Daddy’s Dyin’… Who’s Got the Will? (1990) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Buford intentionally disinherited Lurlene and Orville, giving each just $1, while dividing the $600,000 estate among Sara Lee, Evalita, and Jimbo. This reflects Buford's judgment of their character, Lurlene's controlling behavior and Orville's verbal abuse of his wife Marlene disappointed him deeply. The $1 was a deliberate public statement rather than an oversight, showing his disappointment with how they turned out.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Lurlene attempting to control the family and Orville abusing Marlene, both of which disturb Buford even in his confused state.

• inheritance
• will
• lurlene
• orville
• disinheritance
• family greed

Jimbo is Buford's son who is not one of the four main siblings gathered at the house. He receives what would have been his father's share of the estate. The will leaves Jimbo the portion that would have gone to Buford's own share, suggesting Buford wanted to ensure his son was provided for even though he's not present at the gathering.

• jimbo
• inheritance
• will
• son
• family

Mama Wheelis tells the family that Buford buried his will in a strong box in the yard. When the family struggles to open it, Harmony uses his lockpicking skills to help. The box is opened, revealing the will's contents. However, this act exposes that Harmony served time in prison for burglary, a fact that shocks the family and contributes to Evalita berating him and ultimately driving him away.

• harmony
• burglary
• prison
• strong box
• will
• lockpick

After the will is read and Harmony's criminal past is revealed, Evalita publicly berates him for being a convict. This confrontation, combined with her constant drinking and the chaotic family environment, leads Harmony to leave. He returns to tell Evalita he has thrown her belongings from his van, ending their relationship. This marks the final departure of the film's romantic subplot.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Harmony's criminal past being revealed when he picks the lock, which Evalita uses against him during an argument.

• evalita
• harmony
• breakup
• leaves
• relationship

Marlene leaves with Harmony after he and Evalita separate. Earlier, Harmony had declared his love for Marlene and asked her to run away with him. Though she initially refused, the kiss they shared and the tension in the house (including Orville's abuse) prompts her to change her mind. When Harmony departs, Marlene grabs her suitcase and follows him out, leaving Orville and the family behind.

Foreshadowing: The kitchen kiss scene foreshadows Marlene's eventual decision to leave with Harmony.

• marlene
• harmony
• leaves
• orville
• love affair

When Harmony plays "I'll Fly Away" on the piano, the entire family gathers to sing along. This moment triggers something in Buford, despite his advanced dementia, he rises from his bed and sees his children as they were when they were young, alongside their deceased mother Linnie Sue. The music temporarily bridges his fragmented mind to the past, giving him a fleeting moment of clarity and connection to his family's history.

• buford
• piano
• I'll Fly Away
• clarity
• dementia
• memory

After the will reveals that Lurlene and Orville each received only $1, Sara Lee offers to split her portion with them. This reflects Sara Lee's consistent role as the peacemaker and caretaker throughout the film. Unlike her siblings, she prioritizes family unity over money, showing her generous nature even in the face of unfair inheritance distribution.

Foreshadowing: Sara Lee's peacemaker role is established early when she mediates conflicts and cares for their father.

• sara lee
• inheritance
• sharing
• peacemaker
• generosity

Evalita reveals at the bar that she once slept with Clarence, whom Sara Lee was once engaged to. Clarence denies this, creating tension and exposing hidden past relationships among the siblings. This revelation adds complexity to the family dynamics, especially regarding Sara Lee's feelings about Clarence's presence.

• evalita
• clarence
• past relationship
• sara lee
• engagement

During his stay at the Turnover home, Harmony develops genuine feelings for Marlene, who is trapped in an abusive marriage with Orville. He confesses his love and asks her to run away with him. Though she initially refuses out of duty or fear, this declaration represents a moment of genuine emotional connection in the otherwise chaotic household.

• harmony
• marlene
• love confession
• orville
• abuse

The will's reading exposes the deep fractures among the Turnover siblings. The unequal distribution, $1 to Lurlene and Orville versus substantial shares to Sara Lee, Evalita, and Jimbo, reveals Buford's judgments about his children's moral characters. While Sara Lee offers to share her portion, Evalita refuses, confirming the film themes of greed versus familial bonds.

Foreshadowing: Tension around the will begins when Lurlene suspects she may have been left out, and Orville's greedy behavior is visible throughout.

• will reading
• inheritance
• family division
• greed
• siblings