Synced and corrected by R3V0LV3R.
This is the only photograph I own from my childhood.
It was taken in 1955, when I was 8 years old,
by my father with a borrowed camera,
and it's the only thing I have left from those days...
Except for my memories.
This is a true story.
This really happened to me.
By 1962,
I was 15 years old.
I had 2 brothers and 3 sisters,
no father, no money.
I was the man of the house,
and my mother, well...
She was one of a kind.
Christ! You out of your mind?
What's the matter with you, asshole?
All right, all right.
What's the matter with you?
Mr. Owens to the office immediately!
Mist... aah!
Fucking asshole! You clean it up yourself!
He's the one that started it!
So did you!
- Come on. - Back off! Back off!
He grabbed my ass!
OK, come on!
Oh, come on, this wasn't my fault!
Owens scared me!
Look, I really need this job, Mr. Nardin.
You can't do this! I got kids! Come on!
You're fired.
- I'm begging you, pl... - you're fired!
I told you, I'm going to get money.
I don't have the money now, OK.
You'll get the money later.
I'll have all the money for you.
Get off my back.
Just lay off me on this,
or you won't get nothing, OK?
Just get off my back.
I'm going to get the money for you.
You'll get the money, man!
Hi, kids.
Hi, mama.
Hi, mom.
Faye, how about letting your old ma sit in her chair?
I don't feel so good, mama.
No? How was the movie?
Well, it was scary.
Flying saucers and monsters.
Annie cried.
- Did not! - Did too!
Did not!
Did too!
Did not!
Did too!
- Did not! - Did too!
Did not!
You two, pipe down.
Did not, did not!
Did too.
Look, mama.
Oh, isn't that pretty?
Isn't that mine?
I don't know.
Where'd you guys get all this candy?
I just gave you enough money to go to the movies.
You took your own popcorn.
Lynn?
I don't know.
Faye?
It wasn't me.
Murray.
Pipe down, you two.
You're giving me an ulcer.
Mrs. Lacey? Your husband home?
No he's not. What's the beef this time?
- Mama, I was just... - You shut up.
We had a complain from the phone company.
Your kid had a string of their coin returns plugged.
That's what you collared him for? Penny ante crap?
There's real crime, and you're busting kids
for boosting nickels from the goddamn phone company?
- Tell 'em, ma. - You, pipe down.
I've had a rotten day,
a really rotten day,
and wouldn't be in the mood for this, if it came with flowers.
You keeping him or throwing him back?
He ain't worth the paperwork.
Just take this as a warning
and keep your Dillinger off the street.
Watch the name calling and get out.
I take care of my own.
Do that, lady, 'cause next time
we might not be in such a good mood.
So the shoeshine business has been good lately, huh?
Been doing real good on tips, you told me.
Well, I did get...
who did you lie to?
Your mother.
Go get your father's belt.
That night,
my mother made a decision.
She didn't bother asking us what we wanted to do.
She never did.
And once mama made up her mind,
there was no stopping her.
I'm thirsty.
Tomorrow morning we're moving out of this toilet of a city.
Huh?
Don't "huh" me.
We're going to find a decent town to live in
and a proper home, a house of our own.
That's that.
I ain't leaving. I ain't leaving the neighborhood.
One more "ain't," I soap out that mouth.
You're going. We're all going.
I ain't... I'm not going.
We're leaving this city.
I don't have the chance of an ice cube in a frying pan
of making things better as long as we stay.
I'm sick of moving around.
That's too bad.
You're the man of the house.
Have you forgotten the promise you made me?
You swore you'd help me with your brothers and sisters,
that I could always count on you.
You gave me your word.
Yeah.
I know it won't be easy,
but I can't do it without you, Shayne.
Now get some sleep.
I'll make you a promise.
You do this for me,
and we'll never move again.
Promise.
So we left L.A.
We sold everything we could.
What we couldn't sell or fit into our '48 Plymouth
we gave away.
When most families take a trip, they know where they're going.
Not us.
Mama just pointed the car,
sort of north and sort of east,
and away we went.
Ma, would you tell Murray and Annie to quit it?
Would you two stop?
- Haaa! - Mama!
Nobody gets the bunny.
I did not, Craig!
Yes, you did!
Did not!
Did too!
Mama, I have to pee-pee.
You just did!
If you kids don't stop this,
I'm going to leave you by the side of the road!
Annie, you just went. Pipe down.
- Did not! - Did too.
Pipe down, you two!
Did not!
- Did not! - Did too.
I'm going to come back there.
You don't want me to come back there.
Jimmy Johnson, K.I.F.I.
Shayne, leave it for a second.
I'd like to hear just one song all the way through.
Sorry.
It's my turn up front.
- It is not! - Is too!
Now don't you two start.
Murray, sit down.
You stink bug.
Is too.
Is not!
Pipe down!
Shayne, how'd you like to take the wheel?
Sure.
Scoot over here.
Thanks.
Hey...
How about that place?
It looks like a nice place.
Nope.
I want some orange punch.
Why not?
It ain't the right place.
Then, what is the right place?
I'll know it when I see it.
See...
We'll be driving down this road,
and there's going to be trees on either side.
And we'll go around the curve...
And there it'll be,
a perfect little town.
Then a little further on will be our house.
Everything will be buttoned up and beautiful.
Lynn? Oh, honey.
Are you all right?
Give her some kool-aid.
Murray did it. Murray did it.
Don't spit in it.
Shut up, you little fink.
Cut it out. Cut it out!
Booger eater, booger eater.
Murray, it better not have come out of your nose.
See it!
Look at that house.
Yeah.
Mama said we would find us a house this time,
not an apartment, but a real house, all our own.
We saw lots of possibilities.
Right there. See?
See that deer?
Look at that. Look at all that space right there!
Perfect for our house.
I want a pony.
Since we were dead broke,
one question kept nagging at me.
Even if we did find our dream house,
what could we buy it with?
I wish we lived there.
Hurry up, Murray.
Look out!
We've got you.
Take that!
I can patch your radiator here,
but your water pump's gone. It's shot.
These belts look like they're about ready to give way.
And there's maybe one tire in the whole bunch
that'll see you more than 100 yards down the road.
Will this cover it?
Oh, ma'am. Your wedding ring?
I don't want to take it.
Don't worry about it.
Goddamn vagabond, Irish Catholic son of a bitch.
Never gave me anything but grief and kids.
I'm not sentimental about it.
Is it worth enough to keep my car going?
Lady, this car's worth more dead than alive...
But I'll do the best I can.
Everyday, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner,
we ate egg salad sandwiches.
I haven't eaten one since... Ever.
We drove through 3 states,
one after another.
By the time we reached Idaho,
we'd reached our limits
physically, mentally, and mechanically.
- Mine! - Mine!
It's your turn...
I'm not on you!
Shut up!
- Mine! - Mine!
- Shut up. - Shut up!
There, I broke one of...
Can it!
What is it?
At first,
I thought we were out of gas again.
But there it was.
I'm not sure what it was,
but mama had that look in her eye.
Wherever we were going, we'd just arrived.
Oh!
Mama, you scared me.
Hey, ma,
come up here.
You can see everything.
Hey, mama.
All right.
All right, ok, good.
All right, I got it.
Mom, come up here.
Lynn...
Lynn, no, no, no! Wait.
Murray, come on. Let's get this guy.
Lacey tribe,
come on.
Hello?
The berries are all done.
No more till next year.
All done.
We don't want any berries.
I want some berries.
Do you know who owns that property
across the road from you,
the one with the tumble-down house on it?
Well... I'm the owner.
I want to buy it.
My name's Frances Lacey.
That's my tribe.
I'd introduce you to them one at a time,
but life is short and time is precious.
I don't know if it's for sale.
I want to buy it.
I want it so bad that I'm in no position to negotiate.
You can take full advantage. Name your price.
You rich?
I don't have a pot to piss in
or a window to throw it out of.
I have to pee-pee.
If that's the case,
how do you expect to pay for the land?
Well, Mr. Moon,
I've learned that the dollar
isn't the only way to get things done in this great country.
Let's talk.
You live alone, Mr. Moon?
Yes, if it's any of your business.
Well, here's what we'll do.
We'll wash your dishes,
do your laundry.
Dishes daily. Laundry once a week.
Clean your house once a week.
My oldest son will give you eight hours of chores each week,
plus any other work you may need on call
at minimum wage plus 10 percent.
You pay me interest?
Mr. Moon, this is slave labor.
Take advantage of it.
You know something?
I'm not so sure if I want a smart lady like you
with a bunch of kids for my neighbor.
Yeah, but...
Look at this place.
Takes a lot of work.
How do I know
you won't just up and run off someday?
Well, if I did that,
then you'd have all that free labor plus your land back.
But I'm telling you, Mr. Moon,
if you sell me that land,
I'm building me and my kids a house we ain't ever leaving,
at least not while I'm still breathing.
So mama talked herself into 3 acres of land
with a half-finished shack on it,
and we kind of took over Mr. Moon's life.
Mama negotiated 2 days of free repairs
that ended up lasting 2 weeks.
He never knew what hit him.
We had a lot of work to do.
It was already getting cold.
We had to get a roof on and walls up...
if you call canvas tarp a "roof" and old boards,
bye-bye, tumbleweed.
Pull over.
Pull it.
Over. Over. Over.
Turn which way?
This way!
Ok.
Hurry, here it comes.
Here it comes!
Aah!
I'm going to get you!
Aah!
Wait up, pals.
Come on!
Here, Faye.
Yay! Yay! Yay!
- Yes! - Yeah!
Mama traded our tires for some furniture.
Mr. Moon wanted the name of the guy who bought them.
He said he wanted proof that he wasn't the only fool in town.
So what do you know how to do?
I work.
I've done it all my life. I work.
I learn fast, and I do my share and more.
Yeah, well, I do need another waitress.
Then you got one.
Minimum wage.
Your tips are your own,
and they ain't much in this town.
I'll manage. I always do.
I'll bet you do.
This here's Norman, my manager.
You'll be working under me.
I'll be working for you.
Frances.
I tried to get any job I could.
I wasn't particular
as long as I could make money.
I finally got work at a dairy.
I don't know who hated it more...
me or the cows.
This dumb blanket won't stay up.
I already got some.
Give me a hand, Lynn.
Hey, hey, Mr. Moon's here!
Thanks.
What are you up to, Mr. Moon?
You see...
I had all this
spare window glass.
A man with a greenhouse keeps plenty on hand.
I used some of your wood.
Glazed windows.
And now I'm ready to put them in.
I don't have the money to pay you for this, Mr. Moon.
Well...
I'm not doing this
for the money, Mrs. Lacey.
I do well enough
with the nursery.
Well, I want an accounting of your time
and the cost of your materials
so I can give you an I.O.U.
I don't like owing anybody,
but you backed me into a corner.
And I'd appreciate it a hell of a lot
if you'd let me know next time you decide to help out.
Come on.
Mama had promised I'd do Mr. Moon's chores,
so I didn't have much choice.
But running his tractor was fun,
and that's how I learned to drive.
Hi.
Hello.
How does that look, Craig?
Pretty good.
Let's sleep on the roof.
I want that room.
You can't sleep on the roof!
Mom, can I have my own bathroom?
Can I have a pink princess phone?
Mom, can I have my own bathroom?
School was coming up,
so when the hand-me-downs wore out,
the church basement was our department store.
This wasn't so bad.
It was all we knew.
Lynn, what do you think?
It's beautiful.
You should get it.
Mama.
Oh, no, honey.
Annie.
Lacey tribe.
We need galoshes for winter.
You've never seen winter, have you, Annie?
No.
Help her pick out a pair, Lynn.
Craig.
Here. Try this on.
Mom, look!
Good day, ma'am.
Uh, I'm Father Tomlin.
I think you may be new to our little town.
Mom, look what I found.
Hope that we'll see you at Sunday mass soon.
Try again, liberace.
Unless, of course, your convictions
take you to another church.
Actually, we Laceys are nondenominational.
Well, that's neither here nor there at the moment,
but perhaps I could tell you
about our program to help the needy.
We can provide without charge
an allotment of clothing for each member of the family...
Murray, we didn't come here looking for toys.
Come back here and try on this sweater.
Uh, in addition to the clothing items, basic food items...
mama, look!
Lynn, no.
Uh, basic food items and so on,
all without obligation,
religious or otherwise.
Well, thanks very much, mister, uh... Father,
but we Laceys don't accept charity.
We pay our own way.
Well, uh,
if... if you change your mind...
Lynn.
Do me a favor. Take this back, will you?
But it'll look so nice on you.
Take it back.
The really bad part
was when mama decided to make our clothes herself.
Hey, Lacey, where'd you get the howdy doody dresses?
They're not howdy doody.
My mama made them.
Where'd she get the material?
Did somebody shoot a sofa and skin it?
"Howdy doody dresses"
"howdy doody dresses"
Murray still didn't seem to fit into our world,
but then one day,
he found one of his own.
Stop the bus!
Stop the bus. Stop the bus!
Stop the bus.
Get back in your seat, kid.
Stop the bus,
or I'll barf in your hat.
Eew! Eew! Eew!
I'll walk home.
You lost, boy?
No.
I want some of this stuff.
You got money?
Mmm. No.
Well, how do you expect to pay
for the stuff you want?
Well, mister,
I've learned that...
I've learned...
That the greenback dollar isn't the only way
to get things done in this here great country.
Let's talk.
All right, son.
Let's find this stuff you want.
I need help around here.
Murray!
What's with the wagon,
and what's with the toilet?
I got a job. I earned it.
Come on, give me a hand.
You got a job, and you earned a toilet?
Yeah. So we don't have to use the dumb old outhouse.
I hate the outhouse.
So for 3 days every week,
Murray came home hauling some new treasures from Mr. king.
We never knew what to expect...
French doors, a gas stove,
a set of cracked China dishes...
In smelly old Mr. king,
Murray found a kindred soul,
a fellow connoisseur of junk.
Come on.
Come on what is it?
What did you get this time, Murray?
Couches and everything.
Wow.
I'm tired.
I got all sorts of stuff.
Mr. Moon?
Yes, miss Faye.
Where's Mrs. Moon?
Well...
She went on a long journey ahead of me.
Why didn't you go with her?
I had to wait here for the Laceys.
Every morning, I went to work in the dark,
then I had to walk 4 more Miles to school.
Sometimes I'd get a ride,
but more often, I'd walk all the way.
It gave me plenty of time to think,
and mostly what I thought about
was how much I hated Hankston, Idaho.
Eh, Murray! Come on up here.
Come on Murray.
You ready?
Yeah!
Murray, that's disgusting!
Murray!
Just get to work.
I am.
Aah!
Murray!
Murray, you all right?
Huh?
Murray, come on.
- Come on. - Look, Shayne!
Shayne, look!
Look, Shayne!
Shayne, look!
What?
Hold on. This is going to hurt.
It's going to hurt all right.
Ow!
It should be all right.
You'll be all right.
I'm getting Mr. Moon.
It's all right.
Don't die, Murray.
Stay here.
But Mr. Moon wasn't home to help us.
He had driven mama into town.
I had to carry Murray to the hospital.
He was crying all the way.
What the hell happened?
Get him in the truck.
It's not my fault, mama.
He fell on a nail, and he's bleeding.
Dr. Bartlett, you're needed in room two.
Mrs. Lacey.
Yes.
You have a very lucky little boy.
Another, oh, 2 centimeters or so,
and that nail would've punctured his lung.
- Is he ok? - He's fine.
Can I see him?
You can take him home.
Oh!
Just try to keep him in bed for a couple of days
and keep that wound clean.
You give that to them upstairs.
Thank you.
Interesting kid.
You're ok?
I had made mama a promise.
I told her I'd keep it.
But I wasn't dad,
and I was sick of pretending I was.
I knew that when the house was done,
I was going back to L.A.
There was more to do, I had friends there,
and it was a lot warmer.
Warm it up for you?
Yes.
And he says, "you're not here for the hunt, are you?"
Can I get you anything else?
We're out of here, Franny.
How about you and your tribe helping us out
over on that remodeling job?
We'd be on the job site, not loafing around over here.
Woh! Wooo!
I'm short of cash this week.
This will have to do for a tip.
You're kidding.
Dave, this means more to me than money.
Let's go.
In Los Angeles, mama worked her butt off
just to get us from day to day.
Now we all had to earn enough to live on
and put something away for our house.
We all worked on that house every chance we got,
but there were some things we couldn't do,
so mama hired contractors for those jobs.
God help 'em.
Over here!
Yeah, sure, we can take care of it.
I know you guys,
you buy your goddamn wiring and your fixtures,
you mark it up 20, 50 percent, and you soak me for it.
I want an estimate for manpower only
and a list of what material you'll need.
I'll haggle for the materials myself.
Any questions?
I ain't got much time.
I got to get to my job.
I know you think I'm a hard-nosed bitch.
Don't deny it.
I am when it comes to this house.
But I also know I'm at your mercy.
Treat me honestly like I'll treat you.
I'll deal in cash,
so we may have to do this piecemeal,
but there won't be any corner cutting.
I want the best for this house. The best.
Lacey tribe.
Show Mr. Whitman your hands.
Every penny you spend is a penny
me and these little hands earned.
Don't make those blisters count for nothing.
There. I've tried it all... guilt, fear, and pity.
You understand me now, Mr. Whitman?
You're shirt. You're skin.
Laughlin, get a haircut or a dog license.
You look like an animal.
Stand up straight like a man,
not like some old woman. There you go.
Lacey.
Yeah?
Just what the hell is that?
Well, my sister's red socks got in with the whites,
and it turned the sheets and pillowcases and the t-shirt
kind of pink.
Go get another one.
Well sir, this is the only one I got.
What, are you kidding?
Lacey, I told you at the beginning of the term
that you'd require a white t-shirt, did I not?
Yes, you did.
White. Is that white?
No, sir, it's a little off.
A little off?
I'd call that titty pink, huh, guys?
You're a shirt. You're a skin. Let's go.
Let's move it, guys.
Let's go! Lacey. Lacey.
Listen, uh, why don't you just go play with the girls?
Better yet, sit on the girls' bench.
Your titty pink shirt will fit in a lot better over there.
Right over there between the two girls.
All right, guys, come on!
Everybody over here. Let's go!
Shirts, you're going that way. Skins, that way.
Your grade depends on this.
Her name was Raymi,
and I couldn't have met her
under more embarrassing circumstances,
but at last I had one good reason to stay in Hankston.
You can't take that test.
You can't even read.
I can read as good as you.
Mom, Murray needs a compass and protractor for school.
Can't he borrow one?
Mrs. Tipton said he has to have a set of his own
or she'll flunk him.
I'll give you money when you go back to school.
Mama,
I still feel sick.
Just stay in bed, honey, and keep warm.
We'll save you something.
Wait, Shayne!
Mom, I need a new white t-shirt for gym class.
Damn, Shayne. Another one?
Yes.
Take the potatoes and the gravy.
Everybody sit down.
You see, it's gotten kind of green.
Murray's green pants got in with the whites.
Green, white, red, blue. What's the difference?
What do you want, gold lami?
Everybody else's is white.
I got to have a white t-shirt.
Don't you tell me what you got to have.
You got to have a roof over your head and food on the table,
and you got that. You're not getting a new t-shirt.
Hi, Mr. Moon.
Pumpkin. Made them myself.
Still warm.
Mr. Moon, please come in.
Sit down. Let me take your jacket.
Thank you.
Happy Thanksgiving, Laceys.
Happy Thanksgiving, Mr. Moon.
Faye's not feeling well.
Are you a praying man, Mr. Moon?
I'm a failed Catholic...
But, yes.
We're not religious either,
but a taste of it couldn't hurt,
and who knows? It might take
on one of these heathens.
Lord, we have much to give thanks for...
But this year,
I have a special thanks.
Thank you,
for the Lacey family,
which came into my life,
and turned it upside-down
and made...
Made it much more interesting.
And my house,
is very clean.
Amen.
- Amen. - Amen.
Give it back.
Busy.
Can you hold it?
I don't know.
It's freezing.
Hey.
I wiped that butt a long time before you did, you know.
Next thing we're working on is indoor plumbing.
Hey, there.
Hi, Norm.
Uh, Dave Pollock left this for you.
Beautiful.
A 4-d fuse box in perfect condition.
Don't get all hot and bothered over a tin box.
Well, we make do with what we got.
It's the best thing that's happened to me all day.
How about I take you to Crossroads after we close?
They got a band.
I got to get home to my kids.
Just a few minutes kicking up your heels
one night in... How long?
I don't even remember.
See.
One drink, one dance, straight home.
I got some old electrical conduit
I'll throw into the bargain.
How much conduit we talking about?
How much can you handle?
Norman, if it isn't connected to this, I ain't interested.
But I will go dancing with you.
One beer, one dance, and then home.
That'll be all for you?
- There's mom. - Hi, mom.
Hi, mom.
- Hi, mom. - Tips were good tonight.
Murray, get the jar.
What's that?
I saved you some supper.
Oh, well, I already ate.
Here's some ham sandwiches for tomorrow.
I've been thinking.
This Christmas, we don't need to get each other presents.
We'll get presents for our house.
Like a television?
Well, maybe not like a great big old television.
What about Santa?
Well, he'll get presents for our house, too.
Can Santa bring a TV?
It's too big, dummy.
Shut up, Annie. I want a TV.
What do you think?
It's ok with me.
- I like the idea. - Fine with me.
What do you think?
Sure.
Huh?
Sure. You were late.
What?
I said you were late. Where were you?
I went for a beer.
Really?
With Norm?
Yes, with Norm.
You listen to me.
You leave my private life to me, Shayne Patrick,
what little I have of it.
This weekend we get the tree!
Yay! Yay! Yay!
When you're really, really poor,
everything you see
is something you can't have.
- Shayne? - Yeah.
What are you going to get mama for Christmas?
I don't know.
Maybe some stockings.
I saw her crying last night when she ruined her last pair.
I thought we were supposed to get presents for our house.
That's just talk, that's all.
You sure?
We wrote that letter to Santa.
Yeah. You know how mom always talks.
Does that mean I get a Bowie knife?
No.
Coming through. Coming through.
Step aside.
Thanks.
Wait, wait.
When I was a kid, we had an old bathtub.
It was so big,
I could lay down up to my chin.
My knees would still be underwater.
I'd read for hours.
The books would get all fat and crinkly from the dampness.
Did you live in a house of your own?
Yeah. Lived there until I left.
How's Santa going to come if we don't have a chimbly?
It's chimney.
He'll have to come through the keyhole,
like he did in Los Angeles.
- Dummy! - You're the dummy!
Dummy! You are.
No, you are.
The water's getting all gunky.
Look who's in it.
Why am I always last to take a bath?
'Cause nobody wants to wash after you've been in there.
Well, I'm done.
Not so fast, young man.
Let me see those ears.
I cleaned them.
Oh, Murray. You could plant potatoes in there.
Ouch!
Oh, I'm sorry. Did I hurt you? I'm sorry, baby.
You're getting to be an independent little snot, aren't you?
Hello again, Mrs. Lacey.
Every year,
we pass out these presents
to the needy children...
needy children? Good for you Father!
I suggest you find some. There's none here.
I'm sure your children would appreciate some gesture...
my children's gifts are already under the tree.
Merry Christmas. Good night, Father.
Let's get ready for bed. Santa's almost here.
Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Murray, look! Santa came!
Santa drank the milk!
Look! Look! Look!
Santa came!
Come on!
- Presents! - I saw them! No!
Stop it. We have to wake up mom first.
Come on.
Mom! Mom! Mom!
Ok! Ok!
Mom! Mom! Mom!
Where's mine?
Yeah, where's mine? Where's mine?
Oh! Santa came!
Here. I found mine.
Oh, Lynn.
Thanks.
I wonder why this is so heavy.
Ready?
One...
Two...
Three!
Save the paper.
Why?
I bet I know what this is.
Oh, Lynn!
Did you make these yourself?
What's wrong?
They're presents for our house.
Remember? We talked about it.
This is not a house.
This is not Christmas.
We live in a shack.
A shack!
We have nothing of our own.
Everything we did have, we either sold it or left it behind...
we have nothing!
It's supposed to be Christmas, goddamn it!
It's Christmas!
You watch your mouth, Shayne Patrick Lacey.
Well, I like what I got.
All that money we earned, and nothing.
You're mad 'cause you didn't get a stupid t-shirt.
Shut up, Murray!
All they wanted was some toys or a radio...
you know what?
You care more about this stupid shack or this stupid house idea
than you do about any of us!
Go get your father's belt.
Go get it.
I'll get it.
Ooh. Merry Christmas.
I was going to...
Merry Christmas, Mr. Moon.
I know you had told me not to bring any presents,
but...
This is for the house.
Uh, Lynn, get Mr. Moon his present.
It's a mailbox.
We got the spelling off the contract,
and Shayne made it in shop class.
Yes. Thank you.
What is this?
Plans.
The blueprints for the rest of this house.
It's not like your picture.
It's one-story ranch with 2 bedrooms,
but that can be changed.
It's a good, solid plan.
I really appreciate it, Mr. Moon,
but we're set on building our own house.
Merry Christmas.
You...
Are a stubborn woman, Mrs. Lacey.
What's wrong in here?
Santa Claus hates me.
Mr. Moon...
Could you give me a ride into town?
Yes, ma'am.
I'll be ready in a minute.
I'll be warming up the truck.
Merry Christmas.
- Happy new year. - Happy new year.
Thank you very much,
and a Merry Christmas to you.
Excuse me, Father.
Oh, Mrs. Lacey.
I certainly didn't expect to see you here.
Well, actually, Father,
I was hoping to take you up on your offer.
Would you have any of those presents left?
Uh, I took your advice.
I gave them to a truly needy family.
So you have no gifts?
You know,
the best gift that you could give them,
would be to bring them all here to church.
Father Tomlin, that was wonderful.
Thank you. I greatly enjoyed that sermon.
I have money. I can pay.
I'm... I'm sorry, Mrs. Lacey.
We... we have none. I'm sorry.
Is it warm enough in there?
Warm enough.
Why didn't you finish this place, Mr. Munimura?
I started it for my boy.
He went into the Navy.
He was a pilot...
Flew jet.
Married a nice Japanese girl from Hawaii.
They were going to move here
after their tour in Korea.
Munimura and son.
Korea...
He wanted to fight.
Michael wanted to prove
he was as American as anyone else.
Chieko and I started this place.
It was going to be a surprise.
He didn't come back.
His wife went on with her life.
Chieko died the next year.
I'm sorry about the blueprints.
I shouldn't have said that.
I didn't even look at them.
No, no.
You have a right to your kind of house.
Chieko and I started this place
so there'd be a family someday here.
You and your tribe are more than Chieko hoped for
as far as the number is concerned,
but you saw something here the day you drove up
in that rattletrap Plymouth.
Don't forget what you saw.
Merry Christmas, Mr. Munimura.
Merry Christmas, Mrs. Lacey.
Mama...
You didn't open the rest of your presents.
Tomorrow.
Mama, come over here.
I got to finish the dishes.
Come on. No, I mean it. I got to.
Oh, good. They fit.
Oh, good.
Oh, God, I'm so tired.
I'm just so damn tired.
W-well, maybe you should go to bed.
It's not that kind of tired.
Sometimes I don't think I can...
I feel like I'm...
Pushing a car uphill...
a... a big car like our Plymouth...
up a steep hill,
and I'm... I'm pushing and pushing,
and... and I push, and I look down,
and I can see the ground under my feet,
and then I look up, and I can see all you,
kids in the back seat. Looking at me,
and... and I'm pushing...
But, mama, we're not in the car.
We're helping you push.
Yeah.
Yeah, you are.
Of course, mama.
We're the Lacey tribe.
It just feels like you're pushing alone sometimes.
Here.
You open this one.
That's from Annie and Craig.
We helped, but just a little.
Look at that.
It was a long, long winter.
Mama and I were still fighting,
and being cooped up in that shack didn't help.
There wasn't anything to do
or anywhere to go.
I like that one.
That's mine. That's mine.
Look at that.
That looks...
oh! Look at that one.
Hello.
Hi, kids.
Hi, mom.
- Hi, mom. - Hi, mom.
Oh, what a pretty picture.
Did you paint that? Hmm-mm.
Who is that?
That's you, that's Craig, that's Shayne,
and that's me, and that's Murray.
Hey... What is this?
What the hell are you doing,
you little snot, huh?
Shayne, watch it.
This is my history book.
You've ruined my book.
Who cares?
It's pretty.
You draw in it every day.
Yeah. Naked women.
Shut up! I'll smack you both!
Shayne Patrick, watch your mouth.
Wait a minute.
Where's my homework?
Huh?
Where is it? Huh?
Shayne, I'm warning you.
I don't know!
Tell me! Tell me!
Get your father's belt.
Get it yourself.
No, mama. Please, mama.
Listen to me. When are you going to listen?
Stop it. You're hurting me.
Stop it, mama!
Mama!
Stop it!
Stop it, mama! Stop!
Stop, please.
I didn't speak to my mother
or look her in the eye for 5 days
after she took my dad's belt to me.
I didn't think she even cared.
You and I remember him best.
Craig and Annie are too young.
Do you ever get mad at him?
What...
For leaving us like this?
Sometimes.
I get mad at him for a whole bushel basket of things,
but you can't really blame
that goddamn vagabond, Irish Catholic son of a bitch
for dying, can you?
No.
Just...
Sometimes I wish things were a little different.
You don't want to be the man of the house.
I know what you have to give up,
the things you can't do at school.
You don't have any friends.
You have responsibilities.
I was a kid myself once, too, you know.
Wanted to go to parties, have fun,
dance my life away, dance with all the boys,
neck until the sun came up,
but this is what I got.
This is what happens sometimes.
You work with what you get,
and you try to make it better.
I'll pick you up around 3:00.
Thanks. See ya.
Mom, it's cold.
Are you ok?
Yeah.
It's going to be beautiful.
We'll finish the first floor this summer.
We'll do some exterior work,
then next year we'll start on the second floor.
You'll have your own room.
It's going to be all buttoned up and beautiful.
Yeah.
Mom...
Can I ask you a question?
Hmm?
Can I go on a date?
Sure.
I can?
I've been known to go on a date
once or twice myself, you know.
Really?
Mom...
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry about being mad at you.
You know, for going to dinner and...
Going on that date.
Mama went all out for the occasion.
We went to the thrift shop
and picked out a jacket, slacks, shoes...
They were used, but they were the best I ever had.
You look nice, Shayne.
Oh, thanks, Faye.
You going to squeeze her boobies?
All right. I'll get you.
I'll get daddy's belt on you.
You boys.
Oh, mom. You look great.
- Really? - Yeah.
You look really nice.
Look at you, Shayne.
Ain't he a handsome devil?
Looks just like his father,
that goddamn vagabond...
Irish Catholic son of a bitch.
Are you going to the dance with Shayne?
I got my own date.
That's them.
You'll never get a date, Murray, you stink bug.
- Are you excited? - Yeah.
- I'm nervous. - Are you?
Here. Don't tell the others.
I knew what that money meant to mama...
And to our house.
- Bye, Shayne. - Bye, Shayne.
- Bye, mama. - Bye.
Good luck on your date.
Ok.
That dollar meant more to me,
than anything she ever gave me.
You never forget your first real date.
I didn't know how to dance,
much less how to ask a girl to dance with me.
It sure was different than practicing with mama,
but I had the first, best time of my life.
"Oh, don't you know?"
"don't you know you'll be my fool?"
"you got me cryin'"
"cryin' again"
"when will you let this heartache end?"
"emotion"
"you gave me up then"
"why make me remember"
"what I wanna forget?"
May I have the pleasure?
Well, Norman.
Dance with me, Frances.
Well, let's go on inside.
It's cold out here.
Well, I'm a good keeper-warmer.
- Norman... - What?
Come on. Let's go dance...
we're definitely kicking up our heels tonight, but...
- After. - After?
What is this?
This is the key to paradise.
You're presuming a bit, aren't you?
I don't think so.
You're free, white, and more than a nod past 21.
- Thanks a lot. - Yeah, we both are.
We'll get it out of the way.
Save some awkwardness, and we don't smell like cigarette smoke.
'Sides, I drink too much when I dance,
and I ain't worth a shit in the sack then.
Well, that's romantic as all hell.
Look, it's paid for.
Why waste it? Come on.
Hey, what are you doing?
Either we go dancing or take me home.
Oh! Don't act like no virgin.
What?
A woman with six kids has been around the block.
I don't roll on my back,
for every asshole who scratches my belly.
You ought to. Not many guys will make this offer.
I should be so lucky.
Come on, honey.
Let go of me!
Take your hand off me. Take your hand off me.
Settle down.
This isn't going to happen.
Are we going to stand here until the snow comes again?
Let go!
Don't tell me what to do!
I could make you.
You could try.
Come on, guys. Let's go.
Come on. Will you get out of there?
You're steaming up the windows.
Hey, guys.
Let's go.
Ha ha ha.
"Since I first met you."
"I pray..."
See you, lover boy.
Bye, Raymi.
Hey, mom, what you doing?
Sitting.
Go on in.
I'll be in in a minute.
- Are you ok? - Yeah.
I'm fine.
How was your date?
It was all right.
How was yours?
Mom?
What happened?
I just made a mistake, that's all.
I don't know what it is,
but if there's a son of a bitch
within 70 Miles, he'll find me.
Been that way since your daddy died.
Any horse's ass.
I just walk right up to him and s-say,
"here I am, you asshole."
"Why don't you chew me up and spit me out?"
Mom, I'm sorry.
It's going to be ok, ok?
I promise.
Honey, it's not your fault, it's his.
Now go on, will you?
It's going to be ok, mom.
Come on.
It's going to be all right.
Was dad ever mean to you?
No.
He was the finest man I ever met.
He treated me like a queen.
Promise me something, Shayne.
Promise me you'll never beat on a woman.
Yeah, I promise.
Never beat on anybody.
It hurts,
inside and out.
Yeah.
I know it does.
Go to bed.
But...
please.
Go to bed.
What is it?
Annie. Annie, wake up.
Are you all right?
All right.
You look beautiful today.
You mind me saying that?
It's true. You really do.
Now... This spot down here...
Ok.
Uhh!
Aah!
You hit my mother!
Aah!
Oh!
Crazy little bastard.
Call the sheriff!
Somebody!
Aah!
Say you did it! Come on!
Say you did it! Say you did it!
Say you... say you did it!
Say it!
Say it now! Now!
I never touched her!
Where'd you get the scratch?
'Cause she fights just like you do.
Ohh!
Ohh...
Uhh...
- Mr. hilliard. - Yeah.
Can I talk to you for a minute, please?
Sure.
Um...
I can't work here anymore.
Why?
I quit. I can't work here with Norman,
not after what he did to my boy.
Uh-huh. Well, Norman doesn't work here anymore.
I let him go.
Really?
Yeah, really.
So if Norman's the problem,
you really don't have a problem.
And listen, Frances...
Why don't you take the day off?
And I'll see you in the morning.
Ok?
Things will get better.
You'll see.
Lacey tribe, may I have your attention, please?
What do you want, Murray?
Just come here. It's a surprise.
Too busy.
You're never too busy for this.
Come on, hurry up.
Yeah, hurry up.
One...
Two...
Three!
Aah! Ha ha!
Lacey tribe! We're coming up in the world!
Indoor plumbing. Who gets the first turn?
- Ooh, I do. - I do.
I do.
Craig! Shayne!
Come down here!
Murray!
Come on!
Bye, outhouse! Yeah!
Murray, what are you doing?
Dirty.
Ok, this is dirty.
Clean.
Annie, look at this spot. It's dirty.
Whoopee-doo. A little spot.
Look at that thing burn.
Yeah!
Yeah, cool!
Great!
Look at that thing burn!
Hanky.
All right!
- Yeah! - Yay!
Yeah!
I don't have to go to that stinking outhouse anymore!
I hate that outhouse!
What?
It's burning!
Craig, Annie, go to Mr. Moon's!
Get him to call the fire department! Go!
Hurry!
Murray, come on!
Come on, Murray!
Come on!
It's frozen.
Aah!
The red dress.
With the white bows.
Good for you.
Matching lipstick, too.
Hey, look at that smoke.
Where?
Right there. Isn't that close to your house?
Oh, my God.
I'm going to get the money jar.
Boys, get down from the roof!
Murray, get out of here! It's too hot!
Are you ok?
What happened? I'm sorry, mama.
Are you ok?
Where's Lynn?
Mommy, Lynn went back in the house!
She's in the house!
Lynn!
Mama, I couldn't find the money jar.
Doesn't matter. Are you ok?
Got to find it.
By the time they got there,
there was nothing the firemen could do.
I even remember the way they put it...
"the structure was fully consumed."
I think the less you have,
the more it hurts when you lose it,
and that fire hurt a lot.
Murray.
Sorry, mama.
I'm so sorry.
Oh, honey...
It's not your fault.
Not your fault.
I just burnt down our house.
Oh...
Listen.
It was an accident.
It was an accident, honey. It's nobody's fault.
Oh, baby...
It's nobody's fault.
Come on.
Save the nails.
Unh!
Ha ha!
Oh. Lynn, everything's going to be all right.
We can start over.
Ha ha!
Everything's going to be all buttoned up and beautiful.
Bullshit!
Nothing's going to be all right.
You're only saying that...
"buttoned up and beautiful."
Don't tell them that if they're good,
everything will work out.
It doesn't work that way.
"Buttoned up and beautiful"?
You're always saying that!
And we believe it, and it hurts us
every time we have to hear it from you!
Don't lie to them!
I don't know what to say to you, Shayne.
I don't know what you want to hear.
I guess you want a different family, a different life.
Well, it isn't going to happen.
This is what you got.
You think I don't want something more?
Life isn't fair, buddy.
Sometimes it's just goddamn lousy.
You want to go back to Los Angeles?
Go on. We'll manage without you.
You don't have to be the man of the house anymore.
We'll manage just fine.
I managed without your dad.
I don't know how I did that, but I did it.
We'll manage without a lot of things.
Go on, get the hell out of here.
Mama.
Mr. Moon!
Come on, pull up over here!
Mrs. Lacey,
I know you don't take charity.
You'll be getting a bill.
Let's go, let's go, everybody!
Mr. Munimura, I can't accept this.
I can't owe people. I can't.
We're going to do it
no matter what you say, Frances.
It's going to be ok.
Let's go to work!
Thank you so much.
Mama.
Look at all the pretty toys you got.
My goodness.
I think we're level.
Come on!
I don't know. Should it go over there a little bit?
Watch the fingers!
There you go.
So mama let them build it...
But just to where it was before the fire.
After that, it took us six months to finish our house...
And 4 years to pay everyone back.
Ok Mr. Moon, come on! Mom! Get everybody!
I took a picture the day we moved back in.
This camera was borrowed, too.
Now I'll tell you something else that's really true,
but you probably won't believe it.
I've never been back to L.A.,
and I still live in Hankston, Idaho.
Whatever tore us apart,
building that house brought us together...
Forever.
We...
Were the Lacey tribe.