The Good Journey (2018) - full transcript
Based on the New Testament parables The Prodigal Son and The Good Samaritan, this is the story of two estranged brothers sent on a cross country journey by their father in the hope that ...
("Adam's Song" by
John Van Meter)
* You take me as I am
* You catch me as I fall
* You forgive me
my sin and shame *
* You hear me when I call
* And I know you're my Savior
* And I know you
died on Calvary *
* But I won't know what
you endured for me *
* You give me grace untold
* You give me a heart to sing
* You listen when I pray
* You send your spirit to me
- I'll see you inside.
Nice of you to make it.
- Sorry I missed it.
I had a gig last night.
- A gig?
Don't tell me,
a bunch of cover songs
in some lousy club
in the East Village?
- [Allen] We're playing
our own songs now.
- You know, I don't care,
and neither will Dad.
(George Jr. Sighs)
- Look, Mom and I
never really got along.
- That's your excuse
for missing her funeral?
Man, you've known for days
when this was gonna be
and where it was gonna be,
and here you are, late again.
Listen, she's our
mother, and she's gone!
I take it you're
gonna drive back?
Why don't you just go
ahead and leave now?
Oh. (scoffs)
I take it you're broke?
Yeah.
- I do need to head back.
- Right.
- But I'd like to see Dad.
- He doesn't need
your belated charm.
Just get in your car
and go back to New York!
- George, George,
go on in the house.
- Dad--
- Just go in the house.
Do me a favor and go
in the house, please.
- Yes, fine.
- Yeah.
- [Allen] Good to see
you too, big brother.
- Allen, I sure am
glad you came for this.
I know you're late,
but it's okay.
You going back to New York?
- Yeah, I was gonna leave.
- [George Sr.] Yeah, I
hope to see you again soon.
- I hope so too, Dad.
- [George Sr.] I'd like
to have you back here.
- I know.
("Marv's Song" by
John Van Meter)
* I was once with the Lord
* But now I'm not so sure
* It was very long ago
* I was underneath a tree
* He was there with me
* In the drizzling rain
* Peace was all around
* There was not a sound
* Only the spirit of the Lord
* I was in the garden then
* And I remember when
* It was the last to be
* And I wonder did you see
* All the love I have for you
* And I would be there
when the world was new *
* Lightning flashed
across the sky *
* I didn't want to die
* So I cried out to the Lord
* I had tasted sin
* And then I died within
* And naked's what I wore
* He whispered in my ear
* He made it very clear
* That I would have to go
* From the ground I would earn
* Into the dust return
* From whence I came
- [Patricia] Alright,
I'll have that drawn up
and contact the
bank in Los Angeles.
- [George Sr.]
Thank you, Patricia,
I know this is a bit unorthodox.
- It is, but that's fine,
I think it's a great idea.
- [George Sr.] I'm
gonna tell George
when I see him
Sunday for dinner.
- Okay, good.
I should have that to you
by the end of the week.
Thank you.
(upbeat music)
- I smell chicken.
Dinner must almost be ready.
- Tell us a story
before dinner, Grandpa.
- Tell us the one about the
long drive from California.
- We've heard that story.
- [Boy] Please.
- Well, your grandmother and
I had just gotten married,
and for our honeymoon,
we decided to drive out
West and see the sights.
- How far did you get, Grandpa?
- You know how far he got,
we've heard this story before.
- We made it all the way
to Joshua Tree National
Park in California.
No small feat considering
that not all the
interstates were built yet.
- [Boy] Did you drive
on the dirt roads?
- No, no, paved roads, mostly
Federal and State highways.
- So what happened when you
got to the park in California?
- My wallet was stolen, and
it had all of our money in it.
- Hey, kids, when Grandpa
is done with his story,
why don't you guys
go get washed up
and get ready for dinner.
- Okay.
- Okay.
- Where was I?
- You were stuck in
California with Grandma
and no way to get back.
- Thank goodness there are
a lot of Good Samaritans.
We started back home
with faith in the Lord
and the good people
that he created.
- Hey, you kids go get cleaned
up and help your mother.
Hey, Dad, would you
wanna pray over dinner?
- No, this is your home.
- It's hard to believe
she's not here,
that this isn't your home.
Sunday dinner's
just not the same.
- It never will be, son,
but that doesn't
mean we stop living.
The Lord would expect
us to, and so would she.
I just wish Allen was here.
I'm worried about Allen.
- Listen, Denise has got you
sitting across from the kids,
I hope that's okay?
- Oh, certainly.
- Well,
we'll see you in the
dining room then.
- I just hope he's okay.
I mean, New York can
be a lonely place.
- Look, I'm sure he's fine,
he's got plenty of
friends up there.
- George,
there's something I need to
talk to you about after dinner.
It's very important.
- Yes, sir.
(upbeat music)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
- Yeah, what do you need?
- [George Jr.] Dad's gone.
The funeral's Tuesday.
(soft music)
- Sorry I'm late again.
- Yeah, well,
you almost made it on time.
- They told me at
the funeral home
that lots of people showed
up for the visitation.
- Yeah.
And there were folks
asked about you.
I told 'em you was just
running a little late.
- Thanks.
Nice work on the headstone.
- Mom and Dad designed
it themselves.
I just had to make sure that...
They're gone.
It's just you and me now.
(Allen sighs)
- I guess you'll be wanting
to get to the reception soon?
- Yeah.
We've got a meeting at the
attorney's office after.
Well,
I guess we better get going.
You drive.
Denise took the kids in our car.
- How'd you know I'd show up?
- I had faith.
Well,
let's go.
(Allen exhales shakily)
(breathes heavily)
- Since George already
knows why we're here,
I'll do this for your benefit.
As you've probably guessed,
we're here for the reading
of your father's Will.
- The thought had
crossed my mind.
But, he didn't have
much to leave us.
Did he?
- "This shall serve as
an amendment to my will,"
dated October 20th.
"The only change to be made
"is the challenge that
must be met before my sons,
"George Jr. and Allen,
"are to receive their
respective inheritance."
It says here that you are to
explain the challenge to Allen.
- You remember that
story Dad used to tell us
about how he and Mom was coming
back from their honeymoon
and he lost his
wallet in California?
- It was, uh,
people helped them across
the country to get home,
and Dad kept a list
of names and addresses
and sent 'em thank
you cards and checks.
- Yeah, that's right.
Yeah, well,
here's something I just
learned right before he died,
it was Dad's goal,
he wanted to travel
back through those towns
and personally
thank those folks.
But I guess life got in the
way, he never got the chance.
- That sounds like Pops.
- The challenge is for
you and your brother
to travel across this country,
visiting those people
or their relatives
and thanking them, personally,
if you want your inheritance.
(Allen chuckles)
- Inheritance?
What, part of a run-down old
house and beat-up old car?
- You know, Dad said you'd
be all about the money.
- So, since you are all
about the money, Allen,
I have to say there
is quite the reward
if you fulfill your
father's request.
- Yeah? How much?
- When you get to Los Angeles,
there's a bank with a
cashier's check for $500,000,
made out to Allen Barnett.
- What?
- Yeah, well, Allen,
while you were busy
ignoring Mom and Dad
for the last 10 years,
Dad sold the business.
He made a lot of money.
- I thought he
lost the business?
- Well, that's exactly what
he wanted you to think.
He knew you'd be back down
here with your hand out.
- That's insulting.
- That's true.
- So, do you have to go on this
trip to get the inheritance,
or do you get it either way?
- The kids all have trust
funds made out for them,
but George has to make
this trip with you
before he can get his
equal inheritance.
- Hm.
So, if I don't play you
all's silly little game,
then neither one
of us gets paid.
Alright, I'm in.
How long's this gonna take,
and where do we need to go?
(upbeat music)
- From here, you'll go to
Mount Vernon, Illinois.
From there, you will go
to Boonville, Missouri,
then to Junction City, Kansas,
Byers, Colorado, and then
Grand Junction, Colorado.
Next stop is Cedar City, Utah,
and Blythe, California.
Then to Indio, and after
that, onto Los Angeles.
From there,
you can pick up your check
and fly back to New York.
- We drive all the
way across the country
looking for these people,
and nobody knows who they are,
we can't find them
or their relatives?
- Your father thought of that.
If you make this trip and
the businesses are closed
or the people and their
families are long gone,
then you will make a
donation to the local church.
Here are two envelopes
with $100 bills
for you to give as
donations or thank yous,
you both decide.
And here is an expenses
envelope full of cash,
and please do keep your
credit card receipts, George.
And Allen,
George will be checking
in with me periodically,
if you bail, there
will be no inheritance.
Okay, when are you leaving?
- After church tomorrow.
- Church?
- Yes, church.
And we're all going.
(upbeat music)
- Don't worry, son, I'll
be home on time, okay?
Alright, I gotta go, I gotta
take this call, I love ya.
Bye.
Steve Cole.
- Hey, Steve, it's Patricia.
- Patricia, good to hear
from ya, how did it go?
- They're on their way tomorrow.
Thanks for coming in on a
Saturday to help me out.
- Glad to do it.
Talk to you soon.
- [Patricia] Mm-hmm.
- Bye.
- How'd it go?
- Well, um,
well, it's hard to explain.
- Well, try. (George
Jr. chuckles)
- Listen, um, Allen and I
have to travel to California.
- When?
- Tomorrow.
- We've got two couches, so
you boys get comfortable.
- So this is married life.
- Shut up.
Listen, Dad changed his will.
He wants Allen and I to travel
back through those towns
that he and Mom traveled through
coming back from
their honeymoon,
remember the story?
- Baby, why in the world
would he want you to do that?
- He wants us to
thank all those folks
that helped him along the way,
he never got the chance.
- And how long will
all this thanking take?
- A week,
I don't know, maybe two.
Oh, baby, look, please,
just trust me on this, okay?
Look, it was Dad's last request.
- Okay.
Well, you change Allen,
and not the other way
around, you got it?
- Yeah, I got it, come here.
("Magnify" by John Van Meter)
* Rest your mind in
the arms of the Lord *
* Magnify His name
* Rest your mind in
the arms of the Lord *
* For the One who came
* Oh magnify, oh magnify
* Magnify His name
* Rest your heart in
the arms of the Lord *
* Magnify His name
* Rest your heart in
the arms of the Lord *
* The blameless man was slain
* Oh magnify, oh magnify
* Magnify His name
* Rest your soul in
the arms of the Lord *
* Magnify His name
* Rest your soul in
the arms of the Lord *
* For the One who came
- Whoa, hold on, that's
the wrong envelope,
that's got the cash in it.
Get the one that's got the map
and the story for the next town.
- Okay, next stop,
Mount Vernon, Illinois,
Ed and Belinda Collins.
They gave 'em a meal
and a full tank of gas.
- Yeah, that's the tank of
gas that got Mom and Dad home.
Yeah, well, I hope Ed and
Belinda are still around.
So, nice sermon the preacher
gave this morning, huh?
- Nice and long.
(George Jr. Chuckles)
- Mighta been the
shortest sermon
I've heard the pastor give.
- I don't know how you
do it every Sunday.
- It gives me a sense
of purpose, faith,
and it gives my kids a chance
to get to know the Lord,
the fellowship of the church.
- Oh, great, another sermon,
I've already had two in one day.
- I'm just saying
that that sermon
was about the Good Samaritan,
I felt like that was for Dad.
I mean, I know he
woulda loved it.
- [Allen] Don't tell me
about the Good Samaritan.
I went to Sunday
school too, you know?
- Well, think about it then.
I mean, if that
traveler had a chance
to come back years later and
thank the Good Samaritan,
that's what we're doing here.
Good sermon.
- [Allen] Whatever
you say, George.
- What's that?
- [Allen] The Good Samaritan,
he didn't do it for a thank you.
- No.
No, he didn't.
(upbeat music)
- Excuse me, miss, excuse me.
(chuckles) Hi, how are you?
- [Woman] Good.
- I was wondering if
you could help us out?
This lot,
it was our understanding
that this used to be an old
gas station and diner, but...
- Yeah,
it was Collins' Food and
Fuel when I was a little kid.
- What happened?
- Well, it went out of
business about 20 years ago.
They tore it down a
few years after that.
- Hey, you wouldn't
happen to remember
anything about the
old owners, would ya?
Uh, Ed and Belinda Collins?
- Yeah, they, uh, they
died a few years ago.
Why do you wanna know?
- Well--
- Long story.
Very long story.
- Okay, okay, listen,
(upbeat music)
they had helped our folks out,
and this was years ago,
we just wanted to stop
by and thank them.
So, um, now we're
traveling back the route
that Mom and Dad took coming
back from their honeymoon,
and was trying to find the folks
that helped 'em along the way.
And if we can't find
them, I don't know,
maybe we're looking for
a relative or something.
- Well, you're in luck,
they have a daughter, Donna,
she lives just west of town.
- Really?
- Yeah.
- You wouldn't mind,
like, introducing us
or telling us how to get in
touch with her, would ya?
- Yeah, sure.
- Aww, that would be so great.
- There you go.
- Aww, thank you so much.
- Yeah, my name's Gina Forrest,
you can just tell
Donna that I sent you.
I think she'll be really
happy to meet both of you.
- Thank you, Gina Forrest.
Thank you so much,
we appreciate it.
- You're so welcome.
Good luck.
- Take care, have a good day.
- If we have to tell
that story every time,
we'll make it to California
in about two months.
- I love telling that story.
Don't ruin it for me.
- You must be the fellas
that Gina called about?
- Did she tell you
why we were here?
- She told me enough.
So, you fellas are
here to thank me
for something that Moms and
Pops did for your parents,
like, uh, 50 years ago?
- It was a request of my Dad,
well, our Dad, before he died.
It was pretty important to him.
- Pops told me years ago
about a young couple
on their honeymoon
that he helped get back home.
The young man swore
he would pay Dad back,
and he actually did.
And boy was he
surprised. (chuckles)
- Well, our dad was
a man of his word.
And he really wanted to
thank your folks personally,
but life got in the way.
- Oh, isn't that always
the case? (chuckles)
- So, um, well, a
personal thank you and
this.
- Oh.
Oh, well, uh, I
appreciate the thank you,
but you don't owe me anything.
- Oh, I know that,
and so did Dad,
but he thought you'd do
something good with it.
You know, uh, donate it to the
church, or feed the hungry.
- Oh, thank you.
Bless you, bless the both
of you, and your father.
Half to the church and
half for groceries,
you have my word.
Would you please like to
come in for a cup of tea?
- Oh, well, we'd love to, but
we got a lotta stops to make.
- Oh, okay.
- You take care though.
- Okay. (chuckles)
("Jesus is King"
by John Van Meter)
* My soul glorifies the Lord
* And my spirit rejoices
in God, my Savior *
* His shield and His sword
* On His throne
that lasts forever *
* He is glorious
* He is wonderful
* He's as peaceful as
the love that comes *
* He is marvelous
* He is beautiful
* He will bring
His kingdom home *
- [George Jr.] Hey,
sweetheart, how's it going?
- [Denise] How are you?
- [George Jr.] Well,
I'm doing just fine,
really miss you and the kids.
- I miss you too,
they miss you a lot.
How's Allen?
- [George Jr.] Allen's
doing just fine,
you know Allen's being Allen.
- Of course.
So, what's your plan?
- [George Jr.] So we're
checking out of the motel
in Boonville this morning
and heading to
Junction City, Kansas.
I'll give you a call when
we get there, this evening.
- Okay, sounds good.
Love you.
- [George Jr.]
Talk to you later.
- Alright, miss you.
- Bye.
- Bye.
(rings bell)
- [George Jr.]
Hello, good morning.
- You must be the two gentlemen
who checked in last night.
How has your stay been with us?
- It was great, thank you.
Hey, this may seem
like an odd question,
you wouldn't happen to know
a David Van Buren, would you?
- Know him?
He's my grandfather.
He started working in
this motel in 1952,
and bought it in 1959.
- (chuckles) Good.
Uh, does he still
live around here?
- Oh, he passed away
about 10 years ago.
- Oh.
- My father inherited the place.
Did you know my grandfather?
- Oh, no, I didn't,
but my parents did.
- Hey, I gotta take this.
Uh, can I tell you a story?
- Sure.
- Yeah?
I thought I'd hear
from you by now.
What's going on?
Well, you're gonna have to
find somebody to fill in.
Look, I'm not gonna
be back for two weeks.
Yeah, I realize that.
What?
- So, on behalf of
my mother and father,
to thank you to your family
for their hospitality
and kindness.
- You've already
paid for your room.
- Well, yeah.
- What's that for?
- Well, it's just,
it's just a token of
appreciation from my parents.
- But you said your father
already paid the IOUs.
- Well, yeah, he did.
- A thank you is enough.
- She doesn't want it, alright?
- Do you go to church?
- Boonville Christian
Church, every Sunday.
- Okay, well, I tell you what,
this Sunday, you drop that
in the collection plate.
That's what our
father woulda wanted.
- I will do that.
Thank you.
- [George Jr.] Mm-hmm.
- And I'll call my dad
and see if he ever heard Grandpa
talking about your parents.
- You do that.
I'll bet your grandfather
was a fine man.
- Thank you.
- Well, we need to be going.
You take care.
Part of the agreement
is you're supposed
to be a part of this.
- Sorry, I had to take the call.
- [George Jr.] Well,
who was it anyway?
- My band's lead singer, we
got a gig on Friday night.
- [George Jr.] Well, did he
find somebody to sit in for ya?
- Yes, they did.
- [George Jr.] Good.
(starts car)
(phone rings)
- Patricia.
- [George Jr.]
Patricia, it's George.
- George, how's it going?
- [George Jr.] Fine,
two days in and we've
already checked Mount Vernon
and Boonville off the list.
- Great, who'd you find?
- [George Jr.] Collins' daughter
and Van Buren's granddaughter.
Well, so far it's gone
just as Dad had hoped.
- Allen too?
("Can't Even Start to
Know" by John Van Meter)
- Yeah, well, that's
still a work in progress,
but we're headed to Junction
City, I'll keep you posted.
- [Patricia] Okay,
talk to you soon.
- Steve Cole.
- [Patricia] Hey,
Steve, it's Patricia.
- Patricia.
- I just wanted to let you know
the Barnett boys have
already made two stops
and are headed to
Kansas as we speak.
- Wow, they're making good time.
- Yep, you might even
see 'em by Friday.
- Okay.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
- Thanks, you too.
- I hope you're right.
* I have seen
mighty rivers flow *
* I have felt the
north wind blow *
* But I can't even
start to know *
* Why God wants
to know my name *
* I've seen mountains
full of snow *
* I've seen fireflies
put on a show *
* But I can't even
start to know *
* Why God wants
to know my name *
* 'Cause He wants
me to love Him *
* And He wants me to call
- [George Jr.] Well,
this the first time
we had to find a church.
- [Allen] We've been driving
around for 30 minutes,
just find one.
- Excuse me.
You pastor of this church?
- I am, what can I
do for you gentlemen?
- Well, we're hoping
to make a donation
in memory of our
mother and father.
You taking donations?
- As a matter of fact, we are.
We just started taking donations
for the needy in the county.
- Well,
how about that?
- Thank you very much.
We appreciate it.
- We're glad to do it,
glad to do it.
- Thank you.
- What he said.
- God bless you, guys.
- Take care.
- Thank you, take care.
(kids play)
- I don't know, I mean, it's...
I mean, he was barely
interested before,
but ever since his
band dropped him,
now he's completely checked out.
I mean, this isn't
what Dad wanted.
- [Denise] What
are you gonna do?
- I don't know.
I mean, I gotta figure
something out though.
Being subtle hasn't worked.
- You'll figure it out.
Just be safe.
Hey, kids, say
goodbye to your daddy.
- [Kids] We love you,
Daddy, we miss you!
- Alright, be safe.
Love you.
- I love you too.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- What time is it?
Thanks.
- 10:30.
Look, let's hit the road,
we'll grab some lunch.
- Don't we have somebody
in town to visit?
- It's already done.
Ed Fuller, his dad owned
a motor lodge and diner.
He gave Mom and Dad a
tank of gas and a meal.
- Well, why didn't you wake me?
I wanted to go.
- No, you didn't.
I mean, you don't care
about any of this.
Let's just get it done and
we'll get you back to New York.
- I wanted to go.
(upbeat music)
- [George Jr.] Next
stop, Grand Junction,
other side of the Rockies.
Man, look at that view.
- [Allen] What are
you so happy about?
- [George Jr.] No reason,
just stopped worrying.
- Worrying about what?
- (chuckles) Not what, you.
I stopped worrying about you.
- What's that mean?
- Aw, look, you don't wanna be
here, I get that, it's fine.
So instead of worrying about it,
I'm gonna let you skip the
rest of the visits, how's that?
And don't worry, you're
still gonna get your money.
- Scenic overlook, pull over.
- Nah, we don't have time to
stop, we got a late start.
- We need to talk, pull over.
- Fine, I could stretch my legs.
- What's your problem?
All of the sudden,
you don't care if I'm
a part of this or not.
- What, are you kidding me?
You think I wanna be out here
in the middle of
nowhere with you?
My wife and kids are
home worrying about me,
and every time I turn around,
you're just shrugging your
shoulders and walking off.
You've got no interest in this.
Look, man,
we're supposed to be doing
something of value out here,
and caring about it, not...
Or at least pretending about it.
- I thought I was
pretending to care.
- (scoffs) Yeah, well,
you're not very good
at pretending, are ya?
- So what's next?
- A fella named
Randall Cummings,
gave Mom and Dad a tank of gas.
- You know, when
you think about it,
it really is amazing how
many good people there were.
- Listen,
I haven't been exactly
honest with you.
- What do you mean?
- Randall's gonna have to
wait, it's gonna take a bit,
let's grab a seat.
Come on.
Look, I don't have to
tell you that your,
well, your career choice,
it was a real burden
on Mom and Dad.
You struggling and
trying to make a living
off your music in New York,
man, they worried
about you, a lot.
- I know.
(soft music)
- Yeah, well...
Then when you showed up
late for Mom's funeral
and we had that big fight,
I guess Dad had seen enough.
And that Sunday, before he died,
he told me this story
about this plan he
and Mom had devised.
- This trip?
- Yeah, this trip.
He said he thought
that if you and I
could travel for a
couple of weeks together,
and it was just you and me,
maybe we could learn
to be brothers again.
- So it's not about thanking
the people that helped them?
- Oh no, that's part of it.
I mean, it's not
the primary reason,
but, come on, it
was a good excuse.
- So they wanted us to
learn to be brothers?
- Mm-hmm.
- I guess I can understand that.
- Yeah, well, don't
understand too fast.
They thought that if you and
I could get close enough,
that I could convince you to
leave New York, come back home.
- So I'm being manipulated
into moving back home?
- Yeah. (chuckles)
(Allen chuckles)
Well,
they thought when
you got back home,
I could get you to start
going to church again with us.
(Allen scoffs)
And what they really wanted
was for you to be saved.
- What about the inheritance?
- Oh, that's real.
Well, you still gotta finish
the trip to get the money,
but yeah, it's real.
- I don't like being played.
- Yeah, I know, I
don't blame you,
and I apologize for that,
but look, Dad was dying,
and he was really worried
about you, he made me promise.
- So why tell me now?
- I've been thinking,
maybe we can both become
better people out of this trip.
Only way we're gonna do that
though is with the truth.
- Much obliged, young man.
People these days, no respect.
If you wanna use the restroom,
it's around the corner here.
I just cleaned it.
You don't need a key,
'cause the lock's broke.
- Actually, I'm looking
for a Randall Cummings,
he used to own this place.
- Owns this gas station.
I'm Randall Cummings,
what do you want?
- Well, my parents, in the
1960s, were on their honeymoon,
and they came by here--
- George and Carla Barnett.
I remember like
it was yesterday.
A little older than me
and scared to death.
- (chuckles) Wow,
look, hang on a second.
George, come over here.
My brother's gonna
wanna hear this.
- Well, I haven't got all day.
- This will only take
a few moments, sir.
Please bear with us.
George, this is
Randall Cummings,
he used to know Mom and Dad.
- Hi.
- I'm Allen Barnett, and this
is my brother, George Jr.
- Pleased to meet you, sir.
- So, you said you knew my
parents, uh, they were scared?
- Oh yes, they were.
I mean, they'd lost
all their money,
and they was almost out of gas,
so I filled up their tank.
Your father got my address
and gave me an IOU,
then about a year or two later,
I got a check in the mail
and a thank you note.
Your father was a
man of his word.
If you don't know anything
else about the man, know that.
- So, why'd you help 'em?
- 'Cause they needed it.
I woulda done more if I could.
We were put on this
earth by the good Lord
to help each other and
pick each other up.
So, what are you two doing
out here so many years later?
- Well, our, um,
parents died recently,
and, uh, they always wanted
to go across the country
and thank each person
that helped 'em.
- I'm sorry to hear that.
Wait, each person?
- (chuckles) Yes, sir,
all the Good Samaritans
that helped 'em get
across the country.
Well, and me and George,
we're going town to town to
thank each person personally.
- Yes, sir, that's right.
The truth is that you're
the first person we've found
that's actually met our parents.
- You mean folks all across
the country helped 'em?
- That's right.
- Well,
that does my heart good.
- And Dad, he kept this list
of all the IOUs and addresses,
and then, well,
(Randall chuckles)
he sent everyone a check
and a thank you note.
- And now we're
here to thank you.
- Oh, yes, sir, and to
personally thank you,
from our Dad.
- No, thank you's
enough, young man.
- I understand, but, well,
I guarantee you Dad
would've insisted.
I tell you what, put it in the
collection plate this Sunday.
- That I can do.
So where are you
boys headed next?
- We'll we're headed
to Cedar City.
- Cedar City.
- Well, safe travels.
- Well, thank you, sir.
- I'm gonna tell this
story at church on Sunday,
the folks will get
a kick out of it.
- (chuckles) Yes, sir.
- Alright.
- Thank you, sir.
- Take care.
("Amazing Grace"
by John Van Meter)
* Amazing grace
* How sweet the sound
* That saved a wretch like me
* I once was lost
but now I'm found *
* Was blind but now I see
* And when the battle's over
* We will wear the crown
* When the battle's over
* The walls will tumble down
* When the battle's over
* We will wear a crown
in a new Jerusalem *
* Oh, in a new Jerusalem
- Hi, Patricia.
No, we're in Utah right now.
We had a really
great visit and...
Yep, Randall Cummings, we
got to meet him in person,
it was a really
good conversation.
Well, I'll tell you what,
I'm gonna keep you updated,
and next stop we make,
I'll give you a call, okay?
Okay, we'll talk to
you soon, take care.
- Fine, thanks, and you?
- I've got news about our
cross-country travelers.
- Go ahead.
- Next stop, Cedar City, Utah,
then after that, on
to Blythe, California.
- Wow, that puts 'em in Los
Angeles no later than Friday.
- I know, I'm a bit surprised.
- At what, how fast
they made the trip?
- That they managed
to get along.
* And when the battle's over
* We will wear a crown
* And when the battle's over
* The walls will tumble down
* And when the battle's over
* The trumpets will sound
in a new Jerusalem *
* Oh, in a new Jerusalem
* In the new Jerusalem
* He will rise up
* In the new Jerusalem
* He will rise above
* In the new Jerusalem
* He will rise with love
* In the new Jerusalem
* He will rise up
* In the new Jerusalem
* He will rise above
* In the new Jerusalem
- Oh, man, look at that.
God's work, right?
It's beautiful.
Absolutely beautiful.
- I've never seen
anything like this.
- Me either.
It sure is something.
- I'm glad we made
the journey here.
- Yeah, me too.
- This is the first moment
I've really felt that...
(Allen sighs)
I've just been dealing with so
much anger lately, you know?
Just anger towards Mom,
and anger towards Dad,
angry at the fact
they both died.
- Yeah.
- Angry with myself for
not even being there.
And I've been angry with you.
- Yeah, well,
I reckon I've been pretty
angry with you too.
- I know.
And I, well, I don't
even blame you.
- But I tell you,
standing here right now,
at just how huge this is,
I mean, I don't know,
it sorta makes everything
feel small.
- Trivial.
You know, all the
problems in my life,
just a story I've created.
- Hm, yeah.
- A place like this,
it reminds me of what's
really important.
(upbeat music)
There's gotta be a
decent pizza place.
And he said, "A certain
man had two sons,
"and the younger of
them said to his father,
"'Father, give me the portion
of goods that falls to me.'"
So he divided to
them his livelihood.
And not many days after,
the younger son
gathered all together,
journeyed to a far country,
and there wasted his possessions
with prodigal living.
That kinda hits close to home.
- Hey, come on, let's go
grab something to eat.
- Uh, (chuckles) I'm a
little busy right now,
will you just grab
me a sandwich?
- Okay.
- Thanks.
- Sure.
- Then Jesus answered and said,
"A certain man went down
from Jerusalem to Jericho
"and fell among thieves,
"who stripped him
of his clothing,
"wounded him, and departed,
leaving him half-dead.
"Now, by chance, a certain
priest came down that road,
"and when he saw him, he
passed by on the other side.
"Likewise, a Levite, when
he arrived at the place,
"came and looked and passed
by on the other side.
"But a certain Samaritan,
as he journeyed,
"came where he was,
"and when he saw him,
he had compassion.
"So he went to him and
bandaged his wounds,
"pouring in oil and wine,
"and he set him
on his own animal,
"brought him to an inn
and took care of him.
"On the next day,
when he departed,
"he took out two denari,
gave them to the innkeeper,
"and said to him,
'Take care of him.
"'Whatever more you spend,
"'when I come again,
I will repay you.'
"So which of these
three do you think
"was neighbor to him who
fell among the thieves?"
And he said, "He who
showed mercy on him."
And Jesus said to him,
"Go and do likewise."
I thought I knew the
Bible from Sunday school,
I guess I really didn't.
My parents' lives, my brother's,
mine,
the message is all in here.
Hm.
("Give Me Jesus"
by John Van Meter)
* In the morning, when I rise
* In the morning, when I rise
* In the morning, when I rise
* Give me Jesus
* Give me Jesus
* Give me Jesus
* You can have
this whole world *
* Give me Jesus
* When I am alone
* When I am alone
* When I am alone
* Give me Jesus
* Give me Jesus
* Give me Jesus
* You can have
this whole world *
* Give me Jesus
- Hey.
- Hey.
- [George Jr.] What's going on?
- Just needed to get
out of the hotel,
take a little walk,
do some thinking.
- You know, I remember you
used to always take long walks
when you had to think.
(Allen chuckles)
- That's right.
- Well, hey, I grabbed
you that sandwich,
why don't you jump in,
I'll give you a ride
back to the motel.
- Alright.
- Alright.
- You know what, just
give me a second.
- [George Jr.] Alright.
- Hey, it's Allen.
Yeah, I've been
doing some thinking,
you guys are doing
the right thing.
Yeah, I need to go
my own way anyway.
Good luck to you guys.
What do you want me to do, Lord?
* Give me Jesus
* Give me Jesus
* You can have
this whole world *
* Give me Jesus
- Hello, sir, how
can I help you?
- Well, this is
probably a long shot,
but my brother and
I are looking for
a man named Steve Burton.
- (chuckles) I've
never heard of him.
- Yeah, well, you know,
back in the '50s and '60s,
when this place was
full-service, he owned it.
- Full-service?
- Yeah, (chuckles) full-service.
Oh yeah, back then,
the fuel attendant,
he'd pump your gas, check
your oil, your tires,
wash your windshield, the works.
- Wow.
- Yeah, no, it was a different
time, I barely remember it.
Hey, and you wouldn't
happen to have
a phone book around here,
would you, a white pages?
- Yeah.
But it's a couple of years old.
- That's alright.
So you don't ever remember
anybody named Burton
owning this place?
- No, sir.
My dad said years ago
a company bought it.
They changed the garage
into a convenience store.
- Huh.
- That sounds about right.
- Yeah.
- A church then?
- Yeah.
Well, thank you.
(knocks on door)
- You know, I'm kinda glad
that Mr. Burton wasn't there.
- Why's that?
- Well, think of it,
Dad sent us out here on the
pretense of thanking people,
and that's great,
but I think if he was here,
he'd rather that hundred dollars
go to a collection plate.
That's where it
does the most good.
- You're right, it would
do a lotta good that way,
and Dad woulda liked
it, I know that.
- Yeah.
(knocks on door)
- I don't think
there's anybody here.
(knocks on door)
- [Allen] What about this guy?
- Oh, yeah, maybe
we'll get lucky.
Maybe this'll be
the pastor again.
How are you doing?
I was wondering if we could
have a moment of your time?
- Of course, how
can I help you two?
- Well, my name's
George Barnett Jr.,
this is my brother, Allen.
- How are you doing?
- Pastor Rick Anders.
Are you thinking of
joining our church?
- Oh, no, sir, it's
nothing like that.
The thing is, years ago,
our parents passed
through this town,
and there was this
Good Samaritan
that helped them
out along the way,
we just wanted to say thank you.
- That is very nice.
Could you tell me the story
of this Good Samaritan
and how he helped your parents?
- Well, I tell you what,
I'll let my brother here
tell you that story.
I'm gonna call my wife and let
her know everything's okay.
- Well, Pastor,
our parents were
on their honeymoon
in Indio, California
in the 1960s.
- The 1960s?
- Yeah, well, it's been a
long journey for us all.
("Glory Be to God"
by John Van Meter)
* Oh let the trumpets sound
* Glory be to God
* Praise Him who
has been crowned *
* Glory be to God
* And with the faith
of a mustered sea *
* Go man it and your
mountain will be moved *
* Christ rode away the storm
* Glory be to God
* On the third day, He rose
* Glory be to God
* By His grace
* We were saved
* Holy, holy, holy
be your name *
* Down on the
Jordan, oh my Lord *
* We will rejoice
Him, oh my Lord *
* Down on the
Jordan, oh my Lord *
* Where we will see the King
* Up on Calvary, He died
* And He sat the captives free
* Then He tore away the veil
* So the blind could see
* Down on the
Jordan, oh my soul *
* Down on the
Jordan, oh my soul *
* Down on the
Jordan, oh my soul *
* Where we will see the King
- I ain't getting
old, just so you know.
I've gotta tell ya,
after a few hours in that
rig, it sure feels like it.
- Well, I feel great.
I mean, look at this scenery.
- Hey, just curious, can
I ask you a question?
- Why the sudden
change in attitude?
- Yeah, exactly that.
- Well, last night when
we got to the motel,
I was gonna order some pizza,
so I opened the drawer and
got out the yellow pages.
Well, then I saw the
Bible underneath of 'em,
and decided that I was
gonna read the parables
that Jesus told his disciples
and how it related to us.
And it was written
2,000 years ago,
and it was about you,
about Dad,
and about me.
- (chuckles) Okay.
- I thought I knew the
story from Sunday school,
but I'd forgotten it.
I'd forgotten a lot of things.
And after thinking about it,
I am the prodigal son.
Then I went on to read
The Good Samaritan,
and I knew the charity that,
that helping Mom and
Dad get home safely,
and the gratitude
they felt from it.
I stayed awake most the night
reading the New Testament,
I barely slept,
but when I woke up this morning,
(chuckles)
I felt refreshed.
You understand?
- Oh yeah, I understand.
Well, I tell you what, we got
a few hours left ahead of us,
let's hit the road.
(upbeat music)
(indistinct chatter)
- Just let her know.
Hello, gentlemen.
Jason Rollins is the name.
Come on in.
- Well, sir, my name's
George Barnett Jr.,
and this here's
my brother, Allen.
- Oh.
So you're not
looking for a home?
- Oh, (chuckles) no.
No, we're looking
for Jasper Rollins.
That your dad?
(Jason sighs)
- I got this letter and
a hundred-dollar bill
in the mail a few weeks ago.
The note with the money said
that two men named
George and Allen
would visit one day very
soon and ask about my father.
- After all this time,
Dad gets cryptic.
Wow.
- [Jason] That letter
is from your father?
- Well, I suppose so.
Let me read it first.
- [George Sr.] George, if
you're reading this letter,
I'm gone, and hopefully
Allen is sitting next to you.
About 20 years ago,
a petty thief named Jasper
Rollins was arrested,
and the police
searched his house.
They found my wallet
among the things
he'd stolen over the
years and contacted me.
I kept tabs on Jasper,
and when he died,
the obit read that
he left behind a son.
This boy has endured his
father's legacy for decades.
I want you to tell him who
you are, and what happened,
and that you, and your mother,
and I forgive him and Jasper.
- [Jason] What does it say?
- It says that your
father was a thief,
and he stole my father's
wallet back in the '60s.
- Hundred dollars or not,
I don't have to take this.
- Well, wait a minute,
hold on, just calm down,
we're not here to blame
anybody for the past.
- What are you here for?
- Well, I guess we're here
to forgive your father.
- What?
No one forgave him.
Not even me.
- Well, maybe it is time you
forgave him, don't you think?
Well, I guess that's
what we came for,
we'll be going.
Thank you.
- Oh, I almost forgot,
there was a second envelope
I was supposed to give you.
God bless you.
- [Allen] What was in
the second envelope?
- I don't think
he'll ask for it,
but it's proof we
finished the journey.
- [Allen] That's Dad,
trust but verify.
("Holy Holy Holy"
by John Van Meter)
(starts car)
* In the early morning light
* Softness is your dawn of day
* Through sin's long night
* And your name just
gets washed away *
* So you are the Holy one
* And I ask you again
* Is your grace sufficient
to take me to the end *
* Holy, holy, holy
* Is the Lord
* Is the Lord
* Holy, holy, holy
- Wow, so that's what a
Joshua tree looks like, huh?
- I reckon so.
Well, I guess now we know
why they made that drive
all the way from Kentucky, huh?
- [Allen] To see the
beautiful scenery
the good Lord created for us.
- That's well said.
- [Allen] So what is it?
- [George Jr.] What's what?
- The reason for this trip.
- What?
- Well, was it to bring
us closer together,
for me to find the
good Lord again,
or to forgive Jasper
Rollins and help his son?
("Holy Holy Holy"
by John Van Meter)
- Well, why can't it be
all three of those things?
- [Allen] That's a good point.
* Holy, holy, holy
* Is the Lord
* Is the Lord Almighty
* Holy, holy, holy
* Is the Lord
(starts car)
* Is the Lord
* Holy, holy, holy
* Is the Lord
* Is the Lord Almighty
- Hi.
We're George and Allen Barnett,
we're here to see Steve Cole.
- Gentlemen.
- How are you doing?
George Barnett Jr.
- Steve Cole.
- Allen.
- Alright.
The envelope from Mr. Rollins?
- Yes, sir.
Right here.
- I must tell you both, I never
thought this day would come.
When your father and
Patricia told me the plan,
(Steve chuckles)
well, I was skeptical.
- I can't believe
how intricate it was.
- Yeah, right?
- It took the both of
you to accomplish this.
Your father would be proud.
Now you each should
deposit these immediately.
There's no reason for
you to be traveling
with a cashier's
check in your pocket.
Now I know you have
a flight to catch,
and by the way, tell
Patricia I said hello.
- I certainly will.
- And you will be
going back to New York?
- No,
I think I'm gonna drive back,
maybe help some
people along the way.
But I do wanna make
one stop before we go.
- Sure thing, anything
you need to do.
Well, sir, thank you,
thank you very much,
we really appreciate it all.
- Pleasure, gentlemen.
- Thank you.
- God bless.
- You too, sir.
("Sing Sing Sing"
by John Van Meter)
* Sing, sing, sing,
sing the holy one *
(phone rings)
- Patricia.
- [Steve] Hello, Patricia.
- Hey, Steve.
- [Steve] The boys made it,
I gave 'em their checks,
and guess what,
Allen's headed home.
- That is great news, thank you.
- [Steve] Goodbye.
* And we rejoice in
the Lord on high *
- Thank you.
* That was put upon the
cross and crucified *
* He died in pain
for all our sin *
* And now we're alive in Him
- Why come all the way to Los
Angeles and not see the ocean?
- I gotta tell ya,
I don't even think I
woulda thought of this.
Sometimes I guess I just get
too busy being responsible.
- Sometimes we get so
busy watching our step,
we forget to look up.
- Such a blessing.
- You said it.
Come here.
("The Good Journey"
by John Van Meter)
* He was blind and
could not see *
* The light that
shined from Calvary *
* He was on a journey,
traveling through the night *
* He was a singer of
rock and roll songs *
* Everything he did
just turned out wrong *
* He was on a journey
of a million miles *
* He cried somebody save me
* From my darkness and despair
* My failure to my father
is more than I can bear *
* He took the cards
that he was dealt *
* And he was on a trip
there with somebody else *
* He was on a journey with
the one who stayed behind *
* In the Samaritan,
he heard the call *
* As the prodigal,
he took the fall *
* He was on a journey,
headed back home *
* He cried somebody save me
* From my darkness and despair
* He cried to the heavens
and Jesus was there *
John Van Meter)
* You take me as I am
* You catch me as I fall
* You forgive me
my sin and shame *
* You hear me when I call
* And I know you're my Savior
* And I know you
died on Calvary *
* But I won't know what
you endured for me *
* You give me grace untold
* You give me a heart to sing
* You listen when I pray
* You send your spirit to me
- I'll see you inside.
Nice of you to make it.
- Sorry I missed it.
I had a gig last night.
- A gig?
Don't tell me,
a bunch of cover songs
in some lousy club
in the East Village?
- [Allen] We're playing
our own songs now.
- You know, I don't care,
and neither will Dad.
(George Jr. Sighs)
- Look, Mom and I
never really got along.
- That's your excuse
for missing her funeral?
Man, you've known for days
when this was gonna be
and where it was gonna be,
and here you are, late again.
Listen, she's our
mother, and she's gone!
I take it you're
gonna drive back?
Why don't you just go
ahead and leave now?
Oh. (scoffs)
I take it you're broke?
Yeah.
- I do need to head back.
- Right.
- But I'd like to see Dad.
- He doesn't need
your belated charm.
Just get in your car
and go back to New York!
- George, George,
go on in the house.
- Dad--
- Just go in the house.
Do me a favor and go
in the house, please.
- Yes, fine.
- Yeah.
- [Allen] Good to see
you too, big brother.
- Allen, I sure am
glad you came for this.
I know you're late,
but it's okay.
You going back to New York?
- Yeah, I was gonna leave.
- [George Sr.] Yeah, I
hope to see you again soon.
- I hope so too, Dad.
- [George Sr.] I'd like
to have you back here.
- I know.
("Marv's Song" by
John Van Meter)
* I was once with the Lord
* But now I'm not so sure
* It was very long ago
* I was underneath a tree
* He was there with me
* In the drizzling rain
* Peace was all around
* There was not a sound
* Only the spirit of the Lord
* I was in the garden then
* And I remember when
* It was the last to be
* And I wonder did you see
* All the love I have for you
* And I would be there
when the world was new *
* Lightning flashed
across the sky *
* I didn't want to die
* So I cried out to the Lord
* I had tasted sin
* And then I died within
* And naked's what I wore
* He whispered in my ear
* He made it very clear
* That I would have to go
* From the ground I would earn
* Into the dust return
* From whence I came
- [Patricia] Alright,
I'll have that drawn up
and contact the
bank in Los Angeles.
- [George Sr.]
Thank you, Patricia,
I know this is a bit unorthodox.
- It is, but that's fine,
I think it's a great idea.
- [George Sr.] I'm
gonna tell George
when I see him
Sunday for dinner.
- Okay, good.
I should have that to you
by the end of the week.
Thank you.
(upbeat music)
- I smell chicken.
Dinner must almost be ready.
- Tell us a story
before dinner, Grandpa.
- Tell us the one about the
long drive from California.
- We've heard that story.
- [Boy] Please.
- Well, your grandmother and
I had just gotten married,
and for our honeymoon,
we decided to drive out
West and see the sights.
- How far did you get, Grandpa?
- You know how far he got,
we've heard this story before.
- We made it all the way
to Joshua Tree National
Park in California.
No small feat considering
that not all the
interstates were built yet.
- [Boy] Did you drive
on the dirt roads?
- No, no, paved roads, mostly
Federal and State highways.
- So what happened when you
got to the park in California?
- My wallet was stolen, and
it had all of our money in it.
- Hey, kids, when Grandpa
is done with his story,
why don't you guys
go get washed up
and get ready for dinner.
- Okay.
- Okay.
- Where was I?
- You were stuck in
California with Grandma
and no way to get back.
- Thank goodness there are
a lot of Good Samaritans.
We started back home
with faith in the Lord
and the good people
that he created.
- Hey, you kids go get cleaned
up and help your mother.
Hey, Dad, would you
wanna pray over dinner?
- No, this is your home.
- It's hard to believe
she's not here,
that this isn't your home.
Sunday dinner's
just not the same.
- It never will be, son,
but that doesn't
mean we stop living.
The Lord would expect
us to, and so would she.
I just wish Allen was here.
I'm worried about Allen.
- Listen, Denise has got you
sitting across from the kids,
I hope that's okay?
- Oh, certainly.
- Well,
we'll see you in the
dining room then.
- I just hope he's okay.
I mean, New York can
be a lonely place.
- Look, I'm sure he's fine,
he's got plenty of
friends up there.
- George,
there's something I need to
talk to you about after dinner.
It's very important.
- Yes, sir.
(upbeat music)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
(phone rings)
- Yeah, what do you need?
- [George Jr.] Dad's gone.
The funeral's Tuesday.
(soft music)
- Sorry I'm late again.
- Yeah, well,
you almost made it on time.
- They told me at
the funeral home
that lots of people showed
up for the visitation.
- Yeah.
And there were folks
asked about you.
I told 'em you was just
running a little late.
- Thanks.
Nice work on the headstone.
- Mom and Dad designed
it themselves.
I just had to make sure that...
They're gone.
It's just you and me now.
(Allen sighs)
- I guess you'll be wanting
to get to the reception soon?
- Yeah.
We've got a meeting at the
attorney's office after.
Well,
I guess we better get going.
You drive.
Denise took the kids in our car.
- How'd you know I'd show up?
- I had faith.
Well,
let's go.
(Allen exhales shakily)
(breathes heavily)
- Since George already
knows why we're here,
I'll do this for your benefit.
As you've probably guessed,
we're here for the reading
of your father's Will.
- The thought had
crossed my mind.
But, he didn't have
much to leave us.
Did he?
- "This shall serve as
an amendment to my will,"
dated October 20th.
"The only change to be made
"is the challenge that
must be met before my sons,
"George Jr. and Allen,
"are to receive their
respective inheritance."
It says here that you are to
explain the challenge to Allen.
- You remember that
story Dad used to tell us
about how he and Mom was coming
back from their honeymoon
and he lost his
wallet in California?
- It was, uh,
people helped them across
the country to get home,
and Dad kept a list
of names and addresses
and sent 'em thank
you cards and checks.
- Yeah, that's right.
Yeah, well,
here's something I just
learned right before he died,
it was Dad's goal,
he wanted to travel
back through those towns
and personally
thank those folks.
But I guess life got in the
way, he never got the chance.
- That sounds like Pops.
- The challenge is for
you and your brother
to travel across this country,
visiting those people
or their relatives
and thanking them, personally,
if you want your inheritance.
(Allen chuckles)
- Inheritance?
What, part of a run-down old
house and beat-up old car?
- You know, Dad said you'd
be all about the money.
- So, since you are all
about the money, Allen,
I have to say there
is quite the reward
if you fulfill your
father's request.
- Yeah? How much?
- When you get to Los Angeles,
there's a bank with a
cashier's check for $500,000,
made out to Allen Barnett.
- What?
- Yeah, well, Allen,
while you were busy
ignoring Mom and Dad
for the last 10 years,
Dad sold the business.
He made a lot of money.
- I thought he
lost the business?
- Well, that's exactly what
he wanted you to think.
He knew you'd be back down
here with your hand out.
- That's insulting.
- That's true.
- So, do you have to go on this
trip to get the inheritance,
or do you get it either way?
- The kids all have trust
funds made out for them,
but George has to make
this trip with you
before he can get his
equal inheritance.
- Hm.
So, if I don't play you
all's silly little game,
then neither one
of us gets paid.
Alright, I'm in.
How long's this gonna take,
and where do we need to go?
(upbeat music)
- From here, you'll go to
Mount Vernon, Illinois.
From there, you will go
to Boonville, Missouri,
then to Junction City, Kansas,
Byers, Colorado, and then
Grand Junction, Colorado.
Next stop is Cedar City, Utah,
and Blythe, California.
Then to Indio, and after
that, onto Los Angeles.
From there,
you can pick up your check
and fly back to New York.
- We drive all the
way across the country
looking for these people,
and nobody knows who they are,
we can't find them
or their relatives?
- Your father thought of that.
If you make this trip and
the businesses are closed
or the people and their
families are long gone,
then you will make a
donation to the local church.
Here are two envelopes
with $100 bills
for you to give as
donations or thank yous,
you both decide.
And here is an expenses
envelope full of cash,
and please do keep your
credit card receipts, George.
And Allen,
George will be checking
in with me periodically,
if you bail, there
will be no inheritance.
Okay, when are you leaving?
- After church tomorrow.
- Church?
- Yes, church.
And we're all going.
(upbeat music)
- Don't worry, son, I'll
be home on time, okay?
Alright, I gotta go, I gotta
take this call, I love ya.
Bye.
Steve Cole.
- Hey, Steve, it's Patricia.
- Patricia, good to hear
from ya, how did it go?
- They're on their way tomorrow.
Thanks for coming in on a
Saturday to help me out.
- Glad to do it.
Talk to you soon.
- [Patricia] Mm-hmm.
- Bye.
- How'd it go?
- Well, um,
well, it's hard to explain.
- Well, try. (George
Jr. chuckles)
- Listen, um, Allen and I
have to travel to California.
- When?
- Tomorrow.
- We've got two couches, so
you boys get comfortable.
- So this is married life.
- Shut up.
Listen, Dad changed his will.
He wants Allen and I to travel
back through those towns
that he and Mom traveled through
coming back from
their honeymoon,
remember the story?
- Baby, why in the world
would he want you to do that?
- He wants us to
thank all those folks
that helped him along the way,
he never got the chance.
- And how long will
all this thanking take?
- A week,
I don't know, maybe two.
Oh, baby, look, please,
just trust me on this, okay?
Look, it was Dad's last request.
- Okay.
Well, you change Allen,
and not the other way
around, you got it?
- Yeah, I got it, come here.
("Magnify" by John Van Meter)
* Rest your mind in
the arms of the Lord *
* Magnify His name
* Rest your mind in
the arms of the Lord *
* For the One who came
* Oh magnify, oh magnify
* Magnify His name
* Rest your heart in
the arms of the Lord *
* Magnify His name
* Rest your heart in
the arms of the Lord *
* The blameless man was slain
* Oh magnify, oh magnify
* Magnify His name
* Rest your soul in
the arms of the Lord *
* Magnify His name
* Rest your soul in
the arms of the Lord *
* For the One who came
- Whoa, hold on, that's
the wrong envelope,
that's got the cash in it.
Get the one that's got the map
and the story for the next town.
- Okay, next stop,
Mount Vernon, Illinois,
Ed and Belinda Collins.
They gave 'em a meal
and a full tank of gas.
- Yeah, that's the tank of
gas that got Mom and Dad home.
Yeah, well, I hope Ed and
Belinda are still around.
So, nice sermon the preacher
gave this morning, huh?
- Nice and long.
(George Jr. Chuckles)
- Mighta been the
shortest sermon
I've heard the pastor give.
- I don't know how you
do it every Sunday.
- It gives me a sense
of purpose, faith,
and it gives my kids a chance
to get to know the Lord,
the fellowship of the church.
- Oh, great, another sermon,
I've already had two in one day.
- I'm just saying
that that sermon
was about the Good Samaritan,
I felt like that was for Dad.
I mean, I know he
woulda loved it.
- [Allen] Don't tell me
about the Good Samaritan.
I went to Sunday
school too, you know?
- Well, think about it then.
I mean, if that
traveler had a chance
to come back years later and
thank the Good Samaritan,
that's what we're doing here.
Good sermon.
- [Allen] Whatever
you say, George.
- What's that?
- [Allen] The Good Samaritan,
he didn't do it for a thank you.
- No.
No, he didn't.
(upbeat music)
- Excuse me, miss, excuse me.
(chuckles) Hi, how are you?
- [Woman] Good.
- I was wondering if
you could help us out?
This lot,
it was our understanding
that this used to be an old
gas station and diner, but...
- Yeah,
it was Collins' Food and
Fuel when I was a little kid.
- What happened?
- Well, it went out of
business about 20 years ago.
They tore it down a
few years after that.
- Hey, you wouldn't
happen to remember
anything about the
old owners, would ya?
Uh, Ed and Belinda Collins?
- Yeah, they, uh, they
died a few years ago.
Why do you wanna know?
- Well--
- Long story.
Very long story.
- Okay, okay, listen,
(upbeat music)
they had helped our folks out,
and this was years ago,
we just wanted to stop
by and thank them.
So, um, now we're
traveling back the route
that Mom and Dad took coming
back from their honeymoon,
and was trying to find the folks
that helped 'em along the way.
And if we can't find
them, I don't know,
maybe we're looking for
a relative or something.
- Well, you're in luck,
they have a daughter, Donna,
she lives just west of town.
- Really?
- Yeah.
- You wouldn't mind,
like, introducing us
or telling us how to get in
touch with her, would ya?
- Yeah, sure.
- Aww, that would be so great.
- There you go.
- Aww, thank you so much.
- Yeah, my name's Gina Forrest,
you can just tell
Donna that I sent you.
I think she'll be really
happy to meet both of you.
- Thank you, Gina Forrest.
Thank you so much,
we appreciate it.
- You're so welcome.
Good luck.
- Take care, have a good day.
- If we have to tell
that story every time,
we'll make it to California
in about two months.
- I love telling that story.
Don't ruin it for me.
- You must be the fellas
that Gina called about?
- Did she tell you
why we were here?
- She told me enough.
So, you fellas are
here to thank me
for something that Moms and
Pops did for your parents,
like, uh, 50 years ago?
- It was a request of my Dad,
well, our Dad, before he died.
It was pretty important to him.
- Pops told me years ago
about a young couple
on their honeymoon
that he helped get back home.
The young man swore
he would pay Dad back,
and he actually did.
And boy was he
surprised. (chuckles)
- Well, our dad was
a man of his word.
And he really wanted to
thank your folks personally,
but life got in the way.
- Oh, isn't that always
the case? (chuckles)
- So, um, well, a
personal thank you and
this.
- Oh.
Oh, well, uh, I
appreciate the thank you,
but you don't owe me anything.
- Oh, I know that,
and so did Dad,
but he thought you'd do
something good with it.
You know, uh, donate it to the
church, or feed the hungry.
- Oh, thank you.
Bless you, bless the both
of you, and your father.
Half to the church and
half for groceries,
you have my word.
Would you please like to
come in for a cup of tea?
- Oh, well, we'd love to, but
we got a lotta stops to make.
- Oh, okay.
- You take care though.
- Okay. (chuckles)
("Jesus is King"
by John Van Meter)
* My soul glorifies the Lord
* And my spirit rejoices
in God, my Savior *
* His shield and His sword
* On His throne
that lasts forever *
* He is glorious
* He is wonderful
* He's as peaceful as
the love that comes *
* He is marvelous
* He is beautiful
* He will bring
His kingdom home *
- [George Jr.] Hey,
sweetheart, how's it going?
- [Denise] How are you?
- [George Jr.] Well,
I'm doing just fine,
really miss you and the kids.
- I miss you too,
they miss you a lot.
How's Allen?
- [George Jr.] Allen's
doing just fine,
you know Allen's being Allen.
- Of course.
So, what's your plan?
- [George Jr.] So we're
checking out of the motel
in Boonville this morning
and heading to
Junction City, Kansas.
I'll give you a call when
we get there, this evening.
- Okay, sounds good.
Love you.
- [George Jr.]
Talk to you later.
- Alright, miss you.
- Bye.
- Bye.
(rings bell)
- [George Jr.]
Hello, good morning.
- You must be the two gentlemen
who checked in last night.
How has your stay been with us?
- It was great, thank you.
Hey, this may seem
like an odd question,
you wouldn't happen to know
a David Van Buren, would you?
- Know him?
He's my grandfather.
He started working in
this motel in 1952,
and bought it in 1959.
- (chuckles) Good.
Uh, does he still
live around here?
- Oh, he passed away
about 10 years ago.
- Oh.
- My father inherited the place.
Did you know my grandfather?
- Oh, no, I didn't,
but my parents did.
- Hey, I gotta take this.
Uh, can I tell you a story?
- Sure.
- Yeah?
I thought I'd hear
from you by now.
What's going on?
Well, you're gonna have to
find somebody to fill in.
Look, I'm not gonna
be back for two weeks.
Yeah, I realize that.
What?
- So, on behalf of
my mother and father,
to thank you to your family
for their hospitality
and kindness.
- You've already
paid for your room.
- Well, yeah.
- What's that for?
- Well, it's just,
it's just a token of
appreciation from my parents.
- But you said your father
already paid the IOUs.
- Well, yeah, he did.
- A thank you is enough.
- She doesn't want it, alright?
- Do you go to church?
- Boonville Christian
Church, every Sunday.
- Okay, well, I tell you what,
this Sunday, you drop that
in the collection plate.
That's what our
father woulda wanted.
- I will do that.
Thank you.
- [George Jr.] Mm-hmm.
- And I'll call my dad
and see if he ever heard Grandpa
talking about your parents.
- You do that.
I'll bet your grandfather
was a fine man.
- Thank you.
- Well, we need to be going.
You take care.
Part of the agreement
is you're supposed
to be a part of this.
- Sorry, I had to take the call.
- [George Jr.] Well,
who was it anyway?
- My band's lead singer, we
got a gig on Friday night.
- [George Jr.] Well, did he
find somebody to sit in for ya?
- Yes, they did.
- [George Jr.] Good.
(starts car)
(phone rings)
- Patricia.
- [George Jr.]
Patricia, it's George.
- George, how's it going?
- [George Jr.] Fine,
two days in and we've
already checked Mount Vernon
and Boonville off the list.
- Great, who'd you find?
- [George Jr.] Collins' daughter
and Van Buren's granddaughter.
Well, so far it's gone
just as Dad had hoped.
- Allen too?
("Can't Even Start to
Know" by John Van Meter)
- Yeah, well, that's
still a work in progress,
but we're headed to Junction
City, I'll keep you posted.
- [Patricia] Okay,
talk to you soon.
- Steve Cole.
- [Patricia] Hey,
Steve, it's Patricia.
- Patricia.
- I just wanted to let you know
the Barnett boys have
already made two stops
and are headed to
Kansas as we speak.
- Wow, they're making good time.
- Yep, you might even
see 'em by Friday.
- Okay.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
- Thanks, you too.
- I hope you're right.
* I have seen
mighty rivers flow *
* I have felt the
north wind blow *
* But I can't even
start to know *
* Why God wants
to know my name *
* I've seen mountains
full of snow *
* I've seen fireflies
put on a show *
* But I can't even
start to know *
* Why God wants
to know my name *
* 'Cause He wants
me to love Him *
* And He wants me to call
- [George Jr.] Well,
this the first time
we had to find a church.
- [Allen] We've been driving
around for 30 minutes,
just find one.
- Excuse me.
You pastor of this church?
- I am, what can I
do for you gentlemen?
- Well, we're hoping
to make a donation
in memory of our
mother and father.
You taking donations?
- As a matter of fact, we are.
We just started taking donations
for the needy in the county.
- Well,
how about that?
- Thank you very much.
We appreciate it.
- We're glad to do it,
glad to do it.
- Thank you.
- What he said.
- God bless you, guys.
- Take care.
- Thank you, take care.
(kids play)
- I don't know, I mean, it's...
I mean, he was barely
interested before,
but ever since his
band dropped him,
now he's completely checked out.
I mean, this isn't
what Dad wanted.
- [Denise] What
are you gonna do?
- I don't know.
I mean, I gotta figure
something out though.
Being subtle hasn't worked.
- You'll figure it out.
Just be safe.
Hey, kids, say
goodbye to your daddy.
- [Kids] We love you,
Daddy, we miss you!
- Alright, be safe.
Love you.
- I love you too.
- Hey.
- Hey.
- What time is it?
Thanks.
- 10:30.
Look, let's hit the road,
we'll grab some lunch.
- Don't we have somebody
in town to visit?
- It's already done.
Ed Fuller, his dad owned
a motor lodge and diner.
He gave Mom and Dad a
tank of gas and a meal.
- Well, why didn't you wake me?
I wanted to go.
- No, you didn't.
I mean, you don't care
about any of this.
Let's just get it done and
we'll get you back to New York.
- I wanted to go.
(upbeat music)
- [George Jr.] Next
stop, Grand Junction,
other side of the Rockies.
Man, look at that view.
- [Allen] What are
you so happy about?
- [George Jr.] No reason,
just stopped worrying.
- Worrying about what?
- (chuckles) Not what, you.
I stopped worrying about you.
- What's that mean?
- Aw, look, you don't wanna be
here, I get that, it's fine.
So instead of worrying about it,
I'm gonna let you skip the
rest of the visits, how's that?
And don't worry, you're
still gonna get your money.
- Scenic overlook, pull over.
- Nah, we don't have time to
stop, we got a late start.
- We need to talk, pull over.
- Fine, I could stretch my legs.
- What's your problem?
All of the sudden,
you don't care if I'm
a part of this or not.
- What, are you kidding me?
You think I wanna be out here
in the middle of
nowhere with you?
My wife and kids are
home worrying about me,
and every time I turn around,
you're just shrugging your
shoulders and walking off.
You've got no interest in this.
Look, man,
we're supposed to be doing
something of value out here,
and caring about it, not...
Or at least pretending about it.
- I thought I was
pretending to care.
- (scoffs) Yeah, well,
you're not very good
at pretending, are ya?
- So what's next?
- A fella named
Randall Cummings,
gave Mom and Dad a tank of gas.
- You know, when
you think about it,
it really is amazing how
many good people there were.
- Listen,
I haven't been exactly
honest with you.
- What do you mean?
- Randall's gonna have to
wait, it's gonna take a bit,
let's grab a seat.
Come on.
Look, I don't have to
tell you that your,
well, your career choice,
it was a real burden
on Mom and Dad.
You struggling and
trying to make a living
off your music in New York,
man, they worried
about you, a lot.
- I know.
(soft music)
- Yeah, well...
Then when you showed up
late for Mom's funeral
and we had that big fight,
I guess Dad had seen enough.
And that Sunday, before he died,
he told me this story
about this plan he
and Mom had devised.
- This trip?
- Yeah, this trip.
He said he thought
that if you and I
could travel for a
couple of weeks together,
and it was just you and me,
maybe we could learn
to be brothers again.
- So it's not about thanking
the people that helped them?
- Oh no, that's part of it.
I mean, it's not
the primary reason,
but, come on, it
was a good excuse.
- So they wanted us to
learn to be brothers?
- Mm-hmm.
- I guess I can understand that.
- Yeah, well, don't
understand too fast.
They thought that if you and
I could get close enough,
that I could convince you to
leave New York, come back home.
- So I'm being manipulated
into moving back home?
- Yeah. (chuckles)
(Allen chuckles)
Well,
they thought when
you got back home,
I could get you to start
going to church again with us.
(Allen scoffs)
And what they really wanted
was for you to be saved.
- What about the inheritance?
- Oh, that's real.
Well, you still gotta finish
the trip to get the money,
but yeah, it's real.
- I don't like being played.
- Yeah, I know, I
don't blame you,
and I apologize for that,
but look, Dad was dying,
and he was really worried
about you, he made me promise.
- So why tell me now?
- I've been thinking,
maybe we can both become
better people out of this trip.
Only way we're gonna do that
though is with the truth.
- Much obliged, young man.
People these days, no respect.
If you wanna use the restroom,
it's around the corner here.
I just cleaned it.
You don't need a key,
'cause the lock's broke.
- Actually, I'm looking
for a Randall Cummings,
he used to own this place.
- Owns this gas station.
I'm Randall Cummings,
what do you want?
- Well, my parents, in the
1960s, were on their honeymoon,
and they came by here--
- George and Carla Barnett.
I remember like
it was yesterday.
A little older than me
and scared to death.
- (chuckles) Wow,
look, hang on a second.
George, come over here.
My brother's gonna
wanna hear this.
- Well, I haven't got all day.
- This will only take
a few moments, sir.
Please bear with us.
George, this is
Randall Cummings,
he used to know Mom and Dad.
- Hi.
- I'm Allen Barnett, and this
is my brother, George Jr.
- Pleased to meet you, sir.
- So, you said you knew my
parents, uh, they were scared?
- Oh yes, they were.
I mean, they'd lost
all their money,
and they was almost out of gas,
so I filled up their tank.
Your father got my address
and gave me an IOU,
then about a year or two later,
I got a check in the mail
and a thank you note.
Your father was a
man of his word.
If you don't know anything
else about the man, know that.
- So, why'd you help 'em?
- 'Cause they needed it.
I woulda done more if I could.
We were put on this
earth by the good Lord
to help each other and
pick each other up.
So, what are you two doing
out here so many years later?
- Well, our, um,
parents died recently,
and, uh, they always wanted
to go across the country
and thank each person
that helped 'em.
- I'm sorry to hear that.
Wait, each person?
- (chuckles) Yes, sir,
all the Good Samaritans
that helped 'em get
across the country.
Well, and me and George,
we're going town to town to
thank each person personally.
- Yes, sir, that's right.
The truth is that you're
the first person we've found
that's actually met our parents.
- You mean folks all across
the country helped 'em?
- That's right.
- Well,
that does my heart good.
- And Dad, he kept this list
of all the IOUs and addresses,
and then, well,
(Randall chuckles)
he sent everyone a check
and a thank you note.
- And now we're
here to thank you.
- Oh, yes, sir, and to
personally thank you,
from our Dad.
- No, thank you's
enough, young man.
- I understand, but, well,
I guarantee you Dad
would've insisted.
I tell you what, put it in the
collection plate this Sunday.
- That I can do.
So where are you
boys headed next?
- We'll we're headed
to Cedar City.
- Cedar City.
- Well, safe travels.
- Well, thank you, sir.
- I'm gonna tell this
story at church on Sunday,
the folks will get
a kick out of it.
- (chuckles) Yes, sir.
- Alright.
- Thank you, sir.
- Take care.
("Amazing Grace"
by John Van Meter)
* Amazing grace
* How sweet the sound
* That saved a wretch like me
* I once was lost
but now I'm found *
* Was blind but now I see
* And when the battle's over
* We will wear the crown
* When the battle's over
* The walls will tumble down
* When the battle's over
* We will wear a crown
in a new Jerusalem *
* Oh, in a new Jerusalem
- Hi, Patricia.
No, we're in Utah right now.
We had a really
great visit and...
Yep, Randall Cummings, we
got to meet him in person,
it was a really
good conversation.
Well, I'll tell you what,
I'm gonna keep you updated,
and next stop we make,
I'll give you a call, okay?
Okay, we'll talk to
you soon, take care.
- Fine, thanks, and you?
- I've got news about our
cross-country travelers.
- Go ahead.
- Next stop, Cedar City, Utah,
then after that, on
to Blythe, California.
- Wow, that puts 'em in Los
Angeles no later than Friday.
- I know, I'm a bit surprised.
- At what, how fast
they made the trip?
- That they managed
to get along.
* And when the battle's over
* We will wear a crown
* And when the battle's over
* The walls will tumble down
* And when the battle's over
* The trumpets will sound
in a new Jerusalem *
* Oh, in a new Jerusalem
* In the new Jerusalem
* He will rise up
* In the new Jerusalem
* He will rise above
* In the new Jerusalem
* He will rise with love
* In the new Jerusalem
* He will rise up
* In the new Jerusalem
* He will rise above
* In the new Jerusalem
- Oh, man, look at that.
God's work, right?
It's beautiful.
Absolutely beautiful.
- I've never seen
anything like this.
- Me either.
It sure is something.
- I'm glad we made
the journey here.
- Yeah, me too.
- This is the first moment
I've really felt that...
(Allen sighs)
I've just been dealing with so
much anger lately, you know?
Just anger towards Mom,
and anger towards Dad,
angry at the fact
they both died.
- Yeah.
- Angry with myself for
not even being there.
And I've been angry with you.
- Yeah, well,
I reckon I've been pretty
angry with you too.
- I know.
And I, well, I don't
even blame you.
- But I tell you,
standing here right now,
at just how huge this is,
I mean, I don't know,
it sorta makes everything
feel small.
- Trivial.
You know, all the
problems in my life,
just a story I've created.
- Hm, yeah.
- A place like this,
it reminds me of what's
really important.
(upbeat music)
There's gotta be a
decent pizza place.
And he said, "A certain
man had two sons,
"and the younger of
them said to his father,
"'Father, give me the portion
of goods that falls to me.'"
So he divided to
them his livelihood.
And not many days after,
the younger son
gathered all together,
journeyed to a far country,
and there wasted his possessions
with prodigal living.
That kinda hits close to home.
- Hey, come on, let's go
grab something to eat.
- Uh, (chuckles) I'm a
little busy right now,
will you just grab
me a sandwich?
- Okay.
- Thanks.
- Sure.
- Then Jesus answered and said,
"A certain man went down
from Jerusalem to Jericho
"and fell among thieves,
"who stripped him
of his clothing,
"wounded him, and departed,
leaving him half-dead.
"Now, by chance, a certain
priest came down that road,
"and when he saw him, he
passed by on the other side.
"Likewise, a Levite, when
he arrived at the place,
"came and looked and passed
by on the other side.
"But a certain Samaritan,
as he journeyed,
"came where he was,
"and when he saw him,
he had compassion.
"So he went to him and
bandaged his wounds,
"pouring in oil and wine,
"and he set him
on his own animal,
"brought him to an inn
and took care of him.
"On the next day,
when he departed,
"he took out two denari,
gave them to the innkeeper,
"and said to him,
'Take care of him.
"'Whatever more you spend,
"'when I come again,
I will repay you.'
"So which of these
three do you think
"was neighbor to him who
fell among the thieves?"
And he said, "He who
showed mercy on him."
And Jesus said to him,
"Go and do likewise."
I thought I knew the
Bible from Sunday school,
I guess I really didn't.
My parents' lives, my brother's,
mine,
the message is all in here.
Hm.
("Give Me Jesus"
by John Van Meter)
* In the morning, when I rise
* In the morning, when I rise
* In the morning, when I rise
* Give me Jesus
* Give me Jesus
* Give me Jesus
* You can have
this whole world *
* Give me Jesus
* When I am alone
* When I am alone
* When I am alone
* Give me Jesus
* Give me Jesus
* Give me Jesus
* You can have
this whole world *
* Give me Jesus
- Hey.
- Hey.
- [George Jr.] What's going on?
- Just needed to get
out of the hotel,
take a little walk,
do some thinking.
- You know, I remember you
used to always take long walks
when you had to think.
(Allen chuckles)
- That's right.
- Well, hey, I grabbed
you that sandwich,
why don't you jump in,
I'll give you a ride
back to the motel.
- Alright.
- Alright.
- You know what, just
give me a second.
- [George Jr.] Alright.
- Hey, it's Allen.
Yeah, I've been
doing some thinking,
you guys are doing
the right thing.
Yeah, I need to go
my own way anyway.
Good luck to you guys.
What do you want me to do, Lord?
* Give me Jesus
* Give me Jesus
* You can have
this whole world *
* Give me Jesus
- Hello, sir, how
can I help you?
- Well, this is
probably a long shot,
but my brother and
I are looking for
a man named Steve Burton.
- (chuckles) I've
never heard of him.
- Yeah, well, you know,
back in the '50s and '60s,
when this place was
full-service, he owned it.
- Full-service?
- Yeah, (chuckles) full-service.
Oh yeah, back then,
the fuel attendant,
he'd pump your gas, check
your oil, your tires,
wash your windshield, the works.
- Wow.
- Yeah, no, it was a different
time, I barely remember it.
Hey, and you wouldn't
happen to have
a phone book around here,
would you, a white pages?
- Yeah.
But it's a couple of years old.
- That's alright.
So you don't ever remember
anybody named Burton
owning this place?
- No, sir.
My dad said years ago
a company bought it.
They changed the garage
into a convenience store.
- Huh.
- That sounds about right.
- Yeah.
- A church then?
- Yeah.
Well, thank you.
(knocks on door)
- You know, I'm kinda glad
that Mr. Burton wasn't there.
- Why's that?
- Well, think of it,
Dad sent us out here on the
pretense of thanking people,
and that's great,
but I think if he was here,
he'd rather that hundred dollars
go to a collection plate.
That's where it
does the most good.
- You're right, it would
do a lotta good that way,
and Dad woulda liked
it, I know that.
- Yeah.
(knocks on door)
- I don't think
there's anybody here.
(knocks on door)
- [Allen] What about this guy?
- Oh, yeah, maybe
we'll get lucky.
Maybe this'll be
the pastor again.
How are you doing?
I was wondering if we could
have a moment of your time?
- Of course, how
can I help you two?
- Well, my name's
George Barnett Jr.,
this is my brother, Allen.
- How are you doing?
- Pastor Rick Anders.
Are you thinking of
joining our church?
- Oh, no, sir, it's
nothing like that.
The thing is, years ago,
our parents passed
through this town,
and there was this
Good Samaritan
that helped them
out along the way,
we just wanted to say thank you.
- That is very nice.
Could you tell me the story
of this Good Samaritan
and how he helped your parents?
- Well, I tell you what,
I'll let my brother here
tell you that story.
I'm gonna call my wife and let
her know everything's okay.
- Well, Pastor,
our parents were
on their honeymoon
in Indio, California
in the 1960s.
- The 1960s?
- Yeah, well, it's been a
long journey for us all.
("Glory Be to God"
by John Van Meter)
* Oh let the trumpets sound
* Glory be to God
* Praise Him who
has been crowned *
* Glory be to God
* And with the faith
of a mustered sea *
* Go man it and your
mountain will be moved *
* Christ rode away the storm
* Glory be to God
* On the third day, He rose
* Glory be to God
* By His grace
* We were saved
* Holy, holy, holy
be your name *
* Down on the
Jordan, oh my Lord *
* We will rejoice
Him, oh my Lord *
* Down on the
Jordan, oh my Lord *
* Where we will see the King
* Up on Calvary, He died
* And He sat the captives free
* Then He tore away the veil
* So the blind could see
* Down on the
Jordan, oh my soul *
* Down on the
Jordan, oh my soul *
* Down on the
Jordan, oh my soul *
* Where we will see the King
- I ain't getting
old, just so you know.
I've gotta tell ya,
after a few hours in that
rig, it sure feels like it.
- Well, I feel great.
I mean, look at this scenery.
- Hey, just curious, can
I ask you a question?
- Why the sudden
change in attitude?
- Yeah, exactly that.
- Well, last night when
we got to the motel,
I was gonna order some pizza,
so I opened the drawer and
got out the yellow pages.
Well, then I saw the
Bible underneath of 'em,
and decided that I was
gonna read the parables
that Jesus told his disciples
and how it related to us.
And it was written
2,000 years ago,
and it was about you,
about Dad,
and about me.
- (chuckles) Okay.
- I thought I knew the
story from Sunday school,
but I'd forgotten it.
I'd forgotten a lot of things.
And after thinking about it,
I am the prodigal son.
Then I went on to read
The Good Samaritan,
and I knew the charity that,
that helping Mom and
Dad get home safely,
and the gratitude
they felt from it.
I stayed awake most the night
reading the New Testament,
I barely slept,
but when I woke up this morning,
(chuckles)
I felt refreshed.
You understand?
- Oh yeah, I understand.
Well, I tell you what, we got
a few hours left ahead of us,
let's hit the road.
(upbeat music)
(indistinct chatter)
- Just let her know.
Hello, gentlemen.
Jason Rollins is the name.
Come on in.
- Well, sir, my name's
George Barnett Jr.,
and this here's
my brother, Allen.
- Oh.
So you're not
looking for a home?
- Oh, (chuckles) no.
No, we're looking
for Jasper Rollins.
That your dad?
(Jason sighs)
- I got this letter and
a hundred-dollar bill
in the mail a few weeks ago.
The note with the money said
that two men named
George and Allen
would visit one day very
soon and ask about my father.
- After all this time,
Dad gets cryptic.
Wow.
- [Jason] That letter
is from your father?
- Well, I suppose so.
Let me read it first.
- [George Sr.] George, if
you're reading this letter,
I'm gone, and hopefully
Allen is sitting next to you.
About 20 years ago,
a petty thief named Jasper
Rollins was arrested,
and the police
searched his house.
They found my wallet
among the things
he'd stolen over the
years and contacted me.
I kept tabs on Jasper,
and when he died,
the obit read that
he left behind a son.
This boy has endured his
father's legacy for decades.
I want you to tell him who
you are, and what happened,
and that you, and your mother,
and I forgive him and Jasper.
- [Jason] What does it say?
- It says that your
father was a thief,
and he stole my father's
wallet back in the '60s.
- Hundred dollars or not,
I don't have to take this.
- Well, wait a minute,
hold on, just calm down,
we're not here to blame
anybody for the past.
- What are you here for?
- Well, I guess we're here
to forgive your father.
- What?
No one forgave him.
Not even me.
- Well, maybe it is time you
forgave him, don't you think?
Well, I guess that's
what we came for,
we'll be going.
Thank you.
- Oh, I almost forgot,
there was a second envelope
I was supposed to give you.
God bless you.
- [Allen] What was in
the second envelope?
- I don't think
he'll ask for it,
but it's proof we
finished the journey.
- [Allen] That's Dad,
trust but verify.
("Holy Holy Holy"
by John Van Meter)
(starts car)
* In the early morning light
* Softness is your dawn of day
* Through sin's long night
* And your name just
gets washed away *
* So you are the Holy one
* And I ask you again
* Is your grace sufficient
to take me to the end *
* Holy, holy, holy
* Is the Lord
* Is the Lord
* Holy, holy, holy
- Wow, so that's what a
Joshua tree looks like, huh?
- I reckon so.
Well, I guess now we know
why they made that drive
all the way from Kentucky, huh?
- [Allen] To see the
beautiful scenery
the good Lord created for us.
- That's well said.
- [Allen] So what is it?
- [George Jr.] What's what?
- The reason for this trip.
- What?
- Well, was it to bring
us closer together,
for me to find the
good Lord again,
or to forgive Jasper
Rollins and help his son?
("Holy Holy Holy"
by John Van Meter)
- Well, why can't it be
all three of those things?
- [Allen] That's a good point.
* Holy, holy, holy
* Is the Lord
* Is the Lord Almighty
* Holy, holy, holy
* Is the Lord
(starts car)
* Is the Lord
* Holy, holy, holy
* Is the Lord
* Is the Lord Almighty
- Hi.
We're George and Allen Barnett,
we're here to see Steve Cole.
- Gentlemen.
- How are you doing?
George Barnett Jr.
- Steve Cole.
- Allen.
- Alright.
The envelope from Mr. Rollins?
- Yes, sir.
Right here.
- I must tell you both, I never
thought this day would come.
When your father and
Patricia told me the plan,
(Steve chuckles)
well, I was skeptical.
- I can't believe
how intricate it was.
- Yeah, right?
- It took the both of
you to accomplish this.
Your father would be proud.
Now you each should
deposit these immediately.
There's no reason for
you to be traveling
with a cashier's
check in your pocket.
Now I know you have
a flight to catch,
and by the way, tell
Patricia I said hello.
- I certainly will.
- And you will be
going back to New York?
- No,
I think I'm gonna drive back,
maybe help some
people along the way.
But I do wanna make
one stop before we go.
- Sure thing, anything
you need to do.
Well, sir, thank you,
thank you very much,
we really appreciate it all.
- Pleasure, gentlemen.
- Thank you.
- God bless.
- You too, sir.
("Sing Sing Sing"
by John Van Meter)
* Sing, sing, sing,
sing the holy one *
(phone rings)
- Patricia.
- [Steve] Hello, Patricia.
- Hey, Steve.
- [Steve] The boys made it,
I gave 'em their checks,
and guess what,
Allen's headed home.
- That is great news, thank you.
- [Steve] Goodbye.
* And we rejoice in
the Lord on high *
- Thank you.
* That was put upon the
cross and crucified *
* He died in pain
for all our sin *
* And now we're alive in Him
- Why come all the way to Los
Angeles and not see the ocean?
- I gotta tell ya,
I don't even think I
woulda thought of this.
Sometimes I guess I just get
too busy being responsible.
- Sometimes we get so
busy watching our step,
we forget to look up.
- Such a blessing.
- You said it.
Come here.
("The Good Journey"
by John Van Meter)
* He was blind and
could not see *
* The light that
shined from Calvary *
* He was on a journey,
traveling through the night *
* He was a singer of
rock and roll songs *
* Everything he did
just turned out wrong *
* He was on a journey
of a million miles *
* He cried somebody save me
* From my darkness and despair
* My failure to my father
is more than I can bear *
* He took the cards
that he was dealt *
* And he was on a trip
there with somebody else *
* He was on a journey with
the one who stayed behind *
* In the Samaritan,
he heard the call *
* As the prodigal,
he took the fall *
* He was on a journey,
headed back home *
* He cried somebody save me
* From my darkness and despair
* He cried to the heavens
and Jesus was there *