♪ A gentleman was passing by
♪ He stopped for a drink as he got dry
♪ The well below the valley-o
♪ Green grows the lily-o
♪ Down in the bushes-o
♪ My cup was full up to the rim
♪ If I were to stoop I might fall in
♪ At the well below the valley-o
♪ Green grows the lily-o
♪ Right among the bushes-o
♪ He said, "Young maid, you're swearing wrong"
♪ For six fine children she had born
♪ At the well below the valley-o
♪ Green grows the lily-o
♪ Right among the bushes-o
♪ If you be a man of noble esteem
♪ You'll tell to me what happened to them
♪ At the well below the valley-o
♪ Green grows the lily-o
♪ Right among the bushes-o
♪ Two buried beneath the stable door
♪ At the well below the valley-o
♪ Green grows the lily-o
♪ Right among the bushes-o
♪ You'll be seven years a-ringing the bell
♪ But the Lord above, he'll save my soul
♪ From all this hell
♪ Green grows the lily-o
♪ Right among the bushes-o
(Whispers)
(Applause)
(Applause drowns conversation)
Well, what is it you were wanting to show me?
Come on, Kevin, what's the secret?
What do you think you're doing? I'm going back down.
Kevin, stop!
Now, Kevin, behave yourself.
You're my cousin.
What would your father say?
No, please. Please stop it.
Please, Kevin, please.
I'm begging you, please stop it.
- (Muffled) No, stop. Please stop. - (Grunts)
♪ Ceilidh
(Music drowns speech)
(Dancers whoop)
(Music drowns speech)
(Footsteps)
You. Get up. Get up.
Get dressed. Hurry up. I want you downstairs.
BOY: What's happening?
GIRL: I don't know.
Shh.
Da!
Where's Margaret going?
BOY: Ma! Where's Father Doyle taking Margaret?
(Footsteps)
(Door opens)
- (Groans) - Where's the bloody brush?
- Where is it?! - Get off. I'll never tell ye.
Right, Sonia, fart in her face.
- I'm not farting in her face. - Do it, yours are more smellier.
- Don't even think about it. - (Fans)
Ugh. Jesus, how do you do that?
Where's the bleedin' brush?
(Sighs) Take the damn thing.
SONIA: It's my turn now.
- I'm only on 18. I've got two more. - You're on 20.
- I've been counting. - If you two don't stop fighting, I'll do it myself.
Isn't it a sin to be beautiful?
No. Look at the Virgin Mary.
She's beautiful, isn't she?
It's a sin to be vain. Vanity's a sin.
BOY: So what's your name, gorgeous?
Bernadette.
BOY: Bernadette. Lovely name.
- Grandmother's name. Very fond of her. - Are you coming to give us a kiss?
- No chance. - Give us a look at your legs, then. Go on.
- Excuse me? - Show us a bit of leg.
- Go on. - Show us a bit more than a bit of leg, come on.
- Do you always hang around playgrounds? - Which one of us do you like?
- Do you fancy me? - How could she? The stomach on you.
- Look at this. - Bollocks.
Right, lads, that's enough. Move or I'll call the guards.
BOY: She's a right nag, isn't she?
- Give us a kiss. BERNADETTE: Cheeky.
Jesus, why not?
- I'm not that kind of girl. - You didn't say that the other day.
Are you giving us a kiss?
- She's teasing us now. Come on up. - You're a good-looking bird, Bernadette.
(School bell rings)
He's beautiful, isn't he? Look at his wee hat.
Ma.
Please, would you just look at him?
He's your grandson.
Ma, I've said I'm sorry.
I know it was sinful, what I did.
But just look at him, Ma.
You can't blame him for something he's nothing to do with.
I know I've shamed you and my da.
But just look at him, Ma.
Ma, would you just say something - anything?
All right, Da?
Sit down, Rose.
My name is Father Doonigan. I work for St Joan's Adoption Society.
Your father and I have discussed your situation
and we feel it would be better for the child to put him up for adoption.
A child born out of wedlock is a bastard child.
Would you have him go through life as an outcast, Rose?
Rejected and scorned by all decent members of society?
It's a grievous sin you have committed.
I know, Father. I'm sorry, I really am.
All the same, would you have the child pay for your sins? Your sins, not his.
No, Father.
Speak up, Rose, I didn't hear you.
- No, Father. - So you agree better he get a chance in life?
That he grows up in a good Catholic home with a loving mother and father?
Sign your name here.
Now...
you stay here with your father while I go and get the baby.
- You're going to take him now? - You wouldn't want to get too attached, Rose.
Did you see the baby, Da?
He's beautiful.
I think I'll tell him I've changed my mind.
Can I not change my mind?
Can we just tear up the forms?
Did you look at him, Ma?
Isn't he beautiful?
He is beautiful.
My baby! I want my baby! I changed my mind!
Please, Da, stop them.
Please, Da, don't let them take my baby.
(Tearfully) Please, Da.
(sobs)
Please, Da.
(sobs)
Leave them down there now and wait.
Sister Bridget will see you now. In you go.
The philosophy here at Magdalene is a very simple one.
Through the powers of prayer, cleanliness and hard work,
the fallen may find their way back to Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour.
SISTER BRIDGET: Mary Magdalene, patron saint of the Magdalene convents,
herself was a sinner of the worst kind,
giving of her flesh to the depraved and the lustful, for money.
Salvation came only by paying penance for her sins,
denying herself all pleasures of the flesh, including food and sleep,
and working beyond human endurance
so that she might offer up her soul to God
and so walk through the gates of heaven and live in everlasting life.
In our laundry, they are not simply clothes and bed linen.
These are the earthly means to cleanse your very soul,
to remove the stains of the sins you have committed.
Here you may redeem yourself and,
God willing, save yourself from eternal damnation.
Breakfast is at six. Prayer is at half-past six. Work begins at seven.
- Lunch is at... - Excuse me, Sister.
I think I should go.
You see, my father was very ups...
Don't ever interrupt me, girl.
Did no-one ever tell you that it's bad manners to interrupt?
Or were you too busy whoring it with the boys to listen?
- Is that what it was? - No, Sister.
Then, are you simple-minded? Is that it? Are you a simpleton?
I decide when or if you're allowed to leave
and I think I can safely say it could be quite some time.
What's your name?
- Margaret, Sister. - Margaret what?
Maguire.
- Yours? - Rose Dunne.
We have a Rose. What's your middle name?
- I don't have one, Sister. - Not on your birth certificate,
but your parents will have thought of one or two names.
- What's your confirmation name? - Patricia.
Then you may call yourself Patricia.
- Thank you, Sister. - Thank you, Sister.
And you?
- Bernadette Haffie. - From St Attracta's?
Yes, Sister.
- Now, how would I know that? - Don't know, Sister.
Is it that Principal McLoughlin is a friend of mine and has told me all about you?
Or is it that after many years in charge of this convent, I know a temptress when I see one?
I don't know, Sister.
Well, Blessed Mary, two simpletons in one day.
Well, I'm sure we shall find out in the course of time, won't we?
Now, come with me.
- Good afternoon. - Good afternoon.
You, come with me.
You, over there.
And you come this way.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
ALL: Amen.
Oh, Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God's love commits me here,
Ever this night be at my side, to light, to guard, to rule and guide.
ALL: Amen.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
ALL: Amen.
To bed now, girls.
(Weeps softly)
(sniffs)
I'm sorry.
Can you help me to the toilet, please?
Yeah.
Are you all right?
(Rose sniffs tearfully)
It's so painful.
What is?
Here. It's so painful.
I think I'm going to faint.
Don't touch it.
Is your milk stuck?
I don't know. I think so.
Don't touch or you'll start leaking all over the place.
The nuns go crazy if you start leaking.
Best just take the pain.
Be gone in a couple of days.
- You'd better get to bed. (Flushes toilet)
If they see you two getting friendly, they'll skin you alive.
Everyone, out of their beds.
Come on, come on. Hurry up.
Has anyone seen Una O'Connor?
Did anyone hear anything during the night?
Did anyone see her leave?
Breakfast.
I believe in one God.
That almighty Father and maker of heaven and earth.
Maker of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten son of God.
Born the Father before time began.
God from God, light from light, true God from true God.
Begotten, not made, one in substance with the Father.
- (Nuns whisper) - And through him all things were made.
For us, men, and for our salvation,
He came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Virgin Mary...
- (Angry whispering) - by the power of the Holy Spirit and made man.
- For our sake... - (Angry whispering)
(Slams table) That is enough!
Together with the Father and the Son,
he is adored and glorified.
(Door slams) - He it was who spoke through the prophets.
I believe in one holy Catholic and apostolic church.
I'll keep... I'll keep a very close eye on all of them.
Did you know, Sister, that I've worked here for 40 years?
I don't do priests' collars.
Ask any of the girls. I don't do them.
So, what, I have to do all my work as well as yours?
- You can swap if you like. - Get lost.
Have you any bloody ones?
A lot of the girls hate the bloody ones, but I don't mind.
There you go. I'll do this for you.
A lot of the girls put them into hot water.
I tell them, but they don't listen. You've to soak them in cold water first.
With a little bit of salt.
And then rub it like that.
I believe you.
What are you two talking about?
There's no talking allowed. Sister!
They were talking, but I've given them a right row for it.
- All right, Sister? - Yes, Katy.
There is no talking allowed.
What were you talking about?
I was just telling her how to wash these.
Jesus, Mary and holy St Joseph, get them away from me.
You're disgusting, girl, you know that?
Now, get back to work.
I've worked here for 40 years. I know all the little tricks.
I've got my eye on you two.
Listen to me.
Poor Sister Augusta. She got into terrible trouble with that girl running away.
That's why they asked me to sit in for her. Her poor nerve ends. They're all shot to blazes.
I'm giving them a right earful, now, Sister.
Right, right.
A right earful, Sister.
That's what's wrong with yous. You're completely selfish.
You don't care if some poor nun gets into trouble and loses her position.
You don't care.
She just... fell asleep on night duty.
And she's going to end up in Africa, working with the lepers.
Her fingers could fall off.
Her toes could fall off.
She might even lose her nose.
Anything that sticks out, falls off.
Just get on with your work.
Idle girl. Get on with it.
- We've got to get out of this place. - Quiet now!
- (Girl screams) - (Man shouts)
GIRL: Please, no!
Please!
- (Screams) Please, Da! I'm sorry, Da! - This one?
Is this where you were? You stay here till you die! You slut.
I just wanted to come home, Da! I just wanted to come home!
I hate it here!
What have I told you?
(Girl wails)
What have I told you?
(Girl screams)
You've got no home. You've got no mother. You've got no father.
You killed us, you slut. You killed us both.
You run away again and I'll cripple you... I swear to God.
Mr O'Connor,
I think you should go home now.
- (Girl sobs) - We'll look after Una.
What you looking at, you whores?
(Una sobs)
God bless you, Sister.
Please. Don't leave me here, Da.
Please don't leave me here!
SISTER BRIDGET: Get to bed now, Una. I'll see you in the morning.
Now...
the rest of you, lie down.
Go to sleep.
(sobs)
So they're all hookers and whores that work in there?
You don't look at them, you don't talk to them. Do you understand me?
(Mutters) Jesus.
Good morning.
There's somebody looking for you.
It's my sister.
Oh, it's my little one.
It's my little boy.
Oh, isn't he big?
Isn't he the biggest boy you've ever seen in your whole life?
He's only two... and the size of him.
Blessed Virgin, may you and...
...and St Christopher...
St Christopher...
look out and...
Holy God, look after this child.
Bless you and bless everyone.
NUN: You two.
Stop hanging around.
Are you spastic or what?
Oh, no, this here's my friendly face.
Well, you can shove it up your not-so-friendly arse.
(Mutters) Jesus.
And they told me you lot were right into fellas.
Well, aren't they right - that you lot are in here cos you like to give it out to the lads?
You like to get the old knickers off and that.
What's your wee boy called?
Don't know.
Ask me my name.
What's your name?
Crispina.
It means "girl with the curly hair".
Sister Bridget gave it to me.
Two shillings if you suck my cock.
(Yells in pain)
Look at you, you mad fucking bitch!
When my baby came out of me, they gave him to my sister.
And she's not allowed to come here.
Not allowed to talk to me. So, I don't know his name.
But my auntie, who's the richest woman in the world, she gave us both these.
And my sister...
my sister... my sister brings him to the gate sometimes.
And we talk on this.
This is a... a...
a holy...
holy...
I'm sorry, Sister, what's the word? What's the word?
- Sorry, Sister, I can't think of the word. - You know there's no talking. Get back to work.
I said get back to work.
I am not going to tell you again.
Telephone! That's what it is, a telephone.
I can never think of the word telephone.
I want to see Sister Bridget right now.
Wait there.
(Knocks at door)
I understand that you two have been disobedient.
Sorry, Sister.
I just asked to see you, Sister.
You didn't ask anything, girl, you demanded.
Now, who in God's name gave you the right to make demands?
I'm just wondering why I'm here, Sister.
I've not committed any crime. I've never been with any lads, ever.
That's God's honest truth.
But you'd like to, wouldn't you?
- I'm a good girl, Sister. - No.
You're arrogant and stupid and that's why the boys liked you.
So much low intelligence makes it easier for them to get their fingers inside you.
Isn't that right, Crispina?
Yes, Sister.
What did I just say?
- I don't know, Sister. - That all men are sinners
and therefore all men are open to temptation.
In any God-fearing country, if you want to save men from themselves,
you remove that temptation.
Do you understand me, girl?
Yes, Sister.
I wasn't asking you.
I understand you, Sister.
Are you sure, now?
There were a few words of more than one syllable there.
I understand you, Sister.
Now... disobedience will not be tolerated.
Face the wall.
Now, go on, the two of you, back to your work.
Una.
Have you completely lost your mind?
Your hair's no good to you now. (Chuckles)
We'll pack it away later, sell it to O'Brien's. Give the money to the black babies.
All right.
You won't go running away now, will you, with your hair like this?
ROSE: So where would you go?
BERNADETTE: I have a cousin in Dublin. She's a hairdresser.
I've only met her once but I'm sure she wouldn't turn me away if I asked her for help.
You want to come with me?
Why? What in God's name have we done to deserve this?
We're not slaves.
We're not criminals.
What have we done?
Having a baby's not a crime.
Having a baby before you're married is a mortal sin.
All the mortal sins in the world wouldn't justify this place.
But I'll tell you,
I'll commit any sin, mortal or otherwise, to get the hell out of here.
- So are we going to get married? - What?
- We could run away together. - Where'd we go?
Go to England or America or something.
- Have you got any money? - Do I look like I've any money?
I thought you might have saved your wages.
I'm not here because I answered an ad in the paper.
- I just thought you might get something. - We get nothing.
So?
So what?
- Run away together. - How can we run away together?
We've got no money, nowhere to go.
And anyway, I hardly even know you.
Right, you can look. But if you try and touch, I'll have to kick your teeth in.
It's not a fucking chimney.
Do you have the keys to the back door?
No, Seamus has them.
- But you can get them? - I think so.
Then get them and bring them here tonight.
Tonight?
- Yeah. - Oh, dear God. Oh, dear God in heaven.
BOY: Oh, Jesus.
You have to promise me you'll be here. You have to promise.
- All right. - If you don't come, they'll kill me.
I promise.
Get away from me. I don't even want to look at you.
You're a disgusting... you're a disgusting girl.
We're getting married, honest.
How will you do that? He'll never marry you.
He will, but if you tell, I can't get out of here, and then I can't get married.
Then I'll be a sinner. You don't want me to be a sinner.
No. Look...
I'll tell Sister Bridget you were disgusting
and then, you see, they'll keep you here for ever.
And you'll be able to get into heaven because you'll have paid for all your disgusting sins here.
- Please. - Isn't that good?
Please don't tell her. I'll work hard every day, I'll pray for all my sins.
Please don't tell her.
I have to tell her. I have to.
Fine.
But if you do, I'll kill myself. And you know what that means.
It means I'll go straight to hell and so will you.
In the eyes of God, you'll be a murderer, same as me.
No.
No, it isn't.
Not true.
(Mutters) This is fucking mad. This is fucking nuts.
(Mutters to himself) Open the door. Open the door.
Brendan. Brendan, it's me.
Please open the door.
(Rattles door handle)
This is madness. Christ, I don't even know your name, it's that mad.
Bernadette, my name is Bernadette. Please open the door.
They'd know it was me. You know that, don't you?
I'd lose my job, everything.
I've a brother doing six years in jail for stealing apples from the nuns.
What would they give me?!
- I'm sorry, I can't do it. - Brendan.
Brendan, don't leave me here.
I'm sorry.
At least open the fucking door.
- I'll hold her. - Argh!
Stop it. Stop it.
Stop it.
(Bernadette screams)
- Come here. - (Screams)
- Hurts, does it? - (Screams)
Hold still.
SISTER BRIDGET: Open your eyes, girl. Open them.
I want you to see yourself as you really are.
Now that your vanity's gone and your arrogance defeated, you're free.
Free to choose between right and wrong, good and evil.
So now you must look deep into your soul,
find that which is pure and decent and offer it up to God.
Then, and only then, will you find salvation.
In nomine patrius, et filii et spiritus sancti.
Amen.
ALL: Amen.
(chuckling)
NUN: All right, enough.
There's nothing like a little exercise before supper.
Though, I have to say, some of you could do with cutting down on the potatoes.
Arms by your sides.
Frances, I've never noticed before, but not only do you have the tiniest little breasts
I've ever seen, but you've got no nipples.
Do you see that? That can't be natural, can it?
(Laughs heartily)
So, we're all agreed. Frances has the littlest breasts.
But who's got the biggest?
I'd say it was Patricia.
No, she's just broad at the back.
Turn round, Patricia.
See? She's just big at the back.
Patricia, you have a brickie's back.
A couple of tattoos, and you could pass yourself off as a navvy.
No, "biggest breasts" definitely have to go to Cecilia.
Give yourself a round of applause, Cecilia.
Good girl.
So we've covered biggest breasts, littlest breasts, biggest bottom.
So that only leaves us with the hairiest.
Crispina, step forward.
And, Bernadette, step forward.
Stand beside each other.
(Nun chuckles)
Crispina, get your hands away from there. Get them away.
Bernadette, you have more hair down there than you have on your head.
But the winner is...
Crispina.
Crispina
You've won. Why are you crying?
I don't know, Sister.
Well, neither do I. It's a game.
Ah, put your clothes on, the lot of you.
It's time for tea.
(Shivers)
Every day of my life belongs to thee, oh, my God.
And every action of my life
should be performed with the pure intention of honouring thee alone.
From this moment, I offer them to thy sacred heart,
and by this offering I consecrate them, without reserve, to thy glory.
Therefore, I will perform them with all possible perfection.
Do not permit them, 0 my divine Saviour, to be sullied
by any motives unworthy of...
What's going on down there?
NUN: Crispina, what are you playing at?
I don't know, Sister.
MARGARET: She's very hot, Sister. - Well, take her to bed.
Come on.
Sorry, Sister.
I think I made a mess, Sister. Sorry.
I renounce all that could lessen the merit of my offering.
I renounce all vanity, self-love and human respect.
Grant, o my God, that I may commence, continue and end this day in thy grace
and solely from the pure motive of pleasing and honouring thee.
Amen.
I think I might be dying.
You're not dying, you've just got a fever. Maybe you've the flu.
- You can die from the flu. - Old people die from the flu, not young people.
Crispina, did you lie in this all night?
Crispina, did you wet the bed?
I've never wet the bed in my life, not even when I was little.
Then, what happened? It's soaking wet.
Thank God it hasn't gone all the way through, otherwise we'd have to tell the sisters.
You wouldn't want that now, would you?
Hold this, will you?
You'll have to sleep in your dress for now.
I'll go down and try and get some clean sheets.
- I can do it myself. - Well, do it.
I'll be back.
(squeals)
(Screeches)
What happened? What's wrong with you?
I lost my holy medal.
My St Christopher. I've lost it!
Just calm down and look in your dress. I'll look on the floor.
Where's my St Christopher?!
- I don't know. - Oh, God, help me!
Crispina, shh. It's all right.
Please be calm and lie down.
It probably fell off in the canteen. I'll go down and find it for you.
You just lie there nice and still now.
(Crispina whimpers)
Shh. I'll be back. I'll go find it for you.
(sobs)
(Whispers) She's not well.
She's not...
What?
(Softly) Atchoo.
(Little boy gurgles)
Crispina?
Crispina, what are you doing?
You'll never find my St Christopher.
I will so.
- Come down from there and get back into bed. - It's my punishment.
Punishment for what?
I promise you I will find it for you.
Now, come down from there.
Come on.
Lie down.
If you died of the flu, it wouldn't be your fault, sure it wouldn't.
Of course it wouldn't be your fault. Anyway, you're not going to die of the flu. I told you that.
But if you did?
Are you going to behave now?
Yeah.
I have to get back to work.
(squeals and gags)
Get up. Wake up.
Come on. Come on, Bernie.
We should try and get her up.
MARGARET: Take the legs. Lift her. Lift her.
Crispina, stop kicking, will you?
Try and keep still please.
- She can't breathe. - Take it off.
- Keep still, Crispina, will you keep still? - Loosen it.
ROSE: I'm trying. It's too tight.
- Loosen it! - It's too tight there!
Keep her there, don't move her.
(Gasps)
I've nearly got it.
Lift it over.
Crispina, why did you want to kill yourself?
Jesus, that's a stupid thing to ask in this place.
Why?
I wanted to die of the flu, but you said I wouldn't.
But you mustn't try to kill yourself. It's the biggest mortal sin there is.
You'll go straight to hell.
- I saw your wee boy today. - My little boy.
- How was he looking? - Lovely.
He looked really sad, though, cos you weren't there.
- He missed you. - There you go.
Just think how sad he'd be if he never saw you again.
I have to go to bed.
MARGARET: This place makes us all desperate at times.
But you must remember that you'll be out of here one day
- and able to play with your little one. - When?
I don't know.
Then why say something like that?
- Because it's true. - Then tell her when.
Next week? Next month?
- Next century? - I don't know the exact date or time.
I'm just trying to stop her from killing herself.
I know what you're trying to do, I just don't know why you're doing it.
- I lost my St Christopher, Father. - Hurry up. I'm going to be late.
SISTER BRIDGET: Una O'Connor has decided to give herself to the convent.
As most of you know,
this is one of the greatest commitments a young penitent can make to our order.
She has turned her back on the evils and temptations of the world
and will face the light of the Lord with us here in this convent until the day she dies.
Her sacrifice, and indeed, her transformation from what she once was,
should be noted by you all.
Thank you, Una.
PRIEST: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost
ALL: Amen.
- The Lord be with you. ALL: And also with you.
Judge me, o God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy.
Deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.
- Body of Christ. - Amen.
All right. Back in again, the two of you.
PRIEST: Now, talk a lot when you come in.
All right. Go.
- That's it, now, smile. - A lovely day today, Sister.
Jude, show her the flowers in the garden.
Look at the flowers.
Will you relax, both of you. Just be yourselves.
Try and act natural.
(Priest sighs)
(Cheering)
(squeals of excitement)
(Crispina squeals)
He's not a man of God.
(Crispina squeals)
(Applause and cheering in background)
(Footsteps approach)
(Car approaches)
What are you after?
Are you wanting a lift or what?
Why the hell did you stop me, then?
You're from in there, aren't you?
Christ, they're taking in loonies now, as well.
(Footsteps approach)
(Shouts of encouragement)
GIRL: Come on! Come on! Come on!
(Applause)
- Lord have mercy on us. ALL: Lord have mercy on us.
- Christ have mercy on us. ALL: Christ have mercy on us.
- Lord have mercy on us. ALL: Lord have mercy on us.
- Christ, hear us. ALL: Christ, graciously hear us.
- God, the father of heaven... - You said you'd find my St Christopher.
That's what you said.
- God, the Holy Ghost... - You shouldn't make promises you can't keep.
ALL: Have mercy on us. - Holy Mary.
ALL: Pray for us. - Holy Mother of God.
Pray for us.
- Holy Virgin of virgins... - Bernadette said someone here must have it.
- Mother of divine grace... - They're keeping it from me.
Pray for us.
- Mother most chaste... - You said you'd find it.
- You promised. - Mother undefiled...
Pray for us. I've a mind to tell the sisters what you said about Father Fitzroy.
- Mother most admirable. ALL: Pray for us.
Mother of our Creator.
ALL: Pray for us. - Mother of our Redeemer.
ALL: Pray for us. - Virgin most prudent.
ALL: Pray for us. - Virgin most venerable.
ALL: Pray for us.
What have you done to my bed?
My St Christopher. You found it!
God bless you.
You dirty thieving bitch!
ROSE: God, will you stop that!
ROSE: Stop it, for God sakes.
You're a wicked bitch, you know that. You're a wicked, thieving bitch.
She had Crispina's St Christopher under her bed.
The only thing that girl owns in the whole world, and you took it!
You found my St Christopher. Thank you.
Don't you understand? She stole it.
Yeah, but you found it.
Am I the only one that thinks that what she did was completely despicable?
Oh, you can all just go to hell!
(Whispers) Why?
Cos she didn't suffer enough.
We're penitents, remember?
We're supposed to suffer.
Now, fuck up and let me sleep.
MAN: On you come now, girls.
(Chattering and giggling)
♪ Amazing Grace
(Applause stops)
(Music concludes)
But let a man prove himself.
And so let him eat of that bread and drink of the chalice.
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily,
eateth and drinketh judgment to himself.
- This is the word of the Lord. ALL: Thanks be to God.
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St John.
ALL: Glory be to the Lord.
At that time, Jesus said to the multitudes of the Jews,
"My flesh is meat, indeed and my blood is drink, indeed.
He that eateth of my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me and I in him.
As the... living father...
has said...
Argh. Argh.
Argh! Argh!
(Priest groans)
Argh!
(Gasps of shock)
(Murmuring)
(Yells in pain)
Sister, I don't know what's wrong. Can you help me?
I don't know what I have.
Look, it's all over me. (Sobs)
(Whispers) Sit down.
SISTER BRIDGET: Sit down, Crispina
(Crispina whimpers) - Sit down.
It's really hurting me.
Crispina.
CRISPINA: Sorry.
It won't go away.
Please.
CRISPINA: You're not a man of God! SISTER BRIDGET: Sit down.
- You're not a man of God! - Sit down.
You're not a man of God!
- You're not a man of God! - Crispina...
You're not a man of God!
- Sit down now. - You're not a man of God!
You're not a man of God!
SISTER BRIDGET: Crispina... - You're not a man of God!
You're not a man of God!
- You're not a man of God! - Crispina.
You're not a man of God!
- You're not a man of God! - Crispina.
You're not a man of God!
Crispina... get up now.
Crispina.
Come on, now.
Up you come. Get up. That's it.
Good girl.
- Where are we going? - I'm sending you to Mount Vernon hospital.
- They can look after you better than we can. - Mount Vernon?
That's right. Come on now.
- Mount Vernon's for the maddies. - Come on, girl. Come on.
I don't want to.
- No, I'm not mad. - Come along now, Crispina.
- No, no, I want to stay. - Don't be giving me any trouble.
- She's telling the truth, Sister. - I'm OK. I'm going to stay.
- I don't want to go. - What did you say?
Nothing, Sister.
- You said something. What was it? - I was confused.
- Confused? Right. (Crispina screams)
Crispina... come on now.
- Crispina, let them take you along. - (Screams) No!
You're perfectly all right. Stop it, girl.
- Crispina... - No!
- Will you stop it, girl. Calm down. - (Screams) Help me!
- Help me! - Let go of it.
(Crispina screams hysterically) - Let go of it.
(Screams)
You're all right, Crispina. Will you stop that noise!
- No! - Let them take you out, Crispina.
(Screams desperately) - Get her right out.
SISTER BRIDGET: I'm here, Crispina You're all right now. Behave yourself.
Get her out of here. Get her out.
Sister, no, please.
(Shrieks) No, please, Sister!
No! (Screams)
(Distant screaming)
♪ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
MALE VOICE: ♪ God rest ye merry gentlemen
♪ Let nothing you dismay
♪ Remember Christ our Saviour
♪ Was born on Christmas Day
♪ To save us all from Satan's power
♪ When we were gone astray
(Choir joins in) ♪ Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
♪ Comfort and joy
♪ Oh, tidings of comfort and joy
SISTER BRIDGET: They say that confession is good for the soul.
Well, in the presence of the Archbishop, Mr Lannigan, Mrs Lannigan,
the sisters and, indeed, you all, I have a confession I wish to make.
And I warn you now, some of you will find it somewhat shocking.
For many years, more years
than I care to remember, I have had a secret love.
In fact, not just one, but dozens.
Since I have been 13 years old, I have been in love...
...with the films.
It's true, it's true. My father used to take me.
It was the old silent ones in those days.
And while he loved the comedies, I loved the Westerns.
(Laughter)
I'll never forget the look on my dear mother's face the day I told her
that if I didn't get into the convent and give my life to God, then, I'd be a cowboy instead.
Fortunately, God gave me the calling.
But I've never forgotten... those old films.
Now, today, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Our Lord,
Mr Lannigan, one of Dublin's most respected businessmen,
has brought along a projector and a film.
- (Gasps) - For us.
Isn't that wonderful?
(Applause drowns speech)
Now...
...like yourselves, I don't know what the film is, but I know it's not a Western.
Isn't that right, Mr Lannigan?
Apparently, they've changed a lot since my day
and have gone the way of the devil, like so much of the modern world.
So, no less a person than the Archbishop himself
has chosen the film for us today.
Sister Jude, would you turn the lights out, please?
(Sighs happily) Ooh.
(Applause)
(Gasps of excitement)
INGRID BERGMAN: You don't become a nun to run away from life, Patsy.
It's not because you've lost something.
It's because you've found something.
(Window opens)
I've got a letter here for Sister Bridget from Father Donnelly.
Dear Lord...
...remove all bitterness from my heart
(Sniffs)
Please...
help me to see thy holy will in all things.
Please.
Please help me.
You can't go in there.
Wonderful. Wonderful.
What a beautiful film.
I think we all owe the Archbishop a vote of thanks.
- Thank you. Thank you, Your Grace. (Applause)
What is it?
I've a letter here concerning my sister Margaret Maguire.
- Oh. - It's from Father Joseph Donnelly.
- I'm her brother Eamonn. - Uh-huh.
- Eamonn. - Margaret Maguire.
EAMONN: We're going.
EAMONN: What's wrong?
Come on.
Sister Jude, would you turn the lights on, please?
Now, back to your dormitories.
Can you believe that it's that simple?
That a brother can just turn up and...
- Can you believe that? - Margaret, will you hurry up?
Don't you dare tell me what to do!
Don't you ever dare tell me what to do.
Where have you been for four bloody years?
What are you talking about? I was growing up.
You didn't grow up bloody fast enough, did you?
May I get past, please, Sister?
You'd better be joking, girl.
Because if I thought for a second that you would seriously expect one of the persons here
to step aside for the likes of you, then, brother or no brother,
I would punish such insolence most severely. Most severely.
I'm not moving, Sister.
Fine.
Then you'll be staying with us, then.
Our Father, who an in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
- We should be moving on. - Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil...
- Excuse me, Sister. - Yes, Katy?
I don't think I'm feeling very well today, Sister.
Get yourself a cup of water.
Yes, Sister.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Did they tell you I'm dying?
They wanted to send me to the hospital...
...but I said no, I wanted to stay here with the sisters and my friends.
You knew my mother, didn't you?
What are you rambling on about, you old witch?
She was always very kind to me.
My f...
My father said I was soft in the head...
...but she was always very kind.
She had a lovely singing voice, didn't she?
- Lift your head. - (Groans)
She told me not to go near the soldiers.
She told me.
He was born...
...16th October.
I called him Freddy.
I thought my mother might come back for me but...
...well, there was an awful lot of us...
...and we were poor.
And she said she knew I'd be happy here with the sisters... and all my friends.
Don't go. Don't go.
Please don't leave me alone.
The sisters wouldn't want you to leave me alone.
(Tearfully) I'll tell the sisters if you leave me alone.
The sisters only want the work done.
Or haven't you figured that one out yet?
The sisters don't give a shite about you, and neither do I.
So, why don't you do them and me and everybody else a big favour -
hurry up and die.
Here you go.
Now, if you'd like to make your way down to the office, we'll do the necessary paperwork.
(Knock at door) SISTER BRIDGET: Come in.
(Mutters to herself)
Sorry to disturb you, Sister, but I wanted to ask you something.
You see, it's my son's birthday soon...
and...
I was just wondering if maybe I could send him a card.
I know you can't tell me where he is... but I thought, if I gave it to you,
perhaps you could send it on to whoever's looking after him.
I want you to help me look for a key. About this size, silver. It fits in there.
Go on. Stan looking.
It would only be a birthday card, Sister. I wouldn't even sign it.
- He wouldn't know who it was from. - Wouldn't that be bloody stupid?
Send a card to a child and he wouldn't know who it was from.
What kind of person would confuse and disrupt a child's birthday like that?
- But I'm his mother, Sister. - You're not his mother.
Mother puts him to bed, looks after him when he's sick, feeds, clothes and educates him.
You've done none of that Could you take credit for something you haven't done?
- No, Sister. - Well, stop being so stupid
and look for the bloody key!
I never wanted that... that thing.
Biscuit tins were just fine.
(sighs) I should've put it on a separate chain.
All the money's in there. All the money.
Have you found it?
- No, Sister. - (sighs)
Sorry, Sister.
There's that nice lady again.
(Whispers) They didn't tell her.
(Whispers) She's not here.
They took her away over a year ago.
They should've told you.
- They took her away. - Patricia!
(Door opens)
Aren't you dead yet?
You got what you deserved.
I was only trying to tell...
Argh!
(Rose squeals and sobs)
(Knock at door)
(Rose gasps and sobs)
Excuse me, Sister.
- Katy's dead. - May she rest in peace.
(Rose sobs)
Remember this beating, girl.
If you ever speak to anyone outside of here again,
you'll receive the same beating every day for a month.
Now...
...both of you...
...get back to your work.
(sobs)
You know, we're both going to grow old and die in here.
No-one's going to come for me...
...or for you.
I just don't want to feel like this for the rest of my life.
I don't want to end up like one of them.
So, are you ready?
Ready for what?
- We have to go. - Go where?
Out.
Have you completely lost your mind?
Look what she did to me. And that was only for talking to someone.
What's she going to do if she catches me trying to run away?
It doesn't matter. She's going to do it anyway.
For something or for nothing.
It doesn't matter to her.
We have to go.
We have to go now.
(Clatter of footsteps)
- What does the main door key look like? - The big black key.
Give me the key.
You...
Let go of the key, Sister.
No.
Let go!
Get... get...
Let go of the key, Sister.
- (Moans) - Let go, you fucking twisted bitch! Let go!
(Groans)
Let go or, so help me, I'll stick these in your throat.
Let go.
(Breathes heavily)
Get back here! Get back here!
- Get back here! - Get the fuck away from her!
(Bernadette screeches)
Don't even fucking think about coming after us.
(Bernadette screams wildly)
Fucking stay in there!
(Low conversation)
Thanks so much for the clothes and the money and everything.
I'll pay you back as soon as I get a job. I promise.
Goodbye, Patricia.
- My name's Rose. - Rose.
I'll just be a sec.
So, will you be all right, then?
I've got my ticket. I'll be fine.
Liverpool's in England, isn't it?
Yeah, I think so.
What about you? You know she'll have the guards out looking for you.
They can't touch me. I'm a trainee hairdresser.
That makes me respectable.
They can? touch you if you're respectable.
I'll write to you.
Grand.
Good luck.
(Engine starts)
(squeals in pain)
(Mouths)
(Gags)
(Mutters softly)