Callie & Son (1981) - full transcript

My name's Kimball Smythe.

But you don't need

to know about me yet.

In fact,

I wasn't even there

that hot afternoon

30 years ago in a Texas town

on the backside of nowhere.

Still, I came to

know a few pertinent

bits and pieces

about the beginning,

and about this woman

who would dominate and

change so many lives.

Her name was

Callie Lord, then,

and she was young

and somebody,

as they used to say,

had done her wrong,

quite wrong.

Funny thing is, in

the best tradition of

melodramatic literature,

the tale would one day

end right here,

where it all started.

Oh...

Oh. Oh, my baby.

Oh, my... It's gonna be

just fine.

Callie never even

got to hold her baby.

It was a boy.

The day after he was born,

a lawyer out of Amarillo

drove into town to

collect the merchandise.

Now, listen carefully,

Miss Lord.

This first paper's called

the Act of Relinquishment.

"I, Callie Martha Lord,

"do hereby relinquish

and surrender

said below described

"white male,

Caucasian infant for

permanent adoption."

I've been thinking

about this, Mr. Lawrence.

Been thinking a whole lot,

and have changed my mind.

I'm afraid that's

quite impossible,

Miss Lord.

My clients have

already paid out

$245 on prenatal care.

You back out now, Callie,

and they're gonna have to

file on you for fraud.

Criminal fraud.

That's felony.

I don't wanna cause

anybody any trouble.

It's just that

baby is my flesh,

he's my son.

I'll pay you back all the money.

It's too late now.

You're a Christian girl,

aren't you, Callie? Hmm.

Never been in trouble before?

Well, then, you'd probably get

a 10-year suspended sentence.

Likely as not,

they'll put that baby

in an orphan home.

If I sign it, could I

just hold my baby

for one minute?

That wouldn't be right.

It'll just be

too hard after that.

What,

are they good people?

Fine Christian family.

Nurse.

Please witness

that I am

formally handing

to Callie Martha Lord

the cashier's check

from the Republic Northstar

National Bank, Dallas, Texas,

in a sum of $2,000

for services rendered.

Callie never

told anybody the name

of her baby's father.

She buried the past

the day she left

Chillicothe.

With an ache in her heart

and $2,000 in her pocket,

she bought a bus

ticket to Dallas.

The last thing she did

was call her mama,

whose blessing

was goodbye and

good riddance.

It's a buck fifty

a week.

Payable every

Friday afternoon

at 5:30 p.m., sharp.

One minute late,

and I call the sheriff.

You'll find your stuff

out on the side walk.

I expect

Christian behavior

in my home.

No profanity, no noise,

no electric hair curlings.

Lights out at 10:00.

Don't waste hot water.

And no men.

I repeat, no men

allowed upstairs, ever.

You hear me?

Hey!

I'm Jeannie.

I'll be right next door

if you need me, okay?

Yuck! The old bat gave you

the Black Hole of Calcutta.

Listen, why don't you

come over to my place?

I got a red silk pillow

I could loan you.

Lord knows it'll be a start.

Come on.Okay.

Oh, I didn't

get your name. Callie Lord.

Nice to know you,

Callie Lord.

I'm Jeannie Everly.

"No cooking,

no electric hair curling,

"lights out at 10:00,

don't waste hot water,"

which I did.

"And no men.

Repeat, no men allowed

upstairs, ever."

Shoot.

What does that old bat

know about men.

She ain't had one

since the Indian.

Flat feet on a waitress

are worse than

a flat chest on a stripper.

My toes are killing me.

Hey, you got a job?

No, but I sure could use one.

Listen, that was just

between you and me, okay,

'cause I don't really

know for sure, but...

There may be a job

opening down at the cafe

where I work.

There's this old gal

named Ruthie.

She thinks

she's fixing to quit,

found a husband.

Lord knows she's ugly.

I don't how she ever

managed matrimony.

Thanks, but, uh,

I think I'll probably just

look around a bit more.

Well, excuse me!

Didn't mean to twist

your arm or anything, hon.

No, there's nothing wrong

with being a waitress.

It's just that I kinda

had a little something

more in mind, that's all.

Sure. Come on, sit.

It's hot, now.

As soon as my husband

gets back from Korea,

we're gonna move out to a farm.

You married? Oh, yeah, twice.

Well...

More like one-and-a-half, actually.

The first didn't last out

the weekend.

They were about

the best 15 at the time.

Oh, this tune.

Come here, I wanna

show you a new step.

Oh, you probably

know it, anyway.

Come on, count.

I don't know what to do.

Don't they dance

where you come from?

Not really.

What's a little ol' thing like

you doing in Dallas, anyway?

Oh, wait, wait.

Well, let me guess.

You wouldn't be

running away now,

would you?

Hey, come here.

Come on here,

I want to do something

about that hair of yours.

Come here.

I don't want to hurt

your feelings or nothing,

but you look like

a runner up

to Miss Turner Green.

Hey, you know,

when I was a little girl,

my mama used to

do this for me.

She had sit me down

and she'd say,

"Now, Jeannie Louise,

"before you go to bed tonight,

"I want you to

count your blessings.

"You'll probably be surprised

just how well off you are."

Miss Callie,

you don't have anything

to worry about.

I mean, you...

You got a new town.

Got a new place to live.

Got a new friend.

And you got a new hairdo.

Wow.

Well, I guess

all we need now is

to find you a job

and a real rich fellow

with a heart condition.

I'm really grateful to you.

You know, you've got

more than most people

have on their plates.

You don't have anything

to worry about, hon,

not the way you look.

Well, hoopsie do.

Oh, come on, hon,

you'll see, it's not

gonna be so bad.

Hey, listen. If anybody

has busy hands,

you just say no.

They keep it up,

you come and tell

Aunt Jeannie,

and she'll pour hot coffee

down their red necks.

That's a safe one to start with.

Comes in here every morning,

he never says a word to you.

He doesn't take

anything but coffee,

but he leaves a quarter tip.

I think his name's

Mr. Bordeaux.

Works for

the newspaper

or something.

Good luck.

Good morning,

Mr. Bordeaux.Morning.

How'd you make out?

I got about $6, I think.

Six bucks? That is

semi-sensational.

Hey, you wanna go

over to the Silver Spur

tonight and celebrate?

I've met me a man there once.

Said he's a real life

lion tamer.

Well, I don't think so.

I've kinda got

plans already, thanks.

Sure. It's fine.

I got me a baby boy.

He's almost one.

Quite a bronco, too.

He's already walking.

I bet he's adorable.

I don't believe this.

It seems like

you could have

told me before 6:15.

I just got here?

I just...

Drop the curtain.

But don't make a reservation!

Well, damn...

Damn, damn!

There's trash,

and then there's trash.

Another hot night

between the pages, huh?

Yeah. Yeah.

You ain't gonna find

a husband in there.

I ain't looking for one.

What are

you looking for?

I don't know.

Maybe I could be

a better person.

Learn a few things.

Well, I prescribe,

personally, a little fun.

Hey.

Have I ever asked you

a favor before, ever?

No.

Well, get ready,

'cause here's

the first night.

I want you to get that

widely sought after

behind of yours

right out of that bed

and come have

a double date with me.

Oh, no, listen,

I got two genuine old men.

They're gonna take us

to a real fancy restaurant

with real expensive

nice wines, soft music,

candle light,

la-di-da-do-da-di.

Come on. Come on.

Thanks.

I don't think so.

Well, what's the matter

with you, hon?

Don't you like men?

Well, I don't dislike them.

Well, you haven't had

three dates in the last year.

Jeannie, I don't

even know what to

say to a guy.

The best word's no.

Well, you could just...

You could just

sort of smile a lot

and make them think

you're mysterious.

I'd rather read.

You won't do it for yourself,

would you do it for me?

Jeannie... Oh, please.

Oh, pretty, please.

All right.

All right.

Oh!

Whoo! Come on,

let's get out of here.

Bye. Whoo!

I'm sorry, hon.

Well, sometimes

in the oil business,

you just hit a dry hole.

Oh, that's for sure. That guy was

such a creep.

Did you see that old fusspot?

Hey, look,

it's for you.Yeah.

Yeah.

Listen, can we go

over to your room?

I'd like to...

I don't wanna be alone.

Sure.

Are you all right?

Aren't you gonna open it?

I've never got

one of these things before.

Well, open it.

I can't.

You read it to me.

Please.

Well?

I can't, Jeannie. Read it.

"We regret to inform you

"that your husband,

Corporal William P. Everly

"was killed in action

in heavy fighting

at the 38th parallel.

"President Truman

and the nation extend

their deepest sympathies.

"Carl Tipper,

U.S. Department of Defense."

Jeannie, I'm so sorry.

You know the funny thing?

I remember

what Billy looked like.

I can't remember how he felt.

We were only together

a couple of weeks.

But I loved him.

That Korean war

wouldn't finish, you know.

He promised me

he'd only be gone

a couple of months and...

He said he was gonna come back

and we were gonna buy a farm.

What can I do?

It's shameful not to remember

what your own husband felt like.

Could I...

Could I borrow a Kleenex?

Yeah. Maybe a glass

of water.

Here you go.

I found one in your drawer?

You want me to call a doctor

or a preacher or anything? No, no.

No, this is gonna do.

Number two's finished,

and now I'll look for

number three, that's all.

Jeannie... Well, it's true.

When I find him, he'll be

climbing telephone poles

or fixing washing machines,

or selling cars.

He won't be any

better or any worse

than the rest.

Are you sure... One thing's for sure,

he's that guy.

There's no law that says

you've gotta settle.

Oh, sure, there is,

it's Jeannie's law.

You get what's coming to you.

Hey.

You got a kid

stashed away some place?

Kid? No.

Well, I know you ain't pregnant.

Well, of course, I'm not.

What are all of

them baby clothes

doing in the drawer?

Oh, it's for my nephew.

I got me a little nephew,

and he's just, you know,

he's real cute.

Look, I don't want to be nosy.

Do you want to talk about it?

No, thank you.

Now, look, Callie,

I know something's

hurting you.

Hey, tell Aunt Jeannie.

Get my mind off that telegram.

There's nothing left

to tell...

And besides,

you'd probably

hate me, anyway.

Oh, honey.

Hey, you.

We're best friends.

Warts and all, remember?

There's nothing you could do

to make me

hate you. Nothing.

It's just I didn't know

what to do.

And I couldn't keep

my baby, so I had to

give him away.

Oh.

Oh.

Lawyers.

What they say is

about as important

as cow chips.

I just wanna see my little boy,

to make sure he's all right,

and I don't know

how to do that.

Well, I might know somebody.

Well,

Jeannie had a friend

who bowled every Friday night

with a private eye

named Clyde Deacon.

Now, he specialized

in what was

euphemistically termed

divorce evidence.

But the feeling was

he might help Callie

find her baby son.

Clyde Deacon alas

did not turn out

to be a savior.

But I'm getting

ahead of the story.

You have no idea

how hard they make

these things.

To protect the child, mainly.

I see.

Was the adoption

legal or black market?

I don't know.

The lawyer had

all these papers.

Did you get copies? No, uh-uh.

That's what I figured.

Well, is it possible? Nothing's impossible.

It'll take time and money.

There'll be a lot of

hands to shake.

I'll pay whatever you say.

It's just I can't

go on much long

without at least

seeing my little boy.

Oh, well,

500 ought to get

the ball rolling.

$500?

In cash.

You see,

somebody might wanna

trace this later on.

Anything else on your mind?

Only my baby.

You're right determined.

For a waitress.

Mr. Deacon, I don't

intend to be a waitress

all my life.

Ta-da! Oh, my Lord.

I hope you can stand

this much beauty

on one person.

Jeannie.

I look like a damn sheep dog.

Well, Mamie Eisenhower.Cute.

It is not cute.

Did you know that

a court reporter can make

$500 a month easy.

Hello?

Yes, this is her.

Hi...

How soon do you need it?

Um, of course

I want you to

keep trying.

Okay. Bye.

Who was that?

It was Deacon.

He needs $200 more.

For what?

I thought you gave him $950?

He's real close, Jeannie.

He traced the family

from Texarkana to Shreveport.

Counsel pleaded...

The prosecution used

three peremptory strikes.

Yes, Callie. Uh, could you repeat

that last part, please?

They don't repeat testimony

in a courtroom, Miss Lord.

Yes, ma'am.

Nobody home.

Deacon had skipped.

Callie was taken once again.

She vowed this was

the last time,

that she'd never

forget Clyde Deacon.

Sorry, I'm late.

Let the record show

the deposition of

Mr. Randall Bordeaux, Jr.

Was taken at 2:00 p.m.,

April 15, 1953.

Present were Ralph Heynard,

attorney for the plaintiff,

Samuel Ripkin,

and Horace Johnston,

counselor for Mr. Bordeaux.

What is

your name, miss? Callie Lord.

And Callie Lord

adjuring the court's

reporting company.

This deposition

is in the matter of

a civil liable suit

brought against

Mr. Randall Bordeaux.

The membership committee

and I just don't...

Good night. Good night.

Oh, excuse me, miss.

Ah, well, see you later.

Okay, thank you very much.

I... I didn't get a chance

to thank you for staying

so late up there

through all that nonsense.

Oh, it's all right.

No, I enjoyed it.

You handled things

quiet beautifully, too,

I think.

Oh, thank you.

Well, can I give you

a lift or...

No, I just thought

I'd go find myself

a real cup of coffee.

I think it's time. Well,

I could use

a cup of coffee myself.

Black with two sugars, I think.

Good Lord.

Miss... Miss Lord?

I did not make the connection.

People said Callie

set her cap that night

for the most eligible

bachelor in Dallas.

Wrong. Just men and women

discovering a lot in common.

It seems that love

always happens

when you're not out

looking for it.

Ah, miss those old people.

Don't you have

any family here? No.

Newspaper.

Newspaper's my family.

My mother, my wife,

my child, my friend.

And my enemy.

Do you mind if I say...

I think you're remarkable.

You know, you can say that

as often as you like.

I would like to say that

you handled yourself very well.

You held your temper

in that room today.

I mean, I know

I'm not supposed

to take sides, but...

That libel suit

is as leaky as

grandma's milk.

Now, if I was you,

I'd turn right round

and sue the behinds

of those people.

I may do that, Callie Lord.

Callie Lord.

I like that name...

And the person it belongs to.

Might I see that

person again sometime?

If you like.

Here's

where I come in.

And what a night it was.

Social Dallas was out in force,

bejeweled, bedecked

and hell-bent

on scrutinizing

the commoner who'd

married a prince.

I can't say I blame Randall

for wanting to show her off.

Just sorry I didn't

meet her first.

Whatever.

It seemed that fate

had finally dealt Callie

a good card.

Hi.Hi.

You take my breath away. Why, thank... Oh.

I wish we hadn't

even invited

anybody else.

So do I.

Hi, how are you?

Good to see you.

Evening, how are you?

Howdy, how you doing?

Good to see you.

Randall, this is

my good friend, Jeannie.

Oh, sure,

I remember Jeannie.

How are ya?

Yeah. Welcome to

our home. Thank you.

I think you did very well

for yourself, Mr. Bordeaux.

Oh, it's Randall,

but I quite agree

with you.

All of them books you read.

I knew I should have

got me a library card.

Howdy, Randall. Oh, Senator,

how are you?

Senator and Mrs. Houseman,

I want you to meet

my wife Callie.

Darling? Hmm.

Will the groom

allow the bride

a little recess?

Yeah. Sure, don't

be gone too long.

Okay. Thank you.

Well,

you certainly do look

lovely, Mrs. Bordeaux.

Thank you. Did you buy that

frock in Chillicothe?

Hello.

Evening, ma'am.

I gather you have

the same tolerance

for these tribal rites as I do.

I just needed

a little air, Mr...

We haven't met yet.

My name's Kimball Smythe,

and I'm neither rich nor famous,

but fairly civilized, anyway.

I teach Political Science

at SMU.

That's nice,

Mr. Smythe.

I guess I, uh,

best be getting back

to Randall now.

You don't

seem too anxious

to go back inside.

Tell me.

Have these old crocodiles

been snapping at you?

Little more than I expected.

Isn't exactly the most

popular marriage

in Dallas this year.

Mmm-hmm. Well,

you better come with me.

I'll give you a little

food for thought.

Please observe,

right in front of us there.

That painted gourd

squash, the one

with the cherry on top,

Miss Cara Peabody.

Now, believe it or not,

she was once the most

celebrated hooker in East Texas.

They say,

that on one memorable

weekend in 1937,

she entertained 53 customers,

one of whom struck oil

on Monday morning,

gave her $50,000

and a wedding ring

as tribute.

Oh, and right through there,

you might observe

that rare species

ad Ludie England,

arbiter of all that's

rich and beauteous.

Yes, and she makes me

feel like I should use

the servant's entrance.

Listen, she's formally

known as Blanche Guberman.

Guberman...

Yep. Yeah.

Old Blanche ran a horse...

She shot and killed

two lovers, for which

she escaped punishment

by pleading self-defense.

Both men and my dad

got bullets in their back.

Now, that was

30 years ago, which is

an absolute miracle,

because she told me,

personally, she's only 28.

No.

No, it is a fact. Thank you very much.

You have made your point.

Wait a minute, Professor.

How'd you get in here?

Hi.Uh-oh. Uh-oh.

Always the back fence.

I have to ease my way

into these major events.

This character tell you

he's about my oldest friend? No.

'Cause anything he tells you,

it's best to disbelief.

I speak only the truth,

just like everything is

printed in your newspaper.

Congratulations, Randy.

I think you got the gold cup.

Thank you.

Have I told you lately

how much I love you?

Hmm.

How proud I am of you?

Not since midnight.

That was 10 minutes ago.

Oh. Mmm.

Oh!

You two kissed?

Just adorable!

I've never been

to a better wedding party,

and I've had three.

Jeannie,

where's number three,

by the way?

Oh, he ran off with some heifer.

Oh.

Why is it every man

I marry has 15 cents

in his pocket,

eight outstanding

traffic tickets,

and the charm of a Bremer bull.

Wish we'd met 10 years ago.

I'd have qualified

on all counts.

Good lord, Willie Chips.

Where is the party?

Where did everybody go?

You old pea-picker.

Ladies, I'd like to

present this former

Dallas roughneck,

who is now the proud

owner of 255

gas and oil wells

right outside of

Weatherford.

Uh, uh, uh, 257.

Got lucky this morning.

Is that real oil or snake oil?

Well, hoop-dee-doo.

Did you see the way

she put the heel, huh?

Do you wanna go with this

three column article about

Mamie at Gettysburg?

No, No. I think

we should use something

of a more local nature.

You know, we still have,

what, 12 stamp photographers?

Hi.Hey, darling.

Why didn't you call?

Gentlemen, you all know my wife.

Oh, please be seated.

May I speak to you?

Uh, well, yeah, uh...

It's kind of private.

All right, darling, what...

Excuse me, boys.

I'll be right back.

Sure this can't

wait about an hour?

We're on a deadline here.

No, I can't wait

one more minute.

I just came from

the doctor and he told me

I am thoroughly pregnant.

You're what? I'm growin' our baby.

Are you sure? Yes!

Congratulations, boss.

You want that on page one?

Hey, ladies, where do you want

this thing?

Oh, my God. Look who's here. Okay,

put him right over there.

They'd have been cheaper

if we would've

bought a real one.

You get all weird,

number four.

You give me a kiss.

Hold it, fast one.

Just one minute.

One minute.

That's my dumpling.

One thing's for sure,

that kid will

never be spoiled.

Oh, no.

Look at here.

Look at here.

Willie, you shouldn't have.

You know, I got him

a Davy Crockett outfit

on order.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you.

Hey, you want me

to put these diapers

in this drawer here?

You okay, honey?

Just a little gas pain.

Oh.

Callie!

Honey!

Willie!

Call an ambulance!

Honey!

Dr. Melwood says

you're a lot better today.

In fact, he said,

two or three more weeks

and you'll be good as new.

He also said

you are not eating.

You've got to start eating.

Now, if you don't

like the food here,

I'll just call

the Petroleum Club and

have them send a tray over.

Would you like that?

Hmm?

It's God's will.

He's paying me back.

Darling, wait a minute,

I don't even want you

to think like that.

It's not anybody's will.

But it is.

He waited for just the right moment

to punish me. No, no. Listen, listen.

Listen to me a minute, okay?

I got a great idea.

Soon as the doctor

says it's okay,

why don't you and me

just take a trip together,

alone?

Did the doctor tell you

I can't ever have a baby

again, ever?

I don't care.

As long as we're together.

Nothing's ever gonna

grow inside me again.

I should've

told you this

a long time ago.

This ain't

the first baby

I've lost.

What do you mean?

Was it a boy?

Randall, tell me.

Was he well-formed? Callie, Callie.

We promised we wouldn't

ever talk about that,

yesterday, remember?

The first one was.

He was a fine boy.

He was beautiful.

He was healthy.

And, uh...

I just sold him.

Like a basket of vegetables,

here's the money

and here's the baby.

What are you talking about?

Oh! Why?

Why did God wait so long?

He waited

till just now

to punish me.

Oh, it's so...

Thank you, sir.

Good evening.

Okay. Easy, darling.

Come on, let me

give me you a hand.

Welcome home,

Mrs. Bordeaux.

Not many people

knew how sick Callie was.

She stayed three months

in the hospital,

and at least twice,

the doctor said she was

dying of internal bleeding.

But it was grief, shame.

The day Randall

brought her home,

she was pale and lost.

She didn't know

he had a surprise waiting.

He worked his tail off

to keep Callie

alive and sane.

Randal turned Texas

upside down, and this is

what he wrought.

I told you I wanted

this room closed

and locked forever.

Just trust me, okay.

Whose child is this?

I think you know, don't you?

How'd you find him?

It wasn't easy.

Well, go on.

Introduce yourself.

Honey.

You know who I am?

Is it really him?

Of course, it is.

Can't you tell?

Well, I can't believe it.

Yeah.

And you can believe this, too.

They named him Randolph.

He answers to Randy.

Randy?

My name is Callie.

And I'm your mama.

And I love you more

than you'll ever know.

Could I, maybe,

have a little kiss?

Just one little

teeny, tiny kiss

right here?

Please.

Oh!

I'm so sorry I left you.

And I'll never do it again.

And you listen to me.

I promise you, I will

never leave you again, ever.

'Cause I love you.

I love you so much.

I've got all the love

in the world for you, baby.

I really do.

And you're gonna see it.

Oh, my God!

Whoo!

Randy? Mmm?

Happy birthday, boy.

Come on. It's time

to get into your

own bed now, come on.

Here we go.

Come here, boy.

Hi.

Hey.

How're you doing?

Fine. How're you doing?

Good.Mmm.

How was your flight? Long.

We had to land in Memphis.

How was the President?

You know,

he's very impressive.

Did he mention anything

about our Bay of Pigs

editorial?

I think the word

"Judas" came up

a couple of times, yeah.

Oh, dear. Don't worry

about it, though.

I didn't tell him

who came up with the line

"Fools rush in."

Listen, darling.

I don't know

exactly how to say this.

I don't wanna blow it

out of proportion, but...

I think...

I think Randy's too big

to be sleeping in here now.

Well, he couldn't sleep.

His stomach hurt. He ate

too much birthday cake.

You do remember

today was his birthday,

don't you?

Yes.

Just wanted to get

his little book,

climb up in bed with mama

and read for a while.

Is there anything

wrong with that?

Let's talk about it tomorrow.

Why, what's there to talk about?

All right.

This is what I think.

Randy's not developing properly.

His grades are terrible.

I think you and he would benefit

if we went ahead and

sent him to that prep school

up in Connecticut.

I can't believe

you still want to exile

a 12-year-old child

2,000 miles away from home.

What do you mean, "exile"?

You know, there's just

a slight possibility

he might learn

something up there.

Randy is a bright boy,

he has simply not been

challenged properly,

that's all.

He never will be

as long as you

keep protecting him.

Oh, now protecting my son

is a maternal felony?

All right, let me use

another word, then.

As long as you

keep smothering him.

I'll be the judge of that.

What? I said, "I'll be

the judge of that."

Callie, you know...

You're a wonderful mother,

but he's my boy, too.

He's not yours, he's mine.

Who found him?

Who bore him?

Okay.

You're the mother.

I'm the father.

Let's just leave it at that.

All right.

You know, you keep whipping me,

I'm going to take up golf.

I don't have

to take this kind of

abuse, you know?

You've never played better

in your life. What?

You nearly got a game there.

Fifteen-love, in...

Please!

Listen...

You called Ted Sorensen?

Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah.

I suggested to him that

the President just

skip us on this trip.

He can.

Jack's growled

so long, so loud

about oil and steel.

You've got to come down here,

show people there's

no blood on his fangs.

I hope he brings Jackie

with him as a diversion.

You heard what happened to

Adlai Stevenson the

other day, didn't you?

Yeah.

Some of our local patriots

whacked him over the head

with one of those, uh...

"Get out of the UN"

picket signs.

Yeah.

Number of nuts always

bound to fall out of

the tree in Dallas.

How's Callie?

She's good.

Randy's her whole life.

Yeah, but she's so smart,

I wish she'd get interested

in something else.

Yeah, for a self-educated

woman, she amazes me.

Knows her politics.Yeah.

Listen, why don't you

try to find her a job

on the newspaper?

Election year's coming up.

That's terrific, except that...

Problem is,

it's a package deal, see?

Callie and Son.

Indeed, they were

a package deal.

A veritable corporation.

Callie and Son.

She's bound and determined

that Randy had it in him

to write like Hemingway.

Callie crossed that

narrow line between

possession and obsession.

She never even noticed,

the harder she squeezed,

the more her son was

slipping away from her.

Yeah, are you watching?

Now listen, darling, we've

got to be at the trademark

by 12:15, sharp.

Well, we have to

be seated before

Jack and Jackie get there.

Yeah.

Well, listen, tell Randy he's

gonna get a chance to shake

hands with the President.

Okay?

What?

Darling, it doesn't

make any difference

what you wear.

You're going to

look great no matter

what you put on.

Yeah, okay.

All right, I'll see

you there, okay?

I love you, bye-bye.

All set? Thank you.

Cheering and yelling

going on down the way,

as they approach the car.

Secret Service

right along with

the President, of course.

President passes

right in front of

a Dallas police officer,

right in front of

our cameras now.

Somebody patted his shoulder.

Mrs. Kennedy coming

along behind him,

grinning all the while.

President saying,

"Thank you very much,"

if I maybe be permitted

to read a Presidential

lip movement.

And, uh...

I talked to Horace today.

Another lawsuit,

my goodness.

No, I decided to sell the paper.

Why?

Honey, the economy's

picking up...

it doesn't have anything

to do with dollars and cents.

But why, then?

The Post Dispatch has been

in your family over 100 years.

Maybe it's just because...

Life right now

is so unsettled.

I don't know.

But I think

when they shot

Jack Kennedy...

He was so young

and vital, and...

I haven't been

able to shake that.

Darling, I love you so much.

And I love our son.

I just think

it's time for us to

get off this treadmill

and find some time

for ourselves.

Maybe raise

a few head of cattle,

and Randy loves the land.

He's always loved the land.

Well, that's very

touching, darling,

but, uh...

I understand your concern,

but you and I have, both,

devoted ourselves to Randy

taking over the paper someday.

Now, if you sell it,

you're gonna strip

our son of his inheritance.

Is that your plan?

Plan?

How can you

plan anything in

this day and age,

with all the lunatics

running around the world?

Darling...

You'll get over this depression.

I want you to

promise me something.

I want you to promise

you won't make any decisions

until you get over

the pain of Kennedy's death.

And after that,

Randy and I will back you

in whatever you want.

Okay?

Please.

Okay.

I love you.

I'm here to see the city editor.

Is he expecting you? Yes.

I'm a little early.

I'll just go on in.

Sir, it's better

to wait out here.

I will announce you.

Which one of you

bastards wrote this?

Who gave you

the right to print

lies about me, huh?

Another madman,

another gun.

Three more lives lost

to the legions of lunatics

with grievances

and trigger fingers.

Randall died before he hit

the City Room floor.

We gave him a big funeral.

Bishops, eulogies,

tears, the works.

In the '60s, we were

getting it down pat.

Callie took his death

a lot harder than

I would have expected.

I never realized how much

she loved my best friend.

I wonder if Randall knew.

I hope he did.

Samuel says you

got to eat, Mama.

I miss him, too, Mama.

I know you do, darling.

I know you do.

What are we going to do, Mama?

It's going to be all right.

It's going to be fine.

I promise you that.

I promise you that.

Good morning.

May I have a chair

for my son, please?

Mrs. Bordeaux, there are

no words to describe

our profound sense

of loss and waste...

Thank you.

Please continue.

Uh...

As you know, Mr. Bordeaux

turned down a recent offer

to sell his newspaper.

Yes, we shared all decisions.

It, uh, then became

his intention to...

Turn ownership of

the Dallas Post Dispatch

over to its employees.

Uh, he was fairly

well along in the formation

of this plan when, uh...

Please go on.

Well, perhaps,

Horace Johnston can better

explain these documents.

Mrs. Bordeaux,

as, uh,

your late husband's

personal counsel, and

with all due respect,

these documents represent

the transfer of ownership

from your

late husband's estate

to an employee committee.

All vested employees

of this newspaper

will become owners.

We propose to offer

the generous sum of $11

and 75 cents per share.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Gentlemen...

I hope there has not been

a misunderstanding.

The Dallas Post Dispatch

was founded by my late

husband's great-grandfather.

It has been owned

and edited by a Bordeaux

for four generations.

And thus, it will continue.

My son will one day

be the fifth.

I want this run,

tomorrow, page one.

All editions.

It is an announcement that

Mrs. Randall Bordeaux

is accepting the editorship

of the Dallas Post Dispatch.

And she is assuring

our readership

that this great newspaper's

tradition and integrity

will not only be continued,

but infused with new vitality.

Tomorrow morning,

at 7:00 a.m., I will be taking

over my husband's desk.

And at 7:15,

I will expect to have

the regular news meeting.

Mrs. Bordeaux, I...

I know how grieved you are

over Randall's tragic passing.

But I cannot believe

you'd go against his wishes.

Mr. Donohue,

I believe that

since I am the widow

of Randall Bordeaux,

and that since I slept

next to him every night

for the past 12 years,

I am in a better position

to express my husband's

wishes than you.

Now, if you find fault

with the new editor

of this paper,

I feel certain that

your resignation

will be accepted.

Yes.

Fine.

Any more questions?

Here's what I mean.

This lead goes

on forever.

It is endless.

A speech by the President

of the chamber of commerce

is worth

two graphs, maximum.

It is boring.

Yet, back here on page 27,

I found a little, tiny item.

And it's a hell of

a story about a farmer

who shot his wife.

He shot his wife's lover

and the horse that

fella rode in on.

Now that, my friends, is page 1.

I want... No, correction,

I demand that every word

in this paper be bright

and interesting.

Because if it bores you,

Lord knows,

it's gonna bore

the people right to sleep.

Don't you think?

To the surprise

of just about everyone

but me,

Callie became one hell

of a newspaper woman.

She slapped new paint

on the old lay

and circulation

went up to 22%

the first year.

There's just

two things in her life,

the paper and Randy.

She earned power,

and she used it in 1968.

She's voted one of

the 10 most admired

women in America.

But she went to bed alone.

Callie, darling, it's Ludie.

Oh, the paper

looks wonderful,

so fascinating.

But I haven't read

a word about the

Hollyhock Ball.

It's such a good cause.

The Society page

seems bereft without it.

Oh, Ludie,

you're absolutely right.

The debutantes

are the very soul

of Society page,

however, we don't have

a society page anymore.

It's called Today's Woman.

And this afternoon,

we are featuring

a black woman.

She makes patchwork quilts

and she sells them

for $1,000 a piece

to boutiques.

She also gives

half of her money to

Martin Luther King.

Isn't that something?

Toodle-loo.

Trash, absolute trash.

I knew it the minute

I laid eyes on her.

There's not much left,

just the routine stuff.

It was kind of commissioned

as J. Peace

We have recommendations.

Do you wanna use the space?

Well, I want this paper

to present a choice,

whatever position on the ballot.

Okay,

"Justice of the Peace,"

page six.

That's a horse race,

you can take your pick,

we'd like C.R. Deacon.

That wouldn't be

Clyde Deacon, would it?

Ma'am? Clyde Deacon?

I don't...

I don't know.

Well, check to see if he's

a former private detective.

If he is, turn him

inside out and use Rosen.

Excuse me, ma'am,

you want me to take our best

man off the governor's race

and have him check out

of JP county.

You heard me correctly.

If there's one thing this

paper does stand for, it's

justice across the board.

Hi, baby.

Sorry I missed our dinner.

Did Samuel fix you a tray?

We put out two

extra dishes tonight,

and they sold out

just like that.

I've never seen

anything like it.

And I suspect that

you've been smoking.

It ain't your basic

filter tip, Mom.

You want to try some?

I suggest you read

page one of the Night Final.

Judge Bricker just gave

two boys 30 years

in the State Penitentiary

for marijuana possession.

Yeah, I read page one

of the Night Final.

Interesting social notes

from all over.

Did you happen to read that

bitty little item about

Bobby Kennedy getting shot

to death in LA?

Do not be facetious with me.

Oh, I wouldn't

dream of it, Mama.

I'm real pragmatic.

I figured I got

two choices, I can go get

my butt blown off in Vietnam,

or I can stop a bullet

right here at home.

Baby, you have

plenty of options...

And don't call me "baby"!

I'm 18 years old!

You have plenty of options.

Now Kimball is fixing it up,

so you can go to the

University of Texas.

They have an excellent

Journalism department there.

I haven't got the grades,

Mama, and you know it.

Besides, what if

I don't want to go?

What if me

and Pete decide..."Pete and I," please?

Whatever.

What if we decide to split?

I don't know,

maybe bum around Europe.

Well, it's impossible.

You go to college,

or you get drafted.

Mama, I don't know who I am.

You are the heir

to a great newspaper,

that's who you are.

And I have been

working 18 hours a day

trying to keep that

paper going for you.

Mama, please, give me some room.

I have never made

a decision in my life.

I'm worried about your attitude.

It is rather poor.

Yeah, but it's my own, Mama.

At least let me have my own

damn attitude.

I want you to be happy.

Mama, I'm not ambitious.

I... I can't fulfill

your dreams!

And I want you to realize

your potential, Randall.

Mama, you want

to know the truth?

I don't give a diddly-squat.

Randall... Oh, go fight

the war, Mama.

Go write some patriotic

editorials about the need

to protect San Francisco

from Viet Cong invasion. That's enough.

Go on, Mama, you go

sell them papers. Come on,

Mama, kick some butt.

Enough!

All right, this is

all we could dig up

on Clyde Deacon.

His detective business

went broke, and he went

to law school nights.

Got a good reputation

in his neighborhood.

Only black mark we can

find is that the IRS

has been investigating

the last couple of years,

no income tax done.

Fine. Develop

the story and run it.

Uh, respectfully,

ma'am, I'm being audited

for 1967, too.

It's not a capital offense.

I don't want any man

sitting on the bench

who cheats on his taxes

or goes bankrupt.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

Hi!

I'm sorry, I know we're

already late for dinner.

There's a little girl

outside from Channel 9,

she wants to do

a real quick interview

before we leave.

I'm afraid my Vietnam

editorial kicked up

quite a dust storm.

Congratulations.

I'm surprised the

White House hasn't called.

They have. Twice.

Oh!

Well, then, Mrs. Bordeaux,

why did your newspaper make

such an abrupt about-face

and come out against further

U.S. involvement in Vietnam?

My words speak for themselves.

I did sign the editorial.

You do have a 18-year-old

son of draft age, Mrs. Bordeaux.

Did that affect your decision?

I don't think so.

Randy is a fine young man,

and he would willingly

serve his country if needed.

Thank you. This is Susan Moore

talking to Callie Lord Bordeaux.

Well, you handled that

television girl pretty good.

I thought she's

kind of pushy.

Well, she's ambitious.

They all are.

When's Randy leaving for Austin?

Next week.

And thank you again

for all you did.

You signed the check?

A little chilly in here,

don't you think?

You know, somewhere

between the salad and

that drink, I lost you.

I'm sorry.

Well, anything wrong?

No, I'm just a little

worried about Randy.

Hmm.

Every mother in America

is worried about Randy.

Looks like we've got

new rules for the game

of parenting.

Well, I guess

I ought to be going.

I've got a 8:00 a.m.

meeting with...

Look, in all of your reading,

did you ever come

across Freud's definition

of maturity?

No.

Well, it's someone who works

and loves productively.

Well, what's wrong with 50%?

Thank you for dinner.

What do I have to do?

You know, I've tried

my tweedy intellectual number,

my Southern gallant act,

my devoted companion

impression...

I'm afraid that

didn't work, either.

Kimball, please

don't wait for me.

Please.

Why don't you

just be honest

with yourself, Callie?

You're as lonely as I am.

How many times do you

wake up at night?

I don't have time

in my life for anyone else.

You can't go to bed

with the newspaper, Callie.

Or Randy.

That's beneath you.

You're right. It is.

So I'll just say it

straight out.

I love you.

I've always loved you.

Always will.

Please don't waste

your love on a woman

who can't accept it.

Good night.

Yeah?

- It's Mr. Deacon again.

- He says it's urgent.

I don't want to

talk to him. Ever.

Now just make some excuse

or hang up. Just hang up.

Callie!

Are you all right?

I came as soon as I could.

How did this happen?

I don't understand.

He was fine last night.

And then he got up this

morning and he went down

to have coffee,

and listen to

the livestock report

like he always does.

And then I came downstairs

and he poured me a cup.

And then, he started

to hand it to me

and his hands started

shaking like this, and

his body started shaking,

and he dropped the cup

out of his hand.

And then he just looked at me,

and he didn't say anything.

He just looked at me with

all this love in his eyes.

I don't understand.

What did the doctor say?

He's not gonna make it.

His heart is worn out.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry.

His heart is worn out.

Come here.

Why...

Honey.

Callie's come to see us.

Hi, there, Willie Chips.

What the hell do you

think you're doing?

Who's gonna

take me to

Avalon this year?

What, honey?

I love you, Willie Chips.

I love you.

I've got

a proposition

for you, Mama.

Oh, all right.

I was thinking,

now that I graduated,

how'd it be,

if I moved on out

here to the ranch,

maybe ran a few cattle?

Is that why

you lured me out here?

Well, the answer is no.

Why? Why not? I'm 21.

Well, honey,

you're running away from

your responsibilities.

Well, they're your

responsibilities, Mama.

You've been writing

my script for me

ever since I fell

off my horse, on my

sixth birthday party.

Right here

at this ranch,

remember?

I need you at the paper, Randy.

You don't need me

to shine light on

your life, Mama.

You're a damn star.

No. The answer is no.

I got a compromise for you.

What?

Compromise,

the best LBJ tradition.

I give you one year

out of my life.

I work my butt

off for the paper.

But if I don't fit the glove,

I come on back here?

You're on.

Hmm.

Race you back.Fine.

Winner take all? You got it.

- All right.

- Hey!

If you want to

know who won that race,

it was Randy.

Callie's horse

spotted a jack rabbit,

reared up, and Callie got

tossed on her buckskins.

Randy collected his mama,

and was ever so proud

to carry her home,

behind him, so to speak.

This is real sweet

of you, Callie. I'm glad

you made me come.

I haven't been out

of the house for months.

Well, you look wonderful.

Oh, yeah, well,

merry widow.Uh-huh.

Ain't what it's cracked up

to be, kid.

Two merry widows, thank you.

All dressed up,

but no place to go.

Anybody new

in your life? Shoot, no.

Well, I was looking

at the pool man

with carnal interest

the other day.

But I don't

think he has a

grandmother fetish.

I do admire your

resilience, woman.

My what?

The way you bounce back.

Oh.

It's called bluff.Yeah.

Well, it's a valuable

tool. Don't talk dirty.

Will you stop it.

Listen,

this is not exactly

a mission of mercy.

I didn't think so, Pinocchio.

I've got a proposition for you.

Oh, good,

I could use one.

I'm gonna drop

the syndicated column

down at the paper.

They're getting silly

and they're just asking

for too much money.

I'm not gonna go for it.

How would you

like to take over

the Broken Hearts department.

Me?

I can't even speak

the King's English,

much less write it.

Don't be silly.

Jeannie,

it doesn't matter... No.

We've editors to

fix your grammar.

What I want is your wit

and your common sense.

Oh.

What kind of

letters will I have

to be answering.

Divorce, adultery,

death, rotten kids.

That sort of thing.

Oh, that.

I thought you meant

serious problems.

Okay.

Yeah? I'll try. You're on.

Why not? I think it's great.

Hey.

flatbed truck turned over,

scattered all over

a soybean field.

Yeah, all right.

Just... Just leave

it, kid. Okay?

Junior just wrote

the world's worst obit.

You got any new ideas?

Uh...

Give him that shopping

center nonsense.

Nobody could screw that up.

Please, God, let this

keep the little prince

off our backs...

Funny, the way

the right thing happens

at the wrong time.

That shopping center

nonsense might have

won the little prince

both maturity and

severance from his mama.

He wrote an article

that finally lived up to

Callie's expectation.

But this time,

he wasn't supposed to.

I wonder if she really

wanted him to succeed.

Mama.

You look like

the Waco Tornado.

What happened?

You know that place

where Daddy and I used

to go camping out

in the old Elkins Ranch.

All right, well, some

outfit called North Tex

tends to pave over

the last beautiful place

in this part of Texas.

Now, it's inadequate financing,

one of the partners

has Vegas connections.

And I think, I can't prove it,

but I think

that somebody

down in City Hall

got paid off to buy the permit.

Now, I spent three weeks

digging all this out.

And another two weeks

writing the first

and only story I have

ever believed in.

And I might just as well

blow my nose with it,

somebody shot it down.

Honey, sit down.

I read your article,

it's excellent.

Sit for a minute.

Really, Mama?

You think so?

I think, it is

first grade. Um...

I'm very proud of you.

Feet, please.

But a newspaper

has certain

responsibilities, Randy.

One of which

is to promote

the city's growth,

to create new jobs

broaden the tax base.

Well, what's your point, Mama?

Can't our paper help

keep one lousy place

for your pizza parlors?

I think we ought to

explore this later.

It's just a little too complex.

Why? I'm capable of

understanding something

complex. Try me.

Randy, I said later, please.

I think you have

no intention of

running my story.

Not for the time being.

All right.

I'm not gonna work

for your piss-ant paper.

Good bye, Mama.

Action Group, Bordeaux here.

A happy New Year

to you, too, Mama.

No. No plans, though.

Just gonna watch

Cotton Bowl on the tube.

All right.

Yes, ma'am,

it has been a long time.

Yes, ma'am.

I've been hearing

some wonderful things

about your organization.

The way you should.

Judge Haran just

granted us an injunction

against North Tex.

That story you wouldn't

run in your paper

paid off.

Well, you must be proud.

Yeah, it's okay.

Frustrating.

How so?

M-O-N-E-Y.

Lack thereof.

Would you like a loan

against your trust fund?

No, ma'am.

Thought I'd fly

solo for a while.

Right.

How's your life?

You, uh, have

any new friends?

Maybe a special girl?

How's yours?

How's Kimball?

I'm married to the paper,

you know that.

Besides, I can't

exactly deny

the mirror these days.

Oh, now, come on, Mama.

I'd say you're a pretty

dynamite-looking chick.

But, to you, as a vernacular.

Well, thank you, I think.

Well, happy New Year, everybody.

Happy New Year to you, too.

Happy New Year, Randy.

It's real good

to see mother

and son

supping together

the first day

of the new year.

Thanks, Smythe.

Listen, have a little

dinner with him.

Black-eyed peas for good luck.

Yuck! Disgusting food.

Then have

a glass of champagne.

No, thanks. But I'll

have just a touch

of brandy, Samuel.

You know.

Kimball, I'm glad

you stopped by.

I had the most

delicious idea

coming to my mind.

Aren't you trying to

find someone to run

for the unexpired portion

of Homer Wiggins'

legislative term?

Uh, well,

that's certainly

is a novel idea.

Now, who are you all

taking about?

Oh, someone

who might just break every

precedent in Austin

and actually speak

for the people.

Oh, you're not being serious.

I'm only 22,

I don't even have

a law degree.

Well, that's old enough.

We got too many

self-serving lawyers

down there, anyway.

I know less

about politics than

I do about grand opera.

Same thing.

Sing loud.

Everybody else goes

to sleep, anyway.

Besides, it's a safe seat.

Wha... What, no.

Wait a minute.

This is...

This is crazy.

I mean, I...

Well, wouldn't

it seem just a

little hypocritical,

me, running a silk

stocking district?

Darling, I don't care what

your lifestyle is now,

your name is still Bordeaux.

It doesn't matter

where you come from.

It's what you do

when you get

to State Capital.

But, Mama, I'd be

wasting my time.

I mean,

lobbyists have Austin

and...

Don't you have

the courage to try?

Where can you

best serve your beliefs?

In the store front office,

or right in that

chamber where

those laws are made?

I'd vote for you.

Well, that's one vote.

I do believe

this is where

the ladies leave

and the gentlemen

solve the problems

of the world.

Excuse me.

She set us up.

Uh, yeah, I believe she did,

state representative Bordeaux.

That's the last time

she's gonna do it.

If I win.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Hey, Mama. I heard you up

there playing cheerleader

for me.

Wasn't he wonderful?

Proudest moment

of my life, Randy.

Oh, thank you, Mama.

I want to introduce... Judge.

Callie. May I

shake your boy's hand. - Yeah.

Wonderful speech.

Oh, thank you so much. You remember

Ted Clairmont, don't you, honey?

Yes, yes. My daughter, Martha.

How do you do? She just passed the bar.

The state bar, that is.

Well, congratulations. Thank you.

I would be so proud

to introduce you to

some of my friends.

Oh, some more.

Thank you, of course.

Excuse me. Excuse me.

They make an attractive pair.

Your Honor is

as usual, perceptive.

And timely.

You have any idea

what it is like,

to sit at your own

wedding rehearsal dinner,

all by yourself?

Come on, Martha.

Just a...

You'll feel better.

I've already call the police.

Probably just had a little

car trouble coming out

from Austin.

But he could've called.

I could just die.

Yes. Mama?

Randy, where are you?

Are you all right?

We've been worried sick.

Guess what?

I've got a surprise

for you.

I'm married!

You what?

I'm married, Mama.

About an hour ago,

on the way to Laredo.

Oh! I love her, Mama.

You will, too.

Here, Mama. Here.

Mama, hi.

This is your new daughter.

Sue Lynn Hatcher...

I mean, Bordeaux.

Oh, God. I just

love you and Randy,

and everybody.

Oh, I can't wait

to see my new mama.

Mmm. Wanna watch

a little TV?

Uh, no.

Like my new dress, honey?

I got it on sale.

It was $49.95.

It was marked down from $110.

Yeah, it's real nice, Sue Lynn.

Don't you think,

maybe it's a little

overstated for

a politician's wife?

Little music wouldn't

disturb your concentration,

would it, honey?

Randy.

Randy.

I don't suppose you wanna

wrinkle up the sheets

a little, would you, honey?

No, sugar.

I got to finish this.

Oh, no. It's just

been a long time.

You're sitting all...

hot and sexy

in those blue jeans.

I'm sorry, Sue Lynn.

I told you,

I'm under a lot

of pressure.

Can you answer me one question?

Mmm. Why did you marry me?

What?

Honey, I can't cook.

I can't write a speech.

I can't even buy

the right clothes.

One thing I used to

be able to do good was

make men like me.

Even that don't

even seem to be

working anymore.

Well, that's working,

Sue Lynn. Men sure do

like to look at you.

You don't.

Now, why do

I have to look?

I won the prize.

Come here. Come here.

Sugar.

I married you 'cause I love you.

Okay?

Okay.

Maybe tomorrow night

I'll make us this supper

I cut out of Cosmopolitan

magazine.

Okay? That'd be just fine.

I can't tomorrow night.

We gotta go to

Mama's, remember?

I told you John Connelly

is coming over?

Why don't you just let me know,

if you'd like to get

together just one time

between now and

legislative adjournment?

Okay?

Where is she? Over yonder

at number 8.

She's okay.

She hit him

with a bottle.

Claims he got rough.

Who was the man? Been shacked up

since last night.

You know who he was? Some old cowboy.

Sue Lynn turned

him every way but loose.

He ran off in his boots

and his long johns.

Thank you very much

for handling this, and

I do not forget a favor.

Yes, ma'am. Good night.

Get dressed.

I'm taking you home.

Yes, ma'am.

I'm sorry, Mama.

I am not your mama.

Mama, I know I did wrong.

Mama, please don't

tell Randy. Please.

Hurry up.

I love him, Mama.

I really do.

Yes, I can see that.

Five years passed.

Somehow, someway,

Randy and Sue Lynn

stayed married.

But all of us knew

the difference between

public smiles

and private pain.

I feel like I was grabbing.

I mean, I would

like to go to

Washington, someday.

But, I'm only in my

third term in Austin.

Randy, come here, darling.

Listen to me for a minute.

A plum is about to

fall off the tree,

and It'd be

foolish of you

not to catch it.

As a congressman,

you could ally with Nader,

You could build

a national power base.

Callie.

One throne at a time, all right?

Let the boy decide for himself.

We ran a little private poll.

Your recognition factor is 72%.

That's downright phenomenal.

Besides, ever since Watergate,

the country is hungry

for attractive politicians

with clean shirts.

And you're clean, son.

Now, that's as clear as

a diamond in the hog water.

There ain't no skeletons

in the closet, are there? - No, sir.

The other side

will poke like a germ

under a microscope.

Senator, my son's life

speaks for itself.

Just remember what

old Sam Reverend said to

the aspiring politician.

"Never get caught in bed

with a dead woman

or a live man."

Tomorrow is

a school-day, gentlemen.

I think we ought to

let the candidate...

and his wife discuss

things together.

Bye, Randy. Good night.

Bye...

Good to see you, young man.

Thank you very much, sir.

Whoo!

Come on, sugar.

I'm hungry.

So what do you think, sugar?

You wanna travel to

Washington, D.C.?

Whatever you want, honey.

It's just fine with me.

Honey, there's something

I've been wanting

to talk to you about.

Fire away.

Oh, it's nothing. Wait.

Oh. Hey, hey.

It's not nothing.

What is this?

Spit it out.

Well, I was just

thinking about what

that man said,

you know, about

how they check you

out and everything.

Mmm-hmm.

It's true, huh? Sure it is.

That may make you?

Up one side and down the other.

Why?

Well,

it was a long time ago,

and they probably...

Sue Lynn, what you

talking about?

Well, I got this problem, see,

and I need $5,000 to fix it.

$5,000?

Fix what?

It was way before we

got married, sweetheart.

I didn't even...

I didn't even know you then.

My God.

Who are they?

Uh...

One of them is a district judge,

and I think

the other one

is his bailiff.

Sweetheart, will you

just help me this time?

Please, honey. We'll talk about this

at home.

Honey, can't we just...

Can't we just

pay them and then just

forget about it?

Good night, Mr. Randy,

Miss Sue Lynn.

Are you kidding?

It's only the beginning,

and I gotta pay

to some bitch-type...

Don't say that, please.

All right, Sue Lynn.

I want some answers.

I want some

straight answers!

Randy, I told you,

I was just having

a little fun.

Fun?

My wife and two men

in a cheap motel!

Randy.

What more do you want me to do?

I said I was sorry.

Goddamn! I should've

known this.

I should've known

you're just a scandal

waiting to happen!

You knew I wasn't a sweetheart.

And you asked me to get married.

You seduced me!

Well, they better

write a new book in

the Bible, honey,

'cause that's

a certified miracle.

You only sleep with

me once a year for

which I believe

you must get your

mama's permission.

You hit me!

You are

damn right I hit you!

I'll hit you

a hell of

a lot more, too!

They all came.

When Callie blew her horn,

people danced.

The barbeque dove

hunt hoe down

speechifying rally

for Randy really

wasn't necessary.

He didn't need the vote.

Callie wanted to

show off her boy.

And none of us knew

that this was the

beginning of the end.

Jeannie, let me know

just as soon as Vice

President Mondale gets here.

Oh, I forgot.

His office called.

He's not gonna be able to come.

What? Oh, just listen.

He sends his best,

and so does Jimmy and Rose.

All right.

Well, listen.

Tell Samuel,

please don't let

anybody go off

on their own.

Those doves will wait

'till I get there.

Would you stop worrying?

Honey, it's in the bag.

I knew this was

gonna happen!

I knew it!

I don't understand.

He promised he'd

give us the negative.

Yeah, well, just

who in hell is he?

I don't know!

It's just some

post office box.

Well, here's a new entry

for the candidate's guidebook.

Be sure and hold back

$25,000 to buy your

wife's dirty linen.

I don't

give a damn about

the U.S. Congress.

All I want is a husband.

Yeah, well, that's

just great. You tell me how

I'm gonna persuade Mama

to write me a check for $25,000.

- Oh, are you kidding?

- Your mama can buy you

the Trinity River

if you asked her.

Lord, Sue Lynn.

Your timing is

just beautiful,

you know that?

I got 200 of the most

important people in

North Texas out there,

waiting to make

contributions to

my campaign.

Now, what am I

gonna do? Wrap all of

my wife's porno pictures?

Hey, honey.

I'm sorry.

I wouldn't do

anything to hurt you.

Maybe, I'll just go away.

Now, how do I even know

there's a blackmailer?

Maybe you're just skimming

a little cream off the top

for yourself, huh?

A little private jelly bean jar.

Just don't take it

any further, Randy, okay?

I'll handle it in some way.

I tried to change

for you, Randy.

You know,

everybody's done something

they're ashamed of.

I loved you.

I still do, honey.

I think, maybe

your mama was right.

I'm just not

good enough for you.

Hush, now.

Hush.

Hush, now.

I love you.

You're still my little girl.

Oh, baby!

It's gonna be all right.

It's all right.

I'll have a vodka martini.

Double.

No, you don't

have to bother

with that...

All right!

Hi! I just want to

welcome all you

good friends

to this little jamboree

we have here today.

Now, after I'm finished,

y'all can

go out and shoot

every single dove

in North Texas if you like.

Now, in the meantime...

In the meantime,

where's the man of

the hour. Randy?

Here I am. Oh, hi.

Come on up here, Randy.

How about

this youngster, huh?

Oh!

Now, listen.

Even if I wasn't his mama,

I would vouch for him,

and I'd vote for him.

And I would be ever so proud.

So, I would like you

all to say hello

to the next U.S. Congressman

for the 24th District.

Okay, now, listen,

you all have been here before

so go on out.

Don't everybody

go at the same time,

all right?

Have fun.

Go on out

and have fun.

Hey, Randy,

hold up. You got

a phone call.

They want you back

at the house, Randy.

Something about The Today Show.

Thank you. I'll just walk, anyway.

Oh, I'm sorry, sweetheart.

I'll be back in a minute.

Give me that old

shot gun of yours.

I'm gonna

get me some doves.

Well, you just be

careful now, you hear?

You keep the safety on.

Oh, hell, Randy.

I've been shooting

Pearl beer cans off

of Daddy's fence

since I was five.

Yeah, now, you be careful.

Okay.

Bye.

Hello!

Hello?

Good Lord, Jeannie.

How many karats is that thing?

I don't know.

I just told

Cartier's to make it

knuckle to knuckle.

Randy! Randy!

Come on over here and cool off.

You got everybody's

vote, anyway.

Ah, no, ma'am.

I can't do that.

We've still got

an hour of good

shooting light left.

Oh, Mama.

You scared

the doodley squat

out of me.

Sorry. Have any luck?

Hell! Next time

I want birds, I'll go buy

them at the supermarket.

You got a cold beer on you?

No.

Kinda glad we ran

into each other, though.

I've been wanting

to have a little

private talk with you.

Girl talk?

I know you're very

proud of Randy,

aren't you?

Yeah.

They say

there is no limit

to his potential,

and I know

he's gonna go

to Washington

and turn that town inside out.

Yeah.

Randy's wonderful, ain't he?

I also know that there's been

some problems

between the two of you.

Mama, that's our problem, okay?

Of course.

But, we are both grown women.

And it's time we faced the fact

that a discordant marriage

is not attractive, politically.

I feel a zinger

coming now, Mama.

Why don't you

just hit me

with it?

All right.

I will be entirely candid.

I think you and Randy

would be much happier

apart, divorced.

And I will make it

more than worth

your while.

You should clear this

with Randy boy.

I told you,

this is between

you and me.

Mama, I don't

know a whole lot

about politics,

but ain't it worse

for somebody

to be divorced

than somebody

who's trying to work out

marital problems?

And besides, you know,

you're forgetting one

important item.

Randy and I

love each other

very much.

Oh, I wish I could believe that.

Oh, come on, Mama,

you don't wanna

believe it!

And do you think

I'd stay married

to that man

and his mama

if I didn't love him?

That's enough. You hate me!

You always have.

You hate me 'cause

I married up!

I caught me

a rich one just like

you, huh, Mama?

You watch your mouth.

And you've done your best

to turn a good man... Shut your mouth!

Into a mama's boy!

I should have known better

than to try and deal with

a person of your level.

Face it, Mama,

you want to sleep

with him.

Well, I got news for you.

He ain't that good!

No!

Hey, Sue Lynn!

Sue Lynn?

Thank you,

Mr. Bordeaux.

And we'll keep you posted.

It's all right, honey.

Are you all right?

Mrs. Bordeaux,

may I see you

a moment, please?

Yeah.

Go on.

I'll be right back.

Sit down, please,

Mrs. Bordeaux.

Thank you.

Can you tell me anything

about your

daughter-in-law's

state of mind?

I don't know

exactly what

you mean.

Well, the way

she's been acting lately,

her health, something she

might have said.

She's been a little

depressed, I suppose.

Depressed?

Well, the pressure of a campaign

is enough to wear anybody out.

And she wasn't

particularly fond

of politics.

She had headaches.

With all due respect

to you, ma'am,

did she have any enemies?

Someone that might

have wanted her dead?

No, no, no.

Certainly not.

We are talking about

an accident here, aren't we?

Probably. Stray shot

kind of thing.

You know,

people fall down,

their shotguns go off.

You just go on home now,

Mrs. Bordeaux.

If anything

should come to mind,

give me a call.

Of course.

Detective Hart,

I'd like you to know

how very pleased

I am it's you that's

checking into this matter.

See, my police reporters

speak very highly of you.

Thank you kindly, ma'am.

Thank you.

Come on, Bubba.

It's almost midnight.

You read the damn file 18 times.

Interesting case.

Very interesting case.

Hell, you ain't gonna

make anything out of

some old gal

blowing herself away.

You ever see

such a cast

of characters?

Papers are all over it.

The damn

New York Times

called me today.

You can't make bricks

without straw.

Stand for accidental death

and let it go at that.

Or suicide.

Women don't

shoot themselves in

the face, Tanner.

Don't you know that? Yeah, how come?

It's true.

You ask any coroner.

If a gal's gonna check out,

she'll aim at her boobs,

she'd never mess up her face.

Assumption is,

she wants to look her best

when she's laid out.

Tell you.

I wouldn't want the voters

to think

we're whitewashing a murder

just 'cause

everybody involved

eats high off the hog.

Now, the dead wife

of an almost

United States

congressman

deserves special handling,

don't you think?

The grand jury

probe into Sue Lynn's death,

sold papers in a way

Callie never intended.

Now one of the readers

was an old dog with

one bite left in his jaws.

Clyde Deacon had been

waiting for an opportunity

like this.

The Dallas Post Dispatch

will not tolerate...

Mama? Hi!

Did you hear the news?

The grand jury handed down

a murder one indictment

on Sue Lynn's death.

Murder?

It's ridiculous. Who?

Yours truly, Mama.

You're little boy.

Oh...

No. No.

It couldn't be.

No, they couldn't.

They couldn't.

Don't you worry about it.

Mama'll take care of it.

Mama will take care of it...

Mr. Cotham, why have you

come from New York

to take this case?

Because the distinguished

Callie Bordeaux asked me.

Hey, is it true

that your fee is

one million dollars?

There cannot be

a price on an

innocent man's life.

What is your defense?

The oldest one

in the world, innocence.

I represent an innocent man

who is charged

with an accidental death.

Well, sir,

how long do you think

this trial will last?

If the judge grants

our first motion,

about five minutes.

Ladies and gentlemen...

Ladies and gentlemen,

I recognize the box office

appeal of this matter.

But I remind you

that no sound

of any kind

will be tolerated.

And I will not hesitate

to eject anyone,

no matter what the pedigree.

Mr. Cotham,

your motion to dismiss

will be overruled.

Mr. Wrench?

Your Honor,

ladies and gentlemen

of the jury,

the State of Texas

will prove three facts.

One,

that Sue Lynn Hatcher Bordeaux,

age 24,

was brutally murdered.

Objection, Your Honor.

Can Mr. Wrench

restrain the use

of lurid adjectives?

Particularly since

it has not even

been proved

that a murder was committed.

Sustained.

Please continue.

Number two,

that it

was committed

by her husband,

State Representative,

Randall Bordeaux III.

Number three,

that the defendant

had both motivation

and ability

to perpetrate

this capital offense.

Objection.

Did the prosecutor

misspeak himself

with the use of the word,

"capital offense"?

No, Your Honor.

The State believes

this crime fits

the categories

under the Texas

revised criminal code

for which

the death penalty

is appropriate.

And we will so prove.

Officer Curry,

you have described yourself

as a forensic firearms examiner

for the Dallas

Police Department.

Now, I ask you, if you, uh,

me, or a young woman,

inexperienced with shotguns,

was to drop this weapon,

could it discharge

and shoot you

in the face?

Not very likely.

I tested it 30 to 40 times.

Under the exact conditions,

it did not malfunction,

it did not discharge.

Well, could

some person out there

in the field that day,

say, from about,

oh, 20 feet away,

have shot

Mrs. Bordeaux

by mistake?

No, sir.

Not by the size

of the hole

on her forehead.

Did you or

did you not make

the sworn statement,

"Mr. Randy told

Miss Sue Lynn

"that this was

only the beginning.

"He'd have to

keep paying that

son of a bitch

"or else kill him."

End quote.

I recollect something like that.

That's all, Your Honor.

The witness is unable to testify

as to who was in the apartment,

making these

melodramatic remarks.

It could have been

a house guest,

it could have been burglars.

Oh, no, sir.

It was Representative Bordeaux.

Well, I've heard him speak.

I voted for him.

- I don't want a mistrial.

- I want an acquittal.

I feel you must

bear down on

the blackmail angle.

That's the logical killer.

It would help if we could prove

there really was a blackmailer.

You have a canceled

check for $5,000.

Ah, but you made that

out to Randy and marked

it "personal loan."

Well, what was I

supposed to put down?

Blackmail expense?

We may not even

need the blackmail.

I think this case could be won

on character witnesses alone.

There are plenty

of people from the

White House on down

that would testify

on his behalf.

Of course.

And Sue Lynn's reputation,

once established,

will give the jury

a veritable festival

of potential assassins.

Is that necessary? Mmm-hmm.

It's going well.

Is it?

Jeannie sent you some cookies.

I had to give them

to the guard first,

though.

Tell her thank you.

Are you all right?

I'm confused.

I keep thinking

I'm gonna wake up.

It is a bad dream,

and it'll be over soon.

I promise you that.

Randy,

it's my feeling

that the jury must be

told the full extent of

Sue Lynn's reputation.

She's not on trial.

A woman with shadows in her life

might attract

any number of

potential enemies.

Hon, I had to, uh,

clean up a mess

one night at

a motel when

Sue Lynn and some cowboy...

I didn't want you

to know because...

She told me about it.

She was mortified.

She only did it

'cause I wasn't paying

any attention to her.

The jury has got to know, Randy.

No, they don't!

I won't have it!

She's dead.

Now, you leave her alone.

She got us into this, Randall.

Did she, Mama?

I'm tired, and my head hurts.

I love you.

That's a given, Mama.

Mrs. Chips,

where are you employed?

The Post-Dispatch.

Then it would be correct to say

that you are in the pay

of Callie Lord Bordeaux?

I don't work for the money,

if that's what you mean.

Callie has been

a close friend of mine

for the past 30 years.

I see.

Now,

on the day of

that mysterious

telephone call,

you saw Randy

come out of the house.

Yes, sir. He made sure

you saw him.

I wouldn't know about that.

Randy made sure

you saw him

walk right by you,

didn't he?

I saw him,

but what he had on

his mind, I don't know.

Well, if a man

were establishing

an alibi,

he'd make sure

you saw him,

wouldn't he?

Objection!

Sustained.

After he made sure

you saw him,

then what'd he do?

He went back into the field.

He did?

Did he say anything?

I don't remember.

Mrs. Chips,

I remind you that

you are testifying

under oath,

subject to the

penalties of perjury.

I ask you one more time,

did he say anything

before he went into

the field?

He said, "There's

another good hour

of shooting light left."

Well, if he was

gonna kill somebody,

he wouldn't

have said that,

now would he?

Mrs. Bordeaux,

we all know

what an ordeal

this has been,

and I appreciate

your willingness

to testify.

Well, I want

the truth to

come out.

The truth!

The truth is sometimes

slipperier than

a greased pig,

isn't that so?

I've never

had any trouble

holding on to it.

Isn't it the truth,

Mrs. Bordeaux,

that you were opposed

to your son's marriage

to Sue Lynn?

They eloped.

I had nothing

to say about it.

Isn't it the truth

that you thought

Sue Lynn was scandal,

a millstone around

your son's political neck?

No.

Isn't it the truth

that you hated

your daughter-in-law?

Certainly not.

Isn't it the truth

that Randy Bordeaux

killed his wife

in order to please

his mama?

That is a lie.

That is a lie!

That's all,

Mrs. Bordeaux.

Your Honor,

the defense calls

Randall Bordeaux III.

When did

you first learn of

this blackmail

being perpetrated

against your wife?

Well, that's what

we were arguing about

the night of July 8th,

when all those people

overheard us.

And did you

pay the $5,000?

Yes.

I borrowed it from my mother,

but I didn't tell her

the reason.

Why didn't you

report this extortion

to the police?

I don't know.

I suppose

out of love for my wife,

not wanting

to drag her

into headlines.

Now, Mr. Bordeaux,

may I remind you that

you are under oath,

subject to the

penalties of perjury.

Did you kill Sue Lynn Bordeaux?

No.

Absolutely not.

I loved her,

as best I could.

Thank you.

Mr. Bordeaux,

just who is this

alleged blackmailer?

I told you,

I don't know

his name.

Who paid the $5,000?

I assume

my wife did.

She told me so.

And then, on the morning

of the day she was...

On the morning

of the day

she was shot,

she told me

the blackmailer wanted

another $25,000.

Another $25,000.

Did you pay it?

No.Why not?

There wasn't any need, bec...

Because?

Because my wife was killed.

Your Honor, may we mark this as

State exhibit number 27?

Is this the material

you told me about?

Yes, Your Honor.

Mr. Cotham,

you are aware

of this document?

Mr. Bordeaux,

I show you an insurance policy

taken out on your wife,

Mrs. Sue Lynn

Hatcher Bordeaux

by the Wayfair Insurance Company

with a face value of $100,000.

I'm aware of that.

You took it out on your wife.

Yeah, well, sir, I did.

We were traveling

by plane so much,

you know, campaigning...

And you are aware

that it has a double

indemnity clause

paying $200,000

to the beneficiary in

the event of the insured's

accidental death?

No, I was not aware of that.

Who's the beneficiary? I am.

Well, then had your wife's death

been ruled accidental,

you would have pocketed

a quick and easy 200 grand.

Not a small sum

for a politician

in need of

campaign fund.

Look, I don't

need any $200,000!

My family has...

Go ahead, finish it.

Your family has?

Your family has?

My family has money.

Yes, they do.

But $200,000 wouldn't

hurt if a man,

a politically ambitious rich man

needed a slush fund

to pay off an alleged

blackmailer, would it?

Objection,

Your Honor!

The jury will disregard

the last question.

You know better

than that, Mr. Wrench.

I'm sorry, Your Honor.

It just...

It slipped out. I...

Oh, that's all,

Mr. Bordeaux.

Uh...

Come in.

Come in, please.

Thank you for

receiving me

so late, Mr. Wrench.

No. No, it's all right.

Listen. I'm sorry the place

is such a mess.

I just haven't

had time. Just sit

down right over here.

I was just trying to

get a present

for my daughter.

It's her birthday...

Sit down, please. This is not

an impulsive act.

I wouldn't come in

running over here in

the middle of the night.

I'm on a mission of madness.

I see that.

I want you to know

who really killed

my daughter-in-law.

And who might that be?

I did. Randy had

nothing to do with it.

Well, it doesn't surprise me

that you would

try anything to

save your son.

Don't be condescending, Wrench.

This is difficult

enough to confess.

I wouldn't

think of it. Go on.

That day, um,

I heard Randy

and Sue Lynn

from my room.

They were quarreling

about the blackmailer's

latest demands, $25,000.

And naturally, I saw

the potential for scandal.

And, um...

Well, during the hunt,

the dove hunt, I ran into

Sue Lynn in the woods

and, uh, we had

angry words, and...

Uh, I really

thought she was

gonna shoot me.

I mean, she was drunk.

The autopsy already

show that.

And, uh, it just all

happened so quickly.

I mean, I...

I grabbed the rifle

from her, and I had

my hands on the barrel.

And it just went off.

And then, uh,

I saw her head in

the blood and everything.

And so, I ran away.

And I tried to

convince myself that

it was, um, an accident.

Accident?

Her death was

about as accidental

as Pearl Harbor.

Now, you best go home

where you belong.

Wait a minute.

Did you hear what I said?

Do you think

I could make

all that up?

Well...

You make a mighty fine

living out of stories.

Why don't you

print it in the paper?

What if I'm telling

you the truth?

What if you have

the wrong person on trial?

I mean, what if... What if jackasses fly?

Now, if I thought

I was prosecuting

the wrong person,

I'd resign tomorrow

and cut weed.

What can I do to

make you believe me?

Ms. Bordeaux, nobody

is going to believe...

If what you say is true,

then why weren't your

fingerprints on the rifle.

I was wearing gloves that day.

And why were Randy's everywhere?

Because it's his rifle! Exactly!

It's his rifle,

it's his wife, and we

know his motivation.

And you have none. What?

You are another mother

trying to save her son.

I can appreciate that.

But it's late now,

and I have been

very patient.

I have a great many... Damn it, Wrench,

listen to me.

I am not without power.

And someday, you may need me.

Well...

I'll overlook that.

Listen, you're talking bribe,

and then, we might have

another case to try.

Now, let's say good night.

Enough lives have

already been wasted.

Mr. Deacon.

When defendant

Randy Bordeaux

telephoned you,

what did he say?

Well, uh...

Best I can recollect,

he wanted to hire me to

find somebody supposedly

blackmailing his wife.

Did he say

who that was? No, sir.

In fact, he didn't

make much sense.

He was yelling

and cussing, and...

He was so riled up,

I could barely make out

what he really wanted.

He kept talking about

his problem and how

he had to get rid of it.

What was his problem?

His wife.

I think he wanted

someone to kill her.

"Vengeance is mine,"

said the Lord.

Now, Randall Bordeaux...

Randall Bordeaux

decided to play God.

He tried Sue Lynn,

in his own private court,

where he was both

accuser and prosecutor,

judge and jury,

and he found her guilty.

And he sentenced her to death

with a shotgun,

from a distance of

less than five feet.

He carried that sentence out.

Now, I don't want vengeance.

I don't even want

an eye for an eye,

or a tooth for a tooth.

What I want you to do...

What I want you to do

is something very easy,

something very simple.

All I want you to do

is dispense justice.

Justice.

Magnificent, majestic,

wonderful American justice.

Somebody... Somebody

wrote about it once,

about a year or two ago.

I'm... I'm gonna read

to you what somebody

wrote about it.

Then I'm gonna go sit down.

I got it right over here.

"We're shocked by

the blood that spills

in our cities.

"We are stunned by

too many verdicts

"that send violent men

back into the streets

they stained.

"Not only here, not only

in the state of Texas, but

in the capital of our country.

"Punishments have

been lenient, lapse,

often nothing at all.

"Power and influence

"must not be a reason

to deny justice.

"Unless all men are equal

in the eyes of the law,

"in the courts, in the juries,

"then our house folds,

and darkness will come."

The author of these

inspiring words...

I mean, someone who

says it far better than I...

Thank you, ma'am.

Thank you for making my case.

Callie Lord Bordeaux.

The jury is still out

in the Randy Bordeaux

murder trial.

Nine men and three women

have been deliberating

64 hours.

And the feeling is, they may

be hopelessly dead-locked.

Turn it off. This is Susan Moore,

Channel 9.

Now that's a good sign, Callie.

With them being out 64 hours...

Well, that means

the jury's fixing

to vote an acquittal.

No need to grease

the skid, Jeannie.

You know something?

Sledge ought to

prosecute Clyde Deacon

for perjury.

They have to free him.

Oh, honey, they will.

There is some justice

left in this cracked,

old world of ours.

He shouldn't even be on trial.

I know, Callie.

I know.

Jeannie, it's burning

a hole in me,

and I can't get it out.

I tried to talk... Hon. Hon, I know.

And I'm here. You don't know.

I don't know what, Callie?

I never thought

it would go this far.

Mr. Bordeaux,

would you please rise?

"We, the jury,

find the defendant,

Randall Bordeaux III,

"guilty of the charge

of first degree murder."

Your Honor,

we demand that

the jury be polled!

Mama!

There's been a mistake.

There's been a mistake!

You can't take him!

No. No, no, don't touch him!

Don't touch him, please.

He's mine!

Mama! He's mine!

Mama!

Let him go, please!

It's not his fault!

Don't take my baby!

What time is it?

Um, just a little

bit after 2:00.

I'll fix you

some tea, okay? Mmm.

I'm gonna call Austin again.

He never called me back.

I'm sorry, Callie.

I can't do it.

I've searched my soul.

My prayers are with you.

And Randy.

Mrs. Bordeaux, the President

has asked me to extend his respects to you.

But, uh, there's nothing

he can do. It's a matter

for the State of Texas.

Hon...

It's his decision.

He won't sign another appeal.

It's dragged on long enough.

He wants

the sentence

carried out.

God, no.

We can delay this indefinitely.

Yes.

And that's just what

Randy doesn't want.

He's quite a man, you know that?

It takes a whole lot

more courage to die

than just

go on living on

the installment plan.

I'm going to...

Callie.

What?

He asked me to

tell you, "Don't."

What?

He said, "Don't."

I'll be downstairs.

No!

No! My baby!

There have been

361 executions in Texas

since 1924.

Electric chairs

are no longer used.

5:00 p.m.

on the day before

the execution,

a prisoner is

served the last meal

of his choice.

He then showers

and dresses in the clothes

he'll be buried in.

Assistant Warden reads

court order requiring

execution before sunrise.

The prisoner is taken

to a hospital room

where a certified

medical doctor will insert

an intravenous tube.

Enough Sodium Pentothal is dripped

into the tube to cause instantaneous death.

I wish you hadn't come.

I know.

I had to know,

are you all right?

I'm fine.

Just fine.

Except, they took

my guitar away.

Afraid I might hang

myself with a string.

Randy...

Sit down, Mama.

Sit down.

Listen to me.

Cotham is in Washington.

He seems to think

that he might

grant us a stay.

There's a thousand

things we can do.

I'll pass.

I'm ready today.

I might not be,

60 days from now.

Please. We haven't

begun to exhaust

the possibilities.

The best I could

hope for would be

commutation to life.

Look around.

I think I'd rather

take my chances

on the other side.

I've always tried to

do what I thought

was best for you.

Mama, I know that.

I know that.

Now cheer up.

The world knows

I walked by.

I had a good run.

Irony is,

there's a lot of people

I'd like to kill.

I'm getting popped off

for someone I didn't.

Someone I loved.

I can't let this

happen without telling

you something.

Hush.

Hush, now. I know.

I know... You know what?

I do know, Mama.

I guess I've

always known.

What?

Oh, my God. No...

Do you hate me?

It's too late for that.

It's Liberation Day

for both of us.

Forgive me.

Forgive me, please.

Of course...

Of course, I do.

Of course.

Do you love me?

Please love me.

Mama.

I love you.

I have always loved you.

Oh, baby...

Sure you all can

handle him from here?

Oh, I hope so.

Thank you very much.

Now, you folks

have a happy life.

I hope we will.

Thank you.

Here.

He's all yours.

Fine boy.

100% perfect.

We watched Callie

and son drive away.

When the limo

was just a little

blackened speck,

Jeannie whispered,

"Maybe she'll do

better this time."

And I said, "We'll see, hon.

"We'll see."