Deadly Harvest (1977) - full transcript
Farmer struggles to keep food on the table, and regain his son who has joined a gang of marauding city-folk during the world's worst famine.
NARRATOR: To most of us
it came as a surprise.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Not many understood.
Too few cared enough to stop it.
Then it no longer mattered
how many understood or cared.
It was too late.
The beginning of the end came
in the late '70s, the climate
changes, unseasonable cold,
freak snowstorms before crops
could be harvested, the
energy crisis, the shortages,
the high cost of growing,
and transporting grain,
the lack of government
support for research programs,
the disappearance of arable
land beneath the monoliths
of reinforced concrete and steel
as the urban centers continued
their unchecked sprawl
into the countryside,
the industrial pollution that
poisoned the earth, the water,
and the air and the continuing
growth of population out
of all bounds and reason
more and more people
less and less food.
By the end of the '70s
the fabric of society
was breaking down in
most parts of the world.
In the autumn of the
final year of the decade,
the North American
harvest was lost.
Grain reserves were dipped
into and the continent survived
until the next harvest, then
the sudden cold, the early snows
and for a second year
the harvest was lost,
but the conviction was there
that the means to survive
were available and
then the bubble burst.
-Mr. Minister this
is unbelievable.
-This report is accurate.
-Heavens Mr.
Minister, why did you
wait so long before
bringing us this?
-Dr. Abbott, I think we should
bind ourselves to the subject.
-Oh this is the subject.
This report informing us
that our entire population--
-I don't think you'd
go as far as that.
-Every report is specific.
-Simon, death by starvation.
-There's only one question.
How long?
-Gentleman, surely
the only question now
is the nature of the
official reaction.
-Well, let's cut
that crap, George.
It's going to be
every man for himself.
Now, people will have
to be told the truth.
-Absolutely not.
Let's not overreact.
-What do you mean overreact?
-Last year's harvest
was all but wiped out.
-And this year's harvest
is frozen in the ground.
I don't think Fred
is overreacting.
-Well you can't
blame the government
for the climate changes.
It's not our fault if
we have sunny skies
one moment, snow
and frost the next,
December and August, who could--
-I blame you for
selling off our reserve.
Two bad harvest years and
you don't have the foresight
to hang on to grain reserves.
-Billions were starving
in Asia we had to sell.
-And made one helluva profit.
-So what demand--
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
-Gentlemen, please.
-What do we feed our
starving millions?
-You are the scientist.
You tell me.
-It's too late Henry.
We can't help you now.
-Well, what about
growing food indoors?
The water gardening process.
It's impossible.
We can't feed the
entire urban population
with hydroponic installations.
We could never get
them built in time.
Even if we did we don't
have the energy to run them.
-The oceans, fish, seaweed.
-The cold weather ruined
our ocean resources.
That's our chemical poisons.
-Well, What do we do?
-Reduce the
population, euthanasia,
kill off the old, the
sick, execute prisoners.
-The people would
never allow that.
-(ANGRILY) They will
if they read this!
-We can't release these facts.
There'd be mast rioting.
Now we, we have
to stall for time.
-Wait until things get better.
-Things are not going to
get any better, George.
A climate gets worse and worse.
We don't know when
we're going to be
able to grow food
properly again.
-Well then, there's no choice.
We've got to lie.
-What are we saying?
-We say
We have a temporary supply
and distribution problem and
We cut present rationing to
half from 60 down to 30 percent.
The People won't accept that.
-They will, if they
believe more is coming.
(SARCASTICALLY) Oh.
-We could distract them,
introduce Marshall Law,
establish curfew,
close the borders.
-Pipe down on communications.
Stop all the long
distance sales.
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
-When the people realize we
can't even make good on 30%.
-Gentlemen please.
Can I get a sense
of this meeting?
A show of hands.
We cut rationing to 30%.
Impose Marshall Law and
curfews, close all borders,
stop all long distance
telephone calls.
Under no circumstances do we
tell the people the truth.
In favor?
Against?
Abstentions?
This meeting endorses
the minister's proposals.
-What does it matter anyway?
In a few short days this nation
will be visited by a new terror
our people will move across
the countryside like rats,
reaping a deadly
harvest, scavenging
over every last crumb
of food, killing for it.
The 10 plagues would
be a welcome relief
from what we've just
begun here today.
-No daddy, please, not Melody.
-It has to be done, Bobbie.
-Daddy, please.
-Look sweetheart, in better
times we would keep Melody,
but we don't have any food
for her anymore and as skinny
as that heifer is
she's going to have
to be our main source
of meat for the winter.
-But she's mine, I raised her.
I won the Forage Prize for her.
-I know honey, it's tough.
But a lot of folks are having to
do things they don't want to do
and they've got to
live, your mother, you,
me, Michael and even though
Susan and John are going
to get married, they're
going to need help.
I'm sorry, honey.
How's it going, son?
-I think the pistons cracked.
-Well keep at it, we'll need
this tractor for the project.
[COW MOOING]
-Where you going with that, dad?
-I've got to kill
Melody, it's time.
-(ANGRILY) So you can
give our meat away
to Susan and that
bastard from the--
-Michael, that's enough.
Now, John's going to be family.
You and I have been
through this before
and I still think you're
being unreasonable.
Now, whatever your
personal opinions are,
I don't want to hear
about it anymore.
-The heifer's not in the barn.
-What do you mean?
-Bobbie.
I saw her taking
melody out of the barn.
-Where?
-It looks pretty
poor around here.
See that house over there?
Try around that area.
Turn right here.
Over that way.
Yeah.
This looks bitter.
I bet these people have
plenty of goodies tucked away.
-It's going to be OK, Melody.
I know a spot.
Daddy won't look for you there.
[COW MOOING]
Don't be silly.
-Hey, hey, look at that.
Boys, I think we
hit the jackpot.
-Come on Melody, run!
-Sam, take her.
Come on.
Do it!
-No, no!
-Now, behave yourself.
You could get hurt.
You want to get hurt?
-(CRYING) No not Melody!
No not Melody!
[GUNSHOT]
[COW GROANING]
-Somebody coming there.
OK.
Hurry up!
Come on.
-(CRYING) No you can't.
It's our cow.
It's mine.
It's our food.
You can't.
-Pull.
Pull.
Come on.
Pull.
Pull
-(CRYING) Daddy!
No!
-Let's go!
-Daddy, in the van they killed
Melody and they shot her dead.
-You got enough room
back there, Freddie?
Don't let her kick you now.
[LAUGHTER]
-You seen the look
on that girl's face?
A whole cow, I don't believe it.
-Here you are.
You know you're lucky we
didn't get another one of you.
They'd have to ride on the roof.
-(SINGING) Old
Mcdonald had a cow
-(SINGING) E I E I O and
the cow is right here now.
-(SINGING) E I E I O.
-(SINGING) With a
roast beef here.
-(SINGING) Here a
liver there a tongue.
[LAUGHTER]
-(SINGING) Old McDonald
had a cow E I E I O.
[LAUGHTER]
-Hey, look what's there.
Ed, did you see what I saw?
-What?
[LAUGHTER]
There's an old farmer's truck
must've turned over four times.
-Ow!
Ow!
-Grant, what are we gonna do?
-Well, we're just going to
have to take more precautions.
-You should have
gone after them, dad.
The Thurston's, The Thompson's.
How many more farms have to be
raided before we fight back?
-Michael, I'll do whatever
is necessary to protect
this family, but if I can
avoid trouble, I'm going to.
-That's not good enough.
-Now just a minute, son.
I am still head of this family.
I suppose if you
had your way, you'd
join up with Wilcox and
that bunch he's organizing.
-At least Frank Wilcox
is going to fight back.
-Frank Wilcox is a hothead.
He's a part-time cop
that enjoys power
and he's trading
protection for food
and it's nothing but a racket.
-He's still going to
protect these farms!
-Sure.
They may also get
somebody killed.
I don't want the blood of
this community on my hands.
-What about the
blood of this family?
-Michael.
-Grant, maybe he's right.
Our world is falling apart.
We're going to be
torn to pieces.
Perhaps, we should
fight fire with fire.
-No, that's not the answer.
We've got to find ways to farm.
-It's August, and the
weather feels like winter.
-I know this weather doesn't
make any sense, but if it's bad
outside we're just going to have
to set up to grow enough food
indoors until things get better.
As for now, we've
got to keep going.
Prepare for survival, not death.
It'll work out.
-Charles, it's just incredible.
-What is it, dad?
What are you so excited about?
-You haven't heard?
The announcement was just made.
There'll be new cutbacks.
We're down to 30% rations.
-No, that can't be.
We're barely getting enough now.
-Charles, something's
very wrong.
-Look at this, I'm sure these
figures were barely optimal.
Compare them to the
computer, you will see.
We're being lied to, Charles.
I know the government
is lying to us.
[PHONE RINGING]
-Hello.
Joyce where are you?
Joyce, slow down.
What is it?
What happened?
Oh my god.
All right, just go home.
No, I don't want you
to try anyplace else.
Dad's here.
We'll find some food some place.
All right.
Bye.
Our government store
ran out of food.
They said there'd be nothing
for the next three days.
-I think we ought to go
out into the country.
The farmers, they put food away.
-What's the use?
The government took
all the farm reserves.
Farmers won't part
with anything now.
-We have to try it.
You have a wife and
children, Charles.
Your daughter is very sick.
It's our only chance.
-All right.
We'll try.
-These the ones?
-Yeah, that's the one
I need, right here.
Thank you.
[METAL CLANKING]
-Daddy, am I going
to school this fall?
-Well I don't think
there is going
to be any school
this fall, Bobbie.
Your mother will have to
teach you your lessons.
-It's not the same as school.
-Well, it's the best
we can do right now.
-Hey, Bobbie.
-Hi, daddy.
-Hi honey.
-How goes the battle, Grant?
Oh fine, the battle's fine.
It's the war that's getting me
down, especially this tractor.
-Is mom in the house?
-Yeah, she's been waiting
for you to get back.
Something about a fitting.
-I'll go see her.
-Daddy, you're sure?
Everything's going to be OK?
-Oh sure, everything's
fine, honey.
The wedding plans are
right on schedule,
unless you two have
changed your minds.
-(LAUGHING) Oh not on your life.
Come on Bobbie, I'll
race you to the house.
-Can I give you a hand?
-Michael tells me that uh,
one of the pistons is cracked.
-Susan told me about the raid.
-Yeah well, you know, I had some
of that meat earmarked for you
two, kind of a special
wedding present.
-That's all right,
we can manage.
What's happening
on the hydroponics?
-Well the agricultural
department says no.
Oh we can get the glowing lamps
all right, but not the energy.
At least, not enough energy to
run those lamps 18 hours a day.
-Well, what about
the steam engine?
-Well, they wouldn't
even listen.
We're going to have
to do it ourselves.
-Is Frank in?
-Yeah, he's in.
-Mr. Wilcox.
-Mike, what do you want?
-Mr. Wilcox, I heard you were
giving extra protection to some
of the farms and
I was wondering--
-Hold it, who says?
-Well, I heard it around.
Mike, what I do is give equal
protection to everybody.
I'm the law.
It's my job.
-Sure, I know that Mr.
Wilcox, but I was just--
-All I've done is organize
a patrol to help the farm.
Actually, I uh, have to
look out for my boys.
-Right, I understand.
-Mike, after the Thurstons
and Thompsons were raided,
some of the farmers
asked me to keep
a special eye on their places.
Of course, they uh, throw
a little extra food my way.
Last time I talked
to your dad he
uh, didn't want anything
to do with that.
-The city raiders hit our farm.
They got our last heifer.
-And now Grant wants to deal.
No, but I've got a proposition.
I join the patrol and in
exchange you include my dad's
farm for guarding,
but you don't make
him pay in food like
you do the others.
[LAUGHING]
And I get you instead of food?
-I'm good with a
gun, Mr. Wilcox.
-That seems good for length.
-It's a little
loose around here.
-Well, we used to eat
better when I was your age.
-Uh, I bet you did.
[LAUGHTER]
-Hi dad.
-Hi.
How's the tractor?
-Well, not to well.
-So what do you
think of the dress?
-Susan, you look lovely.
You're going to be as
pretty as your mother.
-Thank you, daddy.
I'm going upstairs to take a
look in the full length mirror.
-It's so pointless,
Getting married.
Why?
To face a life of starvation?
What kind of world did
we make for our children?
-The world we have, Leah.
Got to work at it,
especially the young folks.
It's their world now.
If they got faith in the future,
We have to have too.
-I love you, Grant.
-Don't ever stop, Leah.
I need you, you know.
-Snow?
-What do you think you're doing?
-Hey Mike.
Looks like it only
needs a ring job.
See about cleaning
the carburetor here.
-(ANGRILY) Why don't
you get out of here.
-Don't talk to John
that way, Michael.
-Look, we don't need
his kind around here!
-What's wrong with you, Mike?
-(ANGRILY) You city
bastards are all the same.
You come out here
and steal our food!
-Susan told me about the heifer.
I'm sorry.
-(ANGRILY) You're no different.
You're stealing our land.
-I bought my land
with hard earned cash.
I didn't steal anything.
-(ANGRILY) You picked up the
Steven's place for back taxes!
Now, that's the same
as stealing in my book!
-Look Michael, I'm going
to be your brother-in-law.
Can't you forget all
these dumb prejudices?
-You are just marrying Susan
to get your hands and our food.
-Now Michael, I--
-Get lost!
-Hey!
-You better learn
to curb your temper.
-Daddy!
Daddy!
Daddy!
Come quick!
-Michael!
That's enough, come on.
What's this all about?
What's the matter with you two?
-Are you all right?
-I'm OK.
-That's what it's about.
My sister and this leech!
-Michael, you watch your mouth!
-It's true!
He's a leech.
He comes out here and
takes whatever he wants.
-You are wrong, son!
-You always take his side.
He's more your son than I am!
Well you can have him.
I'm joining up
with Frank Wilcox.
-Michael, wait a minute!
Now be reasonable, son.
Stay here, help us
with the project.
Wilcox is a corrupt man.
He'll turn you into a killer!
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-You like to try this on, Mike?
-Sure.
-All right.
-Here you go.
-Hey.
[GUNSHOT]
[LAUGHTER]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-Is this the package
you were talking about?
To mix the water
and the minerals in?
-Yeah.
Well, it's bigger
than I thought it was.
Looks like it ought
to do just fine.
I'll have to uh find a pump
to circulate the water.
You know, if I put in
a wall right over here,
that will help to
conserve the heat.
[CHICKENS CLUCKING]
-Easy you guys.
This is it for the whole day.
Make it last.
-I may have to
put in more glass.
That's what lamps are for.
BOBBIE: Daddy!
Someone's coming.
They're men!
-What do you want?
-My name is Charles Ennis.
This is my father, James.
We've been to a number
of farms in the area.
-Yes.
-We were hoping to be
able to buy a little food.
Whatever you can spare.
-We've got nothing to spare.
-We're willing to pay.
-Just name your price.
-You people have got
your own government
food outlets in the city.
-There's no food
left in the city.
-What are you talking about?
-The government food
centers are empty.
They promised there'd be
more food in a few days,
but there's nothing
for most of us.
-I don't understand
how that's possible.
They've got cutbacks
and food rationing,
but for the government
to be out of food?
-My father thinks the
government is lying to us.
-I'm convinced of it.
These new shortages
and ration cuts,
they're just the beginning.
The entire system
is breaking down.
That's why they've imposed
martial law and curfews.
They're afraid of
what's going to happen
when the people learn the truth.
-The government has already
taken our surplus food.
All we've got is
enough for the winter
and we've got ration that.
I can't help you.
-My son here, has a family.
His little girl,
Trudy, she's very sick.
She's got to have decent food.
Whatever you can spare.
-I'm sorry.
-Please, sir.
-Dad.
Dad.
I've never gone down on my
knees to any man before,
but now, I beg you.
Not for myself, but
at least for Trudy.
-Daddy.
Trudy can have my dinner.
-My daughter's just
reminded me of something.
We've tried to raise
her to be a human being.
-We can't offer you very
much, but come to the house.
-These eggs were just
fresh laid, Mr. Ennis.
Yeah, there still warm.
-Isn't that something.
Eggs fresh from the
chicken, a Miracle.
-Better not let the
chickens hear that.
It'll go to their heads.
-Daddy.
[LAUGHTER]
-You know, I can't even remember
the last time I laughed.
-Well, one day we'll
all laugh again.
-We'll certainly laugh tomorrow.
-Our oldest daughter's
getting married.
-I wish we had
something to give them.
-Thanks, but they'll be
getting what they need most
from their friends
and neighbors, food.
-Mr. Franklin, Mrs. Franklin,
I wish I had the words to--
-It's our pleasure.
-I just wish we could do more.
-There is something.
My wife died last year.
Please.
Give this ring to
the young couple.
From our family to yours.
-Thank you.
-And Thank you, young lady.
-Say hi t0 Trudy for me.
-We will.
-Hold it there, Mike.
Swenson, bring her back.
Let it cross the road.
Hold it, that's fine.
OK Mike, bring her in.
That ought to discourage
anyone from barging in on us.
-That's for sure.
-Hey Frank, look over there.
-What's that?
-Is that an accident?
-No.
Looks like some
sort of road block.
-There wasn't anything
here when we arrived.
-You recognize that car, Mike?
-No, but they must be locals.
-Swenson.
I sure hope for
their sake they are.
-I think we're going to
have to run that block.
Maybe I can cut
across this field.
-What in the world for?
We Haven't done anything.
-We have food in the car.
Cover it.
Those men have guns.
Hang on, dad.
Here we go.
-Let's get 'em!
-I don't think I can control it.
-I don't think they're
going to stop coming.
-They have to.
-OK out.
-What's this all about?
We haven't done anything.
-What the hell are you
guys doing around here?
-My son and I came over
for a drive in the country,
for some fresh air.
-Oh Yeah, and some
fresh food too, right?
-Look.
We'd just like to be on
our way back to the city.
-Sure fellas, in a minute.
Swenson.
-Look at this, Frank.
-Well, well, it's a regular
goddamn supermarket.
-That food was given to us!
-Oh sure it was.
-It's the truth.
-Franklin, that was the name.
-They gave it to us.
-(ANGRILY) That's my family.
If anything's happened
to them I'll--
-We're not thieves.
-All right, never mind.
Mike, give Swenson a hand
and unload this stuff.
Put it in the jeep.
-You can't!
I won't allow it!
That food is ours!
-Take it easy, pop!
It's for the children!
I will--
I won't let them
starve to death!
[GROANING]
-Let go!
-Dad, what is it?
-My chest feels crushed.
Help me, Charles.
FRANK: What the hell
is the matter with him?
-His heart.
Help me.
Please.
FRANK: Swenson, give him a hand.
-If anything happens to him--
-What do you want from us?
We didn't do anything.
Isn't that right, boys?
SWENSON: That's right, Frank.
FRANK: Well, we all
have to go sometime kid.
Mike.
-I'll get you to the hospital.
-Hospital?
-Rest.
Just lie back.
-The pain
Very bad.
-You'll be all right.
-Hard to breathe.
-You'll be all right.
There's a hospital in Farmwood.
It's not far.
We'll get you into town
as soon as you can.
I know you want to be
close to the family.
Dad?
You all right?
They'll pay for this.
(ANGRILY) I'll make them pay.
MAN (ON LOUD SPEAKER): There's
no more food left today.
[SCREAMING]
-Don't know how you do it, mom.
Making meals from nothing.
-Well, you have to, my
love in times like these.
-Things will be better.
-Sure.
How's everything at your farm?
-Oh, they're settling
really, nicely
and Johnny just
finished making the bed.
-Well that's good.
[LAUGHTER]
Are you excited?
-Uh-huh.
Weren't you?
-Well, it was such a long
time ago, but I remember.
-I hope Michael and
Johnny become friends.
-Well, give them time.
-Well, I feel badly about it.
-Michal will change.
You'll see.
He's just growing up.
Feeling his
independence and he's
stubborn, like your father.
He wasn't much
different at that age.
-Well, I hope he
comes to the wedding.
I don't want anything
to spoil that day.
-Nothing will spoil it.
Hey, hurry up or we'll
be here all night.
-There's your father, now?
Please go bring Trudy down.
Graham, smile.
Daddy's gone through
a lot of trouble
to get that food for us.
Be happy, darling.
We're going to
have a good dinner.
Charles, where is it?
Where's the food?
What happened?
-Daddy, did you get
me something to eat?
-No, my darling.
I didn't get anything.
But I will.
I promise.
-Promise?
How can you promise?
You know there's nothing.
-The black market.
I'll have to try
the black market.
-Very nice.
Very nice.
Now, let's see what we have.
Oh my.
You've invested
wisely, Mr. Ennis.
Oh yes.
Quite an impressive portfolio.
-Take it, all of it.
-I'm sorry.
I have no use for it.
-Business.
Can I give you my business?
-What would I do with
a computer business?
There's nothing to compute.
Well then I'll give you
my house, my paintings.
Anything!
-Ah.
-Just enough food
for the winter.
-Mr. Ennis, your begging.
Not becoming for one of
your social standing.
No, no, no, I have all the
property I want, besides,
if I gave you my food,
if there's a bad harvest
next year I'll be
in deep trouble.
Sorry.
-For God's sake, move it.
-Who do you think you are?
-How times have changed.
Not so long ago, you
were Mr. High and Mighty
and I was nobody.
But I suppose that I was
a little smarter than you.
While you and your hotshot
friends were piling up gold,
I was stocking up on
food and now it turns out
that, that's the only thing in
the world that's what I need.
That's how it is.
Come on, Sam and don't
bother me anymore.
-I know where there's food.
[CHUCKLES]
-So why don't you go get it?
-I can't.
But you could.
There's a farm.
Tomorrow there's
going to be a wedding.
The guests will be
bringing gifts of food.
-Where?
-First we have to make a deal.
-What's the deal?
-Half of whatever you get.
-Oh boy.
All right.
You'll get it, if it's there.
Where is it?
-Here.
I'll show you.
-Half, huh?
-You leave the main highway.
You'll come to a culprit.
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
-Folks, may I have
your attention?
This is probably not the best
time for what I've got to say,
but uh, seeing as I got
you all in one place.
[LAUGHTER]
We had some folks from the
city come out to the farm
and it seems that
the situation there
is much more serious
than we thought.
They're running out of food.
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
-I didn't hear about
that on the radio.
They just cut the
rations, that's all.
-I'm afraid that's
not all, Purvis.
It seems that a lot of the
things that we're being
told on the radio
are simply lies.
And things are
going to get a lot
worse before they get better.
Now, most of us will be
all right for awhile.
What's going to
happen if we have
another bad harvest like
the one we had last year.
Now, I've got an idea.
There are problems
and I'm not saying
they're going to
be easy to solve.
But I think we can solve the
problems if we work together
and help each other.
-What's the idea, Grant?
-Well, I don't want to
hold of the wedding.
But if you can stick around
a while after the wedding,
I'll lay it all out for you.
Reverend.
[ORGAN PLAYING]
-Susan and John.
We're here with you to
share in this special day.
Your family, friends,
people in this community,
are here with you to share
in the beginning of your life
together.
Knowing the hardships and
difficulties that lie ahead,
that come with gifts
of love and food.
Bless this union and make the
days ahead easier for you.
They've come to let you
know that none of us
need to be alone in the time of
joy or in the time of sorrow.
-Well I'll be, a road block.
Those farmers are getting tough.
-It's got them scared.
What do you want to do?
-Just drive up, nice and easy.
You guys duck down back there.
Slow down.
Slow down.
You come with me, Sam.
-Hey, hold it.
Hold it, right here.
-Watch this.
-This is as far as you go, Mr.
-Howdy.
Is that the way to
the Franklin Farm?
-What is it to you?
-Well, there's a wedding
there and we're going.
We've got a little
present for the bride.
-Oh Susan.
-That's right.
-Oh.
Well, aren't you kind
of late for the wedding?
-Well, that's just it.
We lost our way.
Got a map here,
but I don't know.
I guess we're about here, huh?
-That's right and
the farm is just
a little ways down the road.
Yeah, but the wedding
is at the church.
Just past the farm.
You can't miss it.
-Oh I see.
Right up that way.
-That's right.
-OK, much obliged.
-Hey, wait a moment.
Who are all those
guys in the car?
Oh they're part of
the wedding guests.
-I don't think I can let you go.
-Well, we're late
already we don't want
to miss it altogether, you know?
Let's go.
Let's go.
JOHN: I love you,
Susan and I will
be with you through always life.
You are my family and
your family is my family.
I will honor them
as I honor you.
For I am one with you.
-Swenson, what happened?
-Ah, bunch of city guys,
going to the church.
I showed them the way.
-The what?
Take this.
Let's go.
-Remember, this is a church.
No shooting, nobody gets hurt.
SUSAN: And as you
give your life to me
so do I give my love to you.
I will be one with
you on this day
and in all the days
of our lives together.
And as you honor me,
so do I honor you.
-Sorry to interrupt.
This won't take long.
Stay where you are!
Nobody will get hurt.
(WHISPERING) Daddy, it's them,
the ones who stole Melody.
-You Franklin?
-Yes I am.
What do you want?
-We don't want no trouble.
We just want that food.
-Folks, please
stay where you are.
Don't anybody try anything.
Let them take what
they want and get out!
-Thank you.
Sam, Graham.
-John!
-Stay where you are!
SUSAN: No!
-Stay where you are!
Stay where you are.
Nobody will get hurt!
Nobody will get hurt.
Leave it!
Leave it!
Come on.
Let's go.
[GUNSHOT]
[GUESTS SCREAMING]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-Did they get it all?
Shh, Don't talk.
Don't say anything.
-They hit me in the head.
-You're going to be OK.
-I just need to
lie here a minute.
Just lie here with you.
Don't cry, Susan.
-Those damn hicks, they
think they're cowboys.
[YELLING AND PAINFUL MOANING]
You'll be OK.
We'll be there.
We'll take care of you.
-(CRYING) She's dead.
(CRYING) My Leah Leah is dead.
-Oh my God.
Mom?
FRANK: Grant, I um,
I am sure sorry.
-You get out here, Wilcox
or so help me God I'll kill you.
-You coming with us, Mike?
-Dad.
A
[SUSAN CRYING]
-Amen.
-Dad.
I thought you should see this.
-Ennis?
-Dad?
Susan?
That's it, Dad?
-Michael, you take
care of your sisters.
-You can count on me.
-Don't let them
out of your sight.
Bobbie will help
you with the chores.
As for Susan,
well, I don't know.
You try to help her if you can.
She's got to come
out of herself.
-Take care of yourself.
-Michael.
Thanks.
-You're going to the
city, aren't you Daddy?
-I got to see a man, honey.
-Well, I want you to
have this, for good luck.
-This is the prize
you got for Melody.
-Best calf in the show.
-Thanks, honey.
I'll keep it right here.
I guess, I uh,
better be going now.
You mind your brother.
-And don't worry about us.
We'll be OK until you get back.
-Sure you will.
Bye, honey.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-Susan.
I know you can't forgive me.
Susan.
I'd give my life if I could
make everything all right again.
Please.
Don't shut us all out.
Susan.
-All right, hold it right here.
Let's have your identification.
-Anything wrong?
-What's the purpose of
your visit to the city?
-It's uh personal.
All non-residents must be
here for a specific purpose
and for a specific
length of time.
We have an 8:00 PM curfew.
People are moving from city
to city trying to hoard food.
You have a permit
for that weapon?
-Well, it's only
a hunting rifle.
-All right, out of
the truck, right now.
Out, out, now!
[GUNSHOT]
-Thank God, you're here.
-Don't thank God.
Don't thank anybody.
Just give him the food
and let's get out of here.
-What is it?
What happened?
-They tried to kill Mr. Hogan.
-Those farmer are murderers.
They shot up one
of my best men just
for a few lousy pieces of food.
-I thought there would be more.
-Better be glad there's that.
But they're not
getting away that easy,
especially that Franklin.
I'm going to clean him out, him
and the rest of those farmers.
-You're going back?
-(ANGRILY) You're damn
right, we're going back!
You think I'd let them get
away with what they did?
I'm going to hit every
one of those farms
and I'm going to hit them hard.
They want to play rough.
I'll show them rough!
Come on!
Let's go!
-Then I get more coming to me.
-(ANGRILY) More?
You getting kind of
greedy, ain't ya Ennis?
-We had a deal, 50%.
-(ANGRILY) You want more food.
You get a gun and stick your
neck out, like the rest of us.
-(ANGRILY) You want more
food, you go out and get it.
What I find, I'm going to keep!
-Impossible.
Frank.
-This map, did you draw it?
-I had to have food.
-Please, I had no choice.
You would have done
the same thing.
My family had to live.
-Your family?
What about my family?
Didn't my wife have
a right to live?
My Son-in-law.
Didn't my daughter have a right
to have a chance for happiness?
-What are you talking about?
-There dead!
You murdered them!
For this!
-Not me.
Logan.
I just gave him the map.
I only wanted to feed my family.
-I gave you food.
I deprived my own
family to give you food.
-And took it back!
-I took it back?
-Your murdering son and
his friends took the food
and killed my father.
-Killed your father?
-His heart was weak.
There was a struggle
over the food.
-My God.
-What difference does it make.
-Fair Franklin
look at this.
Grain reserves.
Food concentrates.
Oceanic produce.
Military rations in reserve.
Estimated farm holdings.
Synthetics.
Work in the rationing
factor of 30%.
And the total population
of North America.
-That's not possible.
27 days?
-Don't you understand, Franklin?
It's over.
It's the end the world.
-I don't accept that.
We can survive.
We got some food.
We'll grow more.
-Logan and his men are
heading for your place now.
They're going to
hit all the farms.
They're going to
take everything!
-Lord, my kids.
-It's no use.
The phone is dead.
It's over!
It's over!
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[GUNSHOT]
-Here we are, honey.
I think this being
a special occasion,
we should all be
together at the table.
You OK?
-Uh-huh.
Please, daddy.
Is dinner ready?
-Coming right up.
Now you'll see why I have
the reputation for being
the greatest chef
in the country.
-Let me help you.
No, no darling, you stay
right where you are.
I'm serving this banquet.
JOYCE: Are you all right, Trudy?
-Yes.
-It's so nice to have
you sitting with us.
I think we have a special
surprise for you today.
The boys know what daddy
brought home from the country.
We are going to have that.
Do you remember when we had
breakfast pots in the garden?
I think Graham found it
a couple of years ago
and we'll put them
in the freezer
or we'll have them
again next year.
It'll be a real summer.
The weather will be warm and
we will start to seed inside.
We'll certainly have
brussels sprouts
and we'll have some
more beans, and we'll
have tomatoes, and lettuce.
There are several
kinds of lettuce.
They're delicious.
They go very quickly.
They're nice and crunchy
and we'll have some carrots.
-There we are.
Trudy.
There.
Keith.
Joyce.
-Just a moment, Trudy.
-Dear Lord, today a miracle
happened to this family.
In the past, the table
was always filled,
but in these sad times even
a single meal like this
feels truly a banquet
to be embellished
and remembered forever.
Lord, bless this
house and for what
we are about to receive
make us most truly grateful.
Amen.
-Michael, what's the matter?
-The front door, quick, lock it!
-Why?
-Never mind, just do it.
Come on!
OK.
Get over there and keep
an eye on that window.
Let's go.
Come on.
Sit over here.
-What is it Michael?
What's coming?
-It's the ones who
killed mom and John.
-They're awful quiet, Mr. Logan.
-Larry, go have a look inside.
-(WHISPERING) Michael,
one of them is coming.
-Keep down, Bobbie.
-(WHISPERING) I
can't see like this.
-Shh!
[GUNSHOT]
-I should have known
it was to quiet.
Damn!
(ANGRILY) All right, blow
them the hell out of there!
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-OK, stay low!
Stay low.
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-I've come to see Frank Wilcox.
-Over there.
FRANK: Well I didn't expect to
see you around here so soon.
-Those raiders, the ones at the
wedding, they're on their way
back to my place.
I need help.
Looks like you're coming
around our way of thinking.
-They plan on hitting me and all
the other farms for everything
we've got.
-Swenson!
Round up the boys!
Send somebody
around to the farms.
We're going to go
and help we can get.
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
What the matter with you guys?
There's only one gun in there.
[GUNSHOT]
-Send someone around the back.
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-(SCREAMING) Michael!
[GUNSHOT]
-She spoke, Michael.
-She sure did.
-They have girls in the house.
-Mr. Logan look.
[GUNSHOT]
-Hey!
Let's get out of here fast.
Come on!
Let's go!
-Michael held them off daddy.
He saved us.
-Thank god you kids are OK.
-Daddy, I'm all right now.
-That's wonderful, sweetheart.
FRANK: Are you coming
with us, Grant?
GRANT: We're coming with you.
You girls go in the
house and wait for us.
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-Dad, is it over?
-I'm afraid not, son.
There will be more to come.
-We're not going to make it.
Well, we're going
to have to try.
For all our sakes,
we're going to have
to try, try and survive.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
it came as a surprise.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Not many understood.
Too few cared enough to stop it.
Then it no longer mattered
how many understood or cared.
It was too late.
The beginning of the end came
in the late '70s, the climate
changes, unseasonable cold,
freak snowstorms before crops
could be harvested, the
energy crisis, the shortages,
the high cost of growing,
and transporting grain,
the lack of government
support for research programs,
the disappearance of arable
land beneath the monoliths
of reinforced concrete and steel
as the urban centers continued
their unchecked sprawl
into the countryside,
the industrial pollution that
poisoned the earth, the water,
and the air and the continuing
growth of population out
of all bounds and reason
more and more people
less and less food.
By the end of the '70s
the fabric of society
was breaking down in
most parts of the world.
In the autumn of the
final year of the decade,
the North American
harvest was lost.
Grain reserves were dipped
into and the continent survived
until the next harvest, then
the sudden cold, the early snows
and for a second year
the harvest was lost,
but the conviction was there
that the means to survive
were available and
then the bubble burst.
-Mr. Minister this
is unbelievable.
-This report is accurate.
-Heavens Mr.
Minister, why did you
wait so long before
bringing us this?
-Dr. Abbott, I think we should
bind ourselves to the subject.
-Oh this is the subject.
This report informing us
that our entire population--
-I don't think you'd
go as far as that.
-Every report is specific.
-Simon, death by starvation.
-There's only one question.
How long?
-Gentleman, surely
the only question now
is the nature of the
official reaction.
-Well, let's cut
that crap, George.
It's going to be
every man for himself.
Now, people will have
to be told the truth.
-Absolutely not.
Let's not overreact.
-What do you mean overreact?
-Last year's harvest
was all but wiped out.
-And this year's harvest
is frozen in the ground.
I don't think Fred
is overreacting.
-Well you can't
blame the government
for the climate changes.
It's not our fault if
we have sunny skies
one moment, snow
and frost the next,
December and August, who could--
-I blame you for
selling off our reserve.
Two bad harvest years and
you don't have the foresight
to hang on to grain reserves.
-Billions were starving
in Asia we had to sell.
-And made one helluva profit.
-So what demand--
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
-Gentlemen, please.
-What do we feed our
starving millions?
-You are the scientist.
You tell me.
-It's too late Henry.
We can't help you now.
-Well, what about
growing food indoors?
The water gardening process.
It's impossible.
We can't feed the
entire urban population
with hydroponic installations.
We could never get
them built in time.
Even if we did we don't
have the energy to run them.
-The oceans, fish, seaweed.
-The cold weather ruined
our ocean resources.
That's our chemical poisons.
-Well, What do we do?
-Reduce the
population, euthanasia,
kill off the old, the
sick, execute prisoners.
-The people would
never allow that.
-(ANGRILY) They will
if they read this!
-We can't release these facts.
There'd be mast rioting.
Now we, we have
to stall for time.
-Wait until things get better.
-Things are not going to
get any better, George.
A climate gets worse and worse.
We don't know when
we're going to be
able to grow food
properly again.
-Well then, there's no choice.
We've got to lie.
-What are we saying?
-We say
We have a temporary supply
and distribution problem and
We cut present rationing to
half from 60 down to 30 percent.
The People won't accept that.
-They will, if they
believe more is coming.
(SARCASTICALLY) Oh.
-We could distract them,
introduce Marshall Law,
establish curfew,
close the borders.
-Pipe down on communications.
Stop all the long
distance sales.
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
-When the people realize we
can't even make good on 30%.
-Gentlemen please.
Can I get a sense
of this meeting?
A show of hands.
We cut rationing to 30%.
Impose Marshall Law and
curfews, close all borders,
stop all long distance
telephone calls.
Under no circumstances do we
tell the people the truth.
In favor?
Against?
Abstentions?
This meeting endorses
the minister's proposals.
-What does it matter anyway?
In a few short days this nation
will be visited by a new terror
our people will move across
the countryside like rats,
reaping a deadly
harvest, scavenging
over every last crumb
of food, killing for it.
The 10 plagues would
be a welcome relief
from what we've just
begun here today.
-No daddy, please, not Melody.
-It has to be done, Bobbie.
-Daddy, please.
-Look sweetheart, in better
times we would keep Melody,
but we don't have any food
for her anymore and as skinny
as that heifer is
she's going to have
to be our main source
of meat for the winter.
-But she's mine, I raised her.
I won the Forage Prize for her.
-I know honey, it's tough.
But a lot of folks are having to
do things they don't want to do
and they've got to
live, your mother, you,
me, Michael and even though
Susan and John are going
to get married, they're
going to need help.
I'm sorry, honey.
How's it going, son?
-I think the pistons cracked.
-Well keep at it, we'll need
this tractor for the project.
[COW MOOING]
-Where you going with that, dad?
-I've got to kill
Melody, it's time.
-(ANGRILY) So you can
give our meat away
to Susan and that
bastard from the--
-Michael, that's enough.
Now, John's going to be family.
You and I have been
through this before
and I still think you're
being unreasonable.
Now, whatever your
personal opinions are,
I don't want to hear
about it anymore.
-The heifer's not in the barn.
-What do you mean?
-Bobbie.
I saw her taking
melody out of the barn.
-Where?
-It looks pretty
poor around here.
See that house over there?
Try around that area.
Turn right here.
Over that way.
Yeah.
This looks bitter.
I bet these people have
plenty of goodies tucked away.
-It's going to be OK, Melody.
I know a spot.
Daddy won't look for you there.
[COW MOOING]
Don't be silly.
-Hey, hey, look at that.
Boys, I think we
hit the jackpot.
-Come on Melody, run!
-Sam, take her.
Come on.
Do it!
-No, no!
-Now, behave yourself.
You could get hurt.
You want to get hurt?
-(CRYING) No not Melody!
No not Melody!
[GUNSHOT]
[COW GROANING]
-Somebody coming there.
OK.
Hurry up!
Come on.
-(CRYING) No you can't.
It's our cow.
It's mine.
It's our food.
You can't.
-Pull.
Pull.
Come on.
Pull.
Pull
-(CRYING) Daddy!
No!
-Let's go!
-Daddy, in the van they killed
Melody and they shot her dead.
-You got enough room
back there, Freddie?
Don't let her kick you now.
[LAUGHTER]
-You seen the look
on that girl's face?
A whole cow, I don't believe it.
-Here you are.
You know you're lucky we
didn't get another one of you.
They'd have to ride on the roof.
-(SINGING) Old
Mcdonald had a cow
-(SINGING) E I E I O and
the cow is right here now.
-(SINGING) E I E I O.
-(SINGING) With a
roast beef here.
-(SINGING) Here a
liver there a tongue.
[LAUGHTER]
-(SINGING) Old McDonald
had a cow E I E I O.
[LAUGHTER]
-Hey, look what's there.
Ed, did you see what I saw?
-What?
[LAUGHTER]
There's an old farmer's truck
must've turned over four times.
-Ow!
Ow!
-Grant, what are we gonna do?
-Well, we're just going to
have to take more precautions.
-You should have
gone after them, dad.
The Thurston's, The Thompson's.
How many more farms have to be
raided before we fight back?
-Michael, I'll do whatever
is necessary to protect
this family, but if I can
avoid trouble, I'm going to.
-That's not good enough.
-Now just a minute, son.
I am still head of this family.
I suppose if you
had your way, you'd
join up with Wilcox and
that bunch he's organizing.
-At least Frank Wilcox
is going to fight back.
-Frank Wilcox is a hothead.
He's a part-time cop
that enjoys power
and he's trading
protection for food
and it's nothing but a racket.
-He's still going to
protect these farms!
-Sure.
They may also get
somebody killed.
I don't want the blood of
this community on my hands.
-What about the
blood of this family?
-Michael.
-Grant, maybe he's right.
Our world is falling apart.
We're going to be
torn to pieces.
Perhaps, we should
fight fire with fire.
-No, that's not the answer.
We've got to find ways to farm.
-It's August, and the
weather feels like winter.
-I know this weather doesn't
make any sense, but if it's bad
outside we're just going to have
to set up to grow enough food
indoors until things get better.
As for now, we've
got to keep going.
Prepare for survival, not death.
It'll work out.
-Charles, it's just incredible.
-What is it, dad?
What are you so excited about?
-You haven't heard?
The announcement was just made.
There'll be new cutbacks.
We're down to 30% rations.
-No, that can't be.
We're barely getting enough now.
-Charles, something's
very wrong.
-Look at this, I'm sure these
figures were barely optimal.
Compare them to the
computer, you will see.
We're being lied to, Charles.
I know the government
is lying to us.
[PHONE RINGING]
-Hello.
Joyce where are you?
Joyce, slow down.
What is it?
What happened?
Oh my god.
All right, just go home.
No, I don't want you
to try anyplace else.
Dad's here.
We'll find some food some place.
All right.
Bye.
Our government store
ran out of food.
They said there'd be nothing
for the next three days.
-I think we ought to go
out into the country.
The farmers, they put food away.
-What's the use?
The government took
all the farm reserves.
Farmers won't part
with anything now.
-We have to try it.
You have a wife and
children, Charles.
Your daughter is very sick.
It's our only chance.
-All right.
We'll try.
-These the ones?
-Yeah, that's the one
I need, right here.
Thank you.
[METAL CLANKING]
-Daddy, am I going
to school this fall?
-Well I don't think
there is going
to be any school
this fall, Bobbie.
Your mother will have to
teach you your lessons.
-It's not the same as school.
-Well, it's the best
we can do right now.
-Hey, Bobbie.
-Hi, daddy.
-Hi honey.
-How goes the battle, Grant?
Oh fine, the battle's fine.
It's the war that's getting me
down, especially this tractor.
-Is mom in the house?
-Yeah, she's been waiting
for you to get back.
Something about a fitting.
-I'll go see her.
-Daddy, you're sure?
Everything's going to be OK?
-Oh sure, everything's
fine, honey.
The wedding plans are
right on schedule,
unless you two have
changed your minds.
-(LAUGHING) Oh not on your life.
Come on Bobbie, I'll
race you to the house.
-Can I give you a hand?
-Michael tells me that uh,
one of the pistons is cracked.
-Susan told me about the raid.
-Yeah well, you know, I had some
of that meat earmarked for you
two, kind of a special
wedding present.
-That's all right,
we can manage.
What's happening
on the hydroponics?
-Well the agricultural
department says no.
Oh we can get the glowing lamps
all right, but not the energy.
At least, not enough energy to
run those lamps 18 hours a day.
-Well, what about
the steam engine?
-Well, they wouldn't
even listen.
We're going to have
to do it ourselves.
-Is Frank in?
-Yeah, he's in.
-Mr. Wilcox.
-Mike, what do you want?
-Mr. Wilcox, I heard you were
giving extra protection to some
of the farms and
I was wondering--
-Hold it, who says?
-Well, I heard it around.
Mike, what I do is give equal
protection to everybody.
I'm the law.
It's my job.
-Sure, I know that Mr.
Wilcox, but I was just--
-All I've done is organize
a patrol to help the farm.
Actually, I uh, have to
look out for my boys.
-Right, I understand.
-Mike, after the Thurstons
and Thompsons were raided,
some of the farmers
asked me to keep
a special eye on their places.
Of course, they uh, throw
a little extra food my way.
Last time I talked
to your dad he
uh, didn't want anything
to do with that.
-The city raiders hit our farm.
They got our last heifer.
-And now Grant wants to deal.
No, but I've got a proposition.
I join the patrol and in
exchange you include my dad's
farm for guarding,
but you don't make
him pay in food like
you do the others.
[LAUGHING]
And I get you instead of food?
-I'm good with a
gun, Mr. Wilcox.
-That seems good for length.
-It's a little
loose around here.
-Well, we used to eat
better when I was your age.
-Uh, I bet you did.
[LAUGHTER]
-Hi dad.
-Hi.
How's the tractor?
-Well, not to well.
-So what do you
think of the dress?
-Susan, you look lovely.
You're going to be as
pretty as your mother.
-Thank you, daddy.
I'm going upstairs to take a
look in the full length mirror.
-It's so pointless,
Getting married.
Why?
To face a life of starvation?
What kind of world did
we make for our children?
-The world we have, Leah.
Got to work at it,
especially the young folks.
It's their world now.
If they got faith in the future,
We have to have too.
-I love you, Grant.
-Don't ever stop, Leah.
I need you, you know.
-Snow?
-What do you think you're doing?
-Hey Mike.
Looks like it only
needs a ring job.
See about cleaning
the carburetor here.
-(ANGRILY) Why don't
you get out of here.
-Don't talk to John
that way, Michael.
-Look, we don't need
his kind around here!
-What's wrong with you, Mike?
-(ANGRILY) You city
bastards are all the same.
You come out here
and steal our food!
-Susan told me about the heifer.
I'm sorry.
-(ANGRILY) You're no different.
You're stealing our land.
-I bought my land
with hard earned cash.
I didn't steal anything.
-(ANGRILY) You picked up the
Steven's place for back taxes!
Now, that's the same
as stealing in my book!
-Look Michael, I'm going
to be your brother-in-law.
Can't you forget all
these dumb prejudices?
-You are just marrying Susan
to get your hands and our food.
-Now Michael, I--
-Get lost!
-Hey!
-You better learn
to curb your temper.
-Daddy!
Daddy!
Daddy!
Come quick!
-Michael!
That's enough, come on.
What's this all about?
What's the matter with you two?
-Are you all right?
-I'm OK.
-That's what it's about.
My sister and this leech!
-Michael, you watch your mouth!
-It's true!
He's a leech.
He comes out here and
takes whatever he wants.
-You are wrong, son!
-You always take his side.
He's more your son than I am!
Well you can have him.
I'm joining up
with Frank Wilcox.
-Michael, wait a minute!
Now be reasonable, son.
Stay here, help us
with the project.
Wilcox is a corrupt man.
He'll turn you into a killer!
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-You like to try this on, Mike?
-Sure.
-All right.
-Here you go.
-Hey.
[GUNSHOT]
[LAUGHTER]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-Is this the package
you were talking about?
To mix the water
and the minerals in?
-Yeah.
Well, it's bigger
than I thought it was.
Looks like it ought
to do just fine.
I'll have to uh find a pump
to circulate the water.
You know, if I put in
a wall right over here,
that will help to
conserve the heat.
[CHICKENS CLUCKING]
-Easy you guys.
This is it for the whole day.
Make it last.
-I may have to
put in more glass.
That's what lamps are for.
BOBBIE: Daddy!
Someone's coming.
They're men!
-What do you want?
-My name is Charles Ennis.
This is my father, James.
We've been to a number
of farms in the area.
-Yes.
-We were hoping to be
able to buy a little food.
Whatever you can spare.
-We've got nothing to spare.
-We're willing to pay.
-Just name your price.
-You people have got
your own government
food outlets in the city.
-There's no food
left in the city.
-What are you talking about?
-The government food
centers are empty.
They promised there'd be
more food in a few days,
but there's nothing
for most of us.
-I don't understand
how that's possible.
They've got cutbacks
and food rationing,
but for the government
to be out of food?
-My father thinks the
government is lying to us.
-I'm convinced of it.
These new shortages
and ration cuts,
they're just the beginning.
The entire system
is breaking down.
That's why they've imposed
martial law and curfews.
They're afraid of
what's going to happen
when the people learn the truth.
-The government has already
taken our surplus food.
All we've got is
enough for the winter
and we've got ration that.
I can't help you.
-My son here, has a family.
His little girl,
Trudy, she's very sick.
She's got to have decent food.
Whatever you can spare.
-I'm sorry.
-Please, sir.
-Dad.
Dad.
I've never gone down on my
knees to any man before,
but now, I beg you.
Not for myself, but
at least for Trudy.
-Daddy.
Trudy can have my dinner.
-My daughter's just
reminded me of something.
We've tried to raise
her to be a human being.
-We can't offer you very
much, but come to the house.
-These eggs were just
fresh laid, Mr. Ennis.
Yeah, there still warm.
-Isn't that something.
Eggs fresh from the
chicken, a Miracle.
-Better not let the
chickens hear that.
It'll go to their heads.
-Daddy.
[LAUGHTER]
-You know, I can't even remember
the last time I laughed.
-Well, one day we'll
all laugh again.
-We'll certainly laugh tomorrow.
-Our oldest daughter's
getting married.
-I wish we had
something to give them.
-Thanks, but they'll be
getting what they need most
from their friends
and neighbors, food.
-Mr. Franklin, Mrs. Franklin,
I wish I had the words to--
-It's our pleasure.
-I just wish we could do more.
-There is something.
My wife died last year.
Please.
Give this ring to
the young couple.
From our family to yours.
-Thank you.
-And Thank you, young lady.
-Say hi t0 Trudy for me.
-We will.
-Hold it there, Mike.
Swenson, bring her back.
Let it cross the road.
Hold it, that's fine.
OK Mike, bring her in.
That ought to discourage
anyone from barging in on us.
-That's for sure.
-Hey Frank, look over there.
-What's that?
-Is that an accident?
-No.
Looks like some
sort of road block.
-There wasn't anything
here when we arrived.
-You recognize that car, Mike?
-No, but they must be locals.
-Swenson.
I sure hope for
their sake they are.
-I think we're going to
have to run that block.
Maybe I can cut
across this field.
-What in the world for?
We Haven't done anything.
-We have food in the car.
Cover it.
Those men have guns.
Hang on, dad.
Here we go.
-Let's get 'em!
-I don't think I can control it.
-I don't think they're
going to stop coming.
-They have to.
-OK out.
-What's this all about?
We haven't done anything.
-What the hell are you
guys doing around here?
-My son and I came over
for a drive in the country,
for some fresh air.
-Oh Yeah, and some
fresh food too, right?
-Look.
We'd just like to be on
our way back to the city.
-Sure fellas, in a minute.
Swenson.
-Look at this, Frank.
-Well, well, it's a regular
goddamn supermarket.
-That food was given to us!
-Oh sure it was.
-It's the truth.
-Franklin, that was the name.
-They gave it to us.
-(ANGRILY) That's my family.
If anything's happened
to them I'll--
-We're not thieves.
-All right, never mind.
Mike, give Swenson a hand
and unload this stuff.
Put it in the jeep.
-You can't!
I won't allow it!
That food is ours!
-Take it easy, pop!
It's for the children!
I will--
I won't let them
starve to death!
[GROANING]
-Let go!
-Dad, what is it?
-My chest feels crushed.
Help me, Charles.
FRANK: What the hell
is the matter with him?
-His heart.
Help me.
Please.
FRANK: Swenson, give him a hand.
-If anything happens to him--
-What do you want from us?
We didn't do anything.
Isn't that right, boys?
SWENSON: That's right, Frank.
FRANK: Well, we all
have to go sometime kid.
Mike.
-I'll get you to the hospital.
-Hospital?
-Rest.
Just lie back.
-The pain
Very bad.
-You'll be all right.
-Hard to breathe.
-You'll be all right.
There's a hospital in Farmwood.
It's not far.
We'll get you into town
as soon as you can.
I know you want to be
close to the family.
Dad?
You all right?
They'll pay for this.
(ANGRILY) I'll make them pay.
MAN (ON LOUD SPEAKER): There's
no more food left today.
[SCREAMING]
-Don't know how you do it, mom.
Making meals from nothing.
-Well, you have to, my
love in times like these.
-Things will be better.
-Sure.
How's everything at your farm?
-Oh, they're settling
really, nicely
and Johnny just
finished making the bed.
-Well that's good.
[LAUGHTER]
Are you excited?
-Uh-huh.
Weren't you?
-Well, it was such a long
time ago, but I remember.
-I hope Michael and
Johnny become friends.
-Well, give them time.
-Well, I feel badly about it.
-Michal will change.
You'll see.
He's just growing up.
Feeling his
independence and he's
stubborn, like your father.
He wasn't much
different at that age.
-Well, I hope he
comes to the wedding.
I don't want anything
to spoil that day.
-Nothing will spoil it.
Hey, hurry up or we'll
be here all night.
-There's your father, now?
Please go bring Trudy down.
Graham, smile.
Daddy's gone through
a lot of trouble
to get that food for us.
Be happy, darling.
We're going to
have a good dinner.
Charles, where is it?
Where's the food?
What happened?
-Daddy, did you get
me something to eat?
-No, my darling.
I didn't get anything.
But I will.
I promise.
-Promise?
How can you promise?
You know there's nothing.
-The black market.
I'll have to try
the black market.
-Very nice.
Very nice.
Now, let's see what we have.
Oh my.
You've invested
wisely, Mr. Ennis.
Oh yes.
Quite an impressive portfolio.
-Take it, all of it.
-I'm sorry.
I have no use for it.
-Business.
Can I give you my business?
-What would I do with
a computer business?
There's nothing to compute.
Well then I'll give you
my house, my paintings.
Anything!
-Ah.
-Just enough food
for the winter.
-Mr. Ennis, your begging.
Not becoming for one of
your social standing.
No, no, no, I have all the
property I want, besides,
if I gave you my food,
if there's a bad harvest
next year I'll be
in deep trouble.
Sorry.
-For God's sake, move it.
-Who do you think you are?
-How times have changed.
Not so long ago, you
were Mr. High and Mighty
and I was nobody.
But I suppose that I was
a little smarter than you.
While you and your hotshot
friends were piling up gold,
I was stocking up on
food and now it turns out
that, that's the only thing in
the world that's what I need.
That's how it is.
Come on, Sam and don't
bother me anymore.
-I know where there's food.
[CHUCKLES]
-So why don't you go get it?
-I can't.
But you could.
There's a farm.
Tomorrow there's
going to be a wedding.
The guests will be
bringing gifts of food.
-Where?
-First we have to make a deal.
-What's the deal?
-Half of whatever you get.
-Oh boy.
All right.
You'll get it, if it's there.
Where is it?
-Here.
I'll show you.
-Half, huh?
-You leave the main highway.
You'll come to a culprit.
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
-Folks, may I have
your attention?
This is probably not the best
time for what I've got to say,
but uh, seeing as I got
you all in one place.
[LAUGHTER]
We had some folks from the
city come out to the farm
and it seems that
the situation there
is much more serious
than we thought.
They're running out of food.
[INTERPOSING VOICES]
-I didn't hear about
that on the radio.
They just cut the
rations, that's all.
-I'm afraid that's
not all, Purvis.
It seems that a lot of the
things that we're being
told on the radio
are simply lies.
And things are
going to get a lot
worse before they get better.
Now, most of us will be
all right for awhile.
What's going to
happen if we have
another bad harvest like
the one we had last year.
Now, I've got an idea.
There are problems
and I'm not saying
they're going to
be easy to solve.
But I think we can solve the
problems if we work together
and help each other.
-What's the idea, Grant?
-Well, I don't want to
hold of the wedding.
But if you can stick around
a while after the wedding,
I'll lay it all out for you.
Reverend.
[ORGAN PLAYING]
-Susan and John.
We're here with you to
share in this special day.
Your family, friends,
people in this community,
are here with you to share
in the beginning of your life
together.
Knowing the hardships and
difficulties that lie ahead,
that come with gifts
of love and food.
Bless this union and make the
days ahead easier for you.
They've come to let you
know that none of us
need to be alone in the time of
joy or in the time of sorrow.
-Well I'll be, a road block.
Those farmers are getting tough.
-It's got them scared.
What do you want to do?
-Just drive up, nice and easy.
You guys duck down back there.
Slow down.
Slow down.
You come with me, Sam.
-Hey, hold it.
Hold it, right here.
-Watch this.
-This is as far as you go, Mr.
-Howdy.
Is that the way to
the Franklin Farm?
-What is it to you?
-Well, there's a wedding
there and we're going.
We've got a little
present for the bride.
-Oh Susan.
-That's right.
-Oh.
Well, aren't you kind
of late for the wedding?
-Well, that's just it.
We lost our way.
Got a map here,
but I don't know.
I guess we're about here, huh?
-That's right and
the farm is just
a little ways down the road.
Yeah, but the wedding
is at the church.
Just past the farm.
You can't miss it.
-Oh I see.
Right up that way.
-That's right.
-OK, much obliged.
-Hey, wait a moment.
Who are all those
guys in the car?
Oh they're part of
the wedding guests.
-I don't think I can let you go.
-Well, we're late
already we don't want
to miss it altogether, you know?
Let's go.
Let's go.
JOHN: I love you,
Susan and I will
be with you through always life.
You are my family and
your family is my family.
I will honor them
as I honor you.
For I am one with you.
-Swenson, what happened?
-Ah, bunch of city guys,
going to the church.
I showed them the way.
-The what?
Take this.
Let's go.
-Remember, this is a church.
No shooting, nobody gets hurt.
SUSAN: And as you
give your life to me
so do I give my love to you.
I will be one with
you on this day
and in all the days
of our lives together.
And as you honor me,
so do I honor you.
-Sorry to interrupt.
This won't take long.
Stay where you are!
Nobody will get hurt.
(WHISPERING) Daddy, it's them,
the ones who stole Melody.
-You Franklin?
-Yes I am.
What do you want?
-We don't want no trouble.
We just want that food.
-Folks, please
stay where you are.
Don't anybody try anything.
Let them take what
they want and get out!
-Thank you.
Sam, Graham.
-John!
-Stay where you are!
SUSAN: No!
-Stay where you are!
Stay where you are.
Nobody will get hurt!
Nobody will get hurt.
Leave it!
Leave it!
Come on.
Let's go.
[GUNSHOT]
[GUESTS SCREAMING]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-Did they get it all?
Shh, Don't talk.
Don't say anything.
-They hit me in the head.
-You're going to be OK.
-I just need to
lie here a minute.
Just lie here with you.
Don't cry, Susan.
-Those damn hicks, they
think they're cowboys.
[YELLING AND PAINFUL MOANING]
You'll be OK.
We'll be there.
We'll take care of you.
-(CRYING) She's dead.
(CRYING) My Leah Leah is dead.
-Oh my God.
Mom?
FRANK: Grant, I um,
I am sure sorry.
-You get out here, Wilcox
or so help me God I'll kill you.
-You coming with us, Mike?
-Dad.
A
[SUSAN CRYING]
-Amen.
-Dad.
I thought you should see this.
-Ennis?
-Dad?
Susan?
That's it, Dad?
-Michael, you take
care of your sisters.
-You can count on me.
-Don't let them
out of your sight.
Bobbie will help
you with the chores.
As for Susan,
well, I don't know.
You try to help her if you can.
She's got to come
out of herself.
-Take care of yourself.
-Michael.
Thanks.
-You're going to the
city, aren't you Daddy?
-I got to see a man, honey.
-Well, I want you to
have this, for good luck.
-This is the prize
you got for Melody.
-Best calf in the show.
-Thanks, honey.
I'll keep it right here.
I guess, I uh,
better be going now.
You mind your brother.
-And don't worry about us.
We'll be OK until you get back.
-Sure you will.
Bye, honey.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
-Susan.
I know you can't forgive me.
Susan.
I'd give my life if I could
make everything all right again.
Please.
Don't shut us all out.
Susan.
-All right, hold it right here.
Let's have your identification.
-Anything wrong?
-What's the purpose of
your visit to the city?
-It's uh personal.
All non-residents must be
here for a specific purpose
and for a specific
length of time.
We have an 8:00 PM curfew.
People are moving from city
to city trying to hoard food.
You have a permit
for that weapon?
-Well, it's only
a hunting rifle.
-All right, out of
the truck, right now.
Out, out, now!
[GUNSHOT]
-Thank God, you're here.
-Don't thank God.
Don't thank anybody.
Just give him the food
and let's get out of here.
-What is it?
What happened?
-They tried to kill Mr. Hogan.
-Those farmer are murderers.
They shot up one
of my best men just
for a few lousy pieces of food.
-I thought there would be more.
-Better be glad there's that.
But they're not
getting away that easy,
especially that Franklin.
I'm going to clean him out, him
and the rest of those farmers.
-You're going back?
-(ANGRILY) You're damn
right, we're going back!
You think I'd let them get
away with what they did?
I'm going to hit every
one of those farms
and I'm going to hit them hard.
They want to play rough.
I'll show them rough!
Come on!
Let's go!
-Then I get more coming to me.
-(ANGRILY) More?
You getting kind of
greedy, ain't ya Ennis?
-We had a deal, 50%.
-(ANGRILY) You want more food.
You get a gun and stick your
neck out, like the rest of us.
-(ANGRILY) You want more
food, you go out and get it.
What I find, I'm going to keep!
-Impossible.
Frank.
-This map, did you draw it?
-I had to have food.
-Please, I had no choice.
You would have done
the same thing.
My family had to live.
-Your family?
What about my family?
Didn't my wife have
a right to live?
My Son-in-law.
Didn't my daughter have a right
to have a chance for happiness?
-What are you talking about?
-There dead!
You murdered them!
For this!
-Not me.
Logan.
I just gave him the map.
I only wanted to feed my family.
-I gave you food.
I deprived my own
family to give you food.
-And took it back!
-I took it back?
-Your murdering son and
his friends took the food
and killed my father.
-Killed your father?
-His heart was weak.
There was a struggle
over the food.
-My God.
-What difference does it make.
-Fair Franklin
look at this.
Grain reserves.
Food concentrates.
Oceanic produce.
Military rations in reserve.
Estimated farm holdings.
Synthetics.
Work in the rationing
factor of 30%.
And the total population
of North America.
-That's not possible.
27 days?
-Don't you understand, Franklin?
It's over.
It's the end the world.
-I don't accept that.
We can survive.
We got some food.
We'll grow more.
-Logan and his men are
heading for your place now.
They're going to
hit all the farms.
They're going to
take everything!
-Lord, my kids.
-It's no use.
The phone is dead.
It's over!
It's over!
[MUSIC PLAYING]
[GUNSHOT]
-Here we are, honey.
I think this being
a special occasion,
we should all be
together at the table.
You OK?
-Uh-huh.
Please, daddy.
Is dinner ready?
-Coming right up.
Now you'll see why I have
the reputation for being
the greatest chef
in the country.
-Let me help you.
No, no darling, you stay
right where you are.
I'm serving this banquet.
JOYCE: Are you all right, Trudy?
-Yes.
-It's so nice to have
you sitting with us.
I think we have a special
surprise for you today.
The boys know what daddy
brought home from the country.
We are going to have that.
Do you remember when we had
breakfast pots in the garden?
I think Graham found it
a couple of years ago
and we'll put them
in the freezer
or we'll have them
again next year.
It'll be a real summer.
The weather will be warm and
we will start to seed inside.
We'll certainly have
brussels sprouts
and we'll have some
more beans, and we'll
have tomatoes, and lettuce.
There are several
kinds of lettuce.
They're delicious.
They go very quickly.
They're nice and crunchy
and we'll have some carrots.
-There we are.
Trudy.
There.
Keith.
Joyce.
-Just a moment, Trudy.
-Dear Lord, today a miracle
happened to this family.
In the past, the table
was always filled,
but in these sad times even
a single meal like this
feels truly a banquet
to be embellished
and remembered forever.
Lord, bless this
house and for what
we are about to receive
make us most truly grateful.
Amen.
-Michael, what's the matter?
-The front door, quick, lock it!
-Why?
-Never mind, just do it.
Come on!
OK.
Get over there and keep
an eye on that window.
Let's go.
Come on.
Sit over here.
-What is it Michael?
What's coming?
-It's the ones who
killed mom and John.
-They're awful quiet, Mr. Logan.
-Larry, go have a look inside.
-(WHISPERING) Michael,
one of them is coming.
-Keep down, Bobbie.
-(WHISPERING) I
can't see like this.
-Shh!
[GUNSHOT]
-I should have known
it was to quiet.
Damn!
(ANGRILY) All right, blow
them the hell out of there!
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-OK, stay low!
Stay low.
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-I've come to see Frank Wilcox.
-Over there.
FRANK: Well I didn't expect to
see you around here so soon.
-Those raiders, the ones at the
wedding, they're on their way
back to my place.
I need help.
Looks like you're coming
around our way of thinking.
-They plan on hitting me and all
the other farms for everything
we've got.
-Swenson!
Round up the boys!
Send somebody
around to the farms.
We're going to go
and help we can get.
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
What the matter with you guys?
There's only one gun in there.
[GUNSHOT]
-Send someone around the back.
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-(SCREAMING) Michael!
[GUNSHOT]
-She spoke, Michael.
-She sure did.
-They have girls in the house.
-Mr. Logan look.
[GUNSHOT]
-Hey!
Let's get out of here fast.
Come on!
Let's go!
-Michael held them off daddy.
He saved us.
-Thank god you kids are OK.
-Daddy, I'm all right now.
-That's wonderful, sweetheart.
FRANK: Are you coming
with us, Grant?
GRANT: We're coming with you.
You girls go in the
house and wait for us.
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
[GUNSHOT]
-Dad, is it over?
-I'm afraid not, son.
There will be more to come.
-We're not going to make it.
Well, we're going
to have to try.
For all our sakes,
we're going to have
to try, try and survive.
[MUSIC PLAYING]