Dear Dead Delilah (1972) Movie Script
1
It's so hot!
I can't catch my breath, mother.
That old electric fan
doesn't do any good.
Just stirs up all the hot air.
I think I'll wear my blue pacha.
It's too fancy for the USO
but Don likes it.
When the war is over,
he'll come back and marry me.
He wants to marry, mother,
I can tell.
You'll like Don when you
get to know him.
I promise you'll like him.
He's not the way you say he is.
He wouldn't take advantage of me.
He loves me, mother.
I know he loves me.
And now the
old clock on the wall
says it's 8:17 PM and for all
those gals down there
at the USO, here's "The GI Blues."
Ready.
I'd better run.
You don't know how
Don fusses at me
if I'm even two minutes late.
There it is.
Mother?
Don't you wanna talk to me?
No wonder that fans not
doing any good.
You've got it tilted too high.
There.
That's better, isn't it?
You'll be nice and cool now.
Well don't just stare at me.
You could at least say, "Have a
good time" or something,
couldn't you, mother?
I'm not mad at you anymore.
I don't really hate you.
I just said that.
I'm not mad.
So long, Luddy.
Take care of yourself, now.
It's a quarter now, ma'am.
Hike!
Hike! Hike!
Now they've done it.
Maybe we better get a doctor.
What's the matter with her,
Ellen?
Is she hurt badly?
I don't think so.
She's coming around now.
Hi.
What happened?
You got trampled on by an ape.
Would you like to sit up now?
Yes, please.
Hey.
Here I am.
She drew me.
Would you like us to take you to
the university hospital?
It's only two blocks away.
Oh, no.
There no need to trouble.
I just had the wind knocked out.
I'll be fine in a minute.
Would you let us take you home?
Home?
I'm afraid I haven't
any place to go.
rooms in all, Luddy,
and 24 acres.
There were five
thousand acres once
but all that land was lost
through a curse.
A curse?
The curse of
South Hall Plantation.
Strangely enough,
it only afflicted the male
members of the family.
None of them could fill an
inside straight
but they all died trying.
Oh, they gambled.
They'd bet on the number of
fleas on a dog's ass.
I'm afraid I'm gonna be
in the way here.
We better go in now.
I've been gone most of the
afternoon and...
And Delilah
will be screaming for a bath
or is this the day you
trim her toenails?
Not now, Richard.
My aunt is an invalid.
Invalid?
She's dead!
Been dead for the past eight
years going on nine.
Richard.
Or is it ten years?
Dear dead Delilah.
Yes, the mercy of the
Lord is infinite
but His sense of timing
Is out of whack.
Richard is trying to say
that my Aunt Delilah...
Is wasting away but oh
so very slowly
and at the top of a voice.
Obviously South Hall has more than
its share of curses.
Coming Luddy?
Hey Luddy, what's the matter?
I'm fine.
You don't need to go to any
trouble for my sake.
What the devil is going on?
Who is that woman?
I don't believe I ever seen
her before, Delilah.
It appears that she may have
injured herself somehow.
Oh, don't be an idiot.
You know the way Richard drives.
Obviously run the woman down
and now he's dumping
the whole mess in my lap.
Well, this time they can throw
him in the cooler
for all I care.
See that she has a doctor
if she needs one.
Get her to sign a release.
And get Richard up here
when he's had a drink to
stint his nerves.
Are you dismissing me, Delilah?
You might have the kindness
to get me another brandy
before you go.
We were discussing a matter
of utmost gravity
before we were interrupted.
Interruption was providential.
The subject is closed.
I have not as yet had my say.
And you will have your say.
What you propose to
do is immoral.
Is that all?
Not to mention, destructive.
Oh, destructive.
Now you tell me, Ray,
how can I destroy people when
they've already succeed
in destroying themselves?
No, Delilah, I've
known all of you
ever since you were a pup.
I'm not as hard on those
boys are you are.
There's good in them
that's come out.
The pendulum swing both ways.
I have a brother who's a
thief and a failure
and another brother who's a
charlatan and a failure.
As for Grace, gentle Grace,
my beloved sister.
There's not a benevolent
bone in her body.
Of all of them, she
hates me the most.
There's no hatred burns
like the hatred of the
chronically weak.
Oh, clean that up for me, Ray,
will you before you go?
When do you intend
telling the family?
Of course, I should be there.
I'll leave that to
papa's discretion.
That is a surprising condition,
considering your papa has been in
his grave 20 years.
We seldom agree on anything,
Ray,
particularly on the
nature of death.
While some people hear God on
their prayers, I hear papa.
Loud and clear.
He left you with an
enormous amount of power.
Papa knew that I
understood power.
You still have time to
change your mind.
I would've married you, Ray.
You know that, don't you?
Yes, I know.
Well, it's done
and we've done it together.
I wanna give you a word of advice.
Spend that money you so
faithfully earned.
Go to Paris.
Paris?
How often have I heard of
your fond ambition
to visit the city of Paris again?
Well, it's the fall of the year,
Ray,
and Paris may never be
more beautiful.
But if you choose to
stay at South Hall
and listen to the wind
whistling through
the bones of family pride,
I warn you, I'm not responsible.
I won't feel one drop of pity
when my brothers flay you alive.
You fear for my safety?
What else?
What else, indeed.
I'm not only your lawyer,
I also represent your
brothers and Grace.
They have no rights.
No recourse.
Papa saw to that.
You wouldn't dare have
me committed.
You can't buy my physicians.
And you can't buy me the time to
rot in an institution!
Besides,
papa would be very angry if
you had me committed.
You have no idea how angry.
I've survived his anger before.
I survived the
harshes of many men.
I'm devoted to you, Ray.
But I know my brothers.
Go to Paris.
Good afternoon, Delilah.
Good afternoon to you, Ray.
I don't know, papa,
he might have been better than
no husband at all.
Where?
Where is this?
How're you feeling?
I have a headache.
Alonzo, she's awake now.
Can you come?
How bad is the headache?
It's not so bad.
I don't want you to
think I'm snooping
but we didn't know
anything about you.
I looked at some of
these drawings.
They're very good.
Well, thank you.
And I looked in your purse.
You've been in prison,
haven't you?
Yes.
Well, don't worry.
Nobody will hold that against you.
Most of the people who've
lived in this house
either went to jail or
deserve to go.
Not yet, let the doctor
see you first.
There's a doctor here?
My cousin, Alonzo.
He lives here.
He's not allowed to practice
medicine anymore
but he'll probably know what to
do for a headache.
Well, you don't have to
take his advice
if you don't want to.
Why were you in prison?
If I'm not being too nosy.
I killed someone.
My mother.
Did she deserve it?
I can't remember anymore.
I was...
I was as old as you are now.
Well, we won't tell anybody.
It's nobody's business anyhow.
We'll say that you're a...
a housekeeper.
Think you'd make a
good housekeeper?
They don't last long around here.
Well, Miss Dublin,
I was beginning to be
concerned about you.
She complained of a headache,
Alonzo.
I usually wake up
with a headache.
I have a little sinus problem.
Ellen, where are you?
I can't sleep.
I think some night air might help.
Yes, Aunt Delilah, I'll
be right there.
Now, sit up, please.
There.
Now just bend forward.
Thank you.
What a lovely girl.
She has taken care of Delilah
almost single handedly
for three years.
We've had other nurses, of course,
in relief of Ellen
but none have seemed to be able
to last more than a week.
Delilah's requirements are
very strict, indeed.
Like any good general,
she thinks only of the battle
and she has fought death
to a standstill
for more years than I
care to recall.
How long can she go on?
If you're going to
be working here
never remind Delilah in any
way that she is ill.
Oh, I won't.
Good.
Well, no sign of concussion
but we'll keep a close watch on
you for a couple of days.
I hope you won't mind staying here
for the rest of the night.
No, I don't mind.
She's 26, isn't she?
Ellen?
Well, I guess she
would be about 26.
Is that what she told you?
She didn't have to tell me,
I knew.
Well,
I'll leave you some asprin
in case you wake up
during the night.
My own daughter's 26.
She was born on the
2nd of October.
Libra, oh.
Where is your daughter now?
Nashville?
I don't know.
I only saw her once
then they took her away
from me forever.
I wasn't supposed to
see her at all.
It's easier that way,
they tell you.
I never completely lost
consciousness during delivery,
so I did get to see her,
just a few seconds.
Blonde little girl.
She didn't cry.
Isn't that unusual?
I never cried either.
I knew that someday I was
gonna see her again.
I hope that's true.
You never lost consciousness?
And you count that as a blessing.
I wish I could feel the same.
Did you have a
daughter or a son?
I don't know what the sex of the
child might have been.
I only know that it was mine.
The mother was barely 16.
I understand.
I have known men with
worse obsessions.
Did you love the girl?
I cared enough
that I had to nerve myself for it
till I was past all
clarity or comprehension.
The girl...
died.
You can't imagine the
consequences to me.
There never have been enough
children in this house.
Through some inherited
quark of ego,
most of the Charles women
have flatly refused marriage
and on those occasions where it
was forced on them,
they took revenge on
their husbands
with stillborns.
Incompetence.
Now there's
Delilah and Grace
and Morgan
and Alonzo.
And no children between us.
Someday,
someday soon.
And you may see it if you
stay to work here.
South Hall will be spilling
over with children.
The sickly, the unwanted,
the abandoned,
I won't turn an child away.
What a lovely idea.
It would be redemptive.
I'll help you if you need me.
Your wife is being very
entertaining tonight.
But not half so
entertaining as me.
Someday you will learn that
women of sensibility
despise your crowing.
Women learn to like
everything about me.
There are two ways you talk to me,
while your hands are shaking
and after.
Did you manage to get in
that little chat
with Delilah's specialist?
I talked to them.
You're not hanging crepe.
What do they have to say?
She defies their skill and
ridicules their experience.
Doctors.
They're nothing but a pack
of money grubbers.
If any one of them had the
spirit or mercy.
He'd do away with Delilah
and put you out of your misery.
This house mean a lot to you,
Grace?
I've always loved South Hall.
Lovely, it my place of birth.
Without it you wouldn't have
much status in Nashville.
Enough money to live on but not
the status you crave.
My status has nothing
to do with it.
Where would you be
without your fox hunts
and your steeplechase?
It's a good thing Delilah
indulges your fancies.
What are you talking about?
It is her land.
That is not true and it
will never be true.
Oh, come on, Grace!
That's known as self-delusion.
Your papa didn't trust anybody but
Delilah to handle things.
South Hall Plantation
IS in her name
and nobody else's.
And Delilah could boot you out
tomorrow if she wanted to.
Don't talk to me that way
you miserable
little opportunist.
How come you haven't done it,
Grace?
Done what?
I'm talking about a
mercy Killing.
How dare you?
Opportunist.
I've invested two years in
this death watch.
And believe me, there have been
other opportunities.
Have you ever gotten your hands
really dirty, Grace?
And I'm not talking about
weeding rose gardens.
Soon after the supply
train was burned
our Calvary boys
caught the Yankees
napping down by the race track
and chased them all the way up
here to the house.
You can imagine the ruckus.
The shooting and hollering.
The bullets must've
been thick as bees
around the hollow tree.
While all this fighting
was going on,
my grandmother, Sydney Charles,
she couldn't have been any more
than 14 at the time,
she stood in full
view on the lawn,
oblivious to the bullets,
waving a handkerchief,
cheering the boys to go on.
Never a thought for
her own safety.
She's was dead game.
I have the boys chop
all our firewood.
I can't abide the whining
of those saws.
Now, Luddy, in that
building over there,
we have stored one of the the
finest collections
of carriages in the south.
We used to spruce them up
for their annual
spring pilgrimage.
That was back in the 30s
when things were still done
with some style,
despite the fact the world
was crashing down
around my papa's head.
Oh, I wish you could've seen it,
Luddy.
The bells and the hoop skirts,
the brass and shining leather
of the carriages.
It's hot for this
season of the year.
I believe I've had too
much sun myself.
Your color isn't good at all,
Luddy.
I'm afraid you've been taking your
duties much too seriously
in the short time that
you've been with us.
Now I told you, I want you to
consider yourself
to be a member of the family.
Oh, I never expected
anything like this!
Oh, you're just gonna have to
give me a minute to catch
my breath, Morgan.
Only a minute, baby duck.
I'm anxious to see my family.
It's been a long, long time.
Well, there's Ray.
Hello there, Ray.
Been duck shooting yet?
Almost every other
day this week.
Morgan, it's a pleasure to see
you looking so good.
Ma'am.
Buffy, may I introduce my
cousin, Ray Jurroe.
You know something, Ray,
I never have been able to
figure out just exactly
how it is we're cousins.
Oh, I know how that is.
I've got a whole slew of cousins.
They were just always on the foot
while I was growing up.
Well, it sure is a
pleasure to meet you.
Ray's a legal eagle.
Oh, I've always been so
fond of layers.
I do hope we have the
pleasure of seeing you
at South Hall later on, miss.
It's misses.
I expect I'll be here a
little while, yes.
Tell me, how's Delilah?
As well as...
Can be expected.
Same old song and dance, huh?
Lately, I must say, I've noticed
she's losing ground more rapidly.
As usual, she claims
the end is near.
Heard that before.
Well, Delilah's nothing.
She's not dead game, you've
gotta say that for her.
Also, she seems to be losing
her grip on reality.
Her mind's gone, is that it?
No.
I didn't say that at all.
Well, I'm afraid I'm a little late
for an appointment.
Morgan.
Miss Buffy.
We'll have to have a talk
real soon, Ray.
Oh, yeah, sure.
Very soon, I'm leaving for Paris
Wednesday morning.
Paris!
Oh, I just know you're going to
love it there, Mr. Jurroe!
All right, baby duck.
Hello, Morgan!
Hello there, Grace!
That's my sister.
Marshall?
Yes, sir?
Where is Richard?
I don't know, Mr. Alonzo.
I believe he went riding
with Miss Grace.
Find him and tell him
that I need him
at once.
Dressing for dinner,
Cousin Alonzo?
Where is it?
Oh, sure.
Give it to me.
Give it to me!
Here.
You oughta try injecting it
under you tongue.
That way, you'll never
leave any marks.
I'm sill able to give
myself an injection
without leaving any marks.
You should've been here hours ago!
I had some of other
business to take care of.
You mean...
You were taking care of Grace.
We went riding.
Honest.
Ellen will refuse to
see only so much.
Only so long.
Those sound like
threatening words, cousin.
You stop calling me cousin.
I am not related to you in anyway.
You might say we are
brothers under the skin,
except I knew when to quit.
You know I have not been well.
You've been
missing a lot of meals.
You'd be surprised how much your
appetite would improve
if you'd stay off the junk.
Would you please tell my family
that I will be a little
late for dinner?
Right on.
Just don't forget to come.
Command performance,
no exceptions.
I think we're all going to be
treated to a lecture
on how badly we're wasting the
family resources.
Leave me alone, Richard!
Morgan, guess what.
Mr. Jurroe wants to borrow me
for a little while
and take me to Paris with him.
Do what you want, Ray.
I'll trade you Buff even up for
that sweet, little old
Winchester 16 gage of yours.
Even up?
Well, you are talking about a
mighty fine shotgun.
Oh, now you're both
being horrible.
Children are the
salt of the earth.
Nothing else worth living for.
No, no, no, you're
getting the story all wrong.
Lady Tompkins was here to
tender the chestnuts.
I know things can't ever
be like they were
but doesn't this remind you of
the good time we had
when papa was here?
Papa is always here, Grace.
He's never left.
Don't you forget that.
Let's not be morbid.
Gentlemen, as we're all too
bloated to move for now,
you may light up your
cigars if you wish.
May I sincerely say bon voyage
just one more time?
I believe we said all the
necessary farewells to Ray.
But other farewells must be spoken
while there's still time.
While we're all gathered here.
Delilah's gonna make a speech.
On the contrary, Grace,
I've made my speeches year
in and year out
and a fat lot of good
they've done.
None of you had a gross worth of
sense when it came to mind.
As a result, it's been a desperate
struggle to hold together
what pitiful few workers we have.
Delilah, you trying to
say we're broke?
I can't believe that.
You've got too keen a
head for figures.
No, no, we're not broke.
South Hall, itself, is
worth somewhere close
to a million dollars.
And the major trust is
currently valued
at one million, six hundred
and 14 thousand,
nine hundred and 84 dollars
and 23 cents.
Well, that's tight enough sum.
Little more of this cognac,
please, Marshall!
Delilah, I never dreamed you'd
have the poor taste
to discuss such matters in front
of strangers and guests.
You always did
overrated my taste, Ray.
Yes, a tidy sum.
But the income from it has
barely been enough
to pay our taxes
and maintain certain of us in
our flights of profit.
And my medical bills have been
truly staggering.
Amen to that.
That is one burden
the three of you
will no longer have to bear.
It saddens me to announce
that the conclusion
of this gala feast
and I do not have long to live.
Perhaps 30 days, perhaps 60.
Not long.
Oh, for God sake, baby duck!
Now, Delilah, I've come rushing
home many times before
under the
misapprehension that you...
I have papa's word on it
that I will soon be joining him.
I just don't think
I can sit here
and listen to you go on...
Grace, sit down.
I don't think you'll wanna
miss what comes next.
What comes next?
The question is, once I'm gone,
what's to become of South Hall
and the trust I administer?
Well, all right, now
you've gone ahead
and opened up that can of worms.
None of you have any more
reverence for your home
and heritage than a grasshopper.
If it was left to
your own devices,
you'd snap up the first descent
bid and in six months time,
this property would be
overrun with bulldozers.
Papa and I could never
allow that to happen.
Therefore, I have willed South
Hall Plantation to the state.
What?
Oh, dear Lord.
Along wit ha
suitable sum of money
and it will be maintained forever
just as it has been in
the last century.
Now, listen here, Delilah!
Forever!
Ray, are you just gonna sit
there and say nothing?
You're always willing to have
Delilah in charge, Morgan.
No, you can't do that.
We talked.
You agreed, you said
it would be a marvelous thing
for my children.
Alonzo, you're a miserable fool.
What the devil's
gonna happen to us?
What about our share?
Oh, yes.
Oh, yes, your share.
I've made provisions.
Each of you will receive the sum
of five thousand
dollars of my trust.
That oughta last you something
like 30 days, Morgan,
if I may judge form your
past performances.
Five thousand dollars?
And my personal blessings.
Delilah, you're sure enough
looking for a fight.
If it's only money
that concerns you.
Luddy, will you help me, please?
Unlock that,
Luddy, please.
Pass it around.
It smells.
Smells moldy.
These are hundred dollar bills.
Where have you been hiding these?
Hundreds, 50s, 20s.
Nearly 12 thousand dollars.
I don't understand this,
Delilah.
It's very simple, Morgan.
I have found papa's horse money.
Horse money?
I thought that was a myth.
Let me In on It.
Yeah, tell him Ellen.
Well, some years ago,
back in 1930...
When South Hall was
in bad trouble
because of the Wall Street crash,
Uncle Bailey was
forced to sell off
his entire stable of thoroughbreds
in order to pay off his
bills and taxes.
It was one of the best racing
stables in the world
and the auction attracted
representatives
of kings and sultans.
Indeed, it did.
But before the horses
could be sold
there was a terrible fire
and some of the best horses
were destroyed.
Or at least as far as anyone knew,
they were the best.
The thoroughbreds were secretly
sold south of the border.
The insurance company's paid off,
which settled all accounts
and papa had 600 hundred
thousand cash money beside.
That money he hid here on
the plantation.
That was his insurance against
another rainy day.
I never have believed
that of papa.
I can't believe he'd resort
to short practices.
He would've resorted to murder
to save South Hall
from the ravages of time
and from his own children.
All right, so you've found
papa's horse money,
so what about it?
Why, it's all yours.
All you children have to do is to
find it like I did.
First come, first serve.
600 thousand dollars.
Luddy, let's get out of here.
Delilah, you are crazy as
an old hoot owl
and you're not gonna get
away with this!
Morgan.
Alonzo.
You too, Ray.
Come to the den.
This is family business, if
you don't mind.
Luddy, close the door.
I want to be alone for awhile.
Papa?
I did it.
I did it, papa.
We will break that will.
Grace, we haven't got the
means to fight it.
I give you my word on that.
Delilah gave me her solum word.
I am sorry about that, Alonzo.
So there's nothing we can do?
Accept the fact that Delilah is
going to have her way.
To hell she is.
What about this?!
All that talk about finding
papa's horse money,
that's all a lie.
She's just trying to torment us.
I'm not too sure about that,
Grace.
You mean she actually found it.
How could she?
She's a cripple.
She says papa told her
where to look for it.
But somebody had to go and
fetch it for her.
It appears to be the case,
under the circumstances.
Somebody like you, Ray?
Now, Morgan, I don't know
anything about that horse money.
Except what Delilah in her
infinite wisdom
has chosen to tell me.
You know something, cousin Ray?
What's that, Morgan?
I ain't so sure I believe you.
Momma.
Momma.
Momma!
No! No!
No!
No!
Momma!
Stop, momma!
I'm thirsty, mother.
Luddy!
Luddy!
Luddy!
Momma?
Who is it?
Who's there?
Luddy!
Why?
I
Don't know.
Luddy!
They'll send me to prison again.
I was dreaming.
I couldn't have done it.
I saw you with the ax
and that hand.
Where did you get the ax, Luddy?
I found it.
Where?
Out there on the ground.
Don't you believe me?
Why yes, Luddy, I think I do.
I've been in prison myself.
I know how you feel.
Stop that, Luddy, stop that!
Look at me!
I mean to help you.
He was never a good man, Luddy.
He never thought about
anybody but himself.
He was never, never my friend.
All I ever wanted in my
whole life, Luddy,
was just one true friend.
Can you understand that?
Right now I need a friend, Luddy.
I require your help.
I must find papa's horse money
before Grace or Morgan can get
their hands on it.
I need that money for my children!
May be too late already.
They won't stop me now.
I can't have the police here,
Luddy.
Now,
we're gonna have to do
something out Uncle Ray.
We're gonna have to find a
place to put him.
Are you up to that, Luddy?
Yeah.
Good.
Now there's a...
There's a wheelbarrow
around the corner.
Will you fetch it, please?
Yes, Alonzo.
Good morning, Delilah.
Good morning, Morgan.
How'd you sleep in your old bed?
Like a log, sister, like a log.
Put the tray over there,
would you please, May?
Thank you, kindly.
I thought I'd come up and have a
little breakfast with you.
Lord love you, Morgan.
Sleep well yourself, sister?
Like an old hoot owl.
Oh well, now.
I was a little upset when I
called you that
and I guess it was the
wine talking.
Bring those mums over here so I
get a better look at them.
That's very thoughtful of you,
Morgan.
You finally learned how
to please a woman
after all these years.
I never had to learn any lessons
when it came to women, Delilah.
What about this one your
have with you now?
Gonna marry her?
Buffy?
Now where would I be if I
went around marrying
all the Buffys of this here world?
Delilah,
I really need to talk to you.
I figured that.
You got the financial miseries?
Worst than I can ever remember.
I'm here to eat humble pie,
Delilah.
Papa would be very pleased of
these flowers, Morgan.
Why don't we go down to the
mausoleum and pay our respect?
On the way, you could
tell me about
this new case of the miseries.
Thank you, Delilah.
So it's a matter of little
over 40 thousand dollars, Delilah.
When are the auditors due?
A week from tomorrow.
That's all the time
you have left
to enjoy being a free man.
I swear to you, Delilah, I never
meant to get in so deep.
So you were working over
the books, huh?
Now, Delilah,
that's not a proper assessment
to the situation.
Oh, Morgan.
You're finally gonna get the can
tied to your tail.
This time there's nothing
Delilah can do.
There's plenty you can do.
Delilah just won't be
here much longer.
When are you ever gonna learn to
take care of yourself?
Delilah, I ain't asking
you to tell me
where papa's horse money is hid.
All I'm asking if for a little
piece of it to tie me over.
I swear to you, I don't care
about the rest of it.
You can give it to
Grace or Alonzo.
All I'm asking for is 40
thousand dollars.
You know something, Morgan?
I never told this to
a living soul.
But I guess, deep down,
you've always been my favorite.
I know that, Delilah,
that's what...
Now shush!
Listen to a little
piece of advice.
Now really listen for
the first time.
Delilah, what're you
trying to do to me?
Try to make a man of you.
Better late than never.
40 thousand dollars,
now that ain't asking for
the whole world.
My advice is take your
lumps this time.
Touch bottom.
Then there won't be any
place to go but up.
Delilah, this time
it means jail.
Two years with good behavior.
It's much more time than I have
to look forward to.
I ain't going to jail just to
satisfy you, sister!
There's measures I can take and
I'll be wise to take them!
Morgan wanted you to have
these nice flowers this morning,
papa.
Delilah!
You hear me in there, Delilah?!
Morgan!
Morgan!
Morgan!
I was just out for a walk
before breakfast...
I never suspected you'd turn out
to be an early riser, Buffy.
And I found this!
I mean, I stepped on it.
Look, Buffy, I'm in
no frame of mind
for company right now!
No, just look at it, Morgan!
Look inside.
What the devil?
It's an old 50 dollar bill.
Even with all that crude on it,
you can tell what it is.
Where'd you find it?
Away over there, near that
tumbled down shack.
The ground's been dug up lately
and filled back in again.
Morgan, do you supposed that 50...
I don't know.
I don't know.
Just don't say it
because if it is.
And there are more cans
like that over there.
Don't say it, just
take me there.
This is quite a coincidence,
don't you think so, Morgan?
The world rises and falls
on the strength of coincidence,
Buffy.
I mean, I didn't even see that
can until I stepped on it.
I was just gonna pitch it.
You know, Morgan,
some power outside myself
made me look inside.
Oh, I must've cut myself on that
rusty old tin can.
Do you think I'll get lockjaw,
Morgan?
Not right away, Buffy.
Hey, Marshall!
Yes, Mr. Charles?
What kind of digging
went on over here?
- New septic drain field, Mr.
- Charles.
How long ago?
Oh, expect about
three weeks now.
Was Delilah around when the
men were digging?
Yes, Sir.
She oversees everything
that's goes on
in South Hall, Mr. Charles.
She don't miss nothing.
Thank you kindly, Marshall.
Yes, Sir.
She don't miss a trick.
She don't miss a trick, Mr.
Charles.
I think I better get
a tetanus shot
just to be on the safe side.
First you go to my car and
pick up my shot gun
and a box of shells.
Then you get yourself som
digging clothes
because we got us a lot
of digging to do.
What do you want a shotgun for,
Morgan?
Digging up papa's horse
money is one thing,
keeping it is another.
Where you going, Marshall?
Get the ham for dinner.
Oh, let me.
I never been in the
smokehouse before.
Don't matter.
Mind you don't get too
close to them ashes.
Oh, look at all those delicious
hams hanging there.
Which one should I take down?
Don't make no difference.
Morgan, I don't know
how much longer
I can stand the smell.
Just keep digging.
The money's here and
we're gonna find it.
I can't keep up with you.
She wouldn't tell me
where it was hid.
Not even a hint.
I'll show Delilah!
Morgan.
Morgan.
Gonna throw your back out
working so hard, Morgan.
What do you want?
We thought maybe you could
use a little help.
Put that down!
That's my shovel and nobody's
digging here but Buffy and me!
Now back off, all of you!
Money's here and I'm
digging it up!
You're wasting your time,
Morgan.
There's no money buried here.
Got a better idea where
it's hid, Grace?
As far as I'm concerned,
papa's horse money merely the
stuff of legends.
Why don't you calm down before
you have a stroke?
I'll show you legends, Grace.
I'll show you legends!
Would you like one olive or two,
Morgan?
Does gin paralyze your
sense of smell?
It paralyzes my sense of smell.
And it makes me feel
good to be alive.
To be alive.
You suppose
you could spare the time to
help me up to bed?
Buffy?
Buffy?
Buffy?
Where's my sandwich?
I'm hungry!
Buffy!
What're you doing in there?
You know.
Why don't you go to the house
where it's more comfortable?
You told me not to get
out of earshot.
What's the ax for?
I found it inside.
Be careful, it's real sharp.
I cut my finger on it.
Well I could use it
to chop root.
Take it back with you.
Where you going?
Down to the well to wash up.
Make me another drink
while you're at it.
You never did tel me, is it
one olive or two?
Buffy, no olives.
No olives!
I really can't stand the taste
of those lousy olives
you keep putting in my martinis!
That's a major point of
incapability between us
because I certainly wouldn't think
of drinking a martini
without an olive in it.
We'll be in China before morning.
Morgan?
It's so sharp.
Buffy?
Now where she gone?
She got the trots or something?
My God.
Papal!
I'm afraid you'll have to fix
your own breakfast, Grace.
Did you say something to me?
We'll have to shift for
ourselves this morning.
Looks as if Marshall may have gone
on a little vacation.
Vacation?
They took their vacation in July.
Maybe so.
But they've packed and
they've gone.
Luddy?
Luddy, will you come here, please?
We need you.
Luddy?
No use.
Luddy's sound asleep.
From the looks of things, she's
had herself a hard night.
You make it your business
to check up on
everyone around here?
Cousin Grace,
you haven't heard the half of it.
Where are you going?
To get some air to
clear my head.
You want some company?
No.
Looks like the
treasure hunt is over.
Where is Morgan?
Now that's a good question.
He's not in his room, his bed
hasn't been slept in.
The same goes for, you know,
Muffy.
Buffy.
And they've gone too.
Well, no.
Morgan's car is still here.
So I expect they're still around.
Only I'll quote odds that they
didn't find the horse money.
There is no horse money.
Delilah's always thrived on these
nasty little intrigues.
She feels compelled to go on
making fools of us
right up to the end.
As for Morgan and
his girlfriend,
I think we could
probably turn them up
with a little digging.
You don't seem too worried
about the possible fate of
your brother, Grace.
I have long since
stopped worrying
about anyone else's fate.
Mirror, please Ellen.
You're grip is stronger today.
I feel strong.
Stronger than I have for weeks.
I may yet rise up and walk.
One last time.
How long has it been?
Since I walked?
Oh, five year...
No, five and a half years.
I think I'll wear a choke, Ellen.
All right.
And we'll have a brandy.
Napoleon brandy.
Diamonds?
My pearl and diamond.
You know, Elly,
anything I have is yours.
Yes, you told me.
Why don't you help yourself
while you have the opportunity?
I'm sorry.
It'd be like robbing...
The dead?
I'm sorry.
No, you're the one who's
due the apology.
I was only trying, in
my small way,
to make up for the three years
that you've lived at
my beckon call.
I've lived the way I wanted to.
I've been able to help you.
You've been a positive saint.
I hope once you're free of me,
you'd just spend some of your time
learning to be selfish.
Yes, Aunt Delilah.
I'll get the brandy.
May I compliment you, Elly?
On what?
You're the only
person in this house
whose never disappointed me.
That is a prodigious
accomplishment.
Much as I love papa,
he was mighty free with his
disappointments.
Of course, you've always
been terrified of me.
Yet I sense this is
no longer true.
I sense momentous changed in you,
Elly.
At least the tension of change.
Do you?
Elly,
would you like to know where the
horse money is hidden?
No.
He's ordered you to find out,
hasn't he?
No.
There, the beginnings of
disappointment.
There isn't much light left,
Aunt Delilah,
if We're going down to
the mausoleum.
There's plenty of light.
Plenty of time.
I'll get a sweater.
You want me to go with you.
He's a weak man, Elly.
He's not weak!
He is the strongest
man I ever met.
He's a cheat!
It's not cheating.
We talk about it.
There is a difference
between men and women
and I accept that difference
and it makes our marriage a good
marriage without hypocrisy.
I know what his weaknesses are
but it isn't so important.
Not so important where he goes
or who he goes to
as long as he comes back.
Get rid of him, Elly.
If you'd ever had a
man like Richard,
even for one night, you'd never
be able to say that!
Wait, Elly!
Papa?
Papa?
Is it you?
It is you.
It's so good to see you.
I've waited so long, oh don't go.
Don't go, papa, please don't go.
I've so much to tell you.
I've so much, please!
Papa!
Papa, please don't go!
Please, papa, don't go!
Please, papa, don't go!
Hello, the house!
Where is everybody?
Alonzo?!
Delilah?!
Anybody?!
Grace is requesting the
pleasure of your company!
Delilah?
Delilah is up and around.
Delilah!
Delilah?
Please,
stay out of here.
I have something
for you, Alonzo.
I don't want to eat.
Just leave me alone.
Something Richard sent.
No.
You're in pain.
No.
No more.
I'm through.
I wanna be clean again.
Roll up your sleeve.
How much you give me?
A year supply.
Have you counted it yet?
Are you kidding?
It'll take two days to
count all this.
Suppose you didn't have
any trouble finding it.
It's right where it had to be.
Papa was using most of
it for a pillow.
Now I wonder why it
took me so long
to figure the whole thing out.
Stands to reason, Delilah never
would've trust anyone
but papa with the money.
Hey!
600 thousand.
Give or take.
Aren't you interested?
Smells rotten.
It's been buried too long.
This money's in a
lot better shape
than papa was when I saw him.
How's Alonzo?
Did he take his
medicine like a man?
He was unconscious
when I left him.
Good.
How long does he have?
He should stop breathing
in about an hour.
Last chance to run your
fingers through the money.
I have to pack it up.
Good old Luddy's not gonna
asleep forever.
Papal!
How're you feeling?
Same way I always feel.
That's good.
Yes, it's very good.
I have to leave now.
I have to get on with it.
As long as you come back to me.
Nothing else matters.
I like you a lot, Elly.
You've been a big help.
I'm really sorry I have
to do this, Elly!
Luddy!
Luddy, come out here!
Help me, Luddy, please!
Help me!
I don't want to!
I don't want to, I can't!
Luddy, for God sake,
help me!
Where are you?
I can't see you.
That's right, Luddy.
You did it again.
No!
It was just lying here!
Oh come on, Luddy!
You know what you've done!
Fist Jurroe,
then Morgan and what's her name,
then Grace
and poor Ellen.
God rest.
Ellen?!
What's happened to Ellen?!
Then me.
Look at me, Luddy.
If you'd come just a little
closer, just one inch closer,
I'd be dead!
Pick up the ax.
You look more natural that way.
I haven't killed anybody.
Just you and me now and I'm
the soul survivor.
Winner take all.
Pick up the ax.
No!
Okay.
Doesn't really matter.
What have you done?
You, me, what's the difference?
They're all dead.
I thought it was Alonzo.
Wrong, Luddy!
Alonzo couldn't have
pulled this off.
Not many men have what it takes.
You killed Alonzo?
Ellen give him an overdose.
He'll stop breathing in
a few minutes.
Wait a minute, Luddy,
I'm not gonna chase you all
over this place.
Let's get it over with!
It's been a long night.
Don't touch that phone, Luddy.
I want Alonzo to die!
I said come back here, Luddy!
Just pick up the ax.
All you have to do is
pick up the ax
and hold it until I blew
your head off.
I don't care!
Let's just get it over with!
You have to die!
Damn you, Luddy!
Damn you!
Give up!
You're damned, old witch!
Alonzo!
You taught me everything I
needed to know, papa.
Please, papa.
How can I get to you?
How?
Well, Luddy?
All set to go?
Yes.
Where are we going, Alonzo?
I don't know.
We'll have to think about that,
Luddy.
Where would you like to go?
Mexico?
South America?
New Zealand.
All right.
Al right.
New Zealand it is.
Can't stay long, though.
Have to get back to our children.
Will we be able to keep
the money, Alonzo?
Oh, almost half of it.
We'll have some taxes to pay
but there will be enough left
over for the children.
Now why don't you just turn
this contraption off
and I'll push.
Maybe I better walk.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Doctor's orders.
One more day till you get
your strength back.
You think 25 is too many
to start with?
No.
Oh no, I don't think that's
too many children.
Yes, Sir.
She don't miss a trick.
She don't miss a trick, Mr.
Charles.
It's so hot!
I can't catch my breath, mother.
That old electric fan
doesn't do any good.
Just stirs up all the hot air.
I think I'll wear my blue pacha.
It's too fancy for the USO
but Don likes it.
When the war is over,
he'll come back and marry me.
He wants to marry, mother,
I can tell.
You'll like Don when you
get to know him.
I promise you'll like him.
He's not the way you say he is.
He wouldn't take advantage of me.
He loves me, mother.
I know he loves me.
And now the
old clock on the wall
says it's 8:17 PM and for all
those gals down there
at the USO, here's "The GI Blues."
Ready.
I'd better run.
You don't know how
Don fusses at me
if I'm even two minutes late.
There it is.
Mother?
Don't you wanna talk to me?
No wonder that fans not
doing any good.
You've got it tilted too high.
There.
That's better, isn't it?
You'll be nice and cool now.
Well don't just stare at me.
You could at least say, "Have a
good time" or something,
couldn't you, mother?
I'm not mad at you anymore.
I don't really hate you.
I just said that.
I'm not mad.
So long, Luddy.
Take care of yourself, now.
It's a quarter now, ma'am.
Hike!
Hike! Hike!
Now they've done it.
Maybe we better get a doctor.
What's the matter with her,
Ellen?
Is she hurt badly?
I don't think so.
She's coming around now.
Hi.
What happened?
You got trampled on by an ape.
Would you like to sit up now?
Yes, please.
Hey.
Here I am.
She drew me.
Would you like us to take you to
the university hospital?
It's only two blocks away.
Oh, no.
There no need to trouble.
I just had the wind knocked out.
I'll be fine in a minute.
Would you let us take you home?
Home?
I'm afraid I haven't
any place to go.
rooms in all, Luddy,
and 24 acres.
There were five
thousand acres once
but all that land was lost
through a curse.
A curse?
The curse of
South Hall Plantation.
Strangely enough,
it only afflicted the male
members of the family.
None of them could fill an
inside straight
but they all died trying.
Oh, they gambled.
They'd bet on the number of
fleas on a dog's ass.
I'm afraid I'm gonna be
in the way here.
We better go in now.
I've been gone most of the
afternoon and...
And Delilah
will be screaming for a bath
or is this the day you
trim her toenails?
Not now, Richard.
My aunt is an invalid.
Invalid?
She's dead!
Been dead for the past eight
years going on nine.
Richard.
Or is it ten years?
Dear dead Delilah.
Yes, the mercy of the
Lord is infinite
but His sense of timing
Is out of whack.
Richard is trying to say
that my Aunt Delilah...
Is wasting away but oh
so very slowly
and at the top of a voice.
Obviously South Hall has more than
its share of curses.
Coming Luddy?
Hey Luddy, what's the matter?
I'm fine.
You don't need to go to any
trouble for my sake.
What the devil is going on?
Who is that woman?
I don't believe I ever seen
her before, Delilah.
It appears that she may have
injured herself somehow.
Oh, don't be an idiot.
You know the way Richard drives.
Obviously run the woman down
and now he's dumping
the whole mess in my lap.
Well, this time they can throw
him in the cooler
for all I care.
See that she has a doctor
if she needs one.
Get her to sign a release.
And get Richard up here
when he's had a drink to
stint his nerves.
Are you dismissing me, Delilah?
You might have the kindness
to get me another brandy
before you go.
We were discussing a matter
of utmost gravity
before we were interrupted.
Interruption was providential.
The subject is closed.
I have not as yet had my say.
And you will have your say.
What you propose to
do is immoral.
Is that all?
Not to mention, destructive.
Oh, destructive.
Now you tell me, Ray,
how can I destroy people when
they've already succeed
in destroying themselves?
No, Delilah, I've
known all of you
ever since you were a pup.
I'm not as hard on those
boys are you are.
There's good in them
that's come out.
The pendulum swing both ways.
I have a brother who's a
thief and a failure
and another brother who's a
charlatan and a failure.
As for Grace, gentle Grace,
my beloved sister.
There's not a benevolent
bone in her body.
Of all of them, she
hates me the most.
There's no hatred burns
like the hatred of the
chronically weak.
Oh, clean that up for me, Ray,
will you before you go?
When do you intend
telling the family?
Of course, I should be there.
I'll leave that to
papa's discretion.
That is a surprising condition,
considering your papa has been in
his grave 20 years.
We seldom agree on anything,
Ray,
particularly on the
nature of death.
While some people hear God on
their prayers, I hear papa.
Loud and clear.
He left you with an
enormous amount of power.
Papa knew that I
understood power.
You still have time to
change your mind.
I would've married you, Ray.
You know that, don't you?
Yes, I know.
Well, it's done
and we've done it together.
I wanna give you a word of advice.
Spend that money you so
faithfully earned.
Go to Paris.
Paris?
How often have I heard of
your fond ambition
to visit the city of Paris again?
Well, it's the fall of the year,
Ray,
and Paris may never be
more beautiful.
But if you choose to
stay at South Hall
and listen to the wind
whistling through
the bones of family pride,
I warn you, I'm not responsible.
I won't feel one drop of pity
when my brothers flay you alive.
You fear for my safety?
What else?
What else, indeed.
I'm not only your lawyer,
I also represent your
brothers and Grace.
They have no rights.
No recourse.
Papa saw to that.
You wouldn't dare have
me committed.
You can't buy my physicians.
And you can't buy me the time to
rot in an institution!
Besides,
papa would be very angry if
you had me committed.
You have no idea how angry.
I've survived his anger before.
I survived the
harshes of many men.
I'm devoted to you, Ray.
But I know my brothers.
Go to Paris.
Good afternoon, Delilah.
Good afternoon to you, Ray.
I don't know, papa,
he might have been better than
no husband at all.
Where?
Where is this?
How're you feeling?
I have a headache.
Alonzo, she's awake now.
Can you come?
How bad is the headache?
It's not so bad.
I don't want you to
think I'm snooping
but we didn't know
anything about you.
I looked at some of
these drawings.
They're very good.
Well, thank you.
And I looked in your purse.
You've been in prison,
haven't you?
Yes.
Well, don't worry.
Nobody will hold that against you.
Most of the people who've
lived in this house
either went to jail or
deserve to go.
Not yet, let the doctor
see you first.
There's a doctor here?
My cousin, Alonzo.
He lives here.
He's not allowed to practice
medicine anymore
but he'll probably know what to
do for a headache.
Well, you don't have to
take his advice
if you don't want to.
Why were you in prison?
If I'm not being too nosy.
I killed someone.
My mother.
Did she deserve it?
I can't remember anymore.
I was...
I was as old as you are now.
Well, we won't tell anybody.
It's nobody's business anyhow.
We'll say that you're a...
a housekeeper.
Think you'd make a
good housekeeper?
They don't last long around here.
Well, Miss Dublin,
I was beginning to be
concerned about you.
She complained of a headache,
Alonzo.
I usually wake up
with a headache.
I have a little sinus problem.
Ellen, where are you?
I can't sleep.
I think some night air might help.
Yes, Aunt Delilah, I'll
be right there.
Now, sit up, please.
There.
Now just bend forward.
Thank you.
What a lovely girl.
She has taken care of Delilah
almost single handedly
for three years.
We've had other nurses, of course,
in relief of Ellen
but none have seemed to be able
to last more than a week.
Delilah's requirements are
very strict, indeed.
Like any good general,
she thinks only of the battle
and she has fought death
to a standstill
for more years than I
care to recall.
How long can she go on?
If you're going to
be working here
never remind Delilah in any
way that she is ill.
Oh, I won't.
Good.
Well, no sign of concussion
but we'll keep a close watch on
you for a couple of days.
I hope you won't mind staying here
for the rest of the night.
No, I don't mind.
She's 26, isn't she?
Ellen?
Well, I guess she
would be about 26.
Is that what she told you?
She didn't have to tell me,
I knew.
Well,
I'll leave you some asprin
in case you wake up
during the night.
My own daughter's 26.
She was born on the
2nd of October.
Libra, oh.
Where is your daughter now?
Nashville?
I don't know.
I only saw her once
then they took her away
from me forever.
I wasn't supposed to
see her at all.
It's easier that way,
they tell you.
I never completely lost
consciousness during delivery,
so I did get to see her,
just a few seconds.
Blonde little girl.
She didn't cry.
Isn't that unusual?
I never cried either.
I knew that someday I was
gonna see her again.
I hope that's true.
You never lost consciousness?
And you count that as a blessing.
I wish I could feel the same.
Did you have a
daughter or a son?
I don't know what the sex of the
child might have been.
I only know that it was mine.
The mother was barely 16.
I understand.
I have known men with
worse obsessions.
Did you love the girl?
I cared enough
that I had to nerve myself for it
till I was past all
clarity or comprehension.
The girl...
died.
You can't imagine the
consequences to me.
There never have been enough
children in this house.
Through some inherited
quark of ego,
most of the Charles women
have flatly refused marriage
and on those occasions where it
was forced on them,
they took revenge on
their husbands
with stillborns.
Incompetence.
Now there's
Delilah and Grace
and Morgan
and Alonzo.
And no children between us.
Someday,
someday soon.
And you may see it if you
stay to work here.
South Hall will be spilling
over with children.
The sickly, the unwanted,
the abandoned,
I won't turn an child away.
What a lovely idea.
It would be redemptive.
I'll help you if you need me.
Your wife is being very
entertaining tonight.
But not half so
entertaining as me.
Someday you will learn that
women of sensibility
despise your crowing.
Women learn to like
everything about me.
There are two ways you talk to me,
while your hands are shaking
and after.
Did you manage to get in
that little chat
with Delilah's specialist?
I talked to them.
You're not hanging crepe.
What do they have to say?
She defies their skill and
ridicules their experience.
Doctors.
They're nothing but a pack
of money grubbers.
If any one of them had the
spirit or mercy.
He'd do away with Delilah
and put you out of your misery.
This house mean a lot to you,
Grace?
I've always loved South Hall.
Lovely, it my place of birth.
Without it you wouldn't have
much status in Nashville.
Enough money to live on but not
the status you crave.
My status has nothing
to do with it.
Where would you be
without your fox hunts
and your steeplechase?
It's a good thing Delilah
indulges your fancies.
What are you talking about?
It is her land.
That is not true and it
will never be true.
Oh, come on, Grace!
That's known as self-delusion.
Your papa didn't trust anybody but
Delilah to handle things.
South Hall Plantation
IS in her name
and nobody else's.
And Delilah could boot you out
tomorrow if she wanted to.
Don't talk to me that way
you miserable
little opportunist.
How come you haven't done it,
Grace?
Done what?
I'm talking about a
mercy Killing.
How dare you?
Opportunist.
I've invested two years in
this death watch.
And believe me, there have been
other opportunities.
Have you ever gotten your hands
really dirty, Grace?
And I'm not talking about
weeding rose gardens.
Soon after the supply
train was burned
our Calvary boys
caught the Yankees
napping down by the race track
and chased them all the way up
here to the house.
You can imagine the ruckus.
The shooting and hollering.
The bullets must've
been thick as bees
around the hollow tree.
While all this fighting
was going on,
my grandmother, Sydney Charles,
she couldn't have been any more
than 14 at the time,
she stood in full
view on the lawn,
oblivious to the bullets,
waving a handkerchief,
cheering the boys to go on.
Never a thought for
her own safety.
She's was dead game.
I have the boys chop
all our firewood.
I can't abide the whining
of those saws.
Now, Luddy, in that
building over there,
we have stored one of the the
finest collections
of carriages in the south.
We used to spruce them up
for their annual
spring pilgrimage.
That was back in the 30s
when things were still done
with some style,
despite the fact the world
was crashing down
around my papa's head.
Oh, I wish you could've seen it,
Luddy.
The bells and the hoop skirts,
the brass and shining leather
of the carriages.
It's hot for this
season of the year.
I believe I've had too
much sun myself.
Your color isn't good at all,
Luddy.
I'm afraid you've been taking your
duties much too seriously
in the short time that
you've been with us.
Now I told you, I want you to
consider yourself
to be a member of the family.
Oh, I never expected
anything like this!
Oh, you're just gonna have to
give me a minute to catch
my breath, Morgan.
Only a minute, baby duck.
I'm anxious to see my family.
It's been a long, long time.
Well, there's Ray.
Hello there, Ray.
Been duck shooting yet?
Almost every other
day this week.
Morgan, it's a pleasure to see
you looking so good.
Ma'am.
Buffy, may I introduce my
cousin, Ray Jurroe.
You know something, Ray,
I never have been able to
figure out just exactly
how it is we're cousins.
Oh, I know how that is.
I've got a whole slew of cousins.
They were just always on the foot
while I was growing up.
Well, it sure is a
pleasure to meet you.
Ray's a legal eagle.
Oh, I've always been so
fond of layers.
I do hope we have the
pleasure of seeing you
at South Hall later on, miss.
It's misses.
I expect I'll be here a
little while, yes.
Tell me, how's Delilah?
As well as...
Can be expected.
Same old song and dance, huh?
Lately, I must say, I've noticed
she's losing ground more rapidly.
As usual, she claims
the end is near.
Heard that before.
Well, Delilah's nothing.
She's not dead game, you've
gotta say that for her.
Also, she seems to be losing
her grip on reality.
Her mind's gone, is that it?
No.
I didn't say that at all.
Well, I'm afraid I'm a little late
for an appointment.
Morgan.
Miss Buffy.
We'll have to have a talk
real soon, Ray.
Oh, yeah, sure.
Very soon, I'm leaving for Paris
Wednesday morning.
Paris!
Oh, I just know you're going to
love it there, Mr. Jurroe!
All right, baby duck.
Hello, Morgan!
Hello there, Grace!
That's my sister.
Marshall?
Yes, sir?
Where is Richard?
I don't know, Mr. Alonzo.
I believe he went riding
with Miss Grace.
Find him and tell him
that I need him
at once.
Dressing for dinner,
Cousin Alonzo?
Where is it?
Oh, sure.
Give it to me.
Give it to me!
Here.
You oughta try injecting it
under you tongue.
That way, you'll never
leave any marks.
I'm sill able to give
myself an injection
without leaving any marks.
You should've been here hours ago!
I had some of other
business to take care of.
You mean...
You were taking care of Grace.
We went riding.
Honest.
Ellen will refuse to
see only so much.
Only so long.
Those sound like
threatening words, cousin.
You stop calling me cousin.
I am not related to you in anyway.
You might say we are
brothers under the skin,
except I knew when to quit.
You know I have not been well.
You've been
missing a lot of meals.
You'd be surprised how much your
appetite would improve
if you'd stay off the junk.
Would you please tell my family
that I will be a little
late for dinner?
Right on.
Just don't forget to come.
Command performance,
no exceptions.
I think we're all going to be
treated to a lecture
on how badly we're wasting the
family resources.
Leave me alone, Richard!
Morgan, guess what.
Mr. Jurroe wants to borrow me
for a little while
and take me to Paris with him.
Do what you want, Ray.
I'll trade you Buff even up for
that sweet, little old
Winchester 16 gage of yours.
Even up?
Well, you are talking about a
mighty fine shotgun.
Oh, now you're both
being horrible.
Children are the
salt of the earth.
Nothing else worth living for.
No, no, no, you're
getting the story all wrong.
Lady Tompkins was here to
tender the chestnuts.
I know things can't ever
be like they were
but doesn't this remind you of
the good time we had
when papa was here?
Papa is always here, Grace.
He's never left.
Don't you forget that.
Let's not be morbid.
Gentlemen, as we're all too
bloated to move for now,
you may light up your
cigars if you wish.
May I sincerely say bon voyage
just one more time?
I believe we said all the
necessary farewells to Ray.
But other farewells must be spoken
while there's still time.
While we're all gathered here.
Delilah's gonna make a speech.
On the contrary, Grace,
I've made my speeches year
in and year out
and a fat lot of good
they've done.
None of you had a gross worth of
sense when it came to mind.
As a result, it's been a desperate
struggle to hold together
what pitiful few workers we have.
Delilah, you trying to
say we're broke?
I can't believe that.
You've got too keen a
head for figures.
No, no, we're not broke.
South Hall, itself, is
worth somewhere close
to a million dollars.
And the major trust is
currently valued
at one million, six hundred
and 14 thousand,
nine hundred and 84 dollars
and 23 cents.
Well, that's tight enough sum.
Little more of this cognac,
please, Marshall!
Delilah, I never dreamed you'd
have the poor taste
to discuss such matters in front
of strangers and guests.
You always did
overrated my taste, Ray.
Yes, a tidy sum.
But the income from it has
barely been enough
to pay our taxes
and maintain certain of us in
our flights of profit.
And my medical bills have been
truly staggering.
Amen to that.
That is one burden
the three of you
will no longer have to bear.
It saddens me to announce
that the conclusion
of this gala feast
and I do not have long to live.
Perhaps 30 days, perhaps 60.
Not long.
Oh, for God sake, baby duck!
Now, Delilah, I've come rushing
home many times before
under the
misapprehension that you...
I have papa's word on it
that I will soon be joining him.
I just don't think
I can sit here
and listen to you go on...
Grace, sit down.
I don't think you'll wanna
miss what comes next.
What comes next?
The question is, once I'm gone,
what's to become of South Hall
and the trust I administer?
Well, all right, now
you've gone ahead
and opened up that can of worms.
None of you have any more
reverence for your home
and heritage than a grasshopper.
If it was left to
your own devices,
you'd snap up the first descent
bid and in six months time,
this property would be
overrun with bulldozers.
Papa and I could never
allow that to happen.
Therefore, I have willed South
Hall Plantation to the state.
What?
Oh, dear Lord.
Along wit ha
suitable sum of money
and it will be maintained forever
just as it has been in
the last century.
Now, listen here, Delilah!
Forever!
Ray, are you just gonna sit
there and say nothing?
You're always willing to have
Delilah in charge, Morgan.
No, you can't do that.
We talked.
You agreed, you said
it would be a marvelous thing
for my children.
Alonzo, you're a miserable fool.
What the devil's
gonna happen to us?
What about our share?
Oh, yes.
Oh, yes, your share.
I've made provisions.
Each of you will receive the sum
of five thousand
dollars of my trust.
That oughta last you something
like 30 days, Morgan,
if I may judge form your
past performances.
Five thousand dollars?
And my personal blessings.
Delilah, you're sure enough
looking for a fight.
If it's only money
that concerns you.
Luddy, will you help me, please?
Unlock that,
Luddy, please.
Pass it around.
It smells.
Smells moldy.
These are hundred dollar bills.
Where have you been hiding these?
Hundreds, 50s, 20s.
Nearly 12 thousand dollars.
I don't understand this,
Delilah.
It's very simple, Morgan.
I have found papa's horse money.
Horse money?
I thought that was a myth.
Let me In on It.
Yeah, tell him Ellen.
Well, some years ago,
back in 1930...
When South Hall was
in bad trouble
because of the Wall Street crash,
Uncle Bailey was
forced to sell off
his entire stable of thoroughbreds
in order to pay off his
bills and taxes.
It was one of the best racing
stables in the world
and the auction attracted
representatives
of kings and sultans.
Indeed, it did.
But before the horses
could be sold
there was a terrible fire
and some of the best horses
were destroyed.
Or at least as far as anyone knew,
they were the best.
The thoroughbreds were secretly
sold south of the border.
The insurance company's paid off,
which settled all accounts
and papa had 600 hundred
thousand cash money beside.
That money he hid here on
the plantation.
That was his insurance against
another rainy day.
I never have believed
that of papa.
I can't believe he'd resort
to short practices.
He would've resorted to murder
to save South Hall
from the ravages of time
and from his own children.
All right, so you've found
papa's horse money,
so what about it?
Why, it's all yours.
All you children have to do is to
find it like I did.
First come, first serve.
600 thousand dollars.
Luddy, let's get out of here.
Delilah, you are crazy as
an old hoot owl
and you're not gonna get
away with this!
Morgan.
Alonzo.
You too, Ray.
Come to the den.
This is family business, if
you don't mind.
Luddy, close the door.
I want to be alone for awhile.
Papa?
I did it.
I did it, papa.
We will break that will.
Grace, we haven't got the
means to fight it.
I give you my word on that.
Delilah gave me her solum word.
I am sorry about that, Alonzo.
So there's nothing we can do?
Accept the fact that Delilah is
going to have her way.
To hell she is.
What about this?!
All that talk about finding
papa's horse money,
that's all a lie.
She's just trying to torment us.
I'm not too sure about that,
Grace.
You mean she actually found it.
How could she?
She's a cripple.
She says papa told her
where to look for it.
But somebody had to go and
fetch it for her.
It appears to be the case,
under the circumstances.
Somebody like you, Ray?
Now, Morgan, I don't know
anything about that horse money.
Except what Delilah in her
infinite wisdom
has chosen to tell me.
You know something, cousin Ray?
What's that, Morgan?
I ain't so sure I believe you.
Momma.
Momma.
Momma!
No! No!
No!
No!
Momma!
Stop, momma!
I'm thirsty, mother.
Luddy!
Luddy!
Luddy!
Momma?
Who is it?
Who's there?
Luddy!
Why?
I
Don't know.
Luddy!
They'll send me to prison again.
I was dreaming.
I couldn't have done it.
I saw you with the ax
and that hand.
Where did you get the ax, Luddy?
I found it.
Where?
Out there on the ground.
Don't you believe me?
Why yes, Luddy, I think I do.
I've been in prison myself.
I know how you feel.
Stop that, Luddy, stop that!
Look at me!
I mean to help you.
He was never a good man, Luddy.
He never thought about
anybody but himself.
He was never, never my friend.
All I ever wanted in my
whole life, Luddy,
was just one true friend.
Can you understand that?
Right now I need a friend, Luddy.
I require your help.
I must find papa's horse money
before Grace or Morgan can get
their hands on it.
I need that money for my children!
May be too late already.
They won't stop me now.
I can't have the police here,
Luddy.
Now,
we're gonna have to do
something out Uncle Ray.
We're gonna have to find a
place to put him.
Are you up to that, Luddy?
Yeah.
Good.
Now there's a...
There's a wheelbarrow
around the corner.
Will you fetch it, please?
Yes, Alonzo.
Good morning, Delilah.
Good morning, Morgan.
How'd you sleep in your old bed?
Like a log, sister, like a log.
Put the tray over there,
would you please, May?
Thank you, kindly.
I thought I'd come up and have a
little breakfast with you.
Lord love you, Morgan.
Sleep well yourself, sister?
Like an old hoot owl.
Oh well, now.
I was a little upset when I
called you that
and I guess it was the
wine talking.
Bring those mums over here so I
get a better look at them.
That's very thoughtful of you,
Morgan.
You finally learned how
to please a woman
after all these years.
I never had to learn any lessons
when it came to women, Delilah.
What about this one your
have with you now?
Gonna marry her?
Buffy?
Now where would I be if I
went around marrying
all the Buffys of this here world?
Delilah,
I really need to talk to you.
I figured that.
You got the financial miseries?
Worst than I can ever remember.
I'm here to eat humble pie,
Delilah.
Papa would be very pleased of
these flowers, Morgan.
Why don't we go down to the
mausoleum and pay our respect?
On the way, you could
tell me about
this new case of the miseries.
Thank you, Delilah.
So it's a matter of little
over 40 thousand dollars, Delilah.
When are the auditors due?
A week from tomorrow.
That's all the time
you have left
to enjoy being a free man.
I swear to you, Delilah, I never
meant to get in so deep.
So you were working over
the books, huh?
Now, Delilah,
that's not a proper assessment
to the situation.
Oh, Morgan.
You're finally gonna get the can
tied to your tail.
This time there's nothing
Delilah can do.
There's plenty you can do.
Delilah just won't be
here much longer.
When are you ever gonna learn to
take care of yourself?
Delilah, I ain't asking
you to tell me
where papa's horse money is hid.
All I'm asking if for a little
piece of it to tie me over.
I swear to you, I don't care
about the rest of it.
You can give it to
Grace or Alonzo.
All I'm asking for is 40
thousand dollars.
You know something, Morgan?
I never told this to
a living soul.
But I guess, deep down,
you've always been my favorite.
I know that, Delilah,
that's what...
Now shush!
Listen to a little
piece of advice.
Now really listen for
the first time.
Delilah, what're you
trying to do to me?
Try to make a man of you.
Better late than never.
40 thousand dollars,
now that ain't asking for
the whole world.
My advice is take your
lumps this time.
Touch bottom.
Then there won't be any
place to go but up.
Delilah, this time
it means jail.
Two years with good behavior.
It's much more time than I have
to look forward to.
I ain't going to jail just to
satisfy you, sister!
There's measures I can take and
I'll be wise to take them!
Morgan wanted you to have
these nice flowers this morning,
papa.
Delilah!
You hear me in there, Delilah?!
Morgan!
Morgan!
Morgan!
I was just out for a walk
before breakfast...
I never suspected you'd turn out
to be an early riser, Buffy.
And I found this!
I mean, I stepped on it.
Look, Buffy, I'm in
no frame of mind
for company right now!
No, just look at it, Morgan!
Look inside.
What the devil?
It's an old 50 dollar bill.
Even with all that crude on it,
you can tell what it is.
Where'd you find it?
Away over there, near that
tumbled down shack.
The ground's been dug up lately
and filled back in again.
Morgan, do you supposed that 50...
I don't know.
I don't know.
Just don't say it
because if it is.
And there are more cans
like that over there.
Don't say it, just
take me there.
This is quite a coincidence,
don't you think so, Morgan?
The world rises and falls
on the strength of coincidence,
Buffy.
I mean, I didn't even see that
can until I stepped on it.
I was just gonna pitch it.
You know, Morgan,
some power outside myself
made me look inside.
Oh, I must've cut myself on that
rusty old tin can.
Do you think I'll get lockjaw,
Morgan?
Not right away, Buffy.
Hey, Marshall!
Yes, Mr. Charles?
What kind of digging
went on over here?
- New septic drain field, Mr.
- Charles.
How long ago?
Oh, expect about
three weeks now.
Was Delilah around when the
men were digging?
Yes, Sir.
She oversees everything
that's goes on
in South Hall, Mr. Charles.
She don't miss nothing.
Thank you kindly, Marshall.
Yes, Sir.
She don't miss a trick.
She don't miss a trick, Mr.
Charles.
I think I better get
a tetanus shot
just to be on the safe side.
First you go to my car and
pick up my shot gun
and a box of shells.
Then you get yourself som
digging clothes
because we got us a lot
of digging to do.
What do you want a shotgun for,
Morgan?
Digging up papa's horse
money is one thing,
keeping it is another.
Where you going, Marshall?
Get the ham for dinner.
Oh, let me.
I never been in the
smokehouse before.
Don't matter.
Mind you don't get too
close to them ashes.
Oh, look at all those delicious
hams hanging there.
Which one should I take down?
Don't make no difference.
Morgan, I don't know
how much longer
I can stand the smell.
Just keep digging.
The money's here and
we're gonna find it.
I can't keep up with you.
She wouldn't tell me
where it was hid.
Not even a hint.
I'll show Delilah!
Morgan.
Morgan.
Gonna throw your back out
working so hard, Morgan.
What do you want?
We thought maybe you could
use a little help.
Put that down!
That's my shovel and nobody's
digging here but Buffy and me!
Now back off, all of you!
Money's here and I'm
digging it up!
You're wasting your time,
Morgan.
There's no money buried here.
Got a better idea where
it's hid, Grace?
As far as I'm concerned,
papa's horse money merely the
stuff of legends.
Why don't you calm down before
you have a stroke?
I'll show you legends, Grace.
I'll show you legends!
Would you like one olive or two,
Morgan?
Does gin paralyze your
sense of smell?
It paralyzes my sense of smell.
And it makes me feel
good to be alive.
To be alive.
You suppose
you could spare the time to
help me up to bed?
Buffy?
Buffy?
Buffy?
Where's my sandwich?
I'm hungry!
Buffy!
What're you doing in there?
You know.
Why don't you go to the house
where it's more comfortable?
You told me not to get
out of earshot.
What's the ax for?
I found it inside.
Be careful, it's real sharp.
I cut my finger on it.
Well I could use it
to chop root.
Take it back with you.
Where you going?
Down to the well to wash up.
Make me another drink
while you're at it.
You never did tel me, is it
one olive or two?
Buffy, no olives.
No olives!
I really can't stand the taste
of those lousy olives
you keep putting in my martinis!
That's a major point of
incapability between us
because I certainly wouldn't think
of drinking a martini
without an olive in it.
We'll be in China before morning.
Morgan?
It's so sharp.
Buffy?
Now where she gone?
She got the trots or something?
My God.
Papal!
I'm afraid you'll have to fix
your own breakfast, Grace.
Did you say something to me?
We'll have to shift for
ourselves this morning.
Looks as if Marshall may have gone
on a little vacation.
Vacation?
They took their vacation in July.
Maybe so.
But they've packed and
they've gone.
Luddy?
Luddy, will you come here, please?
We need you.
Luddy?
No use.
Luddy's sound asleep.
From the looks of things, she's
had herself a hard night.
You make it your business
to check up on
everyone around here?
Cousin Grace,
you haven't heard the half of it.
Where are you going?
To get some air to
clear my head.
You want some company?
No.
Looks like the
treasure hunt is over.
Where is Morgan?
Now that's a good question.
He's not in his room, his bed
hasn't been slept in.
The same goes for, you know,
Muffy.
Buffy.
And they've gone too.
Well, no.
Morgan's car is still here.
So I expect they're still around.
Only I'll quote odds that they
didn't find the horse money.
There is no horse money.
Delilah's always thrived on these
nasty little intrigues.
She feels compelled to go on
making fools of us
right up to the end.
As for Morgan and
his girlfriend,
I think we could
probably turn them up
with a little digging.
You don't seem too worried
about the possible fate of
your brother, Grace.
I have long since
stopped worrying
about anyone else's fate.
Mirror, please Ellen.
You're grip is stronger today.
I feel strong.
Stronger than I have for weeks.
I may yet rise up and walk.
One last time.
How long has it been?
Since I walked?
Oh, five year...
No, five and a half years.
I think I'll wear a choke, Ellen.
All right.
And we'll have a brandy.
Napoleon brandy.
Diamonds?
My pearl and diamond.
You know, Elly,
anything I have is yours.
Yes, you told me.
Why don't you help yourself
while you have the opportunity?
I'm sorry.
It'd be like robbing...
The dead?
I'm sorry.
No, you're the one who's
due the apology.
I was only trying, in
my small way,
to make up for the three years
that you've lived at
my beckon call.
I've lived the way I wanted to.
I've been able to help you.
You've been a positive saint.
I hope once you're free of me,
you'd just spend some of your time
learning to be selfish.
Yes, Aunt Delilah.
I'll get the brandy.
May I compliment you, Elly?
On what?
You're the only
person in this house
whose never disappointed me.
That is a prodigious
accomplishment.
Much as I love papa,
he was mighty free with his
disappointments.
Of course, you've always
been terrified of me.
Yet I sense this is
no longer true.
I sense momentous changed in you,
Elly.
At least the tension of change.
Do you?
Elly,
would you like to know where the
horse money is hidden?
No.
He's ordered you to find out,
hasn't he?
No.
There, the beginnings of
disappointment.
There isn't much light left,
Aunt Delilah,
if We're going down to
the mausoleum.
There's plenty of light.
Plenty of time.
I'll get a sweater.
You want me to go with you.
He's a weak man, Elly.
He's not weak!
He is the strongest
man I ever met.
He's a cheat!
It's not cheating.
We talk about it.
There is a difference
between men and women
and I accept that difference
and it makes our marriage a good
marriage without hypocrisy.
I know what his weaknesses are
but it isn't so important.
Not so important where he goes
or who he goes to
as long as he comes back.
Get rid of him, Elly.
If you'd ever had a
man like Richard,
even for one night, you'd never
be able to say that!
Wait, Elly!
Papa?
Papa?
Is it you?
It is you.
It's so good to see you.
I've waited so long, oh don't go.
Don't go, papa, please don't go.
I've so much to tell you.
I've so much, please!
Papa!
Papa, please don't go!
Please, papa, don't go!
Please, papa, don't go!
Hello, the house!
Where is everybody?
Alonzo?!
Delilah?!
Anybody?!
Grace is requesting the
pleasure of your company!
Delilah?
Delilah is up and around.
Delilah!
Delilah?
Please,
stay out of here.
I have something
for you, Alonzo.
I don't want to eat.
Just leave me alone.
Something Richard sent.
No.
You're in pain.
No.
No more.
I'm through.
I wanna be clean again.
Roll up your sleeve.
How much you give me?
A year supply.
Have you counted it yet?
Are you kidding?
It'll take two days to
count all this.
Suppose you didn't have
any trouble finding it.
It's right where it had to be.
Papa was using most of
it for a pillow.
Now I wonder why it
took me so long
to figure the whole thing out.
Stands to reason, Delilah never
would've trust anyone
but papa with the money.
Hey!
600 thousand.
Give or take.
Aren't you interested?
Smells rotten.
It's been buried too long.
This money's in a
lot better shape
than papa was when I saw him.
How's Alonzo?
Did he take his
medicine like a man?
He was unconscious
when I left him.
Good.
How long does he have?
He should stop breathing
in about an hour.
Last chance to run your
fingers through the money.
I have to pack it up.
Good old Luddy's not gonna
asleep forever.
Papal!
How're you feeling?
Same way I always feel.
That's good.
Yes, it's very good.
I have to leave now.
I have to get on with it.
As long as you come back to me.
Nothing else matters.
I like you a lot, Elly.
You've been a big help.
I'm really sorry I have
to do this, Elly!
Luddy!
Luddy, come out here!
Help me, Luddy, please!
Help me!
I don't want to!
I don't want to, I can't!
Luddy, for God sake,
help me!
Where are you?
I can't see you.
That's right, Luddy.
You did it again.
No!
It was just lying here!
Oh come on, Luddy!
You know what you've done!
Fist Jurroe,
then Morgan and what's her name,
then Grace
and poor Ellen.
God rest.
Ellen?!
What's happened to Ellen?!
Then me.
Look at me, Luddy.
If you'd come just a little
closer, just one inch closer,
I'd be dead!
Pick up the ax.
You look more natural that way.
I haven't killed anybody.
Just you and me now and I'm
the soul survivor.
Winner take all.
Pick up the ax.
No!
Okay.
Doesn't really matter.
What have you done?
You, me, what's the difference?
They're all dead.
I thought it was Alonzo.
Wrong, Luddy!
Alonzo couldn't have
pulled this off.
Not many men have what it takes.
You killed Alonzo?
Ellen give him an overdose.
He'll stop breathing in
a few minutes.
Wait a minute, Luddy,
I'm not gonna chase you all
over this place.
Let's get it over with!
It's been a long night.
Don't touch that phone, Luddy.
I want Alonzo to die!
I said come back here, Luddy!
Just pick up the ax.
All you have to do is
pick up the ax
and hold it until I blew
your head off.
I don't care!
Let's just get it over with!
You have to die!
Damn you, Luddy!
Damn you!
Give up!
You're damned, old witch!
Alonzo!
You taught me everything I
needed to know, papa.
Please, papa.
How can I get to you?
How?
Well, Luddy?
All set to go?
Yes.
Where are we going, Alonzo?
I don't know.
We'll have to think about that,
Luddy.
Where would you like to go?
Mexico?
South America?
New Zealand.
All right.
Al right.
New Zealand it is.
Can't stay long, though.
Have to get back to our children.
Will we be able to keep
the money, Alonzo?
Oh, almost half of it.
We'll have some taxes to pay
but there will be enough left
over for the children.
Now why don't you just turn
this contraption off
and I'll push.
Maybe I better walk.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
Doctor's orders.
One more day till you get
your strength back.
You think 25 is too many
to start with?
No.
Oh no, I don't think that's
too many children.
Yes, Sir.
She don't miss a trick.
She don't miss a trick, Mr.
Charles.