Band of Rebels (2022) Movie Script
(drums banging)
(water rushing)
(birds chirping)
(shoes thud)
(girl panting)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thud)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thud)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thud)
(suspenseful music)
(birds chirp)
(suspenseful music)
(doorknob rattles)
(doorknob rattles)
(shoes thud)
(doorknob rattles)
(door bangs)
(woman exhales)
(horse neighs)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thud)
(birds chirp)
(bag thumps)
(shoes thud)
(screen door scratches)
(shoe bangs)
Y'all hear that?
Yeah, it sounds like a door.
We ain't got the time.
Two minutes, that's it.
Look like somebody been
here, probably the Yanks.
Who knows, Yanks
all over the place.
[Major] Got a
job to do, fellas.
(horse hooves patter)
(leaves rustle)
Let's go, fellas.
(gentle piano music)
(back thuds)
(girl sighs softly)
(gentle piano music)
(solemn music)
(girl gasps)
(doorknob rattles)
(screen door scratches)
(shoes thud)
(pistol clicks)
(somber music)
Put the pistol on the ground.
(somber music)
(leaves crunch)
If you don't do
exactly as I say,
I have no problem
shooting you, Missy.
Now you back up slowly and
sit down on those stairs.
You know, if you're
trying to look like a man,
you got more work to do.
Now, there's some things
I'm gonna do to you
that you may not like,
but if you scream or try
to run away, I'll kill you.
Got any food?
A little bit.
Tell you what,
you let me do my business and
don't give me any trouble,
I might give you some.
I reckon I ain't
got no choice.
Now that's a mighty clear
line of thinking, Missy.
Just so you don't get
all surprised on me,
I'm gonna explain what
we're about to do.
Shouldn't we put
a stop to this?
One more minute, we might
not have to fire our weapons.
So now that you've
been enlightened...
(belt clicks)
(belt rattles)
(pack slaps)
(pack slaps)
(coat slaps)
(horse whinnies)
(foot pounds)
(foot pounds)
Would you look at that?
(knee thuds)
(man groans)
It looks like you
picked the wrong Missy
to mess with, didn't ya?
(leaves crunch)
What's your name, young lady.
Maria.
[Major] Where'd you
learn to fight like that?
Charleston.
(footsteps patter)
He ain't got his
rifle, I'll go get him.
(footsteps patter)
What are y'all doing?
He's gettin' away!
Nah.
This gon' get loud.
(gunshot blasts)
I surrender, I surrender.
(gunshot blasts)
(gunshot blasts)
Once the Major gets started,
kinda hard to stop him.
(man coughs)
(gunshot blasts)
(rain pours)
(gunshots blast)
Okay, Major.
I think every Yank in the
state knows we're here.
Hey, Major, I think
his arm's still attached.
(gunshot blasts)
Not anymore.
Young lady, go get your
pistol and come with us.
(fire crackles)
There some kind of
problem over there?
Don't know.
Think they're working
out a deal for you.
What is that supposed to mean?
They're putting
together an offer.
Well, that clears
up absolutely nothin'.
Here they come.
(fire crackles)
Young lady, we've
seen what you can do.
Did y'all come
up with something?
(horse snorts)
We want you to be a
part of Band of Rebels.
What now?
I ain't part of no army.
Don't have to be, just
the name of my group.
You mean, just you three?
There's one more
member, but he's not here.
He's still back fighting.
Wade Hampton IV.
Uh, am I supposed
to know who that is?
General Wade Hampton's son.
Okay, well, good
for him, I guess.
Only the greatest
general that ever lived.
Uh huh.
I'm sure they all feel that way.
We're a part of
Hampton's Legion.
So this Band of Rebels
is a part of this legion?
Well, no.
Officially, we don't exist.
Well, I'm not sure I want
to be part of something
that doesn't exist.
We hit the Yankees
behind enemy lines,
where it hurts the most.
I like the idea of
causing the Yanks pain.
We all got different talents.
Kind of like you with
your hand-to-hand combat.
So what's your talent?
(horse whinnies)
I'm the best
with a scatter gun
this side of the Mississippi.
Meet Jawbone.
You named your
shotgun Jawbone?
Yeah, yep.
When Samson was surrounded
by the Philistines,
he picked up the most
unlikely weapon he could find,
the jawbone of an ass, and
he slayed 2000 Philistines.
So when the war started, I
picked up what I had available,
my trusty old 12-gauge
and went to war.
Well, you got
the ass down pat.
(leaves rustle)
Okay.
Well, I'm the fastest
horseman you'll ever see.
The best sharpshooter.
And I like to make
stuff explode.
What about you, Major?
I don't want to talk about it.
Who taught you to
fight like that?
Well, I helped...
I used to help my Pa run
a saloon in Charleston.
(Marie cries)
You okay?
I'm sorry.
My Pa was killed by
the Yanks this morning.
(fire crackles)
So anyways.
(horse whinnies)
My Pa and I ran this
place in Charleston,
and French and English sailors
would come in every day.
The French had this
thing called savate.
You know, there's all this
fast and crazy kicking stuff.
And the English
combined it with boxing.
(horse whinnies)
It could be useful.
The fact that you're a young
lady could be very useful.
What exactly does that mean?
Get us in a lot of places.
A lot of places that'd
be difficult for us.
Well, gentlemen,
I got nowhere to go.
No offers, so if you want me
to join this group of yours,
I'll do it.
Good, we still got a
mission to do tomorrow.
What mission is that?
The Yanks are building
a pontoon bridge.
And we gotta figure
out how to destroy it.
How close you think
we can get to it?
Not close enough.
I think I have
an idea for that.
You still have the dress I
asked you to keep back for me?
It's in my saddlebag.
I'll go get it for you.
Besides, I gotta relieve myself.
Why don't he wanna
talk about what he does?
Major just like me.
He's been with General
Hampton the whole war.
He believes in the cause.
He recruited every able-bodied
man in his entire family.
All his brothers
and all his guns.
Now he's the only one left.
He's always been
a real good soldier.
Like I told you earlier,
once he starts killing Yanks.
He can't stop.
(water rushing)
(birds chirp)
(birds warble)
(leaves rustle)
(leaves crunch)
Woe, woe, woe is me!
The Yankees done
burned down my house
and left me and my family
nothin' to live on.
Pity a poor country
girl, won't ya?
What kinda twisted
nonsense is this?
Boys, go take care of her
and get her outta here.
(leaves crunch)
You're gonna have
to leave, Ma'am.
We're not gonna hurt you.
I'm only a poor,
wayfaring stranger
trying to find her
way in the world.
Have you gentlemen
come to take me to that
far away wonderland where
never a care shall be?
Hey, I'm performing here!
(fists pound)
(gunshots blasts)
(elbow thumps)
(gunshots blast)
(head butts)
(gunshot blasts)
(food thumps)
(gunshots blast)
Thank you, kind sirs.
You've been a
wonderful audience.
(smooth guitar music)
(birds chirp)
(water splashes)
Woo eeh, look like you
been busy Mama Thorn!
Oh yeah, good timing, Ferris.
I got a whole
batch ready for ya.
And it looks like you got
that good cloth I wanted.
Oh yes, Ma'am.
Got it right here
for ya, kept it dry.
I bet you had a lotta
customers for my special brew.
Yes, my best seller.
I hope you're not
drinking up all your profit.
(laughs) No, no.
I do save a swallow
back here and there
just to remember
how good it was.
What'd you want for this batch?
[Mama Thorn] Gold coin.
Well, you usually
want to trade in good.
I'm gonna be
needing some cash now.
Paper money ain't good no more.
I want gold, but I
will take silver.
You know my white
lightning's worth it.
Of course, if you don't
think you can get it.
Oh, Imma get, I'll
get it, I'll get it.
I bet you will.
(leaves crunch)
Well, look who finally found
their way back to my swamp.
Good to see you, fellers.
Who's the filly?
Her name's Maria.
Me and Major Tombs need
to get back to our unit.
Finding some warfare?
Yeah, we're making
a stand at Broxton's.
If that doesn't work,
we'll have to fall
back to River's Bridge.
May take a little
while, but we'll be back.
You're a city girl.
What's your story?
[Maria] Yanks over om our
place, got no family no more.
I'm sorry to hear that.
It's happening too often
to too many good people.
We also gonna need
some trading, Mama Thorn.
[Mama Thorn] I got
everything ya need.
You mind her being
here for a few days?
City girl, anybody staying
with me has gotta be useful.
What are you good for
besides disguising yourself?
I can fight.
Darn good at it.
Don't need no guns
for my kind of fighting.
That's good.
You know, a lot
of men are useless
when they run out of bullets.
You look strong.
I'll find out soon
enough if you're smart.
Stay with me awhile, I'll
show you how to survive.
What does that mean?
This swamp out
here is a treasure
that most people can't see.
I know how to use
things that grow here
in ways that city
folk wouldn't believe.
Watch out, Maria.
She is a witch.
Is that true?
You can call it
that if you want.
What happens if I don't stay?
You don't learn.
(insects chirp)
(suspenseful music)
(gunshots pop)
(suspenseful music)
(soldiers shout)
(gunshots pop)
(gunshots pop)
(suspenseful music)
(artillery booms)
(suspenseful music)
(artillery booms)
(suspenseful music)
(artillery booms)
(soldiers shout)
(gunshots pop)
(artillery booms)
[Officer] Fire, fire, fire!
(artillery booms)
(soldiers shout)
(gunshots pop)
(suspenseful music)
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(gunshots pop)
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
[Officer] Platoon!
- Ready!
- Ready!
[Officer] Present!
(gunshots pop)
[Officer] Fire, fire, fire!
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(artillery booms)
(loud banging)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
[Officer] Present!
Fire!
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
[Officer] Fire, fire!
(artillery booms)
[Officer] Fire!
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
[Soldier] Whoo, let's go, boy!
(tense music)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(somber music)
(slow guitar music)
The willow tree is a
blessing of the Earth.
It ain't good for
building or firewood.
You know, willows here,
they're healing trees.
You harvest the
bark in the spring,
when everything's green
and the sap's rising.
And you always take from
the limb, never the trunk.
What for?
You chop up the bark, and
you can boil it up into a tea.
Relieves pain and
helps the body heal.
Best if you can add honey.
But if you can't
make it into a tea,
you can always just
chew on the bark.
Doctors use
morphine and laudanum.
Morphine and laudanum
are made from opium.
That comes all the
way from China.
That's hard to get now,
and it's real expensive.
That's why the soldiers trade
with me for my remedies.
But they don't work as good.
No, they don't,
but my willow bark
don't muddle your mind
like that stuff does.
And I can get all
I need out here.
You do have a lotta trees.
I do, and they
all have their uses.
Swamp wood is the
hardest wood there is.
So it's best for making
boats 'cause it don't rot.
And you always
wanna make sure you
got a sharp knife on ya.
You never know when
you're gonna need
to cut something or someone.
But never, ever take
from a living tree,
when you can just as easy
take from a dead one.
Round here, there's always
plenty of firewood on the ground,
real easy to take.
You do know how to make a fire?
I never had to learn that.
You will now.
(birds chirp)
Wade, what do you
think our options are?
Well, at the moment,
we don't have many.
Where on Earth do you
think Joe Wheeler's men
were during all this?
They've been out
there fighting, Pete,
but General Wheeler's
still assembling his units.
I've heard that
for a long time.
How long do you reckon
this is gonna take?
He'll be ready in Aiken.
I hope so, I really do.
I'm sure you're
gonna be pleased
with what they're planning.
I'd like nothing more
than to outflank Kilpatrick
and kick him in the butt so hard
that all he can see is brown,
and send him packing back
up north to his mama.
Sore ass and all.
(birds chirp)
It's the way of the Earth
that predators kill
other animals for food.
And we are predators, but
don't ever kill anything
you're not gonna eat.
And you want to use
the entire animal.
The skin, teeth, feet.
All creatures have their
medicine, especially the bones.
The bones are very powerful,
and they can tell you a lot
if you know how to read 'em.
Does it bother you when
people call you a witch?
I've been called a witch,
root doctor, herb wife,
medicine woman, conjurer.
It just adds some
mystery to what I do.
Well, how long you
been out here doing this?
If I told you, you
wouldn't believe me.
I might.
I don't know if I
even believe it myself.
Out here, you don't measure
time in days or even seasons,
but in lifetimes.
And the lifetime of a
deer, spider, gator,
they're all very different.
They each have their own cycles,
but they all come together
to make one big style.
(slow guitar music)
Folks I know, they're
always worried about time,
and a day ends before anything
they want to do gets done.
That's the way of man now,
but it wasn't always the case.
It's best if you think
of time like a river.
It just flows on
and on in its course
like it's been doing
for thousands of years,
no matter what's
happening around it.
Ain't no sense in
worrying about time.
You know all those rich folks
with their fancy things.
They ain't got any more
time than you or I do.
And out here, life's
got a beauty and a magic
that those folks
will never know.
(slow guitar music)
(insects chirp)
(intense music)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(officer shouts)
[Officer] Fire!
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(tense music)
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
[Officer] Reform your
cavalry, get ready! (Shouts)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(soldiers cheer)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(officer shouts)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(swords clang)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(tense music)
[Officer] Fight,
fight, fight, go!
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(tense music)
(gunshots pop)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
[Officer] Go!
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(tense music)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(swords clang)
(artillery booms)
[Officer] Fire!
(gunshots pop)
(tense music)
(soldiers shout)
(gunshots pop)
Wade, we kicked Kilpatrick,
and we kicked him
good, didn't we?
We sure did, Pete.
His head was gettin' so big,
he could hardly
stay on his horse.
(sighs) And we need to thank
Joe Wheeler a lot for this.
We owe him one.
His boys tore it
up, didn't they?
Yeah, he's heading
for Columbia,
hopefully to do more
of the same thing.
Yes, sir, but Sherman's forces
are already joining Kilpatrick.
We need reinforcements.
There is no way we can
match the sheer numbers
that Sherman has.
So now there are
no reinforcements,
just my men and
Wheeler's cavalry.
Soon, very soon.
(Wade sighs)
Pete, I request a leave so
I can attend to my affairs
and my family in Columbia.
Granted, but brief is the key.
Understood.
I've heard a lot of
rumors about a rogue group
of our boys making strikes
behind enemy lines,
but with no authority from us.
Yes, I've heard
about this group.
Do you personally
know any of these men?
Only vaguely, just what
I've heard from the men.
(sighs) Same here, but
without our authority,
I've got questions as to whether
or not we should allow
this to continue.
Well, they are effective.
Okay.
So what do they call themselves?
From what I understand,
it was originally a
Band of Confederates,
but now I think they call
theirs elf a Band of Rebels.
(solemn music)
(insects chirp)
Your band will be
back for you soon.
I'm glad those boys realize
how valuable a woman is.
Yes, Ma'am.
But they ain't like
the regular army.
They're gonna wanna be
sneaking into places
without the Yankees seeing them.
That's something I
can help you with.
These are chicken feet.
See, I stained 'em
black with walnut juice.
So they're just like
the cover of darkness.
Now they can't stop a bullet,
ain't no magic can do that,
but you carry one of these when
you go into enemy territory,
you'll get where
they need to be.
The warriors have returned.
I hope it was a productive trip.
It's a mess, we're
headed to Columbia.
Kilpatrick is headed that way.
That rat bag.
He'll set a family's home on
fire just to light his cigar.
Sherman's whole army
is headed that way.
Is it time for me
to join back now?
I think that's a good idea.
She turn you into
a witch yet, Maria?
You'll find out.
She's a very good apprentice.
She learns quickly.
We need to get going
as soon as possible.
Yeah, not sure what
we'll find in Columbia.
My father has
invited us to Millwood.
What's Millwood?
Big plantation.
How do you expect
her to get there?
We got a horse for her
back with the others.
You have any idea of
what you're getting into?
Nope, but I'm ready.
Take these with you,
you'll need the chicken feet.
And you'll probably need
some willow bark too.
(slow guitar music)
(leaves crunch)
(birds chirp)
Gentlemen, I
wanted to talk to you
before we invited the ladies in.
Sir, any news on the Yanks?
Yes, and it could be better.
Quite simply, the
enemy is at the gate.
How close, sir?
Really close.
They're right across the river.
Do you and General
Longstreet have a plan?
Yes, we do.
We're gonna combine the
forces of General Longstreet
and myself and hit the
Yanks with a smashing blow.
Sounds like a good idea.
Long time coming.
Stop 'em dead in their
tracks, right, General?
Absolutely.
Unfortunately, it's not gonna
happen here in Columbia.
(Major sighs)
(shoes clack)
Ma'am, how much longer do
you think they're gonna be?
Well, soldier business,
it could be awhile.
We have work to do
in the meantime.
[Maria] What kind of work?
Young lady, I thought
you were a young man
when you first walked in here.
Now I understand that
these are dangerous times,
but before you join the
general and I for dinner,
you are going to be
dressed accordingly.
Well, apart from what
I'm wearing right now,
I've got a house dress
in the saddlebag.
Now, I cleaned it, but it's old.
Oh, nonsense.
I've got other ideas, if
you have a few minutes.
[Maria] Sure.
Gentlemen, I leave tomorrow
for a meeting with
General Longstreet.
Where's the meeting?
Right outside of Augusta.
That's a little
tricky to get to.
You want us to provide
security for you?
No, I do have a
favor to ask though.
Certainly, sir,
anything you need.
Would you please safely escort
my family out of the city?
Not in directions towards
the Yanks, I imagine.
[Wade] You imagine
correctly, Lieutenant.
What do you think the
Yanks are gonna do, sir?
If they did like
they did in Atlanta,
they'll probably burn our
fair city of Columbia.
And I'm afraid they'll
also burn our home.
[Mrs. Hampton] Wade,
we're coming in now.
All right, fellas,
mind your manners.
The ladies are coming in, stand.
(chair legs scrape)
So this is Maria.
It's a pleasure to finally
meet you, young lady.
Likewise, sir.
(chair legs scrape)
I must apologize that
dinner's a little late.
This happened sometime since we
lost our long time housekeeper.
[Wade] She did
run a tight ship.
Yes, she did.
Since we have a few minutes.
So Maria, can you
tell the general
and I a little about yourself?
Well, I'm from Charleston.
Oh, I love Charleston.
What did you do there?
I ran a saloon with my Pa.
[Mrs. Hampton] I see.
And where is he?
[Wade] Our condolences, Maria.
Thank you.
Let's move the conversation
to a lighter place, shall we?
Maria, what new and exciting
things have you done lately?
Well, while these
fellas went off to fight,
they dropped me off
with a swamp witch.
What now?
Her name is Mama Thorn.
She's a witch, lives in a swamp.
- Does she?
- Mm-hmm.
Well, how nice of these
gentlemen to do that for you.
What exactly were
you thinking, captain?
Mama Thorn has
been very beneficial
to our field hospitals.
Ever since the
laudanum's been gone,
her remedies have helped
a lot of soldiers.
You see, Mary.
She's contributing
to the war effort.
I've known her since
I was a little thing.
[Servant] Dinner's
almost ready.
Thank you!
Just a couple more minutes.
So Maria, in addition to
finding yourself a good husband,
where do you see
yourself in the future?
I think I'd like
to find my own swamp,
and find my own way.
I think I'd like
to raise gators.
Okay!
I think I'll stop
asking questions now.
I think it's a good
time to say grace.
Please bow your heads.
Lord, thank you for bringing
us together safely tonight.
(suspenseful music)
Come on up, warm
yourselves, men.
(flames crackle)
You're quiet tonight, Stirling.
(flames crackle)
[Stirling] I'm not
sure I see the point
in all this burning.
I concur with the
Lieutenant, sir.
What we have here are the
fires of perdition that will
lay the groundwork for hatred
against us for 100 years!
What's the matter
with you two?
Are you going soft
on me in the middle?
Well, gentlemen, I'm following
the orders of my, our,
commanding officer,
General Sherman.
(dramatic music)
(flames crackle)
I want him dead, I
want him destroyed,
and I want him out of
our lives for good.
I'm assuming you mean
General Kilpatrick.
Yup.
Look what he did to
Columbia, beautiful city.
Look what he did.
Columbia's my hometown,
I agree with you fully.
So how do we do this?
I imagine he's gonna be
headed north sometime soon.
General, we don't have
that kind of manpower.
I don't want to hear
any more of this nonsense.
This band of rebels, I want
them here for a meeting.
I'm unsure of exactly
where they are now.
Well, then me get
me a representative.
I want to move forward on this,
and I want to move
forward on this right now.
[Wade] General Longstreet,
this is Lieutenant Tuten
and my son, Wade Hampton IV.
They represent this group
we've been talking about.
Well, Wade IV, my condolences.
Apparently, your father
only has a vague memory
of who you are.
Well, apparently your father's
impressed with your group.
And from what I've seen,
your father's not easily
impressed by anyone.
I have to agree
with you on that, sir.
Well, you just keep
on agreeing with me,
and we'll get along just fine.
Lieutenant Tuten, I imagine
Hampton has filled you in
on why I want you here.
Yes, sir.
You want Yankee General
Kilpatrick good and dead.
Yeah, I want him shot,
cut up, blown up, burned up.
Whatever has to be done,
but I don't want him to even
be adequate buzzard bait.
We got someone in our group
that would love to do that.
General Longstreet,
do you have an update on
Kilpatrick and his men?
As a matter of fact, I do.
He's left Columbia, and he's
headed towards North Carolina.
We don't have much time.
Sir, we have a plan
I think will work,
but it's a little unorthodox.
(chuckles) Well,
hell, Lieutenant,
your whole group's unorthodox.
Do what you gotta do.
Yes, sir, we can
get right on it.
So General Longstreet,
does this mean your
endorsing the band of rebels?
I endorse anything
and everything.
Whatever it takes
to rid the world
of this execrable,
blowhard, Yankee bastard.
Lieutenant Sykes.
Yes sir.
Tell me about the progress
securing the headquarters.
Some of the best troops, sir.
Very dedicated.
General, these ladies
you've been telling us about,
when are they due to arrive?
Throughout the day tomorrow.
Looks like tomorrow
night's gonna be very busy,
for all of us.
We can only hope.
Good then.
Gives me time for a respite.
McBride, I don't
want to be disturbed
after 9:00 PM unless it's
absolutely necessary.
Yes, sir, duly noted.
So Colonel, tell me
more about these ladies.
(General laughs)
Shh.
(birds chirp)
Well, we made it this far.
Yeah, thanks to Mama Thorn.
I don't know about that.
We gon' pull the ranks off?
I'm not.
I don't think they're expecting
any pathetic troops here,
regardless of rank.
Y'all want to go
over the plans again?
You ready, Maria?
You're critical to this.
Right, so my story is
I'm the General's niece.
He hasn't seen me in
a long, long time,
and I got some personal
paperwork for him.
You think he's got a
niece that he's never met?
He's from Kentucky.
They've got family trees
that goes for miles up there.
So you just think
you gon' mosey on in?
Soldiers don't want
to make the general mad.
After all, I'm family.
You still got that gun
the major loaded for ya?
Yup, tucked in a
pocket in this dress.
Gonna press the barrel right
up against the general,
so the shot gets muffled.
Good, that way you don't
alert the whole place.
At least not right away.
What if something goes wrong?
If Kilpatrick comes out and
not Maria, we're moving in.
This is a very risky
arrangement for you, darling.
Sergeant, life has
become risky, hasn't it?
(drums banging)
(suspenseful music)
Halt.
State your business.
I'm here to see
General Kilpatrick.
So you're family?
Yes, I am.
Is he available?
I'm sorry, young lady,
but the general has already
retired for the evening.
[Maria] Well,
that's disappointing.
It is.
However, we've been
instructed not to
awaken him until
tomorrow morning.
And I'm sure the general
will be disappointed as well.
What's going on here, private?
[Private] Sir, this young
lady says she's related
to the general and
wants to speak with him.
Please explain
yourself, Ma'am.
Yes, I have
important information
about my father's estate,
information that would
benefit the general.
Financially.
Take her to see
Colonel McBride.
Yes, sir.
Right then, you'll find Colonel
McBride on the lower level.
You'll have to go through
him to speak to the general.
I can follow protocol.
(lock clicks)
The colonel should be
downstairs momentarily.
(door creaks)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thudding)
(distant banging)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thudding)
(suspenseful music)
Yes, Miss, can I
be of assistance?
Yes, are you Colonel McBride?
I am.
Good.
And why did the
sentry let you in?
I am Angelica Kilpatrick.
I'm...
I'm General Kilpatrick's niece,
and I would like to have
an audience with him.
I think that is going to
require further explanation.
Well, certainly.
My father, the General's
brother, died in the fighting,
and his estate has been
tied up in legal affairs
for some time.
Please continue.
But these affairs have
already been sorted out,
and it has been determined
that Hugh Judson Kilpatrick,
your commander, will be
receiving a large portion
of my father's holdings.
I just have one question.
Why didn't your attorney send
a telegram to the general?
That's a very good question.
And it begs a
very good answer.
Well, my father made some
investments for the general,
investments they both
wished to keep private.
A well thought out story,
but there's just
one small problem.
I don't believe a word of it!
I can assure you, colonel.
You can assure
me all you wish.
Now, who are you?
Do you have any weapons on you?
No, sir, no.
(shoes clack)
(suspenseful music)
No?
Then what do you call that
pistol you have in your clothes?
How did you know?
I didn't.
Now you will remove it and put
it on that table over there.
And one false move,
and I will not hesitate
to put a bullet
between those pretty
eyes of yours.
Do we understand each other?
Good.
(shoes clack)
(pistol rattles)
The derringer, the
weapon of an assassin.
Now I will ask you again, and
you will answer my questions.
Who are you?
Why are you here?
How many are with you?
And what is their
relationship to this house?
I'm not a very patient
man, dear lady.
I suggest you answer.
You won't be needing to know.
And that means?
Oh, so that's how you want it.
I'm a gentlemen and
can accommodate a lady.
But I must warn you, Miss,
before the war, I
was a champion boxer.
I fought and won
matches all over my home
state of New Jersey.
Thank you for the information.
Most welcome.
It's a shame to ruin that
pretty face of yours.
(suspenseful music)
(fists pounding)
(foot pounds)
(fists pound)
(McBride groans)
So that's how you like it.
I've seen hits like that before.
New Orleans.
Two drunken frog sailors
fighting over a dollar whore!
(fists pounding)
(Maria groaning)
(head butts)
(fists pounding)
(foot thuds)
(fist pounds)
(body thuds)
(suspenseful music)
(body slides)
(skirt rustles)
(suspenseful music)
Goodbye, colonel.
(crickets chirp)
[Officer] Everything
quiet around here, Whitman.
Quiet as a graveyard, sir.
What about the young
lady? (Clears throat)
There's a young lady here?
There weren't supposed to be
any women here till tomorrow.
Sir, she said she was a
relative of the general,
and Captain Morgan instructed
me to let her inside.
And you did?
Yes, sir, I followed orders.
[Captain] She said
she was a niece.
Well, it won't hurt to check.
(suspenseful music)
And you boys haven't
heard anything?
Not a thing, sir.
Well, I imagine they'll come
down when they're finished.
Yes, sir.
Did she say what she wanted?
No, sir.
You boys keep
your ears peeled.
Yes, sir.
(thrilling music)
(door creaks softly)
(general snores)
(general coughs)
(thrilling music)
(general snores)
(general coughs)
(general coughs)
(thrilling music)
Who the hell are you?
Sorry to disturb
you, Uncle Judson.
I'm your niece.
My what?
Girl, come over here so I
can get a better look at you.
I've never seen you
before in my life.
I have credentials that
will verify my story.
Let me get them for you.
I'm waiting.
Girl, stand up and
hand that to me.
(Kilpatrick groans)
(gunshot blasts)
Hey, let's make this
sound like something, Bubba.
(gunshots blast)
Friends of yours
out there, I suppose.
How many of them
out there, girl?
Talk to me, how
many are out there?
Over 100.
Damn.
Damn, damn!
(Kilpatrick grunts)
(gunshots blast)
Damn.
Damn, damn!
Damn!
Damn!
(gunshots blast)
(gunshots blast)
(crickets chirp)
She bad?
Real bad.
How about take her
over to the horses?
But be careful.
What you gon' do, major?
[Major] I'm gonna stick
around and see if I can
find anyone else to kill.
(suspenseful music)
I am Colonel
Michael Seamus McBride
of the Army of the
United States of America.
Whom do I have the
pleasure of addressing?
None of your damn
business, Yankee!
Then I shall call thee Judas,
an appropriate
name for a traitor!
(swords clang)
(sword whooshes)
(McBride groans loudly)
(McBride grunts)
(sword whooshes)
[Major] Ah, hell no!
(man grunts loudly)
(McBride grunts)
(gunshot pops)
(McBride groans)
(gunshots pop)
Hmm, I'll take it.
(insects chirp)
Hey, Ferris.
(Maria groans)
Ah God, this hurts!
Ah, God. (Groans)
Ah, God, this hurts!
(Maria groans)
Stay still, young
lady, you been shot!
It's gonna hurt a lot
worse if you don't say still.
That bullet's still in there.
There's willow back in my bag.
Get it.
- I'll get it.
Please get it. (Coughs)
What happened to you?
General shot me.
I might've got him, but
he definitely got my arm.
[Maria] Well, he got me too.
He run off like a scared
rabbit into the woods.
(leaves crunch)
(leaves crunch)
(bird warbles)
It looks like y'all found a
piece of trouble there, son.
This, this ain't so bad.
But Maria, she
ain't doing so good.
Looks like you're pretty empty.
Yeah, I got rid of that
moonshine from Mama Thorn.
I don't suppose
you saved any for me.
Yeah, I might've held
back a drop or too.
Ferris, where you
headed from here?
I'm gonna get back
down to Mama Thorn
and see if she brewed up
any of that shine for me.
Maria here needs our help bad.
Where she hit?
Gut shot, ain't good.
Well, I don't mind,
but it seemed like y'all get
there a bit quicker than me.
We ain't headed south, Ferris.
The Yanks are thick, real thick.
Two of our boys have
already headed out
to meet with the General.
We gonna try to
catch up with them.
Be careful.
Load 'er up.
(bird caws)
(river rushes)
(eerie music)
(dramatic music)
[Mama Thorn] Oh no, what
happened to her., Ferris?
Gut shot, Mama Thorn.
Bullet's still with
her, it ain't good.
I can take care of her.
What happened to the
rest of her band?
Well, they knew better
than to come this way.
Not with all them
blue coats around.
I don't blame 'em.
You know where they're headed?
Sounded like off
to another fight.
This war has got
to be over soon.
Too many people are suffering.
Looks like you're
still eating good.
(laughs) Well, this war's
been good for my business,
and yours too.
I've got that gold and
silver coin you asked for.
You know I don't
charge for healing,
so I gotta get
something somewhere.
Yeah, you got any more of
that fine beverage brewing?
Well, you're in luck.
I just got some started
to ferment for ya.
Well, this looks like as
a good place to camp as any,
at least till it's done brewing.
[Mama Thorn] Okay.
Why don't you go shoot
us something for dinner?
All right, sounds good.
City girl, I'm afraid we're
gonna have to do some surgery.
Be right back.
(liquid splashes)
There, this is my best brew.
Have some.
A little more.
Okay.
Now, you just bite onto this.
If you're lucky,
you'll pass out.
(birds warble)
Hold on, close your eyes.
(Maria groans)
Hold still, hold still!
(Maria groans)
(insects chirp)
(birds chirp)
(leaves crunch)
How's it feel
standing up like that?
A little twinge, no pain.
Thank you, Mama Thorn.
You're a strong woman, Maria.
Where do you think
your people went?
Up further north,
I'm guessing.
I guess they don't consider
me part of their band anymore.
I don't know about that.
You know they got
soldier business,
and soldier business is what
they gotta take care of.
You know you couldn't have
traveled with them anyway.
But I bet they'll be down
for you as soon as they can.
I hope you're right.
Well, now that
you're feeling better,
I'm gonna have to be
away for a while myself.
Can I come with you?
Not where I'm going.
Well, what happens if
someone else shows up?
If they come for healing,
you know what to give 'em.
Only other person who
should be here is Ferris,
that river trader.
I got a whole new batch of
brew over there for him.
I'll keep an eye on
it so nobody steal sit.
I would appreciate that.
He'll be bringing more flour
and sugar and coffee for ya.
But for now you just keep
drinking that tea I made ya.
You gotta little
more healing to do,
and you want to be ready
when your boys come for you.
What'll happen then?
I wouldn't recommend
staying around here.
Take this, and don't
travel on the main roads.
You'll be fine.
(leaves crunch)
(tense music)
Report to me, soldiers.
Last time we saw Kilpatrick,
he was running through
the woods for his life.
In the middle of the
night in his underwear.
(Wade laughs)
But none of you saw him dead.
Well, at least humiliation
and embarrassment
is some consolation.
I imagine he had pretty
tight security around him.
Yes, sir.
They're all dead.
General Hampton,
what's our next move?
Some of our units are
already heading north.
The idea is to amass
all available forces
and make a powerful
stand in Bentonville.
I got orders from General Lee.
And I quote,
"Concentrate all available
forces and drive back Sherman."
Well, what do you
want to do with us?
You want us to
rejoin our unit, sir?
Listen up and listen closely.
What I'm gonna tell ya
is in the absolute
strictest of confidence.
That means don't tell nobody.
If this event in Bentonville
does not go our way,
I want you and your group to
rendezvous with the train.
It'll be number 1230
southbound outta Richmond.
What would be on
this train, Pete?
Every ounce of gold in
the Confederate treasury.
(suspenseful music)
(somber piano music)
(water rushing)
(birds chirping)
(shoes thud)
(girl panting)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thud)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thud)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thud)
(suspenseful music)
(birds chirp)
(suspenseful music)
(doorknob rattles)
(doorknob rattles)
(shoes thud)
(doorknob rattles)
(door bangs)
(woman exhales)
(horse neighs)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thud)
(birds chirp)
(bag thumps)
(shoes thud)
(screen door scratches)
(shoe bangs)
Y'all hear that?
Yeah, it sounds like a door.
We ain't got the time.
Two minutes, that's it.
Look like somebody been
here, probably the Yanks.
Who knows, Yanks
all over the place.
[Major] Got a
job to do, fellas.
(horse hooves patter)
(leaves rustle)
Let's go, fellas.
(gentle piano music)
(back thuds)
(girl sighs softly)
(gentle piano music)
(solemn music)
(girl gasps)
(doorknob rattles)
(screen door scratches)
(shoes thud)
(pistol clicks)
(somber music)
Put the pistol on the ground.
(somber music)
(leaves crunch)
If you don't do
exactly as I say,
I have no problem
shooting you, Missy.
Now you back up slowly and
sit down on those stairs.
You know, if you're
trying to look like a man,
you got more work to do.
Now, there's some things
I'm gonna do to you
that you may not like,
but if you scream or try
to run away, I'll kill you.
Got any food?
A little bit.
Tell you what,
you let me do my business and
don't give me any trouble,
I might give you some.
I reckon I ain't
got no choice.
Now that's a mighty clear
line of thinking, Missy.
Just so you don't get
all surprised on me,
I'm gonna explain what
we're about to do.
Shouldn't we put
a stop to this?
One more minute, we might
not have to fire our weapons.
So now that you've
been enlightened...
(belt clicks)
(belt rattles)
(pack slaps)
(pack slaps)
(coat slaps)
(horse whinnies)
(foot pounds)
(foot pounds)
Would you look at that?
(knee thuds)
(man groans)
It looks like you
picked the wrong Missy
to mess with, didn't ya?
(leaves crunch)
What's your name, young lady.
Maria.
[Major] Where'd you
learn to fight like that?
Charleston.
(footsteps patter)
He ain't got his
rifle, I'll go get him.
(footsteps patter)
What are y'all doing?
He's gettin' away!
Nah.
This gon' get loud.
(gunshot blasts)
I surrender, I surrender.
(gunshot blasts)
(gunshot blasts)
Once the Major gets started,
kinda hard to stop him.
(man coughs)
(gunshot blasts)
(rain pours)
(gunshots blast)
Okay, Major.
I think every Yank in the
state knows we're here.
Hey, Major, I think
his arm's still attached.
(gunshot blasts)
Not anymore.
Young lady, go get your
pistol and come with us.
(fire crackles)
There some kind of
problem over there?
Don't know.
Think they're working
out a deal for you.
What is that supposed to mean?
They're putting
together an offer.
Well, that clears
up absolutely nothin'.
Here they come.
(fire crackles)
Young lady, we've
seen what you can do.
Did y'all come
up with something?
(horse snorts)
We want you to be a
part of Band of Rebels.
What now?
I ain't part of no army.
Don't have to be, just
the name of my group.
You mean, just you three?
There's one more
member, but he's not here.
He's still back fighting.
Wade Hampton IV.
Uh, am I supposed
to know who that is?
General Wade Hampton's son.
Okay, well, good
for him, I guess.
Only the greatest
general that ever lived.
Uh huh.
I'm sure they all feel that way.
We're a part of
Hampton's Legion.
So this Band of Rebels
is a part of this legion?
Well, no.
Officially, we don't exist.
Well, I'm not sure I want
to be part of something
that doesn't exist.
We hit the Yankees
behind enemy lines,
where it hurts the most.
I like the idea of
causing the Yanks pain.
We all got different talents.
Kind of like you with
your hand-to-hand combat.
So what's your talent?
(horse whinnies)
I'm the best
with a scatter gun
this side of the Mississippi.
Meet Jawbone.
You named your
shotgun Jawbone?
Yeah, yep.
When Samson was surrounded
by the Philistines,
he picked up the most
unlikely weapon he could find,
the jawbone of an ass, and
he slayed 2000 Philistines.
So when the war started, I
picked up what I had available,
my trusty old 12-gauge
and went to war.
Well, you got
the ass down pat.
(leaves rustle)
Okay.
Well, I'm the fastest
horseman you'll ever see.
The best sharpshooter.
And I like to make
stuff explode.
What about you, Major?
I don't want to talk about it.
Who taught you to
fight like that?
Well, I helped...
I used to help my Pa run
a saloon in Charleston.
(Marie cries)
You okay?
I'm sorry.
My Pa was killed by
the Yanks this morning.
(fire crackles)
So anyways.
(horse whinnies)
My Pa and I ran this
place in Charleston,
and French and English sailors
would come in every day.
The French had this
thing called savate.
You know, there's all this
fast and crazy kicking stuff.
And the English
combined it with boxing.
(horse whinnies)
It could be useful.
The fact that you're a young
lady could be very useful.
What exactly does that mean?
Get us in a lot of places.
A lot of places that'd
be difficult for us.
Well, gentlemen,
I got nowhere to go.
No offers, so if you want me
to join this group of yours,
I'll do it.
Good, we still got a
mission to do tomorrow.
What mission is that?
The Yanks are building
a pontoon bridge.
And we gotta figure
out how to destroy it.
How close you think
we can get to it?
Not close enough.
I think I have
an idea for that.
You still have the dress I
asked you to keep back for me?
It's in my saddlebag.
I'll go get it for you.
Besides, I gotta relieve myself.
Why don't he wanna
talk about what he does?
Major just like me.
He's been with General
Hampton the whole war.
He believes in the cause.
He recruited every able-bodied
man in his entire family.
All his brothers
and all his guns.
Now he's the only one left.
He's always been
a real good soldier.
Like I told you earlier,
once he starts killing Yanks.
He can't stop.
(water rushing)
(birds chirp)
(birds warble)
(leaves rustle)
(leaves crunch)
Woe, woe, woe is me!
The Yankees done
burned down my house
and left me and my family
nothin' to live on.
Pity a poor country
girl, won't ya?
What kinda twisted
nonsense is this?
Boys, go take care of her
and get her outta here.
(leaves crunch)
You're gonna have
to leave, Ma'am.
We're not gonna hurt you.
I'm only a poor,
wayfaring stranger
trying to find her
way in the world.
Have you gentlemen
come to take me to that
far away wonderland where
never a care shall be?
Hey, I'm performing here!
(fists pound)
(gunshots blasts)
(elbow thumps)
(gunshots blast)
(head butts)
(gunshot blasts)
(food thumps)
(gunshots blast)
Thank you, kind sirs.
You've been a
wonderful audience.
(smooth guitar music)
(birds chirp)
(water splashes)
Woo eeh, look like you
been busy Mama Thorn!
Oh yeah, good timing, Ferris.
I got a whole
batch ready for ya.
And it looks like you got
that good cloth I wanted.
Oh yes, Ma'am.
Got it right here
for ya, kept it dry.
I bet you had a lotta
customers for my special brew.
Yes, my best seller.
I hope you're not
drinking up all your profit.
(laughs) No, no.
I do save a swallow
back here and there
just to remember
how good it was.
What'd you want for this batch?
[Mama Thorn] Gold coin.
Well, you usually
want to trade in good.
I'm gonna be
needing some cash now.
Paper money ain't good no more.
I want gold, but I
will take silver.
You know my white
lightning's worth it.
Of course, if you don't
think you can get it.
Oh, Imma get, I'll
get it, I'll get it.
I bet you will.
(leaves crunch)
Well, look who finally found
their way back to my swamp.
Good to see you, fellers.
Who's the filly?
Her name's Maria.
Me and Major Tombs need
to get back to our unit.
Finding some warfare?
Yeah, we're making
a stand at Broxton's.
If that doesn't work,
we'll have to fall
back to River's Bridge.
May take a little
while, but we'll be back.
You're a city girl.
What's your story?
[Maria] Yanks over om our
place, got no family no more.
I'm sorry to hear that.
It's happening too often
to too many good people.
We also gonna need
some trading, Mama Thorn.
[Mama Thorn] I got
everything ya need.
You mind her being
here for a few days?
City girl, anybody staying
with me has gotta be useful.
What are you good for
besides disguising yourself?
I can fight.
Darn good at it.
Don't need no guns
for my kind of fighting.
That's good.
You know, a lot
of men are useless
when they run out of bullets.
You look strong.
I'll find out soon
enough if you're smart.
Stay with me awhile, I'll
show you how to survive.
What does that mean?
This swamp out
here is a treasure
that most people can't see.
I know how to use
things that grow here
in ways that city
folk wouldn't believe.
Watch out, Maria.
She is a witch.
Is that true?
You can call it
that if you want.
What happens if I don't stay?
You don't learn.
(insects chirp)
(suspenseful music)
(gunshots pop)
(suspenseful music)
(soldiers shout)
(gunshots pop)
(gunshots pop)
(suspenseful music)
(artillery booms)
(suspenseful music)
(artillery booms)
(suspenseful music)
(artillery booms)
(soldiers shout)
(gunshots pop)
(artillery booms)
[Officer] Fire, fire, fire!
(artillery booms)
(soldiers shout)
(gunshots pop)
(suspenseful music)
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(gunshots pop)
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
[Officer] Platoon!
- Ready!
- Ready!
[Officer] Present!
(gunshots pop)
[Officer] Fire, fire, fire!
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(artillery booms)
(loud banging)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
[Officer] Present!
Fire!
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
[Officer] Fire, fire!
(artillery booms)
[Officer] Fire!
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
[Soldier] Whoo, let's go, boy!
(tense music)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(somber music)
(slow guitar music)
The willow tree is a
blessing of the Earth.
It ain't good for
building or firewood.
You know, willows here,
they're healing trees.
You harvest the
bark in the spring,
when everything's green
and the sap's rising.
And you always take from
the limb, never the trunk.
What for?
You chop up the bark, and
you can boil it up into a tea.
Relieves pain and
helps the body heal.
Best if you can add honey.
But if you can't
make it into a tea,
you can always just
chew on the bark.
Doctors use
morphine and laudanum.
Morphine and laudanum
are made from opium.
That comes all the
way from China.
That's hard to get now,
and it's real expensive.
That's why the soldiers trade
with me for my remedies.
But they don't work as good.
No, they don't,
but my willow bark
don't muddle your mind
like that stuff does.
And I can get all
I need out here.
You do have a lotta trees.
I do, and they
all have their uses.
Swamp wood is the
hardest wood there is.
So it's best for making
boats 'cause it don't rot.
And you always
wanna make sure you
got a sharp knife on ya.
You never know when
you're gonna need
to cut something or someone.
But never, ever take
from a living tree,
when you can just as easy
take from a dead one.
Round here, there's always
plenty of firewood on the ground,
real easy to take.
You do know how to make a fire?
I never had to learn that.
You will now.
(birds chirp)
Wade, what do you
think our options are?
Well, at the moment,
we don't have many.
Where on Earth do you
think Joe Wheeler's men
were during all this?
They've been out
there fighting, Pete,
but General Wheeler's
still assembling his units.
I've heard that
for a long time.
How long do you reckon
this is gonna take?
He'll be ready in Aiken.
I hope so, I really do.
I'm sure you're
gonna be pleased
with what they're planning.
I'd like nothing more
than to outflank Kilpatrick
and kick him in the butt so hard
that all he can see is brown,
and send him packing back
up north to his mama.
Sore ass and all.
(birds chirp)
It's the way of the Earth
that predators kill
other animals for food.
And we are predators, but
don't ever kill anything
you're not gonna eat.
And you want to use
the entire animal.
The skin, teeth, feet.
All creatures have their
medicine, especially the bones.
The bones are very powerful,
and they can tell you a lot
if you know how to read 'em.
Does it bother you when
people call you a witch?
I've been called a witch,
root doctor, herb wife,
medicine woman, conjurer.
It just adds some
mystery to what I do.
Well, how long you
been out here doing this?
If I told you, you
wouldn't believe me.
I might.
I don't know if I
even believe it myself.
Out here, you don't measure
time in days or even seasons,
but in lifetimes.
And the lifetime of a
deer, spider, gator,
they're all very different.
They each have their own cycles,
but they all come together
to make one big style.
(slow guitar music)
Folks I know, they're
always worried about time,
and a day ends before anything
they want to do gets done.
That's the way of man now,
but it wasn't always the case.
It's best if you think
of time like a river.
It just flows on
and on in its course
like it's been doing
for thousands of years,
no matter what's
happening around it.
Ain't no sense in
worrying about time.
You know all those rich folks
with their fancy things.
They ain't got any more
time than you or I do.
And out here, life's
got a beauty and a magic
that those folks
will never know.
(slow guitar music)
(insects chirp)
(intense music)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(officer shouts)
[Officer] Fire!
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(tense music)
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
[Officer] Reform your
cavalry, get ready! (Shouts)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(soldiers cheer)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(officer shouts)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(swords clang)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(tense music)
[Officer] Fight,
fight, fight, go!
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(tense music)
(gunshots pop)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
[Officer] Go!
(artillery booms)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(tense music)
(gunshots pop)
(soldiers shout)
(swords clang)
(artillery booms)
[Officer] Fire!
(gunshots pop)
(tense music)
(soldiers shout)
(gunshots pop)
Wade, we kicked Kilpatrick,
and we kicked him
good, didn't we?
We sure did, Pete.
His head was gettin' so big,
he could hardly
stay on his horse.
(sighs) And we need to thank
Joe Wheeler a lot for this.
We owe him one.
His boys tore it
up, didn't they?
Yeah, he's heading
for Columbia,
hopefully to do more
of the same thing.
Yes, sir, but Sherman's forces
are already joining Kilpatrick.
We need reinforcements.
There is no way we can
match the sheer numbers
that Sherman has.
So now there are
no reinforcements,
just my men and
Wheeler's cavalry.
Soon, very soon.
(Wade sighs)
Pete, I request a leave so
I can attend to my affairs
and my family in Columbia.
Granted, but brief is the key.
Understood.
I've heard a lot of
rumors about a rogue group
of our boys making strikes
behind enemy lines,
but with no authority from us.
Yes, I've heard
about this group.
Do you personally
know any of these men?
Only vaguely, just what
I've heard from the men.
(sighs) Same here, but
without our authority,
I've got questions as to whether
or not we should allow
this to continue.
Well, they are effective.
Okay.
So what do they call themselves?
From what I understand,
it was originally a
Band of Confederates,
but now I think they call
theirs elf a Band of Rebels.
(solemn music)
(insects chirp)
Your band will be
back for you soon.
I'm glad those boys realize
how valuable a woman is.
Yes, Ma'am.
But they ain't like
the regular army.
They're gonna wanna be
sneaking into places
without the Yankees seeing them.
That's something I
can help you with.
These are chicken feet.
See, I stained 'em
black with walnut juice.
So they're just like
the cover of darkness.
Now they can't stop a bullet,
ain't no magic can do that,
but you carry one of these when
you go into enemy territory,
you'll get where
they need to be.
The warriors have returned.
I hope it was a productive trip.
It's a mess, we're
headed to Columbia.
Kilpatrick is headed that way.
That rat bag.
He'll set a family's home on
fire just to light his cigar.
Sherman's whole army
is headed that way.
Is it time for me
to join back now?
I think that's a good idea.
She turn you into
a witch yet, Maria?
You'll find out.
She's a very good apprentice.
She learns quickly.
We need to get going
as soon as possible.
Yeah, not sure what
we'll find in Columbia.
My father has
invited us to Millwood.
What's Millwood?
Big plantation.
How do you expect
her to get there?
We got a horse for her
back with the others.
You have any idea of
what you're getting into?
Nope, but I'm ready.
Take these with you,
you'll need the chicken feet.
And you'll probably need
some willow bark too.
(slow guitar music)
(leaves crunch)
(birds chirp)
Gentlemen, I
wanted to talk to you
before we invited the ladies in.
Sir, any news on the Yanks?
Yes, and it could be better.
Quite simply, the
enemy is at the gate.
How close, sir?
Really close.
They're right across the river.
Do you and General
Longstreet have a plan?
Yes, we do.
We're gonna combine the
forces of General Longstreet
and myself and hit the
Yanks with a smashing blow.
Sounds like a good idea.
Long time coming.
Stop 'em dead in their
tracks, right, General?
Absolutely.
Unfortunately, it's not gonna
happen here in Columbia.
(Major sighs)
(shoes clack)
Ma'am, how much longer do
you think they're gonna be?
Well, soldier business,
it could be awhile.
We have work to do
in the meantime.
[Maria] What kind of work?
Young lady, I thought
you were a young man
when you first walked in here.
Now I understand that
these are dangerous times,
but before you join the
general and I for dinner,
you are going to be
dressed accordingly.
Well, apart from what
I'm wearing right now,
I've got a house dress
in the saddlebag.
Now, I cleaned it, but it's old.
Oh, nonsense.
I've got other ideas, if
you have a few minutes.
[Maria] Sure.
Gentlemen, I leave tomorrow
for a meeting with
General Longstreet.
Where's the meeting?
Right outside of Augusta.
That's a little
tricky to get to.
You want us to provide
security for you?
No, I do have a
favor to ask though.
Certainly, sir,
anything you need.
Would you please safely escort
my family out of the city?
Not in directions towards
the Yanks, I imagine.
[Wade] You imagine
correctly, Lieutenant.
What do you think the
Yanks are gonna do, sir?
If they did like
they did in Atlanta,
they'll probably burn our
fair city of Columbia.
And I'm afraid they'll
also burn our home.
[Mrs. Hampton] Wade,
we're coming in now.
All right, fellas,
mind your manners.
The ladies are coming in, stand.
(chair legs scrape)
So this is Maria.
It's a pleasure to finally
meet you, young lady.
Likewise, sir.
(chair legs scrape)
I must apologize that
dinner's a little late.
This happened sometime since we
lost our long time housekeeper.
[Wade] She did
run a tight ship.
Yes, she did.
Since we have a few minutes.
So Maria, can you
tell the general
and I a little about yourself?
Well, I'm from Charleston.
Oh, I love Charleston.
What did you do there?
I ran a saloon with my Pa.
[Mrs. Hampton] I see.
And where is he?
[Wade] Our condolences, Maria.
Thank you.
Let's move the conversation
to a lighter place, shall we?
Maria, what new and exciting
things have you done lately?
Well, while these
fellas went off to fight,
they dropped me off
with a swamp witch.
What now?
Her name is Mama Thorn.
She's a witch, lives in a swamp.
- Does she?
- Mm-hmm.
Well, how nice of these
gentlemen to do that for you.
What exactly were
you thinking, captain?
Mama Thorn has
been very beneficial
to our field hospitals.
Ever since the
laudanum's been gone,
her remedies have helped
a lot of soldiers.
You see, Mary.
She's contributing
to the war effort.
I've known her since
I was a little thing.
[Servant] Dinner's
almost ready.
Thank you!
Just a couple more minutes.
So Maria, in addition to
finding yourself a good husband,
where do you see
yourself in the future?
I think I'd like
to find my own swamp,
and find my own way.
I think I'd like
to raise gators.
Okay!
I think I'll stop
asking questions now.
I think it's a good
time to say grace.
Please bow your heads.
Lord, thank you for bringing
us together safely tonight.
(suspenseful music)
Come on up, warm
yourselves, men.
(flames crackle)
You're quiet tonight, Stirling.
(flames crackle)
[Stirling] I'm not
sure I see the point
in all this burning.
I concur with the
Lieutenant, sir.
What we have here are the
fires of perdition that will
lay the groundwork for hatred
against us for 100 years!
What's the matter
with you two?
Are you going soft
on me in the middle?
Well, gentlemen, I'm following
the orders of my, our,
commanding officer,
General Sherman.
(dramatic music)
(flames crackle)
I want him dead, I
want him destroyed,
and I want him out of
our lives for good.
I'm assuming you mean
General Kilpatrick.
Yup.
Look what he did to
Columbia, beautiful city.
Look what he did.
Columbia's my hometown,
I agree with you fully.
So how do we do this?
I imagine he's gonna be
headed north sometime soon.
General, we don't have
that kind of manpower.
I don't want to hear
any more of this nonsense.
This band of rebels, I want
them here for a meeting.
I'm unsure of exactly
where they are now.
Well, then me get
me a representative.
I want to move forward on this,
and I want to move
forward on this right now.
[Wade] General Longstreet,
this is Lieutenant Tuten
and my son, Wade Hampton IV.
They represent this group
we've been talking about.
Well, Wade IV, my condolences.
Apparently, your father
only has a vague memory
of who you are.
Well, apparently your father's
impressed with your group.
And from what I've seen,
your father's not easily
impressed by anyone.
I have to agree
with you on that, sir.
Well, you just keep
on agreeing with me,
and we'll get along just fine.
Lieutenant Tuten, I imagine
Hampton has filled you in
on why I want you here.
Yes, sir.
You want Yankee General
Kilpatrick good and dead.
Yeah, I want him shot,
cut up, blown up, burned up.
Whatever has to be done,
but I don't want him to even
be adequate buzzard bait.
We got someone in our group
that would love to do that.
General Longstreet,
do you have an update on
Kilpatrick and his men?
As a matter of fact, I do.
He's left Columbia, and he's
headed towards North Carolina.
We don't have much time.
Sir, we have a plan
I think will work,
but it's a little unorthodox.
(chuckles) Well,
hell, Lieutenant,
your whole group's unorthodox.
Do what you gotta do.
Yes, sir, we can
get right on it.
So General Longstreet,
does this mean your
endorsing the band of rebels?
I endorse anything
and everything.
Whatever it takes
to rid the world
of this execrable,
blowhard, Yankee bastard.
Lieutenant Sykes.
Yes sir.
Tell me about the progress
securing the headquarters.
Some of the best troops, sir.
Very dedicated.
General, these ladies
you've been telling us about,
when are they due to arrive?
Throughout the day tomorrow.
Looks like tomorrow
night's gonna be very busy,
for all of us.
We can only hope.
Good then.
Gives me time for a respite.
McBride, I don't
want to be disturbed
after 9:00 PM unless it's
absolutely necessary.
Yes, sir, duly noted.
So Colonel, tell me
more about these ladies.
(General laughs)
Shh.
(birds chirp)
Well, we made it this far.
Yeah, thanks to Mama Thorn.
I don't know about that.
We gon' pull the ranks off?
I'm not.
I don't think they're expecting
any pathetic troops here,
regardless of rank.
Y'all want to go
over the plans again?
You ready, Maria?
You're critical to this.
Right, so my story is
I'm the General's niece.
He hasn't seen me in
a long, long time,
and I got some personal
paperwork for him.
You think he's got a
niece that he's never met?
He's from Kentucky.
They've got family trees
that goes for miles up there.
So you just think
you gon' mosey on in?
Soldiers don't want
to make the general mad.
After all, I'm family.
You still got that gun
the major loaded for ya?
Yup, tucked in a
pocket in this dress.
Gonna press the barrel right
up against the general,
so the shot gets muffled.
Good, that way you don't
alert the whole place.
At least not right away.
What if something goes wrong?
If Kilpatrick comes out and
not Maria, we're moving in.
This is a very risky
arrangement for you, darling.
Sergeant, life has
become risky, hasn't it?
(drums banging)
(suspenseful music)
Halt.
State your business.
I'm here to see
General Kilpatrick.
So you're family?
Yes, I am.
Is he available?
I'm sorry, young lady,
but the general has already
retired for the evening.
[Maria] Well,
that's disappointing.
It is.
However, we've been
instructed not to
awaken him until
tomorrow morning.
And I'm sure the general
will be disappointed as well.
What's going on here, private?
[Private] Sir, this young
lady says she's related
to the general and
wants to speak with him.
Please explain
yourself, Ma'am.
Yes, I have
important information
about my father's estate,
information that would
benefit the general.
Financially.
Take her to see
Colonel McBride.
Yes, sir.
Right then, you'll find Colonel
McBride on the lower level.
You'll have to go through
him to speak to the general.
I can follow protocol.
(lock clicks)
The colonel should be
downstairs momentarily.
(door creaks)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thudding)
(distant banging)
(suspenseful music)
(shoes thudding)
(suspenseful music)
Yes, Miss, can I
be of assistance?
Yes, are you Colonel McBride?
I am.
Good.
And why did the
sentry let you in?
I am Angelica Kilpatrick.
I'm...
I'm General Kilpatrick's niece,
and I would like to have
an audience with him.
I think that is going to
require further explanation.
Well, certainly.
My father, the General's
brother, died in the fighting,
and his estate has been
tied up in legal affairs
for some time.
Please continue.
But these affairs have
already been sorted out,
and it has been determined
that Hugh Judson Kilpatrick,
your commander, will be
receiving a large portion
of my father's holdings.
I just have one question.
Why didn't your attorney send
a telegram to the general?
That's a very good question.
And it begs a
very good answer.
Well, my father made some
investments for the general,
investments they both
wished to keep private.
A well thought out story,
but there's just
one small problem.
I don't believe a word of it!
I can assure you, colonel.
You can assure
me all you wish.
Now, who are you?
Do you have any weapons on you?
No, sir, no.
(shoes clack)
(suspenseful music)
No?
Then what do you call that
pistol you have in your clothes?
How did you know?
I didn't.
Now you will remove it and put
it on that table over there.
And one false move,
and I will not hesitate
to put a bullet
between those pretty
eyes of yours.
Do we understand each other?
Good.
(shoes clack)
(pistol rattles)
The derringer, the
weapon of an assassin.
Now I will ask you again, and
you will answer my questions.
Who are you?
Why are you here?
How many are with you?
And what is their
relationship to this house?
I'm not a very patient
man, dear lady.
I suggest you answer.
You won't be needing to know.
And that means?
Oh, so that's how you want it.
I'm a gentlemen and
can accommodate a lady.
But I must warn you, Miss,
before the war, I
was a champion boxer.
I fought and won
matches all over my home
state of New Jersey.
Thank you for the information.
Most welcome.
It's a shame to ruin that
pretty face of yours.
(suspenseful music)
(fists pounding)
(foot pounds)
(fists pound)
(McBride groans)
So that's how you like it.
I've seen hits like that before.
New Orleans.
Two drunken frog sailors
fighting over a dollar whore!
(fists pounding)
(Maria groaning)
(head butts)
(fists pounding)
(foot thuds)
(fist pounds)
(body thuds)
(suspenseful music)
(body slides)
(skirt rustles)
(suspenseful music)
Goodbye, colonel.
(crickets chirp)
[Officer] Everything
quiet around here, Whitman.
Quiet as a graveyard, sir.
What about the young
lady? (Clears throat)
There's a young lady here?
There weren't supposed to be
any women here till tomorrow.
Sir, she said she was a
relative of the general,
and Captain Morgan instructed
me to let her inside.
And you did?
Yes, sir, I followed orders.
[Captain] She said
she was a niece.
Well, it won't hurt to check.
(suspenseful music)
And you boys haven't
heard anything?
Not a thing, sir.
Well, I imagine they'll come
down when they're finished.
Yes, sir.
Did she say what she wanted?
No, sir.
You boys keep
your ears peeled.
Yes, sir.
(thrilling music)
(door creaks softly)
(general snores)
(general coughs)
(thrilling music)
(general snores)
(general coughs)
(general coughs)
(thrilling music)
Who the hell are you?
Sorry to disturb
you, Uncle Judson.
I'm your niece.
My what?
Girl, come over here so I
can get a better look at you.
I've never seen you
before in my life.
I have credentials that
will verify my story.
Let me get them for you.
I'm waiting.
Girl, stand up and
hand that to me.
(Kilpatrick groans)
(gunshot blasts)
Hey, let's make this
sound like something, Bubba.
(gunshots blast)
Friends of yours
out there, I suppose.
How many of them
out there, girl?
Talk to me, how
many are out there?
Over 100.
Damn.
Damn, damn!
(Kilpatrick grunts)
(gunshots blast)
Damn.
Damn, damn!
Damn!
Damn!
(gunshots blast)
(gunshots blast)
(crickets chirp)
She bad?
Real bad.
How about take her
over to the horses?
But be careful.
What you gon' do, major?
[Major] I'm gonna stick
around and see if I can
find anyone else to kill.
(suspenseful music)
I am Colonel
Michael Seamus McBride
of the Army of the
United States of America.
Whom do I have the
pleasure of addressing?
None of your damn
business, Yankee!
Then I shall call thee Judas,
an appropriate
name for a traitor!
(swords clang)
(sword whooshes)
(McBride groans loudly)
(McBride grunts)
(sword whooshes)
[Major] Ah, hell no!
(man grunts loudly)
(McBride grunts)
(gunshot pops)
(McBride groans)
(gunshots pop)
Hmm, I'll take it.
(insects chirp)
Hey, Ferris.
(Maria groans)
Ah God, this hurts!
Ah, God. (Groans)
Ah, God, this hurts!
(Maria groans)
Stay still, young
lady, you been shot!
It's gonna hurt a lot
worse if you don't say still.
That bullet's still in there.
There's willow back in my bag.
Get it.
- I'll get it.
Please get it. (Coughs)
What happened to you?
General shot me.
I might've got him, but
he definitely got my arm.
[Maria] Well, he got me too.
He run off like a scared
rabbit into the woods.
(leaves crunch)
(leaves crunch)
(bird warbles)
It looks like y'all found a
piece of trouble there, son.
This, this ain't so bad.
But Maria, she
ain't doing so good.
Looks like you're pretty empty.
Yeah, I got rid of that
moonshine from Mama Thorn.
I don't suppose
you saved any for me.
Yeah, I might've held
back a drop or too.
Ferris, where you
headed from here?
I'm gonna get back
down to Mama Thorn
and see if she brewed up
any of that shine for me.
Maria here needs our help bad.
Where she hit?
Gut shot, ain't good.
Well, I don't mind,
but it seemed like y'all get
there a bit quicker than me.
We ain't headed south, Ferris.
The Yanks are thick, real thick.
Two of our boys have
already headed out
to meet with the General.
We gonna try to
catch up with them.
Be careful.
Load 'er up.
(bird caws)
(river rushes)
(eerie music)
(dramatic music)
[Mama Thorn] Oh no, what
happened to her., Ferris?
Gut shot, Mama Thorn.
Bullet's still with
her, it ain't good.
I can take care of her.
What happened to the
rest of her band?
Well, they knew better
than to come this way.
Not with all them
blue coats around.
I don't blame 'em.
You know where they're headed?
Sounded like off
to another fight.
This war has got
to be over soon.
Too many people are suffering.
Looks like you're
still eating good.
(laughs) Well, this war's
been good for my business,
and yours too.
I've got that gold and
silver coin you asked for.
You know I don't
charge for healing,
so I gotta get
something somewhere.
Yeah, you got any more of
that fine beverage brewing?
Well, you're in luck.
I just got some started
to ferment for ya.
Well, this looks like as
a good place to camp as any,
at least till it's done brewing.
[Mama Thorn] Okay.
Why don't you go shoot
us something for dinner?
All right, sounds good.
City girl, I'm afraid we're
gonna have to do some surgery.
Be right back.
(liquid splashes)
There, this is my best brew.
Have some.
A little more.
Okay.
Now, you just bite onto this.
If you're lucky,
you'll pass out.
(birds warble)
Hold on, close your eyes.
(Maria groans)
Hold still, hold still!
(Maria groans)
(insects chirp)
(birds chirp)
(leaves crunch)
How's it feel
standing up like that?
A little twinge, no pain.
Thank you, Mama Thorn.
You're a strong woman, Maria.
Where do you think
your people went?
Up further north,
I'm guessing.
I guess they don't consider
me part of their band anymore.
I don't know about that.
You know they got
soldier business,
and soldier business is what
they gotta take care of.
You know you couldn't have
traveled with them anyway.
But I bet they'll be down
for you as soon as they can.
I hope you're right.
Well, now that
you're feeling better,
I'm gonna have to be
away for a while myself.
Can I come with you?
Not where I'm going.
Well, what happens if
someone else shows up?
If they come for healing,
you know what to give 'em.
Only other person who
should be here is Ferris,
that river trader.
I got a whole new batch of
brew over there for him.
I'll keep an eye on
it so nobody steal sit.
I would appreciate that.
He'll be bringing more flour
and sugar and coffee for ya.
But for now you just keep
drinking that tea I made ya.
You gotta little
more healing to do,
and you want to be ready
when your boys come for you.
What'll happen then?
I wouldn't recommend
staying around here.
Take this, and don't
travel on the main roads.
You'll be fine.
(leaves crunch)
(tense music)
Report to me, soldiers.
Last time we saw Kilpatrick,
he was running through
the woods for his life.
In the middle of the
night in his underwear.
(Wade laughs)
But none of you saw him dead.
Well, at least humiliation
and embarrassment
is some consolation.
I imagine he had pretty
tight security around him.
Yes, sir.
They're all dead.
General Hampton,
what's our next move?
Some of our units are
already heading north.
The idea is to amass
all available forces
and make a powerful
stand in Bentonville.
I got orders from General Lee.
And I quote,
"Concentrate all available
forces and drive back Sherman."
Well, what do you
want to do with us?
You want us to
rejoin our unit, sir?
Listen up and listen closely.
What I'm gonna tell ya
is in the absolute
strictest of confidence.
That means don't tell nobody.
If this event in Bentonville
does not go our way,
I want you and your group to
rendezvous with the train.
It'll be number 1230
southbound outta Richmond.
What would be on
this train, Pete?
Every ounce of gold in
the Confederate treasury.
(suspenseful music)
(somber piano music)