Heart: The Marilyn Bell Story (2001) - full transcript

(ominous music)

(water splashing)

(upbeat horn music)

(whistle blowing)

- Swimmers for the New TarantoJunior Girls Spring Finals,

take your places, please.

(upbeat horn music)

Swimmers, take your marks.

Get set.

(gasping)

(booming)



(crowd cheering)

- Come on, Grace,she's doing her best.

- I know she is, Syd.

(crowd hollering)

- Go Marilyn! That's a girl!

Go! Go! Go!

- Come on, Marilyn, come on!

Swim!

You can catch her.

(crowd cheering)

- That's my girl.

- [Syd] Come on! Comeon! Come on, Marilyn!

Go! Go! Go! Go! Swim!

- Yes!



- Yes! Yes! Yes!

Go, Marilyn!

Go! Go! Go! Go!

- Come on, honey! Come on!

(crowd cheering)

- Aw.

(somber music)

- Hey.

- Oh well.

I almost placed this year.

- You got going real goodtoward the end there.

- It just takes meawhile to get going.

- Too little too late, dear.

- You just take yourtime in the flip turns

and keep your headdown, like I told you.

- I know, but I hateopening my eyes under water.

I'll just try harder next time.

- Yes, well I thinkthat's just about enough

of this sort of thing.

- What?

Why?

- It's just been onedisappointment after another,Marilyn.

It's not healthy.

A young lady needsher self-respect.

And self-respectcomes from pride.

Pride in what we do well.

- You make me quit everything.

I love swimming.

I don't wanna stop.

- Let's just try to find yousomething that you're good at.

(somber music)

(Grace laughing)

(recorded marching band music)

That's wonderful.

Syd, look at her go.

(marching band music)

(laughing)

Hooray!

(clapping)

Wonderful. Come sit with me.

You are so marvelous.

I love you.

(Grace laughing)

(upbeat music)

- Paws off, small fry.

I just cleaned that.

You lost or something?

- I'd like to seeGus Ryder, please.

- Oh, goodie.

Let me guess, the nextEsther Williams, right?

Try the pool, princess.

- From now on, everysingle one of you

is gonna work yourtails off in the pool.

If you can take it, great.

If not, you're gone.

See you tomorrow.

- Mr. Ryder?

- Yeah?

- I'm Marilyn.

Marilyn Bell.

I'm a swimmer.

A sprinter, actually.

- Yeah, so?

- Well, you're the best.

This says.

I was wondering

could I please train with you?

Cause I think it's gonnatake a great coach.

I mean, I really wannawin a gold medal someday.

- What's your best time?

- What do you mean?

- Fifty yards?

What's your besttime in the fifty?

- Oh.

A minute, ten.

- That's too slow.

Everybody here doesit in under a minute.

Try the Dolphinettes.

- Wait, it's been quite awhile since I was timed.

I might be better.

Hold on.

- Wait a minute,

this is not the time.

Wait a second, please.

- Just this one sprint, okay?

I'll be fast, I swear.

- Okay, go.

Okay.

Go.

(ticking)

(groaning)

1:10, and your turns are a mess.

Sorry.

- Let me try it again.

I'll do better.

- I'm leaving.

Goodbye.

Good luck.

- Hey kid, pool's closed.

Amscray.

- No, wait.

I'll do much better.

Watch this.

- Hey, I said get out.

- Marilyn, get out of the pool.

Lock up when he's through.

If I'm late again fordinner, my wife will kill me.

- But I've got a date.

- Good meal.

- Thank you.

(somber radio music)

- Hey.

We'll spend moretime together after--

- This next big race.

- I'm sorry.

I'll even fix the porch swing.

(laughing)

(phone ringing)

(groaning)

- Hello?

- [Pool Girl] His Mrs.Ryder, is Gus there?

- Yes, he's right here.

- Who is it?

- It's Joan.

- Hello.

What?

Yeah, okay.

I gotta go back to the club.

(car honking)

- I've tried everything.

The little twerpjust won't stop.

(splashing)

(gasping)

- What're you doing?

- I'm trying to beat my time.

- She's been goingat it for two hours.

- I'm down to 1:06.

- Two hours straight?

And you're not tired?

Pigheaded pride iswasted on sprinting.

You oughta be in distance.

On my marathon team.

- Marathoners get toswim all over the world.

Then English Channel,the Juan de Fuca Straight

and right now the club'straining for tryouts

for that big racein Atlantic City.

You get to set records

and swim for money

and meet other famousswimmers at events.

- Like Florence Chadwick?

- [Marilyn] Yes.

Can you believe it?

- No.

No.

You can't place in a littlerace in a pool, dear.

Now you think you'rea marathon swimmer?

- The best coach in thecountry wants me, mom.

- I can not believeyou went down there

and pestered that poor man.

- Well, if he seessomething in her.

- Oh and do you planwaking up at 4 AM

every single solitary morningto take her to practice?

Pick her up nights? Weekends?

Get her to school on time.

Get yourself to work.

- Yes, Grace, I will.

Gladly.

- Fine.

- We've spent millionson new exhibit buildings.

This is the biggestmarketplace in the world.

The greatest annualfair this century

and they stay away in droves.

Why?

- Public relations, sir.

They did a lousy job promoting.

- If special events bookedanything worth promoting.

- There was nothing wrongwith my events, sir.

Patsy, here, justcan't cut the mustard.

(laughing)

- I can cut it withthe best of them.

You gave me waterskiing donkeys.

How am I supposed toto work with that?

That would only flywith other ...

like you, Myron.

- Quiet.

People stay athome to watch this.

(mellow music)

The 1954 CanadianNational Exhibition

must compete with this.

And win.

I want a live event somagnificent it's too big for TV.

Something that can onlybe seen at the CNE.

A class act

with star power.

You two find it

or you'll be picking my shoeleather out of your underwear

at the unemployment office.

(upbeat saxophone music)

- Okay everybody, listen up.

This is our newest teammember, Marilyn Bell.

- Hi.

- Jump in.

No, no, no, no, no.

Jump in.

- I can't swim in this.

- What?

- I said I can't swim in this.

- What?

- I said I.

Okay.

Do I keep the shoes on?

(guy mumbling)

(splashing)

(coughing)

- Here.

Put it around yourneck like a scarf.

(gasping)

Clothes drag weight.

Resistance.

Marathoning is overcomingresistance on many levels.

From now on, on this team,

you do as I say, whenI say and how I say.

Okay, everybody in.

Ten laps.

Go.

(somber trumpet music)

(splashing)

(Ryder yelling)

(whistle blowing)

Don't fight for speed.

Fight for control of yourself.

Make your strokes steady.

Reach and pull. Reach and pull.

Marathon is pacing, not racing.

Slice the water.

Reach and pull.

Reach and pull.

Reach and pull.

That's it.

Kick, Marilyn, come on. Kick.

Two more lanes at only40 strokes a minute.

(upbeat music)

(whistle blowing)

Marilyn?

Now take off theclothes and try it.

(splashing)

- It's like I weigh nothing.

(teammates cheering)

- Okay, okay, come on.

Get back at it.

Go.

- Dazzle me.

- Roger Banister rerunsthe four minute mile.

- Over too quick.

(Patsy scoffing)

- Just what I said.

Rocky Marciano.

Rematch.

The title fight.

- Too bloody.

- Told you so.

- A Barbara Ann Scott ice show.

(laughing)

Where am I gonnaget ice in August?

- That's exactly.

Where you gonna find it?

Now this can't lose, sir.

Think back to '33.

Sally Rand single-handedly turned around

the Chicago World's Fair.

- This is a family show, Myron.

- Yeah, but youcan't see it on TV.

- That's because it'stasteless and vulgar, dummy.

- Oh, stop it!

What else have you got?

- We'll keep looking.

- Daddy?

We gotta go.

- Oh.

- What?

Honey, it's the holidays.

- Gus says we can't affordto miss two days in a row.

- What differencecould it possibly make?

You're not racingtomorrow or anything.

- The Atlantic Citytryouts are coming up

and I want to be ready.

- Well don't set yoursights too high, Marilyn.

It'll only lead to a big fall.

(exciting music)

- Pace, not a race.

This is not a contest.

This is your onlycompetition now.

(exciting jazz music)

(whistle blowing)

Marilyn!

How many times doI have to tell you?

Don't race!

Joan, get the rope.

(somber music)

Okay?

Lift.

Come on, the restof you, let's go.

(somber music)

- This is nuts.

Why are you keeping her?

- I don't really know.

There is somethingabout her, though.

Don't you think?

Call it a longterm investment.

- Long, long, long,

long term?

(snoring)

- Good practice?

Good practice.

(clapping)

(splashing)

(whistle blowing)

- Marilyn.

- What?

I was counting. I was thinking.

- Rope off.

(whistle blowing)

Okay, everybody listen up.

Tomorrow we move tothe Port Credit River

to begin the finalstage of our training

for the first bigswim of the year.

The Atlantic CityMarathon Trials.

(swimmers cheering)

(upbeat music)

Okay everybody, let's go.

I said let's go.

(upbeat music)

Come on, Marilyn, shake a leg.

- Mhmm.

- Come on, it's not that cold.

Get in.

What's the matter?

- Nothing.

Really.

- Then get in.

- I'm uh...

- I'm just a little...

Well, you know,there's probably some

fish and stuff in there.

- It's a river, Marilyn.

Rivers have fish.

- I'm um...

- I just have troublewith creatures.

- Joan.

Take her over to the reeds.

- But the reeds are the worst.

Everything's in the reeds.

- Then go home.

- What?

- You don't swimmarathons in pools.

If you can't cut it, go home.

- Okay, I'll go.

- Marilyn.

The reeds.

- [Joan] Hurry up, Marilyn.

- It's full of bugs.

I can't do this.

- Fine.

Ryder can't stand crybabies.

He'll cut you loose like that.

(groaning)

(screaming)

- Something brushed me!

(Joan laughing)

It's not funny.

(yelling)

(laughing)

- Eel.

Eels!

(screaming)

(upbeat jazz music)

(cartoon music)

- You're supposed tobe finding us an event.

- So are you.

- That's only becauseyou can't do the job.

- If you wanna lose those teeth,

you just keep on talking, okay?

(shushing)

(newsreel music)

- [Announcer] Is thisHollywood's latest

sonar counter discovery?

Why, no.

It's American swimmingsensation, Florence Chadwick,

enjoying yet another victory.

This time, it's theEnglish Channel.

The first woman everto swim it both ways.

Showing how Flo this stillthe undisputed world champion

of the water.

Way to go, Flo.

(dramatic newsreel music)

- We've got a real peach ofa plan for you this time,

Mr. McBlair.

The Canadian NationalExhibition presents

the first ever,world record setting,

marathon swim across

Lake Ontario.

- It'd be the longest swimever done in the world.

32 miles as the crow flies.

Much more difficult thanthe English Channel.

- Now, we'd start herein Youngstown, New York.

- Then finish, right here,

in the lap of the 1954Canadian National Exhibition.

- And you can't seeit on television.

- Oh no.

You've gotta beright here, with us.

- I like it.

But can it be done?

That's a very long swim.

I wouldn't want to setup something this big

just to see it fail.

Do you have anyone?

(dramatic music)

Florence Chadwick.

My god, yes.

Brilliant! What a great idea.

- Thank you, Mr. McBlair.

- God, I hope she'dbe interested.

What do you think she'd cost me?

(gulping)

10 thousand dollars? Canadian?

- Engaging talent ofMr. Chadwick's caliber.

English Channel, both ways,and the Strait of Gibraltar

in the same year.

For a first ever crossingof an unknown, dangerous

32 mile Great Lake swim,

I don't see how you could'veexpected anything less.

Let's set moneyaside for the moment.

We'd also requirethe right to cancel

in the event of unsafeweather conditions

and we call the start time.

- Sure.

Is that all?

- There's really just the fee.

- Perhaps you'd like toget back to us on that?

- No, no, no, no.

If you need 10 thousand dollars

I'll get 10 thousand dollars.

- Well then.

It was a pleasure doingbusiness with you Mr. McBlend.

- McBlair.

George.

The pleasure's all mine.

- [Myron And Patsy]Thank you, Miss Chadwick.

(laughing)

- Yes! Yes!

She's perfect!

That's the bonafide class act.

We could make aworld class show.

A spectacle of resplendence.

A great lady meets a Great Lake.

It's brilliant.

Can't let this becheapened in any way.

Can't have a bunch of nobodiesriding on our coat tales.

Local swimmers.

They'll wanna getin on this too.

I need to get themout of the way.

How do I do it?

(foreboding music)

The theme of the1954 CNE is water

and as part of our commitmentto the local community,

we'll be presentinga 20 mile relay race

in the Taranto Harbor withthe country's best swimmers.

And a prize of 500 dollars.

(crowd applauding)

- Come on, kid.

I bet you'll be upthere next year.

- But our main eventis unprecedented.

We even made an exclusive deal

with this country'sbest newspaper,

the Taranto Telegram, to do it.

During our finale ofworld class festivities,

a world first.

The longest marathon swimever attempted in history.

Crossing the Great Lake Ontario.

(clapping)

Our invitational swim startsin Youngstown New York

and finishes right hereat the fairgrounds.

Please welcome our choiceto swim Lake Ontario first.

The world's swimming sensation.

The queen of waters everywhere.

Miss Florence Chadwick.

(exciting music)

- Florence Chadwickswimming here?

(crowd commotion)

Oh gee.

Gus looks fit to kill.

- Yeah.

This is insulting.

It shoulda been offeredto one of our swimmers.

Just because she's American,she must be better than us.

- [Man] Is this all thepublicity she's getting?

- [Girl] Never heard of anybodygetting so much news before.

- Well, you've seen thefront page of the Tele.

McBlair,thinks he can treat us

like a bunch of nobodies.

Well, he's gotanother thing coming.

You know what we're gonna do?

Huh?

We're gonna winevery single place

at the Atlantic CityMarathon and humiliate him.

Embarrass him intoadmitting his mistake.

Okay?

I want Cliff, Harry, Robert,

Kevin, Peter and...

Allen.

Qualificationswims, first thing.

They'll rue theday...!

- [Swimmers] Yeah!(clapping)

- [Guy] Coach isright. We can do this.

(somber music)

Coach is right!

- Gus?

Can't I go to Atlantic City?

- No, we're not takingany rookies this year.

- Can't I just try out?

- What're you, deaf?

We have to win this.

This race is 26 miles, Marilyn.

What's the mostyou've done? Six?

Six?

Qualification's 10.

And it's in the ocean andyou're afraid of fish,

for sakes.

You'll swim for my club whenI know you won't embarrass us

and not one day before.

(somber music)

(crying)

(uplifting music)

- Marilyn, stop it.

You can't do this.

Gus will kill me ifI let you do this.

- I do laps, right?

A mile up, a mile down

until I've done 10, right?

- This is the wrong wayto make a point, Marilyn.

Besides, the rules areyou need two witnesses

to make this official.

(fishing rod buzzing)

(upbeat music)

(laughing)

- That a girl! That a girl!

Keep at it!

- Good work!

Seven more to go.

That's it. Keep it going.

Good.

- That a girl!

(laughing)

Told you she was tough, aye?

The trick is tokeep her spirits up.

That a girl! That a girl!

(upbeat music)

- That's right,Marilyn, come on.

Keep it going.

You're doing good.

Keep coming.

That a girl. That a girl.

Way to go. Come on.

Give me your hand.

- Yay!

I knew you could do it!

- Kid, you did 10 miles.

I don't know about 26,but you did 10 great.

(laughing)

- [Marilyn] Thanks mister.

- Marilyn just qualifiedherself for Atlantic City.

- She isn't going anywhere.

- But Gus.

- I oughta cut you right now.

You know better than topull a stunt like this.

What if something could happen?

- Well it's not her fault youwouldn't give me a chance.

- I'll get to you in a second.

- I worked hard for this.

I can do it.

You still treat me like a loser.

- Her time is as good asthe worst guy you're taking.

If they get a chance,she should too.

- I don't have a spotter.

- I'll spot her.

I'll get time off myjob to go with her.

- [Announcer] And sixth place

goes to anotherLake Shore Club vet

at the 1954 AtlanticCity Marathon.

(crowd applauding)

An incredible performanceby the Lake Shore Swim Club

here today, with thefirst six finishers,

including the winner,big Cliff Lomsdon.

Guess these swimmersjust cant' be beat today.

- Where's Marilyn?

Told Joan to pull her out atthe first sign of trouble.

Check the infirmaryagain, will you?

- It looks likeone of our ladies

is unable to finishthe race today, folks.

She gave it a great effortbeing pulled out of the water

after 10 miles.

(dramatic music)

It's a tough break.

They put heart andsoul into this,

but sometimes it'sjust too much for them.

Julia Rosenthal of Boston.

Please give her a niceround of applause.

(crowd applauding)

- Should never let her do this.

I knew it was a mistake.

- And here comes ourseventh place finisher.

It's...

It's a lady's number, folks!

It's another member ofthe Lake Shore swim team!

The 1954 women's champion is,

Marilyn Bell!

(cheering)

(upbeat music)

Finishing first for theladies and seventh overall.

Just 16 years old, folks.

Unbelievable.

(crowd applauding)

- You did it.

You did it.

Well done.

(laughing)

(upbeat music)

- Hold it.

Smile!

- Congratulations.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Marilyn Bell!

(applauding)

- How did she manage it?

- She's pigheaded.

Even more than you.

Every time I tried to pull her,

she's just get tickedand pull all the harder.

I guess yourlongterm investment's

just paying off a little early.

- Hold it! Thank you.

- Congratulations, Ryder.

Looks like you found thenext Florence Chadwick.

- [Camera Man] Could you puther arm around her please?

- [Reporter] How doyou like Atlantic City?

- [Man] This is reallyquite a victory.

I haven't seen anything like it.

- You sure showed me.

Marilyn, I've gotan idea for you.

- Swim Lake Ontario?

Are you crazy?

- Isn't that dangerous?

Isn't that why ithasn't been done?

- Why, honey?

Why would you wannado such a thing?

- Gus says I should.

Gus says it's theopportunity of a lifetime.

- [Syd] Are you sureshe can do this?

- I won't lie to you.

It's gonna be difficult.

It's the longest swimever done in the world.

I never have and neverwill jeopardize the safety

of one of my kids.

- Marilyn isn't one ofyour kids, Mr. Ryder.

She's one of ours.

- I realize that.

I meant no disrespect.

We can't do any of thiswithout your permission.

- Isn't Florence Chadwickdoing this already?

- Marilyn would betaking Chadwick on.

She'd be racingthe world champion.

- Does that mean she couldwin some of that money

that they're offering?

Would Marilyn bein the newspapers?

- Who's gonna payfor all of this?

The boats, the crews.

It all costs money, doesn't it?

- I'll take careof all the details.

You don't have toworry about a thing.

I would never lether do anything

you both wouldn't be proud of.

- I can't wait to goup against Florence.

- You're not racingFlorence Chadwick.

You're trying tobeat a Great Lake.

I don't like whatyou said in there

about doing it becauseI said you should.

- Why?

- Marilyn, that lake's gonnabe tougher than Atlantic City

and the EnglishChannel combined.

It's big enough tocreate its own weather.

32 miles of wide open water.

No shelter.

10 foot swells.

A crosscurrent at her lip,like moving through glue.

Niagara Falls pouringthousands of pounds a minute.

Four or five good-sizedrivers all doing the same,

like a pot on a rolling boil.

And cold.

60 degrees thistime of the year.

Don't kid yourself.

You do this for youbecause you want it.

For you.

- All I ever wantedwas to be a winner.

- If you want it,

I'll make sure you finish.

I promise.

- I want it.

- Are you sure?

- Yes, Gus, I am.

- Okay.

Good night.

- Good night.

(somber music)

What should I say?

- Nothing.

Just smile.

(elevator bell ringing)

I came to you boys first

because I know theStar's got standards.

You don't go in for thatphony Hollywood

the Tele's putting out.

Glamor, star power, showbizcomes to new Taranto.

They're treating Flo Chadwicklike she was a movie queen.

Gentlemen, all theglitters is not gold.

What you see before youtoday is the real McCoy.

24 carrot girl next door.

- It's a nice angle

but what's in it for us?

- Well for the cost ofthe boats and the crew,

you get the goodguy, girl, exclusive.

Local kid stands up forher sport, for her country.

Makes us all proud.

People love that stuff.

They buy papers that push it.

But I don't have totell you gentlemen that.

- Underdog stories canbackfire like that.

- She's kinda small fordistance, isn't she?

- Size has nothingto do with it.

- Up against the world champ?

- [Gus] She's got a lotof heart, gentlemen.

- [Suited Man]But can she do it?

- Sir, I know you don't know me,

but if you ask anybody who does,

when I make up my mindto do something, I do it.

I'm no quitter.

All I need is a chance.

We did it! We did it!

We did it!

What?

- I told you notto say anything.

- I'm sorry.

- You were terrific.

Now you gotta deliver.

- [Announcer] The 1954Canadian National Exhibition

opened in Taranto yesterday

with the usual pompand circumstance.

CNE officials expect thisyear's theme of aquatic sports

will attract big hoard crowds

with special attentionfocusing, of course,

on the first ever--

- Hey!

"Girl next door, 16,

"defies CNE.

"Defends Canada's honoragainst Yankee star."

- Way to go, Myron.

- You started thatwhole Yankee star.

- I didn't drop 10 Gs tobe savaged in the press.

I can't have my greatest event

dragged throughthe mud like this.

- Mr. McBlair,

what, if I may,

what if we let thekid try out the lake?

How far is she gonna get?

She's 16, she has no experience

and we have gotFlorence Chadwick.

She swam English Channel.

- Sir,

there's no way she's evengoing to pose a threat to Flo,

let alone, come closeto the finish line.

We look generous.

Accommodating.

- Hm.

Yes.

We'll come out of thissmelling like a rose.

(somber music)

- Well this is it.

Welcome to the Corina.

Jack, this is Marilyn.

Marilyn, this is JackRussell, our helmsmen.

This is Dr. Bernie Willinsky,

the owner of the Corina.

He'll be the pilot for the swim.

- Welcome aboard.

Don't be shy. Pile in.

Make yourself right at home.

(laughing)

- Let me give you a hand there.

- [Bernie] Yeah, come on.

Watch your head now.

There you go.

Here, let me take that for you.

There you go.

- Hey kid.

You okay?

- Yeah.

I'm just a little--

- Nervous, I bet.

Marilyn Bell, right?

Mark Harrison, photographer.

This is Jerry Wilson, radio man.

We're covering yourswim for the Star.

- What's he doing here?

- You're notgonna believe this.

I finally convince him intogiving me a real A-story

in Cuba,

then they yank me off theplane at the last minute

for this swimming gig.

- George Bryant, reporter.

Marilyn Bell, swimmer.

- Hey.

No offense, miss.

I'll see you on board.

- Hey, kid.

- Oh god, Joan.

Where have you been?

What's wrong?

- Kid,

I can't come.

My stupid boss won'tlet me off on a weekday.

- How am I gonna dothis without you?

I need you.

- All aboard forYoungstown, New York.

Come on, Marilyn, let's go.

- Come here.

You're gonna be great.

Go on.

(somber music)

You show them whatyou're made of, Marilyn.

- Mr. Ryder.

Mr. Ryder, welcometo Youngstown.

Patsy MacKinnon,Myron Peters, CNE.

- How are you, sir?

Mr. McBlair suggested thatwe go over a few details

before the swim.

The rules of thegame, if you will?

- The swim will start fromthe pier off Youngstown Hotel.

It's the cleanestroute across the lake.

- Yes, it's about a 15 minutedrive due north from here.

- Way around that farpoint we passed coming in.

About a half hour toget the boats up there.

- Is there a start time yet?

- No.

Miss Chadwick willdecide the start time.

It could be anytime overthe next three days.

When she tells us,we'll tell you.

- We'd like to have twohours notice when you do know

so we can be ready.

- We'll do our very bestto accommodate you, sir.

- That's it.

- Yes, that's all.

Questions?

- No?

Well.

Best of luck to the little one.

- There she is.

- Okay, here we go.

- Out of the way.

- Just a few words.

- [Reporter] Miss Chadwick,will you swim today?

- [Photographer]Florence, over here.

Big smile for theTaranto Telegram.

- How do you feel aboutracing a 16 year old?

- My contract doesn't sayanything about a race.

I was invited to swim the lake

and I don't really thinkmuch about who else

may think they should try it.

- [Man] One quickpicture, ma'am.

A quick word.

- Too windy.

Not today.

- What?

- Just one more question.

- Okay, okay, okay.

Any time now, fellas.

Don't go far.

- [Reporter] Come on, now.

- So now what do we do?

- We wait.

(somber music)

(men groaning)

- Very soon she willget in that lake.

I promise you.

We'll make sure of it.

(thundering)

(somber radio music)

- Mr. Freeman, sir.

Just a moment of your time.

If you could please,

please, please, please,

press upon Miss Chadwick, again,

that we are runningout of time, sir.

So if we want her to makethe closing ceremonies,

we would have...

(thundering)

- It's been four days.

What about your job?

(Syd shushing)

They're not gonna waiton you forever, dear.

Do you realize there's onlythree days left before we close?

- You're gonnaget us both fired.

- Well, it was youridea to book her royal,

I won't swim inthe rain, heinous.

- Maybe if you weren't sobusy kissing her royal bottom

she would get off it andstart working for her money.

Hmm?

- Chief, I'll send you a storywhen there's a story to send.

- [Chief] Get me the story!

- Hello?

- Hey, buddy.

You here for the lake fiasco?

- Yeah, for the Tele in Taranto.

- You wanna story?

I'll swim the lake right now.

- Yeah, sure.

- Come on, you're gonnawait til Christmas

for these females toget their act together.

I'll do it right now.

I'm Illinois State Champ.

Chief?

- What.

- The Tele's gota man in the lake.

- Where's our kid?

- George says they'resitting tight.

So the Tele's got astory and we got squat?

Terrific.

- Kerschner is a fool.

The wind's are ridiculous.

Please, Myron.

- This idiot's stealingour whole show!

Do something!

Boss, there's nothing we can do!

- Sir, it's reallyout of our control.

- We can only hopethat Kerschner--

- Drowns.

- Yes.

What?

- [Man] Come on, Jerry.

You're gonna be all right.

Just take it easy.

- Jerry?

Jerry?

Is he all right?

- [Reporter] Jerry,what happened out there?

- Swimming that lake is suicide.

It'll tear the littlegirl's heart right out.

- [Announcer] He saysswimming that lake is suicide.

Kerschner, sufferingsevere hypothermia,

was then brought by ambulanceto Youngstown Hospital.

- Incompetent windbag.

(somber music)

- Miss MacKinnon?

- Yes?

She wants to see us.

(knocking)

- Well, poor Mr.Kerschner didn't make it.

- Lucky for you.

- 11 o'clock, tonight.

- Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll get the print.

You get the press.

- The cars. Call for the cars.

- What about the Bell kid?

- Just as soon aswe've got a minute.

(foreboding music)

(somber music)

- Hello?

Anybody home?

Hi.

- Oh, hello.

- Well, the swim's going ahead.

- Oh, well it's about time.

When?

- 11 o'clock.

And that would bein about 25 minutes.

So...

- Right.

Right.

Wake up!

Wake up! Wake up!

She's going now.

Now!

Marilyn, honey.

We've got 20 minutes!

Get up, dear.

I'll get the food.

- Camera.

- Gus?

Gus?

Where's Gus?

- He went for a walkwith your father?

- Get your warmup suit on, dear.

- I need my rubdown.

- Do it yourself.

- I can't reach everywhere.

- I can do it.

- No. No.

- Thank you, George.

Where's the thermos?

- It's okay.

Hey, this isn't grease.

It's iodine.

- Gus doesn't believe in grease.

- Okay.

Where does it go?

- All over.

- Okay, we'll do this quick.

Okay.

- Here, take the flashlight.

- What're you guys doing?

What's going on?

- [Grace] Thankgod, you're here.

- [Bernie] She'sgoing in 20 minutes.

- That Myron fellow.

- Shut up.

They're starting without us.

I shoulda seen this coming.

There's no way wecan get our boats

into position in 20minutes and they know it.

They never wanted a race.

- Gus, maybe we can'tbe where we should be,

but in 10 minutes I canhave both boats right here.

- It's only a mile out.

Marilyn can start on time,swim out and meet us.

- She can't swim alonea mile in the dark.

- No, Gus, I can do it.

- No, you've neverswam alone at night.

I'm not gonna let you do it.

It's too risky.

- No, I can do it.- [Gus] No, Marilyn.

- I wanna do it!

- Syd, help Gracestore the food.

Doc, check the first aid.

Jack, cast off the yacht.

Harris, you go get a cab.

You're gonna be taking herdown to the starting point.

Brian to Whaler, now.

You keep your head up.

Watch out for other boats.

- Okay.

- Keep your eyes open.

Watch for my flashlight.

Listen for me calling.

- Okay.

- You sprint thatmile like there's no tomorrow.

(crowd applauding)

(marching band music)

- Miss Chadwick!

Any comment, Miss Chadwick?

- How long do you think it'lltake you, Miss Chadwick?

- Miss Chadwick, good luck.

- Thank you.

- Miss Chadwick,

congratulations.

- Good luck.

(band music)

(crowd applauding)

- Go! Go! Go!

- She's fine.

Clapping! Clapping!

(crowd applauding)

(crowd chanting)

- [Myron] Thank you all,ladies and gentlemen.

We'll see you againin twelve hours--

- Make way!

Make way, everyone.

Marilyn Bell.

Make way.

- [Reporter] Hey, Marilyn.

Marilyn, why you so late?

Were you supposedto start together?

Are you still gonna do a race?

- [Man] Miss Bell,are you racing?

- Thanks for getting me here.

- See you on theother side, kid.

(foreboding music)

What's the matter, honey?

- I'm a littlescared of the dark.

- What?

Hey.

What could happen to you withall of us standing here, huh?

It's okay.

You'll be fine.

Marilyn Bell, ladiesand gentlemen.

Marilyn Bell.

(crowd applauding)

(dramatic music)

(deep breathing)

Let's go, Marilyn!

(crowd applauding)

(ominous music)

- [Grace] Marilyn?!

- [Gus] Marilyn?!

- Marilyn?!

- Marilyn?

Marilyn?

(ominous music)

(whimpering)

Marilyn?

Marilyn?

- Where is she?

- [Gus] Marilyn?

- Corina to Taranto Star.

We've been out half an hour,

still no sign of the kid.

- Marilyn?!

- Honey?!

(ominous music)

(birds splashing)

(foreboding music)

- It's been too long, hasn't it?

- Oh, thank god.

Jack, move ahead.

- Marilyn?

Marilyn, look out!

(exciting music)

- Oh, Gus.

Oh, Gus.

I was--

- What did I tell you aboutswimming with your eyes closed?

- I didn't.

I was lost.

- The hardest part's over.

Now let's go catch Flo.

Come on!

(upbeat music)

- There she is.

(laughing)

- Told you she coulddo it, didn't I?

- Go, Marilyn!

That a girl!

(upbeat music)

- Eel!

- What is it?

(yelling)

- Lamprey eels.

Lake's infested.

The light attracts them.

- Swim! Swim through them.

- I can't!

They're between my legs!

- Grab their headsand pull them off you.

- Touch them?

No!

(yelling)

- That's it Marilyn, swim!

- No! No! Slow down.

Keep your pace steady.

Conserve your energy.

What?

- I hope you knowwhat you're doing.

- You wanna swimback to Youngstown?

- [Announcer] Marilyn'sgaining on Chadwick.

We can see theirlights up ahead.

We picked them uphailing the Tele.

They say Chadwick'sslowing down.

- Who would have thunk?

Barney, save a spot on pageone for the morning, will you?

I've got a funnyfeeling about this kid.

(wind blowing)

- Flo?

You wanna get out of the water?

- I'm all right.

I'm okay.

(thundering)

(whistling)

- Are you hungry?

- I have cramps in my legs.

These are punishing.

- No, don't do that.

Marilyn, you aregoing to regret that.

Try this!

It'll help you out.

- Just hand it to her.

- She can't touch us or the boat

or she's disqualified.

Give me another cup.

Try again.

Talk to her

while I get her lubricant.

- What? What should I say?

- Anything but what's wrong.

- Marilyn!

Isn't the sky pretty?

The sky is pretty.

- So cold, George.

- I saw a shooting star.

Star.

It's lucky, aye?

- Did you wish?

- Yeah!

That you'll win.

(wind rushing)

- Put this on yourarms and legs.

It'll warm you up.

You've almost swum all night.

You've never done that before.

Now the sun will be coming up.

You'll be warmer andyou'll be able to see.

You're doing great.

(wind howling)

- [Man] Flo, you need help!

(somber music)

- Get me out.

(gasping)

(yelling)

- Flo is out!

That brings us out of the gate.

- Chadwick's out!

My god, this is amazing.

We gotta tell Marilyn!

Marilyn!

- Hey!

You open your mouth out of turn

and I'll kick yourout of this thing so fast

your teeth will comeout of your ...

Never ever speak to heruntil I tell you to.

Now sit down and shut up.

- Chief, what're youdoing here at this hour?

- Are you kidding?

Call everybody in.

I want circulation standing by.

I want fresh coffeeout every hour.

This is top of page one stuff.

I want a banner.

"Yankee Quits.

"Marilyn Swims to Victory!"

Send a fresh pair of underpants

over to McDoogle at theTele, with my compliments.

Now we got a story, don't we?

(crowd commotion)

- Miss Chadwick, are youreally sure you have to quit?

I mean, do youreally have to stop?

- Look at her, you moron.

- Is the kid still at it?

- [Patsy And Myron] Yes!

(reporter commotion)

(upbeat music)

(exciting music)

(exciting music)

- My spectacle!

My show of shows ruined!

We're dead.

You're dead.

- Hold it.

We can still turnthis thing around.

All we have to do isget behind the kid, see?

Switch horses.

- Yeah, same show, new star.

It just might work.

- It better.

(boat motor buzzing)

- Come on, Marilyn.

Keep up the pace.

Give me 22 strokea minute at least.

- I'm going as fast

as I can.

- You're not.

You're not kicking.

- I can't feel my toes.

- She's exhausted,Ryder, give her a break.

- Keep swimming.

Come on! Focus!

Think!

Look up ahead somewhere, Bryant.

- No, no more head games.

It's cruel.

- This is my swimmer, my swim,

and you will do as you are told.

Now point.

Look alive.

Look excited about it.

- Do you have a compassionatebone in your body?

This is despicable.

- Look away whenyou talk like that.

She can see our faceswhen she breathes.

Just smile.

When you smile, smilelike it's almost over.

- You are such an ...

(exciting music)

- Taranto Star?

Yes, ma'am, she's beenswimming for 10 hours.

That's very kind of you, sir.

We'll send her the message.

(phones ringing)

- This story is breakingall over the place.

CBC wants to know ifthey can broadcast

with Jerry radio in to us.

We're going national.

- International.

Americans want film camerasat the landing for TV news.

- Circulation is runningout of newspapers.

We're taking cash pledges

from every corporationin the city.

It's up to 10 thousand andthey're still coming in.

Everybody's ticked that theCNE isn't backing her up.

They all wannamake it up to her.

Hindmarsh.

CNE just called apress conference.

- I am delighted to announce

that upon completion of herswim across Lake Ontario,

the CNE will be proud topresent our Marilyn Bell

with a standing cashprize of 7,500 dollars.

We're rooting for Marilyn.

(Patsy clapping)

All of her fans should joinus down here at the CNE

to give her the hero'swelcome that she deserves.

(Patsy and Myron clapping)

- Hey, she's driftingoff course again.

- Marilyn!

- Marilyn!

- This way.

- Marilyn, over here.

Marilyn, come on.

- [Gus] This way!

Follow the boat now, come on.

That's it.

- This is inhuman.

She's right out of it.

Your tricks don't work anymore.

- Just gotta think ofsomething else, that's all.

Corina!

Get Joan Cook out here now!

- [Jerry] She must have swuma good 10 miles off course.

She's tired.

She's in trouble,that's for sure.

- Come on kid, hang in there.

- [Radio Reporter] Andhow far is she now, Jerry?

- [Jerry] Still 12 miles to go.

- 12?

- Joan Cook?

Is there a Joan Cook here?

- I'm Joan Cook.

- What's going on here?

Who are you?

- Mark Harrison, Taranto Star.

Gus Ryder sent me tobring you to see Marilyn.

She needs you. Wehave to go now.

- It's out of question.

- But Mr. Gorchinski.

- No.

- Please, Mr. Gorchinski.

- No.

- Gorchinski.

Gorchinski.

How do you spell that?

- Why?

- I think the peopleshould know the name

of the man responsible forthe country's sweetheart

failing her swim.

(scoffing)

(somber music)

(humming)

- He's out to kill her, I swear.

- Joan, I want youto race with her.

Get her blood up.

You know she loves to race.

- Well, hello to you too.

Gus, I can't. My clothesare too heavy to swim in.

- Take them off.

- You're funny.

- You see, he's not right.

- I'd go in myself,

but I can't swim.

Oh god, she's going under.

Somebody help her.

Marilyn!

Help her!

- Falling asleep again.

Joan!

- Joan?

What're you doing here?

- I don't know, kid.

- Are you naked?

- Practically.

- Oh, my legs.

Numb.

- Come on, kid.

I gotta keep moving orelse I'm gonna freeze

my you-know-what's off.

- Joan.

Please.

How far?

Really.

- Five miles, tops.

(groaning)

- Said five miles hours ago.

- Marilyn, whywould I lie to you?

- I really hope not.

- Quit blubbering.

You're making me look bad.

We still got a date to godancing tomorrow night?

- Oh.

- At the rate you're going,you'll still be right here.

- I'm not going back.

- Slow.

- I can whoop you!

- Oh yeah?

Prove it.

(upbeat trumpet music)

- [Announcer] Ladiesand gentlemen,

welcome to the CanadianNational Exhibition.

Please join us nowat the Lake Shore

for the arrival ofCanada's sweetheart,

16 year old Marilyn Bell,

just minutes awayfrom completing

the longest marathon swimin the world for the CNE.

- It's the mayor.

Mayor Sanders!

Welcome to my show.

- Will this weatheraffect the swim?

- No, not at all.

Not a problem.

(thundering)

Why dwell on the weather?

You know, I didn't havea moments hesitation

backing Marilyn.

- Patsy MacKinnon, publicity.

I knew she was gonna be a hit

from the moment Icame up with the idea.

- Myron Peters, sir.

Special events.

I think this willbe the best thing

that I ever did for this town.

(laughing)

(foreboding music)

(crying)

- Let me get back in with her.

- It's not gonna work twice.

Only the currentholding her up now.

(crying)

- Come on, Marilyn.

Only another mile.

A mile!

You can do this.

(somber music)

- [Announcer] Hour 19,ladies and gentlemen.

Marilyn's due in any time now.

- What'staking her so long?

- No idea.

(ominous music)

(moaning)

- Christ, that poor kid.

- Marilyn?

Marilyn?

Wake up, sweetheart.

- I can't.

- Yes you can.

It's only a halfof a mile. Come on.

- Too tired.

(boat honking)

- Uh oh.

What're they doing here?

- Mr. Ryder, thisis harbor patrol.

Marilyn hasn't moved in an hour.

She's fallen asleep twice.

We think it's time she came out.

- No, she's fine.

Just stay back!

- I told you, youpushed her too far.

- You morons, thisis a marathon.

This is what it looks like.

She wants this!

- Just be patient.

Let her finish.

- She needs medical attention.

She's lost consciousness twice.

We will remove herforcibly, if necessary.

- We have our own doctor.

Tell them she's fine.

- She's not fine.

Tell them to take her out.

- Maybe Gus has losthis perspective.

- I think you shouldget her out now, Gus.

- They don't know her.

She loves a fight.

- No.

You love a fight.

She just loves to swim

and she can't anymore.

She's only made itthis far to please you.

Now if you would put yourfat head aside for a second.

- You son of a--

- Get her out of the water.

- I'll kill you.

- Hey, you'll make up capsize.

- You want the kid to see this?

Sit down!

- I've always saidit's up to Marilyn.

I'll ask her.

If she wants out,she can get out now.

Marilyn?

Marilyn?

They all said youshould quit now.

I said it's up to you.

Do you want out?

- I'm sorry.

I wanna go home.

- Fine.

Swim here to the boatand we'll get you out.

- I'm sorry, Gus.

I'm so sorry.

- Don't be sorry, just swim.

Move us ahead slowly.

- What?

- Shut up, George,or I'll deck you too.

- Come on, Gus.

- Just do as I say.

- He knows what he's doing.

- Gus!

- You said you can't kick.

Well, you're kicking.

- I want out.

I can't swim any more.

- We all just saw you swim.

- I hate you.

- Okay.

Swim over to the boat.

I'll pull you out, I promise.

- You'll just move it again.

I trust you and youjust lie and lie.

- Well I trusted in you.

You said you wanted this.

(Marilyn crying)

What did I say?

- That you'd make sure I did it.

(crying)

Oh, sure.

(somber music)

You just won'tgive up, will you?

- I promised.

Now just take your time.

This is not a race.

Jack, let her driftwith the current

instead of her fighting.

We'll land over there a ways.

We're gonna landwest of the CNE.

By the Boulevard Club.

It's easier on her.

Come on, Marilyn.

Kick.

Good girl.

(upbeat music)

You're swimming.

- Attention! Attention, please.

Due to the offshore current,

Marilyn will be landingat the Boulevard Club

instead of the CNE.

- What?

- I repeat.

Marilyn will be landingat the Boulevard Club

and not the CNE.

- Ryder!

Ryder!

Come here!

You must land here!

The CNE has hundreds ofpeople waiting for you.

- Please, everyone, come back.

Come on back. Come on.

(dreary music)

(ominous music)

- [George] Oh god, she'sgoing the wrong way.

- [Joan] Marilyn!

- [Gus] Marilyn!

- [Joan] No, Marilyn, stop.

Over here.

- [Gus] Marilyn, over here.

- Turn around.

We're right here.

Over here.

- [Gus] Right to us.

- [Joan] That's right.

Over here.

- [Gus] Slow and steady now.

- [Joan] That a girl.

Come on. Over here.

- Listen.

(crowd chanting)

Do you hear it?

Listen!

(crowd chanting)

Marilyn, look at me.

I want you to fight.

Fight!

This is your gold medal.

Fight!

I want you to swim.

Come on!

- [Joan] That a girl!

- [Gus] Kick those legs.

- [Joan] That's it, sweetheart.

- [Joan] You'realmost there, hun.

Come on, Marilyn.

- [Gus] You can do it!

Come on, Marilyn.

- [Joan] Keep it going.

No, Marilyn, come on!

You gotta keep swimming.

- [Gus] Wake up! Wake up!

Wake up!

- [Joan] Marilyn!

Marilyn!

Keep swimming.

- [Gus] That's it.

Push!

(crowd chanting)

Marilyn.

Almost home!

- Marilyn Bell is50 yards out now.

50 yards from being thefirst to cross Lake Ontario.

21 hours of agony almost over.

(somber music)

(crowd chanting)

(crowd cheering)

(uplifting music)

20 yards.

Oh no.

It looks like she'shaving trouble again.

(crowd chanting)

Marilyn!

Marilyn!

Marilyn!

- You can do it, honey!

- [Crowd] Marilyn!

Marilyn!

Marilyn!

- She's back at it!

This is unbelievable.

15 yards now!

15 yards!

(inspirational music)

- Go, Mar, go!

- You're almost there, hun!

(crowd cheering)

- [Announcer] Four!

Three!

Two!

One!

This is the end!

This is the end!

(crowd cheering)

- Yes!

Yes!

- That's my baby!

- All swimmers whobelieved she would do it,

she's done it!

Marilyn Bell, at16 years of age,

has crossed Lake Ontario!

(somber music)

(crowd cheering)

- [Reporter]Congratulations, Miss Bell.

(crowd chanting)

(laughing)

- You did it!

You finished!

- We did it.

Thank you, Gus.

(triumphant music)

(crowd cheering)

(upbeat music)

You make me sad

You cover up my morning skies

I make you mad

Pour me a little honey

I asked you for a little bit

Of something good

You opened up the sugarlike you knew you should

And now you do me right, baby

Keep doing, baby, what you do

You make it sweeter, sweet

Because sweet iswhat I need from you

You make a sweetersweeter, sweet

Because sweet iswhat I need from you