All language subtitles for This Property is Condemed 1966Grand-RiPXviD9999999

Wish me red roses

And yellow balloons

And black sequins falling

And gay dancing tunes

ow what...
are these treasures

The most you can give...

I wish me a rainbow
long as I live

All my tomorrows
depend on your love

So, wish me a rainbow above...

Hey, you seen a kite?

Don't talk to me
till I fall off.

Here, come here, hurry,
will you?

Run, stupid!

Here, take my crazy doll,
will you?

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

I don't think I can
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.

Okay.

Hey, are you okay?

Yeah, I guess so.

The 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'd that happen?

Well, I was expected
to be a boy,

but I wasn't.

They already had one girl...
Alva.

That was my sister.

Hey, why ain't you
in school?

'Cause I thought it
was going to 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, so I quit.

You ain't going
to get an education

walking a railroad track.

You ain't going to get one
flying a kite neither.

Besides... what a girl needs
to get along is social training.

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? Geez.

Boy, you see

that house over yonder?

We used to have
some high old times

in that big, yellow house.

I'll 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's 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
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

All my tomorrows
depend on your love

So wish me a rainbow above.

Okay, 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.

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.

Ooh-wee, you scared
the pants off of me.

It ain't a real diamond.

Oh?

Sparkles like one to me.

Nah. It's a firefly.
Got a...

Willie, where's your ma?

I don't know!

Got to 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 are you, honey?

He wants a room, Mama.

- Hey, where's Alva?
- You ain't a vagrant, are you?

No, ma'am.

- Layoff?
- No.

- Well...
- Hey, Charlie, come on.

...my rooms are two a night.
- Happy birthday, Hazel.

Hey, where you going?
I got the beer.

- Happy birthday, Hazel.
- Happy birthday, hon.

Two a night, ten bucks a week,

two meals included,
cash in advance.

How long you fixing to stay,
honey?

Five... a week. Ten.

About a week, ma'am.

Only a week.

Well, a buck is a buck.

If you're lucky.

- Hey, where's the beer?
- Oh, Lord.

It ain't usually so noisy
around here.

Just that some old fool
got hold it's my birthday

and wanted to raise
a little hell.

Happy birthday, baby.

Oh, you damn fool.

What's your name, honey?

- Owen, Owen Legate.
- Oh, yeah.

- Happy birthday.
- What room, Mama?

Oh, no, no,
you can't go yet.

I just got the beer!

- I gotta go.
- What room, Mama?

Better put him in Papa's room.

Papa's room?
Oh, Mama, I forgot to tell you.

There's gonna be a fight.

Old Jimmy Veldon got drunk,

and Charlie Stangcap says

he's going to lay him out
like a rug.

Oh, my Lord.

Hey, wait a minute.

You knew it was a firefly,

didn't ya?

Hey, Hazel.

Hey, hey, Charlie!

Come on in, honey.

You want to meet anybody,

you just introduce yourself.

Ain't she back yet?

I haven't seen her.

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,
I don't just see how you

Mama...

can stand still
with all that music going.

Mama...

I know you prefer
to dance with Alva,

but today is my birthday.

Mama, what about...?

I can only be nice
to one person

at a time.

You can take Mr., um,
Whatshisname upstairs

and get him settled in.

Excuse me, Mr. Johnson.

Show him the bathroom.

We got an all-indoor
flush toilet

and very modern
bathing equipment.

It isn't complicated
once Alva and I show you how.

Willie, give him
something to eat,

and then you come back down,
join the party.

Oh!

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

Well, I've been waiting for you

out in the car.

He works in the shop
when he ain't with Mama.

Are all these people railroad?

All except for the guy
on the steel 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.

Okeydoke?

Okeydoke.

Hey, Alva!

Hey, get your hot stuff
out here.

Lindsay.

- Hey, we don't want you.
- That Lindsay Tate.

- We want your sister.
- Be right back.

We want Alva!

We want Alva! We...

We want Alva!

We want Alva.

We want Alva.

Get out of here!

Get outta here, Lindsay Tate,
'fore I call my mama.

Oh, well, you just do that,
and you tell your mama

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

- Yeah.
- I'll kill you...

Why you little snip.

Mama! Mama!

- Mama!
- Just what the hell do you think

- you're doing?
- Mama!

Fire up the engine, boys.
Let's get out of here.

Now you stay away
from those older boys.

You hear me, Willie Starr?

I'll whip you good.

Hey, hey, Willie,
where you going?

- Let me go.
- Where's Alva?

Hayes, I thought Alva
was gonna be here.

- 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! Hey, there.
- Hey, Alva.

What you doing in the kitchen?

- Hey, Alva...
- Come on, gal.

We been waitin' for you.

See you later, Sidney.

There she is.

Come on in here, Alva. Come on.

How's the party?

What do you think?
Come on in here.

- Oh, Alva...
- 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 get right over there,
and you speak to Mr. Johnson.

He's been pestering me
all night about you,

and after all,
he did pay for this party

- as a surprise...
- All right, Mama.

- Good evening, Alva.
- Mr. Johnson.

Here she is,
my bad little girl.

She wants to sit right down here
beside you and cheer you up.

- Hello, Alva.
- Hey, Alva.

- Hey.
- Where y'all been?

Oh, out dancing.

Would you like a beer,
Miss Alva?

No, thank you.

I told you before...
lay off Alva.

Mr. Johnson,
it was real nice of you

to give mama this lovely party.

Well, I didn't do it for her.

Alva, I asked your mama,

and she said it'd be all right

for you to go with me

to the Moon Lake
Casino tomorrow night.

Oh.

Well, let me think about it,
Mr. Johnson.

They got a real good band.

New one.

- Odell Otis.
- Oh.

From Kansas City Stakes.

Well, I-I really don't know.
Sidney, hi.

Well, I-I got to know so to...

Mr. Johnson,
did you see Sidney?

- I can make...
- Sidney, come here.

...maybe...
- Did you thank...?

I want you to thank Mr. Johnson
for the lovely party.

Mr. Johnson, have you had
a chance to talk to...?

- What's going on?
Who turned off the lights?

Hey, turn the lights on.

Shh!

Happy birthday to you

J.J.

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday, dear Hazel

Happy birthday to you.

Make a wish and blow 'em out.

- Make a wish, come on.
- Shh, shh!

I can't.

Oh, you've got to 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, Haz.

Have a beer.

What slob remembered it
was my birthday anyway?

Come on, Alva.

It's your turn.

Make a wish, Alva.

Come on, Alva.

Go ahead, Al.

Wish it up, Alva.

- Shh, shh.
- Okay.

Hey, Alva, how about
a little birthday kiss...?

Oh, Hank.

Well, that's enough
for you, Hank boy.

How about one for me?

Here's one to grow on.

Hey, here comes old Sidney
wandering in.

Let me have one of those,
will ya?

Wouldn't you like
a piece of cake?

I'd just love a piece of cake.

What kind of work are
you gonna do here?

Who's the girl
blowin' 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.

Okeydoke?

Okeydoke.

Ooh-whee,
it's hot out there.

Just practically
like breathing fire.

Just been dying
for a piece of ice.

Oh.

My, that's coolin'.

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 is 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, now.
- Bye. See you later.

Here's your cake, Alva.

Thank you, Sidney.

Your mama said to fill up
the beer tub.

Mm. It's in the icebox.

Okay.

You're the new border, huh?

Yep.

You gonna be lookin'
for work around here?

'Cause we ain't
got none, you know.

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

Oh.

Well, we ain't
got no work,

in case you thought we did.

Well, he isn't lookin'

for work, Sidney,
he just told you.

Well, I just want him

to know that we ain't got none.

He knows.

See you later.

If you're not looking
for work,

what are you doing here?

Willie,

now I said,
stop asking questions

and let the gentleman eat
his supper in peace.

- Okay.
- Oh.

Thank you.

Oh, that's all right.

They're all so nosy.

What are you doing here?

Mama says, what the hell
are you doing back here

when Mr. Johnson's fixing
to leave the party?

Well, you tell your mama

that after all the dancing
I done tonight with Sidney,

I am resting and unavailable.

Good night.

Good night.

Sidney took you dancing?

Where to?

Oh, no place much.

Just the Peabody Hotel.

The Peabody Hotel!

Sidney took you 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 gonna all
come down on you.

But you have to hide it.

And so you say,

"Tipsy? Why, Sidney,

"I am not
the slightest big tipsy.

"It is just
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."

That the same, uh,
Peabody Hotel in Memphis

where they have the alligators
and the ducks swimming around

in that little pond there
in the lobby?

Oh, yes.

The very same one.

Yeah. I'd like to see that.

Thank you for the supper,
Willie.

I sure would like

to see
how they keep those alligators

from eating the ducks
in that little pond

that they all swim around in.

It makes you think.

Good night.

Smart aleck.

Hey, Alva.

What you so grumpy about?

Nothing.

I just need some air.

Hey, Max!

Max!

Are 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.

Breeze does not come
from the river

just is not a breeze.

Hey, Alva?

Good night, Alva.

- Night.
- Thanks for the party, Alva.

All right.

Hey, Alva?

Hmm?

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...

may-maybe you could.

I think more than any place
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'd jump

right off those old tracks,
right up here,

right through the grass,
right through me...

carry me off...
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.

It's 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.

Willie, you in there?

Willie?

I don't think Willie's here.

Oh, 'scuse me.

I thought she might be here.

Nope.

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.

Well, 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 'em,

'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,

and he dreamt that he was a man
who fell asleep in the sun

who dreamt he was a cat...
and when he woke up,

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

Hmm.

Goodness, I don't know how
you're gonna sleep

with that old streetlight
shinin' 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.

Want to try?

Hmm. 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?

Well, you don't have to answer.

I'm not interested
in compliments.

What else?

You know,
I am a very important person

in Dodson, Mississippi.

Is that so?

- Plus, I have been to Biloxi.
- Mm-hmm.

Well, I'm even famous
in my own way.

Oh, I don't doubt that.

- Lots of men think I'm beaut...
- Listen, Miss Starr...

been travelin'
since 6:00 this morning.

Got to get up early tomorrow
and do some work.

Now, if you come
with the room...

if you're included
in the two meals,

then 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?

Well, don't turn
the light on, Willie.

Crazy doll's hair needs washing.

I'm scared to do it, though.

It might

come unglued where she got

that compound fracture
of the skull.

Think most of her brains
fell out.

Come on, Hazel.

...my birthday's over...

Mama, don't turn the light on.

Just makes it hotter.

You been cryin'?

Well, you just go on
and take your dress off,

and I'll cool you down.

There.

Now you lay still.

Mr. Johnson speak to you
about tomorrow night?

Mm-hmm.

Feel a lot of vibratin'.
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 old 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

are going to do
when they get sweet

on a good-looking girl
like you.

Maybe you'll get off
with a packer car.

Wouldn't that be somethin' else?

Oh, I'd just love to drive up
in a packer 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.

Hmm.

All those bags'd just drop

right into that double chin...
plop.

You feelin' better, honey?

I'm feelin' 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...

Hmm?

What does Mardi Gras mean?

Mardi Gras means "carnival."

I'm gonna go next year,

even if I have to ride
the rails.

I'm gonna design
my own costume...

out of black shiny sequins,

so that my skin'll 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?

- Hey.
- Hi.

How are you?

Hey, are you
going down to the yards?

Yup.

Well, I can sneak you in.

No, no, I can
manage, thank you.

Well, 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?

Huh?

Man takes a drink,
drink takes a drink,

drink takes a man.

Could be.

Took my papa, all right.

Right out of Dodson.

Maybe it'll do the same
for me.

I got to get some cigarettes.

Oh, okay. I'll wait.

Can I help you, sir?

A package of Lucky's...

Well...

Miss Starr.

Where's that sister
of yours this fine day?

You get away from me,
Lindsay Tate.

You ask Alva what you're going
to do with that hot stuff

once the line shuts down.

Alva's got better things to do

than to waste her time on you.

Alva's got...

Hey, look what I got here.

Now you listen, Miss Uppity.

- Let go of me.
- Once that line shuts down,

she's going to have
to start looking for somebody.

Let go!

And I'll tell you something,
she's just gonna have to crawl.

You ain't never
getting near Alva,

and that line
ain't never shutting down.

You hear that, Tiny?

You really tell a story.

Who the hell are you?

I'm a friend of Willie's.

What you doing,
drumming up trade for Alva now?

Yeah, I guess that's what

the ice cream cones are for.

Right.

You 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 of here,
all of you!

Oh, Lindsay Tate,
just standing there.

I hear strawberry's good
for a hangover.

Boy, oh, boy.

He's a just
a plain damn mess.

You sure are tough,
aren't you, Willie?

I sure am.

If you hadn't a come out,

I probably would have
killed old 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.

No, but what if it did?

How'd 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.

Well, I suspect your sister's
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, okay.

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 you think?

Well...

I just don't know.

Come on, pump that thing.

Yeah.

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 you got
going through here now.

How about this year's crop?

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

35 cents, a hundred pounds?

How many trains
they fixin' 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,

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...

TB&O...

C&E...

- Hey.
- Hi.

Where you going?

Mama said I got to make the bed.

Willie?

Whoo-ooh!

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.

Nothin'?

Well, not after I told him

you thought
he was a smart aleck.

Willie!

You didn't!

Well, you said he was.

Well, I don't care what I said.

You just tell him
different now, you hear?

Okay, okay.

Are you stuck on him, Alva?

No!

Well, 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!

Five? Ten 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're gonna get married?

Well, some day.

Mr. Johnson?

No, dummy.

Willie, I haven't met him yet.

Oh.

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 soft, white satin

for you to rest in between
our times of dancing."

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

It's a 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 in my room.

It's Papa's room.

Is she in her room?

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

Oh, and-and would you
be kind enough

to see that she gets this?

Sure,
Mr. Johnson.

Would you tell her, please,
I'm waiting down here?

Okay.

Now, you are going to look
so pretty.

Which one of these rings
do you want to wear?

Mama, I don't want

- either one of them.
- Give me your hand.

I'm not going to go,

- Of course, you're going to go,
- so why do I need a ring?

And you're going to have
a marv...

Present for Alva,
from Mr. Johnson.

Oh, let's see what this is.

Mama, it's for me.

Isn't this excitin'?

Oh, look.

- Oh, Alva, look.
- Now, I told you Mr. Johnson

would come across
with something good.

24 karats.

Mama, that's not what I meant.

That's not what I want.

Well, you just run right
downstairs to that nice man,

and you tell him that your
sister's rushin' to death...

Mama...

...and she will be down
momentarily.

I am not.

- Willie, please.
- Oh, now, honey lamb,

I know you want other things.

Nice things...

and you are going to get 'em.

Stand up.

And rich and travel...

and your mama's going to see
that you get them, too.

Well, then, please
don't make me go.

You'll go to Memphis,

New Orleans...
maybe even New York.

Think of the people
you're going to meet...

the men.

Right now, we got to 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.

Oh, Mama.

And one of the things
at hand...

is Mr. Johnson.

Sit down.

All I'm askin'...

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

But...

Now, that ain't gonna
hurt you,

is it?

Wish me a rainbow,
and wish me a star...

Can your sister still
be gettin' dressed?

Yes, sir, Mr. Johnson.

Will anybody go upstairs

and tell her
it's gettin' late?

Gee, Mr. Johnson,
I just came down

from tellin' her
it was gettin' late.

Let me by, J.J.

Here I am, Mr. Johnson.

Well, you shouldn't
have hurried, Alva.

You look just fine.

Do you mind?

That light attracts

moths, bugs, bats.

I haven't finished my hair yet.

The thing about my hair...

I just pile it up,
and it all comes crumblin' down.

Willie, why don't you sing
a song for Mr. Johnson?

I already did.

Besides, I want to 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 Fields in Chicago.

A gift of gold
is a gift of seriousness.

A gift of gold
is for your wife, Mr. Johnson.

Perhaps I should explain
about my wife.

My wife is an invalid.

I see her maybe
once in a month.

She stays in a nursing home
'bout 20 miles

outside
of Baton Rouge.

Mr. Johnson,
I'd just love a Coke...

a Coke with lots
of ice in it.

Would you be an angel?

Yeah, sure, Alva.
Sure.

Hey, what'd 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
catchin' my breath.

Maybe when God breathed the
breath of life into all of us,

he didn't breathe enough
into me.

Well, maybe it's runnin' around
the night without your shoes.

Well, the ground is warm.

Don't you know there's a fire
in the center of the earth

that burns for all eternity?

And up there... it's so cold,
it's 100,000 degrees below zero.

Look, there's a fallin' star!

Quick... make a wish.

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

I'm told they don't come true
if you tell.

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-what did he do,
just leave?

He's gone to find
a greener pasture.

Mama says that's a laugh,

unless they givin' land away

to the man with reddest hair.

Do you ever hear from him?

Nope.

He's comin' back,
though...

'cause if he loves us,
he surely will come back.

Supposin' he doesn't?

Oh, he will.

He could be on any train

with the deed
to greener pastures

in his back pocket.

Is that what you're waitin' 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.

What?

Alva?

Get down, 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 gonna be late.

Well, he's a very
lonely old man

whose wife isn't well,

and I'd hate to
hurt his feelings.

It wouldn't be grateful.

Or good business.

Alva, where are you?

You are in a cruel,
teasin' mood,

and I don't understand.

I'm talkin' 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 sold gold charm bracelet

from a very expensive
store in Chicago.

And what'd you give this
very kind old man in return?

My company

and my kindness.

Those are the bare,
uninterestin' facts,

and it happens
to make him very happy.

Well, do 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 wouldn't be
anybody's property.

You'd be your own girl.

I am my own girl, Mr. Legate,

and I certainly don't need
some smart aleck like you

to come along and point out
the error of my ways.

I go out with Mr. Gerard Johnson
because I want to,

and because he treats
me like a lady.

Because your mama tells you to.

And I enjoy it, and I'm not
a cat dreamin' I'm a man.

That happens to be the truth.

Then why you hidin' out here
in the dark?

Alva, where are you?

Oh, there you are.

I'd thought you'd
gone on without me.

I-I'm afraid your
ice is all melted.

Oh, thank you, Mr. Johnson,

and thank you for
the solid gold charm bracelet.

You gonna keep it?

I accept your gift
with gratitude.

Where are your shoes, honey?

What time was
that reservation for,

Mr. Johnson?

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

You hear that, honey?

They've been holdin'
your table since 7:00.

Come on, honey, you got
to get yourself ready.

You're gonna have a high
old time with Mr. Johnson.

All right, Mama.

We'll all have ourselves
a high old time.

Only I'm not gettin' dressed,
and I'm not gonna go

to the Moon Lake Casino.

I've changed my mind.

What I want to do
is get undressed,

and go down to
the railroad hole.

Who wants to go

skinny dippin'?!

Yeah! Yeah!

'Course, you're probably
not comin', right?

No. No, thank you.

What's the matter?

Scared to take your clothes off?

Owen, I've been waitin'
to tell you.

I got it wrong before.

Alva didn't call you
no smart aleck.

The hell I didn't.

Alva's goin'...
Let's all go. Come on.

We never can tell what
that girl's likely to do.

It's a good idea, though,
ain't it, Mr. Johnson?

Come on!

Hey, Alva! Hey...!

Last one in's a skinny old maid!

Come on in, 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 'em?

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 savin' up
for that spotter?

What are you talkin' about?

Your friend the spotter who's
down here to lay us all off.

I don't believe you.

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

Are you savin' it all up
for him?

That's not true.

It's true, all right.

Why don't you ask him?

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, Miss Starr?

I know you... liar.

That I'm laying men off?

Firing them for good.

No more money coming in.

There's a depression.

Yes, I hear tell.

The railroad's cutting back.

Well, don't you
treat yourself fine

blaming it on them?

I don't whip myself, no.

It's not my idea.

But you do it.

Now, listen, what do you care
about layoffs anyway?

Isn't this the best thing
that could ever happen to you?

Isn't this
what you've always wanted...

to get out of this place?

Well, there just happens to be

some other people concerned.

There's my sister, Willie,
and my mama to think about.

Well, your mama
looks like a lady

that can take care of herself.

Well, that's
none of your business.

I think you must have wanted
to tell me off real bad

to interrupt
your little party.

I most certainly did.
You need telling off.

Anxious to get back to
it now, too, aren't you?

Yes, I am.

I'm anxious to get back,
and I'm going,

and I meant every word
I said about you.

- Lying under false colors?
- Yes!

- Tricking you.
- Yes!

- Liar.
- Yes!

Yes!

Liar.

You get your slip?

Yeah.

Me, too.

Any idea what
you're gonna do now, boy?

I'm gonna sleep late
in the morning.

Sidney? Sidney.

Operator, Louisville,
4-1-9, please.

You like your job, mister?

There's a man

with a trucking line
out of Mobile.

Anybody that's interested,

I could 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.

Go ahead.

But he is a fink, isn't he?

I don't know, Willie.

I just don't know.

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 going to like...

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?

Why, 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 that really true

they bury people above
the ground in New Orleans?

Well, if they didn't,

the water'd flood the graves.

You know, I suppose
the worst part

about being buried
under the ground

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 seven?

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,

and make big promises.

And he never kept 'em,
'cept 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'll be leaving soon.

Oh, 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.

No. I can't let myself feel bad.

I do this in every city
that 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!

I do think 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,

do you know what it says?

"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.

- Meals are included, and...
- Stop.

...and modern
shine facilities...

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.

And there is no wind
in this car.

As a matter of fact,
it's hot.

Because this car has been
sitting here

for years and years.

Well, I don't care.

Why do you do that?

Why are you so fanciful?

Why do you make everything
seem so 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.

Well, I don't want to think
about you leaving.

I don't care if it's true.

But I am.
It is true.

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

But you-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'll
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...

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.

Oh, a month maybe.

Week, couple of days.

Oh.

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

- Well, I just...
- I didn't really think that...

J.J.!

Stop it!

What are you doing?

Hey!

Pull my hair, huh?

Stop it. Stop it!

Stop it.

- You're going to kill him.
- Get out of here.

Now you cut that out.

Quit it.

Get him, Charlie!

Hey, go on back.

I said, quit it! Hear me?

Stop it.
Stop it.

You quit it.

Stop it.

I said, quit it.

You bastards!

I... no.

Oh!

No. No.

Oh!

No.

- Can't you let me help you?
- No.

Lemme I...

Oh.

Oh.

Yeah.

Damn.

Shh.

Oh.

Oh.

Don't go.

Do you know how far it is
to New Orleans?

It's 247 railroad miles.

Oh. It doesn't sound
too far, does it?

Uh-uh.

Hop and a skip.

A jump over mama.

Mama?

I could go.

I could go.

But 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.

Tell me.

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 good-bye.

Where are 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've been living
like a princess,

a damn princess
while I ran this place.

Did absolutely nothing

while I took care
of everything.

Well, now the
boat has docked,

and you are gonna show me

that you're not just
the same spoiled,

lazy, moody, little princess

that your papa left me with.

Mama, you can talk and talk,

but I'm not gonna go.

You don't seem
to understand me.

Our one chance

to survive is this loan.

And if we have to stand
on our heads to get it,

we are going to stand
on our heads 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?

Oh, I don't know.

I'm going to
get out here.

I'm going to
get a job.

Oh, not that old stuff again.

I'm going to get
out of here, Mama.

I really mean it.

- Alva, I am sick to death
- This time it's different. I...

of your nonsense.

Now let's face facts.

For years I have stood by
and watched you fool around

with every man and boy

that caught your eye
and I said nothing.

Oh, Mama, please.

I looked the other way.

And now, when I ask you
to do me one tiny little favor,

- you play innocent.
- Tiny?

- You are selfish.
- Mama, what are you saying?

You are selfish,
that's what you are.

You are selfish,
selfish, selfish!

And don't think
your papa didn't know.

He knew where you were headed.

You think you fooled him?

Not for one minute.

He knew you were selfish
and vicious.

What are you talking about?

He used to warn me.
He used to say all the time,

"She'll turn on you.

"She'll leave you.
She'll let you down.

"You just wait and see.

Papa never said that.

"Hazel, that odd,
that ungrateful girl

Papa never said that.
Papa never said that.

Is going to break your heart."

He never said that.

Don't you know that that's
what you're doing 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 am not asking you

to throw yourself away
on Mr. Johnson.

I am 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.

Oh, Mama, get up.
Please, please just get up.

- Just get up! Just get up!
- Oh, please, please, please!

Oh, honey,
you're not gonna regret it.

I promise you.

You're not gonna re...

Hey, Owen!
Owen, wait a minute.

Hi, ol' Willie, what is it?

You leaving?

Yep.

As soon as I pick up
my bag from the house.

Bye.

Good-bye.

You won't worry about me,
will you?

Some maybe.

Okeydoke.

Okeydoke.

- Bye.
- Bye.

Mr. Legate.

One way, New Orleans.

What do you need a ticket for?

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 give a damn...
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 going to 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.

Well, 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.

Morning.

Owen.

You really are a liar,
aren't you?

What's the matter?

No. No damn games.

What games?
What's the matter?

You like to play with it,
don't you?

Telling me dreams.

What's happened?

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

- Mama?
- Telling me dreams.

Don't listen to Mama.

Is this the way you make love?

What are you
talking about?

It's what makes Alva
a little different

than the rest of the tramps
around here.

Owen, don't.

Don't, don't say
what can't be fixed.

Let me ask you
a question.

What?

How much does a ticket
to New Orleans cost, huh?

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...

p-peculiar.

What in hell did I think
was so magical or fanciful

about a little whore who is
just a little bit peculiar?

How 'bout a big hand
for Odell Otis

and his Kansas City Stakes...

playing for your dancing
enjoyment

at the Moon Lake Casino,
right here at Clarksdale.

I used to wonder if
I was annoyin' you

by always askin' you out.

Oh, God, no.
I love to go out.

Alva, your mama said

I'd see a lot of you
in-in Memphis.

You going to 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 and so pretty

- as-as you around.
- Oh, I know it.

I don't expect anything lastin',
you understand.

Well, I could get
you a little place

of your own in-in Memphis...

an allowance, so you wouldn't
have to do anythin'

except what you felt like.

Lordy, Miss Glory,

you two look nice and cozy.

Is that hard liquor
you're drinkin', Alva?

Yeah. That's
hard corn liquor, Mama,

just about as hard
as your heart.

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

Yeah.
Why don't you sit down, Mama,

and we can have a toast,
and I'm going to make it.

Alva, you are loaded.

Yeah. I'm loaded like a pistol.

Y'all fill your glasses here,

'cause Alva's going
to make a toast.

Now, the occasion of this toast
is the matter of getting out.

Getting 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 going
to 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 were to get away...
a... way from you,

there won't be any more men
around to have a good time with?

Hmm?

Alva, I don't think we
want to talk about that.

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

You gonna stick around with her,
you don't have me to look at?

- Huh?
- Oh, Mr. Johnson,

she doesn't know
what she's saying... she's drunk.

Our little arrangement
about the house

is exactly what she wants,
and she'd

tell you herself
if she wasn't so drunk.

- Let's dance.
- Just a minute.

- I'll dance with you, J.J.
- Now, you just...

Want to dance with me?

Or would you rather
dance with Mama?

Who do you want, J.J.?

Who would you rather have,
Mama or me?

Tell her who
you'd rather dance with,

J.J.

Oh, you been feeding her
too much booze.

Better get her
to the little girl...

How bad do you want me, J.J.?
Tell her.

Now, you just cut that out!

That fella Owen's
got you all upset.

That fella Owen was going
to take me away with him.

Oh, Mama... I don't know
what I'm going to 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?

Do you still want me, J.J.?

Do you?

What about that fella Owen?

Oh, he's gone, isn't he, Mama?

Yeah, he's gone, yeah.

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.

Eliza James

Oh, Eliza

I know a man,
was a horse thief

He'd even steal
from the Goodwill

Eliza James

Oh, Eliza

Eliza James

Eliza James

Oh, Eliza

Eliza James

Oh, Eliza...

How long will He judge...?

I tell you this day...

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.

I missed you, Alva.

I didn't know I would.

New Orleans
is certainly 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?
- Hmm?

I'll have supper ready
in just a second.

They're golden.

Well, almost.

By the way,
my section chief, McPherson,

told me something today
of absolutely no interest.

What?

Even though
I'm not interested.

Oh, 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.

Chicago.

Well, did he offer it?

Oh, they call it a feeler.

What'd you say?

Oh, 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?

Well, 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...

Oh!

Oh!

I'd love to see Willie
take Chicago.

Uh... I...

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 are soaked to the bone.

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

You never did know

when to lock up.

Oh...

Oh, take off that wet coat.

You'll catch your death.

How did you find it?

Willie showed me that
pretty postcard from Alva.

Oh, you look cold, too.

I made some coffee.

Mama, please don't tell him.

Honey, grab me
those cups, will you?

Mama, I just don't
know what he'll do

if you tell him.

Honey, I don't know
what you're talking about.

Please...

Oh, 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 your mama anymore?

Mama, he wants to marry me.

This coffee's getting cold.

Here we go.

Nice little place here,
honey.

You help him fix it up?

Mama...

Did you come here 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 anything about it?

No, I figured that was
between Alva and me.

Oh, I thought so.

I had an idea
you weren't the type of man

who'd want his 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

- and places to go.
- What?

Oh, I'm not licked yet.

That sweet Mr. Johnson
finally turned sour.

I got one or two schemes
up my sleeve.

Come on!

She's not going anywhere.

Oh, no?

No.

Not unless it's with me.

Well, you have nothing
to say about it.

- She doesn't belong to you,
- Mama... 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 do
quite give up, do you, Mama?

Tell him, Alva!

Oh, my God.

What?

Oh, my God!

Alva!

Alva!

Mama ran off
with a man named Sam,

Mama ran off
with a man named Sam,

and 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

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 going to 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 Fields.

And then, I guess,

somebody else will inherit
all my beaus.

The sky sure is white.

Well, so long.

So long.

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

Wish me red roses
and yellow balloons

And black sequins whirling
to gay dancing tunes

I want all these treasures,
most you can give

So wish me a rainbow
as long as I live.