American Playhouse (1981–…): Season 4, Episode 19 - Three Sovereigns for Sarah: Part II - full transcript
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( Low conversations )
Man:
Quiet!
Quiet!
( Banging )
Quiet in this meeting place.
Who has been
assigned as keeper
of the records?
I have, sir.
Mr. Samuel parris.
Let the record
show then
that the accused prisoner
was apprehended
and placed in the ingersol
public house this night past.
Let the
record state
this examination
was to take place
at that
public house
but was moved to
the Salem village
meetinghouse
to accommodate
the pressures
of the masses that
have assembled.
Also, that magistrates
Jonathan corwin and I
magistrate John hathorne
do so preside over
these examinations.
Have you duly noted?
I have.
Bring in the prisoner.
( Murmuring )
My god...
Dear
Rebecca.
She's weak.
God be
with her.
Magistrate corwin,
please read
the complaint.
There being
a complaint
this day,
may the third
and 20th day
of march, 1692
against
Rebecca nurse
the wife of Francis nurse
of Salem village
for suspicion of
having committed acts
of witchcraft and sorceries
thereby having done
much hurt and injury
to Ann Putnam,
the wife of
Thomas Putnam
Ann Putnam,
daughter of
Thomas Putnam
and Abigail Williams
and company.
Goodwife nurse
you're before
this assembly
to answer all charges
held against you
and to be examined
to determine
whether there
is cause
you should
stand trial
for charges
of witchcraft
held against you.
What be your reply
to these charges?
Why doesn't
she speak?
She is confused.
She cannot hear.
What will
come of this?
Again, how
do you plead?
Innocent...
Innocent to these charges.
Can you help,
Israel?
I will try to get
to John hathorne,
my wife's brother.
You!
Ann Putnam
junior
what do
you say?
Have you been hurt
by this woman?
Yes.
She beat me this morning.
She was in custody
this morning.
Her specter beat me.
Her specter.
Abigail Williams.
Have you been hurt
by this woman?
Yes.
She has!
She hurts
all of US!
Goody nurse
they say you hurt them.
What say you?
I say before my eternal father
I am innocent.
God will clear my innocency.
No one desires
this more than I
but if you be guilty,
pray god discover you.
I never afflicted no child...
Never in my life.
Did you not
bring Satan?
Did you not bid
me tempt god?
How often
have you
eaten to your
own damnation?
( Screaming )
Lord, help me!
Oh, my arms.
She bends my arms!
They break!
( Screaming )
I cannot bear
anymore, Samuel.
Please, take me
from this place.
The yellow bird!
The devil's familiar.
See it on her shoulder!
A black man whispers
into her ear!
( Screaming )
You know whether you are guilty
of having familiarity
with the devil.
They say they see these
familiars with you.
It is false.
I am clear, I say!
( Screams )
In the name of
justice, stop
this madness!
There is
witchcraft afoot.
Can't you hear?
Make her stop!
She pinches and bites me!
( Screaming )
Set up goody nurse's head or
the maid's neck will be broke!
You can see these
afflicted children
are genuine
yet you cry of
your innocency.
Have you not
been led by temptations?
I have no one to
look to but god.
It is sad to see
a church member
accused of such a crime.
Do you think these afflicted
persons are bewitched?
I do think they are...
They must be.
Rebecca...
No!
When this witchcraft
came upon US
there was no suspicion
of tituba.
She professed love
to Bette parris
but it was her
apparition that
did the mischief.
Why now should
you not be guilty
for your apparition
also does hurt.
Would you have me belie myself?
Mr. Parris...
Do you have a record of what
Mrs. Thomas Putnam uttered
during her fits previously?
I have.
"The children...
Little babies...
"Dead, all... murdered...
Winding sheets... murdered.
Goody nurse. Goody nurse."
Hathorne:
What do you
make of this?
I... I cannot help it.
The devil may
appear in my shape.
Rebecca!
Rebecca nurse
we find just cause
that you go to trial
for practicing witchcraft.
You will be immediately
sent to Salem jail
paying those
costs yourself.
There you will remain
until the trial date.
You will be tried
by the law
for practicing
witchcraft and sorcery
upon innocent children
and neighbors.
God have mercy on your soul...
Or what there be of it.
Take the
prisoner away.
If you
touch anyone
belonging to
my household
with your foul lies
you shall answer for it!
I do not like
what is going on.
There is something
odious about it.
And so my mother is taken
to Salem jail.
We have tried to influence
the magistrates, Samuel.
It falls on deaf ears...
Something has swayed them.
Something, or someone?
Mr. Parris faithfully
sets down every word.
I never thought to see
a specter-- an apparition--
used as evidence
to condemn--
not by itself.
Spectral evidence.
These
girls--
they unnerve me.
They hold that the devil
cannot take the shape
of an innocent person
so you
can neither
be Christian
nor innocent
if Satan appears
in your shape.
This kind of evidence in the
wrong hands can be misused.
My mother's indictment
is proof.
We must circulate a petition
on my mother's behalf
worded in such a way that
parris himself would sign it.
Please...
We must draw on the
strength of your influence.
Yes.
Yes.
I look forward
to testing my influence
against my half-brother's.
I will speak to Peter and Sarah
about this, as well.
Believe me, I must confess
I was afraid to look up
above Rebecca.
Afraid... of seeing...
A yellow bird myself.
In five
years
Rebecca will have
paid off the 300
acres she now rents
right there in
front of Thomas
Putnam's door.
Her sons will
become powerful
landowners--
new votes on
the village
committee
against
Thomas Putnam
and Samuel parris.
She is right,
Israel.
Sarah:
Rebecca's family
acquired
too much
toquickly.
So she stands
accused of
witchcraft.
But did you not
see and hear those
afflicted girls?
Who could call
them liars?
They were being
used as tools--
implements of
the most vicious
village politics.
Peter:
I voted against
Thomas Putnam.
And Mr. Parris.
We both did.
Then you fear
for Sarah herself?
Sarah:
Think of your
daughter
and wife.
Their women
accuse our women.
They wouldn't dare.
Your daughter's
married to
Joseph Putnam.
They would
dare.
Woman:
Sarah!
Lydia,
Hana...
We both signed
that petition
circulated by
your husband and
your nephew
attesting
to Rebecca's
good character.
Oh, bless you!
Did both your husbands
sign it as well?
Oh, yes.
There were nearly
30 names on it--
mostly from this
part of the village.
@
important
names.
Will it help?
It must.
What will you do?
Thirst for righteousness
and pray to god
to change the events
which I fear will come.
You'd best do likewise.
Come with US
tomorrow
to the
meetinghouse.
Can't bear
the sight
of it.
I will pray in topsfield.
Do come,
Sarah.
Perhaps the
reverend Mr. Parris
willwhy would he want to?
If he does
speak of
reconciliation
you'd do well
to be there.
Perhaps...
( Cough )
In this place...
In this tiny Hamlet
of Salem village...
A scourge has silently
and most profoundly
found its way in.
Satan is
among US.
You can smell
his foulness.
You can hear his agony
in the voices of children.
You can feel
his vile essence
as he slips from hollow
to hollow
ready to touch anyone
who is without faith
or so inclined.
It is to this,
I name my text.
John: Chapter six, verse 70.
"Then Simon Peter
answered Jesus:
"'Lord, to whom shall we go?
"'Thou has
the words of
eternal life
"'and we believe and are sure
that thou art that Christ--
"the son of the living god.'
"and Jesus answered them:
"'Have not I
chosen you twelve
and one of you
is a devil?'"
The lord Christ knows how many
devils there are his church...
And who they are.
( Door
slams )
( Screams )
Goody cloyce!
( Screams )
I did not think
to see you here!
You run away
from sacrament Sunday!
You scorn to receive it.
Why?!
( Screams )
I could have predicted
those cries.
Satan was indeed among US.
I did hear his agony
in their voices.
I knew the truth then.
I knew what would follow.
There was part of me
that would welcome it.
"Thou shalt not bear false
witness against thy neighbor..."
( Sound of galloping horse )
The meetinghouse
is in turmoil.
Where's Peter?
Joseph:
Behind US--
fighting with Israel.
It was madness
when we left.
Samuel:
The girls
have named you
as a
witch.
They will swear a warrant
out for your arrrest
ph:
, e'sstiltime.
They can't issue a warrant
on the
sabbath.
Time for what?
I know of an abandoned mill
where you would be safe.
I should have taken
mother there.
What say you if
I choose not to flee?
Samuel:
And do what?
Fight them.
Fight them?!
Stand up to them.
Show the world
they're lying.
You are but one woman!
Yes, one woman, but one of the
like they've not seen before.
I shall expose them!
You will follow mother.
Yes, but I'll be heard,
all the same.
There is still no charter
of laws.
You could rot in Salem jail!
I'll be in good company.
My fleeing will temper
their words against US.
It will prove
their accusations
against me and Rebecca.
Aunt Sarah, please...
You cannot fight them.
It's now out of hand!
How many more
will they name?!
You will be sacrificed
in vain.
Not
in vain
nor alone!
I'm a Christian woman...
A temple of god.
This minister, this Mr. Parris,
uses the scriptures
to serve his own purpose.
So shall I use the word of god
as my defense.
It's here.
It is here.
Paul, the apostle,
to the corinthians:
"Know ye not
that ye are the
temple of god
"and that
the spirit of god
dwelleth in you?
"If "him shall@@@@@@
god destroy.
"For the temple
of god is holy
which temple ye are!"
Samuel:
They will not
listen to you.
It is not "they"
I speak to.
I'll not
flee these
blackhearts.
I'll challenge
them
with the force of
my convictions,
and Rebecca's
and this good book.
Rebecca said,
"we're as clear
as the child unborn.
Let them
come!"
Let them come.
Let them!
I was arrested
on the 10th of April
and thus began
my ordeal.
What is it
we look for?
Devil's marks--
a wart or a third nipple
where the devil
or his familiars
will drink her blood
to feed on
her soul.
Any Mark?
Yes.
No matter how small
or meaningless.
The witch's tit
could be anywhere
so leave no place
unsearched.
Nothing.
( Horse whinnies )
( General conversation )
( Whisper: )
There she is!
This is not
a trial.
It is an
examination...
I'm familiar with your speech.
Read the complaints
against this person,
Mr. Corwin.
It is so charged
that Sarah cloyce
upon the fourth
day of April
in the year of
our lord, 1692
hath used
and practiced
certain
detestable arts
called witchcraft
and sorcery
upon the tormented
bodies of one
Abigail Williams
and one
mercy Lewis
in the place of
Salem village.
I advised Peter
not to come.
It is not safe
for you either,
Samuel.
How do
you plead?
Innocent.
Innocent as
the child unborn.
Then you'd best
be preparedvi
my proof is who I am.
I'm a Christian woman.
First corinthians,
chapter three,
verse 16:
"Know ye not
that ye are the temple of god
"and that the spirit of god
dwelleth in you?
"If any man defile
the temple of god
"him shall
god destroy.
For the temple of god is holy,
which temple ye are."
Who speaks against
this woman?
Hathorne:
Abigail
Williams--
you accused
this woman.
What say you?
Man:
I charge,
your honors.
And who are you?
John Indian, slave man
to Mr. Samuel parris.
Speak then.
I was hurt.
Who hurt you?
Goody cloyce...
There.
She choked me,
and brought the book--
the devil book.
She bit me till
the blood came.
When did I hurt you?
A great many times.
You are a most grievous liar!
Goody cloyce attacked US
with a knife.
See... it broke.
That is a piece of my knife.
I broke it yesterday
while I was using it.
Give me the
broken piece.
You there...
Minister!
Now name
your text!
( Screaming )
I'm being choked!
Oh! Go away!
Do not hurt
me so!
Abigail Williams,
who torments you?
Goody cloyce.
She bites me.
Oh, she punches me, oh!
( Screams )
See the bird?
See the yellow bird
above her head?!
( Screams )
( Screaming )
( Commotion )
She bites me!
She bites me!
Abigail Williams--
did you see a company
of witches
at Mr. Parris's house,
eating and drinking?
Yes, and goody cloyce
and goody nurse
were their deacons.
They were drinking
our blood.
That's a lie.
( Screams )
No! No!
I am faint.
Can I sit down?
( Abigail screaming )
Please, can I have
some water?
Observe, the afflicted
child is cured.
Tomfoolery.
Corwin:
This is a test of
guilt of sorcery.
When an af by a witch
the diabolic fluid passes
back into the witch's body.
Nonsense!
The child is
playacting!
Abigail Williams
was purged
of her affliction
Sarah to(Ch.
Hathorne:
How do you
respond?
From text.
Psalm 120,
verse two:
"Deliver my soul,
o lord
"from lying lips
and from a
deceitful tongue."
( Commotion )
You use the scripture
to hide allegiance to Satan.
Y would Satan use
the holy scripture?
You are clever...
Clever as the devil himself!
I am a Christian woman--
a temple of god.
If Satan be in Salem village
it is only to make sure
this madness goes on.
You admit that Satan
is here?
Oh, yes, he's here.
Be certain of it.
Only the accused
are his victims
not the afflicted.
Will you have US believe
that the afflicted
are not truly tormented?
Sarah:
They possess
themselves...
As maidens.
It's not Satan's work--
only the work
of the misguided.
And those who use them
for their revenge!
( Commotion )
They seemed to be
swayed to her.
If she clears herself,
it could all end here.
Hathorne:
There is one
final test
of your guilt
or innocence.
You will repeat
the lord's prayer...
Without error.
What?
The lord's
prayer.
It is known that no one
possessed by Satan
can repeat it without
making an error.
The devil will
not allow it.
What nonsense!
You refuse?
You, a Christian woman?
"Our father, which art in heaven
"hallowed be thy name.
"Thy kingdom
come.
"Thy will be done
"in earth, as it is in heaven.
"Give US this day
our daily bread.
"And forgive US our debts
"as we forgive our debtors.
"And lead US not
into temptation
"but deliver US
from evil.
"For thine is the kingdom
"and the power
"and the glory
"forever.
Amen."
There!
Be you satisfied?
( Ann Putnam screams )
Do you
not see?
A black man whispered
in her ear.
Look!
He is there!
( Screaming )
Go away!
Don't touch me!
Leave me alone!
I won't... oh!
You witch!
She is a witch!
Witch!
Liars all!
Take her away.
She goes
to tal.
Gods knows what
you are, hathorne...
And will deny you
eternal rest!
There@is no
stopping it now.
We had best leave and
gather forces quickly.
Rebecca?
Oh, Sarah.
Oh, Sarah.
You, too.
I cou
leave you.
Who's this?
Little dorcy...
Dorcy goode.
Her mother is there--
heavy with
child.
It should come any day now.
She's past due.
She was the first to be accused.
How old are you?
Merciful
god.
Her mother and Sarah Osborne
were brought in together.
She lies over there
desperately ill.
I fear for her health.
She barely moves.
To think we played together
as children ourselves.
And what of
your health?
God is
with me.
He brought me
a little angel.
We give each
other strength
do we not,
child?
Do not be
frightened.
This is my sister...
My sister...
Oh...
Rebecca.
Oh,
Rebecca.
Let US go over
to the far corner.
I cannot.
Sarah:
Your legs!
I cannot bend them.
Do trust me.
I am well
where I rest.
I am well.
Hana!
Hana!
What are
they doing
plying stones
on giles Cory.
Joseph:
It has been three days.
Sarah:
Cory's only crime
was that he refused to enter
a plea of guilty or innocent.
There could be no trial
without a plea.
He defied them with his life.
@
let it be,
Samuel.
@@@@
you have no
business here.
You must
stop this.
Must I?
( Cory groans )
Your plea...
Is it on your lips?
( Cory groans )
What?
What say you?
More...
Weight.
( Groans )
You, tituba...
Your husband,
John Indian
accused me of
witchcraft.
He's not
my husband.
And I am no witch.
Are you what
you claim to be?
I am a slave.
You confessed.
I was beaten
for saying I
be no witch--
beaten so bad.
Look.
But when I say
I be a witch
they stop.
They were afraid
to beat me again.
Did your master
do this?
Him...
And the others.
So, now I am
a witch.
They listen to me
with fear.
I make them listen.
It's a lie.
What is a lie
to a slave?
If they tell you
a lie be truth
then it be truth.
So I am a witch.
You could have
exposed them.
You could have
made them
listen to
the truth.
I wear the truth
on my back.
You are not
a slave;
you do not
understand.
A lie will not
make you free.
Free, me?
From what
to what?
I am alive...
That is what I
know how to do.
You ask yourself,
where is John Indian
and where are you?
Sarah goode:
Listen.
She is no fool.
I was nearly hanged
when I accused the afflicted
of being witches themselves.
Sarah goode:
And what do
they say?
My child there--
dorcy.
They said she was
the devil's familiar;
that she turns into a dog
and foams at the mouth.
Little dorcy...
They are cursed scum, liars...
( Cries out )
Here.
Are the pains
coming often?
My second husband ran off.
We lived in sheds
and other people's cellars.
Once we were like them
that's got.
Better, in fact.
What was our crime
but to fall from grace?
Calm yourself.
Think of your condition.
What will become
of my children?
Who will comfort them?
Who will mother them
after I'm hanged?
I told the judges
to burn in hell.
We are not one of them.
And because of it,
we are doomed.
Not doomed...
Never doomed.
When our trials come,
we will hang
because we deny
their superstitions--
all of US, except the slave.
Only she
confesses.
She will repent
before god
and prove their
power over Satan.
She will live.
Would you save
yourself likewise?
No.
Not myself.
It is too late for me.
I swore my innocence
and I will not now
give them satisfaction.
I have nothing
left but my soul
and they shall not have it.
Besides, I be no witch.
Yes, I will live.
I will survive them.
Oh! I breach!
Sarah:
Guard!
Guard,
come quickly!
Dorcy!
Dorcy!
Come here, child.
Listen to
your mama.
If they take
me away
if I don't
come back
you tell them...
Tell them that
you are a witch.
And that you've
always been a witch.
Can you
say that?
She cannot!
She must!
She will
survive!
She's only
a baby!
I will not give
them my baby!
Your mama is a witch,
and so are you.
Tell them
it is so.
Sergeant:
Take her to the
back chamber.
Call the midwife
for the witch.
Promise me,
child.
Promise me!
Sarah:
No, Sarah--
she cannot,
for her soul!
Sarah goode:
My baby will not hang!
Dorcy:
Mama!
Sarah goode:
My baby!
Tituba:
The child is
a witch
like your mother
and like tituba.
Sarah:
No!
As a witch
they will let her live.
Sergeant:
This one's dead.
Rebecca:
Sarah, where
are you?
Dorcy goode was only four...
So fragile, so easily bruised...
How it hurts to remember.
All the people that were
first accused
were those no one cared about...
Expendable.
All maintained their innocency
to the end.
Sarahvon af(E$
titus@atinfessed...
She@k
escape
ok u$
a(S...
Only professed innocents
and christians were hanged.
No confessed witch
or person of
high station
was ever hanged...
None!
Tituba was of
the lowest status
so she confessed.
Why did all others
not use this device?
Some did.
But no true Christian
would ever claim
allegiance to Satan.
Why would they
save their lives
only to lose
their souls?
Sarah:
Tituba was not
a Christian.
She was a
confessed witch.
So she survived.
What of this Ann Putnam?
Lem@vil
if (herwa' aevil's
mils@mostcu.
It was Ann Putnam.
She was the afflicted adult
in the company of children.
Sarah:
She gave names
to the afflicted.
Bu'e@e$e@m
y
favorable to Samuel
parris's cause.
If they were no longer
there to oppose...
They were names that
could serve as revenge
against past enemies
of her husband.
I must warn you,
goody cloyce
that you're moving close
to being slanderous.
I advise you not to tread
in areas ill-suited
to your defense.
These statements
must have proof.
And you shall
have it...
Your
honor.
I'll give you more than
"spectral" evidence.
They used specters
and intangibles
as the only evidence against US.
My sisters were taken
from this world
on spectral evidence... alone!
Pray, continue...
Sarah:
In Salem jail
newly accused neighbors
were coming almost daily.
We would have joyously welcom
the cold bite
of the damp sea air
at stole the heat
from our bodies
only to leave an aching
in our bones.
Rebecca:
What is it
you do?
Man:
New governor's edict.
Prisoners will be
kept in irons.
Sarah:
Why?
Quiet!
Sergeant:
No one talks
or they shall be lashed.
Listen closely:
"In the name of William phips
"governor of Massachusetts
"every prisoner accused
of witchcraft
"will be bound
hand and foot
"to ease the torment
of the afflicted.
"They shall remain in such
a condition until their trials
"which are to be set and
determined by a special court.
"The court shall decide
the fate of the accused
"in the presence of their peers.
"So it has been determined
by William phips
and the king and queen
of england."
( Crying )
Let US be gone.
Betty parris, the minister's
young daughter,
was sent away
to live with kin.
She soon recovered fully from
her real or imagined torment.
One must wonder
why the good minister
chose not to send
his niece, Abigail, as well.
this program possible.
Support your local pbs station.
( Low conversations )
Man:
Quiet!
Quiet!
( Banging )
Quiet in this meeting place.
Who has been
assigned as keeper
of the records?
I have, sir.
Mr. Samuel parris.
Let the record
show then
that the accused prisoner
was apprehended
and placed in the ingersol
public house this night past.
Let the
record state
this examination
was to take place
at that
public house
but was moved to
the Salem village
meetinghouse
to accommodate
the pressures
of the masses that
have assembled.
Also, that magistrates
Jonathan corwin and I
magistrate John hathorne
do so preside over
these examinations.
Have you duly noted?
I have.
Bring in the prisoner.
( Murmuring )
My god...
Dear
Rebecca.
She's weak.
God be
with her.
Magistrate corwin,
please read
the complaint.
There being
a complaint
this day,
may the third
and 20th day
of march, 1692
against
Rebecca nurse
the wife of Francis nurse
of Salem village
for suspicion of
having committed acts
of witchcraft and sorceries
thereby having done
much hurt and injury
to Ann Putnam,
the wife of
Thomas Putnam
Ann Putnam,
daughter of
Thomas Putnam
and Abigail Williams
and company.
Goodwife nurse
you're before
this assembly
to answer all charges
held against you
and to be examined
to determine
whether there
is cause
you should
stand trial
for charges
of witchcraft
held against you.
What be your reply
to these charges?
Why doesn't
she speak?
She is confused.
She cannot hear.
What will
come of this?
Again, how
do you plead?
Innocent...
Innocent to these charges.
Can you help,
Israel?
I will try to get
to John hathorne,
my wife's brother.
You!
Ann Putnam
junior
what do
you say?
Have you been hurt
by this woman?
Yes.
She beat me this morning.
She was in custody
this morning.
Her specter beat me.
Her specter.
Abigail Williams.
Have you been hurt
by this woman?
Yes.
She has!
She hurts
all of US!
Goody nurse
they say you hurt them.
What say you?
I say before my eternal father
I am innocent.
God will clear my innocency.
No one desires
this more than I
but if you be guilty,
pray god discover you.
I never afflicted no child...
Never in my life.
Did you not
bring Satan?
Did you not bid
me tempt god?
How often
have you
eaten to your
own damnation?
( Screaming )
Lord, help me!
Oh, my arms.
She bends my arms!
They break!
( Screaming )
I cannot bear
anymore, Samuel.
Please, take me
from this place.
The yellow bird!
The devil's familiar.
See it on her shoulder!
A black man whispers
into her ear!
( Screaming )
You know whether you are guilty
of having familiarity
with the devil.
They say they see these
familiars with you.
It is false.
I am clear, I say!
( Screams )
In the name of
justice, stop
this madness!
There is
witchcraft afoot.
Can't you hear?
Make her stop!
She pinches and bites me!
( Screaming )
Set up goody nurse's head or
the maid's neck will be broke!
You can see these
afflicted children
are genuine
yet you cry of
your innocency.
Have you not
been led by temptations?
I have no one to
look to but god.
It is sad to see
a church member
accused of such a crime.
Do you think these afflicted
persons are bewitched?
I do think they are...
They must be.
Rebecca...
No!
When this witchcraft
came upon US
there was no suspicion
of tituba.
She professed love
to Bette parris
but it was her
apparition that
did the mischief.
Why now should
you not be guilty
for your apparition
also does hurt.
Would you have me belie myself?
Mr. Parris...
Do you have a record of what
Mrs. Thomas Putnam uttered
during her fits previously?
I have.
"The children...
Little babies...
"Dead, all... murdered...
Winding sheets... murdered.
Goody nurse. Goody nurse."
Hathorne:
What do you
make of this?
I... I cannot help it.
The devil may
appear in my shape.
Rebecca!
Rebecca nurse
we find just cause
that you go to trial
for practicing witchcraft.
You will be immediately
sent to Salem jail
paying those
costs yourself.
There you will remain
until the trial date.
You will be tried
by the law
for practicing
witchcraft and sorcery
upon innocent children
and neighbors.
God have mercy on your soul...
Or what there be of it.
Take the
prisoner away.
If you
touch anyone
belonging to
my household
with your foul lies
you shall answer for it!
I do not like
what is going on.
There is something
odious about it.
And so my mother is taken
to Salem jail.
We have tried to influence
the magistrates, Samuel.
It falls on deaf ears...
Something has swayed them.
Something, or someone?
Mr. Parris faithfully
sets down every word.
I never thought to see
a specter-- an apparition--
used as evidence
to condemn--
not by itself.
Spectral evidence.
These
girls--
they unnerve me.
They hold that the devil
cannot take the shape
of an innocent person
so you
can neither
be Christian
nor innocent
if Satan appears
in your shape.
This kind of evidence in the
wrong hands can be misused.
My mother's indictment
is proof.
We must circulate a petition
on my mother's behalf
worded in such a way that
parris himself would sign it.
Please...
We must draw on the
strength of your influence.
Yes.
Yes.
I look forward
to testing my influence
against my half-brother's.
I will speak to Peter and Sarah
about this, as well.
Believe me, I must confess
I was afraid to look up
above Rebecca.
Afraid... of seeing...
A yellow bird myself.
In five
years
Rebecca will have
paid off the 300
acres she now rents
right there in
front of Thomas
Putnam's door.
Her sons will
become powerful
landowners--
new votes on
the village
committee
against
Thomas Putnam
and Samuel parris.
She is right,
Israel.
Sarah:
Rebecca's family
acquired
too much
toquickly.
So she stands
accused of
witchcraft.
But did you not
see and hear those
afflicted girls?
Who could call
them liars?
They were being
used as tools--
implements of
the most vicious
village politics.
Peter:
I voted against
Thomas Putnam.
And Mr. Parris.
We both did.
Then you fear
for Sarah herself?
Sarah:
Think of your
daughter
and wife.
Their women
accuse our women.
They wouldn't dare.
Your daughter's
married to
Joseph Putnam.
They would
dare.
Woman:
Sarah!
Lydia,
Hana...
We both signed
that petition
circulated by
your husband and
your nephew
attesting
to Rebecca's
good character.
Oh, bless you!
Did both your husbands
sign it as well?
Oh, yes.
There were nearly
30 names on it--
mostly from this
part of the village.
@
important
names.
Will it help?
It must.
What will you do?
Thirst for righteousness
and pray to god
to change the events
which I fear will come.
You'd best do likewise.
Come with US
tomorrow
to the
meetinghouse.
Can't bear
the sight
of it.
I will pray in topsfield.
Do come,
Sarah.
Perhaps the
reverend Mr. Parris
willwhy would he want to?
If he does
speak of
reconciliation
you'd do well
to be there.
Perhaps...
( Cough )
In this place...
In this tiny Hamlet
of Salem village...
A scourge has silently
and most profoundly
found its way in.
Satan is
among US.
You can smell
his foulness.
You can hear his agony
in the voices of children.
You can feel
his vile essence
as he slips from hollow
to hollow
ready to touch anyone
who is without faith
or so inclined.
It is to this,
I name my text.
John: Chapter six, verse 70.
"Then Simon Peter
answered Jesus:
"'Lord, to whom shall we go?
"'Thou has
the words of
eternal life
"'and we believe and are sure
that thou art that Christ--
"the son of the living god.'
"and Jesus answered them:
"'Have not I
chosen you twelve
and one of you
is a devil?'"
The lord Christ knows how many
devils there are his church...
And who they are.
( Door
slams )
( Screams )
Goody cloyce!
( Screams )
I did not think
to see you here!
You run away
from sacrament Sunday!
You scorn to receive it.
Why?!
( Screams )
I could have predicted
those cries.
Satan was indeed among US.
I did hear his agony
in their voices.
I knew the truth then.
I knew what would follow.
There was part of me
that would welcome it.
"Thou shalt not bear false
witness against thy neighbor..."
( Sound of galloping horse )
The meetinghouse
is in turmoil.
Where's Peter?
Joseph:
Behind US--
fighting with Israel.
It was madness
when we left.
Samuel:
The girls
have named you
as a
witch.
They will swear a warrant
out for your arrrest
ph:
, e'sstiltime.
They can't issue a warrant
on the
sabbath.
Time for what?
I know of an abandoned mill
where you would be safe.
I should have taken
mother there.
What say you if
I choose not to flee?
Samuel:
And do what?
Fight them.
Fight them?!
Stand up to them.
Show the world
they're lying.
You are but one woman!
Yes, one woman, but one of the
like they've not seen before.
I shall expose them!
You will follow mother.
Yes, but I'll be heard,
all the same.
There is still no charter
of laws.
You could rot in Salem jail!
I'll be in good company.
My fleeing will temper
their words against US.
It will prove
their accusations
against me and Rebecca.
Aunt Sarah, please...
You cannot fight them.
It's now out of hand!
How many more
will they name?!
You will be sacrificed
in vain.
Not
in vain
nor alone!
I'm a Christian woman...
A temple of god.
This minister, this Mr. Parris,
uses the scriptures
to serve his own purpose.
So shall I use the word of god
as my defense.
It's here.
It is here.
Paul, the apostle,
to the corinthians:
"Know ye not
that ye are the
temple of god
"and that
the spirit of god
dwelleth in you?
"If "him shall@@@@@@
god destroy.
"For the temple
of god is holy
which temple ye are!"
Samuel:
They will not
listen to you.
It is not "they"
I speak to.
I'll not
flee these
blackhearts.
I'll challenge
them
with the force of
my convictions,
and Rebecca's
and this good book.
Rebecca said,
"we're as clear
as the child unborn.
Let them
come!"
Let them come.
Let them!
I was arrested
on the 10th of April
and thus began
my ordeal.
What is it
we look for?
Devil's marks--
a wart or a third nipple
where the devil
or his familiars
will drink her blood
to feed on
her soul.
Any Mark?
Yes.
No matter how small
or meaningless.
The witch's tit
could be anywhere
so leave no place
unsearched.
Nothing.
( Horse whinnies )
( General conversation )
( Whisper: )
There she is!
This is not
a trial.
It is an
examination...
I'm familiar with your speech.
Read the complaints
against this person,
Mr. Corwin.
It is so charged
that Sarah cloyce
upon the fourth
day of April
in the year of
our lord, 1692
hath used
and practiced
certain
detestable arts
called witchcraft
and sorcery
upon the tormented
bodies of one
Abigail Williams
and one
mercy Lewis
in the place of
Salem village.
I advised Peter
not to come.
It is not safe
for you either,
Samuel.
How do
you plead?
Innocent.
Innocent as
the child unborn.
Then you'd best
be preparedvi
my proof is who I am.
I'm a Christian woman.
First corinthians,
chapter three,
verse 16:
"Know ye not
that ye are the temple of god
"and that the spirit of god
dwelleth in you?
"If any man defile
the temple of god
"him shall
god destroy.
For the temple of god is holy,
which temple ye are."
Who speaks against
this woman?
Hathorne:
Abigail
Williams--
you accused
this woman.
What say you?
Man:
I charge,
your honors.
And who are you?
John Indian, slave man
to Mr. Samuel parris.
Speak then.
I was hurt.
Who hurt you?
Goody cloyce...
There.
She choked me,
and brought the book--
the devil book.
She bit me till
the blood came.
When did I hurt you?
A great many times.
You are a most grievous liar!
Goody cloyce attacked US
with a knife.
See... it broke.
That is a piece of my knife.
I broke it yesterday
while I was using it.
Give me the
broken piece.
You there...
Minister!
Now name
your text!
( Screaming )
I'm being choked!
Oh! Go away!
Do not hurt
me so!
Abigail Williams,
who torments you?
Goody cloyce.
She bites me.
Oh, she punches me, oh!
( Screams )
See the bird?
See the yellow bird
above her head?!
( Screams )
( Screaming )
( Commotion )
She bites me!
She bites me!
Abigail Williams--
did you see a company
of witches
at Mr. Parris's house,
eating and drinking?
Yes, and goody cloyce
and goody nurse
were their deacons.
They were drinking
our blood.
That's a lie.
( Screams )
No! No!
I am faint.
Can I sit down?
( Abigail screaming )
Please, can I have
some water?
Observe, the afflicted
child is cured.
Tomfoolery.
Corwin:
This is a test of
guilt of sorcery.
When an af by a witch
the diabolic fluid passes
back into the witch's body.
Nonsense!
The child is
playacting!
Abigail Williams
was purged
of her affliction
Sarah to(Ch.
Hathorne:
How do you
respond?
From text.
Psalm 120,
verse two:
"Deliver my soul,
o lord
"from lying lips
and from a
deceitful tongue."
( Commotion )
You use the scripture
to hide allegiance to Satan.
Y would Satan use
the holy scripture?
You are clever...
Clever as the devil himself!
I am a Christian woman--
a temple of god.
If Satan be in Salem village
it is only to make sure
this madness goes on.
You admit that Satan
is here?
Oh, yes, he's here.
Be certain of it.
Only the accused
are his victims
not the afflicted.
Will you have US believe
that the afflicted
are not truly tormented?
Sarah:
They possess
themselves...
As maidens.
It's not Satan's work--
only the work
of the misguided.
And those who use them
for their revenge!
( Commotion )
They seemed to be
swayed to her.
If she clears herself,
it could all end here.
Hathorne:
There is one
final test
of your guilt
or innocence.
You will repeat
the lord's prayer...
Without error.
What?
The lord's
prayer.
It is known that no one
possessed by Satan
can repeat it without
making an error.
The devil will
not allow it.
What nonsense!
You refuse?
You, a Christian woman?
"Our father, which art in heaven
"hallowed be thy name.
"Thy kingdom
come.
"Thy will be done
"in earth, as it is in heaven.
"Give US this day
our daily bread.
"And forgive US our debts
"as we forgive our debtors.
"And lead US not
into temptation
"but deliver US
from evil.
"For thine is the kingdom
"and the power
"and the glory
"forever.
Amen."
There!
Be you satisfied?
( Ann Putnam screams )
Do you
not see?
A black man whispered
in her ear.
Look!
He is there!
( Screaming )
Go away!
Don't touch me!
Leave me alone!
I won't... oh!
You witch!
She is a witch!
Witch!
Liars all!
Take her away.
She goes
to tal.
Gods knows what
you are, hathorne...
And will deny you
eternal rest!
There@is no
stopping it now.
We had best leave and
gather forces quickly.
Rebecca?
Oh, Sarah.
Oh, Sarah.
You, too.
I cou
leave you.
Who's this?
Little dorcy...
Dorcy goode.
Her mother is there--
heavy with
child.
It should come any day now.
She's past due.
She was the first to be accused.
How old are you?
Merciful
god.
Her mother and Sarah Osborne
were brought in together.
She lies over there
desperately ill.
I fear for her health.
She barely moves.
To think we played together
as children ourselves.
And what of
your health?
God is
with me.
He brought me
a little angel.
We give each
other strength
do we not,
child?
Do not be
frightened.
This is my sister...
My sister...
Oh...
Rebecca.
Oh,
Rebecca.
Let US go over
to the far corner.
I cannot.
Sarah:
Your legs!
I cannot bend them.
Do trust me.
I am well
where I rest.
I am well.
Hana!
Hana!
What are
they doing
plying stones
on giles Cory.
Joseph:
It has been three days.
Sarah:
Cory's only crime
was that he refused to enter
a plea of guilty or innocent.
There could be no trial
without a plea.
He defied them with his life.
@
let it be,
Samuel.
@@@@
you have no
business here.
You must
stop this.
Must I?
( Cory groans )
Your plea...
Is it on your lips?
( Cory groans )
What?
What say you?
More...
Weight.
( Groans )
You, tituba...
Your husband,
John Indian
accused me of
witchcraft.
He's not
my husband.
And I am no witch.
Are you what
you claim to be?
I am a slave.
You confessed.
I was beaten
for saying I
be no witch--
beaten so bad.
Look.
But when I say
I be a witch
they stop.
They were afraid
to beat me again.
Did your master
do this?
Him...
And the others.
So, now I am
a witch.
They listen to me
with fear.
I make them listen.
It's a lie.
What is a lie
to a slave?
If they tell you
a lie be truth
then it be truth.
So I am a witch.
You could have
exposed them.
You could have
made them
listen to
the truth.
I wear the truth
on my back.
You are not
a slave;
you do not
understand.
A lie will not
make you free.
Free, me?
From what
to what?
I am alive...
That is what I
know how to do.
You ask yourself,
where is John Indian
and where are you?
Sarah goode:
Listen.
She is no fool.
I was nearly hanged
when I accused the afflicted
of being witches themselves.
Sarah goode:
And what do
they say?
My child there--
dorcy.
They said she was
the devil's familiar;
that she turns into a dog
and foams at the mouth.
Little dorcy...
They are cursed scum, liars...
( Cries out )
Here.
Are the pains
coming often?
My second husband ran off.
We lived in sheds
and other people's cellars.
Once we were like them
that's got.
Better, in fact.
What was our crime
but to fall from grace?
Calm yourself.
Think of your condition.
What will become
of my children?
Who will comfort them?
Who will mother them
after I'm hanged?
I told the judges
to burn in hell.
We are not one of them.
And because of it,
we are doomed.
Not doomed...
Never doomed.
When our trials come,
we will hang
because we deny
their superstitions--
all of US, except the slave.
Only she
confesses.
She will repent
before god
and prove their
power over Satan.
She will live.
Would you save
yourself likewise?
No.
Not myself.
It is too late for me.
I swore my innocence
and I will not now
give them satisfaction.
I have nothing
left but my soul
and they shall not have it.
Besides, I be no witch.
Yes, I will live.
I will survive them.
Oh! I breach!
Sarah:
Guard!
Guard,
come quickly!
Dorcy!
Dorcy!
Come here, child.
Listen to
your mama.
If they take
me away
if I don't
come back
you tell them...
Tell them that
you are a witch.
And that you've
always been a witch.
Can you
say that?
She cannot!
She must!
She will
survive!
She's only
a baby!
I will not give
them my baby!
Your mama is a witch,
and so are you.
Tell them
it is so.
Sergeant:
Take her to the
back chamber.
Call the midwife
for the witch.
Promise me,
child.
Promise me!
Sarah:
No, Sarah--
she cannot,
for her soul!
Sarah goode:
My baby will not hang!
Dorcy:
Mama!
Sarah goode:
My baby!
Tituba:
The child is
a witch
like your mother
and like tituba.
Sarah:
No!
As a witch
they will let her live.
Sergeant:
This one's dead.
Rebecca:
Sarah, where
are you?
Dorcy goode was only four...
So fragile, so easily bruised...
How it hurts to remember.
All the people that were
first accused
were those no one cared about...
Expendable.
All maintained their innocency
to the end.
Sarahvon af(E$
titus@atinfessed...
She@k
escape
ok u$
a(S...
Only professed innocents
and christians were hanged.
No confessed witch
or person of
high station
was ever hanged...
None!
Tituba was of
the lowest status
so she confessed.
Why did all others
not use this device?
Some did.
But no true Christian
would ever claim
allegiance to Satan.
Why would they
save their lives
only to lose
their souls?
Sarah:
Tituba was not
a Christian.
She was a
confessed witch.
So she survived.
What of this Ann Putnam?
Lem@vil
if (herwa' aevil's
mils@mostcu.
It was Ann Putnam.
She was the afflicted adult
in the company of children.
Sarah:
She gave names
to the afflicted.
Bu'e@e$e@m
y
favorable to Samuel
parris's cause.
If they were no longer
there to oppose...
They were names that
could serve as revenge
against past enemies
of her husband.
I must warn you,
goody cloyce
that you're moving close
to being slanderous.
I advise you not to tread
in areas ill-suited
to your defense.
These statements
must have proof.
And you shall
have it...
Your
honor.
I'll give you more than
"spectral" evidence.
They used specters
and intangibles
as the only evidence against US.
My sisters were taken
from this world
on spectral evidence... alone!
Pray, continue...
Sarah:
In Salem jail
newly accused neighbors
were coming almost daily.
We would have joyously welcom
the cold bite
of the damp sea air
at stole the heat
from our bodies
only to leave an aching
in our bones.
Rebecca:
What is it
you do?
Man:
New governor's edict.
Prisoners will be
kept in irons.
Sarah:
Why?
Quiet!
Sergeant:
No one talks
or they shall be lashed.
Listen closely:
"In the name of William phips
"governor of Massachusetts
"every prisoner accused
of witchcraft
"will be bound
hand and foot
"to ease the torment
of the afflicted.
"They shall remain in such
a condition until their trials
"which are to be set and
determined by a special court.
"The court shall decide
the fate of the accused
"in the presence of their peers.
"So it has been determined
by William phips
and the king and queen
of england."
( Crying )
Let US be gone.
Betty parris, the minister's
young daughter,
was sent away
to live with kin.
She soon recovered fully from
her real or imagined torment.
One must wonder
why the good minister
chose not to send
his niece, Abigail, as well.