Original subtitles

Who's there?

Angelica Garland. They told me I could talk with the prisoner.

Yes, ma 'am.

Hanging is too good for you, Benson January.

It wasn't the way I'd planned to go.

They're not going to cheat me out of the pleasure of killing you myself.

Doesn't look like they are.

But first, you're going to hear Mary Louise's last letter.

Her heartbreaking words will ring in your ears as you die.

A Warner Brothers television production.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Well, no self -respecting horse thief would ever steal you, Gumlegs, but this

inside straight money would make the fingers of a parsonage.

Well, well, fella.

There is just nothing I'd rather see than a vacant horse.

You get my last lump of sugar.

You must have a real kind master to keep you in such good shape.

Remind me of my horse, which some varmint stole out from under my very

I tell you, there's nothing lower down than a horse these.

Agreed.

Oh, my heart. This happened. I'm going.

What?

Don't talk, son. Just easy me down on the ground where I can pass on to a

world.

Oh, I'm sorry, old man. I didn't mean to startle you. Ah, take your fault, son.

How is you to know my poor old heart is about wore out?

It's ready to quit.

Even a sneeze would send me on the way.

Oh, is there anything I can do?

Listen close, son. Ain't got much time.

I don't like being buried with strangers, so I'll introduce myself.

Name is Ebenezer Bow.

Friends call me Eben for short. Oh, Bow regard Maverick. My friends call me Bow

for short.

Oh, glad to know you.

On the marker under my name just put, he died on a Sunday admiring a horse.

Would you like a drink?

Water?

Or whiskey?

I do have a little whiskey for emergencies.

Well, just a last slug of whiskey would go real good.

Here, Mr. Bolton.

Well,

well,

well, it's past, young man.

I survived.

I got a reprieve.

Oh, I'm glad. There's nothing I'd hate more than trying to dig a hole in this

hard ground.

You saved my life, young man.

You and that, uh... What do you call it?

Old hand.

It says 21 days.

I have to remember that.

I'm in debt to you for life.

Hope someday I can return the favor.

I hope I won't ever need that favor.

I'll see you around, old man.

Hey, here now. You just can't ride off and leave me in the middle of nowhere

with no horse.

You don't have a horse?

No.

How'd you get out here?

Well, I walked.

It seemed like 30 miles.

Some low -down varmint stole my horse and left me out here to die.

A poor old man.

He was a weak heart and sore feet.

He ought to be hung for it.

That is what they do to horse thieves.

You just can't save a man's life and then toss it away.

You gotta let me ride with you.

Hop on.

There now.

How's the heart?

Oh, I think one more slug of that old hen and just fix it up fine.

Well.

And you're his nephew, eh?

Well, well, well.

Just imagine, me knowing your Uncle Beauregard.

Well, of course, now I can't say we was real good friends.

Only known him for a day.

It was a poker game over in Deadwood.

He cleaned me out inside of four hours.

Uncle Beau's mentioned he's had some lucky days in his time.

Oh, he was a real gentleman, though.

Had to borrow his horse to go back to camp for more money. And, you know, when

got back to town, he had left real sudden.

Well, that figures. How much did he take you? I mean, how much did you lose?

Four dollars.

And you know, I never did see him to return that horse.

He finally sold it for 22.

Saddle brought 19.

Oh, he was a sharpie. But you know, I liked him in spite of it.

Yes, sir.

Good morning, gentlemen.

Pleasant day, isn't it?

What do you think, Bradley?

I reckon so, Stocky.

It's got to be them.

A shifty -looking young fellow and an old goat.

I can't help feeling there's a mistake in the process of being made. Would you

gentlemen like to tell us what this is all about?

You tell them, Stocky.

Please do. Well, it seems there's a slick young fella named Benson January

traveling with an old codger named Unknown.

I see an old fella like that over near Fitzerville. Oh, he's a mean -looking, a

sneaky, little beady eyes, you know, set real close together.

Oh, just one look at that old reprobate, you could tell... Shut up.

What is it you want these men for?

Well, it seems these two fellas just about dehorsed the whole countryside.

Horse thieves, huh?

Yeah, horse thieves.

Riding horses, walking horses, plow horses, buggy horses, breeding horses.

The fact is, the reason they've been so successful, it's been kind of hard to

round up transportation for a posse. Oh, thanks for the warning. We'll keep our

eyes open.

Not for long, you old January.

January? You really think I'm this fellow?

Well, we can soon straighten that out. My name is Bo Maverick.

This old boy I just picked up on the road. Why, he didn't even have one

I'm afraid you've got the wrong man.

Sure we have.

That tree over there will do, boys.

Junior, take care of the horses.

All right, boys, let's get this over with.

Turn the horses around this way so we can really get a good start. Get those

ropes down.

Tie their hands.

Get the gun belt.

Now, wait a minute. I don't even know this old man, but I'm not going to sit

and watch you hang it.

I'll see you're not.

Look, I've already told you my name is Maverick, not January.

I never saw this old man before today.

I'm a gambler, not a horse thief. I don't even like horses.

He's telling the truth. A kindly stranger to give a poor old man a ride.

this is his reward.

I tell you, you got the wrong horse thieves.

All right, boys. Stand back.

Wait a minute, Stocky.

We can't do it.

Why not?

Bird's nest.

be right.

Since you gentlemen are such bird lovers, I'm sure you'll understand if we

a moment to prepare ourselves.

All right, you got a minute to pray.

Look, old man, if you really know this Benson January, why don't you make one

last decent gesture and tell them I'm not him?

I was thinking the same thing.

Oh, I'd be forever grateful.

I was thinking, if you are this fellow, you could confess and get me off.

Even if you're not, you might as well tell them anyhow.

It's a draw.

I hope that helps.

But I got a feeling that souls are kind of like horses.

Once they've been stolen, they're hard to get back.

All right, boys, let's stretch them.

Wait, look.

Well, I see I got him. Good job, Starkey.

Who's her counsel?

There ain't gonna be no counsel. We caught him, we're gonna hang him. Is

trial?

Well, we're way out here, and I don't want to miss my supper.

That's Benson January and the old man who runs with him.

They're horse thieves, and that's trial enough for me.

Now, look, Starkey, I'm a lawyer, and I know the law, and the law says... We

didn't come out here to listen to no speeches, young man.

They're entitled to a trial, even if they're guilty.

Who says?

The law of the land.

You seem to forget.

I am a lawyer.

Nobody can forget you being a lawyer.

Been running around town for a month trying to stir up a case for yourself.

Maybe it's the best thing to do, Starkey.

Making the hanging legal and everything.

There ain't gonna be no trial because there ain't no judge.

Well, Judge Hoekstra has been traveling the circuit.

He ought to be in dry red right now.

Ah, it's a waste of time.

Well, I'll write it and get him. You can hold the trial right here.

I think it's the right thing to do, Starkey.

All right, boys. Looks like it goes to a vote.

All in favor of hanging, say aye.

All in favor of a trial?

Aye. The second bunch of ayes have it.

All right, lawyer. You ride in and fetch a judge. I'll pick a jury.

But if you ain't back by sundown... Come on, boys. We'll make camp across the

road.

Oh, Junior, you're too young to jury.

You stay and watch them.

Alone? They won't give you no trouble. If they do, just swat the horse.

I'm sure glad you came along when you did, mister.

Haven't I seen you somewhere before?

Wouldn't know where it could be.

But I am a lawyer and at your service.

Well, my name's Maverick. Bo Maverick.

Not Benson January.

Just convince them they got the wrong man, will you?

It isn't ethical for me to listen to evidence until I'm hired.

Huh?

Oh.

All right, well, you're hired.

That'll be $100 in advance and another $100 if I get you off.

It's a deal. The money's in the saddlebag.

I'm only going to take 100, Mr. January.

If you don't hang, I'll trust you for the rest.

Mr. Lawyer, I ain't trying to tell you how to run your case, but if you want to

win this one for sure, just cut these ropes and let us get.

You'll get a proper trial, old man. You too, Mr. January. I'm not January.

Mr. January, let me decide the proper line of defense.

I'm the lawyer.

Now, I'd better go get Judge Hookstratten or there's not going to be

Would you mind holding this horse?

You know, that fellow looked familiar.

Hey, Junior, that lawyer, is he any good?

Oh, he hasn't lost a case yet.

That's encouraging.

Of course, he hasn't had a case yet.

You'll be the first.

Now, has the jury... reached a verdict it

is the duty of the

law to protect as well as prosecute it's our function to work for

the accused look after his interest as well as convict him now with

these values firmly in mind I now pronounce the defendant guilty.

Yes. I'm looking for... I beg your pardon.

Excuse me, ma 'am. Go right ahead. No, no, you go first, please.

Thank you. My pleasure.

I'm looking for Mr. Benson January.

Did you say Benson January?

Yes, do you know him?

Ma 'am, I'm his lawyer.

Angelica Garland. I'm his fiancée.

Fiancée? Do you mean that you're going to marry Benson January?

Why? Miss Garland?

You had better sit down.

I don't believe I understand.

This girl and I are representing Mr. January in a criminal trial.

Criminal? Horses, ma 'am.

He's a horse thief.

Oh, now, now, don't you fret, ma 'am. There's a pretty fair chance that they

might not hang him.

Hang him?

Oh, you must take me to him. Where is he?

Well, actually, he's out there by the hanging tree.

That's where they're going to hold a trial.

If I can find the judge.

Do you think they really will hang him?

Well, now, you just wait here for a minute, ma 'am.

And don't fret.

Judge Hookstratten, is he in town?

He just left a few minutes ago.

Probably on his way to Fitzerville. Thank you. But there's going to be a

in town if you'd like to stay.

We're just in time, ma 'am. Now, will you act as character witness? Oh, well,

course, of course I will. Good, good.

to town to search for gold and I brought with me

a memory and I seem to hear

You Judge Hookstretton? I am. Your Honor, I am a lawyer, and there is a

you are needed for.

Where? To the other side of Dry Red.

What time?

Four, Stephen.

That's a hanging crime.

Well, I'm afraid if we don't get there directly, they're going to hang him

without a trial.

Oh, they wouldn't dare to hang a man in my territory without me passing

sentence. Lead the way.

Yes, sir.

Sure was a pretty sunset.

Hey, Junior, you better hold this horse still or there isn't gonna be any...

There's nothing better than a good drink after sundown.

Unless it's a hanging.

I wonder where that lawyer is.

He's probably in town having a nice hot dinner.

Drinking out of glasses.

Watching them pretty dancing girls.

Are we going to stay out here all night outdoors?

Not me.

I say we take that horse off one of them two and get out of here. How about it,

fellas?

down, January.

Looks like your lawyer couldn't find the judge.

We'd have waited, fellas, but we've got to go home.

Hold it, Starkey. Stop.

Cut those innocent men down.

Say, Denison, that's been for January and his crony.

Under the law, a man's innocent until he's proved guilty.

Now, cut them down before I fine all of you for contempt of court.

I represent the defendants. But before the trial begins, I request that Mr.

January's fiancé, whom I have brought with me, be given a moment to talk with

him. Granted. Thank you.

Well, fiancé? Well, if she's Benson January's fiancé, she'll prove you got

wrong man.

Well... Tell him.

I'd know him anywhere.

I know it. It's happened.

My heart.

Oh, not again.

Don't call him. It won't do no good.

I'm sinking.

I've got a favor to ask you before I go.

What is it?

I've got a daughter in St. Louis.

I want you to find her.

Tell her something nice about the way I went.

Eben, nothing is going to happen to you that's not going to happen to me, too.

You're young and you might escape.

You've got to promise me.

I got a locket here.

It's solid gold.

Got a lock of her mother's hair in it.

When you find my little gal, tell her to treasure it as much as I did.

What's the name and where do I find her?

It's wrote on the inside.

We're ready, Your Honor.

Court's in session.

Prisoners, please stand.

First witness will be the young lady who tried to pot -shot the prisoner.

Now, tell us why you done that.

Your Honor, after considerable discussion with the witness, I have come

conclusion that she was a mite hasty in identifying the accused.

You mean the young lady don't recognize her own fiancé?

Not exactly, you see. Oh, let her tell it.

It's true, sir. I've never seen this man before in my life.

That's more like it.

You see, it's not me he's engaged to, but my poor innocent sister.

She was visiting in St. Louis when she met and fell in love with this Benson

January. I should have known. I haven't picked up a high card all day.

She wrote every day as their romance progressed.

And finally, when they were engaged to be married, she entrusted her entire

fortune to his safekeeping.

He left her at the church, mortified and heartbroken.

You may be quite justified in your feelings about this bounder, but I am

I haven't been in St. Louis for over a year.

It was just over a year ago, and I've been searching for him all this time.

Well, he's been here all that time, grabbing off every horse in the

What makes you so sure that this is Benson January?

Oh, there's no question about it.

May I read one of my sister's letters?

My dear Angelica, how can I describe this wonderful man who has stolen my

And our horses?

He is worldly, wickedly handsome, perfidiously charming.

At times, when I look into his eyes, I have a feeling that lying dormant in

carefree boy is a tiger ready to spring to life.

Oh, my dear sister, I am his, his, his.

Now, I ask you, Judge, can there be any doubt that Benson January and this man

are one and the same?

I'll confess.

I'll confess.

Now, horse -thieving's one thing, but trifling with a young gal's affections,

that's something else again.

I never seen this fellow before this morning.

And he said his name was January then.

I thought he was a horse thief the way he was an eye on my horse.

Your horse?

Let him talk.

Search him.

You'll find out who he is.

Go ahead, Counselor.

The old goat's lying.

I picked him up. He didn't have a horse. There's a gold locket.

Mary Louise's locket.

The one she gave him as a wedding present.

Her name and a lock of hair right inside.

It isn't mine. It's his.

You trying to tell us that this old man was engaged to her sister?

Of course not. But he must have got the locket from the real Benson January. He

knows who Benson January is.

I'm afraid we all do.

Prisoners, please face the bench.

Now the evidence is all in. What do you say, jury?

Your Honor. What is it?

We figure we made a mistake about that nice old fellow.

But January, he's guilty of sin.

You're acquitted, old man.

January, you're sentenced to hang.

That'll be $25.

Well, Your Honor, we all left home kind of early this morning.

I doubt we can scrape up $25 between us.

We'll have to owe you.

Owe me?

Your Honor.

Could I have a word with you?

Cut him loose.

What is it?

Well, it seems that Mr. Bolt is kind enough to offer to pay the fee for the

township.

Out of gratitude and a new respect for the law.

Your Honor?

Much obliged.

right, boys. He's all yours.

Bye, son.

I'll never forget this Sunday.

Sunday?

It's Sunday?

Well, you can't hang a man on Sunday.

You just watch us.

He's right.

Much as I was taken in by this scoundrel, he's right.

According to law, you can't hang a man on Sunday.

Golly, Counselor's right.

You'll have to wait till after midnight.

Well, that's four hours off, and I've already missed my supper.

Well, that's the law. You've got to wait till then, not a minute before.

All right, tie him up, boys, and break out the bottle.

A couple of hours more or less ain't gonna make any difference.

Keep an eye on him, Junior.

Do like I tell you, son.

What was that?

Nothing. A horned toad just crawled off my back.

I used to have one of them as a pet.

Sounds like fun.

I hate to see a man hang.

I'm going to cut you loose.

Why don't you watch?

Hey, do you always talk to yourself?

Just recently.

Figured it'd take you about ten minutes to work yourself loose.

You should try and follow me.

Don't worry.

Who's there?

Angelica Garland. They told me I could talk with the prisoner.

Yes, ma 'am.

Hanging is too good for you, Benson January.

It wasn't the way I'd planned to go.

They're not going to cheat me out of the pleasure of killing you myself.

Doesn't look like they are.

But first, you're going to hear Mary Louise's last letter.

Her heartbreaking words will ring in your ears as you die.

I have been betrayed.

My heart overruled my head, and I now stand shamed.

My beloved in actuality.

was a cruel, heartless beast who took this poor soul's heart, her bonds and

and left her to wait till dark on the steps of the Fulton Street Church.

I'm entering a convent.

Your broken -hearted sister, Mary Louise.

Did you say the Fulton Street Church?

You see, even your hard heart is touched by this poor girl's plight.

She loved me after all.

Can there be any doubt of it?

Oh, but in my mind there was.

You see, I thought I was the one who was jilted.

I was the one who waited and then despaired and in that desperation turned

life of crime.

You were jilted?

It was the State Street Church where we were to be married.

I waited till past midnight.

You were going to marry my sister?

I'd die for her.

She always was a little scatterbrained.

The wrong church.

Don't say anything.

We're going to escape from here and we're going to go back to your sister.

The convent is no place for her.

Now tell Junior to come over here.

Junior, come over here.

That's what I call saying goodbye.

Wow.

Do you suppose Mary Louise is happy in the convent? Oh, I'm sure she is.

She hasn't written that she isn't, has she?

No, she hasn't.

All right, then. We're going to grab

a couple of horses and get out of here.

Perhaps it's the right kind of life for her after all.

I'm sure she'll find great comfort in it.

Is something wrong, dear?

Both the old goats taking all the horses.

Your partner?

My what?

Oh, yes, I guess he was.

Oh, don't you stand there. We've got to catch him or else we're going to have a

long walk.

Hold it. Whoa, hold it there.

Whoa, whoa.

Hold it. Get back there, horse.

Hold still, folks.

Maybe I won't have to shoot you.

Son, you're going to convince me that you're a plumb ungrateful.

I cut you loose, seized your neck. You turn up waving a gun in my face.

I want gum legs back and another horse for Angelica. Well, why don't you say

Take your pick. Got plenty of horses.

Now, you amaze me.

The last time I seen you, this young lady was trying to take a shot at you.

Now she's chasing you around like a lovesick puppy.

How'd you convince her you wasn't Benson January?

Well, I told her the truth, that I am Benson January.

We sure had that posse convinced anyhow.

In fact, you almost had me convinced. And him that was his partner at that.

You, Benson January.

You mean he isn't?

Angelica, I think we'd better be leaving now. You lied to me!

I'd live to see the day, and I'd cover a woman. All right, come on, old man.

They're bound to have heard us.

Our horses are gone!

Vincent January.

Oh, he's done it again.

What's that?

It's them!

Take cover, boys!

All right, men.

Let's go get them.

At this time, there's not going to be any talk of hanging.

Shoot them on sight.

At this rate, they could catch up with us on foot.

What do you suggest?

Dump that gal.

She helped me escape. They might hang her.

Hey, that's right.

That'd take them quite a while, wouldn't it?

Forget it. She stays with us. No, we'd better get off the road.

We'll head up in the hills.

No, no, no. Hey, no. You can't go up there. No.

What's wrong with up there?

That's where the cabin is. You can't go up to that cabin. He'd kill me.

What cabin?

Well, me and January. We got a cabin up there at the top of the Box Canyon.

Sort of hideout -like.

Oh, that's perfect.

Why didn't you say so before?

Because I don't cotton to run into Vince in January.

I kind of slugged him and run off with all the horses.

Oh, you're a wonder, you club of women. You steal horses, you double -cross

everybody, and I'm stuck with you. But I've no choice.

We head for the hills.

Come on, Gumlegs.

Good evening, gentlemen.

You didn't pass anybody back along the road, did you?

No, you're the first people I've seen since I left town.

May we ask who you are and where you've been?

Of course.

My name is Wood. I'm a horse trader.

I've just bought 65 head of saddle horses, and I was going to take

Who'd you buy them from?

A charming young man named Benson January.

Figures. I don't believe I understand.

Vincent January is a horse thief.

A horse thief?

Then that explains it. I've been swindled. I've already paid him.

Where were you supposed to take delivery of them horses?

I was to meet him at a cabin on the ridge above Box Canyon.

I waited there for over four hours, but he didn't show up.

Well, he was detained a bit.

I imagine he'll be there by now.

Like to come along and watch a hanging?

I just can't believe it.

He seemed like such, such a nice young man.

Come on, boys.

He must be there. Let's get out of here.

Now, wait a minute.

We're going to sneak up on him.

Well, hardly is.

That pop gun of yours? I tell you, this January's a tiger.

I'd better quiet her down again. Now, cut that out.

Oh, what happened?

Oh, it's you?

Angelica, please don't scream again.

You're perfectly safe, I think.

Oh, my jaw hurts.

I must have hit it on something.

You did.

You lied to me.

You fooled me into thinking you were Benson January. You tricked me into an

infatuation. But, Angelica...

It was me you were infatuated with.

Why, you've never even seen the real Benson January.

That's true.

Oh, come on, let's get out of here.

Our lies ain't worth a plug nickel if he catches us. Well, we're going to sneak

up on that cabin and have a look at Mr. Benson January.

Do you mean he's in there?

I'm afraid he is.

We'll soon find out.

Now, come on, old man.

Our lives is spared. He ain't here. If someone was here, that lamp didn't light

itself. Just so he don't come back.

You get outside and keep an ear out for him. If I never lay eyes on Vincent

January again, it'll be too soon.

I'm so confused.

Who isn't? Some coffee?

Use this.

If you're not Benson January, then why are you running from the posse? Because

they think I am.

And you don't even know my sister?

I never laid eyes on her.

I feel so much better.

What do you mean?

I felt so guilty before.

You know, thinking you were Mary Louise's beau.

It's so much nicer this way.

What did you say your name was?

Maverick.

Maverick.

What a nice name.

Glad you like it.

I would have felt very guilty if you had known Mary Louise.

I'm sure you would.

Perhaps we can go and visit her.

In the convent.

Now,

you sail it.

Bo, take the window. I'll take the door.

Oh, what's the use?

You can get out now, Angelica.

You ain't going to give up without a fight, are you?

You've got us. We're not armed.

Just keep them in the air, January.

They captured me.

They made me go with them.

Oh, I can't tell you how glad I am to see you fellas.

Ah, shut up.

Now, we're going to get this thing settled once and for all.

This here's Mr. Wood.

He bought some horses from Benson January.

Our horses.

Mr. Wood, you recognize any of these folks?

Pleased to meet you, Mr. Wood. My name is Maverick.

Seemed he was a little better looking when I saw him last, but that's him, all

right.

Now, wait a minute.

The idea of trying to sell me stolen horses.

You lied to me again.

You're worse than you were before.

How about the old man?

Yes, he was with him. Well, that settles it. You got any objections, lawyer?

Judge passed sentence. Hang him.

Of course, the young lady's innocent.

What's the young lady got to do with it?

Benson January jilted her sister in St. Louis, and she followed him out here.

Oh?

That's a shame.

Where are all the horses you stole?

If I tell you, will you let me go?

You'll tell us where they are, unless you want to get hung by your thumbs

I guess I will.

Well, they're in Box Canyon.

How do we know you ain't lying?

Go take a look.

If they're there, you should be able to see them from the ridge.

I'll watch these scoundrels.

Good idea.

Come on, Bradley, we'll take a look -see.

That's the ridge, boys. The old man says the horses are in Fox Canyon.

So you're Mary the Lisa's sister.

You mean... Mr. Wood, are you trying to say that... Well, you did it again,

Benson. Benson January.

I don't get it.

You're not handsome?

Well, handsome is as handsome does.

Let's get it going, partner.

Maverick, it's been real nice meeting you.

I'm sure it has.

Mary Louisa's sister.

Almost wish I'd met you first.

I don't see any horses.

Of course you don't see any horses. There ain't no horses. That's why.

But I hear horses.

Where?

Somewhere.

Our horses.

They've done it again. Come on, boys.

I feel this is all my fault.

To think that was the man who broke poor Mary Louise's heart.

Those letters, the way your sister described it.

Perhaps I'd better show you a picture of Mary Louise.

This is Mary Louise.

She never was one to be considered beautiful.

I'm going to give up the law and get into something else.

Maybe I'll open up a little candy store in town.

Candy?

That's it.

You're the one they call Sugarfoot.

Sugarfoot?

Never heard of him.

It had to be.

I haven't been right all day.

Poor dear.

to search for gold and I brought with me a memory

and I seem to hear the night wind cry

go hang your dreams on the hanging tree your dreams of love that

could never be hang your faded

We'll be right back.

Maverick is a...