Original subtitles

(bright orchestral music)

(bright orchestral music)

(car honking)

(car honking)

(car honking)

Wait for the wagon

Wait for the wagon

Wait for the wagon

Wait for the wagon and we'll all take a ride

Wait for the wagon and we'll all take a ride

Wait for the wagon and we'll all take a ride

Won't you come with me my Phyllis, dear

Won't you come with me my Phyllis, dear

By yond blue mountain stream

By yond blue mountain stream

Where the flowers smell the sweetest

Where the flowers smell the sweetest

(car honking)

What's the use, he can't pull over.

- We should have stayed on the blacktop.

- We should have stayed on the blacktop.

- We're heading the right direction.

- We're heading the right direction.

- Now that's what you said at the cemetery.

- Don't worry, I was raised on back country roads.

- Don't worry, I was raised on back country roads.

- In Texas, where you can see a hundred miles.

- In Texas, where you can see a hundred miles.

(car revving)

- Take it easy.

- Take it easy.

You don't go by horses like that.

- [Tod] Afternoon.

Can we get to Brattleboro on this road?

Can we get to Brattleboro on this road?

- Yep.

- Thanks.

- [Arthur] I wouldn't recommend it.

- [Arthur] I wouldn't recommend it.

- Why not?

- Why not?

- Bridge is out over Baker Road.

Of course you could go up over Putney Mountain to Route 5,

Of course you could go up over Putney Mountain to Route 5,

but that's 10 miles out of your way.

but that's 10 miles out of your way.

An

on low slung cars, mostly ledges.

on low slung cars, mostly ledges.

In fact, if I was going to Brattleboro,

I wouldn't start from here.

I wouldn't start from here.

- Well what do you suggest?

- Well you can follow me and I'll show you

- Well you can follow me and I'll show you

the turn to the Washborough Road.

- How far?

- [Arthur] Oh, two, three miles.

- Thanks, we'll find it.

- Thanks, we'll find it.

- Nice team you have.

- Yeah.

- Yeah, not much for speed though.

- No.

- No.

On the other hand they don't get lost much.

On the other hand they don't get lost much.

They can find their way back to the barn.

They can find their way back to the barn.

(playful orchestral music)

(dramatic orchestral music)

(thunder booming)

(playful orchestral music)

(playful orchestral music)

- We'll stop for gas in Massachusetts, it's

- We'll stop for gas in Massachusetts, it's

cheaper there.

- It is.

- Well we're not in Massachusetts, we're in Vermont,

- Well we're not in Massachusetts, we're in Vermont,

driving in ever decreasing concentric circles

driving in ever decreasing concentric circles

until we've finally driven up our own exhaust pipe.

until we've finally driven up our own exhaust pipe.

(thunder rumbling)

(thunder rumbling)

- Well let's push her out of the mud.

- Well let's push her out of the mud.

(thunder rumbling)

- Well we can't push it out of here, let's go get some gas.

- Well we can't push it out of here, let's go get some gas.

(bright orchestral music)

(bright orchestral music)

(thunder rumbling)

(thunder rumbling)

- Stone the frog?

- Stone the frog?

- Yep, you get to Brattleboro?

- No.

- [Arthur] Missed the Washborough Road, eh?

- [Arthur] Missed the Washborough Road, eh?

- Among others.

- We ran out of gas.

- We ran out of gas.

- Well, you picked a night for it.

- Well, you picked a night for it.

- We thought maybe you cou

- Don't have any gasoline.

- Or we could siphon a little out

- Or we could siphon a little out

of your car and pay you for it.

- [Arthur] Haven't got any car.

- [Arthur] Haven't got any car.

- Well if we could use the phone, we could--

- Well if we could use the phone, we could--

- No, I used to have one before my wife passed away,

- No, I used to have one before my wife passed away,

and after, folks I didn't particularly care for

and after, folks I didn't particularly care for

started calling me up so I had it took out.

started calling me up so I had it took out.

- See the car is stuck about a quarter of a mile

- See the car is stuck about a quarter of a mile

down the road, now we can't push it out of the mud.

down the road, now we can't push it out of the mud.

- (chuckling) I come by there once,

- (chuckling) I come by there once,

I see a fellow standing up to his neck in mud.

I see a fellow standing up to his neck in mud.

I says, mister, you ought to know enough

I says, mister, you ought to know enough

not to walk up a Vermont road in mud time.

I do, he says, I'm standing on the top of my truck.

I do, he says, I'm standing on the top of my truck.

(chuckling)

(chuckling)

- Do you think you could pull us out with your horses?

- Do you think you could pull us out with your horses?

- Yep.

- Okay, okay good.

- I wouldn't rush off though.

- I wouldn't rush off though.

- Why not?

- Well, your automobile can set out there all night

- Well, your automobile can set out there all night

and nothing's gonna happen to it except it'll get wet.

and nothing's gonna happen to it except it'll get wet.

I take my team out on a night like this,

they're gonna get all head up and then maybe chilled

they're gonna get all head up and then maybe chilled

and I'm gonna have 'em down with the car

and I'm gonna have 'em down with the car

for a bronchial infection or something.

for a bronchial infection or something.

- You mean he's delicate?

- You mean he's delicate?

- I'll get you out in the morning.

- I'll get you out in the morning.

- We can't wait til morning.

- I don't see as you've got any choice.

- I don't see as you've got any choice.

- Look, where's the nearest phone?

- Look, where's the nearest phone?

- A mile down the road at Leventhal.

- A mile down the road at Leventhal.

But they're summer people,

But they're summer people,

they don't get here til the weekend.

they don't get here til the weekend.

You been around horses?

- Mules, my granddaddy had a team of mules down in Texas.

- Mules, my granddaddy had a team of mules down in Texas.

- Oh.

I tell you what, there's the spare bedroom.

I tell you what, there's the spare bedroom.

I closed it up after my wife passed on to save on heating.

I closed it up after my wife passed on to save on heating.

- Isn't there anything you can do for us tonight?

- Isn't there anything you can do for us tonight?

- Well sure, I can put you up til morning,

- Well sure, I can put you up til morning,

then you can tow the car up here

and go to town and get some gasoline.

and go to town and get some gasoline.

- Oh, we wouldn't want to put you out.

- Oh, we wouldn't want to put you out.

- Don't run across y

horses these days, tractors, that's all they know.

horses these days, tractors, that's all they know.

I don't suppose you've ate.

I don't suppose you've ate.

Well now I've got a little piece of ham left,

corncob smokes.

corncob smokes.

Arthur Perham.

- Linc Case.

- Tod Stiles.

- Here comes the power.

Well, that makes things a little brighter, don't it?

Well, that makes things a little brighter, don't it?

(playful orchestral music)

(playful orchestral music)

(horse whinnying)

(horse whinnying)

(bright orchestral music)

(bright orchestral music)

You got any particular job in mind down in Springfield?

You got any particular job in mind down in Springfield?

- We'll pick something up at the fairgrounds.

- We'll pick something up at the fairgrounds.

- You get around a lot, huh?

- Yep.

- Trouble holding a job?

- No, we just like to keep moving.

- No, we just like to keep moving.

- Looking for something, huh?

- Yep.

- Yep.

- Think you'll find it in Springfield?

- Think you'll find it in Springfield?

- Maybe.

- Figure you'll stay long enough

in one place to know it when you find it?

in one place to know it when you find it?

Matter of fact, long as you don't know where it is or what,

Matter of fact, long as you don't know where it is or what,

Matter of fact, long as you don't know where it is or what,

you might find it here, I could use a couple

of men to help for a few weeks.

of men to help for a few weeks.

- You mean work for you?

- You mean work for you?

- Help out around the place.

- Help out around the place.

- Well, we're working our way down to New York.

- Well, we're working our way down to New York.

- Yeah, well I guess you're right.

- Yeah, well I guess you're right.

It's hard work loading a stone board,

or using a crosscut saw, might be too much for you boys.

or using a crosscut saw, might be too much for you boys.

or using a crosscut saw, might be too much for you boys.

I guess I can make it out for myself.

I guess I can make it out for myself.

I've been making out a long time now, 69 years.

I've been making out a long time now, 69 years.

You ain't sure of finding something in Springfield?

You ain't sure of finding something in Springfield?

- No.

(gentle orchestral music)

(gentle orchestral music)

- Newfane's a shire town, that's the courthouse over there.

- Newfane's a shire town, that's the courthouse over there.

(bright orchestral music)

(bright orchestral music)

I got some business over at the grange hall.

You can get your gasoline at the store there.

You can get your gasoline at the store there.

You can get your gasoline at the store there.

- My granddaddy raised himself a crop of cotton

when he was 72 years old with a team of mules,

when he was 72 years old with a team of mules,

did I ever tell you that?

- No, but I notice there are occasions

- No, but I notice there are occasions

where your speech sounds more and more West Texas

where your speech sounds more and more West Texas

and your grammar deteriorates.

We're working our way down to New York, remember?

We're working our way down to New York, remember?

- Leaves are starting to color.

- Leaves are starting to color.

- Ah, the signs of autumn that I have heart set on

are the crisp tapping of women's heels

are the crisp tapping of women's heels

on the sidewalks of 57th Street and 5th Avenue.

on the sidewalks of 57th Street and 5th Avenue.

The girls sailing down Park Avenue

The girls sailing down Park Avenue

with everything glued down tight,

shipshape and Bristol fashion, like a racing suit.

shipshape and Bristol fashion, like a racing suit.

- We don't know that there's a job

- We don't know that there's a job

down in Springfield, do we?

down in Springfield, do we?

(gentle orchestral music)

(gentle orchestral music)

(horse whinnying)

(horse whinnying)

- Arthur.

- Arthur.

Arthur, you gotta face up to it.

You can't go through another winter up there.

You can't go through another winter up there.

- You've been saying that for five years.

- You've been saying that for five years.

- You're a stubborn man, Arthur.

- You know this hasn't got anything to do with the bank.

- You know this hasn't got anything to do with the bank.

- You know this hasn't got anything to do with the bank.

I'm just here as a friend.

- I appreciate that, Newton.

- I appreciate that, Newton.

- Your note's only for 2,700,

and the place is worth 7,000 easy.

and the place is worth 7,000 easy.

- Fact is if you settled up, you'd have enough to keep room

- Fact is if you settled up, you'd have enough to keep room

at a congregational home in Jamaica.

at a congregational home in Jamaica.

- It'd be different if Ada was alive,

you could look after each other.

you could look after each other.

- It's the winter,

- It's the winter,

we got all the school bus routes to plow out.

we got all the school bus routes to plow out.

It's three miles up to your place for one house,

It's three miles up to your place for one house,

it's an expense to the town.

it's an expense to the town.

- There's been a Perham paying taxes on my farm since 1799.

- There's been a Perham paying taxes on my farm since 1799.

- I know, I know.

I just thought you'd look around

I just thought you'd look around

the financial side of things.

- Arthur, you've got to be where somebody

- Arthur, you've got to be where somebody

can take care of you in case something happens.

can take care of you in case something happens.

- Anyway, I got my team to look after.

- Anyway, I got my team to look after.

- Arthur, you're going around in circles with those horses.

- Arthur, you're going around in circles with those horses.

Hire out spring and fall and summer,

Hire out spring and fall and summer,

just to raise enough money to keep 'em over the winter.

just to raise enough money to keep 'em over the winter.

- They're good horses.

- They're good horses.

- Now Arthur, let me put it this way.

- Now Arthur, let me put it this way.

You think a lot of those horses.

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

- Arthur, your barn's at least 100 feet from the house.

- Arthur, your barn's at least 100 feet from the house.

You gonna be able to shovel a path through

this winter to feed 'em and water 'em?

this winter to feed 'em and water 'em?

- How about last winter?

You fell down and pulled your back.

You fell down and pulled your back.

You crawled out to the lawn on your hands and knees

You crawled out to the lawn on your hands and knees

for a week before John Thomas

come by with a plow and found you.

come by with a plow and found you.

Suppose you was to fall again.

- Well, winter's never easy.

- Arthur, I hope you'll take this in good heart

- Arthur, I hope you'll take this in good heart

- Arthur, I hope you'll take this in good heart

because it's done out of friendship.

We're going to call in your note.

We're going to call in your note.

- I can't raise the 2,700,

- I can't raise the 2,700,

not and keep my team over the winter.

(sighing)

(sighing)

Well, alright then.

I suppose I got to sell out.

I suppose I got to sell out.

- It's best.

- Practical.

- Practical.

- Totally common sense.

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

I suppose it is.

I suppose it is.

(somber orchestral music)

(somber orchestral music)

I got about two weeks' work promised.

- That's fine, Arthur, that's fine.

- That's fine, Arthur, that's fine.

You'll have a fine time up at Townsend.

- Harold Billings is up there too, isn't he?

- Harold Billings is up there too, isn't he?

- Harold Billings is up there too, isn't he?

- No, not anymore.

He died this summer.

Them's good horses.

Them's good horses.

Hauled 10,000 pounds in their time.

(somber orchestral music)

(somber orchestral music)

(somber orchestral music)

- Then they brought a tractor onto Granddaddy's place.

Plowed right through the dooryard

Plowed right through the dooryard

and busted off a corner of his house.

And he came into town walking behind his mules,

right down Chestnut Street

right down Chestnut Street

and stopped in front of our house.

He didn't have any other place to go.

He didn't have any other place to go.

Got $100 a piece for 'em, spent it all on liquor.

Got $100 a piece for 'em, spent it all on liquor.

(footsteps clopping)

(footsteps clopping)

(romantic orchestral music)

(romantic orchestral music)

(footsteps clopping)

(footsteps clopping)

- Hello Joe.

How are you, Billy?

Their noses are soft.

- Like rose petals.

- Are you with Mr. Perham?

- Are you with Mr. Perham?

- In a manner of speaking.

- Would you mind giving him a message for me?

- Would you mind giving him a message for me?

Tell him we're expecting him tomorrow for the wall.

Tell him we're expecting him tomorrow for the wall.

- Alright, who's we?

- Oh, I'm sorry, I'm Claire Leventhal,

my father's Dr. Leventhal.

my father's Dr. Leventhal.

- You're summer people.

- Yes, Mr. Perham was going to do some work for us.

- Yes, Mr. Perham was going to do some work for us.

- You mean help out around the place?

- You mean help out around the place?

- Will you tell Mr. Perham?

- Will you tell Mr. Perham?

- Sure.

Miss Leventhal, do you ever walk

on 57th Street and 5th Avenue?

on 57th Street and 5th Avenue?

- Yes, yes I do.

- Yes, yes I do.

(romantic orchestral music)

(romantic orchestral music)

(engine starting)

- It's autumn.

(bright orchestral music)

(bright orchestral music)

(gentle orchestral music)

(gentle orchestral music)

- Make up your mind?

- He wants an answer.

- He wants an answer.

38 a week and board.

38 a week and board.

- What are you doing,

reverting to some sort of ancestral type?

reverting to some sort of ancestral type?

Look at you, you're squatting in a field,

Look at you, you're squatting in a field,

feeling the good earth.

We're working our way down to New York, remember?

We're working our way down to New York, remember?

(romantic orchestral music)

- Hello.

- Hello.

- Good afternoon.

- Be over tomorrow, Mr. Perham?

- Be over tomorrow, Mr. Perham?

- Yep, 8 o'clock too early?

- Yep, 8 o'clock too early?

- Fine, see you then.

(romantic orchestral music)

(romantic orchestral music)

- You fellas make up your minds?

- You fellas make up your minds?

- Oh, uh, I guess we could

- Oh, uh, I guess we could

help out on the place awhile.

help out on the place awhile.

- I wouldn't put that in my mouth if I were you.

- I wouldn't put that in my mouth if I were you.

(playful orchestral music)

(playful orchestral music)

Wait for the wagon, wait for the wagon

Wait for the wagon, wait for the wagon

Wait for the wagon, wait for the wagon

Wait for the wagon, and we'll all take a ride

Wait for the wagon, and we'll all take a ride

(bright orchestral music)

(bright orchestral music)

- How old?

- [Linc] 69.

- [Linc] 69.

- How many tons have we hauled up here?

- How many tons have we hauled up here?

- Well, there's maybe a ton on the stone boat.

- Well, there's maybe a ton on the stone boat.

We hauled five times that much

at the horse drawing two years ago.

at the horse drawing two years ago.

(bright orchestral music)

(bright orchestral music)

- Of course it would be cheaper to hire a bulldozer,

- Of course it would be cheaper to hire a bulldozer,

but we've always had Mr. Perham.

but we've always had Mr. Perham.

When he mows the field I sit here for hours

and watch the horses go back and forth against the sky.

and watch the horses go back and forth against the sky.

It's very peaceful.

It's very peaceful.

- Is that what you want, peace?

- At the moment, very much.

- At the moment, very much.

- And you find Mr. Perham and his horses quaint?

- And you find Mr. Perham and his horses quaint?

- Mr. Perham belongs somewhere.

Even if it's on a hillside with a team of horses.

Even if it's on a hillside with a team of horses.

I don't really, not in New York and not here.

I don't really, not in New York and not here.

Do you?

- I dunno, sometimes I think so.

- I dunno, sometimes I think so.

I remember riding across the Mojave once

and I saw a place up ahead, beautiful,

and I saw a place up ahead, beautiful,

hills and trees and a lake, I said to myself,

hills and trees and a lake, I said to myself,

this is the place to stay, find out who you are, find peace.

this is the place to stay, find out who you are, find peace.

Of course when I got there, it was just more desert.

Of course when I got there, it was just more desert.

- Maybe it's because w

Dad says someday he's gonna write a paper

for the sociology journal, The Vermont Winter,

for the sociology journal, The Vermont Winter,

A Socio-Psychological Casual Factor

A Socio-Psychological Casual Factor

and Personality Formation.

and Personality Formation.

(bright orchestral music)

(bright orchestral music)

- Why, what's the matter?

What's this?

- Look in the corner.

- Look in the corner.

- "At the time and place mentioned above,

"being the entire household effects of Arthur H. Perham.

"being the entire household effects of Arthur H. Perham.

"being the entire household effects of Arthur H. Perham.

"In part, one brass bed, rocking

"and other chairs, glass cabinet."

"and other chairs, glass cabinet."

- It's all there, everything in the house.

Look down at the bottom.

- "Hay rake, cutter bar, harness, tools,

- "Hay rake, cutter bar, harness, tools,

"two heavy duty wagons with rubber tires,

"two heavy duty wagons with rubber tires,

"and a team of fine pulling horses."

- He's selling out.

- Where is he?

- Where is he?

(crickets chirping)

(somber orchestral music)

(somber orchestral music)

Did he say why?

Did he say why?

- Yeah.

He can't make it through the winter.

He can't make it through the winter.

(crowd murmuring)

(crowd murmuring)

- Alright folks, we're about ready to start the auction.

- Alright folks, we're about ready to start the auction.

Now if you people in back of you here

You can see a lot better if you get right out

You can see a lot better if you get right out

in front of me folks, and I like it quiet behind me.

in front of me folks, and I like it quiet behind me.

Now we do have many fine items here this morning.

Now we do have many fine items here this morning.

Before I tell you much more though,

Before I tell you much more though,

I'd like to tell you if some of you people

refreshments in the back, hot coffee, donuts, sandwiches,

refreshments in the back, hot coffee, donuts, sandwiches,

served by the East Delware Ladies Aid Society.

served by the East Delware Ladies Aid Society.

I'm sure you'll get some good eats.

I'm sure you'll get some good eats.

I'd like to say this, that the terms of the sale are cash.

I'd like to say this, that the terms of the sale are cash.

Although you may carry a charge account if you wish

and settle up at the end of the sale.

and settle up at the end of the sale.

If I sell you some china and glass,

If I sell you some china and glass,

and if I sell it to you as being perfect,

we'll give you back your money.

Otherwise all sales will be final.

Otherwise all sales will be final.

Now, the first item we have is this very fine punchbowl

Now, the first item we have is this very fine punchbowl

on a stand, and would you hold right up there, Roger?

on a stand, and would you hold right up there, Roger?

I think it's all in good condition, but wait just a second,

I think it's all in good condition, but wait just a second,

I see a tiny chip here, alright,

I see a tiny chip here, alright,

would anybody start it along at a $10 bid?

Can I get a $10 bid to start?

Anybody start it?

We'll start it at $5 then, got a $5 bid.

I've got a $2 bid over here, do you want it for $3 now,

I've got a $2 bid over here, do you want it for $3 now,

going for two, and three, the bid three to go three,

going for two, and three, the bid three to go three,

three have to give four, (auctioneer speaking quickly).

three have to give four, (auctioneer speaking quickly).

Now Roger, take that right over and give to the lady.

Now Roger, take that right over and give to the lady.

And Bernard, right here is a beautiful clock coming up,

And Bernard, right here is a beautiful clock coming up,

black walnut, I believe.

- Does it run?

- Does it run?

- Does it run?

Well, I don't know, Mr. Perham, does the clock run?

Well, I don't know, Mr. Perham, does the clock run?

Mr. Perham says that it does run.

Mr. Perham says that it does run.

And can I get a $10 bid for it?

Anybody start it out with a $10 bid?

Anybody start it out with a $10 bid?

Well, how 'bout $6, anybody give six for it?

Then what will you bid for it, how many dollars?

Then what will you bid for it, how many dollars?

Let's go on it, folks, how many dollars for it?

How many dollars for it, do I hear a bid?

How many dollars for it, do I hear a bid?

I got $2 over there, three, do I have $3 now?

I got $2 over there, three, do I have $3 now?

Now our next item is a very fine picture frame,

Now our next item is a very fine picture frame,

gold leaf, I believe, and a beautiful lady in the picture.

gold leaf, I believe, and a beautiful lady in the picture.

I wonder who that lady is.

I wonder who that lady is.

Mr. Perham, could you tell us who this lady is?

Mr. Perham, could you tell us who this lady is?

- My grandmother.

- My grandmother.

(somber orchestral music)

- Mr. Perham says it is his grandmother,

- Mr. Perham says it is his grandmother,

a very handsome lady, but also a nice frame.

And starting right along, would anybody give,

And starting right along, would anybody give,

well, how many dollars would you give?

Let's just start it where you would.

Let's just start it where you would.

(dramatic orchestral music)

(dramatic orchestral music)

Now here's the item, folks,

Now here's the item, folks,

that a lot of you men have been waiting for.

Now you men have had all day to look these horses over,

Now you men have had all day to look these horses over,

and there isn't too much that I can tell you about them,

and there isn't too much that I can tell you about them,

but they are a fine pair, weigh at about 3,500 pounds.

but they are a fine pair, weigh at about 3,500 pounds.

This near horse has a lot of

This near horse has a lot of

Belgian in him and they can pull.

Belgian in him and they can pull.

Mr. Perham uses these horses in sugaring

in the woods and driving a stone boat.

in the woods and driving a stone boat.

Last month over in B

that weighed 4,000 pounds, they sold for a dollar a pound

that weighed 4,000 pounds, they sold for a dollar a pound

and by golly, they're not half the team of horses

and by golly, they're not half the team of horses

of Mr. Perham's, now can I get a $3,000 bid to start it?

of Mr. Perham's, now can I get a $3,000 bid to start it?

Anybody give

You'll go a long way to find

a team of horses as good as these.

Anybody give $2,500, start it at $2,500?

Anybody give $2,500, start it at $2,500?

Well how many dollars will you start 'em at?

Well how many dollars will you start 'em at?

How many dollars?

- 500.

Five, you got it for 750, you got a $500 bid,

you got it for seven and a half,

you got it for seven and a half,

five and a bid, seven and a half, seven and a half,

you got it for seven and a half now,

$1,000, you got it to $1,000, going for a thousand,

$1,000, you got it to $1,000, going for a thousand,

anybody, $1,250 now, 12, 12 and a half, we got 1,500,

anybody, $1,250 now, 12, 12 and a half, we got 1,500,

1,500, $1,500--

- Oh, I never should have come.

- Oh, I never should have come.

He was so proud of them.

He never really worked the

He never really worked the

- They're at $1,750, is that high or low?

- They're at $1,750, is that high or low?

- I don't know, a good registered Morgan

- I don't know, a good registered Morgan

goes for about, mm, 1,200.

I don't know about draft horses.

I don't know about draft horses.

(auctioneer speaking quickly)

- $1,900 I got now, $2,000, need money, $2,000 here,

- $1,900 I got now, $2,000, need money, $2,000 here,

I got 2,000, you want it for $2,100?

I got 2,000, you want it for $2,100?

- 21.

- [Auctioneer] $2,100 and now two--

- Your friend.

- Your friend.

- $2,200, I got a $2,100 bid on my right,

do you want it for $2,200?

do you want it for $2,200?

(auctioneer speaking quickly)

Going for 2,100, you want it for 22 and a half.

Going for 2,100, you want it for 22 and a half.

Do you give 23 sir?

23 yes, he says 2,300--

23 yes, he says 2,300--

- $2,300?

- [Auctioneer]

going for $2,300, anybody at $2,400?

23 to bid four, going at 23 and four now, at $2,400, 24.

23 to bid four, going at 23 and four now, at $2,400, 24.

- [Tod] What are you doing?

- [Tod] What are you doing?

- Quiet.

- 24 and a half, do you give five?

- 24 and a half, do you give five?

You want them for 25--

- What are you doing, shilling, trying to run the price up?

- No.

- No.

- Going for 2,500 and 2,600, do you want them for 26,

2,600 I have, would you make it 2,700, sir?

2,600 I have, would you make it 2,700, sir?

At $2,700, I have 26, you want them for seven?

At $2,700, I have 26, you want them for seven?

Well, would you give 26 and a half?

26 and a half I got, now $2,700,

going for $2,650 anybody, at 2,700, I'm gonna sell 'em.

going for $2,650 anybody, at 2,700, I'm gonna sell 'em.

- Oh, bid, mister.

- Anybody, 27?

- Anybody, 27?

I've sol

(crowd applauding)

(crowd applauding)

- A team of horses.

You bought a team of horses.

You bought a team of horses.

- No, I bought them for Mr. Perham.

- No, I bought them for Mr. Perham.

He asked me to after they started.

- He put them up for auction!

- Yeah, and he bought 'em back himself.

- Yeah, and he bought 'em back himself.

(bright orchestral music)

(bright orchestral music)

(dramatic orchestral music)

(dramatic orchestral music)

- He doesn't even have a wagon left.

- He doesn't even have a wagon left.

Couldn't you talk him out of it?

- I didn't try.

- I didn't try.

(horses grunting)

- I suppose you think I'm a button short.

- I suppose you think I'm a button short.

I said to myself Arthur, it's gotta be done.

I said to myself Arthur, it's gotta be done.

And so I just sat there while they knocked down

And so I just sat there while they knocked down

Ada's harmonium that she sets her straw by.

Ada's harmonium that she sets her straw by.

And the best dishes, and the mantel clock,

And the best dishes, and the mantel clock,

and the Windham County Gazette from 1879,

and my grandmother's picture, and the brass bed.

and my grandmother's picture, and the brass bed.

And then George Closeth, he brought in the team.

And then George Closeth, he brought in the team.

And I kept thinking, well I was planning to enter them

And I kept thinking, well I was planning to enter them

in the horse pulling contest up at

the Newfane Field Day next week.

the Newfane Field Day next week.

And I looked at 'em standing there

and I said to myse

And so I bought 'em.

And so I bought 'em.

(somber orchestral music)

(somber orchestral music)

I kept thinking, we've kept each other through the winters

I kept thinking, we've kept each other through the winters

for five years since Miss Perham went.

for five years since Miss Perham went.

Ah.

- You were supposed to be in New York, weren't ya?

- You were supposed to be in New York, weren't ya?

- Uh huh. - So am I.

- Uh huh. - So am I.

As a matter of fact, I'm

I'm not a very romantic person.

When I think of marriage,

When I think of marriage,

it's not rosy or exciting or comfortable.

it's not rosy or exciting or comfortable.

I think of two complex people with

I think of two complex people with

I think of two complex people with

their own neuroses rubbing each other raw.

- Let me ask you one thing, just one thing.

- Let me ask you one thing, just one thing.

What did you want from me?

What did you want from me?

- I'm sorry.

- I'm sorry.

I don't know, really.

I don't know, really.

I guess I just wanted to make the summer last,

I guess I just wanted to make the summer last,

it's like closing your eyes when

you see the trees start to turn.

you see the trees start to turn.

- You going back?

- You going back?

- After the Field Day.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I think this year I'll be glad when winter comes.

I think this year I'll be glad when winter comes.

(romantic orchestral music)

(romantic orchestral music)

- What's the matter?

- What's the matter?

- I'm allergic to hay.

- I'm allergic to hay.

- Why don't you sleep in the house?

- Why don't you sleep in the house?

- On the floor?

- You ever in been in Dry Well, Texas?

- You ever in been in Dry Well, Texas?

- What?

- I remember my granddaddy coming down

- I remember my granddaddy coming down

Chestnut Street after he sold his mules.

Chestnut Street after he sold his mules.

Dead staggering drunk.

Dead staggering drunk.

An old man, 72 years old.

An old man, 72 years old.

And he was cussing the dust and the drought and the bank

And he was cussing the dust and the drought and the bank

and the cotton price support program

all on the top of his lungs.

all on the top of his lungs.

And then he fell into the geraniums

and my pa went out to get him.

He had his head in Pa's lap.

He had his head in Pa's lap.

He was crying.

Tough, wind-dried, old dirt farmer crying.

Tough, wind-dried, old dirt farmer crying.

Kept saying, I could get one more crop.

Kept saying, I could get one more crop.

I had it in mind to get one more crop.

I had it in mind to get one more crop.

Then he got sick.

Tod, you ever been to a horse drawing contest?

- No, have you?

- No, have you?

- No.

(bright orchestral fanfare)

(bright orchestral fanfare)

(crowd applauding)

(crowd applauding)

- Alright, come on in folks, we're all ready for the fair.

- Alright, come on in folks, we're all ready for the fair.

Come on over to the ring now, over this way.

Come on over to the ring now, over this way.

Get the horses ready, get 'em lined up there, line 'em up!

Get the horses ready, get 'em lined up there, line 'em up!

For you folks who have never been to a horse drawing,

For you folks who have never been to a horse drawing,

the team has to pull the sled six feet.

They get three chances to add up to six feet

They get three chances to add up to six feet

or they're out of the contest.

or they're out of the contest.

The team that pulls the most weight clean wins.

The team that pulls the most weight clean wins.

Lifting 600 pounds on the pull.

Lifting 600 pounds on the pull.

First is Ed Crowell's team from Hartland, Vermont,

First is Ed Crowell's team from Hartland, Vermont,

Hank McGrafflin doing the driving.

Hank McGrafflin doing the driving.

(crowd murmuring)

(announcer shouting)

(announcer shouting)

(exciting orchestral fanfare)

A good pull, eight feet taking our lead, gentlemen.

A good pull, eight feet taking our lead, gentlemen.

This is Arthur Perham's team from Newfane.

This is Arthur Perham's team from Newfane.

5,600 pounds on the boat.

5,600 pounds on the boat.

(crowd murmuring)

(crowd murmuring)

(grunting)

(grunting)

(crowd murmuring)

(exciting orchestral fanfare)

(exciting orchestral fanfare)

(crowd applauding and cheering)

(crowd applauding and cheering)

8,400 pounds on the sled, three teams now eliminated,

8,400 pounds on the sled, three teams now eliminated,

and here's Robert Crane's team of Surry, New Hampshire.

and here's Robert Crane's team of Surry, New Hampshire.

Edward's doing the driving.

Edward's doing the driving.

(crowd murmuring and yelling)

(crowd murmuring and yelling)

(crowd cheering and applauding)

(exciting orchestral fanfare)

(exciting orchestral fanfare)

Five teams left now out of 12 (mumbling),

Five teams left now out of 12 (mumbling),

and you've gotta bring a load on of 9,400 on the boat.

and you've gotta bring a load on of 9,400 on the boat.

Wes Cooke doing the driving.

Wes Cooke doing the driving.

(crowd murmuring)

(crowd applauding and cheering)

(crowd applauding and cheering)

A good clean pull.

A good clean pull.

(exciting orchestral fanfare)

Six feet.

10,400 on the boat, four teams in the running.

10,400 on the boat, four teams in the running.

And here's Ed Crowell's team for

the third try at this weight.

(crowd murmuring)

(crowd murmuring)

(crowd groaning)

Too bad, Ed.

Too bad, Ed.

Get 'em next year's fair.

Get 'em next year's fair.

Still 10,400 on the boat.

Still 10,400 on the boat.

Last try of Donald Stock, West Brattleboro, Vermont.

Last try of Donald Stock, West Brattleboro, Vermont.

(crowd murmuring)

(crowd murmuring)

(crowd yelling)

(crowd groaning)

Not quite six feet.

Not quite six feet.

Now Arthur Perham's team again, that's from Newfane.

Now Arthur Perham's team again, that's from Newfane.

Now Arthur Perham's team again, that's from Newfane.

10,400 on the sled.

(crowd murmuring)

(crowd shouting and cheering)

There they go, all the way.

There they go, all the way.

(triumphant orchestral music)

(triumphant orchestral music)

(crowd cheering and applauding)

(crowd cheering and applauding)

Now with 11,400 pounds on the boat and only two teams left

Now with 11,400 pounds on the boat and only two teams left

here comes the JD Wellsby team from Bennington, Vermont.

here comes the JD Wellsby team from Bennington, Vermont.

(crowd murmuring)

(crowd murmuring)

(crowd yelling and cheering)

(crowd yelling and cheering)

(exciting orchestral music)

(exciting orchestral music)

A great pull.

(crowd cheering and applauding)

(crowd cheering and applauding)

Now Arthur Perham.

(horse whinnying)

(crowd murmuring)

(crowd murmuring)

(crowd groaning)

(grunting)

(grunting)

(crowd cheering and yelling)

(crowd groaning)

(crowd groaning)

Distance, 22 inches.

Alright, bring 'em around for the third try, Arthur.

Alright, bring 'em around for the third try, Arthur.

(crowd murmuring)

(grunting)

(horse whinnying)

(horse whinnying)

(crowd groaning)

Oh, tough luck, Arthur.

Oh, tough luck, Arthur.

- You fool, couldn't you stay on your feet?

- You fool, couldn't you stay on your feet?

- What do you want from me?

I'm no farm boy.

- We're out, we lost it for him!

- We're out, we lost it for him!

(somber orchestral music)

(somber orchestral music)

(somber orchestral music)

(somber orchestral music)

I saw him go.

I saw him go.

- Well he can't have gone far,

he's walking behind the horses.

he's walking behind the horses.

he's walking behind the horses.

- It's his last chance and we beat him.

- I'm sorry, I missed the hook, what can I do?

- I'm sorry, I missed the hook, what can I do?

(somber orchestral music)

(somber orchestral music)

- Mr. Perham, I wanna talk to ya.

- Mr. Perham, I wanna talk to ya.

- [Arthur] Yeah?

- Mr. Perham, it isn't your last chance.

- Mr. Perham, it isn't your last chance.

You can try again next year.

You can even keep the team through the winter

You can even keep the team through the winter

if you have somebody to help you out.

You don't have to let it beat ya.

You don't have to let it beat ya.

Look

see, through the winter, and you've got enough cash

see, through the winter, and you've got enough cash

to pay off the note, and I can work somewhere.

- Now wait a minute, Linc.

- Well why not?

- Well why not?

You don't have to if you don't want to.

I'm asking for the job, for the winter.

I'm asking for the job, for the winter.

- You bothered because we got beat in the horse pulling?

- You're not beat.

- You're not beat.

- Well sure I was.

- Well sure I was.

We done pretty fair for an old man

We done pretty fair for an old man

and two fellas never done it before, come in second.

and two fellas never done it before, come in second.

You shouldn't take it so hard.

Don't mean nothing to you, really.

Don't mean nothing to you, really.

Would have been nice to win, sure.

Would have been nice to win, sure.

But the fact is I was a darn fool bidding

But the fact is I was a darn fool bidding

for these horses at that auction.

I can't keep 'em over the winter, I know that now.

I got my common sense back.

- What are you gonna do with 'em?

- What are you gonna do with 'em?

- Sell 'em to Ford Granger,

the fellow who was bidding against me.

the fellow who was bidding against me.

That's where I'm going now.

That's where I'm going now.

Ha, take a $200 loss for my foolishness.

Ha, take a $200 loss for my foolishness.

But twas worth it.

- You alright?

Are you sure you're alright?

Are you sure you're alright?

- Yeah.

You two fellas, you run ahead of the frost line.

You two fellas, you run ahead of the frost line.

You ain't found out yet but most folks know

You ain't found out yet but most folks know

that it's gonna get colder and it's gonna get worse.

that it's gonna get colder and it's gonna get worse.

And you just do the best you can.

And you just do the best you can.

That's the thing about farming in Vermont.

You break your back just trying

You break your back just trying

to keep even with what's real,

to keep even with what's real,

you got no time to spare fighting your fancy.

you got no time to spare fighting your fancy.

You get so you know enough to call a stone a stone,

You get so you know enough to call a stone a stone,

and pry it out of your field,

and load it on a stone boat, and haul it away.

and load it on a stone boat, and haul it away.

But you don't make the mistake

that's part and parcel of the mountain, no.

that's part and parcel of the mountain, no.

- What are you gonna do?

- What has to be done, what's common sense.

- What has to be done, what's common sense.

(somber orchestral music)

(somber orchestral music)

Yeah.

Come on, come on Joey, come on.

(gentle orchestral music)

(gentle orchestral music)

(jazzy orchestral music)

(jazzy orchestral music)

- [Announcer] A Screen Gems presentation,

Herbert B. Leonard, Executive Producer.

Herbert B. Leonard, Executive Producer.

(orchestral fanfare)

(orchestral fanfare)