Original subtitles

(Harris Claibourne) Tombstone, Arizona Territory.

I had just pulled the proof of an advertisement that caused me concern.

"Bird Cage Theatre, two days only,"

"Whitey Beck's fabulous extravaganza starring the one and only Billy Denver,"

"the world's fastest gun."

–Good morning, Mr. Beck. –Well, good morning, sir.

–Wanna take a look at this? –Oh, yes, indeed.

Well!

Oh, yes, that oughta do it.

So tell me something, Mr. Beck:

have you run this same powder-bated ad in the other towns you've played?

–Well, naturally. –And no trouble?

Well, who would wanna make trouble for the fastest gun in the world?

Well, just offhand I can name about two dozen gunslingers in the territory

who'd consider it an honor and a great pleasure to challenge a fool boast like that.

Thank you for the advice,

but we're perfectly able to protect ourselves, Mr. Claibourne.

Well, in any event you've advertised your man in the right sheet.

The Epitaph.

(Claibourne) An actual account from the pages of my newspaper,

the Tombstone Epitaph.

This is the way it happened

in the town too tough to die.

(Announcer) Tombstone Territory.

(Claibourne) Promoter Whitey Beck refused to heed the warning.

Tombstone's Bird Cage Theatre was to feature the fastest gun in the world.

Mr. Beck?

That's right, sir. Whitey Beck.

I'm Clay Hollister, sheriff here.

Well, I'm delighted to know you, sir. What can I do for you?

Mr. Claibourne, the editor of the Epitaph, is a little bit worried about the wording on this ad,

and on that bill.

Yes, I know. He told me.

It might be a little bit risky to bill the star of your show as the fastest gun in the world.

Some might take offense.

Well, so long as they pay cash for their tickets, I don't mind.

[Chuckles] I'm in show business.

I run this ad to attract people. That's how I make my livin'.

I appreciate that, Mr. Beck.

And I make my living keeping the peace.

Wouldn't want anybody shot over this.

Oh, Mr. Hollister, this is 1884.

Why, the day of the brawling gunfighter is over.

Out at the west end of town there's a graveyard.

Boot Hill it's called.

Take a walk out there sometime and look at the dates on the grave markers.

Some of 'em aren't over a week old.

On some of 'em the flowers haven't even bloomed yet.

I don't anticipate any trouble...

Well, just the same, tell your boy to walk easy.

Friendly suggestion.

[Knocking]

–Hello, Harris. –Hi, Clay.

Could you talk any sense into him? He gonna change that ad?

No, he says that the day of the brawling gunfighter is over.

Oh, boy, there's gonna be trouble.

[Chuckles] You worry too much.

And with reason.

Every gunfighter in the territory is gonna come buzzin' into Tombstone

like flies around a honey jar.

[Chuckles] I still got my fly swatter.

Maybe I oughta lock that honey jar up after every performance.

–Clay. –Hm?

Isn't that the Pearce brothers?

Yeah, Dick and Johnny.

I worry too much, he says.

My, my.

That little old Billy Denver must be quite a man.

Fastest gun in the world.

Ain't that somethin'?

Sure must be a whiz, all right.

Well, howdy there, boys.

Yes, sir, it's a great show. The fastest gun in the world.

I hope you'll be able to make it.

Oh, we're gonna make it, all right. Ain't we, Dick?

Yeah.

You wouldn't miss that for a whole corral full of cows.

No, sir. Wouldn't miss this shootin'.

Not for a million cows.

[Gunshots]

Think little old Billy can beat shootin' like that, grandpa?

–Well, hello, Clay. –Hello, Dick, Johnny.

Ten dollars, please.

Well, shucks, Clay. We're just havin' a little fun, that's all.

Well, you have any more fun, and you'll be my guest for the next 30 days.

Clay, the boy's just a little wild. He didn't mean anything.

Ten dollars.

Pay the man.

–But, Dick... –Pay the man.

Now you stay outta trouble.

Don't you worry none, Clay. I'll keep an eye on him.

Go on.

Like flies around a honey jar.

(Claibourne) July 29, 1884.

Billy Denver, the fastest gun in the world,

arrived with Lizette, fragile flower of the footlights.

[Chuckles] That's a shoddy-lookin' group.

Well, it's good to see you again, Billy.

You're always glad to see a meal ticket, aren't you, Whitey?

Hello, Lizette.

Hello, Whitey.

Who are those tramps?

Come on over to the theater with me Billy.

There's something I wanna talk to you about.

I asked you a question. Who are they?

I don't know what their names are, Billy.

But believe me, they're dangerous.

Oh? Well, I'm dangerous, too, Mr. Beck.

The "fastest gun in the world" they call me.

And you know somethin'? They're right.

Billy,

let's go on over to the theater. It's right over here. Come on.

This way.

My, my, ain't he the pretty one, though?

Yeah.

Look, Billy, I said the same as you that no man would go up against you.

Now I'm not sure.

Aw...

–Billy. –Yeah?

Don't try to prove anything. Everyone knows how good you are.

And everyday I'm gettin' just a little bit better.

Just a little bit faster.

Watch.

[Cocks guns]

[Gunshots]

See?

Maybe I should branch out a little.

What do you mean?

Well, I got me a reputation: the fastest gun in the world.

That's only half the reputation I need.

Maybe this is the time...

and the place.

[Knocking]

Well, come in, Sheriff Hollister.

–Billy. –I heard. I got ears.

Uh, Sheriff Hollister, this is Lizette,

Mr. Denver's assistant.

I'm glad to meet you, ma'am.

Well, Mr. Hollister, what's your trouble?

Have your say.

All right.

I will.

You know, a man shouldn't come into a town, especially this town,

wearing a chip on his shoulder.

[Chuckles] A man shouldn't hide his light under a bushel.

Have you spent much time in the West?

First trip.

Don't make it your last.

Meanin'?

Well, did you ever shoot a man who was facin' you with a gun in his hand?

No.

But I figure a man makes a much bigger target than a clay pigeon.

And much more dangerous.

He's right, Billy.

Listen to him.

Oh, and, uh, incidentally,

if you figure to go out on the town, you might wear something a little less conspicuous.

And leave your guns there. That way I'll be sure trouble won't come up.

I go anywhere and wear anything I please.

–Quarter loads. –So?

Well, did you ever try to hit a moving target with a full-load .45?

No.

Quite a kick and very dangerous.

That's what the boys out here use.

Bye, Mr. Denver.

He makes sense, Billy.

Both of you get out of here!

Some day, Billy...

Some day nothin'! You couldn't get along without me and you know it.

[Loading pistol]

I couldn't get along without you, Billy.

I need you.

Well, I'm sorry.

I don't need anybody.

Just my eyes

my hands

and my guns.

Everybody needs somebody.

Some day you'll find that out.

(Billy) Ready?

Ready.

[Gunshot]

[Applause]

That's shootin', man. That's real shootin'.

Yeah, he's good.

Yeah.

He's almost as good as you were.

Almost.

No trouble, Johnny.

No, no trouble. You know that.

Do I, Johnny?

Sure you do.

I can trust you then?

With your life.

I'm trustin' you with yours.

Gonna take good care of it.

Ready?

Mm-hm.

[Gunshot]

[Applause]

Looks like I better have a talk to Johnny.

Now who's worryin'?

We'll wait for him outside. Come on.

Well, I'm headin' back home. You comin'?

Hm-mm.

I don't get in too often, Dick.

I think I'll hang around for a day or two.

Okay?

Make it a day,

and don't drink too much.

You're gettin' to be a regular worry wart.

I only got one brother. I like havin' him around.

Gonna be around for a long time.

Come on.

Dick, Johnny.

Yeah, lawman, something bothering you?

Well, I don't know yet.

You gonna behave yourself, Johnny?

Johnny won't give you no trouble, Clay. He gave me his promise.

–All right. –You heard him.

Make sure you don't make any trouble.

Otherwise you'll be boardin' with us for a long time.

Yeah.

See you, Johnny. One day, no more.

A few seconds is all I need.

Sheriff had a good idea, full loads.

Billy, you're an actor, an attraction.

You're not a gunfighter.

I'm the best on the stage, and I'm the best on the street.

The fastest gun in the world,

and the deadliest gun in the world.

I'll show you.

I'll show everybody.

Move.

[Cocks gun]

[Gunshot]

[Piano music playing]

(Claibourne) Johnny Pearce was on the town looking for Billy Denver

and trouble.

He found them both at the Crystal Palace.

Oh, excuse me.

Whiskey, straight.

Sit down. I'll be with you.

My, my! You're the prettiest thing I've seen in this town in a long time.

Is this a saloon or a stable?

Maybe you had enough to drink, Johnny.

I ain't had enough. I ain't had near enough!

Clumsy ox!

You oughta get your nice, pretty shirt all dirty.

Johnny, please get outta here.

You shouldn't-a done that.

You know who I am?

Yeah, I know who you are.

You're the "fastest gun in the world."

Says so right out in front of the theater.

That's what it says.

Johnny, go someplace and sleep it off. You're in no condition to challenge anyone.

Just a minute.

Let's see how far you'll go to back up your loud mouth.

Please, mister, he's in no condition.

I'm glad you did that.

I'm real glad.

'Cause now I'm gonna show you how fast you ain't.

(Bartender) Please, gentlemen, stop before it's too late!

You're gonna get it now, fast gun.

You're gonna get it.

Draw!

[Gunshot]

Let's go!

All right, anybody else don't believe I'm fast?

Anybody else wanna take a chance?

All right, boys, drink up.

Name it, gentlemen. Name it.

Get Cunningham.

All right, mister, what's your story?

It was Johnny's fault, Clay. He asked for it.

But he was pretty oiled.

He didn't have a chance, not a chance.

It was self-defense, pure and simple.

Self-defense?

You came in here lookin' for a fight.

Gunnin' Johnny was like shooting a baby. You're just a tin gunfighter!

Let me tell you somethin', Billy.

You just started to die.

Maybe you'd like to try your luck?

Don't push yours.

Now get back to your hotel and stay there.

Move.

(Claibourne) July 30, 1884.

There had been one killing.

Sheriff Clay Hollister didn't want another one.

What do you think, Harris?

I think we better get that conceited bonehead out of Tombstone

before Dick Pearce hears about Johnny.

Well, even if he doesn't hear about Johnny, he's gonna come lookin' for him.

I better go over to the theater.

Try to get Mr. Denver on the stage that's leavin' tonight.

Give me my hat, Deputy Lee.

Want me to come along?

Uh, no. You stay here.

Keep an eye out for Dick. If you see him, stop him.

–He's not in too good a mood. –Well, I'm not either.

–What do you want? –You on the stage leavin' town tonight.

Well, that's impossible. I have a performance to do.

You're not gonna be performing ever again if Dick Pearce catches up with you.

He's no drunken setup like his brother Johnny.

You mean you still doubt my ability to defend myself?

When a man really wants to kill somebody, he's got an extra edge on his side.

And Dick Pearce is really gonna want to kill you.

The house is sold out, Mr. Hollister.

We just can't afford to walk out on it.

There's another stage in the morning. We'll be on that.

I wouldn't count on it.

There's just two ways that you're gonna get him out of town:

quick or dead.

Try to get him on tonight's stage.

Let's go tonight, Billy, please.

The fastest gun and the deadliest gun.

That'll read real nice, huh, Whitey?

I already got myself on notch. I might as well try for two.

I guess you don't need anybody but yourself, Billy.

I guess you don't.

No.

But you need me.

(Claibourne) The night of July 30.

Billy Denver was making his second appearance at the Bird Cage.

I'm goin' around to the stage door.

You keep an eye out for Dick, and if he comes along, stop him.

[Applause]

There's been an ugly rumor

that I can't use anything but quarter loads.

Well, tonight I've been using full loads, and I haven't missed a shot.

(Billy) You ready Lizette?

Ready.

[Gunshot]

[Applause]

Dick.

No trouble now, Dick.

Don't aim to give you any trouble, Lee.

That's good 'cause I...

[Gunshots]

[Applause]

In case you think I was lucky...

[Gunshots]

Your luck's run out, mister.

What do you want?

(Dick) You.

You killed my brother. Now I'm gonna cut you to pieces.

–(Lizette) No! –Stay away from him, lady.

Stay out of this, Lizette.

Well, folks, you're gonna get your money's worth tonight.

You're gonna die tonight, Billy.

It ain't the same as facin' a kid who's been drinkin', is it?

(Dick) Scared?

Sure, you're scared.

[Uncocks gun] All right, Billy.

I'm gonna call it.

Ready?

One,

two,

Get out of the way, Clay.

No, Dick.

Get out of the way, Clay!

You gonna shoot me?

Lee.

[Cocks gun]

You're gonna be on that stage leavin' tomorrow.

And if you're smart you won't come back.

I'm sorry about Johnny, Dick.

But, uh...

I better keep this until he leaves town.

I still got my other gun.

(Lizette) Look out!

[Gunshots]

Billy!

Oh, Billy!

You're lucky, Billy.

Dick would've shot to kill.

But you won't be usin' those guns of yours anymore.

The shows over.

You better find yourself a new star.

(Claibourne) June 1, 1884.

Tombstone said goodbye to Billy Denver.

He was glad to say goodbye to Tombstone.

I guess everybody needs someone.

Hyah! Hyah!

Well...

I guess with Billy the glory's gone.

Maybe he's found something better to take its place.

Boy, he sure was good.

Outdrew his left gun.

Wonder what would've happened with his right.

I guess you'll never know.

That's all right with me.

♪ Whistle me up a memory ♪

♪ Whistle me back where I wanna be ♪

♪ Whistle a tune that'll carry me ♪

♪ to Tombstone Territory ♪

♪ If your past has run afoul of the law ♪

♪ It's a handy place to be ♪

♪ 'Cause your future's just as good as your draw ♪

♪ in Tombstone Territory ♪

♪ Whistle me up a memory ♪

♪ Whistle me back where I wanna be ♪

♪ Whistle a tune that'll carry me ♪

♪ to Tombstone Territory ♪