The Red Fury (1984) - full transcript

( train engine approaching )

( ♪♪♪ )

( train whistle )

( ♪♪♪ )

( train whistle )

( ♪♪♪ )

( birds chirping )

Good heavens, boy!

What are you doing out here
all alone?

You lost or something?

Where are your parents?



You want a ride?

Huh?

Don't like to talk much, do you?

You hungry, son?

Hmm!

Hyah!

Whoa!

Come on, boy. Hop on.

Hyah!

( cow moos )

When was the last time
you ate, boy?

I don't why I bothered to ask.

( water splashing )

Well, let's get a few
things straight here, boy.



Now, you're not
moving in here permanent.

As soon as I can figure out
what to do with you,

we're gonna...

( water pouring )

( metal clanging )

Now one thing I don't hold to
around here is stealing.

Now if you want something,
you ask for it.

You got that straight?

But if you're hungry, eat.

There's no free ride
around here.

You're going to be working
for your breakfast.

I hope you like horses,

because that's where
you're going to be sleeping.

I fixed you a place
in the barn loft.

( ♪♪♪ )

( horses neighs )

( ♪♪♪ )

Little thief.

First he takes the cheese,
now he wants my blanket.

FARMER: Hey!

What the blazes?

Get down here, boy.

If you're so anxious to help,

get over there and give them
horses some hay.

I think I took on more than
I bargained for with you.

( powerful neigh )

You okay there, chief?

( neigh )

He's not too fond of strangers.

Not fond of anybody.

He's never been broke.

( intense winny )

All right, old boy.

We're going to leave you alone.

( neigh )

For the present anyway.

Come on, let's go
hunt up some breakfast.

( chickens clucking )

( cow moos )

( ♪♪♪ )

Oopsie...

Hey!

Breakfast is ready!

( horse neighing furiously )

( ♪♪♪ )

( neighing furiously )

( light grunts )

Let's go eat breakfast
before it gets cold.

( birds chirping )
( engine running )

( honk honk )

( intense neighs )

( honk honk )

( powerful neigh )

Turn that contraption off,
will ya!

- Here's the future, John.

Made it over here in 20 minutes.

You know, that's eight miles
in less than a half an hour.

A man can make a
fortune selling these things!

- I think I'll stick to horses.

They smell better.

- Just came by to tell you
my mare's ready.

I'll bring her by tomorrow.

- That's fine with me.

- Where did he come from?

- Oh, I found him lost
the other day.

[sarcastically]
- Bet he's a lot of help.

- I think you'd be surprised.

He's got a way with horses.

- You wake up tomorrow and
find all your valuables gone,

don't say I
didn't warn you.

Last bunch I hired got drunk,
broke in the house,

and stole all the food we had.

Scared Marcey out of her wits.

- Well, knowing you,

you probably didn't pay them
enough to eat on.

- Yeah, well they always
got enough to get drunk on.

Savages...

Knocking her down like that.

Her being with child and all.

- Yeah, I see your point.

Well, I hope to rid of him
in a day or two.

I did catch him trying
to pack off a brick of cheese.

( horse neighs )

- You know, you're never
going to break that thing.

Suppose I take him
off your hands.

I'll give you $150 for him.

FARMER: You kind of liked
this last colt.

- It was all right.

FARMER: No, I think
I'm going to keep him.

What time you
coming by tomorrow?

MAN: Midday.

You think he'll be
calmed down by then?

- Well...

If you leave that
mechanical monster behind,

I'm sure he'll be just fine.

( horse neighs )
( steam hissing )

MAN: Hey!

Better run, you little renegade.

Ow!
( bang )

You touch my automobile again--

- He didn't mean any harm, Bill.

He's just curious.

( grunting )
Dammit!

What are you laughing at?

- Nothing.

Nothing at all.

( grunts )
( engine turns )

( horse neighs )

Yeah, I agree with you, pal.

( chickens clucking )

Oh, boy.
What in the blazes is it now?

( chickens clucking wildly )

What in the world
are you doing in here?

Now I-- Get it out of here.

( squeak )

No, I don't want it.

( squeak )

Keep your distance
with that thing, now.

( meow )

( bird lightly chirping )

Now the next time you see
a skunk after chickens...

let him eat 'em!

( neigh )

Now when I get him out of
the stall, you stand back.

Because he's pretty calm now,
but he's very unpredictable.

( snorting )

Easy now.

( neigh )

Easy now.

( snort, neigh )

Easy, boy.

( squeals )

Easy now.

( squealing )

Here we go.

Uh!

( ♪♪♪ )

All right, here we go.

( squealing )

Uh!

( intense squealing )

( intense squealing )

Ah!

( intense squealing )

Ah!

( light snorts )

Watch out!

Get him! Move it!

( light snorts )

Can you back him off
over there a little?

( light squeals )

( horse blows )

I don't know what it is
with you and horses, boy.

But whatever it is, it's a
God-given gift of some kind.

Hand me that bottle.

I really owe you, boy.

Anything you want,
anything at all, just ask.

Ahh!

I'll be teaching you
something about horses...

'Cause with a little learning,

you could be
a good trainer yourself.

- I'll take the horse.

( coughs, chokes )

- You speak English?

- I will take the horse.

- Is that all you can say?

( liquid pouring )

- The red horse, I'll take him.

- You talking about my stallion?

Ha!

I'm sorry, son. I can't do that.
I'm a breeder.

I make half my living
off that stallion.

- You said you'd give me
anything I want.

- Sure, anything within reason.

Well you know what I meant.

Some clothes or sleeping
in the house or something.

- You promised.

- Well, I wasn't
talking about my stallion.

He's a killer anyway.

If it was any other horse,
maybe I'd think about it.

- You keep him here.
I stay.

You teach me about the horses.

- No, you just think
about something else.

I don't even know your name yet.

And you expect me to give
you my top stallion, huh?

- My name is
Nuthatch Todacheenikee.

Now can I have the horse?

- No!

I was just starting to like you.

Nut- Nuthatch?

Is that what you said?

How in the world
did you ever get saddled

with a name like that?

- My parents named us
after the birds.

- Well they must have run out
of the better bird names

before they got to you.

- Big family.

Can I have the horse?

- No, no, no!

I ain't gonna give that horse
to you or anybody.

And I ain't going to call you
Nuthatch either.

( ♪♪♪ )

- Hey!

You give me the horse,
I let you call me Frank.

- Oh, for heaven's sake...

- How about Willy?

- I liked it better
when he wouldn't talk.

( ♪♪♪ )

JOHN: Miwok?

I never heard of such a band.

It's the strangest story
I ever heard

you falling off
a train like that.

( water splashes )

How come nobody
came back for you?

- It was night.

Everyone was sleeping.

- Hey, Bill!

Been expecting you.

How are you, Mary?

- Fine, thank you.

BILL: What the devil
happened to you?

JOHN: Oh, that stallion
got a little frisky.

Thanks to the boy here,
I'm able to tell about it.

Frank, take these folks' horses

and put them around
there in the shade.

- Still haven't gotten rid
of that Indian kid, huh?

- Look, Daddy,
he's wearing a dress.

- He had a run-in with a skunk.

- Look, I want you to stay away
from that kid, you hear me?

- How come?
- You just do what I tell you.

( sigh )

Where do you want me to put her?

- Put her right in here.

- Where the stallion?

- Oh, I'm sure he'll show up
for the event.

( rooster crows )

- Let's let him tease her
a while,

make sure she's in heat.

( snorting, neighing )

- Mary, why don't you go
for a walk or something?

Come on!

( neighing continues )

- Whatcha doin'?

What's your name?

Are you really an Indian?

Boy, you sure don't like
to talk much.

Hey, how do you get up there?

Come on! Let's go!

Well, you coming?

- Marcey doing any better?

- She's still flat on her back.

Doc Kaminsky says she'll
probably have to stay that way

'til the baby comes.

- You gonna get
your boy this time?

- I sure hope so.

Doctor says this may
have to be our last.

- Wee!

- I'll give you $300
for him, John.

- Three hundred dollars?

- That's my final offer.
Take it or leave it.

JOHN: Why would anyone
want to pay that kind of money

for a horse?

BILL: Well,
with proper training,

I might be able to make
a runner out of him.

- You already got
the fastest horse around.

Besides, you can't run him
if you can't break him.

- That's my problem.

- Well, I'll think about it.

- Well, don't think too long.

- No, I want to do it!

- Well, I guess
I better be going.

Mary!

Now where has that girl gone to?

- Ah!

- Mary!

- Hey, don't you know girls
are supposed to go first?

Or maybe you are a girl!

- if she's playing
with that Indian...

- What's the fuss, Bill?

- Hey, let me see
what's under that dress.

( Mary screams )

- Mary!
( Mary screams )

- Mary!
- Oh, they're just kids.

- Stupid Indian!

( scream )

( Frank screams )

( Mary screams )

- Let go of her!

- He bit me!

- I told you to stay away
from him

and I find you
wrestling with him

like you were some
kind of a half-naked savage.

- You all right, son?

( cow moos )

- I hope he hurt you good.

Maybe that'll teach you
not to mix with his kind.

Where are your boots?

- Left them in the barn.

- Frank.

Frank...

If Bill Stenslough
has any future dealing

to do with that stallion,

he's going to have
to deal with you.

Because he's yours.

( ♪♪♪ )

( light snoring )

JOHN:
Louise, have you got any
of these in any smaller sizes?

- Well, I've got a few of
the denim britches

but there are the last
of the bunch on sale.

- Well, I don't know.

Can't wig out too much on him.

I'll take these and the shirts.

They'll shrink some, won't they?

- Well, I could take them in
a place or two.

Why don't you come on over
for Sunday supper

and I'll do it then?

- Well, that's
mighty nice of you.

But I think
they'll be just fine.

For now, anyway.

- I'll, uh, put it
on your bill, John.

- No, thank you.
I've got the cash.

I know you got that mortgage
payment coming due this month.

- That's all been
taken care of, John.

I'll just put it
on your account.

- What, did you come into
some big inheritance

or something, Louise?

That was no small sum
as I recollect.

The mortgage.

- It's all been
taken care of, John.

- Well, I guess
if you need heat,

you have to sit by the stove.

( bells tolling )

Mind you don't get burned.

( bells tolling )
( chatter of children )

( excited screams )

( ♪♪♪ )

Whoa.

Whoa!

You got to always
respect the horse, Frank.

You never know
what he'll be thinking.

I had a horse once,
tame as a kitten

for eight years.

One day I got on him,
he spun me around,

threw me down on the ground,
then tried to dance on my face.

A couple minutes later,
calm as could be.

Never bucked since.

All right now, the first thing
I'm gonna have you do

is jip him on the line.

- What is jip?

- That's where you
let him exercise himself,

at the end of this rope.

You get off there in the middle,

let him go around circles...

You snap this whip,
just like I showed you.

Whoa!

Whoa.

All right, you ready?

Okay, Frank, you've got him.

Give it a try.

( ♪♪♪ )

- Whoa.

- Talk to him!

He'll listen.

( shouting in foreign language )

( continues shouting )

- Came to pick up my mare.
Is she all taken care of?

- Yeah. She's over there
in that last stall.

BILL: Think that's safe?

JOHN: He knows what he's doing.

Pick up the pace a little.

( shouting in foreign language )

- I've never seen
anything like it.

The boy's a natural.

- You had a chance
to think on my offer?

- What?
- The stallion.

Three hundred dollars.
I brought it with me.

- Sorry. Can't, Bill.

- What do you mean you can't?

- Well I'm not the
only one involved here.

- Four hundred dollars.

( sound of whip )

What do you mean you're not
the only one involved?

( shouting in foreign language )

- Five hundred dollars.

I get it.

You won't sell him to me
for $500,

but you'll give him
to that wahoo for nothing!

- Bill, the boy saved my life.

- Here's your stud fee.

( squealing loudly )

( shouting in foreign language )

( squealing loudly )

( squealing subsides )

( speaking in foreign language )

- If that means all -- break
loose, it sure -- fits.

- It means...

( non-English word )

Angry...angry storm.

- Well that's what I said.

Lighting and the thunder
and the fury.

- Fury.

Maybe I'll call him Fury.

What do you think, John?

- Your horse.

- You are the Red Fury.

( ♪♪♪ )

- That about sums it up
for both of you, doesn't it?

- He is smart.

- Smart aleck, you mean.

Give me that blanket.

- Hey, John.

Try this one.

- You trying to tell me a horse
knows the difference

between blankets?

- He likes this one.

Frank's blanket.

( ♪♪♪ )

- Well, we'll just see
about that.

Well, I'll be.

That beats anything
I've ever seen.

( ♪♪♪ )

( ♪♪♪ )

- Ahh!

- Ugh.

( neigh )

( John grunts )

You'd better rest
or you're going to be dead.

I will ride Fury.

- Oh, no you don't.

You got your blanket on him.

Riding him is a
whole other thing.

( grunting in pain )

Go get him, put him in the barn.

( panting )

( neigh )

( ♪♪♪ )

Uh--

( ♪♪♪ )

( ♪♪♪ )

- You won that horse
with love and care, Frank.

Remember that.

He'll do anything for you.

Because horses need love
just like people.

( sheep bleating )

FRANK: My father, he has sheep.

But not so many.

- I think you miss
your family, don't you?

- Sometimes, when it is night.

- Yeah.

JOHN: This is my family, Frank.

Jenny, my little boy Ryan.

He was two.

The flu took him.

Come on. It's chore time.

JOHN: Whoa, whoa.
- Hello, Mr. Handley.

- Frank, take these horses
over to the barn, will you?

- Those are
fine-looking animals.

- Thanks.
What can I do for you?

- I'm Amelia Anderson.

I'd like to have a few words
with you if I may.

- Sure. With me?
- Yes.

- Sure, come right on in.
- Thank you.

- You're from the East,
aren't you?

- Philadelphia, actually.

- How you likin' it out here?

- Oh, I must say, this
country does grow you.

- Go right on in.
- All right.

( fly buzzing )

- On second thought,
we can sit out here.

- That would be fine.

Thank you.

Mr. Handley, I'm here
to extend a special invitation

for the boy to join us
at our school.

- Now, Ms. Anderson,
wait a minute.

Now the boy's only here
temporarily.

- Yes, I know.

I've spoken to Sheriff Lam.

The point is until his parents
are found,

he's got to fill his mind
with something.

Might as well be science
and writing and arithmetic.

- Well, that seems like
a whole lot of trouble

for nothing to me.

Besides, I don't know
whether or not he'd fit in.

- You mean
because he's an Indian.

- Well like it or not,
Ms. Anderson,

his kind are not very well
thought of around here.

- Well, I think it's about time
we changed all that,

don't you, Mr. Handley?

- Well, .

I think you just might be
stirring up a hornet's nest.

- Over a young boy
going to school?

I tell you what, Mr. Handley.

You let him come to school
for one week,

and if it doesn't work out,

then we can at least say
we made an effort.

- Well, if that's
what he wants to do.

You want to go to school?

- I think maybe
I would like to learn.

- Good! Then it's settled.

Young man, I will expect
to see you tomorrow morning

at 8:00 sharp.

All right?

Well, I have to go now.

Good bye, Mr. Handley.

- All right.

Just do the best you can do.

That's all anybody can ask.

I'm gonna leave your horse
at that livery stable

right across the way.

You can ride him home.

Good morning, Louise.

- Ms. Anderson.
ANDERSON: Good morning.

My, those britches
do suit him, John.

He's a fine-looking boy.

ANDERSON: Welcome to school,
Frank.

We need to make this official.

We've got to put your full name
here in my book.

So that's Frank...

- Nuthatch.

- Nuthatch.

- Toad - ah - cheenikee.

- Todacheenikee.

That's a very nice name.

- Nuthatch?
JOHN: Yeah.

Some folks name their kids after
presidents, others after birds.

- I think I would like
to call you Frankie,

if that's all right with you.

BOY: Geez...

( honk honk honk )

( squealing wildly )

BILL: That heathen think he's
sittin' in school with my Mary?

- He's enrolled,
if that's what you mean.

- Well un-enroll him.

- Why would I want to do that,
Mr. Stenslough.

- Be serious.

You can't expect him
to keep up with white kids.

He'd just be holding
everybody back.

He don't hardly
even speak American.

- Well if I were to limit
my enrollment

based on a student's lack
of fluency in English,

no one would be eligible...

including you.

- Me and my folks have worked
too hard to build this country

into a place where decent,
God-fearing folks

can raise their kids in peace.

I sure as -- ain't gonna--

- Excuse me.

Children, would you all
please take Frankie

and show him around
our playground?

Go on!

- I ain't gonna stand around
while some do-good easterner

backs us up a hundred years.

The next thing you know, she'll
be marrying 'em off to our kids

and filling the place
with little half-breeds!

- That is the most ridiculous
thing I've ever heard.

Now until you can show me
some legal reason

why I should remove him, Frankie
is going to stay in my class,

and I am going to teach him.

I may be new to the Wild West,

but I have faced worse
bullies than you

on the streets of Philadelphia,

and I'm not the least bit
intimidated.

- You're forgetting your place,
Ms. Anderson.

I happen to be on
the school board.

How do you think
you got this job?

- You're not the only one
on the school board, Bill.

LOUISE: He's right.

You can't just order us around.

This is a community matter.

- Fine.

Then we'll just bring it
to a vote Thursday night

when we meet.

Don't worry, I'll get
all the votes I need.

Either that or I'll start
calling in the favors

people owe me.

You might as well
start packin', lady.

You're as much as out of a job.

( ♪♪♪ )

( indistinct chatter )

- Whenever we get
a new kid in school,

we always gotta make sure
he's broke in right.

- We all had to do it, right?

ALL: Right.

- Go on, Homer.

I dare you.

( mud slushing )

My daddy was right.
You are a dirty Indian.

BOYS: Chicken!
Chicken!

( laughter and cheers )

- Uh!

( cheers continue )

Huh!

- Don't just stand there,
you dummies!

Come on and help me!

He's killing me!

You let me go...

Hold him!

Huh, uh!

Uh!

- Homer, I want to see you
at that board meeting

on Thursday night.

( children's cheers continue )

( screams and cheers )

- Hey, let him up, you guys.

It's not funny anymore, Homer.

You're going to
kill him for real!

( indistinct shouting )

MAN: There he is!

Now you get out of that mud!

- Homer! Get --
out of this mud now!

WOMAN: What are you doing?

For heaven's sake,
what are you doing?

( indistinct shouting )

- Mary, what -- are
you doing in there?

Come here, come here.

- He tried to drown me, Pa.
He tried to drown me.

- Ah, Homer, he beat
you fair and square.

- Appears to me you boys
are doing the ganging on him.

- No, sir.

- Let's get you out
of those clothes.

- What happened, Frank?

- Me and Homer
were teasing him first.

- What are you doing
apologizing?

MARY: Frankie,
where are you going?

- Mary! You come back here!

- Frankie, wait!

- Hey, where you going
with my boy's horse?

- What the devil--
- Frankie!

( neigh )

BILL: Mary, you come back here!

If that girl's hurt,
John Handley,

I'm holding you responsible.

( ♪♪♪ )

( neigh )

- Thanks a lot for waiting.

All I want to do is tell you how
sorry I am for what happened.

- I'm going home.

Indians do not mix
with your people.

- And after all Mr. Handley's
done for you.

You must know Ms. Anderson
likes you.

And I'm starting to like you.

That's at least
three white folks.

- Only takes one bad one
to make trouble.

Like your father.

I'm going home now.

- How can you go home?

You don't even know where it is.

And whatcha gonna eat
out there on the desert?

- You think Indians are stupid.

- I don't think you're stupid.

I just think you're stubborn.

You would run off without even
giving your horse a chance

to run in the 4th of July race.

- You think Fury can win?

- I don't think I've ever
seen a horse as fast as yours.

All he needs
is a little training.

It's the biggest race
in the area.

You could really make
a name for yourself.

Besides, it wouldn't hurt for
someone besides my daddy

to win that race, would it?

- Maybe I will stay, but
I will not go back to school.

School is not a good place.

- No one's forcing you,

but if you did, you'd
at least have one friend.

- I want a promise
that this won't happen again.

And that those involved
will make a greater effort

to get along.

Do I make myself clear?

[weakly]
CHILDREN: Yes, ma'am.

- Do I make myself clear?

[stronger]
CHILDREN: Yes, ma'am.

- That's better.

I'm going to give you
a 15 minute recess

and I want you all
to answer the bell.

No lollygagging.

All right, go ahead and play.

And play nice!

( screams )

ANDERSON: Frankie...

Would you come here please?

( indistinct chatter )

BOY: Hey, let's play marbles.

- Sit down with me.

I want to say how sorry I am

for the way some people
treated you yesterday.

It was unkind and it was unfair.

It's too bad there are people
that like to stir up trouble.

- Like Hopi.

- What do you mean?

- Hopi are worse than Kiowas.

They're like snakes.

- Frankie, stop that!

Believing that makes you
no better than Mr. Stenslough

with his prejudice.

Do you know what the
word 'prejudice' means?

It's when someone doesn't
like someone else

just because they're different.

And sometimes
they will do unkind things

because they're different.

Now if everyone in the world
returned evil for evil,

what kind of a world
do you think we'd be living in?

Would you do me a favor?

Would you think about that?

All right, go on outside.

- I think John likes you.

Maybe you could be his woman.

Chop wood, make babies...

He needs a good woman.

- Frankie, go play.

- Hey, Frankie.

No, don't worry.

I just came to make
things square with you.

Sorry about the fight.

Teacher's right.

Might as well try to get along.

Pa gave me four bits and I'm
gonna buy you anything you want.

Maybe we could be
blood brothers.

Come on.

- You want some candy?

Now, no pushin'.

- Look 'em over.

Take your pick.

Nice one, huh?

That what you want?

Sure, I can handle that easy.

I'll go pay for the stuff.

You better get back or
Ms. Anderson will skin ya.

- Well, Homer.
Whatcha got there?

- Reed of licorice ropes.

- Didn't your folks ever
teach you not to eat stuff

before it's paid for?

- Sorry, ma'am.

- Is that all?
- Yep.

- Wasn't that Indian boy
with you?

- Oh, no. Not with me.

( bell on door rings )

( cash register jingles )

( indistinct whispers )

- I need to talk to you
right away.

A very expensive pocket knife
was removed from the glass case

at the mercantile during recess.

- Mrs. French informs me
that something very valuable

was taken from her store
during recess.

This is a most serious charge.

But she's being
very nice about it.

All she asks is whoever took it
to return it.

I'm disappointed.

All of you who were in the store
during recess stand up right now

and empty your pockets
onto your desk.

Everyone that was in the store.

Where did you get this, Frankie?

- Homer bought it for me.
HOMER: Hey!

Don't drag me into it.

- Is what he says true, Homer?
- No!

All I got was some candy.
Ask Ms. French.

- As far as I know,
that's correct.

- I'm going to investigate
this further, you two.

Now is not the time or place.

But I assure you I will
get to the bottom of this.

- I did not lie.

Homer said he
would buy it for me.

He said he wants
to be my friend.

Homer's a liar.

- All right.

I'm going to take your word.

Want to go water the stock?

- I believe him.
- So do I.

- This isn't going to look
too good for us

at the board meeting, is it?

Bill Stenslough is going
to have a field day.

- Maybe we should
just pack this thing in.

We can't beat Bill at
the kind of game he plays.

Besides,
you could lose your job.

- You sound like everyone else.

I have never seen a town
so full of cowards.

- I'm no coward.

I'm just no fool.

- Don't you ever think about
what's right or wrong?

- Yes, I do!

And I'm not so sure
that subjecting that boy

to that kind of humiliation
is so -- right either.

- Oh, running away
from the problem is?

I'm really disappointed.

From what everyone
has told me in this town,

I thought you had more
backbone than that.

- It's not a matter of backbone.

All your principles sound fine
coming from a book.

And another thing,
maybe you shouldn't be so quick

to judge people until you've
lived around them longer.

- Well how should I judge a
man who lives the way you do?

Look at this place!

There's-- there is
clutter everywhere.

You've got liquor stashed
in every nook and cranny.

Why, if your wife
could see you like this.

- You leave Jenny out of this.

- I'm sure you take
better care of your stock

than you do yourself.

Why, you are a far cry from
the man I thought you were.

Your wife and son are dead and
you buried yourself with them.

- Ms. Anderson, I think
you've overstepped your bounds.

- Perhaps...
You're right, Mr. Handley.

( ♪♪♪ )

MAN: The motion's before us
to expel the boy from school.

Bill, why don't you
present your side of it first.

BILL:
It's not my intention to get
into the question of race here.

So, in my mind
it's a legitimate concern.

The primary issue is whether
or not the association

of our children with this Indian
boy can have a damaging effect

on their characters.

John Handley, did you not
tell me that the first thing

this boy did after
you showed him

the kindness of giving him
shelter was to steal from you?

- Oh, come on, Bill.

- Well did he or didn't he?

- He was hungry.
He took some cheese.

- The next thing you know
I find him trying to steal

the radiator cap
from my automobile --

in broad daylight.

Is that true, John?

- Bill, if you're going to
stand up there and pick on

every little thing that you've
ever heard about an Indian--

- Mary, come up here.

On my next trip to John's place,

that boy physically attacked
my daughter.

( gasps )

She's here as evidence.

Sheriff, since some of the folks
won't be able to see

from where they're sittin',
would you describe to them

what you see on her leg?

- I do believe it's teeth marks.

BILL: What you might
expect from an animal.

But it came from him.

All right, your Aunt Lydia
will take you home.

Then of course there was
the mud bath incident.

Disrupting a whole day
of school,

causing our children
to wallow like hogs,

and then luring off my Mary.

- Mr. Stenslough,
you know as well as I do

Mary went of her own accord.

- But the very fact that one
of the sweetest little girls

in this valley doesn't see
anything wrong

with stealing a horse,
playing hooky,

and then running off all day
with a boy into the wild

is just further proof
of the kind of influence

he has on our children.

( indistinct chatter )

And finally, Mrs. French,
would you please stand?

Would you tell these good folks
what that boy did

the day before yesterday
during recess?

- Well, he, um...

He took a knife from the store.

( indistinct chatter )

( book banging )
MAN:Quiet!

- As far as Ms. Anderson goes,

it's my strong feeling that any
teacher who doesn't place

the welfare and character
of our children first

has no business
teaching them.

( indistinct chatter )

- Now Ms. Anderson has asked to
speak for herself and the boy.

- Thank you.

Certainly the boy has gotten
himself into some trouble.

But is that so unusual
for a boy his age?

I don't know if Frankie
took that knife.

I don't think he did.

But even if it were true,
would it be the first time

a youngster has pocketed
something shiny

from the mercantile?

I can't guarantee
he'll stay out of trouble

any more than any of you parents
can say your children

will be little angels
for the rest of their lives.

Mr. Stenslough claims to be
for square for progress,

civilization,
and Christian ethics.

Well, if organized hate is
progress, I want no part of it.

And if Mr. Stenslough can find
some scriptural justification

for his outrageous ethnic bias,

then his Bible is a vastly
different edition than mine.

I say it is not I

but Mr. Stenslough and his
narrow-minded cronies

who wish to back this country up
right back into the dark ages.

( applause )

- I'm now going
to bring this to a vote.

Starting with you, Bill.

For or against
expelling the boy from school?

- For.

- Henrietta?

- For.

- Well, I'm against the idea.

( indistinct chatter )
Quiet!

Sheriff, your vote.

- Hell, all this ruckus over
an Injin kid

who might not even be
around long anyway.

I mean, if I gotta vote,
I say keep him on.

( approvals from audience )

- Two in favor, two opposed.

Looks like it's up to you,
Louise, to break the tie.

Louise?

I'm going to call for your vote.

Well what is it, Louise?

For or against expulsion?

- For.

( indistinct chatter )

- Quiet!

Quiet! Quiet, please!

Frankie, you understand
what's happened?

You've been expelled
from school.

Now I'm not sure it's fair, but
democracies aren't always fair.

Now let's get the rest of it
over with.

All those in favor
of dismissing Ms. Anderson

and gettin' another school
teacher, raise your hand.

Opposed?

That concludes our business.

Meeting adjourned.

( indistinct chatter )

ANDERSON: Ladies and gentlemen,
please,

may I have your attention
for just one more moment.

I appreciate your support,
but under the circumstances

I will not be able
to continue teaching.

I will tender my resignation
in writing in the morning.

Thank you.

- Ms. Anderson!
You have a contract!

You've got six weeks left!

- Frankie, I'm sorry.

( ♪♪♪ )

- Amelia...

Amelia.

Amelia, I'm proud of you
for what you said in there.

And I only wished that
I'd backed you up more.

- Well, that's very
kind of you to say so.

Now, if you don't mind,
I'm very tired.

- Wait a minute.
Let me walk you home.

Frank, why don't you
wait for me in the wagon.

Hope you realize that they're
going to be pounding

on your door in a day or two
to start teaching again.

- Maybe, maybe not.

- I hope you're not thinking
about heading back east.

We need you
right here in Grafton.

- Well if they want me to
teach again, they know my terms.

In the meantime, I'm not
gonna sit idly by doing nothing.

- What are you aimin' to do?

- Teach Frankie.

With your permission of course.

- All right.

All right.

Pay isn't too good.

( chortle )

- Frankie really has
such a thirst for knowledge.

I don't see any reason why
I couldn't have him up

to a level three or four
in a very short time.

I'd like to start tomorrow.

- Sure.

You know, Bill Stenslough didn't
know what he was up against

when he locked horns with you.

Be interesting to see
who he comes up with

for your replacement.

Well, at this late date, he may
end up teaching school himself.

- That'll be the day.

- Three little ships
under the command

of Captain Christopher Newport
sailed up the James River

and anchored off a grass--

All right.

Who did that?

I said who did that?

Nobody's leaving this classroom
until I get a confession.

( squish )

( chuckles )

Class dismissed.

( gleeful screams )

( gleeful screams )

( honk honk )

( honk honk )

( honk honk )

( honk honk )

Stay away from my automobile.

- I'm gonna get you!

- My heavens!
What's going on out here?

I hear you're quite a teacher.

- I'd like to see
you do any better.

- My .

What have you got
on your britches?

- Never mind.

- I thought school was
supposed to last 'til 3:00.

Bill Stenslough, you promised
us a new school teacher.

Here it is the middle of June.

School's almost out.

- Boy, it's a shame, all right.

All because folks couldn't put
up with one little Indian boy.

- I don't need that
from you, Doc.

Just give me one of those
entry forms.

- I thought you'd
given up the horses.

Well, what with you driving
the new machine and all.

Give the rest of us a
chance at the 4th of July race.

( laughs )

- Hey, I wonder what this does.

( engine turns )

( excited cheers )

- Hey! What are you doing
to that car?

Come back here with my car!

( ♪♪♪ )

( indistinct shouting )

Come back here with my car!

( laughs )

( ♪♪♪ )

( metal clanging )

- Six times two?

- Twelve.
- Good.

Two times five?

- Ten.

JOHN: One more length of pipe
and we got water.

ANDERSON: Wonderful!

All right, what's this one?

- Eight.

( horse neighs )

- Frankie...

We only have a few more.

You have plenty of time
to sign up for that race.

- She's right, Frank.

You can't do any bettin'
if you don't know your numbers.

- John, what are you
teaching this boy?

- Horse racing.

I'm leavin' the
school teachin' to you.

- All right, you two.
Go play with the horses.

I'll have supper
ready when you get back.

- You know something?

You're not a bad person.

( ♪♪♪ )

- All right, now right here is
where the race is won or lost,

right here on this mark.

When this rope drops,

your horse is going to shoot out
of here like greased lightning.

Only you're going
to hold him back.

Just enough
to keep him in control.

Not too much,

or else he'll be standing here
and the race will be over.

( engine cuts )

- What's going on?

- The 4th of July race
comin' up.

Or haven't you heard?

No Injin ride in that race.

JOHN: Nothing in the rules
against it.

Doc Kaminsky
signed him right up.

- You can't be serious.

- I'm dead serious.

You're not thinking about
dropping out, are you?

MARY: My daddy's not
afraid of that stallion.

Are you, Daddy?

- I tell you what,
let's find out

what the half-broke mustang
of yours can do.

- Yeah?

What do you mean?

- I mean right now.

- He hasn't been
trained to race yet.

- Well, if he's half as fast
as you think he is,

he shouldn't lose
by more than five lengths.

- Yeah.

So?

- So I'll wager you
a $20 gold piece

that he can't come within
five lengths of Calsaurus.

And if I win,

you gotta agree that he don't
enter that race on the fourth.

- Uh uh.

We'll take it.

( ♪♪♪ )

Ready?

( ♪♪♪ )

Go!

Go!

- Come on, Fury!

Come on, Fury. You can do it.

Come on, Cal!

- Come on, Cal. Come on.

All right, you got him, Cal!

( ♪♪♪ )

- Come on, Fury!

- Ah ha! You got him, Cal!
Come on!

Come on. You've got him.
Come on.

( ♪♪♪ )

Come on, Cal.
Come on, come on.

( ♪♪♪ )

- See ya on the fourth.

( sniffling )

What are you so
teary-eyed about?

A horse doin as well as he did
the first time out on the track.

He's a winner.

We've got some
training ahead of us.

( ♪♪♪ )

( ♪♪♪ )

( thunder )

( thunder )

( thunder )

( strong wind )

( intense clatter of windmill )

( thunder )

( thunder )

JOHN: Whoa!

Whoa!

All right, .

I'll be right there.

As soon as I fix
that rutter .

( windmill continues
clattering )

( wind howling )

( snap )
Ahh!

- Ah!

John!

John!

John, are you all right?

- I think so.

- Can you move?

( grunts )
- My leg!

- Don't you have
some liquor anywhere?

- I think I picked a bad
time to quit drinking.

- Hold onto the bedpost.

- Frank, there's an old
crutch out in that tool shed.

- All right.

( crack )
- Ahh!

Ahh...

I thought you were supposed
to be my good luck charm.

( exhales )

( knock at door )

- Mr. Stenslough, what is it?

- Where's John?

- Well, he's lying down.

He hurt himself trying
to fix the windmill.

What's wrong?

- Marcey's bad.
The baby's coming.

I think it's backwards.

I gotta get Doc Kaminsky.

- Isn't he in town?
- No, he's out at the Taylors'.

- The Taylors'. That's--

- It's going to take me
over an hour to get him

and I'm afraid to leave Marcey
alone with just Mary there.

I'm afraid she's going to die.

- All right, all right. Frankie!

Here, you tend to John.

John, I need to go
with Mr. Stenslough.

JOHN: Yeah, I'll be all right.

I wish I could help you, Bill.

( thunder )

( cracking )

- Watch out!
- Ah!

( crash )

- Mr. Stenslough.

Bill!

Come on, get up!

( wind howling )

( exhales )

BILL: It's too late.
She's gonna die.

I know she's gonna die.

I gotta get the doc.

- Oh, no, now calm down.
She's not going to die.

- I will ride to
the Taylors' house.

- Frank, do you know
where the Taylors live?

- It's by the train crossing.

- That's 16 or 17 miles.

Are you sure
you still want to do it?

- I will ride Fury.

- You know what that can do
to your horse?

Driving in this rain storm.

- Fury can make it.

( thunder )

- Why would he do that?

He ought to hate my guts.

- We must ride tonight,
like never before.

- Let me give you a boost.

Be careful.

- Fury is strong.

We'll be all right.

( ♪♪♪ )

( thunder )

( thunder )

- Where's your father?

- Don't worry, Mom. The
doctor will be here any minute.

- Oh, God help me!

Bill!

No!

( ♪♪♪ )

( thunder and wind
continuously roar )

( ♪♪♪ )

- Go, Fury!

( ♪♪♪ )

MARCEY: Oh!

No!

- Daddy, Mama's
really hurt bad now.

( crying )
MARCEY: Bill!

- Come on, Fury! Come on!

It ain't very deep.
I know you could make it.

( ♪♪♪ )

( thunder and rain
continuously roar )

What's the matter, boy?
We have to keep going.

( ♪♪♪ )

( intense thunder )

Easy.

( Fury squeals )

- Marcey, Marcey, Dr. Kaminsky
should be here before too long.

- Oww!

- Get up, Fury. Please.

Ms. Stenslough's gonna die.
Get up.

Please, Fury, get up.

Come on, boy.
( Fury squeals )

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to hurt you.

( Fury continues squealing )

Good, boy.

( thunder )

Good boy.

Good boy.

We're almost there.

Just a little further.

There it is.

I can see the light!

You did it, Fury!

Doctor, please, come quickly!

Ms. Stenslough's very sick!

- Oh, I'm so sorry.
I'll come right with you.

Sorry, Carl.

- Take care of yourself, Carl.
Come on!

CARL: Good luck, Doc!

- I'll go draw a warm bath
for the boy.

- Fine.

( Fury squealing )

- I'm sorry, Fury.

I'm sorry.

Please, help.

- We've got to get him
in the barn, dry him off.

Come on, boy.

Come on.

( squealing )

KAMINSKY: Marcey...

- Oh, Doctor...

- Marcey, just relax now.

- I can't--

- Don't do any more pushing.

The baby's still all crooked.

I'm going to make
an incision right here

and lift the baby out.

There's no cause for worry now.

Amelia?
- Yes.

- I'm gonna need your help.
- All right.

- Bill, best you leave.

Please?

- Hand me that blanket, Frankie.

We're gonna have to try
and get him warm.

He's starting to quiver already.

Get the other end of it.

That's it. Good.

That's fine.

Okay.

Now I'm gonna get you
warm and dry.

- I will stay with Fury.

- There's nothing
you can do now but wait.

But first we're going to
get you and your clothes dry.

Come on.

( clock ticking )

( baby crying )

- Daddy, I'm scared.

( baby cries )

- You have a beautiful baby boy.

And Marcey is going to be
just fine.

( ♪♪♪ )

( ♪♪♪ )

( rooster crows )

MARY: I take it he doesn't know.

- No, I didn't tell him.

I thought you would
want to do that, John.

- Come on, Frank.

Let's go home.

Frank...

Come on.

- No, I have to
stay here with Fury.

- He's gone, son.

There's nothing more
we can do for him.

- No, no! I won't let him die!

( weeping )

( ♪♪♪ )

- He was a fine horse, son.

( ♪♪♪ )

( weeping continues )

( chickens clucking )

( neigh )

BILL: Hi, John.
How's it going?

- Fine, fine.

How's Marcey
and that new boy of yours?

- Oh, fine.
They're doing just fine.

MARY: Where's Frankie?

JOHN: He's out in the barn.

( neigh )

JOHN: Exercising this colt, huh?

BILL: Yeah, yeah.
Fine-looking colt, isn't he?

- He should be.

How's his mother?

- She's fine.
She's doin' just fine.

( neigh )

- He's got fine lines.

- Yeah, he's got Fury's line.

- Hope you're not thinking
of gelding him.

- Oh, no.

- Glad to hear that.

I believe it's
going to clear up.

- I hope so.

- Hi, Frankie.

- Hi.

- Can you come
outside for a minute?

- How come?

- Just because. Come on!

Come on!

Come on! My father
has a surprise for you.

( neigh )

( ♪♪♪ )

- I don't know how to say
what I want to say...

Maybe someday when you're older,

you'll be able to look back
on this day

and understand
what I'm feeling here.

Take him, Frankie.

He's Fury's flesh and blood.

Fury's son.

He could never belong
to anybody else.

Fury wouldn't want it
any other way.

( ♪♪♪ )

- Come on, Frankie!

Let's take him
out into the field.

FRANKIE: Come on, boy.
Come on.

Come on, Little Fury.

( ♪♪♪ )

- Fine day, John.

Makes a man
feel good to be alive.

( ♪♪♪ )

( birds chirping )

( neigh )

( ♪♪♪ )

( ♪♪♪ )

- You sure you won't let me
drive you to town?

It's over three miles.

- No, you've done much.

I thought I would not
see the boy again.

( door opens )

- Give this note to Cornell
Stewart down at the train depot

and he'll make sure
they take good care of his colt

on your way back.

- I'm going to send you
some books.

I expect you to read them.

And when you get
Little Fury trained,

I want you to bring him back so
we can see him, all right?

- I'm gonna miss you.

- I'll miss you too, John.

( ♪♪♪ )

- Don't let it end here,
Nuthatch.

Go out there and be somebody.

( neigh )

( ♪♪♪ )

( ♪♪♪ )

( ♪♪♪ )