JIM LEHRER: Finally tonight, remembering Ossie Davis. As an actor, writer and director, Davis' career lasted more than 50 years on stage, screen and television. He was deeply committed to advancing the cause of civil rights on screen and off, and many of his roles dealt with questions of racial justice.
He often starred with his actress wife, Ruby Dee. They were married more than 50 years. Here they are together in one of their best-known films, "Do the Right Thing." Davis plays a neighborhood fixture known as "Da Mayor." Ruby Dee is the unwilling object of his affection.
RUBY DEE: Hey! You old drunk! What did I tell you about drinking in front of my stoop? Move on, you're blocking my view. You are ugly enough. Don't stare at me! The evil eye doesn't work on me.
OSSIE DAVIS: Mother-sister, you've been talking about me for 18 years. What have I ever done to you?
RUBY DEE: You're a drunk fool.
OSSIE DAVIS: Besides that? Da Mayor don't bother nobody, and nobody don't bother Da Mayor. But you. Da Mayor just tend to his own business. I love everybody. I even love you.
RUBY DEE: Hold your tongue. You don't have that much love.
OSSIE DAVIS: One day you're going to be nice to me. We may both be dead and buried, but you're going to be nice. At least civil.
SECOND ACTRESS: May I help you?
OSSIE DAVIS: I want some flowers.
SECOND ACTRESS: The whole thing?
OSSIE DAVIS: The whole thing.
SECOND ACTRESS: It's very expensive.
OSSIE DAVIS: I know, I'll pay. I thought you might like these. Guess not. There is nothing like the smell of fresh flowers, don't you agree, mother-sister? Summertime, all you can smell is the garbage. The smell overpowers everything, especially the soft, sweet smell of flowers.
If you don't mind, I'm going to sit right here, catch myself a breeze or two. Then I'll be on my way. Thank the Lord the sun is going down. It is hot as blazes, yes, Jesus. Well, guess I'll be on my way.
JIM LEHRER: Ossie Davis was 87 years old.
May 25, 2012
