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(birds chirping)

(rooster crows)

(door opens)

(car engine tries to start)

(car engine starts)

MAN (on radio): Good morning, Lula.

This is the "Weverend" Beverly H. Hooker.

It's gonna be another hot one here in the central valley.

Temperatures up around 99.

Now let's get things started with the Heaven on a Hookup Singers.

♪ I've been up I've been down ♪

♪ Been lookin' for some joy to come around ♪

♪ I've been praying for some sunshine ♪

♪ Been lookin' for a love that I can call mine ♪

♪ See, I've cried for so long ♪

♪ Now I'm ready for the tears to be gone, so ♪

♪ I'm calling you right now ♪ -♪ Right now ♪

♪ 'Cause you said that I could make it, Lord, anyhow ♪

-♪ So I'm goin' away ♪ -♪ Are you ♪

- ♪ 'Cause I know that you're gonna pull ♪ - ♪ Me through ♪

-♪ I hear you telling me to ♪ -♪ Be strong ♪

-♪ 'Cause deliverance is comin' in ♪ -♪ It won't be long ♪

-♪ The storm will pass ♪ -♪ How we ♪

-♪ I believe it's gonna be ♪ -♪ A brighter day ♪

-♪ I can finally see ♪ -♪ The sun ♪

-♪ So I'm waitin' on you till ♪ -♪ Thy kingdom come ♪

WOMAN: Bud, we got a letter from your sister this morning.

BUD: Well, I ain't readin' it.

-WOMAN: Fine. I'll read it. -BUD : Well, I ain't listenin'.

WOMAN: That's fine too. You don't even have to listen.

"Dear Brother and Raynelle,

Well, Bud, I was expecting to see you at services Sunday,

but I guess there must have been something good on the TV... again.

I know how you love to watch that wrestling program...

BUD: Damn straight.

- WOMAN: ..."I wonder if they'll have TV in hell. -(Bud scoffs)

WOMAN: Well, I heard about Junior and Charisse's business going belly-up.

When will that son of yours learn?"

BUD: She should talk. One boy in the pen, and the other on the way.

WOMAN: "I think both our sons could learn a thing or two from Buster Kincaid's boy, Tiny.

-Thank you very much. - WOMAN: "I had him over here Saturday...

and that boy mowed the front yard, the side yard the backyard,

plus them three acres I got out behind the house.

Since his birthday is coming up next week,

I gave him three dollars instead of the usual two.

Well, that's about all the news for now.

I've decided to come over and visit y'all next Sunday after services.

One of you-- and I'm not saying who, Bud--

needs to get right with the Lord.

And I'm just the lady for the job.

We're gonna spend the whole day in prayer, discussing Scripture...

and singing hymns till we wear you down.

-Like it says in II Peter 3:8, -(Bud gasping)

'One day is with the Lord as a thousand years.'

Your loving sister, Marguerite."

Well, Bud, what did you think of that?

(thud)

Bud.

(ringing)

(ring)

Hello?

♪ Blessed assurance ♪

♪ Jesus is mine ♪

♪ O what a foretaste of glory divine ♪

Oh, hell no!

-(dial tone) -You're not gonna get off that easy.

(phone ringing)

-God! -(ring)

-Good God, Mama! -Did I hear you just take the Lord's name in vain?

-What the hell do you want? -Don't talk filthy!

And what are you doing, still laying in the bed?

It's 7:00 in the morning. How come you're not up looking for a job?

I'm not out looking for a job because it's 7:00 in the morning.

Oh, you wouldn't happen to be suffering from a hangover, would you? Hmm?

Are you laid up there with some harlot, huh? Harlot!

-No! Mama, stop it! -(slapping phone)

Wake up, harlot. What time is it?

Harlot! Harlot! Can you hear me in there?

Oh, Mama, stop that. Wh--What do you want?

I just thought you might wanna know...

your uncle Bud...

he passed this morning.

I'm sorry to hear that, Mama.

How's Aunt Raynelle doing?

Well, how do you think she's doing, huh?

Her husband just dropped dead at the breakfast table,

in the middle of one of my letters.

Mm. Imagine that.

So, we are gonna have to go over there and give them some comfort...

and some Christian counsel.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! What do you mean "we"?

Are you telling me that you're gonna turn your back on your family in this time of tragedy?

Mama, all them folk over there at that house and--and you're telling me somebody can't come get you?

-Come on, call Junior or Ray Bud. -They have too much to do!

And I would just die of shame

if people knew that my own son didn't want to take me over...

to comfort my only brother's grieving widow.

Or maybe you'd like to see me walk the 20 miles to Lula. It's 110 in the shade.

Or maybe you'd like me to drop dead from a heatstroke.

All right, all right, Mama. Ok, already. What time do you wanna leave?

Well, what time do you think I wanna go, next month?

Boy, get your triflin', worthless self over here now!

Bud ain't gonna keep long in this heat.

RAYNELLE: Now, Reverend, are you sure I can't offer you a ham?

I've got three of them, and it's just before noon.

No, no, no, thank you. That's mighty kind of you.

You know, it must be a blessing,

having your daughter here living with you during this time of "beweavement."

Oh, yes, it is. You've met my daughter, Delightful, haven't you?

Yes, yes, I believe I have.

-She's so precious to me. -I can see why.

REVEREND HOOKER (clears throat): Well, sister,

being that Brother Bud wasn't a "wegular" member of the church,

I was hoping you'd tell me a little something about your late husband...

that, uh, I can include in my "wemarks."

Um, it doesn't have to be anything fancy.

Just in your own words, what kind of man was Brother Bud.

Well... he was mean.

-Mean. -Mean as a snake.

-I see. -And surly.

Surly.

Sister, I didn't know Brother Slocumb well,

but to me, he seemed a quiet man.

REVEREND HOOKER: A man of inner strength.

A man that knew his own mind, kept his own counsel...

and was at peace with the world.

A wise, noble, gentle man.

Well, that's 'cause you didn't know him till he got old and sick,

but he was mean and he was right surly.

(sighs)

Sister, in my experience,

it's best to remember the happier times.

Well, they were few and far between.

RAYNELLE: Let me explain something to you, Reverend.

After my two boys were born,

I decided I wanted to go back to church.

And one time we went up to a revival meeting,

and I got saved.

And I was so happy, I came rushing back to tell Bud.

He hit the ceiling.

Cursed me out like I'd never been cursed out by anybody.

I said, "Bud, we're talking about your immortal soul here.

And if you don't take yourself up to that revival meeting,

your soul is gonna be in danger forever."

He wasn't having any part of it.

So, I said, "Well, if that's the way you feel about it,

I'm just gonna cut you off altogether."

I--I beg your pardon?

Not so much as a warm handshake in 20 years.

RAYNELLE: Well, except for that one time.

(crunching)

Well, I believe I have all the information I'm gonna need.

All right.

(chattering)

WOMAN: I just don't know what I'm gonna say.

Lord knows how I'm gonna get through this.

I mean, all our humiliation knowing that Daddy Bud up and died...

knowing that you never made nothing of yourself, Junior. Never.

Lord knows it's gonna be sad sittin' there thinking how...

Daddy Bud died knowing we had to sell everything...

to move into that god-awful trailer to pay off that big ol' dream of yours.

(children chattering)

Maybe you oughta set that to music, Charisse.

I mean, that sure should bring a tear to everybody's eye.

I believe I was just stating the facts, Junior.

I loved him too. He was like my own daddy.

BOY: Mom, he kicked me.

And you know something else, Junior?

I was just sitting here thinking to myself, your family never loved me.

Never! They're just lookin' down on us right now...

just having themselves a good ol' laugh-- ha ha ha!

Whoever thought of a machine that cleans parking lots? I mean, really!

All our money just right down the crapper.

Whoosh! Just gone.

-(chattering) -What? Damn it, boy!

Damn shoe! Now, look, walk around with one on your foot now!

-(children laughing) -You know what?

I could have been a professional, you know.

-I had talent. -Talent? (laughs)

Oh, and let me tell you something else, Mr. Funny Man.

I could have been lap-tied to your cousin, Teddy Wayne Slocumb,

and been the wife of the lawyer.

Keep pushing it, Charisse.

CHARISSE: But oh, no, I couldn't think about myself.

Uh-uh. I had to listen to my foolish heart... and get married to a fool.

A dreamer that just spent all our money on his dream.

-I'm gonna kill us, Charisse. -Oh, please.

I'm gonna kill us. I'm gonna kill us.

You ain't gonna kill nobody.

I'm gonna kill us! I'm gonna kill us!

-I'm gonna kill us! -(maniacal laughing)

(Charisse screaming)

(tires skid)

Shut up! Just shut it up!

Shut up! Just shut it up! All right?

My daddy just died. Can you understand that?

My daddy just died, I'm 33 years old,

I'm dead broke, I got no money, no job, no prospects,

three kids, and worst of all, I'm married to you.

Now just shut it up! Just shut up!

Whoo! I swear my hand before God,

you say one more word about parking lots, I will kill you.

And me too. You got that?

Do you got that?

You would have to get a job and buy some bullets first, Junior.

Put that thing away.

Put it away!

How dare you pull that out in front of these kids!

Now you know your daddy was just playing. He really love us.

He love us. You know Daddy just goes through a little something sometimes.

Isn't that right, baby?

Y'all play nice now.

(children laughing, chattering)

WOMAN: Ray Bud, I'm trying to make your daddy's funeral arrangements in here.

Okay, right now I'm guessing that Ray Bud's mother and sister...

will probably be riding in the hearse with the body, so, um, tell Antoine--

-(mumbles) -Oh, he does?

Well, what if one of us drove it? Ray Bud's a real good driver.

Tell her we'll just toss him on the back of the truck.

Listen, honey, I--I'm gonna have to let you go, okay?

I got family comin' and not a thing to eat in this house.

So, I'll just stop by later this afternoon, okay?

And we'll work out the rest of the details then, okay?

Okay. Okay.

Okay. Thanks, Merline.

What the hell you thanking her for? The damn thieves!

Ray!

Whoever thought of the term "grave robber" had Antoine and Merline's calendar...

-hanging on their wall. -Now, Ray, let's just stay calm.

Look, I'll find your shirt.

And what's my daddy doing down at Depew's, anyway? That's what I'd like to know.

The Slocumbs have always gone to Patterson's.

Well, you know, I thought that was strange too, but Depew's is what your mama wanted.

(scoffs) It's revenge. That's what it is.

-He's got me where he wants. -What are you talking about?

Antoine Depew. Remember fourth grade when he peed his pants?

-"P.U. here comes Depew." -You started that?

I started it. I started it, and it followed him all the way through high school.

Ray, now you're starting to talk a little crazy now.

Look, you know how I feel about funerals, Lucille. I don't like funerals.

People coming up to you, wanting to know what you feel.

-It doesn't make a difference what people think. -Honey, listen to me. All right just...

It's all right, okay? Just relax.

I know how hard this is for you.

I know you had your problems with your daddy, but...

we're family, and we're gonna get through this together, okay?

-Okay. -Mm, there you go.

-And speaking of family, -(sighs)

your Aunt Marguerite... volunteered to spend the night with your mama, isn't that good?

-That's good. -Good. And, um...

Junior, Charisse and the kids are gonna stay here with us.

-No! No! No! -Ray Bud, he's your brother.

No. I'm not gonna have Junior and them mess around here.

-They can go stay at a motel. -Now you know they can't afford a motel.

Is that my fault? Did I hold a gun to his head, tell him to mortgage his house

and blow all that money on that pipe dream?

Now you shouldn't talk about your brother like that, Ray Bud. He tried so hard.

Face it, Lucille. He's an idiot, okay?

And I'm not gonna sit here and listen to Charisse running her mouth.

And them children are demon-possessed.

Look, we'll talk about it tonight. Here's your lunch.

But don't forget, you gotta stop by the shoe store. Size ten-D, okay?

-I'll remember, Lucille, okay? -Good.

And Ray?

Now we're not gonna have any problems, are we?

-No, Lucille, we're not gonna have any problems. -Good.

-You just do me one favor. -What's that?

When I die, don't tell nobody.

Bury me out in the backyard and tell everyone I left you.

(starts engine)

♪ Layin' in the arms of a mother ♪

♪ And like a cool wind blowin' ♪

♪ In the middle of the burning summer ♪

(Charisse, indistinct)

Tariq, what is that in your mouth? What is wrong with you?

-Gimme that! Let it go! -JUNIOR: Let the boy eat it.

CHARISSE: Let it go!

-J--Junior? -What?

-What is this? -I don't know.

Junior, this looks like a woman's earring, but it ain't mine.

Junior! What?

-Whose is it? -Oh, baby, I don't know that.

Oh, you don't know. Oh you don... You want me to help you remember? Is that It?

(all yelling)

-MAN: Ray Bud! -Yeah.

(drill whirring)

Yeah.

It's all just a mystery, ain't it?

-Life and death. -(opens pop-top can)

(sighs) Yes, it is, Clyde. Yes, it is.

Ain't no easy thing losing your daddy.

Yeah, he's the one that taught you how to bait that first hook,

whooped that ass to teach you right from wrong, bought you your first beer.

It's the good things we remember.

Yep. I oughta get back to this carburetor.

We're not just a garage, Ray.

We're your family.

Back when you wasn't nothing but a drunken bum,

didn't show up for work half the time, we stood by you.

Paid your bills, lied to your wife. That's what families do.

And I, uh, sure am grateful for that, Clyde.

Course, now I wouldn't let Antoine and Merline Depew...

bury my dog, much less my daddy.

-(phone ringing) -So, if you have any problems whatsoever,

you just give us a call.

Thank you, Clyde. I gotta get back.

Now, if, uh,

you just say the word,

Antoine and Merline will be paying more in hearse repair...

than they make in a year.

Thank you, Clyde. I'll keep that in mind.

CLYDE: Clyde's.

Ray Bud, it's your cousin, Royce.

This is Ray.

Where are you?

MARGUERITE: Well, what did he say?

ROYCE: He say he'd be on his way as soon as he could.

You just do this to torture me, don't you?

Yeah, Mama, I siphoned out all that gas so you and me could spend some more time together.

You're a demon, Royce, you know that? I swear to God you're the devil incarnate.

Look, Mama, just keep your drawers on, all right?

Ray Bud say he be here as soon as he could.

And believe me, he can't get here fast enough to suit me.

So, let's just... let's just sit here and be quiet for a while, okay?

(scoffs)

-(rap music on radio) - ♪ Mama don't you cry don't you cry no more ♪

♪ Your baby boy's growin' up and he's goin' to war ♪

♪ My mind is playing tricks and my gat is too ♪

-(switches station) -(radio static)

-(changes station) - ♪ Hey, Lord ♪

♪ Let it be ♪

- ♪ Dear Lord ♪ -(changes station)

♪♪ (rap, indistinct)

-(changes station) - ♪ I...♪

-(changes station) -♪♪ (rap, indistinct)

(both alternating changing stations)

-(laughs) Jesus got the knob! -♪♪ (religious)

(laughs) That's cool, Mama.

-(laughing) -Yeah, that's cool, 'cause Satan's got the car keys.

-You gimme them keys, boy. Give me them keys! -Now. Uh-huh. No!

-Give 'em-- -No!

I can not believe, I spent 17 hours in labor with you!

You get back here! Royce where you--

Get back here! You get back here, boy! Don't make me have to hurt you!

WOMAN: I think you'll find that here at Depew's,

we combine a thrifty, no-nonsense approach

with a Christ-like sensitivity

to answer all your funeral needs.

-Ahem. -Yes.

Well, we have a number of wonderful plans.

Let me just take you through just a few of them.

(mouthing)

WOMAN: We have the Eternal Life package.

MARGUERITE: Seventeen hours of unbelievable torment.

Crying out in unbearable agony.

Would it kill you to do one thing to please me, huh?

It looks that way, Mama.

You know, ever since you got fired from that sewage plant,

you've been hanging out with that bad crowd.

Well, you're gonna end up just like your brother, aren't you?

Oh, Mama, come on now. Leave Levar out of this!

Maybe they'll put you in a cell right next to him up there in Parkersville.

The two of you can play on your harmonicas and beat on the bars with your tin cups.

You know what? I aint' got time for this. -You hear me talkin' to you, boy.

-You wait up and come back here! -Mama, look.

There's a filling station not more than two miles down this road, all right?

I'm gonna walk down there and go get some gas. I'll be right back.

Well, go on get your gas. If I'm lucky, I'll pass out here in the middle of the road.

And some big semi come roll over my head and that'll just be the end of it.

You just walk and get your gas!

(grumbling)

All right, Mama, all right. Wh-what do you wanna talk about?

What are you gonna do with yourself, Royce?

Them unemployment checks are not gonna come forever, you know.

Have you thought about that? You thought about your future? Huh?

Life is not just drinkin' and dancin' and a bunch of loose women.

-Life is not a good time Royce. -Yeah, well, you're livin' proof of that.

Boy, if you don't watch your mouth, you gonna-- Whoo!

You better straighten up and fly right. Or else you're gonna end up dancin' on a bed of hot coal.

You better come up with a plan, and you better come up with it soon.

-I got a plan. -Well, what is it? Where is it?

Look, Mama, you right, okay? Them unemployment checks ain't gonna keep comin' in.

I know you don't think I think about that, but I do.

And when they do stop coming in, I'm gonna go ahead and find me a nice gal.

A good Christian gal. Go ahead and settle down.

Cut all this foolishness.

Mama, I know you always wanted grandbabies. You always said that.

I figure I'll go and have me a couple kids, one or two of them.

So I can get on welfare.

Welfare?

-Is that your plan? -Yep, that's about it.

You wanna know what I say to that? (yelling, indistinct)

(arguing)

WOMAN: Now, look here. Them folding chairs aren't really part of your package,

but I guess I'll throw them in this one time. Thanks, Merline.

And could you bring back those funeral wrappers first thing in the morning?

-Okay. Bye. -Bye-bye.

Oh, no, no, no, no! Oh!

I have people coming.

What am I gonna do?

LUCILLE: I hope Mama Raynelle don't mind corn dogs.

♪ You'll not leave her by ♪

♪ Or stand right by her side ♪

-♪ Know before you go ♪ -(chattering)

♪ Just know that every woman needs ♪

♪ Her man ♪

♪ Her man ♪

-♪ Her man ♪ -Come on, Delightful.

What about this one?

I don't care, Mama. Whatever you want.

Well, I like the Diplomat, myself.

Who cares what you like, Satan? Give it here. G-Give it here!

I don't see where it really matters anyway.

Oh, it does matter. What you gonna do, put him out in a pine box?

LUCILLE: Well, of course not, Aunt Marguerite. Corn dog, Mama Ray?

No, thank you.

-(Arguing) -CHARISSE: You're a lying, dirty man. Get out!

LUCILLE: Junior, is Charisse feeling all right?

Um, well, I-I-I think she is, Lucille.

You know, sometimes she gets these sick headaches.

-Oh, that's too bad. -Yeah.

-You want a corn dog? -Oh, yeah. Uh, thank you, Lucille.

You're welcome. Take a napkin.

-Mm-hmm. All right. -Okay.

-ROYCE: Thanks, Lucille. -Y'all decide on anything?

No, Mama's just thinking about some of the models.

You know, I say we go with the-the Heavenly Express.

Oh, you do, do you?

-RAYNELLE: Well, it's pretty. -It seems kind of pricey to me, Mama.

-Fine. -No, no, no, no, Ray, you can't be thinking like that, man.

This is our one and only daddy, and we're gonna do this the right way.

Alright, look-look, me and Ray, we're gonna handle this, and we ain't gonna worry about how much it costs.

-Yeah? -That's what family's for.

-I'll tell you what I think. -Ray, honey, you wanna help me...

with some more food in the kitchen?

(door opens)

I don't mean to interrupt.

Charisse, how you feeling?

Not well, Lucille. Are my kids driving you crazy?

Oh, no, honey. We locked them outside.

-(pounding) -Oh!

Get your little ass away. Stop banging on the window before you break it!

Man I ain't playin' with you. Don't make me come out there.

-(clattering) -I'll beat your ass if your daddy won't.

Uh, Lucille, listen. I didn't bring any of my nerve pills.

-Can I borrow some of yours, please? -Oh, sure, honey.

-I'll be right back. -Come on, precious.

Junior, get my shoe.

JUNIOR: Yes, ma'am.

(water running)

(sighs)

That's it. There you go, sweetie.

I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling well, Charisse.

Mama Ray, I'm the one that's sorry.

Because I know what it feels like to watch something that you love

just shrivel up and die right before your very eyes.

It's sad.

Here you go, Charisse honey. I brought you a double dose.

Lucille, thank you. You are a comfort.

-You're welcome. -Now-n-now, come on, honey, we should just go...

and lay you down in the bedroom so-so you can just rest.

(sighs) Maybe you're right. I am feeling a little faint.

There you go honey.

Whoo! Did I just drop something?

Charisse.

I-I believe it's your earring.

This is not mine, Lucille.

Everybody, take a look at this earring.

I would never, ever wear something so cheap and tawdry.

LUCILLE: Charisse, honey, you might wanna be laying down when them nerve pills kick in.

Now come on. Come on, Charisse.

Mm-hmm. Gonna take just a little thought, Junior,

'cause I know I know who owns this earring.

-Okay, come on. -That's all it takes is a little thought baby.

'Cause I'm gonna find out who it is. Uh-huh.

CHARISSE: I could have married the rich Slocumb, Teddy Wayne.

(scoffs)

My vote's in for the Heavenly Express.

Heavenly Express it is.

Now, can we get to the subject of the headstone,

before we all fall dead?

I'm sure you got something to say about it, Marguerite.

I think it would be nice to have some Scripture

-on the headstone. -(Ray clears throat)

And my first thought was Ecclesiastics,

-chapter 2, verse 16. -Aunt Marguerite, please.

"For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool."

-Aunt Marguerite! Please! -Seeing that which now is in the days to come."

-No, no, no. -No, what?

That would be good. I mean, we can use some of that, Mama.

-Yes. -Look, look.

Could we just slow down a little bit? Now, Mama, Antoine said...

for the price of the stone, we get Daddy's date of birth,

his name and date of departure.

-Anything else is extra. -How much, Ray?

-Two dollars a letter. -How many words over there, Aunt Marguerite?

-One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine... -(Ray sighs)

That, that little bit of Bible ain’t gonna cost that much, Ray.

Well whatever it is, it's a damn sight more than you'll kick in, Junior.

So, what you saying, Ray? Hmm? You saying I ain't gonna pay my fair share?

Is that what you're saying, Ray?

It's easy for you to come on in here and shoot your big mouth off.

"Let's throw Daddy a big funeral." You think he would have done the same for you?

-Yes, I do. -Well, you're dreaming.

This is the last time we've got to show our Daddy we loved him.

All you can do is sit up there and talk about how much it's gonna cost.

Not everybody thinks about money all the time, Ray.

Some of us don't think about money any of the time.

That's why some of us don't have two nickels to rub together.

Ooh.

Ray, I saw that new used truck you got out there. You think I ain't seen that?

-So. -I heard about the trip you took Lucille to Swamp World last year.

-You think I ain't heard about that? -What about it?

You think I wouldn't want to take my kids down there so they can ride on some of them rides?

-Mm-hm. What about that, Ray? -Yeah, what about it?

RAY: Why don't you take those little monsters out to the parking lot?

Let 'em ride around on that little invention of yours, whatever it is you made.

-So, now my kids is monsters, huh? -Yeah, they're monsters.

You talk about my machine too, huh, Ray. Why you gotta bring my kids into this, huh?

-You know what? You know what? At least I got kids. -Oh, you're a tough guy.

-JUNIOR: I'm gonna bite you, sucker! -Fool!

RAY: No, I don't think so.

-JUNIOR: Let me go so I can kick your ass! -Come on! Come on!

Come on! Come on boy!

-JUNIOR: You want some of this? -Don't let him do that to you.

-Let me go so I can-- -Ray! Junior!

-(screaming) -Ray! Ray!

-Stop it, stop it, stop it! -(both grunting)

Stop it! Stop, don't move at all!

Come here, Royce.

I want you to take this down to Antoine's, and I want you to tell him...

that this is what I want on my husband's headstone.

RAYNELLE: Just 12 letters.

My wallet's in the kitchen.

This will stay between us, right, Royce?

Yes, ma'am.

I'm just gonna get some air.

Don't say anything to me.

-Sorry, Mama. -Ugh.

LUCILLE: Ray! Mama Ray?

I cannot believe you grown boys are acting like this

at a time like this when your mother is going through all this.

My brother, Bud, would have been so upset. And you, demon seed,

acting like you can't hear me when I'm talking.

You're gonna show me that note. I can't believe this.

-Come on, boy. Okay. -Mm-hmm. Uh-huh.

RAY: You're a real tough guy, ain't ya?

"Mean and surly."

Damn!

♪ I'll stand even when ♪

Yeah, okay, okay, Aunt Marguerite. Yeah.

Oh, she's doing fine.

Yeah, okay, yeah. I'll hook that one up.

Yeah-Yeah, okay-okay, okay yeah I'll hook that one up. Right.

Well...

good night, Junior.

Good night, Lucille.

♪ Put it all in your hand ♪

♪ And just stand ♪

-♪ Stand ♪ -♪ Even when nights seem cold ♪

Hey, Ray.

♪ When you can't feel your soul ♪

♪ When your thoughts won't seem to go away ♪

♪ Go away ♪

Got yourself a little taste, man.

Yep.

Thought you told Lucille you quit.

Well, you know how I lie.

Sure is hot out here tonight, Ray.

(train whistle blows in distance)

Damn, man, it's hot, Ray.

-Reminds me of that time-- -Sit down, Junior.

Mm. Ahh!

Thanks, Ray. Sure do appreciate this.

Sure is funny how things work themselves out sometimes, ain't it?

Oh, yeah, I just laugh myself to sleep every night.

Look, here, Ray. You know, uh,

I didn't mean none of that stuff I said up in there.

I-I was real sorry to hear that Lucille lost that last baby.

I guess she was all tore up about that, man.

(sighs) We she'd just quit trying.

'Cause last time was the absolute worst.

The doctor told her if she didn't wanna lose it,

she'd have to lay flat on her back and not move for nothing.

So, we talked about it, made a decision to give it one more shot.

She went to bed. I went to Rexall to get a prescription filled.

Get her a bedpan. Got one of those chicken buckets...

in case she had to go while I was gone.

Took a little longer than I expected, man. And when I got back,

she had lost it and didn't even know it.

She lost it in a chicken bucket, Ray?

A chicken bucket, Junior.

Damn, Ray. (chuckles)

That's gotta be the most god-awful story I've ever heard, man.

Yeah, it was pretty bad, man.

Well, I was, uh, sort of sorry to hear about your business going under.

Yeah, well, thank you, Ray.

(both chuckling)

So, uh, you gonna tell me or not?

(liquid pouring)

I don't know, Ray, it just kind of happened, man.

I-I was at the Shopwell parking lot giving them a free cleaning.

You know, sort of as a sample.

And there was this girl, man,

she started loading some stuff in the back of her car,

and we sort of struck up this conversation.

So, I started telling her about the machine, how it worked.

She seemed real interested, man.

I mean-I mean, here I was, sittin' on top of this big piece of machinery.

You know, sort of, sort of the master of it.

And here was this woman... starin' up at me.

Smilin' at me.

You know, makin' me feel like a man, Ray.

I was in business, Ray. I was a businessman, and I had control of my life.

What happened?

Charisse showed up.

She was lookin' all hot and sweaty

with all them damn kids just hangin' off of her, man,

screamin' for a Popsicle.

-(chuckles) -And you know what she want to talk about, Ray?

She want to talk about the house payment.

Want to talk about the car payment, man. Want to talk about

the kids needin' this and the kids needin' that, Ray.

And all the time she was up there talking, man,

I watched that woman pack up the rest of her stuff

and just drive away.

And all of a sudden, Ray, I got this strong desire to just...

run Charisse over with that machine, man.

So, what happened with the woman, Junior?

(chuckles)

Oh, Bernice Talbot.

-Bernice Talbot? -Oh, yeah.

Bernice with the--

Oh, yeah, two.

(laughing)

(sighs)

So, what you gonna do?

I don't know, Ray.

I mean, things are just so messed up now, man. It's...

I gotta get some money.

You will. You'll figure it out.

Just not tonight.

(Ray sighs)

Junior, I was thinking maybe Sunday you could bring your machine over,

polish up the driveway.

I've been meaning to pay somebody to do that for me.

That is, if you're not too busy and all.

Oh, no, no, sure, Ray. Sunday would be good, man.

-Yeah? -Yeah.

-Thanks, bro. -Mm-hmm.

Hey, Ray.

I never thought he'd die, man.

Did you?

(radio off)

(chuckles)

REVEREND HOOKER: Well, friends, it's been another busy day.

♪♪ (choir vocalizing)

And as I rush from place to place,

♪♪ (vocalizing)

offering the comfort and counsel...

to some of our brothers and sisters in crisis,

catharsis and confusion.

I said to myself, "Beverly...

what is this thing called life?"

♪ Praises, dear God oh, God ♪

REVEREND HOOKER: Is it nothing but a collection of...

problems, disappointments and heartaches?

♪ It's all in control ♪

REVEREND HOOKER: Or do we make it that way ourselves...

with our endless wants, needs and desires?

♪ My brother just he's strong ♪

REVEREND HOOKER: ♪ Mmm, Lord ♪

♪ Please let me ♪

And if it is we, ourselves,

then why do we do it?

-(snoring) - REVEREND HOOKER: Why don't we "wealize" that the slender...

and fragile canoe of life can be so easily overturned...

in the turbulent rapids of the world?

God's... gonna handle your problems.

I mean, wh-why don't we learn to relax?

♪♪ (vocalizing continues)

And why do we have to call somebody when we're "twoubled"?

REVEREND HOOKER: Why can't we can't we just keep it to ourselves?

God has your problems. You got to listen to Him. Trust Him!

Remember, friends,

-our time here is short. -(shrieks)

And if you feel that your life is nothing but the relenting torture,

♪♪ (continues)

-try to make the most of it. - ♪ But he's working it out ♪

-After all, tomorrow... - ♪ You have to trust him ♪

-...is another day. - ♪ God has it all in control ♪

Yes, call God.

Don't call me.

♪♪ (end)

Well, let's see here.

Friends, uh, tonight we have a new sponsor.

Uh, Depew's Funeral Home.

"Your pit stop to the afterlife."

Depew's Funeral Home where longtime Lula resident...

Woodrow Bud Slocumb is currently in repose.

Mm-mm-mm.

He sure look good.

(together) Mm-hmm.

Feets look funny, though.

Lucille, my daddy's out here wearing ballet shoes.

You know how Daddy Bud always had arthritis in his feet so bad?

Well, Antoine thinks when he had his stroke,

that he sort of pointed his toes down,

and they just sort of stayed that way.

There was no way they could get him in his new shoes.

And with it being so late and all, they just did the best that they could.

-I'm gonna kill him. -Ray! Ray!

-Hi, Lucille. -Hello there, Merline.

Hey. Uh, somebody has to organize this here food.

And then, all these people have to be out of here by 8:15...

'cause we have a Bisons meeting booked in here after that.

Oh, oh-okay. Well, just take that on into the kitchen and I'll be right in.

Thank you so much, ladies. So nice of you.

Thank you. I'll be right in.

-Lucille. -Ray.

Now just go over there and stand by your daddy and say hello to the people.

You can do it, okay? I know you can.

Oh.

(car sputtering)

No, baby, I got it. I got it.

Hey, Buster. Tiny.

Bud's laid out inside. Y'all go in.

I'll be right back. Is there anything I can get you, sweetheart?

Can you give me back the last 12 years of my life, Junior?

Can you give me back my hopes and my dreams...

of having a loving, faithful husband?

Can you do that, Junior?

No.

But I can get you a Pepsi or something.

A Pepsi's fine, adulterer.

-(children laughing) -Damn it!

Junior! Ju-- Junior! Junior!

-That's right. Y'all better run. -(children chattering)

I'll be right back. Just a minute.

Pepsi, right?

Pepsi.

(engine starts)

(mouthing) I love you.

(car backfires)

Come on, baby.

(coughs)

Hey, Bud. From your mama.

I think you'd better have a look at that.

"Mean and surly"?

Hmm.

(murmuring)

Oh!

Well, Bud, they got you painted up like a two-dollar whore.

♪♪ (humming)

-(Marguerite continues humming) -Girl, we sure was sorry to hear about Bud.

Well, I am so glad that you and Norval could make it.

You know, Norval looks much better than he did the last time I saw him.

But since he had his bypass done and his gallbladder out,

I've noticed a real improvement.

(yelling) And next month we're getting rid of that prostrate,

aren't we, Norval?

CLYDE: Yeah, it's times like these...

you find out who your real friends are.

Now they parked their hearse right out there in the street.

You know?

Anything in the world can happen to it, if you catch my meaning.

Uh-huh, I catch your meaning.

(coughs)

You say the word...

that thing might just blow up some evening.

Thank you, Clyde.

Yeah. Well, stranger things have happened, Ray.

That's true, Clyde.

All right, come on. Come on. Come on.

Come on. Let's just go on in there and see him. Now come on.

RAY: All right, Clyde, okay.

Why don't you go on in and I'll follow you in a minute?

Now, you want me to wait for you right here?

No, I don't want you to wait for me right here.

Go on in. I'll be in, in a minute.

All right.

WOMAN: We gotta keep that blood pressure down.

WOMAN (yelling): Ain't that right, Norval?

MARGUERITE: Hmm? What? Oh, my God!

You get your-- Don't you ever try to touch me.

You gotta be out of your ever-lovin' mind!

(scoffs) Jesus!

♪♪ (woman vocalizing)

What's the matter with you, boy?

You're supposed to take care of things. Look how it all turned out.

Your brother can't keep his pants zipped up,

your sister's done fallen in love with the refrigerator...

and your wife can't have the one thing in the world she wants.

Boy, I believe what you need is a drink.

(water running)

(breathing heavily)

(coughing)

My bad. My bad, Ray.

Can't look at him, can you, Ray?

(tires skid)

Damn!

How is she gonna go on, Aunt Marguerite? That's what I wanna know.

How's she gonna face life with--without Daddy Bud?

So sad when a woman loses her husband.

Mm-hmm. I remember when I lost my William.

Oh! Nobody to cook for. Nobody to clean house for.

Nobody to talk to over the breakfast table.

(whimpering)

♪♪ (humming)

These is my twins right here-- Latanya and Lasanya.

Oh, you are so lucky to have those precious babies.

Ladies, just find some space on the counters, wherever you can.

And this is Tomeka. She's from my second marriage.

-Excuse me. Has anybody seen my sister-in-law? -No.

-Oh, Lord, why is he gone? -Why is he gone?

Why can't it just all be the way it used to be?

Oh, Daddy Bud!

-Oh, Lord, the baby! -Charisse!

-Come on, Charisse. -Charisse!

-LUCILLE: Oh, I got her. -You got her?

LUCILLE: Charisse, come on now!

-Pull yourself together! -Oh!

LUCILLE: Oh, child, I got you!

Come on. Let's go to the restroom and freshen up.

WOMAN: After I gave him his injection, irrigate him for about an hour,

I usually set him on the porch to watch the sun go down...

while I get supper ready.

But girl I got to be careful. One time I got to talkin' on the phone...

and left him out there for over an hour, mosquitoes damn near ate his butt up.

Are you gettin' anything, Norval?

I had the same problem when my daddy passed away, man.

I guess it was something about seeing him laid up like that,

just made me realize, man, he was really gone.

Wasn't no going back. He was gone forever.

-That's real consoling, Royce. -Yeah, man.

You know, he-he look really good, Ray, for a dead man.

-Hey, hey, hey, y'all seen Charisse? -Uh, yeah.

Lucille just dragged her off to the toilet.

Oh shoot. Man, I mean, I went all the way down to the thing

you know to get the Pepsi for her.

Oh, wow!

Go on. Look at that there, Ray.

-I don't wanna see him. -No, he-he look dead, man.

He does. You-you need to look at him.

I'm sure he does, Junior.

Um, I'll just leave you two fellas here...

so y'all can do y'all thing, you know?

ROYCE: Hey, Ray, I think it helps to just try and remember the good times.

-Thank you, Royce. -All right? If you can remember any.

You know? I'll be out back if you need me.

Well, there it is, Ray. Look at it.

-Come on, Ray, it's death. -No.

Come on Ray just look at this... Just look at the Grim Reaper in the eye.

He's starin' you in the face. Stare at him back Ray. Come on.

-No, Junior. Junior. -Come on, Ray.

Oh, damn, Ray.

You don't look too good.

-Get me outta here. -I got got you brother. Come on.

JUNIOR: Hey man, how come Daddy got on them dancing shoes?

(knocks) Charisse?

-CHARISSE: Yes? -Honey, we're getting kinda backed up out here.

I'll be right there.

Okay, hurry up. She'll be right out.

-Hello, honey. -Oh, hi!

BOY: Out of the way. Gotta go. Hi, Mom.

-(people complaining) -Get outta there you little bastard!

(no audible dialogue)

Charisse! Oh, Charisse!

Honey, oh, I'm just so sorry Teddy Wayne couldn't be here.

Hi. Hello.

Oh, he always loved his uncle Bud so much.

But his law practice is doing so well,

it just keeps him busy day and night.

What a shame. (chuckles)

Oh, mama Ray must be all tore up. Oh. We better find her.

(chattering)

(exhales) I can do this.

I can do this.

I can't do this.

(engine starts, honks horn)

(honking horn)

Course, supper's his big meal of the day.

But it's always a gamble if he's gonna be able keep it down.

But, after I give him his evening medication and put him to bed,

he usually sleeps through the night.

Course, I don't get much rest myself,

'cause I gotta get up and turn him every couple of hours.

Mm, I know. You're just so lucky to have him.

I know.

I know.

Where-Where do you want this Jell-O?

Um... over there.

JUANITA: You know, it's a shame it takes something this sad to bring us all together again.

Charisse, do you remember when Lucille was part of my royal court...

-when I was elected Candied Yam Queen? -No.

CHARISSE: Was that when I was dating Teddy Wayne?

You know what? That was such a long time ago.

But you're right Juanita, it is good to know... Thank you...

that we can come together like this in a time of sadness.

You are so right, Lucille. So right.

Mm-mmm.

Now, what can I do to help?

-Break a nail. -Um, honey, why don't you, um...

go out there and make everybody happy?

-You're really good at that. -It's so sweet of you, Lucille.

Thank you. I will. (kisses) I'll do my best.

JUANITA: Aunt Marguerite, hi!

You know I could have been married to that Teddy Wayne Slocumb if I wanted to.

Oh, Lucille, I could have been... I could have been rich and stupid.

I would've been good at it. But look at me. Look at me.

Who am I now? I'm poor and foolish in a trailer.

What happened to me?

LUCILLE: Honey, now, don't you pay no attention to her.

She just thinks she's happy.

Delightful, sweetie,

why don't you grab that big bowl over there?

Sweetie, be real careful with it 'cause it was my mother's.

-CHARISSE: But, Lucille! -You're all right now.

MARGUERITE: Thank you, Juanita, baby.

So, Aunt Marguerite, are you still working with your church groups?

Oh, yes, honey. I'm the vice president of the Ladies African Missionary Auxiliary.

-Baby, get that rag, wipe off over there. -(loud crash)

(gasps) Oh, my God. Delightful?

Y'all go on in the front because the food ain't out yet.

The food will be out in about 15 minutes.

-JUNIOR: Is Charisse still in there? -WOMAN: Excuse me.

Charisse? Come on, baby, people out here are beginning to talk about you.

You not going to stay in there all night, is you, Charisse?

Baby?

Now you know you the only woman for me.

I knew that the first time we went out. You remember that night...

that we went down to the Dairy Whiz and I bought you that grape fizzy cream,

you know, the one you like?

JUNIOR: We sat out on that sofa that your pops had out in the front yard...

-(laughing) -and talked about our future and feeling so good,

-like, like we had our whole lives ahead of us. -(crowd) Aw.

Look, baby, you know I ain't good at this,

but, I don't know, standing out in that parking lot, I guess I lost my head.

So now I'm... I'm praying that

you might maybe want to take me back.

You know, because if I learned one thing from you, Charisse, is that I am nothing without you.

-(toilet flushes) -Okay, baby? You are my world, Charisse,

and I love you.

Oh, Charisse, baby.

ROYCE: I love you too, Junior.

You could of told me it was you, Royce.

-Well, at least it was quick. -Mm-hmm.

That's the best way, quick. You don't want to linger.

Tha--That'd be awful.

Quick.

Yeah, that's the way I want to go--quick.

Car crash, bolt of lightning.

Piano... hitting you on the head. That's what I want.

That's what I want for you, Clyde.

Yeah, me too.

God, you and I both know there ain't nothing in this liquor store...

that can help me or the ones I love.

So if you could figure out a way to get this car started...

before I reach for this door handle, I sure would appreciate it.

Evening, Ray.

Reverend. Mrs. Hooker. How are you?

We're about to go over to Depew's and visit with your family for a little while.

You want to follow us over there?

You bet, Reverend.

-Okay. -(engine starts)

-(exhales) Thank you, God. -(engine starts)

-Oh, hey, Bernice. -So, uh,

-have you seen Royce? -Uh, no, honey. Not in a while.

Well, um, I hope y'all can you use this.

Well, thank you, Bernice.

(coughs, gags)

-LUCILLE: Ooo, that's awful. -Oh! No, uh-uh.

We're about to start real soon, Merline, okay?

We're about to start real soon, all right?

Oh, Delightful, honey, do me a favor.

Take and put this somewhere up in the kitchen up high where can't nobody get to it, okay?

-Whoo! That's just a bowl full of funk. -That's Bernice's dish.

-Is that Bernice Talbot? -Uh-huh.

-She looks a god-awful mess. -LUCILLE: Charisse.

Well, she ain't... never been no prize to nobody, and you know she'll lift that skirt up for anybody who'd ask.

Poor thing.

JUANITA: I saw her not two weeks ago, staggering out some old Cadillac...

with her blouse on backwards and one earring hanging off.

Just tacky.

-MARGUERITE: Mm-mm. -JUANITA: What?

-All right, y'all-- -Hey, has anybody seen Charisse?

LUCILLE: Let's get started, okay? You know, I think we oughta get started.

Bernice Talbot?

LUCILLE: What did I say? Charisse. Now, honey, now,

-there are a lot of people-- -My husband done did it...

to that child in the Shopwell parking lot?

Lord, take me now!

People, don't pay her no mind, she just likes attention.

-All right, y'all-- -Will you quit harping on that?

-Get up before you make your dress dirty. -(Charisse wailing)

LUCILLE: All right, come on y'all. Now we got a lot of good food up here. Come on.

We got baked beans, macaroni and cheese, some greens, some yams.

And look, somebody even brought us some--

(crying)

Who brought this?

Lucille? Honey, what's wrong?

CHARISSE: What am I gonna do? What am I gonna do?

-Get out! Out! Out! Out! -(laughing)

-Lu-Lucille? -Leave me alone!

-Oh, God! -Charisse!

Come on out of here. Don't nobody care about your husband and Bernice Talbot.

(screams) If you don't come out of here, I'm gon--

I'm gonna sic Delightful on you.

-Please, just let me come in for just a second. -Just leave me alone!

You just don't understand!

I don't understand? I don't understand?

Honey, you think you're the only one with heartache, huh?

I'll have you know I have a son in the penitentiary.

You don't see me wallowing on the flo', you don't see me hiding up in somebody's closet.

Well, this closet's taken, and you can't have it!

Move! Let me tell you one thing, young lady.

You listen to me. Like it or not, we are family.

We are the Slocumbs, and we are going to serve this dinner...

with our heads held high if it kills us.

Now you come on. You come on outta here!

MARGUERITE: Come on, people, get your plates. Take these--

Pass these plates out. We ain't got all day.

I am so glad you could come, Reverend. Good to see you.

Mrs. Slocumb, I'm so sorry for you, and I'm glad that I can be here.

I'm just so sorry, Ray.

Thank you, Charles. Thank you.

You know, I had no idea your daddy was a dancer.

Well, it was a pretty well-kept secret, Charles.

We thank you, Lord, for these blessings.

And last but not least, Lord, you know the names of all the men in this room...

-who've done filthy things with Bernice Talbot. -(all murmuring)

I don't need to repeat their names, Lord,

-but I could, if I was provoked, amen. -(all) Amen.

In Jesus' name, amen. Everybody step lively, we have to eat up.

A bunch of Bisons booked this room next, and they ready to eat.

♪ People try and say I always understand why ♪ Bombs away!

♪ The rain falls on thee ♪

♪ And I have to admit ♪

♪ I feel my faith is gone ♪

♪ It's easy to believe ♪

♪ When sorrow never comes your way ♪

♪ And when I try to pray ♪

♪ It seems the words they come out wrong ♪

♪ So everything that matters to me ♪

♪ I give it all to you ♪

♪ 'Cause I'm tired of the way the cryin' feels ♪

♪ And just to let you know ♪

Yeah, well. Look, I just wanted to call,

make sure you guys got in the house okay; make sure everything was all right.

Yeah... no, Ray, we here.

We'll be home in a little bit.

All right.

Sure hated not being able to visit with everybody.

It's just so sweet, all those people.

Each of them touched in some way by Daddy Bud.

They was touched all right.

Now I want you to see if Junior can use these shirts,

'cause you know he's gonna be looking for a job soon.

-We don't want him out there looking like a scarecrow. -I will.

About ready to go, honey?

No, I'm gonna talk to Mama for a little while. You don't mind, do you?

-Not at all. Get some rest. -I will.

-Good night, Mama. -Night, honey.

♪ Thy Kingdom come ♪

♪ Oh thy will be done ♪

(clears throat)

Ray?

Mama, Antoine told me what you requested on that stone.

I'm not having it. It's gonna say, "Rest In Peace,"

which is eleven letters, so Antoine's gonna give us a two-dollar credit.

That's it, Mama. Period. That's it.

All right.

I understand that.

Well, that's all I had to say.

I'll let you get to bed now.

-Come on, take a minute with me. Can you? -Of course, Mama.

I want to show you something. Come on, help me up.

Do you remember these?

Can't say I do.

These were my embroidery scissors.

My mother gave them to me after I married your father.

I used to do all kinds of things with these.

Did all the quilts, made clothes for you kids.

Just... everything.

And one day they just up and disappeared.

I looked everywhere for 'em, I tore this house up. I never saw them again.

And yesterday, when I went looking for your daddy's good cuff links,

I found them in with his stuff.

I can't for the life of me figure out what he wanted with them.

Never even occurred to me to ask him if he knew where they were.

Isn't that funny?

I guess so, Mama.

It came to me that your father's like these scissors.

We didn't lose him on Wednesday.

We lost your father a long, long time ago.

Did you love him?

Did you love him?

Sometimes I loved him, sometimes I hated him, Mama.

RAYNELLE: Ray, sometime...

when you're not even thinking about it,

a little door's gonna open up inside of you.

And you'll be feeling just fine about however you feel about your daddy...

'cause it'll be right; you'll be able to accept it.

♪ Yesterday I got a page and it said ♪

♪ That my daddy died but I couldn't cry ♪

♪ We had a fight long time ago ♪

♪ By the liquor store said I didn't want to see your face no more ♪

-Night, Mama, see you tomorrow. -All right.

♪ I don't understand ♪

♪ The telephone rings and what am I supposed to do ♪

Mama.

Hmm?

You sure about that door opening?

Absolutely positive.

-Now you know if you need anything-- -Lucille,

don't try to fix it.

Let's just let it be broke for awhile.

(car engine starts)

♪♪ (vocalizing)

♪ I've been up I've been down ♪

♪ Been looking for some joy to come around ♪

♪ I've been praying for some sunshine ♪

♪ Been looking for a love that I can call mine ♪

♪ See, I've cried for so long ♪

♪ Now I'm ready for the tears to be gone ♪

-♪ So, I'm calling you right now ♪ -♪ Right now ♪

♪ 'Cause you said I could make it, Lord, anyhow ♪

MARGUERITE: Come on, Delightful, quit fidgeting. Royce! Wake up.

Well, where's Aunt Raynelle at?

Why? Are you in a hurry, Devil? Huh? Delightful, come on.

Uh-uh. No, no, no. None of that today.

And take that gold fake thing out your mouth.

I don't want that-- Delightful, come on!

(arguing, indistinct)

-♪ So I'm goin' away ♪ -♪ Are you ♪

-♪ 'Cause I know that you're gonna pull ♪ -♪ Me through ♪

-♪ Hallelujah, come on, y'all ♪ -♪ Lead me through Be strong ♪

♪ 'Cause I know that deliverance is comin' in ♪

-♪ It won't be long I'll wait ♪ -♪ Hallelujah ♪

-♪ It's gonna be ♪ -♪ A brighter day ♪

-♪ Can't you finally see ♪ -♪ The sun ♪

-♪ I'm gonna wait till ♪ -♪ Thy kingdom come ♪

Lucille, I can't find my good pants.

Lu!

♪♪

-♪ I believe it's gonna be ♪ -♪ A brighter day ♪

-♪ Can't you see it I finally see it ♪ -♪ The sun ♪

-♪ So I'm waitn' on you till ♪ -♪ Thy kingdom come

-♪ So I'm gonna wait ♪ -♪On you ♪

-♪ Must have known that you're gonna pull ♪ -♪ Me through ♪

-♪ Can't you hear him he's telling you ♪ -♪ Be strong ♪

-♪ 'Cause I know deliverance is comin' in ♪ -♪ It won't be long ♪

♪ Well ♪

♪ Well-well-well ♪

(man groaning, bowel noise)

Where the hell is the preacher, Mama?

We ain't in a big rush, Ray.

Mama, Antoine and Merline are charging me by the hour.

Ray, go on and find him.

Sit tight.

-Lucille, come on. Come on! -Shh.

-What's he doing? -He'll be out in a minute, Ray.

I'm going broke waiting for him. Tell him to get out here.

LUCILLE: It seems last night that Reverend and Mrs. Hooker celebrated their anniversary.

And since it was a special occasion,

they decided to try that new Mexican restaurant up in Tempton.

-So what! -Well, it seems this morning the reverend's having a little...

intestinal difficulty.

Lucille, I swear to God, if I have to go in there myself, I'll tear it off the hinges.

I've had it up to here with this shit!

Ray, now that is a poor choice of words, okay?

You know my nerves are getting worked,

-and I don't have my nerve pills on me today. -Just calm down. Shh, shh.

-I'm trying to be-- -Just take a deep breath.

Come on. I know.

-(exhales) -I'm really trying.

I know. I know.

I'll take care of it, okay? Be quiet.

(sighs)

-(knocking on door) -Reverend?

(farts)

Shouldn't be much longer. Be okay.

-When's this thing gonna start? -In a minute.

Charisse? Honey, where's Junior?

I don't know, ask Bernice Talbot.

(laughs) Charisse--

Girl, you so funny. You want some gum?

No, thank you.

I always carry a pack of sweet gum with me at weddings and funerals.

I think it's something about the rhythm of it that sort of lulls me.

Helps my mind wander.

You want to know what I think about when my mind wanders?

Well, I'm sure you're going to tell me.

I think about my life. How at the end of each day,

I tuck my precious little boy into bed,

turn out the lights in my $800,000 home,

crawl into my king-size bed and lie there and wonder...

where the hell my husband is.

You sure you don't want a piece?

Why don't you leave him?

And go where?

Charisse, I got everything I ever asked for.

-But he really loved you-- -Then I might be forced into

that god-awful position of having to love him back.

-Do you love Junior? -I just--

Oh--mm.

Do you want him back?

You don't have to answer that right now, honey.

Just sit back and let the sweet gum take its effect.

It'll come to you.

(breathes deeply) Hot in here.

-That's nice. -Thank you, girl.

Can I see it?

WOMAN: How you doing?

Uh, first of all, let me apologize for my tardiness.

Say why I was late, I had to call the gas company.

There seemed to be a problem with one of the pipes. (clears throat)

Um, shall we pray?

-JUNIOR: Sorry. -(congregation murmuring)

Sorry I'm late, I had to--

For God's sake, sit down.

-Sit down! -(stammering)

Sit down!

Heavenly Father,

we come here today with heavy hearts...

I'm sorry.

...as we mark with sadness the passing...

of our dearly departed Brother Bud Slocumb.

(paper bag crackling)

Give us peace in our hearts today, Lord.

Guide us through the long night, and help us see the promise...

-Psst! -of a better tomorrow.

Okay, you need to handle this. I'm gonna move.

REVEREND HOOKER: Now--Now, Father,

let that tomorrow...

be better day than yesterday was.

For what is yesterday...

but the tomorrow that we thought we could not face the day before.

-(congregation) Amen. Amen. -(paper bag crackling)

(clears throat)

But, God, with your help,

we face it anyway.

Just like we'll face today,

tomorrow and all of our days to come...

till You call us home to be with You...

and our beloved Brother Bud.

Can everybody say "Amen"?

(congregation) Amen.

-I love you, Charisse. -(all murmuring)

Can't you understand that?

I love you.

(congregation gasps)

I guess you thought you could just waltz into your daddy's funeral...

with a Whizzy Cream and that would make everything okay.

And I was just supposed to forget about all the pain...

and humiliation that you have put me through, huh, Junior?

-All right now, Raymond, it's your daddy's funeral, okay? -I'm gonna stop it.

I'm just supposed to welcome you with open arms...

and say, "I forgive you, Junior, I forgive you, I forgive you!"

Well, yeah.

-I love you, Junior. -Oh-ho, I love you too, Charisse.

CHARISSE: Why do you have to do me like that, Junior?

JUNIOR: Oh, I didn't mean to do you like that, baby.

-I'm sorry, I love you. -That's it! That's it!

Get in the pew! Get in the pew!

That's it! Get your ass in that pew!

Stay there if you value your life.

That's it!

Now, is there anything else...

that anybody else here needs to say or do?

Does everybody here have everything they need?

This family may be the laughingstock around here,

but for once in our lives, we're gonna do something with class...

and dignity.

All right, Reverend...

take it away.

Well, o-okay there, Ray.

Um... well. (stammers)

Ain't God good?

-Um... -(congregation agrees)

Let's see.

Now I did not know Brother Slocumb well,

but to me, he seemed to be a quiet man.

A man of inner strengths.

And I believe that--

-(stomache rumbling) -(gulps, clears throat)

Ooh. Now I believe that...

if he was here today,

he would send a message to his family.

The message would simp-simp-simply...

-say-- -(farts)

-(congregation gasps) -Oh, uh-oh.

(farts)

(continues farting)

Would you all don't mind just excusin' me for just a minute?

-Imma--Imma be right back. -(farts)

-MAN: Don't bring it over here. -(farts)

(laughing)

You gotta admit, he always was a man of few words.

Baby, it doesn't matter if we have children or not.

-What? -It doesn't matter if we have a baby.

-You're all I ever wanted. -Oh, Ray.

I hate to break up this little party,

but how are we going to have a funeral if there is no pastor?

Sit down, Marguerite. We don't need no pastor.

RAYNELLE: We got Ray Bud. Go on up there and say a few things.

Feel that little door opening.

-Go on, say it for us. -Go on, baby.

(exhales loudly)

You can do it.

Aunt Marguerite, you wanna?

Oh. Well, thank you, Ray.

Um, there seems to be a passage here in Isaiah that um, says, "Whoa--"

Hey, Ray. What about that part from Psalms, man?

The part that goes, uh, "Though my father and mother forsake me...

then the Lord will take me up.

Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path,

and let me see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

Wait on the Lord and be of good courage,

and He shall strengthen thine heart.

Wait, I say, on the Lord."

You got it, Ray.

That was real good, Royce.

That was real good.

Uh...

I guess this is the part where I'm supposed to...

tell you all how great a man my father was.

Well, I'm not gonna do that.

I'm gonna do what he would've done.

I'm gonna tell the truth.

My father was a hard man. I'm not judging him, I just--

It's just the facts. Daddy wasn't real big on soft words.

And I know he wasn't good at...

expressing what he felt in his heart.

So, as I stand here today,

I can tell you this.

If I could do one thing all over again...

I'd tell my father I loved him,

instead of waiting my whole life...

for him to tell me first.

So, as you step up here today...

to say your last good-bye...

to Woodrow "Bud" Slocumb...

I hope you'll open up the door to your heart.

RAY: I hope you'll take time and take a moment

to truly consider the folks in your life that mean something to you.

Because people don't last forever.

RAY: They really don't.

And letting a person in,

that's the most cherished treasure this life has to offer.

So, I'm proud to stand here today...

and say that in his own way,

my father taught me that.

Amen.

-(all) Amen. -Amen baby.

Hooo! (chuckles)

Uh, we are truly lucky...

to have with us today...

a member of our family.

Mrs. Charisse Marie Slocumb,

who is going to honor her father-in-law in song.

Charisse.

-Thank you. -Thank you, Ray.

I haven't sang it in a long time. (laughs)

CHARISSE: I know you all know this, so sing along.

♪ Everybody needs ♪

♪ Somebody who'll be there ♪

♪ Someone to wipe the tears and make you smile ♪

♪ And if you need someone ♪

♪ Who will not judge you when you fall ♪

♪ No matter what you've done ♪

♪ My love will answer when you call ♪

♪ So after your friends have walked away ♪

♪ And you run out of words to say ♪

♪ After you've tried everything else ♪

♪ Then try me ♪

♪ Even though you hurt me ♪

♪ And sometimes forget my name ♪

♪ My love is unconditional ♪

♪ That means that it won't ever, ever change ♪

♪ After your heart's been torn in two ♪

♪ And you just don't know what to do ♪

♪ After your doubts have come and gone ♪

♪ And the sun still won't shine ♪

♪ After your friends have walked away ♪

♪ And you run out of words to say ♪

♪ After you've tried everything else ♪

CHARISSE: ♪ Try me ♪

♪♪ (gospel)

(coughs)

Baby, you were wonderful. Baby, that was good.

Um, uh, uh, well, Daddy...

I know you always wondered about me and the kids.

But uh, I just want to let you know you don't have to worry no more,

because Charisse is going to be in the music business, and I'm going to be her manager.

-You think? -Oh, I think.

-RAY: Sure does look peaceful, don't he? -Yes, he does.

Daddy Bud, I want you to know, in about 7 1/2 months from now,

you might be getting a little surprise.

And if it's a boy, we're going to name him Buddy Ray.

And if it's a girl, we're going to name her Budicia Joy.

But just don't get your hopes up too high yet.

Bye, Daddy.

♪♪ (gospel)

Well, Royce, when I go, just put me out in a pine box.

You don't have to spend no money on me. Not that you're going to have any.

Well, Mama, when the time comes,

you just make sure you point your toes down like Uncle Bud here.

That way I can go on and put you right in the ground with a pile driver.

Oh, Royce, you just a demon.

But I'm your demon mama. (laughing)

-Royce, come on, baby. -(growls)

(screams) No, you didn't!

If it starts to get crowded up there, Bud, save a place for me.

But not too soon.

(all saying good-bye)

-♪ La la la la la la ♪ -♪ Mary Mary ♪

-♪ La la la la la la la ♪ -♪ Thank you ♪

-♪ When I look back over my life ♪ -♪ Thank you ♪

-♪ And all the times you brought me through ♪ -♪ Thank you ♪

♪ I just wanna say, Father thank you ♪

♪ When I was lonely and needed someone to hold me ♪

♪ Oh, you were beside me when my nights were cold and lonely ♪

-♪ Oh, you never let me down when ♪ -♪♪ (indistinct)

♪ Always count on you to see me through ♪

♪ I'm telling you that you are the reason ♪

♪ I'm alive and I'm still breathing ♪

♪ For me you gave your life and now my life it has new meaning ♪

♪ When I think about your grace and I finally see your face ♪

♪ There's one thing I need to say want to say, yeah ♪

♪ Thank you, Lord for loving me ♪

♪ Thank you, Lord for keeping me ♪

♪ Thank you for that day you came and broke the chains and set me free ♪

♪ Thank you for another chance You gave me joy now I can dance ♪

♪ All my people open up your mouth and let me hear you say thank you ♪

-♪ Thank you ♪ -♪ Thank you ♪

♪ Thank you, Lord for one more day ♪

-♪ You made the raindrops go away ♪ -♪ Hey, hey ♪

♪ Thank you 'cause my pain it's gone ♪

♪ I know it came to make me strong ♪

♪ Thank you for another chance You gave me joy now I can dance ♪

♪ All my people open up your mouth and let me hear you say thank you ♪

-♪ Thank you ♪ -♪ Thank you ♪

♪ Yeah, yeah yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪

-♪ All the children say ♪ -♪ Yeah, yeah yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪

-♪ All my babies say ♪ -♪ Thank you ♪

-♪ For making a way out of no way, Lord, I ♪ -♪ Thank you ♪

-♪ For my health and strength, Lord, I ♪ -♪ Thank you ♪

-♪ For helping me say thank you ♪ -♪ Thank you ♪

♪ Thank you, Lord for loving me ♪

♪ Thank you, Lord for keeping me ♪

♪ Thank you for that day you came and broke the chains and set me free ♪

♪ Thank you for another chance You gave me joy now I can dance ♪

♪ All my people open up your mouth and let me hear you say thank you ♪

♪ Thank you Thank you ♪ ♪ Thank you ♪

♪ Thank you, Lord for one more day ♪

♪ You made the raindrops go away ♪

♪ Thank you 'cause my pain it's gone ♪

♪ I know it came to make me strong ♪

♪ Thank you for another chance You gave me joy now I can dance ♪

♪ All my people open up your mouth and let me hear you say thank you ♪

-♪ Thank you Thank you ♪ -♪ Thank you ♪

♪ Thank you, Lord for loving me ♪

♪ Thank you, Lord for keeping me ♪

♪ Thank you for that day you came and broke the chains and set me free ♪

♪ Thank you for another chance You gave me joy now I can dance ♪

♪ All my people open up your mouth and let me hear you say thank you ♪

-♪ Thank you ♪ -♪ Thank you ♪

♪♪ (ends)

♪♪

♪♪

♪ Everybody needs ♪

♪ Somebody who'll be there ♪

♪ Someone to wipe the tears and make you smile ♪

♪ So if you need someone ♪

♪ That will not judge you when you fall ♪

♪ No matter what you've done ♪

♪ My love will answer when you call ♪

♪ So after your heart's been torn in two ♪

♪ And you just don't know what to do ♪

♪ After the rain has come and gone ♪

♪ And the sun still won't shine ♪

♪ After your friends have walked away ♪

♪ And you've run out of words to say ♪

♪ After you tried everything else ♪

♪ Try me Oh, yeah ♪