Kung Fu (1972–1975): Season 2, Episode 16 - In Uncertain Bondage - full transcript
Seth, pull up now and stop!
Hey, Mr. Clifford!
Hey, Mr. Clifford,
l think we got a problem back here.
Miss Dora, you are scaring me.
Why don't you try
some of your salts again?
Miss Burnam, you're gonna have
to get some air in your lungs.
-Has she been this bad before?
-No, sir. Never like this.
What are we gonna do?
Where are you going, Chinaman?
Someone is ill. l wish to help.
Well, tell me, doctor. Just what
do you think is wrong with the lady?
There is pressure on her heart.
The color is gone from her lips.
lt is a sign.
-Do you think you can help?
-l can try.
Please.
Breathe gently, softly.
As though falling asleep.
Slowly.
Let your arms feel...
...like the branches of the willow.
Come here, Seth.
l seen some mighty poor-looking doctors
during the last years of the war.
Never as bad as that.
Yeah, but he must know something.
He's had a good look at our faces.
On the other hand,
Miss Burnam may need him to stay alive.
You ain't saying we ought
to take him along with us.
l mean, to the cabin.
Well, what's good for Miss Burnam
is good for us.
Don't you agree?
Ain't no doubt about that, sir.
This delicate heart of mine
just might have given out...
...if it hadn't been for you
and your kindness.
l am grateful to be of service.
Well, which way are you traveling?
To the next town.
You'll ride with us.
Mr. Tate, this man is riding with us.
l insist.
Why, it's the proper thing to do, ma'am.
There is room on top.
l'm grateful.
Sure pleases me
to see you feeling better, ma'am.
How charming, Mr. Tate.
lt's my pleasure, ma'am.
l'm indeed flattered to be escorted
by such a fine gentleman.
l'm your most humble servant, ma'am.
Young Caine.
Do l see the scar of anger
on your face?
l do not like to be a servant.
You consider it beneath you
to serve another.
How am l to answer?
l do not know
what it is to be served.
Do not the ancients say:
''Rank and reward have no appeal...
...for a man one with himself?''
Yet you, master, are served
and therefore greater.
Smaller.
l have taken without true respect
what you have given.
We must both learn.
Please...
...sit here.
lt does not seem right.
lt is my joy, master.
What are you doing?
Mr. Tate.
Mr. Tate!
What are we doing here?
l demand an explanation.
End of the line, Miss Burnam.
Come on out.
Step down, please.
lt's best not to keep
a gentleman waiting.
-What is the meaning of this?
-Money.
Money?
Mr. Tate, my daddy paid you...
...a fair sum for your services...
...and you'll not get a penny more.
l'm not interested in a penny, ma'am.
Your daddy's gonna give to us
what he denied the Confederacy.
Fifty thousand dollars if he wants
to see you alive again.
Mr. Tate, you agreed to deliver
me safely to Dr. Antoine's clinic.
You gave your solemn word.
Wasn't all that solemn, ma'am.
That be enough!
Jenny, l just can't believe
you'd do this to me.
-lt's been a long time coming.
-Nicely done, Jenny. Get inside.
Come on. Come on!
Chinaman, you almost cost us
a lot of money.
Now it's gonna cost you.
Remember what you said
about needing him...
-...case Miss Burnam has another spell.
-l know what l said.
Move it over there.
Move it. Move it!
When another man challenges me...
...l settle it.
l need you alive now.
l'll forgo my satisfaction...
...when that need passes.
l knew you were clever.
l like that...
...in an adversary. Yeah.
Open this door!
Let me out of here at once.
Jenny!
Girl, you open this door!
Did you get that letter written
to your daddy?
l told you, l have no intentions
of writing that letter.
Suit yourself, gal.
How dare you use that word to me.
-How dares you use it on me?
-You're my servant.
Don't you bother me again
till you get that letter done and signed.
Jenny.
Jenny, l....
l just don't understand
what's got into you.
Haven't l always been good to you?
Haven't l always given you things?
Things?
Things you didn't want no more.
Jenny, we played together
when we were babies.
When l was 5 years old...
...they put me up on a box...
...so l could iron your birthday dress.
l always remembered you
on your birthday.
l always made sure you had
your own cake.
l eat.
l eats out back after l's through
cleaning up the kitchen.
You gots to go to school and learn.
Did l?
When you was sick and ailing,
the old doctor came.
Who came when l was sick?
Did l sew your dress,
or was you sewing mine?
Did l draw your bath of water,
or 'twas it the other way around?
You never complained.
Even after the war, Jenny,
you were free.
You could have left any time
you wanted to.
Where was l going, and with what?
l'd have been fetching
and doing for you the rest of my days...
...if it wasn't for Seth.
When he told me what
Mr. Tate was a-hatching up...
...l knew it was my chance.
Only one l'd ever get.
Now, gal....
Gal...
...you pick that pen up
and you get that letter done...
-...because l's tired of talking to you.
-l will not.
Miss Dora...
...l can wait.
Seth and l used to it.
But you best be careful of Mr. Tate.
He's one of your kind.
He's used to getting his way.
Drop it down, Seth.
You sure y'all won't
change your mind now?
Quite sure.
You're a disgrace to your heritage,
Mr. Tate.
My heritage
was a casualty of the war.
Many men lost their fortunes
in the war...
...but very few their honor.
There's nothing
that can't be recovered.
Your daddy will see to that.
Ma'am.
Thank you.
l am Caine.
How's your shoulder?
lt does not bleed as before.
l'm truly sorry that you...
...were unfortunate enough
to be drawn into this...
...outrage.
You could not help it.
Your friends are not true.
Friends?
Those men? Those hirelings?
When my daddy advertised
for a gentleman of standing...
...to escort me to New Orleans,
Clifford Tate applied.
He's certainly no gentleman.
He's just trash.
Seth is his man.
And the woman?
-ls she not your friend?
-Jenny?
Well...
...Jenny's been in service
to me from the very start.
You do understand what it means
to serve someone?
Yes.
You do not.
No. l've been spared that experience,
thank you.
That is sad.
Don't be insolent.
lt was my pleasure
to wash them for you.
They were very dirty
from my work in the garden.
Yes, but no more.
l am very grateful.
And l to you,
for allowing me to be of service.
lf in serving, one is served...
...and in being served, one also serves...
...are these not the folds
of the same garment?
l do not understand.
l am pleased
you have done my wash...
...and ashamed l have not
done it for myself.
Again, you have taught me.
-How?
-A man truly himself...
...will not enrich his own interests...
...and make a virtue of poverty.
He goes his way
without depending on others...
...yet is not arrogant
that he needs no one.
The greatest man is nobody.
We gonna be rich, Jenny.
We gonna live high.
lf you had growed up
with Miss Dora...
...you wouldn't be counting
your money so quick.
Well, l growed up with him.
Once he sinks his teeth in something,
he don't let go.
-He that kind of man.
-ls that the kind of man you are?
Well, l reckon
you must have thought so...
...else you wouldn't be here.
l reckon.
l got a feeling...
...she's not gonna tolerate
that pit much longer.
She's too used to those fancy
Virginia accommodations.
You don't know that woman. She got
a will of iron underneath all that finery.
You know what breaks iron?
Rust.
This will keep you from the cold.
No. Very kind of you, but l can't.
Why?
Because a lady must remain a lady...
...no matter what.
Ma'am?
Y'all must be freezing down there.
That's a mighty pretty dress
you're wearing...
...but these'll suit you better.
They're Seth's.
Ma'am...
...if you're ready now to write
that little letter to your daddy...
...there's a warm fire up here.
Just give the word.
Well then, y'all will just
have to make do.
Seth.
Jenny?
-Are you taking that to them?
-l am.
Did l tell you to?
l reckoned you forget,
you so busy a-polishing.
Jenny, the state of his sword
is the mark of a gentleman.
-l'm surprised you don't know that.
-l've heard it said.
Jenny.
Now, you stay away from there.
You want that gal to die?
Not now.
l could use some of that coffee.
How about you?
Yes, sir. l sure could too.
Ma'am? That is you, isn't it?
Well, it sure enough must be.
A little hard to tell,
them clothes and all.
You filthy savage!
Yes, ma'am.
But l don't really enjoy it.
lt's not my natural posture.
Just a few words on paper...
...and l'd be most happy
to act civilized.
lt would be so...
...rewarding for all of us.
You won't get your way this time,
Clifford Tate.
Well then, you excuse me, ma'am.
l have a hot breakfast waiting.
No.
You must not.
But l've had nothing to drink
since yesterday.
lt is lime.
lt will poison you.
l don't wanna live anyway.
Not like this.
Then perhaps
you should do as they ask.
No.
l will not humble myself to them.
lt's not the money.
lt's-- lt's just beyond you.
A man of your station....
You wouldn't understand.
Do you see yourself?
Too clearly, master.
l feel shame for wanting to be
more than l am.
The sage says, ''That which shrinks...
...must first expand.
That which fails...
...must first be strong.
That which is cast down
must first be raised.
Before receiving,
there must first be giving.''
lt was pride that kept me
from bowing to you.
ls it not easy to bow
and still honor oneself?
Can it truly be for you?
Truly.
But you are important.
l am not.
Are we not equally important...
...and not important?
How is that possible
when you are my master?
l am old.
You are young.
l am wrinkled. You are smooth.
Do these things change
the nature that we share?
Look beyond the surface.
See what is real...
...in yourself and others.
They have to kill me.
Caine, they have to kill us both.
So there'll be no one left
to tell what happened.
l might as well just write that letter
and give them what they want.
How can you invite death...
...while there is still life?
l just can't face
another night like last night.
l can't.
You can.
l had a notion you had something
you might wanna say to me.
No.
Nothing.
You, Chinaman. Come over here.
Here.
When you and l get around
to settling our differences...
...l want you to have
your legs under you.
l want you to give
a good account of yourself.
Careful, now. Don't spill a drop of it.
You're gonna need all of that.
That's for you, Chinaman.
lt is broth. lt will nourish you.
There won't be any more of that!
l'm warning you.
Your need is greater.
Thank you.
Caine.
Oh, Caine. Don't die.
You do...look better.
Your fever seems to have gone.
lt has.
There for a while last night...
...l was afraid you were dying.
You cared for me.
l am grateful.
l-- l found it rewarding.
Caine, you have to get
some nourishment.
lf l could get word
to my father somehow...
...there's a chance
he might be able to help.
l think l should give them their way
and write that letter.
You would humble yourself?
Yes.
l would.
You should have done this before,
Miss Dora.
lt'd have made it easier on everybody.
Yes, Jenny.
l should have done
a lot of things before.
What was that you were saying
about a will of iron?
l thought she never would
write that letter.
You know what you got to do now.
Jenny? Now, don't you fail us.
Wait a minute.
You want them to think
that you're a victim, remember?
Victims don't carry guns.
Jenny, you keep your wits about you.
You hear, girl?
l'll do my part.
You just make sure you at that border.
-We'll be there.
-l ain't wasting no time getting across.
Myself, l'm heading back to Virginia.
Virginia?
They'll string you up
first chance they get.
No, they won't.
Come on, now, get along.
Come on.
You fixing to kill her.
-Come on, now, Jenny, get along.
-l wants no part of no killing.
Are you going to fetch that money now,
or aren't you?
l'm washing my hands of it.
Give it.
Seth...
-...you can do this as well as she can.
-Oh, no, Mr. Clifford.
-They like to see through me for sure.
-Listen...
...l'll tell you what to say.
Now, go on. Get ready.
Jenny, outside. Outside.
Jenny!
Get ready.
Wasn't supposed to go like this.
l just was taking a chance on...
...the only chance l'd ever get.
l didn't mean you no harm.
He's gonna kill us.
Jenny...
...l never realized
what l was doing to you.
l never even thought about your life.
l was wrong.
Jenny.
Please. l only....
-Seth?
-Yes, sir?
What'd you do
with that other shotgun?
Right here, sir.
And l'll be taking that little one
about now.
Sir, don't make me harm you.
Seth, what are you doing?
You want all the money?
-ls that it?
-No, sir.
l ain't even thinking about the money.
l got rid of all the other guns too.
Seth, no.
We could....
We could have been rich.
l believe that, sir.
You can have this right now.
But l don't think it's
gonna be doing you no good.
Ain't gonna be no more killing.
Ain't gonna be no more killing.
No, sir.
Hey!
Mr. Clifford...
...l just wanna get Jenny
and get out of here.
Seth.
You have a choice, my friend.
You can either elect
to deliver a letter...
...or you can become acquainted
with the last friend l have in the world.
You are a dead man.
Will you be all right?
l think so.
Serving and being served.
Folds in the same garment.
Hey, Mr. Clifford!
Hey, Mr. Clifford,
l think we got a problem back here.
Miss Dora, you are scaring me.
Why don't you try
some of your salts again?
Miss Burnam, you're gonna have
to get some air in your lungs.
-Has she been this bad before?
-No, sir. Never like this.
What are we gonna do?
Where are you going, Chinaman?
Someone is ill. l wish to help.
Well, tell me, doctor. Just what
do you think is wrong with the lady?
There is pressure on her heart.
The color is gone from her lips.
lt is a sign.
-Do you think you can help?
-l can try.
Please.
Breathe gently, softly.
As though falling asleep.
Slowly.
Let your arms feel...
...like the branches of the willow.
Come here, Seth.
l seen some mighty poor-looking doctors
during the last years of the war.
Never as bad as that.
Yeah, but he must know something.
He's had a good look at our faces.
On the other hand,
Miss Burnam may need him to stay alive.
You ain't saying we ought
to take him along with us.
l mean, to the cabin.
Well, what's good for Miss Burnam
is good for us.
Don't you agree?
Ain't no doubt about that, sir.
This delicate heart of mine
just might have given out...
...if it hadn't been for you
and your kindness.
l am grateful to be of service.
Well, which way are you traveling?
To the next town.
You'll ride with us.
Mr. Tate, this man is riding with us.
l insist.
Why, it's the proper thing to do, ma'am.
There is room on top.
l'm grateful.
Sure pleases me
to see you feeling better, ma'am.
How charming, Mr. Tate.
lt's my pleasure, ma'am.
l'm indeed flattered to be escorted
by such a fine gentleman.
l'm your most humble servant, ma'am.
Young Caine.
Do l see the scar of anger
on your face?
l do not like to be a servant.
You consider it beneath you
to serve another.
How am l to answer?
l do not know
what it is to be served.
Do not the ancients say:
''Rank and reward have no appeal...
...for a man one with himself?''
Yet you, master, are served
and therefore greater.
Smaller.
l have taken without true respect
what you have given.
We must both learn.
Please...
...sit here.
lt does not seem right.
lt is my joy, master.
What are you doing?
Mr. Tate.
Mr. Tate!
What are we doing here?
l demand an explanation.
End of the line, Miss Burnam.
Come on out.
Step down, please.
lt's best not to keep
a gentleman waiting.
-What is the meaning of this?
-Money.
Money?
Mr. Tate, my daddy paid you...
...a fair sum for your services...
...and you'll not get a penny more.
l'm not interested in a penny, ma'am.
Your daddy's gonna give to us
what he denied the Confederacy.
Fifty thousand dollars if he wants
to see you alive again.
Mr. Tate, you agreed to deliver
me safely to Dr. Antoine's clinic.
You gave your solemn word.
Wasn't all that solemn, ma'am.
That be enough!
Jenny, l just can't believe
you'd do this to me.
-lt's been a long time coming.
-Nicely done, Jenny. Get inside.
Come on. Come on!
Chinaman, you almost cost us
a lot of money.
Now it's gonna cost you.
Remember what you said
about needing him...
-...case Miss Burnam has another spell.
-l know what l said.
Move it over there.
Move it. Move it!
When another man challenges me...
...l settle it.
l need you alive now.
l'll forgo my satisfaction...
...when that need passes.
l knew you were clever.
l like that...
...in an adversary. Yeah.
Open this door!
Let me out of here at once.
Jenny!
Girl, you open this door!
Did you get that letter written
to your daddy?
l told you, l have no intentions
of writing that letter.
Suit yourself, gal.
How dare you use that word to me.
-How dares you use it on me?
-You're my servant.
Don't you bother me again
till you get that letter done and signed.
Jenny.
Jenny, l....
l just don't understand
what's got into you.
Haven't l always been good to you?
Haven't l always given you things?
Things?
Things you didn't want no more.
Jenny, we played together
when we were babies.
When l was 5 years old...
...they put me up on a box...
...so l could iron your birthday dress.
l always remembered you
on your birthday.
l always made sure you had
your own cake.
l eat.
l eats out back after l's through
cleaning up the kitchen.
You gots to go to school and learn.
Did l?
When you was sick and ailing,
the old doctor came.
Who came when l was sick?
Did l sew your dress,
or was you sewing mine?
Did l draw your bath of water,
or 'twas it the other way around?
You never complained.
Even after the war, Jenny,
you were free.
You could have left any time
you wanted to.
Where was l going, and with what?
l'd have been fetching
and doing for you the rest of my days...
...if it wasn't for Seth.
When he told me what
Mr. Tate was a-hatching up...
...l knew it was my chance.
Only one l'd ever get.
Now, gal....
Gal...
...you pick that pen up
and you get that letter done...
-...because l's tired of talking to you.
-l will not.
Miss Dora...
...l can wait.
Seth and l used to it.
But you best be careful of Mr. Tate.
He's one of your kind.
He's used to getting his way.
Drop it down, Seth.
You sure y'all won't
change your mind now?
Quite sure.
You're a disgrace to your heritage,
Mr. Tate.
My heritage
was a casualty of the war.
Many men lost their fortunes
in the war...
...but very few their honor.
There's nothing
that can't be recovered.
Your daddy will see to that.
Ma'am.
Thank you.
l am Caine.
How's your shoulder?
lt does not bleed as before.
l'm truly sorry that you...
...were unfortunate enough
to be drawn into this...
...outrage.
You could not help it.
Your friends are not true.
Friends?
Those men? Those hirelings?
When my daddy advertised
for a gentleman of standing...
...to escort me to New Orleans,
Clifford Tate applied.
He's certainly no gentleman.
He's just trash.
Seth is his man.
And the woman?
-ls she not your friend?
-Jenny?
Well...
...Jenny's been in service
to me from the very start.
You do understand what it means
to serve someone?
Yes.
You do not.
No. l've been spared that experience,
thank you.
That is sad.
Don't be insolent.
lt was my pleasure
to wash them for you.
They were very dirty
from my work in the garden.
Yes, but no more.
l am very grateful.
And l to you,
for allowing me to be of service.
lf in serving, one is served...
...and in being served, one also serves...
...are these not the folds
of the same garment?
l do not understand.
l am pleased
you have done my wash...
...and ashamed l have not
done it for myself.
Again, you have taught me.
-How?
-A man truly himself...
...will not enrich his own interests...
...and make a virtue of poverty.
He goes his way
without depending on others...
...yet is not arrogant
that he needs no one.
The greatest man is nobody.
We gonna be rich, Jenny.
We gonna live high.
lf you had growed up
with Miss Dora...
...you wouldn't be counting
your money so quick.
Well, l growed up with him.
Once he sinks his teeth in something,
he don't let go.
-He that kind of man.
-ls that the kind of man you are?
Well, l reckon
you must have thought so...
...else you wouldn't be here.
l reckon.
l got a feeling...
...she's not gonna tolerate
that pit much longer.
She's too used to those fancy
Virginia accommodations.
You don't know that woman. She got
a will of iron underneath all that finery.
You know what breaks iron?
Rust.
This will keep you from the cold.
No. Very kind of you, but l can't.
Why?
Because a lady must remain a lady...
...no matter what.
Ma'am?
Y'all must be freezing down there.
That's a mighty pretty dress
you're wearing...
...but these'll suit you better.
They're Seth's.
Ma'am...
...if you're ready now to write
that little letter to your daddy...
...there's a warm fire up here.
Just give the word.
Well then, y'all will just
have to make do.
Seth.
Jenny?
-Are you taking that to them?
-l am.
Did l tell you to?
l reckoned you forget,
you so busy a-polishing.
Jenny, the state of his sword
is the mark of a gentleman.
-l'm surprised you don't know that.
-l've heard it said.
Jenny.
Now, you stay away from there.
You want that gal to die?
Not now.
l could use some of that coffee.
How about you?
Yes, sir. l sure could too.
Ma'am? That is you, isn't it?
Well, it sure enough must be.
A little hard to tell,
them clothes and all.
You filthy savage!
Yes, ma'am.
But l don't really enjoy it.
lt's not my natural posture.
Just a few words on paper...
...and l'd be most happy
to act civilized.
lt would be so...
...rewarding for all of us.
You won't get your way this time,
Clifford Tate.
Well then, you excuse me, ma'am.
l have a hot breakfast waiting.
No.
You must not.
But l've had nothing to drink
since yesterday.
lt is lime.
lt will poison you.
l don't wanna live anyway.
Not like this.
Then perhaps
you should do as they ask.
No.
l will not humble myself to them.
lt's not the money.
lt's-- lt's just beyond you.
A man of your station....
You wouldn't understand.
Do you see yourself?
Too clearly, master.
l feel shame for wanting to be
more than l am.
The sage says, ''That which shrinks...
...must first expand.
That which fails...
...must first be strong.
That which is cast down
must first be raised.
Before receiving,
there must first be giving.''
lt was pride that kept me
from bowing to you.
ls it not easy to bow
and still honor oneself?
Can it truly be for you?
Truly.
But you are important.
l am not.
Are we not equally important...
...and not important?
How is that possible
when you are my master?
l am old.
You are young.
l am wrinkled. You are smooth.
Do these things change
the nature that we share?
Look beyond the surface.
See what is real...
...in yourself and others.
They have to kill me.
Caine, they have to kill us both.
So there'll be no one left
to tell what happened.
l might as well just write that letter
and give them what they want.
How can you invite death...
...while there is still life?
l just can't face
another night like last night.
l can't.
You can.
l had a notion you had something
you might wanna say to me.
No.
Nothing.
You, Chinaman. Come over here.
Here.
When you and l get around
to settling our differences...
...l want you to have
your legs under you.
l want you to give
a good account of yourself.
Careful, now. Don't spill a drop of it.
You're gonna need all of that.
That's for you, Chinaman.
lt is broth. lt will nourish you.
There won't be any more of that!
l'm warning you.
Your need is greater.
Thank you.
Caine.
Oh, Caine. Don't die.
You do...look better.
Your fever seems to have gone.
lt has.
There for a while last night...
...l was afraid you were dying.
You cared for me.
l am grateful.
l-- l found it rewarding.
Caine, you have to get
some nourishment.
lf l could get word
to my father somehow...
...there's a chance
he might be able to help.
l think l should give them their way
and write that letter.
You would humble yourself?
Yes.
l would.
You should have done this before,
Miss Dora.
lt'd have made it easier on everybody.
Yes, Jenny.
l should have done
a lot of things before.
What was that you were saying
about a will of iron?
l thought she never would
write that letter.
You know what you got to do now.
Jenny? Now, don't you fail us.
Wait a minute.
You want them to think
that you're a victim, remember?
Victims don't carry guns.
Jenny, you keep your wits about you.
You hear, girl?
l'll do my part.
You just make sure you at that border.
-We'll be there.
-l ain't wasting no time getting across.
Myself, l'm heading back to Virginia.
Virginia?
They'll string you up
first chance they get.
No, they won't.
Come on, now, get along.
Come on.
You fixing to kill her.
-Come on, now, Jenny, get along.
-l wants no part of no killing.
Are you going to fetch that money now,
or aren't you?
l'm washing my hands of it.
Give it.
Seth...
-...you can do this as well as she can.
-Oh, no, Mr. Clifford.
-They like to see through me for sure.
-Listen...
...l'll tell you what to say.
Now, go on. Get ready.
Jenny, outside. Outside.
Jenny!
Get ready.
Wasn't supposed to go like this.
l just was taking a chance on...
...the only chance l'd ever get.
l didn't mean you no harm.
He's gonna kill us.
Jenny...
...l never realized
what l was doing to you.
l never even thought about your life.
l was wrong.
Jenny.
Please. l only....
-Seth?
-Yes, sir?
What'd you do
with that other shotgun?
Right here, sir.
And l'll be taking that little one
about now.
Sir, don't make me harm you.
Seth, what are you doing?
You want all the money?
-ls that it?
-No, sir.
l ain't even thinking about the money.
l got rid of all the other guns too.
Seth, no.
We could....
We could have been rich.
l believe that, sir.
You can have this right now.
But l don't think it's
gonna be doing you no good.
Ain't gonna be no more killing.
Ain't gonna be no more killing.
No, sir.
Hey!
Mr. Clifford...
...l just wanna get Jenny
and get out of here.
Seth.
You have a choice, my friend.
You can either elect
to deliver a letter...
...or you can become acquainted
with the last friend l have in the world.
You are a dead man.
Will you be all right?
l think so.
Serving and being served.
Folds in the same garment.