Original subtitles

♪ Wish me red roses

♪ and yellow

♪ balloons

♪ and black sequins whirlin' ♪

♪ To gay dancing tunes

♪ I want

♪ all these treasures

♪ the most you can give

♪ so wish me a rainbow

♪ as long as I live

♪ all my tomorrows

♪ depend on your love

♪ so wish me a rainbow

♪ above ♪

[humming]

Hey. You seen a kite?

Don't talk to me till I fall off.

Here. Come here. Hurry.

Run, stupid.

Here.

Take my crazy doll.

I don't want to break her when I fall.

I can't stay on much longer.

This is the farthest I've ever gone

without once falling off.

Oops.

Hurt yourself?

Skinned my knee a little.

Good thing I didn't put my silk stockings on.

Spit on it.

That takes the sting away.

O.K.

Hey, are you O.K.?

Yeah, I guess so.

Principal damage was done to my bracelet, I guess.

Knocked out one of the diamonds.

Well, it wasn't a genuine diamond.

How do you know?

'Cause if it was,

you wouldn't be out walking railroad tracks,

not with a banged-up doll

and a piece of a rotten banana.

Hey. I forgot to ask you,

what's your name?

Tom.

Mine's Willie.

How did that happen?

Well, I was expected to be a boy,

but I wasn't.

They already had one girl--Alva.

That was my sister.

Why ain't you in school?

I thought it would be windy

so I could fly my kite.

What made you think that?

'Cause the sky's so white.

Hey, why ain't you in school?

Oh, I quituated.

They started teaching algebra.

I didn't give a damn what "X" stood for.

You ain't gonna get an education

walking a railroad track.

You ain't gonna get one flying a kite, neither.

Besides, what a girl needs is social training.

I learned that from my sister Alva.

She had a wonderful popularity with the railroad men.

Train engineers?

Engineers?

Engineers, firemen,

brakemen, conductors,

even the freight superintendent.

Every one of them after Alva.

She was, I guess you might say,

the main attraction.

Beautiful?

Jeez.

Boy, you see that house over yonder?

We used to have some high old times

in that big yellow house.

I bet you did.

Musical instruments going all the time.

Piano, Victrola,

Hawaiian steel guitar.

Everybody playing on something.

It's awful quiet now, though.

Is it empty?

Except for me.

They got a big sign stuck up.

"This property is condemned."

You ain't still living there?

Oh, I'm not supposed to be, but I am.

Property is condemned,

but there ain't nothing wrong with it.

Some welfare worker come snooping around yesterday.

I recognized her by the shape of her hat.

It was something, all right.

You wouldn't believe it.

Sure is empty now, though.

Boy, see these clothes I got on?

Yeah.

They're Alva's.

Inherited from her.

Everything that was Alva's is mine.

She was always singing around the house.

This is her favorite song.

♪ Wish me a rainbow

♪ wish me a star

♪ all this you can give me ♪

♪ Wherever you are

♪ and dreams for my pillow ♪

♪ And stars for my eyes

♪ and a masquerade ball

♪ where our love wins first prize ♪

♪ All my tomorrows

♪ depend on your love

♪ so wish me a rainbow

♪ above ♪

O.K., here she is-- Dodson.

Get ready to hit the ground running.

Mind if I ask you a question?

Doing the things that you do,

how do you sleep?

On my stomach.

[Horn honking]

My mama in here?

We got a problem on our hands.

She went back this-a-way, Willie.

You seen my mama?

You shouldn't be out here alone, lady,

sporting a big diamond like that.

You scared the pants off of me.

It ain't a real diamond.

Oh?

Sparkles like one to me.

Nah. It's a firefly. Gotta--

Willie, where's your ma?

I don't know!

Gotta snip off its tail...

When it's lighted.

Do you belong to that boarding house there?

That's the Starr boarding house,

which I'm Willie Starr.

Well, how do you do, Willie?

You railroad?

Why do you ask?

Well, we get mostly railroad men around here.

Mama will put you up someplace.

Soon as I find that old thing.

Mama? That you, mama?

Oh, Willie, quit that hollering.

Leave those people alone.

Come on.

Where you been, mama?

Down to Jake's to see if Alva's there.

Who you, honey?

He wants a room.

You ain't a vagrant?

No, ma'am.

Lay off?

No.

My rooms are 2.00 a night--

hey, where you going? I got the beer.

Happy birthday.

2.00 a night, 10 bucks a week,

two meals included, cash in advance.

How long you fixing to stay, honey?

5.00-- a week--10.

About a week, ma'am.

Only a week?

Well, a buck is a buck.

If you're lucky.

Hey, where's the beer?

It ain't usually so noisy around here.

Just that some old fool

got hold it's my birthday

and want to raise a little hell.

What's your name, honey?

Owen legate. Happy birthday.

What room, mama?

You can't go yet. I got the beer.

What room, mama?

Papa's room.

There's gonna be a fight.

Jimmy bell done got drunk.

Charlie's gonna lay him out like a rug.

My lord.

Hey, wait a minute.

You knew it was a firefly...

Didn't you?

Hey, Hazel--

come on in, honey.

You want to meet anybody,

you just introduce yourself.

Ain't she back yet?

If she don't come soon,

I got an awful early run.

Here's your change, Mr. Johnson.

I got another dozen.

That ought to be enough.

Oh, Mr. Johnson,

how can you stand still

with all that music going?

I know you prefer to dance with Alva.

Mama, what about Mr.--

I can only be nice

to one person at a time.

Get Mr. what's-his-name settled upstairs.

Excuse me, Mr. Johnson.

Show him the bathroom.

We got an all-indoor flush toilet

and modern bathing equipment.

It isn't complicated

once Alva and I show you how.

Ooh!

J.J., you scared the life out of me.

I been waiting for you out in the car.

He works in the shop

when he ain't with mama.

Are all these people railroad?

Except for him on the guitar.

He's the sheriff.

Come on.

Hey, Max.

Hey, Willie.

This is papa's room.

He painted those.

It's not the best in the house.

He tried to paint it.

I like it.

Okey-doke?

Okey-doke.

Hey, Alva!

Hey, get your hot stuff out here!

Lindsay!

That Lindsay Tate.

I'll be right back.

We want Alva!

We want Alva!

We want Alva!

We want Alva!

Get out of here!

Get out before I call my mama.

And you tell her

if Alva ain't here, we'll take her instead.

Yeah!

Why, you little snip!

Mama!

Mama!

Just what the hell you think you're doing?

Fire up the engines. Let's go.

Now, you stay away from those older boys,

or I'll whip you good.

Ha ha ha ha!

Hey, Willie. Where you going?

Let me go.

Stop it.

Alva.

Hey, Willie.

Sidney.

What's the matter with Sidney?

Nothing that sticking his head

under the faucet won't solve.

Come on.

Alva, what you doing in the kitchen?

We been waiting for you.

See you later, Sidney.

Come on in here, Alva. Come on.

Hey, Alva, where you been?

Alva, honey. Excuse me.

Why don't you come right over here

and swap words with Mr. Johnson.

Hey, Mr. Johnson.

Hey, J.J.

Let me go, J.J.

Just relax.

J.J.

All right, baby.

My, what a handsome couple.

You go speak to Mr. Johnson.

He's been pestering me all night about you.

After all, he did pay for this party.

Hi, Alva.

Mr. Johnson, here she is.

She wants to sit right here beside you

and cheer you up.

Hey, Alva. Where y'all been?

Oh, out dancing.

A beer, miss Alva?

No, thank you.

I told you before,

lay off Alva.

It was real nice of you

to give mama this lovely party.

I didn't do it for her.

Alva, I asked your mama.

She said it would be all right

for you to go with me

to the Moonlake casino tomorrow night.

Well, let me think about it.

They got a real good band--

a new one-- Odel Otis.

And Kansas City steaks.

I really don't know.

Sidney. Hi.

I got to know--

Mr. Johnson, did you see Sidney?

Thank Mr. Johnson for the lovely party.

Mr. Johnson, have you had--

who turned off the lights?

[Drum roll]

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

J.J.

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy birthday, dear Hazel ♪

♪ Happy birthday to

♪ you ♪

Make a wish.

I can't.

You've gotta make a wish, mama.

You wish.

You make a wish, Alva.

Oh, Sal.

Sally, it's my birthday.

I'm 43 years old.

It's a damn shame, haze.

Have a beer.

What slob remembers my birthday anyway?

Alva, it's your turn.

Make a wish, Alva.

Come on, Alva!

Wish it up, Alva.

O.K.

Oh, Hank.

That's enough for you, Hank.

How about one for me?

Here's one to grow on.

Wouldn't you like a piece of cake?

I'd just love some cake.

What kind of work you gonna do here?

Who's the girl blowing out the candles?

Oh. That's my sister Alva.

She's the main attraction.

You say you do

or you didn't work with the railroad?

Well, I didn't say. Okey-doke?

Okey-doke.

Ooh-whee, it's hot out there.

Just practically like breathing fire.

Just been dying for a piece of ice.

Oh.

My, that's cooling.

If you're not with the railroad,

what do you do?

Willie, let the gentleman eat his supper in peace.

Who's stopping him?

Anyway, you don't even know him.

My name's Owen legate, ma'am.

My name's Alva Starr.

Two rs in Starr.

He's from New Orleans.

Oh.

I've been to New Orleans.

When?

As a child.

First I heard of it.

Wonderful party, Alva. Much obliged.

Oh, honey, it was just delightful.

Bye. See you later.

Here's your cake, Alva.

Thank you, Sidney.

Your mama said to fill up the beer tub.

It's in the icebox.

O.K.

You're the new boarder, huh?

Yeah.

You gonna be looking for work around here?

'Cause we ain't got none.

That's all right. I'm not looking.

Well, we ain't got none.

He just said he ain't looking.

I just wanted him to know.

He knows.

See you later.

If you're not looking for work,

what are you doing here?

I said stop asking questions

and let the gentlemen eat his supper in peace.

Thank you.

That's all right.

They're all so nosy.

What are you doing here?

Mama says, what you doing back here

when Mr. Johnson's fixing to leave?

Well, tell your mama

that after all the dancing I done tonight with Sidney,

I am resting and unavailable.

Sidney took you dancing?

Where to?

Well, no place much.

Just the Peabody hotel.

The Peabody hotel?

You went all the way

to the Peabody hotel in Memphis?

Mm-hmm.

Wow. Did he buy you dinner?

Oh, Willie,

you don't start with dinner.

You have cocktails or highballs.

Or French champagne,

which is sweet and exceedingly bubbly.

And when you drink it and start dancing,

the whole place,

with its diamond-crystal chandeliers

and the waiters in the red jackets

and the menus with great big tassels on them,

all get dizzy and shaky,

like it's all gonna come down on you.

But you have to hide it.

And so you say,

"tipsy? Why, Sidney,

"I'm not the slightest bit tipsy.

"It's your magnificent dancing

makes me breathless."

Then he stops

and holds your blushing, soft face in his hands,

and he says, "miss Starr,

"miss Willie Starr,

"surely you are the most beautiful creature

I have ever seen."

Ahem. That the same Peabody hotel in Memphis

where the alligators and the ducks

swim around in that little pond in the lobby?

Oh, yes. The very same one.

I'd like to see that.

Thank you for the supper, Willie.

Sure would like to see

how they keep those alligators

from eating the ducks

in that little pond they all swim around in.

It makes you think,

doesn't it?

Smart Aleck.

Hey, Alva.

What you so grumpy about?

Nothing. I just need some air.

Max! Max!

You taking me home?

Can't. I got an early run tomorrow.

My goodness, there isn't any breeze out here, either.

Just like my papa used to always say--

if the breeze does not come from the river,

it just is not a breeze.

Hey, Alva.

Good night, Alva.

Good night.

Thanks for the party, Alva.

Good night.

Hey, Alva.

Hmm?

[Train whistle]

That's the hummingbird express.

It surely is a long train.

What?

It's a long train,

an empty one.

You know that train is going to New Orleans.

Oh, god, I'd like to get out of here

and see a place like New Orleans.

Alva...

Maybe-- maybe you could.

I think more than anyplace in the whole world,

I'd like to go there,

get out of this place,

this sad old house.

It's gonna fall apart anyway.

Go to New Orleans.

Maybe when it's Mardi gras.

God, I just wish sometimes

that old express would jump right off those old tracks,

right up here, right through the grass,

right through me,

and carry me off to points unknown.

I better go on in now, Sidney.

You all right?

Mm-hmm.

I'm all right.

I just can't find a cool place.

Just as hot outside as it is in here.

I'm going to bed.

Willie?

Hmm?

How come you put Mr. legate in papa's room?

Mama told me to.

Good night.

Good night.

[Humming]

Willie?

You in there?

Willie?

I don't think Willie's here.

Oh, excuse me.

I thought she might be here.

Nope.

Ha ha.

Well, good night.

Good night.

I've never been to the Peabody hotel.

Neither have I.

Well, they do have ducks in the lobby.

So I've been told, but no alligators.

Certain times at night

they do run the ducks up and down the halls.

I know that to be a fact.

And the menus do have a tassel on them,

'cause there was a man brought me one once.

Besides, I felt like I was there.

And that's just as good as being there.

Not exactly.

Do you know there was a cat once

who fell asleep in the sun.

He dreamt he was a man who fell asleep in the sun

who dreamt he was a cat.

When he woke up,

he didn't know whether he was a man or a cat.

Hmm.

Goodness, I don't know how you'll sleep

with that ol' street light

shining right in your eyes.

I better tell mama to get a new shade in the morning.

Thank you.

You know,

if you concentrate on this thing,

you can just about think it's February,

and it won't be so hot.

When my papa was here,

hot summer nights,

we used to sit together

and pretend we got inside there.

I'd practically have to get out my fur-lined gloves.

You want to try?

You got an extra pair?

And some flannel underwear?

You made a rhyme.

Give me a dime.

Well, that tells a lot about you,

that you have a poetic nature.

I have a poetic nature, too.

I noticed that.

What else have you noticed about me, Mr. legate?

You don't have to answer.

I'm not interested in compliments.

What else?

You know, I'm a very important person

in Dodson, Mississippi.

Is that so?

Plus, I have been to biloxi.

I'm even famous in my own way.

Oh, I don't doubt that.

Lots of men think I'm beautiful.

Miss Starr,

I've been traveling since 6:00 this morning.

I've got to get up early tomorrow and do some work.

Now, if you come with the room--

Included in the two meals--

let's get on with it.

Let's not play around.

What do you think I am?

What do you think you are?

I hope you suffocate!

Hey, Alva.

Good night, now.

What's the matter?

Don't turn the light on, Willie.

Crazy doll's hair needs washing.

I'm scared to do it, though.

Head might come unglued

where she got that compound fracture of the skull.

Think most of her brains fell out.

Come on, Hazel.

You never stop. My birthday's over.

Go to my room.

I'll be right there.

Mama, don't turn the light on.

Just makes it hotter.

You been crying?

Uh-uh.

You just go and take your dress off,

and I'll cool you down.

Now, you lay still.

Mr. Johnson speak to you about tomorrow night?

Mm-hmm.

Feel that evaporating?

Doesn't that feel good?

Mm-hmm.

Were you nice to Mr. Johnson, honey?

Yes, mama.

I wouldn't like it if he got dissatisfied

and moved out right now.

Nobody but a conductor can afford to pay

what he does for that big ol' north room.

I want to go away, mama.

Maybe to New Orleans.

I know you do, honey.

We all do, and we're going to.

But not right now.

You can never tell what those old fools will do

when they get sweet

on a good-looking girl like you.

Maybe you'll get off with a Packard car.

Wouldn't that be something else?

I'd love to drive up in a Packard car

and see that Sally.

I'd say, "well, miss snotty,

"you were so damn cute about your Chevrolet roadster.

What do you think about my little car?"

Oh, I can just see Sally's face now.

Plop.

All those bags would just drop

into that double chin.

Plop.

You feeling better, honey?

I'm feeling better, mama.

Well, sleep tight.

And don't let the bedbugs bite.

Willie, you just stop playing possum and go to sleep.

I am asleep, mama.

Alva?

What does Mardi gras mean?

Mardi gras means carnival.

I'm going to go next year,

even if I have to ride the rails.

I'm going to design my own costume...

Out of black, shiny sequins,

so that my skin will look white against it.

And I'll glitter when I walk,

sparkle when I dance with all those men in masks.

I'll never know who they are,

and they'll never know who I am.

And I'll dance and dance and dance.

When people die in New Orleans,

they bury them above the ground.

Did you know that, Willie?

Willie?

[Glass breaking]

Hey.

Hi.

How are you?

You going to the yards?

Yep.

I can sneak you in.

No, I can manage, thank you.

I'm a good guy to know.

What about vacation Bible school?

What about it?

The refreshments stink.

Anyway,

boy, have I got a hangover.

You didn't see me last night,

but I drank the whole of Alva's beer.

You're headed for ruin, Willie, you know?

Oh, I know.

You know what the orientals say?

"A man takes a drink,

"the drink takes a drink,

the drink takes the man."

Could be.

Took my papa, all right.

Right out of Dodson.

Maybe it'll do the same for me.

I've got to get some cigarettes.

Oh, o.K. I'll wait.

May I help you, sir?

[Car approaches]

Well! Miss Starr.

Where's that sister of yours?

Get way from me, Lindsay Tate.

Ask Alva what she'll do with that hot stuff

once the line shuts down.

Alva's got better things to do

than waste her time on you.

Get away!

Look what I got here!

Listen, miss uppity,

once that line shuts down,

she'll have to look for somebody,

and I'll tell you, she'll have to crawl.

You ain't never getting near Alva,

and that line ain't never shutting down.

You hear that, tiny?

She really tells a story.

Who the hell are you?

I'm a friend of Willie's.

You drumming up trade for Alva now?

I guess that's what the ice cream cones are for.

Better go home and wash up, boy.

Your face is dirty.

Just you wait!

Just you wait, mister! I'll get you!

What are you laughing about?

Go on! Get out!

Ol' Lindsay Tate, just standing there.

I hear strawberry's good for hangovers.

Boy, oh, boy.

He's just a plain, damn mess.

You sure are tough.

Sure am.

If you hadn't come out,

I probably would have killed ol' Lindsay Tate.

Not afraid of nothing, are you?

Nope.

Willie, what if everything was to change?

I mean, say something happened...

And Dodson changed, suddenly, overnight?

Ah, Dodson ain't never gonna change.

But what if it did?

How did you know strawberry was my favorite?

Well, you look like a strawberry girl to me.

What do you think of my sister Alva?

She hates strawberry.

I suspect your sister is a mighty potent force.

She don't think much of you, neither.

She says you're a smart Aleck.

I'll see you later.

I got to go to work.

Oh, o.K.

Hey!

Thanks for the ice cream cone.

You bet.

Step on a crack, break your mother's back.

Step on a crack, break your mother's back.

Mr. Knopke?

Yes.

My name is legate.

I was hoping you'd be somebody else.

Sit down.

Hey, j.J., what do you think?

Well...

I just don't know.

Come on, pump that thing.

We always done what was asked.

You can't trace no breakdowns to Dodson.

To the bale,

here's what we were railroading through here in '30.

This is what's going through here now.

How about this year's crop?

Who's going to pick them, Mr. Knopke--you?

35 cents a 100 pounds?

How many trains they fixing to take off?

We're going to start at three.

How many men?

15, maybe more.

I'm going to want a list of the names

and the dates that they came on.

And I'd like to know who's married and who has kids.

You ain't gonna be very popular around the Starr boarding house.

I know.

I've been not very popular before.

Southern pacific,

C.B. And O.,

C. And E.

[Humming]

Hey.

Hi.

Where you going?

Mama said I got to make the beds.

Willie?

Yoo-hoo!

He made it himself.

Hmm.

You skipped vacation Bible school.

He bought me an ice cream.

Strawberry?

Mm-hmm.

Did he, um, make any mention of me?

No, not much.

Nothing?

Well, not after I told him

you thought he was a smart Aleck.

Willie, you didn't!

Well, you said--

I don't care what I said.

You just tell him different.

O.K., o.K.

You stuck on him, Alva?

No.

I don't think you should be,

not after what he said about you.

Why?

What did he say about me?

Well, he said he suspects

you're a mighty potent force.

He did?

You mean, it could be good?

Well, it could be.

Alva...

How many times you done it?

Willie Starr!

5? 10 maybe?

Whoever said I done it at all?

Lindsay Tate.

Well, I never did it with Lindsay Tate.

Hmm, that's probably why he's so sore.

Afterward, do they love you?

Well, I guess they're supposed to.

Does it seem to you like Lindsay Tate loves me,

screeching my name all over town?

No.

I bet you Owen legate would.

Willie, I'm going to knock your teeth in.

Actually,

Mr. Owen legate doesn't mean a thing in my life,

just a little nothing dream

I probably won't even remember after I'm married.

You gonna get married?

Well, someday.

To Mr. Johnson?

No, dummy.

Willie, I haven't met him yet.

When I do,

he'll say to me, "miss Starr,

"miss Alva Starr, I love you,

"and I'm going to carry you away

"and build you a house lined in white satin

for you to rest in."

You didn't have to make up your own bed, Mr. legate.

It's force of habit, Willie.

Besides, I like to.

Well, I got to finish making up the beds.

Willie's got a crush on you.

Must be the strawberry ice cream.

I don't like strawberry.

I know.

Well, excuse me.

I've got a million things to do before tonight.

Miss Starr.

I thought the paperweight belonged to my room.

It's papa's room.

[Radio plays]

She in her room?

I'll take a look if you want me to, Mr. Johnson.

Oh, and would you be kind enough

to see that she gets this?

Sure, Mr. Johnson.

Tell her, please, I'm waiting down here.

O.K.

Which of these rings you want?

Neither one. I'm not going.

Of course you're going.

Present for Alva from Mr. Johnson.

Oh, let's see what this is.

Mama, it's for me.

I told you Mr. Johnson would come across with something good.

24 karats.

That's not what I meant.

That's not what I want.

Willie, run downstairs to that nice man.

Say your sister's rushing to death,

and she'll be down momentarily.

I am not. Willie, please.

Honey lamb, I know you want other things,

nice things,

and you're going to get them.

Enriching travel...

And your mama's going to see that you get them.

Then please don't make me go.

Memphis, New Orleans,

maybe even New York.

Think of the people you're going to meet,

the men.

Right now, think of the practical aspect of things,

especially now,

the way things are beginning to look.

Got to make use of the things at hand,

and one of the things at hand is Mr. Johnson.

Sit down.

All I'm asking

is a little bit of niceness to him for the time being.

Now, that ain't going to hurt you...

Is it?

♪ Wish me a rainbow

♪ and wish me a star... ♪

Is your sister still getting dressed?

Guess so, Mr. Johnson.

Well, maybe you better go upstairs

and tell her it's getting late.

I just came down from telling her it was getting late.

Let me by, j.J.

Here I am, Mr. Johnson.

You shouldn't have hurried, Alva.

You look just fine.

Do you mind?

That light attracts all kind of things--

moths, bugs, bats.

I haven't finished my hair yet.

Funny about my hair--

I pile it up,

and it all comes crumbling down.

Willie, sing a song for Mr. Johnson.

I already did.

Besides, I'm gonna go catch some fireflies.

Alva, did you like the bracelet?

Oh, yes, Mr. Johnson. It's just lovely.

It's too lovely for you to give to me.

Did you get it in New Orleans?

Marshall field's in Chicago.

Gold is a gift of seriousness.

A gift of gold is for your wife.

Perhaps I should explain about my wife.

My wife is an invalid.

I see her maybe once in a month.

She stays at a nursing home

outside of Baton Rouge.

I'd just love a coke with lots of ice.

Would you be an angel?

Yeah, sure, Alva. Sure.

Hey, what did you put in the mailbox?

Something for me?

Or is it none of my business?

That's right.

Hey...

Did you ever see a scarecrow with red hair?

No.

Come on.

I travel a lot, too.

You didn't lie.

I don't lie.

What is it?

I don't know. I just--

sometimes I have trouble catching my breath.

Maybe when god

breathed the breath of life into all of us,

he didn't breathe enough into me.

Maybe it's running around in the night without your shoes.

Oh, the ground is warm.

Don't you know

there's a fire in the center of the earth?

It burns for all eternity.

And up there it's so cold,

it's 100,000 degrees below zero.

Look, there's a falling star.

Quick. Make a wish.

Aren't you going to ask me what I wished?

They don't come true if you tell them.

Did you make a wish?

No.

Bye-bye to a rare chance.

My papa made him.

This used to be his garden.

It's a ghost garden now.

What did he do, just leave?

He's gone to find greener pastures.

Mama says that's a laugh,

unless they're giving land away

to the man with the reddest hair.

Do you ever hear from him?

No.

He's coming back, though,

'cause if he loves us,

he surely will come back.

Supposing he doesn't?

Oh, he will.

He could be on any train

with a deed to greener pastures.

Is that what you're waiting for, Alva?

Alva?

Owen, do you know that is the first time

you have addressed me by my familiar name?

Alva, here's your coke.

Don't let him know where we are.

Alva?

Get down.

Your ice is melting.

Alva, where are you?

Why don't you just tell him to leave you alone?

Well, mama says--

I mean, he's a kind man.

He's an old man.

Alva, we're going to be late.

He's a very lonely old man.

I'd hate to hurt his feelings.

It wouldn't be grateful.

Or good business.

Alva, where are you?

You are in a cruel, teasing mood,

and I don't understand.

I'm talking about thanks and niceness.

Common politeness.

Common politeness?

That old man, as you call him,

happens to be a gentleman who appreciates me.

Tonight he gave me a solid-gold bracelet

from a very expensive store in Chicago.

What did you give this gentleman in return?

My company and my kindness.

Those are the bare, uninteresting facts,

and it happens to make him very happy.

You have any idea what it makes you?

Just because some people might think I'm beautiful,

that doesn't mean I'm everybody's property.

If you really thought you were beautiful,

you'd be your own girl.

I am my own girl, Mr. legate,

and I don't need some smart Aleck

to point out the error of my ways.

I go out with him because I want to.

Because your mama tells you to.

And I'm not a cat dreaming I'm a man.

That's the truth.

Then why are you hiding out here in the dark?

Alva, where are you?

There you are. I thought you'd gone without me.

Your ice is all melted.

Thank you, Mr. Johnson,

and thank you for the solid-gold bracelet.

You gonna to keep it?

I accept your gift with gratitude.

Where are your shoes, honey?

What time was that reservation for?

Well, they've been holding the table since 7:00.

You hear that, honey?

You got to get yourself ready.

You're going to have a high old time.

We'll all have ourselves a high old time.

Only I'm not getting dressed,

and I'm not going to the Moonlake casino.

I've changed my mind.

I'm getting undressed

and going to the railroad hole.

Who wants to go skinny-dipping?

Of course, you're probably not coming, right?

No. No, thank you.

What's the matter,

scared to take your clothes off?

Owen, I've been waiting to tell you.

I got it wrong before.

Alva didn't call you no smart Aleck.

The hell I didn't.

Alva's going-- let's all go.

Never know what she'll do.

It's a good idea, though.

Come on!

Hooray for Alva!

Hey, Alva!

Last one in's a skinny old maid.

Come on, Alva!

Take your clothes off, Mr. Johnson.

Come on in.

Nobody's going to look.

Can't swim.

♪ Wish me a rainbow

♪ wish me a star ♪

Why aren't you with the rest of them?

I'm right where I want to be.

Well, let me go.

I know what you want, Alva.

I know you.

I'll scream for mama.

Go ahead.

What's the matter with you?

You saving up for that spotter?

What are you talking about?

Your friend the spotter down here to lay us off.

I don't believe you.

Well, he's got a pocketful of pink slips.

You saving it for him?

That's not true.

It's true, all right.

Why don't you ask him?

[Train whistle blows]

Willie isn't here.

You were wrong before, Mr. legate.

What you put in the mailbox is my business.

Uh, come on in.

You come here lying, flying false colors,

tricking this whole house.

Now, what is it you think you know?

I know you, liar.

That I'm laying men off?

Firing them for good.

There's a depression.

Yes, I hear tell.

The railroad's cutting back.

You treat yourself fine blaming it on them.

I don't whip myself. It's not my idea.

But you do it.

What do you care about layoffs?

You've always wanted to get out of this place.

There are other people concerned.

There's my sister and my mama.

Your mama can take care of herself.

None of your business.

Must have wanted to tell me off bad

to interrupt your party.

You need telling off.

Anxious to get back, aren't you?

Yes, I am, and I'm going.

I meant every word I said about you.

Flying under false colors.

Yes!

Tricking you. Liar.

Yes!

Liar.

You get yours, Sid?

Yeah.

Me, too.

Any idea what you're going to do now, boy?

I'll sleep late in the morning.

Sidney?

Sidney.

You like your job, mister?

There's a man with a trucking line.

Anybody's interested, I can talk to him.

He's taking on some new men,

and in answer to your question,

no, mister, I don't like my job.

Well, being a fink is thirsty work.

How much, operator?

And I thought he was so swell,

but he is a fink, isn't he?

I don't know, Willie.

I just don't know.

[Whistle blows]

[Whistle blows]

This the last of it?

For now.

You want some lunch?

Not with you.

All right. We'll finish this this afternoon,

then I'll be out of here tomorrow.

Y'all having lunch?

No.

Fresh air.

You oughtn't be here.

That's what I kept telling myself.

I don't think those men are gonna like you here.

I know.

Hey.

Ooh.

They call this fainting weather.

What?

I mean when it's heavy and close like this.

Only some people call it hurricane weather.

You leaving tomorrow?

Why did you come down here today?

Oh, I--I don't know.

I just wanted to see you.

And besides--

watch it.

I've got something to show you.

I mean something special.

Just ahead.

What time you leaving tomorrow?

10:20.

To New Orleans.

That's right.

Hey...

Is it really true they bury people

above the ground in New Orleans?

If they didn't, the water would flood the graves.

I suppose the worst part about being buried underground

is not being able to breathe.

Only I don't suppose you ever had that feeling...

Not being able to catch your breath.

Nope.

Well, how could you?

You never been stuck anyplace.

Hey, look!

Come on!

See that star right underneath the 7?

That's my papa's signature.

That's quite a signature.

Did he paint all these cars like this?

Oh, no.

He used to dream pretty big, my papa,

make big promises,

and he never kept them, except once.

Come on.

Come on.

All for me.

With a gift card, even, saying...

"Hail my heart's delight...

And farewell."

Sit down.

The train will be leaving soon.

My, the Porter must have known we were coming

and dusted our seats with talcum...

Lilac talcum.

Do you feel bad?

About the men, I mean.

No.

Don't you?

No.

I can't let myself feel bad.

I do this in every city I go into.

It's my job.

But you do feel bad.

Well, anyway,

you have to smile on the honeydew express,

or the wheels won't turn.

Oh, excuse me.

They ought to have some system

to warn us ladies when they intend to pull out.

What are you looking at?

There's nothing there.

Only me.

Alva, you don't have to pretend.

God, look how white the sky is.

Perfectly white.

Just as white as a clean piece of paper.

Listen to the wind.

It scares me.

My papa gave me those.

I never take them off.

Alva, listen to me.

When a train really goes, what does it say?

Bromo-seltzer, bromo-seltzer, bromo-seltzer.

You are staring straight into my eyes,

which is impolite.

I leave tomorrow, Alva.

Bromo-seltzer, bromo-seltzer,

bromo-seltzer, bromo-seltzer--

Alva, listen.

Nights at starr's boarding house

have little or nothing to do with the days.

Stop it.

Meals are included and modern showering--

stop it!

Do you know if you pinch your elbow,

you can't even feel it?

Alva, do you understand what I'm telling you?

Yes, I know.

You're leaving.

Alva, the sky is not white.

It's blue.

If you pinch your elbow hard enough,

it hurts like hell. This--

this is not lilac talcum on these seats,

this is dust.

There is no wind in this car.

As a matter of fact, it's hot...

Because this car has been sitting here for years.

Well, I don't care.

Why do you do that?

Why are you so fanciful?

Why do you make everything seem special?

Because it is.

No.

Well, lots is.

You are.

What you do.

No. No, I'm not.

My job?

It's not always layoffs.

But it's somehow always...

The same.

But you travel.

Between cities that are the same.

But you live in New Orleans on bourbon street.

No, that's your dream. It's not mine.

Well, then, what is yours?

I have no dream.

How terrible for you.

Maybe.

Are you cold?

No.

No, it's...

It's like the snowstorm.

What?

You know.

In the glass ball.

Well, isn't it almost?

It is.

You're never gonna change.

I don't want to think about your leaving.

I don't care if it's true.

But I am--

but I'd rather pretend you're not leaving.

But you can't--

please. Let's pretend...

Just for tonight...

That you're not leaving.

Crybaby.

But it was so sad.

You know, sometimes when I see a sad movie,

I want to see the end again,

just hoping it will all come out better the second time.

No use.

No matter how many times they show it,

she dies in the end.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if she didn't?

I mean, what if you went to see it again,

and the end was totally different?

I mean, like if his folks did like her,

and she didn't die.

Yeah, but think how unhappy you'd be, though.

You couldn't cry in the end.

When you get back to New Orleans,

how long will you be there?

Open your mouth.

How long?

Till they send me out again. A month, maybe.

A week, couple of days.

Oh.

Well, I-- I don't think--

well, I just-- I don't really--

j.J.!

Stop this! What are you doing?

Stop it! Stop it!

Stop it! You're gonna kill him.

Get out of here.

Now you cut that out! Quit it!

Quit it, hear me?

I said quit it, hear me?

Stop it! Stop it!

Quit it!

Stop it!

I said quit it!

You bastards!

No, Alv--no.

No.

No.

Ohh!

No!

Can't you let me help you?

Damn.

Shh.

Don't go.

Do you know how far it is to New Orleans?

It's 247 railroad miles.

That doesn't sound too far.

Mm-mmm.

Hop and a skip.

And jump over mama.

Mama?

I could go.

I could go.

Still, you're here in Dodson.

If you don't believe me, who in the world will?

You're staring at me again.

I...

What?

What?

What?

Tell me.

Tell me.

Tell me.

[Knock on door]

Alva, you in there?

I know you're in there.

Open up!

My god.

You didn't even have sense enough to lock the door.

You and that rat.

Where is he?

He's gone to the station.

Thank god.

He's coming back to say goodbye.

Where you going?

What is it, mama?

I don't think it's got through to you yet

what's going on around here.

I had a long, serious, satisfying conversation

with Mr. Johnson yesterday afternoon...

And we are leaving.

Who's leaving?

You, Willie, and me.

We're going to Memphis...

And I don't want any worries.

I am in no mood...

For worries.

We're setting up in Memphis

on a little loan that Mr. Johnson advanced to us.

You are going, and that is final.

I am not going.

Alva!

Now you listen to me.

You been living like a Princess

while I ran this place.

Did absolutely nothing,

while I took care of everything.

Now the boat has docked,

and you are gonna show me that you're not

the same spoiled, lazy, moody little Princess

that your papa left me with.

Mama, you can talk and talk,

but I'm not going to go.

You don't seem to understand me.

Our one chance to survive is this loan.

If we have to stand on our heads to get it,

we are gonna do it with smiles.

Do I make myself clear?

Yes, mama.

If there's one thing I loathe,

it's that innocent, virgin look you put on your face.

Well, I'm not going.

And just what the hell do you figure on doing?

I don't know.

I'm gonna get out of here, get a job.

Not that old stuff again.

Alva, I am sick to death of your nonsense.

Now let's face facts.

For years I have stood by and watched you fool around

with every man and boy who caught your eye,

and I said nothing.

Now I ask you to do me one tiny favor--

tiny?

You are selfish--

what are you saying?

You are selfish,

selfish,

selfish!

Your papa knew where you were headed.

You didn't fool him for one minute.

He knew you were selfish and vicious!

What are you talking about?

He used to warn me,

"she'll turn on you, she'll leave you, let you down.

"Just wait and see.

That ungrateful girl will break your heart."

That's what you're doin' to me.

Don't break my heart. Help me, Alva.

Oh, Alva, what about Willie?

If you don't care about me, what about Willie?

Oh, god, mama...

I'm not asking you to throw yourself away on Mr. Johnson.

I'm asking you to give him

a few short, tiny weeks out of your life.

Just till I get the house in Memphis straightened out

so he can't pull out.

Nobody's gonna know.

Alva, please, look at me!

I am begging you.

Mama, get up, please.

Get up.

Just get up.

Honey, you're not going to regret it.

I promise you.

[Train whistle blows]

Hey, Owen! Owen, wait a minute!

Hi, Ol' Willie. What is it?

You leaving?

Yeah, as soon as I pick up my bag from the house.

Bye.

Goodbye.

You won't worry about me, will you?

Some, maybe.

Okey-doke.

Okey-doke.

Bye.

Bye.

Mr. legate.

One way, New Orleans.

Why do you need a ticket? You got your pass.

That's right.

Sure I do, Sal.

Sure I feel bad about it.

You want to know something, Sally?

They can lay off the whole town of Dodson for all I care,

including the sheriff.

I swear to you, Sally,

I will never again set foot in a town

with less than 100,000 population.

I got the feeling that I and Memphis

are gonna get along together just fine.

Who? Alva?

Yeah, sure. Sure, Alva's going to Memphis.

She's just wild to go.

Just like I told you, Sally.

Of course I'm happy.

And Mr. Johnson's happy, and J.J.'S happy.

I think we're just all

going to have ourselves a ball.

Thanks, Sal, I knew you would.

See ya!

Mornin'.

[Shower running]

Owen!

You really are a liar.

What's the matter?

No, no damn games!

You really like to play, don't you?

Telling me dreams?

What's happened?

What's happened? Ask mama what's happened.

Don't listen to mama!

It's the way you make love.

What are you talkin' about?

It's what makes Alva different

than the rest of the tramps around here.

Don't say what can't be fixed.

How much does a ticket

to New Orleans cost, hmm?

You can turn it in

for one to Memphis instead.

You wonder about other things,

other ways to live.

You wonder and you dream,

but you go on doing what you do.

That railroad carriage is enough for you.

That snowstorm, fake.

But it's enough for you,

because you're a fake, Alva.

You're a gyp.

You're not unique.

You're not even special. You're just...

Peculiar.

What in hell did I think

was so magical or fanciful about a little whore

who is just a little bit peculiar?

How about a big hand for Odel Otis and his Kansas City steaks,

playing for your dancing enjoyment

at the Moonlake casino, right here at clarksdale.

I used to wonder if I was annoying you

by always asking you out.

Oh, god, no. I love to go out!

Alva, your mama said

I'd see a lot of you in Memphis.

You gonna mind?

Why should I mind, Mr. Johnson?

That's ridiculous.

Well, you know I'm married, Alva,

but I'm a lonesome man.

It makes me feel good to have someone so young,

so pretty as you around.

Oh, I know it.

I don't expect anything lasting,

but I could get you a little place of your own in Memphis,

an allowance so you could do

only what you felt like.

Lawdy, miss Clawdy! You two look nice and cozy.

Is that hard liquor you're drinking, Alva?

Yeah, that's hard corn liquor, mama.

It's just about as hard as your heart.

You certainly are celebrating, aren't you, honey?

Yeah. Sit down, mama.

We're gonna have a toast,

and I'm gonna make it.

Alva, you are loaded.

Yeah, I'm loaded like a pistol.

Y'all fill your glasses, hear?

'Cause Alva's gonna make a toast.

Now, the occasion of this toast

is the matter of gettin' out,

gettin' out of here.

I will drink to that!

Memphis, here we come!

Oh, isn't that funny, mama?

What?

You know, I was just thinking...

Maybe I wouldn't get settled down

with you in Memphis at all...

'Cause Mr. Johnson here

has just made me this very attractive proposal.

Well, it's not exactly a proposal,

is it, Mr. Johnson?

But it's very attractive,

'cause he's gonna take care of me.

Set me up in my own little apartment.

Isn't that nice, mama?

Now, Alva, you behave yourself.

You trying to make me blush?

Mr. Johnson, shame on you!

What's the matter, mama?

Scared if I ever get away

there won't be any more men?

I don't think we want to talk about that--

j.J., you gonna stick around with mama after I'm gone?

If you don't have me to look at?

She doesn't know what she's saying.

She's drunk.

Our little arrangement about the house

is exactly what she wants.

Just a minute.

I'll dance with you, j.J.

Do you want to dance with me,

or would you rather dance with mama?

Who'd you rather have, mama or me?

Tell her who you'd rather dance with, j.J.

You've been feeding her too much booze.

Tell her how bad you want me, j.J.

Tell her!

Now you just cut that out!

That fellow Owen's got you all upset!

That fellow Owen was gonna take me away with him.

Oh, mama,

I don't know what I'm gonna do.

I'll take care of you, Alva.

Oh, shut up.

Mama knows you want me, Mr. Johnson,

but I don't think she knew about j.J.

Did you, mama?

You still want me?

Do you?

What about that fellow Owen?

Oh, he's gone, ain't he, mama?

Yeah, he's gone.

He's just gone.

He went away.

What do you want?

I want to go away.

I'll take you.

What?

Do you mean it?

I'll take you.

But, Alva...

No, that isn't enough.

You got to marry me, j.J.

I'll marry you.

J.J., you crazy?

You shut up.

I'll marry you, Alva.

No, I mean right now!

I mean tonight, right now.

Sure, Alva. I'll marry you.

[Train bell ringing]

♪ Li'l Liza Jane

♪ oh, li'l Liza

♪ I know a man with a heart of steel ♪

♪ He'd even steal from the good will ♪

♪ Li'l Liza Jane

♪ oh, li'l Liza

♪ li'l Liza Jane

♪ I saw your mama come around the room ♪

♪ Li'l Liza

♪ oh, li'l Liza

♪ li'l Liza Jane

♪ oh, li'l Liza ♪

Alva.

I tell you men today,

I tell you, brothers,

it's too late!

It's too late.

Repent your sins now.

I say god said repent your sins now,

or it's too late.

You'll burn in hell

for the sins you commit today!

You have that habit...

Of staring.

I'm sorry.

[Birds sing]

I missed you, Alva.

I didn't know I would.

New Orleans is not a place where a person

needs to feel the pain of separation for long.

You, miss Starr...

Were a missed person.

I was?

Deeply missed.

And you'll stay.

And you'll stay.

Because of all you give me.

Do I?

Thoughts I never had.

And things...

Such things...

What are you going to do all day?

Wait for you to come home.

Owen?

[Clock ticking]

[Alarm rings]

I'll have supper ready in just a second.

They're golden.

Well, almost.

By the way, my section chief

told me something today of absolutely no interest.

What?

Even though I'm not interested.

Well, he said that there was a job opening

for some dull young man.

Hmm. Too bad we don't know any.

Is it a traveling job?

No, no.

It's a stay-put job.

In Chicago.

Well, did he offer it?

Well, they call it a feeler.

What did you say?

I said I'd have to ask my wife.

What's the matter?

I am asking my wife.

I thought I saw Willie today.

Oh?

Where?

In the street.

Just a flash.

Dumb hair all over her face.

Wearing one of my old dresses.

It was crazy.

It was just another dumb little kid.

Where do you think Willie is--Dodson?

She could be anywhere.

Wherever mama is.

Well, I can find out.

I can write to Knopke. He's still on.

We can send for Willie.

We can take her with us to Chicago.

Would that please you, Alva?

Oh, dear.

Oh, Owen--oh!

Ohh...

I'd love to see Willie take Chicago.

Uh, uh...

[Music box plays]

[Thunder]

For a girl who's afraid of the thunder...

Well, I was just passing by.

Come on in, honey.

Mama.

Oh, you come right in. You're soaked to the bone.

I hope you don't mind my making myself at home.

You never did know when to lock up.

Oh, take off that wet coat. You'll catch your death.

How did you find us?

Willie showed me that pretty postcard from Alva.

You look cold, too. I made some coffee.

Mama, please don't tell him.

Grab those cups, o.K.?

I don't know what he'll do if you tell him.

What are you talking about?

Please.

Where do you keep the sugar?

Mama, I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry. Believe me, I am.

It's all right, honey.

Now we need a little milk.

Mama...

If you tell Owen,

it'll just kill him, I swear it.

You haven't even asked me how I'm feeling.

Don't you care about me anymore?

Mama, he wants to marry me.

The coffee's getting cold.

There we go.

Nice little place here, honey.

Did you help him fix it up?

Mama--

you come to pour coffee or what?

I hear you're thinking about marrying my little girl.

That's right.

You weren't going to tell me?

I figured that was between Alva and me.

Oh, I thought so.

I had an idea you wouldn't want

your wife's mama helping out.

You got it right.

How's the coffee?

It's fine.

Just fine.

Well, you drink it up and put your coat on.

We got things to do, places to go.

What?

I'm not licked yet.

That Mr. Johnson finally turned sour.

I still got some schemes up my sleeve.

Come on.

She's not going anywhere.

Oh, no?

No.

Not unless it's with me.

You have no say about it.

She doesn't belong to you. Mama...

Didn't you tell him?

Get out.

Oh, it must have slipped her mind.

That little girl's all wrapped up.

She and j.J. Got married.

And the next morning,

she went through his pockets

and rolled him.

You really never quite give up, do you, mama?

Tell him, Alva.

[Thunder]

Oh, my god.

What?

Oh, my god!

Alva!

Alva!

Mama ran off with a man named Sam.

They went somewhere in Arkansas, I think.

Papa...

He never did come back.

You know where Alva is now?

New Orleans?

No.

Chicago?

No.

Memphis?

You'll never guess.

Where is she, then?

She's in the bone orchard.

What?

Bone orchard, cemetery, graveyard.

Don't you understand English?

That's pretty tough.

You don't know the half of it, buddy.

Her lungs got affected.

Did you see that movie that played

down at the delta brilliant one time last fall?

That's what Alva died of,

lung affection.

Only the way she had it in the movie,

it was very beautiful.

You know, violins playing,

all her lovers come back in a beautiful scene.

♪ Wish me a rainbow

♪ wish me a star ♪

Well, I'm going back now.

I'm gonna live for a long, long time...

Like my sister.

When my lungs get affected...

I'm gonna die like she did...

With all my rings

and my gold charm bracelet

from Marshall field's.

And then, I guess, somebody else

will inherit all my beaux.

The sky sure is white.

Well, so long.

So long.

♪ Wish me a rainbow

♪ and wish me a star

♪ all this you can give me

♪ wherever you are

♪ and dreams for my pillow

♪ and stars for my eyes

♪ and a masquerade ball

♪ where our love wins first prize ♪

♪ Wish me red roses

♪ and yellow balloons

♪ and black sequins whirling ♪

♪ To gay dancing tunes

♪ I want all these treasures ♪

♪ The most you can give

♪ so wish me a rainbow

♪ as long as I live ♪

Captioning made possible by Paramount pictures corporation

captioning performed by the national captioning institute, inc.

Captions copyright 1991 Paramount pictures corporation