Original subtitles

[ Trolley Bell Clangs ]

Samantha Frye?

Yes, sir.This story of yours-- it's a great story, Miss Frye.

It's filled with pathos, fraught with suspense.

Tear on every line.Thank you, sir.

And not a fact in it! Miss Frye, you are fired!

[ Man ] A very good story, Miss Frye.

Unfortunately, the chairman of the board of aldermen...

objects to being referred to as "Finky" Malloy.

In fact, he's suing this newspaper for $10,000.

And the chief of police is suing for 15! And if that's not enough--

The city council, as a man, has threatened to close us down altogether!

Now, what do you have to say to that?

I'm fired?

[ Train Whistle Blows ]

[ Bell Clanging ]

Wouldn't be the 9:12, would it?It is.

Roads gettin' better all the time, aren't they?

Got a letter there for Judge Henry Garth?

Thanks. Keep up the good work.

Uh, hey, you. Uh, hombre?

Me?Uh, yeah. Yes, you.

Uh, come here a minute, will you?

Uh, howdy.Howdy.

Um, native to these here parts?Yep.

Just how big is this whistle stop?

Ma'am, that all depends on how you look at it.

To some folks, it's a mighty big town. To others, it's not so big at all.

Just depends on what you're used to.Ah.

Um, i-is there a newspaper in town?

Well, that all depends on how you look at it too.

You tryin' to kid me or something?Yep.

[ Chuckles ]

All right, I deserve it. Will you show me where the newspaper is?

Happy to.

Where you from, Miss, uh--Frye.

Samantha Frye. I came through from Chicago, heading for San Francisco.

Oh. Well, why stop at Medicine Bow?

The conductor discovered I was traveling on an expired pass.

Really? How'd you get this far on an old pass?

Batted my eyes at the trainman. [ Giggles ]

Well, now--No ideas, mister.

I'm a newspaperman.You're a which?

Well, what's wrong with that? Haven't you ever heard of a woman reporter?

Pretty rare around these parts.I'll bet.

Well, there's your newspaper.

Les Jensen owns it.

Publishes every Thursday, mostly.

Les is a nice fella, but he's not much of a go-getter.

Yeah, I can see that.

Well, thank you very much.

[ Clears Throat ] Friend of yours?Who's that?

Young lady you were talking to.No, she's a stranger. Why?

Don't you know the first thing a lawman does is check on strangers in town?

That's the way you operate, huh?Know of a better way to meet interesting people?

Somethin' on your mind, miss?Just watching.

Dang it. Where are those dang capital T's?

Here.[ Murmurs ]

I see why you publish once a week as a general rule.

[ Sighs ]Here, give me that.

What's this word?"Unconstitutional."

[ Sighs ]

Where'd you learn to set type like that?

Grew up in a print shop. Where'd you learn to spell?

I never learned exactly. I kinda go by instinct.

Well, your instincts are all wrong, friend.

[ People Chattering ]

Afternoon, Danny.Afternoon. You're in town early.

Had some errands to do for the judge. Give me a beer.

Joe. Buy you one?

No, thanks. I gotta be gettin' back.

Sure don't see much of him.

Some folks like to travel alone, I guess. Joe Cleary's one of 'em.

[ Sighing ] There.

You oughta straighten out that pied type.

Ah, figure I'll get to it someday.

Well, that's one of the first things I'll do when you hire me.

I didn't say nothin' about hirin' you.Well, you need somebody.

I may as well be it.

Depending, of course, on what you'll pay.

Well, if I was hirin'-- and I say if--

oh, I might go as high as, uh, eight dollars a week.

I got double that on the Chicago Inter Ocean!

Well, this ain't the Chicago Inter Ocean.

Why-- [ Door Opens ]

Les, where are those handbills I ordered?

Oh, uh, hello, Emmett. I was, uh--

I was going to get to those the first thing, right after--

You've been going to get to those things for the first thing...

for the last two weeks.Yeah.

How do you do?

Oh, uh, Miss, uh--Samantha Frye.

Uh, say hello to Emmett Ryker. Emmett's our deputy sheriff.

How do you do? Miss Frye's comin' to work for me.

- Eight dollars a week. - Now, wait a minute.

Uh, you better take it, Miss Frye, because that's high wages for this town.

[ Sighs ]

Do you know a good boarding house in town-- that I can afford?

Yeah. There's, uh-- Try Ennith McKillan's.

Three dollars a week, and the food's prime.Mmm.

Okay, we've got a deal. Give me an advance on my salary. Four dollars.

[ Ryker ] I'll, uh, wait for you.Well, I don't know. I--

What kind of a hayseed journal are you running, Mr. Jensen?

Anyone knows the first thing you do when you hire a reporter...

is give him an advance on his salary.Why?

Because a reporter never has enough to live on until payday.

I'll, uh, show you the way.Thank you.

Hey, you come back right after dinner, you hear?

Got a lot of work to do. Tomorrow's publishing day, you know.

Maybe.

I missed you.Oh, I've only been gone a few hours.

Long enough to be missed. Did you get everything?

I think so. I, uh, even got a couple of extras.

My.

Oh, you're extravagant, Joe. It's beautiful.

A rider came by from Shiloh today.Oh?

We've been invited to a party Judge Garth is giving.

You want to go?You know I don't care much about parties.

Well, maybe we ought to go just this once.

Do you think it would be all right?We never go anyplace anymore.

You haven't been off this ranch in weeks.I don't mind.

Well, we'll talk about it later. Let's have supper.

♪♪ [ Guitar, Up-tempo ]

♪ Well, girls on Cripple Creek are sweet as any wine ♪

♪ And they wrap their arms around you like a sweet potato vine ♪

♪ Roll my britches up to my knees ♪

♪ I'll wade ol' Cripple Creek as far as I please ♪

♪ Yeah, goin' down to Cripple Creek Goin' on a run ♪

♪ Goin' down to Cripple Creek to have a little fun ♪

♪ Goin' down to Cripple Creek Goin' on a whirl ♪

♪ Goin' down to Cripple Creek to see my girl ♪

♪ Well, I'm a-roundin' strays and pitchin' hay ♪

♪ Tryin' to earn my dollar a day ♪

♪ But when my daily chores are done ♪

♪ Cripple Creek Well, here I come ♪

♪ Goin' down to Cripple Creek Goin' on a run ♪

♪ Goin' down to Cripple Creek to have a little fun ♪

♪ Goin' down to Cripple Creek Goin' on a whirl ♪

♪ Goin' down to Cripple Creek to see my girl ♪♪

♪♪ [ Band: Dance ]

Enjoying your work on the Banner,Miss Frye?Not very much.

The news is a little on the dull side, I'm afraid.

Oh, you know-- meetings, school reports, church affairs.

I thought the West was a lot woollier than it really is.

Well, some of us are happy that it's been shorn and tamed.

I'll bet you could tell some hair-raising stories.

Have you ever killed any Indians?

We usually leave the Indian fighting to the Army.

How about outlaws?How about 'em?

Well, have you ever run into any?Oh, some. Why?

Well, Indian fights, outlaw bands, gun battles.

Do you know what that's worth in some of the magazines back East?No, what?

Two cents a line.Hmm.

When a girl's trying to live on eight dollars a week and failing, that's quite a lot.

[ Both Chuckle ]

I sold four dollars' worth in the last two weeks.

Well, you must've used up just about all the stories there are by now.

[ Clears Throat ] Excuse me. Do you mind?

You packin' a warrant?Come on, son. You gotta show some respect for the law.

Mrs. Cleary. Joe, I'm glad you could make it.

Well, thanks for askin' us.Gee, that's a lovely dress, Anne.

Come on. I'll introduce you to some of the people.

♪♪ [ Band: Up-tempo ][ Guests Chattering ]

[ Chattering ]

♪♪ [ Continues ]

I'm glad you came.

Well, I figured it was about time we started acting like human beings.

Might not be so easy. We haven't seen this many people under one roof in a lot of years.

Just relax and enjoy yourself. The past is dead.

- You really think so? - As dead as the Brazos Kid.

[ Joe ] Well, I'll drink to that.

I hope I'm not interrupting.

Oh, uh, do you know Mr. Cleary?

Joe, this is Samantha Frye. She just went to work for the Banner.

How do you do?Fine, thank you.

It's getting late, and we have a long ride.Of course.

Will you walk out with us, Mr. Cleary?

♪♪ [ Ends ]

[ Quietly ] Whoa.

Are we there?Mm-hmm.

Oh, my.

Fresh air certainly does pack a wallop.

Did I sleep all the way?Most of it.

Did you have a good time?Too good, I'm afraid.

I was so busy enjoying myself, I forgot to do any reporting.

Oh, Les is going to be annoyed.

Ahh, it's a shame.What?

Here we are-- you and me, great big full moon,

and one of us can't forget you're a newspaperman.

[ Chuckles ] Maybe if I try very hard.[ Chuckles ]

That reminds me. Who is the Brazos Kid?

What?The Brazos Kid.

I heard you mention his name tonight, and I didn't get a chance to ask you earlier.

Why would you want to ask me at all?

Well, it's a colorful name. Two cents a line, remember? [ Chuckles ]

Who was he?Eh, he's just a cowboy that ran into some bad luck.

An outlaw?Mm-hmm.

Ended up the way most of 'em do.Dead?

Mm-hmm.

Ah, you know, I'm gonna be--What did he do?

Who?The Brazos Kid.

Ah, well, he, uh, tried to kiss a gal one time,

in the moonlight in front of her roomin' house.

Is that against the law?No, no.

She kept talkin' about some other fella, so, finally, he strangled her.

Oh.

Well, in that case--

We wouldn't want you going to jail, now, would we? Good night.

Good night.

[ Kisses ]

What are you doin', Samantha?Mmm.

Uh, looking through the back files.

Oh, now, maybe if you told me what you were looking for.

The Brazos Kid.Oh, him.

You knew him?

Well, I know about him, but I didn't know him.

And I didn't want to know him or anybody like him.

He was a murdering man, Samantha.

A cold-blooded killer that'd just as soon shoot you down...

as pass the time of day with you.

At least that's what they say.

Good morning, Mr. Ryker.

Well, how are you, Miss Frye? Did you get home from the party all right?

Oh, did you think I wouldn't?

I was figuring on taking it on myself,

but I, uh-- I guess I don't move fast enough.

Oh, you were moving at a pretty good rate the last time I saw you.

[ Chuckles ] What can I do for you?

Or is this a social call?

Well, I'm doing a little research.

What can you tell me about the Brazos Kid?

Oh, well, not very much, I'm afraid.

Uh, he was wanted for a lot of things, but they never caught up with him.

What did he look like?

Never was a very clear description of him.

Let's see, he was supposed to be a tall man, uh, soft-spoken, a real polite sort of fella.

Some say he came from someplace below the Mason-Dixon Line.

Hmm. Did you know him?

Oh, no, I never met the fella.

What-- What's your interest in the Brazos Kid?

- Money. Two cents a line, to be exact. - Mmm.

Listen, you know what I make on the Banner.

Yeah, you make eight dollars a week.

Mm-hmm. By careful scrimping, saving and doing without, I manage to live on nine.

[ Chuckles ]

I'm into Les Jensen for salary advances,

and a few more months on the Bannerwill find me in perpetual servitude.

So, you see, I have to make money on the side.

Uh-huh. With the Brazos Kid?

Well, it's a colorful name.

Bank robber, train robber, killer.

Wanted from the Rio Grande to the Canadian line.

Nobody knows much about where he came from.

- How did he die? - Drowned.

Where's he buried?He isn't. They never found his body.

A writer can do things with that.

[ Sighs ]

[ Trolley Bell Clangs ]

Oh, yes, and get in touch with that writer, Miss, uh-- What's her name?

Frye.Oh, yes. Tell her to send all she can get on the Brazos Kid.

At-At two cents a line, Pomeroy.Mm-hmm.

No, by thunder, we're going to do this handsomely.

Three cents a line, and all she can write.

Oh, yes, and for heaven sakes, do something about that name.

We've got to change that. Uh, embellish it.

Give her a handle. Colonel.Colonel.

It's as good as any. Colonel Sam Frye.

One, two, three, four,

five, six, seven, eight.

There you are, Samantha.

Have you heard that the price of living has gone up, Mr. Jensen?

Oh, is that a fact now? Yeah, well, it seems like it never stops.

Well, I've been finding it difficult to, uh, get by on my salary, and I was wondering if--

No, sir. No, sirree, Bob.You didn't let me finish.

Askin' for a raise, weren't you? Well, I was getting around to it.

Well, there's something I learned a long time ago, Miss Frye.

Too much money is bad for, uh, children, fools and newspapermen.

Or women, as the case may be.

It spoils 'em. I've come to regard you kindly and fondly, Miss Frye.

And I-- I won't have it said that I contributed to your ruin.

Good morning, Samantha. Les.

Hello, Emmett.

I, uh, just picked up your exchanges at the post office this morning.

Mail service sure has picked up since I hired me some new help.

Here's something for you, Samantha.

Oh! It's from the National Police Digest.

What's that-- good news?

Ah! Twenty-five dollars!What?

They sent me a check for $25 for my story about the Brazos Kid.

[ Gasps ] And they want more.

Let's see.

There! There it is!

Well, you certainly gave his bones a rattle, Colonel.

Well, what do you think?Nothing.

Why not?Because I don't believe what I read in scandal magazines.

Well, as the head of this agency, that's a luxury I can't afford.

Check it out.

You're the boss, Mr, Pendleton. But just between the two of us,

I think you're wasting my time and your money on a case that's been closed for a long time.

Well, maybe I am.

But if I'm not, that $5,000 reward on Brazos...

will make the time spent seem a little more worthwhile.

5,000? You mean that old railroad association reward?

I thought they called that in when he died.

You mean, ifhe died.

Without a body, there's still no conclusive proof of his death.

And that makes it still an open file in my book.

You get out there to Medicine Bow. Have a talk with this Sam Frye.

From the sound of this story of his, I got a feeling he's onto something.

If it's Brazos, I want him back here-- alive.

I'll leave first thing in the morning.

And, Delaney, there might be others who want him.

They'd just as soon take him dead.

I need a room for a few days.Certainly.

Well, I'll fix you up with a nice room, Mr. Sebastian. A real nice room.

Just give me the key.Certainly, Mr. Sebastian.

Room 7, head of the stairs.

That's Lou Sebastian. Somebody's facin' a lot of trouble.

What you so dressed up for?Goin' to town.

What for?

If you don't know, remind me to have a little talk with you.

Hey, did you ever hear about this fella Brazos?

Wasn't he in on that business on the Rosebud?

Randy, I'm surprised at you, readin' that kind of stuff.

Well, hello.Hello.

What brings you into town?Payday and you.

[ Rings ]Ah. In that order?

Well, maybe it's the other way around. How soon will you be finished here?

Why? Well, I thought we could go over to the hotel,

have a little dinner and talk over a few things.

- No? - Sorry.

[ Ryker ] What do you say?

Him?

I'll be with you in a minute, Emmett.

Oh, sure, Samantha, right. Well, take your time.

[ Clears Throat ] Well, where you been all this time?

I chase cows for a livin', remember?

Oh, yeah. That's right, you do. Yeah. I--

Well, isn't a shame some people's work interferes with their social life?

Mm-hmm.

Shall we?Bye-bye.

Oh, uh, would you mind springing the lock on the door before you leave?

Not at all. Have a nice time.

Oh, you can just bet on it, ol' buddy.

[ Door Closes ]

Uh, do you mind telling me where we're going? Uh--

It doesn't matter.

Why did you all of a sudden, uh, decide to go out with me?

A girl shouldn't accept last-minute invitations. It cheapens her.

The idea of that big galoot just riding in here...

and assuming that I've been waiting breathlessly...

for him to spare a little time infuriates me.

Good, good, good. Now, about having dinner with me.

Oh, I'm gonna be in a rotten mood all evening and no fit company for anyone.

If you're smart, Mr. Ryker, you'll reconsider.

Oh, I'm not that smart. I'll, uh-- I'll pick you up at Mrs. McKillan's.

All right.Good.

[ People Chattering ] [ Samantha Giggling ]

[ Chattering ][ Giggling ]

[ Giggling Continues ]

[ Imitates Explosion ][ Laughs ]

Don't let me interrupt anything. Just act like I'm not here.

Well, of all the nerve.Old friend, don't you know that three's a crowd?

You know, I did hear somethin' about that once.

I didn't believe it though. Pass the salt, would you, please?

[ Sighs ]

I just hate to eat alone. I was sure you wouldn't mind.

Emmett, let's simply ignore him.Yeah, that's a fine idea.

Friend, you are being ignored.

Uh, would you pass the pepper, please?[ Sighs ]

[ Clatters ]You were about to say, Emmett?

You know, Samantha, it's a terrible thing...

when a fella rides 15 miles into town to see a girl,

and she cooks up another date on the spur of the moment.

Uh, just a minute, friend.Well, what's a girl supposed to do?

Just sit around and wait for a man to come calling?

Well, I told ya. I chase cows for a living.

Sometimes that cow chasing takes me an awful far distance from here.

Well, you could have at least sent word.

How was I supposed to send word from 40 miles away?

Now, just a minute--If it was important enough, you would've sent word.

This isn't the big city, you know.

We don't have any telegraph offices or messenger boys where I've been.

[ Clears Throat ] I'd like to say something.

The idea of a man just walking in and expecting me to drop everything.

[ Virginian ] I thought you'd be pleasantly surprised.

Pleasantly surprised? I never heard-- Emmett?

Excuse me a minute.

Well, now, where's he going?Never mind him.

Now, why do you think I rode 15 miles all the way into town?

Tell me.I could tell you a lot better if we were alone.

Hello, Sebastian.Hello, Ryker.

You're the law in this town?I'm it.

Times change, don't they? Never mind that.

What are you doing here?

Is there any law against my being here, Deputy?

I'll ask you a different way.

Who are you after?

Brazos Kid's dead.Maybe. Maybe not.

If he's alive, there's 5,000 on him.

Mmm. Dead or alive, hmm?

That's right, dead or alive.

Sebastian, I never had any use for bounty hunters.

I particularly never had any use for you.

So don't give me a chance to prove it to you.

Samantha, the story of your career could be summed up in one word.

Fired.Ha!

Fuddy-duddy editors.Oh?

My father always said, "Never let facts interfere with a good story."

He said, "Samantha, the average reader is not interested in dull, dry statistics.

He wants to hear life, fire, color, imagination!"

Your father was a newspaperman?One of the best.

Did you ever hear of the men on the moon?No.

The New York Sun put that story out about 40 years ago.

It sent its circulation up from nothing to one of the biggest in the city.

Now, I'm not saying that people believed it.

But they wanted to believe it, and they bought papers to read about it.

My father was working on the Sunwhen that story was published.

It left a lasting impression.I can see that.

Now, what do you mean by that?

I read your story on the Brazos Kid.And?

Well, it's exciting all right and colorful.

Seemed to me to be more imagination than anything else.

Uh, is that a compliment, or, uh, do I sense a slight air of disapproval?

Ah, Samantha, I don't have any right to approve or disapprove.

Just between us, it was imagination, wasn't it?

Well, let's call it clever reporting.

I, uh-- I indicated that it was possible that he could still be living.

And if certain editors want to draw certain conclusions--

At two cents a line.Exactly! [ Chuckles ]

You still disapprove?No, no.

It's all over with. Let's forget about it.

All over? Not on your tintype!

My editor wants more, and I'm going to give him everything I can.

That doesn't make sense.

Brazos isdead. There's nothing to write about.

Now who's imagining things? The body was never found.

Unless you know something I don't.

So, you see? My theory is just as valid as any other.

What theory is that?

Give me time. I'll think of one.

I'm sorry. I can't invite you in.

Mrs. McKillan is a little old-fashioned about some things.

Hmm.Good night.

Good night.

[ Steam Hissing ]

[ Whistle Blows ][ Bell Clangs ]

May I help you?Yes, I'm looking for a Colonel Sam Frye.

- Samantha? - This platen's just about gone. You better order another one.

Well, never mind that. There's a gentleman here to see you.

Yes?

Sam Frye? Colonel Sam Frye?

[ Chuckles ] I guess I received a typographical commission.

Well, what can I do for you, Mr. Delaney?

Well, I'd like to talk to you... in private.

Perhaps you'd join me at dinner?

Well, I never refuse a free meal, Mr. Delaney.

Shall we say 7:00 at the hotel?

That's fine.

[ Door Opens, Closes ]What's his business?

He's with the Pendleton Detective Agency.

Pendleton?

Samantha, have you been up to something?

Ask me after dinner.

[ Men Shouting, Hooting ]

Hyah!

[ Whinnying ]

Hyah!

Good-looking saddle stock.Yeah.

Judge, have you got a few minutes? I need some legal advice.

Got a dollar?Sure.

That constitutes a retainer.

Now anything you tell me is a privileged communication between counsel and client.

Come into the house.

[ Horse Whinnies ]

Now, what is this all about?

Well, Judge, suppose that seven or eight years ago,

a fella had gotten himself into trouble with the law.

He was on the run, a posse chasin' him, but he lost 'em.

And they thought he was dead.

Well, now, suppose he turned up alive now?

What do you think would happen to him?

Well, it would depend on the nature of his crimes.

The statute of limitations doesn't apply in capital cases.

I assume you're talkin' about a friend of yours?

Yes, a good friend.

I see.

Did you ever hear of the Brazos Kid?

He wasn't as bad as he was made out to be.

I've heard that said before.

He had reasons for a lot of the things he did.

Did he indeed?

How would you advise him, Judge?

I'd advise him to give himself up and stand trial...

in the hope that time might've softened the public's memory.

Thanks.

[ Door Opens, Closes ]

Well, you look like the tail end of a misspent life.

You better come inside and have some coffee.

Is Anne in there?Yeah.

Let's walk a piece.

Well, I've been expectin' this.

So far, it's nothing but a story.

It's enough to bring every hide hunter in the country to Medicine Bow.

Just the rumor that the Brazos Kid might be alive...

will bring 'em like buzzards to a carcass.

What are you gonna do?

Well, I don't know. I've had about eight good years.

That's about as much as a man in my position can expect.

I tell you, ever since I came here,

I've kept the guns oiled and the saddlebags packed, 'cause this day had to come.

The day when somebody surmised that I didn't die on the Rosebud.

Well, maybe I'll just clear out.What about Anne?

She's known what to expect.

Look, nobody can prove that the Brazos Kid isn't dead.

There's no reason to start running. This may not amount to anything.

Those are the things that trip a man up-- the things that don't amount to anything.

Worst comes to worst, there's other things to do besides run, you know.

What-- turn myself in? [ Scoffs ]

I'd either hang or I'd rot in jail.

Just don't run. It's the surest way I know to get a bullet in you.

Well, it's better than years in jail or a rope.

Nobody's gonna hang, Joe.

All the things they said about you aren't true.

I'm glad you believe it.

I believe it.

Miss Frye, where did you get the facts for this story?

Oh, a newspaperman never reveals his source.

There's still an outstanding reward for the Brazos Kid-- $5,000.

Very interesting.

If you know anything about his present whereabouts--

Oh, whatever gave you that idea?

Your description of the Brazos Kid tallies with everything we know about him.

Come on, Miss Frye. You must have some information.

I told you, a newspaperman never reveals his sources.

Miss Frye, I think you're a fraud. I don't believe you know anything.

I think your story is a figment of the imagination.

Ah. In that case, Mr. Delaney, I'm afraid you've wasted the price of a good dinner.

I'll ask you for the last time, do you know anyone who might be the Brazos Kid?

You're the detective, Mr. Delaney. Suppose you find out.

Morning.Morning.

Deputy Ryker, I'm--Surprised, Delaney?

In a way.

I didn't really believe the stories, but if they brought you here--

You took the words right out of my mouth.

If you two are through saying your hellos, I'll tell you why I sent for you.

I'll make it short. [ Clears Throat ]

I think you're wasting your time in Medicine Bow, but that's your problem.

Mine is keeping the peace.I'm not a law-breaker, Deputy. I'm--

You're a private detective.

I'll admit your agency has a good reputation, but private doesn't mean legal.

It doesn't give you. any authority to make an arrest.

If you want the law enforced, you come to me.

I never intended anything else.

Mmm. Well, then, we'll get along.

- As for you-- - I'm just an honest businessman trying to make a living.

[ Sighs ] Mm-hmm.[ Thud ]

If telling yourself that makes you sleep any better nights, you go ahead.

Just remember, you find anybody you think's the Brazos Kid, you come to me.

If you're right, I'll see you get your reward.

I've heard that story before.

Even tried it once when I was young and didn't know any better.

Know what happened? Some lawman got rich.

You remember this.

You try packing anybody out of Medicine Bow across the back of a horse--

anybody-- and I'll see you hang.

Now get out of here.

One question.

What happens if Brazos and I run into each other outside of Medicine Bow?

What then, Deputy?

Well, what now?

Do we go have a drink together like civilized people?

Pretend we don't hate each other?Why not?

You buy.

I'll trade the drink for some information.

What'd you find out from the girl?

I don't know what you're talkin' about.Colonel Frye.

Prettiest colonel I ever saw. Did she tell you anything about the Kid?

She doesn't know a thing.You're a cheerful liar.

Then let's forget about the trade. I'll buy.

Saloon's down the street.

The last time I had a friendly glass with you, I didn't come to for three days.

Cost me a thousand-dollar bounty.

Just protecting the company's interests, Lou. You can't blame a man for that.

Only when it conflicts with my interest, Delaney.

All right, I'll take another chance with you.

By the way, what was that stuff you put in my drink that time?

Chloral hydrate.

I'll have to remember that.

Yeah.

"Then, gentle reader, ask yourself,

"if the Brazos Kid is dead, as claimed,

"why the world's greatest detective agency...

"has sent one of its keenest operatives into Medicine Bow?

"Can it be that the soul of outlawry walks amongst us in this quiet cow town,

wearing the guise of simple homesteader, honest rancher or dashing cowboy?"

[ Chuckles ] That's bully stuff, Pomeroy! Bully!

Oh, very bully, Mr. Fix. Very bully. Mm-hmm.

Oh, Pomeroy, you have the soul of an oyster.

Pomeroy, wire Colonel Frye at once.

Tell her to send all she can. Milk it dry.

How's it goin'?Oh, not too bad.

Should be finished in another half hour or so.That's fine.

You still readin' that thing?

Yeah, there's a new story in there about the Brazos Kid.

Says he could be livin' right here in these parts, if he's still alive.

Is that what it says?

Well, not just like that, but I can figure things good as the next fella.

Has a description.A description?

Why don't you take a look at it? Maybe you can figure out who he is.

Where is it?

[ Door Slams ]Oh, well, good afternoon, Emmett.

Samantha, I want to talk to you about those stories you've been writing in the Police Digest.

Oh, dear. [ Chuckles ]

Don't tell me you're after the Brazos Kid too.

If I was, and I believed those articles of yours,

I'd have a pretty good idea where to find him.

Really? Where?

Don't play innocent with me, Samantha.

You described the Virginian in these stories right down to the way he parts his hair.

Now, it's about time you stopped. Somebody's liable to get killed.

Oh, aren't you being a little melodramatic?

What do you think Delaney and Sebastian are doing here in town?

Following me.Following you?

Uh-huh.

Come on. See?

There's one of them.

[ Chuckles ] I suppose they think I'll lead them to the Brazos Kid.

Samantha, do you realize if you'd have stopped writing those stories,

that pair would have left town by now?

Oh, I wouldn't want that to happen.

Why, they make good copy while they're here.

You know, the man hunter in pursuit of the outlaw.

Do you know that one of them is a cold-blooded killer?Oh, now, Emmett, really.

Have you seen the Virginian since those two started trailing you?

Certainly. Why not?

I'm trying to explain to you, Samantha. This is not the East!

Men still get killed out here.

They get killed in silly quarrels over fool misunderstandings.

Now, you started something, Samantha, with your stories about the Brazos Kid.

In the beginning, it wasn't so bad.

But now you've practically branded him and ear-bobbed him as the Virginian!

Well, he can certainly prove he isn't the Brazos Kid. Can't he?

If he has time. Samantha, I want you to stop writing these things.

Well, I'm not going to. Just what do you think you are,

coming in here and telling me what to write and what not to write?

Didn't you ever hear of freedom of the press?

Oh, now, just a minute.Now, just a minute nothing!

I'm standing on constitutional rights...

that you or any other cow town constable can't take away from me!

You go on. Get out of here. I have work to finish up.

Go on.

It's a shame I can't take your pencil and paper away from you.

They're deadlier than any six-gun.

[ Sighs ]

What's the cheapest room?Day or week?

We'll start with a week.That'll be seven dollars.

Room 12. Second floor, front.

And where does a man go for a payday blowout around here?

There's a saloon right down the street.

♪♪ [ Piano, Up-tempo ]

[ Blusters ]

♪♪ [ Piano Continues ]

Well, here's luck.

Good or bad?Both.

Good to me, bad to you.

Let's keep it friendly, Lou. The Brazos Kid.

[ Danny ] Evening.Good evening, Danny.

Monongahela.

You know somethin' funny?

I was just readin' about that Brazos Kid in the Digest.

He drinks the very same thing.Oh, yeah?

Might have to talk to that Colonel Sam Frye.

You given much thought to him?

♪♪ [ Piano Continues ]

You mean--

Don't try to play it clever with me.

You've been checkin' him out, same as I have.

[ Sebastian ] If anybody in this town's the Brazos Kid,

it's gettin' to look more and more like that cowhand.

You're getting old, Lou. He's a cowhand, period.

Fits the description in those stories.

That description could fit a lot of others.

Granted.

But this one came into Medicine Bow soon after Brazos was reported dead.

And this one is friendly with our Miss Frye.

I figure he's a pretty good suspect.

You know what I think, Lou?

I think you're trying to false-trail me.

Would I do that to a friend?

'Cause I know you.

If you thought that was the Brazos Kid standing over at the bar,

you'd have shot him in the back a long time ago.

Brazos.

That settles that much.

- You're makin' a mistake, friend. - No mistake, Brazos.

- Tell me you don't know me. - I don't know you.

You're a liar.

You couldn't look at me and not know I'm Mike Ringbolt's brother.

I don't know a Mike Ringbolt.

You killed him-- in Laredo, nine years ago.

Gunned him before he even had a chance to draw.

Now do you remember?

No, I don't remember. You're makin' a big mistake, friend.

Yeah. Maybe I did make a mistake.

Dead?

Yeah. You better get Ryker.

[ Man Sighs ]

Mike Ringbolt's brother. Who'd know the Brazos Kid better?

No doubt about it being self-defense?Nope.

There'll be a hearing, but there's, uh, no reason to hold you.

I, uh, looked up some facts on the Brazos Kid.

He wasn't so bad.

Uh, to me, he looks like a fiddle-foot cowboy, got into trouble once or twice,

and, uh, he just ran away from it.

After that, he got blamed for a lot of things he never did.

A man can get a bad reputation like that.

I know that. I had some trouble along those lines myself once.

Now, if I was the Brazos Kid, I think I'd turn myself in.

Get a lot of things, uh, cleared up.

Uh, it might go easy on him.Why don't you tell him?

I'd like to, if I knew he was alive and here in town.

Ryker, do you think I'm the Brazos Kid?

If I thought that, you wouldn't be walking out of here.

- Then what are you gettin' at? - I'm sure of just one thing.

You know more about the Brazos Kid than you're willing to say.

A man can be sure and still be awful wrong. Ringbolt found that out.

There's more like him around town, so watch yourself.

What happened?

No story here, Miss Frye. It's all down the street.

Well, what's wrong with him?

He just had to kill a man that thought he was the Brazos Kid.

You've been hemmin' and hawin' and doin' considerable beatin' around the bush, Delaney.

I gotta earn a livin'.Might as well stick around, Lou.

The Kid belongs to me, all nice and legal and alive.

After all, I've got the authority.

I'm packin' some authority myself.

You pack the kid out, and I'll see you swing for murder.

I only kill men who are wanted, men who need killin'.

I want to talk to you. Uh, both of you.

Sit down. You know Mr. Sebastian.

That man, Mr. Ringbolt-- he made a mistake.

He sure did. Got himself killed.

Oh, but the man who killed him isn't the Brazos Kid.

You hear that, Lou?

Look, maybe I wasn't completely honest with you.

Oh? I didn't have any sources of information.

I-I just made it all up.

It was good copy, but there wasn't a fact in any of it.

I believe it, Delaney.

I thought the whole thing was phony from the beginning.

Miss Frye, I sure appreciate what you told us.

Save a lot of time and trouble.

Then you'll be leaving town soon?Yes, ma'am. Sure will.

And you?Very soon.

Good. I-I'm sorry if I made any bother for you.

You believe her?

- No. - Me neither.

Drink your coffee. We'll go see Ryker.

One thing I like about you, Lou. You're a sensible man and a good loser.

And you don't holler too much when the cards are stacked against you.

- Doesn't do any good to holler. - That's right.

A man has-- A ma--

[ Clatters ]

Lou.

Chloral hydrate. Remember?

I think Mr. Delaney's had an attack. You better watch over him.

[ People Chattering ]

That's it. Drink it all.

[ Sighs ] What happened?

Looks like you got a dose of knockout drops.

Sebastian, he's gone after the Brazos Kid.

Oh, but you told me you weren't--You look after him.

Judge wants to see you.

Give him a hand with this.

Sit down.

You're protecting the Brazos Kid, aren't you?Yep.

Why?

Well, to begin with, he's a friend of mine.

And he's led a real quiet life for eight years.

And he's got a nice wife.

But most important, most of the stories they tell about him aren't true.

You know that to be a fact, eh?

Judge, we rode the grub line together many years ago.

We were poor as church mice, both of us.

We shared beans and blankets and misery.

That's the kind of thing that makes friendships.

We split up and went our separate ways.

When I met him again, he was the famous Brazos Kid.

I didn't even know it till the posse jumped us up on the Rosebud.

Youwere there?

They were shootin'. There was no time to offer explanations.

We went into the river together.

Halfway across, my horse foundered. The Kid turned back.

He dragged me out of the water, and we both tried to make it over on his horse.

But we didn't.

We got swept downstream and...

finally made it to the other shore a couple of miles below.

We holed up for a couple of days, and then we heard the Brazos Kid had drowned.

Decided to leave him dead.

And now he's come back to life, huh?

Already one man's mistaken you for him.

Might be others.I know that.

How far do you intend to carry this?

I only know I can't trade his safety for mine.

That's commendable, loyal--

but wrong.

Think it over.

Goin' up to the north range to round up those strays.

I'll swing by Joe Cleary's place on the way.

Right.

[ Blusters ]

Where's the Virginian?He went out to the north range.

Thanks.

He said he was gonna stop by Cleary's!

Morning.

Gotta talk to you.Come on in.

Morning.Anne.

Well, go ahead. You can talk.

Joe, I had to kill a man yesterday.

A man named Ringbolt.

He thought I was you. He thought I was the one that killed his brother.

That was down in Laredo. He tried to gun me in a card game.

Well, I'm sorry about your run-in with Ringbolt, but, uh--

I want you to turn yourself in.

No. You don't listen to him, Joe.

That's all right, Anne. I want you to talk to Judge Garth.

He'll see that you get every break that the law allows.

You can wipe your slate clean once and for all. Do time, if you have to.

Time? I'd end up with a rope around my neck.

Do you know what happens when a man gets a reputation?

He gets blamed for every killing, every robbery...

that takes place within a thousand square miles of where he just happens to be.

You never killed anybody?

Yes. I killed two men.

Mike Ringbolt and one other, both in fair fights.

And I robbed a bank and a train...

and I got enough for salt and beans and cartridges.

But you ask anybody about the Brazos Kid,

and they'll tell you he killed 30 men and stole $100,000.

Now, what kind of a chance do you think I have with that kind of a reputation?

Well, what chance have you got now?

There's a Pendleton man and a bounty hunter in Medicine Bow.

Right now, they got their sights set on me.

But sooner or later, they're gonna figure out they made a mistake...

and go after the real Brazos.

What are you gonna do then? Run again?

You know, one of these days, you're gonna run out of moves.

Would you turn me in?

All I know is, I don't want to have to kill any more men.

All right, I'll talk to Judge Garth.

But I won't promise anything else.

I'll tell him to expect you tonight.

Anne.

I'll need a couple of shirts and some beans and whatever coffee you can spare.

Well, we knew this day would have to come.

As soon as I get clear, I'll get in touch with you and let you know where I am.

Which way will you head?Up north to Canada.

They can't follow us there. [ Horse Approaching ]

Joe.

[ Joe ] It's Ryker.

I'll see what he wants.

Hello, Cleary. Has the Virginian been by?

Yeah, he was here this morning. What's the trouble?

Bounty hunter named Sebastian's after him.

Thinks the Virginian's the Brazos Kid. You know which way he rode out?

- Toward the north range. - Good. Thank you.

Ho. Hah.

Joe.Ryker, wait!

I'm goin' with ya!

[ Galloping Hooves ]

[ Water Rushing ]

- [ Gunshot ] - [ Whinnies ]

[ Gunshots ]

Come on out, Brazos! You haven't got a chance.

You're makin' a mistake!

[ Water Rushing ]

You're gonna bleed to death, Brazos.

All I have to do is wait.

[ Horses Approaching ]

That's a warnin', Ryker! Ride out!

Stay outta this, Ryker. He's mine.

Come on down, Sebastian. He's not the Brazos Kid.

Yeah, I know better. He's mine!

I'm not splittin' that reward with you.

We got to get him out of there.

[ Ryker ] You wait there.

[ Gunshot ]

[ Gunshots ]

[ Gunshots ]

Sebastian!

You got the wrong man, and I'm not gonna let you kill him!

Cleary!

You want the Brazos Kid, try me!

[ Body Tumbling ]

I'm sorry you feel you gotta leave.

Things were going good. Real good.

If it's a matter of money, I--Oh, it isn't money, Les.

Let's just say it's time for me to be moving on.Where you goin'?

Nowhere. Anywhere. Away.

San Francisco.

Good-bye, Les. And thank you. You've been very kind.

I'm sorry you're leaving, Samantha.

You did liven things up around here though.

[ Chuckles ] Yes, I-I did that much, didn't I?

Samantha, you're a good writer.

This story on the death of the Brazos Kid--

I'm glad you liked it.

It's the last one I'll ever write.

[ Whistle Blows ]

I was wondering if you'd come. Thank you.

Samantha, you, uh-- you didn't mean that about not writing again?

I meant it.

You once told me that in my hands, a pencil and paper could be as dangerous as a six-gun.

You were right.He was wrong too.

They don't have to be dangerous.

Did you read my last story?I read it.

I was real proud of you. Plenty of action and color, and all the facts too.

Not quite. Not the real facts.

They would have read quite differently, I'm afraid.

Something like, uh--

"A sad-faced ex-outlaw and the man who killed him...

"were buried today in adjacent graves.

"Mourners who attended the brief services believed the two men died from gunshot wounds.

[ Train Whistle Blowing ]"They were wrong.

Both were victims of an irresponsible newspaper reporter."

Samantha, aren't you bein' a little hard on yourself?

"There was a third victim present--

an innocent bystander."

Me? I've been hurt worse bulldoggin' steers.

You could have been killed.

Who are you feelin' sorry for, Samantha?

Me and Joe Cleary or yourself?

- I killed two men. - You helped. So did a lot of others.

What about the men who offer rewards, Samantha,

with those simple words on them-- "Dead or Alive"?

The men who attributed crimes to the Brazos Kid...

that were committed by other people hundreds of miles away from here.

The Brazos Kid himself, Samantha,

who could've settled for a few years in jail.

Or me. I could have turned him in. [ Bell Clanging ]

You didn't kill anybody, Samantha. You just stirred things up a little.

Well, I have a talent for doing that.

Maybe you've learned a few things here in Medicine Bow...

that'll help you out when you get to San Francisco.

It would mean beginning all over again. New-New habits, new style.

- I wouldn't know where to start. - Want a suggestion?

You've written the story of the Brazos Kid.

Why not write the story of Joe Cleary?

- I could try. - I think you will.

- Good-bye, Samantha. - Good-bye.

[ Man ] All aboard!

[ Train Whistle Blows ]

[ Man Announcing ] Produced in color in association with the NBC television network.