Wild Faith (2018) - full transcript

Life wasn’t easy when
I was a boy.

It was ten years after
The Great American War.

My Pa was one of the
lucky men who returned.

But he came back a
different kind of man.

Some of the wounds
still evident.

The rest buried in his soul.

Got worse when mama died
from a fever.

We were alone.

Pa even said ‘God
must’ve forgotten about us.’

But he was always a
man of his word.

He kept his promise to
a dying soldier.



That’s how miss Haddie and Grace

came to stay with us.

That changed everything.

But his kindness wasn’t
much appreciated

by the towns’ folk.

Including my Grandpa.

Course, Pa wasn’t one to pay
no mind to what others thought.

When he knew what was right.

And that’s about when
things got interesting.

- Lieutenant!

Let's go!

- Fire!

- Ready!

Aim!



Fire!

- Aim, fire!

- Pa's back!

What'd you get?

- Did you get your
chores finished?

- Gracie doesn't have to.

- Gracie ain't my boy,
do as you're told.

- Gracie!

Get on over here and help
me with these clothes.

- Yes, mama!

- No luck with the traps?

- Luck ain't never smiled at me.

- Guess not.

- Whoa!

Look at that!

- Isn't that a lion?

- Yes!

- I hope we get to see it.
- Kids, let's go.

- Are we gonna see the circus?

- Probably.

- I hope we see a double horse.

- Hey, Pa.

You think we'll
see grandpa today?

- It's Sunday already?

- Now Gracie, stay
close, don't run off.

You hear me?

- Yes, mama.

- Don't worry,
I'll keep an eye on her.

- Putting a
lot of eyes on her.

- Grandpa wants
me to go to school there.

- Your grandpa wants
a lot of things.

You don't need none of
that here schoolin'.

- You don't need any
of that here schoolin'.

- Alright kids, line
up, line up, one by one.

Here we go.

What is whispered in the wind
gets carried to the trees.

- Oh, they can't
hear us from here.

- What you're saying
doesn't need words.

Alright, alright, here we go.

- Pa, can we go inside?

- Yeah.

- You kids behave.

- We will.

- What kind of
candy do you like?

- I hear the new
schoolteacher's alright.

- It all starts with
what they hear at home.

- Well, and what they
see with their own eyes.

Thank you.

- I saw that.

- Emmett, can I have
a word with you?

Emmett!

- Candy?

Um, lemon,

cherry.

- What's that one?

- Good morning, Miss Haddie.

It's good to see you.

- Thank you.

- I see you got a
list all ready for me.

- I sure do.

- I'll bet you two would love
some of my new maple candy.

- Can we, mom?

- No harm in a few.

- Okay.

- I think we've got
everything you want.

I'll get it all
together for you.

- Thank you.

- Now, Emmett, don't
be mule-headed!

Listen!

Look, the word says
that if any man

doesn't provide
for his relatives,

especially members
of his household,

that he has denied the faith

and is worse than an unbeliever.

- Pardon my ignorance, Reverend.

But isn't it Saint James
that says pure religion

is to take care
of the widows and

the orphans in their affliction?

- And to keep himself
undefiled by the world.

Emmett,

them Negroes living
up under your roof--

- Haddie and Grace!

That's their names, Edmund.

Use 'em.

- People are talking, Emmett,
the whole town is talking!

You've got a single
woman of color

living in sin with
my former son-in-law.

- The only sin
being committed here

is bearing a false witness.

- My daughter would
be heartbroken

to see what come of her family.

- Don't you dare

use my wife's memory to
spread your ignorance!

She knew more about loving her
enemies than you ever will.

- You can twist the words of God

around to suit yourself, Emmett!

He'll be the one to
judge you in the end.

- You know, that old
boy tried to steal my pig.

- Go get some tobacco
from the store.

- Why me?

- I think there's
something wrong with it.

- 'Cause I say so, that's why.

- He was screaming
like a wild man.

- You don't say?

- Yeah, had to catch
him with my rope.

But when I did, did I ever
lay a whooping on him.

I think the dog even
felt sorry for him.

- Emmett Murphy.

- Jacob.

- Good to see you lad.

- You, too.

- Where's that old
geezer, McKinney?

- Yeah, he's taken
ill a little bit,

but I came by to get his
black medicine to go.

- Alright, be right back.

- You know, I hear that southern

black barley's the
best medicine for you.

Better than red, yellow.

- It's fresh
as the morning dew.

- And any fine
white-necked boil.

- What do I owe you?

- What you got there, lad?

Fair trade.

- What you think, Mr. Murphy?

It's that black bourbon keeps
you so healthy, isn't it?

- That be enough ribbing, Cal!

What's your real
business here, boy?

- Apologies.

I reckon I have to retract
that last statement.

Appears it can't be
all that good for you.

It seems it makes you go deaf.

You hear me?

I said, it makes you go deaf.

- It's not worth it, lad.

- Told you it made him deaf.

- Can we help you?

- Need some tobacco.

So, you must be that Negro
they're all talking about.

- I don't know what you mean.

- Pretty.

I see why he likes you.

You know, I almost had time with

one of your kind
down in Virginia.

Look at this tasty
little chocolate.

- Don't touch her!

- Hey, why don't you just take

your tobacco, pay up and leave!

- What if I'm not done shopping?

- You're done shopping!

Now listen, I can either
ask you to walk out

of here real nicely,
or I'll throw you out!

- You ain't the law around here.

- Wrong answer!

- Don't start what you
can't finish, old man!

- Old man?

- Gerald!

- What?

I asked him to leave nicely.

- Where'd you learn
to tussle like that?

- Learned a long time ago.

Folk like that, their bark's
usually worse than their bite.

You okay?

- Thank you.

- Now you folks
don't get into town--

- The old shopkeep's gone mad.

- Here, a little
something extra.

- Thanks.

- That Negro and her
kid are over there.

I'm just fooling around.

He got the jump on me.

- Pa, that man, he was
trying to hurt Grace.

I stopped him like
this, but then--

- Okay, see you.

- That's one big
Negro sympathizing

family you've got, Murphy.

- Get everybody in the wagon.

- But, Pa.

- Just do it.

- You know, Murphy, folks around

these parts say you're
some kind of hero.

Word is, you killed
you a dozen gray coats.

- Those gray coats were men.

Killing them made me no hero.

- Sounds like a hero to me.

Came back with a medal
and a pretty Negro

to replace his dead
miss--

- Whoa, whoa, whoa!

- Who wants to die a hero today?

You?

You?

- Enough!

Go on now, Emmett.

Go on, boy.

- Pa was fighting with them!

- Wait, what?

- He pulled the gun out--

- Slow
down, baby, what?

- He had a gun
and this other guy

pulled a knife, the
guy from the shop.

- Where, who?

- Haddie, get
them kids on that wagon.

- Let's go, baby.

- Emmett!

Emmett!

- What?

- If you're gonna
act like a heathen,

would you let that boy
come to live with me?

You ain't fit to be a father!

- Get over, boy.

- You hit Grandpa!

- Not hard enough.

- He's a preacher!

- Best he start acting like one.

- Alright.

- Bye, Grandpa!

- Hate to see your family be
separating for them Negroes.

- Well, the Lord knows
I accept all kinds.

- Probably be best if they never

showed up in the
first place, huh?

- Well, you can't fix that now.

- Well now, every
problem got a fixin'.

Now, we all good Christian folk.

We ain't gonna hurt nobody.

- Of course, not.

Just gonna set
things right is all.

Send 'em back on down
south where they--

- Fit in better.

More of their kind to mix with.

- And there is a nice, easy,

quiet-like way to
get it done, too.

- Just like magic.

- You boys looking for trouble?

I got something for you.

How many cheeks you
got to turn, preacher?

- Mama, what's a Negro lover?

- Here you go, honey.

Thank you, honey.

- Henry.

- Yeah?

- A man finishes his chores
before supper, right?

Think you can take care
of old Jasmine for me?

- Yes, sir.

I've seen you do
it a hundred times.

- Does handling yourself like
a man include fisticuffs?

- My mother had
done passed, Haddie.

- What'd you do
this time, Murphy?

- Something I
reckon I'll regret.

How you doing?

- Good, good.

- So what, you
trade in old Martha?

- I had to retire, she's pulling

an apple cart in
Battle Creek now.

She's happier.

Oh, Miss Haddie, lookin'
as purty as ever.

- Thank you, Ben.

- Hi, Mr. Benjamin.

- Well, look at how much
you've grown, Gracie.

You know what?

Sit on down here.

I got a present
for the prettiest

little girl this side
of Lake Michigan.

And it just happens to be
underneath this here hat.

You wanna see what it is?

I'm just kidding with you.

This here claw belonged
to Chawmouth Charlie.

He was the meanest
and the orneriest

bear in all of Michigan.

Well, one time he snuck
up on old Benjamin

when I was trying to take
one of my very rare baths.

He thought he was gonna
make a meal out of me.

But I grabbed hold of his
little claw and I ripped it off!

Sent him off into the woods,

he was crying like
a wounded mule.

Now, see, I give this
here claw to you.

- Thank you, Mr. Benjamin.

- Oh, you're so welcome.

You know, the natives
say that anybody has

that claw there will be
protected from the evil spirits

because they're all afraid
of Chawmouth Charlie.

- What natives say that?

- Where's my manners?

This here is Hester Thickett.

She's one of the finest
trackers I've ever

had the pleasure
of traveling with.

She's a half-native.

The good part, the quiet part,

the one that don't
interrupt my stories.

- What tribe?

- Ojibwe, my mother.

My father was...

Like you.

- Well.

I forgot how it goes,
but any friend of Benji's

is a friend of ours
so, welcome to my home.

- Emmett.

- Almost forgot Uncle
Kinney's medicine.

- Can
I interest anyone in a

little bite of
rattlesnake juice?

- Emmett, where's that boy at?

- He's out tending horses.

- Lord, what's Grandpa's
problem with Haddie and Grace?

Don't you teach that
we're all your creation?

Why can't he see that?

I know his heart still hurts,
from losing Mama to illness.

If you could help
to heal his heart,

I'd appreciate that.

- Now Hester and I, we
found this one up in

the northern parts of
Michigan right there.

- The logging trade
is strong here.

They say a squirrel can go from

one end of the
state to the other

without ever
touching the ground.

- Until the logging
trade gets too strong.

- There he is!

- Mr. Lily!

- Aw, you know better
than that, call me Ben.

- Mr. Ben.

- By the way, this here
is Hester Thickett.

- Hello, Miss Thickett.

- Just Hester.

- So I heard you was
out tending the horses.

- Yes,
sir, all by myself.

- Well, I think that might
deserve a little bit of a gift.

Got you a bona fide trapper hat.

Oh!

- Thank you, Mr. Ben!
- Looks good on you, don't it?

- That's nice, Ben.

Did you finish
blanketing the team?

- Yes, sir, Pa, just
like you always do.

I watered, fed and
brushed them down.

- Sounds like Henry
might have earned

himself a sip of
the rattlesnake.

- Maybe in a couple years.

- I was raised on it, look
how I done turned out.

- Yeah, I know, I know.

- How about some cider?

- Yes.

- Here you go.

- It's good.

- How about a smoke
off the old pipe?

- Don't push it, son.

- Who's hungry?

Alright.

- Mmm, Miss Haddie.

- Ah-ah!

Dear Lord, we thank you for all

the blessings you bring
to us, old and new.

We ask that you protect
and keep us in your mercy.

- Miss Haddie, that
there was some of

the best vittles that
we've had in many a moon.

You see Hester here,
yeah, she can track 'em,

she can hunt 'em,
she can kill 'em,

but she sure can't cook 'em.

- I don't cook.

- She don't make these
fine of fixings every day.

Huh, Emmett?

- No, she sure doesn't.

- Well, we haven't
had a decent meal

since we stopped through
at Fort Mackinaw.

Speaking of that, I
saw Captain Sellers.

He wanted me to pass
along to you that

if you had an inkling
to come back and train

some of the troops,
he'd pay you real well.

- Yeah, well, my soldiering
days are over, Ben.

- Yeah, the Captain
did tell some

horrific tales about that war.

- I uh, I'm gonna go.

- You alright?

- Good, goodnight.

- Don't fret it, I got it.

- Did I say something wrong?

- She's not one for war stories.

- John!

Fall back!

Fall back!

Good seeing you again, Ben.

It was nice meeting you, too.

- Thank you, Emmett,
for your hospitality

and letting Hester
and I board here.

- Anytime.

- You know, you really
should think about

that offer that Captain
Sellers gave you.

The war's over, Emmett.

- Safe travels.

- Alright, come on.

- Bye, Mr. Benjamin,
bye Miss Hester!

- Bye!

- Bye!

You young 'uns be good,

don't be giving your
parents no trouble now.

- We won't!

- Sky don't look good.

- Early snow?

- It's like that dream
I had again last night.

- Dream?

- I saw a great serpent of steel

spewing smoke and fire.

And the gates, the gates of
hell opened from its belly.

And the angel of death
came from a far away land.

- Steel serpents?

Gates of hell?

What'd I tell you about drinking

snakebite juice and reading
Revelation before bed?

Whoa.

- Can we go fishing
at the creek?

- We told ma we would
help bring in supper.

- Hmm, okay.

But, after 10 crawlers
bring it on home.

- We will.

- Just watch after Grace, okay?

Oh, it's coming.

- Alright, boys,
train's coming today.

Time to collect
the outgoing mail.

- You're really gonna
love these northern parts.

Probably remind you
of your home land.

- My home is where the money is.

- Do you think this bear claw
will scare bad spirits away?

- I don't know.

- What about the mean folk
in town who don't like us?

- I reckon they're
just scared of you.

'Cause you blend in at night.

That's what Tommy Fagan said.

- If God make us not
fear the darkness,

then why does our own people
still be afraid of dark colors?

- Maybe he just reads
too many of those

scary Bible stories,
like Uncle McKinney.

Do you believe
his dream is real?

- Well, I had me a dream, too.

After that lesson
Ma gave us about

the Israelites
suffering from Egypt,

God told me he would spare
us from the angel of death.

Just like them folk who believe
in the blood of them lambs.

- He told you that?

- He showed me that.

- I think that fish just
stole my last crawler.

We best be getting home.

- Dang it!

Now what are we gonna do?

- It's okay, boys, I got it.

He's mine.
- Don't be an idiot.

- He's mine.

- Maybe this works in our favor.

- We can't let it crash,
we won't have no buyer.

- Hey, Joe!

- Guess it's stuck.

- Get over here.

You run along up them
tracks and warn the train.

Meet us on the trail
to the hunting shack.

We gotta get that
cargo by nightfall.

- Brake, brake!

- Emmett, the kids!

- They shouldn't be
anywhere near them tracks.

- But what if they
crossed the river again?

- Don't worry, I'm going.

Just wait here in case
they beat me home.

- What was that?

- I don't know.

It sounded like a...

Let's get home quick.

- Looks like we blew a rod.

A few more seconds we
would have been derailed.

- How long until
it can be fixed?

- Well, we sent word into
town, help is on the way.

You best go check
on your animals.

- Hey kids, you look lost.

- Come on, Grace,
we're almost home!

Grace?

Grace?

- Henry, what happened?

- These guys with
guns, they were chasing us--

- Where's Grace?

- I don't know, we
running and I lost her!

- Okay, alright,
calm down, calm down,

come on, come on,
come here, come here.

- She's gone!

- Did they take Grace?

- I don't know.

- How many were there?

- I don't know, maybe
five or...

- What'd they look like?

Think.

Henry, focus!

What did they look like?

- I think they were the
guys from Jacob's shop.

- Alright, grab your
poles, let's go.

Come on, come on, come
on, come on, come on.

- What you see?

- A train.

- Well, is it moving
or is it stopped?

- Stopped.

- What do you want to do?

You wanna check it out?

Why your eyes got that
glassy look to 'em?

- The manitou is coming.

- Come on, Hester, not
the manitou stuff again.

- Ben.

- What?

- The almighty has
saved us many times.

- Yeah, well let's hope he
don't need to save us today.

- Manitou.

- I think I just
manitou'd in my buckskins.

- Where's Gracie?

- It's okay, I'll find her.

- Find her?

Well, what's that
mean, is she lost?

Where is she, what happened?

- There were running
from the noise,

they got separated is all.

- Henry, you were supposed
to be looking after her!

What happened?

- Boy, go get my gear.

- Emmett, where are you going?

- I'm getting help.

- Who's gonna help us?

- The sheriff.

- The sheriff?

The law ain't never
done nothing to serve

our kind except with
ropes and chains!

I'm going with you,
you ain't leaving--

- Haddie!

Now listen, you're gonna
have to trust me this time.

We're not all like that.

We're not all like that.

- Pa, I wanted to
fight those guys.

I wanted to be strong,
like you, but...

I was afraid.

- It's okay.

We're all afraid
right now, Henry.

Kinney, you get my gun?

I can ride with you.

- I want you to stay here.

Don't be entertaining
any strangers, you hear?

Henry.

Be brave, boy.

I'm gonna bring her home.

- Friends you can go
on a few more hours,

a few more days and God
will spare your life

and then it'll all be over.

And the moment when
we could all be

called up yonder is
fast approaching.

But there is salvation
for those that follow

the word and live
the Christian path.

But for sinners,
but for fornicators,

but for heathens, there is
only judgment that awaits you.

Now, we all know folks like that

even in our own communities.

- Pardon me, preacher,

but the Sheriff needs
the floor right now.

- It's really not
the time, Freemont.

- Pardon the interruption
of your service, Preacher.

- Well, surely we can wait for
the benediction of the Lord.

- It seems the circus train
has had a bit of a situation.

We're gonna need some
hired hands to assist with

the wounded and clear
the tracks of debris

and search for the missing.

- The missing what?

- Well, the word is
there may be some

circus animals that's
gotten on the loose.

- Hey, I've always wanted one
of those tiger claw necklaces.

- Yeah, I'll take an
elephant tusk, please.

- Listen up.

I don't want any stealing, no
shenanigans with the circus.

If I catch any one of
you taking anything,

I mean even an extra long
look at the bearded lady,

I'll have you in chains.

Is that understood?

Alright.

Whoever's willing,
join me outside.

- Morning, everyone.

I see you've formed
a rescue party.

Much appreciated.

- It's a search party.

The circus train has
a bit of a situation.

You're welcome to join us.

- No, no, I need some
help from the law

to track down some
men who nabbed

one of them kids down
the east county line.

- Is it your boy?

- No, it's the girl.

Now, I know I ain't
been a member of

this church for some
time, but I can't imagine

the good book has
changed any since then.

There's a missing
child out there

and some no-gooder's
are fixing to harm her.

We can't turn our
back on the innocent

and let the wicked
have their way.

I don't care what color she is!

- Now, don't go calling the
churchgoers hypocrites, Emmett.

It's just that the
Sheriff here has engaged

the services of
these men to protect

the railroad company
and to protect this town

from some ungodly creatures
that might have escaped.

Now, I'm sure the
fine Sheriff here can

oblige your concerns
in a timely fashion.

Right, Sheriff?

- Of course, soon as we get
this crisis under control

I'll send some men to
take care of your matter.

Are you sure she hasn't
just run out on her chores?

Them pickaninnies
are known to do that.

- Will anyone help me?

You whitewashed stones.

May God judge you unkind.

- Sir?

I'll help you find your girl.

I once heard her
singing in the store

and I thought she
sounded quite lovely.

- Don't pay no mind to
those townsfolk, Emmett.

There ain't a
tracker amongst them.

- Where's your horse?

- Beasts got it.

- Beasts?

Chawmouth Charlie?

- It was no bear.

- What's
your move, Murphy?

- Let's open the ball.

- I like the sound of that.

- So, tell me more
about your missing pet.

- Well, she's big, she's strong
and she is always hungry.

- So am I.

- She doesn't like men.

- I'll wager she don't like
lead between the eyes, either.

- No, no, she's no
good to me dead.

$300 dollars for anyone who
brings her to me unharmed.

Not a penny if you
bring me a fur rug.

Understood?

- Alright, here's how
we're gonna do this.

Two groups, one to
draw, one to push.

- There were four.

Men.

Two little ones.

The tracks ran there.

- My pail.

- Emmett.

- What is it?

There's only one
end to this now.

I know this ain't your fight.

So no hard feelings if you
wanna go boil your shirt.

- I ain't got too many
true friends, Emmett.

You know I ain't ever
ran from a fight.

- I don't boil shirts.

- Alright, then.

- A man's got to know
the woods, Henry;

trapping, fishing, hunting,
all that woodsy stuff.

The wilds of Michigan is a
strange and wonderful place.

Now this is the gun powder.

It's the most important
part of the operation.

This is the other most important
part, the killing part.

It goes in here.

- Did Pa kill a lot of people?

- Well, that was
a long time ago.

- Would he kill again?

If someone did
something bad to Grace?

Do you think Pa
loves Miss Haddie?

- I reckon that he is, uh...

Now, the idea here

is to hold it hard up
against your shoulder.

Hands here and here.

- I know that people of color
don't usually marry our kind.

I don't see why.

I love Miss Haddie
and Grace just fine.

- Well, a lot of folks
don't see it that way.

Now, line your eye
up with these points.

- Do you?

- Well, yeah, of course,
that's how you shoot it.

- No.

Do you think that Pa and Miss
Haddie can love each other?

- Well, I think love is like
these here aiming sights.

When the two line up together
the bullet sees its way

to the target whether it's
painted red, white, or blue.

- I don't know why
Grandpa can't see that.

- He hasn't been right
since your mama passed.

- Can I take a try?

- You know, there's an
old poem about love.

It goes like this:

roses are red,

violets are blue,

the beauty of it all,

are nothing like--

This here's no toy!

This is a weapon.

Haddie's gonna throw
a fit, she hates guns.

- Grace!

Where are you, sweetie?

Grace!

Come home, baby.

God, please save my child!

You can't let this happen!

You took John from
me in the worst way!

And I tried to understand, but
I didn't give up the faith.

But not my baby girl.

There's enough hate
towards us here!

We can't survive yours, too!

Please, Lord, see me
like you saw Hagar.

Spare me that much
now, please, please.

Please, God!

- What was that?

- That didn't sound good.

That didn't sound good!

- It came from up ahead.

- Stay alert, boys.

- It sounds like
we got it scared.

Let's spread out, but
stay within sight.

We'll push it to the north.

- Let's go, chicken.

- I'm not!

- Let's go!

- This better be
worth the $20 dollars.

- $20, I'm only getting $10!

- That's 'cause you
ain't a good shot.

- Watch your mouth, Jack Fagan,
I've been known to misfire.

Ever been shot in the back?

- No.

- Hello?

Miss?

- I'm losing
money by the hour!

Get that thing fixed or
I get a new mechanic!

- Afternoon, madame.

- What do you want?

- Well, I sure hope you're
enjoying the lovely day.

The air is so crisp and
the leaves are so...

- Carl, I'm surrounded
by bad poets.

- You're a businesswoman.

We, too, like to
engage in the mutually

beneficial transactions
of the like.

- I don't need more
vaudeville acts.

- Oh no, ma'am.

He ain't funny anyhow.

- No, we heard
you may be looking

to buy a female
entertainment act.

Of the,

the colored variety.

- What sort?

- Oh, she's the
pretty girl type.

- Can she sing?

- Like a canary.

- I'll give you $200
dollars for her.

- Now, it's a
mother-daughter act.

The two go together, you see.

- Yeah, yeah, like
one of them duets.

- And it'd just
be plain cruel to

take a mother from her daughter.

Have a heart, mademoiselle.

- I'm not French, you clowns.

I'm Romanian.

Call me Circus Chef.

- Sure, Chef.

- Did you just call her Chef?
- I, too, was taken

from my home as a girl.

I was trained to
dance in the opera.

I traveled the world.

Performed for kings and queens.

And finally I came
to New York to dance.

But, I broke my leg.

Got job with the circus,

spent 10 years cleaning
out animal cages.

I give you $300
dollars for them.

Not a penny more.

It costs money to
feed the livestock.

- Well, it's a deal!

- I don't have all day, clowns.

- Yes, ma'am.

We have a deal.

- Miss Chef, it was sure nice
to make your acquaintance.

- When axle is fixed we leave.

Don't be late.

Carl?

- Yeah?

- I need to send
telegram immediately.

- Okay.

- She's been gone too long.

I need to go looking.

- David said to Solomon his son,

be strong and courageous,
not afraid and discouraged.

For salvation is
swift for those who--

- There's something out
there, something wild!

I think I heard it, it's
a beast like no other!

- The serpent, from my dream.

Oh, it's happening!

- Pa's gonna get her
back, he promised.

- I've had enough heartache
waiting on false promises.

- Henry, sometimes men
have to make decisions

and what we gotta do now--

- But, Pa said that we have to

stay here and watch the house.

- Henry, please understand.

Just imagine little Gracie out

there all alone with that beast.

- But, she's not alone,
the men have guns.

- What?

- Men?

What men?

- What do you reckon, Emmett?

Two grab the horns and one
go around and pull the tail?

- No, we need to
know where Grace is.

I don't wanna risk a stray shot.

- I will go.

Best choice.

- Why is that?

- Most quiet.

- Yeah, she is.

- I don't wanna
hear it, alright?

I don't wanna hear it.

This time you just
let me do the talking.

You nearly ruined the whole
thing with the circus woman.

- I'm the one who got the deal.

- Two knocks and one bump, Cal.

You said two knock and one bump,

that's what you said.
- Get away, boy,

it's almost payday.

We got one more
passenger to pick up.

- That Circus Chef, she won't
take the kid without her mom.

- What?

Now that could get dangerous.

- Preacher gonna owe us.

Preacher gonna owe us.

- Talked her up on price, too.

That means $20 whole
dollars for each you.

- Finally teach that
Emmett Murphy a lesson.

- Now, we're only there
to take the Negro.

- Of course, whatever
else happens in the mix,

well, that's part of the deal.

- You never know what
could happen in the mix.

Huh, Sally?

- Did you hear anything
about the train?

- No, but I think it's
a good thing we haven't.

I'd be more concerned if there

was a lot of talk around town.

- Good evening, Reverend.

What can we do for you?

- Preacher.

- I'm really sorry to
bother you at this hour,

but I was hoping to get a spoon

of that elixir for my stomach.

- Jerky's a little spicy, is it?

- Well, it's either that
or my sleepless nights.

- The preaching has
been good, Edmund.

You don't need to
fret over that.

- I truly thank you, Opal.

But I'm not sure
it's helping anyone.

You see, it's this disunity
that I'm bothered by.

Even in my own flesh and blood.

- Do you remember when
Gerald first came to town?

- Yeah, I surely do.

- Yeah, I believe you called
me a merciless redcoat.

Oh, and a tea
drinking colonizer.

- Well, now, I was a bit
impetuous as a younger man.

- Oh no, a lot of people
felt the same way about him.

- Yes, but you know, given time,

you proved us all wrong, Gerald.

You're a wonderful man.

- Reverend, a lot of people that

are different can
be disliked because

of unfounded fear or
lack of knowledge.

But given time to
know their true heart,

well, they can turn out
to be wonderful people.

- Given a chance,
given some time,

they can prove us all wrong.

- Now, Reverend, I
was gonna bring over

some extra edibles for
the parsonage tomorrow,

but I think tonight's
better timing.

Oh, and,

for the stomach.

- Gerald, Opal, I
thank you, kindly.

- Goodnight, Reverend.

- Good evening.

- There's four.

- Grace?

- Didn't see her.

- Where they going?

- It don't matter.

Odds just turned in our favor.

- Odds were always in our favor.

- Go, go on!

- Ben.

- Find Gracie!

Manitou, you wanna dance?

- Remember me?

- Uh-huh.

- Where's Grace?

Where's the girl?

- What girl?

- Grace!

Grace?

Oh, Grace.

Are you okay?

They didn't hurt you?

Are you okay?

- I'm sorry, Mr. Emmett!

I tried to run real
fast, but I just--

- It's okay, it's
not your fault.

You understand that, right?

- Is Henry okay?

They said they said they
were gonna kill him.

- Henry's fine.

He's with your mama.

- It wasn't my idea!

Now, I didn't wanna hurt no one.

Ow!
- They're after Mama!

I heard them say it, they
were gonna sell us for money!

- Just shut your mouth!

- We gotta go.

- No.

It's danger out there.

We can't take her with us.

- You're right.

You stay here with her,
I'm going after those men.

I won't let 'em take
Haddie and I won't

let 'em hurt any
more of my family.

If I don't make it back tonight,

you wait for dawn and
you go straight to town.

Grace, remember those pretty
songs you used to sing?

You remember them?

I need you to sing
one of them, okay?

I'm gonna be back for you,
I won't leave you alone.

You understand me?

You believe me?

Okay, don't be afraid, okay?

I'll come back for you.

♪ Jesus, give the weary ♪

♪ Calm and sweet repose ♪

♪ With Thy tend'rest blessings ♪

♪ As my eyelids close ♪

♪ Through the long
night-watches ♪

♪ May Thine angels spread ♪

♪ Their white wings above me ♪

♪ Watching round my bed ♪

♪ Watching round my bed ♪

- Friend, hey, hey.

I owe you my life.

- Well, I'll hold you to it.

- Yeah.

You're gonna make it.

What's this?

What you got?

- Find them.

Take care of them.

- Yeah, I will.

- You're the only
one I can trust.

Promise me.

- I promise.

I promise.

You're gonna make it
out of here, though.

You're gonna make
it out of here.

I promise you that.

Alright, you stay strong.

You're gonna, you're
gonna make it.

I look like a fool!

Is that what you want?

I can't save 'em.

I can't save 'em!

But you can.

You!

You can!

And I need you.

I need, I need you,
I need you now.

Please help me.

Please help me and
this poor miserable...

We need your help.

God,

forgive me.

Forgive me for my wrongs,
for all my wrongs.

- Emmett!

- Benji!

Benji!

Good to see you.

- Sure as rain, Emmett.

Sure as rain.

- I thought you were done for.

- Old Benji ain't
going off that easy.

- Where's it at now?

- I reckon it's close.

- How'd you get up here?

- Chawmouth Charlie clawing
that poor feller down there.

Me and that cat, we got
up close and tussled.

I cut it real good, then he put

the bite on me real good, look.

- Oh!

- That's alright.

I said, don't touch it,
look at it, don't touch it!

Anyways, that other
feller climbed up

and put a rope around it.

That cat didn't take
none kindly to it.

Turned around and
went after him.

I used that time
to shimmy up here.

After he was finished
with him he ran off.

I've seen him come back
a couple times and check.

Emmett, that cat ain't hungry.

It ain't killing to eat,
it's killing to kill.

I don't know, maybe
Hester was right.

Maybe it's some sort
of spirit manitou

or whatever she
was talking about.

- Well, we got some
humankind to fight first.

- Is Grace?

- Yeah, she's okay.

- You know, one of the
important things is to keep

your rifle oiled down so
that you don't get down

in the woods and it's
rusted up and it won't fire.

So you gotta keep, you gotta
keep it nice and oiled.

- She'll be okay, Miss Haddie.

She has Chawmouth
Charlie's claw.

- I don't know how
much good that'll do.

- Well, she
also had a dream.

- About the great serpent?

- No.

Well, that God's gonna save us

from the angel of death.

- She said that?

What about Emmett?

He's out there all alone.

What?

- Well, we've just been
noticing your feelings.

- Well, stop noticing!

There's no, I feel for
all of you just the same.

- Well, don't
worry about Emmett.

The townfolk's probably
out there, too.

- That don't comfort me none.

- Can you walk?

- Not straight,
not for very far.

I'd be a sitting duck.

That cat, it ain't like
anything I've seen before.

I mean, it's mean
and ornery and...

- You said he tried to rope it?

- Yeah.

- The thing's fixing
to swallow you

and this kid comes with a rope?

Something ain't sitting right.

- I'm telling
you she ran this way!

- I heard that God
awful screaming, we're close.

- Shut your yapping, we've
got a dancing demon to catch!

- The Sheriff.

- It's Bertram!

He's eaten alive.

- No,

it's a kill bite.

- Oh, you think he's dead?

Did the bloody
corpse tip you off?

- Michael's been to an animal
school in New York City.

- I've seen a bear
rip a deer apart

in my backyard, got
the same schooling.

- That's no bear.

He wasn't eating.

A bear would have
tore him apart.

That bite right there,
it's clean to the jugular.

One claw into the back.

- What are you saying?

- The beast is feline.

- Feline?

Is that French for money?

- From the cat
family, you imbecile.

- Don't you curse my kin!

- Touch my boy and
see what happens!

- Get off me!
- Go on, old man!

One less share of the bounty.

- Enough already!

- Bounty?

- Stop shouting
like a dinner bell!

- Emmett, that cat
is coming back.

When it does you
go, head for home.

- Alright.

Everyone's gettin' a fair share.

- That's not what Jack said.

Jack said he's
gettin' $20 dollars!

- 20!

- Can't you keep
your mouth shut?

- You told me $10
dollars and a beer!

- Well, some men are
better hunters than others

and my boy here is
the educated type.

- His fancy East coast
schooling don't mean nothing!

- You mean, anything.

- Enough, be quiet,
get your stuff!

- We're just out here as decoys
anyway, ain't we Sheriff?

- What's he talking
about, Sheriff?

- I heard you hired
them Canter boys

to nab the Negro
mama and sell her

down the river with the circus.

Ain't that right?

- We gotta get them!

- Easy now, everybody
put your guns down.

We're all in this
for the same thing.

So there ain't no
use in telling tales.

- You ain't just ratting
us again, are you Jack?

- Who you calling rat?

- Can you make it?

- I'll be at Christmas.

- No, it's true, ain't it?

We're just out here to
cover for your deal!

- What was that?

- Everyone relax.

You're all getting a
raise, three dollars each.

- Shut up!

It's out there.

- I ain't
tolerating no more disrespect!

- Put it down, Sheriff.

- I'm seeing something, boys.

- Go, go, get!

- Henry, I'm gonna go
get some more wood.

You two stay put.

- It's his birthday, isn't it?

I heard Pa say it.

He says Mr. John was the
bravest man he ever knew.

- Once he set his mind on
something there was no changing.

- Are you talking about Pa?

- I guess I could say
that about either of them.

- I'm glad that,

since he had to go to heaven,

we could have you
for our family.

I know Pa feels the same.

- Henry!

Henry, hold back the door!

- Wait!

- What?

- We got you surrounded!

All we want is the missus.

And we'll leave in peace.

Trade the old man for the Negro.

- Hold still!

- Or else we'll kill
him and bust in anyway.

Come on, Emmett.

Don't be stupid.

You don't wanna die
for some Negro affairs.

I'm gonna count to 10.

One.

Two.

Three.

Woo, four!

Five.

Where's Emmett, old man?

That sounded like the
scared shooting of a woman.

- You better reload quick
'cause we're coming in there!

- Six!

- It's okay, Miss Haddie.

- Seven.

- We just have to believe.

♪ It is well ♪

♪ It is well ♪

♪ With my soul ♪
- Eight!

♪ With my soul ♪

♪ It is well ♪

♪ It is well ♪

- Nine.

♪ With my soul ♪

- Ten, Mike, ten!

- What was that?

- What?

- Run!

- Let me in, there's
something out here!

Let me in, there's
something out here, please!

Please, let me in, please!

- It's the demon
serpent from hell!

- Wait!

We've been attacked
by the beast!

Most everyone's been killed.

- Yes, we know.

- We should get the girl home.

- No, it's not safe.

We wait till sun up.

- Alright.

- You, you sit there.

- Alright.

You're right, you're right.

We should wait this out.

I've been meaning
to put him away.

You know, it ain't right
what people are doing.

How they're treating
them colored folk.

It ain't right.

You did good.

We can get some sleep now.

It's okay.

We'll take her home
in the morning.

- I should go out there.

- No, wait.

They might still be out there.

- Whoa, whoa it's me!

- Pa?

Pa, you're okay!

I knew you'd be back!

I knew you'd be okay.

I knew it.

- Where's Gracie?

- She's fine, she's with Hester.

What happened here?

- You said she was just lost!

- I know, hey, hey!

- Where is she?

And don't lie to me again!

- I won't!

She's fine.

She's with Hester holed
up in the shack right now.

We have more Kennah
clan to worry about.

There's another group that
may be headed our way.

And there's that
killer out there.

- She's okay, though,
she's not hurt?

- No, no she's fine,
I held her in my arms.

- What about Mr. Benji?

- I reckon he'll be okay.

He's as tough as a winter oak.

You boy,

you did good tonight.

I'll just work on
your aim a bit.

Where's your uncle at?

- He was out there when--

You didn't see him out there?

- What did they
want with Gracie?

Them men.

Did they?

- No, they didn't hurt her.

They, uh...

They was, they was just gonna
trade you down the line.

Trying to make a buck.

- We ain't slaves no more!

John done fought
and died for that!

- I know.

I was there.

- Why is it that God lets his
people hate each other so?

Why are we so blind?

How is it that Preacher
Collins can teach

the good book like
he do and still

hold such hatred in his heart?

- I think,

I think there's a beast
after every man's heart.

Like that one that's
out there now.

And we keep our
wounds from healing

by letting the pain fester.

And that beast
just keeps coming.

Edmund wouldn't accept
God's hand in Ellie's dying.

So he blamed me

and I did, too.

And now he sees you
in this house with--

- Emmett, I ain't
trying to replace Ellie.

I told you I'll go
live someplace else.

- I'm not gonna trade his
approval for doing what's right.

- Taking us in has made
enemies of your own kin.

That ain't right.

- I made a promise.

When God takes
something from you

he often gives you
something else.

It may not look the same,

but I reckon it
teaches you something.

And I've been trying to
accept what he's given me.

My boy,

my land,

Grace

and you.

But I'm a slow learner.

- Looks like we're
back in business!

We got some time to make up.

- I can't go no more.

- Come on, sack of potatoes!

I ain't missing my payday now!

- Did you find
Uncle McKinney yet?

- Not yet.

We'll go check on the horses.

Why don't you fetch me
a spade, son, alright?

- Gee, Willikers!

- Uncle McKinney!

- Don't bury me yet!

- Uncle McKinney!

How'd you get away?

- He was right on
me, but I figured

these sickly bones ain't
what he's looking for.

- Where you hurt?

- I'll live.

- Uncle McKinney, you're alive!

Can we go get Gracie now?

- Yes, ma'am.

- Why you got that
silly look on your face?

- You survived!

- Well, yeah, but no thanks
to you or any of my friends.

You leave me out
here like a damsel

in distress and the
cat tore up my leg.

You're supposed to have Grace.

- Grace!

- Hester Ann Thickett,
did you lose that child?

- No.

- Uncle McKinney,
don't you worry, now.

You rest here.

We'll be back soon with Gracie.

- Okay.

- They're back!

- Where's Grace?

- I'm sorry.

- Where's Grace?

- Your sheriff, he has turned.

The tracks--
- No, where is she?

- Head
east from the shack.

- Where is she?

What happened, what's--

- Alright, listen, this
is what we're gonna do.

- Not again!

- Henry, I need you to stay here

and guard the fort
with the men, alright?

- I won't let you down, Pa.

- Hester, you're with me.

Haddie!

Haddie Jo!

Stop, would you?

- No!

This can't keep happening!

I can't take it anymore!

I need her, I need her!

- I know.

- I'm not losing my girl!

- Neither am I.

Neither am I.

- Let me go!

Or you'll be judged
by the angel!

- Save your voodoo
magic for the circus!

- Go!

Go!

Go.

- Lord, please give me strength.

I need to forgive.

- Whoa.

Miss Haddie.

I come to bring aid.

Is there anybody
that needs help?

- This is half our deal.

- The other one
couldn't make it.

She's worth just the same.

Sing!

Sing, I said!

- It's okay.

Sing for your mother.

♪ Swing low ♪

♪ Sweet chariot ♪

♪ Coming for to carry me home ♪

♪ Swing low ♪

♪ Sweet chariot ♪

♪ Coming for to carry me home ♪

- Well, she is lovely.

- Don't move!

- Don't be foolish, Emmett!

Your life ain't worth hers.

- You stay put, woman.

- Take it easy, okay?

I was only trying to
help this poor orphan.

Give her a place
to call her home.

- Her place is with her family!

So hand her over and
no one gets hurt.

- It's too late for that, sonny.

- Mr. Emmett!

- She's your family?

- She's not your girl, Murphy!

- She is my girl.

Her and her mama belong with me!

- You ain't gonna shoot me.

You done lost the
grit for killing.

- Maybe so.

Let's see if you got the grit.

- You have your money,
Sheriff, let her go.

- You get out of here.

I'm gonna take care
of this outlaw.

- Sing, Grace.

♪ I looked over Jordan ♪

♪ What did I see ♪

♪ Coming for to carry me home ♪

- Sing, Grace, go on.

♪ I saw a band of angels ♪

♪ Coming after me ♪

♪ Coming for to carry me home ♪

- Grace.

♪ If you get back to heaven ♪

♪ Before I do ♪

♪ Coming for to carry me home ♪

- What is this?

- You should know.

I send telegram to the governor.

It is against the law to
sell emancipated slaves.

- Don't you turn on me!

- Who's the outlaw now, Sheriff?

Well, that's my cue.

Good day, sir.

And you, little lady.

You have wonderful voice.

I would be honored to have
you on my freedom choir.

But I think your
family will like

to have you a few
more years, eh?

- Do I really belong with you?

- Of course, you do.

Let's go home.

When the Circus train left

We were all a little different.

The seeds of change
were planted.

Fear of the unknown had
brought us together.

It’s funny how the wild and
mysterious can do that.

But that wasn’t the end of
the story for us.

It was just the beginning.