Cemetery Without Crosses (1969) - full transcript
The Rogers family are rich and powerful cattle and land owners. The Caine brothers - Ben, Thomas and Eli - rebel against them and steal a shipment of gold coins. The Rogers are used to settling their affairs personally and kill Ben, while the other two manage to escape, although their house is burned down. Maria, Ben's wife, has only one wish: to avenge her husband's death. Only one person will help her to achieve this end: Manuel, a lonely gunfighter who accepts to help her due to his past relationship with Maria and Ben. Manuel decides to kidnap Diana, the Rogers' beloved daughter, and Maria obliges her father and his three sons to humble themselves on Ben's grave and ask for forgiveness. However, both the Rogers and the Caines' plans for each other go awry... with tragic and deadly results.
I seek the man who killed my friend
CEMETERY WITHOUT CROSSES
And when we meet my life may end
My life depends upon my gun
And my gun spells hope in the land
Where the rope
And the colt are king
I swore a vow on my dyin' breath
To ride a trail that ends in death
And death could strike
With a frightening jolt
of a lightning bolt
In the land where the rope
And the colt are king
But oh my darlin' if I should die
There's not a soul who will ever know
That I loved you so
was the reason why
The days are dust
and the nights are black
But oh my darlin' if I get back
I'll trade my gun for a weddin' ring
and I'll turn my hand to the land
Where the rope
and the colt are king
Maria.
Maria!
Ben!
No! Leave him alone!
Ben! Ben!
Leave him alone.
Ben!
Ben!
Ben!
Ben!
Come on, men. I want
the other two Caines, let's go.
We couldn't get the herd.
The Rogers already sold it.
But at least we got the money.
They burned the place
to the ground and killed the stock.
Nothing left.
And I'm not going back.
I'm through with farming.
We'll be leaving tomorrow.
Rogers have been trying for years
to get hold of the Caine land.
Now they done it.
We'll spend the night here
and... then cross the border.
It'll be safer there.
Wait a minute.
That livestock was all we had.
We couldn't let them get away
with all that money.
All right, so he's dead,
but you can't blame us.
That's your money.
What are you doing here?
They killed Ben.
- Who killed him?
- Rogers.
They shot him, but he got away.
They followed Ben.
As soon as they found him at home,
they hanged him.
- They made me watch.
- I told him he should have gone away.
Nobody frightened Ben.
And now he's dead.
I don't want 'em to go free.
I need someone.
You believe in revenge, but I don't.
It never ends.
- Ben was your friend.
- Go ask his brothers.
They're cowards.
Help me.
I can't help you.
Well, I suppose
I've got to do it all alone.
- That's right.
- Then you won't.
Doesn't interest me.
Maybe you're willing to do it
for a price.
Don't bother to bring it up.
You're wasting time.
I already brought it up.
This is what Ben got back
from the Rogers.
I'm through with fighting.
Not even for me?
Not even for you.
You were my last hope.
There's only myself now.
They'll kill you.
Let 'em then.
Get out while there's still time.
- You wanna room?
- Yeah.
Sign the book.
A dollar for the room and 50 cents
more if you take a lass.
- Get out of here.
- My money?
Go to hell!
You promised.
- Get off my back.
Pay me the money now.
That's all you're gettin'.
Get outta here.
Scumbag!
His old man and all his brothers
are all bastards.
Come on. I'll take you to your room.
I'll make him pay for this.
I'll get him.
Go on now.
I don't want trouble with the Rogers.
Nothing to it
once you know what you're doing.
All you have to have is luck.
Buy me a drink?
You're new in town.
I saw you over at the hotel.
OK, where is he?
Better watch him. He's the one with
the red shirt and the ghoul face.
I can handle him.
Think so?
Half his family's sitting there.
Get out first.
- Sam.
- Yeah?
Keep your hands on the table.
On the table.
On your feet.
All right, let's go.
Now listen to me, amigo.
Maybe you think you can do anything
you want 'cause you're a Rogers.
We'd like to know.
Now you tell us.
You think you folks are special, right?
You've been very lucky, boy,
and that's a fact.
You didn't end up like the Caines.
The Rogers family
lives in a different world.
You folks ain't bad men.
Maybe you kill a fella now and then,
scare people here a bit.
They ain't at all like me.
They're willing to wait
and pray you all die off.
But I don't want to wait.
We Vallees ain't too patient.
We ain't waiting
till you rustle our cattle,
burn our farms,
just 'cause other folks are afraid of you.
So we're running you out of town.
You're leaving.
You're gonna go, and now.
So now you know.
You're going to find we do all right,
us Vallees.
You'll find out.
If you don't believe we're tough
enough, I'll show you a sample.
Hope you know what you're doin'.
If I were you...
But you ain't. Stone.
Can you tell me who he is?
No idea, but he's the kind
I really wouldn't want to know.
Open up
or we'll bust the door down.
You're wanted for murder.
Come on.
- Brought you a little note.
- Pa sent it. Think you ought to read it.
Tell your pa I won't release him.
Four men have been shot.
In self-defence.
My friend, we were both there.
- We were witnesses.
- Then you ought to know who he is.
Sure. He works for us.
Let him go.
My brothers and I'll take care of him.
We figured this will leave you free
to look for the Caines.
My men are searching.
All right. Just remember this.
We pay you good money
and we want action.
You gonna do what he says?
What about it?
Wake up. You're free till next time.
Have you worked long
for them Rogers?
Hurry up.
Let's go.
Ain't gonna be this lucky next time.
OK, let's go.
- Thanks, sheriff.
- And don't forget the Caines.
Here he is, Pa.
Come closer.
My sons told me all about you.
I expect you know I'm much obliged.
What is it that we can do for you?
- Not much.
- A job?
- What have you got?
- You're new around these parts.
Hey?
That's right. I am.
The man doesn't like
questions at all!
Well, that suits me. What's your name?
Manuel.
I've got a good steady job for you
as my foreman.
22 dollars plus food
and lodging. That do?
- That's fine.
- Bud, put him in with you and George.
Diana, this is Manuel.
He's going to be our new foreman.
Come on.
- Pa, we spoke to the sheriff.
- And?
- What do we do now?
- I don't know.
Can't stay here. It's dangerous.
She can always join us later.
I'll go see.
- Well, what you gonna do?
- I'll stay here.
Listen, we can't wait any longer.
We're going tonight.
You can do as you like,
but I wish you'd stay on a day or two.
Will you?
Because I'd be alone if you go.
Tom, look!
Let's go.
For the blessings
we're about to receive, oh Lord,
make us truly grateful. Amen.
You've got to pull it harder.
Harder!
You see, that's gonna hold!
Get your dirty feet
off of my bed!
- Looking for something, friend?
- Can't I look around if I want?
Yeah, but the boss don't like anyone
hanging around his horses after dark.
I see.
- I haven't met you.
- My name's Corey.
- You're the new foreman?
- That's right.
It's not up to me, you know.
I just carry out orders.
Fine.
It's all right. I'm turning in.
OK. Goodnight.
Hey, come on!
Hey! Hold up!
You circle round to the left.
Larry, you go with him.
Frank, come with me! Hurry!
Get a move on!
Come on! Let's go!
All right, last time
around. Get your bets down!
That's it! Here it comes! Gather round.
Yeah! I got it!
- Somebody opened the gate.
- You say that one more time,
- I'll bust your head in.
- At least we got everything back.
Not everything.
What are you doing here?
Frank!
Anything you want is yours.
How much are you willing
to do for her?
Pa.
- What do you want?
- Not money.
Money's unimportant now.
If you cherish your only daughter,
you'll do exactly as I say,
whatever I tell you.
If I say the word, she's finished.
Is that clear?
Three men of mine ain't come back yet.
They went out after the Caines.
We got some huntin' to do.
What's she doing here?
This is our affair, Sheriff.
- Better go, Mrs Caine.
- Do you want to tell me about this?
- What did she want?
- Pa!
She can't get away with it.
What happened? Did you see him?
- It'll all turn out fine.
- How do we know that?
Could be a trick.
- Why? They'll pay the price.
- How much?
They're coming back to get him.
- Then I'll finish this.
- Coming back to get who?
- Ben.
- Ben?
He's dead and buried! There ain't
nothing more you can do for him.
The Rogers will pray for his soul.
The people have got to see
what they've done to Ben.
I've waited for this, hoping...
...that they'd have to honour him,
kneel down before God,
as humiliated men.
You're out of your mind, girl!
You had no right!
You should have asked us first.
- We would never have let you.
- Leave her alone. Come on.
It's not safe in this place.
It's time I started worrying about me.
Right now, we're gonna get us
a ticket to Mexico.
All flesh is grass
and all men will die.
Look upon us with mercy
and make Thy people children of life.
Oh, wash away all our sins.
Thine enemies fall down before
the outstretched arm of the Lord.
All those that hate Thee
are destroyed.
Thou causeth the earth to swallow them
and the fire to consume them.
My body cries out, "Absolve us!"
My heart is split open wide.
Listen and bring me solace.
Save me. Let my soul fly to Thee
and find eternal rest.
It is written, "To everything there is
a season and a time to every purpose.
"A time to be born and a time to die."
And so be it.
"Vanity, vanity!" saith the preacher.
"All is vanity."
What's the matter, Manuel?
About to lose your little girl?
We were coming to talk to you
about that.
She's going to get us across the border.
Listen, Maria said to come and get her.
And that's what we're gonna do.
All right, where is she? Talk.
Come on, talk!
You gonna start talkin'?
2,000 dollars to get her back.
- Talk, will you?
- Your brother will die if you don't.
You'll never see her
if you lay a hand on my brother.
How do you know she's alive, eh?
If she weren't,
we'd be in Mexico by now. Believe me.
- You'd better get her back here.
- If we don't get back tonight...
- they'll kill her.
- Leave him to me, Pa.
That's sufficient.
Well, there you are.
Bring her back here.
You're starting to use your head!
Frank!
You ought to try
to be nicer to me, man.
And my little brother.
We'll just take this.
Eli, come on.
We'll bring back your daughter, Rogers.
Don't worry.
No, you're going to get her.
Your brother's staying here with us.
If by 11 o'clock she ain't back here,
you know what to expect.
Thomas!
Take it easy, Eli. We've got the cash
and the girl. It'll be all right.
- Well, then?
- It's a deal. Eli stays with you.
I don't want to meet you at the ranch.
It's not that I don't trust you.
Let's meet in town instead.
It's a bit closer to the border.
OK by me.
We'll see you at 11 at the church.
My gun.
Thomas!
I ain't gonna let you down, Eli.
Nothin' to worry about.
Caine? Keep track of the time.
They're bringing my daughter
in a few minutes.
We can't afford mistakes.
Get ready.
What are you gonna do now?
Doesn't matter.
Doesn't matter to me what I do.
You'd better not stay here.
The Rogers can only mean trouble.
It has no meaning for me now.
I just don't care.
I fear nothing, Manuel.
I've finished having any feeling.
I did what I had to.
There's no more now.
Go home now.
Tomorrow, I'll get you at sun-up.
I'll take you north.
Do you still remember?
Manuel will take you home.
We don't need you.
Not any more.
I never intended to make you suffer.
My brothers will kill you.
Thomas!
Are you gonna tell us
who did it?
You'd better tell us
or you're not gonna live long.
Manuel. He did it.
- Who?
- Manuel.
And where have they brought Diana?
Ghost town.
Let's go.
Let's go.
Maria.
Manuel.
The Rogers...
did you take her back?
Yes.
- What about you?
- I'm all right.
Her brothers think
you murdered her.
Eli talked. Watch out.
They'll find you.
They'll find you, Manuel.
- Not me.
- We could have gone away.
We could have...
but now it's too late.
No, there's still time.
We'll begin again.
We'll go north to a place I know of,
don't worry.
No, Manuel.
You've got to leave.
- They'll be back.
- You're coming with me.
I'm not.
If you want,
you can come back for me.
I'll stay here.
If I stay...
...you can make it through.
I remember
when you first went away.
I shouldn't have married Ben.
But you...
...you never did come back.
Ben? Did I do right?
THE END
Robert Hossein dedicates this film
to our friend Sergio Leone
I seek the man who killed my friend
And when we meet my life may end
My life depends upon my gun
And my gun spells hope
In the land where the rope
and the colt are king
I swore a vow on my dyin' breath
To ride a trail that ends in death
And death could strike with
a frightening jolt of a lightning bolt
In the land where the rope
and the colt are king
But oh, my darling, if I should die
There's not a soul who will ever know
That I loved you so
was the reason why
The days are dust
and the nights are black
But oh, my darlin', if I get back
I'll trade my gun for a weddin' ring
And I'll turn my hand
To the land
where the rope and the colt are king
CEMETERY WITHOUT CROSSES
And when we meet my life may end
My life depends upon my gun
And my gun spells hope in the land
Where the rope
And the colt are king
I swore a vow on my dyin' breath
To ride a trail that ends in death
And death could strike
With a frightening jolt
of a lightning bolt
In the land where the rope
And the colt are king
But oh my darlin' if I should die
There's not a soul who will ever know
That I loved you so
was the reason why
The days are dust
and the nights are black
But oh my darlin' if I get back
I'll trade my gun for a weddin' ring
and I'll turn my hand to the land
Where the rope
and the colt are king
Maria.
Maria!
Ben!
No! Leave him alone!
Ben! Ben!
Leave him alone.
Ben!
Ben!
Ben!
Ben!
Come on, men. I want
the other two Caines, let's go.
We couldn't get the herd.
The Rogers already sold it.
But at least we got the money.
They burned the place
to the ground and killed the stock.
Nothing left.
And I'm not going back.
I'm through with farming.
We'll be leaving tomorrow.
Rogers have been trying for years
to get hold of the Caine land.
Now they done it.
We'll spend the night here
and... then cross the border.
It'll be safer there.
Wait a minute.
That livestock was all we had.
We couldn't let them get away
with all that money.
All right, so he's dead,
but you can't blame us.
That's your money.
What are you doing here?
They killed Ben.
- Who killed him?
- Rogers.
They shot him, but he got away.
They followed Ben.
As soon as they found him at home,
they hanged him.
- They made me watch.
- I told him he should have gone away.
Nobody frightened Ben.
And now he's dead.
I don't want 'em to go free.
I need someone.
You believe in revenge, but I don't.
It never ends.
- Ben was your friend.
- Go ask his brothers.
They're cowards.
Help me.
I can't help you.
Well, I suppose
I've got to do it all alone.
- That's right.
- Then you won't.
Doesn't interest me.
Maybe you're willing to do it
for a price.
Don't bother to bring it up.
You're wasting time.
I already brought it up.
This is what Ben got back
from the Rogers.
I'm through with fighting.
Not even for me?
Not even for you.
You were my last hope.
There's only myself now.
They'll kill you.
Let 'em then.
Get out while there's still time.
- You wanna room?
- Yeah.
Sign the book.
A dollar for the room and 50 cents
more if you take a lass.
- Get out of here.
- My money?
Go to hell!
You promised.
- Get off my back.
Pay me the money now.
That's all you're gettin'.
Get outta here.
Scumbag!
His old man and all his brothers
are all bastards.
Come on. I'll take you to your room.
I'll make him pay for this.
I'll get him.
Go on now.
I don't want trouble with the Rogers.
Nothing to it
once you know what you're doing.
All you have to have is luck.
Buy me a drink?
You're new in town.
I saw you over at the hotel.
OK, where is he?
Better watch him. He's the one with
the red shirt and the ghoul face.
I can handle him.
Think so?
Half his family's sitting there.
Get out first.
- Sam.
- Yeah?
Keep your hands on the table.
On the table.
On your feet.
All right, let's go.
Now listen to me, amigo.
Maybe you think you can do anything
you want 'cause you're a Rogers.
We'd like to know.
Now you tell us.
You think you folks are special, right?
You've been very lucky, boy,
and that's a fact.
You didn't end up like the Caines.
The Rogers family
lives in a different world.
You folks ain't bad men.
Maybe you kill a fella now and then,
scare people here a bit.
They ain't at all like me.
They're willing to wait
and pray you all die off.
But I don't want to wait.
We Vallees ain't too patient.
We ain't waiting
till you rustle our cattle,
burn our farms,
just 'cause other folks are afraid of you.
So we're running you out of town.
You're leaving.
You're gonna go, and now.
So now you know.
You're going to find we do all right,
us Vallees.
You'll find out.
If you don't believe we're tough
enough, I'll show you a sample.
Hope you know what you're doin'.
If I were you...
But you ain't. Stone.
Can you tell me who he is?
No idea, but he's the kind
I really wouldn't want to know.
Open up
or we'll bust the door down.
You're wanted for murder.
Come on.
- Brought you a little note.
- Pa sent it. Think you ought to read it.
Tell your pa I won't release him.
Four men have been shot.
In self-defence.
My friend, we were both there.
- We were witnesses.
- Then you ought to know who he is.
Sure. He works for us.
Let him go.
My brothers and I'll take care of him.
We figured this will leave you free
to look for the Caines.
My men are searching.
All right. Just remember this.
We pay you good money
and we want action.
You gonna do what he says?
What about it?
Wake up. You're free till next time.
Have you worked long
for them Rogers?
Hurry up.
Let's go.
Ain't gonna be this lucky next time.
OK, let's go.
- Thanks, sheriff.
- And don't forget the Caines.
Here he is, Pa.
Come closer.
My sons told me all about you.
I expect you know I'm much obliged.
What is it that we can do for you?
- Not much.
- A job?
- What have you got?
- You're new around these parts.
Hey?
That's right. I am.
The man doesn't like
questions at all!
Well, that suits me. What's your name?
Manuel.
I've got a good steady job for you
as my foreman.
22 dollars plus food
and lodging. That do?
- That's fine.
- Bud, put him in with you and George.
Diana, this is Manuel.
He's going to be our new foreman.
Come on.
- Pa, we spoke to the sheriff.
- And?
- What do we do now?
- I don't know.
Can't stay here. It's dangerous.
She can always join us later.
I'll go see.
- Well, what you gonna do?
- I'll stay here.
Listen, we can't wait any longer.
We're going tonight.
You can do as you like,
but I wish you'd stay on a day or two.
Will you?
Because I'd be alone if you go.
Tom, look!
Let's go.
For the blessings
we're about to receive, oh Lord,
make us truly grateful. Amen.
You've got to pull it harder.
Harder!
You see, that's gonna hold!
Get your dirty feet
off of my bed!
- Looking for something, friend?
- Can't I look around if I want?
Yeah, but the boss don't like anyone
hanging around his horses after dark.
I see.
- I haven't met you.
- My name's Corey.
- You're the new foreman?
- That's right.
It's not up to me, you know.
I just carry out orders.
Fine.
It's all right. I'm turning in.
OK. Goodnight.
Hey, come on!
Hey! Hold up!
You circle round to the left.
Larry, you go with him.
Frank, come with me! Hurry!
Get a move on!
Come on! Let's go!
All right, last time
around. Get your bets down!
That's it! Here it comes! Gather round.
Yeah! I got it!
- Somebody opened the gate.
- You say that one more time,
- I'll bust your head in.
- At least we got everything back.
Not everything.
What are you doing here?
Frank!
Anything you want is yours.
How much are you willing
to do for her?
Pa.
- What do you want?
- Not money.
Money's unimportant now.
If you cherish your only daughter,
you'll do exactly as I say,
whatever I tell you.
If I say the word, she's finished.
Is that clear?
Three men of mine ain't come back yet.
They went out after the Caines.
We got some huntin' to do.
What's she doing here?
This is our affair, Sheriff.
- Better go, Mrs Caine.
- Do you want to tell me about this?
- What did she want?
- Pa!
She can't get away with it.
What happened? Did you see him?
- It'll all turn out fine.
- How do we know that?
Could be a trick.
- Why? They'll pay the price.
- How much?
They're coming back to get him.
- Then I'll finish this.
- Coming back to get who?
- Ben.
- Ben?
He's dead and buried! There ain't
nothing more you can do for him.
The Rogers will pray for his soul.
The people have got to see
what they've done to Ben.
I've waited for this, hoping...
...that they'd have to honour him,
kneel down before God,
as humiliated men.
You're out of your mind, girl!
You had no right!
You should have asked us first.
- We would never have let you.
- Leave her alone. Come on.
It's not safe in this place.
It's time I started worrying about me.
Right now, we're gonna get us
a ticket to Mexico.
All flesh is grass
and all men will die.
Look upon us with mercy
and make Thy people children of life.
Oh, wash away all our sins.
Thine enemies fall down before
the outstretched arm of the Lord.
All those that hate Thee
are destroyed.
Thou causeth the earth to swallow them
and the fire to consume them.
My body cries out, "Absolve us!"
My heart is split open wide.
Listen and bring me solace.
Save me. Let my soul fly to Thee
and find eternal rest.
It is written, "To everything there is
a season and a time to every purpose.
"A time to be born and a time to die."
And so be it.
"Vanity, vanity!" saith the preacher.
"All is vanity."
What's the matter, Manuel?
About to lose your little girl?
We were coming to talk to you
about that.
She's going to get us across the border.
Listen, Maria said to come and get her.
And that's what we're gonna do.
All right, where is she? Talk.
Come on, talk!
You gonna start talkin'?
2,000 dollars to get her back.
- Talk, will you?
- Your brother will die if you don't.
You'll never see her
if you lay a hand on my brother.
How do you know she's alive, eh?
If she weren't,
we'd be in Mexico by now. Believe me.
- You'd better get her back here.
- If we don't get back tonight...
- they'll kill her.
- Leave him to me, Pa.
That's sufficient.
Well, there you are.
Bring her back here.
You're starting to use your head!
Frank!
You ought to try
to be nicer to me, man.
And my little brother.
We'll just take this.
Eli, come on.
We'll bring back your daughter, Rogers.
Don't worry.
No, you're going to get her.
Your brother's staying here with us.
If by 11 o'clock she ain't back here,
you know what to expect.
Thomas!
Take it easy, Eli. We've got the cash
and the girl. It'll be all right.
- Well, then?
- It's a deal. Eli stays with you.
I don't want to meet you at the ranch.
It's not that I don't trust you.
Let's meet in town instead.
It's a bit closer to the border.
OK by me.
We'll see you at 11 at the church.
My gun.
Thomas!
I ain't gonna let you down, Eli.
Nothin' to worry about.
Caine? Keep track of the time.
They're bringing my daughter
in a few minutes.
We can't afford mistakes.
Get ready.
What are you gonna do now?
Doesn't matter.
Doesn't matter to me what I do.
You'd better not stay here.
The Rogers can only mean trouble.
It has no meaning for me now.
I just don't care.
I fear nothing, Manuel.
I've finished having any feeling.
I did what I had to.
There's no more now.
Go home now.
Tomorrow, I'll get you at sun-up.
I'll take you north.
Do you still remember?
Manuel will take you home.
We don't need you.
Not any more.
I never intended to make you suffer.
My brothers will kill you.
Thomas!
Are you gonna tell us
who did it?
You'd better tell us
or you're not gonna live long.
Manuel. He did it.
- Who?
- Manuel.
And where have they brought Diana?
Ghost town.
Let's go.
Let's go.
Maria.
Manuel.
The Rogers...
did you take her back?
Yes.
- What about you?
- I'm all right.
Her brothers think
you murdered her.
Eli talked. Watch out.
They'll find you.
They'll find you, Manuel.
- Not me.
- We could have gone away.
We could have...
but now it's too late.
No, there's still time.
We'll begin again.
We'll go north to a place I know of,
don't worry.
No, Manuel.
You've got to leave.
- They'll be back.
- You're coming with me.
I'm not.
If you want,
you can come back for me.
I'll stay here.
If I stay...
...you can make it through.
I remember
when you first went away.
I shouldn't have married Ben.
But you...
...you never did come back.
Ben? Did I do right?
THE END
Robert Hossein dedicates this film
to our friend Sergio Leone
I seek the man who killed my friend
And when we meet my life may end
My life depends upon my gun
And my gun spells hope
In the land where the rope
and the colt are king
I swore a vow on my dyin' breath
To ride a trail that ends in death
And death could strike with
a frightening jolt of a lightning bolt
In the land where the rope
and the colt are king
But oh, my darling, if I should die
There's not a soul who will ever know
That I loved you so
was the reason why
The days are dust
and the nights are black
But oh, my darlin', if I get back
I'll trade my gun for a weddin' ring
And I'll turn my hand
To the land
where the rope and the colt are king