Original subtitles

[Train chugging]

[Bell ringing]

[Whistle blowing]

(Buckeye) You've run $5,000 into $25,000, Calhoun.

And most of it is my money.

I believe you've been bluffed, Buckeye.

Very neat, Calhoun.

Well, I don't have a meat packin' empire

or a railroad, and I don't have a rich daddy.

I got to make a livin' the best way I can.

I don't begrudge you, Calhoun,

but just stop takin' it all from me.

Ain't nobody pickin' on you, Buckeye.

I'm playin' the cards the way I see 'em.

And these cards call for a bet.

$2,000.

Call.

I'll go along with a wee prayer. Ahem.

Card. One card.

One.

All 3.

$5,000.

My daddy is not that rich.

Your $5,000

and $10,000 more.

I'm a dangerous dealer.

You're a real menace.

There's your $10,000

And $30,000 more.

[Men chattering]

I've only, uh, $4,000 and change.

Table stakes. Call for the pot.

I'd, uh...

I'd prefer to raise.

(Buckeye) Now, if, uh, Calhoun here allows a small breach

in the rules,

this will back my bet.

Into what corner?

Title,

land grants,

outstanding common stock,

and complete ownership in my railroad,

Buffalo Pass, Scalplock, and Defiance.

Against my $30,000?

Come on. This is an entire railroad.

I'm just puttin' it up for collateral.

Well, I'm not the loan business, Buckeye.

However,

all my money,

my case money,

and 43 shares of stock

in Vermont Insurance Company Comp.

That's all I got.

Against my railroad?

Take it or leave it?

I had a pair of aces,

and I drew an ace,

and a 10,

and another 10.

[Men chattering]

4 queens.

[People exclaiming]

[People chattering]

(Man) Grace, Martin and Josephine.

(Man) Seems you've won a railroad, Calhoun.

[Chuckling]

[All chattering]

♪ [Band playing]

Eddie, what, in all Harry, was all that?

That's Ben Calhoun, mister.

He's the richest man alive.

He won about $10 million in gold.

Is that so?

I want to send a message.

[Calhoun knocking on table]

I want to send a message.

Yes, sir, I'll be with you in a moment.

Yes, sir. This goes to the construction superintendent

of the Buffalo Pass, Scalplock and Defiance Railroad.

This is to inform you that I have

recently acquired ownership of the B.P.S. and D.

I will expect efficiency, loyalty,

and a complete progress report upon my arrival,

which should be within the week.

Signed Benjamin P. Calhoun, president of the B.P.S. and D.

You got that? I got it.

You want that sent to your railhead construction camp, Mr. Calhoun?

Good thinkin', boy.

Now tell me where's the best men's store in Kansas City?

2 blocks east.

Thank you. What's your name?

Barnabus Rogers, sir.

All right, Barnabus Rogers, you can come with me.

You've got some more messages to send,

and you get the first one off.

But he's on duty.

That's right.

Now, first message goes to the president of the United States.

Dear president Grant...

[People cheering]

[All clamoring]

Now to the secretary of the treasury.

Dear Mr. Boutwell,

this is to inform you that I, Benjamin P. Calhoun,

just acquired ownership of the Buffalo Pass...

Scalplock and Defiance is lost?

That's the sad news, friend.

Sad isn't quite the word, Buckeye.

Kate, bring me a drink.

We had an agreement. That railroad was to be mine.

Calhoun thinks he's won a railroad and a fortune,

but what the poor sod's got himself

is a huge lot of bad, black trouble.

Who's the new owner?

Mr. Ben Calhoun.

He's out now celebratin' up a storm.

Locate him for me, a-and stay with him.

Now that will be a real pleasure.

He is a lively man.

(John) He won't be when I get done with him.

Dear Mr. Secretary of the interior...

By the way, who is the secretary of the interior?

Columbus Delano.

I'm interested in politics, Mr. Calhoun.

Good. All right. Send the same thing to Delano. You know...

Ben, I've been trackin' you.

Didn't think you would have any trouble trackin' the smell of money, Lucy.

I didn't. Here I am.

Mr. Calhoun, here we are.

Can I help you, sir?

Yes, let me have a dozen suits,

2 dozen of these cambric linen shirts.

Let me have shoes, gloves,

a dozen of these linen handkerchiefs,

all monogramed, of course, and all the various little things.

Yes, sir.

Today.

That's impossible.

Nothing's impossible, Mr. Truman.

Take another message for the president.

Dear Grant, I would expect a swifter reply

from your secretary of the interior,

Mr. Columbus Delano.

Now, at the anticipated rate of construction,

we plan on havin' this railroad finished ahead of schedule,

and I'll expect full corporation with the United States government.

Signed Benjamin P. Calhoun,

president of the Buffalo Pass, Scalplock, and Defiance railway.

I think I can get those suits done for you today.

I-I'll hire tailors. I'll borrow seamstresses.

Good. Send the bill to the B.P.S. and D.

And while you're at it, let's outfit this boy.

Who, me?

If you're going to be followin' me around, I want you to look impeccable.

You got any champagne in there?

This is a haberdashery.

Order some.

Play me a little soft music out there.

Make it Mozart.

And, Lucy, see if you can find some champagne.

Why, surely, Ben, pronto.

Yes sirree, Bob,

wields her tail like a mule deer in the springtime.

Have you ever heard of my railroad?

Yes, I've heard of it.

Ain't but a quart of good in that quarter of easy port.

From Scalplock on the north it's mostly straight up and down.

(Barnabus) Mr. Calhoun will build it.

You tell him, Barnabus.

And while you're at it, make a note there

to get me all the books on railroad construction you can find.

Yes, sir.

I don't believe I've ever drank champagne.

(Calhoun) Get on with your chores, Barnabus.

And see if you can find me a private railroad car.

[Cork popping]

Yes, sir.

Now, that tastes downright pretty.

What do want a railroad car for, Ben?

Lucy, I've always wanted a private railroad car.

[All chattering]

(Calhoun) As matter of fact,

I've always wanted a railroad.

That's the great thing about this country. Anything's possible.

It's out of the question, Mr. Calhoun.

A private car must be built with specifications.

It is not rolling stock

but a triumph for the artisanship.

6 months I would say,

under the most fortunate of circumstances.

That one for example which we have named la Bonne Chance,

it took nigh a year in the building.

The Bonne Chance.

[Door closing]

I'm afraid this is a private car.

Don't ever be afraid, ma'am.

As for the car, I'm thinkin' of buyin' it.

Even though it belongs to Mr. Standish?

He hasn't taken possession yet.

But he has sent his associate, in a manner of speaking.

Marta Grenier in possession.

Well, Benjamin P. Calhoun, in admiration.

And as for the car, I will have it.

You're arrogant. No, I'm lucky.

And I've got momentum. Right now I'm ridin' a lucky streak,

and this car is all a part of it.

I want it for my own railroad,

the Buffalo Pass Scalplock and Defiance.

Oh, how quaint.

Mr. Standish is also interested in railroads,

The Union Pacific.

And that's my point.

The Union Pacific is finished.

It's middle aged. It's got no excitement,

but the B.P.S. and D.,

it's young and it's vital.

It's got adventure and a future.

Do you believe in taking risks?

Not very often, but you obviously do.

Now this car belongs to Mr. Standish,

and Mr. Standish is a very influential man.

I don't think you're going to get it.

You want to bet?

I'll bet you $10,000 against my getting it.

And if I get it, you go along with it.

That way you won't have to pack

and you might find the ride interesting.

I just might.

Is it a bet?

Perhaps.

I'll accept that.

♪ [Band playing]

Barnabus,

bring that foundry manager over here.

You always travel with the circus?

Sometimes.

I told you it would be an interesting ride.

Yahoo!

[Chuckling]

This car will be just fine.

Yeah, but this car...

This car was originally built for Burton Standish.

You just tell him that his old friend Ben Calhoun

of the B.P.S. and D. appreciates a favor.

Mr. Calhoun, I must tell you that...

Now, Barnabus, Barnabus,

you get the clothes and supplies carried on board.

Does Standish have any personal belongings in here?

Only his portrait.

Only his portrait. All right.

Barnabus, you get Mr. Standish's portrait

and see that it's carried off of here very carefully.

Yes, sir. Have some more... Have some more champagne.

Hmm, vintage.

Well, I can't rightly say, ma'am.

I have a weakness for only the best.

Now, scrimp,

have you, uh, ever taken a bribe?

Never.

Well, you can start on a good high plane.

I'm going to offer you $10,000

to change the title of this car to my railroad.

$10,000, that's impossible.

$10,000.

Just to help you make up your mind,

if you disappoint my pard' Ben here,

now I'll purely have to gut you and scalp you

and hang you up to dry.

Now, I ain't killed a man for 2 days now,

and I'm feelin' mighty peaked.

[Smirks]

[Hollers]

Give him some more champagne.

Now, are there any little odds and ends that you're gonna need?

'Cause we're gonna be leavin' within the hour.

Well, as you said, it most certainly will be an interesting ride.

Scrimp,

make that bill of sale out to the B.P.S. and D.

Then have this car brought around to the station in an hour.

How about you, friend, can you go along?

No, I've been there before.

I want to have a little big city noise before I go back.

I'll stay here with this old boy,

keep an eye on him, make sure everything is sent out to you.

Good. Anything I got you need?

Yeah, you got another cigar?

Much obliged. Come on,

we're going to take care of Mr. Calhoun's business.

Everything is coming, Mr. Calhoun.

You've got answers from Washington.

Good. Now take a message to the president.

Dear Ulysses, waiting on an answer from you.

Where is it? Get that off right away.

Barnabus, go fetch me a locomotive.

[Whistle blowing]

[All clamoring]

Are we ready to move?

Yes, sir.

Good. Keep playin'.

Is that the president?

That's right.

Hey, General Grant, Shiloh, Cold Harbor,

Gettysburg. Yahoo!

Wait a minute. That isn't...

♪ [Band playing Camptown Races]

♪ The camptown ladies sing this song, doo-dah ♪

[door opening]

♪ Doo-dah ♪

well, come here, old horse.

Mr. Calhoun, all of the supplies are loaded,

including 28 books on railroad construction.

I had to get half of 'em from a private library.

Title to the private car has been transferred to the B.P.S. and D.

We're riding...

♪ Going to run all night, going to run all day ♪

we got a routing out of Kansas City

on the U.P. tracks

straight to where the B.P.S. and D. tracks join.

Good. Now take a message.

Thanks.

You're really going to build that railroad, aren't you, Mr. Calhoun?

Boy, when the B.P.S. and D. is built,

it's going to open up this country.

Now what better thing can a man do with his life?

You bet I'm going to build it.

Now, you better get goin' because we're pullin' out.

♪ Somebody bet on the bay ♪

he's a pretty good old boy. After he loosens up,

I'll take good care of him.

I owe you a favor, friend, anytime.

By the way, I don't even know your name.

My name is Carson.

Kid Carson?

Heck no. Johnny.

It's been a real nice party.

Come on, we're gonna buy you a nice drink.

[Whooping]

Here, hold him, boys.

He's a nice friend, but he's been drinkin' too much.

There we go. Hold him.

Hold the man.

Let her go.

Go.

[Horn blowing]

Mr. Calhoun, Mr. Calhoun.

Mr. Calhoun, telegram.

Then read it.

"Dear Ben, sorry for delay.

"Best wishes for you, B.P.S. and D.

Signed Ulysses S. Grant."

Ah, bless you, bless you, bless you all.

[People shouting]

[Train whistle blowing]

You are, uh, a trifle optimistic.

Who would have dreamed that

Calhoun could have done all this in one day?

The man is a clown.

A dreamer with startling self-assurance.

Justified, I must admit.

Well, you're taking all this rather calmly.

Let me give you a maxim I learned at my mother's knee.

"What can't be cured must be endured."

Well, to put it another way, Standish,

"the lord helps those who help themselves."

And I have every intention of helping myself...

To Calhoun's scalp.

I seem to have made a mistake.

Let us be specific.

This is your private car,

but my bedroom with a door upon which you may knock.

[Knocking on door]

Do come in.

[Whistle blowing]

I just came to warn you that supper is liable

to be pretty primitive tonight unless you can cook.

[Knocking on door]

Supper's ready.

Where'd you come from?

The galley. Mr. Calhoun, I'm a first grade cook,

and I can take shorthand and do laundry, and...

And, uh, I've always wanted to build a railroad.

Well, Miss Grenier,

I understand the executive vice president

has arranged supper.

Yahoo! Whee!

I don't know where Barnabus learned to cook,

but I strongly suspect it was a workhouse.

Tomorrow I'll cook.

It's about time I learned.

And experiment on me?

Mmm-hmm.

What do I get in return? Dinner.

After dinner?

Indigestion.

[Whistle blowing]

Mr. Calhoun, Mr. Calhoun,

Buffalo Pass is just ahead.

We're going to switch on to the B.P.S. and D. Wake up, Mr. Calhoun.

I just saw the sign for Buffalo Pass.

Wake up. Wake up. Good morning.

You did knock?

Absolutely.

In that case, good morning.

What is it, Indians attacking?

Not anything as trivial as that.

We're switchin' onto my railroad.

That's a beautiful private car.

I reckon there's going to be a B.P.S. and D. After all.

You bet. Mr. Calhoun, he's going to build it.

[Whistle blowing]

Mr. Calhoun, you're going to build a railroad?

Sure am,

starting right here.

Did you ever think that one day,

you'd be passing a spot called Buffalo Pass?

Not in my most romantic dream.

Tell me about your romantic dreams.

Right now? Breakfast.

[Whistle blowing]

[All cheering]

That's quaint landscape.

It's rich landscape.

We've only just gotten into it.

We have 2 days yet.

As you say, we have 2 days yet.

[Knocking on door]

Something I want you to see.

You know you're a beautiful woman?

Oh, how charmingly rustic.

Charm of it is it's mine.

An empire 130 miles long and 10 miles wide.

When you get 130 miles of railroad built.

I'll build it.

[Whistle blowing]

(Man) Hey, Pete. Pete, come on.

[All yelling]

(Man) Come on, let's play.

I'm Dave Tarrant, construction superintendent.

And this is Nehemiah Mather,

foreman.

Come in. Come in.

Well... Miss Grenier.

Pleasure, ma'am.

Miss?

Miss?

Miss.

Well, all in god's sight.

Welcome.

We have awaited your arrival, Mr. Calhoun,

since we received your message.

Bucked the whole camp up.

So I see and hear.

Put new heart into the men.

Oh, there is joy in Ashkelon.

Lo, there is laughter in Gath

for he has given us a sign.

What Nehemiah means, Mr. Calhoun,

is that you're the answer to about 6 months' worth of prayer.

Now we can start to work again.

Why did you stop in the first place?

The men. Skeptics, the sorry lot.

After a month without pay they just put down their tools

and refused to work.

So you can see you came just in time.

I figure we'll be in the clear and rolling along

if you put out about $500,000.

$500,000?

♪ [Music playing out of tune]

So the Buffalo Pass, Scalplock, and Defiance Railroad

is broke, huh?

Penniless. In debt.

And Mr. Calhoun? Is penniless and in debt.

Well, Ben darling, it has been an interesting trip,

but so, so short.

I think I shall pack.

(Mather) Put not your trust in speculators.

Darling, there are all your the books on railroad construction.

What a pity all that studying you did.

Now, it's going to pay off.

Securities?

Common stock in Buffalo Pass Scalplock and Defiance Railroad.

How useful.

I had them printed up in Kansas City.

Are they worthless?

Any stock is worthless unless someone is willing to pay for it.

Barnabus. Yes, sir.

You still got that $1,000 I gave you?

Sure. Let me have it.

♪ [Music playing]

[All singing]

[All cheering]

My boys, this is a big day.

(All) Yeah!

When I took over ownership of the B.P.S. and D.

I knew I took over a lot of trouble, sure.

But I also knew that I took over the best railroad crew

west of the Missouri.

[All cheering]

And together, together we're going to show the whole bastard world

how you build a railroad.

[All agreeing]

And that was my first promise to Buckeye Sullivan

and it's one that I'm going to keep.

[All cheering]

Another promise, a little more difficult.

And it's one that I'm going to confess to you

that I have entertained the thought of not keeping.

(All) Oh!

Buckeye Sullivan said to me with tears in his eyes,

"Ben, I owe these boys a month's wages."

(All) Yeah!

"I owe them so much more than that,

"that I want to have them to have a chance to share in this dream.

"I want them to have a chance

"to share in the triumph and share in the fortune that follows,

just as soon as this railroad is built."

[All murmuring]

Now Buckeye Sullivan wanted each and every one of you

to become a rich man.

[All cheering]

Made me promise I would give you a chance

to own stock in the B.P.S. and D.

And it's a promise that I intend to keep.

(All) Yeah!

We want cash.

(All) Yeah!

You want cash? Good for you!

I'm going to see to it that you get your cash.

I intend to buy your stocks back from you.

(All) No! No!

Now wait a minute, Calhoun. You said you made a promise.

And it's one that I'll keep,

if you men are sure that that's the way you want it.

[All clamoring]

(Nehemiah) No, no, you fools.

This man offers nothing but rainbows.

And he's right.

Now, you want sensible advice, take your pay in cash. Now, who's the pay master?

I am, sir.

[All clamoring] Now, be sensible.

And take your pay in cash. Listen to Nehemiah and thank you.

[All groaning]

Oh, no, no, no, you and Mather cooked this up.

No, no, I only want...

Nehemiah only wants what's best for you.

Isn't that right, Nehemiah?

No! I mean, of course.

All right. Now, wait a minute, Calhoun,

nobody is gonna cheat me.

I want my stock!

(All) Yeah! Yeah!

All right.

Looks like you men have me over a barrel.

You'll get your stock.

[All cheering]

Report to the Pay Master's window,

but you're gonna have to work for it now

because it's your railroad.

And the sooner we get her built,

the sooner we're all going to start to share in the wealth.

[All cheering]

Break out the whiskey, Barnabus.

Come in. Come in.

My boys, I think we got something to celebrate.

Swindling? That's all it was.

You dazed the men with words.

The love of money, Mr. Calhoun, is the root of all evil.

Well, I don't love money, Mr. Mather.

But I do enjoy the things that you can do with it,

like building a railroad.

And I'm gonna build a dream,

a monument that will live for ages.

I want you to build it, Dave.

I'm not an ignorant gandy dancer, Mr. Calhoun.

Don't whipsaw me with fine talk.

Let me remind you, Mr. Tarrant,

this is my railroad,

and I'll speak the way I choose.

You men are my employees, not my conscience.

I only meant you're short of money.

Well, you're wrong. I'm not short of money.

I'm busted, broke.

But it doesn't mean a thing.

'Cause I'm going to build this railroad, secure those grants

and open up this region,

and we're all going to grow rich while I'm at it.

I'm going to give you one of 2 choices.

You either help me build this railroad,

or get out now.

Mr. Calhoun,

I apologize,

and I'm with you.

Good,

good boy.

Now, I see you stopped at the gorge.

You're going to put a bridge across there, huh?

Yes, if you can get the timber

and we can rig a safety cable,

and Nehemiah's men will work without pay.

The men are willing.

I've got great confidence in you, Dave.

You just tell me what supplies you need and I'll get them.

Yes, sir. I'll start working on it now.

We're gonna build ourselves a fine railroad.

I'll give you this.

You have the devil's twisting tongue.

I cannot wish you well.

And I will not be a part of this.

I'll not argue with that,

but I will ask you not to make up your mind in anger.

Wrestle with your conscience.

We'll talk about it in the morning.

And I was wondering, Nehemiah,

if you remember the Book of Ecclesiastes?

The passage that says,

"whatsoever thy hand findeth to do,

do it with thy might."

Because in the morning I'm going to ask you to help me build this railroad

with all thy might.

You can't change his mind.

He sees the world in a very certain way,

and he won't change that way.

I have no intention of changing his mind.

I'm going to change his world.

[Clanging]

[Men chattering]

The lot of you are up early.

(Man #1) Will you look at that.

(Man #2) That cable must run 80 feet on either side.

It's gone across in one night.

[Men chattering]

I read about this.

Lawrence Scientific School, at Harvard University devised something like it.

A tension anchor.

That's right.

I didn't know you were an engineer.

[Laughs] I'm not. I just keep up with the times.

Then who did the labor?

I calculate it took...

Just me, Nehemiah, nobody but me.

You're the crew foreman. I wouldn't put the men to work without you.

Just wanted to give the boys a little head start on the day's work.

Yahoo!

I told you we could do it, Barnabus.

[Birds chirping]

All right, 6:00!

Didn't you hear Mr. Calhoun, you COD heads?

It's time you earned your pay.

Connelly, Harrison,

get your crews down there and begin digging foundation pits.

(Man #1) Right, Mr. Tarrant.

(Man #2) Yes, sir. Let's go, men.

Over here.

[Groans]

Darling, take your coat off.

[Groans]

I think my back is broken in several places.

I'll be switched if it didn't work.

You are a most dishonest man.

I'm going to rest for a couple of hours

then I'm going in with a hustling, bustling metropolis of Scalplock

if I can ride.

Mmm.

Mmm, you smell like a peasant, hmm?

But darling, you're exhausted, hmm?

[Thunder clapping]

[Metal clanging]

(Man #1) Who's that? Never saw him before.

(Man #2) It must be the new owner of the railroad.

Maybe we'll get our money now,

if not, we'll get him.

[Thunder clapping]

Royce?

[Bell rings]

Royce?

You amateur assassin, come down here.

You almost killed me.

Yeah.

Royce?

That's me.

Ben Calhoun, that's me.

Wha... you're the fellow who's taking over the railroad.

Oh, I'm real pleased to make your acquaintance.

Likewise, I'm sure.

Oh, I'm sorry. I near killed you with that.

Yes, you did.

[Grunts]

[Sighs]

You know, maybe it's 'cause, uh, as I recollect,

you owe Horace Freighton about $14,000?

Um,

let me ask you, isn't there another Royce somewhere, a father?

Well, my daddy died about 5 years ago.

Husband?

Tsk, not married.

Then it looks like you're the one I'm gonna be doing business with.

What business?

Now, what are you planning to build, a Union Pacific?

No, ma'am,

Buffalo Pass, Scalplock and Defiance,

but I am gonna build it.

Mr. Calhoun...

You call me Ben.

Ben, it's a pure pleasure to hear that.

Lots of people are gonna be downright pleased.

[Laughs] John's gonna be an awful happy man.

Who's John?

John Pendennis. He's, uh, well, he's a big sheep rancher.

He holds an awful lot of Buckeye Sullivan's papers.

Then he'll be paid, just like everyone else.

[Sighing]

So, you come along with me.

A lot of people in this town have been dying to meet you.

(Man #1) Maybe now we'll get our money.

(Man #2) Calhoun, the new owner of the railroad.

(Man #3) Yeah, we'll get paid now.

[Horse neighing]

[Knocking on door]

(Man #4) Open up.

The word spread.

[Laughs]

There is a certain hostility in this town for the railroad.

Of course, they, uh, don't realize the new management intends

to pay back past debts, eh?

Needless to say, Mr. Holmes,

we've planned on you handling all of our banking.

I'm honored.

As a matter of fact, I have already done business with the railroad.

[Laughs] As a matter of fact...

As a matter of fact, B.P.S. and D. Owes you some money.

I'm afraid that Buckeye Sullivan was a poor businessman.

However, I'm not Buckeye Sullivan.

Oh, I can see that. Yes, indeed.

(Man #1) Here comes torvald. Good-bye, Calhoun.

[People clamoring]

Bring their bills in here.

[Door shuts]

I'm Nils Torvald.

I am logger.

I was cutting ties and bracing timbers

for your railroad.

2 months now, 2 whole months.

No monies.

You're gonna get your money, Mr. Torvald.

As a matter of fact, I've got an order here for more material.

You'll just get...

Nils.

Joanna, you trust him.

Nils Torvald does not.

Mister, you owe me $816,

and I want it now.

Well, you're in luck,

ordinarily I don't carry that much money with me.

However, today I figured I might need some odds and ends.

You'll find $820 there.

Does that make us square?

Yep.

You forgot my order.

While you're down there, would you pick up that order, please?

You want fight, huh?

[Groans]

[Grunts]

[Glass shattering]

[Grunts]

[All chattering]

Ok. Come on you people. We've got work to do.

My friend, Mr. Calhoun.

Here.

You just pay me regular end of month.

It was nice fight we had though, yeah?

Yeah.

All right, Mr. Holmes. You take care of the details.

Details?

Paperwork on a retainer, of course,

remember that all charges must be submitted in triplicate

to the home office.

Where?

Union Pacific in Chicago.

[All exclaiming]

U.P.? You mean they're... They're behind you?

Certainly not.

There's absolutely no truth to the rumor that

Union Pacific is backing me anymore than there's any truth to the rumor

that Mr. Burton Standish is interested financially,

though we are close personal friends.

Burton Standish?

The fact that my private railroad car The Bonne Chance

was built for Mr. Standish

merely points out the closeness of that relationship.

Of course. Yes.

I understand, Mr. Calhoun.

[Chuckling]

All right. All of you who are owed money

by the B.P.S. and D., come along inside.

[All cheering]

So I reckon you made a new friend today.

Who, you? No.

No, I meant Nils Torvald,

but I appreciate knowin' you, too.

And I'll have your supplies out for you tonight.

You know for sure John Pendennis is my biggest creditor,

but there is no doubt as to who is my loveliest creditor.

Why thank you, Ben.

No!

No?

No. Uh-uh.

Well, you're a down right charmin' man, Ben Calhoun,

but I haul freight for the B.P.S. and D., not ashes.

You're going to spoil my big city illusions.

What ever happened to the little wide-eyed country girl?

She would have gone broke 5 years ago.

My daddy died leaving me 2 wagons loaded full of debts,

and now I've got the biggest freighting business in the territory.

You want supplies, I'm at your service.

If you want me,

it's going to take more than a big smile and a little push.

It's been a pleasure doing business with you.

Come on, deal the cards.

Takin' it easy, boys?

[Speaks foreign language]

(Calhoun) Well, is anybody workin'?

What is it, a holiday?

In a way. Armageddon.

Armageddon.

He did it, him and his talk.

Oh?

I must apologize, Mr. Calhoun.

But I'm afraid I do have rather shocking news.

My name is John Pendennis.

Well, I've looked forward to meeting you.

Really?

I came to notify you that I am the legal owner

of the Buffalo Pass, Scalplock and Defiance Railroad.

And to be absolutely blunt, Mr. Calhoun,

you are trespassing on my property.

So you're John Pendennis? You've spent a lot of money.

I purchased almost all of the outstanding debts on the B.P.S. and D.

You must want my railroad very badly.

Mr. Calhoun, I have your railroad.

Unless you can find another high stakes poker game

in 48 hours.

Do you play?

No, no, my dear fellow.

I went to meet Buckeye Sullivan in Kansas City

to conclude my purchase,

but, uh, unfortunately you got to him first.

Now I own the railroad.

Temporarily. And your time is almost up. Mr. Calhoun...

I think under the circumstances, uh,

you can just call me Ben.

Of course. Ben, I have substantial resources.

For your stock I will assume all debts

and pay you an additional $50,000.

Mr. Calhoun, don't do it.

You will have to excuse Barnabus.

He's quite young and very romantic.

But you, I am sure, are a practical man with a practical answer.

What other answer could there be, Mr. Pendennis? No.

(John) Don't be presumptuous. I've had you investigated.

Benjamin Calhoun, a drifter, a loner.

A man playing at life, without ties, without commitments.

You intend to puff up the B.P.S. and D.

Until you can unload it at a profit, huh?

I'll offer you a profit now.

No deal.

You really have no choice.

Yes, I've got a choice.

It might take a miracle to pull it off,

but if it does, then I'll find one.

But I'll finish the B.P.S. and D., you can bet on that.

And I'll grow rich in the process as a proper reward.

Right.

Now, meanwhile, you 2 beauties are supposed to be out there

helping to build this railroad

instead of sitting here enjoying fainting spells.

Let's get on with it.

[Dog barking]

[Man yelling]

Very noble oratory.

Let's go outside and face reality.

Mr. Calhoun, that was fine.

Come on, you philistines, to work.

[Men chattering]

You're Pendennis' man, aren't you?

[Speaking foreign language]

[Speaks Spanish]

[Speaking foreign language]

[Speaks French]

[Speaking foreign language]

[Speaks German]

Domic su doesn't speak English.

Or anything else.

Domic su.

He's basque, like all my sheep herders.

The best in the world, loyal, incorruptible.

And they speak a language that nobody else in the world understands.

Which is precisely why they remain loyal and incorruptible.

Oh, Ben, you're a cynic.

John, I see you have you've heard about Mr. Calhoun?

I've hear a great deal, including the disturbing rumor

that you are extending further credit to the B.P.S. and D.

Or is to, uh, Mr. Calhoun personally?

Who's that?

Miss Grenier. Miss Royce.

Marta Grenier, Miss Royce.

How nice to finally meet you and your wagon.

Is she yours?

No, no, dear, I'm mine.

You're a... you're an unexpected sort of man, Ben Calhoun,

the variety you get into your labor force.

Joanna, I believe we were discussing a business question.

Miss Royce is discussing a man, Mr. Pendennis,

which is a woman's business.

I'm perfectly capable

of making my own commercial decisions, Miss Grenier.

Brought your supplies, Ben, cash on delivery.

I'm afraid I don't have it.

You'll just have to do with without.

As you say, Joanna, you're perfectly capable

of making your own decision.

Now, all I've got to offer is a big smile, a little push,

and some postdated promises.

Which he shan't be able to pay.

Calhoun's in a box, Joanna.

I hold most of his debts, and I won't be satisfied with a smile.

Now, he's going to lose the B.P.S. and D.

Tsk, Tsk.

Poor Ben, tucked untimely into his coffin,

and the lid nailed shut by a jealous girl.

I am not jealous, and it's none of your business.

No? I rather...

That's enough, Marta. Now, you've got a business to protect.

I understand that.

Not to mention a slightly wounded ego

which nothing soothes like revenge.

I'm sorry, John.

I promised to deliver these supplies to build the railroad.

Haley, start unloading.

No.

Now, I am a full grown man, Joanna.

I like women. That's for sure.

And, Marta is distinctly a woman.

That's one fact.

I'm going to build this railroad

if I have to lie, cheat, steal, connive.

Do whatever I have to do. That's another fact.

Either let us have the supplies or don't.

But don't let anybody shame you into it.

You'll get your supplies, Ben.

Where do I stand with you?

I don't know.

You go ahead and build your railroad.

And we'll see where the tracks go.

Haley, I thought I told you to unload that stuff.

Deftly done, Miss Grenier.

But you've merely won a few days' grace.

Your men will be expecting their pay on Friday in money.

They'll have it. I've made arrangements for a bank loan.

I'm a skeptical man by nature,

but I have a faith Calhoun will have our pay,

in full he'll have it.

And I'm rarely wrong in me judgment of men.

Sarge, Mr. Calhoun isn't any ordinary man.

Can he walk on water then?

Yeah, if he has to.

Sure. Calhoun has pulled this job along so far,

but a railroad runs on money,

and I'll believe he can produce money

out of thin air, the day I find myself able to fly.

Consider your unexpected parley in silence!

Even now Mr. Calhoun is in town

getting the payroll money.

Got the payroll.

[Man whistling]

[People cheering]

Gold?

$5,000 of it in paper.

The rest of it's in gold.

[Grunting]

Take it on over to your office and count it.

Should be $25,000.

[Men cheering]

[Men whooping]

Oh, yippee, there will be a payday tomorrow then.

Did you have any doubts?

Mr. Calhoun said we were moving again.

Careful, careful.

[Man laughing]

Oh, guard your step, man, that's money.

[Man cheering]

(Man #1) Ho, ho, ho, the payroll!

It just arrived.

I reckon the B.P.S. and D. Is back in business.

Yoo-hoo!

♪ [Harmonica playing]

[All cheering]

[Men chattering]

[People murmuring]

[All chattering]

Boys,

it's been a bitter pay day for you, and I know it.

Yeah, we never should have trusted Brooks.

Yeah.

No, no, no, it's not Brooks' fault.

He was struck down from behind.

Yeah, by one of them sheep herders.

[All chattering]

We don't know that either.

It's not for sure that Pendennis is trying to stop the b.P.S and d.

That he's trying to destroy all that we've built up.

[All muttering]

I made arrangements. Your payroll is on its way.

In the meantime, get out there and show 'em

we can build that bridge in spite of 'em. Come on.

Let's go, boys. Come on.

(Man #1) Hey, here comes Pendennis.

(Man #2) There must be 50 of them.

(Man #1) Dirty thievin' sheep herders.

(Pendennis) Calhoun!

Calhoun, it's a filthy lie.

None of my men stole your payroll.

I never accused you of it.

The whole territory is accusing me.

On the flimsy evidence of a poncho.

Plus the bolus.

Plus Brooks was hit with a Shepherd's crook.

Then I agree with you. That evidence is far too flimsy

to make a formal accusation,

and I admire the way you stand up for your men.

(Man) Stand up for his hijackers, you mean!

[Men yelling]

Calhoun, if you don't hold your men down,

this could lead to trouble.

Don't threaten me, Pendennis.

(Man #1) He's gonna have to bring an army.

(Man #2) Looking for trouble? We'll give it to him.

(Man #3) You betcha.

Domic su?

Stay where you are, domic su.

[Speaking foreign language]

He tearing up the bridge.

(Man #1) Come on, let's get them.

No, he's only a ploy.

[Men shouting]

[Yelling in basque]

A good fight. Come on, fellows.

[Grunting]

We've got to stop them.

Why? Our men are proud, they'll fight to defend what they've built.

(Women) ♪ sowing in the morning ♪

♪ sowing seeds of kindness ♪

♪ sowing in the noontide ♪

♪ waiting for the harvest ♪

ah, they'll never make it.

♪ We shall come rejoicing ♪

(woman #1) My husband says the bridge is unsafe.

(Woman #2) That's what I hear.

(Man) I hear it isn't even finished yet.

[Hissing]

Not too fast now.

Take care.

Never mind.

You boys built this bridge. I got confidence in it.

Turn on the steam, I wanna go in there in style.

I say the bridge will hold.

Pray. Pray.

[Train whistle blowing]

(Man #1) It's holding up.

(Man #2) Yahoo!

(Man #3) It's working.

(Man #4) Yahoo!

(Man #5) We did it!

(Man #6) We made it!

[Men cheering]

[Train whistle blowing]

(Women) ♪ bringing in the sheaves ♪

♪ bringing in the sheaves ♪

[horn blowing]

♪ We shall come rejoicing bringing in the sheaves ♪

♪ sowing in the morning ♪

♪ sowing seeds of kindness ♪

[all cheering]

[Firecrackers popping]

♪ We shall come rejoicing bringing in the sheaves ♪

♪ We shall come rejoicing bringing in the sheaves ♪

[bell clanging]

Friends, Indians, and frontiersmen,

we're here today to celebrate a mighty occasion.

[Guns firing]

The first step is now completed.

Henceforth there will be railroad travel

between Buffalo Pass and the great new Metropolis of Scalplock.

[All cheering]

There were those who scoffed at us,

who now must face the fact of achievement.

But we've still got a long way to go.

We got hundreds of miles of rugged mountains,

and arid plains, raging rivers and dead forests

before we reach Defiance and complete this railroad.

But we're on our way. We hope you're all with us.

[Crowd cheering]

[Guns firing]

[Sheep bleating]

Is it going badly?

In my experience, Marta, I find that

hell hath no fury

like a judge who hasn't been offered a large enough bribe.

I believe Pendennis has just plain outbid me.

I outmaneuvered him and I out thought him.

Now, he's going to take the railroad away in a court of law.

I'm John Pendennis.

And my attorney, Mr. Briscoe.

This is indeed an honor, sir.

Well, where's my court?

It's a bit rough and ready.

Right this way.

Ben, I had to see you.

He is, as you can see before you, in my bedroom.

Ben, I had it out with John this morning,

and I told him I thought he was being horrible.

And he told you that money was one thing and sentiment was another, hmm?

Well, yes.

Such a civilized man.

I wouldn't expect you to understand.

Oh, my dear, I do understand.

After all I remember how it was when I was a child,

but I have since learned that men make money first and love afterwards.

Miss Grenier, you are very cynical and you are not a lady.

Well, at least I wear my pants where the entire world cannot see them.

Excuse us.

Why did you do that?

If you have to ask, I must have done it wrong.

No, no, it was fine. It was right, but...

Marta? Marta's a remarkable woman.

She's talented, good natured and loyal to the last dollar,

but my last dollar's going today and I want to say goodbye now.

No, Ben, you mustn't give up.

I'm not giving up. As a man once said, "I've just begun to fight."

But as I remember, he lost.

But you won't.

I won't.

Nothing like the love of a good woman, huh?

I think right now you'd better run along

and let me brew up some strategy.

Judge is setting...

Judge is setting up the court

and there's a carriage coming in and everybody's getting set.

Well, there's one thing we know for sure, Barnabus.

They can't start this circus without me, can they?

We'll take our time.

Mr. Calhoun,

I know you're gonna win

and go ahead and finish building this railroad. I just know it.

It means a good deal to you, doesn't it, boy?

Well, I guess... Yes, sir, it does.

Why?

I'm what you might call a self-made man.

Except I'm still in the making, so to speak.

Mr. Calhoun, I was drug up by the ears

back at the stock yards in Chicago.

Well, sort of a-an orphan, you know?

Which was my luck 'cause even when I was little I knew where I was going.

Where?

Well,

I was gonna... gonna be my own kind of man.

Like you, Mr. Calhoun.

You're gonna build a railroad.

You're gonna take a piece of this world and put your mark on it.

And that's some doing.

And I wanna help.

I wanna be a part of something that big, that... that certain.

I'm not asking you to carry me along, mind you. No, sir.

I just want the room to make my mark some day.

Big enough for the whole world to see?

Well, yeah, sure, that too.

Mostly just big enough for me to see.

Some day when I'm a man grown,

I want to look into a mirror and see myself there in satisfactory condition.

Barnabus Rogers by his own hand.

Well, Barnabus Rogers,

I suppose we'd better be getting over to the trial.

[People chattering]

Let's have quiet in the court.

I am Judge Bidelle.

You will address me as your honor.

We'll have no noise, and no interruptions,

and no eating in the court.

[People laughing]

Mr. Calhoun, you don't seem to have counsel.

I'll handle my own case, your honor.

You'll handle your own...

You have a fool for a client.

Mr. Pendennis, are you prepared?

Yes, I am, your honor.

Mr. Calhoun has failed to make payment

on outstanding debts and mechanic's liens

and my client should therefore be allowed to recover damages,

to wit, the Buffalo Pass, Scalplock

and Defiance Railroad as full payment and restitution.

Mr. Calhoun?

Well, I intend to pay those debts, your honor,

as soon as I get a little time to go out and raise some money.

Truth of the matter is I'm a little too busy building this railroad.

That's my boy.

[All cheering]

Quiet, quiet.

The court will recess for 15 minutes.

Good day, Judge Bidelle.

Mr. Standish, why this is a single honor, sir.

It's a pleasure to have you in my court.

Uh, have you any interest in this case?

Perhaps, perhaps.

Well, if, uh, if you'd care to discuss it...

No, no, no, I'll let you know if that is necessary.

No, go ahead and take your recess, Bidelle.

Well, thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr. Standish.

15 minutes.

[Gavel pounding]

[People murmuring]

Mr. Calhoun, my name is Burton Standish.

Yes, I saw a portrait of you one time.

You must have found it flattering.

Very.

Marta, my dear, primitive living agrees with you.

Life agrees with me, Burton, because I never have regrets.

Very sporting.

Good day, Mr. Standish. I'm a trifle surprised to find you out here.

Really, Pendennis?

Well, well, well,

the 2 of you and just one little railroad, mine.

Yours?

Don't be optimistic.

Suppose you could form an alliance. 2 men of such esteem.

That way you'd be partners with complete faith and trust in each other.

Quite so.

Pendennis, if we join forces and I get the railroad,

your interest would be safeguarded.

Sure.

However, I see more logic in my getting the railroad

and seeing that you're properly looked after.

Come, come, come, gentlemen, now who am I going to deal with?

Calhoun, I'll make you a handsome offer,

$150,000, cash.

A quarter of a million dollars and I do not bargain.

Mr. Calhoun.

Ben, it's his only offer. Take it or leave it.

I can't match it.

Mr. Standish, you've restored my faith in the American dream.

Sensible fellow.

Rupert, go speak to Bidelle and be polite.

Yes, sir.

And you, my dear, the private car belongs to the railroad, you know?

What a charming proposition.

I'm a businessman: Crude, direct,

and very, very rich.

And refreshing. I've forgotten.

All right, all right.

[Horse neighing]

Hey, Calhoun.

Well, I see you got this far. That's mighty good doing.

[Chuckling]

I heard, uh...

I heard you had a mite of varmint trouble.

Well, this child stands ready to help.

Thank you. I can tough it out.

Your play, pard'.

Where are you heading?

Oh, I'm wintering in the mountains.

Maybe get me some beaver, maybe just hunker down where there ain't no people.

Brought you a present.

Champagne.

Win, lose, or draw, it's a downright pleasure.

I surely appreciate it.

I purely enjoy taking my comforts with me.

See you come spring thaw.

Let's go.

Mr. Calhoun, they're ready to start up again.

Thank you, Barnabus.

So am I.

Mr. Calhoun,

I'd like to buy some stock in our railroad.

Thank you, Nehemiah.

Let me put it to you this way.

As a gamble right now, I'm not a very good bet.

Oh, I'm not a gambler, Mr. Calhoun. I am a believer.

Solomon said, "thou renderest to every man according to his work."

You've done the work, Mr. Calhoun.

With god's help, we will continue to build this railroad.

Huh?

Oh, yeah.

The, uh, court is now in session.

[Gavel pounding]

Now after, uh, considering the evidence

and hearing all the testimony,

title for the Buffalo Pass, Scalplock and Defiance Railroad

is hereby confirmed in Mr. Benjamin Calhoun.

[All cheering]

And now, Mr. Calhoun, I believe you have a statement to make.

Yes, your honor.

I should have a check for you tomorrow.

But he was gonna build this railroad.

My friends, I told you one time that

I was going to build this railroad.

Well, I brought it this far,

but now it's a long, hard pull to the finish.

Quite frankly, i...

[birds chirping]

Quite frankly, I intend to finish it.

[All cheering]

Mr. Calhoun, that's not what you're supposed to say.

I know, your honor,

but that's the way it came out.

Champagne's on me.

Mr. Calhoun. Calhoun?

Calhoun. Calhoun.

(All) Calhoun. Calhoun.

Calhoun. Calhoun.

Calhoun. Calhoun. Calhoun.

[All continue chanting]

Congratulations. You outmaneuvered me. I'm not screaming.

Well, to be truthful about it that's the first time

I ever really turned down a big profit.

You know why?

The bug's got you.

What bug?

Not honesty, don't panic.

You're sitting down on the big game, my boy,

the really high stakes.

You're going to try to build yourself a railroad.

No, you're wrong, Mr. Standish.

I'm not going to try to build a railroad.

I'm gonna build it.

Just like that?

I envy you, Calhoun.

I remember when every decision I made had all I owned riding on it.

Building a railroad on credit, the nerve.

You can count on me.

I'm going to do my very best

to cut your throat from ear to ear.

Is that everything, Ben?

I'm afraid so.

Ben, darling, I'm truly fond of you

but do you honestly think I belong in a work camp?

I suppose not.

Absolutely not.

I am a corrupt woman and I can only take adventure in small doses.

You, Ben, you're too chancy a man for me.

So go ahead and build your railroad.

Burton already has his,

and I think he deserves the special prize for achievement: Me.

[Snorts]

Get up there and help Dave and Nehemiah.

I want to make an engineer out of you, not a critic.

Is that woman gone?

She's out of my life forever.

I thought over what she said about those pants.

Got me a dress.

So I see.

Miss Royce, I wonder if I might invite you to a dance?

Mmm-hmm.

And then after that we can go for a walk.

Mmm.

Then perhaps we could, uh, come back here

and I can show you my collection of stock certificates.

Why? I'd rather make love.

(Man) Let her go.

†