Wild West (1946)

[bunniefuu]

( g*nshots )

I tell ya, marshal,

something's got to be done.

Construction on the railroad

has been stopped cold.

This wouldn't

have happened

if we'd have got

that telegraph line through.

We've got to

get it through,

or abandon construction

on the railroad.

I'm stumped.

Well, I'm not.

I'm gonna have Washington

call out the troops.

We're going to

put a squad of men

along every mile

of the telegraph

right-of-way.

You can't.

Why not?

Because when you

bring troops

into that area,

it's in direct violation

of our treaty with

chief black fox.

What good is a peace treaty

if it only favors the Indians?

It might be that black fox

is blocking the railroad.

Everything points

in that direction.

But no lawman

in his right mind

would go in there now

and investigate.

I know one who's

willing to tackle it.

He'd have to be crazy.

Well, Eddie Dean

is not crazy, marshal.

He's the smartest troubleshooter

we've got in the territory.

You mean he was--

until he quit

to join soapy Jones

on his cattle ranch.

I don't believe that.

Any man that

loves law and order

like Eddie Dean

is not going to

quit fighting for it.

Now, you go get him.

That's a large order,

commissioner.

Last I heard, he was

driving a herd of cattle

up the chisolm trail.

I don't care where he was,

just find him.

All right.

Men:

Hee-yah! Hee-yah!

Thanks just the same, mister.

Looking for a man

in this country

is like looking for

a needle in a haystack.

You better

cut around the herd, soapy,

and see if

there are any strays.

All right, Eddie.

Howdy, boys.

Don't happen to

know a fella

by the name

of Eddie Dean,

do ya?

Yeah, we passed him

up the trail

a couple days ago.

Thanks.

( g*nshots )

Eddie, rustlers.

They just clipped off

another hundred heads.

This keeps up,

we won't have

enough cattle

to sell when we

get to the market.

They're headed

for the river.

We'll round up

some of the boys

and teach 'em a lesson.

They're holed up

in that cabin, soapy.

We're gonna have to

smoke 'em out.

Yeah, that's the only way

I can get my cattle back.

( g*nshots )

Let 'em have it!

That looks like

the leader of the g*ng.

You take over, soapy.

I'm gonna nab him.

The rest of 'em

gave up.

Good. We'll turn 'em over

to the sheriff,

and then head your cattle

towards dodge city.

I'll be out to your ranch

first thing in the morning,

to look over your cattle,

Mr. Williams.

I'm sure we can

make a deal.

I'll be lookin' for ya.

Nice bunch of stock

you brought in, Eddie.

Outside of losing

a little weight

to some rustlers,

they're in prime condition.

We're countin' on

a good price

to pay off my ranch.

Well, blow me down

the gopher hole--

it's my old boss,

the marshal.

Hello, marshal.

How are ya, Eddie?

Howdy, soapy.

Hi, marshal.

Am I glad to see you two.

I never knew two men

could be in so many

different places at once.

What brings you

so far from home?

I smell something

in the woodpile, Eddie,

and it ain't no skunk--

smells like

a commissioner to me.

You're right, soapy--

he wants to see

you and Eddie

right away.

Darn it, marshal, we quit

totin' our badges long ago.

Didn't we, Eddie?

Sure we did, soapy.

We're men of peace now,

not peace officers.

I told the commissioner that,

but you know how stubborn he is.

He's got a job for you,

bigger than anything

you ever tackled before.

Aw, just like

the commissioner,

always got

something big

on his hands.

But this is important.

It means the success

or the failure

of the railroad

and the telegraph lines

through the strip.

We're sorry, but you'll have to

do without US this time.

We ain't interested

in the least.

You would be

if you knew Jim banister --

what about Jim banister?

He gave his life trying to get

those lines though.

Hmm. I wonder if

chief black fox

knows about it.

Ma'am, when stormy day arrives,

tell him to meet US

at twin forks.

I'll do that.

That's how it is,

gentlemen,

it's more than

an Indian uprising,

it's a combination

of both red and white renegades

who have infested the country

to live off the fat of the land.

You mean livin' off of

human misery.

That's right, soapy,

but they don't

want civilization,

because it brings

law and order.

But if that line isn't

complete to Preston soon,

both it and the railroad

will have to be abandoned.

Come on, soapy.

We'll meet stormy

at twin forks

and head for the strip.

* I'm king of the plain

* when I ride on the side

of a song *

* there's a fire that'll burn

to inspire all my work *

* when I ride

on the side of a song *

* the trees will hum a tune

* and nod a leafy brown

* there's joy in every knoll

* and with each happy tune

* the trees will take a bow

* they're proud

of what they wrote *

* and below every sigh

* is my blue silver sky

* let them blend with the end

of the view *

* here or there,

high or low *

* I don't care where I go

* when I ride on the side

of a song *

captain:

Well, there's the western

telegraph company.

They're right on schedule.

You men wait here.

Hello, captain,

I'm glad to see ya.

Howdy, Butler.

Well, you're at

the end of the line.

So I noticed.

I've got some men with me

I'd like you to meet.

Fine. Come on inside.

It was a long ride,

but we enjoyed it.

Butler, I'd like for you

to meet your new assistants.

Eddie Dean, stormy day,

soapy Jones.

Hi.

Hi.

Hi.

( All laughing )

Mr. Butler's the engineer

and runs things around here.

I'm sure you men

will get along all right.

I'm off. I'm taking

those rangers down

to the border.

Before you go,

can I speak to you

a moment alone?

Excuse US.

What's on your mind?

Surely the commissioner

isn't serious

in sending me

those three range riders,

when I asked for 20 men

to be detached from the army

to help me out.

The government can't

see its way clear

to station any troops here

at this time.

We're far too short

of men for that.

In an emergency,

however,

you will have the cooperation

and help of the rangers.

Well, so long.

Anything wrong?

Oh no, not at all.

Mr. Butler is very happy

to have you men with him.

That's great.

There's something wrong

with him.

What's that?

He looks so unhappy

to be so happy.

You have your orders,

captain Rogers.

I do, and they shall be

carried out to the letter.

So long.

Goodbye and good luck.

We'll probably need it.

After the half-breed

got those Indians

all riled up,

we cut the line

in twenty places.

That engineer

and his g*ng?

Their lives won't be worth

a plugged nickel

when them redskins

get through with 'em.

What is it this time?

Did you ever

hear of Eddie Dean?

Sure, I've heard him.

He works as

a special investigator

for the commissioner.

He and two of his men

have joined the western

telegraph company.

They're acting as guides.

This means more than just

helping the telegraph line.

If they get in this town,

you're sunk.

Your record wouldn't stand

too much checking, either.

Don't forget

you're not a real judge,

only a self-styled one,

tricking payoffs out of people

when they think

they're buying real protection.

I always give you your cut.

Anyway, I'm not plannin' to be

any better off than you are.

Something's got to be done

about those law dogs

before they get wise to US.

You get too excited.

This can all be handled

the easy way.

Our business is

too good to be stopped.

Here's the camp,

and here's our destination.

That's quite a haul.

I've outlined to you men

most of our plans,

but there's something else

I think you should know.

Is there anything else

to know?

This has to do with

the business end.

Well, let's have it.

There's nothing like

a b-b-big dose of anything --

you either get well,

or you get s-s-s-sicker.

Keep talking, Butler.

The company is

putting pressure on me.

They've informed me that

if I haven't got the line

across the mountains by fall,

they'll cancel the contract

and call it a failure.

We've got to work fast.

With our help,

it'll be a cinch.

Working under pressure

is like a strong wind

at your back,

it sorta pushes you along.

There's a lot

in what you say.

( Telegraph clicking )

What's that?

A message coming from

our last station.

It's dead.

What did the ticker say?

The Indians are

on the warpath.

Indians on

the warpath?!

Uh-oh.

Wait a minute, soapy.

Won't do you

any good to run --

never was a paleface

could outrun an Indian.

This is one time

you're gonna find some

Indian b-b-b-blood in me.

Hey, Butler!

Take a look!

Soapy:

Smoke signals!

Chief black fox

is calling his tribe together.

We can't overtake the rangers

in time to help US out.

There's one thing we can do,

if we can still make it.

Get word

to Carrie banister?

Exactly.

Who's Carrie banister?

We'll explain

when we get back.

If we get back.

Let's give 'em

a run for their money!

Hello, Eddie.

Hello, Mrs. Banister.

Stormy, and good ol' soapy.

We hate to break in on you,

but it's mighty important.

Old friends are

always welcome.

Mrs. Banister --

stop calling me

"Mrs. Banister" --

you know everyone

calls me "Carrie".

Meet the family.

Of course,

you know skinny.

Hiya, fellas.

Did ya come to sign me up

for the rangers?

Flora bell and Molly

were at school before.

Come in.

I'm afraid this isn't

a sociable visit.

We've come to

ask for your help.

What could I

possibly do?

The Indians

are on the warpath,

and everyone knows

of your influence over them.

And we know that when

chief black fox goes on a raid,

he always misses your ranch.

That's true --

they're grateful.

They've never forgotten

the peace Mr. Banister

got for them

with the government

before he passed away.

The chief has named me

"zincalaska"--

white godmother

of the Indians.

Seein' as how you're on

speaking terms with the chief,

we sorta thought you'd get word

to him that we'd like to talk.

Maybe we could

settle it without bloodshed.

It's worth a try.

Skinny, ride over

to the chief.

Tell him I want to see him,

that it's safe to come here.

All right, mom.

If I don't come back,

you'll know I've been scalped.

The chief won't hurt you.

If you're stopped

by any of the braves,

tell them to

take you to him.

My grandfather

was scalped one time--

hurry! Hurry!

Tell your braves

to wait here.

( Speaks Indian )

Come in, chief.

Don't be alarmed,

they're friends of mine.

They're here in peace --

they want to know

what's troubling you.

Why are you making w*r

on the telegraph line?

You gave your word

you wouldn't make trouble--

why do you break it?

Great white father give word

paleface not take buffalo.

But not keep word,

k*ll more than can eat.

Leave meat in sun,

get rotten.

My people hungry.

You're wrong if you think

our government is

responsible for that.

Every white man doesn't

represent our government.

There are good and bad people

among US,

just like you have

among your people.

Lightning wire

bring evil spirit...

Much trouble to my people.

Whoever gave you that idea

lied to you.

Exactly.

This lightning wire,

as you call it,

brings good.

It's like a great messenger --

faster than runners,

swifter than ponies.

They're right.

It means the coming

of civilization --

that brings schools

and education to your people

so they can learn and study

and become one of US.

My people no want w*r,

unless paleface

take more buffalo.

Give US some time

and we'll stop

the k*lling.

Time? My word you have.

As you pass the north pasture,

be sure and help yourself

to a few head of cattle.

Hmm.

Don't pick

all the fat ones.

One fat one.

Thanks, Carrie,

you're a great woman.

I can see why

you rate with the chief--

cattle cost money.

That's nothing.

I'm worried about

the chief --

I've never seen him

so riled up.

An empty stomach

will make a man

do a lot of things

he normally wouldn't.

It isn't the government

k*lling off the buffalo,

but it must be somebody.

I wonder who it is?

We'll find out.

If it were possible for US

to set up a relay station,

close by, down here someplace...

It would be more advantageous

all the way around.

It would be closer to

Preston and supplies.

Why don't you use my ranch

as your headquarters?

There's a great big bunkhouse

and an empty barn you can use

for your equipment.

Well, I don't know --

what do you think, Eddie?

We'd have to get Mr. Butler

to be in accord.

I can start cleaning the barn

right away.

You're more than welcome.

We'll see what we can

do about it.

We'd better get back

to camp.

Bye, boys.

Let's go get some of

the boss's stuff

and plant it

around their camp.

We'll blow it to bits.

Now you're talking.

( expl*si*n )

Man alive,

what a blowup!

Lucky thing we took your advice

and got the equipment out.

Somebody's determined

to stop US.

And not just

the Indians.

And we'd better

find out pronto

who it is.

No, wait!

Let 'em go.

Moving the equipment's

more important now.

Let's get out of here.

I'm gonna ride into Preston

and have a look around.

I still can't figure out

why those fellas jumped US.

Might run into

something interesting.

Can I go with you?

If you get bill's permission --

he's your boss, you know.

Can I?

Sure. I think we can

hold down the fort.

He's been working hard

learning how to send messages.

Make a fine operator,

one of these days.

Come on, skinny.

Carrie's sure got

a fine family.

Skinny's a great kid.

He takes after his dad --

he was a great man.

Did you know him?

I'll say --

we served under him.

He helped organize

the rangers,

and just like skinny,

he had a way about him.

What happened to him?

He was found m*rder*d.

That's why we sort of

look out for his kid.

Ever find out

who did it?

Nope.

But we'll never

stop trying.

And when we do find out,

the one who done it

sure had better look out.

This is where

they're set up,

all right.

( Loud commotion )

We got some customers

for you.

What's the charge?

Attempted m*rder.

You wait here

with the horses.

I'm going to find out

what's happening.

I'll lock 'em up,

but you have to

arrange a hearing

before judge Templeton.

We'll do that right away.

His office is

just down the street.

Make yourself

at home.

What happened?

Nothin' much,

they were just

wreckin' our headquarters.

They look

strangely familiar --

something like the roughnecks

who jumped US in the hills.

I recognize 'em.

They're just hirelings,

we won't learn

anything from them.

At least I tossed

our hat in the ring.

You're just askin'

for more trouble.

There's nothing like

starting the show

with a trumpet.

I-I knew a fella once

started the show

with a t-t-t--

with a horn,

and he b-b-b-blew himself --

hush.

Let's get a look

at this judge.

Your constable told 'em

they'd have to see you.

Now, take it easy --

they've got nothing on US.

Beg your pardon.

We're looking for

judge Templeton.

I am judge Templeton,

what can I do for you?

Put a hold on the birds

I just turned over

to the constable,

and arrange a trial

for 'em as quick as you can.

What's the charge?

Destroying property

and attempted m*rder.

And as*ault and battery.

I'll hear both sides

of the case.

I have a reputation here

for impartiality.

Wait a minute, judge.

You can do yourself

and the community some good

if you keep those hombres

bedded down in jail.

What right have you

to tell me what to do?

Every right!

My pals and me represent

the rangers in this territory.

I can vouch for

those men, judge.

They're not bad --

a little rowdy,

but nothing more.

We're sending

to headquarters

for the record of

every known criminal

in this territory

for the past five years.

Until our investigation

is completed,

those men stay

where they are.

Where there's

so much stew,

there's bound to be

a little gravy.

What do you suppose

he meant by that?

We can't let them

dig into those records now.

There's probably

enough information

in those files

to hang every one of US,

once they get on

the right track.

What'll we do?

Unless something is done,

everything we've

built up is gone.

Don't worry, judge.

I'm taking no chances this time,

I'm stopping them myself.

You can be back

with the records

in a couple of days.

A cinch.

Lemme go with you,

soapy.

No, no.

But it's my first chance

to become a ranger!

In the first place,

Carrie'd never agree to it.

Why not?

If the boy wants to go,

who am I to stop him?

I'm his mother,

not his thinker.

He's got to be

a man someday,

and if he thinks

he can do it,

he's got my permission

and my blessing

for a good trip

and a speedy return.

Whoopee!

That settles that.

I'll get supper started

so you can have

an early start.

Now, there's a bright idea

we can all enjoy.

Nothing like starting anything

on a full stomach.

That reminds me

of a story.

I knew a man once

that started out

on an empty stomach --

oh, sit down.

Save it.

Tomorrow's my deadline

to have the telegraph line

into Preston.

There's one chance

in a thousand

that we'll make it.

The chief's very happy

to work with you.

He's convinced

the lightning wire

brings good,

and not evil.

You'll have the pick of

his best men to help you.

Thanks, Carrie.

We should be able to

string the telegraph line

into town without detection.

That fella you

sent US to

is letting US use

one of his back rooms

for our headquarters.

I knew he would.

Good old smitty,

he's as anxious as we are

to see this town cleaned up,

and he'll keep

his mouth shut, too.

My braves wait in canyon.

Is the equipment

ready to roll, Butler?

Everything's set.

We'd better

get started.

If we get the line into Preston,

the rest will be easy.

The way you folks have all

worked to help me out,

my one chance in a thousand

just may be a winner.

I sure do

appreciate it.

We're always

glad to help.

Maybe you'll do US

a favor sometime.

Let's go.

Eddie:

Get that one down

through the south canyon.

Lightning wire bring good.

I'm glad you had

a change of heart,

black fox.

Your help is

coming in handy.

The rangers sure turned out

to be a big help.

Their idea of concealing

the telegraph wire

in the trees is a smart one.

They're due to come through

that pass anytime now,

and they're bringing

damaging evidence,

probably in their saddle bags.

If Eddie Dean ever ties

any identifications up with US,

we're due for

a federal investigation.

Take good aim, Kansas.

Don't let 'em get away.

Skinny, you take cover.

Give me

those saddle bags, quick.

What are you gonna do?

Your only chance --

I'll draw 'em off

while you get through.

No, that's too much

of a chance to take.

It's the only way.

There's nothing in here.

That's the banister kid!

They fooled US.

That hombre

that was with him

got away.

Is he gonna be

all right?

I don't know --

the doctor's

done all he can,

he says it's

up to skinny now,

his will to live.

He wants to see you.

Is it all right

if I go in?

Hi.

Did soapy make it?

Yep. That was pretty smart,

having him take the records

out of the saddlebag

and hide 'em in his bedroll.

Would you do me a favor?

Just name it.

Remember that song

you wrote for my dad?

I sure do.

Mind singin' it?

Now, wait a minute --

that song's not for you,

you're not heading for

the same trail your dad went on,

you're not going on

journey's end,

you're gonna get well.

Please, sing it.

* journey's end

* journey's end

* the day is done

* for one who rode

the trail to the end *

* journey's end

* journey's end

* into dawn

* he's gone to meet

a heavenly friend *

* a cloud for his saddle

* he's booted and spurred

* to ride into pastures

* the angels will herd

* he's gone

* gone home

* for the trail

won't fail to bend *

* at journey's end

That stack can be eliminated,

every man whose record is there

we know is in the pen.

So it's narrowed down

to these.

And those descriptions fit

the three guys we got in jail.

That oughta make

their case pretty easy.

We know there are more

than three involved in this.

Did you recognize

any of the fellas

that jumped

you and skinny?

They were too far away.

But say, I almost forgot

the most important --

wait'll I get back.

Look at this.

It's Jim banister's g*n.

You're right,

I'd know it anywhere.

There was just one other

like it, its mate --

he had 'em made special.

Where'd you find it?

It was dropped by

one of the men

who shot skinny.

Then he must be

packin' the other one.

And whoever's packing

the other one

k*lled Jim banister.

How do you figure?

He was wearing both g*ns

when he got k*lled,

and they weren't on him

when he was found.

Soapie:

Whoever k*lled him

is in the g*ng.

When we find out

who's packing the other g*n,

we've got our man.

He'll probably be

at the trial.

Butler, you know

our plans.

Don't worry,

I'll take care of my part.

If we're gonna hold trial,

we better hit the saddle.

Should be here

about how.

Remember what I told you --

stand your ground.

Soapy, you go

with Butler.

We've come for

the prisoners.

There ain't no prisoners

in there,

I had orders last night

to release them.

Whose order?

Judge Templeton's.

They're getting

the bad news now.

There they are.

This is getting to be

like a game of checkers.

Let's see what

their next move is.

We're in a tough spot.

Yeah, feels like

the lull before the storm.

We've got the trap set --

when do we make our move?

I've always been

good at games --

how about you?

Here goes.

Ready for the trial, judge?

I reviewed the whole case

and ordered

the prisoners released.

Your constable

told US.

We thought you'd have

a mighty fine reason

for such action --

what is it?

There's no need

for a trial,

there isn't even

sufficient evidence

to hold one.

Your talk sounds

mighty big, Mr. Dawson.

I'm wondering

if you're as big

in this town as you sound.

He's at the head of

my advisory committee,

with the rest of

these gentlemen.

And as judge, I make the laws

and enforce them in this town.

You two have have absolutely

no jurisdiction here whatsoever.

If you're smart,

you'll mount up

and ride on.

They're asking for

a showdown.

So that's the way

they want to play it.

I'd hoped we could

settle this

without a gunfight.

We'll have to work fast.

It's a cinch those prisoners

are only the smallfry,

but you're lighting them up

sure brought out the big fish.

Exactly. We can pick up

the smallfry anytime.

Finding the mate

to banister's g*n is

the most important thing to US.

Let's get over to Butler.

Now, maybe he can

do US a favor.

Butler, this is your chance

to help US.

Trouble, huh?

Yeah, they're

askin' for it.

I had hopes that

through this g*n

we could nail

whoever k*lled banister

before the trouble started,

but I guess it'll

just have to wait.

Eddie:

We'd better get word through

to bring the rangers in.

( Telegraph clicking )

No answer.

Keep at it.

We told you

to stay out of sight.

I know, boss,

but we thought

you might need US.

Everything is working

as we had planned.

You're complicating things

if you don't do as we say.

( Running )

Wait a minute, Dawson,

I just learned something

mighty important.

Out with it.

The telegraph line you were

so bent on keeping out of here?

It not only got in,

but it's getting out, too.

I just heard them

send a message.

Where is it?

Set up in the back room

of the printing shop.

Them rangers

are operating it.

We can't take any chances.

Texas, take some men

and destroy it.

Kansas, get rid of their horses,

they mustn't get away.

The rest of you,

take cover --

sh**t any of 'em on sight.

Let's go over to the office --

I'm gonna need my g*n.

( Clicking )

( Clicking )

It's gone dead.

The lines are down.

They're taking our horses!

Do you think the message

got through to captain Rogers?

We have no way of knowing.

Carrie:

Skinny banister!

What are you doing?

You know the doctor said

you must rest.

They're in trouble

in Preston, mom.

I'm trying to get

a message through

to captain Rogers.

Keep trying, then!

Where there's life,

there's hope.

I knew a girl once

who had a fella

by the name of hope,

but she hoped that

he hoped that --

( glass breaking )

( All coughing )

Dawson and the judge

are responsible for this.

If we could

get to them,

we can force 'em

to hold their men off.

Cover me --

I'll get to them.

I'll get him.

( g*nshots and screams )

We can't hold 'em off forever,

we're running out of ammunition.

Keep under cover,

fire only when you have to.

We're getting out of here.

Hold it!

I'll take that g*n,

handle first.

I'd rather k*ll you,

Dawson,

but I'm arresting you

for the m*rder

of Jim banister.

This is all

the evidence I need.

( g*nsh*t )

Look what I got.

Will they come in handy.

How'd you do?

About as good as you.

Run for it!

( Coughing )

I now make you,

skinny banister,

an honorary member

of the rangers.

Mom, I finally made it.

I knew you would.

Well, Carrie,

our job is finished.

It will be months

before we see you again.

Oh, no.

It's liable to be

next Saturday night.

Next Saturday n-n-n-n--

you mean tomorrow?

Let's get back to h-h-h---

let's hit the trail.

* the trees will hum a tune

* and nod a leafy brown

* there's joy in every knoll

* and with each happy tune

* the trees will take a bow

* they're proud

of what they wrote *

* and above every sigh

* is my blue silver sky

* let them blend with the end

of the view *

* here or there,

high or low *

* I don't care where I go

* when I ride on the side

of a song *