Man from Del Rio (1956)

[bunniefuu]

The town's still asleep.

Like we should be.

There's Bannister's place.

Who is the man

in front of the saloon?

Just a man in front of

a saloon. Who cares?

Ritchy?

Mr. Dan Ritchy?

That's right.

I... I've been waiting for you.

You live around here?

No.

But you're waiting for me.

I was in Ellsworth.

I heard you was coming to Mesa.

Why should that interest you?

My name is Robles.

David Robles.

You remember the name?

I heard the name.

Every year there are

at least five loudmouths

with a few notches

on their g*ns...

You hear their names.

Most of them die

before you get to meet 'em.

Go on back

to Ellsworth, Robles...

I don't want to k*ll you.

Go and show glory

some place else.

Mr. Dan Ritchy...

Got to force it?

You remember Del Rio

five years ago?

I remember Del Rio, not you.

Oh, I was there.

So was you.

So was Thomas, Tharp...

and Bentley.

They're dead.

Yeah, I know.

You...

waited a long time for this,


didn't you?

It took me five years

to learn to use a g*n.

All right.

Count to three.

One...

Two...

Three.

You...

Before you say anything,


mister, think it over.

That's Dan Ritchy.

Is there a doctor in town?

You outdrew Ritchy?

I don't believe it.

Would you like to go to hell

and ask himself?

Well, I...

If you don't mind there's a...

I should make a report.

Your name is...

Robles. David Robles.

This boy needs a doctor.

Quit playing


like a sheriff, Tillman.

- Go on. Vamoose.

- Well...

Name's Ed Bannister, son.

Are you a doctor?

No, but I'll be glad to

show you where the doc lives.

You know, any man who could


outdraw Dan Ritchy,

I got a lot of respect for.

I sent for him.

Come up here for a little

talk couple of weeks ago.

And you had to go k*ll him

as soon as he gets into town.

I ought to be mad at you.

But like I say,

you got my respect.

I can't be mad at a man

I respect.

He must have been

quite a friend.

Oh, g*n fighters got no friends

except other g*n fighters.

You mean you've never

heard of me? Ed Bannister?

- No.

- That's strange.

Why, boy,

when I hung up my Colt,

there was 14 cuts on the handle.

Yes, sir. First time I ever drew on a man,

I was only 16.

Right in there, boy.

Oh, Doc!

Hey, Doc! You got business.

I'm not deaf.

I heard the shots.

What am I today,

doctor or mortician?

Both.

You patch up this wound

and you bury the other one.

Thanks for the trade, Bannister.

Both friends of yours,

I take it.

You two gonna talk

while I bleed to death?

Get up.

Up.

Over here.

Sit down.

That's it.

Unbutton the shirt.

How is it, Doc?

Too bad.

It's only a scratch.

Well, Davey boy...

Why don't you come up to my

place after Doc fixes you up?

All you want to drink,

on the house.

- Yeah, I might do that.

- Fine.

Take good care of him, Doc.

Who'd you k*ll?

- Dan Ritchy.

- Oh, him.

Who are you?

Dave.

Robles.

It's fine.

I'll remember the name.

And when somebody kittles you,

I can also say, "Oh, him."

Hold still.

Good morning, Estella.

Good morning, Doc.

This one's ready for bandaging,

and the other one's

ready for burying.

It's only a flesh wound.

Put some carbolic acid on it

and a nice bandage.

Will it hurt much, Doc?

Not as much as a rope

around your neck.

- He's very funny.

- Take off your coat.

Why doesn't he stay

and take care of me?

Take off your coat, I said.

Well, I'm not used

to woman doctors.

Did you ever hear about soap?

Yeah, you're very funny, too.

This whole town's funny.

If you'd rather see tears,

why don't you ride and find the

family of the man you just k*lled?

What do you know

about the man I k*lled?

Just that he was a man

who was k*lled.

Is there more to know?

You ride to Del Rio,

see how many people are

crying because Dan Ritchy is dead.

But I do not live in Del Rio.

I live here in Mesa.

And I charge $1.

I'll have to owe you.

You don't believe I'll pay you?

Yes, I believe you.

Ed?

Let's get a box

ready for Ritchy.

I'll give you a hand.

Breezy, come back here.

Oh. Later, Doc.

Hey!

Mr. Robles. Mr. Robles.

Mr. Robles, I took care

of your horse.

I... I'm the one who

took care of your horse.

Got him all rubbed down and fed,

even before

you took care of Ritchy.

Much obliged.

Well, anything I can do

for you, Mr. Robles.

Just say the word.

Thanks.

Oh, thank you.

Anything... Any...

Oh. Anything at all.

Mr. Robles, folks around

here call me Breezy.

Breezy Morgan.

Hi, Breezy.

Well...

Good to see

you're all patched up.

Yeah.

Guess I was pretty lucky

at that?

Welcome to the friendliest spot

in Mesa.

What's your pleasure?

I'll have whiskey, I guess.

Make it two, will ya?

- On your way, Breezy.

- Oh, no, Ed...

I catch you bothering Mr. Robles here,

I'll twist your nose off.

Give him a drink.

He took care of my horse.

Well, keep an eye on him, Davey.

Sure, he'll do you a favor if

there's anything in it for him.

Oh, no, Ed.

Trouble is, he'll do anything

against you for the same reason.

Here's your drink, Breezy.

Drink it and scat.

Much obliged, Ed.

You, too, Mr. Robles.

You know...

one of these days

I'm gonna treat you to a drink.

Yeah, I will. Look.

I got a claim

staked out in the west.

You know, me and a friend.

One day it's gonna pay off.

He's been mooching drinks with

that story from everyone in town.

You believe me.

Don't you, Mr. Robles?

Oh, I believe you, Breezy.

Drink up, Davey boy,

to a pleasant stay in Mesa.

You're gonna like it here, boy.

Nice place to come to

and take it easy.

You had your drink.

Get out.

Go on, get out!

You'll be in good company

soon enough, Davey.

Some friends of mine

ought to drop in any minute.

Fred Jasper

and the Dawson brothers.

Names familiar?

Oh, I heard of 'em.

Why're they coming here?

'Cause I asked 'em to,

like I did Ritchy.

They all like it here.

Hard to see why.

It's a pretty dull town.

Davey boy, a g*n fighter is

not very welcome most places.

He's got to keep one eye on

the law and one on the vigilantes.

But here a man can relax,

drink all he wants to,

see old friends,

and not worry about the law.

Here.

Your card.

Dave...

Robles.

There.

Right. Now you're

one of the boys.

There's quite a few cards

up there.

You bet.

You should see the names

on those cards.

Some of the fastest g*ns

this side of San Luis.

Go on, put your mark on it.

Oh, wait.

Use my g*n.

Go on, try it.

It's quite a g*n.

That g*n, in its time,

commanded a lot of respect.

Yeah.

It's pretty good.

Yippee!

That's Fred Jasper.

Fred can't just ride into town,

he's gotta crash into it.

Come on in, you old weasel!

George, Bill, you boys

are looking great.

We'll feel great after a drink.

You been in Wichita forever?

Couple of days only.

It's too quiet around there.

Marshal's locked up

half the town.

Well, you won't find any

prodding lawman around here.

Hey, can you remember when

the cowherds came up this way?

It was quite a town.

I can't figure a man like

you in a dead town like Mesa.

Well, maybe I mean

to bring it to life.

Let's have a little fun first.

Then we can sit down

and have a long talk.

I got an idea you boys

might really go for.

Well, Dave, come on over here

and meet my friends.

Boys, this here is Dave Robles.

This is George Dawson,

his brother, Billy,

and this ugly old cousin

is Fred Jasper.

Hi.

Robles?

Didn't you have a run in

with Bob Tharp last month?

Just outside of Dodge.

Who cares about Tharp?

Dave here got himself

one of the best this morning.

Dan Ritchy.

You got Dan Ritchy?

I...

Mister...

I drink this one to you.

I've seen Ritchy draw before.

Fast as a cat.

Hope you can stick around

for a while, Dave.

I got no reason to stick around.

Well, you're among friends, boy.

Any man who can g*n down Ritchy.

Fred?

You bet.

You won't want for friends

around here, Robles.

When word spreads

that you got Ritchy,

you just watch at how

the folks smile on you.

But keep to your own kind, boy,

like us.

That's right.

Drink up, Dave.

Where else can you find free

drinks and a friendly bunch like this?

You keep pouring,

I'll keep drinking.

Think that looks

tight enough, Doc?

I guess so, Ken.

You feel like

doin' some digging?

I'm sorry, Doc.

Old man Logan needs his horse

showered by noon. I promised.

You know, I'm sorry.

Well, is Breezy around?

Ain't seen him.

Never do when you need him.

He promised to help me

with the diggin'.

All right, Ken,

let's load him up.

All right.

Doc, you got a minute?

Hello, Ken.

We have to talk to you, Doc.

If you got a few spare muscles,

give us a hand.

- Sure.

- Nice box, Ken.

Thanks.

Ken, you better get busy

with old man Logan's horse

if you're gonna make any money.

I'll help you with the box and

I'll sell Ritchy's pony and saddle,

and I'll split it with you, Doc.

Well, that's fair enough.

Let's lift.

Doc, about this trouble...

- Now, come on, Tom, let's get to work.

- Oh, yeah.

What's on your mind, Roy?

Bannister.

And this.

We've let it far enough, Doc.

When Bannister rode in here a

month ago and opened that place up,

I said right off,

"We're in for trouble."

You remember that?

Exactly what I said,

"We're in for trouble."

Tom, you are a living prophet.

You really are a living prophet.

But you talk too much.

Put your end in first.

See you later, boys.

You gotta be serious, Doc.

All Bannister's done for the past

month is liquor up any riff-raff g*nman

he can get to pass this way.

No man opens a saloon and

spends his time givin' away his stock.

I'll be darned if I can

figure it out either.

And until I can, I don't aim

to k*ll myself worrying about it.

You boys want to come along

to the funeral?

No, thanks.

Let's force Jack Tillman

to do his duty as sheriff.

It's gettin' hot, boys,

and I got some diggin' to do.

Let's talk about it again?

Breezy! Where have you been?

- Oh...

- Come on!

Comin', Doc. Comin'.

We'll see you later, boys.

Let's find Tillman.

- Get me the...

- you big sissy!

Come on and play, Jasper.

Get with it, you big sissy!

Mr. Jasper.

Do you mind?

One of you boys better miss it,

or we'll be drinking

out of tin cups.

- You made me miss.

- $5.

- You...

- Come on, give me my $5 first.

Good thing I won.

Man, I was broke.

Broke?

Well, how'd you aim to pay

if you was broke?

- Well?

- -What is it you want, Tillman?

Well, it's not

really me, Ed. It's...

The folks, you know.

I don't know.

Why don't you tell me?

Hey, Fred.

I'll be damned...

if he don't have one of those

pretty tin stars

just like the one we took off

that nice man in Silver City.

Remember?

Do you think we ought to

make it a pair?

Let's have a drink.

Over here.

Hey, Fred, he can't drink.

He's on duty.

Yeah, duty.

You're on duty?

You come in here

and do your duty.

Well, boys, I...

Come on, pals,

we was having fun before.

- Yeah.

- -We can have fun with Jack here.

Come here, Jack. Come...

Well, I'll come back later.

I got somethin' else to do.

Why don't you stick around

here with us?

Sure, Dave.

Fun's just gettin' started.

Yeah. I...

I want to go and see a girl.

A girl? Oh, Davey,

you've come to the wrong town.

You got to go to Dodge

or Wichita.

- No...

- He is right, Davey. You're wastin' your time.

There isn't a decent

white woman within...

Yeah.

Oh, come on, Davey.

You're not leavin' town,

are you?

Look, if I wanna go, I go.

I wanna stay, I stay.

- Didn't I tell you?

- Well, I'm your friend, boy.

Like you was Ritchy's friend.

That's a type

who should never drink.

Are you in a bad mood,

Mr. Higgens?

- That Jack Tillman...

- Oh.

Send him into that rathole

across the street,

and he stays there.

Probably tellin' those saddle

tramps how nice they are.

What we need in this town

is some force.

We can't just go on and on.

Oh, I like this.

But I don't think

red is good for her.

Do you have the same size

in other color?

Blue dots.

Oh, blue is good.

I think she's going to look

so beautiful in blue.

Do you have a ribbon to match?

I'll get the ribbon.

Here's the ribbon.

You see if they match.

So nice.

She'll be the best-dressed

little girl in Kansas City.

Would you wrap this in a

nice box and send it for me?

Of course.

Like to send a letter along?

Oh, yes, a letter.

But you have to wait

until tomorrow.

And I will have the letter

ready for you. All right?

I'll have it packed real nice.

That's good.

Well, goodbye, Mr. Higgens.

Oh. I...

I came to settle up.

Thank you.

Oh, I...

I thought I'd like to have

another treatment, ma'am.

Does your side still

bother you, Mr. Robles?

Well, I'd like to

have you look at it.

Why don't you sit down

and wait for the doctor?

He should be back soon.

Is...

Is the doc your man?

- I work for him.

- Oh.

Right now I'm going

to make his dinner.

Excuse me.

Oh, are these

your living quarters?

The patients

are treated out here.

Well...

here I am.

All right.

Take off your shirt.

Yes, ma'am.

- Sit down.

- Oh.

Let me see.

You're quite a man.

- Thank you, ma'am.

- Oh, yes.

Any man who can k*ll

in the morning

and still think of love,

that is quite a man.

That's very nice of you.

But I would have to do

one or the other,

k*ll or love.

Love.

And I do not feel

in the mood for love!

You walk out of the room.

And then we both laugh.

All right.

All right, boys,

the sheriff wants to go to his office.

- All right, sheriff.

- All right, sheriff.

Come here, Sheriff!

- You're my meat, boy! Come on!

- This way!

Come on, Bannister,

join in the fun!

No, I don't want to.

Bannister, can't you

stop those rowdies?

What can I do?

You stop 'em.

No, please...

Sheriff, you look good up there.

Is that what your friends

call sport?

I've seen it before.

All right, Billy,

it's your first shot.

Just a nick, no head.

Oh, that's too easy.

Too easy? Maybe it is.

Please let me down!

Let me down, Fred!

Now you've got

a swinging target.

You missed the head!

Stop it!

Just stop it!

Cowards! What happened

with you people in this town?

Let go! Let go!

Guys, look what I found.

Hey! Chiquita?

Let me go!

Hey, George, what do you say

we take her with us?

- She's a wild cat!

- Yeah!

Hold her, Billy!

Let me go!

Let me go!

Hey, Billy. Hey, Billy,

come on. Come on, Billy.

- Get her out of here.

- Come on.

Let's go and get

some more whiskey.

I'll give you a chance

to win your $5 back.

I don't want them.

I'd rather have that girl.

Come on, Billy, put her down.

- Let go and drink some more.

- Get out of here!

Come on, Billy, put her down.

Poncho said put her down!

Billy, I said put her down.

I put her down, senor,

so my g*n arm is free.

You...

You wanna draw, George?

Be careful!

Pull him down.

Jack! Oh, Jack,

what have they done to you?

What have they done to you?

Oh, what kind of man are you?

How can you do this

to a human being?

Jack!

Please help me to take

him to the doc office.

Do you have any more games

we can play, Bannister?

She didn't even

thank you, did she?

Come on inside,

have another drink.

Can't have everything, boy.

I've got a lot

to offer you, boy.

What, some more fellas to sh**t?

Look, you've had a big day.

Dan Ritchy.

Fred Jasper.

Billy Dawson.

Yes, sir, a big day.

Two more, I'd have a poker hand.

Robles, you k*lled

three men today.

Three I was planning to use here in Mesa,

but I don't care.

You k*lled them,

that makes you better.

What I do care about is

getting you to throw in with me.

Davey...

I was a gunfighter long

enough to learn one thing.

Either you die young,

or you grow old

and end up broke.

But not me.

I plan to wind up alive

and rich. Are you listening?

Oh, yeah. Yeah.

You've seen the town, Davey.

It was a big one, once.

All the cowherds

came here from Texas.

And they started going west,

to Ellsworth, and east, to Wichita.

Mesa wound up in the middle,

with no trade.

You think this town's finished?

Just a few ranches around,

just a few stores in town.

Well, it's not finished.

Not after I take it over.

Do you hear me, boy?

Yeah. Yeah, I hear you.

You talk loud.

In Ellsworth and Wichita,

they got the law.

They made those Texas

cowhands walk a straight line.

But there's no law here.

A man could take

all those closed-up buildings,

put a saloon,

or a dance hall in every one of them.

I'd get that Texas trade

from Ellsworth and Wichita.

They'd all come

to a wide open town,

their pockets

full of trail money.

But I'm old. I need a

fast g*n to back me up.

Like Richie's, or Dawson's.

- Or yours, Davey boy.

Why, we could...

Come on, Davey.

Wake up, boy.

Wake up, Davey boy.

Come on, wake up.

Fixed you some good eggs.

I don't like the way

my stomach feels.

You had a nice nap.

Now for some nice food.

You know, Ed,

you should have been a mother.

Well, you got to

eat something, boy.

I... I think I'm gonna

need me some fresh air.

What about my offer?

What?

About throwing in with me.

Oh.

You know, I like your whiskey...

I'm not so sure I like you.

Go ahead.

Go find some more

big names to k*ll!

And if you don't get gunned down,

you're gonna grow old,

and see how glory tastes

when you're hungry.

I could make you

a fortune, you fool.

I could set you up for life!

Well, thanks for

letting me bunk here.

Wait till you grow old.

Wait till you're slowed down

just a fraction of a second.

Then you'll wish

you'd used your head

to make your speed

pay off when you had it.

Evening, Breezy.

Is the town always

this dead at night?

Oh! Oh, Mr. Robles.

Oh, no, no.

Not like this.

Most everybody's

down at the town hall.

Higgens called a meeting.

Say...

Doc's housekeeper,

what's her name?

Estella.

Estella?

She gone to

the town meeting, too?

No. No, no,

no. She's probably down at the doc's.

Mr. Robles, is there anything I

can do for you? Anything at all?

I got your horse all saddled up

and ready for you over at the stable,

just in case you want to...

Thanks, Breezy.

- Easy, Jack.

- I'll be all right.

- Goodbye, Doctor.

- Goodbye.

We're leaving Mesa as soon

as we can pack our things.

I weigh this as a blessing,

trying to get

Jack out of here alive.

Bye, Estella.

Goodbye, Mrs. Tillman.

Thank you so much for your help.

Goodbye.

Doc, can I fix your supper?

I've lost my appetite.

I'd better get over

to the town meeting

and listen to Roy Higgens

spout off about law and order.

- You wanna listen?

- No, Doc.

I'm going to clean the office.

You go get the scissors,

I'll wait for you.

Ain't you invited

to their meetings?

Their meetings are my meetings.

If I want to go, I go.

I don't want to go.

Okay.

I'm surprised

you're still in town.

Oh, I'm just staying around

to keep you from

getting lonesome.

I thank you for what

you did this afternoon.

I thank you for helping

me and helping Mr. Tillman.

But do not expect

more than that.

Estella.

I came to say goodbye.

Goodbye.

Let me give you a hand.

How long have you been here?

Four years.

- Why?

- Why not?

I don't know. Why should a

deer wanna join a herd of buffalo?

I like it here.

I belong here.

I have chosen Mesa.

Fine choice.

And where do you belong?

Oh, I belonged once in Del Rio.

Until four men with four g*ns

taught me you can't be safe anywhere.

As long as you're weak.

And now you're strong?

And with this,

I'm the strongest.

I paid them back.

With this, I can

belong anywhere.

With this, I could

make a life for you.

For me?

A woman like you doesn't

belong in a dead place like this.

I could take you

to Dodge, Wichita...

Even Kansas City.

And that g*n would

make us both belong?

No, thank you.

I have been to those places.

I have had excitement

you're speaking of.

You're just scared

of a little fun, that's all.

Yes. Yes!

I am plenty scared

of your kind, Mr. Robles.

Four years ago,

I was married to a man like you.

A man with a g*n.

We have a child in Wichita.

And then one day,

my husband was k*lled by a g*n.

Justice?

For him, maybe.

But what about us?

We were left without

a g*n to protect us.

So you ride on,

Mr. Robles.

But you ride on alone.

And if you have any decency,

you stay alone.

You have a kid?

Yes.

In Kansas City.

With her father's brother

and his wife.

They are very nice people.

She will be here one day.

I earn money.

Soon, I can buy a place.

But more important,

I earn a place here.

I earn respect.

Well...

Adios, Linda.

Mr. Robles. Mr. Robles.

Oh, Breezy.

Here. Here, for the horse.

Oh, much obliged.

But I've come to get you

for them at the town hall.

What?

Yeah, they asked me if you

were still in town, I said yes.

They asked me to ask

you to come to meet them.

- Are you sure they want me?

- That's what they said.

You... You gonna go

and see what they want?

Well, why not?

Sure, why not?

Look, if you're tired and

you wanna stay overnight,

I can get you

a room at the hotel.

And unless you keep your wits

and figure everything out

with some logic,

then you might as well

blow up the whole town!

I agree with that, Doc.

It's a bad decision,

I don't like it,

- ballot or no ballot!

- May I say something?

Let Mrs. Higgens talk.

Maybe I shouldn't say anything,

but I don't think we should have

a man like this in our community.

Mrs. Higgens is right!

Don't argue. Don't argue.

Let's decide it via vote.

Quiet! Quiet, please!

I'm very sorry my wife

doesn't agree with me,

but we've taken a vote.

No matter what Doc thinks,

we've got to...

Come on, Sue.

I, I understand

you want to talk to me.

Indeed we do, Mr. Robles.

Won't you come up here, please?

Mr. Robles,

we'd like to persuade you

to stay on here in Mesa.

As a town official.

- Town official?

- That's right.

It takes fire to fight fire.

And, since you've proved you can

handle Bannister and his friends,

you are the man we want.

Am I right?

Isn't he?

We'd like to offer you

the job of sheriff.

We'll pay $100 a month.

And the use of the living

quarters back at the jail.

Now, how does that sound?

Well, it sounds fine.

Except that jail part.

Then, you'll accept?

Why not?

It's a...

It's quite an honor.

I mean, a fella like me doesn't

usually expect an honor like this.

It's...

Congratulations, Sheriff.

- Yeah.

- Congratulations, Sheriff.

Here's your badge.

Oh.

Wh... Where does it go?

Over the heart, Mr. Robles.

On the left.

Here? How's it look?

Mighty fine, Sheriff.

Now, let's see,

you'll need an outfit to go with that.

Yeah, something fancy?

Yes. Pants, vest

and, coat.

How's this?

Yeah, that's fine.

Now, how can I write

if you pace around like that?

What are you putting down?

Just what you said.

But either I write slow,

or no one can read it.

Oh, if I can only

write in English.

You'd save me a lot of time.

"I hope the dress fits you,

and I know how

lovely you will look."

What's next, my dear?

Is that good?

I mean, "lovely"?

Maybe it should

be "beautiful."

No, I think lovely's all right.

And, "All my love

for you, my darling."

- And...

- No, wait. Wait.

Please.

And?

And "God bless you."

"God bless you."

- There.

- Thank you, Doctor.

Thank you very much.

Good morning, Breezy.

Oh. Morning.

Good morning.

Doc.

Doc...

It's my heart.

I felt a little shaky when

I woke up this morning.

You know...

they say whiskey can

help a man's heart.

So you want to drink?

Well...

Well, what do you think?

I think it would help my heart.

Yes, sir, I truly do.

- This kind?

- Yeah, that's the kind.

Breezy, stay out of my desk.

And out of my liquor closet.

Two days ago,

this bottle was half-full.

Now it's only a quarter.

I found it and hid it

in my office.

You sneaked into my house yesterday,

didn't you?

Oh, no, Doctor. No. No,

I wouldn't do a thing like that.

- While I was here, you wouldn't.

- No.

But I'm here now.

That's why you had to ask me.

Well, you asked.

Now get out.

Oh, now, Doc...

- You got me...

- Out, Breezy, and stay out.

Oh, Doc...

You know, they...

They pinch a little.

They'll loosen up.

No, this gets in the way.

How does it look?

It's the latest style.

Those sleeves

could be a little longer.

Yeah. How about some hats?

Yeah. Right over

there. Help yourself.

I'll alter this vest.

- Mr. Higgens.

- Hey.

How do I look?

Like a gambler. All you

need is a pack of cards.

Yeah?

How do you like this one?

Much better.

Are you always this happy

in the morning?

Why not? I have a new job,

I make a lot of money.

You have a new job?

Hey, why didn't you stay

at the meeting last night?

I kind of expected

your congratulations.

Congratulations.

Mr. Higgens, here's the letter.

Now you can send the dress.

I'll put this with it and

get it off right away.

Thank you very much.

Good day, Mr. Sheriff.

Here, I'll take this one.

- You want to pay for it?

- Put it on the books?

Hey, Estella!

Hey. Is that a nice way

to treat the new sheriff?

How about you

walk me to my office?

I think you'll be

able to find it alone.

You are a man who can do anything,

as long as you have a g*n.

Hey, are you mad because I took the job,

No, I don't feel

angry, Mr. Robles.

I just feel sorry for you.

Maybe I want some respect, too.

You know,

it took you four years.

It only took me one day.

- Do you really think you have respect?

- Well...

Only because you get

$100 a month?

Your g*n has respect, not you.

But for how long?

Oh, I don't know,

as long as Ed Bannister's around.

That is right.

Until you clean this town up.

Did you ever

clean a house of rats?

What's that?

You throw a snake inside

and you shut the door.

But when the rats are gone,

you don't keep the snake

around for company.

Hey!

Hey, Estella!

Morning, Sheriff.

Hi, Ed.

Oh, come on, Ed,

you're gonna scratch the furniture.

I can't figure you out, Robles.

Either you're a fool, like I said,

or a very clever man.

You take one,

I'll take the other?

I was kind of surprised to

hear that you'd taken this job.

Then I began to wonder,

it would be a good deal

for both of us.

Yeah, you've been doing

a lot of thinking?

You know what, Ed?

I think you're crazy.

Why did you take it?

Oh, I don't know,

I'm a sort of devoted man.

You know, law and order.

What do you plan to do?

I don't know.

I had a shave,

bought me some new clothes.

Well, I guess I'll

get me some breakfast.

You know a good place?

I mean, about me.

You know they're all waiting

for you to run me out of town.

Yeah.

Are you gonna try?

No, Ed. I wouldn't try it.

If I wanted to, I would.

You couldn't have shined

my boots ten years ago.

Yeah, I know.

You were a tiger.

Ed, you tell your friends they can

come to town, drink all they want?

But tell them to

stay off the streets.

I'll tell them.

But I'll let them

give you their answers.

Howdy.

Afternoon.

What's all the trimmings for?

Big dance tonight,

about the only one we have all year.

Should be real nice.

Mr. Robles.

You must have left early.

We went by to see you.

I, guess you're taking a little time,

getting used to your job.

Well, I rode out to

the neighboring ranches,

thought I'd better let

them know who I am.

Well, of course.

That's fine, but...

What about Bannister?

Well, what about him?

Well, he is still over there.

Now, you hired me

to be Sheriff, right?

That's right.

Well, I'm gonna do

the best job I can.

Now,

I don't think it's smart to get

rid of Ed Bannister right away.

You see, I...

I have an idea...

But that's silly.

I mean, when Bannister leaves,

so does trouble.

All right.

I say it's dangerous to have him around.

Well, now, the only thing you have to

worry about is Ed Bannister's friends.

Now, as long as I'm around,

they won't bother you.

See?

Well, I'll see you at

the dance tonight, gentlemen.

Leave your hats and wraps

on the table. They'll be safe.

Thank you.

Good evening, Sheriff.

Sheriff...

Town rule, no g*ns allowed at the dance.

Oh.

Well, I wouldn't want to

break the town rule.

Thanks.

Sheriff, the hat.

If you just follow

my instructions,

I'm sure your daughter

will be all right, Mrs. Jones.

- Hi, Doc.

- Good evening, Robles.

- She's a fine girl.

- Nice crowd?

I've never figured a

crowd to be nice. Just big.

Yeah.

Hello.

Hello.

Whoever made this punch

should be shot.

Is it bad?

Well, it ain't good.

- Excuse me.

- Certainly.

Oh, look,

I ain't danced in a long time.

Would you like to take a chance?

I'm sorry, I have

promised this dance.

Next one?

It's taken, too.

Well, the same fella?

No, I have many friends.

Maybe later.

Now.

I say later.

Mr. Brown,

this is Mr. Robles.

- Oh, how do you do?

- Hi.

I understand you were by our ranch

this afternoon. I'm sorry I missed you.

You should have stayed home.

Mr. Brown,

this is your dance.

Oh, evening, Mr. Higgens.

Evening, Sheriff.

Oh, this little woman?

Yes, it is.

You mind if we dance?

I'm sorry, but I promised

my wife some punch.

- Excuse me.

- Certainly.

Well, I see Mr. Robles

realized he wasn't welcome.

He'd have to be blind

not to have seen it.

Just because

we hired him as Sheriff,

doesn't mean we have to

accept him socially, Doctor.

Oh, I see.

He's good enough

to do your k*lling for you,

but it has to be on the

other side of the street.

You leaving so soon, Sheriff?

Yeah, I think I'll go

and get me some fresh air.

Evening, Breezy.

Oh! Good evening, Sheriff.

- Nice crowd in there?

- Yeah. Nice crowd.

You got a drink, Breezy?

Me? No.

Yeah, label looks familiar.

Oh, you know... Well, the truth is,

that's really mine to share.

I left it with Tillman, you know,

to take care of it for me.

I wouldn't take anything

if it wasn't mine.

It's all right, Breezy,

share and share alike.

You're a very understanding man.

Sure.

Was you in the army, Breezy?

Cavalry.

You know, I once had

50 men under my command.

I bet you don't even believe

in my plan, do you?

Oh, I believe you, Breezy.

Why aren't you inside,

dancing, Sheriff?

I don't like

the refreshments, Breezy.

Yeah.

Breezy.

Thank you, Sheriff.

Hey...

Well, you know,

as my daddy always used to say...

"When a bottle's dead,

go to bed."

Yeah.

Will you play

something lively, please?

Davey.

Why do you insist

on staying in Mesa?

They begged me

to stay, remember?

Don't you have any pride?

Can't you see

they don't want you?

Oh, we're even.

I don't want them.

They can keep their watered-down

lemonades and their fat wives.

Davey, I understand

your feelings...

No, you don't.

No, you don't.

You eat dirt, you bounce great.

You see, I don't care whether

they want me or not.

I'm staying. I'm staying

'til I'm ready to go.

All right! Stay here!

Wait for more of

Bannister's friends.

k*ll them, one at a time.

Then we can thank you

in our evening prayers.

We can thank David Robles,

our k*ller who kills for us.

You... You really want me

to go, don't you?

- Yes.

- Why?

You think I'm not

good enough for this town?

Yes, I like Mesa the way it was.

Before you and your g*n

changed it.

Because you felt pure.

And I come along,

you don't feel so pure anymore.

You know what?

You're just afraid

of being a woman.

I want you?

Don't you?

Do you think I want a man

who is proud to be a k*ller?

I was married to a man like you.

Wh...

What do you know about me?

Wh...

Why do you think

I'm staying here?

Why do you think I took the job?

For a tin badge?

For a lousy $100?

Estella...

Estella, I'm staying here

because of you.

And what will I be?

Another notch on your g*n?

Something you can brag about

in the saloon when you get drunk?

You're blind.

Go on.

Go on back in there and

try to forget how you feel.

Only remember one thing, I know.

Bannister!

Mr. Bannister!

Well...

I wanna buy a bottle.

- What are you looking at?

- You.

You're drunk.

So?

I'm a little old,

and you're a little drunk.

So I am drunk.

I'm just wondering,

maybe that whiskey slowed you down a bit.

Why don't you just drag

the g*n out and find out, Ed?

You know, I could be

half-dead and still take you.

Why don't you take your g*n off?

I'd like to k*ll you

with my bare hands.

Are you man enough

to fight that way?

I always said

you was a little crazy.

Just...

Come on around here.

All right, get it over with.

Oh, you're right, Ed.

Maybe it's more fun

with your fists.

Only, I mean it.

- Good night, Doc.

- Thanks, Ken, you did a good job.

- Good night, Doc.

- Night, folks.

Just take it easy, Robles.

What are you doing?

I said take it easy.

I just set your wrist.

You're lucky you're out.

You set my wrist?

That's right.

It was broken.

Doc. Doc, I can't

move my fingers.

Doc, what does it mean?

What do you mean?

My wrist...

Will I be able to...

Can you draw a g*n

and sh**t a man?

You know the answer.

But, Doc, I... I got...

You're no longer

a g*n fighter, Robles.

You're just a cr*pple cowboy, and the sooner

you realize it, the better off you'll be.

Don't wrap around the hand.

Suppose you keep

out of my business.

I want that bandage

to stay tight.

I don't want it to show.

Just wrap around the wrist.

You're hoping with your

shirt sleeve button

nobody can tell your wrist

is bandaged, right?

Not unless you tell them.

Doc, you won't tell them,

will you?

I've got no reason to do that.

Since you'll be leaving town

tomorrow morning.

Maybe this was for the best.

The very best, Robles.

For you and Mesa.

- Morning, Sheriff.

- Morning, Breezy.

I... was thinking, Sheriff,

I'd like to do you a favor.

- Yeah?

- I...

I heard Bannister talking.

Oh, he's plenty sore about that

beating you gave him last night.

But he's expecting more

friends of his in town tomorrow.

More than you can handle.

This information free, Breezy?

Well, I... I thought

you'd appreciate it.

You know, any consideration

you wanna make.

Say, a dollar?

What about

that bottle last night?

Oh, yeah.

Well, let's just call it

a favor, then.

Well, order some more

of your brand, Doc.

At least it'll last

me for a while, Roy.

Yes, sir.

Fourteen men.

Why, in my day,

no matter where I rolled, there was a...

- Friend of yours?

- A new one.

Just rode in this morning.

It's a nice,

friendly little town.

Yes, very friendly.

Where you headed for, kid?

Anywhere.

Took up a room at a hotel

for a day or two of rest.

You are...

Must be Dave Robles.

That's right.

Get out, kid.

I said get out.

Well, thanks for the drink.

It's 9:30, Ed.

I can tell time.

That's good.

'Cause I want him to

leave town by noon.

You know, Ed,

someday you're gonna make

the mistake and draw on me.

That's a single-action g*n, Ed.

I hear it click,

you're a dead man.

- Doc.

- Dave.

What are you doing in there?

I'm gonna carry you out in

a box if you don't leave town.

You know that boy?

I know what's on his mind.

- What's your name, kid?

- Danny Sheridan.

You a southpaw?

How many men have you k*lled?

Two.

Well, then you're ready

for the big time.

You know, you k*ll

a big name, then

you're a big name yourself.

That's what you want,

isn't it, kid?

Yeah.

Draw.

- You're kidding.

- Oh, come on.

I'm giving you a chance

to take my name.

There.

- Listen, now...

- Come on, draw.

Look, I don't want you

hanging around, wondering...

Stop!

You shouldn't have tried that.

It had to be done.

I might have to reset the

wrist. Let's go to my office.

Let me see that.

That hurt?

Not as much now.

Well, I don't think

we'll have to reset it.

But you'd better wake up, man.

You can't stay around

like this with a broken wrist.

After Bannister leaves...

then I can leave.

Who said Bannister was leaving?

I told him to.

Dave, why don't you

stop fooling yourself?

When word gets out about this,

you're gonna be the target for

every g*n-happy kid in the country.

- Yep.

- Dave, you...

Well, it's your own life.

Don't worry,

Doc. I'm going to live it as long as I can.

Breezy.

Oh. Hi, Doc.

You always come

in the door backwards?

Oh! No, I...

I changed my mind.

I don't know, I don't feel sick.

You're pretty good,

as a matter of fact.

So long, Doc.

You think he was here

all the time?

I'm afraid so.

Some whiskey was missing,

and knowing Breezy, I...

Yeah.

I thought I'd better

come over and tell you

so you could do

something about it.

Oh, Doc, I didn't know

you was here.

- Oh, hello, Sheriff.

- Hiya, Breezy.

I...

I... Oh, excuse me, I...

I brought you word

from Ed Bannister.

What kind of word, Breezy?

Well, Ed says that he ain't gonna

leave town like you told him to.

Instead, he says

you better leave town.

That if you can't argue

the point with him,

he says he'll meet you

in the street in ten minutes.

I thought you'd wanna know

what he said, Sheriff.

Breezy, last night

we drank together.

You know, I thought

we was friends.

Well... I don't take sides,

you understand.

It's just, I gotta

make a living.

And Ed, he can take care of me.

Well, at least

he gave you a break.

You've got plenty of time

to leave town.

I'll see that Ken

has your horse saddled.

Never mind.

You are leaving?

- Get out, Doc.

- But, Dave, I...

Leave me alone, Doc.

Hey, Breezy.

Look at that old barrel shine.

- There's a real g*n.

- That it is, Ed.

Sure you told everybody

to be there?

Yeah, I... I told Higgens,

Smithy, everyone I saw.

Some of them just left.

Yeah? Well, they won't be

laughing after 10:00.

What do you mean?

Oh, you wouldn't sh**t Robles

down in cold blood, would you?

He won't be

fool enough to show up.

I wanna show this town

who's top man.

That's me from now on.

Yeah, well,

whatever you say, Ed.

What do you want?

Another slap in the face?

With your broken wrist?

Dave, Doc told me.

This one isn't broken.

David, last night you told

me you love me in your way.

Now I tell you my way.

Why did you walk away, then?

I don't want to share you

with a g*n.

David, I want you.

A man who can't defend himself?

You can leave with the pride in yourself,

not a g*n.

Please, David, come with me.

They paid me to do a job.

I didn't do it.

They hired a g*n,

and the g*n is dead.

$100 is not worth dying with.

You can't make a life by...

By running away.

Yes. Let me show you, David.

Please give me a chance.

I already told Ken to saddle your horse,

and one for me.

We can go to a place.

Any place.

And we can make a good place for you,

for me and for my daughter.

Please, David, come with me.

Hurry up, David, please.

Come, David.

- Do they know I'm running?

- It is not important they know.

Good morning, Sheriff.

I guess you're gonna

take a little ride.

Don't listen, David.

Come on, David.

Please!

Go on, clear out!

One of us has to leave.

I plan on staying.

Go, get the horses.

I'll wait here.

You wait here.

Right here.

Where are you

sending her, Robles?

To get more help?

Don't pay attention, David.

Don't pay attention

to him, David. Please.

You're through

ordering men around.

From now on, you can give

your orders to women.

David!

No!

- No!

- Estella!

- Let me go!

- Estella!

Did you lie to me,

you scoundrel?

I told you

you'd make a mistake, Ed.

- Come on, draw.

- You paid him.

You paid him

to get me into this.

You'd never walk down here if...

Come on, Ed, draw.

It's not fair.

You know you can beat me.

It's not fair.

It was fair as long as

you thought I was crippled,

Come on, Ed.

Draw.

No.

No, you don't wanna

k*ll me, Davey.

Please.

You better go, Ed.

You bet on

the wrong man, Breezy.