Dolly Parton's Heartstrings (2019) s01e03 Episode Script

1 [WOMAN VOCALIZING.]
[WOMAN VOCALIZING.]
["IF I HAD WINGS" PLAYING.]
["IF I HAD WINGS" PLAYING.]
[DOLLY.]
If I had wings, I'd fly away from [DOLLY.]
If I had wings, I'd fly away from All of my troubles, all of my pain All of my troubles, all of my pain And I would fly to a place of comfort And I would fly to a place of comfort Heaven knows I need a change Heaven knows I need a change If I had wings, Lord, give me wings If I had wings, Lord, give me wings Hey, everybody, Hey, everybody, I am at Showstreet Palace Theater here at Dollywood.
I am at Showstreet Palace Theater here at Dollywood.
Now, when I wrote "If I Had Wings," Now, when I wrote "If I Had Wings," it reminded me of my beautiful mama, Avie Lee Parton, it reminded me of my beautiful mama, Avie Lee Parton, when she would sing the old mountain songs.
when she would sing the old mountain songs.
Those songs were stories of sadness and struggle.
Those songs were stories of sadness and struggle.
But they also had dreams in 'em of what might be.
But they also had dreams in 'em of what might be.
Now, my mama believed in dreams, especially mine.
Now, my mama believed in dreams, especially mine.
And I've learned in my life And I've learned in my life that dreams don't just come true by themselves, that dreams don't just come true by themselves, you gotta put wings on 'em, see where they take you.
you gotta put wings on 'em, see where they take you.
Now, sometimes you're dreaming about getting away from a place.
Now, sometimes you're dreaming about getting away from a place.
Sometimes you're dreaming about moving toward something Sometimes you're dreaming about moving toward something bigger and better and happier.
bigger and better and happier.
Now, this story includes all of those.
Now, this story includes all of those.
It's also about the bonds of family.
It's also about the bonds of family.
It started out as a stage play a long time ago and far, far away.
It started out as a stage play a long time ago and far, far away.
It was called As the Crow Flies, It was called As the Crow Flies, but I hope you'll enjoy our version of "If I Had Wings.
" but I hope you'll enjoy our version of "If I Had Wings.
" ["IF I HAD WINGS" PLAYING.]
["IF I HAD WINGS" PLAYING.]
[DOLLY.]
If I had wings, I'd fly away from [DOLLY.]
If I had wings, I'd fly away from All of my troubles, all of my pain All of my troubles, all of my pain And I would fly to a place of comfort And I would fly to a place of comfort Heaven knows I need a change Heaven knows I need a change If I had wings, Lord, give me wings If I had wings, Lord, give me wings Okay, Lord, Okay, Lord, you know me.
you know me.
You know what I've done.
You know what I've done.
And if you're not too busy today, look my way.
And if you're not too busy today, look my way.
I'll probably be needing your help.
I'll probably be needing your help.
If I had wings If I had wings Oh, Lord, just give me wings Oh, Lord, just give me wings If I had wings If I had wings If I had wings, I'd make a change If I had wings, I'd make a change If I had wings If I had wings If I had wings If I had wings Yeah, it's, uh, I promise you it's not my fault, okay? Yeah, it's, uh, I promise you it's not my fault, okay? - I can't - [MAN OVER PHONE.]
Buddy - I can't - [MAN OVER PHONE.]
Buddy Um Um - Buddy.
- Whoa! - Buddy.
- Whoa! [TIRES SCREECHING.]
[TIRES SCREECHING.]
[PANTING.]
[PANTING.]
[CAR ENGINE REVVING.]
[CAR ENGINE REVVING.]
[GROANS.]
[GROANS.]
- Howdy, ma'am.
- You okay? - Howdy, ma'am.
- You okay? Yeah, I'm fine.
I just Yeah, I'm fine.
I just I'm a little stuck here and I got no reception.
I'm a little stuck here and I got no reception.
Yeah, I haven't had a signal for ten miles.
Yeah, I haven't had a signal for ten miles.
- Get in.
I'll drop you somewhere.
- I appreciate you, ma'am.
- Get in.
I'll drop you somewhere.
- I appreciate you, ma'am.
My name's Clay.
My name's Clay.
Phyllis.
Phyllis.
"Eagle Feather.
" "Eagle Feather.
" What? You, uh, you sell jewelry? What? You, uh, you sell jewelry? Design and sell.
Design and sell.
Did you make, uh, all this stuff you're wearing? Did you make, uh, all this stuff you're wearing? Oh, yeah.
Yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Yeah.
I have a Navajo mentor I have a Navajo mentor - that helps me out a lot.
Mm-hmm.
- Really? Wow.
Yeah.
- that helps me out a lot.
Mm-hmm.
- Really? Wow.
Yeah.
He's a real craftsman, if you know what I mean.
He's a real craftsman, if you know what I mean.
- Yeah.
- Not to mention a cultural resource.
- Yeah.
- Not to mention a cultural resource.
Oh, my God, Oh, my God, I've learned so much about the Native American experience.
I've learned so much about the Native American experience.
Oh, I just I love Indian jewelry.
Oh, I just I love Indian jewelry.
Native American.
Native American.
Yeah.
Hey, you think, uh, maybe I can see some of your work? Yeah.
Hey, you think, uh, maybe I can see some of your work? A corporate attorney, like myself, really should have, uh, a small gift A corporate attorney, like myself, really should have, uh, a small gift - on hand at all times.
- Oh, yeah, of course.
- on hand at all times.
- Oh, yeah, of course.
I'm sure I have something your wife would like.
I'm sure I have something your wife would like.
Oh, uh, that may be so, but, uh, I'm divorced.
Oh, uh, that may be so, but, uh, I'm divorced.
[TIRES SCREECHING.]
[TIRES SCREECHING.]
Whoa! Whoa! Get out.
Get out.
- What? - Out of my car.
- What? - Out of my car.
Uh, we're in the middle of nowhere.
Uh, we're in the middle of nowhere.
Yeah, when you got in my car you had a wedding band on, Yeah, when you got in my car you had a wedding band on, then I mentioned your wife and the ring was gone.
then I mentioned your wife and the ring was gone.
We're separated.
We're separated.
Out! Now! Out! Now! - Get out of my car! - Yeah, okay.
Okay.
I got it.
- Get out of my car! - Yeah, okay.
Okay.
I got it.
What a joke.
What a joke.
Hey, thanks a lot.
Hey, thanks a lot.
[MAN COUGHING.]
[MAN COUGHING.]
You better not be smoking, Tom Freeman.
You better not be smoking, Tom Freeman.
[TOM.]
I'm not smoking, I'm coughing.
[TOM.]
I'm not smoking, I'm coughing.
Yeah, you only cough like that when you've been smoking.
Yeah, you only cough like that when you've been smoking.
Well, you go ahead and take a real good whiff, Ellie.
Well, you go ahead and take a real good whiff, Ellie.
Come on.
Come on.
Take a whiff.
Take a whiff.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
- [TOM GRUNTING.]
- Ah! Tom Freeman, you stop that.
- [TOM GRUNTING.]
- Ah! Tom Freeman, you stop that.
You didn't smell nothing but Old Spice, though, did you? You didn't smell nothing but Old Spice, though, did you? - [ELLIE.]
Yeah.
- [TOM GRUNTS.]
- [ELLIE.]
Yeah.
- [TOM GRUNTS.]
[SIGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
What is this? What is this? Fresh baked muffins, Fresh baked muffins, - chicory coffee, your favorites.
- Ah, come on, Ellie.
- chicory coffee, your favorites.
- Ah, come on, Ellie.
You know how I feel about birthdays.
You know how I feel about birthdays.
[ELLIE.]
Oh, relax.
[ELLIE.]
Oh, relax.
I'm just making a special breakfast for the man I love.
I'm just making a special breakfast for the man I love.
[TOM.]
Uh-huh.
[TOM.]
Uh-huh.
You know, I don't remember seeing a prettier morning.
You know, I don't remember seeing a prettier morning.
No smokes, no sugar, no booze, what it is the use of living? No smokes, no sugar, no booze, what it is the use of living? Well, you have me and Bo, what else do you need? Well, you have me and Bo, what else do you need? Well, there is that.
Well, there is that.
[DEEP BREATH.]
Hmm.
[DEEP BREATH.]
Hmm.
You know high fiber gives me gas.
You know high fiber gives me gas.
Giving you gas is like pouring water in the ocean.
Giving you gas is like pouring water in the ocean.
I'll go boil you an egg.
I'll go boil you an egg.
But I can't waste too much more time on you.
But I can't waste too much more time on you.
You know, I gotta get ready for the day.
You know, I gotta get ready for the day.
- [SIGHS.]
- [ELLIE.]
Change clothes.
- [SIGHS.]
- [ELLIE.]
Change clothes.
[TOM.]
Hey.
[TOM.]
Hey.
[ELLIE.]
Hmm? [ELLIE.]
Hmm? You are a present 365 days a year.
You are a present 365 days a year.
That's all I needed.
That's all I needed.
[ELLIE.]
Mm.
[ELLIE.]
Mm.
Well, that and an egg.
Well, that and an egg.
Hello there.
Hello there.
Uh, it's about an hour up to Jackson, yes? Uh, it's about an hour up to Jackson, yes? More or less.
More or less.
Do you have reception? Do you have reception? Because, uh, I cannot get a signal anywhere out here, Because, uh, I cannot get a signal anywhere out here, and I'm afraid I'm gonna get turned around.
and I'm afraid I'm gonna get turned around.
I'm on Wi-Fi.
I'm on Wi-Fi.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
[CLEARS THROAT.]
For the gas.
For the gas.
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much.
You've been lovely.
You've been lovely.
God bless.
God bless.
[HORN OF A LORRY IN THE DISTANCE.]
[HORN OF A LORRY IN THE DISTANCE.]
[ELLIE.]
What about it, old man? [ELLIE.]
What about it, old man? You look like you could use some fresh lemonade.
You look like you could use some fresh lemonade.
Fresh lemonade.
Fresh lemonade.
On a beautiful day.
On a beautiful day.
Sweet and tangy.
Sweet and tangy.
Just like you.
Just like you.
Now then, Now then, this is the third, may be the fourth time, this is the third, may be the fourth time, that you've commented on what sort of a day this is.
that you've commented on what sort of a day this is.
Now, I know you, Ellie, you're up to something Now, I know you, Ellie, you're up to something and whatever it is, it must be a doozy.
and whatever it is, it must be a doozy.
I wouldn't exactly call it a doozy.
I wouldn't exactly call it a doozy.
Mm.
Mm.
- Promise you won't get mad? - Just spit it out.
- Promise you won't get mad? - Just spit it out.
Okay, but I want you to know Okay, but I want you to know that I didn't do anything without giving it a lot of thought.
that I didn't do anything without giving it a lot of thought.
Oh, Lord.
Oh, Lord.
And if I hadn't believed And if I hadn't believed that this was the very best thing for you and for them that this was the very best thing for you and for them Them? Them? Them who? Them who? Your children.
Your children.
My what? My what? Your children.
Your children.
You know, the ones you refuse to talk about.
You know, the ones you refuse to talk about.
I sent for them.
I sent for them.
You did what? You did what? They're gonna be here today to help celebrate.
They're gonna be here today to help celebrate.
Celebrate? Celebrate? Good God Almighty.
Good God Almighty.
Have you lost your da ? Have you lost your da ? Wait just one minute.
How did you even know how to contact 'em? Wait just one minute.
How did you even know how to contact 'em? - Tom.
- Daggone.
- Tom.
- Daggone.
Always messing around with my life.
Always messing around with my life.
- Always interfering with everything.
- I do not mess with your life.
- Always interfering with everything.
- I do not mess with your life.
Damn it, woman, you opened my last will and testament.
Damn it, woman, you opened my last will and testament.
Oh, you and that silly-ass envelope.
Oh, you and that silly-ass envelope.
Do you really think you can forget about your past Do you really think you can forget about your past by hiding it in a drawer? by hiding it in a drawer? I didn't hide it.
I'm the one showed it to you, remember? I didn't hide it.
I'm the one showed it to you, remember? Well, if you didn't want me in the drawer, why'd you tell me? Well, if you didn't want me in the drawer, why'd you tell me? Because once I am dead and gone, Because once I am dead and gone, I can't hardly tell you about it then, now, can I? I can't hardly tell you about it then, now, can I? Oh, for heaven's sakes, Tom, you put their names and addresses Oh, for heaven's sakes, Tom, you put their names and addresses right under my nose.
What'd you think was gonna happen? right under my nose.
What'd you think was gonna happen? - In a sealed envelope.
- Okay, maybe I was wrong.
- In a sealed envelope.
- Okay, maybe I was wrong.
- Maybe.
- But I did it - Maybe.
- But I did it because I love you and it was the right thing to do.
because I love you and it was the right thing to do.
Oh, bull.
You did it because you're always trying to run my life.
Oh, bull.
You did it because you're always trying to run my life.
- I thought it was our life, Tom? - [GRUNTS.]
- I thought it was our life, Tom? - [GRUNTS.]
[PANTING.]
[PANTING.]
It is, but they're my children.
It is, but they're my children.
Tom? Tom? [SIGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
You cannot just pack up and leave, Tom.
You cannot just pack up and leave, Tom.
If I had wings, I'd already be gone.
If I had wings, I'd already be gone.
You have fainted three times this month.
You have fainted three times this month.
You're being plum damn stupid.
You're being plum damn stupid.
Well, then, you'll be glad to be rid of me, won't you? Well, then, you'll be glad to be rid of me, won't you? Why are you doing this? Why are you doing this? You know You know I never talked about my husband, God rest his soul, because I figured I never talked about my husband, God rest his soul, because I figured - you didn't really wanna hear about him - You were right, I don't.
- you didn't really wanna hear about him - You were right, I don't.
But he was a lot like you.
But he was a lot like you.
Kept his feelings to himself, Kept his feelings to himself, and when our child died, it almost destroyed me.
and when our child died, it almost destroyed me.
But it was a lot worse for Wayne because he had not once But it was a lot worse for Wayne because he had not once told Glen that he loved him.
told Glen that he loved him.
I am sorry about your son, Ellie, I am.
I am sorry about your son, Ellie, I am.
But talking is not gonna solve this.
But talking is not gonna solve this.
There's nothing to solve.
There's nothing to solve.
This might be your last chance to see your children.
This might be your last chance to see your children.
You might have grandkids.
You might have grandkids.
And family is the most important thing in the world.
And family is the most important thing in the world.
- It's much more important - I have got family! - It's much more important - I have got family! I've got you and Bo.
I've got you and Bo.
But if you think I'm gonna explain myself now But if you think I'm gonna explain myself now to a bunch of strangers who just happen to share my bloodline, to a bunch of strangers who just happen to share my bloodline, now, you got another thing coming.
now, you got another thing coming.
Daggone, woman.
Daggone, woman.
- [WHISTLES.]
Come on, Bo.
- [BO BARKS.]
- [WHISTLES.]
Come on, Bo.
- [BO BARKS.]
[TRUCK ENGINE STARTING.]
[TRUCK ENGINE STARTING.]
Kendal! Kendal! Tom, what the hell? Tom, what the hell? Let's go fishing.
Let's go fishing.
All right.
Good idea.
All right.
Good idea.
Dear God, Dear God, I'm in big trouble here.
I'm in big trouble here.
The kids are on their way, and the clock is ticking, and The kids are on their way, and the clock is ticking, and I would just appreciate the heck out of it I would just appreciate the heck out of it if you could knock some sense if you could knock some sense into Tom's hard head and send him back.
into Tom's hard head and send him back.
I really would appreciate it if you could do that for me.
I really would appreciate it if you could do that for me.
[CAR BRAKES SQUEAL.]
[CAR BRAKES SQUEAL.]
Oh.
Whoo.
Good Lord, Jesus, that was quick.
Oh.
Whoo.
Good Lord, Jesus, that was quick.
Okay, thank you.
Thank you.
Okay, thank you.
Thank you.
Oh, thank you.
Oh, thank you.
Okay.
Okay.
This is not exactly what I asked for, and you know it.
This is not exactly what I asked for, and you know it.
Well, hello there.
Well, hello there.
Hey, ma'am, I'm a little early, Hey, ma'am, I'm a little early, but I hope that's not too much of an inconvenience.
but I hope that's not too much of an inconvenience.
Oh, no, of course not.
I mean, somebody has to be first, right? Oh, no, of course not.
I mean, somebody has to be first, right? - That's right.
- [BOTH LAUGH.]
- That's right.
- [BOTH LAUGH.]
Well, I'm Ellie.
Ellie Holder.
Well, I'm Ellie.
Ellie Holder.
And I would know you were Tom Junior And I would know you were Tom Junior if I had to pick you out of a crowd, if I had to pick you out of a crowd, because you surely do favor your daddy.
because you surely do favor your daddy.
Well, maybe so, ma'am, but I go by my middle name Clayton.
Well, maybe so, ma'am, but I go by my middle name Clayton.
People just call me Clay.
People just call me Clay.
Oh, okay.
Oh, okay.
Clay, it is.
[CHUCKLES.]
Clay, it is.
[CHUCKLES.]
Well, uh Well, uh I tell you, I I sent Tom off with a list as long as your arm, I tell you, I I sent Tom off with a list as long as your arm, you know, a bunch of errands and things, I didn't want him showing up you know, a bunch of errands and things, I didn't want him showing up before the guests had got here, you know, ruin the surprise and thing.
before the guests had got here, you know, ruin the surprise and thing.
But anyway, come on.
But anyway, come on.
Come on inside.
Come on.
Come on inside.
Come on.
- Oh, thank you, ma'am.
- No, thank you.
- Oh, thank you, ma'am.
- No, thank you.
[SIGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
That's him.
That's him.
That's him right there.
That's your daddy.
That's him right there.
That's your daddy.
Tom is still a good looking man.
Tom is still a good looking man.
What name does he go by now? What name does he go by now? What do you mean? What do you mean? Oh, ma'am, if I had to guess I'd say he's changed his name Oh, ma'am, if I had to guess I'd say he's changed his name five or six times over the years.
five or six times over the years.
Well, I just know him as Tom.
Tom Freeman.
Well, I just know him as Tom.
Tom Freeman.
[CHUCKLES.]
[CHUCKLES.]
"Free man," huh? "Free man," huh? Nice touch.
Nice touch.
How about some lemonade, hmm? How about some lemonade, hmm? Fresh squeezed.
Fresh squeezed.
[TOM SIGHS.]
[TOM SIGHS.]
You sure you don't want a snort? You sure you don't want a snort? Nah, I'm the designated rower.
Nah, I'm the designated rower.
Well, then, this one's for you.
Well, then, this one's for you.
[GRUNTS.]
[GRUNTS.]
Best cough medicine there is.
Best cough medicine there is.
[SIGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
I thought we came to catch fish, not to drink like one? I thought we came to catch fish, not to drink like one? Ah! It's my birthday, Kendal.
Ah! It's my birthday, Kendal.
- Birthday? No shit? - No shit.
- Birthday? No shit? - No shit.
Is that what this is all about? Feeling like an old fart? Is that what this is all about? Feeling like an old fart? Well, looks to me you got plenty of tread left.
Well, looks to me you got plenty of tread left.
Tell me something, Kendal.
Tell me something, Kendal.
You got any big secrets? You got any big secrets? Me? Nah, I'm an open book.
Me? Nah, I'm an open book.
How about with your kids? Do you tell your kids everything? How about with your kids? Do you tell your kids everything? Shit, no.
Shit, no.
I'm honest, I ain't crazy.
I'm honest, I ain't crazy.
What if they was to ask you just straight-out, what about then? What if they was to ask you just straight-out, what about then? What's all this yapping about kids? Is that was this is all about? What's all this yapping about kids? Is that was this is all about? They coming home to roost? They coming home to roost? Ah.
Ah.
How many? How many? Three.
Three.
Three grown ones.
Three grown ones.
When's the last time you saw them? When's the last time you saw them? Well, let's see, uh Well, let's see, uh When I left, the boy was six, the girl was four.
When I left, the boy was six, the girl was four.
There's another daughter I hadn't even met.
There's another daughter I hadn't even met.
Good God, no wonder you're drinking.
Good God, no wonder you're drinking.
Ah, oh, yeah.
Here he is.
Ah, oh, yeah.
Here he is.
- That's Tom painting the footbridge.
- Mm-hmm.
- That's Tom painting the footbridge.
- Mm-hmm.
That's right after I hired him.
That's right after I hired him.
My husband Wayne had been dead for three years.
My husband Wayne had been dead for three years.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- Yeah.
The place was going to seed, so - Oh, I'm sorry.
- Yeah.
The place was going to seed, so my next-door neighbor Kendal my next-door neighbor Kendal knew I needed help, and he just steered Tom my way.
knew I needed help, and he just steered Tom my way.
Yeah.
Yeah.
From day one, we really hit it off.
From day one, we really hit it off.
So, you know, a couple months later So, you know, a couple months later - What, he popped the question? - Oh.
- What, he popped the question? - Oh.
Oh, no.
No.
We're not married.
Oh, no.
No.
We're not married.
- No? - No.
- No? - No.
I mean, why rock the boat? I mean, why rock the boat? - So, y'all been living together for ? - Eight years.
- So, y'all been living together for ? - Eight years.
- Living in sin for almost eight years.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- Living in sin for almost eight years.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- How about that? - Mm.
- How about that? - Mm.
Clay Clay don't be too hard on him.
don't be too hard on him.
Ellie.
Ellie.
I suspect there are a couple of things you don't know about him.
I suspect there are a couple of things you don't know about him.
Or you probably wouldn't have cooked up this little get-together.
Or you probably wouldn't have cooked up this little get-together.
I realize it's been a long time.
I realize it's been a long time.
Thirty-four years.
Thirty-four years.
Truth is I kind of figured he was dead by now.
Truth is I kind of figured he was dead by now.
Tom has health issues.
Tom has health issues.
And you never know how long the Lord is gonna give you, And you never know how long the Lord is gonna give you, so I I thought it was time to gather the family.
so I I thought it was time to gather the family.
Family? Family? [CLAY SIGHS.]
[CLAY SIGHS.]
[CLAY.]
Family, huh? [CLAY.]
Family, huh? Clay.
Clay.
Tom carries scars from the past, just like you.
Tom carries scars from the past, just like you.
Oh, not like me.
Oh, not like me.
I was six years old when he took off.
I was six years old when he took off.
Went out for a pack of Camels one day, never came back.
Went out for a pack of Camels one day, never came back.
Doesn't matter, he's still your daddy.
Doesn't matter, he's still your daddy.
Okay, ma'am.
I I don't consider him my daddy.
Okay, ma'am.
I I don't consider him my daddy.
I barely consider him my father.
I barely consider him my father.
Then why'd you come here, Clay? Then why'd you come here, Clay? I I don't know.
I I don't know.
I I figured as long as the guy is still alive, I I figured as long as the guy is still alive, you know, what the hell.
you know, what the hell.
Still a few issues I'd like to settle.
Still a few issues I'd like to settle.
Settlin' ain't on the agenda.
Settlin' ain't on the agenda.
I will not have you ruin this day.
So, if you have a problem with that, I will not have you ruin this day.
So, if you have a problem with that, turn yourself around, turn yourself around, march right back to Fort Worth before your sisters get here.
march right back to Fort Worth before your sisters get here.
- Sisters? - Mm-hmm.
- Sisters? - Mm-hmm.
Uh, I only have one.
Uh, I only have one.
You have two.
You have two.
One, I guess, you'd call a half-sister.
One, I guess, you'd call a half-sister.
No way.
No way.
Huh.
Huh.
Well, how about that? Well, how about that? I guess that makes sense.
He was younger than I am now when he left.
I guess that makes sense.
He was younger than I am now when he left.
[SCOFFS.]
[SCOFFS.]
You do not know him as well as you think you do.
You do not know him as well as you think you do.
Tom is a good man, Tom is a good man, and he carries the burdens only a good man would carry.
and he carries the burdens only a good man would carry.
I admire your loyalty.
I admire your loyalty.
It's not loyalty, it's love.
It's not loyalty, it's love.
And believe you me, I am not careless with it.
And believe you me, I am not careless with it.
Uh, ma'am, would you mind if I made a couple of phone calls? Uh, ma'am, would you mind if I made a couple of phone calls? Oh, no.
Go ahead.
Oh, no.
Go ahead.
No reception here.
Your best bet's to go out back.
No reception here.
Your best bet's to go out back.
- Out back.
- Mm-hmm.
- Out back.
- Mm-hmm.
[DOLLY.]
If I had wings, I'd fly away from [DOLLY.]
If I had wings, I'd fly away from All of my sorrow, all of my woes All of my sorrow, all of my woes And I would fly to a place of freedom And I would fly to a place of freedom If I had wings, I'd up and go If I had wings, I'd up and go Oh, you must be Ellie.
Oh, you must be Ellie.
Yes, I am.
Welcome.
Yes, I am.
Welcome.
Oh.
Oh.
I'm so excited to meet the family at last.
I'm so excited to meet the family at last.
- Now, all we need is Nancy.
- Oh, who's Nancy? - Now, all we need is Nancy.
- Oh, who's Nancy? - And And whose car is that? - That car is your brother Clay's.
- And And whose car is that? - That car is your brother Clay's.
- Brother? - Uh-huh.
And speak of the devil, Clay.
- Brother? - Uh-huh.
And speak of the devil, Clay.
I want you to meet your half-sister, Phyllis.
I want you to meet your half-sister, Phyllis.
No.
No.
Well, well, well, if it isn't the horny hitchhiker.
Well, well, well, if it isn't the horny hitchhiker.
I'll just leave you two to get acquainted or reacquainted.
I'll just leave you two to get acquainted or reacquainted.
Guess it wasn't enough to leave me stranded, Guess it wasn't enough to leave me stranded, you gotta come here and call me names now? you gotta come here and call me names now? You married guys are all alike.
You married guys are all alike.
Trawling like fishermen in a hatchery, just waiting for the next bite.
Trawling like fishermen in a hatchery, just waiting for the next bite.
Well, serves you right that one of us ended up to be your sister.
Well, serves you right that one of us ended up to be your sister.
Anyone want some lemonade? Anyone want some lemonade? Okay, maybe later.
Okay, maybe later.
Watch out for her.
She wields hospitality like a samurai sword.
Watch out for her.
She wields hospitality like a samurai sword.
Don't get witty with me.
Don't get witty with me.
You just need to take a breath, You just need to take a breath, close your eyes and do one of those Indian chants you like so much.
close your eyes and do one of those Indian chants you like so much.
[PHYLLIS.]
Prentice is a lovely town.
[PHYLLIS.]
Prentice is a lovely town.
I was even able to sell a bit of my jewelry I was even able to sell a bit of my jewelry to that sweet little store on the edge of 3rd Street this morning.
to that sweet little store on the edge of 3rd Street this morning.
I'm just glad you came.
I'm just glad you came.
I was thunderstruck when I got your letter.
I was thunderstruck when I got your letter.
And now to find out I have a brother.
And now to find out I have a brother.
Well, half-brother.
Well, half-brother.
And a half-sister.
And a half-sister.
Mm.
Mm.
Is that the Nancy you mentioned? Is that the Nancy you mentioned? - Mm.
- This will be some reunion.
- Mm.
- This will be some reunion.
I thought I'd never get to meet my father, I thought I'd never get to meet my father, let alone discover that I have siblings.
let alone discover that I have siblings.
What do you mean you never met your father? What do you mean you never met your father? Oh, he left before I was born.
Oh, he left before I was born.
I'm sorry.
He He deserted a pregnant woman? I'm sorry.
He He deserted a pregnant woman? There are extenuating circumstances.
There are extenuating circumstances.
- Can I have a piece of bread? - Like what? - Can I have a piece of bread? - Like what? - Oh, yeah, go ahead.
- What exactly? - Oh, yeah, go ahead.
- What exactly? Well, Well, my mother was married when she met Tom.
my mother was married when she met Tom.
That marriage was more or less over.
That marriage was more or less over.
And she was already dating another man who she married next.
And she was already dating another man who she married next.
I'm I'm confused.
I'm I'm confused.
Tom was a fling.
Tom was a fling.
I was an accident.
I was an accident.
And Andrew Powell, the other man, wanted marriage and kids, so And Andrew Powell, the other man, wanted marriage and kids, so they put Andrew's name on the birth certificate.
they put Andrew's name on the birth certificate.
And it wasn't until Mom was on her deathbed And it wasn't until Mom was on her deathbed that she told me the truth, that she told me the truth, who my real father was.
who my real father was.
I'm sorry, I need to make just a couple more phone calls.
I'm sorry, I need to make just a couple more phone calls.
Well Well I'll help you.
I'll help you.
Oh.
Oh.
Is that the train station? Is that the train station? [KENDAL.]
No, it isn't, Tom.
[KENDAL.]
No, it isn't, Tom.
Gonna need a little help here, Miss Ellie.
Gonna need a little help here, Miss Ellie.
Oh, good Lord, Kendal, where's he been? Oh, good Lord, Kendal, where's he been? Uh, there you go.
Uh, there you go.
Come on.
Come on.
We were fishing, Ellie.
We were fishing, Ellie.
Yep.
Yep.
But we got a skunk.
But we got a skunk.
We didn't catch a damn darn thing.
We didn't catch a damn darn thing.
But I didn't touch a single cigarette.
Not one.
Ain't that right? But I didn't touch a single cigarette.
Not one.
Ain't that right? - That's right, Tom.
- Go ahead, take a sniff.
- That's right, Tom.
- Go ahead, take a sniff.
How much has he had? How much has he had? Well, he polished off Celia's cooking whiskey.
Well, he polished off Celia's cooking whiskey.
And when a man's been dry for that long, And when a man's been dry for that long, it don't take much to light him back up.
it don't take much to light him back up.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Whoa.
Back it up, Kendal.
Get me the hell out of here.
Whoa.
Back it up, Kendal.
Get me the hell out of here.
- No.
- Settle down, Tom.
Come on.
- No.
- Settle down, Tom.
Come on.
- [KENDAL.]
Let's get you inside.
- There he is in all his glory.
- [KENDAL.]
Let's get you inside.
- There he is in all his glory.
- Settle down, Tom.
- No.
- Settle down, Tom.
- No.
Let's get you inside.
Let's get you inside.
Hmm.
Hmm.
Can I help? Can I help? - Oh, yes, please.
- Okay.
- Oh, yes, please.
- Okay.
- Thank you.
- Yeah, okay, let's - Thank you.
- Yeah, okay, let's Are you ? Are you ? My mother is Lorraine Canfield.
I'm your daughter Phyllis.
My mother is Lorraine Canfield.
I'm your daughter Phyllis.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
You're as pretty as your mama.
You're as pretty as your mama.
[ELLIE.]
Okay, Tom.
Keep moving.
That's it.
[ELLIE.]
Okay, Tom.
Keep moving.
That's it.
- Yeah.
- Keep moving.
- Yeah.
- Keep moving.
Clay, can you help us out? Get the door.
Clay, can you help us out? Get the door.
Okay, next one.
Okay, next one.
Good.
Good.
Okay, one more step.
Okay, one more step.
- [TOM.]
Hmm? - [PHYLLIS.]
One more step.
Look.
That's it.
- [TOM.]
Hmm? - [PHYLLIS.]
One more step.
Look.
That's it.
[KENDAL.]
You can do it.
[KENDAL.]
You can do it.
[PHYLLIS.]
Up.
Oh.
[PHYLLIS.]
Up.
Oh.
Well, Well, he's sleeping off a humdinger.
he's sleeping off a humdinger.
I don't know what to say.
I don't know what to say.
Not a word.
Not a word.
It's gonna be fine.
It's gonna be fine.
I guess some folks are better at birthdays than others.
I guess some folks are better at birthdays than others.
I won't argue that.
I won't argue that.
- You'd be needing a ride home.
- Yeah.
- You'd be needing a ride home.
- Yeah.
Hey, Nancy.
Hey, Nancy.
Hey, where are you going? Hey, where are you going? Taking a neighbor home.
Taking a neighbor home.
Am I late for the party? Am I late for the party? Oh, no.
Oh, no.
Fun's just beginning.
Fun's just beginning.
[NANCY.]
No, no, I got it, boys.
[NANCY.]
No, no, I got it, boys.
You don't wanna hurt yourselves with all this.
You don't wanna hurt yourselves with all this.
Okay.
Okay.
[KENDAL.]
Now, who's that? [KENDAL.]
Now, who's that? It's my sister Nancy.
It's my sister Nancy.
Ah, pretty girl.
Ah, pretty girl.
Yeah, she got that from Mama.
Yeah, she got that from Mama.
Reminds me a lot of her, actually.
Reminds me a lot of her, actually.
Except for the whole religion part.
Except for the whole religion part.
How's that? How's that? Ah, only thing Mama believed in was hard luck.
Ah, only thing Mama believed in was hard luck.
Not Nancy.
No, sir.
Not Nancy.
No, sir.
She's a fully-fledged warrior in God's army.
She's a fully-fledged warrior in God's army.
Believe me, you do not want to get in the way of her and a good deed.
Believe me, you do not want to get in the way of her and a good deed.
[TRUCK ENGINE STARTING.]
[TRUCK ENGINE STARTING.]
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
[KNOCKING ON DOOR.]
[ELLIE.]
Oh, welcome.
[ELLIE.]
Oh, welcome.
- Hello.
- You must be Nancy.
- Hello.
- You must be Nancy.
Well, yes.
Thank you.
[CHUCKLES.]
Well, yes.
Thank you.
[CHUCKLES.]
And you must be Eleanor.
And you must be Eleanor.
- Oh, please, call me Ellie.
- Ellie it is.
- Oh, please, call me Ellie.
- Ellie it is.
- Come on in.
That's it.
- Oh.
- Come on in.
That's it.
- Oh.
Ah.
[CHUCKLES.]
Ah.
[CHUCKLES.]
Right here, okay? Right here, okay? - Oh, yeah, that's fine.
- Okay.
- Oh, yeah, that's fine.
- Okay.
Whoo! Well, I'm sorry I'm late.
Whoo! Well, I'm sorry I'm late.
Ellie, you know, I had, uh Ellie, you know, I had, uh Oh.
Oh.
You know, I had thought to arrive about an hour ago, You know, I had thought to arrive about an hour ago, and I guess the Lord had other plans for me.
and I guess the Lord had other plans for me.
Yeah, so Yeah, so Lord has other plans for all of us, I think, today.
Lord has other plans for all of us, I think, today.
Uh, Nancy, I'd like to introduce you to someone very special.
Uh, Nancy, I'd like to introduce you to someone very special.
[NANCY.]
All right.
[NANCY.]
All right.
Uh, Phyllis Powell.
Uh, Phyllis Powell.
- Hello.
- Your half-sister.
- Hello.
- Your half-sister.
- What, my half-sister? - [ELLIE.]
Mm-hmm.
- What, my half-sister? - [ELLIE.]
Mm-hmm.
Yep.
Seems like we share the same father.
Yep.
Seems like we share the same father.
I can't tell you how happy I am to meet you, Nancy.
I can't tell you how happy I am to meet you, Nancy.
I was telling Clay how I wanted a sister all my life.
I was telling Clay how I wanted a sister all my life.
I I I'm sorry, so Clay knows about this? I I I'm sorry, so Clay knows about this? Oh, not until today, but there'll be plenty of time for catching up, Oh, not until today, but there'll be plenty of time for catching up, because Tom started celebrating a little early.
because Tom started celebrating a little early.
So, we're gonna scooch the party back a mite.
So, we're gonna scooch the party back a mite.
Yeah, he's sort of passed out in the back bedroom.
Yeah, he's sort of passed out in the back bedroom.
Wait, passed out unconscious? Wait, passed out unconscious? Fell off the wagon pretty hard.
Fell off the wagon pretty hard.
- Do you know how much he drank? - Mm-mm.
- Do you know how much he drank? - Mm-mm.
Has he vomited? Has he vomited? Is he pale or clammy? Any irregular breathing? Is he pale or clammy? Any irregular breathing? What, are you some kind of doctor? What, are you some kind of doctor? I'm a nurse.
I'm a nurse.
And depending on how much he had and how quickly, And depending on how much he had and how quickly, you should look for symptoms of acute alcohol poisoning.
you should look for symptoms of acute alcohol poisoning.
Daddy? Daddy? Daddy? Daddy? [BARKING.]
[BARKING.]
Oh, honey.
Bo, come here now.
She's a friend.
Oh, honey.
Bo, come here now.
She's a friend.
It's okay.
Yeah.
It's okay.
Yeah.
- Daddy.
- Hmm.
- Daddy.
- Hmm.
Daddy, it's Nancy.
Daddy, it's Nancy.
Na Nancy, yeah.
Na Nancy, yeah.
Listen, I want you to roll on your side.
Listen, I want you to roll on your side.
- Huh? - Okay.
- Huh? - Okay.
Listen, we'll talk about everything later.
Listen, we'll talk about everything later.
I want you to rest on your side.
I want you to rest on your side.
- Okay? - I am resting.
- Okay? - I am resting.
All right, roll over.
All right, roll over.
No, not too far.
Now come back.
No, not too far.
Now come back.
Uh, he's gonna be fine, but we should keep an eye on him.
Uh, he's gonna be fine, but we should keep an eye on him.
Uh [SIGHS.]
Uh [SIGHS.]
Can I have a moment alone with him, please? Can I have a moment alone with him, please? - Oh, surely.
- Oh, yeah.
- Oh, surely.
- Oh, yeah.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Oh, Daddy.
Oh, Daddy.
[BO SNARLS AND BARKS.]
[BO SNARLS AND BARKS.]
- Go.
Go.
- [SNARLS AND BARKS.]
- Go.
Go.
- [SNARLS AND BARKS.]
[NANCY.]
Luckily, he didn't break the skin.
[NANCY.]
Luckily, he didn't break the skin.
Lord help me if he did.
Has he been vaccinated? Lord help me if he did.
Has he been vaccinated? Oh, for heaven's sakes, Nancy.
Oh, for heaven's sakes, Nancy.
He's a farm dog, Phyllis.
God only knows what has been in his mouth.
He's a farm dog, Phyllis.
God only knows what has been in his mouth.
Well, don't you worry none, because soap's antibacterial.
Well, don't you worry none, because soap's antibacterial.
[NANCY.]
It's gonna be fine.
[NANCY.]
It's gonna be fine.
All I'm saying is I would be nervous about an animal All I'm saying is I would be nervous about an animal that's aggressive like that.
that's aggressive like that.
Bo was just trying to protect Tom.
Bo was just trying to protect Tom.
From what? Prayer? From what? Prayer? Maybe Bo's an atheist.
Maybe Bo's an atheist.
What church do you attend? What church do you attend? None.
None.
Lately, I've been more drawn to Native American beliefs.
Lately, I've been more drawn to Native American beliefs.
Oh.
Oh.
Well, I don't think you'll find salvation in a sweat lodge.
Well, I don't think you'll find salvation in a sweat lodge.
- I mean, am I right, Ellie? - Oh, don't ask me.
I'm a back row Baptist.
- I mean, am I right, Ellie? - Oh, don't ask me.
I'm a back row Baptist.
Well, you know what, the Lord loves us all no matter how flawed.
Well, you know what, the Lord loves us all no matter how flawed.
You know, I think I'm gonna get a little air, if you ladies don't mind.
You know, I think I'm gonna get a little air, if you ladies don't mind.
- No, go ahead.
- We do not mind.
- No, go ahead.
- We do not mind.
Great.
Great.
- Oh, stop it.
Oh, stop it! - What? - Oh, stop it.
Oh, stop it! - What? - These are so cute.
- Oh, you like those? - These are so cute.
- Oh, you like those? I do.
I do.
Yeah, I got them at a yard sale over in Prentice.
Yeah, I got them at a yard sale over in Prentice.
- Oh, really? In Prentice? - Yes.
- Oh, really? In Prentice? - Yes.
Ah.
Thanks for the lift.
Ah.
Thanks for the lift.
Hey, uh, Hey, uh, Ellie told me you're the one that introduced her to Ellie told me you're the one that introduced her to Your pa? Your pa? Uh, let's just call him Tom.
Uh, let's just call him Tom.
When's the last time you saw him? When's the last time you saw him? What difference does that make? What difference does that make? Well, depends.
Well, depends.
Are you the same person you were back then? Are you the same person you were back then? I was a kid.
I was a kid.
Besides, people don't change.
Besides, people don't change.
Not really.
Not really.
I just know the man I know.
I just know the man I know.
I leave judging to the good Lord when he takes him.
I leave judging to the good Lord when he takes him.
Okay, well, I don't need a character witness.
Okay, well, I don't need a character witness.
You a lawyer or something? You a lawyer or something? [CHUCKLES.]
[CHUCKLES.]
No, I'm a sales rep.
No, I'm a sales rep.
Farm equipment, tractors, loaders, backhoes that kind of thing.
Farm equipment, tractors, loaders, backhoes that kind of thing.
That so? That so? No use replacing the carburetor No use replacing the carburetor when you can just switch out the O-rings.
when you can just switch out the O-rings.
And there you go, no more fuel leak.
And there you go, no more fuel leak.
You really know your tractors, Clay.
I appreciate the help.
You really know your tractors, Clay.
I appreciate the help.
You just keep me in mind when you're ready for an upgrade.
You just keep me in mind when you're ready for an upgrade.
- [LAUGHS.]
Well, don't hold your breath.
- [CHUCKLES.]
- [LAUGHS.]
Well, don't hold your breath.
- [CHUCKLES.]
Nothing personal.
Nothing personal.
Just not quick to give up on things.
Just not quick to give up on things.
Or people.
Or people.
Well, that wasn't too subtle.
Well, that wasn't too subtle.
You may not know all there is to know about him.
You may not know all there is to know about him.
[CLICKS HIS TONGUE.]
Well, maybe not Kendal, but [CLICKS HIS TONGUE.]
Well, maybe not Kendal, but I do know he's wanted for murder.
I do know he's wanted for murder.
So do I.
So do I.
And you didn't do anything about that? And you didn't do anything about that? You don't know what happened, do you? You don't know what happened, do you? I know that before he met my mama he killed a man.
I know that before he met my mama he killed a man.
Do you know why he killed that man? Do you know why he killed that man? It don't matter.
It don't matter.
You know, when I was a kid, I thought he left You know, when I was a kid, I thought he left because I busted the handle of his favorite pocket knife.
because I busted the handle of his favorite pocket knife.
Eventually, Mama told us that he was wanted by the law.
Eventually, Mama told us that he was wanted by the law.
And we ought to wipe him from our memories.
And we ought to wipe him from our memories.
Never spoke of him again.
Never spoke of him again.
Not even when she got cancer.
Not even when she got cancer.
So, your friend Tom pretty well ripped a hole in a lot of lives.
So, your friend Tom pretty well ripped a hole in a lot of lives.
Now that I know where to find him, I'm gonna see to it that he pays.
Now that I know where to find him, I'm gonna see to it that he pays.
Well, before you do whatever it is you wanna do, Well, before you do whatever it is you wanna do, you might want to know that the man that Tom killed you might want to know that the man that Tom killed was his father.
was his father.
And I'll just leave the rest for you two to talk out.
And I'll just leave the rest for you two to talk out.
[ELLIE.]
My, that is wonderful.
[ELLIE.]
My, that is wonderful.
Oh, I'm just messing.
Oh, I'm just messing.
May I? May I? Oh, yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Oh.
Oh.
You know, you probably got it from your mother, 'cause You know, you probably got it from your mother, 'cause Tom can't draw a garden rake.
Tom can't draw a garden rake.
And what do you think I picked up from his side of the family? And what do you think I picked up from his side of the family? Well, are you impulsive? Well, are you impulsive? Stubborn? Stubborn? - Loving? - Yeah.
- Loving? - Yeah.
[DOOR OPENING.]
[DOOR OPENING.]
Daddy's gone.
Daddy's gone.
- Gone? - I went to look in on him.
- Gone? - I went to look in on him.
The bedroom's empty and the daggone dog is gone, too.
The bedroom's empty and the daggone dog is gone, too.
[PHYLLIS.]
Okay.
Uh, let's go find him.
[PHYLLIS.]
Okay.
Uh, let's go find him.
[NANCY SCOFFS.]
Go where? [NANCY SCOFFS.]
Go where? - [PHYLLIS.]
He's probably headed to town.
- [ELLIE.]
Check the south fork.
- [PHYLLIS.]
He's probably headed to town.
- [ELLIE.]
Check the south fork.
Over the cattle guard, that's his usual route.
Over the cattle guard, that's his usual route.
You're not coming? You're not coming? Well, somebody should be here at the house for when Clay comes back, Well, somebody should be here at the house for when Clay comes back, so you two go ahead.
so you two go ahead.
- Well, all right.
- Okay.
- Well, all right.
- Okay.
No one had checked on him in a couple hours, No one had checked on him in a couple hours, - he could be long gone.
- I wonder what he's running from.
- he could be long gone.
- I wonder what he's running from.
You're kidding, right? You're kidding, right? He's running from us.
His kids.
He's running from us.
His kids.
After all these years, do you remember much about him? After all these years, do you remember much about him? Uh, no, not really.
Uh, no, not really.
I was four and I only had one picture of him.
I was four and I only had one picture of him.
But I remember life was hard after he left.
But I remember life was hard after he left.
I know, God rest her soul, Mama never forgave him I know, God rest her soul, Mama never forgave him and neither did Clay.
and neither did Clay.
And you? And you? [SIGHS.]
Oh, I forgave him long ago.
Where are my keys? [SIGHS.]
Oh, I forgave him long ago.
Where are my keys? So, you wanna convince Clay to forgive him? So, you wanna convince Clay to forgive him? [LAUGHS.]
No.
[LAUGHS.]
No.
I want to save his soul.
I want to save his soul.
I can't imagine anything more glorious I can't imagine anything more glorious than saving the soul of your own father.
than saving the soul of your own father.
Well Well maybe we should start by finding his mortal self first.
maybe we should start by finding his mortal self first.
I'll drive.
I'll drive.
Would've saved us a bunch of time there, but all right.
Would've saved us a bunch of time there, but all right.
[NANCY.]
Okay, could you slow down a little, please? [NANCY.]
Okay, could you slow down a little, please? I mean, we've already scoured this road coming out.
I mean, we've already scoured this road coming out.
It's not like he's gonna magically appear coming back.
It's not like he's gonna magically appear coming back.
Yeah, but he actually could be on the road.
Yeah, but he actually could be on the road.
He If we were on it and he wasn't, He If we were on it and he wasn't, and then he walked over here and now we're on it again.
and then he walked over here and now we're on it again.
So, do you see what I mean? We So, do you see what I mean? We We could have passed him a million times by now.
We could have passed him a million times by now.
I'm slowing down.
Slowing down.
I'm slowing down.
Slowing down.
Thank you.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
You're welcome.
Can I reset your car clock? 'Cause this isn't Phoenix, you know.
Can I reset your car clock? 'Cause this isn't Phoenix, you know.
[CHUCKLES.]
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh, knock yourself out.
Oh, knock yourself out.
- Thank you.
- Who cares? - Thank you.
- Who cares? Well, it's driving me crazy 'cause it's two hours off.
Well, it's driving me crazy 'cause it's two hours off.
- Two hours and eight minutes.
- [RADIO BEEPING.]
- Two hours and eight minutes.
- [RADIO BEEPING.]
Wow, you're tighty-tight.
Wow, you're tighty-tight.
I am precise.
I am precise.
And, so You know what, just let me fix it, okay? And, so You know what, just let me fix it, okay? Do you have a car manual Do you have a car manual - with instructions or some ? Thank you.
- Yeah.
Glove compartment.
- with instructions or some ? Thank you.
- Yeah.
Glove compartment.
- Oh.
"Becoming a Parent.
" - Put it back.
- Oh.
"Becoming a Parent.
" - Put it back.
Thank you.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
Thank you.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
[CHUCKLING.]
Well, now, wait a minute.
[CHUCKLING.]
Well, now, wait a minute.
You wouldn't be pregnant, would you? You wouldn't be pregnant, would you? Oh, unbelievable.
Oh, unbelievable.
Pregnant and not even married.
Pregnant and not even married.
Well, it's not a requirement in Phoenix.
Well, it's not a requirement in Phoenix.
Glad it's all a joke.
Are you really gonna do this? Glad it's all a joke.
Are you really gonna do this? You're gonna bring a child into this world You're gonna bring a child into this world without a father in the home? without a father in the home? You're right.
I should just get an abortion.
You're right.
I should just get an abortion.
You know that's not what I'm saying.
You know that's not what I'm saying.
Well, then just shut up, Nancy.
Just shut up.
Well, then just shut up, Nancy.
Just shut up.
[BO BARKING.]
[BO BARKING.]
Don't you ever get tired of runnin'? Don't you ever get tired of runnin'? Good God.
Good God.
You must be Tom Junior.
You must be Tom Junior.
I go by Clay.
I go by Clay.
Well, why didn't you just run me over and be done with it? Well, why didn't you just run me over and be done with it? Too easy.
Too easy.
So, what now? So, what now? For years, I thought you left because you were mad at me For years, I thought you left because you were mad at me for busting up your pocket knife.
for busting up your pocket knife.
[CHUCKLES.]
[CHUCKLES.]
I was mad, all right.
I was mad, all right.
That pocket knife was all I had of my brother.
That pocket knife was all I had of my brother.
And I'd been drinking all day long.
And I'd been drinking all day long.
Outta control.
Outta control.
Oh, I'll never forget the whupping you gave me.
Oh, I'll never forget the whupping you gave me.
I thought you wanted to kill me.
I thought you wanted to kill me.
When I saw the look of fear in your eyes, When I saw the look of fear in your eyes, that scared me worse than anything in my life.
that scared me worse than anything in my life.
I was afraid I was turning into my own daddy.
I was afraid I was turning into my own daddy.
And I figured that everybody would be better off with me gone.
And I figured that everybody would be better off with me gone.
Why'd you kill your father? Why'd you kill your father? [EXHALES.]
[EXHALES.]
I wasn't but 14 when it happened.
I wasn't but 14 when it happened.
I come in one day from working in the field, and I come in one day from working in the field, and Daddy was there in the house Daddy was there in the house beating up my brother Ben.
beating up my brother Ben.
Ben just turned 16.
Ben just turned 16.
Our daddy was just the worst kind of a bully.
Our daddy was just the worst kind of a bully.
And Mama was just And Mama was just Mama didn't do nothing.
Mama didn't do nothing.
And he used to get drunk all the time, beat the hell out of both of us.
And he used to get drunk all the time, beat the hell out of both of us.
And this particular day And this particular day Ben made the mistake of trying to fight back.
Ben made the mistake of trying to fight back.
[EXHALES.]
[EXHALES.]
It must have been pretty awful.
It must have been pretty awful.
Because when I come in there, his face was just Because when I come in there, his face was just it was a bloody mess.
it was a bloody mess.
Daddy had him down there on the floor Daddy had him down there on the floor with his foot pressed into Ben's throat, with his foot pressed into Ben's throat, pushing on it, and Ben was turning blue.
pushing on it, and Ben was turning blue.
And I pleaded with him to quit, and I I begged him and begged him.
And I pleaded with him to quit, and I I begged him and begged him.
And that son of a bitch just laughed at me.
And that son of a bitch just laughed at me.
He had his huntin' rifle hanging right there on the wall.
He had his huntin' rifle hanging right there on the wall.
And I pulled it down, And I pulled it down, I pointed it right at his head and I pulled the trigger.
I pointed it right at his head and I pulled the trigger.
He was dead before he hit the floor.
He was dead before he hit the floor.
I never will forget the look on Mama's face when she come in there I never will forget the look on Mama's face when she come in there screaming and carrying on.
screaming and carrying on.
Said I was gonna go to prison for killing her husband.
Said I was gonna go to prison for killing her husband.
[BO WHIMPERING.]
[BO WHIMPERING.]
Called me a murderer.
Called me a murderer.
Ben snatched that gun out of her hands and told her Ben snatched that gun out of her hands and told her the only way I was going to prison was over his dead body.
the only way I was going to prison was over his dead body.
Yeah.
Yeah.
That's when he gave me that pocket knife.
It's all he had to give.
That's when he gave me that pocket knife.
It's all he had to give.
Then he told me to run and I did.
Then he told me to run and I did.
That night, I hopped on a freight train That night, I hopped on a freight train and I didn't get off of it until I saw the Pacific Ocean.
and I didn't get off of it until I saw the Pacific Ocean.
Two weeks later, I called the house.
Two weeks later, I called the house.
and Ben told me that I was wanted for murder.
and Ben told me that I was wanted for murder.
Not to never come back there and try to contact them.
Not to never come back there and try to contact them.
I'd be done for sure.
I'd be done for sure.
[EXHALES.]
[EXHALES.]
After that, I just drifted.
After that, I just drifted.
'Til I met your Mama there in Lubbock.
'Til I met your Mama there in Lubbock.
Tried to settle down.
Tried to settle down.
Whoo.
Whoo.
Ooh-wee.
Ooh-wee.
I fell in love so hard, I really thought that I could live a normal life.
I fell in love so hard, I really thought that I could live a normal life.
[CHUCKLES.]
[CHUCKLES.]
I would've stayed there forever.
I would've stayed there forever.
But when the police started snooping around, But when the police started snooping around, now, I knew it was just a matter of time now, I knew it was just a matter of time before they come and arrest me.
before they come and arrest me.
So I let out.
So I let out.
I figured I was just cursed.
I figured I was just cursed.
Started up running all over again.
Started up running all over again.
I was too ashamed and embarrassed to face any of you, I was too ashamed and embarrassed to face any of you, so that's how come I wrote all them letters trying to explain.
so that's how come I wrote all them letters trying to explain.
But instead of mailing them, But instead of mailing them, I just put 'em in a safe deposit box for after I was dead and gone.
I just put 'em in a safe deposit box for after I was dead and gone.
Shoot.
Shoot.
[SIGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
I didn't think Ellie knew how wrong that was.
I didn't think Ellie knew how wrong that was.
All this, that's just All this, that's just Ellie's way trying to make things right.
Ellie's way trying to make things right.
Bless her heart.
Bless her heart.
[NANCY.]
There's no reason to be upset.
[NANCY.]
There's no reason to be upset.
You know, Nancy, You know, Nancy, I almost admire the way you don't hesitate a nanosecond I almost admire the way you don't hesitate a nanosecond to say exactly what's on your mind, to say exactly what's on your mind, no matter how insensitive it might be.
no matter how insensitive it might be.
Well, I don't mean to sound insensitive.
Well, I don't mean to sound insensitive.
You know, I would never purposely hurt anyone.
I'm a nurse, You know, I would never purposely hurt anyone.
I'm a nurse, - for heaven's sake.
- Oh, my God.
- for heaven's sake.
- Oh, my God.
Calm down! Calm down! Anything on Tom? Anything on Tom? [BOTH.]
No.
[BOTH.]
No.
Excuse me.
I need a moment.
Excuse me.
I need a moment.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[SCOFFS.]
[SCOFFS.]
For the life of me, For the life of me, I will never understand this hostility towards people of faith.
I will never understand this hostility towards people of faith.
How am I supposed to be good a Christian if I don't make judgments How am I supposed to be good a Christian if I don't make judgments about what is right and what is wrong? about what is right and what is wrong? Depends on if you're being a horse's ass about it or not.
Depends on if you're being a horse's ass about it or not.
[SIGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
[NANCY.]
Phyllis.
[NANCY.]
Phyllis.
[DOOR OPENS.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
Can I have a minute? Can I have a minute? Okay.
Okay.
[SIGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
Okay, Phyllis, Okay, Phyllis, I would like to apologize.
I would like to apologize.
For being a For being a [CHUCKLES.]
[CHUCKLES.]
Well, for being a horse's ass.
Well, for being a horse's ass.
[SIGHS.]
Now, I'm not normally like this.
[SIGHS.]
Now, I'm not normally like this.
I, um I, um Well, maybe I am.
Well, maybe I am.
Which is why my family is all riled up and, well, truth be told, Which is why my family is all riled up and, well, truth be told, I'm a bit of a mess I'm a bit of a mess right now.
right now.
[CLICKS TONGUE.]
[CLICKS TONGUE.]
Good Lord, Can I have a ? Could you hand me my purse real quick? Good Lord, Can I have a ? Could you hand me my purse real quick? Excuse me.
Excuse me.
- Oh.
Here, I'll get it.
- Oh, no, let me.
- Oh.
Here, I'll get it.
- Oh, no, let me.
[SIGHS.]
[SIGHS.]
Isn't that ? Isn't that ? Yes, it is.
Yes, it is.
I can't explain it.
I have these I can't explain it.
I have these these, uh, impulse control issues these, uh, impulse control issues and sometimes I just and sometimes I just I just take things.
I just take things.
What you must think of me.
What you must think of me.
Oh, Lord.
Oh, Lord.
[CHUCKLES, SNIFFLES.]
[CHUCKLES, SNIFFLES.]
We're family.
We're family.
It'll be our secret.
It'll be our secret.
I wasn't gonna keep it.
I wasn't gonna keep it.
- I know.
- Truly.
- I know.
- Truly.
Yeah.
I know.
Yeah.
I know.
- Yeah, 'cause I'm still a Christian.
- I know.
- Yeah, 'cause I'm still a Christian.
- I know.
- Mm-hmm.
- You know, I'm just, um - Mm-hmm.
- You know, I'm just, um Well, just a flawed one.
Well, just a flawed one.
I know.
I know.
Hey, this Hey, this [CHUCKLES.]
[CHUCKLES.]
We held supper.
We held supper.
Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
You're home.
You're home.
I'm sorry.
I mean that.
I'm sorry.
I mean that.
I'm so sorry.
I'm so sorry.
Okay, now, why don't you come and sit down? Okay, now, why don't you come and sit down? [SNIFFLES.]
Take a break.
[SNIFFLES.]
Take a break.
[SIGHS, SNIFFLES.]
[SIGHS, SNIFFLES.]
I, uh I, uh I got some things that need saying.
I got some things that need saying.
How about over some, uh, cold chicken and birthday cake? How about over some, uh, cold chicken and birthday cake? [LAUGHS.]
[LAUGHS.]
Suits me.
Suits me.
Uh, I Uh, I You were right to bring us together, Ellie.
You were right to bring us together, Ellie.
Y'all sure are a fine, fine looking bunch, I'll tell you that, now.
Y'all sure are a fine, fine looking bunch, I'll tell you that, now.
And I don't deserve any And I don't deserve any [SNIFFLES.]
I'm just so grateful.
[SNIFFLES.]
I'm just so grateful.
[SOBS.]
[SOBS.]
Dad.
Dad.
Happy birthday.
Happy birthday.
Shoot.
Shoot.
Y'all let me get cleaned up a little bit, Y'all let me get cleaned up a little bit, and we'll get something to eat, all right? and we'll get something to eat, all right? I'm so sorry, Ellie.
I'm so sorry, Ellie.
You came back and that's all that matters.
You came back and that's all that matters.
[TOM EXHALES, SNIFFLES.]
[TOM EXHALES, SNIFFLES.]
I love you more than you know.
I love you more than you know.
Um Um My boy.
My boy.
[ELLIE CHUCKLES.]
[ELLIE CHUCKLES.]
Found him out hitchhiking.
Found him out hitchhiking.
I started to take him to jail, but, uh I started to take him to jail, but, uh we got to talking.
we got to talking.
- [BO BARKING.]
- [THUD.]
- [BO BARKING.]
- [THUD.]
[CLAY.]
What was that? [CLAY.]
What was that? [BARKING.]
[BARKING.]
- Tom? - [NANCY.]
Daddy? - Tom? - [NANCY.]
Daddy? Oh, okay.
Oh, okay.
- Honey? - [PHYLLIS.]
Oh, my God.
- Honey? - [PHYLLIS.]
Oh, my God.
- Come on.
- 911.
- Come on.
- 911.
[ELLIE.]
Tom? Come on, honey, don't quit.
Come on, wake up.
[ELLIE.]
Tom? Come on, honey, don't quit.
Come on, wake up.
- [MACHINE BEEPING.]
- I wish I could be more hopeful, - [MACHINE BEEPING.]
- I wish I could be more hopeful, but there's been no change since yesterday.
but there's been no change since yesterday.
This is a devastating injury.
This is a devastating injury.
We're doing everything we can to control the brain swelling We're doing everything we can to control the brain swelling with the available treatments, but it's really a day-to-day situation.
with the available treatments, but it's really a day-to-day situation.
I'll check back later in the day.
I'll check back later in the day.
And I love you more than you could ever imagine.
And I love you more than you could ever imagine.
[MACHINE BEEPING RAPIDLY.]
[MACHINE BEEPING RAPIDLY.]
- Excuse me, ma'am.
- Ma'am, we need you to step outside.
- Excuse me, ma'am.
- Ma'am, we need you to step outside.
- [NURSE 2.]
Get a crash tray.
- [NURSE.]
Okay, Ellie.
Let's go.
Let's go.
- [NURSE 2.]
Get a crash tray.
- [NURSE.]
Okay, Ellie.
Let's go.
Let's go.
- [CLAY.]
Is he gonna be okay? - [NURSE.]
Clay.
Phyllis.
- [CLAY.]
Is he gonna be okay? - [NURSE.]
Clay.
Phyllis.
[NURSE 2.]
He's not responding.
[NURSE 2.]
He's not responding.
[WOMAN.]
They're gonna take him into surgery in an hour.
[WOMAN.]
They're gonna take him into surgery in an hour.
[NURSE OVER PA.]
Doctor Davis.
Doctor [NURSE OVER PA.]
Doctor Davis.
Doctor [DOCTOR.]
Good afternoon.
[DOCTOR.]
Good afternoon.
We know it's been touch-and-go, buthe has a brain herniation.
We know it's been touch-and-go, buthe has a brain herniation.
We just weren't able to control the swelling.
We just weren't able to control the swelling.
All of our exams and tests this past hour All of our exams and tests this past hour indicate that there is no longer any brain activity.
indicate that there is no longer any brain activity.
So, clinically, he has passed, So, clinically, he has passed, but we still need to exctubate him and remove life support.
but we still need to exctubate him and remove life support.
So, if you'd like to be present with him at the end, So, if you'd like to be present with him at the end, we can make those arrangements.
we can make those arrangements.
Yes.
Yes.
We did everything we could.
We did everything we could.
I'm so very sorry.
I'm so very sorry.
- [SOBS.]
- I'm so sorry.
- [SOBS.]
- I'm so sorry.
[SOBBING.]
[SOBBING.]
[MACHINE BEEPING.]
[MACHINE BEEPING.]
May you rest in the arms of the Lord, our God, Daddy.
May you rest in the arms of the Lord, our God, Daddy.
I am so glad I got to meet you, Daddy.
I am so glad I got to meet you, Daddy.
Know that it's okay Know that it's okay just to go.
[SNIFFLES.]
just to go.
[SNIFFLES.]
We're gonna be just fine.
[SNIFFLES.]
We're gonna be just fine.
[SNIFFLES.]
I love you, Pop.
I love you, Pop.
Tom.
[SNIFFLES.]
Tom.
[SNIFFLES.]
I love you.
I love you.
[LONG BEEP.]
[LONG BEEP.]
He's yours now, Lord.
He's yours now, Lord.
I sure don't understand your ways, but I'm truly thankful I sure don't understand your ways, but I'm truly thankful for all the time we had together.
for all the time we had together.
You take care of him, you hear? You take care of him, you hear? [DOLLY.]
If I had wings [DOLLY.]
If I had wings If I had wings If I had wings Be at peace, Tom Freeman.
Be at peace, Tom Freeman.
Be at peace.
Be at peace.
- Come on, Bo.
- [BO BARKING.]
- Come on, Bo.
- [BO BARKING.]
Good boy.
Good boy.
Over here, Bo.
Over here, Bo.
Letter from Nancy.
Letter from Nancy.
Whoo! New snapshots, I hope.
She never fails.
First, it's addressed to me.
Okay.
Mm-hmm.
I'm gonna need another scrapbook.
Look at all this.
Save room for the baby photos.
Oh, don't worry.
Little Tom's gonna have a scrapbook all his own.
Ooh! These boys are getting handsomer every day.
Oh! What? She and Jimmy Ray are driving over for Thanksgiving.
Says Clay's coming over with his boys, too.
- She must've told him we have Wi-Fi.
- Oh, be nice.
- Let me see the photos.
- Now, hold your horses.
I can't remember when I've had a real family Thanksgiving.
Oh, I wish I know.
Me too.
Yeah.
Thanks.
["IF I HAD WINGS" PLAYING.]
[DOLLY.]
Oh, I've had my share of sorrow Walked along a lonesome road And I could use a new tomorrow If I had wings, I'd make it so If I had wings, I'd up and go [MUSIC ENDS.]
[INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING.]
[MUSIC ENDS.]