All language subtitles for The.Legend.Of.Van.Dorn.2026.1080p.WEB.H264-CinemaCity.Hi

[military drums playing]

[martial music]

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

Bedford Forrest?

Van Dorn, I presume.

Thank you for meeting me
like this.

I can only imagine
this is some feeble attempt

to reestablish your reputation,

clean that ugly stain
off your record.

I'll give you 30 seconds
to establish your intentions.

Otherwise, I must take my leave.

What if I told you I had a way

to stop Grant from
attacking Port Gibson?

I'd say any plan to take on
the greatest the Union

has to offer is either
madness or brilliance.

Grant's in Kentucky.

If we could stop him from moving
east or west and prevent him

from calling in reinforcements,

we can force him north,

and curtail his ability
to cut off our supply chain.

Time's up.

For this to work,
I need you to sabotage

Grant's communications
while I attack.

However, only the generals
can know about this.

I need someone I respect,

someone I can trust.

If it's action you want,
this is it.

No politics, no bureaucracy.

This would be for the cause,

not your reputation.

You get Pemberton to agree,

you got my word.

I'll back you.

♪♪♪

[woman giggling]

[laughing]

[sighs]
Why must you engage in

that sensational poppycock?

"General Earl Van Dorn has met

with the President."

-Lincoln?
-Davis, silly.

Funny, I don't remember
voting for him.

What's so special
about this Van Dorn?

"General Earl Van Dorn saved
the Cherokee and Anadarko tribes

"when they were being
slaughtered by the Comanche.

"During his first battle
in Wichita,

"he took two arrows,

"one to his lungs
and another to his stomach.

Any lesser man would
have been killed."

I'm sure many a lesser man
have been killed at his hands.

Well, that may be so.

But surrender is not an option.

Fighting is a matter
of principle now.

Well, as a physician,

and a legislator,

it would be nice if I spent
less time patching up young men

and more time patching up
what's left of Tennessee.

What we need here...

less bloodshed, more business.

Well, right now,

the pen sure ain't

mightier than the sword.

[overlapping shouting]

[distant horses clopping]

Sir?

Sir, we need to talk.

Can it not wait, Manning?
I'm still trying to figure out

what to do about
that rat Pemberton.

[women murmuring, knocking]

Issued by Lincoln himself.

That is a slanderous statement.

I guess things are
getting personal now, sir.

I'm gonna have to hit him
where it hurts.

If they're talking in terms

of piracy, they better
batten down the hatches,

for a storm is coming.

Brigadier General
Richard Griffith requests

that I allow you
to lead his men.

"Give us Major General Van Dorn,

than whom no braver man lives."

I always did like Griffith.

He knows how to work as a team.

I was simply doing my duty

regarding Corinth,
and you know full well

that I'd do it again
if I had to.

I'm not here for an apology

or to rub your nose in anything.

I'm here to propose something
of mutual benefit,

something that will
increase both our reputations.

That is, if you'll permit
of course.

How exactly would I benefit?

Because when this is successful,

you'll be the one credited
with approving it.

♪♪♪

A moment, please.

Yes, sir?

Surprise me.

Georgia.

The Kakheti region.

Yes, sir.
East Georgia, sir.

Sir, I can't drink with you.

I'm not asking you
to drink with me.

I'm asking you to check
and see if it's corked.

It's fine, sir.

I never would have guessed
you were quite such

the connoisseur of wine,
General.

It's an acquired love.

Advice that
I find to serve me well...

Among other things.

Other things?

I taste hints of velvet cherry,

maple, Southern soil,

tobacco, apples,

butter, and clay.

It is a true sweetness that
dotes on the rich and the poor

with a thick...

strawberry finish.

To Dixie.

[man, slurring] Dixie.

You okay, General?

You look like
you've seen a ghost.

Well, I certainly intend
to create a few.

You got a war to win.

My own war, on my own terms.

Not for the governor,

not for him,

but for you.

Every one of them like you.

[bell ringing]

A humiliating defeat,
they're saying.

Devastating.

1,500 captured, I heard,

including Colonel Murphy.

He saved Vicksburg.

Saved Vicksburg?

I dare say he may very well

have saved
the entire Confederacy.

Excuse my interruption.

Has there been any news?

[scornful laughter]

"Has there been any news?"

General Van Dorn is the news.

♪♪♪

These are dark, dark days.

And I find myself sick

when I think of all
the innocents who suffer

the horrors of this war.

It's carnage like
no other conflict

I've ever witnessed
in my lifetime.

Families torn apart,

brothers fighting brothers.

And the endless bloodshed...

And it must end soon.

I admire your forward thinking
and aggression in battle.

It seems that you and I
are cut from the same cloth.

Well, that's a fine cloth
indeed, sir.

I'd like to think so.

I'd also like to think
that someday people will cheer,

"Robert E. Lee has licked
Grant in battle" too.

Mmm!

That's quite the accolade
you've gained for yourself.

I'm sure they'll cheer it even
louder when you do, sir.

Have a seat, please.

Reputations, like women,

are fickle things.

And your reputation is rife
with fickle women.

I'm no prude, General,

but it would be entirely wrong
of me not to warn you off

the temptations that glory
as a military man can bring.

General Grant will strike again,

to save his name,
if nothing else.

You let me handle Grant.

They're reassigning you
to Tennessee.

The only way to stop
the bloodshed,

is for us to win this war.

Very good, sir.

They won't come to regret it.

And let's hope you don't come
to regret it either.

Our town being chosen
as a military command post

puts us all in danger.

Of all places in Tennessee,

why did they have
to pick Spring Hill?

The war effort

should be welcomed
as warmly as possible.

These men are out there
risking their lives.

If anything,
it'll mean extra protection.

Mm-hmm.

Why am I entertaining
the opinion

of two giddy women who engage in

the exercise of idolizing

these incompetent thugs?

I have to say, all this
talk of Van Dorn comin'

has turned this town
completely topsy-turvy.

It sure does make me feel like
a young girl again.

You are not helping
my case here, Lilly.

When this circus comes to town,

I forbid you to attend

any of this mindless revelry
that is planned.

On what grounds?

On the grounds...

On the grounds that
it most likely

be rife with intemperance.

It's a banquet, it's...

Jesse.

You heard me.

Right?

If it's any consolation,
my husband also wants

nothing to do with all
the pomp and circumstance

of such an event either.

Well, your husband also

won't be away for the duration.

Jesse Peters, are you
planning on attending alone?

Oh, come with me, Lilly.

It'll be like old times.

You know I can't.

My duty forbids it.

Besides, you may be
available to go,

but you have not
been asked to attend.

Ahem.

Oh...

Well...

An invite.

I guess now,

it's a matter of duty that
I show my face.

Mmm-mm-mm!

♪♪♪

[all cheering]

[cheering continues]

♪♪♪

[cheering continues]

[crowd erupts]

♪♪♪

It is for a town,
such as Spring Hill,

with luscious pastures

and blue skies,
and children who deserve

the finest future that we fight.

We must be vigilant.

We must stand strong.

We will not shrink back.
We will not bow down

to a distant tyrant
who desecrates our rights.

We will endure.
We will push forward.

And for the love of dear Dixie,

we shall win.

[cheering]

♪♪♪

General, it is my honor.

You sure do make a body
feel safe out here.

What's your name, miss?

Jesse, sir. Jesse Peters.

Well, Jesse, I assure you,

the honor is all mine.

[cheering continues]

General Van Dorn, sir.

I'm Anna Daniels,
and I'm here to assist you

in any way I can.

Well, that sounds wonderful.
Please see my assistant.

[cheering continues]

[soft music]

General Van Dorn, I insist on

acting as your liaison

for the duration of your stay.

I know the Cheairs Mansion
like the back of my hand

and I can sure make you...

awfully comfortable.

It's a new town, sir.

I'm sure we could use all
the assistance that's on offer.

And where exactly
will I be sleeping?

Why, the best room in
the house, of course.

Your office is downstairs,

and this is the bed chamber.

Quite the view you got.

The who's who of Spring Hill.

Mayor Haynes's place,
the town hall,

the Peter's household
across the way.

Peters, did you say?

♪♪♪

[waves crashing]
[wind howling]

[men shouting]

[waves crashing]
[wind howling]

[gunfire]

[canons firing]

[gasps]

[field music]

Gentlemen, now,

you all know I'm right proud
of each and every one of ya.

The finest men
I've ever fought beside.

But now, as we await our orders,

I'm going to introduce you
to your new commanding officer,

Major General Van Dorn.

[shouting]
Present arms!

Sir, it's an honor

to be fighting by
your side once again.

Shoulder, arms.

Men, it is my honor

to serve you,
and to serve our country.

And I ask now that you trust me,

and that you trust
General Forrest,

and that you trust yourselves.

Victory requires greatness.

And I offer that to you now.

But I would be remiss

if I didn't warn you the cost.

I ask you, are you brave enough?

[all] Yes, sir.

I said, are you brave enough?

[loudly] Yes, sir!

I present to you now
the Van Dorn battle flag,

which will wave you on,
as it has waved on

the great men who have fought
for victory with me before.

May God be with
every one of you,

and may God be with
our great cause.

♪♪♪

[indistinct chatter]

[indistinct chatter]

♪♪♪

[man] Ladies and gentlemen!

Ladies and gentlemen.

Tonight, we're here to honor

Tennessee's new
Commander of Cavalry,

Major General Earl Van Dorn!

[cheering and applause]

Mayor, thank you.

This assembly of
beauty is a fountain

that quenches my thirst
for ambition.

One smile from the beauty
I see around me.

One simple smile from any of you

is enough to compensate me

for all of my
humble achievements

and the entirety of my glory.

Thank you.

[applause]

My dear friends,

tonight we will eat, drink,

and make merry
until the sun rises.

[all cheering]

[band playing]

[indistinct chatter]

I knew my men
didn't stand a chance.

The Comanche are the enemies
of all men,

and the Anadarko tribe
were our brothers in the war.

To win against the Comanche,

you have to use their
tactics against them.

We are so honored
to have you, sir.

[whispering]

♪♪♪

[whispering]

I overheard you talking
about fighting the Comanche.

I believe you forged yourself
a hit and run,

which led them to deception.

This is true.

I could feel my horse,
San Antonio's heart,

pounding scared beneath me.

I turned and saw a swath

of murderous
Comanche following...

this was always my plan
and accounted for.

And then your men pounced

from the high ground...

And victory was ours.

And after that,

the Anadarko worshiped you
like a God.

Isn't that true, General?

You've been reading up on me.

I must admit,

I'm fascinated by military men.

-Shall we?
-I'd love to, General.

♪♪♪

I noticed you're not
wearing a ring.

Small sacrifice for the cause.

I so desire to hear more

about your adventures on
the battlefield.

And I want to tell you.

Might I suggest,

you show me around the town,

and as thanks, I'll tell you
more about my campaigns.

That sounds grand.

Might you be available to ride
in my carriage tomorrow?

I might, General.

I just might.

Please.

Call me Earl.

But may I also still
call you General?

[sighs]

I may be fascinated by men
like you, General.

Keep it known.

I'm already taken by another.

[song ends]
[crowd applauds]

♪♪♪

[animals bleating]

♪♪♪

Thank you for calling
on me, General.

Of course.
And I want you to call me Earl,

at least on one occasion.

If you insist, Earl.

You promised to tell me
more about your adventures.

I trust you are
a man of your word.

I'm more interested in
new adventures.

Starting with this one.

Earl, I already
told you last night.

I'm a married woman.

♪♪♪

And so then I ran into
battle, sword drawn,

killed at least
a half dozen Yanks,

and the rest of those
cowards retreated.

I assure you there is
no greater pleasure

than snatching a blade
and joining the game of glory.

Don't you ever fear death?

I don't foresee
a Yankee bullet killing me.

Teach me how to use your sword.

It's heavy.

But it's thrilling to handle.

Put your dominant foot forward.

Now...

Like this?

What would you say is the key
to winning a sword fight?

I'd say that like chess,

the key to winning any fight
is to allow your opponent

to think your moves are random.

You go from looking
like a lunatic,

to showing you're a genius.

So you do plan your battles?

To be honest, I paint them.

I find a secluded place,

and my brush is my sword.

It allows me to rehearse every
minor detail before we commence.

A painter?

Earl Van Dorn.

I must admit,

a fighter, I can resist.

But a visionary?

Well, you might just

have me wanting to surrender.

♪♪♪

Still no news on
Coburn's whereabouts.

Your men will get the intel
we need.

Have faith.

Trust them.

What's concerning you, General?

Neil, I always respected
your ability

in past campaigns to act fast.

To be decisive.

What are you implying?

General, can I get you anything?

Tea, coffee?

Major Kimmel tells me you're
being shown around town.

Well, nobody knows it
better than I?

No, Anna, thank you.
We're fine.

You know, I would love it if
you'd run some errands for us.

Why don't we talk outside?

[door closes]

I understand you got
a weakness for the ladies.

Every day this goes on
is the day close to us

losing this war.

Are you questioning my orders?

[slams table]
We have to act now.

You will watch your tone,

and speak to me as
your commanding officer.

Do not question my orders again!

I apologize for
my insubordination,

General Van Dorn.

Dismissed.

Sir, Miss Peters
is here to see you

about the cooked venison
for the soldiers.

Mrs. Peters, of course.

Yes, come right in.

Oh, Earl.

I have some bad news.

I received word that my husband
is going to be home tonight.

I really wanted us to have
a proper bed to sleep in

but it appears that's
gonna have to wait.

How long is he going to be home?

Three days, maybe more.

But I have a plan
so that you'll know

when I'm available
for your company.

I'll light a candle
and put it in my window.

You can see it from here.

Well, it will feel
like an eternity till then.

Watch for the candle, my love.

♪♪♪

[match strikes]

Hyah!

Just when I thought you couldn't
look any more beautiful,

you wear that dress.

[exhales]

Why, General,

you have me blushing.

[upbeat music]

♪♪♪

General, good to have you
in the game.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

It's through here, General.

We've seen him about
an hour ago.

[tense music]

Coburn.

Ho!

Found Coburn,
fixing to attack Jackson.

-Direction?
-North from Franklin.

There'll be at Thompson Station
by first light.

Ready the men,
inform Jackson we're coming.

Understood.

Sir, I understand the pressures

that a great man must endure.

Let down your guard.

I know how to please,

if allowed.

Tell me, General.

Don't you feel what I feel?

Thank you, Anna.

That will be all for the night.

I'll be here.

Waiting for you.

♪♪♪

[Van Dorn] March wide
around Coburn's flank,

then take position,
blocking his line of retreat.

We shall ascend from all sides,

you and your men, this way.

For the Bonnie Blue

and Tennessee,

defend your homes,

defend your families,

fight for your futures.

They're going to keep
coming back

until we leave
a bad enough mark.

Godspeed, Generals.

For Dixie.

My men, on me now.

[military drumming]

♪♪♪

[soldiers shouting]

[soldier] Ready!

Aim!

Fire!

[gunfire]

[gunfire continues]

[gunfire continues]

♪♪♪

[gunfire continues]

[slo-mo gunfire, shouting]

Van Dorn...

What's your name, Lieutenant?

Laymond, sir.
I'm sorry.

Don’t speak, don’t speak.

Your thoughts need to go
to your family.

Are you married?
Do you have children?

A son.

He was a year old when
I enlisted.

What's his name?

Earl, sir.

His name is Earl.

[gunfire continues]

[screams]

[swords clanging]

Get out of Dixie, you coward!

[gunfire continues]

[applause]

♪♪♪

I have never seen a man
so scared as Coburn

while you were
chasing him, Van Dorn.

And I ain't never seen those
damn Yankees run so fast

to General Forrest
for protection.

A sight to behold.

And may we behold it,

again and again and again.

The best military strategist

I've ever seen
on the battlefield.

General Van Dorn!

[all] Van Dorn!

Hear ye, hear ye,
you faithful rebels.

To a brave officer
whose commitment to the cause

is strong and whose dedication
to his men unwavering.

It is my high honor

to have him by my side as
we fight the Yankees.

To General William
Hicks Jackson.

[soldiers chant]
Red! Red! Red!

[chanting continues]

I have fought victoriously
all over our great land,

and I can tell you
there is no finer warrior

than the man who stands
before me.

To General Nathan
Bedford Forrest.

[all] Forrest!

May his name

never be slandered.

General Earl Van Dorn.

May he live long
and serve Dixie.

[all] To Dixie!

♪♪♪

[laughter, chatter]

[waves crashing]

I'm taking command of this ship.

Both of your ships, actually.

This is an act of war.

On the contrary, Captain,
keep your gun.

There's no need for bloodshed.

We're all Americans here.

[distant gunfire]

[gasp]

What is it, my love?

Hey, what is it?

It's nothing.
It's just a nightmare.

Again?

Please tell me what's going on
inside that head of yours.

As lovers,

it's only right that I know.

I took their boats.

Their boats?

Is this why they
call you a pirate?

Before this all started,
near Galveston,

I requisitioned two Union ships.

I told the crew
they could keep their guns.

All I asked them to do
was to sign an oath.

They wouldn't take up arms
against their fellow Americans.

All the captain's men agreed.

Back then, I never thought

I could...

kill one of my own countrymen.

No guns were fired,

no blood was shed.

We had achieved peace.

So...

you never did want this war.

You tried to stop it.

I did, Jesse.

With all my might.

We're losing this war.

The public demands peace now,

and the rebel soldier needs no
motivation to defend his home.

-And yet ours is...
-You brought us here

to discuss Tennessee, General,
the recent disruptions?

Disruptions?

They run circles around us.

Forrest and Van Dorn.

The only man who bested you
in this whole campaign.

I know the record, Major.

He is a loose cannon,
sir, but effective.

Tell me something of Van Dorn.

Our men see him
as a force of nature.

Oh, he has his flaw, sir.

For some, it's drink.

For this man,
it's the fairer sex.

A womanizer.

It's not a soldier's weakness.

Perhaps we could
exploit it, sir.

What are you suggesting?

-Stansted.
-[door opens]

-At your service.
-You bring me this man?

[knocking]

Enter at your own risk.

Whatever is it, Manning?

Sir, I need to bring up
a concern.

It's regarding Jesse Peters.

Tongues wag faster here than
anywhere else, sir.

And your liaisons are

becoming the chatter
of the town.

As your head of security,
and more importantly,

as your closest friend,

I fear this affair may
cause you trouble.

Have a seat.

Thank you, sir.

Let's not concern ourselves
with insults

that come across our bow

from bored tell tales
and gossip mongers.

We have enough
to be burdened with.

I appreciate your
concern, Manning,

but there is nothing
to worry about.

I looked into her, sir.

She's fond of highfalutin
social life,

parties and balls,
and such, and she...

Her husband does not.

There's every indication that
she is a man trap.

I find Miss Jesse to be witty,

intelligent,

and an excellent
conversationalist.

And that smile of hers
is not something

I plan to relinquish, ever.

This is staining your
reputation, sir.

As a corsair? A pirate?

A serial philanderer?

What's left to stain?

I've watched you
try to spark fair Anna.

I've seen how that's
gone for you.

Ask yourself, are you here

out of concern or envy?

I'm envious, sir.

I admit that.

But that does not
invalidate my point.

Well, point taken.

Thank you again, Manning,
for your concern.

But I will decide
who I see and who I don't.

Are we clear?

Of course, sir.

Dismissed.

Sir.

♪♪♪

[slams table]

We'll take my carriage down
to Alabama Beach.

Mm-hmm.

We'll watch the sun rise,

and then after it goes down,

we'll drink the darkest wine
you've ever seen,

and the sweetest
you've ever tasted.

And then we'll make love until
the sun comes back up.

Well, I want
all of that with you.

And more.

But I hear there's
a war going on?

Hey.

Why are you being
so distant, my love?

Is it something I said?

Received this morning.

I receive letters like this
almost every day.

May I?

Mothers and wives watching
their young sons gunned down,

witnessing their homes burn,

their towns overtaken
by Northern forces.

All they can do is write to me,

begging me to help them.

You can't save them all.

I know.

But I must try as if I can.

[thunderclap]

[horse nickers]

♪♪♪

Ho! Ho!

Stay back.
I'm armed, I say.

Dr. George Peters?

Perhaps. Who asks?

Fellow friend of the south.

I'm afraid to have
troubling news.

It seems a General Van Dorn

may have corrupted your wife.

That's nonsense.

My wife's a loyal woman.

Good night, sir.

Eye witnesses say otherwise.

I liked you better when
I thought you were a looter.

Powerful people in Richmond
would like him removed,

perhaps by an aggrieved husband

restoring his honor.

First you insult my wife.

Now you insult myself.

You would be well compensated.

A bribe to betray my country.

A reward,

with the thanks of
a grateful nation.

Ha!

Ha! Let's go.

[saloon music plays]

And the only reason being they
don't drop Van Dorn

for the drinking,
it's because he keeps

beating them damn Yankees
over and over.

[laughter]

Oh, but he's been sober
a lot more these days.

What with him needing to
be accurate with the hand.

[laughter]

My cousin said he saw him

groping Miss Jesse's ass

twice in public,

and that was
just Tuesday morning.

[laughter]

Yeah, and like the Yankee,

she sure likes to be
surrendering by him.

[laughter]

[gasps]
George!

Whew, you frightened me.

Did I?

You sure did.

I wasn't expecting you
home this soon.

Who were you expecting,

my sweet, loyal spouse?

George, don't be silly.

You must be tired from the road.

Come now, I'll make us
a nice supper,

and we can eat together,
just you and me, okay?

[gasps]

You're drunk, George.

I...

am Dr. George Boddie Peters.

I am a respected man,

and I will not be made
a scoff of this town

because of you.

You made an oath to me.

You made an oath
to our preacher,

and you made an oath
to our Lord.

You are mine, Jesse Peters!

You are mine and all mine,

until death do us part.

And I forbid you
to leave this house,

and I forbid you to see
that damn man.

That man, that damn Van Dorn!

Van Dorn! Van Dorn!

He is working for the devil.

He's working for the devil,
I tell you.

What did you do, Jesse?

What did you do?

[military drumming]

General Forrest,
where are the supplies

you captured in battle?

Either you misstated
your numbers,

or you need to turn them over.

I do as I always do, sir.

I used the supplies
to re-outfit my troops.

I promised some of those
supplies to Bragg,

and he's requested them.

We both know Bragg's a coward.
If he were even part of a man,

I'd slap his jaw
and force him to regret it.

As it is, I've given up
my own means,

even taking from my
very own pocket for Dixie.

That doesn't change anything.

Sir, our men deserve those
supplies after fighting

so valiantly for us,
and for the cause.

That's the short of it,
and I think you agree.

That'll be all, General.

I got preparation for
our next battle to attend to.

No, that will not be all,
General.

You were not dismissed.

I've been informed of an article

written by a member
of your staff

in which the honors
of Thompson Station

were taken for yourself.

Nonsense.

I know nothing of these articles
you speak of.

How dare you question me?

I'll personally run
this here pig sticker through

any slanderer if you
could produce his name

and proof of this falsehood.

Now is as good a time as any

to settle our differences.

[swords drawn]

General Van Dorn,

you know I ain't afraid
of you one on one.

And I not of you.

However, it would simply not do

to have two officers of our rank

or our caliber
fighting one another.

That it would do no good
for the cause at all.

That is a caliber
we must maintain.

I apologize for such expression.

We got more than enough enemies
to be killing, General...

Before we go fighting friends.

George, you're leaving?

This late at night?

It's important.

Legislative work.

Governor's called me out
to deal with a committee.

Well, how long are you going
to be gone for?

Week, maybe longer.

Takes time to clean up
the damages

the likes of
a Van Dorn can create.

And you expect me to
stay here, alone?

-Yes.
-Until you get home?

-Yes, I do...
-Like usual.

It is your sacred marital duty.

♪♪♪

[horse whinnies]

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

[door opens, closes]

I never thought you'd get here.

Please, don't waste
any more time.

[door opens]

Jesse!

You unfaithful whore.

Do you have any idea
what they'll do to you

if you shoot a general?

Van Dorn, you womanizing
son of a bitch.

George, please, I...

-Put the gun down.
-Please.

You don't want to be hung
as a murderer, or a traitor.

Traitor?

That's a fine comment coming
from a scoundrel like you.

Now, if I ever see you
near my wife again,

I'd be happy to be hung

as your murderer
and let God be my judge.

Now, you get the hell
out of this house

and you stay away from my wife.

Get moving before
I change my mind.

You have defiled our bed,

and ruined the sanctity
of our marriage.

George...

I'm so sorry.

This will never happen again.

-You're sorry?
-Huh?

Sorry for what you did,

or sorry for getting caught?

If you two so much as smile
at each other in passing,

or try to find some way
to communicate,

whether it's with
candles or otherwise,

I will shoot him dead,

and you can meet him
next in hell.

♪♪♪

[music box playing]

[screams]
[glass shatters]

♪♪♪

[soldier] General?

General Forrest?

-Sir.
-What have you?

It's a letter,
from General Van Dorn.

Thank heaven above.

That'll be all, Private.

Well, looks like we're fixing

to be whipping y'all tomorrow.

You blue bellies.

[gunfire]
[soldiers shouting]

Charge!

[gunfire continues]

Retreat, fall back!
Fall back!

Retreat your men, Forrest.

Fall back! Fall back!

[gunfire continues]

[men shouting]

♪♪♪

[Forrest]
Just what the hell was that?

Why'd you tell the men
to retreat?

-I had to.
-Why?

Because the Union
didn't take the bait.

We just handed control of
Franklin to the damn Yankees.

We just saved the lives
of countless men

who will live to fight again.

We had a plan.

Well, the plan wasn't working.

Ho!

You failed Dixie.

You failed these men, our men.

How dare you question
your commanding officer,

and how dare you not refer
to me as general.

I'll refer to you as general
when you start acting like one.

Your head's been clouded,

full of whiskey and women,
I warned you as much,

and now you've cost us
a strategic battle.

Do you have the honor to back
your words with gunpowder?

Oh, yes, sir, I do.

But you and I shook
hands as friends.

Remember?

We made a pact, you and I,

to the betterment of this cause.

Now, are you really
going to ruin

this promise of peace
between us?

Make note, it is
because of my mercy

and my love for my country
that you will live.

We will not speak of this again.

Forgive me. I was wrong.

Please consider these men
and in our great cause

beyond my careless
and insubordination...

General.

♪♪♪

Apologies for bothering you
after hours, sir,

but you have a letter.

[Jesse] Greetings, General.

I think the beauty of the town

is best seen at sunset.

I suggest you see it
for yourself.

Thank you, Manning.

Forrest was certainly fit

to be tied after
yesterday's retreat.

He was mad as a blind bull.

Well, that's to be expected.

As we've discussed,
he's temperamental,

and headstrong with it.

His dramatics can take
their toll on a man.

Forrest has a taste for blood,

and yesterday,
he was left hungry.

But when it really matters,
he toes the line,

and for that,
I'm extremely grateful.

-May I?
-Please.

We will retake Franklin, sir.

I'm sure of it.

Yanks got lucky this time.

And what if they didn't?

What if they win,
and they win again,

and we lose the war?

I'll be hunted down
and executed as a pirate.

You know it,
Lincoln himself wanted it.

With your strategic brilliance,
sir, we surely cannot lose.

I know it.

Then what if we win the war,
and the spectacle ends

and those of us on center stage

take our bow and leave,

and all that's left is
the legend of Earl Van Dorn?

Are you suggesting you prefer
the war never ends, sir?

Honestly, I haven't
wanted the music to end.

It's afforded me the life
of a luminary.

But now I find that
that's all I'm yearning for.

The problem is

either resolution to this war

makes me the same thing...

a dead man walking.

Then may I suggest a third
hypothetical scenario,

a peace treaty is signed,

and with it, your pardon.

You could return home.

Return to your family.

Manning, I appreciate
the compassion.

But that's not
a realistic option.

Peace,

or returning to your family?

Anna, my dear, if your timing
were any sharper,

I would appoint you
lead infantry.

General, did you finish
that bottle already?

Should I fetch you another?

That would be splendid.

Anything in particular?

Surprise me, my dear.

You know what, I think

Major Kimmel
should help me choose.

I think that's
an excellent idea.

[clears throat]

Manning?

Destroy this for me.

Of course, sir.

♪♪♪

How do you not know any wines?

Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot?

You must know Merlot.

I know red and white.
That's about it.

Well, then...

What is it?

Red or white?

I believe the general
is already drinking red.

White might be too delicate
for his palate.

See, you do know something.

Bottoms up.

Pardon?

I'm more of
a rum drinker myself.

Is that so?

Well, in that case...

Who says the general
gets to have all the fun?

[coughs, laughs]

It seems that Van Dorn isn't
the only pirate here.

[laughs]

I think I had a bit too much.

I think I ruined my dress.

You should be careful,
rum is a very strong drink.

Oh, my, and you're
a very strong man, also.

Now, that tastes better than
any wine or any rum.

♪♪♪

We have a war to win.

[footsteps fading]

Earl!

-Hi.
-Hi.

I missed you.

I missed you, too.

[indistinct chatter]

♪♪♪

Your letter did not lie.

This is indeed the finest view
in all of Spring Hill.

It is a heavenly sight
to behold.

There is no finer painter
than the good Lord himself.

No finer sculptor either.

The last time we were here,

I asked you if you were
afraid of dying,

and you said,
"not by Union bullet."

That wasn't really an answer.

So are you afraid of death?

I made my peace with the reaper
on my first day of battle.

A man has to if he's going
to lead from the front.

I guess you've seen more than
your fair share of bloodshed.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I don't mean to reopen
old wounds.

Recently, a young man
died in my arms.

Laymond was his name.

And as he slowly passed,
I told him to only think

of his wife and children.

That's beautiful.

But it would be wrong of me

to claim that
I would do the same.

And what would you think of?

Do I have any right to call
myself a husband and a father,

given what I've left behind?

Earl Van Dorn, you've been
a loyal father and husband

to every child and mother
here in Dixie

since this war started.

♪♪♪

Whoa.

What if this is it?

What if this is the last time
we see one another?

Why would it be?

The war, the hearsay.

George has spoken
about moving before,

and I fear that if
he cannot lock me up,

he'll simply take me away.

Jesse, my love,

we are destined to be together.

If not here, now,

then wherever we may find
ourselves in the future.

He threatened to kill you.

I've face many a gun for Dixie.

I'll face
a thousand more for you.

And I will always stay with you,
regardless of what happens.

I love you, Jesse Peters,

more than I have ever
loved anyone else.

I love you too, Earl Van Dorn,

in ways I cannot even express.

Then show me in the way
that I adore most.

One smile from
the beauty before me.

One simple smile from you

is enough to compensate me
for every single one

of my humble achievements,

and the entirety of my glory.

[footsteps approaching]

Bedford, it's good to see you.

I have my proposed plan
for Franklin,

as you requested.

And I have plans

that might work well
with your plans.

What do you make of them?

I'd say these are top rail.

The man who devised this
is clearly not distracted.

And I'd say the man
who devised these

was never too distracted at all.

We must make haste.

The importance of retaking
Franklin cannot be overstated.

Agreed, mend up the troops.

We need as many of them
as possible.

I'll study the details
and inform you of the plan.

Yes, sir.

You know, I was
getting to thinking.

Your retreat the other day,

it was the right thing to do.

I appreciate you acknowledging
that, General.

I may be a hard case,
but I do not like losing.

And I sure as hell hate

seeing our men die even more.

Sometimes it gets
the best of me.

It takes a man
who treasures peace

to take a war to its
final conclusion.

Together, we can do that.

-General.
-General.

Whoa, girl. Whoa.

Evening, Dr. Peters.

Well, good evening,
Ms. Anna Daniels.

What news might you have for me?

I saw her come back.

Late last night.

With him.

Van Dorn.

It was definitely him?

Of course it was.

It was in his carriage.

Look, I can prove it.

[sobbing] Son of a bitch...

Well, you have
a good evening, sir.

I still think you should
take her with you,

whenever you travel or move.

It would be best for everyone.

-And the cause.
-[scoffs]

Yes.

Of course, the cause.

Thank you, Ms. Daniels.

Have yourself a good evening.

But he's a hero.

He's won great victories for us,

for the cause.

And if that cause is led
by men of low character,

does it not dishonor us all?

[scoffs]
Low character.

And does not a gentleman
such as yourself

retain the right to
challenge such an affront?

An affront to his honor,

to the sacred bonds
of matrimony?

I have been dishonored.

And here is your chance
to be redeemed.

Redeemed, man.

♪♪♪

General Van Dorn,

we sure weren't expecting
any bigwigs today.

How may I help you, sir?

Tell me, are you the young woman

who lofted our flag and waved it
for us at Thompson Station?

Yes, sir.
That was me.

Alice. Thompson.

It was after that battle and
seeing these young boys suffer,

I decided to offer up my
services as a nurse.

Well, you are truly as kind
as you are brave.

-The cause thanks you.
-We're doing our very best

to save as many of our boys
as we can, sir.

-May I?
-Oh, of course.

General Van Dorn,
do my eyes deceive me?

People said you visited
your injured men,

but I struggled
to believe it till now.

What's your name, son?

It's Private Nathaniels, sir.

Infantry.

You stay strong, my boy.

Don't you give those
Yanks another body.

If Dixie's worth fighting for,
she's worth living for.

And fighting's what I'll do.

Fighting is not your orders.

Healing and getting well
are your orders.

Do you understand, Private?

Yes, sir.

I'm just more eager than ever

to get back out there and face
those Yankees again.

What makes a man who's faced
death as closely as you

fear it even less
the second time around?

It's just what a man
with a heart full

passion does, ain't it, General?

He charges headfirst
into the unknown,

not because it's
a smart thing to do,

but because he knows
it's what he's got to do.

Private Nathaniels, I couldn't
agree with you more.

Sir, you needed to see me
about an urgent matter?

Yes, concerning
a bottle of whiskey

that urgently needs
to be consumed.

I'd be glad to, sir.

-To Dixie.
-Dixie.

Manning, I want to continue
a conversation

from the other day
that didn't reach resolution.

The one regarding peace, sir?

No, the one regarding

your concerns over Jesse Peters.

During that conversation,
I accused you

of suffering from envy,

and you admitted as such.

That is true, sir.

I don't want you to.

You're no lesser man
than I, Manning.

Sir, your brilliance

is going to be carved in
the history books.

It's not something that can be
matched by someone like me.

You are my protege, my boy.

You've learned from
my wins and my losses.

You've seen me put
my foot right,

and put my foot wrong.

And I want you to know

I am incredibly proud of you.

Thank you, sir.

I don't really know what to say.

Well, sometimes it's best
to say nothing at all.

I want you to have this.

I couldn't possibly, sir.

Now, would a lesser man than I
carry a sword like that?

I'm honored, sir.

I truly am.

I trust now that
all is good with you

in both departments.

Thankful to say, sir.

Temptation has come my way.

I chose the righteous path.

Good.

Because when the right one
comes along,

you'll know it in your soul,

and you'll be thankful
that you didn't stray.

I have to get back to work now.

Dismissed, Major.

Very good, General.

[tense music]

You a sawbones?

Physician.

I ain't see you at the hospital.

Hence my presence now.

Of course.

[music box playing]

Manning?

[gun clicks]
Guess again.

[music box stops]

So it's come to this?

The great military strategist

outmaneuvered at his own desk.

What do you have to say
to that, General?

I take full responsibility
for the position I'm in.

But you have to admit
this is hardly sporting.

[scoffs]
Poppycock.

How does it feel to have
your threshold violated?

I never brought violence
into your home.

I only visited
when I was invited.

So you're not going to beg for
my mercy again this time?

I'm a strategist.

I don't fight battles
I can't win.

But tell me something,

because I just got to know.

Was it all worth it?

Was it all worth it,
or was it lust?

Without a doubt,

it was worth it.

For love.

Perhaps one day you'll be lucky
enough to feel the same...

[gunshot]

[church bell ringing]

[music box playing]

♪♪♪

[Jesse] Not all fairy tales
have a happy ending,

and not all battles
are won in a heroic fashion.

Now, ain't that the devil?

A sweetheart killed
and a husband ran away

all in the same day?

The crazy thing is,

I knew the second it happened.

I didn't hear that fatal gunshot

or the harrowing screams
that followed.

But a soul like Earl's
doesn't leave this world

without sending a ripple
through it.

This is the legend
of Earl Van Dorn...

a man who wanted peace,

but found himself leading
the charge for his countryman,

a man who could command
a paint brush

across the canvas
as well as he could command

the cavalry across
the battlefield.

A man loved by his allies
and formidable to his enemies.

Just before I kissed Earl,

he told me he didn't foresee

dying from a Yankee bullet.

But I suspect he knew where
the sinful arm of vengeance

would eventually come
to find him.

That didn't make word
of his death

any easier to hear.

[sobbing]

Bedford assured me that George

couldn't evade his man,

and would not evade his wrath.

He honored his word.

[men grunting]

Good evening, doctor.

This is for my friend.

[men grunting]

[screams]

Have at him, boys.

Make it hurt.

[Jesse] The judge acquitted
my vengeful husband of murder,

stating Earl violated
the sanctity of his home.

But I know the real judgment
he feared

lay in another realm,

where punishment is eternal.

When it came to war and love,

Earl simply couldn't hold
himself back.

For him, the risks
were always worth the reward.

That made him all in
on love and war.

For me, his passing bought me
a newfound clarity.

War doesn't just destroy us.

War strips us of our humanity.

But love, only love,

can get us through
our darkest days.

And I loved Earl Van Dorn

every day for
the rest of my life.

♪♪♪

I'm sorry to let myself in,
but I thought,

given your condition,

it was best not
to make you get up.

Why, it sure is good
to see you, Mr. Kimmel.

Ma'am.

I brought some
fresh linens, some food.

Thank you.

I sure do appreciate it.

Took me a while, and had
to fight hard to get it,

but I wanted to pass on
something of Earl's that,

well, I feel it was always
intended for you.

[laughs]

Thank you.

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

♪♪♪

[vocalizing]

♪ The beauty of a sunset sky ♪

♪ Makes me wonder
where you are ♪

♪ Just can't let go
of you and I ♪

♪ 'Cause it's still
raining in my heart ♪

♪ Memories of you still be ♪

♪ Just like candles melting ♪

♪ In the dark ♪

♪ Come home ♪

♪ Come home ♪

♪ I don't know why
you left me ♪

♪ All alone ♪

♪ Come home ♪

♪ Pull down the shades ♪

♪ And shut the door ♪

♪ Ain't going
in there anymore ♪

♪ Anymore ♪

♪ Haunted by two lovers
from the past ♪

♪ Ghosts of dreams ♪

♪ That couldn't last ♪

♪ What might have been
and should have been ♪

♪ Our promise is broken ♪

♪ All apart ♪

♪ Raining in my heart ♪

♪ Come home ♪

♪ Come home ♪

♪ I don't know why
you left me ♪

♪ All alone ♪

♪ Come home ♪

♪ Come home ♪

♪ Come home ♪

♪ You left
this candle burning ♪

♪ All alone ♪