Was Once a Hero (2024) Movie Script
1
(film reel whirring)
(light dramatic music)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(ominous music)
(crows squawking)
(lighthearted music)
(lighthearted music continues)
(lighthearted music continues)
I'm tired and weary
It's been a long, long road
I stumbled down a sandy path
where once a river flowed
The dark of night
is a-nearing
And onward I must go
They put me out to pasture
Drove me from their fold
Just as soon exclude
me as forgotten and old
Turned their
hearts against me
A better time,
no blessing told
Now a darker angel
is hovering around
Black bird's searching
above the bloody ground
Dark angel passes by
Shh, I dare not make a sound
(soldiers hollering)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(guns banging)
(hooves clopping)
(guns continue banging)
(soldier yells)
(haunting music)
(soldiers screaming)
(haunting music continues)
(birds chirping)
(cows mooing)
(chickens clucking)
(gentle music)
(hammer taps)
(hammer continues tapping)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(metal thuds)
(wood rustling)
(birds chirping)
(gentle music continues)
(cow moos)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(wood clatters)
(light dramatic music)
(door creaks)
- [Ron] You doing
all right, Mal?
- Yeah.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
No, I, I'm just, I'm-
- Building another bird house?
- Yeah, a bird house.
I'm, I'm building a bird house.
You here for my
birthday, Johnny?
- Nah, it's April, birthday's
not till September,
and I'm Ron.
Ron Bell.
Married to your niece,
Lydia, you remember?
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Lydia and Ron.
Is it supper time?
- Lydia wants me to
bring you inside,
the doc's here to see you.
- Doc Cooper.
- Oh no, Doc Cooper's been
dead, what, 20 years now?
Doc Jennings is here to see you.
- I don't need to see no
doctor, I'm busy here.
- Doc rode 15 miles.
Come on now.
(hammer thuds)
- I don't need a doctor!
I ain't sick.
- It's just a checkup.
Won't take long.
Come on now.
Come on, Mal.
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(light music)
- [Ginny] In my
fondest memories, Pa
used to tell us that
family is everything.
Till the day he said we
was moving to California,
the place where
dreams became reality
and the rivers was
filled with gold.
(light music continues)
Pa was the most decent
man I ever knew.
- [Shopper] Ma'am.
- [Ginny] But he never knew
when he was in over his head.
(light music continues)
(coins jingling)
- [Banker] Oh, apologies.
(light music continues)
- [Frank] Ginny, wagons ho.
(door creaks)
(light music)
(horse neighs)
(indistinct singing)
(kids laughing)
Little Bit.
- Pa, you said wagons ho, but
we only got this one wagon.
- It's just a turn
of phrase, son.
- Shouldn't it just be wagon ho?
- All right, son. Wagon ho.
Ginny, get on the wagon.
(indistinct singing continues)
Virginia.
Come on.
Go to pray like we're Jesus
When we all see Jesus
We'll seek our
chance at victory
- Oh God.
Calling out to heaven.
Same old shit.
(wagon rattling)
(light dramatic music)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
When you cross the room
- So, Doc Jennings, did
that boy of yours ever marry
that feisty southern girl?
- Well, they're getting
married next month actually.
I'm, I'm glad you asked.
So, Captain, the
last time I was here,
you called me Doc Cooper, and
you asked about my war injury.
- Doc, I, I just get
the forgets sometimes.
I, I think it's a product
of a long life of mayhem.
- Do your hands tremble much?
- Well, only when
I'm being poked
and prodded like a damn steer.
Oh, Doc, I feel fine.
- I'm a little
concerned about you.
I mean, you got to eat your
meals regular, all right?
And if you want some help with
your memory, it's important
that you eat a lot of vegetables
and some bone broth soup.
- Now look, I, I can
have some, you know,
tomatoes and taters, but the
thought of drinking bone broth,
well, that's just
downright unsettling.
- Good nutrition makes
for a better brain.
I hope you're not gonna be
too stubborn on this, Captain.
- It's Major, not Captain!
- Mal!
- Malcolm!
- Do you understand me?
- I understand, now I'm
also observing, Major,
that bone broth is
good for the memory.
- Well, well, and that's a,
a fine suggestion there, Doc.
And oh heck, I, I
guess I could get used
to a little bone broth if it,
if it came with a little
salt and pepper maybe.
- Now, would it be all
right with you if I had
a few words with the Bells?
- Oh, yeah, yeah,
yeah. That's fine, Doc.
Because, because I'm
out in the barn anyway
'cause I'm a, I'm a, I'm...
- Uncle Malcolm's
building a bird house.
- A bird house.
Yeah, that's right.
It's a wedding present
for that boy of yours
and that feisty southern
gal, Dr. Jennings.
- Major.
- Thank you.
(birds chirping)
(door thuds)
(liquid sloshing)
- Thank you Mrs. Bell.
- Just Lydia's fine, Doctor.
- Well, I must
say I'd hoped that
I'd find Malcolm much improved,
but he is declining rapidly.
- Again, I'm so sorry.
- Oh, that's all right.
It's part of the job.
It's not the first time,
it's not the last time.
- We don't have any
children, Doctor,
and we don't have any
money to hire hands.
So, when Uncle Malcolm
came to live with us,
it was a blessing.
He worked so hard to keep
our heads above water.
But now the time we have
to dedicate to his care-
- He almost burned down
the hay shed last week.
We would've lost that feed.
The stock would've
starved come winter time.
- [Lydia] Sometimes he
acts like a little child.
- Chases chickens around, he
keeps marbles in his pockets,
he's often prone to temper.
- Just two days ago, he came
after Ron with a branding iron.
We love him very much, but
we just can't find any way
to help him ease his struggles.
- We all know Malcolm Hunter's
incredible heroism in the war.
The loss of pride is one
of the horrors of
softening of the brain.
I'm sure that Major Hunter
feels that more than anyone.
(Lydia gasps)
- I'm sorry.
I'm just so afraid he's gonna
do something
terrible to himself.
- Now, there is a doctor
that I studied medicine with
who runs an institution
in Philadelphia.
- Philadelphia?
We'd never be able to visit him.
He'd be all alone.
- Mal would never agree to that.
- No.
(somber music)
(bugs trilling)
(frogs croaking)
Uncle Malcolm, have
some more green beans.
- Oh, Lydia, I already
got a plate full of 'em.
- Please?
- Oh, come on.
Well, but I will
tell you, Lydia,
that this is a wonderful meal.
I mean, wonderful.
I, I swear in all my life
I don't think I've ever
had a better birthday
meal than this one.
Well, at least it
beats bone broth.
(Malcolm laughs)
Oh, come on!
(Ron laughs)
- If you're not careful,
bone broth's all you're
gonna be eating for a long time,
scamp.
- Ooh!
You'll have to join me, right?
- If it's funny, why
don't you take mine?
- No no!
(bugs chirping)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(hand taps)
- You know what, Pal?
You ready for one
more adventure?
Come on.
(light music)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(fire rustling)
(gentle music)
- I swear this is the best
cup of coffee I've ever had.
- You say that every night, Pa.
- Well, 'cause that's
every night it's true.
- Is that the doll Ma gave you?
- It's just a keepsake now.
Just reminds me of her.
- You know, Ginny, when
we make it to California,
there'll be a lot of well
off men looking to marry
a nice lady as
pretty as you are.
There'll be a line
of 'em 10 miles long,
hoping to be lucky enough to
make a fine life with you.
- I guess they better be
lucky if they want me.
I don't intend
marriage to nobody,
California or nowhere else.
- I know life's been
hard on you both.
A fresh start is
what we all need.
You'll see I'm right, Ginny.
(crickets chirping)
(leaves rustling)
(suspenseful music)
(person whistles)
Hide.
- Pa.
- Ginny, just take
your brother and hide
in the bushes yonder.
(suspenseful music continues)
- [Chance] Hello to camp!
- Hello to you.
What's your business?
- I smelled your coffee,
thought you might spare some.
I mean no harm, mister.
- I saw you in town a
few hours ago, didn't I?
Lots of coffee there.
- Well, my horse, she threw me.
Always unpredictable.
I'm here now just seeking
a little human kindness.
- Come on in, just
drop that weapon.
Keep it slow.
- No problem, no problem.
Boy, this is nice right here.
Oh, dear Lord, I'm
all bruised up.
So, uh, my name is Chance.
What's your name, caballero?
- I'm Frank Hayes.
Pick it up.
I won't shoot you.
(metal clanks)
- Damn good coffee.
- You're welcome to it, but
I got a long haul tomorrow,
so as soon as you're feeling
better, best move on.
- That's about right on
the money there, isn't it?
- Meaning what?
- Well, I mean, you got a really
nice camp here, my friend.
Heck, I walked up, I thought
it was Sunday after church.
You had a couple others back
in town with you, didn't you?
Little boy, little girl?
- No, they weren't
mine. My sister's.
I'm traveling alone.
- Okay, well...
One, two, three.
You got three plates laid out
here tonight there, Frank.
I mean, you got a
mighty hefty appetite.
- So I've been told.
- Well, I say you
ain't that hungry.
(suspenseful music)
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
Just take it easy.
Better put that down.
They're not gonna
mess around with that.
Don't you aim that thing at me.
Get it down now.
Come on, come on.
Take it easy.
Everything's okay.
What you need to do, you
need to gimme the money.
Gimme everything you
got and I'll leave
and then you'll live.
(match sizzling)
- That's all the money I've
ever made my entire life.
I don't intend to just let
you walk outta here with it.
- Everybody always
says that every time.
It's my life savings.
Why, why, why?
Lemme tell you something.
I get what I want
every time, okay?
Get over there and gimme
the money and I'll leave.
(suspenseful music continues)
- It's my life savings.
- Listen, give me the money,
the boys and I will
get on out here
and go holler for the people
that don't exist in the woods.
You go on about your way.
If I say the wrong thing, those
boys are gonna unload on you
and you're gonna fall
down in a pile of blood.
So, put the gun away
and go get the money.
- It's for starting over.
- You won't have any
place to start at all,
my friend, unless you do this.
(metal clinks)
Give me the money now.
(suspenseful music continues)
(crickets chirping)
(suspenseful music continues)
(suspenseful music continues)
(suspenseful music continues)
(somber music)
- I love you.
Run!
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(gun bangs)
(Frank gasps)
(dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music)
- No.
Come on.
(suspenseful music)
(tense music)
(tense music continues)
(tense music continues)
(leaves rustling)
(dark ominous music)
- There you are.
We're gonna be good
friends, you and me.
(suspenseful music continues)
Oh honey, you ain't
gonna shoot that at me.
You know it and I know it.
(gun clicks)
(gun bangs)
(body thuds)
(Ed coughs)
How about that?
You're killing me, girl.
(Ed coughs)
(suspenseful music)
(ground rustling)
- Ginny!
(light dramatic music)
(gun banging)
(soldiers hollering)
(dramatic drumming music)
(crickets chirping)
(crickets continue chirping)
(gun clicks)
(bugs continue chirping)
(birds chirping)
- Pal?
Ron!
Lydia!
Lydia!
Pal?
(birds continue chirping)
(leaves rustling)
Ron!
Lydia!
Pal?
(birds continue chirping)
(upbeat music)
I'm going down
Going down slow
Hear the golden
trumpets blow
Got saints above,
sinners down below
Gonna march with the
sinners when I go
Gonna hide from the devil
Run and hide from the devil
So he won't know
when I'm gone
No, he won't know I'm
stepping out the back door
Flying down the alleyway
No, he
Won't know
When I'm gone
(water splashing)
(water continues splashing)
(water continues splashing)
- Hey!
Hey, hey! Whoa, wait!
(leaves rustling)
Hey boy, wait up!
- 12 gauge!
- I know.
- You can tell
just by hearing it?
- Heard it many times.
- Then you know
what it'll do to ya.
- I do, seen it firsthand.
- You don't look like
you could fight your
way out of a pile of leaves.
- I do admit, it's been a spell.
- You drop that
pistol in your belt.
Slow.
My pa and my uncles will
be back anytime now.
Best hightail it outta
here quick, old man.
- They didn't leave
you with much.
- They won't be gone long.
- I mean, a party of
travelers, it ain't much gear.
- Our stuff's in the wagon.
Now get moving, mister,
I won't tell you again!
- I just don't feel like
running off into the woods.
- I'll kill you, mister!
I've done it before!
- Now I'm, I'm gonna
turn around real slow
and you can go ahead and
shoot me if you feel you must.
Hi, I'm Malcolm.
- I don't care.
- What's your name?
- Shut up.
- Shut up.
Now is that your Christian name?
- I won't warn you again.
- Ah, you ain't gonna shoot me.
And well, truth be told,
I could use your help.
(gentle music)
(fire crackling)
- We ain't got no food to share.
- Hi, I'm Malcolm.
You here for my birthday?
(gentle music continues)
(metal screeches)
(bugs trilling)
- Looks like he rode
south late last night.
- Eh, last time
he wandered it off
he was headed
toward Black Ridge.
He used to have friends there.
- Last time he
didn't have a horse.
- Maybe we oughta start
tying him up at night.
- The horse or Malcolm?
(gun clicks)
- Just in case I see
a snake or something.
I left you the rifle.
Make sure you keep them
new calves penned up.
There'll be a lot
of critters looking
to have 'em for supper.
- I should go with you.
- This darned old mule ain't
likely to take two riders.
Hell, he might even be likely
to pitch me into a gully
given half a chance.
- Another reason I
should go with you.
- I doubt he got very far,
shouldn't be more
than a day or two.
- I know this country
better than any man alive.
I walk fast and I shoot
better than you, too.
- Truer words were never spoken.
- He's my uncle, Ron.
- Well, that's why
you should stay close,
in case he decides
to circle back.
- I can handle myself.
- That ain't it, Lydia.
There is nothing between
here and Black Ridge.
Trouble breaks off, I won't
be able to look after you.
- Look after me?
- You know what
I meant, darn it.
- Yeah, I know what you meant.
- I'll be back in a couple days.
- I'll be here looking
after the calves and
tending to the garden.
- [Ron] I love you.
- Be careful with my mule.
(chickens clucking)
(cows mooing)
(bugs trilling)
(mule grumbles)
(gentle music)
(dramatic drumming music)
(dramatic drumming
music continues)
(dramatic drumming
music continues)
(guns banging)
(soldier groans)
(guns continue banging)
(soldiers wailing)
(suspenseful music)
(fire crackling)
(bugs trilling)
(fire continues crackling)
(ground rustling)
(bugs continue trilling)
(owl hoots)
(fire crackling)
(bugs continue trilling)
(bugs continue trilling)
- Now, now, now.
I didn't steal nothing, I,
I was just checking to see
if you had some matches.
You know, you're not gonna get
very far with two biscuits.
- Well, it's all we have.
- I know.
And when you're on the run,
it's best to keep the fire low.
A trail of smoke will give
away your position for sure.
- Who says we're on the run?
- I may not remember what
we was just yaking about
or even what day it is,
but I know when someone's
on the run, when I see 'em.
- Bad men.
- Lots of 'em around,
that's for sure.
Now, when you do build a
fire, what you want to do is
you build your first pit
in the shape of a rectangle
and then about a foot over,
you build a smaller rectangle
with a little
trench between them
and it feeds the
bigger rectangle.
That'll keep it hot
all day and all night.
But the best thing is no smoke.
- You learn that the
same place you learned
the sound of a
shotgun being cocked?
- Very same.
I, I was a major in
the Federal Army,
served under General
Grant during the war.
He was a fine fighting
man, that's for sure.
- Well, pardon my honesty,
but you don't look
like no soldier.
- Well, that was some time ago,
but being honest is
nothing to be pardoned for.
Is that your little brother?
- Yes, his name's Billy, but
everybody calls him Little Bit.
- Little Bit?
- Ma always said he was
the runt of the litter,
like a little bit of sunshine.
So the name stuck, I guess.
- And what's your name?
- Ginny, Virginia.
Ginny.
- It is a pleasure to
meet you, Miss Ginny.
My name's Malcolm.
- Oh, I know.
You told us several times.
- Huh, I reckon I did.
But you can call me Mal.
At least that's what
my friends call me.
- Why are you walking around
in the woods without a horse?
- I can't tell you.
- You can't say?
- Well, I, I would tell you,
but I just can't remember.
I had a horse, I'm pretty sure,
but I get the forgets sometimes.
- But you remember General
Grant and how to build fires.
- Yeah, sometimes.
My memory seems to come and go,
it's a little hard to explain.
Those, those bad men
you were talking about,
they still after you, I reckon?
- I expect they are.
I shot one of them.
They killed our pa.
- Oh, I'm so sorry, Ginny.
But if you shot him with that,
then that son of
a bitch is, well,
he's burning in hell
where he belongs.
- There was more of them.
- There's always more of them.
- And I ain't got
no more shells.
- I know.
- You could hear that too?
- Checked the load
while you was sleeping.
Now, there's a town.
Black...
Black...
It's Black something,
but it's down river
and I know the sheriff there.
So let's say come morning,
three of us head down river,
find that town and get us out
of this mess we
find ourselves in.
- You got yourself
a deal, mister.
But just know I still got that
pistol of yours hidden away
and I know how to use it.
- Oh, I believe you.
And it's Mal, not mister.
- Mal.
- Now, why don't you
get some more sleep
and I'll stand watch?
We leave at first light.
(light music)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
- [Little Bit] Is that
the doll ma gave you?
- [Ginny] It's just
a keepsake now.
Just reminds me of her.
- [Chance] Give me the money,
the boys and I'll
get on out of here.
Go holler for the people that
don't exist in the woods.
- [Ginny] Pa.
- [Frank] Ginny.
- [Chance] Give
me the money now.
- [Frank] Run!
(gun bangs)
- [Ed] How about that?
You're killing me, girl.
(fire whooshes)
(light dramatic music)
(fire rustling)
(light country music)
- Boss must have hit
his best last night.
I've never seen him
quite like that.
- I wasn't expecting that.
- Not a bit.
One of us should go talk to him.
- Don't look at me, he hates me.
- He don't hate you, kid,
Boss just likes to rib you.
- No, he hates him.
- Darn it, Slick.
The kid don't need to
hear that about now.
- I'm just saying one of
us should go talk to him,
just maybe not the kid.
- Obviously not the kid.
Knowing Chance, he's liable
to kill that son of a bitch
if he looks at him.
- Do you think he's
gonna shoot me?
- No, he ain't gonna shoot you.
Just stay out of this, kid.
- I ain't gonna talk to
him if he's gonna shoot me.
- He ain't gonna shoot
ya, you darn whelp.
I was just making a joke.
- I don't think
that's very funny.
- If you two don't
shut up he's likely
to shoot all three of us.
- I didn't kill his brother.
I don't know why he'd shoot me.
- 'Cause boss hate you.
We'd established that.
- That ain't helping none, Jean.
Saying mean things like that
just makes things worse.
- You two are as useless
as tits on a bull.
I'll go talk to him.
- Well, kid, I think
that's best, don't you?
- I reckon, I
think that's best.
(light dramatic music)
(Slick clears throat)
- Hey, boss.
Well, me and the boys,
we're as sorry as
we can be about Ed.
We all like Ed.
Liked Ed, I mean, and
well, we sure are sorry
and we are wondering if
if there was something
we could do for you.
- Do for me?
- Well, we can get you
some whiskey or some water.
If you're hungry,
we've got some jerky.
Should we pray over him?
- So, Jean Paul!
So the boy thinks I'm
gonna shoot him, huh?
Suppose I won't do that today,
but I'm gonna tell
you guys something.
I'll tell you one thing,
I'm gonna tell you good.
I'm gonna kill those children.
If there's gonna be any
shirking or whining,
you may as well get
it out right now
and try to run and hope I
don't shoot you in the back
on your way out.
(light dramatic music continues)
Get me a whiskey.
- Yes, boss.
- I thought we
were robbing banks.
I didn't sign up
for killing no kids.
- You want to tell him that?
- I expect I don't.
- Then shut up and get
the man his whiskey.
(birds chirping)
- I promise I'm gonna make them
pay for what she did to you.
Promise you that.
(light dramatic music continues)
(water splashing)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
- [Malcolm] That's
three in a row.
- You're cheating.
- You can't cheat marbles.
What are you talking about?
- Hey.
- Ginny, he's really good.
You should come play with us.
- Maybe some other
time, all right?
Come on now we gotta go.
- Where you going?
- That way.
- Can I come?
- Yeah, I'm already
regretting this.
(birds chirping)
(Malcolm chuckles)
- Wait, wait, wait, wait.
Oh, I think I lost
one of my marbles.
- Yeah, I'd say you lost
more than one, Mister.
- [Malcolm] Huh?
Wait, wait, wait.
- Whoa.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, Pal.
Whoa, whoa.
Whoa.
You're okay.
You're okay.
You're okay old partner.
Where's Mal?
Hmm?
Where'd he go?
(birds chirping)
(clock ticking)
(cow moos)
(clock continues ticking)
(metal scratching)
(cow moos)
(light dramatic music)
(horse neighs)
(door thuds)
- Howdy, ma'am.
Just passing through.
Mean no harm.
- Keep on passing then.
Nobody's stopping you.
- Well, we fully intend to.
Most certainly, most certainly.
I've thought maybe I'd ask you
a couple of questions first.
- My husband and our ranch hands
will be back any minute now.
You can ask them
when they arrive.
- Ranch hands?
You run quite an
establishment here.
- It's not your
concern, stranger.
- I gotta tell you
that where I come from,
folks are quite a
bit more polite.
- Forgive me sir, but I'm not
used to forearmed strangers
on horseback sitting
in front of my house.
State your business.
- Well, it has to do
with some lost children.
The poor things disappeared.
- Lost children.
- Their pa.
He got shot.
- It's gonna be colder
tonight, I'd say.
I just want to try to
see if we can find them
before they freeze to
death, poor little things.
- We haven't seen 'em, but
I'll be sure to let my husband
and men know to keep
a lookout for them.
- I guess we'll
be moving on then.
And please, please
do let your husband
and those hardworking men
know that we say hello.
- I'll be sure to do that.
- Come on, boys.
Let's head off.
(light dramatic music)
Still feel like I'm about
to get a bullet in my back.
- [Slick] Yeah, she's a
nasty looking one, boss.
- [Chance] Well, nasty or
not, we'll come back later
and put her feet to the fire
and see what she's
got to say then.
- [Slick] Yeah, we can
ask them cowhands too.
- [Chance] There ain't no
cowhands, you dumb lug.
Oh my gosh.
(ground rustling)
- [Malcolm] Black Ridge.
- [Ginny] What?
- Black Ridge, that's
the name of the town.
I just remembered it.
- Well, that's a relief.
Any chance you remember
how far away it is?
- No, no, but, but no,
but I'm sure we're heading
the right direction.
- Pretty sure?
- Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's
just down river a spell.
- Yeah, you said
that last night that,
that's why we're
walking down river.
- Right.
- Right.
- Yeah.
Well, you just wait
till you see it.
It's a bustling silver town.
Why, it's got four saloons
and two eating houses
and a general store.
Oh, and my old war buddy John.
Why, he's the sheriff there.
He'll make sure we get what
we need and, and then some.
- And then you can play
marbles all night and day.
- Say again?
- Forget it.
- Ginny, I'm hungry.
- [Ginny] Yeah, I know
you are. I'm hungry too.
- Can we just stop?
- No, we need to keep
marching, soldier.
- We've been marching for hours,
maybe we should stop
for just a little while.
- Oh, no, no.
Now you, you got some
pretty bad men after you.
We need to double time it.
Let's go!
(light music)
(light music continues)
- Oh, you don't even know if
we're going the right way.
Bit needs to stop and rest.
- There's no way we're
stopping, and that's an order!
(light music continues)
Is that good?
Yeah, well, it better be.
It's half our rations.
- You know he's
just a kid, right?
- Now, why you ask me that?
- Well, you keep
talking about rations,
marching double time
and he ain't a soldier.
- Heck, I was
shoveling horse poop
for the army when I was seven.
- Well, I don't doubt that.
Now, was that a hundred years
ago now or just this morning?
'Cause I'm not sure you
know the difference.
Playing marbles, giggling
and grinning like a fool.
- Yeah, I don't remember that.
- Well, you were.
- I reckon so.
(Malcolm sighs)
Well...
I...
I used to have this
voice in my head.
I even disagreed with
it a lot of the times,
but when we were working
together, when we were a team,
that's when anything
was possible.
That's when...
That's when people
called me a hero.
Yeah, but now?
Now there's nothing.
There's no voice at all.
It's like a big deep,
dark hole in a cemetery
just waiting to be filled.
And heck, I can't even
remember my name half the time.
And I'm scared.
I'm scared.
But...
Jesus, I wish I
could find that guy,
that voice, that hero maker.
But I can't, he's lost.
I just can't find him no more.
(soft music)
- Well, I hear my voice
talking to me all the time.
Tells me that I'm a bad person
and I'm going to hell.
I shot that man.
I murdered him.
I left our father's body behind.
And now that, that voice
tells me that I'll
never be the same.
If it's just between
the two of us,
which one is worse?
- Killing ain't always
murder, youngin'.
Yeah, you kill to protect
yourself, someone you love,
and sometimes even to protect
what you truly believe in.
But killing that man did
not make you a murderer.
Now you're a good soldier,
you just give it time.
You'll, you'll hear
that true voice again.
Believe me, you're young.
You'll, you'll hear it again.
(soft music continues)
- Well, ain't we a strange pair?
- I'd say we're just that.
- What do you say,
little soldier?
You ready to march on?
- [Little Bit] Ready!
- [Malcolm] Hope for
you yet, soldier.
- [Ginny] Shall
we proceed, Major?
- [Malcolm] We shall
indeed, Sergeant.
(light music)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(bugs trilling)
(suspenseful music)
(chickens clucking)
- Just stay here
and keep me company.
- You really think
she knows something?
- You think I'd be standing
here waiting outside,
kneeling down in the
dirt if I didn't?
- I suppose not.
- Why don't you do yourself
a kind and quit supposin'
and leave the
supposin' up to me?
(suspenseful music)
- No one here, boss.
(suspenseful music continues)
(cow moos)
(Chance groans)
- It's true, house is deserted.
- Son of a bitch.
She must have circled around.
She can't have gone far.
Come on, boys. Come on.
(suspenseful music continues)
(soldiers hollering)
(guns banging)
(soldier screaming)
(crickets chirping)
(flies buzzing)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
- Poor boys.
This is hopeless.
- We can't lose hope until
we've checked them all.
Keep looking.
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
Okay.
(gentle music continues)
- Major, Major.
Hey, are you still with us?
- Where am I?
Where am I?
- I wish I could tell you.
- I'm Malcolm.
- Well, I know, I, I'm
Ginny, this is Little Bit.
- Well, where am I?
Where are my men?
Where are my men?
They're in danger.
They're in danger. They
don't know what's coming!
- Wait, your men are in danger?
- They're soldiers, they're
brave, but it's the youngins.
They're in danger.
- Wait, who's not safe, Major?
- [Malcolm] Major?
- Yeah, you're a major.
You served under General Grant.
- Yeah.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
I know you.
- Well, yeah.
I'm Ginny. This is little bit.
We're going with you to
Black Ridge, all right?
You know the sheriff there.
- Yeah, yeah. Black Ridge.
Yeah, John.
Yeah, John, John.
John's the sheriff there.
- Yeah, yeah.
He's gonna help us,
you said so yourself.
- Oh yeah.
Yeah, John, he'll help us.
Yeah, John. John's my buddy.
He'll help us.
Yeah, he will. He's my buddy.
John.
(birds chirping)
- Hold right here.
(stream trickling)
(stream continues trickling)
Well Black Ridge it is, eh Mal?
(leaves rustling)
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music continues)
(gun clicks)
- Hold it right there.
Don't you move another inch.
Don't even shiver your hand.
If you do, we will shoot it off.
- Whoa, whoa no need
for that fellas.
I was just about to
make myself some grub.
- You're that rancher
fella from over
at Reedy Pond, aren't you?
You got that handsome
wife, strong woman.
- Where's all your
cowhands at, mister?
- I ain't got no cowhands,
I'm traveling alone.
- So you tend to saddle
both your animals
when you're traveling
alone, do you?
- Well, traveling fast.
- Well, I would be too
if I left my lady alone
in a country like this.
There's dangerous people about.
- What'd you do to her?
- Oh, we just talked some.
I do have to say she's one
of the most impolite
people I've ever met.
- Mister, I swear
to you right now,
If you laid a finger on her,
I promise you I will kill
each and every one of you.
- You hear that boys?
He's gonna kill us!
(men laughing)
I'll tell you one thing,
and I'll tell you good.
If you don't tell me
where those children are,
I'm gonna lay you down just
like I did their sad papa.
- I don't know
nothing about no kids.
- I say you're lying to us.
I don't like liars.
You know, my daddy
lied to me once.
He lied to me
straight in the face.
I laid him in the
ground later that night.
Dirt pile for years now dragging
my little brother around.
That's something I
never told anybody.
- Allow me, sir, if you will,
to tell you a story about my pa.
He got his leg blown
off in the war.
I swear to you,
that man always kept
a positive disposition.
(guns banging)
(horse neighs)
(body thuds)
(light dramatic music)
- You stupid side
busting son of a bitch.
- Where to now, boss?
- I guess wherever he's going.
- Question is, who is he?
- I think those kids must
have 'em a new wet nurse.
(Lydia gasps)
- Whoa, Pal. Whoa.
It's all right, it's all right.
It's just me.
It's all right, Pal.
It's just me.
(birds chirping)
(water splashing)
(water continues splashing)
(horse snorts)
(light dramatic music)
Ron!
Ronnie.
It's okay. It's all
right, it's all right.
I'm here.
- I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
- No, Ronnie, I'm sorry.
No, I'm the one who's sorry.
Just be quiet, be still.
- They shot...
They shot your mule.
- I know, it's all right.
Just you're really hurt and
we need to get you some help.
(Lydia cries)
(light dramatic music)
(bird caws)
(bugs trilling)
- They had the other one.
You're gonna need
it if we press on.
Eat it while we march.
- God, I'm so sick and tired
of hearing you talk
about marching.
- I'm just trying
to keep you going.
- Going, going where?
We've been walking for hours,
there's nothing out here.
(bird caws)
We're gonna die out here, Major.
- Now, we ain't gonna die now,
you just, you need
something to eat that's all.
- All right, and then what?
Then we walk another
50 miles or 100?
We are walking into
nothing and you know it.
- No, we'll find help.
You just gotta be brave, have
faith and power on, soldier.
- I told you I ain't no
soldier, you damned old fool!
You were supposed to help us.
You can't help nobody, you
just, you're a worthless old man
and now we're all gonna die.
(light music)
- I know I am.
I know it.
You know, I used to be-
- I don't care who
you used to be.
- Oh God, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry Ginny. I'm so sorry.
- Oh, you're sorry?
Well, everybody's always sorry.
My ma was sorry
when she got sick.
My pa was sorry to
drag us out here.
I'm sorry that I had
to let my brother die
following a crazy man.
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry, Ginny.
- Well, I hate you.
(gentle music)
- I hate me, too.
(hooves thundering)
(suspenseful music)
Quick!
Quick, get behind those rocks!
Come on, come on!
Come on, get behind that tree.
Go on!
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(dramatic music continues)
- Here she is, boys.
(gun bangs)
- Stay low, men!
(leaves rustling)
(dramatic music continues)
(gun bangs)
Take cover.
Take cover, get down, get down.
- She got the old man, too.
I see you, old man.
(gun bangs)
(dramatic music continues)
There she is, boys.
There she is.
- No. Ginny, no!
Ginny, what are you doing?
Get down. Get back here.
And you think I'm crazy?
What were you doing?
(dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music)
(dramatic drumming)
(soldiers screaming)
(light dramatic music continues)
(somber music)
(Young Malcolm grunts)
- [Young Malcolm] My men!
- Hold him.
Hold him down.
- [Young Malcolm] My men!
(light music)
(soldier coughs)
(birds chirping)
(nurse hushes)
- [Nurse Emma] Calm
down, you're all right.
- My men.
- You're all right.
What's your name, soldier?
- Hunter.
Malcolm Hunter. Major.
Do you know what happened
to my regimen, ma'am?
- I'm, I'm sorry you were
half dead when we found you.
(light music continues)
(birds chirping)
- Emma, we've got plenty of
other people that need help.
Back to your duties.
- Ma'am, what
happened to my men?
- I'm sorry, Major.
They're gone.
(light music continues)
(birds chirping)
(gun bangs)
(soldier screams)
- [Ginny] Major!
(bugs trilling)
- Ginny?
Ginny, Little Bit?
Little Bit?
(Malcolm groans)
No.
No, no, no, think.
Think. Think, damn it.
Oh god, not now.
Not now, no, please
Lord, not now.
No, help me think.
Where are they?
Ginny! Little Bit!
Oh god no, please.
Please no. God, please.
Look, I know...
I know I'm a mess of an old man,
and I probably don't
deserve any more than
you've already blessed me
with, but I'm the only chance
those little ones got.
Oh lord, please help me
think. Help me think, lord.
Oh, god, where are they?
No, no, no, no, no, no,
this isn't happening.
No, Lord. Oh, please, help me.
Somebody help me.
Oh carry me home
(Malcolm whimpers)
Lord, help me be strong
Lord, this day
It will be long
- [Malcolm] Ginny!
Little Bit!
Rages on, Lord
I can't make it on my own
As the battle rages on
Lord, help me be strong
Lord, help me be strong
Lord, help me be strong
(metal screeches)
(metal continues screeching)
(gun clicks)
- 12 gauge.
- How could you tell?
- Heard it many times.
- Then you know what
it'll do to you.
- Seen it firsthand.
- You look like shit, Mal.
- You, you know me?
- Yeah, you can
certainly say that I do.
I heard you might not recall,
I guess I was just
hoping for the best.
But it's true.
You've outlived your
mind, haven't you?
- I reckon so, Miss.
- Miss.
Millie?
Millie Perkins?
Songbird of Sioux City.
Oh hell, Mal.
Guess you're the
lucky one, then.
I'd forget all about Sioux
City too if I was able.
- I'm looking for
Sheriff John Crawford.
Now, is he still around?
- Yeah, he's around.
Over yonder in Black
Ridge Cemetery.
Been dead about 10 years.
Same as this town.
- Silver dry up?
- Yep, long time ago.
Just me now waiting
for the rapture.
Why don't we get you inside?
Tell you what, I'll fix
you something good to eat
and maybe I'll even tell
you some good old stories
about your younger,
more vigorous years.
- No, no. There's
something I gotta do.
No, something I gotta do.
- Well,
before you go running off,
I think there's something
you might need to see.
So, come on now.
(light music)
Let's get you inside.
Come on.
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
Careful now.
Come on. That's it.
- Uncle Malcolm.
- Lydia? What the...
What are you doing here?
- I came looking for you.
- What?
- Ron got, he got shot.
- Shot?
Is he all right?
- Well, he lost a lot
of blood but I dug
them slugs out of him.
He, uh, he may pull through yet.
I've seen men live
through worse.
- All this is my fault.
This is my fault.
This is all my fault!
Oh, god.
- Sit down here.
- I've done nothing
but hurt people
and ruin people my
whole damn life!
- [Lydia] No, it
is not your fault.
The men who did this.
- It's my fault!
- Now, enough of
that, you hear me?
- I can't do nothing.
- You wanna carry on
like that, then you do it
outside because I'm not
gonna put up with it.
- You don't understand.
You don't understand,
those youngin's.
They're out there, and
they were looking to me,
they were looking
to me for help!
- Well, about that...
- Major!
- Ginny?
Oh god, Ginny.
Oh god, you're all right.
Oh. Oh god, you're all right.
- I thought those
men killed you.
- Oh me?
What? What?
What happened?
Just please tell
me what happened.
Little Bit.
Little Bit, where's Little Bit?
Little Bit!
Where's Little Bit?
- Well, they took him.
(light dramatic music)
(suspenseful music)
(gun banging)
Major! Major!
- Are you here for my birthday?
- Oh God!
(bugs trilling)
(light dramatic music)
Billy, Billy, you
listen to me now.
You need to run.
You run and go hide.
- I can't.
I'm too scared.
- I know you are,
I'm scared too,
but we can beat these men just
like we did before, all right?
Can play hide and go seek, okay?
You remember? You was
always the best at it.
So you can squeeze through
those rocks, all right?
I love you, now go.
(Malcolm laughs)
(gun bangs)
- Watch out, they shoot back.
Wait, it's over
here! It's over here!
Watch yourself.
- Major, Major, I
need to run away.
Those men will
follow me if I go.
You come with me.
- Hi, I'm Malcolm.
What's your name?
Huh?
(gun bangs)
(light dramatic music)
- You want the money?
Take it!
(gun bangs)
(light dramatic music continues)
- Cover me, I'm
going for the money.
(leaves rustling)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(man laughing)
(light dramatic music continues)
(ominous music)
(light dramatic music continues)
(fist thuds)
- [Little Bit] No!
(light dramatic music continues)
(gun clicks)
- Get the boots, kid.
Boots.
Damn it, Slick.
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(gravel rustling)
(light dramatic music continues)
(water trickling)
(water splashing)
(water continues splashing)
(Ginny grunts)
(gravel rustling)
(bugs trilling)
- Hello?
Don't shoot, honey.
Don't shoot.
(light dramatic music)
- [Malcolm] I'll get him.
Give me that gun!
- Uncle Malcolm,
you won't make it two
steps out that door.
You need food and rest.
- [Millie] And a bath, you
smell like the dickens.
- No, you don't understand me!
These men are killers.
These men are killers!
- Hey, and you won't
last 10 minutes against them!
- I don't have time for
this, give me the damn gun!
- Malcolm!
No, oh!
(ominous music)
(water trickling)
(birds chirping)
- I was shot at once.
I had never mended that hole.
I wonder if a soldier ever
does mend a bullet hole.
- Maybe so, maybe no.
But it ain't the hole in
the coat that matters,
it's the one in the soul.
And sometimes it keeps bleeding.
(birds chirping)
- Major Hunter, why are you up?
You should be resting.
- Please, call me Malcolm.
(bugs trilling)
(water splashing)
It's not, it's not like
me to just lay it around.
I'd like to lend a
hand if you'll have me.
- Do you think you
can take that pile
and sort the bandages
from the rags?
- Yes ma'am. I, I believe I can.
- Well then get to it, Soldier.
(bugs continue trilling)
(light music)
I've seen this before.
It's so easy to call upon
when they're so helpless
and then they heal and
they forget all about you.
- Yeah, the body
heals, but the mind,
that's a whole different matter.
(fire crackling)
(Malcolm groans)
(fire continues crackling)
- Where are my clothes?
- I burned 'em but don't worry,
I'll bring you some of
Johnny's old clothes.
I think they'll fit.
Relax, I had to check
you out all over just
to make sure they didn't
do too much damage.
They worked you over
pretty good actually.
- I've had worse, I think.
- So tell me, you don't remember
nothing about Sioux City?
- Well, no.
Yes.
It don't really work that way.
It, it just seems, chunks
of my memory seem to come
and go whenever
they feel like it.
It's hard to explain.
- Well, what do you say, cowboy?
What do you say we
get you cleaned up
and then maybe
we'll see if we can
resurrect some of
those old memories
of the good times we used
to have in this place.
- Well Miss Millie, I do believe
you've aroused my memory.
(Millie giggles)
- Well, giddy up, cowboy.
(light music)
(fire crackling)
- It ain't fair.
- What isn't fair, honey?
- What they've done to him.
What they've done to my pa.
- No, it isn't fair.
- My pa was just trying
to do the right thing
for me and my brother.
- Of course he was, honey.
- And your husband,
he was just trying
to keep the major safe.
It ain't fair what they done.
- Life isn't fair.
All we can do is keep on trying,
just like my Ron and your pa.
And you.
You know, Ron lost
his parents too.
They were killed when
he was a little boy.
He lived a very hard life.
Then we met and we got married
and we hoped to have
a family of our own.
(sentimental music)
But Doc told us that
our dreams of having a
family would never come true.
But we keep on trying.
- Lydia.
- Oh, oh.
(hushes) Ronnie, it's
all right, I'm here.
I'm here.
- They shot your mule.
- I know.
It's all right.
He's a pain in the ass anyway.
- Just like me, I guess.
- Oh, just like you.
Oh.
(wood thudding)
- [Malcolm] Yeehaw!
(Lydia sighs)
- Hey, that's Malcolm.
What's he been doing?
- I wonder.
Oh, Ronnie.
(Lydia cries)
(bugs chirping)
(Ron whimpers)
- Ah, quit your bellyaching.
Those bandages have
gotta be changed
or you're gonna
turn into cheese.
- Just hurry up, will you?
- [Lydia] Ronald
Bell, behave yourself.
- Oh God, I wish you'd hurry up
so I could resume my
suffering in peace.
- When are we gonna
find that boy?
- And just what are we gonna do?
We ain't exactly the
US Army, you know.
- No, we ain't.
We gotta find Little
Bit and those killers.
- We don't have to find them.
They're gonna find us.
- Honey, what are
you talking about?
(coins jingling)
- I'll be damned.
- You mean you've
had that hidden
in your dress this whole time?
- Had it hidden under a log back
with his pistol
where he found us.
It's what they're after.
- They're gonna want
to trade for that boy
and then they'll double cross us
just as sure as
you're standing there.
- Yes, they will,
but we'll be waiting.
(light dramatic music)
(light country music)
- Hello into the saloon!
I know you're in there.
Saw your light burning all
night from above on that hill!
I'm here looking for that pretty
little girl that got lost.
(ominous music)
(dramatic drumming music)
Well, well, well, if it
ain't the birthday boy.
The boys are gonna be
tickled pink to see you.
- Yeah, I'm just
full of surprises.
- That you are, that you are.
I like your outfit.
I take it you're the new
sheriff of this shithole.
- Duly sworn in by the citizens
of Black Ridge
this very morning.
- Well, I guess you
get what you pay for.
- I reckon so.
(coins jingling)
That money's yours.
Take it as soon as
I get that boy back.
- Now you listen here.
I've got business
with the sister.
She killed my brother.
- That young woman was defending
herself against a coward
that meant to do her
considerable harm.
There ain't no law against that.
- My brother was a
lying, cheating, dirty,
horny coward, but I loved
him and he was my brother.
- Give me back the
boy, take that money
and ride outta here.
I'll consider the matter closed.
- I had a dog once, I fed it
every day when I could scavenge
up something to give it.
Gave it a couple bones one
day and it was so hungry
I reached down to
pet it and it bit me.
I killed that dog.
I loved that dog, but I
loved killing it more.
(Chance whistles)
(ominous music)
- [Malcolm] Let him go!
- [Little Bit] Major!
- It's all right,
son, now go inside.
Go on now, take that
money and ride out.
I won't say it again.
- I'll have that girl
one way or another.
(gun clicks)
(light dramatic music)
(Malcolm chuckles)
Something funny?
- There's one thing I
know about you outlaws.
You're as predictable
as the sunrise.
- Shoot him!
- 12 gauge.
(gun bangs)
(dramatic music)
- Saves a hanging,
and I hate cigars!
(dramatic music continues)
(gun bangs)
(Malcolm gasps)
(guns continue banging)
- Who's that lady then?
- Did you kill him?
- [Slick] Yeah, he's dead.
- Hell, man, I'm
gonna make you suffer!
You'll be squealing all
week like a stuffed pig!
- Well come on, sidewinder,
I'm late for breakfast.
- Are you hit, Mal?
- Lucky shot got me in the leg.
- Too bad, I was
thinking we might
do a little dancing tonight.
(light dramatic music)
(fist thuds)
- I got her, boss.
- The old man's done for it now.
Go get the girl while
I finish him off!
(gun bangs)
(light dramatic music)
- (laughs) Look who it is.
- You're one of those hombres
that killed those kids' pa.
- What's it to you?
- It's just another reason
for me to keep my promise.
- What promise is that?
- I told you I was
gonna kill you.
- (laughs) You're
gonna kill me now?
- I ain't, she is.
(gun bangs)
(Lydia grunts)
- You shot my mule!
(gun continues banging)
- You know he shot
me too, right?
- (sighs) Yeah, I was
gonna say that next.
Go back and hide with your
sister, it's not safe here.
- She left.
- Your teeth hurt
after that one?
Kill her?
- She's already out, boss.
- Kill her now!
Kill her!
- I don't believe I will.
- Sounds like a mutiny to me.
You should quit
while you're ahead!
(gun bangs)
- You shot me.
(light dramatic music)
- I'm coming for you, old man.
(gun continues banging)
(suspenseful music)
(bugs trilling)
- Whoa there.
We ain't looking to hurt no one.
- Have you no honor, Soldier?
This is a hospital.
We'll have no violence
among the men here.
- We ain't no soldiers no more.
Ain't nothing but death
and ghosts after Shiloh.
- You yanks can have
Corinth, we ain't staying.
- Quiet, boy.
Now go inside of that there tent
and bring us all the
food we can carry
and anything else
you've got of value.
We'll be on our way.
- Is this the quality of men
in the army of Tennessee?
Robbing nurses and
stealing from wounded men?
- [Soldier] I ain't
gonna ask you again.
(gun bangs)
- Drop your weapon! Now!
- No. Malcolm, no, please.
No, he's just a boy.
- I just wanna go home.
- Run.
Run, you son of a bitch,
before I change my mind!
(light dramatic music)
- It's over.
(leaves rustling)
(suspenseful music)
(gun bangs)
(ominous music)
- No!
(somber music)
(Nurse Emma whimpers)
No.
(Young Malcolm cries)
(light dramatic music)
(gun bangs)
(light dramatic music)
(both grunting)
(fists thudding)
- Had enough, old man?
- What's in this fight for you?
- Those children are my friends!
You made orphans out of 'em,
damn near killed my nephew!
Gave me a hell of a headache
and you shot our mule.
- That was a mistake!
- Yes, it was.
- Why don't you just
let me just get up
and run outta here just
like you said before.
- Now, I've seen
your kind 100 times.
You'll come back, hurting
kids, raping women,
stinking up the world.
- No, no, no.
You let me get outta here,
you'll never see
me again, I swear.
(gun bangs)
- That's right, you won't!
- No, Ginny, no!
- You shot my pa!
- Please don't shoot
me, I'm unarmed.
- [Malcolm] No,
Ginny, don't do it.
- You're a murderer!
- [Chance] Please.
- Sergeant!
If you pull that trigger
now, you will be a murderer,
and you'll never find
that true voice of yours.
(suspenseful music)
(Ginny cries)
That's my girl.
That's my girl.
(somber music)
That's it.
That's it, that's my girl.
(suspenseful music)
(gun bangs)
(light music)
(gun bangs)
- Who are you?
- I am Major Malcolm
Ulysses Hunter.
Say hi to your brother in hell.
(gun bangs)
(Malcolm groans)
Oh, you're a good soldier.
Bravest I've ever seen.
- But I didn't kill nobody.
- That's why.
That's why.
Oh, I am so proud to
have you as my friend
and you hold that tight, and
that's an order, Sergeant.
Now, now you go.
You go.
You go now, I'm okay.
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(hand rustling)
(bugs trilling)
(grass rustling)
(Malcolm chuckles)
It ain't true.
- What ain't?
- Dying.
It don't hurt none.
- You ain't dying, soldier,
you just need to rest is all.
- Believe me,
darling, I'm about to.
What is that song you used
to sing me in Sioux City?
(light music continues)
(Millie hums)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(Millie sniffles)
(emotional music)
- He said there were
angels and buffalo
and horses as far as
the eye could see.
(emotional music continues)
Then he heard someone
calling his name.
(emotional music continues)
(Millie cries)
(emotional music continues)
(emotional music continues)
(emotional music continues)
(emotional music continues)
(emotional music continues)
(gentle music)
- [Ginny] What is family?
Is it something you
carry in your blood?
Or is it something else?
Maybe it's the people
you find along the way.
The ones who show you
how to keep going.
To find your voice.
To keep on trying.
(light music)
I saw an angel
across the room
I worked up the
courage to say
May I have this
dance with you
I'd make your
dreams come true
We danced the
whole day through
We danced through
the night, too
And we danced
Ooh ooh
Across the floor of
our ramshackle shack
To a riverside cottage
with a lawn in the back
We'd dance with our
babies when life got hard
Onward and onward we'd dance
We danced our
whole life through
To a melody strong and true
And we danced
Ooh ooh
And we danced
Ooh ooh ooh
(upbeat music)
You've forgotten
your days of glory
But they still
praise your story
'Cause a man of courage
Stands tall through
time and memory
Those wartime
souls you saved
You stood strong,
fearless and brave
They'll never forget
The sacrifices you made
Once a hero, always a hero
Here's to a job well done
You made your mark
Even gave your life
For someone
Once a hero
Always a hero
Memories fade, courage don't
The world spins
till it won't
Then once in awhile
A hero comes around
Through dust, dirt and grit
We all earn where we fit
This life ain't fair
But we can fight for it
Once a hero, always a hero
Here's to a job well done
You made your mark
Even gave your life
For someone
Once a hero
Always a hero
A thousand years from now
No one will recall your name
But you changed the world
A little just the same
(light music)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(film reel whirring)
(light dramatic music)
(no audio)
(no audio)
(ominous music)
(crows squawking)
(lighthearted music)
(lighthearted music continues)
(lighthearted music continues)
I'm tired and weary
It's been a long, long road
I stumbled down a sandy path
where once a river flowed
The dark of night
is a-nearing
And onward I must go
They put me out to pasture
Drove me from their fold
Just as soon exclude
me as forgotten and old
Turned their
hearts against me
A better time,
no blessing told
Now a darker angel
is hovering around
Black bird's searching
above the bloody ground
Dark angel passes by
Shh, I dare not make a sound
(soldiers hollering)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(guns banging)
(hooves clopping)
(guns continue banging)
(soldier yells)
(haunting music)
(soldiers screaming)
(haunting music continues)
(birds chirping)
(cows mooing)
(chickens clucking)
(gentle music)
(hammer taps)
(hammer continues tapping)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(metal thuds)
(wood rustling)
(birds chirping)
(gentle music continues)
(cow moos)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(wood clatters)
(light dramatic music)
(door creaks)
- [Ron] You doing
all right, Mal?
- Yeah.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
No, I, I'm just, I'm-
- Building another bird house?
- Yeah, a bird house.
I'm, I'm building a bird house.
You here for my
birthday, Johnny?
- Nah, it's April, birthday's
not till September,
and I'm Ron.
Ron Bell.
Married to your niece,
Lydia, you remember?
- Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Lydia and Ron.
Is it supper time?
- Lydia wants me to
bring you inside,
the doc's here to see you.
- Doc Cooper.
- Oh no, Doc Cooper's been
dead, what, 20 years now?
Doc Jennings is here to see you.
- I don't need to see no
doctor, I'm busy here.
- Doc rode 15 miles.
Come on now.
(hammer thuds)
- I don't need a doctor!
I ain't sick.
- It's just a checkup.
Won't take long.
Come on now.
Come on, Mal.
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(light music)
- [Ginny] In my
fondest memories, Pa
used to tell us that
family is everything.
Till the day he said we
was moving to California,
the place where
dreams became reality
and the rivers was
filled with gold.
(light music continues)
Pa was the most decent
man I ever knew.
- [Shopper] Ma'am.
- [Ginny] But he never knew
when he was in over his head.
(light music continues)
(coins jingling)
- [Banker] Oh, apologies.
(light music continues)
- [Frank] Ginny, wagons ho.
(door creaks)
(light music)
(horse neighs)
(indistinct singing)
(kids laughing)
Little Bit.
- Pa, you said wagons ho, but
we only got this one wagon.
- It's just a turn
of phrase, son.
- Shouldn't it just be wagon ho?
- All right, son. Wagon ho.
Ginny, get on the wagon.
(indistinct singing continues)
Virginia.
Come on.
Go to pray like we're Jesus
When we all see Jesus
We'll seek our
chance at victory
- Oh God.
Calling out to heaven.
Same old shit.
(wagon rattling)
(light dramatic music)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
When you cross the room
- So, Doc Jennings, did
that boy of yours ever marry
that feisty southern girl?
- Well, they're getting
married next month actually.
I'm, I'm glad you asked.
So, Captain, the
last time I was here,
you called me Doc Cooper, and
you asked about my war injury.
- Doc, I, I just get
the forgets sometimes.
I, I think it's a product
of a long life of mayhem.
- Do your hands tremble much?
- Well, only when
I'm being poked
and prodded like a damn steer.
Oh, Doc, I feel fine.
- I'm a little
concerned about you.
I mean, you got to eat your
meals regular, all right?
And if you want some help with
your memory, it's important
that you eat a lot of vegetables
and some bone broth soup.
- Now look, I, I can
have some, you know,
tomatoes and taters, but the
thought of drinking bone broth,
well, that's just
downright unsettling.
- Good nutrition makes
for a better brain.
I hope you're not gonna be
too stubborn on this, Captain.
- It's Major, not Captain!
- Mal!
- Malcolm!
- Do you understand me?
- I understand, now I'm
also observing, Major,
that bone broth is
good for the memory.
- Well, well, and that's a,
a fine suggestion there, Doc.
And oh heck, I, I
guess I could get used
to a little bone broth if it,
if it came with a little
salt and pepper maybe.
- Now, would it be all
right with you if I had
a few words with the Bells?
- Oh, yeah, yeah,
yeah. That's fine, Doc.
Because, because I'm
out in the barn anyway
'cause I'm a, I'm a, I'm...
- Uncle Malcolm's
building a bird house.
- A bird house.
Yeah, that's right.
It's a wedding present
for that boy of yours
and that feisty southern
gal, Dr. Jennings.
- Major.
- Thank you.
(birds chirping)
(door thuds)
(liquid sloshing)
- Thank you Mrs. Bell.
- Just Lydia's fine, Doctor.
- Well, I must
say I'd hoped that
I'd find Malcolm much improved,
but he is declining rapidly.
- Again, I'm so sorry.
- Oh, that's all right.
It's part of the job.
It's not the first time,
it's not the last time.
- We don't have any
children, Doctor,
and we don't have any
money to hire hands.
So, when Uncle Malcolm
came to live with us,
it was a blessing.
He worked so hard to keep
our heads above water.
But now the time we have
to dedicate to his care-
- He almost burned down
the hay shed last week.
We would've lost that feed.
The stock would've
starved come winter time.
- [Lydia] Sometimes he
acts like a little child.
- Chases chickens around, he
keeps marbles in his pockets,
he's often prone to temper.
- Just two days ago, he came
after Ron with a branding iron.
We love him very much, but
we just can't find any way
to help him ease his struggles.
- We all know Malcolm Hunter's
incredible heroism in the war.
The loss of pride is one
of the horrors of
softening of the brain.
I'm sure that Major Hunter
feels that more than anyone.
(Lydia gasps)
- I'm sorry.
I'm just so afraid he's gonna
do something
terrible to himself.
- Now, there is a doctor
that I studied medicine with
who runs an institution
in Philadelphia.
- Philadelphia?
We'd never be able to visit him.
He'd be all alone.
- Mal would never agree to that.
- No.
(somber music)
(bugs trilling)
(frogs croaking)
Uncle Malcolm, have
some more green beans.
- Oh, Lydia, I already
got a plate full of 'em.
- Please?
- Oh, come on.
Well, but I will
tell you, Lydia,
that this is a wonderful meal.
I mean, wonderful.
I, I swear in all my life
I don't think I've ever
had a better birthday
meal than this one.
Well, at least it
beats bone broth.
(Malcolm laughs)
Oh, come on!
(Ron laughs)
- If you're not careful,
bone broth's all you're
gonna be eating for a long time,
scamp.
- Ooh!
You'll have to join me, right?
- If it's funny, why
don't you take mine?
- No no!
(bugs chirping)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(hand taps)
- You know what, Pal?
You ready for one
more adventure?
Come on.
(light music)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(fire rustling)
(gentle music)
- I swear this is the best
cup of coffee I've ever had.
- You say that every night, Pa.
- Well, 'cause that's
every night it's true.
- Is that the doll Ma gave you?
- It's just a keepsake now.
Just reminds me of her.
- You know, Ginny, when
we make it to California,
there'll be a lot of well
off men looking to marry
a nice lady as
pretty as you are.
There'll be a line
of 'em 10 miles long,
hoping to be lucky enough to
make a fine life with you.
- I guess they better be
lucky if they want me.
I don't intend
marriage to nobody,
California or nowhere else.
- I know life's been
hard on you both.
A fresh start is
what we all need.
You'll see I'm right, Ginny.
(crickets chirping)
(leaves rustling)
(suspenseful music)
(person whistles)
Hide.
- Pa.
- Ginny, just take
your brother and hide
in the bushes yonder.
(suspenseful music continues)
- [Chance] Hello to camp!
- Hello to you.
What's your business?
- I smelled your coffee,
thought you might spare some.
I mean no harm, mister.
- I saw you in town a
few hours ago, didn't I?
Lots of coffee there.
- Well, my horse, she threw me.
Always unpredictable.
I'm here now just seeking
a little human kindness.
- Come on in, just
drop that weapon.
Keep it slow.
- No problem, no problem.
Boy, this is nice right here.
Oh, dear Lord, I'm
all bruised up.
So, uh, my name is Chance.
What's your name, caballero?
- I'm Frank Hayes.
Pick it up.
I won't shoot you.
(metal clanks)
- Damn good coffee.
- You're welcome to it, but
I got a long haul tomorrow,
so as soon as you're feeling
better, best move on.
- That's about right on
the money there, isn't it?
- Meaning what?
- Well, I mean, you got a really
nice camp here, my friend.
Heck, I walked up, I thought
it was Sunday after church.
You had a couple others back
in town with you, didn't you?
Little boy, little girl?
- No, they weren't
mine. My sister's.
I'm traveling alone.
- Okay, well...
One, two, three.
You got three plates laid out
here tonight there, Frank.
I mean, you got a
mighty hefty appetite.
- So I've been told.
- Well, I say you
ain't that hungry.
(suspenseful music)
Hey, hey, hey, hey.
Just take it easy.
Better put that down.
They're not gonna
mess around with that.
Don't you aim that thing at me.
Get it down now.
Come on, come on.
Take it easy.
Everything's okay.
What you need to do, you
need to gimme the money.
Gimme everything you
got and I'll leave
and then you'll live.
(match sizzling)
- That's all the money I've
ever made my entire life.
I don't intend to just let
you walk outta here with it.
- Everybody always
says that every time.
It's my life savings.
Why, why, why?
Lemme tell you something.
I get what I want
every time, okay?
Get over there and gimme
the money and I'll leave.
(suspenseful music continues)
- It's my life savings.
- Listen, give me the money,
the boys and I will
get on out here
and go holler for the people
that don't exist in the woods.
You go on about your way.
If I say the wrong thing, those
boys are gonna unload on you
and you're gonna fall
down in a pile of blood.
So, put the gun away
and go get the money.
- It's for starting over.
- You won't have any
place to start at all,
my friend, unless you do this.
(metal clinks)
Give me the money now.
(suspenseful music continues)
(crickets chirping)
(suspenseful music continues)
(suspenseful music continues)
(suspenseful music continues)
(somber music)
- I love you.
Run!
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(gun bangs)
(Frank gasps)
(dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music)
- No.
Come on.
(suspenseful music)
(tense music)
(tense music continues)
(tense music continues)
(leaves rustling)
(dark ominous music)
- There you are.
We're gonna be good
friends, you and me.
(suspenseful music continues)
Oh honey, you ain't
gonna shoot that at me.
You know it and I know it.
(gun clicks)
(gun bangs)
(body thuds)
(Ed coughs)
How about that?
You're killing me, girl.
(Ed coughs)
(suspenseful music)
(ground rustling)
- Ginny!
(light dramatic music)
(gun banging)
(soldiers hollering)
(dramatic drumming music)
(crickets chirping)
(crickets continue chirping)
(gun clicks)
(bugs continue chirping)
(birds chirping)
- Pal?
Ron!
Lydia!
Lydia!
Pal?
(birds continue chirping)
(leaves rustling)
Ron!
Lydia!
Pal?
(birds continue chirping)
(upbeat music)
I'm going down
Going down slow
Hear the golden
trumpets blow
Got saints above,
sinners down below
Gonna march with the
sinners when I go
Gonna hide from the devil
Run and hide from the devil
So he won't know
when I'm gone
No, he won't know I'm
stepping out the back door
Flying down the alleyway
No, he
Won't know
When I'm gone
(water splashing)
(water continues splashing)
(water continues splashing)
- Hey!
Hey, hey! Whoa, wait!
(leaves rustling)
Hey boy, wait up!
- 12 gauge!
- I know.
- You can tell
just by hearing it?
- Heard it many times.
- Then you know
what it'll do to ya.
- I do, seen it firsthand.
- You don't look like
you could fight your
way out of a pile of leaves.
- I do admit, it's been a spell.
- You drop that
pistol in your belt.
Slow.
My pa and my uncles will
be back anytime now.
Best hightail it outta
here quick, old man.
- They didn't leave
you with much.
- They won't be gone long.
- I mean, a party of
travelers, it ain't much gear.
- Our stuff's in the wagon.
Now get moving, mister,
I won't tell you again!
- I just don't feel like
running off into the woods.
- I'll kill you, mister!
I've done it before!
- Now I'm, I'm gonna
turn around real slow
and you can go ahead and
shoot me if you feel you must.
Hi, I'm Malcolm.
- I don't care.
- What's your name?
- Shut up.
- Shut up.
Now is that your Christian name?
- I won't warn you again.
- Ah, you ain't gonna shoot me.
And well, truth be told,
I could use your help.
(gentle music)
(fire crackling)
- We ain't got no food to share.
- Hi, I'm Malcolm.
You here for my birthday?
(gentle music continues)
(metal screeches)
(bugs trilling)
- Looks like he rode
south late last night.
- Eh, last time
he wandered it off
he was headed
toward Black Ridge.
He used to have friends there.
- Last time he
didn't have a horse.
- Maybe we oughta start
tying him up at night.
- The horse or Malcolm?
(gun clicks)
- Just in case I see
a snake or something.
I left you the rifle.
Make sure you keep them
new calves penned up.
There'll be a lot
of critters looking
to have 'em for supper.
- I should go with you.
- This darned old mule ain't
likely to take two riders.
Hell, he might even be likely
to pitch me into a gully
given half a chance.
- Another reason I
should go with you.
- I doubt he got very far,
shouldn't be more
than a day or two.
- I know this country
better than any man alive.
I walk fast and I shoot
better than you, too.
- Truer words were never spoken.
- He's my uncle, Ron.
- Well, that's why
you should stay close,
in case he decides
to circle back.
- I can handle myself.
- That ain't it, Lydia.
There is nothing between
here and Black Ridge.
Trouble breaks off, I won't
be able to look after you.
- Look after me?
- You know what
I meant, darn it.
- Yeah, I know what you meant.
- I'll be back in a couple days.
- I'll be here looking
after the calves and
tending to the garden.
- [Ron] I love you.
- Be careful with my mule.
(chickens clucking)
(cows mooing)
(bugs trilling)
(mule grumbles)
(gentle music)
(dramatic drumming music)
(dramatic drumming
music continues)
(dramatic drumming
music continues)
(guns banging)
(soldier groans)
(guns continue banging)
(soldiers wailing)
(suspenseful music)
(fire crackling)
(bugs trilling)
(fire continues crackling)
(ground rustling)
(bugs continue trilling)
(owl hoots)
(fire crackling)
(bugs continue trilling)
(bugs continue trilling)
- Now, now, now.
I didn't steal nothing, I,
I was just checking to see
if you had some matches.
You know, you're not gonna get
very far with two biscuits.
- Well, it's all we have.
- I know.
And when you're on the run,
it's best to keep the fire low.
A trail of smoke will give
away your position for sure.
- Who says we're on the run?
- I may not remember what
we was just yaking about
or even what day it is,
but I know when someone's
on the run, when I see 'em.
- Bad men.
- Lots of 'em around,
that's for sure.
Now, when you do build a
fire, what you want to do is
you build your first pit
in the shape of a rectangle
and then about a foot over,
you build a smaller rectangle
with a little
trench between them
and it feeds the
bigger rectangle.
That'll keep it hot
all day and all night.
But the best thing is no smoke.
- You learn that the
same place you learned
the sound of a
shotgun being cocked?
- Very same.
I, I was a major in
the Federal Army,
served under General
Grant during the war.
He was a fine fighting
man, that's for sure.
- Well, pardon my honesty,
but you don't look
like no soldier.
- Well, that was some time ago,
but being honest is
nothing to be pardoned for.
Is that your little brother?
- Yes, his name's Billy, but
everybody calls him Little Bit.
- Little Bit?
- Ma always said he was
the runt of the litter,
like a little bit of sunshine.
So the name stuck, I guess.
- And what's your name?
- Ginny, Virginia.
Ginny.
- It is a pleasure to
meet you, Miss Ginny.
My name's Malcolm.
- Oh, I know.
You told us several times.
- Huh, I reckon I did.
But you can call me Mal.
At least that's what
my friends call me.
- Why are you walking around
in the woods without a horse?
- I can't tell you.
- You can't say?
- Well, I, I would tell you,
but I just can't remember.
I had a horse, I'm pretty sure,
but I get the forgets sometimes.
- But you remember General
Grant and how to build fires.
- Yeah, sometimes.
My memory seems to come and go,
it's a little hard to explain.
Those, those bad men
you were talking about,
they still after you, I reckon?
- I expect they are.
I shot one of them.
They killed our pa.
- Oh, I'm so sorry, Ginny.
But if you shot him with that,
then that son of
a bitch is, well,
he's burning in hell
where he belongs.
- There was more of them.
- There's always more of them.
- And I ain't got
no more shells.
- I know.
- You could hear that too?
- Checked the load
while you was sleeping.
Now, there's a town.
Black...
Black...
It's Black something,
but it's down river
and I know the sheriff there.
So let's say come morning,
three of us head down river,
find that town and get us out
of this mess we
find ourselves in.
- You got yourself
a deal, mister.
But just know I still got that
pistol of yours hidden away
and I know how to use it.
- Oh, I believe you.
And it's Mal, not mister.
- Mal.
- Now, why don't you
get some more sleep
and I'll stand watch?
We leave at first light.
(light music)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
- [Little Bit] Is that
the doll ma gave you?
- [Ginny] It's just
a keepsake now.
Just reminds me of her.
- [Chance] Give me the money,
the boys and I'll
get on out of here.
Go holler for the people that
don't exist in the woods.
- [Ginny] Pa.
- [Frank] Ginny.
- [Chance] Give
me the money now.
- [Frank] Run!
(gun bangs)
- [Ed] How about that?
You're killing me, girl.
(fire whooshes)
(light dramatic music)
(fire rustling)
(light country music)
- Boss must have hit
his best last night.
I've never seen him
quite like that.
- I wasn't expecting that.
- Not a bit.
One of us should go talk to him.
- Don't look at me, he hates me.
- He don't hate you, kid,
Boss just likes to rib you.
- No, he hates him.
- Darn it, Slick.
The kid don't need to
hear that about now.
- I'm just saying one of
us should go talk to him,
just maybe not the kid.
- Obviously not the kid.
Knowing Chance, he's liable
to kill that son of a bitch
if he looks at him.
- Do you think he's
gonna shoot me?
- No, he ain't gonna shoot you.
Just stay out of this, kid.
- I ain't gonna talk to
him if he's gonna shoot me.
- He ain't gonna shoot
ya, you darn whelp.
I was just making a joke.
- I don't think
that's very funny.
- If you two don't
shut up he's likely
to shoot all three of us.
- I didn't kill his brother.
I don't know why he'd shoot me.
- 'Cause boss hate you.
We'd established that.
- That ain't helping none, Jean.
Saying mean things like that
just makes things worse.
- You two are as useless
as tits on a bull.
I'll go talk to him.
- Well, kid, I think
that's best, don't you?
- I reckon, I
think that's best.
(light dramatic music)
(Slick clears throat)
- Hey, boss.
Well, me and the boys,
we're as sorry as
we can be about Ed.
We all like Ed.
Liked Ed, I mean, and
well, we sure are sorry
and we are wondering if
if there was something
we could do for you.
- Do for me?
- Well, we can get you
some whiskey or some water.
If you're hungry,
we've got some jerky.
Should we pray over him?
- So, Jean Paul!
So the boy thinks I'm
gonna shoot him, huh?
Suppose I won't do that today,
but I'm gonna tell
you guys something.
I'll tell you one thing,
I'm gonna tell you good.
I'm gonna kill those children.
If there's gonna be any
shirking or whining,
you may as well get
it out right now
and try to run and hope I
don't shoot you in the back
on your way out.
(light dramatic music continues)
Get me a whiskey.
- Yes, boss.
- I thought we
were robbing banks.
I didn't sign up
for killing no kids.
- You want to tell him that?
- I expect I don't.
- Then shut up and get
the man his whiskey.
(birds chirping)
- I promise I'm gonna make them
pay for what she did to you.
Promise you that.
(light dramatic music continues)
(water splashing)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
- [Malcolm] That's
three in a row.
- You're cheating.
- You can't cheat marbles.
What are you talking about?
- Hey.
- Ginny, he's really good.
You should come play with us.
- Maybe some other
time, all right?
Come on now we gotta go.
- Where you going?
- That way.
- Can I come?
- Yeah, I'm already
regretting this.
(birds chirping)
(Malcolm chuckles)
- Wait, wait, wait, wait.
Oh, I think I lost
one of my marbles.
- Yeah, I'd say you lost
more than one, Mister.
- [Malcolm] Huh?
Wait, wait, wait.
- Whoa.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, Pal.
Whoa, whoa.
Whoa.
You're okay.
You're okay.
You're okay old partner.
Where's Mal?
Hmm?
Where'd he go?
(birds chirping)
(clock ticking)
(cow moos)
(clock continues ticking)
(metal scratching)
(cow moos)
(light dramatic music)
(horse neighs)
(door thuds)
- Howdy, ma'am.
Just passing through.
Mean no harm.
- Keep on passing then.
Nobody's stopping you.
- Well, we fully intend to.
Most certainly, most certainly.
I've thought maybe I'd ask you
a couple of questions first.
- My husband and our ranch hands
will be back any minute now.
You can ask them
when they arrive.
- Ranch hands?
You run quite an
establishment here.
- It's not your
concern, stranger.
- I gotta tell you
that where I come from,
folks are quite a
bit more polite.
- Forgive me sir, but I'm not
used to forearmed strangers
on horseback sitting
in front of my house.
State your business.
- Well, it has to do
with some lost children.
The poor things disappeared.
- Lost children.
- Their pa.
He got shot.
- It's gonna be colder
tonight, I'd say.
I just want to try to
see if we can find them
before they freeze to
death, poor little things.
- We haven't seen 'em, but
I'll be sure to let my husband
and men know to keep
a lookout for them.
- I guess we'll
be moving on then.
And please, please
do let your husband
and those hardworking men
know that we say hello.
- I'll be sure to do that.
- Come on, boys.
Let's head off.
(light dramatic music)
Still feel like I'm about
to get a bullet in my back.
- [Slick] Yeah, she's a
nasty looking one, boss.
- [Chance] Well, nasty or
not, we'll come back later
and put her feet to the fire
and see what she's
got to say then.
- [Slick] Yeah, we can
ask them cowhands too.
- [Chance] There ain't no
cowhands, you dumb lug.
Oh my gosh.
(ground rustling)
- [Malcolm] Black Ridge.
- [Ginny] What?
- Black Ridge, that's
the name of the town.
I just remembered it.
- Well, that's a relief.
Any chance you remember
how far away it is?
- No, no, but, but no,
but I'm sure we're heading
the right direction.
- Pretty sure?
- Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's
just down river a spell.
- Yeah, you said
that last night that,
that's why we're
walking down river.
- Right.
- Right.
- Yeah.
Well, you just wait
till you see it.
It's a bustling silver town.
Why, it's got four saloons
and two eating houses
and a general store.
Oh, and my old war buddy John.
Why, he's the sheriff there.
He'll make sure we get what
we need and, and then some.
- And then you can play
marbles all night and day.
- Say again?
- Forget it.
- Ginny, I'm hungry.
- [Ginny] Yeah, I know
you are. I'm hungry too.
- Can we just stop?
- No, we need to keep
marching, soldier.
- We've been marching for hours,
maybe we should stop
for just a little while.
- Oh, no, no.
Now you, you got some
pretty bad men after you.
We need to double time it.
Let's go!
(light music)
(light music continues)
- Oh, you don't even know if
we're going the right way.
Bit needs to stop and rest.
- There's no way we're
stopping, and that's an order!
(light music continues)
Is that good?
Yeah, well, it better be.
It's half our rations.
- You know he's
just a kid, right?
- Now, why you ask me that?
- Well, you keep
talking about rations,
marching double time
and he ain't a soldier.
- Heck, I was
shoveling horse poop
for the army when I was seven.
- Well, I don't doubt that.
Now, was that a hundred years
ago now or just this morning?
'Cause I'm not sure you
know the difference.
Playing marbles, giggling
and grinning like a fool.
- Yeah, I don't remember that.
- Well, you were.
- I reckon so.
(Malcolm sighs)
Well...
I...
I used to have this
voice in my head.
I even disagreed with
it a lot of the times,
but when we were working
together, when we were a team,
that's when anything
was possible.
That's when...
That's when people
called me a hero.
Yeah, but now?
Now there's nothing.
There's no voice at all.
It's like a big deep,
dark hole in a cemetery
just waiting to be filled.
And heck, I can't even
remember my name half the time.
And I'm scared.
I'm scared.
But...
Jesus, I wish I
could find that guy,
that voice, that hero maker.
But I can't, he's lost.
I just can't find him no more.
(soft music)
- Well, I hear my voice
talking to me all the time.
Tells me that I'm a bad person
and I'm going to hell.
I shot that man.
I murdered him.
I left our father's body behind.
And now that, that voice
tells me that I'll
never be the same.
If it's just between
the two of us,
which one is worse?
- Killing ain't always
murder, youngin'.
Yeah, you kill to protect
yourself, someone you love,
and sometimes even to protect
what you truly believe in.
But killing that man did
not make you a murderer.
Now you're a good soldier,
you just give it time.
You'll, you'll hear
that true voice again.
Believe me, you're young.
You'll, you'll hear it again.
(soft music continues)
- Well, ain't we a strange pair?
- I'd say we're just that.
- What do you say,
little soldier?
You ready to march on?
- [Little Bit] Ready!
- [Malcolm] Hope for
you yet, soldier.
- [Ginny] Shall
we proceed, Major?
- [Malcolm] We shall
indeed, Sergeant.
(light music)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(bugs trilling)
(suspenseful music)
(chickens clucking)
- Just stay here
and keep me company.
- You really think
she knows something?
- You think I'd be standing
here waiting outside,
kneeling down in the
dirt if I didn't?
- I suppose not.
- Why don't you do yourself
a kind and quit supposin'
and leave the
supposin' up to me?
(suspenseful music)
- No one here, boss.
(suspenseful music continues)
(cow moos)
(Chance groans)
- It's true, house is deserted.
- Son of a bitch.
She must have circled around.
She can't have gone far.
Come on, boys. Come on.
(suspenseful music continues)
(soldiers hollering)
(guns banging)
(soldier screaming)
(crickets chirping)
(flies buzzing)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
- Poor boys.
This is hopeless.
- We can't lose hope until
we've checked them all.
Keep looking.
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
(gentle music continues)
Okay.
(gentle music continues)
- Major, Major.
Hey, are you still with us?
- Where am I?
Where am I?
- I wish I could tell you.
- I'm Malcolm.
- Well, I know, I, I'm
Ginny, this is Little Bit.
- Well, where am I?
Where are my men?
Where are my men?
They're in danger.
They're in danger. They
don't know what's coming!
- Wait, your men are in danger?
- They're soldiers, they're
brave, but it's the youngins.
They're in danger.
- Wait, who's not safe, Major?
- [Malcolm] Major?
- Yeah, you're a major.
You served under General Grant.
- Yeah.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
I know you.
- Well, yeah.
I'm Ginny. This is little bit.
We're going with you to
Black Ridge, all right?
You know the sheriff there.
- Yeah, yeah. Black Ridge.
Yeah, John.
Yeah, John, John.
John's the sheriff there.
- Yeah, yeah.
He's gonna help us,
you said so yourself.
- Oh yeah.
Yeah, John, he'll help us.
Yeah, John. John's my buddy.
He'll help us.
Yeah, he will. He's my buddy.
John.
(birds chirping)
- Hold right here.
(stream trickling)
(stream continues trickling)
Well Black Ridge it is, eh Mal?
(leaves rustling)
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music continues)
(gun clicks)
- Hold it right there.
Don't you move another inch.
Don't even shiver your hand.
If you do, we will shoot it off.
- Whoa, whoa no need
for that fellas.
I was just about to
make myself some grub.
- You're that rancher
fella from over
at Reedy Pond, aren't you?
You got that handsome
wife, strong woman.
- Where's all your
cowhands at, mister?
- I ain't got no cowhands,
I'm traveling alone.
- So you tend to saddle
both your animals
when you're traveling
alone, do you?
- Well, traveling fast.
- Well, I would be too
if I left my lady alone
in a country like this.
There's dangerous people about.
- What'd you do to her?
- Oh, we just talked some.
I do have to say she's one
of the most impolite
people I've ever met.
- Mister, I swear
to you right now,
If you laid a finger on her,
I promise you I will kill
each and every one of you.
- You hear that boys?
He's gonna kill us!
(men laughing)
I'll tell you one thing,
and I'll tell you good.
If you don't tell me
where those children are,
I'm gonna lay you down just
like I did their sad papa.
- I don't know
nothing about no kids.
- I say you're lying to us.
I don't like liars.
You know, my daddy
lied to me once.
He lied to me
straight in the face.
I laid him in the
ground later that night.
Dirt pile for years now dragging
my little brother around.
That's something I
never told anybody.
- Allow me, sir, if you will,
to tell you a story about my pa.
He got his leg blown
off in the war.
I swear to you,
that man always kept
a positive disposition.
(guns banging)
(horse neighs)
(body thuds)
(light dramatic music)
- You stupid side
busting son of a bitch.
- Where to now, boss?
- I guess wherever he's going.
- Question is, who is he?
- I think those kids must
have 'em a new wet nurse.
(Lydia gasps)
- Whoa, Pal. Whoa.
It's all right, it's all right.
It's just me.
It's all right, Pal.
It's just me.
(birds chirping)
(water splashing)
(water continues splashing)
(horse snorts)
(light dramatic music)
Ron!
Ronnie.
It's okay. It's all
right, it's all right.
I'm here.
- I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
- No, Ronnie, I'm sorry.
No, I'm the one who's sorry.
Just be quiet, be still.
- They shot...
They shot your mule.
- I know, it's all right.
Just you're really hurt and
we need to get you some help.
(Lydia cries)
(light dramatic music)
(bird caws)
(bugs trilling)
- They had the other one.
You're gonna need
it if we press on.
Eat it while we march.
- God, I'm so sick and tired
of hearing you talk
about marching.
- I'm just trying
to keep you going.
- Going, going where?
We've been walking for hours,
there's nothing out here.
(bird caws)
We're gonna die out here, Major.
- Now, we ain't gonna die now,
you just, you need
something to eat that's all.
- All right, and then what?
Then we walk another
50 miles or 100?
We are walking into
nothing and you know it.
- No, we'll find help.
You just gotta be brave, have
faith and power on, soldier.
- I told you I ain't no
soldier, you damned old fool!
You were supposed to help us.
You can't help nobody, you
just, you're a worthless old man
and now we're all gonna die.
(light music)
- I know I am.
I know it.
You know, I used to be-
- I don't care who
you used to be.
- Oh God, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry Ginny. I'm so sorry.
- Oh, you're sorry?
Well, everybody's always sorry.
My ma was sorry
when she got sick.
My pa was sorry to
drag us out here.
I'm sorry that I had
to let my brother die
following a crazy man.
- I'm sorry! I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry, Ginny.
- Well, I hate you.
(gentle music)
- I hate me, too.
(hooves thundering)
(suspenseful music)
Quick!
Quick, get behind those rocks!
Come on, come on!
Come on, get behind that tree.
Go on!
(dramatic music)
(dramatic music continues)
(dramatic music continues)
- Here she is, boys.
(gun bangs)
- Stay low, men!
(leaves rustling)
(dramatic music continues)
(gun bangs)
Take cover.
Take cover, get down, get down.
- She got the old man, too.
I see you, old man.
(gun bangs)
(dramatic music continues)
There she is, boys.
There she is.
- No. Ginny, no!
Ginny, what are you doing?
Get down. Get back here.
And you think I'm crazy?
What were you doing?
(dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music)
(dramatic drumming)
(soldiers screaming)
(light dramatic music continues)
(somber music)
(Young Malcolm grunts)
- [Young Malcolm] My men!
- Hold him.
Hold him down.
- [Young Malcolm] My men!
(light music)
(soldier coughs)
(birds chirping)
(nurse hushes)
- [Nurse Emma] Calm
down, you're all right.
- My men.
- You're all right.
What's your name, soldier?
- Hunter.
Malcolm Hunter. Major.
Do you know what happened
to my regimen, ma'am?
- I'm, I'm sorry you were
half dead when we found you.
(light music continues)
(birds chirping)
- Emma, we've got plenty of
other people that need help.
Back to your duties.
- Ma'am, what
happened to my men?
- I'm sorry, Major.
They're gone.
(light music continues)
(birds chirping)
(gun bangs)
(soldier screams)
- [Ginny] Major!
(bugs trilling)
- Ginny?
Ginny, Little Bit?
Little Bit?
(Malcolm groans)
No.
No, no, no, think.
Think. Think, damn it.
Oh god, not now.
Not now, no, please
Lord, not now.
No, help me think.
Where are they?
Ginny! Little Bit!
Oh god no, please.
Please no. God, please.
Look, I know...
I know I'm a mess of an old man,
and I probably don't
deserve any more than
you've already blessed me
with, but I'm the only chance
those little ones got.
Oh lord, please help me
think. Help me think, lord.
Oh, god, where are they?
No, no, no, no, no, no,
this isn't happening.
No, Lord. Oh, please, help me.
Somebody help me.
Oh carry me home
(Malcolm whimpers)
Lord, help me be strong
Lord, this day
It will be long
- [Malcolm] Ginny!
Little Bit!
Rages on, Lord
I can't make it on my own
As the battle rages on
Lord, help me be strong
Lord, help me be strong
Lord, help me be strong
(metal screeches)
(metal continues screeching)
(gun clicks)
- 12 gauge.
- How could you tell?
- Heard it many times.
- Then you know what
it'll do to you.
- Seen it firsthand.
- You look like shit, Mal.
- You, you know me?
- Yeah, you can
certainly say that I do.
I heard you might not recall,
I guess I was just
hoping for the best.
But it's true.
You've outlived your
mind, haven't you?
- I reckon so, Miss.
- Miss.
Millie?
Millie Perkins?
Songbird of Sioux City.
Oh hell, Mal.
Guess you're the
lucky one, then.
I'd forget all about Sioux
City too if I was able.
- I'm looking for
Sheriff John Crawford.
Now, is he still around?
- Yeah, he's around.
Over yonder in Black
Ridge Cemetery.
Been dead about 10 years.
Same as this town.
- Silver dry up?
- Yep, long time ago.
Just me now waiting
for the rapture.
Why don't we get you inside?
Tell you what, I'll fix
you something good to eat
and maybe I'll even tell
you some good old stories
about your younger,
more vigorous years.
- No, no. There's
something I gotta do.
No, something I gotta do.
- Well,
before you go running off,
I think there's something
you might need to see.
So, come on now.
(light music)
Let's get you inside.
Come on.
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
Careful now.
Come on. That's it.
- Uncle Malcolm.
- Lydia? What the...
What are you doing here?
- I came looking for you.
- What?
- Ron got, he got shot.
- Shot?
Is he all right?
- Well, he lost a lot
of blood but I dug
them slugs out of him.
He, uh, he may pull through yet.
I've seen men live
through worse.
- All this is my fault.
This is my fault.
This is all my fault!
Oh, god.
- Sit down here.
- I've done nothing
but hurt people
and ruin people my
whole damn life!
- [Lydia] No, it
is not your fault.
The men who did this.
- It's my fault!
- Now, enough of
that, you hear me?
- I can't do nothing.
- You wanna carry on
like that, then you do it
outside because I'm not
gonna put up with it.
- You don't understand.
You don't understand,
those youngin's.
They're out there, and
they were looking to me,
they were looking
to me for help!
- Well, about that...
- Major!
- Ginny?
Oh god, Ginny.
Oh god, you're all right.
Oh. Oh god, you're all right.
- I thought those
men killed you.
- Oh me?
What? What?
What happened?
Just please tell
me what happened.
Little Bit.
Little Bit, where's Little Bit?
Little Bit!
Where's Little Bit?
- Well, they took him.
(light dramatic music)
(suspenseful music)
(gun banging)
Major! Major!
- Are you here for my birthday?
- Oh God!
(bugs trilling)
(light dramatic music)
Billy, Billy, you
listen to me now.
You need to run.
You run and go hide.
- I can't.
I'm too scared.
- I know you are,
I'm scared too,
but we can beat these men just
like we did before, all right?
Can play hide and go seek, okay?
You remember? You was
always the best at it.
So you can squeeze through
those rocks, all right?
I love you, now go.
(Malcolm laughs)
(gun bangs)
- Watch out, they shoot back.
Wait, it's over
here! It's over here!
Watch yourself.
- Major, Major, I
need to run away.
Those men will
follow me if I go.
You come with me.
- Hi, I'm Malcolm.
What's your name?
Huh?
(gun bangs)
(light dramatic music)
- You want the money?
Take it!
(gun bangs)
(light dramatic music continues)
- Cover me, I'm
going for the money.
(leaves rustling)
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(man laughing)
(light dramatic music continues)
(ominous music)
(light dramatic music continues)
(fist thuds)
- [Little Bit] No!
(light dramatic music continues)
(gun clicks)
- Get the boots, kid.
Boots.
Damn it, Slick.
(light dramatic music continues)
(light dramatic music continues)
(gravel rustling)
(light dramatic music continues)
(water trickling)
(water splashing)
(water continues splashing)
(Ginny grunts)
(gravel rustling)
(bugs trilling)
- Hello?
Don't shoot, honey.
Don't shoot.
(light dramatic music)
- [Malcolm] I'll get him.
Give me that gun!
- Uncle Malcolm,
you won't make it two
steps out that door.
You need food and rest.
- [Millie] And a bath, you
smell like the dickens.
- No, you don't understand me!
These men are killers.
These men are killers!
- Hey, and you won't
last 10 minutes against them!
- I don't have time for
this, give me the damn gun!
- Malcolm!
No, oh!
(ominous music)
(water trickling)
(birds chirping)
- I was shot at once.
I had never mended that hole.
I wonder if a soldier ever
does mend a bullet hole.
- Maybe so, maybe no.
But it ain't the hole in
the coat that matters,
it's the one in the soul.
And sometimes it keeps bleeding.
(birds chirping)
- Major Hunter, why are you up?
You should be resting.
- Please, call me Malcolm.
(bugs trilling)
(water splashing)
It's not, it's not like
me to just lay it around.
I'd like to lend a
hand if you'll have me.
- Do you think you
can take that pile
and sort the bandages
from the rags?
- Yes ma'am. I, I believe I can.
- Well then get to it, Soldier.
(bugs continue trilling)
(light music)
I've seen this before.
It's so easy to call upon
when they're so helpless
and then they heal and
they forget all about you.
- Yeah, the body
heals, but the mind,
that's a whole different matter.
(fire crackling)
(Malcolm groans)
(fire continues crackling)
- Where are my clothes?
- I burned 'em but don't worry,
I'll bring you some of
Johnny's old clothes.
I think they'll fit.
Relax, I had to check
you out all over just
to make sure they didn't
do too much damage.
They worked you over
pretty good actually.
- I've had worse, I think.
- So tell me, you don't remember
nothing about Sioux City?
- Well, no.
Yes.
It don't really work that way.
It, it just seems, chunks
of my memory seem to come
and go whenever
they feel like it.
It's hard to explain.
- Well, what do you say, cowboy?
What do you say we
get you cleaned up
and then maybe
we'll see if we can
resurrect some of
those old memories
of the good times we used
to have in this place.
- Well Miss Millie, I do believe
you've aroused my memory.
(Millie giggles)
- Well, giddy up, cowboy.
(light music)
(fire crackling)
- It ain't fair.
- What isn't fair, honey?
- What they've done to him.
What they've done to my pa.
- No, it isn't fair.
- My pa was just trying
to do the right thing
for me and my brother.
- Of course he was, honey.
- And your husband,
he was just trying
to keep the major safe.
It ain't fair what they done.
- Life isn't fair.
All we can do is keep on trying,
just like my Ron and your pa.
And you.
You know, Ron lost
his parents too.
They were killed when
he was a little boy.
He lived a very hard life.
Then we met and we got married
and we hoped to have
a family of our own.
(sentimental music)
But Doc told us that
our dreams of having a
family would never come true.
But we keep on trying.
- Lydia.
- Oh, oh.
(hushes) Ronnie, it's
all right, I'm here.
I'm here.
- They shot your mule.
- I know.
It's all right.
He's a pain in the ass anyway.
- Just like me, I guess.
- Oh, just like you.
Oh.
(wood thudding)
- [Malcolm] Yeehaw!
(Lydia sighs)
- Hey, that's Malcolm.
What's he been doing?
- I wonder.
Oh, Ronnie.
(Lydia cries)
(bugs chirping)
(Ron whimpers)
- Ah, quit your bellyaching.
Those bandages have
gotta be changed
or you're gonna
turn into cheese.
- Just hurry up, will you?
- [Lydia] Ronald
Bell, behave yourself.
- Oh God, I wish you'd hurry up
so I could resume my
suffering in peace.
- When are we gonna
find that boy?
- And just what are we gonna do?
We ain't exactly the
US Army, you know.
- No, we ain't.
We gotta find Little
Bit and those killers.
- We don't have to find them.
They're gonna find us.
- Honey, what are
you talking about?
(coins jingling)
- I'll be damned.
- You mean you've
had that hidden
in your dress this whole time?
- Had it hidden under a log back
with his pistol
where he found us.
It's what they're after.
- They're gonna want
to trade for that boy
and then they'll double cross us
just as sure as
you're standing there.
- Yes, they will,
but we'll be waiting.
(light dramatic music)
(light country music)
- Hello into the saloon!
I know you're in there.
Saw your light burning all
night from above on that hill!
I'm here looking for that pretty
little girl that got lost.
(ominous music)
(dramatic drumming music)
Well, well, well, if it
ain't the birthday boy.
The boys are gonna be
tickled pink to see you.
- Yeah, I'm just
full of surprises.
- That you are, that you are.
I like your outfit.
I take it you're the new
sheriff of this shithole.
- Duly sworn in by the citizens
of Black Ridge
this very morning.
- Well, I guess you
get what you pay for.
- I reckon so.
(coins jingling)
That money's yours.
Take it as soon as
I get that boy back.
- Now you listen here.
I've got business
with the sister.
She killed my brother.
- That young woman was defending
herself against a coward
that meant to do her
considerable harm.
There ain't no law against that.
- My brother was a
lying, cheating, dirty,
horny coward, but I loved
him and he was my brother.
- Give me back the
boy, take that money
and ride outta here.
I'll consider the matter closed.
- I had a dog once, I fed it
every day when I could scavenge
up something to give it.
Gave it a couple bones one
day and it was so hungry
I reached down to
pet it and it bit me.
I killed that dog.
I loved that dog, but I
loved killing it more.
(Chance whistles)
(ominous music)
- [Malcolm] Let him go!
- [Little Bit] Major!
- It's all right,
son, now go inside.
Go on now, take that
money and ride out.
I won't say it again.
- I'll have that girl
one way or another.
(gun clicks)
(light dramatic music)
(Malcolm chuckles)
Something funny?
- There's one thing I
know about you outlaws.
You're as predictable
as the sunrise.
- Shoot him!
- 12 gauge.
(gun bangs)
(dramatic music)
- Saves a hanging,
and I hate cigars!
(dramatic music continues)
(gun bangs)
(Malcolm gasps)
(guns continue banging)
- Who's that lady then?
- Did you kill him?
- [Slick] Yeah, he's dead.
- Hell, man, I'm
gonna make you suffer!
You'll be squealing all
week like a stuffed pig!
- Well come on, sidewinder,
I'm late for breakfast.
- Are you hit, Mal?
- Lucky shot got me in the leg.
- Too bad, I was
thinking we might
do a little dancing tonight.
(light dramatic music)
(fist thuds)
- I got her, boss.
- The old man's done for it now.
Go get the girl while
I finish him off!
(gun bangs)
(light dramatic music)
- (laughs) Look who it is.
- You're one of those hombres
that killed those kids' pa.
- What's it to you?
- It's just another reason
for me to keep my promise.
- What promise is that?
- I told you I was
gonna kill you.
- (laughs) You're
gonna kill me now?
- I ain't, she is.
(gun bangs)
(Lydia grunts)
- You shot my mule!
(gun continues banging)
- You know he shot
me too, right?
- (sighs) Yeah, I was
gonna say that next.
Go back and hide with your
sister, it's not safe here.
- She left.
- Your teeth hurt
after that one?
Kill her?
- She's already out, boss.
- Kill her now!
Kill her!
- I don't believe I will.
- Sounds like a mutiny to me.
You should quit
while you're ahead!
(gun bangs)
- You shot me.
(light dramatic music)
- I'm coming for you, old man.
(gun continues banging)
(suspenseful music)
(bugs trilling)
- Whoa there.
We ain't looking to hurt no one.
- Have you no honor, Soldier?
This is a hospital.
We'll have no violence
among the men here.
- We ain't no soldiers no more.
Ain't nothing but death
and ghosts after Shiloh.
- You yanks can have
Corinth, we ain't staying.
- Quiet, boy.
Now go inside of that there tent
and bring us all the
food we can carry
and anything else
you've got of value.
We'll be on our way.
- Is this the quality of men
in the army of Tennessee?
Robbing nurses and
stealing from wounded men?
- [Soldier] I ain't
gonna ask you again.
(gun bangs)
- Drop your weapon! Now!
- No. Malcolm, no, please.
No, he's just a boy.
- I just wanna go home.
- Run.
Run, you son of a bitch,
before I change my mind!
(light dramatic music)
- It's over.
(leaves rustling)
(suspenseful music)
(gun bangs)
(ominous music)
- No!
(somber music)
(Nurse Emma whimpers)
No.
(Young Malcolm cries)
(light dramatic music)
(gun bangs)
(light dramatic music)
(both grunting)
(fists thudding)
- Had enough, old man?
- What's in this fight for you?
- Those children are my friends!
You made orphans out of 'em,
damn near killed my nephew!
Gave me a hell of a headache
and you shot our mule.
- That was a mistake!
- Yes, it was.
- Why don't you just
let me just get up
and run outta here just
like you said before.
- Now, I've seen
your kind 100 times.
You'll come back, hurting
kids, raping women,
stinking up the world.
- No, no, no.
You let me get outta here,
you'll never see
me again, I swear.
(gun bangs)
- That's right, you won't!
- No, Ginny, no!
- You shot my pa!
- Please don't shoot
me, I'm unarmed.
- [Malcolm] No,
Ginny, don't do it.
- You're a murderer!
- [Chance] Please.
- Sergeant!
If you pull that trigger
now, you will be a murderer,
and you'll never find
that true voice of yours.
(suspenseful music)
(Ginny cries)
That's my girl.
That's my girl.
(somber music)
That's it.
That's it, that's my girl.
(suspenseful music)
(gun bangs)
(light music)
(gun bangs)
- Who are you?
- I am Major Malcolm
Ulysses Hunter.
Say hi to your brother in hell.
(gun bangs)
(Malcolm groans)
Oh, you're a good soldier.
Bravest I've ever seen.
- But I didn't kill nobody.
- That's why.
That's why.
Oh, I am so proud to
have you as my friend
and you hold that tight, and
that's an order, Sergeant.
Now, now you go.
You go.
You go now, I'm okay.
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(hand rustling)
(bugs trilling)
(grass rustling)
(Malcolm chuckles)
It ain't true.
- What ain't?
- Dying.
It don't hurt none.
- You ain't dying, soldier,
you just need to rest is all.
- Believe me,
darling, I'm about to.
What is that song you used
to sing me in Sioux City?
(light music continues)
(Millie hums)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(Millie sniffles)
(emotional music)
- He said there were
angels and buffalo
and horses as far as
the eye could see.
(emotional music continues)
Then he heard someone
calling his name.
(emotional music continues)
(Millie cries)
(emotional music continues)
(emotional music continues)
(emotional music continues)
(emotional music continues)
(emotional music continues)
(gentle music)
- [Ginny] What is family?
Is it something you
carry in your blood?
Or is it something else?
Maybe it's the people
you find along the way.
The ones who show you
how to keep going.
To find your voice.
To keep on trying.
(light music)
I saw an angel
across the room
I worked up the
courage to say
May I have this
dance with you
I'd make your
dreams come true
We danced the
whole day through
We danced through
the night, too
And we danced
Ooh ooh
Across the floor of
our ramshackle shack
To a riverside cottage
with a lawn in the back
We'd dance with our
babies when life got hard
Onward and onward we'd dance
We danced our
whole life through
To a melody strong and true
And we danced
Ooh ooh
And we danced
Ooh ooh ooh
(upbeat music)
You've forgotten
your days of glory
But they still
praise your story
'Cause a man of courage
Stands tall through
time and memory
Those wartime
souls you saved
You stood strong,
fearless and brave
They'll never forget
The sacrifices you made
Once a hero, always a hero
Here's to a job well done
You made your mark
Even gave your life
For someone
Once a hero
Always a hero
Memories fade, courage don't
The world spins
till it won't
Then once in awhile
A hero comes around
Through dust, dirt and grit
We all earn where we fit
This life ain't fair
But we can fight for it
Once a hero, always a hero
Here's to a job well done
You made your mark
Even gave your life
For someone
Once a hero
Always a hero
A thousand years from now
No one will recall your name
But you changed the world
A little just the same
(light music)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)
(light music continues)