Christmas in the Heartland (2017) Movie Script

[cheerful seasonal music]
Oh Christmas tree,
oh Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
Oh Christmas tree,
oh Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
Not only green
when summer's here
But also when
it's cold and drear
Oh Christmas Tree,
oh Christmas tree
Thy leaves are so unchanging
Oh Christmas Tree,
oh Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
Oh Christmas Tree,
oh Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
For every year
the Christmas tree
Brings to us some joy and glee
Oh Christmas tree,
oh Christmas tree
Such pleasure do you bring me
Oh Christmas tree,
you'll ever be unchanging
A symbol of good will and love
You'll never be unchanging
Each shining light,
each silver bell
No other lights
spread cheer so well
Oh Christmas tree,
oh Christmas tree
You'll ever be unchanging
[knocking]
-Hey.
-Hey, look, Dad, I'm sorry.
-What are you sorry for?
It's my fault the
conversation didn't go well.
-I just, I don't wanna go.
I'd rather be here with you.
-Kara, this is the first time
your grandfather's called
in years, all right?
It's important to him.
And your grandmother.
-But I don't know 'em, Dad.
-It'd be great to
get to know 'em.
-Can you come with?
-I think it'll go a lot
smoother if I didn't.
[Kara sighs]
-You know, every time
I see a star like that,
I like to think she's
watching over me,
like we're a family again.
-Well, she is.
She's always watchin' over ya.
-It's not fair, Ashley.
I really don't wanna go.
-You'll be all right.
It's only a week.
-But I don't know them at all.
-You're meeting
your grandma, Jessie.
It might be kinda cool.
-I just wanna stay
here with Aunt Jenny.
-Hey, I have to spend
Thanksgiving with my mom
and Christmas with
my dad every year.
I learned to suck it up.
-[chuckles] What's that like?
-It stinks, but I get twice
the Christmas presents.
[Jessie chuckles]
First star I see tonight.
Wanna make a wish?
-[Jessie] I wish I had a
family, a real family of my own.
-[Gate Attendant] We welcome
our first-class customers
and U.S. military personnel
to board American
Airlines flight 2349
to Stillwater
through gate seven.
-[Lady] Please help me.
[breathes heavily]
It's my last chance to see
him before he ships out.
-I'm so sorry, the
flight is fully booked.
I don't have an
open seat to give.
-Please?
There must be something you
can do. [breathes rapidly]
If I don't get on this flight,
I won't see him for 18 months.
-If there was something
I could do, I would.
But it's the holidays,
and every seat is booked.
-Hey.
She can have my ticket.
I really hope you get to
see him before he ships out.
-Thank you, you're an angel.
You have no idea what
this means to me.
-Hey, that was a really
amazing thing you did
for that woman.
-Oh, it was nothing.
I wasn't in a rush
to get there anyway.
-No, and it really
was something.
Look around you, no one else
stepped up the way you did.
So guess what?
We had a last-minute
cancellation,
you have a ticket after all.
-Oh my God.
-And I think you'll like it.
-Thank you.
-Mm-hm.
First class.
-Right here?
-Yes, seat two A.
-Thank you.
Oh, oh, gosh, sorry!
-[Kara] No, it's
fine, don't sweat it.
-Jessie Wilkins.
-Kara Gentry, nice to meet you.
-Sweet bag.
Is that Betsey Johnson?
-Oh yeah, it is, thanks.
I like your shoes, do you run?
-Yeah, sometimes, you?
-Oh yeah, I've run
cross-country for my school.
-What school do you go to?
-Belvedere, it's this
little private school.
Where do you go?
-Burlington High.
-Oh, that's cool,
what grade are you in?
-Oh, sophomore.
-Dude, same, that's so funny!
[chuckles]
-What classes do you like?
-Well, I really like music.
And I'm taking Driver's
Ed pretty soon,
so I'm kind of nervous.
But I'm also kind of
[chuckles] excited.
What do you take?
-I take music.
And I like art.
-Oh yeah?
What kind of music
do you like to play?
-Oh I sing a little.
-Me too, that's so funny.
[laughs]
[upbeat music]
Sweet, we're on the
same flight back.
-Maybe, mine's standby.
-Oh.
-So who are you staying
with in Stillwater?
-Actually, I'm
staying in Guthrie.
-Wait, seriously, Guthrie?
-Yeah.
-Me too!
-You're kidding!
-[chuckles] No.
-[laughs] Oh my...
Well, I'm staying with my
grandparents, not my choice.
What about you?
-My grandma.
-What, is that a bad thing?
-I've never met her before.
You know, I just really
don't know what to expect.
-[Kara] Right.
-I think they live
in a trailer park
or something
somewhere in Guthrie.
Not that I'm judging,
I mean [sighs] I'm
not much better off.
-Well, it can't
be all that bad.
-Easy for you to say.
-[scoffs] Look, I'd rather
be around real people
that love and care about
each other than rich snobs
that just care about
money and appearances.
My grandparents haven't called
me in like, well, never.
[sighs] And just like you,
I don't even know
what they look like.
Never seen 'em.
-Thanks.
-Thanks.
So, here's to a
Southern Christmas.
-With people we don't know.
[chuckles]
-So did your mom make you come?
Are you okay?
-She died this year, cancer.
-Oh, I'm sorry.
My mom died when I was ten.
-Did it get easier?
It's been pretty hard for me.
I'm, you know, livin'
with my aunt and cousins.
And they're nice, but
it's still really hard.
I still miss her.
-Well, it didn't get a
whole lot easier for me.
I mean I live with my
dad, which is okay.
But I still miss her too.
-I never met my dad.
He was never around.
-[Kara] Oh, that's rough.
-Yeah, I don't really
know the story behind that.
My mom never talked about it.
-Well, Christmas is
gonna be rough this year.
-[chuckles] Yep.
-[Flight Attendant]
Ladies and gentlemen,
we're beginning our descent
into Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Please return to your seats and
stow all personal belongings.
[Jessie exhales forcefully]
-What?
-Just wondering what it
would be like to be you,
a princess for a day.
-Oh please, I'd love
to be you for a day.
-[laughs]
Wish I could trade my life.
-[scoffs] Same, wish
I could skip the drama.
[energetic music]
[chuckles]
Dude, I'm so stoked.
That looks awesome on you.
-Yeah, I'm shoppin' and
poppin' tags with your fam.
-I'm barbecuin' with your fam.
-I'm riding your
grandpa's horses.
-Eatin' your grandma's
home cookin'. [chuckles]
-[chuckles] Okay,
so the plan is?
-In and out, one week,
have fun, don't get caught.
-No one knows.
-No one gets hurt.
[energetic music]
-Is that you, Jessie?
[laughs] I'm your Grandma Judy!
Get your butt over here!
[inhales forcefully]
Oh, let me take a look at you.
Why, you look just
like your daddy.
-Yeah?
-Well, your momma, too.
But I see a lot of
your daddy in you.
Whoa.
Let's get inside the
truck before we blow away.
-All right. [chuckles]
-So. [breathes heavily]
Well, how was your trip?
I, you know, I always
hated airplanes.
Not that I'm some big traveler.
-It was pretty uneventful.
Which is good for an
airplane ride, I guess.
-That's good.
So Jessie, do you
like surprises?
'Cause I've got a good one.
-Jessie?
Oh, Jessie, right.
-Are you all right, darlin'?
-Yeah, just, what's
the big surprise?
-Well, I can't tell you.
I gotta show you, but
you're gonna love it.
-Okay.
[slow peaceful music]
-Look at her, Elsa.
She's amazing.
-She's beautiful.
-Good Heavens,
I can't remember the last
time I saw you cry, Elsa.
-I'm not crying, it's
dusty in here. [sniffs]
June, show her in.
-Yes, ma'am.
Welcome, Miss Kara.
Please come in.
Kara, this is your
grandmother Elsa,
and your grandfather Bob.
-It's nice to meet you.
-Ah.
-You have a lovely home.
-[chuckles] Well,
thank you so much,
and nice to finally
meet you, Kara.
-We have to work
on your etiquette.
-Oh, sorry, my bad.
-Oh, you're not ill-mannered.
You're just bein' a Yankee.
-Well, Elsa,
she's from Vermont.
So I guess she
actually is a Yankee.
-Not to worry.
I'll turn you into a lady.
-Don't mind her, honey.
We're gonna have
a great Christmas.
-We don't have all
your presents yet.
But now that I know your size,
we can do the real shopping.
-You know what?
I think this one has
your name all over it.
Why don't you go
ahead and open it?
Go ahead, open it.
-[gasps] Wow.
-Oh! [chuckles]
[sighs]
-Why are we stopping here?
-Your big surprise.
He was workin' a
gig in Shreveport.
And he cut it
short to come home.
-Who?
-Your daddy, Jessie.
Your daddy.
Hey!
-[Jim] Hey, Momma.
-How you doin'?
-All right, good.
-Oh, welcome home, darlin'.
-Great to see you.
-Good to see you!
[laughs]
[Judy murmurs]
-I know.
Hi Jessie.
-Oh hi.
[chuckles nervously]
What a big surprise.
-It's so good to meet you.
I've been lookin'
forward to this.
And I have so much to say.
-It's okay.
We've got all day.
-I look forward to that.
Hey Jessie, how about you drive?
[Judy laughs]
-For real?
I don't have a
license or anything.
-It's okay, this is Oklahoma.
I'll visit with your grandma.
-I haven't really learned yet.
I don't think I
know how. [chuckles]
-I'll be keepin' an eye
on you the whole time.
Just stay on the back roads.
So were they upset with you
when you left early
in Shreveport?
-Well, a little bit.
But nothin' they can do
about it now. [sighs]
'Cause I quit.
-What?
-It's not gonna be
a problem anymore.
I'm gettin' off the
road for good. [sighs]
-Why?
-To make a home, a
real home for Jessie.
[upbeat music]
-Yee-haw!
-Yee-haw!
-Yee-haw!
-So that there is Casey.
Now come on,
I want to introduce you to
one of my favorite critters.
This man right
here, this is Axel.
Hey, Axel.
You like him?
-I love him.
He's beautiful. [chuckles]
-You know, your
momma loved to ride.
It's how she met your dad.
-Really?
-Yeah, she came in here one day
and she offered to
groom all these horses
if I'd let her race
'em in barrel races.
I didn't need any more help,
so I was about to say no.
And suddenly she leans
against the stall right here
and she says, "Say,
have you heard this one?
"So this three-legged
dog walks into a bar.
"And the bartender
says, 'Can I help you?'
"And the dog goes,
'Yeah, I'm lookin'
"for the man that shot my paw.'"
[laughs]
Well, I had to hire
her on the spot.
Oh, then your dad met her
and fell for her right away.
Hey, don't worry, you know,
I'll get our trainer
to teach you how
to ride your new horse.
-Mine?
-Yeah.
-Mr. Gentry, you don't
have to buy me things.
-Baby girl, you are
just like your daddy.
Come on, better get you
inside and cleaned up.
You know, your
grandmother has big plans
for you this afternoon.
-[Jim] A spot
right there for ya.
Perfect.
-[Judy] That's good.
-[Jim] Yup.
-[Judy] That's good.
-Very nice.
[sighs] Whew.
Hey, you need a
little help with that?
-[chuckles] Is it that obvious?
-Lemme help you out now.
See, you just wanna
lift up, and pull up.
-Ah, gotcha. [chuckles]
-That's all.
-I put $20 down.
I got you your Red Bull.
-Thank you very much.
You know, I think I
was about your age
when Momma let me drive
for the first time.
You're doin' a heck of
a lot better than I did,
that's for sure.
-Thanks. [chuckles nervously]
So, where are we going?
-Well, first off,
we're gonna go downtown
to Grandma Judy's beauty salon.
Then we're gonna stop on over
at your Uncle Roy's place.
That's where we'll be stayin'.
And a little later, we're
gonna have a barbecue.
-Sounds good. [chuckles]
-So, what do you think?
-Oh my goodness.
Sweetie it's, uh, it's, um, mm.
Tell you the truth, if
you leave this room,
your grandmother, she
is gonna hit the floor.
But it's okay, don't
you worry about it.
We have a makeup artist
right here on staff,
and she can, she can fix that.
-We do?
-Yeah.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Now listen, do you
have a gown anywhere
in here to wear to
the Christmas party?
-Party?
-Yes. Honey, your
family is throwing
a Christmas party for you.
-Well, this is all
that she, I have.
-Oh, okay, well, we'll just,
I'll just call over
to the dress shop.
And I'll just have 'em send
us over a selection, okay?
All right, it's all right.
-I just have to
grab a couple things.
-Oh, well, good, 'cause
I need to change my shirt.
-Well, good, 'cause you stink.
-That what happens when you've
been traveling all night.
-No, it's okay, I
can do it myself.
-I'm a beautician., trust me.
Jessie.
-Yeah?
-I know it was hard for you
with your momma toward the end.
-Yeah, thanks, but I
don't wanna talk about it.
-Well, if you ever do
wanna talk about it.
We've all been through a lot,
it helps to make us who we are.
So, you'll let me know
if you ever do need
someone to listen, okay?
-Yeah, I'll let you know.
-Okay.
-[Jim] Hey, Momma, can you
come help me pick out a shirt?
-I'm comin'!
You never stop bein' a momma.
-[Cell Phone
Ringtone] Ho, ho, ho.
Merry Chris...
-Hey.
-Hey, how ya doin'?
-I'm gettin' it.
-Are you sure?
I'm livin' large and
you're roughin' it.
-No, I'm livin' larger.
Got to drive the
pick me up truck.
It was sick.
Man, your mom sure
was beautiful.
Your grandma's got a
picture of her here.
-Yeah, she was.
So everything's good then?
They're good people?
-Yeah, great.
One thing though.
-[Jessie] Hit me.
-They kinda want you
to live with them.
Like, permanently.
-[Judy] Jessie?
-[Kara] Gotta go,
Grandma's calling me.
-Later.
[Jessie sighs]
I don't need a map
to show me the way
Back to Oklahoma
I just need a fast train
And one night and
one day to get back
-[Judy] Oh, look.
He musta cleaned out Wal-Mart
for all those decorations.
-[Jim] Watch out for that dog!
-Oh, you are the worst
parent ever, seriously.
-Just kiddin'. [laughs]
I like to have fun every
now and then, you know that.
[laughs]
Hey Roy.
-[Roy] Whoo!
-Hey buddy.
-How you doin'?
Good to see you.
-You, too.
-Hey, Jessie, this is my
cousin-brother, your Uncle Roy.
-Welcome to paradise,
Miss Jessie.
Nice to finally meet you.
-You too, Uncle Roy.
And who are these guys?
-Well, I'm Roger.
And this here is Donnie Ray.
He's shy at first, but
once you get to know him,
he won't leave you alone.
-Roger and Donnie Ray, this
here is your Cousin Jessie.
-I hear you're
from the big city.
-Yeah, kinda. [chuckles]
-Hey, why don't you guys
go grab their luggage
and go ahead, take it on inside?
-We'll never see these again.
-Junior's around
here somewheres.
I don't know where he is.
-Yeah, where is Junior at?
[horn honks]
-Get outta the truck, Junior!
-Make me, butter-bean-head!
[horn honks]
-You keep it up, I'ma
tan your hide, boy!
[blows raspberry]
-[chuckles] Uncle Roy,
where's the boys' mom?
-She's stationed
in Afghanistan.
She calls from time to time.
Get to talk then.
But [sighs] sure
wish she was home.
-Yeah, Roy, I gotta tell
ya, you sure outdid yourself.
-Yeah.
-Oh yeah.
-You went all out.
-[Judy] You sure did.
-Y'all like that? [laughs]
-Looks great.
-It's beautiful.
-Good.
Well, go ahead and have
a seat on over here.
-Okay.
-Oh man.
Let's get to grillin'!
-Absolutely.
[Kara sighs]
-[Jim] Mm, mm, mm.
-Wow, you guys made all this?
-Oh, yeah, Grandma's
recipe over there.
-You know, Grandma used
to be a former Miss Rodeo.
-You were a beauty queen?
-No, no, no. I was a barrel
racer, and a bull rider,
and I was just a
tomboy. [chuckles]
-Hey, those need grillin'.
-Oh yeah, I'm on it.
-Yep.
-Didn't you win Miss
Panhandle Rodeo, Mama?
-Yeah, and I've seen her
Miss Oil Derrick trophy.
It's a doozy.
-That's right.
And let's not forget about
the Stillwater Pageant.
-That was 30 years
and 30 pounds ago.
[Jim chuckles]
-What is this?
-Well, that's tater salad.
That goes with everything.
Really good.
-And, and this?
-Yeah, that's pork ribs.
You ever had pork ribs before?
-I don't know.
-[chuckles] Well,
how about you go cook
a little bit with Roy?
-Yeah.
-That'll be great.
Awesome.
-Roy, did you put the
bacon with the beans?
There has to be
bacon with the beans.
-Yeah, yeah, I did.
-He didn't put the
bacon with the beans.
-Kara, I just wanted to
tell you how grateful we are
that you're spending
Christmas with us.
-Me too.
I want to know...
-Know about what?
-You.
You, too.
I want to know everything
about you guys.
-[chuckles] Well, there's not
that much to know about us.
Your grandmother is a
former beauty queen,
a very, very stylish woman.
Pillar of society, and the
matriarch of this family.
-[scoffs] Matriarch
makes me sound old.
-Well, I'm sorry, dear.
-Why do you insist on
wearing that ridiculous bolo?
-Well, I'm just a crusty
old oil man who happens
to love horses and wearing
the occasional bolo tie.
Thank you, June, that's fine.
-[murmurs] Mr. Gentry.
-What about Mr., my dad?
-Your father Jeff is
a very special man.
I'm terribly proud of him.
You know, he built
that company of his
with his own two hands.
-He's on the Forbes list.
-I imagine what you really want
to know is why haven't we...
You know, the thing is,
Kara, that sometimes,
sometimes families get, you
know, a little sideways.
And, well, the point is,
we want your father
back in our lives.
And we'd like for you
to be in our lives, too.
[doorbell rings]
Well, guests are arriving.
I guess I better go greet
them, if you'll excuse me.
-[sighs] You'll
come down later.
-Mm, well, I'm itching
to get my party on.
-You have to make
a grand entrance.
-Sweet. Gives me
more time to chow
down on this delish dish.
-Ah, a moment on the
lips, forever on the hips.
There you go, thanks.
-Thank you so much.
-A young lady
needs her nutrition.
-Whoo.
-Well, you do have
the Wilkins appetite.
-[Kara] It was good,
but boy, am I stuffed.
-Now, Roger, don't
hurt your brother.
Oh.
[Junior grunts]
-Hey!
-Hey!
-That Roger's got
an arm on him, man.
-Yeah, he does.
-[chuckles] Wow.
-I catch like a girl.
[chuckles]
-Oh, it's all right if
you catch like a girl,
as long as you don't
catch like Roy here.
When you catch it, think
about it like a gator jaw,
like clamping down on the ball.
-[Kara] Gator?
-Kinda like an alligator.
-Alligator?
-[Jim] Yeah, an alligator,
like a crocodile.
-Oh, okay.
-Okay?
-[Kara] Yeah.
-Same thing.
That's it!
One more time, yeah.
Clamp down on that thing.
There you go.
See, you got a knack for this.
-[Kara] Yeah, huh.
-Run out, Cuz.
-[Kara] Run out?
-[Roger] Run out!
-[Kara] Oh. [scoffs]
-[Jim] There we go.
[Kara chuckles]
Very good.
Nice, buddy.
-Oh, you must be kiddin'.
-Oh, heck no.
It's a rib-off. [chuckles]
-Wow, you ready
to see what's what?
-Yeah, ready Freddy.
[chuckles] Bring it.
-Yeah, I'll bring it.
-[Roy] Yeah, I'll bring it.
-Grandma Judy?
-Oh, you called me Grandma.
Ooh, I love that.
-Oh. [chuckles]
-You know, you showed
us your tomboy side.
I'd like to see your lady side.
-Lady side?
[chuckles nervously]
-Well, I'm thinkin' of making
you into a beauty queen.
-Oh, I don't know. [chuckles]
-Oh, darlin', my life has been
smelly boys and sloppy men.
-Wanna bite?
-I've waited a long, long
time for a pretty young lady.
-All right, let's do it.
[upbeat seasonal music]
-No, no, no, no, no. [sighs]
A lady doesn't stuff her
face in front of her guests.
Ida Beth, I'd like you to
meet my granddaughter, Kara.
-Well, Lord have mercy.
She is beautiful.
Pretty enough to compete?
-Thought never crossed my mind.
-You know, Sarah
Whitlock is out
of the Miss Christmas
Spirit pageant.
-Wasn't she the frontrunner?
-It's wide open.
-What?
-Do you have a talent, honey?
-I sing a little.
-I'll do it.
-Do what?
-Enter you in the pageant.
-Oh, no, I don't think
that's a good idea.
-Come on, you're
gonna sing for us.
-I need a few things.
[Kara sighs]
-So,
what happened?
Like, why weren't you
and Mom ever together?
-Well, this is somethin'
I've been wanting to explain.
You see, your mom
and I were very young
when we were together.
And we both wanted a family.
We wanted to be together.
But we also had other dreams.
And my dream was to be
a country music star.
And as far as I can tell,
when your mother got
pregnant with you,
she didn't want to
keep me from my dreams.
Now that's just the kind of
wonderful person she was.
She pushed me away, and
sent me out off on the road.
-Why didn't you
come back for her?
-Oh, I did.
I couldn't find her.
It wasn't until your
grandmother called me
to tell me about her passing
that I had any idea about you.
And you were livin' up
in, up north in Vermont.
-That's terrible.
-Well, don't get
down about your mom.
I mean she probably had no
idea just how much I would
have wanted to be in your life.
Oh, shoot, we were just
kids ourselves back then.
And she, uh...
[chuckles] She was
an amazing woman.
-Yeah, I bet she was.
-What's that, honey?
-Uh...
-[Roy] Hey, Jim, you
wanna pick a little?
-Oh, heck, I'd love to.
-Hey, could you teach
me a couple things?
-Well, yeah, I'd love to
teach you a couple things.
-There you go.
-Yeah, I already
know a few chords.
-You do?
Well, show me what you know.
-That one?
-D chord, okay.
-That one?
-You know a G chord.
-I know that one.
-You know, I mean, you
know so much already.
You kiddin' me?
-And.
[Kara laughs]
-I guess you know E.
-There you go, yeah.
-Yeah, take this on the road.
-We ought to put Jessie
in that Christmas pageant.
-[Kara] Oh. [scoffs]
-Oh, I think
that's a fine idea.
-Christmas pageant?
-Yeah, you'd give those city
girls a run for their money.
-Oh yeah.
-Do you have a talent?
-Well, I like to sing some.
-[Jim] Well, and you
play guitar really well.
-I guess. [chuckles nervously]
-Okay, you stand up, pretend
that you're at a pageant.
-[chuckles nervously] Okay.
-Can you sing Silent Night?
-Yeah, sure.
-Oh wow.
-Everybody knows Silent Night.
They'll love it!
-Silent Night.
-Okay.
-Guitar, keyboard
only, very soft.
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin
Mother and Child
Holy infant so
Tender and mild
Sleep in Heavenly
Peace
Sleep in Heavenly
Peace
Silent night
Holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream
from Heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Hallelujah
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is born
Christ the Savior is
Born
-That was beautiful.
-Wow, so good.
[Kara chuckles]
-I love you, Jessie.
-I love you, too.
-Well, [sighs] she is
quite the talent, isn't she?
-[Ida Beth] That little lady
has Miss Christmas
Spirit all sewed up.
-You're not
seriously thinking of?
-I most certainly am.
-Good Lord, Elsa.
You just can't help
yourself, can you?
Johnny.
-Uh-oh, someone may have
an issue on their hands.
-Not for long.
[sighs]
That girl is beautiful
and talented,
and deserves to win that crown.
You're not gonna give me
any trouble about this, Bob.
-Did you ask her?
-Did I ask her what?
-Did you even ask her
if she wanted to be
in that ridiculous pageant?
-Of course she does.
Why wouldn't she?
-See, this is
what you do, Elsa.
You just assume that
because you want something,
everybody else does, too.
And Heaven forbid if they don't,
because you will cut
them out of our lives
in a Tennessee minute.
You've done it with our friends.
You did it with our son.
-Our son?
I did everything
I could to protect
that boy the same
way I protected you.
Without me, you would have
made the biggest mistake
of your life with that girl.
Where would you be now, Bob?
I chose the right
friends for us.
I chose the right clubs,
this house, everything.
You're a man of respect,
and it's all because of me.
So if I want that girl to
win the same pageant I did,
then that's exactly
what she'll do.
exhales sharply]
And God bless us every one.
[sighs]
-Feels good when
people clap for you.
-Yes.
-Yes, what?
-Yes, ma'am.
-Good, you could
win that pageant.
With the right training and
discipline, I can get you there.
-Am I good enough?
-Oh, singing, yes.
But the rest is gonna
take a substantial
amount of hard work.
-Is there time?
-Don't you fret about that.
You have a secret weapon.
-What?
-Me.
You do everything
I tell you to do...
And I'll make you a star.
Okay, that's Wesley Cooper,
and he comes from good stock.
Go talk to him, Kara.
-No, I...
-Ah, don't be
afraid of any man.
You're a Gentry woman.
Take charge, now!
That's my girl.
-I can't believe I let
you talk me into this.
-It was easy, you miss Kara.
-I do miss Kara.
How long is this flight?
-I think about three
and a half hours.
-Wait, Sherry.
Hang on a sec.
There you go, brother.
-Bless you, sir. [chuckles]
-[Jeff] Merry Christmas.
-May your Christmas
wish come true.
-Thank you.
Oh.
-What is your Christmas wish?
-What?
No, I'm not tellin' you.
Then it won't come true.
-There's no law that
says you're gonna lose
your wish by telling it.
-You just can't stop
bein' a lawyer, can ya?
-[chuckles] No, I can't.
So tell me.
-I wish we could be a family.
-You and Kara?
-And you.
-[Santa] And what would you
like for Christmas, young man?
-Well, I have a list.
Okay, a night scope.
Oh, and a drum set,
a real one this time.
And a helicopter,
a jet, Lamborghini.
[laughs]
New video game, a quad,
a new bike, a video camera.
A real football, magic set,
go-kart, tablet, stilts.
-I think Christmas is gonna be
a little expensive this year.
-Ah.[chuckles nervously]
-Crossbow, new shoes.
-It'll all be all right.
Always has.
-Hey, that beauty pageant,
it's a cash prize, right?
-Yessirree Bob.
-A car, a truck.
-Enough cash to get
some Christmas presents?
-I reckon so.
-What's on your mind, honey?
-A bat, baseball bat.
-Oh just, am I pretty
enough to be in a pageant?
-[Roy] Oh, of course you are!
-Of course you are.
-You're pretty as
the day is long.
-Yeah, but you have to
have other skills, right?
Singing, dancing, somethin'?
-Why, you sing like a bird.
And I can teach you the rest.
-Yeah.
-[Roger] Sunglasses,
remote control helicopter.
-All right, and if I win,
the money goes towards gettin'
the boys Christmas presents.
-Well, you are all
Wilkins and more. [laughs]
Much more. [laughs]
-Group hug.
[cheerful music]
In the moments just like these
My heart starts to sing
And anything we
dream can happen
If the limit is the sky
Then come on, let's fly
Past the moon and
ride on up to Heaven
Hold on tight to me
Wherever we go
I want to you know
All of the things
we see and do
Life is the best
because of you
Wherever we go
I want you to know
Sure as the sun
comes shining through
I will always be
right here for you
You make me feel alive
All my senses come
to life with you
Yes, they do
Like ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Wherever we go
I want you to know
All of the things
we see and do
Life is the best
because of you
Wherever we go
I want to know
Sure as the sun
comes shining through
I will always be
right here for you
Wherever we go
I will always be
right here for you
I will always be
right here for you
-[Jim] All right.
-What are we doin' here?
-Today we're learning the
true spirit of Christmas.
-It means you need to broaden
your horizons. [laughs]
-Oh, Roy, there's
a cake back there.
Will you get that for her?
-[Roy] Oh, absolutely.
-[Jim] Come on now, buddy.
-Can't forget the goodies.
[cheerful seasonal music]
-[Jessie] This
place is awesome.
-[Elsa] This place is awesome.
It's for the most
elite of the elite.
-Yes, and the
snobbiest of the snobs.
-Oh hush up, Bob.
You're going to stand out
among all these people,
and we'll expand your
horizons tonight.
-What do you mean stand out?
-[sighs] Look around you.
What do you see?
-I see a bunch of people.
-You see a bunch of our
people, doctors, lawyers.
He's a senator.
But we are Gentrys, the
elite among these people.
-Pride goeth
before destruction,
and a haughty spirit
before a fall.
That's Proverbs.
And now, if you'll excuse
me, I think I'll go slum
with the regular folk.
-Ignore him, Kara.
Okay, a young woman of your
stature must be above it all.
And you have to
convey an attitude
that tells everyone you're
not to be trifled with.
You are a Gentry.
Do you understand?
-I guess.
-Mm-mm, you know.
-Hey, hey!
You're supposed to be
helping, not eating.
-I am helping by
eatin' this here cake,
I'm helpin' somebody watch
their figure, and be healthier.
I'm not even askin'
for anything in return.
-[Sherry] Let's go in.
-[Jeff] No, I'm not
about to go down there
and ruin the most fun
she's had in years.
-[Sherry] You can't
put it off forever.
-I know, I'm thinking
Christmas dinner.
-Why wait until then?
-I just think she
needs more time.
-[laughs] You mean,
you need some time.
-Maybe.
Sherry, I haven't spoken
to the man in so long,
I have no idea how
he's gonna react.
-They're your parents.
They wanted Kara here.
They obviously want you, too.
My guess is, they're
gonna be just as nervous
about seeing you as
you are about them.
They probably invited Kara
hoping you'd come too.
-I don't know what
I did to deserve you.
-I came across something juicy
while I was
registering Miss Kara.
-Do tell.
-A young lady by the name of
Jessie Wilkins was registered.
-Did you say Wilkins?
-You don't suppose that's
Judy Wilkins' kin, do you?
-It's a common name
for common folk.
Could be anyone.
Ah, we're behind schedule.
-Sorry, Grandmother.
-Miss Kara.
Miss Gentry, I am on my
way to the donation center.
-What are you
doing with my dress?
-I told her to
give it to charity.
-Why, ma'am?
-A true lady never wears
the same gown twice.
-Please?
I really like it.
I mean can't I just wear
it for another time?
-Nope, that's my final word.
You need a new gown,
a winning gown.
Something elegant with
a touch of Christmas,
a designer original.
We'll get some ideas.
Emile Claudier will
be here shortly.
-Emile Claudier?
-The designer.
-I know who he is.
-Soon, people will
know who you are.
-[chuckles] Oh
my God, I love it!
It's kinda retro.
-Needs something more, though.
-Like what?
-Rhinestones, it
needs rhinestones.
-You mean bling?
-Bling, we're gonna bling
the living daylights
outta that dress.
-Awesome.
-Okay, I'm goin'
to the fabric store.
-Can I come with you?
-No darlin', I'll
be right back.
I want you to watch
the little kids.
-I've never really watched
little kids before. [chuckles]
-Okay, you're
gonna hear fightin',
and cussin', and screamin'.
Don't pay any attention to that.
-Ignore it?
-Yes.
But when you hear
bloodcurdling screams,
you better look into that.
-Okay. [sighs]
Bloodcurdling screams.
[Roger screams]
[loud arguing]
-Get outta the way!
-No, you get outta here!
-I don't hit girls so move!
-Well, you're about
to get hit by one.
You play ball?
-That's a dumb question.
-Then let's play for it.
-All right, what
are we playin' for?
-We win, you never
bother Roger again.
And I might not deck you.
-We win?
-And you get a pass on
the no hittin' girls rule.
But I still might deck you.
-Call it.
-Heads.
-Tails, our ball.
-[sighs] Can I change first?
-Well, it's now or never.
-So which one
should we go with?
-Oh, we're just getting ideas
for now, and reminiscing.
You know who that is, don't you?
-That's my, um...
-Your father is so handsome.
-And that's Kara's, my mom?
-Yeah, that was your mom.
-Do you have any
more photos of my mom?
-Yeah.
-So pretty.
-He's jealous of my throwin',
so I know he'll pass.
Junior, Donnie
Ray, keep him busy.
-What do I do?
-You cover one of his buddies.
I'll take the other one.
-What does cover mean?
-Make sure they
don't catch no passes.
And try to get the
ball if you can.
-[Kara] 'Kay.
-22, set, hike!
[yelling]
-[grunts] Oh.
-Junior, and Donnie
Ray, y'all go out.
Blue 42, set, hike.
[yelling]
-Ooh!
-That's going to hurt!
-Ouch.
-Hey, that was a
really good try.
You know, you're not bad.
I think we should play
again, maybe another time.
-All right, sounds good.
And hey, you're gonna
leave Roger alone?
-Yeah, you know,
he's really cool, too.
[Kara sighs]
[cheering]
-[Jim] [sighs] Goodness.
Hey, settle down out
here a little bit.
-[Junior] Never, Old Man!
-[Jim] Hey, no runnin'
on the porch, either!
-[Junior] Whoo-hoo!
-[Kara] I'm so sorry
about the dress.
-Oh, don't you worry
your pretty little
head about it.
-Hey, you were lookin'
out for your cousin.
That's way more
important than a dress.
-You did the right thing
and we're proud of you.
-Guess I'll have to pull
out of the pageant, though.
-That's nonsense, Jessie.
We'll put our thinking
caps on and figure it out.
-You go finish
getting cleaned up,
we'll go look for another dress.
-How much do we need?
-Decent dress nowadays costs
about 800, maybe a $1000.
-Well, I think I spent about
everything I got on presents.
-Well, I've got a couple
hundred dollars, rainy day.
-Okay, any other ideas?
-Well, I've got some bonds.
Savin' 'em for the kids
in case they wanted
to go to school
somewhere someday.
-Yeah, well, I guess I
could go back on the road,
maybe do a couple shows.
-No, don't even think about it.
-Well, now, do you
wanna tell my daughter
her daddy ain't a good provider?
I mean we can't use Roy's
kids' college money.
-[Roy] If you leave now and
go do more of them shows,
what is she gonna do?
Look, this is important, but
there's gotta be another way.
-[Jim] I'll do anything
to make her happy.
-And I love you for that.
And she's gonna
love you for that.
But now, we have to come
up with another idea.
-Well, I just got back home.
And [sighs] don't have much,
but heck, it's all I know.
-Your daddy left us high and
dry, but we always manage.
-Yeah, well, Daddy was a jerk.
We all know that.
-Cousin-brother.
-Well, a poor daddy is
better than no daddy at all.
And if she doesn't
get a beautiful dress,
and she doesn't win the
pageant, at least she's got you.
-Thanks, Momma.
-[sighs] Got an idea.
Isn't downtown close to here?
-Well, yeah, there's all them
shops down in town center.
-All right, Daddy, Roy, get
your guitar cases, let's go.
-I have to go meet Grandmother
and Ida Beth at the jeweler's.
-Kara, [sighs]
I wanna see you more.
-Yeah, me too.
You're invited to
Christmas dinner.
-I'd like that.
I'll be there.
[children giggling]
Why do you smile
at those people?
-Would you like me if I
was one of those people?
-Yes, of course.
-Do you like me for
who I am or what I am?
-I like you 'cause,
'cause we're the same
kinda people, you and me.
-I have to go.
Jingle bells, jingle
bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleigh
Hey
Jingle bells, jingle
bells, jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleigh
Oh what fun it is to ride
in a one-horse open sleigh
[crowd applauds]
-[Kara] Hey!
[giggles]
-You're a celebrity.
-You're a debutante.
-Oh, no, I'm a celebutante.
[giggles]
So, which one's my dad?
-That's him, right there.
And that's your Grandma Judy.
-She's pretty.
-I know.
And that there is your
Daddy's cousin-brother Roy.
Which I guess makes
him your cousin-Uncle.
-No way.
-Yes way. [sighs]
-So what are they like?
Are they nice?
-Yeah, they're great, actually.
In fact, I feel kinda bad that
we're doing this sometimes.
What's my family like?
-Well, your grandpa's nice.
And, uh, your grandmother
is a little stiff.
But she means well, I think.
-Kara.
-Yeah?
-Yes, Grandmother?
-Who is this?
-I'm Jessie Wilkins.
-Mrs. Gentry, small world.
-Judy Wilkins,
it's been a long time.
-43 years, two
months and 13 days.
-But who's counting?
-I am.
-I hear your
granddaughter is entered
in the Miss Christmas
Spirit pageant.
-You hear right.
-She's going to be up against
my granddaughter, Kara.
-May the best woman win.
-Oh, the best woman will win.
Come on, Kara.
-Bye.
-Bye.
[sighs]
-Don't get to know her.
-Okay, good, we
want the lights here.
Ah, Mrs. Gentry,
so good to see you.
-Nice to see you, Jaret.
-I hear your granddaughter
is a late entry.
-Oh, last is the new first.
-What do you
think of our decor?
-It's beautiful, tasteful,
better than last year.
You've outdone yourself again.
-Why, thank you, Mrs. Gentry.
Much appreciated.
-Can I talk to you about
a confidential matter?
-Yes, Elsa.
-As usual, you're the deciding
vote for the pageant, yes?
-That's right,
I'm the tiebreaker.
-Do you remember
a few years back
when you didn't make budget?
-I remember your generous
donation bailing us out.
-Just keep that in mind
in case it gets close.
-What exactly are
you saying, ma'am?
[Elsa sighs]
-Remember who your friends are.
There may come
a time in the future
when you don't
make budget again.
-[Jim] Those are fives, Roy?
-We got over $700!
-Oh, ho!
Hoo hoo hoo!
-Yee-haw!
-Well, let's hit up
some dress stores.
-[Roy] Yeah.
-We are goin' to the
thrift store first.
-Oh, that's for folks who
can't rub two nickels together.
-Well, now, this
time of the year,
some people get generous.
We might get lucky.
-We might get lucky.
-Yeah, well, that's true.
[cheerful ringtone rings]
-[Automated Voice] Flight
330 departing from Stillwater
is currently full.
Your standby departure
is delayed three days.
Your new information
has been emailed.
Thank you for flying
with American Airlines.
-[gasps] No!
-[Santa Ringtone] Ho, ho,
ho, ho, merry Christmas!
Ho, ho, ho, ho, merry Christmas!
-What are you so happy about?
[gasps] Oh my gosh,
it's beautiful!
-Have you ever seen
anything like that?
-Uh, no! [laughs]
Must've cost a fortune.
-Nope, $80 at the thrift store.
-No way!
-Oh yes way!
-[chuckles] So there's
money left over?
-Yes, oh yes.
You can go to the fancy salon,
get yourself all dolled up.
-Nah, I'm good. [chuckles]
-There's plenty of
time before the pageant.
[shouting]
-Spend it on them.
-Oh, now you know we can afford
for you to have a smidgen.
Give yourself a present.
-[scoffs] I don't
need a present.
-Why not?
-'Cause I'm already
having the best Christmas
of my entire life.
-And you are the best
present of my entire life.
-Oh.
-[sighs] I wish this
could last forever.
-Oh, sweetie, that's
what your daddy
and I have been dreamin',
that you would stay with us.
-Uh.
-Oh, where's the darn phone?
I wanna call your Aunt Jenny,
tell her the good news.
I'll talk first and
then you can talk to her
and get caught up.
[energetic music]
[phone rings]
[phone rings]
My girl's going to win
-[sighs] Come on, come on.
[phone rings]
-Nope, no distractions for you.
[Kara sighs]
-Jessie, time to get ready.
[cheerful music]
-This is Gina
Graystone reporting live
from the Miss Christmas
Spirit Pageant
where we're down to
four semifinalists,
Kara Gentry, Sandra Colby,
Brenda Penner,
and Jessie Wilkins.
Good luck, ladies.
-Hey, hey, I thought...
-Get your coat on.
-I don't understand, what?
-I'll explain in the car.
In fields as they
lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night
That was so deep
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel
[audience applauds]
-Thank you Kara Gentry for
helping make the season bright.
And now here is Jessie
Wilkins bringing
some Joy to the World.
[audience cheers]
-[Jim] Whoo-hoo,
get 'em, Jessie!
Joy to the world
The Lord has come
Let Earth receive her King
-I knew she could sing.
Let every heart
Prepare Him room
-I didn't know she
could sing like that.
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and
Heaven, and nature sing
And Heaven, and
Heaven, and nature sing
[audience cheers]
-Whoo, good job, Jessie!
-Ladies, join us on
the stage, please.
The envelope.
Now, without further ado,
the winner of the Miss
Christmas Spirit Award
is Jessie Wilkins!
-Can I help you?
[audience cheers]
-Excuse me.
-She won!
-I need to talk to you.
-I'm in trouble.
-Yeah, me too.
You first.
-Well, my flight's
delayed for three days.
-Oh, that's bad.
Mine's worse, though.
-What is it?
-Your dad and grandma really
want you to stay with them.
So I might've told
them that you would.
-What?
-I'm sorry.
-No you didn't!
That's... [sighs]
Okay, it's okay, maybe I
can fix it when I get home.
-Right, and I can help
you fix your flight.
We'll be fine.
Oh, no.
-What is it?
-[Kara] My dad.
-Oh, no.
That's bad.
-Yeah.
-Game over?
-Maybe.
Or maybe we can just head out?
Walk fast, say we're sick
and just straight
shot to the door?
-[scoffs] Yeah what if he comes
by the house today, tomorrow?
-I don't know!
Do what we gotta do?
-Kara, you nailed that song.
-Thanks.
-Shame they let anyone enter.
I mean, I mean you
outclassed that girl.
-I have to go.
I don't feel good,
I'm just gonna go.
-[scoffs] See you at
Christmas dinner, I guess.
-Hey, Sher...
-Kara, oh, I'm so proud of you.
-Oh my God, Sherry!
-Surprise!
We wanted to come see you.
-Listen, I've gotta run.
-Oh, okay.
-Yeah, I am so sorry, but
I really, really have to go.
Tell Dad I said hi,
and give him this.
Thanks.
-I will.
-Hey, where'd she go?
Is this her trophy?
-She wanted me
to give it to you.
-I mean I... [chuckles]
-Excuse me, ma'am,
you mind if I cut in?
Hello, son.
-Dad, I didn't know
if you'd recognize me.
-Seriously?
Even after 15 years,
you don't think I'd
recognize my own boy?
And who is this?
-Sherry, this is
my dad, Bob Gentry.
Dad, this is my fiance, Sherry.
-Fiance?
Well, congratulations, son.
You mind if I borrow my
boy for a little bit?
-Sure.
-Thank you.
-Can you hold that?
I'll see you at the hotel.
-And that one over there, too.
-That's, you own a big
chunk of this town. [chuckles]
-Well, there was a
time when I wanted
to own a piece of every
building in this city.
But that was a
younger man's dream.
You've done well for yourself.
I've been keepin' track.
-I got lucky, right
place, right time.
-Don't sell
yourself short, son.
You made it big.
I'm proud of you.
-Thank you.
-But you know what I
admire most about you?
It's the decision you made
15 years ago to stand up
to your mother and
go with Olivia.
-You don't have to, I
mean, you don't need to.
-I do need to.
I've hated every day
that we've spent apart,
but I've always respected
your decision to leave.
I faced the same sort of
situation long time ago,
but I made the wrong choice.
-What choice?
-When I was very young,
I fell in love with the
most wonderful girl.
I thought we'd spend
our lives together.
But, you know,
she didn't fit in with.
and when she, uh.
-What?
-Ah, you know, the
important thing is,
is that you didn't
care if Olivia fit in.
She was a good fit for you.
-Well, she was
a perfect fit, Dad.
And I really loved her.
And it tore Kara up, and
me apart when she died.
I wish we hadn't
grown apart, Dad.
-Oh, me too, son.
Me too, I just hope it isn't
too late to make amends.
I hate the way
things played out,
but I want you and your
family back in my life.
-I'd like that.
-I know Kara would love that.
-You know, I haven't,
with Kara, been all I
could be as a father.
-Oh, well, you've obviously
done somethin' right.
I mean, look at her, son.
She's magnificent.
-You and I, we can grow
money on trees, can't we?
But when it comes to family,
we are really, really terrible.
[laughs]
-Maybe it's time
we changed that.
-I want to.
-Me too.
-Jessie's gonna help me
cook Christmas dinner.
-Yep.
I heard Uncle Roy ravin'
about that cornbread dressing.
-Mm, when you gonna
share that recipe, Judy?
-When you dig me
up from my grave
and pry it out of
my cold fingers.
-[laughs] Well, maybe
this sweet young 'un
will let me have it.
-Not without a fight, ma'am.
-Hmm.
How's your hubby doing?
-Oh, Bubba's been on the road.
He's doin' the I-80
route to Oregon nowadays.
[scoffs] That dang truck is
his home most of the year.
You know he only gets to
come home once a month?
-You don't say?
That's terrible.
-Yeah, but you know what?
Those two days he's home,
we more than make up for it.
[laughs]
-[Judy] Now you be quiet,
there's a young girl here.
-Jessie, you are
a stunning young woman.
You're gonna break the boys'
hearts over at the high school.
-We're enrolling her next week.
She has to get good grades
to get into a nice college.
But she's gonna be the first
Wilkins to go to a university.
-Oh, her daddy
must be so proud.
Isn't he a country singer?
-Yes, and he is
just beside himself
with joy to have her
here and in his life.
I've never seen his
heart so full of joy.
He is taking a break from
his country music dream
to take care of her.
And he took a job at the
plant to be home and provide.
-That's true love right
there if I ever saw it.
[Kara sniffs]
-Oh, honey, don't get
all emotional on me.
That's what family does.
We Wilkins take care of our own.
-I need to tell you something.
-Well, now you tell me.
-I'm so sorry.
We never meant for
it to get this far.
We just wanted to
have a little fun.
And we didn't want
anyone to get hurt, but.
-What is it, Jessie?
-I'm not Jessie.
-Well, if you're not
Jessie, who are you?
-I'm Kara, Kara Gentry.
-Do you know where Jessie is?
-She's with my family.
We swapped places at the
airport on the way here.
-Why?
-I don't know.
To be someone else, have fun.
At the time, neither of
us wanted to come here.
So, it made sense.
But now it doesn't.
I mean you guys are so amazing.
We never meant for
this to happen.
-It's okay.
-I'm so sorry.
I never meant to hurt you.
-You know what?
You didn't.
You actually helped me.
-I did?
-Yes.
-How?
-I was a nervous wreck.
I mean, I can
entertain for hundreds
of people up there
on that stage.
But you get me one on one,
I'm more nervous than a
nightcrawler at a fishin' derby.
Meetin' my daughter
for the first time,
wonderin' what to
say, what to do.
I was a mess.
-You were?
-Yes, I was.
[sighs] But I'm not worried now.
'Cause if she's
anything like you,
I know we're gonna be just fine.
-Can I still come back
and visit you guys?
-We wouldn't have
it any other way.
You're family here now.
Grandma Judy would
especially be devastated
if she couldn't see you again.
-I really do love
her, Mr. Wilkins.
She's the greatest
lady I've ever known.
-She loves you too, Kara.
-So what do we do now?
[cheerful music]
-Thank you, Roy.
-You're welcome.
Now y'all go on in.
I'll watch the tater-heads.
-All right.
-Uh, oh.
-We're family, kinda.
-Oh.
Oh, well, welcome.
What?
May I help you, sir?
-I'm just watchin'
the young ones play.
Hey, go long, Roger! [grunts]
-Oh my God.
Who taught him how
to catch like that?
That is all, that's all wrong.
Hey, listen, you gotta
grab it and bring it in.
-What?
-You see, don't let the
defense have a chance
to take it from ya.
Grab it, bring it in.
Grab it, bring it in.
There you go, there you go.
I'm tellin' you,
you gotta teach these boys
right you want 'em to play ball.
[sighs]
-Yeah.
-[June] There you go!
-Hi! [giggles]
-[chuckles] I missed you.
-I missed you.
How's it been? [laughs]
-Good.
-Having fun? [laughs]
-Yeah.
-Oh my Lord.
-It's a lovely
place you have here.
-Thank you, thanks.
-What about you guys?
-[Kara] We had lots of fun.
We had a great time.
-Yeah?
-[Kara] Mm-hm.
-I gotcha.
-Wow, this is quite a house.
-Yeah, never really
thought about it.
When I was younger,
I just thought everybody
lived like this.
It's different somehow.
-Jeff, don't be nervous.
She's gonna be fine.
-C'mere.
-Excuse me.
June, June, June.
I want you to do me a favor.
Would you call the store
and get a whole truck full
of toys for them kids?
And also, whatever you think
those girls might like.
-Oh, now you're
talkin', Mr. Gentry.
I'm right on it, sir.
-Watch your step.
-Hey, Jeff!
-Dad. [chuckles]
-No, get that outta here.
C'mere.
-Oh. [laughs]
-Oh, good to see you.
-Good to see you.
Oh, there she is.
[Kara laughs]
Oh, Dad, you remember Sherry?
-Of course, nice
to see you again.
-By the way, you're
in trouble, young lady.
-June called, she
told me everything.
I'm so sorry.
[Bob chuckles]
[sighs] Where's Mother?
-Oh, she's upstairs
doin' her makeup,
or her gown, or her hair,
or whatever the heck it is
she does when she's up there.
-You told her anything yet?
-Oh, what, and
spoil the surprise?
Oh heck no, not yet.
No, I wanted wait until
everyone was all together.
-Oh, hello.
-Hello, sir.
-I know you guys, right?
You guys live in town?
-Why yes, we do.
Born and raised.
-Okay.
-Yeah, you might wanna
get yourself a drink.
Sit down, come on.
-Mr. Gentry was
checkin' you out.
-[Jeff] Oh, well,
you were probably
about four years old then.
-I want to know which one
of you crazy gals came up
with this maniac idea.
[footsteps thumping]
[exhales forcefully]
-Bob, who are all these people?
-Friends and family, Elsa.
-Jeff. [sighs]
-Oh.
-Welcome home.
-Mother. [sighs]
-What is this, some
sort of sick joke?
-Well, it's good
to see you too, Mom.
-Not you, Jeff.
I'm talking about her.
-It's your house, I'll go.
-No!
-No, Judy.
-Don't kick her out!
-Who are you?
-Mom, this is Kara.
This is your granddaughter.
-No, this is Kara.
-No, this is Jenny Wilkins.
-[Both] Jessie.
-Jessie Wilkins, They
came up with some scheme
to switch places at the airport.
-Interesting.
-Why'd you drive
my mom and dad away?
-Kara.
-No, he's the sweetest man!
And my mother was
a wonderful woman!
-You should be
ashamed of yourself.
-Oh this is getting tiresome.
Who are you?
-Mom, this is Sherry,
my future wife.
You want to kick her
out of the family, too?
-Future wife?
-We were gonna tell ya.
-Dad, it's fine.
I love Sherry.
-Hey, I love you.
You're still grounded.
[Kara giggles]
-And Kara, you're a great girl.
But y'all, I cannot wait
to get to know my Jessie.
-This is all a lot.
Can we just talk?
-Yeah, yes, of course.
Excuse us.
[Jim sighs]
Jessie, are you okay?
-[sighs] I have
so many questions.
Every night, I used to dream of,
of you, me, Mom, family.
And then when I woke up,
you were never there.
-I didn't know, Jessie.
Not 'til two weeks ago.
I had no idea.
-What?
What makes you think that
we can just be a family now?
-Because life without you
is not somethin'
I could imagine now.
I want to make it up to you.
I want to make up for the
last 15 years, Jessie.
Hey, the minute you're
ready, I'll be there.
[Jessie sniffles]
-One chance.
-One chance is all I need.
-Sorry I'm late, Kara. [sighs]
-I'm not Kara.
My name is Jessie Wilkins.
And this is my dad.
-[scoffs] I don't understand.
What do you mean?
-We're poor, and proud of it.
None of this is ours.
And Wesley, you and I,
we are not the same kind.
-[Wesley] What, what?
Wait, I don't get it.
-I'm Kara Gentry.
-[scoffs] You lied
to me this whole time?
It is a pleasure
to meet you, Kara.
-Mm, likewise, Wesley.
Why don't we have a more
formal introduction?
Right this way, go
outside, have a chat.
And don't ever let me
catch ya back here again!
[laughs]
-Hoo, hoo!
Way to go, girl, yes!
That was great.
[giggles]
-[Elsa] See what happens
when you invite riffraff
and that trollop to dinner?
-Oh, that's enough, Elsa, Judy.
I'm done, I am done.
I have put up with you and
your attitude for far too long.
-Don't you talk to me that way.
-Jeff, son, come over here.
It's time you knew the truth.
-Don't you dare.
If you do this,
there's no going back.
-I think I've listened
to you about long enough.
-What?
Truth about what?
-I am your father.
But your real mother,
your real mother is Judy.
-You're serious?
-I've wanted to tell you
this your entire life.
-What, just?
I remember you, I remember
seeing you in town.
You were so nice to
me, and courteous.
-I've waited a long time
for this. [inhales sharply]
-Well, it's nice
to meet you, again.
Mom.
-Oh, she gave you to me.
I'm your mother.
-I was real young
and poor, and afraid.
And Elsa said she'd give you
everything your heart desired.
-Well, all I ever wanted
was a mother who loved me.
-Oh, I didn't love you?
I just tried to stop you
from throwing your life away
with a girl who was beneath you.
-Don't say that
about my mother.
-Don't ever talk
about her again.
-I haven't said anything
that wasn't true.
-Elsa, stop it!
Stop tearing us apart!
-Oh, I'm not the one who
tore this family apart.
-I'm talking about me and Judy.
-You made your choice.
I just saved you from
a life with trailer trash.
-No, the only thing
you saved me from
was a life of happiness
with the woman I love.
-Well, she didn't fit in
to our plan, or our friends.
-Please, I don't fit
in with your plans,
or your kind of people.
I never have, I never will.
-Oh, you got used to it.
-Yes, I did.
But I never got over Judy.
I will never get over Judy.
-Are you finished now?
-Yes, I think I've said all
I have to say to you, Elsa.
-June, my phone please.
Ida Beth, pack your bags.
We're going to Florida.
June, call my travel agent
and book two first class
tickets to Palm Beach.
-[June] Yes, ma'am.
-Well, looks like
my granddaughter won
the pageant after all.
-We're related.
-[Jessie] We're cousins.
-Hey, I guess that
makes us brothers.
-Oh, yeah, well,
I, well, I, yeah.
[laughs]
-Wanna come in
for the? [laughs]
-And that's Roy.
-Hey.
-Right.
-And he's my cousin-brother.
-Cousin-brother.
-[Judy] And here's your dad.
-[Jim] Come over
here, Roy. [laughs]
-And, oh, welcome
to the family.
Oh.
-Mrs. Gentry?
Your flight is all booked.
Tickets are at the airport.
-Thank you, June.
You know, you've been so
helpful all these years.
I think I'm actually
going to miss you.
The rest of you
deserve each other.
-I wish you well, Elsa.
-I'm taking the
house in Palm Beach.
And you can have all of this.
-I'll take it.
Whoa.
-[All] Santa brought presents!
[laughing]
-[Bob] That's how you
make a grown man run.
-See, you told me and your
Christmas wish still came true.
-Yeah, yeah.
Well, I got Kara.
I got a new mom.
And I got you.
-Well, you also have a brother.
-Yeah.
-A niece and nephews.
-Some sort of a
cousin-brother thing.
-What, Jimmy?
-Well, just a few weeks ago,
I didn't even know
I had a daughter.
And now I got a daughter, I
got a niece, I got a brother.
Maybe even a new dad.
-Well, son, she hasn't
even proposed to me yet.
-Well, now, you know
that nothing can happen
with my mama while
you're still married?
[Bob laughs]
Seriously.
-Yeah, thanks for the guidance.
But you know, I have
waited 43 years.
I guess I can wait
a couple more months.
Angel.
-One big family.
-One big, happy family.
-Whoa!
[doorbell rings]
-Roy, put down the football.
We have a surprise.
We made a few calls.
And there's someone
here to see you.
-Roy!
Oh! [giggles]
[sighs] Hi.
-It's so good to see you!
-I missed you, baby!
-I can't believe you're here.
-Oh my goodness.
-Mom!
-Mom!
-Oh, oh my goodness!
Oh, oh, oh.
C'mere, boys.
I'm so happy to be with
my family. [sniffles]
-Mr. Gentry, your bourbon.
-Oh, thank you.
I wondered where that got to.
June, I have a little
something for you.
Merry Christmas.
-Mr. Gentry, this is for me?
-Yes, I hope you like it.
-[gasps] You know I get
emotional with all these people.
-Oh, just open it.
-Oh, sir.
Mr. Gentry, this is beautiful.
Oh, just so beautiful!
-Oh, Merry Christmas
to you, darlin'.
Thank you so much.
-Oh, thank you, thank you, sir.
-Oh, you bet it.
I love it.
-[gasps] Guys, look,
it's a Christmas star.
-Oh.
-We should all go
outside and make a wish.
-[Bob] Yeah, come
on, let's go outside.
-Yeah.
-Yeah.
[upbeat music]
City girl
Flying south
First Christmas
In a country town
One simple wish
For a fresh start
Oklahoma
What a trip
A holiday
I'll never forget
Sweet memories
Woven into my heart
Silver lights shine bright
As we share a smile
Countin' our blessings
While the snowflakes fall
With our loved ones here
Miss our loved ones gone
What a beautiful gift
A Southern Christmas
Like that crooked little star
Up on top of the tree
We're all a little
crazy but we're family
What a beautiful mess
A Southern Christmas
Hoo hoo ooh ooh ooh
Hoo hoo ooh ooh ooh
Can't get no better than this
A Southern Christmas
I left the stage
Headed home
A leap of faith
back into the unknown
Never dreamed an
angel would save my life
All those Decembers
Came and went
Sure a lot of water
running under the bridge
But I shake your hand, Daddy
It's been a long while
We took a walk
and talked all night
Yeah we laughed and we cried
Countin' our blessings
While the snowflakes fall
With our loved ones here
Miss our loved ones gone
What a beautiful gift
A Southern Christmas
Like that crooked little star
Up on top of the tree
We're all a little
crazy but we're family
What a beautiful mess
A Southern Christmas
Hoo hoo ooh ooh ooh
Hoo hoo ooh ooh ooh
Can't get no better than this
A Southern Christmas
North South East West
A Southern Christmas
Good as it gets
You just gotta believe
You just gotta believe
Then it's in your soul
Spread a little
Southern Christmas
Wherever you go
Hoo hoo ooh ooh ooh
Hoo hoo ooh ooh ooh
Yeah what a wonderful gift
A Southern Christmas
A Southern Christmas
Whoo hoo
A Southern Christmas
Don't get no better than this
Don't get no better than this
You got that right
What a beautiful mess
A Southern Christmas
[cheers]
-Whoo!
-[Director] Okay, pictures up.
Let's make a movie.
You'll never forget
the moment it appears
The month, the hour,
the time of the year
When you find love
When you find love
You could search real high
Far and wide
But nine times out of
ten, it's in plain sight
When you find love
When you find love
It'll hit you like
an old Christmas song
The melody will make
your heart wanna sing along
It'll feel so right
it can't be wrong
When you find love,
when you find love
When you find love
Well, all your whole
life, it's followed you
Someday you'll see,
these words are true
When you find love
When you find love
It ain't never gonna
ever stop shining bright
It's like a big elm
tree strung up in lights
When you find love, yeah
When you find love
It'll hit you like
an old Christmas song
The melody will make
your heart wanna sing along
It'll feel so right
it can't be wrong
When you find love,
when you find love
When you find love
Come on, yeah
It will turn your
whole world around
Pick you up when
you're feeling down
When you find love
When you find love
It's a front porch
door, it's always open
You know, when you
were praying and a hoping
To find love, oh,
when you find love
It'll hit you like
an old Christmas song
The melody will make
your heart wanna sing along
It'll feel so right
it can't be wrong
When you find love,
when you find love
When you find love
It'll hit you like
an old Christmas song
The melody will make
your heart wanna sing along
It'll feel so right
it can't be wrong
When you find love,
when you find love
When you find love
When you find love,
when you find love
When you find love
When you find love
Find you some love, y'all
[soft music]