Like,
oh,
this is very kind of you. It's a privilege.
Which way are you going? Just over there? The mutual building. My doctor is in there.
You see, I have hopes.
Well, I'm all right now. Good luck to you. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Merry Christmas to you, Merry
Christmas.
Alright, then
look at that bar.
Come on now, darling. We have to go.
Oh,
I like
like,
00, you saved her.
Oh, thank God, you saved my baby. Oh, how can I ever thank you. Don't try.
Just don't let it happen again. I won't, I promise you. I won't. All right.
Remember that now on your way?
Yes.
Resembles its noble custom. The California red
is botanically dissimilar.
Pay me heed magenta.
This is a specimen of the white fur, the Abbe
Canola.
And surely you being a native Roman know you're Latin you wanna buy or not.
Well, if it isn't my dear, beautiful Jew.
Hello.
What are you doing in this disreputable part of town? I'm buying a Christmas tree.
Hello, Mr M.
Oh Mr Abraham. How do you go? How much do you charge for this miserable weed?
A dollar and $85.85 for this half hearted twig.
I shall pay you 10 cents a branch or take my trade elsewhere.
What can I do for you, Mrs
Han. You can save me that tree outside
the big one right by the door. Ok. Thank you
every Christmas for the past 18 years but gently
and I have been re enacting the same argument.
I didn't know you celebrated Christmas.
I thought you had no religion.
Well, that's true, my dear.
But I like to have a Christmas tree because it reminds me of my childhood.
I feel for some reason that this is a good time of year for looking backwards.
Can you imagine me ever having been a child?
How's Henry? I haven't seen him in quite some time.
Well, he's, well, thank you.
He's terribly tired and worried.
She's having difficulty raising money for the cathedral.
Yes.
It's slow work.
How's your book coming?
Oh, splendidly. Greatest History of Rome since Gibbon.
But of course, nobody will read it.
And now my good man, I do not choose to prolong this tawdry bickering any further.
All right. Can you send some branch?
It's a dollar of 40. Very well. My veal
friend here is your
uh
Mr Magen. Will you send the tree up on Christmas Eve? But not until late?
I don't want my daughter to see. Oh, sure. Don't you worry?
I'll send it when the little
Bain
goes to bed.
Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.
There's something I'd like you to give Henry with my co
for his cathedral fun.
That has been my lucky piece. Not that it's ever brought me luck except knowing you.
It's an old Roman coin. I picked it up years ago in a junk shop in Bryn.
Dizzy.
It has little value.
It's a wonderful contribution nonsense.
It might be called the widow's might
if it was the fact that I'm not a widow
but
Julia,
this is no occasion for tears.
Stops knowing it.
Oh,
if only we could spend Christmas back here where we were
so happy with you and all of our old friends.
Good night, Professor.
I'll see you again very soon. It
can't be soon enough. Good night.
Why professor? How funny to see you again after all these years.
How well you look, how are you never better and you? Oh, quite well also. Thank you.
I don't think you remember me. Oh, that's preposterous. Of course I do.
Where do we meet now? Professor after all these years? Just a moment.
It wasn't Vienna, was it Vienna? Beautiful old Vienna.
The universe, a university when I was lecturing there on Roman History.
That's it, professor. And what great lectures they were.
And what a one you were with. The lady
that you're remembering that
I must confess I had my moment. I still have.
I
couldn't help noticing your tender parting from Julia.
Well, you know Julia in a way. Yes. Poor
child.
She's unhappy.
When were you in Vienna?
Oh, I've been there many times.
I'm interested in Julia
and Henry.
What seems to be their trouble? I never see Henry anymore. He
has no time for Riff Raff. Like me.
He now consults with the vulgar rich, like Mrs Hamilton.
You know, she had been fired from the university here. He said I was a radical.
I would have never taken any interest in politics since the death of Nero.
Look at that
Henry's old church. Parachute from the
land.
It's such a nice little church, too little. I'm afraid
it can't stand up against the march of properness.
Well,
how was
people she on? Delighted to have seen you again.
It's a pleasure.
We must get together and have a drink to us whole days in Vienna by all means.
Good evening professor. Ok.
Do you have any idea who that man is? No,
he's a stranger to me.
Good evening, Mr,
from good evening, Matilda,
Miss De and be
uh, yes, ma'am and Mrs Hamilton and the committee are in there with the bishop.
Lyn's been waiting a long time, madam.
I don't know what to do about it. In the kitchen.
We'll have dinner just as soon as they leave.
What about the uh the Chicken Matilda
play is here.
Thank you.
Oh, Matilda. Now be
George
Hamilton.
My
objection is
I'm ready to
go.
Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I'm so late.
Good evening, Mrs Hamilton. But I was delayed Christmas shopping.
Good evening, Mr Perry. Mr Trampa.
Hello, Mrs Ward.
I, I hope you've been having a good meeting. We have not.
I've never in my life encountered such
PSE thinking.
Do you think we've made any progress?
No, no,
Mrs Hamilton Perry was about to tell us something
when my wife came in merely a suggestion.
If Mrs Hamilton approves we might be able to place the George B.
Hamilton memorial chapel here on the northeast.
It would be completely out of sight there
for
Mrs Hamilton.
Surely you understand that this cathedral cannot be
designed for the glory of an individual.
It has to be created for all the people.
I'm very displeased with your whole attitude, Henry Brown,
you seem to forget that I was instrumental in having you made bishop.
Although others thought you were too young.
Is that an exaggeration? Oh, yes, Miss,
I mean, no,
you were the guiding spirit in the whole thing.
I distinctly remember that I had
to my
confidence in you when you were a poor little parson at church in the slums.
I confess my confidence is weakened.
I regret.
I've been such a disappointment, regrets and apologies are no good whatsoever.
You give me the impression of being confused, indecisive and utterly ineffectual.
That is not the kind of leadership we expect of our bishop.
You better remember one thing
you will build that cathedral as I want it
or you will not build it at all.
That's all I have to say.
Will someone get this dog out of the way,
Dr
Cream?
Good night, Mrs Han.
I'm not even Miss Brown.
Good evening, Mrs Brown.
I mean, this is cost
away.
Can we serve dinner now, ma'am? Yes. Matilda
says the chicken will be burnt to a crisp. We'll be right in
Julia.
You knew that Mrs Hamilton and the others
were expected here for the meeting this afternoon.
I know Henry.
I'm sorry. I was late a ghastly afternoon. What a ghastly woman.
And I trust she understood that I have no
intention of being strangled by her purse string.
Oh, she did. And I was proud of you.
I had a most unchristian impulse to take those
blueprints and give her a good whack over the
mink coat.
I thought you stood up to him magnificently. I appreciate your appreciation.
But what about my cathedral?
May I make a suggestion, Henry,
why not postpone the cathedral?
At least forget about it until after Christmas possible
House of God. Can't just be put off. This cathedral must rise.
Plenty of other rich people in this town.
And if I had to enlist their financial enthusiasm,
then I shall have to take advantage of their old tired spirit. I can see it all. Now,
the mcw Withers, the horns, the van dozens, the luncheons,
the committee meetings and you,
you were there flattering them cow telling to them begging.
It's got to be done. Oh,
Henry, if you could see your poor harassed face.
Well, you haven't done very much to help it. Wait,
he asked Miss Cassa away. What is it, Mr Trevor on the th bishop. He says it's urgent.
Tell him the bishop. I'll call him back, please. Yes, Mrs
Henry. What's happened to you?
What's happened to us in our marriage?
We used to have such fun. You and Debbie and I,
we used to be happy. We used to make other people happy.
Oh,
Henry, that was your gift.
You're no financier and you're not a promoter.
Julia, you can't see beyond the end of your nose.
I want this cathedral to stand like a great beacon. I want its light to shine.
Never mind Henry. Never mind. Keep that for your next committee.
He here's a contribution I collected.
What's that?
It's an old Roman coin professor.
Wage sent it to you.
That's the sweet. Ok.
Oh,
cool. What does he think? I can do with that?
How
it's the beginning
and now all you need is another 4 million. Julia don't be fed
about. This
is dinner ready.
Let's go in and get it over with. I have a lot of work to do
what you are about to see my Lord makes to be thankful
Julia.
It,
I was just thinking
tomorrow maybe we could go out together
where
we just
walk around the way we used to,
we could go and call on the professor,
go to the park and watch the skaters,
that sort of thing.
Maybe we could have lunch together
at B,
do you remember that?
Michelle's?
Oh, it's been a year since we've been here.
Please forgive me.
I've been trying to explain to Mr Trevor,
but he insists upon speaking to you personally.
Bishop,
it could be done.
Oh,
Matilda. Will you keep the soup warm, please.
The bishop's been called on the phone and tell
Delia that we'll be out for lunch tomorrow.
Yes, ma'am.
Of course, Mr Trevor.
Yes, but
I appreciate your difficulties,
but
very well, I'll be there
1030 tomorrow morning, then we can go on to the board meeting.
All right.
Yes,
goodbye.
Put that down there, William.
It's at Trevor's office at 1030 tomorrow and the
board meeting in the bank is club at 11.
Yes, sir. Tomorrow Thursday you might as well go home now.
Well, there's a great deal of work to do, sir. Never mind. You must be very tired.
Thank you, sir. And
don't forget tomorrow you speak at the Junior Assembly at the hotel Hamilton.
What time is that?
It's at luncheon one o'clock. Remember you made the appointment over a month ago?
Goodnight Bishop
God. What am I to do?
Can't you help me? Can't you tell me?
Oh God, please help me.
Yes,
good evening.
Could you,
what can I do for you?
That isn't the question.
What is,
what can I do for you?
Look, I'm afraid I was to ask you to telephone my second day of an appointment.
I'm in the middle of dinner. I know Henry,
your soup will keep warm.
You asked for help.
I,
who told you I asked for help.
Well,
you were known to be a good man, Henry. And you were heard,
I was instructed to come here and answer to your prayer.
Who are you? I'm an angel,
then
I'm an angel.
No wings at the moment. But you're an angel.
I know
that I've been working too hard.
I understand Henry. It's hard to believe even for you.
Of course, I'm not one of the more important angels.
I just happen to be assigned to this district temporarily.
You see, we're everywhere helping people who deserve to be,
to be held
as you're walking through the streets of the city.
You may suddenly look into a strange face.
It may be the face of a murderer or it may be the face of an angel.
You have some problems with the building of this cathedral, haven't you?
Yes.
To find cathedral.
I
want to look magnificent up there on the top of sanctuary hill.
Well, Henry,
do you believe I am? What I say? I am.
Well, how can I,
I bet that's your word for it. But you're a bishop.
You of all people can trust the word of an angel.
I'd like to,
what do you, what do you propose to do,
perform a miracle if necessary? But
why don't you, why don't you
create the cathedral with one wave of your hand?
You wouldn't want me to do that? Would you, how would you explain it?
Well, I
tell the world you're being visited by an angel.
You can't do that.
Jim
is anything wrong? I,
oh,
I'm sorry, I didn't know that you, Julia, if you don't mind,
how'd you do, Julia?
I'm Dudley.
Henry is engaging me to help him with his work.
You
mean you're going to be his assistant? That's it.
I'm going to try to help Henry to rest and get some relaxation.
That's what I've been praying for you too. Oh,
Henry, I'm so relieved.
Isn't it wonderful? You found someone to help you? Yes.
But where do you come from, Dudley?
Oh, all around. Yes. But where Julia, to
tell you the truth?
He says that he's an,
I've been doing some social service work downtown
and now you're gonna be with Henry permanently for as long as may be necessary.
Julia, if you don't mind, I must talk to this gentleman alone.
I'll see you in a moment.
We were just having dinner,
won't you join us? It's very kind of you.
But I have a number of things to do around town.
You can understand Henry. So many people making so many mistakes. Yes, I see you.
Then we'll see you tomorrow.
Oh, yes, Brighton
there
whenever you're ready. Henry.
Good night Dudley.
Good night, Julia.
Are you sure you're an angel?
I know it isn't easy for you, Henry. But you've just got to take me on faith.
But for how long, how long will it take
for just long enough until you can utter another prayer
and say that you have no further need of me,
then I'll be gone
and forgotten.
But now, uh,
Julia is waiting for you at the dining table. You must go to her.
Yes,
but I don't
Henry.
Yeah.
What's the rest of Dudley's name?
I don't know.
Are you nervous dear?
When the bishop didn't eat his breakfast?
Now, he took only his prune juice, prune juice. What's the matter is? You see?
Oh, he looked perfectly awful. He said he had a very bad sleepless night,
passing up a breakfast like that.
It just ain't normal. Nobody expects him to be normal. He's a bishop
if I could get you something, sir. No, thank you.
Maybe just a cup of tea. Nothing. Thank you.
Good morning, Miss Council. An good morning bishop.
Did anything come in with the cathedral fund.
Mr and Mrs J. Thurston Ward. No contribution.
This is Gerald will mark $15.15 dollars.
We had it down to 10,000.
There's a letter from her explaining that this year with
so many of those same letter they all write.
I put your personal mail on the desk. Bishop
the rest. I'm taking over to the office.
I'll be there on to the meetings.
I
think there's someone at the door.
Yeah. So.
Good morning, Matilda. I'm Dunny, the Bishop's new assistant.
Good morning Henry. Oh, it's a wonderful morning.
I'm afraid I'm a little late but I stopped to chat
with a traffic policeman who was worried about his wife.
Well, thank you. Thank you dear.
So I directed the traffic while he telephoned the hospital.
Let's see, she's doing fine. So is the baby?
He must be mild to cast away.
How do you do it?
How do you do?
We're going to be working together? Oh, that's very nice.
Oh, thank you.
Thank you very much. See you later, Milbert
ready for duty
completely at your service.
No, no,
I, I feel it. No.
Nothing.
Good morning Julia.
Good morning, darling.
It's a lovely day.
Six,
lovely and Henry and I are going out together. I'm terribly sorry.
But I find I have some appointments.
You were Mr Trevor. I got to see him and then the
board meeting and out at the Junior Assembly. Don't you remember Henry?
You promised? Yeah, I know I did.
Well,
Dudley could represent you at those meetings. Couldn't he
could I?
No, no, that's out of the question to see.
They expect me to would never do if I sent an assistant.
Ok.
Excuse me.
Uh,
you see the trouble is I can't explain you. Needn't try to explain Henry.
This is the way it is and this is the way it will always be.
We've just got to get used to it. That's all
all right.
I'll tell Matilda that she can have the day off
for Christmas shopping and I'll take care of Debbie.
Oh, I see that Mrs George B.
Hamilton has pledged $1 million but has not yet sent her check.
Never mind those cards that, that worked for a bookkeeper.
Not an it worked for a bookkeeper.
Uh
So
you're beginning to believe in me. I don't know who you are.
I don't know where you came from or who it was that sent you whatever it was.
I just wish you'd make haste.
There's no time to lose because the cathedral must be built.
Well, obviously, that's the most important thing or because Julia must be happy.
You know, Henry,
it's going to be difficult for me to help you until I'm sure what it is you really want.
Well, I've got
it.
Would you mind,
would you mind telling me what you intend to do? Now?
Um, this card index file is in an awful mess. Think I'll reorganize it.
I still think you're wasting your time on unimportant details.
Nothing's unimportant. Remember we are interested even in the lowliest sparrow.
Hello, Debbie.
Are you deadly?
Yes.
How did you know mommy? Tell me?
She said you can to help daddy.
That's right.
Mommy said you were very nice.
Well, that's extremely kind of. Mommy
Mary said that maybe with you here
may work out if he does. Sometimes maybe we will.
That'll be enough out of you.
I asked Matilda to put your lunch on a tray for me. Thank you, Julia.
I'll get along very well. Yes, I'm sure you will. Come
on dear.
Good bye
bye.
Bye
bye.
Yeah.
Oh,
well,
thank you, Matilda. Aren't you going to wear a hat? I never use 10, it's very cold.
Oh, well, the cold never affects me. I think you should wear this anyway.
I bought it for the Bishop
last Christmas,
but he's never worn it. Oh, it's a lovely scarf. Matilda.
I'm sure the bishop will appreciate it when he sees it on me.
Well, thank you. Goodbye
bye.
Good bye.
Well, what's the matter, honey?
Why not?
I guess I to level or something
down?
Why? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.
Come on, Debbie. We'll show them how wrong they are.
Hey, fellas.
Who's the head man around here?
What's the idea of this game you're playing? This isn't a game. This is a battle.
We attacked the court and they tried to defend it. See?
Oh, yeah,
I see.
Well, this young lady would like to get into it. Who her,
she can't find her father's a vision. But what difference does it make?
What her father is? A new high hat?
How would you like her to play on? Your team.
She couldn't throw a snowball as far as I could spit.
Oh, good in shape.
Come on, daddy.
You show them what you can do. But it's true.
I can't throw nonsense. Of course you can out here be back it tight.
Put it in that hand, draw the arm back, aim it right at him and let it go.
Hey, beautiful. A bull's eye.
She pitched a curve.
Did you see that?
Come on, kids.
You're in our army.
Do you think she'll get hurt? Probably. But she'll love it.
She,
ah,
bed.
What are you doing out here?
I'm just admiring the scenery.
But aren't you supposed to be working?
I always take a walk before lunch. A
good idea of relaxing. You know,
I wish you could persuade Henry to do that. I'll try.
Oh, by the way,
I told Miss Casso away to go home and I told
Devia not to bother to bring me anything on the tray.
What will you do about lunch?
I thought I'd go to Michelle's.
Ever heard of it.
Michelle's?
Oh,
it's a lovely place.
We used to go there. But that was years ago.
Well, how about you? And I going there today?
You want
to?
Oh, no, no, I couldn't. Why not?
Surely you don't think he would mind.
Why'd explain to him to be just, oh, no, no, no, it isn't that. But
you see Matilda's all Christmas shopping. And so I have to look after Debbie.
But here's Matilda. Now,
if you wish.
Oh, hello? Hello.
If you wish I'll take Debbie home Mrs Brown. But Matilda, you're shopping it?
Oh, I finished it. I finished it so quick. It was just like a miracle.
He
went.
Oh, Debbie. That's wonderful. Congratulations.
What?
Hello?
I put up your hood here.
Oh,
Michelle. It's been a long time. How much? Too long.
But, you know, my husband's work.
Yes, your husband, but he doesn't come to see us anymore. But we understand
we understand this way.
Right?
Yeah.
Is this a, this fact Monsieur?
I'm fine. Thank you.
Friends of yours.
Yes,
that is their members of the cathedral committee. Ah, madam
Monsieur.
Oh, no, thank you, Michelle.
Julia don't bother to look all through that.
Michelle. Tell me what you do. You just bring us the best luncheon you can think of.
Oh, I can see Monsieur is a gourmet.
Perhaps Monsieur madame would be interested, you know, give the heel.
Is
it too
far
out? Excuse me?
You should prefer Les Italians
Italians.
Please.
Let's leave heaven out of this.
You prefer Les Italians
too? Pas de
Kenne Du
Paprika,
paprika,
paprika.
You speak French be,
I've had quite a bit of work to do in Paris
Dudley. I,
I've been wondering about you wondering about me why,
you know so much. It
makes me feel uncomfortable.
Well, in that case, I'm sorry, I learned anything,
but I'm glad you knew about Michelle
Oh, it was so nice to be back here with you.
So,
you have memories of this place Julian.
Did you? And Henry come here often?
Yes.
As a matter of fact,
this is where we became engaged to be married.
Then I can understand why you love it.
Oh,
hello.
Hi.
Thank you.
What about that?
How
would you care to have your palm read? Oh, no,
thank you.
Would you? Oh, no, thank you. I know too much about myself as it is.
Oh, you are different.
I know so little about myself.
May I look at your hand?
Can you do that too?
It's not too difficult. I suppose you can read the future within limits.
He's holding her hand.
Yeah. But what do you say?
Well,
I never noticed your eyes are green.
Oh, I see a great deal of happiness.
I see a woman who's ad
I see a rich, full life.
Do you see Henry's New
Cathedral? No, it's not very clear. There's kind of a fuzziness about that.
And Debbie,
no need to worry about her
just thinking
the world changes. But two things remain constant
youth and beauty.
Now, they're really one and the same thing.
The trouble is people grow old.
Not everybody.
The only people who grow old were born old to begin with.
You were born young,
you'll remain that way.
Oh, I wish I could tell you.
You may,
you haven't looked at my hand once.
Iii, I never know what to think of you dad.
I never know whether your joking is serious.
I'm at my most serious when I'm joking.
Excuse me, Juliet gotta do something about that.
Do forgive me coming to your table ladies. My name is Dudley.
I believe you're all good friends of Julia's and we
were wondering if you care to join us for lunch.
No,
I thank you
for some coffee.
I
think
we should
just.
Hello,
Mrs.
How
are
you? Good
to
see
you.
I'm Michelle
us. Bring us three Benedict.
No, no, no. Uh make it three Stingers
Stingers.
Julian
Julia.
Oh,
come
to
lunch ready. Why sir? We thought you were out for lunch.
I canceled my appointment are Mrs, bro and Debbie Home Debbie's here, sir,
Mrs Broom.
Where's she? Why sir? She went out to lunch with Mr Dudley.
You Dudley?
Why? Yes, sir.
I thought you knew, sir.
Yes, of course.
Yeah,
that's awful.
Merry Christmas.
You know Santa Claus doesn't really look like that,
you know, Santa Claus. Certainly not if he is nice chap.
But in that case, you must tell Debbie about it.
She's just beginning to be a little bit doubtful.
You like that hat? Yes, I'm crazy about it.
Well, let's go in and buy it.
Oh no, I couldn't.
Well, it's much too, too, too attractive. Nothing could be
why my old friend, the professor
Julia.
Are you with this man? Yes, of course.
It's Dudley. The professor knows me. Well, the University of Vienna.
Yes, I've been thinking about that.
I don't believe you've ever been in Vienna in your life. It's a game we play.
He always pretends he's never seen me before. I don't know who he is.
Julia, but I don't trust him. Professor. He's Henry's new assistant.
Oh,
you mean you know this fellow? Of course, I do.
Well,
in that case, how about dropping into my humble digging for a bit of you?
T
cheer. No, no. II, I have to go home. I,
well,
perhaps just for a few
good. Come along.
There's a little sherry left.
It's rather inferior grade but portable
professor. I see. You're quite a religious man.
What makes you think that you have an angel on your tree? Oh,
Julia gave me that years ago. Your tree is beautiful.
It's disgraceful. However, it gives me the illusion of peace on earth.
Goodwill taught Ben
to a charming lady. Lovely.
You've noticed.
Isn't it more remarkable that you have remarkable
when you want to know about a woman? Ask the old men,
they know
why don't you show us the manuscript of your book, professor? Will you
my book? Yes, please. Oh,
no, no, no, you're writing one.
Yes.
You didn't know
you didn't tell me.
I described that book in detail in the course
of lectures I gave at the University of Vienna.
All my pupils left me.
Now, I'm sitting this fellow's imposter.
Oh, that book. I thought you finished that years ago. And I'll tell you,
I'll tell you about my book
for 20 years. I have been talking about it.
I've been promising the publishers that it will be delivered next spring.
The funny part of it is in all that time. I haven't written one word,
not one word, but why not? I couldn't think of it. The original to say
as to say
old monotonous history. Dry as dust.
The whole story of my life frustration.
It's a chronic disease
and it's incurable.
Once I was madly
once I was madly in love with a girl.
My friend, she was a vision of delight,
a pure enchantress. You never told me about that. No, that's just the trouble.
I never told her about it either.
I couldn't find the words.
So
she married an athlete, a
great hulking o who never even reached the eighth grade.
But he knew how to say,
I love you.
Same trouble with my book. Can't find the words
even when you had this coin to inspire you.
Well, that's the one that you gave to Henry professor.
Yes. I,
I stole it off the table. You wasted your time. Dudley. It's worthless.
Oh, on the contrary, this is one of the rarest of all antiquities.
Only 100 of these coins were minted by Julius Caesar 2000 years ago.
That was when Cleopatra visited Rome.
Presumably these coins were used to pay her hotel bill.
I never knew that nobody knew about it except uh
Caesar's wife. She was suspicious. Definitely.
She did not share her husband's admiration for Cleopatra.
So she had these coins destroyed, melted into ornaments for herself.
This is the one she missed.
It's an unwritten chapter in history
and you professor will write it.
Do you know any more stories like that?
Oh, any number of them?
You're a curious fellow Dudley.
Have you just begun to notice that?
What's your background,
uh, my background or
where do you come from?
And don't tell me any more about Vienna? Because I won't believe it.
All right.
Supposing I told you I came from another planet. Would you believe me?
I
don't know.
I believe you don't.
And you'd be right, Julia. As always
we all come from our own little planets.
That's why we're all different.
That's what makes life interesting.
We don't seem to be making any headway
first star. I see tonight.
You must make a wish. Julia.
Oh, it's getting dark. It
must be late.
Henry will be worried but we must be leaving. Oh, no. Yes, I'm sorry, professor.
But we must
Dudley.
Here's my friend.
There's one thing that troubles me.
One thing I wish I knew. What's that?
Well, I'm an old man, that history is a tremendous task.
I wonder
when I have time to finish it.
You'll finish your history professor.
You'll have time.
I believe you dead, honey.
You know for quite a while.
Now, every time I passed the cemetery, I felt as if I were apartment
hunting.
Bye professor.
You've given an old man a very happy to do.
God bless you.
Thank you.
I'll pass that recommendation along.
Oh my. That's pretty.
Why didn't you take some of that pink stuff and make little curly cues for? They
look very
good.
I
hope the dinner won't be spot Matilda. Oh, no, sir.
I had a sort of feeling that they might be late.
They considerate of you.
Who's that cake for uh what cake, cake behind you?
Oh,
that cake
or for anybody who might like cake, sir.
But you know very well that neither Mrs
Braw norse myself like these elaborate desserts.
But we baked you an egg custard, sir.
Thank you.
Oh, hello dear.
I'm sorry. We were late for dinner.
Good
evening.
It
was marvelous time.
Oh, I wish you'd been with us if I wish I had. Debbie told me all about the snow fight.
Oh, did she?
We went to see Professor
Wage and then we had lunch at Michelle's.
Oh, is Debbie in bed yet? No, she's waiting to see you. Oh, good.
Well, I'll just go up and see.
Good night. I,
I won't be a minute. I just want to see if she's all right.
I trust you spent a profitable afternoon. Dudley. Oh, yes.
Did you have a profitable afternoon? Henry?
Not very.
I'd like to see you
for a moment.
Certainly.
Excuse me.
Can you prove to me that you are an angel
proof?
You mean a document?
Well, surely you, of all people should know that an angel needs no passport.
I want to see you perform a miracle.
What kind? Well,
make this desk rise up and fly around the room, please.
Henry, I didn't come down here to do silly tricks. I'm surprised at you.
I don't believe you're an angel.
I think you're a demon right out of
her.
Oh,
I
don't say that.
Well, anyway, you know how I feel.
Yes.
Now wait a minute, dad, there's another thing.
Uh uh dinner
is serve bishop.
Thank you daddy
for what we are about to receive. May the Lord make us truly thankful. Amen.
Pastor Salie Henry, please.
The celery.
Thank you.
Mm
OK.
Thanks.
I,
I
kind of,
what's that? Your humming?
Well, I don't know, dear.
Is it anything?
It's rather gay?
I feel gay.
Mhm.
The
I like to watch you brushing your hair.
Thank you dear.
Is that a compliment?
Yes, you, you do it. So uh so capably
thank you
that
now I come to think of it. Everything you do is
if there's one thing I pride myself on, it's the fact that
we lead a well ordered life
that the family. I mean, of
course, the credit for that is due to you much more than to me.
I think you're an excellent wife. Thank you,
do you think I'm an excellent husband? Of course, dear.
Uh, we're going to have an early supper so we can get to Saint Timothy's on time. Saint
Timothy
for the choir rehearsal for the benefit. Oh, yes.
You know, you,
you've been looking after tired lately.
I hope you're gonna take it easier now that Dudley's here with you.
I think that he's very able.
You do.
Yes.
Who knows so many things? What? For instance,
well, you should have seen him on professor Wri,
he knows more about history than the professor.
He been at it long yet.
Go fine. Let's do that again.
Come here. Scary.
What now?
Oh,
certainly. I know hundreds of stories.
Tell me
what.
All right now, let
me
think.
All right. Now, this happened many, many years ago.
That's not the way to begin
do
that once upon a time.
Oh, yes, that's true. Well, once upon a time
there was a little boy and he lived in a little town. What is his
name? His name was David.
He was a shepherd and the town where he lived was called Bethlehem. Oh, I know him.
That's right. Only David lived long before the star.
Well, one night David was out in the hills tending his sheep.
He was playing the harp and singing.
Why
is he singing? Jingle bells?
No,
no,
no. Jingle bells hadn't been written then.
David was singing songs that he wrote himself while
suddenly an angel came down and spoke to David.
How did David know it was an angel? Ah, he didn't know.
And, you know, that's the way it always is.
Angels come down and put ideas into people's heads and then people feel
very proud of themselves because they think it was all their own idea.
Well,
this angel said to David, one of your lambs has strayed.
So David put aside his heart
and went out in the darkness to find the lamb because the angel guided him.
And when David found the lamb, he saw a great big ferocious lion.
Hm.
So David said to the lion,
you get away from that land
and the lion said,
you get away from me or I'll eat you too. Did David run away? No,
you know why?
Because the angel put another idea into his head.
So David took out his sling and he hurled a stone
and hit the lion right between the eyes. I
put
that
round
and so was David
because he didn't know an angel had helped him.
Well, he picked up the lamb and took it back to the fold.
And then he felt so happy that he made up another song.
It started out.
The Lord is my shepherd.
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul.
You can tell the rest of this Henry
some other time. Hello, daddy,
Miss Casu
will you get Mrs Hamilton on the telephone, please?
M
Kway Mrs Hamilton on the phone, please. Yes, Bishop.
Good morning, Julia. Good morning, Dad.
I'll see you in a few minutes. I'll have to go out and see Matilda right now.
Bye Debbie.
Goodbye, Debbie.
Thank you. Oh, pretty.
Are you expecting a letter
one? Never knows. But if I should get one, the stamp will be worth saving.
I have Mrs Hamilton in a moment, sir. Oh, are you gonna see Mrs Hamilton today?
I hope to. May I come along? I'd like to meet her,
Mrs Hamilton Bishop. Bram.
Hello, Mrs Hamilton. How are you?
I'm glad to hear it,
Mrs Hamilton. I'd like to see you today,
but this afternoon, if possible.
Yes, it is. It's very urgent.
Oh, that's too bad. Oh, damn it,
you can. Oh,
that's splendid.
Thank you so much.
I'll be there
five o'clock this evening.
Thank you, Mr Hamilton.
Goodbye,
Henry. You didn't make an appointment this afternoon, did you?
Well, yes, it was the only possible time, darling,
but you can't do this to Reverend Miller
while that rehearsal's being held just for you.
Well, they'll get along. All right, without me and
other things more important
besides Mr Miller will be delighted to see you, but it isn't the same Henry.
You're his bishop.
I don't like going alone.
It's the big house at the end of this street. Driver
Dudley. I take it that,
that you uh
you have the money for the taxi.
No.
What makes you think? I have money?
Oh, I just thought that you being a landlord.
Oh, my goodness.
I'm sorry.
Thank you.
I
won't be very late. I may even join you before the end of the rehearsal. Please try
at any rate. I'll see you in front of ST Timothy's in exactly one hour. Try.
I will be there.
Good.
This is a driver.
Ok.
Oh,
good evening, Bishop Roham.
How are you? Steven
Mrs Hamilton is in the drawing room set.
Thank you.
Well, Bishop broke
my dear Mrs Hamilton. I've come to tell you,
you've come to apologize. I trust exactly
upon mature consideration.
My objections seem petty indeed compared with the generosity of your gesture.
I'm very much relieved. Sit down Mr Brown.
Thank you.
What hurt me most was to think that my instinct had
betrayed me in recommending you for the position you now hold.
I am unceasingly grateful Mrs Howard.
Now, in planning the cathedral, I'm taking it for granted
that the George B Hamilton memorial chapel shall be located
where you specified Mrs Hamilton.
Oh,
you no longer feel the effect will be that
the whole cathedral was built in my husband's honor.
That was the phrase used in the heat of dispute.
What really matters is that the cathedral will be built good.
You know,
I will not have his name in some hot little brass black.
Oh no, it'll be in size in marble, large letters that are gilded.
Now, that large window depicting Saint George and the dragon,
I should very much like that.
The continent of Saint George suggests my late husband.
Yes.
Who do you see as the dragon?
00, any dragon. Now, let's get the blueprints,
Mrs Hamilton,
as we're now in such complete agreement.
Would you mind very much if we postpone the discussion of the details?
Because Julia's waiting for me. It's ST Timothy's. Oh, very well.
We can go over the plans when we send for the transfer of the funds. Thank you so much.
And I'm so glad we've settled our differences.
Is there anything the matter?
Well, it doesn't seem quite right, does it?
Oh.
But, oh, Steven's,
there's something wrong about the bishop's chair.
We met him.
It must be the new varnish,
the finisher should have worn it.
But I do hope I'm not harming the chair now. Oh, no, no, not at all.
Send to a furniture shop or
a f,
or a turpentine. I'll do something. ST,
oh,
I wonder would you give it a little pull at the back?
Yes.
Ok.
It's been a long time since Henry's been down here.
I wish he had come,
you know, when he was here. He was
so close to people
so loved by everybody.
Uh huh.
And how does it seem to, you know
that in dreaming of his cathedral? He's moved away from the people he loved. Yes,
it's gonna be such a disappointment for Reverend Miller not to see him.
Oh, well, he doesn't have to be disappointed.
Hello, Mr Miller. Mrs Broham.
So good of you to come. Not at all. I'm delighted to be here.
This is Mr Dudley, the bishop's new assistant, Mr Dudley. A pleasure.
Thank you, Mr Miller.
The bishop will try to get here later, Mr Miller, something important came up. Oh,
of course. He's a busy man. Now,
this is Mrs Duffy. I know Mrs Duffy. How are you?
It's always an honor to have you here at ST to
thank you. And this is Mr Dudley.
Mrs Duffy is the organist. I'm sure Mr Duffy plays in chanting. Maybe
I'm afraid some of our boys are a little late.
We really should begin, but I, I don't see how we can. It's really quite embarrassing
but you know, it, it
is a little difficult to compete with basketball and Christmas.
They're all good boys at heart. I know they are.
They'll show up.
I hope so.
Hello, Bobby.
Hello.
What do you sing?
I sing first soprano.
You good.
Well, how about giving out
me? Well,
you got George up there. Hello, George.
What are you saying?
Ok.
Are you ready, Mr D?
Loving Mar
is the sky
w
first the shades off
was
I?
Oh,
like
yes.
Was
OK.
It
brings
the shades
of
uh
same
in
time.
Boys that was beautiful,
really beautiful.
You know, you've all grown up. So, since the bishop and I lived in this parish that I,
I hardly recognized any of you,
but I'm so proud of you
and I know he's going to be too
well. Thank you,
Mr Miller. That was wonderful.
I can't. Thank you enough, Mrs, bro.
And you, Mr Dudley? Oh, I am so sorry. The bishop couldn't have been here.
Are you uh are you all right? Yes. Yes. Thank you.
Whatever he is keeping his teams.
Oh,
there you are.
I'm terribly sorry, madam. But the furniture shop was closed until after New Year.
I can't seem to find a plumber
and we're not a turpentine,
but this is preposterous. Would some witch hazel be of any use?
Mrs Hamilton? Might I use your telephone? Yes, of course. It's over there.
Thank you so
much,
Tilda. This is Bishop Bram.
I'm over at Mrs Hamilton's.
Will you bring me another pair of trousers at once, please?
But what difference does it make? Just
bring me another pair of trousers? Thank you.
I'm so very sorry. This has happened.
Well, if only I could get in touch with
Julia or Dudley,
now, now don't be nervous, Bishop.
I
have a chair.
Thank you. I have one.
He isn't here.
Well, perhaps the meeting with Mrs Hamilton was more important than he thought,
I suppose.
Better go on home.
You know, that is a strange thing.
What strange
you seem to be able to make me feel as if everything's gonna be. All right.
Well, it could be if, if, what
if people could only learn to behave like human beings?
Pay taxi.
Here's a cab. Julia,
will you please wait Sylvester?
Ok. Sure. Mr
Alo
Sylvester.
Yeah.
Oh,
good evening. If you wait just a moment, I'll be right with you.
Now. This is one of our most exclusive ones. Oh, it's lovely. Just simply ravishing.
So chic. So yummy. It is sweet, isn't it? No, it's funny.
Not everyone could wear such a daring hat, but of course it was made for a dad
say. How did you know my name was Sylvester.
Um,
it's something on your card.
Oh,
Sylvester. Could you drive us through the park, please? Oh, I was way out of your way.
Now. What's the matter with you, Sylvester? Are you getting bored with us? Oh,
no,
I'd drive you away to Mexico City if you want me. Thank you.
But I'm having so much fun.
Are you Julia? Yes. Are you really?
Yes, I feel as if I were doing something.
W what,
I don't know,
somehow it seems wrong to have so much fun that
I can't figure out what's wrong about it.
You folks happen to know what the main trouble with this country is?
Oh, I've heard several versions of that.
Do you know Sylvester?
Well, I think I do.
The
main trouble is there are too many people who don't know
where they're going and they want to get there too fast.
I'll take you two.
I'd call you unusual. Thank you.
You're a very perceptive first place, you know, your destination,
but you're in no hurry to get there.
You want to enjoy some scenery en route
and you're not reluctant to spend an extra four
bits for a day tour with Mother Nature.
Hey, look where you're going.
Well,
well, my goodness.
Did you see the way I missed that truck?
Well, it was just like a miracle. Yes. But don't overplay your hand.
Oh,
Sylvester, pull up here.
Come on, Julia. We're going skating. Oh, no, no, we mustn't. It's late. We couldn't.
Do you think we couldn't? Well, Henry's waited this long.
He can wait a little longer.
Sylvester stopped the car.
Can
I am wicked? Well, if you are? So am
I? That's impossible.
Can you skate Sylvester?
I used to when I was a boy, but I'm too old now. Come on, put on some skates.
You'll find out how young you are.
Sure.
Now we like.
That's
right.
Oh,
all right.
A pretty head.
I'm deadly
now. You,
oh, no, no, I,
uh,
oh, Godliness is heaven.
You found the perfect word.
Ok.
Look what I'm doing.
You're on a beautiful skater. Ju
in
fact you beautiful
to.
Oh,
man,
that's your
best.
Go.
What?
Oh
God, I,
excuse me, sir.
Keep cool. Sylvester.
Keep cool.
I'm real a
right.
Come on. Come on.
You the other one. That's
it.
All right. Don't relax. No, no, not collapse. Just relax.
I
hang on
second.
Oh, don't win
a dummy.
Hey,
for me.
Yeah.
No,
it,
thank you.
How much do I owe you? Semester. Not a cent. My friend,
my pockets are just bulging. The coins are self satisfaction.
You wouldn't know why I'd love to know
because you and the little lady have restored my faith in human nature. That's why.
Good night Dudley.
Good night.
Good night, Sylvester.
Your master is a noble soul.
His Children and his children's Children will rise up and call him Blessed
Dudley.
This has been the most wonderful evening I've had in years.
This has been the most wonderful evening I've had in centuries.
I hope I haven't left the queue.
Hello?
Yes, please.
I
look at
my shoe.
Well, Henry, what happened to you? I thought you were going to meet us at
ST
Denys what happened to you. It's very late.
Thank you. You'll never guess
we went skating
there. You are.
See you in a minute. All
right.
Skater. Yes.
Dudley's the most marvelous skater. Oh, he made me imagine that. I was good. Oh,
Henry, you should have heard those boys sing at Saint Timothy's.
He was absolutely heavenly.
I'm sure of that. Did you have a successful meeting with Mrs Hamilton? Yes. Did you?
Satisfactory? Good. Oh, dear. I want to see Debbie before she goes to sleep.
Oh,
you haven't said a word about it. About what?
My hat, my new hat.
How about you? Think?
Charming.
Thank you. I'll be right down.
There's one thing I know about this. Julia is absolutely blameless.
Of course she is. You deliberately stopped me from joining you.
Julia had a very good time.
Well, I didn't.
Mm,
if you'd sent me to represent you with Mrs Hamilton, I would have gone.
You didn't. So I represented you with your wife.
Is that part of the normal duties of an,
of an angel?
Sometimes Henry,
angels must rush in where fools fear to tread.
I haven't the faintest idea what that means and I don't want it explained to me
that
you can go. Now
I've solved my problem.
Have you? Mrs Hamilton is giving the money for the cathedral?
Well, that was a foregone conclusion.
If you were willing to make a slight sacrifice of your principles.
Oh, don't you think it's worth it for this,
this, this glorious edifice?
I'm not so sure if it's glory at a time like this. Oh, you're not.
No, Henry, I'm not.
You know, these are lean years for the world. So many people need food.
So many people need shelter
that uh
that big roof could make so many little roofs,
but we're dealing with a materialistic, selfish woman.
She wouldn't listen to talk like that.
Did you try?
It's all arranged. It's finished.
You came here so that I could have a cathedral.
Well, I've got a cathedral and I want you to go,
I want you to get out of my house and out of my life and away from Julia.
I
suppose you pray for that.
It was your prayer that brought me here.
Mm. Mm.
Hm Henry. There was no prayer.
It was right from my heart. I want you to go.
Julia doesn't Julia
get out,
get out.
Julia is just about ready to come down the stairs.
Now, don't let her see you like that.
Try to calm yourself. Henry
Dudley.
Oh
nay
wants Dudley to come up and say goodnight to her.
He's gone.
I shine up.
Well,
why did it is a sudden
I got rid of him.
I told him to go away. I fired him
because he's incompetent. He's no good at his job and I cannot stand the sight of him.
Me, I'm sure that Dudley's never coming back,
darling.
He must never say never.
But where is he?
Come here dear?
Now, listen to me,
Dudley wouldn't leave us without saying a word.
And besides, he promised me he was going to tell you about Santa Claus.
He knows Santa Claus very well,
but it's almost Christmas Eve
soon. I'll have to go to bed.
I told you dear, he wouldn't leave us without saying a word.
What do you, Matilda?
Oh, no, no, that wouldn't be like him.
Not like Mr Dudley come along
Phobe,
I'll get you ready
your dinner. Will you come see
when you get that money? Well, of course, do.
Here's a list of your calls bishop ending at Mrs Hamilton's. Thank you.
Now, if you'll be good enough, Miss CASS Away,
here's the manuscript of my Christmas sermon.
I shall want uh
the original in five carbons for issuing to the press.
If you get the typing done before I come back, just leave the cops here. My death.
I'm sorry to keep you so long on Christmas Eve.
Of
course, sir. I understand
it must be done.
Henry. I'm ready to start out now
and we go first to the tr shows.
Then we,
then we go to the Van. Dover's
good bye, Miss CASS
Sylvester. Oh, hello, Julia. Hello. What are you doing here?
Well,
I've been waiting around here for about an hour hoping to
be another skating party and I didn't want to miss him.
Where's Dudley?
Oh, you've got a preacher with you.
This is all I know
there's gonna be a wedding ceremony. You and Dudley
Sylvester. This is my husband. Bishop Brown.
How do you do?
0247, North Maple,
247, North Maple
Mildred.
Oh, Dudley, it's
you. I didn't see
where have you been?
All of us have been worrying about you
and poor Mrs Bram.
What about Mrs Brown? Well,
she's been popping in and out of here all day asking. Have you seen Dudley?
Have you heard from him?
Where is she? Mildred?
She and the bishop had some calls to make finishing at Mrs Hamilton's.
Let me t that sermon for you. Oh, no, you go on. Oh, no. The bishop kills.
It's almost Christmas Eve. You must have shopping to do.
Oh,
thank you, Dudley.
Merry Christmas. Mildred.
Merry Christmas. Daddy?
Oh,
take a salon
tonight.
I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking.
Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child's cry,
a blazing star hung over a stable
and wise men came with birthday gifts.
Have you got that?
We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries.
We celebrated the stars hung on the Christmas tree and the cry of bells and gifts,
especially with gifts.
We buy them and wrap them
and put them under the tree.
You give me a tie.
I give you a book
and Martha always wanted a orange squeezer.
Uncle Harry can use a new pipe.
Oh, we forget nobody
adult or child.
All the stockings are filled.
All that is except one.
I'm sorry, Matilda.
Mr Dudley. I knew you'd come back.
I knew you hadn't walked out on us. Of course
not.
Debbie's been so worried enough
for Mrs Bra.
I'll run upstairs. Matilda, tell Debbie I'll see her later first.
I have some work to do.
I'll
tell him
one moment please.
Mrs Hamilton expecting you. Not. Exactly, but she'll wish to see me.
I'm the bishop's assistant. The bishop is expected but not the assistant
I told you, Stevens, she'll wish to see me.
Yes,
I see.
Mhm.
Mm.
This was composed for you, my darling. And you only Anna
when her husband's name was George.
Mhm.
Good evening.
Then you a secure place.
There's no one living but me. That knows that conversation.
Yes.
It's a shame that only you and I appreciate the lost genius of Alan Cart.
You know about Alan Cartridge.
Oh, yes.
The world lost a brilliant young composer when he was,
when he died.
That was nearly 40 years ago.
You couldn't have,
I'm much older than you think.
Come let us sit down.
What is your name?
My name is Douglas.
But tell me about Anna
and you
tell me
Alan Cartridge
was the only man I ever loved.
You were engaged to be married
and I got frightened.
He had nothing and I was afraid of poverty.
He went away.
I never saw him again.
I never loved George Hamilton.
He was very much in love with me.
He was wealthy.
I've spent a fortune. 100 years memory, empty monuments.
Mr Hamilton Mansion never took a call here before. What do I owe you now? No charge.
Bishop. I got better to do. Thank you,
Sebastian. I'll be seeing you, Julia.
There's someone at the door
that must be Henry and Julia. Oh,
the Bishop? No, I won't. I, I can't see them now. Oh, yes, you will. No.
Yes,
that's right. Agnes. Just go out and greet them in your usual warm hearted manner.
The Bishop and Mrs Bryan, my calling madam.
Oh, you stay for dinner. Dudley?
Oh, I'm afraid I can't. Agnes. I have a great deal of work to do
but don't keep Henry and Julia waiting.
Julia.
How do you do Mrs Hamilton?
How nice of you to come and see me
and Henry.
A merry Christmas. A merry Christmas.
Come. Let's go into the drawing room.
Henry.
Oh, yes, Mrs Hems. Merry Christmas to you too. Oh, come now, Henry.
We're very old friends. You must call me Agnes.
And you two Jua
the
Yes.
Yes,
of course.
Oh,
but he's gone already.
Who
Dudley?
He was here? Yes, I should have known it. Where did he go? Oh, the poor man.
He said he had so much work to do. Henry. You must make him take some rest.
I've been trying to make him do just that I
can't thank you enough for sending him to me.
Oh, but do sit down, you know,
my dear meeting Dudley has been the greatest spiritual experience of my life.
I'm so glad you've seen him. How did you ever find him, Henry?
It was more or less of an accident. It was a miracle. Oh, indeed.
It was talking with this wonderful understanding man. Who's, has
Henry?
I've changed my mind about the cathedral.
I'm going to give my money to those who need it to the
poor and the homeless and the unappreciated people here in the city and,
and, and all over the world.
And I, I want you to direct the spending of the money.
Now, Henry, you see what Dudley has done? Yes, I see.
Now you
are.
Thank you, Mrs Hamilton.
I'll be home late for dinner or something. II,
I don't know what time.
Goodbye.
Hello, Professor
Henry.
Come in, my dear fellow. Come in,
sit down Henry.
Let me take your coat.
No,
thanks.
All right there.
Here.
This is the only reliable chair.
Well, this is a surprise and an honor.
We must have a glass of sherry.
No
car, but I insist
I want to show you something.
Do you see this bottle?
You know that it is full.
Now watch,
this is something that you,
you and you can't explain with all your vast ecclesiastical knowledge.
You will observe that it's still full.
Now, how do you account for that?
And what's for the sherry itself?
It stimulates it warms,
it inspires but no matter how much you drink it never inebriates.
I think I can account for it. Dudley has been here. Yes.
And that bottle isn't all.
He told me some things about history that opened my eyes and today
I went up to the university library and I looked into some
ancient texts which no living scholar has been able to decipher.
Suddenly.
I found that I could understand them
and look,
this is what I've done. Thanks to Dudley.
My history. I'm actually writing it.
Let's phrase it. Henry,
this Dudley is no mortal man. Like the rest of us.
Is he?
How did you know?
Well, I can't tell
who is he? What is he? He says he's an angel. An angel.
That's funny. Nothing stopped me from saying at that time, from heaven
that I'm not sure about
an angel.
Too bad. He's such a nice fellow.
Oh,
I suppose I should have known it.
Nothing less than the angel could have put me to work.
I'm glad he'd done some good for somebody. He brought nothing but disaster for me.
That's absurd.
He and Julia were in here the other day
and she seemed happier than she's been in years.
In fact, quite like her old delightful self.
She's a different person when she's with him.
He's made to despise me.
I'm not sure he has done that.
Do you think it's all my own fault? I didn't say that Henry,
this whole thing is a mystery beyond my powers of comprehension.
Oh, I suppose I am to blame for everything
I asked for this in more ways than one,
I suppose that Dudley came to me just to confirm
that I'd already lost the love of Julia and Debbie.
I've got a confession to make you my old friend.
You sent me a coin that was very generous of you.
I was mean enough. Only to see its commercial value.
Now it's gone. I don't know what's happened to it. What I do
here. It, it,
no,
here it is. Where did you find it?
Oh, don't tell me he is.
And what Paul, he told me what it is. A museum piece worth a fortune.
No, I insist you keep it.
We give it to Julius by Christmas present. Who knows? It might bring luck to you both.
You know, Henry. It seems strange.
I mean, you being a bishop and I have broken down old scholar,
but I feel terribly sorry for you.
I wish there was something I could do to help.
Thank you. But there's nothing to be done. But there must be
you and Julia love each other. You always have.
It's only partially true.
I love Julia. Well, then why don't you fight for her? Fight? How can I fight against?
But you have a tremendous advantage over him. Advantage
over an angel. That's precisely it.
He's an angel.
Julia is a creature of earth. She's a woman, Henry
and you are a man.
Isn't it beautiful? And he did every bit of it himself and so quick too.
And I saw it. I couldn't believe my eyes. What a blessing. He's been to us. The trees.
Lovely to
us
enough.
I'm glad you like it.
It's been years since I've had the chance to work on the Christmas tree.
I usually get the more disagreeable jobs.
Good night. Matilda.
Sweet dreams.
Thank you, Mr Dudley.
Did you go?
Yes,
I think my work here is almost finished.
I'll have to be moving along.
Oh,
well, uh,
where will you be going, Dudley?
Wherever they send me,
who are they?
My superior officers?
Will we ever see you again?
Mm. Mm.
They seldom send us to the same place twice.
We might form attachments.
I don't know what you're talking about. Daddy.
Of course not
Julia.
I don't want to leave. Why?
There are a few people who know the secret of making a heaven here on earth.
You are one of those rare people.
I think you ought to go.
No, please. Julia
don't send me away.
What are you saying? Dad?
I'm tired of being a wanderer.
I'm tired of an existence where one is neither hot nor cold,
hungry nor full.
No,
you must go away
and never come back.
Julia,
I've never before had to fight an angel,
but I suggest you take off your coat and put up your dukes.
Now, why do you want to fight me, Henry?
Because you're a thief.
I'm trying to steal my wife, my child, my all the love that belongs to me.
Don't you realize Henry?
That as an angel, I could quite possibly destroy you with a bolt of lightning.
I don't care. Julia means more to me than my life. I'm not gonna lose her.
Now,
then I have news for you.
I'm going.
I'll accept that as a fact when I see it happen.
Oh, no, you won't
because when I'm gone
you will never know that an angel visited your house.
And Julia, what about her?
There will be no memory with her either
or with Debbie or the professor or anyone else.
I don't trust you, Dudley. You may Henry
because your prayer has been answered.
That's not true. My prayer has not been answered. I was praying for a cathedral.
No, Henry,
you were praying for guidance
that has been given to you
just a minute. Please.
Goodbye. Henry
Dudley.
If we should need you again,
will you come back?
Not? I,
I should ask to be assigned to the other end of the universe.
Is that because I was so difficult.
I know
this difficulty was in me
when an immortal finds himself envying the mortal entrusted to his care.
It's a danger signal.
Take her in your arms and hold her tight.
Coming.
Kiss it for me. You lucky Henry
Julia
Julia.
She's asleep.
Are you all right?
Oh,
yes, of course. I am.
Henry. Did you get that for Debbie?
No,
I can't imagine where it came from.
Chin pain.
What is it?
I don't know it.
I just have the most inexplicable feeling of happiness.
Oh,
you know something. What? Downstairs in the kitchen, there's a big bowl of cider.
Yes, that's for tomorrow afternoon. So let's drink it.
Now, let's drink to us to our happiness and to what lies ahead.
And then let's smash the glasses in the fireplace
that's coming from Saint Timothy's.
That side is going to have to wait if
you're going to give your Christmas Eve ceremony.
Oh, my salmon.
But that's better too
tonight. I want to tell you the story
of an empty stocking.
Once upon a midnight clear,
there was a child's cry,
a blazing star hung over his table
and wise men came with birthday gifts.
We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries.
We celebrated with stars on Christmas trees
with the sound of bells
and with gifts,
but especially with gifts.
You give me a book.
If I give you a tie,
Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange spoon
and Uncle Henry
could do with a new pipe
or we forget nobody
adult or child.
All the stockings are filled.
All that is
except one
and
we have even forgotten to hang it out
a stocking for the child born in a manger.
It's his birthday. We're celebrating.
Don't let us ever forget that.
Let us ask ourselves
what he would wish for most
and then
that each put in his share,
loving kindness,
warm hearts,
and the stretched out hand of tolerance.
All the shining gifts,
make peace on it.