Parrish (1961) - full transcript

[Ding ding]

Hello, Parrish.

We're taking the noon
plane for Connecticut,
skipper.

I sure hate
saying good-bye.

Oh, me, too, Parrish.

You're the best deck hand
I ever had.

The only reason mother's
taking this job

is to keep me
from deck handing
full-time.

I don't know if i'm
doing the right thing
or not by giving in.

There comes a time
when all mas and pas

have to give up
their kids.



Comes hard, too.

I've got to decide
some things for myself.

That's the
important thing, lad.

Oh, it don't matter
whether you're

working ferryboating
or--or being president.

What does matter
is that you decide

what you want
out of life.

[Ding ding]

P.A.: This is
the captain speaking.

As we emerge
from the clouds,

you will find
that we are flying

down the beautiful
Connecticut river valley.

Those great white sheets
you see are tents.

They're covering 6,000 acres
of shade tobacco,



the finest tobacco,
they say, in all the world.

Now, how
can you tell

I've been
a tobacco man
all my life, ma'am?

Oh, I just sensed
that you knew

all there was
to know about it.

Well, not as much
as sala post,

but then nobody
knows more about
tobacco than sala.

It's in his blood.

His folks
have been farming

this same land
since the pilgrims.

I never saw barns
so close together.

You don't know
much about tobacco,
eh, kid?

Well, up around Boston
we don't grow tobacco,
we just smoke it.

That's a riot.

But them
ain't barns,

they're
tobacco sheds.

You can tell
by them loose boards

on the sides
to let the air in.

What do you do
for Mr. Post, teet?

Well, it depends on
the season, ma'am.

I drive tractor,
plow, harvest,

sow and seed,
steam and sterilize,

fertilize and set,
cultivate and hoe,

sucker, tie up
and wrap, pick,

salt, soak,
cure, pull cloth,

chop, stalk,
strip lands,

packs, hands,
crates, ships,

and warehouse
here to dock.

Well, I gather you're
very fond of Mr. Post.

Well, you don't get
fond of sala, ma'am.

You kind of
respect him,
know what I mean?

[Birds chirping]

Uh-oh, the big man's here.

Who's that?

Judd raike.

See that
gold and red "r"?

That's on everything
raike owns and controls,

meaning half the valley.

He even swiped
half of sala's land
a few years back.

Well, so long, kid.

Lots of luck with sala.

Man: I don't care.
Let him.

Let him. I say let
oermeyer go under.

2 years ago
he had wireworms.

Last year
he had blue mold and
passed it on to Tully

and all my farms
in his area
along with it.

Why should you
want to finance him
into another disaster?

Because Carl oermeyer
is my neighbor,

and he's had bad luck.

Oh, bad luck.

Yes, this could happen
to you or to me.

All right, I warn you.

If he infects so much

as one of my plants
on one of my farms,

I'll hold you
responsible.

That's right.
For making him the loan.

Well, without help,
he'll lose everything.

Or is that
what you want, judd?

Who are they?

I don't know.

Mr. Post?

Yes.

I'm Ellen mclean...

Mrs. Mclean.

And this is
my son Parrish.

You wrote nothing
about a son, Mrs. Mclean.

You don't expect him
to stay here?

The agency
said there were

separate quarters
on the grounds.

I hope--

I find this
very difficult.

It's also
an imposition,
Mrs. Mclean,

because within the week,
my daughter returns
from school.

Now, she's
at a vulnerable age--

say, what
do you think I am,

some kind
of a professional
wolf or something?

I'll await you
in the library,
Mrs. Mclean,

but only
with the distinct
understanding

your son
cannot live here.

Come on,
let's clear out.

You can't work
for that guy.

Shh. You take a walk
and cool off now.

It's perfectly clear

you won't be able
to stay with me
here at first,

but we'll
have to wait until
I can bring him around.

Right now, my job is
to smooth his feathers.

Come in, come in,
Mrs. Mclean.

Please be seated.

Thank you.

I'm sorry
about your boy, but--

oh, please don't be.

I didn't realize
the proximity problem.

I understand you wish me
to take charge

of your daughter's debut
after her graduation.

Yes. Yes,
and there will be
other problems.

It seems wise that--
that you know.

See, I've brought
Alison up here alone.

Her mother was killed
when Alison was an infant,

so she's never
really known a mother,

and yet she's--
she's like her mother
in many, many ways.

Her mother was--
was a woman of spirit,

she was beautiful,
passionate, willful...

And...

Intensely dissatisfied
with the quiet life
we lead here.

So dissatisfied she...

She left me shortly
before the smash-up
that caused her death.

In a sense, i'm, uh,
I'm reliving this now.

Alison, too, is beautiful,
stormy, unpredictable,

and she's defiant.

This is why I need
your help, Mrs. Mclean.

There are things
about her generation
that I...

Well, we simply do not
understand each other.

Does one generation ever
completely understand
the next?

* well, now we're
in the workday *

* hey, man

* I say,
this is a workday *

* hey, man

* well, now,
it's a workday *

* hey, man

* yes, and we're

* going down the road

* well, yes,
this a workday *

* hey, man

what?

[Work song continues]

Hey, yoo-hoo!

Ooh.

Hey,
baby, you're
good-looking.

Thank you.

You busy tonight,
lover?

Does your mommy
know you're out,
baby?

No, she's--

hey, don't
get scared.

My, they grow 'em
awful tall in the city,

now, don't they,
loverboy?

Whoo!

Hey, how about
helping me grow
some tobacco?

Now, don't be scared.

He's afraid.

[Laughing]

Come on,
sweetheart,

I love
blondes.

Hey, you.

Yes, sir?

Labor office send you?

No, sir, but
I sure could use a job.

Know tobacco?

I'm looking to learn.
My name's mclean.

I'm donati.
I manage this farm.

Got your
social security card?

First thing to learn
about tobacco, son,
is this:

With tobacco, you got
just so much time

to grow your crop
and no more.

You get behind,
you never make it up,

and it costs plenty.

Right now, we're behind
because of rains.

So if you sign here,
plan to work. Ok?

Yes, sir.

New man.
Show him the ropes.

[Tractor engine]

What are you
doing here, kid?

Oh, I get it.

Sala takes
one look at you,

and don't
want you living

almost in his
daughter's lap, eh?

Well, I guess
it was hate at first sight.

You got any idea
where I can find

a place to live
close by?

Any objections
to living in a house
full of women?

You just been voted
into the lodge.

We live down the road
a piece.

Ain't nothing fancy,
but we sure get
a lot of laughs.

Meet my wife's ma Mary,

my wife Rosie,

my wife's sister Lucy.

[Tractor starts]

Why don't you plant them
right in the field?

It's too delicate.

Tobacco's like a baby.

Grows inside here until
it gets big enough.

Then you get it out,

and it's the boss.

Got to keep it warm

and sheltered,

watered,

hoed,

sucker,

all the time, care.

It never leaves
you alone,

and you can't
leave it alone.

All the time,
you work on it,

worry about it,

till it's grown up.

Nothing but trouble.

Like a baby.

Parrish?

Yup.

It's going
to work out
all right.

Poor Mr. Post, he--

he's not
a happy man.

I could have
told you that blindfolded.

But he's
not mean, he's--he's
just really unhappy.

Isn't this
a pretty place?

Wha--now, what
happened to you?

You--you're all dirty.

I got a job
and a place to stay.

Just came by
to pick up my bags.

Well, well, how? Where?

The joke's on post.
I'm working for him

and living with
that funny guy

that picked US up
at the airport.

Does he live alone?

Nope. He's got
a kind of harem.

Lives with his wife's
family and his kids.

They're all females.

Oh, you think
that's all right?

[Car horn]

Oh, honey, well,
it's only temporary.

I'm sure
I have persuaded Mr. Post

to let you
move in here with me.

What about his
darling daughter?

Knowing the hazards,
I think you can
avoid them.

[Car horn]

Watch out
for my kid sister, boy.

She's a tiger. Ha ha ha.

There they are.

Whee!

Daddy!

[Yelling]

Give me
a big hug.

Uh, teet's
and my sister's brood.

Grandma takes care
of them while we work.

Is it too crummy?

It's very picturesque.

I kind of like
old houses.

Oh, uh, grandma,

this is Parrish. He's
going to live with US.

He's gonna what?

Where?

In the attic room
above mine.

You'll go to hell,
Lucy.

Mark my words,
right to the fiery place.

Don't mind grandma.

She's kind of nuts
about sin and all that.

And this
is my bedroom...

In case
you get lost.

And the thundering herd

lives up and down
this hall,

and that's the John.

Only the lock's broken,

so don't be surprised
at anything.

Well, this is it.

It ain't much, Parrish,

but we could have
a lot of fun together...

You and me.

That'll make up
for a lot, won't it?

You wanna know
something, Lucy?

This is
something I've wanted
for a long time,

to be on my own.

You know, to come
and go whenever I want

with no one
to tell me

[telephone rings]

What I can do
or can't do.

[Ring]
After supper, I'll
show you the pond

and the orchard.

Mary: For you, Lucy!

It's you-know-who.

It's real private
in here till August.

Then they hang
the tobacco up there
to dry.

How do they
get it up there?

The Jamaicans.
They carry it
right up to the top.

I'd like to try it.

On some warm nights,
I sleep right there.

And you know
what else?

No. What?

When it gets too hot,
I sleep raw.

Do you want to kiss me?

Wow.

I knew
it'd be like this.

You sure know
how to kiss.

We can't do
anything more about it.

At least,
not now, Parrish.

I'm real sorry,
Parrish,

but you know
that phone call

that came
a little while ago?

It was this fella, see.

He couldn't come
last night,

so I promised
to save him tonight.

If it was any
other fella, Parrish,

I'd stay here with you.

This particular fella,
I can't turn him down.

Are--are you in love
with this guy?

No.

I hope he doesn't come,

honest.

Gee, Parrish,
I went ape over you

the minute I saw you.

Don't you know that?

Mary: Lucy!

Don't answer.

He's here, Lucy!

I gotta go, Parrish.

You don't understand.
I just gotta go.

Parrish, I'm home.

You mad at me?

Lucy, something terrible
has happened.

I don't want you
to see me. I'm sick.

I'm sick.

Well, let me in, honey.

Maybe I could help you.

Sit down.

I'm sorry to come
to your house
and get sick like this.

It's spreading
like wildfire.

Don't scratch it.
I'll be right back.

Sit down.

You just got
a little tobacco poisoning.

It's like poison Ivy,

only you
only get it once.

Bet you were worried.

I sure was scared
the first time I got it.

This calamine lotion
will help cool it off.

Does it feel better?

Mm-hmm.

It feels cooler still
if you blow on it.

Lucy, you say
you're not in love
with this guy tonight?

He's a cube.
He makes me sick.

Then why
do you date him?

Here. This is all yours.

I shouldn't have
asked you that.

You're not my girl.

I mean, I shouldn't pry.

I'll be your girl
if you want me to be.

You put this on
during the night.

Or if you want me
to put it on,

just tap on the floor.

I'll come up
and do it for you
anytime you want.

* there's a wheel
spinnin' on the ground *

* puttin' tobacco
in the ground *

* there's
a wheel a-spinnin'
in the ground *

* puttin' tobacco
in the ground *

* there's
a wheel spinnin'
around and round *

* puttin' tobacco
in the ground *

* there's
a wheel spinnin'
round and round *

* puttin' tobacco
in the ground *

* there's
a wheel spinnin'
round and round *

* puttin' tobacco
in the ground *

* there's
a wheel spinnin'
round and round *

* puttin' tobacco
in the ground *

* there's
a wheel a-spinnin'
round and round *

* puttin' tobacco
in the ground *

* work is done
and I'm going home *

* work is done,
my work is done *

* work is done
and I'm going home *

good night, donati.

* work is done,
work is done *

well, if it ain't
little miss wildcat
home from school.

* ...And i'm
going home *

* work is done...

Are you my watchdog?

You're Alison.

I'm Ellen mclean.

Yes, I know.

My father
wrote me about you.

Where is he?

Well, he's
out in the fields.

We didn't expect you
till dinnertime.

Oh, put them
right there, Phil.

I averaged 80
most of the way.

Only got one ticket.

Trying to keep a date.

Does my father
expect you to manage me

or just spy
and report to headquarters?

Or possibly to help you?

My first hope is

that we might like and
understand each other.

Well, then you
might as well know

I consider this place
a living death,

and no matter
how hard he tries,

he won't be able
to ram it down my throat.

But it's
perfectly beautiful.

And he can't
hire anybody to do it.

Shall we declare war,
you and me?

You and I.

Alison.

Welcome home, baby.

Well, well, well.

Ah, let me look at you.

My goodness.

Now, get down here
in the light

where I can
really see you.

You're a woman, darling.

You went away a girl.
You've come home a woman.

This is my daughter--

yes, we've met.

Uh, Mrs. Mclean
has planned a real
gala dinner for you.

Oh, I'm sorry.
I wish I'd known.

Wiley called
to say he's arranged

a welcome-home affair
at the club for me tonight.

Wiley raike?

W--i thought
you promised

not to see
the raikes again, honey.

You'll have to get used
to pop and the raikes'
feuding.

He seems to think
that judd raike

virtually stole
most of his land.

[Car horn honks]

Besides, his son
drives a red Mercedes.

I'm sorry
about dinner, daddy.

Don't wait up
for me.

It's only a phase.

They all
go through a stage

where they
seem to want to do

the very thing
we object to most.

Maybe they're
trying to fight
for their own identity.

I hope it's that simple.

I discovered
this old whaler
with Lucy last Sunday.

You're looking
very relaxed these days.

Like a man who has
a woman all his own

who thinks
he's wonderful.

Is she really
all you want, this Lucy?

For the first time
in my life, I feel free.

I don't want
this urge to be free

to get out of hand,
Parrish.

Now how far
has this thing gone?

You know,
in releasing
yourself

from the bondage
of me,

maybe you're trading it
for another kind?

Everyone has a first
fierce love, darling,

every man, every woman.

Lucy is there
when you want her.

She's available.

Not wonderful,

only available.
Can't you see that?

Oh, she isn't truly
what you want

in a woman, is she?

She's free and natural
and not tied down

to narrow minded conventions
like most people.

Aw, aren't you in love
with an illusion?

Nobody's free,
everybody's tied

to somebody
or something,

even if it's only
to his own conscience.

How's yours?

I suppose
when a father

discusses these things
with his son,

he tells him
about some easy girl

he once got mixed up
with in his youth.

Maybe how he got hurt.

I guess he warns him
to watch his step.

It's a great bond
between fathers and sons

to share
these confidences.

It's difficult
to share them
with me,

isn't it?

Don't worry so much,
honey.

Parrish, I don't
want to preach.

I--i only want
to keep you
from making mistakes

that can hurt
you permanently.

Look,
I even realize,

I think,
that the Lucys
of this world

are a part of
your learning.

They can teach you

that the girl
who gives herself
too freely

can be worse
than a convenience,

she can become a habit.

And sometimes habits
are impossible to break.

I'll be ok,
I can handle this.

All right.
All right, then.

Live your life
in your own way,

but try not
to get yourself
more deeply involved

than you can see
your way out of.

Please?

Doggone if
I didn't know it.

Last night
I fortold it.

That temperature
didn't stop dropping,

all them cursed worms
we had last year
in number 11

would sure come up
and have a feast.

Didn't I, Rosie,
didn't I?

Sure you did.

Well, it's a--
it's bad, but...

Not bad enough
to go under.

Let's uh,
restock by hand.

Mary, Rosie, Lucy,

go to the feed beds
and start pulling.

The rest of you
yank every dead

and dying plant
in this field.

Kill the worms
and replant by hand.

Well, you've all seen
wire worms before.

You nailed down
or something?

Come on, let's go!

Come here, kid,
and I'll show you.

Watch your step.

First you pull
the dead plant...

Split the stem
and kill the worm,

grub in the soil
for more,

dig a fresh hole,

pour in a cup of water,

stick in a fresh plant,

sure up the soil
around the stem.

Then we hope
for the best.

Well, what made
the wire worm

pick that particular plant
for its dinner

instead one of those
healthy ones?

Well, should I happen
to hear, kid,

you'll be the first
to know.

All who are willing
to work tonight

raise your hands.

Aw, donati,

my man don't like me
to come home late,

you know that.

Listen, I got
a heavy date

I been trying to make
for a solid month.

I ain't giving up my fun
for no worms.

I got a date,
too, John.

One of them
things.

How about an extra hour?

Anybody kick about working
a lousy extra hour?

[Crickets chirp]

All we can do now

is pray that it doesn't
turn cold enough tonight

to bring them out.

Thanks, John,

teet, Parrish.

Teet: Night, sir.

I never thought
sala would've worked
alongside of US

on his knees
like that.

That's what makes him
a better tobacco man

than judd raike
will ever be.

I'm pooped. Well,
let's get home.

I'm gonna sleep
at mother's tonight.

You all put out about
Lucy dating that fella?

She can't help it,

kind of got hooked.

I didn't even see anybody.
Are you all right, mister?

I'm not a mister,
I'm Parrish mclean,

and I'm not hurt.

Thank god you're not dead.

That's all I need
around here.

I'm in the dog house
enough as it is.

It becomes clear
why my father

didn't want you living
too close to me.

How did you know
about that?

My mother tell you?

Your father?

You like champagne?

Got some in my car
left over.

There's something you better
learn quick, Parrish.

There're no secrets
in this valley, none.

Even if I felt
like kissing you

right here and now,

you can bet the whole valley
know it by sunrise.

Even if you only
felt like it

and didn't
actually do it?

I make a point
of doing as I please.

Besides, I always say
if you're gonna get hell
anyway,

you might as well get it
for doing something
worth getting it for.

Don't you?

Mmm.

Sala: Alison?

Duck.

Alison?

Sorry to kiss and run.

I guess the cold
brought them up again.

How many seed beds
do we have left?

Maybe enough to replant
one more time.

If it don't
warm up tonight,

we're dead.

Donati: Well,
here we go again.

Get your boxes there.

I knocked on
your door last night,

but you weren't even there.

Are you mad at me
because of him?

No, it's just that
I worked late
last night,

and I slept at
the apartment,

that's all.

That ain't all.

Something's different,

I can tell when
I came to work today.

Donati: Hey, Lucy.

All aboard.

You work here?

What are you doing?

Well, those
are seed beds.

I'm stripping them.

You're new, aren't you?

Why is sala stripping
all his seed beds?

Is it the blue mold again?

Are your folks
in tobacco?

My father's judd raike.

Don't worry,

I won't blab everything
to my father.

I admire sala very much.

He lives on his land.

Don't you?

No. I wish we did.

We live in Hartford.

My father does
all of his farming
over the telephone.

Which field number is it?

Number 11.

You know, you know
an awful lot

about tobacco
for a kid.

I'm no kid,

and I study agriculture
in school.

And I'm the only girl
in the class.

Good-bye.

If you decide
to sell, Tom,
sell it to me--

complete, everything:

Trucks, fields, sheds,
everything you've got.

I'll buy it all.
What'll you take for it?

She's here.

Paige?

Come here.

No--

did you know
your cousin Tom

wasn't working
his broadbrook farm
this year?

Well, yes, sir.

Well, why didn't
you tell me?

Give your wife
the facts of life.

You know
father insists

on knowing
these things.

If you decide
to sell, Tom,
sell to me.

Now, where
have you been?

Bicycling.

I like to have
my family here

when I get home
from the office.

Yes, father.

Where were you
cycling?

Past our rich farm.

How far past?

As far as
the post farm.

What field
are they working?

Number 11.

You told me sala
finished planting
number 11 last week.

That's what
lemmie said.

Now you know
sala's field numbers
as well as our own.

Why did you
make that mistake?

It wasn't a mistake.

It wasn't a mistake?

Ok, ok, stop it,
stop fidgeting.

Relax, put
your hands down.
That's it.

Are they resetting
number 11?

Uh...

Is sala in trouble?

Criminy,
how should I know?

I just stopped to talk
to this boy

at the seed beds
and came home.

What boy?
What boy?

He's new.

Do you make it
a practice

to stop and flirt
with strange boys?

It wasn't like that.

I just repeated
what you told me.

No, you didn't.

You put your own
twist on it,

and now you want me
to say it was like that.

Well, it wasn't.

Just because
Edgar and wiley
yes you on everything

doesn't mean I will.

I wasn't flirting
and neither was he.

You only love people
when they do
what you want

and agree with
everything you say.

Well, I don't care
if you don't love me.

There wasn't
anything wrong
in what I did,

and I won't say
there was.

Paige, come here!

You come right here.

Look...

Don't you know
that sala's trouble

can become
our trouble, too?

You haven't told me
the whole thing,
have you?

Have you?

Why not?

What's wrong
out there?

When I asked Alison
for a date tonight

she said she couldn't

cause her old man
had worms in number 11.

Was that it?

Well, that's
no crime, Paige.

Anybody can get wire worms.

Has he plants left?

For tonight.

What else did Alison say?

Well, I asked her on
this yachting weekend--

I mean about number 11.

That's what I'm trying
to tell you.

She said she couldn't
go out tonight

because they were
replanting--

why didn't you
report this to me?

Well, I didn't think
her old man's worms
mattered that much.

Everything that happens
in this valley matters.

Everything,
and don't you
forget it!

His number 11
can yield $10,000
worth of prime leaves,

leaves that
I have contracted
to buy.

If he loses the field
then I lose the leaves.

May I take
my shower now,
father?

Yes, yes.

What's the weather?

Mm-hmm.

Warm front on the way,

but it won't
get here tonight.

Tomorrow, Mr. Sala post
will be begging for plants.

He'll be
out of luck.

Everybody's
pulled their beds
except US.

Not quite everybody.

Thompson.

Yes, greenfield.

Teet: Night.

Parrish:
Good night, teet.

Hello.

I know, I'm not supposed
to be here,

but I'm a specialist at doing
what I'm not supposed to do,

remember?

Besides,
I wanted to see

if you were going home
with that girl.

Tell me
about that girl.

How does she compare
with me?

There's nothing
to compare, nothing.

Know why I really
came down here?

To see if I'd feel
the same way

as I did last night.

Now I know.

I do.

Let's face it,

I find myself
falling in love
with a field hand.

What do we do about it?

I want desperately for you
to be able to move up here

close to me.

How do we work that?

You go to bed
and think about it,

so will I.

Neither one of US
will sleep a wink
all night long.

Did you spend
the night here?

What's the verdict?

Parrish:
Bad news.

Well...we lost.

Harrow it under.

A hot spell's coming.

We can still
save the field.

We might save the fields,

yes, if I can find
the plants.

Thanks for
the hard try, John.

Parrish...

Thank you for your loyalty.

I won't forget it.

Oh, Parrish, you, uh,
you're welcome to move in

with your mother
whenever you wish.

Oh.

Was I dreaming
this morning,

or did I hear papa say
your son could move
up here with US?

Yes, he did,
and I'm very
grateful.

Is he moving in tonight?

He said he didn't want to
right now.

Well, why not?

Well, he seemed
to think

it could lead
to trouble of some kind.

Well, that's hardly
complimentary to US, is it?

Well, if that's
what he wants,

let him stay there.

I don't think
he knows

what he wants
just yet.

Well, I just realized
that I do.

I know what I want
and what I don't want.

And what I don't want
is some poor boy
to come along

and make me love him.

I want a rich one
like wiley raike.

Then I wouldn't care
whether I loved him or not.

I'll buy what I want,

even a lover if I want one.

Well, Alison,

if there's
a death warrant
for happiness

you've described it.

I think your father
must be back.

Oh, uh...

Good afternoon.

I'm judd raike.

Yes, I know.
I'm Ellen mclean.

I came to offer sala
all the plants he needs.

Well, that's very
generous of you.

Please, come in.

Please.

He's pretty desperate,
I think.

It seems most
of the growers
have turned under.

Yes, I know,
that's why I came.

No, no,

no, i--i prefer
my special brand, thanks.

You're new
to tobacco country.

I didn't even know
they grew tobacco

as far north
as Connecticut.

Oh, there's magic
in the soil here.

And the best soil
in the valley
belongs to sala.

One thing we all
have in common though,

we're a breed of gamblers.

You see, tobacco's
a sensitive crop.

You change
a single factor

and our plants change.

For instance,
you take away the claws
from fine shade tobacco

and you have
coarse broad leaf.

You take away nitrogen,
and your plants starve.

You take away
three cold nights
and, um,

sala's number 11
would be alive
and thriving today.

Yes, we gamble
on many factors

every single day
of our lives,

and sometimes we win,
and sometimes we lose.

Did you leave out
the human factor
on purpose?

Our biggest gamble of all.

The one on which
we rise or fall.

I like you.

Well, thank you.

I like you, too.

Have any luck?

No.

Well, I just
dropped by to say

that I have more
than enough plants.

How many do you want?

None,
thank you.

They're yours
for nothing.

Is this why you bought up

all len Thompson's plants
last night, hmm?

Did you think
I'd come begging to you?

I'd lose the field,

the crop,

and my farm first.

Good afternoon.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

I know you came
to offer help.

Pride can be
a terrible thing.

It has two edges.
It can cut both ways.

If I can
manage it quietly,

uh, discreetly,
that is,

may I see you again?

It would be a pleasure.

Thank you.

Hello, wiley?

I've decided to go
on that yacht weekend
with you.

But the only way
daddy will let me go

is if Ellen chaperones.

Oh, I know,
but I can't help it.

She's ok, honest.

And once we're down
at the shore,

I'm going to talk daddy
into letting me stay.

I'm fed up
with this place.

Ellen: Dear Parrish,

along with
everything else,

judd raike
owns this hotel

or boatel
as they call it.

His yacht
is anchored nearby,

and he calls that
his floating office.

There's room
for 100 boats...

And three pools
for the guests.

One for swimming,
one for diving,

and one for
the children
to Wade in.

Each day, Alison goes
water skiing with wiley.

She's as illusive
as quicksilver

and as beautiful.

She treats him
outrageously,

but he remains
her slave.

Yesterday,
I watched them
from the bridge

over the Connecticut
river.

Alison used only
a single ski.

I'm returning
tomorrow afternoon
for some clothes.

P.s. Judd raike
likes me.

[Fireworks whistles]

Worker #1: * hey, man

worker #2: * I singin'
through the work day *

* hey, man

* well now with
the work day *

* hey, man... *

you're gonna be
a tobacco man yet, son.

Teet, what
do you know

about judd raike?

Like what?

What kind of a guy is he?
Did you ever talk to him?

Oh, sure, all the time.

We play Polo regular.

I mean,
what have you heard,
good or bad?

I hear good and bad
about everybody.

What about him
and women?

Well, I hear tell
he loves them
and leaves them.

But with all his dough,
wouldn't you?

What's the matter?

You just heard about him
and your ma?

You don't know what
you're talking about.

Well, there ain't nothing
secret in the valley, boy.

And what judd raike
does to who is news.

What's the matter, kid?

Don't this speed and kick
of yours work both ways?

It's ok for you
but not for your ma?

She's decent.

Don't you want
any dinner?

What's the matter?

You upset 'cause
your ma's been carrying
on with judd raike?

She's not carrying on
with anyone.

If she sees judd raike,
she's lonesome,
that's all.

And if she's lonesome,
do you know whose fault
it is?

Mine.

No, it ain't.

Move over.

It ain't nobody's fault.

There's one thing
you can count on--

all men and women
are alike.

Only we operate
different, that's all.

That's why men make
suckers out of women.

'Cause underneath
we all want the same thing.

Whether we admit it or not.

Unless there's something
wrong with them,

and there ain't nothin'
wrong with your ma

that judd raike
can't cure.

Look, shut up!

She's no cheap tramp
like--

like what?

Like who, me?

Am I suddenly a cheap tramp
because I went ape over you?

So she has got a yen
for raike, so what?

Even your precious ma
ain't no Saint.

You know, she can have
as big a yen for somebody
as I can.

Damn it, is that all
you can think about?

No, that ain't all
I ever think about,

but it sure seemed like
all you thought about

the minute you moved
in here,

until miss Alison post
laid eyes on you!

Go ahead and say it!

I'm a dumb, cheap tramp!

Say it!
I'm a dumb, cheap tramp!

I'm sorry, Lucy.

Well, darling,
home to roost?

I figured you might
need somebody around.

Like a son?

Or a guardian.

Everybody in the valley
knows about you and
judd raike going together

except maybe sala.

We've been very
discreet, Parrish,

and there's
nothing wrong.

I know that,
but do the gossips?

What happens
when sala hears?

I don't know.

Judd needs me,
too.

Like a hole
in the head!

All he has to do
is snap his fingers
and women come running.

I know that.

He's a strong,
exciting man.

Who's worth
$20 million?

That's part of it.
Why not?

Don't they call that
compromising?

Haven't you been
compromising, too?

I have no right
interfering, mom.

It's just that I hate to see
people making dirty cracks
about you and him.

I have to fill
my life.

I can't hold you
any longer.

I'll be alone.

Not anymore.

I'm moving in here
tonight.

Right now.

I can't have you getting
mixed up with a big shot

who can't even meet you
out in the open.

Parrish, I want you
to understand this.

I want judd raike
to ask me to marry him.

Tonight, I'm meeting him
on his boat.

That doesn't sound
very pretty, does it?

Have faith in me.

Alison left word.

She's gone back
to the farm with wylie,

so I'm free tonight.

Hotel desk,
please.

Woman:
Hotel desk.

If any calls come
for Mrs. Mclean,

she's just
returned to town.

Yes, sir.

Let me show you below.

No.
You've never been
below, have you?

Well, this is
my bedroom,

and there's
your sitting room.

I never realized
there was this
much space below.

Oh, it's really
a lovely boat.

Ellen, how long
has your husband
been dead?

10 years.

And you've--
you've lived
alone ever since?

Yes.

You know, I always say
it isn't the things
you do that you regret,

but the things
that you didn't do.

Let's be honest,
judd.

There have been times
when I met a man and...

And been tempted.

That's only natural.

But always, I would stop
and think twice.

And then suddenly
the man would seem...

Ordinary, or weak,
or dull...

And then I'd say
to myself,

"oh, no.
I don't want this.

I would mind terribly
if I settled for this."

So I haven't.

Have you always
thought twice?

Always.

Oh, don't you
believe me?

Oh, I could have lied
to you, you know.

I could have
asked myself,

"what kind of a man
is this?

"A man with power who
holds almost an entire
valley in his hands.

"Hundreds of lives.

"What kind of a woman
does he want?

"A woman who hasn't
given herself,

"who after 10 years
still hasn't found an
answer to many things.

Or does he want a woman
who's known many men?"

These are 2 different
kinds of women, judd.

Different right down
to the core.

I could be either
woman you want,

but I decided
not to lie.

Why not?'

because I can't
play games.

I've never wanted
another woman as I do you.

Oh, don't make me
think twice, darling.

Now...

Think twice.

Because that's
the only way
I'd want you.

[Sighs]

Why did you let me?

Because I don't
believe in regrets.

Then offer me
friendship, judd...

Or marriage...

But not an affair.

I wouldn't be
very good at it.

Now, what do I
want with marriage?

I think I'd better
go home.

You'll regret that.

Yes, I probably will.

Good-bye, judd.

Good-bye.

That's
the longest shower
I ever listened to.

Couldn't believe
my eyes when I saw
your light on.

What took you
so long to make
that move?

Thought maybe
she had you hooked.

How about
you and wylie raike?

You know, if your father
was to look this way,

he'd be in
for quite a shock.

Well, let's take care
of that, shall we?

Let's stop hurting
each other.

Want to know the truth?

The only reason
I went to the beach...

'Cause you didn't
move up here near me
when you could have.

Why didn't you?

I don't know.

I guess I thought
it would end up
just like this.

Just like what?

Like US always
meeting in the dark,
kind of behind barns.

Your father trusts me.

Oh...

Your conscience.

I had one once,

then I lost it
along the way.

As Eve said to Adam...

"Want a bite
of my apple?"

That's how Adam
lost his conscience.

[Car engine]

Oh, Parrish, why
do I love you so?

Don't you want to?

Well, it doesn't
make any sense.

Does it have to?

No.

[Car door closes]

[Door opens]

[Door closes]

[Telephone rings]

[Ring]

Hello?

Yes, judd.

Yes, I'm safely home.

Yes, i--
I was upset, too.

We shouldn't
be listening.

I--i can't hear you.

I won't tell a soul.
Not even Parrish.

[Tractor engine]

Hi, kid.

How's it going,
teet?

Fine.

Seen the
morning paper?

You mean about
Alison's debut?

I was there in
a rented monkey suit.

Your ma ran
that right off
the front page.

I don't know.

It seems like sala
can't never win.

He must be jinxed
or somethin'.

[The wedding march plays]

There she is!

Oh, darling!

Good-bye,
darling.

Well, seems we've
now got a servant
for a stepmother.

Sir...

May I go on
working for you
till the harvest?

If you wish, Parrish.

With Alison
soon back to school,

it'll be lonely here,
and...

I'd gotten rather used
to having mclean around.

Teet: 4:00, kids.
Knock it off.

4:00, kids.
Knock it off.

Ah, you can go home
now, kids. 4:00.

[Laughing and chattering]

Was the wedding
pretty?

Yes.

You gonna live on
up here alone?

Uh-huh.

You going to the crew's
harvest party?

Sure. Aren't you?

No. Nobody's asked me.

Seems the word's
got around
that I'm pregnant.

Are you sure?

Course, I'm sure.

I been
to the doctor.

Lucy...

Is it mine?

How dumb
can you get?

You could have
told me.

Of course,
I'll marry you.

You don't have
to do that.

But I will.

Oh, you will?

I am 4 months gone,
and you weren't even
here 4 months ago!

Did you know that
you are the dumbest
kook on earth?

Lucy, was it
your secret date?

Is he gonna
marry you?

No. He don't come
around any more.

Rosie says she'll
help me raise my baby
right along with hers.

Oh, Parrish,
I get so lonesome.

Lucy, will you
be my date for
the harvest party?

All right.

You won't even have
to kiss me or anything.

[Car door closes]

I thought I'd never
shake wylie.

Did you think
I'd never come?

This is the plan
for tomorrow night.

I've got
compartment e,
car 12.

So, you just go down
to the train early,

go in,
and lock the door.

Wait for me
to knock 3 times.

I'll say
good-bye to papa
at the steps.

Then we'll have
all that time,

all the way
to Albany,

to be alone.

You can come home on
the midnight train.

Isn't it perfect?

It is, but I can't go.

I'm taking Lucy
to the harvest party.

Lucy?

You mean that tramp
down the road?

Oh, Parrish, you
just can't do that!

Darling, it doesn't
mean anything.

Well, the whole valley
knows what condition
she's in.

People will think
that you did it.

People!

People make me sick!

If a mangy dog comes along
and they fuss over it,
it's all right.

But if a person needs
a little bit of kindness,
that's no good.

That's immoral.

That's a disgrace
to the great world
we live in.

If you really love me,
don't take her.

It's got nothing to do
with me loving you.

Parrish...

This'll be our
last night together
until next summer.

I'm asking you
not to take her.

Are you going to?

Yes.

I hate you more than
I thought it was possible

to hate anything
or anyone on earth!

They're here!

[Doorbell rings]

Well, can't we all
sing "happy homecoming"
or something?

We're going to put her
in her place right off.

Welcome home,
Mrs. Raike.

Thank you,
maples.

Welcome home.

Oh, Paige,
thank you.

What a pleasure
it is to see you.

Evaline,
you look
so pretty.

Wylie.

I look forward
to getting to know
my new family now.

Shall we call you
"ma" or "Mrs."?

Wouldn't "Ellen"
be easier?

Where may I ask
is our father?

Oh, he wanted
to take a drive
around the properties

before coming home.

You all remember
Parrish.

Your father thought
it would be nice

if Parrish moved in
with US,

for the first month
at least,

so we could all get
to know each other.

I guess I'll
freshen up a bit

before
judd gets here.

Oh, please let me
show you your rooms.

[Snap]
You.

Will you leave US
alone, please?

You, uh, hear
from Alison
this winter?

I received a card
from her at Christmas.

If you're going
to be living under
our roof, mclean,

I'd best make
a few things clear.

You're going
to be more careful
about what you do...

And who you're seen with.

There was a lot of talk
about you in the valley
last summer.

We don't any more of it.

I'll do what I want,
and I'll see who I want.

Not while you're
in this house,
you don't.

We raikes have
a position to maintain
in this valley,

and as long as
you stay here, you'll
behave like a raike.

And that goes
for that woman, too.

Don't see her again.

Woman?
What woman?

The field hand you
lived with last summer.

They're saying
her baby's yours.

Whoever they are,
they're lying.

And get this straight...

If I want to see
my friends,
I'll see them.

I'll see who I please
when I please
and where I please.

And another thing...

The next time my mother
offers to shake hands
with you,

you shake hands.

I'm delighted
you're staying
with US, Parrish.

May I show you
your room?

Thanks, but I'd like
to see my mother first.

Well,
she's down there.

[Knock on door]

Come in!

Darling, isn't
this beautiful?

Judd is
so thoughtful.

He had it all
redecorated in
my favorite colors.

And wait'll
you see this...

That is my new car!

And tonight he's invited
the most important people
in the valley to meet US.

To meet you,
not me.

Tonight's terribly
important to me.

Please?

Do I have to wear
a monkey suit?

You'll have
to go rent one.

Come on.

Go and find it in
my brand new car.

And afterwards,
take a nice long ride
and cool off, please.

[TV plays western movie]

Oh!

Dear lord...

Come in.

Come on.

[Gunshots on TV]

Look who's here!

[Yells]
Look who's here!

Hi,
Parrish!

Hi!

What you
doin' here?

[All talk at once]

I just rented
my monkey suit.

We're celebrating
our new furniture,
lover boy!

Ain't it gorgeous?

Hey! Help US baptize
our new refrigerator.

Now, ain't that
something?

It's a beauty!

Upstairs and downstairs,
the whole joint's like this.

So new, you can't
spit nowhere!

What did you win,
the Irish sweepstakes?

All came with
Lucy's little brat.

Do you want
to see him?

Yes.

We got a new chair,
we got a crib...

We've redone
everything in the house
but your room.

I go up there
and sit sometimes.

Come on.

Shoot, man,
we got everything.
Ha ha ha!

I'm always great
to the little mutt.

Lucy: You think
he looks like me?

Looks more like
his crummy father,
don't he, Parrish?

I wouldn't know,
teet.

Well, look at that hair,
look at that chin...

Now don't he look like
somebody you know?

Huh? A raike maybe?

Shut up,
blabbermouth!

I'm sorry, Lucy.

I didn't even know
you knew wylie.

I don't.

The only raike
I know is Edgar.

Ah, the
weldons.

Alice...

How are you?
Good evening.

Ellen, may
I present

Mr. and Mrs.
weldon?

How do you do?

Welcome to
the tobacco clan
Mrs. Raike.

Thank you.

Than which there's
nobody clannier.

Oh, I know.

I learned that
when I worked
for Mr. Post.

Your mind's not
on your work, mister.

Isn't Edgar even
going to show up?

Mr. and Mrs.
weldon,

may I present
Parrish mclean?

Wow, Paige!

If he lived
under my roof,

I couldn't
sleep nights.

Can you?

Well, tonight
I'll find out,
maizie.

Sala tells me
you have the makings

a real tobaccoman,
Parrish.

Well, I hope someday
to be 1/1oth as good
as he is, sir.

Tom, what do you think
of the new addition
to our household staff?

Who?

Sala's ex-maid.
Ellen, I think
father calls her.

I think she's
utterly charming,
honest, and a lady.

I hope she'll honor US
by being our friend.

You're
kidding?

With Edgar, it's
absolutely essential
you ignore him.

He's a fool!

Cover for me, Paige.

This won't wait.

Don't let mother know.

Come on with me.

For what?

You're gonna make
an announcement.

A public
announcement.

What do you mean
make a public announcement?
Of what?

When I talk to you,
listen, hoodlum.

Don't hoodlum me.
I know what
the score is.

I dropped by Lucy's
this afternoon.

We'd better have
a little talk

before you
go in there

and announce it over
the loudspeaker.

Announce what?

The birth of your
firstborn child.

No wonder
you ordered me
not to see Lucy.

You know, this
might even teach you

to stop
ordering me around.

How 'bout it?

You gonna go
in there
and tell them?

Is that why you
kept it so secret?

You thought
it would make

a nice homecoming
surprise
for your father.

Come on. Or do you
want me to go in

and break
the happy news
for you?

You wouldn't dare.

They'd think
it was yours

and that you were only
trying to get out
from under.

Yeah, they might.

Let's go find out.

Do you think
that our friends

would take the word
of a field hand
against mine?

Let's go see.

While you're
at the microphone,

you can explain that
it wasn't really being
rotten using Lucy

because
you're a raike,

and it's all right
to father
a raike child

who is a raike and
looks like a raike,

but who never really
will be a raike

because of all
your very special
raike rules,

and everybody
will cheer.

Come on.
Let's do it.

You're trying
to blackmail me, huh?

I never thought
about it,

but why not?

Look, Parrish,
what's the good?

Letting this out
and spoiling
our good name.

After all, you're
one of US now.

What do you
want of me?

I want you to swear
before god

that at home
and in public
from now on,

you treat my mother
like the lady she is.

What else?

I want you to go
to that microphone

and welcome her
into your family.

What else?

That's all.

* and my secret love's
no secret *

* anymore

[applause]

* *
* *

ladies and gentlemen,
Mr. Edgar raike.

Friends...

I have an announcement.

As you all know,

we raikes have
a great pride

in our valley
and in our home

and a great pride
in our father,

but we have never been
prouder of him than tonight

when he brought home
his lovely...

His gracious bride

to make our home complete.

My mother sent me that
"say thank you" look.

We want to thank Paige

and evaline

and wiley

and particularly Edgar

for making US feel
so welcome here today

and to father raike

for having a heart
big enough to hold US all.

[Applause]

[Music plays]

Son...

Now, you be
in my office

at 9 A.M.
tomorrow morning.

Got to get you
started.

Thank you, sir.

Do you mind, dear?

Hello, darling.

Long time, no see.

I missed you.

I thought you
were mad at me.

Not since I heard judd raike

tell me he was going
to give you the chance

to go right to the top.

I graduate in June.

Mind if I come along
for the ride?

If it's worth
the beating.

You can take quite a beating
for $20 million, darling,

and if you get
too black and blue,

I could kiss you
where it hurts every night.

Would you like that?

Shall we not
kid ourselves, sis?

[Traffic sounds]

[Buzz]

Yes?

Parrish mclean
to see you, sir.

Oh, good. Show him in.

Good luck.

Thank you.

Now, let's start
where it all starts,
son:

The land.

Now, this
"r" insignia means

that raike
properties control
more land

and more dollars
and more people

than any other firm
in the valley.

Even more
than sala post did
in his prime.

Now, there's
only one gap in
my territory.

Right here.

Oermeyer, Tully,
sala post.

I don't like it.
It's not practical,

and I mean
to close it.

Now, watch this
and watch closely.

Now, this filler comes from
my fields in Puerto Rico.

And this binder comes from
my fields in Pennsylvania.

But this...

Light
and perfect-shaped leaf...

The wrapper...

Comes from
right there.

And if you decide
to let me teach you
this whole operation,

you'll devote your life
to seeing

that those leaves grow
to absolute perfection.

Now, you'll get to know
every inch of my fields

and beds and sheds
and warehouses.

You'll know the names
and numbers

and strengths
and weaknesses

of every human being
that belongs to US.

And in order for you to
acquire this knowledge,

I'll start you out
as my checker.

You'll have a roadster
of your own,

and I'll pay you
$125 a week to start.
How's that?

You don't need to do this
just because you married
my mother.

I know that.

And you might as well
know this right now:

I'll be
the toughest boss

you've ever met
in your life.

I'll expect more
from you than
I do my own sons.

You'll have to
check every field
I control every day

without any time
for horsing around
with the workers.

They'll be no time
flirting with those...
Fillies in the sheds.

This is no routine
9 to 5 performance

with time out for
coffee and cigarettes

and dames and hangovers.

I'm offering you
a man's job.

Do you think
you can handle it?

Yes, sir.

Good.

Send Mr. Gilliam in.

Meet Mr. Gilliam,
son.

Now, he'll show you
the farms,

introduce you
to the foreman,

and then he'll show
you the time book
methods.

Now,
check everything.

Keep your eyes open.

If you don't
understand anything,
ask about it.

I want you
to report to me here
every night.

I want to know
where you were

and what you saw
when you got there.

If you
have any trouble
or any problems,

you let me know
about that. Got it?

Got it. Thank you, sir.

Order a car for him.
What colors do you like?

R-Red and white.

You heard the man.
Red and white.

Make it a convertible
so he can take his girl
out on nights off.

Good luck.

Thank you, sir.

Order my car for inspection
of the warehouses,

and then call
my New York office

and tell them I was
expecting a complete
financial report

on my desk
this morning...

All right.
Where did you go today?

Don't you know
where you went

unless you read it
out of a book?

I think I know where--

not good enough.
Around here,
we don't think!

We know.
We're 100% sure.

Now take it
off the map.

We went to these first.

Point out
the ones we lease

and the ones
we own outright.

I don't know.

You don't know?
Didn't you ask?

I thought
you owned them all.
I didn't think.

You didn't think?!

Well...

That sums it up,
doesn't it?

Didn't I tell you
this morning

that I wanted to know
where you went

and what you saw
when you got there?
To ask questions?

Yes, sir.

Didn't think.

Consider yourself lucky
for getting a second chance.

When I was your age,

nobody showed me
that charity.

I made one mistake,
and I was out.

So I stopped
making mistakes.

And I don't
make mistakes today.
See that you don't.

Yes, sir.

Tell your mother
I won't be home
till midnight.

I'm finding
that my brilliant sons

handled things
while I was away
like mongoloid idiots.

Parrish?

Yes.

Well, how did
the first day go?

Lousy.

You think you
can handle it?

The job, yes.
Raike, no.

But he can't make me
holler quits.

He expects perfection.

He'll get it.

You know,
there's only one way
to handle judd.

Which is?

Don't argue with him
when he's angry.

Better still, don't argue
with him at any time.

Just hold your tongue.

Is that how you get along
with him so well?

Darling, you've
got to learn this:

When he's calm...

He's the most
reasonable, thoughtful,

and intelligent man
I know,

but when he's upset,

well, he's impossible.

Even though I know
he loves me very deeply,

he'll even shout
at me sometimes,

but he doesn't
mean anything by it.

I'm not good
at being shouted at.

He's not shouting
at you or me.

When he's upset,
he snaps at whoever
is handy.

And when it's over,
he's fine

and usually
quite gentle
to make up for it.

It's good
for him to have me

because
I understand it.

If he ever yells at you
while I'm there,
I'll paste him.

Do you think he's
the only man who's ever
shouted at his wife

because he was angry
about something else,

maybe even himself?

Darling, try
to remember this:

He's a brilliant man
who's built up
a great enterprise

and immense holdings
single-handed.

And they're his,
not yours.

He has a right
to expect you to
do things his way.

Someday somebody
besides judd

will have to know enough
to run raike properties.

It won't be Edgar,

and it certainly
won't be wiley.

I'm hoping
it'll be you.

But you'll
have to feel--

really feel
that it's worth it.

And you're not afraid
of this guy?

He's not a guy,
Parrish.

He's my husband.

I chose
to marry him.

I know his faults,
but I also
know his strengths.

It's you I worry
about, not him.

Stop worrying, honey.

For you, I can take
anything he dishes out.

You know, Paige
comes home every weekend
just to see you.

Why don't you take her
to a movie or something?

Paige is just a schoolkid.

She's only 3 years
younger than you.

But she seems more
like a sister than a girl.

Alison's got what it takes.

Last summer, you thought
that about Lucy.

Alison's different.

That different?

[Bell rings]

Have my sons
and Parrish

in this room
in one minute,

or they'll be docked
a week's salary.

Yes, sir.

Won't it wait
till after church?

No, it won't, and don't
you give me any trouble.

Your son has done
well enough of that.

Better hurry.

What happened?

Get in there.

Blue mold...

Oermeyer's field...

Next to lemmie's
number 6.

You're late and out
one week's salary.

Now...why didn't you
report this to me yesterday?

Or did you
simply forget?

Nobody was even working
lemmie's number 6 field
yesterday,

and he didn't report
any blue mold.

Well, what
if he didn't?

Haven't you got eyes
in your head?

I don't even know
what blue mold is.

What is blue mold,
judd?

You stay
out of this.

Even Paige knows
what blue mold is.

Will you please
tell this ignoramus?

I-It's a type of fungus
that looks like mildew

and may seal spots
on the leaves.

And a spotted shade leaf
is worthless.

You! You put
that bottle down.

I've got a farm
rotten with blue mold,

and here stands a man
who saw it

and either wasn't
interested enough
to ask what it was

or he wasn't even there
yesterday.

I'm beginning to think
you're not making
half your rounds.

I make my rounds,

and I didn't see
any trouble at lemmie's
yesterday,

and neither did he,
or he would have
reported it.

Let's get out there. You...

You follow US.

Blue mold hit you,
too, oermeyer?

Yes.

How many fields?

3.

Get Max on the phone.
Tell him oermeyer's
hit bottom.

Offer him
2,500 an acre today.
He'll sell.

Now do you know
what blue mold looks like?

Yes, sir.

It's dangerous
your not knowing
these things.

On your job,
you ought to know
everything there is to know.

Sir, I'm trying
to learn.

Start studying
after work.

Go to the experimental
laboratory

and get their handbooks
and learn them by heart.

Do you know that there
are 2 dozen diseases

and a dozen insects
that can ruin a crop?

You find out what they are

and learn them like
the back of your hand.
Lemmie!

Yes, sir.

Parrish says he
was here yesterday.
Was he?

Yes, sir.
He was here.

What about this field?

Never mind.
Come here.

Now, if we caught mold
from oermeyer,

it's cheap
at half the price.

You just plow under
and then spray the beds.

Report to me
in the morning.

Yes, sir.

Sir...

Don't you ever imply
that I'm a liar again.

I'll call you
what I please

where I please
and when I please.

Drive by the office.

He thinks he owns everybody.

He'll never own me,
I swear to god.

Parrish...

Since you've committed
yourself to judd raike,

this might help you.

Now, this test tube
is man, you might say,

or you,

born into a world
of hurricane pressures
on trembling legs.

Somehow he must gain
the strength to stand.

Now, he can do this
in 2 ways:

Either slowly, painfully,

while taking the infinity
of blows life has to offer,

he can strengthen
his own muscles

and draw strength
from his own spirit...

Or...

He can weather the storm
by holding onto a pole.

But if he does that,

see, he can never get
further away from that pole

than he can reach back
and grab it, or else...

[Clank]

Most men have a pole
they lean on, Parrish,

even the great old
mighty judd raike.

What's his pole?

Power, money.

He needs his power
over people.

He must own them
and manipulate them
to feel his own strength.

There are many kinds
of Poles, Parrish,

without which some men
would collapse.

Tell me
some other kinds.

With some men,
it's a woman.

Many women, it's a man.

Could be prestige...

Public opinion, popularity,
religion, even...

Ancestor worship...

Which I suppose it is
with me in a way.

I don't think
that's your pole.

I think it's this farm.

Let's go back
to this first man, Parrish,

the man who didn't lean
on any pole.

That man is the free man,

and you used to worry
about him.

Even judd raike
couldn't hurt him.

Now, here's something
that could...

We saw over in
the experimental station.

It's, uh,
it's called fleck.

Watch out
for it, Parrish.

Probably comes
from smog.

It seems ironic,
your willing to help me
help your worst enemy.

I'm not interested
in helping judd raike, no.

Maybe I can help you
stand alone.

Get me the new sala post
contracts.

He sent them back
to Mr. Edgar unsigned,
Mr. Raike.

He sent...

Get Edgar in here!

Yes, sir.

Your father wants you,
Mr. Edgar.

So this is
the way it went:

Right after you left
on your honeymoon,

I went to check
number 2 warehouse.

They were unpacking
sala's leaves.

I checked them,
and I found them
overdamp.

You ask me,
it's his crazy way of
getting even with you.

Boy, I sure
told him off.

And what did he say?

He said he was having
the whole crop

shipped back to him
at his own expense.

And what did you say?

I told him I was
already taking care
of his mistakes.

And then he
hung up on you.

How'd you know?

I don't waste my time
talking to idiots
over telephones either.

Now, we all know
that neither John donati
nor sala post

would ever pack a leaf
too wet.

They've never shipped US
anything but a perfect crop,
perfect leaves,

so what does that make you?

But they felt wet.

It makes you either a liar!

Or a fool...

Or both.

Because this season,
sala post has just
canceled out on US.

At $3,000 an acre,
that's $600,000

of the finest tobacco
in Connecticut

that we have just lost...

Due to your
fantastic stupidity.

Well, that convinces me.

I'm sending you where I
should have started you

and your nitwit brother
in the first place:

Where it counts,
the fields.

Well,
what about evaline?

You'll both move
to oermeyer's farm
tomorrow.

Well, what am I gonna
say to my friends?

Look, i--i don't--
just say anything j--

please get out of my sight.

I've always dreamed
we could have a home
of our own.

Well, I think
it's beautiful.

[Hammering]

Yes, take a good look
at it.

Just to remind
you raikes

every day
of the year,

you may have
outlasted
Todd oermeyer,

but you'll never
outlast me.

We tullys was around

before
the name raike
was even invented.

You take that sign down,
or I'll chop it down.

Just try, Edgar,

and I'll
fill your rump
with buckshots.

Now, don't ask me how,
Edgar.

I'm dumping this
right in your lap.

And this is
your last chance.

Get him off that land.

Get rid of Tully!

All your farms
worked today?

Just a half a dozen
until noon because
of the heat.

The drought's
hit them all.

Sir, what with things
going so slow and all,

it just so happens
that Alison is
graduating this weekend

and wondered if I
could be her date.

Since I haven't had any
time off in two months,

I was wondering if--

yes, sir.
You want to take
this weekend off?

Are you interested in
learning tobacco or not?

Yes, sir, I want
to learn tobacco.

How do you propose
to go about it,

or do you consider
you know it all already?

What would you suggest?

Stop wasting your time
watching the girls walk
through Daisy rings.

On the spot, that's
where you learn tobacco.

You feel it, you see it,

you develop a sixth sense
by being there at all times,

under all conditions.

Now, we're going through
a hot spell right now.

What if we have to
irrigate this weekend?

Do you know all there is
about irrigation?

Why not?
I don't know anything
about irrigation.

Sala didn't have
to irrigate last summer.

Is that an excuse?

Why, you should be able

to go out on
any one of my farms

and tell me whether that
land ought to irrigate.

Do you know
how much it costs

to irrigate
1 acre of tobacco
with 1 inch of water?

I didn't think you did.
No, sir.

Well, irrigation
is expensive.

But anything that
ought to be done
and isn't done

is more expensive still.
Now, you remember that.

I don't want
a single day to go by

that you don't
learn something new.

Look...

You think I'm tough,
don't you?

Well, I am.

But you've got to
be tough to survive.

You see, I
run a big business

that I built
on being tough.

And by all
that's holy,

I'm not going to let
anybody wreck it,

including my own
flesh and blood.

Now, it just
so happens suculoo

is irrigating his
highest field tonight.

What time?

That's what
I'm talking about!

You're asking me
what time.

Well, I'm not
the timekeeper, you are.

You find out.

What time?

Look, one more thing.

And this order stands
for the entire summer.

If anyone irrigates,
you be there.

If they irrigate nights,
you work nights.

I want you to learn why,
I want you to learn
when.

Yes, sir.

Look, son...

Son, I don't want you
caught in an emergency

floundering around
in front of--

in front
of the whole crew
not knowing what to do.

And if you can't
buy that, well, then...

Then I guess i'm
wasting my time on you.

Yes, sir.

And Alison's been
raised around tobacco,

so don't worry about
her. She'll understand.

And don't worry about
her not having a date
for graduation.

I'll have--I'll have
Willis drive up.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you
very, very much.

Judd: You're
watching the makings
of a real tobacco man

walk by your desk.

2 inches,
66,000 gallons.

Are you going
to make the rounds
of all raike's farms

this hour of the night?

That's right. The big man
expects a complete report
by 7 A.M.

You better take a short
snooze in the car,

or the only report
he'll get will be from
the coroner's office.

[Sirens]

Where's your pump,
Mr. Tully?

Pump? Let it burn.

I need my water worse
than I need that barn.

Get your hoses
hooked up.

The fire is a threat
to raike property,
can't you see that?

Not with my water.

You order your men
to start pumping water,

or you'll answer to
my father personally.

Tully's pond
is his life.

You gone crazy?

There's not one of you

who won't have to
answer to judd raike

if you don't get moving.

Come on, let's go!

Don't you touch
my water!

My--my glasses.

They're draining
my pond.

They're draining
my pond.

Man: The pond's dry!

So the Tully side
comes tumbling down.

Is that the plan?

You got
a little mixed up
tonight, didn't you,

sticking up for Tully
against my father

in front of
all those witnesses?

Mixed up, no.

It's all
absolutely clear.

You'll be a long time

talking your way out
of this one, bright boy.

My father never forgives
a man for forgetting
who he works for.

Say, would you like
to make a little bet

on where you'll
stand after tonight?

I know exactly
where I'll stand,

and I'll be
telling him myself.

[Knock knock knock]

[Knock knock knock]

Tully was
destroyed tonight.

Edgar called.
Sit down.

I thought I
finally didn't care

what you said or did
or how you did it.

I thought you couldn't
make me care if I
wouldn't let you.

But I was wrong.
I do care.

I care when you
drive decent men
from their own land.

I care when you fight dirty
or lower than anybody else,

even if you do
use rats like Edgar

so you don't
dirty your own hands.

All you have to do
is figure out how to
live with yourself.

Why, you young pup.

You just had a man's
job in a man's world,

but you couldn't
grow up to fit it.

Why, I taught you
lessons you ought to
thank me for.

They were hard lessons,
but you couldn't
take them.

You still
haven't learned

that the hard way
is the easiest way
there is, have you?

Huh, have you?

Ok, go on, quit.

Go on, get out.

Give the other fellow
all the breaks

and see
how far you'll get.

You and
your crummy ideas,

why, you'll
hang with them.

Maybe I will hang--

get out.

But if I do, it'll be
for what I believe in,
not you.

You've spoiled
everything.

There comes a time
when you realize

if you close your eyes
just once too often to
what's right and decent,

you'll never
open them again.

You'll be lost, dead.

Please, honey,
try and see it my way.

Give me
a little more time.

What for?

To prove what
I can do without him.

And what am I supposed
to do in the meantime,

live with you
in some tobacco shack?

I'm just asking you
to have faith in me,

that I can build a life
for both of US.

You can have your faith.

As of now,
I'm living for me
and getting what I want.

I'm not interested in
nobility or sacrifices
or any of that junk.

All my life,
I've been fed ideals
instead of fun.

Please, honey, wait
just a little longer.

No!

Not one day,
not one minute.

If wylie raike wants
me, he can have me,

and I just bet he does.

You want to stick
around and find out?

Mr. Wylie raike,
please.

Hello, wylie? I'm sorry
that I woke you.

Could you come over?

[Door closes]

Yes, I'm alone.

Bye.

Bye. So long.

I'm sure they'll
be very happy, sala.

For the first time
in my life, I feel
sorry for a raike.

She's coming.

Happy birthday.

Oh, it's beautiful.

Surprise!
Surprise!

Happy birthday,
darling.

Thank you.

* Paige has a birthday,
I'm so glad *

* hope it's the happiest
birthday Paige ever had *

1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6, 7, 8,

9, 10, 11, 12,

13, 14, 15, 16,
17, 18!

Now I'm a woman!

Ha ha ha ha.

Where's Ellen?

Having her hair done.

At the risk of seeming
facetious, Paige,

uh, who do you know
in the north pole,
Santa claus?

Give it to me, wylie.

Let's see it.

Have you been
secretly corresponding
with Parrish

in spite of my orders?

May I have
my letter, please?

Answer my question.

Yes. I have
for over 2 years
but not secretly.

His letters come here.

And it's just my bad luck
you finally saw one.

Now...

Do I have to beg for it?

I hate to even see a dog
made to sit up and beg.

If you're going to
give him something,
give it to him!

But I don't think
dogs or people
should have to beg.

And if I were a dog
and somebody made me,

I think I'd bite
or froth at the mouth
or something.

Paige's voice: So he
locked me in my room
for a month,

as if I were
still a child.

Oh, how I miss you.

When you finish
your hitch, come straight,
straight home.

Paige.

Well, Parrish.

Come on in.
Come in. Come in.

Well, I missed you.

Yes, come on
in here.

Let me--let me take
a good look at you.

Stand right up
there now.

Well, you left your
boyhood behind you, hmm?

Yes, sir, one night under
the ice at the north pole.

It separated the men
from the boys.

I'll bet your mother
saw the change.

I haven't
seen her yet, sir.

I dropped by the house,
but it was all closed up.

I grabbed a bus
to see you.

Mm-hmm. She's down--
they're all down
at the shore.

Sit down.
Sit down, Parrish.

I had
an easter greeting
from Alison.

How is she?

Well, she looks like
the rest of them now--

expensive, aimless,
discontented.

She could of
had a real man.
She settled for half.

Well, what now?

I want to come
back here with you,
not with him.

I'll do anything.
I want this to be my life.

Well, I'd hire
you in a minute,
Parrish, but, uh...

I'm not working
the farm anymore.

Did judd raike
close in on you?

No, but, uh, he
got Tully's farm.

I'm--I'm completely
surrounded now.

I--i suppose he figures
to get my place one day

just by waiting
through Alison.

No, i--i--i don't know
what happened.

I just didn't feel like
working it anymore.

The, uh,
the cloth, the fertilizer,
and the chemicals,

they're all there
in the shed.

Suddenly, I didn't want
to start another year.

It's hard to picture
a sala post farm
without a crop.

Well, I have enough
to live on, Parrish.

Obviously,
Alison doesn't
need my help anymore.

I just didn't want
strangers working it.

What do you do now,
Parrish? You stay
in the valley?

I don't know.

I've been thinking
so many months about
working for you

that I haven't given it
much thought.

What's happened
to your people?

Well, they scattered
pretty much,

all except,
uh, John donati.

He still lives
in the cottage,

but he works
for Tom weldon.

What about teet
and his family?

Well, he said he
couldn't stomach working
for judd raike.

The last I heard,

teet moved
the whole family to
northern Massachusetts.

Are they
still in tobacco?

Oh, sure. Sure, once
tobacco's in your blood,
there isn't much you--

but think it over,
Parrish.

Think it over very
carefully before you
make your final choice.

Think of all
the uncertainties,

the 10-to-1 odds
against you.

If the worms don't get
you, the fungus will.

It may rain all spring
only to change
into drought.

You watch your leaves
turn brown, wilt on
their stalks.

You fight to save them
by irrigating,

only to have
a hail storm come along,
wipe you out completely.

Think of all
those things.

I have, sir.

May I call mother
at the shore?

Why, sure.

Go ahead.

Parrish, why
don't you take, uh,

why don't you take
the station wagon?

Give your mother my best.

Long distance.

One more to go.

Alison: Stop! Ohh!

[Wylie and
Alison yelling]

You filthy pushover!

Oh, shut up!

Stop it!

Stop it!

Oh, shut up!

Stop it!

Stop it,
do you hear!

Stop it
this minute!

Everybody
can hear you.

Will you
try to remember
where you are?

Now, what's
all this about?

She's--she's sunk to the
level of pushing buttons
for bellhops.

What right have
you walking in here and
screaming like a maniac?

What brought you
upstairs anyway?

I thought you were married
to that bar down there!

Alison, be quiet.

I sent for
the bellboy.

Are you the boy
they sent to adjust
my air conditioning?

Yes, ma'am.

Well, you've got
the wrong room.

This is the wrong
Mrs. Raike.

My room
is at the other
end of the hall.

Now, will you please
go and attend to it?

Yes, ma'am.

You're still a common,
garden variety tramp.

Well, Parrish,

welcome home.

What will happen between
her and wylie now?

Nothing.

They'll go on
just as before, hating
each other in private,

but courteous and even
affectionate in public.

Do you think
wylie believed you?

Probably not.

Where's Paige?

She's waiting for you
at the pool.

Aren't you going
to kiss me hello?

You mean, right
in front of everybody?

Well, how was Alison?

Fine. Pretty as ever.

Judd raike
offer you a job?

Yeah.

What was your answer?

The one word
he can't take--no.

But, uh, you still want
to be a tobacco man, huh?

Yes, sir.

Well, then, I'll, uh,
I'll make you a proposition.

Do you have $1.00?

That's just, uh,
to keep it legal.

Parrish...

I've just
leased you 20 acres
of my best land,

on one condition--
if you can rent a crew.

There's a feeling
around the valley
that I quit

because judd raike
was destined to get
all this in the end,

that any independents
around raike were doomed
to bad luck.

But it's not luck.

We know that,
they don't.

See, the apt to
shy away from working
for a new boy.

It's important to them
they work a farm that'll
finish a season.

Well, I will finish.

All right, now, you
can have the rooms there
over the garage,

and you can
live with your crop.

This isn't as one-sided
as you think, Parrish.

I hate to look out
over empty fields.

Where's the rest
of your crew?

I'm it.

Everybody's
afraid your father
will swallow me up

before the season's over
and they'll be boycotted.

They've built a wall of
fear around sala's place.

How do I break it down?

I do know how

you can have
a full crew working
for you by tomorrow.

How?

If you'll contract your
whole crop to my father,

he'll guarantee you
a crew.

He'll do anything to get
a lease from here again.

He'll even pay you
a premium in advance.

He--he sent me
to tell you.

I'd like to think there's
something he can't buy.

If he pays more,
he gets it back,
one way or another.

With him, you get
nothing for nothing.

Tell him I'm selling
someplace else.

I'm glad you said no.

I told him you would.

I'm so proud
that you did.

Somehow, somewhere,
I'll find somebody
that'll work with me,

even if it's somebody
that nobody else will take.

I've got to
show the old-timers
the jinx doesn't work.

I know you will.

[Singing]

The girls league
of valley high.

They can
only work weekends,

but they're
all born and raised
around tobacco.

And they can sew cloth,
and they can cultivate.

And you can expect more
of their boyfriends
coming any minute.

O.k., here we go.
Hold it! Hold it!

[Singing]

Well, it's a start,
Parrish,

but you can't
run a farm with just
children on weekends.

You ought to know that.

We spend one weekend
in New York,

and Edgar tells me
that you end up
working for sala post.

For Parrish mclean.

I just delivered
the last of his crew
safely home,

and I drove the bus.

It's strictly
amateur night in Dixie
out there.

Paige rounded up
a lot of high school
no-nothings this weekend.

Why didn't somebody
call me about this?

It's a flash
in the pan.

Those kids will be
back in school tomorrow,

and Parrish
will be alone again.

He has no help
left at all?

Uh-uh.

I had the word passed
that any raike employee

who works
for Parrish mclean
is finished in the valley.

Is raike and company
so weak

that you're afraid
of my son and
20 acres of land?

The danger must be
beyond belief

if you have to
threaten the workers

with boycott
for helping him.

No, you're forgetting

that I offered
your precious son
an entire crew.

Out of decency...

Or because you
wanted a foothold
on sala's land?

I've blinded myself
to your cruelty

as long as I can,
judd.

I just cannot
keep silent anymore.

Now, wait a minute.

Excuse me.

Parrish, come up
to the house at once.

What was that for?

I want you
to repeat to him

what you just said
to me.

But that's not
his business.

It soon will be.

Come on in here,
Parrish.

Now, Edgar
came here tonight
to blackmail me,

and I'd like a witness.

Now repeat to him
what you just said.

You don't want to, hmm?

Then, Parrish, I want
you to witness this.

It is my hope
to sell to you,
Parrish mclean,

the sala post farm.

You can buy it
out of earnings.

Those earnings will go
into a trust fund
for Alison,

so...

If she ever does
come to her senses,

she can walk out
on this raike tribe

and live like a decent
human being.

Is such a plan
agreeable to you?

Yes, sir,
but I don't--

Edgar has
a list of Alison's
indiscretions.

Well, I'll
get it from him.

No, no, no,
no, no, no.

They're in
my office safe.

Now, Edgar...

Go on home, hmm?

And tell your father
not to let you on
my place anymore.

And close the door.

He'll never
use that list.
You know that.

But he might
use a torch.

They've got to
destroy US now.

[Car horn honks]

I finally found them
at greenfield.

All I had to do was
tell them how it was
with you, and now look.

Criminy, think if a man
had work, he'd look up
his old friends.

Gladstone's
on his way, too.

I've got to warn you,

everyone's scared to
take a chance with me.

Ha. Tonight I
told everybody,

"sometimes
a young bull

can rip
the guts out
of the old bull."

How many
do you want,
Parrish?

We'll get 'em
for you.

* there's a man
goin' around *

* taking names

* there's a man
goin' around... *

you quit lemmie
to work here?

What do you
want to know for?

I thought you were
in greenfield.

I was.

What are you
writing down there?

Just who's
working where.

Gone back
to Parrish,
have you?

What are you starting,
some kind of a blacklist?

We got a right
to work where we please.

Except on
raike properties for
as long as you live.

Is that what happened
at Tully's?

Now, hear this:

If I ever catch you
within 10 feet
of my fence again,

I'll come over after you
and knock your brains out.

Look out,
Parrish!

I'll get you!

Oh, no, you won't,

because I know
all your tricks
and his, too,

and if anything
happens here,

I'll know
exactly who did it.

Judd: Sit down.

It's time my son learned
to fight his own battles.

Look.

We've had no
blue mold here...

No worms...

No sickness, no blight,

or any other
stinking thing
you can think of.

No fires like you
pulled on Tully.

So don't start thinking
you can fire my cloths
or burn my sheds,

because I'll
get you for it.

If I have to,
if it's the last
thing I do,

I'll see you
burn in hell

and the whole raike
empire with you.

Now, get out!

I'm sorry...Father.

So am I.

[Car starts]

Yeah, so am I.

Loverboy,
you kill me!

Ha ha...

I think
he'll win now,
don't you?

He has already.