(no audio)
(bright music)
(dramatic music) (hooves clopping)
(projector clacking)
(whip cracks)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(engine revving)
- (sighs) I told you to get those signs out of the back,
clean those tools out of the truck, did I not?
- Yes, sir.
- Everybody already knows I work two jobs, but,
my Lord, they shouldn't have to look
at a rolling billboard in the parking lot.
- I'm sorry, Daddy. I forgot.
- Sister Abernathie, she's, uh, she's at her wit's end.
Your behavior has been off.
And you better do right in that classroom today,
or I'll ground you for another week, you understand me?
- Yes, sir.
- Look, I was a preacher's kid, too.
But you got to do right, son,
'cause if you don't,
I'ma have to talk to my friend,
Gary, the Goose.
Oh, man, he's hungry.
- Daddy, no! Please, no! - He's so hungry.
- No, please! No! - He's hungry!
(both laughing)
(gentle music continues)
- (Samuel) Daddy, who parked in your spot?
- Go on in, son.
- And things like cussing will get you there.
The word of God says, "Let your conversation be holy."
The word says, "Be ye holy
as I am holy."
(upbeat music)
What, Samuel?
- I know you said cussing will get you in,
but what if you, like, just tried it once,
and you didn't really mean it?
What if Jesus came back right then?
- Come here.
(upbeat music continues)
Come right here.
Then, boy,
you'd bust wide open.
(congregation applauding)
(bright music)
- Ma'am.
- (sighs) What, Samuel?
- Can I go to the bathroom?
- Hurry back.
- The Lord looks on the heart.
Now, the GCO guidebook says no swimming,
no makeup, no worldly music, no going to the picture show.
- That's right. - Yes.
- And there's probably a million people
in this organization who follow those rules to tee.
- I do, Pastor.
- I know you do, Zachary. I know you do.
(congregation chuckling)
But what about those people
that are following those rules on the outside,
but they're doing something different on the inside?
Right, someone who wouldn't dare touch a bottle of whiskey,
and yet they walk around drunk on their own pride.
(congregation muttering)
God looks on the heart.
Someone who wouldn't even think
about lighting up a single cigarette,
but their heart is burnt up with jealousy.
(congregation muttering)
See, because God,
he knows how to spot a fake.
And if we don't tell him every single day how we fail,
and we need his help,
then our own hearts will go astray.
- Oh yes. - Amen.
- 'Cause where religion fails and where people fail,
God will never, and I mean never fail.
Hallelujah.
- Amen! (congregation applauding)
(upbeat music)
♪ Are you ready to go ♪
♪ Have you talked to the Lord ♪
♪ Is there peace in your heart ♪
♪ Has your faith been restored ♪
♪ Glory to God ♪
♪ I'll not be ashamed ♪
♪ Jesus, my Jesus ♪
♪ He knows my name ♪
(upbeat music continues)
♪ Getting hot ♪
♪ Real hot ♪
♪ And I'ma burning, burning, burning, burning up ♪
- Shh! Are you trying to get us in trouble?
You know I can't listen to that kinda music.
- That's stupid!
- It's just the way it is.
- That white boy got soul.
You should go and see "Jailhouse Rock"
with me and my grandma this Saturday.
You just hear him sing one time.
See what all the fuss is about.
- I've heard him sing.
- Man, you ain't never heard The King, preacher boy.
- Barry, you get on my nerves.
- Let's hear it.
♪ It's getting hot ♪
♪ Real hot ♪
♪ And I'ma burning, burning, burning, burning up ♪
(upbeat music)
- You sinner!
(Samuel laughs) (engine revving)
- Hey, boys, go play out in the back.
- (Barry) Come on. Let's go hustle.
- (Samuel) All right.
(engine rumbling)
(Joe clears throat)
- Just driving by?
- Joe.
That's quite a little show you put on there this morning.
- It's our church state overseer.
He tells everybody what to do.
- (Joe) What do you need?
- God's Church Organization is growing by the hour.
Lord's returning any day.
We just need to make sure that all of our pastors
are preaching what they ought to be preaching.
- I haven't gotten any complaints.
- Mm.
I have.
Brother Wilburn let his whole family go swimming.
Mixed bathing encourages lust.
Well, God's Church, we show the way.
- We can't just throw a rule book at 'em
and tell 'em to change.
See,
you and I, um, we're different.
- Like Cain and Abel.
- You're a professional.
I'm just a boy that God found out in a cotton field.
When I was 14,
your daddy asked me to come and tell my story.
- Yeah.
Small town nothing.
- Maybe, but I got ambition.
Raise my son. Lead my people.
- Your people?
They're my people.
My daddy ain't gonna live forever. Remember that.
- None of us do.
(brooding music)
- We'll see who's smiling in the end.
(engine starting)
(brooding music continues)
- Watch out for that bush!
(brakes screech)
You found it.
(gentle music)
- Someday I'll start my own church
and be a preacher like my daddy.
(cutlery clacking)
- Good Lord, ain't you gonna ask about the present
sitting right here on the table?
- It's a present?
For me?
- Ain't my birthday.
(paper rustling)
(clock ticking)
It's time.
- Daddy, I've been thinking a lot.
I think I know why Momma died
with my little brother in her belly.
- Hey.
Remember, we don't question Lord in those matters.
You know that.
- Daddy, I cussed a few times.
On purpose.
- Samuel, stop.
- It's my fault.
- Samuel.
Samuel, look at me.
Now, what you said right there, that's not true.
Your mother had complications with the baby.
- But Sister Abernathie said I was going to
because I cussed.
- Well, you know what?
I don't think Sister Abernathie knows
what she's talking about.
Oh! I just said it too, huh?
(bright music)
I'm gonna have to give her a little talking to.
Hey, you remember what we used to say about God's love?
Think about the deepest, highest,
strongest, and widest thing there could ever be.
That's God's love for you and me. Yes, sir.
(bright music continues)
I want you to head over to that closet. Open it up.
Before your food gets cold.
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
I traded your mother's mandolin for it.
It's yours, son.
(gentle music continues)
- I thought the GCO said electric instruments
are of the devil?
- Well, rock and roll don't sound too good on an acoustic.
See? Your dad pays attention.
(bright music)
You got a gift, son.
It's in your blood.
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music continues)
♪ God is never busy ♪
♪ He's always home ♪
♪ Dial up your prayer on Heaven's telephone ♪
♪ If you need an answer ♪
♪ When you feel at home ♪
♪ Dial your prayers on Heaven's telephone ♪
♪ Say you got a bad connection ♪
♪ No one understands ♪
♪ I suggest an installation straight to Gloryland ♪
♪ Jesus will connect you directly to his throne ♪
♪ Dial your prayers on Heaven's telephone ♪
♪ Dial your prayers on Heaven's ♪
♪ Telephone ♪
(audience cheering)
- Give the Lord a praise!
(audience cheering continues)
Hallelujah.
Glory be to God. Glory, glory, glory.
- Yes! - Amen!
- Y'all can be seated, (chuckles) if you can.
Now, if you don't feel the Holy Ghost's power right now,
then your wood
is wet.
(audience cheering)
- (Audience Member) Yeah! Hallelujah!
- And we
are going to win the world!
(audience cheering) And it makes me wanna dance!
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music continues)
You all know Brother Joe Allen over at GCO Sayre.
He's a good man.
- Yeah. - Yes, sir.
- Now, his son is here today, Samuel.
He's going to come up and sing a song for us.
Give the Lord a praise in welcome.
(audience cheering)
(audience cheering continues)
- I wanna marry him someday.
- But Julie,
I thought you said you were gonna marry Jody Barnes?
- Well, either him or Samuel.
- I'm gonna sing a song called
"I Hold a Clear Title to a Mansion."
My momma used to love it.
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music continues)
♪ I've heard people talk about Heaven ♪
♪ Describing its beauty so rare ♪
♪ So I one day purchased the title ♪
♪ To a mansion in that land so fair ♪
♪ I hold a clear title to a mansion ♪
♪ That Jesus has gone to prepare ♪
♪ Fires cannot touch it ♪
♪ Floods cannot harm it ♪
♪ And it never will need no repair ♪
♪ Never will need ♪
♪ Repair ♪
(audience cheering)
(audience cheering continues)
- Thank you.
- All right, now let us remember,
we do not clap for the man.
We only clap for the Lord. Amen.
Amen.
All right, let's go ahead and get the rest
of the youth leaders from the State of Alabama up here.
All right.
Now let's stand and clap for God!
(audience cheering) Come on!
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music continues)
- Go!
- Hey, rock and roll.
You need to come to my party this Saturday.
- You're Dr. Blackburn's daughter, are you?
Rock and roll.
Wow.
That was a, that's a gospel song.
- I'm Angie, and it's called a joke.
It's a 4th of July party. Just come.
Your song was groovy.
- Thank you. - This Saturday at 12:00.
Barbecue and everything.
But no swimming trunks. Swimming's of the devil.
- (Samuel) It's nice to meet you.
- (Julie) Hi, Samuel
- Julie.
(Julie chuckles)
Haven't seen you in a while.
My momma used to listen to the record y'all made
with your daddy when you were kids.
- Oh.
Well, thank you.
- She said that y'all are getting married.
- Ah. You must be making things up.
- Actually, I, (sighs) I did say that.
- That's cool, I just, I didn't give you a ring yet.
- Uh, I...
Sorry, I gotta, I gotta go.
We gotta go. Come on, Ray.
- Um, whoa, hey, uh, Angie,
Angie Blackburn's having a party this Saturday.
- Well, I- I don't think my daddy would let me go.
He doesn't really let us, um-
- What?
Have fun?
Please?
Look, it's at noon, and I just wanna keep talking to you,
so I'll go if you're going.
- He's waiting, but I'll try.
Oh, wait, um...
Here.
This used to be mine, but I want you to have it.
(gentle music)
You can hold onto it till you give me that ring.
(gentle music continues)
(ominous music)
(Julie giggles)
(slap thwacks) (Julie gasps)
(brooding music)
(brooding music continues)
- Excuse me.
Samuel.
What are you doing here?
- Oh, Angie Blackburn invited me to the party.
- You realize there's no place
for music like that in the church?
- Uh, what- what do you mean?
- Rock and roll.
It's an infection.
I've seen it.
First it's music and concerts, then it's parties,
next it's sex,
then it's full-blown devil worship.
(brooding music continues)
- Um...
Wow, um, no disrespect, sir, I just, um,
I don't really see the connection of the-
- Hello, young man.
- Uh, h- hello, sir.
- Some kinda singing the other day.
- Yes, I was just telling him
how people were very disappointed.
- Oh.
Why don't you get yourself some food before it gets cold?
- Hey.
- Where's your girlfriend?
- No, she said she might come,
but I don't know, I don't see her.
I hope she does.
You could tell I like her?
- You're not the brightest bulb in the box, are you?
I'm glad you came.
I wanna play you
a song.
There's something about the way you sing that's just
different.
(sultry music)
♪ She smiles at me ♪
- What song is this?
- Just listen. ♪ When I close my eyes ♪
♪ A memory ♪
♪ So sweet and nice ♪
- My friend Barry plays me music like this.
This guy can really sing.
- Just listen.
♪ Why does Alabama ♪
♪ Keep calling me ♪ - Don't you see?
This world is just listening for people who mean it.
You sounded like you meant it.
- Well, I did mean it.
I love the Lord.
(sultry music continues)
♪ How she got my number is a mystery ♪
- (Angie) Come here. I wanna show you something.
♪ Why does Alabama ♪
♪ Keep calling me ♪
- (Angie) You don't know how to swim, do you?
- (Samuel) Look, the church handbook says no swimming,
but I could probably swim if I wanted to.
- Do you always listen to the church handbook?
Samuel, quit being such a square.
- It's not funny.
- Oh, you're gonna have to save me!
- You're right. I can't swim.
Can you just come back now?
- Oh, so now you can't swim?
- (Samuel) Look, please just come back.
♪ Ooh ♪
- Would you...
Oh God.
(Angie gasping)
can you just get back here?
Yeah, it's a funny joke.
I need to go.
Hey!
(ominous music) (Angie gasping)
(Angie coughs)
Angie?
Angie!
(suspenseful music)
(Angie yells)
Help!
(suspenseful music continues)
(Angie yelling)
Angie!
(suspenseful music continues)
Angie!
(somber music) (police radio chattering)
- Now, listen to me. This will all be fine.
(somber music continues)
- You!
You killed her!
He warned me about you.
You had no business with her,
and I mean no business with her!
- Dr. Blackburn, it ain't no use.
Like father, like son.
- Hypocrite!
(Samuel sobbing)
(audience cheering)
- (Announcer) Ladies and gentlemen.
- All right, all right.
Hey, how's it going?
Hey, how you doing?
Hey, preacher boy!
- Hey, Barry, two minutes.
- Hey, come on, man! Phoronic Records is here!
I just saw a man with a badge on that say "Rolling Stone"!
"Rolling Stone." (laughs)
(audience cheering continues)
- (scoffs) Sinner.
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music continues)
Time to go to church.
(upbeat music continues)
(audience cheering)
♪ Oh, oh, oh yeah ♪
(audience cheering)
♪ I'm half awake as I crash through the door ♪
♪ I haven't slept three days ♪
♪ Or maybe it was four ♪
♪ Now listen to me ♪
♪ There's a black Les Paul in the corner of my den ♪
♪ Hmm, hmm, hmm ♪
♪ I go to church every time I plug it in ♪
♪ 'Cause don't you know that I'm ♪
♪ The preacher man of rock and roll ♪
♪ My mission is to soothe your soul ♪
♪ Don't you know that I'm ♪
♪ The preacher man of rock and roll ♪
♪ Say hallelujah if you want some more ♪
♪ Want some more ♪
♪ Want some more, baby ♪
(upbeat music continues)
(audience cheering)
- Lay some of that on me. Lay it on me, lay it on me.
(upbeat music)
- Ah, there you go.
Oh! Sorry, brother.
- (chuckles) Whoo! - Hey.
I'm sorry about that. - Ah, it's all right.
It's all right. It's fine, it's fine.
- (Barry) We're going to the top. I'll tell you that.
- All the way, man. We're going to the top.
All the way. (Barry laughs)
All the way.
♪ Keep it so cool ♪
♪ I keep coming back ♪
♪ I'm passionate ♪
♪ 20 in a pack ♪
♪ I'll probably bum two ♪
♪ I'm burning my cash ♪
♪ To have a hit on you, yeah ♪
♪ Nicotine ♪
♪ Kerosene ♪
♪ Gasoline ♪
♪ I'm thinking while they're killing me ♪
(flame whooshes)
(James screaming)
(impact thuds) (glass shattering)
(fire crackling)
(door clanking)
(Samuel groaning)
- Barry.
Barry.
Barry! (ominous music)
Barry.
James.
(flames crackling)
(ominous music continues)
- (Dispatch) This is dispatch.
We got a car explosion on State Route 78. Send all units.
Alcohol and narcotics are involved,
and there is a confirmed fatality.
(ominous music continues)
- Wake up, little lady.
(laughs) Get up.
- Oh.
Where are my friends?
- (sobs) "Where are my friends?
Where are my friends?"
(slap thwacks)
Shut your mouth.
(Samuel coughing)
Well, your little long-haired friend, he died.
Yeah.
Got himself on fire smoking some reefer.
(whistles) A way to go.
And the other one, well, he's in hospital, burnt up too.
Hey, good news is, doc says you're gonna be just fine.
How about that? (chuckles)
Plus, you looked like you needed a haircut,
so we went and took care of that for you. (laughs)
(ominous music continues)
See, we got enough drugs out of that van to put you away
for a while.
The City of Weems
don't really like people like you around here.
- (Samuel) Can I make a call? I need to call my dad.
- You wanna call your daddy?
Well, I'll tell you, son.
Your daddy's not gonna help you tonight.
(bright music)
♪ Freedom for judgment and beauty for a wretch ♪
♪ Oh, what a precious exchange ♪
♪ Devoted to Jesus ♪
♪ For he never matches ♪
♪ The sings I've confessed to my name ♪
♪ He set me free ♪
♪ You set me free ♪
♪ The Lord set me free ♪
♪ The glorious gift ♪
♪ Was given to me ♪
♪ I traded my life ♪
♪ Of iniquity ♪
♪ He gave unto me ♪
♪ Sweet liberty ♪
♪ He set me free ♪
♪ The Lord set me free ♪
(somber music)
(Samuel sighing)
- Lord, please forgive me.
(somber music continues)
- In the case of the State of Alabama versus Samuel Allen,
the deadly crash on State Route 78 in Weems
has been determined to be the fault of James Lowry Bell.
Now, as to the charges of possession of drugs,
I declare
that due to the
mishandling of evidence
and the degradation of evidence caused by the fire,
these charges will be dismissed.
(audience murmuring)
- Thank you, sir.
- These charges have been dropped under one condition,
community service.
Public speaking in schools on the dangers of drugs
with the Alabama State Anti-Drug Program, you understand?
I can't hear you.
- Yes, sir.
- Don't let me catch you in my courtroom again.
(engine rumbling)
- I just don't understand why the judge let me go.
I don't think you need worry about that.
- Hey, why was T.L. Whittmore in the courtroom?
- Well, guess he's got as much right as anyone to be there.
- He has a right to go to.
- My God, Samuel.
We can't hold hatred in our hearts.
- Sorry, Dad.
- I'm thinking about stepping down.
The church.
- Because of me?
- I just...
I wanna help you become the man you were meant to be.
The paper hanging business, it's good.
It's right.
- Church is your life.
- Never surrender the dream.
You hear me?
- I hear you.
Stop the car.
- What?
- Dad, pull over.
- All right.
(engine revving)
(handbrake ratchets)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
- You ever felt like you know the man you wanna be,
but you're just not strong enough?
- Every day?
- Truth is, you're my only example of someone that means it.
And the world is listening for people that mean it.
Baptize me.
- Here?
- Ah, I can't wait.
(gentle music continues)
- I'll baptize you.
(geese honking) (gentle music)
(water splashes)
(gentle music continues)
(bright music)
- Preacher boy.
(Samuel laughs)
(Barry laughs)
- (Samuel) Hey, man.
- Ah, man.
- (laughs) I missed you.
- I missed you too, brother.
It's been six months.
It still hurts.
I can barely play, but
the ladies love it.
(both chuckling)
But I just say
I was saving puppy dogs from a burning building.
(both chuckling)
The shrink say I'm depressed.
Like some kinda, some kinda darkness.
- Brother, I'm sorry.
You're my best friend.
All right, I'm gonna,
I'll make sure that you stay strong, 'cause I need you.
I got baptized.
(Barry laughs)
I'm trying to,
just trying to start over, you know.
I'm speaking at
Gate City GCO tonight.
First time in church since...
- Hmm.
- Please, please come with me.
- Nah, man.
I don't think they allow my good friend
Jack Daniels in church. (laughs)
- Who cares what they think?
The Lord loves you just like you are.
- Preacher boy becomes preacher man.
(Samuel laughs)
(laughs) You trying to convert me?
- And when Angie died, you introduced me to the band.
I didn't know who I was, but
you made me a part of your world,
so I'm gonna make you part of my world.
- I'll come for the church girls.
Hey, you know, long skirts, no makeup,
like really hot early American settlers.
(both laughing)
(upbeat music)
- (Samuel) All right. Ready?
- (Barry) Let's get it, brother.
♪ All aboard the train ♪
♪ Chugging on to Gloryland ♪
♪ All ♪
♪ Aboard the train ♪
♪ Chugging on to Gloryland ♪
♪ If you're a sinner ♪
- Brother Samuel. Pastor Claybourn.
I believe we met at the school.
Well, thank you for coming tonight.
I didn't think you were going to make it.
You're late, son.
♪ Straight from here to Gloryland ♪
- I'm sorry.
- Look at the size of this crowd. Can you believe this?
I mean, it's like they're handing out free MoonPies.
It's sure something. I want two of 'em.
- Oh, she's an angel.
♪ You don't need money ♪
♪ You don't need no fame ♪
♪ You just need the Holy Ghost ♪
♪ And the power of Jesus' name ♪
♪ You need a ticket ♪
♪ Straight from here to Gloryland ♪
♪ If you're a sinner ♪
- (Pastor) As a matter of fact, T.L. Whittmore's office
called me today.
He's our state over overseer.
- Uh, yeah, I know who he is.
- Well, you may know who he is,
but you don't know what he said.
He told me to watch out for you.
You need to watch your content in this place.
There's a lotta sinful-looking people in this place.
- Uh, isn't, isn't that the point?
- It's the point, but we don't want 'em staying that way.
- Don't worry. I'll be careful.
- Okay, you be careful.
Look at the size of this crowd.
There ain't been this many people in this room
since Easter '62.
I'm telling you, man, this place is full. It's wonderful.
♪ Chugging on to Gloryland ♪
- (Samuel) Yes, she is.
♪ If you're a prisoner ♪
♪ Or a preacher man ♪
- My dad always told me that
nothing can distance you from God's love.
- (Audience) Mm.
- And boy, I tried.
Can I just speak from the heart?
You know, basically, he says that
nothing can separate you from the love of God.
- Yeah. - Praise the Lord.
- No sin.
No failure.
Nothing.
Nothing can separate you from that love.
(audience applauding)
- And he, um,
well, he just moved us from place to place about every year.
Well, I woulda been to like 13 different schools
before I graduated two years ago, and it's...
- It must've been hard for you.
- Yeah.
I mean, the hardest part was just,
uh, never knowing which Daddy
was gonna walk through the door at night,
the one that would, um,
show up drunk and beat us,
or the one he was
always saying how sorry he was?
- I'll never imagine going through all that.
Y'all seemed so happy.
- Well, Ray and I were always happy.
(chuckles) We, um,
nah, no, we had this, uh, this place.
We call it the Angels Trail.
Yeah, and, um,
we would go there to pray when it got bad.
And church was all we had, so.
And I, (chuckles)
I've, I've never told anyone else all this before.
- You're beautiful.
Inside and out.
- Oh.
Thank you.
Uh...
I've never met someone like you.
(Samuel chuckles)
- You drank two milkshakes.
- Ah! You kept count?
- I was just, I was nervous you were gonna try and get mine.
So how am I gonna pay for all these milkshakes?
- Well, I think if you pay for them,
then that would make this a date.
- Is that a promise?
- (giggles) I think so.
- Ah, excuse me.
Can I get the,
the check? (Julie laughs)
I'll keep that sticker on my guitar 'cause
it reminded me of the life I knew
I was supposed to be living.
I thought about you,
and I was certain I lost the chance
to love someone as special as you.
Julie, I wanna build a life with you.
And we,
we could build a different kinda church,
from scratch, our own.
Not about a bunch of
manmade rules.
One that reaches people as lost as I was,
built on grace.
- That's a beautiful dream.
But, um,
I mean, did I, did I miss a question in there somewhere?
- (Samuel) Yeah, maybe.
(both giggling) (gentle music)
The last few years I,
(Samuel sighs)
I haven't been a good man, but
you make me wanna be.
And maybe when we build that church,
you'd like to be by my side.
As my wife.
(gentle music continues)
(somber music)
- Well, my daddy, he...
- (Samuel) What about him?
(somber music continues)
- Sam, he won't let me just start a life with you.
I mean,
God, he'd kill me.
He said that I can't just leave.
- He ain't gonna kill anybody.
Julie, look at me.
Your best days are in front of you.
And that man will never touch you again.
- He's violent, Samuel, and you're, you're so sweet,
but you just, you don't know him.
- I know myself.
He'd have to kill me.
- You're serious?
- Do I look like I'm not?
- Well, the answer is yes.
(gentle music)
(bright music)
- (Samuel) I guess I owe you a ring, then.
- You know, I always knew we'd get married someday.
- I thought you were gonna marry Jody Barnes.
- Well, yes. Him or you.
(both laughing)
(bright music continues)
(congregation applauding)
- Give the Lord a praise.
It's good to be here
in God's Church Sayre.
- (Congregation) Amen.
- Brother Joe
has preached many fine messages from this pulpit.
And I am sad that he has chosen to retire.
But, uh, I do believe that Brother Malachi from Louisiana
has done a fine job
as a interim
pastor,
and I'm sure that he will do a fine job
as a permanent pastor.
- All Right. - Amen.
- But not ever pastor is like Brother Joe Allen.
He has remained faithful.
Now, I understand that he doesn't
want to come up here today.
I understand that.
But his son Samuel is here.
And boy, have I been hearing some things
about this young man
and the call
that's on his life.
Samuel,
would you come up here and share a little bit with us today?
- All right, preacher man.
(congregation applauding)
- If I can't hear my favorite pastor, I wanna hear his son.
- (Congregation) Yeah.
- Thank you. (congregation applauding)
Thanks.
A little over a year ago, um,
I was in a motel room in Charlotte after a show.
I was
high on cocaine.
I was
with a woman I had just met.
$1,000 on the dresser. Just cut my first record.
But I was
dying inside.
No, no, no, I know we don't,
we don't talk about this kinda stuff in church.
But I don't know why.
I knew my life was broken. I just didn't know how to fix it.
So I tried everything.
The prodigal son.
Now, prodigal doesn't mean wild and crazy.
It means wasteful.
- (Congregation) That's right. That's right.
- But that was me, I was, I was on this far-off land
just wasting every good thing that God gave me.
I just need to remember that I got a real dad that loves me.
- Yes. - Amen.
- But I'm,
I'm blessed because
I have a Heavenly Father that loves me even more.
- Amen. (congregation applauding)
- That, that is still hard for me to comprehend.
- Preach it. Preach it. (congregation applauding)
- Don't waste the love that God has given you.
Since he forgave me,
I'm positive that he can forgive you.
(congregation applauding)
Just surrender to his love. (gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
♪ All to Jesus ♪
♪ I surrender ♪
♪ All to him ♪
♪ I freely give ♪
♪ I will ever ♪
♪ Love and trust him ♪
♪ In his presence ♪
♪ Daily live ♪
♪ I surrender ♪
♪ All ♪
♪ I surrender ♪
♪ All ♪
♪ All to thee ♪
♪ My blessed ♪
♪ Savior ♪
♪ I surrender ♪
♪ All ♪
♪ Lord, I surrender ♪
♪ Surrender all ♪
(Barry panting)
- Have a seat.
- Daddy, these seats for children.
- Sit down, son.
Now, I understand that what happened up there today
is not what we expected.
And Brother Malachi, I wanna thank you
for your willingness to relocate from Shreveport.
But I have made a decision.
Samuel will be the new pastor of this church.
- Dad, come on.
- Now, I know he's a little young.
- 1 Timothy says an elder should not be a recent convert.
- And it says in the next chapter,
"Let no man despise thy youth."
(T.L. scoffs)
Brother Malachi has a church.
Now, I know he's your friend,
but he'll be fine.
- Daddy, the boy's got the devil in him.
Always has, always will.
- That young man has got something on his life.
Now, what happened up there, shoot,
I almost went up there and got saved myself.
It's a little edgy.
We might need a little edgy
where we are in this world right now.
How do you feel about this, Samuel?
- If you believe in me, I'll do it.
- This is the GCO Handbook.
Memorize it. Learn the rules.
Without rules, there's no order,
and without order, there is chaos.
Stick to the rules.
- Yes, sir. (gentle music)
- Well, I don't think anybody has left yet.
Everybody's still upstairs, so let's go up and, um,
appoint the new pastor.
(gentle music continues)
(ominous music)
(bright music)
♪ Tied my shoes on a Sawgrass floor ♪
♪ Put on my coat as I closed the door ♪
♪ Hopped in the back of our Model T Ford ♪
♪ Left for church every Sunday at four ♪
♪ And I ♪
♪ Believed ♪
♪ In thee ♪
(upbeat music)
♪ And I believe in every promise that you make me ♪
♪ And I believe that every word you say is true ♪
♪ And I believe in where this winding road will take me ♪
♪ At the end of it all ♪
♪ I just believe in you ♪
(upbeat music continues)
♪ And I ♪
♪ Believe ♪
♪ In thee ♪
(upbeat music continues)
♪ And I ♪
♪ Believe ♪
♪ In thee ♪
(gentle piano music)
♪ I was tired ♪
♪ I was cold ♪
♪ I was burned, I was alone ♪
♪ Falling from the sky ♪
♪ Hanging by a thread ♪
♪ Sinking in the deep ♪
♪ Standing on a ledge ♪
♪ You ♪
♪ You still love me ♪
♪ I'm thankful that you ♪
♪ You still love me ♪
♪ I was flying high, glory bound ♪
♪ I see the lights, hear the sound ♪
♪ Heavenly host from above ♪
♪ A lost cause, but now I'm found ♪
♪ A broken man wears the crown ♪
♪ All because ♪
♪ Well ♪
- Barry, I didn't know you played like that.
That was, that was beautiful, man.
- I didn't know I had an audience. (laughs)
you know, thank you for believing in me.
- You don't have to thank me. I always have.
That's what brothers do. They believe in each other.
(both laughing)
I'm just, um... (gentle music)
I'm glad you're starting to believe in yourself.
- I'm still working on that.
(both laughing)
(gentle music continues)
(camera shutter clicking)
(TV blaring)
- Baby, I haven't seen you in a year.
- Charlene.
(brooding music)
I can't.
- What do you mean?
- I, uh...
I- I shouldn't have called you over here.
This is the old me.
I'm just, uh,
I'm just lonely.
(brooding music continues)
- Here.
- No, keep it.
- Well.
Don't change too much.
You're one of the sweetest people I know.
Next one's on me, Barry.
- God. Get outta here.
(brooding music continues)
(Barry sighs)
(brooding music continues)
- (sighs) I'm trying. I'm trying.
(brooding music continues)
(camera shutter clicking)
Hey!
(camera shutter clicks)
Why are you following me and taking pictures?
What you trying to do, huh?
- I got you now.
Pictures of that going up to your room, huh?
(groans) Oh, and now the liquor.
Now a Black burnout assaulting an upstanding citizen.
Samuel's going down. You too, Barry.
- Get your stuff and get outta here, you redneck.
Get outta here!
(door creaking) (ominous music)
(ominous music continues)
(telephone ringing)
- Hello?
- It's me, brother.
- Barry.
Barry, what is it?
Oh, you know. Same old story.
- Um, hey, hold on.
Where are you? Where are you at?
- That's a deep question.
At the bottom of a well.
(sobs) I can see the light, but
I just can't reach it.
It's too far away
T.L. Whittmore had a goon following me,
taking pictures of me,
drinking, and with a prostitute.
But I ain't go through with it.
I'm different now.
But, uh,
I messed it up for you.
(ominous music continues)
They said they're gonna take your church.
- That doesn't matter right now, Barry.
- When I get sad, I drink.
(ominous music continues)
I can't fix it, brother.
I love you, brother.
- I love you too, Barry. God loves you.
Um...
(ominous music continues)
Look, um, we're just gonna get through this.
I need you to tell me where you are, Barry.
You have to tell me, please.
- I'm sorry. I let you down.
- You didn't let me down, Barry.
Barry.
Barry?
(gun cocking)
Barry?
(gunshot bangs)
(sirens wailing)
(brooding music)
(sirens wailing)
(brooding music continues)
(somber music)
(thunder rumbling)
(somber music continues)
- (Samuel) Mr. Whittmore.
I thought that might be you when I saw that car.
- (T.L.) Is that right?
- Hey, you and those Cadillacs.
- Is there some place we can talk?
We got a problem.
(thunder rumbling)
I've been watching you
over the years since your so-called conversion.
- So-called?
- Hmm.
There ain't a thing sacred about the way you do church, son.
(thunder rumbling)
Worldly music.
Weirdos.
It seems like you think,
just 'cause you run three services a Sunday,
that somehow you're justified.
- Everyone deserves a second chance.
- Shame Barry didn't get one.
Drunk usher one day, kills himself the next.
- You don't get to bring him up.
You don't know anything about Barry.
- I know you refuse to preach sanctification.
Hmm?
(T.L. sniggers)
Your daddy was a grace man. Look at him now.
- You want me to preach that people lose the ability
to make a mistake after they come to the Lord?
- It's mighty close to the line, son.
- Matter of fact, it's over the lie.
- Oh, you made up the line.
You're gonna try and tell me that, in 30 years of ministry,
you've never made one mistake?
- Not a one!
Holiness.
Look it up.
- That's the problem.
I have.
- A sinner like you wouldn't understand.
(thunder rumbling)
- "I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners,
Christ Jesus might display his immense patience."
- "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment,
but the righteous into life eternal."
- "He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sins,
for his mercy toward those who fear and honor him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth."
- "They that have done evil
will come upon the resurrection of damnation,
for the wages of sin is death."
- It's sad.
You've clearly memorized it, but
you, you don't understand it.
- You wanna hit me, boy?
Prove what I already know about you.
(thunder rumbling)
You're out!
I believe the Pope calls it excommunicated. Hmm.
No one from the GCO will ever speak to you again.
Brother Malachi will move into the parsonage
and take over this Saturday, all right?
You're finished.
(brooding music)
(thunder rumbling)
- Barry's death is on you.
- I wasn't his pastor.
You were.
(brooding music continues)
(door slams)
- Daddy will just be a minute, okay?
He's saying goodbye to Poppa.
- Mm-hmm. - Okay.
- Hey, don't let 'em make you bitter.
(melancholy music)
- Yeah.
- You can only love the Lord as much
as the person you love least.
- Dad, they took our legacy.
- Your legacy?
Your legacy's right here.
It's right out there in that car.
It's anywhere God leads you,
as long as you keep your heart right.
- We're, uh,
we're gonna go to Florida.
We like it down there. Disney World and everything.
- Yeah. That'll be good.
- So we'll just start over.
(melancholy music continues)
- Here's $5,000.
- Dad. - Nope. Take it.
- Dad.
It's just been waiting on a rainy day.
It's yours.
- Dad.
Thank you.
Come with us.
- Oh, I can't come with you.
I belong here.
Your mom and I built this place.
It's your time.
- I love you.
- I love you too.
(melancholy music continues)
(upbeat music)
♪ It's a sort of magic from the way that you love me ♪
♪ It's a sort of magic, hold you steady down, steady down ♪
♪ It's a sort of magic from the way that you love me ♪
♪ It's a sort of magic, hold you steady down, steady down ♪
♪ Steady down, steady down ♪
(audience applauding)
- Ah.
Ladies and gentlemen, we're gonna take a 15-minute break,
and we'll be right back to play some more of your requests.
(upbeat music)
- (Waitron) One water and one cabernet. (laughs)
- (Julie) Thanks.
- (Waitron) Can I get you anything else?
- No, thank you.
- (Waitron) All right.
(upbeat music continues)
- So what was that about?
- Dom Rivera there just offered us a job.
- What?
Who's Dom Rivera?
Oh, he's a businessman.
He wants to become the main act at his new nightclub,
but, ah, he wants a one-year contract.
- (chuckles) Oh, that's good news, right?
- You want me to take the job?
I mean, I- I- I- I- I thought this was temporary.
W- we have to start the church
to prove to all the T.L. Whittmores of the world
that our way works, too.
- I'm sorry, Okay? I just need a minute.
- Hey!
Julie.
Julie!
Hey, you are causing a scene.
Julie.
Julie, what's going on with you?
(Julie sighs)
- I saw my daddy at the grocery store today.
- Oh, baby, you know that's not possible.
- He was just standing there,
(somber music)
staring at me
like a ghost.
- Baby, there's no such thing as ghosts.
(somber music continues)
Look, I'm fighting for our dream.
I still want our own church.
- You...
I don't know if I do.
- Look, you might've had too much wine.
- Don't do that.
Our life was stolen from us.
Oh, but th- th- th- this is easy.
We're playing music, we get paid, we sing, we go home.
Repeat, do it again, no one judging.
- Well, maybe it is,
but you knew who I was when you married me.
- I know, I did, I did. I just didn't know who I was.
Samuel, I...
(somber music continues)
I was only five years old
the first time that my daddy crawled into my bed.
And I...
(somber music continues)
So don't tell me
that there's no such thing as ghosts.
(somber music continues)
(birds twittering)
(TV blaring)
(TV blaring continues)
(gentle music)
- (knocking) Julie?
(knocking) Julie?
(Julie sobbing)
- Can you please shut the door?
(somber music)
- Baby, I'm worried about you.
You've been in here a week, and you haven't eaten.
I d- I don't know what to do.
- I need some time.
I just
can't get everything out of my head.
- Look, if you don't talk to me, then-
- Samuel, I need you to just leave me alone.
- Well, can you at least just tell me what I can do?
(somber music continues)
- Can you rewrite history?
Can you undo what my daddy did to me?
Or can you give us our old life back?
(somber music continues)
- No.
(somber music continues)
I can love you.
I can pray for you.
- Then just do that.
(somber music continues)
(telephone ringing)
- Hello?
- (Caller) Could I speak with Samuel, please?
- Yeah, this is him.
- (Dr. Emmett) This is Dr. Emmett from the hospital.
I served in the war with your father.
Son, your daddy had a heart attack.
I'm sorry to tell you, he didn't make it.
- Uh- - I'm sorry, son.
He was a good man.
(somber music continues)
(birds twittering)
(somber music)
- "Often I dream of your kindness.
Daily I dream of your touch.
Oceans won't quell my desire.
My darling, I miss you so much."
Dad, you were a poet?
(somber music continues)
- (Joe) Today my boy got in trouble.
I got a call this morning,
not from the police department in Weems,
where he was arrested,
but from T.L. Whittmore.
He told me my son was in a bit of trouble,
and he wanted me to meet him in a coffee shop in Weems.
I wanted to help my son.
He wanted to cut a deal.
(Samuel gasps)
(somber music continues)
(suspenseful music)
(suspenseful music continues)
- Read September 29th, 1969. You're right.
I can't rewrite history, but I can change the future.
- Wait. Samuel, please, where are you going?
(suspenseful music continues)
(engine starting) Sammy!
Sam!
(suspenseful music continues)
- I'm coming. (coughs)
Lord Almighty, who...
Samuel.
- September 29th,
1969.
You made a deal with my dad.
Now you tell me what happened. I just wanna hear you say it.
Say it!
- I told your daddy
that if he walked away from the GCO,
I'd have your charges dropped.
Judge in Weems is my brother-in-law.
- Whats wrong with you?
You took the one thing from my father
that he loved more than anything in the world.
- No.
You got that wrong.
- Is that right?
- Yeah.
He loved you more.
(gentle music)
Oh, uh...
(gentle music continues)
- Poppa, who is this?
- Um, hey, I'm just here to talk to your grandpa for a,
for a minute.
- Yeah, run on.
(gentle music continues)
Go on back inside.
(clears throat) He's my grandson.
After Babsie died, I hadn't been doing so well.
My daughter's been helping take care of me.
I got a few months, I guess.
I'm gonna pay for my debts, Samuel.
(somber music)
I will.
I already am.
I don't even...
I don't, I don't deserve forgiveness.
I know that.
(somber music continues)
- You never even asked for it.
(Samuel sighs)
(somber music continues)
Look, no one deserves forgiveness.
It's just something we receive, like a gift.
T.L., I've been there.
- (scoffs) No.
No, I'm afraid not, son. You haven't been here.
- Look, God forgave me at my lowest.
My bitterness toward you is no better
than the things you did to me.
(gentle music)
I forgive you.
(gentle music continues)
- I don't know what to say.
(gentle music continues)
(Samuel sniggers)
- Well, that's a first.
(gentle music continues)
- Yeah, yeah, I reckon it is.
(gentle music continues)
- (Samuel) (knocking) Julie?
(somber music)
(somber music continues)
When I met you,
you shone like a thousand stars.
(somber music continues)
But
I never knew how much you've been hurt.
(somber music continues)
I'm not gonna like you get sucked under that current.
I'm holding onto you.
If you go,
I go.
(somber music continues)
I don't have a dream without you in it.
So I,
I did take the, the job at the club, and, um,
I also took a, took a side job working on the railroad
with Reyna's brother to pay off our debt.
(somber music continues)
Just know I'm here for you.
And I should've what you were going through.
(somber music continues)
I'm sorry.
I'm still praying for you.
I love you.
(somber music continues)
(Julie sobbing)
(somber music continues)
- (Foreman) All right, guys. We're gonna take a long break.
(gentle music)
45 minutes.
(gentle music continues)
- "For all the land which thou seest,
to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever."
(gentle music continues)
Everything I see, huh?
Hey, boss!
- Allen, can't you see I'm resting?
- Yeah, sorry, uh...
Hey, what if I told you that the Lord said
he was gonna gimme everything I see right now?
- Well, I say, as long as you ain't looking at me,
you can have it.
- Where are we?
- (Foreman) St. Cloud.
- St. Cloud.
- Yeah.
And you can have it.
♪ Sinking in the deep ♪
♪ Standing on a ledge ♪
♪ But you ♪
♪ You still love me ♪
- It's beautiful.
- Uh, you scared me.
- Sorry.
- It's okay. I shoulda come to bed.
- No, it's okay. You worked really hard.
- Yeah, it's, it's harder than I thought.
- You know, my daddy,
my daddy said that no one would ever love me
once they found out what he'd done to me.
And I wanted to tell you, but
I loved you and I got scared.
But you protected me.
You believed in me.
I, uh...
I read your daddy's journals. (gentle music)
He called your destiny his Promised Land.
Okay, he knew what he was doing when he walked away.
(sighs) I got lost somewhere along the way.
But you kept loving me.
And you said you prayed for me.
And this morning I woke up and I,
(sighs) I felt hope.
And I prayed for us.
Samuel Allen,
It is time for me to believe in you.
(rousing music)
- I don't wanna do it without you.
(rousing music continues)
- You won't have to.
(rousing music continues)
(birds twittering)
- Hey, Julie, did you get my guitar picks off the table?
- Yeah, I got 'em.
- (Samuel) All right, sorry, I'm just, um,
I'm a little nervous.
- Dad, are, are we moving?
- Uh, well, son, we only got invited to minister.
- If we move, can I get a bigger room?
- Hey, I want a bigger room too!
- Kids, I don't know that we're moving.
- Aw!
- What exactly did the man say?
- He's part of the advisory board.
Their pastor left, and they asked us to fill in
till decisions are made on a new pastor.
- A pastor like you.
- We're the Allen family, and, uh,
we're gonna sing a song for you.
(birds twittering)
My, my friend wrote this song.
Uh, th- this wasn't planned, but I'm gonna sing it.
(bright music)
(bright music continues)
♪ I was tired ♪
♪ I was cold ♪
♪ I was burned ♪
♪ I was alone ♪
♪ Falling from the skies ♪
♪ Hanging by a thread ♪
♪ Sinking in the deep ♪
♪ Standing on a ledge ♪
♪ But you ♪
♪ You still love me ♪
♪ I'm thankful that you ♪
♪ You still love me ♪
♪ Now I'm flying high, I'm glory bound ♪
♪ I see the light, I hear the sound ♪
♪ The heavenly host from above ♪
♪ A lost cause now is found ♪
♪ A broken man wears the crown ♪
♪ All because of your love ♪
♪ You still love me ♪
♪ Never gave up on me ♪
♪ That's why I'm so thankful, Lord ♪
♪ You still loved me ♪
(bright music continues)
(congregation applauding)
- Wow! (laughs)
I have never heard music that good in church before, ever.
Our guests today have come highly recommended.
Obviously they are incredible musicians,
but they can preach, too.
Please welcome Pastor Samuel Allen.
(congregation applauding)
- Thank you so much. Thank you.
Well, thank you.
Thank you.
You have
no idea what an honor it is
for us to be here with you today.
My wife,
Julie,
my kids, Jesse, Mia,
We appreciate you having us.
I just, I wanna tell you something.
You may have been pushed around, beat up,
run over,
cheated on.
- (Congregant) Amen.
- Maybe you've done those things to someone else.
I'm just here to say that there is always hope.
And I'm not, I'm not sure what your story is,
but today I am here to say that you never
give up on the dream that God has given you.
Trust in him.
Could y'all look at your, look at your neighbor?
Yeah, look at your neighbor, and just say,
"It's time to dream again."
(congregation chattering)
God bless you. - Thank you.
- (Samuel) Thank you.
- (Julie) God bless.
- Thank you. - Thanks for coming.
- (Samuel) Yeah, thank you so much. God bless.
- Thank you. Thank you again. - I'm so proud of you.
- Thank you. Thanks.
Thank you.
God bless you.
- Well, Pastor Samuel, it has been very nice to meet you.
I'm sold. You have an incredible family.
Everyone here obviously loves you.
You are gonna build a great church here.
- W- w- what do, what do you mean?
- When the pastor of this church left,
it was legally turned over to our advisory board,
and someone of great influence,
who wished to remain unnamed,
paid the mortgage off on this place
with the stipulation that you must become our new pastor.
(gentle music)
That's how we found you.
Somebody thinks very highly of you,
so I'm gonna be here at 9:00 AM
to turn over all the paperwork.
If you want it,
this place is yours.
- I can't believe it.
Um, I mean yes. Yes, of course.
I mean, of course we want it,
more than anything in the world.
- You just preached a wonderful sermon on dreams.
I don't think you should be surprised by this,
Pastor Samuel.
(gentle music)
Welcome.
- Never surrender the dream.
- Never.
- Thank you.
(gentle music continues)
(both laughing)
- (Julie) That's amazing! (laughs)
(gentle music continues)
- Kids! Come here!
(gentle music continues)
- Win the world, son.
Win the world.
(gentle music continues)
(somber music)
(Samuel sobbing)
(somber music continues)
- Hey, baby.
The kids are in the car. Are you ready?
- Yeah, baby, I'm ready.
I just need to lock up. Give me two minutes.
- All right.
(somber music continues)
- Gary the goose, oh man, he's hungry.
- Daddy, no! Please, no! - He's hungry! He's hungry!
Think about the deepest, highest,
strongest, and widest thing there could ever be.
That's God's love for you. Yes, sir.
(somber music continues)
- Preacher boy.
- (Samuel) Hey, man.
- Aw, man.
(somber music continues)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(rousing music continues)
♪ Oh, ha ♪
♪ Oh, ha, ha, ha ♪
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music continues)
♪ Well, I was born in Alabam ♪
♪ Just outside of Birmingham ♪
♪ Biggest dream I ever had ♪
♪ Become a preacher like my dad ♪
♪ I testify ♪
♪ Well, Momma's ways ways were tough as nails ♪
♪ We learned the rules and we learned them well ♪
♪ She live her life for one reward ♪
♪ To see her children serve the Lord ♪
♪ I testify ♪
♪ Well, I testify about any scar ♪
♪ I'll tell you what it cost ♪
♪ I testify about what I've seen ♪
♪ And what I nearly lost ♪
♪ I testify of the grace of God ♪
♪ Loved kept me alive ♪
♪ The one thing that I do every day, every night ♪
♪ I testify ♪
♪ Testimony ♪
♪ Say it'll set you free ♪
♪ Testimony ♪
♪ It might bring to your knees ♪
♪ Testimony ♪
♪ The truth don't never lie ♪
♪ There's one thing that I'll do until I die ♪
♪ I'll testify ♪
♪ My daddy showed me something true ♪
♪ The life you live will speak for you ♪
♪ Well done is better than well said ♪
♪ 'Cause without works my faith is dead ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ Whoa, ha, ha, ha, testify ♪
♪ I'll testify ♪
♪ Whoa, ha, ha, ha, testify ♪
♪ I'll testify ♪
♪ Whoa, whoa, yeah ♪
♪ One thing I'll do till I die ♪
♪ I'll testify ♪
(upbeat music)
(upbeat music continues)
♪ Some glad morning when this life is over ♪
♪ I'll fly away ♪
♪ To a home on God's celestial shore ♪
♪ I'll fly away ♪
♪ I'll fly away, oh glory ♪
♪ I'll fly away ♪
♪ When I die, hallelujah, by and by ♪
♪ I'll fly away ♪
(upbeat music continues)
♪ I'll fly away, oh glory ♪
♪ I'll fly away ♪
♪ When I die, hallelujah, by and by ♪
♪ I'll fly away ♪
(no audio)