Mama Flora's Family (1998) - full transcript
Mama Flora reflects on her life from the 1910s through to the 1970s while trying to help her granddaughter get her life right and be a better mother for her son, all while bringing the family she has left back together.
( Blues playing )
* mm-hmm, mm-hmm
* mm-hmm
* mm-hmm,
grandma's hands *
* clapped in church
on Sunday mornings *
* grandma's hands played
a tambourine so well *
* grandma's hands
used to issue out a warnin' *
* she'd say,
"Billy, don't you run so fast *
* "might fall
on a piece o' glass *
* might be snakes
there in that grass" *
* grandma's hands
* grandma's hand soothed
the local unwed mother *
* grandma's hand
* used to ache sometimes
and swell *
* grandma's hand used to lift
her face and tell her
* she'd say,
"baby, grandma understands *
* "that you really love
that man *
* put yourself
in Jesus' hands" *
* grandma's hand
* grandma's hand used to hand me
piece of candy *
* grandma's hand picked me up
each time I fell *
* grandma's hands
* boy, they really
flora! Flo!
* came in handy...
Your grandpa's back done busted!
Come on, babe, you
got to get out here
and help.
* ..."What you want
to spank him for? *
* he didn't drop
no apple core" *
* but I don't have grandma
flo, this will
keep the cotton
* anymore...
From tearin'
up your hands.
There's a good girl.
Josie, you stay here.
Ready? Come on, now.
Come on.
* ...Mm-hmm-hmm.
Lord have mercy.
How long has she
been living here?
At least
a month, mama.
That's a call girl.
You watch
your step, mama.
( Baby crying )
( Knocking )
Diana?
Diana? Come on
out, Diana.
Please open
the door, honey.
Diana, this here
grandma flora.
I didn't come all this way
to stand out here like a fool.
Open up the door now.
Shh.
Mama, come on.
( Baby crying loudly )
Okay, I'm coming, honey.
Come on.
That's a good boy.
It's all right, honey.
It's all right.
He stinks of liquor.
I seen pigsties
smell and look better
than this place.
You drinking
that vodka?
Yup. You
want some?
You comin' with me.
No, I ain't.
What you say?
I ain't going nowhere.
Girl, get on up.
Give me a hand here.
What you do...?
I said you're
coming with me.
Man, get off of me.
I don't even know you.
Mama, come on, now.
Hey, sweet cakes, do
you know who this is?
This is your great
grandma flora.
And I'm your friend, too.
Let me tell you somethin'.
You got a problem,
you need anything
you just come to me.
I'll always look
after you, you hear that?
You got a birthday coming,
sugar, don't you?
Now, what can we
get you special?
Something really special.
Hmm?
Happy birthday, child.
It's all we have
to give you
but this is your egg.
I'm going to
take this pencil
and I make
a Mark on it
and put it under
a hen about to set.
When it hatches, that
will be your baby chicken.
( Clucking )
Flora:
That egg meant the world to me.
I didn't have nothin' else.
Just a little ole shack
in Mississippi
where I lived
with my sister Josie
my ma, my pa
and my grandparents.
And then one mornin'
'bout three weeks later
I woke up to a surprise.
A little baby chick.
And it was all my own
and more precious to me
than anything in the world
and when that little baby chick
growed up, it made
a mighty tasty...
Stew.
Oh, lord have mercy.
Oh, y'all ain't got
nothin' else to do
but hang around
in front of the depot?
Yeah, you're
looking good.
Never mind
how I look.
Hi, there, flora.
Good to see you.
Hey, sugar.
Lord have mercy.
Well... here we are.
Home sweet home.
I'll just set
this box inside.
Much obliged.
You fixin' to eat
with US, Pearl?
That don't sound
like an offer to me.
Here.
Give a holler if
you need anything.
Now, flora,
looks like maybe
you're gonna need a man
around the house
what with all this company.
Only man I need,
albie, is the one
that's going
to turn around
and walk straight
back out that gate.
But don't you need
some wood chopped?
Well, I guess
I'll be going.
Bye, grandpa.
Bye-bye.
No use
in dawdling out here.
Come on in.
That there's
your pa's old room.
This place needs air.
This is home,
sweet cakes, home.
This ain't
no charity house, girl.
Get up off your butt
and start helping.
What you want me to do?
We need wood for the stove.
Grandpa said
he would chop the wood.
Ax is on the post, baby.
( Sighing )
Man... I got to chop wood?
Get your back
into it.
Go on, now.
Couple years and you're gonna
be choppin', too, sweet cakes.
Oh, girl.
Folks go to college
to get educated sense
and leave common sense
down below. Here, take him.
Like slicin' butter.
Sweet cake, your mom
done got herself
in a whole heap
of trouble.
It'll be different
'cause you're here now.
( Yells )
( Yells )
Ow!
It'll take a little time though.
( Laughing )
Won't do
no good there.
( Sighs )
Ow!
( Groaning )
I just about chopped
my hand off out there.
Oh, you'll be
more careful next time.
What about this?
You'll get used
to this old place, girl.
Here, let me see.
I'm cookin' up
some pork chops for dinner.
How's that sound?
I ain't hungry.
It's a long road
that never
turns, baby.
Really?
You ought to try sharecroppin'.
We done worked the land
from sunup to sundown
but not one square foot
was ours.
It all belonged
to maz Fleming.
Flora!
Flora!
Am I going to see you tonight?
( Women laughing )
Times were so bad we could
hardly put food on the table.
Always had US
some big barn dance
at the end of the season.
I mean everybody
got all dressed up
in their finest
and danced till dawn.
All right now,
I got to go.
Okay.
How was the
bagging, flo?
You sure are
looking lovely.
May I have the honor
of this dance?
( Chuckling )
I ain't much good at dancing.
Well, all that you got to do
is move to the music.
( Woman laughing )
All right.
May I?
Yes, sir.
Maz Lincoln.
Yes, sir.
( Slow waltz playing )
My name is Lincoln,
Lincoln Fleming.
You own the
plantation?
No. No. That
would be my daddy.
I've just come home
to help for a while.
You are?
Flora.
My name's flora.
Flora.
Do you know
what that means?
( Laughs )
It means flowers.
Miss flora
you truly are
the most beautiful flower here.
Easy, now.
Easy.
Easy, now.
How you doing, sir?
George.
Well, how's the family?
Fine. Fine. You?
Good. My father
has sent me
to talk to you
about leasing you
some more land.
Ah, miss flora.
Thank you.
I was just asking about you.
Wasn't 'specting company.
Uh, maz Lincoln's
been talkin'
about given US
a few more acres.
And I'm also in a position
to offer you an opportunity
for employment, flora.
My dear old grandma,
my Nana, she's poorly.
She needs someone
to sit by her bedside
and help tend to her needs.
It would mean that you would
have to move into our house
and you would be paid
a sum which I'm sure
would make up
for any inconvenience.
Well, I wouldn't want
flora to do anything
that she
didn't want to do
yes.
I'd love to.
Yes, I would.
Well, then... George?
I don't know. I...
Money for the
family, pa.
Well, I made up my mind.
That's all there is to it.
Then it's settled.
Well, I never can keep
my daughter from doing
what she wants to do.
You know, she's 99% henning
and one percent mule.
Here we are.
Flora:
That your house?
That's it.
Whoa.
I'll take that
for you, miss.
Thank you.
Thank you.
You're going to hear
all sorts of stories
as to how my daddy and Nana
made their money.
Well, most of them are true.
( Laughing )
After your morning chores you'll
be looking after miz Fleming.
This'll be for you.
When you're done,
come down the backstairs
outside to the kitchen.
Woman:
Morning, bessie.
Miz Fleming, this
be the new girl.
She gonna sit with you.
Come on over here and let me see
what you look like.
You prettier than
the rest of them anyway.
Sit down!
You're in my light!
I got to pee.
It's easy for you
young negras nowadays.
But I got mine.
And I bet that
makes y'all mad.
Warm up that thing.
And take the top
off of it.
Now, you take
them white folk--
them white folks hates US
'cause we got money.
And them colored,
they hates US too
'cause we got money.
Let me tell you something.
It was easy
getting rich
after the war
'cause the massas
didn't have no slaves
and the slaves
didn't have no money.
So you could
get a negra
to do most anything
for next to nothing.
They didn't care
what they got paid
'cause they was free.
( Chuckles )
So, what your precious freedom
done got ya now?
Don't keep standing there
looking at it!
Empty it.
( Knocking )
( Door opening )
I've come to see how you are.
You looked so unhappy
this afternoon.
What's the matter?
Do you miss
your family?
Flora, please...
What is it?
Has Nana been giving
you a hard time?
Well, don't you worry
yourself with her.
She's like that
with everyone...
Including me.
We mustn't let
my grandmother
spoil what is
special between US.
Flora, I'm sorry.
Would you like
me to leave?
Or should I stay?
( Laughing )
Henry, why don't
you make these
fine ladies
comfortable
while I arrange
for some cold drinks.
Get US some drinks.
Yes, sir.
( Door opening )
I'm sorry.
I am so sorry
for what happened today.
You must understand
that I have to maintain
a certain appearance
around others.
It has nothing...
Nothing to do with how I feel
about you.
Forgive me?
But you know,
these young ones...
Shh. Shh.
Lincoln:
Well, I don't know.
This could
be that day.
All right, daddy,
you ready?
Come on, let's go.
Come on.
( Laughing )
Bessie:
You ain't the first.
And you ain't gonna
be the last.
( All laughing )
One after another.
It's the truth,
though.
( Door opening )
( Gasps )
Bessie:
Come with US.
Where we going?
Don't tarry, girl.
Man:
Maz Lincoln's had
enough of you.
You knowed, didn't you?
You knowed
he just wanted me for his whore.
You never listen.
You knowed!
You been stubborn
since the day you was born.
Here.
Here's your money.
Take it.
Take it.
That's what he done paid...
For his whore.
Flora!
( Groaning )
You're all right.
It gonna be
all right.
Won't be long now, child.
The good lord be
watching over you.
( Groaning )
( Horse whinnying )
George?
Good evening.
Evening, maz Lincoln.
And a fine evening it is.
Word has it I'm about
to become a pappy.
Lord willing.
( Laughing )
Well, a blessing
and a burden.
That's what my Nana
always says.
Now, I know you all
to be good people
and I'm sure
you want to provide
a decent life for that
grandchild of yours.
Yes, sir.
Well, in order to provide
a decent life for that child
this farm-- it has to prosper.
Well, we been getting by.
Indeed, indeed.
George, you're one
of our best tenants.
Thank you, sir.
Of course,
you don't own this farm.
Uh... no...
Sir.
And I don't expect
there'll be too much of a future
for that grandchild
of yours without it.
Besides, so much
high-yellow blood
in some pickaninny
the child could grow up
an embarrassment
if it grows up
in the wrong hands.
Breathe, breathe.
All right,
now, push.
Come on, come on.
Push.
It's coming out now.
Here it is.
Come on, push,
push, push!
Push!
That's it!
That's it!
That's it! That's it!
That's it!
( Baby crying )
This be the happiest day
of my life.
Give me the child.
Mama, where you taking
my baby?
Where you going?
Ma... mama!
Where are you taking my baby?!
( Screaming )
Flora:
I never did see my baby again.
The Flemings made sure of that.
They made sure
I left town, too.
Said if I ever came back
to see my baby...
Harm would come to him.
That's the last time
I ever blamed anybody
for something I did.
( Swing music playing )
I told you she'd get
the hang of things
( laughs )
Now don't you go thinking
that lets you off the hook.
( Door opens )
Soon as I'm done
with these pies,
we're going into town.
Made peaches
for reverend Jackson,
boysenberry
for pat and Burt,
cafe gets rhubarb
and peaches for US.
You like peach pie?
It's okay.
I know you like
peach pies.
Child, you don't know
how blessed you are.
God has given you
an angel.
Incoming.
Here it comes.
( Train whistle blowing )
( Passengers chatting loudly )
Woman:
* when you stand...
Shh!
Men, I'm trying
to get my baby to sleep.
( Fussing )
* ...Sleepin'
* in his resting place...
( Baby bawling )
Oh...
* swear I'll see
* the angel...
( Train whistle blowing )
What's the matter, child?
What's the matter?
My baby.
Your baby?
My baby-- i'd
lost my baby.
Where?
I don't know
where... he is.
They ain't got
no right-- no right!
The child's mine!
Lyin'... lyin'
like he in love.
He never cared
nothin' 'bout me.
No matter
how much money they paid
my mama should have
never gave up that boy.
Time has a way of healing.
Dry your eyes now.
That's it.
Now, where are you headed?
Memphis.
You know, bad things can happen
to you in a big city.
It don't matter.
( Bell clanging )
Well...
That'd be it.
Stockton, Tennessee.
You sure about this?
Don't wanna feel
I pushed you.
( Sighs )
Thank you
for your kindness.
Well, I see folk like you
all over the south
heading off to Memphis,
Chicago, Detroit
and coming back in tears.
Can't say I ever see them
goin' in tears, though.
But I got a feelin'
you'd be just fine.
Good luck.
( Train engine starting )
( Train chugging )
Welcome, sister.
Now, you've come
to the right place.
Flora:
So the reverend Jackson
took me into his church.
Got me a job doing laundry
and a place to live.
Five years just seemed
like a blink of the eye.
* I am fightin' for my lord
* in the army of the lord *
* I am fightin' for my lord
* in the army *
* I am fightin' for my lord
* in the army of the lord *
* I am fightin' for my lord
* in the army *
* I believe our god
* in the army of the lord *
* I believe our god
* in the army *
* I believe our god
* in the army of the lord *
* I believe our god
* in the army... *
step right up.
Let me show you the secret
to nature's good, long life.
This is an Indian formula.
It cleanses the liver
it flushes the kidneys.
That's just
the internal medicine.
And I done sprung
from a briar patch.
Let me tell you about
the external medicine.
Ain't he gorgeous?
You see
this medicine here?
It's called
"big chief cures."
And it's made from
nature's own roots.
Now, you can't buy it
in no drugstore.
You can't buy it nowhere
but from me.
Now, anybody out there
got pain?
On your hand and neck?
How about your back?
Don't be shy now.
Don't be bashful.
Come on up here.
I got some pain right here.
You got surface neuralgia.
Now, here--
hold this.
You're going to be
wanting to buy that.
I'm going to show you
how easy it is to cure.
I'm rubbin' it right in here.
Now, you tell
our good friends:
Is this medicine
helping you or not?
Yes, sir!
"Yes, sir!"
( Crowd clamoring )
Woman:
The pain is gone.
Ten cents,
ladies and gentlemen.
There we go.
There's one for you.
Look like there are a whole lot
of sore shoulders
needin' some attention.
( Laughing )
My name is booker.
Booker t. Palmer.
Oh, I'm Pearl.
Pearl.
And this is flora.
Flora.
Can't say we seen you
around here before.
Well, I crop cotton
out of town here,
about five miles
that way.
Booker.
Yes, ma'am.
I never heard
a name like that.
My pappy named me
after booker t Washington
who started a college
for colored folk
down in Alabama.
You been
to a college?
Not unless you count
the schoolin'
that my granmama
gave to me, flo.
Hey hey, y'all been
to a moving picture show?
No.
I never seen
a moving picture show.
Well, they got one
playing here.
Right here tonight
at the town square.
What say you?
How about it, flo?
No.
Now you know my mama ain't go
unless you come along too.
Well, Pearl,
what say I meet you
here tonight...
About 8:00?
Eight o'clock.
All right.
8:00 it is.
Two, please.
This is
gonna be fun.
You know it.
( Organ music playing )
You be a fool,
going in there.
What you talking about?
( Chuckles )
You'll be sorry.
Watch it now.
( All gasp )
I told you
not to go in there.
I told her, Pearl.
So how long you been living
with Pearl and her folks?
Ever since I got here.
Well, it ain't easy,
living out on your own.
Well, I know how it is.
My ma done died bringing me
into this world,
and my pa--
my pa, he went last year.
The farm keeps me busy
and all with work,
but, well, none of it will
ever take the place of family.
You got a job here
in town, miss flora?
I do some laundry
and cleaning.
Reverend Jackson
over at the church,
he helped me get the work.
Can't say I miss
pulling cotton.
No, sir.
No, sir.
Good lord's
been giving you
his blessing?
And it's that blessing
that I hope
makes a place for me
in your heart, flora.
Well, if it's
the lord's blessing
you're looking for,
you'd best be
getting down to his house.
Church?
Church.
Pearl Jefferson...
I'm gonna tan your hide,
leaving me like that.
You the one that wanted
to see the show.
Why, flora,
you was having
such a good time
I'm surprised
you even seen me gone.
I was having
no such thing,
sitting there with some man
I don't hardly know.
Sounds to me like you done
taken a shine to him.
I ain't taking no shine
to another man
for as long as I live.
( Door slams )
* not my brother,
not my sister *
* but it's me, o lord
* standing in the need
of prayer, yeah *
* it's me, it's me,
it's me, o lord *
* standing in the need
of prayer *
* it's me, it's me,
it's me, o lord *
* standing in the need
of prayer *
* not the reverend,
not the Deacon *
* but it's me, o lord
* standing in the need
of prayer! *
what about your folks?
Your folks pick cotton?
Where they live?
Mississippi.
Mississippi? Whoo!
You're quite a ways
from there, ain't you?
You ever get back much?
Ain't nothin'
to go back for.
You got your family.
I done made a mess
out of things and...
Ain't no way I'll
ever make it right.
Sure you will.
I'm sure you will.
No.
You don't know.
You don't know
what I done.
I been... I been
with another man.
That don't matter, flora.
Don't matter
much to me.
There's a child.
A boy.
A boy?
A boy.
Where's the boy?
I don't know.
Is he cute as his mama?
( Chuckling )
Oh, you'll find
the boy, flora.
You are something else.
Stubborn as a mule.
You got a smile-- a smile
that light up the whole world.
And I know it's in there.
I know that
it's in there.
It's waiting to come out.
Just peeking...
Come on. Oh, I see
a little somethin'.
Is that a little
somethin' I see?
( Laughing )
* ain't no harm done
* calling on my Jesus
* ain't no harm done
* calling on the lord
* ain't no harm done
* calling on my Jesus
* calling on the name
of the lord *
* ain't no harm, harm done
* calling on my Jesus...
Mrs. Hopkins:
I'll put you on for one week,
on trial
and I don't want
any of your negra idleness.
No, ma'am.
I've had three maids
this month
each one lazier
than the last.
I pay two dollars
and 50 cents a week.
You'll be responsible
for cleaning the house
and cooking the breakfast
and the midday meal.
And... you will be
looking after me.
I'm expecting a baby
in a few months
and, uh... I want you here
at 6:00 each morning.
Oh, how far do you
live from here?
A ways.
'Bout... five, six miles.
Do you want the job or not?
Oh, yes'm. Yes'm, miz Hopkins.
I'll see you in the morning.
Thank you.
Thank you,
miz Hopkins.
Thank you.
Bye-bye, flora.
Merry Christmas, sug.
You are more beautiful
than ever, sweet cakes.
I have something
to tell you.
You's gonna be a pappy.
I'm gonna be a pappy.
I'm gonna be a pappy.
I'm-- I'm gonna be
a pappy.
I'm gonna be a pappy!
I'm gonna be a pappy.
Flo, I'm gonna be
a pappy!
I'm gonna be a pappy!
( Flora groaning in pain )
Woman:
Come on, girl.
Yeah... there we go.
( Baby crying )
Well, don't just
stand there.
She been through hell.
She needs you.
You been blessed
with a baby boy.
I'll be around to check
on you in the morning.
Must've been bad,
sweet cakes.
They heard you
yelling in Memphis.
( Laughs softly )
I was trying for Chicago.
We're going to
call this boy...
William, just
like we said.
And he ain't gonna
ever pull no cotton.
He gonna go to school.
He gonna get educated
so he be better...
Than ourselves.
This boy, he gonna be
a lawyer...
Have the respect
of white folks.
Mrs. Hopkins:
Flora, I'm going now.
Be sure to clean
the lamp chimneys
and this time
trim the wicks.
Yes'm.
Oh, if Mr. Hopkins calls,
tell him I'll be home by 4:00.
Yes'm.
Oh, yes.
Little Kevin, that
means I got you and
Willie all to myself.
Yes.
Yes, I do.
Let's go see.
Who's down there? Oh...
It's your old friend Willie.
Oh, come on.
( Kevin laughing )
Yeah.
Yeah, Kevin, big, mushy kiss.
Yeah, let's both
slobber all over him.
Booker:
The rain can't hold off forever.
We're all suffering, booker.
Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
Trying times
for US all.
Well, now, your crop didn't
even pay for last year's loan.
The cost of seed
and fertilizer is up.
Ten dollars is the best
I can do to carry you
over the winter.
Well, thank you, sir.
Next.
Oh, wait-wait-wait,
now, wait, now.
Uh... I thanks you
for this, sir.
I sure do, but I...
I needs more.
Besides'n what
we needs to eat
my baby needs... a blanket
and my wife needs
a new pair of bloomers.
You'll just have to make do
with what you have.
Yes, sir.
You know how it is, sir,
when a woman says she need
a new pair of bloomers.
A man just don't feel like a man
'less he can
get his wife
at least one pair
of pretty bloomers.
Ten dollars, Mr. Anderson,
just ain't enough.
Boy, I ain't no bank.
Now, if ten dollars ain't enough
there's a dozen men here
ready to take your land today.
( Chuckling )
Well, yes, sir.
Thank you, sir. Thank you.
Next.
* somebody's calling
my name *
* oh my lord, oh my lord
* what shall I do?
What shall I do? *
come on, baby.
( Whispers )
* somebody's
calling my name. *
well, I got 'em!
I got 'em.
I got the things
we need.
You what?
Did you get the loan?
A blankey here
for the boy.
Oh my god.
A good pound of meat
for our dinner.
And look here, flo--
a little something sweet
for my sweet cakes.
Chocolates.
And a new pair
of bloomers for you.
Bloomers!
Where'd you get
the money for all this?
I got what was mine.
You got the loan?
This boy...
He ain't never
gonna go hungry.
And this boy ain't
gonna haul no cotton!
This boy is
getting educated.
Man ( Shouting ):
Who's there?
( Growling and barking )
Who's out there?!
* ...Mockingbird don't sing
* mama's gonna buy you
a diamond ring... *
Flo...
( Truck approaching )
( Dog growling )
Flora:
Don't! No, no,
leave him be...
( Panting ):
I've... I've...
A baby... inside.
Please, don't...
Don't hurt my husband.
We don't wants no trouble.
You should've
told that nigger
before he snatched my cotton.
( Gunshot )
( Shrieks )
Booker!
( Dog barking )
( Whispering ):
Booker... booker...
It's going to be all right.
( Panting )
( Baby crying )
Lord, take me, too.
Come on... take me, too.
( Crying )
( Sobbing )
Oh, god...
( Baby crying loudly )
Baby...
Just scared... I'm scared.
It's going to be all right now.
( Continues crying )
I swore to that child
that no harm
would ever come to him.
I swore
that he'd never go hungry.
I swore
that he would have a chance...
To make a life
for hisself.
I made a promise to that child.
( Chuckles )
Yeah, well
thanks for the memories,
grandma.
I think I've had enough
of your bedtime stories.
Is that right?
Well, I guess that you done
got your life together, huh?
( Scoffs )
Hey, I'm on a roll.
Yeah. A girl like you can't make
the same mistakes I made, huh?
Now, what do you want, huh?
What you wanna do,
keep me locked up here
like some kind of prisoner?
Oh, no... not me, baby.
You're free to go.
You're free to go.
Good. Now we talkin'.
I'll help you pack.
I can handle it.
You want me to fix
you a sandwich?
The sooner I get out
of here, the better.
I guess you're right.
Best be going then.
I'm going, already.
But this boy's staying
right here with me.
That's right. Till you can
be a mama to your son
he's staying right here with me.
Flora:
It was just me
and my little boy Willie now.
Till I went
to see my sister Josie,
who I heard was low-down sick.
This be your new little sister.
Ruthana?
She be my cousin.
She not your cousin no more.
She your sister now.
Reverend:
In this time of trouble
with so many out of work
with depression and starvation
in the land
I have good news.
Congregation:
Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Amen.
God is sitting
up there in heaven.
Congregation:
Yes, he is! Yes, he is.
A god who cares about US.
Congregation:
Amen!
A god who knows
we are here this morning.
Man:
Uh-huh!
Ernestine likes you.
( Choir singing )
This the house of the lord.
Come on
brothers and sisters,
just 15 more cents.
Make it an even five dollars.
Anybody else? Come on, now.
Let's all dig deep.
Amen.
Come on, here, church,
we only need
these last few pennies.
Here you go, ruthana.
Amen. Thank you
sister flora.
Amen! Let the church say amen.
Amen. Amen.
Reverend:
Amen.
Choir:
* hallelu...
Can I please have another?
Here, sugar.
Ain't you hungry?
You sick?
I'm sick of school.
You mind your mouth, boy.
I ain't going no more.
I works my fingers
to the bones keeping you
in books and clothes.
That's what I'm trying
to tell you, mama.
You out scuffing,
day in and day out.
Killing yourself. For what?
I ain't learning nothing.
I ain't no good at school
and I ain't
going back.
You think
it don't eat me up?
Seeing you come home
wore out each day?
Why, mama? What for?
'Cause I promised your pappy
on his dying day.
You ain't gonna
be ignorant
like the rest of US.
You gonna be a lawyer
and make your Mark
on this world.
But we needs the money now.
We ain't never gone hungry
in this house.
The lord will provide.
What's the lord
done given you?
Don't you be
talking blasphemy.
You can't take faith
to no grocery store.
Mama, don't. Mama, don't.
You can beat me till
I'm black and blue
and blood start coming
out of me, but I'm still
gonna get me a job!
My life changed.
Willie left school
and kept a job
at the cotton gin for years.
Say, Willie.
That you I saw
down at pop's place
with ernestine?
Y'all just jealous 'cause
I got me a girl.
That boy done bit the worm
and ready to be reeled in.
( Men laughing )
Some things stayed the same.
( Horn honking )
Kevin! Come on, now!
I was still working
for miss Hopkins.
Come on! Kevin!
But now... now Kevin
was all growed up.
In a manner of speaking.
Hey, now. Whoo-hoo!
( Boys shouting )
A-p-p-l-e.
Good. Good.
Well, thank you, ma'am.
"City."
Oh, you messing
with me, girl.
That's easy.
City.
Cit-- sit.
S-i-t-y.
Sity.
No.
I'll bet you a penny.
Ruthana?
What's that stuff
on your head?
Vaseline there, girl.
He thinks it makes him
looks handsome.
Well, it sure wouldn't
hurt you, mama.
I got this hot iron
in my hand, boy.
Say, ruthie,
I need to tell you
I made a little extra
this week, girl,
for all the books
you been wanting.
Thank you!
That's for you.
And I got something
for you too, mama.
Come on, mama.
Just a little bit?
Can't you never
gonna forgive me
for up
and quitting school, mama?
Put me down.
I said put me--
all right, all right.
As long as you keep buying
ruthana her books.
I be sat--
I mean I am satisfied.
Put me down.
All right.
Dip you in a little bit
of that vaseline.
I said you--
Willie:
What time your pappy say
he want you home?
My daddy said
I have to be home by 11:00.
Your daddy ain't got nothing
to do with this here.
You ain't got nothing
to worry about-- you're with me.
Hey, Jimmy!
All right, now.
What you going
to do there, girl?
Oh, so that's
how you do it.
Want a fish sandwich?
All right.
Give me two of them
catfish there.
Hey, evening, ernestine.
Evening, Louis.
Here, finish
this for me.
I'm going to win me
some of that gambling money.
Go ahead, boy.
What, you scared?
Ain't a man
until you drink some moonshine.
( Coughing )
Whoo!
Hot sauce?
Yes!
All right.
All right, six my point.
Two bits. Come on, man.
Two bits?
Come on, these
dice are hot.
They ain't going
to last the night.
Two bits on
the ground.
Come on,
now, come on.
Roll the dice.
Yeah!
( Men groaning )
Oh, Willie, want to
get some of this?
I ain't come here
to fool with no dice.
Now, is you
going to dance
with me, Willie
Palmer, or not?
( Men laughing )
Come on.
You better come
on with me.
I seen you move your feet.
Come on, let's dance.
( Giggling )
Well, I thank you kindly.
I had a wonderful evening.
I'm glad.
Hey, I want
to show you something.
What you want to show me?
Look up there.
They sho' is pretty,
ain't they?
They beautiful.
Just like you.
I know.
Now, where'd that come from,
there?
What's that? Oh!
Just sittin' there.
It's all pretty
and shiny...
Maybe somebody lost...
Oh!
It's beautiful!
You're my star, ernestine.
My bright,
shining star.
I told you to have her home
by 11:00, boy.
Do you know what time it is?
No, sir. No, sir.
I-I didn't have
no watch.
Announcer:
The eighth round of the
heavyweight fight is underway.
Braddock
in the center of the ring
and Louis led with a left,
and missed
and braddock
was on his back...
Braddock led with a left
and came up with a right
that was a little short.
Braddock now gave Louis
a left in the face.
Louis gave braddock
a hard left hook in return...
You reckon
he can do it?
Joe's the man.
...a hard right
to braddock's head.
Braddock came up with a right.
An uppercut that missed.
Louis backed out of the way.
Braddock's
in the center of the ring
and Louis hit him,
and braddock is down!
( Cheering )
One, two, three, four, five...
Get up, get up, come on!
...seven, eight, nine, ten.
( Cheering and laughing )
The new world champion,
Joe Louis!
The new world champion...
Joe Louis is the best fighter
in the whole world!
The brown bomber! Whoo!
Hey. What'd you say,
boy?
Did I hear you say...
( Chuckling )
That Joe Louis
could beat any white man
in the world?
No, sir, I didn't say that.
I heard you say
Joe Louis could beat
any white man
in the world.
No, sir, I just
didn't say that.
I know
I didn't say that.
You calling me a liar?
No, sir, we don't want
no problems here.
Let's teach this nigger
some manners.
Come on, Kevin!
Come on,
hit him!
Willie!
( Screaming )
Come on, hit
him again!
I ain't finished with you,
Kevin Hopkins!
You're a dead man,
Willie Palmer!
You're a dead man,
Willie Palmer!
( Whistle blowing )
He ain't gonna kill me.
He said he was a dead man,
Mrs. Palmer.
Done lost me
a husband. Ain't gon'
lose no son!
I know, mama. I know.
I'll be back.
Remember.
Mama. Come on, now, mama.
I love you.
Take care of your mama, hear?
You're a big girl
now, ruthana, hear?
Where will Willie go?
Oh, he'll find his way.
Well, are we gonna
see him again?
Why don't you go on over
and visit.
We're looking for your boy.
He ain't here.
You're just
wasting your time.
I said he ain't here.
Well, where is he, then?
I don't know.
You're his mama, ain't you?
You want to know about my boy
you got to find
him for yourself.
We'll see
about that.
( Flora yelling )
Back seat. Back seat.
Henry, drive.
( Engine starting )
( Men whooping )
Come on, boys!
( Men whooping )
Over there!
Light it up!
All right, Gary.
Do it.
Don't you close
your eyes.
We want you
to see this.
When we find him
this is what we're
gonna do to him.
Look at
your church now.
Look at your church,
huh?
Open your eyes!
What you think about that?
You gonna watch it.
Oh girl, I've been praying
and praying for this day.
When your daddy left stockton
I didn't know that
I'd ever see him again.
Flora:
Willie! Willie!
But the war and all in Europe
threatening to come
right over here
I guess Kevin Hopkins and his
buddies didn't seem interested
in holding grudges anymore.
Hey, girl.
Flora:
Boy, they done give you
some good hair.
Hey, girl.
You sure looking
mighty fine there, girl.
Reverend Jackson:
Heavenly father
we gather together today
to render special honor...
Hope I ain't got
to say nothing.
And we beseech thy continued
blessings upon our dear sister
flora Palmer.
( Applause )
She has served her god
faithfully
she's served her community
faithfully
and she's served
her family faithfully.
Sister Palmer,
throughout this town
is known for her good works
and it is our privilege today
to pay tribute
to her Christian charities.
( Choir ends song )
We also have here today
a young brother of this church.
Young brother Willie Palmer
here all the way from Chicago
and we ask him
for his testimony.
( Congregation encouraging )
Well, y'all know
I ain't never
knowed my pappy.
Y'all know that.
But my mama
here, she...
I was fixin' to say
she always telling me
the right thing to do.
Congregation:
Amen.
And I ain't always done them.
As far back as I can remember
I've been... coming
here to this church--
mama been bringing me here.
Amen.
All:
Amen.
She tried hard
to keep me in school.
I know I just about killed her
when I quit school,
I know that
but I wanted to be a man.
I wanted to help out,
'cause, see, mama needed help.
That's my mama.
All:
Amen.
So I... I left her.
I left home and I left
my mama by herself
but she's been with me.
Whatever I done,
she's been there.
I love you, mama.
God knows
I love you.
* gonna lay down my burdens
* down by the river side
* down by the river side
* down by the river side...
Ernestine:
You made your mama
proud, Willie.
There wasn't a dry eye
in that church.
Everybody's just been
talking about you
coming back from Chicago,
doing so good.
It's lies.
What you mean, lies?
It's all lies.
I ain't got no money.
Ain't nothing I
got on paid for.
Dollar come in
one hand and go
right out the next.
What I've been doing up there
is been gambling and...
I've been drinking and...
Been running around.
Been other women, ernestine.
I ain't kept my faith with you
like I was suppose to.
The only thing I know right now
is that I love you, ernestine.
That's all I know.
Now, I'm going
to pay off all my debts.
I'm going to do all of it.
If you don't want
to forgive me, I understand.
No, it don't work like that.
Not with this girl.
Now, I'm not forgetting
what you done
but I ain't going to let it
come between US neither.
No, you straighten up,
Willie Palmer
and we can make US
that life together.
Not now.
( Laughing )
Willie:
Where is my mama?
That sound like
my Willie.
Today is your day.
I figured on finding
you two like this.
Don't look like you
spared yourself none.
Give it to me,
let me clean it up for you.
Hey, Willie, you
want a soda pop?
Sure.
Reverend Jackson said they
building a big factory
over in millington.
Everybody says
we're going to war.
Seems they got
plenty of jobs there
making some airplanes.
They ain't going to let
no colored folks work there.
Oh, Eleanor Roosevelt said
they going to have to.
Well, I ain't going
to be the first negro
going up there
looking for a job
and get kicked out the door,
I know that much.
Then maybe you going
back to Chicago.
I don't know, mama.
It ain't nobody's business
what I do.
Long as you's my child
you is my business.
I ain't your child
no more, mama.
I'm a grown man.
Will you just let me...
Just let me be.
Where you going?
Where I belong.
Back to Chicago?
With them gamblers
and harlots
and dope
and drinking
yourself to death?!
This ain't my home
no more, mama.
Oh, booker, booker, booker.
Done lost one son,
about to lose another.
Help me.
( Gunshots and battle cries
on TV )
Just ought to forget
about catching them injuns.
Di...?
Diana?
Diana?
Next rack, we playing
for shooters.
( Soul music playing )
I come to get you.
Girl, you hear me
talking to you?
I said I come
to get you.
Mama, you ain't
got no right
coming up in here
after me like this.
You listen to me,
and you listen to me good.
I said, I come
here to get you.
You said I was free
to go, right?
Well, then leave me alone.
I ain't gonna leave
you alone, no nothin'.
Not as long as there's
a breath in my body.
You're stinking
drunk again.
You comin' with me.
Oh, man!
All right, come on.
Come on, grandma.
Take me back
to the penal colony.
Take me back, sister,
to where I belong... amen.
Send me bowing and scraping for
the massah, just like my daddy.
Hallelujah.
And where's my main man?
Now, where did he go?
How come Jermaine
ain't here with me?
Where did he go
with his... idealism?
His know-it-all on ice...
His flash and dash,
his power to the people.
Hallelujah.
Huh?
People is just me and my son.
You finished?
End of service.
I think I'm going
to be sick.
( Diana grunts )
Mama, you ever been
on a ship on a stormy day?
No.
Well... me neither,
but this must be
what it feels like.
Here, drink this.
That'll straighten you
right out.
I ain't drinking no more.
My partying days
are over.
Hallelujah.
Uck!
You know,
I take one step forward
and 10 steps back.
I must be
the two-stepping queen
of bad excuses.
I don't know.
I look at my son--
I mean, how can I ever
make it up to him?
He ain't asked to be born
into this world,
and all I done
was screw it up.
Well, none of US
is perfect, baby.
Yeah, but I wanna do
the right thing.
I just don't know
if I know how.
God's given you
a second chance,
and that's hope
staring you dead
in the face, baby.
I did what I was scared to do
for so many years.
I went looking for the son
I never raised.
I went looking even though
I had been told
harm would come to him.
I went looking
because I had to.
I just had to go back.
( Sniffling )
Man:
Morning.
Morning.
I was on my way
into town.
Thought maybe
you needs a ride.
Well, now, I surely
appreciate your kindness.
Don't reckon you
from these parts.
I used to live around here.
Lord, ain't nobody
lived around here...
Flora?
Flora henning?
Charlie.
Well, I'll be.
What-what... what you,
what you doing here?
I'm headed
for the Fleming place.
You know, I have
some business there.
The Flemings?
Ain't too many folks got
business around there.
Ain't nothing
there no more.
Look here,
you wants a ride?
Now, I don't want
to be taking you
out of your way.
I ain't got nothing
better to do.
You, uh... you married?
No.
My husband,
he done passed on.
A pretty woman like you
she ought to have
herself a man.
I'll just take
the ride, thank you.
Yes, ma'am.
Yes, ma'am.
Charlie:
Well, Nana Fleming... dead.
Oh, miz Fleming, she still
live there all alone
since her man
done left her.
Young maz Lincoln,
he still there?
Maz Lincoln dead.
He done got
himself killed.
Some trouble with
another man's wife.
Heard tell about some
boy child.
Yeah, little maz Luke.
Yes, ma'am.
Luke.
He there now?
Ah, nothing around
here for him.
He done gone to college
in Atlanta.
What you know about his mama?
Little maz Luke
ain't got no mama.
They done found him
in a cabbage patch.
Turned up one day
out the blue
and his grandma
called him Luke
from out the Bible.
Yep... sure did.
I'll wait here for you.
I come to see miz Fleming.
She's sick.
Bessie.
I'm flora.
Maz Luke's mama.
Flora.
Miz Fleming
won't see you.
But she's gots to see me.
It's the past, child.
Just let it be.
Bessie, I gots to know.
Bessie, you was here.
You-you know.
Tell me that he's all right.
Girl, she'd kill me
if I tell you.
But I'm his ma...
His mama.
I'm his mama.
Maybe he don't want
to see his mama.
Maybe he don't want
to meet the mama
what give him away.
But you know
the truth, bessie.
Tell him what they
done to me, bessie.
Tell him that I never
stopped thinking about him.
Please, bessie.
Tell him...
I was here.
When, uh...
He come home
he... he gets his mail.
You can write to him here.
I'll see that he gets it.
God bless you, bessie.
Thank you.
Flora:
Are you getting
my...
Let...
Letter?
Oh.
I...
Won't...
Lord, I don't know
what to do.
I've been writing and writing
and writing and writing.
Can't get one single answer.
Not one letter from Luke.
Maybe... maybe it's your will.
If it is your will,
then thy will be done.
But I'm asking you,
heavenly father
to look down on Willie.
Look down on Willie, lord.
Give him a helping hand.
He needs you.
He needs you.
God sent ab to Willie.
Palmer.
Hey, Palmer.
You should have
been finished
with that truck
an hour ago.
I got me
one more load
and then
I'll be done.
Every man here
has it just as
tough as you.
If you drop the ball,
somebody else got
to pick up the slack.
I'm working fast
as I can, boss.
Fast as I can.
Don't make me have
to let you go.
It was ab
who tried to save Willie.
Where's my rent, boy?
You know you'll
be getting it, miss lady.
That's what
you said yesterday.
Now...
A pretty woman
like yourself
ought not to be worrying
herself so, hey?
Well, if you don't
get that rent,
you'll be out
on the street.
Gots to have faith,
miss lady.
( Swing music playing )
Cigarettes? Okay.
Come on, what you got?
What you got?
Shoot that.
Oh! ( Laughs )
Hey, come one back!
We've got some more playing
we're gonna do!
You're a big timer--
with the suit, man!
All right, all right.
Give me five.
Come on. Shoot.
10, you're a big time.
Five? 10!
Give me 10.
Yo, that's what
I'm talking about.
( Laughs )
Come on.
Oh!
( Men laugh, yelling )
Hey hey,
let me look at you.
Reg...
I see you throwing
good money after bad.
I'ma pay you your money, reg.
I'ma pay you your money.
That may be...
But in the meantime
I'm out of a grand
and still counting.
Man, my luck is changing.
I'm feeling--
there's not that much luck
in all the world
that's gonna make you
a winner, Willie.
Now if I were you,
I'd start paying
or start praying.
Lookie, i'ma--
( Grunts )
( Coughs )
Okay. So see you all
next week, okay?
And make sure you get
a flier now.
Thanks. There you are.
( Chatting )
We had a good meeting.
Sorry you missed it.
Ain't nothing
going right for me.
Ain't nothing I do--
who. It's-- it's okay.
Martha.
Martha, I want you
to meet Willie,
Willie Palmer.
Here you go.
Mr. Palmer.
Ma'am.
Willie's gonna come stay
with US for a while.
Ain't that right?
Men do everything
women do in our house.
Martha's bark is
worse than her bite.
Go on,
get out of here.
You give me
your pay packet every week.
I'll take some for rent
and paying your bills
and put some
in a savings account.
You'll get $5 a week
for your pocket,
and the rest will go toward
paying off your debt
and sending money home
to your mother.
Okay, Willie?
It's Sunday, mama.
You know there's
no mail on Sunday.
I swear, mama,
you been out to that box
half a dozen times
since yesterday's morning.
We just got a letter
from Willie with a check.
You got yourself
a secret admirer?
Flora!
Flora, the Japanese
done bombed Pearl harbor!
It's on the radio.
Flora, we're going to war.
President Roosevelt:
December 7, 1941
a date which will live
in infamy.
With confidence
in our armed forces
with the unbounding
determination
of our people...
We will gain
the inevitable triumph
so help US, god.
Ab, you really think
they're gonna let US fight?
( Laughs )
When they run out
of white boys.
Flora:
Willie and ab did go to war.
Strange enough, their first
battle was with the white men
in their own platoon...
They don't want US
seeing their Betty grable.
...who didn't cotton to the
idea of colored soldiers
staring at a blonde bombshell
in a bathing suit.
( People cheering )
Come back, now,
safe.
I will.
I just want my chance
to be a hero.
I don't need you
to be no hero, son.
Mama, I'm going
to make you proud.
It's all right.
I ain't always
listened to you.
And I ain't always been
the son I oughta be to you.
But this...
I'm gonna do this right.
Come back, son.
I'm gonna make you
real proud of me.
Just come on back.
Safe.
( Train whistle blowing )
I gotta go.
I gotta go.
Ernestine.
I'm waiting for you.
I love you, star.
( Train whistle blows )
Ruthana.
Keep studying
them books, you hear?
I'm gonna write you
every single day, okay, mama?
You do that, son.
I love you, Kevin.
Uh, you can call me.
Yeah, you take care.
Flora:
I remember staring
at Mrs. Hopkins.
For the first time in our
lives, we were just the same.
Two mamas saying bye
to their boys
and wondering if they'd
ever see them again.
( Train whistle blows )
Hey, flora.
Miss Lilly.
What do you want?
Give blood.
Um...
Wait here.
You have to leave.
But I've come
to give blood.
My son, Willie--
he's a soldier in the army.
We don't take colored blood.
Get out of here, nigra.
Quit makin' trouble.
What if my son gets hurt?
What kind of blood
you gonna give him?
What's up, man?
( Sloshing )
"The souls of black folks,"
read it?
Nah.
W.e.b. Du bois--
social scientist,
political leader,
the force behind
the Harlem renaissance.
He believed in
an educated negro elite.
( Whispering )
Close it up on the right.
Close it up! Come on!
Tight--
stay tight.
Hold hold. Hold!
( Guns firing )
( Grunts )
Ab!
Ab!
Hold on!
Cover me!
( Yells )
Oh, god.
* mm-hmm, mm-hmm
* mm-hmm
* mm-hmm,
grandma's hands *
* clapped in church
on Sunday mornings *
* grandma's hands played
a tambourine so well *
* grandma's hands
used to issue out a warnin' *
* she'd say,
"Billy, don't you run so fast *
* "might fall
on a piece o' glass *
* might be snakes
there in that grass" *
* grandma's hands
* grandma's hand soothed
the local unwed mother *
* grandma's hand
* used to ache sometimes
and swell *
* grandma's hand used to lift
her face and tell her
* she'd say,
"baby, grandma understands *
* "that you really love
that man *
* put yourself
in Jesus' hands" *
* grandma's hand
* grandma's hand used to hand me
piece of candy *
* grandma's hand picked me up
each time I fell *
* grandma's hands
* boy, they really
flora! Flo!
* came in handy...
Your grandpa's back done busted!
Come on, babe, you
got to get out here
and help.
* ..."What you want
to spank him for? *
* he didn't drop
no apple core" *
* but I don't have grandma
flo, this will
keep the cotton
* anymore...
From tearin'
up your hands.
There's a good girl.
Josie, you stay here.
Ready? Come on, now.
Come on.
* ...Mm-hmm-hmm.
Lord have mercy.
How long has she
been living here?
At least
a month, mama.
That's a call girl.
You watch
your step, mama.
( Baby crying )
( Knocking )
Diana?
Diana? Come on
out, Diana.
Please open
the door, honey.
Diana, this here
grandma flora.
I didn't come all this way
to stand out here like a fool.
Open up the door now.
Shh.
Mama, come on.
( Baby crying loudly )
Okay, I'm coming, honey.
Come on.
That's a good boy.
It's all right, honey.
It's all right.
He stinks of liquor.
I seen pigsties
smell and look better
than this place.
You drinking
that vodka?
Yup. You
want some?
You comin' with me.
No, I ain't.
What you say?
I ain't going nowhere.
Girl, get on up.
Give me a hand here.
What you do...?
I said you're
coming with me.
Man, get off of me.
I don't even know you.
Mama, come on, now.
Hey, sweet cakes, do
you know who this is?
This is your great
grandma flora.
And I'm your friend, too.
Let me tell you somethin'.
You got a problem,
you need anything
you just come to me.
I'll always look
after you, you hear that?
You got a birthday coming,
sugar, don't you?
Now, what can we
get you special?
Something really special.
Hmm?
Happy birthday, child.
It's all we have
to give you
but this is your egg.
I'm going to
take this pencil
and I make
a Mark on it
and put it under
a hen about to set.
When it hatches, that
will be your baby chicken.
( Clucking )
Flora:
That egg meant the world to me.
I didn't have nothin' else.
Just a little ole shack
in Mississippi
where I lived
with my sister Josie
my ma, my pa
and my grandparents.
And then one mornin'
'bout three weeks later
I woke up to a surprise.
A little baby chick.
And it was all my own
and more precious to me
than anything in the world
and when that little baby chick
growed up, it made
a mighty tasty...
Stew.
Oh, lord have mercy.
Oh, y'all ain't got
nothin' else to do
but hang around
in front of the depot?
Yeah, you're
looking good.
Never mind
how I look.
Hi, there, flora.
Good to see you.
Hey, sugar.
Lord have mercy.
Well... here we are.
Home sweet home.
I'll just set
this box inside.
Much obliged.
You fixin' to eat
with US, Pearl?
That don't sound
like an offer to me.
Here.
Give a holler if
you need anything.
Now, flora,
looks like maybe
you're gonna need a man
around the house
what with all this company.
Only man I need,
albie, is the one
that's going
to turn around
and walk straight
back out that gate.
But don't you need
some wood chopped?
Well, I guess
I'll be going.
Bye, grandpa.
Bye-bye.
No use
in dawdling out here.
Come on in.
That there's
your pa's old room.
This place needs air.
This is home,
sweet cakes, home.
This ain't
no charity house, girl.
Get up off your butt
and start helping.
What you want me to do?
We need wood for the stove.
Grandpa said
he would chop the wood.
Ax is on the post, baby.
( Sighing )
Man... I got to chop wood?
Get your back
into it.
Go on, now.
Couple years and you're gonna
be choppin', too, sweet cakes.
Oh, girl.
Folks go to college
to get educated sense
and leave common sense
down below. Here, take him.
Like slicin' butter.
Sweet cake, your mom
done got herself
in a whole heap
of trouble.
It'll be different
'cause you're here now.
( Yells )
( Yells )
Ow!
It'll take a little time though.
( Laughing )
Won't do
no good there.
( Sighs )
Ow!
( Groaning )
I just about chopped
my hand off out there.
Oh, you'll be
more careful next time.
What about this?
You'll get used
to this old place, girl.
Here, let me see.
I'm cookin' up
some pork chops for dinner.
How's that sound?
I ain't hungry.
It's a long road
that never
turns, baby.
Really?
You ought to try sharecroppin'.
We done worked the land
from sunup to sundown
but not one square foot
was ours.
It all belonged
to maz Fleming.
Flora!
Flora!
Am I going to see you tonight?
( Women laughing )
Times were so bad we could
hardly put food on the table.
Always had US
some big barn dance
at the end of the season.
I mean everybody
got all dressed up
in their finest
and danced till dawn.
All right now,
I got to go.
Okay.
How was the
bagging, flo?
You sure are
looking lovely.
May I have the honor
of this dance?
( Chuckling )
I ain't much good at dancing.
Well, all that you got to do
is move to the music.
( Woman laughing )
All right.
May I?
Yes, sir.
Maz Lincoln.
Yes, sir.
( Slow waltz playing )
My name is Lincoln,
Lincoln Fleming.
You own the
plantation?
No. No. That
would be my daddy.
I've just come home
to help for a while.
You are?
Flora.
My name's flora.
Flora.
Do you know
what that means?
( Laughs )
It means flowers.
Miss flora
you truly are
the most beautiful flower here.
Easy, now.
Easy.
Easy, now.
How you doing, sir?
George.
Well, how's the family?
Fine. Fine. You?
Good. My father
has sent me
to talk to you
about leasing you
some more land.
Ah, miss flora.
Thank you.
I was just asking about you.
Wasn't 'specting company.
Uh, maz Lincoln's
been talkin'
about given US
a few more acres.
And I'm also in a position
to offer you an opportunity
for employment, flora.
My dear old grandma,
my Nana, she's poorly.
She needs someone
to sit by her bedside
and help tend to her needs.
It would mean that you would
have to move into our house
and you would be paid
a sum which I'm sure
would make up
for any inconvenience.
Well, I wouldn't want
flora to do anything
that she
didn't want to do
yes.
I'd love to.
Yes, I would.
Well, then... George?
I don't know. I...
Money for the
family, pa.
Well, I made up my mind.
That's all there is to it.
Then it's settled.
Well, I never can keep
my daughter from doing
what she wants to do.
You know, she's 99% henning
and one percent mule.
Here we are.
Flora:
That your house?
That's it.
Whoa.
I'll take that
for you, miss.
Thank you.
Thank you.
You're going to hear
all sorts of stories
as to how my daddy and Nana
made their money.
Well, most of them are true.
( Laughing )
After your morning chores you'll
be looking after miz Fleming.
This'll be for you.
When you're done,
come down the backstairs
outside to the kitchen.
Woman:
Morning, bessie.
Miz Fleming, this
be the new girl.
She gonna sit with you.
Come on over here and let me see
what you look like.
You prettier than
the rest of them anyway.
Sit down!
You're in my light!
I got to pee.
It's easy for you
young negras nowadays.
But I got mine.
And I bet that
makes y'all mad.
Warm up that thing.
And take the top
off of it.
Now, you take
them white folk--
them white folks hates US
'cause we got money.
And them colored,
they hates US too
'cause we got money.
Let me tell you something.
It was easy
getting rich
after the war
'cause the massas
didn't have no slaves
and the slaves
didn't have no money.
So you could
get a negra
to do most anything
for next to nothing.
They didn't care
what they got paid
'cause they was free.
( Chuckles )
So, what your precious freedom
done got ya now?
Don't keep standing there
looking at it!
Empty it.
( Knocking )
( Door opening )
I've come to see how you are.
You looked so unhappy
this afternoon.
What's the matter?
Do you miss
your family?
Flora, please...
What is it?
Has Nana been giving
you a hard time?
Well, don't you worry
yourself with her.
She's like that
with everyone...
Including me.
We mustn't let
my grandmother
spoil what is
special between US.
Flora, I'm sorry.
Would you like
me to leave?
Or should I stay?
( Laughing )
Henry, why don't
you make these
fine ladies
comfortable
while I arrange
for some cold drinks.
Get US some drinks.
Yes, sir.
( Door opening )
I'm sorry.
I am so sorry
for what happened today.
You must understand
that I have to maintain
a certain appearance
around others.
It has nothing...
Nothing to do with how I feel
about you.
Forgive me?
But you know,
these young ones...
Shh. Shh.
Lincoln:
Well, I don't know.
This could
be that day.
All right, daddy,
you ready?
Come on, let's go.
Come on.
( Laughing )
Bessie:
You ain't the first.
And you ain't gonna
be the last.
( All laughing )
One after another.
It's the truth,
though.
( Door opening )
( Gasps )
Bessie:
Come with US.
Where we going?
Don't tarry, girl.
Man:
Maz Lincoln's had
enough of you.
You knowed, didn't you?
You knowed
he just wanted me for his whore.
You never listen.
You knowed!
You been stubborn
since the day you was born.
Here.
Here's your money.
Take it.
Take it.
That's what he done paid...
For his whore.
Flora!
( Groaning )
You're all right.
It gonna be
all right.
Won't be long now, child.
The good lord be
watching over you.
( Groaning )
( Horse whinnying )
George?
Good evening.
Evening, maz Lincoln.
And a fine evening it is.
Word has it I'm about
to become a pappy.
Lord willing.
( Laughing )
Well, a blessing
and a burden.
That's what my Nana
always says.
Now, I know you all
to be good people
and I'm sure
you want to provide
a decent life for that
grandchild of yours.
Yes, sir.
Well, in order to provide
a decent life for that child
this farm-- it has to prosper.
Well, we been getting by.
Indeed, indeed.
George, you're one
of our best tenants.
Thank you, sir.
Of course,
you don't own this farm.
Uh... no...
Sir.
And I don't expect
there'll be too much of a future
for that grandchild
of yours without it.
Besides, so much
high-yellow blood
in some pickaninny
the child could grow up
an embarrassment
if it grows up
in the wrong hands.
Breathe, breathe.
All right,
now, push.
Come on, come on.
Push.
It's coming out now.
Here it is.
Come on, push,
push, push!
Push!
That's it!
That's it!
That's it! That's it!
That's it!
( Baby crying )
This be the happiest day
of my life.
Give me the child.
Mama, where you taking
my baby?
Where you going?
Ma... mama!
Where are you taking my baby?!
( Screaming )
Flora:
I never did see my baby again.
The Flemings made sure of that.
They made sure
I left town, too.
Said if I ever came back
to see my baby...
Harm would come to him.
That's the last time
I ever blamed anybody
for something I did.
( Swing music playing )
I told you she'd get
the hang of things
( laughs )
Now don't you go thinking
that lets you off the hook.
( Door opens )
Soon as I'm done
with these pies,
we're going into town.
Made peaches
for reverend Jackson,
boysenberry
for pat and Burt,
cafe gets rhubarb
and peaches for US.
You like peach pie?
It's okay.
I know you like
peach pies.
Child, you don't know
how blessed you are.
God has given you
an angel.
Incoming.
Here it comes.
( Train whistle blowing )
( Passengers chatting loudly )
Woman:
* when you stand...
Shh!
Men, I'm trying
to get my baby to sleep.
( Fussing )
* ...Sleepin'
* in his resting place...
( Baby bawling )
Oh...
* swear I'll see
* the angel...
( Train whistle blowing )
What's the matter, child?
What's the matter?
My baby.
Your baby?
My baby-- i'd
lost my baby.
Where?
I don't know
where... he is.
They ain't got
no right-- no right!
The child's mine!
Lyin'... lyin'
like he in love.
He never cared
nothin' 'bout me.
No matter
how much money they paid
my mama should have
never gave up that boy.
Time has a way of healing.
Dry your eyes now.
That's it.
Now, where are you headed?
Memphis.
You know, bad things can happen
to you in a big city.
It don't matter.
( Bell clanging )
Well...
That'd be it.
Stockton, Tennessee.
You sure about this?
Don't wanna feel
I pushed you.
( Sighs )
Thank you
for your kindness.
Well, I see folk like you
all over the south
heading off to Memphis,
Chicago, Detroit
and coming back in tears.
Can't say I ever see them
goin' in tears, though.
But I got a feelin'
you'd be just fine.
Good luck.
( Train engine starting )
( Train chugging )
Welcome, sister.
Now, you've come
to the right place.
Flora:
So the reverend Jackson
took me into his church.
Got me a job doing laundry
and a place to live.
Five years just seemed
like a blink of the eye.
* I am fightin' for my lord
* in the army of the lord *
* I am fightin' for my lord
* in the army *
* I am fightin' for my lord
* in the army of the lord *
* I am fightin' for my lord
* in the army *
* I believe our god
* in the army of the lord *
* I believe our god
* in the army *
* I believe our god
* in the army of the lord *
* I believe our god
* in the army... *
step right up.
Let me show you the secret
to nature's good, long life.
This is an Indian formula.
It cleanses the liver
it flushes the kidneys.
That's just
the internal medicine.
And I done sprung
from a briar patch.
Let me tell you about
the external medicine.
Ain't he gorgeous?
You see
this medicine here?
It's called
"big chief cures."
And it's made from
nature's own roots.
Now, you can't buy it
in no drugstore.
You can't buy it nowhere
but from me.
Now, anybody out there
got pain?
On your hand and neck?
How about your back?
Don't be shy now.
Don't be bashful.
Come on up here.
I got some pain right here.
You got surface neuralgia.
Now, here--
hold this.
You're going to be
wanting to buy that.
I'm going to show you
how easy it is to cure.
I'm rubbin' it right in here.
Now, you tell
our good friends:
Is this medicine
helping you or not?
Yes, sir!
"Yes, sir!"
( Crowd clamoring )
Woman:
The pain is gone.
Ten cents,
ladies and gentlemen.
There we go.
There's one for you.
Look like there are a whole lot
of sore shoulders
needin' some attention.
( Laughing )
My name is booker.
Booker t. Palmer.
Oh, I'm Pearl.
Pearl.
And this is flora.
Flora.
Can't say we seen you
around here before.
Well, I crop cotton
out of town here,
about five miles
that way.
Booker.
Yes, ma'am.
I never heard
a name like that.
My pappy named me
after booker t Washington
who started a college
for colored folk
down in Alabama.
You been
to a college?
Not unless you count
the schoolin'
that my granmama
gave to me, flo.
Hey hey, y'all been
to a moving picture show?
No.
I never seen
a moving picture show.
Well, they got one
playing here.
Right here tonight
at the town square.
What say you?
How about it, flo?
No.
Now you know my mama ain't go
unless you come along too.
Well, Pearl,
what say I meet you
here tonight...
About 8:00?
Eight o'clock.
All right.
8:00 it is.
Two, please.
This is
gonna be fun.
You know it.
( Organ music playing )
You be a fool,
going in there.
What you talking about?
( Chuckles )
You'll be sorry.
Watch it now.
( All gasp )
I told you
not to go in there.
I told her, Pearl.
So how long you been living
with Pearl and her folks?
Ever since I got here.
Well, it ain't easy,
living out on your own.
Well, I know how it is.
My ma done died bringing me
into this world,
and my pa--
my pa, he went last year.
The farm keeps me busy
and all with work,
but, well, none of it will
ever take the place of family.
You got a job here
in town, miss flora?
I do some laundry
and cleaning.
Reverend Jackson
over at the church,
he helped me get the work.
Can't say I miss
pulling cotton.
No, sir.
No, sir.
Good lord's
been giving you
his blessing?
And it's that blessing
that I hope
makes a place for me
in your heart, flora.
Well, if it's
the lord's blessing
you're looking for,
you'd best be
getting down to his house.
Church?
Church.
Pearl Jefferson...
I'm gonna tan your hide,
leaving me like that.
You the one that wanted
to see the show.
Why, flora,
you was having
such a good time
I'm surprised
you even seen me gone.
I was having
no such thing,
sitting there with some man
I don't hardly know.
Sounds to me like you done
taken a shine to him.
I ain't taking no shine
to another man
for as long as I live.
( Door slams )
* not my brother,
not my sister *
* but it's me, o lord
* standing in the need
of prayer, yeah *
* it's me, it's me,
it's me, o lord *
* standing in the need
of prayer *
* it's me, it's me,
it's me, o lord *
* standing in the need
of prayer *
* not the reverend,
not the Deacon *
* but it's me, o lord
* standing in the need
of prayer! *
what about your folks?
Your folks pick cotton?
Where they live?
Mississippi.
Mississippi? Whoo!
You're quite a ways
from there, ain't you?
You ever get back much?
Ain't nothin'
to go back for.
You got your family.
I done made a mess
out of things and...
Ain't no way I'll
ever make it right.
Sure you will.
I'm sure you will.
No.
You don't know.
You don't know
what I done.
I been... I been
with another man.
That don't matter, flora.
Don't matter
much to me.
There's a child.
A boy.
A boy?
A boy.
Where's the boy?
I don't know.
Is he cute as his mama?
( Chuckling )
Oh, you'll find
the boy, flora.
You are something else.
Stubborn as a mule.
You got a smile-- a smile
that light up the whole world.
And I know it's in there.
I know that
it's in there.
It's waiting to come out.
Just peeking...
Come on. Oh, I see
a little somethin'.
Is that a little
somethin' I see?
( Laughing )
* ain't no harm done
* calling on my Jesus
* ain't no harm done
* calling on the lord
* ain't no harm done
* calling on my Jesus
* calling on the name
of the lord *
* ain't no harm, harm done
* calling on my Jesus...
Mrs. Hopkins:
I'll put you on for one week,
on trial
and I don't want
any of your negra idleness.
No, ma'am.
I've had three maids
this month
each one lazier
than the last.
I pay two dollars
and 50 cents a week.
You'll be responsible
for cleaning the house
and cooking the breakfast
and the midday meal.
And... you will be
looking after me.
I'm expecting a baby
in a few months
and, uh... I want you here
at 6:00 each morning.
Oh, how far do you
live from here?
A ways.
'Bout... five, six miles.
Do you want the job or not?
Oh, yes'm. Yes'm, miz Hopkins.
I'll see you in the morning.
Thank you.
Thank you,
miz Hopkins.
Thank you.
Bye-bye, flora.
Merry Christmas, sug.
You are more beautiful
than ever, sweet cakes.
I have something
to tell you.
You's gonna be a pappy.
I'm gonna be a pappy.
I'm gonna be a pappy.
I'm-- I'm gonna be
a pappy.
I'm gonna be a pappy!
I'm gonna be a pappy.
Flo, I'm gonna be
a pappy!
I'm gonna be a pappy!
( Flora groaning in pain )
Woman:
Come on, girl.
Yeah... there we go.
( Baby crying )
Well, don't just
stand there.
She been through hell.
She needs you.
You been blessed
with a baby boy.
I'll be around to check
on you in the morning.
Must've been bad,
sweet cakes.
They heard you
yelling in Memphis.
( Laughs softly )
I was trying for Chicago.
We're going to
call this boy...
William, just
like we said.
And he ain't gonna
ever pull no cotton.
He gonna go to school.
He gonna get educated
so he be better...
Than ourselves.
This boy, he gonna be
a lawyer...
Have the respect
of white folks.
Mrs. Hopkins:
Flora, I'm going now.
Be sure to clean
the lamp chimneys
and this time
trim the wicks.
Yes'm.
Oh, if Mr. Hopkins calls,
tell him I'll be home by 4:00.
Yes'm.
Oh, yes.
Little Kevin, that
means I got you and
Willie all to myself.
Yes.
Yes, I do.
Let's go see.
Who's down there? Oh...
It's your old friend Willie.
Oh, come on.
( Kevin laughing )
Yeah.
Yeah, Kevin, big, mushy kiss.
Yeah, let's both
slobber all over him.
Booker:
The rain can't hold off forever.
We're all suffering, booker.
Yes, sir. Yes, sir.
Trying times
for US all.
Well, now, your crop didn't
even pay for last year's loan.
The cost of seed
and fertilizer is up.
Ten dollars is the best
I can do to carry you
over the winter.
Well, thank you, sir.
Next.
Oh, wait-wait-wait,
now, wait, now.
Uh... I thanks you
for this, sir.
I sure do, but I...
I needs more.
Besides'n what
we needs to eat
my baby needs... a blanket
and my wife needs
a new pair of bloomers.
You'll just have to make do
with what you have.
Yes, sir.
You know how it is, sir,
when a woman says she need
a new pair of bloomers.
A man just don't feel like a man
'less he can
get his wife
at least one pair
of pretty bloomers.
Ten dollars, Mr. Anderson,
just ain't enough.
Boy, I ain't no bank.
Now, if ten dollars ain't enough
there's a dozen men here
ready to take your land today.
( Chuckling )
Well, yes, sir.
Thank you, sir. Thank you.
Next.
* somebody's calling
my name *
* oh my lord, oh my lord
* what shall I do?
What shall I do? *
come on, baby.
( Whispers )
* somebody's
calling my name. *
well, I got 'em!
I got 'em.
I got the things
we need.
You what?
Did you get the loan?
A blankey here
for the boy.
Oh my god.
A good pound of meat
for our dinner.
And look here, flo--
a little something sweet
for my sweet cakes.
Chocolates.
And a new pair
of bloomers for you.
Bloomers!
Where'd you get
the money for all this?
I got what was mine.
You got the loan?
This boy...
He ain't never
gonna go hungry.
And this boy ain't
gonna haul no cotton!
This boy is
getting educated.
Man ( Shouting ):
Who's there?
( Growling and barking )
Who's out there?!
* ...Mockingbird don't sing
* mama's gonna buy you
a diamond ring... *
Flo...
( Truck approaching )
( Dog growling )
Flora:
Don't! No, no,
leave him be...
( Panting ):
I've... I've...
A baby... inside.
Please, don't...
Don't hurt my husband.
We don't wants no trouble.
You should've
told that nigger
before he snatched my cotton.
( Gunshot )
( Shrieks )
Booker!
( Dog barking )
( Whispering ):
Booker... booker...
It's going to be all right.
( Panting )
( Baby crying )
Lord, take me, too.
Come on... take me, too.
( Crying )
( Sobbing )
Oh, god...
( Baby crying loudly )
Baby...
Just scared... I'm scared.
It's going to be all right now.
( Continues crying )
I swore to that child
that no harm
would ever come to him.
I swore
that he'd never go hungry.
I swore
that he would have a chance...
To make a life
for hisself.
I made a promise to that child.
( Chuckles )
Yeah, well
thanks for the memories,
grandma.
I think I've had enough
of your bedtime stories.
Is that right?
Well, I guess that you done
got your life together, huh?
( Scoffs )
Hey, I'm on a roll.
Yeah. A girl like you can't make
the same mistakes I made, huh?
Now, what do you want, huh?
What you wanna do,
keep me locked up here
like some kind of prisoner?
Oh, no... not me, baby.
You're free to go.
You're free to go.
Good. Now we talkin'.
I'll help you pack.
I can handle it.
You want me to fix
you a sandwich?
The sooner I get out
of here, the better.
I guess you're right.
Best be going then.
I'm going, already.
But this boy's staying
right here with me.
That's right. Till you can
be a mama to your son
he's staying right here with me.
Flora:
It was just me
and my little boy Willie now.
Till I went
to see my sister Josie,
who I heard was low-down sick.
This be your new little sister.
Ruthana?
She be my cousin.
She not your cousin no more.
She your sister now.
Reverend:
In this time of trouble
with so many out of work
with depression and starvation
in the land
I have good news.
Congregation:
Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Amen.
God is sitting
up there in heaven.
Congregation:
Yes, he is! Yes, he is.
A god who cares about US.
Congregation:
Amen!
A god who knows
we are here this morning.
Man:
Uh-huh!
Ernestine likes you.
( Choir singing )
This the house of the lord.
Come on
brothers and sisters,
just 15 more cents.
Make it an even five dollars.
Anybody else? Come on, now.
Let's all dig deep.
Amen.
Come on, here, church,
we only need
these last few pennies.
Here you go, ruthana.
Amen. Thank you
sister flora.
Amen! Let the church say amen.
Amen. Amen.
Reverend:
Amen.
Choir:
* hallelu...
Can I please have another?
Here, sugar.
Ain't you hungry?
You sick?
I'm sick of school.
You mind your mouth, boy.
I ain't going no more.
I works my fingers
to the bones keeping you
in books and clothes.
That's what I'm trying
to tell you, mama.
You out scuffing,
day in and day out.
Killing yourself. For what?
I ain't learning nothing.
I ain't no good at school
and I ain't
going back.
You think
it don't eat me up?
Seeing you come home
wore out each day?
Why, mama? What for?
'Cause I promised your pappy
on his dying day.
You ain't gonna
be ignorant
like the rest of US.
You gonna be a lawyer
and make your Mark
on this world.
But we needs the money now.
We ain't never gone hungry
in this house.
The lord will provide.
What's the lord
done given you?
Don't you be
talking blasphemy.
You can't take faith
to no grocery store.
Mama, don't. Mama, don't.
You can beat me till
I'm black and blue
and blood start coming
out of me, but I'm still
gonna get me a job!
My life changed.
Willie left school
and kept a job
at the cotton gin for years.
Say, Willie.
That you I saw
down at pop's place
with ernestine?
Y'all just jealous 'cause
I got me a girl.
That boy done bit the worm
and ready to be reeled in.
( Men laughing )
Some things stayed the same.
( Horn honking )
Kevin! Come on, now!
I was still working
for miss Hopkins.
Come on! Kevin!
But now... now Kevin
was all growed up.
In a manner of speaking.
Hey, now. Whoo-hoo!
( Boys shouting )
A-p-p-l-e.
Good. Good.
Well, thank you, ma'am.
"City."
Oh, you messing
with me, girl.
That's easy.
City.
Cit-- sit.
S-i-t-y.
Sity.
No.
I'll bet you a penny.
Ruthana?
What's that stuff
on your head?
Vaseline there, girl.
He thinks it makes him
looks handsome.
Well, it sure wouldn't
hurt you, mama.
I got this hot iron
in my hand, boy.
Say, ruthie,
I need to tell you
I made a little extra
this week, girl,
for all the books
you been wanting.
Thank you!
That's for you.
And I got something
for you too, mama.
Come on, mama.
Just a little bit?
Can't you never
gonna forgive me
for up
and quitting school, mama?
Put me down.
I said put me--
all right, all right.
As long as you keep buying
ruthana her books.
I be sat--
I mean I am satisfied.
Put me down.
All right.
Dip you in a little bit
of that vaseline.
I said you--
Willie:
What time your pappy say
he want you home?
My daddy said
I have to be home by 11:00.
Your daddy ain't got nothing
to do with this here.
You ain't got nothing
to worry about-- you're with me.
Hey, Jimmy!
All right, now.
What you going
to do there, girl?
Oh, so that's
how you do it.
Want a fish sandwich?
All right.
Give me two of them
catfish there.
Hey, evening, ernestine.
Evening, Louis.
Here, finish
this for me.
I'm going to win me
some of that gambling money.
Go ahead, boy.
What, you scared?
Ain't a man
until you drink some moonshine.
( Coughing )
Whoo!
Hot sauce?
Yes!
All right.
All right, six my point.
Two bits. Come on, man.
Two bits?
Come on, these
dice are hot.
They ain't going
to last the night.
Two bits on
the ground.
Come on,
now, come on.
Roll the dice.
Yeah!
( Men groaning )
Oh, Willie, want to
get some of this?
I ain't come here
to fool with no dice.
Now, is you
going to dance
with me, Willie
Palmer, or not?
( Men laughing )
Come on.
You better come
on with me.
I seen you move your feet.
Come on, let's dance.
( Giggling )
Well, I thank you kindly.
I had a wonderful evening.
I'm glad.
Hey, I want
to show you something.
What you want to show me?
Look up there.
They sho' is pretty,
ain't they?
They beautiful.
Just like you.
I know.
Now, where'd that come from,
there?
What's that? Oh!
Just sittin' there.
It's all pretty
and shiny...
Maybe somebody lost...
Oh!
It's beautiful!
You're my star, ernestine.
My bright,
shining star.
I told you to have her home
by 11:00, boy.
Do you know what time it is?
No, sir. No, sir.
I-I didn't have
no watch.
Announcer:
The eighth round of the
heavyweight fight is underway.
Braddock
in the center of the ring
and Louis led with a left,
and missed
and braddock
was on his back...
Braddock led with a left
and came up with a right
that was a little short.
Braddock now gave Louis
a left in the face.
Louis gave braddock
a hard left hook in return...
You reckon
he can do it?
Joe's the man.
...a hard right
to braddock's head.
Braddock came up with a right.
An uppercut that missed.
Louis backed out of the way.
Braddock's
in the center of the ring
and Louis hit him,
and braddock is down!
( Cheering )
One, two, three, four, five...
Get up, get up, come on!
...seven, eight, nine, ten.
( Cheering and laughing )
The new world champion,
Joe Louis!
The new world champion...
Joe Louis is the best fighter
in the whole world!
The brown bomber! Whoo!
Hey. What'd you say,
boy?
Did I hear you say...
( Chuckling )
That Joe Louis
could beat any white man
in the world?
No, sir, I didn't say that.
I heard you say
Joe Louis could beat
any white man
in the world.
No, sir, I just
didn't say that.
I know
I didn't say that.
You calling me a liar?
No, sir, we don't want
no problems here.
Let's teach this nigger
some manners.
Come on, Kevin!
Come on,
hit him!
Willie!
( Screaming )
Come on, hit
him again!
I ain't finished with you,
Kevin Hopkins!
You're a dead man,
Willie Palmer!
You're a dead man,
Willie Palmer!
( Whistle blowing )
He ain't gonna kill me.
He said he was a dead man,
Mrs. Palmer.
Done lost me
a husband. Ain't gon'
lose no son!
I know, mama. I know.
I'll be back.
Remember.
Mama. Come on, now, mama.
I love you.
Take care of your mama, hear?
You're a big girl
now, ruthana, hear?
Where will Willie go?
Oh, he'll find his way.
Well, are we gonna
see him again?
Why don't you go on over
and visit.
We're looking for your boy.
He ain't here.
You're just
wasting your time.
I said he ain't here.
Well, where is he, then?
I don't know.
You're his mama, ain't you?
You want to know about my boy
you got to find
him for yourself.
We'll see
about that.
( Flora yelling )
Back seat. Back seat.
Henry, drive.
( Engine starting )
( Men whooping )
Come on, boys!
( Men whooping )
Over there!
Light it up!
All right, Gary.
Do it.
Don't you close
your eyes.
We want you
to see this.
When we find him
this is what we're
gonna do to him.
Look at
your church now.
Look at your church,
huh?
Open your eyes!
What you think about that?
You gonna watch it.
Oh girl, I've been praying
and praying for this day.
When your daddy left stockton
I didn't know that
I'd ever see him again.
Flora:
Willie! Willie!
But the war and all in Europe
threatening to come
right over here
I guess Kevin Hopkins and his
buddies didn't seem interested
in holding grudges anymore.
Hey, girl.
Flora:
Boy, they done give you
some good hair.
Hey, girl.
You sure looking
mighty fine there, girl.
Reverend Jackson:
Heavenly father
we gather together today
to render special honor...
Hope I ain't got
to say nothing.
And we beseech thy continued
blessings upon our dear sister
flora Palmer.
( Applause )
She has served her god
faithfully
she's served her community
faithfully
and she's served
her family faithfully.
Sister Palmer,
throughout this town
is known for her good works
and it is our privilege today
to pay tribute
to her Christian charities.
( Choir ends song )
We also have here today
a young brother of this church.
Young brother Willie Palmer
here all the way from Chicago
and we ask him
for his testimony.
( Congregation encouraging )
Well, y'all know
I ain't never
knowed my pappy.
Y'all know that.
But my mama
here, she...
I was fixin' to say
she always telling me
the right thing to do.
Congregation:
Amen.
And I ain't always done them.
As far back as I can remember
I've been... coming
here to this church--
mama been bringing me here.
Amen.
All:
Amen.
She tried hard
to keep me in school.
I know I just about killed her
when I quit school,
I know that
but I wanted to be a man.
I wanted to help out,
'cause, see, mama needed help.
That's my mama.
All:
Amen.
So I... I left her.
I left home and I left
my mama by herself
but she's been with me.
Whatever I done,
she's been there.
I love you, mama.
God knows
I love you.
* gonna lay down my burdens
* down by the river side
* down by the river side
* down by the river side...
Ernestine:
You made your mama
proud, Willie.
There wasn't a dry eye
in that church.
Everybody's just been
talking about you
coming back from Chicago,
doing so good.
It's lies.
What you mean, lies?
It's all lies.
I ain't got no money.
Ain't nothing I
got on paid for.
Dollar come in
one hand and go
right out the next.
What I've been doing up there
is been gambling and...
I've been drinking and...
Been running around.
Been other women, ernestine.
I ain't kept my faith with you
like I was suppose to.
The only thing I know right now
is that I love you, ernestine.
That's all I know.
Now, I'm going
to pay off all my debts.
I'm going to do all of it.
If you don't want
to forgive me, I understand.
No, it don't work like that.
Not with this girl.
Now, I'm not forgetting
what you done
but I ain't going to let it
come between US neither.
No, you straighten up,
Willie Palmer
and we can make US
that life together.
Not now.
( Laughing )
Willie:
Where is my mama?
That sound like
my Willie.
Today is your day.
I figured on finding
you two like this.
Don't look like you
spared yourself none.
Give it to me,
let me clean it up for you.
Hey, Willie, you
want a soda pop?
Sure.
Reverend Jackson said they
building a big factory
over in millington.
Everybody says
we're going to war.
Seems they got
plenty of jobs there
making some airplanes.
They ain't going to let
no colored folks work there.
Oh, Eleanor Roosevelt said
they going to have to.
Well, I ain't going
to be the first negro
going up there
looking for a job
and get kicked out the door,
I know that much.
Then maybe you going
back to Chicago.
I don't know, mama.
It ain't nobody's business
what I do.
Long as you's my child
you is my business.
I ain't your child
no more, mama.
I'm a grown man.
Will you just let me...
Just let me be.
Where you going?
Where I belong.
Back to Chicago?
With them gamblers
and harlots
and dope
and drinking
yourself to death?!
This ain't my home
no more, mama.
Oh, booker, booker, booker.
Done lost one son,
about to lose another.
Help me.
( Gunshots and battle cries
on TV )
Just ought to forget
about catching them injuns.
Di...?
Diana?
Diana?
Next rack, we playing
for shooters.
( Soul music playing )
I come to get you.
Girl, you hear me
talking to you?
I said I come
to get you.
Mama, you ain't
got no right
coming up in here
after me like this.
You listen to me,
and you listen to me good.
I said, I come
here to get you.
You said I was free
to go, right?
Well, then leave me alone.
I ain't gonna leave
you alone, no nothin'.
Not as long as there's
a breath in my body.
You're stinking
drunk again.
You comin' with me.
Oh, man!
All right, come on.
Come on, grandma.
Take me back
to the penal colony.
Take me back, sister,
to where I belong... amen.
Send me bowing and scraping for
the massah, just like my daddy.
Hallelujah.
And where's my main man?
Now, where did he go?
How come Jermaine
ain't here with me?
Where did he go
with his... idealism?
His know-it-all on ice...
His flash and dash,
his power to the people.
Hallelujah.
Huh?
People is just me and my son.
You finished?
End of service.
I think I'm going
to be sick.
( Diana grunts )
Mama, you ever been
on a ship on a stormy day?
No.
Well... me neither,
but this must be
what it feels like.
Here, drink this.
That'll straighten you
right out.
I ain't drinking no more.
My partying days
are over.
Hallelujah.
Uck!
You know,
I take one step forward
and 10 steps back.
I must be
the two-stepping queen
of bad excuses.
I don't know.
I look at my son--
I mean, how can I ever
make it up to him?
He ain't asked to be born
into this world,
and all I done
was screw it up.
Well, none of US
is perfect, baby.
Yeah, but I wanna do
the right thing.
I just don't know
if I know how.
God's given you
a second chance,
and that's hope
staring you dead
in the face, baby.
I did what I was scared to do
for so many years.
I went looking for the son
I never raised.
I went looking even though
I had been told
harm would come to him.
I went looking
because I had to.
I just had to go back.
( Sniffling )
Man:
Morning.
Morning.
I was on my way
into town.
Thought maybe
you needs a ride.
Well, now, I surely
appreciate your kindness.
Don't reckon you
from these parts.
I used to live around here.
Lord, ain't nobody
lived around here...
Flora?
Flora henning?
Charlie.
Well, I'll be.
What-what... what you,
what you doing here?
I'm headed
for the Fleming place.
You know, I have
some business there.
The Flemings?
Ain't too many folks got
business around there.
Ain't nothing
there no more.
Look here,
you wants a ride?
Now, I don't want
to be taking you
out of your way.
I ain't got nothing
better to do.
You, uh... you married?
No.
My husband,
he done passed on.
A pretty woman like you
she ought to have
herself a man.
I'll just take
the ride, thank you.
Yes, ma'am.
Yes, ma'am.
Charlie:
Well, Nana Fleming... dead.
Oh, miz Fleming, she still
live there all alone
since her man
done left her.
Young maz Lincoln,
he still there?
Maz Lincoln dead.
He done got
himself killed.
Some trouble with
another man's wife.
Heard tell about some
boy child.
Yeah, little maz Luke.
Yes, ma'am.
Luke.
He there now?
Ah, nothing around
here for him.
He done gone to college
in Atlanta.
What you know about his mama?
Little maz Luke
ain't got no mama.
They done found him
in a cabbage patch.
Turned up one day
out the blue
and his grandma
called him Luke
from out the Bible.
Yep... sure did.
I'll wait here for you.
I come to see miz Fleming.
She's sick.
Bessie.
I'm flora.
Maz Luke's mama.
Flora.
Miz Fleming
won't see you.
But she's gots to see me.
It's the past, child.
Just let it be.
Bessie, I gots to know.
Bessie, you was here.
You-you know.
Tell me that he's all right.
Girl, she'd kill me
if I tell you.
But I'm his ma...
His mama.
I'm his mama.
Maybe he don't want
to see his mama.
Maybe he don't want
to meet the mama
what give him away.
But you know
the truth, bessie.
Tell him what they
done to me, bessie.
Tell him that I never
stopped thinking about him.
Please, bessie.
Tell him...
I was here.
When, uh...
He come home
he... he gets his mail.
You can write to him here.
I'll see that he gets it.
God bless you, bessie.
Thank you.
Flora:
Are you getting
my...
Let...
Letter?
Oh.
I...
Won't...
Lord, I don't know
what to do.
I've been writing and writing
and writing and writing.
Can't get one single answer.
Not one letter from Luke.
Maybe... maybe it's your will.
If it is your will,
then thy will be done.
But I'm asking you,
heavenly father
to look down on Willie.
Look down on Willie, lord.
Give him a helping hand.
He needs you.
He needs you.
God sent ab to Willie.
Palmer.
Hey, Palmer.
You should have
been finished
with that truck
an hour ago.
I got me
one more load
and then
I'll be done.
Every man here
has it just as
tough as you.
If you drop the ball,
somebody else got
to pick up the slack.
I'm working fast
as I can, boss.
Fast as I can.
Don't make me have
to let you go.
It was ab
who tried to save Willie.
Where's my rent, boy?
You know you'll
be getting it, miss lady.
That's what
you said yesterday.
Now...
A pretty woman
like yourself
ought not to be worrying
herself so, hey?
Well, if you don't
get that rent,
you'll be out
on the street.
Gots to have faith,
miss lady.
( Swing music playing )
Cigarettes? Okay.
Come on, what you got?
What you got?
Shoot that.
Oh! ( Laughs )
Hey, come one back!
We've got some more playing
we're gonna do!
You're a big timer--
with the suit, man!
All right, all right.
Give me five.
Come on. Shoot.
10, you're a big time.
Five? 10!
Give me 10.
Yo, that's what
I'm talking about.
( Laughs )
Come on.
Oh!
( Men laugh, yelling )
Hey hey,
let me look at you.
Reg...
I see you throwing
good money after bad.
I'ma pay you your money, reg.
I'ma pay you your money.
That may be...
But in the meantime
I'm out of a grand
and still counting.
Man, my luck is changing.
I'm feeling--
there's not that much luck
in all the world
that's gonna make you
a winner, Willie.
Now if I were you,
I'd start paying
or start praying.
Lookie, i'ma--
( Grunts )
( Coughs )
Okay. So see you all
next week, okay?
And make sure you get
a flier now.
Thanks. There you are.
( Chatting )
We had a good meeting.
Sorry you missed it.
Ain't nothing
going right for me.
Ain't nothing I do--
who. It's-- it's okay.
Martha.
Martha, I want you
to meet Willie,
Willie Palmer.
Here you go.
Mr. Palmer.
Ma'am.
Willie's gonna come stay
with US for a while.
Ain't that right?
Men do everything
women do in our house.
Martha's bark is
worse than her bite.
Go on,
get out of here.
You give me
your pay packet every week.
I'll take some for rent
and paying your bills
and put some
in a savings account.
You'll get $5 a week
for your pocket,
and the rest will go toward
paying off your debt
and sending money home
to your mother.
Okay, Willie?
It's Sunday, mama.
You know there's
no mail on Sunday.
I swear, mama,
you been out to that box
half a dozen times
since yesterday's morning.
We just got a letter
from Willie with a check.
You got yourself
a secret admirer?
Flora!
Flora, the Japanese
done bombed Pearl harbor!
It's on the radio.
Flora, we're going to war.
President Roosevelt:
December 7, 1941
a date which will live
in infamy.
With confidence
in our armed forces
with the unbounding
determination
of our people...
We will gain
the inevitable triumph
so help US, god.
Ab, you really think
they're gonna let US fight?
( Laughs )
When they run out
of white boys.
Flora:
Willie and ab did go to war.
Strange enough, their first
battle was with the white men
in their own platoon...
They don't want US
seeing their Betty grable.
...who didn't cotton to the
idea of colored soldiers
staring at a blonde bombshell
in a bathing suit.
( People cheering )
Come back, now,
safe.
I will.
I just want my chance
to be a hero.
I don't need you
to be no hero, son.
Mama, I'm going
to make you proud.
It's all right.
I ain't always
listened to you.
And I ain't always been
the son I oughta be to you.
But this...
I'm gonna do this right.
Come back, son.
I'm gonna make you
real proud of me.
Just come on back.
Safe.
( Train whistle blowing )
I gotta go.
I gotta go.
Ernestine.
I'm waiting for you.
I love you, star.
( Train whistle blows )
Ruthana.
Keep studying
them books, you hear?
I'm gonna write you
every single day, okay, mama?
You do that, son.
I love you, Kevin.
Uh, you can call me.
Yeah, you take care.
Flora:
I remember staring
at Mrs. Hopkins.
For the first time in our
lives, we were just the same.
Two mamas saying bye
to their boys
and wondering if they'd
ever see them again.
( Train whistle blows )
Hey, flora.
Miss Lilly.
What do you want?
Give blood.
Um...
Wait here.
You have to leave.
But I've come
to give blood.
My son, Willie--
he's a soldier in the army.
We don't take colored blood.
Get out of here, nigra.
Quit makin' trouble.
What if my son gets hurt?
What kind of blood
you gonna give him?
What's up, man?
( Sloshing )
"The souls of black folks,"
read it?
Nah.
W.e.b. Du bois--
social scientist,
political leader,
the force behind
the Harlem renaissance.
He believed in
an educated negro elite.
( Whispering )
Close it up on the right.
Close it up! Come on!
Tight--
stay tight.
Hold hold. Hold!
( Guns firing )
( Grunts )
Ab!
Ab!
Hold on!
Cover me!
( Yells )
Oh, god.