The Porter (2022–…): Season 1, Episode 1 - Episode #1.1 - full transcript
MONTREAL,1921
Junior.
See you next week.
These sons-of-bitches
act like they got a right
To little we got.
I should get going.
I'm late for my revival
meeting as it is,
And gwen's gonna have a fit.
You sure you don't
wanna stay with us?
Or with me?
Zeke, can you make
sure that my husband
Stays out of trouble tonight?
Don't I always?
Courtesy of popsy,
with apologies.
Thank you darling.
You wanna dance with me?
Yes.
You missed a great
service last night.
Mhm, I'm sure I'll
miss the next one too.
How did I give my heart
away to such a heathen?
Well, as I recall,
mrs. Massey,
Last time I hear you shout god,
Wasn't a church in sight.
Hey junior,
How late you planning
on making me?
Ms. Marlene.
Good morning, zeke.
Morning.
Henry's waiting outside.
Alright teddy,
Come and say goodbye
to your daddy.
Teddy.
Listen, I'll bring home a
little extra for the roof.
Come on.
I didn't realize married
folks still had romance.
How 'bout you
get yourself a wife
And come back to
me on that zeke.
Well I am waiting
for that one special lady.
Alright. I mean, we can't all
be as lucky as junior massey.
Not luck me brotha, just skill.
Mhm.
Henry, you getting
paid to wait there?
Hey!
- Come on!
When folks see you read that,
They gonna get ideas
about your ideas.
Randolph knows what's what.
He really changed things
for the negro workers.
S'why I'm going to take
the engineer's test.
We cover their ass all the time
and don't get a dime for it.
Figure I might as
well give it a shot.
And you think they
just gon' walk in there
And let you take it, huh?
Randolph says the company
can't deny me taking it.
Says if they try we'd have
cause for legal action.
You gotta see the world with
the sun up henry, okay?!
Hey, what he mean to say is,
White folk get real ugly
when they see a negro
Aim to go from the boy to a man.
Learned that the hard way.
Winny!
Get this stock tip
to anderson in car 6.
Some of them
are spotted like a leopard,
Pink and black.
Oh.
Thank you kindly, sir.
Listen to me,
You take that test
and don't you fail.
Mr. Helm, any improvement?
Enter.
My colon is still trying
to tear its way out.
You know, I ...
I know oysters
don't agree with me,
But damned if I can't
stop eating them.
Well next time I'll draw the
line at three orders, sir.
In the meantime,
I have something
that should help.
Bacon fat.
Old trench remedy.
Soldiers used to use the
grease from the tins.
You served?
Yes sir.
Well I know they made light
of you second battalion boys,
But we can hardly fight a war
Without somebody
clearing a path.
I couldn't agree more sir.
However, I was infantry.
Huh.
I hope this should
clear out the fire in no time.
Have your passports ready!
Have your passports ready.
Us customs.
Ah, that luggage
belongs to general consul helm.
Us customs.
He's unwell right now
but I'll be sure to tell him
You rifled through his things.
Perhaps you'd like
to tell him yourself?
Yes ma'am, I'm gonna
get these in your car.
This way, ma'am.
Right this way.
This gentlemen will
get these in your car.
Porter, your tip!
I gotta vet it
junior, you know that.
For waterin' down or switched
labels or any other thing.
You might not stoop to it,
But the fella that
sold it to you coulda.
What if I told you I had a
buyer lookin' for an increase
On your regular inventory?
What kinda increase?
Fifty bottles.
This buyer's your regular?
Not exactly, no.
So he's your friend?
Well, I-I wouldn't say that.
But you vouch for him.
You'd trust him with your
life if it came down to it.
That's why you asked me
to trust you with mine?
Six bottles.
Don't you want a better life
for your boy than you got?
Bobby if you ever talk
about my son again,
I'll rip your heart out
where you fucking stand!
What the fuck is
wrong you with you?!
Just think on it jun!
Fifty bottles a run?
Grown-up money!
I don't know how he
got that piece of glass.
I-I try to keep my eyes on him
But he's quicker
than people think.
No one is
blaming you, rose.
This might sting a little.
Ten drops with
water, twice a day.
And I'll be back next
week to check on isaac.
He-he won't be here.
They got a spot for
him in kingston.
The asylum?
Boys like ours,
They need more help than
we know how to give.
No.
They just see life
through different windows.
I know you mean well marlene
But we could collect more if
we didn't spend extra time
At each house.
They don't have anyone
else to help them.
Well, you try
explaining that to eli
When we get to the office.
I don't expect we can compete
with the likes of new york.
The unia is about improving the
lives of negroes everywhere.
And we're
proud to do our part.
It's just the folks on our
route seem to need extra care.
If we could bring the training
that the black cross nurses
Get in new york
to saint antoine-
You are absolutely free
To pursue that training in
new york, sister massey.
Encouraged even.
But we have to be
fiscally diligent.
The unia has its own factories,
Printing presses,
Newspapers,
Volunteers second to none.
But if we are ever
To restore the negro to
their rightful place,
It's gonna take every penny.
Even the ones that
are hard to come by.
I look forward to
telling brother garvey
About your efforts at
the upcoming convention.
Now, as you can see,
We have spared no expense
in our renovations.
Finest parisian fabrics,
Gold accents from egypt
And of course,
Round the clock porter service
at the push of a button.
Yes sir.
How can I be of service?
When you invest in cc
rail, you can be sure you've made
A sound investment
in the future.
Miller!
My investors
are melting in here.
Fix it!
Right away, sir.
Local papers
here! Local papers!
Get your pictures,
news, read all about it!
Engineer's a union job, henry.
Maybe it's time we
get in the union then.
Oh, you think you're the
first person to think of that idea?
How you think we came up
with the welfare committee?
So what, we just accept it?
You better bury
that book, henry.
The president of
the damn railroad
Is sweating through
his suit in there.
Ice needs a reload, now!
The ccr handbook's firm on
that being a six man job, sir.
Maybe some of the men from
the kitchen They could lend a hand.
Got all the hands
you're gonna get boy.
Get it done.
Last call for the
l train leaving on platform 4.
Last call for the l train
leaving on platform 4.
Junior say how long he'd be?
Does he ever?
Come on now henry.
Them union boys don't
have to take this shit.
Here, hang this up.
Come on henry!
Come here.
Alright, come on.
Hand it, boy.
Here, here. All right.
All this
complaining "it's too hot",
How long you think before
they're gripin' it's too cold?
Get it! Get it!
Okay henry, lets
get this ice down!
Keep it steady!
Winn, you ready?
- Uh huh.
Henry you got it steady?
Yeah.
Alright, here we go!
Keep it tight, win!
I can't hold it!
Henry, come on.
Henry!
Winn go get some help!
Go!
Henry.
There just wasn't enough hands.
You should
have waited.
Should've made him wait.
F-for what?
Them white workers
to get off their ass
Or for dinger to fire us all?
Well fired is a whole lot
better than dead ain't it.
So this is my fault?
You got three years to his one.
Three fucking years!
You know better!
You should've stopped
him from going up there.
Yeah and where the
hell were you, huh?
Hmm?
Running off on one
of your schemes
Because junior massey
is too damn proud
To put his hand out for tips!
Zeke, dinger wants to
see you on the train.
Excuse me just a moment.
Mr. Miller said you
wanted to see me, sir?
William edwards.
I understand you're the
top man on my train.
Well I can't rightly say
where I fall on the scale,
But I've been known to
keep a cool head sir.
They have to bring
the body this way
And we can't afford any upset.
Just keep them away
from the windows.
Give them whatever they
need to stay happy.
I'll make sure that
they're comfortable, sir.
And I want liquor flowing
like a river in here.
If they can forget
their own names,
No chance they'll
remember all this.
Well I would reconsider
the river, sir.
Mr. Lewis and mr. Brenner
were guests some time ago.
Both devout mormons if I recall
from our last conversation.
Now as shrewd an investment
as this railway is,
They'd count the liquor as
a strike against you, sir.
Miller said you had a
mind like a steel trap.
A blessing and a
curse I'm afraid.
Well alright, dry the river.
I, um-
I know you were close
to the boy, so, uh,
Make sure this
gets to his people.
Porters, items missing
from the common area:
Three bars soap, pack
of chesterfields,
And a jar of pickled
onions from the lounge car.
Glenford: Mr. Miller,
you know very well
That passengers take
those things all the time.
Right. To be split
equally amongst you then.
And a demerit for
mr. Brown for poor conduct.
Mr. Massey, two blankets
missing from your car.
Three-fifty apiece makes seven,
To be deducted from
your paycheque.
Why didn't you make
the white boys help?
Three men on a job for six,
what'd you think would happen?
Miller: Watch
yourself, mr. Massey.
Right, because you
don't give a shit.
Okay, two demerits.
Boss had to stay cool and the
train had to leave on time-
Three demerits!
So to hell with the nigger
had to die to make it happen!
There has to be some
consideration for grief.
Sir, you have
passengers of prominence
That insist on junior alone.
That kind of disappointment can
be quite costly to the company.
One demerit left, mr. Massey.
Seems that you have some
careful treading to do.
C'mon.
Dance with me.
What's going on?
Henry's dead
And the railroad sent his
family a bill for the uniform.
Fucking uniform!
Bobby, it's me.
Let's get that grown-up money.
Welcome junior.
I need fifty bottles
of whiskey popsy.
Just like that, eh?
Just like that.
Who's your buyer?
Nobody in competition with
you, so no worries there, eh.
Them kind of numbers
people are gonna notice.
Sometimes it's a dangerous
thing to be seen.
I'm a porter, popsy.
The most invisible
man on the earth.
You forgot junior,
That I'm not the type of negro
That constables
care to tolerate.
Comes out I'm
supplying a smuggler,
I will go broke paying
to keep this place open.
I won't get caught.
Everybody says
that 'til they do.
I'm not everybody.
Heard about henry.
How you doing?
Can you supply me or not?
Yeah, I'll get your liquor.
But you promise me something.
This starts to smell
funny, you get out,
You hear me?
This whole world that
you're trying to get into,
That is the one formula.
Knowing when to be a
bull-headed negro motherfucker.
And when not to be.
Well, I'll certainly try.
Put in ice!
Oh no! Run!
Got
some, uh, scotch pepper.
Oh you know I love
me some scotch pepper
I got some carrots,
got some cabbage.
Mighty impressive.
I've got some aloe.
Aloe, that's very...
Sister
marlene, sister gwen!
Thank you so much for
answering the call.
Not everyone's equipped
for this sort of thing.
Oh.
Hey there henry.
The railroad billed his family
for the uniform he died in.
So, it looks like
the association
Is gonna have to step up
and cover his funeral costs
Since we're the only
family he's got.
Ah, would that we
could, sister massey.
But our resources are
stretched thin as it is.
So, nothing.
That's what you're
offering this boy.
And I would say that the
loan of our two finest nurses
Is a generous offering indeed.
Well, there's his true
colours on display.
That's all right, gwen.
That man ain't seen
a shade of mine yet.
Grant him eternal rest.
The light perpetual,
shine upon him.
May his soul and the
souls of all the departed
Rest in peace, amen.
Henry's things.
Didn't want the landlady
throwing them out.
Excuse me.
Excuse me, ma'am?
Dianne, see about getting
me some lunch will you?
Ah, mr. Edwards.
Ah, zeke garrett.
I met you on your
train to chicago.
I was wondering if I could
have a moment of your time sir?
The steel trap.
Have a seat mr garrett.
Mr. Edwards, this is
a growing company,
And on all accounts a
very profitable one.
And I believe we porters
play no small part in that.
But good men
shouldn't have to die
To make this company great.
There needs to be
a change here, sir.
Well.
Mr. Garrett, I must say
your timing is fortuitous.
Renovation plans for that line
will make side-loading doors
The standard for cooling cars.
No more risky climbs.
Your young porter-
Henry.
His name was henry.
Henry's untimely passing has
only spurred on our efforts.
I've instructed the
welfare committee
To let your fellow porters know,
Change is on the way.
That's just one small part, sir.
The porters have chipped
in what they could,
But there's still costs
outstanding, his uniform-
Where were you
recruited from garrett?
Here.
Right after the war, sir.
No.
No, I remember that bunch,
handpicked most of them myself.
I-I was in wales when that
first group started here.
So you were there for the riots?
No.
I was halfway home by then,
Leg injury.
That was some nasty business.
Good to know you weren't
one of the agitators.
But to your primary
concern mr. Garrett,
Change takes time.
If that's not something
you're willing to wait for,
Feel free to turn
in your uniform
To any of the men standing
in line to wear it.
Thank you for your
time mr. Edwards.
I know it's a
valuable commodity.
Dianne.
Sir.
Go through the porter contracts,
See if you can find one
for ezekiel garrett.
Beer please.
Beer?
Thought you tycoon
types had fancier taste.
Not really.
Money's just easy to
spend when it's not yours.
Don't think this tip will turn
into an hourly wage later.
I don't want that kind of girl.
I want to know what
kind of girl you are.
Can I see you later?
I'm so sorry about henry.
Why do people keep
saying that to me?
We weren't married or nothing.
Corrine.
If you need some time off I'm
sure popsy'd give it to you.
And I could cover your part as
long as you need me to just-
Just say the word.
I know who you are lucy-mae.
Corinne, I never meant it as a-
You think I'm out front
Just because I'm cream
and you're coffee.
I'm better lucy.
You wanna get off the back row,
Try a little talent.
But leave henry out of it!
You all alone in
this great big house?
Feels that way.
Father has me in
this whole other wing
So he doesn't have
to look at my face.
Uh uh.
This voice is my
ticket to new york.
I'm not about to
burn it with smoke.
Franklin: If new
york is the goal,
What are you doing here?
Every dream has a price.
Stardust is fine,
But b-squad doesn't get noticed.
I could help with that.
I make my own way.
I'm the same.
Least I would be if my father
would just give me a chance.
Master edward,
dinner is served.
You don't need to send
the help to fetch me,
I know what time dinner is.
Well then perhaps you
could show some respect
And act on it.
Apologies, father.
I will certainly aim to improve.
no I can't.
What do you mean
you can't give me credit?
I always pay my bill.
Sorry, I can't. Okay?
I got him.
Oh, merci.
I can pay you back next week.
I got myself a little part-time
job until the railroad-
Don't worry about the money.
But there's something
else you can do for me.
That part-time job you
work is at the ice factory, right?
Lance: Yeah.
How much a special
delivery run for these days?
Lance: Wha the fuck you up to?
All passengers
continuing on to the united states,
Have your passports ready.
Is there a problem george?
The man you trust with your life
Doesn't know how
to tell time, huh?
I told you!
Junior, this here
chuck monnastes.
In the cooling system, huh?
That's real innovative.
You think of that yourself?
Junior's no dummy.
He'll think you out
from under your hat.
Alright, I'll give you
two dollars a bottle.
We agreed on four.
Now we disagree.
Come on, chuck.
Four's fair now.
Hey bobby?
Shut up.
If I drive away,
What are you gonna do?
You can't sit out here with it,
You'll be in jail by hour's end.
So unless you wanna freeze it
back up and smuggle it home,
Two seems fair.
You can get this one
right here for two.
But these cost four.
There it is.
There's that simian
brain taking over.
Jeez-us. Chuck, we supposed
to make a delivery.
Can we just get this done?
oh.
Alright, fine, fine.
Two-fifty, alright? Stop
making an ass of yourself.
Two-fifty, bobby.
This motherfucker wants
to give me two-fifty!
Monnastes: Listen crackerjack,
there's some real basic math
You're failing to
grasp here, alright?
Bobby.
Fine, alright!
Fine, four dollars.
Four apiece for the ones that
are left you fucking lunatic.
You're a real cocky
coon, aren'tcha?
Well, I hope it was worth it.
It was worth every
penny, crackerjack.
Bobby take care
of your man here.
For all the weight and worry
We place on this
thing called life
It's simply a chapter,
A moment,
A vapour,
Visible only for
a sliver of time.
And while we may sorrow,
We hold no fear of death,
For we know death has
already been defeated.
What
hurts us, can heal us.
But the pain that divides us,
Need not defeat us.
Yes
lord, praise the lord!
Lord knows.
Amen.
Pallbearers.
We
are broken sometimes.
We are struggling sometimes.
Sometimes
we are angry at the god
We feel has left us to languish.
But we are family,
And what we are,
What we've always been
Is hope.
We are here,
And we are hope.
To henry.
Welcome home brother.
I spoke to the big boss.
I think he knows about kinmel.
Not everything, but,
but not nothin'.
Well whatever he
thinks he knows,
We don't give him a reason
to look any further.
You got it?
Alright.
Lance you out here?
Lets have a warm welcome
For our comrade mr. A.
Philip randolph.
The history of the labour
movement in north america proves
The employing class
recognizes no race lines.
They will exploit a white
man as readily as a black man.
They will exploit women
as readily as men.
Unions are not based
upon race lines,
But upon class lines.
In organization
there is strength.
Look, I got no say on where
and how you live your life
But let's be clear bobby,
Outside of chicago you and
I ain't fuckin' familiar.
You understand me?
Do not be deceived,
I am not the enemy here.
And yet I have been called
"the most dangerous
negro in america".
Unity
is our ammunition!
I'm sorry junior.
Bobby!
Hands up, bolsheviks!
Junior.
See you next week.
These sons-of-bitches
act like they got a right
To little we got.
I should get going.
I'm late for my revival
meeting as it is,
And gwen's gonna have a fit.
You sure you don't
wanna stay with us?
Or with me?
Zeke, can you make
sure that my husband
Stays out of trouble tonight?
Don't I always?
Courtesy of popsy,
with apologies.
Thank you darling.
You wanna dance with me?
Yes.
You missed a great
service last night.
Mhm, I'm sure I'll
miss the next one too.
How did I give my heart
away to such a heathen?
Well, as I recall,
mrs. Massey,
Last time I hear you shout god,
Wasn't a church in sight.
Hey junior,
How late you planning
on making me?
Ms. Marlene.
Good morning, zeke.
Morning.
Henry's waiting outside.
Alright teddy,
Come and say goodbye
to your daddy.
Teddy.
Listen, I'll bring home a
little extra for the roof.
Come on.
I didn't realize married
folks still had romance.
How 'bout you
get yourself a wife
And come back to
me on that zeke.
Well I am waiting
for that one special lady.
Alright. I mean, we can't all
be as lucky as junior massey.
Not luck me brotha, just skill.
Mhm.
Henry, you getting
paid to wait there?
Hey!
- Come on!
When folks see you read that,
They gonna get ideas
about your ideas.
Randolph knows what's what.
He really changed things
for the negro workers.
S'why I'm going to take
the engineer's test.
We cover their ass all the time
and don't get a dime for it.
Figure I might as
well give it a shot.
And you think they
just gon' walk in there
And let you take it, huh?
Randolph says the company
can't deny me taking it.
Says if they try we'd have
cause for legal action.
You gotta see the world with
the sun up henry, okay?!
Hey, what he mean to say is,
White folk get real ugly
when they see a negro
Aim to go from the boy to a man.
Learned that the hard way.
Winny!
Get this stock tip
to anderson in car 6.
Some of them
are spotted like a leopard,
Pink and black.
Oh.
Thank you kindly, sir.
Listen to me,
You take that test
and don't you fail.
Mr. Helm, any improvement?
Enter.
My colon is still trying
to tear its way out.
You know, I ...
I know oysters
don't agree with me,
But damned if I can't
stop eating them.
Well next time I'll draw the
line at three orders, sir.
In the meantime,
I have something
that should help.
Bacon fat.
Old trench remedy.
Soldiers used to use the
grease from the tins.
You served?
Yes sir.
Well I know they made light
of you second battalion boys,
But we can hardly fight a war
Without somebody
clearing a path.
I couldn't agree more sir.
However, I was infantry.
Huh.
I hope this should
clear out the fire in no time.
Have your passports ready!
Have your passports ready.
Us customs.
Ah, that luggage
belongs to general consul helm.
Us customs.
He's unwell right now
but I'll be sure to tell him
You rifled through his things.
Perhaps you'd like
to tell him yourself?
Yes ma'am, I'm gonna
get these in your car.
This way, ma'am.
Right this way.
This gentlemen will
get these in your car.
Porter, your tip!
I gotta vet it
junior, you know that.
For waterin' down or switched
labels or any other thing.
You might not stoop to it,
But the fella that
sold it to you coulda.
What if I told you I had a
buyer lookin' for an increase
On your regular inventory?
What kinda increase?
Fifty bottles.
This buyer's your regular?
Not exactly, no.
So he's your friend?
Well, I-I wouldn't say that.
But you vouch for him.
You'd trust him with your
life if it came down to it.
That's why you asked me
to trust you with mine?
Six bottles.
Don't you want a better life
for your boy than you got?
Bobby if you ever talk
about my son again,
I'll rip your heart out
where you fucking stand!
What the fuck is
wrong you with you?!
Just think on it jun!
Fifty bottles a run?
Grown-up money!
I don't know how he
got that piece of glass.
I-I try to keep my eyes on him
But he's quicker
than people think.
No one is
blaming you, rose.
This might sting a little.
Ten drops with
water, twice a day.
And I'll be back next
week to check on isaac.
He-he won't be here.
They got a spot for
him in kingston.
The asylum?
Boys like ours,
They need more help than
we know how to give.
No.
They just see life
through different windows.
I know you mean well marlene
But we could collect more if
we didn't spend extra time
At each house.
They don't have anyone
else to help them.
Well, you try
explaining that to eli
When we get to the office.
I don't expect we can compete
with the likes of new york.
The unia is about improving the
lives of negroes everywhere.
And we're
proud to do our part.
It's just the folks on our
route seem to need extra care.
If we could bring the training
that the black cross nurses
Get in new york
to saint antoine-
You are absolutely free
To pursue that training in
new york, sister massey.
Encouraged even.
But we have to be
fiscally diligent.
The unia has its own factories,
Printing presses,
Newspapers,
Volunteers second to none.
But if we are ever
To restore the negro to
their rightful place,
It's gonna take every penny.
Even the ones that
are hard to come by.
I look forward to
telling brother garvey
About your efforts at
the upcoming convention.
Now, as you can see,
We have spared no expense
in our renovations.
Finest parisian fabrics,
Gold accents from egypt
And of course,
Round the clock porter service
at the push of a button.
Yes sir.
How can I be of service?
When you invest in cc
rail, you can be sure you've made
A sound investment
in the future.
Miller!
My investors
are melting in here.
Fix it!
Right away, sir.
Local papers
here! Local papers!
Get your pictures,
news, read all about it!
Engineer's a union job, henry.
Maybe it's time we
get in the union then.
Oh, you think you're the
first person to think of that idea?
How you think we came up
with the welfare committee?
So what, we just accept it?
You better bury
that book, henry.
The president of
the damn railroad
Is sweating through
his suit in there.
Ice needs a reload, now!
The ccr handbook's firm on
that being a six man job, sir.
Maybe some of the men from
the kitchen They could lend a hand.
Got all the hands
you're gonna get boy.
Get it done.
Last call for the
l train leaving on platform 4.
Last call for the l train
leaving on platform 4.
Junior say how long he'd be?
Does he ever?
Come on now henry.
Them union boys don't
have to take this shit.
Here, hang this up.
Come on henry!
Come here.
Alright, come on.
Hand it, boy.
Here, here. All right.
All this
complaining "it's too hot",
How long you think before
they're gripin' it's too cold?
Get it! Get it!
Okay henry, lets
get this ice down!
Keep it steady!
Winn, you ready?
- Uh huh.
Henry you got it steady?
Yeah.
Alright, here we go!
Keep it tight, win!
I can't hold it!
Henry, come on.
Henry!
Winn go get some help!
Go!
Henry.
There just wasn't enough hands.
You should
have waited.
Should've made him wait.
F-for what?
Them white workers
to get off their ass
Or for dinger to fire us all?
Well fired is a whole lot
better than dead ain't it.
So this is my fault?
You got three years to his one.
Three fucking years!
You know better!
You should've stopped
him from going up there.
Yeah and where the
hell were you, huh?
Hmm?
Running off on one
of your schemes
Because junior massey
is too damn proud
To put his hand out for tips!
Zeke, dinger wants to
see you on the train.
Excuse me just a moment.
Mr. Miller said you
wanted to see me, sir?
William edwards.
I understand you're the
top man on my train.
Well I can't rightly say
where I fall on the scale,
But I've been known to
keep a cool head sir.
They have to bring
the body this way
And we can't afford any upset.
Just keep them away
from the windows.
Give them whatever they
need to stay happy.
I'll make sure that
they're comfortable, sir.
And I want liquor flowing
like a river in here.
If they can forget
their own names,
No chance they'll
remember all this.
Well I would reconsider
the river, sir.
Mr. Lewis and mr. Brenner
were guests some time ago.
Both devout mormons if I recall
from our last conversation.
Now as shrewd an investment
as this railway is,
They'd count the liquor as
a strike against you, sir.
Miller said you had a
mind like a steel trap.
A blessing and a
curse I'm afraid.
Well alright, dry the river.
I, um-
I know you were close
to the boy, so, uh,
Make sure this
gets to his people.
Porters, items missing
from the common area:
Three bars soap, pack
of chesterfields,
And a jar of pickled
onions from the lounge car.
Glenford: Mr. Miller,
you know very well
That passengers take
those things all the time.
Right. To be split
equally amongst you then.
And a demerit for
mr. Brown for poor conduct.
Mr. Massey, two blankets
missing from your car.
Three-fifty apiece makes seven,
To be deducted from
your paycheque.
Why didn't you make
the white boys help?
Three men on a job for six,
what'd you think would happen?
Miller: Watch
yourself, mr. Massey.
Right, because you
don't give a shit.
Okay, two demerits.
Boss had to stay cool and the
train had to leave on time-
Three demerits!
So to hell with the nigger
had to die to make it happen!
There has to be some
consideration for grief.
Sir, you have
passengers of prominence
That insist on junior alone.
That kind of disappointment can
be quite costly to the company.
One demerit left, mr. Massey.
Seems that you have some
careful treading to do.
C'mon.
Dance with me.
What's going on?
Henry's dead
And the railroad sent his
family a bill for the uniform.
Fucking uniform!
Bobby, it's me.
Let's get that grown-up money.
Welcome junior.
I need fifty bottles
of whiskey popsy.
Just like that, eh?
Just like that.
Who's your buyer?
Nobody in competition with
you, so no worries there, eh.
Them kind of numbers
people are gonna notice.
Sometimes it's a dangerous
thing to be seen.
I'm a porter, popsy.
The most invisible
man on the earth.
You forgot junior,
That I'm not the type of negro
That constables
care to tolerate.
Comes out I'm
supplying a smuggler,
I will go broke paying
to keep this place open.
I won't get caught.
Everybody says
that 'til they do.
I'm not everybody.
Heard about henry.
How you doing?
Can you supply me or not?
Yeah, I'll get your liquor.
But you promise me something.
This starts to smell
funny, you get out,
You hear me?
This whole world that
you're trying to get into,
That is the one formula.
Knowing when to be a
bull-headed negro motherfucker.
And when not to be.
Well, I'll certainly try.
Put in ice!
Oh no! Run!
Got
some, uh, scotch pepper.
Oh you know I love
me some scotch pepper
I got some carrots,
got some cabbage.
Mighty impressive.
I've got some aloe.
Aloe, that's very...
Sister
marlene, sister gwen!
Thank you so much for
answering the call.
Not everyone's equipped
for this sort of thing.
Oh.
Hey there henry.
The railroad billed his family
for the uniform he died in.
So, it looks like
the association
Is gonna have to step up
and cover his funeral costs
Since we're the only
family he's got.
Ah, would that we
could, sister massey.
But our resources are
stretched thin as it is.
So, nothing.
That's what you're
offering this boy.
And I would say that the
loan of our two finest nurses
Is a generous offering indeed.
Well, there's his true
colours on display.
That's all right, gwen.
That man ain't seen
a shade of mine yet.
Grant him eternal rest.
The light perpetual,
shine upon him.
May his soul and the
souls of all the departed
Rest in peace, amen.
Henry's things.
Didn't want the landlady
throwing them out.
Excuse me.
Excuse me, ma'am?
Dianne, see about getting
me some lunch will you?
Ah, mr. Edwards.
Ah, zeke garrett.
I met you on your
train to chicago.
I was wondering if I could
have a moment of your time sir?
The steel trap.
Have a seat mr garrett.
Mr. Edwards, this is
a growing company,
And on all accounts a
very profitable one.
And I believe we porters
play no small part in that.
But good men
shouldn't have to die
To make this company great.
There needs to be
a change here, sir.
Well.
Mr. Garrett, I must say
your timing is fortuitous.
Renovation plans for that line
will make side-loading doors
The standard for cooling cars.
No more risky climbs.
Your young porter-
Henry.
His name was henry.
Henry's untimely passing has
only spurred on our efforts.
I've instructed the
welfare committee
To let your fellow porters know,
Change is on the way.
That's just one small part, sir.
The porters have chipped
in what they could,
But there's still costs
outstanding, his uniform-
Where were you
recruited from garrett?
Here.
Right after the war, sir.
No.
No, I remember that bunch,
handpicked most of them myself.
I-I was in wales when that
first group started here.
So you were there for the riots?
No.
I was halfway home by then,
Leg injury.
That was some nasty business.
Good to know you weren't
one of the agitators.
But to your primary
concern mr. Garrett,
Change takes time.
If that's not something
you're willing to wait for,
Feel free to turn
in your uniform
To any of the men standing
in line to wear it.
Thank you for your
time mr. Edwards.
I know it's a
valuable commodity.
Dianne.
Sir.
Go through the porter contracts,
See if you can find one
for ezekiel garrett.
Beer please.
Beer?
Thought you tycoon
types had fancier taste.
Not really.
Money's just easy to
spend when it's not yours.
Don't think this tip will turn
into an hourly wage later.
I don't want that kind of girl.
I want to know what
kind of girl you are.
Can I see you later?
I'm so sorry about henry.
Why do people keep
saying that to me?
We weren't married or nothing.
Corrine.
If you need some time off I'm
sure popsy'd give it to you.
And I could cover your part as
long as you need me to just-
Just say the word.
I know who you are lucy-mae.
Corinne, I never meant it as a-
You think I'm out front
Just because I'm cream
and you're coffee.
I'm better lucy.
You wanna get off the back row,
Try a little talent.
But leave henry out of it!
You all alone in
this great big house?
Feels that way.
Father has me in
this whole other wing
So he doesn't have
to look at my face.
Uh uh.
This voice is my
ticket to new york.
I'm not about to
burn it with smoke.
Franklin: If new
york is the goal,
What are you doing here?
Every dream has a price.
Stardust is fine,
But b-squad doesn't get noticed.
I could help with that.
I make my own way.
I'm the same.
Least I would be if my father
would just give me a chance.
Master edward,
dinner is served.
You don't need to send
the help to fetch me,
I know what time dinner is.
Well then perhaps you
could show some respect
And act on it.
Apologies, father.
I will certainly aim to improve.
no I can't.
What do you mean
you can't give me credit?
I always pay my bill.
Sorry, I can't. Okay?
I got him.
Oh, merci.
I can pay you back next week.
I got myself a little part-time
job until the railroad-
Don't worry about the money.
But there's something
else you can do for me.
That part-time job you
work is at the ice factory, right?
Lance: Yeah.
How much a special
delivery run for these days?
Lance: Wha the fuck you up to?
All passengers
continuing on to the united states,
Have your passports ready.
Is there a problem george?
The man you trust with your life
Doesn't know how
to tell time, huh?
I told you!
Junior, this here
chuck monnastes.
In the cooling system, huh?
That's real innovative.
You think of that yourself?
Junior's no dummy.
He'll think you out
from under your hat.
Alright, I'll give you
two dollars a bottle.
We agreed on four.
Now we disagree.
Come on, chuck.
Four's fair now.
Hey bobby?
Shut up.
If I drive away,
What are you gonna do?
You can't sit out here with it,
You'll be in jail by hour's end.
So unless you wanna freeze it
back up and smuggle it home,
Two seems fair.
You can get this one
right here for two.
But these cost four.
There it is.
There's that simian
brain taking over.
Jeez-us. Chuck, we supposed
to make a delivery.
Can we just get this done?
oh.
Alright, fine, fine.
Two-fifty, alright? Stop
making an ass of yourself.
Two-fifty, bobby.
This motherfucker wants
to give me two-fifty!
Monnastes: Listen crackerjack,
there's some real basic math
You're failing to
grasp here, alright?
Bobby.
Fine, alright!
Fine, four dollars.
Four apiece for the ones that
are left you fucking lunatic.
You're a real cocky
coon, aren'tcha?
Well, I hope it was worth it.
It was worth every
penny, crackerjack.
Bobby take care
of your man here.
For all the weight and worry
We place on this
thing called life
It's simply a chapter,
A moment,
A vapour,
Visible only for
a sliver of time.
And while we may sorrow,
We hold no fear of death,
For we know death has
already been defeated.
What
hurts us, can heal us.
But the pain that divides us,
Need not defeat us.
Yes
lord, praise the lord!
Lord knows.
Amen.
Pallbearers.
We
are broken sometimes.
We are struggling sometimes.
Sometimes
we are angry at the god
We feel has left us to languish.
But we are family,
And what we are,
What we've always been
Is hope.
We are here,
And we are hope.
To henry.
Welcome home brother.
I spoke to the big boss.
I think he knows about kinmel.
Not everything, but,
but not nothin'.
Well whatever he
thinks he knows,
We don't give him a reason
to look any further.
You got it?
Alright.
Lance you out here?
Lets have a warm welcome
For our comrade mr. A.
Philip randolph.
The history of the labour
movement in north america proves
The employing class
recognizes no race lines.
They will exploit a white
man as readily as a black man.
They will exploit women
as readily as men.
Unions are not based
upon race lines,
But upon class lines.
In organization
there is strength.
Look, I got no say on where
and how you live your life
But let's be clear bobby,
Outside of chicago you and
I ain't fuckin' familiar.
You understand me?
Do not be deceived,
I am not the enemy here.
And yet I have been called
"the most dangerous
negro in america".
Unity
is our ammunition!
I'm sorry junior.
Bobby!
Hands up, bolsheviks!