[ Elvis Presley ] # A rose grows wild in the country #
# A tree grows tall as the sky #
[ chorus ] # as the sky #
# The wind blows wild in the country #
# and part of the wild, wild country #
# am I #
# Wild, wild like the deer and the dove #
# wild and free #
# is this land that I love #
# A dream grows wild in the country #
# a love grows tall as the sky #
[ chorus ] # as the sky #
# A heart beats wild in the country #
# and here with a dream in my heart #
# part of the wild, wild country #
# am I #
# part of the wild, wild country #
# am I #
[ Rooster crows ] [ Bleating ]
[ Blows landing ] [ Man ] Come on, Glenn. it don't hurt, does it, huh?
Come on, get up, fight back!
Get up, Glenn. Come on, boy.
Come on, get up, Glenn! Get up.
[ Bleating ]
Most fortunate the brother was not killed. Fortunate, most fortunate.
But, of course, there was intention on the prisoner's part.
Deliberate and malicious intention.
What happened, Tyler, oversleep?
Well, I weren't sure today was the day, judge.
I weren't sure.
The Parole Board's on the verge of coming to some decision about this boy of yours.
Your wife's cousin, Braxton here,
says he'll take him in, give him a job and try to set him straight.
You got any opinion about that?
It won't help none.
I seen a might of trouble with this boy. He's as mean-tempered as they come.
He'll drink, fish and read books. Comics?
- Beg pardon? - Does he read comic books?
Um, books, ma'am.
But there never was a hoe or plow made that would fit his hand.
You're a damn liar, pa.
[ Judge ] I suggest you don't say too much, boy.
Your record's not good enough for you to make these rambunctious remarks.
Stole a car once, didn't you?
Got picked up twice on a drunk charge. I don't care, he's still lying.
I know why him and Hank raise that corn.
Both of 'em drank my ma into an early grave with that corn.
Glenn, how old were you when your mother died?
Ma'am? She asked how old you were when your ma died.
Almost nine.
Let's get on with this. What's your recommendation, Phil?
I'd give him another chance, Tom. So would I, judge.
On parole, of course. Have him report once a week.
And I'd see to it he stayed decently at work with a living wage and board.
I owe it to his mom, my own cousin, that much.
He'll never do it, Rolfe. What he needs is correction.
Mr. Tyler, what do you think needs improving in your son?
Well, begging your pardon, what do you think don't? [ laughing ]
Your picture's a mighty black one, Sam.
There was nothing wrong with this boy back a way.
There was never a week come snow or rain...
this boy and his mother didn't attend my church.
Glenn, turn around, tell Judge Parker and the Parole Board...
what was the master's cry from the cross?
"Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?"
And where in scripture is that noted?
In Matthew 27:46,
and sort of turned around in Mark 15:34.
And what does, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani" mean?
It means, "My god, my god, why hast thou forsaken me?"
Good luck, Glenn. Thank you, sir.
[ whimpering ]
Hello, Rosie.
I'm glad the boy was paroled in his uncle's custody.
That way, he'll have a chance.
Tell me, was your sympathy for him real?
You're the expert. you tell me.
I know you both share the same kind of background.
I identified with him. isn't that the word?
You're not in a hurry, I'll buy you a drink.
Or better still, make you one. Not today, Phil.
Irene, is it really never?
Never again? We both agreed to that.
No, you agreed. I merely went along unwillingly. I'm sorry now I did.
There aren't many times when a man's life is given real distinction.
Back to your law office, Mr. Macy. All right, Mrs. Speery.
[ Train passing ]
Well, here we are.
It don't look like much, but we serve a community need.
Here's your new home, boy.
These bottles are all ready for labelin'.
Here's one that's a little short.
Watch this, boy.
[ spits ] Mmmm, good stuff.
You gotta give 'em all a square measure.
There. Now. All set to go.
Suppose it's Johnson and Terry.
They'll order under their own label. That's shenandoah elixir.
That's this one right here.
Mine's old seminole tonic. Sold in every state in Dixie.
Salem drugs, they'll order under their own label too. That's on the end.
It's all the same stuff? Yeah, all the same, 'cept for the labels and color.
Eighty-seven percent aqua pure, thirteen percent grain alcohol.
Some folks won't want a label at all. Just walk in off the street, buy a few at a time.
[ Laughing ] Well, that's it, boy.
Are these the ones to be shipped? Yep, first thing tomorrow.
Here's the keys to the pickup truck.
You'll be comfortable in here, Glenn. had it fixed up special.
Clean, dry, healthy.
You even got your own private entrance.
Better than I ever had when I was a boy your age.
I plan to put you in a shower right over yonder.
[ Inhales ] I do love the smell of this place.
Dry cardboard, alcohol, herbs.
Also money. It just rolls in.
That's a good smell too. About my pay, uncle Rolfe.
Okay to ask? Pa, supper's ready.
Fine, Norrie. Hope you made plenty.
Got a good young appetite in the house now.
Come and get it, Glenn, before she throws it out.
Excuse me.
Mighty nice chandelier. Set me back a pretty penny too. [ Baby crying ]
But cheap at the price. Sit down, Glenn. All right.
Yeah, mighty nice chandelier. Bought it off the old Johnson place.
Renaissance style, they call it. Yes, mighty nice.
Always spend your money with a purpose, boy.
You'll usually find my advice is worth the heedin'.
You got good Braxton blood in ya.
I aim to see you get ahead.
About my pay, uncle Rolfe.
For what we are about to receive,
May the Lord make us truly grateful.
Uh... My pay?
Pay? Ten a week and keeps.
Did I say ten? Well, 12.50's more like it.
I want you happy, boy.
We got a right pleasant little family here, and I want to keep it that way.
Yeah.
[ Woman ] Glenn?
Betty Lee. Hello.
Didn't expect to see you around.
I drove in with ma for the hospital fund meeting.
We'd hoped you'd be out for supper. Nah, your kin don't like me.
That's not true. my ma thinks-- Yeah, your ma! It's your pa.
[ Baby crying ]
Is that Norrie's baby? Well, it ain't a cat.
Did you see him, Glenn? What's he like? What's a baby like?
Don't be mean. What do you wanna ask so many questions for?
They been at me all week with questions and more questions.
I'm sorry. I hadn't thought.
They got me on parole. I gotta go up and see this parole officer once a week.
Then I gotta get examined by this Miss Speery--
case worker, psychiatry, whatever she is.
She thinks she's got a lunatic on her hands.
Irene Speery? She spoke at school about her work down at the state prison?
That's the one. Her mother left her that big house.
She thinks I'm lame in the head. You know what I think about her?
She looks like the other side of a walnut, and if she don't watch out, she'll get cracked.
My mother knows her slightly, and she thinks she's very nice.
Dig that. Your mother thinks she's nice. Yes!
Glenn, don't look for trouble. and by the way, my ma thinks you're nice too.
You didn't show her my letters, did you? No.
What about the other stuff I wrote? I want all that junk back, maybe burn it.
Glenn, sometimes I think you're touched myself. don't you trust anybody?
[ guitar ]
She's pretty.
Pretty and sad.
When's her husband coming back?
They don't know. He's in government work overseas. so uncle Rolfe says.
When and where did she marry him? No one in town seems to know.
They don't say, I don't ask. Yes, but--
Don't worry your heart.
Just let it be.
[ Humming ]
[ Dog barking ]
Don't worry, she won't bite.
[ Glenn ] She's the only one in town that won't.
Rosabelle, come on.
Where would you want me, ma'am? In here, please.
Anyplace in particular you want me to sit?
Anywhere you like.
What about right there?
All right, Now what?
I think we should get one thing straight before we start.
I'm not a policeman, Glenn. No. you were just appointed by the court...
to find out if I'm... touched or not. Where did you pick up that?
At the hearing. You were taking all those notes. Countin' every flea on me.
Those notes might've been about your father or your brother or even your mother.
You don't know anything about my mother, ma'am.
No, but I'd like to know if you'd care to tell me. I don't care to tell you.
Your mother seems to have meant a great deal to you.
You heard me, didn't you?
You can leave. there are no bars on these windows.
You smoke?
No. This routine of yours would stagger a Billy goat.
What's funny ? What you said was funny.
It wasn't meant to be funny.
You wanna find out what makes me tick, don't you?
No. You're a complicated human being, not a cheap tin clock.
You can stay or leave as you choose.
Well?
That's twice you invited me to leave. That's right.
And if you keep on pretending that you're a slow-witted country boy, I'll put you out!
You're pretty tough, huh?
Well, I can be. now why don't we get down to business?
I might be able to help you if you'll let me.
I'm not exactly drowning. What kind of help?
How do I know? All I know about you is what I have in this report.
And that isn't very much. No, that's mine!
What does it say? Can I see it? No.
What is says... would stagger a Billy goat.
I see you can smile too.
I'd like to apologize for being so... Hostile. That's the word, isn't it?
Oh, that's all right. You didn't invent hostility.
What do you want me to talk about?
Anything at all. just talk.
What you say will never leave this room. do you believe me?
I think I do. Yes, ma'am.
It's like I'm--
I'm always walking around with a full cup of anger trying not to spill it.
When somebody hurts me, I can't help it. I wanna hurt 'em right back.
I've laid awake many nights wishing my pa was dead,
Wishing my brother was dead.
Hank didn't die, ma'am, but I tried to kill him.
I got the mark of Cain on me, ma'am.
I know where I'm gonna end up and not you nor anybody else can stop it.
[ Scoffs ]
What are you thinking, Glenn?
About the dreams I used to have.
Of money, fame.
Is that what you want?
I could've bought my ma her freedom with money and fame.
"Bought"? I don't quite follow that.
Listen, ma'am, my ma was enslaved on our farm.
I do mean enslaved.
Many times I've seen her...
out in the hot sun chopping cotton...
while them two men laid up drunk and wasted.
She done the meals, she done the chores...
that Hank wouldn't do and I couldn't.
And then, that lady--
and she was a lady, ma'am--
she'd soak her old stockings in buttermilk...
and put 'em on her arms, not to burn,
and go work in the sun...
while pa's fishing the river with a jug by his rump.
My point, ma'am--
my point is I'd have bought ma away from there if I'd had the cash.
I'd have brought her into town,
give her a house like this on a quiet street,
and set her on the porch in a rocking chair...
and let her watch the seasons come and go.
From springtime till snow, she could relish it all.
White lilacs,
rhubarb.
that's the quiet sort of thing she liked.
She could read too. Read fine books.
But there was never the time.
"Oh, dear, this is undone and that's undone."
And, "Glenn, where's my mind gone nowadays?"
She said I'd go to college too.
Now there's a laugh.
She was bugged on learning, ma'am.
And then, just before my ninth birthday,
she died and left me.
Her death was a quick one.
Did you want to go to college, Glenn?
If you don't mind, ma'am, the heart's out of it, and I'll leave.
Could I come back another time?
Oh, of course.
Monday, around noon?
Yes, ma'am.
Quittin' time, Glenn.
Saturday night. Here's your pay.
There you are.
Well, what's on your mind-- High jinks?
Too tired. Unseasonable weather. When you gonna put that shower in?
Until I do, why don't you use the bath upstairs?
Could I? I should say you can.
Any boy works the way you do deserves the best.
You know, Glenn, I knowed you wasn't lazy.
Too much snap in the eyes.
What's to eat?
Fried chicken like you asked. I do aim to please.
Good. One of these days you'll find yourself a man and he'll say,
"Your pa sure trained you right." Yeah?
What's this? I told Glenn to use the tub just till I get the shower in.
Does it get to use my toothbrush too?
Just make sure you don't leave no rings around that tub.
I got enough chores to do.
What's eatin' on you? You askin' to be chastised again?
It's too hot. stop pickin' on me. Don't you see he's a godsend to you?
He's a clean decent boy-- What's decent about a Tyler ?
Never seen you snuggling up to his folks any.
Be that as it may. he's a good decent boy--
that good decent boy's been haylofting with Betty Lee Parsons.
That's what people say.
You're gonna listen to me! Lay off! I'll be gone like ma if you don't quit.
That is an eventuality which will not eventuate, Norrie.
You ain't got the guts. [ Baby crying ]
You just wait and see.
[ Crying ]
Shh.
Beer's good. Enough hot water in there, Glenn?
Yeah, thanks, uncle Rolfe. Thanks.
There's a boy full of thanks.
Ha! Stupid and full of thanks.
Only I'm not stupid!
No, you're a Braxton.
You're not. [ Crying continues ]
Stop biting your nails. I wasn't. What time is it, pa?
Time? Ten to 10:00.
No need to fret, Betty Lee. He'll be here.
There he is!
Got a truck, huh? More than you had at his age and time.
Listen, Betty Lee-- evening, Glenn.
Evening. I'm sorry I'm late. I didn't know how to get shed of uncle Rolfe.
He lent me his pickup-- it's too late for the movie show now.
The drugstore's closed too, but they'll be open at Hi Tension Grove--
You youngsters fight it out. M\maybe just sit. Love's an entertainment all by itself.
It is love, isn't it?
Mother!
Don't just sit!
We'll never get away.
Don't be mad, Betty Lee. 10:00!
Want to hear some music?
You're gonna hear music whether you like it or not.
It was uncle rolfe. he wanted me to take Norrie to the picture show.
He kept winkin' and sweatin'. I was embarrassed.
Then I had to ask him to lend me this truck.
It was awkward. There's no reason to shout.
[ Rock ]
# I look at you and wham I'm head over heels #
# I guess that love is a banana peel #
# I feel so bad and yet I'm feeling so well #
# I slipped I stumbled, I fell #
# One crazy kiss and bam I head for the skies #
# I guess that love is like a cake of ice #
# You skate along but then you never can tell #
# I slipped I stumbled, I fell #
# I never thought I'd get kicked by your sweet-talkin' lies #
# You got a bag of tricks #
# And when you got busy I got dazzled and dizzy #
# I fell like a ton of bricks #
# My knees are weak my head is spinnin' around #
# I guess that love has turned me upside down #
# Thought I'd get hurt but gee it's turning out swell #
# I slipped I stumbled, I fell #
I don't like this place, Cliff. It's so common.
The only place open this time of night.
Go ask them to join us for a drink.
Betty Lee, Cliff Macy wants you and Glenn to have a drink with him.
Tell him we got a drink.
I've always hated Cliff Macy after what he did to you.
Ah, hate's like a snake bitin' its own tail.
What's he got against you anyway?
You for one. It seems his father's money couldn't help him there.
But I never thought he'd go so far as to lend a car and then say I stole it.
But it figures. I actually feel sorry for him sometimes.
I have no intention of wasting sympathy on him.
Sympathy's never wasted, Betty Lee. One way or another, you get it back.
Or so it says in the book.
And that's something I can't understand. What's that?
The way it says we oughta be, in the gospels. The way we are, in fact.
Turn this cheek, that cheek. Don't cast the first stone.
That's for tall angels, not for men.
No, I don't see any wings on you.
That is a fact. There is a fact.
Hello, Betty Lee, Glenn Tyler. How you all doin' ?
We all doin' fine till you crawled in.
Crawled, dear boy?
Yeah, crawled... as in insect.
Don't you go callin' us no insects! Shut up.
Tyler, I invited you and your lady companion to join us for a drink.
My date, Miss Monica George, expressed a desire to meet you both.
You're stoned out of your mind. Don't, you're supposed to be--
Hey, the lady's reminding you you're on parole.
And my revered, distinguished father's a member of that board.
Now let's all calm down and have a drink. set 'em up, dace.
Don't you think I'm forgettin' Christmas night. Let's go, Betty Lee.
Wait a minute. Take your hands off!
Ladies, I wanna continue my confidential conversation...
with Mr. Tyler, the ol' auto thief.
Look here, boy. You put a black mark on me I didn't deserve.
I'm givin' you a warning. the next time you and your friends come lookin' for me,
I'm gonna use both your heads, one to crack the other with.
We gonna have to mess him up. Have to mess him up good.
Hey, Tyler, how's your cousin Norrie and her family increase?
Hey, Tyler!
Thank you, Sarah.
So go on.
He yelled something at me as I was leaving, but I didn't pay any attention to him.
What do you think's wrong with him?
He likes to tell the world he's had his tail kicked.
Nobody wants him, I guess.
Maybe his folks done it to him.
But the Macys are pretty well-off, you know.
Yes, I know.
Money's no guarantee of a happy, normal childhood.
You tell that to someone else, Miss Speery. It's Mrs. Speery.
Excuse me. I'm telling it to you.
Don't you think the two of you might have something in common?
Not as I can see. You've kinda had your tail kicked too.
[ Chuckles ] I'll have to chew on that a while.
You know,
A couple years back I decided to keep a diary... just like a girl.
Diary's can be very productive.
Did you ever think of writing in a serious way?
What makes you ask that, ma'am?
You turn a phrase a certain way. an image.
You could write, you know.
I'd rather read. What do you read?
Comics!
[ Laughing ] I'd like to have passed out when you asked my pa if I read comics.
I got so mad, I could've thrown you right through the door.
Pencil, pad and everything. They could've put me in jail for 20 years.
"Who's he?" "Ah, nobody, just reads comics and sucks a jug."
You're not being fair. I didn't know you then.
You made me small that day.
Do you read very much? Some.
Don't you wanna talk about it? It makes me very nervous to talk about it, ma'am.
See, I was helping at home, and I was late gettin' out of high school.
So being a year behind, and a head taller didn't help any either.
Hmph, every once in a while I'd mention about...
how I wanted to write.
You'd think I'd set a blow torch to the American flag.
What's a man for if he can't aim high?
But-- but you gave up.
I guess.
Well, I guess I'd better be on my way, ma'am.
I've got some more deliveries to make.
Glenn, what do you think of this idea?
The thing that happened at Hi Tension Grove last week--
write it all down in your own words just as you told it to me.
I can try.
Yes. Any certain time you'd like to have it?
No certain time. whenever it's finished.
I have to thank you, ma'am, for an awful lot.
No, you don't, Glenn.
Not yet.
Rose? Come on, girl. Time for your walk.
Hello, Flossie. Hello, Mrs. Speery.
Admiring your handiwork, are you? Something new, and very nice.
Hello, Davis.
A distinct pleasure to see you, Mrs. Speery. Thank you, davis, it's mutual.
Have you taken your bar exam yet? No, not until the fall.
You must come more often. I've been noticing Mr. Macy works too hard.
You notice too much, Davis.
I think he's right. I do work too hard.
Let's relax. I'll try a martini.
I'll try one too.
I don't think I ever make a martini without thinking about us.
You didn't ask me here to discuss us, did you?
No, but make hay while the sun shines.
That's what my old dad used to say.
Very dry? Very dry.
Ooh!
Irene, I think you're just as lonely as you ever were.
I know I am.
Here's to loneliness.
If I let my wife divorce me, I'd lose all this.
I'm just the steward of the plants and mills her father left her.
But I'd gladly give it all up if you'll marry me.
Not that we'd exactly starve, you understand.
I wonder if you realize what you're saying.
Of course I do!
I'll get a divorce if you say you'll marry me. I can't be any clearer.
You're saying if I make the decision, you'll get a divorce.
You won't make the decision, but you'll leave it up to me, and I don't think that's right.
It's as though you were using me. Using you?
That's what it boils down to.
Like a lever to pry yourself out of an impossible situation.
I don't think you're being quite honest with yourself.
I think you're just afraid. your own first marriage was such an impossible--
I don't want to discuss that.
Well, think about it, will you?
Bring that fine analytical mind of yours to bear on your own problems too.
Physician, heal thyself? That's the general idea.
You're asking the impossible.
Phil, why did you invite me here?
I wanted to talk about my son Cliff.
May we discuss him for a moment? Of course.
It's his mother.
You know she's as loose-footed as ever.
She spoiled the boy rotten. she's got him headin' down the same road as herself.
Only in his case, it might be a fatal road.
Fatal? How?
Well, no one knows this, but his mother and me.
Cliff has what's known as an "athletic heart."
Too much of everything too fast.
I've taken him twice to the specialist in Washington,
but in spite of it, he's drinking like a fish, running wild, in fact.
Would you try to straighten him out?
I don't think that would be wise. Because of us, you mean?
Exactly! I'd have to talk about his mother and his father.
How objective and honest do you think I could be? Not very, I guess.
I will look into it, and I'll see if I can find someone good.
Thanks.
Hell, I suppose I'm just lookin' for some way...
to try to bring you and me together again.
I'm sorry, Phil.
I really am.
That's about the size of it.
I snapped my fingers this afternoon, and up goes a new factory...
and it doesn't mean a thing.
Good-bye, Irene.
Bye.
Where has it been this late?
It took uncle Rolfe to the bowling alley. You know very well where I've been.
Plan to draw your own bath?
Old seminole. Your pa's gonna whip your tail.
That stuff would pickle a snake.
What ever happened to that old Mexican guitar that your mother had?
It's been a long time since she gave us both lessons.
Yeah. She was a real good singer too.
Hank stepped on that guitar on purpose.
He's a mean one. Almost as mean as you are.
All you think's about yourself. I just like to mind my own business.
Well then, go on, go to bed and mind your own business.
Move your fat legs.
I wish your pa'd put that shower in. It's hot.
He won't put that shower in. Why won't he put that shower in?
Pa hopes to catch us one of these nights.
Us-- you and me, together in sin.
That's his plans. Then you'll have to marry me.
What about your husband?
You are stupid.
Cost pa two bucks, that did.
[ Strumming ]
# I may not be here tomorrow #
# but I'm close beside you today #
# So lie to me a little #
# say you love me a lot #
# and I'll be true to you #
# in my way #
# Love never goes on forever #
# At least that's what wise men all say #
# So smile when you kiss me #
# tomorrow you may cry #
# but I'll be true to you #
# in my way #
# yes, I'll be true to you #
# in my way #
I'm going to bed. Oh, no, don't go.
Pa won't be back till 1:00. Don't bait me. Might get yourself in trouble.
I won't tell a word, I promise.
I wanna get outta here. I'm young.
I want a good time out of life. Then paint your toenails red and run away.
It needs a man to go to hell with, because that's what I want.
Hours and hours of heaven that just slides on down to hell,
and we don't care how or when it ends.
You're wild, Glenn, just like me. Unhappy wild!
Pa's got some money stashed, and he hides it like a hoppity little squirrel.
We could take a slice of that money and run away. Nobody would know.
You know I can't run away right now. I got plans. I want you, Glenn!
And I mean want, ever since we went wadin' in Feltcher's Creek.
I know I was only 12-- you've done a lot of wadin' since then.
I wanted you even then! There's nothing I wouldn't do for you.
Just ask and see.
Is that why you treated me like dirt all these years?
You think I'm no good, don't you?
No.
Who's that? It's Dace.
Turn those lights off.
[ Train whistle blowing ]
The liquor store's closed. Cliff wants to get a couple bottles of Braxton's stuff.
Sell that. Pa usually does. Why don't your boss man come get it himself ?
I'm right here, Tyler.
Sorry to interrupt such a charming domestic scene.
Two bottles, dear boy.
[ Train whistle blowing ]
When you comin' out of deep freeze, Norrie?
I'm a married lady now. Call me Mrs. Martin.
[ Chuckling ] Well, bless your black little heart.
Don't married folks get lonely too?
You offend old friends by your protracted absence.
Don't rusticate too long, my dear.
I can't make change. you keep yourself that change.
Maybe buy yourself some cuff links or such.
Someday you may even own a shirt.
[ Laughing ]
Someday I may stuff it down your throat... dear boy.
[ Laughing ]
Give that to your pa.
Good night... Mrs. Martin.
Good night.
Shh, shh, shh.
Uh, ma'am?
Shh !
Well.
I guess the grammar and spelling are pretty bad. Pretty bad.
Are the characters here real people? Yes, ma'am.
I do kinda mix 'em up though, don't I?
I mean, I guess you should know right away if people...
belong up with the angels or down in the fire and brimstone, huh?
Should you?
Take for instance Betty Lee.
At times I look at her and I think... she's flat and dried up...
and selfish.
And then again I think she's warm and unselfish.
What about this character, Norrie ?
She wasn't at the grove. I just wrote her in.
That's a writer's privilege.
I even get mixed up about Norrie too.
She says she'll have me any way-- plain, fried or scrambled.
And I admit that I am tempted at times,
like at night when uncle Rolfe's off at the poker games.
But I don't know about Norrie.
In fact, proper folks would say she's just downright no good.
What would you say?
You know me, ma'am. I'm not proper folks.
Norrie never had a chance. Her ma ran out on uncle Rolfe about five or six years ago.
He's taken it out on Norrie ever since.
But she got around him... one time.
she got lost over the weekend with this Fifth Avenue New York-type salesman.
He came through in this big, new, shiny car.
I pretend like I don't know. but I know.
That baby's father has a big, green convertible.
[ Chuckling ] That's the way it is.
I don't like to sound like I'm braggin', but...
it's like I got two girls with two roads to go.
You know what I mean?
Yes, I know what you mean.
Glenn, have you ever thought there might be a third road?
What's that, ma'am?
What your mother wanted for you-- college.
What makes you say that? This does, your story.
glenn, have you any idea how good this is? How much promise it shows?
Do you really mean that? I mean, you yourself said the grammar and spelling...
was pretty bad. Spelling and grammar-- that can be taught,
but this has something that can't be taught.
It has such beauty and power and excitement! It jumps right off the page!
All you need is discipline, formal education.
No matter how or what, you've got to go to college.
It's not that easy. It takes money to go to college. You know that.
There's such things as scholarships.
Look, what I'll do-- let me make a suggestion.
Take this home and rewrite it, polish it up a bit.
Then I'll show it to a friend at the State University. He'll take it--
let a lot of people read it, strangers? Of course. Sooner or--
I didn't write that for anybody else to read, just you.
You and me.
Then you wanna be an errand boy all your life?
Or slop hogs on some farm?
You told me you wanted to be a writer, now be one!
Suppose you're wrong. Suppose they start laughing at me again.
You take that chance. where are your guts, Glenn?
I'm an ignorant country boy, remember? Oh, stop boasting!
All of a sudden all that stuff about my being a writer, going to college.
What are you trying to do to me? to wake you up, open your eyes.
Is that what the Parole Board told you to do? you were supposed to help me,
not rile me up like a muddy creek,
take my life and twist it into something you want.
Not me, ma'am, not me.
It seems to me you're overstepping.
I had no idea. I'm sorry, ma'am.
I had no right to put harsh words on ya.
Will you at least consider what I've said until we meet next Friday?
Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am.
Something's burning. It smells.
I hope that girl's watching dinner.
You ever wanna fly? No.
Kinda breezy up there.
Yes.
Here, hold this.
[ Glenn ] Feel that pull.
Whoop! Whoop!
Like me?
L-o-v-e you.
Back to the house, Betty Lee.
You get off this property, son, kite and all!
Daddy, don't be mad. I'm sorry, sir, if you think--
I've not the slightest concern what you think.
Get back to your folks in their wallow. You're all a lot of pigs.
Daddy, stop! If you have something to say--
you didn't come to church. Get to the house, and help your ma put dinner on.
No child of mine gets taught ungodly things on the sabbath or any other day.
You could find more godliness here in this sun and air than in that church of yours.
Don't you come around here again. I'll not have it.
Where's God? I don't know.
He takes a boy like my son off in the war,
and leaves a loafer and braggart like you alive.
Glenn-- [ Gasps ]
Glenn!
Norrie, you been touching my stock in any shape or way?
You think I need a tonic?
Think it might be Glenn? I don't know.
How are things comin' between you and him?
Pa, it takes two to waltz. besides, he don't mean dust to me.
You get it fixed? I give up the idea.
I thought you were gonna try and fix it. I give it up!
Glenn, according to my count, there's considerable stock missing.
You know anything of its whereabouts?
No, except for the two bottles Cliff macy bought some weeks ago.
Suppose Norrie's been tipplin'?
Wouldn't know, uncle Rolfe.
Well, on my way.
Why do you leave that safe door open every night?
So if anyone wants to thieve, he'll see there's nothing there to be thieved!
[ Laughing ] Cute, ain't it?
Oh, I'll be home around 1:00 or 2:00. Poker night. Lock me out, son.
Thanks... for not tellin' pa.
What's in that stuff that makes it smell like that?
Banana oil.
That's a joke.
It's no joke.
Banana oil.
Is there enough hot water? Mmm-hmm.
Will you shut that door?
I want it open.
I said I want that door shut!
[ Horn honking ] [ Barking ]
Miss Irene? Turn off the light.
[ Glenn ] Oh, Mrs. Speery?
Mrs. Speery?
I want my story back, please.
Mrs. Speery!
Didn't that light go off?
Hmm? I did-- I did see a light, didn't I?
No, you dreamed it, hon.
No, I didn't dreamed it, hon. Yes, you did.
I, I want it back.
I want my story back, Mrs. Speery.
It's that Tyler boy, stoned. Stoned is an understatement.
Mrs. Speery? Mrs. Speery!
Well, what do you know.
I want you, I want you, I want you to meet Mrs. Speery.
I don't wanna meet Mrs. Speery.
Come on, we're gonna wake up the whole neighborhood.
Wait a minute. Come on! It's too hot anyway.
Is it too hot? Yes.
Well, we'll cool it off a little bit.
[ Water running ]
What are you doin', Glenn ?
I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I'm gonna hose away the heat.
Mrs. Speery?
What about it, Irene... Speery-eerie-eerie?
[ Noreen ] Give me the hose.
I wonder if this porch stuff is rainproof.
Come on, let's go.
What's he doing now? Hosing down the porch.
Come on! All right.
No desire to monopolize your time, ma'am.
She don't give a damn about me anyway.
[ Glenn ] Let her snooze her life away. I don't care.
Come on! Good-bye,
Mrs. Speery-eerie-eerie.
Bye. No, no, no, wait.
I wanna cool off.
Wait a minute. Let's cool--
Gimme some. [ Squeals ] Sure!
No! No, no, no, no!
Oh, you! Glenn!
- Hello, Glenn. - Ma'am.
Have you been working hard?
What does it look like?
You said you wanted your story back. Here it is.
I'm sorry about last night, ma'am.
But I don't wanna come to those meetings anymore.
That's your privilege. but I'd like to know why.
Let's just say I'm not worth it. You're what?
I said I'm not worth it! I disagree with you.
Didn't you hear me? What am I talking to-- the door?
All that stuff you tell me goes in one ear and out the other.
You mean, there's no brain in your head to stop it?
Surely, Glenn, you realize you're gifted.
I don't care to be gifted. it's too hard, it's too much work.
A person who's gifted gets knocked around and I've been knocked around enough.
If we were all afraid to be knocked around, there'd be no great men.
We'd have no scholars, no scientists, no artists, no movers and shakers.
[ Scoffs ] Get this, Norrie. This oughta be good.
What's that movers and shakers routine, ma'am?
Those who overcome handicaps,
who live to move and shake the world.
Shake it out of its alligator sleep and move people out of the swamps!
She means like Jesus, GTlenn.
Yes... I mean like Jesus, Glenn.
[ Whistles ] Flings them words around like hash.
What did she come here for?
Where's your ears? I don't need ears to know what she wants from you.
No, I don't! Would you get your mind out of the gutter once?
It don't do no good. Just goes right back down again.
Sure a beauty. Least thing a man can do for his only child on her birthday.
Why, Norrie, you look pretty as a bride.
Thank you, pa.
Being as pa got me that new guitar, I thought you'd like my old one.
Come on, you kids. It's a big night, and it's all on me.
Norrie.
Happy birthday. Thank you.
Folks born in July, they're home-lovin', they say.
Come on now.
I'm glad to see you, Mr. Braxton. Evenin', Reverend.
Glenn, young lady.
[ Excited chattering ]
A dollar's worth for me. A dollar? Thank you very much.
You go enjoy yourselves. I'll catch up.
Two for a nickel, sir. Thank you. Folks. Come on. Oh, too bad. Don't go away ma there you go.
All right, let's see.
Supposed to knock it off the barrel.
Next time. Stick around. Okay.
Too bad. Let's go. [ Clears throat ]
[ Squeals ] Thank you. You win a big dog, a big doggie.
Step right up. Step right up, folks. It's fixed.
How 'bout you, ladies? Just one ball?
[ Balloon pops ] Can I, please?
Sure.
The Lord is good to give us an occasional evening like this.
Evening, Mr. Mason. Evening, Mr. Braxton.
Now, there's a thing.
He saved himself used postage stamps all the way back to confederate days.
A couple of those grape drinks, please. Yes, sir.
Poor kid. bein' her birthday, I been holding it back all day.
I don't know how to break it to her neither. holdin' back what?
Well, the news about Norrie's husband passin' away.
What's your plans, Glenn?
If you don't mind my sayin' so, uncle Rolfe, you're jumpin' like a cricket.
No, I'm as continuous as beads on a string.
And if you and Norrie-- you came together--
I'd make you a partner in my place.
You know the business now, and, well--
if I was you, I'd give this thing a decent time of grief. Well, that's a point.
But if I could soften the blow, which it's sure to be to Norrie,
by just telling her tonight that you've got matrimony on your mind--
how'd her husband die? That's the funny part.
the telegram don't say. All that hush-hush government stuff these days.
Yeah, I've seen a lot of it on TV.
You're not hintin' that this is fiction, are you?
I'm sayin', don't box me in, uncle Rolfe.
You listen to me, boy. you are boxed in, and that's Gospel, but not by me.
You took Norrie like a cheap postage stamp. you got her drunk,
licked, smacked and cancelled her all over the place.
You deny my allegations? I wasn't exactly alone, you know.
Are you saying you didn't-- look, uncle Rolfe, you wasn't kiddin' me.
You had this in your mind all along. You're a ratty little liar!
Don't say it! That makes me-- when the Parole Board hears about this--
[ All gasp, exclaim ]
Where's that boy? Get that Tyler boy! You all right? What happened?
He deliberately shoved and pushed me down. call the police!
Are you hurt, Mr. Braxton?
Oh, I-- I ache bad.
I ache very bad.
Had a bad fight with uncle Rolfe, broke my parole.
They'll probably say I stole his pickup truck too.
They'll take his word for it, and I'll go to jail for two or three years.
The only thing I can see now is to run, get out of state.
Believe me, I'd just as soon get out of the world too-- I-I-I'm that anguished.
Take a trip to the moon, you mean, or hang yourself-- which?
How you exaggerate things, Glenn.
Look, don't you understand? Sympathy is what I need, not sermons.
You can't build on sympathy. there's no bones to it.
Now, instead of spluttering like a wet firecracker, what do you want me to do?
Well, Betty Lee, I don't have the right to ask.
It's about Norrie. It's a trick.
Her pa says I got to marry her. I don't want to hear that. be honest some other time.
I'm sorry for Norrie, for you too.
I'm sorry for myself that I love you, Glenn.
It won't stop.
And you're wild and unsettled, like a porcupine that can't be held.
That's right. I'll never make a pet.
You think you could scrape up 20 or 30 dollars to get me out of here?
I can, but they'll catch you anyway. Well, that's my risk.
I'd go somewheres far away and never hurt or bother you again.
I never said you hurt me. listen, will you get me the money?
Don't you think it might be better to stay right here and fight--
fight for your real-born rights? How?
Come in the house, and we'll phone. who will we phone?
Mrs. Speery, for a start. Come on.
[ Train whistle blows ]
Not only myself, but two others on the board feel you're being unduly harsh with the boy.
Dr. Underwood and-- yeah? Who's the other?
Mrs. Speery's working with Glenn in her own field. that's neither here nor there.
That boy's morals make my blood run cold.
On top of that, he steals my pickup truck, and I'm gonna have to have X-rays.
Then you mean to press charges? I do.
I'd rather you didn't, Mr. Braxton. Now, you look here.
Don't you come in here high and mighty, trying to blackmail me.
Blackmail's an ugly word,
but let's explore the possibilities.
A recently widowed client of mine-- I advised her to drop the case.
You sold her several hundred dollars worth of bottled tobacco juice called Bermuda balm.
You claimed it was a cure for cancer. You can't prove that.
Can't I?
Crooked transactions should always be in cash.
She's got her cancelled checks and a witness-- her cook.
Life's got its shadows enough, Braxton.
Live and let live.
Your truck'll be returned tomorrow.
I'm glad you got beat, pa.
You don't peddle me like your no-account belly wash.
[ Sobbing ]
Glenn!
Oh, I was just typing up the bill, Mr. Longstreet.
Grease me up, Glenn. I'm goin' over to the Acme for a bite.
[ Giggles ]
[ Chuckles ] Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see ya.
I-I brought your guitar.
Is your pa still mad at me? "Mad" is a kind word for what he feels.
You don't hold it against me, do you? Of course not, Norrie.
And you warned me. you always tell me the truth.
I can't lie to you, and I can't pretend.
Glenn, I missed you somethin' awful!
Don't I get to see you anymore?
I don't think it would do either of us any good.
It'd do me good for sure.
You remember what you said about us being wild--
unhappy and wild? Uh-huh.
Well, you need somebody who's more settled, someone with their feet on the ground.
Me-- I don't know what I need.
But-- but it ain't me.
I didn't say that, Norrie. I can get along not being needed.
I just need you, Glenn.
I don't mean marriage. I know I'm not that good.
Aw, stop talkin' like that. that's your pa's words. It's not my pa's words!
Don't let him beat your wings down.
You aim to fly way up above me.
But if you ever come tumblin' down,
I can wait.
Good-bye, Glenn.
[ Doorbell rings ]
Uh, is Mrs. Speery home? She'll be here in a minute.
You can sit and wait if you like.
Not in there. In the living room. I'm waxing the study floor.
Don't break anything.
Hello, Mrs. Speery. Glenn.
How nice to see you. Thank you.
You been out to the penitentiary again? Yes.
It's been one of those long mornings.
How's your new job working out? Just fine.
I wrote Mr. Macy a letter and thanked him for the job. Oh, good.
Lunch? Had it, thanks.
Sarah doesn't approve of you. Yeah, I know.
She likes to hose down the porch herself.
What's this?
Uh, that's the story, ma'am. I rewrote it like you asked me to.
Oh, I'm very pleased.
All these things that are yours--
I can see a whole life in them.
You read french, ma'am? Yes, I read French.
And what are these-- your father's old medical books? Mm-hmm.
- Do you think this is art? - Yes, I think that's art.
If you say so.
This play program--
Who is Paul Speery, ma'am? He was my husband.
- "Was"? - He died.
Oh, I'm sorry.
You've never spoken about him.
No, I never do.
Is that good--
I mean, keeping something inside that should be let out in the air?
Oh, you learn very fast, don't you, Glenn?
You don't need books to understand you should never lock up a heart, ma'am.
I'd like to have known him, the kind of man you'd marry.
Well, he was just a boy--
very talented,
very emotional, like you.
Were you happy?
Well, you'll learn, in spite of the fairy tales,
there are other things to life besides like... Like what?
Like work, one's self-respect.
I guess everyone who knows you respects you, Mrs. Speery.
Well, thank you, Glenn.
Come back on Friday, like we used to? Yes, of course.
We're almost there. You excited?
A little. You? Yes.
[ Bell tolling ]
Come on, Glenn.
[ Whispering ] American literature. [ Loudly ] All this?
Ahh! Yes. Three stacks over. Ahh.
There's Hemingway, Twain, Melville. You just take your pick.
Now, after my class, I'll be in Professor Larson's office right around the corner.
Glenn, are you listening to me? Oh, yeah, yeah. Right around the corner.
Okay.
"Dace sniffs in twos-- sniff-sniff--
but sometimes sniffs in threes and fours-- sniff-sniff-sniff.
running or walking, wet or dry, head cocked like a spaniel...
who aims to please, little Dace sniffs.
does a rabbit know about its twitchy nose?
can we say the cricket hears its chirp?
well, just like that, Dace doesn't even know he sniffs. Dace is dead.
he's brown and leather dead like the meat from the smokehouse.
and sniffs? well, smoke and all, may God hang him high...
like a flitch of bacon in the winter wind."
I wish I'd written that.
You've got some sort of real natural on your hands, Irene. Then you agree with me?
Oh-ho, I'd say. Given time and seasoning, anything might happen.
His contact with the paper's immediate and instant.
He writes exactly as he feels and thinks.
I'll try and write a scholarship for him.
Send him in.
Glenn. You'll never regret this, Joe.
I hope not. But don't get too involved, Irene.
Great expectations, great disappointments.
Glenn, this is Professor Larson. Glenn Tyler.
How do you do, sir? How do you do?
I want to say just one thing, Mr. Tyler. May I? Yes, sir.
For man to discover fire was nothing.
To learn to use and control it was everything.
- Will you think about that and what it means ? - Yes, sir, I will.
If you were taking my course,
I'd be tempted to give this piece of yours an "A."
That's all. Run along now.
I have to bone up on a lecture.
Thank you so much, Joe. Good to see you.
Bye-bye. Good-bye.
# We're marching across the green grass green grass, green grass #
# We're marching across the green grass in the husky, dusty day #
# We're marching off to get married, married, married #
# We're marching off to get married this husky, dusty day #
# You're awful dirty and ragged, ragged, ragged #
# You're awful dirty and ragged this husky, dusty day #
# I'm just as good as you are you are, you are #
# I'm just as good as you are this husky, dusty day #
# I climbed through your window window, window #
# I climbed through your window this husky, dusty day #
# I'll lock and bar the window window, window #
# I think you're off the key # # I know, and I just can't help it #
[ Thunder rumbles ]
[ Tires screech ]
You need some new tires, Mrs. Speery.
You're riding on your nerves now.
Maybe I should take her for a while. All right. Fine.
Would you like to stop somewhere till it blows over?
That's-that's a good idea.
[ Thunderclap ]
Well, where did you folks come from?
We dropped out of the sky. got any coffee?
Never touch the stuff. Well, what have you got that you like?
I got lemon and cherry pop and ice cream on a stick.
I'll have cherry pop, please. Yeah, me too.
You think this rain will last? [ Chuckling ] Well, lady, where's your ears?
It's comin' down mighty steady.
Looks to me like it's gonna rain all night. There ya are.
Oh, thank you very much. Thanks.
The old man's probably right.
Wanna wait in the office? It'll probably be warmer. Let's.
You two want a room? Uh, no, thanks. Got anything good to read?
Zane Grey. Can't none of 'em beat old Zane.
You know, he came by here once, right after the first world war. Autographed me two of his books.
Glenn, why don't we take rooms until the rain stops? I'm tired and a little jumpy.
Sure, ma'am, if you'd like.
You register right here, ma'am. Shall I sign for you, Glenn?
- If you don't mind. - Two rooms, please.
Two rooms. Are the rooms heated?
Yes, ma'am. Heater in every room.
Fifteen and sixteen adjoining. This way.
Okay to take these? Oh, yes. Just help yourself. This way, ma'am.
[ Thunderclap ]
For the lady. Okay. Thank you.
I'll see you when the rain's over, Mrs. Speery.
Here you are.
How much you get for this place? Six dollars, single.
For one night, each? What's wrong with that? In summer you pay eight.
[ Glenn ] You better do some thinking. I'll go sleep in the car.
Hold it now. What did you figure on paying?
No more than three or four. Then why don't you do it now?
You're gonna do it later for sure. Do what?
Double up. It'll only cost you eight. Wait a minute--
All right! Two singles for eight.
[ Footsteps receding ]
Glenn?
Come in.
Glenn, I think we ought to try to drive home.
It wouldn't be a good idea on those tires of yours ma'am.
Wouldn't be safe even in the daylight.
Is somethin' wrong ?
It's just the rain. I--
I haven't been able to sleep.
Any of these any good?
Gideon Bible. It's always good.
Try Genesis, seventh chapter.
What's that ?
"And it came to pass after seven days...
the waters of the flood were upon the earth."
Well, maybe we should build ourselves an ark.
You go on. I'll wait for you here.
Don't worry, Mrs. Smith, they know me here. Everything with a kiss.
Oh, well, Mr. Smith. It's nice to see you again.
- Got a room? - Yes, sir.
Hey, now.
I see you got a couple other customers tonight, huh? [ Chuckles ]
Yes, we have. Number 11.
Your old room, for luck.
Thanks.
[ Laughing ] What's so funny?
It's a small world, yes, indeed.
A very small world.
I'll borrow this, if I may.
Good night. Good night. Ma'am?
It wasn't the rain that kept me awake.
It was you.
These walls are thin, you know.
I'll try to be more quiet. No, it's not that.
I guess you know what's happening to me.
Glenn, in a relationship like ours,
this kind of thing often happens.
In psychiatry, they call it transference. That's book talk.
I don't mean to be disrespectful to you,
but I'm in love with you, Irene.
I'm in love with you.
[ Door opens ]
You want me to leave?
Please.
[ Door opens, closes ]
Well, no matter how many times--
well, I can't help it if she's not home when you call.
[ Whispering ] It's the Tyler boy.
All right. Would you tell her once again, please, that I've got to see her?
It's very important.
Yes, I'll leave the message.
Miss Irene, that boy sounds very troubled.
It's the third time he's called.
Here's to us.
Of course, I'm assuming that your wife is still willing to give you a divorce.
Oh, honey, don't worry about that. you know she'd jump at the chance.
In one stroke, you've given my life real meanin'.
Phil, there's something else I have to say to you.
What else is there to say? You're going to marry me.
I don't--
I don't quite know how to put this.
I'm marrying you for mixed reasons.
[ Chuckles ] Well,
we're neither of us schoolkids.
I'm running away from something-- something I'm afraid of.
Another man.
Anyone-- anyone I know?
That-that's unimportant. It's just that...
I wanted you to know, and I've been terribly frightened.
In fact, I've felt myself on the brink--
darling, everything you're saying is unimportant.
I know you'll be a wonderful wife.
We'll be happy. We'll be happy.
I guarantee it.
[ Intercom buzzes ]
We'll have to celebrate. let's have dinner tonight.
[ Woman ] It's Mr. Lewis again, calling from Chicago.
He says it's urgent. I'll take it.
I'll make you a martini.
Yes, speaking. Oh, very dry.
No, no. Not you, Mr. Lewis. I'm sorry.
Afternoon, Mr. Longstreet. Hello, Mr. Braxton.
Young Tyler anywhere around? I just sent him over to the hardware store.
Is it something you wanted? He stole my Norrie's guitar.
Well, he don't impress me at all as a boy with itchy fingers.
But from what I heard yesterday, I'd check him elsewhere along the line.
What's that supposed to mean ?
[ Engine revs ] [ Inaudible ]
Who told you that? My nephew, Willie Dace. A laugh, ain't it?
Hey, honey, it's half past 7:00. How long's he gonna be?
I don't know. I'd like to go home myself.
Nice to see you, son, Ma'am.
You can go in now, Cliff.
Evening, dad.
I'm cravin' a boon, I wonder if you're in a good mood or bad.
Where were you Friday night? Friday night?
Oh, stuck somewhere in the rain. Why?
Have you and Willie Dace been spreadin' a story about...
Mrs. Speery up at some motel? Well, maybe told a friend or two, but--
I wonder if you've enough decency left to realize what you've done.
What have I done? They were there together all night.
Now, don't get excited. Sure, you're hot for the lady yourself.
You'd even throw my mother in the ashcan to marry her.
Well, it's about time you found out you're not the only one who carries a key to that door.
[ Ringing ]
Would you tell Mrs. Speery I'd like to see her?
Or is her car home and she isn't?
Well, she's home, but she's expecting somebody.
Never mind, Sarah. ask him to come in.
Would you sit down?
I'm sorry, Glenn. I was planning to call you tomorrow.
I owe you an explanation-- I haven't slept for two nights, ma'am.
I've been putting it off because it's been complicated.
I love you, Irene. What's complicated about that? Glenn, it isn't that simple!
I want to marry you. Are you worried what people will say? It's more important than that.
I don't care what people say. Glenn, listen, please. sit down.
All right. I'll listen.
Y-You're at the start of what could be a brilliant career.
You mustn't get tied down.
You've got to have your hands free and your mind free and, above all, your emotions free.
What's that got to do with us? You're simply not ready for a marriage, Glenn.
This is all about me. what about you, Irene?
It-It wouldn't work for me either.
For once, what about your life?
I love you. I got the idea that you love me too.
Can we talk about that?
All right. Let's talk about that.
I know a lot about love. I married for love.
And you know how it ended?
It ended by my husband getting in the car one rainy night...
and going out and hitting a curve at 90 miles an hour.
And you know what killed him? Love. I don't understand.
A marriage he wasn't ready for. And you blame yourself?
Yes! I should have known he couldn't carry the responsibility.
Glenn, do you see I'm letting the same thing happen all over again?
I wanted so much for you,
and now I've nearly ruined it because I've let-- I've let my hopes for you...
get mixed up in something else that doesn't belong-- something that doesn't belong at all!
It could belong, Irene, if you let it. It could. Oh, Glenn, please!
Irene, are you telling me you don't love me?
Answer me. [ Door opens ]
Answer me, please, Irene. [ Door closes ]
His uncle's been spreading the story you spent Friday night together in a motel room.
Who said that? Who told my uncle that? It isn't true, is it?
My son. He's an expert in shady motels, it seems. an expert in telling lies.
I'm not so sure about that now. Is this-- is he what you're runnin' away from?
You've got no right to talk to her like that, Mr. Macy. haven't I?
Mrs. Speery as done me the honor of sayin' she would be my wife. Phil, don't!
Irene, my son-- what he said-- is it true?
If I find your son around, he'll get shipped home in a box. Don't say I didn't warn you.
- Glenn-- - You were right. I don't want to ever see you again.
Glenn.
Glenn!
Irene, I have to know. Is it true?
No.
Are you in love with this boy?
Yes.
Now maybe I've destroyed him.
[ Train whistle blows ]
[ Screeches ]
[ Rock ]
Norrie? Glenn, what are you doin' here?
Where's your pa? He went bowling tonight.
Do you really want to shake this town for good?
Y-You wouldn't fool around with me, would you? Uh-uh.
Now, where's the money your pa's got stashed away?
Here it is.
Now, it's got a fake bottom. Just bust it open!
Go pack and get your baby. I'll be ready in a shake.
Well, how do I look?
Kinda frisky for a widow.
Glenn, it's a dream. It's a real dream. [ Baby fusses ]
Maybe it's a nightmare. How do you know? Shh. Yes, baby.
We better take the back roads. They'll be after us before long.
No, they won't. Pa can't do a thing. What do you mean, they won't?
[ Gibberish to baby ] That's the old tax-dodge money we took. It is?
I would give my eyeteeth to see his face when he reads that note.
[ Laughs ] [ Gurgles ]
[ Rock ]
What are we stoppin' here for, Glenn? I'll be back in a minute.
Just hang on.
You seen Cliff Macy? Sure. He's inside.
I wanna talk to you. Well, if it isn't Tyler, the great lover.
Who you got in the truck-- Lady Speery? Don't you talk about her.
I said I don't want you talkin' about her! She's a pushover.
Ask my father. Ask anybody!
Come on, Dace. [ Girls giggling ]
What is it? Drunk?
Get some water, quick! It was a fight.
What did Cliff Macy do?
It doesn't matter anymore. It's all over now.
[ Police siren approaching ]
State police. Looks like your pa called 'em after all.
You Glenn Tyler? Yes, sir.
I'm takin' you in for manslaughter.
Look at them-- crowdin' in for the free show.
You'd think it was a circus, not a coroner's inquest.
What was a boy like that doing with a $500 watch?
You have nothing to blame yourself for, Mr. Macy.
A 20-year-old boy.
I should be--
Mr. Macy, it's nearly 2:00.
Phil? Phil, can I speak to you for a moment?
Why don't you go home and pull down your blinds?
Please, Phil, you must listen. Glenn had no intention--
You better get him a good lawyer, 'cause my intention is to hang him if I can.
Phil?
[ Chattering ]
Mrs. Speery?
My name's Hank Tyler, Glenn's brother.
Me and some of the boys here was wondering if, uh--
see, we got a jug in the car, and if you knowed a good motel,
we figured we might all get together-- [ Boys laughing ]
- [ Woman ] There she is. - [ Crowd chattering ]
Any more questions of this witness?
[ Attorney ] Was there any weapon used? [ Witness ] Might have been.
It was gettin' kinda dark. I couldn't see.
Well, there was no medical evidence of that.
Thank you. You can go.
[ Crowd murmurs ]
Quiet, please. Quiet.
It's been suggested, and she's agreed.
Will Mrs. Speery come forward to testify?
[ Crowd gasps, exclaims ]
She's got a lot of nerve!
Quiet! We must have quiet here!
Quiet!
Raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
I do. State your name, please.
Irene Speery.
Mrs. Speery, we're simply trying to determine if young Tyler--
if there are grounds for a criminal prosecution here.
Well, that's good. Kills a boy, and wonders if there's grounds for prosecution.
[ Crowd laughs ] I wish to remind everyone here...
that this is an inquest and not a murder trial!
[ Crowd murmurs, quiets ]
Now, Mrs. Speery,
was tyler present at your house on Thursday night around 8:00? He was.
- [ Man ] What was he doin' there? - Social work.
Phil Macy was present at that time too, was he not?
He was. Did Tyler at that time...
utter some kind of threat against Mr. Macy's son?
Well-- what did he say?
I don't remember the exact words, Dr. Cresten.
Was his remark something along the line...
he would send young Macy home in a box?
[ Crowd murmurs ]
Yes, Mrs. Speery? Mr. Tyler had every reason to be angry.
As I'm sure you all know, there was a slander being spread, a lie!
It's true, wasn't it? You're denying it? Yes, a lie!
Glenn did nothing to be ashamed of-- nothing!
If there's anyone to be blamed, it's me. I lost sight of certain realities,
and I forgot my responsibilities!
Oh, Glenn, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
Mrs. Speery, this is off the point.
We're merely trying to determine if there's been felony committed here.
What I'm trying to say is that there was no felony committed.
Cliff Macy's death was an accident.
[ All murmur ] Order! Order!
Glenn was angry over what had been said, and he hit him.
He didn't intend to kill him. He had no way of knowing Cliff had a bad heart.
[ All murmur ] A bad heart, Mrs. Speery?
Yes. Isn't that in the autopsy report?
Well, there was postmortem evidence that he'd suffered a coronary.
We assumed it was caused by the blow.
Are you saying the boy had a chronic heart condition? Yes.
Well, if so, the family physician, Dr. Mclaws, knew nothing about it.
Well, ask his father, Mr. Macy.
He told me about Cliff's heart weeks ago.
Well, Phil, do you wish to make a statement?
Now, you needn't, of course. We realize it's painful for you, but--
There was nothing wrong with my son's heart.
[ Crowd gasps ] He was in perfect health.
[ Man ] We'll hear the next witness, Hank Tyler.
Raise your right hand. Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
I do. State your name.
Hank Tyler.
Sarah? Yes, Miss Irene?
Here it is. Make sure it goes first class, special delivery.
I hope they don't get too drastic with that boy.
Do I take the car?
Car? Just down to the post office?
Sarah, you'll grow fat. [ Chuckles ]
S'pose.
No, Rosie.
No walk today.
[ Engine starts ]
[ Engine running ] [ Whimpers, barks ]
One more question. Were you present at Mrs. Speery's home...
when Tyler is alleged to have made a threat against your son? I was.
Can you repeat what he said?
He said, "If I find your son,
he'll be shipped home in a box, don't say I didn't warn you." [ All gasp, murmur ]
[ Crowd murmurs loudly ]
No! I think we'd better adjourn now.
Jim, wait. Give me a minute, please.
I want to-- God help me-- correct a statement of mine.
- what happened, Mr. Macy? - I lied to you about Cliff's heart.
It was bad-- very bad. It wasn't Tyler's fault at all.
I struck Cliff myself the same night for the same reason.
Stop that man! Let him go, let him go!
[ Machinery whirring rhythmically ]
[ Irene moans ]
Irene?
[ Moans ]
You can switch over.
Irene.
That's the idea. Keep breathing.
Breathe deep.
[ Glenn ] Irene, there's nothing to be afraid of anymore.
Mr. Macy told 'em the truth.
I'm free.
But I need you, Irene. Don't leave me.
Don't you leave me too.
Oh.
I'm so ashamed.
Don't be ashamed. I'll help you.
I'll take care of you. I won't let anything hurt you again.
Well, Glenn-- I'm not saying good-bye.
I know. but find out first. Be sure.
That's what college is for, is to find out.
Will you write? [ Whistle blows ]
All aboard!
# The rose grows wild in the country #
# A tree grows tall as the sky #
[ Chorus ] # as the sky #
# The wind blows wild in the country #
# and part of the wild, wild country #
# am I #