Original subtitles

The Rifleman.

Starring Chuck Connors.

Hold it right there.

Here.

Move your hat up like this.

Sort of cradle it like that.

Put your hand in here.

Like you would.

There.

Now you look natural.

Remember the last time I took your daguerreotype back

in the nations?

I think so.

Of course, I was just a kid then.

Yeah.

You were just a little one.

Grown a lot since.

Sure have.

I guess it was a while back, but to me it's just yesterday.

Don't seem too long since I took your Ma

and Pa's wedding picture.

Yeah.

It's a day I won't forget.

You two sure made a pretty picture.

Something wrong, Abel?

This blame hinge won't stay fixed

to keep the slide from sliding.

I have to put a new one on, I'm afraid.

It's all right.

Mark and I've got some buying to do.

Come on, son.

Is it all right if we come back later?

It's them. I knew the day would come.

What's got into you, Abel?

Let me have that gun.

Give it to me.

I'm going to kill them.

Now get hold of yourself, man.

Don't you know who they are?

Well, I've seen them around.

They're buying a ranch outside town.

That's Colonel Jess Whiteside and his orderly Bart Jamison.

Filthy butchers.

Butchers?

That's right.

They ran a prison camp, vilest hole this side of hades.

The war is over, Abel.

You can say that, Luke, but I lived

a year under those vultures.

Over and done with a long time ago.

War or no war, those two are butchers.

I give you my word, Luke, I'm going to kill them.

I've waited years for the chance and now I'm going to kill them.

I'm going to kill them.

It's him.

Are you sure?

I said it was.

See for yourself.

No, I take your word for it.

I thought I recognized him when we came out of the bank.

I wasn't sure.

Times have changed.

Maybe Goss has changed too.

Are you forgetting he swore to kill me?

He screamed he'd just stay alive so he could

put a bullet through my head.

And you laughed at him because you didn't think he was going

to last through the night.

Well, that was just a slight miscalculation.

We'll have to correct it.

The devil take Goss.

We're getting out of here as soon as it's dark.

Well, the deal here is just too good.

You know, you never worried about Goss in prison.

Why the sudden change?

When I lay down at night, I see faces in the dark.

I don't even know who they are, but I

can tell from the way they look at me that I killed them.

First it was a war and killing was something

you were supposed to do.

But that's been over a long time and we're at it.

Only we're not soldiers anymore.

You're drunk and getting drunker.

Goss knows that they'll hang him if he tries

to shoot you in cold blood.

He wouldn't do it.

And if you're wrong?

You'll do as I say.

You always have and you always will.

Always have, I always will.

That's right.

And you'll have a clear shot in the window here.

I'll go down and draw him out.

Make sure his gun is in his hands

so everything will look legal.

And don't wait too long.

Mark, I'm going over to talk to Judge Hanavan.

Why don't you go down and see if Abel's ready to take

your picture, now, huh? Sure will.

And ask him to come out to the ranch for dinner tonight,

will you? Yes, Pa.

Pa says for me and you to try again

and for you to come for dinner at the ranch.

That sounds like a pretty fair deal all around.

You just put these four bits back till you

find some better use for it.

Thanks.

Now remember, when you get in front of that camera,

you kind of act like you just heard school

let out for a couple of days.

Judge.

Oh, hello Luke.

What can I do for you?

I'd like to talk to you about something.

That fellow who just walked out of here and his friend,

they're staying here.

I understand they're buying the Big Spring Ranch.

What do you know about them?

Oh, not too much.

They seem all right.

Why? I was just wondering.

Put your head back where your hat is.

That's it.

Hand here.

Now get all through your fidgeting.

When I see so you've got to hold still for five seconds.

Where's that smile?

You call that a smile?

You look like you bit into a lemon?

That's better.

That's it.

Hold it just like that while I set the trigger.

Ready?

That's it.

Just the way you are. Take a deep breath.

Pull your chest up.

That's it.

Ready?

One, two, three.

Where's the smile?

Four, five.

It's over.

There we are.

Now I just put this plate through the processor

and then by and by, we'll see how you look.

Goss.

Run for cover, Mark.

Get.

Abel, you must be out of your mind.

I didn't believe you meant it.

It was self defense, Luke, I swear.

He called me out and made the play.

Mister, I'll take the gun.

He fired first.

It was self defense, martial.

There are two empty shells in the chamber.

Well, I shot a rattler on the way in this morning.

Can you prove that?

I missed him.

Come on.

Pa?

Mark, you all right? Yeah, but why are they...

Did you see what happened?

Well, Mr. Goss said to duck, so I dove under the wagon.

Did you see any of the shooting?

I saw Colonel Whiteside when he called him Mr. Goss,

but what are they...

Now listen to me, Mark, did you

see the Colonel draw his gun?

Well, I told you, I dove under the wagon.

But why are they taking...

All right, son, never mind.

Wait for me by the horses.

Well can't I go with you? No.

Go on, go on.

He never drew.

I tell you, he fired first.

How come his gun is still hosted?

His bullet just missed me.

I felt it.

This man was shot in the back.

I'm taking you in for murder.

Where are you taking him, Marshal?

To jail until his trial.

That seems like a waste of time.

But I suppose you have to do it.

What makes you so interested in this?

The Colonel, Mr. Whiteside and I were arranging a deal here.

Oh, you're Jamison.

That's right.

You see the shooting?

No.

I didn't have to.

I know what kind of a man Goss is.

You'll get a chance to tell all that at the trial.

Lucas, have a couple of men look after the body.

It's to be held for doctor exam.

Don't let me down, Luke.

You got a visitor.

Luke. Abel.

Make yourself at home.

What's mine's yours.

Call when you're ready, Lucas.

Thanks, Luke.

I knew I could count and you.

Count on me for what?

Why, to say I didn't shoot the varmint.

Well, maybe it's my fault. I shouldn't

have given you back the gun.

You think I killed him in cold blood?

Abel, you told me straight out you were going to kill him.

Not an hour later, I as much as saw you do it.

I swear to heaven, Luke, Whiteside called

me out and started the play.

Why, his slug came so close to my head,

I can feel the wind of it.

You actually saw a Whiteside draw and fire at you?

Well, practically.

He was in the street set to draw.

I turned to yell at Mark and when I was turned, he fired.

I fired right back without waiting to do any gawking.

Abel, if you tell the whole truth in court

and I think you'll get off pretty good.

Leastwise they won't hang you.

I just told you the truth.

No, I mean about what they did to you in prison.

Tell them everything.

The jury will understand what I that can do to a man.

They'll be lenient.

No, I'll tell them just what I told you.

Nothing about the prison camp.

That'll only make them think I did it.

Abel, I wish I could believe you, but from where

I'm sitting, it just doesn't...

Does Mark feel the same way?

No, he doesn't.

But he didn't see what I did.

Besides, he's a young boy and he took a liking to you.

Well, I feel the same way about him.

He's grown up to have fine qualities.

Like his mother.

Abel, it's because I hold you very warm

that I'm advising to tell about the torturing of prison.

I can back you up on that story.

Tell Mark I'm thankful to him for believing in me.

I'll do that.

Micah.

What's going to happen to him, Pa?

It'll be up to the jury, son.

Will they hang him?

They might.

Well can't you do anything to help him?

The best thing I can do is leave town right now.

Well how come, Pa?

Because it's my testimony that could hang him.

You'll all be seated and remain quiet until the court

orders a recess.

Now there'll no smoking, chewing,

or any other use of tobacco during the course

of this trial.

This court is now in session.

In the absence of any legally qualified counsel

for either the prosecution or the defense,

the court will call witnesses and hear testimony.

Anyone wishing to give evidence will

have an opportunity to do so.

Abel Goss, will you rise please?

You're charged with the murder of Colonel Jess Whiteside.

How do you plead?

Not guilty.

The plea is not guilty.

The trial has now begun.

Will Lucas McCain take the witness stand, please?

Will you place your right hand on the Bible there?

Do you solemnly swear the testimony

you're about to give in this case is

the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,

so help God? I do.

Be seated.

Mr. McCain, will you tell the court in your own words

what you saw at the time of the shooting.

Well, I was in the Madera house talking...

talking to the judge, and I heard a shot and another one.

Did you see the defendant then?

Yes, I did.

Describe Describe what you saw.

He was standing at the back of his wagon

with a gun in his hand.

Where was the victim?

He was lying face down on the street.

Mr. McCain, do you know the defendant personally?

Yes I do.

Abel Goss is my friend.

He has been for many years.

Did the defendant to your knowledge

ever threaten the victim?

Yes. In what way?

He told me he was going to kill him.

Was his reason for saying this because he feared the victim

might kill him first?

No.

What was the reason?

Mr. McCain, you're instructed to answer the question.

Goss was a prisoner of war under Whiteside.

He threatened to get even because of the cruel and

brutal treatment he was subjected

to at the hands of the Colonel.

Anything you wish to add to your testimony, Mr. McCain?

No sir.

Then you're dismissed.

Will Bart Jamison take the stand, please?

Pa, let's leave for a second.

What for, son?

I gotta talk to you.

It's important.

All right, come on.

Nothing but the truth, so help you God.

Now, will you tell the court of your relationship

with the victim?

The Colonel and I were business partners.

We invested $10,000 to buy the Big Spring Ranch near here.

Did you see any part of the shooting?

No, I was in our hotel room at the time.

I was going over some figures for the ranch.

Then I heard the shots and I came down the stairs

and out into the street.

But it was too late.

I know what's troubling you Mark.

But I said what I had to.

But you made it sound like he did it.

That's the way I saw it.

You're wrong.

You just don't know.

Now listen to me, Mark.

The jury will do the final deciding.

I know what I heard and saw and you're

not going to tell me different.

Well maybe you just didn't see so good.

I could see where you and I better do

some serious talking tonight.

Does that mean that you don't want

me telling my side in court?

No, I didn't say that, son.

What I saw and heard doesn't seem to be the same thing

that you saw and heard.

I'll be getting up in front of everybody

and talking against you, Pa.

You're entitled to your opinion, same as I am, son.

Our disagreeing has nothing to do with you telling

the truth the way you saw it.

Justice depends on that, son.

All right, Pa.

Do you remember the exact words

the defendant used at that time?

Not exactly, Judge, but pretty close.

He said, I'll kill you, you dirty varmint.

I'll stay alive just so I can put a bullet through your head.

What'd you expect me to say when

you stripped the skin off my back and rubbed salt in it?

Restrain yourself, Mr. Goss.

Not only out of respect for this court, but to protect

your own interests.

Have you anything else to add?

Only that the Colonel was as fine an officer as a man

could serve under.

You may step down.

Will Mark McCain take the stand, please?

Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing

but the truth, so help you God?

I do. Sit down, please.

Now Mark, just tell the court what

you know in your own words.

Well, I was having my picture taken

by Mr. Goss, when all of a sudden he yelled at me to duck.

Then I took one look toward the hotel

and saw Colonel Whiteside standing

in the middle of the street.

His hands were spread out like this

and he looked ready to draw.

So I got out of the way fast.

Did you actually see Colonel Whiteside draw his gun

and fire a shot?

No sir.

But what I wanted to say was that,

why, I believe that Colonel Whiteside fired at Mr. Goss

first.

Because like I said, I did see him ready to reach for his gun.

And then the second I turned around, I heard the first shot.

Well, Mr. Goss couldn't have gotten his gun out by then.

How soon after did you hear the second shot?

Maybe another second or so.

You think you can tell to the second

how soon Mr. Goss could get to his gun?

And do you know that Colonel Whiteside's

gun was found in this holster and that it had not been fired?

Yes sir.

But I know Mr. Goss wouldn't murder anybody.

He's too nice a man.

Order.

Thank you, Mark.

You may step down.

Now will Marshal Micah Torrance take the stand, please?

Now Marshal Torrance, will you tell

the court, please, where you where

when you heard the first shot?

I was in my office checking some wanted posters.

I heard one shot and then another one.

I went up there as fast as I could, went through the crowd,

and found the victim lying there.

He was dead.

Mark, just what are you doing?

Pa.

Just stand over here for a second.

See, Pa?

It's possible.

We'll give it a try.

We'll give it a try, son.

Come on.

Then you took the defendant's gun

and placed him under arrest.

That's right.

The gun was still warm when I got it

and there were two empty shells in the chamber.

Have you anything to add to your testimony?

No sir.

Then you may step down.

Say, Judge, something special has come up.

I'd like permission to speak with the prisoner for a moment.

Do you think the cause of justice

will be served by interrupting the trial in this way?

Well, I'm not sure, but it's possible.

Request granted.

This court stands in temporary recess.

What you up to?

Tell me how to develop those photographic negatives

of yours.

First you dip the plates in a mixture

of pyrogallol and acetic acid.

What?

Pyrogallol and acetic acid.

Then when the picture comes out, to fix it,

you dip it in a potassium cyanide solution.

The stuff's all there in the wagon, plainly labelled.

Now, where did you put the wagon, Micah?

Delivery stable.

What have you got in mind?

Walk me to the door.

Any luck, Pa?

Not yet, son.

These all seem to be developed.

Hey Pa, here's one still in the camera.

It must be it.

Well let me have it, son.

Let's see.

What was it?

Pyrogallol acid.

Or was it potassium?

Solution.

Yeah.

So I yelled to Mark to get to the cover

because I can see Whiteside ready to draw.

Then that shot burned past my ear and I fired back.

Next thing I knew, the Marshal was taking my gun away from me.

But I swear, I only fired once and in self defense.

Marshal Torrance testified there were

two empty shells in your gun.

I explained that to him.

I was having breakfast in a camp that morning and I saw...

Judge, before Mr. Goss completes his testimony,

I'd like to show the court some vitally important new evidence.

Well, this is out of order.

But the court recognizes the seriousness of this case

and the importance of all facts bearing on it.

You may proceed, Mr. McCain.

Thank you.

Judge, my son testified that Mr. Goss took his picture

before the shooting.

This is the developed negative of that picture.

It shows the Colonel standing in the street behind my son.

It also shows a window in the hotel,

which is directly in line with the Colonel's back.

If you take a close look, you can see a man standing

in that window with a rifle.

So Judge, if you'll allow Mr. Goss to develop

the picture from this negative, I'm sure we'll

all recognize that man.

Nobody move.

Don't move.

Hold it.

Now get back in there.

Go on.

Mr. Jamison, have you anything to say

about this behavior of yours?

You can let Goss go.

I killed Whiteside.

But I can tell you this much.

I had good reason to.

We'll hear all about your reasons

when I get time to set up a new trial.

Meanwhile, you will be held in the Marshal's custody.

This case is dismissed.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you did for me.

Don't thank me.

Thank the boy.

Well, I always knew how he felt about me.

So did I. That's why when he came up with his foolish notion

about the picture, I went along with him.

I also figured if Mark wouldn't give up after the way they

laughed at him in court, I owed it to him to stick

out my neck in court too.

Well you wasn't sticking your neck out with the proof

right there in that negative.

Abel, I'm a rancher, not a photographer.

I never did develop that negative.