Original subtitles

I have never seen such a mess in my life.

How can you boys live in this filth?

Everything was fine until you started stirring it up.

I don't see what Teaspoon's fussing about. We cleaned last summer.

Last summer?

What do I do with this thing?

Leave it be.

That there belongs to me, Jimmy. If it goes, I go, Rachel.

Well, now we're talking.

Jimmy, give it here.

Give it to me.

Take it.

Teaspoon wants to get this place tidied up before his friend Colonel Matthew

Curtis gets here.

I heard Teaspoon talk about him. They were in the Mexican War together.

That's right.

Teaspoon sort of took him under his wing.

Rider coming.

That's me.

Take care of her.

Not at all. Thank you.

Welcome to Sweetwater. It is a pleasure to meet you, sir. A pleasure.

Thank you, sir.

I have everything ready. I've prepared one of our finest rooms for your stay.

That's very kind of you, sir.

Mr. Bunthorn over there will be staying with you, but I'll be staying with my

men.

Oh, but, Colonel, hot bath means she eats a lot of cheese.

Is that you?

Hot bath!

Teaspoon!

I hardly recognize you with all that gold on your shoulders. You haven't

changed a bit, Teaspoon.

Well, that ain't the truth, but I'll never argue with a superior officer.

Good to see you, son.

So what's so important with the War Department? They bring you all the way

out here. Tell you all about it over supper, huh?

Fair enough.

Matter of fact, best steaks in the territory right in here, right, Mr.

Conlon? Absolutely.

I'll see you tonight.

Move out!

Pardon me, my good man.

Yes, sir.

Nigel Bunthorn?

Photographer to her majesty, Queen Victoria.

Well, Mr. Bunthorn, it is a pleasure to meet you.

If there's anything I can do to assist your accommodation.

Yes, in fact, there is.

Perhaps you could tell me, is there a real hotel in town?

Good evening, Colonel. Good evening, Mr. Bunthorn. Marshal.

That was the finest meal I've had since I left Washington. Well, it'll do till

you taste the grateful cooking.

I look forward to it.

Oh, and it's a real fine cigar, Lieutenant.

Remember the first time we smoked these together?

Can't hardly forget it. He was fresh out of West Point, ready to take on Santa in

a single hand.

I would have gotten us both killed if it hadn't been for you.

I used to have a saying.

The bigger the cigar, the greener the officer.

And you've grown into a real fine officer, Matthew.

Must make your daddy proud.

The, uh, general was a hard man to please.

He passed on two years ago.

Sorry to hear that.

Well, sounds like the War Department handed you a real plumb assignment.

You're joking, I hope.

You don't think so?

Not at a time like this.

War's gonna break out any day, Teaspoon. The future of the country's at stake.

That's what I should be planning for, not out here negotiating with the

Indians.

Now, the West is just a sideshow.

A real important work is going on back East.

Don't seem that way to me.

You got a chance to make a real peace out here and help the world.

Sound like my superiors.

They think a treaty will free up thousands of troops to fight back East.

Maybe you ought to listen.

You got a chance to make an overall treaty involving the Shoshone, the

Sioux, the Cheyenne.

Now, if you can reach a fair agreement, something everybody can live with,

that'd make a big difference.

A teaspoon?

You know, treaties aren't worth the paper they're written on. I know, but

somehow I think you can do it better, Matthew.

Well, it doesn't matter what I think anyway.

I'm supposed to meet with a Sioux tomorrow. They told me at Fort Laramie

you have a rider who might act as a guide and interpreter.

Buck Cross couldn't find a better man.

He's part coyote.

Can he be trusted?

Matthew, you and me, we've been apart too long. You've got to ask me a

question like that.

Sorry, I'd appreciate yourself.

I'll talk

Excuse me, sir.

Yes, ma'am. May I help you?

I'm looking for Private Cleveland.

Second 10.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Private Cleveland?

That's me.

This letter came special through the Pony Express for you.

We don't get many like that. It must be pretty important.

I reckon it's for Mary. She's my wife.

She's expecting a baby.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Well, I got shopping to do. I'll let you read it in private.

Excuse me, ma'am.

I don't have my glasses on me.

Would you tell me what it says?

Well, I'm sure your wife didn't intend for a stranger to read it.

Well, Mary wouldn't mind. I mean, you being a woman and all.

It was written on the 12th of this month.

My dearest Ben, as I write this, I'm cradling our beautiful son, Benjamin

Jr., in my arms.

The good Lord delivered him into this world as dawn was breaking this morning.

He is a fine, healthy boy, blessed with a thick cap of black hair and a vigorous

appetite.

Both he and I are well.

I close now so as to speed this to you.

A longer letter will follow.

As do my prayers for your safe return.

Your loving wife, Mary.

The boy.

Ain't that something?

That's wonderful news.

I'd give anything to be with him.

Could I send a letter back by Pony Express so we'll get there quick?

You sure could. You just bring it on out to the weigh station.

How much longer to Scott's block?

About an hour.

There's a spring just ahead. We can water the horses there. No, I want to

keep moving.

That's the reason I only brought a small detail.

The sooner I get this settled, the sooner I can get back to real work.

See, you can tell me what you're trying to do.

Hoping to make a fair treaty.

It's my intention.

This treaty, will it, uh...

We'll protect each tribe's undergrounds? I'll try.

If we can't, we'll give them land somewhere else.

They don't want land somewhere else. They want their land.

I know what they want, Mr. Cross, but it isn't their land. Not anymore. It's

United States territory.

Their ancestors have lived there for generations. You just can't steal it

from them. They didn't come all this way to haggle about their ancestors.

Times have changed.

Settlers are pouring across the Mississippi.

Nothing's gonna stop them. The Indians have to accept that. They can't.

You're taking their land, but you're not giving them anything.

I'm giving them the opportunity to avoid a bloody and futile war. I promised to

help because Teaspoon said you're gonna be fair.

He was wrong.

Scott's bluff is just beyond that pass.

You don't need me anymore.

Your orders are to lead us there.

I don't take orders, Colonel.

At ease, Captain.

We'll settle this back in Sweetwater.

All right.

It was you. You did this. Did what?

Betrayed us. You sent us into that ambush.

I didn't. Shut up or I'll shoot you right here.

Jolly good.

Now, if Mr. Hickok would turn ever so slightly.

No, no, no, not that way.

I say, Mr.

Hickok, I'm not interested in your back.

I'm certain many of your gunman colleagues would be. You must face the

camera.

It seems so unnatural.

Of course it does.

Photographs are not intended to capture reality.

They are representations of a higher ideal.

Didn't you know that, Jimmy?

Now, if you will all remain still...

Buck's in trouble. He's back at the jailhouse. We gotta get to him.

He's a traitor.

He sent us riding straight into an ambush.

He's lying, Teaspoon.

I didn't know anything about it. I demand he be arrested.

On what charge?

Murdered. Turns to me you're a long way from proving that, Matthew.

He was working for the Sioux, Teaspoon. It's obvious they don't want peace.

They used that to lure me into an ambush. He told us exactly where to go,

then he deserted just before the attack.

I left because you're trying to steal their land. You promised a fair treaty.

You're lying!

There's been some other Indian troubles around here lately. Buck isn't involved.

How about for him personally?

You're making a serious mistake, T.

I know how it looks, but things ain't always what they seem.

I'm not waiting for his people to mount another attack.

I'm sending to Fort Laramie for immediate reinforcements. First thing

I'll do is ride back out there and see what we can find.

Well, there are survivors. There aren't.

Well, you made it.

Only by some miracle.

I was knocked unconscious.

They must have left me for dead.

Well, the least we can do is give your boys a decent burial.

The company will be ready to ride at first light. I'm going with you.

No.

I don't want him in my sight.

You'd better stay here. I will handle it.

What are you looking at?

It ain't worth it!

By the way,

Colonel, the Sioux were waiting for us in ambush over there. They opened fire

as we rode in. I ordered my men to take cover. Before we could, another group

attacked us from behind.

Caught you in a crossfire, huh?

That tree where you made your stand?

That's right. I was next to Captain Hallowell when I got hit. The last thing

I remember.

When I came to, the Indians were gone.

They looted all the bodies.

Looks like they scalped everyone but you.

I guess they wanted my saber more than my scalp.

Teaspoon! Over here!

Come on!

I think this is still alive.

It's impossible.

Damn, the fee ain't. We gotta get him to the dock. Bring that wagon over here!

Bring up the wagon!

Well, Matthew, looks like you got yourself another miracle.

Can you save him?

I can dig out the arrows, but I can't replace the blood.

I see.

If anything develops send for me. I don't care what time it is. I want to be

here.

I'll do everything I can.

Are you alright, Colonel?

Yes, I'm fine.

I can't believe that poor man's alive.

Can you just imagine what he's been through?

Teethpin's hoping he'll be able to tell us which tribe ambushed him. We couldn't

find anything out today.

That's why he should have taken me.

It wasn't for my own good.

Folks heard what Curtis was saying about me, and some believe him.

Now, getting left behind here, that made me look guilty.

How do you ignore getting spit on?

Every time there's trouble in this town, these people, they turn ugly.

I'm fed up with it. That's just a few bad apples, Buck. Most folks are real

decent. Then why don't these decent folks speak up?

Things ain't gonna change until I can prove Curtis is wrong.

You don't have to prove nothing, Buck.

These people don't find out who did it.

And if you don't?

How long am I supposed to live with this?

How long could you?

Trust him, Buck.

Everything's going to be fine.

Colonel, come in.

Hurry, Colonel.

He's awake. He's asking for you.

Hallowell? He says he's got to talk to you. Sounds real important.

I can't. I have to finish here.

Coward.

You ran, coward.

No. You deserted your men.

No. You left us to die.

No, I didn't. Coward.

No. Coward.

What's wrong?

Buck snuck out last night.

What?

You can't. You don't even know where he went.

Look, you'll never find him, Mike.

Jimmy's right.

Best thing to do is to tell Teaspoon.

Dancing Hawk wants to know if your eyes belong to the soldiers.

No, I come as a friend to the Lakota.

My name is Buck Cross.

Why do

you wear the clothes of a white man?

My father was white, but my mother was Kiowa.

I'm half-brother to their chief, Red Bear.

I have heard that name.

I hear he speaks with one heart.

I also speak with one heart.

I will listen.

Two days ago, an important soldier came to speak peace with you.

And I promised to hear his words.

He was attacked.

All his men were killed.

He thinks your braves did it. He says the Lakota have no honor.

This fight was with the Arapaho.

I am told the soldiers attacked.

They are the ones with no honor.

You cannot trust the word of this band of Arapaho.

There were only six soldiers.

They were too weak to attack.

The Arapaho lied to you.

Why would they lie?

They fear a treaty between you and the whites.

Peace would make you stronger.

I think the Arapaho...

Sing when a Lakota warrior dies.

Spotted horses, your words are empty.

The soldiers do not want peace.

They just say that to make us put down our guns.

You would have to judge that for yourself.

But the Lakota are a proud people.

We should not be tricked into war by the Arapaho.

Tell this soldier chief, we will talk to him.

Tomorrow, I will send runs like a deer to meet him where the trail splits the

mountain.

Hand me that gun real easy like.

I thought you jogged them hostiles. What y'all planning? I have an important

message for Colonel Curtis.

I bet you do.

You and them probably gonna plan another ambush.

Move out!

Afternoon, ma'am.

Afternoon, Ben.

Did you come to send that letter?

I was hoping to, if it's not too much bother. Oh, no, it's no bother at all.

I'd be glad to take it.

Well, truth is, I ain't finished writing yet.

Oh. No, ma'am.

You see, I don't know what to say exactly.

Can't ask none of the fellas.

Not on something like this. So I... I'd be glad to help you with it. Would you,

ma'am?

I'd be much obliged.

I got a pen and writing paper right here.

It's such an important letter.

My first baby and all.

I want it to be right, you know?

I'm sure it will be if you just write down what you're feeling.

Now, let's see what you got so far.

Truth is... my writing ain't so good.

I was kind of hoping you might...

You can't write, can you, Ben?

No, ma'am.

No reading either.

I had some schooling, but I didn't find much use for it.

I quit when I got big enough to help on the farm.

I sure do miss her.

It pains me.

I know what I want to say, but my feelings are trapped inside.

The same with her letters.

I know there's love in them.

But I can't get at it.

Well, it's never too late to learn.

Now, what would you like to say?

My dearest Mary, your news of our son swept through my soul like the first

warm breath of spring.

Is that wrong?

No.

It's beautiful.

Yes, Lieutenant.

Excuse me, sir.

Our scouts have captured that half-breed near the Sioux camp. They're holding him

in your tent.

The Lakota Sioux didn't attack you. It was the Arapaho.

How do you know?

Dancing Hawk told me.

Well, what'd you expect him to say? He certainly wouldn't admit it. Colonel, if

it had been the Lakota, they still wouldn't be camped at Scott's Bluff.

They know the army'd be coming for them.

Well, maybe that's their plan. What?

To provoke me into attacking with a larger force.

Dancing Hawk is setting a trap so he can win a decisive victory. It's not true.

He wants to talk peace. He's sending someone to meet you tomorrow.

Where? The foot of the pass leading to Scott's Bluff.

I see.

Have the company ready to ride at sundown. Issue each man 30 rounds.

Yes, sir. What are you doing?

Dancing Hawk is dividing his force. It's an opportunity to kill their leaders,

and I intend to do so.

This time, the element of surprise will be in my favor. You can't do this. If

you attack a mean war for sure, the entire Sioux Nation will unite behind

him. Yeah, I can secure the prisoner.

Colonel, you can't. You can't do this.

You can't.

Colonel, get back here.

We've got to do something.

There's gonna be hell to pay now.

It's about time we put them Sioux in their place.

It won't even be safe outside town.

Broke the law, Matthew.

You got no right holding him prisoner.

My duty is to protect my men. He would have warned the Sioux.

This ain't a military post.

This is a town. You got a problem with one of its citizens, you come see me. I

would have if I thought you'd cooperate.

Son,

look, we've been through too much together to be buttin' heads like this.

I know you. You're not a hothead lookin' for glory.

You're a brave, intelligent officer, but you ain't actin' like one. You got this

town riled up for war.

Folks are afraid to sleep in their own beds.

There's no cause for alarm.

I expect reinforcements to be here within two days.

When they arrive, I intend to destroy the Sioux.

Damn, if you don't sound like you're looking forward to it.

Why are you so eager to get blood on your hands?

If you want to make a complaint about my conduct, Marshal, I suggest you write my

superiors.

I know how you feel, son, but there's something powerful eating at him.

Yeah.

He hates Indians.

No, I don't think it's that.

Come here. I want you to do something for me.

You go to his doc's office and get him to put something on that.

And you tell him if that captain comes to, you tell him to come to me before he

goes to the colonel. You got that?

Don't feel right hiding out in town.

Seemed like we ought to stay here and protect the place.

Teaspoon's right.

We couldn't fight off a Sioux raiding party even if we tried.

Pardon me, ma'am.

Are you needed done?

That's right.

I have something for you.

Private Cleveland left instructions that you should finish that if anything

happened to him.

What's wrong? Is he hurt?

I'm afraid he was killed by the Sioux this morning.

Oh.

I'm sorry, ma'am.

Rachel.

You all right?

He asked me to write.

I don't know how I could ever finish it.

My dearest Mary, the news of our son swept through my soul like

the first warm breath of spring.

The joy I feel is boundless.

It surrounds me like a mighty river rushing irresistibly home.

Oh, that I could be with you now.

Until that day, our son will take my place in your arms.

When you feel his heart beating softly against your breast, know that it is

mine.

When he first smiles...

Easy, Captain.

Easy now.

No. Easy.

Don't. No.

All right, you're safe. No. You're safe here. No, don't. It's all right. It's

all right. It's all right. It's all right.

It's all right. It's all right. I have to.

All right.

It's Captain Halliwell. Are you awake?

I'm afraid he's dead.

Damn. I'm sorry. I did everything I could.

I'm sure you did, Doc.

I wonder if you could do me a favor. I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anybody

just yet.

Well, I guess I could wait till morning.

Thanks. Get your family under cover.

Mr. Bonthorn!

Mr.

Bonthorn, I need to talk to you. One moment, please. I'm just mixing

something up.

Sorry, I don't mean to disturb you, but it's important.

It's no trouble, Marshal.

I'm just brewing some tea. Would you care to join me?

Well,

no, thanks. Maybe some other time. Mr. Bonthorn, I was wondering if maybe I

could see them photographs that you took down by the ravine.

Dreadful tragedy, that.

Well, certainly.

Certainly. You're more than welcome.

They came out rather well, if I do say so myself.

Thank you.

What is it you're looking for, if I might ask?

I ain't sure.

Lordy lords.

You find something?

Do I keep these till tomorrow?

Of course.

First attack come over there, then they attack from there, and they made their

final stand right here.

I can still feel it.

It should be right over by that tree.

There it is.

It's Matthew's, all right.

That belong to you?

Go ahead, pick it up.

Where'd you get that?

Same place you left it.

I don't know what you mean. The Indians took that. They didn't take that,

Matthew. You left it behind when you crawled away, probably afraid it'd make

too much noise, sliding across the rocks.

The Arapaho might have left you for dead, but they never would have left

your hair.

What happened out there, son?

I don't know.

Does he have to hear this? He's got more rap than anybody.

Jackson was hit before I even heard the shots. Then Kelly.

The sight of them, it... It froze me.

I couldn't move.

It was like... It was like I was watching, but I wasn't there.

All I could think was, stop the killing, stop it! There's so much killing.

shouting at me.

Then I was hit.

The next thing I remember, the hostiles were overrunning our position.

I wanted to help.

Wasn't anything I could do.

Well, you ain't the first good man this has happened to.

A man lives close to death like you.

collects a lot of demons.

Sometimes they get the best of them.

But you can't chase them away by more killing.

Buck, I'm sorry.

I honestly thought that you sent us into that ambush.

It was the only way I could explain things to myself.

I was wrong to accuse you.

It's Dancing Hawk you should be talking to.

I can't forgive you.

He's going to destroy this town because of you.

Excuse me, Colonel.

Our scouts reported an Indian war party just north of Broken River.

Looks like they're riding towards Sweetwater.

This is it.

Order the company to assume defensive positions around the town, Lieutenant.

I'm turning command over to you during my absence.

Yes, sir.

Where do you think you're going?

Try and stop this war that I started.

I admire your intentions, but I need a good shot rather than a dead hero.

Buck said that Dancing Hawk sincerely wanted peace.

You still believe that?

He did before.

Then I'm going to go ask him for it.

Then we're going with him.

dancing hawk i am the one who killed your warriors i thought they killed my

men i was wrong i am sorry don't make war against others for a mistake

i made if you want revenge kill me

There's nothing we can do for him now.

You have the

courage of runs like a deer.

They gonna let him go?

No.

We're just testing him to see if he was worthy to die for runs like a deer.

May God be with you, Master.