Buttons: A Christmas Tale is the magical, musical story that shows believing can be the greatest gift of all. Follow the heartwarming journey of two orphan girls whose only wish is to find a home for Christmas. With a little help from their guardian angels, they discover that miracles really can happen when you find the power to believe.
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CortometraggiTrascrizione
00:00:00I never imagined that in my family's darkest moment would come a miracle.
00:00:13Perhaps in the heavens, there are greater things at work than what we think we may know.
00:00:20And when it comes, sometimes it can be as soft as a whisper.
00:00:27And so I've learned to never stop listening.
00:00:57It was unlike any other Christmas in Belfort Hills.
00:01:00Amid the tinsel strewn over the trees, the carols that fill the air,
00:01:05and the excitement of children counting the days till Christmas,
00:01:09there was something else at work, something magical indeed.
00:01:45What is it? What is it, Annabelle?
00:01:49Oh my goodness.
00:01:50Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hill, there is a child at Belfort Hills Hospital who is in desperate need of adoption.
00:01:57Please come as soon as possible. Her name is Emily. She'll be expecting you. Sincerely, Rose.
00:02:06They found a child for us.
00:02:14In the midst of the festivities at Christmas, the sisters at St. Mary were busy in their own way.
00:02:36But they spent this time looking after the poor, the downtrodden, and the uncared for.
00:02:45Mother Genevieve, I know I shouldn't have brought her here, but I didn't know what else to do.
00:02:49I found her living in a boxcar, probably left behind by the orphan train.
00:02:53She said her name is Emily.
00:02:55You did the right thing coming here. Come on, follow me.
00:03:00Put her in this bed.
00:03:07Poor child.
00:03:14Emily? Emily, can you hear me, dear?
00:03:20She's burning up.
00:03:26Where am I?
00:03:28You're going to be all right now, dear. You're safe.
00:03:35Mother Genevieve, may I speak with you for a moment?
00:03:44Why did you bring her here? You know this is not a shelter for children.
00:03:50Please accept this rosary. It has silver in it, and it'll pay for at least one night.
00:03:58Let me take a look at her.
00:04:02She has a high fever. Let's just hope it's not influenza.
00:04:07I want her hydrated and isolated, and this is not to happen again. No more.
00:04:12This is a private hospital. These beds are for people who can pay.
00:04:17Thank you, Doctor.
00:04:32And it was always said of him that he knew how to keep Christmas well,
00:04:36if any man alive possessed the knowledge.
00:04:39May that be truly said of us and all of us.
00:04:43And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless us, everyone.
00:04:49Can you read it again?
00:04:51It's getting late.
00:04:53But it's Christmas Eve.
00:04:55Yes, darling. And happily, now, there'll be many more to come.
00:04:59And not only will I read you more wonderful stories,
00:05:02I'll also sing you Christmas carols and teach you to dance.
00:05:05Promise?
00:05:06Well, you know, every young girl should know how to dance.
00:05:09Thanks, Papa.
00:05:19Holy Mary, Mother of God, be a mother to all my children tonight.
00:05:26Protect them. Take care of them.
00:05:29And Lord, please help Emily this night.
00:05:34Send your angels to watch over her, to guard and protect her.
00:05:45In your name we pray, Lord. Amen.
00:06:00No need to be alarmed, dear.
00:06:05Would you like hot chocolate or peppermint tea?
00:06:11Now, there are a great many things that I don't know about,
00:06:14but what I do know is that a cup of hot chocolate does wonders for the mind.
00:06:20Go on, try some.
00:06:27You see?
00:06:31But let's keep this between us. The doctors might not agree with me.
00:06:35Now, for a proper introduction, my name is Rose.
00:06:41And I'm a doctor.
00:06:43And I'm a doctor.
00:06:45And I'm a doctor.
00:06:47Now, for a proper introduction, my name is Rose.
00:06:51I'm Emily.
00:06:54I've never seen you here before.
00:06:57Yes, I have been a bit delayed.
00:07:00Now, let's see.
00:07:03What are we going to do with you?
00:07:07Open wide.
00:07:09Go on.
00:07:12If your temperature is 98.5 and below, it means you have a chill.
00:07:18And more hot chocolate should suffice.
00:07:21But if it's between 99 and 100 degrees, then you're running a fever.
00:07:26And ice cream might be more appropriate.
00:07:30Now, anything over 100...
00:07:33Oh, dear.
00:07:36Well, there's no doubt about it.
00:07:39I need to read you a story.
00:07:42A story?
00:07:44I don't see any reason to think otherwise.
00:07:48Now, let me see.
00:07:51I have long stories, short stories, adventures, westerns.
00:07:59Or what about a fairy tale?
00:08:02Now we must begin where every story begins.
00:08:09Once upon a time, a long time ago,
00:08:13in a place called Millbury,
00:08:15during a time when the rich were very rich,
00:08:18and the poor very poor.
00:08:21In fact, so poor that even the children were sent to work at the mills
00:08:26In fact, so poor that even the children were sent to work at the mills
00:08:31for the great robber barons.
00:08:34In that time, a young child was born, named Annabel,
00:08:39to a family that lived by the sea.
00:08:42Annabel's father, William, captained his own trading vessel,
00:08:48and Annabel's mother, Sarah, made their home a loving and joyful place.
00:08:55Their happiness was nearly complete,
00:08:58until suddenly Annabel contracted scarlet fever.
00:09:04So her father rushed home from the sea,
00:09:08for Annabel was not expected to live.
00:09:13Her fever still hasn't broken.
00:09:17I'm sorry, I've done everything I know to do.
00:09:24There has to be something. You have to help her.
00:09:27Sarah.
00:09:29Continue applying a cool compress and keep her as comfortable as possible.
00:09:34There has to be something. You have to help her.
00:09:37Sarah.
00:09:39Continue applying a cool compress and keep her as comfortable as possible.
00:09:52Thank you for coming so late, Doctor.
00:09:54Doctor, your carriage is ready.
00:09:57Sorry, William.
00:10:00Take care of her.
00:10:13William, we can save her.
00:10:15I'll bring her fresh water. We can just keep her cool.
00:10:20Sarah.
00:10:24We can break the fever in time.
00:10:27I know we can.
00:10:35God help us.
00:10:47Angels above, hear my prayer.
00:10:53Heal my child, let her live.
00:11:00Bring her through this night.
00:11:06Through this night.
00:11:13Give her a chance for happiness.
00:11:18Save her from the darkness.
00:11:24Please, let her live.
00:11:32Let her live.
00:11:37God bring a miracle about.
00:11:42Don't let her light go out.
00:11:46I know you're strong enough to heal.
00:11:52A brokenness, all of tears.
00:11:58Come disappear when you are near.
00:12:04Angels near, hear my prayer.
00:12:09Give this child no reason to fear.
00:12:16Hold her through this night.
00:12:22Through this night.
00:13:23The night sky stirred and in the distance a star fell.
00:13:29As if a messenger was sent from the heavens to answer a prayer.
00:13:35Do you know what the star means, Emily?
00:13:40It's an angel.
00:13:44I don't believe in angels.
00:13:49No, I don't suppose you do.
00:13:52But let's continue anyway.
00:13:55Where were we?
00:13:56Oh, yes.
00:14:08Oh, Annabelle, aren't you pretty?
00:14:14I'll always be with you, Annabelle.
00:14:36William.
00:14:38William, come quickly.
00:14:43Her fever has broken.
00:14:48Oh, hello.
00:14:49Annabelle's father and mother believed that just like in the great stories of old,
00:14:54a wondrous miracle occurred that saved Annabelle's lifeless.
00:15:00Care for a little more hot chocolate?
00:15:03There you are.
00:15:08Oh, we're coming to one of my favorite parts.
00:15:17Annabelle grew to be a beautiful young girl.
00:15:21The only cloud in her otherwise perfect childhood was her father's long absences away at sea.
00:15:29During one of these times, something unusual happened to Annabelle.
00:15:36When we think of angels, we often imagine majestic winged beings soaring through the heavens.
00:15:45But not Annabelle's.
00:15:47He wore a gray suit with a straw hat.
00:15:54Now, all angels have special gifts, and Annabelle's was certainly the gift of laughter.
00:16:01Get mad.
00:16:04How about a smile?
00:16:05A smile always makes things better.
00:16:12You know, I found it's the way you look at life.
00:16:16It's not the predicament you're in, it's the way you look at it.
00:16:20I mean, there's always a silver lining.
00:16:22The sun's always shining somewhere.
00:16:27Keep a smile on your face.
00:16:29No need to be grumpy.
00:16:32Give them your winning smile.
00:16:35Be bright and bubbly.
00:16:38Lemons make lemonade.
00:16:40See what you gotta do.
00:16:43Stay on the sunny side.
00:16:46Betcha it will turn out right.
00:16:49Smile and the world smiles back at you.
00:16:55When I grow up, I'm not gonna be G-R-U-M-P.
00:17:00I'll tell you no one wants to have you around wearing a creepy crown.
00:17:06Now you give it a try.
00:17:08Keep a step in your step.
00:17:11No need to be gloomy.
00:17:13Have the proper attitude.
00:17:16Be bright and bubbly.
00:17:19Troubles like clouds pop up and float away.
00:17:24When life gives you a kick,
00:17:27I got something that'll do the trick.
00:17:29Just smile and the world smiles back at you.
00:17:36Betcha money, a sour face will put you in the dumps.
00:17:42Take it from me, the best way to be is okey-dokey.
00:17:46Yippee! Now you try.
00:17:48Me?
00:17:49Yeah, you.
00:17:50Keep a smile on your face.
00:17:53No need to be grumpy.
00:17:55Give them your winning smile.
00:17:58Be bright and sunny.
00:18:01Lemons make lemonade to shower in to sweet.
00:18:06Stay on the sunny side.
00:18:09Betcha it will turn out right.
00:18:12Smile and the world smiles back at you.
00:18:24It's been said that children see angels when others cannot.
00:18:29Whether that be the case,
00:18:31Annabelle knew that day that she had seen hers.
00:18:35She spoke about him to no one,
00:18:38not even her mother or father,
00:18:40for she had discovered a hidden secret friend.
00:18:45She never knew when she would see him again,
00:18:48but he always had a way of showing up
00:18:52right when she needed him most.
00:18:55Time passed, and Annabelle's world
00:18:58was filled with magic and wonder.
00:19:01Least while I woo thee with soft melody.
00:19:10Hi.
00:19:12Everything looks lovely.
00:19:14I wanted to make sure you miss us.
00:19:17Father, take me on your ship tomorrow.
00:19:20I'd make a great first mate.
00:19:28Your impenetrable eyes and shrewd countenance
00:19:31appear to make you worthy.
00:19:34But can you helm a ship in a strong gale?
00:19:37Aye, aye, Captain.
00:19:40With Arctic winds blowing cold on your nose?
00:19:44Easy.
00:19:46What about ship's weevils crawling in your face?
00:19:53I am in need of a special agent
00:19:56to take care of everything that I hold dear here on shore.
00:20:01Your mother, King Henry, and Lily Carson.
00:20:06Are you up to the task?
00:20:08I must warn you as not to be taken lightly.
00:20:11Well, King Henry is hard to catch sometimes.
00:20:15But I have your word.
00:20:19Yes.
00:20:21Excellent.
00:20:22And for my part, I promise to return
00:20:24as soon as the winds will carry my ship.
00:20:27Besides, I fear my crew will fight
00:20:31over a fair maiden such as you.
00:20:35Annabelle, your father has something for you.
00:20:38Oh, what is it?
00:20:40Close your eyes.
00:20:46There.
00:20:50It's a machine.
00:20:55Oh, it's a music box.
00:20:58It's not just a music box.
00:21:01It's magical.
00:21:04When I'm at sea, whenever you turn this handle,
00:21:08the melody will be heard.
00:21:11When I'm at sea, whenever you turn this handle,
00:21:14the melody will be carried on the winds
00:21:17over wave upon wave until it reaches my ship.
00:21:20And I will hear it and know that you're thinking of me.
00:21:27It's not very loud.
00:21:32Love carries over oceans and time.
00:21:37Do you believe me, Annabelle?
00:21:39Yes.
00:21:40Then we are inseparable.
00:21:47Father, wouldn't it be better if you just stayed with us
00:21:52at least one more day?
00:21:56Unless we set sail before the wind changes,
00:21:59I fear my journey will take twice as long.
00:22:02Annabelle, why don't you go wash up before we eat?
00:22:06Okay.
00:22:10Come on.
00:22:14Doesn't get any easier.
00:22:17Not for any of us.
00:22:41Oh.
00:22:43Silently, one by one,
00:22:46in the infinite meadows of heaven,
00:22:49blossom the lovely stars.
00:22:52And forget the nuts of the angels.
00:22:55It must be beautiful looking at the stars from your ship.
00:23:02Father, look! A shooting star!
00:23:06Father, look! A shooting star!
00:23:09Ever once falls a star, a guardian angel is not far.
00:23:16Do you think it was an angel?
00:23:19Yes. Your guardian angel.
00:23:22Wondering why on earth are you up so late.
00:23:27Come on. Time for bed.
00:23:36Lullaby, lullaby
00:23:42Oh, lullaby, lullaby
00:23:48Dream for a while
00:23:52Of angel songs till morning comes
00:24:00Lullaby, lullaby
00:24:04Lullaby, lullaby
00:24:35Come home, my son.
00:24:45Father! Father, wait!
00:24:52Don't go.
00:24:56Take care of your mother for me.
00:25:04Lullaby, lullaby
00:25:25Was it dangerous where he was going?
00:25:28Oh, yes. Quite dangerous.
00:25:32Her father's journey would take him away for over a year.
00:25:37And although his letters came frequently,
00:25:40Annabelle still missed him dearly.
00:25:45Months passed.
00:25:47Summer, with all of its festivities, quickly approached.
00:25:51And with it came the annual Fourth of July parade.
00:25:56Fourth of July souvenirs.
00:25:58Get your souvenirs.
00:26:00Toppies, streamers, toys and more.
00:26:20Annabelle didn't see much reason to celebrate.
00:26:23I mean, the happy festivities surrounding Millberry
00:26:26only made her miss her father more.
00:26:29In fact, she became determined not to be happy.
00:26:33Her attitude was glum and in sore need of improvement.
00:26:38But little did Annabelle know,
00:26:41her angel was about to return to help her with just that.
00:26:55Here you are.
00:26:57Why, don't you look pretty?
00:27:02I smell popcorn.
00:27:04You want some?
00:27:06Oh. No, sir.
00:27:08Oh?
00:27:10You see, I had a penny, but then I spent it.
00:27:13Oh, I see.
00:27:15Here you go.
00:27:17For me?
00:27:19Go ahead, try some.
00:27:27Mmm, delicious.
00:27:29You know, I knew a snail once who was a lot like you.
00:27:33A snail?
00:27:35But he thought he was a whale.
00:27:37A whale?
00:27:39What makes a snail
00:27:41Think that it can
00:27:43Swim like a great big whale?
00:27:46Or think that it can
00:27:48Can, can, can
00:27:50Swim with no fins or tail?
00:27:53I think we make a big mistake
00:27:56If you never even try
00:27:59A snail passes you by
00:28:03And here's the reason why
00:28:07He's got a proper attitude
00:28:10A good follow-through
00:28:12To keep him off the rope
00:28:15And when he's feeling low
00:28:17Moving kind of slow
00:28:19He's got high hopes
00:28:22Life's little lessons
00:28:24To keep your chin up high
00:28:27Just put one foot
00:28:29In front of the other
00:28:31Till trouble passes by
00:28:34And soon you'll be finding
00:28:36That the sun is shining
00:28:38On your happiness again
00:28:41Like a bird on the wing
00:28:43You started to sing
00:28:45There's blue skies again
00:28:54Life's little lessons
00:28:55Are full of blessings
00:28:57To keep your chin up high
00:29:00Just put one foot
00:29:02In front of the other
00:29:04Till trouble passes by
00:29:07And soon you'll be finding
00:29:09That the sun is shining
00:29:11On your happiness again
00:29:14Like a bird on the wing
00:29:16You started to sing
00:29:18There's blue skies again
00:29:21He's got a proper attitude
00:29:24A good follow-through
00:29:26To keep him off the rope
00:29:29And when he's feeling low
00:29:31Moving kind of slow
00:29:33He's got high hopes
00:29:36Life's little lessons
00:29:38Are full of blessings
00:29:40To keep your chin up high
00:29:43Just put one foot
00:29:45In front of the other
00:29:47Till trouble passes by
00:29:49So keep your chin up high
00:29:52Just put one foot
00:29:54In front of the other
00:29:56Till trouble passes by
00:30:00It seemed that once again
00:30:02Her world was full of magic and wonder
00:30:06Just as it should be
00:30:10But as time went by
00:30:12Instead of her father's return
00:30:15An urgent telegram arrived
00:30:19When news of great importance
00:30:22Comes to a family
00:30:23Whose loved one is at sea
00:30:25With it arrives an element of dread
00:30:30Annabelle's father
00:30:32Was caught in a severe storm
00:30:34And only remnants of his ship
00:30:37Were found washed ashore
00:30:40No one survived
00:30:50No one survived
00:31:01That day the magic of youth
00:31:03Began to slip away from Annabelle
00:31:14With each rose cast into the sea
00:31:16Went memories of her father
00:31:19Drifting away one by one
00:31:29Those first few months
00:31:31Were unbearable for Annabelle
00:31:34Her heart was heavy with sorrow
00:31:42Annabelle
00:31:45You really must eat something
00:31:49I'm not hungry
00:32:03I know how hard it is
00:32:08And how much we both miss your father
00:32:14But you must try to keep going
00:32:31I'll tell you what
00:32:33Why don't we go into town today?
00:32:38Come, help me clear the table
00:32:40Then we'll go
00:32:44Thank you
00:32:53There you are
00:33:05Dr. Lewis, so good to see you
00:33:07Good morning Mrs. Kinsley
00:33:08Please, come in
00:33:09I was on my way into town
00:33:10And I thought I would stop by
00:33:11And check in on you and Annabelle
00:33:14And see you
00:33:21Annabelle
00:33:22Would it be alright if you went out without me?
00:33:25I'll be there as soon as I can
00:33:36I'm so glad you came by today
00:33:38I've been anxious to speak with you about Annabelle
00:33:42She is still barely touching her food
00:33:45And hardly speaking a word
00:33:47And I'm at a loss for what to do
00:33:50Annabelle just needs time to adjust
00:33:54Without William we can no longer afford to keep the house
00:34:04I'm so sorry
00:34:08Does Annabelle know?
00:34:10How can I tell her?
00:34:13Do you have any other family who can help you?
00:34:17I have a stepsister but she hasn't returned any of my letters
00:34:21This is my last attempt
00:34:24Look at me, what a mess
00:34:27I'm afraid I can't go out like this
00:34:30Would you be so kind and mail this on your way into town?
00:34:33Of course, I'll send it right away
00:34:36I'll send it right away
00:34:38You must forgive me for burdening you with our troubles
00:34:41Let me show you out
00:34:43I'm sure your sister will come through
00:34:45Yes, yes of course
00:34:55I assume you saw this letter in the post today
00:34:58Indeed
00:34:59What are we to do?
00:35:01If we show your stepsister leniency on her rent now
00:35:05Where does it end?
00:35:07On the other hand if we don't help her
00:35:09And she can't take care of herself and the child
00:35:11For all we know she could end up on the street
00:35:13What would people say?
00:35:17I'm afraid public opinion would turn against us
00:35:21If you think she needs a bit of assistance under the circumstances
00:35:24I imagine that could be tolerated for now
00:35:28Charity is the breeding ground for beggars
00:35:30Why the wealthy must be held responsible for the misfortunes of the poor
00:35:33I'll never understand
00:35:36The mill is doing well
00:35:38Surely this gesture would relieve us of any other obligation to her
00:35:42And we would be seen favourably in the public eye
00:35:46Obligations?
00:35:48Why my father had to marry into such a common family
00:35:51I'll never understand
00:35:53And now I'll forever be responsible for his impudent decision
00:35:58And as for public opinion
00:35:59The only opinion that matters is the Brownings
00:36:03How they managed to achieve such sturdiness and wealth above us is beyond me
00:36:11But clearly this is a family matter
00:36:13There are certain expectations
00:36:16She shares no blood of mine
00:36:20She shall not be responsible for my undoing
00:36:25Still, it is a delicate matter and must be handled with a bit of finesse
00:36:31I have the mill to run
00:36:32My time can't be whittled away in these petty affairs
00:36:37I'm getting a headache
00:36:40Wait
00:36:44We shall give my sister something better than a handout
00:36:49We will give her the gift of self-reliance
00:36:54A job
00:36:58At the mill?
00:37:01Work will help distract her from her sorrows
00:37:03And allow her to feel part of something larger than herself
00:37:08For once, father always did spoil her
00:37:12She won't hold up
00:37:13The conditions are poor at best
00:37:15She's always seemed rather delicate
00:37:18I run a textile mill, not a Turkish bathhouse
00:37:22If she can't handle the long hours, surely that's not our concern
00:37:32And she'll just go away?
00:37:38Precisely
00:37:52Mother
00:38:05Mother, what's the matter?
00:38:09Annabelle
00:38:11Come sit next to me
00:38:13There's something I need to tell you
00:38:22We're going to have to leave, Millberry
00:38:25No
00:38:27I was waiting to hear back from your Aunt Catherine
00:38:30To see if she could help us
00:38:32I just received her letter today and I'm afraid she's unable to
00:38:38Mother, we can't leave, please
00:38:40This is our home
00:38:42I'm so sorry, Annabelle
00:38:44There's nothing else we can do
00:38:52Love carries over oceans and time
00:38:58Do you believe me, Annabelle?
00:39:00Yes
00:39:02Then we are inseparable
00:39:08Annabelle, it's time to go
00:39:10We need to catch our train
00:39:12I'll be right down
00:39:14I'll be waiting for you
00:39:16It's time to go
00:39:18We need to catch our train
00:39:20I'll be right down
00:39:32From that moment on, Annabelle vowed never to be deceived
00:39:37into believing there was real hope in this world for herself
00:39:41or for anyone else
00:39:44So she hid the music box
00:39:46and left behind all the tenderness and innocence of youth
00:39:54Angels, fairy tales
00:39:56and make-believe she decided should not be taken seriously any longer
00:40:04For after all, if Annabelle had an angel
00:40:08he spared her not from the perils of life
00:40:12So why should she believe?
00:40:21As the door to her home closed for the last time
00:40:25Annabelle's heart closed with it
00:40:42Annabelle
00:41:00Your rent is due first of the month, no exceptions
00:41:03Bath, kitchen, stove
00:41:06You share the bed
00:41:08She's usually on the night shift
00:41:10Sick, so you'll have to work it out
00:41:15What happened to her?
00:41:17Shut in a room full of machinery
00:41:19Dust and cotton, that's what's happened to her
00:41:22When you get mill fever, your lungs give out
00:41:26A widow these days has half a chance of earning some respect
00:41:30by keeping their job
00:41:32But these two will be orphans soon
00:41:37Well now, light's out at ten
00:41:41Let's get settled
00:41:43Yes, thank you
00:41:46And so Annabelle's mother went to work at the mill each day
00:41:53You're new here, aren't you?
00:41:55It's been a little over a month
00:41:57I've got to go
00:41:59I've got to go
00:42:01I've got to go
00:42:03I've got to go
00:42:05I've got to go
00:42:07I've got to go
00:42:09I've got to go
00:42:11I've got to go
00:42:13It's been a little over a month
00:42:18Well then, I'm Ethel
00:42:22Sarah
00:42:28Pardon me for asking, but you don't look like the type that works at a mill
00:42:35I'm recently a widow
00:42:39Sorry to hear that
00:42:41I lost my husband too
00:42:43Over a year ago now
00:42:46He was a good man, an honest man
00:42:49He took care of us
00:42:52My husband was a sea captain
00:42:55His ship was lost
00:42:58The sea has a way of taking husbands
00:43:01More than half the women here suffer the same fate as you
00:43:05Hard to believe we were all once happy brides
00:43:10I remember the day I was married
00:43:12I wore a white lace gown with silk sleeves
00:43:16We were so in love
00:43:19Perfect
00:43:21What about you?
00:43:26We were married on a beautiful autumn day
00:43:30It was St. Mary's in the center of town
00:43:34The red leaves were falling
00:43:37It was frost in the air
00:43:40After the ceremony, the church bells rang and rang
00:43:45As we went off in the carriage to the country
00:43:52I can still hear those bells ringing sometimes in my head
00:43:57Good
00:43:59You hang on to those memories
00:44:01It'll get you through this
00:44:08The bells of St. Mary's
00:44:14Ah, here they are calling
00:44:20The young loves
00:44:24The true loves
00:44:27Who come from far and wide
00:44:32The true loves
00:44:35Who come from the sea
00:44:41And so, my beloved
00:44:47When red leaves are falling
00:44:54The love bells shall ring out, ring out
00:45:00For you and me
00:45:13The bells of St. Mary's
00:45:19At sweet eventide
00:45:25Shall call me, beloved
00:45:32To come to your side
00:45:38And out in the valley
00:45:44In sound of the sea
00:45:51I know you'll be waiting
00:45:56Yes, waiting for me
00:46:22As the end of their first year approached
00:46:25It was clear that Sarah's meager wages
00:46:28Could never lift them out of their dreadful circumstances
00:46:33But if even more concern was Sarah's health
00:46:36She was failing quickly
00:46:52Hi
00:46:54How are you feeling?
00:46:56Hmm
00:46:58I thought somehow I'd be better by now
00:47:02I got you this
00:47:05Oh, Mother
00:47:07I was going to wait
00:47:10But I thought now would be a good time
00:47:14Why?
00:47:15Why, Mother?
00:47:17What's the matter?
00:47:19Annabelle
00:47:21Will you believe in a secret I am going to tell you?
00:47:25It will help you through life so you never feel alone
00:47:30We each have a guardian angel that is with us
00:47:34From the moment we're born until the day we die
00:47:38Believe, Annabelle
00:47:40And take heart
00:47:42You're never alone
00:47:44Mother
00:47:46You won't leave me
00:47:49Annabelle
00:47:51Promise me you'll remember what I have said
00:47:55Yes
00:48:00I'm sorry, Annabelle
00:48:17The question is what is to be done with her
00:48:21I certainly can't be burdened with her
00:48:24Her mother was only my half-sister, after all
00:48:30Come
00:48:32That's enough
00:48:36That's Miss Elizabeth Browning
00:48:39No
00:48:42You wait here
00:48:46As your mother, Alice, it is my responsibility to introduce you into good society
00:48:50The Brownings are the wealthiest family in town
00:48:53You would do well to become close to young Elizabeth
00:48:56Miss Elizabeth
00:48:58Please allow me to express my condolences on the loss of your younger sister
00:49:03I can't imagine how difficult the last few months must have been
00:49:07We're bearing this as best we can, Mrs Wentworth
00:49:10Let me introduce you to my young daughter, Mrs Alice
00:49:14Pleased to meet you, Miss Browning
00:49:16And you
00:49:18Please forgive me, I'm expected home
00:49:20Oh, of course, my dear
00:49:22And send my regards to your mother and father
00:49:38Annabelle
00:49:40Oh, don't call me that
00:49:42We're not really family
00:49:44Your mother wasn't even my real sister
00:49:48What did she say about me, anyway?
00:49:51She believed everyone had a kind heart
00:49:54Your mother was a silly girl with ridiculous notions
00:49:58Sorry she filled your head with fairy tales and nonsense, but that's not how the real world works
00:50:03Come
00:50:05Come
00:50:06We've wasted enough time here
00:50:23Mr Wentworth sent his regrets, ma'am
00:50:25He's been detained at work
00:50:27Shall we wait to serve dinner?
00:50:28No, we'll eat without him
00:50:30And the young girl, ma'am
00:50:32Will she be dining with you as well?
00:50:33Don't be ridiculous
00:50:34Very well
00:50:37Mother
00:50:39How long must that child stay with us?
00:50:42I've taken it upon myself to make arrangements for Annabelle
00:50:46Tomorrow, she'll go to the mill where she'll live and work with all the other orphans
00:50:52She'll be a mill girl?
00:50:54How long is she to stay?
00:50:57Well, if everything goes well
00:51:00Forever
00:51:04Forever
00:51:15And so Annabelle was sent to a boarding house built for the mill girls
00:51:20Who were kept under strict rules
00:51:23And were meant for work at the mill and little else
00:51:34Work starts at six
00:51:36Get to bed
00:52:33Work
00:52:34All we ever do is work
00:52:39Work
00:52:40All we ever do is work
00:52:45Work, tell me what it's gonna take
00:52:47Till we never see the light of day
00:52:50Every second, every moment, we're apart
00:52:52Like a band of people, all we ever never see the light of day
00:52:56Every moment, we'll be working to the bar
00:52:59Work starts at six
00:53:00Get to bed
00:53:01Get up and spin the wheel
00:53:02It's time to sell
00:53:03Till the rich, they can get richer
00:53:05And the poor, once another orphan
00:53:07All we ever do is work
00:53:09And grow
00:53:10Every moment of your life, you're going to work
00:53:30Work
00:53:53Work, tell me what it's gonna take
00:53:55Till we never see the light of day
00:53:57Every second, every moment, we're apart
00:53:59Like a band of people, all we ever never see the light of day
00:54:03Every moment, we'll be working to the bar
00:54:05Work starts at six
00:54:06Get to bed
00:54:07Get up and spin the wheel
00:54:08It's time to sell
00:54:09Till the rich, they can get richer
00:54:11And the poor, once another orphan
00:54:13All we ever do is work
00:54:15And grow
00:54:16Every moment of your life, you're going to work
00:54:19All we ever do is work
00:54:24Work
00:54:26All we ever do is work
00:54:34Sewing buttons onto garments was one of the most meaningless jobs
00:54:38Meant only for the children
00:54:40Not yet big enough to reach the machines
00:54:43But Annabelle lacked the skills that the other girls had from the farms
00:54:49Who were used to hard labor and machinery
00:54:52So she was set to this task with no pay
00:54:56Until the overseer felt she could actually be of some use
00:55:00Who are you?
00:55:03Are you all alone?
00:55:05Just like me?
00:55:09Here
00:55:11Be my friend
00:55:13Be part of us
00:55:15I know he's not a real dog
00:55:17But he will be one day
00:55:23Hey, you're not done working
00:55:25Sew on all these buttons
00:55:27Look, she's scared
00:55:29What's your name?
00:55:30Can't you speak?
00:55:31Your mother's not here now
00:55:33And we don't like cry babies
00:55:35All right, we'll just call you buttons
00:55:37Look at the mess you made
00:55:38Pick those up
00:55:39Look at this little glass dog
00:55:43Give that back
00:55:44My mother gave it to me
00:55:46You don't have parents anymore
00:55:47You're one of us
00:55:48No one plays with toys here
00:55:52My dog!
00:55:53Right there
00:55:54There goes buttons
00:55:55Come back
00:56:10You don't leave work until I tell you to
00:56:16Bet you'll never run away from work again
00:56:18Buttons
00:56:19Yeah, buttons
00:56:20Belt buttons
00:56:22I bet she got the paddle
00:56:25I'm making a milk out!
00:56:27Milk out!
00:56:29Quiet!
00:56:50Quiet!
00:57:20No, no, no
00:57:51There's been a development at the mill
00:57:54Do you know how your work bores me?
00:57:58At the risk of putting you to sleep
00:58:00Please allow me to continue
00:58:02If you'd just begin, you'd be done by now
00:58:05Right
00:58:06Why didn't I think of that?
00:58:10I'm sorry
00:58:11I'm sorry
00:58:12I'm sorry
00:58:13I'm sorry
00:58:14I'm sorry
00:58:15I'm sorry
00:58:16I'm sorry
00:58:17I'm sorry
00:58:18I'm sorry
00:58:20Annabelle is gone
00:58:24Gone?
00:58:26What do you mean gone? Where did she go?
00:58:28How should I know?
00:58:29It appears she ran away from the boarding house late last night
00:58:32Doesn't the overseer watch them?
00:58:33Apparently not
00:58:34Stupid man
00:58:35Need I remind you what an embarrassment it would be to this family
00:58:38if our association with that girl is known?
00:58:40We must find her at once
00:58:42I'm one step ahead of you
00:58:44I sent the overseer out last night to look for her
00:58:47Hmm
00:58:48Pardon me, but I don't have your confidence in the simpleton
00:58:52Once she's found, she must be taken to the coal mines
00:58:54and kept as far away from here as possible
00:58:57Consider it done
00:59:06Time passed
00:59:07Christmas soon came
00:59:09and with it, the bitter cold
00:59:17Annabelle struggled to find food and shelter
00:59:48There you are
00:59:49Let go!
00:59:50Listen, little girl
00:59:52If you try and run away again
00:59:54I'll make your life so miserable
00:59:56you'll wish you were never born
00:59:58I'm never going back there!
00:59:59Hey, come back here!
01:00:17Let's go!
01:00:47By now, Annabelle had adopted the opinion of what others said about her
01:00:52They called her an orphan
01:00:54a street urchin
01:00:56and scores of other names not proper to mention
01:01:01As she looked at her last bit of food
01:01:04suddenly she saw someone
01:01:08He looked cold and tired
01:01:10She didn't recognize him
01:01:12yet there was something familiar about him
01:01:17I don't understand
01:01:19Why didn't she recognize him?
01:01:21Did she forget who he was?
01:01:24Oh, worse
01:01:26She stopped believing in him
01:01:29But you said he was an angel
01:01:31He must help her
01:01:33Oh
01:01:35Without belief, there's not much anyone can do
01:01:39even an angel
01:01:41But let's continue
01:01:44I think you better have this
01:01:46No, that's for you
01:01:48Don't worry about me
01:01:50I've got plenty
01:02:14I'm going to go to the church and get warm
01:02:17Are you going to be alright now?
01:02:44She's eluded our valiant overseer again
01:02:47Oh, how many more months will this go on?
01:02:51What should we do?
01:02:55I don't know
01:02:57I don't know
01:02:59I don't know
01:03:01I don't know
01:03:03I don't know
01:03:05I don't know
01:03:07I don't know
01:03:09I don't know
01:03:12It's cold outside
01:03:15She'll need shelter
01:03:17The only place she can go is the church
01:03:19which will bring her right past the mill
01:03:22Have your man wait between the river and the mill
01:03:25She might try to cross the ice
01:03:28No, the current's too strong
01:03:30and the ice is only over an inch thick
01:03:33We've got her trapped
01:03:36If we don't, the Brownings are in for a pleasant surprise
01:03:40What do you mean?
01:03:41It's Christmas Eve
01:03:43They'll be at the church when Annabelle stumbles in from the cold
01:03:47Wretched girl
01:03:49I won't have her ruin my reputation
01:03:52Don't you mean our reputation?
01:03:57What are you waiting for?
01:04:00Go
01:04:11It was dangerously cold that night
01:04:14so Annabelle decided to take a chance on a short cut through the woods
01:04:18to get to the church and find shelter
01:04:22But this led her past the mill
01:04:25where she had promised never to go again
01:04:31Now across the woods from where Annabelle ran
01:04:34lived the Browning family
01:04:36whose home once filled with so much joy and laughter
01:04:40was now buried beneath a deep blanket of sorrow
01:04:47This was their first Christmas without their youngest daughter, Anna
01:04:51who had succumbed to scarlet fever a few months earlier
01:04:57The loss had drained the family of even a whisper of hope
01:05:04No matter what one thinks, sadness and grief can come to all
01:05:10no matter their position in life
01:05:15Both the rich and the poor share equally
01:05:19at least in this
01:05:34It's freezing cold outside, Elizabeth
01:05:37Have you seen your gloves?
01:06:03Hurry along, darling, or we'll be late
01:06:34ETHEREAL VOCAL MUSIC
01:07:00My dear
01:07:03Are you alright?
01:07:06You don't want to be late.
01:07:24Elizabeth, the carriage is waiting.
01:07:33No, I'm fine.
01:08:03Let's go.
01:08:33I'm sorry.
01:09:03I'm sorry.
01:09:33I'm sorry.
01:10:03I'm sorry.
01:10:33I'm sorry.
01:10:39I'm sorry.
01:10:46I'm sorry.
01:10:52I'm sorry.
01:10:59I'm sorry.
01:11:03I'm sorry.
01:11:15I got you this.
01:11:17I know how long you've wanted a real dog, Annabelle.
01:11:33No one plays with toys here.
01:11:42My dog!
01:11:52Annabelle, will you believe in a secret I am going to tell you?
01:11:57It will help you through life so you never feel alone.
01:12:02We each have a guardian angel that is with us from the moment we're born until the day we die.
01:12:10Believe, Annabelle, and take heart.
01:12:15You're never alone.
01:12:17Promise me you'll remember what I have said.
01:12:21Yes, Mother.
01:12:31I love you.
01:12:33I love you.
01:12:35I love you.
01:12:37I love you.
01:12:39I love you.
01:12:41I love you.
01:12:43I love you.
01:12:45I love you.
01:12:47I love you.
01:12:49I love you.
01:12:51I love you.
01:12:53I love you.
01:12:55I love you.
01:12:57I love you.
01:12:59I love you.
01:13:01I love you.
01:13:03I love you.
01:13:05I love you.
01:13:07I love you.
01:13:09I love you.
01:13:11I love you.
01:13:13I love you.
01:13:15I love you.
01:13:17I love you.
01:13:19I love you.
01:13:21I love you.
01:13:23I love you.
01:13:25I love you.
01:13:27I love you.
01:13:29I love you.
01:13:39Mother, did you hear that?
01:13:41Shh.
01:13:43But only Elizabeth heard the knock at the door.
01:13:57Mother, there's someone at the door.
01:13:59Elizabeth.
01:14:27Oh, you're frozen.
01:14:47Please wake up.
01:14:49Please.
01:14:53Is it too late?
01:14:55Oh, Mother, she's so cold.
01:14:57Oh, yes, get warm.
01:15:21Mother, look.
01:15:39Oh, Mother.
01:16:09Oh, Mother.
01:16:25You ready to go home, Annabelle?
01:16:27Yes.
01:16:29Everybody.
01:16:53Did the Brownings adopt all the other children as well?
01:16:57Yes, they did.
01:16:59And what about the angel?
01:17:01Did Annabelle ever see him again?
01:17:03Oh, yes, many times.
01:17:07A guardian angel always watches over you, never leaves you,
01:17:11and most importantly, knows your every wish.
01:17:17Rose, do you want to hear my wish?
01:17:23I want a home.
01:17:29By Christmas.
01:17:33That is a wonderful wish, Emily.
01:17:39Rose, do you think I have a guardian angel?
01:17:51I most certainly do.
01:17:57That sounds like a promise.
01:18:01It is a promise.
01:18:21It was a dream.
01:18:27There's no such thing as angels.
01:18:41Excuse me.
01:18:43We're looking for someone who works here by the name of Rose.
01:18:45Well, there's nobody here by that name.
01:18:47Oh, no, she sent us a letter from here.
01:18:53That might be our stationery, but I can assure you there's nobody here by the name of Rose.
01:18:59Oh.
01:19:03Well, it must have been a mistake.
01:19:05Thank you for your help.
01:19:15What is it, Annabelle?
01:19:23Wait.
01:19:27Excuse me, I'm sorry to bother you again, but is there by chance a child here named Emily?
01:19:35Yes, she's still here.
01:19:37Can we see her?
01:19:39Please.
01:19:41We're inquiring for adoption.
01:19:43Oh, well, you should have said that in the first place.
01:19:47Follow me.
01:19:57Are you Emily?
01:20:00Go away.
01:20:13I was wondering if there was something that you could possibly help me with.
01:20:17You see, I received this letter.
01:20:22And it's a bit strange, actually.
01:20:27And no one here seems to know anything about it.
01:20:31But do you know someone named Rose?
01:20:35Rose?
01:20:38You know Rose?
01:20:42Look, she wrote about you.
01:20:49Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hill, there is a child at Belford Hills Hospital who is in desperate need of adoption.
01:20:55Please come as soon as possible.
01:20:56Her name is Emily.
01:20:57She'll be expecting you.
01:20:59Sincerely, Rose.
01:21:06Have you been expecting us, Emily?
01:21:10Emily, do you want to spend Christmas with us?
01:21:14Really?
01:21:17Yes.
01:21:18Really.
01:21:26They have a wonderful life ahead of them.
01:21:30They certainly do.
01:21:32I must say, you have a knack for this kind of thing.
01:21:36I have a good partner.
01:21:45Thank you, Rose.
01:22:01And so it was that Christmas in Belford Hills.
01:22:04The heart found more than the eye could see.
01:22:07Hope prevailed, and help came from the most unexpected places.
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