Of Human Hearts (1938) Movie Script

What you pulling the bell for,
Elder Massey?
Howdy, Mr. Inchpin.
What is it?
Fire?
Steamboat's a-coming.
Wow. Only 4 days late this month.
- New preacher's on that boat.
- New preacher?
Yep.
I'll race you down to the landing.
Hey, pop!
The steamboat's a-coming.
Steamboat's a-coming!
Hey, steamboat's a-coming!
Steamboat's a-coming!
Steamboat's a-coming!
Steamboat's a-coming!
Mrs. Andsley!
Mrs. Andsley!
The boat's a-coming.
The boat's a-coming!
Thanks, Grace.
Mrs. Allum!
Oh, Mrs. Allum!
What is it?
The boat's a-coming!
Reverend Wilkins?
I'm Elder Massey.
How do you do, sir?
This is Mrs. Wilkins.
Mrs. Wilkins.
My son Jason.
Howdy, son.
The folks are all waitin' for you.
I'm Rufus Inchpin, reverend.
- Welcome to pine hill.
- Thank you, sir.
I reckon this looks a lot
Wilder to you than Maryland.
It is my duty to carry the
gospel into the wilderness.
This is my call.
I answered.
Oh, this is George Ames, reverend.
- How do you do, Mr. Ames?
- Reverend.
What's the population here?
There they are.
Is that all?
Got a nice little house
all ready for you, reverend.
Now, suppose you folks just hop
on the wagon with your furniture.
I'll have you home in a jiffy.
Thank you, Mr. Ames.
Come on, my dear.
Giddyap!
Mom, is this Ohio?
Yes, dear.
What's that across the river?
That's Virginia.
Don't you remember your map?
Yes, but on the map,
Ohio was brown, and Virginia was red.
They both look green to me.
Well, folks,
there's your new home.
Giddyap!
Whoa!
Now here we are, folks.
I'll have you bedded down quicker
than a cat can lick its chops.
Mr. Ames, I didn't
see the schoolhouse.
We ain't got none, ma'am.
The last one we had burned down,
so we didn't figure there's much
sense in building it up again.
We kind of figured too much
book-learnin' was bad for children.
-Lem?
-Yeah?
You and Pete help me
with this stuff, will you?
Alright.
Girl: Hello.
Hello. Is that your house?
Yeah. Is that yours?
Uh-huh.
What's this?
Guess.
Oh, I know.
Say, this is alright.
What's your name?
Jason. What's yourn?
Annie.
Mrs. Wilkins: Jason.
- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.
Well, it doesn't look very
inviting, does it, dear?
Wait till we get it fixed up.
You won't know it.
Mother's sideboard will
make a big difference,
and the paintings,
grandmother's teapot,
and the Saint Bartholomew
candlestick.
Well, son.
This'll never be as nice
as our last place.
Now, now.
Don't bump against that door.
Be careful!
There you are.
Take it in easy.
Excuse me, folks.
We're coming in.
There. Doesn't it begin
to look like home?
Windows are awfully dirty.
We'll wash those tomorrow, son.
They won't clean themselves, son.
Mary, there isn't another
woman in the whole world
that can turn a bare house into
a palace as quickly as you can.
- It's the furniture.
- It's you, dear.
And just think,
they didn't break a thing.
You'd have been pretty
cross if they did, I bet you.
Not cross, son,
but I'd have felt badly.
I grew up with this furniture,
and I'm attached to it.
Sorry to bother you, reverend.
Oh, come in, Mr. Inchpin.
Come in.
Thank you.
We was wondering how
you were off for money.
I was told my finances would be
handled by the community.
That's right, they will.
We kind of figured it might be a
good idea to hold a meeting tonight
to get you straightened around.
I should be happy to attend.
We're going to have a donation party.
I guess you know what that is.
Folks chip in with this and that
so as to get you squared away.
That's very kind of you.
We figured to gather at the meetinghouse
about an hour after sundown.
Is that alright?
Perfectly, and thank you
very much, gentlemen.
Howdy, son.
- Mom.
- Yes, dear?
What kind of stuff do they give, mom?
In a place like this, Jason,
everyone is poor.
Money is scarce, and the
people have to pay the minister
the best way they can.
If they can't pay him with money,
then they give him
furniture, food, and clothes.
Oh.
You mean, we have to wear
other people's clothes?
Things they don't want anymore?
Yes, dear.
Pop, too?
No, dear.
Just you and I.
We're not going to like it here, mom.
God called your father
to this place, Jason.
Beulah land, page 64!
One verse and one chorus!
Beulah land!

Ahhhh
I've reached the land
of corn and wine
And all its riches freely mine
There shines undimmed
one blissful day
For all my night has passed away
O beulah land
Sweet beulah land
As on thy highest mount I stand
How old are you, Sonny?
12 years old, sir.
Won't cost much to feed him.
And view the shining glory shore
My heaven, my home forever more
More
It's doc shingle.
He's been at it again.
You'd better take a walk, doc.
You need some air.
Folks, this meeting tonight is to
acquaint you with our new preacher--
Reverend Ethan Wilkins!
Reverend Wilkins has come
all the way from Maryland
to give us the spiritual guidance
we're so much in need of.
Reverend Wilkins.
Good people, Providence has seen
fit to put me down amongst you.
From this moment forward,
your lives will be my life,
your troubles mine,
your happiness my own.
This meeting has another purpose.
This I leave entirely in your hands.
Parson Wilkins is referring
to money, folks.
Now, we sent east for a preacher,
and we said we could pay him
$400 a year in his keep.
But a lot of things
have happened lately.
We've had a lot of rain,
crops is bad, and business is bad.
Well, Parson, we might as
well come out flat and tell you
that if we give you $400 a year,
we're not only taking the food
out of our own mouths
but out of the mouths
of our children.
He's right. The last loaf of
sugar I bought at Mr. Ames' store
cost almost more
than I could afford.
Sister Cantwell,
I got to get my profit.
I ain't saying you ain't,
but just look at the price
of short sweetening.
Why don't you use long sweetening?
Molasses is cheap.
I ain't going to be
taxed like all get-out
to help take care of the preacher.
I think he ought to make
a new dicker with us--
a fair dicker.
Now hold on.
A bargain's a bargain.
Human beings don't eat grass,
and they don't grow
their clothes on their backs
like horses and cows.
I'm ready with my share.
Here's a dress I was a-fixin'
over for Annie,
but I says to myself, "no."
I says, "it's my duty to
give it to the Parson's wife,"
and that's just what I'm gonna do.
This here's a good dress, too.
I ain't had it more than a year.
My ma has her dresses
made by a dressmaker.
Brothers and sisters,
I think we ought to do
the very best we can
towards Parson Wilkins
and his family.
The very best.
I got a lot of confidence in him--
Stop, George.
No, I'll be darned if I do.
Fair play is the finest Jewel
in the, uh...
Diadem.
Now, folks, hear me out.
Then do what you like.
I'm for making the Parson
a liberal allowance.
I say give the Parson $250 a year
in cash, notes, produce,
and merchandise,
the produce and merchandise
being due and payable at my store.
Now, maybe we've given
other preachers more than that,
but they've had bigger families.
Now, what do you say?
- Fine. Fine.
How's that, Parson?
Fair enough?
Well, since we're going to
do so wellby the Parson,
I guess he won't need them victuals and
other things we was fixin' to give him.
Oh, yes, he will.
I brung a lot of stuff,
and I'm donatin' it.
Let's have some singin',
Elder Massey!
Bringing in the sheaves!
Page 82!
And while we're singin', the
congregation can come up the aisle
and put their donations
in the baskets.
Bringing in the sheaves.
Ahhh
Sowing in the morning
Sowing seeds of kindness
Sowing in the noontide
And the dewy leaves
Waiting for the harvest
Ahh, I didn't want them, anyway.
They're too tight.
We shall come rejoicing
Bringing in the sheaves
Massey: In the sheaves
Bringing in the sheaves
Bringing in the sheaves
We shall come rejoicing
Bringing in the sheaves
Bringing in the sheaves
Bringing in the sheaves
We shall come rejoicing
Bringing in the sheaves
In the sheaves
Seeing these bountiful gifts,
I think the reverend should lead
us all in a prayer of Thanksgiving.
Let us pray.
Father, we thank thee
for the goodness and mercy
thou hast put into the
hearts of each one of us.
Ha ha ha ha ha!
Quiet, please.
Ha ha ha!
Quiet.
Why are you laughing?
Don't look at me, Parson.
It's him.
You must remain quiet
if you wish to stay here.
Both of you.
Ha ha ha!
Look here, Parson--
Forgive me.
Most high, thou hast led our feeble
steps to this fair, young city.
Thou has put into the hearts
and the minds of the people here
to feed and clothe me and mine,
and we thank thee that thou,
in thy infinite wisdom,
has given me but one child
to feed and one wife to clothe.
Amen.
Mom! Mom, look what I got.
Magazines!
Well, isn't that fine?
They're the only ones in pine hill.
I've been all over,
and they're the only ones.
Well, you are lucky.
Where did you get them?
Dr. Shingle.
You'll have to take them
right back, Jason.
Why, mom?
Are you mad at Dr. Shingle?
What's this I hear about Dr. Shingle?
Oh, nothing.
He gave Jason some magazines.
Yes? What kind?
Bon-ton gazettes.
I want them returned at once.
Aw, pop. I can't take them back.
He gave them to me.
Very well.
I'll take them.
Why'd I learn to read
if I can't have any books?
This is trash.
I'll find other books for you.
There aren't any others.
Dr. Shingle's the only man
in this town that reads.
Very well.
I'll find a book for you.
I've read it.
Almost know it by heart.
Jason.
No, Ethan.
I will not tolerate insolence.
He didn't mean anything.
Please.
Oh, dear.
The stew's boiling over.
Go on in and sit down, dear.
I'll see that he returns
the magazines.
I'll see to it myself.
Jason, you shouldn't
anger your father.
Oh, I didn't mean to.
Well, go on out in the yard and play.
Mom, what's the matter
with Dr. Shingle?
Oh, never mind.
You mean because he's a drunkard?
Shh.
He plays cards, too.
He does?
Now, Jim, don't you say a word.
Let me do all the talking.
I won't say a word, George.
You handle the whole thing.
I'll get twice as much as he's worth.
Alright.
Maybe 3 times.
Good.
- Good evening, Parson.
- Good evening, Mr. Ames.
Hope I didn't interrupt your supper.
No, not at all.
What is it?
I don't like to disturb
a man when he's eating,
but knowing you was in
the market for a horse...
He's not much to look at, Mr. Ames.
Neither is an oyster,
but it tastes good.
All he needs is a little
clipping, reverend.
He belongs to my friend
Mr. Meaker here.
You know Jim Meaker.
Mr. Meaker.
Howdy, reverend.
How old is he, Mr. Meaker?
5 years old.
He'll be 5 this fall.
5 years old?
Well, maybe 6.
I could be wrong about a year.
You've been imposed upon, Mr. Meaker.
This horse is 11 years old.
11?
Great balls of fire!
Suffers from colic.
Spavin, too.
And here's a split hoof.
Well, well, well, well.
- You mean he ain't no good, reverend?
- I'm afraid not much, gentlemen.
Well, what do you think of that, Jim?
You've been stuck again.
Yep. It looks like there ain't
nobody honest nowadays.
Do you gentlemen mind
stepping in the house?
I'd like to have
a little talk with you.
I've been thinking about
my discourse for next Sunday.
Perhaps you gentlemen
would like to suggest a subject.
Well, I can't think of anything
right now, reverend.
Now, in Matthew,
in the 25th chapter...
The 35th verse, we have,
"I was a stranger,
and you took me in."
Now, you remember
the quotation, of course.
"I was a stranger,
and you took me in."
Now, you gentlemen
misinterpret that phrase.
You seem to think it means
to take advantage of,
to get the best of.
Well, I haven't given it
much thought, reverend.
"I was a stranger,
and you took me in."
They sheltered him,
gave him aid and
sustenance in his misery.
They shared what they
had with him, little as it was.
But in helping him,
they helped themselves.
I'll get you another horse.
Now, uh...
In Isaiah, the 24th chapter,
the 16th verse, we have,
"the treacherous dealers
have dealt treacherously."
Yea, the treacherous dealers
have dealt very treacherously.
I'll get you a Colt this time.
Of course, the greatest sermon
of all...
is do unto others as you
would have them do unto you.
It carries a beautiful sentiment
and nobleness of thought,
and besides,
the best way to do business.
Yes, gentlemen.
That will be my sermon
for next Sunday--
Do unto others.
That's the ticket, Parson.
Do unto others.
Yes, sirree.
Yes, sir.
Do unto others...
Before they get a chance
to do unto you.
You're tucked in here
mighty nice, Parson.
Yes, sir.
Mighty nice.
Oh ho! Bon-ton gazettes, huh?
- You mind if I borrow them, Parson?
- You may keep them, Mr. Ames.
Oh, no, no, no.
Not for good.
Well, if you insist.
My boy Chauncey will be
mighty glad to get these.
No. They're mine!
Dr. Shingle gave them to me.
Jason.
But, pop, he's going to
give them to his little boy.
- Why can't I have them?
- That will do.
But that's not fair.
They're mine!
Jason, I shall determine from
now on what you will read.
Pretty sassy, that boy.
Did I tell you children are getting
harder and harder to raise every year?
He's as good as most boys, I think.
- Oh, good evening, sister Wilkins.
- Good evening.
That's mighty high-class
stuff you got there.
Look at that, Jim.
Solid silver.
No.
You folks must have been
pretty well-off back east.
Worldly things, Mr. Meaker.
I was thinking of getting
some new silverware.
Does this stuff come high?
It's quite old.
We've had it a long time.
Well, it sure is fine stuff.
Now, Mr. Meaker,
if you can find a good horse...
I'll get you a bargain
this time if I go broke doing it.
Now, Jim, don't get
yourself all worked up.
Good evening, Parson.
Goodnight, gentlemen.
Do unto others.
He's a good man, Jim.
A mighty good man.
Yeah. He had me kind
of ashamed of myself.
Well, Jim, you've got
a lot to be ashamed of.
Me? How about you?
From now on, I'm going
to give honest value.
You mean that?
I mean it, Jim.
George, I'm proud of you. Ha!
George, how much do you want
for that Colt of yours?
Well, now, let me see.
I, uh...
Too much. Come on.
There, there, son.
Don't cry.
Why couldn't I have the magazines?
Dr. Shingle gave them to me.
Well, perhaps they were
wrong for little boys.
They're alright for Chauncey Ames.
Shh.
Your father knows best, Jason.
You always say that.
I know.
I'll get you some Harper's monthly.
I don't want Harper's.I...
Harper's monthlys?
Will you, mom?
I'll get you a year's subscription.
But that'll cost a lot of money.
Never mind.
I thought we were poor.
You said...
I'll find the money somewhere.
Oh, Harper's monthlys!
Say.
Gee whillikins!
Say, I bet nobody in this town
ever saw one of them.
Jason.
- Good day, sister Wilkins.
- Good day, Mr. Ames.
A pound of salt, please.
A pound of salt?
That was a mighty fine sermon
last Sunday, sister Wilkins.
Yes, sir. Folks was
very much took by it.
That part about do unto others.
Yes, sir.
Do unto others.
Hmm. Great stuff.
If folks would only
abide by it. Yeah.
Anything else?
No, that's all.
There you are.
Thank you.
Oh, Mr. Ames.
Yes?
Last week, you were
interested in my silverware.
Well, I've seen finer, of course.
Oh, uh...
You weren't aiming
to sell these, were you?
Well, how much did you
figure on getting for them?
Well, I thought...
$4.00.
$4.00?
Why, Mrs. Wilkins!
But they're solid silver.
Yeah, I know,
but they're just spoons.
Old-fashioned ones, at that.
Well, how much, then?
Well, I tell you what I'll do.
I'll give you $2.00 for them.
That's twice as much
as they're worth,
but after all, you are
the Parson's wife.
Alright, Mr. Ames.
There you are.
$2.00.
May I use the pen?
There it is.
Hello, Jason.
Oh, I was just
straightening up your sign.
Were you?
I wish you could do the same for me.
Sir?
Let it pass, lad.
Let it pass.
Come in.
Well, I haven't seen you
in a long time.
I'm not allowed to come here.
No, I suppose not.
I'm quite a villain.
You don't look like a villain.
Oh, I'm an awful scoundrel.
Why do you wear
that thing in your eye?
What? Oh, this.
It helps me to remember.
Like tying a string
around your finger?
Yes, something like that.
When it falls on the floor,
you remember.
No. When it falls on
the floor, it breaks.
Oh. Ha ha!
Dr. Shingle, are you really a drunkard?
Well, I suppose I am, Jason. Yes.
Why are you?
Why is your father a preacher?
Well, because he likes it, I guess.
Well, that's why I'm a drunkard.
And you play cards.
Oh, yes.
Yes, indeed.
And smoke.
Mm-hmm.
You mustn't do those things,
Dr. Shingle.
-Why not?
-Because it's wrong.
Pop says it is, and he knows.
Well, we can't all of us
do what's right.
If we did, there wouldn't
be any work for your father.
Now, you wouldn't want your father
to be out of work, would you?
No.
Well, then.
Did you enjoy the magazines?
I didn't get to read them.
Pop gave them away
before I had a chance.
Mmm. That's too bad.
Have you got any more?
No, I haven't.
I'm sorry.
That's alright.
Mom's sending to New York
for some new ones.
Harper's monthlys this time.
Say... can I borrow
this till they get here?
Well, I don't think you'd enjoy that.
What's it about?
Oh, it's about medicine and doctoring
and sewing people up and all that.
I found a bird once with
a broken leg, and I fixed it.
Did you?
How did you fix it?
With two little pieces of wood
and a piece of thread.
Oh, splints, eh?
Then I kept it in the attic
for two weeks.
When I took the little
pieces of wood off,
it could walk almost
as good as ever.
There you are.
You're a doctor, and you don't know it.
I like things like that.
Well, then you'd like that book.
I wouldn't mind being a doctor...
Someday.
Is it hard?
Oh, very simple.
All you have to do is to learn
everything in that book
and everything that's
in a thousand other books,
and then you're a doctor.
Like you?
Well...
Like me, if you choose.
But I think I'd aim slightly higher.
There goes your mother, lad.
Oh, uh, can I take this till
my Harper's monthlyscome?
It'll make you have bad dreams.
Oh, I never dream.
Don't you?
Never dream, eh?
Lucky boy.
Mom!
Where have you been?
Talking with Dr. Shingle.
He's an awfully nice man, mom.
Look. He lent me this book.
Your father will be angry.
I know, but we don't have to
tell him, and I can hide the book.
That isn't honest, Jason.
Well, we can't all do what's right.
If we did, there'd
be no work for pop.
We wouldn't want him
out of work, would we?
Come on, boys!
All together! All together!
Whoa, boy.
Whoa, ho! Whoa!
Whoa, boy!
Ethan: Whoa, boy!
Whoa, ho!
Whoa.
Man: Thanks, Parson.
That horse is the devil.
He's just frightened, that's all.
Frightened, eh? Well, you can buy
him pretty cheap if you think so.
Ethan, he's our horse.
He's come to our very door.
He's pretty wild, Mary.
He's just excited, that's all.
Ethan, don't you see?
You need a horse.
It's almost as though
he were sent to us.
I'll take some of that out of him!
Hold on there!
What will you take for that horse?
$20, and I'll be glad
to get rid of him.
It's a deal.
You mean it?
He's yours.
Whoa. Whoa, whoa.
Whoa, boy.
Whoa. Whoa!
There. Oh...
Alright, take the harness off.
Get rid of the collar there.
Alright, gentlemen,
the excitement is over.
Well, Jim, looks like we're
in the wrong business.
Pull up the bar, son.
What will you do if
he acts up again, pop?
I don't think he'll act up.
He's just whip-shy, that's all.
I'd never use a whip.
Maybe he's balky.
No, I don't think so.
What are you going to call him?
Bill or champ or something.
Hmm. Only 4 years old.
Look, dear, his eyes
are so brown and kind.
Let's call him "Pilgrim."
Pilgrim?
Why Pilgrim, Mary?
Well, he's come to our very door.
Don't you remember
the old hymn--
"I'm a Pilgrim, I'm a stranger"?
You've got a lot of poetry
in you, Mary,
and some of the things
you say are mighty pretty.
Yes, I guess Pilgrim
would be a good name.
Oh, Pilgrim.
Our Pilgrim.
Hello, son!
Hello, pop!
You're back quick!
Oh, put him up, son.
Mary: Ethan, dear,
I didn't expect you until tomorrow.
Oh, no water now, son.
He's come a long way.
Alright, I won't.
Come on, Pilgrim.
Hello, Jason.
Hello, Annie.
- Can I help you?
- No. I can manage it.
Ha ha ha!
He's sure a pretty horse, alright.
Wish we had him.
He's a thoroughbred.
He is?
Sure. Pop wouldn't have
anything else.
Can I ride him sometime?
Maybe.
I don't know if he likes girls.
Do you?
What?
Like girls?
Oh, they're alright, I guess.
Hey, Pilgrim.
Come on.
Say, you're alright.
Do you think so, Jason?
Ha ha!
Never would have thought of that!
What are you going to do
when you grow up?
Oh, I don't know.
Be a doctor, maybe.
I mean...
- Are--are you going to be married?
- Well, I should say not.
I like preachers better than doctors.
Takes brains to be a doctor--
a good one like Dr. Shingle.
Mom thinks preachers are wonderful.
I don't know what I'll be.
Maybe I'll be an acrobat.
They're nice, too.
Woman: Annie!
Annie!
I might be a tightrope Walker.
Jason!
Your Harper's monthlys
have come. Look.
Back numbers, too.
Why, Jason, aren't you glad?
They're alright,
but I like this better.
Look, mom.
Look at that.
Good heavens, what is it?
Wound in a man's leg--
A bad one, too.
Terrible.
Now turn over the page.
There. That's what it looks
like after it's been sewed up.
You know, mom, it's wonderful
the way they can fix up
cuts and things like that.
Why, that man would have died
if they hadn't sewed him up,
and now he's alive and healthy.
Then you don't want
the magazines, Jason?
I want to look at them after a while.
They seem kind of silly
beside this book, mom.
Get ready for supper, son.
We thank thee, father,
for this and all thy bounties.
Teach us to avoid the pitfalls
of prejudice, pride, and vanity.
Make us thoughtful
of the weak, the sick,
the needy, and the unfortunate,
and make our humble lives
a reflection of thy goodness.
We ask these things
in thy name. Amen.
Are you tired, dear?
It's a long trip to Brownville.
Did the israelites think
of being tired or distance
when they set out to find
the promised land?
But they had to go.
Soldiers were chasing them.
Ah, you've been reading
your Bible again.
No, sir.
Just remembered that.
- Hi, Jay.
- Hi, Chauncey.
-Howdy, Parson.
-Hello, son.
Got any more magazines, Jay?
I heard you did. Pop said it.
See you after a while, Chauncey.
Oh, oh, alright.
I'll be in front of the store.
In case you did get some,
I'll swap you for this.
Sharp as a razor.
Regular frogsticker.
Bye.
Bye.
Ethan: More magazines, son?
Yes, sir.
I thought I made myself clear
on that point.
But, Ethan, these are
Harper's monthlys.
The name doesn't matter.
In spite of what I've said,
you've brought magazines into this
house again without my permission.
Ethan, I got them for him.
It's my fault.
Mary, please.
Now, what have you
to say for yourself?
Nothing, sir.
Don't you think you should apologize?
No, sir.
My wishes mean nothing to you?
You don't have to read the magazines.
There can be only one answer to that.
You know what it is.
Yes, sir.
Why was I given
such a rebellious son?
Mary: Perhaps to give you more
understanding of children, dear.
Come with me.
Jason, why do you defy your father?
It's alright, mom.
It won't hurt very much.
Jason, you are impertinent, impudent.
You didn't say anything
about Harper's.
You should have asked my permission,
but that doesn't matter now.
You were rude.
Don't you see that you were?
No, I don't.
Yes, I think you do,
and it distresses me.
Jason, we want you
to be a good boy--
polite, respectful to
your mother and myself.
We want your confidence.
We want you to feel
that we are your friends,
not just your parents.
I didn't do anything wrong,
and you know it.
Very well.
Inside.
Now, then...
When you have conquered
your rebellious spirit,
you may come in
and have your supper.
Jason.
Jason.
Jason.
Come inside, dear.
I've kept your supper warm.
I don't want any supper.
Well, it's time for bed. Come.
I didn't do anything wrong.
He whipped me for nothing.
No, son.
You were rude-- disrespectful.
You'd better tie Pilgrim.
He seems nervous.
Uh-huh.
Mom, come here quick.
Look. He's all cut and bleeding.
Oh, how in the world did that happen?
He must have snagged
it on something.
Oh, his poor shoulder.
Mom, I can fix it.
Oh, Jason.
Mom, I can.
Honest I can.
All I need is a needle and thread.
I know just how to do it.
I can sew him up.
Dr. Shingle's book tells
all about it. Come on.
Get me a needle
and some hot water quick!
Watch him.
Don't let him bite me.
Bite you?
My dear, he's just trying to thank you.
There, that will do it.
He'll be alright in a couple of weeks.
But there will be a scar.
Yes, but he'll get well,
and that's the main thing.
From India's coral strand
Where Afric's sunny fountains
Roll down their golden sand
From many an ancient river
From many a palmy plain
They call us to deliver
Their land from error's chain
Massey: Chain
And now before
we close the service,
I want to say goodbye to
you all for the next two weeks.
I must ride the circuit,
journey into the hills
into the back country,
and there minister
to the spiritual needs
of those less fortunate
than ourselves.
I'm taking my boy Jason with me
so that he may see and
understand the difficulties
with which
these people struggle.
And now if miss Hawks will
play the concluding hymn--
one moment, reverend Wilkins.
What is it, doctor?
I'd like to say a few words
with your permission.
I want to remind all of you that
it was just 10 years ago today
that the reverend Wilkins
first set foot in pine hill.
For 10 years,
he served this community
and served it well,
but how has it served him?
Pretty badly, I think.
He still works for the same salary
that we tricked him
into accepting 10 years ago.
Now, you keep out of this, doc.
A bargain's a bargain.
And a very fine bargain
for us, too.
He feeds our souls,
and we starve his body.
Now, hold on!
Hold on!
Cold weather's a-comin'.
Comes every year, George Ames!
Sister Cantwell,
you pay your bills
before you talk about
raising folks' wages.
Now, friends, please, please.
This is no--
sorry, reverend,
but the fat's in the fire.
Doc shingle started it.
Let's finish it...
Right here in open meeting!
Now see what you done, doc!
Have a seat, Mr. Ames.
We've always wanted
to do the right thing,
but George Ames
has been agin it.
What say?
Shall we raise the Parson's salary?
All: Yeah!
Shame, shame--
Talking about money
in front of the Parson.
How do you suppose
Mrs. Wilkins feels?
She'll feel a lot worse if we don't!
She's always done her share and
a good deal more than her share.
It's about time
she's getting paid back for it.
Parson Wilkins has done us all
a lot of good.
He ain't done me no good.
Can't expect miracles.
Be fair, George.
Be fair.
But we ain't got the money.
You all know that.
You can't get blood out of a turnip.
Then quit being a turnip!
Blood out of a turnip.
That's very good, Mr. Ames.
Doc, please go home.
I'm going to bleed you tomorrow.
Have you forgotten?
That's right. You are.
Now, let's not excite ourselves.
A word to the wise.
Well, folks, uh,
I've been a-thinkin'.
I think maybe doc shingle's right.
We should raise
the Parson's salary--
say, uh, $50 a year.
Let's do a good job.
Let's make it 100.
Alright, uh, 100 it is, then.
How's that, Parson?
Huh?
My friends, I thank you
for your generosity.
He who hears our lightest word,
he who marks the sparrow's fall
will glory in the nobleness
of the spirit that prompts it.
Now let us raise our voice in song.
Miss Hawks.
In the sweet by and by!
Page 91!
In the sweet by and by!
There's a land
that is fairer than day
And by faith we can see it afar
For the father waits over the way
To prepare us
a dwelling place there
In the sweet by and by
We shall meet
on that beautiful shore
In the sweet...
Pump. Pump!
On that beautiful shore
What's the matter, Annie?
You could have told me
you were going away.
Well, I didn't know.
Pop didn't decide until after supper.
I'm sorry you're going, Jason.
So you won't be here tomorrow.
Oh, no, Dr. Shingle.
I'm very sorry.
That's too bad.
I'm going to bleed Mr. Ames tomorrow.
You would have enjoyed that.
Oh...
You couldn't put it off, could you?
Oh, dear, no.
He might get well.
You must learn to take
advantage of your opportunities,
Jason, if you're going to be a doctor.
Yes, sir. Goodnight, Annie.
I'm very sorry, sir.
Oh, that's alright.
I'll find another excuse to bleed him
by the time you get back.
Goodnight.
It will be lonesome
without you, Jason.
I'll be lonesome, too.
Will you?
I'll be thinking
about you all the time, Annie.
I'll be thinking
about you, too, Jason.
Ooh! Ooh...
- What, did you hurt yourself?
- My knee.
Oh.
Well, is it bad?
Well, it hurts.
Well, here. Let me see.
Why, Jason Wilkins!
Oh, that's alright.
I'm a doctor!
I'm going to be a doctor,
and this might be a fracture.
Take care of yourself, Ethan.
- Keep your chest bundled up.
- Alright, dear.
And don't ride after sundown.
It gets so cold.
All ready, pop?
Bye, dear.
Goodbye, Ethan.
Bye, mom.
Goodbye, son.
Come on.
Come on here!
Pilgrim!
Come on, Pilgrim!
Come on, Pilgrim.
Your saddlebag.
Goodbye, dear.
Goodbye, dear.
Goodbye.
Somebody coming?
Well, land of the living!
It's the circuit rider.
Well, sister Clark!
Parson Wilkins!
Well, for land's sakes,
who'd have thought of
seeing you way up here?
Well, the Shepherd must go
into the wilderness
to find his sheep, sister Clark.
Ain't it the truth?
Why, I ain't seen you
for nigh on to a year.
Well, tie up your animals
and--and come in and sit.
Come on, Luke.
Here, Luke.
Oh, I'm mighty glad
to see you, Parson.
Well, how's your spiritual
condition, sister Clark?
Oh, bad, Parson.
I'm getting so I'll talk to myself.
Been cussing right smart, too.
Well, I'm sorry to hear that.
Well, I got a powerful
misery in my back,
and my teeth ain't no good, and...
My rheumatiz catches me
every once in a while.
It--it gets quite bad at times.
Yes, I--I have an awful time
with it sometimes.
Well, uh...
Well...
You rid all the way up here
just to see me?
Just to see you and to lead you one
step nearer to the light, sister Clark,
and tonight we hoped
we might abide in your hospitality,
and tomorrow we'll have
a little meeting
for you and your neighbors.
This is my boy Jason.
Oh! He a Parson, too?
No. Perhaps he'll be a doctor.
Land of the living!
To think of a Parson and a doctor
coming to my house at one time.
I reckon that never happened
before to nobody.
Well...
You folks hungry?
I'll fetch you--
dang it.
There ain't a hunk of pork
in the house.
Well, if you wouldn't mind waiting,
maybe I could catch a chicken.
Oh, no, no.
Don't bother, sister Clark.
Well, all I got in the house
is some cornmeal and molasses.
That's plenty--plenty,
sister Clark.
You sure, now?
When the soul is at peace,
the body is easily satisfied.
Ain't it the truth?
Come, I'll look.
But, pop, couldn't we have
waited for the chicken?
Now, we'll have cornmeal
and molasses,
and no matter how it tastes,
we'll eat it, you understand?
If we don't, sister Clark
will feel humiliated.
Father, we thank thee for this
and all thy bounties. Amen.
Amen.
Well, well, that's mighty
fine mush, sister Clark.
It's got short sweetening in it.
Had much rain down your way, Parson?
Yes, bountiful rain, sister Clark.
A mite too bountiful, I think.
Yes, bountiful rain, sister Clark.
Ain't going to do the corn no good.
There's a reason for
everything, sister Clark.
Ain't it the truth?
Ha ha!
Excuse me.
That sure is good mush,
if I do say it myself.
Indeed it is, sister Clark.
Indeed it is.
Jason.
Yes, sir?
This is an important
event in sister Clark's life--
our stopping here tonight.
She never had a minister
visit her before.
Well, I don't wonder at that.
That frog, pop--
Why, it made me sick.
Suppose I'd called her attention
to it-- told her it was there.
She never would have recovered
from the mortification--
the only time the minister
stopped with her.
It wasn't easy, but I swallowed it.
That, sir, is my idea of courtesy,
and I wish you not to forget it.
I understand, father.
Excuse me, Parson.
Yes, sister Clark.
Well, uh, I've been thinking.
After the meeting tomorrow,
where are you going to go?
We're going up into the hills
toward Tompkinsville.
That's what I thought.
Gets kind of cold up there
nights this time of year.
That boy of yourn
ought to have a coat.
Oh, he's alright.
He's strong as a bull.
Well, my man was
as strong as a bull, too,
but he got the misery
and died in no time--
no time at all.
Well, I want to give
your boy this coat.
That's very nice of you,
sister Clark-- very nice, indeed.
Jason, come here.
Sister Clark wants you
to have this coat.
Thank you, sister Clark.
Oh, that's alright.
I ain't got much, but if
you're going to be a doctor,
you can have it.
My man thought a lot of it.
He never wore it no place,
only to church.
Ahh! Makes him look like
a preacher, don't it?
Ha ha! He could read the
burial service over me right now.
Well, that's a very handsome
present, sister Clark.
Very handsome, indeed.
Ain't it? Well, if you're going
to hold a meeting tomorrow,
I better go and roust out
the neighbors.
Oh, now, don't bother.
I'll attend to that in the morning.
Oh, it ain't nothing to do, Parson.
I'll just walk up on
the hill and holler.
Ha ha! Looking at him
makes a body want
to get married again. Ha ha!
I don't want it!
I won't wear it!
Jason, I'd be ashamed.
You like me to wear other
people's castoff clothes!
She gave you that coat out
of the fullness of her heart.
It belonged to the man she loved.
She's cherished it for 20 years
in remembrance of him.
Well, then let her keep it!
Suppose it were new.
How would you feel then?
It's not new!
It's old and ragged and dirty!
Ah, then it's not the
fact that it's a gift.
If it were new and pretty,
you'd like it.
Pride--pride and selfishness.
They're out of place
in our family, Jason.
Unless you conquer them,
they're going to make you unhappy
and those who love you
unhappy, too.
All you seem to think
about is that doctor book.
Well, suppose I do?
I'd rather save bodies
than souls any day!
I'm sorry you said that, son--
sorry to mistake that cold
frankness of yours for courage.
Come outside, please.
Now, wait a minute, pop.
You're not going to whip me anymore.
I'm too old.
You'll never be too old
while I'm alive.
You lay a hand on me, and I'll--
You'll what?
I'll protect myself, pop!
I'm warning you, I'll--
ome outside.
Jason, I feel inclined to
give you another chance.
I don't want another chance!
You said you can whip me.
I'm going to show you you can't!
Oh, pop, I'm sorry.
I--I didn't mean...
Jason.
Why aren't you with your father?
What happened, Jason?
Did anything happen to--
no.
He's alright.
Well, where is he?
In the hills someplace,
living in pigsties,
eating slop for food.
Jason, you mustn't talk
like that about your father.
Wash your face, dear.
It's nearly time to eat.
What's on my face you can't wash off.
Jason...
You've been fighting.
- With whom?
- Father.
Oh, Jason.
You fought with your father?
Oh, Jason, I begged you to mind him.
I couldn't help it, mom.
Honest, I couldn't.
I tried to do what he told me.
I... mom, please don't cry.
Mom, listen to me.
I'm not going to stay here.
I'm going away and
make something of myself.
I'm going someplace
where they pay you in money
and not in trash
and empty promises.
- Jason--
- I mean it, mom.
I'm through with their hams
and their wormy potatoes
and their patched pants
and old clothes
that nobody wants anymore.
Son, dear, you're just
angry with your father.
But it's not only that.
What about the future?
What will happen when pop
gets too old to ride the circuit?
They'll get another preacher,
that's all, and then what'll we do?
Stay here and rot?!
I'm not going to do it, mom.
I'm going to get out of here
before I get to be like Ames and
Meaker and all the rest of them.
But, Jason, where can you go?
How could you live?
I'll get along.
Other fellows have.
I don't want you to go.
Mom, why can't I go someplace
and study to be a doctor?
Jason, it takes too long,
and we haven't any money.
Money? We won't get
any richer if I stay here.
Pop's a failure, and you know it!
Jason, don't you dare.
There's a boat going up the river
tomorrow, and I'm going to take it.
No.
I'm going to.
I mean it.
Don't tell me I can't,
because I'm going.
Mom, say it's alright.
Mom, please say it's alright.
I put some cookies
in your bag, dear.
Did you, mom?
Son, dear...
Feel this.
It's all stiff.
I sewed a few dollars
in the lining...
In case you need it.
Aw, mom!
Jason, don't feel unkindly
toward your father.
Everything he did--
everything he's ever done--
it was for me and for you.
Oh, please, mom.
Don't cry.
Don't cry.
Someday I'm coming home with
my pockets loaded with money.
Honest, I will, mom.
You'll see.
Man: All aboard!
Don't forget to write!
Dr. Crumm, a young man to see you.
Who are you?
What do you want?
My name's Jason Wilkins, sir.
If you please, sir, I'd like
to study to be a doctor.
- Oh, you would?
- Yes, sir.
Dr. Shingle told me
to come and see you.
Shingle? Shingle.
- Big man with a vacant stare?
- That's right, sir.
-Thing in his eye?
-Yes, sir.
Always a little, uh...
Always, sir.
That's right.
Hmm.
What--you know him, sir?
No, I do not.
But you just described him, sir.
Nobody knows him.
No one can afford to know him.
He's a disgrace. He drank himself out
of the best practice in Baltimore.
He founded this school,
and then he carried on so,
we had to take his name
off of the building.
Oh.
He speaks very highly of you, sir.
He says you're the
greatest drawer of blood
in the whole nation.
I don't care anything
about that. I...
Oh, did he?
Yes, sir.
He says you cut off
more arms and legs
than all the other doctors
in the whole world.
Well, bless my soul.
Where is he now?
He's in our town now,
in pine hill, Ohio.
Ohio--way out west
with the Indians.
Are you an Indian?
No, sir.
Are you sure?
Yes, sir.
Hmm. Where'd you learn
Latin and Greek?
Latin and Greek?
You mean to say,
you have no languages?
Then how in blazes are
you going to be a doctor?
I suppose you're poor, too.
Yes, sir, but I'm willing to work.
Work? Work at what?
I could keep this office tidied up.
The spittoons need cleaning,
and I could--
the sandbox there--
We've got a janitor for that.
Couldn't I help him, sir?
Couldn't I be his assistant?
I've come such a very long way, sir,
and I do so want to be a doctor,
and if you'll just let me stay,
I'll work very hard, and I--
Please, please.
Quid, come here.
Yes, Dr. Crumm?
How would you like
an assistant, quid?
Well, the work is rather
difficult for one person.
Alright. Take this boy along
with you and feed him.
From the looks of him,
he's half-starved.
And help him with
his Latin and Greek.
Quid.
Yes, doctor?
You don't think he's
an Indian, do you?
No feathers.
- Have you been alright, dear?
- Alright, dear.
A letter from Jason, Ethan.
Yes.
It's about time.
5 letters in a year.
Well, he's been very busy.
Mmm.
Well, Mary?
I'm his father, you know.
He's well...
Working hard...
And...
May I see it, dear?
"Dear mother,
"I have been so busy
and working so hard
"that I haven't had time to write.
"Is there any way we could
raise just a little money very soon?
"I was thinking you might
sell your old mahogany hatbox.
"Mrs. Canton always
wanted it, I remember.
"Just why, I could never understand.
"Sell it to her, and after
I get through school,
"I'll buy you a dozen hatboxes.
Your loving son, Jason."
He means the hatbox I gave
you when we were married.
He doesn't understand
about those things, dear.
Definitely not.
Ethan, don't you think
I'd better send for Dr. Shingle?
No, no. I'll be alright, dear.
Mary?
I was thinking,
there's that old watch
that belonged to father.
It's gold, you know.
Oh, no, Ethan.
Well, the boy needs the money,
and I think father would be pleased.
Ethan, you're so good.
I must get on with this.
What is it?
Vini, vidi, viti-- is that it?
Veni, vidi, vici.
Veni, vidi, vici. Huh?
Splendid, splendid.
The stew.
Oh. Yeah, I'll bet.
It's very good, considering
the total absence of meat.
It's very difficult, Jason,
to make an appetizing
stew without meat.
We'll have meat as soon
as I get a letter from home.
Ah, you wrote the old fo-o-o-olks!
A couple weeks ago.
Should have an answer soon.
Well, that's nice.
Now, then...
Supper is served.
Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
Dines with...
Where were you at 5:00?
I had an amputation at 5:00,
and you knew it.
What do you mean by absenting
yourself without my permission?
I'm sorry, sir, but I had
all the beds to make.
Come, come, my lad.
You can't study medicine and
miss amputations. It can't be done.
Yes, sir.
How about the antrum of highmore?
The antrum of highmore?
Oh! Oh, yes.
The antrum of highmore
is a small pyramidal cavity
within the body of the
superior maxillary bone.
Its walls correspond
to the nasal, the orbital,
the anterior, and the
infratemporal surfaces of the bone.
Its base is formed by the
lateral walls of--of the, uh...
The, uh...
The nasal passage,
and its apex extends
into the zygomatic process.
Well, bless my soul.
Uh, the nasal wall presents,
in the disarticulated bone,
a small, irregular aperture
which communicates
with the nasal passage.
In the articulated skull,
the aperture is much reduced
in size by the following bones:
The unciform process
of the ethmoid above,
the ethmoidal process of
the inferior nasal conch below,
and the perpendicular part
of the palate behind, and--
Ha ha ha!
What's the matter?
Weren't we doing alright?
Too right, I'm afraid.
Crumm: Here you are, Wilkins.
A letter for you.
Ha ha ha!
Oh, here's a letter from home.
Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
Well!
Look. $20.
Why so much, I wonder.
Perhaps if you read
the letter, you'll find out.
Oh, yes.
Good news?
Oh, no.
No. It's bad news.
What's the trouble?
My father's very sick.
Oh, that's bad.
He's not expected to live,
and mom wants me to come home.
Then, Jason, that's the thing to do.
But, quid, how can I leave?
The examination's coming next month.
I'll lose a whole year.
You won't miss the year, Jason,
but you will miss your father...
If he dies.
But pop can't die.
He's big and strong,
and he--mom's just
frightened, that's all.
Isn't that reason enough to go?
Your mother's frightened,
or she wouldn't have asked you.
I can see your home right now.
I can see it this very evening.
It isn't a happy home, not
just because your father's sick,
but because there's
something missing.
That something is you.
They need you, Jason,
both of them.
You're right.
Of course you're right, quid.
Where's Mary?
Try to rest.
- Where's Mary?
- I'm here.
How long, doctor?
You'll be up and around in a month.
You're a good man, doctor.
Who? Me?
Nonsense.
I'm a rascal.
Oh, if only the world
were full of rascals like you.
I'll be back at midnight.
I'm afraid we're going
to lose him, Mrs. Wilkins.
No.
He's bled too long.
If I don't untie him, I...
Hello, Jason.
Hello, Dr. Shingle.
Jason!
Mother, is--is he...
He's still with us.
I think he waited just for you.
I had no idea.
Lung fever.
He's been sick for months.
Ethan.
Ethan.
Our boy is here.
He wants to speak to you.
He wants to say something.
Oh, my poor dear.
He's gone, mom.
Ask yourself, Jason--
was your father's life a failure?
Oh, no, mom.
I know different now.
If I could've just told him,
made him understand.
He understands, dear.
Good day, Mrs. Wilkins.
Good day, Dr. Shingle--
or should I say merry Christmas?
You're a week early,
but I suppose it's alright.
But a week, more or less,
or a month or a year--
Have you heard from the boy?
Don't you know?
I thought I'd told everyone.
He's coming home tomorrow.
Is he? That's fine.
My, my, my.
Won't you two have a lot to say
to each other after 3 years?
He's a doctor now, you know.
He graduated last week.
A full-fledged doctor.
Mmm, yes, a doctor,
but the full-fledged part of it--
that doesn't come quite
so quickly, Mrs. Wilkins.
It'll be a long time before--
but he'll make good.
Jason's a smart boy.
Someday he'll be able
to repay you for--
how have you been feeling lately?
Well, I-- are you going in here?
Yes. I have to get a few things.
So am I.
I'll just go in with you.
Howdy, widow Wilkins.
Good day, Mr. Inchpin.
Oh, Mr. Ames,
a few groceries I need.
Oh, mittens.
How much are these?
65 cents.
They're nice.
Quite a mess of stuff
you're getting here, widdy.
Yes. My boy's coming home for Christmas.
Jason is--
Oh, yes?
This will come to over a dollar.
Have you got the money, widdy?
I think I always have
the money, Mr. Ames.
Must be getting quite a
bit of sewing to do lately.
Pop, why don't you give
Mrs. Wilkins her letter?
Oh, yes.
Letter?
Chauncey, you go back and get it
like a good boy, will you?
My back's just killing me.
Yeah?
Your back's killing me, too.
Now let me have the basket,
and I'll get those things for you.
Widdy Wilkins, the basket.
Oh, yes.
Oh, Mr. Ames, those groceries--
I won't want them now.
I'm sorry.
Make up your mind, widdy.
My lumbago's about to kill me.
Well, Jason isn't coming home.
He'll be delayed.
Consarn it, widdy.
First you will, and then you won't,
and me about to die
with rheumatism.
Oh, Mr. Ames.
Go ahead, Jim.
You got a jump.
I don't want to.
Look what will happen if I do.
According to the rules,
you got to jump.
It ain't fair.
I take one, and you take 3.
Looks like you're in bad shape, Jim.
- What say, Elder Massey?
- Huh?
Nothing. I was only
thinking out loud.
Ames, you owe me a little bill.
Doc, how can you talk about money?
Can't you see I'm a sick man?
That's just it.
I'm afraid you'll die without paying me.
Doc, I wouldn't do
a dirty trick like that.
Wh-what do you mean?
You don't look so good to me, Ames.
Your heart's weak,
and you've got lumbago.
And I don't like the look
of your liver either.
No?
I don't think you'll be with
us very long, Mr. Ames.
You... you don't?
Let me feel your pulse.
My, my.
You're in bad shape, Ames.
I am?
What's the matter with me?
You're a wreck--
mentally, physically, and morally.
How'd you ever get into
such a terrible condition?
What'll I do, doc?
What'll I do?
I'm going to have to bleed you again.
No, doc. Not again.
Chauncey, quick.
Get your father a chair.
Somebody help him.
Take it easy now, George.
George, you look pale!
Dr. Shingle: Mrs. Wilkins!
Why do you walk so fast?
Don't you know it's bad for you at
your age? Let me feel your pulse.
I bet your heart's beating
like a triphammer.
Now, don't you ever
take that off again.
Uh, you're liable to catch cold.
Pilgrim...
I'm sorry.
You love him, too, don't you?
Nice-looking horse, lady.
How much do you want for him?
I didn't know, but I--
$80 is our limit, lady.
He's no Colt, you know.
- If that's as high as you can go, I--
- It is, positively.
Sam. $80.
Goodbye, Pilgrim.
Next! Come on.
Man: This way, lady.
Pilgrim.
Here's your money, lady.
Lady!
20, 40...
60, 80.
$72.50 out of 80.
I'll get your change.
There you are. $7.50.
And thank you.
Fits you beautifully, sir.
Aww.
Uh, how much are those gloves?
Gloves?
Oh, those gauntlets.
Would you like to see some?
They're very distinct.
All the officers are wearing them.
How much are they?
$7.00 a pair, sir.
Want a pound of crackers, Mr. Meaker?
That's plenty, Chauncey, my boy.
Crackers is 8 cents a pound.
More than they're worth.
How do you expect me
to stay in business
if you eat up all of my profits?
They're not profits.
They're crackers.
You wasn't so free
when my pa was alive.
Don't go running down your pa to me.
He was generous to a fault.
Damn shame for pine hill
when he let that mule
kick him in the head.
I didn't say nothing against pa.
You better not.
I bet every time he thinks
about you running this store,
he turns over in his grave.
Yep. He's probably
spinning like a top!
Chauncey...
There's no letter for me today?
No, no letter.
Are you sure?
Did you look good?
Maybe next week.
Next week. She's been
saying that for two years.
I'd larrup that boy if he was mine.
I got a feeling there
ain't no boy to larrup, Jim.
What do you mean, Lou?
More than likely her boy
has been killed in the war.
Hmm. Ain't that a shame?
Aah! Aah! You--
I'm trapped!
Aah!
You better get some rest.
I'm alright.
You'll exhaust yourself,
sir, if you don't-- nonsense.
Dr. Wilkins, new lot just came in.
Some are pretty bad.
Where are they?
Out in the yard, sir.
Alright.
I'll look at them.
Dr. Wilkins.
Yes, Dr. Crumm?
You're wanted in Washington.
Washington?
The president wants
to see you at once.
The president?
What on earth does
he want to see me for?
Maybe it's for a decoration,
but at any rate,
you'll have to go.
Well, Dr. Crumm, how can I leave now?
They're bringing the
wounded in by the hundreds.
Jason, this is an executive order.
That's the president's signature.
Quid?
Yes, Dr. Crumm?
You go along with him,
and don't you two dawdle in Washington.
We're short-handed now.
Yes, sir.
Come on, quid.
- Lieutenant Jason Wilkins?
- Yes, sir?
Oh, uh, the president will
see you now. This way, please.
You are Jason Wilkins?
Yes, Mr. President.
I want to congratulate you, Wilkins.
You've been doing
great things in the field.
Thank you, sir.
Only my share.
More than your share
if what I hear is true.
You've saved many lives.
Sir, we're nearer to the lines
than most field hospitals
so that when a man is wounded,
we're able to take care of
him before complications set in.
Hmm. I have received many
letters praising your work.
I have here a request
from general Grant
that you be transferred
to his medical corps.
I'd like that, sir.
Well, we'll see.
We'll see.
You interest me in
one particular, Wilkins.
I understand you don't amputate
except as a last resort.
No need crippling men,
Mr. President,
unless it's absolutely
necessary.
Quite right.
Quite right.
What school did you go
to? What medical college?
The Baltimore college
of surgery, sir.
Must be a very good school.
Sit down.
Tell me about it.
Thank you, sir.
It's not much to look
at from the outside, sir,
but they have good doctors.
They're very thorough and all that.
- Did you have a scholarship there?
- No, sir. I worked my way.
But your board and room--
you had to pay that.
Yes, sir.
Must have had a hard time of it.
Sir, I did odd jobs
around the place, and...
And I got money from home, sir.
Home.
Where is home, Wilkins?
A little town in Ohio, sir.
Pine hill.
- Have you any relatives?
- Only my mother.
Only your mother.
No brothers or sisters?
No, sir.
An only son, eh?
And your mother-- is she well-off?
Uh, no, sir.
She's very poor,
especially after my father died.
But she managed to help you.
Yes, sir. She...
Raised the money by selling things.
Things?
What sort of things?
Well, old things she
didn't need, sir.
What were they?
I like to know about such things.
Well, as I remember, sir,
my grandfather's watch
and an old silver teapot and...
Some silver spoons,
a hatbox, and an old sideboard.
They were old things, sir,
not good for anything.
How is your mother, Wilkins?
In good health?
Yes, sir.
Is she?
I don't know, sir.
You don't know?
Why not?
Well, to tell you
the truth, sir,
I--I've neglected to write.
Well, surely she writes to you.
Well, sir, I don't think
she knows where I am.
What's the matter with
your mother, Wilkins?
No good, like most mothers?
She is good, sir.
She must be a pretty poor sort.
Else why have you dropped
her like a hot stone?
She must have done
something terrible to you, Wilkins.
What was it?
I'll tell you what she did--
she carried you around in her arms
more steps than you could ever count.
She nursed you,
covered you at night,
played for you, cooked, sewed,
scrubbed for you,
tried to teach you right from wrong.
That's what she did, Wilkins, and
you repay her for that with what?
Silence.
Silence for two long years.
But I've been fighting the war, sir.
Hasn't she?
Hear me, Wilkins.
For two long years,
your mother's heart has been torn
with the thought
that you were lying
wounded and dying
on some battlefield.
Now she's given up.
She thinks you're dead.
A letter from you
would have saved her that.
You--you've talked to her, sir?
She wrote to me...
Asked me to find your grave.
She wants to see it,
put flowers on it, sit beside it,
and dream of the little boy
she used to hold in her arms.
Oh, I'm so terribly sorry, sir.
Sorry! She sold her household
treasures, one by one, for you!
Old things, you say,
not good for anything.
Oh, you ungrateful fool!
Listen to me, boy.
There's no finer quality
in the world than gratitude,
and there's nothing a
man can have in his heart
so mean, so low as ingratitude.
Wilkins, sit in that chair.
Now, write a letter to your mother.
Tell her what an ungrateful
wretch you've been
and how sorry you are for it.
Tell her you'll write often
and keep that promise, Wilkins.
From this time forward,
you'll write her a letter every week.
Do you understand me?
Every week!
If you fail,
I'll have you court-martialed.
Blow, blow, blow, winter white.
Thou art not so unkind
as man's ingratitude.
Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky,
that dost not bite so nigh
as benefits forgotten.
Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky,
that does not bite so nigh
as benefits forgotten.
Oh, quid, after
all she's done for me.
Those years at school,
this very uniform, everything.
And what have I done?
I'm an ungrateful fool.
You were looking for success,
Jason, and you found it,
but in going ahead,
you forgot to glance backward.
Another skirmish?
Yes, sir.
A bad one, too, doctor.
Many wounded?
Yes, sir. Quite a lot.
I guess I got here just in time.
Yes, sir.
What's the matter with him?
It's them horses inside.
Oh.
Pilgrim!
Pilgrim, you old
saddle horn, how--
Whose--whose horse is this?
Captain Griggs, sir.
Well, where is he?
He's inside there, sir.
I want you to take care of
this horse, and I want you
to keep your eye on him and
don't let anybody touch him.
-Do you understand?
-Yes, sir.
Captain Griggs-- where is he?
Captain Griggs?
Captain, that white horse
outside-- he belongs to you?
Yes.
May I have him, sir?
Will you sell him to me?
Sell him?
Certainly not.
Oh, please, sir, don't say no.
I'll give you anything you ask.
Money can't buy him, son.
The finest horse I ever owned.
Now, captain, listen to me, please.
That horse belonged
to my mother,
and she sold him--
she sold everything she had in this world for me.
For me.
Can't I make you understand, sir?
I've been ungrateful
for everything.
Please, sir, let me
take him back to her.
Dr. Wilkins, this man
is badly wounded.
I'm sorry, doctor, but just
let me have one more word.
Wait a minute.
Are you Dr. Wilkins?
Yes, sir.
I've heard of you.
These other doctors
are going to take my arm off.
You can save it.
- Oh, I don't know, sir.
- Oh, you can do it.
I know you can.
Here. I'll make a bargain with you.
Save my arm...
And you can have the horse.
Oh, try, doctor.
I want that arm.
It's up to you, doctor.
I'll save your arm.
Alright. Get him into the operating room.
Hurry.
Quid!
Quid, Griggs is going to be alright.
Hey there, boy.
Jason, I thought you
ought to have this.
What's this? Leave of absence,
commonly called a furlough.
You think of everything,
don't you, quid?
Between us, we hit
a pretty good average.
Come on, Pilgrim.
We're going home.
Hey, come on!
Come on over!
Come on, Pilgrim.
We're almost home.
Come on, boy.
Come on!
Come on, boy!
Come on, Pilgrim!
Mom.
Mom.
Oh, Jason!
My boy.
Oh, mom.
Ohh!
Oh, mom, forgive me.
Please forgive me.
Oh, Ethan, he's come home.
Oh, my. I guess it's too much
happiness for me.
I thought I heard Pilgrim.
You did, mom.
Pilgrim!
Darling Pilgrim.
You haven't forgotten,
have you, dear?
We thank thee, father,
for this and all thy bounty.
Teach us to avoid the pitfalls
of prejudice, pride, and vanity.
Give us strength to aid the helpless.
Rid our hearts of selfishness.
Teach us mercy,
humility, and charity.
Make us thoughtful
of the weak, the sick,
the unfortunate and needy.
Make our humble lives
a reflection of thy goodness.
These things we ask in thy name.
Amen.
We must hurry if we're
going to meet him.
You'll like the new minister, dear.
He's very good.
He reminds me of--