The Lumber Baron (2019) Movie Script
1
[EAGLE CRY]
[STRING QUARTET]
[STRING QUARTET CONTINUES]
[PIANO FADES IN]
[ORCHESTRATION CONTINUES]
ADELINE: I'm always so sad
when Christmas is over.
ELIZABETH: Are you packed?
DANIEL JR.: Just one more thing to do.
[FOOTSTEPS SOUNDS]
DANIEL SR.: I thought your Christmas
holiday was over and you were
leaving this morning.
I, I am.
But I nee-I need
to talk to you first.
It's about medical school.
My grades are a bit
lower than they should be and
it-it looks as if I'm going to
have to retake some classes. So,
it'll mean another
year before I can graduate.
I gave you a choice
between medical
school and law school
You chose medical school because
as you stated I want to help
people, and I can do that better
as a doctor than a lawyer.
And I still want to do that, but
the schooling is rigorous;
I just need some
extra time to fully grasp...
If it's not one thing, it's
another with you.
For years you've given me
suggestions in how to run the
business all of them unsound.
I was only trying to be
helpful. I just thought that.
You have no business sense.
Stay in medical school an
extra year if you desire it,
but I expect you'll soon
be coming back with your tail
between your legs.
But Father, I-I did...
[PIANO BEGINS]
[PIANO GETS SOFTER]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC]
DANIEL SR.: Welcome,
Thomas, to our home.
I'm glad you and your
family could be here tonight.
This is my wife Elizabeth,
my oldest
daughter Mary Catherine,
my other daughter
Adeline, and my son Colin.
THOMAS TAYLOR: We are pleased to
meet all you. This is my wife, Anna,
and our children,
Benjamin and Sarah.
Mrs. Taylor, I have been
looking forward to making
your acquaintance. Have
you had the opportunity to meet
any other ladies in town?
ANNA TAYLOR: No, this is actually
our first social engagement since
moving from Chicago.
And, oh, please call me Anna.
Then let me introduce
you to the other guests.
Claudia and Priscilla Lynch,
may I introduce Anna Taylor.
CLAUDIA LYNCH: How lovely to meet you.
You should arrange a meeting with
my son Byron and
your son Benjamin, is it?
- Yes.
- I'm sure Byron could guide him
in the mores of
proper society in our locale.
I believe they're already
acquainted. Benjamin mentioned
that Byron had stopped by
the office earlier this week.
Of course, Byron would think
of that. A meeting the junior
partner of your
family's father-son law firm
would be in order.
Yes, of course. I must tell you,
your home is absolutely lovely.
I really don't think I've
seen a more beautiful house.
This mansion is the envy
of every lumber baron in the
Chippewa Valley.
Really? I would just think
with so much wealth they could
afford anything they wanted.
It would seem,
but Joseph Lindler had
a way of topping them all.
Shall we join the others?
Yes.
PRISCILLA LYNCH: I was so hoping Daniel
would be here. But medical school calls.
Daniel?
My brother. He returned to
Madison several weeks ago.
Daniel and I are, of
course, very good friends.
There you are, Byron.
You must meet Sarah Taylor.
Sarah, this is Byron
Lynch. Priscilla's brother.
BYRON LYNCH: A pleasure, Miss Taylor.
Shall we?
So, what is your
occupation, Mr. Lynch?
SILAS LYNCH: I'm a lumber baron.
- He's one of my competition.
- Mmm. What are friends for?
Mary Catherine, many are
requesting that you play.
Would you mind?
Not at all.
[CLASSICAL PIANO]
COLIN: Mother?
COLIN: Mother?
[CLASSICAL PIANO CONTINUES]
[INDISCERNIBLE CROWD CHATTER]
[HIGH PITCH CONTINUOUS BEEP]
[DISTORTED SOUND]
ADELINE: Daddy!
MILES: Mr. Rimsdale!
Mr. Rimsdale!
Mr. Rimsdale?
- Mr. Rimsdale?
- Yes?
This telegram just came for you.
Thank you.
[EMOTIONAL STRING QUARTET]
CLERGYMAN: In the sweat of
thy face shalt thou eat bread,
till thou return
unto the ground;
For out of it was thou taken:
For dust thou art, and
unto dust shalt thou return.
CLERGYMAN: I'm so sorry.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
BANKER: Mrs. Rimsdale.
Thank you for coming.
My sympathies to
you in the loss of your husband.
- Thank you.
- Please, be seated.
The financial
stability of your fortune is
tenuous at best.
My father left a sizable
inheritance.
He did.
However, the money that Joseph
Lindler left to your husband and
you has been severely depleted
over the last twenty years
since his death.
But how have we
continued in our lifestyle
if we have little money?
Mr. Rimsdale,
in the past few years,
sold portions of
your landholdings.
He sold parts
of my father's land?
Yes, yes, yes, Mrs. Rimsdale.
Umm. I, I'm, I'm sorry that
this comes as such a shock.
I had assumed that you were
aware of these transactions.
And there is something else that
it seems like I need to make you
aware of. The remaining
land is mortgaged to the bank.
Are you telling me that I don't
even own the land that is left?
As long as you
make mortgage payments,
then it is still yours.
Did my husband
make those payments?
He did, but your
account balance is low.
Umm, You have enough for
four more payments after which,
if other funds are not found,
the bank will have no choice
but to foreclose on the land.
Is there anything I
own that is free and clear?
Your home.
At least he did
not mortgage that.
Mr. Rimsdale did meet
with me just about a week
before his death to
discuss that possibility.
But you have not
moved forward with it?
No, ma'am. But the,
the papers are here,
but there is no signature, yet.
[CLOCK CHIME SOUND]
Daniel, what
am I going to do?
Nothing. Do nothing, Mother.
Something must
be done. You see the figures.
Yes, but you
mustn't rush into anything.
Father has only been
in the grave two days.
We have only four months
until the bank forecloses!
At least this is your last
year of medical school and
the tuition has been paid.
How I wish your
Grandfather was still alive.
He would know what to do.
But now,
ELIZABETH: I want things to always be
just like they are just you and me.
Well, I won't always be here.
Someday I'll grow old and frail.
- But that's a long time away.
- Yes, and I tell you what.
I won't leave
you without memories.
And something else.
Something else?
A treasure.
A treasure that I will hide
right here in the Belvedere
For you.
So that when I'm gone
and you need me
once again, come up here.
I love you, Daddy.
I have some bad news.
I've deliberated as to whether
or not to share it with you,
but have decided
that you need to know.
Mother, you're not ill, are you?
Not physically.
Your Grandfather
Lindler's legacy is gone.
What do you mean gone?
The money that was
left to me and your father
has been used up.
This will mean
significant changes for us.
How significant, Mother?
We have to scale
back our expenditures
which includes our social life.
What about the lumber business?
Isn't it making in money?
Apparently not, or at
least not enough to keep us
in the style of
living that we have now.
We're not going to have
to sell this house, are we?
I'm not sure
what's going to happen.
The books have to be gone
over in order to determine
exactly where things
stand with the lumber company.
Mother, who's going to
run the business now that
father is gone?
I don't know. Daniel has to
return to medical school and...
I'm too young.
You're not thinking
of selling the business?
[DOOR KNOCK SOUNDS]
Mrs. Rimsdale, please.
If you would wait
here, sir, I'll let her know.
Hmm.
Miles said you
wanted to speak to me.
What can I do for you, Silas?
Actually, I was hoping I
might do something for you.
Please.
As Daniel's friend I
feel obligated to do whatever
I can to help ease the
burden of his untimely death
I would be willing to purchase
this mansion as well as make
a generous offer
on the remaining lands.
The remaining lands?
You talk as if some of the
land has already been sold.
But it has. I was the
one who purchased it.
I thank you
for what I'm sure is
meant as a kind offer,
but nothing is for sa...
Mrs. Rimsdale, I am aware
that your husband has spent
your family fortune. I'm afraid
for your survival and that
of the children you
will be left with nothing.
Do not presume that
you know the financial
state of my affairs, Mr. Lynch.
Some resources I may choose
to keep from public knowledge.
Even so,
you would be
wise to consider my offer.
Your company is floundering
and you are certainly in
no position to salvage it.
You seem to think you know
much about my personal affairs
but what you have not considered
as of yet, is the fact that my
husband is barely in the
grave. Now, here you are, at my
doorstep pressuring
me to leave my home.
I am attempting to spare you
further anguish. Do not be so
naive that so generous
of an offer will ever com...
There are some things I am,
but I am certainly not naive.
Ah, Daniel.
You've arrived just in
time to show Mr. Lynch out.
I will give you a
little time to reconsider.
I suggest you think carefully.
DANIEL: What did he mean?
Why was Mr. Lynch here?
Well, oh, thank you, Miles.
He wants to buy the house.
And oh, he'll be pleased
to purchase our land, also.
Our house? But he has a house.
But he wants this house.
But why?
Your father told him about the
treasure hidden in the Belvedere
and I did not help
the situation just now,
because I alluded to it.
I thought you never
found the treasure.
I know. But Silas
doesn't know that.
Much as I hate
to admit it, he's right.
I will be forced to
mortgage my father's home.
And when the money
runs out, and I am bankrupt,
then Silas will have his wish.
He will be able to
buy our house from the bank.
Mother, it seems to me
that the best way to get out
of debt is to
quit going into debt.
But how can I
do that with a business
that is draining
our finances dry?
Make the business profitable.
And who will do that?
Your father could not do it.
What about the
foreman? Does he do a good job?
Maybe he has some idea
of how to help the business.
I don't know.
Well, who's the foreman?
A man by the name of
Mike Doyles.
Okay, well, father must have
had some confidence in him to
have hired him.
Your father hired Mike Doyles
on the strong recommendation
of one of his close friends.
Silas Lynch.
[APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS SOUNDS]
Daniel, you must be tired.
You've been poring over
these records for hours upon
hours for the past two days.
I am tired.
Come, take a rest for a bit.
I'll have Miles bring
you some refreshments.
It's my father's journal.
I have not seen this for years.
Yes, I-I found it under a
pile of things in the Belvedere.
This was your
grandfather's diary.
He wrote everything in
here from his experience as a
newly hired lumberjack
to his rise to fortune.
I know. I've read
it from cover to cover.
He was a, a determined
man, and a compassionate one.
I've learned many
things from those pages.
Mother, I, I believe
I have identified at least
some of the reasons
that the business is failing
Umm, I-I've put a question
mark by all of the accounts
that I found no
evidence of payment.
Daniel, are you telling
me that we delivered lumber
to customers, but we
never received payment for it?
That's precisely
what I'm saying.
I don't know why Father didn't
collect on these accounts.
I should have stayed more
involved with the business.
Would Father have allowed that?
Yes,
but, uh, I just
became so worn down by
suffice it to say I just.
Gave up.
Mother, I've read Grandfather's
journal many times through.
I want to follow in his
footsteps. I want to rebuild
this lumber company
and make it profitable.
Now, I, I admit that I'm
frightened by the enormity of
the task and my
own lack of experience.
But I'm willing to learn
and I'm willing to do my best.
Now, grandfather has recorded
in his journal descriptions
and guidelines on how to
run a good lumber business,
and I will use them as a guide
if you will allow me
to manage and direct
the Rimsdale Lumber Company.
Yes.
DANIEL SR.: You have no business sense.
ELIZABETH: We may not be on a
good footing as far as finances
or business goes,
but we have a plan.
DANIEL JR.: Umm.
I will not be
returning to medical school.
Umm. Instead,
I will manage and direct the
lumber business in hopes that
it will turn around and put
us on solid financial ground.
But Daniel, with all your
heart you wanted to pursue
a medical career.
You're so close to finishing.
My heart is with my family.
This is where I need to be.
And this is where I want to be.
You are making a
great sacrifice, thank you.
Just think, Daniel,
you'll be the talk of the town.
I can hear the gossips now,
"Did you know Daniel Rimsdale
is the youngest
lumber baron in the valley.
He's only twenty-three!"
Adeline, that
type of talk will only
make me more
nervous than I already am.
Does this mean we can
continue to have parties?
- No.
- Yes.
Go on, Daniel. Say
what you were going to say.
Uh, I believe that w-we should
continue having social events,
but just keep the
guest list to a minimum.
Uh, maybe a nice evening get
together that doesn't involve
dinner but only
light refreshments.
I don't care what the event is
so long as we're doing something
and of course,
Byron Lynch must be
included on the guest list.
Byron Lynch?
Oh, yes. He's taken
quite a shine to me.
Adeline, now is not the
time to talk about guest lists.
Now, Mother, uh, your
opinion on social events?
Do you think it wise to
continue with social events
we cannot afford?
We can afford them for the
time being and by maintaining
an a semblance of our station,
it should discourage circling
vultures from
descending on us to peck
and squawk
that we sell this house,
this business, or our lands.
You have a point.
Daniel, I'm
glad you're my brother.
Am I interrupting?
No, not at all. I was just,
umm, working on
some of the accounts.
You were not.
You've never been a good liar.
You were writing a letter.
And to someone
you don't want me to know about.
Daniel, is there
someone you're leaving behind
at medical school, perhaps
a young woman you met during
the course of your studies?
Not at all. I was just making
sure that we had everything
- lined up
- You don't have to tell me.
If I do,
will you promise not to tell
anyone, including our family
unless it becomes
absolutely necessary?
Of course.
I always keep your secrets.
Alright.
Here goes.
I, I will be...
Daniel, thank you so much for
you know.
ELIZABETH: Colin, hurry please.
Mary Catherine.
COLIN: On my way!
We don't have much
time, only a few months.
I'll finish the
invoices, post them this week.
Don't be concerned.
Alright.
There he is.
Are you going to rent
a big wagon to put all of
your belongings in and
then ride the horses yourself?
I don't have enough
belongs to fill a wagon.
So, I send it by
freight and then I will follow.
By train?
That's the
fastest way to travel.
Well, how long will it
take you to sever ties with
the medical school and
collect your belongings?
Only a few weeks with traveling.
Someday, I'd like
to go on a train ride.
Someday, you shall.
Godspeed, Daniel.
Come back as quickly as you can.
[DRAMATIC STRING QUARTET]
[PIANO JOINS IN]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[PIANO CONTINUES
WITH HIS FOOTSTEPS]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS
WITH LIGHT SOUNDS OF STORM]
[MUSIC FADES OUT]
Are you going somewhere?
Yes, to the parlor.
You're dressed as
if you were going out.
What if I was?
Because it's not a
good a idea for a woman
to go out by herself.
Don't be so
prudish, Mary Catherine.
I'm only going
out for a walk. I'll be fine.
MARY CATHERINE: You're going to
meet with Byron Lynch, aren't you?
I wouldn't call it a meeting.
He will simply be at the same
place I am at the same time.
At the party, I overheard
Byron tell you that he'll
be at the mercantile
every Tuesday afternoon at two.
It was a thoughtful way of
providing an acceptable time
and place for us to meet.
Why doesn't he just ask
permission to court you?
How can he with
Daddy barely in the grave?
Daddy was alive when he
dropped the obvious invitation.
And to imply an accidental
meeting seems a bit odd.
He wasn't being devious
or doing anything wrong.
He's kind and
caring, and he likes me.
Are you sure he likes
you and not just your dowry?
You're just jealous
because I'm younger than you
and already have an
interested beau, and you don't.
- It's not like that at all.
- I'm going to be late.
Adeline, you can't go.
You're not my mother
and can't order me around.
No, but I will tell Mother.
See if I care!
[CLOSING DOOR SOUND]
[INDISCERNIBLE CROWD CHATTER]
TYLER LEE: You're new here?
Yeah! Yeah, I jus-just
arrived a little while ago.
Foreman know you're here?
Yeah, I just left his office.
He told me to find a bunk.
Name's Tyler Lee.
- Jonas Whitman.
- Nice to meet ya, Jonas.
There's a bunk open by me.
Thanks.
MITCH: Ah, looky here, boys.
We got ourselves a new jack.
You got to name?
Uh, Jonas. Jonas Whitman.
Whatta you say,
fellows, should we give uh,
Jonas Whitman
here a proper welcome?
Better not, Mitch. Remember
what happened to Tom Peachy.
What I remember is
that boy was milksop, alright?
That's what I remember.
Who's Tom Peachy?
He was the last new hire.
See some of these jacks,
uh, they like to
do a bit of hazin'.
You know if you ask me,
the uh, the boy deserved it.
Uh, with a name like Peachy.
[CROWD CHEERING]
Well, whatta you say, boys,
should be give Jonas
here a proper welcome!
You ended up droppin' Tom
Peachy, and he broke his leg!
Well, that's one bum
leg defendin' another.
This is the only
job Tom could get.
He had a family he needed
to support, like a lot of us,
and you ruined
that for him. Didn't ya?
Alright, alright. Hey,
don't get your dander up.
So, we made a mistake.
You know if Chopper here
hadn't dropped
his side, everything be fine.
Nah, don't go
blamin' this on me.
- Well, it's your fault.
- I'm just havin' fun.
Man, boy bruise easy.
- Sorry about that.
- It's alright, Tyler.
Do all newcomers get hazed?
Mostly.
Whatever happened to Tom Peachy?
Foreman had to have
him hauled home on a sleigh.
Where's home?
Some farm about twenty-five
miles from here.
I assume he was compensated.
EDDIE: Compensated?
You mean like paid money to make up
for gettin' hurt?
Yes. I mean,
it wasn't his fault.
Ain't no lumber company
that does that sort of thing.
Yeah, Eddie's right. I don't
know an operation like that.
- Least of all this one.
- Least of all this one?
Is the Rimsdale Lumber
Company as bad as that?
Put it to you this way, new boy.
I'd rather spend three months
in jail than this lumber camp.
He's joking, right?
Not really.
Then why are you here?
In fact, why are
any of these men here?
Only job we can get.
Bad job is
better than no job at all.
Yeah, I guess.
Oh, and uh, some of
these jacks they're not goin' to
leave you alone until
they've some how "welcomed" you.
What do they do besides tossin'
you up and down in a blanket?
Force ya to sing a song or
buy a pound of
tobacco for all to share.
I can do either of those.
Now, Mitch was a bit steamed.
I'm sure he's thinkin' up
something even more humiliating.
Thanks for the warning.
Uh, I'd watch your turkey, also.
Or else you'll find
somethin' stolen from it.
My what?
Your turkey.
You are green, aren't ya?
Turkey, it's a, it's a bag
that holds all your personal
belongings and
any of the clothes
you're not currently wearin'.
I get it.
[CAT MEOW SOUND]
Oh, and uh, this is Hector.
Ugh, he's the best
mousier in the camp.
When he's not doin'
his job, he sleeps here.
Why your bunk?
I don't know. Animals just
seem to be attracted to me.
Uh, and where
can I get one of those?
Jimmie Bower, the barn boy. Uh,
I'm sure he's got some extra
grain sacks and pieces of rope.
Which one of
these men is Jimmie?
Ahh, none of them. Jimmie sleeps
in the barn, not the bunkhouse.
Well, well, I'm going to need
some clothes other than these.
I heard there's a camp store.
Uh, yeah. The
wanigan is open each night.
I can take you over there.
That's okay. I don't want
to look like a child hidin'
behind his mother's skirt.
You may be green,
but you're catchin' on fast.
Thanks, Tyler.
[CAT PURRING SOUNDS]
CLERK: Peanuts.
Elias, sign the ledger.
ELIAS: Oh, yeah.
I always forget.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS]
What do ya need, Buck?
BUCK: Tobacco.
That'll be sixty cents.
Sixty cents? That's
robbery. It was forty last week!
Can't help it.
Prices go up sometimes.
I could buy this in
town for thirty cents.
But you Aren't in town.
[FUN PIANO TUNE]
Um. H-he's right. It does only
cost thirty cents back in town.
Look, I don't set the prices. I
just do my job as instructed.
Who sets the prices?
The boss, of course.
So, Mr. Rimsdale.
Mr. Rimsdale?
He doesn't know anything
that goes on around here.
Nope, It's Mike Doyles.
He's the
foreman. He's the boss.
Of course.
Well, what'd you need?
I've just arrived today. First
time workin' at lumber camp.
So, I need to be outfitted.
Boots, mackinaw, mittens,
whatever else I
need to be a lumberjack.
Well, Mr...
Uh, Jonas Whitman.
Well, Jonas Whitman,
If you thought the
tobacco was expensive,
this will cost
you quite a bit more.
I understand.
But I need to be warm.
While I gather
up what you'll need,
take off one of those
miserable excuses You're wearing
for shoes so I can
measure your foot.
Right.
You got a hat?
Uh, no.
Alright, get your foot up here.
Put your foot right here.
You got pretty small feet.
For a lumberjack.
[WIND WHISTLING SOUND]
[INDISCERNIBLE CROWD CHATTER]
Well, You're thinkin', alright.
Time for a dance!
- Let's go for a walk.
- Hey, boys, careful now! Mitch!
Mitch, come on now.
[CROWD LAUGHING]
Alright.
I need seven volunteers.
I said, I said seven.
You know what, you.
You two.
Hey, get in here!
Alright.
- Still need one more, boys.
- No, we don't.
Mr. Jonas Whitman here,
is goin' to be
our belle of the ball.
Let's get her
ready for the dance.
- Yeah, let's get you pretty.
- Yeah!
- Ah, she is pretty.
- Beautiful.
[CAT WHISTLING SOUND]
[UPBEAT VIOLIN]
[CROWD CHEERING]
CROWD: Woo-hoo!
LUMBERJACK: Yee-haw!
[VIOLIN FADES OUT]
MIKE DOYLES: Alright, jacks.
That's enough; That's enough.
Haul your backsides back to
the bunk. We've got a long
day ahead tomorrow.
As for you, Belle,
anybody can dance.
Let's see how you do
when the trees
start comin' down.
[PIANO FADES IN]
I can't tolerate this
boring life any longer!
What's the matter, Adeline?
For weeks We've
sat around doing nothing!
We're in mourning, Adeline.
I don't think Daddy
would have us be like this.
He would have us
mourn for a week or two,
but then he
would have us move on.
She's right. It's
what Daniel said before he left.
He said we should continue
some entertaining to keep
people from making assumptions
as to our financial state.
I think he also
meant it for Adeline.
We shall plan a
card party in a fortnight.
Really, Mother?
Yes, Adeline.
Now, we need to
ask Thomas and Anna Taylor,
for certain. And that will be
four because we need to include
Benjamin and Sarah.
And Mr. and Mrs. Lynch
will need to be present
as well as Priscilla and Byron.
That will be fine.
Then it's settled?
That's... hey!
[INDISCERNIBLE CROWD CHATTER]
Listen up.
Watch for fallin' branches.
Many a jack's been injured
or killed by a dead branch
That's dislodged from
a tree We're workin' on.
Stay off the skidway
as much as possible.
Tromp on the snow instead.
And don't let any of these
boys goad ya into not wearin'
your hat. Without your hat
you'll eventually end up with
cauliflower ears.
Cauliflower ears?
Yeah, from the frost bite.
Hey, could we get
some more sausages here?
Hey, cook, got
any more flapjacks?
That's it, boys. That's
all we got this morning.
Finish up, now,
and get out of here.
I ain't got time
for your complainin'.
[CROWD INDISCERNIBLE CHATTER]
Tell you what, I did not
get enough food. Did you?
Nope.
Cook always run out of food?
Yeah. But It's not his
fault. He's got a limited pantry
to work from.
Why? I mean, men need
lots of food to keep goin'.
That's all the boss allows.
Oh, so, Mike Doyles?
Who else would I mean?
I don't know, Mr. Rimsdale?
I heard he's dead and
gone. But That's no matter,
It's not like he cared
much about us before.
Quit your
jabberin'. Get on your way.
Yes, sir.
[SOFT CLASSICAL MUSIC]
[WIND WHISTLING SOUND]
[EMOTIONAL VIOLIN]
[SCRATCHING METAL SOUND]
It's about placement
really. Just go here. Go.
Go down there and try somethin'.
There it is.
[SOFT CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES]
[HORSE WHINING]
[MUMBLING]
Right here.
[MUSIC TEMPO PICKS UP]
What's the matter,
belle of the ball?
Sawin' a few trees whoop ya?
Yes, it did. I got to hand it
to you and the rest of the crew.
You are the hardest
workin' people I've ever met.
Don't be cozyin'
up to me saying stuff like that.
Hey, my umm, my saw's
missin' a couple of teeth and I,
I couldn't cut melted butter.
The dentist will
already know about it.
He looks after the saws
every night when we come in.
Uh, dentist?
Filer. The man who does
the upkeep of the saws.
Alright.
Evening.
Question for you, uh...
LEWIS KEPPIN: Look, I don't
have time for questions.
I got men goin'
out to log tomorrow.
I got a lot
of work to do before that.
Understood.
Besides that, I
already know your question.
"Why don't we have good saws?"
Would you like some help?
You know how to work on saws?
I-I can't repair the teeth,
but I can sharpen them.
Then, I accept your offer.
Alright.
Tools are over there.
Seems like you've
had some experience.
On my, my last occupation I
had to make sure all of my tools
were as sharp as
possible at all times.
My name's Lewis
Keppin. What's yours?
Jonas Whitman.
You a sawyer?
Or does the foreman have
you doing some other job?
Sawyer.
Actually, I'm, I'm
attempting to be a sawyer.
It's my first day on the job,
and my muscles are screaming.
So,
Even if a saw is
as sharp as it can be,
crosscut sawing those big trees
is not work for the feeble.
No. No, there is no job
in this camp for the weak.
Yeah.
None of life is easy.
True enough.
But I mean this,
this has got to
be your last one, yes?
Nah, I'm just getting started.
What?
I got to sharpen and repair all
the saws through the night
so that they're
ready for the mornin'.
No. You wouldn't
get it done in time.
You have to have
spares somewhere.
Wish I did, but I don't.
Does the foreman know
you need more equipment?
Says there's no
money to purchase any.
Hmm.
Well, I'm here with you.
TYLER LEE: Still sore from yesterday?
DANIEL JR.: Oh, yes. I didn't know a
person could hurt in so many places.
Well, it gets easier
after the first week.
- Let's go.
- Oh, makes me feel some better.
- I'll get the saw.
- Alright.
MIKE DOYLES: Come on you laggards.
Move it!
- Oh, watch out for that.
- Yep
MIKE DOYLES: Hurry up!
You, straight in here.
River pig! Come here.
Bring Belle with you.
- Left.
- Uh, look snappy.
Or else he'll find a way
to make us miserable later.
MIKE DOYLES: Let's go!
Belle, got your
dancin' shoes on?
Sure.
Good. That's your
first tree. Let's go.
Alright.
Woah, woah.
Where'd you get this saw?
Off the pile.
We don't have saws that sharp.
- Mitch?
- Yeah?
Come here. Bring your saw.
Swap saws with him.
Swap saws?
Yeah, are you deaf. Swap saws.
I'd rather stick
with this one, boss.
It was the
sharpest one on the pile.
- Joel!
- Last night Th-the filer had
more saws to sharpen
then he could get done.
So, I volunteered to help out.
Get to work.
Get to work! Let's go!
Get outta here!
Jesus, is he
always this irritable?
No, He's in a good mood today.
[SOFT UPLIFTING MUSIC]
[INDISCERNIBLE CHATTER]
You gonna to eat that apple?
- You want it?
- Yeah.
- Absolutely.
- Thanks.
I'll save that for later.
[SAWING SOUNDS]
[UPLIFTING MUSIC CONTINUES]
[OWL HOOTING SOUNDS]
MIKE DOYLE: Get back to the barn.
I'm tired of hearin'
the same ol' tune with you.
Fodder for horses that
work as hard as these animals
requires additional grain.
Hay alone will not sustain them
That's why I set aside the
extra expense for the grain.
A-and I'm grateful for that.
But the amount of grain you've
provided is far too small.
These are large animals
I'm well aware that
horses are large animals.
But the fodder you
got is the fodder you got.
They can't continue on
under these circumstances.
Yes, they can.
That's what whips are for.
No!
Jimmie, you are one
step away from being fired.
Get back to the barn.
Hey.
Looks like this is all we got.
[WHISPERING]
That's a good boy.
Evening.
Evening! What can I do for ya?
Well, I just thought I'd
stop by and introduce myself.
I haven't seen ya at any
of the meals or anything.
I'm Jonas Whitman.
Nice to meet
you. I'm Jimmie Bower
I couldn't help but
overhear your conversation with
the foreman just now.
Sorry about that.
Don't apologize. It sounds
like It's not the first time
you've come to the
foreman with your problems.
No, It's not.
So, how have the horses
kept up if they've been short
on grain all season?
Well, they wouldn't
have been able to, so...
You purchased the grain out of
your own pocket, didn't you?
Well, I, I don't have a wife.
I don't drink, I don't gamble.
So,
I figured I'd spend the
money on something I love.
But to supplement the grain
needed for these horses for
the entire season, that
would take your whole paycheck.
I don't need much.
You know, I've curried
a horse or two in my life.
If you don't mind, I'd love to
stick around and help you out.
Yeah. Love the
help and the company.
Alright.
So, What's this
fellow's name?
- That's Jack.
- Jack. And?
King. They're a good team.
Jonas Whitman.
Been snoopin' around.
The big boss
doesn't like people
leakin' our information
'bout how we do
business around here, right?
Yeah.
He's given me permission
to do whatever it takes
to stop that from happenin'.
What'd you got in mind?
An accident.
What's in it for me?
[CLASSICAL PIANO PLAYS]
[CHOPPING SOUNDS]
[WOOD CRACKING SOUND]
[VIOLIN FADES IN]
[VIOLIN TEMPO SPEEDS UP]
[PIANO JOINS VIOLIN]
[PIANO AND VIOLIN CONTINUE]
[WOOD CRACKING SOUND]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES]
- Good morning, Miss Rimsdale.
- [INDISCERNIBLE CHATTER]
[MUSIC TEMPO SLOWS DOWN]
[MUSIC LEVEL LOWERING]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES]
Watch out!
- Move out of the way!
- Ahh!
DANIEL JR.: Tyler!
Hey, you two alright?
[MOANING SOUNDS]
TYLER LEE: I've been better.
TYLER LEE: Branch hit my bum leg.
I think that's a good thing.
Couldn't get much worse than
it already is. Okay. Alright.
MIKE DOYLE: Hey!
This is dangerous work, people.
Looks like they're both alright.
Let's get back to
work. We got woods to clear.
Let's go!
[UPLIFTING VIOLIN FADES IN]
LUMBERJACK: Woo!
[PIANO JOINS TUNE]
[CROWD SCREAMING]
[UPLIFTING MUSIC CONTINUES]
LUMBERJACK: Oyy!
[CROWD YELLING]
[UPLIFTING MUSIC CONTINUES]
[SAWING SOUNDS]
[INDISCERNIBLE DISTANT CHATTER]
Let's go, guys. Come on.
Let's go, boys!
[MUSIC FADES OUT]
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
So, what are you going to do
now that logging season's over?
I don't know yet.
- Next.
- What about you?
I don't know. I'm
going to head home and
see what kind of
work I can get there.
MIKE DOYLE: Next.
Pretty boy.
Three weeks' worth of work.
Less your wanigan
purchases. There you go.
We'll see ya next season. Maybe.
I think you made a mistake. I
signed on for a dollar a day and
even after
my wanigan purchases,
I should be getting
five more dollars than this.
You think so? Sales
were low this year.
Everybody got
shorted, not just you.
Now maybe
logging isn't your thing.
Maybe next
season you try dancing.
Next!
[EMOTIONAL MUSIC]
Maybe I'll see you next season.
I hope so.
[BIRDS CHIRPING SOUNDS]
Psst! Whatcha' reading?
You're home!
How you doing, bud?
Daniel's home!
Daniel's home! Daniel's home!
You've arrived just in time.
We're hosting a card party
- in a few days!
- Oh, That's wonderful.
- Welcome home, son.
- Aww, mo...
I hope the administration
wasn't too hard on you
when you resigned from classes.
No. No, they were just fine.
Your belongings from the
school arrived just yesterd...
That's excellent.
We had Miles put
them in your room.
Thank you, dear.
We've invited eight
people to the party.
And they've all accepted!
One of the crates
was cracked open.
- I hope you don't mind.
- And mother and I have
been working on the menu.
It's
extraordinary what I'm reading!
The refreshments will be light,
but of the most delicious kind.
You look a bit bedraggled.
Mary Catherine.
Oh, thank you for the
compliment, Mary Catherine.
We're going to wear Daniel out.
We should give him
a moment to breathe.
Yes, I would
certainly love a nice hot bath.
Of course, it must
have been a long train ride.
- Mother.
- Yes, that it was.
Nervous?
I-I will depend upon you
and Adeline to cover any of my
errors in social management.
You will make a fine host.
Thank you.
Did we receive any
payments from the invoices
you sent while I was away?
Not yet.
I'll go get Mother.
Are you ready, Mother?
Yes, I...
Oh, What's the matter?
The last time we hosted
a social event your father-
Oh, you don't have to come down.
I must. I'll be fine,
It's just,
Here, here.
Oh, thank you.
Mother, what are these?
Pardon?
These packets?
Oh, those are headache powders.
I didn't realize you
were having headaches.
- You should have told me.
- They're not for me.
They were your father's.
I don't recall
Father having headaches.
Ah, They started fairly
recently, I realize now that the
headaches probably began
because of the financial stress.
It seems that Silas
suffers from the same head pain.
Do they work?
Oh, yes. Your father
took them quite frequently to
to keep the headaches at bay.
Alright, Daniel.
I'm ready for you to
escort me downstairs.
It would be my pleasure, Mother.
Benjamin, I am
pleased to finally
spend some time with
you. I'm sorry I've been in
transition back home, haven't
had the opportunity to meet you.
BENJAMIN TAYLOR: We really haven't
been here too long, just four months,
so don't feel badly about making
my acquaintance until this.
You will enjoy
getting to know Daniel.
I have known him for many
years.
We've practically grown up
together, haven't we, Daniel?
Yes, yes, we have, uhh, been
at several of the same
social social functions.
Daniel has been
away at medical school.
But now He's given up that
career to help his family.
I had heard that.
That must have been quite
heart-wrenching to relinquish
your chosen profession.
I know if I was forced
out of what I am doing,
that would be most unsettling.
And What's your occupation?
I am a junior partner
in my father's law firm.
I've worked for him
since the age of sixteen,
Uhh, except for the years
that I was away at law school.
Oh, those were
some troubling years.
I'll tell you about them
sometime, I'm sure you've had
some similar
experiences with your schooling.
[INDISCERNIBLE CHATTER]
Mrs. Lynch, I understand
that Priscilla has become
quite the musician.
My daughter has been playing the
pianoforte since the age of five
I am certain she is the
most skilled in the valley.
Of course, that is not a slight
to your skills, Mary Catherine.
I would've never have
thought that, Mrs. Lynch.
What a dear little boy.
How clever of you to include
him with the adult company.
I didn't know children
knew how to play cards.
Since Daddy's death we
include him in all that we do.
He's a prolific reader,
and learned card strategies
from a book. More recently,
however, He's been reading
the farmer's almanac and
has discovered that this summer
is to be one of
the most glorious.
Then we'll definitely
have to plan some outings
in the expected
pleasant weather.
An excellent idea. A midsummer
picnic! Wouldn't that be fun!
M-my father started our law
firm twenty-five years ago.
Thankfully, it's been
successful. Uh, More recently
we decided to move
out here as Father wanted to
participate in the
lumber boom taking place.
Uh, Not that he's going
to be in the lumber business,
but he's been a little bit weary
sometimes of the types of cases
he normally does. So, he was
hoping that the lumber business
would afford a change in
the type of cases that we
typically litigate.
It's your turn, Miss Lynch.
So, instead of persisting in the
regular, mundane legal work, uh,
we decided to take an adventure,
and It's been quite exciting.
I could tell you a story abo...
I'm sure you could, Mr. Taylor,
but if you don't mind, some of
the rest of us may like to
be a part of the conversation.
Miss Lynch,
my most sincere apologies.
I didn't realize that I was
monopolizing the conversation.
Certainly, that was not my
intention. I, in the future,
I will be certain and
most cautious not to make
the same grievous
social error as that would be...
Mr. Taylor,
you are doing it again.
Honestly, you could talk
the hind leg off a mule.
So, what do you think of
the Chippewa Valley, Anna?
Well, I don't think I'm
ready to call it home just yet,
but, I do think,
in time, that I will.
It's been a big change
for all of us, but It's been
most difficult for Anna.
Living in Chicago is very
different than living here.
I personally am very grateful
to be out of the big city.
I've wanted to live in a more
rustic setting for some time.
So, what drew you here?
People like Mr. Lynch.
What is your
interest in the barons?
Well, there were several
business people in the area
who requested
more legal support.
The lumber
business is complicated.
Elizabeth, have you
reconsidered my offer?
I have, and the answer stands.
You shouldn't
put your trust in Daniel.
As fine a young man as he is,
he will not be able to
recover your failing business.
Mr. Lynch, we are
gathered for a polite evening
of social entertainment.
Please refrain from making
dire predictions
about our business.
Of course.
We're gathering
in the dining room
for some light refreshments.
As soon as your trick is
finished, please join us.
[SOFT CLASSICAL MUSIC]
There you are.
I've been lookin' for you.
I hope you don't mind.
Mary Catherine was practicing
so I decided to read in here.
Of course, I don't mind.
You know You're always
welcome in this study.
Thanks.
Why were you lookin' for me?
I want your help.
Mine? Doing what?
Before I tell you that, I have
to explain something first
and you have to
keep to yourself, alright?
Remember when I was
gone for those three weeks?
Yes, you took
the train to Madison.
I didn't really go to Madison.
COLIN: How far is the
lumber camp from here?
DANIEL: Probably only
another five minutes.
We're shavin' off about thirty
walkin' through these woods.
All of this belongs to us?
Yes, and much more.
Grandpa Lindler left us many
thousands of acres.
How many acres?
Well, after what Father
sold and after Mary Catherine
and Adeline's dowry
is taken out, about 75,000.
How many acres does
the average lumber baron own?
About 50,000.
Daniel, do you think
you'll have to sell land to keep
the business in operation?
I sure hope not. It's the
standing timber on these acres
that makes us the money. If we,
uh, lose that, we're losin' our
largest asset.
Camp's just over that rise.
I'll wait here for
you to deliver the letter.
I'm looking for
Jimmie Bower, right?
Jimmie Bower.
Excuse me.
What can I do for you?
Are you Jimmie Bower?
What do you want with Jimmie?
I have a letter
to deliver to him.
How 'bout I take
you over to him.
Hey, Jimmie, you got a visitor.
You're here to see me?
Yes, sir, if you
are Jimmie Bower.
Yeah, That's me.
I have a letter
to deliver to you.
[HORSE NEIGH SOUND]
I have to be
going now. Good bye.
- Who's it from?
- I don't know. Let me open it.
That header, Jimmie! It's from
the Rimsdale Lumber Company.
Hey, quit, quit breathin'
down my neck, would ya?
It's signed by
Daniel Rimsdale himself!
I see it! Let me read it!
Mr. Doyles isn't comin' back.
Mr. Rimsdale wants me to watch
the camp and the money's to
- pay me for doin' it.
- Hahaha.
- Wooo! Woo!
- Hahahaha!
[HORSE NEIGH SOUNDS]
Hey, hey, Cook, Cook, Cook,
You're scaring the horses.
[UPBEAT GUITAR AND PIANO]
I asked you here today to
discuss your role as foreman
for the Rimsdale Lumber Company.
You may be seated, Mr. Doyles.
You said you were Jonas Whitman.
Yes, I used an alias as I
did not wish you or anyone else
to know who I was as
I worked in the lumber camp.
I've delineated the punishable
crimes that you've committed
against my company.
Embezzlement
is at the top of the list.
You, you can't
prove any of this.
Actually, Mr. Doyles, I can
and know that from this moment,
you're released
from my employment.
You're gonna regret this.
Maybe you didn't
hear me, Mr. Doyles.
You are dismissed.
[SOFT DRAMATIC VIOLIN]
Mr. Lynch? It's Doyles.
It's highly irregular, Mr.
Doyles, for you to visit me
without my express invitation.
Daniel Rimsdale just fired me.
Well,
the young whelp has
more spine than I thought.
I did everything you told me to.
Why are you so upset? You have
the salary I paid you and the
skimmings from the camp.
He's threatenin' to tell
the constable everything.
Don't worry. He's got no proof.
He was there.
What do you
mean, "he was there?"
MIKE DOYLES: He was an off-season hire.
He came in,
told me his name
was Jonas Whitman.
How was I supposed to know
it was Daniel Rimsdale, Jr.?
So, you brought
about your own demise.
Look, if I go down for this,
You're goin' down too.
I want money, a lot of money.
Are you trying to blackmail me.
I have you over a barrel, Silas.
I paid you in cash.
It's your word against mine.
Look, when you told me to
sabotage the Rimsdale business,
I asked you about Rimsdale, Sr.
You said you'd take care of it.
I know how you took care of it.
So, the offer better be good.
Come with me.
We'll talk all about money.
So, What's the offer?
Now, besides paying you well,
I have a way to get
back at Daniel Rimsdale,
if you're interested.
MAIL CLERK: Thank you.
Thank you, Gretchen.
- Hello.
- Good morning.
Hi. Anything for the Rimsdales?
No, sir. I'm sorry.
Nothing's come in.
Thank you.
[BIRDS CHIRPING SOUNDS]
[BLOWING WIND SOUNDS]
[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC FADES IN]
This might just work.
The logs that we would
bring into your mill are of
the best quality. I'm sure other
lumber companies could bring in
good timber, but I don't
believe they're gonna offer you
the discount that I'm
offering, in exchange for cash
in advance payment, before
the delivery of the product.
What kind of
discount, ya got in mind?
Thirty percent, sir.
You got my attention.
[INAUDIBLE]
So, if I pay you in advance,
you'll reduce your price
for this order to
the amount listed here?
That is correct, sir.
You have yourself a deal.
[TYPEWRITER SOUNDS]
I really don't think
you'll find a better deal
in the whole of Chippewa Valley.
It is a lucrative offer.
You do have some
business sense to you.
Yes, I will take
you up on your proposition.
[BIRDS CHIRPING SOUNDS]
Sorry to keep
you waiting, Mr. Lynch.
It took me a few
moments to gather them all.
Thank you, Miles.
It's a shame you had
to come here yourself, sir.
Well, my servants are out and
this headache is bad enough
to motivate me to do just
about anything to relieve it.
Say, before I go home,
Uhh, may I see Mr. Rimsdale
for just a moment, please?
I'm sorry,
but he is out right now.
Oh. Well, then perhaps,
later on today,
when my headache is gone.
Actually, he'll be leaving after
lunch for the lumber camp
and won't return until tomorrow.
Is that right?
Well, I'll catch
him some other time then.
I hope you feel
better soon, sir.
[BIRD AND INSECT SOUNDS]
[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
I heard you coming upstairs, Mr.
Rimsdale and noted you left your
tea in the parlor.
Shall I bring it up?
No, thank you, Miles;
I'm here to gather my father's
headache powders.
I'm sorry, sir, but
I gave them to Mr. Lynch
just a few hours ago.
Silas Lynch?
Yes. He's been having headaches
and he came to collect them.
I did ask Mrs. Rimsdale's
permission before she left if
it was all right
to give them to him.
Are there any other
packets about the house?
I'm sorry, sir. I would
never have given them back
had I known you needed them.
Thank you, Miles.
SILAS LYNCH: You'll go tonight
as Daniel won't be home.
It'll make things easier.
I almost wish he would be there.
Focus on the job.
Don't bungle this.
Jonas! It's good to see ya.
It's good to see you.
So, uh, what,
what brought you up?
I wanted to come by
and introduce myself.
I know you, Jonas.
Jimmie Bower,
I'm Daniel Rimsdale.
It's nice to
officially meet you.
You're gonna catch some flies
with your mouth open like that.
Well, I, uhh,
I don't understand. Yo...
Right. Uh, my father passed
away earlier this year and so,
I had to take over the company.
And, you know, I know nothin'
of the lumber business, so I
decided to come in at ground
level and get an
accurate picture of how my
business was being ran.
So, nobody on the camp
knew that you were the owner?
No one.
Not even the foreman?
Especially not the foreman. Nah,
no one had ever met me before,
so it was pretty easy
to slip by unrecognized.
Well, that was
pretty smart on your part.
Well, I'm hopin' to put
what I've learned to good use.
Which leads me to the
exact reason for my visit.
Mike Doyles will not be
returning, and I need to
hire a new foreman.
I don't really know anybody
that would be up for the job.
I mean, I don't know if I have
any recommendations for you.
I already have
the person in mind. You.
I-I don't have any experience.
But you have everything
that I want in a foreman.
I need someone who will help
me grow the business, together,
and, and I'd really
like that person to be you.
I, I don't know anything
about running the books for the
men's pay or the purchases
from the wanigan. I mean
It's alright.
We'll figure it out together.
And I'll stop by
throughout the season.
What do you say?
Well, if you're willin' to
help me get my feet on ground,
I, I'd be willing
to give it a try.
Yeah?
But, one important question.
Who will be takin'
care of those guys?
Ah. Yeah, I-I, I figured
you would be worried about
the horses. So, I have yet to
ask him, but I know someone
who would be
perfect for the job.
Tyler Lee.
He's a good man.
Now, I need to go meet
with the cook and the filer.
Then thirty minutes, meet me
down in the foreman's office.
We got work to do.
Yes, sir!
I got a question for ya.
You remember when you
were here and you helped
me sharpen the saws?
Where'd you
learn to file like that?
Medical school. As doctors
in training we had to make sure
that our saws and scalpels
were sharp at all times.
Now, I do have a
question for you.
Yeah?
Will you show me
your dream list?
Alright.
File.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONTINUES]
[APPROACHING FOOTSTEP SOUNDS]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSICAL BUILD UP]
Hello?
[METAL BANGING SOUND]
[DRAMATIC AMBIENCE]
[WOOD CREAKING SOUNDS]
Mary Catherine?
Adeline, is that you?
Oh!
[BIRDS CHIRPING SOUNDS]
Miles, what's going on?
Someone broke in last night.
They're fine.
Oh, Daniel, you're home.
In the middle of the
night, someone broke in.
He was in the Belvedere.
I heard some noises, and I
thought it was one of the girls.
And mother went
upstairs to investigate.
By herself!
Then the burglar hurtled down
the stairs knocking mother over.
- Are you all right?
- I'm shaken, but unharmed.
How did he get in?
Over there.
The window was wide open.
Alright, did he take anything?
No, the room was torn apart, but
everything seems to be there.
I think I surprised
him early in his attempt.
Did you see who it was?
No, he was masked. But I know
of only one person who would
want to get into the Belvedere.
We have no proof.
Silas Lynch worries me,
but it is another Lynch male
that bothers me most.
I'm afraid for Adeline.
But we have to be careful
not to hold Byron accountable
for anything his father
may or may not have done.
I understand, but I
wouldn't trust a Lynch farther
than I could toss him.
I'll go get my things.
[MELANCHOLIC CLASSICAL MUSIC]
Mr. Taylor, I need your advice.
[INDISTINCT PHONE CHATTER]
It has been almost three
months and despite my efforts to
collect on the overdue
accounts no one has yet paid.
THOMAS TAYLOR: You can begin
a legal collection process.
So, I-I can just inform
them that their account will
be turned over to
a lawyer for collection?
THOMAS TAYLOR: Yes, that's correct.
You have several legal alternatives.
- Thank you, Mr. Taylor.
- You're welcome.
[WIND CHIME SOUNDS]
Going out?
Yes.
Would you like some company?
I could really use an hour
or two away from the accounts.
Thank you, but no.
It's just that I'm
supposed to meet someone.
Byron Lynch does business
every Tuesday at the mercantile,
and I meet him there as often as
I can. And we wander up and down
the aisles looking at the
merchandise and chatting about
so many things.
You remind
me of a passion flower.
A passion flower?
Yes. You're beautiful
and, and vibrant and
you approach life with
an exuberance that I envy.
Of the four of us children,
you're certainly
the most like Father.
He loved the thrill of
social interaction just as I do.
Yes, you are watered and you
blossom by it, and so was he.
I miss him, Daniel.
So much.
He was a passion flower, also.
But the worry
with a passion flower
is that it is easily crushed.
Daddy wasn't crushed.
I think that he was.
The responsibility of the lumber
business is a great weight.
I think that's why
he turned to parties so much.
Grandpa Lindler did not.
He, he built the business
from the ground
up. He thrived on it.
But Daddy didn't
and it crushed him.
I think that's why
the business failed.
You're not a
passion flower, are you?
No. I think a mudwort
would be a more apt description.
Remember
that passion flowers are,
are so bright that sometimes
they won't see
the darkness in others.
I don't ever want you crushed.
ELIZABETH: The reason I
called this meeting is
to inform everyone of my will.
Please don't
talk of dying, Mother.
Don't worry, Adeline, I'm just
trying to put things in order
while I'm still
clear-minded and able-bodied.
Aren't wills supposed to be kept
a secret until somebody dies?
In some families, yes.
And I'm not going to reveal
all my will tonight.
But there is one part that
I want you all to know now.
This house is near
and dear to my heart.
So, as your
grandfather had hoped,
no matter what happens,
I want it always to stay in the
Rimsdale family. Therefore,
I've set up a provision that
the house can never to be sold.
It must always be
owned by a Rimsdale or
a Rimsdale direct descendant.
Upon my death, the house
will pass from me to
my children in age order:
Mary Catherine, Daniel, Adeline
and finally to Colin.
If one of you
doesn't want the house
then it will go to
the next person in line.
I like that very much! The house
will always be in the family.
It's a wonderful way
to preserve our heritage.
It's a good plan, Mother.
I think Grandpa Lindler
would have liked it, too.
I think so too.
- Hundred.
- Hundred? Two dollars.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
I'll be in town for a bit.
Are you going to
see Byron Lynch?
As a matter of fact, I am.
Adeline, do you think Byron
is the right person for you?
That's a good question,
and one to which I've given
considerable thought lately.
Oh, really?
I thought you were smitten.
I do like Byron.
He's been very kind to me, but...
So, why are you
going to see him now?
I want to know
that his devotion to me
is truly authentic.
Are you just going
to ask him straight out?
No, I was planning
on being more subtle.
Oh, I almost forgot! You are
invited to a mid-summer picnic,
your sister and parents as well.
We'll be sending
out invitations soon.
Are you going to be there?
'Course.
Then, I will most
certainly be in attendance.
Wonderful.
You're deep in thought.
I was thinking of the
family meeting we just had.
Family meeting?
Yes, my mother has come up
with a unique way of ensuring
that the house
always stays in the family.
Really?
Yes. When she dies our mansion
will pass to Mary Catherine.
Then if Mary Catherine
doesn't want it or dies,
it will pass to
Daniel and so on.
Then the tradition of
the oldest son inheriting
first will not apply.
I hope your
brother is not too disappointed.
Not at all.
You are your
father's heir, are you not?
Yes, all this will be mine.
He likes Adeline.
Love does not
create financial security.
How was your visit with Adeline?
It was fine.
All is well with the Rimsdales?
Yes.
We couldn't help but
overhear that Mary Catherine
is now the legal hire
of the Rimsdale mansion.
Why does it matter?
If you wed Mary Catherine,
we will own the house.
I'm not interested
in Mary Catherine.
I like Adeline,
and she has just as
large a dowry as her sister.
That will certainly be enough
to add to the family coffers.
As far as the house
goes, I don't care.
You need to care. There's
treasure in the Belvedere.
If you wed Adeline, her
dowry's not enough to cover our
financial deficits.
If you wed Mary Catherine,
our family's
future will be secured.
[BELL RINGING SOUND]
Mr. Rimsdale. Miss Rimsdale.
Thank you!
[UPLIFTING CLASSICAL MUSIC]
[INDISCERNIBLE CROWD CHATTER]
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[INDISCERNIBLE
CROWD CHATTER CONTINUES]
[GRASSHOPPER CHIRPING SOUNDS]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES]
I have to again express my
thanks for your legal advice.
Any response yet?
Yes! Seven accounts
are now paid in full.
- Ah!
- Hahaha.
Miles found this
in the pocket of his jacket.
He forgot he had it
there on the night of the party
when my father died.
Well, this will certainly
help to either confirm or deny
your suspicions. I'll have
it examined and let you know.
Have you spoken
with Mike Doyles yet?
He's dead.
Daniel, oh, Daniel!
Won't you sit with us, Daniel?
Yes, I would.
[BLOWING WIND SOUNDS]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES]
Hello.
Excuse me.
[UPLIFTING MUSIC FADES OUT]
[SOFT DRAMATIC CLASSICAL MUSIC]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
Mother, do you have a moment?
Yes, of course.
Here is a summary
of the past due accounts.
Eighty percent
are now paid in full.
Daniel, thank you.
It wasn't all me.
Without Grandfather Lindler
I never could have done it.
Daniel, the journal...
DANIEL AND ELIZABETH:
It's the treasure!
- We found it!
- Hahahaha.
[UPBEAT CLASSICAL MUSIC]
Any news on
the headache powders?
Yes, and the
results were positive.
Silas Lynch will
stand trial for murder.
Tonight is a time of celebration
as a difficult spring
and summer are behind us, and a
bright new logging season ahead.
Daniel, It's quite
commendable, your reversal of a
failing lumber business.
In my years of business law,
which is limited of course
because of length of time that
I've been
practicing which is
relatively
short, uh, which I be...
I believe that it speaks of
Daniel's determination and wit.
Well, I had a good helper.
And the very best of teachers.
BENJAMIN TAYLOR: I, too, have
learned from the best of teachers,
that instructor in this
case is my father, of course,
- that to achie...
- How about a toast?
To the lumber business
of the Chippewa Valley.
To friends.
To hope.
- Hear, hear.
- Indeed.
Cheers.
[INDISCERNIBLE CHATTER]
[UPBEAT CLASSICAL
MUSIC FADES OUT]
[EMOTIONAL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA]
[EMOTIONAL CHAMBER
ORCHESTRA CONTINUES]
[CLASSICAL CHAMBER
ORCHESTRA FADES OUT]
[UPBEAT STRING QUARTET]
[PIANO JOINS IN]
[MUSIC TEMPO SPEEDS UP]
[VIOLIN FADES OUT]
[BRASS INSTRUMENT SOLO]
[CLASSICAL CHAMBER
ORCHESTRA CONTINUES]
[CHAMBER ORCHESTRA FADES OUT]
[MELANCHOLIC CLASSICAL
MUSIC TEMPO SLOWS DOWN]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC FADES OUT]
[EAGLE CRY]
[STRING QUARTET]
[STRING QUARTET CONTINUES]
[PIANO FADES IN]
[ORCHESTRATION CONTINUES]
ADELINE: I'm always so sad
when Christmas is over.
ELIZABETH: Are you packed?
DANIEL JR.: Just one more thing to do.
[FOOTSTEPS SOUNDS]
DANIEL SR.: I thought your Christmas
holiday was over and you were
leaving this morning.
I, I am.
But I nee-I need
to talk to you first.
It's about medical school.
My grades are a bit
lower than they should be and
it-it looks as if I'm going to
have to retake some classes. So,
it'll mean another
year before I can graduate.
I gave you a choice
between medical
school and law school
You chose medical school because
as you stated I want to help
people, and I can do that better
as a doctor than a lawyer.
And I still want to do that, but
the schooling is rigorous;
I just need some
extra time to fully grasp...
If it's not one thing, it's
another with you.
For years you've given me
suggestions in how to run the
business all of them unsound.
I was only trying to be
helpful. I just thought that.
You have no business sense.
Stay in medical school an
extra year if you desire it,
but I expect you'll soon
be coming back with your tail
between your legs.
But Father, I-I did...
[PIANO BEGINS]
[PIANO GETS SOFTER]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC]
DANIEL SR.: Welcome,
Thomas, to our home.
I'm glad you and your
family could be here tonight.
This is my wife Elizabeth,
my oldest
daughter Mary Catherine,
my other daughter
Adeline, and my son Colin.
THOMAS TAYLOR: We are pleased to
meet all you. This is my wife, Anna,
and our children,
Benjamin and Sarah.
Mrs. Taylor, I have been
looking forward to making
your acquaintance. Have
you had the opportunity to meet
any other ladies in town?
ANNA TAYLOR: No, this is actually
our first social engagement since
moving from Chicago.
And, oh, please call me Anna.
Then let me introduce
you to the other guests.
Claudia and Priscilla Lynch,
may I introduce Anna Taylor.
CLAUDIA LYNCH: How lovely to meet you.
You should arrange a meeting with
my son Byron and
your son Benjamin, is it?
- Yes.
- I'm sure Byron could guide him
in the mores of
proper society in our locale.
I believe they're already
acquainted. Benjamin mentioned
that Byron had stopped by
the office earlier this week.
Of course, Byron would think
of that. A meeting the junior
partner of your
family's father-son law firm
would be in order.
Yes, of course. I must tell you,
your home is absolutely lovely.
I really don't think I've
seen a more beautiful house.
This mansion is the envy
of every lumber baron in the
Chippewa Valley.
Really? I would just think
with so much wealth they could
afford anything they wanted.
It would seem,
but Joseph Lindler had
a way of topping them all.
Shall we join the others?
Yes.
PRISCILLA LYNCH: I was so hoping Daniel
would be here. But medical school calls.
Daniel?
My brother. He returned to
Madison several weeks ago.
Daniel and I are, of
course, very good friends.
There you are, Byron.
You must meet Sarah Taylor.
Sarah, this is Byron
Lynch. Priscilla's brother.
BYRON LYNCH: A pleasure, Miss Taylor.
Shall we?
So, what is your
occupation, Mr. Lynch?
SILAS LYNCH: I'm a lumber baron.
- He's one of my competition.
- Mmm. What are friends for?
Mary Catherine, many are
requesting that you play.
Would you mind?
Not at all.
[CLASSICAL PIANO]
COLIN: Mother?
COLIN: Mother?
[CLASSICAL PIANO CONTINUES]
[INDISCERNIBLE CROWD CHATTER]
[HIGH PITCH CONTINUOUS BEEP]
[DISTORTED SOUND]
ADELINE: Daddy!
MILES: Mr. Rimsdale!
Mr. Rimsdale!
Mr. Rimsdale?
- Mr. Rimsdale?
- Yes?
This telegram just came for you.
Thank you.
[EMOTIONAL STRING QUARTET]
CLERGYMAN: In the sweat of
thy face shalt thou eat bread,
till thou return
unto the ground;
For out of it was thou taken:
For dust thou art, and
unto dust shalt thou return.
CLERGYMAN: I'm so sorry.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
BANKER: Mrs. Rimsdale.
Thank you for coming.
My sympathies to
you in the loss of your husband.
- Thank you.
- Please, be seated.
The financial
stability of your fortune is
tenuous at best.
My father left a sizable
inheritance.
He did.
However, the money that Joseph
Lindler left to your husband and
you has been severely depleted
over the last twenty years
since his death.
But how have we
continued in our lifestyle
if we have little money?
Mr. Rimsdale,
in the past few years,
sold portions of
your landholdings.
He sold parts
of my father's land?
Yes, yes, yes, Mrs. Rimsdale.
Umm. I, I'm, I'm sorry that
this comes as such a shock.
I had assumed that you were
aware of these transactions.
And there is something else that
it seems like I need to make you
aware of. The remaining
land is mortgaged to the bank.
Are you telling me that I don't
even own the land that is left?
As long as you
make mortgage payments,
then it is still yours.
Did my husband
make those payments?
He did, but your
account balance is low.
Umm, You have enough for
four more payments after which,
if other funds are not found,
the bank will have no choice
but to foreclose on the land.
Is there anything I
own that is free and clear?
Your home.
At least he did
not mortgage that.
Mr. Rimsdale did meet
with me just about a week
before his death to
discuss that possibility.
But you have not
moved forward with it?
No, ma'am. But the,
the papers are here,
but there is no signature, yet.
[CLOCK CHIME SOUND]
Daniel, what
am I going to do?
Nothing. Do nothing, Mother.
Something must
be done. You see the figures.
Yes, but you
mustn't rush into anything.
Father has only been
in the grave two days.
We have only four months
until the bank forecloses!
At least this is your last
year of medical school and
the tuition has been paid.
How I wish your
Grandfather was still alive.
He would know what to do.
But now,
ELIZABETH: I want things to always be
just like they are just you and me.
Well, I won't always be here.
Someday I'll grow old and frail.
- But that's a long time away.
- Yes, and I tell you what.
I won't leave
you without memories.
And something else.
Something else?
A treasure.
A treasure that I will hide
right here in the Belvedere
For you.
So that when I'm gone
and you need me
once again, come up here.
I love you, Daddy.
I have some bad news.
I've deliberated as to whether
or not to share it with you,
but have decided
that you need to know.
Mother, you're not ill, are you?
Not physically.
Your Grandfather
Lindler's legacy is gone.
What do you mean gone?
The money that was
left to me and your father
has been used up.
This will mean
significant changes for us.
How significant, Mother?
We have to scale
back our expenditures
which includes our social life.
What about the lumber business?
Isn't it making in money?
Apparently not, or at
least not enough to keep us
in the style of
living that we have now.
We're not going to have
to sell this house, are we?
I'm not sure
what's going to happen.
The books have to be gone
over in order to determine
exactly where things
stand with the lumber company.
Mother, who's going to
run the business now that
father is gone?
I don't know. Daniel has to
return to medical school and...
I'm too young.
You're not thinking
of selling the business?
[DOOR KNOCK SOUNDS]
Mrs. Rimsdale, please.
If you would wait
here, sir, I'll let her know.
Hmm.
Miles said you
wanted to speak to me.
What can I do for you, Silas?
Actually, I was hoping I
might do something for you.
Please.
As Daniel's friend I
feel obligated to do whatever
I can to help ease the
burden of his untimely death
I would be willing to purchase
this mansion as well as make
a generous offer
on the remaining lands.
The remaining lands?
You talk as if some of the
land has already been sold.
But it has. I was the
one who purchased it.
I thank you
for what I'm sure is
meant as a kind offer,
but nothing is for sa...
Mrs. Rimsdale, I am aware
that your husband has spent
your family fortune. I'm afraid
for your survival and that
of the children you
will be left with nothing.
Do not presume that
you know the financial
state of my affairs, Mr. Lynch.
Some resources I may choose
to keep from public knowledge.
Even so,
you would be
wise to consider my offer.
Your company is floundering
and you are certainly in
no position to salvage it.
You seem to think you know
much about my personal affairs
but what you have not considered
as of yet, is the fact that my
husband is barely in the
grave. Now, here you are, at my
doorstep pressuring
me to leave my home.
I am attempting to spare you
further anguish. Do not be so
naive that so generous
of an offer will ever com...
There are some things I am,
but I am certainly not naive.
Ah, Daniel.
You've arrived just in
time to show Mr. Lynch out.
I will give you a
little time to reconsider.
I suggest you think carefully.
DANIEL: What did he mean?
Why was Mr. Lynch here?
Well, oh, thank you, Miles.
He wants to buy the house.
And oh, he'll be pleased
to purchase our land, also.
Our house? But he has a house.
But he wants this house.
But why?
Your father told him about the
treasure hidden in the Belvedere
and I did not help
the situation just now,
because I alluded to it.
I thought you never
found the treasure.
I know. But Silas
doesn't know that.
Much as I hate
to admit it, he's right.
I will be forced to
mortgage my father's home.
And when the money
runs out, and I am bankrupt,
then Silas will have his wish.
He will be able to
buy our house from the bank.
Mother, it seems to me
that the best way to get out
of debt is to
quit going into debt.
But how can I
do that with a business
that is draining
our finances dry?
Make the business profitable.
And who will do that?
Your father could not do it.
What about the
foreman? Does he do a good job?
Maybe he has some idea
of how to help the business.
I don't know.
Well, who's the foreman?
A man by the name of
Mike Doyles.
Okay, well, father must have
had some confidence in him to
have hired him.
Your father hired Mike Doyles
on the strong recommendation
of one of his close friends.
Silas Lynch.
[APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS SOUNDS]
Daniel, you must be tired.
You've been poring over
these records for hours upon
hours for the past two days.
I am tired.
Come, take a rest for a bit.
I'll have Miles bring
you some refreshments.
It's my father's journal.
I have not seen this for years.
Yes, I-I found it under a
pile of things in the Belvedere.
This was your
grandfather's diary.
He wrote everything in
here from his experience as a
newly hired lumberjack
to his rise to fortune.
I know. I've read
it from cover to cover.
He was a, a determined
man, and a compassionate one.
I've learned many
things from those pages.
Mother, I, I believe
I have identified at least
some of the reasons
that the business is failing
Umm, I-I've put a question
mark by all of the accounts
that I found no
evidence of payment.
Daniel, are you telling
me that we delivered lumber
to customers, but we
never received payment for it?
That's precisely
what I'm saying.
I don't know why Father didn't
collect on these accounts.
I should have stayed more
involved with the business.
Would Father have allowed that?
Yes,
but, uh, I just
became so worn down by
suffice it to say I just.
Gave up.
Mother, I've read Grandfather's
journal many times through.
I want to follow in his
footsteps. I want to rebuild
this lumber company
and make it profitable.
Now, I, I admit that I'm
frightened by the enormity of
the task and my
own lack of experience.
But I'm willing to learn
and I'm willing to do my best.
Now, grandfather has recorded
in his journal descriptions
and guidelines on how to
run a good lumber business,
and I will use them as a guide
if you will allow me
to manage and direct
the Rimsdale Lumber Company.
Yes.
DANIEL SR.: You have no business sense.
ELIZABETH: We may not be on a
good footing as far as finances
or business goes,
but we have a plan.
DANIEL JR.: Umm.
I will not be
returning to medical school.
Umm. Instead,
I will manage and direct the
lumber business in hopes that
it will turn around and put
us on solid financial ground.
But Daniel, with all your
heart you wanted to pursue
a medical career.
You're so close to finishing.
My heart is with my family.
This is where I need to be.
And this is where I want to be.
You are making a
great sacrifice, thank you.
Just think, Daniel,
you'll be the talk of the town.
I can hear the gossips now,
"Did you know Daniel Rimsdale
is the youngest
lumber baron in the valley.
He's only twenty-three!"
Adeline, that
type of talk will only
make me more
nervous than I already am.
Does this mean we can
continue to have parties?
- No.
- Yes.
Go on, Daniel. Say
what you were going to say.
Uh, I believe that w-we should
continue having social events,
but just keep the
guest list to a minimum.
Uh, maybe a nice evening get
together that doesn't involve
dinner but only
light refreshments.
I don't care what the event is
so long as we're doing something
and of course,
Byron Lynch must be
included on the guest list.
Byron Lynch?
Oh, yes. He's taken
quite a shine to me.
Adeline, now is not the
time to talk about guest lists.
Now, Mother, uh, your
opinion on social events?
Do you think it wise to
continue with social events
we cannot afford?
We can afford them for the
time being and by maintaining
an a semblance of our station,
it should discourage circling
vultures from
descending on us to peck
and squawk
that we sell this house,
this business, or our lands.
You have a point.
Daniel, I'm
glad you're my brother.
Am I interrupting?
No, not at all. I was just,
umm, working on
some of the accounts.
You were not.
You've never been a good liar.
You were writing a letter.
And to someone
you don't want me to know about.
Daniel, is there
someone you're leaving behind
at medical school, perhaps
a young woman you met during
the course of your studies?
Not at all. I was just making
sure that we had everything
- lined up
- You don't have to tell me.
If I do,
will you promise not to tell
anyone, including our family
unless it becomes
absolutely necessary?
Of course.
I always keep your secrets.
Alright.
Here goes.
I, I will be...
Daniel, thank you so much for
you know.
ELIZABETH: Colin, hurry please.
Mary Catherine.
COLIN: On my way!
We don't have much
time, only a few months.
I'll finish the
invoices, post them this week.
Don't be concerned.
Alright.
There he is.
Are you going to rent
a big wagon to put all of
your belongings in and
then ride the horses yourself?
I don't have enough
belongs to fill a wagon.
So, I send it by
freight and then I will follow.
By train?
That's the
fastest way to travel.
Well, how long will it
take you to sever ties with
the medical school and
collect your belongings?
Only a few weeks with traveling.
Someday, I'd like
to go on a train ride.
Someday, you shall.
Godspeed, Daniel.
Come back as quickly as you can.
[DRAMATIC STRING QUARTET]
[PIANO JOINS IN]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
[PIANO CONTINUES
WITH HIS FOOTSTEPS]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYS
WITH LIGHT SOUNDS OF STORM]
[MUSIC FADES OUT]
Are you going somewhere?
Yes, to the parlor.
You're dressed as
if you were going out.
What if I was?
Because it's not a
good a idea for a woman
to go out by herself.
Don't be so
prudish, Mary Catherine.
I'm only going
out for a walk. I'll be fine.
MARY CATHERINE: You're going to
meet with Byron Lynch, aren't you?
I wouldn't call it a meeting.
He will simply be at the same
place I am at the same time.
At the party, I overheard
Byron tell you that he'll
be at the mercantile
every Tuesday afternoon at two.
It was a thoughtful way of
providing an acceptable time
and place for us to meet.
Why doesn't he just ask
permission to court you?
How can he with
Daddy barely in the grave?
Daddy was alive when he
dropped the obvious invitation.
And to imply an accidental
meeting seems a bit odd.
He wasn't being devious
or doing anything wrong.
He's kind and
caring, and he likes me.
Are you sure he likes
you and not just your dowry?
You're just jealous
because I'm younger than you
and already have an
interested beau, and you don't.
- It's not like that at all.
- I'm going to be late.
Adeline, you can't go.
You're not my mother
and can't order me around.
No, but I will tell Mother.
See if I care!
[CLOSING DOOR SOUND]
[INDISCERNIBLE CROWD CHATTER]
TYLER LEE: You're new here?
Yeah! Yeah, I jus-just
arrived a little while ago.
Foreman know you're here?
Yeah, I just left his office.
He told me to find a bunk.
Name's Tyler Lee.
- Jonas Whitman.
- Nice to meet ya, Jonas.
There's a bunk open by me.
Thanks.
MITCH: Ah, looky here, boys.
We got ourselves a new jack.
You got to name?
Uh, Jonas. Jonas Whitman.
Whatta you say,
fellows, should we give uh,
Jonas Whitman
here a proper welcome?
Better not, Mitch. Remember
what happened to Tom Peachy.
What I remember is
that boy was milksop, alright?
That's what I remember.
Who's Tom Peachy?
He was the last new hire.
See some of these jacks,
uh, they like to
do a bit of hazin'.
You know if you ask me,
the uh, the boy deserved it.
Uh, with a name like Peachy.
[CROWD CHEERING]
Well, whatta you say, boys,
should be give Jonas
here a proper welcome!
You ended up droppin' Tom
Peachy, and he broke his leg!
Well, that's one bum
leg defendin' another.
This is the only
job Tom could get.
He had a family he needed
to support, like a lot of us,
and you ruined
that for him. Didn't ya?
Alright, alright. Hey,
don't get your dander up.
So, we made a mistake.
You know if Chopper here
hadn't dropped
his side, everything be fine.
Nah, don't go
blamin' this on me.
- Well, it's your fault.
- I'm just havin' fun.
Man, boy bruise easy.
- Sorry about that.
- It's alright, Tyler.
Do all newcomers get hazed?
Mostly.
Whatever happened to Tom Peachy?
Foreman had to have
him hauled home on a sleigh.
Where's home?
Some farm about twenty-five
miles from here.
I assume he was compensated.
EDDIE: Compensated?
You mean like paid money to make up
for gettin' hurt?
Yes. I mean,
it wasn't his fault.
Ain't no lumber company
that does that sort of thing.
Yeah, Eddie's right. I don't
know an operation like that.
- Least of all this one.
- Least of all this one?
Is the Rimsdale Lumber
Company as bad as that?
Put it to you this way, new boy.
I'd rather spend three months
in jail than this lumber camp.
He's joking, right?
Not really.
Then why are you here?
In fact, why are
any of these men here?
Only job we can get.
Bad job is
better than no job at all.
Yeah, I guess.
Oh, and uh, some of
these jacks they're not goin' to
leave you alone until
they've some how "welcomed" you.
What do they do besides tossin'
you up and down in a blanket?
Force ya to sing a song or
buy a pound of
tobacco for all to share.
I can do either of those.
Now, Mitch was a bit steamed.
I'm sure he's thinkin' up
something even more humiliating.
Thanks for the warning.
Uh, I'd watch your turkey, also.
Or else you'll find
somethin' stolen from it.
My what?
Your turkey.
You are green, aren't ya?
Turkey, it's a, it's a bag
that holds all your personal
belongings and
any of the clothes
you're not currently wearin'.
I get it.
[CAT MEOW SOUND]
Oh, and uh, this is Hector.
Ugh, he's the best
mousier in the camp.
When he's not doin'
his job, he sleeps here.
Why your bunk?
I don't know. Animals just
seem to be attracted to me.
Uh, and where
can I get one of those?
Jimmie Bower, the barn boy. Uh,
I'm sure he's got some extra
grain sacks and pieces of rope.
Which one of
these men is Jimmie?
Ahh, none of them. Jimmie sleeps
in the barn, not the bunkhouse.
Well, well, I'm going to need
some clothes other than these.
I heard there's a camp store.
Uh, yeah. The
wanigan is open each night.
I can take you over there.
That's okay. I don't want
to look like a child hidin'
behind his mother's skirt.
You may be green,
but you're catchin' on fast.
Thanks, Tyler.
[CAT PURRING SOUNDS]
CLERK: Peanuts.
Elias, sign the ledger.
ELIAS: Oh, yeah.
I always forget.
[UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYS]
What do ya need, Buck?
BUCK: Tobacco.
That'll be sixty cents.
Sixty cents? That's
robbery. It was forty last week!
Can't help it.
Prices go up sometimes.
I could buy this in
town for thirty cents.
But you Aren't in town.
[FUN PIANO TUNE]
Um. H-he's right. It does only
cost thirty cents back in town.
Look, I don't set the prices. I
just do my job as instructed.
Who sets the prices?
The boss, of course.
So, Mr. Rimsdale.
Mr. Rimsdale?
He doesn't know anything
that goes on around here.
Nope, It's Mike Doyles.
He's the
foreman. He's the boss.
Of course.
Well, what'd you need?
I've just arrived today. First
time workin' at lumber camp.
So, I need to be outfitted.
Boots, mackinaw, mittens,
whatever else I
need to be a lumberjack.
Well, Mr...
Uh, Jonas Whitman.
Well, Jonas Whitman,
If you thought the
tobacco was expensive,
this will cost
you quite a bit more.
I understand.
But I need to be warm.
While I gather
up what you'll need,
take off one of those
miserable excuses You're wearing
for shoes so I can
measure your foot.
Right.
You got a hat?
Uh, no.
Alright, get your foot up here.
Put your foot right here.
You got pretty small feet.
For a lumberjack.
[WIND WHISTLING SOUND]
[INDISCERNIBLE CROWD CHATTER]
Well, You're thinkin', alright.
Time for a dance!
- Let's go for a walk.
- Hey, boys, careful now! Mitch!
Mitch, come on now.
[CROWD LAUGHING]
Alright.
I need seven volunteers.
I said, I said seven.
You know what, you.
You two.
Hey, get in here!
Alright.
- Still need one more, boys.
- No, we don't.
Mr. Jonas Whitman here,
is goin' to be
our belle of the ball.
Let's get her
ready for the dance.
- Yeah, let's get you pretty.
- Yeah!
- Ah, she is pretty.
- Beautiful.
[CAT WHISTLING SOUND]
[UPBEAT VIOLIN]
[CROWD CHEERING]
CROWD: Woo-hoo!
LUMBERJACK: Yee-haw!
[VIOLIN FADES OUT]
MIKE DOYLES: Alright, jacks.
That's enough; That's enough.
Haul your backsides back to
the bunk. We've got a long
day ahead tomorrow.
As for you, Belle,
anybody can dance.
Let's see how you do
when the trees
start comin' down.
[PIANO FADES IN]
I can't tolerate this
boring life any longer!
What's the matter, Adeline?
For weeks We've
sat around doing nothing!
We're in mourning, Adeline.
I don't think Daddy
would have us be like this.
He would have us
mourn for a week or two,
but then he
would have us move on.
She's right. It's
what Daniel said before he left.
He said we should continue
some entertaining to keep
people from making assumptions
as to our financial state.
I think he also
meant it for Adeline.
We shall plan a
card party in a fortnight.
Really, Mother?
Yes, Adeline.
Now, we need to
ask Thomas and Anna Taylor,
for certain. And that will be
four because we need to include
Benjamin and Sarah.
And Mr. and Mrs. Lynch
will need to be present
as well as Priscilla and Byron.
That will be fine.
Then it's settled?
That's... hey!
[INDISCERNIBLE CROWD CHATTER]
Listen up.
Watch for fallin' branches.
Many a jack's been injured
or killed by a dead branch
That's dislodged from
a tree We're workin' on.
Stay off the skidway
as much as possible.
Tromp on the snow instead.
And don't let any of these
boys goad ya into not wearin'
your hat. Without your hat
you'll eventually end up with
cauliflower ears.
Cauliflower ears?
Yeah, from the frost bite.
Hey, could we get
some more sausages here?
Hey, cook, got
any more flapjacks?
That's it, boys. That's
all we got this morning.
Finish up, now,
and get out of here.
I ain't got time
for your complainin'.
[CROWD INDISCERNIBLE CHATTER]
Tell you what, I did not
get enough food. Did you?
Nope.
Cook always run out of food?
Yeah. But It's not his
fault. He's got a limited pantry
to work from.
Why? I mean, men need
lots of food to keep goin'.
That's all the boss allows.
Oh, so, Mike Doyles?
Who else would I mean?
I don't know, Mr. Rimsdale?
I heard he's dead and
gone. But That's no matter,
It's not like he cared
much about us before.
Quit your
jabberin'. Get on your way.
Yes, sir.
[SOFT CLASSICAL MUSIC]
[WIND WHISTLING SOUND]
[EMOTIONAL VIOLIN]
[SCRATCHING METAL SOUND]
It's about placement
really. Just go here. Go.
Go down there and try somethin'.
There it is.
[SOFT CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES]
[HORSE WHINING]
[MUMBLING]
Right here.
[MUSIC TEMPO PICKS UP]
What's the matter,
belle of the ball?
Sawin' a few trees whoop ya?
Yes, it did. I got to hand it
to you and the rest of the crew.
You are the hardest
workin' people I've ever met.
Don't be cozyin'
up to me saying stuff like that.
Hey, my umm, my saw's
missin' a couple of teeth and I,
I couldn't cut melted butter.
The dentist will
already know about it.
He looks after the saws
every night when we come in.
Uh, dentist?
Filer. The man who does
the upkeep of the saws.
Alright.
Evening.
Question for you, uh...
LEWIS KEPPIN: Look, I don't
have time for questions.
I got men goin'
out to log tomorrow.
I got a lot
of work to do before that.
Understood.
Besides that, I
already know your question.
"Why don't we have good saws?"
Would you like some help?
You know how to work on saws?
I-I can't repair the teeth,
but I can sharpen them.
Then, I accept your offer.
Alright.
Tools are over there.
Seems like you've
had some experience.
On my, my last occupation I
had to make sure all of my tools
were as sharp as
possible at all times.
My name's Lewis
Keppin. What's yours?
Jonas Whitman.
You a sawyer?
Or does the foreman have
you doing some other job?
Sawyer.
Actually, I'm, I'm
attempting to be a sawyer.
It's my first day on the job,
and my muscles are screaming.
So,
Even if a saw is
as sharp as it can be,
crosscut sawing those big trees
is not work for the feeble.
No. No, there is no job
in this camp for the weak.
Yeah.
None of life is easy.
True enough.
But I mean this,
this has got to
be your last one, yes?
Nah, I'm just getting started.
What?
I got to sharpen and repair all
the saws through the night
so that they're
ready for the mornin'.
No. You wouldn't
get it done in time.
You have to have
spares somewhere.
Wish I did, but I don't.
Does the foreman know
you need more equipment?
Says there's no
money to purchase any.
Hmm.
Well, I'm here with you.
TYLER LEE: Still sore from yesterday?
DANIEL JR.: Oh, yes. I didn't know a
person could hurt in so many places.
Well, it gets easier
after the first week.
- Let's go.
- Oh, makes me feel some better.
- I'll get the saw.
- Alright.
MIKE DOYLES: Come on you laggards.
Move it!
- Oh, watch out for that.
- Yep
MIKE DOYLES: Hurry up!
You, straight in here.
River pig! Come here.
Bring Belle with you.
- Left.
- Uh, look snappy.
Or else he'll find a way
to make us miserable later.
MIKE DOYLES: Let's go!
Belle, got your
dancin' shoes on?
Sure.
Good. That's your
first tree. Let's go.
Alright.
Woah, woah.
Where'd you get this saw?
Off the pile.
We don't have saws that sharp.
- Mitch?
- Yeah?
Come here. Bring your saw.
Swap saws with him.
Swap saws?
Yeah, are you deaf. Swap saws.
I'd rather stick
with this one, boss.
It was the
sharpest one on the pile.
- Joel!
- Last night Th-the filer had
more saws to sharpen
then he could get done.
So, I volunteered to help out.
Get to work.
Get to work! Let's go!
Get outta here!
Jesus, is he
always this irritable?
No, He's in a good mood today.
[SOFT UPLIFTING MUSIC]
[INDISCERNIBLE CHATTER]
You gonna to eat that apple?
- You want it?
- Yeah.
- Absolutely.
- Thanks.
I'll save that for later.
[SAWING SOUNDS]
[UPLIFTING MUSIC CONTINUES]
[OWL HOOTING SOUNDS]
MIKE DOYLE: Get back to the barn.
I'm tired of hearin'
the same ol' tune with you.
Fodder for horses that
work as hard as these animals
requires additional grain.
Hay alone will not sustain them
That's why I set aside the
extra expense for the grain.
A-and I'm grateful for that.
But the amount of grain you've
provided is far too small.
These are large animals
I'm well aware that
horses are large animals.
But the fodder you
got is the fodder you got.
They can't continue on
under these circumstances.
Yes, they can.
That's what whips are for.
No!
Jimmie, you are one
step away from being fired.
Get back to the barn.
Hey.
Looks like this is all we got.
[WHISPERING]
That's a good boy.
Evening.
Evening! What can I do for ya?
Well, I just thought I'd
stop by and introduce myself.
I haven't seen ya at any
of the meals or anything.
I'm Jonas Whitman.
Nice to meet
you. I'm Jimmie Bower
I couldn't help but
overhear your conversation with
the foreman just now.
Sorry about that.
Don't apologize. It sounds
like It's not the first time
you've come to the
foreman with your problems.
No, It's not.
So, how have the horses
kept up if they've been short
on grain all season?
Well, they wouldn't
have been able to, so...
You purchased the grain out of
your own pocket, didn't you?
Well, I, I don't have a wife.
I don't drink, I don't gamble.
So,
I figured I'd spend the
money on something I love.
But to supplement the grain
needed for these horses for
the entire season, that
would take your whole paycheck.
I don't need much.
You know, I've curried
a horse or two in my life.
If you don't mind, I'd love to
stick around and help you out.
Yeah. Love the
help and the company.
Alright.
So, What's this
fellow's name?
- That's Jack.
- Jack. And?
King. They're a good team.
Jonas Whitman.
Been snoopin' around.
The big boss
doesn't like people
leakin' our information
'bout how we do
business around here, right?
Yeah.
He's given me permission
to do whatever it takes
to stop that from happenin'.
What'd you got in mind?
An accident.
What's in it for me?
[CLASSICAL PIANO PLAYS]
[CHOPPING SOUNDS]
[WOOD CRACKING SOUND]
[VIOLIN FADES IN]
[VIOLIN TEMPO SPEEDS UP]
[PIANO JOINS VIOLIN]
[PIANO AND VIOLIN CONTINUE]
[WOOD CRACKING SOUND]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES]
- Good morning, Miss Rimsdale.
- [INDISCERNIBLE CHATTER]
[MUSIC TEMPO SLOWS DOWN]
[MUSIC LEVEL LOWERING]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES]
Watch out!
- Move out of the way!
- Ahh!
DANIEL JR.: Tyler!
Hey, you two alright?
[MOANING SOUNDS]
TYLER LEE: I've been better.
TYLER LEE: Branch hit my bum leg.
I think that's a good thing.
Couldn't get much worse than
it already is. Okay. Alright.
MIKE DOYLE: Hey!
This is dangerous work, people.
Looks like they're both alright.
Let's get back to
work. We got woods to clear.
Let's go!
[UPLIFTING VIOLIN FADES IN]
LUMBERJACK: Woo!
[PIANO JOINS TUNE]
[CROWD SCREAMING]
[UPLIFTING MUSIC CONTINUES]
LUMBERJACK: Oyy!
[CROWD YELLING]
[UPLIFTING MUSIC CONTINUES]
[SAWING SOUNDS]
[INDISCERNIBLE DISTANT CHATTER]
Let's go, guys. Come on.
Let's go, boys!
[MUSIC FADES OUT]
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
So, what are you going to do
now that logging season's over?
I don't know yet.
- Next.
- What about you?
I don't know. I'm
going to head home and
see what kind of
work I can get there.
MIKE DOYLE: Next.
Pretty boy.
Three weeks' worth of work.
Less your wanigan
purchases. There you go.
We'll see ya next season. Maybe.
I think you made a mistake. I
signed on for a dollar a day and
even after
my wanigan purchases,
I should be getting
five more dollars than this.
You think so? Sales
were low this year.
Everybody got
shorted, not just you.
Now maybe
logging isn't your thing.
Maybe next
season you try dancing.
Next!
[EMOTIONAL MUSIC]
Maybe I'll see you next season.
I hope so.
[BIRDS CHIRPING SOUNDS]
Psst! Whatcha' reading?
You're home!
How you doing, bud?
Daniel's home!
Daniel's home! Daniel's home!
You've arrived just in time.
We're hosting a card party
- in a few days!
- Oh, That's wonderful.
- Welcome home, son.
- Aww, mo...
I hope the administration
wasn't too hard on you
when you resigned from classes.
No. No, they were just fine.
Your belongings from the
school arrived just yesterd...
That's excellent.
We had Miles put
them in your room.
Thank you, dear.
We've invited eight
people to the party.
And they've all accepted!
One of the crates
was cracked open.
- I hope you don't mind.
- And mother and I have
been working on the menu.
It's
extraordinary what I'm reading!
The refreshments will be light,
but of the most delicious kind.
You look a bit bedraggled.
Mary Catherine.
Oh, thank you for the
compliment, Mary Catherine.
We're going to wear Daniel out.
We should give him
a moment to breathe.
Yes, I would
certainly love a nice hot bath.
Of course, it must
have been a long train ride.
- Mother.
- Yes, that it was.
Nervous?
I-I will depend upon you
and Adeline to cover any of my
errors in social management.
You will make a fine host.
Thank you.
Did we receive any
payments from the invoices
you sent while I was away?
Not yet.
I'll go get Mother.
Are you ready, Mother?
Yes, I...
Oh, What's the matter?
The last time we hosted
a social event your father-
Oh, you don't have to come down.
I must. I'll be fine,
It's just,
Here, here.
Oh, thank you.
Mother, what are these?
Pardon?
These packets?
Oh, those are headache powders.
I didn't realize you
were having headaches.
- You should have told me.
- They're not for me.
They were your father's.
I don't recall
Father having headaches.
Ah, They started fairly
recently, I realize now that the
headaches probably began
because of the financial stress.
It seems that Silas
suffers from the same head pain.
Do they work?
Oh, yes. Your father
took them quite frequently to
to keep the headaches at bay.
Alright, Daniel.
I'm ready for you to
escort me downstairs.
It would be my pleasure, Mother.
Benjamin, I am
pleased to finally
spend some time with
you. I'm sorry I've been in
transition back home, haven't
had the opportunity to meet you.
BENJAMIN TAYLOR: We really haven't
been here too long, just four months,
so don't feel badly about making
my acquaintance until this.
You will enjoy
getting to know Daniel.
I have known him for many
years.
We've practically grown up
together, haven't we, Daniel?
Yes, yes, we have, uhh, been
at several of the same
social social functions.
Daniel has been
away at medical school.
But now He's given up that
career to help his family.
I had heard that.
That must have been quite
heart-wrenching to relinquish
your chosen profession.
I know if I was forced
out of what I am doing,
that would be most unsettling.
And What's your occupation?
I am a junior partner
in my father's law firm.
I've worked for him
since the age of sixteen,
Uhh, except for the years
that I was away at law school.
Oh, those were
some troubling years.
I'll tell you about them
sometime, I'm sure you've had
some similar
experiences with your schooling.
[INDISCERNIBLE CHATTER]
Mrs. Lynch, I understand
that Priscilla has become
quite the musician.
My daughter has been playing the
pianoforte since the age of five
I am certain she is the
most skilled in the valley.
Of course, that is not a slight
to your skills, Mary Catherine.
I would've never have
thought that, Mrs. Lynch.
What a dear little boy.
How clever of you to include
him with the adult company.
I didn't know children
knew how to play cards.
Since Daddy's death we
include him in all that we do.
He's a prolific reader,
and learned card strategies
from a book. More recently,
however, He's been reading
the farmer's almanac and
has discovered that this summer
is to be one of
the most glorious.
Then we'll definitely
have to plan some outings
in the expected
pleasant weather.
An excellent idea. A midsummer
picnic! Wouldn't that be fun!
M-my father started our law
firm twenty-five years ago.
Thankfully, it's been
successful. Uh, More recently
we decided to move
out here as Father wanted to
participate in the
lumber boom taking place.
Uh, Not that he's going
to be in the lumber business,
but he's been a little bit weary
sometimes of the types of cases
he normally does. So, he was
hoping that the lumber business
would afford a change in
the type of cases that we
typically litigate.
It's your turn, Miss Lynch.
So, instead of persisting in the
regular, mundane legal work, uh,
we decided to take an adventure,
and It's been quite exciting.
I could tell you a story abo...
I'm sure you could, Mr. Taylor,
but if you don't mind, some of
the rest of us may like to
be a part of the conversation.
Miss Lynch,
my most sincere apologies.
I didn't realize that I was
monopolizing the conversation.
Certainly, that was not my
intention. I, in the future,
I will be certain and
most cautious not to make
the same grievous
social error as that would be...
Mr. Taylor,
you are doing it again.
Honestly, you could talk
the hind leg off a mule.
So, what do you think of
the Chippewa Valley, Anna?
Well, I don't think I'm
ready to call it home just yet,
but, I do think,
in time, that I will.
It's been a big change
for all of us, but It's been
most difficult for Anna.
Living in Chicago is very
different than living here.
I personally am very grateful
to be out of the big city.
I've wanted to live in a more
rustic setting for some time.
So, what drew you here?
People like Mr. Lynch.
What is your
interest in the barons?
Well, there were several
business people in the area
who requested
more legal support.
The lumber
business is complicated.
Elizabeth, have you
reconsidered my offer?
I have, and the answer stands.
You shouldn't
put your trust in Daniel.
As fine a young man as he is,
he will not be able to
recover your failing business.
Mr. Lynch, we are
gathered for a polite evening
of social entertainment.
Please refrain from making
dire predictions
about our business.
Of course.
We're gathering
in the dining room
for some light refreshments.
As soon as your trick is
finished, please join us.
[SOFT CLASSICAL MUSIC]
There you are.
I've been lookin' for you.
I hope you don't mind.
Mary Catherine was practicing
so I decided to read in here.
Of course, I don't mind.
You know You're always
welcome in this study.
Thanks.
Why were you lookin' for me?
I want your help.
Mine? Doing what?
Before I tell you that, I have
to explain something first
and you have to
keep to yourself, alright?
Remember when I was
gone for those three weeks?
Yes, you took
the train to Madison.
I didn't really go to Madison.
COLIN: How far is the
lumber camp from here?
DANIEL: Probably only
another five minutes.
We're shavin' off about thirty
walkin' through these woods.
All of this belongs to us?
Yes, and much more.
Grandpa Lindler left us many
thousands of acres.
How many acres?
Well, after what Father
sold and after Mary Catherine
and Adeline's dowry
is taken out, about 75,000.
How many acres does
the average lumber baron own?
About 50,000.
Daniel, do you think
you'll have to sell land to keep
the business in operation?
I sure hope not. It's the
standing timber on these acres
that makes us the money. If we,
uh, lose that, we're losin' our
largest asset.
Camp's just over that rise.
I'll wait here for
you to deliver the letter.
I'm looking for
Jimmie Bower, right?
Jimmie Bower.
Excuse me.
What can I do for you?
Are you Jimmie Bower?
What do you want with Jimmie?
I have a letter
to deliver to him.
How 'bout I take
you over to him.
Hey, Jimmie, you got a visitor.
You're here to see me?
Yes, sir, if you
are Jimmie Bower.
Yeah, That's me.
I have a letter
to deliver to you.
[HORSE NEIGH SOUND]
I have to be
going now. Good bye.
- Who's it from?
- I don't know. Let me open it.
That header, Jimmie! It's from
the Rimsdale Lumber Company.
Hey, quit, quit breathin'
down my neck, would ya?
It's signed by
Daniel Rimsdale himself!
I see it! Let me read it!
Mr. Doyles isn't comin' back.
Mr. Rimsdale wants me to watch
the camp and the money's to
- pay me for doin' it.
- Hahaha.
- Wooo! Woo!
- Hahahaha!
[HORSE NEIGH SOUNDS]
Hey, hey, Cook, Cook, Cook,
You're scaring the horses.
[UPBEAT GUITAR AND PIANO]
I asked you here today to
discuss your role as foreman
for the Rimsdale Lumber Company.
You may be seated, Mr. Doyles.
You said you were Jonas Whitman.
Yes, I used an alias as I
did not wish you or anyone else
to know who I was as
I worked in the lumber camp.
I've delineated the punishable
crimes that you've committed
against my company.
Embezzlement
is at the top of the list.
You, you can't
prove any of this.
Actually, Mr. Doyles, I can
and know that from this moment,
you're released
from my employment.
You're gonna regret this.
Maybe you didn't
hear me, Mr. Doyles.
You are dismissed.
[SOFT DRAMATIC VIOLIN]
Mr. Lynch? It's Doyles.
It's highly irregular, Mr.
Doyles, for you to visit me
without my express invitation.
Daniel Rimsdale just fired me.
Well,
the young whelp has
more spine than I thought.
I did everything you told me to.
Why are you so upset? You have
the salary I paid you and the
skimmings from the camp.
He's threatenin' to tell
the constable everything.
Don't worry. He's got no proof.
He was there.
What do you
mean, "he was there?"
MIKE DOYLES: He was an off-season hire.
He came in,
told me his name
was Jonas Whitman.
How was I supposed to know
it was Daniel Rimsdale, Jr.?
So, you brought
about your own demise.
Look, if I go down for this,
You're goin' down too.
I want money, a lot of money.
Are you trying to blackmail me.
I have you over a barrel, Silas.
I paid you in cash.
It's your word against mine.
Look, when you told me to
sabotage the Rimsdale business,
I asked you about Rimsdale, Sr.
You said you'd take care of it.
I know how you took care of it.
So, the offer better be good.
Come with me.
We'll talk all about money.
So, What's the offer?
Now, besides paying you well,
I have a way to get
back at Daniel Rimsdale,
if you're interested.
MAIL CLERK: Thank you.
Thank you, Gretchen.
- Hello.
- Good morning.
Hi. Anything for the Rimsdales?
No, sir. I'm sorry.
Nothing's come in.
Thank you.
[BIRDS CHIRPING SOUNDS]
[BLOWING WIND SOUNDS]
[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC FADES IN]
This might just work.
The logs that we would
bring into your mill are of
the best quality. I'm sure other
lumber companies could bring in
good timber, but I don't
believe they're gonna offer you
the discount that I'm
offering, in exchange for cash
in advance payment, before
the delivery of the product.
What kind of
discount, ya got in mind?
Thirty percent, sir.
You got my attention.
[INAUDIBLE]
So, if I pay you in advance,
you'll reduce your price
for this order to
the amount listed here?
That is correct, sir.
You have yourself a deal.
[TYPEWRITER SOUNDS]
I really don't think
you'll find a better deal
in the whole of Chippewa Valley.
It is a lucrative offer.
You do have some
business sense to you.
Yes, I will take
you up on your proposition.
[BIRDS CHIRPING SOUNDS]
Sorry to keep
you waiting, Mr. Lynch.
It took me a few
moments to gather them all.
Thank you, Miles.
It's a shame you had
to come here yourself, sir.
Well, my servants are out and
this headache is bad enough
to motivate me to do just
about anything to relieve it.
Say, before I go home,
Uhh, may I see Mr. Rimsdale
for just a moment, please?
I'm sorry,
but he is out right now.
Oh. Well, then perhaps,
later on today,
when my headache is gone.
Actually, he'll be leaving after
lunch for the lumber camp
and won't return until tomorrow.
Is that right?
Well, I'll catch
him some other time then.
I hope you feel
better soon, sir.
[BIRD AND INSECT SOUNDS]
[SOFT DRAMATIC MUSIC]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
I heard you coming upstairs, Mr.
Rimsdale and noted you left your
tea in the parlor.
Shall I bring it up?
No, thank you, Miles;
I'm here to gather my father's
headache powders.
I'm sorry, sir, but
I gave them to Mr. Lynch
just a few hours ago.
Silas Lynch?
Yes. He's been having headaches
and he came to collect them.
I did ask Mrs. Rimsdale's
permission before she left if
it was all right
to give them to him.
Are there any other
packets about the house?
I'm sorry, sir. I would
never have given them back
had I known you needed them.
Thank you, Miles.
SILAS LYNCH: You'll go tonight
as Daniel won't be home.
It'll make things easier.
I almost wish he would be there.
Focus on the job.
Don't bungle this.
Jonas! It's good to see ya.
It's good to see you.
So, uh, what,
what brought you up?
I wanted to come by
and introduce myself.
I know you, Jonas.
Jimmie Bower,
I'm Daniel Rimsdale.
It's nice to
officially meet you.
You're gonna catch some flies
with your mouth open like that.
Well, I, uhh,
I don't understand. Yo...
Right. Uh, my father passed
away earlier this year and so,
I had to take over the company.
And, you know, I know nothin'
of the lumber business, so I
decided to come in at ground
level and get an
accurate picture of how my
business was being ran.
So, nobody on the camp
knew that you were the owner?
No one.
Not even the foreman?
Especially not the foreman. Nah,
no one had ever met me before,
so it was pretty easy
to slip by unrecognized.
Well, that was
pretty smart on your part.
Well, I'm hopin' to put
what I've learned to good use.
Which leads me to the
exact reason for my visit.
Mike Doyles will not be
returning, and I need to
hire a new foreman.
I don't really know anybody
that would be up for the job.
I mean, I don't know if I have
any recommendations for you.
I already have
the person in mind. You.
I-I don't have any experience.
But you have everything
that I want in a foreman.
I need someone who will help
me grow the business, together,
and, and I'd really
like that person to be you.
I, I don't know anything
about running the books for the
men's pay or the purchases
from the wanigan. I mean
It's alright.
We'll figure it out together.
And I'll stop by
throughout the season.
What do you say?
Well, if you're willin' to
help me get my feet on ground,
I, I'd be willing
to give it a try.
Yeah?
But, one important question.
Who will be takin'
care of those guys?
Ah. Yeah, I-I, I figured
you would be worried about
the horses. So, I have yet to
ask him, but I know someone
who would be
perfect for the job.
Tyler Lee.
He's a good man.
Now, I need to go meet
with the cook and the filer.
Then thirty minutes, meet me
down in the foreman's office.
We got work to do.
Yes, sir!
I got a question for ya.
You remember when you
were here and you helped
me sharpen the saws?
Where'd you
learn to file like that?
Medical school. As doctors
in training we had to make sure
that our saws and scalpels
were sharp at all times.
Now, I do have a
question for you.
Yeah?
Will you show me
your dream list?
Alright.
File.
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC CONTINUES]
[APPROACHING FOOTSTEP SOUNDS]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSICAL BUILD UP]
Hello?
[METAL BANGING SOUND]
[DRAMATIC AMBIENCE]
[WOOD CREAKING SOUNDS]
Mary Catherine?
Adeline, is that you?
Oh!
[BIRDS CHIRPING SOUNDS]
Miles, what's going on?
Someone broke in last night.
They're fine.
Oh, Daniel, you're home.
In the middle of the
night, someone broke in.
He was in the Belvedere.
I heard some noises, and I
thought it was one of the girls.
And mother went
upstairs to investigate.
By herself!
Then the burglar hurtled down
the stairs knocking mother over.
- Are you all right?
- I'm shaken, but unharmed.
How did he get in?
Over there.
The window was wide open.
Alright, did he take anything?
No, the room was torn apart, but
everything seems to be there.
I think I surprised
him early in his attempt.
Did you see who it was?
No, he was masked. But I know
of only one person who would
want to get into the Belvedere.
We have no proof.
Silas Lynch worries me,
but it is another Lynch male
that bothers me most.
I'm afraid for Adeline.
But we have to be careful
not to hold Byron accountable
for anything his father
may or may not have done.
I understand, but I
wouldn't trust a Lynch farther
than I could toss him.
I'll go get my things.
[MELANCHOLIC CLASSICAL MUSIC]
Mr. Taylor, I need your advice.
[INDISTINCT PHONE CHATTER]
It has been almost three
months and despite my efforts to
collect on the overdue
accounts no one has yet paid.
THOMAS TAYLOR: You can begin
a legal collection process.
So, I-I can just inform
them that their account will
be turned over to
a lawyer for collection?
THOMAS TAYLOR: Yes, that's correct.
You have several legal alternatives.
- Thank you, Mr. Taylor.
- You're welcome.
[WIND CHIME SOUNDS]
Going out?
Yes.
Would you like some company?
I could really use an hour
or two away from the accounts.
Thank you, but no.
It's just that I'm
supposed to meet someone.
Byron Lynch does business
every Tuesday at the mercantile,
and I meet him there as often as
I can. And we wander up and down
the aisles looking at the
merchandise and chatting about
so many things.
You remind
me of a passion flower.
A passion flower?
Yes. You're beautiful
and, and vibrant and
you approach life with
an exuberance that I envy.
Of the four of us children,
you're certainly
the most like Father.
He loved the thrill of
social interaction just as I do.
Yes, you are watered and you
blossom by it, and so was he.
I miss him, Daniel.
So much.
He was a passion flower, also.
But the worry
with a passion flower
is that it is easily crushed.
Daddy wasn't crushed.
I think that he was.
The responsibility of the lumber
business is a great weight.
I think that's why
he turned to parties so much.
Grandpa Lindler did not.
He, he built the business
from the ground
up. He thrived on it.
But Daddy didn't
and it crushed him.
I think that's why
the business failed.
You're not a
passion flower, are you?
No. I think a mudwort
would be a more apt description.
Remember
that passion flowers are,
are so bright that sometimes
they won't see
the darkness in others.
I don't ever want you crushed.
ELIZABETH: The reason I
called this meeting is
to inform everyone of my will.
Please don't
talk of dying, Mother.
Don't worry, Adeline, I'm just
trying to put things in order
while I'm still
clear-minded and able-bodied.
Aren't wills supposed to be kept
a secret until somebody dies?
In some families, yes.
And I'm not going to reveal
all my will tonight.
But there is one part that
I want you all to know now.
This house is near
and dear to my heart.
So, as your
grandfather had hoped,
no matter what happens,
I want it always to stay in the
Rimsdale family. Therefore,
I've set up a provision that
the house can never to be sold.
It must always be
owned by a Rimsdale or
a Rimsdale direct descendant.
Upon my death, the house
will pass from me to
my children in age order:
Mary Catherine, Daniel, Adeline
and finally to Colin.
If one of you
doesn't want the house
then it will go to
the next person in line.
I like that very much! The house
will always be in the family.
It's a wonderful way
to preserve our heritage.
It's a good plan, Mother.
I think Grandpa Lindler
would have liked it, too.
I think so too.
- Hundred.
- Hundred? Two dollars.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
I'll be in town for a bit.
Are you going to
see Byron Lynch?
As a matter of fact, I am.
Adeline, do you think Byron
is the right person for you?
That's a good question,
and one to which I've given
considerable thought lately.
Oh, really?
I thought you were smitten.
I do like Byron.
He's been very kind to me, but...
So, why are you
going to see him now?
I want to know
that his devotion to me
is truly authentic.
Are you just going
to ask him straight out?
No, I was planning
on being more subtle.
Oh, I almost forgot! You are
invited to a mid-summer picnic,
your sister and parents as well.
We'll be sending
out invitations soon.
Are you going to be there?
'Course.
Then, I will most
certainly be in attendance.
Wonderful.
You're deep in thought.
I was thinking of the
family meeting we just had.
Family meeting?
Yes, my mother has come up
with a unique way of ensuring
that the house
always stays in the family.
Really?
Yes. When she dies our mansion
will pass to Mary Catherine.
Then if Mary Catherine
doesn't want it or dies,
it will pass to
Daniel and so on.
Then the tradition of
the oldest son inheriting
first will not apply.
I hope your
brother is not too disappointed.
Not at all.
You are your
father's heir, are you not?
Yes, all this will be mine.
He likes Adeline.
Love does not
create financial security.
How was your visit with Adeline?
It was fine.
All is well with the Rimsdales?
Yes.
We couldn't help but
overhear that Mary Catherine
is now the legal hire
of the Rimsdale mansion.
Why does it matter?
If you wed Mary Catherine,
we will own the house.
I'm not interested
in Mary Catherine.
I like Adeline,
and she has just as
large a dowry as her sister.
That will certainly be enough
to add to the family coffers.
As far as the house
goes, I don't care.
You need to care. There's
treasure in the Belvedere.
If you wed Adeline, her
dowry's not enough to cover our
financial deficits.
If you wed Mary Catherine,
our family's
future will be secured.
[BELL RINGING SOUND]
Mr. Rimsdale. Miss Rimsdale.
Thank you!
[UPLIFTING CLASSICAL MUSIC]
[INDISCERNIBLE CROWD CHATTER]
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
[INDISCERNIBLE
CROWD CHATTER CONTINUES]
[GRASSHOPPER CHIRPING SOUNDS]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES]
I have to again express my
thanks for your legal advice.
Any response yet?
Yes! Seven accounts
are now paid in full.
- Ah!
- Hahaha.
Miles found this
in the pocket of his jacket.
He forgot he had it
there on the night of the party
when my father died.
Well, this will certainly
help to either confirm or deny
your suspicions. I'll have
it examined and let you know.
Have you spoken
with Mike Doyles yet?
He's dead.
Daniel, oh, Daniel!
Won't you sit with us, Daniel?
Yes, I would.
[BLOWING WIND SOUNDS]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES]
Hello.
Excuse me.
[UPLIFTING MUSIC FADES OUT]
[SOFT DRAMATIC CLASSICAL MUSIC]
[DRAMATIC MUSIC CONTINUES]
Mother, do you have a moment?
Yes, of course.
Here is a summary
of the past due accounts.
Eighty percent
are now paid in full.
Daniel, thank you.
It wasn't all me.
Without Grandfather Lindler
I never could have done it.
Daniel, the journal...
DANIEL AND ELIZABETH:
It's the treasure!
- We found it!
- Hahahaha.
[UPBEAT CLASSICAL MUSIC]
Any news on
the headache powders?
Yes, and the
results were positive.
Silas Lynch will
stand trial for murder.
Tonight is a time of celebration
as a difficult spring
and summer are behind us, and a
bright new logging season ahead.
Daniel, It's quite
commendable, your reversal of a
failing lumber business.
In my years of business law,
which is limited of course
because of length of time that
I've been
practicing which is
relatively
short, uh, which I be...
I believe that it speaks of
Daniel's determination and wit.
Well, I had a good helper.
And the very best of teachers.
BENJAMIN TAYLOR: I, too, have
learned from the best of teachers,
that instructor in this
case is my father, of course,
- that to achie...
- How about a toast?
To the lumber business
of the Chippewa Valley.
To friends.
To hope.
- Hear, hear.
- Indeed.
Cheers.
[INDISCERNIBLE CHATTER]
[UPBEAT CLASSICAL
MUSIC FADES OUT]
[EMOTIONAL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA]
[EMOTIONAL CHAMBER
ORCHESTRA CONTINUES]
[CLASSICAL CHAMBER
ORCHESTRA FADES OUT]
[UPBEAT STRING QUARTET]
[PIANO JOINS IN]
[MUSIC TEMPO SPEEDS UP]
[VIOLIN FADES OUT]
[BRASS INSTRUMENT SOLO]
[CLASSICAL CHAMBER
ORCHESTRA CONTINUES]
[CHAMBER ORCHESTRA FADES OUT]
[MELANCHOLIC CLASSICAL
MUSIC TEMPO SLOWS DOWN]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES]
[CLASSICAL MUSIC FADES OUT]