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01x31 - Hunt the Man Down

Episode transcripts for the TV show, "The Life & Legend of Wyatt Earp". Aired: September 6, 1955 – June 27, 1961.*
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Series is loosely based on the life of frontier marshal Wyatt Earp.

01x31 - Hunt the Man Down

Post by bunniefuu »

♪ [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]

The greatest factor

in Wyatt Earp's career

as a Western marshal

was his intelligence.

He could sh**t quick,

but he could think faster.

Earp was a rough

and ready psychologist,

who studied his adversaries

while other frontier marshals

had no idea but

to sh**t them down.

Unfortunately,

the gunfighters,

cowboys, and outlaws

of Wichita in ,

seldom appreciated Marshal

Earp's intellectual methods.

And his friends warned him

that it was much safer

to sh**t first

and think afterwards.

In the case of young

Turner Ashby,

it looked as if

they were right.

Hold on there, Farrell.

We're supposed to be

partners, aren't we?

Yes...

Then where is

that money you won

on that cold deck job?

What do you mean?

Young Turner Ashby.

You dealt him out of

at least , $ .

My own personal game.

I banked it.

I pocket the money.

Oh, no, you don't.

We split -

on the whole take.

That's what you think.

That's what I say.

Come across, Farrell.

[door opens]

Sure. Come across, Farrell.

But not to

your partner, there.

I'm the one you cheated.

This will cover

what I lost.

If it's more than enough,

I'll mail you the difference.

[lock rattling]

That settles

our argument.

But it doesn't settle the way

you've been cheatin' me.

You out there! Come on!

Open that door, somebody!

[banging continues]

What is it?

What happened in there?

Better go in there

and find out.

[banging]

Open the door!

What happened?

Ashby just shot

Farrell Gillum.

Get Marshal Earp.

Farrell Gillum, my partner,

has been shot.

I know. Gus told us.

Right in here, Marshal.

Clear case of m*rder, Wyatt.

Turner Ashby held us up.

Before Gillum could

reach a g*n, he was

shot in the back.

Sure it was Turner Ashby?

I'm sure it was.

He lost some money to Gillum,

and came here to get it back.

Then he jumped on a horse

and beat it out of town.

You want to catch him,

you'd better be quick

about it,

before he reaches that

wild Bushwhacker country.

He was shot in the back,

all right.

It's an odd-looking wound.

How's that?

Better talk about it

in the office, Wyatt.

The inquest will be held

tomorrow, gentlemen.

I'll have somebody

pick him up.

Keep everybody out of here.

Now you see why I didn't

want to talk about it

over at Denver Jones' office?

It sure is a mighty

odd-looking wound.

b*llet must have entered

the flesh sideways.

Yep. Sideways.

Did you ever notice anything

like that before, Wyatt?

No, but I heard about it.

Ashby must have been

using an old g*n,

with a worn-out barrel.

See, if the grooves

in the barrel

are rusted or worn smooth,

it tips the b*llet

off-center, makes it wobble,

instead of traveling

nose-first.

That's it.

The case is solved.

It is, huh?

Uh-huh.

Now all you have to do

is catch Ashby,

and test-fire his g*n.

[laughing]

Thanks. Catching Ashby is

just a minor problem, huh?

Well, what's so tough

about that, Wyatt?

You heard Jones say he gone

into Bushwhacker country.

Last time I went into

that mess of rocks and brush,

it was after Bill Thompson.

Well, now.

You caught him,

didn't you?

No. His brother Ben

caught him for me.

If it hadn't

worked out that way,

I might still

be chasin' Bill.

Say. You do look

worried, Wyatt.

Well, I knew the Thompsons.

But I don't know Ashby.

The trouble about hunting

a man that you don't know

is that you might be dead

before you get acquainted.

Huh.

Well, he had a pretty good

head start on me.

I'd better be going.

Now don't you

come back dead.

I got enough

troubles as it is.

Did you get that

information on Turner Ashby?

Well, Wyatt, this was

about all I could get.

He's about years of age.

Owns a small cow farm

on the edge of Bushwhacker.

They say he's lived in

that section all his life.

He's pretty hot-tempered,

and he's right handy with g*ns.

That's all, huh?

Yep.

Well, I got a telegram

from the colonel

over at Fort Dodge,

said he was sending

my Indian friend,

Mr. Cousin, to help me.

I'm to meet him

at the north trace

going into Bushwhacker

come sunup.

Mr. Cousin. You mean

just you and the Indian?

That's right.

Well, aren't you gonna take

any of us deputies along?

Nope. I'll take along

the Buntline, though.

Now you just stay here

in Wichita

and keep everything

nice and quiet.

Only reason I'm taking

along Mr. Cousin

is 'cause he's the best

tracker that I know of.

Wyatt, why don't you

take me along?

That's pretty bad country.

You could get ambushed.

Ashby's already shot

one man in the back.

Your wife wants you

to stay alive.

Well, how are you gonna

get word to us if you

need help?

Well, Mr. Cousin will

send up a smoke signal.

[both laughing]

Come on. Give me

a hand, will ya?

Right.

I'll be honest with

you, Hollie.

The only reason I'm going

in after Ashby is because

it's just too dull and

tame here in Wichita.

[laughing]

♪ The Bushwhacker

country is lonely ♪

♪ And silent as a tomb

♪ It's an evil place

for a man to face ♪

♪ And many have

met their doom ♪

♪ Oh, the Bushwhacker

country is deadly ♪

♪ As a tomb

Morning, Mr. Cousin.

Hmm.

I tell myself

he will say

something like that.

Who tied you up?

Mr. Turner Ashby.

He said make sure

to tell you his name.

He also tell you that

he's wanted for m*rder?

He did not do it,

he say.

Mm-hmm.

How'd he know you were

to meet me here?

He knows you have

Indian friends.

He had g*n on me. Quick.

Wonder why

he didn't k*ll ya.

He's kind man.

Kind. Shot a man

in the back.

Well, then,

he kind to me only.

Mmm.

How much of a head start

has he got on us?

Oh, couple hour.

He take old

Whitecap trail.

Let's get one

thing straight,

Mr. Cousin.

Ashby's wanted for m*rder.

He won't be kind

a second time.

Now, come on.

Let's get him.

Whatever you say

always true, Mr. Earp.

[groans]

Your feet are asleep.

Come on.

♪ Oh, the Bushwhacker

country is bad land ♪

♪ A law unto its own

♪ Where the g*nman rides

♪ And the outlaw hides

♪ Among its caves

of stone ♪

♪ For the Bushwhacker

country is law ♪

♪ Unto its own

♪ Those men who tried

its riddle to crack ♪

♪ Were brave

and fearless men ♪

♪ But each one died

with a b*llet in his back ♪

♪ And never was

seen again ♪

♪ For the Bushwhacker

country is ♪

♪ Deadly as a tomb

Horse lame. Very lame.

Bad enough to stop him?

I think so.

Where's he have

to hole up?

Cave. Near--

[horse sputters]

All right.

Let's circle around

those trees and rocks.

[horses approaching

His horse.

Probably in the cave.

Ashby?

Come on out here, Ashby!

[Ashby]

Go away, Earp!

I don't wanna hurt you!

[Earp]

You come on out here

and try it.

You come in

and get me.

I'm not that stupid.

I can wait out here as long

as you can wait in there.

Why waste time?

[Ashby]

I got plenty of time.

Is that the only

entrance to the cave?

Just that opening.

You sure?

Only one opening,

Mr. Earp.

[Earp]

Ashby?

Wanna talk to you

about that k*lling.

Ashby!

Hey, Earp!

It was too great a range

even for the Buntline.

At least he knows

we mean business.

I'm big fool.

No, it's my fault,

Mr. Cousin.

But I say only

one opening.

I did worse.

I underestimated Ashby.

Should have known he wouldn't

go in there without having

another way out.

That's bad man.

He steal my horse.

Well, we'll get him.

Come on. Get up

here with me.

Come on. Hold on.

[cow moos]

He stop to help doggie

out of water hole.

[Earp]

Hmm.

Think about this man.

First, he's kind to me.

He does not sh**t me.

Then he steal my horse.

Now he's kind to doggie.

Never mind about that.

Ashby's headed toward

his home place.

Can't run forever.

Come on.

Come up.

My horse!

Come on. Get off.

Ashby still might

be there.

You circle around back.

I'll give you

time to get there.

[g*nsh*t]

Ashby ride his own

horse into brush.

Leaving me a note.

Hmm. Nice letter?

Listen.

"Wyatt Earp, dear sir--

"You and your Indian

friend, go back to Wichita.

"I have plenty of good

food and cartridges.

"You stay in Bushwhack,

I'll have to k*ll you.

"Turner Ashby."

Kind and thoughtful

of him, huh?

Man give me back

my horse.

Sure. He shot at you, too.

b*llet go high,

though. It--

Go on. Finish it.

You think I ought

to let Turner go, huh?

He let us go,

Mr. Earp.

He could k*ll us

three, four times.

From cave. From rock.

From brush.

From this house.

[sighs]

Just wanted to let us get

farther into Bushwhacker.

Mm. Maybe.

Eh, you can stay here

if you want.

I'm gonna go after him.

Wait, my friend.

This man know Bushwhacker

country more than me.

You think we hunt him?

We go after him,

he be hunting us.

All right, then.

You stay here.

Fresh dirt.

Man dismount here.

[Ashby]

Can't you read, Earp?

I told you what would happen!

Go ahead and sh**t, Ashby!

Just your kind of target!

[g*nf*re]

[groaning]

Mr. Cousins. You hit?

No. I-- I think I break leg.

[moaning]

Let's see.

[groans]

You're right.

Now hold on.

This is gonna hurt.

[screaming]

No. Please.

Ashby catch us.

Gotta rest.

[gasping]

Take it easy--

Oh--

Watch it.

All right.

You know, that Ashby

was shootin' awful close.

You reckon he

missed us on purpose?

I think he want us

to live.

I wonder why.

I do not know.

He's part good,

part bad man.

He do not k*ll us.

But he steal my horse.

Make me break leg.

But next time he see us--

I do not know.

Well, come on.

You take a nap.

I'll keep a lookout.

Hello, Ashby.

Don't move.

If I wanted to move,

I'd have shot you

as you came around

that boulder.

That g*n looks almost new.

Yeah. It is.

What did you do

with your old one?

I traded it in

three months ago.

Why are you

so interested?

Gillum was shot

with an old g*n.

So old it tipped

the b*llet sideways.

I told your Indian

I didn't k*ll him.

Then why'd you run?

I held up Gillum for the

money he cheated me out of.

I heard Jones yelling

that I shot him.

Man doesn't like to hang

for something he didn't do.

I'm inclined to believe you.

[chuckles]

That's nice of ya.

You could have

shot us in the back.

But you didn't.

What are you getting at?

Why don't you

come in to Wichita?

I'm find the man

who shot Gillum.

You'll be cleared.

I don't trust you

or any John Law.

All right.

Suit yourself.

One thing you ought

to think about.

Such as what?

I'm gonna take my friend

here to Doc Vebreek,

and get his leg set.

Then I'll be coming back.

I'll hunt you day and night,

until I find you.

Earp, I came here

to tell you something.

In Bushwhacker,

I do the hunting.

Come alone,

or bring a posse.

I won't be so kind-hearted

next time.

Front, back, or sideways,

you'll get it.

That man talk bad.

Well, I'll tell ya,

Mr. Cousin.

A man gonna k*ll you,

he doesn't waste

a lot of time

talking about it.

I think I know him now.

Ashby afraid to k*ll?

No. Your first

hunch was right.

He's got a hot temper,

but a warm heart.

You know him.

But he know you?

[chuckles]

Let's hope so.

Well, let's point him north.

Still gotta find

the real k*ller.

Sure that leg is set

good and straight?

Huh? You wanna take

over the operation?

No. But I promised Mr. Cousin

that he wouldn't limp.

All you've gotta do is find

the fellow who shot

Farrell Gillum.

Leave the doctorin' to me.

We'll let the k*ller

stew a while.

Let's see your watch.

: . Gives me till

a.m. to take a nap.

You tell Mr. Cousin that

they got a room for him

over at the hotel

when he wakes up.

What about my fee?

That'll be ten dollars.

We'll see how good

a job you did first.

Mr. Cousin limps,

you're gonna pay the fee.

One scalp.

I don't get my fee,

you'll be limpin'!

Let's have a nightcap, boss.

Take it easy. That Ashby

fellow's on his way to

Texas by now.

Earp should have caught him.

Our great marshal can't even

arrest a crazy cow farmer.

Sure, but that's tough

going down on a Bushwhacker.

Well, they tell me that

Marshal Earp's been--

Don't make excuses

for Wyatt Earp.

Ah.

You sleep upstairs tonight.

Everything's locked up.

All right?

Good night, boss.

Don't worry about it.

[clicking locks]

[banging on door]

Yeah? Who is it?

Turner Ashby.

Wait a minute.

[banging on door]

Come on. Open the door,

or I'll break it down!

Nice old g*n you

got here, Mr. Jones.

Come on!

Marshal Earp, you say you

can produce some exhibits

in your case against

the prisoner here?

That's right, Your Honor.

Hollie?

This first exhibit,

Your Honor,

is a hindquarter of beef.

The second exhibit

is that door,

which was taken

from the rear of

Denver Jones' saloon.

Third exhibit is

this old g*n,

which I took from

Denver Jones last night

when he fired at me

through that door.

Dr. Vebreek has testified

that Farrell Gillum

was k*lled with a g*n

that turned

the b*llet sideways.

Now that door is

so badly splintered

that I can't tell which way

the b*ll*ts were traveling.

With the court's permission--

Would you come

down here, sir?

A b*llet spinning properly

makes a round hole in flesh.

As you can see, this one

wobbled and entered sideways.

Yes, but I don't see--

That still don't prove

I had the g*n

on the night

Farrell was shot.

I tell ya,

Turner Ashby k*lled him.

If he was innocent,

why did he run away?

How do you answer that,

Marshal Earp?

The prisoner has

a good point, there.

Your failure to apprehend

the other suspect in the case

leaves the court in doubt.

Turner Ashby will

come back, Your Honor.

What assurance

have you of that?

Well, sir, I hunted him,

and he hunted me.

We got to know each other.

I'd appreciate having

a little more time.

You've made a good point,

and--

the prisoner's made

a good point.

I'd like a little time

to consider this, myself.

This case will be resumed

Tuesday morning at : .

Thank you, sir.

Court's adjourned.

Why, you were

almost too late.

I hear you arrested

Denver Jones.

For a John Law,

that was pretty smart.

Well, for a man on the run,

it's always pretty smart

to stop runnin'.

I asked for a postponement.

Now we won't need one.

Come on.

♪ 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]