Original subtitles

MAN: Now, after years in the making,

Robert Altman brings to the big screen the long-awaited Nashville!

(COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYING)

With 24, count 'em, 24 of your very favorite stars.

David Arkin, Barbara Baxley, Ned Beatty in Nashville!

And the fabulous performances of Karen Black, Ronee Blakley,

Timothy Brown in Nashville!

Along with the spectacular Keith Carradine, Geraldine Chaplin,

with Robert DoQui in Nashville!

And the exciting appearances of Shelley Duvall, Allen Garfield,

and Henry Gibson in Nashville!

And the fantastic Scott Glenn, Jeff Goldblum,

Barbara Harris in Nashville!

Not to mention the terrific David Hayward, Michael Murphy,

Allan Nicholls in Nashville!

And the all-time great Dave Peel,

Cristina Raines, Bert Remsen in Nashville!

Plus the incredible Lily Tomlin,

Gwen Welles and Keenan Wynn in Nashville!

Be the first on your block to marvel at the magnificent stars

through the magic of stereophonic sound, and living color picture,

right before your very eyes without commercial interruption.

MAN: (OVER PA) Fellow taxpayers and stockholders in America.

On the first Tuesday in November,

we have to make some vital decisions about our management.

Let me go directly to the point.

I'm for doing some replacing.

I've discussed the Replacement Party

with people all over this country.

And, I'm often confronted with the statement,

"I don't want to get mixed up in politics,"

or "I'm tired of politics," or "I'm not interested."

Almost as often someone says, "I can't do anything about it anyway."

Let me point out two things.

Number one, all of us are deeply involved with politics,

whether we know it or not, and whether we like it or not.

And, number two,

we can do something about it.

When you pay more for an automobile

than it cost Columbus to make his first voyage to America,

that's politics.

MAN: (SINGING) My mother's people came by ship

And fought at Bunker Hill

My daddy lost a leg in France

I have his medal still

My brother served with Patton

I saw action in Algiers

Oh we must be doin' somethin' right

To last

200 years

(BACKUP SINGERS HARMONIZING)

I pray my sons won't go to war

But if they must, they must

I share our country's motto

And in God I place my trust

We may have had our ups and downs

Our times of trials and fears

But we must be doin' somethin' right

To last

200 years

We must be doin' somethin' right

To last

200 years

I've lived through two depressions

And seven Dust Bowl droughts

Floods, locusts and tornadoes

But I don't have any doubts

We're all a part of history

Why Old Glory waves to show

How far along we've come 'til now

How far we've got to go

How far we've got to go

It's been hard work but every time

We get into a fix

Let's think of what our children faced

In two-ought-seven-six

It's up to us, to pave the way

With our blood and sweat and tears

For we must be doin' somethin' right

To last

200 years

We must be doin' somethin' right

To last 200 years

We must be doin' somethin' right

To last

200

Years

200 years

- That girl right down on the end. - HAVEN: Hold it! Hold it, everybody.

Honey, you got to get her out.

- Bob. - Yes, sir.

Bob, I want to talk to Buddy. Buddy.

Yes, sir, dad?

Buddy, who is that woman in there, with the hat on?

- She a friend of yours? - I'm Opal. Mr. Hamilton, I'm Opal.

I'm from the BBC, and I'm doing a documentary on Nashville.

Bob, buddy, you know I don't allow no people visiting

when I'm recording.

I want no recording equipment in that studio.

Buddy, go on, escort the lady out.

- Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Hamilton. - If she wants a copy of this record,

she can buy it when it's released.

- Would you ask her to leave please? - Can I watch...

He just said no, darling. I'm sorry. Just no strangers, that's all.

Mr. Hamilton, I'll be waiting outside.

That's good.

- We'll have a little interview. - Wrap up, I want to do another one.

Jimmy, you count off,

I want to hear a little more haven, in this one.

(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING)

There we are. This is Studio B right here.

- I think they're doing some gospel. - Oh, how sweet!

A recording of some sort. Hey, Glenn. How are you?

You don't mind if we sit in, just a little bit, do you?

- Come on in. - It's so little.

We'll be going down front, so, we'll get out of their way, okay?

It's so pretty.

You know, I've been through all the recording studios in London.

They're always enormous and very, sort of, impersonal.

- This is so cozy. - We'll have to keep down a little bit,

so, they can see what's going on. There we are.

(CHOIR SINGING)

Good lord, love a duck!

This is a... This is a choir,

the black choir from... Part of... From Fisk university here in town.

Good Lord!

- The lady singer's a... - Is she a missionary?

No, she's not, she's a gospel singer.

She's the wife of our attorney.

I was making a documentary in Kenya.

And, uh, there was this marvelous woman who was a missionary.

That's why I asked if she was a missionary.

And, she was sensational.

She was converting Kikuyus by the dozens

and she was trying to convert Maasais, of course, they were hopeless.

I mean, they have their own sort of religion and everything.

-(SINGING) Do you believe in Jesus -Yes, I do

-Do you believe in Jesus -Yes, I do

-Do you believe in Jesus -Yes, I do

Do you believe that Jesus knows What's in your soul

Do you thank the lord Every chance you get

For he sent his son To save all good men

Yes, I do

-O Lord -Yes, I do

-O Lord -Yes, I do

Yes, I do Yes, I do

Look at that, that rhythm is fantastic.

You know, it's funny you can tell it's come down in the genes,

through ages and ages and hundreds of years, but it's there.

I mean, take off those robes, and... And one is in darkest Africa.

I can just see their naked, frenzied bodies dancing to the beat of...

Do they carry on like that in church?

Depends on which church you go to.

-Yes, I do -Yeah, yeah

-Yes, I do -Oh, Lord

-Yes, I do -Yeah, yeah

-Yes, I do. Yes, I do -Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

-Yes, I do -Oh, Lord

I've lived through two depressions

And seven Dust Bowl droughts

Floods, locusts and tornadoes

But I don't have any doubts

We're all a part of history

Why Old Glory waves to show

How far

Hold it. Hold it!

How far

Hold it, everybody.

Damn it, Bob.

What's the name of the piano player, Bob?

- That's Frog. - "That's Frog?" He plays like a frog.

We'll try it again?

Jimmy, you count off.

-I believe in Jesus -Yes, I do

-Oh, yes, I do -Yes, I do

-Oh, yeah -Yes, I do

-Yeah, yeah -Yes, I do

- Yeah! Yeah! - Yes, I do. Yes, I do

- Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! - Yes, I do, yes, I do, yes, I do

-Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah -Yes, I do. Yes, I do

-Oh, yeah, Oh, yeah -Yes, I do. Yes, I do

-Oh, yeah, Oh, yeah -Yes, I do. Yes, I do

-Oh, yeah, Oh, yeah -Oh, yeah! Oh, yeah!

- Yeah! Yeah! - Yes, I do. Yes, I do. Yes, I do

But we must be doin' somethin' right

To last 200 years

Must be doin' somethin' right to last

200

- Damn it to hell! - Hold it, everybody.

- Bob. - Yes, sir.

What did you say the piano player's name was?

- Frog. - Yeah.

When I ask for pig, I want pig.

Now, you get me pig,

and then we'll be ready to record this here tune.

Yes, sir.

You get your hair cut. You don't belong in Nashville.

(MARCHING BAND MUSIC)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

This is Bill Jenkins on special assignment for Channel Two News,

here at Metro Airport, we're awaiting the arrival of Barbara Jean,

who, as you know, has been away for special treatment

at the Baltimore Burn Center.

Already, prior to her arrival,

around 3,000 Barbara Jean fans and other supporters

are here at the airport.

They are, at the moment, being held inside the terminal

by security police.

Ma'am, excuse me, am I late for Barbara Jean's plane?

No, I don't think so, but they're not going to let you out there.

Thank you, ma'am.

Other members of the Chamber of Commerce,

other fans reportedly are on the way.

There's reports Haven Hamilton will make an appearance

here at the airport.

MAN: (OVER PA) There is no question about being involved.

The question is, what to do?

It is the very nature of government

to strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.

As loyal citizens, we accept our take-home pay,

understand most of the deductions.

And even, to a degree, come to expect them.

However, when the government begins to force its citizens

to swallow a camel,

it's time to pause and do some accounting.

BILL: Her plane has touched down, it's down the taxiway now.

Will be turning, at any moment, onto the ramp area,

directly here, in front of us, here, at Metro Airport.

Could you pass me the crackers, please?

- There you go. - Thank you.

(CLEARS THROAT)

Miss, may I have a caramel sundae, please?

Honey, we ain't got no caramel sundae.

- Butterscotch? - We ain't got no butterscotch sundae.

- Got a strawberry, they're real good. - Strawberries, that's fine.

MAN 1: Strawberries are always in season.

MAN 2: That's fine, fine. Thank you. MAN 1: Good for you, too.

MAN 2: Thank you, then I'll have a strawberry sundae, if I may?

- WAITRESS: You got it. - Thank you.

- Sueleen, did you see what he did? - One strawberry sundae!

Sueleen! Did you see what he just did?

He took some... He took the thing off the salt and threw it up in the air.

Did you see that?

Why'd you do that?

What are you, uh, doin' in Nashville?

- Oh, I live here. - Oh, you do?

MAN 3: Hey, fellas, come here. I want you to see somethin'.

My wife and I...

My wife is sick, unfortunately.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

It's just one of those things.

- Happens in the best of families. - Yeah. (CHUCKLES)

I wrote me this real hot song, you want to hear it?

It's called, I never get enough.

Okay, listen. All right?

(SINGING) I never get enough I never get enough

Of the love I'm hungry for

I never get enough I never get enough

I always want more and more

Even if we stay together

Our whole lifetime through

I'll never get enough I'll never get enough

I'll never get enough of you

And at any moment, Barbara Jean will be stepping out.

And, will be greeted, of course,

by the Chamber of Commerce here on hand, as well as Mr. Sperry.

Mr. Sperry making his way

to the aircraft right now, with a big wave.

And, of course, he's the President of Barnett Enterprises.

We'll be talking with Mr. Sperry about...

Hey, how you doing?

John Triplette?

You looking for me? I'm John Triplette.

- (CHUCKLES) - Oh!

- How are you? - Hey, John. How are you?

Those kids in those uniforms are terrific.

- Hello. - What's your name?

Del Reese, I'm sorry.

- Oh, forgive me, these damn glasses. - Thanks for coming out.

- It's a great idea. - You mean the girls in the costumes?

(MARCHING BAND MUSIC)

BILL: Barbara Jean's still on the aircraft.

We'll be awaiting her departure in just a few moments.

Thousands of people have turned out at Metro Airport

to greet Barbara Jean,

on her arrival.

Now, Haven Hamilton has just arrived, and typically dressed in white.

In his white jeep with his jeep being driven today by his son, Bud.

And, members of the Chamber of Commerce

are now going over

to meet Haven Hamilton, where he's greeting some of his old friends,

business acquaintances, autograph seekers

are now making their way over.

Barbara Jean still is aboard the aircraft, and still...

- Hello, Martha. - Hi.

- How are you, Martha? - I'm okay, but...

- Pardon me? - Uh, listen, I changed my name.

It's L.A. Joan from now on.

Let me get some cigarettes.

Your Aunt Esther wants to see you.

She's in the hospital, she doesn't feel too well...

Wait a minute, okay, this guy's a rock star. Wait, hang on.

Can I, uh, get your autograph? You're Tom, aren't ya?

Tom, Bill and Mary?

Jesus, you oughta stop that diet before you ruin yourself.

MAN: Do you believe this? They have our album here.

Hey, how's it selling?

- What's that? - Bill, Mary and Tom.

A little slow, but we sell mostly country.

I'm the handsome one in the front,

I don't have my glasses on in the picture.

But I... Wait a minute, wait a minute.

Hal Phillip Walker, looks exactly like Connie White.

(CROWD SHOUTING)

Now, Del, I like...

I like the idea of bands.

I just want you to listen to those little kids, honey.

I want you to know that they practiced every day after school for two hours

for a whole month, just for this event.

- That's so nice. - Isn't that cute?

They are. I think that'll cheer her up.

Pearl, shut up.

- Just like your mama, son! - Yes, yes, I'm sure he is.

BILL: Barbara Jean, tragically burned in an...

A terrible accident involving a fire at that time.

She has now fully recovered, however required to take several...

-Excuse me, Barnett -I got no time right now!

Jesus!

- Here we go. - I just think they're so cute, Buddy.

Hello, hello, testing... I wonder if this thing's on.

Hey, are you Tom of Bill, Mary and Tom?

- Yeah, what's your name? - Jamie.

You thought of voting for Walker for president.

I don't vote for nobody for president.

Oh, come on.

Just read it, he's got a fantastic platform.

How you doin', Sarge? You kill anybody this week?

BUD: So beautiful.

HAVEN: Did you ever see such pretty girls in your life?

Someday you're gonna be big girls, like your mommies.

And, you're going to be lookin' for a nice, young, handsome man.

Come on, Buddy, you say hello.

My son, Buddy. He just graduated from Harvard Law School.

And, we're tryin' to give him all the breaks that we never got.

- Buddy, say hello to the people. - Hi.

Thank you, Buddy.

And, thank you again for comin' here and makin' us all feel so at home...

Well, would you look, here she comes!

Here she comes! Our Barbara Jean!

Get up here, come on.

Get on the other side, come on.

Here's our own Barbara Jean!

May I have a word, Barnett?

Come on. Come on. Get up there.

Who do you think you are? Marlon Brando?

Barbara Jean, ladies and gentlemen!

- Hi! - Oh, look at that!

HAVEN: Is that a sight!

Hello, Haven, darling.

Hi, Bill. Hi, Mary. Where's Tom?

- Can you take my bag? - Sure.

- He's at the gate. - Then let's go meet at the gate.

- Norman, let's go to the limo. - The limo is just outside.

Barbara Jean, for you.

- Thank you, Haven. - Right here for the photographer.

Aw! Thank you, Tennessee Twirlers, for coming out today,

and thank you, Franklin High School Band.

I think you kids get better every year.

HAVEN: All right, Twirlers, let's twirl!

Oh, little beauty!

Thank you so much.

Hey, are you going to ride into town with me or not?

Oh, honey, you go on without me.

I'm going to wait, 'cause I think she's going to sing.

Who, her? She ain't gonna sing.

She don't sing unless she gets paid. Now, come on.

I'd like to thank you for coming out to greet me today.

It's great to be home. It's as hot as a firecracker.

(LAUGHING)

What's so funny about that?

Me and the boys are going to be out at the Opry this week,

and like my granddaddy always used to say,

"If you're down to the river I hope you'll drop in."

HAVEN: Yes, that's sweet.

Barnett, who are all those people, inside there?

That's just airport security, darlin', 'cause of all the hijackers.

- Did they come to see me? - They can see you pretty good.

Well, then I'd like to go in and say hello.

Aw, that's sweet.

Barnett, I'm sorry, darlin'.

BILL: This is a little bit unscheduled.

She's on her way down there, probably

to greet some of the fans that are inside there.

- Stepping on down the walkway... - Honey, watch out for the water.

- With Barnett. - That was real nice.

BILL: Right behind, Haven Hamilton and all the other friends, members and...

(WOMAN SHRIEKS)

BILL: She's fallen! Harold, come on! She's fallen somewhere down there.

If we can get down there, you have enough cable to make it?

Don't know how far we can make it.

MAN: (OVER PA) Who do you think is running Congress?

Farmers? Engineers? Teachers? Businessmen?

No, my friends, Congress is run by lawyers.

A lawyer is trained for two things and two things only.

To clarify, that's one.

And, to confuse, that's the other thing.

He does whichever is to his client's advantage.

You ever ask a lawyer the time of day?

He told you how to make a watch, didn't he?

Ever ask a lawyer how to get to Mr. Jones' house in the country?

You got lost, didn't you?

Congress is composed of 535 individuals.

Two hundred and eighty-eight are lawyers.

And you wonder what's wrong in Congress.

No wonder we often know how to make a watch,

but we don't know the time of day.

No wonder it takes six or seven years to get a final decision.

What the hell is the matter with you?

MAN: (OVER PA) Yes, I'm talking about replacement.

Replacing this lawyeristic, red-taped and blank-taped government.

With the yes-and-no language of farmers and teachers,

engineers and businessmen.

I'm not pessimistic about this country.

She finally collapsed here on the sidewalk sort of a faint.

That's all we've been able to determine from Dr. Boland.

At this moment, we interviewed Mr. Sperry, he said the same thing.

Haven Hamilton said the same thing as well.

That's about it for the moment from Metro Airport.

For Channel Two news, this is Bill Jenkins reporting.

MAN: (OVER PA) Let's consider our national anthem.

Nobody knows the words.

Nobody can sing it.

Nobody understands it.

It doesn't arouse half as much patriotic emotion as...

...because the lawyers wrote the words

and the judge wrote the tune.

HAVEN: Careful, Buddy.

MAN: Read it through carefully. HAVEN: Watch out for that truck.

And I say read it because I know you can't sing it.

Read all four verses

and you'll understand what I'm talking about.

Yes, sir, I would support, work and vote for replacement.

Change our national anthem back to something people can understand.

MAN: This is terrific, Norman.

Back to something that would make a light shine in their faces.

Hey man, get off my car. Don't lean on my car.

I just got this goddamn thing fixed, so, don't lean on it now.

Jesus Christ. God.

- Hey, man, get the hell off my car. - You almost made me fall.

Okay, thanks. You got one too?

Thanks a lot. Just keep those cards and letters comin' in, folks.

- I cannot... I feel faint. - I'm going to get us a Popsicle.

Just a minute, just a minute.

- Hello. Hello. - Those mangled bodies.

Would you go to that Popsicle truck and get us a couple of sweet ices?

There must be about 20 cars.

They're all piled up, one on top of the other.

Some of them upside-down.

- Now, come on. - I saw a leg sticking out.

This is going to be a mess. I don't know how long it...

Can't you... Can you just pull on through

where the ambulance went through?

You want to come on in and try it?

- What's the matter, son? - I'm stalled.

- What did you want son? - I wish my cameraman had been here.

He's never around when he should be.

I need something like this for my documentary.

I need it. It's... It's America.

Those cars smashing into each other and all those mangled corpses.

Just a minute, just a minute.

Aren't there any rock 'n' roll stations in Nashville?

Well, hard to really say, you see,

after they opened her up they figured they ought to do an exploratory.

You know, give her kind of an overhaul.

- Twenty dollars? - Twenty dollars.

- I'll give you five. - You'll give me five?

No, I'll take 15.

You'll take 15? I'll give you 10.

MAN: (OVER PA) I can think of no sensible reason why New York

must of necessity have 12,000 major crimes committed,

for every 1,000 committed in Tokyo.

- Yet these are the true figures. - Excuse me.

Some very funny notions have developed in American politics.

Let me see. Um, have you any children?

Yes, I have two children. I have a boy and I have a girl.

Isn't that nice. How old are they?

Twelve and eleven.

Do they want to be singers like their mummy?

Um, well, my children are deaf.

Uh...

They are... They are deaf, they were born deaf.

My god, how awful.

- It's so depressing. - Now, just a minute, that's not so.

I wish you could see my little boy. I want you to meet him.

- I couldn't. I can't. - Yes.

He has the most incredible personality.

It's the sadness of it.

See, what happened is, he made a million dollars on a fly swatter,

because it had a red dot in the center.

- Fly swatter? - That's right. Just a red dot.

He was sittin' in the buffet,

and he was eatin', and he saw a woman,

and she was swattin' flies.

And, uh, she... He said,

"What makes the difference between... In fly swatters?"

'Cause it has to do with the industrial revolution.

See, the thing with these country people is,

they have a real grassroots appeal.

Hell, they got fans.

And they're the people that elect the President.

We're going to do everything we can.

Now, if we line up a lot of movie stars,

I think that people down here feel that

movie stars are eccentric and crazy.

- Communists. (CHUCKLES) - Well... (CHUCKLES)

- A lot of them are. - It's been said.

Then I want to go to the Grand Ole Opry to have...

Grand Ole Opry? Forget that.

No, 'cause I have to have my record...

I don't like music.

- I'm going up front. - I have a gold record.

I'm going to go see what the hell's going on.

...and it needs to be signed...

Get the hell away from my truck, will ya?

- Goddamn it. Sons of bitches. - Shit.

WOMAN: I say, could I please speak to Mr. Tommy Brown?

I'm sorry. What?

Is it possible to have a few words with Mr. Tommy Brown?

I'm from the BBC. I'm doing a documentary on Nashville.

What is the BBC?

- British Broadcasting Company. - Oh, English.

It was called Wanda, wander.

No, that song was called Wonder Wanda.

No, "Wanda, wan..."

-(SINGING) Wanda, wander's got me bad -I don't have a pen.

No, it was...

-Wonder Wanda's got me bad -I keep travelin' and I'm sad

Buddy, Buddy, which was it?

- I don't really know. - Thank you, thank you.

- Goddamn it, it was Wanda, wander. - It was Wonder, Wanda.

- Wanda, wander! Wanda, wander! - Wonder, Wanda.

What difference does it make? It was a hit!

MAN: (OVER PA) There's no breathing space.

What we need, first and foremost,

is a common-sense approach.

Nothing complicated.

Is Mr. Brown going to... Will he be here soon?

Yeah, he's, uh... He's in the back changin'.

He has to put his make up on whenever he's going to have an interview.

He puts his make up on and likes to get all prettied up, you know.

That's nice.

He must be a marvelous person. Because, I mean,

to have all you lovely people working for him.

In the south, I know the problems in the south,

- I mean, I've heard of them. - (CHUCKLES)

Well, yeah.

- He's very liberal, very liberal guy. - Oh, that's lovely.

Hey, by the way, I'd like for you to meet his wife. This is Joy.

- Mrs. Brown? - Yes.

- (INDISTINCT CHATTER) - (INDISTINCT SINGING)

MAN: (OVER PA) Today in America, with its unmatched resources,

it is exceedingly ridiculous, a total absurdity,

that any citizen with any ailment, mental or physical,

should go medically unattended.

We're settin' up everything for you.

We got pictures just the right height.

Yeah, the little bird again.

Oh, isn't that beautiful? I remember when you gave that to me.

I remember I almost threw it out. (LAUGHS)

MAN: Good afternoon, girls.

I'd like you to wait outside the room for a while

because I know Aunt Esther would like to fix herself up a little.

I want my dog, where is my dog?

- Look, I just need one shot. - I'm sorry. Could you excuse us?

- Come right on in, sir. - How you doing, Howard?

I'm sorry. No press allowed.

- Put these pictures above your head. - Fine, Buddy.

- Delbert, I got no time. - I know, I know.

I just stopped by to see Barbara Jean.

Hello, Del. How you doing?

- I'm good. - How's lawyering?

Nobody pays me no mind. I'm just like another flunky. Know what I mean?

Would you mind cranking me up a little bit here?

On the end of the bed.

If I told him once, I told him twice.

Bud, what are you doing? This is a hospital!

This ain't no construction site!

- I am not the press. - Go out and build another chair!

Goddamn it.

I am not the press. I am from the BBC.

Damned if I don't keep my pledge.

- Look who's here. Mr. Brown. - Glad you're here, but cut it short.

How do you do? Nice to see you.

You look very beautiful

as a big black butterfly I saw yesterday out on the highway.

I'm getting jealous. I'm getting jealous. You better get outta here.

- OPAL: Excuse me! - (INDISTINCT CHATTER)

I got to set myself up here a little bit. Hi.

- I need to talk to you. - BARNETT: You got it.

All right, everybody. Come on. Doctor's got to talk turkey.

Barnett, there's somebody I want you to meet real quick...

- John Triplette from California. - John Triple?

- Triplette. - Okay. All right.

- Okay. - He's a killer.

Give us some good news, all right, so we can get out of here.

- Are you a relative? - What?

- Are you a relative? - No, no.

Can you tell me how she is?

- Oh, she's fine. - Is she very poorly?

It's her husband I'm concerned about.

Now say somethin' good. Come on. You got two seconds.

- Can I have a light? - Excuse me?

- Can I have a light? - Yeah, sure.

DOCTOR: The incident you described, it sounds very similar

to what you have here for your second admission

when it was diagnosed as some kind of intestinal disorder.

- What's your name? - Bud Hamilton's my name.

- It's really hot... - Esther's awake

and she's dying to see you.

I'll be there in a minute, okay? I'm talking to someone right now.

- I'm talking to someone. - I beg your pardon.

- That's my uncle. - That's your uncle?

Yeah, I've got a sick aunt down the hall.

I just got in from Los Angeles a few hours ago.

- I'm L.A. Joan. - L.A. Joan?

- What do you do? - Well, I know it sounds arrogant,

but I'm on my way to town, if I ever make it,

to become a country-western singer or star.

- Yeah? - Yeah.

What are you going to do if you don't?

If I don't? I don't know. Oh, I could always go into sales.

Like ladies' clothes? Like what you're wearing?

No. I don't know.

Well, I know all about trucks, so I'd go into trucking, I guess.

- You're kidding me. - No, I'm not kidding you.

I'm in a truck enough and I know how to fix motors and all that stuff.

Nobody'd buy trucks from a girl.

No, I've been fixing motors for a long time.

They'd buy them from me 'cause I know all about motors.

Why do you say that? Because now...

See, what's happening is, if I can't sell trucks and I can't go...

- Nobody'd buy a truck from a girl. - I knew this was going to happen.

Don't say you saw me.

Hey, you haven't seen my wife, have you?

She's sort of an ordinary-looking lady.

Are you going into town?

Yeah, you're not one of them country singers, are you?

- No, can you give me a ride? - All right, get in.

Thank you.

You look like a guy I was in the navy with.

Yeah he wouldn't take a bath, so, we had to pee in his bed

to get him discharged.

Hi.

My name's Sueleen Gay.

And I'm here to sing you all a couple of songs tonight that I wrote.

And I sure hope you're going to enjoy them, honey.

'Cause I know I'm going to enjoy singing them to you.

The first one I'm going to sing tonight is called, Let me be the one.

Let's go. (CHUCKLES SOFTLY)

Oh, what about your aunt and uncle?

Oh, it's cool. I can see them anytime.

- What kind of car you got? - I have a little, here.

Martha.

(BLUEGRASS MUSIC PLAYING)

(SINGING) Mississippi river Keep on flowin'

Push your muddy waters Down to the sea

I'm so lonely Rollin' on this river

Old man Mississippi river Carry me home

MAN: Oh, yeah, yeah!

(SINGING CONTINUES)

How come you're not wearing the blue dress?

Because I didn't want to wear it.

You're supposed to wear the blue dress when I wear this.

I don't want to dress like twins anymore.

We're not twins, we're a trio.

Hi, young stud, come on in, sit down right over here.

Yeah. Whoo!

I'm sorry, I'm sorry to...

No, it's okay.

He looks like Howdy Doody.

Okay, this is, uh...

Right here at Deemens Den.

- Hi, everybody, my name's Sheila. - And my name's Patti.

And we're the Smokey Mountain Laurel.

Oh, these troubled times

They been makin' me weary

All my toil and teardrops Make me sad

Oh, these troubled times They been makin' me weary

Still, the lord is the best friend I have

So, I'm goin' down to the river

Where I'm going to kiss my sins away

I'm goin' down to the river

I'm a-going to begin a brand-new day

Sweet Jesus, he came in the morning

He didn't kiss no women at night

Come on, Becky, let's go. It's gettin' late.

- I've got to get up... - (CHUCKLES)

Sorry. Oh, Tom.

- Yeah? - Tom, hello.

Another one of his girlfriends.

I was looking for you. This chap told me you were in here.

- Who are you? - I'm Opal from the BBC, hello.

Good evening, ladies.

You don't mind if I sit down beside you for a little bit.

All right, I want to hear it some more for my Misty Mountain boys.

I got a couple announcements I want to make.

And the first one is, we got some stars here tonight.

- It can't be us. - And one of them is...

Tommy Brown's back in town.

Tommy Brown, stand up and show it all off!

Oh, ain't he beautiful.

Tommy Brown's the whitest nigger in town.

- It's gettin' late. - I'm very sorry, I'm very sorry.

MAN: He oughta drink some of that milk. It fits his personality.

This is not typical of Lady Pearl's Parlors, you understand.

It's not typical of Nashville and I hope you'll tell the others.

Hey marshmallow. Hey he's leaving...

Just calm down. You're drunk.

I know I'm drunk but, shit, he's still the whitest nigger in town,

and I ain't going to change my mind about that, I'll tell you right now.

Tommy Brown. Shit. Hey, where you goin', Tommy Brown?

Come on back in.

- Hey, get your hands off. - (WOMAN SCREAMS)

Listen, boys! I got two guns here!

Jesus said it's going to be all right

Well, how'd we do, Trout?

Not bad, girls, not bad.

Why don't you go sit down. I'll talk to you in a minute.

Okay, send over a couple of beers, all right?

Hey Bear, how about a couple beers for the ladies, huh?

- Okay, honey, what's your name? - Sueleen, Sueleen Gay.

Sueleen Gay, you're on next.

Come on, Bunkie.

One, two, three, four.

(COUNTS IN FRENCH) Testing, testing.

I got to go to the bathroom. Wait for me here, okay?

MAN: The kind of guys that go for this Hal Phillip Walker,

longhairs and smoke cigarettes that look funny.

I tell you, I heard this guy's an admitted homo.

Hi, y'all.

My name's Sueleen Gay.

And I'm here to sing you all a couple songs that I wrote.

First one I'm going to do is called Let me be the one.

(SINGING OUT OF TUNE) Let me be the one to understand you

WOMAN: That's awful.

Let me be the one to lend a hand

And if you need some kind affection

Won't you let me give you some

WOMAN 2: What is this?

Won't you let me be the one

Oh, won't you let me be the one

Won't you let me be the one

When your skies get dark and cloudy

I'm looking for Frog.

You found him.

When you're feelin' kind of down

And you want to have some fun

- You want a beer? - No, thanks. This is business.

See, what I was doing, I was wondering,

I'm making a demonstration album at a recording studio.

- And, uh... - Winifred!

- What? You? (LAUGHING) - Goddamn it, come back here!

WOMAN: No!

(CONTINUES SINGING) Everybody needs to give some too

(PHONE RINGING)

When you get tired of pretending

- Deemen's den. - MAN: ls Trout around there?

- Yeah, this is Trout. - Hey, listen, this is Del Reese.

We're gonna have a little fundraiser,

and we need some help with some...

- Talent? - Yeah, talent. Right.

I tell you what I'm going to do.

The fella I'm working with is here

I'm going to put him on the phone and...

Put him on.

Maybe he can tell you exactly what it is we need.

Uh, John Triplette's his name.

All right.

Uh, Trout. This fella's name's Trout.

- Trout. - Yeah.

- Hello, Trout? - Hey, John, how are you?

- I'm fine. How are you? - Fantastic.

Listen, as Del told you, we're putting a smoker together.

Right.

I think next Monday night, hopefully.

What we need is a young lady to entertain the troops.

Hey, babes.

And then...

What are you telling?

(SIGHS)

Set the table, please.

Hey, babe, I'm sorry

you got stuck in that big traffic jam out there today. (LAUGHS)

DEEMEN: I have got a saucy, saucy redhead.

- Saucy. - Who is dynamite.

Absolutely dynamite.

(CONTINUES SINGING) Everybody needs to give some too

Why, in fact her name is, uh, Sueleen Gay.

Well, listen, if she's half as provocative as her name,

we're all home free.

(MUTTERING)

I'm sorry I sprang this dinner on you.

I asked the man if he wanted to come home to dinner, and he said yes.

One boy pushed me out.

(BOYS MUTTERING)

What, were you just out there all by yourself?

Wasn't it hot? Thought I was going to burn up.

Yeah, it was terrible. We got in the car and turned on the air.

Coach said, "Go in the water." I said, "Okay."

DELBERT: What are you telling Jimmy? JIMMY: Talking about swimming class.

- He's telling me about swimming class. - Oh.

What did you do? Did you swim today? Did you learn anything?

LINNEA: Hush! Let him tell it.

Then the coach said, "Ready?" I said, "Yeah. Boy."

- (DELBERT LAUGHS) - Did it how I used to.

Then I went down to the diving board,

and went... And touched bottom.

And I kept going through. Walked on the bottom.

And then I come out.

Then I get two cards, "Goldfish"

- and "Passed the test." - (LINNEA LAUGHS)

How about that?

- LINNEA: They call you goldfish? - Goldfish. That's it.

Dynamite! Dynamite, dynamite!

- Sueleen, I'm so proud of you, baby. - Thank you.

I mean, you knocked them out up there.

Oh, excuse me. I'm sorry.

All the people out front were going crazy! Oh, darling, you're outta sight!

You are outta sight. Oh, my goodness.

That's beautiful. Honey, it takes an attitude to be a star.

- What can I tell you? - SUELEEN: Do I get the job, then?

DEEMEN: Honey, I got you a job while you were singin'.

SUELEEN: You did? Oh!

DEEMEN: A friend of mine called. Very heavy.

And there's a party Monday night. Now listen,

the pay is not much because it's a low-budget thing.

SUELEEN: I don't care about the money.

- DEEMEN: It's only $10. - I don't care about money.

This must be some sort of amateur night.

Well, listen, that reminds me, I got to make a phone call.

I'll be right back.

- They are good, babe. - (PHONE RINGING)

LINNEA: Mmm, I have to get that.

- That's all right. Go on. - Where you goin'?

- Telephone. - Oh.

(GROANS)

- Hello. Mmm-hmm? - TOM: Hi. Linnea? I'm here.

- Who is it? - This is Tom.

Just a minute, just a minute, I have something in my mouth.

I was eating dinner.

You haven't changed a bit, have you?

- Now, who is it? - This is Tom. Don't you remember?

No, I don't believe I do.

Well, we met in the control room at the recording studio

about two months ago.

- Oh, yes, how are you? - I'm fine. How are you?

I'm just fine. What are you doing in Nashville?

I'm just going to do some recording. I'm here for a couple weeks.

- I'd really like to see you. - Why don't you come out to the house?

The children would love to meet you.

(CHUCKLES) That's not exactly what I had in mind.

Well...

Look, I find you very attractive and I'd like to see you.

Well, I think it'd be fine if we had dinner

some night here at the house.

You've never met my husband Del, have you?

I see. You can't talk now? Okay.

Listen, I'll call you later. I'm going home now.

I'll call you when I get there. Okay? Bye.

Uh, I'd like to...

Um...

Uh, well, all right. I'll talk to you later.

Thank you for calling.

DELBERT: He's done very well in those primaries.

He sure has. That's the key to it.

Oh, who was it, babe?

Oh, down at the recording studio. I left some music down there.

It's a .38 Smith and Wesson, that's your police special.

This particular gun's a stainless steel gun.

Did you ever have to shoot it?

Of course we had to shoot it, to qualify on the range,

but, uh, I've never had to kill anyone with it.

'Course there's been two or three occasions

where I have had to use it to, uh...

See you later, alligator.

- Am I too late? - Well, Esther's asleep now.

She's looking forward to seeing you somewhat

but we'll see her in the morning.

MAN: (OVER PA) if the chairman of the board,

or the president of your company,

had been running your business the way Washington

has been running our business,

you'd be asking a lot of questions.

And you would find out what you already know.

We have some problems that money alone won't solve.

Now, I know something about money.

Anybody who grew up without it knows a lot about money.

I know more about money than some of the rich,

because I never had any until I was 27.

I know something of what money can do,

and more important, I know something of what it can't do.

Does it make sense

to let the petroleum giants increase their prices at will,

adding to an already staggering profit?

Why don't you watch where you're going!

MAN: (OVER PA) But tell the little filling station owner in his khakis

- he can't charge one penny more. - What's wrong with you, you dope?

To tax the salaries of people on poverty-level income,

then turn around and give back in food stamps twice the amount of the tax.

If there's any cleaning up done,

we're going to have to do it.

The lord is not going to do the replacing,

and the powers that be are certainly not going to replace themselves.

That old truth remains. There is no such thing as a free lunch.

Hello.

If the books are to be balanced, we're going to have to balance them.

- Yes, sir? - You've got a room for rent?

Oh, yeah, I'm Mr. Green. That's me, I'm Mr. Green.

- I'd like to see it. - What's your name again?

- Kenny, Kenny Fraiser. - All right, sir, right this way.

Right in the back. Just go right through.

That's your room straight ahead there, Kenny.

Now, my wife's been in the hospital, so, the house is a little dusty,

but there's clean sheets on the bed.

It's fine. It's like my room at home.

And Kenny.

The toilet's down at the end of the hall.

Fine.

- You a musician? - Yeah.

Well, now, my niece is interested in music.

- Martha! - (MUSIC PLAYING OVER HEADPHONES)

This here is Kenny, this is Martha.

- Hi. - Hi.

- She's from California. - (CLEARS THROAT)

- $13.50? - That's right, $13.50 a week.

And you can have breakfast with me if you want.

Of course, you'll have to help me wash the dishes.

That's fine. Let me put this down and I'll pay you.

Good morning. Barbara Jean, time to get...

Excuse me, I must have the wrong room.

I think you do.

Come on, Barbara Jean.

Time to get up. Come on.

- Hi. - Good morning, Louise.

How are you? Did you have a nice rest?

Yeah, I was just having a dream.

MAN: (OVER PA) I know the political physicians are laughing,

but not quite as loud today as they were yesterday.

(SINGING) Sing

Sing a... Del, you should... Wait a minute. Wait a minute.

You sure you don't want me to come in there and fry you an egg?

No, honey, I'm gonna hard-boil me a couple of eggs.

All right.

(SINGING) Sing, sing a song

(MUSIC PLAYING)

Wake up.

(WOMAN SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)

WOMAN: God.

God, for a moment, I thought I was in Israel.

I don't know why.

Certainly not the decor, was it?

Must have been dreaming.

I was there for about a year on a kibbutz.

I was feeling very sort of romantic

about that kind of socialism at the time.

I'd like to have a bash at it.

(PHONE RINGING)

- Hello. - Hello, can I talk to Linnea, please?

- Huh? - LINNEA: Del, I'm on the phone.

- This is Linnea. - Okay.

TOM: Hey, how are you? Listen, I'm sorry I didn't call sooner, but...

LINNEA: Who is this?

- This is Tom. (CHUCKLES) - Tom who?

TOM: Oh, come on.

- Who is this? Tom who? - This is Tom. Listen...

I don't know who you are, I don't know why you're calling me

- and I want you to stop it. - Oh, come on, honey.

- You know you want to see me. - I never said any such thing.

And don't you call here again.

And I'm not fooling with you.

I mean it. Don't you ever call here again!

What's going on? Hello? Linnea?

Hello?

Who was that, babe?

Oh, just some crazy person been calling here.

The next time he calls, I want you to get on the phone

and tell him you're going to get the police on him.

Okay.

Come on.

(SINGING) Sing, sing a song

Make it simple to

Last your whole life long

Just sing

Sing a song

NURSE: Yeah, he watched that and the cadaver...

How do you get outside, please?

- You dial nine to get outside. - Hi, Mr. Green.

Look at those flowers. Did you grow those?

No, Esther and I did, yes.

My niece here picked them. She's from California.

Oh, that's good.

They're so healthy. Let me check and see if she's awake.

I see no reason why I can't use the phone.

May I see your credentials?

Yes, I'll be happy to show them to you.

Hi.

- Holy dogshit! Will you look at that! - What is that?

That must be some friends of Buddy's.

- Little women. - Little women!

Ever since that Easy Rider movie,

that's the kind of bike that everybody's been driving.

That's long, low, laid back in the front.

- They're so dangerous, aren't they? - They are.

Over here at the Baptist Hospital,

there's a whole ward full of young boys,

the cutest, best-lookin' boys you'd ever want to see,

just paralyzed from the waist down.

Oh, excuse me.

Thank you for the ride, darling.

- Break a leg. - Have you passed the bar yet?

Oh, yeah. (LAUGHS)

- Not that bar. - No, I know. Excuse me.

- Well, well, well. Young Hamilton. - How are you?

- How are you? - Fine, fine.

- You're a shy young man, aren't you? - Come on.

- Is your dad around? - Oh, yes, he is, but...

Do you think I could have, uh, a little chat with him?

He's kind of tied up right now, but maybe you could...

Is your mom around?

No. As a matter of fact, my mom is in... Is in Paris.

OPAL: This is Bergman. BUD: Oh, I like it.

It's kind of nice. (CHUCKLES)

OPAL: Pure, unadulterated Bergman. It's beautiful. You live here?

Yeah, we do. We, uh... We've been here for quite a while I guess.

Lucky you! It's so gorgeous. I've never seen...

Of course the people are all wrong for Bergman, aren't they?

Oh, yeah.

Well, I suppose you're interested in horses.

Uh, yeah. I like horses. Sure.

Honey, you should arrange for him to visit

one of our horse shows while he's here.

Haven breeds those famous Tennessee Walkers you've heard about.

Oh, really?

Oh, Mr. Triplette, he knows all about walkers.

That is not the kind of Walker I had in mind.

- That's very fast. - We have to be.

Well, she had this most horrible accident.

- Hi, Marie. How are you? - How are you?

She got a lick on the head when she was gettin' into a car,

one of those little tiny cars. Her daughter's car.

This happened almost a year ago.

No one had any idea this was gonna develop into such a horrible thing.

Mr. Triplette,

now, I'm real sorry old Delbert

went and told you Haven would appear at the political rally.

He knows better than that.

We'd never let Haven Hamilton take sides politically.

You understand we give contributions to everybody.

And they are not puny contributions.

Only time I ever went hog-wild around the bend,

was for the Kennedy boys.

But they were different.

Oh, yes, ma'am, they were.

That's a fact. Excuse me a minute.

Thank you, Brenda.

ELLIOTT: Is this party somebody's birthday, or...

SUE: No, this is, uh... I'm sure you've seen Haven Hamilton.

ELLIOTT: No, I never heard of him.

SUE: Been a Country Western star for years.

ELLIOTT: Do we get out here?

NORMAN: Let me, uh...

Let me get that door.

Listen, uh, I wanted to ask,

could I ask... Would it be all right if I asked Mr. Gould a question?

You wanna ask me something? Sure.

Well, we're gonna be riding back with you, Norman. Could we wait until then?

I just wanted to know what you were doing here in Nashville.

I'm just coming to a party. What are you doing here in Nashville?

- Well, I'm stuck here. - Yeah?

(CHUCKLES) We'll see you in a bit.

Haven is singing tonight at the Grand Ole Opry,

and this is just a previous sort of party for his friends.

Right. He's got a lot of photographers here, huh?

What are you doing here, anyway?

Uh, I came on a date, and now I'm going to the Grand Ole Opry.

How you going to go to the Grand Ole Opry?

- How? - Yeah, you came with a date.

- Is he gonna take you? - Huh? No, he...

They left.

No, I'm promoting a movie, but I'm not making one.

Are you a personal friend of Mr. Hamilton's?

Oh, yeah, we're very good friends.

Uh, no, I'm not a singer. I'm a businessman.

I take care of all dad's business.

- You're a businessman? - Yeah.

- With that face? - (BOTH LAUGH)

You can't be a businessman.

Yeah, I work with, uh, Dad's company.

I take care of his records. All of his business.

Anything that comes in comes though me.

- Do you like it? - Oh, yeah, it's great. It really is.

Dad's wanted me to do that all his life.

Haven, listen, I... I'd be the last guy in the world

to try and change your mind

about something you don't want to do.

But I'd like to explain a couple of things about what we're trying to do

in this campaign before you discount it altogether.

And somehow, the blood began to drain into behind her eyeball,

and the pressure just caused her eye just to bulge out.

It was all red, it was just awful-looking.

And everybody thought she was gonna lose her eye.

We still don't know how it's gonna come out.

I don't know how you're gonna feel about this, but, uh...

Walker thinks that you'd make a fine governor in this state.

He thinks the time's right.

He thinks the people of Tennessee love you.

He knows they do.

He knows how you feel about them.

And he wants you to know that, uh,

should the time come, you want to run,

why, he'll be there with his organization to back you all the way.

Elliott Gould, Delbert and Linnea Reese.

- Good to meet you. - Del Reese, good to meet you.

- Mrs. Reese. - And Mrs. Dorster. Elliott Gould.

You gonna be at Opryland tonight?

Well, I hadn't thought I would be.

Well, I'm gonna be at Opryland tonight.

Oh, well, sure, I'll be there. Sure.

Yes, I guess you will.

And, uh, that's when I'll give you my decision.

Well, thank you so much for thinking about it.

Terrific.

- Is Haven around? - Oh, yeah, he's right around the corner.

Would you check and see if it's all right if we come?

- Yeah. - I see him with other people.

Thank you, Del.

Do you want to be a singer? Look at me.

- Look at me. - Oh. I think everybody...

Dad wouldn't hear of it. He really wouldn't.

- But you want to be a singer. - (CHUCKLES)

- I know him. That's Elliott Gould. - This guy?

He's a really well-known actor.

Yes, Elliott Gould, with the curly hair.

Yeah. He was married to, uh, Barbra Streisand.

He's grossing real big.

I just shook the man's hand like he was somebody off the street.

Delbert. Go over there and bring him on over.

- Yes, sir, I'll... - Oh, Delbert!

We all walk on the street, Delbert.

(LAUGHTER)

JOHN: Delbert, Delbert.

Listen, you all come over. Haven wants to meet you right away.

I'm... I didn't realize who you were when we first were introduced here.

- You wrote a song? - Yeah, I wrote one song in my life.

- I'd love to hear it. Uh... - You sure?

- Mmm-hmm. - Okay.

(SINGING) The sound of her hello

Soft and tenderly

The way she lights my morning

With her smile

And when she says I need you

Oh, I really need you

It makes my life so worthwhile

'Cause it comes from the heart

Of a gentle woman

It comes from the soul

Of an angel from above

And I'll stay in the heart

That's Elliott Gould! (LAUGHS)

It's Elliott Gould!

Well, let me meet the movie star!

- Lady Pearl, Elliott Gould. - Lady Pearl. Howdy!

- Haven Hamilton. - Well, how do you do, Mr. Gould?

It's so nice to meet you and welcome to Nashville and to my lovely home.

- Elliott! Elliott Gould! - What brings you here?

- Hello. Well, I'm just... - Hello! (CHUCKLES)

How are you? Oh, you look marvelous.

I'm Opal from the BBC.

Do you remember the Cannes Film Festival?

No, of course you wouldn't remember. How silly of me.

- Is she connected with Mr. Gould? - No, she's not.

What are you doing? What am I doing in Nashville?

- Excuse me. - I'm doing this documentary...

Excuse me, but Mr. Gould does not give interviews.

I don't know who you are or what you're doing here,

but I will not tolerate rudeness in the presence of a star, two stars.

Would you just take her, Delbert? Thank you. So nice. Good-bye.

Mr. Hamilton!

- It's gonna be all right. Listen... - Who are you?

Well, that's the price of success, I guess.

It certainly is.

(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS)

MAN: Go get a Goo Goo, friends, and settle back

for 30 of the goodest minutes in radio,

the Goo Goo Grand Ole Opry.

It's sent your way by the makers of Goo Goo,

the goodest candy bar in the world,

and King Leo pure stick candy, the candy that roars with flavor.

Now a big welcome, if you please,

for the Goo Goo man of the hour, Tommy Brown!

(SINGING) I've been goin' down that long lonesome road, babe

And I've been doin' it For a while, yeah

I've been goin' down that long lonesome road, babe

Lookin' for a special smile

Now, I worked the bars

New York to Frisco

But I could never make it pay

You know how money goes

It slips right through your fingers

One more dollar, one more day

The bluebird, he has no money

The bluebird he has no kin

The bluebird he wears no time clock

He answers to the wind

MAN: That's as far as I can take you.

You're going to need some help to get it down.

Okay.

It's there all right. It's the new one.

- Yeah, I know. - Excuse me.

The new one all right.

- Excuse me. Have you got the time? - Sure, yeah.

(CONTINUES SINGING) I shoved a hundred million quarters in that jukebox

I've served a barrelful of beer

Now I've listened to

Some troubles in my lifetime

I've seen a lot of grown men cry

You know that old tune called "Over the Rainbow"

Well, if the bluebird flies then why can't I? All right!

I'm Del Reese, and I'm goin' back to Haven Hamilton's group.

- Remember me? - This young lady's with me here.

I'm being interviewed by her.

And I really gotta go, and I gotta go to the bathroom.

(CONTINUES SINGING) Time clock

He answers to the wind

He answers

To

The wind

Oh, yeah! Thank you!

Thank you, Tommy. Beautiful job, as always.

Say, Harold Weakly, have you been on vacation yet?

Gosh, no, I've been busier

than a puppy in a room full of rubber balls.

And if you're like me, all that hustling and bustling

makes you want to sit down

and let the world go by while you enjoy a Goo Goo candy cluster.

- Hey, Steve. She's with me. - Hello.

- Excuse me. Can I help you? - Oh, I'm with these people here.

- Do you have a backstage pass? - They didn't need a pass.

You need a pass to get backstage.

(SINGING) I never get enough

I always want more and more

Even if we stay together

Our whole lifetime through

I'll never get enough I'll never get enough

I'll never get enough of you

- You ready to do the song? Okay. - Right.

(BOTH SINGING) Go get a Goo Goo It's good

(APPLAUSE)

I don't know about killing them Haven. They're already dead.

They're lucky to be alive.

Haven Hamilton!

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Now, now.

Well, I want to thank you for that wonderful, warm welcome.

And I'm sure you meant to share it with Bud Hamilton, my son, who's here.

Stand up, Bud.

(APPLAUSE)

Isn't he somethin' else?

Yes, indeed. Yes, indeed.

God bless you, and thank you so much for that warm welcome.

- How tall is that guy? Haven. - Who?

HAVEN: Today I'd like to do a special treat for you.

- A brand-new song... - Don't... Don't ever ask him that, John.

(SLOW MUSIC)

(SINGING) Unpack your bags

And try not to cry

I can't leave my wife

There's three reasons why

There's Jimmy

And Kathy

And sweet Lorelei

For the sake of the children

We must say good-bye

For the sake of the children

We must say good-bye

'Cause Jimmy's been wishin'

That I'd take him fishin'

His little league pitchin'

Is somethin' to see

And Kathy's 13 now

She's my little queen now

And I've gotta see

Who her beau's gonna be

So unpack your bags

And try not to cry

That's funny, because...

Oh, look! Connie White! Connie White.

How are you, honey?

You know what? You remember you signed my album?

Well, thank you for coming, dear. Thank you for coming to the show.

I have a song I wrote. I'll give you a call tomorrow, okay?

That's fine.

We'll just chat, you know, and...

You remember what I wrote on the program?

- "I'm your friend, Connie White." - I like your dress.

I'm gonna get one too. But, you know, I like the gold one with the...

You know, when you... When you have no waist.

(CONTINUES SINGING) Lori's just walkin'

She just started talkin'

And "daddy's" the first word

That she ever said

So unpack your bags

And try not to cry

I can't leave my wife

There's three reasons why

There's Jimmy

And Kathy

And sweet Lorelei

For the sake of the children

We must say good-bye

For the sake of the children

We must say good-bye

For the sake of the children

We must say good-bye

Thank you. Thank you.

He's got the entire galaxy on the back of his shirt.

Thank you so much.

And now I'd like to do a special old favorite,

the song that got me started in this business that's been so kind to me,

a song you've loved through the years

and one I'm sure you're gonna love tonight.

- Keep a-goin! - (COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYING)

Thank you.

(SINGING) Well, if you strike a thorn on a rose

Keep a-goin'

And if it hails or if it snows

Keep a-goin'

Ain't no use to sit and whine

'Cause a fish ain't on your line

Bait your hook and keep a-tryin'

Keep a-goin'

(APPLAUSE)

(CROWD CLAPPING TO TUNE)

When the weather Kills your crop

Keep a-goin'

Why, it takes work to reach the top

Keep a-goin'

Well, now, Wilton's going!

Come on, Wilton! Let's hear it for Wilton!

(APPLAUSE)

I think Joe's going to be going soon.

You getting ready, Joe?

Yeah, Joe's going.

Now everybody's going!

(SINGING) And if the Doctor says you're through

Keep a-goin'

Why, he's a human just like you

Keep a-goin'

Ain't no law says you must die

Wipe them tears from off your eye

Give old life another try

Keep a-goin'

Ain't no law says you must die

Wipe them tears from off your eye

Trust the good Lord up on high

He'll help

Keep a-goin'

Keep a-goin'

Yes, sir!

Well, thank you. Thank you and God love you.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

We want to send very special wishes and greetings to our own Barbara Jean.

I know most of you read

that she collapsed out at the airport. She's in the hospital.

She's in Vanderbilt Hospital recuperating.

And, Barnett tells me that she really cried real tears

because she couldn't be here with you tonight.

But I hope you'll send some letters and best wishes and prayers to her.

That's Vanderbilt hospital, Nashville, Tennessee, 27322.

And you tell her Haven told you to write.

Now, as a special stand-in for her,

we have her dear friend, Connie White,

who got out of the dentist's chair this morning

where she was having some root canal work

and came all the way out here to sing for you.

Miss, Connie White, who's a friend not only of Barbara Jean's,

but a friend of yours and mine.

A wonderful singer in her own way,

Miss Connie White!

Come on out, Connie!

(PERSON WHISTLES)

- Hi, Del. How are you? - I want you to meet...

You look so good. Wonderful!

Isn't she lovely, folks? Isn't she beautiful?

He's gonna do some things. We might wanna talk about it.

We'll talk about it later. Nice seeing you.

Well, who do we have here?

- What is your name, honey? - Paul Harris.

Paul Harris. He's 13, he says. And what's your name, honey?

Last time I saw a dress like that, I was heading for the junior prom.

- (DELBERT CHUCKLES) - You boys having a good time tonight?

Girl fell out of the car. That blew the deal.

I want you to study real hard,

because just remember, any one of you can grow up to be the President.

(COUNTRY MUSIC PLAYING)

(SINGING) Well, I'd like to go to Memphis

But I don't know the way

And I'd like to tell you how I feel

But I don't know what to say

And I'd love to go to heaven

But I forgot how to pray

So just help me keep from

Sliding down some more

When I tried to get back to him

I got lost on the way

I'd like to start again tomorrow

But I, I don't know what day it is

And I'd sure like to love you

If you'd show me the way

And just help me keep from

Sliding down some more

Well, I don't know what it's like out there

But in here it's getting darker

I got a lot of things to share

But it sure is getting late

Well, I'd like to give you all I got

But I don't know what that is

And I'd like to take you with me

But I don't know where that is

And I know there must be something some place

And some way to live

So just help me keep from

Sliding down some more

Just help me keep from

Sliding down some more

Some more

(APPLAUSE)

I know you love me

When I'm happy

And I know you love me when I shine

But will you love me in the morning

When the baby makes you get up

One more time?

I know you love me when I feel good

Love me every time I make you laugh

Turn that off.

Okay, one more minute, darling.

Right now.

Honey, she'll be through with the song in a moment, all right?

I want you to turn it off right now! It bothers me.

It bothers me too, but I got to listen to it, don't I?

Why?

Come on now. I got to go to the king of the road

and thank her personal-like for you, don't I?

Thank her?

I got to know what songs she sang, don't I?

You can ask anybody.

You can call. You can send flowers. You can send a message.

Come on. Don't get upset now.

You're making me ruin my nail polish job.

Do I tell you how to sing, darling? Hmm?

Have I ever told you how to sing a song?

- That ain't the point. - That is the point.

I know why you're going over there.

Don't tell me how to run your life.

- I been doing pretty good with it. - You go...

Let's just calm down. We're both getting on each other's nerves.

You're going over to the king of the road and I know why.

So you can hobnob with everybody.

- So I can do what? - I ain't got no friends.

I got to sit here in this goddamn hospital.

They're all gonna talk about how I'm a nut.

I don't even like the word hobnob. I ain't doing no hobnobbin'.

- Whoa, whoa, whoa. - And I gotta...

"Barbara Jean had another collapse."

You know what?

While you're at it,

why don't you take her some... Why don't you take her some of my flowers?

Are you through?

- No, I ain't through. - You through, darlin'?

Take her this nice black one. That'll cheer her up.

- Why don't you try these? - Are you through?

- And these. - (SHOUTING) I said, are you through?

And why don't you try these!

Are you through, I said? Are you through...

Are you going nutsy on me? Is that what you're doing?

'Cause I won't stand for that, Barbara Jean. Huh?

You having one of them nervous breakdowns again? Huh?

No. No.

Well, you could've fooled me 'cause it looks like you're ready for it.

Now, you just settle down and shape up. You understand?

The only reason I'm going over there is 'cause I love you.

I don't love to go over there and hobnob with them phonies.

Why do you make me raise my voice to you?

Why do you put us both through this?

You all right?

(SOBBING)

Come on, now. Let's have a little smile for Barnett.

- I'm tired of this place. - Come on, now. Now get up.

You help me, I help you. All right? Come on, now. Come on.

Now, where's Barnett going? Where am I going?

Hmm?

- (SOFTLY) King of the road. - Why am I going there?

To see Connie.

- And why am I doing that? - To thank her for singing at the Opry.

- Now, who am I doing that for? - You're doing it for me.

That's right.

Now, I'm walking out now.

What do you say as I walk out? You say "bye-bye."

Bye.

- Bye-bye. - Bye.

Barnett?

Barnett?

(MUSIC PLAYING)

- Hello, Ben. - Hi.

Aren't they wonderful? So marvelous.

I'm really upset.

What... What are you upset about?

She's really late.

Well, she's not, uh... She's not that late.

No, she's late.

- Thank you. - He's right over there.

I thought you were very, very good tonight.

HAVEN: Thank you. Thank you so much.

She sounded beautiful. She looked beautiful.

Well, Sue, I didn't expect to see you.

- I wanted you to meet Julie Christie. - Well, excuse my back.

So nice to see you. Welcome to Nashville.

Will you be here a while?

- Um, well, no, just passing through. - Oh, please sit down, do sit down.

- Have a drink with us. - We're not staying.

You're English, aren't you?

- Yeah. Hi. - I could tell.

Look at her, isn't she lovely?

This is such a coincidence.

I'm Del Reese.

I was talking about the Christy minstrels just this morning,

- and now we have Julie Christie here. - I met you with Peter Finch.

- So good to see you. - Oh, yeah?

You won't sit down and stay for a while?

No, thank you.

- Julie has a friend at the Exit Inn. - Well, I hope your stay is nice.

And I hope you'll remember what film facilities we have here in Nashville.

- Oh, yeah, sure. - Thank you. Good to see you.

- Have a lovely evening. Good-bye. - Bye-bye.

Nice to see you. Well, isn't that an honor.

- What a surprise. Julie Christie. - Who's Julie Christie?

"Who's Julie Christie?" She's a famous star.

She's won an Academy Award.

- (LAUGHING) - No, I'm not kidding.

She got it for one of those pictures. I don't know which one it was.

- She's done so many. - Isn't he a gem?

He's just got the worst sense of humor.

No, she's lovely.

Come on, Haven. She can't even comb her hair.

Oh, you've got a Hal Phillip Walker button.

No, it's Kennedy. Isn't that rather ancient?

How strange. I thought that everybody in the South didn't go for Kennedy.

It's John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

Well, he... He took the whole South,

except for Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky.

And there's a reason he didn't take Tennessee.

But he got 481,453 votes,

and the asshole got 556,577 votes.

I just can tell. It's something. It's the way she looks at me.

It's that feeling you get that

you know there's something else going on.

And if I do a performance when I'm too tired, it doesn't have...

- Hey, you all. How are you, Connie? - Hi, Barnett.

Now, the problem we got here

is anti-Catholicism.

These dumb heads around here, they're all

Baptists and whatever, I don't know.

(STUTTERS) Even to teach them to make change over the bar,

you got to crack their skulls,

let alone teach them to vote for the Catholic,

just because he happens to be the better man.

Here, this is just something,

just a little something that Barbara Jean told me to pick up for you.

Oh, Barnett, you shouldn't have done that.

I know, but she told me.

I told her I shouldn't have.

Did you get the flowers we sent to you?

(CHEERING)

Thank you.

Appreciate it.

Thank you very much.

As most of you might have already noticed,

we have a celebrity in the house with us tonight.

If we get our hands together, we might could get a song.

- Miss Connie White. - (CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

MAN: Just from the goodness of her heart. What do you want, a few bucks?

You holding out for something better?

You're a real sweetie pie.

Thank you very much.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

That's what I love about this place. Can you see me? I can't see you.

- MAN: That was a nice gesture. - Hmm?

I'm gonna sing something you all know.

What was a nice gesture?

I'd like you to join me on the choruses.

- Nice and loud. - Don't seem to be appreciated, do it?

It's Rolling Stone.

(CROWD CHEERING)

Thank you.

(SINGING) You walked me, sweet Joshua

Down the country lane

You brought me, sweet Joshua

Where the roses grow so tall

You lay me down, Joshua

And you promised me your name

And after that

That was all

That was all

Everybody!

Rolling stone Rolling stone

Who wrote that song, a kid?

And all I remember the next few days was...

I was just looking at that TV set and seeing it all,

seeing that great fat-bellied sheriff

saying, "Ruby, you son of a bitch."

And Oswald...

And her, in her little pink suit.

But neither

Does it gather

Any love

Here's the best. Here's Vassar.

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

And then comes Bobby.

Oh, I worked for him.

I worked here, I worked all over the country.

I worked out in California, out in Stockton.

Bobby came here and spoke, he went down to Memphis,

and then he even went out to Stockton, California,

and spoke off the Santa Fe train at the old Santa Fe depot.

(INHALES SHARPLY) Oh.

He was a beautiful man.

He was not much like John, you know.

He was more puny-like.

But all the time I was working for him,

I was just so scared.

Inside, you know? Just scared.

Haven, do you think we could get Connie out to the rally?

Connie White and Barbara Jean never appear on the same stage together.

Connie can replace Barbara Jean, but that's it.

As for Haven Hamilton, well,

I'll appear wherever Barbara Jean appears.

BARNETT: I got a good mind to take you outside.

With my wife in the hospital, you putting that shit on me?

Calm down, Barnett.

- Calm down, enjoy the show. - WOMAN: Barnett's angry.

Okay.

(CONNIE CONTINUES SINGING) Walk with me, Joshua

I... I think she's...

I think she's having an affair here. I really do.

(CONTINUES SINGING) The child that we have made

Oh, God. Are you off.

You are way off.

You are way, way off.

Are you kidding?

(MAN SINGING) Some people take

And never give

WOMAN: I love you.

But all men die

And so must live

For a while

And life is short

I love you.

A precious gift

This thing we have

Please don't

I love you.

Let it drift away

Honey, won't you let me be your friend

I love you.

Honey, won't you let me try again

Honey, won't you let me be your friend

For another day?

(CHORAL SINGING)

When we've been there

Ten thousand years

Bright, shining as the sun

We've no less days

To sing god's praise

Than when

We'd first

Begun

And on the profession of your faith, I baptize you, my sister,

in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy ghost.

Amen.

(SINGING) I'm new-born again

Been a long time talking

'Bout my trials here below

Free grace, free grace

Free grace, sinner

Free grace, free grace

I'm new-born again

(SINGING) And he walks with me

And he talks with me

And he tells me I am his own

And the joy we share

As we tarry there

None other

Has ever

Known

He speaks and the sound of his voice

Is so sweet

The birds hush their singing

And the melody

That he gave to me

Within my heart

Is ringing

You know, my wife, Esther, is on the same floor with Barbara Jean.

And he walks with me

Oh, Esther and I had a son, in the service too.

- Yes, sir. - Not... Not the army, it was the navy.

And he tells me I am his own

We lost him in the South Pacific. We don't know how.

And the joy we share

I'm sorry to hear that, sir.

- World war ll. - Yes, sir.

As we tarry there

None other

Has ever

Known

I'm wandering in a graveyard.

The dead here have no crosses,

nor tombstones, nor wreaths to sing of their past glory.

But lie in rotting, decaying, rusty heaps.

Their innards ripped out by greedy, vulturous hands.

Their vast, vacant skeletons

sadly sighing to the sky.

The rust on their bodies is the color of dried blood.

Dried blood.

I'm reminded of...

Of an elephant's secret burial ground.

Yes.

(SPEAKING FRENCH)

These cars are trying to communicate.

Oh, cars, are you trying to tell me something?

Are you trying to convey to me some secret...

What, excuse me?

Oh.

Excuse me.

I thought I was completely alone here. How embarrassing.

Oh, you're a musician.

(SINGING) The economy's depressed not me

You may say that I ain't free

But it don't

Worry

Me

Let's have some applause for Miss Maisie Hoy.

(INDISTINCT COMMENTARY OVER PA)

Miss Albuquerque?

Hi, Frog.

This is with gestures.

RACE ANNOUNCER: Miss Jill Brown on the track in number 78.

(RACE CARS REWING)

You wanna talk about yesterday?

Get up, goddamnit!

Fucker.

You wanna talk about yesterday?

Do you wanna talk about yesterday or not?

What, are you... What, are you...

Shit. Come out of there!

You leave me alone!

Come out of there! Come on!

Look, I know what's... Come on!

For Christ's sake, what now, you...

What are you doing?

Do you wanna talk about yesterday or not?

Oh, that's terrific. Hey, that's great. Hey, terrific. It's great.

Oh, thanks. My turtle. Thanks a lot.

Look, just relax!

Look, I know what's going on.

Great. House detective.

Bill, hi. I'm John Triplette.

Am I early? I... I called you this morning.

- BILL: Oh, yeah. The guy from TV. - Yeah.

All right, come on in.

- Thank you. - Sure.

Just... (CHUCKLES) We're just cleaning up here.

- You know the... (CHUCKLES) - Sunday morning blues.

- Here, would you hold this? Thanks. - Sure.

Let me just move this over here.

- Is this your new album? - Yeah. That's our only album. (CHUCKLES)

It's a very good one, though, I've heard it.

- Oh, thank you. Yeah. - It's terrific.

- I'm really sorry about the mess. - Oh, that's all right.

- You ought to see my room. - (BOTH CHUCKLE)

We had a little party last night. Had a pretty good time too.

Uh, I wanted to, um

tell you a couple things about what we're trying to do with this show.

- Can I get you a drink? - No, no...

- You want a drink? I could call down. - No, no, I'm fine.

I don't wanna take up much of your time. I, uh...

I just wanna tell you a little bit of what we're trying to do.

I'm not, uh...

I know you're astute politically,

and I'm certainly not here to sell you a Bill of goods.

Don't care. Don't care about politics.

- No politics? Okay, great. - No.

Well, let me tell you then, I've got a problem

that I think could work to your advantage.

As you know, this, um, redneck music is very popular right now.

I've got an awful lot of these local yokels on the Bill singing.

- Your basic country folk. - Country crapola. Right.

(CHUCKLES) So I think, uh...

What I'm going for is a broader appeal.

Which is where we would fit in.

I want to give it more than just this southern thing.

And I think that a really hip group like yours,

could walk off with the evening.

Yeah, probably the only rock group on the...

- Absolutely. - Sounds good.

- Sounds inviting. - Yeah.

And I think you do get a lot of, a big audience from these country guys.

Is this just network, or is it...

No, it's really better than network. It's going to be syndicated.

They'll be showing it for a year and a half.

- Your glasses, sweetheart. - Oh, thanks.

This is my wife, Mary. This is John Triplette.

- Hi, Mary. Nice to meet you. - Sit down here. Go ahead.

He's the, uh, fellow from the television show

that they're doing for Hal Phillip Walker.

You know, that political thing that we're seeing

going on all over the place. And he's offered us a spot.

You're doing some great promotion on that guy. All those buttons and...

Oh, yeah, thank you. I'm trying.

Bumper stickers.

Anyway, we got a great time spot on this gala,

and we're going to walk away with the show, John says.

We can't vote for him. We're registered Democrats.

Besides, he's a little crazy, isn't he?

Well, they're all a little crazy, Mary.

- I'll drink to that. - That's the name of the game.

But I think the thing that you should consider is your future.

It would give you a great shot.

But it really doesn't make any difference

because we're registered Democrats.

Well, I'm a registered Democrat.

The only reason we're registered Democrats

is because your father's a registered Democrat.

And his father's a registered Democrat.

Well, Tom's a registered Democrat and he wouldn't do it.

TOM: (SINGING) It's not my way

To take your hand if I'm...

- Hi, Tom. - Hi, Norman. How you doing?

Good. I'm sure glad you called. Is there anything I can, uh...

- Sit down. - Okay.

You don't have any speckled birds, do you?

What?

You know, LA. Turnarounds. Uppers.

Uh, no. No, I, uh...

But I can get you some grass. I know where to get some grass.

- No, thanks. I don't need any grass. - Okay.

Uh, can I ask you a question?

Is there... Is there something... Are you angry at Bill?

- No. - Oh.

'Cause I, you know, I, Bill and Mary and you and...

Well, Bill, I mean, Bill seems to be, um...

Uh... (CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY)

- I'm just confused. (CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY) - Hmm.

Um...

Here, why don't you write yourself a hit.

Okay. Oh.

WOMAN: (OVER PHONE) Hello. TOM: Hi. Can I talk to Cherry, please?

She's in bed with R. Y. You wanna talk to R. Y? Maybe he's up.

Well, I'd rather talk to her, if I could.

Who is this?

This is Frank, one of the cooks at the restaurant.

Are you a Jehovah's Witness?

MAN: (OVER PA) Does it make sense that the churches

should remain untaxed on their vast holdings of land

and corporate investments?

Does it make sense that a multimillion-dollar income

should go untaxed year after year?

No, all will not be easy.

But we will bask in the satisfaction

of having done what we should have done.

And if we don't get it done today, we may run out of tomorrows.

The buses!

The buses are empty.

And look almost menacing, threatening.

As so many yellow dragons watching me,

with their hollow, vacant eyes.

I wonder how many little black children

and little white children have yellow nightmares,

their own special brand of fear for the yellow peril.

I can't have... I can't start...

Damn it, it's got to be more

positive.

No, more negative. Start again.

Yellow is the color of caution.

No.

Yellow is the color of cowardice.

Yellow is the color of sunshine.

And yet I see very little sunshine

in the lives of all the little Black children

and the little white children.

I see their lives, rather, as a study in grayness,

a mixture of black and...

Christ, no. That's fascist.

Oh, yellow! Yellow, yellow, yellow. Yellow fever.

I think we'll be able to talk about it. They're checking out now.

JOHN: See if you can get together with him before he leaves.

What about the place?

- It's not bad at all. - Think it'll work out?

Yeah, it's got this bizarre stage

- that drops out of the ceiling. - Yeah, I know.

Have you seen it? Have you been out here?

They're getting out of here this morning.

- The place is very confused. I will. - Bye-bye!

Is the place out there okay?

Bye-bye, bye-bye.

Wait a minute. Here we go.

Barnett! Phone's for you.

- Is it important, or what? - Bye, girls.

- BARNETT: Hello. - Hello, Barnett. John Triplette.

- Who? - Hello! Are you going home?

Mr. Green, how are you? I'm going home.

- I'm glad to hear that. - Thank you. How is Mrs. Green?

She's fine, and she's gonna be thrilled to hear I saw you again.

Oh, good, give her my very best. And is she taking her vitamin E?

- Got 'em right here. (CHUCKLES) - All right. Good for you.

You take care, darling. Bye-bye.

All right, come on now. Let's get her on there.

Lucky for you. Whoo!

-Gonna buy me a pistol -All right, get in.

We got to go with those white horseshoes.

We're gonna live with those for infamy.

All right, come one.

Hey, take that cortege on the other elevator.

NURSE: Mr. Green, didn't the doctor get a hold of you?

No more phone calls, Delbert.

I'm really sorry I have to tell you this.

Mrs. Green expired this morning.

What?

Mrs. Green died this morning.

Wait right here. Let me go get the doctor.

(CLEARS THROAT) Mr. Green?

Mr. Green, you know, my mama saved her life.

They used to live next door to each other.

My mama's the one who put out the flames.

She always loved Barbara Jean more than anything.

She's still keeping a scrapbook on her.

The only thing she said to me when I joined up was, she said,

"Son, when you're doing your travels, I want you to see Barbara Jean."

"You don't have to say nothing about me or nothing like that."

"I just want you to see Barbara Jean."

So that's what I been doing.

Now I'm gonna go over to, uh... To Opryland and hear her sing.

Hey, you give my best to your wife, now.

(SOBBING)

Now wait a minute. Don't laugh.

I... Let me just... I have a theory about political assassination.

You see, I believe people like Madame Pearl

and all these people here in this country who carry guns,

are the real assassins.

Because, you see, they stimulate other people,

who are perhaps innocent,

and who eventually are the ones who pull the trigger.

- Ma? - WOMAN: Kenny? Where are you, Kenny?

- I'm in Nashville. How are you? - I was so worried.

- There's no reason to worry. - I'm all right.

Well, I have been. I haven't been able to sleep.

I had to take some of that Nyquil so I could go to sleep.

- That cough syrup, puts you right out. - Did it help?

Yes, it did. Where are you staying in Nashville, Kenny?

- I'm staying at a rooming house. - In a rooming house?

- Who you talking to? - To my mother.

Who are you talking to, Kenny?

A girl that lives in the rooming house.

A girl who lives in the rooming house. Kenny, who owns that rooming house?

Her uncle.

A man owns the rooming house? Well, it can't be very clean.

Don't be silly.

Well, I bet the sheets aren't very clean.

This is terrible time. In the south, you can pick up this parasite...

- Joan, put that down, please! - Kenny, listen to me...

Just a minute.

Okay. I just wanted to look at your fiddle.

- Kenny! - What?

You can get this parasite fungus in the south

and it's very difficult to get rid of Now, when are you coming home?

I don't know, Ma. In a couple of weeks.

You left your blue suit hanging in the closet. What are you wearing?

I don't need my blue suit.

I would really like you to get home as soon as you can.

I... I've been a little...

Mother, just listen to me.

Kenny, don't you talk to me in that tone of voice.

I love you too, mama.

I really do. I'll see you soon.

Bye-bye.

(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING)

(CROWD CHEERING)

DELBERT: Well, let's find Barnett, hope he's not in a bad mood.

MAN: Hi. How are you?

DELBERT: Hey, Barnett!

MAN: I'm obliged to give them, you know...

Hey, Barnett.

BARNETT: What do you want now? DELBERT: How you doing?

This guy wants me to do four shows. What do you want?

(LAUGHS) Don't let her do too much. How you hanging?

You feeling better now that she's feeling better?

- Yeah, I feel swell. - I know you do.

We got to talk to you. We're gonna do a show.

Okay, now, John's doing this show.

Haven's gonna do it. We want Barbara Jean to headline it.

Now what it is, now wait a second, man.

I wish they wouldn't rush us. Get a shot.

DELBERT: It's national TV for this candidate Hal Phillip Walker.

We don't want her to make any political statement.

- No. - Absolutely not.

What do you think her being there's gonna be?

- Ain't that a political statement? - People haven't seen her, Barnett.

No, fellas. Don't take it personal.

No politics, no government, no nothing.

- All right? Okay? - All right.

- I heard you all out. - Hello, boys. How's it going?

I believe I met you before in the hospital. That's right.

Didn't Jewel show you how to do her hair?

- Come on, darling. - How do you do, honey?

- No pictures. - I'm all excited.

I feel a little bit rough.

- How do you feel? - I feel great.

I told the band you'd start off with an up song like the cowboy song.

- Forget it. - No, John, just leave it to me.

He can take a flying leap.

I'm gonna stay after him like a rodent, man.

(CROWD APPLAUDING)

(SINGING) He's got a tape deck in his tractor

And he listens to the local news

He finds out where the bass are biting

While he's plowing to the country blues

He was a cowboy and he knew I loved him well

A cowboy's secrets you never tell

No, there's nothing like the loving

Of a hard-driving cowboy man

He's got a tape deck in his tractor

While he's plowing up his daddy's land

He's got more horse sense

Than I ever seen in any man

He was a cowboy And he knew I loved him well

A cowboy's secrets you never tell

No, there's nothin' like the lovin'

Of a hard-drivin' cowboy man

On Saturday nights We go dancin' in town

And all the boys will Order up another round

In the summertime

We look forward to the rodeo

On Saturday nights we go to town

And all the boys will Order up another round

When he rides saddle bronc

I wait to hear that whistle blow

He's got a tape deck in his tractor

I can hear him when he's comin' home

Then he holds me in the rocking chair

And sings me the love song

He was a cowboy And he knew I loved him well

A cowboy's secrets you never tell

No, there's nothin' like the lovin'

Of a hard-drivin' cowboy man

No, there's nothin' like the muscles

Of a hard-drivin' cowboy man

Thank you. Thank you.

It's that careless

Disrespect

I can't take no more, baby

It's the way

That you don't love me

When you say you do, baby

It hurts so bad

It gets me down, down, down

I want to walk away

From this battleground

This hurtin' match

It ain't no good

I'd give a lot to love you

The way I used to do

Wish I could

Well, you got

Your own private world

I wouldn't have it

No other way

But lately you been

Hidin' your blues

Pretendin' what you say

It hurts so bad

It gets me down, down, down

I wanna walk away From this battleground

This hurtin' match

It ain't no good

I'd give a lot to love you

The way I used to do

Wish I could

Have you been in Vietnam?

(CONTINUES SINGING) Writin' it down Kinda makes me feel better

Yes, you have. I can tell by your face.

It keeps me away from them blues

I wanna be nice to you

Treat you right

But how long can I pay

These dues

It hurts so bad

It gets me down, down, down

I wanna walk away From this battleground

This hurtin' match

It ain't no good, no

I'd give a lot to love you

The way I used to do

Wish I could

Was it awful?

It was kinda hot and wet.

I

Wish I could

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

Thank you.

Thank you.

You know, I wanna tell you all a little secret

which you might not know,

and that is that last night I thanked my lucky stars

that I could be here at all today to sing for you.

And I heard on the radio

the cutest little boy who was nine years old

and you know how, sometimes a DJ will play a tune

and ask everybody to phone in and say how they like it, you know.

And I was listenin' to it,

and they asked for callers to call in

and this little nine-year-old boy called in.

The song had voices in the background,

like the way they use backup voices these days,

sometimes sounding like little munchkins.

He called up and the DJ said, "How old are you, son?"

The boy said, "I'm nine, and I think it's gonna be a hit."

The DJ said, "Why?" And he said,

"Oh, because it had those little chipmunks in it."

And I thought that was so cute, because,

well, I can sing like a munchkin myself, I don't know about you

and I'm real fond of The Wizard of Oz.

Plus, I live out, you know, just a ways out here on...

Off of highway Interstate 24 on the road to Chattanooga.

So you can see why I kinda related to that.

I think me and the boys are gonna strike up another tune for you now.

Let's go, boys.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

I think there's a storm.

Seems like it's a brewin'.

That's what my granddaddy used to say all the time

before he lost his hearing.

Once he got deaf, he never talked much no more.

Except sometimes he'd say "Oh, gosh" or "Durn it" or "My word!"

My granny, she'd go around the house

clicking her teeth to the radio all day.

Boy, was she a lot of fun, and cooked always my favorite, roast beef

She was a sweetheart.

She raised chickens too. She...

In fact, did you ever hear a chicken sound?

You know how chickens go? (MIMICKING CLUCKING)

Anyway, I guess we'd better strike up this tune before it's too late.

Okay, boys.

(BAND PLAYING)

I'm thinking, you know, about

the first job I ever really got was when Mama,

my grandma, see, she's the one who

clacked her false teeth to the radio all day.

She taught my mama how to sing, and my mama taught me.

One time she took me down, 'cause we was gonna get a new frigidaire.

She took me down to the frigidaire store

where the man was doin' the advertisin'.

This little record was goin' round and round,

and my mama told him that I knew how to sing.

He said, "if she really does and she learns this tune and comes down

"and brings it to me, I'll give y'all a quarter."

So Mama and I went home,

and then what happened? Let's see, I think... Uh, yeah.

We went home and I learned both sides of the record in half an hour.

We went back there, pranced in real fancy

and told him that I'd learned 'em, and he said,

"Well, let me hear this."

So I sang him both sides of the record instead of just one.

So he gave us 50 cents, and we went across the street and had us a soda.

Ever since then I been workin'. I don't...

I think ever since then I been workin' and doin' my...

- Come on, come on. - Supporting myself

- Anyway... - (CHUCKLING) Hey.

- Am I all right? Am I all right? - Get you some lemonade, darlin'.

Oh, you're fine, darlin'. Fine.

- It's the microphone. Give me the mic. - I ain't done.

- I know, I know. - I ain't done.

Go get a glass of water. Boys, help her off, all right?

- You'll come back. Okay, darlin'? - Thank you!

Okay.

All right. Watch the wire.

All right, now. Okay.

Come on, now. Have a heart, now.

(CHEERING AND BOOING)

- All right. I know who you heard. - Thank you.

Come on, now.

It's just too soon, now.

All of you must know... Oh, come on. You didn't mean that, did you?

That little girl just come out of the hospital.

Oh, no. Hold it down, boys.

Now, come on. You know that girl just come out of the hospital.

Did you know that?

I'm sorry. That little girl's in there crying her eyes out

'cause she didn't want to disappoint you.

(CROWD SHOUTING)

WOMAN: Get outta here.

Y'all show up at Centennial Park tomorrow at the Parthenon,

you'll see her for free. Yous our guests. How's that?

(CROWD CHEERING)

All right?

Okay, let's hear a get-well welcome for Barbara Jean.

Let's hear it. Come on!

(CROWD CHEERING)

Ingrates is all they are, ingrates. A bunch of no-talent...

I got trapped out there, and you guys know it.

I know you did.

- I want some ground rules right now. - You name it.

- She's gonna sing first, right? - Right.

She's gonna be off before that man even shows.

Fine. Whatever you want. Any way you...

Never should've brought her here in the first place.

Any way you want it.

No paraphernalia. No literature being circulated.

- You understand? - Yeah.

And never, at any time, is she supposed to be

associated with Hal Phillip Walker, whatever his name is.

- Hello? - TOM: Hey.

Guess who.

- Linnea? - Yes, it's me.

Hi. This is Tom.

Listen, I'm, uh... I'm playing a gig tonight downtown.

You wanna come and meet me?

It's at a place called the, uh, No Exit, or The Exit.

Exit Out, or somethin'.

Anyhow, it's right across the street from Friday's. It's on Church Street.

You know where that is, don't you?

Anyhow, I'll be there at 8:00, and, uh...

Why don't you meet me there?

- Okay? - Um...

(SINGING) Well, it's sad but true

The pilot light of our love

Has flickered out

- Mary... - Driver, could I have

a wee bit more champagne?

It's Norman.

Norman, yes. Norman. Of course.

He doesn't like to be known as a driver.

Thank you so much, Norman.

MAN: (SINGING) What used to come From the warmest heart

I have to get from a cold can

Since my baby's cookin' in

Another man's pan

Have you ever been to the ladies' restroom here?

No.

I'm stuck here at the Exit Inn with no place left to go.

Well, if makin' love

Were margarine

Then she is the high-priced spread

- I'll have a cider. - Apple cider?

- Yes. Thank you. - Put it on my bill.

- Another beer? - Yeah.

All right. And would you put it in a wine glass, please?

Put it in a wine glass and put it on my bill, all right?

Traveling in cozy, close quarters,

I mean, you sort of have to camp in one room, and...

- Well, Mary and I camp in one room. - (LAUGHS) Obviously. Yes, I...

- Tom camps in a lot of rooms. - I shouldn't...

My name's Wade Coolidge. What's yours?

Um, Linnea is my name.

Well, shall I say that Tom and I, um...

Oh, la-dee-dee! (LAUGHS)

- Oh, is it? So you sang together. - No, I mean.

We sort of got to know each other, um,

in the biblical sense, shall we say. (LAUGHS)

- You went to church? - I'm sorry.

No, I'm... I'm sorry. This is dreadful.

But, I mean, he is so attractive, I was wondering...

I shouldn't be asking you this, I should really be asking Mary.

You went to bed with him, right?

- Yeah. I thought you understood that. - Yeah.

Well, I shouldn't... (CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY)

Where'd you go to bed with him?

(CROWD CHEERING)

Listen, uh, we got a special treat tonight.

A friend of mine is in town cutting an album.

- Tom Frank... - That's you.

...is in the audience tonight...

Tom? Speak of the devil.

He's agreed to come up and do a couple of numbers.

Let's make him feel at home. Tom Frank.

Come on!

SINGER: Right. Right.

Goddamn it!

I haven't seen him for more than two minutes in three days.

Thank you.

TOM: As y'all may remember, I used to be part of a trio.

Used to be?

I been hiding from them all week,

but it seems they found me here tonight,

so we might as well have them up here to sing, too, huh? Bill and Mary.

Lovely.

Yes, you must.

I've been watching it all week.

CROWD: (SINGING) You may say I ain't free

Thank you.

(CROWD CONTINUES SINGING) But it don't worry me

It don't worry me

My favorite song.

It don't worry me

TOM: We don't need to sing at all. You guys can do it for us.

You may say I ain't free

Good choice.

But it don't worry me

Since you've gone

My heart is broken

Another time

Oh, railroad train

Has taken him from me

All my luxury

Has turned to misery

He's all I ever wanted

Why did he run from me

Since you've gone

My heart is broken

Another time

Since you've gone

My heart is broken

Another time

I didn't know

That you were leavin'

Till you were out the door

I didn't know

The love you gave

Was a real love

I didn't know

A lot of things then

Lord, I know them now

Since you've gone my heart is broken

Another time

Since you've gone

My heart is broken

Another time

Since you've gone

My heart is broken

Another time

When this is all over, I'm gonna be taking them back to some place.

What I could do is, I could tell you and we could drive around,

I could show you a little bit of Nashville.

I can tell you things that'd send you around the corner.

I'm not kidding. Well, I know, for...

- What is your name? - Norman.

Norman. Please, Norman, I...

I make a point never to gossip with servants.

MAN: Thank you.

Okay, fellas, I think you know

you've got a good man to get behind here.

I don't wanna take a lot of your time,

'cause we do have a little entertainment for you.

Uh, you got pledge cards on the table there

that you can pledge anything you want to.

I'll make sure... I'll make you pay it,

whatever you put down there.

If you got a check in your pocket, don't be afraid to write it out.

I'll get that to the bank quick, before you can stop it and...

Any cash, anything at all,

don't anybody be humble or shy. That's all.

And while you're writin', so you don't get bored or anything,

there's a little something coming to keep you occupied.

Just keep your eyes up, 'cause good things come from above.

- (MUSIC PLAYING) - (CROWD CHEERING AND APPLAUDING)

Hi, y'all.

- Hi. - Hi.

My name's Sueleen Gay,

and I'm here to sing you a song about a girl that never gets enough.

(CROWD CHEERING)

(SINGING) I never get enough I never get enough

Of the love I'm hungry for

I never get enough I never get enough

I always want more and more

Even if we stay together

Our whole lifetime through

I'll never get enough I'll never get enough

I'll never get enough of you

She's the worst singer I ever heard.

I ain't greedy for that mansion on the hill

She cannot sing a lick, can she? (CHUCKLES)

I never was that kind

Don't need my pockets stuffed With hundred-dollar bills

Hey, you forgot your jacket.

Excuse me. I gotta go to the bathroom.

TOM: All right, if you want more it's gonna have to be me alone,

'cause it seems I've just been deserted.

I'm gonna play something that, uh,

I wrote just recently

and came here to record.

All right.

I'm gonna dedicate this to someone kinda special

who just might be here tonight.

This is a song called I'm Easy.

It's not my way to love you Just when no one's looking

It's not my way to take your hand If I'm not sure

It's not my way to let you see What's going on inside of me

When it's a love you won't be needing You're not free

Please stop pulling at my sleeve if you're just playing

If you won't take the things You make me wanna give

I never cared too much for games

And this one's driving me insane

You're not half as free To wander as you claim

But I'm easy

Yeah, I'm easy

Give the word I'll play your game

As though that's how it ought to be

Because I'm easy

Don't lead me on if there's nowhere For you to take me

If loving you would have to be A sometime thing

I can't put bars on my insides

My love is something I can't hide

It still hurts When I recall the times I've tried

But I'm easy

Yeah, I'm easy

Take my hand and pull me down

I won't put up any fight

Because I'm easy

Don't do me favors Let me watch you from a distance

'Cause when you're near I find it hard to keep my head

And when your eyes Throw light at mine

It's enough to change my mind

Make me leave my cautious words And ways behind

That's why I'm easy

Yeah, I'm easy

Say you want me I'll come running

Without taking time to think

Because I'm easy

Yeah, I'm easy

Take my hand and pull me down

I won't put up any fight

Because I'm easy

Yeah, I'm easy

Give the word I'll play your game

As though that's how it ought to be

Because I'm easy

(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)

Do it to it.

SUELEEN: Hi. CROWD: Hi.

I'm gonna sing you all a song Barbara Jean wrote.

Just wanna get comfortable.

It's called, uh, One, I love you.

MAN: You got that right, babe!

(SINGING TUNELESSLY) When I feel my life perishing

I call you on the phone

You always fix me up

When I get broken

'Cause every time that I got hurt

And went out of control

You knew the fears I felt

Before I spoke 'em

MAN: Come on, now!

What is this, some sort of walker rip-off?

One, I love you

Two, I'm thinkin' of you

Three, I'll never let you go

Come on! Take it off!

And four, I miss you

Five, I wanna kiss you

Six

I won't leave you no more

Did you tell Trout exactly what you wanted?

I didn't tell Trout. That was your job.

- I know. - I assumed he knew what.

Well, I didn't think it was gonna be any problem.

(MEN SHOUTING)

Four, I miss you

Five, I wanna kiss you

Take your clothes off.

Six

I won't leave you no more

Let's see some tit!

Come on back here, baby!

What's the matter, hon?

I don't understand what's goin' on here.

Didn't Trout tell you, you're supposed to strip?

I'm a singer!

(MEN CONTINUE CLAPPING)

Listen. Listen, listen, listen.

Go finish the show like you told Trout you'd do,

and I'll set it up so you can sing at the Parthenon.

I'll set it up for you so you can sing in the Parthenon with Barbara Jean.

- Go finish the show... - Then I get to sing with Barbara Jean?

Yes, you are, yes, you will.

I'll take care of it. Go finish the show

like you told Trout you'd do.

Okay?

These fellas really like you.

I'm gonna be as big a star as Barbara Jean is one day.

I know you are. You can't miss. Go on, now.

Come on, let's do it! Start the show!

(MEN CHEERING)

Hey! All right! All right!

MAN: You're my mama!

All right!

Hey, hey, hey!

(MUSIC PLAYING) I'm easy

Yeah, I'm easy

Take my hand and pull me down

I won't put up any fight

Because I'm easy

Want to learn how to say something in sign language?

Yeah. How do you say "I love you?"

Well, you could say, shorthand for it is...

This is shorthand.

Or you could say, "I," you could say, "love you."

- "I love you?" - Mmm-hmm.

Or you could just say, "I'm happy I met you."

- I'm happy I met you. - Right.

(MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING) Say you want me I'll come runnin'

Without takin' time to think

How can you smoke those things?

- (SNIFFS) It's easy. - Yeah, I'm easy

Let me have a drag.

- Do you smoke? - No.

Well, what do you want to do that for?

'Cause I'm easy

Give the word, I'll play your game

- Doesn't look good. - No?

So what?

Because I'm easy

Tom, I have to go.

Can't you just call him, tell him you're hung up?

No, I can't.

- Couldn't you just stay another hour? - No.

I just can't.

OPERATOR: This is the long-distance operator.

- You want this charged to your room? - TOM: Yeah, please.

- And your room number, please? - 112.

- WOMAN: Hello. - Hey.

- How you doing? - Oh. (CHUCKLES)

Listen, I'm real sorry I left the way I did.

WOMAN: Wow, it's really nice to talk to you. It's okay.

It's nice to talk to you, too.

- What are you doing? - I'm sittin' up thinkin' about you.

You are? Well... (LAUGHS)

Listen, can you come down here?

- When? - Tonight.

- Tom, I can't do that. - Why not?

We have an opening at the museum tomorrow.

I can't leave my job like that.

Why don't you quit? I'm makin' bread here.

Tom, come on.

We tried that before. It doesn't work. I need to be busy.

I'll wait for you here. When are you coming back?

About a week.

Okay, well, just come on back.

Move back in. It's fine.

I miss you.

I really do.

New York's really been nice. It's missed you, too.

The weather's been terrific.

I went sailing.

- Yeah. - What's that?

That's just room service.

There's 50 cents on the desk there. Just pick it up.

Big tipper. (LAUGHS)

Yeah, well, times are hard, you know.

Right, all that money.

You couldn't afford to bring me down there. (CHUCKLES)

Yeah.

Well, never mind. I'll see you in a week.

I love you, Tom.

This it, honey?

Be careful gettin' out.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(DELBERT SIGHS)

Hey.

Hey! Hey, wait just a minute. Just hold it, will ya?

(SIGHS) Now,

(CHUCKLES) I know you don't do that all the time, I...

I wanna tell you that I just mean...

Me, personally, boy, I...

You know, I'd just like to kiss you all over,

I'd like to kiss you every place.

You know what I'm telling you?

- I think you... - WADE: Sueleen?

You okay?

Shit, man.

Didn't your mama teach you no manners?

Who was that?

What's the matter with you? Ain't you gonna talk to me?

Did it go all right?

- Oh, Wade. - What?

I had to do me a striptease tonight in front of all those men

in order to get to sing at the Parthenon with Barbara Jean.

Shit, Sueleen, I...

That's dreadful! That's terrible, girl!

I mean...

I don't know how to tell you this,

but I been meanin' to tell you this for a long time.

You can't sing.

Sueleen, you may as well face the fact you cannot sing.

You ain't never gonna be no star. I wish you'd give it up.

I mean, they gon' kill ya.

They gonna tear your heart out if you keep on.

They gon' walk on your soul, girl.

I don't know what you're talkin' about.

But you can't sing.

- Do you understand that? - Yeah? You wanna make a bet?

You wanna just come to the Parthenon and watch me sing with Barbara Jean?

- I am leavin' for Detroit Wednesday. - You just come and watch, Wade.

I'm leavin' for Detroit, and if you wanna go you just come on.

They're gonna kill you in this town, girl.

Well, you come and see.

- They gon' use you. You know that. - Bye, Wade.

Dumb bitch. I don't know why I stick around.

She just makes me so goddamn mad I could spit.

MAN: Little more than a year ago, a man named Hal Phillip Walker

excited a group of college students with some questions.

Have you stood on a high and windy hill

and heard the acorns drop and roll?

Have you walked in the valley beside the brook,

walked alone and remembered?

Does Christmas smell like oranges to you?

In a commencement speech such questions were fitting, perhaps,

but hardly the material with which to launch a presidential campaign.

Even those who pay close attention to politics

probably saw Hal Phillip Walker and his replacement party

as a bit of frost on the hillside.

Summer, if not late spring, would surely do away with all that.

Well, now that summer, along with presidential primaries,

is heavy upon us

and the frost is still there, perhaps we should take a closer look.

Hal Phillip Walker is, in a way, a mystery man.

Out of nowhere, with a handful of students and scarcely any pros,

he's managed to win three presidential primaries

and is given a fighting chance to take a fourth, Tennessee.

A win in that state would take on added significance,

for only once in the last 50 years has Tennessee failed to vote

for the winning presidential candidate.

No doubt many Americans, especially party liners,

wish that Hal Phillip Walker would go away.

Disappear like the natural frost

and come again at some more convenient season.

But wherever he may be going, it seems sure that Hal Phillip Walker

is not going away.

For there is genuine appeal

and it must be related to the raw courage of this man.

Running for president, willing to battle vast oil companies,

eliminate subsidies to farmers,

tax churches, abolish the electoral college,

change the national anthem,

and remove lawyers from government, especially from Congress.

Well, at this point it would be wise to say most of us

don't know the answer to Hal Phillip Walker.

But to answer one of his questions,

as a matter of fact, Christmas has always smelled like oranges to me.

MAN: (SINGING) Our country cries

For peace today

There's trouble in

The USA

Watergate

Is the sound that rings

Wonder what

This year will bring

MAN: You're going the wrong way!

(SINGING CONTINUES) This year will bring

MAN: All y'all goin' the wrong way!

Will there be sadness Tears or pain

Or will the sun

Refuse to shine?

Wonder what this year will bring

Down in Nashville

I heard today

A shortage of food

Is on its way

While up in Denver

Gas shortage rings

Lord, I wonder what

This year will bring

JOHN: You may have to sit out here an hour or so. I hope not.

MAN: That's all right, John.

- Give me time to work on my speech. - Okay, thank you.

- Hi, how are you? Good to see you. - Fine.

Or will the sun

(EXHALES)

Refuse to shine?

- Delbert, how are you? How's it going? - Hi, John. How are you?

- Can I say hello? - He's working on his speech.

I wanna get this going. We'll do that later.

He's gonna wait there, huh?

Yeah, he'll sit out there for a minute.

- Anybody here yet? - Uh, yeah, some of the people.

Barnett?

I haven't seen him yet, but he ought to be here quick.

This building was originally here,

it was made out of lumber and plaster of Paris.

- Oh, yeah? - This whole thing,

this whole big building.

Well, see, they built it for a centennial celebration,

and people liked this, they didn't want it torn down.

Well, uh, Nashville got to be called the Athens of the south.

- They sorta took to that. - (LAUGHS) Because of this building?

- Yeah, right. - Oh, that's good.

Then they had to rebuild it. This was built back up right before I was born.

JOHN: Whew! DELBERT: Gonna be a scorcher.

The park police control all this.

What's all these chairs? Hey, Triplette.

Hey, Delbert. We don't need all these chairs.

- This ain't no band here, right? - What's the matter, man?

I don't... I don't believe it!

What's the matter?

Are you guys jerkin' me around? Do you see what I see, or am I...

What the hell is that sign doin' up there, Triple, huh?

Come on, we had some ground rules. Am I right?

No political signs, no advertisements, no...

What the hell are you doin', huh? Go about your business.

Come on, let me hear it.

I have abided by all the ground rules you laid down, Barnett.

I have Walker sitting out behind this place like an idiot!

Well, he can sit out in the sun and parch for all I care!

My wife ain't well! I brought her out of a hospital bed to be here!

You gave me some truth! You're full of it, just like your man!

I have abided by every ground rule you laid down. Except what?

What is that up there? She ain't gonna appear here with that sign up there!

I have busted my ass for you, Barnett!

I'm gonna bust your ass too!

I am through with it! You can take your wife and take a walk!

I'll get on that microphone

and tell these people she's not going to appear again!

- Well, go on and do it! - Okay, take a walk, and I'll do it.

You'd do that? You'd put a knife in my wife's back like that?

You're putting the knife in her back, buster. You're doing it.

I have not got time

to take the goddamn sign down and put it back up again!

What the hell are you hollerin' about in front of all these people, huh?

- You tryin' to embarrass me? - I'm tryin' to be heard.

Well, get these chairs off and we'll talk about it.

Go on, get them all off!

- I'll take care of it. - Delbert, where is that rat?

What are you hiding back there for, you little rat, huh?

And grant us, so to serve thee by day,

that we may find eternal fellowship with them

through him who died and rose again for us all,

Jesus Christ, our lord.

Amen.

- Mr. Green, it's not over. - I'm going to find Martha.

What for?

She owes some respect to Esther.

MAN: And now, ladies and gentlemen, Barbara Jean and Haven Hamilton.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

HAVEN: (SINGING) When I feel my life perishing

I call you on the phone

BARBARA: (SINGING) I always fix you up

When you get broken

'Cause every time that I got hurt

And went out of control

I knew the fears you felt

Before you spoke them

You tell me

One, I love you

Two, I'm thinkin' of you

Three, I'll never let you go

And four, I miss you

Five, I wanna kiss you

Six, I won't leave you no more

When I feel my life vanishin'

Like waves upon the sand

With nothin' to replace it

But invention

So I make my rhymes and I sing my songs

Still they don't understand

To make 'em laugh was never your intention

I'd sing ya

One, I love you

Two, I'm thinkin' of you

Three, I'll never let you go

And four, I miss you

Five, I wanna kiss you

Six, I won't leave you no more

One, I love you

Two, I'm thinkin' of you

Three, I'll never let you go

And four, I miss you

Five, I wanna kiss you

Six, I won't leave you no more

Six, I won't leave you no more

Six, I won't leave you

No more

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.

Mama and Daddy

Raised me with lovin' care

They sacrificed

So I could have a better share

They fed me and nursed me

And sent me to school

Mama taught me how to sing

Daddy lived the golden rule

When I think of the children alone and afraid

Abandoned and wild like a fatherless child

I think of my mama

And how she could sing

Harmony with my daddy

Our laughter would ring

Down the highways

On the beaches

Just as far as memory reaches

I still hear daddy singin' his old army songs

We'd laugh and count horses

As we drove along

We were young then we were together

We could bear floods and fire

And bad weather

And now that I'm older

Grown up, on my own

I still love Mama and Daddy best

And my Idaho home

Mama grew up

On the prairies of Kansas

She was tender and sweet

The dust and tornadoes blew 'round her

But they left her straight up on her feet

My daddy grew up on his own more or less

His mama died when he was just 11

He had seven sisters to raise him

But he dreamed of his mama in heaven

His daddy drank whiskey and had a sharp eye

He sold chicken medicine farmers would buy

Together they hunted the fields and the farms

When his daddy died

My daddy rest In my mama's arms

Down the highways

On the beaches

Just as far as memory reaches

I still hear daddy Singin' his old army songs

We'd laugh And count horses

As we drove along

We were young then

We were together

We could bear floods and fire

And bad weather

And now that I'm older

Grown up, on my own

I still love Mama and Daddy best

And my Idaho home

And now that I'm older

Grown up, on my own

I still love my Mama and Daddy best

And my Idaho home

For Mama and Daddy.

Thank you.

(CHEERING AND APPLAUSE)

Thank you so much, ladies and gentlemen.

- Thank you. - Wonderful! Wonderful!

(GUNSHOTS)

(PEOPLE SCREAMING)

Get that gun!

I'm all right. You get her.

- Dad? - Bud, help her off. I'm all right.

- Get Walker outta here! - Get Walker outta here!

Get off your asses!

Watch her head!

Y'all take it easy now. This isn't Dallas, it's Nashville.

MAN: Man, she's hit.

This is Nashville. You show 'em what we're made of

They can't do this to us here in Nashville.

Okay, everybody, sing!

Come on, somebody, sing!

No, I'm fine. You sing. You stay here and play.

- Somebody sing. Somebody sing. - You've been hurt.

- I'm gonna get somebody to help you. - Somebody sing.

Sing.

I think you've been hurt.

Watch your step there. Watch your step there.

Come on, easy, easy.

Oh, man, I can't stop that blood, man!

You got a car or somethin'?

(SINGING) They say this train Don't give out rides

It don't worry me

Martha! Martha!

And all the world ls takin' sides

-It don't worry me -What happened?

Can you please tell me what happened?

'Cause in my empire Life is sweet

Just ask any bum you meet

Life may be a one-way street

But it don't worry me

Come on, everybody sing.

(CONTINUES SINGING) It don't worry me

It don't worry me

You may say I ain't free

It don't worry me

Come on It don't worry me

It don't worry me

You may say I ain't free

It's not gon' worry me

The price of bread May worry some

It don't worry me

Tax relief may never come

It don't worry me

Economy's depressed, not me

Come on. I need you. Come on.

My spirit's high as it can be

You may say I ain't free

It don't worry me

No, it don't worry me

It don't worry me

You may say I ain't free

It don't worry me

It don't worry me

It don't worry me

You may say I ain't free

It don't worry me

It don't worry me

It don't worry me

You may say I ain't free

But it don't worry me

It don't worry me, no

It don't worry me

You might say that I ain't free

Not gonna worry me

Now, if we don't live peaceful,

there's gonna be nothin' left in our graves

except Clorox bottles and plastic fly swatters

with the red dots on 'em. That's right.

Why not though?

(CONTINUES SINGING) It don't worry me

You may say I ain't free

Well, it don't worry me

Come on, everybody!

It don't worry me

It don't worry me

You might say I ain't free

It don't worry me

It don't worry me

It don't worry me

You may say that I ain't free

It's not gon' worry us

It don't worry me

It don't worry me

You may say that I ain't free

It's not gonna worry me

Ain't gonna be nothin' left in our graves

except fly swatters with red dots on 'em. That's right.

You may say that I ain't free

It don't worry me

It don't worry me

It don't worry me

You may say that I ain't free

But it don't worry me

It don't worry me

It don't worry me

You may say That I ain't free