Original subtitles

[march music]

[music continues]

[crowd whistling]

[tribal chants]

[music continues]

[whistle blows]

[instrumental music]

[whistle blows]

[music continues]

(all) Ohh!

(male announcer) 'Now, ladies and gentlemen one of the most thrilling'

'and surely one of the most dangerous of all rodeo events.'

Cowboys riding the wild Brahma bulls.

'Unlike the bucking horse used in rodeos'

'who will try to prevent stepping on or kicking a rider'

'the Brahma bull will purposely stomp a contestant'

'with his sharp hoofs'

'or rip the rider with his horns'

'oftentimes causing fatal injuries.'

'The Brahma bulls you see here are well-known'

'for their mean dispositions'

'and are particularly treacherous '

'because they're the only type bull that will charge a man'

'with their eyes open.'

'So that's why you'll never see a Brahma bull in the ring'

'with a matador.'

[bull grunting]

Our first bull rider today..

...one of the all-time greats

Jeff McCloud.

'Bandera, Texas.'

'Jeff's comin' out on a bull called Razor'

'cause he's given a lot of cowboys a close shave.'

[bull grunts]

'Contestants ride the bull'

'holding onto a loose rope'

'sometimes called a bull rope '

'the other hand's free in the air.'

'Should the cowboy touch the bull with his free hand'

'at anytime during his eight second ride'

'he will be disqualified.'

'Now keep your eyes on chute number one.'

[bull grunting]

Let him out!

[instrumental music]

[whistle blows]

[bull grunting]

[bull grunting]

[bell ringing]

(male announcer) 'Alright, folks. It's alright.'

'Thanks to the alertness of our rodeo clowns.'

'May be shaken up a bit, but..'

...he's walked away from tougher spills than this.

And now take a look over at chute number two.

Shorty West..

...from Blackton, Idaho..

...on a bull called Round Trip!

[instrumental music]

'Shorty must have bought a one-way ticket.'

[crowd laughs]

[music continues]

[wind howling]

[paper rustling]

[wind howling]

[gate creaks]

[engine revving]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

(male #1) 'Alright, you under there.'

Back out nice and slow.

What are you doing crawlin' around under my house?

I didn't think nobody lived here.

Somebody lives here.

What are you doing crawlin' under there?

I was looking for something I thought I'd lost.

I used to save my money in this tobacco can

when I was a kid and my folks lived here.

With my two nickels in it...after 20 years.

Two nickels was a load of money to me then.

You Connie McCloud's boy?

I'm Jeff McCloud.

I'm Jeremiah Watrus.

Howdy.

Howdy.

There's some coffee in the house.

Come on in and sit.

- Did you know my old man? - Not personal.

Ah, the place ain't changed much.

I bought it at a tax auction.

Got it at my own price.

Now I know why.

Could have had more fun throwing my money out the window.

It ain't changed much in here, either.

Wash up if you've a mind to.

Washed this morning.

I was born in this room.

It ain't much to brag about.

Where you from these days?

Oh, I move around a lot.

I can't get over it.

Twenty years, you'd think it'd change.

Some things never do.

But there's been changes.

Sun's got a little hotter..

...a little more earth's blowed away..

...a little less water.

That's 'bout all the changes.

What made you come back?

Oh, I don't know.

Always thought someday I'd make enough money to..

...settle down on the old place, run a few head.

- You got the money? - I had it...once.

What happened?

I got kinda sidetracked.

- Women? - No.

No, women don't sidetrack me.

Somethin' else.

I'll be 62 come March.

Maybe if I was married, I might fix the place over.

Or if I had kids.

It is kind of lonely.

I like a place that's lonely and private.

- You been married? - No.

I figure it this way..

Marriage, it's lonely, but it ain't private.

You got anything you own?

What I started out with, a strong back and a weak mind.

A shack, some rocky ground

a spavined horse, and a busted windmill.

- That's all I got. - That's still more than me.

Yeah, but you ain't 62 yet.

You a thinkin' man?

Oh, I can get in outta the rain, that's about all.

Me, I'm a thinkin' man.

This is what I think.

One of the things that's wrong

is that all the books and rules on success

is written by successful men.

That's wrong.

Fellas like you and me'd get a lot more help

if the books on rules and success

was written by failures.

That'd make sense.

[honking]

[engine revving]

That cowhand from the Jackhammer ranch.

- Him and his wife play games. - Is that bad?

'Reckon today they'll want to remodel this kitchen.'

About the only thing around here they ain't fixed over.

In their mind's eye, of course.

Do it regular every Sunday.

Come prowlin' around with calf eyes

saying how much they'd like to buy the place.

Well, you don't need no urging to sell, do you?

Moon talk.

Where's a ranch hand gonna get $5,000?

Well, I'll be gettin' on.

Figure to make Abilene by sundown.

Sit still.

Sometimes they're right amusin'.

No. I better hit the road.

Kinda disappointed at that, I guess.

'Man coming back to his home place, find it like this.'

Kinda like visitin' a graveyard.

Yeah, something like that.

- Well, good luck. - Yeah.

[instrumental music]

- Morning. - Morning.

Hope we didn't interrupt nothin'.

Nah. Fella was born here.

Wanted to see how the place looked after 20-odd years.

Scared us.

Thought maybe he was a buyer.

Him?

Them McClouds is the most shiftless

family ever hit these parts.

'He couldn't buy nothin'.'

McCloud! Of course, that's who that is!

- Jeff McCloud! - 'You know him?'

- Hey, Mr. McCloud! - Leave him alone, Wes.

He's the World Saddle Bronc champ, honey.

He's the first man ever to ride Zombie.

I just want to say hello to him.

'Hey, Mr. McCloud!'

[music continues]

[indistinct chatter]

[cattle bellowing]

I was at the Cheyenne rodeo the year you won the all-around.

How big is this ranch you ride for?

Oh, big enough. That's the year you rode Zombie, isn't it?

Think they can use another hand?

I'm sure Rig'll take you on.

Oh, I wouldn't get my hopes up too high, Mr. McCloud.

Why not?

Lots of foremen on the big spreads

won't give a rodeo cowboy a job.

Figures they're all saddle tramps.

Don't they have rodeos around here?

Oh, I ride in one every year down at the County Fair.

- Won $40 last year. - $40? Must be a big show.

Forty or a hundred, I don't like to see him rodeo.

You know, the year I was champ, I won over $25,000.

Easy come, easy go?

[engine revving]

[instrumental music]

I'll take Jeff over to see Rig.

You think you can roust up another lamb chop, honey?

I think so.

We usually eat early on Sunday, but do you think

you can you hold out until 5:00, 5:30?

For lamb chops? Sure, I can.

[music continues]

[engine revving]

[engine revving]

[music continues]

We'll have a lab report in the morning, Rig.

In the meantime, keep the calf in quarantine

until we find out about this.

Alright. Put him in that middle stall, boys.

Picked this fella up at Jeremiah's place.

- He's hunting for a job. - Name's Jeff McCloud.

What outfit did you work for last and why'd you quit?

I been rodeoing the last few years.

Had a Brahma bull set on me couple of months ago.

Sorry. I can't use you.

Look, if you're thinking I'm a rodeo tramp

you got me wrong.

I've hired rodeo cowboys before.

They're always practicing their tricks

and roughin' up the stock.

Right when you need 'em most, they're taking off

for Fort Worth or Cheyenne or somewhere.

If you want some recommendations about my work

I can get 'em for you.

What ranches you work for?

Worked the Lazy W and Vern Jackson's place

up in the Panhandle.

Managers of both places will vouch for me.

How are you with horses?

Can you break colts without makin' broncs out of 'em?

I got a special callin' for handlin' horses

like folks some get the call to be a preacher.

I can make 'em do anything but talk Mexican.

Well, one of my best cowboys is sick with arthritis.

What'll you work for?

Oh, 140.

Hundred and twenty is the best I can do.

You got yourself a hand.

Alright, I might as well tell you right now

we got some strict rules on this place.

We don't run our cattle like wild Indians

'cause it takes the fat off.

We don't rope 'em unless we have to.

We got some good blooded stuff on this ranch

and we can't sell 'em with broken legs.

- I gotcha. - Come on.

I'll show you to the bunkhouse.

Thanks.

I'll meet you at the corral, and help you pick out

a string of ponies.

Okay.

[laughs]

Wes.

Hey, Jeff, you've been around a lot.

'You figure your old place is worth $5,000?'

[scoffs]

I'm a bad one to ask about money matters.

Only way I could ever tell how much a thing was worth

was by how bad I wanted it.

This is a nice little layout you got here.

What did you have to do to get it?

Get married.

Louise and me waited six months until a married cowboy quit.

We got $1,100 saved up.

We're going to buy Jeremiah's place and stock it.

Call it the W-L, won't we, honey?

That's the general idea.

As soon as we get the money.

Eleven hundred dollars is pretty good, ain't it?

For the two years we've been married.

Yeah.

- Who does the saving? - Oh, she's a banker.

I just hand her my pay.

Ain't it surprising how romantic women can get about money?

[laughing] Yeah.

Wes tells me you once made $3,000 in one day rodeoing.

Yeah, that's right.

And threw it all away.

Oh, I didn't throw it away. It just...sorta floated.

That's pretty stupid.

Breaking all your bones then lettin' the money go.

Well, some things you don't do for the cash there is in it.

Some things you do just for the buzz you get out of it.

- One minute on a crazy horse. - A minute?

Ten seconds is enough to make it feel like a lifetime.

And wind up with a snapped neck.

'Or a dislocated collarbone or..'

...have your brains shook loose by a bronc.

Yeah, I know.

I've come outta those chutes a lot of times

heard the crowd hollering, or the..

'...horse or a bull'

'jumpin' and twistin' underneath you.'

'Always felt the same thing.'

For a little bit there, you're a lot more than you are

just walkin' down the street or eatin' or sleepin'.

Maybe it's something you can't explain to a woman.

Why?

'Cause it's a different kinda buzz.

Thanks again for the supper.

Been a long time since I had a supper that good.

Oh, that's one of the reasons they were standin'

in line to marry her.

[instrumental music]

I guess a lot of people have asked you

what's the best horse you ever rode.

Yeah, a lot of people.

Was it Zombie?

Well, I drawed Two-step one time and got bucked off.

She was good, but I mark Zombie better.

Yeah.

Was you ever scared?

- Rodeoing? - Yeah, of getting hurt.

[music continues]

Well, I've been scared..

...and I've been not scared.

Why did you quit?

Well, I busted the last three ribs I had.

Still wouldn't have quit if I hadn't caved in.

You been rodeoing a long time.

Yeah, 18 years.

Won the national when I was 17.

Started cuttin' wild horses when I was 13.

I wasn't but 14. They paid me ten cents a head.

That's what I got.

[music continues]

A fellow's bankroll could get fat in a hurry rodeoing.

Meh, chicken today, feathers tomorrow.

Not if he played it smart when he had the chicken.

You stay with those lamb chops, man.

She cooks 'em good.

Hate to mention this, but you're a workin' man.

You are, too, now. About time to hit the sack.

- Ah, we just ate. - We ate late.

4:30 comes early.

- 4:30? - 'Mm-hmm.'

I forgot people get up at 4:30.

- Well, goodnight. - Goodnight.

- Sure enjoyed that supper. - Goodnight, Jeff.

[instrumental music]

[metal clanking]

Chow time! Come and get it!

[metal clanking]

[alarm clock ringing]

[instrumental music]

Hey! Hey!

[whistles] Hey!

[music continues]

Next one!

(all) Hyah! Hyah! Hyah! Hyah!

[music continues]

[cow mooing]

You got a lot of horse in Chico.

Yeah. Workin' off of him is no work.

Came out of King Ranch Quarter Horse stock.

Raised him from a colt.

You know any better?

Oh, I used to, a long time ago.

Horse like him is worth $2000-3000.

You could sell him and help pay for that ranch you want.

Aim to have both.

Ha!

Show you somethin' else.

"Calf Roping, $50, Bareback, $25, Bronc Riding.."

Your wife know about you spending

all this money on the rodeo?

Well, I'll tell her if I make out

alright next month at San Angelo.

You couldn't win a hamburger money

against top professionals.

Not right away. I know that.

But I learn fast.

You're a pretty sharp article.

You are for a fact.

You just had one thing in the back of your mind

all this time, haven't you?

I don't figure I've done anything wrong.

Sure, I thought if I get you on here

maybe you'd...help me some.

At the rate Louise and me are going now

it'll take us 15 more years

before we get Jeremiah's place.

My wife's got a lot more patience than I have.

Don't figure we'll ever own a place of our own..

...less'n and we find some shortcut.

I know what I want..

...and it won't take no 15 years.

[cow mooing]

[clanks]

'Ah!'

[humming]

Ha!

- Hi, honey. - Hi.

[Wes humming]

You take $125 out of the bank last week?

Uh, yeah.

Yeah, that's right, I..

Forgot to mention it?

Well, I-I sort of been tryin' to get around to it.

What was it for?

Oh, I sent it to San Angelo.

Why?

Entry fees in a rodeo.

That's something else you forgot to mention.

Oh, I was gonna tell you when it was over.

I wanted to surprise you.

Surprise me with what?

A broken leg? A broken neck?

Look, I'm good!

Jeff knows. He's been teachin' me!

Jeff McCloud, that great has-been!

What's Rig gonna think about one of his hands

up and takin' a vacation?

Well, he knows I'm going to San Angelo.

If he finds out you've been in a rodeo

he'll fire you right off the job.

Oh, job, job..

The minute it looks like a guy's gonna

lose his job, his wife gets panicky.

That's why I didn't tell you I drew out the money.

I knew you'd act like this.

Look, buster, nobody's gettin' panicky.

I'm just tryin' to keep us straight.

'And stop kiddin' yourself.'

You ain't the only guy who tried to take me

from behind that counter in that hash house

and set me up in business.

You ain't the biggest

you ain't the strongest.

You ain't the richest, and you ain't the prettiest.

But you're the only one who wanted what I wanted.

- A decent steady life. We-- - Honey..

I love you.

I love you more than anything in the whole world.

But I want to get my place.

I want to toss a rope over my own cow, just once!

You're a grown man, Wes. You do what you like.

I aim to.

I'm going to San Angelo.

[instrumental music]

"Joe Burgess, Petey Mendoza, Jim Barney

Red Logan, Jack Nemo."

That's a pretty good line-up.

Hey, you draw High Voltage in the saddle bronc.

I know that horse.

"Bald Eagle, Blackout

Raw Deal, Billy The Kid."

- That's Al Dawson's stock. - Ain't that Al Dawson's stock?

That's right, Jeff.

Is somethin' wrong with the stock?

No, I just never knew him

to work this far south before.

I know that horse of yours, though.

I won the day money on him at St. Joe and Denver.

Hey, Nemo!

- Well, what do you know? - Who's the dude?

What are you, a lightnin' rod salesman?

Hi, you sodbuster.

I hear you've been dirt farming lately.

Yeah, pretty near.

Wes Merritt, I want you to meet

Red Logan and Jack Nemo.

Hi, Wes.

Didn't see your name on the entry list.

No, I'm just out here with Wes.

Wes is gettin' his feet wet today.

Let's go.

[music continues]

[bulls grunting]

[band music]

(man on PA system) 'Welcome to San Angelo's Annual Rodeo.'

'Starting this great western celebration'

'we proudly present'

'our very colorful grand entry'

'of riders and horses'

'in the serpentine ride.'

[music continues]

[bull grunting]

[whistle blows]

[thud]

[bull grunting]

[bang]

[music continues]

[crowd cheering]

(man on PA system) 'Next will be saddle bronc riding.'

Our first rider this afternoon is Slim Avery

who hails from Reno, Nevada.

[band music]

[whistle blows]

I'd like to call your attention to the two men

on horseback in the arena.

'They are our pickup men who'

'immediately after the whistle sounds'

'take the rider off the bucking horse'

'and transfer him safely to the ground.'

We draw your attention to chute number one

where Wes Merritt of Big Springs, Texas

'is coming out on High Voltage.'

'I can't tell you much about Wes Merritt, folks.'

'He's a newcomer to the circuit.'

'The boys tell me, an old friend of ours'

'Jeff McCloud is traveling with Wes Merritt'

'teaching him the tricks of the trade.'

'So let's watch this boy Merritt closely.'

[grunting]

- That's too much rein. - Shut up, will you?

- Hey, Red! - What are we hung on here?

Pass us.

Pass Wes Merritt!

We move along now to Pete Mendoza

from Santa Fe, New Mexico

who's riding a horse called April Fool

out of chute number 18.

[instrumental music]

(man on PA system) 'He's giving him a ride, folks!'

[crowd groaning]

- Pay attention, will you? - Yeah, yeah.

Now, like I said, right here.

Oh!

Forget about the crowd, now. Just relax.

Don't fight him. Work with him.

Okay!

It's like dancing with a girl, only you let him lead.

We move now to chute number one.

Wes Merritt coming out on High Voltage.

- Okay, let me have him! - Get after him, Wes.

[grunting]

[instrumental music]

Stay with him, Wes.

[instrumental music]

Good timing.

You know, he can rope a little, too.

[whistle blowing]

[instrumental music]

Looks like this boy will be a familiar face

on the circuit from now on.

- I rode him! - Sure, you rode him.

You know, you might have rode him right into

some day money, too.

[instrumental music]

[hooves clopping]

Next on our program is Calf Roping..

...an event against time.

Wes Merritt of Big Springs, Texas

who you just saw make a fine saddle bronc ride

is going to try his skill in Calf Roping.

[instrumental music]

Great!

Wes Merritt's time is 14.2..

...which is good time in any man's rodeo.

'Our next calf roper'

'is Craig Dunlap of Logan, Utah.'

[instrumental music]

(Wes) 'Sing hallelujah, honey! I won two day moneys!'

'I coulda gone for the average, too!'

- But I got bucked off. - Did you get hurt?

[laughs] No, I bounced!

Smell it, honey.

Don't it smell sweeter than all the roses?

Four hundred and ten dollars.

That's more than two months' wages.

And I made it in less than two minutes.

And there's more where that come from.

As long as you didn't get hurt.

Oh! I wasn't even scratched.

I told you, I bounced!

[groaning]

I told Rig we're movin' out tomorrow.

Moving out?

- Where? - I'm gonna rodeo!

Let me get this straight.

You quit? We're leaving here?

Jeff and me figured it all out on the way back.

Everything he knows about rodeoing, he's gonna teach me.

He's gonna help us get someplace.

Now, how did Mr. McCloud become an expert

on how to get someplace?

He took the same shortcut you're planning to take.

Where did he wind up 18 years later?

Oh, you got him all wrong, honey.

He's doin' me a big favor!

We're gonna split all the money we win.

What's he gonna win?

Split what you win, you mean. Big-hearted McCloud.

If he could still ride, you'd think

he'd offer to share it with you?

That ain't the point.

What is the point?

Four hundred dollars

for two minutes' work, that's the--

If it was that easy, every rodeo hand would be rich!

Well, they pay you for the chances you take.

- I want that ranch. - Well, so do I.

But what good's the ranch gonna be

if you're crippled?

You gotta have as much guts

about this as me!

How much money can we save on what I make?

I'll be bent over double before we put together $5,000.

My old man spent his whole life

working for somebody else.

And all he left behind him was a big grocery bill

and a worn-out saddle.

Well, that ain't for me or you.

I know what I want and I know how to get it.

Jeff McCloud's our big chance to do it!

You think this McCloud's a pretty great guy, don't you?

Sure!

[dramatic music]

I want you to do something for me.

If I can, sure.

Get this rodeoing idea out of my husband's head.

(Jeff) 'Well, that's a pretty large order.'

You put the idea into his head

you can get it out.

(Jeff) 'Can I?'

That 400 bucks he won

that's really touched him off.

He thinks he can do that good every day.

You know he can't. You know he was just lucky.

Well, he's got his mind made up.

We've been doin' good..

...real good.

Don't let him throw it all away.

He'll listen to you.

Look, this rodeoing's his idea, not mine.

Then don't go with him.

If you don't go, he won't go.

The guy's only tryin' to get somethin' he wants.

I want it, too, but not that way.

Not rodeoing.

How else is a cowhand gonna get it?

The only way a cowhand can make

any real dough is rodeoing.

Wes is good. He'll make a potful of money.

Of which you'll take half.

(Jeff) 'Which will still leave him more than'

'he'll make here if he works'

'the rest of his life.'

I just want to see one guy in this world

get what he wants, that's all.

A pretty good deal for you, wasn't it?

Latchin' on to Wes?

Latchin' on?

They tell me Wes found you in a tamale joint.

That's right.

They tell me anything's better than working

in a tamale joint..

...even marriage.

Look..

..I'm gonna explain something to you.

My folks were fruit pickers.

My pa was a drifter.

I grew up in tents and camps.

I never knew what a pair of silk stockings

was like until I was 19.

We never had a house.

Got so, I was always jealous of people who lived in houses

and...stayed in one place

and had somebody to love.

That's all I could ever think about.

I picked Wes out to marry..

...and I picked him real slow

and real careful.

And I didn't pick him for the wild horses he could ride

or the gold belt buckles he might win.

But if he still wants to go in the morning..

...I'm going with him..

...because there's one thing I'm not gonna let you do..

...and that's turn him into a saddle tramp like yourself!

[instrumental music]

Redheads.

What gives a guy the idea

that redheads are any different?

All they got is bad tempers.

[dog barking]

[rooster crowing]

[dog barking]

- Wes? - Yeah.

Like I said...as soon as we get

the ranch money together, I quit.

- Is it a deal? - It's a deal.

[rooster crowing]

[engine revving]

[door slams]

[rooster crowing]

[door shuts]

[door shuts]

Well, what are we waiting for?

[engine revving]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

(Wes) 'Alright, Chico.'

[instrumental music]

Barns are over that way.

[horse neighing]

[indistinct chatter]

(male #1) 'That-that's a bet.'

[indistinct chatter]

- I'll take five again. - Alright, buddy.

- Ah! - Ten more.

- That's good, Ed. - Alright, here.

[indistinct chatter]

[horse neighing]

[indistinct chatter]

- I'll shoot for ten bucks. - Twenty.

- Ten is right, huh? - That's a bet.

- Ten more for me. - Yeah.

Yeah!

- Crap. - Crap.

That cleans me out.

How about loanin' me 50 bucks?

Sorry. Not today, Burgess.

What's the matter, you scared you won't get it back?

Gracie said nobody should loan you no more money.

Gracie said? Who you shootin' crap with, me or my wife?

I got to get some shut-eye.

I'm ropin' this afternoon.

If there's anything I hate, it's a tightwad.

I'm quitting.

[horses neighing]

That's the last thing you're about to do.

I'll cut that money loose!

Hey, hey, hey, take it easy

Hey, you're kickin' up a lot of dust, cowboy.

Today just ain't your lucky day.

You try the dice tomorrow.

It ain't the dice.

Thanks. He's been hittin' the bottle pretty hard.

Well, a man shouldn't shoot crap if he can't stand to lose.

But it ain't that. He got gored with a Brahma up in Cheyenne.

How bad?

A horn caught him in the cheek.

Well, I wasn't gonna use it unless I had to.

Think I'll lay down a while before the show.

- So you're McCloud, ain't you? - That's right.

- Glad to see you. - Thanks.

Well, come on, Wes. We better grain Chico.

- You hungry? - No.

That's a terrible scar he had.

Yeah. Brahmas are pretty spooky.

A bronco will shake you loose and then walk off and leave you

but not a bull.

A bull will keep right after you.

They're mean, keep on gettin' meaner.

But it's the bulls that fight, that's what people

pay the money to see.

Give me a cup of coffee and a half pound

of raw hamburger meat!

The coffee don't float a hammer, into a drain.

Jeff!

Rusty!

Aah! Ooh!

Either you're getting heavier or I'm getting weaker.

Now, one on the other side, like it says in the good book.

Man, I figured they ground you up for dog food long time ago.

No, the dogs just took one bite

turned up their toes and quit.

Hiya, Book.

I know you couldn't stay away.

He says to me up in Cheyenne, he says

"That's all, brother." He says, "I'm washed up."

You know when this old crow bait's gonna be washed up?

When he's holding flowers on that fancy shirt

and the rodeo band's playing soft and sweet.

- My name's Booker Davis. - Hi.

This here, filly here is my daughter, Rusty.

- Hi. - Hello, Rusty.

I'm Wes Merritt, I'm Jeff's partner.

Partner? Man, sew up your pockets.

- You're new, ain't ya? - Yeah.

- Got two bits? - Sure.

Gimme.

Okay, let him have a look.

[laughs]

You ever see anything like that before?

Sure is the worst-looking leg I've ever seen.

(Book) 'Twenty years rodeo done that.'

Leg busted nine times, kneecap, five

and the ankle, four.

Booker's got just about the most busted leg in the world.

Nobody'll ever beat it, lest they jump off

of one of 'em New York skyscrapers.

Last time Booker broke it

doctors wanted to cut it off!

It was up in Denver.

He got right off the operating table

got some crutches and headed

for New Mexico in our pickup truck.

That night a big blizzard come up

and I had to pull into one of them there motels.

Had no sooner got in bed that my leg started hurtin'.

Got hurtin' pretty bad.

Finally, I got up and pushed my bed over to the window

and opened it and stuck my leg out.

Pretty soon the leg froze up, and the pain went away.

Next morning, I got up and thawed it out

in front of a stove, drove on to Santa Fe.

I won four firsts that day.

[all laughing]

Uh, get the griddle hot. Put some coffee on.

We got to feed these fellers.

Old Book used to be one of the best bronc riders

in the business.

- What happened? - Punchy.

Bronc shook his brains loose.

'He's head wrangler for Dawson now.'

Who's pulled in?

I don't know, but they've been through a lot of mud.

Sure have.

[instrumental music]

- Nice-looking filly. - Yeah.

Well quartered up. Looks fast.

(male #2) 'Depends on the track.'

(male #3) 'It depends on the jockey, too.'

Get lost.

- Howdy. - Mornin', ma'am.

[instrumental music]

Excuse me.

Is there a ladies' room around?

Honey, there ain't no ladies' room around here.

In fact, there ain't no ladies.

If you wanna wash up, right there.

All the comforts.

Thanks.

How much did you lose?

Ain't none of your business.

Last time out, you won $45 day money

'and lost 52 the same night playing poker.'

And now look at you. Drunk, dirty.

- Scared. - Scared?

- Scared of what? - Nothing.

Don't you ever tell me I'm scared.

Alright, Burgess.

Come on back to the trailer and get me some coffee.

[instrumental music]

Your husband go to rodeo?

Yeah.

Bull ridin'?

I don't know.

Well, don't let him.

Don't let him ever start.

If he rides one, he'll keep on riding.

A day will come when a bull

will stomp him and gore him.

'Then he'll have to show everybody he ain't scared.'

But he is.

He'll start drinking to hide it..

...a pint of whiskey, two pints

play cards, craps, anything..

...to hide how frightened he is.

'And every time you hear that loudspeaker announcing'

they're coming out..

...you know he's gonna be there..

...drunk, scared.

'Your heart will stop inside you.'

- So don't let him. - 'Morning, Grace.'

Morning.

You just get in?

Yeah. Drove all night.

Husband's bedding down his horse, I guess.

This spigot's closest I've been to water for 24 hours.

Why don't you go to my trailer and have a hot cup of coffee?

I'm Rosemary Maddox.

- I do trick riding. - Louise Merritt.

Coffee sounds like a good idea.

Merritt..

...don't think I know any rider named Merritt.

- This is our first time up. - Oh!

Know any rodeo people?

Just one, Jeff McCloud.

McCloud?

You don't look like somebody who'd know Jeff McCloud.

Thanks for the compliment.

He's my husband's partner. We're travelling together.

Really?

Hey, is this yours?

That's what the man said when he signed the receipt.

Do you like it?

- Looks like a hotel. - It is a hotel.

Where'd you pick up Jeff?

Texas. Only you might say he picked us up.

- Married long? - Two years.

Recommend it?

It's what I always wanted.

Don't you get bored stiff keeping house?

No. I like keeping house.

Not me.

Cooking's alright, if you got a cook.

Me, I like fried shrimp somebody else fried.

The shower's working. Real hot water.

Why don't you have one while the coffee perks?

Thanks a lot. I sure could use one.

There's a robe hanging up there somewhere.

Do you like Jeff?

No more than any other sidewinder.

(Ginny) 'Anybody up?'

I...didn't know you had company.

Louise Merritt, Ginny Logan.

- Hi. - 'Hi.'

You drove in with Jeff McCloud, didn't you?

He's darlin'. Isn't he, Rosemary?

Uh-huh.

Red just thinks the sun rises

and sets on Jeff McCloud.

Oh, Red's my husband.

He's crazy.

He's the craziest man I know!

- Who? - My husband.

Ain't he the craziest man you ever met, Rosemary?

Uh-huh.

I wanted something, but what?

- Sugar. - Sugar?

Oh, ain't it crazy the way I forget things?

Are you going to sit with us in the grandstand?

'Us wives all sit together.'

I suppose so.

Why, when Red's on a bull or bronc

I just get so excited, I scream!

'I just scream.'

Oh, thanks, Rosemary.

Uh, I'm three trailers down toward the stables.

Uh, just follow the horses.

Well, see y'all later.

(Rosemary) 'Jeff ever make a pass at you?'

No.

Don't get mad, honey. I only asked.

You're pretty.

That's enough to make him try.

For three years, all Jeff McCloud

had to do was whistle..

...and I'd come running.

What happened?

He stopped whistling, and I stopped running.

Well, make yourself at home.

I'll be back.

(Louise) 'Thanks a lot.'

[knock on the door]

[whistling]

Man!

If you're looking for Rosemary, she's gone out.

I wasn't looking for Rosemary.

I was looking for Al Dawson.

He's the stock contractor on this show.

Booker tells me he takes his morning coffee here.

Must be an expensive brand.

Maybe it works in reverse.

How do you want it, hot or cold?

As long as it's clean.

- Hot this way, cold that way. - Thanks.

Anytime your plumbin' don't work, just call McCloud.

- Is Wes alright? - Yeah, he's alright.

He's over at Booker's, resting.

Got a big day coming up.

Hey, you're real little with your shoes off.

You're real little with your shoes on.

Rosemary's tall. She's more your type.

Rosemary's nice, but little's nice, too.

Outside.

Hasta luego.

That's Spanish for..

"If the shower don't work, call McCloud."

You need any help?

This ain't the first time I've been away from home.

I haven't been run over yet.

Well, if you need me, I'm here.

I'll whistle.

[chuckles]

[instrumental music]

[water splashing]

[door opens]

Good morning!

Well, good morning.

- Howdy, Al. - Hi, Jeff.

What you doing here?

Oh, just having a little coffee.

Thought you quit rodeoing.

No. I changed my mind. Coffee, Al?

No. I had mine.

[water splashing]

[sighs] I understand, uh, Rosemary's trick riding with you.

That's right.

I plan to follow your circuit myself this season, Al.

I'm, uh, hazing for Wes Merritt.

Oh, yeah. He rode for me down in San Angelo.

- 'Need a horse.' - I'll sell you one.

Who's in the shower?

Lady.

(Louise) 'McCloud?'

- Yeah? - 'Throw me a towel, will you?'

I'll get it.

Over there.

[dramatic music]

(Louise) 'What on.. Hey! Hey!'

That ain't Rosemary!

No, that ain't Rosemary.

[instrumental music]

[bulls grunting]

Not a good horse in the bunch.

They wouldn't do to cut a steer.

No, that's what I mean.

A bunch of hammerheads and stiff legs.

But they sure pay off in front of a crowd.

How about these Brahmas?

[grunting]

Monsters. They sure look mean.

[grunting]

(male #4) 'Hey-ho-hoy.'

How about somethin' to eat?

I ain't hungry.

No, neither was I on my first big time rodeo.

I ain't scared.

I don't know what it is.

You've seen people, you've seen horses

you've seen a calf.

Maybe it's just that you're...scared

of making a fool of yourself in front of the crowd

even though you know you'll never see any of them again.

Hey!

What you signing up for?

Saddle broncs, bareback, Calf Roping and bulldogging.

The toughest broncs is always them you rode some other place.

[laughing] Yeah.

Cowboys ain't tough like they used to be.

Remember two years ago out in Phoenix..

...a steer kicked me in the eye, it did.

I covered up my face with my hands

and old John Anderson come up to me.

He says, "You are hurt, Book?"

I says, "Well, I believe I am, John."

So he took my hands off of my face.

Old John fainted plumb away.

Another cowboy come running up to me

and I said, uh, I said

"I can't see much. I figure something's dangling.

I believe it's my eye!"

He said, "Well, it sure is."

So man got me a doctor.

Took 17 stitches around my eye and you know what

the next day, I won first prize

in the saddle bronc riding.

Now, ain't that a windy?

Hoot Martin told me that same story.

[chuckles] I believe that's where I heard it.

Uh...uh..

Could I talk to you in private, Jeff?

Yeah.

Jeff, couldn't borrow a couple of bucks from you, could I?

I know I ain't paid back that dough I got in Cheyenne but..

Don't you worry about it, as long as you're keeping books.

Oh, I'm keeping books, Jeff

I keep 'em right up to the penny.

I'll settle with you one of these days.

- Much obliged to you. - Okay.

Chico's faster than these horses.

Judging a horse is like judging a woman.

You can't ever tell by the head or their mane.

I knowed a girl who once had one of the prettiest faces

you've ever seen but she was so bowlegged

that a hog could run between her legs

never even graze neither one of 'em.

[all laughing]

[indistinct chatter]

- Hey Jeff. - Hey.

If it ain't my wanderin' cowboy. How you been?

Oh, I can't complain.

I want you to meet Wes Merritt, my partner.

- Hi. - Hi, Wes.

Jim-Bob Tyler.

If you don't pay your association dues

he headlocks you. The director.

I hear you cooled off High Voltage over in San Angelo.

He'll cool off a lot of them before he's through.

- Ain't you doin' any ridin'? - Me?

No, I'm just along to see that Wes

don't get on the horse backwards.

I might do a little hazing later on.

Saddle bronc, bareback, bulldogging, and Calf Roping?

Sounds like a full day's work.

- No bull riding? - Bull riding?

I got to get this boy home in one piece.

I can ride anything anybody else can.

Just like all rookies. Too big for his britches.

[instrumental music]

(man on PA system) 'Once again, it's La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros time'

'in Tucson, Arizona, and our flag bearers'

'are leading this very colorful grand entry parade.'

[instrumental music]

Starting the action this afternoon

is one of the oldest of our contest events..

...the Saddle Bronc Riding.

Let's go over to chute number five

'where Mickey Claiborne from Peekskill, New York'

'is getting ready to come out on Double Cross.'

[instrumental music]

- 'Is that Bob in a sling?' - 'Sure looks like it.'

(female #1) 'Oh, he's promised not to ride if his arm start hurtin'.

(male #5) 'That's the second time Sky High's refused.'

(female #2) 'I can't understand why Dawson keeps him in the string.'

(man on PA system) 'Having trouble in the chute with Sky High'

'so we'll move along to our next contestant'

'Wes Merritt of Big Springs, Texas'

riding Devil Dancer out of chute number three.

[instrumental music]

(man on PA system) 'Now you folks can see how a man can stand up'

'and sit down at the same time'

'while riding a bronc.'

[grunting]

[crowd cheering]

'An event requiring skill and teamwork'

'between horse and rider is next on our program.'

- 'Calf Roping.' - See ya later, honey.

'Calf Roping is an everyday part'

'of a cowboy's life in the ranch.'

'When a cowboy sees a sick calf on the range'

'or a calf that's not branded'

'he relies on two things to catch the little fella'

'his rope and his horse.'

'Our first roper this afternoon'

'will be Buster Burgess of Butte, Montana.'

[instrumental music]

[crowd screaming]

(man on PA system) 'Buster tied his calf in the excellent time'

'of 14 seconds flat.'

That's second-best so far.

He oughta wind up with the day money, Grace.

(man on PA system) 'The next man to rope is Wes Merritt'

'of Big Springs, Texas.'

[instrumental music]

'He's going to try again.'

'The rules say that Wes is allowed two loops.'

[crowd cheering]

[crowd cheering]

[music continues]

'Time for Wes Merritt is 21 and 4/10th seconds.'

Cheer up, Louise, happens to the best of 'em.

Our next event is Bulldogging.

A favorite among rodeo fans

because of its spectacular and dangerous action.

[instrumental music]

(man on PA system) 'Burgess' time, 11-2.'

[bull snorting]

Thirty feet's a pretty long score, ain't it?

Yeah. The steer's got a big head start.

When Chico overtakes him, you know what it feels like

going 30 miles an hour.

Hey, Jeff, I thought you might like to know

this here steer set up on me last go around.

Thanks, Slim. You better get down early.

You might override and miss him.

(man on PA system) 'Our next bulldogger is Wes Merritt'

'of Big Springs, Texas.'

Let's get the job done.

(man on PA system) 'Hazing for Wes Merritt is a familiar name'

'and face to rodeo fans, Jeff McCloud.'

Let's make it good.

[instrumental music]

[crowd screaming]

Reckon he's in Mexico by now.

(man on PA system) 'Now you can see how dangerous this contest really is.'

'It's quite a jolt to the dogger'

'when he grabs a handful of arena dirt'

'instead of a steer's horns.'

'Action moves once again to the bucking chutes.'

'Our first event, Wild Brahma Bull Riding.'

'In the interest of public safety'

'we ask all spectators seated in the front rows'

'and folks standing along the fence'

'not to wave anything at these bulls'

'to attract their attention.'

'Chuck, it might interest the audience to know'

'that Brahma Bulls have been known to jump'

'an eight foot fence from a standing start.'

'Believe me, folks, these four-legged packages'

'of dynamite are not exactly household pets.'

[bull grunting]

Hey, hey!

You're smart not to sign up for these Brahmas.

Ididsign up.

Did? Did you ever ride a Brahma?

A lot of horses. No bulls.

- 'Who'd you draw?' - Yo-Yo.

Hey, boys. This fella drawed Yo-Yo.

He's never rode a bull before.

[all laughing]

Bad bull, huh?

Only been rode once in his life.

Hey, Red, tell him what Yo-Yo

done to Stubby Johnson out at Santa Fe.

He threw Stubby halfway across the state of New Mexico.

Then he run him down and darn near gored

and stomped him to death. He's kind of mean.

(man on PA system) 'Arnold Barry on Spitfire.'

[instrumental music]

[grunting]

Look...when you get throwed

let the clowns take care of him.

Just lay still.

That bull's liable to eat you up alive.

Maybe I won't get throwed.

That's one thing you don't have to worry about.

You'll get throwed, alright.

Next rider in this action-packed event

is Chuck Peterson from Calgary, Canada

'riding a bull called Night Life.'

[instrumental music]

[grunting]

[crowd screaming]

(man on PA system) 'Let's give our two rodeo clowns'

'a big hand, folks, for their daring and skill.'

[grunting]

'We'll see Buster Burgess of Butte, Montana'

about to come out of chute number five

on a bull named Time Bomb.

Burgess can go anytime now!

[instrumental music]

[crowd screaming]

[whistle blowing]

[grunting]

[crowd screaming]

[screaming]

(man on PA system) 'First aid to the arena immediately.'

Don't touch him, boys.

Wait till the doc gets here.

(man on PA system) 'Cliff Roberts of Alexandria, Louisiana'

'will ride Spring Fever.'

[instrumental music]

[grunting]

That was a rough one

'Bull wettin' his horn like that.'

Good thing you're not riding any bull.

I am.

You what?

I went back and signed up.

- Why? -I ain't wearin' diapers.

You take things the wrong way, Wes.

I'm in this business to make money.

The more events I enter, the more money I make.

If I'm gonna let a little accident scare me

I might as well find out right now.

Yeah, but you're substituting guts for good judgment.

Am I?

Next rider trying his skill in Brahma Bull Riding

'is Wes Merritt of Big Springs, Texas.'

'He is riding a bull called Yo-Yo.'

'Folks, Yo-Yo is a very famous bull.'

'He has never been rode to the limit.'

Yo-Yo? you draw Yo-Yo?

You know about him?

Yeah, I know, sometimes he spins, sometimes he doesn't.

If he unloads you, don't you do like Burgess did.

You just freeze. Let the clowns handle the bull.

Good luck.

Remember what I told you.

You take a dive. Ain't no disgrace to that.

Are you kiddin'?

Never was a bull that couldn't be rode.

There never was a cowboy that couldn't be throwed.

You eat a little dirt if you have to.

[grunting]

(man on PA system) 'And here's a flash, folks.'

'Wes Merritt is riding the very first bull of his career.'

I'm not gonna let him.

- He's not gonna ride that bull. - Sorry, lady.

Lemme have him!

Move!

Put it to him, Wes!

[grunting]

[whistle blowing]

Come on, let's go.

(man on PA system) 'You've just seen history made'

'ladies and gentlemen.'

'Wes Merritt rode Yo-Yo to the finish.'

[sighs]

You were right, Jeff. I should have listened to you and Booker.

[chuckles]

- How'd I get out here? - You rode him, man.

You rode him.

- I did? - Sure.

That's the way to make money while you're asleep.

[chuckles]

You just rode Yo-Yo to a standstill is all.

First day on the circuit, and you're a big man already.

- Who, me? - Sure, you.

[chuckles]

- Nice goin', Wes. - Oh, Wes!

I rode him, honey. I rode him!

What's the matter? You're shaking like a leaf.

Oh, Wes, I never wanna go through anything

like that again as long as I live.

(man on PA system) 'Next man out will be Johnny Neurhall'

'who comes all the way from Honolulu, Hawaii.'

[indistinct chattering]

[chuckles]

A new world's record, ten seconds flat.

You busted me. That's against the rules.

[instrumental music]

[indistinct chattering]

- Come on, cowboy. - Take it easy, okay.

Show us how you rode Yo-Yo.

- Right, I'm pretty beat-- - Don't be like that, Wes.

Come on!

In such cases, the thing to do is this.

[indistinct chattering]

Now you just, uh, get a can of beer

and cool that loud mouth off.

One little ride, Wes.

Beat it, sister. He's got a horse.

Come here. Let's have a drink.

Right here.

- Wes Merritt. - Sure, Wes, nice goin' today.

Wes Merritt.

Eight hundred seventy nine dollars and fourteen cents.

- You want a check or cash? - 'Cash!'

'Hi, everybody.'

'Hey, Wes, I hope you saved a little somethin' for me.'

I've got gasoline money coming, you know.

- Hello, Carl. - Hi.

Oh, man! Where's this rodeoing been all my life?

Don't get cocky, now there.

There'll be a lot of days when you come up empty

I've got $439.57 coming.

I don't know much about reading and writing

but I've got kind of an aptness for figures.

Give it to him. He gets half, remember?

I won't let him forget. $439.57.

I owe you the change.

Uh, I'll owe you.

Come on, champ. Winner has to buy the drinks.

- Sure, sure! - Hi.

We'll bring him back in great shape.

Hey...you a pretty good drinker?

How's that?

Well, I never saw you drink. I'm just askin'.

He hold his liquor good? He's got to work in the morning.

Look, McCloud, there are still a few things

he can do by himself.

Honey, if you want a drink, take it.

Well, if he can't, just ring the bell.

Hey, cut it out, will you, people will think

you two don't like each other.

- Hi, Jeff. - Hey, Book.

Tell 'em about the wild horse stampede you been in, Book.

Oh, I couldn't count 'em. Part wild horse myself.

Never been curried below the knees.

You never been curried above the neck, either.

[laughing]

You said it.

But I come by my wildness natural.

One time, my ma was lopin' across the great plains

on a paint horse.

The Kiowas was after her.

She's about like Irene here about ready to foal.

All of a sudden, she got a pain in her stomach.

She got down off the horse, and right there I was born.

While I was being born, the old paint horse had a colt.

The Kiowas was closin' in.

We had to get out of there.

She jumped on the horse, I jumped on the colt.

But just barely made it. Been ridin' horses ever since.

(male #6) 'You been riding a lot of bulls, too.'

[indistinct chattering]

[indistinct chattering]

How about a little drop for me, sugar?

- Sure. - Now..

You just pour it till it runs over.

[chuckles]

I'm gonna put my brand on you, sugar.

That's my brand, sugar.

You catch on fast.

Hi. Al, I'd like you to meet Louise Merritt.

Oh. We, uh, sort of met before.

Somebody got a lid?

Looks like this place is gonna boil over any minute.

Hey, Grace. Burgess alright?

Yeah. He's alright.

He's sure alright.

You poor dumb fools.

(Grace) 'Kidding yourselves.'

'Calling this a sport?'

'A bunch of crazy men paying for the privilege'

'of getting yourselves killed!'

My husband did it

with $25 of borrowed money.

Relax, baby. We'll take care of the hitchin' up.

-Oh,my-my aching head. - Ooh!

We'll take care of that, too. Come on.

[door closes]

Alright. Right here.

This way.

[instrumental music]

He don't drink too good.

He's gonna have a big balloon head on him in the morning.

Maybe he won't be able to rodeo.

I don't care if he never rodeos again.

Still want that ranch, don't you?

Or maybe you never did.

I had what I wanted.

That little two by four cabin?

- Happiness. - Well, for you, maybe.

Yeah, but how about him? Maybe he wasn't happy.

He was until you came along.

If he'd stuck to the jackhammer..

Lady, the world's full of prizes.

Every fellow likes to take a shot at 'em.

But if he misses, fine.

But at least he tried.

You tried.

What did you win?

I made a thousand bartenders rich in my time.

I've thrown away the down payment

for a dozen spreads of mine over a crap table.

I had 18 great years

all by myself.

Wes has got somebody travelin' with him.

If I'd had somebody like you

it might have been a different story.

What would it have changed?

Maybe nothing.

Maybe everything.

You don't believe me a little bit, do you?

I never met a man who didn't do a little lying.

Now, you can believe what you want to about me..

...but you're keeping the books.

They ain't lying.

Wes is doin' real good.

Getting his brains kicked out

that's how good he's doing.

He's trying to do it all in one season.

The big ones are coming up now.

Livermore, Salinas

Cheyenne, Pendleton.

We ought to get together on this.

We could be friends.

I haven't got so many friends.

I could do with one more.

Lemme give you one short piece of advice.

When you sit down to a big dinner

just loosen your belt.

More fun that way.

Thanks for the hitch up.

Okay, Jeff. See you in Livermore.

Come on.

[clicking tongue]

Get in.

He minds you well.

Yeah, a horse is a lot like a woman.

They mind you a little bit for love

but a lot more from fear.

It's easier to get a horse afraid of you than a woman.

Where's Wes?

No tellin'.

[intense music]

[knock on door]

(Jeff) 'Hey, anybody in there?'

Come on in.

Wes, are you alright?

Grace gave me a cup of coffee.

Sure needed it.

I'm sorry about the way

I acted at the hotel.

All these years, waiting for something to happen to Buster..

...telling myself I wouldn't blow my top..

...training myself not to.

Then it does happen, and..

Well, it was like I never told myself nothing

or never practiced at all.

Couldn't help it.

And this is all I got to show for 15 years of married life.

It's not much.

Get out of this while the getting's good.

Rodeoin' will make an old woman of you before your time.

Well, let me get my things together

and you can have the trailer.

I bought this rig.

You what?

We have to have a place to sleep, honey.

Besides, Grace needed the money.

[instrumental music]

[gunshot]

[music continues]

[music continues]

You send the entry fees to Pendleton?

Yes, I did.

Why ain't you dressed yet? It's almost show time.

I'm tired, Wes. I'll stay here.

- What's the matter, honey? - Nothing's the matter.

It's just that after Cheyenne--

Aw, Cheyenne. That bull was spooky, that's all.

I can't sit in the grandstand and watch it anymore.

I'll be here when you come back.

Look at Ginny, look at how excited she gets

when Red's coming out of the chute.

- She don't worry him. - Ginny ain't the worryin' type.

Now, honey, nothing's gonna happen to me.

I'm dumb, and I'm lucky. I'll tell you what let's do.

You come out to the show tonight

and afterwards we'll go out and celebrate.

You've been spending an awful lot of money, Wes.

We've got the money to spend, ain't we?

For the first time in our lives?

All week long, you've been yappin' about money.

Well, then, don't make me sound like a nag.

Well, then, stop worrying. You get me all riled up.

Thinking about the show, you worryin' about me.

I'm all in one piece, ain't I?

That's how I want you to stay.

You better go. You'll be late.

If you still want to go out afterwards, alright, we'll go.

Well, that's more like it.

(male announcer) 'Starting off with Red Clawson'

from Kearney, Nebraska on a horse called Politician.

[instrumental music]

'Hey, they've got this one named right.'

'He don't seem to be able to figure where he's going.'

[instrumental music]

[neighs]

'And now, out of Chute Number 2'

'Wes Merritt, from Big Springs, Texas'

'on a horse called Acey-Deucy.'

'This young man has already won more prize money'

'in the first year of competition'

'than any other newcomer to rodeo...that I can remember'

[cheering]

Outside.

[grunting]

[instrumental music]

(male announcer #1) 'Wes is in trouble.'

'Watch it.'

'Somebody give that cowboy a hand.'

'That was a rough one.'

'He's okay, but, he's a lucky cowboy'

'to be walking away from a spill like that.'

'And now, ladies and gentlemen, we go to Chute Number 7'

'for Walt Matthews coming out on'

'Bright Eye.'

[crowd cheering]

[whistling]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[sighs] That's a pretty sky.

Leg giving you a little trouble, Book?

I don't know if my boot's too little, or my leg's too big.

Seen Wes?

No.

How long you think he'll last?

Oh, he'll be around long enough to buy a few cow.

Cows. Wind pudding and air sauce.

He ain't never gonna buy no cows.

(Jeff) 'He won't?'

Pair a low cut town shoes

a fancy car and a case of bourbon

that's all he'll ever buy.

[sighs] Alright, Booker, quit grandstanding.

What do you got to say?

The boys been sayin' you've changed.

Yeah, my whiskers got longer.

I got a feeling you're waitin' around for something to happen.

You're reading the tea leaves.

What's gonna happen?

I don't know, but I'll tell you.

There's only two things ever kept you in one place for long.

A crap game or a woman.

I ain't seen you with a pair of dice in your hands for weeks.

[instrumental music]

- Wes here? - Not yet.

Probably stopped down at the stable to have a look at Chico.

Something wrong with Chico?

No, he's just got a little colic.

- What's on the bill of fare? - What'll you have?

- What do you got to offer? - To you?

- Pot roast. - I like pot roast.

And potato pancakes?

I like potato pancakes.

You sure brought a new standard of cookin' to the trailer camps.

Be fine with me when I take it out of the trailer camps, too.

Well, we got enough money for the ranch.

Forty-one hundred.

Forty-one hundred? You need five thousand.

You don't know that Jeremiah.

You don't know Jeremiah.

You really wanna get him off the circuit, don't you?

Don't you?

Whatever you want, that's what I want.

[car honking]

Hey, look who's back in Pendleton.

She's gonna have a big party tonight. We're all invited.

What do you want, doll, some more brandin'?

Hey, Babs, hey!

Well, I'll square things with her later.

Come.

I got a surprise for you.

- Whose idea was this? Yours? - What's the matter?

- I thought you'd be pleased. - With what?

I ain't in no hurry to go back diggin' post holes

and scratch a living dirt farming.

What's wrong with this life?

Steak for dinner, money in the bank. What's wrong with it?

Louise, is right, Wes. You got what you set out to get.

Did somebody ask you to stick your nose in this?

Fellow always said I had a big nose.

Well, I thought that's what we were rodeoin' for.

Come on, let's clear out of here and go back

where we can breathe some clean air.

There's nothing wrong with the air here.

All I smell is the money I win out there in the arena.

And you like the way it smells.

- And you don't? - It stinks!

When I found you, you couldn't put

four quarters together to make a dollar.

Who had the ambition, you or me?

- You. - That's right, me.

I'm sick of this yap, yap, yapper.

And one thing more.

I'm gettin' fed up with you freeloadin' on the money I win.

[instrumental music]

Sounds like a declaration of war.

Well, it leaves us that much more of the pot roast to eat.

I suppose, he'll go to that party and get drunk, won't he?

Well, he's not just going there to count the bottles.

Now, lady, why don't you just take it easy

and I'll show you how I can wait the table.

And I'm supposed to sit here waiting for him

to come staggering through that door.

And then I'm supposed to put my arms around him

and make him some black coffee and stick an ice bag on his head

and take off his boots

and wrap him up warm and put him to bed.

Pot roast is real good.

I'm no fun.

That blonde dame with her dress cut down to her kneecaps..

...she's fun.

Yeah. Well, she's something.

Well, I'm through saving his pennies for him.

And I'm through washing his socks and his shirts.

And I'm through worryin' about him and cleaning up after him.

He ain't two years old, and I ain't his mother.

Ever think you might, uh, fall in love with somebody else?

Just asked.

'It happens. Every day in the week.'

Men. I'd like to fry 'em all in deep fat.

What you looking for?

The one decent pair of silk stockings I own

to go with the one decent dress I've got.

Say, you don't happen to own any of that, uh,

black, uh, lingerie, do you?

No.

By the way, where are we going?

I'm going to the party.

I don't know, Wes was kind of mean.

Well, so am I.

Now, why don't you just sit down here

and eat this nice supper and wait it out?

Because I'm tired of being the good little wife

who sits down and waits things out.

Oh, he'll be back.

He might be drunk, but he'll be back.

Last time I saw that blonde, I booted her, didn't I?

'This time she's gonna--'

Sure must be nice to have a wife

that gets that mad about you.

You make a good pot roast.

Wow!

You may not need that black lingerie after all.

* Who'll stir the gravy when I'm gone darlin' baby *

* Who'll stir the gravy when I'm gone *

* When I'm gone to my long lonesome home *

I'm so thirsty, I can drink a glass of water.

Don't you ever pass out?

Oh, liquor don't bother me.

* I'm going to where the climate *

Red's going to teach her how to sing.

Yeah, and I bet she could learn real good, too.

* When I'm gone to my long *

- Hi, Jeff. Jump in. - Hi, Louise.

- Hi, Ginny. - Hello.

Hi. Hello, Alice.

Howdy, Booker.

* When I'm gone darlin' baby *

* Who'll hoe the corn.. *

Glad you showed up.

- Hi, honey. - Hi.

Ain't you gonna kiss the bride?

Been years since I kissed a bride, who's the lucky girl?

- Me. - Rosemary and Al.

They just got hitched about an hour ago.

- Really, Al? - That's right.

Got the papers and everything.

- Congratulations. - Thank you.

How about a real kiss now?

No, we better talk to your husband about that.

Well, go right ahead.

You kiss a man's bride, you know it means goodbye.

Goodbye, honey.

Hi, Louise.

* I'm goin' to where the chilly winds *

* Don't blow darlin' baby I'm goin' to where the.. *

Come on. Have a drink with us.

- Any gin left? - Sure, Wes.

Well, don't save it, man. Pour it.

* I'm going to where them chilly winds.. *

Who's going to be champion bull rider this year?

- Why, you, honey. - That's right.

Who can bronc ride longer, bulldog better

calf rope quicker than any man in this room?

- You, honey. - Thanks.

- Hey, you drinking? - Why, sure.

It's a party, isn't it?

- Oh. - Here, honey.

- Wipe it off. - What?

(Louise) 'You got something on your face.'

- Oh. - Let me, honey.

Now, that is some dress she's wearing, ain't it, Louise?

Yeah, I can't tell whether she's outside trying to get in

or inside trying to get out.

Here, honey, I'll finish the repair work, you hold this.

I'll bet Babs thinks you're pretty cute, don't you, honey?

Well, he is.

Yeah, that's what he is, alright. Cute.

I got a real cute husband.

I'll bet Babs is just crazy about other people's husbands.

What, Babs? Oh, she's been married.

Twice.

Legally?

There we are. That's better.

Now you look almost like the man I married.

Thank you, sugar, but I can't let every little blonde

who comes along, kiss him just because he's cute, can I?

- Why don't you lock him up? - I wish I could.

But he's grown-up, and he's making a lotta money.

But I ought to do something, sugar.

That's your problem, honey.

Of course it is.

Do you think this is a good idea?

[gasps] Oh! Look at me.

Why, honey, you look just like a faucet. Doesn't she, Wes?

What did you come for, to start a fight?

I came up here to stop you from making

a bigger fool out of yourself than you naturally are.

(Wes) 'Thanks for telling me.'

Get going. Go on, get out! This is my party!

I'll call the manager!

[screams]

Well, it's been a lovely party

and I've had a lovely time.

- Jeff? - Yeah?

This lady just kicked us out.

Alright, cowboy. Claim second money. Come on.

I told you once before tonight

stop sticking your nose in my business.

Well, I picked up real slow and real careful, didn't I?

I got married for a home. Well, I sure got a home.

I wanted to get away from workin' in a tamale joint--

All he was doing was kissing a little blonde.

That's all. It don't mean anything.

It won't look so terrible tomorrow morning.

I don't wanna see him tomorrow morning or any morning.

When he sobers up, he'll drop down on all fours and say

"Honey, I'm sorry," and you'll forgive him.

- I won't. - Sure, you will.

That's a wife's profession, forgiving her husband.

Please help me.

- How? - Get him away from here.

It's his only chance. It's my only chance.

He puts on his own pants. He buttons his own shirt.

If he knows how to do that, he oughta know

enough to run his own life.

But he doesn't.

Either you beat the money, or the money beats you.

That's all you care about, the money.

When you're finished with Wes

you'll get yourself another cowhand.

You're only thinking of the money.

Just a minute, let me tell you something.

When Wes first asked me to come into this

maybe I told myself that the money was making up my mind

but it wasn't. I was lying a little, to myself.

The only thing that kept me stringin' along was you.

'Hope's a funny thing.'

'You can have it even though there ain't no reason for it.'

Now, you can tell me to shut up and move on

just like anybody that comes to your door and tries

to sell you something you don't want.

'I'm just waiting to hear what the'

'lady of the house has to say.'

I..

Don't...let Wes end up the way you did.

You mean a washed-up, beat-up bronc rider?

I didn't mean that.

All I meant was..

...don't let him wind up crippled.

That's all you really care about is Wes, is it?

Yes.

Sure.

It's funny how the people you never figure

ought to be together always are.

Alright, Mrs. Merritt, I'll go back and tell him.

I made my pitch. The lady just didn't buy.

We'll come back here after we close the joint, huh?

Okay.

I do think I ought to kiss you just once though

for all the times, I won't.

Ain't that pretty.

Out here in the corridor playing post office.

Somebody's going to get real fed up with you

and beat your head in with a rake handle.

Who, your friend?

That could be.

Be the first thing you've ever did on your own

since I knew you.

All you've been doing is draggin'

your foot in my stirrup.

You got anything to say to me say it down at the stables.

Playing me for a sucker. Taking half my dough. Why?

Because you ain't got guts enough to ride yourself.

All that fancy double talk

about you being through with rodeoing.

'You'll never be through with rodeoing'

'as long as you got somebody's shoulders to ride.'

You're yellow, you ain't got guts enough

to ride a dead mule.

You bounce real good.

Bronc riders, I never met a bronc rider yet

that wasn't a wild man.

But I suppose if they weren't wild men

they wouldn't be bronc riders.

You still sure?

Ginny, you keep an eye on Mrs. Merritt.

She's gonna need a place to sleep tonight.

Remember once a party in Butte, Montana.

Big hotel.

Fella's wife kissed another fella and this fella..

(male announcer #1) 'Once again, it's my pleasure, ladies and gentlemen'

'to describe to you an outstanding event'

'in the world of sports. The Annual Pendleton Roundup.'

'And passing before us now, an exciting display of Old Glory.'

'Followed by our good friends the Yumatella Indians.'

'Adding more color to this review'

'the serpentine ride by the cowboy contestants'

'in the center of the arena.'

'The Pendleton Roundup should indeed be proud'

of the magnificent display they're putting on

for us this afternoon.'

[instrumental music]

Gimme a Class 2, Larry.

- Hi, Jeff. - What do you say, Bobby?

You sweetenin' up the kitty?

Get off his back.

You might be riding for second.

Well, I'm just kidding.

What do you think you're doing?

Now, what's it look like I'm doing?

Signing up, huh?

Calf Roping, Steer Tying, Bulldogging

Bareback, and Saddle Bronc.

Everything but Ladies Trick Riding.

I owe you $350 entry fee.

Now, just a minute, Jeff.

Look, you letting this little ruckus

with Wes get under your skin.

I'm surprised at you.

That's my business, gentlemen.

Hey, let's go get a beer and talk this over.

All you gotta do is take that money

and hand me one of those numbers.

Hey, Jeff. You out of your head or something?

You ain't rodeoed all season.

You're in no condition to compete.

The only thing you've got to worry about, Mr. Dawson

is keeping those chutes loaded.

While the boys are getting ready for the show

we'd like to say a word about our two rodeo judges.

'Judging your Pendleton Roundup this year is Bob Pitten from'

'Amarillo, Texas and Ed Summers from Tacoma, Washington.'

'These two men, like all rodeo judges'

'are picked by the cowboy contestants'

'chosen for their ability as rodeo contestants'

'as well as for their integrity.'

[instrumental music]

- Hey, Jeff. - Yeah?

My good luck rope. Wouldn't let nobody use 'em but you.

Thanks, Book.

Won the average four years

in a row at Calgary with them.

Set a record the boys have been shooting at for 20 years, 9-3.

I'll be satisfied with 14 flat.

I hear you've gone and signed up for four events.

Aw, quit yappin', there ain't nobody

in the same class as you, Jeff.

Now, we're going to see some records broke.

But you ain't competed all year.

Honey, I got told two things yesterday.

One of 'em was to keep my big nose

out of other people's business.

That's pretty good advice all around.

[applause]

Our first contestant in Calf Roping will be

Jeff McCloud of Bandera, Texas.

'Jeff's making his first appearance after'

'a year's layoff because of a leg injury.'

'I'm sure rodeo contestants and rodeo fans alike'

'are happy to welcome Jeff back to competition.'

[grunting]

[instrumental music]

'Guess he's a little overanxious'

'but he's gonna try for a second throw.'

- Hi, Rusty. - You're goin' away.

Because of Wes?

No, honey, because of me.

Did you hear about Jeff?

No. Did he leave?

I wish he had. He's gonna rodeo today.

He signed up for four events.

No matter what Booker says, he ain't in shape.

Everybody knows it but Jeff.

They say he's just doing it to show Wes.

No, that isn't it.

'Maybe it's because he needs the day money.'

That isn't it, either.

- Where is he? - Over at the chutes.

(male announcer #1) 'Wes Merritt of Big Springs, Texas.'

[instrumental music]

'The time for Wes Merritt is 21 and 4 tenth seconds.'

'It looks like Jeff McCloud's going'

'all the way, this afternoon.'

'He's next up in Bulldogging.'

[grunts]

'And he's chosen for his hazer, a lifelong friend.'

'An old-time rodeo great of past years, Booker Davis.'

Man would be in trouble if he got a front-hold

on his steers as big as this one.

I reckon I can throw him with a half nelson.

I'll be flyin' when I get there, though

Books, so, I want you to have him in shape to throw him right.

Don't worry, Jeff. If I have to, I'll bump him right in your lap.

[grunts]

[instrumental music]

'Jeff's time, 11 and 6 tenth seconds.'

[applause]

Sure bedded him down in a hurry.

That's good enough for day money in any man's show.

Thanks, Book. You had him in there all the way for me.

(male announcer #2) 'To the chutes now, for the Saddle Bronc riding.'

'Our first contestant, Bob Elliott of Newhall, California.'

[instrumental music]

'Next out, Wes Merritt.'

'Wes is going to try his hand on one of Al Dawson's'

'top broncs, Black Widow.'

Outside.

[grunts]

[instrumental music]

'We're taking you over to Chute 8'

'where Pete Fox from Rapid City, South Dakota'

'is coming out on War Paint.'

[instrumental music]

'Looks like War Paint's really on the warpath today.'

'Tough break, Pete.'

I think Red just stayed out too late last night.

Oh, he did pretty good.

Hear you entered in the Saddle Bronc riding.

Well, you heard right.

Picked a tough horse.

I remember saying the same thing to Wes.

I can handle anything he can.

Look, if you got any brains, use them. Everybody knows Wes.

- Ain't in same class with you. - Everybody but me.

(male announcer #2) 'Now, we go to Chute Number 6'

'where Jeff McCloud' of Bandera, Texas'

'the former Saddle Bronc Champion of the world'

'is gonna come out on a little horse called Lightning Rod.'

Good luck.

Alright, let me out.

[instrumental music]

(male announcer #1) 'Look at that cowboy stick!'

'A great ride.'

He's the best.

He's much of a man.

(male announcer #1) 'Our pickup men seem to be having trouble getting to Jeff.'

(male announcer #2) 'Jeff McCloud's in trouble.'

[screaming]

'And he's got his foot caught in the stirrup.'

[horse grunting]

- Get him on that stretcher. - Yeah.

Hey, how are you? Jeff, we're here now.

(male announcer #1) 'Over at Chute 2, Craig Bentley of Salinas, California'

'is comin' out on The Drifter.'

[instrumental music]

In here, boys.

(male announcer #2) 'Out of Chute Number 2'

'Wes Merritt, Big Springs, Texas.'

(male #1) 'Come on, Wes. You're next out.'

What were you trying to prove?

Prove?

I used to make my own money.

I used buy my own whiskey, take my own falls.

Fella just likes to know if he can still do it.

Isn't one man enough for you to worry about?

H-he ain't bad hurt. He's just trying to show how tough he is.

Broken rib. That's nothin'.

- I remember-- - 'I told you to lay still.'

Oh, he's tough.

(male #1) 'That rib's sticking through his lung.'

You're nothing but a no-good

washed-out, beat-up bronc rider.

All you know is how to bust a gut

and that's all you'll ever know.

The more bones you break, the bigger man you think you are.

(male announcer #1) 'And now, George Steve, from Carson City, Nevada'

That's right.

Broken bones, broken bottles, broken everything.

There never was a bronc that couldn't be rode.

There never was a cowboy that couldn't be throwed.

Guys like me last forever.

[sobs]

How's Jeff?

He's dead.

(male announcer #1) 'Wes Merritt of Big Springs, Texas, coming out of'

'Chute Number 3, on a horse called Meditation.'

Pass, Wes Merritt.

(male announcer #1) 'Pass, Wes Merritt.'

[instrumental music]

(Booker) 'Hey, Wes.'

You couldn't use a couple extra hands, could you?

Sure, Booker. Come on.

Rusty, me and you's going back to Texas.

(male announcer #2) 'Now, our next rider'

'Rocky Davis from Austin, Nevada'

'coming out on Quicksand.'

'This is Rocky Davis' first time up on the circuit'

'so, let's give him a warm welcome with a big hand.'

[applause]

[instrumental music]