(banging on drums and singing) (clapping and singing) (screaming and commotion) ♪ (singing) 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.

♪ Yeah ♪ Meet me in the air ♪ If my two wings fail me ♪ Yeah.

♪ I'll 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.

- Amen.

- Amen.

- I proposes that we devote the closing prayer to a faithful member of our flock.

who is leavin' us tonight to fill a position of great importance in foreign parts.

I refers to our brother, Brutus Jones.

(gasping) Will you bow y'all's heads in prayer.

Almighty and everlasting God.

We, the people of Hezekiah Baptist Church.

- [Everyone] Is gathered together.

- For the purpose of givin' into your keepin' our brother, Brutus Jones.

- [Woman] Yes, Lord, our brother.

- Like the prodigal son in the story.

- Yes!

Yeah!

- He's a-settin' out on a far journey.

But this boy ain't like the prodigal son.

- [Woman] No, he's not, he ain't like the prodigal.

- He ain't shiftless, and he ain't worthless.

- [Group] Amen.

- Oh Lord, he ain't pumped up.

and he ain't vainglorious.

- [Woman] Amen.

- He ain't vainglorious, Lord.

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

- Yeah, I suppose these clothes is somethin' to look at back here, honey.

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

You oughta see them New York gals on Lenox Avenue.

- Them gals is fast, I bet, switchin' their selves to catch the mens.

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

- They ain't none of 'em as pretty in the face like my gal.

- And that prodigal son he takes the 'heritance 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.

- 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 landin' the job."

- Honey, they singin' the closing song at the church.

- We's got time.

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

- But you knows they's waitin' to see you before you go.

- I sure hates to leave my gal.

♪ It's me, it's me, it's me, oh Lord ♪ Standin' in the need of prayer ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Let me fly onto Mount Zion ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly Would you hold my hat, honey?

Hello, Susanna.

- Hello, Brutus.

- Hello, brother.

- How you doin'?

- Fine, thank you.

- Hello.

- How are you?

♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly onto Mount Zion, Lord, Lord ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly onto Mount Zion Lord, Lord ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly onto Mount Zion Lord, Lord ♪ Way down yonder in the middle of the field ♪ Angel workin' at the chariot wheel ♪ He's not so particular 'bout the workin' at the wheel ♪ Just wanna see how the chariot feel ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly onto Mount Zion Lord, Lord ♪ I met that hypocrite in the street ♪ First thing he do 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 ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly ♪ Now let me fly onto Mount Zion Lord, Lord ♪ I got a mother in the Promised Land ♪ Never (train whistle blowing) - There's your train, son.

- Good-bye, folks.

- Good-bye.

- Take care of yourself ♪ Same train ♪ Same train - Good-bye, 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 ridin' right now.

Come on.

- Right.

- But this is too much.

You is comin' back, ain't ya?

- Why, 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 'til I comes back, now.

- Jones, come on.

- All right, old boy.

It's all right, honey.

Take care of yourself.

Don't worry, I'll be back very soon.

Take care of yourself.

Good-bye.

Bye-bye.

(train whistle blowing) Bye-bye, bye-bye.

(train chugging) ♪ Same train carried my mother ♪ Same train, same train ♪ Same train carried my mother - Shine 'em, boy.

♪ Same train be back tomorrow You done told 'em good-bye now.

You gonna stick to it?

- Sure I is.

- 'Cause you big time from this on.

Now, I suppose you think you know all's there is about this job.

- Sure, didn't you done instruct me?

- Oh, just the rudimentals.

Now we's gon' take up the higher education, finances.

- Yes, brother.

- And right here is where I estimates the profits for the run.

Now, if you brushes a dime out of this, you is doin' well.

And 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.

That's a natural.

If you plays your hand right, it means the long green.

- Big money, huh?

- That's what I wanna tell you about.

You know there's two kind of womens that ride in a Pullman.

There's the kind that says, "where you been, porter?"

That don't mean nothin' but a tip.

Then there's the kind that sings out, "hello there, Jack Johnson."

And, boy, that mean money.

- The long green.

- Yeah and I'm gon' show you where to spend it.

(mimicking music) (piano music) ♪ I hate to see ♪ I hate to see that evenin' sun go down ♪ Oh Lord, oh Lord ♪ I hate to see Everybody, meet my friend from South Carolina.

Helen, meet Mr. Jones.

- [Helen] Oh.

- Jones, meet Mr. Green.

- What do you say?

- Gee, that's very strong.

- Now come here, Marcella, meet Mr. Jones.

- This is Marcella, Jones.

- Hello, Marcella.

- Hello, big boy.

I got your fish and rice all ready for ya.

You know, I'm from South Carolina myself.

- You told me you was from Georgia.

- Told me Lynchburg.

- Marcella sure had a busy ma.

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

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

Oh, Marcella, where's Undine?

- [Marcella] I don't know she was around here somewhere.

(piano and singing music) - Didn't know I was comin'in, eh?

Honeyin' up to my gal, eh?

(screaming) - Wait a minute, watch yourself.

Wait a minute, don't do that.

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 music) - There she is.

Undine, meet Mr. Jones.

- Pleased to meet you, Mr. Jones.

Wanna dance?

- [Jeff] Sure, go ahead.

You're my buddy, ain't you?

(piano music) - How do you like the city, big boy?

- I like it fine, now.

- Comin' back soon?

- Soon as the train'll bring me.

- I'll be here.

(train whistle blowing) ♪ Little gal ♪ And the mockingbird is singin' in the locus by the door ♪ Oh, little gal, little gal ♪ There's a hummin' and a strummin' ♪ In the land from east to west ♪ I's a-sighin' for you, honey (piano music) Honey, I's sure glad to see ya.

I get to missin' you more and more on these long runs.

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

I been afraid.

- Afraid of what?

- You know, of Jeff.

He's a bad actor over me.

- You ain't got nothin' to be afraid of.

I can handle that little two-bits porter.

You oughta throw him over anyhow.

Then it'd be just you and me.

- Sometimes I wonders.

- Wonders what?

- If we gonna last.

- You ain't got nothin' 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 nothin'.

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 'tween me and Jeff.

He can't see no bigger than two bits.

Me, why, I'd just be steppin' to my own class on that private car.

(train whistle blowing) - [Man] Harrington, if there is no leak we stand to clean up millions.

- That's the idea, good night.

- Good night.

- Good night, Jones.

- Good night, sir.

(train whistle blowing) - 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.

- ll 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 gettin' mighty thick.

- Well we just pulled off a little deal together.

I give him some valuable advice, and he said, "Jones, you're learnin' fast, you're gettin' big."

And then he takes me into partnership.

- Why ain't you goin' back on the Pullman no more?

- Oh, I'll stick by the job for a few more runs.

But things don't seem to be goin' quite right on that old run of mine.

and the boss asked me to drop down that way and straighten 'em out.

- Well I guess since you'll be down that way.

you'll probably drop in the White House.

- Well, that's an idea.

(laughing) Look here, what you tryin' to do, kid me?

- Me, kid you?

Boy, you're a scream.

"Jones, you're gettin' big, you're learnin' fast."

"Then he takes me into partnership."

Come clean, big boy.

Where'd you get that money, in a crap game?

- 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 kiddin'.

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

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

You got to change 'em to keep travelin' light.

Here's $40 and good-bye.

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

- Through is through, you heard me.

Then 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.

thinkin' everybody else was a fool.

I got eyes, even if Jeff ain't.

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

- Slim, sister.

(door banging) (laughing) (energetic music) (shoes tapping) (energetic music) - Well, if it ain't the old big-timer in from the west.

- Hello, Jeff, hello, Undine.

(energetic music) (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.

- What's the matter with you tonight, Undine?

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

- Your pal?

- Yeah.

- Don't make me laugh.

Why, he's been bitin' you in the back for a year.

- What do you mean?

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

Oh, you dirty little-- (screaming) - [Jeff] Hey, you, stop that.

Get out, go on.

Get out, come on, now.

(energetic music) - I's travelin' light.

(train chugging) (train whistle blowing) (lounge music) ♪ You can rock my soul - [Man] Number eight's his point.

♪ Come on and - Come on, you nits get back over to the 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, shoot.

- On the line, you nits.

- Eighter from Decatur.

- Beaver dice.

- Big dibs!

- Who is that singin'?

Is that you, Lily pie?

- Yes.

- Well, if you can't sing no better'n that, shut up.

(laughing) - Jeff's gal must have slowed him down.

- Yes, what's eatin' you, Jeff?

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

- [Jeff] Aw, woman, dry up.

- High rollers open.

- Let 'em roll.

- [Man] Gentleman says you've faded, let 'em roll.

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

$20 they don't.

- 20 they do.

♪ Now if you want me - Shake, rub and roll 'em here, brother.

- Hot dice.

- Ah the man went away.

- I'll throw in.

- Yeah, Jones, give me a shooter there, somebody.

Come on, give me a shooter.

- 15 cents I'll shoot.

- Man take that chicken feed off of here and play it on the line, give me a shooter man.

- Big money talk.

What you shootin', Mr. Jones?

- Put in a nickel.

- Put in a nickel, he goes.

- I got the nickel.

- [Man] Can't bet with it in your hand, put it on the wood.

Let 'em roll, he's faded.

- Hold my hat, nit.

Let me have 'em.

- Great balls of fire, big Dick, don't get nervous, boy.

You can back it, 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.

- [Man] Let him hear 'em chatter.

- Six four me dice.

- Six ace, the man went away.

- You know why don't you get up off the table?

Can't you see your coat sleeves stoppin' my dice?

- Now what are you talking about, can't I make a bet?

- Here, old boy, you win a dime.

Here you are, Jeff, mark money.

Who's the next shooter?

- 85 cents I shoot.

- 85 cents 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'm gon' cut you a brand new mouth with these dice and give you somethin' to put in it, you long black snake, you.

- Let them roll will you?

- 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 back?

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

- On the line, you nits.

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

- 20 and a nickel I shoot.

- 20 and a nickel he shoots.

- 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.

(laughing) - I knowed I'd have a crap game today.

- The Yankee boys is in town.

- Let 'em roll, the man's faded.

- [Man] Catch 'em hoppin'.

11, natural.

- What's the matter?

- Put them dice down.

Crooked, huh?

- Well, if they is crooked, they stands just like him.

and here's where I straighten 'em both.

- [Man] Get out of the way.

(shouting) (screaming) - [Man] Jeff.

♪ You know if some brown wolf ♪ Came in rootin' round my back door ♪ Lord, every time ♪ I kiss my man ♪ It seems to make me glow ♪ One vice may not hurt you ♪ But even two ♪ He found a hammer ♪ Killed John Henry dead ♪ Killed John Henry ♪ Can't kill me ♪ There ain't no hammer ♪ Left on this mountain ♪ That a-rings a-like mine, boys ♪ That a-rings a-like mine ♪ Done bust this rock, boys ♪ From here to Macon ♪ All the way to the jail, boys ♪ Yes, a-back to jail ♪ Water boy ♪ Where are you hiding?

♪ If you don't a-come ♪ I'm gwine a-tell your mammy ♪ Water boy ♪ Water me from the lime rock branch ♪ Water I cannot drink ♪ You jack of diamonds ♪ Yes, you jack of diamonds ♪ Well, I know you of old, boy ♪ Yes, I know you of old - Come here, Jones.

(hammers thudding) Open it up.

Open it up.

Asleep, eh?

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

Wake him up.

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

- Won't take orders, eh?

(thwacking) (whip cracking) (shouting) (machinery rumbling) (hammers thudding) (gun firing) Dump it, old boy.

Let 'er go.

(siren blaring) - Go on, get outta here.

(siren blaring) (knocking on glass) - Dolly, let me in, quick.

Dolly, honey, you hear me?

(knocking on glass) - Who that?

- Brutus, honey, let me in, quick.

- Oh, Lord, I's 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 got to leave the country.

(file scraping) ♪ I hope this steamboat won't run aground.

♪ Oh, I's travelin' ♪ Travelin' ♪ Get there by and by ♪ Oh, I's travelin' ♪ Travelin' ♪ Get there by and by Say, where is this tub stoppin' next?

- Kingston.

We get there tomorrow.

- Ain't we stoppin' on none of these little islands on the way?

- Boy, this no local, this running express.

- Kingston.

Quite a big city, eh?

- Now you're shoutin'.

They got everything there.

Dance halls, gals.

- They got telegraph?

- Cable, you mean, big boy?

Sure, they got cable.

- What's that little island with the white fort we been comin' on this afternoon?

- Just one of them there little nigger islands.

- But nobody bother go that place.

- Ain't nothin' there but trouble.

- Trouble is my buddy.

Say, bo', watch my door.

I ain't gonna be long.

- Okay.

- Trouble, here I come.

(water splashing) Who there, who that?

What do you want, buddy?

All right, all right, I'm comin'.

(tropical music) (sneezing) - Your Highness, Mr. Smithers is waiting to see you.

- Show the gentleman in.

- 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, here it says except for an 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 an act of God, so help me?

(chattering) - Come on, get inside.

Come on, come on, come on.

- [Man] They're gonna lock him up.

- 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 this bloomin' nigger off your hands for you, Your Highness.

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 wanna have a talk with him.

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

So that's what is, me lad, eh?

What they calls in the States a bad nigger, eh?

A killer, what?

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

- Look a-here, white man, I comes and I goes, and that's my business.

- Oh, oh, well, that's the kind of a nigger you are, eh?

Not afraid to stand right up to your betters and tell 'em what's what.

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

- When I fights, there's somethin' in it, and I don't never fights on no empty belly.

- Well, supposin' your belly was full.

and you had a chance to get back at the stinkin' heathen what threw you out?

What would you say then?

- Now you's talkin', white man.

- All right, now you get your rum and your eats, but you don't get a stinkin' penny.

Because I'm a trader, see?

I ain't no bloomin' missionary.

And if anybody worries ya, you just tell 'em you belong to Mr. Smithers.

- I belongs to Mr. Smithers.

What's that?

- Ginger.

- What's that?

- Pimiento.

- What's that?

- Coffee.

- What's that?

- Ginger.

- Ginger, what's that?

- Coffee.

(laughing) - Well, this ain't regular, but maybe the dice'll 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 'catur.

- Big Dick.

- Big Dick.

(grunting) - Well, shoot man, don't you know (grunting) means shoot?

The whole pile goes to the gentleman with the Rolls-Royce.

Well, all right.

Gather it in.

All yours, buddy.

I'll be dressed up here in a minute.

I'm goin' after that hat.

Let 'em roll, natural.

Let me have it, boy.

Now, Quaco, what do you say?

This whole pile against that Rolls-Royce.

(grunting) The house is rollin'.

Now, come on, you gallopin' dominoes.

Come home to Papa.

Let 'er ride.

(grunting) Nine is the gentleman's point.

Come on, eighter from Decatur.

Come on.

(grunting) Fever in the South, baby.

(grunting) The gentleman made his point.

Ah, the team is mine, Quaco.

That's tough luck.

Better luck next Saturday night.

- 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, Quaco, I'll see you later.

(speaking in a foreign language) - I wonder what the blazes is keepin' that black ape.

(speaking in a foreign language) - [Brutus] Whoa.

Whoa boy, whoa.

- [Woman] Ready for his debut.

(knocking on door) - Here, where do you think you're going?

- Well, 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 figurin' to open up a little tradin' business next door here.

- Oh, cut my bleedin' throat, would ya?

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 unloadin', if I was to hear anybody say somethin' about a partnership.

- Coconut, pineapple.

Fine fat chicken all ready for the tooth.

Raisins and new corn, coconut, pineapple.

Great big chicken all ready for the tooth.

Pineapple, big fat chicken ready for the tooth.

(chattering) - [Woman] Good day Mr. Smithers, maybe a coconut?

- Yes, good day.

- How do, Mr. Smithers?

How have you been?

I'm sure glad to see ya.

- How do you do?

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

- That's Mr. Smithers.

(chattering) - You know, every time I rides up here through that jungle it gives me the creeps.

Say, you notice they shut the gates after us?

- Look a-here, white man, is your nerves slippin'?

(knocking 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 niggers.

I betcha they knows a man when they sees one.

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

Salutin' him and callin' him General.

- I tell you, Mr. Smithers.

If there's any trouble, you just leave the general to me.

Us niggers understands each other.

- Tell him Mr. Smithers.

(knocking on door) You know, you gotta be diplomatic about it.

- [Brutus] Take it easy.

(chattering) - Mr. Smithers to see Your Excellency.

- Show the gentlemen in.

(clapping) - Well, good day to you, 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 found, if I says it meself as fitted 'em out, eh?

Good.

- Well, General, you got a swell army.

And I reckons, when you figure how little it's costin' ya makes ya feel mighty proud.

- Send in the treasurer.

This my treasurer.

Tell the general the truth now.

Does you know how to figure?

- Yes, Your Highness.

- Now, you see, I got a figurer.

Produce the contract.

Your bill, Mr. Smithers.

- Well, here you are, Your Excellency.

Now, then, there was a 100 uniforms at five dollars, that's a thousand dollars.

There was a hundred rifles at five dollars.

A thousand dollars.

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

- [General] What does the treasurer report?

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

- Ah, well, here, let me have a look at it.

Yes, we all make mistakes now and again.

- Here Smithers, the mistake I seen it all along.

It's $5,000.

There you is, cap'n.

Check that off and tell it to the boss.

(clapping) - Fire.

(gun firing) (laughing) Fire again, empty your gun.

(gun firing) (laughing) - Don't you all knows I's got a charm?

Takes a silver bullet to kill Brutus Jones.

My turn now, General.

Company, attention.

Take this bush nigger and throw him outta here.

I'm boss here now.

All of you, get outta 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 brains.

- I calls it stinkin' luck, havin' that nigger miss you twice at 10 feet.

- Pick up that gun.

Break it.

- Blanks, blimey how-- - You remember when Quaco 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.

Phew, rhis place smells more like a chain gang dump than a palace.

Say, Smithers, how ya likes the contract for doin' this dump over?

- Now you're talkin'.

- And don't make the mistake of thinkin' you's dealin' with any ignorant bush nigger.

I gives you an audience tomorrow.

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.

Smithers, you has just had an audience with the Emperor Jones.

(dramatic orchestral music) My sash.

Watch that foot.

Give me a drink.

My coat.

Brush it off.

Tell Smithers I'll sees him here.

Clear out, all of ya.

- Your Majesty.

- Well, Smithers, what's on your mind this mornin'?

- You remember what I told ya when you when you slapped that last tax on coffee, that you were cuttin' your own bloomin' throat?

- Sure I remembers, what of it?

- There was a riot down on the village last night.

and your tax collector got beaten up so his own mother wouldn't know 'im.

- Oh, that's old stuff.

My army's got them niggers already.

And I'm gonna dress 'em down before the whole court this mornin'.

They all needs a lesson.

- Too late to give 'em a lesson now, me lad.

You've got 'em squeezed dry.

- Look a-here.

When I takes this job, what I tells ya?

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 hid away safe, eh?

- I sure has.

And it's banked in a foreign land where they ain't no chain gangs and no Jim Crow.

and nobody can't get it except me.

In six months, I walks out on this nigger circus.

And from then on, I's top dog.

- Top dog, eh?

- Look a-here, white man.

There's little stealin' like you does.

and there's big stealin', like I does.

For little stealin' they get you in jail sooner or later.

For the big stealin' they makes you emperor.

and puts you in the hall of fame when you croaks.

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

- Look a-here white man.

Do you think I ain't still got these niggers like that?

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

All right, I shows ya.

I'll summon the court.

(royal music) (knocking on floor) - His Majesty is on the throne.

- Summon the court.

(dramatic orchestral music) - Archduke and Duchess of Manhattan.

(knocking on floor) Marquis and Marchioness of Newark.

(knocking on floor) Marquis and Marchioness of Baton Rouge.

(knocking on floor) Lord and Lady Baltimore.

(knocking on floor) Lord and Lady Richmond.

(knocking on floor) And all points in His Majesty's kingdom.

north, south, east and west.

And Mr. Smithers.

- Bring in the prisoners.

(dramatic orchestral music) So you's the niggers what takes it upon yourself to start a roughhouse.

then beat up an officer of the crown?

Well, I see I been too easy on you niggers.

Now I'm gonna show ya who's boss around here.

Lieutenant.

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

And lock 'em up.

I said lock 'em up.

- [Lieutenant] Forward march.

(dramatic orchestral music) - Captain.

Take your company to the five mile village and burn it off the face of the earth.

(dramatic orchestral music) Everything.

Understand?

Right face.

Forward march.

March!

(dramatic orchestral music) (whistling) Who dare whistle that way in my palace?

Who dare wake up the emperor?

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

- It was me whistled to ya.

I got news for ya.

- 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?

- Oh, they mostly runs the minute I closes my eyes.

Drinkin' rum, talkin' big down in the town.

How come you don't know that?

Ain't you sousin' with them most every day?

- Well I got to in my business, ain't I?

- 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 forgettin'?

- It's all right.

No harm meant, old sop.

- Well, I accept your apology.

Now, what I was then is one thing, and what I is now is another.

- I wasn't afraid to hire ya 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 than once.

- That's a lie.

That yarn.

Come on 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.

- From what I been told, it ain't safe for a black to kill a white man in the States.

- You mean lynchin's scare me?

Well, I tells you, Smithers.

maybe I does kill one white man back there.

Maybe I does.

And maybe I kills another right here 'fore long if he don't look out.

- You think I'd peach on ya?

Not me.

I'm your friend, ain't I?

- Sure you is.

And you'd better be.

- I'm gonna show ya that I'm your friend.

I'll tell ya that bit of news I was goin' to.

- Go ahead shoot the piece.

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

- Ain't noticed any of the servants or the guards.

around the place this mornin', I ain't.

- Oh, they all out in the garden sleepin' under the trees.

All I got to do is to ring that gong, and they come flyin'.

- All right, ring it now and you'll see what I mean.

- Sure, I'll ring.

(gong ringing) (laughing) - The rotten ship is sinkin', and the bloomin' rats have slung their hooks.

- Low-flung woods niggers.

(gong banging) Well, I reckon I overplays my hand this once.

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

Was I sayin' 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 fussin'.

When I knows the game's up I kisses it good-bye without no long wait.

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

- Yes Lem was taken 'em, every man jack of 'em.

- Then the revolution is at the post.

and the emperor better get his feet smokin' up that trail.

- Goin' to look for your horse, ain't ya?

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 thereabout.

Oh, I got plenty of time.

Make it easy.

- 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.

- Look a-here, white man, do you think I's a natural-born fool?

Why, I's gone out in that forest so many times pretendin' 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.

Oh, I'll be at the edge of the forest by the time dark comes and once in them woods them niggers will never find me.

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

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

They so easy.

- Supposin' something happens and they does nab ya?

- I's got five lead bullets in this gun good enough for common bush niggers.

And after that, I's got this silver bullet left.

to cheat 'em outta gettin' 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.

- And you had a silver bullet made?

Honest?

- Well 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 scared to steal from me.

I ain't allowin' ne'er a body 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 banging) - What's that drum beatin' for?

- For you.

The blacks is havin' a war dance in the hills, workin' up their courage 'fore they start after ya.

- Let 'em.

They'll sure need it.

- They're makin' all sorts of devil spells and charms.

against your silver bullet.

- It takes more than that to scare this chicken.

(drum banging) - Tonight, when it's pitch black in the forest.

They'll be sendin' their pet devils and ghosts houndin' after you.

You'll find your bloomin' hair will be standin' on end by tomorrow mornin'.

It's 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.

- Go along, white man.

You ain't talkin' to this baby.

And what's ghosts and hants got to do with me?

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

Let 'em try their heathen tricks.

The Baptist Church done protect me.

Land 'em all in hell.

- You ain't paid much heed to your Baptist Church down here takin' up with them bloomin' witch doctors.

- Oh sure I pretends.

It don't get me nothin' 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.

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

I'm goin' 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 goin' out this way, are you?

- You think I'd sneak out the back door like a common nigger?

I's emperor yet, ain't I?

And the Emperor Jones leaves the way he come.

And that black trash don't dare stop him.

Not yet leastways.

(drum banging) Listen to that roll call, will you?

Must be a mighty big drum to carry that far.

Well, if they ain't no whole brass band to see me off.

I sure got the drum part of it.

So long, white man.

(drum banging) - Give my regards to any ghosts you meet.

(drum banging) - Well, here I is.

In the nick of time too.

Sure, give me air.

I's tuckered out sure enough.

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

Bush niggers.

(drum banging) A wonder they wouldn't get sick of beatin' that drum.

Sound louder, seem like.

When did they start in after me?

Oh, sure.

They's miles and miles behind.

What you gettin' fidgety about?

You know what, your belly's empty, that's what's the matter with you.

Nothin' but wind on your stomach.

Of course you feels diggety.

Well, we eats right here and now.

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?

There's another stone.

Oh, yes, that's it.

It 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?

Huh, can't tell nothin' from them trees.

Nothin' around here look like I ever seen it before.

I done lost the place sure enough.

It's mighty queer.

Mighty queer.

(drum banging) Woods, is you tryin' to put somethin' over on me?

Who there, who that, what is ya?

Get away from me 'fore I.

(gun firing) (drum banging) They're gone.

Yeah, that shot fix '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 nigger.

What you think they is, hants?

(drum banging) You give the game away when you fired that shot.

Them niggers'll hear that for certain.

(drum banging) Get in, nigger.

What you scared at?

There ain't nothin' there but the trees, get in there.

(drum banging) So the moon's risin'.

Does you hear that, nigger?

Get more light from this out, and you sees where you's gwine.

Cheer up, from now on you has a snap.

(drum banging) It's warm, and that's a fact.

How long I been makin' tracks in these here woods?

Seem like forever.

This am a long night for you, Your Majesty.

(laughing) Majesty.

Ain't much majesty aqbout this baby now.

Never mind.

It's all a part of the game.

This night come to an end like everything else.

When you gets there safe and has that bankroll in your hands.

you'll laughs at all this.

♪ Ain't no hammer ♪ On this mountain, babe ♪ Ring like mine, say ♪ Ring like mine ♪ This old hammer ♪ Ring like silver, say ♪ Ring like silver ♪ Shine like gold (drum banging) What you singin' for you poor nigger?

Want all the world to hear you?

(drum banging) Hear that old drum?

Sure gets nearer from the sound.

They're packin' it along with them.

Time for me to move.

(rattling) What's that little queer clickety sound I hear?

Sound like, sound, that sound like some nigger was shootin' crap.

Time I beats it quick when I get them notes.

Who there, who that?

Is that you, Jeff?

Jeff.

I sure am mighty glad to see ya.

But they told me you done died from that cut I gives ya.

How you come to be here, nigger?

Ain't you gwine look up?

Can't you speak to me?

Is you, is you a hant?

Nigger, I kills you dead once.

Has I got to kill you again?

You take it then.

(gun firing) (drum banging) He's gone anyway.

Hant or no hant, that shot fix him.

(drum banging) They's gettin' near.

They's comin' fast, and here I is shootin' shots, let 'em know just where I is.

Glory, I's got to run.

(drum banging) I'm meltin' with heat.

from runnin' and runnin' and runnin'.

Damn this here coat.

Like a straitjacket.

That's better.

And now I can breathe.

I gets rid of them frippety emperor's trappin's and I travels lighter.

(drum banging) How'd this road ever get here?

I never remember seein' 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 nothin' there.

Wasn't no Jeff.

You know what?

You just get seein' them things 'cause your belly's empty.

and you sick with hunger inside.

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

(drum banging) Mercy, Lord, Mercy.

(drum banging) Yes, sir.

Yes sir, I's comin'.

(drum banging) You white devil.

I'll gets even with you yet sometime.

(drum banging) Oh, where's my hammer?

Give me my hammer and I splits his head.

Give me a hammer, one of you.

Give me a hammer.

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

Ghost or devil, I'll kills you again.

(gun firing) (drum banging) Oh, Lord, what I gwine to do now?

Ain't got no bullets left.

Only the silver one.

(drum banging) What is this place?

Seem like.

Seem like I been here before.

(shuddering) (drum banging) What is I doin'?

Anyway, seems 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's scared of this place.

Him dead, Lord I done wrong I knows it.

Oh Lord, Lord.

Down here, where these fool bush niggers raisin' 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.

♪ 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 ♪ Didn't my Lord deliver Daniel?

♪ Why not every man?

♪ He delivered Daniel from the lion's 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 done repent.

Oh Lord I done repent.

And I's comin' through, Lord.

Oh Lord, Lord, yes.

(drum banging) No, no.

(shuddering) (drum banging) Have mercy, Lord mercy.

(drum banging) Dear Lord, hear my prayer.

Oh, the silver bullet.

You don't gets me yet.

(gun firing) (shuddering) (drum banging) - I'll bet he's miles away by now and safe at the coast.

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

Beatin' your silly drum and castin' your stinkin' spells.

Blimey what a pack.

- We catch him you see.

- Why don't you go in the woods and hunt after him?

What's the good in waitin'?

- We catch him.

(shuddering) (drum banging) - Well, you ain't thinkin' that's him, I hopes.

- That's him.

My men got silver bullet.

Kill him sure.

- They got a silver bullet?

- Lead bullet no kill him.

Him got strong charm.

I cook money, make silver bullet.

Make strong charm too.

(groaning) (shuddering) (drum banging) (guns firing) (shuddering) (drum banging) (thudding) - 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 'eighth of style.

(dramatic orchestral music)