Tomorrow we bury it.
This human pipe.
Our messenger to Wah-kon-tah.
It is now time to bury this pipe with dignity
and put away what it has taught us.
The children outside are listening to us.
They want to learn another language.
They will be taught by white people.
They will learn new customs.
They will not know our customs.
THE OSAGE PEOPLE
THE CHOSEN PEOPLE OF LUCK
WORLD'S RICHEST PEOPLE PER CAPITA
MORE PIERCE ARROW CARS THAN ANY OTHER COUNTY IN THE UNITED STATES
AND DRIVERS TO SERVE THEM
- Phillips Oil workers over here! - Kraceon Oil, over here!
People to Phillips Oil! The truck there.
Get rich. You can get rich. Get rich...
People to Phillips Oil!
Ernest!
And?
Ernest Burkhart? Henry Roan. I'll drive you to your Uncle Hale.
Come on, we're here.
Stop it!
Whose land is this?
My earth.
Now, the war hero has arrived.
Welcome home, Ernest.
- It is good to see you again. - I'm glad you came.
Bro.
- Thanks for the letters. - Good to see you again.
Ernest, this is Aunt Myrtle and little cousin Willie.
- Welcome. - Hasn't she grown up?
It's a cattle farm. There is no oil here.
No oil? No, no oil, no fear. I am comfortable without fear.
Time will pass. Prosperity will dry up.
Drier than the seven years of famine that befell the pharaohs.
It's a sick people.
Kind people with big hearts, but they are weak.
What about you? Did you see any bloodshed?
Anyone.
But I was... I was a cook in the infantry.
- Did you see Kelsie Morrison? He was over there. - Yes.
And Otis Griggs and the others, if you remember them.
Soldiers must have food. You provided for those who won the war.
I now saw more people dying of the flu.
- What happened to your stomach? - My belly. It jumped.
You almost lost your life.
They gave me a belt and told me not to lift anything heavy.
It was a good decision to come out here, because here the money flows freely.
Yes ... I am happy with money, sir.
You don't have to say "sir". Call me "uncle". Or "King" as you did before.
- Shall I call you King? - Yes.
King.
You didn't get any diseases over there, did you?
- No. - Are you sure?
For sure. Not that I know of.
- Did you wrap it properly? - I did that.
- As best you could. - Exactly.
And ...
Do you like women?
You know I can. Women are my weakness.
- What kind do they have over there? - Only whites. I only saw whites.
- Do you like the red ones? - Red?
So the kind of red?
I like the reds, the whites, the blues. I like them all.
I do not care. I'm greedy.
I like the thick ones. The thick ones, the nice ones, the soft ones.
The ones that smell good.
I guess we'd better keep an eye on you. You are unruly.
Speaking of which...
Hi Byron.
It is good. It's really good.
You must not walk around under the influence of alcohol.
Then you get into trouble.
- Right, Byron? - Namely, King.
No. Neither do I.
Most people out here are scammers.
Some of them are decent, most of them are bad, so don't be stupid.
- No. - No trouble about small things.
If you're going to make a fuss, it has to be something big. So the payoff is great.
Bleach.
I am officially the reserve deputy sheriff of Fairfax.
- I want to avoid unwanted looks. - I don't make trouble.
- I don't do stupid things. - And you didn't lose your mind over there?
Of course not. I'm not an idiot. I am strong.
I have a place for you. You must drive a car.
You can't do much else with that stomach.
You don't read, do you?
- Reading? - Do you read a lot?
I can read well.
You have to learn something. Give him the Osage book, Byron.
- This? - Yes.
- Learn something. - I can read well.
The Osage Indians. They got the worst land there was.
But the Lord deceived them all.
There was oil in the ground. Black gold.
But they are smart people.
They made sure they themselves decided who got the oil and the rights.
The Osage Indians are nimble.
They don't say much, so you feel like you have to blurt out to fill the silence.
Especially when you've been drinking.
Better keep quiet if you don't have anything smart to say.
Don't be fooled. They call it "sunflower talk".
Blackbird talk.
Their silence does not mean that they do not know everything about everything.
The Osage people are the finest and most beautiful people on God's earth.
John Whitehair, aged 23.
No investigation.
Bill Stepson, 29 years old.
No investigation.
Anna Sanford, 41 years.
No investigation.
Rose Lewis.
25 years.
No investigation.
And Sara Butler, 21 years old.
Suicide.
- What is your name? - My name is Mollie Kyle. Incompetent.
- What is your lottery number? - 285.
You have requested an additional amount of 752 dollars
to pay the doctor for the removal of an abscess.
- Yes. - Was the operation successful?
- Yes. - And your diabetes?
I have a prescription at Fairfax Pharmacy. My housekeeper collects the medicine.
You have to be careful with that.
Now, Mollie, there's your mother.
After all, she is also limited, so we have to account for every penny.
It says here that she has spent 319 dollars and five cents on meat ...
... at the grocery store.
Isn't that an awful lot of meat for her needs?
Jo, mr. Beaty.
Well, but you're looking at that, aren't you?
Jo.
Okay, get in line for lottery payment.
Only for unlimited.
The disabled must be accompanied by a guardian. He must sign the check.
Find your guardian. Just like you usually do.
30 dollars! A photo for posterity! Don't you want to preserve family history?
- What about them? - He knows nothing. A pure amateur.
You must have a proper photo of you and the family.
What about them? 40 dollars.
How much? 40 dollars? I can give you 35 in cash.
It's a deal. Let's get it taken. Came.
It should be a nice picture. This way.
My wife is lazy. The doctor says it's her weakness.
The boy has asthma. It limits him. He just needs the chance.
You have your checks. You are unlimited. Come on.
We'll take one. In that color.
Yes. Yes!
And if you run out of gas or have a puncture, come and buy another one.
- Do you need a ride? My cart stops there. - Thanks.
Be careful. There are many types here.
- Hello! Ernest! - Kelsie Morrison!
We were at the front together in France.
- How are you? Good to see you. - You too.
- My wife, Catherine Cole. - It was a pleasure.
Thoroughbred.
Sky people, right?
The midwaters.
I have bet money.
Have you played the race?
- No. - So let's drive.
And.
I'm sorry she's sick.
- She is as stubborn as ever. - I pray for your mother.
- Take care. - Thank you, father.
You know who Mollie Kyle is, right? Her with the sisters.
- I know who it is. Molly. - Yes. She lives with her mother, Lizzie.
I know, uncle. I know her. I have driven with her.
Driven with her?
Matt Williams joined her. He doesn't do that anymore. So that means…
... that you could volunteer if it occurred to you.
You want... You want me to take care of her.
She is one of my regular customers.
I guess she's fond of me too.
- Her Mollie, she is easy to like. - Yes.
And of thoroughbred blood.
- Thoroughbred? - Thoroughbred.
It can then be used for something.
You have a nice face.
- Are you the type to get married? - The guy who's marrying me?
- What do you mean? - If we mix the families,
and the family's money flows the right way, we get it.
It is a thoroughbred property. And she gets the money from her mother, Lizzie.
Look, it's a good business. And completely legal. Nothing illegal.
It is a wise investment.
People say you got together with Matt Williams for a while.
You talk too much.
No, I don't talk too much.
I just need to figure out which horse to beat.
Is it a race?
I don't like horse racing. - I'm not like other horses either.
What? What did you say?
That's how you are.
I didn't get it, but it must be "nice guy" in Native American.
“I am an Osage warrior.
Long ago, the Osage people took their name from the Missouri and Osage rivers.
Ni-U-Kon-Ska, Children of Midwaters.
'Move,' said the big white father.
From Missouri, from Arkansas, from Kansas.
We ended up in yet another foreign country.
Oklahoma, where famine went by day and hungry wolves by night.
Can you find the wolves in the picture?"
Okay, come on.
"The Osage were never one of the five civilized tribes."
- Do you remember Blackie Thompson? - Hey, boys.
"The Five Civilized Tribes, Cherokee, Chickasaw,
choctaw, creek og seminole."
Stand still!
That stone shines in the dark. Give it to me.
Take the car, not the ring. It is from my father.
We don't want the car. Jewelry only. You have not earned them.
- Do you like them? - Rich Indians!
Come now!
- All in, boys. - What about you, Ernest?
- No! You are crazy. - I love money! Flip the card!
- Yes! Such. - Take the chance!
Kind of Fairfax shit.
- The queen gets the jewels. - Piss!
"Dawn was always a sacred time for prayer."
"They call the sun 'grandfather.'
And the moon 'mother'.
The fire 'father'.
They call it "flower moon",
when little flowers spread over the hills and the prairie.
There are many.
So many that it feels as if Wah-kon-tah has looked down upon the Earth,
smiled and sprinkled candy over it."
"Wah-kon-tah means 'God.'
You get your Osage name."
Your name is the Sunhawk Woman.
"That's what it's called in the next world.
No one can take your Osage name from you."
Here. Put it on.
Do you want food?
And.
- Don't you want a bite to eat? - I have too much sugar.
You can never be too nice, can you?
It makes me sick.
Do you live here alone with your mother?
I'll take care of her.
- And you live with your uncle? - Yes. Do you know him?
- As long as I can remember. - He is a nice man.
- Why have you come? - To what?
- To live here. - Yes. I am living here.
Why?
Because of my uncle. I work for him.
And your brother's name is Bryan?
- Byron, yes. - Byron.
- Are you afraid of him? - My brother? Who?
Your uncle.
No.
No, he... He's the king of the Osage Hills.
The world's weirdest man. But if you cheat him, I don't know.
No. I am self-employed.
I am a businessman.
I do.
Her.
What is your religion?
I am Catholic.
You don't go to church.
Yes, I ... I've been away.
Why don't you have a husband?
I'm a man. Why doesn't a woman like you have one?
You have a nice skin tone.
What color is it?
My color.
Yes, I think ... I think it's really nice.
You have a nice skin tone. You have ... You have a nice house.
You're just pretending to be strict. I bet you're soft inside.
You called me a coyote, didn't you?
Coyote.
The coyote wants money.
Yes, money is nice to have. Really rare. Especially when you're lazy like me.
I'd rather sleep all day and party when it's dark.
- What is so funny? - Do you know lidepeh-tseh nee?
Whisky.
No. I love whiskey.
I have good whiskey. Not bad whiskey.
Let's taste and find out.
No no, you must not close.
What?
We need to be quiet for a bit.
The storm is...
It is powerful.
So we have to be quiet for a bit.
- It is good for the crops. - Just be quiet.
Bill Smith.
-Ernest Burkhart. - Nice to meet you, Ernest.
I'm Minnie's husband.
Maybe you'll feel better if you eat something.
Not again!
He's not that quick. But he is a handsome man.
- He looks like a snake. - No he does not. He looks like a coyote.
The blue eyes.
His brother is also handsome. I like the brother better.
The red-haired rat?
That's better than your possum who plays dead all the time
and moping around at home.
To you he is a possum, but to me a rabbit.
Be quiet! The coyote looks.
He wants our money.
Of course he wants money, but he wants to settle down.
He is not restless.
His uncle has money, so it's not money he's after.
He loves you.
Calm.
Your hand on my skin.
You will marry me, Mollie.
You must be my wife.
Do you want that?
Can you stand her kind?
I love her. Molly. Uncle, I really think she is a lady.
Then you have found a wife.
Mollie.
Ernest.
I've known Mollie and her sisters since they were little mischief makers.
Mollie's late father, Nah-kah-e-se-y,
was one of my close friends. A much loved heart friend.
He told us whites to call him Jimmy,
but I always called him by his proper name, Nah-kah-e-se-y.
We had great respect for each other.
You and me.
Continue! Round to the right!
Minnie.
Are you missing something, Minnie?
- No. - Will you be taken care of?
And.
Are you getting the right medicine?
You need to know that you can get the best care if you want.
Do not be afraid.
So much trouble we've caused you all. Pardon.
I'm really sorry about that.
Minnie. My sister.
Sickle cell disease.
Anna.
- Ernest? - Me.
Maybe it's best if you sit outside.
What ... Why that?
That's just how it is.
Please.
"That's just how it is"? Are you saying I should go outside?
Yes please.
Okay.
Bill Smith.
And.
It's clear Bill Smith didn't take as good care of Minnie as he could have.
That she got sick and died? So he got her plots of land?
The oil should go to her sisters, your wife. He takes money that Mollie is entitled to.
The mother, Lizzie.
- She doesn't feel very well. - She won't last.
Few Osage Indians live past 50. The women die. They get a lot of diseases.
Make sure the plots of land end up with you.
Do you understand?
And.
Minnie is gone now. After her there is…
... Reta. Anna.
And then of course there is Mollie.
And.
- How is Mollie? - She is doing very well.
She looks after the little one.
- She also has diabetes. - Yes.
I'm worried about her. She's sick most days, King.
Of course she is. That diabetes is a heavy yoke.
As it is written in the Book of Job: The days of misery are upon her.
Mollie's still going strong, King. She is strong.
Yes, for now. We hope forever, but…
What about Anna? Do you know she has a gun in her bag?
What the hell?
I know you are about you…
Pis!
- What the hell? - Insane squaw!
I love Anna, but one day she gets into trouble with the wrong person.
So what?
- Stop it! - Put it on the table.
- Behave nicely. - No one behaves nicely here.
Did you see the owl?
No.
When you see the...
... is the sign that one must die.
Because of you.
You all marry white men.
Our blood turns white.
Where is Anna?
- I want Anne in here. - I'm here.
I don't want you. I want Anna.
Take them all together.
The one that is whiter than that. You can't tell that he is a half-breed.
They are both a pair of uncivilized brats in my opinion.
The poor little things. They can't do anything about it.
One dark and one light. It's like an eclipse.
The Lord laid his hand upon the Earth and caused it to tremble without cause.
Oh, you gentle.
- Thank you, Anna. - You're welcome.
- Are you laughing? - Not yet, but...
I have blankets for mother.
- Are you already drunk? - I'm drunk from yesterday. You woke me up.
- Mother shouldn't see you like that. - Now leave me alone.
- Good day, Anna. Can you go straight? - I'm snarky.
- Do you have whiskey? - You drank it yesterday.
Only my husband can drink my whiskey.
- I'm not your husband. - Maybe you have no choice.
Are you going to threaten me?
- So! - Be nice in here, Anna.
You are doing the right thing. - You threaten. Do not do that.
I confide in you. Do you think I'm spreading legs for everyone?
It feels that way.
So! Stop! Go in next door.
- You are no different, Ernest! - Get her in next door!
Big sister, take it easy.
You are so pretty.
Do you know me?
- Yes. - What do you know about me?
Forgive me, Byron Burkhart.
Anna! Stop it!
You must not speak to my husband. I'll kill you both!
- Stop. - I'm not your husband.
Get her out of here!
- She has a gun! - Give it to me!
Stay away from white women! Wahk' oh nohn-hohn!
Ud!
Out with you!
Wild animals!
Come on, Charlie. It's right here.
A French soldier came over and wanted to take the pot.
I saw his leg being blown away.
Many of them came back like this. They trembled.
Of.
Did you hear they found Charlie Whitehorn dead?
- Yes. Who had done it? - I do not know.
- Was it his wife? - Most likely.
Anna ...
I'm taking her home now.
You are ...
...wild.
Anna? Anna, mahn-theen eh-txahn. Byron venter. Com.
Come now.
You are my best gift.
Am I your favorite?
And.
Stay here with me.
- Anna, come on. - Stop knocking.
Shall I go now, Ernest?
And.
You don't want me here, do you? You want to get rid of me, snake.
You're afraid I'm saying too much.
Yes, I can see you're scared.
- You look better. - Thanks for that, sister.
You are my wealth, you know that?
- Stay home tonight. - You worry too much, oh-theh-zhoo.
- Came. Let's drive. - Okay.
Let's get some more to drink.
- No, I'll drive you home, Anna. - No, you drive me to Whizbang.
Byron drives her home.
- I'm too drunk. - You do not say.
He drives her home.
Molly. This is your sister, Anna.
Come here. Come honey. Come here.
Come on.
Is that your sister, Anna Brown?
Pardon. Is that your sister, Anna Brown?
And.
Two members of the tribe, Anna Brown and Charles Whitehorn,
have both been murdered. Deahn-shdah-hehmurder us.
Anna Brown's family has collected money,
a sum of between 2,000 and 5,000 dollars to have the murderer arrested and convicted.
Mollie Burkhart has hired a private investigator.
When the money started coming in, we should have known something was coming.
It's the white man's money.
That's not what we learned in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas.
What has come to our reserve that does not belong here?
It is them. They are like vultures circling our people.
They peel the bones clean and leave nothing behind.
When we left Missouri, we didn't even leave behind our dead infants.
We buried them and our warriors rode over them
to show everyone that we will never leave this place again.
We die here to the last of us.
Next.
Molly. My grief cannot be expressed in words,
but now she is with the Lord. She is with the Lord.
They marry our young women.
I employ some of them.
They say they are my friends, but I don't believe that.
Some of them do nothing. They walk around like they own it all.
- Stand still, gentlemen. - Yes!
They are land raiders. Nee-shdah-heh, simple vagabonds.
We can't count on help from the county.
We can't ask the state of Oklahoma for help.
Why did we think they would?
We were here before them. It is the land of our birth that we came to.
And.
We have our children here because Mother Earth has allowed us to.
No one removes us from this earth until God calls us all home.
And.
We must understand that, and we must understand the evil that has come.
- You have something it wants. - Yes.
It didn't want you when we came from genocide.
But now we gather the original 25 families in this space.
- Yes. - And we will follow along with you.
According to the old saying, the enemy is to blame for the death of the Osage people.
Don't let them die alone. Join them.
So we can go to heaven as warriors.
We must change, but before we do, we must be like fire here on earth
and remove everything that stands in our way.
I am asking for the council's support.
All you men. And our women, these mothers, theseee-nahnher.
All our elders have come through this landscape,
and all we know is that we have each other.
We have the Lord who has been good to us.
Everything else ... We never asked for the good life.
We were just asking for life. And I want to ask for that now.
That we get a life for the children who come.
Our time is over.
We are approaching sunset, but their time has just begun.
I want them to be Osage like the gift Grandma gave me.
Like the gift grandma gave you.
Thank you, Chief.
I'd like to put a thousand dollars on top of that bounty.
For all information about the murders.
So if anyone knows anything about them, please come to me.
You know where I am. I'm easy to find.
Thank you, mr. Tail. Their friendship has always been valued.
I will do anything to help the Osage people in their time of need.
In their wailing valley.
I suggest we send Barney McBride to Washington.
- I support the proposal. - Mr. McBride, Mrs. McBride.
Yes, chief.
Resolution 23. Mr. McBride travels to Washington
and the Office of Indian Affairs,
where he will ask for private investigators and extra police,
so they can investigate all these deaths.
- Do you accept the assignment? - Yes.
Bill. Reta.
Good day, Ernest.
So you're... You're here now?
Reta comforted me when Minnie died.
Leave the jewelry on her here.
I do it so no one notices.
No, come on, Frank. Let them be this one time. For my sake.
- It's my wife's sister. - Here.
25 dollars for the rental of a rusty car?
$1,650 for a mahogany casket?
- These are Osage prices. Do you think I am stupid? - No, everyone pays the same.
Stop it. McAllister's entire funeral cost no more than 300.
- Two thousand dollars, Frank? - McAllister's daughter was only a child.
I'll talk to King Hale about it. We'll see what he says.
I can put her in a wooden box if you want.
I don't want a wooden box. You take osage prices.
Your wife even wanted an open casket.
After all, there is no face. Why would she want it open?
- Are you trying to steal our money? - It is not ...
It's not your money.
You can easily get more money and pay my bill.
I work for my money.
As the Lord says: You sow and you reap, Ernest.
When was the last time you saw an osage work?
Your sister, Anna, leaves behind a fortune of approximately 100,000 dollars.
They are bequeathed to your mother, Lizzie Q, and you, Mollie, and you, Reta.
That is a considerable sum of money.
Tall Chief has hired Emmett Miller's blackface variety show for his birthday.
So I thought, "Why don't we do something like that with the money?"
We can have a town party and invite an orchestra...
It's no use talking to that man.
Evil surrounds my heart.
Often I cry, and the evil of my heart comes out of my eyes.
I close my heart and keep the good inside. But the hate comes.
They say I should kill the white men who killed my family.
Mrs. Burkhart. Bill Burns. I solve crimes.
Here is my business card. I have addresses in New York, London, Paris,
Montreal, Chicago, Los Angeles, Cairo, Berlin, Boston, where law-abiding citizens ...
- Mr. Barney McBride? - Ja.
There is a telegram for you.
- BE CAREFUL - STOP
... at Anna's to confirm Byron's story.
I went there and I found her alligator skin bag.
This suggests that Byron is not lying, but drove her home.
My brother doesn't lie.
Your youngest sister, Minnie, who died of leprosy two years ago,
- was married to a Bill Smith. - Yes.
And this is the same Bill Smith who is now married to your sister Reta?
And.
Samme Bill Smith.
Two sisters.
Mr. Smith is a busy man. He talks to people in town
and investigates Anna's death himself.
- Thanks for that, Sheriff. - It was a shame it was so little.
Did you know?
Did you?
And.
- You drove straight home to Mollie? - Not directly.
- So where did you drive? - To the cemetery outside Florer's shop.
She wanted to see her land and visit her father.
I can't visit my father with the flyaway hair.
Do you know I'm going to have a little one?
- Oh my gosh. No. - It is true.
She should also be called Minnie.
Say hello to Minnie from me.
Did you know Anna was pregnant?
Anna?
And.
Anna was pregnant.
- She was pregnant. - Did he say it was Byron?
No.
Me?
No. No.
Make sure we don't get mixed up in it.
Mr. Smith is pretty sure who killed your sister.
He says he'll tell us all when he has the evidence.
And what... What has he found out?
I do not know yet.
- What has he found out? - Nothing.
I'm going out to Blackie's.
Regarding what we talked about…
- About that, yes. - To see what he says.
In fact.
Yes. Yes! Man, how rich are we going to be tonight!
- Ernest. - Where's Blackie?
- So there it is. - Yes.
Osage graves. It's disgusting work. It's dirty. Dung dirt.
Do you want to do something that gives good?
Don't work with those thugs. Use your head. Use your brain.
Hale has talked about us joining forces.
Do you know Bill Smith? He walks around and talks a lot.
Now if someone ... necked Bill Smith and Reta ...
If she was gone, all the money would go to my mother-in-law, Lizzie Q,
and then my children inherit them. It's good business. Very good.
- For you, yes. - To everyone.
They are often away from home. You just have to come in and apply,
and then when they come home, you take them.
Reta has a three-four diamonds. She has several earrings.
Bill Smith always has 2-300 in his pocket. You must have them.
You'll get them, and I know Hale will pay a grand for it.
Doesn't that sound good, Blackie?
You know my little Buick roadster?
- The red one you always look at. - Yes?
I throw my Buick on top. It is insured for value.
I get the insurance money and you get the car.
It's just a little trade between the two of us. Hale doesn't need to know anything about that.
- It is very comprehensive. - You are a bloody greedy Jew, Ernest.
I just love money.
That's right. Almost as much as I love my wife.
Ernest?
And.
Come here.
What is it?
- Are you feeling better than this morning? - A little.
Yes. You just need to sleep.
Sleep is the most important thing now.
I don't sleep anymore.
I know. Just try. Try to get some sleep.
Try now.
I don't even know if you love me anymore.
Mollie, of course I love you.
I need you.
I'm right here, Mollie. I'm right here.
I love you.
Trying to wake up the kids?
You wake the children.
They call it "insulin". It is from Toronto and is expensive.
There are only five who can afford it.
It's not officially for sale yet, but Bill Hale got it for you.
Did you hear that, honey?
- Give it to me. - The one.
From the pancreas of a cow.
We get it delivered once a week.
Hold that up.
I must say. The pancreas of a cow.
Diabetes can be nasty.
- Have you eaten in the last hour? - No.
Lift up the blouse, please.
- Have you had anything to drink? - Goat's milk. Pancakes.
She has also had caramel and bacon. Now just tell them.
They must know.
If you eat sweets, it won't work.
You'll lose your feet or worse if you eat like a white.
Did you hear that?
It is okay.
God damn.
- Blackie, stop! - Pis!
- Damn it, Blackie. Stop! - Where are you going?
So catch me!
Just look at you.
Good day.
You've brought out the Buick.
Sit down. Sit in!
Byron.
Brother, come here.
- The? - Yes, here.
Get down on your knees, Ernest.
Down on your knees.
Did you deal with Blackie Thompson,
that he had to steal your car so you got the insurance?
I ...
Yes, I did.
Yes. Blackie has been arrested for stealing your car.
What were you supposed to do?
I had to send a feeler out around Bill and Reta.
Now who fixes Bill Smith and his carpet?
I do not know.
Take the book away.
Pardon.
Okay, stand up.
Get up.
Elbows on the table.
I am a 32nd degree Freemason.
I am soulful...
... of serenity, trust and responsibility, among other things.
And.
Do you know what it is?
No.
God damn.
Get up. Sit over there.
Do you have trouble controlling your wife?
No.
She has hired a private investigator who sniffs and brings unwanted glances.
She got the tribal council to pay for Barney McBride's trip to Washington.
She is a very steep woman and she makes it harder for you.
Sorry, King. She's just... She's just stubborn.
Ernest, my handsome boy.
What do you think will happen to Mollie and the others?
I love them, but the earth turns and they disappear.
Their time is over.
It is over. Away.
Ernest, lightning doesn't strike and prevent that from happening. It will happen.
The oil rights must go to Mollie.
Not to her mother, not to her sister Reta or Bill Smith.
- Yes. - You must have control over your home.
Do you hear me?
Yes, King.
RACE EVENTS.
175 KILLED, 300 SHOT.
NEGRO TOWNSHIP IN FLAMES.
EVEN THE NEW METHODIST CHURCH WAS NOT SPARE.
NEXT DAY "LITTLE AFRICA" LOOKED LIKE THIS.
World lasso champion, Henry Grammer.
The County's finest and largest liquor store.
See all those tapes. Is that gold, Henry?
Better than gold. Recognition.
Henry, I need someone who can handle a task.
One who can undertake to fix an old man and his carpet.
Not just anyone. Someone who can do it properly.
It should be both at once.
So it won't do with poisoned whiskey. It must be foolproof.
-John? - Yes.
Put it up in the house for me.
- Maggie must not see it. - So she has eyes, Henry.
She spotted me last time and…
Give it to me.
Why don't you ask Blackie Thompson?
- Yeah... - Blackie?
He... He's in jail right now.
Tell him why.
I quailed and ... You can tell.
He got the foolish idea of ​​getting busted for insurance fraud with the car.
- It was unfortunate. - You have to say that.
What about Dick Gregg?
No. Dick is wanted in Arkansas.
And in Kansas. He lives so hidden, he can't even find himself.
You need dynamite.
With explosives, you are sure to get them both at once.
A few bars under the house.
Nitro or dynamite.
Then they smoke.
Acie Kirby can handle that.
A line? - Yes.
- Where is he? - Have no idea. He farts around.
He might know.
-John? - Yes.
Where is Acie Kirby currently hiding?
I do not know. He's probably hiding in his old hole somewhere.
Then sneak up to the barn for a shovel and dig him out.
Not?
Okay, I'll see if I can find him.
Acie Kirby.
Acie. Get hold of him.
Clear?
Come on.
- Good day. - Mrs. Burkhart.
Just put it here.
What?
Gentlemen, I must ask you to step outside for a moment,
while talking to my wife.
- Outside? - Naturally.
Just a moment.
Reach? What now?
We need that insulin. Now what, Mollie?
Okay.
Okay ...
If you just give it to me, I'll probably do it.
- Do you want to give her the syringe? - Yes.
- Bill Hale has entrusted us with the task. - Yes, but that's just the way it is right now.
- We still need payment for the visit. - For the trip out here. Petrol, time...
- Clean me up. Are you taking money for that robbery? - It is only fair.
Give it to me.
You get it back. Off with you guys. Smut.
God damn.
Here you go.
You made me send the doctors away. The doctors.
Am I a doctor? Are you?
Stubborn bitch. Let them do their job though...
Am I a doctor? I am both a doctor and a nurse
and housekeeper and nanny and everything else.
It does not help.
It is no use.
King Hale has given it to you. It was a gift from him.
Five people in the entire world get it, and you are one of them.
You are one of the lucky ones. Think of the children. The thing that saves your life.
But no, you know everything. With your Indian customs.
Do you think medicine men will make you well?
and all their roots and herbs? And all that shit?
You won't be, Mollie! That is real medicine!
Do you think ... Do you think someone will harm you?
Do you think I will harm you?
Are you not going to answer?
Now just give it a chance.
Maybe it has to get worse before it gets better, Mollie.
I'll take care of you.
Nobody ... Nobody is going to do anything to you when I'm in front.
Open.
- How are you, Henry? - Well. Sometimes I'm sad.
It is not a disease.
He is healthy as a sea eagle. Right, Henry? Healthy as a horse.
It is him.
- What are you about to do? Kill an Indian? - How do you know that?
You better watch out.
No, he just needs to be insured. A mere formality, but necessary.
- What about my melancholy? - Whiskey helps.
Beware.
It might not look so good, Bill. It is difficult to justify.
He owes me a lot of money.
My guardian will not give me my share.
- What do you need? - I want to buy some booze.
- No, it's not healthy for you. - That's what the doctor said.
He doesn't know what he's talking about.
- Come on, Henry. - Hello, Pearl.
- My wife watches Roy Bunch. - What?
- My wife watches Roy Bunch. - So what?
You have lots of luck with women.
Be content with what you have. Don't do anything stupid.
- I want to hurt myself. - There is no way out for a man.
A man has a right to his wife's respect. I don't want to be here anymore.
I am ashamed to be an Osage Indian.
Give me some booze or give me a gun.
Henry, you're doing well with Pearl. Now don't do anything stupid.
I need you my friend.
Henry, no... What are you doing here?
- What do you imagine? - Henry!
- Are you going to touch my wife? - Get him out!
Stay away from my wife! You stay away from my wife!
I haven't done anything to you.
I'm tired of asking for things when I can afford it myself.
- Henry, your guardian is coming. - Who decides over your money?
- Stop it. - My ancestors were free before you came.
- Do you think you are better than me? Do you? - Come on.
You shouldn't do anything stupid. You beat Roy Bunch.
I knocked him down, Reverend Hale.
- Why are you taking care of him? - Because he is melancholic.
- He tried to take his own life last year. - Did he?
I take care of the man because he is my neighbor and best friend.
There is 25,000 dollars.
I have taken out insurance on him. Against what he owes me.
If he manages to pass away before the New Year, I'll lose them.
He needs to be kept alive for a few more months.
Maybe I'll even get his oil rights.
There is something you need to know.
It is Mollie's first man lying there on the floor.
- What do you mean by "first man"? - Osage Indians don't get divorced.
And they were married. They were married in a ceremony on the reservation.
What do you mean? Is she still married to him?
No, they were only 15. It's a tradition. Means nothing.
I would say that if I were married. She said nothing.
Is she good to you?
She treats me well. She is a good woman.
Let her have her secrets. Then you can have yours too.
Are there others?
Pitts Beaty wants the clan to find Anna's killers.
He said ... they help remove the lazy men from the city.
Pitts and his clan are trying to gain authority here and they are not getting it.
They should let the police do their job.
I don't care about the Ku Klux Klan, Mollie.
They are sick of power.
And they don't get it.
Are there others?
The tribe tried Barney McBride.
He didn't come back.
We hired a private investigator, but...
Did he get paid?
- Yes. - I guess he ran away.
Ernest, he ran away.
Yes. It seems so, King. It looks like it.
Guess we need to be more careful about how we spend Mollie's money.
It's not a criticism. I am just saying.
- You bought a farm. - Yes.
Without asking me. You probably should have. I'm here for you, Ernest.
For both of you.
You met Mollie because of me. You are here because of me.
Let me help you. Let me give you some good advice. Guide you.
Judson hadn't told me about the swine disease that harbors
but I learned a lesson, King. It will not happen again.
It was just a bad investment.
Mollie?
You seem different tonight. What is it?
Yes, it might as well be now...
- Mollie is pregnant. - What?
You best! Well, though.
- Now, is she? - Yes.
Yes, we have been told that Mollie is with child, King.
You best.
It is a blessing to the home.
- How nice it is. Congratulations. - Thanks.
- Congratulations. - Thanks.
- How nice it is. - Thanks, Willie.
Henry! Come on in. We just got some wonderful news.
Mollie is pregnant again.
I think it's a girl. I'm never wrong.
Congratulations.
We have to get started on a blanket for the child.
Congratulations.
Excuse me for interrupting. Uncle, I need to talk to you.
Of course. Sit over there. I just need to talk to them.
- Wait for me over there. - Thanks.
Have you slept with her during the illness?
She is my wife, King. That's the kind of thing that happens.
Maybe it's just your perversion.
Yes, God bless you and the baby.
First man?
Can he then claim the family?
- Henry. - Uncle.
Ramsey, I know you're having a hard time.
A lot of children. A seven or eight pieces?
Yes, I have a whole bunch.
King Bill Hale asks if you want a job. One that needs fixing.
I can not. I have not agreed to this kind of work.
It's an Indian.
It is something else.
- Do you know Henry Roan? - Nah.
Well, what do you say?
Listen up. You come with me.
I'll buy you a car so you can drive out and fix it.
A car is not enough to get my life on track.
We'll figure out something. And don't worry too much about it.
Him the Indian, he is melancholy.
He has attempted suicide twice, says Hale.
It should look like Roan did it himself.
Right in the forehead. Do you understand? In the forehead.
- Then the knights will come marching, Pitts. - Hello, Ernest.
Ernest arranged a meeting with the Indian in Fairfax.
- This is John Ramsey. - Henry. Good day.
We sat down. He smelled of whiskey.
Are you after some booze?
- I said I sold. - Then you have come to the right place.
We were to meet on the road that goes through Sol Smith's field at ten o'clock.
Look here, mate. Look what I found down the hole.
Just take care of yourself.
It turns the liver inside out.
When I had met the Indian a few times, we came to like each other.
You have to respect his problems.
We also went to mrs. Mackie.
He took it! What kind of sheriff goes around selling cocaine?
Frankly!
It continued for some time. I tried to gather some courage.
One day I decided to do it when the opportunity presented itself.
I agreed with the Indian to get some booze and some girls,
and then we were supposed to meet out on Smith's field.
It tastes better than the last one we got.
God damn.
- Do you have time? - Yes. Watch out for Cowboy.
- What is it? - Where is Hale?
I do not know. Whizbang, Pawhuska. Why?
- It is done. - Is it? Where did you do it?
Out on the road that goes through Sol Smith's field.
Here, I don't want it anymore.
- John. - I do not want this anymore.
Henry Roan is dead.
Did he take his own life?
I do not know.
He was always sad.
Always.
- You knew him well, didn't you? - Since we were children.
Does your uncle know? They were friends.
Yes. He knows it well.
Was he murdered?
Have no idea.
He tried to take his own life last year.
Did you know?
Was he murdered or did he take his own life? Do you know?
I do not know.
Roy Bunch has talked a lot about killing him.
He is having sex with his wife, so ... It goes without saying.
Maybe he just took his own life like you said.
It had to be suicide. He had to leave the gun behind.
I told him that too. Just as you informed me.
I don't know why he brought it. I told him so.
Did you say it was supposed to be in the forehead? It was in the neck.
It is otherwise easy enough. The forehead is not the neck!
It would look like suicide.
It looks like murder. It wasn't supposed to be like that.
I said the forehead. Just like you asked me to. I promise. I swear by my children.
- Do not do that. Calm. - I swear by my children.
You shall not swear by your children. It sounds silly.
I'm no fool.
What is it, King?
Fear lamps. They put up lights to keep the murders away.
There he is. Hang in here.
Hi, Roy. Roy!
You shouldn't be staying here right now.
You better get out of here, because the sheriff is going to charge you with murder.
They know you wanted to shoot Henry.
If I run away, I look guilty. And I'm not.
If you run away...
If you don't run away, you'll end up in jail, guilty or not.
It's just an advice from a friend. I wanted to run away.
Thanks Bill. I don't think I do.
And you are not my friend. I'll take the chance and stay in Fairfax.
You are of the sky people.
Little Anna.
Your name is Wah hre lum pa.
What is leprosy, Mollie?
Are you getting sick? Creeping away?
Minnie died from it.
Mom died from it too.
Anna was shot.
The carpet is a target on our back.
Can't we just move? To Colorado Springs.
Look at me though. I can't make the journey.
- Who will take care of you, Mollie? - I have Ernest and my children.
Ernest takes care of me. As best he can.
- Nettie? - Yeah.
Can my sister have toast?
- Yes. And another sip of coffee? - Thanks.
Little sister.
So.
- So now you and Mollie also live in the city? - Yes, now we are here.
You live nicely here, Bill. Really nice.
Thank you, Ernest. The Shoun brothers made us a good offer.
- They left some nice things for us. - Well, did they?
Not as nice as the stuff you bought, but good enough for us.
Yes, you know Mollie. She likes nice things so...
Not as much as you.
It almost sounds like you're calling me a squaw man.
No, I would never call another man that.
No.
No sour faces.
Need a quickie?
Yes, I'd be happy to take one if you have one.
No.
- Then why did you ask? - You just seem nervous.
The thing is, Bill, I have no nerves. None.
I just don't like talking to you. That's mostly why.
- Have I bothered you, Ernest? - Bothered me? No, then.
It's just your demeanor that bothers me. Nothing else.
This is how the Lord made me. I can't do anything about that.
No, you can not.
Unless you kill me. Or is it your older brother's job?
Molly? We're going home now, honey.
- Jim? - Myrtle?
If you have something special in the house, get it out in a hurry.
Bleach.
David?
- Everything is alright? - Yes. I'm going to an animal show in Fort Worth.
Find Acie Kirby and tell Smith to fix now.
Do you hear me?
I don't know him. I don't know Acie Kirby.
- Where will he find Acie? - Find John Ramsey. He knows it.
Find John Ramsey. Tell him to tell Acie that it is now. We drive to Fort Worth.
We drive to Fort Worth.
Show me you understand.
Yes, I have understood. I'll find Ramsey and tell him.
- John? - Yes it is me.
I have a message from King Hale.
You need to find Acie Kirby and ask him to fix Bill and Reta.
- It is now, John. - I can not. My wife is sick.
- My wife is also ill. - Why don't you do it yourself?
Why does someone like me always have to do your job?
Because I don't know Acie Kirby.
I don't know what he looks like.
I would like to, but I don't know what he looks like. Sorry.
Okay, I will, but I can't right now.
Not right now? This must happen immediately. Hale can't wait.
It must be immediate. Now.
You are very pushy, Ernest. I have to go back to work.
You get one more chance, John. Then it's over. A chance.
I tell King Hale you do it now.
- I don't want to lose my job. - You do not have a choice! It is now.
- I'm trying to be smart, John. - I'll probably arrange it.
- I'll do it. - Yes, you must. Right now, John.
A line? A line?
- Yes. - It's John. You must not shoot.
Do you have poles with you?
Mother! Mother!
Where have you been?
- At Reta's. - You were supposed to stay at home.
Come here.
- Cowboy's ears hurt. - Oh, no, though.
And Bill is not so nice to Reta when I'm not there.
Listen, Mollie...
You don't have to go out so much, with all that going on.
- I was just staying with my sister. - You and the children must stay at home.
Okay?
- You of peace! - What was it?
I do not know!
Vera!
Vera?
Lizzie?
- What happens? - Cowboy for mom.
It's like in Tulsa.
- There is glass everywhere! - What happened?
Whose house is it?
- It's Bill and Retas! - Bill and Reta's house!
- Nettie lives in the back room! - Nettie Berkshire lives here!
- Nettie! - It's Bill Smith!
Shoot me! Shoot me, dammit!
Shoot me!
There's Reta! Reta is over here!
It's Reta. Hurry up!
- Can you hear me, Reta? - Teasing?
Letter?
I think she's dead.
Mother! Mother! Mother!
Mother! Mother!
Ernest?
Welcome to the Fort Worth Animal Show and Rodeo.
You can go over to lane 1 and meet rodeo champion Henry Grammer.
Get an autograph and talk to him over at Lane 1.
Too much dynamite.
You're being too obvious, Bill.
Nettie, the maid. They still find pieces of her.
Mollie Burkhart, incompetent. Lot number 285.
Three, two, one.
You want $300 to go to Washington for?
And.
It's a rough ride for a weakened woman, Mollie.
I can't give you the money or let you travel.
I would be doing you and your children a disservice.
I want to travel now because I don't live much longer.
It might be the last thing I do.
- Good to see you. Thank you, Chief. - Chief Bonnicastle.
President Coolidge, ladies and gentlemen, look here.
Three, two, one.
Sir. president, Mollie Burkhart. They must send help.
People are being murdered in Osage. The police do nothing.
I lost my mother and sisters.
Many Osage Indians are killed for the oil money.
I. Yes.
Thank you.
Give your wife the insulin.
And ... a little of this.
The bottle here.
- Make sure you dose it right, Ernest. - Give it to her regularly.
- It just calms her down. - Nothing else. She just keeps calm.
Same time every day. Half an hour before meals.
The whole bottle.
Ernest, do you believe in the Bible?
- Yes. - The old miracles?
Do you think a miracle will make it go away?
That kind of thing doesn't happen anymore.
I know.
I don't know, King. She's gone to Washington, so...
I just have to… calm her down, right?
- Yes. - Just calm her down.
I'm scared, Sho-meen-kah.
What are you afraid of?
I'm afraid to eat at home.
Why are you afraid to eat in your own house?
I'm afraid.
Do you know who will do you harm?
I want the bed put down in the back room.
We only eat food prepared by Vera. Nobody else.
Little Anna has whooping cough.
She needs to be cared for.
She will live with brother and sister Bigheart.
Then she will feel better. It will cure her cough.
Mor!
Ernest, you pick up my insulin at the train. Only you.
You must not accept it from the Shoun brothers.
Yes, Mollie.
My mother came to me. She asked me to dance with her.
I replied that I can no longer dance.
She said I'm dying.
She didn't want me to die alone.
Dreams can feel like dying...
... a little while, and then ... then you come back.
She said the man is here.
Which man?
The man with the hat.
I want to talk to the man with the hat.
Yes, but there are many men with hats.
Rest now.
Mr. Burkhart?
Who is it?
Tom White. I come from the federal police.
Good day.
Federal ... What? What is it?
They sent me from Washington to look into the murders.
Look... Look at what around them?
Who is behind it.
Are you an investigator? From Pinkerton or what?
No, I've been a Texas Ranger.
I now work for the government. It is called the federal police.
Look, if you have any questions, you need to talk to the sheriff.
- He can probably help you. - Yes, I have spoken to him.
I came to talk to Mollie Burkhart, whose sisters and mother are dead.
Molly? Yes, she is my ... She is my wife.
She is sick, very sick right now. I'm her husband, Ernest Burkhart, so...
Come back another time, but right now she's not feeling so well.
- How about tomorrow? - Tomorrow? No...it's too early.
It's just... As I said, she's not feeling very well.
But you can come back on Friday.
Is she at home?
She has diabetes, you see.
- Does she have it? - Yes.
She rests and I take care of her.
Come back on Friday, okay?
- Friday? - Yes, Friday.
I do. Thank you.
It's John Wren. A friend of Cousin Mary's.
- Welcome to Osageland. - Thanks.
Welcome to Fairfax.
Welcome to Wahzhazhe.
Thanks. I was told I have Osage relatives in Hominy.
Where are you from?
I need to talk to you, King. Pardon.
- Not now. You have to wait. - I can not. They came to my house.
- What now? - I need to talk to you.
What is it?
Ernest?
I'm scared, King. They came to my house. Private investigators.
- Home to you? - Yes.
- What did they say? - I don't know what they want. They came.
- What did you do? - I'm concerned. They know something.
They know we've done something.
- King, we need to talk about it. - Now you have to take it easy.
- Do you understand? Pull yourself together. - Yes.
- Pull yourself together and calm down. - I'm trying.
- Calm down. Now! Right now. - When can we talk...
- We'll talk about it later. Not now. - Okay.
- King... - Not now.
Are you here because McBride was killed? Him the white one.
Or because we went to Washington and gave the US government $20,000?
It is not too late to find out who it is.
Who? We have so many deaths that we cannot count them.
- Several hundreds. - In the old days we resisted.
20 years ago when I fought during the Boxer Rebellion,
I could see the enemy. I knew who to kill.
If we could find the killers, we would kill them.
No no no. I owe Henry Roan $25,000.
He's been dead for months. Monthly! Now give me my Henry Roan money.
Talk to Denver about it. They dispute the report.
- Who are they? - JT Jones of the Denver branch.
Now you have to listen, JT Jones. The problem is in Fairfax, not Denver.
- Denver received the report and disputes it. - We're not in Denver. We are in Fairfax.
I want my Roan money. Write that check.
Sorry, but before I hear from Denver...
- Do you know who I am? - Yes.
Don't you comply? Am I not getting the money?
- No. - You will regret it.
You will regret it, Mr. Insurance Man.
The gentlemen. Come on in.
Mr. Tail? CJ Robinson has arrived.
mr. House. - CJ.
Would you give a price for them?
Yes. I just wanted to take a look at them first.
So hurry up.
She has no face.
They took her head.
We didn't smoke her into heaven. Wah-kon-tah cannot know her.
We smoked the house.
We smoked the house, baby. You just can't remember.
We were over there with Bill and Reta and Joseph and Bertha.
We were all there. We were there for several hours.
You just can't remember it.
Mollie?
Rest now.
James and David Shoun? The federal police.
We have some questions about the death of Anna Brown.
Get dressed and wait here.
I guess you should talk to the justice of the peace.
He has the coroner's report on Anna Brown's death.
The papers have disappeared for him.
- Then you must get hold of the undertaker, Turton. - Turton.
He has all the details you need.
- He kept the skull, didn't he, David? - Yeah.
We have asked him, and that is why we have ended up here.
Did you guys drop the bullet that killed her?
No, because it was never found.
Was that the one you were looking for when you took the brain apart?
Yes, it was.
The body was very involved because she had been dead for five...
Six. - ... or six days.
And then we dug her up.
Why did you cut the body into small pieces and chop the flesh off the bones with an axe?
We were looking for the bullet.
We couldn't find it. Yes ...
It is a matter for the Indian Tribal Council. You should talk to Chief...
- Bonnicastle. - ... Bonnicastle.
What will he say?
This is Indian country. Talk to the Indians.
You must have excused us.
You can see there.
Why are you only coming now?
I only got the assignment a week ago.
- Who did you get it from? The president? - No, by J. Edgar Hoover.
I don't know him.
I hear you are the King of the Osage Hills and the man I am to speak with.
They can get my point. Presumably they will be the death of the brain
committed by a group of outside men, possibly Negroes.
- Did you see what happened in Tulsa? - Yes.
It could also just be bad luck.
Anna Brown, dirty mouth. A friend, but dirty mouth. It had to happen.
Henry Roan was melancholic. You probably know that.
And then there was Charlie Whitehorn, one of the strangest people in the world.
What about the other dead Osage Indians?
- 25, if it's not almost 30 now. - Yes.
It seems more like an epidemic than an accident.
Yes, you should probably talk to our justice of the peace.
I have been to him. He wasn't much help.
- Wasn't he? The head chief? - I have also spoken to him.
They said I should talk to you.
We will have put an end to those deaths, but not here.
I would like to answer your questions. We can meet somewhere else. Not right here.
Then I'll just find you later.
Thank you. Sorry, I disturbed the shave.
Shame it doesn't matter. I hear from you.
Blackie.
Look ahead.
Government people go and mess things up.
I got my punishment.
It's stupid to stay where there's trouble.
I owe you because you helped my nephew. You kept your mouth shut about the car theft.
Go somewhere else for a while. Stay away from the city.
You can go to Drumright.
- Drumright? - Yes.
Try to be there early. The Negro opens at sunrise.
We thank you for the favors.
God damn!
Hands up!
Damn it.
Fold and up. Fold and up.
Thank you, Bill, for your support of the town and all you have done for the people here.
And now this beautiful dance school.
Ladies and gentlemen, Bill Hale, our sponsor.
We have a gift for you and invite you into our home as a thank you for the medicine.
Have you made it?
Did your girls get a pony?
- Yes. Thanks Bill. - No problem.
Bob, you need to mind your business tonight.
I heard they are planning to rob your store at 11pm.
Maybe it's the gems you've been saving.
Two whites and a Negro.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Acie, here's the money I owe you. With great appreciation.
Do you know the federal police are here?
They're investigating that explosion.
This is Indian country, so it's not going to be a problem.
You should take some time off.
I have a good opportunity for you if you will listen to me.
- Of course. - Okay.
Stop, thieving swine!
Good day.
Is it Henry Grammer's camp? Do you know where we can find him?
An angel came and wrapped her great wings around his chest.
Now he's down with the snakes.
- When did it happen? - Yesterday.
Give it to me.
- What? - Come outside.
Now, I'm stepping.
What is it?
Byron?
- What is it? - Ernest.
If you are charged, you win the case. It will be OK.
- What... - You win.
What are you talking about? What were they going to charge me with?
Ernest, I have many friends. Many, many friends.
So I have the best lawyers. They protect me and they will protect you.
So don't worry. No one is coming for you.
Thank you, King.
- What? - It is just ...
- What is it? - His stomach is in knots.
- Are you okay? - Yes Yes. Myrtie is shaken.
Willie is hysterical. And I don't know how...
I do not know what to do.
But you must sign here.
If something happens to you, the plots of land must stay in the family. We have to.
They must stay in the family. You know that.
If something happens to me?
What could happen?
Nothing happens then. It's just a formality.
Nothing happens because I make sure nothing happens.
Have you signed?
- Yes, he has signed. - My wife is not sick.
She's not sick, but he signed. We must all sign.
That way, we are sure that the money stays in the family.
Listen up.
- Byron, let's be a little bit. - Yes.
- Are you okay? - Yes I ...
I'm fine enough.
You are not afraid? Because there is no reason for that.
No I ...
- Are you giving her the syringes? - The syringes? Yes.
Yes, I do what I have to do.
- Are you giving it all to her? - Yes.
- Remember to give her everything. - So do I, King.
I'm doing as we agreed. I keep her calm. She is calm.
Just take care of it.
Ernest, I know you love Mollie and I love her too.
But the truth is…
She will die soon.
You know that. We can do nothing. It is in God's hands.
And he is waiting for her.
You must stay by her side and give her medicine for the pain.
You will never regret your time with her until she returns to eternity.
You will never regret it.
And you are strong now.
- Does not? You are strong. - Yes.
Be there for her.
And sign here.
- Shall I sign? - You have to.
Okay, King.
Good evening, boys. John.
Here's what I've found out.
I was over in Ralston yesterday. I met a man named Alvin Reynolds.
He could tell many things.
I knew all the murdered Indians.
They gave poisoned liquor to dogs, just to see what would happen.
And they killed coyotes. I don't care for coyotes,
but it is not right, when they could die a natural death.
My son-in-law tells me to keep my mouth shut.
That they kill me too.
But I'm going to die soon anyway, so now I'll tell you who it was.
I was sitting right here,
and I saw Byron Burkhart drive Anna Brown down that road.
Kelsie Morrison and his wife were in the back seat.
They got Anna well and truly drunk.
They were all there. Kelsie, Byron and Anna.
I'm not lying.
Kelsie Morrison?
Kelsie Morrison smuggles drugs and whiskey from Fort Worth to New Orleans to Dallas.
Do you remember Bill Stepson, the lasso swinger?
Bill Stepson died of corn whiskey. It was not investigated.
Bills kone hed Tillie Stepson.
Kelsie left his first wife, Catherine,
and married Tillie two weeks after Bill's death.
Two months later Tillie died of poison.
Kelsie takes Tillie's kids to Mexico,
but comes back because a wise lawyer advises him against it.
My late wife has two children and they bear my name.
So if I adopt them correctly and the two children die, do I inherit their estate?
They are Osage Indians. One of them half-breeds, but they have oil rights.
Kelsie, it sounds like you plan to adopt and kill the children.
Not if it's illegal and I don't get the money. Then I don't do it.
Kelsie Morrison?
- Who? - Kelsie Morrison.
- My name is Lloyd Miller. - Come here, Lloyd. We need to talk to you.
I admire Kelsie's ambition.
He thanked me.
- Kelsie, I admire your ambition. - Thanks.
What can you tell us about Byron and Ernest Burkhart and the murders?
Byron and Ernest Burkhart?
I guess we can help each other.
I have settled in well. The Wahzhazhe people tell me things.
I am also Father Albert's friend. He confided in me.
He told me all about Mollie Burkhart.
She fears for her life.
Did he say who she fears the most?
Now hold it.
It's easier to get people convicted of kicking a dog than killing an Indian.
It's Bill Hale's ranch.
I have fire insurance on him for $30,000.
You must be busy tomorrow, Mr. Insurance Man.
You will be next.
Now ...
This is it.
That seems to be the case now.
I have something to tell you. In ...
I have something to tell you. My wife ... My wife is very ill.
I have to go home and see my wife. She is very sick.
Come, my boy.
I'm going home to my wife. She ... She is not very well, so ...
Now we go home and ... We go home and take care of her.
Come here, boy.
You are completely wrong. Everything you think you know... you know nothing.
Follow him, my boy.
My wife is very sick! Very ill.
Do I have to ...
May I sit down?
You're fine there.
We want to talk to you about the murders of Reta and Bill Smith and Anna Brown.
I want to sit down.
Yes, you will, but now you stand up.
I'm getting up now, but I need to get some sleep.
You can't keep me here much longer.
Did you put the explosives under the house yourself, or was Blackie Thompson there too?
- Whom? - Blackie Thompson.
No, he wasn't there.
I don't know him very well. Only from around town.
- And did you put the explosives under the house? - I don't know anything about that.
You guys didn't rob a bank in Oilton?
No.
But you helped Blackie Thompson
with stealing your own Buick back in 1921,
so you could get the insurance money paid out, right?
Huh?
I let him borrow it for a while. I let him drive it, but...
- What was he going to do with it? - I do not know.
That's none of my business. I guess he was going out to have fun.
If a man borrowed my car, I would ask what he was going to do.
Sometimes people just want to go for a ride. I'm not asking anything.
So you lent it to him? You didn't ask what he was going to do?
And.
You're just a good guy.
You got me there. I lent it to him.
I lent it to him. It's obviously illegal.
Well.
How are you, Ernest?
Blackie.
Can I talk to him?
Can I talk to him alone for a bit?
Have they turned you around?
Me turned?
No, they haven't turned me around.
Say it then. What have you told them?
That when I got out of jail and had to settle with you, you gave me $1.50.
You said we all knew the risk.
We did that too. But I gave you a twenty.
- No, it was 1.50. - Not $1.50. I would have given...
No, I gave you a twenty. I remember it well.
- Nonsense. - Listen up.
You must... You must tell me what you said to them.
- I said it all. - All?
I told them you and your uncle are some fucking Jews.
Jews?
I got life for him the striper in Drumright.
I tell you, Ernest. You couldn't handle being in prison.
Tell them what you know for your own sake and that of your family. For your well-being.
- You are as stupid as a washboard. - Well, am I?
Yes, you babble as soon as you get the chance.
We were supposed to be partners. It's not my fault ...
- Partners? - ... that you were taken with that car.
Are we partners? You didn't give me a shit.
Now, however, Hale has made a plan.
I tell him you shouldn't join because you're so stupid in the head.
He always said you were stupid.
It is because of his plan that I am sitting here.
Mollie?
Are you for real?
Maybe I am.
Okay, that's enough.
Ernest, you are a good man, aren't you?
Yes, I am. I think so then.
Do you think? Are you or aren't you?
I am.
Do you love your wife and children?
And.
You have served your country. I don't think your life should have ended like this.
I have the impression that your family at home
is a greater blessing to you than your uncle, King Bill Hale.
We both know that he appears to be a very upright man.
And he isn't.
He has done nothing for you.
Except ...
... to make you do bad things and take advantage of you because of your ... disposition.
Shouldn't we start over?
I ...
I want to go home to my wife.
Did you see ...
Tell me what to do.
Do you know who killed Henry Roan?
Stay where you are.
I'm going to arrest you.
You know anything about the Henry Roan murder?
I know nothing about that.
I have a man here who says he is your friend and that you know something about it.
Who?
So I hang on to it?
And.
Find the pencil.
where is my husband
- Does she have a doctor? - No, she doesn't want to see them.
We'll take her with us.
- Are you real? - Are you ready?
early
where is my husband
We get help.
Mrs. Burkhart? She needs heroin, two milligrams.
Do you want to be protected?
Against whom?
Against ... Against my uncle.
- Hello, Harve. - Bill.
I can understand, I'm wanted. I have come to register.
- What should you have done? - Killed people, they say.
- Well, that sounds unlikely, Bill. - Arrest me.
- We don't need that. - It is fine. Just do it.
Mr. Hale, may we have a comment?
- What do you know about the murders? - Just a comment? "I am innocent"?
Innocent as a newborn. More.
mr. House!
When can I talk to my wife? You promised that if I testified.
She is in the hospital in Pawhuska.
- At the hospital? Is she okay? - It doesn't seem that way.
Tell me to write to her.
- Where are they taking you? - I'm going somewhere else now.
Where are they going?
Where are we going?
We are not charging you with anything for testifying.
You want to go home to Mollie and the kids,
but it is best that you get far away so that you escape Hale and his wolves.
Are you following?
Where do you live?
In jail.
- How long do you have to serve? - I got a life sentence.
- For the coup in Drumright? - Yes.
And it was William Hale who arranged it?
He did, yes. Funny enough, right?
Write down.
"Judge not" by William K. Hale.
- Who told you to kill Bill and Reta Smith? - William Hale and Ernest Burkhart.
- Have you had contact with mr. Tail side? - Yes, I actually have.
He sent a message to my cell.
- He asked me to kill his nephew, Ernest. - Mr. Thompson.
Even the most illiterate criminal has a right to
to prove his innocence before a jury trial. Don't judge.
Yes, he wrote that he could help me escape.
When I got out, I was going to take Ernest to Mexico and kill him.
I replied that I would not testify if he got me out.
- And how did it go? - How did what?
Mr. Hale's promise of escape.
I'm sitting here talking to you. It didn't go terribly well.
Don't judge.
Put it in the Pawhuska Daily Journal, Fairfax Chief,
- Hominy JournalogOsage County News. - Ja, mr. Hale.
Your mother is leaving.
Isn't it lovely?
This is it.
Craving is the way.
I demand to confer with mr. Burkhart in private!
- Completely unheard of. - Ernest Burkhart is my client!
- It's against the rules. - I demand to speak with mr. Burkhart!
He cannot represent both the accused and the witness. There is a conflict of interest.
He's been gone for two months!
I have not been able to communicate with him until he testifies.
It's witness influence!
Mr. Burkhart, is this man really your attorney?
I do not know. I don't have any contract with him, but...
I want to talk to him.
The rules forbid it, Your Highness.
The prosecution does not allow conversation between mr. Hamilton and the witness,
before the trial begins!
The Wahzhazhe people deserve justice!
Give him to us! Then I shall be his executioner!
Mr. Burkhart will be remanded in custody. Get him out of here.
The court is adjourned until ten o'clock tomorrow. Clear the courtroom.
Pardon ...
... all the problems.
I'm taking you home now.
Brother.
Freeling and Hamilton will see you at Hale's tonight. And talk things through.
- Sherif. - Ernest.
Tante Myrtie.
Ernest, you know mr. Soloway? From Solowey Oil?
And of course Mr. Kraceon from Kraceon Oil.
Sit down.
If you testify against your uncle,
you should know that it can be used against you for the rest of your life.
And you could be convicted of the Smith murders
and spend the rest of your days in prison. Can you see it?
No, I probably hadn't thought that through.
They give you the rope to hang yourself. Can you see it?
He can't see it.
- Ernest! - Me.
If you do this, you're murdering your uncle.
Ernest, do you want it?
Do you want him to die in prison? Will you, Ernest?
No, of course I won't, Myrtie. You know that.
Yes. You have the power to save his life.
He saves you, you stupid boy!
- Would you like to go home now? - Yes I will.
- Do you want to see your wife and children? - Yes.
These men from the government...
They beat you and they tortured you.
No, they didn't. But they kept me awake for several days.
No! They beat you! They beat you.
- Yes, they beat me. - Thanks.
I dreamed. - Yes?
We went to Colorado Springs.
You told me all your secrets and I put them in a box for you.
We went down to the river and threw them all in.
We were happy.
Have I told you how beautiful you are now? Just look at you.
You are radiant.
The insulin works, doesn't it?
So you had to get worse before you got better.
What happens next?
I just know that it... It's very complicated.
The white man's laws are just…
Sometimes you have to do one thing, even if you want something else.
I know it's hard to understand as an Osage, but...
Now I have to come in and tell the real truth.
About what the government men do to make me lie.
Do you know they beat me? They beat me and tortured me.
They kept me awake for days to make me lie.
And say my uncle did these terrible things.
Now I think clearly again. I think clearly and...
I won't lie. I want to do the right thing.
I want to protect my uncle because he needs that.
What?
What is it?
When will you be home?
In a few days. I'll be home in a few days.
Now listen here.
They arrest me and all that just for a sight.
But I don't have any problems. Not at all.
I haven't done anything wrong.
They can just arrest me.
Make sure you know the way.
- Are you testifying for us? - No I do not.
You don't want to testify for the state?
Exactly. Everything I told you was a lie.
Turn around.
You are under arrest for the murder of Reta and Bill Smith.
Why did they kill Anna Brown?
- I was hired by WK Hale. - And what did he say?
I would get a thousand dollars, plus the 600 I owed him.
- So you say you killed Anna Brown? - Yes.
They took her out into what they call the Tremil Gorge, didn't they?
- Yeah. - What did you shoot her with?
- An automatic pistol. - And where did you shoot her?
On top of the head. She died of it.
- They say you were pretty drunk. - Yes.
- But you knew very well, you killed her? - Yes.
And how did you get Anna Brown down there where you killed her?
- Byron and I carried her down there. - Did you get her drunk first?
- Yes. - Was she lying down when you killed her?
- No. - How was she then positioned?
Hun sad op.
Byron lifted her up. He pulled her up and held her.
So you showed him how to hold a drunk, helpless Indian woman
at the bottom of the ravine while you put a bullet through her brain?
- Yes. - What happened afterwards?
- He let go of her so she fell. - Did she scream?
- No. - And did you stand and watch her die?
- No. - Were you satisfied with your work?
- Yes. - So you turned around and left?
And.
Have you seen the ravine where you killed Anna Brown?
I must have seen it a hundred times.
Since then? Did you go out to see where you shot Anna Brown?
- No. - No?
- No. - Then why did you go out there?
It's alright. Just tell the jurors.
It is a good...
It's a great place to drink and party. You can't see it from the road.
Where did you go after you shot Anna Brown?
I spent the night at Bill Hale's.
- And what did you do? - We continued to drink.
Where did Byron go?
Home to Mollie.
No, Molly.
You are welcome.
- Be careful where you step. - Be careful ... If you want to kill me,
- I'll kill you. - Stop it. Sit here.
Come on. Get up.
- Hold her upright. - Straighten up.
- Such. Hold her up. - Yes Yes.
- I'll kill you... - Like that.
Ernest.
Wake up.
And.
What?
What is it?
It is not easy to say.
I have to tell you ... that your child is dead.
- Which child? - I don't know the name.
Whose? Is...
Cowboy? Which one of them?
Did one of the children have weak lungs?
- Yes. - Whooping cough?
No ... Who told you that? Who said that?
One of our agents in Fairfax notified me.
Mollie took care of it ... and brought the baby home.
- There's no one... - It's Anna. Is it not?
It is not easy.
No! Goddamn! They have taken my child.
May god be with you.
I am sorry.
What now?
The child died.
- Which one of them? - The small.
The small?
Oh, my boy.
Oh God! They have taken...
No.
Ernest.
Little Anna is with the Lord now.
Ernest.
Lord be gracious to us. Lord, Lord, Lord.
Good day, King.
How are they?
- Not that good. - No. I can feel it too.
You know I have to take care of the two kids and Mollie now.
So...
- What do you mean? - You know what that means.
I ... I testify.
It is a fierce choice to make in the midst of all that adversity.
- Are you sure you want it? - Yes.
I have to.
- Will they let you go? - They let me go, yes.
They do not comply with that.
Yes, it is the state, and that is what they said.
It is the state. That's why I say it.
All this will only lead to the family being divided. Do you want to do that?
It makes no difference, and I say that completely sincerely.
If there's one thing my life has taught me, it's that this doesn't make a difference.
You know things are different now, right?
No Osage will support you. No one supports you anymore.
- They love me then. - No, they don't listen.
They know who gave them the roads,
and who gave them the hospitals and the schools. They know that.
I have brought them into the 20th century.
They don't support you, Bill.
- Yes, they do. - No. It is over.
There might be some insurrection for a while.
But then people forget that.
They don't remember and they don't care.
It will be another ordinary everyday tragedy.
Yes, but this is not common.
Now don't do something you'll regret for the rest of your life.
- You will regret... - I regret everything, Bill.
You have a family.
Children. You have lost one. Don't make it more tragic...
It's already a damn tragedy.
You must not come near my family. Not anymore.
I am sorry to hear.
- It is over. - You must not throw everything away.
- I can not. - I'm sorry. I love you.
I can't, Bill.
Don't throw it away.
Mr. Burkhart, You are here of your own free will?
- Yes. - Nobody promised you anything?
No.
Did you seek out John Ramsey on your uncle's behalf to kill Henry Roan?
And.
Did you drive from Fairfax to Ripley
and told John Ramsey to tell Asa Kirby to do an errand?
- Yes. - And who asked you to do it?
Bad Uncle, William Hale.
Can you see him?
- Yes. - Please point to him.
Yes. He sits there.
Move for record that the witness has identified the accused, William Hale.
And what was the task your uncle had for Asa Kirby?
He was going to ... blow up Reta and Bill Smith.
Why did he want that?
To get their money.
Are they married?
- Yes. - What is your wife's name?
- Mollie Burkhart. - Is she Reta's sister?
And.
And the sister of Anna Brown, who was murdered?
And.
And her mother is Lizzie Q, who is dead?
- Yes. - And her sister Minnie is dead too?
And.
And all these dead women are Native American women, right?
Jo.
If Mollie, your wife, died,
so who gets her oil money?
Me and our children.
Did your uncle present a plan,
according to which you would profit from the death of all these Indian women?
And.
And you chose to help your uncle yourself?
And.
It was part of the plan that you met and married Mollie Kyle
and killed her family and her for their Indian oil money?
No.
I met and married my wife because I was driving with her in my rental car.
Not because your uncle demanded it?
No.
I loved my wife from ...
It happened to us when I picked her up in my rental car.
How's Cowboy?
Well.
Does he miss his father?
And.
Also Elizabeth.
Do they ... Do they know what happened?
Not really.
Have you told all the truths?
Yes, I have.
My soul is pure now, Mollie.
It's a relief to be out of it all.
I wouldn't let him near you and the kids.
What did you give me?
What?
What was in the syringes?
My medicine, which you gave me.
What was in it, sho-mee-kah-see?
Insulin.
Justice had won.
True Crimes airs
with the support of J. Edgar Hoover and the Federal National Police.
Thus ends the true story of the murders of the Osage Indians.
Before we leave the Osage people, we can conclude:
The doctors, the Shoun brothers, were never prosecuted for poisoning Mollie.
Ernest's brother, Byron Burkhart, was prosecuted as an accomplice in Anna's murder.
Kelsie Morrison said during the trial:
"Byron got her drunk ... and I did the rest."
Byron was released after a deadlocked jury.
William Hale, mastermind of the deadly schemes,
was found guilty and sentenced to life in Leavenworth.
He wrote letters to his Osage friends.
“Dear friends, how are you?
I never had better friends than the Osage Indians,
and I was a true friend to them.
I'd rather live in Gray Horse than anywhere else.
I'll be back with you shortly.
How is my friend, Dah-kah-hee-ke?
Din sande ven, W.K. Hale."
Hale was released in 1947.
The committee justified the early release with good behavior,
but not everyone was happy.
"He was released because he bribed the politicians.
No one cares about Osage life.”
Hale was not allowed to appear in Oklahoma again, but he often visited his relatives.
"Do you want lunch, William?"
"If that fool of Ernest's had shut up, we'd have crowned days."
William Hale died in a nursing home in Arizona.
He lived to be 87 years old.
Ernest Burkhart was sentenced to life in the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.
"Wasn't it you who tried to kill your Indian wife for oil money?"
A few years later he was pardoned and moved back to Osage County,
where he ended his days with Byron in a scavenger hunt north of the city.
"Hand me a beer, bro."
"Do you have fire for my Lucky Strike?"
Mollie divorced Ernest
and lived with her new husband, John Cobb, on the reservation.
She died of diabetes on June 16, 1937.
The obituary simply said...
"Mrs. Mollie Cobb, aged 50,
passed away at eleven o'clock Wednesday evening at his home.
She was full-blooded Osage.
She was buried in the cemetery at Gray Horse
beside his father, his mother,
his sisters and his daughter."
The murders were not mentioned.
DISTRIBUTOR UIP
BASED ON DAVID GRANN'S BOOK
IN MEMORY OF ROBBIE ROBERTSON
THANKS TO THE OSAGE PEOPLE
AND THE INHABITANTS OF GRAY HORSE, PAWHUSKA AND HOMINY
IN MEMORY OF JOHN WILLIAMS
Texts by: Lisa Kristensen Villeneuve