Carnivàle (2003–2005): Season 2, Episode 5 - Creed, OK - full transcript

2x05 - Creed, OK

Hello?

Belyakov?

Bad dream?

- I'll take two.
- I'm good.

Got it?

Who do you like
in the fight tonight?

What fight?

Where the hell have
you been, Mars?

Baer vs. Louis?

It's the so-called
fight of the century.



Got that right! Joe Louis is gonna tear
that fellow apart!

Damn, if you don't got
the corner on stupid.

Ease up there, Fletch.
Give the boy a break here.

Look, what these two greenhorns need is
a little schooling in the manly arts.

Now look, boys. Lesson one:

when a white fella gets in the ring
with an eight ball,

the eight ball's got no chance.

You see, they call boxing
"The sweet science".

And that's where your colored
just runs into trouble.

That's just that science part.

Yeah, but Joe Louis is a big 'un.

Hell, I don't care if he's big as an ox,

no jazz-bo's half the athlete
a white man is.

How come?



Well, because
he can't think on his feet.

It's his Achilles' foot, so to speak.

Now, please don't tell me you put
any of your rag money on Joe Louis.

- A couple bucks.
- Oh!

That is a lesson hard learned,
my friend.

Fight of the century,
jeez, more like lock of the century.

Look, I'll tell you both what,
if I was you,

I'd put every jit I got on Max Baer.

Oh, tears gonna fall
like rain tonight in Harlem.

Mark my word.

Oh, that coffee tastes
like passed water.

It tastes fine to me.

Well, you're used to it.

You been here longer
than me.

Sugar, it isn't how long
you been here that counts.

It's where you've been before.

French beans and chicory,
now that's coffee.

You get used to the finer things
in life, honey,

there's no turning back.

Heard from the professor?

Not a thing.

You don't really think
Samson did him in, do you?

I do.

And I will see to it that little shrimp
picks a number for what he done.

And you can stake on it.

Maybe he run off with Catalina.

Catalina?

That little chili-pepper
that danced the kootch in Loving?

Run rabbit the same night as Lodz.

It's probably just a coincidence.

It's tragic.

That's what happens
when spirochetes eat your brain.

Excuse me.

Don't think I'm crazy but...

I've seen her too.

Who?

Your mama.

My mother's dead.

Sofie.

Hey, Sofie, wait.

- What happened?
- Nothing.

What?

Ruthie says
she seen my mama.

- I'll go set her straight.
- No, don't.

No, don't say anything.

That ain't right.

It's okay.

When do you start pouring
the foundation?

Six weeks from tomorrow.

If you want it sooner, I'm gonna have to
put on a second shift.

Cost is no object.

This is the Lord's work
we're doing here, Mr. Bowler.

Isn't it beautiful, Norman?

Is this the ramped entrance here?

At the rear of the temple?

Yes, sir, I believe so.

There it is.

Do you see?

That way you won't miss
a single service.

Justin, I--

Good morning, Iris.

Mr. Dolan.

Sorry I'm late.

Got held up on the road.

God almighty,
it's backed up for miles!

Folks in jalopies, on foot...

Swell design.

Thank you, Tommy.

Iris, could you take Mr. Bowler outside

and show him where
would we like to place the fountain?

Of course.

Thank you.

Mr. Bowler?

Disturbing news?

I'm afraid so.

I've been following Iris.

Hawkins...

Where you headed?

There's a fella
I need to talk to.

I saw you and Sofie
this morning.

Getting kind of close, huh?

Yeah, so?

Listen, kid, she's hurting,
she's looking to you.

Things happen.

What the hell
are you saying?

I'm saying stay away from her.

I'm saying she don't need the grief.

I'm saying it's none
of your goddamn business.

No, you're right. It ain't.

But we both know
that wherever you're headed,

it's likely to be a one-way trip.

And that little girl--

She's lost enough already.

Hawkins!

Come in.

I just wanted to say I'm sorry.

That's all right, honey.

Besides I'm the one
who should be sorry.

You must think I'm tetched.

Maybe.

Sofie?

I ain't crazy.

Close the door.

Please.

You told me once you...

you thought your mama had

one foot in this world
and one in the other.

Did she ever see dead folks?

I've been seeing them.

Every day.

Ever since I got snake-bit.

Rousties I used to know,
a couple of others.

Carnies.

Just going about their business.

You've seen my mama?

Her most of all.

Has she told you
what she wants?

Why she keeps coming back?
Anything?

Nothing.

None of them speak.
Not a word.

They're just...

There.

You're not crazy.

She did it, Justin.

There's no question.

She burned down the mission.

She killed those kids.

No.

Innocent people don't drive out to the
middle of nowhere to burn their clothes.

It had to be what she was wearing
that night. Nothing else makes sense.

I always said I'd follow the truth,

no matter where it led.

And now here it is

at my doorstep.

Hello?

Are you lost?

I'm looking for a Mr. Geddes.

I'm Evander Geddes.

Do you make masks?

Hey, mister!

I'll be just a minute.

I don't really got
a lot of time.

Nonsense.

There's always time for hot cider,

and good company.

Now...

Where were we?

Henry Scudder.

Oh, yes.

Hack Scudder.

We had quite a time together

in the old days at Hyde & Teller.

You made a mask...

Of his face?

Indeed I did.
And a fine mask it was.

Exquisite.

You see, young friend,
since my retirement,

I only make masks of children.

Those still close to womb time,

their sweet little faces not yet ravaged
by broken dreams.

Henry Scudder was a rare exception.

In fact, he's the only adult
I've done in years.

Every pore, every nuance,

perfectly rendered.
Have you seen it?

I never seen nothing like it.

And I'd wager you're not likely
to see its equal again.

I bet it was expensive.
Cost a lot?

Oh, yes.

But what price can one place
on immortality, young friend?

Who paid for it?

Why, Henry did, of course.

You mean he paid for it
before he died?

What?

Oh, my young friend, no.

It wasn't a death-mask
I made for Henry.

He was very much alive.

Damn it.

Best ride in the whole world, kids!

Thanks, dad.

You hold on tight now!

You just let them keep riding
and riding. Okay, slugger?

You sure?

They'll be spinning around
for a half-hour at least.

That's what I figured.
This is their first time up,

and, well, I just want them
to always remember it.

Yes, sir.

Good man.

There goes
one in a million.

I can't even imagine having
a dad like that.

Come on.

Your dad loves you.

Sure, he loves me.

But not like that.

Nothing like that.

Of course, you can't
really blame him.

I mean, look at me.

I'm not very lovable.

That's not true.

Not true at all.

Don't talk about yourself
that way.

Okay.

- If you say so.
- I say so.

Jonesy!

What?

Where's Ben?

- Hell, I don't know.
- When did you last see him?

What does he look like,
a damn babysitter?

Why are you doing this?

There's no other way.

I've supported you.

I've given you everything,

even this place--
the money, the temple.

None of it would've happened
if it wasn't for the fire.

Yes, you're right.

You needed martyrs.
I gave them to you.

- I did not ask you--
- You never ask!

You never have to ask.

I've always known what you want,

and I've always been the one
to pay the price.

You're right.

Alexsei?

Alexsei, please?

I will take responsibility for the fire.

I'm not one of your followers.

Iris--

If you had any intention of
following through with that,

you would have done it
a long time ago.

If you want me to do this...

you're going to have to ask.

Go ahead, Justin.

Ask me.

Ask me
to turn myself in.

I can't.

Ask me.

Love of mother,

it's a powerful thing,
young friend.

Even the hard heart

bears a soft spot for dear old mom.

Is that why
he had you make it?

Yes.

And a uniquely suitable gift,
I might add.

She's blind, I'm told.

I know that!

Look, I'm trying to find
where he went to.

I couldn't tell you.

He must've left something,

Some way for you to reach him
or send the mask to.

I may have an address.

Where?

I've got some old records
tucked away somewhere.

I'll take a look later.

No, now!
Take a look now.

We have so much
to talk about.

I don't get many visitors.

Look, mister,
you're wasting my time!

Please go find that address!

Certainly.

Certainly.

May I say

you have a most interesting face?

Still youthful.

Skin soft and supple.

The address.

And yet, there's the strong brow,

the cheekbones, the deep-set eyes

of a powerful man
who will soon emerge.

I'm sorry.
I'm being foolish.

I'll go look now.

No, to the left.
Take it to the left.

To the left.
Come on!

To your left, for god's sake.

-- Is that-- to the left,
you jackass!

There's too much
damn static.

I got to be able to hear
Louis's big ole noggin

- when it smacks the canvas!
- Can it, Dreifuss.

You're wrecking the suspense!

"Drink Moxie, the only
soft drink with..."

Hey!
Okay, don't touch it.

I'm gonna go check in with the warden.
I'll be back before the bell. All right?

That gal's really something.

Yeah, she surely is.

Everything good?

Now this next guy,

he's really something.

Handsome to the core.

Fascinating personality.

Razor-sharp wit.

He is a...

He is a real man's man,

yet surprisingly...

tender.

- Sounds like a real catch.
- Oh, he is.

He is.
He surely is.

A real big spender?

Generous to a fault.

Must be quite a lover.

He could teach Clark Gable
a thing or two about a thing or two.

He'd better get his trousers off
in a hurry 'cause we ain't got all day!

Felix?

How much do you owe?

Aw, Jesus, baby, not now.

You can tell me.
Is it more than $100?

Later.

$200?

Three?

Come on, baby.
Get it off your chest.

It's four and change.

Felix!

Jesus. Whatever.

It's just a god-awful run
of shit luck.

How much you got riding
on that fight?

Tonight? Nothing.
Not a plugged nickel.

No, I'm through with it.
No more gambling.

- You better be telling me the truth.
- I am.

God's witness.

Baby, you don't want to do that.

I should have my head examined.

Now, you pay what you owe,

and then never again, you hear me?

Loud and clear, angel.

Never again.

Quite a responsibility.

All those kids with their life
in your hands,

trusting you nothing will go wrong.

Guess I don't look at it that way.

I guess you shad better start.

You're the only thing that stands
between them and an untimely death.

Hastings, Nebraska, 1908,

I remember it like it was yesterday.

A little girl started rocking
the carriage when it reached the top.

Kind of like that kid's doing right now.

- Whoo!
- Little girl, beautiful child...

Blonde hair, big blue eyes.

Flipped it over.

She must have fallen 40 feet.

Like a doll in a crinoline dress.

Until she hit one of them crossbars.

Damn, what a sight.

Her mama screaming,
"Baby, baby, baby,"

picking up the pieces
of that little child

and trying to put it back together

like a precious humpty dumpty.

Hey there!
Quit that rocking!

Let me ask you something.

You got to fella working
for you name of Scudder?

Can't help you.

Can't or won't?

You gonna ride or what?

You're a pretty tough guy.

Always careful.

Accurately render
each plane and curve.

A form of perfection that is

the additory sum
of individual imperfections.

My objective, you see,

is to capture the soul.

Is to capture the soul.

Hey.

Easy, my young friend,
I'll be with you in a moment.

- What is this place?
- My workshop.

What the hell
are you doing?

Something...

magical.

That's right, keep struggling.

Perspiration opens up the pores.

Listen.

Please.

Listen.

Just let me go.

I won't go to the police, I swear.

Oh, I know you won't do that.

No, no one ever goes
to the police.

Now, don't fret,
young friend.

It's a simple paralytic.

I just need to have you hold

perfectly still.

Can you hear me?

That was very foolish!

You could've cut yourself,

or raised a bump.

Now.

You've heard
of plaster of Paris?

Well, this is
plaster of Genoa.

A much finer casting agent.

Of course, I--

I do add a few ingredients
of my own.

Boiled linseed oil,

and a touch of beeswax,

and a tiny dose of paraffin.

A little bit of alum

to speed up
the settling process.

Oh, it's lovely.

Yes, that is...

Lovely.

Ah, you're up.

What happened?

You fell asleep on the couch.

I do hope you had a nice rest.

What did you do to me?

Nothing. I was just--
I was here.

I was painting.

Have you got a workshop?

A what?

- Where is it?
- I don't have one!

- I know you got a basement.
- No.

- What's under the house?
- I don't understand.

Show me!

You see?
There's nothing there.

Nothing.

Perhaps you had a bad dream.

Well, it must've been a doozy.

Oh!

I found an address for Henry.

That's his Ma's address.

I already been there.

That's the only one I have.

Say, why don't you
stay for dinner?

I'm cooking a brisket.

No. Thanks.

I got to get back.

"Welcome to the Church of the Air,

"an hour of faith and hope
featuring our own Brother Justin."

"I won't lie to you,
brothers and sisters,

"when Eve ate the apple,

"man's fleeting hopes for a life
in eternal paradise were crushed.

"As a result, we now live
in a world of pain and despair."

A world of pain and despair.

"There's a right to the head!

"And a powerful left hook to the body!

"Baer is driven into the ropes!

"There's a right cross,
and another, and another!

"Joe Louis is merciless
in his pursuit of Max Baer!

"Baer staggers back
into a neutral corner.

"The clown prince of boxing
seems out on his feet!

"Oh doctor, has he taken
a royal beating tonight!

"The Brown Bomber closes in,

"firing vicious combinations
to the head and body.

"Oh, there's a powerful right.
And Baer is down!"

- No! Come on!
- Get up!

- Get up, you son of a bitch!
- "Five, six, seven...

"eight, nine. It's all over!

"In one of the most lopsided
fights in boxing history,

"big Joe Louis has annihilated Max Baer,

"in two minutes and 23 seconds
of the fourth round!

"What a night, folks!

"What a night!

Lock of the century.

Well, that's what you get
for betting on a hebe.

What did you say?

- I'm just saying--
- Max Baer ain't no jew!

Sure he is.

Everybody knows that.

Sheeny to the core.

So, it weren't a--

A white man fighting a nigra.

It never was.

Son of a bitch!

It's a goddamned jew.

This way out, folks.

Right this way.

I had the best time.

- Good night, folks.
- Good night.

This way, folks, this way out.

Must be nice.

What's that?

It must be nice being so small.

Every man, woman and half-growed tyke
just towering over you,

wanting to pick you up and cuddle you
just like a little baby.

Yeah, that's what it's like all right.

Someone actually told me
you run this place.

Could that be true?

Could be.

Does it ever tire you out,
dealing with all the big folks?

Sometimes. Like right now.

You know,
you're all right!

Knee-high to a bedbug
and all full of spunk,

how about that?

You ever travel
with a boy name of Scudder?

Not that I recall.

Now that is curious.

'Cause a fella down
in Loving, New Mexico,

one of these lodge boys,

he told me this Scudder boy was
buddies with a midget,

so I figure he's gallivanting
with a carny show.

Not this one.

Yeah, that's what
everybody's been telling me.

They been giving me
the run-around all day.

And then I see you,

and I get to thinking,
"What are the odds?", you know ?

"How many runts like you

could be running down the same
road this Scudder boy's on?"

- Scudder, huh?
- Mm-hmm.

I might be able
to help you out with that.

It's about fucking time.

What do you got?

You might try
the Daily Brothers' show.

It's a first-class operation.

He probably works for them.

And they's lousy with midgets.

You'd better cooperate, knee-high,

or I'm gonna run you in.

If you's a lawman
I guess I'm John Dillinger.

Save it for Halloween.

This carnival is shit!

It's nothing but half-wits,
whores and two-bit freaks.

You're lucky I don't burn it
to the ground.

You bet on that damn fight.

Weeping Jesus, woman.

Why you always giving me
the up and down?

Look me in the eye
and tell me you didn't!

As a matter of fact...

I did.

All of it?

You bet your brunswick
all of it.

You lost everything?

Who said anything
about losing?

You bet on Joe Louis?

Of course, I did.
It was a dead cert.

You put all that money
on a shine?

What do I care
what color he is?

What, do you think
I'm some hillbilly?

You see that--
that's the shit there.

That's what I...

They're closed.

Yeah, I see that.

You work here?

No.

Smoke?

Yeah, thanks.

You're coming to the carny
all on your lonesome?

What's the matter?
Couldn't find a date?

I don't see a gal
hanging on your arm.

Ooooh...

You got me there.

That you did.

I've had plenty of women
in my day.

All back-stabbing bitches
and outhouse whores.

I'll tell you, kid...

The more I know women...

The more I like dogs.

Hey!

I told you
they were closed.

Hey.

I've been looking for you.

What changed your mind?

Just something I need to try.

You seem nervous.

Cut.

The two of wands.

Here is a lord overlooking
his dominion,

yet he turns away.

Ashes, agony, disfigurement.

It's happening again,
isn't it?

Should I stop?

No.

Keep going.

What did you see?

Nothing.

It's the lovers.

Attraction, passion, trials conquered.

Don't you want to hear
what it means?

I think I know.

You were always the one
who read the cards.

I poured the gasoline
on the floor.

I lit the match.

I don't know
how long I stood there.

I just remember the match...

Burning my fingers.

And then everything caught fire.

I ran.

I watched it burn
from across the street.

I needed to see it happen...

But I...

I didn't want to hear
the screams.

Why?

I fell under a shadow.

It preyed upon me.

- It needed to be done.
- That's enough.

Did you get everything?

Everything.

You've done
the right thing, Irina.

You are forgiven.

Is that what you seen?

I've been there.

Reckon that's where Scudder is?

Yeah.

I'll tell the man.

You got someone
on your tail.

Is he a big guy
in a brown suit?

I think I hooked up with him
when I come in.

A real peach that one.

Smiles a lot,
but he got dead man's eyes.

Who do you reckon he is?

Johnny Law?

His type's more comfortable behind bars
than in front of 'em.

I got a feeling
he'll be back though.

- There you go.
- Got it?

That's gonna do it.

Straight ahead.

Keep going.

We gotta go!
Give it to me.

That's it.

Okay, set her down.

It's heavy.

This came special delivery.

- Who's it from?
- There's no return address.

Thank you, Dinah.

"Hey, kid! Pick it up.
We ain't got all day!

"Let's go.
Put those bags over there."

"Come on, we got a storm coming.
Let's get with it. Let's go!

"Bring it up!

"There's a bunch of poles and siding."

"Let's go, kid! Come on.

"Come on!"

God damn it, Hawkins.

Quit your gawking. Move!