One More Mountain (1994) - full transcript
Margaret Reed, a wealthy and proud woman of Chicago unwillingly finds herself a member of the Donner party - a group of pioneers making their way to California by covered wagon in the summer of 1846. One by one the odds begin to stack against Margaret and her family as precious days slip away and an early winter storm closes the passes through the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Trapped without adequate food and supplies, Margaret struggles to keep her family alive.
(CRICKETS CHIRPING)
* Flies in the buttermilk
Shoo, fly, shoo
* Flies in the buttermilk
Shoo, fly, shoo
* Flies in the buttermilk
Shoo, fly, shoo
* Skip to my Lou
My darling
* Lou, Lou skip to my Lou
* Lou, Lou skip to my Lou
* Lou, Lou skip to my Lou
* Skip to my Lou
My darling *
(APPLAUDING)
Play it again, Mama.
No, no, no.
Time for bed, children.
Goodnight, James.
Goodnight, darling.
Eliza will take you up.
Goodnight, darling.
Uh-uh.
Goodnight, Tom.
(SIGHS)
Headache, dear?
Yes.
I'll get you some tea.
(HORSE NEIGHING)
(DOG BARKING)
(COW MOOING)
Lord, what an animal!
Is he yours, Mr. Reed?
No, I think I'm his, Milt.
(CHUCKLES)
Sure is a beauty.
I'll take care of him.
Okay.
(DOG BARKING)
I'll have Eliza
make you
a late supper.
Oh, that'd be
wonderful.
(SIGHS)
That wasn't old Juniper
you rode in on.
No, Glaucus.
Isn't he grand?
He is fine, James.
And bred for
the open spaces.
You've made up
your mind, then?
Margaret, it's Eden.
Our future's there.
I'm sure of it.
You don't think of it
as we do.
You leave out the fear.
You haven't any.
To leave our home,
everyone we know...
To travel 2,000 miles
over wild land
and mountains,
to a territory
that doesn't even
belong to us.
It belongs to Mexico, James.
There are hundreds
of Americans in
California already.
And thousands will cross
this year, thousands!
Well, let them build a road,
and then perhaps...
Ah! There is a road.
They're calling it
the Oregon Trail
and the California Trail.
I've studied it.
Jacob and
George Donner, too.
We've read everything
written on California.
Ah.
We'll travel together.
All three families.
We'll join
one of the emigrant trains.
Emigrants are people
who have nothing.
People hoping
for a better life.
James, we have everything.
Oh, yes,
we have everything.
We have ice and snow,
and damp and fever,
and the civil strife
that's spreading and...
Abolitionists,
slavers...
Margaret.
It's a safe and
healing place.
Your headaches
will leave you.
Your father is
taking us to...
I know, Mama.
To California.
Here we are now.
We'll cross these plains
and through these mountains,
the Wasatch.
And across these flats
to the Sierras,
and then down
into California.
That's six months,
isn't it?
It'll be five,
with a shortcut that's
been discovered.
I have the book.
It's called
The Emigrants' Guide
to Oregon and California,
by Hastings.
He has a trail
shorter by 300 miles.
We'll be five months
in safety and comfort.
I'm designing a wagon like
no one has ever seen before.
Twice as tall,
with, uh, built in beds.
And a stove
to keep you warm.
Everything we own
in one wagon?
No, it'll be
one of three we take.
And a herd of cattle
and teamsters
to drive the wagons and
Eliza will come and help.
Where, sir?
To California.
And my mother?
Your brother will
take her in.
He will not.
Sarah.
I'm the one who's done it.
I'm the one who knows.
From Virginia to Illinois,
before roads,
through Indians.
Sarah,
this is not a matter
for your decision.
You'll not take my daughter,
or her children,
over one foot of trail
without bringing me
along to help.
Done.
She's not
well enough, James.
I mean it, Margaret.
You'll need me.
You will.
You're needed out there.
Women like you. You...
You bring the whole
civilized world with you.
Why isn't this world
enough for you?
It's not the climate
that you're running from,
or the strife, is it?
Well, there's
something more
mighty in store for me.
I feel it.
I know it.
What about us?
Your family.
Are we enough?
Am I?
Without you
there's nothing.
Nothing for me.
I love you, Margaret.
Fear and all?
(CHAINS CLINKING)
(MEN SHOUT INDISTINCTLY)
SARAH: "Daniel Boone
was an expert woodsman.
"And he saved
many a settler's life."
Did he save your life?
Oh, no. Mr. Boone was
already gone
by the time
I crossed the mountains.
We had to
save our own necks.
PATTY: The Indians
don't want your neck.
You said
they'd want your hair.
You best keep it
covered, then.
MAN: Whoa! Hold up there.
(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)
MAN 1: Halt!
MAN 2: Halt!
Why are we halting?
Keep moving!
Mind where you ride
that horse, girl.
Peggy!
Rich and spoiled creature.
Needs the back
of somebody's hand.
Who is that?
Oh, the rich girl
from the palace.
Do you not know
the Reeds?
No, we just joined up.
The... The palace?
Have you not
seen it, then?
Come.
They've nothing to do
all day with all
the servants they have.
You almost
never see the woman.
She knows nothing
about work, I'm told.
And keeps out of the sun
like some duchess.
(CHUCKLES)
We should get
some fresh air,
now that we've stopped.
Mrs. Reed.
Ah, thank you, Milt.
Have you seen Mrs. Donner?
Right over there, ma'am.
(LAUGHING)
Tag, you're it.
I ain't.
I've seen enough children
in this one train to
fill ten California schools.
Well, I've brought
enough books to
make a small start.
Have you thought about
joining me?
I'd like that.
Good.
I've brought my organ
and my music.
Ours may be the first school
there for the settlers.
Music! Reading!
Hello.
Hello.
(SNICKERS)
Paying her respects
to the queen.
Um, my family just joined up
with the wagon train,
and I...
I'm afraid I've had no time
to freshen up, but,
I thought that
we should be acquainted.
Uh, Elizabeth Graves.
I'm Margaret Reed.
This is Tamsen Donner.
Oh, I'm so glad
to make
your acquaintances.
So many of the people
here, well...
They're of the rough type,
aren't they?
And so few Americans.
I'm so surprised.
Why, I hear German
in half the wagons.
And all the Irish.
I'll visit later, Margaret.
Yes.
(CHILDREN LAUGHING)
Mrs. Reed.
Your wagon interests me.
Mmm.
Uh, we was gonna
build one similar,
but my Franklin was
so impatient to...
To be off.
Do you think I could have
just one quick, little look?
Oh, yes, but, uh,
not now.
I have a headache.
Please, excuse me.
Another time.
(ORGAN PLAYING)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
(COUGHING)
Are you all right, Grandma?
Oh, I'll be
right as the rain
soon enough.
Soon enough.
MARGARET: Mother,
it's too cold to be out here
without your shawl.
(METAL CLANGS)
I can't get it to balance,
Mrs. Reed.
Oh, the poor princess.
(WOMEN LAUGHING)
She should never
have come here.
Throw it away. Just...
Throw it away. Start over.
Well, I've
spread the word.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
We'll be breaking camp
one hour earlier.
This train should be
making better time.
You shouldn't take that
upon yourself, James.
You have a captain for that.
The people will...
Will resent you.
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
Then let them.
James, they resent us.
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Have you lost your way?
MAN: Keep moving.
The Fort Hall route
is the proven way.
JAMES: But longer
by 300 miles.
If your destination
is Oregon, yes,
go by Fort Hall.
But for California,
there's a southern route.
We've given the Hastings
cut-off very careful study.
Well, who is this
Lansford Hastings?
He's the man
that found
the way through.
He's the one
that wrote that
guide book.
Listen to
all this impatience.
All this rush.
The land will
be there waiting.
The trees and the soil,
it'll be there.
But if it shortens
the trip...
I like my roads
well-traveled and trusted.
Why the newest way?
Why the fastest?
Isn't the old way
challenge enough?
Lansford Hastings
would not publish
this emigrants' guide
showing us the best route
to California
if he did not travel
every step of it himself.
Look at
their eyes, Margaret.
It's all in the eyes
of our men.
They ache to see
what hasn't been seen.
They're almost mad for it.
If we'd refused,
they'd have gone on
without us.
It's a rush
to the undiscovered and
they won't be
left behind.
Tomorrow, I turn my wagons
to the Hastings' cutoff.
Now who will follow?
Will you stand?
MAN: We don't know that.
(MUMBLING INDISTINCTLY)
Sir, I don't trust
these people.
If it saves time,
we're gonna take it.
What if there's
no trail?
MAN: I'm going.
All right.
James Reed will lead
us on the shortcut
come tomorrow.
No. I won't follow Reed.
Nor I.
I'll eat no more dust
from the palace car.
You lead us, Donner.
You're a farmer,
like the rest of us.
DONNER: All right.
If that's what you want.
All those who want
the shorter way
will follow my wagon.
Spread that word about.
We'll make up
our own party.
The Donner Party,
if that's what you want.
And we'll head out tomorrow.
Along little Sandy Creek.
Just after dawn.
May God bless our way.
(MEN MUMBLING)
Now, I told you...
If ever they feel
sore in the throat,
a piece of bacon
wrapped around...
Wrapped around the throat.
Right.
It works.
It really does.
And bannock.
Remember not to pat
the bannock biscuits down.
You have to leave air
in them.
You have to.
Yes.
Listen, child...
Listen. (PANTING)
If ever water is scarce,
give the child
a little pebble to
carry in their mouth.
Please, listen.
And put
a little peppermint
on it.
(SNIFFLING) Peppermint.
You must know this, child.
It's all I know.
It's everything I know.
(MAN YELLS INDISTINCTLY)
Mama.
Is that Grandma's hair?
Yes, honey.
Can I keep some, too?
(SNIFFLES)
Now, you tell me
if I'm continuing
in the right place.
"Daniel Boone never boasted
of taking an Indian's life.
"He respected the Indians
and valued all life.
"He wore a fringed
hunting shirt,
"and deerskin leggings,
"and he carried..."
A tomahawk.
A tomahawk.
"...and a knife in his belt."
A rifle, too.
Of course.
"On his head
"was his favorite
black felt hat,
"and in his hand,
his trusty rifle."
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
Strangers coming!
MAN: Whoa! Whoa!
Hello.
Charles Stanton.
Chicago.
Hope I don't intrude.
We're the Donner Party,
Mr. Stanton.
CHARLES: Yes, I know.
I was hoping
to join you at Fort Bridger.
May I join you?
You going all the way
to California on that mule?
(LAUGHTER)
Well, I hope to trade.
Passage in a wagon.
Hello.
Charles Stanton. Chicago.
This here is Mary Graves,
my fiancée.
I'm John Snyder.
I drive for
the Graves family.
We should be moving,
not talking.
Yeah, fall in with us,
Mr. Stanton.
We're on our way to meet
Lansford Hastings at the fort.
Uh, I'm afraid
he's not there.
He's gone on,
guiding another party.
Trappers told me.
He sent word.
Gone on? Without us?
And what are we
supposed to do?
Just follow in the tracks
of his party.
That's what they said.
How far ahead is he?
A few days,
the trapper said.
Well, that should be
all right.
We'll resupply at the fort
and carry on
as quickly as we can.
The way should be clear.
PATRICK: Let's hope to God.
The snow will close
the passes in the fall,
whether we're through or not.
Hastings.
He's warning us off
Weber Canyon.
Says we can't
make it through.
Isn't Weber the canyon
on his map?
He says he'll show us
a better pass
through the mountains.
We're to wait here
and send a messenger
to him.
Wait, and for how long?
These are only
the first mountains.
We've so far yet to go!
Reed, you told us he would be
waiting at Fort Bridger!
Hastings promised.
It's not Reed's fault.
I'm going ahead
to talk to him.
I'll bring him
back here to us
as soon as I can.
We better cross the river
and make camp.
(WIND HOWLING)
There are others
who could go.
Oh, it should be me.
Single men
with no families.
It must be me, Margaret.
Milt and the other men
will help you and Stanton.
You'll be all right.
When you're with me,
I'm all right.
With you beside me.
I'll be back.
Four or five days.
Back to stay with you.
(IRISH MUSIC PLAYING)
WOMAN: Boys, go to sleep
in there now.
(FIRE CRACKLING)
Milt get me a shovel.
Eliza, take the pot
off the hook and
put it down in the coals.
MILT: What do you
want me to do?
Here.
Don't take off the lid.
Now, let that sit for
about half-an-hour
to cook.
(SPLASHING)
DONNER: Margaret.
James is back.
James? Where is he?
Are you all right, James?
He wouldn't
return with me.
Hastings.
All he would do was to
ride to a peak and
point out
a possible route.
Possible route.
Oh, James.
I thought he
knew the way.
I've already told Donner.
I'll face the others
in a moment.
I came back
the way he pointed.
It's hard, Margaret.
It'll be brutal
with the wagons.
And slow.
Then why do it?
Then why go on?
If we're not sure of the way,
if the canyon is so poor...
What choice
do we have?
We can go back.
Back to the world
we left.
We don't have
time for that.
The snows will come
in two months,
there isn't time.
Well, back
to Fort Bridger, then.
To wait out the year?
To spend eight months
in that hole?
If we must.
Rather than risk everything.
No.
What we must do
is go on and we will.
Have I lost your faith?
You don't have to answer.
I see it in your eyes.
Am I now allowed
my fear, James?
For the children?
For myself?
Do I disappoint you?
Don't turn away from me,
Margaret.
There are enough here
who blame me and hate me.
Will you stand with me?
(EXHALES)
(MEN YELLING)
(WHIP LASHING)
(MAN SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY)
(WOOD CREAKING)
(GRUNTS)
(GRUNTING)
(LAUGHING)
(SHOUTING)
I don't think
they can pull it up
the slope, Mr. Reed.
You might have to
leave it.
No.
No, all I'm willing to do
is lighten the load.
We have to
lighten the load.
MILT: The pony's lame.
JAMES: He can't carry you
anymore, honey.
Come on, down.
The mountain's
done him in.
(HORSE WHINNIES)
MILT: He's suffering.
Papa... Papa, no, please!
Come on, Virginia.
(COW MOOING)
Whatever is lost,
I will replace in California.
I promise you!
No!
No. Not my organ.
Yes. Yes!
And more, too.
There's nothing else
we can do. Nothing.
Now help me, Margaret.
(SOBBING)
(CROCKERY SHATTERING)
Ah!
(JAMES GRUNTS)
(GRUNTS)
MARGARET: Oh, James.
Oh.
(WHINNIES)
Billy!
Mom, mom, Billy's down.
(COCKS GUN)
(SCREAMS) No!
Billy! No!
(GUNSHOT)
VIRGINIA: No, no, no!
(WAILING)
MARGARET: Come on.
Oh, Virginia.
I know, but it's best.
Eliza, close this!
MARGARET: I know.
Milt! Let's keep moving.
Come, children. Come along.
JAMES: Come on!
Hurry. Hurry, Eliza.
Oh, God.
It's all right.
(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(WIND HOWLING)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
MAN:
Bring some water up here.
Look, James has saved
Daniel Boone for us.
I kept Grandma's Bible,
but, uh,
I'm afraid I've lost her
soft gray hair.
She's still here, Mama.
The Donners.
Are they all right?
They've pushed on.
They mean
to make the way for us.
They're a...
They are a good
day-and-a-half ahead.
We're no company anymore.
We're just
a band of stragglers.
Reed.
It was four weeks
to get across,
not two, like your
bloody Hastings said.
He's not
my bloody Hastings.
He's lied to us
the whole way, Reed,
and we followed along
because of you.
Mr. Reed's lost everything.
Why don't you people
let him be?
The other teamsters and I
were driving the Reed's stock
when the whole
herd stampeded.
We've been
searching all day,
we ain't found one.
(BIRDS CAWING)
Breen still has stock.
So do I.
It's not enough
to go around.
Not enough
meat to butcher.
Somebody needs
to ride on to California.
Meet us on the trail
with fresh supplies.
That's the only way.
PATRICK: It won't be easy,
going through
the mountains alone.
Lord knows
if the map is true.
If that Truckee Pass is
where it's supposed to be.
We need somebody fit.
Who'll volunteer?
I'll go.
What, you?
It won't be an easy ride.
It's cold up there.
I said I will go.
Sure you'll go,
Mr. Stanton.
But once in California
fat and happy,
will you come back for us?
I assure you, sir.
If I say that I will return,
then I will return.
You have the word
of Charles Tyler Stanton.
I believe Mr. Stanton to be
completely trustworthy.
I back him.
So do I.
You're not
voting here, Mary.
JAMES: Then it's Stanton.
Godspeed.
(MAN URGES HORSE)
MAN: Giddy up there,
come on!
Giddy up. Yeah.
(MOOING)
MAN: Hold up.
MILT: Hold up,
they're tangled!
Raise your
terse, Snyder.
Get them loose,
you damn, fool.
JOHN: Get 'em loose!
MAN: Snyder!
MILT: Stop it!
Get 'em loose.
MAN: Snyder,
you're making it worse.
Stop whipping them, John.
Just drop the line.
Don't you order me about,
damn you!
Drop the line!
We'll settle it up
on the hill.
We'll settle this right now.
(GRUNTS)
MARGARET: James!
Stop! No!
Stay back.
No!
JOHN: Get out of my way,
woman.
Ah!
(GROANS)
No!
(GRUNTING)
MARGARET: (SCREAMS) No!
(GRUNTING)
What's happening?
John.
WOMAN:
Did somebody get hurt?
He's killed him.
No!
My God, Reed,
you've murdered him.
No.
Snyder went crazy.
He was hitting Mrs. Reed.
You could see
he's all bloody.
Snyder hit first.
Murderer!
Your shoulder must hurt you.
No. It's fine.
You took that blow for me.
You charged into danger
for me.
Margaret,
whatever happens now...
VIRGINIA: Milt's coming.
They're loading up guns,
Mr. Reed.
They believe us.
Keseberg's raised up
his wagon in town
like a tree.
They put a rope on it.
Papa!
Get my rifle.
You don't have to be
a part of this, Milt.
MARGARET:
Oh, dear God!
MILT: You know I'm
with you, Mr. Reed.
Take the children aside,
please, Margaret.
MARGARET:
Well, tell them.
Tell them again!
There was no murder.
Snyder struck us both.
You'd say anything
to save him.
Tell them, James.
You don't want the truth,
do you?
We want justice.
An eye for an eye.
There'll be a war here,
do you want that?
I don't want to do
any killing.
But Reed has to pay.
His kind always
thinks they can do
as they want
and never pay,
but not now,
not here!
I say, he gets out.
Out into the wilds,
on his own.
Let this country
do the hangman's job.
No, that ain't enough!
I'll agree to banishment.
But he goes alone.
You've no right!
Mary.
I refuse!
Leave my wife and children!
(GUNS COCKING)
Mr. Reed.
You're the only family
I've ever had.
You know I'd
care for them.
Otherwise,
there's gonna be killing.
Go, see to your gun, Reed.
Or we use my rope.
(SIGHS)
James, you go.
You go ahead to California.
We'll be together
in California.
We'll be all right.
I promise you.
I promise.
You have to, James.
(GUNS UNLOADING)
I won't be banished.
But I'll go on ahead,
and I'll come back.
I'll come back
with enough supplies,
and we'll go on
to California together.
Do you hear me?
Yes.
I'll come back.
And I'll bring you
over that last mountain.
Do you hear me?
Yes. Yes.
Elizabeth.
Come on. Come on.
It's been decided.
It's all we have now.
And my emblem.
There may be some
value in this
if the Brotherhood of Masons
has reached this far.
One will always welcome
another, or his family.
I'll hold it, Papa.
JAMES:
Everybody hold something.
James.
Tommy.
You hold it tight.
Patty.
Now hold it tight.
(KIDS SOBBING)
You'll hold it
as if you hold my hand.
(KIDS SNIFFLING)
And we'll be
together soon.
Soon.
MAN: Get up, get up.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
Somebody!
More than one.
Could it be Papa?
Not so soon.
It's Mr. Stanton!
It's Charles.
Hello.
Hello, Charles.
Are those Indians?
(LAUGHING)
They're my friends.
Luis.
And Salvador.
They're helping us.
I saw Mr. Reed.
He's well.
Oh, thank God!
He was in the Truckee Pass,
on foot.
I cut loose
a mule for him.
By now he's in California.
He said he'd follow me
with more supplies
as soon as he's able.
(LAUGHS)
By the grace of God,
you did come back to us.
Of course, Mr. Breen.
And as quickly as I could.
There's little time
before the heavy snows.
Just how much?
The pass is
still open so far.
But it's late now.
It's a race against
the next storm, I'm afraid.
We best be moving.
All right,
get loaded again.
(MEN URGING HORSES)
(METAL CLANKING)
Hey, give me a hand.
(GRUNTING)
Take 'em up.
Take 'em up.
(STRAINING)
(GROANING)
(PANTING)
We have to
leave the wagons.
No! Keep them moving.
They can go no further.
Unhitch the animals.
Unhitch the animals!
Pack what you need
on the animals
and keep moving!
We're almost there!
Virginia, help James down.
Patty!
Patty, come on,
child, help me.
We have to
load up the animals.
I broke the trail to the top.
Three more miles.
That's all.
Three more.
(MOOING)
Patrick!
I can't lift her, Ma.
I can't.
The children can
go no further.
We have to.
We're freezing to death.
PATRICK: Elizabeth,
I built a fire.
Come thaw out here.
No! We can't stop!
Mama, can we stop?
Please?
Just for a minute.
(SIGHS)
Yes, darling.
Yes, darling.
(COUGHING)
Over here.
PATRICK: Careful, darling.
There we are.
Come along.
We can't stop now!
We're almost there!
Stanton, tell them.
There's a storm coming.
We can make it now
if we keep moving!
We have
to beat the snow.
(COUGHING)
They can't.
(FIRE CRACKLING)
(GROANS)
Wake up children,
wake up.
Wake up, Peggy. Peggy.
Everybody wake up.
We've slept the night.
It's time we moved on.
Come along.
Come along.
Are you all right?
Check your toes.
Check your fingers.
Are you all right?
Wake up, everyone.
Wake up.
MARGARET:
Are you all right?
Wake up.
Oh, my God.
Time we moved on.
(COUGHING)
MAN:
Rub your hands together.
Rub your hands.
CHARLES: Five feet
of new snow up there.
We've lost the road.
Can we get through?
No.
WOMAN: What?
Not anymore.
And with more snow coming,
we have to go back.
Back to where?
CHARLES: Some shelter.
There was an abandoned cabin
back where we left
some of the wagons.
One cabin...
Well, then we'll...
We'll build more.
And wait.
Are you saying we'll have
to wait out the winter?
I don't know.
The animals.
Lord knows how many
we lost in the storm.
First, we need shelter.
There are
more storms coming,
we could see them.
Then we go back.
Put James Jr. and Patty
on the mule.
Mama.
Can they get to us
from the other side?
I don't know.
Maybe with fresh mules,
after the storms break.
Then he'll come.
See, Jim,
that man's an Indian.
I ain't afraid.
Seems we've lost a friend.
We have so few here.
Did the Donners
make it over?
I would've seen their trail.
They camped
somewhere about.
The Breens are
over there.
Kesebergs and Murphys
down the creek.
Leaves our family
and the extra people.
And we are
the extra people?
FRANKLIN: You and Milt,
Stanton and the Indians.
I don't favor
sheltering them.
They risked their lives
in the pass, Mr. Graves.
(EXHALES)
FRANKLIN: Well, I'll put
a half wall down the center.
You people
stay to your side.
ELIZABETH:
Don't expect to share.
Each family has its own.
It's fair.
But you know we've lost
all our supplies.
All our cattle.
(BIRD CAWING)
I suppose I could
spare a side of beef.
You pay us two steers
in California.
Two healthy ones.
Yes.
Two healthy ones.
In California.
(WIND HOWLING)
(RUSTLING)
(CLEARS THROAT)
Hello, Mr. Graves.
Our last mule is gone,
and I appealed to Mr. Breen
for a steer, but,
he said he
couldn't spare one.
You have a dead one
just outside.
$25.
Yes.
Twenty...
(NOTES RUSTLING)
Five.
But...
We can't butcher
it tonight...
So, if we could just have
one share of your meal,
I'll divide it.
Ask your friends
over there.
Mrs. Reed is
down to boiled bones,
and you have...
I'm responsible
for this half of the cabin.
That's seven mouths, mister.
Mary.
What's she doing?
I don't know.
I want to say
I bear you no ill
for what happened to John.
Thank you, Mary.
We've missed your company.
And I wish for the quick
return of your James.
Oh, yes.
Yes. Thank you.
(WIND HOWLING)
(EAGLE CALLING)
Come on,
bring' em on up here.
(GRUNTS)
MAN: They won't make it,
Mr. Reed.
They're exhausted,
they can't go any further.
You bring them up here!
They won't make it.
Come on with me!
You're crazy!
Come on!
(WHINNYING)
(PANTING)
(SOBBING)
Mummy.
(SIGHS)
Mama.
You were crying.
Were you dreaming?
(SIGHS)
(BIRDS CAWING)
She'll tell us
when Papa comes.
Headache, Mama?
Oh, yes.
Never mind. I'll soon be
right as the rain.
You'd better go in
by the fire.
Okay? See to the boys.
Read to them, hmm?
The practice will
do you good.
Okay, Mama.
The baby died yesterday.
She won't give him up.
Phillipine.
Phillipine.
(WAILING)
I have it, Milt.
MILT: Mrs. Reed.
You shouldn't have to.
Why shouldn't she?
She any better?
Then tell me how
it's done, Elizabeth.
How do I start?
You scrape off the hair
and just boil it.
Boil it into
a kind of gum.
Breen's done it
to save on meat.
Can't we leave?
And stay
with Tamsen Donner
and Eliza?
The Donners
are too far away.
Milt said almost seven miles
through deep snow.
And they're worse off
than we are.
They're living in tents.
Then I guess
we might starve.
I guess we might.
No.
We won't starve.
I don't think I can
eat any animal hide.
And Mary,
she said that there's no more
meat for us, or beans.
Not one.
We won't starve.
It isn't right.
It will be breaking
the promise.
We promised Papa
we will be with him
in California.
MARGARET:
* D, D, B, B
* D, D, F
ALL:
* Lost my partner
* What'll I do?
* Skip to my Lou
My darling... *
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
(WIND HOWLING)
They work, Mr. Graves.
We've been all around
the camp. They keep us
above the drifts!
I have 11 people
willing to go.
If you can make more.
How many can go?
No.
Mary, not you.
I'm as strong
as anybody here.
Papa? You'll still
have help, Mama,
and you won't
have to feed me.
And I'll be
with Papa and...
And Mr. Stanton.
Six days walking,
I estimate.
Six days.
They'll be in California
and they'll all come back
with your Papa.
(GRUNTING)
What is that?
Oh. Shh.
It's a surprise.
Don't you tell
the other children.
I won't, what is it?
It's some food.
I put it here a month ago.
It's for tonight.
(GASPS) Really?
Shh, yes.
We have rice
and white beans.
VIRGINIA:
And dried apples.
And bacon, mama!
It's Christmas.
You children can
eat all you like.
(LAUGHS)
Friends,
as you know,
I've invited you here
on this Christmas Day
to meet a man who has
come to speak to us.
And he's come far.
He's fought in
battle beside us,
and we should listen
to what he has to say.
Mr. James Reed.
James.
Some of you
know already that I've
come from an emigrant party
still trapped in the Sierra.
I have a wife,
and four children
with them.
There are many
children with them.
I tried to go back
and the blizzard
stopped me.
And then the war
with Mexico stopped me.
Now the war is
all in the south and
we can try again
to reach them.
I am their voice.
And when you hear me
ask you for help,
hear them.
When you hear me
ask for money for
mules, and food,
and clothing,
don't look at me.
Try and see them
if you can.
All we wanted...
All they want
is to come here
and be a part of you.
Part of this.
They're Californians, too,
in their dreaming
and in their coming
this far.
They're just like you.
So, please,
help them.
Dear, Papa.
Let us all think of Papa
and wish him our love.
Bring him to us.
You still waiting for him?
(CHUCKLES)
Oh, he's fine.
He's fine.
He's fine and happy
in California.
Don't expect for him
to come back into the cold.
Once they get warm,
they don't come back.
Mmm-hmm.
Once they get the food,
they forget us.
They forget us!
Shut up!
Just shut your mouth.
No.
Leave us alone!
Mama, stop it.
Let me go.
Calm down. Mama!
Leave me alone.
(GRUNTS)
(LAUGHS)
We're leaving.
We're leaving.
James, get up. Patty!
Virginia, get Tommy.
Milt, help us.
Bring your blankets.
Take everything we have.
We are leaving.
We are going
over the mountain.
MILT: Mrs. Reed...
I'm not waiting
any longer.
No longer!
Look at my children,
look at them!
I cannot live like this here.
I will not.
The snow is too deep.
The children can't even
walk up there.
MARGARET:
Then they'll go
to the Breens.
The Breens will take them
while we're gone.
Children,
you'll stay at the Breens'.
(CLATTERING)
Let's go.
Out. Out.
Out. Out.
You're going where?
Away from here. Out!
ELIZABETH:
On the mountain?
Going on the mountain?
You're crazy.
You should know, Elizabeth!
Patrick, will you
take them?
Will you take my children?
I'm going over.
Going over?
Yes.
Milt and I will start today,
if you'll only keep them.
I... I'll bring back help.
I'll bring back food
for all of us.
Charles says
it's only six days.
If it's just six days walking,
why aren't they back yet?
Why have they
not sent help?
Don't you see?
Peggy, will you tell her?
You can't just
walk over it, Margaret.
It's death up there now.
No.
Here...
Here it's death.
I can't take my children
back in there.
Please,
we have a hide to boil.
It should keep them
for a while.
They won't be a burden to you.
Please, won't you
take them?
It's too dangerous,
Margaret, you'll freeze.
Milt will make us
fires at night.
Your children
need you with them.
Your children, Margaret.
I can't take them
back at that place.
(EXHALES)
We'll see.
Patrick,
Elizabeth Graves is mad.
Everyone knows.
We can't send them
back there, Pat.
We have room now
that the snow shoe party
has left.
But we can't feed them.
They have a hide.
A hide won't
keep them alive.
Now, will you
listen to me?
I'm trying
to keep us alive.
I'd feed every one of them
if I could, but I can't,
and that's that!
It's her husband's folly
that led us here.
And you hold that against
her and the children?
That's that, I said.
Did you hear me?
Yes, I did.
Come children,
you'll stay with us.
You're welcome to shelter.
Thank you, Peggy.
You go.
I'll stay with the Murphys.
PATRICK:
Dear merciful God,
bless us and keep us.
Give us the strength
until food can reach us.
Give us the strength
to see the spring come.
And bless the sick,
Almighty God.
Our Edward
needs your special
kindness tonight.
And bless those
that are departed from us.
And bless...
MILT: Hello.
In the Breens Cabin.
It's Milt Elliot.
Milt, come in
by the fire.
No.
I can't stand up.
I know I'm dying.
No.
It's okay.
I'll just go to sleep.
But...
I didn't want
to be over there
with them.
No, please.
Please don't go, Milt.
Mrs. Reed.
Margaret.
You know, sometimes...
Sometimes I dreamed
we were married.
Please stay with us.
And that the children
were our children.
(SIGHS)
We love you, Milt.
We love you.
You've been my family.
Yes.
We are. We are.
You know,
in the Donner Camp
they're starving
and they've gone...
They've gone
and started in
on the dead.
I know. I know.
It scares me some.
But if I thought that you
and the children were dying,
and that maybe somehow
my body could save you...
Oh, God, no. No.
Shh, please.
Listen.
I have decided.
My children will not live
with such a memory
in their hearts.
We shall not.
So you...
You sleep easy.
You rest easy.
Just sleep.
'Cause food will come.
And James will
come for us.
I know it.
I just know it.
And I'll stay here
with you.
I'll be here with you.
"Boone married
Rebecca Bryan
"when she was 17-years-old.
"She was a good enough shot
to guard the cabin,
"and a true pioneer wife,
"who never despaired
when Daniel...
"When Daniel was
away from her for
long periods of time.
"He always returned."
I'm hungry.
This is for the family.
It's for our family,
did you hear me?
That's all right.
It's all right.
But it smells
so good, Mama.
It's all right.
Virginia, keep reading.
VIRGINIA: "Once
"when Daniel
was captured, he..."
(SIGHS)
Who wants custard?
It seems right.
Patty?
Close your eyes.
Custard.
No, it isn't.
Yes, it is.
Give some
to Tommy, too.
Good.
Margaret.
PATRICK:
We thank merciful God
for our bounty.
Amen.
ALL: Amen.
Margaret.
I'm afraid
for your daughter.
Virginia has the look.
It's the dying look.
We've nothing left
to give her.
Virginia?
Virginia?
Get up. Virginia.
Don't you do this.
Don't you do this!
Get up. No, you don't!
Come outside.
No, you don't.
No. No, Virginia.
No.
(GROANS)
(GRUNTING)
Look at me!
Look at me.
I will not let you leave us,
do you hear me?
Do you hear me?
Look at me, I will not.
We are going to California.
We are going to California.
All of us.
All of us.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Yes, Mama.
I still have a hide
at the Graves'.
No. You'll not
have that. No!
No, it's mine!
You can't take that!
(GRUNTING)
Do you think I'd let you
starve our children?
Do you?
(GRUNTS)
(LAUGHING)
(LAUGHING MANIACALLY)
Look at them!
(INDISTINCT)
They're here!
They're here!
Oh, my God!
They're here!
MARGARET: James.
PATRICK: Peggy.
PATRICK:
Peggy, they've come.
James Reed,
is James Reed with you?
No, ma'am.
But they're trying to get up
more relief parties behind us.
Thank you.
Thank you for coming.
(PANTS)
I wish you were
coming with us.
No, some of the children
are still too weak.
And we won't
split the family.
We'll be back for you.
Thank you for everything.
I just hope
you find your James.
(SIGHS) Yes.
PEGGY:
Take care, children.
Goodbye, Patrick.
We must catch up.
Patty, hurry across there.
(BIRD CAWING)
(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
Oh, no.
Child, get up.
We can't stop.
Come on. (GRUNTS)
I'm sorry, ma'am.
They're holding us back.
No. No, they'll
be all right.
We'll do it.
Mrs. Reed.
They're too small
to make it.
And they're too heavy
to carry.
It gets a lot worse
where we're going.
I'll take 'em back
to the Breens.
And then catch up.
But when we
get to California,
I'll turn around
and come back for them.
I swear it.
You swear?
Are you a Mason?
I am a Mason.
Virginia,
give me Papa's medallion.
(PANTING)
If you swear,
you swear on this that
you'll bring my children
safely back to California.
I swear.
I swear.
Goodbye, darling.
Patty,
take Grandma's shawl.
Keep safe and warm.
(SNIFFLING)
Mama,
if I don't see you again,
you did the best you can.
(GASPS)
(GRUNTS)
Uh, thank you.
(EAGLE CALLING)
Oh! Oh!
Papa! Jimmy, it's Papa.
James!
(PANTING)
(LAUGHING)
MARGARET:
Oh, thank God.
Oh, thank God.
(LAUGHING)
VIRGINIA: Papa.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Hey, you. You!
Where's Tommy and Patty?
They're...
They're at the Breen cabin.
About five days back.
Can you help them, James?
Yeah, I'll go to them.
I'll bring them to you
in California.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
* Flies in the buttermilk
Shoo, fly, shoo
* Flies in the buttermilk
Shoo, fly, shoo
* Flies in the buttermilk
Shoo, fly, shoo
* Skip to my Lou
My darling
* Lou, Lou skip to my Lou
* Lou, Lou skip to my Lou
* Lou, Lou skip to my Lou
* Skip to my Lou
My darling *
(APPLAUDING)
Play it again, Mama.
No, no, no.
Time for bed, children.
Goodnight, James.
Goodnight, darling.
Eliza will take you up.
Goodnight, darling.
Uh-uh.
Goodnight, Tom.
(SIGHS)
Headache, dear?
Yes.
I'll get you some tea.
(HORSE NEIGHING)
(DOG BARKING)
(COW MOOING)
Lord, what an animal!
Is he yours, Mr. Reed?
No, I think I'm his, Milt.
(CHUCKLES)
Sure is a beauty.
I'll take care of him.
Okay.
(DOG BARKING)
I'll have Eliza
make you
a late supper.
Oh, that'd be
wonderful.
(SIGHS)
That wasn't old Juniper
you rode in on.
No, Glaucus.
Isn't he grand?
He is fine, James.
And bred for
the open spaces.
You've made up
your mind, then?
Margaret, it's Eden.
Our future's there.
I'm sure of it.
You don't think of it
as we do.
You leave out the fear.
You haven't any.
To leave our home,
everyone we know...
To travel 2,000 miles
over wild land
and mountains,
to a territory
that doesn't even
belong to us.
It belongs to Mexico, James.
There are hundreds
of Americans in
California already.
And thousands will cross
this year, thousands!
Well, let them build a road,
and then perhaps...
Ah! There is a road.
They're calling it
the Oregon Trail
and the California Trail.
I've studied it.
Jacob and
George Donner, too.
We've read everything
written on California.
Ah.
We'll travel together.
All three families.
We'll join
one of the emigrant trains.
Emigrants are people
who have nothing.
People hoping
for a better life.
James, we have everything.
Oh, yes,
we have everything.
We have ice and snow,
and damp and fever,
and the civil strife
that's spreading and...
Abolitionists,
slavers...
Margaret.
It's a safe and
healing place.
Your headaches
will leave you.
Your father is
taking us to...
I know, Mama.
To California.
Here we are now.
We'll cross these plains
and through these mountains,
the Wasatch.
And across these flats
to the Sierras,
and then down
into California.
That's six months,
isn't it?
It'll be five,
with a shortcut that's
been discovered.
I have the book.
It's called
The Emigrants' Guide
to Oregon and California,
by Hastings.
He has a trail
shorter by 300 miles.
We'll be five months
in safety and comfort.
I'm designing a wagon like
no one has ever seen before.
Twice as tall,
with, uh, built in beds.
And a stove
to keep you warm.
Everything we own
in one wagon?
No, it'll be
one of three we take.
And a herd of cattle
and teamsters
to drive the wagons and
Eliza will come and help.
Where, sir?
To California.
And my mother?
Your brother will
take her in.
He will not.
Sarah.
I'm the one who's done it.
I'm the one who knows.
From Virginia to Illinois,
before roads,
through Indians.
Sarah,
this is not a matter
for your decision.
You'll not take my daughter,
or her children,
over one foot of trail
without bringing me
along to help.
Done.
She's not
well enough, James.
I mean it, Margaret.
You'll need me.
You will.
You're needed out there.
Women like you. You...
You bring the whole
civilized world with you.
Why isn't this world
enough for you?
It's not the climate
that you're running from,
or the strife, is it?
Well, there's
something more
mighty in store for me.
I feel it.
I know it.
What about us?
Your family.
Are we enough?
Am I?
Without you
there's nothing.
Nothing for me.
I love you, Margaret.
Fear and all?
(CHAINS CLINKING)
(MEN SHOUT INDISTINCTLY)
SARAH: "Daniel Boone
was an expert woodsman.
"And he saved
many a settler's life."
Did he save your life?
Oh, no. Mr. Boone was
already gone
by the time
I crossed the mountains.
We had to
save our own necks.
PATTY: The Indians
don't want your neck.
You said
they'd want your hair.
You best keep it
covered, then.
MAN: Whoa! Hold up there.
(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)
MAN 1: Halt!
MAN 2: Halt!
Why are we halting?
Keep moving!
Mind where you ride
that horse, girl.
Peggy!
Rich and spoiled creature.
Needs the back
of somebody's hand.
Who is that?
Oh, the rich girl
from the palace.
Do you not know
the Reeds?
No, we just joined up.
The... The palace?
Have you not
seen it, then?
Come.
They've nothing to do
all day with all
the servants they have.
You almost
never see the woman.
She knows nothing
about work, I'm told.
And keeps out of the sun
like some duchess.
(CHUCKLES)
We should get
some fresh air,
now that we've stopped.
Mrs. Reed.
Ah, thank you, Milt.
Have you seen Mrs. Donner?
Right over there, ma'am.
(LAUGHING)
Tag, you're it.
I ain't.
I've seen enough children
in this one train to
fill ten California schools.
Well, I've brought
enough books to
make a small start.
Have you thought about
joining me?
I'd like that.
Good.
I've brought my organ
and my music.
Ours may be the first school
there for the settlers.
Music! Reading!
Hello.
Hello.
(SNICKERS)
Paying her respects
to the queen.
Um, my family just joined up
with the wagon train,
and I...
I'm afraid I've had no time
to freshen up, but,
I thought that
we should be acquainted.
Uh, Elizabeth Graves.
I'm Margaret Reed.
This is Tamsen Donner.
Oh, I'm so glad
to make
your acquaintances.
So many of the people
here, well...
They're of the rough type,
aren't they?
And so few Americans.
I'm so surprised.
Why, I hear German
in half the wagons.
And all the Irish.
I'll visit later, Margaret.
Yes.
(CHILDREN LAUGHING)
Mrs. Reed.
Your wagon interests me.
Mmm.
Uh, we was gonna
build one similar,
but my Franklin was
so impatient to...
To be off.
Do you think I could have
just one quick, little look?
Oh, yes, but, uh,
not now.
I have a headache.
Please, excuse me.
Another time.
(ORGAN PLAYING)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)
(COUGHING)
Are you all right, Grandma?
Oh, I'll be
right as the rain
soon enough.
Soon enough.
MARGARET: Mother,
it's too cold to be out here
without your shawl.
(METAL CLANGS)
I can't get it to balance,
Mrs. Reed.
Oh, the poor princess.
(WOMEN LAUGHING)
She should never
have come here.
Throw it away. Just...
Throw it away. Start over.
Well, I've
spread the word.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
We'll be breaking camp
one hour earlier.
This train should be
making better time.
You shouldn't take that
upon yourself, James.
You have a captain for that.
The people will...
Will resent you.
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
Then let them.
James, they resent us.
(MUSIC CONTINUES)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER)
Have you lost your way?
MAN: Keep moving.
The Fort Hall route
is the proven way.
JAMES: But longer
by 300 miles.
If your destination
is Oregon, yes,
go by Fort Hall.
But for California,
there's a southern route.
We've given the Hastings
cut-off very careful study.
Well, who is this
Lansford Hastings?
He's the man
that found
the way through.
He's the one
that wrote that
guide book.
Listen to
all this impatience.
All this rush.
The land will
be there waiting.
The trees and the soil,
it'll be there.
But if it shortens
the trip...
I like my roads
well-traveled and trusted.
Why the newest way?
Why the fastest?
Isn't the old way
challenge enough?
Lansford Hastings
would not publish
this emigrants' guide
showing us the best route
to California
if he did not travel
every step of it himself.
Look at
their eyes, Margaret.
It's all in the eyes
of our men.
They ache to see
what hasn't been seen.
They're almost mad for it.
If we'd refused,
they'd have gone on
without us.
It's a rush
to the undiscovered and
they won't be
left behind.
Tomorrow, I turn my wagons
to the Hastings' cutoff.
Now who will follow?
Will you stand?
MAN: We don't know that.
(MUMBLING INDISTINCTLY)
Sir, I don't trust
these people.
If it saves time,
we're gonna take it.
What if there's
no trail?
MAN: I'm going.
All right.
James Reed will lead
us on the shortcut
come tomorrow.
No. I won't follow Reed.
Nor I.
I'll eat no more dust
from the palace car.
You lead us, Donner.
You're a farmer,
like the rest of us.
DONNER: All right.
If that's what you want.
All those who want
the shorter way
will follow my wagon.
Spread that word about.
We'll make up
our own party.
The Donner Party,
if that's what you want.
And we'll head out tomorrow.
Along little Sandy Creek.
Just after dawn.
May God bless our way.
(MEN MUMBLING)
Now, I told you...
If ever they feel
sore in the throat,
a piece of bacon
wrapped around...
Wrapped around the throat.
Right.
It works.
It really does.
And bannock.
Remember not to pat
the bannock biscuits down.
You have to leave air
in them.
You have to.
Yes.
Listen, child...
Listen. (PANTING)
If ever water is scarce,
give the child
a little pebble to
carry in their mouth.
Please, listen.
And put
a little peppermint
on it.
(SNIFFLING) Peppermint.
You must know this, child.
It's all I know.
It's everything I know.
(MAN YELLS INDISTINCTLY)
Mama.
Is that Grandma's hair?
Yes, honey.
Can I keep some, too?
(SNIFFLES)
Now, you tell me
if I'm continuing
in the right place.
"Daniel Boone never boasted
of taking an Indian's life.
"He respected the Indians
and valued all life.
"He wore a fringed
hunting shirt,
"and deerskin leggings,
"and he carried..."
A tomahawk.
A tomahawk.
"...and a knife in his belt."
A rifle, too.
Of course.
"On his head
"was his favorite
black felt hat,
"and in his hand,
his trusty rifle."
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
Strangers coming!
MAN: Whoa! Whoa!
Hello.
Charles Stanton.
Chicago.
Hope I don't intrude.
We're the Donner Party,
Mr. Stanton.
CHARLES: Yes, I know.
I was hoping
to join you at Fort Bridger.
May I join you?
You going all the way
to California on that mule?
(LAUGHTER)
Well, I hope to trade.
Passage in a wagon.
Hello.
Charles Stanton. Chicago.
This here is Mary Graves,
my fiancée.
I'm John Snyder.
I drive for
the Graves family.
We should be moving,
not talking.
Yeah, fall in with us,
Mr. Stanton.
We're on our way to meet
Lansford Hastings at the fort.
Uh, I'm afraid
he's not there.
He's gone on,
guiding another party.
Trappers told me.
He sent word.
Gone on? Without us?
And what are we
supposed to do?
Just follow in the tracks
of his party.
That's what they said.
How far ahead is he?
A few days,
the trapper said.
Well, that should be
all right.
We'll resupply at the fort
and carry on
as quickly as we can.
The way should be clear.
PATRICK: Let's hope to God.
The snow will close
the passes in the fall,
whether we're through or not.
Hastings.
He's warning us off
Weber Canyon.
Says we can't
make it through.
Isn't Weber the canyon
on his map?
He says he'll show us
a better pass
through the mountains.
We're to wait here
and send a messenger
to him.
Wait, and for how long?
These are only
the first mountains.
We've so far yet to go!
Reed, you told us he would be
waiting at Fort Bridger!
Hastings promised.
It's not Reed's fault.
I'm going ahead
to talk to him.
I'll bring him
back here to us
as soon as I can.
We better cross the river
and make camp.
(WIND HOWLING)
There are others
who could go.
Oh, it should be me.
Single men
with no families.
It must be me, Margaret.
Milt and the other men
will help you and Stanton.
You'll be all right.
When you're with me,
I'm all right.
With you beside me.
I'll be back.
Four or five days.
Back to stay with you.
(IRISH MUSIC PLAYING)
WOMAN: Boys, go to sleep
in there now.
(FIRE CRACKLING)
Milt get me a shovel.
Eliza, take the pot
off the hook and
put it down in the coals.
MILT: What do you
want me to do?
Here.
Don't take off the lid.
Now, let that sit for
about half-an-hour
to cook.
(SPLASHING)
DONNER: Margaret.
James is back.
James? Where is he?
Are you all right, James?
He wouldn't
return with me.
Hastings.
All he would do was to
ride to a peak and
point out
a possible route.
Possible route.
Oh, James.
I thought he
knew the way.
I've already told Donner.
I'll face the others
in a moment.
I came back
the way he pointed.
It's hard, Margaret.
It'll be brutal
with the wagons.
And slow.
Then why do it?
Then why go on?
If we're not sure of the way,
if the canyon is so poor...
What choice
do we have?
We can go back.
Back to the world
we left.
We don't have
time for that.
The snows will come
in two months,
there isn't time.
Well, back
to Fort Bridger, then.
To wait out the year?
To spend eight months
in that hole?
If we must.
Rather than risk everything.
No.
What we must do
is go on and we will.
Have I lost your faith?
You don't have to answer.
I see it in your eyes.
Am I now allowed
my fear, James?
For the children?
For myself?
Do I disappoint you?
Don't turn away from me,
Margaret.
There are enough here
who blame me and hate me.
Will you stand with me?
(EXHALES)
(MEN YELLING)
(WHIP LASHING)
(MAN SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY)
(WOOD CREAKING)
(GRUNTS)
(GRUNTING)
(LAUGHING)
(SHOUTING)
I don't think
they can pull it up
the slope, Mr. Reed.
You might have to
leave it.
No.
No, all I'm willing to do
is lighten the load.
We have to
lighten the load.
MILT: The pony's lame.
JAMES: He can't carry you
anymore, honey.
Come on, down.
The mountain's
done him in.
(HORSE WHINNIES)
MILT: He's suffering.
Papa... Papa, no, please!
Come on, Virginia.
(COW MOOING)
Whatever is lost,
I will replace in California.
I promise you!
No!
No. Not my organ.
Yes. Yes!
And more, too.
There's nothing else
we can do. Nothing.
Now help me, Margaret.
(SOBBING)
(CROCKERY SHATTERING)
Ah!
(JAMES GRUNTS)
(GRUNTS)
MARGARET: Oh, James.
Oh.
(WHINNIES)
Billy!
Mom, mom, Billy's down.
(COCKS GUN)
(SCREAMS) No!
Billy! No!
(GUNSHOT)
VIRGINIA: No, no, no!
(WAILING)
MARGARET: Come on.
Oh, Virginia.
I know, but it's best.
Eliza, close this!
MARGARET: I know.
Milt! Let's keep moving.
Come, children. Come along.
JAMES: Come on!
Hurry. Hurry, Eliza.
Oh, God.
It's all right.
(SHOUTING INDISTINCTLY)
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(WIND HOWLING)
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
MAN:
Bring some water up here.
Look, James has saved
Daniel Boone for us.
I kept Grandma's Bible,
but, uh,
I'm afraid I've lost her
soft gray hair.
She's still here, Mama.
The Donners.
Are they all right?
They've pushed on.
They mean
to make the way for us.
They're a...
They are a good
day-and-a-half ahead.
We're no company anymore.
We're just
a band of stragglers.
Reed.
It was four weeks
to get across,
not two, like your
bloody Hastings said.
He's not
my bloody Hastings.
He's lied to us
the whole way, Reed,
and we followed along
because of you.
Mr. Reed's lost everything.
Why don't you people
let him be?
The other teamsters and I
were driving the Reed's stock
when the whole
herd stampeded.
We've been
searching all day,
we ain't found one.
(BIRDS CAWING)
Breen still has stock.
So do I.
It's not enough
to go around.
Not enough
meat to butcher.
Somebody needs
to ride on to California.
Meet us on the trail
with fresh supplies.
That's the only way.
PATRICK: It won't be easy,
going through
the mountains alone.
Lord knows
if the map is true.
If that Truckee Pass is
where it's supposed to be.
We need somebody fit.
Who'll volunteer?
I'll go.
What, you?
It won't be an easy ride.
It's cold up there.
I said I will go.
Sure you'll go,
Mr. Stanton.
But once in California
fat and happy,
will you come back for us?
I assure you, sir.
If I say that I will return,
then I will return.
You have the word
of Charles Tyler Stanton.
I believe Mr. Stanton to be
completely trustworthy.
I back him.
So do I.
You're not
voting here, Mary.
JAMES: Then it's Stanton.
Godspeed.
(MAN URGES HORSE)
MAN: Giddy up there,
come on!
Giddy up. Yeah.
(MOOING)
MAN: Hold up.
MILT: Hold up,
they're tangled!
Raise your
terse, Snyder.
Get them loose,
you damn, fool.
JOHN: Get 'em loose!
MAN: Snyder!
MILT: Stop it!
Get 'em loose.
MAN: Snyder,
you're making it worse.
Stop whipping them, John.
Just drop the line.
Don't you order me about,
damn you!
Drop the line!
We'll settle it up
on the hill.
We'll settle this right now.
(GRUNTS)
MARGARET: James!
Stop! No!
Stay back.
No!
JOHN: Get out of my way,
woman.
Ah!
(GROANS)
No!
(GRUNTING)
MARGARET: (SCREAMS) No!
(GRUNTING)
What's happening?
John.
WOMAN:
Did somebody get hurt?
He's killed him.
No!
My God, Reed,
you've murdered him.
No.
Snyder went crazy.
He was hitting Mrs. Reed.
You could see
he's all bloody.
Snyder hit first.
Murderer!
Your shoulder must hurt you.
No. It's fine.
You took that blow for me.
You charged into danger
for me.
Margaret,
whatever happens now...
VIRGINIA: Milt's coming.
They're loading up guns,
Mr. Reed.
They believe us.
Keseberg's raised up
his wagon in town
like a tree.
They put a rope on it.
Papa!
Get my rifle.
You don't have to be
a part of this, Milt.
MARGARET:
Oh, dear God!
MILT: You know I'm
with you, Mr. Reed.
Take the children aside,
please, Margaret.
MARGARET:
Well, tell them.
Tell them again!
There was no murder.
Snyder struck us both.
You'd say anything
to save him.
Tell them, James.
You don't want the truth,
do you?
We want justice.
An eye for an eye.
There'll be a war here,
do you want that?
I don't want to do
any killing.
But Reed has to pay.
His kind always
thinks they can do
as they want
and never pay,
but not now,
not here!
I say, he gets out.
Out into the wilds,
on his own.
Let this country
do the hangman's job.
No, that ain't enough!
I'll agree to banishment.
But he goes alone.
You've no right!
Mary.
I refuse!
Leave my wife and children!
(GUNS COCKING)
Mr. Reed.
You're the only family
I've ever had.
You know I'd
care for them.
Otherwise,
there's gonna be killing.
Go, see to your gun, Reed.
Or we use my rope.
(SIGHS)
James, you go.
You go ahead to California.
We'll be together
in California.
We'll be all right.
I promise you.
I promise.
You have to, James.
(GUNS UNLOADING)
I won't be banished.
But I'll go on ahead,
and I'll come back.
I'll come back
with enough supplies,
and we'll go on
to California together.
Do you hear me?
Yes.
I'll come back.
And I'll bring you
over that last mountain.
Do you hear me?
Yes. Yes.
Elizabeth.
Come on. Come on.
It's been decided.
It's all we have now.
And my emblem.
There may be some
value in this
if the Brotherhood of Masons
has reached this far.
One will always welcome
another, or his family.
I'll hold it, Papa.
JAMES:
Everybody hold something.
James.
Tommy.
You hold it tight.
Patty.
Now hold it tight.
(KIDS SOBBING)
You'll hold it
as if you hold my hand.
(KIDS SNIFFLING)
And we'll be
together soon.
Soon.
MAN: Get up, get up.
(INDISTINCT CONVERSATIONS)
Somebody!
More than one.
Could it be Papa?
Not so soon.
It's Mr. Stanton!
It's Charles.
Hello.
Hello, Charles.
Are those Indians?
(LAUGHING)
They're my friends.
Luis.
And Salvador.
They're helping us.
I saw Mr. Reed.
He's well.
Oh, thank God!
He was in the Truckee Pass,
on foot.
I cut loose
a mule for him.
By now he's in California.
He said he'd follow me
with more supplies
as soon as he's able.
(LAUGHS)
By the grace of God,
you did come back to us.
Of course, Mr. Breen.
And as quickly as I could.
There's little time
before the heavy snows.
Just how much?
The pass is
still open so far.
But it's late now.
It's a race against
the next storm, I'm afraid.
We best be moving.
All right,
get loaded again.
(MEN URGING HORSES)
(METAL CLANKING)
Hey, give me a hand.
(GRUNTING)
Take 'em up.
Take 'em up.
(STRAINING)
(GROANING)
(PANTING)
We have to
leave the wagons.
No! Keep them moving.
They can go no further.
Unhitch the animals.
Unhitch the animals!
Pack what you need
on the animals
and keep moving!
We're almost there!
Virginia, help James down.
Patty!
Patty, come on,
child, help me.
We have to
load up the animals.
I broke the trail to the top.
Three more miles.
That's all.
Three more.
(MOOING)
Patrick!
I can't lift her, Ma.
I can't.
The children can
go no further.
We have to.
We're freezing to death.
PATRICK: Elizabeth,
I built a fire.
Come thaw out here.
No! We can't stop!
Mama, can we stop?
Please?
Just for a minute.
(SIGHS)
Yes, darling.
Yes, darling.
(COUGHING)
Over here.
PATRICK: Careful, darling.
There we are.
Come along.
We can't stop now!
We're almost there!
Stanton, tell them.
There's a storm coming.
We can make it now
if we keep moving!
We have
to beat the snow.
(COUGHING)
They can't.
(FIRE CRACKLING)
(GROANS)
Wake up children,
wake up.
Wake up, Peggy. Peggy.
Everybody wake up.
We've slept the night.
It's time we moved on.
Come along.
Come along.
Are you all right?
Check your toes.
Check your fingers.
Are you all right?
Wake up, everyone.
Wake up.
MARGARET:
Are you all right?
Wake up.
Oh, my God.
Time we moved on.
(COUGHING)
MAN:
Rub your hands together.
Rub your hands.
CHARLES: Five feet
of new snow up there.
We've lost the road.
Can we get through?
No.
WOMAN: What?
Not anymore.
And with more snow coming,
we have to go back.
Back to where?
CHARLES: Some shelter.
There was an abandoned cabin
back where we left
some of the wagons.
One cabin...
Well, then we'll...
We'll build more.
And wait.
Are you saying we'll have
to wait out the winter?
I don't know.
The animals.
Lord knows how many
we lost in the storm.
First, we need shelter.
There are
more storms coming,
we could see them.
Then we go back.
Put James Jr. and Patty
on the mule.
Mama.
Can they get to us
from the other side?
I don't know.
Maybe with fresh mules,
after the storms break.
Then he'll come.
See, Jim,
that man's an Indian.
I ain't afraid.
Seems we've lost a friend.
We have so few here.
Did the Donners
make it over?
I would've seen their trail.
They camped
somewhere about.
The Breens are
over there.
Kesebergs and Murphys
down the creek.
Leaves our family
and the extra people.
And we are
the extra people?
FRANKLIN: You and Milt,
Stanton and the Indians.
I don't favor
sheltering them.
They risked their lives
in the pass, Mr. Graves.
(EXHALES)
FRANKLIN: Well, I'll put
a half wall down the center.
You people
stay to your side.
ELIZABETH:
Don't expect to share.
Each family has its own.
It's fair.
But you know we've lost
all our supplies.
All our cattle.
(BIRD CAWING)
I suppose I could
spare a side of beef.
You pay us two steers
in California.
Two healthy ones.
Yes.
Two healthy ones.
In California.
(WIND HOWLING)
(RUSTLING)
(CLEARS THROAT)
Hello, Mr. Graves.
Our last mule is gone,
and I appealed to Mr. Breen
for a steer, but,
he said he
couldn't spare one.
You have a dead one
just outside.
$25.
Yes.
Twenty...
(NOTES RUSTLING)
Five.
But...
We can't butcher
it tonight...
So, if we could just have
one share of your meal,
I'll divide it.
Ask your friends
over there.
Mrs. Reed is
down to boiled bones,
and you have...
I'm responsible
for this half of the cabin.
That's seven mouths, mister.
Mary.
What's she doing?
I don't know.
I want to say
I bear you no ill
for what happened to John.
Thank you, Mary.
We've missed your company.
And I wish for the quick
return of your James.
Oh, yes.
Yes. Thank you.
(WIND HOWLING)
(EAGLE CALLING)
Come on,
bring' em on up here.
(GRUNTS)
MAN: They won't make it,
Mr. Reed.
They're exhausted,
they can't go any further.
You bring them up here!
They won't make it.
Come on with me!
You're crazy!
Come on!
(WHINNYING)
(PANTING)
(SOBBING)
Mummy.
(SIGHS)
Mama.
You were crying.
Were you dreaming?
(SIGHS)
(BIRDS CAWING)
She'll tell us
when Papa comes.
Headache, Mama?
Oh, yes.
Never mind. I'll soon be
right as the rain.
You'd better go in
by the fire.
Okay? See to the boys.
Read to them, hmm?
The practice will
do you good.
Okay, Mama.
The baby died yesterday.
She won't give him up.
Phillipine.
Phillipine.
(WAILING)
I have it, Milt.
MILT: Mrs. Reed.
You shouldn't have to.
Why shouldn't she?
She any better?
Then tell me how
it's done, Elizabeth.
How do I start?
You scrape off the hair
and just boil it.
Boil it into
a kind of gum.
Breen's done it
to save on meat.
Can't we leave?
And stay
with Tamsen Donner
and Eliza?
The Donners
are too far away.
Milt said almost seven miles
through deep snow.
And they're worse off
than we are.
They're living in tents.
Then I guess
we might starve.
I guess we might.
No.
We won't starve.
I don't think I can
eat any animal hide.
And Mary,
she said that there's no more
meat for us, or beans.
Not one.
We won't starve.
It isn't right.
It will be breaking
the promise.
We promised Papa
we will be with him
in California.
MARGARET:
* D, D, B, B
* D, D, F
ALL:
* Lost my partner
* What'll I do?
* Skip to my Lou
My darling... *
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
(WIND HOWLING)
They work, Mr. Graves.
We've been all around
the camp. They keep us
above the drifts!
I have 11 people
willing to go.
If you can make more.
How many can go?
No.
Mary, not you.
I'm as strong
as anybody here.
Papa? You'll still
have help, Mama,
and you won't
have to feed me.
And I'll be
with Papa and...
And Mr. Stanton.
Six days walking,
I estimate.
Six days.
They'll be in California
and they'll all come back
with your Papa.
(GRUNTING)
What is that?
Oh. Shh.
It's a surprise.
Don't you tell
the other children.
I won't, what is it?
It's some food.
I put it here a month ago.
It's for tonight.
(GASPS) Really?
Shh, yes.
We have rice
and white beans.
VIRGINIA:
And dried apples.
And bacon, mama!
It's Christmas.
You children can
eat all you like.
(LAUGHS)
Friends,
as you know,
I've invited you here
on this Christmas Day
to meet a man who has
come to speak to us.
And he's come far.
He's fought in
battle beside us,
and we should listen
to what he has to say.
Mr. James Reed.
James.
Some of you
know already that I've
come from an emigrant party
still trapped in the Sierra.
I have a wife,
and four children
with them.
There are many
children with them.
I tried to go back
and the blizzard
stopped me.
And then the war
with Mexico stopped me.
Now the war is
all in the south and
we can try again
to reach them.
I am their voice.
And when you hear me
ask you for help,
hear them.
When you hear me
ask for money for
mules, and food,
and clothing,
don't look at me.
Try and see them
if you can.
All we wanted...
All they want
is to come here
and be a part of you.
Part of this.
They're Californians, too,
in their dreaming
and in their coming
this far.
They're just like you.
So, please,
help them.
Dear, Papa.
Let us all think of Papa
and wish him our love.
Bring him to us.
You still waiting for him?
(CHUCKLES)
Oh, he's fine.
He's fine.
He's fine and happy
in California.
Don't expect for him
to come back into the cold.
Once they get warm,
they don't come back.
Mmm-hmm.
Once they get the food,
they forget us.
They forget us!
Shut up!
Just shut your mouth.
No.
Leave us alone!
Mama, stop it.
Let me go.
Calm down. Mama!
Leave me alone.
(GRUNTS)
(LAUGHS)
We're leaving.
We're leaving.
James, get up. Patty!
Virginia, get Tommy.
Milt, help us.
Bring your blankets.
Take everything we have.
We are leaving.
We are going
over the mountain.
MILT: Mrs. Reed...
I'm not waiting
any longer.
No longer!
Look at my children,
look at them!
I cannot live like this here.
I will not.
The snow is too deep.
The children can't even
walk up there.
MARGARET:
Then they'll go
to the Breens.
The Breens will take them
while we're gone.
Children,
you'll stay at the Breens'.
(CLATTERING)
Let's go.
Out. Out.
Out. Out.
You're going where?
Away from here. Out!
ELIZABETH:
On the mountain?
Going on the mountain?
You're crazy.
You should know, Elizabeth!
Patrick, will you
take them?
Will you take my children?
I'm going over.
Going over?
Yes.
Milt and I will start today,
if you'll only keep them.
I... I'll bring back help.
I'll bring back food
for all of us.
Charles says
it's only six days.
If it's just six days walking,
why aren't they back yet?
Why have they
not sent help?
Don't you see?
Peggy, will you tell her?
You can't just
walk over it, Margaret.
It's death up there now.
No.
Here...
Here it's death.
I can't take my children
back in there.
Please,
we have a hide to boil.
It should keep them
for a while.
They won't be a burden to you.
Please, won't you
take them?
It's too dangerous,
Margaret, you'll freeze.
Milt will make us
fires at night.
Your children
need you with them.
Your children, Margaret.
I can't take them
back at that place.
(EXHALES)
We'll see.
Patrick,
Elizabeth Graves is mad.
Everyone knows.
We can't send them
back there, Pat.
We have room now
that the snow shoe party
has left.
But we can't feed them.
They have a hide.
A hide won't
keep them alive.
Now, will you
listen to me?
I'm trying
to keep us alive.
I'd feed every one of them
if I could, but I can't,
and that's that!
It's her husband's folly
that led us here.
And you hold that against
her and the children?
That's that, I said.
Did you hear me?
Yes, I did.
Come children,
you'll stay with us.
You're welcome to shelter.
Thank you, Peggy.
You go.
I'll stay with the Murphys.
PATRICK:
Dear merciful God,
bless us and keep us.
Give us the strength
until food can reach us.
Give us the strength
to see the spring come.
And bless the sick,
Almighty God.
Our Edward
needs your special
kindness tonight.
And bless those
that are departed from us.
And bless...
MILT: Hello.
In the Breens Cabin.
It's Milt Elliot.
Milt, come in
by the fire.
No.
I can't stand up.
I know I'm dying.
No.
It's okay.
I'll just go to sleep.
But...
I didn't want
to be over there
with them.
No, please.
Please don't go, Milt.
Mrs. Reed.
Margaret.
You know, sometimes...
Sometimes I dreamed
we were married.
Please stay with us.
And that the children
were our children.
(SIGHS)
We love you, Milt.
We love you.
You've been my family.
Yes.
We are. We are.
You know,
in the Donner Camp
they're starving
and they've gone...
They've gone
and started in
on the dead.
I know. I know.
It scares me some.
But if I thought that you
and the children were dying,
and that maybe somehow
my body could save you...
Oh, God, no. No.
Shh, please.
Listen.
I have decided.
My children will not live
with such a memory
in their hearts.
We shall not.
So you...
You sleep easy.
You rest easy.
Just sleep.
'Cause food will come.
And James will
come for us.
I know it.
I just know it.
And I'll stay here
with you.
I'll be here with you.
"Boone married
Rebecca Bryan
"when she was 17-years-old.
"She was a good enough shot
to guard the cabin,
"and a true pioneer wife,
"who never despaired
when Daniel...
"When Daniel was
away from her for
long periods of time.
"He always returned."
I'm hungry.
This is for the family.
It's for our family,
did you hear me?
That's all right.
It's all right.
But it smells
so good, Mama.
It's all right.
Virginia, keep reading.
VIRGINIA: "Once
"when Daniel
was captured, he..."
(SIGHS)
Who wants custard?
It seems right.
Patty?
Close your eyes.
Custard.
No, it isn't.
Yes, it is.
Give some
to Tommy, too.
Good.
Margaret.
PATRICK:
We thank merciful God
for our bounty.
Amen.
ALL: Amen.
Margaret.
I'm afraid
for your daughter.
Virginia has the look.
It's the dying look.
We've nothing left
to give her.
Virginia?
Virginia?
Get up. Virginia.
Don't you do this.
Don't you do this!
Get up. No, you don't!
Come outside.
No, you don't.
No. No, Virginia.
No.
(GROANS)
(GRUNTING)
Look at me!
Look at me.
I will not let you leave us,
do you hear me?
Do you hear me?
Look at me, I will not.
We are going to California.
We are going to California.
All of us.
All of us.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Yes, Mama.
I still have a hide
at the Graves'.
No. You'll not
have that. No!
No, it's mine!
You can't take that!
(GRUNTING)
Do you think I'd let you
starve our children?
Do you?
(GRUNTS)
(LAUGHING)
(LAUGHING MANIACALLY)
Look at them!
(INDISTINCT)
They're here!
They're here!
Oh, my God!
They're here!
MARGARET: James.
PATRICK: Peggy.
PATRICK:
Peggy, they've come.
James Reed,
is James Reed with you?
No, ma'am.
But they're trying to get up
more relief parties behind us.
Thank you.
Thank you for coming.
(PANTS)
I wish you were
coming with us.
No, some of the children
are still too weak.
And we won't
split the family.
We'll be back for you.
Thank you for everything.
I just hope
you find your James.
(SIGHS) Yes.
PEGGY:
Take care, children.
Goodbye, Patrick.
We must catch up.
Patty, hurry across there.
(BIRD CAWING)
(SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)
Oh, no.
Child, get up.
We can't stop.
Come on. (GRUNTS)
I'm sorry, ma'am.
They're holding us back.
No. No, they'll
be all right.
We'll do it.
Mrs. Reed.
They're too small
to make it.
And they're too heavy
to carry.
It gets a lot worse
where we're going.
I'll take 'em back
to the Breens.
And then catch up.
But when we
get to California,
I'll turn around
and come back for them.
I swear it.
You swear?
Are you a Mason?
I am a Mason.
Virginia,
give me Papa's medallion.
(PANTING)
If you swear,
you swear on this that
you'll bring my children
safely back to California.
I swear.
I swear.
Goodbye, darling.
Patty,
take Grandma's shawl.
Keep safe and warm.
(SNIFFLING)
Mama,
if I don't see you again,
you did the best you can.
(GASPS)
(GRUNTS)
Uh, thank you.
(EAGLE CALLING)
Oh! Oh!
Papa! Jimmy, it's Papa.
James!
(PANTING)
(LAUGHING)
MARGARET:
Oh, thank God.
Oh, thank God.
(LAUGHING)
VIRGINIA: Papa.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Hey, you. You!
Where's Tommy and Patty?
They're...
They're at the Breen cabin.
About five days back.
Can you help them, James?
Yeah, I'll go to them.
I'll bring them to you
in California.
(BIRDS CHIRPING)