Hostile Territory (2022) Movie Script
[introductory music]
[eagle screeches]
[calm music]
[Lizzy] By the end of
our nation's great Civil War,
thousands of children
found themselves orphaned,
[horse galloping]
their fathers
killed in battle,
their mothers taken
by disease, or grief.
Many ended up
on the Orphan Train,
a program to relocate children
from the decimated
northern cities
to families
in other territories.
Families with love to give.
and farms to run.
[horse nickers]
My brother, sister and I
rode the Orphan Train,
cold, hungry, and scared.
Little did we know
at the time
that the only thing
stronger than death
was our father's love
for his children.
[dramatic music]
[flashback]
I'll miss you, Daddy.
I'll miss you too.
[grunting]
This is a doll.
for both you girls.
that's gonna protect you
while I'm gone.
And anytime you miss Daddy,
you can hold that doll
when you go to sleep at night,
and know that I'm always
thinkin' about you.
[Lizzy sniffles]
Okay?
Come here, Lily.
Oh, I love you.
[Lizzy] When Father
started talking about
leaving for the war,
our oldest brother, Phillip,
was determined to go with him.
Charlie, you're
the man of the house now.
[Lizzy] Father told him
to stay and look after us,
but eventually relented.
- Bye.
- Bye.
I'll be home soon.
[tense music]
[bombs exploding]
[gunshots]
[horse whinnies]
[groaning]
[horse neighing]
[shouting]
Phillip!
Phillip!
Father.
Where are you hurt?
[exhaling]
I can't feel my legs.
Come on, I got you.
[soldier 1]
Get in the back.
[shouting and gunfire continues]
[soldier 2] Get him to safety;
get him to safety.
[soldier 3]
Lieutenant!
[Jack] Get him down here.
Get him down.
Move down.
They're comin',
they're comin'.
Move in!
There's more of 'em comin',
there's more of 'em comin'.
I'm fine.
I can go back.
- No, you're not goin' back.
- I can go back.
You can't go back!
- Charlie.
- Yes, sir.
- I can't leave them, Father.
- Stay with me.
- I love you.
- No! Father, no!
- Father, no!
- Stay with me.
- Stay with me.
- No!
Corporal,
stay with me.
[gunshots]
[soldiers shouting]
[explosion]
[high pitched sound]
[train roaring]
[horn blaring]
[door opens]
All aboard!
[dramatic music]
Thank you.
Let's get
these children on the train.
We leave in five minutes.
[Lizzy] Mother got word that
Father had died in battle.
It was like part of her broke.
like she had a hole inside.
Before too long, tuberculosis
came and aimed to fill it.
[Esther]
Watch your step.
[melancholy music]
[Lizzy]
Riding on that train, though,
we felt a little less lonely.
Next to the rest
of the orphan children,
we considered ourselves lucky.
[horn blaring]
At least we had each other,
least we were still
part of a family.
So, how'd you end up
on this Orphan Train?
My father, he didn't
come back from the war.
And. and my mother,
she recently died.
So, we're gonna live
with my brother, Phil.
[horn blaring]
[horse hooves clopping]
[horse whinnies]
[Andrew] Order!
Arms!
[guns clanking]
[dramatic music]
Manhood comes
sooner for some.
Why don't you follow me down
to the Children's Aid Society.
We told them you were alive,
and I think your siblings
should be here soon.
- Take care.
- Yes, sir.
Son, you'll be all right.
Carry on.
[clears throat]
Thank you.
Um-hmm.
Corporal, the Army
is movin' your post.
There's a lot of folks
moving out west
and they wanna
relocate your post
to one along the Bozeman Trail.
Government's gonna
give you land, aid,
so you can build a home
on the river
just outside of Bozeman.
Hmm.
Son, that's a lot
to take in.
You understand what I'm sayin'?
I think this could be
a real good start
for you and your family.
Yes, sir. I do.
My apologies.
It'll be
a good beginning.
I hope it is.
Thank you.
There's a couple of
angry tribes out there, son.
And I can't blame 'em.
Settlements have moved west
rather quickly
and things have gotten messy.
We need good soldiers
like yourself to.
help bring some peace.
[horse neighing]
Okay.
- [bell chiming]
- [train roaring]
- [wind blowing]
- [soft tense music]
[horse hooves clopping]
[horse nickers]
[soft tense music continues]
- [muted chattering]
- [piano music playing]
[sighing]
[clears throat]
Just give me a minute
to gather myself.
Oh, I...
And then
we can go upstairs.
I don't. I don't want
anything from you.
I just.
Uh, I like to.
I'd like to buy this lady
a drink.
Are you, uh,
you all right?
Yes.
[door squeaks open]
You can come in.
[door closes]
[cricket stridulating]
Um.
Four years ago, I had to put
my baby on the Orphan Train.
Just wonder what she's like now.
I want her bed to be ready
just in case she does come back.
We can talk about it if...
if you'd like to.
Ain't no man ever wanted to
stay up all night
and talk to me.
What was, uh.
what's your daughter's name?
Gretyl.
I named her after my mother.
I wanted her to have
a better life
than I could give her.
What will you do
now the war's over?
Um. I.
I lost. both my parents.
So, I have to be taking care
of my little siblings now.
The Army's relocated me up to
Montana, so.
Your siblings,
what's their names?
So, my younger brother,
his name is Charlie.
And, uh, so proud
of that little guy.
He's.
he's gonna be a big man
someday, you know.
Reminds me a lot of my father.
And, uh,
gosh. Lizzy. [scoffs]
a little ball of fire.
And then Lily, kind of afraid
that she won't remember me.
And the thing that I can't
stop thinkin' about is
how am I gonna.
how am I gonna break it to them,
you know, Father, he's gone.
And it's just gonna be me.
And how am I gonna be him?
Um, maybe
I could walk you
to the train station
tomorrow, Mister...
what's your name again?
Uh, Phillip.
Phillip Calgrove.
Thank you for just
wanting to talk to me.
Yeah. You're welcome.
[train roaring]
[tense music]
[shouting]
[shouting stops abruptly]
[whimpering]
[whispering]
What's the matter, sweetheart?
I miss my mom and dad.
[whispering]
I'm so sorry.
Why does God
let bad things happen?
[whispering] I don't
have any answer to that,
but we have to have faith.
I want you to try to
get some sleep.
It's a long train ride.
My mom
would always sing me to sleep.
O Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works
Thy Hands hath made
I see the stars
I hear the roaring thunder
Thy powers throughout
The universe displayed
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art
[approaching footsteps]
[bird screeches]
[door squeaks open]
Come on. Get up.
War's over.
[dramatic music]
- Move, boy!
- [groans]
[spits]
Keep walkin'.
Come on.
Go on, get.
Keep walkin', Desmond.
Keep walking. Go.
Don't look back.
Come on, Desmond.
[dramatic music intensifies]
Whoa.
Jack Calgrove.
Samuel Hagan.
Boys look like you had it rough.
Yeah.
[horse nickers]
Desmond Richards.
Samuel Hagan.
I got these horses here.
Strays I picked up
off the battlefield.
How you boys gettin' home?
- [incidental music]
- [horse hooves clopping]
[horse whinnies, neighs]
Molly!
Charlie!
I'm home!
Molly?
[horse nickers]
Nobody's home.
Everything all right,
Mr. Calgrove?
Molly!
[horse hooves clopping]
Whoa, whoa.
[horse nickers]
Molly.
[sighing]
[horse nickers]
They think I'm dead.
[horse neighs]
I gotta find my children.
[Daniel] Gentlemen,
allow me to welcome you home
on behalf of our great nation,
and know that
while you have lost comrades,
brothers, and friends,
that it was not in vain.
That your nation thanks you.
[horse neighs]
Well, I'll be damned.
Company, present arms!
[guns clanking]
[company applauding]
Several days after
Molly had heard of your death,
she passed, Jack.
Tuberculosis.
I'm sorry.
Molly's wish was
that the young ones
be sent to live with
your son Phillip in Missouri.
Phil is still alive?
Yes.
Thank you, God.
[sighs] [sniffles]
Who's been tendin' to Charlie,
Lizzy, and Lily?
The Army contacted
an orphanage in New York.
A gentleman by the name
of Edward Pagan.
He's doin' many fine works,
placing children
with good homes.
The Orphan Train movement.
You mean to tell me,
you put my children
in an orphanage?
Jack, when I found out
Phillip was still alive,
I needed to get those children
to Missouri to meet him.
There's 50 kids on that train.
It seemed to me to be
the most reasonable option
to transport them.
Oh, help me God.
You put my kids on a train,
you sent them to Missouri?
You realize how dangerous
that is?!
That's hostile territory!
We just finished
fightin' the war
right where
that train's goin'!
Are there armed officers
on that train?
Yes, Jack.
The government has ordered
that Company K
ride with the Orphan Trains
to guard them against
hostile Confederates
and Natives.
Company K's a group
of sharpshootin' Natives
from Michigan.
I was in the 54th Regiment
and I did some work
with Company K.
Jack, I can send
a message through Company K
alerting your son Phillip
that you're still alive.
I reckon you point me
in the direction of that train.
[incidental music]
God bless your soul.
[sighing deeply]
[incidental music]
All packed up.
You know you don't
have to go with me.
You might enjoy
some peace and quiet.
Yeah.
I ain't got nowhere else
I got to be.
And I want to help you
get your family back.
You're a good man.
Let's get on the trail.
[horse nickers]
Let's ride.
[horse hooves clopping]
[dramatic music]
[train roaring]
Charlie, I'm hungry.
Okay, um,
wait right here.
Um, excuse me.
Would it be okay
if I get a few more
pieces of bread and water?
Yes, dear. Um.
I'll go ahead and distribute
the bread to everyone.
Thank you.
What happened to you?
Mom not want you anymore?
Or she just work at
one of them whorehouses?
[soft music playing]
Here,
you come sit with us.
- Charlie, you good?
- Yeah.
Some bread for you.
Thank you.
Here.
[train horn blaring]
[horse nickers]
[train squeaking]
Good morning to you all!
Good morning.
Beautiful day
for some new families.
Fathers mothers, brothers,
and sisters.
thank you for comin'.
We've arrived
in Independence, Missouri,
and you're all about to go home.
Please stay seated
for right now,
and Mr. Smith will be right on
to tell you where to go next.
You'll have to
fill out the paperwork
for this gentleman.
It's required by law.
Those of you who've already
filled out the paperwork
can just step to the front
of the line over there.
We'll bring out the children.
[man] I need some strong boys
for helping me [indistinct].
It's gonna be okay.
[Frank] Oh, we got
strong ones and...
and strong girls too.
[man 1] Do they have names?
[Frank] Oh yeah,
they all have names.
[door opens]
Everyone,
get off the train.
Follow me
and we'll form a line.
Watch your step.
[Frank] Step right down.
There you go.
There you go, Jimmy.
[grunting] There we go.
[man] Please form a line
at the stand.
[Frank] There we go, little one.
Got it, young lady?
There you go.
[Lizzy] Phil!
[Phil] Lizzy!
Phil!
It's okay.
Watch your step.
Hey, buddy.
Oh, my gosh.
Look how big you've grown.
- Dang. [chuckles]
- [soft chuckle]
Hey. Hey, uh, Lily, I...
I know you may not remember me.
Uh, but I'm your older brother,
Phil.
I'm gonna take care of you.
Okay?
She hasn't talked
since Mother and Father died.
Okay. [sighs]
That's all your stuff
right there?
- Yeah.
- All right, I'll get that...
Sir, you will need, uh, to
fill out the proper paperwork.
Okay. All right,
you guys get in line.
I'll be right back.
Okay.
[horse neighing]
Ingrid?
All right, parents,
step up to the front.
We'll need your paperwork.
Come on up.
Come on up.
Don't be afraid.
Thank you.
[horse neighing]
This way, please.
[muted chatter]
Uh-uh.
Step this way.
Thank you.
Thank you, sir.
This way, please.
Paperwork looks good to me.
Next group.
What's your name?
Emily.
Hi, Emily.
Welcome to our family.
Next.
In our house,
you earn your keep.
You work hard, get rewarded
with a good supper.
If you don't work hard,
you hit the road.
In this house, I'm the law.
That understood?
[in unison] Yes, sir.
- Is that understood?
- [in unison] Yes, sir.
All right. Come on.
Come on down this way.
Right around.
Come on now. Come on.
For Charlie, Lizzy,
and Lily Calgrove, please.
[Lizzy]
That's my brother, Phil.
Phil, can we take Mary with us?
I'm so...
I'm sorry, children.
I have, uh, Addison, Mary,
Johnny, Ray and Jacob down
as all getting adopted
by the Smith family and they...
they've not shown up yet.
If they don't show up
by tomorrow morning,
you'll go back on the train.
But... but tonight you'll sleep
in the local orphanage.
Wait, what about Jimmy?
Uh. well, the family
didn't take Jimmy.
Uh, lots of times, they don't
take the older children.
Bye.
My dad gave me this doll.
I'd like you to have it.
Bye.
All right, uh,
Lily, Lizzy, Charlie,
it's time to get goin'.
Here. I got this for ya.
Go on, sweetheart.
Bye.
You're one brave cowboy.
And sometimes, cowboys have to
part ways to their cattle.
All right, bud. [sighs]
[incidental music]
[horse nickers]
[panting]
I beg you,
please help me.
My daughter has been taken.
[panting]
Please.
You lost?
Ain't much around here but men
returnin' home from the war.
And for a Black woman,
it ain't a safe place to be.
There's a town.
about 25 miles back
the way we came.
- Thank you.
- I'm sure there's someone
there can help you.
[horse nickers]
[horse neighs]
Keep the guns down.
Looks like we got a couple of
no-good Yanks.
[indistinct] Yankees.
[horse nickers]
War's over.
You guys keep on movin'.
Over when we say it's over.
How 'bout I just rip you
off that horse?
[gun clicks]
[tense music]
Keep goin'.
We gotta keep moving.
I want to rip their throats out
just as bad as you do.
[muted chatter]
- [Alice screaming]
- [horse neighs]
- [soldiers laughing]
- [Alice screaming]
[guns firing]
[Alice weeping]
One more step, she's done!
She's done!
One more step...!
- [gun fires]
- [Alice crying]
[gun fires]
Come with us.
- [fire crackling]
- [dramatic music]
[Edward] Your daughter.
was in an alley living
out of a cardboard box.
You gave us no choice
but to remove her.
[crying]
Don't you tell me that!
You don't know what I've
been through to find freedom!
Now to have my child
ripped away!
You tell me what
my child is right now!
Right now!
Please, I beg you, sir.
I beg you, please.
She ain't ever been without me.
I'm a good mother. I promise,
I'm a good mother.
I promise. [crying]
I'm a good mom.
Forgive me.
Now, let's see
what we can do for you.
[paper rustling]
[sniffles]
Looks like Mary is on a train
heading to Missouri
with about 40 other children.
She will be at the orphanage,
in good care.
[fire crackling]
[horse neighs]
You sure your daughter's
on that Orphan Train?
I lost two years of my life
in those Confederate camps.
My babies' voices echoed
through my head every day.
It's what kept me from dyin'.
How old is your daughter?
She's 10.
You said her name was?
- Mary.
- Mary?
Mary Beggs.
Mary.
[mellow music]
Where are you
headed off to?
Told you that you can't
get emotionally involved
with these men
who come in here.
They aren't safe.
I never wanted this life.
Do you think
any of us want this life?
I hate myself for bringing you
here with me and Jimmy.
When he died, I thought
I could work here
until I found another man or...
or got me an honest job
to take care of you.
I never intended to drag you
into this dark hole with me.
We can leave
in the morning.
And never look back.
I met an honest soldier.
He ain't your normal man.
He just wanted to talk to me.
Ingrid, you little fool.
Where do you think
this honest man
is goin' to take you?
What do you think
is gonna happen?
[bangs table]
I'm leaving!
I would rather die
a gruesome death
than spend one more night here
havin' a man touch me.
I remember
when we was little girls.
We used to run through
the sunflower fields
in North Carolina.
You used to tell me
that dreams are from God.
And that when you stop dreaming,
you stop living.
Sarah, we aren't living.
Dreams aren't real.
I ain't too sure God is real.
But I ain't goin' to stop you
from leavin' here.
[sniffles]
[receding footsteps]
There you go.
Lily, this is yours.
- And Charlie.
- Thank you.
- There you go.
- Ooo, muffins are my favorite.
And last, but certainly
not least, Miss Lizzy.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
So, I got some news. The Army
is relocating me up to Montana.
That means that we're going to
be leaving tomorrow morning.
I think it will be
a good start for all of us.
What will we do up there?
The Army has given me
some land by a river.
And, um.
I plan on turning it
into a farm.
So, we'll be raising crops,
and we'll have horses
and we'll have sheep and cattle.
And there's even a town.
And in that town,
there's a little school
that I'll take you all to.
Oh, can I fish
on the river?
I used to love fishing
with Father.
[soft chuckle]
You can fish all you want.
Yeah. As a family.
Yeah.
But I caught the most fish.
[chuckles]
Did you see Father die?
No.
[knock on door]
[door squeaks open]
Hi.
Uh, hi.
Uh, come in, come in.
Hi. I'm Lizzy.
Hello, Lizzy.
Nice to meet you. I'm Ingrid.
Hi, Charlie.
Hello, Lily.
Um, here. Let me give you
somethin' to eat.
The three of you
sure look alike.
Uh, Charlie,
Lily, and Lizzy, uh,
Ingrid is a. a friend of mine.
Um.
Can I come with you to Montana?
I won't be any trouble.
I just.
I want a better life.
I think it would be
nice for her to come with us.
Yeah. Um, I... [sighing]
I suppose, yeah.
Thank you.
Ingrid, do you think
you can talk Phil
into letting our friends
come with us to Montana?
I don't think
they have any homes.
Um, they made friends
with other children
on the Orphan Train,
and they didn't get
adopted this morning.
But you know what?
I know you had a long day
today on the trains.
And we're gonna have
a very long day tomorrow,
'cause if we're
gonna be traveling,
we're gonna have to pack up.
So, I think it's time
for you guys to get to bed.
I can make a pallet
for them by the fireplace.
- Oh.
- Lizzy and Lily,
how about I braid your hair
before bed?
- Okay.
- Yeah.
Okay.
[birds chirping]
[eagle screeches]
[tense music]
[horse nickers]
- [horse neighing]
- [war cries]
[tense music]
- [horse hooves clopping]
- [horse neighing]
[war cries]
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Go, go, go, go.
[horse neighing]
- [war whoops]
- [horse neighing]
[Apaches' war whoops]
[Desmond] Jack,
there're too many!
[horse hooves clopping]
[Apaches' war whoops]
- [gunshots]
- [man screams]
[horse neighs]
[Desmond] Jack,
there's Company K!
- [gunshots]
- [man grunts]
- [horse neighs]
- [gunshots]
[horse neighs]
[Alice gasps]
[Jack] Thanks for the help,
soldier.
[soft music]
Let's move out.
There may be more comin'.
Come on.
[dramatic music]
[soft music]
[Shantu] We've been tracking
these Apaches for a while now.
Lieutenant Calgrove.
Shantu.
United States Army, Company K.
Ah, you're the Native Union
sharpshooting group.
Yes, sir.
Wait a minute.
Calgrove.
The letter, please.
[Jack] What letter?
[Shantu] You're the father
coming for his children.
Here's a letter
we're delivering
to the station
in Independence, Missouri.
[Jack] But why didn't it
get there?
[Shantu] We guard
these Orphan Trains at night.
We'll pull over
to pick on those Apaches
you just encountered.
And it took us far off track.
My son, Phillip Calgrove,
lives in Independence, Missouri.
That's where he's stationed.
They're supposed to be
holding them with him there.
How far is it?
It's about
a hundred miles from here.
Let's move.
[dramatic music]
[clattering]
The kids are still sleeping.
Mornin'.
[footsteps]
All, uh, all loaded up now.
[Phil sighs deeply]
Is everything okay?
[soft music]
[horse neighs]
[soft music]
We don't.
we don't know each other,
but what I do know is
we seem to be
in the same place
in our lives.
We're both searching
for a greater purpose.
[inhales]
I just.
I just can't walk in there
and adopt six children.
I can barely
take care of myself.
[Ingrid exhales]
I had stopped
believing in goodness.
Until the night we met.
From that night on, I.
I started thinking maybe
there's another way for me.
Maybe with these children,
I [sniffles].
I could be worth something.
[sniffles]
I can help you.
We can do it.
[Phil inhales]
[horse hooves clopping]
[soft music]
Mary, Addi,
Johnny, Jacob, Ray, Jimmy,
get out here!
Get out here!
[Mary] Lizzy!
I miss you.
- [Charlie] Jacob.
- [Mary] I miss you so much.
[Lizzy] Jimmy!
Well.
your brother already
sendin' you back, huh?
[Lizzy] No, sir.
We would like to take
our friends with us.
I'd, uh, like to formally
adopt all these children
that were left behind.
You serious, sir?
Dead serious.
Whoo!
We could use your help on
the farm from all of you guys.
[soft chuckle]
Well, you'll all be glad
to have a family again, right?
- [Lizzy] Yes.
- [Charlie] Yes, sir.
I'll get the paperwork
and you can be on your way.
- [Phil] Okay, thank you.
- [Frank] All of ya.
[Phil] Thank you.
Ray, welcome to the family.
I'm Phil.
- What's your name?
- [Mary] Mary.
[Phil] I'm Phil.
[soft music]
[Ray] Goodbye, Frank.
I'll miss you, Ray.
I'll miss you too.
Goodbye, Jimmy.
Good luck to ya.
[Phil] Hope to see you again.
Thank you.
[Phil] God bless.
All right, everyone.
[horse hooves clopping]
[soft music]
[older Lizzy] We met up with
another family leaving town,
and together, we set out
to start our lives over.
Huddled in the back
of those wagons,
we were ready
to take on the world.
[water flowing]
Charlie, why don't you
get up here
and show 'em how it's done.
[rifle clicks]
- Right over there.
- Okay.
[Phil] On your sights.
Sit back, everybody.
- [rifle fires]
- [can clanks]
[kids] Ooh.
Dang, Charlie.
- [Lizzy] Yeah, Charlie.
- Bull's eye, buddy.
Doesn't surprise me
at all, buddy.
[rifle clicks]
Who's next?
Can I go next?
Yeah, get up here.
All right,
just like your brother,
right at those tin cans
I set up.
Okay.
Now, it's a little loud,
so I'm gonna cover your ears.
All right.
Line up a little bit.
You got it?
- [rifle fires]
- [can clanks]
[kids] Ooh.
Nice shooting, cowgirl.
Thanks.
Dang, Lizzy,
you can shoot.
I'll go. That's easy.
Hit that one right there.
[Phil] Here you go.
Now just like the other two,
line it up.
Now let her rip
when you're ready.
[Ray] Which one of these
is the trigger?
- [kids] Whoa.
- Hey.
All right, so first
rule of handling a gun is,
you never aim
at another person.
[Charlie] Only if
it's the bad guy, though.
Thank you, Charlie.
Only if it's the bad guy.
[Ingrid] Children,
supper's ready.
All right,
we'll do this later.
Come on, Jimmy.
[solemn music]
[older Lizzy] [voice-over]
As we traveled West,
our hearts began to heal
from the wound
of losing our parents.
We let go of our
fear and anger.
Love re-entered our lives.
[soft gentle music]
[soft music]
[tense music]
[horse hooves clopping]
[birds chirping]
Corporal.
[man] Welcome to
Missouri, Lieutenant.
Looking for
the local orphanage.
Can you point us
in that direction?
Down that way
at the edge of town.
Thank you.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
[grunts]
[approaching footsteps]
I'm here for my children.
Oh, yes, sir.
Well, I will need for you
to fill out the necessary...
[Jack]
I don't think you understand!
My children arrived here
a few days ago.
Phillip Calgrove.
Phillip Calgrove, yes.
A... And the children.
They're... they're with him.
Where the hell are they?
They're...
they're on a wagon train
on the way to the Oregon Trail.
- It's West.
- Tell me! You got a map?
You got a map in here?
I have many maps. I.
I'm sure you can find it.
[receding footsteps]
Was there a child named
Mary Beggs with them?
Mary Beggs, Mary Beggs.
Lieutenant, Lieutenant.
You cannot travel that alone.
You know the route?
Sure do.
We'll all ride together.
Mary's, yes, yes, yes,
she's with them.
Yes, yes. I remember Mary.
She's with them.
You'll need this paper.
- Thank you so much.
- [Frank] Yes.
- Thank you.
- [Frank] Yes.
Phil's been assigned
to a new post.
Someone must have
given the order.
[horse neighs]
[Andrew] Looks like you folks
left one war,
jumped right into another one.
[Alice] Where are they?
Here.
Bozeman, Montana.
See, a lot of these tribes
were forced West,
and they had their land
seized by the government.
They blamed the settlers and
started raiding the whole area.
We had to station men
at different posts
to help keep the peace.
Are the children
in danger?
Well, the Cheyenne
have been causing
most of the trouble.
[suspenseful music]
[horse neighing]
[horse neighing]
[Cheyenne yells]
[horses' hooves clopping]
[horse neighing]
[Phil] Charlie, get the girls.
[Cheyenne yells]
[Ingrid] Come on, come on.
This way.
Come on, come on you guys.
[Cheyenne yells]
[horse neighing]
[Cheyenne yells]
We don't want any trouble.
We're just passing through.
- [horse neighing]
- [Cheyenne yells]
[Phil] On our way to
Montana to farm.
Here, come,
break bread with us.
Hmm.
Okay, yeah. Okay.
Guys, let's break bread.
It'll be okay.
[rifle clicks]
[Cheyenne yells]
- No!
- [rifle fires]
Get down.
[horses neighing]
Please, please no more.
[rifle fires]
Please, please.
Please, enough.
Stop!
- No!
- [shoots arrow]
[Jimmy grunts]
Please, please, no more.
They're just children.
They're children, no!
[Addi panting]
- [shoots arrow]
- [Addi grunts]
No!
[rifle fires]
No!
[Phil] Charlie, no!
[screams] Charlie!
Charlie, no!
[Phil shouts in anguish]
[horse hooves clopping]
[horse neighing]
[Jack] [panting] Here.
[panting]
He's gone.
These children.
[Desmond] She's dead.
Please, no.
Oh no.
No. Charlie, Charlie,
Charlie, Charlie.
Charlie's still breathing.
Come here, I got you.
I got you, I got you.
I got you.
Daddy, it hurts.
[Jack shushes]
I tried to protect them.
[weeping]
You did so good, Charlie.
You did so good.
Don't you go.
[shushes]
Don't you go.
Please stay.
You're my boy.
You're my boy, Charlie.
Don't go.
I got you.
Daddy's here, Daddy's here.
Please God,
please don't take him.
Don't take him.
Don't take him.
No! [echoes]
[soft music]
[fire crackling]
[somber music]
[sniffles]
[sobbing]
[somber music]
Every night.
we'd sit around the table.
[sniffles] She'd read a Bible
verse out of this Bible.
We'd take turns
sayin' the nightly prayer.
Char.
Charlie was always the first
to say the same prayer.
[sniffles] He became a man
the day I left.
And died an innocent.
I know if they shot him.
he was trying to save somebody.
My husband Charles and I
planned to escape
the plantation.
Mary was a baby.
And we wanted to give her
a better life.
We almost got
off that plantation
when we got noticed.
Charles told me, "You run,
and you don't look back."
Well, I circled back and.
they hammered him to a cross.
and set him on fire
right in front of my eyes.
[crying]
It doesn't seem fair
what some have to go through
on this side of life.
I'm sorry.
[sniffles]
Thank you.
I'm gonna find
your daughter, Miss Beggs.
I'm gonna get my children back.
Nothin's gonna stop me.
Nothin'.
[wind blowing]
Just give me a minute.
[Desmond sniffles]
[receding footsteps]
[somber music]
I'm gonna miss you, son.
[Lily] Father, don't go.
[Jack] Oh, Lily.
I promise you;
I'll be home soon.
[tense music]
How do you reckon
we find them?
We'll lure them to us.
[Shantu] Yes.
They'll be back for the next
wagon train passing by.
Just a matter of time.
Let's get ready.
[]
[suspenseful music]
[Desmond panting]
Take your time.
Don't be nervous.
[horses' hooves clopping]
[Jack whistles]
[suspenseful music]
[Shantu chirps]
[rifle clicks]
[]
[gun clicks]
[Cheyenne yells]
- [rifles and guns firing]
- [horse neighs]
- [rifles and guns firing]
- [yells]
[horses' hooves clopping]
[Jack grunts]
[Jack grunts]
[Jack panting]
[horses' hooves clopping]
[]
[birds chirping]
[horse neighs]
[]
[footsteps]
[Lizzy] Keep calm.
It's gonna be okay.
It's okay.
[Cheyenne woman singing Native
song]
[Cheyenne woman singing Native
song]
[Phil groans]
[Ingrid] Phil. Phil.
[Cheyenne woman singing Native
song]
Tell me.
Is that where my children are?
[Cheyenne man screams in pain]
Did you kill my son?!
Did you kill my son?!
[Cheyenne man screams in pain]
[Phil groans]
[Desmond] How many men
inside your camp?
Many.
Many men.
[fire crackling]
All right,
you're gonna lead us there.
[dramatic music]
[Phil groaning]
[somber music]
[Ingrid sobs]
[]
[]
[dramatic music]
[horse neighs]
[birds chirping]
[horse neighs]
Shantu, take your men.
You guys drop down the ridge.
I'll meet you in the middle.
[incidental music]
[fire crackling]
[footsteps]
[horse hooves clopping]
[Shantu whistles]
[horse neighs]
[horse hooves clopping]
[Cheyenne man speaks in Native
language]
[Lizzy screaming]
[Ingrid No! Get off of her.
[Lizzy screaming]
[Ingrid] No, get off of her.
[horse hooves clopping]
[gun and rifle firing]
[man grunts]
[Lizzy screaming]
[rifle fires]
[thuds]
[screaming]
[thud]
[horse hooves clopping]
[Ingrid] No. Get back, get back.
[gunshots]
Move back
that way, that way.
[horse hooves clopping]
[horse neighs]
[Lizzy screaming]
[Ingrid] Lily!
[gunshots]
[Shantu grunts]
- [Shantu] Where'd they go?
- They ran that way.
[rifle fires]
[Lizzy] Lily!
[Cheyenne man grunts]
[Cheyenne man groans]
[Jack breathes heavily]
[Phil] Come on!
Come on, come on, come on.
Get up. Get up, come on.
Phil!
- [Phil sobs]
- Are you okay?
- [Phil] I'm sorry.
- I got ya.
Watch it.
Go get the kids.
- Get the kids.
- [Jack] Get her to safety.
Where's the girls?
[Lizzy screams]
[horse hooves clopping]
[wind blowing]
Whoa,
whoa.
[Lizzy and Mary screaming]
[shushes]
[Lizzy] Daddy! Daddy!
[shouts]
[grunting and groaning]
[Cheyenne man groans]
[Cheyenne man grunts]
[Cheyenne man grunts]
[Cheyenne man choking]
[groans]
[panting]
Lizzy, where's your sister?
[Lizzy] They took her.
They took her.
- Where? Where?
- [Lizzy] Under the bridge.
Okay.
Here's my pistol.
If anybody
comes near you, shoot.
Okay?
Okay.
[dramatic music]
[Lily screaming]
[horse hooves clopping]
[Lily screaming]
[horse hooves clopping]
Yah! Yah! Yah!
[horse hooves clopping]
[Lily screaming]
Oh, Lily.
I got you.
Daddy, please,
- please don't leave me.
- You're safe now.
[]
[Lizzy] Lily!
[Desmond] There you go.
Alice.
[Alice sobs]
Mary?
Mary!
- Mary. Mary.
- Mommy!
[Alice] Mary!
Oh my God.
[laughs and cries]
Let me look at you.
Oh, you okay?
Huh?
I missed you so much.
[sniffles]
I hope you've
made peace with God.
You killed my son,
and I'm gonna make sure
every single one of you
pay the price.
[Alice] Jack.
Please stop.
[soft music]
[Native woman sniffles]
Thank you.
[Native woman speaks in Native
language]
We want peace as well.
[yells]
Raise!
- Fire!
- [rifles fire]
[older Lizzy] [voice-over]
Shantu suggested to Father
that we honor all lives
lost that day.
That in order to bring peace,
we must first acknowledge
our own mistakes
and that those in power
must seek to break
the cycle of violence.
[soft gentle music]
[water flowing]
We ended up moving to Montana
and used the land
the government gave us
to start an orphanage.
[horse neighing]
We welcomed all who wanted to be
a part of our community
with the promise to also
learn from their traditions.
[train roaring]
[Jack] Welcome.
Nice to see you.
Thanks for bringing
the children.
My pleasure.
[Jack] Watch your step.
Figure it was time
I started dreaming again.
Jack!
[]
[soft music]
- [drumbeats]
- [singing Native song]
[soft music]
[speaks in Native language]
[speaks in Native language]
[horses' hooves clopping
[soft music]
[horses' hooves clopping,
horses neighing]
[horses neighing]
[muted chatter]
[train honking]
[Little Jack giggling]
What is your name, child?
Little Jack.
Little Jack,
I'm Lizzy Calgrove.
This is my sister
Lily Calgrove.
Hi, Lily Calgrove.
We're gonna take
really good care of you.
[older Lizzy] [voice-over]
God gives his hardest battles
to his strongest soldiers.
[sniffles]
Father, you held my hand
when I was small.
You caught me when I fell.
You are my hero
of my childhood,
and my later years as well.
You taught me
the purpose of life
is to discover your gift,
develop it and give it away.
I know Heaven
is a beautiful place
because it has you.
[New-Age music]
[]
[]
[eagle screeches]
[calm music]
[Lizzy] By the end of
our nation's great Civil War,
thousands of children
found themselves orphaned,
[horse galloping]
their fathers
killed in battle,
their mothers taken
by disease, or grief.
Many ended up
on the Orphan Train,
a program to relocate children
from the decimated
northern cities
to families
in other territories.
Families with love to give.
and farms to run.
[horse nickers]
My brother, sister and I
rode the Orphan Train,
cold, hungry, and scared.
Little did we know
at the time
that the only thing
stronger than death
was our father's love
for his children.
[dramatic music]
[flashback]
I'll miss you, Daddy.
I'll miss you too.
[grunting]
This is a doll.
for both you girls.
that's gonna protect you
while I'm gone.
And anytime you miss Daddy,
you can hold that doll
when you go to sleep at night,
and know that I'm always
thinkin' about you.
[Lizzy sniffles]
Okay?
Come here, Lily.
Oh, I love you.
[Lizzy] When Father
started talking about
leaving for the war,
our oldest brother, Phillip,
was determined to go with him.
Charlie, you're
the man of the house now.
[Lizzy] Father told him
to stay and look after us,
but eventually relented.
- Bye.
- Bye.
I'll be home soon.
[tense music]
[bombs exploding]
[gunshots]
[horse whinnies]
[groaning]
[horse neighing]
[shouting]
Phillip!
Phillip!
Father.
Where are you hurt?
[exhaling]
I can't feel my legs.
Come on, I got you.
[soldier 1]
Get in the back.
[shouting and gunfire continues]
[soldier 2] Get him to safety;
get him to safety.
[soldier 3]
Lieutenant!
[Jack] Get him down here.
Get him down.
Move down.
They're comin',
they're comin'.
Move in!
There's more of 'em comin',
there's more of 'em comin'.
I'm fine.
I can go back.
- No, you're not goin' back.
- I can go back.
You can't go back!
- Charlie.
- Yes, sir.
- I can't leave them, Father.
- Stay with me.
- I love you.
- No! Father, no!
- Father, no!
- Stay with me.
- Stay with me.
- No!
Corporal,
stay with me.
[gunshots]
[soldiers shouting]
[explosion]
[high pitched sound]
[train roaring]
[horn blaring]
[door opens]
All aboard!
[dramatic music]
Thank you.
Let's get
these children on the train.
We leave in five minutes.
[Lizzy] Mother got word that
Father had died in battle.
It was like part of her broke.
like she had a hole inside.
Before too long, tuberculosis
came and aimed to fill it.
[Esther]
Watch your step.
[melancholy music]
[Lizzy]
Riding on that train, though,
we felt a little less lonely.
Next to the rest
of the orphan children,
we considered ourselves lucky.
[horn blaring]
At least we had each other,
least we were still
part of a family.
So, how'd you end up
on this Orphan Train?
My father, he didn't
come back from the war.
And. and my mother,
she recently died.
So, we're gonna live
with my brother, Phil.
[horn blaring]
[horse hooves clopping]
[horse whinnies]
[Andrew] Order!
Arms!
[guns clanking]
[dramatic music]
Manhood comes
sooner for some.
Why don't you follow me down
to the Children's Aid Society.
We told them you were alive,
and I think your siblings
should be here soon.
- Take care.
- Yes, sir.
Son, you'll be all right.
Carry on.
[clears throat]
Thank you.
Um-hmm.
Corporal, the Army
is movin' your post.
There's a lot of folks
moving out west
and they wanna
relocate your post
to one along the Bozeman Trail.
Government's gonna
give you land, aid,
so you can build a home
on the river
just outside of Bozeman.
Hmm.
Son, that's a lot
to take in.
You understand what I'm sayin'?
I think this could be
a real good start
for you and your family.
Yes, sir. I do.
My apologies.
It'll be
a good beginning.
I hope it is.
Thank you.
There's a couple of
angry tribes out there, son.
And I can't blame 'em.
Settlements have moved west
rather quickly
and things have gotten messy.
We need good soldiers
like yourself to.
help bring some peace.
[horse neighing]
Okay.
- [bell chiming]
- [train roaring]
- [wind blowing]
- [soft tense music]
[horse hooves clopping]
[horse nickers]
[soft tense music continues]
- [muted chattering]
- [piano music playing]
[sighing]
[clears throat]
Just give me a minute
to gather myself.
Oh, I...
And then
we can go upstairs.
I don't. I don't want
anything from you.
I just.
Uh, I like to.
I'd like to buy this lady
a drink.
Are you, uh,
you all right?
Yes.
[door squeaks open]
You can come in.
[door closes]
[cricket stridulating]
Um.
Four years ago, I had to put
my baby on the Orphan Train.
Just wonder what she's like now.
I want her bed to be ready
just in case she does come back.
We can talk about it if...
if you'd like to.
Ain't no man ever wanted to
stay up all night
and talk to me.
What was, uh.
what's your daughter's name?
Gretyl.
I named her after my mother.
I wanted her to have
a better life
than I could give her.
What will you do
now the war's over?
Um. I.
I lost. both my parents.
So, I have to be taking care
of my little siblings now.
The Army's relocated me up to
Montana, so.
Your siblings,
what's their names?
So, my younger brother,
his name is Charlie.
And, uh, so proud
of that little guy.
He's.
he's gonna be a big man
someday, you know.
Reminds me a lot of my father.
And, uh,
gosh. Lizzy. [scoffs]
a little ball of fire.
And then Lily, kind of afraid
that she won't remember me.
And the thing that I can't
stop thinkin' about is
how am I gonna.
how am I gonna break it to them,
you know, Father, he's gone.
And it's just gonna be me.
And how am I gonna be him?
Um, maybe
I could walk you
to the train station
tomorrow, Mister...
what's your name again?
Uh, Phillip.
Phillip Calgrove.
Thank you for just
wanting to talk to me.
Yeah. You're welcome.
[train roaring]
[tense music]
[shouting]
[shouting stops abruptly]
[whimpering]
[whispering]
What's the matter, sweetheart?
I miss my mom and dad.
[whispering]
I'm so sorry.
Why does God
let bad things happen?
[whispering] I don't
have any answer to that,
but we have to have faith.
I want you to try to
get some sleep.
It's a long train ride.
My mom
would always sing me to sleep.
O Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works
Thy Hands hath made
I see the stars
I hear the roaring thunder
Thy powers throughout
The universe displayed
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art
[approaching footsteps]
[bird screeches]
[door squeaks open]
Come on. Get up.
War's over.
[dramatic music]
- Move, boy!
- [groans]
[spits]
Keep walkin'.
Come on.
Go on, get.
Keep walkin', Desmond.
Keep walking. Go.
Don't look back.
Come on, Desmond.
[dramatic music intensifies]
Whoa.
Jack Calgrove.
Samuel Hagan.
Boys look like you had it rough.
Yeah.
[horse nickers]
Desmond Richards.
Samuel Hagan.
I got these horses here.
Strays I picked up
off the battlefield.
How you boys gettin' home?
- [incidental music]
- [horse hooves clopping]
[horse whinnies, neighs]
Molly!
Charlie!
I'm home!
Molly?
[horse nickers]
Nobody's home.
Everything all right,
Mr. Calgrove?
Molly!
[horse hooves clopping]
Whoa, whoa.
[horse nickers]
Molly.
[sighing]
[horse nickers]
They think I'm dead.
[horse neighs]
I gotta find my children.
[Daniel] Gentlemen,
allow me to welcome you home
on behalf of our great nation,
and know that
while you have lost comrades,
brothers, and friends,
that it was not in vain.
That your nation thanks you.
[horse neighs]
Well, I'll be damned.
Company, present arms!
[guns clanking]
[company applauding]
Several days after
Molly had heard of your death,
she passed, Jack.
Tuberculosis.
I'm sorry.
Molly's wish was
that the young ones
be sent to live with
your son Phillip in Missouri.
Phil is still alive?
Yes.
Thank you, God.
[sighs] [sniffles]
Who's been tendin' to Charlie,
Lizzy, and Lily?
The Army contacted
an orphanage in New York.
A gentleman by the name
of Edward Pagan.
He's doin' many fine works,
placing children
with good homes.
The Orphan Train movement.
You mean to tell me,
you put my children
in an orphanage?
Jack, when I found out
Phillip was still alive,
I needed to get those children
to Missouri to meet him.
There's 50 kids on that train.
It seemed to me to be
the most reasonable option
to transport them.
Oh, help me God.
You put my kids on a train,
you sent them to Missouri?
You realize how dangerous
that is?!
That's hostile territory!
We just finished
fightin' the war
right where
that train's goin'!
Are there armed officers
on that train?
Yes, Jack.
The government has ordered
that Company K
ride with the Orphan Trains
to guard them against
hostile Confederates
and Natives.
Company K's a group
of sharpshootin' Natives
from Michigan.
I was in the 54th Regiment
and I did some work
with Company K.
Jack, I can send
a message through Company K
alerting your son Phillip
that you're still alive.
I reckon you point me
in the direction of that train.
[incidental music]
God bless your soul.
[sighing deeply]
[incidental music]
All packed up.
You know you don't
have to go with me.
You might enjoy
some peace and quiet.
Yeah.
I ain't got nowhere else
I got to be.
And I want to help you
get your family back.
You're a good man.
Let's get on the trail.
[horse nickers]
Let's ride.
[horse hooves clopping]
[dramatic music]
[train roaring]
Charlie, I'm hungry.
Okay, um,
wait right here.
Um, excuse me.
Would it be okay
if I get a few more
pieces of bread and water?
Yes, dear. Um.
I'll go ahead and distribute
the bread to everyone.
Thank you.
What happened to you?
Mom not want you anymore?
Or she just work at
one of them whorehouses?
[soft music playing]
Here,
you come sit with us.
- Charlie, you good?
- Yeah.
Some bread for you.
Thank you.
Here.
[train horn blaring]
[horse nickers]
[train squeaking]
Good morning to you all!
Good morning.
Beautiful day
for some new families.
Fathers mothers, brothers,
and sisters.
thank you for comin'.
We've arrived
in Independence, Missouri,
and you're all about to go home.
Please stay seated
for right now,
and Mr. Smith will be right on
to tell you where to go next.
You'll have to
fill out the paperwork
for this gentleman.
It's required by law.
Those of you who've already
filled out the paperwork
can just step to the front
of the line over there.
We'll bring out the children.
[man] I need some strong boys
for helping me [indistinct].
It's gonna be okay.
[Frank] Oh, we got
strong ones and...
and strong girls too.
[man 1] Do they have names?
[Frank] Oh yeah,
they all have names.
[door opens]
Everyone,
get off the train.
Follow me
and we'll form a line.
Watch your step.
[Frank] Step right down.
There you go.
There you go, Jimmy.
[grunting] There we go.
[man] Please form a line
at the stand.
[Frank] There we go, little one.
Got it, young lady?
There you go.
[Lizzy] Phil!
[Phil] Lizzy!
Phil!
It's okay.
Watch your step.
Hey, buddy.
Oh, my gosh.
Look how big you've grown.
- Dang. [chuckles]
- [soft chuckle]
Hey. Hey, uh, Lily, I...
I know you may not remember me.
Uh, but I'm your older brother,
Phil.
I'm gonna take care of you.
Okay?
She hasn't talked
since Mother and Father died.
Okay. [sighs]
That's all your stuff
right there?
- Yeah.
- All right, I'll get that...
Sir, you will need, uh, to
fill out the proper paperwork.
Okay. All right,
you guys get in line.
I'll be right back.
Okay.
[horse neighing]
Ingrid?
All right, parents,
step up to the front.
We'll need your paperwork.
Come on up.
Come on up.
Don't be afraid.
Thank you.
[horse neighing]
This way, please.
[muted chatter]
Uh-uh.
Step this way.
Thank you.
Thank you, sir.
This way, please.
Paperwork looks good to me.
Next group.
What's your name?
Emily.
Hi, Emily.
Welcome to our family.
Next.
In our house,
you earn your keep.
You work hard, get rewarded
with a good supper.
If you don't work hard,
you hit the road.
In this house, I'm the law.
That understood?
[in unison] Yes, sir.
- Is that understood?
- [in unison] Yes, sir.
All right. Come on.
Come on down this way.
Right around.
Come on now. Come on.
For Charlie, Lizzy,
and Lily Calgrove, please.
[Lizzy]
That's my brother, Phil.
Phil, can we take Mary with us?
I'm so...
I'm sorry, children.
I have, uh, Addison, Mary,
Johnny, Ray and Jacob down
as all getting adopted
by the Smith family and they...
they've not shown up yet.
If they don't show up
by tomorrow morning,
you'll go back on the train.
But... but tonight you'll sleep
in the local orphanage.
Wait, what about Jimmy?
Uh. well, the family
didn't take Jimmy.
Uh, lots of times, they don't
take the older children.
Bye.
My dad gave me this doll.
I'd like you to have it.
Bye.
All right, uh,
Lily, Lizzy, Charlie,
it's time to get goin'.
Here. I got this for ya.
Go on, sweetheart.
Bye.
You're one brave cowboy.
And sometimes, cowboys have to
part ways to their cattle.
All right, bud. [sighs]
[incidental music]
[horse nickers]
[panting]
I beg you,
please help me.
My daughter has been taken.
[panting]
Please.
You lost?
Ain't much around here but men
returnin' home from the war.
And for a Black woman,
it ain't a safe place to be.
There's a town.
about 25 miles back
the way we came.
- Thank you.
- I'm sure there's someone
there can help you.
[horse nickers]
[horse neighs]
Keep the guns down.
Looks like we got a couple of
no-good Yanks.
[indistinct] Yankees.
[horse nickers]
War's over.
You guys keep on movin'.
Over when we say it's over.
How 'bout I just rip you
off that horse?
[gun clicks]
[tense music]
Keep goin'.
We gotta keep moving.
I want to rip their throats out
just as bad as you do.
[muted chatter]
- [Alice screaming]
- [horse neighs]
- [soldiers laughing]
- [Alice screaming]
[guns firing]
[Alice weeping]
One more step, she's done!
She's done!
One more step...!
- [gun fires]
- [Alice crying]
[gun fires]
Come with us.
- [fire crackling]
- [dramatic music]
[Edward] Your daughter.
was in an alley living
out of a cardboard box.
You gave us no choice
but to remove her.
[crying]
Don't you tell me that!
You don't know what I've
been through to find freedom!
Now to have my child
ripped away!
You tell me what
my child is right now!
Right now!
Please, I beg you, sir.
I beg you, please.
She ain't ever been without me.
I'm a good mother. I promise,
I'm a good mother.
I promise. [crying]
I'm a good mom.
Forgive me.
Now, let's see
what we can do for you.
[paper rustling]
[sniffles]
Looks like Mary is on a train
heading to Missouri
with about 40 other children.
She will be at the orphanage,
in good care.
[fire crackling]
[horse neighs]
You sure your daughter's
on that Orphan Train?
I lost two years of my life
in those Confederate camps.
My babies' voices echoed
through my head every day.
It's what kept me from dyin'.
How old is your daughter?
She's 10.
You said her name was?
- Mary.
- Mary?
Mary Beggs.
Mary.
[mellow music]
Where are you
headed off to?
Told you that you can't
get emotionally involved
with these men
who come in here.
They aren't safe.
I never wanted this life.
Do you think
any of us want this life?
I hate myself for bringing you
here with me and Jimmy.
When he died, I thought
I could work here
until I found another man or...
or got me an honest job
to take care of you.
I never intended to drag you
into this dark hole with me.
We can leave
in the morning.
And never look back.
I met an honest soldier.
He ain't your normal man.
He just wanted to talk to me.
Ingrid, you little fool.
Where do you think
this honest man
is goin' to take you?
What do you think
is gonna happen?
[bangs table]
I'm leaving!
I would rather die
a gruesome death
than spend one more night here
havin' a man touch me.
I remember
when we was little girls.
We used to run through
the sunflower fields
in North Carolina.
You used to tell me
that dreams are from God.
And that when you stop dreaming,
you stop living.
Sarah, we aren't living.
Dreams aren't real.
I ain't too sure God is real.
But I ain't goin' to stop you
from leavin' here.
[sniffles]
[receding footsteps]
There you go.
Lily, this is yours.
- And Charlie.
- Thank you.
- There you go.
- Ooo, muffins are my favorite.
And last, but certainly
not least, Miss Lizzy.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
So, I got some news. The Army
is relocating me up to Montana.
That means that we're going to
be leaving tomorrow morning.
I think it will be
a good start for all of us.
What will we do up there?
The Army has given me
some land by a river.
And, um.
I plan on turning it
into a farm.
So, we'll be raising crops,
and we'll have horses
and we'll have sheep and cattle.
And there's even a town.
And in that town,
there's a little school
that I'll take you all to.
Oh, can I fish
on the river?
I used to love fishing
with Father.
[soft chuckle]
You can fish all you want.
Yeah. As a family.
Yeah.
But I caught the most fish.
[chuckles]
Did you see Father die?
No.
[knock on door]
[door squeaks open]
Hi.
Uh, hi.
Uh, come in, come in.
Hi. I'm Lizzy.
Hello, Lizzy.
Nice to meet you. I'm Ingrid.
Hi, Charlie.
Hello, Lily.
Um, here. Let me give you
somethin' to eat.
The three of you
sure look alike.
Uh, Charlie,
Lily, and Lizzy, uh,
Ingrid is a. a friend of mine.
Um.
Can I come with you to Montana?
I won't be any trouble.
I just.
I want a better life.
I think it would be
nice for her to come with us.
Yeah. Um, I... [sighing]
I suppose, yeah.
Thank you.
Ingrid, do you think
you can talk Phil
into letting our friends
come with us to Montana?
I don't think
they have any homes.
Um, they made friends
with other children
on the Orphan Train,
and they didn't get
adopted this morning.
But you know what?
I know you had a long day
today on the trains.
And we're gonna have
a very long day tomorrow,
'cause if we're
gonna be traveling,
we're gonna have to pack up.
So, I think it's time
for you guys to get to bed.
I can make a pallet
for them by the fireplace.
- Oh.
- Lizzy and Lily,
how about I braid your hair
before bed?
- Okay.
- Yeah.
Okay.
[birds chirping]
[eagle screeches]
[tense music]
[horse nickers]
- [horse neighing]
- [war cries]
[tense music]
- [horse hooves clopping]
- [horse neighing]
[war cries]
Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Go, go, go, go.
[horse neighing]
- [war whoops]
- [horse neighing]
[Apaches' war whoops]
[Desmond] Jack,
there're too many!
[horse hooves clopping]
[Apaches' war whoops]
- [gunshots]
- [man screams]
[horse neighs]
[Desmond] Jack,
there's Company K!
- [gunshots]
- [man grunts]
- [horse neighs]
- [gunshots]
[horse neighs]
[Alice gasps]
[Jack] Thanks for the help,
soldier.
[soft music]
Let's move out.
There may be more comin'.
Come on.
[dramatic music]
[soft music]
[Shantu] We've been tracking
these Apaches for a while now.
Lieutenant Calgrove.
Shantu.
United States Army, Company K.
Ah, you're the Native Union
sharpshooting group.
Yes, sir.
Wait a minute.
Calgrove.
The letter, please.
[Jack] What letter?
[Shantu] You're the father
coming for his children.
Here's a letter
we're delivering
to the station
in Independence, Missouri.
[Jack] But why didn't it
get there?
[Shantu] We guard
these Orphan Trains at night.
We'll pull over
to pick on those Apaches
you just encountered.
And it took us far off track.
My son, Phillip Calgrove,
lives in Independence, Missouri.
That's where he's stationed.
They're supposed to be
holding them with him there.
How far is it?
It's about
a hundred miles from here.
Let's move.
[dramatic music]
[clattering]
The kids are still sleeping.
Mornin'.
[footsteps]
All, uh, all loaded up now.
[Phil sighs deeply]
Is everything okay?
[soft music]
[horse neighs]
[soft music]
We don't.
we don't know each other,
but what I do know is
we seem to be
in the same place
in our lives.
We're both searching
for a greater purpose.
[inhales]
I just.
I just can't walk in there
and adopt six children.
I can barely
take care of myself.
[Ingrid exhales]
I had stopped
believing in goodness.
Until the night we met.
From that night on, I.
I started thinking maybe
there's another way for me.
Maybe with these children,
I [sniffles].
I could be worth something.
[sniffles]
I can help you.
We can do it.
[Phil inhales]
[horse hooves clopping]
[soft music]
Mary, Addi,
Johnny, Jacob, Ray, Jimmy,
get out here!
Get out here!
[Mary] Lizzy!
I miss you.
- [Charlie] Jacob.
- [Mary] I miss you so much.
[Lizzy] Jimmy!
Well.
your brother already
sendin' you back, huh?
[Lizzy] No, sir.
We would like to take
our friends with us.
I'd, uh, like to formally
adopt all these children
that were left behind.
You serious, sir?
Dead serious.
Whoo!
We could use your help on
the farm from all of you guys.
[soft chuckle]
Well, you'll all be glad
to have a family again, right?
- [Lizzy] Yes.
- [Charlie] Yes, sir.
I'll get the paperwork
and you can be on your way.
- [Phil] Okay, thank you.
- [Frank] All of ya.
[Phil] Thank you.
Ray, welcome to the family.
I'm Phil.
- What's your name?
- [Mary] Mary.
[Phil] I'm Phil.
[soft music]
[Ray] Goodbye, Frank.
I'll miss you, Ray.
I'll miss you too.
Goodbye, Jimmy.
Good luck to ya.
[Phil] Hope to see you again.
Thank you.
[Phil] God bless.
All right, everyone.
[horse hooves clopping]
[soft music]
[older Lizzy] We met up with
another family leaving town,
and together, we set out
to start our lives over.
Huddled in the back
of those wagons,
we were ready
to take on the world.
[water flowing]
Charlie, why don't you
get up here
and show 'em how it's done.
[rifle clicks]
- Right over there.
- Okay.
[Phil] On your sights.
Sit back, everybody.
- [rifle fires]
- [can clanks]
[kids] Ooh.
Dang, Charlie.
- [Lizzy] Yeah, Charlie.
- Bull's eye, buddy.
Doesn't surprise me
at all, buddy.
[rifle clicks]
Who's next?
Can I go next?
Yeah, get up here.
All right,
just like your brother,
right at those tin cans
I set up.
Okay.
Now, it's a little loud,
so I'm gonna cover your ears.
All right.
Line up a little bit.
You got it?
- [rifle fires]
- [can clanks]
[kids] Ooh.
Nice shooting, cowgirl.
Thanks.
Dang, Lizzy,
you can shoot.
I'll go. That's easy.
Hit that one right there.
[Phil] Here you go.
Now just like the other two,
line it up.
Now let her rip
when you're ready.
[Ray] Which one of these
is the trigger?
- [kids] Whoa.
- Hey.
All right, so first
rule of handling a gun is,
you never aim
at another person.
[Charlie] Only if
it's the bad guy, though.
Thank you, Charlie.
Only if it's the bad guy.
[Ingrid] Children,
supper's ready.
All right,
we'll do this later.
Come on, Jimmy.
[solemn music]
[older Lizzy] [voice-over]
As we traveled West,
our hearts began to heal
from the wound
of losing our parents.
We let go of our
fear and anger.
Love re-entered our lives.
[soft gentle music]
[soft music]
[tense music]
[horse hooves clopping]
[birds chirping]
Corporal.
[man] Welcome to
Missouri, Lieutenant.
Looking for
the local orphanage.
Can you point us
in that direction?
Down that way
at the edge of town.
Thank you.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
[grunts]
[approaching footsteps]
I'm here for my children.
Oh, yes, sir.
Well, I will need for you
to fill out the necessary...
[Jack]
I don't think you understand!
My children arrived here
a few days ago.
Phillip Calgrove.
Phillip Calgrove, yes.
A... And the children.
They're... they're with him.
Where the hell are they?
They're...
they're on a wagon train
on the way to the Oregon Trail.
- It's West.
- Tell me! You got a map?
You got a map in here?
I have many maps. I.
I'm sure you can find it.
[receding footsteps]
Was there a child named
Mary Beggs with them?
Mary Beggs, Mary Beggs.
Lieutenant, Lieutenant.
You cannot travel that alone.
You know the route?
Sure do.
We'll all ride together.
Mary's, yes, yes, yes,
she's with them.
Yes, yes. I remember Mary.
She's with them.
You'll need this paper.
- Thank you so much.
- [Frank] Yes.
- Thank you.
- [Frank] Yes.
Phil's been assigned
to a new post.
Someone must have
given the order.
[horse neighs]
[Andrew] Looks like you folks
left one war,
jumped right into another one.
[Alice] Where are they?
Here.
Bozeman, Montana.
See, a lot of these tribes
were forced West,
and they had their land
seized by the government.
They blamed the settlers and
started raiding the whole area.
We had to station men
at different posts
to help keep the peace.
Are the children
in danger?
Well, the Cheyenne
have been causing
most of the trouble.
[suspenseful music]
[horse neighing]
[horse neighing]
[Cheyenne yells]
[horses' hooves clopping]
[horse neighing]
[Phil] Charlie, get the girls.
[Cheyenne yells]
[Ingrid] Come on, come on.
This way.
Come on, come on you guys.
[Cheyenne yells]
[horse neighing]
[Cheyenne yells]
We don't want any trouble.
We're just passing through.
- [horse neighing]
- [Cheyenne yells]
[Phil] On our way to
Montana to farm.
Here, come,
break bread with us.
Hmm.
Okay, yeah. Okay.
Guys, let's break bread.
It'll be okay.
[rifle clicks]
[Cheyenne yells]
- No!
- [rifle fires]
Get down.
[horses neighing]
Please, please no more.
[rifle fires]
Please, please.
Please, enough.
Stop!
- No!
- [shoots arrow]
[Jimmy grunts]
Please, please, no more.
They're just children.
They're children, no!
[Addi panting]
- [shoots arrow]
- [Addi grunts]
No!
[rifle fires]
No!
[Phil] Charlie, no!
[screams] Charlie!
Charlie, no!
[Phil shouts in anguish]
[horse hooves clopping]
[horse neighing]
[Jack] [panting] Here.
[panting]
He's gone.
These children.
[Desmond] She's dead.
Please, no.
Oh no.
No. Charlie, Charlie,
Charlie, Charlie.
Charlie's still breathing.
Come here, I got you.
I got you, I got you.
I got you.
Daddy, it hurts.
[Jack shushes]
I tried to protect them.
[weeping]
You did so good, Charlie.
You did so good.
Don't you go.
[shushes]
Don't you go.
Please stay.
You're my boy.
You're my boy, Charlie.
Don't go.
I got you.
Daddy's here, Daddy's here.
Please God,
please don't take him.
Don't take him.
Don't take him.
No! [echoes]
[soft music]
[fire crackling]
[somber music]
[sniffles]
[sobbing]
[somber music]
Every night.
we'd sit around the table.
[sniffles] She'd read a Bible
verse out of this Bible.
We'd take turns
sayin' the nightly prayer.
Char.
Charlie was always the first
to say the same prayer.
[sniffles] He became a man
the day I left.
And died an innocent.
I know if they shot him.
he was trying to save somebody.
My husband Charles and I
planned to escape
the plantation.
Mary was a baby.
And we wanted to give her
a better life.
We almost got
off that plantation
when we got noticed.
Charles told me, "You run,
and you don't look back."
Well, I circled back and.
they hammered him to a cross.
and set him on fire
right in front of my eyes.
[crying]
It doesn't seem fair
what some have to go through
on this side of life.
I'm sorry.
[sniffles]
Thank you.
I'm gonna find
your daughter, Miss Beggs.
I'm gonna get my children back.
Nothin's gonna stop me.
Nothin'.
[wind blowing]
Just give me a minute.
[Desmond sniffles]
[receding footsteps]
[somber music]
I'm gonna miss you, son.
[Lily] Father, don't go.
[Jack] Oh, Lily.
I promise you;
I'll be home soon.
[tense music]
How do you reckon
we find them?
We'll lure them to us.
[Shantu] Yes.
They'll be back for the next
wagon train passing by.
Just a matter of time.
Let's get ready.
[]
[suspenseful music]
[Desmond panting]
Take your time.
Don't be nervous.
[horses' hooves clopping]
[Jack whistles]
[suspenseful music]
[Shantu chirps]
[rifle clicks]
[]
[gun clicks]
[Cheyenne yells]
- [rifles and guns firing]
- [horse neighs]
- [rifles and guns firing]
- [yells]
[horses' hooves clopping]
[Jack grunts]
[Jack grunts]
[Jack panting]
[horses' hooves clopping]
[]
[birds chirping]
[horse neighs]
[]
[footsteps]
[Lizzy] Keep calm.
It's gonna be okay.
It's okay.
[Cheyenne woman singing Native
song]
[Cheyenne woman singing Native
song]
[Phil groans]
[Ingrid] Phil. Phil.
[Cheyenne woman singing Native
song]
Tell me.
Is that where my children are?
[Cheyenne man screams in pain]
Did you kill my son?!
Did you kill my son?!
[Cheyenne man screams in pain]
[Phil groans]
[Desmond] How many men
inside your camp?
Many.
Many men.
[fire crackling]
All right,
you're gonna lead us there.
[dramatic music]
[Phil groaning]
[somber music]
[Ingrid sobs]
[]
[]
[dramatic music]
[horse neighs]
[birds chirping]
[horse neighs]
Shantu, take your men.
You guys drop down the ridge.
I'll meet you in the middle.
[incidental music]
[fire crackling]
[footsteps]
[horse hooves clopping]
[Shantu whistles]
[horse neighs]
[horse hooves clopping]
[Cheyenne man speaks in Native
language]
[Lizzy screaming]
[Ingrid No! Get off of her.
[Lizzy screaming]
[Ingrid] No, get off of her.
[horse hooves clopping]
[gun and rifle firing]
[man grunts]
[Lizzy screaming]
[rifle fires]
[thuds]
[screaming]
[thud]
[horse hooves clopping]
[Ingrid] No. Get back, get back.
[gunshots]
Move back
that way, that way.
[horse hooves clopping]
[horse neighs]
[Lizzy screaming]
[Ingrid] Lily!
[gunshots]
[Shantu grunts]
- [Shantu] Where'd they go?
- They ran that way.
[rifle fires]
[Lizzy] Lily!
[Cheyenne man grunts]
[Cheyenne man groans]
[Jack breathes heavily]
[Phil] Come on!
Come on, come on, come on.
Get up. Get up, come on.
Phil!
- [Phil sobs]
- Are you okay?
- [Phil] I'm sorry.
- I got ya.
Watch it.
Go get the kids.
- Get the kids.
- [Jack] Get her to safety.
Where's the girls?
[Lizzy screams]
[horse hooves clopping]
[wind blowing]
Whoa,
whoa.
[Lizzy and Mary screaming]
[shushes]
[Lizzy] Daddy! Daddy!
[shouts]
[grunting and groaning]
[Cheyenne man groans]
[Cheyenne man grunts]
[Cheyenne man grunts]
[Cheyenne man choking]
[groans]
[panting]
Lizzy, where's your sister?
[Lizzy] They took her.
They took her.
- Where? Where?
- [Lizzy] Under the bridge.
Okay.
Here's my pistol.
If anybody
comes near you, shoot.
Okay?
Okay.
[dramatic music]
[Lily screaming]
[horse hooves clopping]
[Lily screaming]
[horse hooves clopping]
Yah! Yah! Yah!
[horse hooves clopping]
[Lily screaming]
Oh, Lily.
I got you.
Daddy, please,
- please don't leave me.
- You're safe now.
[]
[Lizzy] Lily!
[Desmond] There you go.
Alice.
[Alice sobs]
Mary?
Mary!
- Mary. Mary.
- Mommy!
[Alice] Mary!
Oh my God.
[laughs and cries]
Let me look at you.
Oh, you okay?
Huh?
I missed you so much.
[sniffles]
I hope you've
made peace with God.
You killed my son,
and I'm gonna make sure
every single one of you
pay the price.
[Alice] Jack.
Please stop.
[soft music]
[Native woman sniffles]
Thank you.
[Native woman speaks in Native
language]
We want peace as well.
[yells]
Raise!
- Fire!
- [rifles fire]
[older Lizzy] [voice-over]
Shantu suggested to Father
that we honor all lives
lost that day.
That in order to bring peace,
we must first acknowledge
our own mistakes
and that those in power
must seek to break
the cycle of violence.
[soft gentle music]
[water flowing]
We ended up moving to Montana
and used the land
the government gave us
to start an orphanage.
[horse neighing]
We welcomed all who wanted to be
a part of our community
with the promise to also
learn from their traditions.
[train roaring]
[Jack] Welcome.
Nice to see you.
Thanks for bringing
the children.
My pleasure.
[Jack] Watch your step.
Figure it was time
I started dreaming again.
Jack!
[]
[soft music]
- [drumbeats]
- [singing Native song]
[soft music]
[speaks in Native language]
[speaks in Native language]
[horses' hooves clopping
[soft music]
[horses' hooves clopping,
horses neighing]
[horses neighing]
[muted chatter]
[train honking]
[Little Jack giggling]
What is your name, child?
Little Jack.
Little Jack,
I'm Lizzy Calgrove.
This is my sister
Lily Calgrove.
Hi, Lily Calgrove.
We're gonna take
really good care of you.
[older Lizzy] [voice-over]
God gives his hardest battles
to his strongest soldiers.
[sniffles]
Father, you held my hand
when I was small.
You caught me when I fell.
You are my hero
of my childhood,
and my later years as well.
You taught me
the purpose of life
is to discover your gift,
develop it and give it away.
I know Heaven
is a beautiful place
because it has you.
[New-Age music]
[]
[]