Hallelujah (1929 film)

thumb| Hallelujah is a 1929 American pre-Code musical film which chronicles the troubled quest of a black sharecropper, Zeke Johnson, his relationship with the seductive Chick. Directed by King Vidor. Story by Vidor. Scenario by Wanda Tuchock. Treatment by Richard Schayer. Dialogue by Ransom Rideout. Quotes Zeke: Mammy, I can't buy you nothin'. I got to buy you somethin'. Why, they ain't no nothin' to buy. Zeke: Excuse me, Missy Rose, but it looks like the devil's in me here tonight. Zeke: Brothers and sisters, the point of my sermon is going to be: repent, ye sinners, before it is too late. The road to hell is downhill. Easy and greased like lightin'. And the Cannonball Express is leavin' for hell twice a day. I'm talkin' to all you sinners out there who's on that train. I'm ridin' along with ya. And I'm gonna give all you sinners your last chance. But remember, there ain't no round-trip ticket to Hell. All aboard... Bystander: What a brown-skinned bunch of sweetness she is! Bystander: Oh, she's chocolate to the bone! Hotshot: This is the best gravy train that ever rolled up my alley. Dialogue Missy Rose: I don't ever ask you for no weddin' dress. Who'd marry you? Zeke: Why, you would! Why, what does you think Mammy adopted you for 'cept so's you could marry me? Parson: Hello, Adam and Eve. What are you doin' 'round here? Adam: Well, we just come down to see if you had time to marry us? Eve: That's right. Parson: To marry you? Are these eleven children yours? Adam: That's right! And we thought it was about time for us to make it more permament. Eve: That's right. [laughs] Parson: Seems like you made it mighty late to get 'round here to be married. The damage is all done! [...] Mammy: I'm certainly glad to see ya done make up your mind to do the right thing. Eve: Thank you. 'Cause you know I've always been a respectable woman and I don't want that to come up against my character. Johnson Kid: Good night, Mammy. Mammy: Good night. Spunk: Good night, Mammy. Mammy: Good night, Spunk. Missy Rose: Good night, Pappy. Parson: Good night, Missy. Zeke: Good night, Mammy. Mammy: Good night, Zeke. Zeke: I'll see you in the morning. Mammy: All righty. Johnson Kid: Good night, Zeke. Zeke: Good night, sleep tight. Good night, Pappy. Parson: Good night, Zeke. Spunk: Good night, Pappy. Parson: Good night, Spunk. Mammy: Oh, thank God. Mammy: What is the matter, Son? Zeke: I'm just thinkin', Mammy. I don't know what I would do if I didn't have you and Missy Rose to look after me. Mammy: I tell you, it done take a good woman for to keep a man out of mischief these days. Zeke: That's right, Mammy, it sure does. Missy Rose: What's the matter, brother Zeke? Zeke: That's just it. I don't know what is the matter. Seems like the devil's done took a hold of me. Missy Rose: What you mean? What kinda talk is that? A big strong man like you ain't gonna give into that... after we done traveled this far. Zeke: I don't want to give in! But he just keeps on a torin' and a pullin' after me all the time. Missy Rose: That's just the way he is. Zeke: Just won't let me be. Missy Rose: What's we want to do, big brother? Zeke: I don't know what we gonna do. Unlessin'... Missy Rose: Unless what, Zeke? Zeke: Missy Rose, supposin' you and me, em, let's you and me get married at the next station. That'll stop him quicker than anything! Zeke: I sure is tired, Chick. I'm tired of thinkin'. Chick: I know you is. Stop thinkin'. Zeke: Pappy, can I come into your house? Parson: Boy, you're just in time to help us with the pickin'. Mammy: Son, you must be mighty hungry. Don't you want some chitterlings and spare ribs? Zeke: Mammy, I like anything you cook. External links 0019959 Hallelujah Category:1929 American films Category:1929 English-language films Category:Films directed by King Vidor Category:American musical films Category:African-American musical films