A Bluegrass Christmas (2024) Movie Script

1
["Feels
Like Christmas"]
My silent night is
when you're by my side
Feels like Christmas to me
When I lay on your shoulder
and pretend that it's colder
Sure feels like
Christmas to me
Whoa... Whoa... Whoa...
Feels like Christmas
Whoa... Whoa... Whoa...
Feels like Christmas
No frost bite
tappin' at my nose
No fa la la's or ho ho ho's
But everywhere I go
It feels like Christmas
Long way from
that December moon
Don't care if it
gets here soon
Because every day it
feels like Christmas
Whoa... Whoa... Whoa...
It feels like Christmas
[Sarah] Sweetie, just
space it out, okay.
And if you can you pick up
those lights over there
- a little bit higher...
- Honey,
I'm just trying not to fall.
[laughs]
Katie will catch you.
I will not catch you, Dad.
Well, what good are
you down there then?
I'm here for support.
Both moral and physical.
Dad, are you sure you
don't want me to help you?
It's my fatherly duty every year
and you're not
taking it from me.
Oh!
But you can hold the
ladder real tight.
If you don't mind.
Told you we'd get her up there.
It's beautiful.
I can't believe this angel
is still alive and kicking.
Why? You taught me to
be a pro craftsman.
You were in the fifth grade.
Just because I was 11 doesn't
mean I wasn't a pro, Dad.
["Joy to the World"]
["Joy to the World"]
She's looking good.
Hi, Mr. Breckenridge.
Chocolate's a he actually.
Of course, he is.
Well, we're getting there.
He's got the pins,
screws, plate, but
moving much better
than I thought he would.
Well, that's good
because my son Grant
is coming to pick
him up tomorrow.
Oh, yeah, Chocolate's
not ready to leave,
sir. In fact, he has a long
way to go, in my opinion.
[chuckles]
Yeah, right. Well,
my group has a race
coming up in February
and I'm gonna need
Chocolate to run.
Yeah, he's not ready.
That's a no-go.
I wasn't asking
your opinion, Katie.
I'm telling you,
he's going to run.
And I'm telling you
that if you run him,
he'll break that leg again.
[Jim] You know, I
donate a lot of money
to keep this sanctuary running.
I even bring my own
horses here to get rehab.
- And we appreciate that.
- So, when I say
I want my dadgum horse back
that means
I'm going to get
my dadgum horse back, Katie.
What's the problem here?
[Jim] The problem here
is your daughter doesn't
seem to realize
who pays whose
salary around here.
Don't act like this isn't
anything other than
a tax write off for
you, Mr. Breckenridge!
You hear that, Don?
Now, she's questioning
my integrity.
- Katie...
- No,
we put the health of our
horses ahead of anything here.
If Chocolate's not ready to
race, he's staying here, 100%.
I don't care what you
think, Mr. Breckenridge.
My son gets in from
Georgia tomorrow.
He will be here with my
trailer to pick up my horse.
Legally, you will
release my horse
and that is the end
of this conversation.
Or you can spend your precious
money on attorney fees.
You know what?
I don't think I'll be placing
any more of my tax write off
with this sanctuary.
And you can forget about
my year end gift too.
[Jim]
Merry Christmas.
[Don]
We're done.
Breckenridge is not
only our largest donor,
he makes up over half
our annual budget, Katie.
[Sarah]
Just call him, Don.
I'm sure he'll reconsider
now that's he's calmed down.
[Don] I did.
He's not budging.
And we have to figure out a
way how to raise a substantial
amount of money by January
to make next year's budget or
we shut the doors.
Don't forget
Granddaddy's bell pepper.
Oh yeah. Thanks.
And, don't worry.
I won't forget to set
up the tree for you.
Thanks, Dad.
Ooh...
If I was lost now I'm found
Ooh...
I feel like I'm
dreaming out loud
[Journalist] So, Claire Crosby,
twelve number one hits.
Back when this all started
did you think you'd be here?
[Claire] I mean, I
definitely didn't think that
all this was possible but
I dreamt about it.
Pretty much every day.
And I saw great country artists
putting out inspiring music and
I just hoped that one day,
if I worked hard enough,
that might be me too.
And when you're not on tour,
you're in the studio,
you're making new music.
I love what I do.
If it weren't for the likes of,
I don't know, Loretta Lynn,
Hank Williams Jr.,
Charlie Pride,
Big Hickory Ben Pendleton
and the Blue Mountain Revival
I definitely would not
be where I am today.
They taught me so
much in my early days.
They had a big influence
on your sound, too?
Oh, absolutely. I mean,
Ben taught me how
to be myself on stage.
Not to be someone else
or get caught up
in image, you know.
A lot of people
forget about heart.
Ben gave me my first
professional gig, too.
I was there that night.
You lit up the stage.
Oh, thank you.
That was my first tour.
And still the
best tour of my life.
Ben really took my
under his wing,
and treated me like family.
I owe him a lot for that.
[knocking at door]
Hey, Granddaddy!
Oh... Chili!
Close the door behind
ya, Katie Bear.
[chuckles]
Okay.
Good to see you too, Granddaddy.
You doing okay?
I haven't seen you in
the stables in a bit.
Oh yeah. Not bad, anyway.
Oh, I just wake up and I
have my morning coffee, and read
the paper and...
Nobody's telling me what
to do or when to do it.
Wait, you still get a
physical paper, Granddaddy?
Katie, I'm a traditionalist.
Plus, I can't figure
out that darn tablet.
I can help you with that.
You don't have to do that.
Technology never done
nuthin' good for nobody.
Hey, you want to come by and see
Bill Monroe tomorrow morning?
Yeah.
Yeah. It's been a minute since
I've seen ole Billy.
[Katie]
Don't give me attitude, Bill.
I got to get you looking
sharp for Granddaddy.
Your horse is named Bill?
Oh, yeah.
His name's Bill,
but he's not mine.
He's my Granddaddy's.
Cute.
Does Bill have a last name?
Monroe.
Of course it is.
Well, I'm into Bill
Monroe, the guy's a legend.
Your Grandfather
must love Bluegrass.
He did, yeah.
Ever hear of Ben Pendleton?
Big Hickory Ben Pendleton and
The Blue Mountain Revival?
That's my Granddaddy.
Wow!
He was one of the best.
What happened to him?
[Ben]
There he is!
Good morning, Katie Bear.
[Bill Monroe nickers]
I'll let those
two have a moment.
I'm just here to
pick up Chocolate.
You're Breckenridge's son?
Yeah...
He said you might
be a little disagreeable.
Oh, I'm a lot disagreeable.
[Ben] Okay.
Maybe you two should take your
lover's spat somewhere else.
Oh, ah, this isn't a spat.
And we just met.
Kind of...
I'm Grant.
- Katie.
- Look, Katie,
I know my Dad
can be unreasonable at times,
and I apologize for that,
but I got to get going.
My Dad has a
trainer at the house
and they're waiting
on the horse, so...
Maybe we can grab a
coffee or something
and you can tell me
exactly what's going on.
[Bluegrass-inspired Christmas
carol instrumentally playing]
[Katie] So what type of
law do you practice?
Oh, the boring kind, corporate.
I'm one of those guys
who sits in an office
and reads papers all day.
I pictured you much
more Atticus Finch.
Hmm. So did I.
When I graduated law school,
I thought I'd be making a
big difference in the world.
Sounds soul-crushing.
Well, we can't all be
selfless equine doctors.
But maybe I can help.
What's my Dad done now?
He's pulling our funding.
And without his annual donation,
our barn doors will be
closing permanently.
We won't have the
funding to keep it going.
[sigh]
My Dad...
I'm sorry to hear that.
Do you think you
could talk to him?
Have you tried
talking to that man?
Once he's set on something,
there's no changing his mind.
Maybe you can have a fundraiser?
Like what?
Like a concert.
Your grandfather's
Bluegrass royalty.
Just ask him to headline.
No. He doesn't play
anymore, Grant.
Yeah, I know he's retired,
but I'm sure he would.
No, like he hasn't
picked up an instrument
since my Grandma died.
Gotcha.
Sorry, I didn't know.
He had two loves,
music and my Grandma.
And when she died,
they both died.
Well, if he knows how
much this means to you,
maybe if you ask nicely,
he'll play a song or two.
Once my Granddaddy's
set on something,
there's no changing his mind.
Yeah, I know the type.
Fun fact. I might or might not
be in a band back in Georgia.
- Oh!
- And the biggest venue we've ever played is my garage.
Let me guess.
Icelandic synth pop?
Thrash metal?
Eighties power ballads?
- Am I even close?
- Very close.
Country, and a little folk.
I'm clearly sitting across from
a very serious music connoisseur
with a refined palette.
I assume you play.
I sing here and there.
Had a band in high school.
K Pop? German reggae?
No, no, no, no!
- Avant-garde Jazz?
- Okay, touch.
Shocker... Bluegrass.
Hey,
why don't you
headline the event?
- What?
- Yeah. You sing.
If you need me on guitar,
I could lend a hand.
You've never even heard me sing.
I could be terrible.
Let's find out.
Excuse me!
I have Big Hickory
Ben Pendleton's
- granddaughter right here.
- No, no, no, no, no.
And she would love to
sing a song with you guys.
No, no, I'm fine. Thank you.
It's-yeah, no.
Miss Katie Pendleton, everyone!
Come on. Give her a
little encouragement.
[clapping]
I'm going to kill you.
Well, you got to go sing first.
Katie! Katie! Katie!
Katie! Katie! Katie!
All right.
Do you know
"Wayfaring Stranger"? Okay.
["Wayfaring Stranger"]
I'm just a poor
wayfaring stranger
Walking through
this world alone
There is no sickness,
toil, or danger
In that bright land
to which I go
I'm going there
to see my father
And when I do no
more I'll roam
I am going over Jordan
I'm just going over home
I'm going there
to see my father
And when I do no
more I'll roam
I am going over Jordan
I'm just going over home
[applause and cheering]
Happy Anniversary, Holly.

Hey, Granddaddy.
Hey, Katie Bear.
Thank you.
Twenty years to the
day she left us.
Do you believe that?
Yeah, she was a
pretty awesome lady.
Yeah. She sure was.
She, ah...
You know, she, ah...
It's okay.
Granddaddy, we don't
have to say anything.
We can just... be.
Hey Dad, can I talk
to you for a minute?
Yeah, sure, son.
I don't think you should pull
the funding for Fields of Blue.
Why is that?
It just doesn't seem right.
That's what you came in
here to talk to me about?
My mind is made up.
Why do you care anyway?
It's just that place,
it's important
and you've been
supporting it for years.
And I will support another
sanctuary somewhere else.
Well, I just thought
that I could...
I don't have the
time or the desire
to deal with
disrespectful people.
If the sanctuary wants
to take my money
they can also take my orders.
- Doesn't that make sense?
- No. Not really.
And Katie, the vet there, she
really loves these horses...
Ah ha! Katie! Ha ha ha.
I see where this is headed.
If you'll excuse me,
I got a horse to rehab.

[Ben]
There you go!
Hey...
So...
I know you heard about
how we're losing
the funding for the sanctuary.
Yes ma'am.
Very sorry to hear that news.
I guess old Bill's gonna have
to come live with me, huh?
Yeah, well, here's the thing.
It's not just Bill.
I mean, we have thirty-six
horses over there.
Well, they'll all get re-homed
and you'll find a good
paying job as a vet in town.
It's your Mom and Dad
I'm most worried about.
Well...
I think I've found a way for
us to save the sanctuary.
Maybe.
What's that?
A benefit concert.
Well it worked for Live Aid.
Yeah, I mean,
we don't have Queen.
Yeah, who you got?
Well...
- You.
- Don't you do that to me.
You know I don't
play no more, Katie.
I know, but I was thinking...
No! You weren't thinking.
[door opens, closes]
Yella Dawg, let's go.
[horse neighs]
Hey.
I talked to my Dad.
Or tried to at least.
Yeah, there's no changing
his mind about the money.
I talked to my Granddaddy.
Same boat.
So, did you think
any more about it?
About a benefit concert with
no headliner to raise funds?
Kinda. I mean hear me out.
This is what I'm pitching.
You and I form a band.
With your last name some
Bluegrass fans will show.
And if we can find
someone bigger to come
and take our place, we do it.
But for now, we just need
to get the ball rolling.
And you might be the
only ball we have.
Do you ride?
Horses?
[Katie laughs]
Well, I mean, I don't not ride.
How's that?
We're riding?
[Katie] I do my best
thinking on a horse.
And I need to think about this.
Okay...
[Katie]
How are you feeling?
[Grant] I, I think I'm
getting the hang of it.
[horse whinnies]
[Grant]
Easy boy.
[Grant] You know, you could've
slowed down out there just a bit!
A lot even.
[Katie] Yeah, we don't
go slow around here.
I thought you rode?
Yeah. When I was 12.
But don't worry about me.
I could've ridden all
day, but my guy here...
[horse snorts]
Clearly needs a break.
Yeah.
Those hills are
beautiful, right?
Yeah.
We can't lose this place.
No, I don't think you can.

[Christmas Country music
plays in background]
Can I help you?
Sorry, this might be
rude, but are you famous?
You think someone famous would
walk into this restaurant
in this town?
Huh...
Is there more?
Are you sure you're
not a singer?
Only in the shower.
Yes...
Big Hickory Ben Pendleton!
I knew I recognized your face!
From your "Playing
the Smokies" CD cover!
Can I get an
autograph for my Mom?
No.
[horses whinny and snort]
[Don] She seems pretty anxious.
Easily spooked.
Here Dad, I got it.
I got it.
Hi, Luna.
Welcome to your new home.
[Katie] You're going
to love it here.
[Luna nickers]
I never know exactly
how you do that, Katie.
Trade secret.
Dad, you wanna go
finish up the paperwork
and I'll introduce our
friend to her new home.
Hi Luna.
You just got to trust us, Luna.
[Luna nickers]
[knocking]
[Yella Dawg barks]
- [Katie] Hey.
- Hey.
Sorry for dropping in.
I figured if we're going
to be in a band together,
step one would be
hearing me play.
I was hoping you have a guitar?
I don't.
But I know who does.
[Yella Dawg grunts]
Are you the boy who's helping
shut down my family's sanctuary?
Well, sir, I understand
why you might think that,
but that's not really
what's happening.
So, you think I don't
know what's happening?
That maybe I'm too
old to understand?
Too senile to get it?
Um... no.
Katie, what did you tell
your grandfather about us?
Oh, so you two are an us?
No. We're just, ah,
we're a band.
- [Ben] A band?
- Uh huh.
Well, that's even weirder
than being an us.
I was just wondering if
I could borrow a guitar.
Well, why didn't
you just say so?

You can use any one you want.
Except that one.
No one touches Jenny, but me.
Yes, sir.
Yeah, you picked a good one.
[Grant plays the guitar]
Do you know "Hark The
Herald Angels Sing"?
Yeah.
[Grant plays the guitar]
Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
Peace on earth
and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled
Joyful all ye nations rise
Join the triumph
of the skies
With angelic host proclaim
Christ is born in Bethlehem
Hark! The herald angels sing
Glory to the newborn King
[Katie] So, we're going
to need to pick a date.
Social media campaign,
pick out some flyers.
Maybe I can talk to
some local businesses.
How about first things
first, we need a venue.
And a band name.
How about a band period.
We're a band.
No. We are a duo.
Brooks and Dunn,
Hall and Oates...
Captain and Tennille...
Bert and Ernie?
Okay. So, we don't want to be
"Sesame Street's" finest.
[Luna nickers]
So, you don't play and
I'll be on the acoustic.
Maybe we add a fiddle
and a five-string banjo?
Yeah. And maybe someone
who can handle the mando.
[Luna squeals and snorts]
Is that horse okay?
Oh. Yeah, she's fine.
Just a little anxiety.
Not much different than
most people I know.
Okay. So where do we find
these players around here?
Some of my Granddaddy's
guys still play at the bar
in Pierce County
on Friday nights.
We can see if they have
some recommendations.
It's a date.
Not a date.
[Grant]
Not a date-date.
Just two friends
listening to Bluegrass.
And forming a band to
play at a benefit concert.
[Katie] All right, girl.
[Luna snorts]
Let's get you moving around,
get the blood flowing,
a little exercise...
[Luna snorts]
[Katie] Whoa! Whoa!
[Luna squeals]
Hey, are you okay?
No! Stop! Just give
her some space.
[Luna squeals and
whinnies loudly]
[smashing sounds]
Ah, I'm sorry.
[Luna neighs and squeals]
Easy there, careful now...
[Luna neighs and snorts]
Ah! The angel...

[Grant] Hey, sorry...
I was just trying to help.
I can replace it.
No. You can't.

Hey...
Do you want to talk or anything?
That little angel,
I made that with my
grandparents when I was a kid.
It's one of the last things
that reminds me of my Grandma
every Christmas.
Wow. That, ah,
that was important.
I'm sorry.
I know it was an accident.
I just need a minute.
It just doesn't
make it any easier.
[Bluegrass version
of "Jingle Bells"]
Are these the guys from
Big Hickory's band?
Yep. I've known them all
since before I could walk.
[applause]
[Billy] Hey Katie.
How's the old man?
I haven't seen him in ages.
He doesn't get out too much.
Yeah, well, he earned
his nickname, huh.
Old Hickory.
Hardest wood out there for
the hardest head out there.
[Katie]
He hasn't changed. But, um...
I wanted to talk to you about
my family's horse sanctuary.
We've lost our funding.
And we need a significant
amount by the end of the year
in donations or
we'll close for good.
- Well, that ain't good.
- It's not.
So, we're hoping to
do a benefit concert.
Yeah, we're trying to put
together a Bluegrass band
and Katie said you
might know some folks.
Hey, boys, come here.
Katie and this young fellow want
us to put the band together.
Oh no. We were thinking
you might know some...
We would love if the Blue
Mountain Revival Boys
would play with Katie.
What?
This is our hook.
Big Hickory's
granddaughter reuniting
with Blue Mountain Revival!
Does Ben know about this?
He'll be fine.
Well, how much
does this gig pay?
Nothing! It pays nothing.
We have nothing.
So, if you can't do it
that's totally fine...
Katie, Katie. I think
it's safe for me to say,
on behalf of the
Blue Mountain Revival Boys,
we are in!
[Katie]
You are?
They are in!
Girl, you got yourself a band!
[Billy laughs and plays a
few chords on the mandolin]
We actually have a
hook now, Katie.
This is good.
This is very good.
No it's not, Grant.
My Granddaddy's
gonna be furious.
Why?
You don't just take
another man's band.
That's like rock and roll 101.
I was just trying to help.
I can go back in there
and tell them no.
We can't tell them no now.
They're so fired up.
And they're really good guys.
- I'm not gonna do that to them.
- Yeah.
Okay, so, we can't do it...
And we can't undo it.
Something like that.
Well, this is the
best hook we have
if we're going to pull this off.
It's time to get to work.
I think I have an idea
of where we can start.
Hmm.
Meet me in the morning.
["The Garland"]
All that I wanted
When I was a little kid
Was laid out before me
Love in the shape of gifts
Now all I want is this
For all of this to last
Hold on to the moments
That all too soon must pass
Let's just revel in
The lights, the
tree, the mistletoe
Tuck in the children
And hold each other tight
There's an evergreen
Wrapped up in a garland
There's a Christmas tree
At the center of a family
There's a family
Counting up their blessings
By the light of
that Christmas tree
We sing Silent Night
Under the street lights
Neighbors open doors and
Welcome us inside
Please take a photo quick
I swear this is perfect
The noise, the joy,
the drinks, a kiss
All I want is this
Because before we know
Morning's here
and here they go
Footsteps like heartbeats
Running down the hall
There's an evergreen
Wrapped up in a garland
There's a Christmas tree
At the center of a family
There's a family
Counting up their blessings
By the light of
that Christmas tree
Hello.
Just the usual, I guess.
Cancel that.
Where's our angel?
It fell. And broke.
And what is this?
Blue Mountain Revival...
That ain't your band.
- That's my band.
- I dunno, Granddaddy.
Seems like you don't
really have a band anymore.
Seems like there's a lot you've
been missing since Grandma died.
That's enough!
[Luna snorts and whinnies]
Sorry, horse.
I'm sorry, Katie.
You cannot have my band.
Some things are sacred.
Okay. I'll take you.
No! How about Claire Crosby?
She's huge these days.
I'll give you her number.
Wait, you know her?
She opened for me
a couple of times
when she was just
starting out. Give her a call.
She's over in Nashville,
that ain't too far.
Plus she owes me one.
But the Blue Mountain Revival
Boys ain't happening.
Are we clear on that?
Okay. No Blue Mountain
Revival Boys.
I'll give her a call.
All right.
[Katie]
Claire Crosby...
[phone rings]
Hello?
[Katie]
Hi! Um...
Claire, this is a strange
call for you to get...
I'm Katie Pendleton and my
Granddaddy is Ben Pendleton.
Awww, Big Hickory,
I love that man!
Oh, he loves you too.
In fact, he gave me your number to see
if you're available for a benefit show.
He said you might owe
him a favor or something?
That old dog.
Okay, well, I'm on tour
but why don't you tell me
a date you were thinking
and I'll see if I
can make it work.
Okay, great.
Yeah, so, ah, my family
has a horse sanctuary and...
[sighs]
[big sigh]
This place really has
everything that we need.
We could fit a lot
of people in here.
Yeah, but even if we
completely sell out,
that'll help keep the
lights on for a few months,
but it doesn't really
replace your Dad's donation.
Well, maybe Claire will pull
through so people donate more.
That's such a long shot.
I don't think we
should bet on that.
Well, if she does play,
we'll have no problem filling
these seats.
Claire Crosby and the
Blue Mountain Revival...
That's pretty cool.
If Claire says yes, there is no
Blue Mountain Revival playing.
What?
My Granddaddy made it clear that
Claire was to play
instead of them.
Well, if she doesn't
get back to you,
we're going to need the
Blue Mountain Revival to play.
It's our only shot
at making any money.
So who cares what
Big Hickory says.
Yeah.
You're right.
[horses whinny]
[Luna squeals]
[Katie] She's not ready, Dad.
Why don't you put the saddle up.
Sometimes they don't
know they're ready
until you get the
saddle on them.
She hasn't felt it in
a while so it's scary.
But once it's on, the horse
actually remembers how it felt
and there's nothing
to be worried about.
I'm not disagreeing with you,
it's just, not her time.
Not yet.
We'll get her there.
Okay, honey.
See Luna, you gotta trust us.
There you are. Band practice?
I tried texting you
but you didn't respond.
Shoot! I completely forgot!
How much time do we have?
We need to leave in ten minutes.
Twenty minutes ago.
Okay...
Hi, Luna.
[Luna whinnies]
[Bluegrass version
"O Come, All Ye Faithful"]
O come, all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye O come ye
To Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
So the boys and I, we
already made a set list for you.
We figured we'd keep it fun
in the Christmas theme, right?
And here's some fun classics.
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas",
"O Christmas Tree",
"Deck the Halls"...
This looks great, Billy.
But you left off
my favorite song,
"Go Tell It On The Mountain".
Oh,
yeah, well, we knew that was
your Grandma's favorite. So
we left it out out of
respect for your Granddaddy.
But, hey, what do you think?
I mean, I think we could
do well with this list.
I think it's a winner.
I agree, Billy.
I think it's a winner.
Well, here's to that.
Cheers!
[Katie] Okay, so your legs are
going to be turned inward.
Outward might feel more natural,
but remember you're kind of
hugging the horse
with your legs.
This is easy!
Because I have such
a good teacher.
But, I think I'm ready.
- For what?
- Oh, you know.
Trot.
Canter. Wood jumpies.
I saw you last time.
You are not ready.
I'm ready.
[Katie] You're ready?
[Grant] Absolutely.
Okay.
We'll keep it
real slow this time
so I don't lose you.
[Grant] Ha!
Maybe that
wouldn't be such a bad thing.
[Katie]
Be careful what you wish for.
[they both laugh]
[Grant]
Thanks for that lesson...
In humility.
[Ben]
Katie, you in here?
Yeah. Hey, Granddaddy,
do you want me to tack
up Bill Monroe for you?
No, no. I didn't come by
for a ride, Katie Bear.
Just came to hand you the phone.
Hang on one sec.
Well, say something.
Hello?
Hi Katie! It's Claire Crosby.
Oh!
Hi.
[Claire] So, your Granddaddy
filled me in on all the details
and I just wanted
to let you know that I am in.
Excuse me?
[Claire chuckles]
I'm in.
Big Hickory told
me about the good work
that you do with horses.
And it's for a great cause.
So I'm happy to help.
I'm going to add an
extra date to the tour,
and we'll do your charity show.
Claire. Is. In.
I think she enunciated
that correctly.
Thank you, and thank you!
You're welcome, Katie.
My manager will be in touch.
We'll talk soon.
Yes ma'am.
Okay, okay. Enough of that!
Stop it.
Just go get to telling the world
that you got Claire
Crosby in your show now.
[Katie] This looks
absolutely amazing.
Yeah...
Um...
Did you ask your grandfather
if Claire could post
on her socials?
Ben Pendleton hates technology.
He doesn't even know
the word socials.
Well, this is
actually happening.
I mean, with Claire playing...
This is big.
Great for us...
Bad for Blue Mountain Revival.
Oh yeah.
How do you want to handle that?
Probably better to just rip the
band-aid off and get it done.
It's gonna be okay.
They'll understand.
This is seriously like the
uncoolest thing to do ever.
- Like top of the list!
- Hey, they'll understand.
We got Claire!
She's had something like
a dozen number ones.
And a reality show.
I mean, ticket sales
have gone up 30 percent
since the news went
live last night.
You're right.
It's for the good
of the sanctuary.
They'll understand.
They will understand.
They'll understand.
You trying to will
it into existence?
I'm trying to convince myself.
It's not working.
My Granddaddy's the
official mascot for
misery loves company, ya know?
["Silent Night"]
["Silent Night"]
["Silent Night"]
["Silent Night"]
[applause]
[Billy] Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Hey, Katie!
Well, we were gonna
surprise you with that one.
But now you're here,
what do ya think?
Now, I'm bettin'
your pretty vocals
will accompany that
one very nicely.
[Billy]
Very nicely, indeed.
- It sounded fantastic.
- Awesome.
Now, before you say anything
I just want to let you know
how much fun we're
having doing this.
I mean, it's like we've fallen
in love with playing again,
ya know?
Well, ah...
That's actually what I
came here to talk about.
Okie dokie.
Well, what's on your mind?
So...
We got Claire
Crosby to come out.
Claire? Well, that's great!
But why are you looking so
down in the mouth about it?
I mean we could back her up!
She's not playing with you,
she's replacing you.
What do you mean replacin'?
See, my Granddaddy didn't
think it'd be a good idea
for Blue Mountain
Revival to play with me,
kind of like a
reunion without him. And so...
And you didn't think to stand
up to him any different?
No. I didn't.
Well...
I guess that means you're
not much more different
than your Granddaddy.
Excuse me.
[Billy]
Wrap it up boys.
Well, I did it.
Told the band they
were out for the show.
What did Billy say?
Not much.
Stormed off.
Probably won't ever
talk to me again.
Well, he can be such a diva.
No, Granddaddy.
You know who can be a diva?
You.
Nah.
Does it mean anything to you
that those guys were looking
forward to playing again?
That some people still
find joy in playing
and you made me break their hearts?
- Katie Bear,
everyone gets their
heart broken at some point.
No one escapes it.
It's inevitable.
Yeah.
Most people try to get over it
so they can go back
to enjoying life.
[Don] So, I've talked to three
different catering companies.
None of them are willing to
donate the food, but I told them
they can all have a booth if
they split profits with us.
- Smart!
- Oh, I've got outhouses getting donated.
Well, somebody's has
to do the dirty work
so thanks for that,
Mrs. Pendleton.
[message notification]
Claire just posted
thirty minutes ago.
[Katie]
Check our sales.
Whoa! This is going to be...
Big.
Katie! Katie!
I can't believe you got
Claire Crosby to come here!
Only five days away.
Don't forget to
get your tickets.
We already did.
My sister Marie and her kiddos
are coming up from
Lexington for the concert.
Oh, you're the best. Keep telling folks!
- Oh, I will!
Tell your Mom and
Dad that I said hi.
I certainly will, Miss June.
Things are coming
together very well, Katie.
In fact, I just added a
livestream component so that
people that can't make it, can
donate and watch from home.
Okay. You are brilliant.
Brilliant is such
an understatement.
- How about genius?
- Hmmmm.
Not ready to go pass the
brilliant threshold just yet.
I'll go back to work.
[Jim] Did I hear this right?
You've got Claire Crosby
playing Fields of Blue?
Yeah, Dad. We're going
to do it without you.
What's this we, son?
You'll be back in
Atlanta in two weeks.
Doesn't mean I can't make a
difference while I'm here, Dad.
[Jim] You must have gotten
that from your Mother's side.
Don't you ever feel that way?
Like doing something
just because
it's the right thing to do.
Even if it's buried somewhere
way deep down there.
I let my money do the good.
And it's afforded us
some other things too,
including your law degree.
And I'm grateful for that.
Yeah, sometimes I'm not so sure.
So... do you want to
come to the show?
If Crosby's playing, sure.
Okay, well, tickets are
a donation of $30 each.
Hey, hey, I'm your father.
I'm sure you can scoop
me a pair of them.
Yeah.
["THE FIRST NOEL"]
[Luna snorts]
["THE FIRST NOEL"]
["THE FIRST NOEL"]
Hey!
What are you doing?
Figured if I'm gonna
to be an expert rider,
I'll need to be an
expert groomer too.
I also just wanted to
get out of the house.
Luna doesn't like anyone.
She seems to like me.
Besides, what lady doesn't
like to be pampered?
Am I right?
Am I right, Luna?
[Luna whinnies]
Well, this girl is trusting
more and more every day.
That's what this
place is for, right?
[Luna snorts]
Yeah. It is.
So, you ready for
another ride yet?
- I think so.
- But not on Luna.
She doesn't let anyone ride her.
Oh, for sure.
She might trust me,
but I don't trust her.
Yet.
It's coming back to me.
I guess I figured you would
have grew up around horses.
Yeah, my Dad always had them,
so I would see them
occasionally during the summer.
But I grew up with
my Mom in Dallas.
Dallas has horses.
Not where I lived.
Bougie Dallas.
The bougiest.
So, what are you going
back to in Atlanta?
You know, life.
The office.
Papers with the redlines.
City life.
Does that make you happy?
I don't know if I've found
what makes me happy yet.
Well, this is my happy place.
Are you serious?
Ah ha!
Okay, even, even.
Now we're even.
Truce.
Truce, truce, truce.
Oh.
Okay...
Okay, okay, okay, wait.
[phone alert]
What? What is it?
She's out.
Canceling our show due
to strained vocal cords.
Doctor's orders.
[Grant] She canceled, but we,
we can't cancel, Katie.
It's too late to cancel.
What are we supposed
to do, Grant?
We could ask the Blue
Mountain Revival again.
I can't do that.
You know we can't do that.
Okay, I got ya.
Well, I think the
people will understand.
They'll be supportive
for the cause.
And have you and me up there
instead of Claire Crosby? Doubtful.
Why are you always so
sorry for yourself, Katie?
I don't know, Grant.
Is that okay?
I mean this entire
thing has fallen apart
and I really care
about Fields of Blue.
If you cared, you'd
be feeling sorry too.
Or maybe it really
doesn't matter to you.
I mean, who even knows
why you're helping.
- Because I thought that maybe...
- Because of guilt?
Because your father's
responsible for this and if you
lend a hand it absolves you
the devastation of my family?
Wow. That's what
you really think?
My happy place is
going to be gone.
And you're just gonna pack
up and go back to Georgia.
Life goes on for you,
doesn't it, Grant?
You don't care about horses.
Maybe I cared about you.

I'm sorry, Luna.
We were really
getting somewhere.
I'm sorry I let you down.
[Luna whinnies softly]
So, are you just going to
refund everyone's ticket?
I haven't decided anything yet.
I can't even think straight.
Did you get a bunch
of angry responses
when you announced
the cancellation?
I haven't announced it.
I don't even know
how to announce it.
Well, Grant can
help you with that.
Grant can do whatever he wants.
I don't care.
You do care.
I have bigger things
to worry about, Dad.
Well, some things are out
of your control, Katie.
But if you and
Grant had a fight...
We weren't anything,
okay, Mom. Nothing.
Don't kid yourself, sweetheart.
You weren't just two people
getting a fundraiser
up and running.
You may have lost the concert,
but don't lose Grant too.
[horses whinny]
Sorry to hear about Crosby, son.
Yeah.
Hey Dad...
Let's say the great Claire
Crosby was never gonna play.
It was just Katie and
I up on that stage.
Would you have wanted to come?
Would you have asked
for tickets then?
Sure.
I find that hard to buy, Dad.
Look, Grant...
I know I wasn't there for you
much when you were younger.
I couldn't be. Your ma
took you away to Dallas.
You're still my son.
And I still love you.
Hey, I have a question for you.
This whole debacle starting with
you wanting to run Chocolate.
You have plenty of other horses.
You have some colts,
some geldings, ready for their
shot.
Ones that run way better
times than Chocolate.
So, why run Chocolate?
He can't win.
People come to the
track to see champions.
Chocolate was a champion.
He's going to have butts in
seats and bets coming his way.
- Yeah, but he can't win.
- I know.
That is why I'm going
to bet against him.
Heavily.
He could shatter his leg again.
Well, that pretty much
guarantee a last place finish,
now wouldn't it?
Well, I can't do that, Dad.
Where are you going?
[Grant]
To book a flight home.
["O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL"]
["O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL"]
[Grant strumming guitar]
- Did you do this?
- Yeah.
I pulled it out of the
trash the day you tossed it.
Glued it together.
It wasn't geniously done.
[Katie chuckles]
Not even brilliantly.
I wanted to save it to put on
right before the concert, but...
Yeah...
Anyways, I'm leaving tomorrow.
Back to Atlanta.
But I'm glad you came by.
I didn't want to end
things the way we did.
You're... going back?
I thought you were staying
until after Christmas?
Things change, right?
I just wanted to let you
know that just because
something's broken doesn't
mean you have to throw it away.
Especially if it really
means something to you.
If you love it,
you find a way to fix it.
Are you, are you
talking about my angel?
Yeah. I guess I am.
Okay.
Okay...
I'll see you, Katie.
Thanks for the angel.
It was really sweet of you.
[talk show on radio]
[Katie turns off radio]
[knocking]
Granddaddy?
Look what I got back,
Granddaddy.
Katie, what are you
doing with Jenny?
I borrowed her while
you were asleep.
I knew I should make sure
I lock that front door.
Katie Bear, what are you doing?
Let her go.
No.
Katie. Let go of my guitar.
I'm not letting go until
you make me a promise.
You're in no position to be
negotiating nothing right now.
When something's broken,
you don't just throw it away.
If you love it,
you find a way to fix it.
And I love you, Granddaddy.
- I don't need fixin', Katie.
- Yes. You do.
No, I don't. Please...
Stop doin' this.
You're gonna fall in
love with music again.
Right here. Right now.
I can't...
Please. I...
I'm going to let
go of this guitar,
and what you do with
it is your choice.
Thank you.
I'm not playing your show,
if that's what this is about.
There is no show, Granddaddy.
And this has nothing
to do with that.
I just want to see
you happy again.
[Katie sings] Go tell it on
the mountain
Over the hills
and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
While shepherds
kept their watching
O'er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout the heaven
There shone
a Holy light
Grandma used to love to hear
you sing this song, Granddaddy.
[Ben starts to play guitar]
[Katie sings] Go tell it
on the mountain
Over the hills
and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills
and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
[Ben stops playing guitar]
[Ben sobs]
Welcome back, Granddaddy.
[Ben sobs]
[Ben pounds at door]
What are you doing
here, Pendleton?
Apologizing.
For what?
For everything.
Walking out on you
boys two decades ago...
Canceling you now
for the show...
Holin' myself up in
my own little world,
making sure no one
else could get in.
Well, I might have
let one person in.
And if you and the boys,
you wanna play with Katie,
you have my blessing.
And I'm sorry.
I missed you, old man!
Come here.
[both chuckling]
I missed you.
[both chuckling]
You all right?
Well, Katie called me a diva.
- I thought I was the diva.
- That's what I told her!
If you're here to help me pack,
you're too late.
I'm here to ask you to stay.
Really?
What have I got to stay for?
I'm not asking you stay
for another day, a week,
or even a month. I just,
I want you to stay.
- Did I miss something?
- No. I did.
And I'm sorry.
You were pretty cruel.
I was.
And you painted me red.
[chuckles]
Guilty as charged.
Are you going back
to your happy place?
If you're not staying for me,
you could stay for the
Blue Mountain Revival Boys.
They're back in. We have
a show to play tomorrow.
And we could use a
second acoustic guitar
on stage with us.
I thought you canceled?
I never really
pulled the trigger.
- And your grandfather?
- He signed off.
I mean he's not playing with
us, but the boys are back.
How'd you do that?
You played a much bigger role
in this than you'll ever know.
Wise words from a wise man.
This is crazy.
[door opens]
Making sure you weren't leaving
without saying goodbye.
Well, I do have work
to get back to...
Over at Fields of Blue.
I've got no time to waste.
Mr. Breckenridge, if you do
decide to run that poor horse
which is a terrible decision,
I want you to know we'll
still take Chocolate back
to the sanctuary whether
you're donating or not.
I love that horse.
No Claire Crosby?
Sounds like there won't be a
sanctuary to bring her back to.
Sir, we're about to prove
you wrong about that.
[Grant] It's gonna be okay.
The crowd will understand.
I don't know, Grant.
They came here to see her.
Well, they're gonna get you
and Blue Mountain Revival.
And you're going
to blow them away.
Yeah.
Thank you all for coming
out to our property tonight
to see what we do here and
how important our work is.
Fields of Blue isn't
possible without
each and every one of you.
Every bit of your
ticket price goes to
keeping these horses
alive and healthy
and keeping this beautiful
sanctuary running.
Hey, give me a D.
[strumming guitar chords]
All right.
I think we're ready.
Okay boys, now tonight is not
about how big the crowd is
or how many people out
there know your name,
that don't make no
never mind of difference.
Tonight is about family.
It's about coming together as
one to be part of something bigger
and realizing what's
important in life. Huh?
Oh, Katie!
Well come on over here.
Get in here with us, girl!
You are part of the
Blue Mountain Revival.
Yeah! Whoo! We got you girl!
All right! Whoo hoo hoo hoo!
[laughter]
[Billy]
We got a show to do!
[Don] So, not only are you
great folks gathered here,
but we are joined by generous
people from around the globe.
Honey, I don't think they want
to hear you babble on all day.
[laughter]
So,
let me introduce you to
the Blue Mountain Revival
and a very special lady!
[applause and cheering]
[applause and cheering]
Hi!
So... I know why you're
all here tonight.
And it's because of Claire.
[cheering and clapping]
And she's great. She is.
Ah, she also had to
cancel last minute.
[Crowd is disappointed]
[Katie] I know. I know. I understand.
But I wanted you to see what
good your money is doing here
for these horses.
And we have a great
show for you tonight.
And if after the concert
you want your money back,
we'll refund every penny.
But I just ask,
just give us a chance.
[Crowd murmurs]
[indistinct conversation
on stage]
["O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL"]
[Crowd starts to cheer]
[Crowd clapping and cheering]
Now some of you might know me...
I'm Ben Pendleton.
[clapping and cheering]
And this is something that
I've been waiting two decades
to say.
Ladies and gentlemen, we are Big
Hickory
and Blue Mountain Revival!
[clapping and cheering]
And I'm gonna start with
an important number
because I'm not gonna lie,
I won't be able to wait
until the encore to play it.
Boys, you know the tune.
When I heard you
sing that day...
I saw her again, Katie.
Thank you.
I love you Big Hickory.
[Band plays "Go Tell
It On The Mountain"]
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills
and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
While shepherds
kept their watching
O'er silent flocks by night
Behold throughout
the heavens
There shone a Holy light
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills
and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
[Bluegrass version "We
Wish You A Merry Christmas"]
We wish you
a Merry Christmas
We wish you
a Merry Christmas
We wish you
a Merry Christmas
And a happy new year!
[Bluegrass version
"Deck The Halls"]
Deck the halls
with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la la,
la la la la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la la,
la la la la
Don we now our gay apparel
Fa la la la la la,
la la la la
Troll the ancient
Yuletide carol
Fa la la la la, la la la la
[Bluegrass version
"O Christmas Tree"]
O Christmas tree
O Christmas tree
How beautiful thy branches
O Christmas tree
O Christmas tree
How beautiful thy branches
Your branch is green
in summer heat
And evergreen
in snow and sleet
O Christmas tree
O Christmas tree
How beautiful thy branches
[Crowd clapping and cheering]
[Ben] Okay, ready boys!
One two three...
Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills
and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born
That Jesus Christ is born
[Crowd clapping and cheering]
[Ben] You're the best,
you're the best.
[Katie]
I love you.
[Ben] Yeah, and I love you.
Yeah, we're just getting
started! Hang around!
[Don] That was one of the
greatest nights of my life.
And watching my Dad up
there on stage last night,
ah, it's just...
it's something I thought
I would never see again.
Yeah. It was a little
Christmas magic.
Look,
even if we didn't
raise enough money
to save our sanctuary, Katie,
it was worth it.
That's all I'm saying.
I'm feeling grateful either way.
I love you, Dad.
Well, old lady, not sure we
got us enough to keep you here
for the year, but at least I
bought us a couple of months.
[Katie]
Hey.
What's this?
This is Chocolate.
She's here to retire for good.
He.
Oh. I'll believe you.
I didn't check for myself.
There isn't one.
My Dad...
he might be stubborn
and bullheaded, but deep down,
way deep down,
he's not a bad guy.
Also, I know we didn't make
as much as we had hoped.
That's okay.
We did the best we could.
Honestly. Thank you.
I'm grateful for
everything you did.
Well, my Dad wanted to
cover the difference.
What?
[Grant]
It's a blank check.
This is amazing.
[smooch]
Oh, and one more thing...
Your Granddaddy accidentally
left something
with me last night.
Oh. That's not good.
Yeah. Let's go find him after
we put this horse away.
Granddaddy.
We came to pick
up the equipment.
What are you doing?
[Ben] What's it look like, Katie Bear?
Hitting the road? [Billy] The
reunion tour started last night.
[Ben] Oh, Grant, thank you.
- Here.
I was wondering who ole Jenny
went home with last night?
[Grant chuckles]
[Billy] And, hey. Our agent
called this morning
with multiple requests
from venues to play
after they watched us
on that livestream.
Fine. I was wrong.
Modern technology is
good for something.
But not much.
- So where to?
- Well, Nashville tonight and
Knoxville on Tuesday.
Do you wanna...
Yeah.
This is all because
of you, Katie Bear.
Thank you.
Of course.
I love you, Granddaddy.
I love you too, Katie Bear.
And, I owe you one.
So, how about me and the boys,
we play your wedding
reception free of charge?
Granddaddy!
[Ben laughs]
Bon voyage, kiddos!
[Ben laughs]
Let's hit the road.
[Billy]
Thanks, Katie.
[motor starts]
Hey, do you want
to go on a ride?
If you promise not
to leave me behind.
You gotta promise to keep up.
[Luna snorts]
Do you think you found it yet?
What's that?
Your happy place.
[Grant sighs]
What?
I think I have.
[Bluegrass version
"O Come All Ye Faithful"]
O come all ye faithful
Joyful and triumphant
O come ye O come ye
To Bethlehem
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord
Come and behold Him
Born the King of Angels
O come let us adore Him
O come let us adore Him
Christ the Lord