Original subtitles

[Music]

From the archives of the United States

Cavalry, the true stories of Colonel

Ranold McKenzie and the cavalrymen he

led. McKenzie's raiders. His secret

orders from the president of the United

States. Clean up the Southwest. Make it

a fit place for Americans to live. Wipe

out the renegades, outlaws, and

murderers. If necessary, cross the Rio

Grand knowing capture means hanging by

the enemy. Discovery court marshal by

the United States Army.

[Music]

The year 1873 and the introduction of a

new army instrument of communication,

the helioraph, flashing messages across

the vastness of the Texas

frontier. It would help to tame a new

land, aid in bringing security and

safety to pioneer settlers and to the

men in Colonel McKenzie's command.

Isolated by sand and space, short on

supplies, badgered by Indians and

renegade marauders, the helioraph could

become a lifeline to the outside world.

October 13th,

1873, a convoy of munitions and a small

detachment of cavalry moved south toward

the Rio Grand. Their lives dependent on

a mirror and a flash of sunlight. The

message spelled danger. Hostile

Comanches waiting in ambush ahead.

[Music]

So the lieutenant turned his convoy away

from the main

trail. Yes. To Colonel Ran McKenzie in

command at Fort Clark, the helioraph

could well become a lifeline.

[Music]

But instead on this occasion it became a

death

line. All right, let's shake it.

All right, let's get started for

[Music]

Bracketville. That's Thompson, sir.

We've been together ever since

Gettsburg. Why were they off the main

trail? I don't know, sir. The orders

were specific. Follow the main trail all

the way to Fort Clark. Somebody must

have wanted those guns all mighty bad.

Well, they wanted to keep them from the

Mexican government. They're going to

have something to say about this, too.

Well, maybe the convoy saw Indians and

had to leave the main trail.

Query the helioraph station. They

probably can't see the canyon from up

there, but query him anyway. I'll get

the field unit, sir.

Corporal. Yes, Colonel. Take a man and

follow those wagon tracks. I'll join you

later. Right, sir. Royce.

All right, you men,

keep on with what you're doing.

[Music]

Oh, heat,

heat.

[Music]

Right here, Sergeant.

You realize this is the second shipment

in a week we've lost? Yes,

sir. I don't see why we got a rot here

between jobs, court. I'm getting kind of

sick of it. You can afford to get sick?

The kind of money will be taken.

I'm cited on the station now, sir.

All right. You know what to ask them.

Yes, sir.

Oh, hold on. Somebody's flashing.

It's McKenzie. Appears he's real curious

what happened to his convoy. You going

to tell him? Oh, figure we ought to keep

it a secret.

T I V E

negative. Now, just as I thought,

Sergeant, they saw those wagons turn

into the canyon. They have no idea

why.

Sergeant, how long have Foster and

Jenkins been up at that station? Oh,

they went up last week, sir. Well, next

week when they come down, put them on

report. Carelessness. They forgot to

acknowledge our word count. Yes, sir.

They'll hear about it. Come on. Let's

take out after the corporal. See if he's

found the remains of those

[Music]

wagons. Heat.

[Applause]

[Music]

Heat. Heat. Heat.

[Music]

picked bone dry. Yep, this one too, sir.

Well, it looks like the end of the line

for today. Rocky country up ahead.

Almost impossible for trailing. Find the

horses. Get these wagons back to the

fort. Yes, sir.

Oh, half a day of scouting and trailing.

We're still up against a stone wall half

the size of the state of Texas.

[Music]

You have had no word of the guns, amigo.

I'm doing everything I can for you,

Ramon. I've got three patrols out

scouring the desert trying to recover

those guns for you.

This friendship between your country and

mine, it is very new.

Yes. The friendship between you and me

is very old. True. We have campaigned

together more than

once. All the same, your president tells

us we will have guns and munitions to

fight

insurretos. And the guns do not come. My

president doesn't break his word. We

must have those guns. and to have them

you will if they haven't already fallen

into the hands of the insurretos

here in your country. I'm not saying

it's happened. I'm saying it can.

Look, north of the Rio Grand, who would

steal those guns except for money? South

of the Rio Grand, who would have the

money to buy them in such large

quantities except the insurretos?

I tell you this, Colonel

McKenzie, we have had incidents along

the border, your people and mine, and we

have settled them peacefully. But if

those guns fall into the wrong hands,

there will be more incidents,

uglier ones. No one's broken faith with

you, Colonel Bernal. You know that as

well as I do. In the past, you've asked

us for supplies. We've given you

supplies. Now, you ask us for guns and

munitions. We'll give you guns and

munitions. Your words have a good sound,

but they do not speak as loudly as guns.

Nine of my men don't speak at all

anymore because of those guns. They died

trying to protect them. Do you think

we've given you empty promises? Why

don't you talk to the wives and families

of those

men? You're right, my friend.

I I was hasty in my anger, but only

because of

disappointment. Only because my soldiers

need those guns and munition so

urgently. I know. I know.

There's a third shipment coming down

from the north tomorrow. I've instructed

my helioraph stations to keep a watch

for them. I'm riding out at dawn to join

the convoy. Will you ride with

me? Does the coyote not howl? Does the

eagle not

fly? Does Rammon Bernal not ride with

his friend McKenzie?

Let's go into dinner. Gracias.

Feels like McKenzie is hanging all his

hopes on the

helioraph. Nice of him to keep sending

us information. Sure is. His last

message says that we got to be extra

careful. Watch out for them nasty

outlaws that's been stealing them guns.

When's the third shipment coming

through? Tomorrow. McKenzie himself's

going to be with him. McKenzie? Why?

Keep an eye on things, I suppose. What's

the matter, Cola? You scared? No, but

well, killing him. What I mean is with

with them others, it didn't matter much.

But we kill McKenzie, the whole army

will be on our necks.

You want out of this one, Colin?

Well, uh, now you listen to me, brave

man. You know, you just got one way out.

You want to try that way? You want to

try that way? No. No. Of course not,

Drago. I was just funing with you.

You know, you've been getting all the

gravy as it is. Me and Court set this

thing up. Me and Court learned that

code. 5 years in the signal car, busting

our backs for McKenzie. And you don't

want to see him dead? Well, I do. That's

the part that's going to pleasure me

most. Oh, cut it out, Drago.

Desertion and time of danger. That's

what how he said it. And we're going to

have us a little old possum hunt. And

that possum is going to be

Drago. Well, they never caught that

possum, mister, cuz that possum just run

and run and run till he got just plain

sick of

running. And now that possum's got

himself a gun and he's going to use it.

What about tomorrow? Same same way as

before. Same way. But we better change

the

place. There's kind of a spot further

south along the main trail. Instead of

steering him into the

canyon, let him come straight on. Me and

the boys will be waiting. Well, won't

they suspect something hit him again so

soon? We'll chance it. I want to hear

them guns

firing at McKenzie.

All right, let's move it. be sign up

soon. We want to get good seats to the

show. Okay.

[Music]

Any sign of the convoy? Not yet. Maybe

it ain't coming. Boy, it'll come. You

think Drago will be ready for him? I

know Drago. He'll be ready. A lot ready

to Mckenzie.

[Music]

I couldn't have picked a better spot if

I

tried. When McKenzie gets here, he won't

know what hit him.

Happy to see you, Lieutenant. Thank you,

sir. Any signs of trouble? Not at all.

We'll keep our eyes peeled. This

shipment's going to get through, sir.

Forward. Pull.

[Music]

Good. Morning and the main trail south

to Fort Clark. dangerous country for a

convoy of arms and munitions vitally

needed by the Mexican government.

Guarding that shipment, Colonel Reynold

McKenzie, aware that he protected more

than guns. For on the convoy's success

depended the growing friendship between

his own country and

Mexico,

Cut that out. I'm trying to

listen. Got to walk. Hello.

[Music]

[Laughter]

[Music]

wagons. Where sound carries in these

pots, I put them oh, say 3, four mile,

maybe less.

Wait will come easier now.

Hey, won't Mackenzie see it? Don't

worry, I'll take care of it.

Yep. Court says they're in sight. Better

get set for

them. Oh,

[Music]

nothing wrong, sir. Splashing up there.

A message to us, sir. Get out the

helioraph equipment. If it is a message,

request a repeat. Yes, sir.

Lieutenant. Yes, sir. Have those wheels

examined while we're waiting. Find the

one that's dry and see that it's

greased. Right away, sir. Is it wise to

delay, amigo?

Wiser to delay now, Ramon, and risk a

breakdown further on.

[Music]

Hey, Court.

Yeah, here you read code. I don't. Ah,

it's ending. They're starting

to trouble court.

Nothing that can't wiggle out of.

[Music]

I guess that explains the flash you saw,

sir. He says he was polishing his

mirror. Mhm. Acknowledge his word, Khan.

Get a report on the trail ahead. Yes.

This helioraph is a very good thing,

amigo. If there is any danger, your man

will warn us. That's the theory.

[Music]

He reports the trail all clear, sir.

That's what he reports. Huh? That dry

axle's greased, sir. Good. Have the rest

of them greased. I should be back by the

time you're ready to roll. If I'm not,

wait for me. Yes, sir.

With the colonel's permission, sir. Back

from where? Twice in two days. He's

broken regulations. Failed to

acknowledge my messages with a word

count. I'd be glad to take a trooper up

there and chew him out, sir. I'd rather

handle this myself alone. I want to look

the situation over without being

observed.

[Music]

Lieutenant. Yes, sir. What did he mean

by word count? To acknowledge the number

of words in the message. Normal

procedure, Colonel. Oh, because a

helioraph operator did not follow

regulations. This is caused to delay the

guns for my troops.

In Colonel Mackenzie's outfit, sir, you

don't make the same mistake

twice. Not unless there's a good reason.

That's funny. No sound of them

[Music]

now. What's the matter, boy? Getting

itchy. Where's Drago is? He's flashing

down

there. I better tell him the wagon is

stopping repairs. Keep him from getting

his quills

[Music]

up. See him go.

Where are my men? Where are the men who

operated this station?

You killed them, didn't you? So you

could ambush my convoys. It was Drago's

idea. Who's Rego? He's down at the bin

waiting for your wagons.

[Music]

Court says McKenzie must have found out.

He's got a whole company coming up from

the fort after us. Let's get out of

here.

[Music]

Heat.

Heat.

Listen. Do you hear that, Lieutenant?

Yeah. Hoof beats. A lot of them and very

rapid.

Come on up and ride. Carbons and

sidearms at the ready. Come on. South

deploy. Corporal. I'll take your horse.

You stay here with the wagons.

All right, you sons of bully goats.

Let's

ride.

Heat. Heat.

[Applause]

Now, Mr. Drago, I want to know where the

rest of those guns

are. Right now, Mr. to Drago.

[Music]

For my country and for myself, I thank

you, Migo. Those guns will save many

lives. Good. By the way, I'm packing

with them a set of heligraph

instruments. They may come in handy. It

is good to have such a friend.

Oh. Uh, could you ride with me as far as

Brackettville? Does not the coyote howl?

Does not the eagle fly? Does not

McKenzie ride with his good friend

[Music]

Bernal. McKenzie's raiders did ride

again and again, carrying out the secret

orders of the President of the United

States. Do whatever necessary to clean

up the Southwest. Make it a decent place

for people to live.

Ride with McKenzie's Raiders as they

relive the blazing pages of history in

the making.

Heat. Heat.

[Music]

From the archives of the United States

Cavalry, the true stories of Colonel

Ranold McKenzie and the cavalrymen he

led. McKenzie's raiders. his secret

orders from the president of the United

States. Clean up the Southwest. Make it

a fit place for Americans to live. Wipe

out the renegades, outlaws, and

murderers. If necessary, cross the Rio

Grand, knowing capture means hanging by

the enemy. Discovery Court Marshall by

the United States Army.

[Music]

May 1873, deep in southwestern Texas, an

area overrun by renegade outlaws and

marauders, without roots since the end

of the Civil War, fighting ruthlessly,

stealing and killing as they

[Music]

pleased. Such a man was Roger Foresight.

He called himself major and led a band

of vicious criminals. Riding Ruffshod,

Foresight's bloody trail pushed farther

and farther to the north.

[Music]

There, I'll take that.

Only Colonel Ran McKenzie, commanding

the fourth US Cavalry, stood in

foresight's way. McKenzie's orders,

clean up the Southwest regardless of

cost to yourself and your men. To help

accomplish the job, McKenzie had in his

command tough, well-trained civilian

scouts, men familiar with the remote

reaches of Southwest Texas. We found the

ending girl Foresight's been seen. She

lives in the cabin right here. On his

last raid, Foresight got some women's

clothing.

So, it's logical to suppose that he'll

be showing up at that cabin before the

day's out. What's the best way to attack

it? From back here on the mountain. Is

the cabin visible from there? No, but it

is from over here. All right, Willis,

you and a trooper take up this position.

As soon as you see Foresight enter that

cabin, signal me back here on the

mountain. Yes, sir. In the meantime,

Burgess, take up a position on this

road. That should block his only other

route of escape, shouldn't it? Yes, sir.

All right, boys. That's

it.

[Music]

Heat. Heat.

[Music]

[Music]

He's there.

All right, let's go.

[Music]

Woman, you better let me catch you if

you want to keep that dress.

All right, come on now. Come here. Come

here.

[Laughter]

No, no.

find the others. Be at the fort tonight.

Well, Colonel, this is an unexpected

pleasure. Pleasure is mine, Major Forsa.

Colonel, the other two got away. Shall

we go after them, sir? Now, let him go

for now, Colonel. This horse has got the

calvaryary brand on it. Indeed.

Well, in that case, let's walk Major

Foresight back to the fort. Wait a

minute, Colonel. I bought that horse.

I'm sure you did. See that? He keeps up

with the column. Yes, sir.

Did Tail had a walk?

[Music]

the morning of May 12th, 1873.

While McKenzie was away from Fort Clark,

General Miles Donovan, Office of the

Agitant General, arrived from Washington

on an inspection tour.

Well, dear, did you have a nice ride?

Well, if you call canering around the

drill area a ride, it seems that uh no

woman is to ride from the post

unescorted by order of Colonel McKenzie.

Perhaps he had a good reason for issuing

that order. Any sign of the colonel? No,

not yet. Father, I'm sure if Colonel

McKenzie knew you were coming here on

inspection tour, he wouldn't have made

any difference.

General Sheridan put McKenzie in command

of this post because he thought he was

the right man for the job. Perhaps he

is. He's an individualist and does

things in his own way. And that's what's

needed to bring some sort of

civilization to this part of the

country. A man who isn't afraid of

anything. Not even of a three-star

general.

Search him. Yes, sir. Take off that

jacket.

Nobody's to talk to this man. Nobody's

to go near him unless it's absolutely

necessary. Understood? Yes, sir. Turn

around. All right.

with General Donovan. At the fort,

McKenzie was faced with a dilemma. Only

two men, General Sheridan and the

president of the United States, knew of

McKenzie's secret orders. Cross the

Mexican border when necessary. At the

risk of court marshal, these orders

could not become known to General

Donovan. These reports, Colonel, April

the 9th, ranch burn, five Americans

killed, no retaliatory action taken.

April the 15th, freight wagon attack,

driver, two others burned alive. And

there are many more here with this same

phrase. No retaliatory action taken. Why

not, Colonel? You seem to have enough

men and supplies. Well, we could always

use more, sir. Well, then what is it?

Are they going over the border? Yes,

sir. They hit and then they duck back

across the river. Oh, the river. The

river. Would you suggest that I cross

the river, sir? And risk a war with

Mexico? Get yourself court marshaled out

of the army? Exactly, sir. Come in.

Oh, I I hope I'm not interrupting

anything important. Not at all, my dear.

Come in. Come

in. General McKenzie. My daughter

Margaret. I am. Color McKenzie.

Well, Miss Donovan's entrance brought a

welcome halt to the dangerous discussion

of the river. Later that afternoon, the

routine of the fort back to normal.

McKenzie inspected his mounted

compliment.

Unknown to McKenzie, Foresight's

henchmen, following his instructions,

rode to a rendevous outside of Fort

Park.

[Music]

We'll wait here until

[Music]

night. Of course. Of course. She

couldn't do laundry like a crow, but it

was good enough for him.

That's a real good one.

Hey, did you see the general's daughter?

Oh, yeah. Real nice girl. I understand

Lieutenant Bowers is so mad at her for

confiscating his quarters. He's spitting

spice. Well, he shouldn't be mad. After

all, if he was General Donovan's

daughter, he'd be asking for the

Colonel's quarters.

[Music]

[Music]

Hey, Taki. You want to make $1,000

[Music]

gold? Come on,

Taki. Give me some water. This is empty.

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

The blunder of underestimating

Foresight's resourcefulness cost one

trooper his life and McKenzie his long

sought prisoner.

[Music]

Yes.

I have a message for you, Miss Don. Oh,

well, just a minute.

Yes.

Don't make a sound.

If you scream, I'll kill you.

Understand? I'll get your

coat. Go ahead. That shaw will do. Move.

[Music]

That's close enough, soldier.

I said hold

it. Do you recognize this lady? Why,

Miss Donovan? What are you? You've got

one second to open that gate, trooper.

Otherwise, I'll put a bullet right

through her head.

[Music]

Please, please do as he says.

[Music]

[Music]

He's coming.

Come in.

You sent for me, sir? Yes. Did you hear

that coyote? Yes, sir. It was too close.

I can't believe there's a coyote that

close to the fort. We're going to have a

look. Yes, sir.

[Music]

It was 4 minutes before another sentry

discovered the unconscious soldier.

Foresight had completed his daring

escape and had taken with him as hostage

General Donovan's daughter bait to draw

McKenzie out of Fort Clark. Miss

Donovan,

she won't be Mr. Revy at 7 hours. You

only generals. No, no. If I were

foresight, I'd head for Mexico as fast

as I could travel. If I have to cross

the river after him, the general can't

know about it. Well, suppose we can't

pick up the trail. We won't come back

until we get that girl. Yes, sir. See

that the horses are ready.

[Music]

Oh, General.

Uh, good evening, sir. What's all the

commotion, Colonel? What happened?

One of the prisoners escaped from the

stockade, sir. Oh, I was concerned about

my daughter. Oh, I I wouldn't disturb

her, sir. She's probably asleep. It's

routine. We'll get him. Farewell,

Colonel. I'm sure you can handle it.

Oh, uh, you won't forget our talk of

this afternoon.

Uh, no, sir. Good hunting, Colonel.

Thank you, sir.

[Music]

here. We'll camp here.

[Music]

I'm going to write a message to Colonel

McKenzie. When it gets to be daylight, I

want you to deliver it. What kind of a

message?

You might say it's a price tag on you.

What? He wants you back. He's going to

have to pay for you. He doesn't, your

father's going to be mighty put

out. Once again, McKenzie had faced the

fateful decision. He had crossed the Rio

Grand. Detection meant hanging with his

government powerless to help him.

Woman, get some blankets for my guest.

She'll be your slave. Let her make her

own bed. Listen, you brought me a horse,

but that don't mean you got a cinching

bridal on me. Now, get the

blankets. The blankets will keep you

comfortable, ma'am, which is how I

prefer, my guess.

The truck's aheaded that way, sir. I

guess he's camped down by that lake.

Execute soldiers coming, so exit. Take

cover fast.

This is what we'll do. You and I will

change clothes. You ride my horse.

Approach the lake down through this

canyon. Let yourself be seen, but don't

get within range. In the meantime, the

rest of us on foot with a 5-minute head

start on you will circle the lake and

approach the camp from behind. Now,

because of those Mexican soldiers, this

all has to be done absolutely silently.

No orders, no guns. Understood. All

right, let's go.

[Music]

If anything happens to my man, you won't

live to find one for

[Music]

yourself. Well, what do you know? We

didn't even need a note. He followed us

right into

Mexico. I think we got the colonel now.

[Music]

Wait a minute. I want the pleasure.

[Music]

Colonel McKenzie.

Stay

[Music]

[Music]

here. I'll wait until he gets real close

so I can't miss.

[Music]

Perfect.

You all right, sir? Yes, I'm all right.

Mexican soldiers coming this way, sir.

Get out of sight.

[Music]

Uh, good morning, General.

Well, Colonel, did you recapture your

prisoner? Uh, yes, sir. Yes, sir. It was

quite routine, sir. Well, I'm glad you

got him before he crossed the river. Oh.

Yes. I'm afraid our hands would have

been tied in that case. Sir, won't you

join my daughter and myself for

breakfast?

I'd consider that an honor, sir.

Yes.

Good morning, father. Good morning, dear

Colonel McKenzie. Good morning, ma'am.

Colonel McKenzie is going to join us for

breakfast. How nice.

You're looking very fresh this morning

and must have rested well. Yes, father.

Quite well.

[Music]

McKenzie's raiders did ride again and

again, carrying out the secret orders of

the president of the United States. Do

whatever necessary to clean up the

Southwest. Make it a decent place for

people to live. Ride with McKenzie's

Raiders as they relive the blazing pages

of history in the making.

[Music]

Heat. Heat.

[Music]

From the archives of the United States

Cavalry. The true stories of Colonel

Randold McKenzie and the cavalrymen he

led. McKenzie's raiders. his secret

orders from the president of the United

States. Clean up the Southwest. Make it

a fit place for Americans to live. Wipe

out the renegades, outlaws, and

murderers. If necessary, cross the Rio

Grand, knowing capture means hanging by

the enemy. Discovery Court Marshall by

the United States

[Music]

Army. The Rio Grand critical boundary

between Mexico and the United States.

The morning of September 7th, 1873.

Emiliano Lopez, personal representative

of the Mexican president, bound for

Washington. His mission of the utmost

[Music]

importance. That takes care of Lopez's

escort.

Cross. Don't kill him.

Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Lopez,

better than you.

I know someone who does concern. Get the

horses. You'll be staying with us for

some

time. Despite every precaution, the

emissary's route had been revealed. And

for Colonel Rand McKenzie, who waited to

escort the emissary to San Antonio, this

treachery was to have far-reaching

consequences.

Having waited long beyond the appointed

time, McKenzie finally crossed into

Mexico. His purpose, find Ameliano

Lopez. His orders, secret. The risk,

court marshal or death.

[Music]

You're dead. Any sign of Lopez? No sign.

I hope it's not who I'm thinking. Ben

Pierce. I hope it is. and Lopez will

still be

alive. They didn't waste any time

crossing back to the

States. Those poor devils. I guess their

own patrols will pick them up.

[Applause]

Now they're under your

jurisdiction. Ben Pierce has been under

my jurisdiction for some time.

[Music]

Look here. What is it, sir? It's a

spangle. The kind of Mexican official

might wear on his saddle.

They're fresh tracks in both directions.

Which way did they

go? Look there. One of those horses was

unshaw. Mexicans don't shoe their

horses. That's Lopez Trail. Let's go.

[Music]

See the spangles on that white horse? I

count seven horses. That means he's got

five men. What do we do?

Pierce has got Lopez. All right. But

I've got Pierce's brother, Jed. He's

going to be hung

tomorrow. Pierce will have to come to me

today. Let's get back to the fort then.

Come

on. We don't want you to die. You

actiony.

Do you think he'll change McKenzie's

mind, Mr. Pierce?

Don't let his look fool you, Lane. He's

a very important man to McKenzie in the

United States.

Very few people in Mexico are our

country knew of your journey. I bought a

very important official. Bought seenor

bought the route you traveled cost me

several hundred. Well worth it. You must

realize you are getting involved in an

international situation. It's the other

way around. You've got yourself involved

in a local mess with me and a tough

colonel. Your dealing with Colonel

McKenzie means nothing to me. My mission

is vital. That's just what I'm betting

on. That your mission puts enough

pressure on McKenzie's shoulders to save

my brother from a rope. You offend law

and order, Senor. Is my behavior so

different than you overthrowed

Maximleian? Maxmillian was a dictator.

My brother and I ran this country until

McKenzie moved in. Aken and I can't

exist together.

How soon will you know? Sometime today.

Do you realize any delay might be

disastrous for Mexico? I'm sorry, Senor.

That's your problem. For the time being,

you're working for me. Take good care of

him while I'm gone. If I'm not back by

sundown, kill him. My apologies, Senor.

[Music]

The orders are explicit, sir. Lopez is

to be transported secretly and safely at

all costs. And he must be in San Antonio

not later than 8:00 on Thursday. That

means he's got to leave here not later

than sunrise

tomorrow. Now, Trooper Allen, good

morning, sir.

Will it be ready on time? Yes, sir.

This your first execution, son? Yes,

sir.

And I don't like it.

None of us do.

Carry on, Alan.

Yes,

sir. Come in.

Pardon me, sir. Ben Pierce is here. He

wishes to speak to the colonel.

Show him.

I'll see him alone.

All right, Mr. Pierce, you can come in.

Good afternoon,

Colonel. Hope you're not thinking of

putting a rope around my neck. Lopez

will be dead if I'm not back before

sundown. I know it's a nice looking

gallows you're building. It's too bad

you won't be able to use

it. I give you credit, Colonel. You gave

it a good try. You even had the settlers

believing in you.

Come to the point, Mr. Pierce. I thought

you knew the point. My brother Judge

riding out with me. Who? And Senor

Lopez. You can trust me. You'll be free.

The only thing I can trust you to do is

to continue your strangle hold on the

settlers. To continue murdering anyone

who steps in your way. Not your fault,

Colonel. There was no trouble until you

came along. They gave me everything I

wanted gladly.

Fact remains, I'm holding your brother.

He's no more in jail than you are. I

raised Jed from a kid like a son. You

think I let him end up this way? You

raised him to be a murderer. This is the

way murderers end. Not Jed, Colonel. You

see, I know how important Lopez is.

All right, Mr.

Pierce. I'll turn over your brother when

you turn over Lopez.

You know I won't do that. That's what

you're asking me to do. You have no

choice. I'm dealing the cards. Then

you'll deal them off the top of the deck

or there will be no game. You haven't

the guts to allow Lopez to be killed?

You'd lose that bird on your shoulder.

Nevertheless, as it stands now, your

brother Jed will be hung in the morning.

As it stands now, if my brother hangs,

so does Lopez.

I told you an exchange of prisoners is

the only thing I'll consider. Good day,

Mr. Pierce.

What kind of exchange?

Here to escort Lopez. Come alone,

unarmed. We'll be with Jed. Just me.

Also unarmed. Where?

Outside Bracketville. Sunset. No, it's

too close to this place. Sunset's fine.

Let's meet at Twin Forks. It's closer

for me.

All

right. Just one

thing. How can I be sure it's Lopez that

you'll turn over to me? A man has to

have some faith, Colonel.

Lieutenant. Yes, sir.

Close the door.

There'll be an exchange of prisoners at

Sunset just outside Twin Forks. It's a

4-hour ride, sir. That's right. I've got

to get there before he does to protect

myself. My orders are

explicit. Senior Lopez has got to be

given safe conduct to San Antonio. I've

got no choice.

You're also obliged to capture and

execute Jed Pierce and his brother, sir.

I'm aware of that, Lieutenant. But how

do you know you can trust Jed Pierce?

Uh, given my word. But he's constantly

broken his in the

past.

Yes.

Yes. Benedict.

Yes, sir. Here to ride armed escort. Get

Jed Pierce ready to ride immediately.

Then meet me 2 miles this side of Twin

Forks at sunset. Yes, sir.

Lieutenant.

Lieutenant, who's the best marksman on

the post? Corporal Dixon has the best

record, sir. Is he familiar with the

telescopic site? Yes, sir. I'd like to

see Corpal Dixon immediately. The men

are on the rifle range, sir.

Immediately, Lieutenant. Yes, sir.

[Music]

McKenzie now faced his first great

dilemma at Fort Clark. His orders were

to bring peace to the area and at the

same time deliver the Mexican emissary

to Austin the following night. In order

to fulfill these conflicting orders,

McKenzie realized that time was his key

factor. Time to beat Ben Pierce to the

exchange spot. In order to do it, he had

to perform the impossible.

Corporal Dixon's waiting outside, sir.

This is his latest handiwork. Let me

see. Yeah. He'll have to be at least

this accurate. Benedict left with Jed

Pierce 5 minutes ago. Sir, have Dixon

come in. Corporal Dixon. Yes, sir.

Corporal Dixon reporting, sir. Be with

you in a minute. Corporal. Lieutenant,

have two of our fastest horses prepared.

Yes, sir.

Oh. Uh, stand easy, Corporal.

You ever witnessed an exchange of

prisoners? Yes, sir. Think you

understand the procedure? I think so,

sir. The one I saw went according to the

book. Well, I'm going to ask you to join

me in one that may not go according to

the book. Give me a hand with these

boots. Yes.

I understand you're my best marksman.

Thank you, sir. You familiar with a

telescopic site? Yes, sir.

I'm exchanging a prisoner for a Mexican

official at Twin Fork at Sunset. Yes,

sir. Now, it may all go according to the

book, in which case your orders are

specifically to do nothing. You

understand that now, Corporal? If it

goes according to the book, you're to do

nothing. Yes, sir. However, there may be

some treachery. In that case, your job

is to protect that Mexican official at

all costs. That Mexican official must be

unharmed. There's no way to change that

order. You understand? I understand,

sir. Now, it may be that you'll see a

pistol at Seenor Lopez's head. In which

case, that pistol is to be your target.

The pistol, sir? Exactly. If you shoot

at the man holding the pistol, it might

possibly go off. Senor Lopez is to be

protected at all costs.

I understand, sir.

You've got to be at least as accurate as

this. You think you can do it?

Yes, sir.

Good

boy. All right, we leave immediately. No

extra gear, no sabers, no weight. We

travel as light as possible. Wear

moccasins.

Corporal, you're going to ride as you've

never ridden before in your life. It's

imperative that we get there before

anybody else. Yes, sir. That's all.

Lieutenant. Yes, sir.

Horses ready? Yes, sir. Dixon already

has his orders. It's going to be forced

ride the whole way. Yes, sir.

September 7th, 1873. Early afternoon.

Colonel McKenzie and Corporal Dixon rode

against a deadline. Their destination,

Twin Forks. Their purpose to arrive

before sunset to guard against possible

treachery by Ben Pierce during the

prisoner

[Music]

exchange. What's wrong? He's gone lame,

sir. All

right, line up with me. What about the

horse, sir? He'll find his way back to

the port.

We'll never get damn times. We'll get a

fresh horse at Beckers.

[Applause]

Where's Jed? We'll get him. We're going

to exchange him for Jed at Twin Forks.

When? Sunset. McKenzie and I agreed to

meet there alone and without arms. Well,

how can you trust McKenzie? If Colonel

McKenzie says he'll be there, he'll be

there. Anyway, he had a hard ride to

look forward to. Didn't give much time

for thinking. You mean you plan to go

alone? I wouldn't say that. You'll be

there. So, you're going to kill him?

I never for a moment thought otherwise.

What about me, Seenor? Do I go

free? I must reach

Washington. My government will pay you

for my release. I want my brother.

You're only important to me as a way of

getting him back. You know, Seenor, we

have a man in Mexico just like you.

You're all the same no matter where you

live. Filth.

I don't see any difference. You're

willing to do business with me when your

life's at stake. Out of necessity only,

Senor. If I had the chance, I would open

your throat.

But you haven't a chance, have you,

Senor? Now, McKenzie, either not now.

Mr. Becker. Hi, Colonel. You sure look

mighty beat up. What's up? I haven't got

time to explain. We need a new horse.

You want to borrow my horse so he can

run him like you run him? Eh, I ain't

that rich, Colonel. We'll give you good

money for him. Yeah, let me see. I'm not

carrying any money with me. You'll have

to take my word for it. I'm afraid

you'll have to look someplace else,

Colonel. I don't know you long enough to

cut into that sort of deal.

Corporal, saddle that horse. Yes, sir.

Now, look here. I'm sorry, Mr. Becker.

You'll have to take my word for it. Got

no choice.

Come on, Corpal. We've got to make up

that time. This old horse is doing the

best he can, Colonel. Not quite. Let's

travel 40 lb lighter. Get rid of that

saddle.

Oh, hook.

We made it, Colonel. Yeah, we beat him

here.

And remember your orders, Corporal. The

Mexican official is your responsibility.

No harm is to come to him. If there's a

gun on him, that gun's to be your

target. Yes, sir. Oh.

I'll leave this with you.

Colonel, are you sure?

Just you be sure

Looks awful quiet up there, Mr. Paris.

Yeah, I got the card stacked on my side

this time. Come up undercover after Jed

and Mackenzie get there.

[Applause]

Sunset, time of the prisoner exchange.

Following his pre-arranged plan,

McKenzie met Jed Pierce and his guard 2

miles outside Twin Forks. Any trouble,

Benedict? No, sir. Where did you come

from, McKenzie?

You're not the only business I have to

attend to, Mr. Pierce. A

coat. What's that get up

for? Giving is changed according to

regulations. That's the regular

uniform. After you, Mr. Pierce.

Just take it nice and quiet.

So you decide to play it straight, huh,

Colonel? I told you I'd be here, Mr.

Pierce.

Unarmed. Coronel McKenzie

as Benito Huarees. See,

Coronel is Lopez.

All right, Mr. Pierce, I'm satisfied.

Turn over McKenzie.

Follow me. Senor Lopez

[Music]

Lane Lopez is a very valuable foil for

me. Now I can get you out of my hair

once and for all.

Kill him. Lane,

at least let Lopez go. I can't afford

to. I can't afford to have anyone live

and tell about this.

Get his pistol up.

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

You can add another strike, Corporal.

Thank you, sir. I just pulled the

trigger and prayed. You prayed well.

[Music]

Sir. Yes, Lieutenant. Couple of settlers

are waiting outside the gate. Pierce

killed their kin. They've requested

permission to witness the execution.

Request denied. This is the first

victory for peace in the area. They felt

they had a right to share it with you.

They can share in the benefits.

Yes, sir. Now, Lieutenant, if you would

accompany Senor Lopez. I may, sir. Yes.

Why did you want to wear your dress

uniform at the exchange yesterday?

Because, Lieutenant, the only way I

could honorably take Jed and Ben Pierce

was by provoking them into treachery.

The best way to do that was by making

them think McKenzie was a tin soldier.

You a tin?

Excuse me, sir. S Lopez.

[Music]

McKenzie's raiders rode again and again

carrying out the secret orders of the

president of the United States. Do

whatever necessary to clean up the

Southwest. Make it a decent place for

people to live. Ride with McKenzie's

Raiders as they relive the blazing pages

of History in the

[Music]

Making.

Heat. Heat.

[Music]

From the archives of the United States

Cavalry. The true stories of Colonel

Ranold McKenzie and the cavalrymen he

led. McKenzie's raiders. his secret

orders from the president of the United

States. Clean up the Southwest. Make it

a fit place for Americans to live. Wipe

out the renegades, outlaws, and

murderers. If necessary, cross the Rio

Grand knowing capture means hanging by

the enemy. Discovery Court Marshall by

the United States

[Music]

Army. The afternoon of June 8th, 1876 on

Mexican territory. Another raid by

Skatashi. Another risk by

McKenzie. McKenzie, as numerous times

before, had violated the border, fully

aware of the consequences if he were

caught. But Skitashi had killed and

plundered. He and his small band had to

be stopped. McKenzie had no choice but

to rely on his secret orders. Clean up

the area, even if you have to cross the

Rio Grand to do it. If the United States

government catches you, it'll be a court

marshal. If it's the Mexicans, it'll be

a hanging. We're ready, Colonel. Both

flanks are secure. They're cut off from

their horses. Where's Connover? He's

posted on the next rise, sir. Good. And

they're completely pinned down. Get back

to your position. Yes,

sir. Skatashi, this is

McKenzie. I have many rifles staring at

you. Tell your warriors to throw down

their weapons and walk north. That way

there'll be no

killing. You don't have much time,

Skatashi. I'm waiting for your answer.

Feder Mexican soldiers a whole trooper.

How much time have I got? No time,

Colonel. They'll be on us real

soon. You want me to stay? Yeah,

Charlie. Keep an eye on Scotachi for me.

I'll get the troops back across the

river.

[Music]

[Music]

Looks clear. Yes, sir. Let's get across.

Colonel James A. Beasley, Inspector

General's office. Yes, of course, sir. I

was expecting you. Sorry I couldn't meet

you on your arrival. Something uh

something urgent came up. Lieutenant,

were you ordered into Mexico? Well,

Colonel, you see, of course, he was

ordered into Mexico by me. I'm in

command here. General Mackenzie, I'm

placing you in the rest. You'll

accompany me back to the fort.

[Music]

Hard to figure what a difference that

miserable little river makes.

Are you ready, Colonel? Ready, Colonel?

[Music]

You want an order posted, sir? No. It's

sufficient that the colonel knows he's

confined to the post. Yes, sir. I want

full reports from all the men who went

to Mexico. That includes you,

Lieutenant. Have them made out as soon

as possible. They'll go along with my

report to Washington. Won't that mean a

court marshal, sir? That's not for me to

decide. The Colonel's office? Yes, sir.

his quarters. And there, sir. Those

reports are your first order of

business,

Lieutenant. The secret orders, by their

very nature, prevented McKenzie from

using them as a defense. He could not

tell Beasley or anyone else, not even

the court marshal officers. In the words

of the Secretary of War, "If you're

caught, you're on your own."

Come in.

Oh, Colonel, please come in.

It'll take a while to hear from

Washington. I've assumed your command.

You mean you're going to report the

incident? Yes, I am. You think I can let

pass the shocking disregard of a

friendly nation sovereignty that I

witnessed this morning?

Well, it's just that in the field it's

it's not always easy to do these things

true blue. Maybe so. But I find it

incredible that anyone could be so

stupid as to risk the security of the

United States. Don't you realize this is

the only sensitive border we possess?

That violating it could bring

irreparable damage to our relations with

Mexico. Skatashi is responsible for 19

killings in this territory. Then he

skips back across the Rio Grand and

thinks he's home free. How else would

you propose dealing with him? As a

veteran officer, you should know that no

Indian settler or anyone else in the

world is worth the grave steps you've

taken. I presume you've read your

general orders.

I have read them. Well, you seem to have

dismissed them from your mind, as if

they don't apply to you,

Colonel. Of course, I'll include any

statement you wish to make in my report.

The only statement I'd wish to make is

that Skatashi must be stopped. I agree.

But I have no sympathy for your actions.

As an inspector, I've seen officers,

even generals, disobey their orders

before, but never have I encountered

such flagrant

violation by one of the model army

officers.

You know,

sir, you have quite a reputation as an

administrative officer, and I respect

that reputation, but I do wish you could

see this thing a little differently. I

don't understand. What other way is

there to see it?

Colonel, don't think for a moment I like

what I have to do. I remember you well.

As far back as the academy, I was two

years behind

you. Like all other underassmen, you

were the one we looked up to. You were

the leading cadet. I've been an

outstanding officer ever since. Your

career has been

brilliant. I'm genuinely sorry that I'll

have a hand in the scandal that's bound

to result.

Yes. Yes, Colonel. A general court

marshal is never a pretty thing to see.

But of course, you have your duty to do.

That is, unless you could reconsider the

circumstances.

Good day, Colonel.

What are you going to do if strikes

again? I'll try to stop him within the

limits of the law.

[Music]

the limits of the

law. Colonel Beasley now faced the

problems of frontier command. The

overburdened fourth cavalry was

stretched thin to patrol 1500 desolate

miles. Finally, scout conover returned

from Mexico with word of sketashi.

Charlie. Uh, sh the colonel in which

one? Well, McKenzie. Who else? Colonel

James J. Beasley, Inspector General's

office. He's in command now. In command?

Do you mean that the ship McKenzie? He's

in his quarters. He's confined to the

post under arrest. Under

arrest? You were Josh and the Ancient

Lieutenant. Colonel Beasley caught us

crossing the river.

Oh, that is trouble.

The worst

kind probably means a court marshal. You

mean that's what this fellow Beasley is

going to recommend? Well, he doesn't

have to. Washington won't have any

alternative. Well, what does McKenzie

say about all this? Nothing. There's not

much he can say. It'll wreck him. No,

he's been in worse trouble than that.

No, he hasn't. The army is not just his

career, it's his life. They might as

well kill him as handy a court marshal.

Ain't there nothing you can do about

this? I can all the reports. That's

about all. Colonel Beasley doesn't bend,

easy.

Say, uh, is he in the colonel's office

right now?

Yes. I'm your chief scout.

Oh, you're conifer.

Well, I didn't realize we had to have

our scouts living undercover in

Brackenville. Well, how else are you

going to bring things to light? Well,

that's true. Now then, about Skatashi.

Now, just a minute, Colonel. Before we

start talking about Skatashi, how about

McKenzie? I don't think that concerns

you, Conor. Well, maybe not, but I just

happen that I'm going to make it so.

Now, what's all this I hear about a

court marshal? I don't know what you've

heard. Colonel McKenzie is under arrest

for violating an international boundary.

International

boundary? You mean that little bit of a

river down there that I can spit across?

My shucks, Colonel. Everybody use that

river. I don't see why McKenzie

shouldn't. Conover. It's useless for us

to discuss this. Why? It's useless for

us to try and whip them bandits if we

can't use that river. We're going to do

the best we can. Well, the best ain't

good enough in this case. Why, Colonel?

When they find out that we ain't going

to use that river, there's going to be

the biggest commotion that you ever seen

in your life. The United States Army is

equipped to administer law and order. I

admit to that, but most of the time the

law and order is done on the other side

of the river. Well, according to these

reports, things are not half as bad as

you make out. Yeah. Well, they used to

be. Of course, McKenzie, he's cleaned up

this territory, this area here an awful

lot. But he didn't do it by just

standing and looking at that river. You

mean this is not the first time he's

crossed the Rio Grand? My Colonel, how

do you suppose we catch them murderers?

Well, that makes it even worse. Worse?

Well, I didn't come here to make it no

worse. I just come here to speak my

peace, that's all. Well, you've

certainly done that kind of work. I'll

expect this information included in your

report. Report? Oh, sh I ain't going to

make out no report. You're a United

States scout assigned to Fort Clark.

You're under my command. No. All right,

then. Colonel, since you're my new boss,

you'll want to know that in my opinion,

Katashi will begin this afternoon. Why

this afternoon? Well, a lot of the men

will be in the town at that time. And

them's the kind of odds he likes.

How do you know he's preparing for an

attack? Well, I don't for sure, but it's

a sense that he ain't going to pack up

in the middle of the night and go down

to that river just for a change of

scenery. How do you know about his

movements? Now, Colonel, you ought to be

able to figure that out for yourself.

I'll need more concrete evidence than

that. Well, sometimes, Colonel, that's

about all the news that a scout can get.

Suit yourself, Colonel.

[Music]

How about Colonel? How about Lieutenant?

Is he in? Yes, sir.

Thanks. Come

in, sir. I just saw Charlie Conover in

the stable area. So, if he says Katashi

is going to attack, he's going to

attack. He said in his opinion, Colonel

Connover's opinion is only the most

valuable opinion in this territory.

Please, sir, let me take a troop after

him. That's impossible. You're confined

to the post. Believe me, I know what I'm

talking about. Listen to Conover. Follow

up his report with with as many troops

as you can muster.

All right, Colonel. I

will. I've never lost respect for your

experience in the

field. Thank you, sir.

[Music]

Fort Clark and a critical moment in

history. Settlers to be protected, roads

to be patrolled, a border to be guarded,

many more problems than the fourth

cavalry could hope to cope with. And in

command, Colonel James J. Beasley, a

desk officer.

Colonel Beasley, by his arrest of

McKenzie, had forced himself into a

command position. McKenzie's only hope

for the continuence of his army career

now rested with Colonel Beasley. And of

course, from their position on the

river, I figure they're headed toward

the settlement. See, Lieutenant, I'd

like to have a word with the troop

before we move out. They're here, sir.

You must have misunderstood me,

Lieutenant. This is not nearly enough

men. I understand that, sir. These are

the only men available. Lieutenant,

there are over 200 men assigned to Fort

Clark. I can read you the duty roster,

sir. Whatever the other men are doing,

relieve them and have them join us. The

only men on the post are the cooks and

the guards. Everyone else is out on

detail. You mean out of 200 men? This is

all we can assemble. There's 1500 miles

we're responsible for, sir. There's not

a man wasted, and we're still short.

Well, we better get started.

Colonel Beasley took Connover's advice

and rode out to the settlement in hopes

of surprising the renegade Skatashi.

[Applause]

Girl and her mother inside. Well, the

mother will be all

right. Little girl's

dead. Can we cut them off the river?

Well, they've got a good start, but we

can try. Leave a trooper with the

mother. Come on, let's go.

He wants to know if you're coming after

him.

[Music]

[Music]

Yes, sir.

You sent for me, sir.

Colonel, a settler's child is dead.

Yes, I know, sir. Connover told me.

What did she know about it,

Colonel? What did she know about

reservations and rules and

rivers? All she knew was this

doll. I could never stomach

death. I guess that's why I'm an

administrator. Only four

troopers. Well, I guess that's the way

it is all over the West, sir.

I imagine

so it's hard to believe hard to believe

such a situation

exists. You

know, my daughter has a doll like

this. Was the little girl the only one

killed today, sir? Yes, the only

one. But that's the same as a thousand,

isn't it?

I suppose it is, sir, if you look at it

that way.

He just stood there across the river,

staring,

waiting. I'm sure the men didn't

understand why I didn't go after him.

They understood, sir. I doubt if they

liked it, but they understood. I didn't

like turning back either, but what are

you supposed to do? An officer lives by

hard and fast rules.

Sometimes, sir, an officer finds that

those rules don't always apply. But they

have to.

Yes, sir.

Meanwhile, Skatashi is still free. He'll

have more men

soon. Where will he get them? From the

reservation. They'll hear about his

success. They'll grow confident. They'll

come and join him.

So, the longer the situation

persists, the more disastrous it

becomes. Exactly. Today, he's a

renegade. Tomorrow he may overrun the

whole territory.

Colonel, what would you do if I gave you

back your

command? I'd find Scatachi's position

and I'd wipe him out. Wherever the

position may be. Wherever the position

may

be. All right, Colonel. The command is

yours.

No. about 4 miles down the road by the

crossing. How many men? Oh, he's still

got the same handful. I don't know how

long they'll be there, Chuck. He moves

around an awful lot. Yeah, that's

Katashi. We caught him sitting still

once. He's not going to let it happen

again. Lieutenant Paxton. Yes, sir.

Assemble a troop. Full fighting gear.

They've been standing by since Charlie

wrote in, sir. Good. Colonel, I'd like

to go with you.

Well, we need all the help we can get.

Happy to have you with us, sir.

What's that? The Colonel's report, sir.

When does the courier leave? Not until

Saturday, sir. There'll be plenty of

time to take care of this when we get

back. Yes, sir. You ready, Colonel?

Ready, Colonel?

Well, as near as I can figure it,

they've been gone for oh, about an hour

traveling along the river. What about

Federalis? I think we're all right

there. We've been 2 hours on Mexican

soil. Well, there's not much risk as

long as we stick this close to the

river. Won't Katashi move south if he

finds out we're after him? Let's hope he

doesn't. I never did like the idea of a

Mexican rope around my neck.

Woohoo!

[Music]

Heat. Heat.

[Music]

This is pretty hot there for a minute.

Did you get him? I got him. He's dead,

sir. The rest have surrendered. I got

some good advice for IG officers. Stay

behind the

desk. Sorry to g you so much trouble.

That's our job. My job. Those reports,

Colonel. I'll send them on to

Washington. No, you

won't. Tear them up, Colonel.

[Music]

Command.

Yes, Lieutenant. I hate to bother you,

sir. How do I list Colonel Beasley's

death in the casualty report?

Just as we list all other deaths on

Mexican

soil, killed in action.

Period. Yes,

[Music]

sir. McKenzie's raiders rode again and

again, carrying out the secret orders of

the President of the United States. Do

whatever necessary to clean up the

Southwest. Make it a decent place for

people to live. Ride with McKenzie's

Raiders as they relive the blazing pages

of History in the Making.

[Music]

Heat.

Heat.

Yeah. Heat.