Union (2018) Movie Script
1
("COME TO ME" BY JIMI ZHIVAGO)
(ACOUSTIC GUITAR STRUMMING)
(STREAM SOUNDS)
(HARMONICA KICKS IN)
Come to me
all you heavy ladies
Come to me
all you heavy ladies
And I will give you rest
Come to me
all you with your burdens
Come to me
all you with your burdens
And I will give you rest
And I will give you rest
Come to me
Come to me
Come to me
NARRATOR: Children,
look up into the night sky
and find the blue star.
That's the Dog Star.
During the great war when
white brothers fought
and killed their own
people, but the Dog star
danced with another.
Your grandmother
and grandfather,
I will tell you their story,
and how you came to be.
ANABEL: Harrison,
it's way past his bedtime.
HARRISON: Let him just stay
up for just this one story.
It was a hot summer day.
There was a fierce battle
between the blue coats
and the gray coats.
(BOOMING)
(YELLING)
The blue coats far out
numbered the gray coats.
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
(YELLING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
(SCREAMING)
But the blue
coats fell like rain.
They fell like
wheat to the blade
as they marched to their deaths.
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
(YELLING)
CONFEDERATE COMMANDER:
Dear God, they just keep coming.
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
(YELLING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Your grandfather,
part Tsalagi,
a warrior, a gray ghost.
He rode with a man named Mosby,
war chief of the gray coats.
(MELANCHOLY VOCALIZING
IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
As your grandfather lay
dying on the battlefield,
he made a promise
to the great spirit
that he would never fight again,
but to find his true
love, your grandmother,
and speak to her
in the spirit world.
And so he did.
HENRY: I have gone
to the mountain.
I have seen the Indians there.
I am a new warrior,
and my sacrifice is
my old way of life.
My courage does not falter for
I wear a coat of many colors.
A patchwork of
gratitude for the joy
that you have
given me, Virginia.
You're all that I have
left in the world,
and I will walk
across the continent
and scale the Blue Ridge
mountains just to see
your kind face, to
feel your tender touch
and to hold you
close once again,
and before I touch the
hem of heaven,
I will walk through the
fields of fireflies with you,
knowing that
every love is repeated
and that every
heart is complete.
My last breath
shall whisper your name.
All my love,
Henry.
Oh, God, not yet.
(BOOMING)
(MELANCHOLY VOCALIZING
IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
(YELLING)
SHERIDAN: 13,000
casualties approximate.
Rebels lost 6,000.
CUSTER: Sir, a few Confederate
cavalry men were taken prisoner.
Caught them at Church of
Bethesda down on the crossroads.
GRANT: Mosby's Raiders?
SHERIDAN: Yes, sir.
When Mosby's men are caught,
hang them, without trial.
Yes, sir.
(CRICKETS)
GRANT: My pursuit of Lee
has come with a great loss.
We haven't lost yet...
Loss of life.
I will regret these past
days for a long time to come.
We will beat them
with sheer numbers.
It's a high cost for
personal peace and sanity.
SHERIDAN: Preservation
of the union, sir.
We must.
On through
the dark I search for thee
Oh thou who'd will and fear
I haste my best
to find you there
So cold my love so dear
'Tis her for whom
my tears shall fall
My prayer to her I send
My highest joy
caste in her form
And where
my trials shall end
JESSE: You pinin' over that boy?
Been starin' at
that tintype all day.
This place is
fallin' into staves.
You said he'd call
on ya come spring.
It's been about two years, now.
VIRGINIA: I don't
wanna talk about it.
Suit yourself.
You know, it's likely...
I said I don't
wanna talk about it.
Lloyd and I are takin'
corn into market tomorrow.
You be all right by yourself?
Mmm.
I'm also takin'
bandages and provisions
and such for the prisoners,
some ladies for church.
Washington?
Wanna come?
Not after what
they did to my boy.
("FREEDOM" BY JIMI ZHIVAGO)
Where is my freedom
Where is my freedom
You look around me
But do you see
Where is my freedom
(FAINT CHATTERING)
Hoo
Oh
Hoo
Oh
Hoo
Oh
Hoo
Oh
(GROANING)
(FAINT CHATTERING)
(GROANING)
Guard!
Guard!
Unshackle him.
He is burnin' up.
Not allowed to, ma'am.
He's to hang later today.
He is not a dog.
Unshackle him.
Unshackle him!
JOHN: Three of Mosby's men.
By your command, two are
scheduled to hang later today,
but the third
probably won't last.
Chest wound.
The name in his coat,
Henry Kieler.
LUCIUS: That man was
executed two years ago.
Imposters are all around.
He probably pulled it
off the condemned man.
CHRISTIAN WOMAN: Show mercy, as
God has shown mercy unto you, son.
Let him go.
Do you not have a conscience?
(KNOCKING)
Excuse us, please.
Excuse us, please!
I need a room, and a surgeon.
Now!
(SOMBER VIOLIN MUSIC)
DOC COBB: Nurse!
(SOMBER VIOLIN MUSIC)
WYNIFRED: Take this and burn it.
I'm gonna need you
to take a message
to the front line
to General Grant.
General Grant,
one of the three men captured
during the cavalry raid at
Cold Harbor was a woman.
As a woman, she is a civilian
and not an enemy combatant.
Therefore, I request
permission to keep her under
house arrest removing
her from your original
orders to hang without trial.
Your humble servant,
Captain Lucius Walker.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
(DOG BARKING)
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
(DOGS BARKING)
(CART CLATTERING)
LLYOD: Crop didn't bring much.
Market's down.
How.
We're gonna have to find a
husband to take Virginia.
We're gonna have to sell
your granddaddy's farm,
and that piano.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
HENRY: Summer's comin'.
You know what my favorite
thing is in the summertime?
Lightning bugs.
Thousands of lightning bugs.
When they all come out,
right at twilight,
blinkin' their little
green-ish lights
and winkin' at
anybody who's watchin',
fields light up with magic.
You know why they blink
their lights, don't you?
They're looking for their mates.
Each one has a light and
when he beams the light
just right the mate arrives,
and they produce
their babies just once,
then their purpose is
served and they can move on.
Move on?
They don't need to
stay in this life.
They let it go.
Peacefully.
Oh, all the babies come
back the next summertime,
and they blink their little
lights and everything
is repeated and
everything is complete.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
(GASPING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
LLOYD: I wish I could play.
Soldier stole a
hen last night.
Wish I could
do a lot of things, but,
farm needs tendin'.
I should pull this place down
and sell it for kindlin'.
Grandfather left it to me.
It's mine.
It's only your'n
if you can work it.
Anyways, you
can't own land, legally.
Land's worth more
than the crop, anyhow.
I need a hen.
I can pay.
It'd be a miracle.
She kin?
Fiancee.
(HENS CLUCKING)
Said them Indians up
there were bloodthirsty
and anybody who went through
that pass never returned.
(CLUCKING)
(THUNDER BOOMING)
Lucius?
Lucius?
I'll take care of you now.
Don't worry.
My sister has gone missing.
Have you seen her?
No.
LUCIUS: It's all right.
Where is she?
Grace?
I...
I don't know.
I don't know.
Shh.
My clothes.
Where are my clothes?
We burned them.
Lice.
Those were my clothes.
That was my brother's coat.
Those are my things.
I'll buy you a
beautiful dress.
Lots of dresses
in the new style.
So, when you're
recovered you'll have
a whole new
wardrobe of pretty things.
Those were my clothes.
They were my clothes.
You were
sentenced to hang today.
Do you not feel anything for me?
You're under house arrest
for the time being.
When you've recovered,
you'll be in my custody,
my personal charge.
It is my
privilege and duty to...
tend to you.
The others?
William Overby and
Thomas Carter were hanged
today at three o'clock.
(TENSE MUSIC)
GEORGIANNA: I'm lookin'
for Henry Kieler.
WILLIAM: Hey Henry.
Got a visitor.
THOMAS: See your wife found ya.
Well, that's a
real pretty friend.
What are you doing?
(CHUCKLING)
I thought I'd never find you.
The Federals took Aunt
Ruth's house in Baltimore.
Baby got sick.
Couldn't go with her to Atlanta.
Can you cook, gal?
Best cornbread
you ever tasted,
and black-eyed peas.
THOMAS: Who's this
handsome fella?
This is Harrison.
Who are you?
Suzanna.
You from around here?
Where?
Skinner's Gap.
You know where
Shepherdstown is?
I need to go to Shepherdstown.
You ain't fit to go nowhere.
Well, not just yet.
You're a prisoner,
that's what they say.
Can you write?
Hey.
Whoa, whoa.
My sister-in-law, here,
is a real good cook.
And she's a hard worker, too.
And she plays the piano.
ELIJAH: Hmm.
Get a real good price
for that piano.
Can you work a plow, girl?
Yes, sir.
She's fetchin', I'll say that.
Any children?
LLYOD: She had a son,
but he was killed.
JESSE: Yankees burned her house.
ELIJAH: Hmm.
But she can bear, though.
20 somethin' and sturdy.
Good hips.
Lloyd.
Might do you good to
have some babies, gal.
Keep your thoughts occupied.
Tend the crop.
And a baby'll
keep your thoughts
from driftin' back to the past.
And that boy.
I'll come 'round
in a few days,
sort out my business and such.
Find a buyer for that piano.
Much obliged
for the coffee, Missy.
And I'll send
some folks to clear cut
them woods back there, too.
Wait, wait!
HENRY: Dear Virginia.
I hope this
letter finds you well.
I think about you every
day since we last parted.
(MELLOW MUSIC)
I have been taken prisoner
by the Union forces
and have been remanded
to a cell in Washington.
The hot days drift by slowly,
and the only thing that
calms my spirit
is my determination to find you.
I will find you.
All my love,
Henry.
(MELLOW MUSIC)
(CLATTERING)
LLOYD: Come on, now.
I am not
marrying that old man.
Then who you gonna marry?
No one.
Look, if you wanna survive,
you're gonna do as I say.
It's for the best.
(CUP CLATTERING)
For you.
Now, you listen.
You listen now.
For us.
For all of us.
We have all lost
children in this war.
And now, now we
got a baby on the way,
and you're bein' selfish.
Kin has gotta help kin.
Do you wanna starve, hmm?
Do you want us all to starve?
You cannot take care of
this property on your own.
We all gotta do our part.
You fix it up pretty.
CHEPI: The widow?
What's this?
A promise.
From your beau?
Looks kinda Indian.
It's Shawnee.
Is your beau Shawnee?
Please don't tell anyone.
It's a secret.
I won't.
I promise.
Looks like a fisherman's knot.
They say if you tie it a
certain way,
brings your soul mate to ya.
You love him?
They found these in your
clothes before they burned them.
You send my letter?
I have to make
my way back to her.
Find me some boys clothes.
(TENSE MUSIC)
Please.
(spooky sounds
Hostiles hide up
here in these hollows.
Thank you for my hens.
And for this.
What does it mean?
Gratitude.
What do these knots mean?
They're just signs
to those who know.
Who, Shawnee?
Cherokee?
Anyone who walks this way.
It's very dangerous if
you don't know the path.
Animals, outlaws,
deserters, soldiers.
Why are you helping me?
Your music.
You were calling for someone.
Fix that coop.
Turn her loose and see if
she leads us back to Mosby.
I can't do that.
She could get killed.
You know she'll go
right back to him.
Mosby has cut off almost
every Union supply line here.
Your country,
or your future wife.
Which can you live without?
Let me think about it.
- Colonel if I may.
- Go.
UNION SARGENT:
We have a situation.
We have a woman in the ranks.
COLONEL RHODES: Anyone's kin?
String her up.
SERGEANT: Sir?
We won't tolerate this.
Yes, sir.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(WHISTLING)
(CRACKING)
(YELLING)
I'll get you.
Thief!
You sum bitch!
(TENSE MUSIC)
LUCIUS: So, tell me about
your plans after the war.
ELISHA: Well, sir, I'll...
I intend to take what
gold I have down south.
(TENSE MUSIC)
You look like you
seen a haint.
What is it?
That boy.
What boy?
The one I seen
at the hospital prison.
The one Virginia's
been pinin' over.
They're the same.
Well, there's no date.
There's no tellin'
when this was written.
Lloyd!
She's marrying Cochran.
That boy's dead.
Hanged over a month ago.
You understand?
I done it.
You have to leave tonight.
Go up to Brushy Mount.
Show this to the people up there
and they will take you
to the hiding place.
Don't go back to fightin'.
My brother's horse is tied
up just beyond the fence.
LUCIUS: Thank you
much for supper.
I'll be just a moment.
Captain, sir.
She's indecent at the moment.
Best wait until morning.
(MELLOW MUSIC)
(SOUND OF FIREPLACE WITH MUSIC)
Everything is repeated.
Everything is complete.
DR. HODSON: I see
you got my message.
What happened?
Got tangled
up in a steel trap.
Stuck there pert near the
entire day and a night.
May have to take it.
Not sure he's
gonna pull through this.
Gangrene.
(MELLOW MUSIC)
(UPTEMPO VIOLIN MUSIC)
Excuse us, if you please.
This is Mr. Cox.
He's an actor.
He's going to help us.
ELLSWORTH: This is spirit gum.
In the field, you can use pine
resin, works just as well.
Tap a jack pine,
they're plentiful.
And this is crepe hair.
However, in the field,
you can use the clippings
from your own hair
or the mane of horse,
works just as well.
You've concealed
yourself well.
Just like your brother.
(BOOMING)
(GASPING)
(CLINKING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
No!
(MUFFLED SCREAMING)
SOLDIER: Shh, shh.
Shh, be quiet now.
(MUFFLED GROANING)
(GRUNTING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
It's gonna be all right.
Promise.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(NATURE SOUNDS)
Have you lost your
goddamn mind?
What do you want?
(THUDDING)
'Preciate it.
Cochran took a spill.
Don't mean you ain't
gettin' hitched, though.
I ain't livin' with him.
So, live in the
woods, then.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
(GRUNTING)
(BELL CLANGING)
(SOLDIERS YELLING)
We've been
ordered to hunt Kieler.
Male or female, dead or alive.
Two's to the left.
March!
(SCREAMING OVER THE
SOUND OF CANNONS FIRING)
(FLAMES CRACKLING)
(SCREAMING OVER GUNSHOTS
AND CANNONS FIRING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
'Scuse me.
I need to get to the
Cacapon, Brushy Mount.
TILLMAN: You know them Indians
hidin' for a reason, don't you?
You some kind of deserter?
No.
Please.
I'll take you to the pass,
but I ain't goin' no further.
Much obliged.
(TENSE MUSIC)
ELISHA: Sir.
Anything?
Not a trace.
She didn't go back to Mosby.
He's ridin' the Rappahannock
and led two raids already.
My sister?
According to the Confederate
prisoners,
Georgianna Hays was last seen
with Kieler
three months ago at
Spottsylvania.
Her husband was killed at
Fredericksburg.
Dammit!
(TENSE MUSIC)
When the spirit of a man
and the spirit of a woman
are in the same body,
it is a blessing.
You're honored.
You're respected.
You're a teacher.
(VOCALIZING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
(HORSE WHINNEY)
This is no enemy.
(CHANTING VOCALIZING MUSIC)
(RATTLING)
(CHANTING AND DRUMS)
(ETHEREAL CHANTING AND SOUND
CONTINUES WITH RATTLES)
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(ETHEREAL MUSIC)
(DRUMS OF LIFE)
(MAJESTIC SOUNDS OF WIND,
MUSIC, THE WORLD BEING ALIVE)
Virginia.
What is this place?
Looks like a spider web.
I can take it all down.
Not interested.
Sorry, Lloyd.
Looks like this place has
some hoo doo on this property.
I need a place close
to the town anyway.
(CLATTERING)
Rode up with Doc Hobson.
Cochran seems to be healin' up.
You know this
twine's an invitation
for all kinds of critters.
What did you come here for?
People think you're crazy.
Spinning a cocoon
around the house.
Plain crazy.
I don't care.
I seen this boy, in
Washington.
What, when?
Was he in the jail?
Virginia,
he was mortally wounded.
He had a huge hole in his chest.
I didn't think he'd
live through the day.
Soldiers removed
him from the general area
so's his passin' wouldn't
upset the others.
But you didn't see
him dead, though?
No, but he was
sentenced to hang
with two others later that day.
(SOMBER MUSIC)
I'm so sorry.
(SOMBER MUSIC)
I lost my husband
and my son,
my love to this war.
Why can't you just let me
believe, Jess?
Why?
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
(PIANO CONTINUES)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
It's all right.
It's all right, shh, I'm here.
I'm here, I'm here,
Hey be still.
Shh, be still, be still now.
It's all right, it's all right.
Shh.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
(CRICKETS CHIRPING)
You been up yonder
between two worlds.
High on the
mountain and under the sea.
You been
on the red road.
Your heart's weepin',
that's why it won't heal.
Shepherdstown, I have
to go to Shepherdstown.
Man-woman, powerful medicine.
This is Greatly Beloved Woman,
daughter of the last.
(NATURE SOUNDS WITH FOOTSTEPS)
Skirmish intervals, five
paces.
GREATLY BELOVED WOMAN: You will
not find what you seek here.
ELISHA: Lookin' for an outlaw.
(CHUCKLING)
These mountains
are filled with outlaws.
Kieler.
We know no one named Kieler.
Confederate.
This is sacred ground.
There is no killing here.
You may go now.
No killin' ma'am.
We will return him for trial.
I know your trials.
Like treaties, killin'.
Go!
Go!
I have a regiment camped
not but a few miles away.
Look around you, blue coat.
You see those bones?
You see those scalps?
Those bones and
those scalps belong
to soldiers who never made it
to the top of this mountain.
Now, go!
Leave us!
(WHOOSHING)
(CAWING)
Fall back!
(EERIE SOUNDS)
Shepherdstown is on the road,
just past the widow's farm.
Much obliged.
Thanks.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
(NATURE SOUNDS, CRICKETS)
(DOG BARKING)
What's your business?
Ain't nothin' for you here.
Git!
(DOG BARKING)
(CLICKING)
HENRY: Virginia!
Do I know you?
You're on my property.
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
Looks like your
house is gonna fly away.
Henry?
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC CONTINUES)
(EXCITED BREATHING)
How'd you come by them whiskers?
Well, I learned
it on the road.
You're home.
Hear me out.
If you go on livin' like
Henry, I'll marry you,
and then nobody can claim me.
Marry me, Henry Kieler.
Yeah.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(WATER RINGING OUT SOUND)
(TENSE MUSIC)
We don't want any trouble.
Get off my land!
We're lookin' for a
man named Kieler.
Nobody's been by here.
Now, you wouldn't
be hidin' him from us,
- would you?
- Hey.
Hey!
I said no one's been by here.
You've already
taken everything I got.
Stand down!
Shoulder arms!
Henry Kieler escaped
from the federal prison.
Ain't nobody here.
(TENSE MUSIC)
He assassinated
a federal officer.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(BUSTLING SOUND)
(TENSE DRUMMING)
Best not be
feedin' strays, missus.
He'll cut your throat.
They'll come a reckonin'.
Not today.
Move out!
VIRGINIA: Oh my God, what happened?
HENRY: I slipped
out the damn window.
It ripped open a wound.
Come on, come on,
they're gone, they're gone.
Must have started at
least a dozen letters to ya.
Rest I stashed away.
Someday you'll
let me read 'em?
Someday.
Fix you something
for the pain?
Make you sleep?
Yeah.
(TENSE YET SERENE MUSIC)
(MUSIC INTENSIFIES
OVER DRUM HITS)
(MUSIC CONTINUES TO INTENSIFY)
(THE SOUND OF CRICKETS)
Everything is repeated
and everything is complete.
Yeah.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(SERENE MUSIC
PLAYS OVER BIRDS CHIRPING)
(LIGHT HOWLING IN THE DISTANCE)
Who are you?
Vet.
Passin' through.
You refill your canteen and
you move on now, you hear?
Come on!
(HORSE WHINNYING)
(KNOCKING)
JESSE: Yes?
We're lookin' for a boy,
goes by the name of Kieler.
I'm sorry.
I hear tell he died.
May I ask when, ma'am.
Month or so ago,
up at the prison.
No, ma'am.
He escaped from the prison.
Anyone around here named Kieler?
Women folk?
No.
(CLICKING)
We're camped not more
than a mile from here.
We'll make sure he or
she doesn't bother you.
Much obliged.
Move out!
WHITE HAWK: Hiding?
It's best for now.
Best for who?
No good.
You have powerful medicine.
Use it.
How?
Beloved Woman
says so, it is so.
Soldiers won't find you.
We make it so.
We've chased
the blue coats away.
Come.
Henry?
(HORSE WHINNYING)
Henry?
Who's Henry?
Oh, I see.
You been takin' in strays.
Where is he?
Told him to move on.
Can't afford handouts to
every raggedy little man
that comes along.
What is this?
Well, I'm keepin'
Cochran's animals here.
Makes sense since
he'll be movin' in soon.
I heard he's right poorly.
Fierce poorly, in fact.
It's postponed for now.
Wednesday week I'll be by
to fetch you to the church
and you'll be
dressed and ready to go.
Get off my land.
People find out about
this and they'll think
you's a soiled dove.
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
I said get off my land!
I ain't afraid of you.
I ain't afraid of them Yankees
and I ain't
marryin' that old man.
You will.
Henry?
(SCREAMING)
Henry, I'm looking for Henry.
(SOUND OF CRICKETS)
(LIGHT DRUMMING)
Federal boys came by,
lookin' for that boy, Henry.
Is that so?
He's not dead.
He escaped.
LLOYD: Come again?
He escaped.
I see.
(TENSE MUSIC)
You feelin' okay today?
Yeah.
(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(CHANTING)
Beloved Woman asked me
to lend you proper clothes,
and a blessing.
(SINGING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
There's no fear in love,
but perfect love
casts out all fear.
Fear has to do with punishment.
Ain't no more punishin'.
No more weepin'.
Only singin'.
Only smilin'.
(CHUCKLING)
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
Henry.
Come, woman.
(CHUCKLING)
I'm afraid my
presence will bring...
No,
they won't find you.
Hear me out.
If I'm discovered, you
can say I tricked ya.
I'll tell 'em I tricked you.
Mmm, no.
Won't lie.
I won't.
You never tricked me.
I know what I'm doin'.
If you're discovered, so am I.
All right.
("BY WAY OF SORROW"
BY CRY, CRY, CRY)
All nights that
joy has slept
Will awake to
your days of laughter
Gone the tears
that you have wept
You'll dance in
freedom ever after
You have come by
way of sorrow
You have come
by way of tears
Once you reach your destiny
Then to find
you all these years
Then to find
you all these years
Have come by way of sorrow
You have come
by way of tears
Once you reach your destiny
Then to find
you all these years
Then to find
you all these years
HENRY: Virginia, you ready?
VIRGINIA: You walk like a boy.
HENRY: That so?
Mmm hmm.
Sometimes I forget.
Well, that's
what a shapeshifter does.
Makes you forget.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(MANDOLIN MUSIC)
That I walked a little
far too soon
I'm the cross
and you're the saviour
In a better home
Soon I will reside
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Beautiful world
Hey there, Virginia.
I was told Mr. Cochran
was coming next Wednesday.
I'm getting
married today, Reverend.
I'm confused.
This is Henry Kieler.
I will climb the
mountains with you
Soldiers are
looking for this man.
Well then, we oughta be quick.
Indeed.
We need two witnesses.
I'll only be a moment.
Waitin' for the
change to come
I know where
she's coming from
Listen can you hear
her on the (MUMBLING)
When I'm bored
I won't be looking back
Hallelujah
Dearly beloved.
We are gathered here today
to join Virginia Klaising
and Henry Kieler in holy
matrimony.
Do you, Virginia Klaising,
take Henry Kieler
to be your lawfully
wedded husband?
In the name of God, I,
Virginia, take you Henry,
to be my lawful husband,
to have and to hold
from this day forward,
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
til death do us part.
This is my solemn vow.
REVEREND PERKINS:
Do you, Henry Kieler,
take Virginia Klaising to be
your lawfully wedded wife,
to have and to hold,
in sickness and health,
'til death do you part?
Virginia,
I give you this ring
as a sign of my love and my
vow, and with all that I am,
and all that I have, I honor
you until my last breath.
Will you have me?
I will.
Hallelujah, hallelujah
By
The power vested in me
by the state of Virginia, I
pronounce you man and wife.
You may kiss your bride.
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
(MELLOW MUSIC)
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
May I help you?
SCOTT: Lookin' for
a man named Kieler.
What has he done?
Nothin'.
We want to talk to him.
There were a few
Confederates here yesterday.
They came for services.
SOLDIER: Uh uh.
SNIPER: Not now.
And I heard 'em talkin' later.
Said they were makin' their
way to Fredericksburg.
They had a boy with 'em and
didn't call him by name, though.
Thank you.
I must say I'm
glad that you boys
have control of the situation.
SOLDIER: Form skirmish lines.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC
OVER NIGHT SOUNDS)
(LIGHT VIOLIN PLAYS)
WARREN CARTER:
You remember me from prison?
No, can't say that I do.
Hmm.
Play one for the
bride and groom boys.
(CLAPPING)
(MELLOW VIOLIN MUSIC)
(MELLOW VIOLIN MUSIC CONTINUES)
(SNORING)
(SNORING CONTINUES)
You're in here
sleeping the day away
while that field
out there goes to shit!
You makin' money on the side?
He's my husband.
Get out.
Get out!
Them Union soldiers are
lookin' for you, Kieler.
You want another dead husband?
Lost your goddamn mind!
SHERIDAN: Captain Walker.
Sir.
I must resign my commission.
Have you lost your faith?
No, sir.
My family has gone missing.
Disappointing.
Dismissed.
YELLOW DOG: Lloyd Tull!
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
Leave that boy be.
What are you, Homeguard?
If the Federals find him,
we'll know.
You threatenin' me?
Right nice place, here.
Shame to see it burn.
WARREN: You've been warned.
(MELANCHOLY VOCALIZING
IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
William Harrison Hays.
Come here now!
Harrison.
(CHANTING, MELANCHOLY SOUND)
(HORSE SOUNDS, WHEELS, NATURE)
Harrison!
Mama!
Mama!
(GUNFIRE BOOMING)
(GASPING)
Henry.
Hey, it's all right.
Shh, it's all right, shh.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Your grandfather began
to cultivate things
that your grandmother could
see in her spirit visions.
Small things that
would touch her heart.
(CHUCKLING)
VIRGINIA: Henry.
(CLICKING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Henry?
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
(YELLING)
(SCREAMING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Hey, hi.
Come on.
- I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
- No, no, no, shh.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
You know, we all lost
something or someone,
but thank God there are
those of us worth finding.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(KNOCKING)
We thought we'd call on you
since you've
been feelin' poorly.
Come in.
Come in.
This is my
husband, Henry Kieler.
Well, congratulations.
Mr. Kieler.
Mrs. Kieler.
There's an old trunk upstairs.
It's full of old things
I was going to donate
to church and cause.
Might wanna look in it.
There might be some
things in it for Henry.
(YELLING)
(BOOMING)
VIRGINIA: I don't have anything.
Let me go, please.
Please.
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
Burn it.
No!
No, my son is in there!
No!
(SCREAMING)
No!
No!
No!
No!
(BOOMING)
No!
No!
(MUFFLED WEEPING)
- Shh.
- I can still smell him.
HENRY: Shh, shh.
It's all right.
It's all right.
(WEEPING)
Shh, shh.
(CRICKETS AND TENSE MUSIC)
You got a good trade.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC
OVER CRACKLING FIRE)
Excuse me.
Lookin' for the
old Kieler place.
ANNIE: Up yonder in
that holler there.
Yankees burned it down
more than a year ago.
HAM: On the road
to Boonesborough.
Nothin' there but
foundation and family graves.
Thank you.
You kin?
No.
Friend.
Much obliged.
Hey put that down.
Gimme your hand.
Okay, careful now.
Don't squish him.
(CHUCKLING)
What do you see?
You.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
Set him free.
Go on.
Come on, I gotta
show you something.
Okay, stand right here.
All right, no peekin'.
It's a surprise.
Mmm.
All right.
Here we go.
Step up.
Yeah.
Okay, right there.
(CHUCKLING)
I brought the fireflies inside
so they don't
ever have to leave.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
Oh my God.
I'm not sure I know...
What.
(LAUGHING)
Shh, shh.
(SENSUAL MUSIC WITH
VOCALS IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
(MUSIC CONTINUES WITH NO VOCALS)
(MUSIC CONTINUES WITH NO VOCALS)
(MUSIC CONTINUES WITH NO VOCALS)
(MUSIC CONTINUES WITH NO VOCALS)
(SENSUAL MUSIC CONTINUES)
(MUSIC SLOWLY FADES OUT AS
SOUNDS OF NATURE TAKE OVER)
(NATURE SOUNDS LIKE CRICKETS,
BIRDS, WIND ARE HEARD)
(SCRAPING)
(WAGON CLATTERING)
Came by to take whatever
crop you've got to market.
I'll get a fair price.
Watch Jess 'til I get back?
Of course.
Much obliged.
Be nice to him.
Lloyd.
(JESS SIGHS)
Can I get you something?
Water?
Yeah, thank you.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
VIRGINIA: You're gonna be
fine, just fine.
It's a part
of nature, that's all.
You sit a spell.
Y'all planning
on having children?
I don't know.
Can he?
Or he got
that soldier's disease?
Y'all have
consummated, haven't you?
That's private, Jess.
Lloyd seems agreeable today.
Confederates stopped by,
tell him who Henry was.
What do you mean?
One of Mosby's.
Jess.
Threatened to burn,
threatened if he
breathed a word.
Wh... what's happening?
Threatened to burn our farm.
Jess.
(GROANING)
(WEEPING)
Breathe, breathe,
breathe, breathe, breathe.
Henry!
You don't say
much, do you?
Nothing to say.
Henry!
(SCREAMING)
Henry!
Henry, Henry, Help!
No, too hot.
(YELLING)
Henry, help me!
(SCREAMING)
Get her situated on the bed.
Get him outta here!
Get him out!
Jessie, no!
Jess.
It ain't proper.
Well, what about him?
I'll go... I'll go get Doc Hodson.
We don't have time for that.
But maybe we
should fetch the doctor.
Not now, Virginia.
We're gonna
have to do it ourselves!
Oh my God!
You're a girl.
Shh, you hush.
You hush up right now.
(WAILING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
(SOUND OF A PISTOL COCKING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Cord's around its neck.
You can't let her die, Henry.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Okay.
GEORGIANNA: Harrison!
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
Mama!
Okay, you're
gonna have to push for her.
Give me your hands, okay.
Yup, right here.
Okay, when I say, okay?
When I say.
Push.
Push!
Push!
I'm pushing, I'm pushing.
(TENSE MUSIC)
LUCIUS: Was I trespassing?
WARREN CARTER: Where you goin'?
Just trying to
find my sister, is all.
WARREN: Nice pony.
Dismount.
Man said dismount.
(TENSE MUSIC)
WARREN: 'Member me, Captain Walker?
At the prison.
PETE WILSON: You gave
the execution orders.
They were
General Grant's orders.
My brother hung.
Eye for an eye.
We'll count to three.
You can run
just as fast as you can.
I prefer to face my enemy.
(SORROWFUL MUSIC)
Promise me.
Promise me you'll find my boy.
Push!
I'm pushing!
Push, push, goddammit, push!
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
(SORROWFUL HARMONIZING)
(DRAMATIC THUD)
(BABY CRYING)
(RUSTLING SOUNDS
UNDERNEATH MOURNFUL MUSIC)
Take his boots.
And that hat.
(SORROWFUL HARMONIZING)
(COOING AND SOUNDS OF JOY
MIXED WITH MOURNFUL MUSIC)
(CHUCKLING)
You have a baby girl.
I do?
Oh, she's beautiful.
Here's your mama.
Oh, come here baby.
Come here sweetie.
Ain't none of my business.
- If you love...
- I do.
(CRICKETS)
Oh God, not yet.
(HEART BEATING)
(YELLING)
(GUNSHOTS BOOMING)
Find my boy.
Mama!
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
(YELLING)
(BOOMING)
(SORROWFUL VOCALIZING IN FOREIGN
LANGUAGE)
(SOUNDS OF NIGHT NATURE
WITH WATER TRICKLING)
He loves you, you know.
Harrison.
Henry this, Henry that.
I want a pistol like Henry's.
I want a horse like Henry's.
I love ya, Henry Kieler.
(SORROWFUL MUSIC PLAYS)
If anything happens, raise
him up to be a good man.
Georgianna.
(SORROWFUL VOCALIZING
IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
(WATER RUSHING)
Virginia.
(MOURNFUL, SOMBER
MUSIC CONTINUES)
(RUSTLING SOUNDS, MOVEMENT)
(BREATHING, TEETH CHATTERING)
After I...
I lost my son, I thought
I'd never play again.
Then one day,
I sat down at my piano,
and I touched the wooden frame
and cried.
I closed my eyes and I didn't
need to see the keys to know,
and as I heard each note
fly off the strings,
like colors drifted past.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
And now, every
time I see colors,
I hear certain notes.
It's like the
moon sounds like a G,
and the stars are
like a B,
and the sun
is like a loud E sharp.
(CHUCKLING)
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
And everywhere
I look there's a symphony.
See you.
I see you,
Grace.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(SINGLE PIANO KEYS)
(BABY COOING OVER PIANO KEYS)
What happened?
Henry.
I could hear them coming.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(TENSE, SLOWER TEMPO MUSIC)
And they took her boy.
They took Harrison.
And then it got quiet.
(GROANING)
And she was a
bird with a broken neck.
Shot through the throat.
Promise me.
You find my boy.
Promise me.
(WEEPING)
Do it.
(GROANING)
No, Georgianna.
And she looked
at me with that look.
And I said I wouldn't do it.
And that sound of someone
hanging on by a thread.
That sound of someone dyin'.
It plays over and over
in my head when
the night settles down.
(GROANING)
(GUNSHOT BLASTING)
(WEEPING)
She begged me,
Virginia, she begged me.
And I promised
her I'd find her boy.
You promised me, too.
(TENSE MUSIC)
Do what you have to do.
I'm comin' back,
I'll come back.
I promise.
If you're caught,
they'll hang you.
(DOOR SLAMMING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Your grandfather went up
into the great north woods
to find your father.
But he really went
to battle the darkness
that kept pulling him
back into the great war.
My little Anabel Lee.
(CHUCKLING)
My little Anabel.
Why don't you take
her outside Lloyd,
let her see the evening sky?
Get some fresh air.
Okay.
We'll go outside.
We'll take a little walk, huh?
See some stars.
Have everything
washed for you.
Even packed a carpet bag.
You shouldn't feel ashamed.
Of what?
How could you have known?
Even I thought he was a boy,
'til he got up close.
I heard him.
Don't worry.
You can have it annulled.
I don't feel at all ashamed.
I've known all along.
If you say anything to anyone,
and he doesn't return,
I will take my own life.
I'll have supper ready in a bit.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
HENRY: My Virginia,
it is the height of summer.
At times I can hear the
sounds of musket fire.
It rattles my soul to its core.
I cannot explain why it
strangles me so.
It simply awakens
a sleeping nightmare.
On the outside lookin' in
courage would be to die
in honor and duty fighting
for a cause with high ideals.
Courage from the inside
lookin' out would be
to walk away from
war and risk being
a coward among fellow veterans.
But I say what
greater honor and courage
is there but to
return to my beloved
somewhat whole and unmarked.
What greater courage,
what greater love is there
than to love you wholeheartedly,
passionately and nakedly honest.
I love you with all my being.
Henry.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(DIE CLINKING)
WARREN: Well, look who it is.
How'd you find us?
HENRY: Indians.
What are y'all doin'?
Oh, we just
finished a little ske-daddle
with the rangers.
Coffee?
No, thanks.
Reparations.
I get the watch.
(CHUCKLING)
Looks like you get
the love letter, Jim.
Can I have it?
Trophy.
We got the man that
hung Overby and Carter.
Lookin' for a small boy.
Harrison Hays.
Disappeared at Cold Harbor,
taken by New York Cavalry.
Jim runs a ring all
the way up to Canada.
He knows John Surratt.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(SOUNDS OF RUSTLING, MOVEMENT)
This is John Surratt.
He goes by Watson.
This fella here
is lookin' for a child
that was captured
by New York Cavalry.
JOHN SURRATT:
What's the child's name?
Harrison Hays.
Disappeared at Cold Harbor.
Where's his mama?
Killed.
You came all the way
up north to Montreal
to find a boy that's
probably already died.
Hmm?
Or, maybe hidden not
far from where you live.
Where I live?
Shepherdstown.
Blue Ridge.
Mmm hmm.
Hmm.
Must be an extraordinary boy.
Yes, he is.
JOHN: Blindfold him.
(COINS CLINKING)
Three bits I call.
I thank you wholeheartedly.
SMOOT: Enlighten me, gentlemen.
What would the Federal Army
want with a five year old boy
on a border state with
no known allegiance?
BADEAU: How long are you
in the game for, sir?
SMOOT: How is dear
Edwin, by the way?
RHODES: The woman was
mistaken for Anna Surratt,
accidentally killed.
Where's the kid?
Why is it important?
I wish to reunite
him with his kin.
Why is that important to you?
Because.
Because.
His uncle is...
Was a Union captain,
under Grant.
I'm just a facilitator,
that is all.
Gentlemen, are
we playin' poker?
Somebody deal
or buy me a brandy.
Deal me out.
Privy calls.
'Nother round on me.
(TENSE MUSIC)
Shelton of the 7th New York
Cavalry
brought the boy
to the Orphan's Asylum.
Ma'am.
POWELL: Found him.
(CRICKETS)
(footsteps
ORPHAN GIRL: We'll miss
you, Harrison.
Won't we?
CHILDREN: Goodbye, Harrison.
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
ELIZABETH: There's
chores to be done.
Quietly.
You excited
about your train ride?
Montana is exciting.
They have horses.
Do you like horses?
Henry rode a
horse named Trooper.
Who's Henry?
Your father?
He's probably
been killed in the ranks.
Life can be so cruel.
But...
It's just that thing
that makes children strong.
(LIGHT STRING MUSIC PLAYS)
(STRING MUSIC INTENSIFIES)
HENRY: Harrison.
Harrison.
ELIZABETH: And you are, sir?
Harrison Hays.
Where is he?
You can't just strong arm
your way in here!
- Harrison, Harrison!
- I don't know who you are!
Harrison!
- That boy is to be on
the train in 20 minutes!
He's going to Montana,
- Harrison!
To a family that
will love him!
Calling the constable.
Harrison!
Henry?
Harrison.
(GROANING)
Okay, we gotta go.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(SCRAPING)
I hope he comes back.
You were so happy
when he was here.
We make our own happiness.
Jess.
Thank you.
(CRICKETS)
You know your
mama's gone.
I know.
There's a woman
that I hope you will like.
Is that
where we're goin'?
Yes, she lives up on
uh, Brushy Mount, Blue Ridge.
You like her, Henry?
Yes, I do.
Very much.
Then I like her, too.
All right.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
(BABY CRYING)
(FOOTSTEPS UNDER PIANO SOUND)
You expecting anyone?
No.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
I'll leave you to it.
I know he can't be your son,
but this is Harrison.
I bet you're tired.
Yes, ma'am.
Get you some food,
we'll make a bed for you.
Come on.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(MELANCHOLY GUITAR
MUSIC PLAYS OVER CRICKETS)
Come here.
Everything is complete.
Yeah.
(BABY COOS)
NARRATOR: There were
many stories to be told.
Many years after the great war,
a great spiral wind
came down from the sky
and lightning touched the earth.
Virginia.
(THUNDER BOOMING)
(WIND WHOOSHING)
Some say they became
hawks to fly to the clouds
to be close to the great spirit.
Still others say they
went up into the mountains
to follow the sun
to the good red road.
But our wise ones knew.
They say when
two spirits come together
in the spirit world, the
sparks of the great spirit
will unite them in fire
with streaks of lightning
and they'll be together forever.
("NOT ALONE" BY SARAH LANGFORD)
She sees him layin'
In bed alone tonight
The other thing touchin' him
Is a pack of light
Pieces of her hair
Are wrapped around in rounds
he goes
He reaches for her side
For any sign of her that
lingers
You are not alone
Virginia.
Layin' in the light
Put out the fire
in your head
And lay with me tonight
One of them bullets
Went straight
for the jugular vein
There were people runnin'
A flash of light
Then everything changed
Nothin' really matters
in the end you know
All the worries severed
Don't be afraid
for me my friend
One day we
all fall down forever
Their house still stands
with twine knots
hanging from the eaves.
Every year the fireflies arrive
and we wait for
them to be born again.
This is where the spirits
of our ancestors are,
and where our prayers are
carried to the great spirit
and this is
where we'll all be together.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC PLAYS)
("CALLING ALL ANGELS"
BY THE ' JENNYS)
(LIGHT GUITAR STRUMMING)
Old man's placed
upon the steps
And a baby cries
My love you can
Hear the church bells
Start to ring
And the heaviness oh
The heaviness
By me settles in
Somewhere you can
Hear a mother sing
Then it's one foot
And then the other
As you step out on the road
Step out on the road
How much weight
How much
Then it's how long
and how far
And now that it's us
Oh what for
It's too late
Calling all angels
Calling all angels
Walk me through this world
Don't leave me alone
Calling all angels
Calling all angels
'Cause we're
tryin', we'll keep
We're not sure
How it goes
Oh and every day you gaze
Upon the sunset
with such love
And intensity
Why it's
It's almost as if you could
Only crack the code
Then you might finally
understand
What it all
What it all means
Oh if you could
Do you think you would
To trade it all
All the pain
And suffering
Oh and then you'd miss
The beauty of the lights
Upon this earth
Hey
And the sweetness of leaving
Calling all angels
Calling all angels
Walk with
("COME TO ME" BY JIMI ZHIVAGO)
(ACOUSTIC GUITAR STRUMMING)
(STREAM SOUNDS)
(HARMONICA KICKS IN)
Come to me
all you heavy ladies
Come to me
all you heavy ladies
And I will give you rest
Come to me
all you with your burdens
Come to me
all you with your burdens
And I will give you rest
And I will give you rest
Come to me
Come to me
Come to me
NARRATOR: Children,
look up into the night sky
and find the blue star.
That's the Dog Star.
During the great war when
white brothers fought
and killed their own
people, but the Dog star
danced with another.
Your grandmother
and grandfather,
I will tell you their story,
and how you came to be.
ANABEL: Harrison,
it's way past his bedtime.
HARRISON: Let him just stay
up for just this one story.
It was a hot summer day.
There was a fierce battle
between the blue coats
and the gray coats.
(BOOMING)
(YELLING)
The blue coats far out
numbered the gray coats.
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
(YELLING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
(SCREAMING)
But the blue
coats fell like rain.
They fell like
wheat to the blade
as they marched to their deaths.
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
(YELLING)
CONFEDERATE COMMANDER:
Dear God, they just keep coming.
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
(YELLING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Your grandfather,
part Tsalagi,
a warrior, a gray ghost.
He rode with a man named Mosby,
war chief of the gray coats.
(MELANCHOLY VOCALIZING
IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
As your grandfather lay
dying on the battlefield,
he made a promise
to the great spirit
that he would never fight again,
but to find his true
love, your grandmother,
and speak to her
in the spirit world.
And so he did.
HENRY: I have gone
to the mountain.
I have seen the Indians there.
I am a new warrior,
and my sacrifice is
my old way of life.
My courage does not falter for
I wear a coat of many colors.
A patchwork of
gratitude for the joy
that you have
given me, Virginia.
You're all that I have
left in the world,
and I will walk
across the continent
and scale the Blue Ridge
mountains just to see
your kind face, to
feel your tender touch
and to hold you
close once again,
and before I touch the
hem of heaven,
I will walk through the
fields of fireflies with you,
knowing that
every love is repeated
and that every
heart is complete.
My last breath
shall whisper your name.
All my love,
Henry.
Oh, God, not yet.
(BOOMING)
(MELANCHOLY VOCALIZING
IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
(YELLING)
SHERIDAN: 13,000
casualties approximate.
Rebels lost 6,000.
CUSTER: Sir, a few Confederate
cavalry men were taken prisoner.
Caught them at Church of
Bethesda down on the crossroads.
GRANT: Mosby's Raiders?
SHERIDAN: Yes, sir.
When Mosby's men are caught,
hang them, without trial.
Yes, sir.
(CRICKETS)
GRANT: My pursuit of Lee
has come with a great loss.
We haven't lost yet...
Loss of life.
I will regret these past
days for a long time to come.
We will beat them
with sheer numbers.
It's a high cost for
personal peace and sanity.
SHERIDAN: Preservation
of the union, sir.
We must.
On through
the dark I search for thee
Oh thou who'd will and fear
I haste my best
to find you there
So cold my love so dear
'Tis her for whom
my tears shall fall
My prayer to her I send
My highest joy
caste in her form
And where
my trials shall end
JESSE: You pinin' over that boy?
Been starin' at
that tintype all day.
This place is
fallin' into staves.
You said he'd call
on ya come spring.
It's been about two years, now.
VIRGINIA: I don't
wanna talk about it.
Suit yourself.
You know, it's likely...
I said I don't
wanna talk about it.
Lloyd and I are takin'
corn into market tomorrow.
You be all right by yourself?
Mmm.
I'm also takin'
bandages and provisions
and such for the prisoners,
some ladies for church.
Washington?
Wanna come?
Not after what
they did to my boy.
("FREEDOM" BY JIMI ZHIVAGO)
Where is my freedom
Where is my freedom
You look around me
But do you see
Where is my freedom
(FAINT CHATTERING)
Hoo
Oh
Hoo
Oh
Hoo
Oh
Hoo
Oh
(GROANING)
(FAINT CHATTERING)
(GROANING)
Guard!
Guard!
Unshackle him.
He is burnin' up.
Not allowed to, ma'am.
He's to hang later today.
He is not a dog.
Unshackle him.
Unshackle him!
JOHN: Three of Mosby's men.
By your command, two are
scheduled to hang later today,
but the third
probably won't last.
Chest wound.
The name in his coat,
Henry Kieler.
LUCIUS: That man was
executed two years ago.
Imposters are all around.
He probably pulled it
off the condemned man.
CHRISTIAN WOMAN: Show mercy, as
God has shown mercy unto you, son.
Let him go.
Do you not have a conscience?
(KNOCKING)
Excuse us, please.
Excuse us, please!
I need a room, and a surgeon.
Now!
(SOMBER VIOLIN MUSIC)
DOC COBB: Nurse!
(SOMBER VIOLIN MUSIC)
WYNIFRED: Take this and burn it.
I'm gonna need you
to take a message
to the front line
to General Grant.
General Grant,
one of the three men captured
during the cavalry raid at
Cold Harbor was a woman.
As a woman, she is a civilian
and not an enemy combatant.
Therefore, I request
permission to keep her under
house arrest removing
her from your original
orders to hang without trial.
Your humble servant,
Captain Lucius Walker.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
(DOG BARKING)
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
(DOGS BARKING)
(CART CLATTERING)
LLYOD: Crop didn't bring much.
Market's down.
How.
We're gonna have to find a
husband to take Virginia.
We're gonna have to sell
your granddaddy's farm,
and that piano.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
HENRY: Summer's comin'.
You know what my favorite
thing is in the summertime?
Lightning bugs.
Thousands of lightning bugs.
When they all come out,
right at twilight,
blinkin' their little
green-ish lights
and winkin' at
anybody who's watchin',
fields light up with magic.
You know why they blink
their lights, don't you?
They're looking for their mates.
Each one has a light and
when he beams the light
just right the mate arrives,
and they produce
their babies just once,
then their purpose is
served and they can move on.
Move on?
They don't need to
stay in this life.
They let it go.
Peacefully.
Oh, all the babies come
back the next summertime,
and they blink their little
lights and everything
is repeated and
everything is complete.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
(GASPING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
LLOYD: I wish I could play.
Soldier stole a
hen last night.
Wish I could
do a lot of things, but,
farm needs tendin'.
I should pull this place down
and sell it for kindlin'.
Grandfather left it to me.
It's mine.
It's only your'n
if you can work it.
Anyways, you
can't own land, legally.
Land's worth more
than the crop, anyhow.
I need a hen.
I can pay.
It'd be a miracle.
She kin?
Fiancee.
(HENS CLUCKING)
Said them Indians up
there were bloodthirsty
and anybody who went through
that pass never returned.
(CLUCKING)
(THUNDER BOOMING)
Lucius?
Lucius?
I'll take care of you now.
Don't worry.
My sister has gone missing.
Have you seen her?
No.
LUCIUS: It's all right.
Where is she?
Grace?
I...
I don't know.
I don't know.
Shh.
My clothes.
Where are my clothes?
We burned them.
Lice.
Those were my clothes.
That was my brother's coat.
Those are my things.
I'll buy you a
beautiful dress.
Lots of dresses
in the new style.
So, when you're
recovered you'll have
a whole new
wardrobe of pretty things.
Those were my clothes.
They were my clothes.
You were
sentenced to hang today.
Do you not feel anything for me?
You're under house arrest
for the time being.
When you've recovered,
you'll be in my custody,
my personal charge.
It is my
privilege and duty to...
tend to you.
The others?
William Overby and
Thomas Carter were hanged
today at three o'clock.
(TENSE MUSIC)
GEORGIANNA: I'm lookin'
for Henry Kieler.
WILLIAM: Hey Henry.
Got a visitor.
THOMAS: See your wife found ya.
Well, that's a
real pretty friend.
What are you doing?
(CHUCKLING)
I thought I'd never find you.
The Federals took Aunt
Ruth's house in Baltimore.
Baby got sick.
Couldn't go with her to Atlanta.
Can you cook, gal?
Best cornbread
you ever tasted,
and black-eyed peas.
THOMAS: Who's this
handsome fella?
This is Harrison.
Who are you?
Suzanna.
You from around here?
Where?
Skinner's Gap.
You know where
Shepherdstown is?
I need to go to Shepherdstown.
You ain't fit to go nowhere.
Well, not just yet.
You're a prisoner,
that's what they say.
Can you write?
Hey.
Whoa, whoa.
My sister-in-law, here,
is a real good cook.
And she's a hard worker, too.
And she plays the piano.
ELIJAH: Hmm.
Get a real good price
for that piano.
Can you work a plow, girl?
Yes, sir.
She's fetchin', I'll say that.
Any children?
LLYOD: She had a son,
but he was killed.
JESSE: Yankees burned her house.
ELIJAH: Hmm.
But she can bear, though.
20 somethin' and sturdy.
Good hips.
Lloyd.
Might do you good to
have some babies, gal.
Keep your thoughts occupied.
Tend the crop.
And a baby'll
keep your thoughts
from driftin' back to the past.
And that boy.
I'll come 'round
in a few days,
sort out my business and such.
Find a buyer for that piano.
Much obliged
for the coffee, Missy.
And I'll send
some folks to clear cut
them woods back there, too.
Wait, wait!
HENRY: Dear Virginia.
I hope this
letter finds you well.
I think about you every
day since we last parted.
(MELLOW MUSIC)
I have been taken prisoner
by the Union forces
and have been remanded
to a cell in Washington.
The hot days drift by slowly,
and the only thing that
calms my spirit
is my determination to find you.
I will find you.
All my love,
Henry.
(MELLOW MUSIC)
(CLATTERING)
LLOYD: Come on, now.
I am not
marrying that old man.
Then who you gonna marry?
No one.
Look, if you wanna survive,
you're gonna do as I say.
It's for the best.
(CUP CLATTERING)
For you.
Now, you listen.
You listen now.
For us.
For all of us.
We have all lost
children in this war.
And now, now we
got a baby on the way,
and you're bein' selfish.
Kin has gotta help kin.
Do you wanna starve, hmm?
Do you want us all to starve?
You cannot take care of
this property on your own.
We all gotta do our part.
You fix it up pretty.
CHEPI: The widow?
What's this?
A promise.
From your beau?
Looks kinda Indian.
It's Shawnee.
Is your beau Shawnee?
Please don't tell anyone.
It's a secret.
I won't.
I promise.
Looks like a fisherman's knot.
They say if you tie it a
certain way,
brings your soul mate to ya.
You love him?
They found these in your
clothes before they burned them.
You send my letter?
I have to make
my way back to her.
Find me some boys clothes.
(TENSE MUSIC)
Please.
(spooky sounds
Hostiles hide up
here in these hollows.
Thank you for my hens.
And for this.
What does it mean?
Gratitude.
What do these knots mean?
They're just signs
to those who know.
Who, Shawnee?
Cherokee?
Anyone who walks this way.
It's very dangerous if
you don't know the path.
Animals, outlaws,
deserters, soldiers.
Why are you helping me?
Your music.
You were calling for someone.
Fix that coop.
Turn her loose and see if
she leads us back to Mosby.
I can't do that.
She could get killed.
You know she'll go
right back to him.
Mosby has cut off almost
every Union supply line here.
Your country,
or your future wife.
Which can you live without?
Let me think about it.
- Colonel if I may.
- Go.
UNION SARGENT:
We have a situation.
We have a woman in the ranks.
COLONEL RHODES: Anyone's kin?
String her up.
SERGEANT: Sir?
We won't tolerate this.
Yes, sir.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(WHISTLING)
(CRACKING)
(YELLING)
I'll get you.
Thief!
You sum bitch!
(TENSE MUSIC)
LUCIUS: So, tell me about
your plans after the war.
ELISHA: Well, sir, I'll...
I intend to take what
gold I have down south.
(TENSE MUSIC)
You look like you
seen a haint.
What is it?
That boy.
What boy?
The one I seen
at the hospital prison.
The one Virginia's
been pinin' over.
They're the same.
Well, there's no date.
There's no tellin'
when this was written.
Lloyd!
She's marrying Cochran.
That boy's dead.
Hanged over a month ago.
You understand?
I done it.
You have to leave tonight.
Go up to Brushy Mount.
Show this to the people up there
and they will take you
to the hiding place.
Don't go back to fightin'.
My brother's horse is tied
up just beyond the fence.
LUCIUS: Thank you
much for supper.
I'll be just a moment.
Captain, sir.
She's indecent at the moment.
Best wait until morning.
(MELLOW MUSIC)
(SOUND OF FIREPLACE WITH MUSIC)
Everything is repeated.
Everything is complete.
DR. HODSON: I see
you got my message.
What happened?
Got tangled
up in a steel trap.
Stuck there pert near the
entire day and a night.
May have to take it.
Not sure he's
gonna pull through this.
Gangrene.
(MELLOW MUSIC)
(UPTEMPO VIOLIN MUSIC)
Excuse us, if you please.
This is Mr. Cox.
He's an actor.
He's going to help us.
ELLSWORTH: This is spirit gum.
In the field, you can use pine
resin, works just as well.
Tap a jack pine,
they're plentiful.
And this is crepe hair.
However, in the field,
you can use the clippings
from your own hair
or the mane of horse,
works just as well.
You've concealed
yourself well.
Just like your brother.
(BOOMING)
(GASPING)
(CLINKING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
No!
(MUFFLED SCREAMING)
SOLDIER: Shh, shh.
Shh, be quiet now.
(MUFFLED GROANING)
(GRUNTING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
It's gonna be all right.
Promise.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(NATURE SOUNDS)
Have you lost your
goddamn mind?
What do you want?
(THUDDING)
'Preciate it.
Cochran took a spill.
Don't mean you ain't
gettin' hitched, though.
I ain't livin' with him.
So, live in the
woods, then.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
(GRUNTING)
(BELL CLANGING)
(SOLDIERS YELLING)
We've been
ordered to hunt Kieler.
Male or female, dead or alive.
Two's to the left.
March!
(SCREAMING OVER THE
SOUND OF CANNONS FIRING)
(FLAMES CRACKLING)
(SCREAMING OVER GUNSHOTS
AND CANNONS FIRING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
'Scuse me.
I need to get to the
Cacapon, Brushy Mount.
TILLMAN: You know them Indians
hidin' for a reason, don't you?
You some kind of deserter?
No.
Please.
I'll take you to the pass,
but I ain't goin' no further.
Much obliged.
(TENSE MUSIC)
ELISHA: Sir.
Anything?
Not a trace.
She didn't go back to Mosby.
He's ridin' the Rappahannock
and led two raids already.
My sister?
According to the Confederate
prisoners,
Georgianna Hays was last seen
with Kieler
three months ago at
Spottsylvania.
Her husband was killed at
Fredericksburg.
Dammit!
(TENSE MUSIC)
When the spirit of a man
and the spirit of a woman
are in the same body,
it is a blessing.
You're honored.
You're respected.
You're a teacher.
(VOCALIZING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
(HORSE WHINNEY)
This is no enemy.
(CHANTING VOCALIZING MUSIC)
(RATTLING)
(CHANTING AND DRUMS)
(ETHEREAL CHANTING AND SOUND
CONTINUES WITH RATTLES)
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(ETHEREAL MUSIC)
(DRUMS OF LIFE)
(MAJESTIC SOUNDS OF WIND,
MUSIC, THE WORLD BEING ALIVE)
Virginia.
What is this place?
Looks like a spider web.
I can take it all down.
Not interested.
Sorry, Lloyd.
Looks like this place has
some hoo doo on this property.
I need a place close
to the town anyway.
(CLATTERING)
Rode up with Doc Hobson.
Cochran seems to be healin' up.
You know this
twine's an invitation
for all kinds of critters.
What did you come here for?
People think you're crazy.
Spinning a cocoon
around the house.
Plain crazy.
I don't care.
I seen this boy, in
Washington.
What, when?
Was he in the jail?
Virginia,
he was mortally wounded.
He had a huge hole in his chest.
I didn't think he'd
live through the day.
Soldiers removed
him from the general area
so's his passin' wouldn't
upset the others.
But you didn't see
him dead, though?
No, but he was
sentenced to hang
with two others later that day.
(SOMBER MUSIC)
I'm so sorry.
(SOMBER MUSIC)
I lost my husband
and my son,
my love to this war.
Why can't you just let me
believe, Jess?
Why?
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
(PIANO CONTINUES)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
It's all right.
It's all right, shh, I'm here.
I'm here, I'm here,
Hey be still.
Shh, be still, be still now.
It's all right, it's all right.
Shh.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
(CRICKETS CHIRPING)
You been up yonder
between two worlds.
High on the
mountain and under the sea.
You been
on the red road.
Your heart's weepin',
that's why it won't heal.
Shepherdstown, I have
to go to Shepherdstown.
Man-woman, powerful medicine.
This is Greatly Beloved Woman,
daughter of the last.
(NATURE SOUNDS WITH FOOTSTEPS)
Skirmish intervals, five
paces.
GREATLY BELOVED WOMAN: You will
not find what you seek here.
ELISHA: Lookin' for an outlaw.
(CHUCKLING)
These mountains
are filled with outlaws.
Kieler.
We know no one named Kieler.
Confederate.
This is sacred ground.
There is no killing here.
You may go now.
No killin' ma'am.
We will return him for trial.
I know your trials.
Like treaties, killin'.
Go!
Go!
I have a regiment camped
not but a few miles away.
Look around you, blue coat.
You see those bones?
You see those scalps?
Those bones and
those scalps belong
to soldiers who never made it
to the top of this mountain.
Now, go!
Leave us!
(WHOOSHING)
(CAWING)
Fall back!
(EERIE SOUNDS)
Shepherdstown is on the road,
just past the widow's farm.
Much obliged.
Thanks.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
(NATURE SOUNDS, CRICKETS)
(DOG BARKING)
What's your business?
Ain't nothin' for you here.
Git!
(DOG BARKING)
(CLICKING)
HENRY: Virginia!
Do I know you?
You're on my property.
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
Looks like your
house is gonna fly away.
Henry?
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC CONTINUES)
(EXCITED BREATHING)
How'd you come by them whiskers?
Well, I learned
it on the road.
You're home.
Hear me out.
If you go on livin' like
Henry, I'll marry you,
and then nobody can claim me.
Marry me, Henry Kieler.
Yeah.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(WATER RINGING OUT SOUND)
(TENSE MUSIC)
We don't want any trouble.
Get off my land!
We're lookin' for a
man named Kieler.
Nobody's been by here.
Now, you wouldn't
be hidin' him from us,
- would you?
- Hey.
Hey!
I said no one's been by here.
You've already
taken everything I got.
Stand down!
Shoulder arms!
Henry Kieler escaped
from the federal prison.
Ain't nobody here.
(TENSE MUSIC)
He assassinated
a federal officer.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(BUSTLING SOUND)
(TENSE DRUMMING)
Best not be
feedin' strays, missus.
He'll cut your throat.
They'll come a reckonin'.
Not today.
Move out!
VIRGINIA: Oh my God, what happened?
HENRY: I slipped
out the damn window.
It ripped open a wound.
Come on, come on,
they're gone, they're gone.
Must have started at
least a dozen letters to ya.
Rest I stashed away.
Someday you'll
let me read 'em?
Someday.
Fix you something
for the pain?
Make you sleep?
Yeah.
(TENSE YET SERENE MUSIC)
(MUSIC INTENSIFIES
OVER DRUM HITS)
(MUSIC CONTINUES TO INTENSIFY)
(THE SOUND OF CRICKETS)
Everything is repeated
and everything is complete.
Yeah.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(SERENE MUSIC
PLAYS OVER BIRDS CHIRPING)
(LIGHT HOWLING IN THE DISTANCE)
Who are you?
Vet.
Passin' through.
You refill your canteen and
you move on now, you hear?
Come on!
(HORSE WHINNYING)
(KNOCKING)
JESSE: Yes?
We're lookin' for a boy,
goes by the name of Kieler.
I'm sorry.
I hear tell he died.
May I ask when, ma'am.
Month or so ago,
up at the prison.
No, ma'am.
He escaped from the prison.
Anyone around here named Kieler?
Women folk?
No.
(CLICKING)
We're camped not more
than a mile from here.
We'll make sure he or
she doesn't bother you.
Much obliged.
Move out!
WHITE HAWK: Hiding?
It's best for now.
Best for who?
No good.
You have powerful medicine.
Use it.
How?
Beloved Woman
says so, it is so.
Soldiers won't find you.
We make it so.
We've chased
the blue coats away.
Come.
Henry?
(HORSE WHINNYING)
Henry?
Who's Henry?
Oh, I see.
You been takin' in strays.
Where is he?
Told him to move on.
Can't afford handouts to
every raggedy little man
that comes along.
What is this?
Well, I'm keepin'
Cochran's animals here.
Makes sense since
he'll be movin' in soon.
I heard he's right poorly.
Fierce poorly, in fact.
It's postponed for now.
Wednesday week I'll be by
to fetch you to the church
and you'll be
dressed and ready to go.
Get off my land.
People find out about
this and they'll think
you's a soiled dove.
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
I said get off my land!
I ain't afraid of you.
I ain't afraid of them Yankees
and I ain't
marryin' that old man.
You will.
Henry?
(SCREAMING)
Henry, I'm looking for Henry.
(SOUND OF CRICKETS)
(LIGHT DRUMMING)
Federal boys came by,
lookin' for that boy, Henry.
Is that so?
He's not dead.
He escaped.
LLOYD: Come again?
He escaped.
I see.
(TENSE MUSIC)
You feelin' okay today?
Yeah.
(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)
(CHANTING)
Beloved Woman asked me
to lend you proper clothes,
and a blessing.
(SINGING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
There's no fear in love,
but perfect love
casts out all fear.
Fear has to do with punishment.
Ain't no more punishin'.
No more weepin'.
Only singin'.
Only smilin'.
(CHUCKLING)
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
Henry.
Come, woman.
(CHUCKLING)
I'm afraid my
presence will bring...
No,
they won't find you.
Hear me out.
If I'm discovered, you
can say I tricked ya.
I'll tell 'em I tricked you.
Mmm, no.
Won't lie.
I won't.
You never tricked me.
I know what I'm doin'.
If you're discovered, so am I.
All right.
("BY WAY OF SORROW"
BY CRY, CRY, CRY)
All nights that
joy has slept
Will awake to
your days of laughter
Gone the tears
that you have wept
You'll dance in
freedom ever after
You have come by
way of sorrow
You have come
by way of tears
Once you reach your destiny
Then to find
you all these years
Then to find
you all these years
Have come by way of sorrow
You have come
by way of tears
Once you reach your destiny
Then to find
you all these years
Then to find
you all these years
HENRY: Virginia, you ready?
VIRGINIA: You walk like a boy.
HENRY: That so?
Mmm hmm.
Sometimes I forget.
Well, that's
what a shapeshifter does.
Makes you forget.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(MANDOLIN MUSIC)
That I walked a little
far too soon
I'm the cross
and you're the saviour
In a better home
Soon I will reside
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Beautiful world
Hey there, Virginia.
I was told Mr. Cochran
was coming next Wednesday.
I'm getting
married today, Reverend.
I'm confused.
This is Henry Kieler.
I will climb the
mountains with you
Soldiers are
looking for this man.
Well then, we oughta be quick.
Indeed.
We need two witnesses.
I'll only be a moment.
Waitin' for the
change to come
I know where
she's coming from
Listen can you hear
her on the (MUMBLING)
When I'm bored
I won't be looking back
Hallelujah
Dearly beloved.
We are gathered here today
to join Virginia Klaising
and Henry Kieler in holy
matrimony.
Do you, Virginia Klaising,
take Henry Kieler
to be your lawfully
wedded husband?
In the name of God, I,
Virginia, take you Henry,
to be my lawful husband,
to have and to hold
from this day forward,
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
til death do us part.
This is my solemn vow.
REVEREND PERKINS:
Do you, Henry Kieler,
take Virginia Klaising to be
your lawfully wedded wife,
to have and to hold,
in sickness and health,
'til death do you part?
Virginia,
I give you this ring
as a sign of my love and my
vow, and with all that I am,
and all that I have, I honor
you until my last breath.
Will you have me?
I will.
Hallelujah, hallelujah
By
The power vested in me
by the state of Virginia, I
pronounce you man and wife.
You may kiss your bride.
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
(MELLOW MUSIC)
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
May I help you?
SCOTT: Lookin' for
a man named Kieler.
What has he done?
Nothin'.
We want to talk to him.
There were a few
Confederates here yesterday.
They came for services.
SOLDIER: Uh uh.
SNIPER: Not now.
And I heard 'em talkin' later.
Said they were makin' their
way to Fredericksburg.
They had a boy with 'em and
didn't call him by name, though.
Thank you.
I must say I'm
glad that you boys
have control of the situation.
SOLDIER: Form skirmish lines.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC
OVER NIGHT SOUNDS)
(LIGHT VIOLIN PLAYS)
WARREN CARTER:
You remember me from prison?
No, can't say that I do.
Hmm.
Play one for the
bride and groom boys.
(CLAPPING)
(MELLOW VIOLIN MUSIC)
(MELLOW VIOLIN MUSIC CONTINUES)
(SNORING)
(SNORING CONTINUES)
You're in here
sleeping the day away
while that field
out there goes to shit!
You makin' money on the side?
He's my husband.
Get out.
Get out!
Them Union soldiers are
lookin' for you, Kieler.
You want another dead husband?
Lost your goddamn mind!
SHERIDAN: Captain Walker.
Sir.
I must resign my commission.
Have you lost your faith?
No, sir.
My family has gone missing.
Disappointing.
Dismissed.
YELLOW DOG: Lloyd Tull!
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
Leave that boy be.
What are you, Homeguard?
If the Federals find him,
we'll know.
You threatenin' me?
Right nice place, here.
Shame to see it burn.
WARREN: You've been warned.
(MELANCHOLY VOCALIZING
IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
William Harrison Hays.
Come here now!
Harrison.
(CHANTING, MELANCHOLY SOUND)
(HORSE SOUNDS, WHEELS, NATURE)
Harrison!
Mama!
Mama!
(GUNFIRE BOOMING)
(GASPING)
Henry.
Hey, it's all right.
Shh, it's all right, shh.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Your grandfather began
to cultivate things
that your grandmother could
see in her spirit visions.
Small things that
would touch her heart.
(CHUCKLING)
VIRGINIA: Henry.
(CLICKING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Henry?
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
(YELLING)
(SCREAMING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Hey, hi.
Come on.
- I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
- No, no, no, shh.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
You know, we all lost
something or someone,
but thank God there are
those of us worth finding.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(KNOCKING)
We thought we'd call on you
since you've
been feelin' poorly.
Come in.
Come in.
This is my
husband, Henry Kieler.
Well, congratulations.
Mr. Kieler.
Mrs. Kieler.
There's an old trunk upstairs.
It's full of old things
I was going to donate
to church and cause.
Might wanna look in it.
There might be some
things in it for Henry.
(YELLING)
(BOOMING)
VIRGINIA: I don't have anything.
Let me go, please.
Please.
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
Burn it.
No!
No, my son is in there!
No!
(SCREAMING)
No!
No!
No!
No!
(BOOMING)
No!
No!
(MUFFLED WEEPING)
- Shh.
- I can still smell him.
HENRY: Shh, shh.
It's all right.
It's all right.
(WEEPING)
Shh, shh.
(CRICKETS AND TENSE MUSIC)
You got a good trade.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC
OVER CRACKLING FIRE)
Excuse me.
Lookin' for the
old Kieler place.
ANNIE: Up yonder in
that holler there.
Yankees burned it down
more than a year ago.
HAM: On the road
to Boonesborough.
Nothin' there but
foundation and family graves.
Thank you.
You kin?
No.
Friend.
Much obliged.
Hey put that down.
Gimme your hand.
Okay, careful now.
Don't squish him.
(CHUCKLING)
What do you see?
You.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
Set him free.
Go on.
Come on, I gotta
show you something.
Okay, stand right here.
All right, no peekin'.
It's a surprise.
Mmm.
All right.
Here we go.
Step up.
Yeah.
Okay, right there.
(CHUCKLING)
I brought the fireflies inside
so they don't
ever have to leave.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
Oh my God.
I'm not sure I know...
What.
(LAUGHING)
Shh, shh.
(SENSUAL MUSIC WITH
VOCALS IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
(MUSIC CONTINUES WITH NO VOCALS)
(MUSIC CONTINUES WITH NO VOCALS)
(MUSIC CONTINUES WITH NO VOCALS)
(MUSIC CONTINUES WITH NO VOCALS)
(SENSUAL MUSIC CONTINUES)
(MUSIC SLOWLY FADES OUT AS
SOUNDS OF NATURE TAKE OVER)
(NATURE SOUNDS LIKE CRICKETS,
BIRDS, WIND ARE HEARD)
(SCRAPING)
(WAGON CLATTERING)
Came by to take whatever
crop you've got to market.
I'll get a fair price.
Watch Jess 'til I get back?
Of course.
Much obliged.
Be nice to him.
Lloyd.
(JESS SIGHS)
Can I get you something?
Water?
Yeah, thank you.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
VIRGINIA: You're gonna be
fine, just fine.
It's a part
of nature, that's all.
You sit a spell.
Y'all planning
on having children?
I don't know.
Can he?
Or he got
that soldier's disease?
Y'all have
consummated, haven't you?
That's private, Jess.
Lloyd seems agreeable today.
Confederates stopped by,
tell him who Henry was.
What do you mean?
One of Mosby's.
Jess.
Threatened to burn,
threatened if he
breathed a word.
Wh... what's happening?
Threatened to burn our farm.
Jess.
(GROANING)
(WEEPING)
Breathe, breathe,
breathe, breathe, breathe.
Henry!
You don't say
much, do you?
Nothing to say.
Henry!
(SCREAMING)
Henry!
Henry, Henry, Help!
No, too hot.
(YELLING)
Henry, help me!
(SCREAMING)
Get her situated on the bed.
Get him outta here!
Get him out!
Jessie, no!
Jess.
It ain't proper.
Well, what about him?
I'll go... I'll go get Doc Hodson.
We don't have time for that.
But maybe we
should fetch the doctor.
Not now, Virginia.
We're gonna
have to do it ourselves!
Oh my God!
You're a girl.
Shh, you hush.
You hush up right now.
(WAILING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
(SOUND OF A PISTOL COCKING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Cord's around its neck.
You can't let her die, Henry.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Okay.
GEORGIANNA: Harrison!
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
Mama!
Okay, you're
gonna have to push for her.
Give me your hands, okay.
Yup, right here.
Okay, when I say, okay?
When I say.
Push.
Push!
Push!
I'm pushing, I'm pushing.
(TENSE MUSIC)
LUCIUS: Was I trespassing?
WARREN CARTER: Where you goin'?
Just trying to
find my sister, is all.
WARREN: Nice pony.
Dismount.
Man said dismount.
(TENSE MUSIC)
WARREN: 'Member me, Captain Walker?
At the prison.
PETE WILSON: You gave
the execution orders.
They were
General Grant's orders.
My brother hung.
Eye for an eye.
We'll count to three.
You can run
just as fast as you can.
I prefer to face my enemy.
(SORROWFUL MUSIC)
Promise me.
Promise me you'll find my boy.
Push!
I'm pushing!
Push, push, goddammit, push!
(GUNSHOT BOOMING)
(SORROWFUL HARMONIZING)
(DRAMATIC THUD)
(BABY CRYING)
(RUSTLING SOUNDS
UNDERNEATH MOURNFUL MUSIC)
Take his boots.
And that hat.
(SORROWFUL HARMONIZING)
(COOING AND SOUNDS OF JOY
MIXED WITH MOURNFUL MUSIC)
(CHUCKLING)
You have a baby girl.
I do?
Oh, she's beautiful.
Here's your mama.
Oh, come here baby.
Come here sweetie.
Ain't none of my business.
- If you love...
- I do.
(CRICKETS)
Oh God, not yet.
(HEART BEATING)
(YELLING)
(GUNSHOTS BOOMING)
Find my boy.
Mama!
(GUNFIRE POPPING)
(YELLING)
(BOOMING)
(SORROWFUL VOCALIZING IN FOREIGN
LANGUAGE)
(SOUNDS OF NIGHT NATURE
WITH WATER TRICKLING)
He loves you, you know.
Harrison.
Henry this, Henry that.
I want a pistol like Henry's.
I want a horse like Henry's.
I love ya, Henry Kieler.
(SORROWFUL MUSIC PLAYS)
If anything happens, raise
him up to be a good man.
Georgianna.
(SORROWFUL VOCALIZING
IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)
(WATER RUSHING)
Virginia.
(MOURNFUL, SOMBER
MUSIC CONTINUES)
(RUSTLING SOUNDS, MOVEMENT)
(BREATHING, TEETH CHATTERING)
After I...
I lost my son, I thought
I'd never play again.
Then one day,
I sat down at my piano,
and I touched the wooden frame
and cried.
I closed my eyes and I didn't
need to see the keys to know,
and as I heard each note
fly off the strings,
like colors drifted past.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
And now, every
time I see colors,
I hear certain notes.
It's like the
moon sounds like a G,
and the stars are
like a B,
and the sun
is like a loud E sharp.
(CHUCKLING)
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
And everywhere
I look there's a symphony.
See you.
I see you,
Grace.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(SINGLE PIANO KEYS)
(BABY COOING OVER PIANO KEYS)
What happened?
Henry.
I could hear them coming.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(TENSE, SLOWER TEMPO MUSIC)
And they took her boy.
They took Harrison.
And then it got quiet.
(GROANING)
And she was a
bird with a broken neck.
Shot through the throat.
Promise me.
You find my boy.
Promise me.
(WEEPING)
Do it.
(GROANING)
No, Georgianna.
And she looked
at me with that look.
And I said I wouldn't do it.
And that sound of someone
hanging on by a thread.
That sound of someone dyin'.
It plays over and over
in my head when
the night settles down.
(GROANING)
(GUNSHOT BLASTING)
(WEEPING)
She begged me,
Virginia, she begged me.
And I promised
her I'd find her boy.
You promised me, too.
(TENSE MUSIC)
Do what you have to do.
I'm comin' back,
I'll come back.
I promise.
If you're caught,
they'll hang you.
(DOOR SLAMMING)
(TENSE MUSIC)
Your grandfather went up
into the great north woods
to find your father.
But he really went
to battle the darkness
that kept pulling him
back into the great war.
My little Anabel Lee.
(CHUCKLING)
My little Anabel.
Why don't you take
her outside Lloyd,
let her see the evening sky?
Get some fresh air.
Okay.
We'll go outside.
We'll take a little walk, huh?
See some stars.
Have everything
washed for you.
Even packed a carpet bag.
You shouldn't feel ashamed.
Of what?
How could you have known?
Even I thought he was a boy,
'til he got up close.
I heard him.
Don't worry.
You can have it annulled.
I don't feel at all ashamed.
I've known all along.
If you say anything to anyone,
and he doesn't return,
I will take my own life.
I'll have supper ready in a bit.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
HENRY: My Virginia,
it is the height of summer.
At times I can hear the
sounds of musket fire.
It rattles my soul to its core.
I cannot explain why it
strangles me so.
It simply awakens
a sleeping nightmare.
On the outside lookin' in
courage would be to die
in honor and duty fighting
for a cause with high ideals.
Courage from the inside
lookin' out would be
to walk away from
war and risk being
a coward among fellow veterans.
But I say what
greater honor and courage
is there but to
return to my beloved
somewhat whole and unmarked.
What greater courage,
what greater love is there
than to love you wholeheartedly,
passionately and nakedly honest.
I love you with all my being.
Henry.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(DIE CLINKING)
WARREN: Well, look who it is.
How'd you find us?
HENRY: Indians.
What are y'all doin'?
Oh, we just
finished a little ske-daddle
with the rangers.
Coffee?
No, thanks.
Reparations.
I get the watch.
(CHUCKLING)
Looks like you get
the love letter, Jim.
Can I have it?
Trophy.
We got the man that
hung Overby and Carter.
Lookin' for a small boy.
Harrison Hays.
Disappeared at Cold Harbor,
taken by New York Cavalry.
Jim runs a ring all
the way up to Canada.
He knows John Surratt.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(SOUNDS OF RUSTLING, MOVEMENT)
This is John Surratt.
He goes by Watson.
This fella here
is lookin' for a child
that was captured
by New York Cavalry.
JOHN SURRATT:
What's the child's name?
Harrison Hays.
Disappeared at Cold Harbor.
Where's his mama?
Killed.
You came all the way
up north to Montreal
to find a boy that's
probably already died.
Hmm?
Or, maybe hidden not
far from where you live.
Where I live?
Shepherdstown.
Blue Ridge.
Mmm hmm.
Hmm.
Must be an extraordinary boy.
Yes, he is.
JOHN: Blindfold him.
(COINS CLINKING)
Three bits I call.
I thank you wholeheartedly.
SMOOT: Enlighten me, gentlemen.
What would the Federal Army
want with a five year old boy
on a border state with
no known allegiance?
BADEAU: How long are you
in the game for, sir?
SMOOT: How is dear
Edwin, by the way?
RHODES: The woman was
mistaken for Anna Surratt,
accidentally killed.
Where's the kid?
Why is it important?
I wish to reunite
him with his kin.
Why is that important to you?
Because.
Because.
His uncle is...
Was a Union captain,
under Grant.
I'm just a facilitator,
that is all.
Gentlemen, are
we playin' poker?
Somebody deal
or buy me a brandy.
Deal me out.
Privy calls.
'Nother round on me.
(TENSE MUSIC)
Shelton of the 7th New York
Cavalry
brought the boy
to the Orphan's Asylum.
Ma'am.
POWELL: Found him.
(CRICKETS)
(footsteps
ORPHAN GIRL: We'll miss
you, Harrison.
Won't we?
CHILDREN: Goodbye, Harrison.
(CHILDREN CHATTERING)
ELIZABETH: There's
chores to be done.
Quietly.
You excited
about your train ride?
Montana is exciting.
They have horses.
Do you like horses?
Henry rode a
horse named Trooper.
Who's Henry?
Your father?
He's probably
been killed in the ranks.
Life can be so cruel.
But...
It's just that thing
that makes children strong.
(LIGHT STRING MUSIC PLAYS)
(STRING MUSIC INTENSIFIES)
HENRY: Harrison.
Harrison.
ELIZABETH: And you are, sir?
Harrison Hays.
Where is he?
You can't just strong arm
your way in here!
- Harrison, Harrison!
- I don't know who you are!
Harrison!
- That boy is to be on
the train in 20 minutes!
He's going to Montana,
- Harrison!
To a family that
will love him!
Calling the constable.
Harrison!
Henry?
Harrison.
(GROANING)
Okay, we gotta go.
(TENSE MUSIC)
(SCRAPING)
I hope he comes back.
You were so happy
when he was here.
We make our own happiness.
Jess.
Thank you.
(CRICKETS)
You know your
mama's gone.
I know.
There's a woman
that I hope you will like.
Is that
where we're goin'?
Yes, she lives up on
uh, Brushy Mount, Blue Ridge.
You like her, Henry?
Yes, I do.
Very much.
Then I like her, too.
All right.
(MELANCHOLY PIANO MUSIC)
(BABY CRYING)
(FOOTSTEPS UNDER PIANO SOUND)
You expecting anyone?
No.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
I'll leave you to it.
I know he can't be your son,
but this is Harrison.
I bet you're tired.
Yes, ma'am.
Get you some food,
we'll make a bed for you.
Come on.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC)
(MELANCHOLY GUITAR
MUSIC PLAYS OVER CRICKETS)
Come here.
Everything is complete.
Yeah.
(BABY COOS)
NARRATOR: There were
many stories to be told.
Many years after the great war,
a great spiral wind
came down from the sky
and lightning touched the earth.
Virginia.
(THUNDER BOOMING)
(WIND WHOOSHING)
Some say they became
hawks to fly to the clouds
to be close to the great spirit.
Still others say they
went up into the mountains
to follow the sun
to the good red road.
But our wise ones knew.
They say when
two spirits come together
in the spirit world, the
sparks of the great spirit
will unite them in fire
with streaks of lightning
and they'll be together forever.
("NOT ALONE" BY SARAH LANGFORD)
She sees him layin'
In bed alone tonight
The other thing touchin' him
Is a pack of light
Pieces of her hair
Are wrapped around in rounds
he goes
He reaches for her side
For any sign of her that
lingers
You are not alone
Virginia.
Layin' in the light
Put out the fire
in your head
And lay with me tonight
One of them bullets
Went straight
for the jugular vein
There were people runnin'
A flash of light
Then everything changed
Nothin' really matters
in the end you know
All the worries severed
Don't be afraid
for me my friend
One day we
all fall down forever
Their house still stands
with twine knots
hanging from the eaves.
Every year the fireflies arrive
and we wait for
them to be born again.
This is where the spirits
of our ancestors are,
and where our prayers are
carried to the great spirit
and this is
where we'll all be together.
(MELANCHOLY MUSIC PLAYS)
("CALLING ALL ANGELS"
BY THE ' JENNYS)
(LIGHT GUITAR STRUMMING)
Old man's placed
upon the steps
And a baby cries
My love you can
Hear the church bells
Start to ring
And the heaviness oh
The heaviness
By me settles in
Somewhere you can
Hear a mother sing
Then it's one foot
And then the other
As you step out on the road
Step out on the road
How much weight
How much
Then it's how long
and how far
And now that it's us
Oh what for
It's too late
Calling all angels
Calling all angels
Walk me through this world
Don't leave me alone
Calling all angels
Calling all angels
'Cause we're
tryin', we'll keep
We're not sure
How it goes
Oh and every day you gaze
Upon the sunset
with such love
And intensity
Why it's
It's almost as if you could
Only crack the code
Then you might finally
understand
What it all
What it all means
Oh if you could
Do you think you would
To trade it all
All the pain
And suffering
Oh and then you'd miss
The beauty of the lights
Upon this earth
Hey
And the sweetness of leaving
Calling all angels
Calling all angels
Walk with