♪♪ [humming]
♪ Wyatt Earp, Wyatt Earp
♪ Brave, courageous,
and bold ♪
♪ Long live his fame
and long live his glory ♪
♪ And long may his
story be told ♪
♪♪ [humming]
[Narrator]
One of the high spots
of Wyatt Earp's career
as marshal
of Wichita, Kansas
was his conflict
with Shanghai Pierce.
Abel H. Pierce
was a New England shipowner
turned Texas cattle baron.
In , Pierce was probably
the richest
and most influential
and certainly the most
vivid character
in all the Western country.
Shortly before
he tangled with Wyatt Earp,
old Shanghai was guest of honor
at a remarkable ceremony.
Go ahead.
Take it off.
Yeah, boys, that's me--
Shanghai Pierce.
Ten thousand dollars
that cost me.
I'm handsomer, naturally.
[laughs]
Not another man in the South
that have nerve enough
to put a statue up
to his own self.
Hundreds of them
think they deserve it,
but they're waiting on
a judgment of posterity.
Me? I say let
posterity go hang.
A.H. Pierce,
standing there in bronze
on his own ranch.
[laughs]
Cover me up, boys.
The official ceremony
takes place
when the cattle drive
to Kansas is over.
Oh, Mr. Pierce.
Please, sir.
What's them things Davey?
Telegrams congratulating you.
I forgot my glasses.
Here. You read them.
"Dear Mr. Pierce,
I know of no living Texan
"more worthy of a statue
than you are.
Kindest regards,
R.B. Hubbard, governor."
[cheering]
Hubbard gets
my support next time.
"Dear Shanghai, I think
it's wonderful about the statue.
William 'Buffalo Bill' Brooks,
marshal of Dodge City."
[laughs]
Good old Bill.
And here's one from Luke Short,
marshal of Abilene.
"There isn't a man
of my acquaintance
more deserving of a statue."
Uh. Hey.
Who's that one from?
Oh, Wyatt Earp,
the new marshal of Wichita.
Listen to what Wild Bill Hickok
wired you from--
Earp? Earp? Well,
we're heading for Wichita.
What does he say?
Well...
"Friends of yours here
have asked me to comment
"on the statue
you have erected.
"I suppose they want a tribute
to your character from me.
"I am informed that last season,
you and your men
"raised more trouble
in Wichita
"than any five outfits
from other ranches.
"This is to warn you,
in a friendly way,
"that we expect better
behavior from you this season.
W. Earp, marshal."
[murmuring]
Don't worry about Earp,
Mr. Pierce.
We'll take care of him.
[chattering]
We will take care of Earp.
No, boys.
No, that ain't the way
I'm going to handle Earp.
I'm going to handle him
just like I did Hickok
and Buffalo Bill.
Buy them off, Mr. Pierce?
Correct.
Never met a man yet
that didn't have his price.
Tie that cover down tight
on my statue, boys,
and get on your horses
and head my cattle north.
We're on our way
to Wichita.
[men cheering]
[laughing]
Good morning,
Mr. Murdock.
Hello.
Why all the iron?
Oh, we're preparing
a reception committee
for Shanghai Pierce.
We're saying howdy
with lead this year.
Oh, no. I just got
a telegram from Shanghai.
Yeah?
He promises to be
a good boy.
Ohhh!
I'll have a talk
with Mr. Earp.
You fellas take it easy.
Okay.
Whoa!
[footsteps]
Howdy.
I hear you're planning
a reception.
Yeah.
Got g*ns stashed at places
along Douglas Avenue
and down Main Street.
I'm going to take Mr. Pierce
as soon as he shows in town.
Oh, now, Wyatt,
read this.
Shanghai says no trouble.
Oh? What changed his mind?
Statue, I think.
A man puts up
a statue to himself,
he must be anxious
about his reputation.
I've given him a big spread
here on page one.
No matter what
you think of him,
there's nobody else
like him.
Yeah.
Shanghai's not
a bad character.
Generous, fabulously wealthy.
I think you'll
like him, Wyatt.
Well, whatever you say goes,
Mr. Murdock.
If Mr. Pierce wants
to behave himself,
why, that's wonderful.
Shanghai Pierce outfit
is this town's biggest customer.
He has at least
cowhands on his payroll
and at least that many more
pickup drivers.
He's throwing a big party
when he hits town tonight.
Sounds like a big operator.
"From here to Shanghai, China!"
That's his brag.
He made a fortune
in the China clipper trade
before he left Boston.
[door opens]
Excuse me.
Expressman left
this barrel, Mr. Earp.
Said it was
a present for you.
A present?
Uh-huh.
Well, let's have a look.
Can't be bribe money.
[chuckles]
Oh. "Compliments
of Mr. Shanghai Pierce."
Wow. Champagne!
Imported.
Thank you, Mr. Pierce.
There must be
a whole dozen here.
Why, there's two cases
at least.
Yeah.
How's this for
a peace offering?
It's right handsome.
I hate to look
a gift horse in the mouth,
but what will
I do with it?
Wyatt, don't you even
drink champagne?
It's too bubbly.
It makes my nose itch.
I'll give it
to Mayor Hope.
And Mr. Murdock?
All right.
Thanks.
[knocking]
This doesn't mean
any more to Shanghai
than if another man
were to offer you a cigar.
Well! Perfume!
A boy from the Wichita Hotel
sent it over.
Well, this, uh,
must be my day.
[chuckles]
It's from a woman that says
she's in serious trouble
and would like
police protection.
Know anybody by the name
of Alice Kennedy?
Do I?
Alice Kennedy's an actress.
The loveliest one
that ever played Wichita.
Oh?
You'd better go down
and talk to her.
No. Hold it.
Mr. Earp--
Miss Kennedy's too
an important actress
to our theater out here.
She doesn't write mash notes,
not even to the handsome
Marshal Earp.
You'd better
go see her yourself.
But there's something
odd about that.
There's no theatrical company
playing here in town.
Why would an important actress
be here?
Well, will you go
and find out?
Maybe it's a story.
I'll let you know.
I just know you're going
to take good care
of that champagne.
I still think Shanghai Pierce
is up to some kind of a trick.
Oh, yes, there's
over two cases there.
Well, howdy, Mr. Saunders.
Understand you got
a Miss Kennedy here.
Yeah. She's waiting for you
in the ladies' parlor, Mr. Earp.
All right. Thank you.
Mr. Earp?
Yes.
I, uh, got your note,
Miss Kennedy.
What kind of trouble
are you in?
Well, I don't need
police protection.
That was just a fib
to get you here.
But I am in trouble,
and I hope you'll allow me
to explain
a rather odd situation.
Well, I have a normal amount
of curiosity.
Won't you sit down?
Thank you.
You're much different
from what I expected.
So are you.
Oh? How is that?
Well, you're quite a lady.
Oh.
But what I've agreed to do
isn't at all ladylike.
Well, I-- I don't know how
to put this delicately.
Mr. Earp, will you escort me
to a party tonight?
Shanghai Pierce's party?
Yes.
How'd he rope you into that?
My show's stranded
in St. Louis.
He gave me $ ,
and bailed us all out.
That was kind of him.
It really was.
Oh, there weren't any strings
attached to the gift.
I haven't even met him.
He sent the money to my hotel,
and when we all went down
to thank him,
he had left town.
You just happened to be here
in Wichita?
No.
No, I was in St. Louis
at the Plantis Hotel.
He sent me a letter
with $ , .
And, uh, what are you
supposed to do for that?
Come here to Wichita,
invite you to the party,
and that's all.
[sighs]
I know it sounds silly.
Yes, it does,
but I believe you,
Miss Kennedy.
You know, you-- you
don't have to be beholden
to a man like Mr. Pierce.
Well, you see, Mr. Earp,
I have a good play--
a manuscript--
and I haven't any money.
Mr. Pierce said
he might lend it to me
or back the play himself.
That's very honest,
Miss Kennedy.
You didn't have to
tell me the truth.
You know, any man would be
right proud to take you
to that party tonight,
no questions asked.
And you'll take me?
I'm just the city marshal
here of Wichita,
and that just isn't
reason enough
for Mr. Pierce to be
playing up to me the way he is.
Well, he's a man
of generous whims.
Maybe it's just his way
of trying to make friends
with you.
I took the trouble
of inquiring about Wyatt Earp.
I think Mr. Pierce
wants to brag to his friends
that he knows you
and that you're a friend of his.
Aren't you worried about
what other plans he might have?
"Other plans"?
For you.
Oh, I'm not afraid
of Mr. Pierce.
You should be.
He's got a lot
of rough men behind him--
men that'll do anything
he says.
He's rich enough that he thinks
he can buy his way
out of any trouble,
including trouble
with the law.
I think you ought
to be afraid of him.
Well, what can I do?
I'm here.
I've made the gamble that--
Miss Kennedy,
it's all right.
We'll go
to Shanghai's party.
Thank you, Mr. Earp.
♪♪ [men singing]
♪ From Texas now I hail
Now I'm scared again.
What will Mr. Pierce
expect of me?
Well, I think he
probably expects you
to have me tied
to your chariot wheels
by this time.
Oh.
Well, would you pretend
a little?
You know, I, uh--
I've been thinking about it.
♪ Longhorn
♪ My journey...
[Pierce laughing]
Oh, this'll be a good--
Come on. Everybody, sit down.
Sit down.
Ming-Lee,
take the ladies' hats.
[laughing]
Now eat up, drink up.
You don't see it,
ask for it.
Your money's no good tonight.
This party's on A.H. Pierce.
"From here to Shanghai,"
that's me.
[laughing]
I'm more full of wind
than a Yankee clipper sail.
[laughter]
And I got a copper bottom
that's dragged a thousand miles
over the Chisholm Trail,
but I ain't never
sprung a leak yet.
Oh, excuse me.
Well, well.
Sweet Alice,
the pride and the toast
of the Mississippi.
Well, thank you,
Mr. Pierce.
Oh, Mr. Wyatt Earp,
Mr. Shanghai Pierce.
Howdy, Mr. Pierce.
Why, you're just
a young sprout.
Why, isn't that one
for the history books?
[laughing]
You sending me
a sassy telegram.
I didn't mean
to make it sassy, sir.
Oh, forget it, son.
I like a young man
with grit and gumption.
Shake. No hard feelings.
Hey, you've got a grip
like a longhorn's bite.
He never tried to squeeze you,
did he, Miss Alice?
Oh, no.
A gentleman, too, huh?
Son, a man who don't recognize
and respect a lady
ain't no man at all.
Miss Alice,
you and I'd better consult
about that theater business
while I'm still sober.
Excuse us, son.
I won't keep her long.
You know, I'm young enough
to take a dare,
but I'm much too old
to make good on it.
Folks, I want you to meet
the star of the showboats,
Miss Alice Kennedy,
and my good friend, Wyatt Earp.
Now, entertain him, everybody.
We'll see you in a minute.
Miss Alice.
It's mighty good of you
to come so far, Miss Alice.
But I was betting you wouldn't
stand up old Shanghai.
Of course not, Mr. Pierce.
Sit down.
Thank you.
I, uh--
I bet you're wondering
why I go to so much bother
about young Earp.
Well, yes, I have,
a little.
He's in my way.
I come up here from Texas,
I want to see Wichita wide open,
like it used to be.
I hope
I ain't shocked you.
Oh, no.
Not at all, Mr. Pierce.
Well, that's a big relief.
'Cause when you read
about Shanghai in history,
I don't want you believing
all them mean little things
they'll put in them books.
Well, you've been
very kind to me.
I'm trying
to be kind to that boy.
I sent him some champagne,
I arranged for him to meet you.
No good. I don't think
that wine and women
are his weakness.
You sure?
He'd make love to me,
but he wouldn't do
what I told him.
Why, he's as strong willed
as you.
Have you ever done
what a woman told you?
[chuckles]
I sure never did.
There's got to be
some way to get to Earp
without just k*lling him.
Mr. Pierce, I--
I like that man.
I wouldn't want you--
What's the answer?
Well, this...
maybe.
I know he likes card games.
I feel pretty rotten
telling you this,
but the clerk at my hotel
told me he's the best man
in an honest game of poker
he's ever seen.
That's it.
Gambling can be
a worser passion
than wine or women.
You are worth
your weight in gold.
But I may still need you,
so you stay friends with Earp.
Well, I will if you promise me
that you won't--
You got a better guarantee
than that.
I bragged to my boys that I'd
bring Earp into camp.
[chuckles]
Of course,
if his price means
a sh**ting match, well...
But it won't be.
Gambling.
[laughing]
I don't really
understand Mr. Pierce.
And, usually, when a man
sets out to buy the law,
he's a little more cunning
about it.
Rich men like him
don't bother to be subtle.
Do you have a price,
Mr. Earp?
I don't know.
I've never really thought
about it till today.
I hope your price
isn't a sh**ting match.
Is that your price?
Hey, there, you two!
Is that being good guests
at my party?
I'm sorry, sir.
We were just sitting here--
No. Forget it, son.
It's time for a poker game.
Do you play?
Yes, sir, I do.
But I don't think it'd be
too exciting for Miss Alice.
Oh, that's all right.
I had a rough trip
from St. Louis.
And if you don't mind,
I'll be excused.
I'll walk you back
to your hotel.
You gentlemen go ahead
with the poker game.
I'll join you shortly.
Take your time, son.
Just take your time.
I had a lovely evening,
and thank you for
inviting me, Mr. Pierce.
Pleasure's all mine,
Miss Alice.
Don't forget.
You're dining
with me tomorrow.
About : ?
I wouldn't miss it
for the world.
Good night.
Good night.
I'll see you later,
Wyatt.
Yes, sir.
You've made it
a very nice evening.
Thank you, Miss Alice.
You're mighty fine company
to be with.
Say, do you happen to know
whether Shanghai
plays an honest game
of poker?
With all his money,
why should he cheat?
I'd sure like to
give him a beating.
Oh? Is that gambler's fever,
or is it just
that you don't like him?
I'd just like to
win enough for you
so you wouldn't
have to depend on him.
You're very sweet.
But I'm not in this
for money now.
Oh? Well, then,
why do you stay here?
And why do you have to
meet with him tomorrow?
Because I'm scared
of something.
Be careful, Wyatt.
I'm betting you , son.
I'll see that
and raise you .
I fold.
How about an extra hundred
in a showdown?
That's not the game,
Shanghai.
We agreed on a hundred limit
on any one pot.
All right.
Lay them down.
Flush.
Full house.
[sighs]
Money kind of low?
Don't you be worried
about him, Brother Parkins.
His I.O.U.'s is just as good
as gold with me.
Thanks, but I'm not
quite cleaned out yet.
You stand up good
to a run of bad luck, son.
Ante up!
It's your deal.
I just can seem
to do any good.
That's a good-sized pot.
Well, that's it for me.
Oh, you ain't
quitting, son.
Just till the bank opens,
Mr. Pierce.
Enough to pay off
these I.O.U.s
and pick up a stake
to have another go at it.
Aw, what's money, son?
Stay here with me.
I enjoy your company.
It's daylight.
I've had enough.
How about you?
We'll catch a nap,
a little breakfast, Shanghai.
Then we'll be back to give Wyatt
a chance to get healthy.
I never saw a string of cards
played better, son.
Thank you, but I hope
my luck will change.
At least it better.
See you after breakfast--
Wait a minute.
Sit down.
You know, son,
I was aiming to persuade you
that this town should
be open wide again.
Now I realize
you wouldn't do that.
I couldn't keep my job.
The mayor would just fire me
and get himself another marshal.
All right.
Then forget this two-bit job.
Throw in with me.
Doing what?
I bought this place--
the whole shebang.
You what?
I bought this place
last night,
and I need a partner.
And I'll sell you
a half interest,
and you can pay me
out of the profits.
Well...
You like card games, son.
You'd keep them honest.
That's mighty tempting,
Mr. Pierce.
All right. Then I'll
just sign my name.
Well, hold on a second.
Huh?
Well, sir,
I may be kind of stupid,
but I just don't get
all of this.
First you send me that champagne
and then Miss Alice,
and now you offer me
a half interest in this place.
Why? Just can't be
that important to you
whether or not Wichita
is run wide open.
You're only here three weeks
out of the whole season.
Even if you did get me
to quit my job,
and Mayor Hope
and Mr. Murdock
are committed
to a decent policy,
you don't buy all of Wichita
when you buy me.
It just doesn't
make sense.
Now, you have a price, Earp.
Every man has a price.
Mr. Pierce, don't tell me
that you went to all that
trouble and rigamarole
just to prove that
every man can be bought
and has his price.
Correct.
Sir, I don't believe that.
You got too much sense
and ability.
I came here to buy you.
I bragged to my boys.
And don't you be thinking
that if you quit this job,
Hope and Murdock would be able
to get a marshal as good as you.
I would've been able to handle
the average John Law.
Son, I've offered you
an interest
in a good gambling place.
[laughs]
I guess I'm getting stupid
and stingy in my old age.
And I'm kind of
a lonesome maverick, too.
You've got a lot of friends,
Mr. Pierce.
Friends? Sure.
But I need a partner.
All right, son.
I'm asking you
to throw in with me
on the whole shebang--
from here to Shanghai!
It's worth a fortune,
and I'll give you a partnership.
Well, that's right--
right handsome, Mr. Pierce.
Always did like
the cattle business.
Then it's a deal?
No, sir.
Son, you don't understand.
I'm offering...
I got no one else,
no family.
Are you "deef"?
I'm giving you a half interest
in the whole shebang.
I'm all alone.
I don't think we'd
get along, Mr. Pierce.
Oh, son, now,
I thought you--
Sir, it's still a price.
It's a good price,
and I thank you.
But I couldn't throw in
with you or anybody else
with a price tag on me.
Good day, Mr. Pierce.
[huffs]
Why, you young fool!
You ungrateful...
Shanghai!
[door closes]
Shanghai!
Where's my boys?
Shanghai!
Shanghai! Shanghai!
What's up, Boss?
[shouts]
Bring me my g*n.
And all of you get your g*ns.
We're going to
hurrah this town!
[cheering]
I'll show that young squirt.
[men whooping]
[g*nf*re]
Wyatt.
Miss Alice.
What is it?
What's all the noise about?
I had a little disagreement
with Mr. Pierce.
He thinks he's going
to sh**t up the town,
so I guess I'm going to have to
throw him in jail
till he cools off a bit.
Are they coming after you?
Sounds like it.
[g*nf*re continues]
Miss Alice, I, uh--
I got just about
enough money in the bank
for you to pay off Shanghai
and produce your own play.
I wish you'd take it.
Thank you, no.
I'll pay him back.
The show can wait.
Besides,
I'd still owe you.
Yeah, well, the difference
in owing me
is that I wouldn't put
any price tags on you.
[Pierce] Hey, Earp,
come on out here!
Now don't worry.
Wyatt, don't go.
You stay here.
[g*nf*re continues]
[whooping continues]
I'm Shanghai Pierce,
and I'm not taking
any more of your insults, Earp.
You can't hide all day,
and I'm going to sit right here
till you come out.
I'm sorry to have to
do that, Mr. Pierce.
Hold it!
Don't fire!
You'll hit Shanghai!
You man stand back.
We're heading for jail.
We ain't putting up
with this, Shanghai.
Oh, shut up.
I can handle this.
It's a good thing
I like you, son.
Everybody's going to jail!
Come on!
Nobody can lick
Shanghai Pierce, boy.
Whenever he makes up his mind
to do something,
he does it.
Yes, sir.
No, sir.
Shanghai never
takes no for an answer.
Yes, sir.
Is that your jail?
Yes, sir.
Well, that's a poor excuse
for a jail.
I ought to come up here
one of these days,
and build you one
you'd be proud of.
We'd like that, sir.
Well, it'll be a pleasure.
Well, it's too bad,
but I couldn't put
a price tag on him.
"Price tag"?
I don't understand, Miss Alice.
Oh, well,
it's a long story,
but the end of it is
he'll never be the husband
of an actress.
♪♪ [vocalizing]
♪ Well, he cleaned up
the country ♪
♪ The old Wild West country
♪ He made law
and order prevail ♪
♪ And none can deny it
♪ The legend of Wyatt
♪ Forever will live
on the trail ♪
♪ Wyatt Earp,
Wyatt Earp ♪
♪ Brave, courageous
and bold ♪
♪ Long live his fame
and long live his glory ♪
♪ And long may
his story be told ♪
♪ Long may his story
♪ Be
♪ Told
♪ [humming]
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