to spend
the afternoon

getting to know you
a little better.

is that direct enough?
[laughs]

- i think that will do,
reverend phillips.

- very good.
good day.

- how old were you
when your mom died?

- oh, i was just a child.

i didn't even know
what cancer meant.

i suppose it helped
a little that i was

the daughter of a doctor,

but it still hurt.

you know about that.

[church bell ringing]

- it was great seeing you.
take care.

[chattering]

- you'd better make your move,
will.

- what's that supposed to mean?

- you know exactly what i mean.

you need to tell elizabeth
how you feel.

i guess i'm just afraid
of what she'll say.

you'll never know
until you ask her.

i'd do it soon if i were you.
- why's that?

- ben looks mighty interested.

[doorbell rings]

- hi, will.
you look nice tonight.

- oh, thanks.

am i disturbing you?
- no. not at all.

come in.

can i get you something
to drink?

- uh, no, thanks.

- are you all right?

- yeah, uh, i just...

i wanted to ask you something.

- sure. just sit down.

- [sighs]
the thing is...

i care for you...

very much.

ever since we were kids,
you, um...

you were always...

- oh, will, i--
- will you marry me, elizabeth?

- will, i-- i never--
[laughs nervously]

you are so special to me

that i don't even have words
to explain, but--

- you don't love me.

- i love you. i love you
as a dear, dear friend.

- but you can't marry me.

it's ben, isn't it?

- i hardly even know him.

- but you're falling in love
with him.

does he love you?
- i don't know.

we haven't even spoken
about things like that.

- i hope he does.

i hope he makes you
real happy.

- will?

[door squeaks open]

[door shuts]

[chattering]

- you have no idea
how much support from home

means to the troops.

your church can be
a great help.

- i agree with you.

will. what can i do for you?

- i'd like to talk,
if you have a minute.

- sure, sure.

thank you, lieutenant.
- thank you, sir.

sir.
- come on in. have a seat.

- uh, no, thanks.
this, uh, this won't take long.

- oh, what is it?

- it's about elizabeth.

do you, um...

it's just, i've always...

well, i've alwayslooked out after her.

and i, uh...

would really hate
to see her get hurt.

- will, i have no intention
of ever hurting elizabeth.

- i hope you realize
what you've got.

[piano music]

♪

[music stops]

- please, don't stop.

- [laughs] reverend phillips,

i didn't see you
standing there.

please, come in.

uh, if you're looking
for my father, he's not here.

- i'm here for you.

[sighs]

- did you want my recipe
for pot roast?

both: [laughing]

- no, that's not it.

- well, then maybe you'd want
to hear a record i just bought?

- sounds nice.

[light jazz music]

♪

miss leroy, may i have
this dance?

- yes, you may,
reverend phillips.

what took you so long?

- i have no idea.

[clinking]

- daddy?

- [light snoring]

- now i know
how you felt about mom.

i was so intrigued
by new romance,

the sweetness of it all, i...

i almost forgot
there was a war on.

- ...bullets, not confetti.

[explosions]

for months, death and
destruction ran amok in korea.

war's a wanton destroyer
of property and lives.

this shattered body,
this burning hut

are tragic symbols of the havoc
war creates.

[gunfire]

even men of good will
must fight fire with fire,

must kill and destroy to--

[distant chatter]

- yes.

- god bless you.
- [crying]

- take care.
- yes, sir.

- god bless you.

[engine starts]

- they just lost their son
in korea.

- oh, no.

how does a mother deal with
that kind of loss?

ben?

is something else wrong?

- yeah.

we need to talk.

- well, sure.
about what?

and what is it?
- have a seat.

- why are you being
so mysterious?

- please.

long before i knew i was
going to move to three rivers,

i enlisted in the army.

i'm going to korea.
- what?

- they need chaplains.
look...

elizabeth, i never intended
to lead you on--

- why are you doing this?
you're not a soldier.

you don't have to go.

- look, i know
i don't have to go.

but i have seen
so many young men

go off to do their duty
and never come back.

i want to do my part.

- people need you here, ben.
look, i need you.

- elizabeth,
you have to understand

that i made a commitment
to serve god.

and if that means i have to go
halfway around the planet

to do it, then so be it.

elizabeth,
you were the only thing

that made this decision
difficult.

i prayed hard over it.

- well, maybe god gave you
the wrong answer.

- god doesn't give us
the wrong answers.

sometimes he gives us ones
that we don't want to hear.

- obviously.

- elizabeth, i love you.
i do.

and when i get back,
we can get married.

- oh, so now we're getting
married?

- [sighs]

- [sighs]

it's just, this isn't
how i imagined it.

- i want to spend
the rest of my life with you.

i want to have children
and grow old together,

and god willing,
at the end of our lives,

be as much in love
as we are right now.

miss leroy, will you marry me?

- [sighs]

yes, reverend phillips.
yes, i will.

- it is wonderful to see
so many of you here today.

the most important
and most difficult

spiritual test

is the challenge of turning
our lives over to god,

though no decision
can be more fulfilling.

inevitably,
something will happen

that will make us realize

that our own power isn't enough

to get us through
the especially difficult times.

our personal power is limited,

but god's power is infinite.

all that is required
is one simple prayer--

"not my will, lord, but yours."

why are we so afraid
of turning our lives

over to a greater will?

why do we seek guidance

yet fear what that guidance
will say to us?

because it means
that we have to say to god

that i accept whatever it is
that you have chosen for me,

and i trust that you will give
me the strength to deal with it.

there's an old hymn that says it
far better than i can.

"though none go with me,

"still, i will follow.

no turning back,
no turning back."

- i wanted nothing more than
for ben to stay with me,

but that day, i finally
understood his devotion.

what ben was trying to tell me

was that sometimes we have to
put our faith first.

he'd already made his decision
to follow god unconditionally,

and, finally, i was ready.

i decided to put my faith

in whatever god
had in store for me.

my heart was breaking.

i was in love
for the first time.

and i had to watch that love
get on a train

and go off to war.

- do you remember our first time
when we met here?

- how could i forget?

- the moment i get back,

i'm going straight
to the church,

and i'm going to make you
my wife.

i promise.

- you're going to be
so far away.

- i want you to keep this.

i hope that it gives you
comfort.

- all aboard!

all aboard!

- go ahead, sir.
go ahead.

- thank you.

- i love you.
- i love you.

- be safe.

god bless you.

[train whistle blows]

- "my dearest ben,

"i hope this letter
finds you safe.

"i know it sounds silly,

"but i'm literally counting
the days until you return.

"i've been keeping busy.

"i still love
the sunday school class,

"and we're about to start our
fall food drive at the church.

and our blood drive last month
was a huge success."

- "i watched
so many young men die.

"i've spoken over so many graves

"and places where friends
and family

"will never be able
to visit them.

"soldiers deal with the horror
that surrounds us

"in different ways.

"some close up,
not letting anyone in,

"and not letting
their feelings out.

"you see them fighting the tears
because they're men.

"but when they see
their best friends die,

"there's no way
to stop the tears.

i tell them they shouldn't try."

- "every night, i ask god
to keep you safe.

"surely, he must hear
such heartfelt prayer.

"i know that i promised
to accept his will,

"but it will be so much easier
to keep that commitment

"if he just brings you
home safely.

"thanks to you,
i'm not in a hurry

"to leave three rivers anymore.

"i just think i needed
something to do,

"something relevant,

"something that isn't
all about me.

"so now my time is divided
between the clinic and church.

"i love helping my dad,

and i think he likes
having me around more."

- "day after day, the men here
are getting 'dear john' letters.

"their sweethearts back home
can't handle

"the separation any longer,

"or they find themselves drawn
to someone

"who can be there for them.

"this is devastating
to a young soldier.

"i realize again
how very lucky i am to have you.

"i know without a doubt
that when i step off the train,

"you'll be there.

"and when that day comes,
i promise you, elizabeth,

we'll never be separated again."

[kiss]

- daddy?

daddy.

[gasps]

[crying]

oh, daddy...

[sobbing]

[sniffs]

- your father was
a great man, elizabeth.

every person in this town
will miss him.

- thank you, will.

he thought so much of you.

will you come by the house
later?

- of course.

- [sniffs]
oh, frannie.

i'm so glad you're here.

i don't know
what i would do without you.

i just wish ben were here.

- i know you do, honey.

- [sniffs]
oh, daddy.

- you know what a great man

as well as a great doctor
your father was.

- i know that better
than anyone.

- there's hardly a person
in this town

that he didn't treat,

whether they could pay him
or not.

- what are you trying to say?

- i'm-- i'm sorry to have to
tell you this, elizabeth,

but there's no money at all.

- nothing?

- no.

- then i'll sell the house.

i mean, i didn't want to, but...

- [sighs]

- i mean, the house,
it is mine, right?

- it's heavily mortgaged.

i'm so sorry, my dear.

i know this is a great deal
to take in.

i'll deal with the bank,
if you'd like.

- elizabeth?

- [sniffs]
oh, will.

- listen, i was thinking,

if you're worried about
keeping the house up

on your own, then don't be.

look, i'll take care
of the yard,

do whatever repairs
are necessary.

- thanks, will, but, uh...

pretty soon someone else
is going to be living here.

- someone else?

- no. the bank's taking it.

- i see.

what will you do?

- i don't know.

for the first time in my life,

i'm really going to be alone.

- oh, no you're not.

here's what we're going to do.

we're going to pack up
your things

and move you into
the spare room in my house.

- i couldn't do that.
- i insist.

now, there's plenty of room.

besides, i end up
spending nights a lot

at the office when i work late.
- people would talk.

- everyone who knows you
will understand

it's a completely respectable
arrangement.

no one else's opinion matters.

- i can't.
i don't even have a paying job.

- you'll come work for me.

my business is doing well.

besides, i could use
a secretary.

- i don't know.
- oh, come on. it will be fun.

you've always wanted to learn
about the fascinating world

of automobile insurance,
haven't you?

- okay.

but only 'til ben gets back.
- of course.

all: [chattering]

- so, that's my office.

in here is the kitchen.

you could make some coffee
in the morning.

this is for dictation.
- dictation.

- and anything we need
to send in the mail

should go there.

and right out back is where
we keep the chickens.

- chickens out back.

- elizabeth?

would you, uh, rather
we did this later?

- no, why?

- i just know you have
a lot on your mind, so...

- no, i'm all ears.

- all right.
make yourself at home.

- i wanted so much
to feel secure,

to appreciate everything that
will was trying to do for me.

but losing my dad and the house,

it was so much to take in.

well, i just kept trying
to make a go of it.

what made it bearable was that
ben would come home soon.

- "i'm so very sorry
about your father, elizabeth.

"i know how much you're hurting,

"and i'd give anything
to be there for you.

"i hope to god that this is

"the last time
you have to suffer alone.

"at times like this, it's easy
to question god's plan,

"but you must
hold onto your faith.

"that's what will keep you going

when it all seems
too hard to bear."

- hey, merry christmas,
neighbor!

- elizabeth!

leave that.
i'll take care of it.

- no, i love it. i used to
help my dad every year.

i think we need more lights.

- i've got plenty over here.

- how about those?
- oh, those are perfect.

- listen, i've got to head over
to the diner and meet a client.

you want me to bring you
back anything?

- oh, no. i think i'm just going
to fix something here.

thank you.

- are you miss leroy?

elizabeth leroy?
- yes?

- i'm lieutenant frank myers.

i'm afraid i have
some very bad news, ma'am,

about lieutenant ben phillips.

- elizabeth.

elizabeth, you all right?

elizabeth?

- is it true?

- i'm afraid so.

the lieutenant gave me
the details,

but, uh, you don't need
to hear them.

- yes, i do.

- [sighs] ben was, uh...

in a field hospital
near the front.

they exchanged
a lot of firepower,

and the hospital took
a direct hit.

i'm sorry, elizabeth, but...

no one made it out.

- my mother.

my father.

and now ben.

- it must be hard right now.

i can't even begin to imagine
what it is you're going through,

but...

i know, in time--

- in time?

[sniffs]
in time, what?

in time i'll learn
how to live alone?

you know, ben told me
that the hardest thing

i would do in my life
would be to accept god's will.

[sniffs]
well, i guess he was right.

[doorbell rings]

- no-- no, grandma.
i'll get it.

- [sighs]

babe, you got to check this out.

i got cool stuff programmed
all the way to california.

- that's cool, richie.

- yeah, so you--
you ready to go?

- well, listen, we're going
over a few things,

so it might take a little while.

- going over a few things?
what's that mean?

- richie, don't start.

- okay, okay. whatever.
it's cool.

i'll be waiting in the car.

oh, did you, uh,
get the money yet?

- richie!
- okay, okay.

- who was that?
- richie.

- oh.

i guess you'll have to
be going, then.

- no, not yet.
he still has stuff to do,

so i have some time to kill.

- good.

- so, how did you
get your mind off ben?

- well, i remembered something
that my dad said.

that you don't have the luxury
to give up

when people depend on you.

so i threw myself
into the work of helping others.

before i knew it,
time flew by,

and then a dear friendcame for a

[doorbell rings]

- frannie!

- elizabeth...

i'm so sorry about ben.

- [sighs]

- go ahead and cry.

- no, i've just about
cried myself out.

i am so glad
that you came all this way.

oh, i hope bobby doesn't mind.

how long do you have?

- as long as you need.

the house looks really nice.

- what's wrong?

- i swore i wasn't going
to say anything yet.

[sniffs]

you have enough
to deal with already.

- what's wrong?

- i'm not going back to bobby.
- why?

- he left me...
for someone else.

- come sit down.

- [crying]

he's been so different
since he came back from the war.

distant, angry.

nothing i said or did was right.

nothing about me
pleased him anymore.

- look, frannie,
this isn't your fault.

- he loved me, elizabeth.
i know he did.

but then he stopped loving me,
and i don't know why.

- it's going to be all right.

- elizabeth, will you lock up?

i have to leave a little early.

- what are you doing
sneaking out before 5:00?

- i want to go
by the flower shop.

- the flower shop?

- yeah, for my, uh, date.

- your date? with who?

- carrie hollingsworth.

- carrie from
the woolworth counter?

- very same.
- have you been dating her long?

- nope. this is our first date.
why?

- oh, no reason. i just--

i didn't know she was
your type.

- i don't know, she's, uh...

she's attractive and kind,
and she seems to like me.

why wouldn't she be my type?
- i guess i was wrong.

- all right, then.
goodnight.

- goodnight.

i hope you have fun
on your date.

- me, too.
say, what are you doing tonight?

- oh, nothing much.

just going to go see
a movie with frannie.

- all right.
have fun.

[laughter and chatter]

- okay, so who do you think
is cuter--

gregory peck or gary cooper?

- gregory peck.

- i love the bit at the end
where gregory peck

takes her in his arms,
and he kisses her.

oh, it's so romantic.

- oh, i could watch that movie
three more times.

- [sighs] i'd like to meet
gregory peck one day.

you think he'd be interested?
[laughs]

- of course he would.
- thank you.

- oh, it's will.

- could she be any more obvious?
ugh!

- shh!

- we've got to go.
go, go.

- [laughs]
thanks so much.

- don't worry. i'll take care
of all that for you.

here you go.

i, uh...i almost forgot.

how was-- how was the movie
last night?

- oh, it was wonderful.
how was your date?

- oh, it was fine.

- fine? just fine?

- you know, it was
just our first date.

- you going to see her again?

- i suppose.
we'll see.

what's the matter?

- oh, nothing. i just--

i can't get these numbers
to add up.

- well, let me see.

[paper shuffling]

oh, here's the problem. um...

you just forgot to--
to include the deductible, see?

- yes, i do see.

- good.

[door opens]

- hi.
- carrie.

uh, what a pleasant surprise.

- i was just doing some shopping
and thought i'd pop in and see

if you'd like to have lunch
with me.

- oh, sounds great.
- good.

elizabeth.

- i'll be back soon.

[door shuts]

elizabeth!

- can i talk to you
for a minute?

i think it's time
i get my own place.

- i--i thought you were
comfortable here.

- i am comfortable here.
you've done so much for me.

i don't know what
i would have done without you,

but i think it's time you have
your house back to yourself.

and now that you're seeing
somebody else,

i just-- i don't think
it's appropriate.

- seeing someone?
you mean carrie?

- of course i mean carrie.

now that the two of you
are together--

- together? elizabeth.
sit down, please.

carrie is a very sweet girl.

she's charming and kind.

- i get it.
she's the bee's knees.

- and i'm sure
she'll make someone else

a very fine wife someday.

but she's not you.

- will, i just...

- do you, william bishop,

take elizabeth leroy to be
your lawfully wedded wife?

- i do.

- do you, elizabeth leroy,

take william bishop to be
your lawfully wedded husband?

- i do.

- by the power vested in me,

i now pronounce you
man and wife.

you may now kiss the bride.

[laughter]

[organ music, applause]

all: [cheering]

- get a picture!
get a picture!

[engine starts]

- have fun, kids!

- contrary to everything
i had planned,

i was married and i was settled
right here in three rivers.

and you know what,

i couldn't have been happier.

- but didn't you still
have feelings for ben?

- of course i did.
but ben was gone.

and i was falling in love
with will.

- but did you really love him?

- i still do.

- oh, wait.
i want to do this right.

- [laughs]

- welcome home, mrs. bishop.

- why, thank you, mr. bishop.

all: [chattering]

- elizabeth.

honey, it's me.

what is it, honey?
what's wrong?

- "my dearest elizabeth,

"i don't even know
how to begin this letter.

"i understand
it has been reported to you

"that i was killed in an attack
on a mobile hospital.

"i was badly wounded
and taken prisoner,

"and i have spent
the last year and a half

in a prison camp."

- is he coming back here?

probably doesn't know about us.

- i think it's best
if i tell him.

- yes, i suppose it is.

- if you don't want me
to see him, i don't have to.

- i know that wouldn't be fair.

- well, i'm more concerned
with what's fair to you.

- when you read that letter,

what was your first thought?

- relief.

- your second thought?

was it regret?
- no.

- because i do not want to
spend the rest of our marriage

knowing you're only here
out of a sense of duty.

what kind of marriage will it be

knowing i have your loyalty
but ben has your heart,

wondering if every time
you look in my eyes you see him?

- but i do love you, will.

- and i love you, elizabeth.

- there he is!

- taxi!

- six bucks, son.

- thanks a lot.
keep the change.

- thanks a lot.

- ben!

[gasps]

- i got here as fast as i could.

elizabeth.

- ben, i just can't believe
it's actually you.

i mean, i imagined what it would
be like when you came back,

every day since you left.

but then they told me
you were dead.

- oh, sweetheart.

both: [laughing]

- this is both the happiest

and the hardest moment
of my life.

i married will.

i'm so sorry.

- do you have a good life
with him?

- i do.

i love him.

- i would have thought
that hearing that

would have broken my heart.

but, somehow, it makes it
more bearable.

i love you.

and i always will.

i don't want to just leave you

and never hear from you again,
though.

i want to know
what's going on with you

and what's happening,
and where you are.

so, will you write me,
elizabeth?

- will that make things
easier or harder?

- i think it will, uh,
feel better.

[engine idling]

- [turns off engine]

- i made roast chicken.

it might be a little dry.

- i'm sure it's fine.

- i was thinking sunday,
after church,

we could go up to the lake.

we haven't done that
in a while.

maybe stop at that little shop
where we had ice cream.

- i'd like that.

- could you say grace?

- bless us, oh lord,

for these gifts
that we are about to receive,

for the joy and comfort
that you bring us.

for all your blessings, lord,
we are truly grateful.

- despite everything
that happened,

will and i were
so happy together.

in fact, we were inseparable.

[laughs]

maybe because all we had left
in the world was each other.

and then, in 1963,

we were blessed
with a beautiful baby boy,

your father.

and he would be our only child.

well, until you, that is.

- what was my dad like?

- oh, honey, he was
such a bright boy.

and he was the apple
of will's eye.

i just loved watching them
play together.

- what about my mom?

- well, your father
started seeing your mother

in his early 20s.

and she was a free spirit.

they were dating for what seemed
like a very short time

when nicholas came to us
and told us she was pregnant.

- were you mad at them?

- i wasn't mad.

i just--

well, i thought
they were rushing things.

okay, call me old-fashioned.

- then i was born.
- yes.

then you were born,

and you were instantly
the center of our world.

[laughs]

oh, nicholas just adored you.

and he was such a good father.

it was a side of him
i had never seen.

- how did it happen?

- well, they were driving home

from nicholas'
office christmas party.

it was very icy.

i don't think they knew
what hit them.

[horn blaring]
both: [screaming]

[distant crashing]

- here we are, mac.
it will be six bits.

- well, thanks, mister.
- hey, keep the change.

- hey, thanks.

[doorbell rings]

[baby coos]

- [sighs] there are some moments
in your life

that are impossible to erase.

they remain with you forever.

that night
when will opened the door

and heard the news
from the police officers

was one of them.

as i held you in my arms,

they told us that your mother
and father were dead.

[low murmuring]

- excuse me.

we want to take this opportunity

to thank you for coming

and taking the time
to pay your respects.

all of you knew our nicholas.

[whimpering]

you know, they say that
there's no greater loss

than when a father
loses his son.

we're very, very proud
of our son.

[sobbing]

- when your father died,

i just sort of...

gave up.

why?

why are you doing this?

i know i'm not perfect,

but i spent the last 40 years
of my life in your service.

and you expect me
to just follow you blindly,

and you keep taking
everyone i love away from me.

why?

[sobbing]
why?

[crying]

why...

[phone rings]

- hello?

[gasps] just a minute.

elizabeth? there's someone
on the phone for you.

- hello?

- hello, elizabeth.

- ben?

oh, ben, it's good
to hear your voice.

- i was just about
to say the same thing.

i--i'm deeply sorry, elizabeth.

how are you holding up?

- i'm holding up.

- and will?

- as well as can be expected,
i guess.

he, uh...he's quiet.

but that's his way, i suppose.

- i help people
deal with loss all the time.

and right now, i...

i just can't seem to find
the right words

to comfort you, elizabeth.

i just wish i had them.

- i just...

i just don't know
how much more i can take.

i...

i just feel like

my faith is being
constantly tested and--

- elizabeth,
we made a promise years ago

to follow in god's plan.

and believe it or not,
that's what this is.

- he was my son.

he was my baby.
[crying]

i-- i just want to have
one more minute with him.

i just want to say goodbye.

- i know you do.

but, elizabeth, there--

there are plenty of people
out there

who've really, really given up,
and they need you.

they need your strength,

and they need your experience
with loss.

- oh, ben.

just...

hearing your voice...

[sniffs]
knowing that you care...

you have no idea

what a comfort it is to me.

- i'll always be here
for you, elizabeth.

- [sighs]

talking to ben that day
inspired me.

ah, i wanted to do something
good with my supposed strength.

so i volunteered
at the hospital.

i thought maybe
it would help ease the pain

of losing nicholas.

[low talking]

- be nice to the lady, chris.

- mind if i have a seat?

- [sniffs]

- how did it happen?

- you really care?
- yes, i do.

- motorcycle accident.

the doctor said
i might not walk again.

- what do you say?

- i don't know.

i don't want to believe that.

- what does your family think?

- my family-- that's a joke.

it's just me and my girl.

- what's her name?

- it's claire.

she says it wouldn't make
any difference to her,

but i don't know about that.

what does she want to do
with a cripple like me?

- let me ask you this:

do you love claire?

- sure i do.

- then you have to believe
that she loves you, too.

- let me ask you something.

what would you think
if you were her?

- i would know that who you are
inside hasn't changed

and that the man i fell
in love with is still there.

- do you believe in god?

- i made a commitment
to follow god unconditionally.

and then some things
happened in my life,

and it made me question
my faith.

- what about now?

- now i just have to trust
that he has a plan for me,

whether i always understand it
or not.

- [sighs]

you think he has a plan for me?

- i know he does.

yes, it's elizabeth.
has will left the office?

when?

okay. uh, no, no.
everything's fine.

i just-- he probably
just stopped off

to run an errand or something.

okay, thank you.

sweetheart.
- mm-hmm?

- let's go for a little ride,
shall we?

let's put your sweater on.
that's my girl.

will?

what are you doing?

- i couldn't remember the way.

- it's okay.

it's okay, honey. come on.

- we have the results
of your test, mr. bishop.

i'm very sorry
to have to tell you this.

you have an acute degenerative
disease of the brain.

it may very well be alzheimer's,

but we have no way
of knowing for certain.

- if you're not certain,
maybe the tests are wrong.

- whether it's alzheimer's
or something else,

i'm afraid there's no question
about your prognosis.

i wish there was.

- i don't want you to worry
about anything.

i'm here, okay?

- i know there are
certain things i have to do.

i'll update my will
and give you power of attorney.

[exhales]

and we should tell nicholas
as soon as possible.

- you do know that nicholas
is gone, don't you, honey?

- gone?

- oh, will.
stay with me as long as you can.

- i'll try.

i'll try with all my heart.

"my dearest elizabeth...

"please don't be sad

"when i no longer recognize you.

"know that i love you.

"my heart will always remember,

even when my mind doesn't."

- ooh.
[laughs]

- [laughs]

- what you doing?

- hmm. i love this time of day.

it's so peaceful and quiet.

most people aren't up yet.

you kind of feel like
you have the world to yourself.

i hope i can appreciate this
a little while longer.

- you will.

[kiss]

- i've been thinking, elizabeth,

that i'm going to sell
the business to...

- abe? abe?

- abe siegel.

and he's wanted it for a while.

and it would give you
enough money

so that you don't have to worry.

- i'm not worried about money.

[sniffs]

- there's something
that i want to say

while i'm still capable
of saying it.

this is going to be
the end of my life, not yours.

i want you to go on
and find happiness.

and know that every time
you smile,

i'm glad.

- that was the beginning
of the end for your grandfather.

over the next eight years,

he just...

slipped away from me.

eventually, i had to move him
into a nursing home.

it's funny.

i spent 50 years with him,

and what i wouldn't give
for one more hour.

[overhead announcements]

am i too late?

- no. but there isn't much time.

- will?

i'm here now.

i'm here.

- thank you...

for choosing me.

[groans]

- [breath shaking]

he recognized me.

[sniffs]

[birds tweeting]

- i'm sorry, grandma.

i've got to get going.

richie will wonder
what happened to me.

- oh, all right, dear.
i understand.

i, uh...

i put some cookies
in a bag for you to take along.

- okay.

- lisa, i hope you understand

that i shared all of this
with you because i've had to--

- grandma, you worry too much.

- it's my job.
i'll never stop worrying.

- i just need to see
what's out there, you know?

- i know.
[sighs]

here. take it.

- grandma, i promise you,
i'll pay you back just as soon--

- please, just don't
embarrass me. just take it.

- well...

thanks.

- lisa.

- bye, grandma.

- [sighs]
oh, lord. protect her.

- hurry up, elizabeth.
we're late.

- good. the later the better.

these things don't start
on time anyway.

- you keep them closed.

- oh, for heaven's sake.
this is ridiculous.

- okay. now you can open them.

[noisemakers squeal]
all: surprise!

[applause]

- fran, what have you done?

- nothing you don't deserve,
elizabeth.

all: ♪ for she's
a jolly good fellow ♪

♪ for she's
a jolly good fellow ♪

♪ which nobody can deny

- [gasps]
all: ♪ which nobody can deny

♪ which nobody can deny

♪ for she's
a jolly good fellow ♪

- oh, my! uh!

all: ♪ which nobody can deny

[applause]

[piano music plays]

- this must be quite a shock
to your system.

- a shock?

francis, child,
in your whole life

you never kept one secret.

- well, i kept this one.

all i did was plan
a small dinner,

and then it just snowballed.

everyone here
wanted to be a part of it,

because everyone wanted
to thank you

for what you've done for them,
elizabeth.

- what have i done?

- oh, just relax
and have a good time tonight.

hi, everybody!

tonight, we're here
to celebrate elizabeth bishop

for her service of 50 years

in our little church here
in three rivers.

[applause]

we have some guests here tonight

that want to come up
and say some things.

- i doubt if mrs. bishop
even recognizes who i am.

i'm chris.

i had a motorcycle accident
about 20 years ago.

and i was at
a real low point in my life.

you know, i wanted to give up.

but you put me
on the right track.

you didn't have to.

you didn't even know me.

thanks to you,
i have a wonderful family,

and i'm, uh, i'm still here.

and, uh, and my claire,
she's still here.

[kiss]

thank you.

- i have been
a civil rights attorney

for, oh gosh,
nearly 40 years now.

and it all started
in your sunday school class.

oh, you taught me
the importance of always, always

standing up
for what i believe in.

i can't tell you
how valuable that's been

for me all these years.

[piano music]

[low chatter]

- i just had no idea that i...

that i made a difference.

- so you should be happy.

- i had all this influence
on all these wonderful people,

and i couldn't keep
my own granddaughter

from ruining her life.

- you of all people,

you know
you can't prevent someone

from living their life.

- hi, grandma.

- what are you doing here?

- glad to see you, too.

- [sighs] oh!

- i heard...

you know, what all those people
were saying about you.

- honey, that was all
such a long time ago.

- i don't think so.

- so, where's--
- richie.

- richie.
- got as far as chicago,

and that was enough richie
for me.

[laughs]

i guess it wasn't love
after all.

grandma, i...

i thought about it, and...

i think i don't need
to go to california...

yet.

i've still got some living
to do here first.

- oh, sweetheart.

oh!

[sizzling]
- look, grandma!

- oh! oh my goodness!

isn't that beautiful?
- isn't it?

- [blows]
- get them all out.

- [laughs]
help me.

[applause]
- very nice!

- oh!
- whoo!

- thank you all for this.

thank you, frannie.

i have to tell you that when
i first arrived this evening,

i wasn't feeling very much
like celebrating.

i had been thinking
about my life,

thinking over the past

and wondering if it was
all worth it,

if my faith in god's plan
meant anything.

and then you all made me
feel so good.

i thank you

for your kind words,

and i'm so grateful

that we could touch
each other's lives.

and i...
[sniffs]

well, i guess what i'm saying is
i feel like celebrating.

[laughter and applause]

you know that
when i was a girl

in this very church,

someone very special
said some words to me

that were a guide in my life.

"though none go with me,
still, i will follow.

no turning back,
no turning back."

[sniffs]
anyway, thank you again

for this wonderful,
wonderful--

[gasps]

[sighs]

ben.

you came all this way.

- i told you once

that i would love you
just as much

at the end of our lives
as i did at the beginning.

and i do.

- ben.

we lost our chance
at happiness together

a long time ago.

- miss leroy, you...

you're just as beautiful
as the first time i saw you.

- oh...

- [sighs]

may i have this dance,
miss leroy?

- yes, you may,
reverend phillips.

♪

- [sighs]

[glasses clinking]

♪