Original subtitles

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- [Si] Claude, any sign of him yet?

- Nothing yet, Si.

- What time have you got, Gasten?

- 1:52, Si.

- Well, he ought to be here any minute.

Where is he?

Everybody's waiting.

- Why don't you relax, Si?

This is your brainchild.

Now enjoy it.

- Yeah, he said two o'clock, Si,

and it's not two o'clock yet, so just calm down.

- Hey, now, here comes somebody.

That'll probably be him.

- What's the trouble, officer?

- Oh, there ain't no trouble.

Nothing wrong.

Where you folks from?

- [Alice] Albert, I told you you were driving too fast.

- Alice, for god's sakes.

Oh, we're from Cleveland.

- Oh, you all on vacation, are you?

- Yeah, we're on our way to-

- [Alice] You stopped him for speeding, didn't you, officer?

- No ma'am, no ma'am.

We're waiting on Robert Brandon, thought you might be him.

- You mean the actor?

- [Alice] If you get a ticket, Albert, you deserve it.

- Alice, for god's sakes.

- Yeah, he's the one.

You know, he's originally from right here in Columbus.

We're fixing to escort him in.

- [Alice] Albert, do you know what they do to people

in these small town speed traps?

- [Albert] Alice, you're paranoid.

- [Alice] Well, see if he'll take a bribe.

- [Albert] Will you leave me alone?

I'll handle it, for Christ's sakes.

Shut up, Walter!

I can't take you and her both!

- [Alice] Don't you talk to my son like that!

- Good god, Alice.

He spilled his potty on me.

- [Alice] Oh, well, don't make such a federal case about it.

- [Albert] I don't know why we...

(engine revving)

- [Albert] In the first place!

- [Alice] If you think...

(both talking at once)

- Goodbye!

Y'all come back.

Well, what do you think, Si?

- I don't know.

What time is it now, Gasten?

- 2:08.

- Well, now he's late.

Think he'd be on time, wouldn't you?

(upbeat music)

(engine revving)

What was that?

- I don't know, but he better keep on moving.

(upbeat music)

- How long we gonna wait?

- Until he gets here.

Now just take it easy.

(upbeat music)

(engine revving)

- What the hell's going on here?

- Damned if I know.

- I don't know what kind of a joke this is,

but get him out of here, Claude.

- Yes, move him on through, Claude.

- You heard me, Claude.

Get him outta here.

(upbeat music)

Son of a bitch, it's him.

(upbeat music)

(marching band music)

(engine revving)

- Mama.

- Oh, Bobby Joe.

We weren't sure it was you.

You've changed so much, son.

Here's your pa.

- Pa.

- And here's your sister.

- Bobby Joe. - Hey.

- I didn't think you were ever coming home again.

- Come on, now. - Let's go, Bobby Joe.

- I'll see you all later.

(drum music)

- Folks, will you all join Reverend Jenkins

for our invocation?

Let us pray.

Our heavenly father...

We gather before you in our most humble manner

to seek your divine guidance...

So that we may pursue the proper course

in the instructing of our young people

as they set out on the road of life.

As we educate them to the best of our humble ability,

we beseech you, oh Lord, to take them in hand

and lead them away from the many paths of evil of our times.

In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

we ask, Amen.

Hankhammer.

Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests.

Students.

Mr. Brandon, Bobby Joe.

Mr. Smith.

This is an extraordinary day when one of our own,

having made a name for himself in the movies,

returns to our school to address the assembly

and to crown the homecoming queen.

As you can see from the banner out there over the street,

this town wishes to welcome Robert Brandon home.

I know his family must really be proud of him.

As a result of Bobby Joe's rise to stardom

in his first movie...

The town fathers and Mr. Gasten, your principal,

thought that it would be only fitting to invite

Mr. Brandon to address the student assembly

and to crown the homecoming queen of his old high school.

And so as mayor, I hereby declare this

as Robert Brandon Week.

(crowd cheering)

- Thank you, Mr. Hankhammer.

(crowd cheering)

Thank you, Mr. Hankhammer.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends.

I just want to say that it's great to be back home,

and I want to thank you all for this honor.

I suppose that some of you are wondering

about the way I'm dressed.

Well, in California, there's...

Hello?

Hello?

- You'll all get a chance to hear him speak

at the homecoming celebration.

(marching band music)

- What happened, Bobby Joe?

- Well, I guess the microphone went out.

- You come on home now, son.

I'm fixing a real nice supper for you.

- You go on, I'll catch you later.

- Bobby Joe, could I go home with you on your machine?

- Sure, it's okay with me.

- Daddy, can I?

- No, ma'am.

- But Daddy, why?

- Because I say so, that's why.

- We'll see you at home, son.

Come on, Ave.

(marching band music)

("The Road Home" by Michael Dees)

♪ I'm going back ♪

♪ In the memories ♪

♪ Of my mind ♪

♪ I'm going back ♪

♪ But I don't know what I'll find ♪

♪ It's a strange trip I'm taking ♪

♪ All alone ♪

♪ And I wonder ♪

♪ If I'll ever find my home ♪

♪ The road home ♪

♪ Can be lonely ♪

♪ The road home ♪

♪ Can be sad ♪

♪ The road home ♪

♪ Can be painful ♪

♪ Can be angry ♪

♪ Can be bad ♪

(dog barking)

- Hey, Maggie.

How you doing, girl, huh?

I sure missed you.

Kiss for Bobby Joe, huh?

Oh yeah.

You sure look pretty.

Come on, girl.

Let's go inside.

- Heavenly Father, we ask you to bless this food before us

and keep us ever in thy grace.

We ask you in Jesus' name, Amen.

- Boy, it sure is good to get some

of your home cooking again, Mama.

- Oh, son, it's so good to have you home.

Well now, tell us a little bit about what you been doing.

You know, you never write.

- Well, you know, I move around quite a bit.

And well, did you all get the clippings

and the pictures about my movie?

- [Mama] Oh, we sure did, son.

And they were real nice.

- I've got 'em all pinned up on my wall, Bobby Joe.

- Did you all get to see the movie?

- No, son, we didn't.

Your pa wasn't feeling too well when it come

and he didn't feel up to making the trip

over to Houston to see it.

- I saw it, Bobby Joe.

You were great.

- Well, I've heard California is real nice.

Do you like it out there, son?

- I'd like to know why he growed his hair like a girl.

- Daddy, don't start.

That's the way all the big movie stars

in Hollywood look now.

Isn't that right, Bobby Joe?

- Yeah.

That's right.

- Well, this ain't Hollywood.

- Oh, leave him be, Ave.

Let him eat his supper.

- All I know is he come blasting into town

dressed like a bum, wearing his hair

like some kind of freak, riding a big fancy wind splitter.

That ain't the boy I raised up.

- Now don't get started, Ave.

- What do you mean, "don't get started?"

Hell, I gotta live in this town, Madge.

He can come in and raise a ruckus and leave.

- All right, Pa, I get the point.

- Don't smart mouth me, boy.

This is my house you're in, and if you don't like

the way I run it, well, don't let the door

hit you in the butt on the way out.

- Excuse me.

- Where you going, Bobby Joe?

You didn't finish your supper.

Ave, I told you to leave the boy alone.

- Hell, let him go.

Won't have to look at him while I eat.

- Ave.

(gentle music)

- Bobby Joe, I'm sorry for the way Daddy acted.

But he's been kinda edgy lately.

I don't know.

He's getting old and still working at Hankhammer's store.

It's been getting to him lately.

- Yeah, I know.

- Bobby Joe, do you know Elizabeth Taylor?

No?

I thought maybe you would, being in the movies

and everything.

I saw RT yesterday and he was asking all about you.

- Cooper?

- Yeah, yeah, he said that if you weren't too busy,

to go by and get a couple of beers with him.

- See you later.

Tell Mama to leave that door open.

I'll probably be in pretty late, huh?

- Okay.

Be careful, Bobby Joe.

(engine rumbling)

(upbeat music)

♪ Gather at the river where bright angel feet have trod ♪

♪ With its crystal tide forever ♪

♪ Flowing by the throne of God ♪

(upbeat music)

(hammer banging)

- [R.T.] Get on there, you son of a bitch.

(knocking on car)

- Hey, boy! - What?

- What the hell's going on here?

Ain't you got that automobile ready yet?

- Well, it wasn't supposed to be ready

till tomorrow morning about 9 o...

Bobby Joe!

Woohoo!

- Hi, Cooper, how you doing, boy?

- I'm doing fine.

Man, I didn't hardly recognize you.

- Look like you don't change much, you old son of a gun.

You still playing with cars, huh?

- Oh, hell yeah.

I got grease all on me.

Boy, how, you looking great, man.

(both laughing)

Is that your machine over there?

- Yeah.

- Look at all that chrome.

How fast does it go?

150 miles an hour?

Oh, if you felt like going 150,

you'd get a hell of a paisley rash.

Oh darn.

- Get on, give it a start.

- You don't mind if I get on it?

- No.

- Oh, darn.

Easy rider.

Wow!

Where's the kick start?

Right?

There's not any kick start?

What is it, electric?

- Little button there and turn that key.

- Turn the key on right here.

This is the starter here?

- Push that button. - This the gas up here?

You don't mind? - No.

(engine revving)

Darn, Bobby Joe, that's a beautiful machine.

- Isn't that something?

- Hey, let's go get a beer like old times.

You want to?

(indistinct chattering)

(light music)

Hey, Willy.

- Boy, this old place hasn't changed.

- No, it hasn't changed at all.

Hey, Bill.

A couple of cold Jacks.

Bobby Joe Smith.

Damn.

You know, I never thought I'd see you again.

Hey, you know, I went over to Houston

to see you in your movie.

And Bobby Joe, I was really proud of you.

I told everybody I seen around town here

that Bobby Joe Smith is my best friend,

and that seeing you up there was almost like

being in the movies myself.

Hey, tell me about Hollywood.

- You'd never believe it, RT.

- Tell me about the girls out in Hollywood.

- Oh, now that's another story.

- Do they really wear them see through blouses?

You can see everything through 'em?

- Right, everything.

- They don't wear nothing underneath them?

- Nothing.

- Sticking up like this?

God damn, Bobby Joe.

You gotta take me out to Hollywood with you.

Hey, listen.

Just to get serious for a minute.

You're not messing around with marijuana stuff, are you?

- Oh, no.

- I'm glad to hear that, boy.

Boy, I tell you.

They me there's stuff that make your brain like putty,

and makes deformed children, and you know,

it just ain't good for you.

All it is, really, is just dope.

Just plain dope.

- Hey, RT.

Who's your girlfriend?

- Don't get smart, Louis.

Don't pay no attention to them.

- I'm getting used to it by now.

- She's sure got pretty hair, RT.

But that mustache don't do much for her.

- [R.T.] Damn punks.

- Don't pay any attention to 'em.

- Hey, you know Jenny's still in town?

- You know, I had a feeling when I came by the church

she was still here.

I bet we can catch her before the meeting lets out.

- Yeah, we could, if we get on the stick, buddy.

- I'll be right back.

- Hey.

Can't you read?

You're going in the men's room.

Now hold on now.

Just a minute.

Don't you hear so good?

I said this is the men's room.

M-E-N.

Men's room.

Now the ladies, they go in the one next to it.

- Cut it out, Louis.

- Shut up, Cooper.

Now look, you don't want to go in there.

You're liable to embarrass somebody.

Now look over here.

Now you see what it says here?

Ladies.

L-A-D-I-E-S.

Ladies.

Now you go on in there and do your business,

and we won't let no men go in there.

- That's enough, Louis.

Now it's real funny and everybody's impressed.

- Boy, I told you to keep your big mouth shut.

- Hold it there, RT.

- Now you get on in there.

- That's enough, Louis.

- Well, what are you waiting for?

You know, I ain't ever hit a lady before.

But there's a first time for everything.

Damn it, just get on in there.

Now drop those pants and squat.

- [R.T.] Stop Louis, stop it.

- Come on, we're not gonna stand out here all night.

Boy, when I tell you something...

Man, ain't that hair pretty.

You know, I don't believe you really are a girl,

but a man oughtn't to wear his hair like that.

- What the hell did I do to you?

- Oh, nothing.

You guys just make me sick.

(banging on door)

- All right in there, come on out of there.

Come on.

Come on outta there.

Come on, move.

All right, now I want to know what the hell's going on here.

- Not a thing, sheriff.

I was just trying to give the lady a little hand-

- All right, come on.

Cut it out or so help me, I'll put you all under the jail.

You hear me?

Go on, Bobby Joe.

Go on.

Now, the rest of you stay right where you're at.

- Boy, I'll tell you one thing-

- Louis.

Louis, you better watch your mouth, boy.

Someone's liable to strum you upside the head.

- Bobby Joe, I'm really sorry about

what happened over there.

I'm really sorry.

- Hell, it had nothing to do with you, RT.

- Well, I know.

But they had no right to treat you that way.

They had no right at all.

Hey, you come on back tomorrow.

We'll talk some more, okay?

- Sure was good to see you again.

- Good seeing you again, Bobby Joe.

(engine revving)

Take care of yourself, Bobby Joe!

(kids chattering)

- What's your name?

- Kerri.

K-E-R-R-I.

Okay.

K-E-R-R-I.

Here you are.

What's your name?

- Tina.

- Tina?

Tina.

(gentle music)

Here you go.

(people chattering)

- Hello, Bobby Joe.

- Shari.

- Hi, Jenny.

(kids giggling)

- How have you been?

- Fine.

Sit down?

(gentle music)

I looked for you in the crowd today.

- Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't there, but well,

Daddy went to the ceremonies and there was

nobody here at the church but me.

How was it?

- Oh, it was great, except right in the middle

of the speech, the microphone went out.

- Oh. (laughs)

- You know, I've been away 10 years.

- Yes, I know.

- Boy, I sure didn't expect to see you here and not married.

- Well, after my second year at the university, Mama died.

So I came back to help Daddy run the church.

And well, I guess I'm still here.

- I'm sorry to hear about your mama.

- Tell me about yourself, Bobby Joe.

I know it's been really exciting.

- Oh, yeah.

Well, after we graduated high school, I went to college.

You knew about that.

And then I kinda got disappointed and restless

and joined the Army for a few years.

And then I just decided I wanted to be a movie actor.

- Just like that?

- Well, when I was in the Army, I met this friend

and he was an actor.

He asked me if I wanted to be in the play,

and it sounded like fun.

And everybody said it was pretty good.

So when I got out, I just decided to go out to California

and I bummed around for a while and played some small parts

and did a couple of plays and things like that.

And out of nowhere, it seems like I got a break.

Me and everybody in the film went right to the top.

- Oh, that sounds so exciting.

Well, what's Hollywood like?

- Oh, it's like no place else, I can tell you that.

Oh, Jenny.

It's exciting, all right, but nothing's real.

To tell you the truth, I never felt like I was a part of it.

- Really?

Well, I think it'd be a very interesting place.

- I know this is gonna sound strange to you,

but I've been more excited about coming home

than I have about anything in years.

You think all the people I've met and the places I've been

and all the things I've done, home came like a dream to me.

I just had to come back and see if it was all here.

Is it all still here?

- Yeah.

Like the folks still at the same house

and old RT at the garage and you still here.

It's a little frightening, though.

- Frightening?

Why?

- I guess I just expected things

to have changed in 10 years.

Nothing has.

It's kinda like stepping into the past.

Nothing's changed.

I thought about you a lot, though.

You know, Jen, I...

I never forgot you.

- What is the meaning of this?

This is God's house, not some passion pit drive-in movie.

Have you no respect?

- Reverend, let me explain.

- Daddy-

- I don't want to hear it.

Jenny, you come with me.

- Daddy, Bobby Joe can take me home.

- What, on that machine?

I think not.

You just come on with me.

- Sir, if you let me explain to you, I-

- I don't want to hear it.

Whatever you have to say, I don't want to hear it.

Jenny.

(solemn music)

Well, gentlemen.

I guess we all know why we're here.

Looks like we created a monster for ourselves, doesn't it?

If you remember, I was against bringing the Smith boy back.

- I don't understand, Buford.

The boy hasn't done anything.

- Hasn't he?

Well, just a few moments ago, I found him

pawing my daughter practically on the front steps

of this holy place.

Now I just wonder what else he's been doing.

Or more important, what will he do by the time he leaves?

- Well, Si's got a point there.

Earlier this evening, I had to bust up a fight

between him and the Wilson boys at a beer joint.

- As I said, we've, or rather you,

have created a monster for all of us.

- Buford, he'll only be here a few days.

After the homecoming, he'll be gone.

And those kids, they're all looking forward to seeing him.

- Man, don't you understand?

That is the problem.

Now, you just think back to this afternoon

when you first saw him.

Now, why were you all so, how shall I put it,

why were you all so surprised?

I saw your faces.

You were just as shocked as I was.

Now ask yourself why you were so startled

when you found out that this was the man

that you had invited to put ideas

into the minds of our young people?

Claude, you were the first.

- Well, he looked-

- [Reverend] Gasten, why were you so surprised?

- Well, he...

He didn't look that way in the movie.

- Come on up here, I'll show you something.

Now how many times, just how many times,

have you opened up a magazine or looked in a newspaper

and seen that evil face?

Riots in the streets, dope, plotting with communists,

burning the flag, public orgies and nudity

and every sort of immorality and perversion.

And always that same face.

And you see it's the youth they're after

because they realize that that's the best way

to destroy this country.

- I didn't realize it was that serious.

What are we gonna do?

- Well, now, that's up to you, gentlemen.

I'm merely here as your moral conscience

to point these things out to you.

Now, you're the leaders of this town.

It's up to you to handle the situation.

- Maybe we could just have him crown the queen

and not make the address to the assembly.

- Well, that sounds okay to me.

- Well, he sure can't do no harm,

you know, if he don't talk.

- You people still don't understand, do you?

You can't even afford to put him up there on that stage.

Because if you put him up there on that stage

before those young people, you'll be condoning him.

After a while, they all gonna want to take after him.

Then the battle will be lost.

Now, don't put him up there before those young people,

because if you do...

I can promise you you'll be damning your immortal soul

to an eternity in hell.

And that hell may begin right here

on the streets of Columbus.

You better give it some really serious thought, gentlemen.

Good night.

- Good night, Buford. - Good night, Buford.

- Well, what are we gonna do, Si?

I sure can't let nobody break no laws, you know.

- I don't know, Claude.

I just don't know.

(engine sputtering)

- Here, Maggie.

Come on, girl.

Come on, girl.

Hey.

That a girl.

You wait up for me, huh?

How about me and you going hunting tomorrow.

What do you think?

Okay?

Just you and me.

Good.

(banjo music)

(dog barking)

(gunshot bangs)

(dramatic music)

- [Mama] Bobby Joe, what is it?

- I don't know, Ma.

You all stay inside now.

(tense music)

Maggie?

Maggie.

(dog whining)

Here, girl.

Maggie.

Oh my god.

Oh, Maggie.

- [Mama] What's the matter, Bobby Joe?

- Somebody shot Maggie.

- [Mama] For god's sake.

- Maggie.

I didn't mean to bring this.

(dog whining)

- God, Maggie.

- Who would do something like that?

That's shameful.

Come on, Annie.

You go back in the house.

- No, Daddy, I want to stay here.

- No.

You do like I tell you.

Come on.

- Why would anybody do a thing like that?

- I don't understand, Ma.

I came back, and everything's changed.

- It hadn't changed here, son.

It's you that's changed.

You been away a long time.

You're not a part of this anymore.

These folks don't understand your clothes.

You talk different.

They just don't know you anymore.

- Oh, Maggie.

Why'd they kill Maggie?

- Well...

Whoever it is hasn't got the courage to face you.

They scared of you, son.

Look like all the things they're afraid of.

- I'm not any of them things, Ma.

- It don't matter, son.

- What am I gonna do now, Ma?

- I think you should leave.

Go back to California.

Son.

I'm afraid for you.

They'll try to kill you if you stay.

(solemn music)

- Maggie.

I guess you and me don't have any home anymore.

(dog whining)

(solemn music)

(knocking on door)

- Mrs. Smith, what's the matter?

- Jenny, they shot his dog last night.

- My god.

Why?

- Oh, honey, I don't know.

I guess just to get at Bobby Joe.

- Well, for what?

- I guess it's because he's different now.

Oh, but you know he really ain't.

He's the same gentle boy that left here,

and he was happier to see that old dog Maggie

than anybody here.

It's terrible what they done to him.

- Did you call the sheriff?

- No.

Bobby Joe wouldn't let me.

He said they'd invited him here.

He didn't want to make no trouble for nobody.

Maybe God in his wisdom can see why they done it,

but I can't.

All I can do is cry.

(Mrs. Smith crying)

- Where is he?

(gentle music)

(engine rumbling)

(solemn music)

- Ma said you wanted to see me.

- Yeah, son.

Why don't we go get a cup of coffee?

Mr. Hankhammer, will you watch the front of the store?

- Sure thing, Ave. - Let's go.

- Hi, Bobby Joe.

- Bye, Mr. Hankhammer.

(light music)

What is it, Pa?

- Huh?

What's what?

Oh, I'm sorry about your dog last night, boy.

That was real shame.

Real shame.

Where's that gal at?

Bobby Joe, you know your ma is worried about you being here.

She's afraid that, well, somebody might try to hurt you.

- Pa, they already tried.

- Yeah, well, that's what I'm talking about, don't you see?

She's scared that something might happen to you if you-

- If I stay?

- How come we can't get no service?

Yeah, that's what I mean.

If you stay.

How come you come home dressed like you do, Bobby Joe?

Son, you was bound to know it would cause trouble.

This ain't Hollywood.

People here don't understand you.

I don't understand you, and I'm your pa.

What's happened to you, Bobby Joe?

You're like a stranger.

Hell, I don't even know you no more.

- Pa, nothing happened to me.

I just found out that the world does not

revolve around Columbus, Texas.

- It does if you're here.

Don't you see that?

You can't come in here and break all the rules.

- What rules?

I haven't broken any rules.

This is still part of America, isn't it?

- Damn, boy.

Ain't I getting through to you?

Bobby Joe, some of the town officials were talking to me,

and they think it might be better if you didn't...

Well, if you didn't participate

in the homecoming ceremonies.

- Pa, they invited me here.

- You're a freak, boy, and they damn sure

ain't gonna let you up in front of those kids.

I'm sorry, Bobby Joe, but son, that's the way it is.

Hell, why'd you have to do this to me?

All I wanted was to enjoy what time I've got left,

and now I can't even do that.

- All right, Pa.

I'll tell 'em I won't be there.

- It's for your own good, Bobby Joe.

I swear it's for your own good.

- Yeah.

(engine rumbling)

- Hey, man, you okay?

- Yeah.

- You sure?

You want to go to a doctor?

- No, I'm okay.

- Hey, what happened?

- Oh, man, we just pulled in here for gas.

A bunch of rednecks came in here and started to hassle us.

And Bootsy told them to get...

Leave us alone.

The loudmouth one jumped on him.

- You gonna be okay? - Yeah, I will.

- Are you sure?

I can get you a doctor. - No, man, I'm okay.

- Come on, man, we gotta ride outta here.

I think they're waiting for us to leave.

They're gonna try to start something outside of town.

- Look, let me ride with you a little bit.

Maybe they won't bother you if I'm with you.

- [Man] You live around here?

- I used to.

- [Man] Man, what's the matter with these people?

- I guess it's me, come on.

(engines rumbling)

(rock music)

(vehicle crashing)

- Hey, where you going?

- I'm going back to the shop.

Come on, we'll get a cup of coffee.

- I'll follow you. - Okay.

Where you been, Bobby Joe?

- Out road racing with the Wilson boys.

- The Wilson boys?

- Yeah.

- Oh, you're exciting.

- Louis is a little upset about last night.

- You got to be careful about Louis Wilson.

That boy is plain crazy.

- Just took him on a little chase, banged up his car some.

- Banged his car up?

Yeah, it's still hot.

Did you see Jenny last night?

- Mm-hmm.

We talked a while and then went for a ride

on the bike this morning.

- She sure looks great, doesn't she?

- Sure does, boy.

You know what I can't understand, though,

is how come she hasn't been married.

Doesn't make any sense, as pretty as she is.

There's bound to have been plenty of guys

that wanted to marry her.

- She told you about her ma passing away, didn't she?

- Uh-huh.

- Well, it's kind of a sad situation, you know.

When her ma died, she came home to be with her pa

and help out all she could.

And that's kind of where it all ended right there.

Seems like once the reverend got her back here,

he wouldn't let her go no more.

Always plenty of boys came around wanting to date her

and everything, but he'd keep her busy at church,

and after a while, they quit asking.

You know, nobody came around anymore

because they knew it wasn't any use, you know.

Hell, I'm surprised he let you take her out on the bike.

- He didn't know nothing about it.

- I bet that's true.

- What do you hear about me being at the homecoming?

- Oh, Bobby Joe, everybody's excited about it.

You know, they're looking forward

to the big show at the auditorium.

You know, it's gonna be like when me and you was in school.

- Really? - Really.

It's gonna be great, Bobby Joe.

- Truth.

- Well, Bobby Joe, the...

Well, you kind of took the town by surprise.

I mean, they didn't know what to think,

you coming in town like you did and looking the way you did.

You know, I tell you one thing.

The Wilson boys don't speak for the whole town.

I can assure you of that.

- I'm not so sure of that.

- Oh, listen, there's lots of us

glad you're back in town.

- Who?

You?

Jenny, my dog, Maggie?

They killed her last night.

I had a visit from my pa a while ago

and he had the bad luck to inform me I wasn't needed here.

- Your own pa? - Yeah.

I don't blame him.

The mayor probably told him he'd fire him if he didn't.

I should've seen it coming right from the start.

At first I thought it was just a few of them,

like the Wilsons, but it's not, it's the whole town.

They don't want me here.

- What are you gonna do?

- I'll leave.

- Bobby Joe, maybe that's the best thing.

Dammit, don't you see, Bobby Joe?

They're afraid of you!

I don't want 'em to kill you!

If you stay, that's what's gonna happen.

Hell, this whole thing stinks.

(can clattering)

(light music)

- Louis, how in the world did you do that?

- Never mind, Cooper.

What's it gonna cost to fix it?

- Well, what I want to know is how you got

so far off the road in the first place.

- How much to fix it?

- Well, let me see here, Louis.

You got yourself a bent wheel here.

You want me to straighten the old one

or put you a new one on there?

- Whatever's cheaper.

- Well, it'd be cheaper if I straightened it,

but it's gonna take a while now.

I can get you a new one on there and get you

out of here quicker, but it's gonna cost you a little more.

And that tire, you gotta have a new tire.

That tire's all right.

- All right.

A new tire and a new wheel.

- Okay, tire.

New tire and new wheel.

All right, that head lamp up there, it busted.

You gotta have a new head lamp.

- Why?

I can run with that lamp.

- No, you can't, Louis.

You get out on the highway, them state troopers,

boy, will stop you in a New York minute.

- All right, all right.

A new head lamp.

What else?

- Well, let's see, let me write that down.

Head lamp.

Well, Louis, to do the job right,

you'll want me to fix that fender for you.

- Come on, Cooper.

How much is this other stuff gonna cost?

- Okay, all right, let me see.

Head lamp.

A new tire.

A new wheel. (horn honking)

Hold it, I gotta go out front a minute.

Afternoon, Reverend.

Fill it for you?

- Yes, thank you, RT.

Isn't it too bad we can't instill the spirit of God in a man

as easily as we can put gasoline in the gas tank?

- Yes, sir.

I've been kinda busy on Sunday lately.

Excuse me.

- How do, preach?

- Afternoon, boys.

- How is Jenny doing?

Well, I mean, don't see her around much

since the movie star came back.

I just figured that she and him, well, you know,

they were pretty thick before he left.

Joby here rode into town with Bo Ramsey this morning.

Said he seen Jenny and the movie actor

riding on his machine out on 105.

Said they looked to be having a real nice time.

Ain't that right, Joby?

- Sure is.

Sure is, Louis.

Well, the way the wind was blowing her dress,

you could see clean up to her belly button.

- Oh, Joby.

Riding them machines is a lot of fun.

Course, they ain't got much of a seat on them,

so two's got to sit real close.

I mean real close.

And you have to hold on to the rider around the middle

real tight to keep from getting throwed off.

You know, around his middle?

- You through yet, RT?

- [R.T.] Just a minute, reverend.

- Course, from what I hear, that ain't the real reason

gals like to ride them machines.

Seems they get some kind of pleasure

out of straddling that seat, feel all that vibration-

- What do you want?

- I don't want anything.

- Then get outta my car.

- But I thought you might.

- Might what?

- Might want something.

- Now, what on Earth would I want from you?

You're just as bad as he is.

Not as smart, maybe, but just as bad.

- Well, I just figured that maybe you'd like a little help

in keeping Smith away from your daughter.

Just trying to do you a favor.

- I certainly don't need any help from you.

I'm fully able to take care of my own.

Besides, we have the law in this town

that can deal with any problem.

Now, you just get out of my car.

- Okay.

But you'll change your mind and we'll still be here.

(light music)

(gentle music)

- You're so quiet.

What are you thinking about?

- Oh, those kids today.

You know what one of them asked me?

- What?

- If I smoked pot and took LSD.

The thing that keeps bothering me is he asked me

so seriously, like he expected me to say I did.

When I told him I didn't, he was surprised.

- Bobby Joe, this is not California.

It's Columbus.

And people here just assume-

- Jenny, they're wrong.

It's why I hate to see these kids go on so uninformed

about everything, like a man rides in

wearing different clothes and immediately

the town hangs a label on him.

And so do the kids.

Even today, the mayor and the rest of them

had my father ask me not to appear at homecoming.

- What did you tell them?

- I told them not to worry.

I wouldn't be there.

- Good.

Because I don't want anything to happen to you.

I still love you, Bobby Joe.

(gentle music)

- Jenny.

I love you.

Listen.

I'm leaving tomorrow.

I want you to come with me.

Will you?

- Yeah.

Yes.

Yes.

(gentle music)

- It's late.

Where have you been?

I'll save you from having to lie.

I know where you've been.

Why have you done this to me?

- Why have I done what to you, Daddy?

- I'm fighting to save this town.

I'm fighting to save it from the plague

that's destroying this country.

- You mean Bobby Joe Smith.

- Bobby Joe Smith, Robert Brandon.

What are people gonna think when I'm fighting him

on one hand and they see my daughter with him on the other?

- He's not like you think, Daddy.

- Don't tell me.

I know exactly what he is and what he's making you.

- What is he making me?

- He is corrupting you as his kind

corrupts and befouls this country.

They have dealt corruptly with him.

They are no longer his children because of their blemish.

They are a perverse and crooked generation.

I am fighting God's war.

- No.

You are holding onto the past while the rest

of the world leaves us.

- Oh, I see, that's what I'm doing, I see.

He's putting those same thoughts into your head

that will destroy us.

I don't want what he calls progress.

- You don't see, Daddy.

You are not protecting this town, you are insulating it.

- Yes, yes, yes, I am insulating it.

Insulating it against false prophets and the pestilence.

- Daddy, Bobby Joe is not a bad man.

He is good.

Daddy, he is a good man.

He has done nothing to deserve all this hate

that you're throwing at him.

- Don't you defy me!

I've lived many more years than you,

and I'm a great deal more worldly than you think you are.

- Daddy, I'm leaving with him tomorrow.

(tense music)

- Why, certainly you are.

Surely, why not?

You slept with him.

You slept with him.

- Now, where did you hear that?

- I know.

- Well, it's not true.

You don't know.

You're wrong.

You are wrong.

(solemn music)

- Jenny, wait.

I'm sorry.

I am truly sorry.

I only wish your mother was here.

She was my strength, God rest her.

Now you're my strength.

You can't go.

- Daddy, I've got to.

- I need you.

- I love him.

- Why, I can't accept that.

I just can't accept that.

- All right.

I am 28 years old.

I have never been married.

I have no hope of a husband or children.

- Come here.

You're thinking of yourself.

But what about your duty to God and to me?

And what about your duty to the rest

of the people in this town?

Your good works, your Sunday school, Mrs. Davidson,

Mr. Dobbs, the Lampkin children,

and all the others that rely on you?

You're needed by a whole town.

Now, there are many things in life that we want,

but we must make sacrifices.

And people of our calling, we will get

our reward in the hereafter.

(solemn music)

(Jenny crying)

Jenny.

Sometimes I wish...

That the good Lord would take me.

(solemn music)

- Daddy.

If I stay...

Will you make me a promise?

That you'll leave Bobby Joe alone?

(solemn music)

(engine revving)

(doorbell buzzing)

(doorbell buzzing)

(knocking on door)

- Jenny?

(knocking on door)

Jenny!

Jenny!

(engine revving)

(solemn music)

- Well?

Well, have you heard from him yet?

- Nothing.

- Well, he was in town, but he never come by here.

- Well, that's it.

Don't you see?

That's his answer to you.

Now you've gotta stop him.

- We can't, Buford, we just can't.

- You must!

"He that is not with me is against me,

and he that gathereth not with me...

Scattereth abroad."

Matthew.

All right.

I'll fight this battle alone if I have to.

(door slams)

- Howdy, Ben.

Fill it?

- About $2 worth.

- $2?

All righty.

(bell ringing)

okay, thank you, Ben.

See you, then.

(phone ringing)

- Hello?

- Hello, Jenny?

It's RT.

Where's Bobby Joe?

- Well, he's probably on his way back home.

He just left here a little while ago.

What's the matter?

- I just called his house.

Nobody answered.

I can't really be sure, but I'm afraid

something's going to happen to him.

- What do you mean?

- Well, I just seen your dad talking to the Wilson boys,

and I think he's putting them on Bobby Joe.

- Why, he couldn't do that.

He promised me.

- What?

- Are you sure, RT?

- I can't really be sure 100, but it sure don't look good.

You better try to find Bobby Joe.

- Well, I'll get over there right away.

(horn honking)

- Hello?

Let me talk with sheriff.

- I came by your house today.

- I know.

- Guess you won't be coming with me, huh?

- Bobby Joe, he needs me here.

I told him I'd stay.

- Well, it was a good idea anyway.

- Will you write me once in a while?

Just to let me know how you are?

- Sure.

It's nearly three o'clock, I'm gonna be late.

- Wait a minute.

You're going over the high school, aren't you?

- Yes.

- Well, you said last night that you wouldn't.

- Well, Jenny, I changed my mind.

- Well, why?

- Because of those kids.

They want to know the truth.

Looks like I'm the only one that's gonna

be able to tell them.

- Well, they're not gonna let you tell them.

- That's too bad.

I've got to try anyway.

- Bobby Joe, right before I left, RT called,

and he said my daddy's sending the Wilson boys

out to stop you.

Bobby Joe, they'll kill you first!

If you go, I'll believe you threw

your life away for nothing.

(engine revving)

Don't go, please!

(engine revving)

Bobby Joe, wait!

All right.

If you have to go, then take me with you.

(engine revving)

- Good afternoon.

- Buford.

Anybody heard anything?

- Nothing.

I guess he'll be here.

- Are we about ready to begin?

- Guess so.

- I guess we have to.

- Well, then let us begin.

(children chattering)

(engine rumbling)

(tense music)

(engine stalling)

- Bobby Joe, it's them!

- Jenny, run!

(tense music)

(men talking indistinctly)

(man shouts)

Back!

- [Jenny] Stop!

(dramatic music)

(siren wailing)

(gun clicks)

- Dave.

You better get an ambulance out here.

- Well, Buford.

I don't know how you did it, but you did it.

- The will of God, Si.

There's nothing stronger.

- I guess not.

- Those kids are sure disappointed.

- Well, they'll get over it.

Someday they'll realize what we did here today,

we took a stand.

Now, even if the rest of this country is infected

and we here in this town stay pure,

the good people can look at us and rally.

(siren wailing)

(girl gasping) - Bobby!

- What happened?

- [Sheriff] The Wilson boys jumped him.

- You better get him to a doctor.

- [Bobby Joe] No!

I just want to know why.

You all invited me here.

This is my home, too.

The time I came in, you all assumed I was something I'm not.

Not one of you even attempted to find out who I am!

- We know who you are.

- [Bobby Joe] You don't know who I am.

That's what's the trouble with you.

You don't even know anything!

How can you people assume to be educating these kids,

yet teach them to be like yourself?

- [Reverend] That's enough.

- No, that's not enough, damn you.

You're the problem.

You think you're the answer.

You found a way of life you like.

You call it American, and by God, everyone else

better accept it or you'll beat it into them.

- We will save this country from the plague

and the destroyer.

- Oh, man, you save your own part of it,

but for god's sakes, let the rest of us

make up our own minds.

- Don't you dare call on God's name in front of me!

What do you have to do with God?

I know you!

I know the enemy I'm fighting.

I've seen you and I've studied you,

and in the end, I'll defeat you.

Now go ahead.

Speak out.

So that all these people can hear you.

What do you have to do with God?

- That's none of your business.

I didn't come back here to destroy anything.

I came back at your invitation to see

the town I loved as a boy.

I wanted to share my success with you.

I just wanted to come home, that's all.

(Bobby Joe crying)

- And you can, young man.

We don't hate you.

Come back home.

Come all the way back home, back to righteousness,

back to wisdom, back to God.

The fear of God is the beginning of knowledge.

Come home, Bobby Joe.

Come home.

- Why do you want me to be like you?

I don't want you to be like me!

Why can't people just leave each other alone?!

- Come home, Bobby Joe Smith!

Come back to your people and your family.

Now, we here are capable of a great love!

We can forgive you, just as God forgives us!

Now, you admit that you sinned,

and here and now, rededicate yourself and your soul.

Come back to God.

Come back to security, to certainty,

and to the peace of mind that God's love offers.

He loves you, Bobby Joe!

But if you don't accept God's love,

you will incur his wrath.

- [Bobby Joe] You still do not understand.

- Don't provoke his anger and his vengeance!

Give yourself to him before it's too late.

For as sure as there's a fire in hell,

his vengeance will be satisfied.

He moves with a mighty force that no man can stop!

His vengeance can be awesome!

As you have witnessed today.

- Well, I hope his vengeance is satisfied now.

Because Jenny is dead!

- It's true, Buford.

The Wilson boys did it.

I'm sorry.

(Buford crying)

(Buford muttering)

("The Road Home" by Michael Dees)

♪ I see the past ♪

♪ Stand right before me now ♪

♪ While the present ♪

♪ Seems like yesterday somehow ♪

♪ As tomorrow waits to see ♪

♪ What it'll be ♪

♪ Only half a line ♪

♪ Where's the rest of me ♪

♪ The road home ♪

♪ Can be lonely ♪

♪ The road home ♪

♪ Can be sad ♪

♪ The road home ♪

♪ Can be painful ♪

♪ Can be angry ♪

♪ Can be sad ♪