Go to hell, Frankie.
Man, you're sure one ugly cat!
Why don't you guys buy your own?
You oughta give up smoking, Jocko.
How much longer we got on this stretch, Riddick?
Five weeks, maybe six.
Man, what a dump.
What you gettin' all pretty for?
Why don't you relax, Frankie?
Who's going to buy me a beer?
What's the matter, Doris? Business bad?
It sure is.
Everybody givin' it away free, huh?
You gonna buy me a beer, Frankie?
See Duff. He's the money man.
What do you say, Duff?
Give her a beer.
Thanks, Duff. You're a nice guy.
Not like Frankie.
- Here, hon. - Thanks.
You know, Doris... you'd make some guy a swell wife.
You think so, Frankie?
Hell, you got steady work.
Oh, shut up.
What's the matter, baby?
Quit ridin' her, Frankie.
I ain't ridin' her. Wouldn't ride her on a bet.
- Hey. - Where' you goin'?
Out.
Want me to come?
No, thanks.
Oh, come on, honey.
See ya.
Where you goin'?
Around town.
What's so hot around town?
Take it easy.
Don't wanna fish you out of the jailhouse.
♪ Hear my cry ♪
♪ Hear my call ♪
♪ Hold my hands, ♪
♪ lest I fall. ♪
♪ Take my hands, ♪
♪ precious Lord, ♪
♪ lead me on. ♪
I'm glad to see this meeting off to such a good start.
Now we'll take a break, then come back and hear from our distinguished guest,
Reverend Butler of the Morgan Street Baptist Church in Birmingham.
See you all in a little while.
- Lovely choir. - Thank you very much.
Josie, this is Brother Anderson.
Give him some of that good food of yours.
- He's a nice young man. - Thank you, ma'am.
- Ain't it a wonderful meetin'? - It certainly is.
Thank you, ma'am, that's fine.
You must be new in town.
I'll have me some of that punch there, too.
Haven't seen you around, have I?
No. I'm new in town.
You working?
Yeah. On the section gang.
I see.
You work around town?
I'm a teacher.
Went to college, huh?
That's right.
- Where? - Birmingham.
Oh yeah? That's my home town.
Your folks live there?
No. My mother's dead.
You goin' back inside?
Yes. Aren't you?
No. I never had much use for hell-howlin'.
How about you?
My father's the preacher.
Oh yeah? I guess you got no choice, then, huh?
That's right.
I don't know what you've been told 'bout section hands,
but how 'bout coming out with me sometime?
Maybe.
God will provide, oh yes, He will!
When you're hungry, He'll provide bread!
When you're thirsty, God's got water in a dry well!
Warfare will be over! Life will give out on you!
I heard Him say!
Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord!
You got a lousy hand, Frankie.
Yeah, I quit.
Frankie, you got nothin' on your mind but your hair.
Hey Riddick, how about your car?
Yeah, you can have it.
Man, you won't like that back seat.
Why mess around with a chick like that? You won't get nowhere.
Hell, Frankie, they're all after the same thing.
Yeah. All a colored woman wants is your money.
What do you know about women, Pop?
Well, I got married to one of them.
Hell, I didn't know you was married.
Sure. Got a sixteen-year-old girl.
Is that right?
You think you're gonna make it with her?
How about the keys?
I bet she's easy jam. Just get her drunk.
Thank you.
I know you pay no mind to my feelings, but do you think it's right
for you to go out with him?
I'm 26 years old, Susan.
Perhaps you ought to tell her, Frank.
Well, we have a position in town, Josie. We have to remember that.
There are lots of other young men.
I don't think your mother would have approved.
I do.
Well, there's just one thing you can be looking for in a man like that.
I know that's what you think.
Hush your mouth, child.
Goodnight, Dad.
Goodnight.
That's pretty good for a preacher's daughter.
What did you expect?
You know, baby, I can't figure you out.
How do you mean?
Why did you come out with me? You slummin' or something?
No.
Well, what you doin' with a cat like me in a joint like this?
You don't think much of yourself, do you?
Hell, that's a funny thing to say.
You keep asking me why I'm here.
Yeah, and you keep not answerin', too.
Well, I like a place with a lot of life.
How about another beer?
No, thanks.
Go on, you can have one!
Aw, hell!
What is it?
Well, if it ain't Duff!
How you doin'?
Hi there!
Hi.
You mind if we sit down?
We was just leavin', fellows.
Come on, Jocko. The man's got homework.
See you around, Duff.
Yeah, see you in hell.
They must work on the section gang.
That's right.
Well, they seem just like everyone else.
Hell, baby, I bet you think we got tails.
We do!
Come on, baby, let's get out of here.
School teacher! My nappy head!
I guess it's hard working on the road like that.
There's damn few places a man can make eighty bucks a week.
I mean, you're kind of cut off, aren't you?
That's fine with me. Keeps me out of trouble.
How do you mean?
Well, I don't get on so well most places.
I see.
That beer made me dizzy.
You got a lovely face, kid.
Ain't too often I get a chance to meet a girl like you.
Hell...
Baby...
How many times you been kissed?
Well...
Let's see now...
Not counting tonight...
Must be about 28 times.
Yeah, you got a problem, all right.
Hi.
They doin' anything?
No, nothin'!
Get out of here.
Don't, Duff.
Relax, man.
What's goin' on?
Cut that out.
I said cut it out!
Don't start no trouble, boy!
Let's go. That's the preacher's girl.
Mess with him and you'll get old man Johnson on your back.
Come on.
Let's go, Duff.
Take it easy.
They don't sound human, do they?
How come you stay around here?
Well... my mother was the only good teacher
the colored school ever had.
Nobody bothers with those kids.
That's why you come back, huh?
It's hard to see any change.
But I'm going to stay.
Another year, anyway.
You got more guts than me, baby. It's a no-good town.
It's better than it used to be.
Eight years ago they still had a lynching here.
They tied a man to a car and dragged him to death.
My father knew who did it, but he didn't say anything.
Scared, huh?
Well... good night, baby.
Not here, Duff.
Oh, I get it.
Yeah, I can see your old man with a shot-gun right now.
But I would like to see you again.
You would, huh?
If I was you, baby, I wouldn't go around stickin' out my jugular vein.
What do you mean?
You almost got into trouble back there, you know.
I wouldn't have let you.
Baby, I ain't in the third grade, you know.
Well, what are we gonna do next time? Have a nice, long chat in the parlor?
No, on the porch.
Oh yeah, and then what?
What?
Well, either we're gonna hit the hay, or get married.
Now you don't want to hit the hay, and I don't want to get married.
You have some very primitive ideas, don't you?
All right, so I'm primitive. So what do you want with me?
Look, Duff...
most of the men I know...
they're kind of sad.
When I met you the other day, I had the feeling that you're different.
That's why I went out with you.
I thought we might have something to say to each other.
Hell, baby, I don't know what to say.
Good night, Duff.
Over there!
Are you finished, Jackie?
Yes, Ma'am.
Well, I'm not. Wait till class is dismissed.
All right. Class dismissed.
At first, it was real strange.
Hell, Japan is a long way from Alabama.
It really got under my skin, though. I almost didn't come back.
Why did you?
I don't know. I guess I belong here more than there.
Been up north?
Yeah. I knocked around for a couple of months, after the Army.
- You been there? - No.
It ain't that good up there, neither. Might as well make it here.
Of course, I ain't really makin' it now.
Anyway, they can't get to you if you keep movin'!
Oh, I'm sorry.
Come on in, Josie. We're all through.
Daddy, this is Duff Anderson.
- How are you? - I'm all right, son.
This is Mr. Johnson, our school superintendent.
How are you?
I'll be right back.
You're courtin' the preacher's girl?
Well, just watch your step, boy, or he'll preach you right into hell.
I'm counting on you, Reverend.
I understand.
Wouldn't do for one of your people to sue at a time like this.
I know.
I'll talk to the Mayor.
That will make the folks very happy.
It's hard to know how to talk to the white folks, these days.
I guess it ain't ever been easy.
It's the changing times.
Sit down, son.
Well, it looks like we'll be getting our new school.
How come you ain't sendin' them all to the same school?
Well, you've got to go easy.
We haven't had any trouble in town for eight years.
And we're not going to have any now.
You can't live without trouble, can you?
It's a nice place you got here. Real nice.
Yes, the Lord has been pretty good to us.
I guess you're a church man, aren't you?
I guess I ain't.
Why? Don't you believe in the Lord?
Oh, I do.
It just seems to me that us colored folks do a lot of church-goin'.
But it's the white folks that need it real bad.
If you tried living in a town like this, instead of running free and easy,
you'd soon change your tune.
I doubt it.
I see.
I guess you and I don't have much to say to each other, do we?
I guess not.
And since we're talking, my wife and I don't want you around our daughter.
Well, that figures.
That fits in with everything else, don't it?
- I'm sorry. - It ain't your fault.
That's the way he is.
Yeah. It's just like I figured.
What do you mean?
Hell, I don't belong here.
I don't know what I've been thinkin'.
Look, Duff...
if you're free, I'm not working tomorrow.
Sorry, baby. I'm goin' to Birmingham.
Just for the day?
I'm goin' to see my kid.
I didn't know you had one.
Yeah. Well, I do.
Are you married?
No, I ain't married.
Well... goodbye.
Well, what do you know?
Surprised?
No. Women always follow me around.
I'm just going in to do my shopping.
Oh, it's just a coincidence, huh?
That's right.
Okay, I'll see you later.
Sit here, Duff.
No point in running away from coincidence.
Baby, you must be crazy.
How old is your boy?
Four.
What's he like?
I haven't seen him in a couple of years.
Are you Effie Simms?
What do you want?
Guess you must be lookin' after my boy. I'm Duff Anderson.
It was about time you showed up.
The door's open.
James Lee...
come meet your daddy.
Where's Wilma?
She moved to Detroit.
Ain't she going to take the boy?
She got herself a husband now.
They don't want him around.
And I'll tell you, man, I've got no use for him, either.
I've been sendin' her money.
Well, she never gave me any.
You better find him a place quick.
Like where?
I don't know. He's your boy.
I ain't sure of that.
If I was, maybe I'd feel different.
James Lee, I said come in here.
How have you been, boy?
Go on. Tell him.
I got you something.
Doctor says he could use some shots.
I'll be sendin' you the money from now on.
Okay.
Make sure he gets those shots.
They say your dad's around town.
Is that right?
I thought he was up North.
People have seen him around.
Where is he?
I don't know.
Are you Will Anderson?
Who are you?
I'm Duff.
Wouldn't have known you.
I wouldn't have known you, either.
What's on your mind?
Nothing.
Heard you were in town.
Wanted a look at your old man, huh?
Yeah, that's right.
How about a drink?
Okay.
What happened?
Workin' a saw mill.
Baby...
I want you to meet Duff.
Hi.
He's my son.
Come have some coffee.
I'm Lee. Sit down.
Come on, Will.
What's the matter? You mad at me?
No.
Why?
Nothin', baby.
She's all right.
Wouldn't have made it without her.
Christ, I haven't worked in eight months.
Right now, I'm waitin' on some insurance money.
And, man, when I get it, I got plans to make some more.
Let's get out of here.
This place gives me the willies.
You got some money?
Let's stay here, Will.
What's the matter?
It's a celebration!
So what's this about a woman?
You got woman trouble?
I said I came to town with a girl.
Plannin' on getting married?
No.
Don't sound so sure.
Well, actually, I've done a lot of bangin' around.
That's how me and your mother got started.
You ain't got a chance without money.
They take it all away from you.
Pour your own trouble, Will.
Your mother laid for her boss, boy. Did you know that?
Shut up, Will.
Okay, so what's a girl supposed to do?
Me not workin' and her cleanin' house for a white man?
I'm tellin' you, boy, keep away from marriage.
You gotta stay light on your feet or you won't make it.
Is she good in the hay?
No point in marryin' her just to find out.
Right, baby?
If you don't quit, Will, I'm leaving.
You're breaking my heart.
Got to see a man about a dog.
Don't let him get you, Duff.
How often does he get like that?
Whenever he's edgy.
How often is that?
He's been hitting it pretty hard.
He's got high blood pressure, too.
I guess it's hard on him, having you around.
Well, what do you think of her?
I asked you somethin', boy!
I heard you.
Pretty good for a one-armed nigger, huh?
Great.
What do you want, anyhow? Why come bother me?
He's your son.
Okay, boy. Beat it.
I got the point.
See you, Lee.
Come back some other time, will you?
Yeah, sure. Good luck.
Hi.
I thought you wasn't comin'.
How did it go?
What?
Your boy.
Okay, I guess.
I'll have some coffee, please.
You know, I've been thinkin'...
How 'bout us gettin' married?
What do you mean?
Just what I said.
Don't look so scared.
How about it?
What happened, Duff?
Baby, I don't know about you, but I know it's the right thing for me.
So, what do you say?
Don't push me, Duff.
Yeah. It wouldn't be a picnic for you. I ain't exactly housebroken.
What about that girl?
She means nothin' to me. That's all over.
Hell, baby, I'm asking you to marry me.
I guess you want a big scene, huh?
No.
But a small one.
It's yes, huh?
I'll be a monkey's kid sister! Why do a thing like that?
He must have knocked her up.
What are you gonna get out of it, huh?
A whole lot, Frankie.
Like what?
Like a home, for one thing.
You're gonna sit at home the rest of your life? Jesus!
It's better than windin' up like a bum.
What are you signifying?
I wasn't thinkin' about you, Frankie.
Old Doris is sure goin' to miss you.
Just give him a couple of months.
A girl like that doesn't know any tricks.
You know what Doris told me?
She said, "That Duff's a nice guy. I wouldn't even charge him nothin'."
I guess you'll be quittin' the railroad, huh, man?
That's right.
Man, you must be plumb out of your mind!
You'll be makin' 20 bucks a week, if you're lucky.
Turn here.
There it is!
I used to know them.
They've gone north.
I can see why.
Well, what do you think?
It's okay with me, baby. But how are you goin' to like it?
It'll be fine when we get done with it.
Who's that?
That's Bessie Hall.
Barney works at the mill.
Hey, watch out!
I guess you want a house full of pickaninnies, too?
Don't call them that.
That's all right with me. I always liked kids.
What about your boy?
What about him?
He could live with us.
Let's just see how the two of us make out first, huh?
Good luck, baby.
Hard to get up in the morning, huh?
That's right.
How're you doin', Barney?
Okay.
Come on, Willie!
Just a minute!
Come on, we're late!
Yessuh, Boss. I's comin' as fast as I can.
Get in the car, man!
How're you doing, man?
Okay. Let's go.
That's right, Jethro. Takes us to the plant and hurry, boy.
I's got a heavy day.
I tells you, man, give these niggers a machine
and they go stark-raving wild!
You new here?
That's right.
Hey, Jack!
Hey, boy! I'm talkin' to you!
My name's Duff.
How you doing?
Looks like you're doin' a good job.
Thanks.
You don't say much, do you?
I guess I don't.
As long as you do your work.
Hell, I bet those black girls really go for you, huh?
That's the best-lookin' colored girl in town!
What's the matter?
Still on your honeymoon, huh?
Just like you, Barney.
You've been on your honeymoon for 20 years, huh?
Yeah.
How many kids you got now, Barney?
Four.
She can cook, too.
No wonder you've been draggin' your tail on the job.
You've been doin' your best work at home.
What's the matter, boy? Never smile?
I'll smile when it's funny.
It wasn't funny, huh?
Well, I thought it was.
What do you say, Barney? Wasn't it funny?
Yeah, it was funny.
Sure.
What do you say, boys? Wasn't it funny?
- Sure. - Yeah.
The trouble with you, boy, is you ain't got a sense of humor.
You ought to smile more.
I know.
You're new here, man!
See you, boys!
You know, man, that guy was trying to be friendly.
That ain't my idea of friendliness.
You gotta watch yourself pretty close.
Yeah, if you want to get along, act the nigger.
Like hell!
If you fellows stuck together instead of letting them
walk all over you, they might not try it.
Like hell they wouldn't!
They've been doin' it all my life.
Maybe it's time you stopped letting them.
Man, you sound like a trouble man.
Use the glass, honey.
That's what it's for.
Is that so?
Yes, that's so.
What's wrong?
Smells like something crawled in there and died.
Really? I thought it was pretty good.
Come here, baby.
Everything you cook is good.
Duff?
You know those women you used to know...
What about them?
Am I as good as they?
Good coffee.
You didn't answer my question.
Baby...
You're the best thing that ever happened to me.
You still didn't answer my question.
Well, if you don't know, I can't tell you.
You know how to box?
Uh-huh. Why?
My kids want me to teach them.
Okay. Come on. Put 'em up!
Like there. There you go.
Ready? Come on, hit me!
- I don't want to hurt you. - It's all right. Come on, hit me!
If you don't wanna do nothin' about it, just leave me alone!
Sit out here all night! I don't care what you do!
You're no good around the house, anyway.
It sure scares you, a guy like that.
Sittin'out on his porch, doin' nothin'.
I seen hundreds of them, all my life.
My father's never done a thing for any of them.
I'm very happy, Duff.
How about you?
You sure done a great job, Mrs. Anderson.
Thanks. But you haven't eaten very much.
How about it, Frankie? I bet you could eat some more.
No, thanks.
How's that job comin'?
Well, it ain't the railroad.
Those guys are scared.
Guess they've never known nothin' but takin' it.
They all got families to support.
Yeah. That's right, Jocko.
Those white guys sure shoot up at you like a yeast cake
if you just cock an eye at 'em.
I guess you'll be making some changes 'round here.
What's eatin' you, Jocko?
Nothin'.
I just figured you were the right man for the job.
I guess you'll all keep workin' together, won't you?
Heck, no. They're shippin' us all over the map.
That's too bad.
If you want 'em, there's some expert dishwashers here.
No, thanks. My kitchen's too small.
Okay, fellows, let's give the folks some privacy.
Bye, Frankie.
You got a good thing, man.
- See you. - Take it easy, Pop.
- I'll see you before you take off. - Okay, Duff.
- See you, Duff. - Bye, Jocko.
Duff?
My back itches.
How would you like to have a baby, Duff?
Don't look so scared.
You jivin' me?
Well, I haven't come around.
Wow. Ain't that something?
That's just fine, baby.
We'll be all right.
Man, we sure hit the jackpot fast around here.
What about your boy?
How come you keep askin'?
I keep thinking about him.
Well, he ain't mine, so skip it.
Baby...
We're goin' to put a whole lot of little kids in this world.
Hell, we'll swamp 'em.
Hell, they can do it in Birmingham and that's a mean town.
We ought to do something here.
Are you Duff Anderson?
That's right.
I wanna talk to you.
I hear you're tryin' to organize this place.
I don't know what you're talkin' about.
That's no way to talk, boy.
We had a union man around here a couple of years ago.
He stirred up a lot of trouble.
They're always after you colored boys.
I still don't know what you're talkin' about.
Are you a union man?
I used to be. On the railroad.
Well, this ain't the railroad.
Now what's all this talk about stickin' together?
Well, what do you know?
Boy, we got a smooth operation here and I aim to keep it that way.
I heard you're plannin' trouble.
No. You got the wrong idea.
All right, then.
All I want you to do is tell these boys
you didn't mean what you said about stickin' together and all.
Want to keep your job, boy?
What do you think?
Then do like I said.
Men...
This boy's got something to tell you-all.
Well, how about it?
Boy, you're actin' like a nigger with no sense.
All right.
Go down to the office and get your pay. Tell them you're through.
Don't, Duff.
I'm jumpy, that's all.
Well, you've had quite a day.
I don't like to be mothered.
Jesus, baby, leave me alone, will you?
Don't deny me, Duff.
Hell, baby...
I met this beautiful chick and she's just dyin' for me, okay?
Don't be so silly.
Just how're we goin' to make out, baby?
I got to get me a job.
You will.
Pay is so damn low.
I don't want my kids to grow up like Barney's.
They won't.
I'm telling you, baby, maybe we better get out of here.
We can always do that, Duff.
Yeah, I know. I ain't really thinkin' about it.
Anyway, don't want those white guys
laughin' up their sleeve at me when they see me pull out.
Yeah, we can use you.
Ever work a saw mill?
Yeah.
Where was that?
Walker and Williams.
What did you say your name is?
Anderson.
Sorry, boy, there ain't nothin' here.
Hi, Frances.
How're you doin', man?
Okay.
Coffee, please.
I've been meanin' to talk to you.
Oh yeah?
You know, over at the plant, there's just one guy that talked.
Is that right?
It's kinda late to say it, but we should've acted differently.
Been over to the other mill?
Yeah, I been there.
It's just that we're not used to seein' anyone stand up around here.
It kinda took us by surprise.
Well, that's good.
Well, if you tried all the mills, there ain't no other industry around here.
How about that furniture plant?
Man, the darkest thing they got in there is Coca-Cola.
If you want to work like a real nigger, you can always go out and chop cotton.
They done that too long in my family.
Well, they pay you 3 bucks a day and all the cotton you can eat.
Yeah, I might have something for you, if you want to put on a uniform.
What's the pay?
Pay's ten dollars a week, plus tips and lunch.
I see. Ain't for me, thanks.
Now what about soap?
I got enough.
I got a good buy on soap. You go on over there and take a look!
Right over there, go ahead.
- I'm lookin' for work. - I got a boy. Thanks.
Don't ask, baby, huh?
How much money you got with you?
About ten dollars.
The water pump's busted.
I don't know if it's worth fixin', but I need that car.
You can have what I've got. It's right there.
Startin' tomorrow mornin', we got work for 15 hands.
All we're gonna pay is $2.50 a day.
Can't pay you three, 'cause there ain't gonna be much of a crop this year.
Y'all who want to work, step up and we'll take your name.
It's not as hard on a girl.
They're not afraid of us.
You know, Duff...
we do have enough money. Especially now.
Sure, baby.
In fact, I don't ever have to work no more.
When that baby comes, I can just stay home
and send you back to school. How about that?
- I'm trying to help, Duff. - Yeah!
I could work even after the baby comes.
A few hours a week, anyway.
What the hell could you do?
Day work.
You kiddin'?
You ain't goin' to no white home.
I seen the way they look at you when you go down the street.
- No point fixin' it! - What're you going to do?
- Don't do that! - Watch out!
It's good kindlin'.
What's bitin' you now?
You heard me!
I can't stand to see you like that.
I know you can't help it.
Stop bein' so damn understandin'.
I know just how you feel, son.
But, believe me, you're going about it the wrong way.
Don't look like there's a right way.
Well, you have to be reasonable.
Now they say you're a troublemaker. That's no good.
Use a little psychology.
Make 'em think you're going along and get what you want.
It ain't in me.
Well, you'll be in trouble, son.
Now just how do you intend to support your family, huh?
I guess I'll rob a bank.
Don't you get smart with me, boy.
Maybe you ought to move.
You'd be a lot better off in the North.
So I've been told.
It's for your own good.
Oh yeah?
Seems to me, Reverend, you're more concerned about your good.
I guess it looks kind 'a bad, havin' me for a son-in-law, huh?
You can be cocky now, boy.
But you won't last.
You won't make it.
I just feel sorry for Josie.
I knew it wouldn't work out.
At least she ain't married to no white man's nigger!
You been stoopin' so long, Reverend,
you don't even know how to stand straight no more.
You're just half a man!
Maybe I could talk to Bud Ellis.
He might have a job for you at his filling station.
I'll be seeing you.
Bye, Dad.
Bye.
How come you don't hate their guts?
I don't know.
I guess I'm not afraid of them.
You were plenty scared that night in the car.
Just of getting hurt.
They can't touch me inside.
Like hell they can't.
They can reach right in with their damn white hands
and turn you off and on.
Not if you see them for what they are, Duff.
Jesus, baby, you're so full of talk!
You ain't never really been a nigger, have you?
Livin' like that in your father's house.
So just shut your mouth.
That's 2 bucks, Joe.
Why don't you come over for a beer when you get through?
Okay, I will.
Duff, run the truck down to Holly Road. There's a guy in a ditch.
Sure glad to see you, boy.
I guess I was kinda lucky, huh?
My wife's going to give me hell.
How you doin', boy?
Want me to hold the light for you?
No, thanks.
Just tryin' to be helpful.
Most folks around here got no use for niggers.
Got to understand them, that's all.
How you doin', boy?
Seems a little loose!
She'll do.
She ain't comin' up even!
Jesus, I told you to watch it!
Sorry.
That's the trouble with you boys!
You don't listen when a man tells you something.
She don't look no worse to me.
Didn't do her no good to get banged like that.
Don't do her no good to run into a tree.
What did you say, boy?
I said she's in great shape!
I heard you! Instead of bein' smart, just get that car out of here!
Can I help you?
We'd like some service from that boy there.
We like the way he takes care of us.
Fill her up?
No, boy, 38 cents worth of gas. And make sure you don't make it 39.
We got business with you, boy.
You gonna apologize to our friend here?
Didn't hear you say "Yessir!"
Don't they say "Yessir" where you come from?
Boy, you hear me?
That'll be 38 cents.
Goddamn it, nigger, you must think you're white!
Who do you think you are, king of Harlem?
How about this windshield, boy? We'd like a little service.
Hell, they're getting too big for their britches.
Yeah, his wife's the same way.
Struttin' through town like she owns the place.
Shakin' that little rear end.
Must be all that education they're getting.
Real cool, ain't he?
Just like we ain't here.
That'll be 38 cents.
You in a big hurry, boy?
Yeah, he's tryin' to get home!
Bet she's pretty hot, huh?
You watch your mouth, man!
I bet she's a sly little nigger, that girl.
Wouldn't mind a piece of her myself!
- All right, get out of here! - Who're you tellin' to get, boy?
You watch your mouth or there'll be some dyin' 'round here!
Dyin's gonna be two ways.
- Let's go, Al. He ain't worth it. - You stay out of it!
What's goin' on?
You better get rid of this white-eyed nigger!
What happened?
Nevermind! Keep him workin' here and this place won't be around.
And I ain't kiddin'!
I guess we got trouble.
You ain't got none, Mister!
I'm sorry, Duff.
Don't tell me. I know.
I called the gas station.
I've been worried.
If they don't blow up his place, they'll get him some other way.
Don't make no difference anyhow.
What do you mean?
Nothin'.
Quit lookin' at me like that!
Duff...
I love you.
Well, that don't do me one damn bit of good!
Come on, honey, let's go to bed.
I never should have married you in the first place.
Ain't you goin' to say something?
There's nothing to say.
Well, that'll be the first time.
Where're you going to go?
When I get set, I'll send for you.
I don't think that'll happen.
You'll be better off without me.
I ain't fit to live with no more.
It's just like a lynchin'.
Maybe they don't use a knife on you, but they got other ways.
You're not a man because of a job, Duff.
You don't know nothin' about it. Nothin'!
And don't kid yourself...
you did your bit.
Duff...
Like I said, baby, I'll write you.
Who is it?
It's your son.
My son?
I ain't got no son.
You Duff?
That's right.
Beat it!
Take it easy, Pop.
What's the matter?
Don't smell so good, huh?
Must've broken some records.
Come on, Pop.
There's nothing you can do.
Been like this for days.
Got no use for nobody.
What is it? What's the matter?
Now you lay down and get some sleep!
You let go!
Now you stay put!
- I ain't drunk, honey. - Like hell you ain't!
Got a thick feelin' here.
What's the matter?
Better now.
Where you at?
Right here.
Couldn't get the words out before.
Better get him to a hospital.
Didn't I tell you to beat it, huh?
Let's go.
Anything you say, baby.
Duff.
Stop!
He stopped breathing.
We thought you might want these.
Thanks.
Would you like me to say anything tomorrow?
I guess so.
Have anything in mind?
What you usually say, I guess.
Where was your father born?
I don't know.
His profession?
Well, he worked around.
And his age?
I don't know.
Forty-eight, I guess.
Any other family?
No. Just me.
Me and her.
Well, I guess that's all until tomorrow.
Okay. Thanks very much.
What're you going to do?
Want to come up to the house?
You can stay there till you get on your feet.
There's no point in paying a hotel.
No thanks, Lee.
It's just that I hate empty rooms.
Sure.
Well, what're you going to do?
I guess I'll make me some trouble in that town.
Going back, huh?
That's right.
They'll run you out.
No, they won't.
How're you gonna live?
I guess I can always chop cotton if I have to.
If you want a ride, I'll take you home.
No, thanks.
I'll take the bus.
Don't be too hard on him.
Hell, I'm just like him.
I know he wasn't much of a father.
Who is?
Goodbye, Duff.
That window's broke, boy.
You stay over there, you're gonna get awful wet.
Hi.
It ain't gonna be easy, baby. But it's gonna be all right.
Baby...
I feel so free inside.
It's all right.