Song of Freedom (1936) Paul Robeson, Elisabeth Welch | Musical, Drama | Full movie, Subtitles

Full Movie 👉 Select your preferred language subtitles in video settings ⚙️ Introduction - So, you would be King of all us. You would take Zinga's throne. All right, you shall be king, for one minute before you die. - Please, please! - What do you want? What's that? Pyrie, Pyrie, Pyrie, _ what's he talking about? - He say they want to come with you. - Oh. - They're on their way from Zinga on the island. He's our son. There have been a killing going on. - A killing, eh? - Are they almost ready? Oh now who've they got here? - They want to take a trip along with us. - Well they seem all right. - All right? Royal blood, me lad. Go on, get 'em along, get 'em along before they change their mind. Generations later in London - Hey, Monty, come over here. - What do you want? Come over here. - What's the matter now? Can you leave a man alone for five minutes? - Five minutes? Well you haven't done any work all day. Go on, get over there, get all of it. Go on, put a jerk in it. - You done always give me the heavy end! - Are you going to help me with this or are you not? - How can I help you when you're sitting down on it? - I ask you a straight-forward question, I expect a straight-forward answer. - I straight forward you myself in a minute! - All right, Samson. Alright, fella, get down there. - Oh! - What's the matter with you? That's light as a feather. - Man can't lift his own feathers, that's why I called it. ♪ They're calling for freedom ♪ They're calling for freedom ♪ And the solace I feel in the whispering siren's song ♪ Into the heart of the wanderer - Do you know anymore of that song? You keep on singing the same little bit. - I don't know anymore. - Well, it sounds like a hymn to me. Where'd you hear it? - Don't remember. It's been in the back of my head since I was a little fella. - Was you ever a little fella? I reckon the paper this morning's about the man. - Now, look here, of course I do, of course. Now, one moment. Perhaps you'd like to hear what the papers have to say about my work in Berlin? - You go and find the car. I'm getting away before he invites them all to dinner. - I can get him- - Go and find the car. - Now here's a really good one. - What about the new opera? - Which one? I have one, two, three, four, five. - Excuse me, gentlemen, Mr. Donozetti has an important appointment at his house. - The fifth opera, which I am now composing will be a masterpiece. - What's it called? - You'll read all about it in the papers. - No good to me, I never read the papers. - Wise man, neither do I. ♪ Jericho ♪ Joshua fit the battle of Jericho ♪ And the walls come tumbling down Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho ♪ Joshua fit the battle of Jericho ♪ Jericho Jericho ♪ Joshua fit the battle of Jericho ♪ And the walls come tumbling down ♪ Up to the walls of Jericho ♪ He marched with spear in hand ♪ Go blow them ram horns, Joshua cried ♪ 'Cause the battle am in my hand ♪ Then the lamb ram sheep horns began to blow ♪ Trumpets began to sound ♪ Joshua commanded the chillun to shout ♪ And the walls came tumblin' down ♪ Joshua fit the battle of Jericho ♪ Jericho Jericho ♪ Joshua fit the battle of Jericho ♪ And the walls come tumbling down ♪ Joshua fit the battle of Jericho - What's the matter? - What an amazing voice. ♪ Jericho Jericho - What? It's unique. Never have I heard such a voice. There he is, that colored man. Look, I must be clear, I must find out who it is. - Oh, you can't stop it now. - You can't just be talking to people in the middle of- - Rubbish. A voice like that can be interviewed anywhere. You hear a voice like that, and to lose it, it is a crime. - I used to go with- - Don't argue with me like that. Don't argue if I tell you. There, we've lost him. - Got your help. - Hello boys, how are ya? - Got any champagne? - What? - I say, have you got any champagne? - Yes sir. - Good, then mine's a beer. Saved me earlier. - Where to this time, Eddie? - Africa, pushing out the night. - Going to Africa? Which part? - West coast. Know it? - No. - What part do you come from, then? - I don't know. Wish I did. - He's at it again. Same old subject, Africa. - Well they can have this bloomin' trip, as far as I'm concerned. I've just got spliced. Well, so long now. - Well come on, alley boy, fetch us back a parrot, would ya? - All right, see you in six months, then. - Have another? - No thanks. - See you at the sing song tomorrow night, Johnny? - 'Course he's coming in, we're all coming in. I'm bringing my concertina. - Is that so? Then I'm gonna bring my chopper. - Go on, have another one. - No, I'll be getting along. - Where do you spend your time? - Well, if you don't mind. Ruth is having my dinner ready, and I don't like to keep her waiting. - That's just where you make your mistake, my dear. - The more you keep her waiting, the more they like you. Now, look at me. I go where I like, I stay out when I like. And my, nearly, she feeds out of me hand. If I let you stay here all eve- - Bert Puddick? Dinner. - So long then. - Hey boy, I thought you could always do what you wanted to do. - Well you've gotta give in sometime. - That's alright, Bert, you're just like the rest of us. The women start talking, we've just got to do what they say. - I wouldn't even give a penny for your thoughts, John. - Wouldn't you? - No. I know what they are. - Met a fella in the pub coming home. Sailing to Africa tonight. They're casting off about now. A week or two, they'll be on the coast. - Africa. It's always Africa, isn't it, John? - After all, that's my home. That's where we come from. I wonder which part. I've always wondered. Perhaps there, or there. What wouldn't I give to know. - But you're happy here. The people are kind. - Oh, I know. Well, they're grand people. Bert and Nell, and the fellas down at the docks, but somewhere in those parts are our people, Ruth. And I've got a feeling they're grand people, too. The people we belong to. I even know the direction it lies. This window points right south. If we could see hundreds and hundreds of miles... It's funny. That fella didn't wanna go. It's natural. He's leaving his people to go out amongst strangers. He'll be sort of out of place. Lonely, maybe. And however hard I try, I always feel the same here. Out of place. Wouldn't it be grand, if one of these days, we could... Alright honey, what's the matter? You'll never be satisfied here, John. Whatever I do to make this home, it'll never be really home to you. Will it? Perhaps it's my fault. - Honey, you can't say things like that. You know you mean everything to me. - Not everything, John. - No, no. - I can't take you to Africa, but if there's anything in this world I can do for you... - There's one thing you can do. Right now. - Oh, Monty, now look what you've been and gone and done. - Now be sure you don't lose none of those pieces. - I've given all this time getting everything together. It's none of the mouth, Edbert. You've properly fragged me this time, haven't ya? ♪ There's a sleepy river I know Sleepy River ♪ Down that sleepy river we'll go ♪ Under the crowd of stars in the sky ♪ We'll watch the clouds roll drowsily by ♪ Where the breezes murmur a song ♪ While the moonlight gleams ♪ We'll keep drifting lazily on ♪ Down a river of dreams ♪ Down a river of dreams ♪ I'll be always holding your hand ♪ As we sail to lullaby land ♪ Just close your eyes and peacefully doze ♪ Follow the tide wherever it flows ♪ There's a silver moon in the sky ♪ Starlight softly gleams ♪ Let the world go sleepily by ♪ Down the river of dreams ♪ Down the river of dreams - No! I am very cross with you, Maria. You should not have done it. Now, how long have you been with me? - Four years. - Exactly, four years. And how often have I been cross with you before? - Four years. - Should I finish this letter now? - Yes. No, stop that, stop it! Drives me crazy! - After all, there are plenty of other singers. What about the tenor from- - Plenty of other singers, yes I do. They come to me in the hundreds. Either roaring like lions, or cooing like gentle notes from the hareem. And when I hear a voice like this, a voice that one hears once in a, in a... - Lifetime. - You say we cannot stop, dinner is waiting! Dinner! - After all, he's only a colored man. - Only a colored man? What's the color of his skin, when he has color in his voice? Power, beauty, I go find him. I must find that man. I cannot live until I go find him. - I say, do you think we oughtta.. I mean, if he's going- - Don't worry, he'll be back in a minute. - I say, what's that you've got on your third finger? - A rubber band I got off a package. Why? - Oh nothing, nothing. I say, it is hot in here, isn't it? - Mr. Donozetti's car, please. - I expect you'll find him quite easily. I should think they all know him. Why not try the dock master? - Yes, that's a very good idea. I say, it's a jolly funny thing, about that rubber ring thing, wasn't it? On your finger, I mean. - Was it? - Course, I didn't think it was anything else. Course I didn't, I mean, on your finger like that. Not on that finger, anyway. Funny, I do think that... Of course, if it had been the other finger- - If he waits any longer for you, he'll burst. - Now you've got that tune on the brain. - Wish I could get it. - That reminds me of Africa. They go on like that for hours and hours. Do you come from Africa? - I wasn't born there. Most of us colored folks come from there, originally. - Yeah, we've got rhythm beat down inside. Whoa! Now you've gotta ruin it. - You don't seem to appreciate good music when you hear it, Monty. - Yeah, I appreciate it, alright. I just don't like it. Alright, let's get started. Hold up please, quiet please. Ladies and gentlemen, we are now about to begin our sing song. I've got a good program for you this evening. Alright, alright. - Did you say it was a colored man? - Yes. - Big fella? - Yes. - Wearing a dark suit? - Yes. - Well, there's about 200 like that, down here. - Yes, but my dear fellow, they aren't all singers, surely. - Oh, it's a singer you're looking for? - But of course, who else but a singer should I , Donozetti be looking for? - Donozetti? Oh, pleased to meet you, sir. - Oh, thanks very much, but- - Matter of fact, I've got a daughter. She's very, oughta see her crooning. Everybody says she oughta go on the stage. You know, one of them dance bands. I suppose there's no chance? - Chance? Oh, explain to the idiot, explain. - Mr. Donozetti doesn't keep a dance band. He presents in the opera. - Oh, that. Can't think of anybodies I can recommend for that. Except John Zinga, perhaps. Now there's a voice, if you want to hear one. - And who's John Zinga? - One of the dockies here. Great big fella, sings all day long. - That must be the man. Where can I find him? - Well, they're having a bit of a sing song over in The Crown and Anchor. I expect he'll be there. - Crown and Anchor? That's probably the local hotel. Where is it? - Over there, can't you hear 'em? - Come along, come along. - Thank you very much. - Quiet please, quiet! Ladies and gentlemen, there's something I know you'd all like to hear. I have much pleasure in announcing the next item on our program this evening. It'll be your old friend, Lonely Road Johnny Zinga, give us a song. Come up here, boy! ♪ I've been trappin' all the day ♪ Underneath the skies of gray ♪ But the home I'm heading for ♪ Seems far away ♪ Lonely road, I'm weary and beat ♪ You hard and stony road ♪ You're burning my feet ♪ As I go tram tram trampin' off ♪ Getting but I don't know where ♪ Lonely road ♪ You're getting me down ♪ 'Cause you're the only road ♪ That leads to the town ♪ I've got to tram tram trample on ♪ Draggin' my load of despair ♪ I don't know or care where you go to ♪ I'm lonely and sad as can be ♪ Got no pal to shout a hello to ♪ There's only my shadow and me ♪ Lonely road ♪ Please come to an end ♪ You dark and lonely road ♪ I've counted each step ♪ As I go tram tram tramping on ♪ Headin' well I don't know where ♪ Lonely road ♪ I really am beat ♪ You hard and stony road ♪ You're hurting my feet ♪ As I go tram tram tramping on ♪ Heading, but I don't know where ♪ Lonely road ♪ You're getting me down ♪ 'Cause you're the only road ♪ That leads to the town ♪ I've got to tram tram trample on ♪ Dragging my load of despair ♪ I don't know or care where you go to ♪ I'm lonely and sad as can be ♪ Got no pal to shout a hello to ♪ There's only my shadow and me ♪ Lonely road ♪ Please come to an end ♪ You dark and lonely road ♪ I'm countin' each bend ♪ As I go tram tram trampin' on ♪ Headin' for I don't know where - My friend, you have a wonderful voice. I am lucky to have heard it. You are lucky, too. I am Donozetti. Come and see me tomorrow, we will talk. - But, I'm working at the docks. - You'll see no more of the docks. With me, you'll have a great future. Your wife? - Yes, but- - I congratulate you both. You have the world before you, with a voice like that. Bring him to me tomorrow, you'll see what I can do. - Do you mean he could earn his living by singing? - Make a living? A career, a fortune! It's agreed? Tomorrow at my hotel, 11 o'clock? Here is my card. A deal, a deal at the bar. - John, take your hat off. - Yes? - The gentleman asked us to come. - Which gentleman? - Appointment? - Yes, sir. - This way. - Don't call him sir. - No? What shall I call him? - Call him nothing. - These people want to see Mr. Donozetti. - Name please? - Mr. John Zinga. - And Mrs. Zinga. - Page. Take a seat. There, 11 o'clock, he has not come. We should have sent for him. - Ah, answer the phone. Answer, quickly! Answer. Answer. - Yes? - Yes, yes. - Yes, send him up at once, please. There you are, he's here. - Ah, he has come! I am so happy. Now, if I've not found a great artist, a real artist, I am not Donozetti. - Mr. and Mrs. John Zinga. - Ah, my friends, at last, I thought you were never coming. Look after the lady. I'm delighted to see you. I cannot tell you what a delight it is to see you. We'll waste no time. To work, at once. Now, come along. A note, play an A. Come along, come along. No! Stop. Your breathing is all wrong. You see, the muscles for the breathing, they come from the diaphragm, so, and the voice, it comes from here. So, you see, voice, breathing. Breathing, voice. Now, I say, another note. ♪ Mi ♪ Mi - No, no no! Chin up! So, so. Now again. ♪ Mi ah ♪ Ah - And now, we will try a scale. - You want me to do that? - Yes, please. Zinga audition - Good! Now, a little higher. - I came here to sing, not to make these noises. - My dear fellow, Mr. Donozetti only wants to help you. It's part of your training. - I don't want any training. You smack me in the stomach and I sing la la la? Always been able to sing on the docks without being smacked in the stomach. And what's more, I can't sing with all this stuff on. I like to be comfortable, I'm not a tailor's dummy. - John. - Well, if they want me to sing, I gotta be free, not trussed up like a chicken. Can I sing you all a song instead of all this la la la? - That will come later. - I don't like this. I wanna go home. - But John, you must be patient. This gentleman only wants to do something for you. - What can you do for me? - I can teach you to sing. - I can sing already. I sing because I like it. - With me, you would have a career. - I'm earning my living all right on the docks. - You're finished with the docks. Now, wouldn't you like to have money to spend? Money to buy beautiful things for your wife? Everything she wants? - John, we might even be able to travel. - Yes, travel, we'll go to all the great cities, for you to sing! - Travel? - Perhaps someday, we might even... Do you think he''ll ever go to Africa? - Someday, even Africa, perhaps. It's quite possible. Your home? - Somewhere out there. I don't know where. Don't even know which people I belong to. But I've always wanted to go there. I might be able to find out. - This may be your chance, John. - Big door... Big room. Big houses. Big countries. - John, we're not afraid, are we? - Alright. What do you want me to do? - Ah, that's better. There'll be much to do. Work, practice, and lots of... ♪ La la la la la la la la ♪ La la la la la la la la ♪ La la la la la la la la ♪ La la la la la la la la Stepping Stones ♪ Stepping stones ♪ Help me cross the river to that other shore ♪ That my soul is longing for ♪ The land of my dream ♪ Stepping stones ♪ Guide me to that quiet forest ♪ Cool and deep ♪ Where the trees all long to sleep ♪ By murmuring streams ♪ Lead me to woodland shadows ♪ Away from the noisy town ♪ Away from this mighty whirlpool ♪ That's trying to drag me down ♪ Stepping stones ♪ Help me cross the river where the rapids roar ♪ Lead me to my home once more ♪ My kingdom of dreams - Finale, please. Finale, please. - Fine outfit, boss. I wouldn't mind more like it, myself. As I always say, it takes a good suit to set off a fine figure. - Can I come in? - Hello. What are you doing here? Enjoying yourself, honey? - I should say I am. It's one of the finest spots I've seen you in. You were marvelous. - I'm even enjoying it myself. Strange, that I should be playing this part. A black ruler who built an empire of slaves. I'll be happier when this act is finished, though. This is the hard one. - You've nothing to worry about. - Superb! Magnificent, my friend. Congratulations, congratulations everywhere. And they've not yet seen the finale, where you will surpass yourself. - Curtain's just going up, we'd better get back to our seats. - Yes, not a second to miss, come along, quick! Quick! - Bravo! Got everything you want, Mr. Zinga? - Yes, thanks, Marty's looking after me alright. - Good- - Now, Mr. Blane, just don't you interfere with my department. - I was only trying to... Absolutely magnificent! - Alright, Marty, I'd better be getting ready. Mr. Zinga, please! - Alright. - Come on, boss, there's no need to get nervous, boss. You've got plenty of time. - Come along, John, it's getting near your entrance. - Alright, I'm just coming. We got everything, Marty? - Yes, boss. - My disc. - What is it? What is it? - My mascot. - He certainly couldn't go without that, boss. - Now, my friend, you must sing as you've never sung before. And remember, at the last curtain, you will have to make a speech. - No, no, I am no good at making speeches. - Rubbish. The triumph will be yours, it doesn't matter what you say, but speak you must. And now, my friend, go. Show them what you can do. Show them what Donozetti has done. ♪ The trees have spears for branches ♪ And men have hands to kill ♪ Even the birds are jeering ♪ I remember, listen and hear ♪ Even the skies are frowning ♪ Hatred has a face ♪ A hand with which to kill ♪ The trees, they leer at me ♪ The leaves whisper death ♪ I cannot die ♪ For I am a God ♪ Come if you dare ♪ I was your emperor and now you hate me ♪ Tall bushes creep toward me ♪ I see them sway ♪ No one dares to slay a king ♪ Except a king ♪ And as a king, I die - Bravo, bravo! - Come on, John! Bravo, bravo! Bravo, bravo! - Ladies and gentlemen, i thank you very much. I can't make a speech, but- - Well, sing us a song, then! Song of Freedom - I'd like to sing you a fragment of a song, which I have never sang in public before. I really don't know it, but I'll try and put some words to it. - What's he doing? I told him to make a speech. ♪ I hear the voice of my people ♪ I hear the voice of my people ♪ There's a call from the south ♪ That shall ring over mountain and sea ♪ They are calling for freedom ♪ They are calling for freedom ♪ And the forest a field ♪ With a whispering sigh of their song ♪ And to the heart of a wanderer ♪ And to the heart of a wanderer ♪ There is- - I've heard that song before somewhere. I can't think where. - Bravo, bravo! - I say, I'm most frightfully sorry! - Don't mention it, you ought to have don eit months ago. - Then, you mean you... - These moments in my life, the most extraordinary experience that I have been riveted to witness. But tell me, what was that song that you were trying to sing just now? - I don't really know. - Ah? - Must be... But I know what that means to those people out there. Somehow, that song I was singing means as much to me. I can't understand it. But I know. - Ladies and gentlemen, excuse me, we appreciate your enthusiasm, but it's not good for him. This air, this atmosphere, is too stuffy, too hot. We have to look after him, he's delicate. Please, gentlemen, ladies, please. - Hello, Ruth, how are you, dunce? Aren't you proud of him? - Don't talk weird, of course she is. - Don't talk weird yourself. You put that down here. Look it, they're 'round him like a lot of reds. - Bert, I'm glad to see ya, and you too, Nell. - Well, I tohught you might like to have a moment with your old friends. I'll look after these people. It's been wonderful. - What about the old docks now, John? - I often think of 'em, Bert. - Gentleman to see ya, boss. Sir James Pyrie, very important. Come in, sir. - Mr. Zinga, I hope I'm not intruding. My name's Pyrie. - Glad to see ya, won't you sit down? - Sir James? Come on, old girl, we'd better be off. - I think you're right, then. - I think we'd better be going now, John. Good night, Ruth. Good night, Bert. - Good night, m'lordship. I am an explorer. And somewhat an anthropologist. My reason for coming around tonight is I'm rather curious about that song you sang, at the end. Discovering Casanga identity Where did you hear it? - I never heard it. Seems to have been born in me, somehow. - Strangest thing of the night. It strikes a chord of memory in me, somewhere. Perhaps you heard it from your own people? You're from Africa? - No, he was born in London. - I don't know which part my people come from at all. That's extraordinary. - The only link of any kind I have, is this. Belonged to my father, came here from his grandfather. I think it's a slave tally. - Let me see, let me see. Casanga... I've got it! - You know what it is? - Yes, and it's also given me the clue to that tune. Casanga, that's it. - Casanga? - Yes, an island on the west coast of Africa. I remember it all quite clearly now. That's where I heard it. It's the King's song. The sacred song of freedom of their people. I'm probably the only white man who's ever heard it. And I was very lucky to escape with my life. You've never been there? - No, never. - My friend, this disc is the symbol of Kingship in Casanga. You know, you're probably a direct descendant of Queen Zinga? - You mean... I come from Casanga? Undoubtedly. When Queen Zinga died, and her son disappeared, the witch doctors gained descendancy over the island. They sold their trees, they are scrupulous slave traders, and ever since, the island has suffered terrible drought, because there's nothing to attract the clouds. The people still dominated by these witch doctors will never allow the white man to come near them. And so, they are still backward, uncivilized, impoverished. - But if I am their king, they would let me help them, wouldn't they? If you could prove you are their king. Heaven knows they need someone to help them in their ignorance. - Ruth. At last. I always thought we should know someday. Casanga. Our home. Our people. - Wonderful, wonderful news! A big contract! New York wants you, The Metropolitan Opera House. - I'm sorry, Mr. Donozetti, I can't go. - You will have your little joke, now let's talk business. - But John is quite serious, Mr. Donozetti. Something's happened that makes everything different now. - Who's this? - Good evening, my name is Pyrie. I'm afraid I brought some rather momentous news to our friend here. That perhaps I'd better leave you to talk this matter over. If I can help you in any way, let me know. You have my card, yes? Goodbye. - News? - News I've been waiting for all my life. You know, I've always wondered who my people are. At last, I know. Soon, I'll be going to them. - Going to them? Do you mean leave me? You left your career? You're mad, crazy, insane. Madam, talk to him, make him see reason, I implore you. - But my husband isn't mad, Mr. Donozetti. Something bigger than his success has come to him tonight. He may come back later. But he's got to go now. - You're joking! Tell me you're joking. - No, I'm not joking. - This is madness. Crazy! Mary! Marian! - You will come with me, Ruth? - Do any of you speak English? Can you understand what I say? You are my people. I have come from across the seas to be with you. I am Zinga. - Show them the disc, John. - Stranger, what do you want with us? You who call yourself Zinga. - I am no stranger. I am of your race, your blood. And even more than that, I am your king. - Our king? You think you are a king, because you come to us dressed up in white man's clothes? - But he brings you knowledge from the great countries over the sea. It's not for himself that he wants to be king. All his life, his face has been turned towards this island. There's so much he wants to do for you. - So, we shall see what he can do for us. Let him come and take salt with us. Later, we shall have more of this king palava. - Come on, Monty. - Can we have a hut? My wife is tired. - So this is the kingdom I've brought you to. - Don't say that, John. This is only the beginning. You'll be able to change all this, in time. - I wonder. It's so difficult. Everything's so different from what I expected. It's all so primitive. - But they're your people, John. The people you've always longed for. The worse things are, the more you can help them. - You're right. It's got to be changed. It's not going to be easy. But once they accept me, we'll start work. Where's Monty? - Boss, if I wasn't here, there's one thing I'd do. - What? - Resign. And missus, there's one thing you were sure right about. - Well? - Yes, ma'am, when you said not to pack the boss's dress suit. - Well we may as well make ourselves as comfortable as we can. - I don't mind being uncomfortable, it's comfort that worries me - What's the matter with him, what are they doing? - He is dead. - Dead? But he was alive, he was moving. - He has a sickness, which is death, which is the same. - You cannot enter! - Wait a minute, what happens in there? What do you do for him? - He is with the others for whom nothing can be done. - You mean to say you'll leave him in there to die? - The end is already upon them. - Stay a minute, would you Ruth? I'm going inside there. - But what's in that place? - As far as I can see, a sort of living death. - Listen, Ruth. These fellas have got the fever, and they're just stuck in there, without any effort to save them. We brought some codeine with us, didn't we? Will you go and get it? Monty, go and get some water, will ya? Gallons of it. Those poor devils haven't got anything at all. - Yes, boss. - And who are you, to interfere in this matter? - Those men aren't dead yet, and something oughta be done for them. - This is the custom of the people! - Unobo iss a wise man, and even they are beyond his medicine. - That may be, but in the country where I come from, people are saved from even much worse than that. And I'm gonna se what I can do. - Take care, stranger. Only the spirits welcome those who enter there. - I don't want to interfere with your customs, but a lot of these lives could be saved. This hut oughta be burnt down, and another one built up on the hill, away from the village. I'll see what I can do now, and later on, I'll send some more medicine, so we can fight this fever. - That's the best I can find, boss. They ain't got no sanitation in this place. - We can't give them that, that would be the end. Try and get a fire going, will you? And see if you can boil it clean. - Yes, boss. - Give me a call when you get back. - Yes. And how are things going? - I did everything I could, but... - You have not eaten. - That's very kind of you. What's your name? - I am Mandingo. - Seems we have a friend, at last. - Of course I am your friend, and I am here. - And you have come to help us? - In the only way I can. - Then you believe that he is your king? - If he is Zinga, he is indeed a king. - But I am Zinga. - That I believe, yet the heart of Mandingo is heavy, because you have come. - Should not a king come to bring help to his people? - You are a stranger to them. Although you are of our color, you are not of us. A lion who's not bred in the jungle does not know the jungle ways. - You speak truly. But I have more than jungle ways to bring to you. I have learnt much from the people across the sea. Their wisdom, their government, their medicine. - The medicine of Undobo is greater than that any man can teach. - That is not true, Mandingo. Have you not seen the ships that move without oars? Can Undobo make such magic? - Our people do not wish for great ships. We do not need them. - Perhaps not. But there are greater wonders than those. Machines to till your land and sow your crops. I can bring them to you. And how many of your people have died from famine and disease? Does Undobo keep them alive? That's what I'm here for. Tell your people, if they will accept me as their king, I will do these things and much more. - Zinga, I am your man. But while Undobo rules, there can be no king. - What's he doing, John? - The usual business. Scaring the minds of those poor fellas with superstitious nonsense. That's what's keeping them back. What's Undobo say? - He's saying that the spirits are angry that you've come to the island. He's telling the people they must drive you away. - Oh, is he? - Be careful, John. - I'm gonna put a stop to this straight away. Don't you see honey? If they think I'm afraid, we'll never get anywhere. - Don't go into that circle. - Why not? - It is taboo. It will mean death for you. - Death. Suppose they think it means death, too. Well, let them see. - Now, you can tell them. Tell them that all this is finished. Tell them that I am their king, and that I bring them a better magic. A magic which they can all learn. Tell them that if they trust me, that there is much we can do together. We can become a great people. - So, stranger from over the seas, you claim to be our king. Therefore, you insult our God, and boast of the mighty feats that you will do. There goes some of your magic. - Yesterday, you gave him medicine and said they would live. But in the night, he died. And now they carry him off to bury him. Does all your magic end in this manner? - I did what I could for him, but I was too late. There's no need for men to die because they have fever. The people will help me, we will do away with death huts. We will make clean places where the sick can be cured. We will take the poisons out of the water which brings these fevers. - Bana speaks wisely. He says, if you can do such magic with water, can you then bring us rain? - Rain? - Yes. For many moons there has been a drought in the land. Our cattle have died, and our crops do not grow. If, with your wisdom, you can bring rain, then perhaps the people will listen to this king palaba. - I can't do that. But this, I can do. If the people will put their trust in me, when the rain comes, as come it will, I can teach them how to save the rain. I will show them how to make great basins, which will water their fields when the rains have gone. - They say, you're not their king, for you can do nothing but promise. Undobo, I know you hate my husband, because you feel in your heart that he is indeed a Zinga. Therefore, you ask him to do which you cannot do yourself. - This is not woman's talk. We shall see you king would-be. Tonight, you shall look upon the power of my magic. Then shall the people show you, if they want a new king in Casanga. - Why Monty, what's the matter? - What, you seen a ghost? - Yes, six of them. - Come on, pull yourself together. - Boss, let's get away from here. I don't like it, it's getting on my nerves. There's something going on out there, it ain't no good to know about it. - It's alright, Monty, it's nothing to get scared about. Ruth and I have just been talking it over. She's ready to stick it out with me, aren't you honey? - There's no turning back now, Monty. Oh John, if we could only do something. It's this waiting and waiting that I can't stand. And those horrible tom toms keeping on like that. They make me feel as though I wanna scream. John, I'm sorry. - It's alright, honey. It's just one of their ceremonies. I'm gonna find out what it's all about. - Oh John, do be careful. Mandingo. - Say mister, what's all this funny stuff going on outside? Your gentlemen friends ain't cannibals, is they? - It's the night of the full moon, and Undobo will lead the tribe in a call to the gods for rain. There will be a great dance, and they will sing a sacred song. - What do they do? - That I cannot speak of in front of a woman, it is the law. - Then I am going, too, Mandingo. The people shall see that I respect their customs, event though I may not understand them. - You've spoken wisely. Undobo has told them that your fear will keep you away. You will stand well in the dance, their hearts will turn towards you, it's good. - I don't like it, John. Don't go, it's a trap of some kind. Undobo means to do you some mischief. - I must go, Ruth. Don't you see this is my big chance to win them over? They think I'm afraid, they'll never listen to me. If I don't do this, we might as well pack up and go back. And you don't want us to do that, do you? - No. Alright, John, but try not to make them angry. - I'll be alright. - Boss, just a minute. - What is it, Monty? - I been hiding this up. You better take it. - No, Monty, that's not the way. These are my own people, I can't shoot them down. You stay and look after Ruth. We don't need things like that. Silence, you're right to be here. And they say, if you're their king, prove your kingship, by leading them in the dance. - Undobo, you know that I don't know your dance, or this custom of the people. But you also know that this is not magic, and cannot help you. Mandingo, you will speak to them for me. You will tell them that I have proven Undobo's magic is false, and if they- - Be silent! - So, you are a Zinga. And you don't know the dance? Alright, then you shall learn. - It's no good, Monty. I can't stay here. - You mustn't go up the hill with those fellas, didn't you hear what the foreman said? - I know, but I've got to see somebody. I'll go and find the women, they've been kind to me. If I stay in this place, I'll go mad. - Mad? I'm just plum crazy already. - Tell me what's going on up there. What's happening? John, John! - Now we shall be sung the sacred song. The song that no stranger has ever heard. The king's song. The song of Mozea. They say, if you're indeed their king, it is for you to lead them. ♪ There's a sleepy river I know ♪ Down that sleepy river we'll go ♪ We'll make our dreams of happiness blend ♪ Into a dream that never shall end ♪ We will find our haven at last ♪ Where the sunlight beams ♪ When our long, long journey's past ♪ Down the river of dreams ♪ Down the river of dreams - My wife, what are they gonna do with her? Come on, tell me. - She is a woman. She looked upon that which is forbidden. It is the law. - You mean, they're going to... They can't do it, they daren't do it. Let 'em kill me. I'm to blame, I brought her here. Come on, do something. Take this off, take this off. Let me get free. It would be no good. You are alone. You can do nothing. - Then tell Undobo to come. I'll talk to him. I'll tell him we'll go away. - Ah, you shall come with us, and see that justice is done. - Now then, Zinga, you're our king. We've placed you in the king's seat. Now, you shall act as our king. Before you is a woman, who has broken one of our ancient laws. The penalty, which has always been, death. If you are indeed king, then you know that our laws must be obeyed. - Come now, we'll see, just for your kingship. Send us that woman to death. - Undobo, don't do that. Let her go, let her go free. Do anything you like to me, kill me if you want. Black Emperor - Song of Mozea! The king's song! He knows it! That's the normal king! - Should I sing your king's song, while your queen goes to her death in feathers? ♪ Just as the voice of a thunder ♪ Can steal the call of a wildbird ♪ So the thunder is stilled ♪ By the voice of Mozea the king ♪ Just as the towering mountain ♪ May overshadow the palm tree ♪ So the mountain bows down ♪ To the might of Mozea the king ♪ Mozea, lead us to freedom ♪ Mozea, lead us to freedom ♪ Let the forest be filled with the voice of Mozea the king ♪ Mozea, lead us to freedom ♪ Mozea, lead us to freedom ♪ For thy people bow down to the might ♪ Of Mozea the king ♪ Just as the lion may perish ♪ Upon the spear of the hunter ♪ So thy polemen shall die by the spear of Mozea the king ♪ And from the shadow of darkness ♪ I lead my people to freedom ♪ To the end of eternity ♪ I am Mozea the king ♪ Hear ye my song ♪ That my voice may bring it to my land - I suppose he's just as popular everywhere now. - Yes, everywhere. - He's a grand fellow. - And Donozetti, he hasn't let you down, after all. - No, he's splendid. He makes a lot of money for me. But for himself, nothing. It all goes to help those people of his. Every season, he returns to sing. Tomorrow, he goes back again. Until next time. ♪ Lonely road ♪ Wherever you go ♪ You're not that lonely road ♪ That I used to know ♪ But I'll keep tramp tramp trampin' on ♪ Singing my song to the town ♪ Lonely road ♪ You're rolling ahead ♪ You hard and stony road ♪ That rings to my dread ♪ I'll just keep tramp tramp trampin' for ♪ Someone keep drivng me on ♪ Left behind the gloomiest weather ♪ The sun up above is my guide ♪ Now my load is light as a feather ♪ 'Cause I've got a pal by my side ♪ Lonely road ♪ Wherever you come ♪ You're still the only road ♪ That's leading me home ♪ So we'll keep tramp tramp trampin' on ♪ Singing a song to the dog