Sister Act Page #19

The two nuns trade places.

CHRISTY:

Sister Alma -- a C.

Sister Alma plays the note, and the nuns try to duplicate

it, but the results aren't much better than before. Christy

uses her pitchpipe; she circulates among the nuns, giving

each her note, urging them closer to pitch.

CHRISTY:

Middle section, hold that note, for dear

life. Sopranos, an A. Sister Alma?

Sister Alma hits the note. Christy shuffles a couple of

more nuns to other sections, then gets a third note going

with the altos, using her pitchpipe.

For one moment, the nuns all realize they are singing a

perfect chord. They are elated.

MARY PATRICK:

We did it! We actually sang a chord!

MARY ROBERT:

(thrilled and

disconcerted)

That was exciting!

CHRISTY:

Yeah, for one second. That was the

blend -- you've got to listen to each

other. Be a group.

MARY LAZARUS:

(under her breath)

I knew that.

CHRISTY:

Mary Lazarus, I get the feeling that you

like discipline. Hard work.

Page 65.

MARY LAZARUS:

Of course. I'm a nun. Four Popes now.

The Lord hates a loafer.

CHRISTY:

I hear you. How many days a week do you

rehearse?

MARY PATRICK:

Two days. An hour or so.

CHRISTY:

No way. We're a choir, right?

Headliners. The big room. Two days a

week won't cut it. Every day.

MARY LAZARUS:

(impressed)

She's good.

MARY ROBERT:

(to Christy)

Do you really think we could do it? Get

better?

CHRISTY:

I don't know. Mary Lazarus, what do you

think? They're pretty raw.

MARY LAZARUS:

Wet behind the ears.

CHRISTY:

A bunch of real mama's girls.

MARY PATRICK:

Oh, please? Can't we try?

Christy and Mary Lazarus look at each other, as real

comrades. Christy leans on Mary Lazarus' shoulder.

CHRISTY:

It'll be hell.

MARY LAZARUS:

Tell me about it.

Christy and Mary Lazarus shake hands, firmly. Christy

turns to the choir, very businesslike.

CHRISTY:

Ten-hut!

INT. CONVENT LAUNDRY ROOM - DAY

This is a basement utility room. A large industrial

washer-dryer stands along one wall; the machine makes a

repetitive CHUNG-CHUNG sound

Page 66.

The choir nuns are busily doing laundry; some iron, others

fold sheets, others stack towels and garments on a long

table. Christy is helping Mary Patrick fold a sheet.

Everyone is working rhythmically, to the drone of the

washer-dryer.

CHRISTY:

That machine.

MARY PATRICK:

I know. It's ancient.

CHRISTY:

It's a rhythm section. The beat.

Christy starts clapping her hands to the sound of the

washer-dryer; gradually, the other nuns join her.

CHRISTY:

Mary Patrick -- do you remember the

Dixie Cups?

MARY PATRICK:

The Dixie Cups? Oh my. I was just a

girl. Of course.

(singing)

SPRING IS HERE:

THE SUN WILL SHINE

CHRISTY:

(stopping the beat)

Hold it. Mary Patrick, you're a pretty

cheerful person, aren't you?

MARY PATRICK:

Am I?

There is a murmur from all the other nuns -- "Oh, yes.

MARY PATRICK:

(as a confession)

All right, I am, I know it! All my

life, I've just been... upbeat.

Optimistic. Perky. I can't help it.

Even when I was little, I remember my

mother used to say, "That child is pure

sunshine. She'll either be a nun -- or a

stewardess."

CHRISTY:

So use it. When we sing hymns, they're

usually about rejoicing, right?

Celebration. Most music is. So don't

hold back. Let all that joy go right

into your voice. Make me happy. Let me

hear it. Perk out. Perk down.

Page 67.

MARY PATRICK:

(with real joy)

SPRING IS HERE:

THE SUN WILL SHINE

I'LL BE HIS

AND HE'LL BE MINE

WE'LL LOVE UNTIL

THE END OF TIME:

AND WE'LL NEVER BE LONELY ANYMORE

CHRISTY:

Because we're

ALL THE NUNS:

GOING TO THE CHAPEL

AND WE'RE GONNA GET MARRIED

GOING TO THE CHAPEL

AND WE'RE GONNA GET MARRIED

GOING TO THE CHAPEL

AND WE'RE GONNA GET MARRIED

MARY PATRICK:

GOING TO THE CHAPEL OF LOVE!

The nuns have really gotten into the song, with Christy

encouraging them verbally. They are sounding better and

better.

SISTER MARY FREDERICK, a member of the choir, steps into

the laundry room and lets loose with a sudden, piercing

whistle. The nuns immediately stop singing, and a moment

later Mother Superior enters.

The room is quiet except for the sound of the washer-

dryer. The nuns all get very busy at their laundry tasks.

NUNS:

(in unison)

Good morning, Reverend Mother.

MOTHER SUPERIOR:

Good morning, Sisters.

Mother Superior takes one more glance around, then leaves.

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