The Inn of the Sixth Happiness is based on the true story of Gladys Aylward (played by Ingrid Bergman), a faithful missionary in a remote Chinese village who helped run an inn for traveling mule drivers. The China Inland Mission Center in England refused to sponsor her due to her lack of vocation and experience, so in 1932 she set out on her own, believing with all her heart it was God's call on her life.

After years of service, the Chinese Mandarin (governor) of the town of Yang Cheng (played by Robert Donat) made Gladys the official "foot inspector," a position that required her to convince the town's aristocracy to cease the injurious tradition of binding young women's feet to prevent them from growing. Because of her demonstrated love, she was given the name Jennai, meaning "one who loves people."

When the Japanese army invades northern China, the village Mandarin, elders, and Jennai enter a conference room and take a seat around a large circular table. The Mandarin offers a toast saying farewell to the past: "In a little while we must leave our city, perhaps for years, perhaps forever. For those of us who are old, certainly forever.

"Elders of Yang Cheng, I thank you for your help in this time of trouble. But we were born to our trouble. There is one who has taken it upon herself not from necessity, but from love." He stands up and all the elders follow. Jennai, however, remains seated. "Jennai, we thank you from those who are not here, whose children you have taken as your own, for the poor, and the sick, and the afflicted, from all the people of Yang Cheng, for the past and for the future.

"I honor you for your strength. I wish to share with you the faith from which it comes."

Jennai, realizing he is talking about her Christian faith, is overcome with emotion.

"City recorder, close the book of Yang Cheng with this entry: As a sign of respect for the honored foot inspector of this city, the Shian Sang of Yang Cheng has become a Christian."

Jennai lifts her head slightly and begins to weep openly. "Oh, I thank you for this great gift."

"Jennai," the Mandarin says as he puts his hand on her shoulder, "accept my gift. It is offered with love."

Elapsed time: This scene begins at 01:59:05 and ends at 02:02:33.

Content: Not rated