Original subtitles

[ theme music playing ]

[ whistles ]

[ horse galloping ]

This ranch is like a ghost town.

Where is everybody?

Well, let's see.

Belden's in his bunk,

building up strength for Saturday night, I reckon.

Randy's in the barn, practicing his guitar.

I don't know. They're around somewhere.

You know how it is this time of the year.

All the hard work's done for a while.

You're working.

That's because I'm what you might call a "noble cowhand,"

more or less worth my weight in gold.

Whether it's roping steers or lonely bunk chores, it makes no difference.

I'm a whale among minnows.

[ chuckles ]

What's new in town?

I got a letter from the Judge.

When's he coming back?

He didn't say.

Did he have a good time in Boston?

He didn't say.

Sounds like a nice, newsy letter.

Mostly it was about a couple of stallions

and some brood mares he wants me to buy.

I'll be leaving in the morning to pick them up.

Where you going?

Mexico.

Mexico?

Can't you find some horses closer than that?

Not Palominos like these.

At least that's what the Judge thinks.

You-- you going alone?

No, I figured I'd take someone with me

to help me herd them up to the rail head.

Anybody particular in mind?

I figured I'd take whoever's most worthless

around here this time of year.

Hey, now, wait a minute.

You can look far and wide,

but you're not going to find anybody more worthless than I am.

That's not what you just said.

You said you were a whale among the minnows.

Well, it goes to show.

Not only am I worthless,

I'm a liar to boot.

You said it. I didn't.

Mexico, huh?

How much longer we got to go?

Thought you said you liked train rides?

I did. I did...

for the first three days.

Cheer up.

If the wheels stay on,

we ought to make San Christian by night.

It's just this side of the border.

You train-sick?

No, just sick of the train.

Well, we'll both be feeling a lot better

when we get where the señoritas are.

Not going to have much time for señoritas.

I'll find time.

How come the Judge is willing to pay so much money

for a bunch of Palominos?

I don't know.

He just likes the looks of them, I guess.

He's got something there.

Sure are a pretty color.

Yes, sir, Palomino's a fine looking animal.

I remember the first time I saw a Palomino.

Reminded me of a pretty girl with golden hair.

Then, on the other hand, just about everything

reminds me of a pretty girl with golden hair.

You know, it's funny,

while you are looking at--

It--

Yes, sir, it sure is funny.

Hey, now, that's the color I was trying to describe to you.

Look at her hair-- just like a Palomino.

Something like it.

Not quite, though.

Couple of whiskies.

Yup.

Send mine over to the table.

Evening, Miss.

Mind if I sit down?

I'm a stranger in this part of the country,

so I hope you'll excuse me,

but I must say it's a sad kind of a town

when a pretty thing like you has to sit by herself

at a big round table like this.

Now--

I was only going to ask the young lady

if she could tell me where to find a livery stable.

The young lady doesn't know.

Oh.

Now, why don't you get over to the other side of the room?

Sounds like a good idea.

That was quick.

Who's the woman with all the mean men?

That's Zack Wheeler's girl.

Just who is Zack Wheeler?

I just work here.

What kind of an answer was that?

Take it easy. Take it easy.

Look, we got a lot of riding to do tomorrow.

It's at least 10 miles to the border

and maybe 20 miles more to Señor Machado's ranch.

Maybe we should--

Hey, what's the matter with you, hmm?

Noth-- nothing, I--

I guess it's just hot in here.

Maybe we ought to go back to the hotel and get some sleep, huh?

Might as well.

Not doing myself any good here.

Zack. Zack, I was beginning to worry.

About what?

Why you took so long getting here.

Well, you can relax now.

Going to be a great harvest, even better than I thought.

Buy the boys a drink.

[ sighs ]

What's the matter, Maggie?

Nothing's the matter.

Maybe I made a mistake.

Let's see.

No, I was right the first time.

You're not glad to see me.

Why?

I am so glad.

I'd just be a whole lot gladder

to see you someplace else.

Can't stand this town.

It's dirty, and there's nothing to do.

I agree with you.

It's a miserable town.

You'll be leaving in the morning.

Cal will be taking you to Fidencio's place.

That's even worse. Why do I have to--

Because I don't want you around here...

for your own good.

Always for my own good.

Hiding out in God-forsaken places like Fidencio's,

waiting to hear from you just--

I'm sick and tired of it.

That's a pretty dress, Maggie.

You like it?

Why wouldn't I like it? I bought it, didn't I?

No, I did.

Pretty fancy decorations for a girl that was dancing

in a second-rate saloon not too long ago, hmm?

They didn't sell much champagne

in that saloon, as I remember.

A girl was lucky if she could get

a customer to buy her a drink of bad whisky.

Cal?

Yeah?

Maggie's bottle is empty.

Stop it, will you?

Stop being so mean.

I'm never mean to you, Maggie,

never.

You just have a way of getting all mixed up

about how things are.

Every now and then I have to explain it to you.

You know how it was going to be with me.

Sure. Sure, Zack, I--

I don't know what got into me.

All the waiting around, I guess.

Don't pay any attention to me.

I'm going to pay a whole lot of attention to you

as soon as my business here is over.

[ footsteps scuffling ]

Morning.

What are you doing? Didn't you go to bed last night?

Of course I went to bed.

What are you doing up so early?

It's not that early.

Well, I'll be...

You were pretty tired last night.

We should have been across the border by now.

Quit worrying.

Quit worrying.

I contracted for the rail cars on the 15th.

If we don't get those horses to Del Rey Siding in time,

we'll be in real trouble--

financial and every other kind.

There may not be another train through there

for two or three weeks.

We'll make it.

Get on down to the livery stable

and hire some horses.

Already did,

saddle packed and waiting for us in front of the hotel.

I haven't slept so late in years.

Why didn't you wake me up?

The way you looked last night, I figured you needed the sleep.

I wish you'd stop figuring so much and start following some orders.

Sleeping late sure don't agree with you.

I'll go down and order up some breakfast for you.

I already had mine.

I'm not hungry.

You must be sick.

Just get the bill paid. I'll be right down.

Mejico-- land of señoritas and tequila.

Correction-- land of six Palomino horses.

Let's go.

Take it easy. Can't you?

Zack said to get you there and hurry back.

This big job you're going back for, what is it this time?

A bank? Stagecoach?

He wanted you to know, he would have told you.

What's the matter? Doesn't he think he can trust me?

Maybe he thinks you drink too much.

Ho, now. Ho, there.

Hey, Margarita.

Bienvenido,Margarita.

Hello, Fidencio.

What a fine surprise.

Where's Zack?

Zackito didn't come with you?

You don't see him anywhere, do you?

Oh, so-- come in, come in.

Señor Cal.

She'll be staying with you a while.

Zack will be along in a week or so.

Oh, bueno. You know where to find Margarita's room?

I know.

See who has come to pass the time with us, Aaron.

Miss Margaret, I'm very happy.

[ sighs ] Are you still here?

Margarita, por favor, please.

You must be very tired.

Zack says for you to take good care of her till he gets here.

Oh, but of course.

Tell Zack not to worry.

You won't have something to eat?

I haven't got time.

I think Zack must be up to something.

He's very busy, I think.

He's very busy, all right.

Oh, don't feel sad, Margarita.

You will have a good time here.

Soon Zack will come,

and then everybody will be happy.

What makes you so sure?

How do you know something won't happen to him?

Not Zackito.

Not Zackito. Sometimes you make me sick.

Zack's not a magician.

He's just a man like anybody else.

No, Margarita, not like anybody else.

Where would I be without Zack?

Scratching the dirt in some poor ejido.

Because of Zack, I have this finest ranchito.

Where would you be without Zack, Margarita?

Forget it.

It is forgotten.

I know I don't make the best coffee in the world,

but you better get something in you.

Here, have some jerky.

I'm just not hungry.

Not hungry, my foot.

There's something wrong with you, and you know it.

I waited long enough. You need a doctor.

Now, wait a minute.

Let's get going.

Man, you sure are stubborn.

"El Ranchito--" "Ranchito Cantina y Posada."

Huh. Well, that's just too good to believe.

What's it say?

Cantina y Posada-- Bar and hotel.

How do you like that?

Right out here in the middle of nowhere

a sweet saloon and a pillow for your aching head.

Maybe it's a mirage.

Nope, no mirage.

We cannot serve you tonight, gentlemen.

I am sorry.

Well, now, don't be sorry. Just open the door.

We're too tired to argue.

Please, now, Fidencio is closed tonight.

Hmm.

Thank you very much.

I'm sorry, señor, we are closed.

That's what this fellow was saying,

but I didn't believe it.

Well, I was wondering what happened to you.

You find your livery stable all right, Mister?

Yeah-- yeah, we found it.

You know these men?

We met once.

You cannot stay here, señor. You must go.

It's a hotel, isn't it?

Si,sometimes this is a posada,

but right now at this time it is not a posada.

Then you better take your sign down.

The sign comes down first thing in the morning.

You hear that, Aaron? First thing in the morning.

That's fair enough.

We'll be leaving first thing in the morning.

We'll take it down on the way out.

Right now my friend needs a place to lie down and a good drink.

That is not possible, señor.[ moaning ]

We have no--

Get some brandy. Hurry up.

Stop standing there looking stupid.

[ rooster crows ]

How is he?

He's a strong man. That's all I know.

Think it's pneumonia?

Something like it, I guess.

He gets burning hot, and then it goes away.

Where's the nearest doctor?

By the time you find a doctor,

he'll either be better or he'll be dead.

You been up with him all night?

I'm used to keeping strange hours.

Well, I'll go see if I can round us up some coffee.

[ groans ]

Anybody here?

Uh, alguno aqui?

Morning. I was wondering if you could round us up some coffee.

Your friend is all right now?

I wouldn't go that far.

Oh, that is too bad, señor,

and I'm very sorry, but I--

I know, I know, you already said

we can no longer stay here.

Well, señor, you're wrong. We're staying.

What's the matter with you? What are you so afraid of?

Please, you don't understand.

You're dead right about that. I sure don't understand.

Now, if you're worrying about the money,

we'll pay for our keep in good U.S. dollars.

No, I don't think about the money.

Then what's got you so scared?

My friend isn't going to hurt you.

He doesn't have the strength.

Uh, coffee, coffee. Do I have to get that myself?

No, no, no, please. Momentito,I bring it.

You're the little Palomino.

Yeah, you bet I am.

Whatever you say.

Where's Trampas?

He'll be right back.

You just be quiet.

Ah.

[ rattles ]

You really are boggled about something.

Look, Mister,

try to be reasonable.

My friend has to stay here for a while

because there isn't any place else I can take him.

He didn't get sick on purpose.

FIDENCIO: Oh, I know. I know.

Please--Señor--

He's awake. He wants to talk to you.

Uh, what's a Palomino?

It's a horse. Why?

A horse?

Good morning, Margarita.

Oh, you make me sick.I know.

I think I make myself a little sick,

but what can I do?

It's possible that Zackito will come here at any moment.

What would he do if he finds these men here, kill them?

I think so.

You don't think much of Zack, do you?

How can you say such a thing?

I would die for him.

But you think he'd hurt a sick man?

But this man, he will get well, no?

He will get well, yes. Then he'll be on his way.

He doesn't want to stay here, you know.

Get up and leave right now if he could stand up.

Quit shaking and put something in this.

Oh, now, please, Margarita,

so early in the day, it's not good.

Like you were saying yesterday--

nothing wrong with you at all.

What am I going to do?

The only thing you can do.

Stay down till you're strong enough to get up.

I made a deal with a railroad.

How are we going to deliver the horses?

Well, if you quit being a big hero for a second,

I'll tell you how we deliver the horses.

I, Trampas, am going to go to Señor Machado's,

rope them, break them, hog tie them if I have to,

and bring them back here.

You think you could do that all by yourself?

If I can't fetch six little old horses,

I ought to be working in a dry-goods store or something.

I don't know.

Well, I do know.

Now, you just take it easy, and I'll work it all out.

I don't have much choice, do I?

First smart thing you said

since you told me to come along with you.

I want you to know we both appreciate all your help.

It's kind of nice having something useful to do for a change.

Besides, what else is there to do around here?

Now, you sure old Fidencio's not going to throw him out

the minute I get out of sight?

He'll have to throw me out first.

Think he can do it?

I'll be back soon as I can.

Come here, son.

He's gone?

Yeah.

I will be most happy when this time in my life is over with.

When you're tied up with Zack,

this is the only kind of time there is.

Worry and wait.

You're tired, Margarita.

Yes, tired of worry and wait.

Where have you been?

Where does he always go?

To the border, the post office.

He is looking for a very important letter

from his very important cousin in San Francisco.

You see, Miss Margaret, this cousin will get me a job there.

There's a fine, new hotel being built.

They call it the Palace Hotel.

I'm told it is truly a palace,

is 800 rooms, 437 bathtubs.

What do you think you're going to do in a fancy place like that?

In the beginning, some small job,

but after I become an American citizen,

I will work very hard,

and anything is possible there.

Margarita, sit down.

A nice glass of wine, eh?

I don't like this.

What can I do?

You always think softer with this.

How long has it been, Aaron,

how long since you came here?

Is two years, seven months,

one week, and three days.

Would tell you the number of hours and minutes

if it were not for the most unfortunate circumstance.

This very day in San Christian, I sold my watch.

Your beautiful watch? You sold it?

When I take a position in San Francisco,

can I wear huaraches with my toes sticking out?

I will need shoes and other things of course.

The watch was dear. I will miss it.

Remember me?

Maggie the horse.

My friend Trampas.

Has he gone?

He said he'd get back as soon as he could.

He wouldn't go until I promised to take care of you.

I'm sorry I've caused so much trouble.

Oh, forget it.

I'd do the same for anybody.

I didn't mean that the way it sounds.

What will I call you?

My name is Margaret.

Most people call me Maggie.

Well, about all I can think of to say

is thanks, Maggie.

Well, I guess I better see about getting on my feet.

Nope. You just stay put.

That's an order from the head nurse.

All right.

Wait.

Can you sit down for a minute?

Unless you have something else to do.

I've got nothing to do.

What I've seen, this is the place to do it in.

What's a girl like you doing way out here anyhow?

What do you mean, a girl like me?

I meant young, attractive.

Well, it's--

I don't know exactly how to put it.

It isn't exactly any of my business either.

You don't have to tell me.

Just trying to make conversation.

It might seem funny.

I guess a lot of things about me might seem funny

to a man like you.

What do you mean, a man like me?

I could give you the same answer.

Where abouts you come from?

Wyoming.

Wyoming. That's in Cheyenne, isn't it?

I had a friend who lived there once.

It's the other way around. Cheyenne is in Wyoming.

I guess you must think that makes me pretty dumb

not knowing the difference between a town or a state.

It's not a state yet.

It's a territory,

and I know a lot of people

who can name you the states of the union

backwards and forwards

that I wouldn't trust to cross the street by themselves

let alone make a man forget how sick he is.

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont,

Rhode Island, Connecticut,

New York, New Jersey,

Delaware, Maryland,

um...

Virginia,

West Virginia, North Carolina,

South Carolina, Georgia,

Florida, um...

Alabama, Tennessee,

Kentucky, Ohio,

Michigan, Wisconsin...

Indiana, Illinois,

Mississippi.

My pa was born in Mississippi.

What about you? Where were you born?

A place called Dry Diggings near Caloma, California.

Maybe that's why your hair looks like it's got gold dust in it.

Um, Mississippi,

Louisiana, Arkansas,

Missouri, Iowa...

Tequila.

Tequila?

Tequila!

Fidencio, you don't drink.

In my own cantina, must I serve myself?

Please, you get too excited.

They've been together for three days,

laughing, smiling, talking.

I wonder what they talk about.

You won't believe me,

but just now she was naming the states of the Union to him.

You are right. I don't believe you.

You're not getting tired, are you?

No.

You know what this is?

I don't see anything.

It's a trapdoor spider's house.

See the little trapdoor?

Hey.

She lives down inside there.

What makes you so sure that spider's a she?

Because that little house inside

is all covered with silk,

and she only comes out at night.

[ chuckles ]

Where'd you learn so much about trapdoor spiders?

When I was a kid at the diggings with my pa.

What's the matter?

I--I guess I just never met anyone like you before, Maggie.

What's that supposed to mean?

So many contradictions,

so many different sides to you.

Like what?

Like one minute you're telling off Fidencio

like a ramrod bawling out a bunch of no-good cowboys.

The next minute you're an expert on trapdoor spiders.

You can lap up champagne like a prospector just struck it rich

and then sit up all night and take care of me when I'm sick.

I never thought of it like that.

Maggie?

I want to ask you something.

You don't owe me anything, and I owe you a great deal...

so you don't have to tell me if you don't want to...

but I can't help wondering

what you're doing way off down here,

what Fidencio's so scared of.

Why won't he let anybody into his hotel?

Why's he so anxious to get me out of there?

He's, uh--

He's expecting someone,

someone that's important to him.

That someone wouldn't be Zack Wheeler, would it?

What do you know about Zack Wheeler?

I don't know anything about him...

but the night we first saw you in California,

the bartender told Trampas you were Zack Wheeler's girl.

Would it make a difference to you?

It's none of my business.

It must make some kind of difference,

or you wouldn't have asked about it in the first place.

Think we better be getting back.

Can't leave the trapdoor open.

The spider might get a notion to change her ways.

ZACK: Too bad you don't think as good as you drink.

Man deserves a drink after riding half the night.

You slopped up half that bottle.

What are you riding me for?

I did what you told me.

I told you to find out about the silver shipment

out of White Springs.

And I did.

You only got half the information.

You don't know when. You don't know how many men are riding escort.

Well, they don't put out flyers

with all that written out

for anybody who's interested, you know.

Don't get hard-nosed, Haller. I don't like it.

Look, Zack, Cal said that--

Cal isn't running things. I am.

Well, I know they're leaving for Denver the first of next week.

They got some soldiers riding escort.

You don't know how many.

What difference does it make?

Five, fifteen, we'll ambush them and kill them all.

You're talking about the Calvary.

Calvary, sod-busters-- bullets are cheap.

And so is your life.

You kill one of those soldiers,

you'll never stop running long enough

to catch your breath again.

You know what I just figured out?

You try to call it brains,

but the plain truth is you're scared.

You're yellow!

Was there something else you started to say?

No. Nothing.

Okay. Now, see if you can remember this.

We're going through with this my way.

You can take your silver and buy bullets

and shoot up the whole army if you want.

Just one thing, Haller--

you make dead sure it's after I've gone.

[ knock on door ]

WOMAN: Zack, are you in there?

Maggie, what are you doing here?

What's wrong? Something happened?

No, nothing's happened.

Tell Cal and the others we'll meet at sunup.

Now, what did you come up here for?

I wanted to see you.

Well, so now you've seen me.

You'll see me again in less than two weeks

at Fidencio's.

But I don't want to wait two weeks,

and I don't want to be with you at Fidencio's.

I want to be with you now, here, tonight.

You can understand that, can't you?

Of course I can.

Oh, Zack.

Maggie, listen to me.

You got to go back.

We're leaving in the morning for White Springs.

Wait for me at Fidencio's.

It's just the same as always, isn't it?

What are you talking about?

I can't just store up my feelings,

and when you return, just open them up for you to use

until you're gone again.

What are you trying to say?

That I'm afraid.

I'm afraid that when you come back this time,

I'm going to open up, and everything's going to be gone.

There's just not going to be anything left to give.

Zack, listen to me.

It took us five years

to get from that saloon where we met

to San Christian, to this room.

Now, that may be quite a distance by horse,

but not for a whole five years.

You didn't seem to mind then.

I didn't...

not then.

Then I was just a girl then,

just Happy Maggie,

and anything was better than cadging drinks in a saloon,

but I've changed.

I need something more than just fancy hotels and champagne to live for.

I need to be loved, Zack...

at least needed...

not just used.

I'm not a girl anymore.

I'm a woman,

and I need what a woman needs.

I'm giving you the best I know how.

The best of everything except yourself.

What's gotten into you?

You met another man?

I asked you a question.

Someone's been messing around?

No, Zack,

nobody's been messing around.

You go back to Fidencio's. Wait for me.

When I come, things will be different.

You're right.

This time you're right.

VIRGINIAN: Morning.

Good morning.

You're either up awful early,

or you stay out awful late.

I get restless sometimes.

I like to watch the sunrise.

I saw you putting your horse up.

Did you have a good ride?

Fine.

I like to ride early in the morning.

Well...

Where are you going?

Probably want to freshen up.

What's the matter? Do I look like I need it?

No, I didn't mean--

Sorry.

I'll be right back.

[ giggles ]

No, no.

That will not be necessary.

She's not touched the first bottle.

Tell me about Medicine Bow.

What's it like?

There's not much to tell.

It's a quiet little town

with a lot of nice people in it.

Do you get in often from your ranch?

It's not my ranch. I'm just the foreman.

I get in quite a bit, pick up supplies,

have a few drinks in the saloon

on Saturday night,

go to a dance every now and then.

I bet you're a good dancer.

Hmm, you'd loose that bet.

Want some champagne?

No, thank you.

Sounds like a good place to live.

A lot of people might find it a little too quiet,

except on paydays, of course.

What happens then?

Well, every payday, regular as clockwork,

one of my ranch hands, fellow named Belden,

rides into town and tries to take the saloon apart.

He never quite makes it, but he never quits trying.

Excuse me, it is late.

We would like to clean up and get to bed.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Don't want you to have a relapse.

That's very thoughtful of you.

On the other hand, it's not a good idea

to go to bed right after eating.

Would you like a breath of fresh air?

Good idea.

I'll be right with you.

You feel good, strong, eh?

Better every day.

Hard not to with the kind of care I've had

from all of you.

Yes, and now it's good that it's all over

and you are so well and strong again.

Only this morning I saw you walking a long walk.

Tomorrow you will be riding your horse, si?

I might give it a try at that.

You will look fine on a horse, a true vaquero.

ready to ride to Señor Machado's ranch

and join your compadre.

Well, I don't know about that. It's a long ride.

Señor Trampas will be glad to see you again.

I don't think I feel quite up to that

if you don't mind.

I guess he does mind.

Please, Fidencio does not mean to be ungracious.

He is the kindest man I have ever known.

Where you from, Aaron?

Well, in the beginning I come from Poland.

I am on my way to San Francisco.

A little off the track, aren't you?

San Francisco's that way.

That is true, but it sometimes happens

that a man is unable to reach his desired destination

in a straight line.

I've been on my way to San Francisco for many years.

Some day I will make it.

Good luck.

Thank you.

Tell Maggie I'll be outside, will you?

[ sighs ]

I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long.

Not at all.

Why are you staring at me?

You look different.

Better or just different?

Better.

Glad.

Are the stars this bright at night in Medicine Bow?

Brighter. We're closer to them in Wyoming.

I was just thinking about what we were talking about at supper.

I've never lived in a town like that,

the kind of a town where people live like--

well, I guess like real people,

you know the king of a place where you get up in the morning

and go to work and come home at night

and have supper, go to church on Sundays,

the kind of place where they settle down

and get married, raise children.

Most places are like that, Maggie.

Not the places I've been.

Have you ever been to a place called Caloma?

No.

Well, it's small, it's ugly, it's dirty,

and it's where I grew up.

Doesn't sound like you have many good memories about it.

I don't.

My mom ran off with a whisky drummer when I was ten.

When I was 15, my pa died,

and that's when I went to work in the saloon.

At 15?

There aren't a whole lot of jobs open

to a girl who can hardly write her own name.

Besides, my pa didn't take very kindly to schooling,

and in a place like Caloma you can't always pick and choose,

and I had to live.

Oh, I hated it, but I worked in that saloon for three years.

Funny how fast a girl can grow up.

That's where you met Zack.

That's right.

Zack offered me a chance to get out of Caloma,

out of the saloon and--

Well, I thought what Zack had to offer was better.

I'm not so sure now.

Well, I guess it depends on what you really want, Maggie.

Oh, I want to belong somewhere.

That's what I pray for.

You'll be leaving soon.

When you go...

will you take me with you?

I won't be any trouble. I promise.

Maggie, Medicine Bow is just a town,

no different from hundreds of others.

There are all kinds of people in it,

people like Fidencio and Aaron,

like you and me...

some like Zack Wheeler.

It's where I live, and I guess I'm partial to it...

but it's not going to change anyone's life.

It's no new kind of paradise.

For your sake I don't want you to go making it into something that it isn't.

Are you saying I wouldn't belong there?

I'm saying a person belongs

where they want to belong.

Maybe you could be happy there, maybe not.

That's something you have to decide.

Then I do have a choice.

Everybody does.

You can have it if you want it.

What--

But if I have a choice

and I make it,

if I've thought about it

and know it's really what I want to do...

Then do it.

What are you looking at?

I guess they ran out of states.

This is no joking matter.

What are you doing?

I'm writing a message to Zack

to tell him to get here quickly,

or he will lose his woman.

You will take it with you when you go to San Christian.

Why, I had not planned on going tomorrow.

You will not go tomorrow.

You will leave tonight,

and you will see that Zack gets this.

Good morning.

You're not leaving.

Just going for a ride.

Oh, I was just getting up,

and when I looked out the window and saw you--

didn't even stop to fix my hair.

I'll be back.

Where are you going?

I saw some dust plumes to the south,

figured it might be Trampas.

He's about due back by now.

Forgotten all about him.

If it is Trampas,

you will be leaving, won't you?

I'll have to.

Are you sure you're well enough?

I was well enough two days after I got here.

Now, look out. Don't go spooking them.

Whoa! Whoa, now.

Since when are you giving me orders?

Since I've been doing all the work.

Got to admit I'm glad to see you.

Well, you look a lot different than the last time I saw you.

How you feeling?Fine, just fine.

Well, you ought to,

lying around having a beautiful woman to take care of you

while I'm rounding up these wild beasts

and coaxing them along this dusty trail.

Huh. What do you think of them?

It's easy to see why the Judge is so set on having them.

I'll tell you,

I look at horses like these,

and I can forget all about women

for about five minutes.

[ laughs ] Well, let's go.

All right. Watch that end horse.

She'll jump all over you.

Fidencio. Fidencio.

Aaron.

Fidencio, I have great news.

Did you deliver the message?

I did not see him,

but I gave it to one of his men,

but look.

Look what was waiting for me at the post office?

Are you sure he will get it?

Things are even worse here than I thought.

I told you, yes he will get it.

Now, will you listen to me?

What is this?

A letter from my cousin.

The letter has come.

The job is mine.

I can go to work as soon as I get to San Francisco.

I thought you would be happy.

I am very happy for you.

For you this means that you will become a citizen of The United States

and work your way up to a very rich man.

For me--

For me, Aaron,

it means I will lose the finest bartender in all Mejico

and a very good friend.

Thank you.

Friends don't get lost.

Well, I will get my few things together.

I wait all that time, and now I must hurry.

[ spurring horses ]

Well, Little Palomino.

Or is it?

What did you do, Maggie?

You sure look different.

So I've heard.

You must be a real fine nurse, too.

He looks better now than before he was sick.

He was a good patient.

I reckon we'll be leaving in the morning, huh?

[ clears throat ] I guess I'll go wash up if Fidencio will let me in.

I was thinking about it while you've been gone.

I'd like to go back to Medicine Bow with you.

What about--Zack?

He'll be angry because it will be a blow to his pride.

He can't stand to lose at anything,

but it won't go any deeper than that.

You won't have to take care of me or be responsible for me.

I can get a job.

I just want to go there and live.

I wouldn't mind, of course, if you wanted to see me every now and then.

I will.

That's what I wanted to hear.

Good-bye, Miss Margarite.

Good-bye, Aaron, and good luck.Thank you.

You must have got the letter you were waiting for.

That's right.

Good luck to you.Thank you.

He's a nice fellow.

I hope it works out for him.

I know now how he feels.

You don't have to sleep in here.

I just did it so I can keep an eye on the horses.

Doesn't take two of us to do that.

I've been pampered long enough.

You said it. I didn't.

How did everything go while I was away?

Fine.

I bet old Fidencio is sure going to be glad

to get rid of us.

I bet he will.

By the way, we'll be saddling three horses in the morning.

How come?

There's only two of us.

There will be three of us going back.

Oh? Well, Aaron's already gone,

and it sure isn't Fidencio.

That makes it Little Palomino.

I wish you'd call her by her right name.

You're going to take her back to Shiloh with you?

Medicine Bow.

I knew it,

and I knew there was something going on the minute I got back here.

What do you mean by "something going on"?

Why shouldn't she go to Medicine Bow if she wants to?

No reason.

I mean, if that's really what she wants to do.

You find something wrong with Maggie?

No. No, I don't. She's a fine-looking woman.

When I saw her in the saloon that night, I said--

People can change, you know.

You bet. You bet they can.

Now, look at me,

but, uh...

well, maybe you didn't hear the bartender say

that she's somebody's girl.

Maybe she's changed about that, too.

Maybe.

I just don't want to see

you getting all mixed up in something that'll get--

[ horse galloping ]

We got company.

I'll see who it is.

[ door opens ]

You looking for somebody?

I'm Zack Wheeler.

I got word some cowhand was fooling around with my girl.

I came here to kill him.

Why don't you ask her if she's still your girl before you try it?

Fidencio was right, wasn't he?

Depends on what he told you.

He told me enough.

You got a gun.

Use it.

It won't prove anything.

It will to me.

Is he dead?

Not yet.

Oh, no.

Get a towel.

He came here gunning for me.

Who is he?

Zack Wheeler.

Is he going to die?

I'm no doctor.

All I know is we ought to get this bullet out of him.

You said before there wasn't a doctor near.

The closest one is across the border.

It would take many hours.

I don't know if he'll last that long.

He looks in pretty bad shape.

He's your friend. You want to try?

Me? Oh, no.

You want me to try?

It's up to you.

Depends on how deep in it is.

There's only one way to find out.

But señor, he came here to kill you.

Are you sure--I'm not sure of anything

except that he'll probably die

if somebody doesn't do something.

I will get you something to do it with.

That ought to do it.

Maggie...

You'll be all right, Zack.

Don't go away, Maggie.

I'm here.

Just be quiet.

Get him out of here.

He took the bullet out of you, Zack.

Maggie.

Maggie.

He's going to be all right?

He's got a chance.

Oh, gracias, God, gracias.

Hold my hand, will you?

Every thing will be all right...

as soon as I get on my feet.

Maybe we'll go east, you and me.

You've got to stop talking.

You've got to get some rest.

[ weakly ] Okay.

Margarita, how is he?

I think he's asleep.

Oh...

I thought after what had happened,

I thought that you would change your mind.

Why should I?

He hasn't changed any.

He just happened to run into somebody

that could shoot faster than he could.

Is that why you thought I should change my mind?

No. No, Margarita.

[ door opens ]

Miss Margaret, Fidencio.

Aaron, why are you here?

What has happened?

I am not sure that I know.

Why are you not on your way to San Francisco?

I could not go.

I tried. Three times I crossed the border.

Three times I came back again.

I thought I had lost my senses.

I think that is right.

No, for all the while coming back,

I have had time to think,

and I thought.

In Poland, in every place I have been,

I was not.

I talked and I dreamed about being something,

but it was never so.

Then I thought,

why would it be different in the United States?

I am me.

I could not go because I am afraid.

I am afraid of being nothing again...

and I thought of you, Fidencio, this place.

For once I am needed.

Yes, I feel needed here.

It may be that The Palace Hotel in San Francisco

can prosper very well without me,

but here at El Ranchito,

I am the finest bartender in all Mexico.

I want to stay.

It's all right?

It's all right, señor bartender.

Thank you.

Excuse me, please.

I'm very tired.

ZACK: Maggie?

He's calling you.

Please.

Maggie.

[ panting ]

Where's Maggie?

What's wrong? Where is she?

I had nothing to do with it. She won't listen to me.

What are you talking about?

She's going away with him. I can't stop her.

Get her in here.

I can't. She won't--

You get her in her!

Where are you, Maggie? Maggie?

No, Zackito. Please!

[ body thuds ]

Zack, you'll kill yourself.

I won't let you go, Maggie.

You can't stop me, Zack.

Maybe not, but I can stop him.

Cal and the boys--

he'll never get across the border alive,

and even if he does, they'll find him wherever he goes.

You'd let them kill him even after he saved your life?

He'll never take you away from me.

[ grunts ]

VIRGINIAN: Maggie?I mean it.

We're ready to go.

I'm not going.

Why?

I changed my mind. That's all.

I'm staying here with Zack.

Is that what you really want?

That's what I want.

TRAMPAS: Hey, you want to miss that train?

Let's go!

All right.

Where's Maggie? Can't wait all day.

Hey, what are you doing?

Only will be two of us after all.

She changed her mind.

Go with them, Maggie.

Cal won't kill him.

He can't kill him.

Cal's dead.

They're all dead or in jail.

We're the only ones left.

That's the truth, Maggie.

You've got nothing to fear.

So... go on while you got the chance.

Why are you telling me this?

What difference does it make?

I'm giving you your freedom.

Take it.

[ door opens ]

[ closes ]

Wait.

I couldn't let you go like that without saying good-bye.

Like Aaron said about San Francisco,

Medicine Bow will get along fine without me.

Zack won't.

I'm all he has left.

He needs me.

Is that enough, Maggie?

I guess it's hard for you to understand.

You don't need anybody.

Good-bye. Thanks.

It was a nice dream while it lasted.

Maggie.

I thought--

I know. I thought so, too.

But why?

Why didn't you go when you had the chance?

You feeling sorry for me?

Not sorry for you.

Happy for me.

That night we talked in the hotel,

do you remember?

I said I had to be needed.

Well, that's the way I feel now--

needed.

And that's why you're staying?

I can't promise you anything...

no champagne, no new dresses.

I know.

We'll have nothing.

We'll have to start new.

I know that, too.

[ theme music playing ]