Original subtitles

From the look of the terrain, I'd say we're about half a day's ride from the

Mexican border. Which means I think we're about an hour away from Fort

Challenge.

We haven't passed man or beast in over a day.

I swear I don't know who'd be thinking of taking over this territory.

We'll find out when we get to the fort and talk to Sergeant Tobin.

I don't understand why an old soldier like Charlie Tobin would upset the chain

of command right directly to the president.

Who'd want to be stuck in this isolated place?

Someone just invited us to dinner, pal.

Hello? Anybody home?

Hello?

Somebody rang that.

Must be something wrong with the water.

Of course, it won't drink it.

Poor devil.

Knifed in the back.

He must have been the owner of this homestead.

Death to the gringos.

It's sign Los Pistolaros.

Aren't those the ones who are trying to take over the territory?

Let's ask them.

Looks like we were expected.

Did I hear Big Mouth correctly?

Yeah.

They're going to hang you and take me with them.

No hard feelings, Jim. I resent that.

What do you think they have planned for you, Artie?

I don't want to wait to find out.

If I could just get my hand in and take this out of the waste bin.

Un momento.

Sorry,

amigo.

You heard the man, Artie.

He said drop it.

Is that better?

Let's go on all day.

Let's quit playing with them, Hardy.

Artie?

Artie, where do you suppose they wanted to kill me and capture you?

Maybe I'm more valuable, that's all.

Well, whoever thought that was a picture of you.

There was a leak about our trip here. It had to come from Fort Challenge.

Well, that doesn't do me justice.

For now, it's Tahatchie, Arizona.

No?

No. And I'm going to make it a point to get better acquainted.

Do that.

I'm texting your pistolero to the fort. He's got some explaining to do. See you.

I'm sorry, sir.

Colonel Roper's down on the border hunting pistol arrows and Major

patrol. Well, I'm sorry. Who's in charge here?

I am, sir. Lieutenant Murray.

I'd like to welcome you to Fort Challenge.

Thank you, Lieutenant. My name's James West and I'm with the government.

Yes, sir. I know.

We've been expecting you.

You know.

What's your source of information, Lieutenant?

Sir?

My coming here was supposed to be a secret mission known only to Colonel

Now, is he in the habit of confiding in junior officers?

Well, Sergeant Tobin didn't exactly keep it a secret that he'd written to the

president. He even gave a copy to the colonel. That was, of course, after he'd

mailed the letter.

I see. Well, then I'd better see Charlie Tobin right away.

That is, unless he's on patrol, too.

No, sir.

He's in the guardhouse.

Why?

For assaulting an officer.

making wild charges and conducting himself in an unmilitary manner.

That doesn't sound like the Sergeant Tobin I know.

You better take me to him right away. Sir, unless you can show me a written

order giving you access to the prisoner, you'll have to wait till the colonel

returns.

And you don't know when that will be, Lieutenant?

No, sir, I don't.

I'm sorry, mister.

No civilians allowed in the guardhouse.

Yeah, well, Sergeant, I want to talk to that pistolero I brought in. Not a

chance, mister.

You just want to see Sergeant Tobin. I've had orders to keep you out.

Orders from Lieutenant Murray.

He's in command right now.

Charlie.

Jim.

Jim, boy.

I got the word you'd come, but I can't believe it.

Where's Artemis? He's in Tahatchie, but he'll be along soon.

Good, good.

I knew General Grant wouldn't desert me.

Let's get a look at you.

It is Jim West, isn't it?

Well, you can see me, Charlie.

The scene ain't enough these days.

That's one thing I learned, but not in time.

What do you mean, Charlie?

It starts below the border with the pistol arrows.

And up here, there's a plot brewing.

We're surrounded by spies and traitors right in the fort.

You sure of that, Charlie?

I gotta get out of here.

They can't let me live.

I know too much.

When Colonel Roper gets back, I'll talk to him.

Right now, you better give me some more information before Lieutenant Murray

finds out I'm here.

How do you know he's Murray?

What do you mean, how do I know he's Murray? I said, how do you know he's

Lieutenant Murray?

Because Colonel Roper put him in charge of this fort, and that's enough for me,

Charlie. Maybe you're too easily satisfied, Jim.

Or maybe you ain't Jim at all.

How do I know?

Eyes aren't enough anymore.

I need proof.

You proved to me you're Jim West.

Remember that farmhouse on the road to Shiloh?

There was a little white farmhouse with apple trees all in bloom when we was

there.

That's because it was in the spring, Charlie.

Right.

And the farmer's two daughters.

What were their names?

Charlie, that was a long time ago.

Jim West would remember.

with the black hair. Her name was, uh, was Zedra.

But I can't remember the other girl's name. All right, Jim.

I'm sorry. I just had to be sure.

Listen, this Lieutenant Murray, he's a ringer.

The pistol arrows planted him here.

Artemis Gordon, he'll know. The real Murray was in his regiment.

Artemis is coming along soon, Charlie.

I can't wait, Jim.

You got to get me out of here.

All right, mister. You wanted in so bad, I'm going to lock you up.

Good afternoon, senor. Do you wish to have a photograph?

Thank you very much. I already have one.

Well, it fails to do you justice, senor. The photographer was very stupid.

The photographer was you.

Impossible.

Oh,

I remember now.

A customer brought me a negative and asked for some copies to be made.

How many?

Um, a dozen.

What was the name of the customer?

It was a long time ago, senor.

Maybe two weeks.

I remember faces, but names... It's a minor failing, curable by your records.

Could you look the name up?

My records are confidential, senor.

I do not reveal such information to strangers.

Could you make an exception?

Never.

You insist?

I'm afraid I do.

Very well.

Follow me.

This is my assistant.

A little higher with your chin, senor, please.

Thank you.

Here it is.

The customer was a man called Sanchos.

Sanchos. Where would I find him?

Over here, senor.

Sancho's aim has improved since this morning. Don't you agree, senor?

I don't believe we've met.

Lie still, please.

I want to observe your condition.

You have pain?

Yeah, in the throat.

Temporary impairment of the vocal cord will pass in a few days.

Now, can you remember what happened to you?

Where am I now?

In my hacienda.

I've seen you before, senor. You were in Bernal's.

I went too much time and trouble to apprehend you, senor Gordon.

passing out photographs to the pistoleros.

In the end, it was all unnecessary because you came to me.

Tell me, would it be prying to ask why you want me?

To fulfill a function.

It would be pointless to go into detail.

I'm quite dangerous.

In time, it will all be made clear to you.

Well, since I have urgent business elsewhere, I may have to leave before

Of course, Senor Gordon.

Feel free to leave at any time.

Come along, Dr. Winterick.

Who are the pistoleros?

I wish I knew, Mr. West.

I wish I understood the meaning behind their excursions.

They burn, they kill, they create terror, all without any visible pattern

meaning.

When my troopers take the field against them, they scatter and reform below the

border. What are the Mexican authorities doing about it, Colonel?

Apparently nothing.

I've dispatched the strongest possible protest to Colonel Vega of the Sonora

garrison, but so far there's been no answer.

On top of all this, all these wild accusations from Sergeant Tobin.

Maybe there's some connection, Colonel.

Salute. Salute.

You've talked to him? Does he seem like a rational man to you?

He sounds like a frightened man to me, Colonel, a man who has something to say

and no one to listen to him.

Nobody except the President of the United States.

Yes?

Sergeant?

The search party has just returned, sir.

Have they brought Sergeant Tobin back with them?

Yes, sir. Very good. Let's go. West.

Sir, we overtook the prisoner near Tehachie and ordered him to surrender.

Instead, he began to fire at us from cover.

We had no alternative but to return fire.

this man?

I couldn't tell, Mr. West.

We were all firing. You gave the order.

My actions are not subject to review by a civilian. That's enough, Lieutenant.

You and your men are dismissed.

Yes, sir.

Corporal McKay, move him out.

Colonel, does that end it?

Shouldn't have resisted.

Sir, don't you think it's sort of curious that the man that was accused of

an impersonator by Tobin is the man that brought back his body?

Sergeant Tobin made many accusations.

None of them were substantiated.

You vouch for Lieutenant Murray, sir?

He was transferred here from Fort Leavenworth two months ago. His papers

entirely in order.

Well, I know someone who can vouch for him, my partner, Artemis Gordon.

He's in Tehachie.

I have a feeling Tobin was headed that way when he was killed.

And I suggest you find Mr. Gordon and settle this question for yourself.

That's what I intend to do, sir. I'm not bushwhacked down the way.

Mr. West.

Yes, sir?

I'll ride with you.

Yes, sir.

Adios.

Hello Mr.. Burnell

Hey, Jim!

Artie!

Where the devil you been?

Oh, Mexico.

I was shanghaied. By the pistoleros? Nobody else.

I came to with a terrible throat.

I don't know, some hacienda ten miles below the border.

Hey!

You were stationed out here. Yes, sir. Mighty nice seeing you again, Captain

Gordon. Pleasure. Look at you, Willie. You're all grown up. You look great.

Thank you, sir. You know my partner, James West?

Yes, sir. We've had the pleasure.

Colonel Roper's looking for you, Mr. West. He's waiting for you over at the

hotel. On our way right now, Lieutenant.

Good.

Well, then, hope to see you at the fort, Captain Gordon.

Indeed. Good night, gentlemen. Good night. Good night, Alvin.

Oh, there's a fine boy.

You know, he used to be the bugler in my regiment.

Let's go see the Colonel. Right.

How are you? Yeah.

Charlie Tobin was sure that you'd expose Lieutenant Murray as an imposter.

Oh, no.

I'd know him anywhere.

The kid's been a friend for years.

Is he dead?

There's never anything to be said at a time like this.

The loss of a comrade after so many years.

But if it's of any comfort to you, West, remind yourself that he was a soldier

and he died like one.

The comfort will come, Colonel, from finding the man that shot him in the

What would you do now?

Something you can't do.

I'm going to cross that border into Mexico.

Yes, it's true that I can't lead an armed force into Mexico, but I can and

go myself.

The assassination of Gordon has brought the border situation to a head. Colonel

Vega has agreed to meet with me. Oh, Mr. West, I'd appreciate it if, when you're

in the area, you'd inform Colonel Vega that I will be at his headquarters

shortly after dawn.

Colonel. If you operate in Mexico without Colonel Vega's sanction, it

will worsen the border situation.

Yes, sir.

I drink tequila, too.

Here, drink this one.

I'm not alone.

Ultra tequila, por favor.

Salud. Salud.

Who you kill?

No one.

You on the run.

And you come to Mexico to hide.

Because you steal much money?

No. looking for someone, that's why.

A man or a woman?

A man.

So am I.

This man's name's Sanchos, you know?

No. Why don't you ask your friends?

Muchachos, este gringo busca un hombre que se llama Sanchos.

¿Lo conocen?

Sure enough.

This man had a big mustache and carried a bone -handled knife.

Dice que tiene un bigote grande, grande.

Señor,

por favor, you leave my cantina now.

Why? Because when there's trouble, the soldados come.

Why there gonna be trouble?

Well, if you don't leave my cantina now, my friends are gonna throw you out.

And that, señor, is trouble.

A representative of a foreign government is expected to present his credentials

to the proper authority.

In the province of Sonora, Senor West, I am the proper authority.

I know that, Colonel, but I didn't want to disturb your evening.

But I have been disturbed.

My dinner was interrupted.

My apologies, Colonel.

But since I am here, I have a message from Colonel Roper.

He plans to come here.

Early tomorrow.

Meanwhile, you will continue the search for this man, Sanchos.

With your permission.

Since he killed your friend, I suspect you will continue with or without my

permission. Therefore, I grant it.

Thank you, Colonel.

Do you have any idea who you are looking for?

Oh, I know the man, all right.

And I know his weapon.

Goodbye, Colonel, and thank you again.

Easy.

That's right, Sanchos.

Take a good look at the man who's going to kill you.

No way.

I am not prepared to die.

Neither was the man you shot with that.

Now we shall see who is going to die, Gringo.

Manchus, you're a dying man.

Killed a lot of men in your time.

Saved your soul.

Tell me, why did you kill Artemis Gordon?

A friend had to.

be assassinated.

When?

When he crosses the border.

Tell me who's the head pistol arrow.

Tell me.

Colonel!

Who?

Who is that? I can't tell. Seems excited about something.

There is a doctor at my hacienda. They are both at your service.

May I present myself, senor?

I am Armando Galeano.

How far is your hacienda?

Less than a mile, senor.

Everyone wait outside, please.

Quickly. This man may be seriously injured.

West, wait.

Get back to the fort.

Tell Major Hudson to make no move unless he hears from me.

Yes, sir.

Take good care of him, Doctor.

Amazing. Could you tell which is the real Colonel Roper?

As good as your double.

I'll be taking off for Fort Apache now.

Good. Everything will be ready by the time you get back.

What have you done with Alvin Murray?

What's going on? Who is that?

It's a lot too complicated to explain right now, Colonel, but what it boils

to is that a pistolero is now commanding officer of Fort Challenge.

Would you mind getting down to the end of that pipe and seeing whether you can

help me during this?

Colonel, Lieutenant Murray has just been sighted. He should be here right away.

Very well, Sergeant.

Have all the officers report here for a staff meeting. You and your men stand

by. Yes, sir.

And Mr. West would like to see you.

West?

Oh, Sergeant, don't we have anything to drink here?

Your private stock, sir.

In the right bottom drawer.

Yes, yes, of course. Thank you.

Oh, uh...

And send Mr. West in, please.

Yes, sir.

How are you feeling, Colonel?

Oh, I'm fine. It's nothing serious. Just a slight concussion.

Have you uncovered anything?

Yes, sir. I found the man that killed Artemis Gordon.

He died before he could tell me who the head pistolero was.

His identity isn't that much of a mystery.

You know who it is, sir? Come, come, Mr. West.

These terrorists couldn't operate out of Mexico without the knowledge and

sanction of Vegas Garrison.

Have you found new evidence, sir? Evidence?

Isn't that what you were sent down here to get?

I must tell you, Mr. West, that a full report has been sent to President Grant

from Fort Apache.

Gentlemen, a communique from the commander -in -chief.

I quote the president.

These repeated border violations by the Pistolaros, along with the brutal murder

of Artemis Gordon and the attack against Colonel Roper, constitute warlike

actions by a foreign power.

I therefore direct that prompt and retributive measures be taken against

Sonora garrison in Mexico.

Well, that's clear enough, sir.

There's only one interpretation to this, gentlemen.

This means war.

Colonel, before you take action, don't you think you should confirm that

telegram? Confirm?

Well, the courier that delivered the dispatch is not completely above

I had the impression that Captain Gordon vouched for me. For your identity, not

your patriotism.

I demand an apology.

Gentlemen, if there is to be any fighting, let it be against the Sonora

Garrison. We attack at dawn.

Good. That'll give me just enough time to get to Fort Apache and check out that

telegram. Or to Colonel Vega.

When you question the commander -in -chief, I begin to doubt your

sir. You begin to doubt my what? Lock him up!

Wake up, Pistolero.

Hey, gringo.

They finally got you, huh?

How'd you like to get out of here?

I'll get out feet first.

Not if you use your head. You can walk out with me.

Just tell me who the head Pistolero is.

First you get yourself out.

Then maybe I'll tell you.

That's very funny, senor.

Caramba!

Very good, senor.

Now, do it on my door.

First, the name.

I can't, senor.

You can nod, can't you?

Si.

Armando Galeano.

I thought so.

Hey, gringo!

Gringo! You forgot about me! What's going on?

Gringo!

Never trust a gringo!

A message from Lieutenant Murray.

At dawn, Colonel Roper will begin the next phase of my plan.

So? All we do is wait for the Americans to invade.

No, we do not wait, Doctor.

We permit a warning of the invasion to reach Colonel Vega, who will march at

once to disaster.

The Fort Challenge cavalry outnumbers Colonel Vega's men two to one.

If he resists, he'll be wiped out.

At which point, Senior Galeano simply steps in and takes over Sonora.

Fighting his revolution with my troops.

Exactly.

The person takes a twisted mind.

Very complex. A lot of time.

And someone like Dr. Winterich, who can alter features through facial surgery.

Just get out of these ropes.

Won't be too long now, Colonel.

Keep churning.

To the new leadership.

With the help of my able lieutenants, today the province of Sonora, tomorrow

of Mexico.

Or the firing squad at dawn.

That is, unless you change your plan.

Too late, Senor West.

According to my information, Colonel Roper... Or whoever he is.

He has already reached the border.

He crosses within the hour.

Senor, I would welcome your opinion of my strategy.

Brilliant.

Weren't your pistol arrows enough?

At no time, senor, did the number of pistol arrows exceed 15.

Hardly enough to engage Colonel Vega.

And yet, with 15 men and a touch of genius... One could conquer the world.

Senor.

Is that all you can say to me?

I've just come back from the grave, risen like Lazarus.

And that's what you say?

Thanks, Artie.

Thanks, Artie.

It's a pleasure.

Colonel, it's 540. Very well, Lieutenant.

Dawn will break at 548. Gentlemen, you have eight minutes to reach your command

post. Don't bother, gentlemen.

The invasion's off.

Wes, this is treason. I could have you shot.

You've been relieved of this command.

By whose authority?

Mine, sir.

General Riddell, sir.

As you were, gentlemen.

General, sir, I... I don't understand.

You, sir?

You understand only too well.

Sir, I am Colonel Roper. I am in command here.

You are an imposter, sir.

So is Lieutenant Murray.

I am the commanding officer of Fort Challenge and the territory of Arizona.

Tomorrow I will be commandant of Sonora.

Tomorrow you will be an iron.

Major, arrest these men. Sir.

Blast you, meddling fool, you.

Sergeant, take them out and have them put under guard. Yes, sir.

General, sir, if these men are impostors, where are the real ones?

We don't know what happened to Lieutenant Murray.

Probably murdered.

Colonel Roper is at this moment conferring with Colonel Vega. He should

within the hour.

Good, sir.

Well, it was mighty fortunate you happened along, General.

Yes, sir. It was mighty fortunate.

Yes.

Isn't it?

What a miserable night.

Feels like rain out there.

That is, if it doesn't snow first.

Well, thank you.

What are we doing alone on a night like this?

A night like this was made for female companionship.

Salute.

What happened at the trial, Artie?

Well,

the phony Colonel Roper and Lieutenant Murray are going to be behind bars for a

long, long time. You can be sure of that.

Come on, what do you say? Let's go out on the town, huh? We can look up a

of lovelies that I know. Take them out to a good restaurant, maybe, huh? You

feel like a good meal, Harry.

Oh, you know it. I know a place makes the most marvelous bouillabaisse. And a

pompano on papillote that can't be beat.

Harry, would you settle for a little onion soup and some stew?

Stew?

Stew? I...

Oh, stew. Oh, I love stew. I really do. I know you've always loved stew. Oh,

you're my all -time favorite. Yes, shall we?

Well, oh, yes, just beautiful, beautiful.

He loves stew, girls.