Wild West (1946) - full transcript

( Gunshots )

I tell ya, marshal,
something's got to be done.

Construction on the railroad
has been stopped cold.

This wouldn't
have happened

if we'd have got
that telegraph line through.

We've got to
get it through,

or abandon construction
on the railroad.

I'm stumped.
Well, I'm not.

I'm gonna have Washington
call out the troops.

We're going to
put a squad of men

along every mile
of the telegraph
right-of-way.



You can't.

Why not?

Because when you
bring troops
into that area,

it's in direct violation
of our treaty with
chief black fox.

What good is a peace treaty
if it only favors the Indians?

It might be that black fox
is blocking the railroad.

Everything points
in that direction.

But no lawman
in his right mind

would go in there now
and investigate.

I know one who's
willing to tackle it.

He'd have to be crazy.

Well, Eddie Dean
is not crazy, marshal.

He's the smartest troubleshooter
we've got in the territory.

You mean he was--



until he quit
to join soapy Jones
on his cattle ranch.

I don't believe that.

Any man that
loves law and order
like Eddie Dean

is not going to
quit fighting for it.

Now, you go get him.

That's a large order,
commissioner.

Last I heard, he was
driving a herd of cattle
up the chisolm trail.

I don't care where he was,
just find him.

All right.

Men:
Hee-yah! Hee-yah!

Thanks just the same, mister.

Looking for a man
in this country

is like looking for
a needle in a haystack.

You better
cut around the herd, soapy,

and see if
there are any strays.

All right, Eddie.

Howdy, boys.
Don't happen to
know a fella

by the name
of Eddie Dean,
do ya?

Yeah, we passed him
up the trail
a couple days ago.

Thanks.

( Gunshots )

Eddie, rustlers.

They just clipped off
another hundred heads.

This keeps up,
we won't have
enough cattle

to sell when we
get to the market.

They're headed
for the river.

We'll round up
some of the boys
and teach 'em a lesson.

They're holed up
in that cabin, soapy.

We're gonna have to
smoke 'em out.

Yeah, that's the only way
I can get my cattle back.

( Gunshots )

Let 'em have it!

That looks like
the leader of the gang.

You take over, soapy.

I'm gonna nab him.

The rest of 'em
gave up.

Good. We'll turn 'em over
to the sheriff,

and then head your cattle
towards dodge city.

I'll be out to your ranch
first thing in the morning,

to look over your cattle,
Mr. Williams.

I'm sure we can
make a deal.

I'll be lookin' for ya.

Nice bunch of stock
you brought in, Eddie.

Outside of losing
a little weight
to some rustlers,

they're in prime condition.

We're countin' on
a good price
to pay off my ranch.

Well, blow me down
the gopher hole--

it's my old boss,
the marshal.

Hello, marshal.
How are ya, Eddie?

Howdy, soapy.
Hi, marshal.

Am I glad to see you two.

I never knew two men
could be in so many
different places at once.

What brings you
so far from home?

I smell something
in the woodpile, Eddie,

and it ain't no skunk--

smells like
a commissioner to me.

You're right, soapy--

he wants to see
you and Eddie
right away.

Darn it, marshal, we quit
totin' our badges long ago.

Didn't we, Eddie?

Sure we did, soapy.

We're men of peace now,
not peace officers.

I told the commissioner that,
but you know how stubborn he is.

He's got a job for you,

bigger than anything
you ever tackled before.

Aw, just like
the commissioner,

always got
something big
on his hands.

But this is important.

It means the success
or the failure
of the railroad

and the telegraph lines
through the strip.

We're sorry, but you'll have to
do without US this time.

We ain't interested
in the least.

You would be
if you knew Jim banister --

what about Jim banister?

He gave his life trying to get
those lines though.

Hmm. I wonder if
chief black fox
knows about it.

Ma'am, when stormy day arrives,
tell him to meet US
at twin forks.

I'll do that.

That's how it is,
gentlemen,

it's more than
an Indian uprising,

it's a combination
of both red and white renegades

who have infested the country
to live off the fat of the land.

You mean livin' off of
human misery.

That's right, soapy,
but they don't
want civilization,

because it brings
law and order.

But if that line isn't
complete to Preston soon,

both it and the railroad
will have to be abandoned.

Come on, soapy.

We'll meet stormy
at twin forks

and head for the strip.

* I'm king of the plain

* when I ride on the side
of a song *

* there's a fire that'll burn
to inspire all my work *

* when I ride
on the side of a song *

* the trees will hum a tune

* and nod a leafy brown

* there's joy in every knoll

* and with each happy tune

* the trees will take a bow

* they're proud
of what they wrote *

* and below every sigh

* is my blue silver sky

* let them blend with the end
of the view *

* here or there,
high or low *

* I don't care where I go

* when I ride on the side
of a song *

captain:
Well, there's the western
telegraph company.

They're right on schedule.

You men wait here.

Hello, captain,
I'm glad to see ya.

Howdy, Butler.

Well, you're at
the end of the line.

So I noticed.

I've got some men with me
I'd like you to meet.

Fine. Come on inside.

It was a long ride,
but we enjoyed it.

Butler, I'd like for you
to meet your new assistants.

Eddie Dean, stormy day,
soapy Jones.

Hi.
Hi.
Hi.

( All laughing )

Mr. Butler's the engineer
and runs things around here.

I'm sure you men
will get along all right.

I'm off. I'm taking
those rangers down
to the border.

Before you go,
can I speak to you
a moment alone?

Excuse US.

What's on your mind?

Surely the commissioner
isn't serious

in sending me
those three range riders,

when I asked for 20 men
to be detached from the army
to help me out.

The government can't
see its way clear

to station any troops here
at this time.

We're far too short
of men for that.

In an emergency,
however,

you will have the cooperation
and help of the rangers.

Well, so long.

Anything wrong?

Oh no, not at all.

Mr. Butler is very happy
to have you men with him.

That's great.

There's something wrong
with him.

What's that?

He looks so unhappy
to be so happy.

You have your orders,
captain Rogers.

I do, and they shall be
carried out to the letter.

So long.

Goodbye and good luck.

We'll probably need it.

After the half-breed
got those Indians
all riled up,

we cut the line
in twenty places.

That engineer
and his gang?

Their lives won't be worth
a plugged nickel

when them redskins
get through with 'em.

What is it this time?

Did you ever
hear of Eddie Dean?

Sure, I've heard him.

He works as
a special investigator
for the commissioner.

He and two of his men
have joined the western
telegraph company.

They're acting as guides.

This means more than just
helping the telegraph line.

If they get in this town,
you're sunk.

Your record wouldn't stand
too much checking, either.

Don't forget
you're not a real judge,

only a self-styled one,
tricking payoffs out of people

when they think
they're buying real protection.

I always give you your cut.

Anyway, I'm not plannin' to be
any better off than you are.

Something's got to be done
about those law dogs

before they get wise to US.

You get too excited.

This can all be handled
the easy way.

Our business is
too good to be stopped.

Here's the camp,
and here's our destination.

That's quite a haul.

I've outlined to you men
most of our plans,

but there's something else
I think you should know.

Is there anything else
to know?

This has to do with
the business end.

Well, let's have it.

There's nothing like
a b-b-big dose of anything --

you either get well,
or you get s-s-s-sicker.

Keep talking, Butler.

The company is
putting pressure on me.

They've informed me that

if I haven't got the line
across the mountains by fall,

they'll cancel the contract
and call it a failure.

We've got to work fast.

With our help,
it'll be a cinch.

Working under pressure

is like a strong wind
at your back,

it sorta pushes you along.

There's a lot
in what you say.

( Telegraph clicking )

What's that?

A message coming from
our last station.

It's dead.

What did the ticker say?

The Indians are
on the warpath.

Indians on
the warpath?!
Uh-oh.

Wait a minute, soapy.

Won't do you
any good to run --

never was a paleface
could outrun an Indian.

This is one time

you're gonna find some
Indian b-b-b-blood in me.

Hey, Butler!
Take a look!

Soapy:
Smoke signals!

Chief black fox
is calling his tribe together.

We can't overtake the rangers
in time to help US out.

There's one thing we can do,
if we can still make it.

Get word
to Carrie banister?

Exactly.

Who's Carrie banister?

We'll explain
when we get back.

If we get back.

Let's give 'em
a run for their money!

Hello, Eddie.
Hello, Mrs. Banister.

Stormy, and good ol' soapy.

We hate to break in on you,
but it's mighty important.

Old friends are
always welcome.

Mrs. Banister --

stop calling me
"Mrs. Banister" --

you know everyone
calls me "Carrie".

Meet the family.

Of course,
you know skinny.

Hiya, fellas.

Did ya come to sign me up
for the rangers?

Flora bell and Molly
were at school before.

Come in.

I'm afraid this isn't
a sociable visit.

We've come to
ask for your help.

What could I
possibly do?

The Indians
are on the warpath,

and everyone knows
of your influence over them.

And we know that when
chief black fox goes on a raid,

he always misses your ranch.

That's true --
they're grateful.

They've never forgotten
the peace Mr. Banister

got for them
with the government
before he passed away.

The chief has named me
"zincalaska"--

white godmother
of the Indians.

Seein' as how you're on
speaking terms with the chief,

we sorta thought you'd get word
to him that we'd like to talk.

Maybe we could
settle it without bloodshed.

It's worth a try.

Skinny, ride over
to the chief.

Tell him I want to see him,
that it's safe to come here.

All right, mom.

If I don't come back,
you'll know I've been scalped.

The chief won't hurt you.

If you're stopped
by any of the braves,

tell them to
take you to him.

My grandfather
was scalped one time--

hurry! Hurry!

Tell your braves
to wait here.

( Speaks Indian )

Come in, chief.

Don't be alarmed,
they're friends of mine.

They're here in peace --
they want to know
what's troubling you.

Why are you making war
on the telegraph line?

You gave your word
you wouldn't make trouble--
why do you break it?

Great white father give word
paleface not take buffalo.

But not keep word,
kill more than can eat.

Leave meat in sun,
get rotten.

My people hungry.

You're wrong if you think
our government is
responsible for that.

Every white man doesn't
represent our government.

There are good and bad people
among US,

just like you have
among your people.

Lightning wire
bring evil spirit...

Much trouble to my people.

Whoever gave you that idea
lied to you.

Exactly.

This lightning wire,
as you call it,
brings good.

It's like a great messenger --

faster than runners,
swifter than ponies.

They're right.

It means the coming
of civilization --

that brings schools
and education to your people

so they can learn and study
and become one of US.

My people no want war,

unless paleface
take more buffalo.

Give US some time
and we'll stop
the killing.

Time? My word you have.

As you pass the north pasture,

be sure and help yourself
to a few head of cattle.

Hmm.

Don't pick
all the fat ones.

One fat one.

Thanks, Carrie,
you're a great woman.

I can see why

you rate with the chief--
cattle cost money.

That's nothing.

I'm worried about
the chief --

I've never seen him
so riled up.

An empty stomach
will make a man

do a lot of things
he normally wouldn't.

It isn't the government
killing off the buffalo,

but it must be somebody.

I wonder who it is?

We'll find out.

If it were possible for US
to set up a relay station,

close by, down here someplace...

It would be more advantageous
all the way around.

It would be closer to
Preston and supplies.

Why don't you use my ranch
as your headquarters?

There's a great big bunkhouse

and an empty barn you can use
for your equipment.

Well, I don't know --
what do you think, Eddie?

We'd have to get Mr. Butler
to be in accord.

I can start cleaning the barn
right away.

You're more than welcome.

We'll see what we can
do about it.

We'd better get back
to camp.

Bye, boys.

Let's go get some of
the boss's stuff

and plant it
around their camp.

We'll blow it to bits.

Now you're talking.

( Explosion )

Man alive,
what a blowup!

Lucky thing we took your advice
and got the equipment out.

Somebody's determined
to stop US.

And not just
the Indians.

And we'd better
find out pronto
who it is.

No, wait!
Let 'em go.

Moving the equipment's
more important now.

Let's get out of here.

I'm gonna ride into Preston
and have a look around.

I still can't figure out
why those fellas jumped US.

Might run into
something interesting.

Can I go with you?

If you get bill's permission --
he's your boss, you know.

Can I?

Sure. I think we can
hold down the fort.

He's been working hard
learning how to send messages.

Make a fine operator,
one of these days.

Come on, skinny.

Carrie's sure got
a fine family.

Skinny's a great kid.

He takes after his dad --
he was a great man.

Did you know him?

I'll say --
we served under him.

He helped organize
the rangers,

and just like skinny,
he had a way about him.

What happened to him?

He was found murdered.

That's why we sort of
look out for his kid.

Ever find out
who did it?

Nope.

But we'll never
stop trying.

And when we do find out,

the one who done it
sure had better look out.

This is where
they're set up,
all right.

( Loud commotion )

We got some customers
for you.

What's the charge?

Attempted murder.

You wait here
with the horses.

I'm going to find out
what's happening.

I'll lock 'em up,
but you have to

arrange a hearing
before judge Templeton.

We'll do that right away.

His office is
just down the street.

Make yourself
at home.

What happened?

Nothin' much,
they were just
wreckin' our headquarters.

They look
strangely familiar --

something like the roughnecks
who jumped US in the hills.

I recognize 'em.

They're just hirelings,

we won't learn
anything from them.

At least I tossed
our hat in the ring.

You're just askin'
for more trouble.

There's nothing like
starting the show
with a trumpet.

I-I knew a fella once
started the show

with a t-t-t--
with a horn,

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

hush.

Let's get a look
at this judge.

Your constable told 'em
they'd have to see you.

Now, take it easy --
they've got nothing on US.

Beg your pardon.
We're looking for
judge Templeton.

I am judge Templeton,
what can I do for you?

Put a hold on the birds
I just turned over
to the constable,

and arrange a trial
for 'em as quick as you can.

What's the charge?

Destroying property
and attempted murder.

And assault and battery.

I'll hear both sides
of the case.

I have a reputation here
for impartiality.

Wait a minute, judge.

You can do yourself
and the community some good

if you keep those hombres
bedded down in jail.

What right have you
to tell me what to do?

Every right!

My pals and me represent
the rangers in this territory.

I can vouch for
those men, judge.

They're not bad --

a little rowdy,
but nothing more.

We're sending
to headquarters

for the record of
every known criminal

in this territory
for the past five years.

Until our investigation
is completed,

those men stay
where they are.

Where there's
so much stew,

there's bound to be
a little gravy.

What do you suppose
he meant by that?

We can't let them
dig into those records now.

There's probably
enough information

in those files
to hang every one of US,

once they get on
the right track.

What'll we do?

Unless something is done,

everything we've
built up is gone.

Don't worry, judge.

I'm taking no chances this time,
I'm stopping them myself.

You can be back
with the records
in a couple of days.

A cinch.

Lemme go with you,
soapy.

No, no.

But it's my first chance
to become a ranger!

In the first place,
Carrie'd never agree to it.

Why not?

If the boy wants to go,
who am I to stop him?

I'm his mother,
not his thinker.

He's got to be
a man someday,

and if he thinks
he can do it,

he's got my permission
and my blessing

for a good trip
and a speedy return.

Whoopee!

That settles that.

I'll get supper started

so you can have
an early start.

Now, there's a bright idea
we can all enjoy.

Nothing like starting anything
on a full stomach.

That reminds me
of a story.

I knew a man once
that started out
on an empty stomach --

oh, sit down.
Save it.

Tomorrow's my deadline

to have the telegraph line
into Preston.

There's one chance
in a thousand
that we'll make it.

The chief's very happy
to work with you.

He's convinced
the lightning wire

brings good,
and not evil.

You'll have the pick of
his best men to help you.

Thanks, Carrie.

We should be able to

string the telegraph line
into town without detection.

That fella you
sent US to

is letting US use
one of his back rooms
for our headquarters.

I knew he would.

Good old smitty,

he's as anxious as we are
to see this town cleaned up,

and he'll keep
his mouth shut, too.

My braves wait in canyon.

Is the equipment
ready to roll, Butler?

Everything's set.

We'd better
get started.

If we get the line into Preston,
the rest will be easy.

The way you folks have all
worked to help me out,

my one chance in a thousand
just may be a winner.

I sure do
appreciate it.

We're always
glad to help.

Maybe you'll do US
a favor sometime.

Let's go.

Eddie:
Get that one down
through the south canyon.

Lightning wire bring good.

I'm glad you had
a change of heart,
black fox.

Your help is
coming in handy.

The rangers sure turned out
to be a big help.

Their idea of concealing
the telegraph wire

in the trees is a smart one.

They're due to come through
that pass anytime now,

and they're bringing
damaging evidence,

probably in their saddle bags.

If Eddie Dean ever ties
any identifications up with US,

we're due for
a federal investigation.

Take good aim, Kansas.

Don't let 'em get away.

Skinny, you take cover.

Give me
those saddle bags, quick.

What are you gonna do?

Your only chance --

I'll draw 'em off
while you get through.

No, that's too much
of a chance to take.

It's the only way.

There's nothing in here.

That's the banister kid!

They fooled US.

That hombre
that was with him
got away.

Is he gonna be
all right?

I don't know --
the doctor's
done all he can,

he says it's
up to skinny now,
his will to live.

He wants to see you.

Is it all right
if I go in?

Hi.

Did soapy make it?

Yep. That was pretty smart,

having him take the records
out of the saddlebag

and hide 'em in his bedroll.

Would you do me a favor?

Just name it.

Remember that song
you wrote for my dad?

I sure do.

Mind singin' it?

Now, wait a minute --
that song's not for you,

you're not heading for
the same trail your dad went on,

you're not going on
journey's end,

you're gonna get well.

Please, sing it.

* journey's end

* journey's end

* the day is done

* for one who rode
the trail to the end *

* journey's end

* journey's end

* into dawn

* he's gone to meet
a heavenly friend *

* a cloud for his saddle

* he's booted and spurred

* to ride into pastures

* the angels will herd

* he's gone

* gone home

* for the trail
won't fail to bend *

* at journey's end

That stack can be eliminated,

every man whose record is there
we know is in the pen.

So it's narrowed down
to these.

And those descriptions fit
the three guys we got in jail.

That oughta make
their case pretty easy.

We know there are more
than three involved in this.

Did you recognize
any of the fellas

that jumped
you and skinny?

They were too far away.

But say, I almost forgot
the most important --

wait'll I get back.

Look at this.

It's Jim banister's gun.

You're right,
I'd know it anywhere.

There was just one other
like it, its mate --

he had 'em made special.

Where'd you find it?

It was dropped by
one of the men
who shot skinny.

Then he must be
packin' the other one.

And whoever's packing
the other one

killed Jim banister.

How do you figure?

He was wearing both guns
when he got killed,

and they weren't on him
when he was found.

Soapie:
Whoever killed him
is in the gang.

When we find out
who's packing the other gun,

we've got our man.

He'll probably be
at the trial.

Butler, you know
our plans.

Don't worry,
I'll take care of my part.

If we're gonna hold trial,
we better hit the saddle.

Should be here
about how.

Remember what I told you --
stand your ground.

Soapy, you go
with Butler.

We've come for
the prisoners.

There ain't no prisoners
in there,

I had orders last night
to release them.

Whose order?
Judge Templeton's.

They're getting
the bad news now.

There they are.

This is getting to be
like a game of checkers.

Let's see what
their next move is.

We're in a tough spot.

Yeah, feels like
the lull before the storm.

We've got the trap set --
when do we make our move?

I've always been
good at games --
how about you?

Here goes.

Ready for the trial, judge?

I reviewed the whole case

and ordered
the prisoners released.

Your constable
told US.

We thought you'd have
a mighty fine reason

for such action --
what is it?

There's no need
for a trial,

there isn't even
sufficient evidence
to hold one.

Your talk sounds
mighty big, Mr. Dawson.

I'm wondering

if you're as big
in this town as you sound.

He's at the head of
my advisory committee,

with the rest of
these gentlemen.

And as judge, I make the laws
and enforce them in this town.

You two have have absolutely
no jurisdiction here whatsoever.

If you're smart,
you'll mount up
and ride on.

They're asking for
a showdown.

So that's the way
they want to play it.

I'd hoped we could
settle this
without a gunfight.

We'll have to work fast.

It's a cinch those prisoners
are only the smallfry,

but you're lighting them up
sure brought out the big fish.

Exactly. We can pick up
the smallfry anytime.

Finding the mate
to banister's gun is

the most important thing to US.

Let's get over to Butler.

Now, maybe he can
do US a favor.

Butler, this is your chance
to help US.

Trouble, huh?

Yeah, they're
askin' for it.

I had hopes that
through this gun

we could nail
whoever killed banister
before the trouble started,

but I guess it'll
just have to wait.

Eddie:
We'd better get word through
to bring the rangers in.

( Telegraph clicking )

No answer.

Keep at it.

We told you
to stay out of sight.

I know, boss,
but we thought
you might need US.

Everything is working
as we had planned.

You're complicating things
if you don't do as we say.

( Running )

Wait a minute, Dawson,

I just learned something
mighty important.

Out with it.

The telegraph line you were
so bent on keeping out of here?

It not only got in,
but it's getting out, too.

I just heard them
send a message.

Where is it?

Set up in the back room
of the printing shop.

Them rangers
are operating it.

We can't take any chances.

Texas, take some men
and destroy it.

Kansas, get rid of their horses,
they mustn't get away.

The rest of you,
take cover --

shoot any of 'em on sight.

Let's go over to the office --
I'm gonna need my gun.

( Clicking )

( Clicking )

It's gone dead.

The lines are down.

They're taking our horses!

Do you think the message
got through to captain Rogers?

We have no way of knowing.

Carrie:
Skinny banister!

What are you doing?

You know the doctor said
you must rest.

They're in trouble
in Preston, mom.

I'm trying to get
a message through
to captain Rogers.

Keep trying, then!

Where there's life,
there's hope.

I knew a girl once
who had a fella
by the name of hope,

but she hoped that
he hoped that --

( glass breaking )

( All coughing )

Dawson and the judge
are responsible for this.

If we could
get to them,

we can force 'em
to hold their men off.

Cover me --
I'll get to them.

I'll get him.

( Gunshots and screams )

We can't hold 'em off forever,
we're running out of ammunition.

Keep under cover,
fire only when you have to.

We're getting out of here.

Hold it!

I'll take that gun,
handle first.

I'd rather kill you,
Dawson,

but I'm arresting you
for the murder
of Jim banister.

This is all
the evidence I need.

( Gunshot )

Look what I got.

Will they come in handy.

How'd you do?

About as good as you.

Run for it!

( Coughing )

I now make you,
skinny banister,

an honorary member
of the rangers.

Mom, I finally made it.

I knew you would.

Well, Carrie,
our job is finished.

It will be months
before we see you again.

Oh, no.

It's liable to be
next Saturday night.

Next Saturday n-n-n-n--
you mean tomorrow?

Let's get back to h-h-h---
let's hit the trail.

* the trees will hum a tune

* and nod a leafy brown

* there's joy in every knoll

* and with each happy tune

* the trees will take a bow

* they're proud
of what they wrote *

* and above every sigh

* is my blue silver sky

* let them blend with the end
of the view *

* here or there,
high or low *

* I don't care where I go

* when I ride on the side
of a song *

captioned by
captioneering
your closed captioning resource