Touched by an Angel (1994) s03e01 Episode Script
Promised Land
( Fun, lively theme playing ) And just what exactly do you think you're doing, Ms.
Wings? I'm leaving.
I failed.
I'm finished.
You're finished? Get in the car.
You're finished when somebody says you're finished.
Tess, you were there.
The only person who can help Chicory Creek Am I to understand you're giving up? Is this a giving up speech? Well, yes.
Get in the car.
The cavalry's on the way.
And here they come! Get in the car.
Hold on to your halo, baby.
MONICA: Angels in a trailer? Humans.
Humans are going back there to finish my assignment? Oh, this is so humiliating.
Now, you just get your wings straight on this one.
There's been no failure here, you did your very best.
But sometimes people just don't pay any attention.
But that's no excuse to give up.
The Lord will just handle it in a different way.
Inspire these folks up ahead to save Chicory Creek and maybe help themselves in the bargain.
MONICA: The people in the trailer? They have no home, hardly any money and uh-oh no gas.
What's the difference between the United States and America? What did you say, Dinah? What's the difference between the United States and America? That's the United States of America.
I know.
I'm not a baby.
So, what's the difference? America's what the United States used to be before they screwed it up.
Mom, Josh is being cynical again.
It's his opinion, Dinah.
The difference between the United States and America? ( Chuckles ) There's no difference, honey.
It's like the difference between blackjack and 21.
Twenty One sounds nicer, but you're still losing money.
CLAIRE: Think we can get there by morning? RUSSELL: Maybe.
If we push.
Well, we're gonna have to push.
How much we got left? Not enough for breakfast.
( Sighs ) Well, Mama says old Doc Rogers still gets up at 6:00 every morning and fixes pancakes.
When I meet that man, I'm gonna kiss him and wash his dishes.
What kind of a man gives a job to a total stranger and takes in his whole family, no questions asked? A kind one.
They still exist.
Ah.
Hattie told me that Doc has been carrying a torch for her since 1947.
Hm.
I wonder what happened.
Mama probably hit him in the head with it.
( laughs ) Come on, y'all.
Let's go.
Everybody back in the truck.
Okay, okay.
We're on our way.
RUSSELL: Well, look at that.
End of the road, still plenty of gas left.
Amen.
Hey.
Hallelujah.
Sort of.
CLAIRE: This is your grandma's hometown, kids.
According to my calculations, we put enough gas in the car to get to Chicory County.
But we've gone five more miles than that and That's real fascinating, brain.
HATTIE: Something's going on at the church.
DINAH: Looks like a wedding.
That's where you were baptized, Russell.
Remember? No, Mama.
I believe I was 4 days old at the time.
Hey, Doc Rogers' house down there at the corner.
It's gonna be close Yeah.
Aw, come on.
( Engine stalling ) RUSSELL: Come on.
Come on.
DINAH: Please! Everybody help.
Ah! ( Engine stalls ) By golly, we almost made it.
Next time, Dinah, you'll have that mileage figured out right down to the teaspoon.
RUSSELL: At least this is the last trip we'll have to take for a long time.
That's what he thinks.
( Chuckling ) ( Della Reese & The Verity All-Stars' "Walk With You" playing ) REESE: â« When you walk â« â« Down the road â« â« Heavy burden â« â« Hea-ea-eavy load â« â« I will rise â« â« And I will walk with you â« REESE: â« I'll walk with you â« CHORUS: â« I'll walk with you â« â« Till the sun Don't even shine â« â« Walk with you â« â« Walk with you â« â« Every time â« â« I tell ya I'll walk with you â« â« Walk with you â« â« Believe me I'll walk with you â« HATTIE: Maybe he's out on a case.
The old goat still makes house calls.
I hope he still makes pancakes.
Hey, uh, Dad, might wanna put this on your fix-it list there.
Joshua, get off of there.
I thought we were gonna live here.
RUSSELL: Josh.
Doc Rogers is kind enough to let us live with him.
We should make the effort to avoid dismantling his home.
That means don't poop in your own cave.
( Doorbell jingling ) Come on, you old fool! Mama, what about that wedding? We can't just walk in on a wedding.
I mean, everybody would be so excited to see me, after all these years, I'll take all the sparkle off of the bride.
Oh, then again, there's no harm in walking down there, Waiting till they come out.
Catch Doc Rogers before he starts hitting the punch.
Keep an eye out for Joe.
What's Uncle Joe like? Hm.
Everything your daddy used to be, only funnier.
Daddy says he's a ne'er-do-well.
Joe did some things well, never quite the right ones, poor baby.
He'll do well just to show up, I expect.
I don't see any basketball hoops.
CLAIRE: You think your brother will really come? I don't even know if our letters have caught up with him.
Even if he comes, old Joe'll just catch us up on the last few years and drag himself through a week's work before he takes off again.
If he does come, it won't be for the work, it'll be for Mama.
BOY: Hey.
What's in the box? So? What's in the box? Um, research.
What? Surveys, observations, opinions, articles, organized by subject.
Are you a kid? I turn 13 on Friday at 4:42 p.
in.
What you doing around here? We're gonna move in with Dr.
Rogers.
My father's going to build commercial property for him.
That's stupid.
Yeah, well, what does your daddy do? I can't tell.
He works for the CIA and it's a secret.
Well, if it's a secret, then how do you know? Funny music for a wedding.
You smell that? ( Sniffing ) Hm? I don't smell anything.
There's no factory here.
My throat doesn't hurt.
My eyes don't sting.
That's one thing I didn't mind leaving behind.
The company probably did us a favour by closing down.
Well, remind me to write them a thank-you note just as soon as I can afford a stamp.
Well, it won't be long, honey.
We made it this far.
It's all smooth sailing from here on.
Ah.
( Door opens ) HATTIE: Russell! Russ! Russ! Russell! DINAH: Doc Rogers is dead? So I guess this means no pancakes then, huh? Shut up.
You're looking wonderful, by the way, Erasmus.
You haven't changed a bit, Hattie.
Oh.
Thank you, Erasmus.
This is my son, Russell, my first boy, and the one that's working for Doc.
Or not working for Doc.
Oh.
My Lord, son.
You've lost two jobs in one month.
Russell Greene, sir.
Nice to meet you.
You have a handshake like your brother.
You saw Joe.
Was he here? Joe came and went, I'm afraid.
The Thursday after Doc died, he took off.
JOSH: Didn't want to stick around to see the family fall apart, huh? This is a setback, Josh, not a disaster.
Doc was really looking forward to you people coming.
You know how he was.
He showed me all his plans for that little clinic-office building of his, and then, Tuesday morning, keeled over in the barbershop.
I hate to see a man die with unfinished business.
So where are we gonna live? Who knows? Well, I'm sorry to say it, but it looks like you all made the trip for nothing.
You're welcome to pull your trailer into my yard tonight, rest while you get ready to go back.
RUSSELL: There's no going back, Mr.
Jones.
I lost my job when the factory closed down.
We spent all of our money getting here.
We'd be grateful to park our trailer in your yard if we could just afford the gas to drive it there.
But, uh, we haven't got it.
Well, I have some good news for you.
You don't have to worry about the gas.
My house is right there, right across the street.
DINAH: Mother! Mother! My suitcase, it's gone! He stole it, I know he did! That weird little boy! It was under the window What little boy? Did he say that his daddy worked for the CIA? Yeah.
He's a thief and a liar.
Now, calm down, Dinah.
He can't be far.
Nathaniel! Get yourself out here and bring that suitcase.
I got some people I want you to meet.
You come out.
Go back to the house, I'll make some pancakes.
Yeah! Come on, kid! Let's go, Nathaniel.
It's pancake time! Nathaniel, come on out of there.
Come on.
Your brother Joe left something behind when he took off.
Nathaniel this is your uncle, Russell.
Oh, man.
Well, ha-ha, welcome to the family, kid.
CLAIRE: Lord, we thank you for this food.
From thy hand may we be fed, give us this day our daily bread.
And thank you, Lord, for Erasmus and his hospitality.
Amen.
ALL: Amen.
Nathaniel, would you like to pass the syrup? Thank you.
HATTIE: Mighty thoughtful of the Lord to keep you alive, Erasmus.
He spared the one friend I have in this town that can cook as good as my mum did.
That's 'cause my mama taught your mama.
( Chuckling ) So, Nathaniel.
We just want you to understand from start here that you're family.
See, because your daddy's mother is my mother too.
And Dinah and Josh are your cousins.
I know what cousins are.
Butter? And your Aunt Claire and I are gonna take good care of you until we can catch up with your daddy.
Did he happen to mention where he might be going? It's secret army business.
He thinks Uncle Joe's in the CIA.
He is.
He said you'd understand.
He did mention a secret meeting with a General Fitzsimmons, as a matter of fact.
That's the one in Denver.
Yeah.
Excuse me.
HATTIE: Well, honey bun, we got loads of postcards from your daddy over the years, but darn if any one of 'em mentioned you.
I guess he was saving you for a surprise.
I was kind of a surprise to him too.
Oh.
JOSH: "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", "that to secure these rights, "governments are instituted among men "And women.
" "And women, "deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that to secure these rights" "The consent of the governed.
" Think about that for a minute.
What constitutes consent? HATTIE: Majority rules.
CLAIRE: There you go.
DINAH: Mom used to be a teacher.
She'll probably teach you too now until we find a school to go to.
Not me.
Especially you.
That company in Carolina's supposed to start mailing my severance checks here every week, care of general delivery.
That and my military disability ought to keep us going.
Careful.
Soon as I can cash that first check, I'm gonna pay you back.
No rush.
That check's gonna have to spread pretty far, especially now that you've got an extra mouth to feed.
Yeah, well, that, uh secret army business.
I think Joe's headed to a veteran's hospital in Denver.
Well, I spent some time there myself with Fitzsimmons after the Korean war.
Excuse me for saying it, but your brother's head is messed up something awful.
Well, he gets real depressed, and he'll check into a vets hospital somewhere.
And then he gets real antsy and he hits the road again.
Hardly been in one place long enough to make dinner, let alone make a baby.
Well, he did.
The boy lived with his mother for six years.
Joe said he found the boy living in a cocktail bar, waiting for the girl to get out of jail.
Aw.
Joe gave the girl $50, got her to sign some papers, then he and the boy have been travelling and on the road for the last three years, till they got that letter from you and they showed up here.
Joe is not a bad guy.
Shoot, before I met Claire, I probably broke more noses and bar windows than he ever did.
Matter of fact, last month when everybody got laid off, I put a chair through the door of the employees lounge.
Don't tell Claire.
Hm! Well, you Greene boys lived some wild years.
Oh.
Ooh.
It's a wonder either of you is alive at all.
Well, Claire says it's angels looking out for me.
I say it's Claire.
But, Joe he never wanted anybody looking out for him.
I was kind of hoping we could all get together here.
Three years, that's about his limit.
I guess it's just time for him to go crazy again.
Well, he sure did.
You know, maybe it's the thought of seeing your mother that, uh, pushed him over the edge.
You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
( Both laughing ) Erasmus said we could sleep inside.
I think we better start getting used to this.
It's gonna be Dinah's birthday in a couple of days.
Erasmus loaned us $100.
When that check comes in, I'm gonna have to pay him back out of that.
It's her 13th, Russ.
We gotta do something.
Well how much is it going to take? Well, I saw a Salvation Army on the way in, and the grocery has a half-off sign for expired goods.
Say 20? Well, I'll, uh, go check the post office first thing in the morning.
Maybe I can pick up some work.
I wonder if they need a teacher here.
They barely have a school here.
Okay.
So, what should we do, huh? Well, the only reason we're here is because Mama got us a job.
I guess the only thing to do is to go someplace else, find another one.
Well, we can't go back home.
I know that.
I'm sorry.
This might be a good time for one of them prayers of yours.
You could try, you know.
( Scoffs ) I don't know.
It doesn't seem quite right meeting somebody for the first time with my hand out to him.
That's usually what it takes.
( Clears throat ) ( paper rustling ) I'll go check on the kids.
( Kids murmuring ) ( Trisha Yearwood's "You Don't Have to Move That Mountain" playing ) â« You don't have to move That mountain â« â« Just help me, Lord To climb it â« â« You don't have to move That stumbling block â« â« Just show me the way Around it â« Come to think of it nobody ever writes songs about "United States the beautiful.
" It's always "America the beautiful.
" ( chuckling ) "Land of the free and the brave.
" Of course, usually the free and the brave doing the singing.
I appreciate your staying behind, helping me with these carrots.
Oh, it's okay.
It's kind of Mom's way of keeping me here while they shop for my birthday.
( laughs ) Shouldn't take too long.
What did you mean yesterday when you said Doc Rogers died with unfinished business? Dinah do you believe in angels? ( "You Don't Have to Move That Mountain" resumes playing ) â« We must climb A great, high mountain â« â« To reach God's Gracious kingdom â« â« In his words You'll find the street â« â« If you will Just believe them â« â« You don't have to move That mountain â« â« Just help me, Lord To climb it â« â« You don't have to move That stumbling block â« â« Just show me the way Around it â« Evenin'.
Um Claire makes up these real beautiful prayers.
Mama kind of yells at ya.
And, uh I had hoped to at least be wearing britches when you and me got serious, but, uh Well, my wife's always saying that the Lord will meet you wherever you are.
Just look where I am.
( Pensive theme playing ) I love my country.
I love my family.
I love hard work.
I do, I'm not exaggerating.
I do.
And I followed all the rules.
And I did my best.
And it all just fell apart anyhow.
And I just can't figure out what went wrong.
Maybe it's some big problem with me, or maybe it is just as simple as old Doc Rogers just keeling over in the barbershop there.
I don't know.
I just ( sniffling ) But if you'll just tell me what to do now I'll do it, sir.
I will.
And, uh wherever my brother is tonight, please, sir, take real good care of him.
( Sniffling ) Appreciate talking with you.
You were right.
Yep.
We've found our man.
All right.
Shut it off.
Looks like the carburetor.
Daddy, can we talk to you? Sure.
Mama too.
Ah.
Been trying to find that rattle for two years.
Never had time before.
ERASMUS: In the first place, this is not my idea, so I don't want you to feel obligated.
DINAH: Daddy, Doc Rogers died with unfinished business.
Dinah, that's really none of our He saw an angel, Mama.
A real honest to goodness angel.
From heaven.
Doc Rogers saw an angel.
Like Gabriel.
No.
She was a big, tall woman with dark eyes.
Doc said she looked something like my Aunt Georgia.
Uh, but she was the second one.
The first angel was short and spoke funny, Scottish or something.
And Doc said they came to help him save Chicory Creek.
But I guess he dragged his feet or something, because Skip to the part about New York.
Well, the days of our town are numbered, I'm afraid.
You can't keep a little place like this going without a doctor.
But, uh, there was a little girl who grew up here, real smart.
Chamber of commerce got together, gave her a scholarship, sent her to college, She went to New York, got to be a doctor, and never came back.
I wonder what she was thinkin'.
So Doc was going up north to talk to the lady in person, Get her to move into this clinic that he's He's gonna build.
Well, Erasmus, I'm real sorry about all this, but I don't see what it has to do with me.
DINAH: Daddy, don't you see? Everybody else is too busy, but you can go 'cause you don't have a job.
RUSSELL: Well, Erasmus, I appreciate you thinking about me, but, uh I don't think so.
Come on, son.
Let's get back to the car.
Way to go, dummy.
Ah! Dinah didn't know what she was saying.
I know that.
But she was tellin' the truth.
We are just sittin' around, waiting for a check to come in the mail.
And we haven't talked about what happens after that.
We can't because you're too busy blaming yourself for something that is over and done with.
Nobody's blamin' you, Russ.
Nobody's blaming you for bringin' us here, for gettin' laid off, or countin' on a job that died with Doc Rogers.
Then why do I feel so bad? Because you're wasting time and you know it.
And until a moment ago, there was nothing you could do about it.
But maybe there's a reason we are sittin' around here in the in-between like this.
If you could do something, something that makes a difference to somebody, boy, that's never a waste of time.
That doesn't make any sense.
None of this does.
I've never been to New York.
You never had a reason before.
We'll be right here when you get back.
Round trip ticket to New York.
All right.
Y'all take care of each other.
Bye, Dad.
Bye-bye.
She's, uh, Dr.
Rebecca Cousins, And I thought she might like, uh, a jar of my, uh, peaches.
Hm.
Well, she's gonna have to fight me for them.
Would you do me a favour? Yes, sir.
I don't expect Rebecca want much to do with us, but if you get a chance to actually meet her, tell her her daddy loves her.
( Melancholy theme playing ) Yes, sir.
You mind if I sit by the window? ( Indistinct farewells ) ( lively theme playing ) ( chuckles ) I got two sandwiches here.
Can I offer you one of 'em? Oh, no, but thank you.
You go right ahead.
CLAIRE: Believing in angels but seeing none, he borrows their wings instead and walks out to meet his saving grace at the end of the road.
( upbeat theme playing ) ( horns honking, sirens wailing ) ( telephone ringing ) ( door shuts ) You came all the way from Chicory Creek to bring me a jar of peaches? Hm.
Nope.
Got me in the front door, though.
Those from your daddy, by the way.
He said tell you he loves you very much.
What can I do for you, Mr.
Greene? Well, uh, Doc Rogers died last week before he got a chance to discuss somethin' with ya, and, uh, well, they need a doctor down there pretty bad.
And they were thinking that maybe you might be willing to come home and practice.
You're joking.
No, ma'am.
Chamber of commerce paid for the bus ticket.
They're serious.
Oh, so now they think it's payback time.
Why would I ever want to go back there? I broke my butt to get out of that place.
You mind if I ask why? To get ahead.
Of who? Everybody else? Yeah.
That's kind of the point.
I am living the American dream, Mr.
Greene.
Oh, you're livin' some kind of dream, all right.
Those folks had a dream too, you know back when they got together and sent you to college.
They wanted to make the world a little better, not a little prettier.
You have no right to walk in here and insult me and my profession.
No, ma'am, I don't.
I'm sure there's lots of folks better off with one of your new noses.
But are you? Now, your daddy's profession was pumpin' gas and fixin' cars.
He spent 30 years washi" people's windshields and changin' their oil, makin' sure they had enough steerin' fluid and that their brakes weren't goin' to go out on 'em.
And I'll bet you he has saved a lot more lives than you ever have.
No, you not livin' the American dream, lady.
Your daddy did, 'cause he made a difference.
Right now all I see you maki" is money.
( Exhales heavily ) ( elevator dings ) RUSSELL: I didn't take the trip, I just lost the ticket.
I had it in my back pocket.
I had it just before I walked into that elevator.
DRIVER: It's gone, pal.
You don't put nothin' in your back pocket in this city.
I'm sorry.
No ticket, no seat.
I've got $19, and I can pay you the rest up just as soon as I get there.
That $19, that'll get you about as far as Hensen on this bus.
You can take it or leave it.
( Somber theme playing ) Where you headin'? I'm trying to get back to my family in Chicory Creek.
But I just had enough to get to Hensen.
You were going home, and they wouldn't give you credit till you got there? ( Scoffs ) That's a shame.
Strangers used to help each other out.
Not anymore.
It doesn't pay to try to help anybody anymore.
Bad day in America, huh? I am sick of hearin' about America.
No America anymore for people like us.
There's just the United States of greedy people, trying to get richer quicker than the next guy, and they'll step right over your dead body to get there.
Just some great, big "Get out of my way" highway, and man if you are too stupid not to cheat and steal to get ahead, then you deserve what you get.
I tell you, if I had the money, I'd move my family to some little island or someplace.
I'd leave this country like that.
Like that, huh? Yes, ma'am.
No lookin' back? No.
Well, I suppose you could pack up and say so long to the United States, but, still, you take America with you wherever you go.
You want to leave America behind because you think it's left you behind.
You want to see what America really is? Yeah.
Uh, hello.
Uh, excuse me.
Hello? Uh, this young man is trying to get home to his family, and he's only got enough money to take him part of the way.
Now, he's a good man.
He's not gonna spend this money on anything but a ticket to Chicory Creek.
Now, does anybody have a bag or a hat or anythi May I use your nice hat, sir? Okay.
Thank you so much.
Now, he is gonna have to get off at the next town unless we all decide to do something about it, and I know I don't want to tell his babies that we left their daddy behind in Hensen 'cause we spent the money on donuts in the bus stop instead.
Will you help me? ( People murmur ) Will you show the kind of people your mamas raised, or have ya forgotten? Thank you so much.
Oh, how wonderful.
I appreciate this so much.
He does too.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
No tengo dinero.
Um, no money.
Thank you.
TESS: Thank you very much.
Praise the Lord.
God bless you.
Thank you very much.
Now, we have $46.
25.
How far will that take him, Mr.
Driver? All the way home.
( People laugh ) Oh, thank you so much.
Thank you.
Now, that's what America really looks like.
( Chuckles ): It's all right.
DRIVER: Chicory Creek, Union City, and Points West at 6 a.
in.
All the way to Chicory Creek.
You gettin' off here? Well, it all depends on what happens in the next five minutes.
Well, I just wanted to say thanks.
You were an answer to a prayer.
I know.
And you ought to pray more often.
You pray some real good ones when you get around to it.
That one in the cemetery was particularly effective.
And he liked the one when you were 16 too.
Well, what did you think? That they just floated up, up and away like balloons? God is very aware of you, Russell.
But, uh How? Don't worry about it, honey.
Who? It's all gonna make sense to you in a second.
Now, about that first prayer of yours I don't remember a prayer.
Oh, sure you do.
Back in the '60s, the van, route 66, looking for America.
Well, it's time.
The time is now.
Now, you're gonna run out of gas every once in a while, and the road's gonna be a little bumpy, but God says it's time.
That old van.
My God.
He is your God, and he sent me to remind you of that.
You know, Russell, you've got a really good heart, but every once in a while, you put your faith in all the wrong things.
God loves you, he loves your family, he loves your brother Joe, and he loves all these people whose lives you're gonna touch when you get out there on the road like you've always wanted.
You're I'm an angel, and you've got about 3 minutes.
I believe you.
I must be out of my mind, but I believe you.
But tha I had tha That prayer, that was a dream I had when I was a kid.
I can't take my family on something like that now.
It's It's irresponsible.
Yeah! Mm-hmm.
Shortsighted.
Uh-huh.
Mm-hmm.
Immature? Yeah! And th-this can't possibly be the right time.
Well, now, let's see.
Your children are gonna be grown and gone before you know it.
Your mother's not going to live forever.
Your wife and kids have not had any quality time with you in 10 years.
You got a nephew that thinks the CIA stole his father.
You got a brother wandering around all over creation, needing his family.
You don't have a job to keep you in one place, and you don't have a mortgage to pay.
I'd say this is exactly the right time, Mr.
Greene.
DRIVER: All aboard! Well, I have to Yes.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
Um ( magical theme playing ) Right on time.
I missed you.
The check came.
Hallelujah.
Sorry, Erasmus.
You did your best.
She's not an easy woman.
Heh.
But maybe the trip did you some good.
You have no idea.
ALL: Come on, come on, come on! All right! Good girl! ( laughing ) I get the big piece.
No, the presents come first.
And this is the first one.
Thank you.
HATTIE: Salvation Army special.
The blouse is a present from your mama and your daddy.
And your grandma customized it.
And Erasmus contributed the buttons.
Oh, thank you.
I love it.
HATTIE: Ha-ha.
I'm so glad.
JOSH: And, uh, this is from me.
Thank you.
Oh, it's beautiful! How did you pay for this? I, uh, filled in for a box boy down at the grocery.
Ow! Thank you.
Oh, yuck.
Yes, indeed.
Oh, yuck.
Mm.
Happy birthday, honey.
Thank you.
And then I said something about her coming back here sooner or later and people with new noses going to her funeral.
Poor lady, I gave it to her with both barrels.
Called her a coward too, I think.
I wish I could have been there.
So'd I.
You were right.
I'm glad I went.
Dinah would have been in heaven.
I must have passed a hundred bookstores.
You know, I think some of them people are happy living there.
But that doctor, I knew just as soon as I looked in her eyes, she wasn't.
Done her a world of good to come back home.
But she didn't.
Not yet.
But I didn't marry you the first time you asked, either.
Ha-ha.
No.
That took some prayin'.
You know, I stood right over there the other night and actually prayed for somethin'.
I know.
( Heartfelt theme playing ) "Believing in angels, but seeing none, "he borrowed their wings instead "and went out to meet his saving grace at the end of the road.
" And? And I think maybe I did meet somethin' out there.
What's the difference between the United States and America? You need to ask Dinah.
America is the best part of us.
It's, uh It's what's left after taxes and war and violence that near about made us forget who we are.
It's the part that wants to keep trying to be a good neighbour.
I met my neighbours on that bus last night, Claire, and I was ashamed, 'cause after everything that's happened, I'd forgotten how to be one myself.
So I think maybe we shouldn't just sit around here waitin' for them to come to us.
Maybe we ought to go on out there and meet them at the end of the road, wherever that is.
Yeah? Dad has a weird look in his eye.
Bus lag.
You are so dumb! And not funny.
Uh, your mother and I been talkin', and I think, well, what we want to do is, uh, buy ourselves some food, put some gas in the car, and move on.
Where? Doesn't matter.
Now, look.
I can't explain all this to you right now, but I just Somethin' is tellin' me that we are not stuck here or anyplace else, and that home is wherever we are and we can do some good wherever we go.
What do you mean, wherever? Children need roots.
CLAIRE: We've got you, Hattie.
You remind them where they've come from, and I'll work on where they're going.
We'll get one of those permits for Claire to school the kids.
People do that all the time.
And we'll just go.
We got a house right out there in that trailer.
Now, hold your horses.
Darn it, where are we goin'? America.
We're gonna go see America.
Mama, do you remember when I was 16-years-old, and me and Andy Barnhouse wanted to fix up an old van and just drive across the country? To find yourself.
And I never did it.
I kept talkin' about it and talkin' about it, and I I wound up in the Mekong Delta.
And after that, it just turned into one of those things I was always gonna do and I never did.
Mama, I got sent all over the world and I've seen the worst it has to offer.
Well, now, I Now I want to see the best.
( Delicate theme playing ) It is still a free country, thank God, and we got the right to go see it.
And now I got the time and the people that I want to go see it with.
And I'd I can't explain this, but I I think it's what we're supposed to do, with the amber waves of grain and the purple mountains.
And, Mama, what is an alabaster city, anyhow? I wanna see one of those before I die.
( laughs ) Any chance we could stop off in Nashville? Sure.
Maybe we can leave you there.
Erasmus, would it be too much of an imposition to ask you to forward our checks? You just tell me where.
All right.
All those in favour, say aye.
ALL: Aye.
NATHANIEL: What about me? ( Clears throat ) ( sniffles ) Well, Nathaniel, uh, we'd like for you to come along.
As a matter of fact, I think we're gonna need ya, 'cause we're gonna be keeping an eye out for your daddy, and I was kind of hoping you could help me with the details.
Okay.
Okay.
HATTIE: Well let's get this show on the road.
All right.
( Laughing ) Erasmus, thank you for everything.
( Chuckles ) Well, we'll be writing.
And if you hear from Joe, would you find out where he is and just tell him to stay put? Will do.
Something happened to you out there on the road, didn't it? I don't think I'm ready to talk about it yet, though.
No need.
Just tell me.
Did it look like my Aunt Georgia? Just like her.
( Chuckling ) Thanks, Erasmus.
For everything.
Ah.
Don't you die on me, Erasmus.
I wouldn't dream of it, Hattie.
Heh, okay.
( Kids bickering ) RUSSELL: It doesn't matter where you sit.
Back seat follows front seat.
We're all gonna get there together, and don't ask me where that is.
Get in the car, in the car, close the door.
KIDS: Bye, Erasmus.
HATTIE: Take care.
( Horn honks ) I'm not promising anything, Daddy.
It's, uh Just that I, uh ran out of peaches.
( Sobbing ) TESS: God bless America.
You still think people can't do a little angel work every once while? MONICA: I think people like that could put us out of business.
Well, I wouldn't say that exactly, but I don't mind the help.
Where are they goin', Tess? TESS: It doesn't matter.
God'll be there when they get there.
( Tess chuckles ) ( cooing ) ( heartfelt theme playing )
Wings? I'm leaving.
I failed.
I'm finished.
You're finished? Get in the car.
You're finished when somebody says you're finished.
Tess, you were there.
The only person who can help Chicory Creek Am I to understand you're giving up? Is this a giving up speech? Well, yes.
Get in the car.
The cavalry's on the way.
And here they come! Get in the car.
Hold on to your halo, baby.
MONICA: Angels in a trailer? Humans.
Humans are going back there to finish my assignment? Oh, this is so humiliating.
Now, you just get your wings straight on this one.
There's been no failure here, you did your very best.
But sometimes people just don't pay any attention.
But that's no excuse to give up.
The Lord will just handle it in a different way.
Inspire these folks up ahead to save Chicory Creek and maybe help themselves in the bargain.
MONICA: The people in the trailer? They have no home, hardly any money and uh-oh no gas.
What's the difference between the United States and America? What did you say, Dinah? What's the difference between the United States and America? That's the United States of America.
I know.
I'm not a baby.
So, what's the difference? America's what the United States used to be before they screwed it up.
Mom, Josh is being cynical again.
It's his opinion, Dinah.
The difference between the United States and America? ( Chuckles ) There's no difference, honey.
It's like the difference between blackjack and 21.
Twenty One sounds nicer, but you're still losing money.
CLAIRE: Think we can get there by morning? RUSSELL: Maybe.
If we push.
Well, we're gonna have to push.
How much we got left? Not enough for breakfast.
( Sighs ) Well, Mama says old Doc Rogers still gets up at 6:00 every morning and fixes pancakes.
When I meet that man, I'm gonna kiss him and wash his dishes.
What kind of a man gives a job to a total stranger and takes in his whole family, no questions asked? A kind one.
They still exist.
Ah.
Hattie told me that Doc has been carrying a torch for her since 1947.
Hm.
I wonder what happened.
Mama probably hit him in the head with it.
( laughs ) Come on, y'all.
Let's go.
Everybody back in the truck.
Okay, okay.
We're on our way.
RUSSELL: Well, look at that.
End of the road, still plenty of gas left.
Amen.
Hey.
Hallelujah.
Sort of.
CLAIRE: This is your grandma's hometown, kids.
According to my calculations, we put enough gas in the car to get to Chicory County.
But we've gone five more miles than that and That's real fascinating, brain.
HATTIE: Something's going on at the church.
DINAH: Looks like a wedding.
That's where you were baptized, Russell.
Remember? No, Mama.
I believe I was 4 days old at the time.
Hey, Doc Rogers' house down there at the corner.
It's gonna be close Yeah.
Aw, come on.
( Engine stalling ) RUSSELL: Come on.
Come on.
DINAH: Please! Everybody help.
Ah! ( Engine stalls ) By golly, we almost made it.
Next time, Dinah, you'll have that mileage figured out right down to the teaspoon.
RUSSELL: At least this is the last trip we'll have to take for a long time.
That's what he thinks.
( Chuckling ) ( Della Reese & The Verity All-Stars' "Walk With You" playing ) REESE: â« When you walk â« â« Down the road â« â« Heavy burden â« â« Hea-ea-eavy load â« â« I will rise â« â« And I will walk with you â« REESE: â« I'll walk with you â« CHORUS: â« I'll walk with you â« â« Till the sun Don't even shine â« â« Walk with you â« â« Walk with you â« â« Every time â« â« I tell ya I'll walk with you â« â« Walk with you â« â« Believe me I'll walk with you â« HATTIE: Maybe he's out on a case.
The old goat still makes house calls.
I hope he still makes pancakes.
Hey, uh, Dad, might wanna put this on your fix-it list there.
Joshua, get off of there.
I thought we were gonna live here.
RUSSELL: Josh.
Doc Rogers is kind enough to let us live with him.
We should make the effort to avoid dismantling his home.
That means don't poop in your own cave.
( Doorbell jingling ) Come on, you old fool! Mama, what about that wedding? We can't just walk in on a wedding.
I mean, everybody would be so excited to see me, after all these years, I'll take all the sparkle off of the bride.
Oh, then again, there's no harm in walking down there, Waiting till they come out.
Catch Doc Rogers before he starts hitting the punch.
Keep an eye out for Joe.
What's Uncle Joe like? Hm.
Everything your daddy used to be, only funnier.
Daddy says he's a ne'er-do-well.
Joe did some things well, never quite the right ones, poor baby.
He'll do well just to show up, I expect.
I don't see any basketball hoops.
CLAIRE: You think your brother will really come? I don't even know if our letters have caught up with him.
Even if he comes, old Joe'll just catch us up on the last few years and drag himself through a week's work before he takes off again.
If he does come, it won't be for the work, it'll be for Mama.
BOY: Hey.
What's in the box? So? What's in the box? Um, research.
What? Surveys, observations, opinions, articles, organized by subject.
Are you a kid? I turn 13 on Friday at 4:42 p.
in.
What you doing around here? We're gonna move in with Dr.
Rogers.
My father's going to build commercial property for him.
That's stupid.
Yeah, well, what does your daddy do? I can't tell.
He works for the CIA and it's a secret.
Well, if it's a secret, then how do you know? Funny music for a wedding.
You smell that? ( Sniffing ) Hm? I don't smell anything.
There's no factory here.
My throat doesn't hurt.
My eyes don't sting.
That's one thing I didn't mind leaving behind.
The company probably did us a favour by closing down.
Well, remind me to write them a thank-you note just as soon as I can afford a stamp.
Well, it won't be long, honey.
We made it this far.
It's all smooth sailing from here on.
Ah.
( Door opens ) HATTIE: Russell! Russ! Russ! Russell! DINAH: Doc Rogers is dead? So I guess this means no pancakes then, huh? Shut up.
You're looking wonderful, by the way, Erasmus.
You haven't changed a bit, Hattie.
Oh.
Thank you, Erasmus.
This is my son, Russell, my first boy, and the one that's working for Doc.
Or not working for Doc.
Oh.
My Lord, son.
You've lost two jobs in one month.
Russell Greene, sir.
Nice to meet you.
You have a handshake like your brother.
You saw Joe.
Was he here? Joe came and went, I'm afraid.
The Thursday after Doc died, he took off.
JOSH: Didn't want to stick around to see the family fall apart, huh? This is a setback, Josh, not a disaster.
Doc was really looking forward to you people coming.
You know how he was.
He showed me all his plans for that little clinic-office building of his, and then, Tuesday morning, keeled over in the barbershop.
I hate to see a man die with unfinished business.
So where are we gonna live? Who knows? Well, I'm sorry to say it, but it looks like you all made the trip for nothing.
You're welcome to pull your trailer into my yard tonight, rest while you get ready to go back.
RUSSELL: There's no going back, Mr.
Jones.
I lost my job when the factory closed down.
We spent all of our money getting here.
We'd be grateful to park our trailer in your yard if we could just afford the gas to drive it there.
But, uh, we haven't got it.
Well, I have some good news for you.
You don't have to worry about the gas.
My house is right there, right across the street.
DINAH: Mother! Mother! My suitcase, it's gone! He stole it, I know he did! That weird little boy! It was under the window What little boy? Did he say that his daddy worked for the CIA? Yeah.
He's a thief and a liar.
Now, calm down, Dinah.
He can't be far.
Nathaniel! Get yourself out here and bring that suitcase.
I got some people I want you to meet.
You come out.
Go back to the house, I'll make some pancakes.
Yeah! Come on, kid! Let's go, Nathaniel.
It's pancake time! Nathaniel, come on out of there.
Come on.
Your brother Joe left something behind when he took off.
Nathaniel this is your uncle, Russell.
Oh, man.
Well, ha-ha, welcome to the family, kid.
CLAIRE: Lord, we thank you for this food.
From thy hand may we be fed, give us this day our daily bread.
And thank you, Lord, for Erasmus and his hospitality.
Amen.
ALL: Amen.
Nathaniel, would you like to pass the syrup? Thank you.
HATTIE: Mighty thoughtful of the Lord to keep you alive, Erasmus.
He spared the one friend I have in this town that can cook as good as my mum did.
That's 'cause my mama taught your mama.
( Chuckling ) So, Nathaniel.
We just want you to understand from start here that you're family.
See, because your daddy's mother is my mother too.
And Dinah and Josh are your cousins.
I know what cousins are.
Butter? And your Aunt Claire and I are gonna take good care of you until we can catch up with your daddy.
Did he happen to mention where he might be going? It's secret army business.
He thinks Uncle Joe's in the CIA.
He is.
He said you'd understand.
He did mention a secret meeting with a General Fitzsimmons, as a matter of fact.
That's the one in Denver.
Yeah.
Excuse me.
HATTIE: Well, honey bun, we got loads of postcards from your daddy over the years, but darn if any one of 'em mentioned you.
I guess he was saving you for a surprise.
I was kind of a surprise to him too.
Oh.
JOSH: "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", "that to secure these rights, "governments are instituted among men "And women.
" "And women, "deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that to secure these rights" "The consent of the governed.
" Think about that for a minute.
What constitutes consent? HATTIE: Majority rules.
CLAIRE: There you go.
DINAH: Mom used to be a teacher.
She'll probably teach you too now until we find a school to go to.
Not me.
Especially you.
That company in Carolina's supposed to start mailing my severance checks here every week, care of general delivery.
That and my military disability ought to keep us going.
Careful.
Soon as I can cash that first check, I'm gonna pay you back.
No rush.
That check's gonna have to spread pretty far, especially now that you've got an extra mouth to feed.
Yeah, well, that, uh secret army business.
I think Joe's headed to a veteran's hospital in Denver.
Well, I spent some time there myself with Fitzsimmons after the Korean war.
Excuse me for saying it, but your brother's head is messed up something awful.
Well, he gets real depressed, and he'll check into a vets hospital somewhere.
And then he gets real antsy and he hits the road again.
Hardly been in one place long enough to make dinner, let alone make a baby.
Well, he did.
The boy lived with his mother for six years.
Joe said he found the boy living in a cocktail bar, waiting for the girl to get out of jail.
Aw.
Joe gave the girl $50, got her to sign some papers, then he and the boy have been travelling and on the road for the last three years, till they got that letter from you and they showed up here.
Joe is not a bad guy.
Shoot, before I met Claire, I probably broke more noses and bar windows than he ever did.
Matter of fact, last month when everybody got laid off, I put a chair through the door of the employees lounge.
Don't tell Claire.
Hm! Well, you Greene boys lived some wild years.
Oh.
Ooh.
It's a wonder either of you is alive at all.
Well, Claire says it's angels looking out for me.
I say it's Claire.
But, Joe he never wanted anybody looking out for him.
I was kind of hoping we could all get together here.
Three years, that's about his limit.
I guess it's just time for him to go crazy again.
Well, he sure did.
You know, maybe it's the thought of seeing your mother that, uh, pushed him over the edge.
You ought to be ashamed of yourself.
( Both laughing ) Erasmus said we could sleep inside.
I think we better start getting used to this.
It's gonna be Dinah's birthday in a couple of days.
Erasmus loaned us $100.
When that check comes in, I'm gonna have to pay him back out of that.
It's her 13th, Russ.
We gotta do something.
Well how much is it going to take? Well, I saw a Salvation Army on the way in, and the grocery has a half-off sign for expired goods.
Say 20? Well, I'll, uh, go check the post office first thing in the morning.
Maybe I can pick up some work.
I wonder if they need a teacher here.
They barely have a school here.
Okay.
So, what should we do, huh? Well, the only reason we're here is because Mama got us a job.
I guess the only thing to do is to go someplace else, find another one.
Well, we can't go back home.
I know that.
I'm sorry.
This might be a good time for one of them prayers of yours.
You could try, you know.
( Scoffs ) I don't know.
It doesn't seem quite right meeting somebody for the first time with my hand out to him.
That's usually what it takes.
( Clears throat ) ( paper rustling ) I'll go check on the kids.
( Kids murmuring ) ( Trisha Yearwood's "You Don't Have to Move That Mountain" playing ) â« You don't have to move That mountain â« â« Just help me, Lord To climb it â« â« You don't have to move That stumbling block â« â« Just show me the way Around it â« Come to think of it nobody ever writes songs about "United States the beautiful.
" It's always "America the beautiful.
" ( chuckling ) "Land of the free and the brave.
" Of course, usually the free and the brave doing the singing.
I appreciate your staying behind, helping me with these carrots.
Oh, it's okay.
It's kind of Mom's way of keeping me here while they shop for my birthday.
( laughs ) Shouldn't take too long.
What did you mean yesterday when you said Doc Rogers died with unfinished business? Dinah do you believe in angels? ( "You Don't Have to Move That Mountain" resumes playing ) â« We must climb A great, high mountain â« â« To reach God's Gracious kingdom â« â« In his words You'll find the street â« â« If you will Just believe them â« â« You don't have to move That mountain â« â« Just help me, Lord To climb it â« â« You don't have to move That stumbling block â« â« Just show me the way Around it â« Evenin'.
Um Claire makes up these real beautiful prayers.
Mama kind of yells at ya.
And, uh I had hoped to at least be wearing britches when you and me got serious, but, uh Well, my wife's always saying that the Lord will meet you wherever you are.
Just look where I am.
( Pensive theme playing ) I love my country.
I love my family.
I love hard work.
I do, I'm not exaggerating.
I do.
And I followed all the rules.
And I did my best.
And it all just fell apart anyhow.
And I just can't figure out what went wrong.
Maybe it's some big problem with me, or maybe it is just as simple as old Doc Rogers just keeling over in the barbershop there.
I don't know.
I just ( sniffling ) But if you'll just tell me what to do now I'll do it, sir.
I will.
And, uh wherever my brother is tonight, please, sir, take real good care of him.
( Sniffling ) Appreciate talking with you.
You were right.
Yep.
We've found our man.
All right.
Shut it off.
Looks like the carburetor.
Daddy, can we talk to you? Sure.
Mama too.
Ah.
Been trying to find that rattle for two years.
Never had time before.
ERASMUS: In the first place, this is not my idea, so I don't want you to feel obligated.
DINAH: Daddy, Doc Rogers died with unfinished business.
Dinah, that's really none of our He saw an angel, Mama.
A real honest to goodness angel.
From heaven.
Doc Rogers saw an angel.
Like Gabriel.
No.
She was a big, tall woman with dark eyes.
Doc said she looked something like my Aunt Georgia.
Uh, but she was the second one.
The first angel was short and spoke funny, Scottish or something.
And Doc said they came to help him save Chicory Creek.
But I guess he dragged his feet or something, because Skip to the part about New York.
Well, the days of our town are numbered, I'm afraid.
You can't keep a little place like this going without a doctor.
But, uh, there was a little girl who grew up here, real smart.
Chamber of commerce got together, gave her a scholarship, sent her to college, She went to New York, got to be a doctor, and never came back.
I wonder what she was thinkin'.
So Doc was going up north to talk to the lady in person, Get her to move into this clinic that he's He's gonna build.
Well, Erasmus, I'm real sorry about all this, but I don't see what it has to do with me.
DINAH: Daddy, don't you see? Everybody else is too busy, but you can go 'cause you don't have a job.
RUSSELL: Well, Erasmus, I appreciate you thinking about me, but, uh I don't think so.
Come on, son.
Let's get back to the car.
Way to go, dummy.
Ah! Dinah didn't know what she was saying.
I know that.
But she was tellin' the truth.
We are just sittin' around, waiting for a check to come in the mail.
And we haven't talked about what happens after that.
We can't because you're too busy blaming yourself for something that is over and done with.
Nobody's blamin' you, Russ.
Nobody's blaming you for bringin' us here, for gettin' laid off, or countin' on a job that died with Doc Rogers.
Then why do I feel so bad? Because you're wasting time and you know it.
And until a moment ago, there was nothing you could do about it.
But maybe there's a reason we are sittin' around here in the in-between like this.
If you could do something, something that makes a difference to somebody, boy, that's never a waste of time.
That doesn't make any sense.
None of this does.
I've never been to New York.
You never had a reason before.
We'll be right here when you get back.
Round trip ticket to New York.
All right.
Y'all take care of each other.
Bye, Dad.
Bye-bye.
She's, uh, Dr.
Rebecca Cousins, And I thought she might like, uh, a jar of my, uh, peaches.
Hm.
Well, she's gonna have to fight me for them.
Would you do me a favour? Yes, sir.
I don't expect Rebecca want much to do with us, but if you get a chance to actually meet her, tell her her daddy loves her.
( Melancholy theme playing ) Yes, sir.
You mind if I sit by the window? ( Indistinct farewells ) ( lively theme playing ) ( chuckles ) I got two sandwiches here.
Can I offer you one of 'em? Oh, no, but thank you.
You go right ahead.
CLAIRE: Believing in angels but seeing none, he borrows their wings instead and walks out to meet his saving grace at the end of the road.
( upbeat theme playing ) ( horns honking, sirens wailing ) ( telephone ringing ) ( door shuts ) You came all the way from Chicory Creek to bring me a jar of peaches? Hm.
Nope.
Got me in the front door, though.
Those from your daddy, by the way.
He said tell you he loves you very much.
What can I do for you, Mr.
Greene? Well, uh, Doc Rogers died last week before he got a chance to discuss somethin' with ya, and, uh, well, they need a doctor down there pretty bad.
And they were thinking that maybe you might be willing to come home and practice.
You're joking.
No, ma'am.
Chamber of commerce paid for the bus ticket.
They're serious.
Oh, so now they think it's payback time.
Why would I ever want to go back there? I broke my butt to get out of that place.
You mind if I ask why? To get ahead.
Of who? Everybody else? Yeah.
That's kind of the point.
I am living the American dream, Mr.
Greene.
Oh, you're livin' some kind of dream, all right.
Those folks had a dream too, you know back when they got together and sent you to college.
They wanted to make the world a little better, not a little prettier.
You have no right to walk in here and insult me and my profession.
No, ma'am, I don't.
I'm sure there's lots of folks better off with one of your new noses.
But are you? Now, your daddy's profession was pumpin' gas and fixin' cars.
He spent 30 years washi" people's windshields and changin' their oil, makin' sure they had enough steerin' fluid and that their brakes weren't goin' to go out on 'em.
And I'll bet you he has saved a lot more lives than you ever have.
No, you not livin' the American dream, lady.
Your daddy did, 'cause he made a difference.
Right now all I see you maki" is money.
( Exhales heavily ) ( elevator dings ) RUSSELL: I didn't take the trip, I just lost the ticket.
I had it in my back pocket.
I had it just before I walked into that elevator.
DRIVER: It's gone, pal.
You don't put nothin' in your back pocket in this city.
I'm sorry.
No ticket, no seat.
I've got $19, and I can pay you the rest up just as soon as I get there.
That $19, that'll get you about as far as Hensen on this bus.
You can take it or leave it.
( Somber theme playing ) Where you headin'? I'm trying to get back to my family in Chicory Creek.
But I just had enough to get to Hensen.
You were going home, and they wouldn't give you credit till you got there? ( Scoffs ) That's a shame.
Strangers used to help each other out.
Not anymore.
It doesn't pay to try to help anybody anymore.
Bad day in America, huh? I am sick of hearin' about America.
No America anymore for people like us.
There's just the United States of greedy people, trying to get richer quicker than the next guy, and they'll step right over your dead body to get there.
Just some great, big "Get out of my way" highway, and man if you are too stupid not to cheat and steal to get ahead, then you deserve what you get.
I tell you, if I had the money, I'd move my family to some little island or someplace.
I'd leave this country like that.
Like that, huh? Yes, ma'am.
No lookin' back? No.
Well, I suppose you could pack up and say so long to the United States, but, still, you take America with you wherever you go.
You want to leave America behind because you think it's left you behind.
You want to see what America really is? Yeah.
Uh, hello.
Uh, excuse me.
Hello? Uh, this young man is trying to get home to his family, and he's only got enough money to take him part of the way.
Now, he's a good man.
He's not gonna spend this money on anything but a ticket to Chicory Creek.
Now, does anybody have a bag or a hat or anythi May I use your nice hat, sir? Okay.
Thank you so much.
Now, he is gonna have to get off at the next town unless we all decide to do something about it, and I know I don't want to tell his babies that we left their daddy behind in Hensen 'cause we spent the money on donuts in the bus stop instead.
Will you help me? ( People murmur ) Will you show the kind of people your mamas raised, or have ya forgotten? Thank you so much.
Oh, how wonderful.
I appreciate this so much.
He does too.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
No tengo dinero.
Um, no money.
Thank you.
TESS: Thank you very much.
Praise the Lord.
God bless you.
Thank you very much.
Now, we have $46.
25.
How far will that take him, Mr.
Driver? All the way home.
( People laugh ) Oh, thank you so much.
Thank you.
Now, that's what America really looks like.
( Chuckles ): It's all right.
DRIVER: Chicory Creek, Union City, and Points West at 6 a.
in.
All the way to Chicory Creek.
You gettin' off here? Well, it all depends on what happens in the next five minutes.
Well, I just wanted to say thanks.
You were an answer to a prayer.
I know.
And you ought to pray more often.
You pray some real good ones when you get around to it.
That one in the cemetery was particularly effective.
And he liked the one when you were 16 too.
Well, what did you think? That they just floated up, up and away like balloons? God is very aware of you, Russell.
But, uh How? Don't worry about it, honey.
Who? It's all gonna make sense to you in a second.
Now, about that first prayer of yours I don't remember a prayer.
Oh, sure you do.
Back in the '60s, the van, route 66, looking for America.
Well, it's time.
The time is now.
Now, you're gonna run out of gas every once in a while, and the road's gonna be a little bumpy, but God says it's time.
That old van.
My God.
He is your God, and he sent me to remind you of that.
You know, Russell, you've got a really good heart, but every once in a while, you put your faith in all the wrong things.
God loves you, he loves your family, he loves your brother Joe, and he loves all these people whose lives you're gonna touch when you get out there on the road like you've always wanted.
You're I'm an angel, and you've got about 3 minutes.
I believe you.
I must be out of my mind, but I believe you.
But tha I had tha That prayer, that was a dream I had when I was a kid.
I can't take my family on something like that now.
It's It's irresponsible.
Yeah! Mm-hmm.
Shortsighted.
Uh-huh.
Mm-hmm.
Immature? Yeah! And th-this can't possibly be the right time.
Well, now, let's see.
Your children are gonna be grown and gone before you know it.
Your mother's not going to live forever.
Your wife and kids have not had any quality time with you in 10 years.
You got a nephew that thinks the CIA stole his father.
You got a brother wandering around all over creation, needing his family.
You don't have a job to keep you in one place, and you don't have a mortgage to pay.
I'd say this is exactly the right time, Mr.
Greene.
DRIVER: All aboard! Well, I have to Yes.
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
Um ( magical theme playing ) Right on time.
I missed you.
The check came.
Hallelujah.
Sorry, Erasmus.
You did your best.
She's not an easy woman.
Heh.
But maybe the trip did you some good.
You have no idea.
ALL: Come on, come on, come on! All right! Good girl! ( laughing ) I get the big piece.
No, the presents come first.
And this is the first one.
Thank you.
HATTIE: Salvation Army special.
The blouse is a present from your mama and your daddy.
And your grandma customized it.
And Erasmus contributed the buttons.
Oh, thank you.
I love it.
HATTIE: Ha-ha.
I'm so glad.
JOSH: And, uh, this is from me.
Thank you.
Oh, it's beautiful! How did you pay for this? I, uh, filled in for a box boy down at the grocery.
Ow! Thank you.
Oh, yuck.
Yes, indeed.
Oh, yuck.
Mm.
Happy birthday, honey.
Thank you.
And then I said something about her coming back here sooner or later and people with new noses going to her funeral.
Poor lady, I gave it to her with both barrels.
Called her a coward too, I think.
I wish I could have been there.
So'd I.
You were right.
I'm glad I went.
Dinah would have been in heaven.
I must have passed a hundred bookstores.
You know, I think some of them people are happy living there.
But that doctor, I knew just as soon as I looked in her eyes, she wasn't.
Done her a world of good to come back home.
But she didn't.
Not yet.
But I didn't marry you the first time you asked, either.
Ha-ha.
No.
That took some prayin'.
You know, I stood right over there the other night and actually prayed for somethin'.
I know.
( Heartfelt theme playing ) "Believing in angels, but seeing none, "he borrowed their wings instead "and went out to meet his saving grace at the end of the road.
" And? And I think maybe I did meet somethin' out there.
What's the difference between the United States and America? You need to ask Dinah.
America is the best part of us.
It's, uh It's what's left after taxes and war and violence that near about made us forget who we are.
It's the part that wants to keep trying to be a good neighbour.
I met my neighbours on that bus last night, Claire, and I was ashamed, 'cause after everything that's happened, I'd forgotten how to be one myself.
So I think maybe we shouldn't just sit around here waitin' for them to come to us.
Maybe we ought to go on out there and meet them at the end of the road, wherever that is.
Yeah? Dad has a weird look in his eye.
Bus lag.
You are so dumb! And not funny.
Uh, your mother and I been talkin', and I think, well, what we want to do is, uh, buy ourselves some food, put some gas in the car, and move on.
Where? Doesn't matter.
Now, look.
I can't explain all this to you right now, but I just Somethin' is tellin' me that we are not stuck here or anyplace else, and that home is wherever we are and we can do some good wherever we go.
What do you mean, wherever? Children need roots.
CLAIRE: We've got you, Hattie.
You remind them where they've come from, and I'll work on where they're going.
We'll get one of those permits for Claire to school the kids.
People do that all the time.
And we'll just go.
We got a house right out there in that trailer.
Now, hold your horses.
Darn it, where are we goin'? America.
We're gonna go see America.
Mama, do you remember when I was 16-years-old, and me and Andy Barnhouse wanted to fix up an old van and just drive across the country? To find yourself.
And I never did it.
I kept talkin' about it and talkin' about it, and I I wound up in the Mekong Delta.
And after that, it just turned into one of those things I was always gonna do and I never did.
Mama, I got sent all over the world and I've seen the worst it has to offer.
Well, now, I Now I want to see the best.
( Delicate theme playing ) It is still a free country, thank God, and we got the right to go see it.
And now I got the time and the people that I want to go see it with.
And I'd I can't explain this, but I I think it's what we're supposed to do, with the amber waves of grain and the purple mountains.
And, Mama, what is an alabaster city, anyhow? I wanna see one of those before I die.
( laughs ) Any chance we could stop off in Nashville? Sure.
Maybe we can leave you there.
Erasmus, would it be too much of an imposition to ask you to forward our checks? You just tell me where.
All right.
All those in favour, say aye.
ALL: Aye.
NATHANIEL: What about me? ( Clears throat ) ( sniffles ) Well, Nathaniel, uh, we'd like for you to come along.
As a matter of fact, I think we're gonna need ya, 'cause we're gonna be keeping an eye out for your daddy, and I was kind of hoping you could help me with the details.
Okay.
Okay.
HATTIE: Well let's get this show on the road.
All right.
( Laughing ) Erasmus, thank you for everything.
( Chuckles ) Well, we'll be writing.
And if you hear from Joe, would you find out where he is and just tell him to stay put? Will do.
Something happened to you out there on the road, didn't it? I don't think I'm ready to talk about it yet, though.
No need.
Just tell me.
Did it look like my Aunt Georgia? Just like her.
( Chuckling ) Thanks, Erasmus.
For everything.
Ah.
Don't you die on me, Erasmus.
I wouldn't dream of it, Hattie.
Heh, okay.
( Kids bickering ) RUSSELL: It doesn't matter where you sit.
Back seat follows front seat.
We're all gonna get there together, and don't ask me where that is.
Get in the car, in the car, close the door.
KIDS: Bye, Erasmus.
HATTIE: Take care.
( Horn honks ) I'm not promising anything, Daddy.
It's, uh Just that I, uh ran out of peaches.
( Sobbing ) TESS: God bless America.
You still think people can't do a little angel work every once while? MONICA: I think people like that could put us out of business.
Well, I wouldn't say that exactly, but I don't mind the help.
Where are they goin', Tess? TESS: It doesn't matter.
God'll be there when they get there.
( Tess chuckles ) ( cooing ) ( heartfelt theme playing )