And now, ladies and gentlemen,
The Luxurious Stars Desert Inn Hotel in Las Vegas...
is proud to present the final performance...
of an exciting engagement, the incomparable singing sensation,
Miss Deloris Van Cartier!
Hold on, hold on
Started my life
In a worn, torn dress that somebody threw out
I knew the way it felt to always live in doubt
To be without the simple things
So afraid my friends would see the guilt in me
So I got a good job in the city
Working for the man every night and day
But I never lost one minute of sleep
Worryin' about the way things might have been
I was a devil with the blue dress, blue dress
I was a devil with the blue dress on
I was a ho! Sugar pie, honey bun
You know I love you
I can't help myself
I love you and nobody else
Oh, yeah Wait a minute, Mr. Postman
- Wait - Wait, Mr. Postman
- Mr. Postman, look and see - Oh, yeah
If there's a letter in your bag for me
I've been waiting such a long, long time
Deliver the letter The sooner the better
She wore an itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny yellow polka-dot bikini
Stop in the name of love
But my mama told me You better shop around
So that's what I did, ladies and gentlemen, I shopped.
I shopped and I shopped and I shopped.
I found myself something special.
I got myself a brand-new hustle.
Do the hustle
Money, money, money Money
Money, money, money
I was a bad girl
Talkin' about a sad girl
Freak out!
Mr. Big Stuff
Who do you think you are? Mr. Big Stuff,
you're never gonna get my love
Whoa! See how they treat me?
He got my cousin. He got my coat.
- When I tried to get it back, he whipped out this great big... - Shotgun
Shoot him before he runs now
Do the jerk, baby
Do the jerk now Hey! I had...
Nowhere to run to, baby
Nowhere to hide I had
Nowhere to run to, baby
I didn't have nowhere to hide until...
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Magic!
All right, you all, you know this song. Let's sing it.
Nothing you could say could tear me away from my God
She's coming!
Nothing you could do...
'cause I'm stuck like glue to my God
My God, my God
Hey! These are my friends. Ladies, sing this for me.
We are
Come up and join us.
Come on, and hurry up. Ladies!
There's not a man today...
- Who can take me away... - Hey!
- I love Him, I love Him - Hey!
- Pull it up. - I will follow Him
- Look out! - Wherever He may go
There isn't an ocean too deep
A mountain so high it can keep
Keep me away
Away from His love
What the hell are you doing?
- We are family - Go, go, go, go!
We are family I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up, everybody and sing, swing
We are family
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up, everybody Get up, everybody
Get up, everybody and sing
Thank you! Thank you!
Deloris, you were fantastic.
Nice outfit. I'm glad I didn't wear mine.
I got to tell you, Sisters, that last bit was great.
I'm a very big fan of yours.
I got your album.
This is my manager. This is Joey.
What do you want?
Are you currently represented?
They're nuns, Joey. God represents them. Come on.
God is good, but can he get you your own dressing room?
You were great. Oh, thanks.
I love to sing. She taught me.
I am so glad to see you.
What are you doing here?
Came to see you.
Can you stay a long time?
We have to be back on the road tonight. We don't have time to chat.
Maybe a little. We do have to get back.
We're teachers now. It's a school night.
And really it's all because of you. You inspired us to go out into the community...
and do some good in the hood.
Sit down.
Can they even hear you in the back of the room when you're teaching?
I'm getting better.
Oh, we're teaching at St. Francis Academy in San Francisco.
I went to that school. Oh! It was...
Oh! They need good teachers.
We're having a barrel of laughs.
Although the kids sometimes get a little unruly.
- Just a little. - Actually, they're out of control.
It was so bad last week Sister Mary Patrick frowned twice.
Oh!
Let's get down to business.
Excuse me.
Any matters of business have to go through me.
Excuse me. These are my friends, and I am talking to them.
- I'm talking to my friends now. - I am your manager.
- Forgive us. Excuse me. - Go ahead.
Thank you.
Now, come on, you guys, you come up here, you come to see me.
What's goin' on? Does Mother Superior really know you're here?
She sent us on this m-mission to...
The Reverend Mother said we're not to come back without you.
- What does she want? - We're not entirely certain.
But we know that she needs you and she wants us to come and bring you back.
Is she okay? Health-wise? Is she in danger?
Oh, no, she's fine.
Well, she's a little desperate.
She's desperate?
I'll get it. It's all right.
What, what? What? What?
Sit, sit, sit, sit!
Welcome.
Oh, welcome. Welcome.
It's good to see you, good to see you.
Oh, Sister Mary Clar...
Oh, I do apologize. Deloris.
- Uh-huh. - It's so good to see you too.
I'm sorry I couldn't join the Sisters in Las Vegas.
I've heard you are truly a spectacle.
Well, yeah, you know, I work at it.
You're probably wondering why I asked the Sisters to bring you here.
I am a little curious. What's all the mystery?
Well, you see, Deloris, we need your help here...
at St. Francis.
We seem to have got in slightly over our heads.
What... do you want?
Help us by becoming a teacher.
A teacher? Me? Oh, no.
Listen, I'm not cut out to be a teacher.
Who would I teach? What would I teach?
Teach the children. Teach music.
You weren't cut out to be a nun either,
but look what you accomplished at St. Katherine's.
You brought a new spirit into the convent and into the community.
You were... infectious. You could be just as infectious here.
You're making me sound like a disease.
We are struggling here with a community that is tired...
and worn and despairing.
We saw this school as some sort of renewal,
but it's becoming a hopeless situation.
We have nowhere else to turn.
We are desperate women, Deloris.
We need you.
- Oh! I'm... - Think of the children.
We must invest in their future. It is our duty.
Who better to help us than you?
I'm a lounge singer.
You are the perfect example of how a sow's ear...
can be turned into a silk purse.
Well, I probably wouldn't have put it quite like that.
My career's starting to take off. I kind of want to get into my success.
A success you might not have had...
without the help of certain supportive friends...
who shall remain nameless.
Oh, so you're going to be like that, huh, with the guilt?
Guilt? I would never use guilt.
I'm a nun.
All right, I'll do it for you.
Oh, thank you, Deloris. I knew we could count on you.
But you're just talking about like a week, right?
I don't think we should restrict ourselves to a time frame.
Sisters, Sisters.
Deloris has agreed to join our teaching staff.
So, could you take her to the changing room?
Sure,
Somebody tell me why I'm dressed like this again.
The Fathers here at St. Francis are very strict.
If they were to find out you're neither a nun or a teacher, they might...
Ask me to leave?
In a New York minute.
Yeah, well, now, I'm undercover again.
It could be fun.
Convent living is kind of grim.
All I need is a bed and a place to kneel.
Wait until you see what we have in the room for you.
You didn't go out and do something silly, did you?
Well, maybe.
- What did you put in, a bidet? - A bi-what?
Never mind. What is it?
A watched pot never boils.
- No, no, don't tell her. It's a surprise. - Okay.
- Ready? One, two, three. - One, two, three.
Curtains.
Sometimes it resembles a battleground at recess here.
- For the most part, the kids are really well-behaved. - Yeah.
A new nun?
Yeah, Sister Mary something or other.
I'm terrible at names. Come in.
Who was that?
The older one is our principal, Father Maurice.
The other one is our school administrator, Mr. Crisp.
He's only been here a few months.
She looks familiar. I think I've seen her somewhere before.
Just long enough to hate us.
Some of the kids call him the devil incarnate.
- He's just got a bad case of the grumps. - I don't care who he is.
I just want to put the top up on my car.
If there's a car left.
What's she mean by that? Is that a joke? Hey!
I'd like you all to join me in welcoming the new addition...
to the teaching staff here at St. Francis,
Sister Mary...
- Clarence. - Clarence.
Who will be teaching our, uh...
- Music. - Music.
Is there still a music class?
In a manner of speaking.
Why is he asking, "Is there a music class?"How come he doesn't know?
Sister Mary Clarence will be teaching our music class.
I think each of you should introduce yourselves.
I'll start.
I'm Father Ignatius. I teach math.
I'm Thomas. Ave, magistra nova.
Latin teacher.
Oh, good. Excuse me.
Ah, and this is Mr. Crisp.
This is Sister Mary Clarence.
Oh, yes, the new nun.
Sister Mary Clemens.
- Clarence. - Clarence!
Like in Thomas. I'm the music teacher.
The music teacher?
Yeah. music?
You're gripping me here.
- Oh, yes, I'm sorry. - Thank you.
Yes, I just stopped by to, uh,
remind you of our meeting this afternoon.
Well, pardon the intrusion.
Bon appetit.
Gruss Gott.
Ah, and this is Father Wolfgang,
who, uh, cooks...
so, uh, diligently to minister to our dietary needs.
For luncheon, bratwurst a la Provence.
He only knows how to cook one thing, German sausage.
Day after day, liverwurst, bratwurst, bierwurst.
It's the worst.
Oh, no, no, no.Jenny Craig, I just couldn't. Thank you so much.
This, uh, needs a prayer.
Damn.
Sister?
Oh, Sister Clarence,
I wonder if I could have a word with you in private?
Oh, no, I need to...
No, please.
Sure.
Thank you.
Oh. Won't you sit down?
Yes, the Sisters tell me...
that your last posting was at a women's prison facility
in the Louisiana bayou.
- What? - It wasn't?
No, no, it was, it was. It was... Yes, of course.
I mean, it was... Yeah, no, the prison was really rough on me.
So, I, I, I, I been trying to wipe this experience from my mind...
because it was so traumatic for me.
- Really? - Yes!
They'd led me to believe that you enjoyed it.
Well, in a... Yes, I did.
It was a traumatic enjoyment of an experience...
that I should not have had and appreciated the way...
that I did because I'm a nun.
And nuns are not meant to have enjoyable experiences...
because they lead to all kinds of situations, which is where I found myself,
which is why I'm here now, and I know that you understand that.
Oh, well, yes, indeed, I do see what you mean.
I knew you would.
As I do with all my new teachers,
I'd like to share with you my theories about education,
gleaned from my years of experience here as the principal of St. Francis.
I am an open book.
Discipline.
Anything else to go with that? That's it? Discipline?
Unfortunately, I think that's pretty much all we can expect here.
You have any questions?
No, I feel as though I have absorbed all I can from you.
Well, then,
I wish you good day...
and good luck.
Thank you, Your Eminenceship.
Thank you so much.
Okay,
Your Royal Pappyness.
- Piece of work, isn't he? - A prison?
You lied to me, and you're gonna go to hell.
You call. Vocant, they call, are calling, do call.
Voco, I call, am calling, do call.
Vocas, you call, are calling, do call.
Voco, I call, am calling, do call.
Class, eyes up,
pencils down, mouths closed.
Today we're going to learn a valuable lesson
and maybe have a little fun doing it.
The topic for today: promiscuity.
Promiscuity.
Who can tell me what that means?
Sandra.
In your dreams.
Sandra, I know you have a question burning inside there.
You can't answer any questions about sex.
Oh, don't be so sure.
You don't have to bite the doughnut to know it's sweet.
Come on. Plus we have the Bible right here.
Sister Mary Clarence?
- Oh, you look a little lost. - Yes!
Who isn't?
- What, you can't find the music room? - No.
It's downstairs. Take a left, a right, a right, another left...
All right, I'm sorry. It's tricky.
I'll help you find it. Follow me, and I'll show you exactly where it is.
I know exactly what you mean.
When I first got here, one hall looks like another hall.
Sometimes I find myself just stopping dead in my tracks and going,
"Oh, Lord, come to my rescue, come to my aid."
- Watch your step. - Yeah.
Well, here we are. It's the, um,
music class.
Ah, well, thank you.
Oh, oh, oh, oh. Remember, nothing ever is as bad as it seems at first.
Fight the good fight.
Oh, wait a minute. What? What was that?
It's Latin. It means, "Lift up your heart."
I thought you said, "Insert some quarters."
I don't know if I'm cut out for this.
You're jokin' me.
The children are waiting.
Yeah. Ain't they?
Cold beans, hey and collard greens, hey
Cold beans, hey and collard greens
Oh, no, see, that's why your mama deejays for the ice-cream truck.
Oh, it's you!
Thank heaven you're here.
Class, this is your new teacher.
Sister Mary Clarence. Class!
Your mama is so fat, she sat on a rainbow and Skittles popped out.
Class! Well, congratulations, you're the new mayor of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Keep the faith.
Remember, our Lord said, "Be ye strong of will."
And ye better be tough as nails too.
Yeah.
Good morning. I'd like to introduce myself.
Would you all put your seats back in order, please?
Watch my new shoes!
I have this funny problem with my ears. I don't like a lot of noise.
So maybe you could do it quietly? Thank you.
I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Sister Mary Clarence, and I am...
Yo, mama?
No, sir, let's talk about your mama,
who's so dumb she got hit by a parked car.
Thank you.
Let's try attendance.
I'd like to introduce myself.
I am Tyler Chase, and on behalf of the whole music class as we are...
Tyler! Tyler!
You got a little something on your nose.
Yeah, Tyler, a big, big brown thing right around here. "Hello, I'm Tyler Chase."
Thank you, Mr. Chase.
Richard Pincham.
Wake up, fool!
Paper or plastic?
I beg your pardon. Are you Richard?
Did you do these?
Yeah. S-Sorry.
Let me see.
That's why they call me Sketch.
These are real good.
Thanks. Try to stay awake in my class, though.
All right.
WesleyJames?
Wesley Glen James?
Respectfully, my sister,
James is the slave name forced upon my ancestors.
While Wesley, that's some name my assimilationist parents came up with.
But today,
in honor of all my brothers and sisters who died in the struggle,
I wish to be called by my true name,
Ahmal M'jomo Jamaael,
which means, "He who is spirited."
And long-winded.
A simple "present"would've done it, bro.
And who are you?
Fran-kay.
Check it out.
Hello there, miss, and let me kick an introduction
Flute, violin, bass guitar and then percussion...
Just stop.
Can't you come up with your own thing?
Must you continually come behind my people and steal our expressions?
First jazz, then rock and roll, now rap.
What you gonna try to take next, man?
- I'm gonna take your girl if you ain't careful. - Keep talkin', boy.
Excuse me.
Let's leave this display of manhood outside, shall we?
Thank you so much.
Yo, could we hurry this up? Some of us got things to do.
- Are you Rita Watson? - Yes. That's me.
Yeah, that's me. I'm sorry I don't have any cute stories or "antidotes" to tell you.
- Anecdote. - Shut up.
Mind your business.
How 'bout we just call you Rita Diva-with-a-'tude?
Sister, maybe I can help you out?
- Are we all here? - Yeah! We're here.
Thank you.
All right. What have you been doin'?
All right, let me give you an easier question.
Where are the music books?
Maybe I should explain something to you, Sister.
See, this is what we call a bird course.
The reason we call it a bird course...
is because we fly right through it.
See, all you got to do to pass in this class is show up.
Hmm. So you come to class,
you do nothing... and you pass?
Oh, no, we don't exactly do nothing.
We have a good time too.
Yo, Frankie.
Money? You're asking for money?
Yes!
You know, that little green stuff that has pictures...
of dead presidents on it, and you use it to buy things like instruments or songbooks.
Sister Mary Clemens.
Mr. Crisp, my name is Mary Clarence.
Clarence.
I think you're confusing St. Francis
with Loyola Marymount or the University of Notre Dame.
There is no money here.
Yet they manage to pay you, Crispy.
Mr. Crisp is right.
Frankly, we're lucky to be open for business at all.
Then I wish one of you would tell me...
what it is I'm supposed to do with these children.
Go! Run! Get outta here!
Teach them to play... soccer!
We don't have the balls for that.
ThanJackieJackson talkin'to Oprah Winfrey
When I kick these rhymes up in a bundle, you turn purple
You're pulling your pants up like Urkel,
yeah So jump if you're with me
Yeah, so jump if you're with me
- Yeah, who gots the flo' Who gots the flo' - I got the flo'.
Grab the microphone and let your funky lyrics go
Here I go on the microphone About to wreck it
You thought a female M.C. couldn't do it, but now check it
If the blues is what you choose I'll kick it Count Basie style
But if bebop is what you rock I'll kick the Monk or some Miles
Won't grab no phillies My style is willing if you let me
Or if I choose to 'cause women's lib said I don't have to
So think again before you test a sister, 'cause with my girls behind me
We got lots of power, mister
Who gots the flo' Grab the microphone and let your funky lyrics go
I got the flo' You all gotta go
So go get your bags so we can go, ho-ho
- Now. Thank you, thank you. - She's back.
The question at hand is, how do we get this nun...
to extricate herself from us quickly and expeditiously?
In other words, let's get this nun to run.
I'm not sure I'm down for this.
That's like messin' with higher power.
Plus, this Sister is like a sister Sister, know what I'm saying?
She ain't no sister of yours.
Hey, hey, hey, chill, okay?
I heard that.
We all got to agree on this. Are we in or are we out?
Young man! Picasso!
Keep this job, get your butt back in here, boy.
Guess I know what that means.
I'll stick with the majority on this one.er.
I gotta go, so I'll check y'all later.
Rita Louise Watson!
You better get your behind in this house now.
You got homework to do.
Ma!
Ma, we're just chillin'.
Rita, don't make me come down there after you.
Call me tonight so we can figure out a plan.
Rita!
On second thought, call me in the mornin'.
See ya later, Rita.
Hey, here she comes!
Hey, shh!
Well, you look like my class.
Is, uh, something goin' on?
No, Sister Mary Clarence.
I saw a scene like this once in a horror movie.
They subdued an entire community
by putting some kind of weird drug in the water. Is that what's going on here?
All right, uh, today I'd like to talk about music ...
because I'm the music teacher and that's what I am.
Now, when you think about various people and what they like,
you think, well, this one likes this, this one likes that.
Me, I'm what you call eclectic.
"Eclectic"?
What's that?
You plug your box into the wall and it gives you power, stupid.
Not electric, eclectic, stupid.
Let me simplify it for you. When I say "eclectic, "
what I mean is, I like lots of different types of music.
Opera, rock and roll, rap, I like it all.
But my favorite, my absolute all-time favorite,
are the girl groups from the '50s and '60s.
Like who?
Tyler, shut up!
Ladies and gentlemen, let us not badger this man who wants this information.
I like Patti LaBelle and the Bluebells,
and I like the Supremes.
Who are the Supremes?
You don't need to get physical with him.
Oh, you're gonna get jumped after school, Tyler.
Yes, it is a shocking question: "Who are the Supremes?"
You never heard of Diana Ross?
Oh, Diana Ross.
Well, let me tell you.
They were the premier group.
As you hear, your comrades-in-arms say,
Because they were incredible.
What I love when I think about music...
is how you can take this type of music and that type of music...
and fuse it together.
Fusion!
Yeah, fusion.
I'm really glad you're into this.
The best example I can give you, now...
You got busted!
Fusion! Fusion! Fusion!
Fusion! Fusion!
Goddamn it.
Oh, man!
Yeah?
We want you to know that we understand...
and that you're quite free to leave whenever you please.
I'm sure you'll be much better off in show business.
Goodness knows, the money is better.
I'm sure bright lights and sequins are far prettier to look at
than anything we have here.
Do you know what I hate most about this place?
There's nothing to pick up and throw.
We understand.
Yeah.
Would you like a cup of tea?
Oh, this mustn't happen. It can't happen.
It would be criminal, absolutely criminal if this happened.
St. Francis' school and church have been
a beacon of hope to the people of this community for many,
many years. If we close down the school,
it would be an absolute and total disaster.
You're absolutely sure nothing can be done?
I'm afraid not.
I was hoping we could keep it open until the end of the school year.
We know it's unfortunate.
We don't like it either.
The Archdiocese has decided St. Francis should close...
at the end of the semester.
Why does it have to happen so quickly?
You're totally in the red...
with very little hope of recovery.
You must realize, Father,
the community contributions have been nil.
The school has no outstanding academic or achievement records.
I've been exploring the possibility of other uses for the property.
Yes, and the bottom line is it's more valuable as a parking
lot than it is as a school.
The recommendation is to close.
Well, I suppose there's nothing more to be said.
Well, thank you.
Mr. Crisp, you should be commended for your work
and your excellent analysis of the situation.
Thank you very much, but I do wish...
you'd consider my application for early retirement.
After all, I have been working for the Archdiocese
doing this work for almost 30 years now,
and I would just like my due.
- Why, absolutely. - Thank you, thank you.
Let's go out and have some lunch now, shall we?
Excellent idea.
What?
When?
- The end of the semester. - Where did you hear that?
I happened to be eavesdropping in Father Maurice's office,
and I heard him talkin'.
We were afraid this might happen. I've been expecting it for some time.
What do we do now?
We'll probably be reassigned.
The children will be bused to a public school in another district.
What a stupid thing to do.
This is the only school left in this community.
We've got to do something.
Otherwise we're gonna lose our students and not get them back.
Then I guess we are going to do something.
Now, you do mean "we, "don't you? We!
Yes, yes, we!
You're not leaving?
I said I was gonna come and help. Here I am.
Thank you, Deloris.
Just call me Mary Clarence.
Oh, Reverend Mother.
I'd like to speak to you.
My mind is consumed with trying to deal with...
Sister Mary Clarence.
Yes, as a matter of fact.
I am familiar with the dilemma.
I'm told that she presided at the ecclesiastical equivalent...
of a pep rally last night.
Yes, I am aware of this.
You are? How did you know?
You'll find that when one deals with Sister Mary Clarence,
one is smothered with more information than one wishes to possess.
I'm afraid she's becoming quite disruptive.
Disruption is the way Mary Clarence communicates.
I worry about raising false hopes among the children.
Advise me, Reverend Mother.
Tell me about your experiences with Mary Clarence.
No, I wouldn't want to frighten you.
But in my experience, I found it easier...
and ultimately...
quite effective to give Mary Clarence a free hand.
Aren't her ideas extremely radical?
If I remember correctly,
the term "radical"was applied to us in our day.
Or have you forgotten the trouble we caused Bishop O'Malley?
Oh, yes, Bishop O'Malley.
Give Mary Clarence a chance.
If the school is on the road to closure,
at least she'll make it an interesting ride.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Please take your seats.
Do it quickly and quietly.
Welcome to the first day of your new scholastic lives.
This is no longer a bird course.
The bird has flown.
If you want to pass this course,
you gonna have to earn it, 'cause I have no problems,
not one, failing each and every one of you.
I never thought this was no bird course.
I'm glad for you.
Very, very glad,
'cause this is a new day.
Things are going to be a little different around here.
Oh, yeah?
Like how? Like when I talk,
Fran-kay, you don't.
Is this something you want to share with the rest of the class ?
I'm just kicking it with my girl.
I'll tell you what,
you gonna kick it with me or I'm gonna kick you out.
Put 'em away.
And you.
This is not Elizabeth Arden, Miss Thing.
You want to beat that mug of yours,
you do it at home before you come to class, understand?
Put it away. And you, Sketch,
I like you a lot,
but I don't want you catching Z's in my class no more.
I be tired. I got a job...
Baby, save it for Oprah.
This is a brand-new day, ladies and gentlemen,
a brand-new day.
We're gonna start with respect.
You're gonna respect me, and I'm gonna respect you.
And the first thing you're gonna do, gentlemen,
is take off those hats.
This is a brand-new day.
I guess that means you're gonna be combing your hair before you come to my class.
And I know you laughin' over there,
so you think this is very funny, Miss Thing.
There is no sun in this room. You will not get a tan.
Take off those sunglasses.
That goes for you too. If they're not prescription, I don't want to see 'em.
I want to see you. I want to look into your eyes.
I want you to be able to look into mine.
Yes, Miss Watson?
We don't want no new way.
The old way was fine for us, right?
Right!
Okay, so if you're gonna fail us, then you might as well go ahead,
'cause, um, I ain't doin' nothin'.
Fine, that's how you feel, there's the door.
Don't let it hit you in the butts on your way out.
Yo, yo, Sis,
I can't afford to fail this class.
You better tell your friends you can't afford to fail this class.
My parents wouldn't be pleased.
Come on, y'all, we ain't gotta take this from her. Come on.
Sketch, come on, man.
Fran-kay?
Yo, Rita, you know I'm usually down for stuff like this, but, yo,
I'm gonna take care of business this time.
A little lonely out on that limb by yourself, Miss Watson?
So much for friendship.
All right, let's get down to business, ladies and gentlemen.
You wanna go somewhere and you wanna be somebody,
you better wake up and pay attention, honey,
'cause the real world is out there.
They don't care how hip you think you are.
Or who you kick it with. It don't matter.
If you don't have an education, you don't have anything.
And that's the truth, honey.
But we cannot do it by ourselves, we need the help.
We're here for the children, right?
If not for them, for who?
Look, let's start with the curriculum, okay?
Let's talk about boring.
I can barely stay awake to teach it.
I have some good ideas for goosing up sex ed.
And what are we gonna do about the graffiti?
Not that a bucket of paint couldn't fix it.
I'd love to see us teach new math.
Yes! No, no,
you've got to face facts. We're closing down.
Yes, we may be closing, but we're not closed yet.
So why don't we go out with a little class?
Come on, people, let's hear it again.
If you wanna be somebody, if you wanna go somewhere,
you better wake up and pay attention.
Make me believe what you're sayin'.
Could we waken this up a little?
Yeah, if you think you can.
Okay, Dionna.
If you wanna be somebody
If you wanna go somewhere
You better wake up and pay attention - Pay attention
If you wanna be somebody
If you wanna go somewhere
You better wake up and pay attention
Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute!
Talk about a wake-up call. Where did this come from?
This is a music class, isn't it?
Yes, this is a music class. You tellin' me you guys can sing?
No, really, that was great. My...
I just figured out how I'm gonna get you through this music class.
Yes, yes! I'm gonna turn you guys into a choir.
Nope!
Come on, I mean, most choirs are just a bunch of people...
singing wack songs that nobody care about.
Maybe not. Maybe not.
Quickly, sit down. Let's go, let's go.
Quit chewin' that gum. You look like Mister Ed. Sit down.
Watch your footing.
You know what to do. Good to see you.
- You know all about these people. - Oh, yes.
You know where to go.
You ready, Alma? Hello!
You ready, Alma?
Alma!
Turn the pack on.
- You ready? - Yes.
- Ready, ladies? - Yes!
Five, six-- Five, six, seven, eight!
People movin' out People movin' in
Why
Because of the color of the skin
Run, run, run But you sure can't hide
An eye for an eye A tooth for a tooth
Vote for me and I'll set you free
Rap on, Sisters Rap on
Well, the only person talkin' about love thy brother is a preacher
And it seems nobody's interested in learnin'
but the teacher
Segregation, determination Demonstration
Integration, aggravation Humiliation
Obligation to our nation
Ball of confusion
That's what the world is today, ooh, hey, hey
Let me hear it, let me hear it Let me hear ya say it
The sale of pills are at an all-time high
Young folks walkin' around with their heads in the sky
Cities aflame in the summertime
And oh, the beat goes on
Evolution, revolution, gun control, the sound of soul
Shootin' rockets to the moon
Kids growin' up too soon
Gloria,
around and around and around we go
Gloria
Where the world's headed nobody knows
Hallelujah
Play it, Alma. Go ahead, girl!
Great googa mooga, can't ya hear me talkin' to ya
Just a ball of confusion
That's what the world is today
Oy, vey
That was boo!
So, what did you guys think?
Well, it was okay.
What do you mean, "it was okay"?
What about you?
It was cool for what it was, but it wasn't all that.
Look who was singin'.
Yo, word up, and to who? Nuns singin' to old biddies?
There was two guys in the fourth row that didn't even applaud.
They was dead, stupid.
Look, Sis, I think we should just 86 this choir thing.
Some of us actually got reps to think about.
Yo, word up, if we start wearin' robes and singing'hymns,
my homeboys are gonna think we're a bunch of punks, right?
That's not what I do.
That's not really true. 'Cause in Nigeria...
singin' and wearin' ceremonial robes is a mark of honor.
Spare us Roots, man! All I'm sayin' is,
can't we sing somethin' that ain't gonna get the crap kicked out of us?
I understand you gotta think about your image.
Image is very important to everybody.
Because, of course, your friends are gonna dictate your actions...
through your life, so, hey, I wouldn't want you
to step away from them and be an individual.
That would almost be too much.
But I will say this to you,
when these ladies get on the bus,
do not disrespect them, do not embarrass me,
'cause it ain't easy to get up and sing in front of people like yourselves.
Nice job, ladies.
Good job.
Very good. He's funny. Uh-oh!
- I smell trouble. Check it out. - Think so?
Hey, Father Thomas, what's happenin'?
Well, what's happenin' is, I've been sent to give you a message...
like I'm working for Western Union instead of the Roman Catholic Church.
Don't tell me you have to sing it.
Oh, that's very funny.
I'm sure you still won't be as humorous after you talk to Father Maurice...
who wants to see you right now!
Sister, during school hours, we are responsible for the children.
They can't go on a field trip without parental consent.
Okay, I'll buy that. I made a mistake.
I'm sorry. It will never happen again.
Indeed it won't.
Because from right now, authorized or unauthorized field trips are canceled.
But why?
Sister, in a very, very short time, St. Francis will close for good.
I'd like that time to be safe and pleasant for everyone concerned.
Do I make myself clear?
Yes, abundantly.
Thank you.
- You heard him say that? - Just now?
Just a second ago.
St. Francis can't be closin'.
My family dropped out of high school like suckers, man.
I refuse to go out like that.
We could take 'em higher with the choir, so to speak.
It could be dope.
We need to exhibit some pride in ourselves, like Paul Lawrence Dunbar did, right?
Yeah, yeah, it ain't all that.
Okay, see? That's what I'm talkin' about.
That's what's wrong with y'all young kids today.
Y'all don't wanna listen. Y'all go ahead and walk away.
Don't y'all realize how much they took from us?
Yo, Sketch, you know what I'm talking about, right?
They stole our land, man, and our name and our mother, man.
Yo, Mr.Johnson, you know what I'm saying, right?
Get your butt a job, boy.
Brother try to wear the clothes, try to walk the walk
- and can't understand the talk. - Get outta here.
I know y'all understand me. Come on.
This used to be the old music room.
The acoustics in this room are incredible.
Oh, God, this is gross.
Come on, you guys.
I'd hate to see those spiders get into those weaves...
I know some of you are wearing, I can tell.
Now, does anybody play an instrument?
I can play... piano.
Come here.
It still has some sound in it. Give me an "A"on this. See if it works.
See? Very nice. Very nice.
Okay, let's see.
Sketch.
"Mary Had a Little Lamb. "
Go ahead. Sing.
I don't sing; I rap.
Yeah, that's right. I rap too.
But you wouldn't know anything about that now, would you?
Oh, well, excuse me, Fran-kay, hey-ho.
I happen to be a big fan of Run D.N.A.
Run D.M.C., my sister. Run D.M.C.
He got it. It was a joke. Will you lighten up? Look.
I like Big Daddy Kane, okay? Will you just rap for me, please?
- You wanna hear "Mary Had a Little Lamb, "right? - Yeah.
Mary had a little lamb
Feet was white as snow
- Her fleece. Hold on. - Oh, okay.
Mary had a little lamb
Fleece was white as snow
Yo, and everywhere that Mary went
Her lamb was sure to go
Not bad.
So, we'll go on. Ahmal, sing for me.
Mary had a little lamb
A little tentative, but hey, we can work on that. That was very nice.
Well, you know, Shaka Zulu said word sounds had power.
Yeah, well, Chaka Khan said, "It's my thing."So what?
Tanya, let's hear it. "Mary Had a Little Lamb."
Mary had a little lamb
That was beautiful.
Go ahead, girl. You just saved that lamb's life.
No lamb chops tonight, huh?
Very nice.
What do you say we try it, just for fun, as a group?
Huh? You up for that?
On three. Give me an "A."
He's so multitalented, isn't he? That was very nice the way you did that.
Thanks.
All right. On three. One, two, three.
Mary had a little lamb
Okay, okay, okay, okay.
Maybe I went a little too fast for you, okay?
We'll go back and take it nice and slow.
Uh, Maria, let me hear "Mary Had a Little Lamb."
What's the matter?
She's shy.
What?
I don't know "Mary Had a Little Lamb."
Excuse me.
It is not Maria's fault...
if she does not know that Mary had a lamb.
It is not... And I say this to you,
it is not Maria's fault, because maybe,
maybe where Maria came from, Mary had a dog...
or a little kitty cat.
Or a little baldheaded brother named Bart.
It is not her fault that she doesn't know it,
- and we're not gonna hold that against her, are we? - No!
No, we are not.
You sing whatever it is that is in you to sing.
- All right. - All right.
Thank you. Okay.
The love boat
Soon will be making another run
All aboard.
Okay. Okay, stop. The love boat
The Love Boat. All right. All right, that's nice.
That's... Mary Lazarus, this is your soul mate.
Do you know the theme song from Gilligan's Island too? It's one of my favorites.
Listen, you guys.
This is not about whether you can sing or not.
We know you can sing. We've heard you do it.
This is about singing together as a group.
Hit it.
All right. On three. One, two...
When Jesus is
My portion
A constant friend
Is He
His eye
Is on the sparrow...
Hmm. I mess up on that part every time.
The sparrow
What's the matter, Rita?
That was beautiful.
Hey, don't even try, girl, 'cause you can blow too.
Yeah, but you got that type of voice, you could really make it.
Uh-uh. This is for church.
What's wrong with you, girl?
I don't know. I just been thinking about things.
My mother thinks singing is a dead end.
No security.
And that's cool, Rita.
But what do you think?
I don't know.
Look, let's do the song I was doing,
but this time let's do it together.
I can't sing with you, girl.
Come on. I know you're with it.
You take the top, and I'll take the bottom.
- Just try it. - Okay.
I sing
Because I'm happy
And I sing
Because I'm free
His eye
Is on the sparrow
Please don't stop.
- I'll see you later, Rita. - Okay.
You have a beautiful voice.
So what?
So?
So why aren't you in the choir?
I know you want to be.
Yeah, well, there are a lot of things I wanna do,
but I ain't gonna get to do 'em. So...
Yeah, I know.
I-I used to feel that way too.
You know, you should talk to Sister Mary Clarence.
She helped me so much. Um, Rita...
you're just barely 1 7.
Now, how do you know what you're gonna get to do and not do?
Have you walked around this neighborhood lately?
I'm not exactly living in the land of opportunity.
I might want to sing.
But it ain't gonna happen, so what's the point?
- Welcome to the real world, Sister. - Rita.
Rit... Rita!
- Rita! - What's the matter?
This chick's got a lot of attitude.
No, I think it's deeper than that.
Si... Delor... Sister Mary Clarence,
I think that she needs help.
Well, why are you looking at me?
I thought that maybe you could help her.
You know, kind of the way you helped me?
No, no, you were different.
Look. She really, really wants to sing.
Is she any good?
Yeah, I think so.
God bless you, Sister Mary Clarence.
All right, all right. Chapel time. Get in there.
Ah, Rita!
What?
Listen. You have just a little bit more attitude than I like,
but I've decided I'm gonna dog you no matter what.
- I'm listening to you. - Go ahead.
I know you want to sing.
I love to sing. Nothing makes me happier.
I either wanted to be a singer or the head of the Ice Capades.
Don't roll your eyes. They were very cool.
I went to my mother who gave me this book called...
"Letters To a Young Poet"by Rainer Maria Rilke.
He's a fabulous writer.
A fellow used to write to him and say,
"I want to be a writer. Please read my stuff."
And Rilke says to this guy,
"Don't ask me about being a writer.
If, when you wake up in the morning, you can think of nothing but writing...
then you're a writer."
I'm gonna say the same thing to you.
If you wake up in the morning and you can't think of anything but singin' first,
then you're supposed to be a singer, girl.
What's the point of your story, Sister? What's the point?
Read the book.
And don't roll your eyes about the Ice Capades.
It was a very good living.
I just want to point that out.
That's good.
Let's try some energy. Hey!
And as a group.
From the diaphragm.
Welcome back. Hey!
Let's do Fran-kay, hey!
Go right down the scale. Okay.
Yes, go on. Go on.
This is so corny.
You always talking about Shaka Zulu.
Do you think Shaka Zulu could repel a bunch of troops...
with a little, teeny-tiny voice like you're using?
Here, give me "Oh, Happy Day"in "C."
You listen...
to what I'm gonna do, okay?
This is you.
Oh, happy day
That ain't gonna scare nobody, Shaka.
Oh, happy day
That's what I want you to do, okay?
Take it up a half a step for me.
All right, repel me.
Oh, happy day
That ain't gonna scare nobody.
Oh, happy day
See, now you got it.
Okay, you guys, relax. Okay?
Take a deep breath.
You'll be fine. Don't worry.
You ready?
- Oh, happy day - Oh, happy day
Come here. Come here and stand over here.
- When Jesus washed - When Jesus washed
- Jesus washed - When Jesus washed
Washed my sins away
Y'all are gonna have to do better than this.
- Oh, happy day, oh, happy day - Oh, happy day
All right, you guys,
take your cue from me.
You!
Sing it.
- Oh, happy day - Oh, happy day
- When Jesus washed - When Jesus washed
- When my Jesus washed - When Jesus washed
He washed my sins away
Let's party.
He taught me how
Oh, He taught me how
- To wash - To wash
- To fight and pray - To fight and pray
Fight and pray
- And He taught me how to live rejoicing - And live
- Rejoicing - Yes, He did
- Every, every day - Every day
- Oh, yeah - Every day
Ohh-ohh, happy day
Oh, happy day
- Oh, happy day, yeah - Oh, happy day
- When Jesus washed - When Jesus washed
- My sins away - Oh, happy day
- Oh, I'm talking about happy days - Oh, happy day
- Oh, yeah, sing it, sing it sing it, yeah, yeah - Oh, happy day
I'm talking about Oh, happy day
Take your bow.
Go on. Take your bow.
All right!
Ladies and gentlemen...
I believe we are now a choir.
Ashes to ashes and dust to dust
Show me the man that a woman can trust
So where does it say "On the eighth day, He dusted"?
Look at all these trophies.
"All State Music Competition 1971.
- 1969." - Wow!
Looks like this school's been winning competitions for a long time.
Yeah. Do you think they still have these contests?
Focus.
What if I told you that we have just entered you all...
in the All State Music Competition?
Six weeks from Saturday in Hollywood!
What?
Oh, my God!
Well, Sister, you put this choir together.
We took our cue from you,
and we found out that in the past this school has won a lot of competitions.
Don't you have any faith in yourselves? We have faith in you.
Hollywood? Are you sure we're good enough to compete against other choirs?
You could be if you rehearse every day before class and after school.
So how about it?
Wait a minute, Sisters, we need to discuss this.
What's up? Y'all ready for an all-state thing?
No. No. Absolutely not.
Oh, y'all. Come on, y'all! Don't be a bunch of punks.
Listen, nobody has ever cared what we was good at...
except for Sister Mary Clarence and her homegirls up there.
Her and her Sisters were hooking us up, yo.
Plus, we can go to Hollywood. You know what I'm saying? Hollywood!
Wait a minute! What are we gonna wear?
Airhead.
- Clouth. - You guys, you guys, come on!
You guys, we owe this to ourselves. I think we should do it.
What about our boyfriends?
Well, there may be some all-boy choirs at this competition.
- We're in. - We're in.
And I say that if we win this thing,
then the Archdiocese is gonna be pleased as punch.
- And maybe we'll have a prayer to keep the school open, eh? - Right.
So does this mean we're going to the All State Competition?
Yes!
Let's turn this mother out and rock the house! Dope!
They wouldn't bring drugs in here, would they?
No.
No. No. Absolutely not.
How can you keep saying no?
Now, you've heard them. They are so ready for this.
Sister, once again you've made a promise to the students that you can't keep.
Now, I've told you before, field trips are absolutely out of the question.
This is not a field trip. This is something that can save the school.
You have my answer.
And it's the wrong one!
Sister Mary Clarence, you're being insubordinate.
I know, and surely you can understand why.
I mean, these kids have worked so hard for this,
and they're good, they're really good.
They could win. This school used to win that competition every year.
if they're gonna close the school, let's go out with a bang.
Yes, let her.
Very awesome.
Well... You seem to have the support of everyone,
I'll give my permission.
You've got to raise the money yourself,
and you've got to get parental consent for each child.
I can do that. That is not a problem. Thank you.
Thank you, thank you, my brothers.
Come on.
Again.
Everything, everything
Joyful, joyful Joy...
Fill us with the light of day
Fill us with the light of...
Fill us with the light...
Rita?
Mama, what are you doin' home so early?
Mrs. Gibbs needs me to do her hair.
What are you doing?
I was just fooling around with some stuff.
Give me that, please.
- Huh? - Give me that.
And the tape recorder too.
What is this?
It's just some music, Ma.
Sister Mary Clarence wants us to learn it... for the choir.
Now, just when were you gonna tell me that you're in a choir?
Rita, how many times do we have to go through this?
Singing does not put food on the table.
Singing does not pay the bills.
Singing is no guarantee to a future, even if you have got talent.
Mama, do you know I can sing?
So could your daddy, and he died still trying to make it.
What does that have to do with me?
Mom, we're a good choir.
They wanna take us to this all-state music competition. We could win.
If you want to win in life, then you keep your nose in them books
and out of the clouds.
If you could just listen to me, let me explain...
Baby, I know how you feel.
But there are a lot of talented people right down on the street,
Is that how you wanna end up?
No, that's not what I wa...
Good. Then you don't have time for any choir, 'cause you got to study.
- We have a chance of winning. - The choir and the competition are out.
- But, Mama. - If you "But, Mama"me one more time.
Now, I said the choir and the competition is out.
You understand?
Yes, ma'am.
As far as I can tell, with food and lodging and costumes...
and transportation and gas, this is gonna cost us about $2, 000.
Which is a lot of money.
Don't look at me. I took a vow of poverty.
The only person I can think of that ever made money as a nun:
Sally Field. God love her.
Two thousand dollars? It might as well be a million.
It's absolutely doable.
I just think we have to get the community involved.
It's about time this community took care of the school.
I mean, all the kids go here.
That's the only way.
- Sister Mary Clarence. - Hey.
Would you take one of these consent forms and make sure that your mom signs it?
If we can raise the buckaroos.
Look, I need to talk to you. I have to quit the choir.
I got a lot of reasons I can't explain
and I'm sorry.
But I gotta leave the choir.
Give us back our consent form.
Stop that.
Just a minute, please.
Hi, I'm Sister Mary Clarence.
I know who you are. What can I do for you, Sister?
Well, uh... Rita left the choir,
and I was kind of hoping I could get you to talk her into coming back.
Oh, I don't think I can do that.
You know something, Sister. I really don't want to discuss this with you.
As you can see, I've got some work to do.
And, uh, if you'll excuse me,
good day to you.
Hey, we're here to collect some money from you.
That means we need your help.
We're not playin'. Put that basket out there.
Give that money. Give that money, baby.
Give that money. Come on, girls, you do what I do.
Get up off of that thing
and dance 'till you feel better
Get up off of that thing,
just try to release that pressure, sing
Get up off of that thing Go ahead, girl.
Dance 'til you feel better
Calling out around the world
Are you ready for a brand-new beat
Sing it if you know it.
Summer's here and the time is right
For dancing in the street
They're dancing in Chicago
- And down in New Orleans - Dancing in the street
- In New York City - Dancing in the street
Oh, it doesn't matter what you wear
Just as long as you are there
So come on
Every guy grab your girl
Everywhere around the world
Dancing in the street
They're dancing in the street
Dancing in the street
This is an invitation across the nation
A chance for folks to meet
Get up off of that thing
I said get up off of that thing
Get up off of that thing
I said get up off of that thing
I'm going, I'm going.
Get up off of that thing
Hey, hey, hey, I said just get up off of that thing
I'm going. Thanks.
Get up off of that thing
I said get up off of that thing, aah
And the grand total is, minus expenses...
Drumroll, please.
$1, 920.1 7.
Wow, that oughta get us down there and back.
You're... You're not driving again, are you?
I can drive anything on wheels.
You got a problem with that?
Come on. It's been a long day. We all better get to bed.
Yeah, we got a lot to do in a few days.
Oh, and don't forget to get the consent forms from the kids.
All right.
- What? - Nothing.
No, something.
I just... I just can't believe you came here and did it again.
I mean, you made all this happen.
Everything's gonna be fine now.
You think so?
I really think so.
Thanks. You want some help?
Please. Look, we have another helper. Go get it.
I don't know about you sometimes. You just scare me.
Yo, look who it is, man.
Hey, yo, Rita!
Yo, Rita, come here!
Yo, what's up, Rita?
So, uh, Sister Mary Clarence said you quit the choir.
Yeah, I did. So?
So inquiring minds want to know.
If I want to quit the choir, that's my business.
I feel like this choir gig's a big joke to everybody.
I'm sure we'll have a plethora of other opportunities, Rita.
Rita, look, we got a real shot.
And if we're ever gonna do anything worth something, we gotta stick together.
I mean, don't you understand? This is all we got.
This is all, right here.
You have to be down. I want you to, Rita.
Bye, Rita.
Come along, children. Quickly now.
- Ooh! Oh, this is a mess. - Is that everybody?
Wait for me!
Thank you, Sister.
Nice to see you.
Oh! Excuse me. Consent form.
A must.
Thank you.
Come on, come on, come on.
Look what I found in the library.
"Deloris Van Cartier." A lounge singer?
I knew I'd seen her somewhere before.
"Girlfriend of a vicious mobster."
Oh, dear! A gun moll.
Sister Mary Christine... Uh, Clift...
Uh, Sister... Sister Mary Fake!
I'll have to call the officials and remove St. Francis from the competition at once.
No. No, no. I don't think that's such a good idea.
Well, what would you suggest?
Well, she's our responsibility.
I think we should handle it personally.
Thomas, you don't usually drive.
Perhaps one of us who has a driver's license should take...
Nonsense!
Thomas. Uh, Thomas, I know, I know you're busy,
but see that little stick on your left there?
- That's your turning signal. - Yeah!
Perhaps the other drivers wouldn't be so hostile if you'd consider using it.
I've had enough of this.
Where in the Sam Hill did you people learn how to drive?
Jackass!
Thomas!Jesus Christ!
Rita, I'm home!
Rita?
"Dear Mama, I went to the All State Music Competition.
I never meant to hurt you, but I had to follow my heart.
Please forgive me. I love you, Rita."
Welcome, welcome, welcome,
ladies and gentlemen, to the 30th Annual All State Music Competition,
a gathering of the most talented young musicians...
in the state of California.
Let's go, Margaret!
That is Margaret, isn't it? I can't tell who it is under all that paint. Hello?
Sister, I hate this thing.
I mean, it does absolutely nothing for my figure.
Can I wear something tighter? You know, more form-fitting?
No. Dear, listen to me.
You're here to impress those judges with your voice,
not your heinie. Come on. Let's go.
Oh, Rita, look what you did!
Oh, Maria, I'm sorry.
I know. Put one on the other side. Start a fashion trend.
The women of the Mangbetu tribes put lines on their cheeks
as signs of fertility, Maria.
- Well, second thought, off. Take it off, Maria. - Take it off now.
- Dang, man! Dang! - What?
This thing ripped?
Now, what the heck am I supposed to do now, huh?
Listen to me. Don't fret. My mother used to say,
"Nothing is impossible if you always carry with you...
a little bit of faith
and a big roll of electrical tape."
Oh, man, look at my hair! Frankie, you like my hair, man?
No, I think it looks like a bowl of lard and you look wack.
Man, I'm gonna wash it out.
I'm so nervous. I think I'm gonna throw up.
I don't think I can go on.
Just think of it this way, ' Never mind how you feel.
Think how great you're gonna make them feel, that audience,
when y'all sing so beautifully.
Now, take a deep breath...
and yawn.
See how that relaxes you?
Now, from San Diego...
the Oceanview High School Gospel Choir.
Lord
Send a revival
And let it begin in me
Lord, send a revival
And let it begin in me
Well, now, we need a revival
To rock this world today
Satan is loose and on the rampage
That is why we pray Yeah
They're good. They're really good.
- Singing, Lord -Lord, send a revival
If we're gonna find them, we have to go backstage.
But there's so many here. How are we gonna find them?
That shouldn't be too hard.
We just look for the choir that looks like it just robbed a convenience store.
Great Caesar's ghost!
Passes.
Three-time state champions, the Chapman Choir...
from Orange County's Grant High School.
Joyful, joyful we adore Thee
God of glory Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers
before Thee and open heart for you
Opening to the sun above
Man, they're singing our song, man.
They're like an army.
sadness Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness...
- Is this the green room? Wow! - I guess it is.
Father Thomas! It's us!
Oh, my goodness, you're here. Well, color me surprised.
We weren't expecting you. The kids are gonna burst...
when they find out you've come to support them.
Come on.
I'm here with the other Fathers, but we didn't come to support the children.
Father Maurice and Mr. Crisp are going to
pull them out of the competition.
- Why? - Wh-Why would they want to do that?
Because it turns out Sister Mary Clarence isn't a Sister at all.
She's a Las Vegas showgirl.
- Showgirl? - Can you believe it?
Who'd have thunk? She has so many nunlike qualities.
- Not to mention the whole outfit. - Yes.
Father Maurice and Mr. Crisp are looking for them right now.
Oh, my, really? Well, that's,
that's interesting. I think that's a very good idea.
I agree. Okay. Bye-bye.
See ya.
They got it going on.
And look at those robes, man. We're gonna look like suckers, man.
Well, you know what? All of a sudden, I don't feel so good.
Yes, very good.
Hey, hey, hey, hey! Why aren't you guys ready?
You saw that other choir.
We can't win against them.
Yo, he's right. We'll be laughed off the stage.
I didn't come this far to be embarrassed.
They sang our number better.
We're going home.
So because you think they sang it better,
y'all are ready to leave 'cause you got scared.
Oh, yeah. No, that's your M.O. See, that's how you all operate.
"Ooh, somethin' new. Better run away."
Forget about all the people who busted their butt...
to get you here 'cause they believed in ya.
I'm gonna remind you of something, okay?
If you wanna go somewhere and you wanna be somebody,
you better wake up and pay attention.
Because if every time something scary comes up, you decide to run,
y'all are gonna be running for the rest of your lives.
You guys, she is right.
And if we gonna do this, we got to be slamming.
St. Francis Academy? Get ready.
Forgive me, I'm... I'm terribly sorry.
What a sea of humanity. I'm sorry.
Yo, Father Maurice! We thought you wasn't coming.
What's happening, man? What's up?
- How are you? How are you? - Yes.
- We're glad you're here. - Thank you.
We're sure to win with you here.
Oh, well, I'm very glad to be here to support the choir,
but I'm afraid something has just been brought to my attention.
Something that I'm afraid... Well, I don't know how to say this, exactly,
but I just have to say that,
well, you children are amazing.
I almost didn't recognize you.
Why, there's such a glow in all of you.
It's remarkable.
You just all look like angels.
Wait 'til you hear 'em sing.
All right, you guys. Places. Let's go.
Father Maurice, what are you doing?
Well, I decided to let them sing.
- Do you know what you've done? - What did I do?
Didn't you tell the Archdiocese people when you called them about Sister Mary Fake?
Well, I thought I'd tell them when I saw them.
Well, are they here?
Well, I think they're here. Yes, I think they're here.
- But you haven't told them. - Well, not yet.
Oh, well, I'm going to tell them.
I'm going to make sure they know about her.
Where the hell are they?
- Uh, uh, Mr. Crisp? - What?
We'll help you find them. Won't we, guys?
Just a few minutes ago, they were headed in that direction.
Are you sure?
- I saw it too. - I saw, with him.
Well, let's go!
- Down here? We just came from down here. - Right down the hall there.
Really, Mr. Crisp, I saw them.
And they were saying something about the ventilation system.
Ventilation system? What have you been drinking, some of that sacramental wine?
Uh, Mr. Crisp,
they're right in here. I can hear voices.
I'm sure you can hear voices.
There they are. After you.
- What the hell are you talking about? - Forgive me. Hurry!
Get something to hold this door with!
Hurry, I mean, 'cause he's a big guy.
Not this. This is dessert.
Give me that thing!
A genuine Hamus Alabamus. Damn it!
Open the door Hey, it's dark in here.
In nomine Patris. Father, forgive us.
We know exactly what we do.
That last choir was rather good, don't you think?
You know, what she's done with those children is nothing short of amazing.
Well, Sister Mary Clarence is no ordinary nun.
Oh, you don't have to tell me that.
You're not angry with me for misleading you?
Not at all.
As a matter of fact, you're free to fool me anytime you want.
And now, ladies and gentlemen,
from San Francisco,
the choir of St. Francis High School...
under the direction of Sister Mary Clarence...
also singing "Joyful, Joyful. "
Joyful, joyful
Lord, we adore Thee
God of glory Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers
before Thee
Your teacher says take off your robes.
Take off your robes. Do it quickly. Come on.
Take off your robes.
Put on anything you want.
If we're gonna go out there, we're gonna go out there comfortable. Some of us.
Of pain and sadness Drive the dark of doubt away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us with the light
Oh, fill us...
With the light of day
Joyful, joyful
Lord, we adore Thee
God of glory Lord of love
Hearts unfold like flowers
before Thee
Hail Thee as the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin
Sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Drive it all away
Giver of immortal gladness
Fill us
Fill us with the light of day
Light of day
Check the rhyme
What's up Joyful, joyful Lord, we adore Thee
And in my life I've put none before Thee
Since I was a youngster I came to know that You was the only way to go
So I have to grow to come to an understanding. And I'm down with the King
so now I'm demanding. That you tell me who you're down with, see
'Cause all I know is that I'm down with G-O-D
Yeah, you know me
- You down with G-O-D - Yeah, you know me
- Who's down with G-O-D - Everybody sing
Come and join the chorus The mighty, mighty chorus
Which the morning stars began
The Father of love is rising o'er us
By the way
What have you done for Him lately
He watches over everything
So we sing
Joyful, joyful
Lord, we adore Thee
God of glory Lord of love
- Lord, we adore Thee - Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee
Hail Thee as the sun above
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness
Drive the dark of doubt away
Drive it all away Giver of immortal gladness
Mm-mm, fill us
Fill us with the light of day Lord, fill us
Oh, we need You Yes, we do, fill us
With the light of day, Lord
Hear us as we pray, Lord
With the light of day, Lord
We need you, come right away
We need you today
Need you today We need you, I'm here
Fill us, fill us Fill us, fill us
Fill us with the light of day
Light of day
And now, the moment we've all been waiting for.
But first, let's give all the contestants a nice big hand.
Thank you.
Thank you. The third runner-up,
Pinewood High School, San Bernardino, Quartet.
The second runner-up,
Oceanview High School, San Diego, Gospel Choir!
First runner-up,
Grant High School, Orange County, Chapman Choir!
The Grand Prize Winner,
St. Francis High School, San Francisco!
Simply outstanding.
What a performance. My heart is still racing.
- Good evening. - What a surprise to see you here.
You're aware, of course, that the school that has just won is the school
you are about to close.
With a choir like that?
We've got to get ready for next year's competition.
I'm so pleased you feel that way.
Oh, Mr. Crisp, just in time.
You have been deceived.
What's he talking about?
This Sister Mary Clarence...
He's quite right.You have been deceived.
You see, it's Mr. Crisp's...
It was Mr. Crisp's idea?
I suppose he did it to keep St. Francis from closing.
And it worked.
St. Francis isn't closing?
No, St. Francis isn't closing.
We knew you wanted to be considered for early retirement,
we didn't know you were just being modest.
They can't let a prize bull like you be put to pasture.
No, there must be a real trouble spot somewhere in the Archdiocese...
that could use Mr. Crisp's extraordinary talents.
That woman, that... woman!
Go with God, Crispy.
I don't know how the heck Sister Mary Clarence does this,
performs night after night in Vegas.
How does she do it?
- She's used to all this. - We're the nervous wrecks.
Yeah, all these people.
Vegas?
Mama, it was just this one time. I'm sorry.
I'll never disobey you again.
- don't be mad at me. - Just stop.
You're incredible.
And I'm proud of you.
I'm very proud of you.
- Congratulations to all of you. - Well, congratulations.
Sister Mary Clarence, you've done it again.
And because of your resounding and well-deserved success,
the Archdiocese have decided to keep St. Francis open!
You owe me.
Oh, my gosh, I feel so happy I think I'm going to cry.
I know how you feel. I'm a sucker for happy endings myself.
You two. Oh, what the hell.
You ain't really a nun, are you?
You don't talk like a nun, and you definitely don't act like one.
Rumor has it that you're a Las Vegas showgirl?
Let me point out one thing, my dear Ahmal.
I am not now nor have I ever been a Las Vegas showgirl.
I... am a headliner.
Now, wait a minute.
And one, two... One, two!