1918 (1985) - full transcript

[ "Keep the Home Fires Burning"
plays ]

♪ Keep the Home Fires Burning ♪

♪ While your hearts
are yearning ♪

♪ Though your lads
are far away ♪

♪ They dream of home ♪

♪ There's a silver lining ♪

♪ Through the dark clouds
shining ♪

♪ Turn the dark cloud
inside out ♪

♪ Till the boys come home ♪

♪ ♪

♪ Keep the Home Fires Burning ♪



♪ While your hearts
are yearning ♪

♪ Though your lads
are far away ♪

♪ They dream of home ♪

♪ There's a silver lining ♪

♪ Through the dark clouds
shining ♪

♪ Turn the dark cloud
inside out ♪

♪ Till the boys come home ♪

[ Whistling ]

[ Humming ]

[ Continues whistling ]

What's your hurry, soldier boy?

[ Laughs ]

Hello, Horace.

Hello.



MAN: Fall in.

Left shoulder hoist.

Right shoulder hoist.

Forward, march.

Your left, your left,

your left, right, left.

Your left, your left,

your left, right, left.

-How are you feeling, Ira?
-Better.

Dr. Wyatt says
I'm going to live.

Still a little weak,

but the flu's behind me,
I'm grateful to say.

Well, take care of yourself.

I'll try.

Good afternoon, ladies.

-Hello, Horace.
-Hello.

My wife didn't come down
with you this afternoon?

Well, no, she had some chores

to get done at the house,
she said.

Did you hear
from your Aunt Vergie

this afternoon?

Yes, ma'am. I think
they're all feeling better.

Except for Uncle C.

He's still pretty sick,
they say.

When you see them,

tell them I'm remembering them
in my prayers.

Yes, ma'am. Thank you.

-Hi, Miss Ruth.
-Hi, Horace.

-Hello, Ruth.
-Hello, Ruth.

I just heard last night

about Harold being made
a lieutenant.

We were so thrilled.

Both my sister's boys
are still at Newport News

with the Navy.

They are just praying,
they say, to be sent overseas.

Did you see the Christmas card

Mrs. Cunningham
is sending to Harold?

No.

Oh.

"To our boy.

"When Christmas bells
in far off France

"ring out the story true,

"we'll light the
Christmas candle

in our window at home for you."

How sweet.

She has to mail it
this afternoon

for it to get there
by Christmas.

Will you ladies excuse me?

I've got to be getting on.

It was nice
to have seen you all.

-Bye, Horace.
-Bye, Horace.

Horace and Elizabeth
seem so congenial.

That must make you very happy.

Yes, it does.

I can't stay late today.

I thought you sang beautifully
at the rally last night, Ruth.

Oh, thank you.

You've such a sweet voice.

Oh, thank you.

Milbern Hall was badly gassed
in France.

Mercy.

His mother called me
this morning.

She is beside herself.

[ Whistling ]

Good afternoon, ladies.

-Hello, Brother.
-Hi.

Mama, Papa wasn't in his office.

Would you loan me two bits

so I can go see
the picture show this afternoon?

Well, what is playing?

A war picture. With Bobby Hearn
and Lillian Gish.

You're just crazy
about war pictures.

Oh, I like war pictures myself,

as long as there's a sweet
love story

and the hero doesn't get killed.

The hero
doesn't ever get killed.

Oh, I saw one last month
where he did.

It was very upsetting.

It was this sweet boy
from Arkansas,

and he was very patriotic,
and he volunteered

for all kinds
of dangerous things.

And he volunteered
for this mission

to take a message
to his Colonel.

And on the way, he got killed.

It was very upsetting.

[ Piano plays ]

[ Baby babbling ]

[ Singing ]

[ Piano music plays ]

[ Birds chirping ]

Mr. Horace.

What are you doing out here
this time of day?

I'm having a tombstone
put on my father's grave.

Mr. Dietrich's ordered one
for me,

but I don't know
which grave is my father's.

Do you, Sam?

No.

When was he buried?

Uh, 1902.

Oh, well, I don't know
who worked out here then.

Wasn't there no marker
on the grave?

There must have been
at one time.

See, there are
three unmarked graves.

My father is buried in one.

Uncle Carl and my Uncle Steve
buried in the others.

I haven't been out here
in a long time.

My memory was that there was
a board on each grave.

But when Mr. Dietrich came out
to look it over,

he said there was none.

Who died first?

My Uncle Steve.

Well, then, I think he would be
in the first grave.

Beginning from which side?

Oh, that I don't know.

Maybe some of the old timers
around could help you.

Yeah, maybe so.

[ Church bells ringing ]

Isn't this flu terrible?

Yes, it is.

I had three white films
last week.

All from the flu.

Everybody's getting it.
Blacks, Whites.

It ain't sparing nobody.

[ Piano plays ]

[ Clapping ]

Hi, Brother Vaughn.

Ladies, how are you?

Oh, don't look at me.

My eyes are all red from crying.

The picture was so sad,
wasn't it?

Yes, but it was thrilling.

We think you look
just like Bobby Harron.

Ah, go on.

We do, and all our friends
do, too.

Well, thank you.
I'm sincerely flattered by that.

May I walk you girls home?

We're not going home.

We're going
to my father's office.

Well, I'll see you ladies
later, then.

-Bye.
-Bye, Brother Vaughn.

Bye.

[ Dog barks ]

[ Car horn ]

Hello, Mrs. Ruth.

Hello, Brother.

Forgive my being late, Ruth.

It was unavoidable.

-Hello, Mrs. Brenner.
-Hello, Brother.

Milton Minfield is home
on a brief visit,

and Mrs. Minfield
brought him by to see me,

and I just couldn't leave.

-I wonder, how is Milton?
-Oh, he's just fine.

The Army seems to be
agreeing with him.

[ Whistling ]

[ Piano playing scales
and singing ]

[ Dog barks ]

Oh, mercy.

♪ La la la la la la la la la ♪

♪ La la la la la la la la la ♪

[ Plays piano ]

[ Baby crying ]

Sister?

Sister?

Sister, Jenny is crying.

I hear her.

Is Mary there?

-Who?
-Mary.

Sister, that Stillman girl
is here.

-Who?
-That Stillman girl, Bessie.

Hello, Bessie.

I'll be with you in a minute.

[ Running ]

[ Baby crying ]

[ Dog barking ]

Retire, halt.

Halt.

I hope they never have
to protect us from the Germans.

[ Piano ]

Look here.

Hasn't she grown?

[ Laughing ]

[ Baby sounds ]

She calls you Mary.

I know she does.

Why does she call you that?

I don't know.

Why do you call her Mary?

Doesn't she ever talk?

When she wants to.

Sister, play some pieces.

-What do you want me to play?
-"Over There."

[ Singing ]

♪ Over there ♪

♪ Over there ♪

♪ Send the word,
send the word over there ♪

♪ That the Yanks are coming ♪

♪ The Yanks are coming ♪

♪ The drums rum-tumming
everywhere ♪

♪ So, prepare ♪

Sister, did Mama tell you
I got kicked out of A&M?

Yes. I hope you'll not
get discouraged

and go back next year.

I'm not gonna go back.

I want to go into the Army.

[ Bang ]

Brother. Bessie.

You're home early.

Yes, it was so slow uptown.

I decided to come on home.

Did you decide which
was your father's grave?

I couldn't. I just have no way
of being sure.

Wouldn't your mother know?

No, she's never been near it.

They were separated
when he died.

I have an Uncle Kyle
in east Texas

who might remember.

And you know what?

I bet Cousin Minnie
over in Houston might know.

She has a keen memory.

What's in the headlines?

"'Set the slobs free,'
Wilson tells Austria."

"Allied armies reach
the Dutch frontier."

"Nation oversubscribes
the Liberty Loan."

Well, you did your part
on that, didn't you?

Well, I tried.

Hi, honey.

Have you been a good girl, hmm?

Did you miss your daddy?

[ Baby sounds ]

[ Laughing ]

Sister says you're buying
your tombstone

from Mr. Dietrich.

He's a damn German spy.

I think it's a disgrace
the way he goes around

saying he hopes
the Germans will win

and refusing to buy
Liberty Bonds.

Yes, I bet cousin Minnie
would know about Papa's grave.

I'll write her tonight.

I've told Mr. Dietrich,
plain to his face,

I did not believe
in dual citizenship,

whether Mexican, or German,
or whatever.

You can't be a citizen
of two countries.

If you live in America,
you have to be an American.

And if you want to be a German,
you have to live in Germany.

I was sitting next
to Mr. Thatcher

at the bond rally.

And when Horace bought
all those Liberty Bonds,

I said, "I bet Papa is sorry

he opposed Elizabeth
marrying Horace now."

"What do you mean?",
Mr. Thatcher asked.

"He didn't oppose it."

"He certainly did," I said.

"Elizabeth had to elope
to marry Horace.

"He and Mama
didn't speak to them

for a year
after they were married."

"That's all water
under the bridge,"

Mr. Thatcher said.

"That's all forgotten now."

"That may be," I said.

"But if Jenna hadn't come along,

I bet Mama and Papa still
wouldn't be speaking to them."

[ Clock chimes ]

Mary, I have to go now.

All right, Bessie.

[ Baby sounds ]

Come back, Bessie.

[ Bells chiming ]

I heard of four more flu cases
this afternoon.

Did you hear
from your Aunt Vergie today?

Yes, I did.

Uncle Doc's still
in and out of bed,

but Aunt Vergie's
walking around.

She says Aunt Inez is out of bed
but still very weak.

And Uncle C. still has a fever.

Marshall Elmore and
John Howard are all sick, too.

A porter from the Boon Hotel

told me Clay Boon's been out
of his head for two days now.

Thinks he's in Germany
fighting Germans.

Mrs. Boon said
one minute Clay was fine,

and the next, he was screaming
and raving in delirium.

Ally called me this morning

to say they got word
from Milbern.

He's in a hospital in France.
He was badly gassed.

Leland Harris
has been shell shocked.

Wonder how
that makes Lowell Murray

and the other draft dodgers
feel?

I've got no respect
for slackers.

They can't even give loyalty
to Germany for an excuse.

I can't wait to get in there.

If it's over
before I can join up,

I don't know what I'll do.

You can join up any time
you want to, now.

They're taking boys your age.

Papa made him promise
he wouldn't join up

until he was 18.

-How is everybody?
-Hello, Mrs. Ruth.

Oh, we're fine.
Thank you, Mrs. Ruth.

Horace, if I tell you a secret,

will you swear
not to let on I told you?

Maybe I shouldn't tell you.

Maybe I should wait
and let Papa tell you.

Tell me what?

I'm not gonna to tell you.

I'm gonna let Papa surprise you.

Horace?

Marshall Elmore
is at death's door.

So is John Howard.

We heard.

The Cookumboos are all sick.

Horace, when I was
going through the pledges

last night after the rally
and came across yours,

one of the largest.

Are you sure you meant $4,000?

Not $400 or $40?

Yes, sir, I meant that.

-$4,000.
-Yes, sir.

Horace is buying a tombstone
from Old Dietrich.

Tucker May is organizing
a posse to burn his house down.

That outlaw.

I think Old Dietrich
should be called on.

-I think if he's...
-Oh, be quiet, Brother.

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

I was talking to Mr. Thatcher...

I'd like to see anyone say
they were for Germany up at A&M.

-While we...
-Well, you're not at A&M now.

He flunked out.
He didn't study.

How can I study
when my mind is on the war?

You have never studied.

Not in grade school,
not in high school.

Now, Mr. Vaughn.

It's the truth.
It's the God's pitiful truth.

His record in school
is a record of failure.

Shh. Now, you were
in such a good humor.

Why spoil it all?

I want my children
to all have educations.

Maybe I do too much for them.

Maybe if they had to sacrifice
to get an education

the way I did,
they'd appreciate it more.

Mama, do you remember going
to Horace's father's funeral?

I didn't go.
Did you Mr. Vaughn?

I'm sure I did.

Would you remember
where his grave was placed?

No.

Let's go home
so they can have their supper.

My gracious, Mr. Vaughn,

have you forgotten
why you came over here?

Oh.

Yes, that's right.

Well, I was talking
to Mr. Thatcher in the office.

I was telling him of your buying
$4,000 worth of Liberty Bonds,

and he said
he wasn't surprised.

BROTHER: Why isn't Robert
in the Army?

Because he's got flat feet.

I heard he paid a doctor
to say so.

Brother.

Shame on you,
spreading a story like that.

I'm only saying what I heard.

You're spreading stories
about the son of a man of honor

and my best friend.

I'm only saying what I heard.
I heard it cost him $5,000.

Vicious lies.
Let's go home.

Mr. Vaughn, will you please
tell Lizzy and Horace

what you came to say?

Well, Mr. Thatcher said
he wasn't surprised,

that he knew
you were very patriotic,

and that he was standing
in front of Outlers Drugstore

when he heard you say
that if you didn't have

the responsibility
of a wife and child,

you would be in France

fighting from the day
we declared war on Germany.

And I've been
thinking that over.

And when I got home,
I told Mrs. Vaughn

that none of us were doing
enough for our country,

and that I was going to offer

to take care of Elizabeth
and the baby

for the duration of the war

so that you could join up
and fight like you wanted to.

And Papa says I can join up
at the same time you do.

Didn't you, Papa?

Yes, I did.

[ Baby crying ]

Well, that's my news.

So, you and Elizabeth
talk it over.

Well, that's...

That's very nice.

Thank you, sir.
I do appreciate it.

Well, it's the least I can do
for my country.

Now, you all talk it over now,

and figure out
when you can be ready to leave.

Oh, if he wants to leave,
Mr. Vaughn.

Don't make up his mind for him.

He and Lizzy
should think seriously about it.

It's serious,
this whole war thing.

Well, I know it's serious.
I want them to talk it over.

You bought more Liberty Bonds
than anybody last night,

you know that?

-Yes, sir. I heard that.
-$4,000.

Yes, sir.

Hey, Horace, did Elizabeth know
you were gonna buy all these?

Yes, sir. We talked it over.

$4,000.

A man come up to me today
and said,

"Your son-in-law must be rich,

buying $4,000
worth of Liberty Bonds."

"No," I told him,
"He's not rich, just patriotic."

Mr. Vaughn said

if we had more of your kind
of patriotism, Horace,

we'd have the war won
in no time.

-See you in France, Horace.
-Yeah, sure.

♪ Pack up your troubles
in your old kit bag ♪

♪ And smile, smile, smile ♪

♪ Pack up your troubles... ♪

Did you say that
about going over to France?

Yes, I did.

I was shooting off my mouth
this afternoon

in front of the drug store.

Some of the boys were
ribbing me because I...

because I had you and the baby.

They said I could talk patriotic

because there was no danger
I'd ever have to go.

But I never thought
your papa would...

would take it upon himself
to make an offer like this.

I don't wanna go in the Army.

I don't wanna leave you
and the baby,

unless I have to.

Do you think
that's not patriotic?

No, I don't want you
to go either,

unless you have to.

Why in the world does Papa
always have to interfere?

Well, you're just gonna
have to tell him, then,

that you don't want to go.

I guess.

I just hope he hasn't told
about his offer all over town.

I'll be the laughing stock
if he has.

I'll never hear the end of it.

Well, you better tell him
right now,

or he will have it
all over town.

All right, all right.
Let me have some supper first.

No, I wouldn't wait
until after supper.

I would tell him right now.

-Now, how am I gonna tell him?
-Just tell him.

Do you think I should say

that you and I appreciate
a whole lot his generous offer,

but, well, anyway,
something like that.

But in talking it over,
you and I have decided

that it's better---

Horace, I just heard
C. Turner died from the flu.

Oh, my God.

Well, I thought
maybe Vergie had called you.

No. No, no one called me.

Well, you better go call her
right away.

The whole town
is coming down with it.

John Howard is very low,
they say.

[ Cranking phone ]

-Does Papa--
-287, please.

I left a message for Dr. White
to come over as soon as he can

and examine him.

Doc, Horace.
Mrs. Vaughn just told me.

I declare.

That's terrible.

Yes, sir.
I'm going right over.

I talked to Uncle Doc.

Aunt Vergie was over
with Aunt Inez.

He said he died a half hour ago.

Oh, Horace.

He was just gonna call us.

I said I'd be right over.

Oh, my heavens.
It's such a shock.

[ Door shuts ]

[ Bells ringing ]

Your papa and I were talking
about Horace, Elizabeth.

You couldn't have
a finer husband.

I wish Brother would turn out
as well as he has.

[ Piano playing ]

You think Horace is gonna take
your papa's offer and enlist?

I don't know.

I don't want him to go, Mama.

He doesn't want to go either.

He was just on his way over
to tell Papa when you came here.

Well, don't tell him now.

Wait until he gets over
whatever he has.

It'll hurt his feelings so.

He thought he was doing
a wonderful patriotic thing,

and you'd be so pleased,
both of you.

To tell you the truth,

I didn't think
you would be at all.

But you know how your papa is.

He is always thinking of things
for people

he thinks they would like,

and then,
when they don't like it,

or like it as much as he thinks
they should like it,

he gets his feelings hurt.

Please don't ever say
I said this,

but his feelings were hurt

when he gave you
all this house and lot

and Horace insisted on keeping
everything in your name.

I tried to explain to Papa
why Horace did that.

It had nothing to do

with his not appreciating
Papa's gift.

Horace just didn't want
anyone here thinking

he was not standing
on his own two feet.

Horace felt that since
he was poor and had nothing...

Well, I don't know
how to explain it to you, Mama,

it was just pride, I guess.

Well, don't bother
to explain it to me.

I didn't think anything
about it.

I'm just explaining
how sensitive your father is.

He thought Horace still had
a grudge against him

because he wouldn't speak to you
after your marriage.

Horace has never felt
any grudge.

I know that.

I'm just trying to explain
how sensitive your father is,

that's all.

[ Crickets chirping ]

Mighty sad, Horace.

Aunt Vergie.

Aunt Inez.

I am so sorry.

Mama, Papa says come on home.
He needs you.

Is he feeling any better?

No, worse.

-Clay Boom died.
-Mercy.

They say you can hear
Mrs. Boom screaming

all over that end of town.

Call me when Horace gets back

and let me know how Inez is.

Sister, play some music.

[ Dog barks ]

What do you want me to play?

"I'm Always Chasing Rainbows."

I don't feel like playing
right now.

I wish Horace
would get on back here.

You better get used to not
having Horace around

if he takes Papa's offer.

If he goes to France,

will you and the baby
stay on here

or move in
with Mama and Papa?

I don't know.

We'd better hurry and join up
or the war will be over.

I wish it were all over now.

Sister, I'm in trouble.

What kind of trouble?

I got into a gambling game
last night.

I lost $75.

-Who to?
-Little Bobby Pate.

-Brother!
-I feel awful about it.

Why are you acting this way?

Papa is gonna be furious.

-I hope he never finds out.
-He'll have to find out.

Where will you ever,
in this world, get $75?

I need more than that.

That's only part of my trouble.

I wish I was
in the Army right now.

I wish I was in France.

I wish I was dead.

-Don't talk like that, Brother.
-I do.

What have you done
that's so terrible?

There was a letter for me
just now

waiting at the house.

It was from a girl
at College Station.

She's gonna have a baby.

She wrote she thinks
I'm the father.

Are you?

I could be.

-Well, are you gonna marry her?
-No.

She don't wanna marry me.

She don't want to have the baby.

She's gonna get rid of the baby.

She wants me to send her
$100 right away.

Oh, my God, Brother.

-I can't help it.
-Yes, you can.

How can I help it?

Everybody in this damn family
watching me all the time.

"Be like Papa."

"Be a fine, good Christian man
like Papa."

I ain't never gonna be
like Papa,

not for a million years.

I'm no damn good.

You think Horace
will loan me some money?

Horace doesn't have any money.

He had $4,000
to buy Liberty Bonds.

He bought a tombstone
for his daddy's grave.

That's all he has.
Every penny.

And he only managed to save that

because the price of cotton
is like it is.

-When did you find all this out?
-Just now.

Papa brought the letter
when he came home.

Well, you're just gonna
have to tell Papa.

-I can't.
-Then, I will.

You can't. Please.

If you do, I'll kill myself.

Please.

I have $200 that I saved
when I taught piano.

You can have it.

But don't come back to me
with your troubles

because I am
sick and tired of them.

Thank you, Lizzy.

I'll never forget this.

Never.

WOMAN: Oh, God!

God! God!

Why are You doing this to me,
God?!

I curse you, God!
Give me back my son!

You give me back my son!

Why'd You take him
away from me, God?!

Why have You done this to me?!

I want my son back!
I want my son back!

[ Sobbing ]

BROTHER:
"We offer you hardship,

we offer you suffering,

perhaps the best
we can offer you is death.

But we offer you the glory
of winning your way

in a fighting branch
of the service

where quitters dare not enter."

Who do you think
has the best generals, Lizzy?

Next to ours, of course.

Everybody knows General Pershing
is the greatest,

but I think the French
come in next, don't you?

It is pitiful.

Big strong men like that
struck down.

-Clay Boon is dead.
-Brother told me.

You can hear
his mother screaming

all over that end of town.

Poor thing.

She was even cursing God
for taking him away.

Aunt Inez is pitiful.

Those boys are pitiful.

BROTHER: Listen to this, Lizzy.

"Spanish influenza.

"8,000 people have died from it

"in Philadelphia
alone this month.

"Can you afford
this sudden death?

"If not, protect your family
and business

with our life insurance."

John Howard died 20 minutes
after Clay Boon.

I know those Germans sent
those germs over here.

[ Thunder rumbles ]

They're barbarians.

They'll stop at nothing.

The dirty Huns.

See y'all later.

[ Door closes ]

Can I get your supper
for you now?

No, thank you.

You should have
something to eat.

[ Sighs ]

I'm not hungry.

I don't feel so hot myself.
I ache all over.

I have heard so much
about the symptoms of the flu,

I don't know whether
I'm getting it

or I'm imagining it.

Walking through the fields
in Old Caney,

I thought,

"Is it possible
on this beautiful night

"that men are dying?

Here or in Europe or anywhere?"

And I thought,
"Death, if I don't think of you,

"you'll vanish,

"and I'll think of life.

"I'll think of my life
with Lizzy and my baby.

"And all the happiness
and goodness

that have come to me
since you married me."

[ Sighs ]

Feel my head, Lizzy.

-You have a fever.
-Oh.

You better get to bed.
Honey, where are you going?

Well, I have to find
a pen and paper.

I have to write Uncle Kyle
and Minnie about Papa's grave.

Mr. Dietrich's waiting to know
where to place the tombstone.

[ Knocking at door ]

Come in, Emma Sue.

Horace?

Hello, Mr. Horace.

Mrs. Elizabeth,
Gladys's mom told Mama

you're thinking about
giving piano lessons again.

Yes, I'm hoping to.

Mama said to ask
if you did teach,

can sister and me study?

Yes, you can.

-Where'd you study music?
-Kincaid.

Mama thinks you have
a lovely touch.

Oh, well, thank you.

Hello, Mr. Horace.

My cousin, very sensitive
and peculiar,

but she was always good to me.

Mr. Horace isn't feeling well,
honey.

I think you better
run up to Papa's

and see if Dr. White
is still there.

Give up and come on back here

because I had no idea
what they were talking about.

God, Cousin Minnie, she's...

she was living in Houston then,

and she wouldn't hear
of my leaving.

She had gotten
a college degree somewhere.

She was a teacher in Houston,

and every night,
she would coach me.

[ Sighs ]

I'm trying to write a letter
here, Lizzy, but I can't.

I can't think clearly, I...

I feel very dizzy.

Everything looks so peculiar.

[ Church bells ]

Where's Mama?

Now, she's in Houston.
You know where she is.

-She's married to Mr. Davenport.
-Yes.

My papa, he's been dead,
um, 15, 16 years.

-How many years has it been?
-Oh, I'd say 16.

Now, just sit here.
Dr. White has been sent for.

Dr. White? Who's Dr. White?

Now, you know who he is, honey.

Well, I always prefer
Dr. Vines.

Now, shh, you mustn't say that.

If Dr. White heard you say that,
it would hurt his feelings.

-Well, where is Dr. Bavaras?
-He's dead.

-When did he die?
-Oh, a number of years ago.

-Do I have a fever?
-I think so.

You call Mama over in Houston,

and you tell her
that I have a fever.

But not to worry, I'll be
all right in the morning.

-I will.
-Call her now.

Good to see you, Doctor.

Hello, Horace.

Your papa's come down
with the flu.

Your mama said that's why
she didn't come over with me.

-Can you hear them?
-Who, honey?

Well, there's a...

My God, there's Marshall,
and Willis,

and there's General Pershing,
and Mr. Vaughn.

-Let's just be quiet.
-Mr. Vaughn's...

Mr. Vaughn's a general now.
He's a...

He's pinning a medal
on my chest.

♪ Over there, over there ♪

All right, honey.

Now, get me my uniform,
honey, would you?

-Shh.
-Please, God, help me!

I'm afraid--

I've lost Lizzy
and my baby in France.

You haven't lost anybody.
We're here.

You keep quiet
for a few minutes, hm?

Dr. White?

[ Thunder rumbles ]

He's very sick, Elizabeth.

You'll need some help.

What happened?

Oh, nothing.

It's all right now.

Will you call Mama and tell her?

She's busy nursing your papa.

Oh, that's right.

Horace is very sick.

He's very sick.

I'll leave this medicine
for you.

Give him two teaspoons
as soon as you get him to bed,

and another one
tomorrow morning.

Yes, sir, Dr. White.

I'd keep him away
from your baby if I were you.

Yes, sir.

Let's go upstairs now.

Do you love me, Elizabeth?

I love you.

Don't let me die, Elizabeth.

You're not gonna die.

Hold me, Elizabeth.

I'm holding you.

Sing to me, Elizabeth.

-Let's go upstairs now.
-No, no, please, sing to me.

All right, if I sing to you,

will you promise me
you'll go upstairs then?

What do you want me to sing?

Oh, uh...

I'd say, uh...

"It's a Long Way to Tipperary."

♪ It's a long way to Tipperary ♪

♪ It's a long way to go ♪

♪ It's a long way to-- ♪

-Just don't let me die.
-You're not gonna die.

[ Screaming ]

[ Baby crying ]

Get me my gun, Elizabeth.
I have to protect us.

Get me my gun, Elizabeth.

[ Screaming ]

I have to--
I have to protect us!

The Germans have us surrounded!

[ Screaming, baby crying ]

[ Piano plays ]

To the left, to the left,

to the left, right, left.

To the left, to the left,

to the left, right, left.

To the rear, turn.

To the left, to the left,

to the left, right, left.

[ Church bells ]

To the left, to the left,

to the left, right, left.

To the left, to the left,

to the left, right, left.

Elizabeth?

Did you wake up again?

[ Coughing ]

Are you still hungry?

I can heat the soup up.

There's half a bowl left.

I'm not hungry.

Try and get back to sleep now.

I'm not sleepy.

Where am I?

You're home in bed.

Shh. Don't talk now.

You still need to save
your strength.

You're ever so much better,
but Dr. White says--

Elizabeth?

There's really nothing
to worry about now,

the doctor says.

It's all behind you now.

What is?

The flu.

Did I have the flu?

Don't you remember?

I remember something about it.

But I thought...

I thought I'd gotten well
and you and the baby got sick.

That's right.

You had it,
and then, you got better,

and I took it,
and the baby took it.

And then, you just keeled over.

Fainted right on the floor.

I was so scared.

The doctor said
that you had gotten up too soon

and tried to do
before you should

and had a relapse.

And this time,
you were so sick,

I couldn't get out of bed
to wait on you

because I was still sick.

Brother came over then.
He never did get it.

Mama and Papa were both
in bed still then,

and your Aunt Vergie
came over

and nursed us both
until I got my strength back.

Where is Auntie now?

She went home yesterday.

Don't you remember?

The doctor said
you were out of danger now,

and she told you good-bye and...

Horace, don't.

Please, don't cry.

It's all over now.

Terrible as it was,
it's all behind us now.

I...

I thought I was going to die.

And I wanted so badly to be--

Well, how's the patient?

He's pretty well today.

He's still weak.

I made some custard
especially for you, Horace.

It's very nourishing.

I put it in the kitchen,
Elizabeth.

I'd also fix him a little grits
with lots of butter.

That will help him
get his strength back.

Hello, Horace.

Hello, Mr. Vaughn.

We thought we'd lost you, son.

We just gave you up last week.

Brother came running over
last Friday and said,

"If you want to see
Horace alive again,

you better hurry up
and get over there."

Weak as the flu had left
your mama and me,

we got dressed
and we come running over.

I stood right here by you.

You opened your eyes,
and you said,

"You know what I want to do,
Mr. Vaughn?"

"No, son," I said, "What?"

"I wanna live."

"I want you to live, too,
Horace."

"Yes, sir," you said.

"But I want my life to be spared

so I can join the Army
and serve my country."

-Did I say that?
-He was delirious, Papa.

He didn't know
what he was saying.

Clay Boon was delirious
like that just before he died.

And they say he thought he was
in France fighting the Germans.

Howard Pratt tried to stab
his own mother

with a butcher knife.

He thought she was a German.

Of course, he couldn't have
done any harm, he was so weak.

I don't think any of them knew
what they were saying or doing,

no more
than if they were drunk or--

Horace knew what he was saying.

I think he knew exactly
what he was saying.

Didn't you, son?

Shoot, he didn't know
what he was saying

no more
than any of the others did.

Well, how do you know
so much about it?

What makes you
so much of an authority?

I heard Dr. White say so.

He said none of them knew
what they were doing

or talking about it.

I didn't get the flu at all,
Horace.

The day everybody thought
you were gonna die,

15 others died here.

They had prayer meetings
at all the churches,

praying for our deliverance.

Anybody die I know?

A lot.

Howard Pratt,

Marshall Elmore,

Max Roseberry,

Hardin Estelle,

May Davis.

She left
four motherless children.

[ Horse sounds outside ]

How's the war going?

BROTHER: We're winning.
No doubt about it.

Won't be long before it's over.

I'm going over next month.
Papa said I could.

Well, the thing I worry about
is our being overconfident.

Papa thinks Germany
wants us overconfident

so that we will let up
our own efforts.

Don't you, Papa?

Yes.

You better hurry
and get your strength back

if you want to get over there
before it's all over.

I think Horace is tired.

I think we should
go downstairs and talk.

Don't you feel like sleeping,
Horace?

Oh, I guess I do.

Elizabeth?

[ Sighs ]

Elizabeth,
I hate to ask you this.

You're gonna think the flu
has left me half-crazy,

for sure.

But I keep thinking that...

I know it's just the flu,

like my saying to Mr. Vaughn

I wanted to live
so I could go in the Army.

Now, you know I was
out of my mind then.

But the baby.

Elizabeth, I kept dreaming

that you told me
the baby was dead.

Oh, honey.

Honey, you shouldn't let
my dreams upset you.

It was the fever. I know I had
a very high temperature.

I dreamed all kinds
of crazy things.

It wasn't a dream, Horace.

She died a week ago.

Oh, my God.

Was there a funeral?

Yes.

I told you at the time.

Don't you remember any of it?

She died, and I couldn't
nurse her or see to her.

Mama had to get Aunt Charity
to come over

and nurse her for us
until she got sick with the flu,

and then, your aunt came back.

She was rocking her
in her arms when she died.

I was half-crazy.
I couldn't think.

We didn't know whether
to tell you as sick as you were.

But finally, I felt
I had to tell you and...

Well, you listened to me
as if you understood it all.

[ Church bells ]

I had her buried
in your family lot

instead of Papa's.

I think that hurt Mama and Papa,

but I wanted to do
what I thought you'd want,

and we didn't have
our own family lot.

[ Running up the stairs ]

Armistice! Armistice!

-Armistice has been declared!
-Oh, no.

That's why
they're ringing the bells!

Germany has surrendered!
We've licked the Kaiser!

Isn't it wonderful?
Thank God.

Thank God it's all over.

Your papa called the newspaper,

and they've had a wire
confirming it.

I'm going uptown.

They'll be lots of excitement
in town, I bet.

MAN: Armistice!

[ People cheering outside ]

What's the matter?

Oh, I know. I'm sorry.
Forgive me.

Horace didn't remember
about the baby.

He thought he dreamed it.
He thought...

Honey, don't cry.

It's not good for you.
You're still weak.

Mama. Mama, help us!

Mama, how did you stand it
when you lost your children?

[ Crying ]

You just stand it.
You keep going.

Of course,
you had other children.

I had only you when I lost
the first little girl.

But when I lost the second,
I had four others then.

There were times
when you were growing up,

I despaired for each of you.

We had the baby buried
in your father's lot.

I had Mama order a tombstone
for her

like the one they have
on my little sister's grave.

I thought I'd like a lamb on it
like they have on theirs.

[ Gunshots ]

[ Shouts from the street ]

I slipped out there
yesterday afternoon.

I visited her grave.

I took some flowers
from my own--

She's at peace, honey.
She's at peace.

[ Dog barks ]

When we lost our second child...

Your papa was sitting
in the living room

by a little coffin.

Mrs. Coon Ferguson came
into the room and said,

"Mr. Vaughn.

"Did you ever think
the death of this child

was a judgment on you
for not joining the church?"

His face flushed crimson,
but he just sat very quietly.

"No, Mrs. Ferguson,
it never did."

Did you say you buried Jenny
in Papa's lot?

Yes.

Your cousin Minnie
wrote a letter

saying she remembers
where he was buried.

She wanted to come out
and show you,

but I asked her not to.

We got a sweet letter
from your mother and sister

when they heard about the baby.

Neither of them had the flu.

Mary?

Hello, Bessie.

I can't ask you in, Bessie.

Horace is still sick.

Did you hear
what happened to Jenny?

Have you been sick, too,
with the flu, honey?

Your mother didn't tell you
what happened to Jenny.

Jenny died, honey.

She got sick with the flu, too,
but she died.

Now, you run along.

And come back another day
and visit me.

[ Band playing ]

Mary? Mary?

-Oh, Mary, come on.
-Shh.

I want you to go with me
to the courthouse.

Everyone in town is going.

They're going to celebrate
the end of the war.

I don't feel like going.

I don't feel like celebrating
anything with little Jenny dead.

And anyway, I don't think

I should leave Elizabeth
alone here with Horace.

She still hasn't
her strength back.

I am going to make supper
for them.

[ Car horns honking ]

Elizabeth told me this morning
she's expecting another baby.

Oh, when?

In another six months or so.
She isn't exactly sure.

The doctor says he'll be able
to tell better next month.

She hasn't told Horace yet,

so don't let on
I've told you anything.

I won't.

I have to talk to her about
that business with Brother.

She loaned him $200 to pay
Bobby Pate and that girl.

Well, don't bother her now
with that.

[ Gunshots and band playing ]

What am I gonna do
about Brother, Mrs. Vaughn?

I'm at my wits end.

What's to become of him?

He'll find himself.
He's just climbing Fool's Hill.

Oh, I don't know.

I hope so.

A friend of mine
has some cotton boats

sailing between
Galveston and New York.

He said he'd give Brother a job
on one of his boats.

I think I'm gonna tell him
he has to go.

It'll be hard work,
but it'll be good for him.

And it'll keep him away

from these trifling friends
of his here.

Whatever you say.

[ Dog barking ]

[ Band playing ]

[ People cheering ]

They're having a victory
celebration at the courthouse.

Your papa's gonna make a speech.

Are you going?

No, I don't feel like going.

I thought I'd fix us some supper
whenever you were hungry.

Thank you.

Are you hungry now?

No.

You're not eating.
You must eat.

I've no appetite.

[ Cheering ]

Elizabeth?

The war's over, isn't it?

Yes.

Everyone is down
at the courthouse celebrating.

I don't know anymore

what I've been told
or what I haven't been told.

Your memory will be
as good as new in a day or so.

I'm gonna have a baby, Horace.

When?

In about six months or so.

Dr. White can't be too sure.

Well, that's something.

Are you pleased?

I sure am.

Are you pleased?

Yes.

[ Band playing ]

[ Horn honking ]

[ Whistling ]

-Let me have a swig.
-All right, but be careful.

I don't want your papa
sore at me.

I said a swig,
not the whole damn bottle.

[ Clapping ]

Got you!

Hey, Tom, how are
the mademoiselles in France?

I tried to get over there.

I didn't make it, but I tried.

Congratulations.
We're glad it's over.

Howdy.

How do you do?

Lose a loved one?

My little girl.

I lost my husband.

I'm sorry.

It was the flu.

Did your little girl
have the flu?

Yes.

Good-bye, lady.

Good-bye.

[ Rooster crowing ]

Papa called from town

and asked if we wanted
to watch the parade tonight

welcoming more soldiers home.

He said if you'd like to watch,
he'll come by for us in his car.

I said I still didn't think
you were strong enough.

Yeah, I guess not.

I don't want to do anything
to have a setback.

[ Train whistle blows ]

Papa says a lot of the boys
we know will be in this batch.

The Cookinboos,
the Ryans, of course.

They didn't go overseas.

Papa says he doesn't know

when the overseas boys
will come home.

I wanna go back to work
next week, Lizzy.

That's all right with me,
if you're strong enough.

I'll be strong enough.

I'll lose all my customers
if I stay away much longer.

I doubt that.

I seriously doubt that.

[ Piano music plays ]

[ Drum beating ]

[ Band playing ]

Hello, Davis.
Hello, Jerry.

-Hello, Horace.
-Hello, Horace.

-Hello, Horace!
-Clyde, welcome home.

When'd you get back, Davis?

Last month.

What about you, Jerry?

They sent me back
before the war was over.

Sure is good to be back,
isn't it?

-Oh, yes.
-It sure is.

Clyde.

Clyde, come on.

I'll see y'all later.

See you, Horace.

See you, Clyde.

[ Piano music plays ]

Couldn't you sleep?

No.

I couldn't either.

How's it look?

A little bit more there.
A little bit more--

Okay, let's take a look.

The sleeves are long.

[ Clapping ]

[ Crickets chirping,
instrumental music plays ]

[ Girls laughing ]

There was a time
when I knew about every dance

for 50 miles around.

You always loved to dance,
didn't you?

I sure did.

-You were a wonderful dancer.
-Well, so were you.

Well, thank you.

You still are
a wonderful dancer.

Thank you.

I hope so.

I haven't danced in so long,
I might have forgotten how.

I don't think you ever forget
something like that.

I guess not.

Dr. White told me this afternoon

that I could have the baby
any day now.

Any night, too, I suppose.

I was born at 7:00
in the morning.

When were you born?

Oh, I don't know.

I'll have to write my mama
and ask her.

He said you could have
the baby tomorrow?

Now, Dr. White didn't say
he was sure.

He said it could be tomorrow,
or the next day,

or the next week.

I would still feel a lot better

if you had somebody here
with you while I was away.

Your mama or Aunt Vergie.

No, no, I don't want
anyone here, Horace.

I'll be fine.
Please, don't worry.

[ Band playing ]

A lot of our soldiers
are home now.

I bet they're glad to get back,
don't you?

I'm sure so.

-Well, good-bye, girls.
-Good-bye.

See you, Mrs. Lizzy.

Can't wait to see your new baby.

Lizzy, I come to say good-bye.

Papa's gonna drive me
down to the station.

Sorry I won't be here
when the baby comes.

Well, you'll be back
before you know it, Brother.

If I like the sea,
I'm gonna sign up again.

Papa says it won't be long

before there are boats sailing
from Galveston to Europe.

He says he can get me
on one of them.

So, I guess I get to see Europe
after all.

[ Car horn ]

You wanna come with me
to the station and see me off?

I think I better not.

I wouldn't want to have my baby
at the railroad station.

I guess not.

MR. VAUGHN: Brother!

Good-bye, Sister.

You take care of yourself.

I will.

MR. VAUGHN: Brother!

You take care of yourself now,
you hear?

I'm gonna make
y'all proud of me yet.

-I know you will.
-Brother!

I'm coming, Papa.

Didn't I tell you
to wait in the Buick?

Now, come on.

[ Piano playing ]

Mary.

Hello, Bessie.

You had your baby yet?

No, Bessie.

Mercy, do I look like it?

When I have it, you'll be
among the first to know, Bessie.

[ Church bells ringing ]

Horace is worse
than he was last time.

He's a nervous wreck.

"What are you so nervous about,
Horace?", I asked him.

There's really nothing
to be afraid of.

I have a very easy time.

Jenny was absolutely no trouble
when she was being born.

But I don't think
he even hears me.

And my mother,

well, she's a better actor
than Horace.

She tries to pretend
she's not afraid,

but I know that she is.

I can tell.

And all of her children were
born early and were healthy.

And she had easy deliveries
every time.

Of course, two of them died
later on in their infancy,

like Jenny.

I have fears now, too, Bessie.

I haven't told
anybody else that.

I wake up in the night
afraid now.

Afraid, and I'll tell you now.

I don't want this baby

if anything is gonna happen
to it afterwards.

I don't want it at all.

Bessie, would you go
into the kitchen

and get me some water?

HORACE: Elizabeth, Lizzy?

Horace, I think
you better go get Mama.

All right.

Oh, your mama's not home.

I remember I saw her in the car
with your papa

taking Brother to the station.

Uh, maybe I better go
get the doctor.

Maybe you had.

I saw him parked
in front of Mrs. Dockrays.

Then, you'll have to go
over there and get him.

-She doesn't have a phone.
-All right.

You want me to get you
some more water?

No, thank you.

Bessie.

My fear has left me.

Oh, dear God, it has left me.

It's all gone.

I can look on this baby now
without fear.

If it's a boy, we're gonna
name it after Horace.

And if it's a girl,
we'll name it...

Bessie?

-What's the matter, honey?
-I'm scared.

Are you afraid because
I'm gonna have a baby?

You weren't before.

You stayed with me last time
until the baby arrived.

Do you want
to go on home, honey?

No, ma'am,
I'm not scared of you.

I passed by Vernon Draton's
house today,

and he was in the yard.

And as I was passing,

he took a screaming fit

because his mother said
he heard a noise,

and he was shell-shocked.

And I never seen
no one do that before,

and it scared me.

I don't like war if it does
things like that to you.

No, I don't.

But the war is over now,

and they say there will
never be another one.

I passed a colored boy
uptown.

I don't even know his name,
but he was in uniform.

And he had a leg cut off.

And Howard was blind and--

Bessie, don't. Please, don't.

I'm sorry, but please don't.

I was feeling so good then,

and I don't want to go back
to my fears.

I don't want ever.

You know what would be
the hardest for me?

Going to visit Jenny's grave
afterwards.

I swear to you,
once I do that, once...

Mrs. Merryweather told me
that in five years, ten years,

I'll go out there,

and it'll be just like
she'd never been.

Mama says no.

She says she never goes out

and looks
at her children's graves

without feeling something.

It's not always the same,
she said.

If it's a girl, we're gonna
name her after my mother.

Horace is glad about that,
he said.

After I explained to him

why I didn't want to name her
after myself.

I said, since I hadn't named
Jenny after myself,

I felt it would be disloyal
to her

to ever name another child
after me.

And I named Jenny after
my little sister that died,

and I wish I hadn't now.

I wish.

It worried me so
for the longest time

that's why my Jenny was taken.

Because I named her
after a dead baby.

It bothered me so

that I had to go and talk
to the preacher about it.

But he said that was
just superstition.

That God wouldn't take a baby
for something foolish like that.

"Well, then, why did God
take my baby?", I asked him.

He couldn't answer that.

He said there was bound
to be a reason,

but he didn't know it.

Bessie, I have to tell you this.

I have to tell someone this.

Remember how I used
to always talk to you

before the other baby came?

You know how happy I was
about having that baby?

And now, Bessie, I'm ashamed.

But I'm not so happy
about having this baby.

I want my Jenny back

and I don't want this baby
at all.

And I'm afraid of ever
saying that or thinking that.

Afraid that I'll be punished
for not submitting to God's will

and not trying to understand
His will in all this.

That's what our minister,
Mr. Meyers, told us we must do.

That I must ask God
for the understanding

to see His will
in Jenny's death.

Do you believe that, Bessie?

Do you believe it was His will
that Jenny died?

MARY: Elizabeth!

I passed Horace
running for the doctor.

Have you started
your labor pains?

-Yes.
-Then you better lie down.

Bessie, child,
you better go on home now.

Good Lord, what's the matter
with you, Bessie?

Giving birth
is perfectly normal.

What on earth is the matter?

-I don't wanna go home.
-Well, you have to go home.

This is no place
for you to be now.

I'm scared to go home.

What in the world
are you scared of?

Vernon, I'm scared
to go past his house.

She saw him having a fit today
and it frightened her.

Oh, my God.

Let Horace walk her home.

Hello, Doctor.
Elizabeth is upstairs.

Her labor pains have started.

-I wanna go home.
-Well, then, go on home, Bessie.

We got everything
under control here now.

She's afraid to go home
by herself, Horace.

You take her home, Horace.

You take a good, long walk
while you're gone, Horace.

Well, Horace.
How is Elizabeth?

Well, her time has come.
The doctor is with her now.

[ Laughing ]

Hello, Bessie.

I'm waiting for Verna.

I have to practice my solo
for church on Sunday.

I usually practice with Verna
on Thursdays,

but she couldn't make it
this Thursday.

Friday was the only day
she could practice.

How's your family?

Tell them hello for me.

Oh, Bessie.

Tell your mama that I'm singing
a solo this Sunday in church.

"Peace Be to This Congregation."

She says she never gets tired
of hearing me sing it.

[ Laughing ]

Bye-bye.

That was the one grave
I sure hated to dig.

While I was digging,
the man said,

"Might as well dig one
next to hers for her father.

"He won't last the night.

Flu has him, too."

But you fooled him, Mr. Horace.

You fooled him.

Horace?

Oh, hello, Mrs. Boon.

Today is Clay's birthday.

I brought some flowers
to put on his grave.

And I want to put some
on your little girl's grave.

That's very kind of you,
Mrs. Boon.

It was Clay told me
she was born.

Horace?

I'm adopting this boy.

His mama and papa ran off
and left him

and the sheriff is giving him
to me to raise.

My brother is raising a Mexican.

But I said I wanted me
a white boy.

Hello, son.

Say hello to Mr. Horace, boy.

He was my son's best friend.

Shake hands now.

Just don't stand there
with your head down

like you had been caught
stealing.

[ Laughing ]

I'm going to have to teach him
manners and everything else.

I'm sure his people
are common as dirt.

Horace!

You put the tombstones
on the wrong graves.

Your father is buried
in that one.

And Uncle Steve is in that one,
and Cal is in that one.

Oh, no, ma'am.

My cousin Minnie told me
it was this way.

Well, Minnie is wrong.

I came to all their funerals
and I remember.

Elizabeth?

Hello, Horace Junior.

I was out at the cemetery.

Your daddy found me.

Today was Clay's birthday.

Mrs. Boon brought some flowers
to his grave,

and then, she put some
on Jenny's grave.

-Wasn't that nice of her?
-Yes.

Mrs. Boon says
that Cousin Minnie is wrong

and we have the tombstones
on the wrong graves.

Isn't that a mess?

Well, Mrs. Boon could be wrong,
too, you know.

Of course, she could.

Well, the baby
wasn't born at night.

No.

What time was he born?

3:00.

You know, I asked Aunt Vergie
when I was born.

She said sometime between
4:00 and 5:00 in the morning.

She was there, she said,
helping Mama.

And you were born
at 7:00 in the morning.

-Yes.
-Exactly at 7:00.

I guess so.

I knew a boy once,
born on Christmas day.

And I knew another who was born
on the 29th of February.

I wouldn't care to be born then,
would you?

No.

Hey, Elizabeth?

I love you.

I love you.

[ Band playing ]

He's a fine lookin' fella.

Do you know who that was
on the phone?

-Who?
-Sister Lizzy.

She said Brother had gotten
off the train at Houston

and had walked out to her house

and didn't want to go
to Galveston.

He said he was homesick
and wanted to come home.

MR. VAUGHN: Oh, my God.

So, I told her to put him
on the phone.

And I told him to march
himself down to that station

and to take the next train
for Galveston

and not to dare show his face
around here

until he had gone to New York
and back on that cotton boat.

I'm glad you did.

-Horace?
-Yes.

What kind of flowers did
Mrs. Boon put on Jenny's grave?

Sweet peas,

cosmos,

periwinkles,

snapdragons, and verbena.

Looking at them
like she can't imagine

anything bad happening to them,
can you?

No bad habits,

no sickness, no killings,

no wars.

Well, everyone says
we'll never have another war.

So, we won't have to worry
about that for him, will we?

[ Singing softly ]

♪ Peace be
to this congregation ♪

♪ Peace to every heart therein ♪

♪ O thou God of Peace,
be near us ♪

♪ Fix within our hearts
thy home ♪

Sweet peas,

cosmos,

periwinkles,

snapdragons, verbena.

♪ Come with all
thy revelations ♪

♪ Truth which we so long
have sought ♪

♪ Come with thy deep
consolations ♪

♪ Peace of God
which passeth thought ♪

[ "There's a Long Long Trail
A-Winding" plays ]