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[music playing]
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[chanting]
Forgive me Father for I have sinned.
It's been one week since my last confession.
I took the Lord's name in vain 211 times.
[whistle blowing]
God damn it.
I had 22 impure thoughts.
[chanting]
I contemplated murder.
MAN: Murder?
RALPH: Only in thought Father, only in thought.
[chanting]
Get back here you bastards.
MAN: Surely there must be some self-abuse, my son.
[lawn mower]
[chanting]
RALPH: I have committed 22 sins of the flesh.
MAN: You're a pervert.
You're not even making an appearance in purgatory
with that record.
Really?
I had no idea.
MAN: I'm not even sure I have the power to forgive you.
Please Father.
I'll try harder.
MAN: Harder?
That's the problem.
You should talk to a priest.
Not me, kid.
[laughing]
[music playing]
I can't believe I actually told
them that I'd abused myself 22 times in the last week.
22 times?
And I thought I was going to hell.
Is it Grace or Gracie for your grandmother?
Grace.
Put out that.
Cigarette.
You're breaking school rules.
Hey, Chester.
I need to smoke.
It calms my nerves.
We're having confession later today.
Thought you might like to join us, Walker.
RALPH: Gorilla.
You think there's a world record for hanging.
Probably not.
Even if there isn't, I can announce
that I'm going to set one.
There's absolutely no reason why my idiot
savantness couldn't be hanging.
Look, I can hang here all day.
[fence clanging]
Did you see that attempted catch?
[chanting]
Who'd have guessed she'd have such reach?
[bell ringing]
Thanks.
Getting me Mr. Walker, again.
[typing]
You know the green in your sweater
brings out the color of your eyes.
Makes them sparkle.
Really?
That's the sweetest thing anybody ever said to me.
Ever?
Yes.
Father Fitzpatrick will see you now.
Thank you.
[door closes]
Good afternoon, Father.
How are you today?
Sit.
You were smoking on school property.
Technically, yes.
But I was practically off the grounds.
Technicalities are the cornerstone Mr. Walker.
Now there is too much documentation on you already.
Are you purposely trying to get yourself of St. Magnus
or is there another reason I'm completely
overlooking for your utter inability to fit in?
I'm destined for greatness.
You're 14 years old.
Greatness is not an option.
Now don't think your grandparents
have enough to worry about?
A week of weeding Father Zinger's garden.
That's all.
But Father, I was only smoking.
Two weeks.
That will be all.
And one thing more.
Nothing gets by me Mr. Walker.
Absolutely nothing.
[door closing]
Mr. Walker.
Here's my late slip.
Against boredom the gods themselves fight in vain.
You think so?
Nietzsche does.
Independent seat work for the remainder of the period.
Have you read Nietzsche?
Is he that Chinese guy?
No.
He's that philosopher guy.
Is he Catholic?
Seems odd not to be studying Catholics in religion class.
Besides, I thought we were having a test.
We're not.
It's far too sunny out for testing.
Wouldn't you agree?
I'm hoping Nietzsche will be better for your brain.
Well, I suppose so.
[chanting]
Sorry about your face.
What's wrong with my face?
Nothing.
I meant the cut from baseball.
In fact, it's a wonderful face.
Thanks.
It's about time we went on a date, Collins.
Really Walker?
Dinner maybe.
Something formal, but within bike riding distance.
I want our first date to be memorable.
And I want it to be Good Friday every day.
Good.
Next Friday night.
I'll come by around 7:00.
No, make that 7:30 just to give you
some extra time to get ready.
How's it going my Mr. Walker?
Mom, I absolutely couldn't be any better.
You?
Growing wings as we speak.
I figured as much.
Are things still working out staying at Chester's house?
His mom keeps saying, what difference
does one more kids make?
I like it there.
Honest.
Do you go by the house?
Just to cut the grass.
NURSE ALICE: Here you go, Emma.
Hello, Ralph.
Hey Alice, is that a new hair clip?
Don't mess with me, kid.
No, seriously.
It looks stunning.
Did you conquer the world today, Mr. Walker?
I've got a date with Claire next Friday.
I like that girl.
Here.
I bought this for you.
[music playing]
I know.
I feel the same.
Not quite the haircut I had in mind.
I think it's too short.
You can pull it off.
Not many could.
You make a fantastic scarf selector.
Thank you, Ralph.
You're welcome.
Your father would be proud.
[phone ringing]
Walker residence.
How may I direct your call?
CHESTER [ON PHONE]: Cut the crap, Ralph.
It's Chester.
Do you really think anyone's going to believe
that's your grandmother.
Do you want to go swimming today?
I thought you hated swimming, Chester?
CHESTER [ON PHONE]: My brother says
you can see right inside the women's change room
from a certain angle.
I need to see naked girls.
CHESTER: I wish Fred told me exactly
where you're supposed to look.
Do you think he was lying?
Couldn't have been.
This is useless.
I'm leaving.
You coming?
Christ, Chester.
No.
You haven't even dived yet.
I'm staying to work on my flips.
I've been reading about Olympic divers.
Doesn't seem like there's much competition in that field.
See ya.
[music playing]
[splashing]
[music playing]
[laughing]
Holy Christ.
Fred was right.
[music playing]
[groaning]
What's the matter with that boy?
Is he having a seizure?
Looks more like a fit if you ask me.
[groaning]
With a seizure your into the whole body,
including the brain.
However, in a fit--
[groaning]
[splash]
Fowling!
FATHER FITZPATRICK: You're pulling
the noose tighter, Mr. Walker.
Old Testament depravity has no place in this school.
I expected so much more, especially from you.
Your father died of war hero.
But Father, I can explain.
Honestly.
Obviously you have a deviant mind.
Now, mortal sins have been committed.
You will attend 6 a.m.
Mass daily to restore your spiritual purity
and you will join the cross country team to deal
with your energy surplus.
Now, Mr. Walker, this will be your last warning.
Your next stop will be public school where there
is no spiritual safety net.
Public school?
[music playing]
You're not joining the cross country team, are you?
Of course I'm not joining.
I was conscripted.
Why do you guys run?
I mean, what's the point?
It's in our blood.
We have to.
All right, gentlemen.
See you in Charlie Park.
[whistle]
We run in cross country.
So run.
How in Christ did I end up here?
I ask myself that every day.
Did Father Fitzpatrick say the incident will
go on your permanent record?
He didn't mention it.
It probably won't then.
Do you think anyone knows what happened at the pool.
Whoa!
ALL: Wanker!
Wanker!
I'd say so.
ALL: Wanker!
Wanker! - All right, gentlemen.
ALL: Wanker!
Wanker!
Silence!
Gentlemen, I am deeply disappointed.
Shame on all of you.
This boy's father is dead and his mother is in the hospital.
Come on.
Leave him alone, Father.
Mr. Walker can stand up for himself.
We all need a little help standing up, Father.
Leave him alone.
She had a rough time last night.
But don't worry, we're watching her pretty closely.
[bell rings]
Hi, Mom.
How are you feeling?
For a sick person I couldn't be any healthier.
Don't worry.
Give me a kiss, babe.
What's wrong, doom and gloom?
Was the most embarrassing thing you ever did?
What happened?
I got caught committing a venal sin in the pool.
It was an accident, obviously.
A technical oversight by the pool's
manufacturers, if you want to blame anyone.
Mom?
Alice, I need help!
Mom?
Alice!
What's wrong?
Out of the way.
Move, move, move, move.
She's breathing, but something's happened.
I'll check her pulse.
We need oxygen stat!
[music playing]
Hi, Ralph.
Hi, Mr. Karl.
How's your mom?
They say she'll be, she'll be coming home any day now.
Karl, I know I was here last week,
but are you looking to buy anything these days?
I'd feel better if your grandparents
came in themselves.
Here's a note from my grandmother.
But call her if you want to.
They just don't get out as much they used to.
[music playing]
Yes?
Good evening, Mr. Collins.
I've come to pick up Claire?
Do
You have?
For what?
Our date.
What time would you like her home by?
Um.
Why don't you just wait here for, um, a minute.
Claire!
Any of you kids have names?
I'm Ralph.
Is it true about the pool?
Yeah.
Because of you our swimming lessons were cancelled.
They didn't really have to drain the pool.
After all, the chlorine would have killed the--
Ralph.
We need to talk.
Alone.
I didn't really think you'd show.
I mean, after the--
The what?
The pool.
Oh, yeah.
Well.
I'm sorry because I really can't go on a date with you.
Really?
I'm becoming a nun.
Just because of the pool?
I mean, it was an accident.
No, of course not.
Good.
Listen, even if you are becoming a nun,
I really don't think God would hold one date against you.
He might.
I'm sorry.
Here, take these.
I got them because the whites reminded
me of the whites of your eyes.
Thanks.
[music playing]
RALPH: Claire has clearly decided to put the Great
Wall of China defense on me.
But I'm positive this whole nun thing is basically a way
of denying her true feelings.
Understandably.
What are you doing?
Trying to wake up my mom.
Sit down.
The doctors are saying it will take a miracle to wake her up.
Miracle?
I had no idea.
She was already pretty weak, Ralph.
Christ, Alice.
I'm sorry.
So Saint Francis, who had grown up very rich,
left Assisi one last time.
This time decided to give away everything he had,
even the clothes off his back.
Soon thereafter he performed the miracle of stigmata.
Just like Christ he bled.
Do you need to be a Saint?
What?
For what?
To produce a miracle?
No.
Not a bad question though.
There are three considerations necessary for that, Mr. Walker.
Faith, purity, and prayer.
For faith, you need to truly believe in something that
doesn't make any logical sense.
For prayer, as you know, you need
to be in direct communication with God.
And for purity, you need to be completely free from sin.
So anyone could perform a miracle.
Technically, yes.
[door opening]
FATHER FITZPATRICK: A word but you, Father Hibbert, if I may.
Certainly, Father.
Excuse me for a minute, gentlemen.
Father?
Were you aware that Nietzsche was a communist?
I can assure you, Father, your sources are wrong.
Who are you reading?
Stick to the Catechism, Father.
Nietzsche has no place in a ninth grade religion class,
nor any religion class in my school.
These students won't survive unless they follow the rules.
The anarchist and the Christian have a common origin.
Nietzsche wrote that.
I think there's some truth to it, Father.
Don't push it, Father Hibbert.
Yes, Father.
RALPH: Father Hibbert?
What is it, Mr. Walker?
Producing a miracle is possible?
And flying to the moon is possible,
but it's never going to happen.
[music playing]
[exhales]
I can see what you mean.
Hills on the way over are pretty brutal.
The workout hasn't started yet.
That's the hill.
Oh.
All right, gentlemen.
Let's get started.
Only 180 training days left until the Boston Marathon.
Father, about the Boston Marathon.
Does everyone from the team get to go?
Do we really have a chance of winning?
What?
You mentioned that there's 180 days
left until the Boston Marathon.
I was wondering if we're all going because I'd
really like to see Boston.
Will we fundraising to pay for it?
I was kidding.
Boston is one of the world's most prestigious foot races.
Anyone on this team winning the Boston Marathon
would be a miracle to rival the loaves and fishes.
A miracle?
FATHER HIBBERT: All right, gentlemen.
On your marks.
OK, then.
Let's run some hills?
BOY 1: What's wrong with that kid?
BOY 2: Who knows?
I hear they're going to put him in an orphanage
when his mother dies.
[music playing]
Hey.
You getting a boner from these ropes, Chester?
No.
Me neither.
I was thinking about running the Boston Marathon.
But you told me you hated cross-country.
Besides, what makes you think you
can actually run a marathon?
[whistle]
Leave some room for the Holy Spirit, Mr. Walker.
Ah!
[body thuds]
MAN's VOICE: Ralph.
Ralph.
Run Boston, Ralph.
Run Boston and it'll be a miracle.
Are you OK?
I was having a moment with God.
He was giving me some instructions.
Mr. Jones, take Mr. Walker to the nurse's office.
Mr. Walker, an unsolicited visit, for once.
I heard about your head injury from Father Greg.
We must be vigilant about temptation.
Father, I just wanted to ask you a question
since you are the closest one to God I know around here.
You have my undivided attention.
Father Hibbert told us that it would take a miracle
for anyone from the cross-country team
to win the Boston Marathon.
Father Hibbert would probably know.
Well, my mom needs a miracle to get out of her coma.
And?
Me winning the Boston Marathon could be that miracle.
God told me.
God told you?
Today at gym, when I fell off the ropes.
Did he tell you how to do it?
No.
That's why I need your help.
Especially with the purity part, and prayer probably.
I believe that what you're talking about
could be bordering on blasphemy, even if it is unintentional.
So let's be careful.
God did not ask you to win Boston to get
your mother out of a coma.
It doesn't work like that.
How does that work?
Why would he ask you?
I don't know.
He just did.
Precisely.
You don't know.
It wasn't God.
It was the bump on your head, a hallucination at best.
Father, I don't mean to be disrespectful, but--
Mr. Walker, trust me.
You are not going to perform any miracles.
You're not running Boston.
Is that clear?
Yes, Father.
Father, forgive me for I have lied to a priest.
[music playing]
How far have we run, Father?
One mile.
That's it?
Turn back, if you want to.
I can't.
All right.
Stop.
I heard you talked to Father Fitzpatrick.
Yes, Father.
Let's get something straight right here and now.
All right?
So there is absolutely no confusion,
forget about miracles, please.
I would have thought you of all people, a priest,
would believe in miracles.
I'm trying to help you, Ralph.
Father Fitzpatrick is upper clergy, monsignor material.
Not a man you want to go up against.
Your friend Nietzsche wrote, and I quote,
the anarchist and the Christian often have a common origin.
I'm trying to be both.
That's not what Nietzsche meant.
I don't care.
OK.
So the cosmic events stacked up.
And I was still insurable until my conversation with God.
Unfortunately, you'll still be in a coma for a few months
because Boston is not until April, but that's better
than the rest of your life.
Excuse me for a second, Mom.
Claire.
What's wrong with your grandmother?
Oh, she's not my grandmother.
This is Mrs. Scarlet.
She's a patient here.
I volunteer at the hospital.
Mrs. Scarlet, Ralph Walker.
Oh.
Can I talk to you for a second?
I need some advise in religion.
Specifically, stuff of a miraculous nature.
Miracles Why?
Tell me again.
What did God look like?
Santa Claus.
Really?
I've been praying since I was five for a divine tap
on the shoulder.
I envy you.
So what's your question?
I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.
I do those three things and all I have to do
is show up for Boston and I'll win.
Wrong.
That's where the faith part comes in.
You have to believe that you're going to win Boston.
I do.
God told me.
Do you believe it right down to your bones?
Just as I suspected.
You see, God won't be in your corner
unless you believe you're going to win.
There's no way I'll be able to improve that much.
Well, if you feel that way Ralph, of course you won't win.
It's obvious you don't have faith
and you're done before you started.
Don't you see?
Good point, Collins.
You got me there.
You'll be in my prayers every night.
I will?
If I can in any way help with a miracle,
I might be able to skip purgatory altogether.
[music playing]
Chester, pedal harder.
Isn't the idea you run faster?
Listen, I'm doing the best I can.
But I've got to train my legs to accept speed.
Give it all you've got.
[music playing]
You're slowing down.
Come on, Ralph.
Chester, stop!
Goddammit!
Ah!
CHESTER: Oh, shit.
Sorry.
Are you all right?
Yeah.
I don't mean to sound like a know it all,
but what are you doing?
There's no way you're going to finish
Boston, never mind winning it.
On top of that, there's the Fitz factor.
Fitz doesn't scare me, not if I
can train harder than anyone's ever trained before.
Even if it means being dragged behind a bike.
After that, the miracle is in God's hands.
Don't you see?
Get on the bike.
This is from your garden.
Sorry about this.
I picked it up from Baxter this morning.
Mrs. Copliss doesn't want me to have her dog's business.
When you're out of your coma I'm sure you'll hear all about it.
What are you doing?
Nothing.
I heard that smell is the strongest memory.
So you're making your mom smell that?
Yeah.
Well, I with my dad's old sweater,
but that didn't work so I moved on.
What's this?
Well, I thought it might help with the miracle,
reading about Catholics who got it right.
Thanks.
It was an Easter present from Sister Bernadette last year.
It's been blessed.
[music playing]
I could use that.
I'm trying to be pure.
I'm trying to apply some of the martyrs pain techniques
to running. - Martyrs were marathoners?
No.
Endurance athletes of a sort.
Plus, there's stuff on purity and prayer, as well.
Which will come in handy for the miracle.
How could you fail a Latin test.
I don't have the gift of tongues.
Please sign it.
You'd never tell them it was me, would you?
[music playing]
[MUSIC - RON SEXSMITH, "UP THE ROAD"]
I'm looking out across the way to her old abode.
It'd sure be good to see her again coming up the road.
For the world cannot defeat us when we've got a hand to hold.
And how the stars will greet us then coming up--
[body thuds]
Might.
Are you all right, Mr. Walker?
Fine, Father.
Thanks.
What's this for?
I got that from the library.
Well, you look like a runner.
I do?
You do.
[music playing]
LONGBOAT [VOICEOVER]: Unlike other events in running,
the marathon is the ultimate test of fortitude.
Therefore, once the decision to run has been made,
dedication is paramount.
Father Hibbert?
All right.
I'm asking, what's with the outfit?
Just like the martyrs, I'm embracing pain.
The more pain I can take, the better runner I'll be.
If I can get used to running with all this stuff on,
imagine how much better I'll run when I finally take it off.
Father, how did you do the 1936 Olympics?
What did you say?
RALPH: You ran the 1936 Olympic marathon for Canada.
No, I didn't.
RALPH: I saw it in a book. - Well, the book was wrong.
Follow me, gentlemen. Come along, Mr. Walker.
Ralph?
What's wrong?
I'm fine.
Just a little light-headed.
That's all.
[body thuds]
Ralph!
You fainted.
Yeah, I'm fine.
I might have run too far today.
You run?
Cross-country?
The marathon
The marathon.
I used to train with the finished marathoners.
You were a runner?
No.
I was a Canadian nurse on overseas assignment
and amateur bobsledder.
You know, if you're serious about training
you should come over sometime and we can lift weights.
Paavo Nurmi did and he won nine Olympic gold medals.
Wow.
You OK?
My glucose levels are down.
Claire, listen.
The book of martyrs has helped, but I still can't pray.
Well, divine revelations aside,
you've obviously got a serious blockage.
Are you sure you were baptized?
No.
And it's kind of hard to ask anyone right now.
Yeah, sorry.
Why don't you try rubbing your knees of sandpaper
until they bleed and then kneeling
down on a pan of alcohol pray.
What grit paper?
[music playing]
[grunting]
Ah!
[music playing]
LONGBOAT [VOICEOVER]: The runner will ensure he eats
at least 6,000 calories a day.
[music playing]
[sighing]
I thought I had a big appetite.
What's with the gluttony?
I'm trying to win the Boston Marathon.
It's actually true.
You think you can perform a miracle?
[laughing]
Yeah.
[laughing]
Weirdo.
Let's get out of here.
LONGBOAT [VOICEOVER]: Running backwards
is the best way to strengthen calf and hamstring muscles.
What do you think the kid is doing?
I have absolutely no idea.
Isn't that the kid with the mother in a coma?
He was caught strangling his chicken in the pool.
That's the one.
Ralph, it's not like you're permanently going
to deep freeze you're dick.
Chester, think about it.
The martyrs swam in the St. Lawrence during winter
to purify themselves.
Why can't I?
[music playing]
[splash]
Goddammit!
Well, that's the sin of blasphemy.
[music playing]
[knocking]
[music playing]
[grunting]
Come on!
Lift the weight.
Sorry.
Be a man.
LONGBOAT [VOICEOVER]: The runner should
always stare straight ahead.
Looking behind him is a sure sign of weakness.
You know, you can't come to our house for Christmas.
I'll be fine.
My cousins from Chatham will be here.
Are you sure?
Absolutely.
Besides, I have my race.
Visiting hours are over.
My mother's room is in 309.
I know where it is.
As I've already said, visiting hours are over.
But Nurse Alice always lets me go in anyway.
I'm not Nurse Alice.
Visiting hours are over.
Please, it's Christmas Eve.
You can see your mother first thing tomorrow.
[music playing]
Don't tell me you're planning on running the whole race.
I was going to ask you the same thing, Granddad.
MAN: Runners to the mark.
3, 2, 1.
[gunshot]
Slow down, kid.
You'll never last 10 miles at that pace.
There's only one way to find out.
[music playing]
Who's that kid?
I've never seen him before.
He looks good.
[heavy breathing]
I knew you wouldn't last.
How was the race?
I lost.
And?
I thought I was going to win.
I've only got 14 good weeks of training until Boston.
14 weeks is a lifetime.
[music playing]
LONGBOAT [VOICEOVER]: Especially when your legs ache
from training, putting in the miles is
essential to self-improvement.
[music playing]
Stop.
How many miles a week are you running?
60.
It's not nearly enough.
It isn't.
Longboat said it should be plenty.
Longboat?
Longboat went insane.
What are you doing for workouts?
Well, every run I go as hard as I can,
and I eat five raw eggs for breakfast,
and I always sleep with my head facing north.
It's complete idiocy.
Tell you right now, you're never going to win Boston.
But if you still insist on running it, I'll coach you.
I knew you'd come around.
You did?
How?
I could see it in your eyes.
Mm-hm.
Well, then you're as nuts as Longboat.
I'll coach you only on one condition.
You promise never to mention anything about miracles.
Just mine or all miracles?
Yours.
I've nothing against miracles in general.
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
I think Tennyson got it right with that one.
Don't you, Mom?
Usually I hate poetry, but we've been learning
this new poem in English and I've decided
to memorize the whole thing.
You know, just for when I get bored.
Ralph, come quick.
I think I found something that will help you pray.
Go on, Ralph.
Touch it.
I heard the nurses talking.
He just died.
Even the family doesn't know.
I mean, his soul could be going to heaven, right now.
And if you connect with that, that could break
your whole prayer blockage.
So come on.
Close your eyes and say a Hail Mary.
He's cold.
I think we missed it.
Close your eyes.
Hail Mary full of grace.
Dear god.
Please tell me there is a rational explanation
for all this.
You still watching my back?
Yes.
Keep your arms relaxed.
Shake them out.
How's you're breathing?
Fine.
[heavy breathing]
Yes.
You shouldn't have tried to stay with me when I surged.
Now you're broken.
Once you break, it's over.
In running you can never recover.
You can red line all you want, but never
go past the breaking point until the final sprint.
All right?
You OK?
Fine.
OK.
Jog easy for five minutes and then we'll try again.
By the way you have an incredible capacity for work.
I do?
Yes, you do.
Read it.
Sadly, Grace Walker, wife of the late Grant Walker,
passed away on January 7th, 1949.
She died of a heart attack.
Grace Wal--
That's enough.
Obviously, it has come to my attention
that your grandparents are dead.
No, they're not, Father.
Are you suggesting the obituary is fiction?
No.
Not at all, Father.
Then what am I missing?
I've seen their graves.
Section 16, row 12, plot 6.
Holy Sepulcher cemetery.
Oh, you mean my dad's parents.
I thought you were talking about my mom's.
And where do they live?
Ireland.
Well, maybe it's time you visited them.
Maybe it's also time you explained
who wrote all of these notes.
I know you don't have the writing skills to pull
something like this off.
[bell ringing]
So what are you giving up for Lent?
Self-abuse.
Impossible.
If you do that, you'd have your miracle.
Chester, Fitz knows the notes are fake.
Oh shit.
[throat clearing]
You didn't tell him it was me.
Don't be an idiot.
Fitz has no idea who wrote them.
I'm done.
My penmanship will sink me.
I'm in a life that might sink me.
[MUSIC - JACK INGRAM, "GOODNIGHT MOON"]
Goodnight moon.
Good night stars.
Goodnight all broke down cars.
I've gone away.
Leaving soon.
Good night darling.
Good night moon.
I don't know where I'll be.
I don't know
Kid's looking better.
At least he's not running backwards.
[MUSIC - JACK INGRAM, "GOODNIGHT MOON"]
Out the window.
Good.
Stay on pace.
Don't get caught up in the surges.
And don't go into oxygen debt.
Breathe.
Use your arms.
Stride 20 feet.
Good.
5: 28.
Good man.
That's enough for today.
Oh.
You look great.
How do you feel?
Like I could eat mountains.
I know that feeling.
So why did you quit running?
Two weeks before Berlin I got injured.
My knee went out.
There's no way I was going to come back in time.
I was 20 years old and the fastest marathoner in Canada.
I was disappointed to say the least,
but I knew there'd be other Olympics.
The war came and I joined the priesthood.
You joined the priesthood because of the war?
I hope not.
The day I entered the seminary was last day I ever ran.
Why?
They told me Basilians don't run.
I should have joined the Jesuits.
[MUSIC - JACK INGRAM, "GOODNIGHT MOON"]
Good night moon.
Good night stars.
Good night old broke down cars.
I'm going away.
I'm leaving soon.
Good night darling.
Good night moon.
Good night darling.
Good night moon.
Not one day of missed running in the last 42.
And now I can bench press almost 100 pounds.
Stay in the water for almost five minutes.
I think we're closing in on your miracle country.
Sorry it's going to take so long.
My mom says she saw you running in Dunders.
Did you jog all the way?
Maybe.
That's a long way.
Even to drive.
Thanks.
Your documentation is very thorough, Father.
Yes, Ralph Walker has fallen through the net.
But the Children's Aid Society has no authority
to just come in and take him.
It takes time.
A few weeks at least.
In the meantime he stays by himself.
Legally it's a loophole, but we follow the law.
And what about the boy's welfare?
Is that really what's at stake here, Father?
What do you mean?
You once said my welfare in mind.
Grade 9 Latin.
49.5 final mark, if I recall.
Surely there was room in my participation mark.
You sat in the back row.
My welfare never had the chance to thank you for the two
months I spent with you that summer re-reading
the stories of Cacellius, Lucretia, and their stupid,
stupid dog, Romeo.
Good day, Father.
LONGBOAT [VOICEOVER]: Amazing things
can happen under a full moon.
I still don't think you're ready for this workout,
especially in the dark.
I love running in the rain.
Of course I'm ready.
Besides, I'll be getting the full moon effect as well.
Will you forget about the full moon?
You can hardly see the moon.
Dennis Longboat was institutionalized.
But Canadians ran great under him
and they have done nothing since.
OK.
Let's get this over with. Ready?
Yeah.
Set.
Run.
[ticking]
[music playing]
FATHER HIBBERT: Reach, reach, reach, reach, reach.
Good.
1:46.
Not bad.
Run.
4: 51.
Go.
[music playing]
4: 33.
Number 10.
You're halfway there, Ralph.
[music playing]
Pick it up.
You're falling off pace. Pick it up.
4: 56. Use your arms.
Use your arms, Mr. Walker.
Use your arms.
Stride.
Oh, Longboat would be proud.
Use your arms. Use your arms.
Pick it up. Pick it up.
4: 53.
Take it.
I thought I had one more to do.
You do.
Where are you going?
I think you should do this one with me.
Why?
You'll get more of the moon alone.
[ticking]
[music playing]
Stay on pace.
Be a martyr.
Relax your arms, Ralph.
You heard me.
Relax your arms.
[music playing]
See?
I told you it would work.
4:25.2.
It's your fastest mile over 20 Congratulations.
You were flying young man.
I know.
It felt great.
All right.
Stand up before you cramp.
All right.
Jog home, slowly.
Loosen up your legs and go straight to bed.
I'll have that watch.
Good job.
Thanks for timing me.
You're welcome.
You know I never thought you'd be able to make that work out.
I thought it would break you.
I don't want to be an orphan.
You'll win Around the Bay on Sunday.
I will?
You will.
What about Boston?
They are entirely different beasts.
Good night, Mr. Walker.
Good night, Father Hibbert.
Back for more, kid?
I suppose I am.
You'll never finish.
[gunshot]
You wanted to see me, Father?
Do you know anything about this?
Yes.
He's come a long way.
He says that he's going to win the Boston Marathon.
He also says that it will be a miracle when he does.
It will be.
He won't win.
That's not what I mean.
How long have you been coaching him?
I wouldn't exactly call it coaching.
More like, steering him in the right direction if he's--
Semantics.
I thought I made myself very clear.
You did, Father?
Then?
He needed help.
Ralph Walker does not need that kind of help.
He needs to learn his place in the world.
All of our students need this from us.
It's what we do as teachers, Father Hibbert.
It's our gift!
Tell him it's over.
That he can't run Boston.
Of course he can.
It's outside of school jurisdiction.
You can't control that.
Watch me.
If Ralph Walker runs Boston and is absent from this school
his career as a student is over here at St. Magnus.
That's my jurisdiction.
And if you have any part of it, you are done with this order.
There have already been discussions.
His mother is dying.
And hence, the reason he is still a student here.
I'm trying to help the boy.
He will be put in a home as soon as the paperwork is done.
Thank you.
That's all, Father Hibbert.
Yes, Father.
LONGBOAT [VOICEOVER]: As the race
approaches it is paramount that all distractions disappear.
It's equally important that all doubts be cast aside.
Remember, the marathon is not without adversity, not
without pain.
[grunting]
You're certainly no.
Martyr I'm not even going in deep, yet.
Somehow when you said massage, I was thinking
of something totally different.
It's only a bruise.
In a couple of days you'll be just fine.
Mr. Walker.
What happened?
I fell.
You fell?
Ralph you're not going to be able to run Boston.
The race is 10 days away.
Of course I'm going to run.
You broke your promise to me.
You said you never mentioned miracles.
Hm?
I'm convinced winning the Boston Marathon
is the miracle my mother will need to get out of a coma.
We had to deal, Ralph.
I didn't break my promise.
I thought you meant not to mention miracles to you.
Well you thought wrong.
That's not fair.
Listen to me, Ralph.
Father Fitzpatrick says he'll expel you if you run.
I'd never let a priest tell me whether I can or cannot run.
I learned that from you.
You don't know what you're talking about.
Thanks.
I'll sell the rest of the stuff in the house
and I'll use the money to pay for a train ticket to Boston.
But you can't run.
Fitz is going to kick you out of school.
Hibbert's right.
Call it off.
I'm running.
Besides, I'm getting kicked out already.
It's only a matter of time, so I have nothing to lose.
You have everything to lose.
You set yourself up to be the laughingstock of Hamilton.
Trust me.
People are talking.
Chester, I honestly don't care what anybody is saying.
See, that's the difference between me and you.
Your knee's wrecked, you can't pray,
you're certainly not pure, and your mother has
been a coma for seven months.
She's not coming out.
She is so.
No, she is not.
God damn you.
Hey!
Stop.
Break it up.
I forged letters for you.
I put myself on the line.
No, you didn't, Chester.
You've never put yourself on the line.
[telephone ringing]
RALPH: Hello?
CLAIRE [ON PHONE]: Ralph, it's Claire.
I was wondering if you wanted to go to Holy Thursday mass
with me?
Work on your praying?
Holy Thursday.
Let me see.
Yes, I believe I'm free.
Thanks,
[music playing]
Don't you just love Holy Week?
[MUSIC - BLUE RODEO, "DARK ANGEL"]:
I met this girl she was walking through one of my dreams.
She kissed my eyes and everything
that she said made so much sense to me that I still
feel like I'm half asleep.
[bell rings]
My dark angel she gave me diamonds for eyes.
She walked by now I'm hypnotized by this dream
that just won't stop and I feel like I've always been lo--
Nice try, Ralph.
Seducing me on Holy Thursday?
Did you think I was going to fall for that?
Honest, I thought you wanted to.
Me?
Ralph, I'm supposed to be a nun.
And all I was trying to do was help you with a miracle.
And now look what you've done.
[music playing]
Wake up.
Wake up!
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Ralph, what are you doing?
I thought the music might wake her up.
It won't.
I know.
Oh, honey.
[MUSIC - DARI POUYAT, "THREE WORDS"]: The moon's nothing
more than the air.
Don't tell me you see faces up there.
A voice not calling my name.
A whisper, a yell, it all sounds the same.
Because they're the same three words I've prayed before.
Only now you're gone I need them more.
St. Peter's gatekeeper stands tall.
I hear God's soldiers at the wall.
I'm pretending to hear.
The sky holds the song.
I can't voice the fear.
Because they're the same three words I've prayed before.
Only now you're gone
[coughing]
I need them more.
[coughing]
[sirens]
I'm sorry about your house.
Yeah, me too.
Could have been worse.
I don't even have a picture of them.
At least you're not dead.
And don't worry, arrangements have
been made for you to stay temporarily
and Chester's house.
Thanks, Father.
Am I correct in assuming that your Boston
Marathon quest is over?
Well, you are in all our prayers.
Thanks, Father.
Don't listen to him.
Fitz was right.
You were right.
She's not coming out of the coma.
I'm not running.
God dammit.
You just burned your house down.
The least you could do is run Boston.
What's the point?
Nothing would piss Fitz off more.
And-- I--
I believe you can win the race.
[music playing]
Father Hibbert?
Father Fitzpatrick.
I just wanted to let you know I won't be at school on Monday.
And why is that?
I'm going to Boston.
It's the least I can do for Ralph.
It's why I joined the priesthood, to help people.
The best way for you were to help Ralph Walker is
to convince him that running Boston
is the biggest mistake of his life.
Is it, Father?
We are God's servants.
Chasing after miracles is blasphemy.
You know what?
Before I met that young man, I didn't much
believe in anything.
But now I'm starting to think that one day, when my time is
up, God is going to ask me, George,
did you ever put it on the line?
Did you ever not know and still jump?
Did you ever just close your eyes and--
and let go?
And right not, Father, my answer would be, no.
No, I never did.
So I'm closing my eyes.
You're blind.
You're as deluded as Ralph.
And there will be serious ramifications.
Not only in this school, but within the Basilian order.
I know.
Thank you.
Oh, as far as anarchists go, Nietzsche
really had nothing on Christ.
You know?
All right.
[door closes]
Ticket to Boston, please.
[music playing]
Did you see this?
Hamilton's Around the Bay champ,
Ralph Walker, who recently lost his house to fire,
hopes that his winning ways continue in Boston.
The race will be broadcast live on THCH radio starting at noon.
Oddsmakers give him an outside chance at best.
Screw it.
He's got more than an outside chance.
CLAIRE [VOICEOVER]: However, if he wins, Walker will
be the youngest champion ever.
When we reached Mr. Walker he told us
that "winning Boston will be the miracle needed to get
my mother out of a coma."
Former marathoning great, Father George Hibbert,
who has been coaching Ralph Walker for the past few month
says that it is entirely possible that the ninth grader
could win Boston.
Miracles happen every day.
Damn him.
Thanks.
You're wasting energy.
Sit down.
Father Hibbert, when did you get here?
Just now.
You think I'd miss the greatest upset
in Boston Marathon history?
Sit.
What about Father Fitzpatrick?
Yes, well, we'll worry about him later.
You ready?
Mostly.
You have faith you can win?
I do.
But I'm still not pure and I can't pray.
Well, if you promise not to take
the lead until at least halfway, I
can solve your purity problem.
How?
Do you promise?
Yes.
And I mean at this time.
All right.
All I have to do is hear your confession,
then I can absolve you of your sins.
And guess who's pure?
Father Hibbert, why didn't I think of that earlier?
I could have been sinning all along.
That's not exactly in the spirit of reconciliation.
Should we do it now?
No.
Let's wait until the last moment possible.
Who knows what sins of thought might go through my head.
But there's still praying.
I can't do it.
For myself, in times of greatest stress
I've always been able to pray.
So I wouldn't worry about it.
Most marathoners will tell you, around mile
20 they start praying for any type of help they can get.
[MUSIC - GORD DOWNIE, "HALLELUJAH"] I've heard
there was a secret chord David played and it pleased the Lord.
But you don't really care for music do you?
It goes like this: the forth, the fifth.
The minor fall and the major lift.
The baffled king composing
Hallelujah.
Your faith was strong but you needed proof.
You saw her bathing on the roof.
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you.
She tied you to a kitchen chair.
She broke your throne and she cut your hair.
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah.
Welcome to the 53rd running of the Boston
Marathon, one of the world's most prestigious foot races.
ANNOUNCER: Our field is strong this year
and, given the current cool conditions,
ripe for a fast time.
[MUSIC - GORD DOWNIE, "HALLELUJAH"]
Say I took the name in vain.
I don't even know the name.
If I did really what's it to you?
There was a blaze of light in every word.
It doesn't matter which you heard.
The holy or the broken Hallelujah.
ANNOUNCER: I repeat.
The race is underway.
[applause]
ANNOUNCER: Five miles there's a large group
of 20 or so runners.
In there are all the favorites, including the great John
Bannon, the defending champ, "The Fin" John
Halverson, Russ Fox from Maryland,
Edward Krogan from California--
[feedback]
[clearing throat]
Excuse me for the interruption,
but this is a special broadcast of the Boston Marathon
in which one of our students, Ralph Walker, hopes to win.
I, for one, think he'll do it.
He won Around the Bay and there's no reason why
he can't do the same in Boston.
What's going on Ms. Robbie?
[knocking]
Who's in there?
Open this door.
[knocking] Open up.
Who's in there?
Open up.
[knocking]
Open up.
[knocking]
I'm not coming out.
I knew he was the forger.
Mr. Jones, open up this door immediately.
ANNOUNCER: It's early in the game still.
There are 10 runners tightly bunched.
The winner will surely come from this group.
There are all the usual suspects and one surprising addition.
Runner 157.
Let me see.
Ralph Walker from Canada.
Age fourt-- 14.
It's almost inconceivable that a kid could win this thing,
but give the lad credit for gumption
and hanging in this long.
The runners are just approaching the first water
station on West Central.
We're eight miles into this thing, folks,
and Bannon is leading, not surprising.
Closely followed by Fox and Monahan and this kid Walker.
The sun has come out again.
[knocking]
FATHER FITZPATRICK: Mr. Jones!
[gasps]
It's no use.
The PA room used to be the school safe.
You'd have to dynamite it open.
Don't tempt me.
Get it open.
ANNOUNCER: They're approaching 11 miles
and are about to round the [inaudible] town
common with Bannon in the lead.
Halverson and Monahan are still very much in the race,
as is Ralph Walker.
You look fantastic.
Be patient.
Stay exactly where you are.
ANNOUNCER: You heard right, folks.
I can't believe it either.
Ralph Walker is running with the leaders.
The youngest previous winner in the history of this race
was Edna Dave. He was 20-years old.
The weather has cleared, but rain still threatens.
The pack continues to remain tightly bunched
and there's plenty of jostling for position.
I just got word that Fox has bumped Walker in an attempt
to get to the lead.
The kid was hit hard, but his surge back and is now
trying to put some distance between himself
and the rest of the field.
Bannon needs to go with him.
We're too far into this race for anyone to be pretending.
Ralph Walker is definitely a threat.
He wasn't on anyone's radar before the race
and he's leading the Boston Marathon.
A 14-year-old is leading the Boston Marathon.
Bannon is closing the gap and is now back with Walker.
Fox has dropped off and appears done, as has Monahan.
Folks, it's down to two as we approach
Heartbreak Hill at 19 miles.
This is the spot that Bannon made his move last year.
It looks like Bannon is moving.
I just got a report that his head is down
and he's starting to press.
Bannon is looking very strong and Walker is now struggling.
This could be the race.
Walker is definitely in trouble.
Bannon is pressing.
Hail Mary full of grace.
Don't red line.
MAN: You can do it, Ralph.
You can do it, Ralph.
You can do it.
It will be a miracle.
Run, Walker.
Run!
ANNOUNCER: Wait.
It appears that Walker's not quite finished.
Incredibly, he's coming back.
Folks, I can't believe it.
Walker's with Bannon again and now they're through the hills.
We only have two miles left and Walker and Bannon
are matched step for step.
Reports are the two runners look exhausted
but are not slowing down.
That last mile was an incredible 5:22.
They're coming up Coolidge Corner.
The crowds are increasing as we approach the finish.
And Walker is pulling again.
He's not backing down one bit from the great John Bannon.
And they are rounding the final corner.
Here we go, folks.
365 yards to go and we're dead even on the 26th mile.
Who would believe it? - Run, little bastard.
Run.
ANNOUNCER: The kids has got legs, but can he hold on?
This just might be the closest Boston finish in history.
Walker and Bannon step for step.
[inaudible]
The crowds are going crazy.
The noise is deafening.
They've been waiting hours for this.
Walker surges.
He has a hard step on Bannon.
No, Bannon enters.
They're dead even again and neither one is breaking.
Bannon is giving everything he's got
and Walker is still not letting up.
100 yards to go.
And Walker has now taken the lead.
They're closing on the finish line.
Win it.
ANNOUNCER: Coming down the Crick, ladies and gentlemen.
Who would believe it?
Bannon's never been tested like this before.
50 yards to go.
Bannon now slightly ahead.
Does Walker have one last surge?
Walker giving it everything he has.
Both runners appear utterly drained,
but they are sprinting, willing themselves to the finish line.
This is now a battle of wills.
Sheer determination.
[MUSIC - GORD DOWNIE, "HALLELUJAH"] And
remember when I moved in you.
The holy dove was moving too.
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah.
ANNOUNCER: Bannon's starting to move.
Bannon is starting to move.
Walker's got to go now if he has any hope of winning.
Bannon still has the lead and is driving furiously for the line.
And John Bannon wins Boston.
John Bannon wins the Boston Marathon.
The 1953 champion repeats in spectacular fashion.
The laurel wreath is his.
It took 26 miles to decide it, but we finally have a winner.
Oh my goodness.
I can't remember a marathon ever coming
down to the wire like this.
You have just been a part of sporting history.
[music playing]
[MUSIC - GORD DOWNIE, "HALLELUJAH"] Did my best,
it wasn't much.
Couldn't feel, so I tried to touch.
I've told the truth.
I didn't come to fool you.
And even though it all went wrong,
I'll stand before the Lord of song
with nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
[music playing]
You did us all proud.
I lost.
You made us feel like we were all part of something big.
That doesn't happen every day.
I believed I was going to win.
[music playing]
[clapping]
[cheering]
Ralph walker defied me and you defied me.
Well, he followed his heart.
ALL: Walker!
Walker!
[applause]
I spoke to the press this morning
about your instrumental role in Mr.
Walker's marathoning success.
Probably wouldn't look too good if I
had to turn around and tell then you kicked St. Magnus'
most famous student out.
No.
Probably not.
[music playing]
I think he may still need my prayers.
We all do, Father.
We all do.
I still can't believe you actually did it.
Me either.
I never thought I'd have a suspension
on my permanent record.
Are you all right?
Somehow I think it all mostly worked out, even though my mom
didn't come out of her coma.
My mom says we could adopt you.
I'm too old to be adopted, Chester.
Yeah.
I suppose we all eventually pass that point.
Thanks, Chester.
You're welcome.
[MUSIC - JOEL PLASKETT EMERGENCY,
"YOU CAME ALONG"] Everything felt
wrong until you came along.
Until you came along.
I'm going straight to hell because of you.
Sorry.
We could--
I'm kidding.
Necking is a venial sin, not a mortal one.
God works in mysterious ways.
He does.
[music playing]
[bell rings]
Father Hibbert.
Mr. Walker.
I was wondering what you're running
plans are for the future?
Well, what are your coaching plans?
That depends.
Well, the Olympics are next year
and I suppose I intent to win them.
If we're not chasing after miracles, what's the point, eh?
I couldn't agree with you more.
[music playing]
Ralph?
[music playing]
[bell chimes]
[music playing]