01x23 - The Money Cage

[bunniefuu]

Next stop,
Medicine Bow,
twenty minutes.

Medicine Bow,
twenty minutes.

Next stop Medicine Bow,
twenty minutes.

Medicine Bow,
twenty minutes.

I beg your pardon, ma'am,
but, uh,

I've been admiring you
ever since I got on at Omaha.

My name's Charlie Dorsey.

Women's fine sale clothes
and undergarments.

Ma'am...

I've got the finest
undergarments

in the medium-priced field,

and they're guaranteed to
withstand innumerable washings.

I'm sorry, but I don't
want to buy anything.

Ma'am, did I say
anything about buying?

I only take money
from stores.

Lovely acquaintances
like you get, uh...
free samples.

Well, ma'am,

did you know that you have
a very, very nice
little waist there?

No more than
two hands around,
I'd say.

I-I don't want to seem rude,
but--

Ma'am. Ma'am,
I've got just the thing
for you right here.

I have the latest style
in corsets,

and they're all guaranteed.

And here's one
just for you, ma'am,
right here.

Now, how about that one?
Hmm?

And remember,
all you have to do
is remember the name

when anyone wants to know
what kind of undergarments
you have.

If you don't leave at once,
I shall call the conductor.

It wouldn't look
half as good on him.

Hey--

that's pretty good,
isn't it?

I'll have to
remember that one.

Ma'am, if you'll
notice the work--

You're annoying
the lady.

I suggest you go back
to your seat, and stay there.

Oh...

you do, do you?

Unless you want me
to throw you off the train.

Well...

it's getting to be
so a guy

can't even be friendly
anymore.

I don't think
he'll annoy you
any more, miss.

I do thank you.

I can't imagine
what possessed him
to suddenly--

I think it was his bottle
that gave him the nerve.

Welcome home!
Hello, Father!

I missed you.
Did you have a good time?

Wonderful. Everybody
sends you their love.

As long as your aunt
stays in Minnesota,
I'll accept it.

Mr. Martin,
this is my father.

How do you do, sir?

How do you do?

Mr. Martin was most helpful
on the train.

Oh?

It was my pleasure,
I assure you.

Well, pleased
to have met you.

Could we give you
a lift to the hotel?

That's very kind of you,
but I don't want to impose--

Not at all.
Come along,
Mr. Martin.

Thank you very much.

What happened?
Did you lose your ticket?

I'll tell you about it
when we get home.

Whatever it is
I'm indebted to you for,
accept my thanks.

Oh, take those home
in the buckboard.

We won't have enough
room in this rig.

You all right,
Mr. Martin?

Fine.

Will you be
in Medicine Bow long,
Mr. Martin?

It all depends.
A week, maybe longer.

Are you here
on business?

Yes, I'm interested
in land.

You couldn't find
a better investment
than right around here.

I've seen Medicine Bow
grow from two stores
and a livery stable,

and it's still growing.

Looks quite prosperous.

Well, here we are.

Help Mr. Martin
with his luggage.

If they don't
fix you up right,

tell 'em I said
to take care of you.

Well, thank you, sir,
but being a bachelor,

one room look pretty much
like another to me.

Perhaps you'd like to come
to dinner some night.

Well, that's very kind of you.

Saturday night?

Fine.

See you then.

Thanks again
for the ride.

Aren't you being
rather forward?

You just met
the young man.

I was merely being courteous
to a stranger in our town
to whom I'm indebted.

Oh? Is that the reason
you're blushing?

Now, Father--
All right, all right,

I was only joking.

Besides, he seems
like a gentleman.

Come in.

Your linen, sir.

Thank you.

I thought you would
never get here.

You're a pretty fresh
young lady.

Suppose someone
came in that door.

Well, they'd just
have to knock it down,
because I locked it.

Did you have any trouble
getting the job?

What do you think?

I think you're
the prettiest chambermaid
this town ever saw.

You're annoying the lady.

I suggest you go back
to your seat...

and stay there.

There must be something
awful interesting

down there in those rocks
and bunchgrass.

Yeah. Jenny says he's got
all kinds of scientific books
in his room.

And a microscope.

Jenny?
Yeah.

Who's Jenny?
Well, she--

uh...she's the new maid
at the hotel.

Prettiest one
they ever had.

When I was talking
to her last night,
she mentioned this fella.

I figured it was the same one
I saw yesterday on the way in.

I thought you went into town
to pick up a new saddle.

Well, yeah, but I figured
while I was in town

I might as well
drift over to the hotel
and...

And have a little chat
about the new guest.

Well, that's not all
we talked about.

Ain't you got
any curiosity?

About Jenny?

No, about him.

Watch carefully, gentlemen.

The closer you look,
the less you see.

Hey--

Whatever he was looking for,
he found it.

Yeah.

Good afternoon, Miss Turner.

Nice to see you again.

Good afternoon, Mr. Martin.

It begins to appear
I may stay here

a little longer
than I had first planned,

so I thought I'd open up
a small account,

just to take care
of incidentals.

Say, two thousand dollars.

Well, we are honored
to welcome you as a depositor...

and I'm delighted
you plan to stay longer.

Yes, I'm delighted,
too.

Oh, good afternoon,
Mr. Martin.

Good afternoon, sir.

Mr. Martin is going to
open an account with us.

Just a small one.

Well, that's
a relative term,
Mr. Martin.

Here you are.

We'll see you
tomorrow night, then.

What?

Oh, yes. Yes, of course.
I'm looking forward to it.

Oh, by the way,
I invited Judge Garth
to join us.

Since he's
our largest land owner,

I thought you two might
have something in common.

Now, Father, you're not
going to talk about

banking and ranching
all night, are you?

I'd enjoy it.

I'm very interested
in the world of finance.

I'm afraid I don't understand
the complexities of
your business,

but I'm a great admirer
of your product.

See you at six, then.

Good afternoon.

Oh, uh, you can put
the glasses back on now.

The bank can't afford
too many mistakes.

Right on schedule,
so far.

Tomorrow night
when I have dinner
with the town's richest men,

I'll be ready
to bait the hook.

The question is,
will they be on it
when you pull it in?

I made a quick study of oil,

but I made
a lifelong study of people.

Never underestimate
the power of greed.

It's a very strong emotion,

it's common to rich
and poor alike.

The only difference is,
the rich can indulge in it
more fully--

with my help.

Yeah, but this thing's
a lot bigger than anything
we've ever tried before.

Your trouble, Charlie,
is that you think small.

The field's too crowded
down there where you are.

Everybody's trying
to scratch around
for his next meal.

This way, you score once
and that's it for a long time.

Then you live big.

San Francisco, New York.

You really live.

Come in.

Well, just put them down,
my good woman.

The service around here
leaves something to be desired.

Well, I think
we can fix that.

That's more like it.

How is
my favorite geologist?

I think it's about time
we got this in circulation.

American Journal
of Geology.

Look at page 12.

"Oil genius."

I still don't see
how you did it.

Let me see it.
It's simple.

Just had a new page printed
with my picture on it.

Broke down the magazine
and had it rebound.

It was a great improvement.

You should have seen the picture
of the real Dr. Martin.

Nobody would trust a man
with a face like that.

I've got to admit,
it looks real.

I want that
big rancher Garth
to see it.

Well, that should
be easy enough.

He's got a cowhand
working for him

thinks I'm cute as
a little ol' heifer.

Well, that's good.

I've got an in
at the bank.

I know.

Are you jealous?

She's really
quite an eye-full,

if you like
ladylike spinsters.

Ah, but don't worry about her.

She's just my entree
into high financial society.

Does she know that?

She has been suffocating
in this wilderness all her life,

gasping for
a breath of culture
and sophistication.

Is it so terrible
if I bring a little sunshine
into her drab life?

That depends on what happens
after the sun goes down.

Hi, Jenny.
Hey!
How are you?

How's everything going?
Oh! Fine.

Two-oh-eight
checked out,

and two-sixteen
spilled whiskey
all over the rug,

and the couple
in two-twenty
had a fight.

Very interesting.

Now I got some news for you.

Don't tell me,
let me guess.

One of your cows
had twins.

No.

You remember that fella
you told me about,

the one with
the microscope?
Mm-hmm.

Well, I saw him again today.

He was collectin' rocks.
Had a whole satchet-full.

You don't say.

I figured out
what he was doin'.

Prospectin' for gold.

You wanna bet?

What do you mean?

What else would a fella
be doin' picking rocks?

You just wait right here
and I'll show you.

Hmm?

I found it in his room.

"Oil genius."
Mm-hmm.

Holy jumpin'--

So that's what
he was doing here.

Mm-hmm.

Wait'll I show this
to the judge.

You can't take that with you.
I sneaked it out of his room.

I'll get it back to you.

Well, you better.
It'll get me in trouble.

Oh...
now, don't you worry.

I just want
the judge to see it.

Mmm.
Hey, these are good.

Well, help yourself.

No thanks, I'm full.

See you Saturday night?

Why not?

That's a good question.

I better leave before
you think of an answer.

Miss Turner,
if you ever tire of banking,

I can guarantee you a job
at any restaurant in the world,

bar none.
It's really very simple.

It's very simple.
Just start preparing
three days in advance--

Father.

Every minute of the time
was well spent, believe me.

If you gentlemen
would like your coffee
in the parlor?

Fine.

Thank you.

Can I help you?

Yes, thank you,
Betsy.

Oh, isn't he
an exciting man?

Who?

Mr. Martin.

He's so refined
and polished and...

well, worldly.

Yes, he is.

He's awfully taken by you,
Olivia, I can tell.

You can tell
nothing of the sort.

Mr. Martin
is very gallant,

and he has good breeding
and drawing room manners.

But I'm sure
he pays every woman
the same respect

and charming
little compliments.

I think he's using
a little extra charm on you.

Betsy,
like all young girls,

you are an incurable
romanticist.

I'm not that young.

Well, I didn't mean
you were infantile.

I just meant
you were young...
comparatively.

Well, compared to what?

Well, compared
to me, for example.

You're not that old either.

Thank you, Betsy.

Mr. Martin informed me
the other day

he's going to be
staying on a while.

Well, it takes time to decide

whether or not
to drill for oil.

How did you know that,
Judge?

I owe you an apology,
Mr. Martin.

I've known all evening
who you are.

Well,
I'm sorry to hear it.

Why?
I've seen it happen
so often in other places.

You go there
on the thousand-to-one chance

that it may prove
geologically interesting,

and when people find out
what you're there for,
the fever starts.

Outsiders swarm in,
friend turns against friend--

it's like the gold rush
all over again.

Well, if it'll
ease your mind,

the news is not
all over town yet.

And I'll see to it that
it doesn't go any further.

You know, that's the kind of man
I'm going to wait for--

the right one, the kind
you always dream about.

One word of advice:
Don't set your sights
too high.

Don't be
completely unrealistic.

The years go by so fast,

and one day you suddenly realize

that you're too old
or too set or...

something...

to have what you want
even if you find it.

But you found it.

I mean, Mr. Martin
is the kind of man

you'd always
hoped to find,
isn't he?

Well, there's
another important
thing, too.

Even if you find the man...

he's got to find you.

Tell me,
have you found anything,

um, "geologically interesting"
so far?

Interesting, yes.

How interesting,
it's still too early to tell.

You see, geology is still
an inexact science at best.

You study an area for outcrops
and structural indications,

vestiges of hydrocarbons
in the soil and so forth,

but the best you can ever
say with any assurance

is that your findings
suggest the presence of oil.

Only the drill
can prove it.

Where do you get
the money to drill?

Providing it looks good enough.

I have a syndicate
which finances any deal
I recommend.

I'm sorry, gentlemen,
but--

You misunderstand.
I was only questioning you
out of a general interest

in a business
I know nothing about.

Personally,
I'll stick to banking.

And I to cattle.

Of course,
I didn't mean-

Are you gentlemen
ready for coffee?

Yes, indeed.

Well, this has certainly
been a pleasure for me,
Lydia.

I mean, Miss Turner.

Lydia, I haven't heard you
play the piano in a long time.

Won't you favor us
with a selection?

Oh, Judge, now,
I'm sure Mr. Martin--
I mean, Will--

Please do! I'd love to hear you.

Well...

*

***

*

* *

***

Here.

Uh, this one,
right here.

You're a pretty
good dancer.

Well,
it's just a gift.

And so are my big feet.

But you're good.
Thanks.

Well...

You know, I've been worrying
about that magazine I gave you.

You didn't go around
telling everybody about it,
did you?

No, I just showed
Judge Garth.

And he promised
he wouldn't let on
how he found out.

Good. Good.

Mud in your eye.

Cheers.

*

***

Well...

That was beautiful,
Lydia.

You play with
real sensitivity.

Well, thank you,
but I'm sure heard it
played much better.

Never. I swear it.

Well, we better be
getting back home.

Thank you, Horatio and Lydia,

for a most enjoyable evening.

Our pleasure,
Henry.

Good luck with
your geological work.

Thank you.
Good night.

You know, Henry,
I don't know enough
about the law

to understand
that Hanson mortgage.

Tuesday at the latest.

Good night, my dear.
Good night, Henry.

GARTH, BETSY: Good night.

Well, I'm afraid
I've monopolized

enough of your time
with business talk.

You and Lydia would probably
like a chance to, uh,

chat about other things
for a change.

I'm afraid
I've overstayed
my welcome.

Not at all.

Good night, Mr. Martin.

Good night, Mr. Turner,
and thank you.

Good night, my dear.

Father, I'm afraid,
is rather obvious.

What do you mean?

He's trying to
withdraw tactfully
so that we can be alone.

I assure you, I'm in
complete agreement with him.

You don't have to be gallant.

I'm being truthful.

I'll say good night now
because my presence
embarrasses you...

but I assure you,
your father and I
think alike.

Morning.

Good morning.
Can I help you?

Yes. Could you
change this for me?

Yes. How do you want it?

Oh, it doesn't matter.

Ten, fifteen...

sixteen, seventeen,

eighteen, nineteen,
twenty.

Is that all right?
Yes, that's fine,
thank you.

What are you doing here?
I was just getting some money.

That's what banks
are for, isn't it?

Except that you don't
have an account here.

Well, I just wanted to see
what our ladylike spinster
looked like.

Did you satisfy
your curiosity?

Mm-hmm. I saw her.

Ladylike, yes.

Spinster is not
what the word brings
to my mind.

I told you it was business.

Just don't enjoy
your business too much.

It wouldn't be good
for either of you.

Good morning, Will.
Hello, Lydia.

How are you?
I'm fine.

I'd like to withdraw
some money.

Certainly.

I had a fine time
out at your house
the other night.

Well,
we enjoyed having you.

Five hundred dollars.

I'm going back
to Chicago.

You're leaving?

Only for a few days.
Oh.

That's why I haven't
kept in touch with you.

I've been working
day and night.

You don't have to explain.

I wanted to.

You better count it.

I'll just pay my respects
to your father.

Good morning, gentlemen.

Good morning.
Good morning, Will.
What can I do for you?

I just dropped by
to say that I'm going
to Chicago for a few days.

Oh? With good news
for your backers,
I trust.

I'm afraid I can't
answer that question
until I report to them.

All I can say
is that I'll be back.

Would it be ethical to ask
if your report concerns
any of my land?

I'm afraid it doesn't.

You understand
that's all the information

I'm free to give at this time.

I guess I'll have to be
satisfied with cattle.

Well, goodbye, Judge.

Good luck with your backers.

There won't be
any problem there.

Mr. Turner?
Goodbye, Will.

I hope everything
turns out well.

Take a good look
at Medicine Bow,
gentlemen.

You may not recognize it
in a couple of months.

Well, it seems to be
in order.

You know what I think?

I think you ran into
a couple of guys

that are just plain
smarter than you are.

We should have stuck
to big cities.

That's where
the real hicks are.

You get discouraged
too easily.

Actually, they were
just a little more conservative
than I thought they'd be.

I like good,
hard-headed businessmen.

It makes the ultimate victory
more satisfying.

Oh, boy,
you talk big,
don't you?

Hanging around here,
running up a big hotel bill...

but I don't see anything
coming in to pay for it.

Charlie, you lack
the two things necessary
for the big time:

patience...

and class.

Uh-huh.
You know what?

You can't eat
either one of 'em.

The way you throw towels around,
I should ask for a raise.

Well, you better.

Somebody's gotta bring in
some money around here.

What's eating him?

He's disappointed
because the fish didn't

jump out of the water
after the bait.

But I've cracked
harder nuts than these.

I guarantee you
when I come back

with the glad tidings
there's $50,000 open,

they're gonna fight
to get in on the deal.

And how are you
gonna bring it up again

when they've already told you
they're not interested?

I'm not gonna see them again.

I've got other channels.

Like his daughter,
for instance?

How'd you guess?

Who's guessing?

I know you.

Such a lovely night.

People back east
think of this country

as being
unbearably quiet...

and lonesome...

especially at night.

I've always found
there was an excitement to it.

Does that sound
very foolish?

Not at all...

but it takes someone
who's not afraid of being
alone with himself

to appreciate it.

I never thought of it
that way.

Is that why
you became a geologist?

That must be a terribly
lonely profession.

Very.

But interesting,
too.

New places,
new people...

Well, that can be
a drawback, as well.

What do you mean?

A man can get tired
of new places and new people.

You stay just long enough
to make a few friends,

and then you've got to move on.

I never minded before.

Now, I--

I thought you said
you were coming back.

Until the wells are in.

I shouldn't have said that.

I didn't even tell
your father and Judge Garth
we're going to drill.

Although I'm sure
they guessed it.

Will it take long
to drill the wells?

That depends.

Geologist has to
stay with the driller
every foot of the way.

Tell him when to
core for samples

and examining the sludge
for signs of oil-bearing
sandstone and so forth.

It all sounds very technical
and way over my head.

It's a fascinating science.

Well, when you
discover something big,

it gives you the same feeling
I imagine a painter must get

when he creates
a masterpiece.

Have you found
something big here?

Lydia...

if I know anything
about geology,

this'll be one of
the biggest finds
of the century.

I'm only sorry
that your father--
and you--

can't share in it.

Father understands
you're not free to
do anything about it.

I was tempting
to try to persuade my backers
to let him in on it.

But after the other night,
I was afraid to say
anything to him about it.

Why? What happened
the other night?

We were talking oil deals,
you know,

and I think
he misunderstood me.

I got the feeling
he thought I was trying
to get him to invest

in some sort of wild gamble.

But bankers are suspicious,

or they wouldn't
be good bankers,
I guess.

You're the one
who misunderstood.

Father likes you
very much.

Well, he's a hard man
to do a favor for.

I only hope he doesn't
hold it against me later.

I think it was wonderful of you
to have thought of him.

I wasn't just
thinking of him.

It was for you, too.

Please don't feel
he doesn't trust you.

I couldn't have you leave here
feeling that way.

Promise me.

You're very sweet, Lydia.

And very lovely.

You got a hotel
in this town?

Yeah,
right down the road.

Gonna be here long?

Just long enough
for that train to get
to Chicago and back.

Father, breakfast is ready.

Coming, Lydia.

Ah, this looks good.

Is that all
you're eating?

I'm not very hungry.

Seems to me you haven't
had much of an appetite

ever since
Will Martin left town.

Father--
Don't "Father" me.

I know the symptoms.

Don't forget,
I was young once myself.

You talk as if
I was a schoolgirl.
I'm simply not hungry.

You do like him, though,
don't you?

Yes, I do.

Do you think maybe...

maybe you're in love with him?

Why do you ask?

Because I love you very much,

and I want you to be happy.

With the right man.

You don't think he is?

On the contrary,

I like your young man.

Anyway, he's not exactly
my young man.

He will be.

Don't you worry.

I'll get it.

Oh, Mr. Griswold.

Good morning.

This telegram
just came in.

I thought I better
get it over here
as fast as I could.

Thank you.

It's...
for your father.

Oh.

Well, goodbye.

Goodbye.

Who was it?

Telegram for you.
Oh?

You know, your mother
never got over being frightened
every time a telegra--

What is it?

"Confidential.

"Sharp increase
business failures

"has caused alarming run
on eastern banks.

"Suggest you keep
liquid as possible

in case panic spreads."

Make sure you get
that bottom sheet tight.

How would you
know the difference?

You never had sheets
till you came here.

That's for openers.

That's for closers.

You don't seem to mind
when he does that.

That's him.

Look, honey, someday
he's gonna walk out on you.

You know that, don't you?
Mm-hmm.

It doesn't bother you?
Unh-unh.

When the fire goes out,
why should the fire department
hang around?

See what I mean?

Good morning, Ezra.

You've come
to make a deposit?

Well, not exactly.

I read the telegram, too.

I know you did.
And you're being very foolish.

Maybe so.

It took me a long time
to save up my money,

and I'd feel better
about having it where

I can look at it
till this blows over.

There's nothing
to blow over.

Sure.

Just make out
a withdrawal slip.

Lydia will take care of you.

Fine.

Oh, Ezra.

That telegram
was marked "confidential."

Don't worry.

Will.

I told you never to
meet me out in the open.

Well, don't worry.

Nobody's gonna be
looking at us.
There's a bank panic on.

It's got this far?

The people been making a run
on Turner's bank since noon,

pulling their accounts.

And the bank is giving out
the money hand-over-fist.

You take this
and get over to the hotel.
And stay there.

I'm going to the bank.

All right, all right...

It's Friday afternoon
and past closing time.

This bank will open as usual
on Monday morning.

But how do we know?!

And the rest of you
can draw out your money
if you wish...

if you're determined
to let panic and hysteria

ruin your better judgment.

Hey, banks are
closing all over!

Hold on.

Maybe some banks are shaky.

But a great many others
that are perfectly sound

will be ruined by runs
such are you're determined--

Well, maybe your bank
is shaky too, Turner!

We don't want talk,
we want our money!

We want our money!
That's right!

Quiet! Quiet!

You're acting like
a bunch of spooked cattle!

Well, what are you
doing in there?
Taking your money out?

How 'bout that, Judge?

I'm leaving every cent
I've got on deposit
right where it is.

Does that answer
your question?

Sure, and you got plenty more
where that came from!

Listen!

It's past closing time,

and this bank will not
open its doors again

till Monday morning,
same as it always does.

If you still want your money
then, you can have it.

Every cent of it!

Now, please go on home.

Bought yourself
a little time,
anyway.

May I come in?

If you want the rest of
your money, you'll have to
wait till Monday morning.

No, sir, that is not
what I meant.

I'm sorry.

I should have known better
than to say that.

Oh, Will.
I'm so glad to see you.

You ought to be
very proud of your
father, Lydia.

At least we have the weekend
to reason with 'em.

Ah, you may as well
face it, Horatio.

They'll be back Monday morning.

The only think
they're interested in
is getting their money out.

I'll pay as long as I can,

and then I'll have to
close the doors.

How much of a run
can you handle?

At the rate they
were withdrawing today,

we'd have to close
the doors in two hours.

To meet the rest
of the demands,

we'd have to call in loans,
foreclose mortgages--

it'll ruin the whole area.

Well, there must be some way
you can get them to realize it.

Reason with them!

But you can't reason
with hysteria.

We'll try, of course, but...

Well, I'll stay in town,
see if there's anything
I can do.

You can reach me
at the hotel.

Thank you, Henry.

Well, I'll clean up
the paperwork.

Oh, I forgot to ask
in the excitement...

did you have
a successful trip?

What?

Oh, yes.

Yes, I did.

Lydia told me about
your talk with her.

I want to thank you.
It was most generous of you
to think of us.

I guess there isn't much
you can do about it now

even if you wanted to,
is there?

Hardly.

It won't be very g*y,
I'm afraid,

but if you'd like
to dine with us tonight--

I'd better not.
You two have had
a very busy day.

I'll see you tomorrow.

You know...

I never thought
this would happen to me.

Something will happen.

Has to.

What?

A miracle?

Believe me, Lydia,

nothing less will do.

Yeah, fine.
Just fine.

It's not enough
the deal goes sour,

but he's gotta leave
$1500 of our hard-earned money
in that hick bank.

I couldn't be expected to know
there'd be a bank panic!

"Think big," he says.

"You gotta spend money
to make money."

And we sure did, didn't we?

Well, there was
nothing wrong with my plan.

We'll just have to
ride out the panic

and start again
somewhere else when it's over.

We still have
until Monday morning.

Maybe things
will smooth out.

Oh, they won't.

When people get hysterical
about their money,

they want to see it, feel it.

That's the answer.

Let them see it...

feel it.

What are you
talking about?

Thinking big,
that's what I'm talking about--

real big!

Now, wait a minute.

You're not figuring on
robbing that bank, are you?

Oh, nothing
so unimaginative, Charlie.

Now go away, you bother me.
I've got to concentrate.

This may sound crazy at first,
but bear with me.

I wouldn't have come here
if I didn't believe in what
I'm about to propose.

Go ahead.
I'll listen to anything.

I hope this won't sound
presumptuous, Mr. Turner,

but how much
is your bank worth?

Our total assets
are over a millions dollars,

but we have only
a few thousand
left in cash,

the rest in long-term notes,
mortgages...

Well, suppose you could
make people think

you had a million in cash,

enough to pay
every last one of them off.

Would that satisfy them
and stop the run?

Mr. Martin,
I wouldn't believe any banker

who told me he had
a million cash on hand.

Neither would I,
if he simply told me.

But if he showed it to me,

I'd have to believe
my own eyes, wouldn't I?

There's an old
Oriental saying:

"One picture is worth
ten thousand words."

What are you driving at?

Could you borrow $150,000
from another bank

if you guaranteed to
have it back in 72 hours?

Under normal circumstances
I could pledge enough collateral

for perhaps 50,000, but...

Well, under normal
circumstances,

I could borrow 100,000
on my signature

from Fred Andrews at
the Denver State Bank,

but these are not
normal circumstances.

But you could probably get it
if it meant saving your bank,
couldn't you?

Possibly, if I knew
what it was to be used for.

Well, you mentioned
a million, not 150,000.

What I said was,
suppose you could
make people think

you had a million dollars.

I recently saw a fishbowl
in a shop window.

It was filled with beans.

Anyone who could
guess the total won a prize.

But nobody came close.

It had a false center.

Are you suggesting
we stuff a fishbowl
with currency?

Not quite, but that's
the general idea.

Let's say you build
yourself a wire cage,

a cage out of chicken wire,

so the people can
not only see their money,

but fingers through
and feel it.

You put a false center in it
so the money's
just around the outside,

only as deep as
their fingers will reach in.

And you tell them
it's a million dollars--

to see, to feel,
to be reassured.

If this is a joke,
I'm afraid I--

I assure you,
I'm serious about it.

Mr. Martin, if you're serious,
I'm afraid--

I know what you're going to say:
It's crazy. It's theatrical.

It isn't sound
banking practice.
And I agree with you.

But the same goes
for what happened
in your bank today.

It was crazy.
It certainly wasn't
sound banking practice.

What it was, gentlemen,
was human nature.

They don't want to hear logic

or a lecture on
how sound your bank is.

They want to see their money.

All right, I propose
that you show it to them.

Suppose they still
want to draw it out.

Well, then you'd
have to close your doors.

But that's what
you'd have to do anyway,
isn't it?

I appreciate
your motive, Will, but--

All I'm saying is,
fight fire with fire.

The panic is psychological,

so you use psychology
to lick it.

How could I go to
the Denver State Bank

and propose such a thing?

You can't. As soon as
you were seen leaving town,

they'd break in the bank
right then and there.

Well, gentleman,
I have only one more
thing to say.

What other choice
do you have?

Do it, Father.
It'll work.

Now, look,
I know all the arguments
against it.

It's crazy. Theatrical.

You couldn't possibly call it
sound banking practice.

The only thing
in its favor is,
it might work.

In all my years of banking, I--

I haven't time
for reminiscences,
Fred.

Turner and I personally
pledge more than that
as collateral,

right here
in black and white.

But I don't want to have to
attach your ranch
or Turner's holdings

if anything goes wrong.

It can't go wrong!

If our bluff works, fine.

If it doesn't,
we close the doors.

Either way
you get your money back
in 72 hours.

You know Turner's bank is sound,
so it's absolutely ethical.

Well, I guess
it must be catching.

All right, Judge,
you've got a deal.

It's Monday morning!
We want our money!

- This bank is going to open!
- Just listen to me for a minute.

We're not here for talk,
we're here to get our money!

You said
Monday morning!

You all know Horatio Turner,
he's an honest man!

He's been running
a sound bank for years.

This bank has assets
of over a million dollars!

Well, I want to see
the million dollars!

Most of you helped
build it to that!

That's why
we're here!

Wait a minute.

Your money is all here,
right inside.

I sure hope so,
Judge.

You can have it
if you demand it.

Wait a minute!

I don't believe Turner's
got all our money inside!

So I'll just take mine
while there's still some left.

All right.

Just step inside
in an orderly fashion

and shake hands
with one million dollars.

Is it real?
Yeah, it sure is real!

These are $50 bills.

Make out a withdrawal slip
and you'll get your money.

Take it home with you...

and worry day and night
about somebody stealing it.

Get in line, everybody,
if you want your money.

All right,
keep it orderly, folks.

Move along in line.

Most money I ever seen
at one time.

How much if it's yours?

Over 2700 dollars.

Make out a slip
and take it home.

That's what
I intend doing.

I'd hate to have
that much money

laying around the house.

...sixteen, seventeen,

eighteen, nineteen...

Three hundred
and fifty dollars.

How are you,
Mr. Evans?
Oh, I'm fine.

Ten, twenty, thirty..

You really think
everything's going to
be all right here?

In the bank, yes.

I can't vouch for its safety
when it gets outside.

Took me a long time
to save that up.

It's your decision,
Mr. Evans.

One hundred...

Oh, never mind.

I've got along
with your father

ever since
the bank started.

I guess he knows
his business
better than I do.

Oh--
well, I, uh--

Don't hold up the line,
please.

Forget it.

Sorry, Horatio.

I guess I got
kind of carried away.

That's all right, John.

Well, I...
feel kind of foolish.

Possibly because
that's they way
you're behaving.

Would you...
would you take it back?

We always welcome
new depositors.

Thanks for
the vote of confidence, Jim,

and we'll go over those deeds
first thing in the morning.

Every single depositor
put back what he drew out.

Will, I owe you more
than I can ever repay.

The whole county does.
It's a shame they can never know
what he did for them.

Only someone totally ignorant
of sound banking practices

would have ever thought of it,
I assure you.

I must say,
it's a wonderful feeling

to be safe
and secure again.

Oh, no, not until
we get this money
back to Denver.

Oh. I'd almost forgotten
it wasn't ours.

Well, Steve and Trampas
are ready to take it back
on tonight's train.

I'm leaving for St. Louis
tonight on business.

I'll ride along with 'em
as far as Denver,

just for
added protection.
Oh.

Well, my excursion into banking
was strictly temporary.

I'm still in
the oil business,
you know.

Yes, I know,
I just--

Well, gentlemen...

goodbye and good luck.
Goodbye.

Goodbye, sir.

Will I see you
before you go?

Of course. I just have
a few odds and ends
to clean up first.

Well, you men have certainly
worked around the clock
these last few days.

We'll get
a few hours sleep
at the hotel.

That bank
don't open till nine.

You can actually go to sleep
with all this expensive luggage
around you?

That don't bother him none.

He can't count past
a hundred anyway.

Uh...

well, I owe you
an apology, Mr. Martin.

For what?

Well, I wasn't quite sure
of this whole thing at first.

But after what you did
for the bank and the Turners

and the whole community,
my hat's off to you.

Thank you, but...
I simply had an idea.

Didn't cost me any time
or effort or money.

Not many strangers would
worry about a place

they were stuck in
temporarily.

I believe I'll go
to the smoker a moment.

You'll pardon me?

He's sure a nice guy.

Yeah. Hey, uh,
pinch me if I go to sleep.

Boy, oh boy, oh boy.

Am I ever glad to get out
of that hick town.

I thought you were
gonna keep a close eye
on our bank account.

It's in good hands.

Do we have to
stay cooped up in here
the whole trip?

Yes. I don't want anybody
to see us leaving town
on the same train.

Something strike you
as amusing?

Yeah, this deal,
the whole deal.

You know what?

This is gonna
go down in history.

What's the matter
with you?

Have you lost
your sense of humor?

Lay off me, Jenny.
I'm tired.

I'm sorry I've got to
go on to St. Louis,

but good luck to you,
men.

All aboard!

Well, I'm not gonna look forward

to carrying this load
all around Denver,

but I don't see
any buggies for rent.

You men
from Medicine Bow?

You're returning something
to the First State Bank,
I believe.

In the morning, yeah.

I'm John Dales,
assistant to the president.

The bank has decided
that it's better

not to have that money
floating loose around Denver

till morning.

Now, they're here
with an armored wagon

to take it directly
to the bank tonight.

We were told to deliver this
in the morning, in person.

Well, a big city like Denver
is a lot different

than a small town
like Medicine Bow.

No, the bank wants the money
safely in the vaults right away.

Makes sense.

Just a minute.
You got credentials?

Oh, certainly.

And it's only correct
that you should ask.

We'll count the money
on the way,

and then I'll give you
a receipt.

All right.

Well, here's your receipt.

May we congratulate you
on a good, clean job?

The bank appreciates it.

Come on, boys.

Open up, Pete!

We've got the delivery for you.

Well, I guess we get
that hotel room now.

Look...

why don't we take
the late train back
to Medicine Bow?

We can sleep on the train.

'Cause there sure ain't
gonna be nothing happening

in this town tonight
at this time--

big city or not.

Good idea.

It went off
as smooth as glass.

You shoulda
heard him.
I'd make a pretty good banker.

Where's Harry?
Gettin' rid of the wagon.

You know, the best
part of this thing is,
we're not even suspected.

The town'll think
those cowhands pulled it off,

and by the time
they figure it out,
we're long gone.

What a beautiful sight!

Don't touch it.

There's been a change in plans.

That money's
going back to the bank.

You're joking.

He better be joking.

I'm taking it back to the bank
in the morning.

Wait a minute.
Wait a minute.

We got $150,000
right in our hands.

And we're not even
under suspicion!

It was my plan,
and I'm canceling it.

Now, hold it,
hold it.

I don't know what
made you go soft in the head
all of a sudden,

but we got a lot of time
and effort invested in this job.

You want to be a hero?

Well, you take your share
and take it back. Go on.

But you leave us ours.

It all goes back.

Every cent of it.

All right, hold it!

Stay right where you are.

Unh-unh.

Sorry, I've got to
go along with Buster here.

Thanks, Jenny.

Put it back.

Put it back!

Face that wall
and put your hands
behind your back.

Take those straps
and tie their hands
behind 'em.

Mail for you, Lydia.

Letter from Will?

Hardly time enough
for that, honey.

The man only
left last night,
you know.

"The American Journal
of Geology."

I sent for it.

I wanted to read
that article about Will.

I see.

His picture happens
to be in that edition, too.

I thought it would be
a good idea to read up
on his work

so I could discuss it
with him intelligently.

He'll be back, honey,
sooner than you think.

But I don't think
it's geology he's going to
want to discuss with you.

You go on down to the bank.
I'll be there shortly.

Well, I can always say
I made a $150,000 deposit,
anyway.

And, like they always say,
leave with a laugh.

Are you saying goodbye?

I don't like
the sound of the word,
but that's the idea.

But Jenny--
You don't have
to say anything.

The fire's out.
We both know it.

Anyway, you're no good
to a girl like me anymore.

You're an honest man now.

Well, one swallow
doesn't make a summer.

It was just this last deal
that went sour.

Fool yourself
if you want to,

but don't try to fool me.

You know why you're through?

You've lost your contempt
for the rest of the world.

You like people.

I think you've even
gone so far as to
have a conscience.

How come I never realized
how smart you were?

Maybe some of it rubbed off.

So long, now,
and don't you worry about me.

I hear St. Louis
is a real live town.

Drive on.

Giddyup.

Mr. Andrews?

Yes?

I'm Will Martin.

I'm returning
the 150,000
from Medicine Bow.

Why...I understood
that the men who picked it up
would be returning it.

It's quite all right.
I was in on the whole
transaction.

Since I was coming
to Denver on business,

I offered to make the return.

Well, I suppose
it doesn't really matter

as long as you have the money.

I, uh...
I gather that wild idea worked.

Up to a point.

Oh?

However,
the money's all there.

Well, I'll count it out
and give you a receipt.

Now, if you don't mind
waiting here in my office,

I'll try not to be too long.
Certainly.

Mr. Martin?

Yes?

These officers
have just received
a telegram

ordering them
to pick up a man

of your name
and description.

Well, that's ridiculous.
Why?

Something about $150,000.

I just handed the money over
to this gentleman here.

Look, I don't know
what this is all about,

but you're wanted
back in Medicine Bow.

Now, you'll have to
come along with us.

I just don't
understand it, Will.

Latham.

Roger Latham.

That's my real name.

You mean you conceived
the idea of the cage

just to steal
the 150,000?
Exactly.

But you had it!
Why did you return it?

What difference
does it make?

It makes a great deal
of difference to me.

Just say I changed my mind.

But you must have had
a reason for changing it.

If you're a professional
at this sort of--of--

Fraud.

Fraud.

I just don't understand it.

You don't have to.

But I want to!
Don't you see--

How can I explain it
to you when I don't
understand it myself?

Maybe I went soft in the head.

Maybe I couldn't do it
to a man like you.

I don't know.

Maybe you do know,

and don't want to admit it...
even to yourself.

Look, the deal went sour.

I didn't stop to analyze it;

I just did what
I felt like doing.

Am I under arrest or not?

You're free to leave...

or to stay.

Then I guess
I'll say goodbye.

Good luck.
Thanks.

Oh, by the way...
you forgot something.

You have $1500
on deposit here.

I must be confused
when I forget $1500.

Just make out
a withdrawal slip,
and you'll get it.

Thanks. I'll need it.

Could you
handle it for me?

Sorry, I'm busy.
The cashier will handle it.

Hello, Lydia.

I heard what you and Father
were saying.

If you'll just
fill out that slip.

I've got so much
to apologize for,

I guess there's no point
in even trying to start.

Nothing to apologize for.
You brought back the money.

That isn't what I meant.

No. 20s, 50s,
and a 100 be all right?

Fine.

You want to check it?

No.

Will there be
anything else?

No.

I guess that wraps it up.

Goodbye, Lydia.

Goodbye.

Oh, darling.

I was afraid I'd lost you.

Your father kept
asking me the reason.

Now I know.