All language subtitles for The Bottom of the Bottle (Henry Hathaway, 1956)

Evening, P.M.

- Gus, Charlie.
- Howdy.

- Behaving yourselves?
- No, we ain't going to try.

What are you doing alone in
town on Saturday night, P.M.?

Some late chores.

I'm going to meet Nora
now at the Breckinridges'.

- Say hello for us.
- I sure will.

Funny way to go to the
Breckinridges', through Mexico.

Come on, before you turn
into a pillar of salt.

I certainly didn't think P.M.
was that kind of a man.

- How you been, P.M.?
- Hot.

The rain, señor P.M., it comes
down tonight for certain, eh?

I hope so.

You'll have to
step on it, P.M.

The river bottom's
starting to fill up.

The more rain the better.
My ranch is as dry as a bone.

Good night.

As late as this
seasonal rain has been,

it still comes in time to save

millions of dollars worth
of crops and grazing land.

The loss of cattle has been
high, but not disastrously so.

Latest reports from
the Border Patrol.

The Santa Cruz riverbed
is filling up rapidly.

All Valley residents are
cautioned against trying

to cross the Santa Cruz
until the river subsides.

Better leave your car
on this side, P.M.

- I can't.
- Don't risk it.

We'll take you across.

No.

All right, Charlie.

We'd better get started
before we get stuck ourselves.

So far, telephone
communication

between the Valley
and Nogales remains open.

However, the Santa Cruz river
is impassable and still rising.

The Border Patrol
has stopped all traffic

attempting to cross the river
until further notice.

Valley residents, accustomed
to this annual rainstorm,

have stocked up on food
supplies and are in no danger.

Pat?

That you, Pat?

How did you get out?

We can talk later.

I'm hungry.

No, now.

How did you get out?

I had a key.

- Did you use that?
- I didn't have to.

What about some food, Pat?

I haven't eaten in
a couple of days.

Does anybody know
you came this way?

Just Emily.

I rode a freight into Denver.

Emily gave me all the cash
she had on hand.

And my address.

We happen to have
an old-fashioned sister.

She still believes that
blood is thicker than water.

Any servants around?

Not on weekends.

Before anything else,
I want that gun.

I said I didn't use it.

Sit down.

Don't let that beer worry you.
I've become a soft drink man.

Emily tells me you're married.
Your wife know about me?

No.

Guess I shouldn't
ask stupid questions.

Okay?

How did you find this house?

Emily said it was between
Tucson and the border.

When I got in, I looked
it up in the phonebook.

And you asked people
how to locate me?

No.

I asked about different ranches,
like I was looking for a job.

I couldn't put you to work
if I wanted to.

I couldn't explain hiring a
man during the slack season.

I didn't expect we'd start
being brothers again.

I'm as anxious to get out of
here as you are to have me go.

Just give me a few bucks and
drive me across the border.

I wish I could.

The Santa Cruz is flooded.

Mine was about
the last car across it.

There's no way back
until it goes down.

There has to be.

- I've got to get across.
- How? How?

The water must be six or
seven feet deep by now.

Current strong enough
to knock over a tank.

I never figured on
a break like this.

Mildred and the kids
are waiting for me in Mexico.

You got your family
mixed up in this?

Don't sound so righteous,
will you?

What do you suppose
families are for?

You can leave by the back way.

I think I'll meet my
sister-in-law first.

I told you to get out.

Aren't you supposed
to help your wife

with the car
or the garage doors?

I'm only asking.

Mildred and I never had a car so
I wouldn't know the etiquette.

If you'd rather be turned
over to the Border Patrol,

I can arrange it.

You wouldn't risk it.

Any man who likes to
be called by his initials

has to be scared
to death of scandal.

Escaped convict turned in
by his own brother.

It'd make good reading
for your friends.

Roll out the drinks, P.M.
We're elected tonight.

Are you in here?

This is an old friend
of mine, Nora. Eric Bell.

We ran into each
other in town.

Oh, I didn't know P.M.
had any old friends.

Eric's car broke down in town.

Well, I hope he won't be needing
it for the next couple days.

When the river overflows,
we're isolated.

But if you drink enough
whiskey, time just flies.

Well, come on in and
meet our thirsty company.

Now, who's going to have what?

Still the fast-thinking
lawyer.

I'm afraid we'll have to
join them in there.

When did you become
a drinking man?

I didn't.

Whether you believe me
or not, Pat,

I wish I didn't have to put
you in this kind of spot.

You'll have to call me P.M.

Otherwise, it might
cause questions.

Oh, I'll remember.

Just one thing more, Donald.

- Eric. Eric Bell.
- I know.

I just wanted to say that

you'll see a lot of
drinking inside.

It goes on most of the time
during the storm,

from one house to another.

I hope you meant that

about being on the wagon.

I've been taking the cure
for the past five years.

They don't serve anything

stronger than water
in the penitentiary.

And old friend of P.M.'s,
everybody. Eric Bell.

This is Mr. and
Mrs. Breckinridge

- How do you do?
- The Cadys, the Millers.

and more of the same due
to arrive at any time.

- How do you do?
- Glad to have you aboard, pal.

What'll it be,
scotch or bourbon?

Neither one, thanks.

Beer?

- No, thanks.
- Oh, really?

First visit to our valley,
Mr. Bell?

Yes.

- How about just a little one?
- Come on.

Eric's just gotten over
being pretty sick.

He's not allowed to drink.

- Sounds like ulcers.
- Yes.

- Gastric or duodenal?
- Duodenal.

Well, listen to that.

Mr. Bell has only been here
a little while and

P.M. has caught up on
his whole medical history.

What you ought to do is
get off that rat race, pal.

Get yourself a few thousand
acres here in the Valley

and stay healthy.

My husband sounds like
a TV commercial

for Valley living, Mr. Bell.

Unfortunately,
he doesn't look it.

I'm in the same shape
as I was 20 years ago.

That's positively
frightening, honey.

That's what I get for
marrying a young filly.

Whenever it rains,
he gets very romantic.

Luckily, it doesn't rain much.

Well, if you'll excuse us,
I'll get Eric some dry clothes.

Through here.

It'd be nice to have an
extra man around the house.

If he's young and tall,
especially.

You're only guessing, honey.

How could you
possibly remember?

We'll share this room.

What about your wife?

Her room's through there.

Oh.

We thought as long
as we had two bedrooms,

we might as well use them.
- Sure.

These ought to fit you.

Thanks, but I don't feel
much like joining the party.

- I need sleep.
- Just as well.

Once you get me
across the border,

I'll make sure I disappear.

That won't change
things much for me.

Harboring a fugitive
is a felony.

Being a lawyer,
I can't plead ignorance.

I'll take a look at the river
first thing in the morning.

Pat-

P.M.

Okay for me to sleep
in the outside one?

Either one.

I get a kick out
of the switch.

When we were kids, I always
had to sleep against the wall,

remember?

Good night.

- Morning, P.M.
- Morning.

Anybody try it?

Nobody that crazy.

What about above?

Oh, it's just as bad.

If you have business
in Nogales,

you'd better put it off
for a few days.

Three or four at least.

Hey, P.M. What are you
doing up so early?

- Morning, Lil.
- Hi.

Aren't you afraid
you'll cause talk,

leaving Nora home
with a strange man?

He's no stranger.
We go back a long way.

He's very attractive.
Kind of sad-looking, though.

He hasn't been well.

Nonsense, he's too
physical for that.

Ulcers don't show
on the outside.

I bet you the whole
thing's mental. Psychosis.

Don't bet, Lil. You'll lose.

Wait, P.M.

Let's make it an
even hundred dollars.

When you bring him
to my party tonight,

I'll feed him a few drinks.

When he wakes up
tomorrow with ulcer pains,

you'll collect the hundred.

Otherwise, you pay little Lil.

We're close enough friends
to talk confidentially.

Well, I should think so.

Drinking upsets him, mentally.

Oh, well, then
forget my silly bet.

I didn't realize
it was that serious.

It's not really serious,

at least that's
the wrong word for it.

Well, if everybody else is
drinking all around him,

it might tempt him.

That's why it'll
be better for us

to bypass
your shindig tonight.

Not at all.
You come to my party tonight

and you bring
your friend with you.

It'll be something interesting
to watch for a change.

It's not fair to place
a man in that position.

Oh, that's silly. Plain silly.

You bring your boy
to my house tonight,

or we'll move my party
over to your place.

You're the first one of P.M.'s
old friends I've ever met.

Don't judge the others by me.
I'm no recommendation.

No, don't bother with that.

I'll stack them up after
P.M. has had his breakfast.

How long have you two
known each other?

We're from the same town.

- Whereabouts?
- Iowa.

- A town you never heard of.
- Makes you childhood friends.

He was older.

What kind of a boy was he?

Average.

No. No, better than that.

A sort of head man. The kind
of guy I always wanted to be.

I used to follow him around
like Mary's little lamb.

Just to be along side of him
made me feel like-

like I had the biggest
muscles in town,

like I could break every
record there was.

Every time he won a prize,
it was like winning it myself.

You must have missed him
when he moved away.

Yes, I missed him.

I think I even
hated him for leaving.

You know, kid stuff.
A kid hurts easy.

Well, when did you
start sleepwalking?

You must have been
out of the house before six.

It's too hot to sleep.

I went down to
take a look at the river.

It can't be crossed.

Means you'll be with us
for a little while, Eric.

You know, I think I'll fire
the servants and hire Eric.

He's a dream around the house.

By the time
I got up this morning,

he had everything neat.

What got you up so early?

I needed a pick-me-up.
Get me in shape for tonight.

We don't have to go
to Lil's party.

Of course we do.

When Lil Breckinridge
gives a party, it's a must.

Eric and I were talking
about the old days.

Yours and his.

Nora ought to be the lawyer
in this family.

She's cross-examine you until
she gets the story of your life.

Ellen, don't make it
difficult for yourself.

Just do what
I told you to do. Sure.

And try not to be obvious.
See you later, Ellen. Bye.

Hope you know
what you're doing.

Well, I have to
warn people, don't I?

Look, why have
him here at all?

Don't you have
any imagination?

It'll be stimulating, like
waiting for a bomb to go off.

Oh, fine.

Hannah? Lil.

I had to talk to you
before the party.

When you get here-
just a second, Hannah.

Don't, will you, honey?

When you get here tonight,
be careful about P.M.'s friend.

Well, you know. Eric Bell.

Hannah, just listen to me for a
minute, without the questions.

And whatever you do,
this is very confidential.

The man's a mental case.
Well, that is, he used to be.

A real bad one. And there's
always danger of a relapse.

It's positively imperative that
he does not have a drop to drink.

Oh, gosh. Here he is.

Put the drinks away, Hal.
Quickly.

Oh, come in, come in.
Almost everyone's here.

It's good to see you, Mr. Bell.

Nice of you to invite me.

Darling, would you please
take Mr. Bell in-

Oh, that's much too formal.

Would you please take Eric
in and introduce him around?

Sure. Come on, Eric.

Everyone's alerted.
He won't get a drop to drink.

You told the others
what I said?

Of course, darling.

How else could I keep
him from being tempted?

- How do you do?
- Hi.

Hi, pal.

Hello, Ellen. Hello, Stan.

- Is he here?
- Shh.

He's inside. Remember, not a
drop to drink in his presence.

I got fortified at home.

Take it easy.
We're all working with you.

How could you do this to me?
What kind of a woman are you?

Oh, yes, of course.
Hello again, Mr. Bell.

Glad to see you.

- Jenkins?
- Yes, Mr. P.M.?

Get some drinks rolling.

- For you too, sir?
- I might. I might later on.

Make mine a martini, Jenkins.

Coming right up, Madame.

Anything for you, Mr. Bell?

Yes, I think I will.

A straight ginger ale.

- Don't stop pouring, Jenkins.
- Come on, Eric.

Hey, Hal. Could you please
get Eric's ginger ale?

- Isn't it? It's a beautiful top.
- Oh, sure, sure.

Jenkins, Jenkins? Ice.

What'll you open?

- I'll stick along.
- Yeah?

Up it twenty bucks.

Twenty more.

That's forty to me. I stay.

How are you, Mrs. Klein?

Anytime you feel like
sitting in, pal, just holler.

Too rich for my blood, thanks.

- How are you doing, Nora?
- I'm on tiptoes.

You know, nice, fat, little
balloons under my feet,

floating me up and down.

You still ginger ale-ing?

No, no. Two's my limit.

Come on, let's play Scrabble.
Ellen, do you want to play?

Looks like the rain
has about stopped.

Everything and everybody
has to stop some time.

How long does it take
for the river to go down?

Three, four days, maybe.
It varies.

Eric,

are you married?

Over ten years.

Do you and your wife ever just
sit around the house and relax?

Well, we used to,

although we haven't had much
chance to be together lately.

Well, when you are,
do you talk?

You know what I mean,
to each other?

About the kids, mostly.

We have three.

We used to talk about kids,
P.M. and me,

about why we could
never have any.

I'm sorry.

Oh, there are
compensating things.

30,000 acres,
a big herd of cattle, horses,

closets full of whiskey.

Here's to your brood, Eric.

Thank you.

Well, that's the way it goes.

Our cows have children,
our mares have children,

but no children for the
lady of the manor, not ever.

Why do you fool
with that stuff?

Best fun medicine
in the world.

That's how you handle it,
like medicine.

You haven't had
enough to drink tonight

to float a feather.

Don't tell me
you've been counting.

Yeah.

You started four drinks,
finished none.

Let's go inside.

You know,

you're a lot like P.M.

Wear a man's clothes and
you're bound to look like him.

No, no. I mean in other ways.

For instance,
you're both teetotalers.

So are you, Nora.

The way you handle the stuff,

you might just as well
vote the Prohibition ticket.

Yes, yes?

It's for you, P.M.
Denver's calling.

Tell them to
call back later, Lil.

We're in the middle of a hand.

- I fold.
- Come on.

Hello?

Yes, I'm Mr. Martin.

- Hello?
- Pat?

This is Emily.

Is Donald with you?

Is he all right?

But he hasn't crossed yet?

It's our annual rainstorm.

We're cut off from the mainland
until the river goes down.

Remember this is our
brother we're talking about.

Now let me talk to him.

Don't argue. I have
an important message for him.

Hold on.

Hello, Em.

Yes, I am.

Fine, fine.

How bad is it?

You might as well
tell me, please.

But they're still all right?

You're sure?

I'm very grateful to you, Em.
Very much.

Someday I hope to be
able to tell you in person.

Yes, I will.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

I have to call my family.

We'll talk inside.

What is it? Anything wrong?

Some business deal.

We have to discuss
a few details.

I can't waste time.
I have to call.

- Can't take a chance on calling.
- I have to.

Mildred spent the last of
our money to call Emily

and ask about me. I was supposed
to be in Nogales by yesterday.

We'll drive over to my house.

You can call her from there.

Operator.

This is Mr. Martin at 2-5.

I want Nogales, Mexico.
1-8-7-8.

Thank you.

She'll call back.

When you get on the phone,
be careful.

Sometimes the operators
get curious.

Isn't this a bad time
to go off the wagon?

Anytime is, especially
for a mental case.

Isn't that the way you
diagnosed me to your friends?

One of them told me
not to worry,

a friend of hers was locked up
in an asylum for five years,

but today he's almost
as sane as anyone else.

I told that story
for your protection.

You always were
a thoughtful guy.

If you hadn't got drunk 5
years ago, you wouldn't be

in this kind of trouble.
- Quit the lecture, will you?

Drunk or sober,
I'd have used a gun on him.

He was coming at me
with a busted bottle.

Why didn't you
plead self-defense?

I couldn't afford
a smart lawyer.

I kept telling Mildred
not to worry.

My brother Pat
was a top lawyer.

He'd come back
to Illinois to defend me.

I couldn't get away.

Emily said you wouldn't come.

You never walked up to
a problem in your life.

Why-

Yes?

Is that Nogales 1-8-7-8?

Will you please call the
American lady to the telephone?

All right.

It's for you señora,
the telephone.

It must be Daddy, Frank.
Bring the girls.

Tell the señor that the rent

have to be paid tomorrow
by twelve o'clock.

Or get out.

Hello?

Hello, Donald?

Hello, Mildred.

Oh, darling, I'm so relieved
to hear your voice.

Are you safe, Donald? Are you?

It's you I'm worried about.

No, I'll talk to
the children later.

I want to know your situation.

There's nothing for you
to worry about, darling.

We're fine.

The only thing missing is you.

Try to make
the kids understand

that I can't get across
until the river goes down.

I'll explain it to them, dear.
Just don't worry, please don't.

Let me, Mommy, let me.

We'll manage to make out,
Donald. Honestly, we will.

Tell your landlady
to wait until morning,

you'll be able to
pay her then.

Yes, Pat's going to help me.

Yes, honey.
This time I'm sure he is.

Very sure.

Give me her name and address.

Señora Maria Espinosa?

Okay.

Calle Vittoria de Soto.

41?

Okay, I've got it straight.

All right, put the kids on.

Here, Frank. Talk to Daddy.

Sound cheerful.

Hello, Dad. Gosh, I hope
you'll be here soon.

I got a million things
to tell you.

Me too, me too.

It's good to
hear your voice, Frank.

Oh, you bet I will.

I'll be with you
in two or three days now.

I went into business, Dad.
I got my own shoeshine box.

I made four pesos yesterday.

That's about
30 cents in our money.

Maybe I'll do better tomorrow.

Sure, sure. Goodbye, Dad.

No, me, me.

In a minute, darling.
Just a minute.

- Hello, Daddy.
- Annie?

How's my sweet girl?

Wonderful, Daddy.
We're having the best time.

Mommy was a waitress yesterday

and they gave her
sandwiches for us.

It was just like
a picnic, Daddy.

It's fun, Daddy, lots of fun.

When you come here,
you'll see.

Now put sister on.

Jeanie, how's my little love?

When you come, what kind of
present are you bringing me?

Oh, a present.

Yes, I'm bringing you
something special.

A big walking doll
for a present?

Yes, I'm a good girl,
a very good girl.

I sleep in a big bed
with Mommy and Annie

like a big girl, Daddy.
And Frank sleeps on the floor.

- Say goodbye to Daddy, darling.
- Goodbye, Daddy, goodbye.

Goodbye, honey.
Kiss Mommy for me.

What?

Yes, you're a good girl.

Goodbye, honey.

Do you have any business
connections in Nogales?

Well, I have some acquaintances.

Not very close.

Mildred is only
19 miles from here.

19 miles, that's all, Pat.

Yesterday, she got money
to feed the kids by

working as a waitress
in a honky-tonk

and my son was
shining shoes in the street.

By noon tomorrow,
unless they get money,

they'll be thrown out
of their room.

I'll try to maneuver it.

- Is it that complicated?
- It takes time.

How much time?

Just as soon as I can
figure out a way to do it

without too much risk.

After all, this predicament
is not my fault.

Isn't it?
Are you sure it isn't?

You're too grown up
to claim me for a guardian.

Or a brother.

I'm doing all I can
to get you across the border.

Oh, I'll get over.

I'll get over,
with or without you.

The brothers Martin,
Cain and Abel.

Who's who, Pat?

Are you Cain or Abel?

- You're drunk.
- Oh, I wish I were.

I wish I were
so I'd stop wondering

why you've tried so hard to
forget you had a family

or that you came from
Appleton, Iowa

and you had to wear Pop's made
over pants until you were 18.

Why is it so important to you
to be a gutless success?

That'll be all for tonight.

Sure.

Let's get back to the party.

We're not going anywhere.

Okay.

You stay here
and I'll go to the party.

If you can't figure out a way to
get money to Mildred real quick

maybe one of your rich friends
will oblige me.

Pat, don't tangle with me.

Get inside.

Please don't make me hit you.
Please don't make me.

Inside.

We just never could be
brothers, could we, Pat?

Border Patrol,
this is Signal 61.

Be on the lookout
for an escaped convict.

Help!

He may be armed. He is wanted
by the Illinois State Police.

He was last seen

heading in the direction
of the border.

- Help!
- His name, Donald Martin.

Description, six feet-

Hold on.
All right, we got you.

Come on.

This is no place to
be taking a bath, mister.

I have to get across.

- Mildred's expecting me.
- She'll wait for a few days.

Where you from?

Are you a visitor hereabouts?

Yes, a visitor.

Where you from?

I said, where are you from?

Breckinridges'.

That explains it.
Another party.

Come on, mister.
We'll drop you off.

Still no answer.

There's nothing
to worry about, darling.

They left here stone sober.

I wonder where
they could have gone.

Well, speak of the devil.
Here they are.

This man says he's
a friend of the Breckinridges.

- Do you know him?
- Yes, that's Mr. Bell.

He's a friend.
- You better take care of him.

I just found him
down by the river.

Look, he's drunk.

Come in, Eric. Come in.

We were afraid we'd lost you
for the evening.

Where's P.M.?

Relaxing.

- Mr. Jenkins, sir.
- Yes, Mr. Bell?

Would you oblige me please
with a double double?

- Anything in particular?
- Alcohol, alcohol.

Why didn't he drive you back?

I like to ride in police cars.

Back home, I used to ride
in police cars all the time.

If you please, sir.

I'll have Stan drive you home.
Go out by the side door.

All right.

Stan, take Nora home,
will you?

What's everybody
whispering about?

You know why they're
whispering, Mr. Jenkins?

- No, sir.
- Because they think I'm crazy.

A great, big mental case.

Now, Eric, you know we don't
think anything of the kind.

- You know, you're cute.
- Thank you.

- But you're a cockeyed liar.
- Just a minute, pal.

You can't talk
to my wife like that.

Oh, yes, I can.
You can't, but I can.

I don't care how drunk you are,
you won't behave this way-

Stop it, Hal.

Eric didn't mean anything
wrong. Did you, Eric?

Of course not. Of course not.

I get along good with people.

Mr. Jenkins.

Kindly fill up all the glasses

and let all us crazy people
get along good.

Coming right up, Mr. Bell.

Fighting isn't smart,
Mr. Jenkins.

Maybe it's human,
but is isn't smart.

It just makes trouble.

What are you staring at?

Staring and whispering, that's
the kind of thing makes trouble.

Eric, you know
we all like you.

A refreshment, sir.

- Do you mind if I join you, pal?
- Of course not, course not.

Only, please don't
make trouble.

I was just telling Eric
that we're all his friends.

That's what I need, friends.

Well, now,

P.M. is your friend,
isn't he, pal?

You didn't say, Eric.

Isn't P.M. your friend?

Mildred isn't
as pretty as you, but

she's nicer.

I don't know the lady.

- Nicest woman in the world.
- I'm sure she is.

Why didn't P.M.
come back with you, Eric?

What time is it?

Close to three.

Where did you leave P.M.?

Three from twelve,

leaves only nine hours
until noon.

Would you please excuse me?
Mildred's waiting.

Oh, don't go yet, pal.
Let's have a nightcap.

Oh, thanks very much, but

I don't want to keep her waiting
and it's over five years now.

One for the road.

Over five years.

Look, you're going to stick
around here for awhile.

When I hear from P.M.,

I'll tell you whether
it's okay to leave or not

Are you trying to keep me
from Mildred?

A few minutes won't make any
difference to her, whoever she is.

Sit down and have
another drink while I phone.

I told you
I didn't want trouble.

Didn't I tell you
I didn't want trouble?

Hal, let him go.
He's crazy, let him go.

Stop it, pal.

Let him go, Hal.
Let him go.

Let him go.

We'll call the Border Patrol.

Somebody sure
beat up this room.

Pat?

Are you in there?

Pat?

I'm right here.

What happened to your head?

Just a bump.

I dropped a bottle
and fell in the mess.

Thanks for bringing Nora home.

When you didn't answer
the phone, we got worried.

We thought your friend
got nasty or something.

Hello?

Yes, Hal.

Tell him to start pouring and
deal me back in. I'm on my way.

- No, everything's all right.
- Take care of your noggin, P.M.

But Hal, why did you?

Calling the police will only
create a situation-

Hal? P.M.

What's this about
calling the police?

I don't care what you thought.

Why didn't you talk to me before
you jumped in feet first?

He didn't attack you, did he?

You tried to detain him
and you had no right to.

Of course, of course.

I appreciate
your concern over me.

But call the Patrol now, Hal,
and square things.

Fine.

Fine, thanks.

Good night.

Why did you and Eric fight?

It was a fight, wasn't it?

I'll lock up.

I'm not prying.

I only ask because
you're frightened.

I'm not used to
seeing you like this.

I'll take care of that.

Thanks. I'll turn in.

Don't you want to tell me
what this is all about?

No.

No.

Well?

I want to tell you about it.

I didn't mean to
be that abrupt before.

His name isn't
Eric Bell, Nora.

He's my brother, Donald.

I know I never told you I had a
brother. I never told anyone.

- Why, what'd he do?
- It was some kind of brawl.

He shot a man
and they sent him to Joliet.

That's in Illinois,
state penitentiary.

I know.

He escaped with
five more years to serve.

Didn't you think
I could be trusted enough

to be told about it?

It happened so unexpectedly.
I got panicked.

From the first moment he showed
up out there in the rain,

there was something between us,
something unhealthy.

Or you imagined there was.

No, no, no. He's hated me
ever since I left home.

Home.
What a stupid word for it.

It was nothing but a miserable
place to use for sleeping.

I couldn't grow up
fast enough to get out.

They stayed, Donald and Emily.

You couldn't possibly
understand the situation.

A small town,
everybody whispering

how sorry there were
for the poor Martin kids.

We were the town scum,
the poor trash.

I had to get out or rot.

I couldn't take
Emily and Donald with me.

I was only a kid myself.

I'm not accusing you
of anything.

No, but Donald is.

I'm the one who's
responsible for him.

This family is troubles.

Well, as long as the skeleton
is out of the closet,

it has to be faced.

That's the ugly part of it.

Well, being frightened
won't help.

First, we have to find him
before he gets found,

before he gets into
more trouble.

He was fighting drunk
at Lil's house.

Spend years building up
something worthwhile

and along comes the past.

Well,

maybe he's sleeping it off
in somebody's barn.

It'll be light enough
to try to find him.

I don't know. I don't know.

We've got to think this thing
out rationally, Nora.

How far do I want to
risk being involved?

What happens if I find him?

Aiding and abetting is
a federal violation, a felony.

Oh, let's not make this
a courtroom.

First, let's find him and we'll
sit down like three human beings

and discuss the situation.
- With him?

He doesn't discuss things.
He gives ultimatums.

Like this.

I'm to deliver money to
his wife in Nogales

before noon, or else.

- Are the children with her?
- Of course.

That's the way Donald
does things. He always has.

He casts aside
responsibilities

the way a kid
throws away old toys.

He must love Mildred
very much.

Getting her stranded with
three kids in a strange country

without a dollar
for food or rent?

You call that love?

Yes, Pat. I do.

This isn't solving anything.

We have to do something
to help his family.

Why?

Don't you see where
that places us?

Yes, I certainly do.

This is 2-5.

- Get me Benjamin Reeves at-
- Nora, don't.

Nogales 2-0-6-3,
person to person.

Thank you.

Give me the slip of paper.

Don't you realize what
a stink this will raise?

I think the landlady's name is
Maria Espinosa.

Ben shouldn't have
any trouble locating her.

You ask Ben to
advance money to them,

people will hear about it
and start asking questions.

I wonder how many words

we've said to each other
since we've been married.

Millions, probably, and we
still don't know each other.

Just let it ring.

Don't try anything
like that, Pat.

You're not going to destroy
everything we've built up here.

What have we built?

It's a simple question, Pat.

All the things
we've built in our minds,

as man and wife,
have disappeared.

There aren't even
any dreams left anymore.

We're as wide apart
as our two bedrooms.

So you go right on hugging
that phone to yourself

as though your reputation
was the biggest thing in life.

As far as I'm concerned,

I don't give a hoot
about your reputation.

Because if a woman with three
children is penniless,

that doesn't matter.

Because it says
in the law books

that feeding them
is aiding and abetting

and that's another felony.

What right did Donald
have to breed children?

What right does anybody have?

Children are miserable,
unhappy little creatures.

There's no such thing
as a happy child.

You have to let the misery rub
out on the world and on me.

How pleasant do you think
it's been for me

to have people think there's
something wrong with Nora Martin?

Poor thing,
she can never have a baby.

She's not a whole woman.

Hello, Ben? P.M.

I need your help.

I want to have $2,000 delivered
to someone before noon.

I'll pay you back next week
when the river road is open.

Ben,

I'd appreciate it if
you'd keep this confidential.

- Good morning, father.
- Good morning.

Father, did anyone
come to the mission

to look for shelter
during the night?

No, my daughter. No one.

Thank you.

Good morning, señor P.M.
How's your good wife?

She's well.
Where can I find Luis?

In the fields,
the whole family.

- Happy regards to your wife.
- I'll tell her.

You got a minute, Luis?

For you, señor P.M.,
I have all day.

I'd like you to make some
inquiries among your people

quietly, if possible.

There's someone I know,

he's a stranger here
in the Valley,

may have got himself
lost last night.

I'd appreciate if you'd keep
my inquiry confidential.

But naturally, mi amigo.
Naturally.

Good morning.

Don't put your money in.

Wait'll the operator
asks for it.

Thank you.

Nogales, Mexico.

1-8-

1-8-7-8.

- This is 2-2-4.
- 2-2-4.

All right.

She'll call you back
in a couple of minutes.

What about a cup of coffee?

Yes, coffee. Thank you.

Here you are.

Just a dime.

Well, haven't seen you
around here before.

- You from up north?
- Yes, north. Up north.

Hello? Yes.

Please, operator,
can't you get through?

I have to talk to them.
I have to.

But the line was all right
yesterday, late last night.

Line blown down?

Yeah, that's our biggest problem
when the big rains come.

Mountains only protect the
telephone wires on one side.

More coffee?

- How much whiskey can I get?
- Oh, nothing now.

Can't sell the hard stuff
before noon.

Can I buy a half pint
and take it out?

I'd like to oblige, mister,

but it could cost me
my license.

I guess you need a shot a lot
worse than I need my license.

Here, drink it in this
in case somebody walks in.

One more.

Have a heart, will you?

One more won't
make it any worse.

No, sir. No more.
Not before noon.

Yeah? Right with you.

Two beef, two ham and cheese.

- Elegant. How much?
- Make it a buck even.

- Plus a container of coffee.
- Buck thirty.

Come on in, I'll fill it up.

I got a customer inside with the
worst hangover I've seen in years.

Looks like he just
came out of the DTs.

Where in the-

Did he take anything?

No, nothing I want to
complain about.

Nowhere.

I looked everywhere
I could think of.

Would you like
your dinner now?

I'm not hungry.

Luis Romero saw him
at three o'clock this morning.

He was drunk.

Tried to hire a guide to
take him across the river.

He wouldn't try to cross it
on his own, would he?

If he was drunk enough.

Mildred phoned this afternoon.

She wanted to thank you
for the money.

By now, everybody
in Nogales must know.

Oh, I doubt that.

We can trust Ben Reeves and

Mildred sounded too
considerate to hurt anybody.

Yeah.

Just like her husband.

The local news and
weather will follow.

Latest reports indicate that the
overflow should start receding

within the next 48 hours.

Normal traffic conditions
should be restored

by the end of the week.

Now, on the national
and international fronts-

At least there's
no news about him.

I have your dinner
all ready if you want it.

I'll settle for some sleep.

Wouldn't it be better
to talk this thing out?

It's past the talking
stage for us.

I've been tried and convicted
and you've been the jury.

I'm the one responsible for
Donald. I'm his keeper.

I'm the reason
he loused up his life.

You're not being fair, Pat.

Fair?

Sure.

Show your sporting
blood, Mr. Martin.

Show them how you can take it,
every accusation in the book.

You're a selfish heel.

You've made a flop of your
marriage, your wife miserable.

But be a good sport,
Mr. Martin.

Don't you think it would be
healthy to look at ourselves?

- At our marriage?
- Sure.

But let the mirror take in
the whole room.

What about you?

What have you done
to make our marriage gel?

I've thought about it
all day, Pat.

It's been a day for thinking.

How far back did you think?

Did you think about
all those Saturday nights

when you played bartender
for our friends?

And you watched me leave here
and drive to town?

Yes I did, all of them.

I've never questioned
your love, Pat,

only the quality of it.

What kind of love is it if I'm
denied the one normal thing in life?

When I've been afraid that,
if I had a child,

you'd hate me and the child?

If only you could see
my side of it.

There'd never be anymore of
those Saturday nights, never.

We can still
save our marriage, Pat,

if you're interested.

Good night, Nora.

Help, policía! Help, police!

Policía, police!

Help, please.

Luis?

I apologize for
the late hour, señor,

but it's a matter of urgency.

- Come in.
- No, no, señor. Gracias.

There is trouble, señor.
The police are-

My apologies, señora,
for awaking you.

That's all right.
Go on with what you're saying.

It was Ramón. Ramón Díaz,
who owns the store.

He is a very excited fellow.

Before I could say to him,
do not call the Border Patrol,

because the tall one is
señor P.M.'s friend,

he already calls.

Why? What happened?

Well, once a week,
there is a party.

You know, the singing
and the dancing

and what you call
the midnight supper, you know?

Please, Luis. What happened?

Sure, sure.
I make too much talk.

When Ramón Díaz go to
his store for wine,

the tall one is inside
and he come out this way,

like the fighting bull

Ramón yells and yells,
but the tall one does not stop.

Díaz called the Patrol?

I would have stopped it, but
I did not know who the thief-

- Your perdón, señor.
- No need to apologize.

- What'd he steal?
- Whiskey, two bottles.

When you go back,

tell Díaz I'm on my way over
to pay him for the whiskey.

But tell him to call the police
and withdraw his complaint.

It is too late for
the police to listen, señor.

The tall one has took a revolver
and two boxes of bullets.

Whiskey and a gun,
it's a very bad mixture.

- Do you know which way he went?
- No, señora.

But he is what
the yankees call a greenhorn

and a greenhorn
always go to the hills.

In the morning,
they will track him.

Thank you, Luis.

It is my privilege
to show you my friendship

and a special felicitaciones
to you from my wife, señora.

- Gracias, adiós. Gracias.
- Thank you, Luis.

Do you think he'd give up
without any trouble?

No.

Pat, don't you intend to-

Why should I?

My neck's out far enough now.

Big doings, Nora.
Get P.M. dressed.

Hey, the Border Patrol's
called out all us deputies,

so shake it up, will you?

I'm not going.

What are you talking about?

He's more your responsibility
than he is ours,

just don't forget that.
- I said I'm not going.

You know we only got a two man
Patrol this side of the river

and Bell is armed,
he's a walking arsenal.

Suppose he kills somebody.
He's crazy enough.

Get out of here, all of you.

Go ahead, scalp your man.

That's the kind of thing
you love.

But get out!

She talking for you, P.M.?

I think it's time
you declared yourself.

Being my lawyer isn't enough,
either we're friends or we're not.

- Okay.
- Okay, that's okay by me.

Pat, he's gathering fast
from all directions.

They start out as a posse
and end up as a lynch mob.

Even if he wanted to surrender,
they wouldn't let him.

Nora.

I'm sorry.

What do you expect me to do?

Nothing.

Not a thing.

I'm sure the posse
will solve the problem.

Suppose I got to him first.

He hates me enough
to use that gun.

Maybe he would, Pat,
I don't know.

Maybe he'd be drunk enough or

half crazy with worry
about his family.

But hate you,

I can't believe that about him
anymore than I can about you.

You don't know
anything about him.

He's built up
so-called grievances

in his head for years.

You know what it
would mean to us,

here in the Valley,
if I obstructed that posse.

To hell with the Valley.
I couldn't care less.

Whether you
believe this or not,

I only care about us.

You want me to
go after him, don't you?

The choice has to
be yours, Pat,

only yours.

You can stay here and wait
until the posse kills him.

Probably nobody will ever
find out who he really is.

Or you can admit
that he's your brother

and that no matter what
the law books say,

you are your brother's keeper.

I'm glad, Pat.

Very glad.

Someday,

we can meet Mildred
and the children

face to face,
and not be ashamed.

We could be happy again, Pat.

Pat.

Phone Luis Romero
and tell him I'll pick him up.

I will. Pat,

will you remember
something for me?

Of course.

I love you.

I never realized how much
until this minute.

Señor, señor.

Señor, look.

Well, the trail's wet enough
to see his tracks.

Shouldn't be hard to find out
which one he took.

Maybe so, but we'll let the
dogs move in first

and run him down.
- What?

And have him kill
some of my dogs?

Look, Mr. Breckinridge,

just because a man's
carrying a gun,

doesn't necessarily mean
he's always going to use it.

You fellows ought
to know better.

It's our duty
not to take chances.

We're going in shooting.

That's the kind of
insurance I like.

There is no hurry.

We will be deep into
the hills with a full sun.

Any particular group
you want me to lead?

I guess so.

Pick out four or five of
the men and some of the dogs

and ride one of the flanks.

Better idea if
I took the center.

Miller, Cady, Weaver, with me!

He leave a
greenhorn trail, señor.

Which trail?

I'm not clairvoyant,
Mr. Breckinridge.

Give the dogs a chance.

We're wasting
a lot of valuable time.

A lot better than riding in like
a bunch of headless chickens.

All right, we split up
into three groups.

The first one who sees him,
fire two quick shots.

The rest of you, cut through
the brush and join forces.

Charlie, take your gang
up the left trail.

Lou, up the right trail.

Hold up a minute, Luis.

Señor?

I think I should explain to you
just what this situation is.

It is not necessary, señor.

You and señora Martin have done
much for me and my family.

- Let us move, señor.
- Don't argue.

I'll take it from here.

I don't want you to risk being
arrested for aiding a fugitive.

- I'm not afraid.
- I know.

Believe me,
it's best if I'm alone.

All right, señor.

At Mule Pass,
up there at the top,

across a half a mile,
to the right,

a strong horse and a rider
might cross the river.

It has been done, señor,
and it could be done again.

Especially by a man
with a strong reason.

Hasta la vista, mi amigo.

- Donald.
- That's far enough.

I can't talk to you
from here, Donald.

It's too late for talk.

A posse's just
an hour or so behind me.

I've got enough bullets to
give them a big welcome.

That's fine.

Just what Mildred and the
children would want you to do.

When did you develop this
sudden sentiment for my family?

Mildred and the children
are well and safe.

Money was delivered to
them this morning.

What's this supposed to be,
some kind of overnight switch?

Yes, maybe that's what it is,
an overnight switch.

All right, Pat.
What's the rest of it?

Now I pay off for the charity,
is that it?

Now I get down below with you
like a good puppy dog.

I'm not going to
take you back.

We're going to try to
cross the river, together.

It's that way.

Over the summit.

How come we can
suddenly cross?

I don't know that we can.
I said we'd try.

This is a possibility I didn't
know about until a few hours ago.

A friend told me.
A man who doesn't like posses.

The force of the current might
be less in this particular place.

- Can you ride?
- Yes.

These are the two
strongest horses I own,

and they're river-wise

- I'll cross by myself.
- No, together.

What for? Once I get across,

I can get past the
border guards on my own.

The border won't be a problem.
I'm used to that kind of thing.

When a man is trying
to make a gesture

for the first time
in his life,

no one has the right
to talk him out of it.

- How deep is it?
- I don't know.

Have they been happy?

Who?

Your children.

I don't know, maybe not.

Must be pretty tough
with a jailbird for a father.

But Mildred's made up
for it, I think.

Keeping them together, I mean.

If everything works out,

I'd like to meet them someday.

Sure, someday.

Better get started.

- You take the big fellow.
- But he's yours.

I ride better than you do,
I'm sure. Just mount up.

Stay in the current,
facing it at all times.

If it gets so deep
he has to swim,

just roll off and
hold onto the saddle,

- but keep clear of his hooves.
- All right.

- You sure you want to go along?
- Very sure.

Get his head!

Pat!

Pat.

Pat.

- We made it?
- Yes, Pat.

We made it.

After a lot of years,
but we made it.

I got him.

I'm not armed.

Where's the gun you stole?

I don't know, in the river
or on the other side.

Can you get him to a doctor?
He's got a bad crack on his head.

- From you?
- No, it happened in the river.

Set up a litter
to take P.M. down.

- Litter? Jail's where he belongs.
- Come on, Stan.

Friendship is one thing,

but obstructing justice
is carrying it too far.

Why don't you stop
sounding off, Breckinridge,

and let me get on with my job.
- Why don't you do it?

Or I'll handle it for you.

One more crack, just one,

and you're the one who'll be
charged with obstructing justice.

P.M. didn't do
anything illegal.

He's my lawyer. That gives him
certain rights, doesn't it?

A lawyer can confer with his
client anytime, anyplace.

That's the law, isn't it?

I didn't accuse P.M.
of anything.

You say you crossed the river?

- Yes.
- And then you came back?

- Yes.
- Why?

My lawyer convinced me
it was the thing to do.

I'm an escaped convict.
Joliet Prison, Illinois,

with five more years to serve.

You went to all the trouble
of busting out of jail,

and now you're
willing to go back.

All of a sudden, five years
doesn't seem to be a lifetime.

When a man's family
is in good hands,

he can afford to be patient
and plan for the future,

even in prison.

All right, Bell.
Let's get started.

His name isn't Eric Bell.

It's Martin.

Donald Martin.

He's my brother.