Let's go, work!
-Yes sir. -Yes sir.
Hurry up!
-You're standing around! -Yes sir.
Hey!
Quit that grab-assin' over there!
Hurry up!
Yes sir.
Gotta get this crop up 'fore it freezes!
Hey! Put that spirits away and get back to pickin'!
You think I won't whip your Irish monkey ass too?
If we stick together, they can't kill us all.
They can kill you.
And you know the rest won't stand up without you.
Let's go, get to work!
-Yes sir. -Yes sir.
Hurry up!
-Yes sir. -Yes sir.
Y'all standin' around for?
My man Tee Tee is the hardest-working boy on this farm.
James…
How come you can't work as hard as that dumbo Tee Tee, huh?
Emma, you raise yourself a sweet-boy over there?
Oh no, sir!
James is a good, strong boy, sir.
He work real hard for, huh, the massuh and the farm.
I don't know…
He seems sweet like sugar to me.
To tell you the truth, I think he little sweet on Tee Tee here!
Emma, I think you done raised yourself a boy-kisser--
-You shut your damned mouth! -No, no, get out…
-What did you just say? -He didn't mean nothing by it, sir.
-He didn't mean nothing by it? -No, he didn't mean nothing by it, sir.
-He didn't mean nothing by it? - No.
-No, sir, I have spoke outta turn-- -Don't you look at Uncle Joe in the eye!
How many times I tell you not to look at Uncle Joe in the eye?!
Yes sir. Yes sir.
He's sorry, sir. He's sorry, I promise you, he's sorry!
-Oh, sorry? - Yes sir.
You hear that, Uncle Joe? "He's sorry".
See how sorry he is later.
Come on Joe!
I'm sorry mama!
I couldn't let him talk to me like that in front of you!
-Baby! -I couldn't…
Scared to death is what I am. Always looking over my shoulder!
Any day now, those niggers are gonna come up--
-Stop! -…to this house and--
Stop! Stop!
Sweetheart…
Mr. Scott said this man is a miracle worker!
He said his niggers were inches from tearing the whole family, limb from limb.
And then he showed up!
And now…
They are as docile as…
…a field of cypress trees!
You don't understand.
We are losing money.
A little more every month that goes by, with no end in sight!
What are you gonna do if you can't feed them, huh?
Even for a day.
Those coloreds can sense weakness…
…and they are gonna smell blood like a gator to chum!
They're gonna kill us both!
And you know what they're gonna do to me before they do that?
Sweetheart, just trust the plan!
Trust the plan! We're gonna fix all this!
And if not?
We're gonna sell this place for good,
and we're gonna move like we've talked about.
Family history be damned! It ain't worth dying for!
Not like this, it isn't!
Everything has to end eventually, Nathanial.
Everything!
Agreed?
Yes.
Daddy, are we almost there yet?
If you grab a snake tightly, it will thrash, bite and struggle to get away.
But if you hold it loosely, letting it glide from hand to hand,
eventually it tires, and stops.
Give it some hope that it can wiggle free, even when it has no chance,
and it will transform from an aggressive beast,
into a submissive, docile plaything that
you control.
-Madam. -Who are you?!
I am Mr. Smith.
I have an appointment with Mr. Jones.
You are Mr. Smith?
Perhaps not what you were expecting?
Who?!
Who is this?!
It's Mr. Smith,
our afternoon appointment.
You're…
a nigger?!
The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Jones!
The pleasure is all mine.
Hmm, yeah!
Isn't she pretty?
Hey, pretty girl.
I love you too!
Don't worry…
Temojin is a sweetheart.
Ain't poisonous, is it?
Me?
Or the snake?
No…
She just had a long trip.
Needs some fresh air.
Ain't that right, sweetheart?
Yeah!
I… I don't understand precisely what services you offer, Mr. Smith,
and, frankly,
I don't know if you can help us,
with the current situation.
You view your slaves as animals, don't you?
Excuse me?!
You view your slaves as animals, no?
Because they aren't just animals, you know.
If you’re one of those damned abolitionists here to show me the errors of my ways…
…well, I think there's been a misunderstanding--
No, no!
Far from it.
Sit.
It's just that…
Most slave owners manage their slaves…
…like animals,
and wonder why they can't control them.
Hmm, go on.
Of all of the beasts you can own,
man presents unique challenges,
but also provides unique advantages,
if you know how to use them.
If you want an ox to plow a field, for example,
you have to walk behind it.
Keep it in line.
Whip it.
The control has to be obvious, constant and violent.
A slave, on the other hand, can understand language,
and his capacity for forethought can be used to incentivize him to work.
But he can use that same capacity to plan escape or sabotage.
Few slave owners have mastered the art of managing human livestock.
Most rule with a heavy hand,
and the results are mediocre, at best.
But managed properly…
the minds of human slaves can make them the most useful,
and the easiest to manage.
Easiest to manage?
That… That's not been my experience!
That is why I'm here.
Madam,
would you be so kind as to let my people outside know
that they can leave now?
Old Mr. Scott…
He tells me that you're a miracle worker with his slaves!
But…
He says your methods are very orthodox.
Remind me to thank Mr. Scott for his kind referral.
And yes,
he enjoyed great results.
Before we continue, you aware of my price?
Oh yes, yes, I'm aware of your fee.
And if Mr. Scott hadn't told me you're worth every penny…
I never would have called on you.
You'll find no one else who can do what I do.
Well, I must admit, I am at my wits' end.
Mr. Jones,
whatever I do,
whatever I say,
do not interrupt me.
What are you gonna do?
I'm about to demonstrate my magic.
Come on in, come on in! Welcome!
Sit right here.
So happy to see everyone! Welcome, welcome!
Come on, come on! Hurry up, hurry up! Sit down!
Rest your feet!
Hurry now!
Come on in!
Today is a happy day!
Yes, sit right there, sir.
Good people, good people!
My name is Mr. Smith…
…and today,
may be,
the happiest day of your lives!
As of this very moment,
you are no longer the property of Mr. Jones.
That's right!
Not ten minutes ago, I finalized the purchase of this property.
This is now my plantation,
or, shall I say,
our plantation!
Yes!
Yours and mine!
Now, I realize this is all very sudden, but you are now all free!
What?
Free at last!
Free?
Back the fuck up!
I'm saving your cracker ass.
Yes, I did not even have the time to fully brief Mr. Jones here of my plans.
I'm sure this is quite a shock for all of you,
and for him as well.
Legally,
I own this plantation and all of you,
but I don't see it that way!
I see you as freemen.
As equals!
But there are legalities to deal with
before the rest of the world will see you in that way.
-Excuse me, sir. -Yes.
Does… that mean we can leave?
Well, yes!
But as you know,
we're surrounded by other plantations.
If you were to leave here without the proper paperwork,
any other plantation owner would snatch you up
the moment you set foot on his property.
So I urge you not to risk your newfound freedom
by doing something so foolish!
Now, you are all free to leave,
but also free to stay!
No longer as slaves,
but as workers,
willing participants,
and part owners of this plantation!
Now is the time to celebrate!
And I'll be back to tell you more soon.
For the rest of the day, leave your work be!
Leave those satchels right there!
Mrs. Jones has prepared a feast for you!
Go on! Eat, drink and be merry!
Go on now!
You're all free!
And welcome to the new Jones Plantation!
You sold the plantation without telling me?!
Of course not!
What the hell was that?!
Keep your voices down.
Madam, would you be kind enough to provide me with
an inventory of whatever provisions you have in your larder?
Now, please.
And prepare your kitchen for a large meal.
You owe me an explanation!
You just told all my slaves that they're free!
How do you know they're not just gonna wander off?!
I know because it is my business to know.
I go by the name of "Smith" because I view myself as a smith of sorts.
A slave-smith, to be precise.
Well, Mr. "Slave-Smith",
it looks to me like you just freed my slaves!
Other than some food,
and half a day's work from your slaves,
what else do you think happened today?
You mean… besides freeing my slaves
and claiming ownership over all my property?
I said words.
I changed their perception of their situation.
Other than that, nothing else happened.
Let me remind you that I have not yet even agreed to purchase your services!
Oh, you will!
Trust me.
Grab yourself a drink.
It just doesn't seem real…
This…
…sure tastes real enough!
You really think I could just get up and walk across that field
and disappear into the woods and they wouldn't come get me?
You know how long I've dreamed of that?
Of course I know. It's all you talk about!
But you heard Massuh Smith!
Just because he said he would let you go
doesn't mean someone else won't snatch you up before you hike half a mile.
Is he even allowed to free us like that?
Seems so…
Relax, Sammy!
For the first time in our lives, there's no need to rush or worry!
It might just be the grace of God that sent Massuh Smith here to save us!
Tomorrow, we won't wake up as scared, wretched slaves,
but as free people, with hope and a future!
A new normal for us all!
Why am I sitting on my front porch,
while my slaves are lollygagging
and feasting on my supplies?
You will have your explanation soon.
Smith,
you work for me!
I'm about one minute from kicking you off my property!
Just say the word, I'll be on my way!
You can go back to doing things the old way.
Maybe in a few days, or weeks, or,
maybe even a few months,
after your lovely wife has been
repeatedly gang raped by a bunch of sweaty, dirty niggas…
and you're lying in a pool of your own blood
with your fucking head chopped off…
…I'll be on my way, helping someone else.
Someone else who has the sense--
Boss…
Can I have a word with you?
What?
In private?
Just say it, Jimmy Jack.
-Who's the dandy nigger? -Back off, boy!
Puttin' a shine on you,
and a pretty little red coat,
don't make you any less of a coon…
…coon!
And it sure as hell don't make you any better than me!
Oh, I am better.
Much better.
I'm smarter than you.
Much smarter.
And much richer.
If you don't back off, boy,
I'll be a whole lot less deader than you!
Don't you ever fuck with me again!
Well, well, well!
Looks like it's your world now!
And we are just living in it, ain't we?
"Smith"
Stop fucking around, Jimmy Jack!
Get the fuck out of here!
You can't trust anyone named Jimmy Jack…
Look, don't you let him know about our situation.
I don't know about our situation!
This better pay off!
It will.
He's moving in now?!
We don't know this man!
I don't like him much either.
But, I don't know…
Sweetheart…
He says he needs to be seen here!
Living amongst them and whatnot.
I don't…
I don't understand it all,
but…
I went and I spoke with Mr. Scott again today about that man,
and after he had himself a good laugh about not telling me ahead of time
that Smith's a nigger!
He wouldn't shut up about the results the man gets!
It better be worth it.
I don't trust this son of a bitch.
I don't trust him either! He's arrogant!
My God, he's arrogant as hell!
He is arrogant as hell…
But…
He knows his stuff!
I really think…
I think he can help us!
Just be careful.
For this plantation to survive,
we need workers.
And I did say workers,
and not slaves!
I'm offering one penny…
…for every five pounds of cotton y'all bring in from those fields.
You may work as much or as little as you wish!
And you can begin whenever you want.
That's all I really needed to say today.
Look at them!
If they don't bring in more cotton than ever before…
I'll pay you a hundred dollars,
and I'll be on my way.
We're not actually going to pay them, are we?
Of course not!
What are we gonna do when they expect their money?!
You'll see.
I don't like surprises, Smith…
You'll like this one.
It has been great getting to know you all, and this plantation!
While I do have some experience running farms and such,
Mr. Jones here knows this plantation better than anyone.
So I've asked him to stay on for now as an advisor.
I realize this is not ideal,
but let me be clear, Mr. Jones is no longer your master!
He's just another worker here.
In fact, he will now be using his management skills
to serve you!
Whatever problems you may have had with him before,
you now need each other to make this work!
You say we're free now,
but you're still up there,
and we're still down here.
Now you tell us Master Jones is still in charge?
No, no, not in charge!
But he will manage some things,
for now.
Have you ever run a plantation?
Hmm?
Do you know how cotton is processed and prepared for sale?
Do you know how to plan a budget?
Find buyers and negotiate prices?
Do any of you?
We need this plantation to remain profitable!
As a former slave myself…
I know that every man deserves freedom.
But freedom isn't free.
And it won't be easy for him either!
Going from being your master
to just another worker here.
He's one of you now.
…like hell I am--
Next item.
Jimmy Jack will now be in charge of our new security team,
with help from Shane.
I assure you that whatever role Jimmy Jack had before,
his duty now is to protect this plantation,
and to serve all of you!
In the spirit of equality,
I've chosen two of you,
Slug and Scout,
to join our new team.
All security will be required to wear these blue armbands.
It will be their job to keep order,
and most importantly,
keep us all safe.
They deserve your gratitude, respect and support!
There's one more thing before I let you go.
It's a little thing,
but I thought it might help serve as a reminder of
what this little experiment of ours is all about.
I commissioned a flag to represent
the new, free, Jones Plantation!
Yes, the free Jones Plantation!
There you go, Mr. Jones.
I also put together a pledge that represents what this plantation stands for.
And it reads:
"As free people, we work together for mutual benefit,
pledging our love and loyalty to the Jones Plantation,
which stands for prosperity and liberty for all!"
Well, I…
I think that's beautiful, Massuh Smith. Just beautiful.
The new, free, Jones Plantation!
Son of a bitch…
Well Smith…
I admit your plan
appears to be working.
But…
What happens when they figure out
it's all…
one…
big…
lie?
Then what?
One lie
leads to another,
and a thousand more lies.
Keep giving them an ounce of hope,
and a pound of fear…
…and they'll continue to believe every lie
until they're dead in the ground.
Here…
On your plantation.
Most people are weak-minded.
Nothings.
To wield real power,
you must be willing to do what most consider unthinkable.
Well, Mr. Smith…
What most people consider to be unthinkable
is that men like you…
even exist.
That's our greatest advantage.
As free people, we work together for mutual benefit,
pledging our love and loyalty to the Jones Plantation,
which stands for prosperity and liberty for all!
Thank you all for that!
Doesn't it feel good to start the day reminding ourselves
of our bond, and our commitment,
to freedom?
Before we all get to work,
I wanted to let you know that I've come up with a way
to make it so that each of you
can quickly improve your situation.
Obviously, you haven't been educated in the ways of finance,
so I'll keep this simple.
I've created something called Jones Plantation Credits.
Think of these JPCs as money.
You will now be getting paid in these,
and can use them to buy all the things that you need.
Also, I will allow some of you to borrow these,
just to help you get ahead,
to get the things you don't have the money for just yet.
That's all for now.
So...
We're gonna be their banker now, huh?
I do believe I like this plan for once!
Can we put my face on them?
-Can we put your face on them? -Yeah...
Jones, do you not have any empathy for these poor idiots?
I'm hungry.
Mr. Smith, I was hoping to use those for a pie!
Ma'am, can you run along for a minute?
I wanna talk to your husband here about a matter.
By the way,
I may end up finishing all of these…
As far as your pie here,
I saw a crate of cherries out there in the icebox.
I'm perfectly aware of the inventory of my icebox, thank you.
As far as these…
They're still working the same long, hard hours they were before,
but now, for these Jones Plantation Credits.
Just fancy paper.
Ain't even fit to wipe your ass with.
They're gonna be chasing after these like a drunk
chasing a whore down at Old Mama Juju's Place!
And we're gonna make sure, no matter how hard they try,
they'll never get enough.
And we'll be here to lend them a helping hand.
With interest, of course.
We're gonna keep them up to their ears in debt, aren't we?
Up to their ears in debt.
So we're gonna put my face on 'em or what?
One of the nigg--
…"workers" has asked to speak to you.
Samuel, isn't it?
Congratulations on your newfound freedom!
Thank you, sir.
I hear you're one of our best harvesters!
You've been paid fairly and justly, correct?
Yes, sir.
So, what is your complaint?
No! No, I…
just wanted to ask…
You mentioned getting papers to be able to leave safely.
I don't know if I would call it safe…
I can't comment on how scrupulous the surrounding plantations might be…
But feel free to leave once you get your papers.
Wait, you said that there may be a cost for getting those.
I was wondering…
what that may be?
Sixteen dollars, I believe.
But I'm gonna double check that for you.
Are you still interested in doing that?
Yes, sir, but...
Samuel,
are you an honest man?
Yes, sir!
What if I were to lend you the money for your papers?
Would you promise to pay me back as soon as possible?
With interest, of course,
for the risk I'm incurring.
Yes, sir! I surely would!
You got yourself a deal!
I will not disappoint you, sir.
My friends…
Today…
we must deal with an unfortunate situation
Mr. Jones has brought to my attention.
Mr. Jones…
One of the many responsibilities I have here…
is to make sure the books
are kept in proper order.
So, I'll keep this short.
I have irrefutable proof…
…that someone, yesterday,
went into that barn,
and they stole…
…some of those Jones Plantation Credits, right out of the till!
I don't know who it was…
But I know this:
The rules for general accounting
are immutable!
And they're crystal clear in this situation.
My hands are tied!
I cannot finish
balancing that ledger
until this matter is resolved!
And that means…
none of us can get paid…
until I know what happened to that money!
So…
Does anybody have something they wanna say?
Anybody?
-I'm not losing my money! -If it ain't you, just shut your mouth!
-Was it you? -No, sir. Not my boy.
None of us are getting paid…
…until I find out where that money went!
Somebody fess up, I'm not losing my money.
Somebody…
How about you? You have something to say, huh?
I say, fess up! Somebody fess up!
Stop looking back here.
Somebody better get to talking!
Somebody knows
where that money went!
Please, I did it. I did it.
I was gonna pay it back. I was just borrowing it.
-I'm gonna get Kay Kay something! -Charles…
I'm borrowing… I'm just borrowing it. I'm gonna pay it back.
-I just wanted to get something for Kay Kay -Charles…
You know I can't work as fast as y'all!
-You know I can't work as fast as y'all! -Charles…
I'm just doing it for Kay Kay!
Mr. Jones, I'm gonna get your money back.
Please!
I'm just… I'm just getting it for Kay Kay. That's all.
It pains me to do this…
…but you must understand
that we must have law and order!
Without law and order,
we're nothing more than savages!
And in here…
punishment for stealing…
…is twenty lashes.
-No! Please! -Please!
Please! Please!
-No! No! -Please!
No!
Daddy, no!
-Put it on! Put it on! -Mr. Jones!
No!
-Stop it! -No!
Charles, put on the damn mask!
Stop it!
If you and Mr. Jones decide all the rules,
and punish us if we disobey, how is that any different from before?!
-Samuel is right! -To the tree!
Shut him out! He gets what he deserves!
To the tree!
-It's OK. It's OK. It's OK. -It's gonna be alright, Kay Kay.
The same thing would happen to us…
…if we were caught stealing.
It's okay.
Well…
That almost went to hell fast!
Clearly, a few out there are still capable of causing trouble.
The sight of him being tied and gagged…
and whipped…
is too much too soon.
Yes, yes… What was…
What was all that mask about?
To cover a man's face…
takes away his voice.
His identity.
Even with animals, covering the face tends to make them docile and passive.
Charles was ready to accept his fate once he got that muzzle on him!
And sure, he whimpered like a dog…
…but he took it!
It was the others that caused problems.
It's high time that we find them an outlet for their anger… outside of us!
Does it really have to be this complicated?
Man is a complicated beast.
To master him,
you must use sophisticated methods.
I'm so tired of all this…
mumbo jumbo!
Become a master of this "mumbo jumbo",
and you become a master of the world.
Quite literally.
I'm just trying to run my damn plantation!
I don't care about running the world!
Regardless of scale,
the game, Mr. Jones,
is still the same.
The game is still the same.
Has the father been notified?
He's taking it hard.
Clean this mess up.
What do you want me to do with her?
Burn her.
I'm so sorry to say that it seems that…
Poor little Kay Kay was killed by a wild beast.
What do you mean?
What beast?
I'm not sure.
It was probably a panther from the swamps to the south.
I feel like I failed you… In recent weeks,
two plantation owners told me about attacks on their farm animals.
But I never, never dreamt…
Kay Kay?
Oh, Kay Kay!
I'm sorry.
I just can't…
Kay Kay…
What are you doing?
We gotta get the boys together!
Hunt down whatever kind of beast that--
God damn it, Smith.
Don't you be playing your tricks and games on me!
No, no, no! Don't put it back!
We might as well make a good show of it!
So, what really happened to her?
Is she even dead?
I needed something to get their minds off of what happened to Charles.
And it worked!
You needed a distraction to get their minds off of what happened to Charles,
so you killed the man's daughter?!
"You must be willing to do the unthinkable"
Everything is an opportunity.
Now you and the boys go, get out there and go, hunt down those imaginary beasts!
Get!
In nomine diaboli ars diaboli!
I know you're scared.
I know many of you have approached me about arming yourselves,
but most of those I've talked to have wisely agreed
that giving firearms to everyone would only result in accidents, or worse.
Let's leave the guns in the hands of Jimmy Jack,
and the rest of our fine security team.
Now moving forward,
Jimmy Jack's entire crew will now be armed,
including Slug and Scout,
for your protection!
If there is trouble,
shout out!
And help will come.
Just keep alert.
Hello, Earl!
-Hey there, cousin. -Good to see you.
Good to be seen.
Been a long time…
How are you?
Not too bad.
Mr. Johnson, glad you agreed to meet us!
It's okay, Earl. Go ahead.
Don't worry, it's not contagious!
-I didn't know you w-- -A what?
Alright…
What's this all about?
We think the slaves are about to start some trouble.
They're feeling a bit stuck under Mr. Jones' thumb here.
We need to put on a little show.
That's why you're here, Earl.
You two…
…are gonna have a little contest to see who can win
the hearts and minds of the human livestock out there.
Hmm…
I don't know exactly what the hell you're talking about…
…it sounds dangerous.
What's in it for me?
Play your part in this little show of ours,
and you can get a percentage of the plantation's profits!
Alright. Let's talk numbers.
I know you hate me.
And I can see that.
But I'm just doing my job.
But kids?
I never mess with kids.
There's some dark thing going on in this plantation.
You watch out for yourself.
Here are your speeches. Feel free to look them over for tomorrow.
Well, I ain't gonna be able to memorize these words by tomorrow!
No need to. Just familiarize yourself with it, and act like you mean it.
Is all this really necessary?
How many times are you gonna doubt me?
Make me explain myself, huh?
Haven't you seen the results I'm getting around here?
Yeah, I know. But still…
All this play act is...
…feels ridiculous!
I only prescribe what works.
These aren't just whims and guesses.
This art form, and its practitioners,
have been pulling the strings of the world for centuries.
Alright.
See you tomorrow.
-Earl… -I hope you've a good day.
See you tomorrow.
So where did you learn all this stuff, anyway?
Master Morgan.
He was a bitter, ruthless son of a bitch.
I think he taught me only because he wanted someone
to appreciate his genius before he died.
And I did!
What the hell?
The power he had just through his words was awe-inspiring!
Boy?!
But you admired him!
Absolutely…
…up until the day I killed him.
What?!
He taught his student too well…
He didn't see it coming.
Gimme the goddamn gun!
And you got away with it?
Got away with what?
I am truly a self-made man!
It's ironic…
I have that sadistic bastard Morgan to thank for it.
…pledging our love and loyalty to the Jones Plantation,
which stands for prosperity and liberty for all!
Good morning!
Soon you will choose who you want in charge here!
Today will just be an introduction to the candidates.
Remember…
It's not about who you like the most.
It's about who you think would do a better job serving you
and this plantation!
First, you will hear from Mr. Jones,
and then you will hear from Mr. Johnson.
Gentlemen…
I know that some of you may not like me for the way things were in the past.
And if I was harsh with any of you…
I apologize.
But, from now on,
we are all in this together!
I'm no longer your master.
I am, in a very real sense…
your servant.
Now, I'm still gonna be here working,
trying to make this plantation as productive and as profitable as possible.
But no longer only for myself, but for each of you as well!
And while I have nothing but the greatest respect
for my cousin, Mr. Johnson…
He's a fur man!
He knows…
fur.
I know cotton.
And I know this plantation better than anyone.
I'm still gonna make sure everybody's fed and taken care of.
But…
…the main focus of my plan is that the harder you work as an individual,
the richer you're gonna get as an individual.
Each person reaping the benefits of their own efforts!
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Jones.
Mr. Johnson…
It's true, my cousin, he has more experience running this plantation.
But his experience is running a slave plantation,
where my experience is running plantations where the workers are there by choice.
With my plan, everybody will be taken care of.
Treated equally.
Earl Johnson wants to take care of us,
and make Jones Plantation fair and equal for everyone!
His opponent, Nathanial Jones, wants to keep doing things the old way…
…and we all know what that means!
Mr. Jones pretends he's changed,
but the truth is…
He still thinks he's better than us!
He says his "hands are tied" when we need help.
But funny…
There's plenty of Jones Plantation Credits
for him to swindle from the till.
Unlike Jones,
Earl Johnson has spent his life
running plantations where the workers are paid and treated fairly!
Old, Honest Earl wants to serve you and Jones Plantation,
and will fight to bring us together!
If we lose this election and go back to doing things the old way,
we lose everything we fought for!
This election, the stakes couldn't be higher!
Vote for Johnson like your whole world depended on it!
I'm Earl Johnson, and we approve this message.
God bless you, and God bless this magnificent plantation!
Thank you, Mr. Johnson.
You'll hear more about their respective plans soon.
But that's all for now.
Thank you.
Alright, Smith, I want some answers.
What was that about out there?
Why are you trying to humiliate me?
Make me apologize for what I do with my own property?
That was just to make them hate you a little bit less.
But both of you did fine!
A few more days of this and…
…you win the election!
This… this is my plantation!
You still represent slavery to them.
Hmm… So…
So if they think their vote actually matters…
…slaves are less likely to revolt!
But what if it doesn't go our way?
It's just us here.
It doesn't matter which one of you wins the election!
It's not about who's in power,
it's who they think is in power!
So if we let them vote...
…they think they're in charge!
The Jones family has been overseeing our plantation for five generations.
Things haven't always been perfect,
but little ideas like God, family, hard work...
Well… they mean something around these parts.
Nathanial has always hoped for change since he was a child.
Everyone knows the story of when little Nathan, barely six years old,
refused to leave Muskrat Hollow that one summer day,
when he fearlessly stood up to his granddaddy,
Nathanial Prescott Jones III, and said:
"Papa, I love you,
but we are all God's children,
and these black children…
…well, they are my friends."
They were his friends.
You see, Nathanial's always believed that the true heart of Jones Plantation
isn't nestled in the halls of our grand manor,
but in the calloused hands of the workers in the fields.
Nathanial Jones believes in you, and understands the value of hard work.
But his opponent, Old, "Honest" Earl Johnson,
believes in getting something for nothing!
Doesn't sound too honest to me…
We all know the world doesn't work like that.
The time for change has arrived,
and the chorus of freedom is ringing throughout our fields and pastures.
It's time to redefine the relationship between our plantation and her workers.
Nathanial will fight for you,
and work tirelessly to keep this plantation competitive,
profitable, and most of all,
free!
You deserve leadership that is worthy of the greatness
of this plantation and her people.
This election,
vote for Nathanial Jones,
and he'll work hard to make Jones Plantation great.
And together, we can soar!
And like Mr. Jones always says: "Never bet against the Jones Plantation!"
I'm Nathanial Jones,
and I approve this message.
God bless you,
and God bless this glorious plantation!
Vote Jones!
I apologize for interrupting your work,
but Noah has asked if he might also be a candidate for plantation manager.
And no, he has no experience running a plantation,
but we're all free here!
So…
Why not?
Noah, you have two minutes.
I ain't no great talker.
And I don't know no fancy words.
And no…
I don't know nothing about running a plantation.
But I do have some ideas.
And I think that it's time that more of what we produce…
…goes to us, instead of them!
-Uh huh. -Yeah!
The way I see it, they can double what they let us have,
and still be doing fine!
-Yeah! -I think so too!
-That's right! -Yeah!
Yeah.
We need them for some things,
but they need us too!
-Yeah! -Yes!
Some of us are working our fingers to the bone!
-Yeah! -Yeah!
…while they sittin' around in that big, fancy house!
-Yeah! -He's right, child! He's right!
I think maybe they forgot that we ain't slaves no more…
-Yes! -We are free!
-That's right! -They work for us now!
-Yeah! -We're free!
-Yeah Noah! -Yeah Noah!
If it was up to me,
I would make sure that instead of wasting what we produce on all their fancy--
That's two minutes…
but finish your thought.
It's just… I will make sure we get what we deserve…
Thanks, Noah. Thanks.
We have two other bits of business to cover.
Corn rations will be slightly lower this month.
Samuel!
Yes, sir.
You asked to see me?
Yes, I did.
Your papers have arrived from the city.
Hey!
You are now officially,
and legally,
a free man!
Do you still intend to follow through with your plan?
Yes, sir!
When will you leave?
A few days, I guess. I…
…need to plan some things.
I'm sorry to see you go,
so I took the liberty of obtaining a map
detailing the safest routes out of here.
Thank you, sir!
You're on your own from here.
Travel at dark.
Do you know how to read a map?
A little.
Do let me know before you head out.
I may have a few things for you on your journey.
Yes, sir!
Thank you, sir!
-Samuel. -Sir.
I hope you know what you're doing…
…to the Jones Plantation,
which stands for prosperity and liberty for all!
Attention, everyone! Attention!
Your new plantation manager, Mr. Johnson, has asked to say a few words.
-Mr. Johnson… -Thank you.
I'll make this quick.
My main goal is to make things fair and equal.
But each and every one of you is expected to do your part,
and you'll be paid equally.
Also, from now on,
two pennies a day will be deducted from your earnings.
-What? -Why?
But you'll be given free food.
If we don't work, do we not eat?
What if someone gets sick or injured?
And what about the children?
-Yeah! -Right!
We'll make sure everybody is fed and taken care of.
But when you're well, you're expected to go back to work.
If everyone is paid the same, does that include the managers and you?
There'll be one standard wage,
but those that do certain jobs will be paid a bonus.
And how much would that be?
Don't worry about it.
We'll figure it out.
You just do the work, and we'll take care of you.
So we can't earn more money by picking more cotton anymore?
No.
This plantation will run on equality.
You'll get paid the same, regardless of how much you pick.
That'll be all for now.
What's going on?
You are gonna be a pro with this!
As I'm sure you all have heard,
that sweet boy that we know as Tee Tee…
He was found hanged!
A poor little boy…
It seems that someone in the area got wind of what we've been doing here,
and couldn't stand the thought of
you all being free.
Some of these twisted souls just hate us for the freedoms that we enjoy here!
I will spare no expense finding out who did this!
But for now, we all need to be on our guard!
We'll be adding more patrols, keeping a closer eye
on everyone's comings and goings.
We will never forget Tee Tee!
And we'll never stop seeking justice for him!
Justice for Tee Tee!
Justice!
Sarah...
It's your name, isn't it?
Yes, sir. I'm sorry, sir…
Such a pretty name…
This is risky, what you are doing…
If I'm gonna make a better life for Sarah, I have to.
How long will you be gone for?
I'm not sure…
As soon as I find a job as a freeman,
I'll be back.
You hear me?
Do you hear me?
I'm gonna be back for you as soon as I can, okay?
Until then, Martha and Isaac are gonna take real good care of you.
Y'all keep watch.
You sure you wanna do this, Samuel?
What I've been seeing…
Looks like some of the "workers"…
…getting a little restless!
Seems like there may be some trouble brewing again there, Mr. "Slave-Smith"…
Give a man power over another,
and you'll see his darker side come out.
Yeah…
What if they decide to take matters into their own hands?
Those savages out there…
…if they ever catch on to the game you're running,
things go south…
Ooh wee!
…they're not gonna be satisfied with just Slug and Scout's heads on a stick.
They're likely to take that snake of yours and stick it…
…right up your ass!
Nah…
They think the managers are there to protect and serve them!
Samuel…
Come in.
Are you heading out now?
Yes, sir.
Hang on, I got something for you.
It's not much,
but it'll help you along your way.
Thank you, sir.
You're welcome.
Good luck, son.
Too-da-loo!
Skittle-ee! Skittle-oo!
Get off my land, jiga-spook!
Imma tan fuck your hide, boy!
Get that shit monkey!
I insist to be allowed to see him!
You don't insist on nothing around here, nigger.
You get the hell off my property or I might decide to keep you too.
Come on, Abe. Be reasonable.
You know Samuel is mine--
--was mine!
Yeah, well…
…maybe he was.
But now no more.
-What would it take to convince you? -Who the hell is this, Nate?
Abe, what's your price?
That boy still looks pretty strong.
Even after what my boys have done to him.
After they caught him trespassing!
God damn it, Abraham!
I'll take eight hundred for him.
Oh, come on, you know that's more than I even paid--
That's my price! Pay it or get the fuck out of here!
You no-good…
-Son-of-- -Done.
It's all there.
Now release my boy!
Hold on, nigger.
I ain't through countin' yet.
Let's get you outta here.
They took my papers.
Don't worry about it. Let's get you home.
Get.
Pleasure doing business with you boys!
You get the fuck off my property!
It'd be a lot easier if you really did own this plantation.
Having to get Jones' approval for everything is a pain in the ass!
I'm surprised the missus is still here.
What all does she know?
Only the basics of what we're doing here.
Although that clumsy Jones did tell her that the wild beast wasn't real.
Did he tell her what really happened to the girl?
You sure she doesn't know it was you?
Nah...
Mrs. Jones is the type to believe convenient lies.
Who else would still be married to Jones?
I'm still not clear myself what happened to Tee Tee…
Do I even wanna know?
Oh, don't play dumb with me, Mr. Johnson.
We both know what happened to Tee Tee.
He was a mute idiot, and a slave.
I did him a favor!
How can you be so cavalier about it?
You really did sell your soul to the devil, didn't you, Mr. Smith?
Have you seen what I got in return?
I heard what you're doing.
I know what you are.
You can't begin to comprehend what I am.
I know you've been lying to us…
Playing us like panpipes!
What do you plan to do with that knowledge?
I'll tell 'em.
I'll tell 'em all.
Go right ahead!
I'll call a meeting right now.
You can tell the others all about me.
You won't let me.
That's where you're wrong, boy!
I'll absolutely let you do that.
With you standing right there next to me.
And I would act shocked and hurt at your vicious and untrue accusations.
They are not untrue!
Do you really think that matters to them?
They don't want truth or freedom.
They wanna feel safe.
They wanna know that someone else is in charge,
and it's not them.
If they don't wanna be slaves…
…why do they put up with it?
They could overpower me in a heartbeat.
If they knew who you really were…
Makes no difference!
You offer them a truth and a freedom that they don't want.
They'll take the comfortable lie over the uncomfortable truth every time.
I could murder you right now in front of them…
…and I'd get away with it.
You gonna kill me?
I haven't decided yet.
I need you to stop being a thorn in my side!
Samuel, you're clever!
And you're a hard worker!
You could do well here!
If you just stay in your place!
You used to be a slave!
How could you?!
Samuel!
Did you ever wonder how the hired hands at the next plantation
so easily noticed and captured you?
Did you ever wonder why they beat you like that,
but didn't kill you?
And how I found out about it,
just in time to save you?
What exactly did your yearning for freedom accomplish?
You got beaten,
within an inch of your life,
and you ended up right back here.
Best of all…
I made you believe that you owed me eight hundred dollars!
Now, I did pay Abraham twenty dollars to put on that little act.
And it was worth every penny!
The harder you struggle,
the tighter your chains become.
Just fall in line,
and your life can be comfortable, predictable,
and safe.
If you play your cards right.
I'd rather die.
Your choice.
He's not what y'all think he is.
Why are you always causin' trouble?
Martha, I'm telling you,
Smith is evil!
-He ain't what he pretends to be! -Evil? Don't be talking like no fool!
It's all a game to him!
He said it to my face.
We are not free!
Son, if you're always picking fights, you'll find an early grave.
And if you never fight, you'll be a slave forever.
-I ain't no slave! -Samuel...
…you can't deny things have gotten better since Master Smith got here.
If he means us harm, then why does he help us so much?
He ain't doing it to help us.
He's doing it for himself and Master Jones!
Boy, you need to shut your mouth!
The whole farm can hear you whining on!
Always complain' about what you ain't got and how you'd rather be anywhere else!
That's because you ain't never been nowhere else, boy!
That world out there ate you up already!
That's why you're back here now.
Keep your head down,
do your work,
and accept your lot in life!
Why ain't that enough for you like everybody else?
Nothing will ever be enough for him!
Always complainin' about somethin'!
Then you gonna always be kissing master's feet.
Mind who you're talkin' to, boy.
He killed Kay Kay.
-Samuel, stop making up lies! -I ain't lyin'!
-Tee Tee too! -Enough lies, boy!
Boy, I'll bust you up!
You stand up to me, but not him.
You believe him and not me.
You believe me, don't you?
Noah?
He told me…
He told me you wouldn't listen.
That you'd rather believe a lie than listen to the truth!
He was right.
Sarah…
Do you remember what I said?
The path through the woods.
They don't believe me, but I need you to believe me.
If I'm not here to protect you, I need you to run.
You run and you don't come back, you hear me?
Why wouldn't you be here?
I don't know…
But if I'm not, you run, you leave, okay?
Promise me!
There's no time for tears, you promise me!
I promise.
Okay.
If things go as expected later,
I'll be leaving here tomorrow.
I've already laid the foundation.
Just keep pushing the idea that the Jones Plantation represents safety,
prosperity,
and freedom,
and you will win the next election
with the message of "rewarding hard work"!
I just wish we could do it the old way…
It's simpler… It's more honest.
You can control a man for a period with brute violence,
but you cannot truly own a man
unless he thinks your word is law,
and that he must obey,
and is virtuous for doing so.
You can't do this, Sammy, it'll only bring trouble!
How long you gonna say and do nothing?
No one's gonna believe your crazy talk!
I gotta speak the truth whether they believe me or not!
Then it's in God's hands.
I will not sacrifice my soul to save my body,
and shame on anyone who does!
Sammy, wait!
You gonna stand up with me?
You know this whole plantation is a lie! You know what's right to do!
It's such a beautiful day here at the Jones Plantation!
Wouldn't y'all agree?
As you know,
any worker has the right to speak at any of our meetings,
and Samuel has asked to speak to you today.
No matter what we think about his opinions,
he still has the right to speak.
You have two minutes, Samuel.
I was excited when this all started…
…when he first arrived.
Don't you see what's going on?
We're no better off than we were before.
They let us complain and make suggestions, but they never really change anything.
They let us choose between…
Master Jones and Mr. Johnson,
but what's the difference?
They still make all the rules,
and punish us if we disobey.
We…
We still do all the work!
They come and take as much as they want.
They give us just enough…
Just enough…
that we don't rise up and run away.
"Slave"
…to "worker"
The way I see it is…
They just changed the words they use.
Nothing has really changed! We are all still slaves!
They use words like "free" and "equal"
…but we are not.
They say we can leave whenever…
…but all that really means is that
we're free to be someone else's slaves!
Why should we obey their rules?!
We didn't agree to this!
They forced this upon us!
They have tricked you into thinking that choosing your own master...
...is the same as being free!
They have the power that they have
because we treat them as if they are our rightful masters!
Like they own us!
They are men!
Mortal men.
And so are we.
Their pretty words have fooled you!
If you do not free your minds from their lies,
you can never free your bodies.
Freedom is ours the moment we claim it!
We can change things!
-They are-- -The time is up, Samuel.
If we were really free--
If we are really free,
how come they control when we can speak?
Like a selfish animal,
you ignore the rules whenever it suits you!
And now you're encouraging chaos and lawlessness!
He killed Tee Tee and Kay Kay!
-To the tree! -You don't know who he is!
You don't know who he really is!
-He killed Kay Kay and Tee Tee! -Shut up! Shut up!
-They are using y'all. -Right here.
-They are using y'all! -Shut up!
String him up there.
Where is Jimmy Jack?
He's gonna miss out on all the fun!
Get him up there!
Begin!
-Whip him! -Get him!
-Whip him! -Harder! Harder!
-Whip him! -Get him!
-Whip him! -I told y'all he was lying!
We found the traitor!
Samuel's not the victim here! You are!
-Get him! -Get him!
-Whip him! -Yeah!
-Whip him! -Whip him!
Yeah!
-Yeah! -Whip him!
If you place a man in physical chains,
he will see that he's enslaved.
But… if you replace the physical chains with mental ones,
most will never see that they're still enslaved!
Once you convince a man that he is "free",
there's no end to the abuse they will endure,
and even defend, in the name of that freedom.
And even if somebody comes along, like Samuel,
and tries to tell them the truth about the situation,
they won't believe it!
And we can step in, shut them down,
in the name of maintaining "law and order".
And the crowd… huh, the crowd…
They'll cheer as we punish that troublemaker…
…malcontent.
A threat to their freedom they imagine they have.
-Get him! Yes! Yes! -Whip him!
-Samuel hates our freedom! -Yes, yes!
-Get him! -Yes, yes!
You see, most people…
…they will never understand the system that actually controls them!
Because deep, deep down inside of them,
they don't want to.
It's easier to just go along with the crowd!
To believe…
…convenient lies.
To deny obvious truths that are right in front of their face!
Seems we've reached that point now,
here in the Jones Plantation.
The work of Mr. Slave-Smith over there…
…is done.
Yes, yes!
-Yeah! -Yeah!
-Get him! -Yeah!
-Whip him! -Get him!
-Yeah! -Yeah!
-Whip him! -Get him!
-Whip him!
-Harder! -Whip him!
Get him!
-Harder! -Get him!
Be proud of what we've built here, but our work is not done!
We must keep the flames of freedom burning here on the Jones Plantation!
We're all free now!
We're all free!
Subtitles by JC
If you think that the message of this movie is important, you can help in two ways:
1) Recommending it to everyone you know 2) Getting something at the movie's website
jonesplantationfilm.com
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youtube.com/@LarkenRose
Welcome to the new world disorder
Where hoarders are about to use health to close borders
People terrified so they comply and follow orders
Volunteers in a sacrificial slaughter
Safety’s what they’re begging for, but danger’s what they’re heading towards
A world in which freedom is based on social credit scores
Gotta trust the science and the ones who check the facts
Free thinking is a crime and you are guilty until vaxxed
New world disorder is a plague upon humanity
Fear and paranoia so the norm is our insanity
Well-known liars telling us to trust the science
So when reputable scientists defy it, they are silenced
Shh, come here Let me whisper in your ear
The real pandemic is of ignorance and fear
It should be crystal clear that this ain't about health
It's all about control and the transfer of wealth
Cancerous cells spreading rapidly and violently
The tragic irony is the deadliest virus is tyranny
Bodily autonomy is a fundamental right
Violated every day by governmental oversight
And it ain't nothing new
For over 50 years the drug war been telling us what we can and can't do
With our body and our minds, this is not the first time
the government committed crimes, 'cause it's violent by design
Welcome to the new world disorder
Where hoarders are about to use health to close borders
People terrified so they comply and follow orders
Volunteers in a sacrificial slaughter
Safety’s what they’re begging for, but danger’s what they’re heading towards
A world in which freedom is based on social credit scores
Gotta trust the science and the ones who check the facts
Free thinking is a crime and you are guilty until vaxxed
The next chapter in the fabricated factors
Weather modification, unnatural disasters
They say we gotta save the Earth
Before we destroy the planet, the planet will kill us first
It's begun, Agenda 21
They'll probably try convincing us that we go burn the sun
Or maybe they gonna come with an alien attack
They create the problem and the way that they react is
With a solution they claim is to save us
When in reality their aim is to enslave us
Government's conducting fear based psy-ops
Harnessing energy for the pyramid psychos
Occult rituals where pedophilia is habitual
They want us to think that it's all mythical
It's a transition of transhumanism
In a world where free thinking can land you in prison
Welcome to the new world disorder
Where hoarders are about to use health to close borders
People terrified so they comply and follow orders
Volunteers in a sacrificial slaughter
Safety’s what they’re begging for, but danger’s what they’re heading towards
A world in which freedom is based on social credit scores
Gotta trust the science and the ones who check the facts
Free thinking is a crime and you are guilty until vaxxed