Honkytonk Man (1982) - full transcript

Take it on down to
the house. Come on.

Hey, somebody's coming.

Company?

At a time like this?

It's Uncle Red.

Bubba.

Is he dead?

- Dead drunk.
- Bubba. What in the world.

Let's get him on
up into the house.

Whit, you bring in his grip.

Where's his grip?



He don't have one.
Just this guitar.

These are all the
clothes he's got?

Where's he headed for
without any clothes?

Without even a toothbrush.

Nashville.

Nashville?

A letter fell out
of his coat while

I was getting his clothes off.

I couldn't help but read
the first couple of lines.

It was from somebody
asking him to come

and try out for the
Grand Ole Opry.

The Grand Ole Opry?

But why didn't you say so sooner?

The letter, I really
shouldn't have read it.



You shouldn't have,
but as long as you

did, you might have
let us read it, too.

My God almighty. The
Grand Ole Opry.

If Mama was only alive today to
see what's become of her son now.

On second thought, maybe
it's just as well.

Ruined.

All ruined.

Well, you've been wanting
to go out to California.

But we should have gone
before now, like I wanted to.

Now we don't have anything.

Every penny we had was
tied up in this crop.

Whit.

Howard.

Marjorie, come on.

We got lots of work to do.

Can I clean the car?

All right.

Hey. How the hell are you, Hoss?

Boy, put 'er there. You're
shooting up like a weed.

Thanks a lot for fixing that
car. Any serious damage?

The oil pan's leaking a little.

Is it serious? Can I
make it to Nashville?

So long you don't let
it run out of oil.

It's true, then? You're gonna
sing at the Grand Ole Opry?

I'm afraid it's just
an audition. If

that car gets me
there in one piece.

It seems to have a mind of
its own some of the time.

I wish your daddy would buy
some ready-made cigarettes.

Get me my guitar.

Dust-cutter.

Real panther piss.

- Here, you want some?
- No.

- The alcohol will kill the germs.
- It ain't that.

It's Mama. If she
knew I took a drink

of whiskey, she'd have a hissy.

Well, what she don't
know won't hurt her.

If you feel like getting up, come
have some eggs and biscuits...

and we'll get this bed made up.

You, come on, now.
Let him get dressed.

Hoss?

Thanks again and mum's
the word on this.

Of course.

Here's to us ducks, because
we don't give a quack.

If it don't rain, we'll walk.

Bubba. Don't drive so blamed
fast. We got plenty of time.

Bubba, be careful.

What're you trying
to do, kill us all?

Can't you drive no
better than that?

I ain't exactly at my best when
I got a fire under my ass.

You've been drinking,
that's what it is.

Why don't you let
somebody else drive?

I suppose you could drive better?

I'm sure any of us could. Even
Whit could drive better than that.

- That true, Hoss?
- Probably.

You wanna try?

Sure. Papa sometimes
lets me drive the truck.

All right, slide on over.

Bubba, why don't you
let Virgil drive?

Hoss claims he can
drive as good as me...

by God, I believe he can.

Come on, just slide on in there.

Now, we just ease right on out.

That's the way. Let
the clutch out easy.

- Easy on the clutch.
- I know.

What do you say, folks?

Ain't Hoss doing a
hell of a job driving?

I put every penny we
had into that crop.

Borrowed all I could.

Can't think of any
place to steal it...

and I'm not gonna beg.
Ain't in me to beg.

There's a fellow over in Meeker...

who says he bought
machinery and stock.

He'll give you a few cents on the
dollar for everything you got.

Maybe get $100.

That ain't gonna get us
out to California...

keep us in grub
till we find a job.

Well, I could match
you for the rest.

You? You ain't...

I thought you said you
didn't have any money.

You kidding?

I got money 10 miles
up a bull's ass.

Of course, I gotta find
that bull to get it.

I was thinking I'd send it to
you when I got to Nashville.

- How you gonna get to Nashville?
- Tennessee.

I was born in Tennessee.

Cainsville, just north
of Murfreesboro.

Came to Oklahoma when I was
18, riding an old mule...

and made the Run
into Cherokee Strip.

How about some more coffee?

That was in September 1893.

September 16th, to be exact.

- There was maybe...
- Whit, get on into bed.

I wanna hear Grandpa
tell about the Run.

People in hell be
wanting ice-water.

Now get into bed like the others.

Please, can't I stay and hear
Grandpa tell about the Run?

Did you hear what I said,
boy? Get into bed.

Uncle Red? Tomorrow, could
I play your guitar?

Now.

Looks like you're raising
a musician there, sis.

Maybe I should take him
to Nashville with me.

That's if I can get enough
money to get there.

I could give you maybe $30.

That's very nice, Mr Wagoner, but

you'll need it to
get to California.

Ain't going to California.

Too old for that.
I've been thinking.

- I wanna go home.
- Home?

Why, your home is
with us, Grandpa.

I mean Tennessee.

Ain't been back
there for 45 years.

Was born there, and
that's where I wanna die.

I can give you maybe $30.

Can you drive a car?

Never learned how...

and I'm too old to start now.

Was always good
with mules, though.

Rode one from Tennessee,
in fact, back in 1893.

- That was...
- How about some more coffee?

Pa?

No, thanks.

I'd better go to bed.

God damn it, either tune that
thing, or stop playing it.

I don't know how.

Bring it on in here.

Give me that.

I'll show you how to tune
this thing only one time...

so you will pay
attention, you hear?

You hold this "E" string
down here at the fifth fret.

What're you staring at?

Is there something peculiar
about the way I look?

Get out of here.
Standing around here,

staring at me like I'm a freak.

Get out of here. Beat it.

Get away from me.

Listen, honey, it's
not your fault.

It's the sickness that
makes him talk like that.

You can't blame him. It's
not his fault, either.

You can't blame him
no more than you

could blame a cripple
man for hobbling.

- You understand?
- I guess so.

He's only human.

Come on, now.

I'm gonna fix him
something to eat,

and I want you to
take it in to him.

Me? What if he don't want it?

You tell him he'd better eat it...

or I'll go in there and
shove it down his throat.

She said that, did she?

Well, I guess, in that
case I'd better try.

Look, Hoss.

Don't you go paying attention
to me when I get like this.

It's the damn fever.

When it comes on, it makes me

snappish as a pair
of sheep shears.

That's okay.

Get that guitar.

You play it, I'll show
you how to tune it.

Hold the "E" string down on the
fifth fret right there at the top.

That's the way.

Play the "E" string and
the "A" string open.

Now, listen. The only reason
we're letting you go is...

I want you to keep him out
of trouble, if you can.

Don't let him drink while
he's driving... Listen now.

You have to promise me you won't
go in that honkytonk, you hear?

But I wanted to hear
Uncle Red sing.

You'll just have to
listen from outside.

You have to promise me that,
or I won't let you go.

All right. You'd think I was
a little kid, or something.

Uncle Red was playing
in honkytonks

by the time he was my age.

I'll have some chickens
for you in the morning.

Well, look here. What's this,
Red? Got yourself a helper?

This is my nephew, Whit. This
is Lulu, she owns the joint.

Nephew. Ain't he something,
now? Sure is cute, ain't he?

And he gets it all from me.

Well, you should have
kept some for yourself.

I like them young, and that's
a fact, but not that young.

How about if I give
you a nickel, and

you call me up in a
couple of years?

What do you think
about that, Hoss?

Here you are, hon.

You can spend it
now if you want...

but you gotta remember to
call me in a couple of years.

Go ahead, take it.

- Thank you, ma'am.
- You're welcome.

Sing good, Red.

I'll try.

A Nehi orange, please?

Thank you.

I'm Red Stovall and I'm here
to do a few songs for you...

and pass the hat. So you
got any requests...

just sound them out.

Let's go, Hoss.

Sure you gotta go, Red?
I've got a room out back.

The boy could sleep in
the car, couldn't he?

I've got some more
business to do tonight.

But I'll be back tomorrow
night. Come on, Hoss.

Let's get the show on the road.

Keep it warm for me.

- You got the board?
- Yeah, I got it.

What's the matter with you? You're

shaking like a dog
shitting peach pits.

If Mama knew what we was doing...

She won't...

unless you tell her.

She might have to come and
identify our bodies...

once those chickens
start squawking.

There won't be any squawking.

- The sacks are getting full.
- How many we got?

Maybe 40 or 50. Enough.
Let's get outta here...

- while the getting's good.
- I'll get one more.

Let's get outta here.

What's going on out there?

Stop, thief, or I'll
blow your ass off.

Damn, Hoss, we made it.

For a moment, I thought
those dogs were

gonna make hamburger
out of my ass.

Here, have a drink.
You deserve it.

Strong, ain't it?

Eyes are bigger than my stomach.

I'll meet you back at the car.

Where are you going?

Get myself some new duds.

Here's $5. That seem about
right for your share?

For me? Five whole dollars?

Don't spend it all in one place.

Got a call last night about
a car like the one here.

Man over in Roscoe said somebody
in a late-model limousine...

stole some of his chickens.

Of course, I didn't believe him.

But then...

me and Jim Bob here was
driving down the street...

and I said to Jim Bob, I
says, "God durn, Jim Bob...

"look at that big old car there.

"I'll just bet that
that's the feller...

"who stole them chickens
over in Roscoe last night."

Ain't that what I said, Jim Bob?

That's it, Snuffy. That's
what you said, all right.

Looky here.

That a chicken
feather, or ain't it?

Looks like a chicken
feather to me, Snuff.

And that stuff on the
seat, Jim Bob...

what do you reckon that stuff is?

Looks like chicken
shit to me, Snuffy.

- You think so?
- I'd swear to it.

I seen enough chicken shit
in my life to know...

when I see it.

When was the last time you
saw chicken shit, Jim Bob?

When you were shaving
this morning?

Jim Bob.

Smart ass, ain't you?

Jim Bob, what do you
reckon we'd find...

if you was to reach in under that
seat and feel around a little?

My, what have we got here?

Bootleg whiskey.

We're gonna have to take you
down to the courthouse...

to see if you can explain how all
this stuff come to be in your car.

It ain't my car.

You hear that, Jim Bob?

He says it ain't his car.

He was just sitting here, waiting
for the owner to come back.

That's right.

Frisk him and cuff him.

Put your hands up there.
Spread your legs.

No keys.

This give you a thrill, Jim Bob?
Groping a man's crotch like that?

Poofer.

Stop Bob.

Put it away.

Put the cuffs on him.

We'll come back for the car later.

Somebody might drive it away.

The owner?

He might get surprised...

if he finds somebody
here waiting for him.

Uncle Red. Get ready.

Hurry, Uncle Red. Hurry.

Come on, get outta here, Hoss.

God damn.

You did it, Hoss. Damned
if you didn't do it.

Should I stop?

Damn.

Where in the double-damn
tarnation have you two been?

We had a little car trouble in
Tallapoosa. Had to stay over.

We've been worried to
death. Why didn't you...

Bubba. Are you all right?

Just a little chill. A cup of
your hot Java will fix me up.

What you need is a long rest in

bed. I'm gonna see
that you get it.

I've gotta head out for
Nashville in the morning.

So soon? Why?

If you're serious about
going, Mr Wagoner...

that $30 of yours
will get us to Tulsa.

And there's a fellow there
who owes me some money.

I think that'll get us
the rest of the way.

I'll be ready to
go in the morning.

Just one other thing, sis.

I'd appreciate you considering
us taking Hoss along.

I need a driver, and he's a real

good one. One of the
best I've seen.

Real safe and everything.

It ain't just that. I think
the boy's got talent.

I could teach him to
play a little guitar.

Maybe he'd be a singer
someday. Maybe a good singer.

What do you think, Hoss? You'd
like to go to Nashville with me?

Bubba, he's too young
for anything like that.

Please. Please let me go with him.

You hush up.

Well, it's entirely up to you all.

If we get out to California
in time for picking cotton...

we're gonna need every
hand we can get.

Papa, please let me go with him.

You heard him. He
said I had talent.

- I could be a musician...
- I told you to hush up.

Papa, I don't want to be a damned
cotton picker all my life.

So Mr Big Britches
don't want to be

a damned cotton
picker all his life.

If your mama and I hadn't been
picking cotton all them years...

working our fingers to
the bone for you...

where the hell would you be
today, Mr Big Britches?

Papa, it ain't like that. I just
want a chance to be somebody.

You go to bed this
minute. Right now.

- But he said...
- Go to bed.

We'll talk about it
in the morning. But

if I hear one more
word out of you...

just one more, then
you won't go at all.

And that's final.

Please, Mama. Let me go with him.

I don't want you to.

But...

I don't want him to go alone.

You know he's very
sick, don't you?

He shouldn't be going anywhere by

himself, unless it
was to a sanatorium.

There probably wouldn't be anybody
to call a doctor for him if he...

- I could take care of him.
- Can you?

I know it's a lot to ask
of a boy your age...

but it seems like you're
the best friend he's got.

But do you have any idea
what it'll be like if he...

All right, then.

But only if you promise
me two things:

That you won't drink, and
that you'll come home...

soon as we get settled out
in California. Promise?

Cross my heart and hope to die.

And try to bring
Bubba back with you?

Yes ma'am, I sure will.

Be sure and write to us once in
a while at Bud and Dora's...

and let us know how you
and him are doing.

- I promise.
- All right, then.

You bring the wood in.

Breakfast will be
ready in a minute...

then I'll help you
pack your things.

Holy shit. I'm going to Nashville.

Here's our route, Hoss.

We just skirt right around Roscoe
and head straight on out to Enid.

Enid? Ain't we going
through Tallapoosa?

Long way out of the way.

Don't worry, Mr Wagoner. We'll
make it to Tulsa, all right.

When we do, we'll look up
Mr Durwood Arnspringer.

Mr who?

Fellow owes me some money.

Wake me, Hoss, when
we get to Enid.

- All right, we're getting close.
- Close to what?

This is where it
happened. Pull over.

The Hennessy Line ran
right along over there.

Stretching from
horizon to horizon.

What're you talking
about, Grandpa?

The Run. It was the Run, boy.

When they opened the Cherokee
Strip to white settlers.

September 16, 1893.

This is where it happened?

The Hennessy Line ran
along right over there.

People lined up as far
as you could see.

Thousands and thousands of people.

Men, women, kids. All
ages. All kinds.

On horses and mules, in wagons,
buckboards, surreys...

Some of them on
foot. Lots of them.

Where were you?

See that hump in that
ridge over yonder?

That's where I was, near about.

I was 18 then...

set in the saddle of an
old mule, an old saddle.

I rode that old mule all
the way from Tennessee.

I got him here three days before
the Run, so I could rest him up.

It was the greatest horse race in
the history of the world, boy...

and for the greatest prize...

the Cherokee Strip.

Did you get some of it?

Yeah, I got mine. I lost it later.
But, hell, that don't matter.

It wasn't just the land, the dirt
itself that I was racing for.

It was the Promised Land.

That's what you got to understand.

That's what I try to make people

understand. It wasn't
just the land.

It was the dream.

That's what I tell them.

We wasn't just land chasers, Whit.

We was dream chasers.

Just look at it now.

All turned to dust.

We ruined it, Whit, we ruined it.

But there's other places.
California, now.

They say that's the
Promised Land, too.

No. Too old to go
chasing another dream.

Holy shit.

The only dream I
got is going home.

Help. Do something, somebody.

Son of a bitch.

- I'm going over.
- You know what you're doing, boy?

No. If I did, I
wouldn't be doing it.

That's the way, Hoss.
Keep him busy.

That's the way, Hoss.

Keep him busy.

Bitch.

What's so damned funny?
That was my new shirt.

When you was climbing
that ladder...

that bull's horn missed
your asshole that far.

I don't need a bath for a
while, that's for sure.

And I know we both feel
that we have been had

That's good, Hoss. I'm
gonna write that down.

That's good.

Well, I got my guitar

That's really good, Hoss.
You've got it now.

Throw your arms around
this honkytonk man

How's that?

Damn, boy. You've got this
songwriting stuff down.

Hey, how about that?

They don't know where
the fellow is.

Or if they do,
they're not talking.

Do you reckon we'll ever find him?

I don't know.

Hey, he might know.

- Who?
- Bob Wills.

Let's go to this radio station.
Go up here and turn right.

Why don't you fellows drop
me off at a motor court?

You know Bob Wills?

Your Uncle Red wrote this
tune they're doing right now.

What're you doing in these parts?

I'm just travelling through
on my way to Nashville.

- I've got a try-out on the Opry.
- That ought to do it for you.

The way you write
songs and sing...

How'd you like the way
we've done your song?

It's a lot better than
I've ever done it.

We've been playing this some on
dances, the crowds love it...

and all the guys in the
band like it. We'd

like to record it in
Dallas next week.

Fantastic, I could sure
use the dough, too.

All right.

This is my nephew, Whit. I
believe he wants to meet you.

Hey, Whit, how're you doing?

- Don't talk, does he?
- No, he sings pretty good.

At least, I think he will
when his voice changes.

That's great. Well listen,
good luck on the Opry.

I might not get to
Nashville at all,

unless I can find
Durwood Arnspringer.

Used to book some
shows. Do you know him?

I know him. Does he owe you money?

He wrote me a rubber
check for a thing

I did for him a few years back.

Look...

I know where you
might find him. You

remember Miss Maud's cathouse...

Miss Maud's place? He
hangs around there a lot.

Why don't you go by and tell
her you're a friend of mine?

All right, I'll do that.

Hey, wait...

if Durwood don't come through
with the money, could I help?

I'll get it out of him.
Don't worry about that.

Good luck to you. See you, Whit.

A real whorehouse?

Howdy. I'm looking for a
Mr Durwood Arnspringer.

Bob Wills said you might
know where he is.

You a friend of Bob's?

I've done business with
Arnspringer on occasion.

He's got a card game going back
at the Choo-Choo Cafe nights.

That's all I know. Down
by the railroad tracks.

Down by the railroad tracks?
I'm much obliged, ma'am.

Say...

as long as we're here...

my son here, he's 16.

He ain't never been with a woman,
and I'm getting worried about him.

You think maybe we could fix
him up before he gets pimples?

We don't take no
kids here, cowboy.

We got enough trouble with
the cops without that.

I'm his daddy, I'll take
the responsibility.

None of the girls
here would take him.

What're you staring at, kid?

I told you I'd take
the responsibility.

You.

Why?

It wouldn't be you
or the boy that'd

get arrested if the cops come.

It would be the girl with him,
besides myself, of course.

That's why won't none
of them take him.

Because you're so beautiful.

It's a sad state when a man can't
buy a woman for his own boy.

Miss Maud, I'll take him.

Well, it's your risk, I reckon.

Would you like to come with me?

That'll be $2, then.

And if you want a girl, too...

Well, I just might.

Got anything around
here built for comfort?

Honey, I think we could
accommodate you.

Kind of robbing the
cradle, ain't you?

Shut up.

Come on over.

Take your pants off and
I'll wash you up, okay?

That's okay.

We'll just try again
in a few minutes.

Well, how'd you like it?

What's the matter,
cat got your tongue?

I love you.

Well, Hoss, how was that?

That's exactly the
way your old Uncle

Red felt after the first time.

- Yes?
- Durwood Arnspringer around here?

Mr Arnspringer?

He's taking a nap.

Why don't you wake
him up? Tell him Red

Stovall wants to say hello to him.

Well, as I live and breathe.
It's not Red Stovall.

I've had occasion to wonder
what happened to you, Red.

It's been years.

I've had occasion to wonder
about you too, Durwood.

Get this shit out of here.

You should have been
done hours ago.

I got players coming here soon.

So here you are.

What's happened to you, boy?

You don't look too well.
They working you to death?

I'm doing all right.

I got myself a spot on the Opry.

The Grand Ole Opry? By God,
that'll put you on top, boy.

I could sure use that
$100 you owe me.

I'm sorry, Red, I really am.
But this depression, you know.

- How about a drink?
- I just want my money.

Red, I told you, I haven't got it.

- Well, get it.
- I can't.

I'm disappointed in you, Red.

Questioning my honesty like this.
Is that what you're doing?

Calling me a liar and a cheat?

I'm calling you a
liar and a cheat,

and a fat, porky, son of a bitch.

You wanna hear any
more? I got other

things I can think up for you.

I think I know how
we can square it.

That girl? The one who
was just in here?

I'll tell you what I'll do, Red.

I'll give you her and
we'll call it even.

You'd give me that girl
for the $100 you owe me?

Yeah, why don't you
talk to her yourself?

Marlene, get yourself
down here, honey.

Marlene, this here is Red Stovall.

He's a singer, and
a damned good one.

How'd you like to go
to Nashville with him?

You'd be a good
girl, wouldn't you?

Nashville.

My goodness, Nashville.
That is my heart's dream.

I would just do anything to go.

Well, there you are.
Just take her a

few minutes to get
her stuff packed.

It won't do, Arnspringer.

Please take me with
you, Mr Stovall.

I won't be any trouble, I promise.
It would mean so much to me.

The Lord will bless you if you do.

I've dreamed of going to Nashville
and becoming a singing star.

And I'm good, too. The Lord
has given me a great talent.

- Just ask anybody who's heard me.
- She's a mighty good singer, Red.

It won't do.

Please, Mr Stovall. I
beg of you, please...

Can't you see he don't want you?

Now go on. Go get me some
coffee and doughnuts.

You want coffee and
doughnuts, Red?

I just want my money.

My heart is broken.

Your ass is going
to be broken, too,

if you don't get me the coffee.

Now, look here, Red. I'll
tell you what I'm gonna do.

I'll show you how white I am.

I'll show you how you can make
that $100 in no time at all.

That's the best I can do.

- I'm listening.
- Well, the deal is this:

I do a little service for some
of my business friends...

in the community here
from time to time.

Mostly, insurance jobs.

Somebody wants something stolen,
I make sure it gets stolen.

It's really a set-up.

You just walk in and tell
the woman it's a stickup.

She hands you $100,
maybe a little more.

- Where's my coffee and doughnuts?
- Junior's bringing it.

Well, what do you say, Red?

This woman, what does
she get out of it?

That's where the trick is, see?

She gives the robber $100...

but she tells the insurance
company it was $200.

And the place, where is it?

It's Myrtle's Diner, out
west of town on the highway.

- But you said I could.
- I know what I said, Junior.

You see what I'm doing for you?

Something's come up now.
I've gotta give Red the job.

- But you said...
- I know what I said, God damn it.

I know what I'm saying now.

Well?

All right. We'll need a gun.
We've gotta make it look real.

Marlene.

Bring that old shotgun down here,
and don't be all day about it.

This Myrtle...

- she got a phone?
- No. Why?

I thought I'd give her a call,
see if this is all on the level.

For pity's sake, Red.
Why would I lie to you?

What are you standing
around here for?

What do you say, Red?

I'll tell her you're
coming tonight

about closing time. Right?

Right.

Howdy.

We're closed.

Well, I'll just
hang around here...

till you finish
counting that cash.

Hey. It's me. I'm the
one... Arnspringer sent me.

Don't you go. Stay here.

Are you crazy?

Will you shut up?
I'm the one who's

supposed to pull the hold-up.

Arnspringer sent me.

Look, it isn't even loaded.

You almost got yourself
killed. That's some set-up.

- Let's go back to Arnspringer's.
- What for?

I'm gonna get that
money he owes me.

But that'll just mean more
trouble. Why don't we...

Damn it, Hoss, do what I tell you.

If you're with me, you're with me,
if you ain't, get out of the car.

Who is it?

Tell him it's Western Union.

Western Union. Telegram
for Mr Arnspringer.

Just back right on
over there, boy.

Everybody just keep their
hands right on the table.

Red, what is this? What the hell?

You son of a bitch.

You damn near got me killed.

Red, I...

You didn't tell that
old lady I was coming.

She took a shot at me.

Red, I did. I didn't personally...

but I sent word.

What would I get out of
double-crossing you, Red?

How did you send word?

I sent somebody else.

You shit-for-brains.

All right, so you're
an honest man.

Of course, I am, Red. You know me.

Yeah, I know you.

I'll tell you what
you're gonna do.

You're gonna give me the $100...

and because you're
such an honest man,

you're gonna toss
in another $100...

because you almost got me killed.

Well, for one thing, Red,
I don't have the money.

And for another
thing, I don't think

you have any shells
in that shotgun.

You wanna bet?

Red, I don't have $200.

I don't even have $100.

- How much you got there?
- Maybe $50, $60.

How about in there?

That's not mine,
that's the bank's.

Hoss, you take a look
in that box there.

You take out $60
for Durwood, here.

And then we'll take out $50 for
this gentleman right here.

Arnspringer, you can
give him an IOU.

Red, you're going too far.

I don't know if you know this, but
I pay the police for protection.

Do it. Don't be a damned fool.

That's all the money I got.

You sure came to the
right place to spend it.

You're in big trouble,
cowboy. You know who I am?

Yeah, I know who you are.

You're the man with all the chips.

Take out $90 for this gentleman.

Durwood, you'll write him an IOU.

There, Red, she's gonna
go for the cops now.

But it's not too late. It's not,
if you'll stop this right now.

We won't prefer charges
against you. Will

we, men? No, we'll
forget all about it.

You ain't too smart, are you, boy?

Hoss, we got our money, let's go.

You men got your IOUs...

you can continue on
your poker game now.

The first one that looks
out before we're gone...

is gonna find out if I've got
my shells for my shotgun.

You stay here. I'll be right back.

Holy shit.

- What are you doing here?
- Will you help me, please?

I have to go with
him to Nashville.

Would you please help talk
him into letting me go?

Are you crazy?

You know what he'll do when
he comes out and finds you?

But I can't go back to
Arnspringer's. I can't.

I didn't run out and
get the cops, did I?

Arnspringer knows I didn't.
He's gonna skin me alive.

He'll never stand for it.

Put me in the trunk, then. Please?

I'll ride in there as far as I
can without being discovered.

Maybe by then we'll be far
enough away so he won't...

I just can't go back there.

You gonna be able to stand being
shut up in a place that small?

I can stand anything, as long as I
get to go to Nashville with him.

- What's the matter with Grandpa?
- He's drunk.

I, sir, am not drunk.

You, sir, rudely woke me.

I left a bottle of
whiskey in there,

and he's drunk over half of it.

I assumed, sir, that bottle
was left there for me.

You ride in the back, Mr Wagoner.
That way you can sleep it off.

No, sir. The back seat is
yours. This is your car.

Besides, you need the
sleep more than I do.

I ain't gonna argue with you.

Sorry to bother you, but I
have to go pee. Is he...

Sleeping.

You all right in there?

It's a sore trial,
I can tell you...

but if that's what
it takes to be with

him, it's not for me to complain.

With him? I thought you were
just trying to get to Nashville.

Yes, my heart is set on Nashville.

That's where I wanted to go even

before I met him.
Now I have to go.

See, it's just this
feeling I have...

that somehow our destinies
will be intertwined...

his and mine, like vines.

Vines?

I don't expect you'd understand
what I mean. It's just that...

when I saw him, something
happened, and I knew.

Look, if I was you, I wouldn't
mention anything about that...

"intertwined destinies"
stuff to Uncle Red.

It wouldn't make your chances of
getting to Nashville any better.

Thank you.

I sure do appreciate what
you're doing for me.

What's your name?

Uncle Red calls me Hoss.

Do you mind very much if
I call you Hoss, too?

I'm Marlene. Marlene Moonglow.

Well, it's not my real name.

Real name's Mooney,
but Marlene Mooney...

It's just too plain for a
singing star, don't you think?

But, Moonglow...

Marlene Moonglow. Don't you think
that's a wonderful stage name?

I think you'd better
get back in the car.

You've gotta get back inside.

What's that sound?

It's the rear end.

We're gonna have to
stop in Fayetteville,

and get a mechanic to check on it.

Oh, God.

Just pull over here and stop,
Hoss. Don't worry about a thing.

- I'll take care of everything.
- That's what I was afraid of.

Howdy.

Against the law to drive with one
headlight. Let's see your licence.

It's against the law to
drive without a licence.

This here's my nephew. I'm
teaching him how to drive.

This is his grandpa, Mr Wagoner.

I'm Red Stovall. We're
headed down to Nashville...

You got a licence?

Well, Officer, I lost my
wallet about three days ago...

- and my licence was in it.
- You own this car?

- I sure do.
- Let me see your registration.

There you go again.

When I lost that wallet, I lost
just about everything else in it.

It's against the law to drive
without a registration slip.

I'll get it fixed up when
we get to Nashville...

where I'm supposed to appear
on the Grand Ole Opry.

- You a musician?
- Yeah.

I play guitar and sing some. Maybe
you heard of me? Red Stovall?

I used to appear on the Louisiana
Hayride down out of Shreveport.

- Where's your guitar?
- Right here in back.

Got it right back here.

Beautiful brand new Gibson.

I put her there. She wanted
to go to Nashville with us...

and Uncle Red wouldn't let her.

She's my sister.

What are you doing in there, girl?

I put her there. She's my sister.

I didn't ask you, boy.

Well, it's just like he says, sir.

Uncle Red there, he won't
take me to Nashville...

Get out of there. It's against
the law to ride in a trunk.

I don't suppose you
got any ID either?

Idee? Idee about what?

Look, Officer, these little
devils did play a trick on me.

But it's something we can
settle among ourselves.

I have to take you in.

Please, Officer. Please
don't take us to jail.

I'm begging you. I'll
just do anything...

Shut up.

Have to take in all
out-of-state cars.

Out-of-state cars never come
back to pay their fines.

If it's the money you're worried
about, I could give you the money.

You trying to bribe me?

No. You could tell me how much the
judge charges in these matters...

and I give you the
money, and you give

it to the judge. How's that sound?

$10.

Ok, Great.

If I was you, I'd get another
headlight before dark.

I'll get that done as soon
as we get down to Westville.

I'd rather you didn't do
it in Adair County, okay?

You let your uncle drive, boy. You
ain't old enough to be driving.

Well, I'm waiting.

Uncle Red, keep your
eyes on the road.

Can't you drive no
better than that?

I ain't had a lot
of practise lately.

Let the boy drive.

Well? I'm still waiting.

She was hiding behind the seat
when we left Arnspringer's...

and we couldn't just send her
back to Arnspringer, could we?

I mean, after all, she didn't
go to the cops when we...

How old are you, girl?

- Eighteen.
- You're a liar.

- Seventeen, almost eighteen.
- You're still probably lying.

Probably 16.

What's a girl like you
gonna do in Nashville?

You got any money or friends?

What are you gonna do,
live on the streets?

The Lord will provide.

He better provide you a way
of getting there, too.

The next town we come to with a
bus stop, you're getting on it.

I'll give you enough money to
get to Tulsa, but that's it.

Mr Stovall, please
don't send me back.

I won't be any trouble.
Honest, I won't.

- No.
- Please.

Please, I beg you. Please
don't send me back.

Stop that begging
crap now, or I'll

kick your ass right
out of this car.

Gasket's gone.

Won't go much further like
this. It's leaking oil.

How long would it take to fix it?

Two or three days. I have to send
to Little Rock for the parts.

Think it'll make it into
Memphis the way it is?

It might. It might not.

Let's chance it.

I don't think I wanna spend
two days in this town.

I'd rather be in Philadelphia.

- Are you gonna eat this?
- Put it down.

Mr Stovall...

I wish there was something I could
do to make you like me a little.

If you only knew.

If only you'd let me...

Let you what?

Do something.

Sing.

Well, sing. That's it.

If you'd only let me sing...

maybe you'd want me to go
to Nashville with you.

Sing? Here?

Sure. I'd be glad to.
I'd be more than glad.

All right. Sing, then.

You really want to hear me?

Well, would it be okay for
me to borrow your guitar?

Hoss, give her the guitar.

Thank you, Mr Stovall.
You won't regret this.

Some folks said I'm
gonna be great someday.

That's what Madame Zora said.

- Madame who?
- She was a clairvoyant.

Just a minute.

Get right up on this log. We
gotta have a stage for you...

and give Miss Moonbeam here
every professional advantage.

- It's Moonglow.
- Whatever.

Well, the first song
I'd like to sing...

is My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.

Give me that damn guitar.

What's the matter?
You didn't like it?

Maybe in an amateur contest
with a braying jackass...

you might stand a chance.

You'd better give up the
idea of ever being a singer.

I do Red River
Valley a lot better.

Uncle Red, I don't think we
can risk going any further.

Good God. So this is where
it gives out on us.

Noxpater.

- How long to get it fixed?
- Two days.

I have to send to Little
Rock to get the parts.

Take one day to get them.
Fix it in another day.

Two days.

Is there a bus that goes
through here to Memphis?

Sholy. Ozark Stage.

Leaves from right
here at 6:00 sharp.

- What the hell's "rat-chere"?
- Right here.

If you fellows don't mind, I
think I'll just go on by bus.

No sense in me sitting
around here for two days.

If I take the bus, I could
be in Murfreesboro...

before you get the car fixed.

I'd be much obliged
to you, Red, if I

could have some of
the money back...

seeing that we've come
only about halfway.

Look here, boy.

I don't see any
sense in me hanging

around this town for two days.

I could get on that bus, and I
could head right on to Memphis.

I'd leave you money, of course,
so when this car is fixed...

you could meet me there.
How's that sound to you?

I guess...

I thought you'd be
a sport about it.

But where'll I stay?

Is there a hotel in this town?

Hotel burned down four
or five years ago.

You got a room for my nephew here?

Might be.

- Well, where?
- Right here.

One room upstairs.

Old woman will put some sheets
on the bed, if you want it.

$1 a day.

You see, boy? You're all set up.

What's the time that bus leaves?

Two a day. 6:00 p.m., 8:00 a.m.

More than two hours in this town.

Any place a man can get
a drink around here?

Roadhouse back up the
road, about half a mile.

What do you say, Mr Wagoner?

Maybe you and I hike up to that
roadhouse and get a drink?

I can give you that
money I owe you.

Don't care if I do.
Stretch my legs a little.

What do you want
me to do with her?

I don't give a damn.

Just don't have her with you
when you get to Memphis.

I'll give you plenty
of money so you

can get her a ticket
back to Tulsa.

- Where's Uncle Red?
- He met a waitress.

Said he'd be back here in
time to catch the bus.

He'd better hurry if he is.

Well, Whit...

you be a good boy now, you hear?

And you come see me in Cainsville.

Ask anybody about
the Wagoner place.

I will, Grandpa. I'll
come and see you.

Goodbye, my dear.

And, Whit...

stay with him.

Take care of him...

as best you can.

Let's go.

Bye, Grandpa.

See you in Tennessee.

Hold that bus.

Shit fire and save the matches.

Stuck in Noxpater, Arkansas.

When's the next bus out of here?

8:00 a.m. Tomorrow. Sharp.

Is that yahoo up there?

That bus leaves in five minutes.

Okay, I'll tell him.

Uncle Red, wake up.

Uncle Red, you're gonna
miss the bus. Wake up.

I have conceived.

What's that?

I have conceived.

What're you talking about?

I am in the family way.

Guess what, Red?

Now I know how our destinies
were meant to be intertwined.

It's this.

I'm gonna bear your child.

I have conceived. I know I have, I
can tell. Isn't it wonderful, Red?

You're gonna be a father.

Hold that bus.

But, Red...

you're not going now, are you?
After what you said last night?

What'd I say? No, forget about it.

Hoss, go down there
and hold that bus.

Red, ain't you heard
anything I said?

I've heard enough.

You're crazy, you know that?
You are really crazy.

Here's enough money to get the car
fixed and get you on to Memphis.

I'll be at a place
called the Top Hat

Club off Beale Street.
You can find it.

But what about her?

- Her? I don't care.
- We're leaving.

All right, just a second.

Here's some money. Get her a bus
ticket, any place, anywhere.

Just don't have her with you when
you get to Memphis, you hear?

Did you hear anything last night?

I mean, did she and I do anything?

Okay, I'll see you
in Memphis, Hoss.

Alone, you hear?

What's a white kid like you doing
way down here on Beale Street?

That's my Uncle Red.

It is? I'll tell you what.

Grab a chair right over here.

That way, in case
the police come...

you can say you're
our delivery boy.

Damn, Red Stovall, when're you
gonna get out in the sun...

and get some colour in your face?

Well, I could rub shoe polish on
me like I did down in Baton Rouge.

Hell, honey, no Klan
gonna be bothering

you down here on Beale Street.

You can just forget about the
shoe polish act this time.

I'll just rub up against you and
some of yours will rub off on me.

Honey, I'll rub it up against
you, but it sure won't rub off.

Now who in the world does this
little peckerwood belong to?

This is my nephew, Whit.

This is Flossie King, the one
I was telling you about.

I love you.

Red, who's been
giving this boy dope?

- Here.
- Poor baby.

You just sit there because
I've got another act to do.

Ain't she great? Best
damn blues singer around.

Speaking of songbirds, what'd
you do with our singer?

I left her at the bus
station, like you said.

Where was she heading?

She mentioned something
about Nashville.

If she tries to make
trouble for me,

Hoss, you'll have
to be my witness.

Trouble? How could she
make trouble for you?

You heard all that talk about
being in the family way.

She setting me up for
a paternity suit.

You think she'd do
something like that?

Don't you think you have a
problem with your drinking?

Only when I can't get it.

I mean, don't you think you might
need some help with your drinking?

No, I do quite well all by myself.

- Aren't there doctors...
- Look, Hoss...

if you wanna be my sidekick
and chauffeur, that's fine.

But if I want a nursemaid and
a wife to bitch at me...

I'll go out and get
myself one. Understand?

Was there ever anyone
that you wanted to marry?

Marry?

Yeah, I guess there
was, a few years back.

Who was she?

A girl I knew out in California.
Mary Simms was her name.

Why didn't you? Marry her, I mean.

She was married already.

A farmer married her when
she was 14 years old.

She had two kids.

Wasn't much to look at, really.

Just a raw-boned Okie girl.

But she was a fine, decent,
and faithful woman.

At least until I met her.

What happened?

She ran off with me.

I told her I loved her
just to get to her.

I knew it was a lie. I thought
she figured it was a lie, too.

But she took me serious. She
told me she loved me, too.

And she meant it.

We bummed around the country...

broke most of the time.

We even worked the fruit
harvest for awhile.

Lived in some...

flophouses and migrant
labour shacks.

It was all right.

It was more than all right.

I was happier than I think I've
ever been before in my life.

Before or since.

What happened?

I got tired of it, I guess.

I started wondering
what I was doing

with this raw-boned Okie girl...

thinking about all the women that
were hanging around the bars...

that I worked in.

I told her I felt
we'd made a mistake.

I told her to get her own place.
I gave her all my money...

so she could get one.

She threw the money in my face.

She said that she didn't want
any part of me or my money.

She took off and went
back to her husband.

And you? What'd you do?

I got drunk and started feeling
sorry for myself as usual.

I got to thinking what a
no-good bastard I was...

and what a decent girl Mary was.

I got to thinking maybe
I loved her all along.

Maybe I loved her
all this time and

just never realised it until...

I'd lost her.

You didn't try to find her?

I heard she was pregnant
before she left me.

I went on down to
Brawley where she

was from and tried to see her.

But before I could see her, I ran
into her husband and his brother.

They beat me up pretty
bad in the parking lot.

Her husband said Mary didn't
want to see me no more.

If I ever tried to
see her again...

they'd break my fingers and I'd
never play the guitar again.

So I left town.

And did she have the baby?

Yeah, I heard she did.

A little girl.

You never tried to see
her? The little girl?

No, she's better off
not knowing about me.

Mary was right to go
back to her husband.

What the hell did I
have to offer a kid?

Just honkytonks and flophouses.

That's the life of
a country singer.

Hoss, does it sound good to you?

Don't sound too hot when
you put it like that.

But it sure beats
picking cotton and

living in a sharecropper's shack.

Maybe you're right, boy.

Maybe you're right.

Maybe if I get this
break on the Opry...

we won't have to stay
in any flophouses

or sharecropper's
shacks ever again.

Thank you, Dusty.

We'll be in touch.

Well, Mr Stovall...

Red, anytime you're ready.

Red, what've you got?

I've written about 25 songs.

I've got this one called...

Papa and the Three Beers.

No, Red, that song can't
be done on the Opry.

We don't allow the mention of any
alcoholic beverage on the program.

Beer?

Ours is a clean, wholesome, family
show, Red. What else have you got?

If I can play your
piano, I can sing

a thing called, Flossie's Boogie.

No, Red. No boogie-woogie.
That don't fit in at the Opry.

What else?

Well, I got one about
lost love in waltz time.

That's good. Now that is always
a good subject for a song.

The only thing better
is about someone dying.

Let's hear it.

Nobody dies in this one.

A lunger.

The poor man. That's a damn shame.

Well, it's in God's hands.

Call in the next couple.

I'd better go tell him.

It's all over.

All this way for nothing, Hoss.

They're not gonna let
you sing on the Opry?

Not unless a doctor
says it's all right.

They're sending one
out to see us at

the boarding house this afternoon.

All this way for nothing.

Maybe tomorrow, I'll figure a way
to get you out to California.

Doctor, will he be able
to sing at the Opry?

- Who are you?
- I'm his nephew.

- I'm taking care of him.
- If you are...

you'd better get him into a
sanatorium where he belongs.

He's badly in need of
medical attention.

Now, here's my card.

If you can talk him into going
into a tubercular sanatorium...

and if he gets the money to pay
for it, you give me a call.

And the Opry? Will
he be able to sing?

Good Lord, boy. The Opry?

You think they'll
risk him coughing his

lungs out on a
national radio hookup?

That man shouldn't even
be singing in a shower.

Hi. I'm looking for Red
Stovall. Is he here?

He isn't feeling too good.

Sorry to hear that.

You think he'd be up to
talking to me for a minute?

Uncle Red, there's a
man here to see...

Henry Axle from Burnside Records.

I saw you today at
the Opry. I'd like

to talk to you for
a minute if I can.

What do you want?

First, I'd like to tell you how
much I enjoyed hearing you sing.

Coughing, don't you mean?

Sorry to hear about
your illness, Red.

You don't mind if I
call you Red, do you?

That won't stand in the way of
a deal I have to offer you.

Do you think we can sit down and
talk about it for a minute?

My partner, Charlie Jones...

he was at the Opry today, too.

He and I are down here from New
York looking for new talent.

You interest us.

After I heard you today, I got
on the phone to the company...

and the upshot was I've been
authorised to offer you a deal...

to record for Burnside.

We'll pay you $20 for
each song you record.

For ones we like, that is.

A flat fee? No royalties?

I'm afraid not. The people in the
front office insist on that.

This'll be a chance for you
to find a mass audience...

and that's what you
want, isn't it?

You get one hit
record out of this,

you'll be able to write
your own ticket.

When do you want to do all this?

Tomorrow...

if you feel up to it.

I want $100 in advance.

I think we can manage that.

A drummer, steel guitar,
and a decent piano man.

You'll have them.

Here's where you can find us.

10:00, okay?

See you then.

But, Uncle Red, the doctor said...
He said you shouldn't sing at all.

Hell, they've been
saying that for years.

Maybe they've been
right for years, too.

Don't worry about it, Hoss.

It's a pretty good
deal. $20 a record.

In a couple of days,
we'll have enough to...

get the car fixed and get
on back to California.

Here, I bought this for you.

It's probably cold by now, but
you should try and eat it.

Another hamburger?

Is that all you eat, hamburgers?

You're gonna turn into one.

One take from here. It'll
keep you away from the steel.

You boys about ready?

We might need a barrel of ice
to keep those masters in...

to protect them from this heat.

Good idea. All right, Red.

We're gonna go for
a rehearsal. Why

don't you take it from the bridge?

Red, why don't we take a break,
give your voice a little rest?

A doctor. I'll go get the doctor.

No, I'm all right.

Run to the liquor store
downstairs and get me a bottle.

Tell the guy it's for me.

But it's getting worse, Uncle Red.

Maybe a sanatorium, just
for a little while?

I've been in the sanatorium once,

Hoss. I ain't never
going back again.

- Well, it's your life.
- That's right, it is.

I intend to live it out on my own

terms or I ain't
gonna live at all.

That don't include...

having an oxygen tube
stuffed in your nose...

and feeding tubes in your arm.

Is that the way you wanna
see me go out, Hoss?

All I want to see
you do is get well.

That's three in a row, Red.

Why don't we take a break and
give your voice a little rest?

He's a lot worse today, isn't he?

Did he have a bad night?

He had a haemorrhage.

- He is seeing a doctor, isn't he?
- Just the Opry doctor.

He said Uncle Red
might die if he don't

stop singing and go
to a sanatorium.

You don't think he should
be doing this, do you?

Do you? Knowing it might kill him?

Want me to level with you, pal?

He's going to die anyway,
and he knows it.

And he knows that this
is his last chance.

Last chance? For what?

To be somebody.

Did you ever feel like you
wanted to be somebody?

If he makes these recordings...

who knows?

Okay, that's great. Thanks
for helping out, Smoky.

I'm really sorry, Red.
You gonna be all right?

Let's go for one more.

Let him go. Can't you
see he's had enough?

All right. Let's
listen to the playback

of this one and call it a day.

You go home and get a
good night's rest, Red.

We'll do a few more tomorrow.
You're doing great, pal.

Hoss.

Hoss, it's me.

Marlene. What're you...

Lord, I've been looking
all over for you.

I've finally found a
friend in Nashville.

Hoss, this city is something.
All these dirty old men...

How'd you find us?

Asked the people at the Opry.

Told them Red was my uncle
and I had to find him.

What's the matter? You look green
around the gills. You sick?

It's Uncle Red. TB.

TB?

Is it bad?

I don't know. I think he's dying.

Hoss, I got to see
him and tell him

I'm sorry about all
that back there.

I'm not in the family
way after all.

I never did believe that story
about you being knocked up anyway.

Why don't you two
get out of here...

and go see a movie or something?

I'm sorry if she...

I told her you probably didn't...

It's all right, boy.

She's all right.

Got a lot of brass.

You work with her on her
singing, though, will you?

Here. Call this doctor.

There's a telephone in the
drug store down the block.

I left him some laudanum.

See that he takes it and
gets plenty of rest.

If his breathing
becomes difficult...

you can go down to
Baxby's Pharmacy

and get him an oxygen tank.

That's all we can do now.

Can't we take him to a
sanatorium, like you said?

It's too late for that.

Actually, it's been too
late for a long time.

All you can do now is
make him comfortable.

How long has he got?

Not long.

Maybe a few hours.

Maybe even a few days.

He looks a little better.

I think maybe he's gonna
be okay this time.

What?

Hoss, you got your hands
full this time, don't you?

I got some oxygen here.

That's what they give
you in the sanatorium.

Is there anything I can get you?

You go get some rest.

Mary.

My raw-boned Okie girl.

I love you.

Uncle Red.

I'll be leaving now.

Now listen, son, if you
ever get the money...

and you do want him to
have a nice headstone...

you just let me know, and
I'll see to it personally...

that a real nice one is
placed on the grave.

What's the matter?

I don't know. I've been feeling
sick the past few mornings.

Probably just nerves.

So what're you gonna do now, Hoss?

Guess I'll make my way
out to California.

California?

Well, that's my heart's dream.

Hoss, I'll just do anything
to go to California.

You wouldn't mind if I
was to go with you?

I've been thinking it would be
nice if in memory of Red...

we could put some kind of
a little act together.

Sing some of his songs.

It would be real nice and I could
make some costumes and all.

We could play in some honkytonks,
maybe make some money...

just to get ourselves
to California.

It'd be a good thing to do.

Here's one from a
newcomer: Red Stovall.