"I'm going to go down to kentucky and check on a case." "When i'm back, we're going to go hunting, do some fishing." "We'll get away from all this stuff." "I appreciate the friendship." "Means a lot to me." "Frank elkins was found dead this morning." "What?" "His truck went into the nolin river last night." "Broke his neck and back." "According to the state police, there was alcohol in the truck." "They say it's an accident." "i don't think so." "That and 3 dead agents:" "2 f.b.i. a couple of nights ago, and now frank." "This whole thing started with an anonymous letter" "From a little coal town in kentucky," "Talking about fish acting weird, kids getting sick, that kind of thing." "So frank went in." "He sent back soil and water samples" "That were off the charts" "From this little town, jackson." "Man: frank found out the hanner coal company" "Was dumping thousands of barrels" "Of deadly toxic waste in abandoned coal mines." "Obviously, there's something going on down there." "Somebody's doing a good job of hiding it." "Jesus christ, jack." "you and your goddamn conspiracy theories." "We're dealing with a bunch of tough-nut hillbillies" "That know their country better than we do." "Jack, i want you to go in, find the dump," "Find the people who are putting it there," "And bring me back a goddamn witness." "You know if we don't have a witness who will testify," "We got nothing." "Phil, when was the last time i gave you nothing?" "Your contact in kentucky is a preacher named bob goodall." "Listen, uh..." "Let's do this thing right for frank." "Mr. taggert." "How do you do, sir?" "Bob goodall." "Nice to meet you." "Glad to meet you." "welcome to kentucky." "Thank you." "you're the preacher?" "That's right." "How come you ain't wearing one of them preacher collars?" "I'm a country preacher." "You all dress like that?" "yes, sir." "That's very nice." "you play a little guitar or something?" "Every now and then." "[music playing]" "* ma's been pickin' on my old hound dog * * the copperhead's hidin' in a sycamore log *" "* grandma's drinkin' in the cold of the rain * * papa's just whittlin' and don't complain *" "* cyclone's comin', i can smell it in the wind * * we're gonna have to pump out the stone house again *" "* mama said she don't understand... *" "Well, this is it." "Here's your bathroom here." "Radio used to pick up two stations," "But one of them went out of business." "Here's as good a list of folks to start with as any." "Like i say, they don't talk much." "People keep pretty much to themselves." "Best bet is to start easy." "Uh-huh." "Fix a few porches, get to know them a little bit." "Take a little time." "That's right." "I don't know how much time i'll have," "But i'll do the best i can." "[sawing]" "Mister, mama said that you might be thirsty." "Well, your mama's right." "What's your name?" "Christine." "That's a pretty name." "And how about you?" "Alberta." "That's a pretty name." "how about you?" "Christine:" "her name's rose," "But she don't talk yet." "She don't talk yet." "she kind of shy?" "Yeah." "Have you came to fix the roof on top of me?" "Yes, i have." "Why?" "'cause i think it needs fixing." "Thanks." "You're welcome. y'all here just with your mama?" "And papa, but he's not home." "He works in the mines." "And walter, our brother, he's sick." "Walter's sick?" "what kind of sick?" "I don't know." "just sick." "Maybe i should say hello to him" "And cheer him up or something." "Sure." "come on in." "Ok." "[walter coughing]" "Hi, walter." "How you doing?" "You drawing a picture?" "What's this one here?" "Is this a helicopter or a u.f.o.?" "He's shy." "It's not a helicopter." "it's a u.f.o." "That's what i thought." "You see a lot of them around here?" "He's sick." "No, i'm not." "How long has the boy been sick like this?" "What kind of sickness you have?" "Christine:" "it's kind of a rash." "Does that itch or bleed or anything?" "You get, like, dizzy and feel like you want to throw up?" "Walter: mm-hmm." "Thought the reverend said you work on the outside of the house." "Yes, sir." "the boy was sick." "I just came in to cheer him up." "Nice to see you, walter." "You're a good artist, too, i'm telling you." "That's good. come on." "that's it." "All right, hover right there." "Just hold her there." "let her down." "Let's go." "Take her up." "That's good." "you're out of here." "Have a good one." "My daddy wants to know who the hell he is." "Maybe it's time i had a talk with him." "No. have the boys scare him a little first." "[starts engine]" "[country music playing]" "* just one look, and you have set my soul on fire * * just one kiss, and you have filled me with desire *" "Woman: good morning." "I believe we got everything you ordered." "That'll be $75." "You mean it's not free?" "No." "no." "Woman: no free goods." "Here's your change, and you come back and see us." "I'm going to do that." "Two beautiful twins like you-- gets a man thinking." "Woman: bye-bye!" "How's the fishing around these parts?" "I like a perch dinner with fried potatoes." "You catching perch about now?" "No. i'm sweeping steps right now." "Man: he's working, mister. you better just leave him alone." "You ask old cotton too many questions, he can't even concentrate." "Be worth nothing the rest of the day." "Ms. hamill don't like that." "I'm sorry about that." "that won't happen again." "I'm just here doing god's work." "Got any questions, you can ask me." "Good enough." "Hey, boy, what are you doing?" "Man: we got company." "I got him." "What the fuck are you doing here, pretty boy?" "I was just taking a little sunday stroll." "I guess maybe it's not sunday." "You picked a fine time to take a walk in our marijuana field." "It's tough, huh?" "This is tough." "we're deep in country here." "Is it kind of like deliverance or something?" "Heh heh." "Deliverance." "I guess i should be kind of scared." ""you got a pretty mouth, boy."" "[all chuckling]" "I got no business with y'all." "[man groaning]" "Watch them, boy." "Don't let them do nothing wrong." "Man: oh, my jaw!" "son of a bitch broke my jaw!" "[people singing hymn] * will there be any stars, any stars in my crown * * when at evening the sun goeth down?" "* * when i wake with the blessed in the mansions of rest * * will there be any stars in my crown?" "*" "Amen!" "amen!" "Amen." "amen!" "Goodall: that was wonderful singing, everybody." "I believe we're getting better all the time." "Now, before we get to the brunch part of our services today," "We have a special visitor to our community." "I want you to meet him now." "this is mr. jack taggert." "Mr. taggert's donated his time to help us" "With any kind of carpenter problems that any of you may have." "I know everybody's got a piece of wood busted somewhere." "Henry, i think he already helped put a roof on at your place." "So during our lunch hour, let's stop by and say hello to jack taggert," "Make him feel welcome to the community." "Deacon, would you like to lead us in a short benediction before we eat?" "Deacon: may the lord bless us and keep us and his face shine upon us." "In his name, amen." "Amen!" "[guitar playing, indistinct singing]" "Here. for you." "That's a u.f.o. right there." "No question about it." "At night, i see the lights on that hill sometimes." "Well, that's probably the headquarters for u.f.o.s." "Mr. taggert." "Sir." "Mighty nice of you to come here and help us poor folks out." "Well, it's nothing that condescending." "One question:" "Are you going to screw up?" "You never know." "Well, you know, there's a lot of misfits and losers" "Doing your kind of work-- alcoholics, ex-cons" "Trying to get to heaven, you know what i mean?" "I probably fit right in there, don't i?" "If you do screw up, i'll have to be all over you." "Ok. well, i'll do the best i can to keep that in mind, sir." "You take care, mr. taggert." "Jack taggert." "Hello." "Sarah." "Mmm. that's a nice name." "I was just sitting over there eating all by my lonesome." "I thought you might like to come sit down" "And have some of that with me." "You really are new here." "Kind of stand out a little bit, do i?" "Oh, i didn't mean that." "Just, um..." "you're talking to me." "Something wrong with talking to you?" "Excuse me." "Sarah's a nice girl." "sad, though." "Town don't really take to her." "Jack: why is that?" "Lot of history." "People down here don't give up history." "[truck horn blows]" "Hey, mr. cotton!" "Where you headed?" "In the direction i'm walking." "Uh-huh. would you like a lift?" "No. i don't like to ride in cars." "Might get to like it, and then i'd want one." "Hey, how about if i do some fixing on your house?" "It won't cost you nothing." "Sure, but the worst thing to do would be to fix it up." "I might like it." "Isn't that a good thing?" "No. i want to move." "Why?" "The house is falling apart." "That's kind of like a zen riddle, isn't it?" "Huh?" "I'll see you around." "All right, then." "[bees buzzing]" "Is this the kellogg residence?" "Uh, yes, it is," "But i think you know that, mr. taggert." "I was noticing that the steps are all kind of broken-down." "I could get under there and fix it all up." "I don't hand out bibles, and it won't cost you nothing." "Well, thank you, but..." "I'm not interested." "Thank you." "You're welcome." "[dog barking]" "[engine starts]" "[rattling]" "Shit." "Good morning, boys." "* woke up this morning * * saw a big damn cottonmouth * * crawling in the grass... *" "Well, the snakes didn't do it." "He's starting to piss me off." "You know, he's just making fun of us." "* told myself you know i know * * i got to run so fast * [rattling]" "What the hell?" "!" "[horn honks]" "Aah!" "Man: god!" "* snake in the grass *" "Thought you said you weren't afraid of no snakes." "Well, hell, look who's talking." "* snake in the grass * * snake in the grass * * snake in the grass *" "Did you see that?" "The whole town saw it, you idiot." "You know how that affects my dad and me?" "I ought to put a bullet in your head right now." "Orin, i know guys like this. you push, they push back." "You don't push, they don't have anything to push against." "Let it go." "I'm in charge, lloyd." "you don't like it, resign." "What we got coming in here every night," "I don't need this in my hair right now." "I want him gone." "Son, all i'm saying is maybe you ought to call your daddy first" "Before you do anything else." "I won't tell you." "Come on, natalie." "you're killing me." "I have to know." "[telephone rings] [ring]" "I'm in a meeting." "Woman: it's your son, sir." "I'm out of the country." "Woman: sir?" "Hey." "What's up?" "Looks like we got ourselves another situation down here." "New visitor." "Do you call the fire department" "When someone lights a cigarette?" "They only send one idiot down at a time." "It's going to take months before some new guy can do squat." "So keep it business as usual, and keep him away from it." "Jesus, boy. the marines haven't landed." "i got things to do." "See, lloyd?" "i know exactly what my daddy wants" "Business as usual." "So...i don't want to see him on my street," "And i don't want to see him in my church." "Woman: bobby, come over here." "Mama!" "mama!" "Hi." "Well, hi." "how are you doing?" "Bobby's mother:" "you know better than that!" "Hello." "Hey, sarah." "how you doing?" "I'm good, thanks, dilbert." "Look, i only sold 6 jars of your honey this week." "You want to put that against your groceries?" "Yes, please." "Thank you." "Sarah: bye, now." "You take care." "How do you do, sir?" "Yes, sir." "can i help you?" "Yes, sir." "i was thinking" "I might like to have all these items here." "All right." "I also think i might like to have all of that honey there." "Yes, sir." "All of it." "Let me ask you something." "What's a fella like you going to do with all this honey?" "It's about 5 miles to home." "Well, it's not a bad walk if the day is nice." "What's this smoke over here in the mountains?" "Oh, that coal's been burning in that mountain for 12 1/2 years now." "Does that ever concern anybody" "That the earth's on fire underground?" "Well, no matter how strange something is," "You give it enough time, and it becomes normal," "I guess." "I won't ask you any more questions." "come on in." "Ok." "Come on." "* mr. president * * i'm down here working in the coal mines of kentucky * * i got my dollar stretched as far as it will go *" "* i just had to drop a line * * 'cause we're running out of time *" "* there's a fire in the hole... *" "Well, thanks for the lift." "Oh, mr. taggert?" "Yes, ma'am." "I been thinking about what you said about my porch." "Would you still consider fixing it?" "What made you change your mind?" "It broke this morning." "I'll be there." "Thank you." "You're welcome." "Have a nice day, ma'am." "You, too." "There's going to be a singing contest" "At the street fair saturday night, mr. taggert." "Patsy and i are going to be doing some singing." "Why don't you come by and vote for us?" "What'll you give me?" "My sister." "All right!" "Ok, deal." "We heard you were helping out sarah kellogg." "That's really nice of you after what she did to her daddy and all." "We're not supposed to talk about that." "She's just another one of god's children." "Look what the cat dragged in." "How you doing, sir?" "You should hear these young, small-town girls." "The way they gossip is something, isn't it?" "They sing good, too." "Do they?" "How about that porch?" "Oh, lord, mr. taggert, i just got over the flu." "Let me think about it." "Man: think about what?" "Taggert: think about how you guys got to wrecking your truck." "Think about that." "Oh, lord." "A lot of folks don't appreciate a feller like you" "Coming up here, sticking their nose" "In places it don't belong." "You need to be careful about slinking around here." "Somebody's liable to think you're a animal and shoot you." "Now, you understand what he's saying, don't you?" "Somebody going to get hurt, sure enough." "You mean, someone might get hurt?" "You could be an english teacher probably, 'cept you don't understand plain english, do you?" "Get out." "Get out. that's pretty plain english, get out." "Believe it or not, a bunch of people up here in appalachia like me." "They'd like me to stick around." "I've decided i'm going to stick around for a while." "I've also decided that if you don't like it," "That's tough shit." "I got your tough shit right here." "Oh!" "my nose!" "my nose!" "You know, sometimes two's not enough." "You want to see if you can call a few more folks around here?" "Man: easy, now, boys!" "I cracked my wood." "that's no good." "See, now, i'm damaging my lumber for the house." "I'll just use my hands." "Man: i ain't never been hit so hard in my life." "Oh!" "Oh, my nose!" "[siren]" "[men groaning]" "I should have known you'd turn out to be" "Some kind of world-class screwup." "Public brawl like this." "You're under arrest, mr. taggert, for assault and battery" "And disturbing the peace." "Goodall: hold it, lloyd." "It was self-defense." "What?" "I saw them." "they jumped him." "Anybody else around here see anything?" "Man: i didn't see nothing." "Ain't no problem here." "Appreciate your help, reverend." "Listen to me." "Investigators been hounding hanner coal company for years." "Nobody's ever found anything." "I'm afraid they're going to hurt you." "Is that why you keep sending me to just the right folks," "Folks that ain't gonna talk about him?" "People up here don't like to talk." "you know that." "I also know that this man supports your church." "The church probably wouldn't be here if it wasn't for his support." "You're a good man, reverend." "One of these days, you'll put two and two together," "And you'll say, "the money ain't worth" "What it's going to do to my people."" "I think you'll come around to that, reverend." "I believe you will." "Orin, we still got us a situation here." "Did you even hurt him?" "Hurt him?" "i'm fixing to blow his damn brains out." "We might need a grenade launcher." "No. dad said don't kill him." "Shit. now i got to tell him what happened." "They used to kill the messenger that brought the bad news." "Give me something to drink." "[rooster crows] [clock ticking]" "I'll bet you could use some tea." "Yes, ma'am." "you're a mind reader." "Honey?" "Yes, please." "You ever get lonely up here, just with the bees and all?" "Well, you know, um..." "I helped my daddy gather honey until i was 16," "And then when he died in the mines," "I just kept on, and..." "So i feel like a part of him is kept on, too." "No. i..." "i don't get lonely." "Was your daddy a coal miner before he was an engineer?" "That's right." "When he was an engineer," "Did he make up maps for around here and stuff like that?" "You ask a lot of questions." "Yeah. i'm sorry." "Why don't you ask me some questions-- anything you want." "All right." "Why do you do this work?" "I do this work because the money is so good." "Ha ha ha!" "And i have no family." "And i do it because it makes me feel good," "And it's nice to help people, that's why." "That's nice." "Looks like some weather coming in." "I better get back to work." "I'm out of nails." "Well, i could get those for you." "Just on the top of the front seat of the car there." "Coming up." "Top seat." "Top seat." "Find them?" "Yeah." "I hear you been asking a lot of questions around town, too." "Well, where i come from," "That's kind of how people get to know one another." "They ask questions and talk." "Good thing to do." "you ought to try it sometime." "Maybe someday i will." "So, mr. taggert," "I've decided i like the idea of somebody helping me," "But i'm not going to take it for free." "Will you come for supper tonight?" "Oh, i guess so." "7:00?" "That would be great. 7:00." "[harmonica playing]" "Evening." "These mountains are the most beautiful thing on earth." "Most church charity types talk about god" "And how they walk with god" "And how they found god." "They talk at you instead of to you," "And they never ask your opinion." "And that's all you do." "You're a cop, right?" "Not exactly, but something like that." "I work for the federal government." "I was told that somebody's dumping" "Some dangerous toxic waste out here." "I wanted to see if i could come down and stop it." "Yeah." "I want to stop it, too." "Do you still want to fix my porch?" "Yes, sir." "i'll do that." "You ever seen anybody doing any dumping up here of any kind?" "Well, i've seen a lot of weird lights" "Over there sometimes at night." "Uh...helicopters, stuff like that." "Uh...my steps need fixing, too." "I could do that." "That carter boy was talking to me" "About seeing some lights up there in them hills." "I think it's helicopters." "I think maybe somebody's dumping something up there." "You know a way we could get up there?" "No, but i can show you something." "Cotton: watch out for these rocks." "they're slick." "[buzzing]" "There you go." "Dead fish everywhere." "It happens after a big rain." "The young'uns are dying." "It's been going on like this for months," "And it's got worse lately." "And i didn't think you knew anything about fish." "My uncle earl told me" "Never to tip your hand too early in a card game." "You're guaranteed to lose." "That's good advice." "that's good advice." "Are you the one who sent me that letter?" "Yes, sir. i sent it." "Well, now that you know who i am and i know who you are," "I'm going to head on into town." "You want a ride?" "Sure." "Let's go." "Woman: you're welcome." "Make it some charity event." "Celebrities love that shit." "They draw the people like flies." "Oh, for christ's sake." "now what?" "Well, what do you think?" "You want to tell me what's going on" "In one small town in the middle of nowhere" "And why you can't handle it?" "I am handling it." "Shit, boy." "Cover up and get the hell out of here, natalie." "I got a meeting." "Sure, honey." "He's a fed" "E.p.a." "Name's jack taggert." "I had to call in a favor" "To find out what the hell was going on" "In my own goddamn hometown" "Because my son couldn't handle it." "You want me to take him out?" "You couldn't take out a cheeseburger from a drive-thru window." "He wants a fight, don't give him one." "Use lloyd." "tell him to get something on him," "And get some witnesses this time." "I can do that with one phone call." "Well, mr. cotton, you're two days away from a new porch." "Uh, how much i owe you for the ride?" "I'd say 50 bucks." "You're just funning me." "Yes, sir, i am." "Sure got to thank you." "[chuckling]" "Uh, by the way, uh..." "I forgot." "my driveway's going to need paving, too." "Really?" "That's a joke." "i ain't even got no driveway." "That was a good joke." "[starts engine]" "I'll see you later." "I'll see you around." "[banging]" "[twig snaps]" "You know what's funny?" "We thought we'd just stop by..." "And here you are, romancing somebody else." "Here he comes dropping you off" "Just like you been out on your first date." "Personally, he's not my type." "Tell me something, cotton." "Did he get to first base," "Or did you take him all the way to home plate?" "[knock on door]" "Good evening, mr. taggert." "How are you, ma'am?" "I'm...very well, thank you." "Hungry?" "Yeah." "This looks awfully nice." "Thank you." "I'll get the food." "Jack:" "you're a good cook." "Sarah: well..." "I'm not, but thank you." "So, um...what, uh..." "What makes you hang around a town here" "Where folks don't seem to quite understand you?" "Well, i did leave once." "I just decided in the middle of the night," "Out of the blue, that i had to live in louisville." "The very first day i had an apartment, i was robbed." "And they got all the money i'd saved, jewelry, everything." "[sighs]" "But, you know, i'm not much of a city gal anyway." "This is home." "Yeah, i could understand that." "I had heard that there's a street dance." "You might like to come to that with me." "You mean..." "Together on a date?" "Yeah." "Yes, i'd love to." "I'd love to." "Man:" "look at this!" "Hey, sarah." "Hi." "Hey, how you doing, little sister?" "I'm a whole two days early." "Yeah, you are." "Uh, jack taggert, this is my brother earl." "How are you, jack taggert?" "Any friend of my little sister is a friend of mine." "Whoo!" "damn, it is good to be home." "I'll tell you something about my little sister." "She is the best cook in eastern kentucky, and that's a fact." "Tell you what." "i know the best hunting in this state." "I know these mountains, every inch of them." "Maybe we'll do some hunting." "That'd be great." "Hey, little sister." "Anyone like dessert?" "It's getting kind of late." "Thank you so much for the dinner. that was really great." "My pleasure." "I'll see you tomorrow." "Jack." "Come back soon, all right?" "Yes, sir." "He's a nice guy." "So how well do you know him?" "How well you ever know anyone?" "Earl: you know, i'm glad for you to meet somebody." "It's just that..." "i don't know." "Maybe i just don't get such a good feeling about this guy." "You get a bad feeling about anyone who looks at me." "Ok. let me put it this way." "I don't want this guy around here fixing anything." "Oh, really?" "It's kind of funny." "I'm gone for a few weeks," "And little miss caterpillar" "Turns into a social butterfly." "Hey, sarah." "Look, i'm just saying" "It's a hard world out there, it's dangerous," "And you haven't had a whole lot of experience." "Earl, maybe i can take care of myself." "I'm just trying to have a conversation with you." "Please don't go getting unhinged on me." "I'd hate to have to call those doctors back in here to talk to you again." "Sarah?" "Hey, sarah." "I just don't want you rushing into anything." "It would kill me if anybody hurt you." "That's all." "Mr. cotton!" "What did they do to you?" "Oh, lord." "my ribs..." "Let me see if i can get you up out of here." "Taggert: can you get the door, please?" "Woman: right through here." "Take him all the way down to exam room 1." "[door closes]" "Another few hours, hell, he wouldn't have made it." "Got a concussion." "Another fine day in paradise." "I'll be back, buddy." "Hi, walter." "Hi." "You all know what's going on here." "Good morning, sir." "how are you this morning?" "Mr. taggert, would you come with me, please?" "You want to go have a little coffee together?" "I'm not here to socialize." "I saw you beat up 5 men." "I hear that cotton is beat almost to death." "People get hurt, and you're always around." "Assault and battery" "I figure it's good for a 10-day lockup." "Listen, why don't we cut the shit?" "You know who i am." "I can arrest you just as easy as you can arrest me," "And you know it." "So why don't you get back in orin's car" "With orin's little department and take off?" "Let's face it." "i don't believe in your authority." "Maybe you'll believe a gun up your butt." "cuff him." "Now...how you want to do this?" "You want to play this game all the way?" "I'll have 300 agents come up here into this little hick town" "And crawl up every orifice you got." "When it's over, you can go to your favorite proctologist" "And get a nice, soothing ointment" "And rub it on the hole that hurts most." "How do you want it?" "How do you want it?" "Let's go, boys." "Who are you, mr. taggert?" "I'm a federal agent." "i work for the e.p.a.," "And we received several reports" "That someone has been dumping" "Extremely large quantities of deadly toxic waste in these hills," "Which concerned me greatly" "Because if it gets into the aquifer," "It could destroy the drinking water for thousands of miles" "And kill a bunch of people up around here." "Why did you feel like you had to lie to me?" "Did you really want to come" "And fix my porch and get to know me," "Or was that just a lie, too?" "Back where i come from," "We call it betrayal," "And it is no way to make friends." "I loved fixing your porch," "And i'm very interested in you." "[music playing]" "Mmm mmm!" "Know what i love about this show?" "Who cares if they move the same way or not?" "It still makes you feel great." "Sir, it's your son." "This better be good news." "He told lloyd that if we tried to arrest him," "He'd have federal agents all over this town like locusts." "I got 50,000 barrels of cyanide rolling down there right now." "Where the hell do you want me to put it?" "You mean where the hell you want me to put them?" "What the hell are you, a goddamn parrot?" "I made 16 million on this deal." "You think i'm giving it back?" "[dial tone]" "I own this state." "So what the hell is the problem?" "Doesn't this guy know the rules?" "I'm the rules." "It's me." "I got another job for you." "You know that guy taggert down in jackson?" "[rooster crows]" "Walter's father:" "my children..." "Are all i got." "I didn't know you were trying to help my boy when you first came." "I thank you for that." "I'm sorry about before." "I know you had your reasons." "I have mine." "These are my daddy's maps." "I want to help." "* well, she's walkin' * * through the clouds * * with a circus mind that's running wild *" "* butterflies and zebras and moonbeams * * and fairy tales * * that's all she ever thinks about *" "[horn honking]" "[people singing hymn]" "[singing stops]" "Excuse me, reverend." "Do you mind if i say a few words?" "Thank you all." "please be seated." "You know, the trouble with rich people" "Is that sometimes they don't care about..." "Others." "These folks that are making the profits" "By dumping these toxic-waste petroleum by-products and stuff like that" "They're the ones making the profit." "Why don't they dump that in their own backyard?" "But instead, they pay some poor dumbshit-- forgive me, father" "$5.00 an hour to truck this up into the mountains of appalachia." "Why?" "Because they think you all are ignorant, barefoot," "Poor, dumb hillbillies" "That don't have the money and the power to fight them back." "To these people, you all are insignificant." "You mean nothing." "And if there's anybody out there who thinks" "That the $300 that they gave you to buy a new satellite" "Or look the other way" "Is worth selling out the legacy of your ancestors" "And the future of your children," "Please raise your hand." "Woman: he's right." "You see, i don't see no hands." "Please think about this." "You know why i'm here." "Let's all come together as one family and fight this." "Jack, can i have a quick word with you?" "Yes, sir." "Jack, i know what's going on with all these barrels," "And that's a problem." "All these problems seem so big," "It's hard to find your way around them." "That's why i wanted to keep the church." "I thought i could make a difference." "I realize church can't help nobody" "After they're all dead," "So i'm going to make a change" "Right in here." "And by god, i swear," "If you'll drag your sorry ass to court," "I'll testify against every last one of them." "We might just make a good team, then." "Let's go, boys." "We got to go." "Woman: bye-bye." "good to see you." "[telephone rings]" "There's your allowance." "Daddy, i just need to talk to you" "For a moment, if i could." "Man on telephone:" "we didn't get taggert." "Guy's a goddamn pit bull." "I'm going to have to divert our next shipment," "Shut down." "We can't risk it." "Please. you're giving me a headache." "Don't divert anything." "It's time i see this guy." "Yes, sir, daddy." "Yo, jack!" "Jack?" "[people cheering]" "Man: are you ready?" "We are, too." "now, come on!" "Man:" "* well, hello to you, baby * * from the hazard jail * * nobody in kentucky wants to go my bail * * so bring the $40, that's all you got to do * * and that's the last thing that i'll ever ask from you *" "Where are those at?" "Right here, sir." "Free round trips to the new hanner casino." "My hometown, and i ain't never forgetting it." "Hey, there, billy." "how you doing?" "Sally." "You play guitar?" "Yeah." "* baby, please * * give me back my heart *" "Sarah: is it all right if he plays?" "Sure." "Oops!" "there he goes!" "Man: who wants to play the guitar?" "Singer: give that boy a microphone there, all right?" "* baby, please * * please * * baby, please * * please * * please * * baby, please * * give me back my heart *" "Hey, little lady." "we should know each other better." "I mean, since you're coming into town so much and all..." "Please, just let go of me." "Let's dance." "No. i don't want to." "All right!" "You don't want to dance with me?" "I want to get to know you." "Jack: excuse me." "You know, normally," "When a man insults a woman like that," "He insults the man she's with," "But in this case," "It's just not worth it." "Government agent man, come to take out our community trash." "Now, that's worth it." "You're hurting me." "Am i really?" "Yes, you really are." "Man: turn him loose!" "I said, turn him lose." "Uhh!" "Now, i want you to apologize to the lady." "Quickly, before you fall asleep." "I apologize, miss sarah." "You came this close to having me stomp your ass." "Mr. hanner would like to see you, mr. taggert." "Well, that would be just fine. where is he?" "Give me just a second, babe." "How you doing tonight?" "What's going on?" "Lloyd." "Orin, take care." "How's the proctologist?" "Singer: well, everybody, come on." "Gather back around." "what do you say?" "How about a little something, huh?" "[playing slow tune]" "Hanner: how did you do that thumb thing?" "That was pretty good." "i liked that." "It's just like some little card trick." "I'll show it to you someday." "All right, i'll come straight to the point." "What's your price?" "Excuse me?" "I have a lot of money." "I'll give you some to go away." "Everyone has his price." "What's yours?" "Let me think about that for a minute." "How about..." "The life of my friend?" "Or how about if you took the poison out of the air," "Out of the earth, out of the water" "That you've left up here?" "If you could do any of those," "Not only would i leave, but i'd be impressed." "Think about my offer." "Oh, i already have." "You can't prove anything." "You won't find anything." "Life is short." "It is very short." "Do you want to spend another minute of yours here?" "I feel alive up here." "I was thinking i might even buy a house up here," "Move in." "Then kiss my ass." "This guy is trouble." "See?" "that's what i was trying" "Shut up. i want the mine sealed," "And i want taggert buried inside it." "You know who to call." "give this to him." "Dad, how am i ever going to take over one day" "If you don't let me run my own operations?" "You won't have to." "I'm going to live forever." "Hey." "Hi." "Your beau's quite a fella." "He's trying to help us, earl." "How's that?" "We sure could use your help." "What do you mean?" "You know which mines they're using to store those chemicals." "Come on, earl." "help us out." "You can be a hero." "Ha. ha ha!" "Sarah, i ain't no hero." "But you can be." "You could do the right thing." "I don't know." "We'll see." "Taggert: i do love a good waltz. don't you?" "Singer:" "* as love came shining through * * will forever do, my love?" "* * will forever do?" "* * you ask me how long i will love you * * will forever do?" "*" "Man: fire!" "there's a fire up there!" "[music stops]" "Sarah: that's the church." "Man: it's no use!" "let it go!" "[people shouting]" "[siren]" "Earl: jack, i know the bastards who were behind this." "I've got to tell you something." "I've taken money from these bastards." "I've even helped them dump their shit into the ground," "But this..." "How about mr. goodall." "he is in there?" "I don't know where mr. goodall is." "I don't know nothing." "You better hope he's alive." "I'll take you to that dumpsite." "You know where clear water road meets the mountain ridge?" "Taggert:" "yes, sir, i do." "I'll meet you there half-hour from now." "Why don't we go together?" "wouldn't that be better?" "No, sir." "i don't want" "To be seen leaving here with you." "They're putting a load in there tonight." "It's a dangerous place." "[explosion] [church bell rings]" "I'm proud of you, earl." "Hey, sarah?" "Do you think i'm some kind of a damn fool idiot?" "This guy's going to sink us all." "He don't give a shit about a bunch" "Of backwoods country folk in the middle of nowhere." "He's going to try and put me in jail." "No. he..." "he's not like that." "Sarah..." "Did you sleep with him?" "What?" "You whore." "Uhh!" "Ah!" "When he's gone, things are going to go back" "To the way they used to be." "What are you talking about?" "Before daddy died." "I'm leaving." "i'm leaving." "If you leave, you're just going to get robbed again," "Have to call your big brother to come and get you." "Believe me, you will get robbed again." "[small explosion]" "[bees buzzing]" "Starting this stupid little honeybee business." "Getting some big ideas." "think that you're ready" "To take on the whole damn world, but you're not." "You talk to any goddamn guy who looks twice at you." "Them bastards, they just want one thing." "They just want one thing, and they can't have it." "It's too bad about the reverend, but..." "He always did talk too much." "You need help, earl." "Ah." "I'm going to the police," "And i'm going to tell them everything." "I'm going to tell them about you." "I'm going to tell them about daddy." "I'm going to tell them about all of it!" "[sobbing]" "I'm going to tell you something." "I knew that guy was going to be a bad influence on you." "Touch me, i swear to god i'll kill you!" "Yeah?" "well, you better not miss," "Or i'm liable to get really upset!" "I hate you!" "Earl:" "ha ha ha!" "hey!" "Tell you what, little sister." "I'm not going to go to jail." "I'll do anything, even if that means being an only child." "Where the hell you going, huh?" "Earl: huh?" "Hey!" "you know, your friend jack's going to have an accident." "He's going to die under the mountain." "Sarah: what are you talking about?" "Let me out of here, earl!" "Quarter-mile in." "You know, somebody once asked my pa how far down hell was," "And he said, "just a quarter-mile."" "I'll bet that's about right." "What's the gun for?" "Just in case, huh?" "Get in." "Earl: this here is the mother lode." "A lot of toxic waste down here, earl." "Man, i see this stuff leaking all over the place." "That kind of worries me, you know?" "looks radioactive." "I bet you this shit would glow in the dark." "Yeah, well, you don't want to drink it." "You cut your hand there." "how'd you do that?" "Gee. guess i cut myself on the gate." "You know, i've been wanting to ask you something." "I noticed that sarah gets awful nervous around you." "I wondered what you'd have to say about that." "She's nervous around most men." "I guess you heard what happened a long time ago." "She just never did get over that." "Is that right?" "I think the reason why she never got over it" "Is because she didn't do it." "See, my theory is," "When she was a little girl, you were molesting her," "And i think your daddy found out about that" "And went to throw you a real bad beating one time," "And you killed him." "Then you probably went to your little sister" "And said, "little sister, this gun went off by accident," ""and i'm an adult." ""now, if they convict me and i go to prison," ""you're going to be left here all alone," ""so if you take the rap for me, you're a minor" "They ain't gonna do nothing to you."" "So you convinced her to do that," "And all these years, everybody in town" "Is convinced that she's sick and she's crazy" "And she killed her daddy," "When you really did it, didn't you?" "Ain't you slicker than possum shit?" "You got a sharp mind and a fast mouth." "Hey, jimmy joe." "Bobby t." "This is mr. taggert." "He's a government man with some agency." "I don't know, what is that?" "uh..." "E.p.a., f.d.a., f.b.i.?" "i'm not sure." "Come down here to show us backwoods folks how to do things." "These are my buddies." "They work down here." "I wanted you to meet them because i'm not sure" "You appreciate what it means to be poor down here," "What it means to have to put some bread on the table." "I imagine that coat of yours" "Cost more than cyrus' wages for a month." "[cocks gun]" "Damn thing is, jack, i like you," "And i know my sister likes you, too." "That's why i'm not going to kill you." "Randall, you do it." "Uhh!" "Uhh!" "Aah!" "Aah!" "Get him!" "Come back around!" "the other side!" "I'm blind!" "i can't see!" "Earl: kill him!" "Kill that son of a bitch!" "Get him!" "get him!" "Uhh!" "Aah!" "[fingers cracking]" "Give me that." "Can you hear this, daddy?" "Feel that?" "Oh, my god!" "Run, boys!" "Run!" "run!" "Run!" "Help!" "Sarah?" "Jack!" "You ok?" "Yeah." "Earl's looking for you, and he's going to kill you." "Sit down. sit down." "sit down." "You all right?" "Earl was killed in the explosion in the mine." "We've got to worry about hanner and those folks." "If you're willing to testify, i think we could put him in jail for a long time." "What do you think?" "Yeah. ok." "So what that means is it's going to get a little hot around here." "I'll make a phone call and see if i can put you in protective custody." "In the meantime, we better get packing and get out of here." "[telephone rings] [ring]" "Chick larsen." "Taggert:" "yeah, chick. it's me." "we found the stuff." "How big is it?" "It's the most i've ever seen in one spot." "There's been a cave-in, so the pressure on top of that is very unstable." "We're going to have to move fast." "Also, i've got a witness that's going to need some protective custody out of here." "All right. fine." "how can i help you?" "Send me a couple of agents from the witness protection program." "See if we could escort her out of here and to a safe place." "Meet me at the old truck stop on highway 98." "Larsen:" "listen, the cavalry's on its way." "Just hang in there." "I'll make a call." "Taggert:" "there they are." "* i'm goin' louisiana * * and get me a mojo hand *" "* i'm gonna fix my woman so * * she can't have no other man * * cold ground was my bed last night * * rocks were my pillow, too *" "Agent taggert?" "Sir." "Officer adams." "We've been briefed by special agent larsen." "Is this the wit?" "Yes, sir." "This is her." "How will you know where i am?" "He can get in touch with us anytime" "Through special agent larsen, ma'am." "Go with these gentlemen." "They're going to take good care of you." "You go ahead and go with them now." "Will you know where i am?" "We'll keep him informed every step of the way." "I have a direct line through chick, all right, baby?" "Ok?" "Is that a quick-draw rig?" "Yes, it is." "That's kind of odd for a federal agent, isn't it?" "We're out in the country here," "And they kind of let us do what we want." "I'll be in touch." "Adams: all right." "[car speeds away]" "Go, go, go!" "Stop the car!" "[truck horn blasts]" "[horn honks]" "Stop the car!" "Stop!" "please!" "Adams:" "hang on, girl." "[truck horn blasts]" "Shit!" "Come on!" "get the fuck out--now!" "Man: get away from that window, boy!" "Adams: everybody down!" "[people screaming]" "Sit down!" "shut the hell up!" "And act like nothing's happening!" "[woman screams]" "Woman: get down!" "Uh!" "Uhh!" "All right. stay down." "come on, stay down." "Let me get his attention so i could talk to him." "[gasps]" "Uhh!" "Hey..." "Tell your boss i'm coming to get him." "You know, on second thought," "I'll tell him." "Aah!" "Aah!" "aah!" "Oh, shit!" "Stick around. we're going to have some fun." "[cellular telephone rings]" "Chick, you're a five-alarm fuckup." "What the hell am i paying you for?" "You want me to find someone else?" "No. no!" "listen to me." "Taggert doesn't know about me." "I'll protect you." "i can make sure" "Any investigation that we do on you doesn't go anywhere." "Then you oversee the cleanup of the cave-in personally." "Any problems, you're out of here." "No problem." "No problem." "I was going to head on over into town" "And take care of a few things." "Then i'll come back and finish fixing this porch." "Don't worry about a thing." "You'll be safe here." "You're never going to come back again, are you?" "Your fling with the country girl is over." "You can tell me the truth." "I'm an adult." "No. i was going to go take care of hanner," "Come back here," "And get you." "You can count on it." "[engine starts] [gavel pounding]" "Judge: gentlemen, please approach the bench." "Mr. hanner, you are accused of dumping 4.1 million barrels of toxic waste" "42 times in 13 different locations." "How do you plead?" "Man: your honor, mr. hanner pleads guilty" "Under the emergency planning and citizens' right to know act." "Very well." "That's a $25,000 fine." "I'm fining you an additional 25,000" "For failing to disclose your own company's toxic release inventory." "Next case." "Hanner: see?" "that's what i love about this country." "I made 300 million last year, and it only cost me 50 grand." "Excuse me." "Can i have a little word with you for a minute?" "The e.p.a.--they've never been very good" "At punishing criminals," "Catching them, helping the environment." "I've got a little surprise for you." "I quit the e.p.a," "And i quit the e.p.a." "So i could spend my every waking moment" "Trying to make your life miserable." "We played this one by your rules," "And your court decided i was clean." "You're violating my constitutional rights." "Mr. hanner, i promise you as sure as you stand here now," "I'm going to show you new meaning to the word "violation."" "How you doing, chick?" "Hey, jack." "what are you doing?" "Didn't expect you to be up here." "what's up?" "I think i know why you didn't expect to see me here." "You set up frank, didn't you?" "What are you talking about?" "I mean, if it weren't for you," "They'd have never found him." "You're under arrest." "You have the right to remain silent." "Anything you say can and will be held" "You can't arrest me, jack." "i outrank you." "Who do you think you are?" "I was going to ask you the same thing." "You're a piece of shit," "And i'm ashamed of you." "Hook him up." "Yes, sir." "let's go." "* now, when i was young boy * * my mother said to me... *" "Orin: hey!" "Hey!" "What?" "Come over here." "hold this bag." "Why?" "it ain't going nowhere." "Just heel, damn it." "Hey, orin." "Lean into it more" "This this." "Taggert: junior!" "come here, boy." "I want to talk to you." "Oh, no." "Orin: what are you afraid of?" "that's just mr. federal agent man." "What are you going to do--arrest me for 10 minutes, too?" "Come here, boy." "i want to talk to you." "No. you come here." "Don't hide behind that big old pimple." "You just get the hell away from me because you don't have shit on me." "Actually, i do have quite a bit on you," "But, you see, our current judicial system" "Would not provide adequate punishment for you," "And i think you really deserve to suffer." "Since i'm feeling selfish," "I've arranged for a way for that to happen." "You better leave my friend alone," "Or i'm going to have to properly educate you" "On how to beat the shit out of somebody." "Matter of fact, you must be a dumb motherfucker," "Or you wouldn't still be standing there." "He's going to whip your ass like you're a rented mule." "[men chuckling]" "He's going to slap you" "Like a red-headed stepchild." "I've been all over appalachia." "I met lots of really fine people." "I've never met any people like you guys." "You guys are really unique." "You've been hanging out with the ignorant people." "Well, see, we're educated." "I guess education can't buy common sense." "I think, junior, if your daddy knew how stupid you were," "He'd trade you in for a pet monkey." "Rrargh!" "Go!" "go!" "Go!" "get him--now!" "Aah!" "my nose!" "my nose!" "Man: come on, do something!" "Help him out!" "beat the tar out of him!" "Get in there, boy!" "You got to have more than that, son." "Come here, boy." "i want to talk to you." "Now's the time for you to step up and be a man." "Come on. you want to talk to me now, huh?" "Just a little bit?" "What do you want me to do?" "You're going to have to talk to me." "You know the things your father's doing here ain't no good." "You're going to have to turn state's evidence." "Now, you can do that" "Just 'cause it's the only way to save your ass," "Or you can do it 'cause you know it's the right thing." "I don't really give a shit," "But you're going to do it." "Yes, sir." "Woman:" "come on, baby!" "* i was dealin' up and down the highway * * till they caught me with a heavy load * * they sentenced me to hard labor * * working on the side of the road *" "* now, i don't deny i was guilty * * and i know i broke the law * * i was hungry and broke and couldn't see no hope * * and my back was up against the wall *" "* now i'm... *" "Is there some sort of a problem, mr. taggert?" "Yeah, well, um, there's a problem for orin hanner." "I've got a warrant for his arrest." "I really don't care if you've got stone tablets from god." "This is a private party." "Sir, you realize that i have the right" "To effect this arrest by whatever means are necessary," "And you are obstructing justice." "Well, use of force will only add millions to the lawsuit, sir." "Ohh!" "Now you can sue me." "* yeah!" "* [applause]" "Thank you very much, everybody." "stick around." "Our next show will be in just a few minutes." "Some people don't know when to quit." "Man: who?" "Just some dumb cop." "I got $1,000 says he's on the ground in 30 seconds." "I'll take that bet." "Can i help you?" "I have a warrant for the arrest of orin hanner," "And i need to serve that warrant." "I'm sure he's right back there." "I let you in, i lose my job." "That would be better than losing your teeth, don't you think?" "Man: hold on, hold on, hold on." "John-boy is confused." "What he's trying to say is" "You can take that warrant and shove it up your ass." "Sir, you're obstructing" "Step back." "step back." "Uhh!" "Man: open the door." "open it up!" "Howdy, orin." "Hiya, jack." "have a seat." "Can i get you a drink?" "I don't drink much." "Call me." "I haven't met you," "But i'm sure you don't care about that." "Orin, good luck with this incredibly large fellow." "Ha ha!" "We're in a..." "unique situation here." "Now, i realize that the e.p.a. wasn't able to put you away." "By the way, i was just kidding when i told you i resigned." "I'm still an active agent." "These two gentlemen are with the f.b.i." "They came to help me serve this warrant." "Your son provided us with enough evidence" "To stack up a lot of years." "My son's a real disappointment to me." "We've got you on extortion," "Conspiracy to commit murder," "Murder, and racketeering." "We're talking 30 years." "That's..." "that's ugly." "That's a long time to go without a woman." "You know, i knew you were going to say that." "I have a dear friend named tyrone that has promised me" "That, uh, when you hit prison," "He's going to take you under his wing" "And teach you the most intimate social graces of prison," "And you're going to be in good hands." "So you won't have to worry about that." "Well, that takes care of the woman thing," "But you're talking to a 60-year old man." "That still means i'd probably die in prison..." "Or wish to god i had have." "Unless you live to be a very, very old man." "So i guess, uh, that makes killing you free." "Well, it would be free if you could." "That's fast." "Hook him up." "I got him." "That's real fast." "You're under arrest." "put your hands behind your" "Taggert: agent down." "get me an ambulance." "I'm still alive, asshole." "I know you're alive, orin." "Now, that could be because i'm a bad shot," "Or it could be that i'm a good shot" "And i just wanted you to meet tyrone." "I'll let you think about that." "Fuck you, jack." "See you around, buddy." "[woman sobs]" "Man: don't go anywhere." "* ooh, ooh * * yeah *" "* i am just a traveling man * * alone in my shame * * beaten by these broken times * * been wandering through this hell * * and i have taken chances * * and i've lost all i ruled... *" "Hi." "* the answer's right in front of me * * and i have been a fool * * i keep taking that long way around * * why must i take the long way around?" "* * i keep thinking i'm moving up * * and i'm losing my ground * * why must i take the long way * * long way around?" "* * the long way around * * baby * * thinking i'm moving up * * losing my ground * * why must i take the long way * * long way around?" "* * yeah * * as i set here alone in the moonlight *" "* i see your smiling face *" "* and i long once more for your embrace *" "* and that beautiful kentucky waltz * * and i long once more for your embrace * * and that beautiful kentucky waltz *" "* when i was a child, my family would travel * * down to western kentucky where my parents were born * * and there's a backwards old town * * that's often remembered * * so many times that my memories are worn *" "* and, daddy, won't you take me back to muhlenburg county * * down by the green river where paradise lay?" "* * well, i'm sorry, my son, but you're too late in asking * * mr. peabody's coal train has hauled it away *" "* well, sometimes we'd travel right down the green river * * to the abandoned old prison down by adrie hill * * where the air smelled like snakes * and we'd shoot with our pistols * * but empty pop bottles was all we would kill *" "* and, daddy, won't you take me back to muhlenburg county * * down by the green river where paradise lay?" "* * well, i'm sorry, my son, but you're too late in asking * * mr. peabody's coal train has hauled it away *" "* then the coal company came * * with the world's largest shovel * * and they tortured the timber and stripped all the land * * well, they dug for their coal till the land was forsaken *" "* then they wrote it all down as the progress of man * * and, daddy, won't you take me back to muhlenburg county * * down by the green river where paradise lay?" "* * well, i'm sorry, my son, but you're too late in asking * * mr. peabody's coal train has hauled it away *" "* and, daddy, won't you take me back to muhlenburg county * * down by the green river where paradise lay?" "* * well, i'm sorry, my son, but you're too late in asking * * mr. peabody's coal train has hauled it away *" "* when i die, let my ashes float down the green river * * let my soul roll on up to the rochester dam * * i'll be halfway to heaven with paradise waiting * * just 5 miles away from wherever i am *" "* and, daddy, won't you take me back to muhlenburg county * * down by the green river where paradise lay?" "* * well, i'm sorry, my son, but you're too late in asking * * mr. peabody's coal train has hauled it away *"