Loved the Friendships

Yes, exactly to the point in every respect.

Well, one would suppose that these three lovely ladies would be surrounded by congregation and clergy and intermediaries among their church community, but then, there's always the possibility that many of those around them merely are not developed for the sake of a succinct screen-story.

For a novel, an author may round out various other church-goers, whom Birdie, Rose and Elizabeth consult for various problems, not the least of which would be their spousal concerns, along with the house.

But, yes, many a wealthy disposes the poor, poor church, at the expense of the rejectors, to be sure, but that point is well taken that only three worshippers maintain the wherewithal to renovate the house.

And so, for this, they must bring in Junior, the neighborhood watcher, to show how the congregation and a renegade deal with one another--which creates a major plot flaw, which gives (at least one) viewer(s) nightmares for these past several years.

And that would have to do with the point dealing with Elizabeth's unfortunate alienation at the mouth of Junior....

When he brings in this new character of a long-lost love child daughter, she attempts to welcome the child with tolerance as pleasant as possible, by mentioning to Junior (aside from the illegitimate daughter), "We all make mistakes."

...to which Junior lambastes, "She is NOT a mistake!" And he condescends upon poor innocent Elizabeth throughout the balance of the film.

Now, why wouldn't Birdie and Rose and the Minister and Elders and other officers of the Church intervene to assuage Elizabeth that she has no reason to feel guilty from the nasty putdowns and condescending attitude of a sinner, who, just because he volunteers to guard the house, doesn't grant anyone entitlement to turn against God?

Certainly, the dear lovely child is a blessing, but why is guilty Junior's behavior permissible at the expense of innocent Elizabeth's?

Obviously, a horribly negative example of faulty writing prevails, but this altercation evidently sheds much light on the fact that the film's production staff has given little or no consideration to consulting a church for Scriptural advice to give the film authenticity.

So, one again, agreeing with your every point, especially the strong and productive friendship and fellowship among the three principles and supporting characters.

But sometimes you wake up from a nightmare aghast, just never knowing what you would have said to a snake in the grass attacking your very innocent, very friendly and very well-meaning small talk to a neighbor brute bully like that because the first thing which a regular church-goer would do would be to try to calm down until you are able to get to a church on time to let the girls know when to wear kid gloves in case of another confrontation by such a bully brute neighbor as that.

If Sheridan were here, he'd be appalled.