We're No Angels 1989

Ned and Jim's imprisonment under a brutal warden

In 1935, Ned and Jim are jailed on unspecified charges and subjected to brutal abuse by a ruthless warden. The Great Depression-era context foregrounds their grim confinement. The seeds of their later escape begin to form as they endure harsh conditions in prison.

Bobby's escape from the electric chair ignites chaos

A vicious killer named Bobby escapes the electric chair, triggering chaos that helps Ned and Jim slip away. The warden's attention centers on Bobby while the two inmates seize a chance to vanish. The escape hinges on a moment of law-and-order breakdown inside the prison.

Flight to a small upstate New York town near the border

Ned and Jim flee to a small upstate New York town near the Canada–US border, seeking anonymity and safety. They hope to hide in plain sight by posing as respectable men on the run. The proximity to the border keeps their options precarious.

Mistaken identity as priests draws them into a monastery

The locals mistake them for a pair of priests expected at the local monastery, and the brothers decide to go along with the ruse. They begin to blend into religious life while trying not to draw attention. The warden's search complicates their cover and makes staying risky.

Border-crossing plans thwarted by misunderstandings and pursuit

Misunderstandings and a persistent search party for Bobby make a trip across the bridge to Canada nearly impossible. Ned and Jim weigh the risks of continuing the disguise versus attempting escape. The tension between staying hidden and the external pursuit grows.

The priests win trust at the monastery under Father Levesque

Masquerading as priests, they are welcomed by Father Levesque and slowly gain the trust of the monastery's community. The ruse provides safety but deepens their moral conflict. They begin to inhabit the role of protectors rather than fugitives.

A procession opens a route to the border

An opportunity arises through a procession to the church's sister across the border, offering a potential way to cross. Each participating priest must bring someone who needs help, creating a fragile plan. The procession becomes a focal point where their fates intertwine with others' needs.

Choosing Molly's deaf-mute daughter as the 'someone in need'

They decide to bring Molly's deaf and mute daughter, the daughter of Molly, a local laundress and prostitute, to fulfill the requirements of the procession. The choice binds the fugitives to a vulnerable girl who can become a symbol of salvation. The plan hinges on the daughter's ability to communicate somehow again.

Bobby is killed by police during the procession

During the procession, Bobby is killed by police, removing an immediate threat and altering the dynamic of the fugitives' cover. The event marks a turning point in the dangers surrounding the priests and their mission. The town reels from the sudden violence amid the religious ceremony.

Ned saves Molly's daughter from drowning and she speaks

Ned dives to save Molly's daughter from drowning, and the girl's rescue is followed by her ability to speak. The moment validates their decision to take her as the processional 'someone in need.' It also changes the dynamic of the protagonists' disguises.

Jim befriends a young monk and stays to study priesthood

Jim forms a bond with a young monk and decides to remain in the monastery to become an actual priest. The decision marks a personal transformation and a new path away from the fugitives' escape plot. He commits to a life of religious service.

Ned heads to Canada with Molly and her daughter

Ned resolves to leave with Molly and her daughter for Canada, seeking safety and a fresh start beyond the border. The trio begins a precarious new life while the warden's pursuit likely continues to hunt them in memory. The escape finally moves into a long-term exile.