All language subtitles for The.Plunderers.1948.1080p.WEBRip.x264-RARBG

[rifles firing]

[faint up-tempo piano playing]

Whoa, whoa...

Is that all you've got to do?

I'm making a whistle for a kid.

I suppose you've done nothing
about my barrels of high-grade oil.

I've been thinking
about that right along.

Everybody knows Whit Lacey did it.

Why didn't you get a posse
and ride out after them?

I didn't know which way to ride.
Excuse me.

Don't get too riled up
over Sam, Mr. Martin.

He's getting old.

He'd better show some energy,

or I'm gonna write a
strong letter to Washington.

[piano playing]

Evening, Miss Lin.
Julie Ann.

You ladies going out for
a ride this fine evening?

We're going shopping.

And I have no intention
of leaving town,

you'll be very sorry to hear.

Kind of late to go
shopping, ain't it?

Barnaby will be closing up.

We work and sleep late,
so we shop late.

Can we go, cherie?

Didn't mean to hold you up.

There's enough people
being held-up here.

Well, good evening.
I was just closing up.

- But come in though.
- Thanks.

I got some stockings,
Miss Julie Ann.

Real lace, embroidered.
Now where'd I put...?

Oh, here they are.

[groans] There...

I'm sorry, I'm just closing up.

Just be a minute.
I want a coconut.

A coconut? What's them?

- I saw them in the window.
- Oh...

See anything green?

Anybody ever tell you you're
a handsome heifer?

A fella said it once
in just that tone of voice...

He died shortly after,
with a little hole
through his gizzard.

I like women that
give off sparks.

So, that's a coconut.

When they came up on the stage,

I didn't know what they was.

What are they good for?

Drink?

It hasn't got the right label.

It's imported. Maybe you're
afraid to try something new.

I don't scare easy.

Mm...
It's wonderful.

It tastes sweet.
Something like...

- Like nectar.
- Ah, nectar?

Never heard of that
before either,

but I have some up
on the next stage.

I heard a shot near the backdoor.

Oh, it's nothing.
Just opening up
a coconut.

What's your name?

Answering questions is
not my favorite pastime.

Stand to one side, ladies.

You'll answer mine.

I thought I'd be lucky today.

Saw a criss-cross
spider web this morning,

it's always good luck.

Your name's John Drum.

People in Texas want you so bad

their mouths are watering.

They want you
for 1500 dollars
worth of reward.

I'll have that gun.

[Barnaby gasping]

Help me with him!
He...

Hey! He went out
the backway!

Come on. We can't do
any good around here.

- I think I'm going to faint.
- Don't try to act like a lady.

Don't be scared, ladies.
We got all the buildings out back surrounded.

We'll get that fella, sure.

- I wonder where Eben is?
- I'll call him.

- Evening, ladies.
- Oh, you...

I couldn't get to my horse,

so I'm taking this nice looking sorrel.

That happens to be mine.

Sorry. Can't guarantee
when you'll get him back.

[gasps] I really think
I'm going to scream.

You got a nice white neck.

It'd be too bad if I had
to get it black and blue.

Don't yell.

- See anything of him?
- Nope.

- Must've ridden out of town.
- How's the Sheriff?

Dead. Shot clean
through the heart.

Get my horse.

It's too bad I have
to get out of here.

I have a hunch if somebody
rubbed us together,

we'd both make sparks.

There he goes!

Yah!

[grunting]

See any Sioux's, Mister?

Not a sign.

There's a war party up north.

My Uncle Gilly's seen 'em.

There's always a war party

if you listen to everything
everybody says.

Pa just said, "Pack up.
We're getting."

Got any .44 cartridges
you can spare, Mister?

Sure.

Thanks, Mister.

You better come in
to Deadwood with us.

Your Uncle Gilly'sseeing things.

Well, I hope you
don't find your hair

drying in a Sioux teepee.

[clucks]

[Indians ululating]

So, huh, you fought
Indians before.

Kind of liked the way you
were handling the deal,

until that buck
with the rifle
got on your back.

You just sat there and watched.

I enjoyed the whole show.

I had a good seat.

Anyway, thanks for taking that guy
with the gun off my back,

finally.

I figure I saved your life.

[speaking Spanish]

That Spanish is too fast for me.

"He who saves a life
assumes its burden."

- That buys you off, huh?
- That's what they say in Mexico.

I'm Whit Lacey.

John Drum.

You're kind of wanted around
these parts, aren't you?

You and I ought to
get along fine, Johnny.

Indian Eddie just told me
you shot the sheriff
in Deadwood.

You can't be slow.
Sam was mighty sudden.

Things fell my way.

Never had anything against Sam.

Except the badge
he wore on his chest.

This piece of paper says
your wanted pretty badly
down in Texas.

So I hear. Couldn't stay
in Texas long enough to find out.

Hm. Anybody see you,
besides the two girls
and Barnaby?

Just the store keeper
and the two girls.

Lin and Julie Ann.
That's Julie Ann's horse.

Yeah, I think it was.

You're in luck, Johnny.

They're friends of mine.
They won't talk.

- Barnaby?
- Julie Ann can handle him, if I say so.

You're too anxious to do that,

so you must need me.

There must be a profit
in it someplace.

Where do I stand on that?

You speak right up
for yourself,
don't you, Johnny?

Well, there is a profit in it

and you're in for a cut of it.

It'd be nice if I could see
all the cards.

- You're going back to town.
- So long, Whit.

Look out, Johnny! Over there!

What's the idea?

Sorry, Johnny, but
I couldn't let you
ride out like that.

Feel like talking now?

What about?

About that favor I wanted.

You know, I could let
the posse find you here.

They'd really
like to hang the man
that downed old Sam.

You don't give me much choice.

I thought you'd see it that way.

Julie Ann's a friend of mine...

A particular friend.

The trouble is,
Sheriff's Office knows that.

They're waiting for me
to show up in town,
or for her to try and leave.

They can't stop her, can they?

No, but they're watching her.

She's followed
every place she goes.

They know that
sooner or later,
she'll lead them to me.

She makes good looking
bait for their trap.

Sometimes, a smart lobo
can steal the bait
without getting caught.

Running into you
gave me an idea.

Where do I fit in?

- You're getting married.
- Me?

Yes, Johnny, you.

Oh, no. I always figured
on passing up getting married.

Well, I don't generally
go around endorsing it.

But any sensible man
would figure

that's better
than having
his wind cut off

with a six-strand rawhide rope.

Since you put it that way,

who's the bride?

Julie Ann.

That's the part I don't like.

But listen to this, Johnny...

You're an old friend
who turns up,

always wanted to marry
Julie Ann.

She's tired of waiting for me

and decides
you wouldn't
be so bad.

Now once she's married,

she can leave town
without being followed,

and bring her here to me.

The idea kind of appeals to me, at that.

I'd rather it was the other.

Just in case
you're getting
any fancy ideas,

Julie won't really be your wife.

It'll look all right,
but that's all.

Suits me.

How about untying me and
giving me more of the details.

Sure, Johnny.

Of course, I trust Julie Ann.

But they got another saying in Mexico...

"A handsome caballerois the fire on which
the beans of many a lady get burned."

[applause]

[up-tempo music plays]

♪ Oh, the sweetest thing in life

♪ And no one dare say nay

♪ On a Saturday afternoon
Is walking down Broadway

♪ Some prefer the park
Or the beach to spend their day

♪ But I prefer to walk down
The festive gay Broadway

♪ Walking down Broadway
The festive gay Broadway

♪ The okay thing on Saturday
Is walking down Broadway

♪ Walking down Broadway
The festive gay Broadway

♪ The okay thing on Saturday
Is walking down Broadway

♪ To the Theatre Comique

♪ Where Captain Jinks
Is holding sway

♪ And then up to Delmonicos
For supper

♪ Oh, so gay

♪ A turn around the Battery

♪ With horses stepping high

♪ The pretty girls in finery

♪ All smile as they pass by

♪ Walking down Broadway
The festive gay Broadway

♪ The okay thing on Saturday
Is walking down Broadway

♪ Walking down Broadway
The festive gay Broadway

♪ The okay thing on Saturday
Is walking down Broadway ♪

[cheering, whistling]

There's someone waiting
in Julie's dressing room.

- Whit?
- Who else would it be?

He stopped a waiter,
sent for Barnaby too.

[up-tempo music
continues playing]

Whit? Where are you?

- Ouch!
- Well, you give off sparks too.

- Not for you, Mr. Romeo.
- Romeo?

She's beautiful and she reads, too.

- Why did you come back here?
- To see Julie Ann.

Say, you know you've got pointed ears?

I'll thank you to mind
your own business.

Know what it means when
a girl's got pointed ears?

I've not got pointed ears.

And I don't want anymore
conversation about me
or my ears.

Just you wait till
Whit Lacey hears about this.

- He sent me here.
- I'll bet he did.

Hm. Makes the hair on the back
of my neck stand up.

- What's it mean?
- Hm? What does what mean?

When a girl has pointed ears.

"My lady with her dainty pointed ears

My lady's like A vixen fox's morn

Passion boils in her veins

Her lips and arms are warm for me

Her heart is feverish, burning..."

Well, I like that.
Who said that?

A fellow named John Gay.

I've not got pointed ears.

I thought Whit was here.

That's what I thought.

Yep, Whit was right.
You're gonna make a beautiful bride.

- Whit said that?
- Mm-hm.

And he's sorry he can't be here for the wedding.

What was that?

We're getting married, Julie.

Whit says so right here.

You wanted to see me, Tom?

You better go in Julie's dressing room.

Oh...

- You sure you like the idea?
- Of course.

Don't tell me if
you don't want to, but...

where do you think
you'll be going?

To California.

He used to spend hours
talking about it.

It's a new country.

People aren't so particular
about other people,

or what they've been.

[knocking on door]

Julie Ann, I don't know
what you want to
talk to me about

that you couldn't just as
well have waited until...

You know, you...

- Why, you're the...
- Barnaby...

This is, shall we say, Mr. Corrigan.

He's a friend of Whit Lacey's,
a very good friend.

Aren't you gonna say good evening?

Good evening.

You didn't give any descriptions to Tap,

or anybody after the shooting?

Oh, no. Not a soul.

That didn't even ask me.

Well, we just wanted to ask you...

Have you ever seen
Mr. Corrigan before?

Uh, what do you
want me to say, Julie?

Whatever you think healthiest.

I've never seen the man
before in my life.

You're smart.

Smart people
don't wear out so fast.

Is that all you wanted, Julie?

That's all. Come on, Barnaby.

- Why, where to?
- You're buying me a drink.

Oh, a drink?
I'd be glad to buy
you a drink, yes.

Tears for Julie Ann?

Why don't you mind your own business?

Why did she have to fall
in love with a man on the run?

It's easy for a man
to get on the run.

A few cross words,
a fast draw...

One man's dead,
the other one's on the run.

- You ought to know.
- I do.

Can I say goodnight?

Good night.

You cried for Julie Ann.
Is she your sister?

She's my friend.

Good night.

I pronounce you man and wife.
Kiss the bride.

[CHEERING, BAND PLAYS]

Oh, dearie, I'm so happy
for you, I could cry.

[LAUGHING]

The one who catches it
is the next bride.

Oh!

Ohh!

[LOUD LAUGHTER]

Charlie, get me a bottle of
champagne and a deck of cards.

- Yes, Mrs. Corrigan.
- The name is still Julie Ann.

A bottle of champagne
for Miss Julie Ann.

- And a deck of cards.
- What?

Sure. She told me
to bring them up.

Come on in, honey.

Get the glasses, Lin, will you?

Red knave first.
That's good.

Queen and double sixes.
A journey.

Well, that we know
is coming true.

Ace of diamonds... Money.

Ah... Nobody with any sense
would believe that stuff.

JULIE ANN: That's clever.

You're a funny person
for a gunman.

Maybe he wasn't always a gunman.

Maybe it took him some time
to figure out

what he's best fitted for.

Notice how her voice
gets an edge to it
when she talks to me?

I don't think she likes me.

One doesn't prove the other.

Like me and Whit.

At first, everything
we said had an edge.

And then one night he kissed me.

All of a sudden,
we both knew
that up until then,

we'd been making empty words.

See?

Good night, Romeo.

She doesn't believe I'm sincere.

Most men aren't.

At least not the ones
we meet around here.

I hope you two
will be very happy.

Tap, it ain't every man
that gets to see
his own funeral.

Don't know as I rightly
like it though.

It seems kind of ghostly like.

There's my cousin, Pete,
all red-eyed.

Mostly from corn,
not from grief.

And there's Banker Havens,
sad as can be.

But probably wondering
will my house pay money
enough at auction

to cover the mortgage.

Come on,
I want to buy something.

But the funeral,
I laid out Sam
in that box...

Come on.

This town's gonna miss old Sam.

[knocking]

Go ahead...

Go on down to the funeral, Tap.

You won't have much
trouble looking sad.

Just remember it's only play acting,

and you ain't really got my job yet.

[chuckles]

That'll do it.

Well, kind of hardy
for a dead man, ain't it?

You know, I was surprised when
I heard about this marriage business.

- I didn't count on that.
- Nor me.

I thought they'd figure
the man that got the sheriff

would be a fine addition
to their crowd.

Whit got a smart idea.

Thought if Julie Ann
had a husband,

it'd keep you from
stepping on her heel.

What he was,
was a fake of course.

[chuckling]I kind of thought as much.

You know, there must
be some towns people
mixed up in this.

Their information
on the wagon movement
is much too accurate.

We'll coast awhile,
find their hideout
and get the whole crowd.

Hm. Big plan, but good.

But I don't relish the idea
of playing dead all the time.

It's kind of confining.
But we'll try it anyway, huh?

I gotta get started
on my honeymoon.

That's not a bad deal at that.

There's lots of fellas
that wouldn't shy away

from a honeymoon
with Julie Ann, you know.

- Good morning.
- Going on a hunting trip.

My wife tells me you have
a habit of tailing her

every time she steps
outside the town limits.

- Well...
- It's an unhealthy habit.

You haven't got antlers.
You wouldn't look good mounted over a fireplace.

- Now wait a minute...
- Hold it.

Look, Sam was sheriff
before he was killed.

Maybe he had a reason
for following Miss Julie Ann.

But I'm sheriff now.
I got no reason to follow her.

See you.

You sure let him jingle
his spurs out loud.

Still waters run deep.

Tap was a lot meeker
than I thought he would be.

Tap's just talk.

Don't you get tired of that.

It passes the time.

Look, Lin. It's of you.

Are my ears pointed?

[chuckles] No...

You can come out from behind
those tamaracks, friends.

Been listening to you
for 10 minutes.

[gasps] Oh...

You've got good eyes
and ears, Johnny.

I've gone clean through
a Sioux war party
without being seen or heard.

Oh, darling, I never thought
I'd see you again.

You think I'd run off
and leave you married
to a man you hardly know?

Take care of this, Lin.

Julie Ann and I
are gonna need it.

I stayed about
2 miles behind the ladies.

I don't think we were followed.

I'm right sure you weren't.

I've been covering you
from the town limits.

Nobody followed.

Oh, that's Bide and Gump.

- Bide's the ugliest one.
- Hello, Gump.

I'm Bide. He's Gump

Hey, that's handsome.

Do one of me and Julie Ann,
will you, Johnny?

- Sure.
- Make yourself comfortable.

I gotta meeting before we move.

You're gonna
go some place
with these men.

Yeah, that's right.
A little business trip.

I thought we'd have it done
before now, but things got delayed.

Darling, I don't want
anything to happen.

It won't.

California's a long way.
We need traveling money.

[whistling]

That'll be Calico.

WHIT: You're late, Calico.

Bringing him here...

I don't like it.
I don't like it a bit.

Never mind what you like.
What's the play down south?

You... want I should talk
in front of him?

WHIT: Even if you don't
like it one bit.

Well, the trail herd
is getting close,

but I got a hot tip
on another proposition.

Eight hundred rifles
and 6000 rounds
of cartridges

being traded in over the powder.

Four man guard.

This fella paid
10 dollars a rifle.

- We can jump the outfit...
- No go.

CALICO: But it's 8000 dollars.

Twice what the herd's worth.

WHIT: I said no go.

- I don't like...
- Say that once more,

and I'm gonna kick
your teeth in.

I'm tired of hearing about
what you don't like.

I don't want to sound
like a soft hand, but...

that fella sure was
figuring on selling
rifles to the Indians.

They give 50 ponies for a rifle.

A white knight on a white horse, huh?

Have it your way.

Nice shooting, Johnny.

I'd hate to lose Calico,

even though he does
get a little proddy
once in awhile.

Even-steven.
Bueno, hombre.

Julie, you and Lin
ride back to the cabin.
Wait for me there.

Bide and Gump will go with you.

You go too, Johnny.

Uh, you'd better
ride blindfolded.

Well, where are we going?

There's still
nothing wrong
with the trail herd.

There's my traveling
money, Calico.

Must be good stock,
if they're figuring on
selling to the Cavalry men.

We'll save them the trouble.

[whistling]

Hyah!

[loud gunshots,
indistinct shouting]

- Whoa!
- Hyah! Hyah! Hyah!

[gunshots, shouting]

Save it.
They're out of range.

[gunshots, indistinct shouts]

- He's hurt bad.
- It's 30 miles
to the nearest pool.

[men whooping, yelling]

It takes tough horses to stand up
in this part of the country.

We run them pretty hard sometimes.

So I've heard.

Anytime you get more,
the Army will pay top prices.

I'll remember that.
Try to get around
again next year.

Rather have the cash, I suppose.

- It's handier.
- Just sign across
the bottom.

Funny thing about you fellas,

it isn't money unless
you got it right in your...

Excuse me.

- Picked him up out on patrol.
- Take him to the doctor.

Wait a minute.

What's the matter?

Those are our horses.
The ones they stole last night.

OFFICER: Hey!

Sergeant, after them!

[gunshots]

Doesn't look like
you had much luck.

I don't even want
to talk about it.

Supper's about ready.
You'd better get washed up.

Caught this buck
outside the door
this morning

It reminds me of
the Big Bend Country.

Got a nice spread there,
Fork River Ranch.

- Fork River?
- Yeah.

I've seen the brand.

I figure on living
there someday.

When all the sheriff shave died off?

Never misses a chance
to dig her spurs in, does she?

Rising biscuits?

Someday, when all
the sheriffs have died off,

I'm gonna find me
a gal that can make
rising biscuits,

and take her to live
on my Fork River Ranch.

If lead poisoning doesn't set in before then.

Or you come down with
a shortening of the breath.

Sis, we never mention
hanging in this house.

It's what the Indians
call bad medicine.

Let's take a walk.

Unexpected invitation.

You usually act
like I was a
coiled diamondback.

I just wanted to give them
a chance to be alone.

Ouch.

Wanna know something, Lin?

We're not going to California.

I didn't say that.

Said you have to
go back to town
for a while...

till I can send for you.

- When will that be?
- I don't know.
A few days, maybe.

You don't mind, do you, Johnny?

Not at all.
As a matter of fact,
I like being married.

I might have to try it sometime.

Oh, been hunting, eh?

- Yeah.
Have that tanned for me.
- Well, sure.

- Got any slickers?
- Oh, plenty of them.
Follow me.

We went in from here...

I drew these
the next couple of days.

We can get a surveyor
to draw a triangulation line.

The point
where they intersect
will be the hideout.

Mm-hm. That's rightsmart thinking.

I'll get an Army surveyor over
at the far outpost.

Once we get the hideout mapped out,

it'll be easy to find that narrow
passage going in.

It's real narrow?

I rode it going in and out
in the dark, blindfolded.

And that's the way it'll be
when I go in again.

But it was narrow, all right.

Whit have any suspicion of you?

I like Whit...

Feel a bit like
that fellow who took
the 30 pieces of silver.

- A fellow I might know?
- Nope.

Thirty pieces of silver...

That must've been
something that happened
before I was sheriff.

Yes, I do suppose.

[ballad playing]

[Lin singing in Spanish]

[♪ continues singing in Spanish]

[in English]
♪ I sing a love song

♪ A simple love song

♪ With words endearing

♪ With music sweet

♪ I'll tell the glory

♪ Of love's old story

♪ How every girl, every boy

♪ Can make every joy complete

[sings in Spanish]

♪ Still if the tune rings

♪ Upon your heartstrings

♪ You'll know that
My love song will be

♪ Just love note
From me to you ♪

[applause, cheering]

Lin, have a drink?

No, thank you.

Oh, sit down a minute.

Oh, but I'm tired. I have to go back.

What's a minute or two
out of a lifetime? Come on.

All right.

- Sit down, sit down.
- Thank you.

You sure you won't...?

No, thank you very much.

I need a little relaxation.

My stockholders
are screaming murder.

You'd think these hold
ups were my fault.

You'd think it was
my fault the vein's
petering out.

Well...
it won't be long.

- I'm going back East.
- Oh, is that so?

I'd like to take you with me.

You know the answer.

Well, I've heard it often enough.

But Lin, you've got quality.

I can't imagine you not wanting
to get away from all this.

But I do want to
get away from
all this.

Well, then...

No.

Almost all relationships are
compromises, Lin.

And marriage is, too.

Now, look at what
I've got to offer.

A way out of this life.

Money, security...

Marriages aren't made in Heaven.

Maybe not.

But wouldn't it be wonderful if they were?

Good night.

- What are you
bawling about?
- I'm not.

You are too crying. What about?

I'm all right.

- If anybody tries...
- Nobody has done
anything to me.

She's crying for
a very primeval reason.

I'm not crying.

She's crying because she must.

Because at a certain time
in every females life,

she begins to discern
the law of percentages

present an almost
insurmountable obstacle

to each female
finding the exact male
who is right for her.

In short,
she's discovered that
the world isn't perfect.

Well, I must say,
if you're talking sense,

you manage to hide it behind
a lot of educated words.

I went to school
and learned to read.
Don't hold it against me.

I can't make any sense out
of either one of you.

Lin, your Mr. Martin's a very practical man.
Very logical.

He's not my Mr. Martin.
You were listening.

Let's say I couldn't help overhearing.

You're not gonna marry the wealthy
Mr. Martinand go live in the East,

just because you don't love him?

I have my own reasons.

You continue to rise in my estimation.

You know what I'd like
more than anything?

For you to come live
on my Fork River Ranch?

You men...
with your shootings
and guns and killings.

Why can't you be just like...

Going hunting.
Give me a box of .44s.

- Going hunting this morning?
- Yes.

Morning.

- Good hunting.
- Thanks.

I can't understand
anyone chasing into
the hills after deer,

when you can shoot
a buck on the edge
of town.

Stalking them's fun,
some people think.

That brings me
right to the point.

Why don't you do
something about
Whit Lacey?

Mr. Martin,
I could tell you something

that'd make your eyes pop out.

- Oh?
- But I gotta keep quiet.

Just don't you worry none
about Whit Lacey.

Is it too early to buy a drink?

- My watch is plumb stuck.
- Well, come on then.

Indian Eddie around?
I got an errand for him.

MAN:
He's asleep outside,
Mr. Martin.

MR. MARTIN: Oh, yeah.

Get up.

Still haven't changed your mind?

I like having my own way.

I said I'd send for you, didn't I?

But why should we have to wait?

I have enough money
to get us to California.

And enough to keep us
going for awhile
after we get there.

Either you want to go,
Mr. Whit Lacey, or you don't.

Of course, I want to.

I don't see
what you have
to worry about.

A man ought to know
better than to try
arguing with a woman.

All right, we'll go.

[horse approaching]

[speaking in foreign language]

Better send the women inside.

You make a big jingle
for a small buck.

This is serious, Whit.

Go inside.

It says here
you're an Army officer.

You didn't kill
that sheriff.
He's alive.

It came from a man
who's got to know.

Mind if I go inside?
It'll be a minute.

Go ahead. We're in no hurry.

- I don't like...
- Shut up.

Tom, throw a saddle on Johnny's horse.

We'll give him a run for it.

You can use the rifle yourself.

I'm gonna enjoy that.

When I told you that
what I wanted most

was for you to
live on that ranch,

raise a flock of kids...

I was making real medicine.

There isn't time to tell you
all of the things I meant to

or never got around to...

I wish we could've come out even.

Me, I liked you Johnny.

But nobody knows
what number will come up
next on the big wheel.

You girls stay here.

If I was you,
I'd get my spurs red kicking that pony.

Calico's quite a shot.

He's gonna cut loose
the second you pass those trees.

- Thanks.
- It ain't much of a chance,

but better
than the one
you got coming.

- So long, Whit.
- Wait a minute, Johnny.

The Indians always give
a warrior wampum

to pay his way
to cross the big ferry.

Dig your pony.

[clucks] Adios.

He'll be out
in a second, Calico.

[gasps]
Give me another rifle.

You're shaking!
You couldn't hit
the side of a barn.

It's a long shot now.
Stand easy.

Well, you did it, Calico.

Why didn't you see
that rifle was clear?

I'm getting out of here.
This hideout will be
full of strangers.

I got packing to do.

Hm. You just inherited
a ranch in Texas.

I guess he really
wanted to see you
live on his ranch.

"Lin Connors, sole heir,
Fork River Ranch,
Cochise County, Texas."

Whit...

I missed him.

Oh, thank you.

You've been loading guns too long ever to
put a cartridge in a magazine the wrong way.

The top cartridge was in
the magazine backwards.
You ain't foolin' me.

I'm gonna miss Johnny.

It's gonna get lonely
with no one to
talk to but you.

That Johnny,
he rubbed me
the right way.

He had class.

So, we've come to the
fork in the road, eh?

WHIT: Looks like it.

I'm going out
over the mountains.

You'll have to go out the trail.

The hills are too rough
for the women.

I hope they nail you going
through the canyon.

Adios.

Calico never smelled too good,
but I'm gonna miss him too.

We covered many
a rough mile together.

Whit...

I don't know what to say.

Nothing to say.

I always have been too soft-hearted
for my own good.

Hey, we'd better get
down that canyon

before we meet people coming up.

- [sobs]
- What are you crying about?

I thought I acted
like a real nice citizen.

[Julie Ann crying, laughing]

What's everybody bawling about?

CALICO: Hey, Whit!

You'd better leave, Whit.
I'll cover the rear.

Can't think of anybody
I'd rather have.

We're all right.
There's nobody down there.

Rest easy, friend.
We didn't know who it was.

I didn't expect to see you.

A series of events.

An Army surveyor found
the gap in the hills.

Indian Eddie left town
on a fast horse,
riding hard.

I always figured he was
Whit's messenger boy.

He brought a note saying you weren't
dead and I'm an Army officer.

Well, now that
puts burs all over
my saddle blanket.

Who would know that?

Tap, you didn't say something
real clever to somebody, did you?

I ain't said nothing to nobody.

You sure you didn't say
something real smart?

I ain't said nothing smart
since when you got mad
and was gonna fire me.

I can't figure
who wrote that note.

Some riders just came over
this top ridge.

Get back to your post.
You two take the horses
down the trail.

The women are gonnabe with Whit, Sam.

This has gotta be done without them
getting in the way of any gunfire.

Young fella,
you may be an Army officer,

and the governor
of the territory.

But I'm still sheriff,
and these is my deputies,

and I figure to run
this show with bullets.

You see what I mean?

SAM: Don't get sudden, Whit!

We got both ends closed up.

We don't want to
hurt the ladies.

Seeing how you want to go down,

single file with your hands up.

I told you I didn't
like it one bit.

For once you were right, Calico.

Go on down, Sam!

I'll get the boys
to throw a blanket
over you.

Better get some sleep.

You got a long ride tomorrow.

Oh, we'll sleep, all right.

We've gotta be real careful
of our health now.

Either of you boys like to tell me
who wrote that note?

I'd pay couple hundred dollars.

Calico's broke. He might tell you.

For 200?
Sure I will.

Who wrote it?

CALICO: There's just one thing
about that 200...

What about it?

Guarantee I can
spend it in Mexico.

[chuckles] I'm afraid
I can't do that.

Well, I'm afraid I can't
remember who it was
that wrote that note.

Then we can't do business.

I like that, Calico.
You got character.

I got troubles.

And life is full of troubles.

Life...

That's life.

Hm. Well... Sleep easy, friend.

Buenas noches.

So, you don't want to live
on Forked River Ranch?

Sometimes women know more about men

than men do about women.

What you said is like
a door to a house.

You have to open it
and see what's inside.

Like, for instance,
what do women know?

I knew you were looking
at me all the time

while you were saying those things
to Julie Annat Barnaby's store.

Back when you pretended to shoot Sam.

I also know you have kissed
many girls with your lips,

but I am the only girl
you ever kissed with your heart.

I know you love me, Johnny,

but I'd like to hear you say it, out loud.

I always figured
a man was a fool
to get married.

Weighs him down.

He never walks
as wide or as tall

from the minute
he's got a woman
hanging on his arm.

But I want to marry you.

It doesn't matter if,
from then on, I...

walk an inch narrow
and only a foot tall.

I want to.

Johnny, you are going to let him go.

You've got to. He let you go.

He gave me your life
and threw his own life away.

Yeah. And he threw me a dollar.

I'm Army.
I've got a job to do.

And I'll stand at Jefferson
while an officer hangs him.

There's no other way.

Julie Ann's young and pretty.

She'll find another man.

Goodbye, Johnny.

Too bad we didn't work out.

Whoa...
Half-hour, folks. Half-hour.

Well, what are you gawking at?
Why ain't you got fresh horses ready?

You won't need no fresh horses, Buck.

Not for awhile.

Them soldiers that passed is
on the way up the powder.

Red Cloud, Blue.

Red Cloud?
Why didn't you say so?

How long are we likely
to be held here?

Well, not being Red Cloud,
I don't know the answer.

But if you wanna keep your hair,

you'd better stay in till them soldiers
chase them back up north.

Let's see what the trouble is.

- What's the trouble?
- Red Cloud.

You're crazy.
Red Cloud was driven
up to Canada last year.

This is this year.

The man answered me, didn't he?

Hey, Whit Lacey's been captured.

I don't believe it.

Well, all you've got to
do is step outside.

Him and his squint-eyed gents
are being locked up.

I'm only a supply sergeant.

I haven't got authority
to take those prisoners.

But the patrol will be back in a week.

Thanks, Sergeant.

Well, hello, Mr. Martin.
Traveling?

I know what you're thinking.

Thought I was dead, didn't you?

- Yes. Yes, I did.
- Well, I ain't.

And I caught Whit Lacey
and his number one boy, too.

Yeah, well, good work, Sheriff.

I... About you, I don't understand...

Well, you'll have to tell me
all about this.

The drinks are on me.

Take number 5.I put the ladies in 6.

Thank you.

Give me a tall one.
I could use it.

I don't know what to say,
now that you're standing in front of me.

There is a thing I'd hoped
you come to say, Johnny.

You've gotta understand
I can't let him go.

Then there is nothing to say.

What's, uh...
What's the next step with Whit?

Out of my territory.

He's Drum's prisoner.
Goes from him to Jefferson.

Will they hang him there?

Yep. Don't you worry,
Mr. Martin,

your high-grade oil
will be safe from now on.

[yawning]
I think I'll get some sleep now.

I can tell a bad hombre
just by looking at him,

and Mister, that Whit Lacey is bad

and that squint eyed fell
a that's with him.

- Ohh...
- [men grumbling agreement]

It seems to me a waste
of time and money

to take him to Jefferson
to hang.

That's the way the government
does everything.

- The long way around.
- [men grumbling]

Plus, he might
escape on the way.
Yeah.

Plus, we got a lot of
good rope right here.

[Sam snoring loudly]

[angry shouting from a crowd]

Johnny... Johnny.

- Golly...
- Who me?

They are gonna lynch Whit.

[angry shouting continues]

You two stay here.

You better go to bed.
This is the government
you're fooling with.

[yelling stops]

I'm an officer in the
United States Cavalry.

I order you all to disperse.

- Let's lynch him too!
- He don't dare shoot!

MAN: Where the gent who said
he wouldn't shoot?

[laughs] He's got a
goose egg on his nob.

They'll probably smuggle those bandits
out tonight and start for Jefferson.

- We ought to stop it.
- How?

How about using brains instead of brawn?

I didn't see you
when the trouble
was going on,

and you was the one
talking about lynching.

Let's do some thinking.

[indistinct chatter]

WHIT: Hello, Johnny.

Sure seemed a big thing to you

whether we hang here or in Jefferson.

We was wondering why.

My order's say Jefferson.

We're gonna slide
out of her pretty soon.

That mob's been getting
charged up on whiskey
and plying for trouble.

- Sergeant?
- Yes, sir?

See that these men are fed.

Have our horses
behind the jail
in an hour.

Yes, sir.

Uh, Johnny...

If there'd been one man in that mob
with nerve to dust off a federal,

you'd have been a gone gosling.

Mobs don't generally
have that one man.

[chuckles]

Why would he take
a long chance
on getting down

just to save our necks
for a couple of days?

He's Army.
You can't figure out Army guys.

They think crazy.

Hm. They may be
different...

I wish I was in Sonora
with a swell gal I know.

Why? You scared of hanging?

No, but it'll sure
keep me from seeing
that gal in Sonora.

[chuckles]

[indistinct chatter]

Don't move or I'll cut
both of you in half!

[silence]

[angry shouting]

Open up! Open up
or I'll bust her in!

Fire one shot
and we'll riddle
the whole building!

[pounding continues]

[wood cracking]

Sheriff, you're not
gonna be in the hanging?

All you gotta do is to watch it.

[angry chatter]

Pull the wagon away!

Wait!
Give him a last word!

Yeah, maybe they wanna pray.

Give them your last word.

You got anything you wanna say?

Don't breathe on me.
You smell bad...

How about you?

Just remember,
nothing lasts forever.

- That don't make sense.
- Nothing does.

When I count to three,
take her away!

One...

Two and...

An Injun!

MAN: Indians?

You must think that gun's got
a lot of range, friend.

Must figure them bullets got wings.

Let's get the wall
to defend their charge!

Turn to Howard Finks
for ammunition!

Give a fool a cart
and he's still a fool.

Only a louder one.

Sam, make around
to the stockade.

Get those idiots
from shooting shadows.

You ever come closer
to hanging, Calico?

Once. San Antone. [chuckles]

Well, nobody knows who's number
is coming up in the big wheel.

Hey, Johnny,
I fight Indians real good.

I was at Tolby Wellsin Big Cimmaron.

We got a rifle for you.

Wish you could see things differently.

I can't.

[distant drumming]

I made the Apache Campaign
with Phil Sheridan,

so I know something
about Indian fighting.

The Sioux believe any warrior
killed in the dark,

stays in the dark, forever.

So, they won't attack until dawn.

I'm gonna have the Sergeant divide
you into four groups.

First group will goon guard immediately.

The rest of you,
grab some sleep.

Sleep? With war drums
in the hills?

- You're crazy.
- I ain't sleeping.

Not with my wife and kids here.

I'm in command here,
so you'll do as I say.

Through the night,
there'll be fire arrows

and drumming will continue

as to keep us awake and on edge.

When the drumming stops,
it'll be dawn and
they will attack.

Sergeant, line them up
and divided into four groups.

All right, line up.
We'll get things organized.

You fellas on the other side,
line up right here...

[distant drumming continues]

Hello, Johnny.

The dance ought to be starting pretty soon.
See anything?

Little white dust clouds
over behind the foothill.

They're making medicine.

- Anything to report?
- I don't know, Major.

You can't hear much
with this tarnation drumming.

It seems as if every patch
of darkness is filled with red hellions.

Take it easy. Darkness plays hot
with a man's imagination.

I could've sworn
something moved just now
by that outbuilding.

Sergeant, what is that building?

Langer's Store, Major.

[guns firing]

Cease firing!
You're only wasting ammunition.

Bring me the water, quick!
Bring me that ladder! Hurry with that ladder!

Put it up there!
Bring the water, hurry!

That building's
gotta be cleared.

We'll do it silently,
with knives.

A couple of men
could do the job.

Stakeout till daybreak.

See what I mean, Johnny?

Yeah. We'd have them in the crossfire.

- Don't look at me.
I'm not going out there.
- I wasn't.

Why, you fellas won't have
a chance in a million.

That's pretty good odds,
the way I figured it.

Of course,
if we whipped them,
we'd be out in the clear

where we could make
a run for the mountains.

I never did look forward
to hanging with any relish.

- [chuckles] Thanks, Calico.
- Don't thank me.

I'm only thinking
of my own skin...

But three of us ain't very many.

Look, here, Drum. I'm not used to
manual labor, and Sam's trying to make me...

Just our man. You don't wanna work,
but you're brave enough.

- You'll fight?
- Why, certainly...

See, he volunteers.

Always joking, that Calico.

We're taking a little posse
to capture those firebugs
in the outbuilding.

You won't be coming back.

Ah, how you women get ideas.

- I'm going with you.
- Sorry, baby.

This time you'd only
be in the way.

I don't care, I...

[drumming continues]

- Where's Calico?
- He'll be right along.

It can't wait.
Open the gate, Sergeant.

Figure they'll make it, Sheriff?

Rather have the Sioux's
than those hombres.

[grunts]

Nice going, Whit.

[thudding]

CALICO:
Don't go getting itchy
fingers, it's only me.

I brought you another volunteer.

Go ahead, yell.
You'll have the place
swarmin' with Sioux.

Martin wrote that note about you.

He figured on breaking the mine
and buying it cheap.

He's got a streak of yellow
pay dirt a mile wide,

right up the middle of his back.

So, you're the man
we've been looking for.

If we get out of this,
you're included
in the hanging.

Get me out of here, Major.
I'll... I'll pay anything.

- How much?
- Shut up, Calico.

Money? Hmph.
Yeah, you got plenty.

When the old equalizer
moves in from the outside,

your hair won't stay on
any longer than mine.

These Indians have rifles.
Here, look at it.

"United States Cavalry."

So, we just as well
have made the money.

They got them anyway.

But it won't be a short party.

They got plenty of ammunition.

- TAP: Sergeant?
- Yes?

Somebody went outside,
over the wall on a rope.

I couldn't see clear,
but it looked like a woman.

Get back to your post.

You helped her, didn't you?

Let me alone.

You...

[gasps, loud thudding]

JULIE ANN [whispers]: Whit?

Come on up, sweetheart.

It looks like I picked myself
a real woman.

Oh, darling. I couldn't stand
the wondering and waiting.

I had to come.

Sure, kid. I understand.

Calico, help me pile
this stuff against the door.

Our next customers might
not be so friendly.

No more fire arrow sin
the last 10 minutes.

Guess the Major's party made it.

SAM: I knew they would.

Things are mighty quiet.

Except for that
blasted drumming.

They won't be when
the drumming stops.

You suppose the Cavalry
will get back in time?

[scoffs] Only in storybooks.

If I get out of this,
there's a rope waiting.

I'm no good for you, Julie.

You're going back
to the stockade
with Johnny.

I give the orders around here.

- I'll take her.
- Shut up, yellow belly.

I'm staying, Whit.

Just a thought, sweetheart.

Just a thought.

You know, Sam, I've been thinking.

What about?

That note about Drumand
that you was still alive.

I never said nothing to
nobody except Mr. Martin.

Why, you stupid half-baked...

It must've been
Martin all the time.

Go find him and bring him here.

You don't want
a good recruit, do you?

If you speak real nice,
I'll let you have Tap.

Don't go doing the Army
any favors, Sheriff.

Oh, yeah.
I see what you mean.

[drumming stops]

You're gonna make a run
to the stockade with Johnny.

Oh, no, Whit.
No, please don't make me go. Please.

Smile for me, Julie.

Grit your teeth
and smile, sweetheart.

You gotta take her out, Johnny.

Martin will go.

Yes...
Yes, I'll do it, Whit.

He'll toss Julie
to those red devils
and make a run for it.

You and me
are the only ones
that know about him,

and we'd be gone.

You'd love that,
wouldn't you,
yellow belly.

He still goes.

He can't go now.

Someone's got to get
her out, Johnny.

It's gotta be you.

Put your gun up, Whit.

You're not gonna use it on me.

Please take her, Johnny.

This is better for us
than a rope.

I'll take her then.

I'll look around outside.

All clear, Johnny.

Take of her. She's a good kid.

So long, white knight.

Johnny, I love you...

[ululating]

[gunshot]

I couldn't find
Mr. Martin nowhere, Sam.

Probably dug a hole
and crawled into it.
We'll get him later.

Major Drum coming in!
Open up the gates!

Oh, Johnny...

Whit... Whit...

I've gotta get back to Whit...

[deafening explosion]

[ululating]

[frenzied shouting, gunshots]

Take her, Tap.

Get out of those wagons!
Pull it into the breach!

[ululating continues]

[guns firing]

We'll stick here
as long as we can

and go out the window
for the pay off.

That's hot enough, Calico.
Let's go.

- See you later.
- You mean at that.

Come on, you hellions!
The big wheel stops on red!

Open up!

Volunteers, follow me!

We'll try to get through
to Whit and Calico.

So, I approved
your letter
of resignation,

and forwarded it to Washington.

Until your
discharge arrives,
you're on leave.

Thank you, sir.

Goodbye, Major.

Bye, Sergeant. Sam.

- Johnny...
- Hello, Lin.

You wouldn't happen to be passing
a place called Texas, would you?

Mm-hm.
Would be very happy to
drop you off on the way.

- Johnny...
- Yeah?

Fork River Ranch.

Not for more than the rest
of your life, sweetheart.

Get up.