Original subtitles

Ripped, corrected & synched by Fingersmaster. Enjoy!

Here, Molly. Here's your books.

Oh, my goodness. I almost forgot them.

Why don't you put them in your trunk?

I'll study them on the train.

If you must teach, I don't know why on earth...

you had to choose a horrible place like Wyoming.

Now, mother, you know very well...

none of the other places would take me.

Well, anyway,

I hope you let them know who you are...

That they're not getting just anybody.

You tell them that your family settled Vermont,

that your grandmother's Molly Stark.

We'll have to hurry, Mrs. Wood.

We've only twenty minutes till train time.

- Good-bye, mother. - Good-bye, darling.

God bless you.

If it's too dreadful,

you swallow your pride and send me a telegram.

I'll send you the money to come home.

Now, mother, it's going to be fine. I know it is.

- Good-bye, darling. - Good-bye, Molly.

Good-bye, Jane. Take care of mother.

Cheer up, Samuel.

Anybody'd think you were going to your funeral.

I am, practically.

Look, Molly, won't you change your mind?

- There's still time, you know. - No, Samuel.

Let's not go all over that again.

It makes everything so difficult.

- Don't you care for me at all? - Of course, I do!

I like you better than any man I know.

- Then why are you... - But it isn't enough.

I don't want to settle down in Bennington...

for the rest of my life.

I couldn't, Samuel. I'd go out of my mind.

It's like being in a squirrel cage.

Days going around under your feet,

and every day like all the others.

You know, if I came back to Bennington after ten years,

I'd find the same people, saying the same things,

thinking the same thoughts...

all wound up and ticking away...

like a lot of old grandfather clocks.

No, Samuel, I'd be miserable.

That would make you miserable, too.

All aboard!

Don't be unhappy, Samuel, please.

I don't know what I'm gonna tell my family.

They've been counting on my marrying you.

Say that you've changed your mind, that you found out...

I was a little touched in the head.

- Oh, they wouldn't believe that. - All aboard!

I don't know why not. My family does.

- Good-bye, Samuel. - Good-bye, Molly. I'll write you.

All right. Good-bye.

Bye.

I wouldn't worry about it, Miss.

They won't know the difference out here.

All they ask a teacher is,

can she count up to a hundred?

We'll be gettin' into Medicine Bow in a few minutes.

Your luggage'll be out on the platform.

Thank you.

Oh, we ain't in yet, Miss.

Some cow outfit's bringin' in a herd,

and they got 'em spread all over the tracks.

What are you standin' around there for?

Get those cows outta there!

Why doesn't someone get out and shoo them off?

You don't dare get down among them cattle on foot.

They're wild.

They'll trample you to bits in a minute!

♪ I started for Texas far away ♪

♪ I left my darling girl behind ♪

♪ She said her heart was only mine ♪

It's all right, folks.

These cattle never seen a train before.

They're just as curious as you are.

Well, they've seen it now, so get 'em off of there!

Yes, sir. We'll be movin' along,

just as soon as little Agnes finishes her lunch.

Look, have a heart, will ya?

I want to get into Medicine Bow and get some sleep.

I'm afraid you won't get much. I'm payin' off my boys tonight,

and they sort of keep the town stayin' up late.

Hey, you!

You get them cattle off of those tracks,

or I'll blow my whistle, and you'll never see 'em again.

Oh, I wouldn't do that, sir.

We haven't lost a steer all the way in.

If you was to stampede 'em now,

my boys are liable to shoot you right out of that little cab.

- Steve! - That's right.

My whistle gettin' that rusty?

Hiya, Virginia!

I thought you must be around.

No other outfit could block the railroad this good.

Same old Steve.

- It's been three years, hasn't it? - That's right.

What are you doin' here?

I thought you were workin' for the Triangle D.

I was. But you know me... I quit.

Yeah, I know. Like when we rode together.

Some girl's papa ran you out of town?

Not this time. I'm just gettin' old and decrepit.

Wanna see New York once before I die.

- Look. - Yours?

Don't know what came over me, but I saved it.

Gotta see what those eastern girls are like.

Will you get off them tracks? I'm warning you!

Now, look,

I haven't seen my friend here in three years!

Ain't you got no humanity?

I'll give you one minute to clear them tracks,

and then I'm coming through!

Northern Pacific's gettin' a little feverish.

Give me a hand with these cattle, will ya?

Sure.

Hope those steers didn't scare you, ma'am.

Mighty turbulent today.

No, it was exciting.

Especially the way that man handled them.

- The Virginian? - Oh, he's from Virginia?

Yeah.

I'm from Kansas, myself.

I see you're from the East.

How can you tell?

By your fancy luggage.

You weren't by any chance plannin' to get off here?

I would be, if we ever get in.

Isn't that just my luck?

You come just the night I'm leaving for the East.

Gonna spoil my whole trip!

Have you come to make a visit?

No, I'm coming to work.

Now, nobody out here's gonna make you do anything mean like that.

Oh, I'm the new schoolteacher at Bear Creek.

You? A teacher?

Yes. Why not?

You look more as if you oughta be going to school yourself.

Tell the boys to come down to the saloon after,

- and I'll pay 'em off. - All right.

- Looking for Steve? - Yeah. You seen him?

He's stakin' a claim.

There's a new girl comin' in on the train.

No? Sure enough?

Yeah. It looks like he beat you to it.

The stage leaves from in front of the hotel, Miss.

- Thank you. - If I was you,

I'd stay right inside the hotel till it comes.

These cow towns, they get kind of wild at night.

- Good-bye, Miss. - Good-bye.

Oh, oh, no, please, don't bother.

I'll have someone send for them, if you'll just tell me where the hotel is.

- Let me take you. - Thanks. I can find it.

It's just over there.

- The red front? - No, that's the saloon.

You see the place about a couple of doors down?

Where the horses are tied?

No, that's a saloon too. The other way.

Oh, I see. Where the lace curtains are.

Oh, no. Don't go there.

Let me take you.

Hey!

It's all right now, ma'am.

You're safe.

Thank you. I...

I'm usually not so silly. It's just that...

- Well, thank you very much. - Oh, it was nothing, ma'am.

Oh, indeed it was!

If you hadn't come along,.

I don't know what would've happened to me.

They say those things can trample you to death.

That's right, ma'am.

Just look at that terrible steer now.

Come back here.

He's such a scared-cat, ma'am.

Come on, you!

I told you it was nothing, ma'am.

Don't mind him, Miss. Just a mangy foreman.

Doesn't amount to anything.

Hi, Steve.

Hi, Trampas.

Looks like you're doin' all right for yourself on short notice.

He's helping a lady, Trampas.

Don't tell me he's acin' you out again, Virginia?

That's sorta between him and me, isn't it?

I guess it is.

But I have a leaning towards ladies, too.

I might like to deal myself in sometime.

It's a free country.

That's right.

Don't be scared of the noises, Miss.

They're just having fun.

It's when they get quiet. Then, watch out!

Did you see her? A girl like that don't belong here.

I don't like it.

Now, she ain't gonna do nothin' to you, Baldy.

Baldy's always afraid every woman he sees...

is gonna put a bridle on him.

Yeah?

Well, there's only two things I'm a-scared of.

That's a good woman and gettin' a set afoot.

All right. Now ask me.

Ask you what?

You make a fine, fancy rescue of the prettiest girl

ever to set foot in Medicine Bow,

and then you pretend you're not even interested enough to find out who she is.

Oh, the girl. Sure. Well, who is she?

Well, as long as you ask me polite-like,

she's the new wisdom-bringer, on the way to Bear Creek.

New schoolteacher?

You had her in your lap long enough for a short course in grammar.

A fine way to treat a lady.

How was I to know she was a lady. She was with you, wasn't she?

Can I get my wages now, Virginia?

Sure, Honey. I was wonderin' where you were.

- I got myself a good meal. - Glad somebody's got some sense.

Aw, this is an old game to me.

Drinkin' whiskey on an empty stomach might hit you quicker,

but with a full stomach, it'll last longer.

Thanks.

- Let's have another drink. - No, thanks.

What happened to you?

I gotta see that the boys get back safe to the ranch.

You know, when I heard you were a foreman,

it kept me laughin' for a week.

I haven't quite got over it yet myself.

Every roundup, we've been sort of expectin' you, Steve,

thinkin' you'd show up.

How about it? You wanna go back to work?

Listen... I'll be plenty broke...

before I go back playin' nursemaid to a cow.

Bake all summer, freeze all winter,

just to make enough money to get drunk four times a year?

Not me. I'm headin' for New York.

Aren't you ever gonna settle down?

Not till they catch up with me.

Come on. There's our chance to get in the game.

Not this time, Steve.

I'll lay you a bet you never get to New York.

- Five'll get you ten. - You're on.

Hiya, Trampas.

Deal me in, boy. I feel lucky.

Pleasure.

What's the matter with your friend? Is he too good to play with us?

He's gotta keep his eye on the boys.

On the boys?

Doesn't look that way from here.

Why don't we ask her in for a drink?

Oh, she's the new schoolteacher.

What's the difference? She's human, isn't she?

Come on. Let's play.

I'm sorry about your little umbrella, ma'am.

I'm sorry about that and everything.

I'm asking you to forgive me.

You call yourself a man, I suppose.

A grown-up, responsible man.

Yes, ma'am, I think so.

You wear a big pistol, and you ride a big horse,

yet all you do is go around playing pranks...

- like any little child. - Yes, ma'am.

Do you call that acting like a grown man?

Is that a kind of a thing for a responsible adult to do?

No, ma'am.

But you can't say anything to me...

one-tenth as bad as what I'm saying to myself.

I'd give my right eye if this hadn't happened,

if I hadn't got started off on the wrong foot.

"Started off"?

Well, this is only the beginning between you and me.

You must know that, ma'am, same as I do.

Indeed, I know no such thing.

Where'd she go? What's that to you?

Trampas send this drink for the lady.

I'll take it.

Here's your drink, Trampas.

May I ask if there's anything wrong...

in offering the lady a little refreshment?

She wouldn't understand. She was raised different.

In the course of a long and varied career,

I've found that no one comes out west...

except for one of three things:

Health, wealth, or a bad reputation.

She looks healthy and rich to me.

You can stand up and tell 'em you lie.

With pleasure,

you dirty s...

When you call me that, smile.

With a gun against my belly, I always smile.

Now, tell 'em you're a liar.

There doesn't seem to be any question about it.

Call that enough for the time being.

If I were you, I wouldn't aggravate the Virginian too much.

I seen him shoot.

I once knew a man that could shoot three whiskey glasses in the air.

He'd pick 'em up, toss 'em...

Say,

that's not bad.

- Hi, Andy. - Howdy, Ben.

Andy, this is a friend of mine.

Now, you take good care of her.

I will. Don't you fret.

You're the new schoolmarm,

- aren't you? - Yes.

It's gonna be awful fine having you around here, Miss...

Wood. Molly Wood.

Miss Molly.

There's a lot of ornery critters around here...

could stand some learnin',

and not just little ones.

- Have a nice trip. - Trip?

You said you were going to New York.

Oh, that?

Well, you see, I lost my roll in a poker game.

- Already? - It's amazing, isn't it?

I'm mighty glad, though. I'll still be around.

- Then I may see you again. - You sure will.

Good-bye, and thank you.

Good-bye.

I think I'll take that job after all.

Hi, Andy.

- Hello, Andy. - Howdy, folks.

You brought her safe, I see.

- Let me help you. - Thank you.

Hiya, ma'am.

How do you do?

You must be worn out after your long trip.

I'm afraid I have an awful lot of things.

So much, the better. It means you'll stay awhile.

Well, I guess that's about all.

Thank you, and good-bye, Andy.

Bye, Miss Molly.

I'm not gonna ask you into the house, much as I'd like to.

We're gonna take you right over to your own place.

There's your schoolhouse.

It's brand new.

Men rode all the way from town to help Mr. Taylor build it.

It's very nice.

What's that?

Just a coyote.

Are they dangerous?

Only to sheep and chickens.

I never heard of any person being hurt by them.

Ah, you'll get used to it.

Here we are.

This is the first home Mr. Taylor and I had,

till the children came.

When you wrote us, we set right to work to ready it up.

Yeah, we sent all the way to Omaha to get that bathtub for ya.

Mr. Taylor!

Let me take your bonnet.

You know, I pictured you as a hard-faced old maid,

sour and bossy.

But you're just...

I don't know what's the matter with them Vermont men...

to let her get away.

- Have you had your supper? - We stopped a while ago.

- I'm gonna get you something to eat. - Oh, no. Really.

- I'm too tired to eat anything. - Just a cup of coffee?

- Oh, please don't bother. - Oh, it's no bother.

I always have something on the stove for the hands.

I'm glad you've come, ma'am. It'll be company for mother.

She gets lonesome with only men around,

and the nearest white woman ten miles away.

- Ten miles? - Yeah.

But the children for the school,

if there's no one nearer than that...

Oh, distance don't mean anythin' to us out here,

if you got the time.

The kids'll ride over.

Uh, sorry we couldn't get off to meet you at Medicine Bow.

That was all right.

There was a very nice, cowboy,

I suppose you'd call them, who helped me.

- I believe his name was Steve. - Steve?

He was with a man they call "the Virginian."

Steve... Steve Andrews.

Oh, I didn't know he was back in these parts.

Yeah, they're great friends. Know 'em both very well.

Uh, what's his hame? The Virginian?

Why...

That's funny. I couldn't tell you.

- There you are. - Oh, thank you.

Uh, mother, what's the Virginian's real name?

I never heard him called any other name than that.

- That's curious, isn't it? - Not out here, it isn't.

You don't hurry to ask a man his name out here.

He tells you his name is Jones, so you call him Jones.

I guess if you knew the real names of some of them,

you could collect a pile of money.

You're not trying to tell her that the Virginian is one of them?

Oh, no, no, no. He's all right. He's fine.

- I'm not sayin' anything against him. - I should hope not!

You gotta be careful in front of mother.

She's got a soft spot for him.

I have a soft spot for all cowhands.

You used to be one yourself, didn't you?

You better get some rest. Good night.

- Good night, and thank you. - Come along.

- Eh, good night. - Good night.

- She's not gonna stay. - I don't know.

I got a feeling that girl's got spunk.

She's certainly mighty pretty.

What do you know about such things?

I picked you, didn't I?

Schoolmarm's here!

School starts at Bear Creek Monday!

School starts at Bear Creek Monday!

Hey, the new schoolteacher's here.

School starts at Bear Creek next Monday.

- Man or a woman? - Woman.

Save me a seat. I'll be there.

Teacher's come.

School starts beginning of next week.

- School, Ma! - Hush up.

Come on, Tom. We oughta get started.

In a minute. Well, when I find out

I've lost over a hundred head of calves in these last three months,

I said to myself, "this is the end."

So we're movin' on to Montana.

We gotta get someplace where there's a little law and order.

We can't have men like you, Tom, leavin' the country.

If you and your family will stay on...

What's the use of promisin', Judge Henry?

You gotta catch the rustlers first.

And even if you do catch 'em,

- the sheriff won't do nothin'. - He won't?

Then we'll have to do something about it ourselves.

That's just about what you'll have to do.

I wish you'd change your mind, Tom.

I'd stay on and fight if I was single, like you.

Come on, Tom. We gotta make camp before dark.

All right. Let's go.

- Well, so long, boys. - Sorry to see you go.

Good luck to you.

- That's the third family this year. - I know.

Who do you think's doin' this rustlin'?

I have my own ideas,

but I'm not accusing anyone till I'm sure.

Well, all we can do is keep our eyes open...

and act when we know.

Thank you, gentlemen.

I was just thinkin', sir. It might not be a bad idea

if you were to sort of make something of the new teacher's coming.

Show 'em there's people behind the school...

that are determined there's gonna be a decent life here.

If there was some sort of get-together, and you were to make a speech,

that'd give the teacher a good send-off.

I thought you cowhands were against the settlers coming in

and cluttering up the plains...

with their fences and vegetable gardens.

Well, they're here.

I reckon the kids gotta have some education.

Uh, what is this new teacher, male or female?

Female.

But that's not the reason.

It's an excellent idea. We'll have a barbecue...

and christen the school, invite the whole county.

Well, as long as you're including everybody,

you might send an invite to Trampas.

- Trampas? - Sure.

And tell him to bring all his men along.

Well, what gave you this sudden interest in Trampas?

He doesn't seem to me to be a sociable man.

I was just thinking,

with all of us cuttin' up at the barbecue,

somebody might get the idea of rustling a few steers.

- Now, wouldn't they? - You're not suggesting...

I'm not suggesting anything.

But if I was you, I'd see that Trampas got an invite. Special.

Maybe I will.

Hello, boys. Getting prettied up for the teacher?

Hello, Trampas.

Trampas and his men just rode in.

Hiya, Steve.

- Oh, hello, Mr. Taylor. - Glad to see you back.

- Trampas. - Fine, thank you. Just fine.

Boys, guns and whiskey are two things that don't mix.

If you'll be so kind, I'll take them.

- There is whiskey? - Yes.

Before I make my contribution, may I ask where it is?

In the barrel, right over there.

That's what I call a fair exchange. Coming, Steve?

You bet.

Hi, Nebraska.

What's the idea of trailin' around with him?

Aw, he's all right.

What are you sore on him for?

- Welcome, folks. - How are you, Mrs. Taylor?

- Your party looks just grand. - Thank you.

- Go right on in. - Howdy, Mrs. Taylor.

- Howdy, boys. - Good afternoon, ma'am.

She's right inside.

I'd like you to know how well he reads already.

I taught him myself. Show her, Christopher.

"Coulter's baking powder. Absolutely pure.

"This powder never... varies.

"A marvel of purity, strength, and... wholesomeness.

"Coulter's baking powder.

94 William street, New York City."

Why, that's just wonderful, Christopher.

Oh, that isn't all. He can read every can in the house.

This one can't read a darn thing.

Oh, he'll learn at school. I promise you.

You hear that?

If you come home on Monday night and still can't read,

I'll beat the tar out of ya.

I want you to meet Mrs. Jasper.

She drove steady 70 miles just to come and meet you.

Seventy miles?

Oh, that was nothin'.

I wanted to welcome you to your new home.

Oh, I'm afraid it isn't my home.

I'm only here for a term, and then I go back to Vermont.

We have a lot of nice boys out here...

who'll see that that doesn't happen, I'm sure.

A little bird told me there's one already,

- and a very handsome one, at that. - Who is it?

Well, all I know is this certain man stood up for her...

when something was said in the saloon at Medicine Bow.

- Hiya, Judge. - Hello, Taylor.

- Good to see ya, Virginia. - Thank you, sir.

Looks as if everyone in a hundred miles is here.

Yeah, quite a gathering!

Perfect night for rustlers. What do you think?

I reckon we can take a chance.

You go ahead. I'm gonna get cleaned up first.

You... sure you want me to give that horse to her?

Yes, sir.

If she thought it was from me, she wouldn't take it.

I didn't think you were afraid of anything, Virginia.

- She so needs breaking gentle. - The horse?

Yes, sir.

It's no fun living in a country where the bulls outnumber the cows...

a hundred to one.

I'm thinking of moving to New York myself.

I'll see you there.

You don't get to New York nurse-maiding cows...

at $30 a month.

I'll be flush again. You wait and see.

Why wait? Lots of ways to make money fast.

But you've got to use your head.

Why didn't you wait for us, Steve?

Well, it was gettin' late, and Trampas dropped by,

- so I came along with him. - You aren't very particular.

I passed your herd the other day, Trampas.

I ought to compliment to you. You have so many calves this year.

Seems like your cows don't have 'em just one at a time...

like nature intended.

They have 'em in litters like a sow.

What do you suggest I do about it?

If I was you, I'd have a little talk with 'em,

and get 'em back closer to nature.

You're liable to talk yourself into a lot of trouble, my friend.

Since when was I your friend, Trampas?

All right. We'll have it your way from now on.

Suits me.

I'm gonna wash up. How about it, Steve?

That is, if you can tear yourself away.

Yes, foreman. Be right with you, foreman.

That's my boss.

Are you going to let him get away with that?

Always keep your temper, Ed.

As my sainted mother used to say,

"One trick at a time."

Anything on your mind, boss?

Listen, Steve.

You've been away from here so long, maybe you don't know the layout.

But Trampas and his bunch aren't a good outfit to travel with.

You worry too much. He's all right.

I've known him a long time.

Well, times are changing, Steve.

Things are comin' to a pass...

where you've gotta start figuring out who you're lined up with.

Now, listen, pappy, you're not gonna start...

readin' the scriptures to me, are ya?

- I'm grown up. - I'm just givin' you a tip-off.

And another thing... Five'll get you ten...

I take the new schoolteacher to supper.

You haven't got a chance.

All right. If you don't think I got a chance, double it.

It's a bet.

I'll be back to collect later.

Hey. Hey, Steve!

Steve, come back here!

Virginia!

What happened to ya?

Steve, the leather-tailed polecat.

I bet him I could take Miss Wood to supper,

and I'll still do it.

Double-crossing...

Miss Wood, this is the Virginian,

the man who's responsible for this whole celebration.

Oh, he is? That's most thoughtful of you.

Thank you.

Perhaps you'd like to help him win his bet.

I haven't sampled that barrel yet.

- Will you excuse me? - Why, surely.

I was hoping for a chance to speak to him alone.

You wanted to talk to me?

I wanted to find out by what possible means you got the idea

that you have some special privileges over me.

- Just because I made a bet... - Oh, much earlier than that.

Seems there was some sort of barroom quarrel

in which you appointed yourself my champion.

- Who told you that? - Does it matter?

Everyone knows it by now.

And they've immediately jumped to the conclusion that...

I want you to know I'm perfectly able to take care of myself.

And I resent the implication that you have some proprietary rights over me.

Oh, I don't think anyone's gonna go and think that.

A lot of people have already gone and thought it.

And you'll do me the favor from now on to keep out of my affairs.

I'm sick to death of your pranks and manly protection.

Just because I stood up for you?

Why, ma'am, I'd have done the same thing...

for an Indian squaw.

Why, hello, Steve.

- I was just looking for you. - Well, I was just looking for you...

- to ask you if you'd... - Would you take me to supper?

Why, sure!

- I'd be tickled to death. - Thank you.

You know, you make me feel like a rich man.

So I understand.

Someday you'll learn. They just can't resist my charm.

Not that way.

She's over at the corral with the judge.

From now on, you don't even get a look-in.

- Five'll get you ten. - Take it.

They never learn.

Well, which one's it gonna be?

Oh, it's wonderful, but really, I can't accept a gift like that.

Oh, but you must.

Anyone out here without a horse under 'em

is as helpless as a fish out of water.

It's so hard to choose. They're all darlings.

Could I have that one?

The pretty yellow one with the white mane?

How about it, Virginia? That good enough for her?

One's about as good as another.

- It's yours. - Oh, thank you so much!

Get him out for the lady, Steve.

Don't hurt him, now!

Pull that knot tight.

- Why, he's wild! - Never been ridden, that's all.

Judge, they're ready for you to start the dance.

All right. Comin', Miss Wood?

I'll be there in a minute.

Easy does it.

All right, let's saddle him.

Hold him, hold him. That's good now.

Get on him, Steve, and show us how good he rides.

Get up on him.

Careful. Don't hurt him, now.

If you know so much about him, why don't you do it yourself?

Why don't you do it? I dare you.

You've got a cruel streak in you, ma'am.

Come on, Virginia. You gotta ride him.

Get up on him. Get up on him.

All right, turn him loose!

Ride him, Virginia!

Come on, boy!

There he goes! There he goes!

Shall we dance?

Oh, yes.

♪ You swing me, and I'll swing you ♪

♪ We'll all go to heaven in the same old suit ♪

♪ Well, how you swap and how you pick ♪

♪ A pretty little girl for that old man ♪

♪ Circle left and see and sew ♪

♪ All hands left, and do-si-do ♪

♪ Oh, she's old, about wore out ♪

♪ Grab a girl and walk about ♪

♪ Chase the possum, chase that coon ♪

♪ Chase that pretty girl round the room ♪

♪ Ladies to the center and back to the bar ♪

♪ Gents in the center and form a star ♪

♪ Right hand cross, how do you do ♪

♪ Left and back and ally-ooh ♪

♪ Swing your partner, and not too slow ♪

♪ Grab your honey, and around you go ♪

♪ Left, and swinging, go somewhere ♪

♪ Sling your partner in the old armchair ♪

See, you learn quick.

I've never had so much fun in my life.

Can I get you some lemonade?

Yes, thank you.

Would you like to go outside?

No. I was just looking.

Do you suppose the Virginian's come back?

By now, he's probably passin' through Nevada.

Would you go and look?

- I'm afraid something's happened. - He's all right.

He can ride anything that grows four legs.

Miss Molly, we chucked numbers into a hat...

to see who gets you next.

I drew out number one.

That's fine.

Choose your partners for the polka.

Ma'am.

Please? I feel responsible.

All right.

You're a very lucky horse.

You know that?

Steve? Steve?

We just got back.

Are you all right?

Sure. He's a little tired, though.

I'll take him home with me and gentle him up.

He'll be eatin' out of your hand.

That's very kind of you,

but I think I'd better leave that to Judge Henry.

- He gave him to me. - You just do that.

Oh, but now that you have a horse, maybe you'll go riding with me.

I'm afraid I'll be busy at school.

There's always afternoons and Sundays.

Besides, I've never ridden Western style.

Oh, I could learn you easy.

"Teach me," not "learn me."

You teach, I learn.

That's what I said.

I was talking about grammar.

"Teach" is a transitive verb taking an object.

"Learn" is an intransitive verb.

Well, what does it take?

Nothing.

Well, in that case,

maybe you'd be willing to teach me this waltz.

I'm sorry. I'm promised for every dance.

Then I'll just have to wait till tomorrow.

- What's tomorrow? - That's when you go riding with me.

Really, you're impossible.

You take so much for granted.

You seem to forget that I may have something to say in the matter.

I don't even know that I like you.

You will, ma'am.

Just take your time.

What's so funny?

Well, what do you know?

- I thought you were woman-broke. - Quiet down, will ya?

Why, she's got you roped, hogtied, and branded.

The only difference between you and that horse is,

he's got sense enough to buck.

- You like him, don't you? - I adore him.

Well, you ought to.

Trust the Virginian to pick good horse flesh.

The Virginian?

That one was one of the finest in his string.

Well, not this one. Judge Henry gave him to me.

Oh, he did, did he?

Well, strange things do happen.

The Virginian showed him to me the day he was born.

What's the matter?

I told him I wouldn't ride with him.

I can't think of a finer man to ride with.

I beat you.

You learn too fast. I'll be losing my job as teacher.

It's still strange to me, and a little frightening.

It's so big!

I'm used to the cozy green hills at home,

the village street, and...

talking to your neighbor over the garden wall.

If you'd stay here long enough, you'd never wanna go back to that.

It'd smother you.

I wonder.

I tried going back.

Found my brothers talked about the same things as when I left.

Men of 25 and 30...

still talking about the same things.

I told my mother about what I'd seen out here,

and she liked it, right to her death.

But the others... Their whole world

was nothing but hogs and turkeys.

So, I put on my hat one day and told 'em...

maybe I'd look in on 'em in about 50 years...

to see if they had any new subjects.

My brothers don't seem very ambitious.

And you are.

I've had lots of chances and let them slip.

But I'm not losing any more.

You're the best chance I've got.

Please. I'm not the right one for you.

You mean I'm not the right one for you.

But I'm not always gonna be the way I am now.

Oh, I didn't mean that.

I don't aim to stay here. I'm gonna move west someday.

I wanna do for myself what the judge did here.

Find new land in Utah or Nevada.

Sounds fine.

It wouldn't mean anything to me unless you were with me.

- Don't, please. - Don't what?

Spoil this.

These rides... They've been perfect,

and I want them to go on so.

I know, but I don't think you realize what you're saying.

You might as well ask grain to stay green.

The way we are now is enough for you.

It isn't for me.

- If I'm to go on seeing you... - You're not.

At least not like this.

I can stay away easier than go on like this.

I won't press you for your answer now, but...

Listen.

You hear that?

It sounds like a calf.

Maybe it's hurt. You wait here.

- Hi, Virginia. - Hello, Steve.

What are you doing this end of the range?

Nothing special.

Don't burn your fingers.

You're beginnin' to sound like pappy again.

- I'm not doing anythin'. - No.

Just putting Trampas' brand on one of Judge Henry's calves,

- that's all. - What are you talkin' about?

- It's just a stray. - Sure...

Following a Box H cow.

That's funny. I didn't see her before.

Guess my eyesight must be gettin' bad.

Listen, Steve, you and I have done a lot of loco things,

but there's some things we haven't done,

and stealing's one of 'em.

All right. So what's a few calves to Judge?

- He's got thousands. - No sense to get sore about it, Steve.

I'm not sore at you. I never could be.

But the ranchers are gettin' sick and tired...

of havin' their herds trimmed down by rustlers,

and it won't be long until they're sending out posses...

with ropes on their saddles.

Well, they don't need to bring a rope for me.

I've got one I've been limberin' up for years.

I'm talking to you straight, Steve.

I'm responsible for these cows.

You take life too serious, Virginia.

You'll have to make your choice...

Quit it or take the consequences.

I'm not gonna cover up for you.

All right. If that's the way you feel about it,

I'll make it the hard way.

Thanks, Steve.

You'd be puttin' me in a tough spot if you didn't.

Oh, forget it. Can I still keep my job?

Sure.

- See you later. - You bet.

- What was it? - A calf.

- Was it hurt? - No.

Just separated from its mother.

Let's go back another way.

- I'll take him, I'll take him! - Thank you.

There's a letter for you from Vermont, Miss Wood.

I put it in your cabin. Shall I get it?

- No. It's just family. - This one isn't.

This one's from Samuel Bennett,

Elm Street, Bennington, Vermont.

Oh, Bennett.

Isn't that that dude back East that wanted to marry you?

He's not a dude. Sam's a very nice boy.

Well, I guess I'll have to be saying good-bye.

Good-bye?

I won't be seeing you for quite a while.

We'll be gathering cattle now for the roundup.

Oh, I see.

I'll be busy, but...

at least it'll keep me from worrying too much about you.

You think it over. Next time, give me your answer.

If I know when I'm coming back, I'll try and let you know.

More likely, you'll just see me showing up.

The Virginian's roaming the south side.

Steve's to the north.

Here. Take this blanket,

but don't snap it till they meet on the other side.

- All right. - Remember,

the least little sound will start a stampede,

and we don't want that to happen till we're set.

♪ You wandered and trampled all over the ground ♪

♪ And don't be forever on the go ♪

♪ Lay down, doggies ♪

♪ Lay down ♪

- Seen anything prowlin' around? - No.

They're restless. Can't seem to bed 'em down tonight.

- Maybe a storm's comin' up. - Maybe.

When that herd starts running, there's only one way to stop it.

The Virginian and the rest will hightail it up front...

and try and turn 'em.

That's when you get in there, fast, to the rear.

Cut out as many as you can and run 'em up the ravine.

Oughta get 200 or 300 at least.

Get to the front of the herd and circle 'em!

All right. Get going!

All right! Get 'em! Come on! Come on!

All right, head 'em off!

This sort of thing has got to stop.

They've not only stolen a couple of hundred head of cattle,

but we're afraid that Steve was lost in the stampede.

That's tough, Virginia.

I'd do anything I could, Judge.

I'd swear out a warrant in a minute, but I got nothing to go on.

I said that someone popped a blanket at them.

Did you see anyone pop it?

- Did anybody see anyone? - No.

Looks to me as if some of your boys went to sleep...

and let some cattle get away.

If I went chasin' after every cow that was lost,

I'd never get through.

I'm sorry, Judge.

When you get some proof, I'd be more than glad to act.

Until then,

sorry.

Well, I've always been a faithful servant of the law,

but I'm through backing a sheriff who refuses to enforce it.

He's been letting these cattle thieves go for two years.

It's time we did something about it.

I suggest that the Virginian head an expedition...

to run these rustlers down.

Oh, I'm not sure that I'm the man, Judge.

You know this country better than anyone.

If we don't catch these men and make an example of them,

we'll never have any peace.

Will you do it?

All right, sir.

This is better than herding cattle for a living, isn't it, Steve?

I'm still herdin' 'em, aren't I?

What do you think we're doin' now, sittin' in some New York hotel?

Well, we will be soon.

Just get these across the line, and we're off.

Two hundred steers at $50 a head.

- Ten thousand dollars. - Not bad for three days' work!

- Fifteen hundred apiece. - Not quite.

- You forgot to include the sheriff. - Sheriff?

- What's he done? - Nothing.

Absolutely nothing. That's worth a slice, isn't it?

Those rocks run for miles.

Anyone followin' us is sure gonna cuss ya...

for takin' 'em across here.

That's what I want 'em to do.

They will ride plenty before they find any tracks.

They'll ride more than that.

We're not taking 'em across here.

What's wrong with this place? It's perfect.

Sure. So we'll take a bath instead.

Get 'em in the river and swim 'em downstream.

We'll take 'em out on the rocks at Boulder Creek.

Don't let any of 'em get near the back.

We don't want any tracks.

Not that I think anybody'll be looking around downstream,

but as my sainted mother used to say,

"Always cover your bet.”

Yeah, get back in there!

Any sign of Steve?

The boys are still lookin' for him.

I was in a cattle run once.

Found they'd mowed over a fella's body all night.

But they finally found him?

Yeah.

Come on.

We'll never find any tracks over there.

Those are all rock hills.

They would take 'em across here.

We're gonna lose a lot of time,

but there's only one thing to do:

Circle the edge of this whole rocky area...

till we find where the tracks come out.

- Good. - Well, let's get at it.

- Hey, Nebraska? - Yeah?

Come here a minute.

Trampas wouldn't take the herd this way.

Why not?

Council Bluff's the other side of those hills.

That'd throw 'em 70 miles to the north.

Yeah, that's just why he'd do it...

- Because we wouldn't think so. - Except for one thing:

He's too greedy.

He wouldn't drive 'em an extra 140 miles...

and lose all that weight.

He likes to sell 'em fat. He'd take 'em south.

That's smart figurin'. And I'll lay odds that he's right.

Well, there's no tracks.

What if he took a chance on swimmin' 'em downstream?

- That's crazy. - He'd try anything.

- Well, it's possible. - Possible?

That's it. Come on!

Yah, boy!

Hold it.

- See that smoke? - Yeah.

Come on.

Hey, who lit that? We oughtn't have a fire!

What do you want us to do, freeze to death?

- Somebody might see ya. - Here. Quit worryin'.

I still think we ought to push on.

We listen to you, the cattle would be all worn out...

by the time we get there.

I think I'll go down the ravine, take a look at our bank account.

And I'm gonna locate a nice, soft rock...

and get myself some sleep.

I'm not gonna get any sleep till we get rid of those cows.

Aw, forget it, Shorty.

Think of all the fun you're gonna have with that money.

I can see myself now, walking down Broadway,

and all the girls followin' me.

They tell me that when these city women hear spurs jingling,

they go crazy!

Just like catnip to a kitten.

Fire.

Pretty sure of themselves, aren't they?

Spread out. Half of you go around the other side.

That moon's awful bright.

Will you shut up?

And wipe that look off your face.

Play something cheerful.

Not so loud. Not so loud!

Drop 'em!

- What do we do? - What do you think?

Every man for himself. Come on.

Get their guns, Baldy.

Where's Trampas and the rest?

I don't know what you're talking about.

We are on a little hunting trip.

So are we.

Tie 'em up!

Halt there.

The next one counts.

You always could shoot.

I was hoping I wouldn't find you here.

Yeah, I know. You said a posse'd be out.

But don't worry.

I'll dust out of this country fast and leave you in the clear.

You're gonna let me go, aren't you?

I told you you'd have to make a choice, Steve.

The cattle are jammed in a gully down the ravine.

Whoever was ridin' herd on 'em ducked.

Hiya, boys.

Haven't seen you since the stampede.

I caught him in the riverbed.

Tie him up?

Real thoughtful of you boys building this fire for us.

We could smell it halfway across Wyoming.

- I told him he shouldn't have lit a fire. - Told who?

Told me.

All right. I was wrong. I shouldn't have lit the fire.

You always were a rotten liar, Steve.

Where'd Trampas go?

There's only us four. I wouldn't lie to ya.

Only the four, huh?

I suppose you drink coffee with a cup in each hand?

Get the ropes off their saddles.

Take 'em to the cabin over by the cottonwoods.

Maybe we can catch the others by sunup.

Hope somebody's got a deck of cards.

- Now, what's worryin' you? - I'm catchin' a cold.

Somebody shut the door for him, will ya?

Don't get nervous, Shorty. You can only die once.

And what's life anyways?

A few winters waitin' for spring, a few summers wishin' they'd last.

A few bottles of whiskey, and maybe half a dozen girls you can remember.

Then you're little three-by-six feet underground. That's all.

Might as well be now as later.

- Well? - No sign of 'em.

They got off through the cut, I guess.

It'd take an owl to see in that gulch.

I told ya there wasn't any more of us.

- Let's get this thing over with. - Now, wait a minute...

You owe me a dollar and a half.

I'll pay ya tomorrow.

Come on.

♪ Sixteen gamblers Handle my coffin ♪

♪ Sixteen cowboys Come sing me a song ♪

- ♪ Take me to the graveyard ♪ - I'll be glad when this is over.

It won't be over for me.

I'm heading for the Teton Range.

There's only one man responsible for this...

Trampas.

If we could only be sure it was Trampas.

It's sure enough for me.

Just a minute, Baldy.

I want you to have this money.

Don't worry.

I didn't steal it.

Honey, that old saddle of yours never was any good.

- You'd better take mine. - Thanks.

Oh, Nebraska.

I'd like you to have this watch.

It's always worth $4 in any saloon.

Thanks, Steve.

Got a pencil?

You've got my gun.

Yeah.

Keep it with this, and...

give it to him, later.

All right. We're ready. Bring their horses over.

Don't worry, Shorty.

It's the only sure way to break up a cold.

Ready?

You fellas wanna say anything?

All set?

Virginian!

Steve said to give these to you.

- Thanks, Nebraska. - Good luck.

He's alive, but he's got a bullet in his back.

Mother'll take care of him.

She's an old hand at things like this.

There isn't anything you can do.

There isn't much anyone can do, I guess,

until the doctor comes.

His fever seems to be down a little.

Now, you quit worrying.

He's gonna be just fine.

You'll be needing a doctor yourself if you don't get some rest.

Oh, I'm all right. I'm not a bit tired.

I know better.

Nobody can do two things at once without getting worn out,

except me.

You run along. Recess is almost over.

I guess I'd better.

- Hello, boys. - Hello, Miss Molly.

How are ya, ma'am?

- I hear your patient's better. - Yes, he is.

You boys have been wonderful, coming over like this.

Well, we're sort of interested ourselves.

I know. But what about Steve?

He's such a good friend, and he hasn't come once to visit.

Doesn't he know what happened?

- Steve? - Well,

he ain't with the Box H outfit no more.

Yeah, he left some time ago.

Well, if you see him, will you tell him?

Oh, and tell him that he left his gun and holster here.

Ye--Yes, ma'am, I sure will.

That is, if I run across him.

Thank you.

- Let go! - Aw, come on!

I don't wanna be a prisoner! Let me go!

Aw, you pretty cow,

- what's the matter with ya? - Yeah.

- What are you afraid of? - I ain't afraid of any of ya!

Children! What are you doing?

We're playing rustler.

- He's a cattle thief. - And we're the posse.

We're making believe we're lynchin' him.

You shouldn't play games like that. You might hurt yourselves.

- Well, he said he would. - He said he'd be Steve.

- Steve? - Yeah.

Steve wasn't afraid when they strung him up.

Steve, strung up?

And he didn't cry.

- You don't know what you're saying. - Yes, I do.

They caught him stealing cattle,

and the Virginian had to string him up.

- You mean hanged him? - Sure.

- Is it true? - Is what true?

That Steve was hanged?

Now, who had to go and tell ya that?

Then it is true.

Since ya already know, yes.

Did he do it?

Somebody had to do it.

He was in charge, and it had to be done.

If we don't put the fear of God in these lawbreakers,

you couldn't teach school.

You couldn't ride a mile, safe, away from the cabin.

Our lives wouldn't be worth anything.

It's horrible. Horrible!

Steve knew what he was doing.

He knew that was the law out here,

and he took his chance.

You have no cause to feel sorry for Steve.

Feel sorry for him in there.

He's lying there because of lawlessness.

He did what he had to do because it was his duty.

His duty? To lynch a man?

There's no likeness between this and lynching!

When you lynch a man, you take him out of jail,

out of the rightful hands of the law.

Here, we have no policemen, no courts, and no jails,

so we have to do things in our own way.

- It's downright murder! - You respect Judge Henry.

Well, it was him who sent the Virginian to do it.

And he wasn't the only man who went. There were others...

All decent, upstanding men doing what was right.

I suppose if you live out here long enough,

you become calloused and hard.

- You lose all sense of decency. - It's our law, I tell ya!

The only kind we've got, and I'm grateful for it!

We're building a country out here,

and there's no place for weaklings...

Men or women.

If that's the way you feel, you'd better get out.

- You don't belong here. - I will.

I'll get out of this place as fast as I can.

I certainly guessed you wrong.

I thought you had spunk.

Why, when I was your age,

I drove an ox team a thousand miles from Council Bluffs,

I shot comanches with my father lying dead across my knees.

My family built a country, too.

They worked and died just as bravely as you Westerners.

Indians!

Do you think you're the only ones that fought Indians?

Did you ever hear of the Cherry Valley massacre?

My grandfather was killed in that,

and my grandmother went 90 miles on foot to get help.

- And you're proud of them? - Of course, I'm proud of them.

It's too bad you're not more like them.

I can do the same thing.

I can do everything you did,

but I still have a sense of what's right and what's wrong.

The boys have gone to stop the stagecoach.

Thank you.

I'm sorry for the way I talked to you yesterday.

It's all right.

You've been like a daughter,

going and coming in the house.

I guess I got impatient,

like you really belonged to me.

I wish you'd change your mind.

It's best this way.

- Did you tell him I was going? - Not yet.

I said you were worn out nursing him,

and that the doctor had ordered you to bed.

- Hi, Andy! - Hi, Taylor.

- Someone leavin'? - Yep. Miss Molly.

No!

Hello, Andy.

You're not really going, Miss Molly?

Yes, I am.

We need ya mighty bad around here.

Well, good-bye, Miss Molly.

Good-bye.

- Good-bye, Mrs. Taylor. - Good-bye, Molly.

Will you ride up here with me?

Why, certainly.

Thank you...

for giving me a home.

Giddyap!

What's the matter?

You don't wanna go, Miss Molly.

- What makes you think not? - You're in love.

I most certainly am not, and I'm going home!

You know,

bein' in this country,

every once in a while we run into a mule

that's just so stubborn, he don't know what's good for him.

Won't go near food. Won't drink.

Just for the sake of bein' ornery,

he'd stand in one place and starve to death.

Only way to make him move is to build a fire under him.

Oh, Andy.

That's better.

You could run away, but you wouldn't be happy anywhere.

And he needs you now,

mighty bad.

You go on back to him.

You don't need to...

build a fire.

'Course not.

Your foreman get here yet?

You don't see him, do ya?

Well, he might be hiding inside.

He don't hide, Trampas.

When he does show up, tell him I wanna see him.

I'll be in here.

This would have to happen today.

Will the boys be able to come into town tomorrow?

They're there already, waiting.

You do think we're gonna be married the right way...

No folks to stare, no fuss or bother?

Why, of course.

Left out your mother.

She couldn't come out here.

We could go to her.

It isn't too late. We could take the train tonight.

No. Our new life has nothing to do with them back East.

Someday we'll go, but not now.

Tomorrow, we'll be in those mountains.

There's a little island between two streams.

Cool, the smell of pines.

I've camped there lots of times.

Hope you like it.

I'm sure I will.

- Hi, boys. - Hi, Virginia.

Thought you'd never get here.

- We've been waitin' since morning. - Welcome to the bride.

- You're lookin' mighty pretty. - Thank you, Honey.

Looks more like you're goin' on a pleasure trip...

- than gettin' married. - Say, ma'am,

can we borrow him for a spell?

Can I trust you to return him?

- Oh, we'll be good. - Well, pretty good.

- Which one can I believe? - Neither of them.

Be with you as soon as I change my clothes.

I wouldn't change 'em if I was you.

Don't run off with my bag.

See you in a minute.

You sure you don't mind my going with the boys?

- Oh, no, of course not. - I won't be long.

Don't worry about me. I'll be busy with the dressmaker.

I think I'll wait and see you in your wedding dress.

You can't! Not till the ceremony. It's bad luck.

Then I'll go quick. I'm not taking any chances.

Go on. The boys are waiting.

- What is it? - Trampas.

- In there. - Looks like he wants some trouble.

He's hangin' around, drinkin' and talkin' plenty.

Let's have a drink.

Across the street.

Well, my last drink with you single.

- Here's to love. - Someday, maybe I'll step out too.

Say,

there's a friend of yours in town.

Did he mention he was my friend?

Well, he was sayin' a lot of things.

- Well, forget it. - I always do.

Give us another drink.

Said he'd drop back again, in case you're interested.

Well, we ain't. Where's that drink?

We'll take this off your hands.

- Any or all of us. - No, thanks, boys.

We'll save you the trouble. Just say the word.

It's just a matter between the two of us.

Only I'm hopin' he don't drift around.

A man don't get married every day. You gotta think of her!

Who else would I be thinkin' of?

Look,

I'm actin' mayor of this town.

I can lock him in the calaboose...

till after you're married, anyway.

I'm sick of this monkeying around.

You.

You, there.

I understand you've been telling the folks around here...

that I'm the boss of those rustlers you hung.

Now, tell me.

- I don't want no fightin' here. - Shut up.

You heard what I said.

Trampas,

I'm tryin' not to have trouble with you just now.

No?

You've been dodging it for years.

You're not going to do it any longer.

Are you sure you really mean that?

Never mind the bluff. I'm calling your hand.

All right. What do you got?

I've got the belief that you're a lyin', white-livered skunk,

and this country isn't big enough to hold the two of us.

So, I'm giving you till sundown to get out of town.

It's too bad you had to say that, Trampas.

Get out!

Get out by sundown, or I'll shoot you on sight.

Well,

I guess it had to come.

We'll see that his men don't help him.

Thanks.

And it won't be long.

The sun'll be down in less than a half hour.

Man, do it quick, and do it right.

I want some fun outta this weddin'.

- You aren't worried? - Who, me?

I don't want her to know till it's over.

She wouldn't understand.

Open the door!

Oh, it's been awful waiting for you.

I wanted to rush out and find you.

- They told me. - I'm sorry they did.

Never mind. I've got you now.

I wish you didn't have to wait alone, but...

it won't be long.

I did my best.

I gave him a chance to change his mind.

I gave it to him twice, but he stood to it.

He knows he went too far in front of the others to go back on it.

He'll have to go to the finish now.

"The finish"? You're not going to...

I'm not gonna let him shoot me.

But you're not going to stay here now that I know?

We can get away. It's not too late.

I have to stay, Molly.

But why, when there's a choice?

Well, he did the choosing, not me.

If people came to think I was a coward...

No one's going to think you're a coward.

This is just your pride...

because you have some idea of personal honor.

It's childish, ridiculous.

If I ran away,

I could never look my friends square in the eye.

Or you, either.

- Can't you see how it is? - No, I can't.

Perhaps I should, but I can't.

When I heard about that other... the hanging of the cattle thieves, I...

I kept saying to myself,

"he had to do it. It was public duty."

But you don't have to do this.

When I think of tomorrow, of you and me...

- Molly, listen... - No!

If you do this, there won't be a tomorrow.

I won't come back again.

Can you look at me and say that?

Can you?

Don't do this.

For my sake. Please.

I haven't any choice.

I guess I'll get down to the post office.

Well, you haven't finished your drink yet.

He got him, cool as a canned mackerel! Come on!

Oh, darling, you're safe!

It wasn't you.

-- English --