Original subtitles

Well, from the look of the terrain,

I'd say we're about half a day's ride

from the Mexican border.

Which means, I think, we're about an hour away

from Fort Challenge.

We haven't passed man or beast in over a day.

I swear, I don't know who would be thinking

of taking over this territory.

Well, we'll find out when we get to the fort

and talk to Sergeant Tobin. Yeah.

I can understand why an old soldier like Charlie Tobin

would upset the chain of command

and write directly to the president.

Who'd want to be stuck in this isolated place?

I think someone just invited us to dinner, pal.

Yeah.

Hyah!

Hello?

Anybody home?

Hello!

Somebody rang that dinner bell.

Hello.

Jim!

Must be something wrong with the water.

The horses won't drink it.

Poor devil.

Knifed in the back.

He must have been the owner of this homestead.

"Death to the gringos."

It's signed, "Los Pistoleros."

Aren't those the ones trying to take over the territory?

Let's ask them.

Looks like we were expected.

Did I hear big mouth correctly?

Yep, they're going to hang you

and take me with them.

No hard feelings, Jim.

I resent that.

What do you think they have planned for you, Artie?

I don't want to wait to find out.

If I could just get my hand in

and take this out of the waistband.

Un momento!

Uh, sorry, amigo.

You heard the man, Artie.

He said, "Drop it."

Guess I'd better.

This could go on all day.

Let's quit playing with them, huh, Artie?

Artie.

Artie, why do you suppose they wanted to kill me

and capture you?

Well, maybe I'm more valuable, that's all.

Well, whoever thought that

has a picture of you.

There was a leak about our trip here.

It had to come from Fort Challenge.

Now, that doesn't do me justice.

"Bernal's, Tohachi, Arizona."

Know him?

No, but I'm gonna make it a point

to get better acquainted.

Do that.

I'm going to take Señor Pistolero to the fort.

He's got some explaining to do.

See you.

Go on! Get on in there!

Get in there!

I'm sorry, sir.

Colonel Roper is down in the border hunting Pistoleros,

and Major Robinson's on patrol.

Well, I'm sorrier. Who's in charge here?

I am, sir. Lieutenant Murray.

I'd like to welcome you to Fort Challenge.

Thank you, lieutenant.

My name's James West, and I'm with the government.

Yes, sir, I know. We've been expecting you.

You know?

What's your source of information, lieutenant?

Sir?

My coming here was supposed to be a secret mission

known only to Colonel Roper.

Now, is he in the habit

of confiding in junior officers?

Well, Sergeant Tobin didn't exactly keep it a secret

that he'd written to the president.

He even gave a copy to the colonel.

That was, of course, after he'd mailed the letter.

I see. Well, then, I'd better see Charlie Tobin right away.

That is, unless he's on patrol too.

No, sir. He's in the guardhouse.

Why?

For assaulting an officer,

making wild charges,

and conducting himself in an unmilitary manner.

That doesn't sound like the Sergeant Tobin I know.

You'd better take me to him right away.

Sir, unless you can show me a written order

giving you access to the prisoner,

you'll have to wait till the colonel returns.

And you don't know when that will be, lieutenant?

No, sir, I don't.

Sorry, mister.

No civilians allowed in the guardhouse.

Yeah, well, sergeant,

I want to talk to that Pistolero I brought in.

Not a chance, mister.

You just want to see Sergeant Tobin.

I've had orders to keep you out.

Orders from Lieutenant Murray?

He's in command right now.

Charlie.

Jim?

Jim, boy.

I got the word you'd come, but I can't believe it.

I came as fast as I could, Charlie.

Where's Artemus?

He's in Tohachi, but he'll be along soon.

Good, good.

I knew General Grant wouldn't desert me.

Let's get a look at you.

It is Jim West, isn't it?

You can see me, Charlie.

Seeing ain't enough these days.

That's one thing I learned, but not in time.

What do you mean, Charlie?

It starts below the border, with the Pistoleros,

and up here there's a plot brewing.

We're surrounded by spies and traitors

right in the fort.

You, uh, sure of that, Charlie?

I got to get out of here.

They can't let me live. I know too much.

When Colonel Roper gets back, I'll talk to him.

Right now, you better give me some more information

before Lieutenant Murray finds out I'm here.

How do you know he's Murray?

What do you mean, how do I know he's Murray?

I said how do you know he's Lieutenant Murray?

Because Colonel Roper put him in charge of this fort,

and that's enough for me, Charlie.

Maybe you're too easy satisfied, Jim.

Or maybe you ain't Jim at all. How do I know?

Eyes aren't enough anymore. I need proof.

You prove to me you're Jim West.

Remember that farmhouse on the road to Shiloh?

There was a little white farmhouse

with apple trees all in bloom when we was there.

That's because it was in the spring, Charlie.

Right.

And the farmer's two daughters,

what were their names?

Charlie, that was a long time ago.

Jim West would remember.

Let me think.

The older girl, the one with the black hair,

her name was, uh... Was Zedra.

But I can't remember the other girl's name.

All right, Jim.

I'm sorry. I just had to be sure.

Listen, this Lieutenant Murray, he's a ringer.

The Pistoleros planted him here.

Artemus Gordon, he'll know.

The real Murray was in his regiment.

Artemus is coming along soon, Charlie.

I can't wait, Jim.

You gotta get me out of here.

All right, mister.

You wanted in so bad, I'm gonna lock you up.

Guard. Get up!

Drop that gun belt.

Tobin, you can't...

Now kick them keys over here.

Good afternoon, señor.

Do you wish to have a photograph?

Uh, thank you very much. I-I already have one.

Well, it fails to do you justice, señor.

The photographer was very stupid.

The photographer was you.

Heh. Impossible.

Hmm. Oh, I remember now.

A customer brought me a negative

and asked for some copies to be made.

How many?

Um, a dozen.

What was the name of the customer?

Uh. It was a long time ago, señor.

Maybe two weeks.

I remember faces, but, uh, names...

It's a minor failing, curable by your records.

Could you look the name up?

My records are confidential, señor.

I do not reveal such information to strangers.

Could you make an exception?

Never.

Try.

You insist?

I'm afraid I do.

Very well. Follow me.

This is my assistant.

A little higher with your chin, señor, please.

Thank you.

Here it is.

The customer was a man called Sanchos.

Sanchos. Where would I find him?

Over here, señor.

Sanchos' aim has improved since this morning.

Don't you agree, señor?

I don't believe we've me...

Lie still, please.

I want to observe your condition.

Do you have pain?

Behind the throat.

Temporary impairment of the vocal cord.

It will pass in a few days.

Now, can you remember what happened to you?

No. I was...

I was in Bernal's.

The photographer...

Where am I now?

In my hacienda.

I've seen you before, señor.

You were in Bernal's.

I went to much time and trouble

to apprehend you, Señor Gordon.

Passing out photographs to the Pistoleros.

In the end, it was all unnecessary

because you came to me.

Eh, tell me, would it be

prying to ask why you want me?

To fulfill a function.

It would be pointless to go into detail,

and quite dangerous.

In time, it will all be made clear to you.

Well, since I have urgent business elsewhere,

I may have to leave before that.

Of course, Señor Gordon.

Feel free to leave at any time.

Come along, Dr. Winterich.

Who are the Pistoleros?

I wish I knew, Mr. West.

I wish I understood the meaning

behind their excursions.

They burn, they kill, they create terror,

all without any visible pattern or meaning.

My troopers take the field against them,

they scatter and reform below the border.

What are the Mexican authorities

doing about it, colonel?

Apparently nothing.

I've dispatched the strongest possible protest

to Colonel Vega of the Sonora garrison,

but so far, there's been no answer.

On top of all this,

all these wild accusations from Sergeant Tobin.

Maybe there's some connection, colonel.

Salud.

Salud.

You've talked to him.

Does he seem like a rational man to you?

He sounds like a frightened man to me, colonel.

A man who has something to say and no one to listen to him.

Hm. Nobody except the president of the United States.

Yes?

Sergeant?

The search party has just returned, sir.

Fine. Have they brought Sergeant Tobin back with them?

Yes, sir.

Very good. Let's go. West.

Sir, we overtook the prisoner near Tohachi

and ordered him to surrender.

Instead, he began to fire at us from cover.

We had no alternative but to return fire.

Who shot this man?

I couldn't tell, Mr. West. We were all firing.

You gave the order.

My actions are not subject to review by a civilian.

That's enough, lieutenant.

You and your men are dismissed.

Yes, sir.

Corporal McKay, move them out.

Colonel, does that end it?

He shouldn't have resisted.

Sir, don't you think it's sort of curious

that the man that was accused

of being an impersonator by Tobin

is the man that brought back his body?

Sergeant Tobin made many accusations.

None of them were substantiated.

Can you vouch for Lieutenant Murray, sir?

He was transferred here

from Fort Leavenworth two months ago.

His papers were entirely in order.

Well, I know someone who can vouch for him,

my partner, Artemus Gordon. He's in Tohachi.

I have a feeling Tobin was headed that way

when he was killed.

Then I suggest you find Mr. Gordon

and settle this question for yourself.

That's what I intend to do, sir,

if I'm not bushwhacked on the way.

Mr. West.

Yes, sir?

I'll ride with you.

Yes, sir.

No, gracias.

Adios.

Señorita.

Hello?

Mr. Bernal?

Jim?

Hey, Jim!

Artie.

Where the devil you been?

Oh,

Mexico.

I was shanghaied.

By the Pistoleros?

Nobody else.

I came to with a terrible throat.

I don't know, some hacienda ten miles below the border.

What about you? You find out anything about what's going on?

No, people seem to keep dying on me.

Like who?

Tobin.

Charlie?

Bernal.

For a while, I had my doubts about you.

Oh, no. I'm fine. I...

Hey, is that Alvin Murray?

Alvin?

Hey.

Look, I didn't know you were stationed out here.

Yes, sir. Mighty nice seeing you again, Captain Gordon.

Pleasure. Look at you, you're all grown up. You look great.

Thank you, sir. You know my partner, James West?

Yes, sir, we've had the pleasure.

Colonel Roper's looking for you, Mr. West.

He's waiting for you over at the hotel.

We're on our way right now, lieutenant.

Good. Well, then,

hope to see you at the fort, Captain Gordon.

Indeed. Good night, gentlemen.

Goodnight, goodnight Alvin.

Oh, there's a fine boy.

You know, he used to be bugler in my regiment.

Mm. Let's go see the colonel, Artie.

Right.

Artie. Yeah.

Charlie Tobin was sure that you'd expose

Lieutenant Murray as an imposter.

Oh, no. I'd know him anywhere.

The kid's been a friend for years.

Is he dead?

And two.

Honor squad, prepare to fire.

Ready.

Load.

Fire.

Reload.

Fire.

Reload.

Fire.

Order, arms.

About face.

Forward march.

Goodbye, colonel.

There's never anything to be said at a time like this,

the loss of a comrade after so many years.

But if it's of any comfort to you, West,

remind yourself that he was a soldier,

and he died like one.

The comfort will come, colonel,

from finding the man that shot him in the back.

What will you do now?

Something you can't do.

I'm gonna cross that border into Mexico.

Yes, it's true that I can't lead

an armed force into Mexico,

but I can and will go myself.

The assassination of Gordon

has brought the border situation to a head.

Colonel Vega has agreed to meet with me.

Oh, Mr. West, I'd appreciate it

if, when you're in the area,

you'd inform Colonel Vega

that I will be at his headquarters

shortly after dawn.

Colonel.

If you operate in Mexico

without Colonel Vega's sanction,

you will worsen the border situation.

Yes, sir.

Hyah!

Hello, Americano.

I drink tequila too.

Here, drink this one.

Not alone.

Otro tequila, por favor.

Salud. Salud.

Who you kill?

No one.

You on the run,

and you come to Mexico to hide.

Because you steal much money?

No, I'm looking for someone, that's why.

A man or a woman?

A man.

So am I.

This man's name is Sanchos. You know him?

No.

Why don't you ask your friends?

This man had a big mustache

and carried a bone-handled knife.

Hm.

Señor, por favor.

You leave my cantina now.

Why?

Because when there's trouble,

the soldados come.

Why is there going to be trouble?

If you don't leave my cantina now,

my friends are going to throw you out,

and that, señor, is trouble.

A representative of a foreign government

is expected to present his credentials

to the proper authority.

In the province of Sonora, Señor West,

I am the proper authority.

I know that, colonel,

but I didn't want to disturb your evening.

But I have been disturbed.

My dinner was interrupted.

My apologies, colonel, but since I am here,

I have a message from Colonel Roper.

He plans to come here?

Early tomorrow.

Meanwhile, you will continue

the search for this man Sanchos?

With your permission.

Yes.

Since he killed your friend,

I suspect you will continue with or without my permission.

Therefore, I grant it.

Thank you, colonel.

Do you have any idea who you are looking for?

Oh, I know the man, all right,

and I know his weapon.

Goodbye, colonel, and thank you again.

Eas... Easy.

That's right, Sanchos.

Take a good look at the man who's gonna kill you.

No, wait. I am not prepared to die.

Neither was the man you shot in the back.

Now we shall see who is going to die, gringo.

Sanchos, you're a dying man.

You've killed a lot of men in your time.

Save your soul.

Tell me, why did you kill Artemus Gordon?

Your friend had to die

because of his importance.

His death

would bring the American colonel to Mexico.

He will be assassinated.

When?

When he crosses the border.

Tell me, who's the head Pistolero?

Tell me.

Colonel!

Whoa.

Who is that? I can't tell.

He seems excited about something.

Hyah. Hyah!

Colonel! Hyah!

Colonel!

Colonel!

Señor, there is a doctor at my hacienda.

They are both at your service.

May I present myself, señor?

I am Armando Galiano.

How far is your hacienda?

Less than a mile, señor.

Everyone wait outside, please.

Quickly! This man may be seriously injured.

West, wait.

Get back to the fort.

Tell Major Hudson to make no move

unless he hears from me.

Yes, sir.

Take good care of him, doctor.

Yes.

Hold it.

It's amazing.

Could you tell which is the real Colonel Roper?

As good as your double.

I'll be taking off for Fort Apache now.

Good. Everything will be ready by the time you get back.

What have you done with Alvin Murray?

What's...? What's going on?

Who was that?

It's a lot too complicated

to explain right now, colonel,

but what it boils down to is that a Pistolero

is now commanding officer of Fort Challenge.

Colonel, would you mind

getting down to the end of that pipe

and seeing whether you can help me turn this?

All right?

Here we go.

Once more.

Come in.

Colonel, Lieutenant Murray has just been sighted.

He should be here right away.

Very well, sergeant.

Have all the officers report here for a staff meeting.

You and your men stand by.

Yes, sir, and Mr. West would like to see you.

West?

Oh, sergeant, uh,

don't we have anything to drink here?

Your private stock, sir.

In the right bottom drawer.

Oh, yes, of course. Thank you.

Oh, uh, and send Mr. West in, please.

Yes, sir.

How are you feeling, colonel?

Oh, fine, fine.

It's nothing serious. Just a...

Just a slight concussion.

Have you uncovered anything?

Yes, sir. I found the man that killed Artemus Gordon.

He died before he could tell me who the head Pistolero was.

His identity isn't that much of a mystery.

You know who it is, sir?

Come, come, Mr. West.

These terrorists couldn't operate out of Mexico

without the knowledge and sanction

of Vega's garrison.

Have you found new evidence, sir?

Evidence? Isn't that what you were sent down here to get?

I must tell you, Mr. West, that a full report

has been sent to President Grant

from Fort Apache.

Gentlemen,

a communiqué from the commander-in-chief.

I quote the president.

"These repeated border violations by the Pistoleros,

"along with the brutal murder of Artemus Gordon,

"and the attack against Colonel Roper,

"constitute warlike actions

"by a foreign power.

"I therefore direct

"that prompt and retributive measures be taken

against the Sonora garrison in Mexico."

Well, that's clear enough, sir.

There's only one interpretation to this, gentlemen.

This means war.

Colonel, before you take action, don't you think you should

confirm that telegram? Confirm?

The courier that delivered the dispatch

is not completely above suspicion.

I had the impression

that Captain Gordon vouched for me.

For your identity, not your patriotism.

I demand an apology!

Gentlemen, if there is to be any fighting,

let it be against the Sonora garrison.

We attack at dawn.

Good. That will give me just enough time

to get to Fort Apache and check out that telegram.

Or to Colonel Vega.

When you question the commander-in-chief,

I begin to doubt your patriotism, sir.

You begin to doubt my what?

Lock him up!

Get in there!

Hey.

Wake up, Pistolero.

Hey, gringo.

They finally caught you, huh?

How would you like to get out of here?

I'll get out,

feet first.

Not if you use your head.

You can walk out with me.

Just tell me who the head Pistolero is.

First, you get yourself out,

then maybe I'll tell you.

That's very funny, señor.

Ay, caramba!

Silencio.

That's very good, señor.

Now, do it on my door.

First the name.

I can't, señor.

You can nod, can't you?

Sí.

Armando Galiano.

I thought so.

Hey, gringo! Gringo!

You forgot about me!

What's going on in here? Gringo!

Never trust a gringo!

Hmm, a message from Lieutenant Murray.

At dawn, Colonel Roper

will begin the next phase of my plan.

So all we do is wait for the Americans to invade.

No, we do not wait, doctor.

We permit a warning of the invasion

to reach Colonel Vega,

who will march at once to disaster.

The Fort Challenge cavalry

outnumbers Colonel Vega's men two to one.

If he resists, he'll be wiped out,

at which point Señor Galiano

simply steps in and takes over Sonora.

Fighting his revolution with my troops.

Exactly.

Of course, it takes a twisted mind,

very complex, a lot of time.

And someone like Dr. Winterich,

who can alter features through facial surgery.

If we could just get out of these ropes.

Won't be too long now, colonel. Keep turning.

To the new leadership.

With the help of my able lieutenants,

today, the province of Sonora,

tomorrow, all of Mexico.

Or the firing squad at dawn.

That is, unless you change your plan.

Too late, Señor West.

According to my information, Colonel Roper...

Or whoever he is.

He has already reached the border.

He crosses within the hour.

Señor, I would welcome your opinion of my strategy.

Brilliant.

Weren't your Pistoleros enough?

At no time, señor,

did the number of Pistoleros exceed 15.

Hardly enough to engage Colonel Vega.

And yet, with 15 men

and a touch of genius, one could conquer the world.

Señor?

Go back, help them.

Go on! Help them!

Hold it!

Thanks, Artie.

"Thanks, Artie"?

Is that all you can say to me?

I've just come back from the grave,

risen like Lazarus, and that's what you say?

"Thanks, Artie"?

Thanks, Artie.

It's a pleasure.

Cross the border at...

Colonel, it's 5:40.

Very well, lieutenant. Dawn will break at 5:48.

Gentlemen, you have eight minutes

to reach your command posts. Don't bother, gentlemen.

The invasion's off.

West, this is treason. I could have you shot.

You've been relieved of this command.

By whose authority?

Mine, sir.

General Riddell, sir.

As you were, gentlemen.

General, sir, I... I don't understand.

You, sir,

you understand only too well.

But sir, I am Colonel Roper. I am in command here.

You are an imposter, sir. So is Lieutenant Murray.

I am the commanding officer of Fort Challenge

and the territory of Arizona.

Tomorrow, I will be Commandant of Sonora!

Tomorrow, you will be in irons.

Major, arrest these men. Sergeant.

West, you meddling fool, you.

Sergeant, take them out and have them put under guard.

Yes, sir.

General, sir, if these men are impostors,

where are the real ones?

We don't know what happened to Lieutenant Murray.

Probably murdered.

Colonel Roper is at this moment conferring with Colonel Vega.

He should be here within the hour.

Good, sir.

Well, it was mighty fortunate

you happened along, general.

Yes, sir. It was mighty fortunate.

Yes,

isn't it?

What a miserable night.

Feels like rain out there.

That is, if it doesn't snow first.

Well, thank you.

What are we doing alone on a night like this?

A night like this was made for female companionship.

Salud.

What happened at the trial, Artie?

Mm. Well, the phony Colonel Roper

and Lieutenant Murray

are gonna be behind bars for a long, long time.

You can be sure of that.

Come on. What do you say? Let's go out on the town, huh?

We can look up a couple of lovelies that I know,

take them out to a good restaurant maybe, huh?

You feel like a good meal, huh, Artie?

Oh, you know it.

I know a place makes the most marvelous bouillabaisse,

and a pompano en papillotte that can't be beat.

Artie, would you...? Would you settle

for a little onion soup and some stew?

Stew?

Stew? I...

Oh, stew. Oh, I love stew. I really do.

I know you've always loved stew.

Oh, yeah. My all-time favorite, yes. Shall we?

Well.

Oh, yes.

Just beautiful, beautiful. Heh.

He loves stew, girls. Heh-heh-heh.