(dramatic music) (people singing in foreign language) (congregation clapping and singing) (congregation cheering and exclaiming) ♪ Oh I want two wings to veil my face ♪ ♪ I want two wings to fly away ♪ ♪ I want two wings to veil my face ♪ ♪ I want two wings to fly away ♪ ♪ Oh, meet me, Jesus, meet me ♪ ♪ Meet me in the air ♪ ♪ If my two wings fail me ♪ ♪ Hitch on another pair ♪ ♪ I want two wings to veil my face ♪ ♪ I want two wings to fly away ♪ ♪ I want two wings to veil my face ♪ ♪ I want two wings to fly away ♪ >> Gentlemen, gentlemen!

In your chairs, brothers and sisters.

Now, I propose that we devote the closing prayer to a faithful member of our flock who is leaving us tonight to fill a position of great importance in foreign parts.

I refer to our brother, Brutus Jones.

(congregation exclaims) Will you bow y'all's heads in prayer?

Almighty and everlasting God, we, the people of Hezekiah Baptist Church (congregation exclaims) import for the purpose of giving into your keeping our brother, Brutus Jones.

>> Woman: Yes, Lord!

>> Like the prodigal son in the story, he's a-setting out on a far journey!

(congregation exclaiming) But this boy ain't like the prodigal son!

>> Woman: No, he's not!

He ain't like the prodigal son!

>> He ain't shiftless and he ain't worthless!

>> Man: Amen!

>> Oh, Lord, he ain't puffed up and he ain't vainglorious!

>> Woman: Oh, Lord, he ain't vainglorious!

>> He ain't vainglorious, Lord!

>> Mm-mm, honey, you sure is wonderful in them clothes.

>> Yeah, I suppose these clothes is something to look at back here, honey.

Where I've been while I've been training for the job, you wouldn't notice 'em.

Well, you ought to see them New York gals on Lenox Avenue.

>> Them gals is fast, I bet.

Switching their selves to catch the men.

But honey, you wouldn't look at none of them fast gals whiles you away from home, would you?

>> There ain't none of 'em as pretty in the face like my gal.

>> And that prodigal son, he takes the inheritance what his pappy gives him and he spend it on the fast life.

But not this boy, Lord.

>> Woman: No, Jesus, not this boy!

>> And the prodigal son, he is a liar and the truth ain't in him!

But not this boy, Lord.

>> He got the truth, Lord!

>> Yes!

>> You know, I looks up and there's the Capitol Building, looking like a palace on the hill.

And the big front door opens and the President of the United States marches down the avenue with a band before and a band behind and he comes right up to my car and he says, just as natural, "Well, Brutus, you sure is much of a man "and I, for one, wants to compliment you on landing a job."

>> Honey, they're singing the closing song at the church.

>> We's got time.

Jeff's train's gonna pick me up at the water tank.

>> But you know they's waiting to see you before you go.

>> I sure hate to leave my gal.

(congregation singing) ♪ It's me, it's me O Lord ♪ ♪ Standing in the need of prayer ♪ (congregation singing and clapping) ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Fly unto Mount Zion Lord Lord ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Would you hold my hat, honey?

Hello, Suzanna.

♪ Now let me fly ♪ >> Hello, Brutus.

>> Hello, brother.

(all chattering excitedly) (congregation singing and clapping) ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Oh let me fly to Mount Zion Lord Lord ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Now let me fly to Mount Zion Lord Lord ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Let me fly to Mount Zion Lord Lord ♪ ♪ Way down yonder in the middle of the field ♪ ♪ Angel working at the chariot wheel ♪ ♪ Not so particular about working at the wheel ♪ ♪ Just wants to see how the chariot feels ♪ ♪ Oh let me fly ♪ ♪ Oh let me fly ♪ ♪ Oh let me fly ♪ ♪ Oh let me fly to Mount Zion Lord Lord ♪ ♪ Met that hypocrite in the street ♪ ♪ First thing he did was to show his teeth ♪ ♪ Next thing he do was to tell a lie ♪ ♪ Best thing to do is to pass him by ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Oh let me fly ♪ ♪ Now let me fly ♪ ♪ Now let me fly to Mount Zion Lord Lord ♪ ♪ I got a mother in the promised land ♪ ♪ Never-- ♪ (train whistle blowing) >> There's your train, son.

>> Goodbye, folks!

>> Brother, take care of yourself.

>> Woman: Goodbye.

>> Goodbye.

♪ Same train ♪ ♪ Same train ♪ Goodbye, Mama.

♪ Same train ♪ ♪ Carried my mother ♪ ♪ Same train ♪ ♪ Same train ♪ ♪ Same train ♪ ♪ Carried my mother ♪ ♪ Same train ♪ ♪ Be back tomorrow ♪ ♪ Same train ♪ ♪ Same train ♪ Here she is.

>> Come on, Jones.

>> Here's my buddy.

Honey, this is Jeff.

>> Hello, sister.

>> Make tracks, bo, 'cause we's riding right now.

Come on.

>> All right.

>> But this is too much!

You is coming back, ain't you?

>> Well, sure I's coming back.

You just get yourself a new dress with this, honey.

You know, a red one.

That's your style.

And take care of yourself till I comes back, now.

>> Jeff: Jones, come on!

>> All right, old boy.

It's all right, honey.

You take care of yourself.

Don't worry.

(bell clangs) I'll be back very soon.

Okay?

Goodbye, honey.

Goodbye!

(train whistle blows) (train chugging) Bye-bye, honey!

Bye-bye!

(train chugging) ♪ Same train ♪ ♪ Same train ♪ ♪ Same train ♪ >> Shine 'em, boy.

♪ Same train ♪ You done told 'em goodbye, now.

You gonna stick to it?

>> Sure, I is.

>> 'Cause you's big time from this on.

Now, I suppose you think you knows all there is about this job.

>> Sure, didn't you done instruct me?

>> Oh, just the rudimentary.

Now we's gonna take up the higher education.

Finances.

>> Yes, brother.

>> And right here's where I estimates the profits for the run.

Now, if you brushes a dime out of this, you's doing well.

The number three, here, boy, that's good for a half.

>> And what about this one?

>> Number five.

A whole section.

That's a honeymoon couple.

Plays your hand right, it means the long green.

>> Big money, huh?

>> That's what I want to tell you about.

You know, there's two kind of women that rides the Pullman.

There's the kind that says, "Good evening, porter."

That don't mean nothing but a tip.

Then there's the kind that sings out, "Hello there, Jack Johnson!"

And boy, that means money.

>> The long green.

>> Yeah!

And I'm gonna show you where to spend it.

(Jeff vocalizing brightly) (piano playing) ♪ I hate to see ♪ ♪ I hate to see that evening sun go down oh Lord ♪ ♪ Oh Lord ♪ ♪ I hate to see ♪ ♪ That evening sun go down ♪ >> Everybody meet my friend from South Carolina.

Oh, Helen, meet Mr. Jones.

Mr. Green.

Mr. Jones, Mr. Green.

>> Say, he is very strong.

>> Oh, come here, Marcella.

>> Marcella: Oh, yes?

>> Meet Mr. Jones.

This is Marcella, Jones.

>> Hello, Marcella.

>> Hello, big boy.

I got your fish and rice all ready for you.

>> Yeah?

>> You know, I'm from South Carolina myself.

>> You told me you's from Georgia.

>> Told me Lynchburg.

>> Marcella sure had a busy mama.

She done born her in every city south of the line.

(both laughing) This is my New York home, bo, and you'll always find me here.

Oh, Marcella, where's Undine?

(piano playing) Didn't know I was coming in, eh?

Honeying up to my gal, eh?

(Undine screams) >> Wait a minute!

Watch yourself!

>> Jeff, take it easy.

>> No, don't do that!

Don't do that, son!

Not inside of my house!

You ain't gonna send me to jail!

Y'all go ahead and dance!

(piano playing merrily) >> There she is.

Undine, meet Mr. Jones.

>> Pleased to meet you, Mr. Jones.

Want to dance?

>> Jeff: Sure, go ahead.

You're my buddy, ain't you?

(piano playing merrily) >> How you like the city, big boy?

>> I like it fine now.

>> Coming back soon?

>> Soon as the train'll bring me.

>> I'll be here.

(train whistle blowing) (Brutus vocalizing) ♪ Oh, little gal ♪ ♪ Little gal ♪ ♪ There's a humming and a strumming ♪ ♪ In the land from east to west ♪ ♪ I's a-sighing for you honey ♪ (piano playing gently) >> Sure glad to see you.

I get to missing you more and more on these long runs.

>> You know, you oughtn't ask me to come here to meet you.

I've been afraid.

>> Afraid of what?

>> Oh, you know.

Jeff.

He's a bad actor over me.

>> Well, you ain't got nothing to be afraid of.

I can handle that little two-bits porter.

You ought to throw him over anyhow.

Then it'll be just you and me.

>> Sometimes I wonder.

>> Wonder what?

>> If we're gonna last.

>> You ain't got nothing to worry about, honey.

But you ain't heard the good news yet.

I been transferred to the President's private car.

>> Aw, that ain't nothing.

Why, Jeff say you don't make no tips on that job, that's why he didn't take it.

>> There you are.

That's the difference between me and Jeff, he can't see no bigger than two bits.

Me, why I just be stepping to my own class on that private car.

(train whistle blowing) (train chugging) >> Man: Harrington, if there is no leak, we stand to clean up millions.

>> Harrington: That's the idea.

>> Man: Goodnight.

>> Harrington: Goodnight.

>> Goodnight, Jones.

>> Goodnight.

(train whistle blows) (train chugging) >> Anything on your mind, Jones?

>> I's awful worried about that merger.

Sure would be bad for us if that news got out.

>> Us?

Hmm.

How long have you been with me, Jones?

>> Six weeks, sir.

>> Learning fast, Jones.

Almost too fast.

Got any money, Jones?

>> I got about 300 in the bank.

>> All right.

You're in the pool for $300.

>> Thank you, sir.

>> And Jones, I would rather you didn't leave the car until Sunday.

Two days solitary, but it'll be worth it.

Right?

>> Yes, sir.

>> And Jones, when we get back to New York, it might be a good idea for you to go back on your old run.

There's more room for big men in Georgia.

>> Yes, sir.

>> Boy, you sure was born to wear that oyster front.

Where'd you get such a good fit?

>> Well, the boss and me talked it over and he sent me to his tailor.

He said, "Jones, you got a position to live up to now "and you can't afford to be careless in your attire."

>> You and Mr. Harrington must be getting mighty thick.

>> Well, we just pulled off a little deal together.

I gave him some valuable advice and he said, "Jones, you're learning fast.

"You're getting big."

And then he takes me into partnership.

>> But ain't you going back on the Pullman no more?

>> Oh, I'll stick by the job for a few more runs, but, uh, things don't seem to be going quite right on that old run of mine and the boss asked me to drop down that way and straighten them out.

>> Well, I guess since you'll be down that way, you'll probably drop in the White House.

>> Oh, that's an idea!

(Undine laughs) Look here, what are you trying to do, kid me?

>> Me, kid you?

Boy, you're a scream.

"Jones, you're getting big.

"You're learning fast.

"Then he takes me into partnership."

Come clean, big boy, where'd you get that money?

In a crap game?

(laughs) >> Go ahead, laugh some more.

You done laughed yourself right off of my payroll.

>> Oh, honey!

Sweetheart, I didn't mean it.

I was only kidding.

>> No, you's too funny to live with.

Any woman's baggage, what gets heavier and heavier the longer you totes 'em.

You got to change 'em to keep traveling light.

Here's $40 and goodbye.

>> So you was all set to do this before you come in, huh?

>> Through is through, you heard me.

And you can go back to Jeff.

He still thinks there ain't nobody like his Undine.

>> Yeah.

Well, you ain't the first man that's gone down and out thinking everybody else was a fool.

I got eyes, even if Jeff ain't.

You can tell that polecat Belle La Due if she wants to keep on trying to look like Garbo, she'd better stay out of my way.

>> Slim, sister!

(door slams) (bright music) >> Well, if it ain't old big timer in from the west.

>> Hello, Jeff.

Hello, Undine.

(bright music) (crowd clapping) Undine, meet Miss La Due.

>> I've known Belle since before she straightened her hair.

And when she went with Johnson.

Where is he now, Belle?

Still in jail?

>> Undine, where is your manners?

>> I'm just trying to talk so that polecat can understand me.

>> Come on, baby.

Let's dance.

(bright music) >> What's the matter with you tonight, Undine?

Now, I don't like you acting sore to my pal.

>> Your pal!

>> Yeah.

>> Don't make me laugh.

Why, he's been biting you at the back for a year.

>> What do you mean?

>> I mean when I get finished with Belle, he ain't gonna have much left to love.

(chair clatters) >> Oh, you dirty... (women screaming) (crowd chattering) (bright music) >> I's traveling light.

(train chugging) (train whistle blowing) (train chugging) >> Come on, you nits, get back away from this table and give me room, will ya?

>> Man: What's the matter, Jeff?

I never saw you in such a mood.

>> Never mind the lip, get these nits back away from the table.

>> Man: Hey, fellas, come on, back up!

Give him a chance.

>> Oh, we ain't in his way!

>> Man: Shoo!

On the line, you nits.

>> Eighter from Decatur.

>> Beaver dice!

>> Big dick.

>> Who is that singing?

Is that you, Lily-pie?

>> Lily: Yes.

>> Well, if you can't sing no better than that, shut up.

(dealer laughs) >> Jeff's gal must've sold him down.

>> Yes, what's eating you, Jeff?

You been trying to ride somebody ever since you come in here.

>> Jeff: Ah, woman, dry up.

(Lily singing) (crowd chattering) >> Let 'em roll!

>> Gentlemen says you've faded.

Let 'em roll.

>> Push over, little tender, let a man have elbow room.

$20 they don't.

>> 20 they do.

>> Shake, rub, and roll 'em here, brother.

>> Hot dice!

>> Ha!

The man went away.

>> Hot money.

>> Ride, Jones.

Give me a shooter there, somebody.

Come on, give me a shooter.

>> 15¢ I shoot.

>> Man, take that chicken feed off of here and play it on the line.

Come on, give me a shooter there.

>> Big money talks.

What you shooting, Mr. Jones?

>> 20 and a nickel.

>> 20 and a nickel, he goes >> I got the nickel!

>> Can't bet what's in your hand, put it on the wood.

>> Let him shoot.

>> Let him roll, he's faded.

>> Hold my hat, nit.

>> Let's go, poppa.

>> Let me in here.

Great balls of fire!

Big dick, don't get nervous, boy, you'll get it back.

Let me have it.

Six-four me, dice.

>> 11.

>> Who wants any part of these four sawbucks?

I makes my point.

>> Let the dice bring on misery.

>> Dealer: Catch 'em hopping and let 'em hear 'em chatter.

>> Six-four me, dice!

>> Six-ace, the man went away.

>> Would you get up off the table?

Can't you see your coat sleeve's stopping the dice?

>> Oh, what are you talking about?

Can't I make a bet?

>> Here, old boy, you win a dime.

There you are, Jeff, mark mine.

Who's the next shooter?

>> 85¢ I shoot.

>> 85¢ the lady shoots.

>> Bring your bet here, your cushions favor me.

>> Let 'em roll, she's faded.

>> 20 the dice do.

>> Let the hussy sprain her wrist.

>> I'mma cut you a brand new mouth with these dice and give you something to put in it, you long black snake, you.

>> Ah, roll.

>> 11 dice!

>> Snake eyes.

The lady goes.

>> Say, Stumpy, were you on me then?

>> Yeah, I was.

>> Woman: Didn't I tell you never to get on my bets?

>> Yeah, but honey, this is a crap game.

>> On the line, you nits.

Catch 'em hopping and let 'em hear 'em chatter.

>> 20 and a nickel I shoot >> 20 and a nickel he shoots.

>> I got the nickel.

>> Let 'em roll.

>> On the line, you small fish.

I'll take you, too.

>> Let 'em roll.

>> $80 the dice do.

>> 160 they don't.

>> They do.

>> (laughs) I knowed I'd have a crap game today.

The Yankee boys is in town.

>> Let 'em roll, the man's fading.

>> Catch 'em hopping.

>> 11 natural.

>> What's the matter?

>> Put the dice down!

>> Crooked, huh?

>> Well, if they is crooked, they stand just like him and here's where I straighten them both.

(all scuffling) (Jeff shouts) (woman screams) >> Man: Jeff!

♪ You know if some brown wolf ♪ ♪ Came in rootin' round my back door ♪ ♪ Lord every ♪ ♪ He found a hammer ♪ ♪ Killed John Henry dead ♪ ♪ Killed John Henry dead ♪ ♪ Can't kill me ♪ ♪ There ain't no hammer ♪ ♪ That's on this mountain ♪ ♪ That rings like mine boy ♪ ♪ That rings like mine ♪ ♪ Done bust this rock boy ♪ ♪ From here to Macon ♪ ♪ All the way to the jail boy ♪ ♪ Yes back to the jail ♪ ♪ Water boy ♪ ♪ Where are you hiding ♪ ♪ If you don't come I'm gonna tell your mammy ♪ ♪ Water boy water me from the lime rock branch ♪ ♪ Water I cannot drink ♪ ♪ You jack o' diamonds ♪ ♪ Yes you jack o' diamonds ♪ ♪ Well I know you of old, boy ♪ ♪ Yes I know you of old ♪ >> Come here, Jones.

Open it up.

Open it up.

Asleep, eh?

Well, I'll learn him how to run away.

Wake him up.

>> Oh, if I lay my hands on that boy, the Lord'll strike me dead.

>> Won't take orders, eh?

♪ Killed John Henry ♪ (machinery chugging) (gun fires) (machinery chugging) >> Dump it, old boy!

Let her go!

(rocks crashing) (alarm siren wailing) (knocking on window) Dolly.

Let me in, quick!

Dolly, honey, you hear me?

(knocking on window) >> Who that?

>> Brutus, honey.

Let me in, quick!

>> Oh, Lord, I'm glad to see you!

Oh, but you's in trouble!

>> Listen, Dolly, you got to move fast.

Get me a file, a change of clothes.

Especially shoes.

>> But you's cut!

>> Hurry, honey.

I gotta leave the country.

(shackles thud) ♪ Don't run aground traveling ♪ ♪ Traveling ♪ ♪ Get there by and by ♪ ♪ I'm traveling ♪ ♪ Traveling ♪ ♪ Get there day by and by ♪ Say, where is this tub stopping next?

>> Kingston.

Gets there tomorrow.

>> Ain't we stopping on these little islands on the way?

>> Boy, this is no local.

This is running express.

>> Kingston?

Quite a big city, eh?

>> Now you're shouting.

They got everything there.

Dance halls, gals.

>> They got telegraph?

>> Man: Cable, you mean, big boy?

Sure, they got cable.

>> What's that little island with the white fort we've been coming on this afternoon?

>> Nobody bothers go that place.

>> There ain't there there but trouble.

>> Trouble is my buddy.

Say, bo, watch my door.

I ain't gonna be long.

>> Okay.

>> Trouble, here I come.

(water splashes) (waves crashing) Who's there?

Who that?

What you want, buddy?

(men grunting) All right, all right, I'm coming.

(waves crashing) (gentle music) (man sneezes) >> Your Highness, Mr. Smithers is waiting to see you.

>> Show the gentleman in.

(gentle music) >> Send Mr. Smithers in.

>> Well, Your Excellency, the goods has come and I brought you a few samples.

First class, just like I said they'd be.

Now, here's the figures.

400 cash for the lot.

>> Oh, no.

I got the contract this time.

The contract, he say 300.

>> Contract?

Well, that's just the bloomin' point.

You see, er, here it says, "Except for a act of God."

Now, then, there ain't the like of that consignment within 300 miles and the next boat don't get here for two months.

Now, ain't that a act of God, so help me?

(people chattering excitedly) >> Where you get that trash from?

>> On the beach.

>> Where you come from?

Come to make trouble on my island?

Filthy swine.

Lock him up and throw him on the first boat out.

>> I'll take, here.

Here, five silver dollars for him.

Lock, stock, and barrel.

What do you say, now, is it a trade?

Good!

Here, wait a minute.

Here, bring him here.

I want to have a talk with him.

Yeah, that's all right he belongs to me.

Yes, so that's what.

A killer, what?

With the law on your trail and the bloomin' gallows waiting for you 'round the next corner, what?

>> Look here, white man.

I comes and I goes and that's my business.

>> (laughs) Not afraid to stand right up to your betters and tell 'em what's what, huh?

You wouldn't be afraid of a bit of a fight neither, would you?

>> When I fight there's something in it.

And I don't ever fight on no empty belly.

>> Yeah, well, supposing your belly was full and you had a chance to get back at the stinking heathen what threw you out, what would you say then?

>> Now you's talking, white man.

>> All right.

Now, you get your rum and your eats.

But you don't get a stinking penny because I'm a trader, see?

I ain't no bloomin' missionary and if anybody worries you, you just tell 'em you belong to Mr. Smithers.

>> I belongs to Mr. Smithers.

What's that?

>> Ginger.

>> What's that?

>> Tomato.

>> What's that?

>> Cocoa.

>> What's that?

>> Ginger.

>> Ginger?

What's that?

>> Coffee.

>> Coffee?

(laughs) Well, this ain't regular, but maybe the dice will do.

Now, they goes first to the gentleman with the Rolls Royce.

All right, talk to 'em, bo.

>> What I say?

>> Fever in the south.

>> Fever south?

>> Eighter from Decatur.

>> Eighter from Cater.

>> Big dick.

>> Big dick.

>> Ha!

>> Ha!

>> Well, shoot, man, don't you know "ha" means shoot?

Oh, the whole pile goes to the gentlemen with the Rolls Royce.

Well, all right.

Gather it in.

All yours, buddy.

Oh, I'll be dressed up here in a minute.

I'm going after that hat.

Let 'em roll!

Natural!

Let me have it, boy.

Now, Quacko, what do you say?

This whole pile against that Rolls Royce.

>> Ha!

>> The house is rolling.

Now, come on, you galloping dominoes.

Come home to papa and let 'er ride!

Ha!

Nine is the gentleman's point.

Come on, Eighter from Decatur!

Come on!

Ha!

Even us out, baby.

Ha!

The gentleman made his point.

Ah, the team is mine, Quacko, that's tough luck.

Better luck next Saturday night.

(chuckles) >> Me play woman for oxen.

>> Oh, no.

Women is women and Brutus Jones is through.

Well, I'll see you boys next week.

Look 'em over.

So long, Quacko, I'll see you later.

(chickens clucking) >> I wonder what the blazes is keeping that black ape.

(woman hawking wares) >> Whoa.

Whoa, boy, whoa.

(woman hawking wares) >> Here, where do you think you're going?

>> Oh, good morning, Mr. Smithers.

>> You works in here.

>> Well... To tell you the truth, Mr. Smithers, the boys back in the bush seems to like my methods.

I's figuring to open up a little trading business next door here.

>> Oh, cut my bleeding throat, would you?

After all I've done for you, too.

Is that your idea of gratitude?

>> Well, I's always ready to listen to reason.

And while I'm unloading, if I was to hear anybody say something about a partnership... >> Woman: Coconuts, pineapple!

Chicken all ready for the soup!

Raisins and new corn and coconuts and pineapples!

Great big chicken, all ready for the soup!

Pineapples, big chicken, ready for the soup!

(crowd chattering) >> How do, Mr. Smithers?

How have you been?

I'm sure glad to see you.

>> How do you do, mister?

Why don't you come in and pay your bills?

(crowd chattering) Every time I rides up here through that jungle, it gives me the creeps.

Say, you notice they shut the gates after us?

>> Looka here, white man, is your nerve slippin'?

(pounds on door) >> Well, I don't like it.

If you had to recruit an army for him, why did you have to get such big blokes?

>> Yes, them is fine.

I bet you they knows a man when they sees one.

>> Well, if there's any trouble, you've only got yourself to blame.

Saluting him and calling him General and-- >> Well, now, I tell you, Mr. Smithers, if there's any trouble, you just leave the General to me.

(crowd chattering) >> Mr. Smithers to see Your Excellency.

>> Show the gentleman in.

>> Well, good day to Your Majesty.

Well, well!

Top hole, eh?

Top hole.

As fine a body of men as ever I clapped me peepers on.

Eh, what, Jones?

>> Right.

>> Yeah.

And well farmed.

>> I reckons when you figure how little it's costing you, makes you feel mighty proud.

>> Send in the treasurer.

This is my treasurer.

Tell the general the truth, now.

Does you know how to figure?

>> Yes, Your Highness.

>> Now, you see, I got a figure.

Produce the contract.

Your bill, Mr. Smithers.

>> Yeah, well, here you are, Your Excellency.

Now, then, there was a hundred uniforms at $5.

That's a thousand dollars.

There was a hundred rifles at $5.

A thousand dollars.

One cannon was 500 and the ammo... Well, it adds up to $4,000, Your Excellency.

>> What does the treasurer report?

>> It seems to me that there might be a little error.

>> Oh, well, here, here, let me have a look at it.

Yes, we all make mistakes now and again.

>> Yes, there is a mistake, I've seen it all along.

It's $5,000.

There you is, Captain.

Check that off and tell it to the boss.

(General claps) Fire!

(guns firing) (Brutus laughing) >> Fire again!

Plenty of guns.

(laughs) (gun fires) Don't you all knows I's got a charm?

Takes a silver bullet to kill Brutus Jones.

My turn now, General!

Company!

Attention!

Throw him outta here.

I'm boss here now.

All of you, get out of here!

And wait.

Them what I wants to stay will hear from me in an hour.

Smithers, you wait.

I wants to confer with you.

>> Well, blimey if you ain't pulled it off.

You have got a nerve.

>> Nerve and brain.

>> I calls it stinking luck, having that they miss you twice at 10 feet.

>> Pick up that gun.

Break it.

>> Blanks.

Blimey, how-- >> You remember when Quacko got drunk in town last night and I takes care of his gun while he sleeps it off?

Well, that's what I call brains.

Whew!

This place smells more like a chain gang dump than a palace.

Say, Smithers, how you likes the contract for doing this dump over?

>> Now you're talking!

>> I gives you an audience tomorrow.

Hey, and bring along them fashion sheets that I gets last summer and then I wants mirrors, plenty of 'em.

And remember, Smithers, red's my color.

I always had a special taste for red.

Mr. President.

No.

King Brutus.

No, somehow that don't make enough noise.

Smithers, cigarette.

Light.

(match strikes) Smithers, you have just had an audience with the Emperor Jones.

(dramatic music) My sash.

Watch that foot.

Give me a drink.

My coat.

Brush it off.

Tell Smithers I sees him here.

Clear out, all of you.

>> Your Majesty.

>> Well, Smithers, what's on your mind this morning?

>> Well, you remember what I told you when you slapped that last tax on coffee?

That you were cutting your own bloomin' throat?

In the village last night and your tax collector got beaten up so his own mother wouldn't know him.

>> Oh, that's old stuff.

>> My army's got them already.

And I'm going to dress 'em down before the whole court this morning.

They all needs a lesson.

>> To late to give 'em a lesson now, my lad.

You've got 'em squeezed dry.

>> Looka here.

When I takes this job, what I tells you?

I says three years for my cleanup, don't I?

Well, we's got six months to go.

Them's my arrangements and I ain't gonna change.

>> I suppose you got your money hidden away safe, eh?

>> I sure has.

And it's banked in a foreign land where there ain't no chain gangs and no Jim Crows and nobody can get it except me.

In six months I walks out on circus.

And from then on, I's top dog.

>> Top dog, eh?

>> Looka here, white man.

There's little stealing like you does and there's big stealing like I does.

For little stealing they get you in jail sooner or later, but a big stealing?

They makes you emperor and puts you in a hall of fame when you croak.

>> Well, all I know is that it's a wise gambler that knows when to quit.

>> Looka here, white man.

You think I still ain't got these there?

You think when I cracks the whip they don't jump through?

All right, I shows you.

I'll summon the court.

(dramatic music) >> His Majesty is on the throne.

>> Summon the court.

(dramatic music) >> Archduke and Duchess of Manhattan.

Marquis and Marchioness of Newark.

Marquis and Marchioness of Baton Rouge.

Lord and Lady of Baltimore.

Lord and Lady of Richmond.

And all points in His Majesty's kingdom, north, south, east, and west.

And Mr. Smithers.

>> Bring in the prisoners.

(dramatic music) So yous yourself to start a-roughhousing and beat up an officer of the crown?

Well, I see I been too easy on you.

Now I'm going to show you who's boss around here.

Lieutenant.

Take them to the courtyard and give 'em 50 lashes a piece.

And lock 'em up.

I said lock' em up!

>> Forward march!

(dramatic music) >> Captain!

Take your company to the five mile village and burn it off the face of the Earth!

Everything!

(dramatic music) Understand?

Right face!

Forward march!

March!

(dramatic music) (person whistles nearby) Who dare whistle that way in my palace?

Who dare wake up the emperor?

I'll get the hides frayed off some of you for sure.

>> It was me who whistled to you.

I got news for you.

>> Oh, it's you, Mr. Smithers.

What news you got to tell me?

>> Where's all your court?

The generals and the cabinet ministers and all?

>> Where they mostly run to the minute I closes my eyes.

Drinking rum, talking big down in the town.

How come you don't know that?

Ain't you sousing with them most every day?

>> Well, I got you in my business and I-- >> (scoffs) Your business.

>> Blimey, when you landed here you didn't have no high and mighty airs.

>> Talk polite, white man.

Talk polite, do you hear me?

I'm boss here now.

Is you forgetting?

>> Yes, yes, all right.

No harm meant, old sop.

>> I accept your apology.

What I was then is one thing and what I is now is another.

I wasn't afraid to hire you that time after you broke jail in the States.

>> No, you didn't have no excuse to look down on me for that.

You been in jail yourself more 'n once.

>> That's a lie!

Ha.

(stammering) Who told you that fairy story?

>> There's some things I ain't got to be told.

I can see 'em in folks's eyes.

>> Well, from what I've been told, it ain't safe for a black to kill a white man in the States.

>> You mean lynchings scare me?

Well, I'll tell you, Smithers.

Maybe I does kill one white man back there.

Maybe I does.

And maybe I kills another right here before long if he don't look out!

>> Here, you think I'd preach on you?

Not me.

I'm your friend, ain't I?

>> Sure, you is.

And you'd better be.

>> And to show you that I'm your friend, I'll tell you that bit of news I was going to.

>> Go ahead, shoot the breeze.

Must be might bad news from the happy way you look.

>> Ain't noticed any of the servants or the guards around the place this morning, I ain't.

>> Oh, they all out in the garden, sleeping under the trees.

All I gotta do is to ring that gong and they come flying.

>> All right.

Ring it now and you'll see what I mean.

>> Sure, I'll ring.

(bangs gong) (Smithers laughs) >> The rotten ship is sinking and the bloomin' rats have slung their hooks!

>> Low-flung woods-- (bangs gong) Well, I reckon I overplayed my hand this once.

A man can't take the pot on a bobtail flush all the time.

Was I saying I'd sit in six months more?

Well, I's changed my mind, then.

I cashes in and resigns the job of emperor right this minute.

>> Well, blimey, you're a cool bird and no mistake.

>> No use fussing.

When I knows the game's up, I kisses it goodbye without no long wait.

They's all run off to the hills, ain't they?

>> Yes.

Lem was taking 'em, every man jack of 'em.

>> Then the revolution is at the post.

And the emperor better get his feet smoking up that trail.

>> Going to look for your horse, ain't you?

Well, you won't find it.

They steals the horses first thing.

>> Well... Then I hoofs it.

Feet, do your duty.

3:30.

Sundown's at 6:30 or thereabouts.

Oh, I got plenty of time.

Make it easy.

>> Yeah, well, don't you be so blasted sure.

You'll have to hustle to get through that forest in 12 hours.

Even if you knew the trails like a bloomin' native.

>> Looka here, white man, do you think I's a natural born fool?

Why, I's gone out in that forest so many times pretending to hunt, I knows it high and low like a book.

I could find them trails with my eyes shut.

And I got tinned grub hid there under a big white stone where I can find it.

Dawn tomorrow I reaches the coast and boards that French gunboat.

I got to laugh at these fool black trash around here.

(laughs) It's so easy.

>> Supposing something happens and they does nab you?

>> I's got five lead bullets in this gun and after that I's got this silver bullet left to cheat 'em outta getting me.

I tells 'em when the time comes I kills myself with it.

That's 'cause I'm the only man in the world big enough to get me.

>> Then you had a silver bullet made?

Honest?

>> Oh, I sure did.

Here she be.

Five lead bullets and this silver baby at last.

Don't she shine pretty?

>> Let me see.

>> Keep your hands where they belong, white man.

>> Blimey, you'd think I was a blasted thief.

>> No, it ain't that.

I know you're scared to steal from me.

Well, I ain't allowing anybody to touch this baby.

She's my rabbit's foot.

>> A sort of charm, eh?

Blimey, you'll need all your bloomin' charms before long, so help me.

(drum beating in distance) >> What's that drum beating for?

>> For you!

The Blacks is having a war dance in the hills, working up their courage 'fore they start after you.

>> Then let 'em.

They'll sure need it.

>> They're making all sorts of devil spells and charms against your silver bullet.

>> It takes more than that to steal this chicken.

(drums beating in distance) >> Tonight, when it's pitch black in the forest, they'll be sending their pet devils and ghosts hounding after you.

You'll find your bloomin' hair will be standing on end by tomorrow morning.

A mighty queer place that forest is, even in daylight.

You don't know what might happen there.

It's that rotten still.

Always sends the cold shivers down me back the minute I gets in it.

>> You go along, white man.

You ain't talking to this baby.

What ghosts and hants got to do with me?

Well, don't you know I's a member in good standing of the Baptist Church?

Let 'em try their heathen tricks.

The Baptist Church done protect me.

Land 'em all in Hell.

>> Yeah, you ain't paid much heed to your Baptist Church down here.

Taking up with them bloomin' witch doctors.

>> Oh, sure, I pretend.

It don't get me nothing to do missionary work for the Baptist Church.

I's after the coin.

And I lays my religion on the shelf for the time being.

But I ain't got the time to waste no more fool talk with you.

I'm going away from here this second.

So long, white man.

I'll see you in jail sometime, maybe.

>> Not me, you won't!

Here, you ain't going out this way, are you?

>> Yes, you think I'd sneak out the back door?

I's emperor yet, ain't I?

And the Emperor Jones leaves the way he comes.

And that black trash don't dare stop him.

Not yet, leastways.

(drums beating in distance) Listen to that roll call, will you?

Must be a might big drum to carry that far.

Well, if there ain't no old brass band to see me off, I sure got the drum part of it.

So long, white man.

(drums beating in forest) >> Give my regards to any ghosts you meet.

(drums beating in forest) >> Well, here I is.

In the nick of time, too.

Sure, get me air.

I's tuckered out sure enough.

That soft emperor job sure ain't no training for a long hike over that plain in the broiling sun.

(drums beating in forest) Children.

I wonder they wouldn't get sick of beating that drum.

Sound louder, seem like.

When did they start in after me?

Oh, sure!

They's miles and miles behind.

What you getting fidgety about?

You know what?

Your belly's empty, that's what's the matter with you.

Nothing but wind on your stomach.

'Course you feel jiggity.

Well, we eats right here and now.

(drums beating in forest) White stone, white stone, where is you?

Ah, here you is.

I knowed this was the right place.

Box of grub, come to me.

It ain't here.

Has I lost the place?

(drums beating in forest) There's another stone.

Oh, yes, that's it.

(drums beating in forest) Ain't here neither.

Oh, grub, where is you?

You ain't here.

Has I got to go hungry in them woods all the night?

Can't tell nothing from them trees.

(drums beating in forest) Nothing 'round here look like I ever lost the place sure enough.

Mighty queer.

Mighty queer!

Woods, is you trying to put something over on me?

(drums beating in forest) Who's there, who that?

What is you?

Get away from me, boy!

(gun fires) (drums beating in forest) They're gone.

Yeah, that shot fixed 'em.

Oh, it was only a little animal.

Little wild pigs, I reckon.

They maybe rooted out your grub and eat it.

Sure, you fool.

What you think they is?

Hants?

(drums beating in forest) You give the game away when you fired that shot.

(drums beating in forest) Get in, what you scared at?

Ain't nothing there but the trees.

Get in there.

(drums beating in forest) And the moon's rising.

Did you hear?

Get more light and you sees where you's going.

Cheer up.

From now on you has a snap.

Whew!

It's warm.

And that's a fact.

How long I been making tracks in these here woods?

Seem like forever.

(drums beating in forest) This am a long night for you, Your Majesty.

(laughs) Majesty.

Ain't much majesty about this baby now.

Never mind, it's all a part of the game.

This night come to an end like everything else.

And you'll gets there safe and have that bankroll in your hands.

You'll laugh at all this.

♪ Ain't no hammer ♪ ♪ On this mountain ♪ ♪ Ring like mines eh ♪ ♪ Ring like mine ♪ ♪ This old hammer ♪ ♪ Ring like silver say ♪ ♪ Ring like silver ♪ ♪ Shine like gold ♪ What you singing for, you?

Want all the world to hear you?

(drums beating in forest) Hear that old drum.

Sure gets nearer from the sound.

They're packing it along with 'em.

Time for me to move.

(drums beating in forest) What's the little queer crickety sound I hear?

Sound like... Sound...

It sound like shootin' crap.

Time I beats it quick when I gets them notions.

Who there?

Who that?

Is that you, Jeff?

Jeff!

I'm sure mighty glad to see you.

They told me you done died from that cut I give you.

(drums beating in forest) How you come to be here?

Ain't you going to look up?

Can't you speak to me?

Is you... Is you a hant?

I killed you dead once.

Has I got to kill you again?

You take it then!

(gun fires) (drums beating in forest) He's gone anyway.

Hant or no hant, that shot fixed him.

(drums beating in forest) It's getting nearer.

Oh, they's coming fast and here I is shooting shots to let 'em know just where I is.

Glory, I've got to run!

(drums beating in forest) I'm melting with heat from running and running and running.

Damn, this here coat like a straitjacket.

(drums beating in forest) Now I can breathe.

I gets rid of them frippity emperor's trappings and I travels lighter.

(drums beating in forest) How'd this road ever get here?

I never remember seeing it before.

These woods is sure full of the queerest things at night.

Lord God, don't let me see no more of them hants.

Oh, sure, that was all in your head.

Wasn't nothing there.

Wasn't no Jeff.

You know what?

You just seeing them things 'cause your belly's empty and you're sick with hunger inside.

Bless God I don't see no more of 'em, whatever they is.

(drums beating in forest) Mercy, Lord, mercy!

(drums beating in forest) Yes, sir, yes sir.

I's coming.

(drums beating in forest) You white devil.

I'll gets even with you yet, sometime.

(drums beating in forest) Oh, where is my hammer?

Give me my hammer and I splits his head!

Give me a hammer, will you?

Give me a hammer!

I kills you, you white devil, if it's the last thing I ever does!

Ghost or devil, I kills you again!

(gun fires) (drums beating in forest) Oh, what I going to do now?

Ain't go no bullets left.

Only the silver one.

(drums beating faster) (water splashing) (drums beating faster) What is this place?

Seem like...

Seem like I been here before.

Oh, oh!

(shuddering) (drums beating faster) (Brutus shuddering) (drums beating faster) What is I doing?

Seem like...

Seem like I know that stone and them trees and the river.

I remember.

Seem like, seem like I been here before.

Oh, oh, glory, I'm scared of this place!

Oh, Lord, I done wrong, I knows it.

Oh, Lord, oh, Lord...

I'm down here, where these fools was raising me up to the seat of the mighty.

I steals all I could grab.

Lord, I done wrong.

I knows it, I's sorry.

Forgive me, Lord, forgive this poor sinner.

(congregation singing) ♪ Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel ♪ ♪ Daniel Daniel ♪ ♪ Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel ♪ ♪ Then why not every man ♪ ♪ Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel ♪ ♪ Deliver Daniel Daniel Daniel ♪ ♪ Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel ♪ ♪ Why not every man ♪ ♪ He delivered Daniel from the lions den ♪ ♪ Jonah from the belly of the whale ♪ ♪ The Hebrew children from the fiery furnace ♪ ♪ Why not every man ♪ ♪ Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel Daniel Daniel ♪ ♪ Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel ♪ ♪ Why not every man ♪ Oh, Lord, you done protect this sinner.

You done saved this sinner, Lord.

I've done repented.

Oh, Lord, I done repent and I'm coming through, Lord!

Oh, Lord, Lord!

Yes!

(drums beating nearby) (Brutus groaning and shuddering) Have mercy, Lord!

Mercy!

Lord, hear my prayer!

The silver bullet!

You don't gets me yet!

(gun fires) (Brutus shuddering) >> I'll bet he's miles away by now and safe at the coast.

I told you you'd lose him, didn't I?

Beating your silly drum and casting your stinking spells.

Blimey, what a pack!

>> We'll catch him, you'll see.

>> Why don't you go into the woods and hunt after him?

What's the good in waiting?

>> We'll catch him.

(Brutus grunting) (drums beating) >> Well, you ain't thinking that's him, I hopes.

>> That's him.

My men got silver bullets, kill him sure.

>> They got a silver bullet?

>> Lead bullet no kill him.

Him got strong charm.

I cook money, make silver bullets.

Make strong charm, too.

>> Ah!

(Brutus shuddering and grunting) (guns firing) (drums beating faster) (Brutus grunting) (drums beating fast) (Brutus thuds) Well, they did for you right enough, Jonesy, me lad.

Dead as a herring.

Where's all your high and mighty airs now, your bloomin' majesty?

Silver bullets.

Blimey.

Anyhow, you died in the height of style.

(dramatic orchestral music)