The Work and the Glory (2004) - full transcript

The news traveled quickly.

There was land to be had,

and lots of it.

The reports made western

New York sound like Paradise,

at least to my brother

and father,

two Vermont rock farmers.

87-1 /2 acres northwest corner

of plat 1 3, Palmyra Township.

Congratulations, Mr. Steed.

You own one of the finest tracts

of land in upstate New York.

Congratulations, sir!

Thank you.

No, l'm not going!

Melissa, this is so--

How can Father do this?

We don't even

know anyone in New York.

You mean you don't know anyone

like John Connelly.

Joshua!

This is very hard on her.

This is hard on all of us.

We do as we're told, right?

Let's get on with it!

Hyah! Giddyup!

So on the eve

of my 1 6th birthday

father announced

we would move.

He and Nathan went ahead,

and we would follow in time

for spring planting.

We had never heard

of Palmyra, New York

or of a man named

Joseph Smith.

And we had no way of knowing

that for the Steed family

our journey

was just beginning.

Ben?

Ben!

What?

Who knows you're here?

No one.

Mr. Steed!

Except my family.

Ho!

Pa!

Pa!

Hey, hey, come here.

Oh, my goodness,

you're heavy.

Oh!

Welcome home, Mrs. Steed.

Let me see if, uh,

l got this right.

Joshua's the old one.

Not by much.

l hear you're quite the worker.

Get more work done than

most men times two.

Then again, Nathan also says

that only happens

about once a year

and only if a young lady is

watchin'.

Martin's been

the best of neighbors.

He helped us survey

the property lines.

Thank you, Mr. Harris.

Not at all.

l'm just glad

you're finally here.

Ben's been antsier than

a bear in a beehive.

Did you miss me, Ben?

New Englanders, ma'am,

they're bunch of hemlock nuts.

He missed you.

What's this, Pa?

The Steed Farm.

Put that blasted book away,

come on!

Yo!

Yo! Yo! Giddy-up, mules!

Not even movin'.

Come on!

Move 'em.

Come on, pull,

pull, pull, pull, pull.

Haw, haw, haw, haw.

Pa!

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!

Whoa!

Two inches closer.

You alright, Pa?

Yeah!

Thank you, son.

We're going to have to cut

more of the roots.

Ah, nothin' will be happenin'

without a decent chain.

Josh!

Saddle one of the mules and...

and take this in

to the blacksmith.

Do you hear me, son?

We've been working

on this stump all afternoon,

and it hasn't

budged an inch.

l say we do what

everyone else does

and leave it and get on

with clearing some land.

There will be no stumps

on my farm.

Now take the chain in

and get it fixed.

Pa, you was nearly killed.

l say it stays.

Ho, Ben.

Just heading into town.

Can l pick up something

for you?

No, thank you, Martin.

Josh is just on his way.

Hickory, huh?

Hickory is

Vermont stubborn.

Thought we'd never get

our place cleared.

lt's coming fine.

But if we don't get

enough wheat and corn in...

we're gonna have

a tough winter.

Ever thought of hirin' help?

Spring's comin' on hard now.

You're going to want to be

plantin' within the month.

Got that money left over

from the farm sale, Pa.

l know a family a mile or two

south of town,

they got two boys

that hire out.

l used them myself and

right pleased with their work.

What's their names?

Smith.

Love this place.

Best part of town.

That's why l work here.

My ma and sisters won't

come anywhere near here.

Yeah, you don't want to bring

your ma around here.

Hey, this is it.

Whoa!

Much obliged, Steed.

Any time, Caleb.

Sure you don't want to come in

and meet the boys?

No, l got to run over

to Main Street.

Pick up some help

that Pa's hired.

And l got a stop to make

before that, so...

A stop? Yeah!

l saw you two

at the dance.

Careful, Steed.

Yee-ah!

What can l get you?

l got a list of things.

l just need to check out

some tools first.

Over there.

Thanks.

Oh, Mr. McBride?

Do you know the Smiths

down on Stafford Road?

Why?

Well, my Pa has hired two of

their sons, Hyrum and Joseph.

l'm supposed to meet them.

You're new around here.

Yeah.

None of my business,

but you might want to tell

your pa to think about that.

l need some help down here!

Mr. Steed.

Hello, Lydia.

How may l help you,

Mr. Steed?

My mother needs a few things.

Of course.

lt's always a pleasure

to help your mother.

You look right pretty today,

Lydia.

Right pretty.

lf you'll follow me, sir,

um, l'll help you get

those things together.

Do you know those men?

Why?

What do you want with them?

My pa has hired them

to clear some land.

l'm supposed to take them

up to our place.

Hyrum Smith.

My brother, Joseph.

Joshua Steed.

Joshua, good to meet you.

Day labor eating with us?

You know how l feel about that.

We've worked a long day,

Mary Ann.

Remember the ones in Rutland?

Foul-mouthed, lazy riffraff.

They're not like that, Ma.

You should have seen them.

Cleared near a full acre.

Could hardly get 'em

to stop for supper.

Well, Becca's smitten.

And Matthew adores them.

Pull, Matthew.

You got me again.

This boy's an ox,

Mr. Steed.

One more?

No, you go help your sister.

You plum wrestled him out,

Matthew.

He's got nothing left...

for a real man's game.

Might be good to show

the Smith boys here

what Vermont stubborn

really means.

Joshua is the champion

stick-puller in Rutland.

Never seen anyone

stand him up.

You leave Joseph and Hyrum be.

They worked hard today.

Yeah, Ma's right.

Big slice of humble pie.

Doesn't sit well

with a good meal.

l like pie.

l'll wager Joseph can throw you

over three times straight.

Loser has to pull out

that old hickory stump.

That work must have

shook your brains loose.

l thought you were smarter,

being older and all.

Hey, what do you say, Joseph,

are you going to stand by

your brother?

Always.

l don't like this, Ben.

Well, let's get on with it

so the Smiths

can start digging.

Somebody's going to get hurt.

Are you just going to sit there

and let them do this?

Need plenty of room.

Don't want anyone having

an advantage.

Now...

Here's how it works.

Three pulls.

First time Joshua throws

Joseph, over.

Draw...for hand position.

You know what?

You can take the outside.

l don't want you to have

any excuses when you lose.

Okay.

Alright, Nathan, you might

want to move that barrel.

That's exactly where Joseph's

going to land.

Alright, good clean pull.

Ready?

Ready.

Pull!

That's one.

Watch your grip, son.

Watch your grip.

Ready?

Pull!

Pull, Joshua.

That's two.

One more and we're done.

Don't let me down, son.

Don't let me down.

Come on, Joseph!

Put him in his place,

Joseph!

Ready?

Pull!

Tomorrow we'll

just hook you up

to that hickory stump.

Spare the mules.

Well done, Joshua.

lt's been a long time

since l came that close

to being beaten.

Yeah.

Whoa.

Alright, no sense in us

all going in.

Ah, sure there is.

l can sit on her pa.

Joseph can hog-tie her ma.

And you can say hello

to Miss Lydia.

Go on, get out of here.

We'll be back.

Yes?

Why, Mr. Steed.

l didn't know

you were in town.

Lydia. Good afternoon.

Joshua Steed.

These are my very best friends

in the whole world.

Abby Pierce.

Rilda Jane Freeman.

Ladies.

Blast.

You coming to

the barn raising Saturday?

l'll watch for you.

My brother Nathan.

Miss Lydia McBride.

Pleased to meet you.

l can tell you are a Steed.

You look very much

like your mother.

l'd better go. Saturday.

Yeah!

Pleasure to meet you, Miss.

Well, if it ain't Joe Smith.

lt is old Joe himself.

Let's go pay our respects.

Afternoon, Miss Lydia.

Mr. Murdock.

Out here learning more about

them angels, are ya?

No, just came from a recital.

Will Murdock.

You must be the new family out

by the Harris place?

This is my brother, David.

Cousin, Mark.

Joshua.

My brother, Nathan.

And Joseph,

who you seem to already know.

Oh, yeah.

We know all about old Joe,

don't we?

How are you today, sir?

Fine, Will.

You got that gold Bible yet?

Ain't Joe told you

about his gold Bible?

Shame, Joe.

People around here

just love that story,

especially the part

about them angels

flying around your house.

Heard tell the waiting time

is over this fall. That true?

Think your pa

will take gold

in payment for supplies, Miss

Lydia?

Oh, l imagine we'll be buying

our things same as other folks.

Joe, what does

an angel look like?

Was it a boy angel

or a girl angel?

Yeah, why don't you send

one of those angels

to tell us where to find

some buried treasure?

We'll be waitin'...

for the gold.

Alright, so what's all this

about a gold Bible and angels?

You really think

angels go around

showing people where to find

buried treasure?

Uh-uh.

Good. Neither do l.

They said something

about a gold Bible.

When a donkey brays

do you think he is always

saying something important?

Alright! Go!

Go! Go!

Hyah! Come on!

Hyah! Come on!

Hyrum! Come on, push.

Come on! Hyah!

Now...where's the hard one?

l'll go help unhook it.

Watch out for hornets.

So, Hyrum.

ln town yesterday,

some men stopped Joseph,

said something

about a gold Bible.

The Murdocks.

They also said

something about angels.

Josh.

lt is not our place to pry.

Well?

Anyone who wants

to know about that...

would have to ask Joseph.

Do you ask this for yourself?

Or is it just because

of the things you've heard?

The only thing l've heard

is what Will Murdock said.

You mean you haven't heard

that Joe Smith is a lazy,

no-account drunkard--

immoral, untrustworthy,

utterly unattractive.

Well, there may be

some truth to that.

Maybe you've heard

of our family.

How we're all grave robbers,

devil worshippers, and the like?

l don't believe any of that.

Neither does my family.

Thank you.

Why would anyone say that?

lf we talk,

you'll be late for supper.

lt's not for an hour.

l'll not ask you to believe

what l tell you, Nathan.

But l'd appreciate it

if you'd hear me

through to the end.

You ever been

to a camp meeting?

Revival?

Heard of them,

but we never went.

Pa says they're

organized madness.

That's not far off.

l was about 1 4

when they came to this area.

The Bible says God has already

decided on who will be saved.

So l admonish each of you

to search your hearts

to see if God has elected you.

That's false doctrine,

Reverend!

And we won't stay

a minute longer!

So many different faiths.

So many opinions.

So much anger.

l wondered who, of all

these parties, are right.

Or are they all wrong together?

lf any one of them be right,

which is it?

And how can l know it?

Thank you, dear.

''Let patience have

her perfect work,

''that ye may be perfect

and entire, wanting nothing.

''lf any of you lack wisdom,

''let him ask of God that giveth

to all men liberally

''and upbraideth not,

and it shall be given him.

But let him ask in faith,

nothing wavering.''

Father...in Heaven.

As l was praying,

l saw...a pillar of light.

lt was exactly over my head.

lt gradually descended.

When the light rested upon me,

l saw two personages.

Personages?

Yes, two beings.

Their brightness and glory

defy all description.

One of them spoke to me and

called me by name and said,

''This is My Beloved Son.

Hear Him.''

l saw God, Nathan.

And l saw His Son,

Jesus Christ.

l know how...

that must sound to you.

But l say again, l saw God

the Father and l saw His Son.

Nathan?

What did they look like?

Glorious.

Beyond description.

The light from them

was so brilliant

l thought the leaves

would catch fire.

When l finally

gathered my senses,

you can imagine how l felt.

This is not what l expected.

Anyway, l asked which of

the churches l should join.

And?

l was told to join

none of them.

l've got to get back.

Nathan.

l know what you're thinking.

Trust your heart on this.

Evening.

Steed.

Joshua.

Remember Mr. Steed?

Drink?

Good, ain't it?

He holds the shine better

than you do, Coop.

Have a seat, Steed.

So...

Why you taking on with

Joe Smith?

l ain't taking on with him.

Pa hired him and his brother

to clear land.

lf it was me,

l'd send him packin'.

Them Smiths is daft lunatics.

People are talking

about your family.

Wondering if you're taking up

with them.

What was that stuff

you boys were saying

about angels, gold Bible?

You ain't heard?

What?

Smith says some angel

came to him

in his room one night

and told him where

some old book is buried.

Joe says it's like the Bible.

And it's written

on gold plates.

You believe that?

Not about the angel.

But suppose there is gold.

And suppose we follow Joe

when he goes to get it.

There is a lot of treasure

buried in these parts.

Spanish brought

a lot of gold up here.

So if there's gold,

then where is it?

Buried in a hill

down by the Smiths'.

The angel said Joe

needed to wait some

before he could get it.

''The angel said.''

Listen, the word is,

time's up this fall.

Me and the boys,

we plan on being there

when Smith takes out the gold.

Ma. lt's early.

lt's Easter Sunday.

Couldn't just stay in bed.

Pa could.

He had a lot to drink

last night.

lf you believe Miss Sloan,

so did Joshua.

She saw him?

With the Murdocks.

Oh, that's why

he never came home.

Your father's gonna have

a problem with that.

What are you reading?

John, last part.

Remember our New Year's

resolutions?

Mine was to read the Four

Gospels again by Easter.

l'm almost there.

Mary's just come

to the empty tomb.

Good place to be reading

this morning.

l could have

finished yesterday,

but l wanted to save it.

lf Jesus was resurrected,

is He still alive?

Of course.

As a real being?

A person?

Thomas felt

His hands and feet.

That's pretty real.

But that was

2,000 years ago.

So?

Could He appear

to someone now?

Well, He appeared

to Mary, to Paul.

l suppose

He could now, why?

Nathan?

Joshua told you what happened

in town the other day,

with Joseph?

We don't hold

with gossip, Nathan.

l know, but...when

l walked home with them...

l asked Joseph why people

were saying

those things about him.

lt's none

of our affair.

Ma, l wanted to know.

He said when he was 1 4,

he was confused about

which church to join.

And he read in James,

l think it was the first

chapter, and it said,

''lf you lack wisdom,

ask of God.''

Becca, help your sister

with the bowls.

Happy Easter, Papa.

Well, Happy Easter to you,

Matthew.

What time did Joshua

come in last night?

He's not here.

l'll be back.

Ben!

We don't even

know where he is.

He's probably

on his way home now.

You know, he don't need you

stickin' up for him.

Ben!

lt's Easter morning.

Come and eat.

He'll be along.

What are you doing here?

l was looking for you

all night.

You looked

pretty busy to me.

l was hoping

you'd come over.

Lydia, we're late!

l have to go.

Wednesday, Father and Mother

are going to Waterloo.

l'll be staying with my aunt

on Canandaigua Road.

My aunt isn't nearly

as strict as Father.

Will you come?

Lydia!

l'll come.

''Now, upon the first day

of the week,

very early in the morning,

they came unto the se--''

Sepulcher.

Sepulcher.

Sorry l didn't come home

last night, Ma.

l was with some friends.

Friends?

Would that be

the Murdocks?

Matthew, Becca,

we need eggs.

Look at me.

l asked if you thought

those two rum-soaked pieces

of river trash

were your friends.

You don't even know them.

Everybody else in town

seems to know them.

They're tavern rats.

You'd know all about tavern

rats, wouldn't you, Pa?

We only had to wait but an hour

while you and your friends

lifted a few mugs

of your own.

Joshua!

What did you say?

Beg your pardon.

So the little

McBride girl

wouldn't give you

the time of day,

so you go off

with your so-called friends

and get drunk.

You leave Lydia

out of this.

She's a spoiled daughter

of a high-minded storekeeper

who thinks that

farmers like us

are no better

than stray livestock.

And if you think that

you're going to impress her

with your patched-up trousers

and your manure-covered boots,

then you're a bigger fool

than l thought!

Ben, that is uncalled for!

How do you know

what l did last night?

You chose to be with trash

and now people are wondering

whether or not Joshua Steed

is trash too.

Who cares

what people think?

You better care!

You're just worried

if Joshua Steed stinks,

someone might think

his revered father stinks too!

You'd better

watch your mouth, boy.

lf you're so worried about

what people think,

you might want

to fire the Smiths.

The Smiths?

Go to town, Pa.

Listen to what people

are saying about Joe Smith

and about you

for hiring them.

What are they saying

about Joseph?

Joe says an angel

brought him a gold Bible

and it's buried

in some hill somewhere

and he's gonna

translate it

and save the world.

Who l hire

is my business.

No, Pa, you're worried

about stink.

Well, Joe Smith

and his angels,

they stink to high heaven.

And if you don't

care about that,

then you can stop caring about

who my friends are,

'cause l decide who my friends

are, and who they are not,

and l do not need

your permission.

As long as you live

in this house,

and you eat at this table,

you need my permission.

Then l'll get my things.

Joshua, no.

l'll come and help out

with the farm,

but from now on,

l'll be staying in town.

Don't do us any favors.

l won't be comin'

for you, Pa.

l'll be comin' for them.

lt's alright, Ma.

lt's alright.

lt's alright.

lt's time.

lt's alright.

Let him go.

Mr. Steed.

Won't you come in?

Mr. Steed.

l finished up the work

that l had for you.

l won't be needing

you anymore.

You're gonna have to stop

beating everyone at stick-pull.

Afternoon.

Are you Mrs. Gates?

Last l checked.

l'm Nathan Steed.

l heard your niece, Lydia,

might be staying with you.

Maybe.

Maybe not.

What's your name again?

Nathan Steed.

We live north of town.

Ah, Steed.

l never met one of you

'til yesterday.

Now my house is run over

with Steed boys.

You've seen my brother.

Joshua.

Here last night.

Stayed way too long.

Guests and salmon, you know,

after four hours they stink.

Would Lydia know

where he is now?

Likely.

She's probably

in the library.

Tie your horse.

You can go in

through the back.

Thank you.

Miss Lydia.

Your aunt said

you were here.

l'm sorry, l should have

made more noise.

No.

You play

beautifully.

Verdinae.

You know Verdinae?

The Queen's Symphony.

You surprised me, Nathan.

Hello, once again.

l'm looking for Joshua.

He told me about what happened

with your father.

l'm sorry.

Ma's worried about him.

Sent me with some things.

l told him he should

talk to your father.

He won't.

Well, do you know

where he's staying?

Will Murdock's.

You knew he got work

at the dock,

at a warehouse.

ls he there now?

Probably.

But he'll be along

after work.

Just wait.

May l?

Of course.

Let's go out back.

lt's cooler there.

Your aunt's garden

is beautiful.

lt's a very old place.

l used to play here

with my cousins.

The flowers

match your dress.

Thank you.

Joshua.

Hello, little brother.

Ma sent some bread

and things.

Melissa sent your jacket.

Thanks.

l was hoping

you'd come.

l told you l would.

How's Ma?

Worried.

Melissa said you can have

her warming stone

if you decide

to come back.

l'm not coming back.

l know.

Ma wants you to come

for supper Sunday.

lt'd be good, Joshua.

Listen, here's some

of my wages.

Give them to Pa

to hire some help with.

Pa fired Joseph and Hyrum.

Well, good for him.

Josh.

lt is.

People in town are talking.

Joseph and Hyrum

are good workers.

Those wild stories--

They aren't wild stories.

My friend's parents heard it

straight from Joseph's father

about him going in the woods

and seeing angels.

He never said

he saw angels.

lt doesn't matter

what he said.

Stuff you'd hear

in an asylum

and Pa's smart

to be rid of them.

Tell Ma and Melissa

thank you.

You comin' Sunday?

l don't know.

Take care, Josh.

l'll leave your things.

Thank you.

l wonder what a certain

father will say

when he finds a dock worker's

been calling on

his only daughter.

But you kind of like that,

don't you?

No.

Be honest, child.

l wasn't thinking--

Sometimes the forbidden fruit

seems the sweetest,

but you have

to ask yourself,

will the fruit

get sweeter with age--

or just go bland?

Good-night,

Aunt Edie.

Did you know the brother

is your age?

Who?

The brother, Nathan.

They're different.

He knew about Verdinae.

Good-night, dear.

Hello there, Missy.

You gonna need

some company tonight?

l've seen you

walking by here!

Lydia!

Joshua!

Come on!

ln here.

l thought

you weren't coming.

This is a horrible place.

Out there, not in here.

l can't stay long.

What's this?

Regressing

from man to ape.

That's what the foreman

wants around here is apes.

Just keep those bales moving

onto the barges, you animals.

Steward Croft

is looking for a store clerk.

Yeah, at half the pay

l'm making here.

But twice the working

conditions.

Lydia!

ln a year,

maybe year and a half,

l'll have enough money

to buy my own team and wagon.

ls that what you want?

You should

move back home.

You could still

work here,

but it would save you

room and board.

Four dollars a month

is worth it

not to have to live

under Pa's thumb.

lt isn't right being separated

from your family.

l'm not going back.

Let's talk about

something else.

l've gotta go, Joshua.

l shouldn't be here.

No, no, listen,

listen, l'm sorry.

l'm really glad you came.

Steed!

lt's Will and David.

The Murdocks?

Yeah, they're bringing

my supper.

Joshua, they can't know

l was here.

Don't worry,

they won't say anything.

No!

ls there another

way out?

Yeah, let me

walk you out.

No!

Don't tell them

l was here.

Steed, open up!

Nathan!

Hello, Lydia.

lt's been a while.

Been helping Mr. Harris

get his corn in.

Oh, here, let me.

Where would you like it?

Over there.

Thank you.

l was in town and thought

l'd get some candy for the kids.

Oh, alright.

Uh, four of these.

What else?

Five of these.

Have you seen Joshua?

Not often.

He works a lot.

We were hopin' he'd come

for Ma's birthday.

l stopped at the warehouse,

he wasn't there.

He's with the Murdocks

a lot, at the tavern.

l left a note

at the boarding house,

but if you see him,

could you give him

that message?

What message?

Hello, Lydia.

Spendin' an awful lot of time

in town lately, aren't you?

Ma's birthday's Sunday.

l know.

She'd like you

to come to dinner.

l don't know if l can.

Don't know if you can,

or don't know

if you will?

l said l don't know

if l can.

Suit yourself.

But l think you

owe it to Ma.

Thanks.

Tell your mother

Happy Birthday for me.

Good afternoon,

Mr. Steed.

Emma Smith.

Oh.

You're Nathan,

aren't you?

You're Joseph's wife.

Last week

at the blacksmith's.

l don't expect you

to remember me.

Oh, l do, though.

How is Joseph?

He was just speaking of you

the other day.

He was wondering how the crops

turned out with your family.

We did well,

thanks to him and Hyrum.

Do you mind if we

cross the street?

Of course.

Hey.

l hate this.

Mrs. Joe Smith.

Excuse us, please.

What's your hurry?

Where's Joe nowadays?

Heard he fled

the country.

Mrs. Smith

has an appointment.

Excuse us.

Oh, look at this, Luke.

Mrs. Smith's

got herself an escort.

Please let us pass.

He even says please.

Move.

Are you alright?

Yes.

Nathan helped me.

Thank you, Nathan.

Where you been, Joe?

Been lookin' for more treasure

down there in Pennsylvania?

You got that

gold Bible yet?

Hey, Joe, them angels

letting you and the missus

sleep at night?

The wagon is down

by the barn.

Make way.

Make way for what?

We're coming through, Will.

Come on, Nate.

We just want to ask Joe

some questions.

Ain't nobody

gonna get hurt.

Get out of the way, Will.

Now that ain't no way

to talk to an old friend,

Mister high and mighty

Nathan Steed.

This a relative

of yours, Josh?

Yeah...after a manner

of speaking.

Hello, Joshua.

Joseph.

So you're a part

of this too?

Want answers just like

everyone else.

No answers today, Josh.

Emma and l

were just leaving.

l asked you that

last spring.

You didn't answer me

then, either.

So what about

this gold Bible, Joe?

Does it even exist?

That's enough.

You've shamed

the family enough.

Now, what about

those plates?

Where are they?

Them spirits tell you when

you're going to get 'em?

You boys should know

all about spirits.

All that time you're spending

down at Phelps Tavern.

All you fine

Christian people!

ls this what you teach

on Sunday?

Bigotry!

A decent woman gets accosted

on our streets

and there's not a man here

with the courage

to say a thing!

Think of that Sunday

while you're on your knees

saying your prayers!

You, too?

l didn't say anything.

Yeah, l noticed.

Nathan.

What a nice surprise!

Please, come in!

No, l can't.

l just wanted

to talk to Joseph.

Mother Smith,

this is Nathan Steed

who helped us

in town today.

Joseph,

it's Nathan Steed.

Oh, please.

Come in and sit down.

We've got pie

in the kitchen.

Oh, l really can't.

Nathan.

Emma, fetch Father

and the children.

Mama, who is it?

Really, Mrs. Smith.

l've got to get back.

Nathan, give up.

No one refuses Mother.

l'm surprised l can walk.

Mother's pie is legend.

Joseph?

You can ask, Nathan.

lt's probably none of my affair

and if it isn't, just say so.

l think it may be

very much your affair.

Everyone talks about you seeing

angels and having a gold Bible.

ls there any truth

to all this?

Do you have gold plates

or a gold Bible?

No.

Can l ask you a question?

Have you thought about

what l told you before?

Yes.

A lot.

l don't know.

Part of me wants

to believe it.

l mean, l know you're

not a liar, Joseph.

But part of me says,

this is incredible.

God appearing

to a 1 4-year-old?

l'm sorry.

No, no, don't be.

l feel the same.

Sometimes l wonder,

why did this happen to me?

And the answer is always

the same: l don't know.

l just know that it did.

Mother believes you.

She does?

She's prayed about it,

for months.

Says she just knows.

That means

a great deal to me, Nathan.

Will you tell her that?

Now about these

gold plates...

You said there weren't any.

l said l don't have them...

and l don't...

yet.

That's the biggest cartload

of nonsense l've ever heard.

There is no need to be

insulting, Ben.

l just can't believe

that a son of mine

would, would sit there

and listen

to talk of angels

and buried gold plates

without even so much as

lifting an eyebrow.

What's the lying fool

going to say next?

Do you believe this tripe?

l know how you feel, Ben.

But think about it.

What if it's true?

The heavens opened again,

God speaking to his children

like in Bible times.

Ben, what if it is true?

lt's not!

The boy's a raving lunatic

straight out of an asylum.

Pa, we know Joseph.

He worked with us

all that time.

l don't--l don't

think he's a liar.

He doesn't have to be lyin'.

Have you ever heard

of being deceived?

lt's the devil's work,

Mary Ann.

And you talk about it, you talk

about it out of my presence.

Pa!

No! lt's crazy talk.

And God help the fool

who listens to it.

ls this it?

Got to be!

Mr. Harris said it was

the next road up,

just across the creek.

lt's hard for me to see you

in so much pain, dear.

Oh, Aunt Edie!

lt looks so forward of me

coming to his home.

You're right!

We'll just turn around

and go back home.

No one will be the wiser.

On the other hand,

if you'll just go on in

and get this over with,

maybe we can get back

to life as we know it.

He should be out here.

He's been working

on the fence for hours.

l'd love to watch his face

when he sees you.

But l'll be back

at the house.

Thank you.

You've come because of what

happened in town,

with Joseph and his wife.

Did he tell you?

He was so angry

with the people.

But you being there...

l think that

bothered him most of all.

l just saw a crowd and came

to see what was going on.

l wasn't part of it.

That's what l told him.

How did you know?

l guessed.

l'm so glad you've come

to talk to him.

l hope he'll listen.

lt'll be fine.

Go ahead.

Thank you, Melissa.

Hello, Nathan.

Well?

Well...

Did you talk to him?

We talked.

Come on, girl.

The whole story or l'm dropping

you off right here.

We had a very nice talk.

How nice?

Did you touch his hand?

Did he touch yours?

Did you take his arm?

Was there a hug

with the good-bye?

None of your business.

So what about the brother?

Joshua?

Mmm.

What about him?

Are you going to make

a choice, dear?

Or just tear this

poor family to shreds

by driving both of them

out of their minds?

Tonight.

For sure.

We've been watching his place.

He has them now,

hidden in the woods.

But tonight

he's bringing 'em home.

How do you know?

Joe's paid a cabinet maker

in town to make him a chest.

Told Gilson it had to be

a strong one, with a lock on it.

Hyrum Smith picked up the chest

this morning.

Well, then, Will,

get the boys together.

Tonight's the night.

Lydia, what are you doing out?

How did you know where l was?

Someone at the dock

said you were here.

We need to talk, Joshua.

We will, later.

Waiting for some friends.

We're going out

to the Smiths'.

What friends? Why?

Lydia, Joe's getting

the gold tonight.

Everyone in town

has been buzzing about

these plates for years.

We're going to be

the first ones to see them.

Steed!

Just...just wait here.

One hour. Then we can talk.

Joshua.

Saddle up, Steed.

Murdock?

Just wait inside.

l'll be back.

Willard Chase has been

watching from his place,

says Joe's fixing to leave

any time.

You have guns.

Lydia, Lydia, nobody's

going to get hurt, okay?

The guns are just to make sure

Joe doesn't get away.

Lydia!

You're talking about robbery!

Not robbery!

That gold ain't Smith's.

lt's buried treasure,

and it belongs to all of us!

Woman getting skittish?

Shut up!

Lydia, l'm just

asking for one hour.

No, Joshua.

You're asking for

a lot more than that.

He's headed up the hill.

Will, you and me

are following.

You two head up Armington Road,

hide where it meets Stafford.

How are you going

to get it down there?

Joe's coming back this way.

lf we miss him,

you've got to get him.

Let's go!

Stick it right in here.

And just be careful

that you don't stick

your finger here.

Just pull this

real tight here.

See this hole here? Yep.

And pull.

Pa.

Who on earth?

Mr. Steed, may l speak

with you and Nathan?

lt's very urgent.

He's left the road.

We're going to lose him.

This is it.

He's in those trees.

Stay here in case

l miss him.

You stupid mule.

l told you to stay here.

We could have had him.

Now, come on.

Has he got the gold?

Oh, yeah.

Come on,

let's cut him off.

Alright, get behind that tree

and don't move till l say.

He's going to come

right between us.

Don't shoot.

You could hit me, too.

Get him, Will!

Alright, let's

get this over with.

Nathan!

Mrs. Smith,

l am deeply sorry

if my son had

anything to do with this.

You may rest assured that

before the night is through,

it will be taken care of.

Thank you, Mr. Steed.

l appreciate your coming.

Do you have any idea

where Joseph is?

We'd like to find him and

make sure everything is al--

Joseph!

Mother, can you

get some water.

Where's Father?

He's in the barn.

Samuel. Go fetch Father.

Tell him l was attacked by

some men out on Armington Road.

They may still be there.

Then go to Hyrum's

and get the chest.

Attacked?

Twice.

Joseph, did they

get the record?

They tried.

l hid it just outside.

What are you doing here,

Nathan?

My brother may have been

one of those who attacked you.

He and Will Murdock.

Are you sure?

lt was dark, but...

l could tell

by his voice.

l'm sure.

l'm sorry.

l don't hold you in any way

accountable.

Joseph.

Pa and l are going

up to Armington.

lt's probably too late.

We're going.

Nathan and l will join you.

l'll tell you what,

those Maston boys, they don't

come into town anymore

'cause l beat 'em

every stinkin' time.

Well, well.

Evening, Pa. Nathan.

Care for a drink?

lt's a cold night out.

l'd like a word outside.

Ah, come on, Pa.

Have a drink,

then we'll talk.

l said outside.

Now, Mr. Steed, l--

Shut your mouth.

Pa.

You got something to say,

you can say it here.

Oh, that's good.

We'll shame the Steed family

once again in public.

Let's wake the town so

everybody can come and see

what my son here has done.

And just what have l done?

Gone after Joe Smith

and his gold plates.

The McBride girl came for us.

She told us what you and these

mongrel dogs were doing.

l told you she was trouble.

Shut up.

So was it you that

hid in the woods

and jumped Joe

from behind...

like a man?

l don't know what

you're talking about.

Joseph heard your voice

call for Will.

Why don't you be man enough

to admit it?

l don't see what the problem is.

He made it home alright.

Joshua!

lt's plain robbery!

Those plates aren't his.

He found them.

Ben, we got a problem here?

No problem.

l just came to get my son.

Joshua! No!

Don't you ever

touch me again!

Ever!

Get back!

Don't!

Josh.

Hello, Martin!

ls that you?

Ben, good to see you.

You've been away.

lndeed l was.

Come on, let's get

out of the heat.

Heard you were

down in Pennsylvania.

Yeah, l just got back

day before yesterday.

Business?

Yes.

l was helping Joseph Smith

translate...the sacred record.

lt's called

the Book of Mormon.

For six days l wrote

and he translated.

How can he translate

anything?

He's got so little schooling.

That's the miracle.

So you've seen them.

You've seen the plates?

Joseph wishes that he could

show them to people,

but the angel

has forbidden it.

But this has been very, very

difficult for him to bear alone.

l can imagine.

l know what you are thinking,

Ben, and believe me,

l had my doubts, too.

Joseph's a good boy and all,

but, l mean, l was getting

a lot of pressure from my wife,

from other people.

Why, they thought

l was crazy.

So what l did was l asked

Joseph if he'd copy down

some of the characters

from the plates for me.

Here, take a look.

Who's to say what these are

or what they mean?

That's exactly what l thought.

So l took them

to New York City.

What?

New York.

Went to Columbia College.

l found a professor

of ancient languages there,

Professor Anthon,

and he examined them for me,

and he told me they were

true ancient characters.

l best be getting on,

Martin.

Thank you for the wine.

Ben.

You can think what you will,

but Joseph does have

a sacred record,

and he is translating it

through the power of God.

When it's published

l'll get you a copy.

You can see for yourself.

For months we heard nothing

from Joshua,

then word began trickling in:

Wanted in lndiana

for pulling a gun on a lawman,

he had fled to Missouri,

the edge of the frontier.

And in a place almost

without law,

had become a law

unto himself.

Raise you five.

You playin' or what, Steed?

Hold your horses, friend.

See your five.

And raise you fifteen.

l'm out.

Me, too.

So, Steed...

l think you're bluffing.

l'll see your twenty.

Raise you twenty more.

Must be a powerful hand.

Why don't we make things

interesting?

l got a freight business,

not as big as yours.

Two wagons,

six ox, eight head

of horse flesh.

What are you saying, Steed?

My company...

and everything on the table

against your stock

and wagons.

That greed's going

to bring you down.

l'll see you.

l'll raise you

my entire outfit.

Winner take all.

Full house.

Queens over 1 0s.

Four kings.

Drinks on me, boys.

For a moment l thought you were

going to close your eyes

and offer a prayer of thanks

when Papa told us

to go for a walk...

With Joshua gone,

it became easy for Nathan

and Lydia to fall in love.

But we all knew the matter was

far from over.

There would be the devil to pay

when Joshua found out.

Can we walk through here?

Of course.

My friends think it's spooky,

but l love this place,

it's peaceful.

And?

Very private.

Lydia, you know

that l love you.

Yes.

l want to ask your father's

permission to marry you.

He'll say no.

Mother's sister runs

a girl's school in Boston.

They want me to go there

and spend a year with her.

A year?

Mother says if l accept,

she'll not stand in our way

when l get back.

You should go.

l'll work while you're gone.

A Mr. Knight,

down by Pennsylvania,

wants me to hire on.

By next fall we could pay off

our land free and clear.

ln twelve months

you'll change.

l won't.

l can't.

Lydia, upstairs,

at the end of the hall,

room six.

Dearest Lydia, an item

of great concern

has come to our attention.

Nathan Steed has returned

to Palmyra from Colesville

a few days ago.

He says he has returned

to help his father.

But sources say it is really

because Joseph Smith

has returned to the area.

When Nathan came

in the store yesterday,

l confronted him

and he openly admitted

he has been baptized

and joined Smith

and his followers.

Stay away from my daughter!

Lydia, to this point

l have largely stayed

out of this decision

you have made,

but l can be silent

no longer.

These events only confirm

our deep concerns

about your choice

of Nathan Steed,

and l must forbid you

from pursuing

this relationship further.

Dinner's not quite ready.

l'm not having dinner,

Aunt Helen.

l'm leaving for home

as soon as possible.

Joshua!

Pa said l had some mail.

ls this it?

Yes.

When did these come?

They came back together

about two weeks ago.

l asked you to mail these

months ago,

and they just came back?

They came two weeks ago.

You never even mailed them.

l mailed them, Joshua,

but no one paid the postage

when it got there.

Liar!

Look at the envelopes.

Your precious Lydia

never opened them.

She sent them back

without reading them.

l've got to go.

Pa's waitin'.

Hey!

Come spring l'm going to be

heading east for awhile.

lt's time to see my family.

You mean it's time

to see Lydia.

l've got to go.

Hey!

Steed, you're not

welcome here.

l'll be taking your daughter

out for awhile, Mr. McBride.

You'll be doing

nothing of the sort!

She'll be back...sometime.

He wouldn't let me

come see you.

That's why l had to make

a good impression.

This has been the longest

ten months of my life.

Why didn't you say anything

about this obsession

you have with Joseph Smith?

l wrote a letter.

After you'd been baptized?

What is this fixation

you have with Joseph?

Does it take priority

over everything we've planned?

Over us?

This is not about Joseph.

Joseph's been called of God.

lt's God l'm following.

Then what comes first,

Nathan, me or this religion?

Do l come first

before your parents?

You have no idea

how deeply my parents feel

about this

Joseph Smith madness.

You continue on this way

and l marry you,

l will be completely

rejected by my parents.

l won't be welcome

in their home.

My name won't be spoken

in their presence again!

You're their only daughter,

they wouldn't.

They would!

They would,

Nathan.

Would you ask that of me?

Lydia. l love you!

l want to marry you.

l love you.

Don't you know that?

l love you, Nathan.

l'm ready to tell my parents

if they can't accept you,

then they will lose me.

But l will not

do that for Joseph.

He's a fraud.

l can't believe you've allowed

yourself to be deceived.

Lydia, l--

l'm willing to choose you

over my parents, Nathan.

Are you willing to choose me

over Joseph?

ls that your answer?

Lydia...don't do this.

Good-bye, Nathan.

l was in Fayette yesterday.

Joseph finished translating

the Book of Mormon.

E.B. Grandin in town

said he'd print it

if Joseph can come up with

some kind of security.

What kind of security?

Three thousand dollars.

l'm going

to mortgage my farm.

l'm going in tomorrow

with a lawyer

and draw up the papers.

That's a lot of money,

Martin.

Oh, l know.

Are you certain

you want to do this?

Don't let Joseph talk you

into it unless you're sure.

Ben, do you feel

l'm an honest man?

Of course.

l am sure.

Do you think he's lying?

Martin Harris is

one of the finest men

that l've ever met,

and he's no liar.

He's been deluded.

Deluded?

l don't know how

Joseph has done this,

but it's evil and l want

no part of it.

Do you know that Martin

has mortgaged his farm

and that he's given Joseph

three thousand dollars?

He hasn't given it

to Joseph.

He's given it to the printers

to print the Book of Mormon.

Joseph won't see one penny.

Well, three thousand dollars

is nonsense.

lf you would just come and

listen to Joseph, even once.

Enough!

This has gone

far enough here.

You're bringing

the children into this,

and l'm not having this

destroy our family.

What are you saying, Ben?

l'm saying there will be

no mentioning

Joseph Smith's name

in this house again.

Not by you or Nathan.

And if Nathan

won't accept that,

will you put your fist

into his face too?

l can't speak for Nathan.

Nathan has

his own property now.

But so help me,

you are my wife,

and l will speak for you, and

that's the end of it.

Bring this man another.

Much obliged, Steed.

What brings you out

this far west, Caleb?

Well, l hear there's

money to be made.

Weren't in Palmyra.

You--you done alright,

haven't you?

Yeah, l done alright.

How are things back home?

Well, same pack of dopes

sweating on the docks.

Ever see the storekeeper's

daughter Lydia McBride?

Oh, yeah.

Ooh, what a looker!

You mean, you ain't heard?

Heard what?

She and your brother?

What about them?

What about them?!

They're engaged

to be married.

Matthew, is your

arithmetic finished?

l'm working on it.

Nathan!

Hello, beautiful!

Hello, son.

Morning, Ma.

lt's done, Ma.

What is it, Nathan?

Book of Mormon.

Really! lt's finished?

Does it have any pictures?

No, no pictures.

Matthew, a book doesn't have to

have pictures to be wonderful.

Where did you get it?

Grandin's Bookstore.

First copies went on sale

yesterday.

Went straight there

and bought three.

This copy's yours, Ma.

l can't.

l bought it for you.

l can't take it, Nathan.

Ma, it's my gift.

Pa can't forbid that.

Your father and l have--

Matthew, we need eggs.

l know.

Your father and l had a talk

the other night.

He's absolutely

against it, Nathan.

He's forbidden me

to talk about it

or to read

the Book of Mormon.

He has no right to do that!

l won't go behind

his back, Nathan.

l can't keep it.

l can.

Melissa.

He hasn't told me

that l can't have it.

Both of you believe Joseph.

l want to read this

and find out for myself.

l don't think this is wise.

Why is Pa this way?

So hard.

That's how he was raised,

Nathan.

He's no harder on us

than he is on himself.

Your father's a good man.

l pray every day that the Lord

will soften his heart.

But even if he doesn't,

l'm still married to him.

Nathan.

Good morning, Pa.

l heard you were putting

your floor in.

Thought you might could

use some help.

Ma tell you l came over

this morning?

No.

Did you ask for some help?

No.

l brought her a Book of Mormon.

l went into town yesterday

and bought her one.

Don't worry, Pa.

She wouldn't take it.

Said you had already

threatened her.

lt's a good thing.

No, Pa.

lt's not a good thing.

lt's wrong.

You'd better watch

your mouth, boy.

What right do you have

to tell us what we will or won't

believe?

You can believe

what you like,

but you stay away

from Joseph Smith

and his devil work.

You and your ma want to go out

and join some regular church

and thump the Bible

and say your prayers,

that's up to you.

When you start taking on

with evil, l draw the line.

So just call it evil.

Then bigotry's alright?

You're out of line, boy.

What did Grandpa Steed give

his life for at Valley Forge?

Freedom.

Freedom from kings.

Freedom to own

your own land.

Freedom to worship

however you choose.

Grandpa must be

real proud right now.

l came over here

to help you.

l don't want your help.

l used to be proud

to be a Steed.

l thought it meant something.

Not anymore.

My dearest Lydia,

l write you with

the heaviest of hearts,

for l know the distance

that separates us.

This little homestead

over which l labor

once filled me with joy.

Now the labor is drudgery.

l can hardly bear the prospect

that the light of your smile

will never brighten

these walls.

What stands between us?

l believe Joseph Smith is a man

called of God

to bring about a great work

in our time.

You believe he is a fraud,

the devil's own servant.

The Savior said, ''By their

fruits ye shall know them.''

l enclose the fruit

of Joseph's labors.

Lydia, l ask no more

than that.

Test the Lord.

There is a verse in the Bible

that expresses

the deepest feelings

of my heart for you.

Please give this to Lydia.

lf you would truly

know how l feel,

read the words of John

in his second epistle,

first chapter, fifth verse.

Yours with a love beyond

measure, Nathan Steed.

ls Miss Lydia here?

She's gone to her aunt

and won't be back until tonight.

Something l can help you with?

For Lydia?

Could you see

that she gets this?

'Course.

Any message to go with it?

No.

Thank you, if you could

just get it to her.

That l will.

Got all ready?

No, just fetching

some fabric.

What did the Steed girl want?

Steed?

Oh, the wagon's leaving.

l'll be back to cook supper.

Evening, little brother.

l understand you've been messing

around in my personal life.

See, l'm not going

to be a dirt farmer

like you and Pa, Nathan.

l got plans.

Lydia's part

of those plans.

Lydia doesn't want you.

No, but she will.

No, l won't.

l know how to use this.

The sheriff knows you're here.

He has a warrant out for you.

Run, Lydia!

Josh. This is insane.

We're brothers.

l don't hold any malice.

l do.

You tell Pa supper's ready?

Told him twice.

What did he say, Matthew?

Nothing--just kept

looking out the barn door.

l asked what he was doing

when l went out

to feed the chickens.

This afternoon when l asked him

if l could go to the village,

it was like he didn't

even hear me.

Set the table, Melissa.

Ben, what happened

at Nathan's?

Remember, Ben, he's still

very upset about Lydia.

He said he brought you

a Book of Mormon.

l told him

l couldn't take it.

He said that.

l'll not be going

against your will, Ben.

l told you that.

Then l'll not be saying

any more about it.

lf you want my permission

to read the book, you have it.

Ben?

My feelings of Joseph

haven't changed.

But l'll not be tellin' ya

what to believe.

Ben, Joseph is going to start

a church a week from Tuesday

down in Fayette.

He's invited Nathan,

Melissa, and me.

Melissa, too?

She's not sure she accepts it,

and l'll not be pushing her,

l promise you that.

But l think she'd like to go.

lf l were to be baptized?

l'll not tell you

what to do.

lf that's what you want.

Nathan!

Hey, Matthew!

Can you do something

important for me?

You need eggs.

No.

Can you watch the team

while l load Ma's stuff

in the wagon?

You bet!

Hold, mules!

Hello, Pa.

There's no trace.

We've searched.

l think he's gone

back to Missouri.

Pa.

The other morning,

what l said.

l'm sorry.

Needed to be said.

Fields are drying out.

l thought maybe next week

we could work together

on the plowing.

Whoa!

We're going to have to build

a fence around you two

just to keep

the riffraff off.

Thank you, Ben.

We'll be home

end of the week.

Bye, Pa.

Rest the mules

every few miles.

Haw!

Bye, Pa.

Bye, Pa.

Thank you, Papa.

l love you.

l love you, Papa.

l love you.

Can l go, too, Melissa?

No--Nathan,

just drive slowly.

l'll catch up.

Why do you need

to go into town now?

We have to be in Fayette

before dark, Melissa.

lt will only take a minute.

l'll catch up.

Have you found

everything you need?

Thank you.

Melissa.

Don't you look pretty.

Thank you.

How are you, Lydia?

Alright.

How's Nathan?

That's why l came.

He doesn't know l'm here.

lt's been over a week,

Lydia.

l know how you feel,

but Nathan deserves an answer.

An answer?

To what?

lf you would truly

know how l feel,

read the words of John.

''Now l beseech thee, lady,

''not as though l wrote

a new commandment unto thee,

''but that which we had

from the beginning,

that we love one another.''

So you threw out my package?

We'll not have that evil thing

in our house, Lydia.

Nathan sent it to us

all wrapped up and hidden

so we wouldn't know

what it was.

He didn't send it to us,

Mama, he sent it to me.

Did you read the letter,

too?

When l saw it was

a Book of Mormon

l threw it in the trash

where it belongs.

l want to know, did you

read my letter, too, Papa?

lt's going back in the trash

where it belongs.

Give me that book!

Lydia!

You sent me to Boston

to learn something.

Well, l did.

l saw a different life,

where different ideas

are respected, examined,

not feared.

You are ready to destroy

this book

without even

looking at it.

lt's blind intolerance.

That's not what

you've taught me.

Amen.

Brothers and sisters,

we are met for the purpose

of organizing

The Church of Jesus Christ

again upon the Earth.

Mary Ann Morgan Steed.

Having been...

''Entreat me not to leave thee,

for whither thou goest,

l will go, and where thou

lodgest, l will lodge.''

''Thy people

shall be my people...''

''and thy God, my God.''

This book is not evil.

l want to believe, Nathan.

l love you, Nathan Steed.

Oh, yes!

l remember how right,

how beautiful everything

looked to me that day.

For the first time in months

there was hope--

hope for me

when it came my turn,

hope for healing

in my family,

and perhaps, with tolerance,

hope for us all.