Closing the Ring

Chuck always said to me, Wilbur, you talk too much.

So he'd be pleased that his beloved

daughter, Marie, is going to say a few words.

First of all, I know that Daddy would be very pleased to see so

many veterans here today, especially members of the 401st Bomber Group.

I guess he would want to talk—sorry.

I guess he would want me to talk about his life and about

the most important thing in his life, his love for my mother.

He was a brave man in wartime, in his lifetime, and

in the time of the long illness that led to his death.

But his was an unspoken bravery.

His heroism was as quiet as a pumpkin.

Ladies and gentlemen...

You don't smoke?

I thought I'd take it up again.

She should be in there, you know.

I know what she's going to say.

I just can't sit there and listen to all of that.

I understand.

Only you would understand.

I'm really sorry.

Oh, no need to.

It was his time to go.

No, I mean about being late.

I mean, I'm sorry.

I'm sorry about that, too.

-I just... -I mean about him.

It's all gassed up, Dad.

It's ready to go.

Ah, good.

You sure he'd want this?

He would.

You won't remember Daddy for what he said.

As you know, he didn't say much.

He never spoke to me about the past, about the war, about his medals.

Not even once.

He felt that a man should be judged for

his work and for the way that he led his life.

Marie will be upset that you missed her eulogy.

Oh, I don't think Marie cares either way from there.

Your husband was a fine man.

Yeah.

You'll miss him very much.

No.

Well, I know you loved him, so...

He never believed that, Peter.

All the years I wore this ring, we never talked much about love.

Uh, would you, would you like me to take you back inside?

No, they'll roll him out when they're through.

At least he has a grave.

Bloody hell.

What the devil do you mean, creeping up on me like that?

What you digging for?

Who the hell are you?

I'm Jimmy.

Ellen O'Reilly's wee lad.

I know you.

She's my granny.

My mum went away.

She's expected back any time now.

Does your granny know you're up here?

Don't know.

Well, you go home.

Tell her Mr. Quindlen said you're not to come up here again.

This is a dangerous place.

Do you not know that?

The army's here all the time.

And if it's not them, it's the Republicans and the bloody IRA.

So what are you doing here then?

None of your bloody business.

You're digging something?

I dig here sometimes for my granny.

I can keep a secret, you know.

Can you tell me one secret you've ever kept?

My granny keeps photographs in her dressing table.

Do what?

From the war.

Americans.

And that's your secret, is it?

Aye.

Well, it's not anymore, you half-wit.

You just told me.

But you asked.

Do you want to spend your whole life being a complete idiot?

No, weren't your mammy buggered off?

Oh, shit.

Jimmy.

Come on.

Back up here.

Come on.

And listen, don't you tell your

granny promise cross my heart

What is it?

Treasure.

The past, boy.

The past.

Is that your crazy father?

It's a tradition, Marie.

God, you're as stupid as he is.

The fly's beautiful, doesn't it?

He could have killed us.

He's not allowed to fly that low.

Don't make a fuss, Marie.

It's exactly what your daddy would have wanted.

Oh, really? Is he doing it for daddy or is he doing it to impress you?

You don't know what you're talking about.

Is he coming around again?

I certainly hope so.

You should take this.

Michael, wait a minute.

We're in broad daylight.

Get in that shelter right away.

Elna?

I didn't expect to find you here.

Where did you expect to find me?

Not usually with us.

In the Georgian hotel with one of your gentlemen friends.

I do more for the war effort than you, Mrs. Doyle.

Making your woolly underwear for the troops.

And you taking it off fast as they can put it on.

Ah, Michael, I missed you at evening mass.

You'd have got here in time for a seat.

Ah, Michael, you're a big lad now.

You'll be joining the army, fighting for king and country.

No, I'm going to be a fireman like my dad.

Sit here, Michael.

-Can I sit there? -No.

No!

You can't possibly mix both congregations, Michael.

I'm forced to agree with him there, Michael.

Sweet Jesus, is that you?

You're taking that chance, aren't you?

Cahill, you'll get yourself caught.

They've put a reward out for you.

I don't care.

Here.

These are for you.

Look, I had to see you.

-Eggs? -Dear God in heaven.

He has connections over the border.

I thought you were away fighting for the Irish side, Colonel Thomas.

He's right.

It's a dangerous place for you.

Is he fighting for the Germans?

Irish Republic in the army.

You should join us.

Don't you dare.

Thousands of good Catholic Irishmen serving

in the very time he's fighting against fascism.

My son's one of them.

And you?

You're a damn traitor.

You all right in there?

Kyle, no.

Christ, I do. We've been not to anything.

If it's a policeman, I'll kill him.

He's a Brit.

He's an army, not police, Charlie.

-He won't know you. -Hold the door.

Come on, Mr. Cobb.

Don't say a word

-Good evening. -Good evening, Thomas.

Everyone all right?

Fine.

We're fine.

Do you think they're gone for the night, sir?

I think so, but there may be some unexploded

stuff, so best stay down here till they all clear.