Original subtitles

Well, here's something interesting about us.

And in a Toronto paper, too.

Really, John?

"Stratford, Ontario

"April 19th, 1904.

"Mr. and Mrs. John E. Morris

"announced the engagement of their daughter, Hope

to Mr. William Spence of Newbridge, Ontario."

It's really in the Toronto paper?

- Of course. - Let me see it!

"No date has been set for the wedding

"but it's expected to take place

sometime during the summer."

Oh, dear, that bell would ring now and any hour, too.

"Mr. Spence, who is one of the most

"brilliant students of the medical school

"of the University of Toronto

"will, upon his graduation in June

"set up practice in Stratford

"where his fiance's parents reside.

"Mr. John E. Morris

who is a prominent carriage maker of.."

- 'Why, William!' - Eh?

Did she say "William?"

It is Will!

Well, speak of the bridegroom.

Oh, Will.

Hello, dear.

What are you doing here? Why aren't you in school?

Is it vacation? Are you playing hooky?

Maybe if you ask him one question at a time

he could answer, but this is a surprise.

Come in, Will, come in.

Well, thank you, sir.

Yes, I, I know it's a surprise

but I, uh, I came because I had to see Hope.

Well, dear, I guess that's our cue.

- Upstairs we go. - Oh, no, please don't go.

No, you and Mother Morris will have to find out

sooner or later, you might as well hear it now.

Well, what's the matter, Will. Are you in trouble?

Is it your family? Is it something serious?

I'm not in trouble, sir, and it's not my family.

But, uh, I guess it's serious, though.

I think you'd better sit down to hear it.

I think you'd better all sit down.

[instrumental music]

Well, uh, I..

Oh, dear, I know it's something dreadful.

No, no, it isn't dreadful, Mother Morris.

Just that I don't know quite how to begin.

Well, the beginning might be a good place then.

Alright, Father Morris.

I'll start at the beginning.

Last Sunday evening

I happen to be walking past a church in Toronto.

I didn't know what church it was but I went inside.

There was revival meeting going on.

There was a man preaching.

I found later it was Bishop Hodgson.

The Methodist Church.

Oh, yes, I've heard of him.

A regular fire-eater.

And it was wonderful sermon.

And as I listened, something happened to me.

[music continues]

Guess you'd have to say I got the call.

You may laugh at that, sir, I know I'd have laughed once.

But it was just as clear as if the Lord was there

and had placed his hand on my shoulder.

At the first invitation, I found myself at the rail.

Oh, you mean you joined a church, Will?

I think that's perfectly splendid.

Of course, I'd have preferred you join the Episcopalians.

They are much more at home.

No, it's more than that, Mother Morris.

I...I've decided to become a minister.

- A what? - That's perfectly absurd.

How could a doctor be a minister?

I'm not going to be a doctor.

- Do you mind, Hope? - Naturally, she minds.

You prepared yourself for medicine.

You taught school for years to save the money

to put yourself through school

and now you come up with this emotional whim.

But he asked me, father.

- Do you want this very much? - Yes, very much.

I've arranged for you to set up in practice here.

You have a sunny future waiting for you.

It isn't common sense to toss it away.

Why?

I think I'll find everything I would've found

in medicine and more.

(John) 'Now, Hope, keep your head'

'even if he's lost his.'

Then if it's what you want

I think it's what I want for you.

I knew that's what you'd say.

So there was no sense in letting the grass go under my feet

and I asked Bishop Hodgson when I could begin.

He's promised me a pastorate in the fall.

He said I could catch up on my homiletics as I went along

and I said, "Alright, where do I start?"

Where do you?

Well, and there's another thing.

(Mrs. Morris) 'Not far away from home, I hope.'

Well, there's nothing open in Canada, Mother Morris.

So I'm going to the United States.

But, Will, I never heard of anything so absurd.

You mean, you're going to become a Yankee?

Yankee?

You see, there's a vacancy in Iowa.

A small town church and two circuit churches.

- Where's Iowa? - Why, it's a jumping-off place.

Inhabited by nothing but rascals and cattle thieves.

John, he mustn't take our daughter so far away.

[crying] 'She mustn't leave us.'

(John) 'Oh, don't you cry, dear'

'or I shall, too.'

Will you come with me?

[music continues]

Isn't there something in the scriptures?

Something Ruth said?

"Entreat me not to leave thee

or to return from following after thee."

"For whither thou goest, I will go

"and where thou lodgest, I will lodge.

"Thy people...shall be my people

and thy God, my God."

[music continues]

[horn blaring]

[bell clanging]

I told you it wouldn't do no good, stranger.

Nothing ever stops at Laketon, nothing.

I've been trying for ten years on an off to flag that fire.

It's just like waving a lace hanky at a cannonball.

Look, it's stopping.

- 'She's got her brakes fixed.' - 'Huh?'

Come on back, darn you!

What do you think I'm waving for?

Just to be sociable?

Come on! Come over here!

Sorry, folks, I guess the engineer couldn't stop so quick.

You can get off this way.

Alright, alright.

Ah, now, Hope, don't be afraid.

Just look there, just as I told you

not an Indian in sight.

Thank you, conductor, for a fine trip.

You ought to pick up a round trip ticket

for having to back up so far.

I'll do that next time.

[laughing]

You folks getting off here?

Well, we thought for a minute

we were going to wind up in San Francisco.

- I'm William Spence. - Howdy.

- This is Mrs. Spence. - Howdy.

- Oh, how do you do? - Now, darling.

I'll prove to you that there's nobody around here

to scalp us but the Congregation.

Say, you must be the new circuit preacher.

That's right.

This is a shame, no one here to meet you.

They didn't expect you till next week.

Ms. Watkins, you know, she's the head

of the parsonage committee

she'll have a cat fit.

She just put the old preacher

on the local this morning.

I know I'm ahead of time

but you see, this is new to me.

It's my very first parish

and we wanted to plunge right in..

(Hope) 'Oh, Will, my new trunk!'

Shod, should've had my truck down there.

I use to wheel it up empty and wheel it back empty.

- I just gave it up. - Don't you worry, dear.

It won't break, and don't you worry about our welcome.

What stumps me is how I'm gonna get you all to the parsonage.

Uh, guess I'll rustle up something.

Hey, George!

George Reynolds, doing anything with your pusher wagon?

I got a couple of passengers for you.

[instrumental music]

Like our town?

Quite a place.

Oh, not so much yet, but growing fast.

Of course, we like it.

Don't we, Hope?

Oh, yes.

Afternoon, Mrs. Baker.

Meet your new minster and his wife

Mr. and Mrs. Spence.

Mighty fine woman.

A widow with four children.

Can't afford to give the church a dime

'but when you're sick, she's the one who offers'

'to sit up all night.'

'Mrs. Simpson, here's'

'your new preacher and his wife.'

Better get word to Sister Watkins.

Now that women gives.

Raised the best doctor in the county, too.

You folks coming to town like this

will sure stir up a lot of excitement.

It'll be all over town.

[music continues]

[ducks quacking]

Well, that's yours, folks.

'Not much look at, is she?'

'But then, I guess you didn't expect much.'

- Shall I help you with-- - No, no, no, no.

Now don't you touch a thing.

You just make yourself at home.

I'll bring this stuff in.

Thank you.

Take your bride in and show her the new place.

Thank you very much, George.

Easy, dear.

There you are.

[chuckles]

Uh-uh.

[instrumental music]

[plank creaks]

Oh, oh.

I'll fix those.

Our first threshold.

[music continues]

Set me down.

[music continues]

Gaze in speechless wonder.

Oh, don't worry, Hope.

When we get your wedding presents placed around it

it won't look half bad.

May I take that down?

[William laughing] 'Yes, of course.'

You can do anything you want. It's your home.

There you are, I'll just set it down here

till you find out where you wanna put them.

Well, bless my soul.

Here comes Sister Watkins now running like a turkey.

I told you Mrs. Simpson was a fast worker.

Oh. Mrs. Watkins.

Afternoon, come right in and meet your new preacher

and his blushing bride.

'Meet Brother Spence.'

We've been looking forward to this.

- Oh, my goodness. - May I introduce my wife?

Hope, this is Mrs. Watkins

the head of our parsonage committee.

- How do you do? - Won't you sit down?

No, thank you.

My dear, I'd rather drop dead

than admit I'm head of anything

that's responsible for this.

Isn't it a terrible mess?

'But we didn't expect you for another week.'

Please don't apologize. We should have let you know.

Here, here's a pie fresh out of the oven.

Oh. Thank you.

Maybe it will help make amends.

That's very kind of you.

Why, you poor darling lamb.

My, you're only a baby, aren't you?

'Now don't you fret a bit.'

The other ladies of the committee will be right along.

Mrs. Simpson has gone after them.

'We-we'll have this place spick and span'

before you know it.

Please don't worry about that.

I'll step out to the porch to meet them.

I can see I'm leaving you in good hands.

(George) And I'll step right along with you.

In a hen-fest like this

us men must stick together.

[grunts] Uh..

Well, I guess I'll move the rest of the things.

- 'Please sit down.' - 'Don't mind if I do.'

(Watkins) 'At least until the ladies get here.'

'Then we'd go to work quicker than a jiffy.'

[instrumental music]

Oh.

- Oh, I'm so sorry. - Never mind, dear.

You just sit down and leave everything to us.

Who removed father's boar head?

Why..

I...I'm afraid I did.

Oh. I wouldn't have said a word if I'd known it was you.

But my own father put that trophy there

with his own hands 20 years ago.

And no one has moved it so much as a quarter of an inch since.

The parsonage won't seem the same without it.

- Oh, well.. - I-I'll get it right away.

- I'll put it back again. - Oh, don't trouble.

But if you'll just tell me where it is, I'll--

No, I'll bring it.

I, uh, moved some other things, too.

I'll put them all back.

(William) 'Hope, where are you?'

I'm up here.

Up where?

Up here.

What are you doing in the attic?

'I, I was just in the way.'

Have you been crying?

- Just a little. - Oh.

[crying] They wouldn't let me touch a thing.

I had to put back everything.

Every ugliness in it's proper place.

And I won't be able to use my wedding presents or anything

because..

...because they'll think I'm stuck up.

[instrumental music]

Lesson number one.

The parsonage belongs to the ladies of the congregation.

But they're good folk, darling.

Just look at all those gifts they brought us.

A whole table full of pies and cakes.

I'm so ashamed.

But I used to plan what our first home would be like.

This..

No, Will, don't let me say it.

Don't let me complain.

I'll say it for you.

This house looks like a place

the county poor farmers abandoned it.

A dog wouldn't live in it.

A cat wouldn't be caught dead under the front porch.

The moles starve to death here and..

...and the mice smother in the dust.

[laughing]

Oh, Will.

Thank you.

[sniffles] I'm alright now.

Of course, of course, you're going to be alright.

And consider my princely salary.

$385 a year.

'If I can collect it.'

Oh, uh, by the way, that reminds me, uh

lesson number two. Uh..

I wouldn't wear my nice clothes, Hope, if I were you.

'At least, not for a while.'

Why ever not?

Well, uh..

...there were a couple of hints dropped by

the ladies when they left.

You see, it won't do for you to outshine

the ladies of the congregation.

We, uh, we are just a pastor and his wife.

We're not their betters.

We are...the people's servants.

I'll try my best to help you.

You know, I'm beginning to understand

what Benjamin Franklin meant when he called people

as poor as church mice.

[chuckling] Poor Richard was letting the preacher have it

right between the eyes.

Just look at this junk.

There's lesson number three.

You notice a minister never throws anything away.

- Now here's something. - What is it?

Missionary barrel, looks like.

Really? For us?

Must be a missionary barrel.

Where else could you find a collection such as this?

- For you, my love. - Oh, for me and who else?

[chuckling]

Ah, new shoes for papa.

Don't laugh, another year and may be

better than we're wearing.

[chuckles]

Oh, Will, take it off, if you knew what you look like.

Wait till you see yours.

[chuckling]

Oh, Will, it's going to be such fun.

Uh, darling, you've had a couple of bad jokes today.

But let us be of good cheer.

Something tells me this is just the beginning.

[chuckling]

[instrumental music]

Be kindly affectionate, one to another

with brotherly love.

Brother Spence, you preach good sermons

but there ain't enough sin in them.

Well, thank you, thank you, brother.

Next Sunday, we'll have sin.

[music continues]

Mother, here are a few books I forgot that I'd like you

to put in that trunk, too, please.

[train chugging]

(male #1) 'Good morning, doctor.'

Mor-uh, good morning.

And there they were brazenly holding hands in church.

I doubt if they even heard your text.

- This was last Sunday? - Yes, Dr. Spence.

By the way what was my text, uh..

[music continues]

[train chugging]

And the peace of the world

is the salvation of the world.

[explosion]

[dramatic music]

Yes-yes, I know things are high

but wages have increased, too.

Yes, uh, I suppose they have.

[train chugging]

[train horn blaring]

[music continues]

[bell ringing]

[baby crying]

[crying continues]

Mother.

Oh.

Oh, alright.

[crying continues]

[bells ringing]

[people screaming]

[baby crying]

Oh!

Eileen, where is your mother?

She's in the kitchen, father.

I'm sure you've done your practicing.

You go out and play, and, uh, take baby with you.

Yes, father.

[baby crying]

Hope, can you tell me why in thunderation

this parsonage should have been built next to a firehouse?

Or even vice versa?

Can't even tell you why this parsonage

should have been built at all.

Take a good look at it.

Give me some water, dear.

That bell goes off at the most provoking times.

Disturbs me when I'm preparing my sermons.

It interrupts my prayers.

Even wakes the baby in his sleep.

Bells! Bells! Bells!

Oh, uh, and, uh, speaking of the baby, dear

don't you think it's high time he was christened?

After all, even if he did come upon us unexpectedly

he's still entitled to a name.

I wasn't aware that we were speaking of the baby, Hope.

You know my wishes on that matter.

I've said my last word on the subject.

Well, I haven't.

Neither have a lot of other people.

You know, they are all talking, the whole congregation.

A Methodist baby should be baptized

before it's ten days old.

Here my poor child is nearly three months old

and not named yet, and your child, Will.

The minister's child.

What are people to think?

Mrs. Dibble told me just the other day

that Mrs. Jellison said right out in the ladies aid meeting

that it was practically a sin.

Hope, if you persist with this topic of conversation

I shall only change it.

A hundred times, if necessary.

Alright, dear.

- To what? - To anything.

What is it for supper, for example?

- Not a thing. - What did you say?

I said, not a thing.

You mean, not literally?

Literally, figuratively and specifically.

Statistically, we have a half a loaf of bread

'and a quarter of a pound of butter.'

'Luckily, there is enough milk for the baby.'

- What are we going to do? - Haven't you any money at all?

I have a ten cent piece. It's our entire cash capital.

And your quarterly salary not due till next week.

Well, in the meantime, telephone the grocer

and have him send something out on credit.

No.

No, we've used up the grocer's next quarterly

church donation to the penny.

- The butcher's, too. - Would it hurt just this once?

Mother, what is this?

I can tell you without looking, it's the Methodist discipline.

'What is the discipline?'

The discipline of the Methodist Church is the privy collection

of its rules and regulations, its declarations of faith

and its order of services.

It is amended if need be only..

Only for the general conference.

Right.

It's-it's for certain admonitions

concerning personal conduct.

Thus, it prohibits the hoarding of money

the accumulation of wealth or the going into debt.

That's it. That's it!

The going into debt.

Forbids labor on the Sabbath, even the preparation of meals.

It outlaws the motion picture, the theater, dancing, tobacco.

You may not sing any songs or read any books

which do not increase our knowledge of God's love.

We may not play any card game

which might be used for gambling

and divorce is something to be whispered about.

[chuckles]

Mother, you surely know your discipline.

I ought to. We've lived it for 13 years.

Now it appears we're also to eat it.

Give me the book, father, and I'll stew it in a pot.

Though I imagine it will prove tough fare.

Jolly, if only a wedding couple would come along.

[sighs] What a $5 wedding fee would do for us now.

Even a $2 wedding fee.

What's the matter, Hope? Aren't people getting married lately?

Well, this is July.

They say the season ends in June.

Well, something will turn up.

The Lord has always provided for us.

If there's one thing I have learned

a pastor and his family have to believe

in the miracle of Manna from heaven.

If it doesn't come, we don't eat.

Oh, goodbye, dear. I'm going to make some calls.

[instrumental music]

[children laughing]

[music continues]

Eileen. Eileen.

I thought I told you to watch baby.

Yes, father.

Eileen, bring in baby. Bring in your poor unnamed brother.

Oh, uh, Hartzell, come here.

- I'm, uh-- - Yes, sir.

I'm going out for a little while, so you keep the watch.

Alright.

Uh, I'm going to the courthouse first.

I'll be there about three minutes.

Then I'm going to drugstore to talk to Mr. MacFarland.

- Fifteen minutes for that. - Yes, sir.

Then I'm going to the hospital to visit Mrs. Olsen.

A half hour.

You, you stay right on the front porch

and keep a sharp eye open.

If any wedding couples come along

you'll know where to find me.

Yes, father.

- Hi, Angus. - Aren't you going in the car?

There isn't any gas.

[instrumental music]

- Good afternoon, Sandy. - Good afternoon, reverend.

Afternoon, Alf.

Well, nice seeing you, Brother Spence.

Thank you. Thank you.

Can I, uh, do something for you?

No, no, not a thing.

Saw you at the morning service last Sunday.

I always know if I look over at the left, I'll see your face.

I wouldn't miss one of your sermons for the world.

[chuckles] Thank you very much.

By the way, Alf, uh..

I'm not getting as many weddings as I used to.

You, uh, sure you're telling people how to get to my house?

Well, I've been worrying about that, too.

The new Justice of Peace has been getting

the bulk of the trade lately.

He-he's got a sign up on his front porch.

Why don't you put one in yours?

- Have a bite. - Oh, no, that's too commercial.

Well, here's the rub.

Most of the couples ask me

"Where is the nearest place to get married?"

And being a good Christian, I-I can't lie.

His place is right down the block.

Why don't you tell 'em that the nearest

minister is Mr. Spence?

Then you-you won't be lying

and, uh, my children can eat.

That's a great idea.

You know, Alf, a civil marriage is unquestionably legal.

I'm ready to admit that.

But nobody was ever hurt by a good Christian ceremony.

Very well, I'll do it. Thank you, Brother Spence.

You're welcome.

Could I, uh..

Could we get a dog license?

Yeah.

[instrumental music]

Oh, Betty, what's the matter?

I got something in my eye, it hurts.

Let's take a look.

There we are.

Thanks, Mr. Spence. You're as good as a doctor.

[chuckles] Almost was one.

Mac, what's new?

Well, let's see, oh-oh, yes, uh, Mrs. Johnson ordered

some more sleeping tablets today.

Uh, third time this month.

So, must have some problem on her mind.

Well, I hear Henry's been seen across the railroad tracks.

- Of course, that's only talk. - Oh, sure, sure.

Guess that's all.

Billings is there fighting again, he's on another toot.

- Mm-hmm. - Guess you heard about that.

Yeah. Don't know what I'd do without you, Mac.

What I don't know is how you do all you do.

Everybody and his neighbor's problems 24 hours a day.

'It's all part of the job.'

Hello, reverend, how's the business of saving souls?

Hello, doctor. Fine, thank you.

How's the business of saving teeth?

[chuckles] Well, my patients may howl

but they don't sing hymns, thank goodness.

- Chocolate soda, Mac. - Comin' right up.

You know, Dr. Horrigan

you're a thorn in my side and I admit it.

What have you got against religion that you should scoff

every chance you get? I'd be interested in hearing.

Have a soda.

Thank you, don't mind if I do.

- I'm rather empty. - Two, Mac.

- Make mine strawberry, Mac. - 'Mm-hmm.'

What have you got for religion?

Everything, it seems to me.

It's man's protection.

His bulwark against trouble.

This is 1917, doctor, most of the world is at war.

Now, we're in it, too.

Man can do with a little aid from God

to keep him on an even keeled.

I think Christian morals are the only thing

that can save him and the world.

Moreover, Christianity is fun.

It's a way of life, it's man's greatest joy and satisfaction.

Of course, to me, personally, it's even more than that.

It's the end and all of living.

Now and forever.

Amen.

Wouldn't blaspheme if I were you.

It's not too good for the soul.

Mr. Spence, how do you know you have a soul?

I can feel it.

You can feel it?

Means you can touch it.

No, no, no, I don't mean that.

- Well, you can see it. - No.

- Can you taste it? - No.

- Can you smell it? - No.

- Can you hear it? - No.

Well, then all your senses are against you, you have no soul.

Dr. Horrigan, as a dentist you must have had

many a patient with a toothache.

Ever had one yourself?

- Certainly. - Did you touch it?

- Hmm? - See it?

- No. - Smell it?

- No. No. - Taste it? Hear it?

Then all your senses are against you, you never had a toothache.

[chuckles] Well, that's just sophistry. Pretty good though.

Worthy of old Socrates himself.

Father, there's a wedding couple.

Don't bother me, son. Alright, you admire Socrates.

As a philosopher, I do.

- Did you say a wedding couple? - Yes, father.

Well, you don't have people going around

claiming Socrates as divine.

As far as that goes, Christ was a good teacher.

Why don't you leave the religious angle

out of Christianity and respect it as a good rule of living?

They've been waiting a long time.

- Come on. - Alright. Alright, I'm coming.

Thank you for the soda.

All I ask is that you respect Christ as a teacher.

I'll respect him as the son of God, and we'll both be happy.

We'll continue with this discussion in another time

and I'll see you in the front pew of church yet.

Mac, let me have another soda.

Ah, Hartzell, no unseemly haste, but let's go.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye. Thank you--

Good luck, bride. God bless you.

Don't forget to bring the first born

back to the church to be baptized.

We'll bring all our children for you to baptize.

Oh, John, stop. He's always teasing me.

[laughing]

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

- Good luck. - Bye.

(female #1) 'Goodbye.'

I, uh, of course, I shouldn't ask

but, uh, did you get the wedding fee?

Holding on to it for dear life.

How much was it, $5 or $2?

I haven't had a look.

Well, I noticed you used $5 line of jokes, so I suppose--

Ah, what do you mean?

Well, now don't pretend you don't know

what I'm talking about, Will Spence.

[chuckles] I haven't assisted you

at hundreds of weddings for nothing.

Well, you start off the minute they come in

while you're still filling out the records.

Well, of course, I jolly them along a little.

Gets them over the nervousness.

Getting married is a terrifying process.

Yes, but I notice you use a different set of jokes

for each price range.

I can seen you figuring it out plain as day.

This is a $5 wedding or a $2 wedding?

The minute you open your mouth

I can tell which you've decided it is.

Hah, you do go on.

Now, don't you deny it, Will Spence.

The $2 opening goes like this.

"Uh, be careful how you answer these questions, young lady.

It's perjury to falsify your age on the marriage record."

Ah, but your $5 opening is..

- Come in, come in. - Alright.

"So you want to be married?

"Well, you're wise to get a ring on this young lady's finger

before someone else does."

Then you give the bride one of those

overwhelming smiles of yours and say

"I bet it took some tall talking to get you on the dotted line."

Oh! What a lot of bosh.

But it's after the ceremony that you really do yourself proud.

The $2 form.

"Alright, kiss her now.

That's what you've been waiting for."

But your $5 winds up a humdinger.

"Alright, now, you're married.

"If you don't hurry up and kiss the bride, young man

I'll do it myself."

[chuckles] Mother, you, you've gotten to know me too well.

I always give them the same ceremony.

Yes, for nothing near a million dollars

you give them the best that's in you.

I love weddings.

Perhaps because I had such good luck at my own.

- Shall we look? - Alright.

We've allowed ourselves sufficient time to demonstrate

that we're people of iron self-control.

Two dollars.

First time I've ever been wrong. Guess I must be losing my grip.

Oh, well, two dollars is two dollars. Besides, I'm hungry.

Mother, call up the grocer and tell him

to send something out for supper. Something filling.

I'm going to write my sermon tonight.

I think I'll start off with the miracle of feeding the multitude

with five loaves and two fishes.

Perhaps somebody in the congregation will take the hint

and invite us to share a Sunday dinner.

- You better telephone. - 'Will..'

I've always done everything you say.

- Haven't I? - Now, what's up?

Just this. I'm not going to feel very well

preparing your dinner tonight or any other night

until the question of the baby's name is settled.

Dear, this is no time to discuss baby's name. I'm-I'm hungry.

It's the most perfect time in the world.

I'll never again get you in such a weakened condition.

Dear, I'm perfectly willing at any time to baptize baby

but I will not have him call plain William Spence.

He's got have a middle name.

I never had one, and I always felt

there was one strike against me on that account.

But he wouldn't be plain William Spence.

- He'd be William Spence Junior. - Junior! Junior is sissy name.

I'll not have my son be a sissy. I'm hungry.

A lot of men name their sons after themselves.

I let you name your first son after your Bishop Hartzell.

This time, I think you should follow my wishes.

Very well, mother.

I'll knuckle down to you to the extent of William.

Provided we follow the good old Canadian custom of calling

the child by his middle name

which middle name is to be Frazer.

After my grand old Scottish uncle.

And I don't mean the one who was hanged as a horse thief.

It's after 5 o'clock, dear. Did you say you were hungry?

We can argue here till doomsday

and I'll still like William Spence Junior.

I never would have thought you'd take

such an uncharitable advantage of me.

Very well, mother, I'll give in.

- I'll name the baby. - This Sunday?

This Sunday.

Now, please hurry up and fix my supper.

Otherwise, you're going to make an awfully silly spectacle

of yourself when you enter church Sunday morning

with the baby under one arm and me under the other.

[Hope chuckles]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[bells ringing]

Mother..

[ringing continues]

♪ Who will all our sorrows share? ♪

♪ Jesus knows our every weakness ♪

♪ Take it to the Lord in prayer ♪

♪ A-a-a-men ♪♪

It is now our privilege

to administer the sacrament of baptism.

[instrumental music]

Such children of the congregation as..

...shall be presented by their parents.

Remember the words of the scripture, where it says

'"And they were bringing unto Him little children'

'"that He should touch them.'

'"And He took them in his arms and blessed them'

'laying His hands upon them."'

[baby crying]

- The name, please. - John Henry Appleby.

[baby crying]

John Henry Appleby

I baptize thee in the name of the Father

the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

'Name, please.'

Susan Ann Edwards.

Susan Ann Edwards

I baptize thee in the name of the Father

the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

[speaks softly] What are you bawling for?

[speaks softly] I was never baptized.

- The name, please. - William Spence Junior.

William Frazer Spence

'I baptize thee in the name of the Father'

'the Son and the Holy Spirit.'

Amen.

[baby crying]

- The name, please? - 'Richard Henry Jones.'

'Richard Henry Jones..'

I wonder what's keeping your father, it's..

It's an hour since church was out.

He's coming up the walk, mother.

Oh, is he?

Well, I must get dinner ready.

I bet she'll give him "Hail, Columbia."

Shh, don't swear, it's Sunday.

But I bet she does, too.

You're not supposed to bet on Sunday either.

Oh, you.

[instrumental music]

- Am I late? - I held back dinner.

I stopped to talk.. Uh, lots of people.

Nothing will spoil.

I, uh, stopped to get this to bring you.

- Oh, ice-cream. - Yeah.

- How's baby? - Baby?

Baby.

Frazer's having his afternoon nap.

Frazer?

Frazer.

- Mmm, strawberry. - Hmm.

Your favorite kind.

Is there, uh, anything I can do to help?

- Oh, uh, no, thank you. - Hmm.

Well, just let me know when dinner's ready.

"Verily I say unto you

whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little--"

Well, playing quotations and answers, hmm?

- 'Yes, father.' - 'Yes, father.'

Enjoying yourselves?

- Yes, father. - No, father.

What's that, Hartzell?

We've played this game every Sunday

since Santa Claus gave it to me.

Gee, I'd rather play like the other kids.

You know, son, I'm a reasonable man.

I can imagine it isn't easy for you

to be children in a minister's family.

Particularly when the city fathers have planned so badly

as to plant temptation right outside the parsonage window.

But you know as well as I do what the discipline has to say

about levity on the Sabbath.

Well, doesn't it mean them, too?

Yes.

But I expect you to be an example to the others.

You know, son, you and I, Eileen and mother, all of us

the pastor's family are in a special category.

We are, uh.. Well, it's as if we walked a sort of tight rope.

Balancing with one foot on Earth and one foot already in heaven.

You want to go to heaven, don't you?

Well, how do I know I'll like it?

Well, young man, you..

You'd better make up your mind to like it.

Since that's where we're all ticketed to go.

- 'Dinner's ready.' - Good.

I could eat a horse with its harness on.

Me, too.

[doorbell rings] Yeah.

Now who could that be at this hour?

I'll see.

Don't they think we have to eat?

- Why, Mrs. Jellison. - Good afternoon.

I was just passing by and..

Mrs. Jellison, this is indeed a pleasure.

I do hope I'm not disturbing you

but I just had to tell you how much I enjoyed the sermon.

Thank you. It's very kind of you.

Oh, if I'm holding up your dinner

I can come some other time.

Not at all. Not at all.

A good church member like you?

Children?

- Good afternoon, Mrs. Jellison. - Good afternoon, Mrs. Jellison.

Good afternoon, Eileen...and Hartzell.

Why, I haven't seen you since, uh, Wednesday.

'Remember, at the movie house?'

You, uh, you saw my son at a motion picture theatre?

Oh, surely you must be mistaken, Mrs. Jellison.

Oh, I hope I haven't said something I shouldn't..

'I-I couldn't have been mistaken.'

He was coming out of the matinee as I was going in, and--

Oh, yes, yes.

Mother, make Mrs. Jellison at home.

I have some business in the study.

Hartzell.

'Hartzell?'

[dramatic music]

Oh, my dear, I really didn't mean to say anything.

I hope I haven't caused any trouble.

Son, this is right along the line I was talking to you about.

You're old enough to decide what is right or wrong

and I want you to make up your own mind about such things,

But If I were a butcher, you'd be glad to help me

in the store, even if you didn't like the work.

- Wouldn't you? - Yes, sir.

If I were a carpenter, you'd be glad to help me, wouldn't you?

Yes, sir.

Well, I'm a preacher.

You can see that what you've done hasn't helped me.

In fact, it has embarrassed me.

It was a good picture.

It had Douglas Fairbanks.

And I didn't go on Sunday.

You think I'm an old fogey, don't you?

Yes, sir. I mean, no, sir.

You mean, yes, sir.

- Tell me the truth. - Yes, sir.

Suppose I ought to strop you.

But your incorrect thinking must be my fault

so it's up to me to correct it.

You know what I'm going to do?

I'm going to take you next Saturday

and point out in the film itself why it's not good for you.

[instrumental music]

Two tickets, please.

All of yours to spend?

One for me and one half fare for my son.

Uh, yes, sir.

[piano music]

(boy #1) Hey, sit down!

- Who does he think he is? - Shh. It's the preacher.

Holy mackerel!

[cheering and applauding]

(boy #2) "'Bakeoven, the desert town'

stewing in its uncouth sins beneath the brazen sun."

[applauding]

'"The Hello, uh..'

'...Dance Hall, baited and set to disposal."'

There.

Is that an example you want to follow?

[whistling]

You get what I mean?

Can you lend your presence to such an exhibition?

[people whistling]

[indistinct chattering]

'"Handsome Jack Pressley, the supposed proprietor '

'"of the Hello, uh..'

And leader of a sport element of Bakeoven."

[audience booing]

(boy #3) '"Dawn breaks on the mountain home'

'of Preachin' Bill Hardy."'

[birds chirping]

[dramatic music]

(boy #2) '"You've got just one minute to tell'

'where you've hidden Silent Marr.'"

[audience booing]

'"I'll make him talk. Throw some bush in his church."'

[instrumental music]

[audience screaming]

[audience applauding]

[audience cheering]

[audience booing]

(boy #3) '"This bandit took the clean-up from the guard'

'"and then tore my wife from my arms'

'"and dent-dented her.'

'She has not been seen.."'

[audience booing]

[audience cheering]

(boy #3) '"This man lied.'

'"The wo-woman taken from him was not his wife'

'"but was intended for a life in his dance hall.'

'She is under government protection."'

[audience gasp]

[audience cheering]

[audience booing]

[audience cheering]

[clamoring]

[audience cheering]

(all) "Arrest these men!"

[indistinct chatter]

[instrumental music]

[clamoring]

[indistinct chatter]

[instrumental music]

[audience cheering]

(boy #3) '"There's your princess, Mister United Stated Marshal."'

[audience cheering]

[all cheering]

[all cheering]

[piano music]

- Why, father. - Yeah, mother.

- Do my eyes deceive me? - No, no.

- I was in there, alright. - Can you imagine?

You know something, mother? That picture wasn't bad.

In fact, it had a good moral.

How did you like "The Silent Man," Brother Spence?

I liked it, Sister Sale. I liked it.

- Oh, well. - I'm glad you liked it.

And I'm glad you went.

You've always said yourself

we could do with a little broadening.

Yes, sir. It was good.

It was downright good.

In fact, you know what I'm going to do?

I'm going to preach a sermon about it.

He who speaks to only one generation is dead.

And therefore, he who speaks to only

one generation is already dead.

And he who listens to only one generation is deaf.

We should listen to our children.

Sometimes we feel that the younger generation

is going to perdition fast, but if we lis..

[bell ringing]

But if we listen and try to understand

we may change our minds.

'In fact, from the young we may even learn a lesson.'

The church, too, should listen to the young.

That it may keep abreast of the times

and continue its growth through them.

The Lord bless you and keep you. Amen.

We'll dispense with the closing hymn.

[dramatic music]

[dramatic music]

[indistinct screaming]

Mother!

Mother, where are you?

Mother!

- 'Here I am.' - Oh, darling.

Oh, the first time I ever

miss church and the house burns down.

Did you save my books, mother? Did you get my books--

- Yes, I did, but my new-- - Bless you for that, mother.

- What about the children? - Well, they are safe, but--

- Where? - Well, uh..

Frazer's at the Dibbles, and the others

they're helping the fire department.

- Hartzell, hang on to it. - I am.

Come out, fellas.

[instrumental music]

Well, I've been trying to tell you, my new hat's in there.

Look at that house burn.

As heartily as any sinner in hell.

[dramatic music]

The firehouse is on fire.

Men, we can't save the parsonage

'but for Pete's sake, don't let the firehouse burn down.'

(male #2) 'Bill, come on.'

[instrumental music]

But, Will, my new hat.

The one I paid five dollars for.

What a blaze.

Oh, mother, don't you cry.

What id the old parsonage does burn up?

They needed a new one and we're moving anyway.

My work here's just about done.

We're, we're moving?

Yeah, the, uh, telegram came this morning

and I didn't have time to tell you.

- Where are we going? - Know what they want me to do?

They want to make me district superintendent.

Me. Then they had another idea, making me a missionary to India.

I answered that one, alright.

I said the real heathen are in the church.

And to them will I be missionary.

Now, dear, don't tell me where we're not going

but where we are.

And about the parsonage.

Oh, I do hope it's a nice one for a change.

You don't know how it hurts me to bring up my children

the way we've had to.

Always on the move.

Never really being to able to settle down anywhere.

And they're normal children, Will.

They're entitled to a respectable, permanent home.

Even if they are the minister's family.

Well, to tell the truth, mother

I didn't enquire about the parsonage.

But don't get your hopes up.

We're going to Sioux City.

There's a detachment of troops stationed there

and as well as being pastor, I'm going to be their chaplain.

I hear there are lot of young men piling into the army

these days and they're going to need spiritual guidance.

You mean you're going to join the army?

- Well, in a way. - Oh, Will.

Now, I guess, I'll have to bring up my children in a pup tent.

Mother, mother, they saved your new hat.

[instrumental music]

[laughing]

[dramatic music]

Well, sir, what do you thing of Uncle Sam's cottages?

Well, not as much room as the parsonage

but there aren't any loose boards on the front porch.

[music continues]

I'm well and feel fine, mom.

So, don't you worry.

Don't you worry, either, son.

[music continues]

[explosions]

[all cheering]

Come on out..

- Mrs. Spence. - What is it?

- The war's over! - How many to ring the bell?

(male #3) 'It's all over!'

[crowd cheering]

- What is it? - 'The armistice is signed.'

So it has come, at last.

[indistinct chattering]

This is no time for riotous celebration

or the ringing of bells.

This is a time to give thanks to our Heavenly Father

who's granted us this mercy.

[instrumental music]

Almighty God, we thank thee

for thy blessing that this war has ceased.

We thank thee for thy gift of courage

which alone has carried us through anxious days.

We ask thy blessing upon those who will not again return

to live among us.

And we beseech the All Father

that war may never come again to us

or to our children.

Help us to live as brothers in Christ Jesus

that wars may be no more.

But if it be thy will

that we must ever again

in this imperfect world

defend our democratic way of life

give us strength to do so

with courage and determination.

And in the troubled days ahead

when we are entering what must be a new world

give us thy peace.

Amen.

(all) Amen.

[instrumental music]

[instrumental music]

Hartzell! Hartzell!

- Yes, sir. - What are you doing?

I was fixing a leak in the cellar.

Did you put a pan under that leak in your room?

- Yes, sir, I did. - Well, go up and empty it.

Please, it's overflowing into the study.

Yes, sir.

[music continues]

[vessel clanking]

- 'Eileen?' - Yes, mother?

(Hope) 'Eileen, let me have the flour.'

It isn't that I'm complaining just to complain

but I want to dance, all the girls I know dance.

The discipline forbids dancing

so you know that means your father forbids it.

Here's the coal.

Looks like I have to do everything around this house.

It looks like..

Arlene, let me cut the cookies.

Alright, Frazer dear, but be careful and don't cut yourself.

'Not being able to do it simply shuts me out of'

everything, mother.

Alright, I'll speak to him.

That much I promise.

But not this afternoon.

Saturday afternoon when your father's preparing his sermon

he can't be disturbed, you know that.

(William) 'Hope. Hope!'

Sounds to me like father's already disturbed.

Mother! Mother.

- 'Yes?' - You'd better hurry.

- What happened? - Father wants you.

Oh, I'd already gathered that, dear.

- 'Hope!' - Mother, why is he yelling so?

Well, I'll soon find out.

Where's you father?

He's in there, mother.

- 'Hope, is that you?' - Yes, dear.

Will, come out of there.

You're spoiling your second best suit.

You know how many holes are on this roof?

'Nine. Just in this one section.'

- I just counted them. - 'Yes, dear, I do know.'

Three in the hallway, four in the boy's bedrooms.

(Hope) 'Two in Arlene's room, one in ours.'

Well, that's an outrage.

Yes, dear, I told you last month before the spring rains began.

It doesn't matter what you told me last month.

Yes, I know that. You're an independent thinker.

You like to discover things for yourself.

Now, you found out we have 19 leaks, that makes it official.

You'd think the parsonage committee

would so something about it.

Have you told Mrs. Sandow?

No, I haven't.

But I'd like to let myself go

and really tell her what I think.

Rich old hen sitting up there in your

stone chicken coup on top of that hill.

Look at you.

Just because you built the church

you think you can run the whole shebang.

Well, I won't put up with it any longer.

Stand up on the stool.

Every, every rope has an end

and so does a man's patience.

Now, dear, it won't do any good

to hold imaginary conversations with Mrs. Sandow.

- Why don't you telephone her? - Telephone, bosh.

I'm going to see her.

Not out in this rain.

Let's see if her house is dry

and we'll all be tighter if it is.

Now dear, don't get too excited. It's bad for your heart.

My wrath is righteous. "Woe unto them

that decree unrighteous decrees."

'Hartzell, another pan, please.'

We've used them all up.

Now, Hartzell, please, don't argue with me.

Now that you're in this mood at last

I'll come down and help you on with your coat.

'Make sure you don't change your mind.'

Oh, did-did you talk to mother?

Yes, she said she'd talk to father

but the mood he's in today, I don't think it'll do any good.

Hmm, no.

Well, let's just keep working through her.

She'll help us think of something.

Oh, Hartzell, why did our father have to be a minister?

That's something I've often wondered.

'Course, he's better than he used to be.

Far ahead of most, I guess, but there's still room

for a lot of improvement.

Well, as a father, he's just about perfect, I guess.

But if only he'd been a businessman.

Or-or even a-a grocer or a plumber.

Anything but a minister.

Do you know what's the worst part of it to me?

Being a minister's son, I mean.

No, what?

It ruins my technique with women.

Your technique with women.

Alright, laugh if you want to and I don't blame you.

But that's the trouble.

I haven't got any technique.

But it's not my fault, it's the fault of my upbringing.

Why, do you know, if I even get gay enough to

to try and hold a girl's hand or anything

right away I'll remember I'm a minister's son and..

- And I freeze up. - I know.

Girls look at me different from other fellas, too.

I don't know, they expect me to act different.

Why, if I even try to put my arm around one of them

they right away bring up that old one

about all minister's sons being wild.

Don't you have the same problems?

Yes, in reverse.

Hmm. Hmm?

[instrumental music]

I, I came to see Sister Sandow.

Well, she's gone out for the afternoon, Dr. Spence.

Well, that's too bad.

Does, uh, does your roof leak?

Oh, never mind.

Good day.

[instrumental music]

- Dr. Spence? - 'Hello, Samson.'

Why, doctor, this is a surprise.

How nice and dry you are here.

Parsonage roof has 19 leaks. I just counted them.

Well, I'm sorry to hear that, doctor.

I suppose you've come to see Mrs. Sandow, but..

She isn't home.

Her lawyer drove her out into the country

to look at one of her farms.

Even in the rains, she keeps her appointments with her lawyer.

Then Samson, suppose you and I have a little chat.

I'd like to ask you upstairs

but I'm afraid my place isn't fit to receive my pastor.

Ah, since a man's home is his inner spirit

all he needs in a house is a roof over his head.

Yeah, a roof over his head without leaks.

Yeah, mind that step, sir.

It's bad out today.

Yes, it is.

Very nice of you to call on me in the rain.

But you oughta come on a better day.

On a good day, you'd be working in your garden.

Today we can talk.

Is that so? You're a wise man, doctor.

Couldn't I make you a cup of tea?

- Oh, now, don't you bother. - Oh, it's no bother.

No bother at all.

The kettle is always boiling.

I, uh, I must apologize for my room.

But you're the first guest I've ever had.

'Twenty-two years and no one.'

I'm going to open the special box of tea

that Senator Harton gave me once for driving him.

I've been waiting to prepare tea with it.

'Uh, sugar, doctor?'

No, thank you.

You shouldn't go through so much trouble for me, Samson.

But you're my pastor.

I like the way you said that.

I've been called a lot of things in my time.

Sometimes even that meddling old fool.

Sometimes better names, sometimes worse.

Does your pastor mean that much to you?

Of course, you do, doctor.

Haven't I watched you laboring since you came?

Visiting the sick, helping folks to die in peace

'during the awful influenza epidemic.'

Joking with people during the bad times of the depression.

Never sparing yourself day or night.

I know the sacrifices you've made.

Thank you, Samson.

I think you'll like it. It's supposed to be very fine tea.

I meant thank you for your words.

A fine cup of tea, too.

Doctor, don't you know that there are hundreds of people

in your church that think the same about you that I do?

Didn't you know that?

At the moment, I need reminding.

Oh, Samson, you're a remarkable man.

You haven't missed a Sunday evening service

during my ministry here.

I see that you read your Bible, too.

It's my only companion.

You have no friends?

Mrs. Sandow doesn't like me to have them.

They cause talk, gossip.

She's afraid of gossip.

So you live here all alone, never seeing anyone.

Oh, Mrs. Sandow has me in after supper for prayers.

'In fine weather, I talk to the maids in the garden.'

'But I need no friends.'

'I have my Bible and my flowers.'

'They are enough. Shall I get you some more tea?'

No more, Samson. Thank you for your kindness.

I came here in anger and I leave

with a lesson in Christian humility.

Would you like to pray with me before I go?

I'd be honored, sir.

Never be honored at the person who offers prayer, Samson.

Be honored with at privilege of praying to God.

I am, always.

Almighty God

we thank you thee for the privilege

of walking humbly in thy sight.

Of doing thy work.

Of living in the world of Christ Jesus.

We thank thee for the flowers and the birds

and for every living and growing thing that enriches our lives

and brings us testimony of thy goodness.

Bless thou thy servant in this house.

Be with him and comfort him.

That his days maybe rich and abundant with thy great love.

[instrumental music]

- Oh, you startled me. - Is that a new one?

Yes, just started.

That makes 20 leaks.

It's indecent.

The stew's a little weaker tonight than usual.

You'll know the reason why.

Well, take off your coat.

Why you staring at me?

Because I'm seeing you for the first time.

What an absurd thing to say.

You've seen me everyday for 20 years.

Just what I mean.

I haven't been able to see the forest for the trees.

Whatever you're saying I'm sure is very profound

but if you don't get out of those wet clothes

you'll catch cold.

I'm seeing you as you are, Hope.

The wife of a parson.

I'm remembering the trials you've had to put up with.

The series of parsonages that you've had to live in

and bring up your children in.

Each home dingier than the other.

I'm remembering your dream of having a nice home.

Try the stew.

Hmm. It's good.

You worked in the church.

Sunday school, missionary societies.

The so and so club.

Committee for the elevation of the plight of the poor.

Full time job in itself.

Still you've managed to find time to..

...manage your house.

Just cook and mend and scrub for a family.

Rear children, comfort a husband.

Doin' all this, with the serenity of a Madonna.

Thank you, Will.

There's nobody who can turn a praise as well as you can.

Mother, we're gonna have a new parsonage.

Yes. What did Mrs. Sandow say?

She wasn't home but her house was dry.

Even the garage was dry.

What's necessary for a car

oughta be necessary for a preacher.

I've had enough of this.

- What are you goin' to do? - I don't know.

Well, it's goin' to be difficult.

Parsonage is just so handy to the church.

You'll never get them to build a new one.

Not as long as this one stands, certainly.

Hmm..

That's an idea.

Now, Will, you're not going to burn this one down?

No, but I'm gonna get a new church built right on this spot.

The they'll have to build a new parsonage.

That's it, that's what I'll do.

You're not going to build a new church to get a new parsonage?

Oh, yes, I am. You watch and see.

Besides, we need a new church.

Have needed one for years.

Why should people have money to spend

on everything except a new church?

That's it. We're gonna get a new one.

And Mrs. Sandow is gonna pay for most of it.

Let me at that telephone.

[instrumental music]

Three-one-eight-two, Greenway.

Hello, may I speak to Dr. Romer, please?

This is Dr. Spence.

[instrumental music]

Just make a few calls around, John.

See how folks feel about it.

Much better if the impetus comes from you

instead of the pastor.

That's right.

Thank you, John. Goodbye.

[doorbell rings]

Well, Mrs. Sandow, we don't often get to see you.

Is Mr. Spence at home?

Well, yes, he's in the study.

Very well.

Well, well, Mrs. Sandow you couldn't have come

on a more opportune time.

I was just sayin' to Dr. Romer--

Brother Spence, I hear you've been calling on Samson.

Yes, indeed. Fine devote man.

I'll have none of it.

Excuse me, I didn't hear you correctly.

Yes, you did. I said, "I'll have none of it."

You mean, I cannot call on Samson?

You may not. Or I'll be the laughing stock of the town.

Do you realize what you've done?

You've put Samson on my social plain.

You are my pastor and you'll call on me.

My gardener belongs in the garden.

Your gardener is also a member of my church.

Not at all. He attends evening service.

- Well, Sister Lydia-- - Don't you sister me.

Tell me, don't you have Samson in for evening prayers?

I do and I also have prayer with my maids.

As mistress of my house, I'm responsible for my servants

and that includes their devotions.

But I don't invite my servants to tea.

And I don't expect them to invite my friends

to have tea with them.

But we're all children of God.

There's no distinction in his sight.

"As you would do under me

do even so under the least of these."

Don't you start quoting scripture to me.

You ministers are all alike.

You confide the precedent of the Bible

for everything. Even sin.

I will not comment your having tea with my servants.

I'm sorry, Sister Lydia.

But I cannot accept your way of thinking.

Then you are no longer my pastor.

From this day on, I'm a Baptist.

[dramatic music]

She's leaving.

Gonna be a Baptist.

Well, there goes you church and my parsonage--

Not on your life.

This church is not a one man proposition.

Nor a one woman one, either.

We can put up a church without her.

(William) 'Now, what I had in mind gentlemen'

'was that, uh, while we're thinking'

'of building a new church'

we could take a good look at the old one.

If we can stand it.

That was why I suggested

the building committee meet here.

I suppose you all have your own ideas

about what kind of a church we should have

so let's get them all out in the open right now.

Who wants to talk first?

Well, as the chairman of the committee I think--

Gentlemen, as an architect you probably--

That way you know exactly how I feel

about this whole thing--

That's pretty close to a tie.

So I'll settle it by beginning myself.

In fact, I already have begun.

I've written to the Central Committee

and gotten sketches of all the latest ideas.

While we're building, we'd better build the best.

- Why do we need a new church? - Yes, why do we?

My grandfather designed this one

and it's always served its purpose.

Lot of souls have been saved in this church.

Well, while we're saving these souls, Clayton

there's no harm in making their bodies more comfortable.

Did our founder John Wesley preach in the church like this?

No, he didn't. And he had the right idea, too.

May I add, Dr. Spence

all a church needs is four walls and some benches.

And the harder the benches, the better.

People don't come to church to take a nap.

No, they come to worship and to feel the presence of God.

Which is exceedingly difficult in this monstrosity.

You better get another architect. I withdraw.

Well, it seems to be an easy answer to that one.

Right. It's easy enough for me.

I'm afraid we were too hasty, John.

We need Clayton.

I don't see how we're going to get along without him.

Dr. Spence, will you kindly explain to me why

in the proposed plans, you've changed

the location of the choir loft?

Is the, uh, choir moved, Preston?

- You know, very well it is. - Well, it's true.

It's split and moved to the sides.

And you're quite right, it is a little hidden

by this beautiful ornamental wood carving.

Well, my wife won't like it.

My cousin, Lulu Digby, won't like it.

The Hodges and the Rhodes won't like it.

And I don't like it.

Well, I've always thought the function of a choir

was to be heard rather than seen.

Are you implying that my wife's face

is not fit to look at?

Not at all, not at all.

Now, let's just talk this over quietly, Preston.

Will it help to shorten the conversation

if I remind you that my donations to this church

have been rather considerable?

Top of the list. Year after year.

- And I've been grateful. - Hmm.

I'd planned on a donation to the new church of

something over $50,000.

Well, it's a lot of money. It's a lot of money.

Of course, I'd put you down for $75,000

but even so it's a lot of money.

Do you even know what it would've mean

if I withdrew my support from this project?

Sure. We know what it would mean.

None of your old cronies would contribute either.

And all those people you've got under your thumb

who work in your bank and in your factories.

They'd be afraid to contribute, too.

Romer, you have the general idea.

Now, gentlemen we can't--

Gentlemen, I'm afraid we're not getting

very far this evening, let's all

go home and think it over.

Perhaps we can meet again next week.

- And perhaps not. Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Now, there's no choice, our position is clear.

We'll be home early tonight.

My wife will be surprised.

[indistinct chatter]

How you could keep your patience..

Practice.

Hope says I let it out at home later.

On her and the children.

Disgusting squabbling, petty grown men, too.

No, John, it wasn't what you'd call disgusting.

Not down right disgusting.

You get a few Methodists together and they always fight.

It's a good sign, healthy sign.

Shows they think enough of their church to fight about it.

Yes, but not enough to build a new one.

Oh, I guess we just have to sit on that church building idea

for a while.

Bill, do you believe in what you told them

about wanting a church that's both beautiful and spiritual?

Yeah, of course, I did.

- Well, then fight for it. - Wait.

- Thurston? - Well, stand up to that bully.

Well, John, many churches have their bosses.

You, you learn to get along with them.

Their big contributions--

A bully is usually a coward, Bill.

If you'd lick him on this

choir issue, you'll have him licked on everything.

I have been worrying about that choir for a long time.

Ah, that's a disgrace.

All his family and all his friends

smack dab up there in the middle of the shebang every Sunday.

Carrying on like prima donna opera stars.

And the reason to voice in that whole choir

that didn't cracked about the year 1900.

John, you know, I don't think I can preach very many

more sermons with that caterwauling in ears.

Jolly..

Have you got a plan?

Well, sort of.

Something that might get rid of our present choir

and set Thurston down a peg or two at the same time.

- It's pretty drastic though. - It'd have to be drastic.

He's about as delicate himself as a steamroller.

What is it?

I suggest you come to church on Children's Day.

[instrumental music]

♪ Come thou fount of ♪

♪ Every blessing ♪

♪ Tune my heart to sing thy grace ♪

♪ Streams of mercy never ceasing ♪

♪ Call for songs of loudest praise ♪

♪ Teach me some melodious sonnet ♪

♪ Sung by flaming tongues above ♪

♪ Praise the Mount I'm fixed upon it ♪

♪ Mount of Thy ♪

♪ Redeeming love ♪

♪ Amen ♪♪

No Children's Day services would be complete

without our special offertory anthem.

Today, however, I have a surprise for you

and for the choir.

'Perhaps, I should say the children'

'have a surprise for you.'

In their own devotional exercises

downstairs every Sunday

'they've been following a project'

'learning hymns and anthems.'

In fact, a pick group of them

have been rehearsing with all their might and main.

'"The Children's Prayer from Hansel and Gretel."'

Now I feel that we should recognize

and encourage the children's efforts.

'They are the future members of our church.'

Therefore, with the gracious consent

'of the members of our choir'

I suggest that the children substitute for them today

and render the offertory anthem.

'Thank you. Thank you.'

No one having dissented, we will proceed.

[instrumental music]

♪ When at night I go to sleep ♪

♪ Fourteen angels watch do keep ♪

♪ Two my head are guarding ♪

♪ Two my feet are guiding ♪

♪ Two upon my right hand ♪

♪ And two upon my left hand ♪

♪ Two who warmly cover ♪

♪ Two who o'er me hover ♪

♪ Two to whom 'tis given ♪

♪ To guide my steps ♪

♪ To heaven ♪

♪ When at morn I wake each day ♪

♪ Golden sunbeams round me play ♪

♪ The flowers nod to greet me ♪

♪ And birds fly down to meet me ♪

♪ Soft warm breezes kiss me ♪

♪ And whisper that they miss me ♪

♪ O'er this there sail ♪

♪ Most lightly ♪

♪ White clouds come for a party ♪

♪ And to be their children ♪

[choir singing]

♪ Oh Lord ♪

♪ Bring me to heaven ♪♪

Nothing is so rich to a father

as the sound of his children's voices.

I'm sure our heavenly Father is as pleased as we are

with the fine singing we've just heard.

A happy thought has occurred to me.

Our loyal choir has had no rest in nearly 12 years.

That is right, isn't it, uh, Sister Thurston?

Thirteen years.

Thirteen years.

That is service deserving of reward.

Why don't you good singers take a vacation this summer?

'In the meantime, we'll let the children'

'provide the music for the church.'

[applauding]

Alright. Alright.

I-I accept that applause

as a tribute to our faithful choir.

'Over the summer, we'll let you rest.'

The, uh, children will carry on.

[clears throat]

My text for today is, uh, from Chronicles 14, 15th Verse.

"And the children of Israel fled before Judah.."

- I enjoyed it very much. - Thank you. Thank you.

- Yes, wonderful, sir. - Thank you very much.

I'd like a word with you, Dr. Spence.

- Yes, of course. - Right now!

- Oh. Excuse me. - Certainly.

I presume you're rather proud of yourself?

Well, Preston, I didn't think my sermon this morning

was anything to brag about.

I'm not referring to the sermon.

He's talking about those children.

Oh, yes, I was

very proud of them.

Did I do alright, Father?

Run along, son.

I got 'em clapping like anything, didn't I?

Uh, you'd better go home, dear.

So the whole thing was a put up job.

Yes, Preston, I guess we'd have to say it was a put up job.

For years, I've let you run the choir as you wanted

and many is the Sunday I have gone home with a headache.

Think of that multiplied by 300

and you'll get a rough idea of the headache

our congregation has had to put up with.

I demand that you reinstate the choir at once.

If you don't, we won't--

We won't beat about the bush, Dr. Spence.

Those children are not going to sing again

while I am at the head of the music committee.

You don't mean that, Mrs. Thurston.

You're just excited and I can't blame you.

I do mean it and I'll mean it tomorrow and the next day

or any day you name.

(William) 'Then, Mrs. Thurston, I can only accept your resignation'

with thanks for your many years of service.

What do you mean, accept her resignation?

May I remind you the church appointments

are made and unmade by me?

That is a condition which no longer exists in this church.

In that case, this church is no longer

big enough for you and me.

Oh, I think it is, Preston.

Just remember what I say.

One of us will go. Come along, Martha.

And I have a good idea which one it'll be.

I seem to be going forward backward.

Mrs. Sandow, architect Porter and now Thurston.

They're not the church.

And to think that all this started

with my trying to build something.

[instrumental music]

I'm surprised there are so many.

Yes, but all so little.

There are no little contributions

to Christ's work, John.

No little members of a congregation

of one of his churches, all are of equal worth.

But unhappily, not of equal worth at the bank.

Elias Sampson, $25.

Do you realize what that cost him?

Horris Night. $200.

He has a boy who wants to study medicine.

Mrs. Lane. 50 cents.

She hasn't 50 cents to spare.

Yes, I know and that's all very fine.

But now notice the total of these contributions

of the faithful, and you'll see how thoroughly

Thurston has done his work.

We couldn't get past putting in the foundation.

Well, the foundation is something.

It's the beginning.

Keep at it, John, will ya?

Oh, of course, of course.

Oh, by the way I'm doing a nice cholecystectomy

tomorrow morning, come around and watch, if you've got time.

Got to keep you up to your mark in your medicine.

- Thanks, I'll do that, John. - Fine.

You know, Bill, you'd have made a good doctor.

What a pity you became a preacher.

At a time like this, I could take that two ways.

Well, you know which way I mean it.

[chuckles] Yes. You bet I do.

Thanks for everything, John.

Cheer up. Might be a lot worse.

And, Bill, stop driving yourself.

- Remember that heart of yours. - Gosh.

- Hello, Hartzell. - How do you do, sir?

Hartzell? It's only two o'clock.

Why aren't you at school?

- You aren't playing hooky? - No, sir.

Something's happened. You better tell me.

I've been expelled.

Expelled?

Yes, sir.

Mr. Haskins called me into the principal's office

and said I was dismissed.

Why? What for?

(Hope) 'Is that you, Hartzell?'

- Yes, mother, I.. - Y-you come in here.

[dramatic music]

Was it because you threw that Christmas decoration

uh, full of water at Miss Mitchell?

You apologized for that as I told you, didn't you?

It.. It wasn't that.

Was it that editorial you wrote for the school paper

about teaching geometry to students

who were interested in English?

No, sir, Mr. Haskins said

I've done a good job on the paper.

A-and he said I was the best cheerleader

they've had for some time.

Well?

And he said they were counting on my flute

in the orchestra concert.

He said it was mainly because I'm so prominent in this school

that..

And he was embarrassed to expel me.

You know, Hartzell, I'm doing my best.

You keep on telling me what it's not, we'll never get anywhere.

Now just skip all that and tell me what it is.

Well...do you know Elsey Mayfield, father?

I know some Mayfields.

A Congregationalist family, aren't they?

Her father is an electrician.

I don't know if he's a Congregationalist or not.

Did you try to convert her? Is that it?

No, sir.

You see, Elsey was in my Latin class..

Well, now we're getting somewhere I suppose.

But she isn't anymore.

Yeah, but why isn't Elsey Mayfield

in your Latin class anymore?

As her family has moved to San Francisco.

Well, Hartzell, it seems entirely reasonable

to me that if a family has moved to San Francisco

Elsey would no longer be in your..

Son, I'm going to loose my patience in a moment.

Mr. Haskins said it was on my account that family moved away.

He said they had to get Elsey out of town.

Do I have to say anymore father?

[dramatic music]

Son, I want you to answer me a question.

If ever in your life you lied to me, don't do it now.

If you were responsible, I'll stand behind you

but if you're not responsible

someone is going to hear from me.

Son, are you or are you not guilty?

No, sir, I'm not.

I believe you.

- You haven't told your mother? - No, sir.

Good. I wouldn't tell her. It would only worry her.

Alright.

(William) 'Uh, just a moment, Mr. Haskins.'

You say that our superintendent of schools

has got the story from Mr. Claypool

who overheard it at a luncheon club meeting.

Yes.

He was sitting at a table with several men

and he didn't remember who had imparted the news.

So I visited all four of them.

Uh, you'd be surprised, Dr. Spence, all the blind alleys

I've been up the last few days.

A certain man's secretary

was given the news by a manicurist.

She received it from an acquaintance

who got it from one of Elsey Mayfield's friends.

Which friend?

Uh, Dorothy Ledbetter.

Dorothy Ledbetter.

The chief tale bearer of the queen's sister's circle.

They do a lot of good, that group, but they're also

the wireless gossip dispensers in town.

Which one of the good sisters started it?

I went to see Dorothy Ledbetter.

She'd been to tea one afternoon at Lulu Digby's and--

- Did you say Lulu Digby? - Yes.

Dorothy had gotten the story there.

Perhaps, she betrayed the confidence.

She wasn't quite sure.

Lulu Digby.

One more step and we arrive at Mrs. Preston Thurston.

Thank you.

I hope those people are very happy.

They've done a fine job of ruining a young boy's life.

[instrumental music]

Oh, how do you do?

Good afternoon.

[dramatic music]

[knocking on door]

Come in. I'm not asleep.

That's just it. You should be.

Dr. Romer ordered you to sleep.

Then he ought to order the wheels here t-to stop spinning.

I don't mean to pry but perhaps if you tell me

what kind of bad news you've had?

Oh, this letter? No, as a matter of fact it's probably good news.

Perhaps, providential, who knows.

There's a pastorate vacant in California.

The bishop wants to know if I'd be interested in moving.

Moving? You mean you--

I'm through here, Hope.

When a pastor is no longer wanted

he can be of no service to his congregation.

Just because Preston Thurston--

He's got me licked.

He has licked me and he knows it.

I can never get the church built now.

But even that won't satisfy him. Who knows where he'll stop?

Perhaps, he'll even begin to attack me through my family.

What about this new post?

Is it a definite offer?

Seems to be.

We're invited to go out and look things over and decide.

Shall we?

Well, what would be the harm?

It'll be a nice trip.

The rest will do you good.

[instrumental music]

Everything you've hoped for.

Yeah. And the parsonage.

You liked it, didn't you? I could tell.

The look in your eyes.

Like a kitten set before a dish of cream.

Everything I've hoped for.

All I have to do is say yes.

That's all, Will.

It's a very little word.

Maybe too little.

[instrumental music]

[sighs]

I can't do it.

Accept the fruits of another man's labor

would be like stealing.

And I can't quit in the middle of a fight.

Become known as a man who couldn't finish a job.

I'm going home.

I'm glad, Will.

Where was it the Mayfield family moved to?

- The Mayfield family? - Uh, San Francisco, wasn't it?

Would you like to go home by way of San Francisco, hmm?

We could see the Golden Gate.

[doorbell buzzing]

Good afternoon.

Why, it's Dr. Spence.

- How do you do? - How do you do?

- I heard you were away. - I'm back.

I suppose you're coming on your hands and knees

to invite us back into the choir.

Not on your life. I came to haul you into court.

You and your whole tribe with you, including you.

- Mercy me! - You'll do what?

Mrs. Thurston, thank God I'm a Christian or I'd kill you.

Dr. Spence, what on earth has come over you?

You cooked up a fine scheme to get me out of town, didn't you?

But you overlooked one thing, Mrs. Thurston.

A preacher stops being a preacher

and starts being a father when his son is attacked.

I don't know what you're talking about.

'Don't add another posit to your sins.'

'I know the whole story.'

Tallulah Digby?

I'm going to tell from my pulpit

what you and your crowd have done, and shame you publicly.

- Oh, no! - Oh, yes, you.

And you and your husband and your cousins

and your brothers-in-law and the whole

scheming crowd of you.

The Mayfields moved to San Francisco

only because the father got a better job.

And believe me, I know. I went to San Francisco and found out.

You crucified a guiltless boy.

You got together with your whole clan

and hatched the scheme, didn't you?

'Didn't you?'

You don't deserve to live.

The only reason you don't die is because the good Lord

wouldn't know what to do with you.

What are you going to do?

I'm going to make you suffer the way..

No, I'm not evil.

With the great deal of assistance

from the Thurston family

I'm going to build a new church.

Good afternoon, ladies.

[sobbing]

(Will) 'Wonderful people, architects.'

'Imagine being able to build a perfect-scale model like this.'

(Hope) 'The more wonderful being able to build the church.'

It'll never get built unless we go to work.

Now, let's see, uh..

I'll set Thurston here, Potter over there.

John right here for my support. Eileen, what is it you want?

You've been standing here in my way for the last 15 minutes.

I asked you about the social center, father.

For the last time, Eileen

there isn't going to be a social center.

We're building a place for worship. Not for tomfoolery.

But it wouldn't have to be part of the church.

It could be a separate building.

I get everything smoothed over with the committee

and now this has to spring up, in the bosom of my own family.

Now dear, I'm sure Eileen means it as a compliment to you.

What do you mean a compliment?

Is opposing your own father a compliment?

She just means that you've made the church something

that isn't just a Sunday thing anymore.

It's a seven-day proposition.

Clubs and organizations meeting almost everyday or night.

If they had a place to meet in outside the worship rooms--

And maybe a little stage

for pageants and amateur theatricals.

Yeah, and, father, all the fellas are talking about

how swell it would be if we had a gym.

Now, don't you start.

For all the trouble you've been in, I should think

you'd say as little as possible.

- I wasn't in any trouble. - Huh! No trouble?

But you said yourself I was a crucified lamb.

Never mind what I said when I was feeling sorry for you.

- Father, here's Dr. Romer! - Good evening, everybody.

Oh, hello, hello, John. Vipers in my own bosom.

John, may I talk with you a minute?

Why, there's nothing that I'd like better.

What do you want to talk to him about?

Nothing important, dear. Hartzell, Eileen, come in here.

What's everybody leaving me for?

Who's going to help me fix these chairs?

You can fix them, dear, if we did

you'd only fix them all over again.

(Will) 'Now, what are you up to? You..'

And, Preston, your generous contribution

of $85,000 is going to be of big help.

Eighty-five thousand..

Come-come to think of it, that's just the amount

I had in mind contributing.

Well, then, I guess that settles everything.

- Except the recreation center. - Oh, now, John--

But I've changed my mind about it.

That's what I wanted to tell ya.

I am willing to bow to your judgment.

- Why you, you-- - You see.

If we don't build a recreation center

we won't have to tear down the old parsonage.

What do you mean not tear down the parsonage?

The parsonage is a solid, substantial building.

- Perfectly satisfactory. - Of course.

And there will be plenty of room there to get the new church in

without disturbing this building at all.

Therefore, we won't have to build a new one.

Mother's parsonage.

Besides, it'll save a lot of money.

I-I had never thought of it, but of course, you're right.

And with that saving we could each

cut down our contribution a little.

Well, now, wait a minute, gentlemen. Wait-wait a minute.

Let-let's not jump to any, uh, snap judgments.

My only argument against the recreation center

is the admonition against levity within the church.

But, on the other hand there is the problem of providing

good, clean fun for our youth.

Maybe it would be a good thing.

'Maybe it would keep them out of pool rooms and parked cars.'

Gentlemen, I think we should plan here.

Let us prove that this tenet of our discipline

should be revised.

We'll build the recreation center.

Bravo.

Mother's lived with me too long and learned too much.

Well, she's outflanked me, and you've helped her.

Wait a minute, boys, wait a minute.

Adding a whole new building is going to throw our budget

sky-high again.

Then we'll have to cut out something.

Oh, then we'll have to find something.

Here, what about this item?

"One stained glass Tree of Jesse window."

Oh, no, John, now, I-I want that window.

But that's a lot of money. And this.

One Skinner organ. Ten thousand dollars.

We have to have an organ.

It could be added later.

And here's a big item, uh..

- "A caril--" - Carillon.

- Carillon? - Yes, that's a high class name.

To what amounts to just a set of bells.

Upset us. Twenty five thousand dollars for a set of bells?

- Oh, whoever heard of such-- - Oh, I never--

Now, listen to me. We-we can't cut out any of these items.

I've ordered them. The organ is on its way.

The carillon is on its way from Switzerland.

I'm sorry to interrupt this pleasant meeting, gentlemen

but Mrs. Sandow is here to see you, Will.

Oh, send her away.

I've tried to send her away, but she won't go.

She said she'll sit on the front steps

and sing hymns until you consent to see her.

Alright, alright, I'll see her.

Excuse me, gentlemen, I-I'll be right back.

Romer, you have influence over the doctor.

You must persuade him not to go into these foolhardy things.

Twenty five for a set of bells.

[indistinct chatter]

Doctor Spence. Dear Doctor Spence.

- Go home. - I'm a sinful old woman.

Have you been neglecting your prayers?

Oh, my, no.

I mean, because of going over to the Baptists.

I don't see any sin in that.

I think Brother Carmichael's flock will get to heaven

as fast as we will.

And he's a good preacher.

Don't you want me back?

No.

Frankly, the church is at peace for the first time in years.

But my husband Patrick, he built the old church.

I feel so out of things.

Your husband was a sinful man, Sister Lydia.

But his last ten years were a model to this community.

In our new new church we should have a mighty carillon

from Switzerland.

Chimes to peel out across the town

as his goodness rang out on rich and poor alike.

Then let me get the chimes, if only as a memorial for Thaddeus.

No, no, people who have scrimped and saved give a few dollars

would feel very badly if you gave so much.

- Then let me do it anonymously. - Oh, they'd guess.

But you could say that you raised the money

from new sources.

That would be untruthful. No, Sister Lydia.

It just can't be done by any one member of the church.

And you're not even a member.

Excuse me, I must get back to the meeting.

I'll renew my membership.

We would be very glad to have you back.

I'll double my subscription.

That would be most generous.

If you'd care to give a Tree of Jesse window

in your husband's memory

I am sure no one would be hurt by that gesture

in memory of Thaddeus.

I will and Thaddeus will give the chimes.

In his will he left a memorandum that if ever a new church

was built, he wanted to contribute something.

That was very generous and far-seeing of your husband.

On behalf of the church

I accept his bequest of a Tree of Jesse window

and a $25,000 set of chimes.

And a $10,000 Skinner organ.

Take this twice a day.

And don't just get it filled, but take it.

Push, push, push.

Oh, no, you've been working pretty hard.

You put yourself through a terrible strain

getting that church built.

Now do me a favor. Forget this new plan of yours.

Your heart won't stand it.

I have to get myself a new doctor.

My present one is too much of an alarmist.

And I'll have to get myself a new patient.

My present one refuses to take me seriously.

- Goodnight, John. - Goodnight. Goodnight, Hope.

Say goodnight to John, dear.

- Goodnight, John. - See you soon.

Where are the children, dear?

Frazer's in bed, Eileen and Hartzell have gone out.

And what's this new plan of yours?

Something I wanted to talk over among all of us.

You know, mother, the next church I build

I'm gonna put in some outdoor tennis courts.

It's a good thing to keep the young folks

close to the church.

Will, what was it you wanted to discuss

with the children and me?

Jolly, if I were only a young man now.

What an opportunity there is to work without the old taboos?

'Will.'

If you don't tell me, I'll go down and find out

from Dr. Romer tomorrow.

Christianity dying! Humbug.

It's just beginning to live.

People are more Christian in their homes

than in their hearts.

Look at the figures and you'll see that membership

of Christian churches continually increases

year after year.

'Don't let anybody fool you about Christianity.'

If God thought his church were in any danger

he'd come to its rescue.

I know what it is.

We're going to move.

It couldn't be anything else, now don't try to deny it, Will.

Well, uh..

We shifted right..

Just when we have everything we wanted.

Home for our family

beautiful church for you.

Say, there's a little church back in Iowa that's in trouble.

- I won't do it. - I always did like Iowa.

- I like the country people. - I won't let you do it.

I'll write to the bishop myself and tell him.

But, you said the church is in trouble, mother.

All the more reason, your health won't stand it.

I heard what John said.

When a man stands still, he stagnates.

I won't grow moss on my back.

Another fight will kill you.

What better way of dying than in harness.

How long have you been thinking about this?

Two or three weeks.

That long?

Then you've decided.

Yes, mother.

There's no sense in arguing.

We'll go.

I'll go with you.

Will, I'll be glad to go.

Entreat me not to leave thee.

Or to return from following after thee.

For whither thou goest, I will go.

Yes, dear. I know.