All language subtitles for Foxfire.1987.1080p.WEBRip.x265-RARBG

- the blue ridge--

some folk say it is the most
beautiful place in america.

i'd allow that.

the cherokee was here first.

then the likes of us
mountain people.

it's tough land,
but they was folks to match--

my granddaddy, my daddy.

my daddy cleared this place,

taught me how to drag a living
out of rough ground.

yes, sir.

the nations' place, my land.

- that's my annie,
come to visit me.

our boy ezra
lived but one day.

that's our mary, age five.

sarah and euless nations--
my ma and pa.

and this here is mine.

- you there hector?

- i'm always here.

- i brung you some flowers.

- you rest yourself,
old woman.

what's troubling you?

you're worrying
about dillard again.

- sometimes i wish i could keep
my thoughts to myself.

- you think it, i know it.

- i had a letter from him
yesterday, made me uneasy.

- what'd he say?

- it weren't what he said.

i don't know.

he's doing good
with his singing, i guess.

i just wish he weren't
so far away.

[country music
and bar chatter]

- lord, i don't know
what i'll do

all i do is sit and sigh,
oh, lord

that long lost day
she said good-bye

well, lord,
i thought i would cry

she'll do me,
she'll do you

she's got that kind
of lovin'

lord, i love to hear her

when she call me
sweet daddy

such a beautiful dream

- sleep tight, heckie.

- daddy, how long are you
gonna be gone?

- two nights, two gigs.

well, you like staying
with the mason's, don't you?

- i don't care.

- i'm gonna play in georgia.
i'll see your grandma.

- i want to see grandma.
- shh.

your teacher will kill me.

- you go to sleep.

- take her our cutouts.

- cutouts?

- for a surprise.

and thumbtacks
so she can pin them up.

- sure, honey.

- you promise?
- i promise.

- when grandma wakes up
in the morning,

she'll see susie and me
on the wall.

you go to sleep.

good night.

- good morning.

you still fretting
about that boy?

- he's playing a concert
at hiawassee, saturday.

- hiawassee?

that's 30 miles from here.

you ain't going.
- don't have to.

he said he'd stop by.

- traipse around the country
with a guitar--

what kind of work is that?

- now, hector.

- well, this land
is what took care of him.

- dillard makes a good living.

remember this?

that's when you had to know
how to make a living.

first thing i built--

used to fill her up with corns,
sorghum, cabbage.

take the stuff to market,
bring it right home again,

feed it to the hogs.

old hoover's time--
hadn't been for corn,

liquor, and smart trading,

we'd have had an empty table
around here.

- it's so hot
in this kitchen.

i'm gonna work outside.

- flies'll kill you.

- better flies
than heatstroke.

- who's that?

- i don't know.

- company.

i'm going back to my orchard.

- let me help you
with that, ma'am.

that's too heavy
for a little lady like you.

- oh, i can still do it.

thank you.

- i want to apologize for
busting in on you like this,

ms. nations.

but as i remember,
you don't have a phone.

- you been here before?

- yes, ma'am.

had a nice talk
with your husband

some years back
about the scout camp.

- i remember.

nice boys.

all got poison ivy.

uh, my name is carpenter.

i'd like you
to have my card.

here you go.

prince carpenter.

- i ain't got my glasses.

- no need.

just says, "mountain peak
development corporation,

greenville, south carolina."

all i want you to remember
is prince.

- you kin
to that molly carpenter?

- well, could be.

there's a whole heap
of carpenters over here

my folks are kin to.

- oh.

do you mind if i sit down?

- oh, please.

my manners is rusty
as an old hinge.

man alive.

you know, you feel
10 years younger up here.

look at that view--
money in the bank.

how many acres you got
up here, ma'am?

- i don't know exactly.

we never did step it off.

maybe 100.

hector could tell you.

- mr. nations?
- that's right.

you come to see my husband?

- no, ma'am.
i come to see you.

i got a proposition to make.

- ms. nations...
aunt annie...

i got a nice surprise
for you.

we want to buy your land.

- how much of it?

- all of it.

- house too?
- everything.

$200,000 cash on delivery
of a free and clear title.

- yeah, i don't think so,
mr. carpenter.

- prince, please.
prince.

- i'm plumb out of salt.

now, that's vexing.

- i'll go get you some.
- no, no, don't you trouble.

- no trouble.

my car is just
down the hill.

wouldn't you like a ride?

- well...

- you're a senior citizen,
aunt annie.

if you don't sell,
your kids will.

always do.

- we'll talk it over,
i guess.

- good.
- me and my husband.

- oh, yes, of course.

now, look over there
on the right.

- that's the kind
of work we do--

vacation homes,
beautiful.

you know ruby ridge?

- that's the old
burrell place,

where they cut the top
off the mountain.

- you want to have
a look around?

- i believe i won't,
thank you.

- i'll wait for you,
aunt annie.

prince carpenter.
howdy.

mountain peak development.
- howdy.

- believe we met down
at betty creek road last year

with your cousin jake.

- you all bring me those
workbooks to class on monday,

finished,
and i'll buy you a soda.

okay, tommy?

- thanks for the ride,
ms. burrell.

- thanks for all your time.

- listen,
you are gonna get

the best s.a.t. scores
in georgia.

we'll show them what
rabun county kids can do.

i'll see you monday.
all: bye.

- how's your mother, becky?

- better, she's back
in the store.

- i'll come and say hi.

- here it is, aunt annie.
one bag enough?

- yes.

and a pound of coffee, madge,
i guess.

- i'll get it, mom.

- well, hi, mrs. burton.

how you feeling?
- fine, thanks.

- why, aunt annie.

- holly.

- well, this is the big day.

- i was coming up to make sure
you had a ride tonight.

- tonight?
- ta-da!

- dillard's concert.

- that ain't dillard.

- well, that's how he looks
on his record.

- but he said the 30th.

- today's the 30th,
aunt annie.

- today's saturday?
- sure is.

- oh, my, i've got to get back
home right now.

- well, i'll drive you.

- well, there's a fella outside
that brung me down.

- not prince carpenter.
- that's him.

- i'll drive you.

i'd like that.

i'll just thank him.

- hi.

- dillard.

- where's ma?

- she's inside.
- she all right?

- she's fine.
just washing up.

you look great.
is sheryl with you?

- no.
- how are the kids?

- got their mother's looks
and their daddy's talent.

- they'll go far.

sure is good
to see you again.

- hey, would you
do something for me?

- i'll try.
- it ain't hard.

just tell me who you are.

- you don't remember.

- i guess not.

- right in there.

i was still in high school.

i had a big crush on you.

you were home visiting,

your pa was just
out of the hospital and--

- you're that kid
with the tape recorder--

holly.

- holly burrell.

- you still live here?
- sure.

well, i went away to college.
i taught in atlanta for a while.

and now i'm back
at the high school.

- why'd you come back?

- just look at it.

and there are the kids.

i love them.

once in a while,
you can make a difference.

- is that him?

- hello, ma.

i weren't expecting you.

- well, didn't you
get my letter?

- i got mixed up.

you playing tonight?

- yes, ma'am.

- but you can stay over.

- i'm afraid not, ma.

i got to get back
to the kids.

i told you it had to be
a real short visit this time.

- well, i ain't going to cry
about it.

i got you now.

- i brung you some oranges.

- they are real pretty.

- i'm taking her
to the concert.

- oh, i'd dearly love
that, holly.

i dearly would, but it's a
fur piece for old bones like me,

and i don't believe hector
would go.

the kettle's boiling.

you want a cup of tea?

- "hector."

- yeah, been dead
five years.

she still has his clothes
hanging in there.

- his tools under the bed.

- i moved them once.

she put them right back.

when pa was alive,
she used to wash

and get into her nightgown
behind a curtain in the corner.

curtain's still there.

it doesn't matter, you know?

- it ain't good.

- there's nothing wrong
with her.

- cup of tea?

- not for me, aunt annie.
i got to be getting along.

- you can't stay, child?

- i'll be up again real soon,
next weekend.

- you do that,
and stay overnight.

you can have dillard's bed.

- you ain't seen me on stage
since i won that medal.

- he were only 17.

he won a prize
at the state fair.

- i'm better now.

i'll sing something special
for you.

- well, what would i wear?
- just put on your hat.

- please come, aunt annie.
i'll bring you straight home.

- well, i guess it'd be
all right just this once.

- that's more like it.

- i'll pick you up at 7:00.

- bye, now.

i'll see you later.

- i'm fond of that one.

so...

how are the kids?

hello, ma.

- i'm real glad you come.

that coat's gone
at the elbow.

give it here.

ain't all that's gone.

kids is fine.

heckie's learning guitar.

and they sent you a present.

i left it in the car.

you remind me to get it.

- what do you mean
that ain't all that's gone?

- nothin'.
just talk.

time passin'.

- and how's sheryl?

- sheryl's fine.

doing good at work.
real busy.

she trots around there
as much as you do.

- you still traveling a lot?

- we're working a club
in orlando this spring.

i want to be closer to the kids
for a while.

- well, i'm glad of that.

- you look good.

- certainly and declare,
i do.

i got my health.

- so how about quitting while
you're ahead?

- quitting?

- come to florida.

you don't have
to sell the house.

just come where
i can keep an eye on you.

- dillard, honey,
don't start that again.

- it'd mean a lot to the kids.

- i belong here.

- well, come
for the winter, then.

- who'd feed the chickens?

- ma, you can buy eggs.

it's pa, ain't it?

i just want you
to listen to me.

you ain't so young anymore.

you're up here all on your own,
no one around.

supposing you had
an accident.

you let pa rest
and come live with us.

- i ain't seen you
look so serious

since you used to talk
about your music.

- i ain't talking
about music now.

- now, you listen to me.

you're talking about your pa
resting, and he is, right here,

up in the old orchard
with his ma and pa

and your little
brother and sister.

- and when my time comes,

i'm gonna lay
right down there beside him,

and nothing's
going to change that,

not you nor florida
nor nothing.

your elbow is digging
into my knees, son.

you're gonna have to move.

- i'd sure sleep a lot better
if'n you was off this mountain.

- maybe you would,
but i ain't slept in another bed

since i was married,
and i ain't about to.

- and i ain't
giving up on it, ma.

i'm gonna keep after you.

- here.

it's done.

- thanks, ma.

say, what happened
to the smokehouse?

- roof gave out

- well, you want
i should fix it?

- it's spent its days,
i reckon.

your pop put that up
first year we was married.

now, that's 60 years ago.

- 60 years.
- yeah.

- and you was 18?

what were you like, ma?

scared.

i was only 16 when he
asked me to marry him.

he was scared too.

it was at a corn shuckin'.

- you remember
corn shuckin's?

- sure. that great pile of corn
on the ground

and the fiddles a-playin'.

- they'd buried a jug
of liquor in the corn.

the men would
move for that.

- and the first one
to find a red ear

got to kiss
the prettiest gal.

- that's right.

and it were your pa.

some times stay with you
just so clear,

like they were
still happening.

i remember we was all over
at the norton's big barn,

and music was a-playin',
and everyone was a-dancin'.

ain't you gonna dance?

- i got to tell you
something.

- i ought to go back.
- no.

no, no, wait.

- they'll notice.

- let 'em.

- loose me, please, hector.

- sorry.

i didn't mean
to grab at you.

- well, what is it, then?

- that red ear...

tell you the truth,
i didn't find it.

i only made out i did.

- i knowed that.

- you did?

- i seen you take it
out of your pocket.

- oh.

annie, i'm working
pretty regular,

when i can get it.

now, i'll have my daddy's
home place someday.

it's good land.

i aim to settle down.

- you should, hector.
- that's right.

raise a family.

- it ain't men
raises families.

- well, that's just it.

you're awful pretty.

i'm still to school, hector.

and i got to go back now.

- i can wait.

- you got my arm again.

- i know.

well, i guess
there's nothing for you.

annie...

will you?

well?

- i'm scared, hector.

- what of?

- you.

- me?

- oh, i like you, but...

- but what?

- you're too...

too hasty!

- well, i can change.

i'll take care of you.

- "i'll take care of you."

- how long did you
make him wait?

- two years.

- and he changed?
- no.

but he waited.

- smart man.

lucky man.

i got to watch the clock.
this thing's slow.

what in the world are you gonna
do with all them oranges?

must have been crazy.

- we should've give some
to holly.

- hey, put 'em
in the cellar for me.

give me a couple first.

you want one?

- ma, if i never see
another orange in my life,

it'll be too soon.

- they're a real treat to me.

- so who bust this door?

- it got stuck.

we had a long wet spell
last month.

door swoll up, i guess.

went to get beans for myself,

but couldn't open it.

felt right foolish.

- looks like you had
a tough job getting in.

- was already in.

- how do you mean?
- inside.

door shut behind me.

- well, how'd you get out?

- joe norton come up next
morning to cut wood for me.

heard me hollerin'.

yeah, i'll put this inside
and look to the time for you.

- wait a minute.
you was in there all night?

- oh, wasn't so bad.
dark never hurt no one.

- you could've got
pneumonia.

- no. i had your pa's sweater.
i slept some.

- well, what if joe
hadn't come?

- guess i'd still
be hollerin'.

- that's just what i've been
talking about!

you could have died in there,
and nobody'd know.

- ah, folks come visiting
all the time.

- yeah, once a week?
once a month?

- you're the third person
to come up this hill today.

- well, how many times
that happen?

you could break your neck
up here, and nobody'd know.

- all 'cause of pa.

hi.

- hi.

- ms. nations around?

- she's in the house.

- heh, jeez, that hill sure
tells you if you're in shape.

you live around here?

- nope.

- bring them with you?

- yep.

- florida, huh?

- that's right.

- you boys really movin' in
down here, ain't you?

you interested in this place?

- yeah, i'm interested.

- well, meet the competition.

i'm mountain peak development,
prince carpenter.

pleased to meet you.

i've had my eye on this place
for a long time.

it's no sell, though.

you ever talked
to the old man?

- yeah, i talked to him.

- how'd you do?

- i haven't spoken to him
in quite a while.

- won't budge.

no way in this world
to reach him.

ain't never gonna sell.

- he tell you that?

- right here on this porch.

- now, how'd you
manage that?

well, it weren't easy.

- i guess not.

my pa's been dead
five years.

- come again?

- my pa--he died.

- you're absolutely right...

five years ago.

you must be the son
in show business--

dillard.
- i sure ain't in real estate.

- oh, of course not.

got my might ahead
of myself there.

smart man, your pa.

i talked to him
just before he passed over.

- you did, huh?
- absolutely.

your ma remembers.

offered him $100,000
for this place,

and he wouldn't touch it.

he knew values would go up.

- and you think that's the only
reason he wouldn't sell?

- i offered your ma $200,000.

- you ain't gonna budge ma
neither.

i sure can't.

look, mr. carpenter--

- call me prince.

- my granddaddy
cleared this land.

my pa worked it.

i worked it.

my ma lives here.

- it must get
mighty lonely up here.

i guess that's why she brought
back your pa, huh?

- you knew about that?

- dillard,
this is my territory.

- you didn't call her on it?

- what do you take me for?

i wasn't about to spoil anything
for a fine old lady.

- think it over, dillard.

- you're wastin' your breath.

it ain't my land.

and it ain't my life.

- it's your mother.

face it dillard

everything's changed

since you and me
grew up in these mountains

all the kids with any
get up and go

have got up and went

just like you did

the old ones are just hangin on

like foxfire on rotten wood

- mr. carpenter?

- prince, please.
pri--

aunt annie.

i brought you a present.

be careful.

it's sharp, and i know
you need a sharp knife.

oh.

- no.
i won't hear a word.

you just take it
slow and gentle

next time you have
to cut out an eye or two.

- now, i can't let you--
- only...

you're gonna have to give me
a penny, aunt annie.

my old granny
used to say to me,

"you can never give a body
nothin' with a sharp edge,

"or it'll cut
the friendship

that didn't pay you a penny
for it to keep you as a friend."

- dillard, you got a penny?

- i'm all out.

- there.

and there's some band-aids
in the bag, just in case.

- well, thank you kindly.

- mr. carpenter
was just leavin'.

- yeah.

got to be gettin' along.

but i'll be back.

time's a-marchin'.

bye, ma'am.

dillard.

- ma, why didn't
you tell me

that fella'd been
pokin' around?

- wouldn't have
changed nothin'.

- he told me
he talked to pa.

- he did?

well, maybe he did.

- now, that ain't
a good kind of man

to be doin' business
with, ma.

what'd he say to you?

- called me a senior citen.

said if we didn't sell,
you would.

he weren't so far off.

it'll be coming to you
one day anyway.

- what about millie and jed?

- you know they ain't never
coming back.

i'd give it to you now
if i thought you could use it.

- i do love this place,

but i can't live here.

- no.

you never could
once you was growed.

things don't work out,do they, ma?

- what's troubling you,
dillard?

- nothin'.

just livin'.

i best get started.

if i'm not there to set up,
they'll be fussin'.

- well, maybe
you'd better, then.

- if that real-estate man
comes around again,

don't you talk to him.

- i'll talk to your pa
about it.

- of course you will.

- now, you be sure
and give the kids my love.

- i won't forget.

- and i'll give yours
to your pa.

oh, never mind that.
now, you just go on.

- you ain't mad at me,
are you?

- dillard honey, i ain't mad
at a soul in this world.

you kiss me good
when you're comin'.

i just hate good-byes.

you can kiss me
when you back again.

- okay.

i won't try to see you
after the show.

i got to back to atlanta,
catch that plane.

i hope you like it.

- i'll clap real loud.

- i'm sorry it was so short.

i'll writewhen i get back.

now, don't you go close
no doors on yourself.

- he sent you his love.

- i hear it.

- something's wrong, hector.

- he honored you to go
live with him again?

that's it, ain't it?
"come to florida."

well, i ain't go'in.

- he ain't asked you.

you're way too old
for that now.

- what i'm too old for,
i'll decide.

dillard's going through
rough waters.

-we went through them too.

- times is different.

- they ain't harder.

a man is born unto trouble,

not just to pickin'
a banjo.

- and it ain a banjo,
it's a guitar.

and i'm gonna go see him
play it tonight.

- a-one, two, three!

- whoo-hoo!

- get at 'em, boys

go back home

back to the girl you love

treat her right

never wrong

how mountain girls
can love

ridin' the night
in a high, cold wind

on the trail
of the old lonesome pine

thinking of you, baby,
feelin' so blue

wondering
why i left you behind

get at 'em, boys

go back home

back to the girl you love
- let's go, honey!

- treat her right,
never wrong

how mountain girls
can love

- kenny!

- yeah, all right!

- there's lake in the
hills where

my true love goes

that's when
she's thinkin' of me

why i'm not there,
only heaven knows

heaven knows that's where
i'd rather be, yeah

get at 'em, boys,
go back home

back to the girl
you love

treat her right,
never wrong

how mountain girls
can love

- we love you, dillard!

- hey, hey!

thank you!

thank you very much.

gee, it sure is mighty nice
of all of you folks

to come down here tonight.

it's good to be home.

my pa--

my pa was born
just a cat's jump from here.

he's a good ol' boy
from down on the farm.

he could sing.

of course, it didn't sound
no better than a crow.

but i guess that's
what got me started.

that and an old banjo
my pa picked up trading.

well, my pa
was a tradin' man.

one step ahead
of the sheriff.

he'd swap you silly!

[laughter
and scattered applause]

yeah, you'd be lucky
to walk away wearin' a shirt.

i wrote a song about my pa
and his trading.

me and the boys would like
to sing it for you.

it's called sweet talker.

all:
sweet talker

ooh

- pa was a tradin' man

my pa was a farmer
for 50 cents a day

worked the neighbors' land,
and he gathered in his hay

he hoed that feller's beans,
and he sweated in his yard

when he got the family place,
well, he sweated twice as hard

he was a sweet talker

pa was a tradin' man,
he was a sweet talker

best count your fingers if
you shakes his hand

sweet talker

what you got to swap?
what you got to trade?

yay-hee-hee

got a pig and a calf
and a quilt just made

yay-hee-hee

got syrup and taters
and no need to bicker

how's about a jug
of my genuine corn liquor?

yeah!

whoo-hoo!
- come on!

- sweet talker

pa was a tradin' man,
he was a sweet talker

best count your fingers
if you shake his hand

sweet talker

ain't nothin' in the world
like a tradin' fool

sweet talker,
he could swap a bent nail

for a blue-eyed mule

yeah.

thank you!
thank you, folks.

man, it sure is nice to be back
here in good ol' rabun county.

i'll tell you...

these mountains, they just
don't never let you go.

guess i'm just an old
hillbilly boy at heart.

- oh, please.

- got my ma out there with you
folks tonight.

she's sittin' with a pretty
little gal,

name of holly burrell.

holly's a school teacher,
but she don't look it.

we was visiting
this afternoon,

and they asked me if i'd sing
a song from my album.

and i'd kind of like to do that,
if you don't mind.

uh, i understand
if you like it,

they's got a few of them
for sale down there someplace.

anyway,
this is the title song,

another dillard nations
original.

it's called
"my feet took to walking."

sure, i remember
the home place

sure, i remember it clear

because the day
that i left her

was just this time of year

i can see her smile

almost every mile

but my feet
took to walkin'

my feet took walkin'

no sense in talkin' it out

all the dreams
that never were

till my feet
took to walkin'

away from her

yeah.

- it was real good of you
to take me, holly.

- it was my pleasure,
aunt annie.

- they sure did clap anyway.

all that hoopin'
and hollerin'.

- they loved it.

- i do believe
i got a headache.

i ain't had one of them
in years.

- you got some aspirin?
- no.

i'll just have a cup of tea
and get to bed.

- you just sit
while i put the kettle on.

- oh, thank you, child.
- you've had a long day.

- i wish he didn't have to go up
in one of them planes.

- better than drivin'
all night.

- hector never did hold
with flyin'.

said it was against nature.

- you been gone four hours.

- i know.
first time in five years.

- you forgot to feed
the chickens.

- and you ain't had no supper.

- i ate a hot dog...

and popcorn.

holly bought it.

- young'uns today got more money
than sense.

- you bought me ice cream
when we was courtin'.

- only a nickel then.

i wish you'd been there.

- just be a minute.
had to light the stove.

- oh.

- what do you expect?

you leave,
the fire goes out.

- ma!

ma!

well?

how'd you like it?

- i thought you was flyin'
straight back.

- i changed my mind.
catch a plane tomorrow.

- what'd you think?

- it were real nice.

- yeah.
give you a headache.

- that fiddler were good.

reminded me of old times.

- what song
did you like best?

- oh, they was all good.

you work so hard.

i could see the sweat
running down you.

- it gets hot.

- i'll wash that shirt.

- tomorrow.

- oh.

maybe that's best.

i ain't had such a big day
in years.

- i'll just draw me a bucket
of water for the mornin'.

- i'm doing that.

- oh, thank you, child.

your bed's made up.

your pa would've been proud
of you, boy.

now, i'm gonna
have my tea.

- she's worn out.

- what'd she really think?

- oh, she was excited.

- but what'd she think?

- she thought it was...
loud.

it was too.

it's got to be loud.

they don't figure they got
their money's worth

unless you bust some eardrums.

what else?

- well, loud and, uh...

jokey.

dillard, i'm no critic.

- well, what
didn't you like?

- well, i'll tell you.

us'uns down here
in good old rabun county

ain't all hillbillies.

- i am.

up there i am.

that's just what they want.

and i do what i have to
for my customers.

- do you have to dress up
like a stop sign?

- it's all part of the image.

- it's not you.

- now, what do you
know about me?

- i know we both come
from the same place,

and we don't talk
like l'il abner.

turning your daddy
into a joke--

how could you?

you're a singer.

you sounded like a salesman.

- i'm sweet-talking, honey,
just like my pa.

he used to say, "you make
a nickel any way you can."

- he made it
by plain hard work.

i remember your daddy.

he weren't all sweet talk.

dillard, i'm sorry if i sounded
off about your concert.

i just like the way
you used to sing--

just your voice
and the guitar.

it was beautiful.

- it wouldn't pay the rent.

give me a hand?

- what's that?

- heckie and susie...

a present for their grandma.

it's supposed to be
the first thing she sees

when she wakes up.

they'd have killed me
if i forgot.

- well, you should've brought
the kids with you.

and sheryl too.

- you don't know sheryl.

- what's she like?

- fastest credit card
in the south.

- what's that mean?

- nothin'.

sheryl's a city gal.
she likes things easy.

ma could use some of that.

wish i could get her
to come to florida.

- to live?

- you know a fella
named prince carpenter?

- we've met.
why?

- he was up here today,
made an offer for the place.

- don't you listen to him.

him and his ruby ridge.

you know that development?

- well, sure.
- i was born over there.

four generations,
we farmed that land.

then ma died.

prince carpenter talked my daddy
into selling out.

they built fancy homes

for summer people
all over our mountain.

and barbed wire to keep
the hillbillies out.

- those kids i teach,
i want them smart enough

to keep their own land,

'cause once it's gone,
you can never get it back.

don't let aunt annie sell,
dillard.

don't let prince
shove her out.

- ma don't shove easy.

she knows what she wants,
always did.

so did pa.

two people and a piece
of ground--that's all it took.

- then don't let her sell
the piece of ground.

- it ain't that simple.

- no.

i suppose it could help you
a lot, you and sheryl.

- what's that
supposed to mean?

- two kids to take care of--

her working,
you traveling all the time.

- if i wanted someone
to take care of my kids,

it wouldn't be
a 79-year-old woman,

doesn't know how to drive,

never been in a supermarket
or a bus.

the thing is, there would be
someone to look after her.

she'd be safe.

- safe from what?

this is her home, dillard.

you've forgotten
how it feels.

- no, i ain't.

- she's lived here
all her life,

and this isn't such
a bad place to die.

- all alone up here?

- she's got good friends,
more than she'd have in florida.

the nortons, me,
lots of people.

and she has your pa.

- come off it, holly.

he ain't real.

- well, so what?

maybe he means more to her
than indoor plumbing.

- ma's alive,
and so is her family.

- i just mean, don't push
too hard dillard.

i know you love her,

but is leaving here
what she wants or you want?

- now, that's my business,
ain't it?

- yes, it is.

it's your business.

good night, dillard.

and i still like the way
you used to sing.

sure, i remember
the home place

sure, i remember it clear

because the day
that i left her

was just this time of year

i can see her smile

almost every mile

but my feet
took to walkin'

my feet took to walkin'

there's no sense
in talkin' it out

all the dreams

that never were

- you've been awake
all night.

- some of it.

- why did he stay?

- i ain't asked.

- i'll tell you why.

he wants to get rid of me.

he can't do that.

- no.

but you can.

- ma?

- ohh...

- what are them?

- cutouts!

the grandchildren.

- ah.

one of 'em got
a gimpy leg?

- of course not.

they are beautiful.

it's her birthday next week.

- whose?
- susie's, dillard's youngest.

- oh. well...

birthdays don't mean so much
to me no more.

- no. never did.

- mornin', ma.

- i'm so proud of these.

it's all their own idea.

- you remind me, i got a little
birthday something for susie

i want you to carry.

- she'll be tickled.

- nice smell.

- just coffee.

- not the coffee.

this place.
- oh.

why'd you come back?

- why'd i come home?

- you told me you had to get
back to the children.

- i do.

i needed to talk to you.

- did you call sheryl?

- not yet.

- won't she worry?

- no
- i would.

- she ain't there, ma.

- where's she at?

- she's away.

- where's heckie and susie?

- staying with friends.

that side door
needs fixin'.

- ma...

when you talk to pa,
can you see him?

- clear as clear.

- is he there?

- i'm here.

- sometimes.

- can you touch him?

- well, your pa
weren't much for touching.

- did you always love him?

- we was married.

no, not always.

guess sometimes
i near hated him.

- i don't have to hear this.

- but you stuck with him.

all that time,
no matter what.

pa was smart to wait
his two years.

- you gonna tell me
about sheryl?

- what's to tell?
- i don't know.

but someth'in

- she's gone, ma.

- gone?

- took off. left.

two weeks ago.

- why?

- lots of reasons.

- you strike her?

- no, ma'am.

maybe i should've.

- another man?

- yep.

she take the children?

- they didn't have room
in the trunk.

she wants a divorce.

she got herself a lawyer.

- well!

what are you going to do
about that?

- well, i ain't gonna let her
have my kids!

- her kids too.

- she quit.
i didn't.

- how are you gonna care
for two young'uns

you traveling all the time?

- i'll work something out.

they're all i got.

- but you got no wife..
and no real home.

- i'm way ahead of you, ma.

i can't come back here.

- you want
i should go there?

- no. well, yes!
course, i do.

i've been trying for years
but not to bail me out.

no way.

i want you to be safe.

i'm scared of that phone call
tells me to come

carry you out of here
feet first.

it ain't me, it's you.

you can't make it alone,
and pa's dead!

he's dead, ma.

- dillard, honey...

don't you never hear him
in your head?

- all the time,

telling me things
i don't want to hear.

- i remember them things.

- first,
it was your brother,

then your sister,

then you was
the only one left.

he never meant no harm.

he just saw everything
his own way.

like you bumping heads with him
when you were 16.

- i've been workin this land
55 years

and my daddy,
30 years before that.

you learn it by doing it!

you know, you want
to study farming,

you keep your eyes open
right here.

seems like every time
i turn round,

you're pickin'
at that thing.

that ain't no fit occupation
for a man.

- i made $5
picking at this thing!

- how'd you do that?
- hector!

you ought to look to beauty
before dark.

- what?
- the mare.

her knee's bad.

- how did you make $5?

- she can't hardly stand up.

- how'd you make it?

- playing at the dance.

- saturday night?

- yes, sir.

- you told me
you was going coon hunting.

- yes, sir.

- you told me you never even
seen a coon.

- that was true, pa.

- i wish you'd look to beauty.

- beauty can wait!

you told me...

a bareface lie.

- yes, sir.

- bareface lie.

now, what are we gonna
do about that?

- i don't know, pa.

- well, i'll tell you
what we're gonna do.

you take this 'round to that
willow by the springhouse.

and you cut me a limb about
three feet long...

the size of your finger.

- felt sorry for you, too.

- he didn't hurt me.

- i had that old planting
calendar stuck down my britches.

maybe it did hurt.

been so long ago now,
i can't remember nothing,

except how mad i was.

i hated him.

then i loved him.

remember when jed quit?

i thought he was gonna
kill pa.

- last i hear, he was working
for an oil company in alaska.

- does he still write?

- oh...millie writes
now and then.

- all three of us quit,
but you're still hanging on,

and you won't let go of him,
will you?

- i'll get you
some breakfast.

- i can't ma.
i got to get to atlanta by 1:00.

i'll--i'll bring the kids up
for your birthday.

- if you can.

- oh, i ain't gonna t you
spend that time alone.

- oh, i ain't never alone.

i feel i got the lord
looking out for me all the time.

you don't have that,
do you?

i guess we failed you there.

- and you got pa.
- well!

i ain't about to put him on
the same rung as the almighty,

but i wouldn't be
without him.

susie's present.

- that's great.

thanks, ma.

- how you gonna make out
with them two young'uns?

- kids like eating out.

- don't sound right.

- will he or won't he?
can he or can't he?

should you or shouldn't you?

round and round.

it's his life.

you can't change a thing.

no need to worry it to death.

- i always wanted a family.

- heh!
you got one.

- i'm weary of seeing my
children march down that hill.

first jed, then millie.

now him.

- you write
every week, now.

- you let me know
if you need me.

- who'd feed the chickens?

don't fret.

we'll make out.

- you give them my love.

go on, now.

- he'll be back.

- no.
he's got the family now.

- well, you got this place.

- place or family--
is that the choice?

- maybe we was lucky.

no choices.

you married,
you stayed married.

i'm still here.

- no, hector.

you're up
in the old orchard.

- it was you
brung me down.

you want to change that?

- please, hector.

things change whether
we want them to or not.

five years!

susie wasn't more than
a little bit when you died.

dillard's changed, too.
you never seen that, neither.

- he's studying divorce,
ain't he?

now, what's that?

"you take the table,
i'll take the chair."

"what about the kids?

you take an arm,
i'll take a leg?"

he's just coon hunting
again.

- whatever he's doing, there's
two young'uns to be cared for.

- they're growing
someplace else.

you and me
was planted here.

- "to everything,
there is a season.

"a time to be born,
a time to die.

"a time to plant,

and a time to pick up
that which is planted."

- i thought you was no hand
at quoting the bible.

- go away, please, hector.

i got to figure this out
for my own myself.

it's all easy for you now.

- well...

there's nothing
like daylight between the ribs

to clear a man's mind.

- you ain't still here.

it's the kids
that's still here.

you went away
five years ago.

you got so sick...

you left me.

i watched you go.

- i hear you're
just out of the hospital,

mr. nations.

are you feeling better now?

who are you?

- i told you, hector,
it's holly burrell.

she's writing about us
in her school magazine.

- about the old days.

- oh.

- how did you like being
over there in highlands?

- i didn't.

just can't stand the towns.

no room.

- could you speak up
a little, sir?

- i said i don't like
a town!

- that's fine.

you think you'll retire now?

- how's that?

- do you still
work the place?

- well, i--

- pa don't hear too good
when he don't want to.

- what did he say?

- he said you ought
to take it easy.

you've been poorly.

- so...i've been poorly.

well, i don't aim
to slack off none.

when the lord made a man,
he made him good!

he made him tough.

and...this old body's
really put together, buddy.

you can't hardly
tear it apart,

it's so well put together.

and i'm going to live
just as long as i see

anybody else living!

- yeah.

there ain't nobody can't say
nothing about that.

- what you knitting, ma?
- socks.

i'm bound to have something in
my fingers to occupy my mind.

- got socks here
that'd do a centipede.

- how many children
have you got, mrs. nations?

- you call me aunt annie, child.

everyone else does.

i had five.

- let's see...

no, i asked you that.

oh, my teacher
wanted this one.

is it a problem here,

kids going off

and families selling out?
- yeah.

- what are you gonna do
when you quit school?

- i'm gonna be a teacher.
- here?

i like it here.

don't you?

- now, you stick to that.

it's where you belong,
what you value.

- i guess this place is more
important to you

than anything else in the world,
isn't it?

- what is?

- this place.

- mm, i didn't say that.

- didn't you say
this is what you value most?

- no.
- well, what is?

- she is.

- who?

- her!

- oh...

- what did i do?

- it's all right, pa.

is that what most folks
tell you?

- most folks say they won't
budge no matter what,

but my granny, she wants
a trailer with a tv.

- oh, tv.

- when did you ever
look at tv, pa?

- oh, i seen it.
i don't like it, it--

the biggest piece of sin
furniture man ever made.

- fine, i...

just needed
another ball of wool.

- time for my pill.

- oh, i'll get it.
- you sit!

i can do it.

- i guess there ain't no place
in the world

where there ain't
some violence.

- what happened when somebody
got hurt, mrs. na--

aunt annie?

- you just did
the best you could.

i was raised on that.

all you got to do is ask.

he can heal...everything.

- well...didn't you ever
go to a doctor?

suppose you broke a leg
or got a toothache?

- well, if you got your leg
broke back in the old days,

they'd place it back
the best they could

with split-wood pieces,
and then they'd

take them and just tie it
with good, stout string.

- and then there you'd set
for about, oh, 12 months.

- 12 months?

- and if you had
to have a tooth pulled...

you'd come to a feller
by the name of j...

uh--uh...
- garrett.

- garrett.

- and he'd say, "lay down
on the floor, boy."

and you--
you'd stretch out.

he'd put one knee on your chest
and catch you around your head.

ooh, he was stout, too.

and he'd put one of those
homemade pullers in there,

and he'd give her a yank.

and he'd bring that tooth!

if he didn't bust it.

- but you wouldn't go to
mr. garrett now, would you?

- now, you'd just love
to hear me say,

"yes, i would," wouldn't you?

that all the old ways was better
than what we got now.

but some of the ways
is better.

yeah.
you had time.

nowadays, if you can't get
to atlanta and back in one day,

ooh, you're way behind.

you had neighbors then.

real neighbors.

you had the land.

and you had your family.

- i'll reckon that'll do us
till they sound the bell.

- yeah.
- the bell?

- st. john's.

though they don't do it no more
unless you ask special.

- they'd go ring the bell
as soon as they could.

toll it.

you'd get to countin'
if you heard the bell toll,

and you'd figure out
who it could be.

- if it was a child
two years old, it'd be two.

or 10 or 20 or whatever.
- that's right.

- for the old ones,
it'd toll for half an hour.

it was slow, you see.

dong...

dong...

- sounds sad.

- nothing sad about it.

saint paul said,

"be not sorry for those
who are departed."

- folks would come and help you
out to pay their respect.

- help you dig the grave
and make the coffin.

you'd have a drink
and then talk.

you'd...sing a little.

- i like the songs
that was hopeful.

there was one dillard
used to sing.

i can hear it in my head,
but i ain't clear on the words.

and my voice ain't much,
neither.

now the stars
is restin'

both:
settin' on the hill

nothin' is a-soundin'

- but a whippoorwill

- oh, that's right.
that's right.

- down in our hollow

there the foxfire glows

dear lord

both: give all your creatures
their repose

- the day is done, dear lord

tomorrow's sun,
dear lord

is sure to come

is sure to come

we have your word

dear lord

- this is something
i never did learn.

- when did pa
ever wear a tie?

- at our wedding,
and when his pa died.

this same one.

- you want i should tie it?
- no. thank you, dillard,

but i'd kind of like
to do it for him myself,

if you don't mind.

i hate to put the coins
on his eyes, though.

seems like the very last thing
i can do.

i had two quarters here,
but one slipped away.

- ma, when are you going
to get something to eat?

- oh, i'll fiddle with something
later on with the others.

where they all gone?

- grady's doing the milking.

told me i weren't
no hand at it.

just like pa.

- now, dillard...

- now, that was nothing, ma.

him and me was over that
long ago.

gudgert and some
of the others

went to get lumber
for the box,

and i shooed millie's kids
all down to the creek.

- but it's so quiet
all of a sudden--listen.

i'm just holding my breath.

- it's the bell, ma.

it's quit.

- why, so it has.

- 77.

and it didn't take long.

so still, it makes me tired.

- sit down, then.

- you know, dillard...

he was bragging to the doctor
on your medal.

- pa was?

don't that beat all?

it was only second place.

- but with guitar players
from all over georgia.

no, dillard, don't.

don't you comfort me none.

- he didn't like tears.

i could get him to do anything
for me if i cried,

so i never did.

not even when
your sister mary died.

he did, though.

i caught him right out there
by the shed, his face all wet.

he was mean to me
all day long after that.

and then, that evening, he comes
in with a bunch of dewberries.

he just shoved them at me
across the table.

turned his back, changed his
shirt, sat down to supper.

never said a word.

- they must be back.

- i know i had two of them.

you got a quarter?

you know what troubles me?

when i washed him just now,
i found a big white scar

above his knee.

his right knee.

and i can't remember
what made that.

not for the life of me,
i can't.

and i don't want to forget
nothing.

he must have been hurt bad.

- this old body's really
put together, buddy.

can't hardly tear it apart.

- i'll be right near
if you need me.

- hector...

you remember
when mary died,

you did it for her
'cause i wasn't up to it.

well...i'm doing it now.

"dillard nations.

"second guitar.

1968."

hector.

it's his medal.

you hear me now?

it's his medal.

oh, lord.

i never could
stand good-byes.

there.

that's done.

it's his medal, hector...

but it's my hand.

- every shadow shrinkin'

shrinkin' to the west

the breeze come so sweetly

across fresh-mowed hay

dear lord, be with us

through the newborn day

the newborn day

dear lord

oh, let it stay

oh, hear us pray

dear lord

- are you taking those
with you?

- i certainly am.

they made them for me.

and i ain't about
to leave them behind.

you sure my rocker's coming?

- ma, you can't take everything
on that plane.

now, they'll pick that stuff up
on tuesday.

rocker's top of the list.

- how high up
do them planes go?

- i'll take care of you.

of course you will.

now...here you go.

- so...

you made up your mind.

old woman.

old woman,
i'm talking to you.

you don't hear me, do you?

- better get started, ma.

- i'm all ready.

- you haven't forgotten
anything?

- oh, the glasses.
mm.

- all set?

- guess so.

- moon'll be up tonight.

almost full.

- all vine and no tater.

- what?

- nothing.

- gonna be some fine homes
up here.

- always was.

- absolutely.
no offense.

- you find them, ma?

- anything else i forgot,
i can do without.

- we can always
come back anyway.

- oh, i'm coming back.

you sure he's got that
in the paper?

- you don't have to worry
about that.

private burial ground's
protected by law.

we can't touch it.

- you got a hammer somewhere,
aunt annie?

- under the bed.
put it back.

- nope.

- you taking
your pa's tools?

i don't aim
to be a carpenter,

but it's him taught me
how to use them.

i figured i'd like
to be reminded.

- oh.

- you best lend me your arm
down the hill.

- you want to
take a look around?

- honey, there ain't
a rock or a tree

or a blade of grass here
i don't know better

than my own hand.

so let's just get along.

i don't have to wave.

- "sold.

trespassers
will be prosecuted."

trespassers.

i guess that's me.

well, they got a big job of
digging to do to get rid of me.

- she'll be back.

piano and harmonica