Songcatcher (2000) - full transcript

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captioning made possible by
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♪ 'twas in the merry month
of may ♪

♪ when green leaves
were a-springing ♪

♪ this young man
on his deathbed lay ♪

♪ for the love
of Barbara Allen ♪

♪ he sent his man
unto her then ♪

♪ to the town
where she was dwelling ♪

♪ you must come
to my master, dear ♪

♪ if your name
be Barbara Allen ♪

♪ so slowly, slowly
she got up ♪



♪ and slowly she came to him

♪ and all she said
when she came there ♪

♪ young man, I think
you're dying ♪

♪ he turned his face
unto the wall ♪

♪ and death came creeping
to him ♪

♪ adieu, adieu,
and adieu to all ♪

♪ and adieu to Barbara Allen

♪ when he was dead
and laid in his grave ♪

♪ then death came
creeping to her ♪

♪ mother, mother,
make my bed ♪

♪ for his death
hath quite undone me ♪

♪ and so this maid
she then did die ♪

♪ and desired to be
buried by him ♪

♪ and repented she
before she died ♪



♪ that e'er she did deny him

now, there you have
a fine example

of an old English ballad,
a folk song,

defined as that
which is created by

the common people,
the unskilled.

The melodies are quaint
and primitive,

but you must learn
to appreciate not only

the sociological value,

but the simple purity
of emotion in the song.

Good afternoon,
Dean pembroke.

I wanted to catch you
today, Dr. Penleric.

I wanted to tell you

that the appointment
committee has reviewed

your application
for full professor,

and we've concluded
unanimously

that we cannot
offer you the position.

However, we hope
you will continue on

as an associate
professor,

at your current salary
level, of course.

Why, may I ask, am I
being passed over again?

It is not customary

to be asked to defend
our position,

Dr. Penleric.

It appears we have
an opportunity

to offer the position

to the eminent
English musicologist

and ballad collector
Cyrus whittle,

who, as you know, has
almost single-handedly

created a revival of
the English folk song--

Dean pembroke,
excuse me.

What is it,
professor aldrich?

Nothing, sir.
I just stopped by

for a few words
with Dr. Penleric.

Well, I was
just leaving.

Good day,
Dr. Penleric.

I argued for you,
Lily.

As emphatically
as I dared.

I have waited longer
and published more

than anyone else
in this department.

Frankly, I was
the only man for you.

Really?

Dean pembroke said
the vote was unanimous.

I was afraid someone
would suspect something.

Now, Dr. Whittle
is a brilliant man.

Of course he is.
That's not the point.

Lily, I've arranged
the family's whole summer

so I can come into town
to see you every week.

I won't be here,
Wallace.

Well, where
are you going?

As far away as possible.

Please don't go away!

I know how disappointed
you must be,

my darling, but--

Lily, wait!

Why don't I meet you
at your apartment?

My wife won't be home
until quite late.

Are you mad, Lily?

What if someone
walked in?

You coward!

Backing my appointment
was the only thing

I ever asked you for.

But--

You miss elna's sister?

Yes, yes, yes, I am.

I'm here to take you
to clover.

I'm fate honeycutt.
What's your name?

Hello, i'm
Dr. Lily penleric.

You're a doctor?

That's just fine.

We could sure use
another healer.

I'm not
a medical doctor.

What kind
are you?

I'm a,
doctor of music.

Sort of an expert.

Thank you.

Well, hop on up, doc.

Put your foot
on the wheel there.

I'll help you up.

Giddyap!

Giddyap!

What if we meet
another wagon

coming down
the mountain?

That would be somethin'.

Someone's playing music?

Lily!

Eleanor...

It's been so long.

Yes.

I thought you said

it was only 5 miles
to clover?

She meant
mountain miles.

It used to take 3 days
to get up here.

This is
my sister Lily.

Lily, this is
my colleague and friend,

Harriet tolliver.

How do you do?

How do you do?

And this is
deladis slocumb.

Deladis has
no family,

so we get to keep her
here, full-time.

How do you do,
ma'am?

How do you do.

Elna's told me
so much about you.

Elna?

That's what
everyone here calls me.

It's caught on
with me, too.

Well, I suppose
it's a lot better

than "little elf,"

which is what
I used to call her.

Ha ha!

Y-You must
be exhausted.

I am. Excuse me.

Would you like
to rest before supper?

Could you
help me, dear?

Yes, I'm sorry.

Thank you so much.

It's very hot.

I...

Along with
the basic curriculum,

we also teach
hygiene and nutrition

to the girls.

And music,
of course.

Deladis, why don't
you serve the tea?

Deladis, what
a beautiful name.

That's a real
pretty fan.

Thank you, dear.
It's from Spain.

Thank you, dear.

Aren't you
frightened here?

What of?

Savage
mountaineers?

Reports of violence
are horrible.

Heh!

Ha ha ha! Horribly
exaggerated, that is.

Deladis, why
don't you sing

one of your pretty songs
for my sister?

Please,
please do!

I would like that.

♪ 'Twas in the merry month
of may ♪

♪ when all gay flowers
were a-bloomin' ♪

♪ sweet William
on his deathbed lay ♪

♪ for the love
of Barbara Allen ♪

♪ he sent his servant
to the town ♪

♪ he sent him to her dwellin'

♪ sayin' master's sick
and very sick ♪

♪ and for your sake
he's a-dyin' ♪

Deladis, where did you
learn that song?

My granny gave to me.

Was your grandmother
from england?

You mean
across the ocean?

No. No.

Granny lived and died
right here on the mountain.

Then, where
did she learn it?

Granny said she got

all those love songs
from her mama.

Do you know
any more ballads?

Love songs.

I know lots of them.

I know lord randal,
Jack went a-sailin',

two sisters,
I know young Anne Lee...

Would you sing
two sisters,please?

It's
all right, dear.

♪ Sister, sister
come go with me... ♪

Lily, I told you
never to call me here.

I'm calling as
a colleague, Wallace.

Where are you?

The Southern mountains.

What on earth are you doing
in such a dreadful place?

Never mind that.

I'm telephoning because
I've made

a great discovery--
old English ballads.

What are you
talking about?

The mountain people
brought the ballads here

over 200 years ago.

The same songs that

Cyrus whittle's been
collecting in england.

Songs which haven't
been known there

for at least 100 years.

What of it, Lily?

I want you to come home.

Don't you understand?
Wallace, these may be

the purest versions
in existence.

That's ridiculous.

It's true!

And I am going
to be the first

to collect them
and to publish them.

Nothing I could
have said or done

would have secured
that appointment for you.

And nothing you
do now will either.

Will you help me or not?

I've always
believed in you, Lily.

Good. Well,
I need supplies.

The collecting must
be done scientifically.

Now, nice and loud.

♪ Holiday,
holy day ♪

♪ the first day
of the year ♪

♪ lil' matthy groves
to church he goes ♪

♪ some holy words
to hear ♪

♪ hear, some holy words
to hear ♪

♪ He saw some women
dressed in black ♪

♪ as they came in to view

♪ lord Daniel's wife
was gaily clad ♪

♪ the flower of the few

♪ few, the flower
of the few ♪

♪ she stepped right up
to lil' matthy groves ♪

♪ her eyes cast
on the ground... ♪

♪ Come all ye fair
and tender ladies ♪

♪ be careful
how you court young men ♪

Could you sing
those two lines again?

Thank you, dear.

Why don't you just
make a cylinder

and copy off that?

Because the cylinders
are only for short songs,

and they wear out.
Once again, thank you.

♪ Come all ye fair
and tender ladies ♪

♪ be careful
how you court young men ♪

Are you still working
on the child labor piece?

I'm trying,
not very successfully.

I wonder how many times

your sister needs
to hear those songs?

Don't.
Don't be angry.

It makes her very happy.

She's quite obsessed.

So am I.

♪ She cried out
with a thrilling cry ♪

♪ lord, lord,
I'm ruined ♪

That's it, doc.

I'm worn out
like a cylinder.

Just
those last two lines,

once again, please, dear.

♪ She cried out
with a thrilling cry ♪

♪ lord, lord,
I'm ruined ♪

That's it.

That's the very
last ballad I know.

And what a doozie.

Um.

What's this for?

That's for all
your hard work.

Just for singing?

Here.

♪ Come all ye fair
and tender ladies ♪

♪ be careful
how you court young men ♪

♪ they're like a bright star
of a summer's evenin' ♪

♪ they'll first appear
and then they're gone ♪

I'm gonna tie
a lover's knot.

If it stays
and grows...

All will be well.

Where did you get
that fancy thing?

Doc give it to me,
for singin'.

Aah!

Hello.

Eleanor, this is
just fascinating.

It really is.

See, deladis sings,
for the most part,

in a Scots-Irish style.

But she employs
such unusual pitches.

And she dwells on notes.
Here...

Can you hear that?
That is so unusual.

I have never heard
anything like it before.

Tell me, is
her style of singing,

is that typical?

Yes, I think it is.

Is it really?
Fascinating.

So what do you think
of my school, Lily?

Well, I'm afraid
I'm no expert...

I'm sure it's fine.
I'm sure...

We are trying
to make a difference.

Yes, of course.

It was mine!

Deladis!
What happened?

Fate,
did you do this?

That was so cruel.

You give her
that fancy thing

and a whole dollar
just for singing.

You ain't
gave me nothing.

Fate, you work
for the school,

and I think we pay you
quite adequately.

Then I'll do
nothing for doc.

Just for the school.

Well, then I'll
just have to find

another boy
who's more willing.

No, no, Eleanor.
Fate does have a point.

He has had to work a lot
harder since I've been here.

That's right, doc.

So, how's 50 cents
a week then, young man?

Well, I don't know.

I'll have
to think on it.

Well, while
you're thinking,

you can help me pack up
the phonograph machine.

We're going to
bear creek tomorrow.

She's going
to Viney Butler's.

Well, you can't lug
that machine

all the way
up a mountain.

We made it this far,
didn't we?

That was nothing

compared to getting
up to bear creek.

So what am I
paying you for?

Whoa, whoa.

I don't know
no ballads.

Why, Mrs. Butler,
they are the most

beautiful songs
there have ever been.

Songs like lord Thomas
and fair ellinor,

two sisters,
matthy groves?

Can't say I know them.

Deladis calls them
love songs.

Nope.

You ever hear
any such songs, fate?

Del knew. But I
can't say as I do.

Surely, deladis
can't be the only keeper

of the songs
in the mountains?

Sorry, can't be of
any help to you, ma'am.

I would be happy
to compensate you,

to-to pay you,
Mrs. Butler.

Good day to you.

Hello, Viney.

Well, look who's here!

Well, you must be
elna's sister.

Well, yes.
Yes, I am.

I'm so happy
to meet you.

I'm Alice Kincaid.

Well, how do you do.
I'm Lily penleric.

What are trudging all
the way up here for, child?

I wanted to meet
Dr. Penleric.

I have something
for you.

Fate,
thank you.

My family spent
summers in asheville.

I loved hiking
up in the mountains

and reading poetry.

That's how I met Reese,
my husband.

He wooed me with ballads
and fiddle music.

I've been writing
them down

since I came
to live here.

You can have them
if you like.

Thank you. Thank you.

They are indeed exactly
what I'm looking for,

but I'm afraid

these haven't been
scientifically collected.

Well, I can't be sure
of your notation, you see,

because of
the irregular times

and the unusual modes
and rhythms of the tunes.

Of course.
I understand perfectly.

That is beautiful.

Come here, child.

You are
weak as water.

That baby is sucking
the life out of you.

You've
got to eat more.

No, I can barely
feed the children.

Reese gone again?

Mrs. Kincaid,
thank you.

Thank you.

Here, now, you make
a potion out of this

and drink it
twice a day.

And do not go draggin'
all over the place.

Viney, the ballads

are a precious
musical legacy.

Why, they're
just songs.

No, Mrs. Butler,
they're not.

They're ancient ballads
from england and Scotland,

and they've been sung
for hundreds of years.

Well, they say that
my great granddaddy

come from there.

He come over
that mountain

in 17 and 43.

Really? Well,
no one knows

that these songs are
being sung right here

in the mountains
of America. No one.

What of it?

Music experts
will want to know.

So I am going
to write them down

and publish them
in a song book.

Well, lord knows

I can't read
nor write anyhow.

Viney, I think
she's a very nice lady.

♪ He took the brown girl
by the hand ♪

♪ and led her
across the hall ♪

♪ he took out his sword
and cut off her head ♪

♪ and kicked it
against the wall ♪

♪ and he kicked it
against the wall ♪

Have you got it?

One more time,
Viney.

I thought you'd
done this before?

Viney?

Tom.

Is the day
gone already?

Sure is.

Corn is coming up fine
in that back field.

This is
Dr. Lily penleric.

She's miss elna's
sister.

How do you do?

How do you do?

Lily is
a doctor of music.

She's catching
my old love songs.

She says
they're important.

Important?

Important to who?

I'm going to publish them
in a song book.

No, you're not.

Nobody's
going to publish

my granny's songs.

This is my grandson,
Tom bledsoe.

He's been to
the other world,

and he thinks
he knows a whole lot.

Mr. Bledsoe,
I am a collector.

My intention
is to exalt

the fine music
of these mountains.

Exalt?

Yes. It means
to lift up.

You mean exploit.

It means to steal.

I'm a musicologist,
not a thief.

My work is to preserve
musical culture.

First it was the coal
and lumber companies

coming in here.

Now they want to take
our music, too.

These songs
are of great interest

to anyone who studies
musical heritage.

You're gonna get paid
for it, ain't you?

Yes, I am.

See, granny, let me
handle this now.

I can assure you it will
not make me rich.

And frankly, I'm the one

who's going to all the
trouble and the expense

of collecting the songs.

And I'm the one
who has the expertise

to write them down
and categorize them

properly and
scientifically.

You do, do you? And
what's in it for my granny?

Her name will appear

before each
one of the songs

which I include
in the book

as a source from which
I have collected it.

Malvina Butler, that's
what it's gonna say, Tom.

Well, you can't collect
from my granny

unless you pay her.

I have offered.
She refused.

You refused?

How can I take money
for singin'?

My mama used to sing
those songs

rockin' the young'uns
to sleep and leading

the cows home.

Doctor, i'm
asking you kindly--

to leave.

Tom! I can give
my songs to anybody

that I want to.

No, you can't.

Yes, I can!

Besides,
it's supper time,

and Lily's joining us.

No, thank you,
Mrs. Butler. Really,

I should be heading
back to the school.

You're going to take
my songs and refuse

the hospitality
of my home?

Well, I never!

My man's father
built this place

when he settled here.

I've raised 9 children
in this cabin.

Only two of them
still living.

I'm sorry.

One's working
the coal mines

up in Virginia,
and one's in Missouri.

It was good, granny.

Tom's a fine musician.

Really?

He plays
the banjo like nobody.

Tom? Tom? What's that
thing called? That thing?

It's a guitar, granny.

How many times
have I got to tell you?

He got it in Cuba,
Tom did.

In the Spanish war.

It's a lovely
instrument.

Yeah, he's the only one
in these parts

got one of those things.

He makes up songs on it, too.

Do you play music, doctor...

Or do you just steal
other people's?

I'm a pianist,
Mr. Bledsoe.

A pianist?

I heard of them.

Tom, come on, play some
banjo tunes for Lily here.

Come on, come on.

Please.
I would like that.

Hilliard, you almost
scared me to death.

Sorry, Viney.

You coming, Tom?

I'll be right there.

Mr. Bledsoe,

where did you learn
to play like that?

I taught him.

I would like
to record you

on my phonograph
machine sometime.

No, thank you.

I make music
to please myself.

Never mind Tom.

He's like
most of those fellas

who went to the other world
and come back.

Just never seem
to be the same.

They just can't seem
to settle down and be happy.

Would you show me
how to play this?

Well, it's all
in the picking.

Fate, did you see
to Alice

and her young'uns?

Yes, ma'am. I caught 'em
a couple of rabbits.

We had a fine supper.

Good. Good.

We have all
to do tomorrow.

These old songs are
coming back to me now.

Well, I'm looking
forward to it.

Lily, um, listen.

If you hear a strange cry,
like a woman screaming,

that's the panther cat.

And you're gonna be dead
if it gets you.

Now what you do is you
pull off your clothes

one piece at a time,

and then you run real hard,

and then the panther cat
will stop

and tear up the clothes
that you've dropped

in its path to shreds,

and that'll save you!

Viney, that is ridiculous.

What was that?

Just an owl.

Are you sure?

You'll know the panther cry
when you hear it.

Fate!

Damn near got
your fool head blowed off.

I didn't know you had
a still going here.

What about her?

What about her?

Go on, git,
both of you.

Fate.

Yes, sir.

Eleanor?

Eleanor?

Eleanor?

I have had the most
remarkable day.

Lily, I'd like
to talk with you.

I'm very tired.
I don't want to talk.

I think we should talk.

How could you,
Eleanor?

You sound so like father.
I'm not a child.

You're teachers!

What kind of an example
are you setting?

You're disgusting.

She's the finest person
I've ever known.

I suppose...Harriet is
a lot older and, um,

more experienced than you,

so I suppose it's her fault.

It's nobody's fault.

We're in love.

♪ out she drew
her little penknife ♪

♪ and stabbed him
through his heart ♪

♪ she cried out
with a very loud cry ♪

♪ there's a dead man
in my house, house ♪

♪ there's a dead man
in my house ♪

We came to see
the machine

that sings
the songs back to you.

I'm not using it
at the moment.

You see, you gotta
save it, Polly,

or it'll wear out.

My brother's
a songcatcher.

That's very nice,

but I'm afraid
he's a bit too little

to be a reliable source.

Come on,
Tommy Lee.

You can sing
for me.

What songs you know?

Get the hell out of
my yard, Earl giddens.

I've been hearing
all this excitement

about the songcatcher.

I came to see for myself.

Tom told you
we're not selling.

He also told you

that he'd shoot you
on the spot

if you came around
again.

Viney, it's that kind of talk

gives city folk
a terrible impression

of us hillbillies.

Isn't that right, miss?

Doctorlily penleric.

Doctor?
Well, Earl giddens,

of the mcfarland
coal company.

Very pleased to make your
acquaintance, doctor.

It's fine to see
an outsider

appreciating the charm
of our local music.

To myself, however,

there is nothing like
the elegant perfection

of a composition by
Mr. Johann Sebastian bach.

Well, I don't think
that such comparisons

benefit
either tradition.

They're
apples and oranges.

Are you a musician?

No, ma'am.

I've been
down the mountain.

I had the privilege
of education.

Bachelor of sciences.

University of north Carolina.

Really?

I guess I see your point.

Maybe you can
talk some sense

into this stubborn
old woman, Dr. Lily.

Mrs. Butler? She has
no need of my advice.

Don't you think
she deserves

a nice new house
in sawyerville?

Time to sing and rest?

She could even learn
to read and write

instead of working
her fingers to the bone

just to get by.

I could make
a living on a rock

if I wanted to.

I was born
on this mountain,

and I'm gonna
die on this mountain,

and so are you.

Git goin', giddens.

This place is nothing
but a burden for Tom, Viney.

You know he was made for
other things besides farming.

Isabel. Isabel.

Go to my place.

Take the children
to my place.

Yes, ma'am.

And tell Tom to
bring the milk cow.

Come on,
y'all. Come on.

I'll take them, Viney.

No! I want you here!

Help me. Help me,
please, I'm dying.

I can't
stop the bleeding

till I get the baby out.

You gotta help me.

No, no, no, I couldn't.

Well, she can't
do it by herself.

Come here.
Give me your hands.

Give me your hands.

Now put 'em right here,
like that.

And when I tell you to,
you push, hard.

No, no, no.

Do it, woman!

Ready?

Now!

Well,
I guess the good lord's

gonna let us keep you
a little while longer.

And you've got yourself here

another sweet little
baby girl.

Will she live?

Well, it was a struggle
there for a bit,

but it's in the good
lord's hands now.

Alice, you're gonna
have to keep Reese

away from you.

Well, if you don't
want butter,

you gotta pull
the dasher out in time.

Shhh.

Sweet baby girl.

I hope you grow up
smart like Lily here,

and stay single.

♪ When I was single
went dressed mighty fine ♪

♪ now I am married
go ragged all the time ♪

♪ I wish I was
a single girl again ♪

♪ lord, don't I wish
I was a single girl again ♪

♪ When I was single
my shoes did squeak ♪

♪ now I am married
my shoes they do leak ♪

♪ I wish I was
a single girl again ♪

♪ lord, don't I wish
I was a single girl again ♪

♪ three little babes
a'cryin' for bread ♪

♪ with none to give 'em
I'd rather be dead ♪

♪ I wish I was
a single girl again ♪

♪ lord, don't I wish
I was a single girl again ♪

♪ When he comes in,
it's a curse and a row ♪

♪ knocking down the children
and pulling out my hair ♪

♪ I wish I was
a single girl again ♪

♪ lord, don't I wish
I was a single girl again ♪

♪ dishes to wash--

Reese, where in hell
have you been?

Alice...

You came home.

Lily, please take
the painting.

Will she live?

Yes.

What about the baby?

Hopefully.

Thank the lord.

Having a real backwoods
experience, ain't you?

Are you drunk?

I'm not drunk, I'm a...

Celebrating.

There's no cause for
celebration, Mr. Bledsoe.

They could still die.

In case it's news
to you, doctor,

suffering
is a woman's lot.

I am perfectly
well aware

of that fact,
Mr. Bledsoe.

God knows,
I wish I weren't.

You really are an
ignorant drunken lout.

You have absolutely
no idea

what that woman has
just been through.

Let me tell you
something...

My wife died in childbirth
when we were 16 years old.

She bled to death right after
I pulled our dead baby out,

so don't you tell me
what I do and don't know.

Dear Wallace,

enclosed are 10 of the beautiful
ballads I have collected so far.

I am sure you will realize what
a remarkable discovery this is.

The songs are virtually intact

according to the oldest
known versions,

with wonderful idiosyncratic
local changes

in a lyric or phrase
here or there.

Best wishes, Lily.

Lord!

Your playing is beautiful.

Well, actually
that was one of my tunes.

Dexter here
just took it over

and made it his own.

Such striking rhythms.

Thank you, ma'am.

I'm Lily penleric.

She's a musicologist.

Mr....

Dexter speaks,
ma'am.

Well, how do you do?

Would you...
Look at del.

She's all bug-eyed.

Ain't you ever seen
a colored man before?

Where would I have?

Where you all headed?

Rose gentry's.

I'm gonna help doc,
here,

with writing down
Rose' ballads.

We're going everywhere
the sweet music is.

Rose? Rose lives
way off back of beyond.

You'll never get there
with that load.

You can't tell this
woman nothing, Tom.

Well, aren't you lucky?

Sitting around all day,

getting drunk,
playing music.

How lovely.

Yes, I am.

See, that's what
you outlanders

don't understand.

See, life is for enjoying,

not just getting and working
and getting and working.

We do indeed have
very different notions

of what enjoyment is.

Wait.

Fate, careful.

Stop, stop.

I told you we
couldn't get there

with this thing.

Where's your
pioneer spirit, fate?

We can't give up.

Come on,
let's keep trying.

No, del. She's crazy.

I've been lugging this thing
everywhere it don't belong.

I'm not risking life and limb
for no stupid songs.

I need
these recordings.

I need them,
right, deladis?

Doc, no one's ever tried

to pull a thing
like this up here.

Until now.
Come along.

We'll show
young Mr. Honeycutt

what you can achieve
if you don't give up.

You...

I will not give up!

Come along.

Please, fate.
Come with us.

I decided to
take your offer, Earl.

A dollar an acre

and jobs for me
and my boys.

Why, if it ain't
the songcatcher.

Dr. Lily, you sure do
get around, don't you?

Nice to see you
again, Mr. Giddens.

Mr. and Mrs. Gentry,
I'm Lily penleric.

We heard you might be
coming this way.

Viney says
doc is awful nice

and you should sing
for her.

Doctor,
uncle cratis is the one

who knows about
every love song there is.

Except uncle cratis
got the calling.

He don't hold
to singing no more.

I'm sorry,
we seem to have come

at a bad time.

No. We've about
finished here.

I said I'd take
a dollar an acre.

Well, now, parley,

that was before I knew
the land was used up.

Well, I wouldn't be
selling if it weren't.

I appreciate that,

but Mr. Mcfarland
would have my head

if I gave that much.

Most I could give is,
say, 50 cents an acre.

What's that come to?

How many acres
you got again?

About 100,
my daddy always said.

$50?!

That's all?

That's criminal,
Mr. Giddens.

Don't butt in
where you don't belong.

Now, the only way
these folks

are going
to better themselves

is to get the hell off
this mountain

and give up their
backward ways.

Is that what your
education taught you?

To hate your own people?

Damn you!

You're about as mean
as a copperhead.

And I sleep
like a snake, too,

with both eyes open.

Leave the boy, Earl.

Get on outta here.
The deal's done.

You got my word.

Git.

Good day, doctor.

Is that any way
to settle anything,

you stupid boy!

That man would steal the dime
off a dead man's eyes.

I'm really very sorry.

♪ When I first come
to this country ♪

♪ in 1849

♪ I saw many fair lovers

♪ but never saw mine

♪ I viewed it all around me

♪ saw I was quite alone

♪ me, a poor stranger

♪ and a long way from home

♪ fare-thee-well to old mother

♪ fare-thee-well to father,
too ♪

♪ I'm alone and for to ramble

♪ this wide world all through

♪ and when I get weary

♪ I'll sit down and cry

♪ and think of my saro

♪ pretty saro, my bride

♪ well, I wished
I was a turtle dove ♪

♪ had wings and could fly

♪ far away
to my lover's lodgings ♪

♪ tonight I'd draw nigh

♪ and there
in her Lily white arms ♪

♪ I'd lay there all night

♪ and watch through
them little windows ♪

♪ for a dawning of day

The missionary
board is convinced

that the schools
would take hold better

in the mountain communities

if they were led
by a man and his wife

who would integrate
more normally into the community

than two women.

Fortunately for us,
reverend,

we're not under
your jurisdiction.

I'm beginning to understand

your appreciation of the local
crafts, Mrs. Mcfarland.

It's a beautifully
made piece.

I have several like it.

She'll bankrupt me
with her collecting.

The clover school
is a model,

but the church is better
equipped to educate.

I endorse the English idea:

We must educate by example.

If we teach these ruffians
to serve tea properly,

they will want refinement.
Seek it out.

I believe we must ask
the mountain people

what they want
and what they need.

That is the enlightened
point of view.

Educating these
savages is a waste of money.

If you want to help
these children,

you should get them
out of their hovels

and put them to work.

There's nothing like
a day's wages

to help make for advancement.

It's a beautiful land,
isn't it, Mr. Mcfarland?

It's one of the largest
untapped coal deposits

in the Southern mountains,
miss tolliver,

and soon I'm gonna own it.

And with my coal mines
will come towns,

roads, railroads,
churches,

even a few more schools.

Although I don't
share the lofty ideals

of you ladies,

I would like to make
a small donation

to the clover school.

Say, $500.

Thank you. But we
couldn't possibly

accept such a gift
despite our need.

Yes, it's essential

that we avoid all
political affiliations

to maintain the trust
of the community.

As far as I know,

water pumps don't have
political affiliations.

Mr. Mcfarland,

I thought you supported
Christian education.

I support progress,
reverend merriweather.

And I also appreciate

what these ladies
have accomplished.

I think this school
is the loveliest.

The way miss tolliver
and miss penleric

have used the local crafts
to decorate.

Are you aware of
the folk arts movement

that is sweeping
New York and London?

I'm quite a collector.

Doc's collecting
songs.

Really?

Yes, I am.

Umm...

It's beautiful.

So refined.
Was this painted by a local?

I knew you would
appreciate it.

Do you know I have sent
a dozen of these

to a gallery in New York?

The dealer is
very excited.

Look everybody.

Our musical entertainment
is here. Hi, will.

Hey, will.

Everybody,
this is will.

Hello, will.

Will, why don't
you play Sally goodin?

Ambrose.

Twirl me around
the lawn.

Miss tolliver,
may I have the honor?

I'd be delighted.

Yeee-ip!

All right!

Yeee-haaa!

Woo!

Ooh!

Take
a little bit. Go on.

Isn't that good?

Ha! Ha!

Hey, del.

Where have you been?

Miss elna's
been worried sick.

I ain't her
concern no more.

Not hers
or nobody's.

Go on
out there, boy.

Get on
out there.

Miss elna?

I'd be delighted,
hilliard.

Woo! Go, hilliard!

That a boy!

Come on, Lily,
let's try it.

Look at that!
Whoo-ee!

Whoa! Go on now.
Don't be embarrassed.

You're dancing!
You're dancing good.

Look out, there.

Hello.

Would you care to--

or maybe I was speaking

a little too proper
to you before.

Get your long legs
out here--

I don't think so.

Let me show you some true
country spirit, darling.

Excuse me.
No, thank you.

I think perhaps

you've had a little
too much to drink.

No. I'll show you want
you need to know.

Hey!

Go on, out of here.

I'm telling
you, boy!

Lily?

It's very late.

We should get back.

I'll find
my own way home.

I'll see the doctor
gets home.

All right.

I'll be fine.
Good night.

Good night.

Night,
miss elna.

Night, miss Harriet.

Hey, Earl.

How's your head?

♪ What is this

♪ I cannot see

♪ whose icy hand
takes hold on me ♪

♪ I am death

♪ that none can excel

♪ I open the door

♪ to heaven and hell

♪ O death, o death

♪ how can it be

♪ that I must come
and go with thee ♪

♪ o death, o death

♪ how can it be?

♪ I'm unprepared
for eternity ♪

♪ yes, I've come
for to get your soul ♪

♪ take your body
and leave it cold ♪

♪ I'll drop the flesh
from off of your frame ♪

♪ the earth and the worms
both have their claim ♪

♪ o death,
o death ♪

♪ please let me see

♪ if Christ has turned
his back on me ♪

♪ when you were called
and asked to bow ♪

♪ you wouldn't
take heed ♪

♪ and it's too late now

♪ farewell, farewell

♪ to all, farewell

♪ my doom is fixed

♪ I'm summoned to hell

♪ as long as god

♪ in heaven shall dwell

♪ my soul, my soul

♪ shall scream in hell

What are you still
doing here?

I'm not grateful
for your vain gallantry,

Mr. Bledsoe.

I am perfectly capable
of looking after myself.

Don't worry.

I'd beat that snake
up for fun,

any day of the week.

I have never
heard such...

Such singing.

Why, I'd never met
an outlander

who likes music
as much as you do.

I have never been anywhere

where the music is as much
a part of life as it is here.

It's like the air
you all breathe.

It's beautiful.

Yeah.

I would like to discuss
something with you seriously.

Serious?
What is it?

It's about my work.

Actually,
it's about my book.

I believe that you can
win public sentiment over

with your music.

Public sentiment?

Yes.

Let me tell
you something.

We're not
really interested

in what you people out
there think about us.

Well, you should be.

Yeah?

What I'm trying to say

is that when my book
is published,

I believe that the mountain
people will be seen

in a very different light.

What light is
that, may I ask?

Well, the common view is
that there is no culture here,

and that the people are
dirty, ignorant, and savage.

You forgot illiterate
and inbred.

The only way

to preserve our
way of life up here

is to keep your way
of life down there.

That is the way that you kill
something, by shutting it up.

You know what?

You just don't understand,
and you never will.

We just want
to be left alone.

See?

Then the mountain ways
will die.

We'll see.

I don't want
to fight with you.

Well, me neither.

We just keep
getting off

on the wrong foot,
don't we?

Good night.

Can I take my wrong feet
and walk you home?

No. I can find my
own way, thank you.

I promised miss elna.

Well, in case
you hadn't noticed,

I am the big sister.

Not elna.

I'd noticed.

I'd noticed.

Whoa! Whoa!

Here you go.

Why won't you admit
it was you--give me that.

It was you.

It wasn't me.

It had to be
the panther.

Either that
or maybe you...

Maybe you
imagined it.

I did not imagine it.

It was as real
as you and me.

Why aren't you married?

Why aren't you?

I've been
married twice.

My second wife
died of lung fever.

I'm sorry.

I'm a jinx for
a woman, Lily.

I'm not your
average woman.

You're not,
are you?

♪ holiday,
holy day ♪

♪ the first day
of the year ♪

♪ little matthy groves
to church he goes ♪

♪ for some holy
words to hear ♪

♪ hear, some holy
words to hear ♪

Come on, doc.
You know this one.

♪ He spied some women dressed in
black as they came into view ♪

♪ lord Daniel's wife was gaily
clad, the flower of the few ♪

♪ few, the flower of the few

♪ she stepped up to
little matthy groves ♪

♪ her eyes cast on the ground

♪ please, please come
with me ♪

♪ stay as you pass
through this town ♪

♪ town, as you pass
through this town ♪

Lady? You are officially
my assistant now,

and it's going to
say so in my book.

♪ What is this,
said little matthy groves ♪

♪ as he sat up in bed

♪ I fear it is your husband's
man, and I will soon be dead ♪

♪ dead, and I will
soon be dead ♪

♪ but little matthy groves,
he lay back down ♪

♪ and soon
fell off to sleep ♪

♪ when he woke up, lord Daniel
was standing at his bed feet ♪

♪ feet, standing
at his bed feet ♪

♪ saying, how do you like
my snow white pillow ♪

♪ saying, how do
you like my sheets? ♪

♪ Saying, how do you like
my pretty little woman ♪

♪ that's laying in your arms
asleep ♪

♪ sleep, laying in
your arms asleep ♪

♪ the first swing
that little matthy made ♪

♪ it hurt lord Daniel sore

♪ the next swing
that lord Daniel made ♪

♪ little matthy hit the floor

♪ floor, little matthy
hit the floor ♪

What do you want?

Parley gentry sent us.

My name is Lily penleric.

We are looking
for uncle cratis.

What for?

I'm a song
collector.

Parley says that
uncle cratis knows

about every love song
there is.

We're making a book.

Cratis got religion.

He don't do
no singing no more.

Well, perhaps if
I spoke with him.

Cratis.

♪ Uncle cratis

you're going to burn
in hell, Josie Moore.

Mr. Kincaid?

Do I know you, woman?

I'm your wife's friend.

You all go on.

We got no songs here.

Your family needs you,
Mr. Kincaid.

Reese belongs here with me.

Go on.

How can
I thank you?

Alice,
you don't have to.

I've barely been able to
keep body and soul together

since Reese left again.

And people been helping out
as best they can, but...

Well, now that
Clementine mcfarland's

collecting your paintings,

others will as well.

You know, maybe I should
take the children

down to asheville.

I mean, if what you say
is true,

I could provide for us
in a big town.

Hello, Alice.

Daddy?

Reese!

Daddy, daddy.

Well, hey, big man.

Hey, little Beth.

Hey.

Hey.

You look pretty
today, Alice.

You remember
Dr. Penleric, don't you?

Mr. Kincaid.

Hey, del.

Hey.

Hey, del.

"It is...

It is dep...
Dep..."

What are you doing reading
other people's writing?

"It is deplorable...

"Deplorable that
the literature of the ballad

"has attracted so much more
attention than the music.

"The two elements should
never be disassociated.

"The music and text are
one and indivisible,

"and to sever one
from the other

is to remove the priceless gem
from its beautiful setting."

What are you
laughing at?

She's just saying our songs
are finer than frog hair.

You're going soft
in the head, Tom.

Yeah, maybe.

Ladies.

Hello.

What are you
doing here?

...i-i brought
you something.

You shouldn't have.

Well, I did.

Warm today?
Yes.

Tom.

Why don't you advise
my sister

to join us at
the picnic this afternoon?

I haven't had any luck.

Perhaps you might.

What? And leave her work?

Deladis?

Are you ready?

Umm...

I ain't goin'.

It's too hot and
muggy for a picnic.

All right.
Suit yourself.

Let me show you
this here noter.

A what?

Noter. You take that
in your left hand

and you play
these strings.

Let's go for a walk.

Yes.

We'll leave you two
to your music lesson.

You know, it ain't none
of my business, but...

Miss Harriet
and miss elna...

They're, umm...

What?

Sweethearts,
I guess you call it.

Don't be ridiculous.

Well, listen, it don't
bother me none.

I know it riles most
people right up.

It don't bother me none.

I'm sure it's only
because they're so isolated.

Who else would
they be with?

Well, certainly
not a mountain man.

I see you two.

Now, you quit that.

Hey, Johnson.

I got a letter here
for the doctor.

She ain't here right now,
but you can leave it.

No, no. You see
this here word?

That means it's
important,

and she's got to get it
right away.

Urgent?

I can read.

She's gone over
to alton's creek.

I'll take it over.

You do that for
me, old fate?

Sure, Johnson, sure.

I'll go with you.

No. You stay here.

Why?
Because I said.

I'm
coming with you.

Now, you deliver it
into her own hands.

I will, I will.

Thank you.

Bye.
Bye.

Sure, I'll deliver
the letter, doc.

You can't do that.
That's doc's letter.

You give me that.

Come and get it.

Del! You come
back here!

Del?

God.

God.

God. No!

Elna, we have to get
back to the school. Elna!

Fate!

Elna!

Johnson said
it was urgent.

Dear Lily...

It is with great
pride that I write.

I took the Liberty

of showing the ballads
you sent me to Cyrus whittle.

He immediately confirmed the
importance of your discovery,

and thinks it imperative

that the ballads
be collected urgently.

The Dean has secured the funds.

You'll be thrilled to know
that whittle himself

intends to collect the songs

and insisted that you
continue as his assistant.

Assistant!

Please respond immediately.

Regards, Wallace.

Uncle cratis is preaching
the gospel tomorrow.

Yes, dear.

Can I wear my
new green calico?

Harriet,
no! Run!

Run! Run!

My god!

My glasses!

No, no.

Lily!

Lily!

Good-bye, my darling girl.

Good lord.

Go away.

Elna?

How am I going to
live without her?

Perhaps you
could find her.

She swore if anyone
ever found out,

she'd disappear.

My Harriet...

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

Hey, doc! Look!

Doc!

Y'all don't have to believe me,

but you gotta believe
the word of god.

Now I know you believe
in the Bible,

and the Bible says, "for her
sins have reached unto heaven,

"and god hath remembered
her iniquities.

"Therefore shall her plagues
come in one day:

"Death and mourning and famine,

"and she shall be utterly

destroyed with fire."

Amen!
Glory!

"For strong is the lord god
that judgeth her."

Amen.

Where did you get to?
I was looking for you!

Thou hast polluted the land
with thy whoredoms

and with thy wickedness!

Amen!

I'm gonna bust you up,
hilliard!

Tom!

They're the whores
of Babylon

come to tempt us, Tom!

Now, that snake
right there

and
that little weasel

right next to him,

they're the ones

who set fire
to the school!

And all this while them
women and children

were still inside!

They're evil women!

Are you gonna
listen to them,

or are you gonna
listen to me?

I am ashamed
of you boys!

I ain't never seen
nothing but good

come out of that school.

Them women were sent
by the devil hisself!

Only wickedness
comes of book learning.

Amen!

Cratis!

I ain't never had a chance
to learn nothin',

and my kids ain't neither,

'cause they's always
working too hard,

keeping food on the table.

But I got grandbabies
as smart as any others,

and I want them
to have a chance.

That's the devil
speaking through him!

Amen! Amen!

Reese Kincaid!

You said you'd never leave me.

Josie!

♪ daylight it comes

♪ on a poison Thorn

♪ in a dress

♪ dirty and torn

♪ young'uns in bed

♪ as the black crow flies

♪ mama's weeping

♪ hear the mountains cry

♪ there was another

♪ a Wilder flower

♪ cold was her heart

♪ in its darkest hour

♪ tears on the ground

♪ where her love did die

♪ 'neath the bloody moon

♪ hear the mountains cry

♪ dig his grave

♪ where the roads meet

♪ set a jug of whiskey

♪ for his thirsty feet

♪ and lay two pennies

♪ on his roving eyes

♪ two women wail

♪ as the mountains cry

thank you, dear.

Elna, will you be
all right if I leave?

So soon?

Why don't you come
with me?

You can live as you
please in a big city.

I've thought about it.

I want to reopen the school.

I was thinking about
asking you to stay with me.

We need another teacher.

I didn't think you would.

I shall miss you...

- ♪- the wind blows weary ♪

My little elf.

♪ In the wailer's eyes

I'll miss you, too.

♪ Rivers of sorrow

♪ when the mountains cry

♪ rivers of sorrow

♪ when the mountains cry

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, too.

I'm sorry about
that school.

I'm sorry about your book.

You made most of us
feel real proud.

Thank you.

I'm sure someone
else will come

and write down
all the songs.

You giving up?

I realize that it was
the voices singing them

that I wanted
everyone to hear.

You going back to
your university, then?

No, no,
I don't think so.

Where are you going?

I'm not sure, um...

Come with me?

How would I earn a living
down the mountain?

With your music.

I couldn't take care
of you right, doing this.

Then work
in a coal mine.

No, I did that once,
and I guarantee you,

I never ever will again.

So you're just content
to sit on a mountain

and hide your head
in a jug, is that it?

A man's meant
to provide

for his wife
and his family, Lily.

You were meant
to make music.

And besides which,

I don't want you
to take care of me.

And I do have a plan.

Well, of course you do.

Did you ever
have a day without a plan?

It includes you, Tom.
Do you want to hear it?

Go on.

Well, um, nowadays,

phonographs, they
only cost about $10.

And I think that soon

everyone is going
to have one.

I was thinking that
we could

make cylinders
of mountain music

and sell them.

Who the hell
would buy them?

I think everyone
would.

I know they would, Tom.

The way the music
makes you feel,

of course they would.

Lily, you're just about
as crazy as--

hey! What are you
doing here?

Go on,
before I shoot you.

I want to talk to deladis.

Del, I come to get you
to be my wife.

I don't want
no part of you.

If you don't take me now,
I'm marrying Polly.

I went to the woods...

And the knot didn't hold.

You're Polly's now.

I love you, child.

Hey, del...

We're going
down the mountain.

You want to
come with us?

We're going
to make cylinders

of mountain music to
sell to outlanders.

What?

Isn't that
the craziest thing

you ever heard?

It's the craziest.

Of course
she'll come with you.

Granny?

Tom, I'll be fine.

I'll be right here

when you come back
to visit.

Why don't you
back up a ways

till one of us
can pull over?

Perhaps I'd better get out.

Are you Cyrus whittle?

Yes, yes, I am.
Who are you?

I'm Lily penleric.

Lily penleric?
Well, how marvelous!

I was just on my way
to meet you.

Didn't you get professor
aldrich's letter?

Yes, I did,
but I didn't realize

you were coming
immediately.

The work is urgent.

Your discovery
is too great.

The collection must
be moved forward

as expeditiously
as possible.

That's why I'm here

in hopes of being
able to assist you.

Assisting me?

I told aldrich to
ask your permission.

I made myself quite
clear to the Dean.

I am only here to
facilitate and cooperate

in the completion
of the collection

of this vast body
of songs.

There is no collection

beyond the 10 songs that
I sent professor aldrich.

What? All this time,
you mean...

Was destroyed in a fire.

I can't bear it.

I'm afraid so,

along with my
phonograph recordings.

My lord!
Phonograph, you say?

I had no idea
it was feasible

to lug a phonograph
into the wilderness.

It isn't.

Well, in that case,

it is very fortuitous
that I'm here, isn't it?

We can start again,
you and I.

Thank you, professor whittle,

but I'm afraid
I have other plans.

What on earth could be
more important

than this collection
of songs?

I bequeath the collection

of the mountain ballads
to you.

To me?

Well, how am I going
to work without you?

Well, when you get
to bear creek,

ask for Viney Butler.

Tell Viney that Tom,
Lily, and deladis

said that you're
a very nice man

and she should help you.

Who? Deladis?

Deladis.

Viney Butler.

She knows dozens of songs.
She will help you.

Very well, professor,

but I must assure you
that I intend

to publish these songs
under both our names.

Yours first, of course.

It's penleric--
that's one n and no k.

♪ 'Twas in the merry month
of may ♪

♪ when all gay flowers
were bloomin' ♪

♪ sweet William
on his deathbed lay ♪

♪ for the love
of Barbara Allen ♪

♪ he sent his servant
to the town ♪

♪ to the place
where she was dwelling ♪

♪ saying, you must come
to my master's house ♪

♪ if your name
be Barbara Allen ♪

♪ so slowly, slowly
she gets up ♪

♪ and to his bedside going

♪ she drew the curtains
to one side ♪

♪ and says, young man,
you're dying ♪

♪ I know I'm sick,
and very sick ♪

♪ and sorrow dwells within me

♪ no better, no better
I never will be ♪

♪ till I have Barbara Allen

♪ don't you remember
last Saturday night ♪

♪ when I was at the tavern

♪ you gave your drinks
to the ladies all ♪

♪ but you slighted
Barbara Allen ♪

♪ he reached up
his pale, white hands ♪

♪ intending for to touch her

♪ she turned away
from his bedside ♪

♪ and says, young man,
I won't have you ♪

♪ he turned his cheek
unto the wall ♪

♪ and bursted out a-crying

♪ adieu to thee, adieu to all

♪ and adieu to Barbara Allen

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♪ She had not more
than reached the town ♪

♪ she heard the death bells
ringing ♪

♪ and as they rung
they seemed to say ♪

♪ hardhearted Barbara Allen

♪ o mother, o mother,
go make my bed ♪

♪ make it both long and narrow

♪ sweet William died
for me today ♪

♪ I'll die for him tomorrow

♪ sweet William was buried
in the old church yard ♪

♪ and Barbara there
lay nigh him ♪

♪ and out of his grave
grew a red, red Rose ♪

♪ and out of hers, a briar

♪ they grew and grew
to the old church gate ♪

♪ where they could grow
no higher ♪

♪ and there they tied
in a true love knot ♪

♪ the Rose wrapped
round the briar ♪