Preacher's Kid (2010) - full transcript

Excuse me.

Are you Sister Brown's granddaughter
or a young Jezebel?

A mother's board work is never done.

Amen.

Praise
When life calls us in, praise

Seems the pain won't end
Praise with all you have

With all you can
Lift your voice and praise

When all hope seems lost, praise
With everything you've got, praise

With all you have
With all you can

- Lift your voice and
Praise

When it don't make sense
Praise



And you can't find one friend
Praise

- Anyway, anyhow
With all you can

Come on, somebody
Praise! Yes!

He'll make a way
When there seems no way

Yes, he will

He's watching over you

Praise, praise

- When it makes no sense
Praise

When you can't find one friend

Praise
- Oh, yes

Praise, yeah

Whoo!

Praise, right through your pain

Oh, yeah
Oh, yeah



Lift your voice

And praise

Praise

Praise

Lift your voice

And praise

Good morning, church.

Good morning!

- Good morning, church.
Good morning!

We wanna thank God
for our fabulous choir.

Yeah.
Play back. Play back.

Not to mention our outstanding soloist,
who just happens to be my daughter.

A faithful servant
to the work of the Lord. Amen.

Our text today
comes from the Gospel of Luke.

Marcia, hurry before he sees us.

I ain't trying to go to hell
for trampling over Mrs. Methuselah.

- Where y'all going? I wanna go.
- No. You gonna get us caught.

Y'all trying to sneak off
to the movies again?

Yep. And if Boris Kodjoe hops off
that screen and into my lap, mm-mm...

...hell, here I come.
- Ugh!

It's hot in hell.

But hotter in my lap. Okay?

- Y'all is crazy.
Angie.

Damn, we're busted.

I'll tell Boris you said hello.

- Be back in time for evening service?
- We're trying to go to the movies.

The movies.

Can the movies compare to salvation?

Hm. Boris Kodjoe?

It's a close one, Bishop.

Asthma seems to be getting worse.
How many inhalers do I have?

Five, Daddy. Next to your bed,
in your medicine cabinet...

...your top-desk drawer,
glove compartment...

...and right here in my purse.
Here you go.

Oh, in the meantime,
I found a new homeopathic cure.

You boil your 10 cloves of garlic in milk
and drink it.

Just like her mother. She understood
nobody looks after family like family.

All we have is each other now.

- Oh, come. You can see a movie anytime.
- When?

I have choir rehearsal,
I have Bible band, Bible study...

...midweek services
and usher board meetings.

Daddy, I need a break.

And you'll get one.

- But--
- At the church retreat.

Three days of prayer, relaxation
and fellowship with God.

That's who I need a break from.

I meant--

Never mind.

Marcia, would you mind helping
Angie clear the pews?

Oh, wouldn't miss that experience
even for the rapture, Bishop.

That boy love him some Angie.

Look at him. Stalling again,
just to spend time with you.

You always seeing things
that ain't there.

- We just friends, girl.
Mm-hm.

What? Hey, hey, hey. That's--
That's mine. That's mine.

"Daddy, Can I Come Back Home?"

- What's this?
- Gospel play coming to town Tuesday.

You free, Angie?

Huh, just friends, huh?

Thanks, but we've got Bible study.

Yeah. Bible study's cancelled this week.

It's got that leaky ceiling.

Well, I have to pass anyway.

I heard about those Chittlin' plays.

With titles like
If You Dis Me, You Dis God.

Yeah, yeah, but you know-- I mean--

At the end of the show,
somebody's getting saved.

- Yeah.
- And the singing.

They've got good singing in this one?

Yeah.

Like, better than me?

I mean, ain't nobody better than you.

- But...
- You're just saying that.

Look, I mean-- I know how
you always wanted that big record deal.

You know, I think that we should do
a gospel demo--

- Who's in these plays? Famous actors?
- Yeah. You know, remember Bookman?

- Yeah.
- Bookman from Good Times?

- Yeah, yeah.
- Yeah, yeah, yeah. I saw him in one play...

...and then Dwayne
from What's Happening?

Hey, hey, hey.

Hey.

Hey, Mother Charles.

Pastor's daughter
out here congregating with men.

Shameful.

And feel free to lower your hem
another half inch.

It's crawling up your thigh.

Why, when I was your age
we wore our skirts...

...a quarter inch below the knee.
- A quarter inch below the knee.

- Stop making fun of me.
- Now you the fast one.

- I'm not trying to be fast. It's long.
- Quarter-inch below the thighs.

It's at my knees.

Don't believe you. In the house of God.

Go home.

- See your Chittlin' Circuit play.
- All right.

Bible study got cancelled, thank God.

I know. Wynton told me yesterday.

I'm about sick of church anyway.

What? Is that allowed?

I mean, don't get me wrong.

I love my father, my church, my life.

I just know there's so much more
out there, and I'm missing it all.

I think I can fix that.

Bust out that hot new dress
you been hiding from Bishop.

Angie, are you getting that?

I'm in the bathroom.

King residence.

Hi, Bishop.

You take care now. Bye-bye.

Hey. Do you need anything else
before I go to Bible study?

- I'm fine. Marcia called. Says she wants--
- Okay.

Pick her up tonight and bring her to work
in the morning? No way.

Now, what would Jesus do?

Probably snap his fingers and get
that little raggedy Hyundai of hers fixed.

You just remember
that you're the child of a King.

Our last name is King, Daddy.

So would it be easier
to just spend the night at her house?

I guess.

But I know how much
you need me around here, so...

You...

...are remarkable.

- See you in the morning, Daddy.
- Bye-bye.

I can't believe Bishop keeps falling
for that trick.

Girl, my father might be anointed,
but he ain't got no street game.

Okay.

- Come on, now.
- I know.

We gonna be late.

Girl, that bag is cute.

It really completes the look.

Girl. So let's do this, mama. You ready?

It'd be nice to hear other than
"Praise the Lord, Sista King."

I know. I wanna hear some like
"Hey, shawty let me tap that ass--"

Watch your mouth.

Girl, look. That's Shay-shay and them.
Remember? From middle school.

- Uh-uh.
- Girl, she wearing that dress. Look at her.

Church girls in the house.
- Hey, mama.

Girl, look at them chandeliers.
This club is off the hook.

Wow.

So, what now?

Now we gotta find us some ugly dudes
who'll buy us some drinks.

Oh, I see two over there by the bar.
And one over there by the door.

- We gonna get us some drinks tonight.
- Oh, my God, girl. Look. Look, look.

Is that--?

Devlin Mitchell.

Oh, girl, he had that hit record with Gia.
Remember?

Rub it on me
Up against me

Girl, that's my song!

Oh, he's so fine.

Come. Let's show him
how Georgia women put it down.

We can't get up there.

- Got on our VIP dresses. We getting in.
- They're gonna kick us out.

Devlin! Devlin Mitchell.

Hey, how you doing, Devlin?

Me and my girl are big, big fans.

- Could we have your autograph? Please?
- Let them in.

We're getting in!
Thank you. Thank y'all so much.

Thank you so much.

Sign mine right here.

Put something like
"Marcia, rub it up against me. Again."

Does your friend talk?

- Say something, Angie.
- What?

What you girls doing later?
I'm having a party back in my room.

- Well-- Yeah, yeah.
- We have choir rehearsal in the morning.

Good girls.

I like that.

I like that.

- Your name's Angie, right?
- Yeah.

I just wrote a song about you.

- We country, but we ain't naive.
Mm-hm.

Markus, tell Angie
the name of my new single.

It's called "Angie." Real talk.

We're sorry.

What you all doing in Atlanta?
- In a play at the Fox Theatre tomorrow.

- Okay.
- Matter of fact...

Give me two tickets. Yeah.

- Y'all come tomorrow night and hang out.
- Yeah, for sure. For sure.

All right?

I'd follow him anywhere.

All I know is you better not lose
them damn tickets.

Bishop, you need to get on the
road or you won't make your engagement.

I can't leave without Angie.

She knows about my conference.

She stayed at Marcia's last night.
Haven't heard from her since.

- Call Sister Watkins.
- I did.

Apparently, there is a play in town
that they're excited about seeing.

- A play?
- Mm-hm.

She needs a good grounding.

Bishop. Bishop,
I know this is none of my business...

...but that child is over 21.

You're right, Emma.

It's none of your business.

Ooh!

Come a little closer

Let me talk to you

All the things tonight
I'm gonna do to you

There goes your new man.

- Girl, please. He ain't my man.
- Mm-hm.

I will take you places
You have never been

Yet.

And we can go there
Over and over again

- Hello?
- Bishop, it's Wynton.

I was wondering
if I could get your blessing...

...to date Angie.

Angie is too busy with God's work
to be thinking about dating right now.

This right here

Us all night
Yeah, yeah, over

What is that? What is that?
What he doing?

Again and again and again
And again and again

Good night, Wynton.

Good night.

Daddy, Can I Come Back Home?

Thanks for coming. Get your cast photos
and souvenirs in the lobby now.

I have to be in this show.

- No, I'm serious, Marcia.
- Okay. All right, all right.

- Did you hear that music?
- Yeah.

And those voices?

- They're singing for God.
- Yeah.

And you can only imagine the souls
that are being saved every night.

Is that the only reason?

I mean, it could be my big break now.

You know how many big producers
come through plays like this?

Well, Lord have mercy,
you like him, don't you?

- Who?
- Mm-hm.

Oh, him? He-- He all right.

You keep telling lies
and you're going to hell.

Let's take a picture with Devlin here.

Oh, look. Twenty dollars
to take pictures with the cast.

Come on. The star invited us.

Whoa, ladies.

- We're friends of Devlin.
- Yeah.

Yeah, so is everyone else here
with a $20 bill.

- Come on.
- Wait your turn.

- Oh, come on, man.
- This is crazy. Let's go home.

Hey, yo, yo. Let my wifey through.
They good.

You see that?

- What's going on?
Hi.

- How you doing?
- Good. It's a good thing I saved y'all.

I think Jesus
already had that one covered, homey.

Yeah, okay. Hey, look.

The cast is going to get
something to eat.

- You hungry?
- Starved.

Y'all both step over there and when
I finish we'll go do something.

Okay.

We going with the celebrities, girl.

Wait. Wait, wait.

Do y'all remember
when Cynthia came out on stage...

...and her wig was on backwards?

Y'all didn't say nothing. Y'all was wrong.

What you want me to do?

Comb that stuff.

You remember the time I taped
that fold down, I glued that fold down?

- That was you? Markus, you crazy.
- Oh, my gosh.

- Don't touch me like that.
- Whatever.

I wanna join the show.

Sorry. This show?

Yeah.

- You got skills?
- Better than anybody here.

- Marcia.
It's on now.

- I'm just speaking the truth.
You have to back that up.

- She said it. I didn't.
- You didn't deny it.

Let's hear you blow.

What is this, an audition or something?

It can be.

People get sent home all the time.

Mm-hm.
- You go sing.

- Ike.
- Yeah?

This shorty over here
is about to audition for you.

Really?

- Don't be scared. Let's see what you got.
Go on. Come on.

- Is Church the only place you can sing?
- No.

All right. Follow me.

I'll take good care of your heart

Good care of your heart

I'll take good care of your heart

Good care of your heart

When you need a shoulder to cry on

A real man like me to rely on

Don't look no further
Your search is over

I'll take good care of your heart

Yeah

I'll take good care of your heart

I'll take good care of your heart

Good care of your heart

I'll take good care of your heart

Good care of your heart

When you need a shoulder to cry on

A real good woman like me to rely on

Look no further

Your search is over, love

- Because I'll take good care of your heart
- Care of your heart

- Promise I'll take good care of your heart
- Promise I'll take good care of your heart

That's not bad.

You sing in the choir.
Understudy Desiree.

- Who's Desiree?
- That's the lead.

Go, girl.

Do you want me to read lines
or something?

No, it ain't much acting in this show.
In this show we just sing.

Come on. Let's go to my room.
I need to go over all the songs with you.

Oh, no, no, no.
Slow your roll, pimp daddy.

- It ain't that kind of party.
- She's in good hands.

I learned long ago
to cherish what can't be replaced.

Come on, let's go.

Oh, no, no, no. My father
might smell my breath for alcohol.

If it was wrong, then why
would Jesus turn water into wine?

My father says--

What does that mean?

It means when are you going
to start experiencing life for yourself?

Don't you take another step.
You may not have many more left.

Hey, Mama, what you doing in my room?

The play was over at 10.

Then we stopped to eat.

Until now?

The only thing open this late
is liquor stores...

...and legs.

Where's Angie?

Wait right there. Hello?

Sister Watkins...

...I'm sorry to call so late.

- Are the girls back yet?
- Bishop, we need to talk.

Angie, is that you?
- Yeah, it's me. I'm home.

- Thank God. Did Bishop catch you?
- Everything's okay. He's sleeping.

- Well, dish it out, mama.
- Oh, girl. It was the bomb.

- Girl, y'all didn't get freaky, did you?
- No, we didn't do that. You're so nasty.

No.

He was a perfect gentleman.

- He just held me all night.
- Aw.

I love me some Devlin.

Please. You sound like cupid
knocked you over the head.

Now, you only met this man last night.

- All I know is you better--
- Gotta go. Bye.

You lied to me.

Consider yourself grounded
until the Lord tells me otherwise.

I'm too old to be grounded, Daddy.

In my house, under my roof,
where I pay the bills, I make rules.

There's something
I need to tell you, Daddy.

I'm leaving.

Leaving?

I'm going on the road with a gospel play.

It's just like church, Daddy.
Singing, praising and preaching--

No, I forbid it.

My whole life...

...I've lived for your blessing.

To please you.

Well, I'm grown now.

And I don't need your permission.

That's what you say.

That's what you say.
What does God say?

I'm going, Daddy. I'm going.

Did you hear me?
You're not going anywhere!

Get off me!

I'm so sorry.

I'm sorry.

You walk out that door...

...never step foot in this house again.

Don't call my phone.

Don't even mention me to God.

I'm sorry, Daddy...

...but I have to do this for me.

I hope that you can understand one day.

Goodbye, Daddy.

You better go ahead.

We're not stopping
or going to the bathroom...

...all the way to Arkansas.

- Whoa. You almost got left. You're late.
- I need a schedule. Oh, and my contract?

You're looking at your contract.

We do seven shows a week,
matin?es on Saturdays and Sundays.

Monday is your travel day.

Hurry up. I'll save you a seat.

The contract ends when you piss me off.
You understand?

Now, you look like a good kid.

What you do on your own time is
between you and God. You understand?

But I'm telling you right now...

...you better be careful. All right?
- Yes, sir.

- Go on and get on the bus.
- Okay.

Dock her $50. She was late.

Let's go.
See what happens when you're late?

Smile, you got a 12-hour bus ride
ahead of you.

This seat is taken, boo boo.

And so is he.

Here's a seat.

Okay.

Remember me from the diner?
I'm Peaches.

I set up and sell concessions,
T-shirts, programs, cast photos.

Yeah, nice to see you again. Angie King.

Who's that?

Desiree?
- Yeah.

Oh, just somebody
he used to kick it with.

Well, I saw her in the show.

She's good.

Don't get on her bad side.

Ike doesn't like when you piss off
the leads. He'll send you home quick.

He don't like drama.

Psst. Excuse me.

I'm a big fan.

I'm understudying the lead.

Everybody here understudies.
Even me and Biscuit, the bus driver.

Oh, well, how often does Desiree
miss a performance?

Never.

Neither sickness, nor death,
nor baby-daddy drama...

...keeps us from getting out
on that stage.

Angie, we're here.

Oh, come on, girl.

We gotta unpack
and get over to the theater.

He's gone, like we ought to be. Let's go.

Okay.

My little girl

Tried to save you from this world

Hold up. Ladies and gentlemen.

If you don't have experience,
don't come here.

Don't try and stop me now

I've got to go

Come a little closer
Let me talk to you

Doing all the things that I wanna do

That's what I'm saying. Come on.
- Oh, I'm leaving now

I gotta learn for myself

This is not Broadway.
This is black theater at its best.

- Yes.
Okay.

I'm leaving now, I've got to go

Gotta learn for myself

There's something I've got to know

Cut, cut. Stop. Cut means stop. Argh!

Just go. Just go. Go on, go on.

- Thank-- Thank you. Thank you.
- No, don't thank us. Bye-bye.

They double us up.
So you wanna room together?

- Yeah. That's fine.
- Okay.

Take it.

Good morning, Devlin.
I was needing a date for breakfast.

I can't.
I'm waiting on the record label to call.

Oh, okay.

Hey, you know what?

Why don't you come by my room tonight.
I'll leave a key at the front desk for you.

Okay.

Come on, girl. I'll show you
how to make your per diem last.

All right.

Here are the rules.

Don't use anything at the hotels
except the bed, the toilet and the towels.

- Okay.
- No room service, no mini-bar...

...no phone calls, no pay-TV.
- Okay.

Most of the men in the show
spend a grip on dirty movies.

Wait, I thought
these were all Christian men.

My bad. Let me rephrase that.

Most Christian men in the show
spend a grip on dirty movies.

Oh.

Downstage.

I said downstage.

Who told you to walk there? Downstage.

Which way is that?

Get your dumb country
Bama behind off my stage.

I need a new next-door neighbor.
Where's that new girl?

- You're up.
New girl!

- Me? I don't know that role.
I need a new neighbor.

Knock on the door and look cute
and ask to borrow some sugar. Go.

- New girl!
Okay, I'm right here.

Are you deaf or just dumb?

My name is Angie.

How about stupid?

Now, hit your mark.

I'd rather you not call me
out of my name.

You fired too.
Somebody send this child home.

For what? For telling you her name?

How about this?

You send her home,
you send me home too.

Stay out of this, Dev.

No.

I'm all up in it.

Well, I tell you what. Just--

Just get her attitude together.

How many people you fire today?
What you got for me?

Listen. I got this new character...

...I added to the show.
- Okay.

I think it'd be good.

Biscuit! Come on out.

You gotta be kidding me.

Biscuit? My bus driver?
Oh, yeah.

I call her Aunt B?b?.

It better be good for your sake.

Or else you be the next one going home.

Oh, that was close.

I owe you one.

Yeah, you do.

Angie, would you ever say no to me?

That's a dangerous question.

But I think I trust you.

No, I wouldn't.

I've always wanted to do it in a tent.

- Excuse me?
- Church, I mean.

I saw them setting up when we pulled in.

Would you go with me?

You're what every church girl wants.

A bad boy who loves the Lord.

Come on.

Hey, baby girl. Where's my dinners?

I'm sick of this.

I got my own life to lead.
And I want what's coming to me.

- You want what's coming to you, huh?
- Yeah.

You know your Daddy love you's.

So I'm gonna give to you
what's coming to you. Get on over here.

With open arms

I'm sorry.

Jesus is waiting

Come as you are

Without hesitating

He hopes for you

All that you need

Come as you are

It's time to breathe free

Litha, come on. Come on, you missed it.

Okay. Remember, the part
that we talked about. You can't be lazy.

Okay, no-- Just sing it
the way I asked you to.

You mean you want me to sing it
like Angie. And I ain't her.

Okay, just--

Just do the best you can. Because
we gotta be top-notch for New York.

I guess you're saying I'm not.

Let's take a break.

I'm sorry. It's--

You know, it's just--
It's hard losing a lead singer.

Well, we've lost more than a singer.

- Our top selection, sir?
- Yes.

Oh, you know what? I got it.

- Thank you very much.
- You're welcome.

I'm not used to being so spoiled.

Well, get used to being with me.

Oh, no, no, no. I'd rather not.

- I'm a PK, remember?
- A what?

A PK. A Preacher's Kid.

Oh.

My daddy's a pastor.

Yeah. I hear you.

So is it true what they say about you all?

What?

I mean, I hear PK's are, like,
the biggest freaks ever.

Excuse you?

No disrespect, I mean...

...I just hear PK's are really messed up.

I mean,
there is the pressure of being perfect.

We can't make mistakes
like everybody else.

Would it be a mistake
to spend the night with me?

No. I mean, yes.

Yes.

- You want me to keep it real?
- Please.

As freaky as you think PK's might be...

...I've never gone past foreplay.

I guess life
is all about growth and experiences.

Yeah.

You tripping.

I've been saving myself
for you my whole life.

Put the names on the envelope.

- Everybody get four tickets, understand?
- I understand.

New girl.

Huh?

- Oh, I was-- I was just--
- I was just what?

Get over here.

- How you doing?
- Hey.

Didn't I tell you to be careful?

You're a grown-ass woman.
You know what to do.

Leave these tickets, sort through them.

Leave them at will call
for the pastors, understand?

- Okay.
- Where the shepherd goes...

...the sheep will follow.

- That's what I'm saying.
- Thanks a lot. All right.

I don't know what to do with you.
Get on out of here.

Oh, um--

I'm wondering when I'm gonna rehearse
Desiree's role with the rest of the cast.

Ain't no time to rehearse.

You do that on your own.

Okay.

I mean, you never know
when it's your time. You understand?

Yes, sir.

You never know.

Thank you.

Come in.

Hi, my name is Jillian from next door.

And I was wondering
if I could borrow a cup of sugar.

Why is you cup-a-sugar Negroes
always moving next door to us?

Whatever. Is your husband home?

No, but my brothers,
Smith & Wesson are.

Ah!

Run, hussy.

Top that, homey.

Hello? Bishop?

I hope I'm not interrupting.

- I was about to have supper--
- Oh, you over here eating fast food.

Not as long as I have breath in me.

You like chicken and dumplings?

You really didn't have to do this.

Oh, come on, now.
Please, that comes natural to me.

And you know you need some good
home cooking now that first lady is gone.

Oh, Lord, we all miss her.

Yes, yes.

So have you heard from Angie?

I'm sure you respect the need
to keep private lives private.

When you respect the need
to let kids make their own mistakes.

You're cutting into my prayer time,
Sister Watkins.

I hope it is devoted
to asking for a forgiving spirit.

Leaving now

I have to go

Gotta learn for myself

Something I have to know

I'm leaving now

No, don't try to stop me

Oh, I'm leaving now

Just pray for me

Hey, baby.

I got your stuff.

Oh, see here your lotion,
toothpaste, toothbrush.

All ready to go.

Did you put my clothes in the cleaners?

I...

I looked all over for one,
and I didn't find one.

But I'll try again tomorrow.

Wow, this place is a mess.

Do you have to smoke that?

I ain't gotta. But I'm gonna.

That stuff is for losers.

What you say?

I said that stuff is for--

I was platinum
before you knew what a demo was.

Think you talking to?

You better ask about me.

Little church girl.

Look, baby. Look, Angie, baby, look.

Look, I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry. I've--

I promise you I have never put my hands
on a woman before.

I don't what I--

I don't know what I was thinking.

I'm sorry.

I'm messed up.

I need you.

Need me how?

What's wrong?

Talk to me.

After my second CD...

...after I made them all that money...

...they just dropped me.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Don't tell me you're so--

It's all the new gangsta rap.

And now it's about hip-hop.

Nobody wants to hear
real music anymore. Nobody.

Listen.

I'm gonna get a new record deal.

And when I do...

...I'm gonna make them take you too.

You would do that?

Baby...

...any success without you is failure.

FATHER :
My little girl

Tried to save you from this world

My baby girl

Why won't you listen to me?

Your dad, your father, your protector

Did I hold too tight?

My baby girl

I pray for you tonight

Oh, don't wanna live
In a world without you

Don't wanna breathe without you

Can't believe I never showed you
Never told you

So now you're leaving

And you don't know
What I felt about you

So tonight I'm hurting

I'm longing

Oh, I'll pray for you tonight

Daddy, let me go

Don't wanna let you go

Is there anything you can do?

Please let me go

Baby girl, please stay

She doesn't even know how I feel

Please let me go

Daddy's little girl

Oh, I'll pray

Pray for me tonight

You know I will

You know I will

And I will pray for you

Tonight

Hey.

- What do?
- What up, baby?

That's good.

- What's up, boy?
- Safe, single.

- They got it out for us, huh?
- Don't you know.

Yeah.

Why don't you go check us in,
get our bags off the bus?

Okay, baby.

Hey.

Come here.

Go fix your hair.

You look a hot mess.

You ready?

Yeah, let's go.

By the way, I really like your hair.

Say, bro.
Why you dogging Angie like that?

Still breaking her down, young player.

Lookit here, player.
It's an old-school pimp move.

Well, school me.

Praise them early, dog them later.

After that, they'll be begging
for attention like a bone.

- Real talk.
Game recognizes game.

I'm trying to recognize some game too.
So maybe I need to be a dog.

You do. Check this out.

When you finish with your girl,
gonna pass over to your boy, right?

- For sure.
- My man. That's what's up.

I couldn't see my life without you in it

I guess I hoped, I wished, I prayed

That things had turned out different

It's funny how love slips away

I wanted it to be so perfect

I guess I knew it all along

- I can't even hate. She's amazing.
- What I wanted was not what you wanted

- So here I am standing alone
Yeah, she's good.

Brings the house down every time.

- Oh, yes, you did
- Do you think I'll ever get there?

Like, even a matin?e?

I said I never let it happen

- Guess I better start accepting reality
- You got a long way to go.

Reality, yeah

One kiss, one touch

Then it led to one night, one month

- Hey, look at me. You'll get there.
- Then it led to one year, two years

- It could lead to--
- Keep smiling.

Come on.

One kiss, one touch

You named that song after me?

Yeah, I wrote it all last night.

- The only thing I can think about.
- That right?

I don't just name songs
after anybody. Just you.

So you name a song after her?

How many girls do you use
that lame game on, loser?

Uh-uh.

- What did you call me?
- You heard me.

What you gonna do?

You wanna find out, huh?

You leave with her, I'll be packed
and gone by the time you get back.

You need me
more than your next breath.

Be in my bed when I get back
or somebody else will.

Now, where were we,
before we were so rudely interrupted?

You reached
the King residence, leave a message.

And remember, ask yourself,
what would Jesus do?

Hi, Daddy.

I was just calling to say hi.

Everything's great out here.

But...

...I was thinking
about coming back home.

Daddy, can you hear me?

Please pick up.

Hey, I'm really glad
you moved back in.

We'll upgrade to a double
when we get to the next city, okay?

You think they're back yet?

Don't do this to yourself.

You need to let it go.

I'm trying, Peaches.

I'm really trying.

You know what they say
about your first.

It's like a soul-tie or something.

Please tell me you did not lose
your virginity to that dog.

He might be a dog, but he's my dog.

Strays don't belong to nobody.

How's it feel to be me?

How's it feel to be me?

Remember Eddie King, Jr.
on Five Heartbeats?

That's you, Angie. That's you.

Why don't you shut up, you idiot?

Well, well, well.

You can have him back now.

You know, if you were the singer I am,
you'd have my role.

And if you were the woman I am...

...you'd have my man.

Devlin!

Devlin--

- What?
- We need to talk.

We're done talking.

You moved
all your stuff out, remember?

No, wait.

I wanna come back.

We ain't got nothing in common.

You gonna eat that bacon?

I can still see it. Next time
you need to put more makeup on.

Next time?

You know what I mean.

I got something for you.

- What's this for?
- To celebrate. Put it on.

It's beautiful.

To celebrate what?

The guys from my label are gonna be
in New York and I told them all about you.

Are you serious?

Thank you, baby.

You changing clothes, right?

You don't like it?

I mean, I can change.

Yeah, you know what I like.
We're going to a club later.

Okay.

I'll see you back at the hotel.

- Talk to me.
- Dang, girl.

About time you answered your phone.
Where you at?

Oh, it's nothing to be worried about.

I'm getting a record deal.

Devlin hooked it up.

You serious?

Oh, I know you about
to get your praise on now.

Angie, get over here.

- I gotta go. I'll talk to you later, okay?
- Angie, wait.

Who was that?

He hopes for you

He hopes for you

All that you need

The source of everything you need, yeah

Come as you are

Come as you are

It's time to breathe free

Breathe free

The presence of the Lord fills this place

Oh, I know this is a rehearsal

But, oh, bless his name

Oh, bless his name

It's all right to cry out to him
Yes, it is

Oh, we bless your name, Father

Yes.

Yes. Yes!

Yea-- That's it for tonight.

Okay? I see y'all on Friday
and be sure y'all bring the fire.

You hear me?

And Litha.

Baby girl.

Litha, love.
You singing better than Angie.

Oh, you crazy. You crazy.

No, you crazy.

- Hey, Wyn. you got a second?
- Got a lot of seconds.

- What's going on?
- Angie's play is coming close by.

I thought we'd drive a few hours
and surprise her.

I miss my girl so much.

I know you do too.

Yeah, well, you know,
we've been friends since grade school.

And unless you wanna stay friends,
you better man up.

T-shirts are 20, hats are 10
and programs are 5.

Avoid negotiators, and wouldjatakers.

Wouldja what?

"Oh, excuse me, sister.

I know it's $20, but would you take a 10
in Jesus' name?"

- Why are you crazy?
- Hell, no, is the answer. Hell, no.

Angie?

Hey, it's Monte.

Monte from Macon.

Your father used to preach
at my father's church when we were kids.

- Little Monte?
- Hey.

Oh, my goodness.

How you doing?

- What was that song we used to sing?
Jesus made me strong

That's it.

- What are you doing here in Texas?
- My wife.

She's visiting her family.

Well, I gotta meet her before you leave.

She's taking my daughter
to the bathroom.

- You promise me? I gotta--
- Excuse me.

- I wanna introduce you to my friend.
- How you doing, bro?

- We'll get to that. Need to talk to you.
- Okay. Talk to you later.

Hey, baby girl.

Give me a kiss. Hey, baby.

What's wrong?

Don't you ever, as long as you're black,
disrespect me like that.

- Disrespect you how?
- Okay.

- Maybe this will jog your memory.
- Ah!

You think I don't see you?

I see everything.

Where's Angie?
- Laying down.

Let's hurry up. We're late.

Oh, I'm so excited.
I can't wait to see my girl.

- She gonna be so--
She'll be happy?

Well, why wouldn't she be?

I don't know.
I mean, people change sometimes.

Oh, not Angie. Never her.

You know
she's never called me back, right?

Not even once.

Oh, Wynton, I'm sorry.

You know, she probably just got busy,
you know?

They're rehearsing.
You know them showbiz people.

Oh, this place nice.

Maybe she'll know.

Excuse me, do you know
where the box office--? Peaches, right?

I'm Marcia. This is Wynton.
Friends of Angie's.

We drove up
to see her perform tonight.

She hasn't been on stage in weeks.
Her vision is still blurred.

What? What happened?

Excuse me. I need to finish setting up
the display table.

- What she talking about?
- I have no idea.

Peaches, these are the only ones
I could find.

What are y'all doing here?
You should have called first.

We're your friends, Angie.
We came to see you, girl.

- Angie, what happened to your face?
- Friends mind their own business.

- Friends let me live my own life.
- No, no, no, Angie.

Friends care. Who--?

What, did Devlin do this?

It wasn't his fault.

Angie, you can do a hell of a lot better
than Devlin.

With who?

- You?
- Okay.

Oh, Angie.

- What's happened to you, girl?
- Marcia.

Baby, just come home, all right?

It ain't supposed to be like this.

This is what I want.

Hello? I done told you, woman.
Quit calling my house.

Now, you don't want me
to have to get buck wild.

- Bye.
- Hey, excuse me.

Can I talk to you for a minute?

No, I'm busy.

Here she calling again.

What do you want, hussy?

You don't talk to me that kind of way.
Wait a minute.

You gonna make me lose my--
What you say?

Wha--?

Ike, do something.
Throw that man out!

- Do it!
Hey, there, security!

Yo, fuck, man!
- Fellas! Come on, man.

No, my boy didn't paint your cat.
My boy done stop drinking.

I'm sorry, we'll buy you a cat.

I hope you didn't do anything crazy.

- Two wrongs don't make a right.
- Yeah, but three lefts do.

Look, if you two can't support me,
then go back where you came from.

Yeah, we're gonna do both. We're gonna
support you and go home. Let's go.

Hey, old friend.

I just had a dream that woke me up.

In my dream,
God was whispering to you.

He said that even
when you leave him...

...he never leaves you.

His light is greater
than your darkness.

And that once this test is over...

...he's gonna give you
a marvelous testimony.

- I can't find her inhaler.
- Asthma attack. Ike, where are we?

Ten miles of country road in front of us.
She okay?

- I think I can help. I need some honey.
- Oh, my bag.

I need a napkin.

Here. I got one.

Here.

Back up a little bit.
Give her some air, y'all.

Breathe in through your nose,
out through your mouth.

What are you doing?

I do this for my dad.

When she inhales the air
that makes contact with the honey...

...it eliminates the mucus.

This should at least get us
to the hospital.

- Praise the Lord, Sister Emma.
- Praise the Lord, Sis.

- Did Bishop eat lunch today?
- You know how stubborn that man is.

We might have to
feed him intravenously.

My cobbler don't taste as good that way.

Bishop, did you eat anything?
I brought you some of my--

Are you okay, Bishop?

I can never find what I need.

Are you looking in the right places?

This was Angie's responsibility.

Angie's not the only one
that can look after you.

I'm all right. I'm all right.

Girl, come on.
I'm all right.

I'm coming. Hold up.

All right, y'all. Let's go, let's go.
- Watch your hand.

Angie.

I can't believe
what you did for me on the bus.

I've had a lot of practice.

Yeah, but I've never been nice to you.

And if you hadn't been there...

...then I probably would've--

Thank you.

You would've done the same for me.

Don't you believe that.

You really wanna do my role?

If you're gonna be my understudy,
you got a lot of work to do.

You got blocking and cues.

So you meet me in my room
tomorrow afternoon.

Is Devlin gonna be there?

Girl, please. No, that's over with.
I promise.

Listen...

Listen, I'm quitting the show
pretty soon.

Now, I can't really talk about it
much right now...

...but you're good, Angie.

This role was made for you.

Daddy, can I please come back home

Hold me closer, never let me go

- Sing.
Daddy, can I please come

No, Angie. Come on, now.
We been through this.

No, no, no. That's--

Stop.

You sing every song the same way
every time.

- I'm singing it just like you.
- That's the problem.

Now, our audience may not be the most
sophisticated, but they are discerning.

And they can spot a lie.

How am I lying?

By not relating.

Every song should be different...

...because your character is experiencing
something different at the show.

- I know that.
- Okay, well, then sing it.

Tell me the story.

- What story?
- Angie, okay, now. What's the play about?

A small-town girl,
doesn't appreciate home...

...so she leaves, but then she regrets it.

And by then, it's too late.

Her father's dead,
and she's in this world all by herself.

Okay.

Then play it.

She's three different people.

She's the girl that leaves home
who's full of curiosity.

She's the one in the world
that's blinded by lust.

And the girl who repents.

There you go.

All three of those girls
would sing the same song...

...three different ways.

- Wow. Can I try it again?
- Come on.

Daddy, can I please come back home

- Yes, Angie.
- Hold me closer, never let me go

You better sing, girl.

I know that's right.

What?

I'm just trying to figure out
how I got so far off-track.

I used to be on fire for the Lord.

You gonna get all holy on me again?

Can I at least let my food digest?

This needs to stop.

What needs to stop?

Do you really need to ask?

There really isn't any record deal,
is there?

You just made the whole thing up
to keep me on your string.

- So you think I'm lying to you?
- Mm-hm.

Devlin, Myke Jarett,
Rub Rhythm Records.

Looking forward to seeing you
in New York.

Don't forget to bring that lovely talent
you discovered. Peace.

Thank you for letting me hear that.

I really--

I really needed to hear that.

You know what?

One day--

One day you gonna realize
ain't no man got your back like me.

I'm sorry.

Baby, I'm sorry. I just--

Excuse me.

- Can I sit there, please?
- Yep.

Come on in.

Thank you.

You gonna say "I told you so,"
aren't you?

No, I'm not gonna say that at all.

I mind my own business.

You're a good guy, Ike.

We both know you're not quite
such a good judge of character. Hm?

- It's really coming down-- Thank you.
- Come on.

- Thank you. It's coming down.
- Oh, I can't thank you enough.

- I hope it wasn't an imposition.
- Well, it was.

But I didn't mind.

How do you know
that Angie is coming home?

Because I'm a man of faith.

That robe that I wear every Sunday?
I thought that might give it away.

Bishop.

Listen, I found a lovely robe.

- Well, she's getting older so--
- Bishop, I got this.

If you say so.

And look what else I got.

Oh, that's nice.

It's nice, isn't it?

That's nice.

Dev?

You in here?

Luke 15 is the chapter of lost faith.

The lost sheep.

The lost corn.

And the lost child.

Remember, everybody,
the bus leaves at 6 a. m. sharp.

New York is about a 12-hour drive,
so wear something comfortable.

Hey, Litha.

- I just wanna say I'm proud of you.
- Don't try and be nice to me now.

- Litha.
- Got you.

All right.

Wynton?

How you doing?

You make us proud.

You're not only representing
our church...

...but our savior as well.

Thanks for not making me feel
too much pressure.

Well, you can only do your best, son.

Thank you.

Well, Wynton.

I miss my daughter.

I feel I may have held the reigns
a little too tightly.

Everybody needs the freedom
to make their own mistakes.

Learn on their own.

I understand, Bishop.

I understand.

Six a. m. sharp.

Oh, my God.

Oh, my God, Peaches.

- What is it?
- New York.

Is it still there?

Yes.

Cool. Make sure no one takes it.

When I was a little girl...

...I would daydream this imaginary tour.

We start off at Carnegie Hall...

...then the Met...

...and then the Garden.

Even Broadway.

But I saved the best for last:

The Apollo.

And just before I ended my song...

...Chaka or Aretha
or someone awesome like that...

...would come in from outside...

...and join me in a duet.

Peaches?

What do you dream about?

Peaches?

I dream, Angie.

One day people will notice
the size of my talent...

...rather than the size of the man.

New York is that kind of place.

Let's go, folks, let's go. Let's go.

Let's go. I got 36 hours
to take this stuff back.

I don't have all day. Let's go. Let's go.

My man. Listen. I need those wires
connected and everything working.

Okay? I had a problem last time.

- Where are my leads?
- On their way, here in an hour.

Got sound check in a hour.
Everybody ready in 45 minutes.

- Where are my leads?
- We're ready.

Don't, "We're ready, Ike," me.
Where's Devlin?

He had a big meeting
with some record people.

- With who?
- A record label.

You tell the record company
to give him his paycheck.

Tell them I said that.

Oh, yeah. You playing two roles tonight.

You're playing Cookie and Grandma.

I need you out there
at intermission selling programs.

Help her out with that.

I'm sick of this.
- Okay, give me a sec.

Ike.

Ike!

Ike.

- What?
- Look, my contract's almost up.

You know Angie's your girl.
She got my role down.

I mean,
she's good but nobody know her.

I need somebody there
that can sell tickets.

I got one of the En Vogue girls
coming to the show tonight.

And if she likes it,
she's gonna take over next month.

You know how the game go.

What's the point
of being an understudy?

- Angie, chill.
- I've been understudying for months.

Angie, not right now, okay?
It's bad timing.

You got a beef with me, young lady?

What if I do? You ain't God.

You keep talking,
find your way home, all right?

Give her a break, all right?
She's going through some things.

Yeah, she gonna be going through
airport security if she keep talking.

In fact, get her a bus ticket.
Let her catch the bus home.

This whole thing is a joke.
So unprofessional.

Unprofessional?

Everybody stop. Everybody stop.

Stop. Did you hear what she just said?

This whole thing is unprofessional.

Let me tell you what unprofessional is.
You acting like a little hoochie.

Jumping in and out of bed with Devlin
before you knew him.

Unprofessional is having your boyfriends
fighting backstage. That's unprofessional.

In fact, unprofessional is the way
you just talked to me.

You better be glad I like you, little girl.

You know what?
I don't like you that damn much.

You're fired.

Anybody else got a problem
with how I run my show?

Pick up your paycheck and go home.

Hey, let him cool down, okay?

You're gonna get your chance, Angie,
but you gotta be patient.

When I get my record deal...

...he's gonna regret who he fired.

All right, let's get back to work.

I got money to make,
and I got a show to do.

And let's keep it professional.

Hey, here they are.

Devlin, my main man.

Boy, it's been some long, long years.

Man, you are looking good, boy.

This is a nice place, man. Glad to see you
finally spending some money.

Well, you know,
hey, nothing but the best.

This is Theodore Bell,
our executive vice president.

How you doing, sir?

Wow, the Theodore Bell.

If nothing comes out,
worth it just meeting you.

Well, I'm flattered.

Message one.

Devlin, MJ.
We're at the Marriott Marquis.

See you at the restaurant in an hour.
Top floor.

Hey, bring that girl with you.

She better be all that.

My man Myke was telling me...

...about how you guys are trying
to resurrect the whole romantic duo.

Like Peaches and Herb.

Tammi and Marvin.

- Dev.
- No, I'm cool with it.

I'm willing to put my solo career on hold
to make it all happen.

Is he serious?

That's not what I said.

I said I would pitch the idea to Mr. Bell.

But it was a long shot.

- Well, that's not the way--
- Devlin. Devlin.

Let me be clear
so there's no more confusion.

We're not looking for male vocalists,
and certainly not one with baggage.

- Man, you don't even know me.
- All right, let's put our cards on the table.

Nobody, nobody,
no record company wants you.

You got a bad rep. You got bad sales.

What, public intoxication?
What, domestic violence?

Extramarital affairs.

Your loss.
Let's go, Des. We up out of here.

We want her.

Not you.

We want a female artist
who can cross over.

But as long as she's signed to us,
you get a managerial fee.

Are you crazy?
You think I came all the way up here...

...to give you my artist?

We can get a deal anywhere.

Fine.

Well, back to the Chittlin' Circuit.

You look for us on the charts, player.

Let's go, Des.

Let's go, baby.

Hey.

Let's go, Des.

I'll take the managerial fee.

This contract is a preliminary one.

Hey. Sorry, baby, I'm late.
Did you try and call me?

The reception at the hotel is terrible.
But I got the message off the voicemail.

So I'm here. Hi.

- Who is this?
- I'm Angie.

I'm the singer
that Devlin was telling you about.

There must be some mistake.

Hi, Des, What are you doing here?

Angie, I am so sorry.

I had no idea.

- What is this?
Sweetie.

I'm the one they came to meet.

Angie, go home.

You don't belong here.

You never did.

From the time I was a little girl...

...my father always told me
how much he loved me.

How beautiful I was.

And because he said I was...

...I was.

Because my daddy never lied to me.

But then I met you.

And for the first time in my life...

...I felt like nothing.

But the Devlin is a liar.

And now I know...

...that I am not what you say I am.

But I'm what my father says I am.

The child of a King.

I'm sorry to disturb your meeting.

Congratulations, Des.

And congratulations to you too.

Damn groupies.

You ain't nothing.

I'll choose my own manager,
if you don't mind.

Here you go. Here you go, ma'am.

Can you check this out, please?

- Here.
- Thank you.

Go check out the Gospelfest
at the Apollo, all right?

WO
Gotta go.

Taxi!

Taxi! How do I get to
the Apollo Theater?

- Get in. I'll get you there.
- Okay.

Final sound checks.

Testing. Check one.

Testing, testing, testing, one, two, three.

You couldn't see me

So you couldn't feel me

I've been standing here alone

Singing this sad song

Standing here,
right here in front of you

You couldn't see it

So how were you

To know it

In my heart, I'm holding you

In my prayers, I pray for you

I love you, yeah

Oh, I finally see you

Oh, how I needed you

And you've been here all along

I needed your song

I feel you, yeah

- Now you can see it
- See it

- Oh, now we can
- Oh, now we can

- Feel it
- Feel it

Don't know how much this means to me

Thank you for not quitting on me

I'll never ever let you down again

I'll never ever let you down

My friend

I've never heard you
sing like that before.

I sing my heart out every day.

You just never listened.

Your--

Your play still in town?

I got fired.

Just c-- Just come home.

Your father misses you.

Hm?

I miss you.

Wynton, what do you see in me?

I see...

...a lost little girl.

I see a lovely lady.

I see...

I see a virtuous woman.

I'm such a mess--
I'm such a mess right now.

Just stay with me.

I gotta go.

I gotta go.

Angie.

Angie.

Girl, I have been looking all over for you.

- Come to the theater with me.
- What's wrong?

Desiree can't go on. You're the
only person who knows her role.

Why? Is she sick?

- Just come on. Hurry.
- Okay.

Are you forgetting that I got fired today?

Is Ike okay with this?

- What the hell are you doing here?
- Ike, I had no--

- You need to get into makeup, now.
- We're going!

Right now!

Ike sent me to find you.

Wait. I can't work with Devlin.

- I can't even look him in the face.
- You won't have to.

- He told Ike it was either him or you.
- And?

- And what? Do you see him here?
- Well, who took his place?

Say hello to your new leading man.

I love it.

But wait, wait.
I gotta check on Des first.

Desiree is fine.

She refused to go on
because she said it was your time.

She did that for me?

Is it your time, Angie?

I'm so far away from home

I don't know how I ended up here
All alone

Seems like just yesterday

Everything was all right

How did I get here tonight

I was raised better than this

Daddy, you don't know how much I miss

All the lessons life taught you

- Tried to tell me so I wouldn't have to
Go through

Cry myself to sleep

Cry myself to sleep

Trying to find some peace

Your little girl has just one question
For you tonight

Daddy, can I please come back home?

Hold me close and never let me go

I wanna say I'm sorry, Daddy
Every time I let you down

Can I come home tonight?

And tell me everything will be all right

What am I gonna do?

If I can't come home to you

Am I still Daddy's little girl?

In this big bad world

I'm calling out to you now

- Please hear me some way somehow
I was raised better than this

- Oh, yeah, yeah
- Daddy, you don't know how much I miss

All the lessons life taught to you

You tried to tell me so I wouldn't have to

- Go through
Cry myself to sleep

I cry myself to sleep
Trying to find some peace

Your little girl has just
One question for you

Tonight

- Daddy, can I please come back home?
- Can I come home tonight?

- Hold me close, don't let me go, no
- Hold me close, don't let me go, no

I wanna say I'm sorry, Daddy
Every time I let you down

Please forgive me

Tell me everything will be all right

I'm tired of getting independence

I'm tired of all the dumb pretending

Like I'm someone I'm not

When I'm so doggone lost

I wanna be free from these chains
A virtuous woman free of pain

I'm calling out to you now

Please hear me someway somehow

Back home

Hold me close and never let me go

I wanna say I'm sorry, Daddy
Every time I let you down

Can I come home tonight?

Tell me everything will be all right

Daddy, can I come home tonight?

Tell me everything will be all right

Daddy, can I come home tonight?

Tell me everything will be all right

Daddy, can I come home

Tonight? Tonight?

Tonight?

Angie.

Look, I know I hurt you.

I know I did some things to you
that wasn't right.

I'm sorry.

I asked the Lord back into my life.

I'm saved.

I just need you to pray for me.

Angie, wait.

I was hoping we could
cut a demo together. A duet.

My cousin gets her hair done
by Babyface's aunt...

...and I know she could get it to him.

I've never said this to any woman
in my life.

I love you.

Devlin.

Angie.

Angie.

Angie!

Hey, where to?

I'm going home.

Let us welcome our esteemed mayor.

Thank you.
Thank you very much. Thank you.

Bishop King.

I am honored on behalf
of the city of Augusta...

...to acknowledge your many years
of service to the community.

I hereby--

I hereby dedicate this day...

..."Mount Calvary Day of Appreciation."

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I truly--

This was my church home as a child.

I guess the lesson here
is that we can always come back home.

WO Who is that?
WO That's Angie.

That's Angie?
WO That's Angie.

That's Angie. That's Angie.

Angie, Angie, Angie.

In the story we are told
that when the child returned home...

...the father gave him a ring of gold
and draped him in a fine robe.

And the father was grateful.

Yes.

And I too am grateful...

...for my wife...

...and your new first lady.

Praise God.

Thank you, Lord.

- Nobody takes care of family like family.
Amen!

I mean, hey, we're doing okay.

A number one gospel CD,
can't knock that.

Okay, girl.

And speaking of knocked,
the next time you think you are...

...you might wanna ask somebody,
rather than messing up that test.

When I do eventually get pregnant.

Her husband will rejoice.

God did say
he would give you a testimony.

No, he said...

...a marvelous testimony.

Come on, y'all. Let's do this.
The movie starts soon.

I can't wait to see my baby daddy,
Allen Payne.

They had a feast.
Yeah.

Some of you all might call it a cookout.

That which was lost is now found.

My child is home.

God! He is good!

Yes, he is!