Oklahoma Raiders (1944) - full transcript
Oklahoma Raiders is yet one more Betty Burbridge re-working of an original Bennett Cohen story ("Come on Danger,1932", "The Renegade Ranger, 1938", "Come On Danger, 1942" and "Alias Billy the Kid, 1946" among a couple of other uses), usually commissioned by Cohen or Oliver Drake as Associate Producers of whichever version they were involved with. In this one, the hero is an investigator sent by the U.S. Army rather than the Texas Rangers, but the roots show quickly. During the Civil War, Union Army Lieutenant Steve Nolan and Corporal Banjo Bonner are assigned to trail and capture "El Vengador/The Avenger", outlaw leader whose band is stealing herds of wild horses before they can be delivered on contract to the Army. Disguised as an unshaven, seedy cowpuncher, Steve arrives in Benton, Oklahoma territory and witnesses the robbery of the post office by Duggan and Higgins, henchmen of Arnold Drew, who holds the contract to deliver the horses. Steve stops the two robbers but is wounded by the unseen Drew. The townspeople assume the unconscious Steve is part of the gang, and judge Clem Masters instructs a deputy to take Steve to the next town to have his head-wound treated. Drew orders Duggan and Higgins to ambush the wagon and kill Steve, but they shoot the deputy instead, and the team runs away with the helpless Steve. He is dumped over an embankment just as Donna Ross, Todd Wingate and Boone Talbot arrive on the scene. Donna takes Steve to a hideout in the mountains, where she is revealed as El Vengador, leading a group of dispossessed ranchers against Drew and land agent James Prescott, who have illegally taken over the rancher's lands, so they can take over the contract of furnishing the horses. Steve is nursed back to health by Donna and returns clean-shaven to Benton to gather evidence against the Drew/Prescott gang, but Donna and Todd think he is a spy who has betrayed them.
[instrumental music]
[cannon shot]
[band music]
[gunshots]
[men clamoring]
[singing "Nelly Bly"]
Nelly Bly Nelly Bly
bring the broom along
We'll sweep the kitchen clean
my dear and have a little song
Poke the wood my lady love
and make the fire burn
And while I take
the banjo down
Just give the mush a turn
Heigh Nelly ho Nelly
listen love to me
I'll sing for you play for you
a lonesome melody
Heigh Nelly ho Nelly
listen love to me
I'll sing for you play for you
a lovely melody
Nelly Bly shuts her eye
when she goes to sleep
When she wakens up again
her eyeballs gettin' to peep
The way she walks
she lifts her foot
And then she brings it down
And when it lights
there's music there
In that there part of town
Heigh Nelly ho Nelly
listen love to me
I'll sing for you play for you
a lovely melody
Heigh Nelly ho Nelly
listen love to me
I'll sing for you play for you
a lovely melody
[applause]
- Ah, beautiful.
- What you brewin', Banjo?
Nectar of the Gods, my friend.
Banjo Bonner's greatest
scientific discovery.
Cures all ailments
of horse and man
besides bein' useful to polish
silver, gold, or brass.
Hey, let me have
your bugle a minute.
- I'll show you something.
- Sure, sure. Polish it off.
I'll polish it off.
[clears throat]
- Ah...
- Uh, uh, y-- you, you idiot!
You, you ruined it! [man laughs]
I'll get court-martialed
for this.
T-- Take it easy, my friend.
I-- I must have made the formula
too strong. Uh...
Banjo: Attention!
Howdy, Steve?
- I mean, Lieutenant Nolan.
- At ease, men.
Say, I thought you were out
chasin' them guerrillas
who've been wreckin' our trains.
- I was.
- I was?
Ain't you just chuck-full
of information though.
Seems to me you oughta tell me
a little bit more than that.
After all, I've been fightin'
battle after battle
besides workin' like mad
on my formula
just to help you
and the cavalry.
Colonel Rogers wishes you
to report to him at once, sir,
and bring Corporal Bonner
with you.
Thank you.
Golly! Do you reckon
the-- the Colonel
knows about my invention?
Never can tell.
Lieutenant Nolan reporting, sir,
with Corporal Bonner.
Sit down.
I've been going over the report
on your activities
in running down that
guerrilla band, lieutenant.
- It's excellent.
- I was lucky, sir.
Well, maybe you're right.
I understand you're both
from the Indian Territory.
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
When my folks first moved out
the Indian Territory
I was just
knee-high to a grasshopper.
[chuckles] Mighty fine country
out there, sir.
Yes, so I've heard.
Are you familiar
with Benton County?
Why, yes, sir. I believe
that's the wild horse district.
A number of ranchers
settled there years ago,
started the business
of raising mustangs,
sellin' 'em to the army
for cavalry remounts.
That's right, and they've proven
exceptionally
tough and dependable.
However in the past few weeks,
not one horse has been
delivered to us.
Arnold Drew,
who has the remount contract
for the Oklahoma Territory,
seems unable to cope
with a gang of outlaws
who have been stealing
these wild horses from him
just as fast as he can
get them rounded up.
All that we've been able
to find out is that
the leader is known
as El Vengador.
El Vengador.
That's Spanish,
meaning the avenger.
Sounds to me like there's
a personal motive
in this stealin'.
Well, whether it's personal
or otherwise,
lieutenant, it must be stopped.
You and Corporal Bonner
will leave for Benton at once.
Bring in this El Vengador
and his troublemakers
and see to it
that the necessary horses
are delivered to the army.
We'll do the best we can, sir.
With your permission, I'll go on
ahead into the territory
as a cowboy lookin' for work.
Uh, Corporal Bonner
can join me later.
Here's where my great
scientific formula pays off.
How you operate, lieutenant,
is entirely up to you.
But remember,
the army needs those remounts.
Now when you reach Benton,
look up James Prescott.
He is the land commissioner
there.
He has written to me
regarding this difficulty,
so that he should be able to
give you complete information.
Yes, sir.
Good luck.
[dramatic music]
[door opens]
[dramatic music]
Put up your hands.
Alright, stranger,
start reachin'.
[intense music]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
- What's the trouble, sheriff?
- I don't know.
It sounded like that shot come
from the Express office.
[gunshot]
[gunshots]
Drew: I'm glad
you got here, sheriff.
I surprised a couple of men
breaking
into the Express office safe.
One got away,
but I shot this one.
Is he dead?
No, but he's very badly wounded.
- Get Doc Edwards.
- He ain't here, judge.
He left last week
to join the army.
That's right.
I'd forgotten that.
Well, you better make
arrangements to have him
taken over to the doctor
in Osage.
He has a nasty head wound.
Go get Williams and tell him
to bring his wagon up here.
If we can get him over
to the doctor in time,
he may tell us
who his accomplice was.
Yeah.
Is that the letter you want,
Prescott?
Yes.
Did anyone identify
that stranger you shot?
No, but Deputy Williams
is takin' him over
to Osage to get him patched up.
He whatSay, if he comes to
and does any talkin',
it's gonna be plenty bad for us.
I ain't sure whether he'd know
Duggan and me again,
but he certainly must have got
a look at your face
before you shot him.
He's not gonna have a chance
to do any talkin', Higgins.
If you and Duggan knock on it,
you can reach
Cherokee Pass
ahead of that wagon.
We'll make it.
[dramatic music]
Hey, what's the idea?
I'm taking you to Osage
to see a doc.
And when he gets through
with you, I'm lockin' ya up.
There's something wrong
with this.
I'll say there's something wrong
about it.
Hold out your other hand.
Wait a minute. Just a minute!
[gunshot] Oh!
[dramatic music]
[gunshots]
[gunshots]
[gunshots]
[gunshots]
He won't bother us anymore.
[dramatic music]
Well, we sure thought
you were a goner.
Yeah, I did too.
Todd, get some water.
Looks like you might have
had a run-in with the law.
Yeah. Ran into a little trouble
in Benton.
A deputy was takin' me
to Osage.
Said I needed a doctor.
That hombre back down the road
is dead, Miss Donna,
and he was wearing
a deputy sheriff's badge.
I guess
you were telling the truth.
- Who are you?
- Steve Nolan.
Oh, I, I'm sorry, ma'am.
I'll be alright
in a little while.
Boone, put him on your horse.
Blindfold him.
We'll take him back
to camp with us.
Aren't you being
kind of foolish, Donna?
We don't know anything
about him.
He's hurt
and he's in trouble, Todd.
That's why most people
come to us, isn't it?
I know, but don't forget there's
a $1000 reward on your head.
As soon as word reaches Benton
that he's escaped,
there'll be a posse
hot on our trail.
The sheriff's been looking
for us for quite some time
without any luck.
What about the two men
that were after him?
He was with a deputy, so they
can't be officers of the law.
Well, we won't cross our bridges
till we come to 'em.
[dramatic music]
[singing "I'll Be A Cowboy
Till I Die"]
I made up my mind
to change my way
And quit the crowd
that was so gay
And I leave my home
for a little while
And travel West
for many a mile
When I arrive in Mexico
I thought of her
but I could not go
So I wrote a letter
a letter to my dear
But not a word
did I ever hear
So take your gold
and your silver too
And pity the girl
that won't prove true
I'll travel West
where the bullets fly
I'll be a cowboy
till the day I die
- The herd alright, Todd?
- Yeah.
Well, what's wrong?
Don't I look alright?
Like a fashion plate.
Steve must feel plenty flattered
at the way you're trying
to impress him.
I don't know what's gotten
into you lately, Todd.
I'm not blind, Donna.
Ever since Steve Nolan got here,
you've spent practically
all of your time taking care
of him. I don't like it.
You won't have to worry
about that much longer.
Steve's fully recovered
and he's leaving today.
I just hope he doesn't come back
with the sheriff's posse.
He's hardly in a position to get
very friendly with the law.
Hello, Todd. Say, much obliged
for this outfit you loaned me.
Never mind the thanks,
come on down
to the corral
and saddle yourself a horse.
We're riding a ways with you.
I'll join you
as soon as I change my clothes.
You figuring on leaving
the territory?
Well, I have a little matter
to settle
with a gentleman in Benton.
After that, who knows?
Do you think you can get away
with going back into a town
where you're wanted by the law?
Well, I can try.
I'm smooth-shaven now.
Wearin' different clothes.
I don't think
anybody will recognize me.
Say, can you tell me
what a girl like Donna's
doin' in this kind of a set-up?
What would you do if a bunch
of crooks drove you out
of your home and took over
everything you owned?
Try to get it back, I guess.
That's just
what Donna Ross is doing.
Her father pioneered
this territory
along with most of the other men
you've met here in camp.
Yeah, and they were doing
alright
until the war came along.
Then a bill was passed
condemning their ranches
and declaring Rainbow Valley
a national park.
Well, didn't the Territory
try to pay 'em for the land?
Yeah, sure. 25 cents an acre.
Nothing for the equipment
and horses.
When Ross and the other ranchers
refused to accept,
Prescott, the land commissioner,
took a sheriff's posse
and drove them out
at the point of a gun.
Donna's father was killed
in the fight.
Not a very pleasant picture,
Todd.
But continuin' to buck the law
won't help any.
Why don't they protest
to Washington?
Clem Masters, the judge over at
Benton, has been trying to help.
But so far, it's been
the same old run-around.
[dramatic music]
Oh, thank you, Donna.
You've been mighty kind.
Follow that trail. It'll lead
you right out of the Badlands.
- Goodbye, Steve.
- Goodbye.
And good luck.
- So long, Todd.
- So long.
I got bad news for you,
Miss Donna.
I saw Judge Masters
this morning.
I suppose
he heard from Washington.
Well, the mail-rider says
he brought in a letter one day
last week for the judge
postmarked Washington,
but the Express office
was held up the same night
and the letter disappeared.
Then the judge still doesn't
know whether we've been granted
a new hearing or not.
And after all these months--
I'll bet Arnold Drew isn't
shedding any tears.
The longer
the hearing's postponed,
the better he'll like it.
He probably had a hand
in the robbery.
I'm going after him.
This time it's a showdown.
We'll both pay the town
of Benton a little visit, Todd.
[singing
"Out On The Open Range"]
I wanna ride my pony
over the prairie
Out on the open range
Herdin' the cattle
dusty and weary
Out on the open range
I wanna see the sunset
over the mountain
Leavin' the moon so plain
I wanna hit the saddle
herdin' lazy cattle
Out on the open range
[yodeling]
I wanna hear the wind blow
over my campfire
Brushing the smoke away
Rolled in my blankets
there by the campfire
Waiting the break of day
I wanna see the dawn break
there in the mornin'
Makin' me feel so strange
I'll get my pals together
then we'll hit the leather
Out on the open range
[yodeling]
Very pretty! Very pretty!
[laughs] Hurry, hurry, hurry!
Step right up, my friends,
I have here the greatest
scientific discovery of the age!
Banjo Bonner's
famous nectar of the Gods!
There ain't any sickness,
man or beast, it will not cure.
Ah, my good man, you look like
you need a few treatments.
[laughs] There ain't nothin'
wrong with me
that a little old
Kentucky bourbon won't cure.
[laughing]
There you are, my good man.
You have the basis
for my magic formula.
A little of that famous brew
from Kentucky,
plus some tea
from 101 different herbs
equals Banjo Bonner's
famous nectar of the Gods.
Yes, sir, one drink
and you'll never know
you ever had any troubles.
- Smells alright, professor.
- Of course, it smells alright.
I've been drinkin' it for years.
[coughs]
[gasping]
I'm dyin'. I'm burnin' up.
Gimme some water... [coughing]
Ah!
Phew! Thanks, Mr. Prescott.
Phew.
Why, you little sawed-off runt.
- Try to poison me, will you?
- Just a minute.
There-- There's something wrong
with the formula--
Never mind what's wrong
with the formula.
You gave me that stuff,
didn't ya?
[explosion]
Wreck my saloon, will ya?
Well, it's gonna cost ya.
- How much, mister?
- Fifty dollars!
- Fifty dollars?
- Yes, fifty.
Fifty, fifty dollars.
Alright,
now will you get outta here
and take that stuff with ya!
- Go on, beat it!
- Ah, just a minute, cousin.
If I was to drop this stuff,
you'd never forgive yourself.
Take it easy.
- Feeling better now?
- Yeah, I'm alright.
Let me have your attention, men.
I'm starting a wild horse
roundup in the morning
and I'm paying top wages
for riders.
Anyone that's interested
can talk to my foreman, Duggan.
He'll sign you up.
Man 1: How long you think
the drive will last, Mr. Drew?
Drew: Oh, about two weeks.
Man 2: You think
El Vengador and his gang
will give us any trouble
this time?
- I told you to beat it!
- Well, I-- I thought I...
I was kind of figurin'
on hiring out to Mr. Drew.
Well, I'll disfigure you
if you don't
get that box of dynamite
out of here! [screams]
Oh!
Look, will you, please,
take that stuff
and get out of herePlease.
Go now!
Now get out of here.
You don't know
what you-- you're missin'.
Go on, get out of here!
You don't know
what you're missin'!
Oh, howdy, my friend?
Uh, just a minute.
You're just the man
I'm looking for.
Could I interest you
in a little bottle
to take home to your wife?
It will surprise her.
Uh-huh-huh.
These one-horse towns.
Unh-unh-unh.
Banjo: Howdy, stranger?
Could I interest you in a bottle
of my famous nectar?
- Oh, you might.
- Howdy, lieutenant?
- How long you been in town?
- I just got here.
Did you manage
to find out anything?
Well, when I hit town
the other night,
I got mixed up
in a little robbery.
Since then, I've been hiding out
in the camp of El Vengador.
- On the level.
- On the level?
I thought it was in the hills.
[laughs]
You're a fast worker.
Then you know who he is.
It ain't a he, Banjo.
El Vengador is a girl
and a mighty good-lookin' one.
Well, I'll be doggone.
A lady bandit?
What will they think of next?
- Did you arrest her?
- No, not yet.
I wanna check up on Arnold Drew
and James Prescott
before I make a move.
Hm.
[footsteps]
[dramatic music]
Well, if there's anything else
I can do for ya, my friend,
just look me up, send me a card,
I cure everything.
I won't forget.
The one on the inside
is J. Prescott.
The one on this side,
Arnold Drew.
So that's Arnold Drew, huh?
The man who has the army
contract for wild horses.
When I was in the saloon
a few moments ago,
they was hirin' men
for a roundup
to take place tomorrow.
Hey, you look like
you've seen him before.
I have.
He's one of the bandits
that held up the Express office
the other night.
Say, Banjo, see if you can
sign on the roundup.
In the meantime,
I'll have a little talk
with Prescott and Drew.
But if you was in
on one of their robberies,
hadn't they ought to know you?
I'll soon find out.
In the meantime, you do as I say
and keep your mouth shut.
Uh, uh, you bet, sir.
You bet.
[laughs] Yes, sir.
[clears throat]
New roundup is comin'
- Mr. Prescott?
- That's correct.
What can I do for you?
I'm Lieutenant Steve Nolan
from the 7th Cavalry.
Glad you're here, lieutenant.
Meet Arnold Drew.
He has the contract to supply
the army with remount horses.
- Mr. Drew.
- Glad to know you, lieutenant.
Well, we rather expected
to see you in uniform.
Well, I have my orders.
Until I get to the bottom
of the trouble around here,
my connection with the army
must be kept confidential.
Colonel Rogers suggested that
I have a talk with ya,
Mr. Prescott.
He said he thought
maybe you could help me.
Well, I'm glad to do anything
I can for you, lieutenant,
but Mr. Drew
is in a better position
to explain
what we're up against.
Well, there really isn't much
to explain
except every time
we get a picked bunch of horses
rounded up,
they're stampeded and stolen
by El Vengador and his outlaws.
My hunters have located
a big herd
out in the south end
of Rainbow Valley.
I'm starting another drive
in the morning,
but I can't guarantee
the horses will be delivered.
The army needs those remounts
and I was sent here to make sure
they'll be delivered.
So if it's alright
with you, gentlemen,
I'll go along with ya tomorrow.
Fine, we can use
every man available,
and especially those
that know how to handle a gun.
Well, I've had some experience.
[laughs]
[door opens]
Todd: That's right.
Keep on reaching.
[dramatic music]
If you were thinking
of collecting that reward money,
you're out of luck.
Donna Ross.
So you're El Vengador.
Todd Wingate.
You have a letter
addressed to Judge Masters.
I want it.
I don't know
what you're talking about.
Why would I be interested
in the judge's correspondence?
The same reason
that Arnold Drew is.
Now give me that letter.
Unlock that desk.
Open that box.
[gunshot]
[intense music]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshots]
Donna Ross is El Vengador.
Go after her!
She's got too much of a start.
We can never catch her now.
The next time you write
to Washington, judge,
don't forget to mention
that the ranchers
you're so interested in
are known to be outlaws
and are stealing horses intended
for the United States Army.
Masters: Young man, I'd like
a few minutes talk with you
if you don't mind.
Go ahead.
Suppose we go over
to the sheriff's office.
We won't be disturbed
over there.
[dramatic music]
Now what's on your mind, judge?
This.
Now where is that letter you
helped steal the other night?
The one from Washington
addressed to me?
Say, what's this all about,
anyway?
Now don't alibi.
Maybe no one else in this town
recognized you, but I did.
You took part in that
Express robbery last week
and Drew shot you.
You seem to be well informed.
You were wearing old clothes
and had about three days'
growth of whiskers on you.
But I know
what you looked like though
for I was the one
who bandaged your wound.
Banjo: Somebody's gonna be
bandaging you up, judge,
if you don't drop that gun.
I never stuck a judge up before,
but I guess
there's always a first time.
Put your gun away, Banjo.
"Lieutenant Steve Nolan.
US Army."
That's right.
Now maybe we'd better
have a little powwow.
Steve: And that's about all
I have to say, judge.
Except that
regardless of how much
I believe
in Donna Ross' innocence,
the army must have those horses.
And I agree with you,
lieutenant.
Our personal problems
are unimportant
compared to the preservation
of the Union.
You reckon the Ross girl and her
friends will listen to reason
if they're told
what Steve's doin' out here?
It's rather difficult
to be patriotic, Banjo,
when you're just
one jump ahead of the law.
That stolen letter might have
been the solution
to the entire problem.
I'm leavin' in the morning
on the wild horse roundup,
judge.
When you hear from Donna Ross
or any of the other ranchers,
give them this message from me.
If they'll stay away
from the valley
until I get the necessary
number of horses
delivered to the cavalry,
I'll personally take
their troubles to Washington.
I believe I'll be able to
straighten things out for them.
Thank you, lieutenant.
[instrumental music]
[indistinct shouting]
[indistinct shouting]
[indistinct shouting]
- Look good, don't they?
- They sure do.
[horses neighing]
Ah, ain't they
the cute little rascals?
Don't you think they're a little
young for the cavalry?
Well, it's been ten days now
since we started the drive
and El Vengador or her gang
haven't showed up.
Maybe somebody showed them
the error of their ways.
I doubt it,
and I'd feel a lot better
if that girl was in jail.
Yes, I suppose you would, Drew.
[singing "Roll On
Little Doggies Roll On"]
Roll on roll on
Roll on little doggies
roll on roll on
Roll on roll on
Roll on little doggies
roll on
Last night
as I lay on the prairie
And looked at the stars
in the sky
I wondered if ever a cowboy
Would drift
to that sweet by and by
Now the road
to that bright happy region
Is a dim narrow trail
so they say
While the broad one
that leads to perdition
Is posted and glazed
all the way
Roll on roll on
Roll on little doggies
roll on roll on
Roll on roll on
Roll on little doggies
roll on
I'm scared
that I'll be a stray yearlin'
A maverick unbranded on high
And get caught in the bunch
with the rusties
When the boss
of the riders goes by
Roll on roll on
Roll on little doggies
roll on roll on
Roll on roll on
Roll on little doggies
Roll on
Drew: You boys better
get some sleep.
I'll call you at midnight.
[dramatic music]
[dramatic music]
[horses neighing]
[horses neighing]
[gunshots]
[gunshots]
Sounds like a stampede!
Roll out!
- Hey, fellows. Wake up!
- Get up!
- Wake up!
- Saddle up, saddle up.
[gunshots]
[dramatic music]
[gunshots]
[gunshots]
Now you're gonna
listen to me, Todd,
whether you want to or not.
Save your breath,
you cheap double-crosser.
I should have plugged you the
other day in Prescott's office.
Well, I can understand how
you feel, but you're all wrong.
Didn't Judge Masters deliver
a message to you from me?
Sure, but why should I believe
any promises you might make?
Donna took ya in and cared
for you when you were wounded,
but that didn't stop you
from going back to Benton
and siding in
with Drew and Prescott.
I was sent here to get remounts
for the cavalry,
and those wild horses
are gonna be delivered
if I have to bring in
a company of troops
and blast my way
into your camp.
You and Donna Ross
aren't fighting the local law
of the Territory now, Todd.
You're up against
the United States Army.
But we've only taken
what rightfully belongs to us.
Well, I'm beginning to realize
that now and I intend to see
that the ranchers
get a square deal.
We're at war, Todd.
Those horses are needed badly.
It's not a question
of who owns them
or who gets paid for 'em.
Well, I... never looked at it
quite like that, Steve.
If it's not too late,
I'd like to help you.
Well, you can start in
by explaining to Donna
and the other ranchers.
Don't worry. I'll see that
you get out of this.
Good work, lieutenant.
- Get any of the rest of 'em?
- No, I didn't.
Tie him up
and put him on a horse.
Higgins: You're right, Hank.
He's not only a horse thief,
he's a traitor to his country.
And I'm bettin'
he's a rebel sympathizer.
There've been
too many of these hombres
coming in here lately
disturbin' our peace.
If we don't do
somethin' about it,
we're gonna lose our homes,
our ranches, wagons, everything.
Them vigilantes in California
had the right idea.
You bet they did. They knew
what to do with a horse thief.
Just wastin'
the taxpayers' money.
I got a note for you, Steve.
Some fella up the street
gave it to me,
told me to give it to you.
Say, listen to this.
"Steve, come alone
to Castle Rock,
"1 mile west of the Forks.
Important. Donna Ross."
The female bandit.
Uh, maybe it's a trap.
Do you think you ought to go?
Now, now, Banjo, you know
it isn't polite
to keep a lady waitin'.
Besides, we've got
to figure a way
to get Todd out of jail.
That's right.
That crowd over there
is gettin' ready
to take matters
in their own hands.
Hello, Donna.
Aren't you takin' quite a chance
meeting me this way?
- I might arrest ya.
- Look over there.
Well, I guess I'm the one
that's takin' the chance.
What did you wanna see me about?
Todd Wingate.
Steve, if I promise
to ride into Benton
with you and surrender
to the sheriff,
will you release him from jail?
You think a lot of him,
don't you?
Yes, I do.
Todd was my father's foreman.
He had nothing to gain
by joining the ranchers
who were outlawed,
but he helped them
because he believed
they were in the right.
I'll make you a proposition.
If I agree to break
Todd out of jail,
will you let the army
have the horses
you rustled from Arnold Drew?
I never refused to sell horses
to the army,
but there was no way
I could deliver them.
Well, there is now.
Get your men together,
wait at the pass
the other side of town.
I'll meet ya there with Todd.
And I'm tellin' you, men,
if we don't take the law
into our own hands,
they're gonna turn him loose!
We all know
Judge Masters has been
tryin' to help them
horse ranchers.
He'd never find
Todd Wingate guilty.
Now just a minute, fellas.
Todd's entitled to a fair trail
the same as anyone else is.
If you don't like
what we're doin', go on home.
[men laughing]
It's a good thing
you got back, Steve.
Maybe you can talk
some sense to them
locoed galoots over there.
Oh, it'd only be
a waste of time to try.
His kind don't deserve nothin'.
Higgins: We've got too many
of these hombres...
Gotta get this hombre out of
here before sundown, gentlemen.
I'm telling you now.
You got everything
straight?
I sure have. Leave it to me.
[dramatic music]
Open up the door, sheriff,
or we'll break it in!
Better do as we say.
We want Todd Wingate.
We better go out
and quiet that mob.
Todd: Give me a gun
and I'll help you stand 'em off.
You've already caused
enough trouble, Todd.
All together, men,
and straight on into that cell!
Pull out that wheat-rack
and use it for a battering ram!
- Hey, come on.
- Clear out of here, all of ya!
First man
who tries to pass us
will end up
with a load of buckshot.
Don't let the judge
bluff ya, men.
We want Wingate, sheriff,
and we're gonna get him!
He's my prisoner and nobody's
gonna take him outta here.
Now get back!
[dramatic music]
I'm givin' you men till I count
ten to clear out.
One...
two...
three...
[men clamoring]
[intense music]
Alright, put him in here.
Sorry to do this to ya,
gentlemen.
- Make yourselves comfortable.
- This is an outrage.
Ah, shut up.
Here's our man.
Alright, get him out of there.
Come on, we got a nice tree
picked out for you, mister.
[clamoring]
[men clamoring]
Prescott: Find what you're
looking for, Lieutenant?
A lot of people seem interested
in my mail.
Now hand over those letters.
I guess there isn't
much choice, Prescott.
This explains
how you knew the judge
was expectin'
to hear from Washington.
You don't think
your knowledge is gonna do you
any good, do you?
[clamoring]
[dramatic music]
Man 3: Murder him.
Put it on him.
String him up, boys!
String him up!
[gunshot]
[men clamoring]
Banjo: Get back!
This is dynamite!
Into the wagon! Quick!
[gunshots]
Giddap! Giddap! Giddap!
[gunshots]
Why, the whole thing's
a frame-up.
Come on, get your horses, men!
[intense music]
[dramatic music]
[gunshot]
[gunshots]
[explosion]
[explosion]
[explosion]
[gunshots]
[explosion]
[gunshots]
Drew, you and Prescott
are comin' back
and face a federal court.
You haven't got anything on us.
Well, just to refresh
your memory,
I happen to be the man
you shot
the night you robbed
the Express office.
Well, maybe these letters
will come in kinda handy
at the trial.
[instrumental music]
[Johnny Bond singing
"Starlight On The Prairie"]
Starlight
On the prairie
Moonbeams
Fill the sky
Night winds
On the prairie
Croonin'
Lullabies
Goodbye, Donna. I'll let ya
know how I like army life.
I'll be waiting
to hear from you, Todd.
Will you be coming back
after the war, Steve?
A team of horses
couldn't keep me away.
Speakin' of horses, the sooner
you send us them remounts,
the sooner
the war'll be over.
- Well, goodbye, Donna.
- Goodbye, boys, and good luck.
So long.
Ridin'
Through the wastelands
My dreams are all
Of home
Starlight
On the prairie
Guide me
Safely home
[instrumental music]
[cannon shot]
[band music]
[gunshots]
[men clamoring]
[singing "Nelly Bly"]
Nelly Bly Nelly Bly
bring the broom along
We'll sweep the kitchen clean
my dear and have a little song
Poke the wood my lady love
and make the fire burn
And while I take
the banjo down
Just give the mush a turn
Heigh Nelly ho Nelly
listen love to me
I'll sing for you play for you
a lonesome melody
Heigh Nelly ho Nelly
listen love to me
I'll sing for you play for you
a lovely melody
Nelly Bly shuts her eye
when she goes to sleep
When she wakens up again
her eyeballs gettin' to peep
The way she walks
she lifts her foot
And then she brings it down
And when it lights
there's music there
In that there part of town
Heigh Nelly ho Nelly
listen love to me
I'll sing for you play for you
a lovely melody
Heigh Nelly ho Nelly
listen love to me
I'll sing for you play for you
a lovely melody
[applause]
- Ah, beautiful.
- What you brewin', Banjo?
Nectar of the Gods, my friend.
Banjo Bonner's greatest
scientific discovery.
Cures all ailments
of horse and man
besides bein' useful to polish
silver, gold, or brass.
Hey, let me have
your bugle a minute.
- I'll show you something.
- Sure, sure. Polish it off.
I'll polish it off.
[clears throat]
- Ah...
- Uh, uh, y-- you, you idiot!
You, you ruined it! [man laughs]
I'll get court-martialed
for this.
T-- Take it easy, my friend.
I-- I must have made the formula
too strong. Uh...
Banjo: Attention!
Howdy, Steve?
- I mean, Lieutenant Nolan.
- At ease, men.
Say, I thought you were out
chasin' them guerrillas
who've been wreckin' our trains.
- I was.
- I was?
Ain't you just chuck-full
of information though.
Seems to me you oughta tell me
a little bit more than that.
After all, I've been fightin'
battle after battle
besides workin' like mad
on my formula
just to help you
and the cavalry.
Colonel Rogers wishes you
to report to him at once, sir,
and bring Corporal Bonner
with you.
Thank you.
Golly! Do you reckon
the-- the Colonel
knows about my invention?
Never can tell.
Lieutenant Nolan reporting, sir,
with Corporal Bonner.
Sit down.
I've been going over the report
on your activities
in running down that
guerrilla band, lieutenant.
- It's excellent.
- I was lucky, sir.
Well, maybe you're right.
I understand you're both
from the Indian Territory.
- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.
When my folks first moved out
the Indian Territory
I was just
knee-high to a grasshopper.
[chuckles] Mighty fine country
out there, sir.
Yes, so I've heard.
Are you familiar
with Benton County?
Why, yes, sir. I believe
that's the wild horse district.
A number of ranchers
settled there years ago,
started the business
of raising mustangs,
sellin' 'em to the army
for cavalry remounts.
That's right, and they've proven
exceptionally
tough and dependable.
However in the past few weeks,
not one horse has been
delivered to us.
Arnold Drew,
who has the remount contract
for the Oklahoma Territory,
seems unable to cope
with a gang of outlaws
who have been stealing
these wild horses from him
just as fast as he can
get them rounded up.
All that we've been able
to find out is that
the leader is known
as El Vengador.
El Vengador.
That's Spanish,
meaning the avenger.
Sounds to me like there's
a personal motive
in this stealin'.
Well, whether it's personal
or otherwise,
lieutenant, it must be stopped.
You and Corporal Bonner
will leave for Benton at once.
Bring in this El Vengador
and his troublemakers
and see to it
that the necessary horses
are delivered to the army.
We'll do the best we can, sir.
With your permission, I'll go on
ahead into the territory
as a cowboy lookin' for work.
Uh, Corporal Bonner
can join me later.
Here's where my great
scientific formula pays off.
How you operate, lieutenant,
is entirely up to you.
But remember,
the army needs those remounts.
Now when you reach Benton,
look up James Prescott.
He is the land commissioner
there.
He has written to me
regarding this difficulty,
so that he should be able to
give you complete information.
Yes, sir.
Good luck.
[dramatic music]
[door opens]
[dramatic music]
Put up your hands.
Alright, stranger,
start reachin'.
[intense music]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
- What's the trouble, sheriff?
- I don't know.
It sounded like that shot come
from the Express office.
[gunshot]
[gunshots]
Drew: I'm glad
you got here, sheriff.
I surprised a couple of men
breaking
into the Express office safe.
One got away,
but I shot this one.
Is he dead?
No, but he's very badly wounded.
- Get Doc Edwards.
- He ain't here, judge.
He left last week
to join the army.
That's right.
I'd forgotten that.
Well, you better make
arrangements to have him
taken over to the doctor
in Osage.
He has a nasty head wound.
Go get Williams and tell him
to bring his wagon up here.
If we can get him over
to the doctor in time,
he may tell us
who his accomplice was.
Yeah.
Is that the letter you want,
Prescott?
Yes.
Did anyone identify
that stranger you shot?
No, but Deputy Williams
is takin' him over
to Osage to get him patched up.
He whatSay, if he comes to
and does any talkin',
it's gonna be plenty bad for us.
I ain't sure whether he'd know
Duggan and me again,
but he certainly must have got
a look at your face
before you shot him.
He's not gonna have a chance
to do any talkin', Higgins.
If you and Duggan knock on it,
you can reach
Cherokee Pass
ahead of that wagon.
We'll make it.
[dramatic music]
Hey, what's the idea?
I'm taking you to Osage
to see a doc.
And when he gets through
with you, I'm lockin' ya up.
There's something wrong
with this.
I'll say there's something wrong
about it.
Hold out your other hand.
Wait a minute. Just a minute!
[gunshot] Oh!
[dramatic music]
[gunshots]
[gunshots]
[gunshots]
[gunshots]
He won't bother us anymore.
[dramatic music]
Well, we sure thought
you were a goner.
Yeah, I did too.
Todd, get some water.
Looks like you might have
had a run-in with the law.
Yeah. Ran into a little trouble
in Benton.
A deputy was takin' me
to Osage.
Said I needed a doctor.
That hombre back down the road
is dead, Miss Donna,
and he was wearing
a deputy sheriff's badge.
I guess
you were telling the truth.
- Who are you?
- Steve Nolan.
Oh, I, I'm sorry, ma'am.
I'll be alright
in a little while.
Boone, put him on your horse.
Blindfold him.
We'll take him back
to camp with us.
Aren't you being
kind of foolish, Donna?
We don't know anything
about him.
He's hurt
and he's in trouble, Todd.
That's why most people
come to us, isn't it?
I know, but don't forget there's
a $1000 reward on your head.
As soon as word reaches Benton
that he's escaped,
there'll be a posse
hot on our trail.
The sheriff's been looking
for us for quite some time
without any luck.
What about the two men
that were after him?
He was with a deputy, so they
can't be officers of the law.
Well, we won't cross our bridges
till we come to 'em.
[dramatic music]
[singing "I'll Be A Cowboy
Till I Die"]
I made up my mind
to change my way
And quit the crowd
that was so gay
And I leave my home
for a little while
And travel West
for many a mile
When I arrive in Mexico
I thought of her
but I could not go
So I wrote a letter
a letter to my dear
But not a word
did I ever hear
So take your gold
and your silver too
And pity the girl
that won't prove true
I'll travel West
where the bullets fly
I'll be a cowboy
till the day I die
- The herd alright, Todd?
- Yeah.
Well, what's wrong?
Don't I look alright?
Like a fashion plate.
Steve must feel plenty flattered
at the way you're trying
to impress him.
I don't know what's gotten
into you lately, Todd.
I'm not blind, Donna.
Ever since Steve Nolan got here,
you've spent practically
all of your time taking care
of him. I don't like it.
You won't have to worry
about that much longer.
Steve's fully recovered
and he's leaving today.
I just hope he doesn't come back
with the sheriff's posse.
He's hardly in a position to get
very friendly with the law.
Hello, Todd. Say, much obliged
for this outfit you loaned me.
Never mind the thanks,
come on down
to the corral
and saddle yourself a horse.
We're riding a ways with you.
I'll join you
as soon as I change my clothes.
You figuring on leaving
the territory?
Well, I have a little matter
to settle
with a gentleman in Benton.
After that, who knows?
Do you think you can get away
with going back into a town
where you're wanted by the law?
Well, I can try.
I'm smooth-shaven now.
Wearin' different clothes.
I don't think
anybody will recognize me.
Say, can you tell me
what a girl like Donna's
doin' in this kind of a set-up?
What would you do if a bunch
of crooks drove you out
of your home and took over
everything you owned?
Try to get it back, I guess.
That's just
what Donna Ross is doing.
Her father pioneered
this territory
along with most of the other men
you've met here in camp.
Yeah, and they were doing
alright
until the war came along.
Then a bill was passed
condemning their ranches
and declaring Rainbow Valley
a national park.
Well, didn't the Territory
try to pay 'em for the land?
Yeah, sure. 25 cents an acre.
Nothing for the equipment
and horses.
When Ross and the other ranchers
refused to accept,
Prescott, the land commissioner,
took a sheriff's posse
and drove them out
at the point of a gun.
Donna's father was killed
in the fight.
Not a very pleasant picture,
Todd.
But continuin' to buck the law
won't help any.
Why don't they protest
to Washington?
Clem Masters, the judge over at
Benton, has been trying to help.
But so far, it's been
the same old run-around.
[dramatic music]
Oh, thank you, Donna.
You've been mighty kind.
Follow that trail. It'll lead
you right out of the Badlands.
- Goodbye, Steve.
- Goodbye.
And good luck.
- So long, Todd.
- So long.
I got bad news for you,
Miss Donna.
I saw Judge Masters
this morning.
I suppose
he heard from Washington.
Well, the mail-rider says
he brought in a letter one day
last week for the judge
postmarked Washington,
but the Express office
was held up the same night
and the letter disappeared.
Then the judge still doesn't
know whether we've been granted
a new hearing or not.
And after all these months--
I'll bet Arnold Drew isn't
shedding any tears.
The longer
the hearing's postponed,
the better he'll like it.
He probably had a hand
in the robbery.
I'm going after him.
This time it's a showdown.
We'll both pay the town
of Benton a little visit, Todd.
[singing
"Out On The Open Range"]
I wanna ride my pony
over the prairie
Out on the open range
Herdin' the cattle
dusty and weary
Out on the open range
I wanna see the sunset
over the mountain
Leavin' the moon so plain
I wanna hit the saddle
herdin' lazy cattle
Out on the open range
[yodeling]
I wanna hear the wind blow
over my campfire
Brushing the smoke away
Rolled in my blankets
there by the campfire
Waiting the break of day
I wanna see the dawn break
there in the mornin'
Makin' me feel so strange
I'll get my pals together
then we'll hit the leather
Out on the open range
[yodeling]
Very pretty! Very pretty!
[laughs] Hurry, hurry, hurry!
Step right up, my friends,
I have here the greatest
scientific discovery of the age!
Banjo Bonner's
famous nectar of the Gods!
There ain't any sickness,
man or beast, it will not cure.
Ah, my good man, you look like
you need a few treatments.
[laughs] There ain't nothin'
wrong with me
that a little old
Kentucky bourbon won't cure.
[laughing]
There you are, my good man.
You have the basis
for my magic formula.
A little of that famous brew
from Kentucky,
plus some tea
from 101 different herbs
equals Banjo Bonner's
famous nectar of the Gods.
Yes, sir, one drink
and you'll never know
you ever had any troubles.
- Smells alright, professor.
- Of course, it smells alright.
I've been drinkin' it for years.
[coughs]
[gasping]
I'm dyin'. I'm burnin' up.
Gimme some water... [coughing]
Ah!
Phew! Thanks, Mr. Prescott.
Phew.
Why, you little sawed-off runt.
- Try to poison me, will you?
- Just a minute.
There-- There's something wrong
with the formula--
Never mind what's wrong
with the formula.
You gave me that stuff,
didn't ya?
[explosion]
Wreck my saloon, will ya?
Well, it's gonna cost ya.
- How much, mister?
- Fifty dollars!
- Fifty dollars?
- Yes, fifty.
Fifty, fifty dollars.
Alright,
now will you get outta here
and take that stuff with ya!
- Go on, beat it!
- Ah, just a minute, cousin.
If I was to drop this stuff,
you'd never forgive yourself.
Take it easy.
- Feeling better now?
- Yeah, I'm alright.
Let me have your attention, men.
I'm starting a wild horse
roundup in the morning
and I'm paying top wages
for riders.
Anyone that's interested
can talk to my foreman, Duggan.
He'll sign you up.
Man 1: How long you think
the drive will last, Mr. Drew?
Drew: Oh, about two weeks.
Man 2: You think
El Vengador and his gang
will give us any trouble
this time?
- I told you to beat it!
- Well, I-- I thought I...
I was kind of figurin'
on hiring out to Mr. Drew.
Well, I'll disfigure you
if you don't
get that box of dynamite
out of here! [screams]
Oh!
Look, will you, please,
take that stuff
and get out of herePlease.
Go now!
Now get out of here.
You don't know
what you-- you're missin'.
Go on, get out of here!
You don't know
what you're missin'!
Oh, howdy, my friend?
Uh, just a minute.
You're just the man
I'm looking for.
Could I interest you
in a little bottle
to take home to your wife?
It will surprise her.
Uh-huh-huh.
These one-horse towns.
Unh-unh-unh.
Banjo: Howdy, stranger?
Could I interest you in a bottle
of my famous nectar?
- Oh, you might.
- Howdy, lieutenant?
- How long you been in town?
- I just got here.
Did you manage
to find out anything?
Well, when I hit town
the other night,
I got mixed up
in a little robbery.
Since then, I've been hiding out
in the camp of El Vengador.
- On the level.
- On the level?
I thought it was in the hills.
[laughs]
You're a fast worker.
Then you know who he is.
It ain't a he, Banjo.
El Vengador is a girl
and a mighty good-lookin' one.
Well, I'll be doggone.
A lady bandit?
What will they think of next?
- Did you arrest her?
- No, not yet.
I wanna check up on Arnold Drew
and James Prescott
before I make a move.
Hm.
[footsteps]
[dramatic music]
Well, if there's anything else
I can do for ya, my friend,
just look me up, send me a card,
I cure everything.
I won't forget.
The one on the inside
is J. Prescott.
The one on this side,
Arnold Drew.
So that's Arnold Drew, huh?
The man who has the army
contract for wild horses.
When I was in the saloon
a few moments ago,
they was hirin' men
for a roundup
to take place tomorrow.
Hey, you look like
you've seen him before.
I have.
He's one of the bandits
that held up the Express office
the other night.
Say, Banjo, see if you can
sign on the roundup.
In the meantime,
I'll have a little talk
with Prescott and Drew.
But if you was in
on one of their robberies,
hadn't they ought to know you?
I'll soon find out.
In the meantime, you do as I say
and keep your mouth shut.
Uh, uh, you bet, sir.
You bet.
[laughs] Yes, sir.
[clears throat]
New roundup is comin'
- Mr. Prescott?
- That's correct.
What can I do for you?
I'm Lieutenant Steve Nolan
from the 7th Cavalry.
Glad you're here, lieutenant.
Meet Arnold Drew.
He has the contract to supply
the army with remount horses.
- Mr. Drew.
- Glad to know you, lieutenant.
Well, we rather expected
to see you in uniform.
Well, I have my orders.
Until I get to the bottom
of the trouble around here,
my connection with the army
must be kept confidential.
Colonel Rogers suggested that
I have a talk with ya,
Mr. Prescott.
He said he thought
maybe you could help me.
Well, I'm glad to do anything
I can for you, lieutenant,
but Mr. Drew
is in a better position
to explain
what we're up against.
Well, there really isn't much
to explain
except every time
we get a picked bunch of horses
rounded up,
they're stampeded and stolen
by El Vengador and his outlaws.
My hunters have located
a big herd
out in the south end
of Rainbow Valley.
I'm starting another drive
in the morning,
but I can't guarantee
the horses will be delivered.
The army needs those remounts
and I was sent here to make sure
they'll be delivered.
So if it's alright
with you, gentlemen,
I'll go along with ya tomorrow.
Fine, we can use
every man available,
and especially those
that know how to handle a gun.
Well, I've had some experience.
[laughs]
[door opens]
Todd: That's right.
Keep on reaching.
[dramatic music]
If you were thinking
of collecting that reward money,
you're out of luck.
Donna Ross.
So you're El Vengador.
Todd Wingate.
You have a letter
addressed to Judge Masters.
I want it.
I don't know
what you're talking about.
Why would I be interested
in the judge's correspondence?
The same reason
that Arnold Drew is.
Now give me that letter.
Unlock that desk.
Open that box.
[gunshot]
[intense music]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[gunshots]
Donna Ross is El Vengador.
Go after her!
She's got too much of a start.
We can never catch her now.
The next time you write
to Washington, judge,
don't forget to mention
that the ranchers
you're so interested in
are known to be outlaws
and are stealing horses intended
for the United States Army.
Masters: Young man, I'd like
a few minutes talk with you
if you don't mind.
Go ahead.
Suppose we go over
to the sheriff's office.
We won't be disturbed
over there.
[dramatic music]
Now what's on your mind, judge?
This.
Now where is that letter you
helped steal the other night?
The one from Washington
addressed to me?
Say, what's this all about,
anyway?
Now don't alibi.
Maybe no one else in this town
recognized you, but I did.
You took part in that
Express robbery last week
and Drew shot you.
You seem to be well informed.
You were wearing old clothes
and had about three days'
growth of whiskers on you.
But I know
what you looked like though
for I was the one
who bandaged your wound.
Banjo: Somebody's gonna be
bandaging you up, judge,
if you don't drop that gun.
I never stuck a judge up before,
but I guess
there's always a first time.
Put your gun away, Banjo.
"Lieutenant Steve Nolan.
US Army."
That's right.
Now maybe we'd better
have a little powwow.
Steve: And that's about all
I have to say, judge.
Except that
regardless of how much
I believe
in Donna Ross' innocence,
the army must have those horses.
And I agree with you,
lieutenant.
Our personal problems
are unimportant
compared to the preservation
of the Union.
You reckon the Ross girl and her
friends will listen to reason
if they're told
what Steve's doin' out here?
It's rather difficult
to be patriotic, Banjo,
when you're just
one jump ahead of the law.
That stolen letter might have
been the solution
to the entire problem.
I'm leavin' in the morning
on the wild horse roundup,
judge.
When you hear from Donna Ross
or any of the other ranchers,
give them this message from me.
If they'll stay away
from the valley
until I get the necessary
number of horses
delivered to the cavalry,
I'll personally take
their troubles to Washington.
I believe I'll be able to
straighten things out for them.
Thank you, lieutenant.
[instrumental music]
[indistinct shouting]
[indistinct shouting]
[indistinct shouting]
- Look good, don't they?
- They sure do.
[horses neighing]
Ah, ain't they
the cute little rascals?
Don't you think they're a little
young for the cavalry?
Well, it's been ten days now
since we started the drive
and El Vengador or her gang
haven't showed up.
Maybe somebody showed them
the error of their ways.
I doubt it,
and I'd feel a lot better
if that girl was in jail.
Yes, I suppose you would, Drew.
[singing "Roll On
Little Doggies Roll On"]
Roll on roll on
Roll on little doggies
roll on roll on
Roll on roll on
Roll on little doggies
roll on
Last night
as I lay on the prairie
And looked at the stars
in the sky
I wondered if ever a cowboy
Would drift
to that sweet by and by
Now the road
to that bright happy region
Is a dim narrow trail
so they say
While the broad one
that leads to perdition
Is posted and glazed
all the way
Roll on roll on
Roll on little doggies
roll on roll on
Roll on roll on
Roll on little doggies
roll on
I'm scared
that I'll be a stray yearlin'
A maverick unbranded on high
And get caught in the bunch
with the rusties
When the boss
of the riders goes by
Roll on roll on
Roll on little doggies
roll on roll on
Roll on roll on
Roll on little doggies
Roll on
Drew: You boys better
get some sleep.
I'll call you at midnight.
[dramatic music]
[dramatic music]
[horses neighing]
[horses neighing]
[gunshots]
[gunshots]
Sounds like a stampede!
Roll out!
- Hey, fellows. Wake up!
- Get up!
- Wake up!
- Saddle up, saddle up.
[gunshots]
[dramatic music]
[gunshots]
[gunshots]
Now you're gonna
listen to me, Todd,
whether you want to or not.
Save your breath,
you cheap double-crosser.
I should have plugged you the
other day in Prescott's office.
Well, I can understand how
you feel, but you're all wrong.
Didn't Judge Masters deliver
a message to you from me?
Sure, but why should I believe
any promises you might make?
Donna took ya in and cared
for you when you were wounded,
but that didn't stop you
from going back to Benton
and siding in
with Drew and Prescott.
I was sent here to get remounts
for the cavalry,
and those wild horses
are gonna be delivered
if I have to bring in
a company of troops
and blast my way
into your camp.
You and Donna Ross
aren't fighting the local law
of the Territory now, Todd.
You're up against
the United States Army.
But we've only taken
what rightfully belongs to us.
Well, I'm beginning to realize
that now and I intend to see
that the ranchers
get a square deal.
We're at war, Todd.
Those horses are needed badly.
It's not a question
of who owns them
or who gets paid for 'em.
Well, I... never looked at it
quite like that, Steve.
If it's not too late,
I'd like to help you.
Well, you can start in
by explaining to Donna
and the other ranchers.
Don't worry. I'll see that
you get out of this.
Good work, lieutenant.
- Get any of the rest of 'em?
- No, I didn't.
Tie him up
and put him on a horse.
Higgins: You're right, Hank.
He's not only a horse thief,
he's a traitor to his country.
And I'm bettin'
he's a rebel sympathizer.
There've been
too many of these hombres
coming in here lately
disturbin' our peace.
If we don't do
somethin' about it,
we're gonna lose our homes,
our ranches, wagons, everything.
Them vigilantes in California
had the right idea.
You bet they did. They knew
what to do with a horse thief.
Just wastin'
the taxpayers' money.
I got a note for you, Steve.
Some fella up the street
gave it to me,
told me to give it to you.
Say, listen to this.
"Steve, come alone
to Castle Rock,
"1 mile west of the Forks.
Important. Donna Ross."
The female bandit.
Uh, maybe it's a trap.
Do you think you ought to go?
Now, now, Banjo, you know
it isn't polite
to keep a lady waitin'.
Besides, we've got
to figure a way
to get Todd out of jail.
That's right.
That crowd over there
is gettin' ready
to take matters
in their own hands.
Hello, Donna.
Aren't you takin' quite a chance
meeting me this way?
- I might arrest ya.
- Look over there.
Well, I guess I'm the one
that's takin' the chance.
What did you wanna see me about?
Todd Wingate.
Steve, if I promise
to ride into Benton
with you and surrender
to the sheriff,
will you release him from jail?
You think a lot of him,
don't you?
Yes, I do.
Todd was my father's foreman.
He had nothing to gain
by joining the ranchers
who were outlawed,
but he helped them
because he believed
they were in the right.
I'll make you a proposition.
If I agree to break
Todd out of jail,
will you let the army
have the horses
you rustled from Arnold Drew?
I never refused to sell horses
to the army,
but there was no way
I could deliver them.
Well, there is now.
Get your men together,
wait at the pass
the other side of town.
I'll meet ya there with Todd.
And I'm tellin' you, men,
if we don't take the law
into our own hands,
they're gonna turn him loose!
We all know
Judge Masters has been
tryin' to help them
horse ranchers.
He'd never find
Todd Wingate guilty.
Now just a minute, fellas.
Todd's entitled to a fair trail
the same as anyone else is.
If you don't like
what we're doin', go on home.
[men laughing]
It's a good thing
you got back, Steve.
Maybe you can talk
some sense to them
locoed galoots over there.
Oh, it'd only be
a waste of time to try.
His kind don't deserve nothin'.
Higgins: We've got too many
of these hombres...
Gotta get this hombre out of
here before sundown, gentlemen.
I'm telling you now.
You got everything
straight?
I sure have. Leave it to me.
[dramatic music]
Open up the door, sheriff,
or we'll break it in!
Better do as we say.
We want Todd Wingate.
We better go out
and quiet that mob.
Todd: Give me a gun
and I'll help you stand 'em off.
You've already caused
enough trouble, Todd.
All together, men,
and straight on into that cell!
Pull out that wheat-rack
and use it for a battering ram!
- Hey, come on.
- Clear out of here, all of ya!
First man
who tries to pass us
will end up
with a load of buckshot.
Don't let the judge
bluff ya, men.
We want Wingate, sheriff,
and we're gonna get him!
He's my prisoner and nobody's
gonna take him outta here.
Now get back!
[dramatic music]
I'm givin' you men till I count
ten to clear out.
One...
two...
three...
[men clamoring]
[intense music]
Alright, put him in here.
Sorry to do this to ya,
gentlemen.
- Make yourselves comfortable.
- This is an outrage.
Ah, shut up.
Here's our man.
Alright, get him out of there.
Come on, we got a nice tree
picked out for you, mister.
[clamoring]
[men clamoring]
Prescott: Find what you're
looking for, Lieutenant?
A lot of people seem interested
in my mail.
Now hand over those letters.
I guess there isn't
much choice, Prescott.
This explains
how you knew the judge
was expectin'
to hear from Washington.
You don't think
your knowledge is gonna do you
any good, do you?
[clamoring]
[dramatic music]
Man 3: Murder him.
Put it on him.
String him up, boys!
String him up!
[gunshot]
[men clamoring]
Banjo: Get back!
This is dynamite!
Into the wagon! Quick!
[gunshots]
Giddap! Giddap! Giddap!
[gunshots]
Why, the whole thing's
a frame-up.
Come on, get your horses, men!
[intense music]
[dramatic music]
[gunshot]
[gunshots]
[explosion]
[explosion]
[explosion]
[gunshots]
[explosion]
[gunshots]
Drew, you and Prescott
are comin' back
and face a federal court.
You haven't got anything on us.
Well, just to refresh
your memory,
I happen to be the man
you shot
the night you robbed
the Express office.
Well, maybe these letters
will come in kinda handy
at the trial.
[instrumental music]
[Johnny Bond singing
"Starlight On The Prairie"]
Starlight
On the prairie
Moonbeams
Fill the sky
Night winds
On the prairie
Croonin'
Lullabies
Goodbye, Donna. I'll let ya
know how I like army life.
I'll be waiting
to hear from you, Todd.
Will you be coming back
after the war, Steve?
A team of horses
couldn't keep me away.
Speakin' of horses, the sooner
you send us them remounts,
the sooner
the war'll be over.
- Well, goodbye, Donna.
- Goodbye, boys, and good luck.
So long.
Ridin'
Through the wastelands
My dreams are all
Of home
Starlight
On the prairie
Guide me
Safely home
[instrumental music]