Ride the High Country (1962) - full transcript
Aging ex-marshal Steve Judd is hired by a bank to transport a gold shipment through dangerous territory. He hires an old partner, Gil Westrum, and his young protege Heck to assist him. Steve doesn't know, however, that Gil and Heck plan to steal the gold, with or without Steve's help. On the trail, the three get involved in a young woman's desire to escape first from her father, then from her fiance and his dangerously psychotic brothers.
[SHOUTING]
[BELLY DANCING MUSIC PLAYING]
[CROWD CHEERING]
Come on, kids!
Out of the street.
Come on, kids.
Get back there.
Hey, you!
Get out of there!
POLICEMAN:
Stay out of the street!
Out of the street!
Get out of the street!
Clear the street!
Get away from there!
Watch out! Get out
of the way, old man.
Can't you hear?
Can't you see
you're in the way?
All right!
Out of the way!
[CROWD CHEERING]
[CARNIVAL MUSIC PLAYING]
[CAR HORN BEEPS]
Watch out,
old-timer!
You got a good horse
there, cowboy,
but not good enough.
I'll have that dollar.
I'm figuring these races
smell pretty bad.
That thing never loses,
and it's been running
since breakfast.
You had
your chance.
Let's say
I'm a poor loser,
so if you want
this dollar,
come right on over here
and get it, Sonny boy.
[BELLY DANCING MUSIC PLAYING]
BARKER: Right this way, folks!
Come one, come all.
Step right up
and try your luck.
Everybody welcome.
See the Oregon kid
in person.
Right this way, folks!
Come one, come all.
Step right up and outshoot
the famous Oregon kid,
the last
of the Western town tamers.
Fatten your wallets
and be a hero to your family.
Everybody welcome.
Step up.
Try your luck.
All you gotta do
is hit the plate,
and you win the money.
Quit the sermon
and turn her loose.
$1.00 on the yellow.
Shooting against you
is like sneaking licorice
whips from a baby girl.
Care to try again?
Uh, mister, could I make
a 10-cent bet?
A whole dime?
You're a plunger, sir.
Well, you see,
I ain't sure I could hit
a moving target
without buckshot.
I used to be
fair to middlin'
with a scatter gun,
but that was when the bird
wasn't too far away
or flying too fast.
With them plates,
I just don't see
how you manage.
Well, I'll be damned.
How are you, Gil?
No great complaints.
How long has it been?
Glory, I'd hate to say.
Quite some time.
Where you been
all these years?
Oh, here and there.
Quite a little
enterprise you got.
Well, Steve, it's easier
than punching cows,
and it pays off
with free drinks
every time I walk
into a saloon.
Would it surprise you
to know the Oregon kid
is the envy of every
small-minded ribbon clerk
and shirttailed
towhead
from here
to Pocatello?
Well, why not?
All these
single-handed exploits.
Tell me, Gil,
who was the Omaha gang?
I don't seem to recollect
them fellers.
Flagstaff,
Monterey, Hondo--
I remember we worked
them places.
Dodge city and Wichita?
Did you ever run
with the Earp boys, Gil?
You gotta allow for
a little exaggeration.
That's part of
playing this game.
It's not much of a game.
A blind man couldn't miss
using buckshot.
Must be
something important
to bring you here.
Looks like you've been
riding a long time
but not getting far.
Job.
You mean
you're still at it--
federal marshal?
No. I'm working
for the bank.
You, a bank guard?
I'm transporting gold
from the mining camp
up there
to the bank down here.
Gold bullion.
$250,000 worth,
the way the letter put it.
A quarter
of a million.
And I could use
some help.
Can you
recommend anyone?
I'll give it
some thought.
You do that, will you?
And let me know.
I will, Steve.
I surely will.
Well, what do you figure
we're going to do?
Drink champagne, kid,
and only the best--
about $250,000 worth.
[CAR APPROACHES]
[CAR HORN BEEPS]
I'd like to see
Mr. Samson, please.
He's busy.
Would you tell him
it's Mr. Judd?
Steven Judd.
Oh.
Just one minute.
Ahem.
Excuse me, sir...
Mr. Judd.
MR. SAMSON:
Let him come in, Abner.
Mr. Samson
will see you.
Thank you.
How do you do, Mr. Judd?
I'm Luther Samson,
and this is
my son Abner.
He's the vice
president.
I'm pleased to
meet you, Mr. Judd--
well, I--
I must say,
Mr. Judd,
I expected
a much younger man.
Well,
I used to be.
We all used to be.
Ah, yes.
Yes, of course.
Mr. Judd, we're familiar
with your reputation--
thank you.
But that was made
many years ago.
We're dealing in the
present, not the past.
What's the problem,
gentlemen?
The coarse gold strike
is on the crest
of the sierras.
There's only one trail.
One in, one out.
6 miners
have been killed
trying to get their gold
down to us--
6 miners killed
and robbed, Mr. Judd.
Several weeks ago, we
petitioned for a marshal,
but nothing happened.
The only law up there
is too drunk
to hit the ground
with his hat.
The man we send
up there
must be
completely reliable,
to say nothing
of being honest.
We're speaking
of gold, Mr. Judd,
$20,000 worth.
20,000?
Why, I thought
your letter said 250,000.
Our original estimate
was overly enthusiastic.
The strike is not
a mother lode,
but it is productive,
slow and steady.
And we intend
to get our share.
The days of the Forty-
Niners are past.
And the days of
the steady businessmen
have arrived.
My usual fee
is $20 a day.
I'll have to
charge you 40.
$40?
For what?
For 2 extra men.
I don't intend to go
4 days without sleeping.
The question is--
the question is,
can I do it?
I can't answer that
by talking about it,
only by doing it.
If you 2 want
to talk about it,
go ahead. I'll
read the contract.
Well, I--I guess
that will be
all right.
In private,
if you please.
Why...Well,
you can go in there.
Whew.
[TOILET FLUSHES]
Well, the contract's
all right.
How about me?
Any doubts?
If not,
I'll sign it.
Oh. Well, I guess
it's all right.
That old man
is Steve Judd?
He don't look
like much to me.
Son, I wore a star
for 6 years
with that old man.
I was his deputy
most of the time.
Once, he was mine.
Don't ever
play him short.
I just don't figure him
to be any trouble,
that's all.
I hope
you're right, boy.
I surely hope
you're right.
I'll be at the line.
You demonstrate
how impressed you are
and keep your mouth shut.
Hi, Mr. Westrum.
Evening, honey.
Hello, Heck.
Stop that!
What did I do?
Never mind what you did.
Don't do it in here.
HECK: Can I pick
you up in an hour?
I think so.
Too bad 'cause Heck
won't be there.
Why not?
Because if I can't,
you won't.
Still keeping
records, eh?
You know me.
Creature of habit.
There's somebody else
who wants to know you--
my partner,
Heck Longtree.
You'd blush to hear
the way he admires you.
How do you do?
Howdy.
Have a chair.
Showing your age,
aren't you?
Huh?
Interfering in a
young man's love life.
He's got more important
things on his mind.
Haven't you?
Haven't you?
Yes, sir,
and so have I.
Been considering
your problem.
Think maybe I can
solve half of it,
perhaps
the whole thing.
I know a fellow
who's got an
overwhelming hankering
for a little old-time
activity.
It seems to me a man
would have to be hard up
to want to risk his life
for $10 a day.
$10 a day?
[WHISTLES]
Not hard up,
just fed up.
Outshooting the rubes
for nickels and dimes--
it takes free drinks
to sleep at night.
My partner feels
the same way.
Don't you?
Yeah.
I don't think I'd
want to hire a boy.
Boy? What do
you mean--a boy?
Steve, this boy's a good
deal less than green.
He can't have
too much behind him.
That's where
you're wrong.
He's been
dogging after me
for better
than 3 years.
Pretty. Too bad he
can't keep it clean.
Boys nowadays...
No pride, no self-respect.
Plenty of gall,
but no sand.
Now, you take
that race today.
What about
that race?
Well,
at that distance,
no horse in the world
could beat a camel.
[CHAIR FALLS OVER]
Are you calling me
a cheat?
Well, if he
don't, I will.
[MAN SPEAKING CHINESE]
[SPEAKING CHINESE]
Go get them, tiger.
You're doing fine,
just fine.
What do
you think, Steve?
I think
he's wonderful.
He'll do.
He'll do just fine.
STEVE: What's
the matter, partner?
Your rheumatism
bothering you?
I'm used to working
with my brain,
not my backside.
You think you can
talk him into it?
One way or another.
I'd just as soon
we split it 2 ways
instead of 3.
Kid, you got
an awful lot to learn.
[CHICKENS CLUCKING]
[HORSES APPROACHING]
Good afternoon.
Good afternoon.
Joshua Knudsen's the name.
This is Gil Westrum
and Heck Longtree.
My name is Judd--
Steven Judd.
I've heard the name.
We're on our way
to coarse gold.
Wondered if you could furnish
accommodations for the night?
Well, I've got
no room in the house,
but I have no objections
to you staying in the barn.
Thank you, sir.
If you could spare
us a few eggs,
we'd be glad
to pay for them.
One you can have,
because the lord's bounty
is not for sale.
The rest are
a dollar each.
A dollar each?
How do those short-legged
chickens lay eggs so high?
The levity
of the young
is like unto
a dry gourd,
with the seeds
rattling round.
[WHISTLES]
My daughter, Elsa.
How do you do?
Pleased to meet you.
Likewise.
Go start supper,
and change that dress.
Change it? What for?
For the good reason
I told you to.
Now, did you hear
what I said?
HECK: I think it's
a real pretty dress.
Thank you.
JOSHUA: You can put your
horses in the corral yonder.
Supper will be ready
in an hour. No charge.
Lord's bounty--
is not for sale.
Thank you, sir.
HECK: Think of all that
going to waste up here.
Like the fellow said,
gold is where you find it.
And if it's not yours,
don't covet it.
Don't worry, boy.
The lord's bounty
may not be for sale,
but the devil's is,
if you can
pay the price.
GIL: There's a lot of truth
in those words, Heck.
Yeah?
Yeah.
ELSA: Supper's ready.
Gentlemen...
Heavenly father, we thank thee
for the food on this table.
Teach thy children
to be grateful for thy goodness,
to walk in thy path,
that they may not suffer
thy wrath...
And thy vengeance.
Bless us, o lord,
and these, our guests,
and forgive them
the mercenary desires
which brought them here.
Amen.
Thank you for
entering a plea
on our behalf,
Mr. Knudsen,
but what's this about
mercenary desires?
Ain't you on your way
to coarse gold?
Yes.
Men only travel there
to traffic in gold,
which to possess
is to live in fear,
to desire,
to live in sorrow.
But we're not
trafficking, sir,
merely transporting.
It says in the book,
"Gold is
a stumbling block
"to them
that sacrifice to it.
And every fool shall
be taken therewith."
"A good name is
rather to be chosen
"than great riches,
and loving favor rather
than silver and gold."
Proverbs, chapter 22.
"Into the land
of trouble and anguish
"come the old lions,
"and they shall carry
their riches
"on the shoulders
of young asses
to a people that
shall not profit them."
Isaiah 30:6.
That mining town is
a sinkhole of depravity,
a place of shame and sin.
According
to my father,
every place outside
this farm is sinful.
JOSHUA:
That will do.
You don't have to
preach at everybody.
That will do!
You cook a lovely ham
hock, miss Knudsen.
Just lovely.
Appetite, chapter 1.
Give me a towel,
and I'll dry.
Shh!
Thanks just the same.
You hadn't better.
Must be pretty lonely
living up here.
Sometimes,
I get to thinking
there's nobody
left in the world
but my father and me.
You know,
it's a crime--
a girl like you
being stuck
up on this old
stump ranch.
A girl like you
ought to be living
in the city--
San Francisco, say.
You've been there?
Uh-huh.
Plenty of times.
I never been anywhere.
He won't even
take me to town
when he goes
after supplies.
Says the men
would stare at me.
Suppose--
suppose
on the way back,
I was to pick you up
and take you
to San Francisco
or Denver
or Chicago, even.
JOSHUA: Elsa, who are
you talking to in there?
To myself.
You better go.
I'll meet you
outside later.
I can't!
I'll wait for you
by the corral.
That boy you trained
personally
shows a substantial
lack of judgment.
Kind of showing
your age, aren't you?
Interfering with
a young man's love life.
Well, I'm not
paying him $10 a day
to go mooning
after some girl
whose old man's
about to hind-end him
with a load of buckshot.
Know who she
reminds me of, Steve?
No.
Sarah Truedale.
Well, there's no
resemblance at all.
Maybe not in the features,
but the way she smiles.
There's the same look
in her eyes
when you're
talking to her--
the kind of look
that makes you feel
you've said something
really important.
You and Sarah always
looked so right together.
Course, I can't say
I blamed her
for not marrying you.
Forgetting the lousy
money we made,
what woman
wants to sit around
waiting for a husband
to be brought home
with his head shot off?
I wonder if I
can get these fixed
in coarse gold.
I guess losing Sarah
was what you might call
a hazard
of our profession.
That rancher she married--
uh...Stacy, is it?
He's doing fine
up in Idaho.
Got a big ranch there.
Raises blooded horses.
Children, too, I hear.
Grandchildren now.
3 of them.
That right, Steve?
Yep, that's right.
3 grandchildren.
Think she's happy, Steve?
If my sleeping
bothers you,
don't you bother
to let me know.
Sorry.
Evening.
You surely
took your time.
I shouldn't
be here at all.
Why? Does the night air
bother you?
If it does,
come on up in the hay.
I love
the night air.
The thing is,
I'm what you might
call engaged.
Sure, you are.
It's the truth.
His name
is Billy Hammond.
He asked me
to marry him...
Several times.
I said I thought
I probably would.
You'll see him
in coarse gold.
He's a miner
up at the strike
and doing real well.
Well, if he's
in coarse gold...
And you're here,
I don't see any harm
in talking.
You! Get in the barn
and stay there!
And you...
Go to the house.
[DOG HOWLING]
"The mouth of a strange woman
is a deep pit.
Him that is abhorred of the lord
shall fall therein."
Won't you never learn
any decency?
We were only
going to talk! Talk!
The likes of him
don't stop at talking.
The likes of him?
Every man I meet becomes
"the likes of him"!
He's no good.
I can see it.
That's all you see
in anyone!
Billy Hammond
came here twice.
You said
he was evil! Sinful!
I'm your father.
I've got to keep
the dirt away,
protect you from
the wrong kind of men.
That means everyone,
doesn't it?
Every man is the wrong
kind of man, except you!
Aah...
I promised the next
time you hit me,
you'd be sorry for it.
"From my mouth
shall speak truth,
and wickedness is
an abomination to my lips."
"All the words of my mouth
are in righteousness."
Elsa...
I'm sorry.
"Receive
my instruction,
"not silver,
knowledge rather
than choice gold..."
"For wisdom is
better than rubies."
Ahh...
In 30 years, you'll like
the feel of it, too!
Pick that up!
These mountains
don't need your trash.
Dandy pair of boots
you got here.
Juan Fernandez
made those for me
in San Antone,
special order.
I had
a hell of a time
getting him to put
that hole in there.
A fine
craftsman, Juan,
but he never did
understand
the principle
of ventilation.
I remember Juan.
Always felt the boot
should cover the foot.
Short-sighted.
Remember
old doc Franklin--
the fancy boots he wore
with the flaps
over the toes?
Had them made
in Boston.
Old doc--
know what happened to him?
I heard he died.
That's right.
Old doc gave
30 years of his life
to make the west safe
for decent people.
You'd have wept to see
the way they turned out
to pay him tribute,
all 3 of them--
the mortician,
the gravedigger, and me.
Well,
when I'm buried--
uh!
I won't much care
who comes
to the funeral.
I was commenting
on the fairest flower
that grows
within the human heart--
gratitude.
The only gratitude
I expect
is my paycheck--
$20 worth.
That satisfies you?
Well, I guess that's
all I can hope for.
Is it?
According to
my contract, it is.
Come on.
Let's get moving.
[NICKER]
You're just wasting
your breath.
He don't even know what
you're talking about.
He will in time.
Let's bend a gun
over his head
and take off
with the gold.
Kid, you couldn't get
close enough to Steve Judd
to saddle his horse.
Well, you could.
Yes, I could,
but I won't...
Unless I have to.
I hope heaven
forgives us
for earning
this easy money.
I seem to remember
a man hankering for
some old-time activity.
I'd like to see some
old-time mountains.
As I recall,
they sure were a lot
easier to get around in.
You sure complain a lot
in your old age.
Well, I got something
to complain about.
You're earning
twice the money
for taking
the same risk.
Plus possessing...
All the other rewards
you've gathered...
During your years
of loyal service--
a bluegrass
thoroughbred,
silver mounted saddle,
magnificent wardrobe.
I'm envious.
What more
can a man expect?
What more can
a man hope for?
You forgot to mention
my $2.00 watch.
Waste of breath.
What else
can a man expect?
I got to thinking
about that one time.
Well, sir,
I keep records.
When I became
a lawman,
the world lost a
first-class bookkeeper.
So, just to pass
the time one day,
I calculated what it was
worth getting shot at.
I figured it
about $100 a shot.
You'd have earned
quite a sum by now.
Getting hit--
I figure that's worth
anywhere
from 1,000 on up.
That's 3,000
I know you got coming.
4 brings it
up to date,
and you tally up
all those fights
and bushwhackings
and cold camps...
That time
in Lincoln county--
5 weeks in
the hospital
and 6 months
out of work.
You add them all up,
and I'd figure
I was owed
about all the gold
we could carry
out of these
mountains.
Something
to dream about.
Sure is.
ELSA: Hey!
Do you mind
if I keep you company?
HECK:
I don't mind!
I do.
I'll second that.
My advice to you,
honey, is,
turn around and ride back
where you belong.
I'm not going back
to my father.
I'm going to coarse gold
to marry Billy Hammond.
What do you want
to do that for?
ELSA:
That's my affair.
She's right, Heck.
Our business
is gold, not girls.
Thanks for paying back
our hospitality--
those lovely ham hocks
and everything.
I'm a strong believer
in young love and gratitude,
but not strong enough to bring
you along in this country
under these conditions.
I'll ride by myself.
We can make another
3 or 4 Miles
before it gets dark.
Right. Got to cover
ground. Got a gun?
No, I don't have a gun.
Too bad. This is certainly
Mountain lion country.
It sure is.
Build a fire. Chances are,
it will scare them off.
You both
go on ahead.
I couldn't sleep
tonight
with Elsa out here
by herself.
I'll stay with her
and meet you
in coarse gold.
Go on ahead.
Those Mountain lions--
some don't scare
so easy.
Come along, girl.
Do you remember
old man Teaford?
Oh, yeah.
Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
"All night, Logan."
Ha ha ha!
"Way up, Logan."
Ha ha ha!
You know, the way you do
your hair looks real nice.
You think so?
Mm-hmm.
Pa had me
cut it short.
Sort of it fits
the shape of your head
when you see it
from the side.
Yeah, like that.
You know,
most girls don't know
the first thing
about their hair.
I guess you're
an authority
on what
most girls do.
Well, I've studied
the subject--
not just what they do,
but why.
Now, you take
this getting married.
You think
it's such a good idea?
If I didn't,
I wouldn't be here.
I guess
you're doing it
to get away from your pa--
to get even, maybe.
I guess your guess is
as good as anybody's.
Well, if it's wrong,
how come you ran away?
Because my father doesn't
want me to get married.
Oh, he says he does...
If I can find
a decent young man...
But nobody's decent
according to him.
You included.
Said you were no good.
Said the likes of you
don't stop at talking.
You know,
he has a point there.
Don't move!
Don't move, Elsa.
No!
Heck, no!
Let me go! No!
No!
Heck, no!
No! Let me go!
My, oh, my.
When I questioned you
about that boy,
I should have gone
a bit deeper
into the subject
of character.
I hope that's a mistake
I won't live to regret.
Good fight.
I enjoyed it.
That old man?
That old man
is about half-rough.
You learned a lesson,
didn't you?
I surely did.
Got room
for another?
Let her fly.
We're not here
for romance.
Understand me, son?
Yes, sir.
I hope Mr. Judd
didn't hurt you too bad.
I guess
it's kind of my fault.
What do you mean,
kind of?
I acted silly.
I'm sorry.
I do like you, Heck.
Save the sugar-talk
for your Billy-boy
because
I don't need it.
I guess not!
What you need's
a girl who'd go with you
to San Francisco
or Denver!
Right. There's
plenty of them.
I changed my mind. You
got just what you deserve!
You got something
to say?
No.
I think she about
covered everything.
[DOG BARKING]
Lovely place.
Beauty spot of nature.
A garden of Eden
for the sore
in heart
and short
of cash.
We didn't come here
to enjoy the scenery.
[SPLASH]
[WOMEN LAUGHING]
I see our crochet
and garden society
seems to be having
their weekly meeting.
When we get located,
pass the word around
that we're in camp
and ready for business.
And you!
Find the Hammond claim
and take her there.
Why me?
Because Steve and I
will be busy
collecting gold.
It's not too late.
You can change your mind.
I came to coarse gold
to be married,
and that's what
I'll be--married.
Well, good luck, then.
All the happiness
in the world.
[WOMAN LAUGHING]
Welcome to coarse gold!
This seems to be
the place to find it.
You might be in
for a big surprise.
How do you know
Billy-boy
still wants
to marry you?
What do you care?
I don't!
Is this
the Hammond claim?
Who wants to know?
I do. I'm looking
for Billy Hammond.
You found him!
Billy!
BILLY:
Howdy, Elsa!
I can't believe it,
honey!
MAN:
Looks like the girl
he's been going down
the Mountain to see.
I'll say one thing.
She's sure worth
the trip.
Wish I'd got there
first.
Looks like
a warm one.
Hey, where's
your pa at?
Back home.
You mean
you run off and come
all the way here
just to see me?
ELSA: See you?
I brought my mother's
wedding dress...
If you still want to.
If I want to!
If he don't, you got
4 others to choose from!
A sweet thing like you
would have the pick
of the litter!
No rush about making up
your mind.
BILLY: Don't you listen
to them!
We're going to
get married tonight!
I guess that will
be all, Mr. Longtree.
By the way...
Just who is
Mr. Longtree?
I rode up with him
from the farm.
That's a couple of days
on the trail, ain't it?
That's right.
2 days and 2 nights.
MAN:
Couple of nights?
Couple of nights
on the trail.
ELSA: Billy!
There were
two other men with us
from the bank in town!
Besides...
Mr. Longtree
was a perfect gentleman.
How come?
Something wrong with him?
Well, now,
I don't think I ever met
a perfect gentleman
before, Mr. Longtree.
[LAUGHTER]
You come back and
see us real soon, now,
you hear, Mr. Longtree?
Jimmy, Sylvus, Elder,
come on down here!
I want you to meet
my woman!
Ha ha ha!
Come on. Elsa, honey,
this is Jimmy.
He's sort of the baby
of the family,
and that there's
Sylvus.
He's been doing
our cooking,
as you can see.
The one on the end
is Elder.
He's the head
of the clan.
I want you to meet
my favorite brother.
Henry!
Get down here, now!
Come on!
Henry's sort of our banker,
you might say.
Come on, honey.
I'll show you my tent.
[LAUGHING]
[CAW CAW]
Looks like you've got
a pretty good claim.
Ha ha! It's
a gold mine, honey.
Why don't you come over
and take a look?
You're invited, too.
Ha ha ha!
GIL: Find Billy Hammond?
Yeah.
STEVE:
What's he like?
What difference
does it make?
She wanted him.
Now she's got him.
I don't want to shave!
Jimmy, you'll shave whether
you want to or not.
You been running around
with that peach fuzz
long enough.
I want that girl
to know
she's marrying
into a family of men!
Ha ha ha!
Hey, Billy.
Thank you, Sylvus.
Now haul it.
What's that for?
You're leaving.
Go on.
I see no sense
in moving out
just because you're
honeymooning here.
I don't have time
to explain it to you.
Just get out!
I ain't going.
You just did!
[CAW]
Takes care of him.
I got to clean up
in here!
Plenty of time
for that later, honey!
No, uh...
I want to do it now.
No, you don't.
But the place
is filthy!
It will wait.
It will wait!
Let go, Billy.
Billy, let me go!
All right.
Calm down.
Come on, honey.
See you later.
If you need
any help...
Fastening up
your wedding dress,
you just holler,
you hear?
I'll manage.
HENRY: First drink
is best,
east or west!
Let him go!
Turn him loose!
Jimmy, it's
going to make
a man of you,
now!
Say, Henry.
I been wanting
to ask you something.
Something's been
on my mind.
Was you planning to bathe
for the wedding?
No, sir.
You weren't
going to clean up
for your brother's
wedding?
No, sir, I ain't.
I didn't wash when cousin
got wed back home.
That bride didn't
seem to mind none,
did she, Billy?
Now, there will be
none of that.
None of what?
You know something,
Sylvus?
Billy is getting
small-minded
about that woman.
And a might feisty.
A few drinks
under his belt
will change his mind,
and liquor
always did have
a softening effect
on Billy.
I'd hate to get married
with my brother
smelling bad enough
to gag a dog off a gutwagon.
Yeah, that's so.
Now, you wouldn't want
that sweet little thing
to think we're less
than quality, would you?
All I know is
that after tonight,
she ain't going to
be able
to think
enough about me.
Huh? Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
Yeah!
Yeah!
Pick him up!
Yeah! Get him
in there!
Yeah! Oh!
Ha ha ha!
Hoo!
Hey! Ha ha ha!
All right,
let him up.
Let me out!
I ought to
cut you!
BILLY: Look
at that, Henry.
Henry, Henry.
Come on now, Henry.
SYLVIUS:
Oh, easy now, Henry.
Oh, we's just
funning you, Henry.
Be easy.
Put the knife up, Henry.
You could cut yourself.
Is that a smile
I see coming on?
How about it
there, Henry?
Hey, Henry,
come on.
Easy, now,
Henry! Ha ha!
♪ On that bright
and shining morning ♪
♪ When the dead in Christ
shall rise ♪
♪ And the morn shall break
eternal, bright, and fair ♪
♪ When the saved of earth
shall gather ♪
♪ Over on the other side ♪
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
♪ We'll be there ♪
♪ When the roll ♪
♪ Is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll ♪
♪ Is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll ♪
♪ Is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
♪ We'll be there ♪
♪ Oh, the Hammond boys
are comin' ♪
♪ With a maiden,
young and fair ♪
♪ And our Billy's got
that love look in his eye ♪
♪ And old Tolliver's
a-waitin' ♪
♪ With a prayer book
in his hand ♪
♪ For to tie the knot
that binds them till they die ♪
♪ Oh, when the roll ♪
♪ Is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll ♪
♪ Is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll ♪
♪ Is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
♪ We'll be there ♪
[GUNSHOTS]
Come on, boys!
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
MAN:
Drink to the bride.
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
Let's have a drink.
[PIANO PLAYING
HERE COMES THE BRIDE]
Better stand up,
Judge.
Here comes
the bride.
Come on.
Steady now.
Here she is, folks--
my bride to be.
Elsa, this here
is Judge Tolliver.
Pleased to make your
acquaintance, my dear.
And that there
is Kate.
She's your
bridesmaid.
Welcome
to Kate's place, honey.
And these ladies
over here are Sam
and Rose and Belle
and Candy.
We're your
flower girls, honey.
KATE: You're
beautiful, girls,
just beautiful.
Aren't they
beautiful, Elsa?
Let her roll,
Charlie.
[PIANO PLAYING]
ALL: ♪ for she's a jolly
good fellow ♪
♪ For she's a jolly
good fellow ♪
♪ For she's a jolly
good fellow ♪
♪ Which nobody can deny ♪
♪ Which nobody can deny ♪
♪ Which nobody can deny ♪
♪ For she's a jolly
good fellow ♪
♪ For she's a jolly
good fellow ♪
♪ For she's a jolly
good fellow ♪
♪ Which nobody can deny ♪
[CHEERING]
Drinks on
the house, boys.
You come on over
and sit down,
honey.
You must be tired.
Poor baby.
We'll all of us
have a little drinky
before the formalities.
[PIANO PLAYING
OH! SUSANNA]
Now you take this.
Don't be afraid.
It'll do you good.
BILLY: Cheers, Elsa.
Heck.
11,486.
That's a far cry from
a quarter of a million.
Fortunes of war.
Hardly worth it.
All depends
on where you stand.
I guess that's right.
To a poor man,
11,000 is just
as far away as 250,000.
Where are you going?
Out for some
fresh air.
Any objections?
We're gathered here
in the high mountains
in the presence
of this August company
to join this man
and this woman
in matrimony.
Now, I'm not a man
of the cloth,
and this is not
a religious ceremony.
It's a civil marriage.
But it's not to be
entered into unadvisedly,
but reverently and soberly.
A good marriage has a kind
of simple glory about it.
A good marriage
is like a rare animal.
It's hard to find.
It's almost impossible
to keep.
You see, people change.
That's important for you
to know at the beginning.
People change.
The glory
of a good marriage
don't come
at the beginning.
It comes later on,
and it's hard work.
Billy, do you take
this woman
to be your lawful
wedded wife
till God by death
shall separate you?
I do.
And...What's
your name again?
Elsa Knudsen.
Do you, Elsa,
promise to take this man
to be your lawful
wedded husband
till death
does separate you?
I do.
Oh...You have a ring?
By the authority
vested in me,
I hereby pronounce you
man and wife.
[CHEERING]
KATE:
All right, girls,
change your clothes.
Ha ha ha!
Henry!
Henry! Henry!
Move, Henry.
No, Sylvus, Sylvus.
Now, that's enough,
Sylvus.
Don't go messing
in here.
Get out of the way.
[KATE LAUGHING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MAN: Hee hee ha!
Hey, bartender,
pour a little more.
No use standing here
tormenting yourself, son.
Come on.
I'll buy you a drink.
Ha ha!
What a party!
We got to have
a wedding
in this family
every week!
Come on, Billy.
Get over there and
get her crated around.
Ha ha ha!
Let me in there.
Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
Have fun, honey.
Billy!
Billy!
Now, come on.
It's my turn,
Sylvus.
I told you
not to do that!
Sylvus,
behave yourself.
Looks like Jimmy's making
a man out of himself.
Be a nice boy,
Sylvus.
Go comb your hair.
You look terrible.
I told you
not to do that!
Don't be like that,
Sylvus.
Aw, come on, now.
Sylvus, we got
a nice party now.
Why don't you
behave yourself?
You can't hit
my brother!
Don't leave me.
I wish I'd known more
about those brothers.
It's too late now.
She's married.
I'm glad they didn't
invite me to the ceremony.
I always cry
at weddings.
You know, Mr. Westrum,
the more I am around you,
the more I can do without
your sense of humor.
Come on, break it up!
Come on, boys,
get over there.
I said break it up,
and I mean it.
Sylvus, get over here
and behave yourself.
Get over there!
MAN: I haven't seen
Jimmy. Where is he?
No, Billy.
Come on.
No.
Well, now,
get on in there.
Ah!
Easy now, Elsa.
Listen, Elsa,
you come here!
No, Billy. No, Billy.
No. Not here.
No, Billy!
Now, you straighten out,
you hear me?
MAN:
Where's Billy?
Ho ho ho ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
I got some
prying brothers.
[ELSA SCREAMING]
You stay here.
[SCREAMING]
She's mine!
She's mine!
Henry,
turn me loose!
SYLVIUS:
Come back, Elsa!
Get ahold
of that girl!
Billy,
get your bride.
Hold it.
Let her go.
Where you going
with my wife?
She's staying
with us tonight.
I'm taking her
back to her father.
Like hell she will.
You can't take a wife
away from her husband.
TOLLIVER: A clear case
of breaking and entering.
Ha ha ha!
They're legally
married, right, Judge?
I now pronounce you
man and wife,
and don't you
forget it.
Go along, Elsa.
Heck.
You're not leaving
this camp with her,
I'll promise you
that.
Don't you forget it.
Ha ha ha!
Come on, Billy.
Billy, wake up,
Billy.
What happened?
You all right,
Billy?
Where is she?
Where is she?
I'll kill her!
Where'd they go
with her? Huh?
Are you letting them
get away with her?
The marriage
didn't work out.
We'll take her back
to her father.
Steve, we've got
our hands full already.
I don't like it
any better than you do.
Oh!
[SOBBING]
Too big, huh?
What are they
doing there?
We're willing
to abide
by the court's decision
if you are.
We'll abide.
Don't be scared.
What's wrong?
Billy Hammond
wants Elsa.
They've appointed
a miner's court
to decide the issue.
Miner's court?
That's the law
in places like this.
Who says?
They do,
and there's a lot more
of them than us.
Billy's very sorry
about last night.
He swears nothing like it
will ever happen again.
I believe him.
I wouldn't believe--
I don't want to
go back to him!
You were legally married
of your own free will.
Please. You can't
let him take me back.
You can't!
We'll do
the best we can,
but whatever they decide
will have to be it.
No, it don't.
She's not going with him.
She stays with us.
She stays here.
We're packing gold,
not petticoats.
If she stays, I stay.
Well, let's hope the court
lets her go with us.
Otherwise, we'll be
a little short-handed.
All right,
gentlemen,
we can proceed.
In the first place,
I married this gal here
last night
at Kate's place...
Where can I find
Judge Tolliver?
The end of the hall,
mister.
...married us
legal and proper.
[GRUNTING]
Easy. Sit up.
A little more.
Ahh...
Thank you, sir.
What can I do
for you?
Clear up a little
technicality, if you will,
about that marriage
last night.
They're holding
a miner's court,
and they'll want to know
if it was legal.
Course it's legal.
Well, I believe that,
but the court
may want proof
in the form
of a license.
You got one?
Mm-hmm. Signed by
the governor of California.
Yes, sir,
there's no question at all
about the legality
of this document.
Judge, when you testify
before that miner's court,
I'm going to ask you
one question--
do you possess a license
to marry people in California?
And you're going to
answer no.
Am I clear?
That's a lie.
No, it isn't. You don't
possess it. I do.
Now, see here--
listen to me,
you fat-gutted soak.
You'll do
as you're told.
Now, do you recall the
question I'm going to ask?
And what do you answer?
No.
Very good.
Let's go.
[FIGHTING SOUNDS]
According
to the law,
she's still married
to Billy Hammond.
You and the law.
She can get it nullified.
Will that satisfy
your ironbound code of ethics?
My code satisfies
pretty easy, partner.
Would it surprise you
to know
that I was once
a lawbreaker?
Ha ha! Well,
bless my stars.
About the age
of that boy back there,
skinny as a snake
and just about as mean.
Ran around with the hole
in the wall bunch.
Gun-happy, looking for
trouble or a pretty ankle.
Had the world by
the tail, so to speak.
Then one night,
Paul Staniford
picked me up.
He was sheriff
for madera county then.
There'd been a fight,
and I was drunk,
sicker than a fat dog.
Well, sir,
he dried me out in jail,
and then we went
out back,
and he kicked the bitter
hell right out of me.
Ha ha!
That took some doing.
Not much. See, he
was right. I was wrong.
That makes
the difference.
Who says so?
Nobody.
That's something
you just know.
Anyhow, when I was
able to walk again,
I realized I'd learned
a lesson from him--
the value
of self-respect.
What's that worth
on the open market?
Nothing
to some people.
A great deal to me.
But I lost it.
These last years,
the only work
I was able to get
was places like
Kate's back there--
bartender, stick man,
bouncer, what have you.
Not much to brag on.
But now
I'm getting back
a little respect
for myself,
and I intend
to keep it
with the help of you
and that boy back there.
Good to be
working again, Gil.
Yeah. Partner,
do you know
what's on the back
of a poor man when he dies?
The clothes of pride.
And they're not
a bit warmer to him dead
than they were
when he was alive.
Is that all you want,
Steve?
All I want is to enter
my house justified.
Thank you.
Will you stay in town
when we get back?
I'm not just
certain. Why?
You're right,
kid.
Been wasting
my breath.
Tonight,
we move.
I don't know.
You don't know
what?
I started out thinking
he was an old mossback,
but I changed my mind.
I kind of hate
to turn against him.
Are you with me
or not?
What'll happen
to Elsa?
He'll deliver her
to her father.
The thing for you
to remember
is that
we made a deal.
Yes, sir.
It all pointed
this way--
all that talk
about old doc Franklin,
ungrateful citizens,
what we had coming
but never got paid.
It's the truth,
isn't it, Steve?
I knew in my bones
what you were aiming for,
but I wouldn't
believe it.
I kept telling myself
you were a good man.
You were my friend.
This is bank money,
not yours.
And what they don't know
won't hurt them--
not them, only me!
Take off your gun belt
and toss it over here.
What are you
going to do?
You always fancied yourself
faster than me.
Go ahead. Draw.
Draw, you damn tinhorn!
That was your
second mistake tonight
and the last chance
you'll ever get from me.
I'm going to put you
behind bars, Gil.
You'll play hell
getting it done.
Move!
My, oh, my.
Will you look who's here?
Howdy. You made
pure fools out of us,
stealing that license
from Tolliver,
but the Judge says
there's another one
on file in Sacramento.
That means
she's still my wife.
Come on, honey.
Let's go home.
She stays
with us.
Looks to me
like you people
been having
some trouble.
Looks to me
like somebody
got their finger caught
in the cookie jar.
You're short-handed,
old-timer,
but she's all we want--
all we want provided
we get her now!
You heard me.
We'll get her
sooner or later.
Like hell you will!
Ha ha ha!
You better cut yourself
a switch, Mr. Longtree.
I don't think you could
handle me barehanded,
but you'll get a chance
to try directly.
Come on.
Heck,
do I have your word
you'll return your gun
when this is over?
Yes, sir.
I reckon you do.
I'll go along.
You bet
you'll go along.
We're moving in
to the rocks.
Steve!
Shut up! Move!
Move out!
[GUN CLICKS]
[GUN CLICKS]
GIL: You're really showing
your age, partner.
Back in the old days,
you'd have checked
those rifles
before we left camp.
I'll get around
behind them.
Don't waste your time.
They're too far away.
Yah!
He's going around
behind us.
Steve, cut me loose
and give me a gun.
I'll get a rifle
for you.
Start shooting.
Sylvus!
Sylvus!
He was carrying
a rifle.
Let's get out of here!
[GUNSHOTS]
Looks like
they got Sylvus!
I know that. Come on!
We're getting out!
You're getting out?
You got
2 brothers dead.
You're talking
about running?
Come on!
[CLANK]
I wonder where
those other 3 went.
All I hope is that they're
not still following us.
GIL: Calm your
fears, honey.
I'd guess
they gave up
and went back
to coarse gold.
Assuming that's so,
I'll have your gun back.
Did you
hear me, boy?
Sorry, Mr. Judd.
I guess I was
showing off.
What happens when
we get back to town?
STEVE: That's up
to the sheriff.
He's turning us in.
You know that.
So do I.
Ever hear of Folsom
Prison, Heck?
No.
Well,
it's solid rock.
During the years
we spend there,
we'll discuss the events
of the past few minutes
at great length.
By the time
you get out,
you won't like them any
better than I do now,
which isn't one hell
of a lot.
Where do I sleep?
STEVE: Up there.
I don't want to see you
till breakfast.
Cut me loose, Steve.
Why?
Because I don't sleep
so good anymore.
HECK: Night.
Night.
My father says there's
only right and wrong,
good and evil--
nothing in-between.
It isn't that simple,
is it?
No, it isn't.
It should be,
but it isn't.
What's going to
happen to him?
The boy?
I'll testify for him.
They shouldn't be
too hard.
Will you testify
for Mr. Westrum?
No, I won't.
Why?
Because he was
my friend.
How come he
don't tie us up?
What for?
No place to go.
He's got the horses,
and he's got the guns,
and it wouldn't
take long
for Steve Judd
to find us.
Wait a minute, kid.
I just had a thought.
Well, keep it to yourself.
I'm fed up with you
and your ideas.
That's all right.
That's all right.
Morning.
HECK: Morning.
STEVE: Where's Gil?
Gone.
ELSA: Why didn't you
go with him?
Because I didn't
see any future
in our partnership.
Come along.
Get up there.
You wait here.
I'll go down
and take a look around.
The old gent's
taken quite a chance.
I don't think so.
Neither does he.
I never figured it
would turn out this way.
Chances are,
I'll be locked up
for quite a while.
I've got no call
to bring it up,
but maybe
when I get out...
I'll be there.
I saw your father.
Everything's
all right.
What are you doing?
That's strange.
What?
He goes to her grave
every day,
but always
in the morning,
never in the afternoon.
We're going
to the ditch.
Now!
I walked right into it.
[GUNSHOTS]
I'll try
for the corral.
Oh!
[BIRD SQUAWKING]
Hey!
I got him.
Well, where's the rifle?
On the horse.
Bad?
Not yet.
[GUNSHOTS]
Partner, what
do you think?
Let's meet them head-on,
halfway,
just like always.
My sentiments
exactly.
You Hammonds!
What do you want,
old man?
He wants a shovel
and 6 feet of dirt!
You redneck
peckerwoods!
You're too chicken-gutted
to finish this thing
out in the open!
Two old men against
all 3 of you boys!
If them odds
ain't enough
for you damn dry-gulchin'
Southern trash,
we'll send out
the girl!
We're coming!
You hear me, Henry?
I hear you.
You don't have
to ask me twice!
Now, you hold on,
Billy.
We'll catch them
when they raise up.
Ain't you got no sense
of family honor?
Start the ball,
old man!
How'd we figure?
$1,000 a shot?
Yeah.
Those boys sure made
me a lot of money.
They put them all
in one spot.
I don't want them
to see this.
I'll go it alone.
Don't worry
about anything.
I'll take care of it
just like
you would have.
Hell, I know that.
I always did.
You just forgot it
for a while,
that's all.
So long, partner.
I'll see you later.
[BELLY DANCING MUSIC PLAYING]
[CROWD CHEERING]
Come on, kids!
Out of the street.
Come on, kids.
Get back there.
Hey, you!
Get out of there!
POLICEMAN:
Stay out of the street!
Out of the street!
Get out of the street!
Clear the street!
Get away from there!
Watch out! Get out
of the way, old man.
Can't you hear?
Can't you see
you're in the way?
All right!
Out of the way!
[CROWD CHEERING]
[CARNIVAL MUSIC PLAYING]
[CAR HORN BEEPS]
Watch out,
old-timer!
You got a good horse
there, cowboy,
but not good enough.
I'll have that dollar.
I'm figuring these races
smell pretty bad.
That thing never loses,
and it's been running
since breakfast.
You had
your chance.
Let's say
I'm a poor loser,
so if you want
this dollar,
come right on over here
and get it, Sonny boy.
[BELLY DANCING MUSIC PLAYING]
BARKER: Right this way, folks!
Come one, come all.
Step right up
and try your luck.
Everybody welcome.
See the Oregon kid
in person.
Right this way, folks!
Come one, come all.
Step right up and outshoot
the famous Oregon kid,
the last
of the Western town tamers.
Fatten your wallets
and be a hero to your family.
Everybody welcome.
Step up.
Try your luck.
All you gotta do
is hit the plate,
and you win the money.
Quit the sermon
and turn her loose.
$1.00 on the yellow.
Shooting against you
is like sneaking licorice
whips from a baby girl.
Care to try again?
Uh, mister, could I make
a 10-cent bet?
A whole dime?
You're a plunger, sir.
Well, you see,
I ain't sure I could hit
a moving target
without buckshot.
I used to be
fair to middlin'
with a scatter gun,
but that was when the bird
wasn't too far away
or flying too fast.
With them plates,
I just don't see
how you manage.
Well, I'll be damned.
How are you, Gil?
No great complaints.
How long has it been?
Glory, I'd hate to say.
Quite some time.
Where you been
all these years?
Oh, here and there.
Quite a little
enterprise you got.
Well, Steve, it's easier
than punching cows,
and it pays off
with free drinks
every time I walk
into a saloon.
Would it surprise you
to know the Oregon kid
is the envy of every
small-minded ribbon clerk
and shirttailed
towhead
from here
to Pocatello?
Well, why not?
All these
single-handed exploits.
Tell me, Gil,
who was the Omaha gang?
I don't seem to recollect
them fellers.
Flagstaff,
Monterey, Hondo--
I remember we worked
them places.
Dodge city and Wichita?
Did you ever run
with the Earp boys, Gil?
You gotta allow for
a little exaggeration.
That's part of
playing this game.
It's not much of a game.
A blind man couldn't miss
using buckshot.
Must be
something important
to bring you here.
Looks like you've been
riding a long time
but not getting far.
Job.
You mean
you're still at it--
federal marshal?
No. I'm working
for the bank.
You, a bank guard?
I'm transporting gold
from the mining camp
up there
to the bank down here.
Gold bullion.
$250,000 worth,
the way the letter put it.
A quarter
of a million.
And I could use
some help.
Can you
recommend anyone?
I'll give it
some thought.
You do that, will you?
And let me know.
I will, Steve.
I surely will.
Well, what do you figure
we're going to do?
Drink champagne, kid,
and only the best--
about $250,000 worth.
[CAR APPROACHES]
[CAR HORN BEEPS]
I'd like to see
Mr. Samson, please.
He's busy.
Would you tell him
it's Mr. Judd?
Steven Judd.
Oh.
Just one minute.
Ahem.
Excuse me, sir...
Mr. Judd.
MR. SAMSON:
Let him come in, Abner.
Mr. Samson
will see you.
Thank you.
How do you do, Mr. Judd?
I'm Luther Samson,
and this is
my son Abner.
He's the vice
president.
I'm pleased to
meet you, Mr. Judd--
well, I--
I must say,
Mr. Judd,
I expected
a much younger man.
Well,
I used to be.
We all used to be.
Ah, yes.
Yes, of course.
Mr. Judd, we're familiar
with your reputation--
thank you.
But that was made
many years ago.
We're dealing in the
present, not the past.
What's the problem,
gentlemen?
The coarse gold strike
is on the crest
of the sierras.
There's only one trail.
One in, one out.
6 miners
have been killed
trying to get their gold
down to us--
6 miners killed
and robbed, Mr. Judd.
Several weeks ago, we
petitioned for a marshal,
but nothing happened.
The only law up there
is too drunk
to hit the ground
with his hat.
The man we send
up there
must be
completely reliable,
to say nothing
of being honest.
We're speaking
of gold, Mr. Judd,
$20,000 worth.
20,000?
Why, I thought
your letter said 250,000.
Our original estimate
was overly enthusiastic.
The strike is not
a mother lode,
but it is productive,
slow and steady.
And we intend
to get our share.
The days of the Forty-
Niners are past.
And the days of
the steady businessmen
have arrived.
My usual fee
is $20 a day.
I'll have to
charge you 40.
$40?
For what?
For 2 extra men.
I don't intend to go
4 days without sleeping.
The question is--
the question is,
can I do it?
I can't answer that
by talking about it,
only by doing it.
If you 2 want
to talk about it,
go ahead. I'll
read the contract.
Well, I--I guess
that will be
all right.
In private,
if you please.
Why...Well,
you can go in there.
Whew.
[TOILET FLUSHES]
Well, the contract's
all right.
How about me?
Any doubts?
If not,
I'll sign it.
Oh. Well, I guess
it's all right.
That old man
is Steve Judd?
He don't look
like much to me.
Son, I wore a star
for 6 years
with that old man.
I was his deputy
most of the time.
Once, he was mine.
Don't ever
play him short.
I just don't figure him
to be any trouble,
that's all.
I hope
you're right, boy.
I surely hope
you're right.
I'll be at the line.
You demonstrate
how impressed you are
and keep your mouth shut.
Hi, Mr. Westrum.
Evening, honey.
Hello, Heck.
Stop that!
What did I do?
Never mind what you did.
Don't do it in here.
HECK: Can I pick
you up in an hour?
I think so.
Too bad 'cause Heck
won't be there.
Why not?
Because if I can't,
you won't.
Still keeping
records, eh?
You know me.
Creature of habit.
There's somebody else
who wants to know you--
my partner,
Heck Longtree.
You'd blush to hear
the way he admires you.
How do you do?
Howdy.
Have a chair.
Showing your age,
aren't you?
Huh?
Interfering in a
young man's love life.
He's got more important
things on his mind.
Haven't you?
Haven't you?
Yes, sir,
and so have I.
Been considering
your problem.
Think maybe I can
solve half of it,
perhaps
the whole thing.
I know a fellow
who's got an
overwhelming hankering
for a little old-time
activity.
It seems to me a man
would have to be hard up
to want to risk his life
for $10 a day.
$10 a day?
[WHISTLES]
Not hard up,
just fed up.
Outshooting the rubes
for nickels and dimes--
it takes free drinks
to sleep at night.
My partner feels
the same way.
Don't you?
Yeah.
I don't think I'd
want to hire a boy.
Boy? What do
you mean--a boy?
Steve, this boy's a good
deal less than green.
He can't have
too much behind him.
That's where
you're wrong.
He's been
dogging after me
for better
than 3 years.
Pretty. Too bad he
can't keep it clean.
Boys nowadays...
No pride, no self-respect.
Plenty of gall,
but no sand.
Now, you take
that race today.
What about
that race?
Well,
at that distance,
no horse in the world
could beat a camel.
[CHAIR FALLS OVER]
Are you calling me
a cheat?
Well, if he
don't, I will.
[MAN SPEAKING CHINESE]
[SPEAKING CHINESE]
Go get them, tiger.
You're doing fine,
just fine.
What do
you think, Steve?
I think
he's wonderful.
He'll do.
He'll do just fine.
STEVE: What's
the matter, partner?
Your rheumatism
bothering you?
I'm used to working
with my brain,
not my backside.
You think you can
talk him into it?
One way or another.
I'd just as soon
we split it 2 ways
instead of 3.
Kid, you got
an awful lot to learn.
[CHICKENS CLUCKING]
[HORSES APPROACHING]
Good afternoon.
Good afternoon.
Joshua Knudsen's the name.
This is Gil Westrum
and Heck Longtree.
My name is Judd--
Steven Judd.
I've heard the name.
We're on our way
to coarse gold.
Wondered if you could furnish
accommodations for the night?
Well, I've got
no room in the house,
but I have no objections
to you staying in the barn.
Thank you, sir.
If you could spare
us a few eggs,
we'd be glad
to pay for them.
One you can have,
because the lord's bounty
is not for sale.
The rest are
a dollar each.
A dollar each?
How do those short-legged
chickens lay eggs so high?
The levity
of the young
is like unto
a dry gourd,
with the seeds
rattling round.
[WHISTLES]
My daughter, Elsa.
How do you do?
Pleased to meet you.
Likewise.
Go start supper,
and change that dress.
Change it? What for?
For the good reason
I told you to.
Now, did you hear
what I said?
HECK: I think it's
a real pretty dress.
Thank you.
JOSHUA: You can put your
horses in the corral yonder.
Supper will be ready
in an hour. No charge.
Lord's bounty--
is not for sale.
Thank you, sir.
HECK: Think of all that
going to waste up here.
Like the fellow said,
gold is where you find it.
And if it's not yours,
don't covet it.
Don't worry, boy.
The lord's bounty
may not be for sale,
but the devil's is,
if you can
pay the price.
GIL: There's a lot of truth
in those words, Heck.
Yeah?
Yeah.
ELSA: Supper's ready.
Gentlemen...
Heavenly father, we thank thee
for the food on this table.
Teach thy children
to be grateful for thy goodness,
to walk in thy path,
that they may not suffer
thy wrath...
And thy vengeance.
Bless us, o lord,
and these, our guests,
and forgive them
the mercenary desires
which brought them here.
Amen.
Thank you for
entering a plea
on our behalf,
Mr. Knudsen,
but what's this about
mercenary desires?
Ain't you on your way
to coarse gold?
Yes.
Men only travel there
to traffic in gold,
which to possess
is to live in fear,
to desire,
to live in sorrow.
But we're not
trafficking, sir,
merely transporting.
It says in the book,
"Gold is
a stumbling block
"to them
that sacrifice to it.
And every fool shall
be taken therewith."
"A good name is
rather to be chosen
"than great riches,
and loving favor rather
than silver and gold."
Proverbs, chapter 22.
"Into the land
of trouble and anguish
"come the old lions,
"and they shall carry
their riches
"on the shoulders
of young asses
to a people that
shall not profit them."
Isaiah 30:6.
That mining town is
a sinkhole of depravity,
a place of shame and sin.
According
to my father,
every place outside
this farm is sinful.
JOSHUA:
That will do.
You don't have to
preach at everybody.
That will do!
You cook a lovely ham
hock, miss Knudsen.
Just lovely.
Appetite, chapter 1.
Give me a towel,
and I'll dry.
Shh!
Thanks just the same.
You hadn't better.
Must be pretty lonely
living up here.
Sometimes,
I get to thinking
there's nobody
left in the world
but my father and me.
You know,
it's a crime--
a girl like you
being stuck
up on this old
stump ranch.
A girl like you
ought to be living
in the city--
San Francisco, say.
You've been there?
Uh-huh.
Plenty of times.
I never been anywhere.
He won't even
take me to town
when he goes
after supplies.
Says the men
would stare at me.
Suppose--
suppose
on the way back,
I was to pick you up
and take you
to San Francisco
or Denver
or Chicago, even.
JOSHUA: Elsa, who are
you talking to in there?
To myself.
You better go.
I'll meet you
outside later.
I can't!
I'll wait for you
by the corral.
That boy you trained
personally
shows a substantial
lack of judgment.
Kind of showing
your age, aren't you?
Interfering with
a young man's love life.
Well, I'm not
paying him $10 a day
to go mooning
after some girl
whose old man's
about to hind-end him
with a load of buckshot.
Know who she
reminds me of, Steve?
No.
Sarah Truedale.
Well, there's no
resemblance at all.
Maybe not in the features,
but the way she smiles.
There's the same look
in her eyes
when you're
talking to her--
the kind of look
that makes you feel
you've said something
really important.
You and Sarah always
looked so right together.
Course, I can't say
I blamed her
for not marrying you.
Forgetting the lousy
money we made,
what woman
wants to sit around
waiting for a husband
to be brought home
with his head shot off?
I wonder if I
can get these fixed
in coarse gold.
I guess losing Sarah
was what you might call
a hazard
of our profession.
That rancher she married--
uh...Stacy, is it?
He's doing fine
up in Idaho.
Got a big ranch there.
Raises blooded horses.
Children, too, I hear.
Grandchildren now.
3 of them.
That right, Steve?
Yep, that's right.
3 grandchildren.
Think she's happy, Steve?
If my sleeping
bothers you,
don't you bother
to let me know.
Sorry.
Evening.
You surely
took your time.
I shouldn't
be here at all.
Why? Does the night air
bother you?
If it does,
come on up in the hay.
I love
the night air.
The thing is,
I'm what you might
call engaged.
Sure, you are.
It's the truth.
His name
is Billy Hammond.
He asked me
to marry him...
Several times.
I said I thought
I probably would.
You'll see him
in coarse gold.
He's a miner
up at the strike
and doing real well.
Well, if he's
in coarse gold...
And you're here,
I don't see any harm
in talking.
You! Get in the barn
and stay there!
And you...
Go to the house.
[DOG HOWLING]
"The mouth of a strange woman
is a deep pit.
Him that is abhorred of the lord
shall fall therein."
Won't you never learn
any decency?
We were only
going to talk! Talk!
The likes of him
don't stop at talking.
The likes of him?
Every man I meet becomes
"the likes of him"!
He's no good.
I can see it.
That's all you see
in anyone!
Billy Hammond
came here twice.
You said
he was evil! Sinful!
I'm your father.
I've got to keep
the dirt away,
protect you from
the wrong kind of men.
That means everyone,
doesn't it?
Every man is the wrong
kind of man, except you!
Aah...
I promised the next
time you hit me,
you'd be sorry for it.
"From my mouth
shall speak truth,
and wickedness is
an abomination to my lips."
"All the words of my mouth
are in righteousness."
Elsa...
I'm sorry.
"Receive
my instruction,
"not silver,
knowledge rather
than choice gold..."
"For wisdom is
better than rubies."
Ahh...
In 30 years, you'll like
the feel of it, too!
Pick that up!
These mountains
don't need your trash.
Dandy pair of boots
you got here.
Juan Fernandez
made those for me
in San Antone,
special order.
I had
a hell of a time
getting him to put
that hole in there.
A fine
craftsman, Juan,
but he never did
understand
the principle
of ventilation.
I remember Juan.
Always felt the boot
should cover the foot.
Short-sighted.
Remember
old doc Franklin--
the fancy boots he wore
with the flaps
over the toes?
Had them made
in Boston.
Old doc--
know what happened to him?
I heard he died.
That's right.
Old doc gave
30 years of his life
to make the west safe
for decent people.
You'd have wept to see
the way they turned out
to pay him tribute,
all 3 of them--
the mortician,
the gravedigger, and me.
Well,
when I'm buried--
uh!
I won't much care
who comes
to the funeral.
I was commenting
on the fairest flower
that grows
within the human heart--
gratitude.
The only gratitude
I expect
is my paycheck--
$20 worth.
That satisfies you?
Well, I guess that's
all I can hope for.
Is it?
According to
my contract, it is.
Come on.
Let's get moving.
[NICKER]
You're just wasting
your breath.
He don't even know what
you're talking about.
He will in time.
Let's bend a gun
over his head
and take off
with the gold.
Kid, you couldn't get
close enough to Steve Judd
to saddle his horse.
Well, you could.
Yes, I could,
but I won't...
Unless I have to.
I hope heaven
forgives us
for earning
this easy money.
I seem to remember
a man hankering for
some old-time activity.
I'd like to see some
old-time mountains.
As I recall,
they sure were a lot
easier to get around in.
You sure complain a lot
in your old age.
Well, I got something
to complain about.
You're earning
twice the money
for taking
the same risk.
Plus possessing...
All the other rewards
you've gathered...
During your years
of loyal service--
a bluegrass
thoroughbred,
silver mounted saddle,
magnificent wardrobe.
I'm envious.
What more
can a man expect?
What more can
a man hope for?
You forgot to mention
my $2.00 watch.
Waste of breath.
What else
can a man expect?
I got to thinking
about that one time.
Well, sir,
I keep records.
When I became
a lawman,
the world lost a
first-class bookkeeper.
So, just to pass
the time one day,
I calculated what it was
worth getting shot at.
I figured it
about $100 a shot.
You'd have earned
quite a sum by now.
Getting hit--
I figure that's worth
anywhere
from 1,000 on up.
That's 3,000
I know you got coming.
4 brings it
up to date,
and you tally up
all those fights
and bushwhackings
and cold camps...
That time
in Lincoln county--
5 weeks in
the hospital
and 6 months
out of work.
You add them all up,
and I'd figure
I was owed
about all the gold
we could carry
out of these
mountains.
Something
to dream about.
Sure is.
ELSA: Hey!
Do you mind
if I keep you company?
HECK:
I don't mind!
I do.
I'll second that.
My advice to you,
honey, is,
turn around and ride back
where you belong.
I'm not going back
to my father.
I'm going to coarse gold
to marry Billy Hammond.
What do you want
to do that for?
ELSA:
That's my affair.
She's right, Heck.
Our business
is gold, not girls.
Thanks for paying back
our hospitality--
those lovely ham hocks
and everything.
I'm a strong believer
in young love and gratitude,
but not strong enough to bring
you along in this country
under these conditions.
I'll ride by myself.
We can make another
3 or 4 Miles
before it gets dark.
Right. Got to cover
ground. Got a gun?
No, I don't have a gun.
Too bad. This is certainly
Mountain lion country.
It sure is.
Build a fire. Chances are,
it will scare them off.
You both
go on ahead.
I couldn't sleep
tonight
with Elsa out here
by herself.
I'll stay with her
and meet you
in coarse gold.
Go on ahead.
Those Mountain lions--
some don't scare
so easy.
Come along, girl.
Do you remember
old man Teaford?
Oh, yeah.
Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
"All night, Logan."
Ha ha ha!
"Way up, Logan."
Ha ha ha!
You know, the way you do
your hair looks real nice.
You think so?
Mm-hmm.
Pa had me
cut it short.
Sort of it fits
the shape of your head
when you see it
from the side.
Yeah, like that.
You know,
most girls don't know
the first thing
about their hair.
I guess you're
an authority
on what
most girls do.
Well, I've studied
the subject--
not just what they do,
but why.
Now, you take
this getting married.
You think
it's such a good idea?
If I didn't,
I wouldn't be here.
I guess
you're doing it
to get away from your pa--
to get even, maybe.
I guess your guess is
as good as anybody's.
Well, if it's wrong,
how come you ran away?
Because my father doesn't
want me to get married.
Oh, he says he does...
If I can find
a decent young man...
But nobody's decent
according to him.
You included.
Said you were no good.
Said the likes of you
don't stop at talking.
You know,
he has a point there.
Don't move!
Don't move, Elsa.
No!
Heck, no!
Let me go! No!
No!
Heck, no!
No! Let me go!
My, oh, my.
When I questioned you
about that boy,
I should have gone
a bit deeper
into the subject
of character.
I hope that's a mistake
I won't live to regret.
Good fight.
I enjoyed it.
That old man?
That old man
is about half-rough.
You learned a lesson,
didn't you?
I surely did.
Got room
for another?
Let her fly.
We're not here
for romance.
Understand me, son?
Yes, sir.
I hope Mr. Judd
didn't hurt you too bad.
I guess
it's kind of my fault.
What do you mean,
kind of?
I acted silly.
I'm sorry.
I do like you, Heck.
Save the sugar-talk
for your Billy-boy
because
I don't need it.
I guess not!
What you need's
a girl who'd go with you
to San Francisco
or Denver!
Right. There's
plenty of them.
I changed my mind. You
got just what you deserve!
You got something
to say?
No.
I think she about
covered everything.
[DOG BARKING]
Lovely place.
Beauty spot of nature.
A garden of Eden
for the sore
in heart
and short
of cash.
We didn't come here
to enjoy the scenery.
[SPLASH]
[WOMEN LAUGHING]
I see our crochet
and garden society
seems to be having
their weekly meeting.
When we get located,
pass the word around
that we're in camp
and ready for business.
And you!
Find the Hammond claim
and take her there.
Why me?
Because Steve and I
will be busy
collecting gold.
It's not too late.
You can change your mind.
I came to coarse gold
to be married,
and that's what
I'll be--married.
Well, good luck, then.
All the happiness
in the world.
[WOMAN LAUGHING]
Welcome to coarse gold!
This seems to be
the place to find it.
You might be in
for a big surprise.
How do you know
Billy-boy
still wants
to marry you?
What do you care?
I don't!
Is this
the Hammond claim?
Who wants to know?
I do. I'm looking
for Billy Hammond.
You found him!
Billy!
BILLY:
Howdy, Elsa!
I can't believe it,
honey!
MAN:
Looks like the girl
he's been going down
the Mountain to see.
I'll say one thing.
She's sure worth
the trip.
Wish I'd got there
first.
Looks like
a warm one.
Hey, where's
your pa at?
Back home.
You mean
you run off and come
all the way here
just to see me?
ELSA: See you?
I brought my mother's
wedding dress...
If you still want to.
If I want to!
If he don't, you got
4 others to choose from!
A sweet thing like you
would have the pick
of the litter!
No rush about making up
your mind.
BILLY: Don't you listen
to them!
We're going to
get married tonight!
I guess that will
be all, Mr. Longtree.
By the way...
Just who is
Mr. Longtree?
I rode up with him
from the farm.
That's a couple of days
on the trail, ain't it?
That's right.
2 days and 2 nights.
MAN:
Couple of nights?
Couple of nights
on the trail.
ELSA: Billy!
There were
two other men with us
from the bank in town!
Besides...
Mr. Longtree
was a perfect gentleman.
How come?
Something wrong with him?
Well, now,
I don't think I ever met
a perfect gentleman
before, Mr. Longtree.
[LAUGHTER]
You come back and
see us real soon, now,
you hear, Mr. Longtree?
Jimmy, Sylvus, Elder,
come on down here!
I want you to meet
my woman!
Ha ha ha!
Come on. Elsa, honey,
this is Jimmy.
He's sort of the baby
of the family,
and that there's
Sylvus.
He's been doing
our cooking,
as you can see.
The one on the end
is Elder.
He's the head
of the clan.
I want you to meet
my favorite brother.
Henry!
Get down here, now!
Come on!
Henry's sort of our banker,
you might say.
Come on, honey.
I'll show you my tent.
[LAUGHING]
[CAW CAW]
Looks like you've got
a pretty good claim.
Ha ha! It's
a gold mine, honey.
Why don't you come over
and take a look?
You're invited, too.
Ha ha ha!
GIL: Find Billy Hammond?
Yeah.
STEVE:
What's he like?
What difference
does it make?
She wanted him.
Now she's got him.
I don't want to shave!
Jimmy, you'll shave whether
you want to or not.
You been running around
with that peach fuzz
long enough.
I want that girl
to know
she's marrying
into a family of men!
Ha ha ha!
Hey, Billy.
Thank you, Sylvus.
Now haul it.
What's that for?
You're leaving.
Go on.
I see no sense
in moving out
just because you're
honeymooning here.
I don't have time
to explain it to you.
Just get out!
I ain't going.
You just did!
[CAW]
Takes care of him.
I got to clean up
in here!
Plenty of time
for that later, honey!
No, uh...
I want to do it now.
No, you don't.
But the place
is filthy!
It will wait.
It will wait!
Let go, Billy.
Billy, let me go!
All right.
Calm down.
Come on, honey.
See you later.
If you need
any help...
Fastening up
your wedding dress,
you just holler,
you hear?
I'll manage.
HENRY: First drink
is best,
east or west!
Let him go!
Turn him loose!
Jimmy, it's
going to make
a man of you,
now!
Say, Henry.
I been wanting
to ask you something.
Something's been
on my mind.
Was you planning to bathe
for the wedding?
No, sir.
You weren't
going to clean up
for your brother's
wedding?
No, sir, I ain't.
I didn't wash when cousin
got wed back home.
That bride didn't
seem to mind none,
did she, Billy?
Now, there will be
none of that.
None of what?
You know something,
Sylvus?
Billy is getting
small-minded
about that woman.
And a might feisty.
A few drinks
under his belt
will change his mind,
and liquor
always did have
a softening effect
on Billy.
I'd hate to get married
with my brother
smelling bad enough
to gag a dog off a gutwagon.
Yeah, that's so.
Now, you wouldn't want
that sweet little thing
to think we're less
than quality, would you?
All I know is
that after tonight,
she ain't going to
be able
to think
enough about me.
Huh? Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
Yeah!
Yeah!
Pick him up!
Yeah! Get him
in there!
Yeah! Oh!
Ha ha ha!
Hoo!
Hey! Ha ha ha!
All right,
let him up.
Let me out!
I ought to
cut you!
BILLY: Look
at that, Henry.
Henry, Henry.
Come on now, Henry.
SYLVIUS:
Oh, easy now, Henry.
Oh, we's just
funning you, Henry.
Be easy.
Put the knife up, Henry.
You could cut yourself.
Is that a smile
I see coming on?
How about it
there, Henry?
Hey, Henry,
come on.
Easy, now,
Henry! Ha ha!
♪ On that bright
and shining morning ♪
♪ When the dead in Christ
shall rise ♪
♪ And the morn shall break
eternal, bright, and fair ♪
♪ When the saved of earth
shall gather ♪
♪ Over on the other side ♪
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
♪ We'll be there ♪
♪ When the roll ♪
♪ Is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll ♪
♪ Is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll ♪
♪ Is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
♪ We'll be there ♪
♪ Oh, the Hammond boys
are comin' ♪
♪ With a maiden,
young and fair ♪
♪ And our Billy's got
that love look in his eye ♪
♪ And old Tolliver's
a-waitin' ♪
♪ With a prayer book
in his hand ♪
♪ For to tie the knot
that binds them till they die ♪
♪ Oh, when the roll ♪
♪ Is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll ♪
♪ Is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll ♪
♪ Is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
♪ We'll be there ♪
[GUNSHOTS]
Come on, boys!
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
MAN:
Drink to the bride.
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
♪ When the roll
is called up yonder ♪
Let's have a drink.
[PIANO PLAYING
HERE COMES THE BRIDE]
Better stand up,
Judge.
Here comes
the bride.
Come on.
Steady now.
Here she is, folks--
my bride to be.
Elsa, this here
is Judge Tolliver.
Pleased to make your
acquaintance, my dear.
And that there
is Kate.
She's your
bridesmaid.
Welcome
to Kate's place, honey.
And these ladies
over here are Sam
and Rose and Belle
and Candy.
We're your
flower girls, honey.
KATE: You're
beautiful, girls,
just beautiful.
Aren't they
beautiful, Elsa?
Let her roll,
Charlie.
[PIANO PLAYING]
ALL: ♪ for she's a jolly
good fellow ♪
♪ For she's a jolly
good fellow ♪
♪ For she's a jolly
good fellow ♪
♪ Which nobody can deny ♪
♪ Which nobody can deny ♪
♪ Which nobody can deny ♪
♪ For she's a jolly
good fellow ♪
♪ For she's a jolly
good fellow ♪
♪ For she's a jolly
good fellow ♪
♪ Which nobody can deny ♪
[CHEERING]
Drinks on
the house, boys.
You come on over
and sit down,
honey.
You must be tired.
Poor baby.
We'll all of us
have a little drinky
before the formalities.
[PIANO PLAYING
OH! SUSANNA]
Now you take this.
Don't be afraid.
It'll do you good.
BILLY: Cheers, Elsa.
Heck.
11,486.
That's a far cry from
a quarter of a million.
Fortunes of war.
Hardly worth it.
All depends
on where you stand.
I guess that's right.
To a poor man,
11,000 is just
as far away as 250,000.
Where are you going?
Out for some
fresh air.
Any objections?
We're gathered here
in the high mountains
in the presence
of this August company
to join this man
and this woman
in matrimony.
Now, I'm not a man
of the cloth,
and this is not
a religious ceremony.
It's a civil marriage.
But it's not to be
entered into unadvisedly,
but reverently and soberly.
A good marriage has a kind
of simple glory about it.
A good marriage
is like a rare animal.
It's hard to find.
It's almost impossible
to keep.
You see, people change.
That's important for you
to know at the beginning.
People change.
The glory
of a good marriage
don't come
at the beginning.
It comes later on,
and it's hard work.
Billy, do you take
this woman
to be your lawful
wedded wife
till God by death
shall separate you?
I do.
And...What's
your name again?
Elsa Knudsen.
Do you, Elsa,
promise to take this man
to be your lawful
wedded husband
till death
does separate you?
I do.
Oh...You have a ring?
By the authority
vested in me,
I hereby pronounce you
man and wife.
[CHEERING]
KATE:
All right, girls,
change your clothes.
Ha ha ha!
Henry!
Henry! Henry!
Move, Henry.
No, Sylvus, Sylvus.
Now, that's enough,
Sylvus.
Don't go messing
in here.
Get out of the way.
[KATE LAUGHING]
[MUSIC PLAYING]
MAN: Hee hee ha!
Hey, bartender,
pour a little more.
No use standing here
tormenting yourself, son.
Come on.
I'll buy you a drink.
Ha ha!
What a party!
We got to have
a wedding
in this family
every week!
Come on, Billy.
Get over there and
get her crated around.
Ha ha ha!
Let me in there.
Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
Have fun, honey.
Billy!
Billy!
Now, come on.
It's my turn,
Sylvus.
I told you
not to do that!
Sylvus,
behave yourself.
Looks like Jimmy's making
a man out of himself.
Be a nice boy,
Sylvus.
Go comb your hair.
You look terrible.
I told you
not to do that!
Don't be like that,
Sylvus.
Aw, come on, now.
Sylvus, we got
a nice party now.
Why don't you
behave yourself?
You can't hit
my brother!
Don't leave me.
I wish I'd known more
about those brothers.
It's too late now.
She's married.
I'm glad they didn't
invite me to the ceremony.
I always cry
at weddings.
You know, Mr. Westrum,
the more I am around you,
the more I can do without
your sense of humor.
Come on, break it up!
Come on, boys,
get over there.
I said break it up,
and I mean it.
Sylvus, get over here
and behave yourself.
Get over there!
MAN: I haven't seen
Jimmy. Where is he?
No, Billy.
Come on.
No.
Well, now,
get on in there.
Ah!
Easy now, Elsa.
Listen, Elsa,
you come here!
No, Billy. No, Billy.
No. Not here.
No, Billy!
Now, you straighten out,
you hear me?
MAN:
Where's Billy?
Ho ho ho ha ha!
Ha ha ha!
I got some
prying brothers.
[ELSA SCREAMING]
You stay here.
[SCREAMING]
She's mine!
She's mine!
Henry,
turn me loose!
SYLVIUS:
Come back, Elsa!
Get ahold
of that girl!
Billy,
get your bride.
Hold it.
Let her go.
Where you going
with my wife?
She's staying
with us tonight.
I'm taking her
back to her father.
Like hell she will.
You can't take a wife
away from her husband.
TOLLIVER: A clear case
of breaking and entering.
Ha ha ha!
They're legally
married, right, Judge?
I now pronounce you
man and wife,
and don't you
forget it.
Go along, Elsa.
Heck.
You're not leaving
this camp with her,
I'll promise you
that.
Don't you forget it.
Ha ha ha!
Come on, Billy.
Billy, wake up,
Billy.
What happened?
You all right,
Billy?
Where is she?
Where is she?
I'll kill her!
Where'd they go
with her? Huh?
Are you letting them
get away with her?
The marriage
didn't work out.
We'll take her back
to her father.
Steve, we've got
our hands full already.
I don't like it
any better than you do.
Oh!
[SOBBING]
Too big, huh?
What are they
doing there?
We're willing
to abide
by the court's decision
if you are.
We'll abide.
Don't be scared.
What's wrong?
Billy Hammond
wants Elsa.
They've appointed
a miner's court
to decide the issue.
Miner's court?
That's the law
in places like this.
Who says?
They do,
and there's a lot more
of them than us.
Billy's very sorry
about last night.
He swears nothing like it
will ever happen again.
I believe him.
I wouldn't believe--
I don't want to
go back to him!
You were legally married
of your own free will.
Please. You can't
let him take me back.
You can't!
We'll do
the best we can,
but whatever they decide
will have to be it.
No, it don't.
She's not going with him.
She stays with us.
She stays here.
We're packing gold,
not petticoats.
If she stays, I stay.
Well, let's hope the court
lets her go with us.
Otherwise, we'll be
a little short-handed.
All right,
gentlemen,
we can proceed.
In the first place,
I married this gal here
last night
at Kate's place...
Where can I find
Judge Tolliver?
The end of the hall,
mister.
...married us
legal and proper.
[GRUNTING]
Easy. Sit up.
A little more.
Ahh...
Thank you, sir.
What can I do
for you?
Clear up a little
technicality, if you will,
about that marriage
last night.
They're holding
a miner's court,
and they'll want to know
if it was legal.
Course it's legal.
Well, I believe that,
but the court
may want proof
in the form
of a license.
You got one?
Mm-hmm. Signed by
the governor of California.
Yes, sir,
there's no question at all
about the legality
of this document.
Judge, when you testify
before that miner's court,
I'm going to ask you
one question--
do you possess a license
to marry people in California?
And you're going to
answer no.
Am I clear?
That's a lie.
No, it isn't. You don't
possess it. I do.
Now, see here--
listen to me,
you fat-gutted soak.
You'll do
as you're told.
Now, do you recall the
question I'm going to ask?
And what do you answer?
No.
Very good.
Let's go.
[FIGHTING SOUNDS]
According
to the law,
she's still married
to Billy Hammond.
You and the law.
She can get it nullified.
Will that satisfy
your ironbound code of ethics?
My code satisfies
pretty easy, partner.
Would it surprise you
to know
that I was once
a lawbreaker?
Ha ha! Well,
bless my stars.
About the age
of that boy back there,
skinny as a snake
and just about as mean.
Ran around with the hole
in the wall bunch.
Gun-happy, looking for
trouble or a pretty ankle.
Had the world by
the tail, so to speak.
Then one night,
Paul Staniford
picked me up.
He was sheriff
for madera county then.
There'd been a fight,
and I was drunk,
sicker than a fat dog.
Well, sir,
he dried me out in jail,
and then we went
out back,
and he kicked the bitter
hell right out of me.
Ha ha!
That took some doing.
Not much. See, he
was right. I was wrong.
That makes
the difference.
Who says so?
Nobody.
That's something
you just know.
Anyhow, when I was
able to walk again,
I realized I'd learned
a lesson from him--
the value
of self-respect.
What's that worth
on the open market?
Nothing
to some people.
A great deal to me.
But I lost it.
These last years,
the only work
I was able to get
was places like
Kate's back there--
bartender, stick man,
bouncer, what have you.
Not much to brag on.
But now
I'm getting back
a little respect
for myself,
and I intend
to keep it
with the help of you
and that boy back there.
Good to be
working again, Gil.
Yeah. Partner,
do you know
what's on the back
of a poor man when he dies?
The clothes of pride.
And they're not
a bit warmer to him dead
than they were
when he was alive.
Is that all you want,
Steve?
All I want is to enter
my house justified.
Thank you.
Will you stay in town
when we get back?
I'm not just
certain. Why?
You're right,
kid.
Been wasting
my breath.
Tonight,
we move.
I don't know.
You don't know
what?
I started out thinking
he was an old mossback,
but I changed my mind.
I kind of hate
to turn against him.
Are you with me
or not?
What'll happen
to Elsa?
He'll deliver her
to her father.
The thing for you
to remember
is that
we made a deal.
Yes, sir.
It all pointed
this way--
all that talk
about old doc Franklin,
ungrateful citizens,
what we had coming
but never got paid.
It's the truth,
isn't it, Steve?
I knew in my bones
what you were aiming for,
but I wouldn't
believe it.
I kept telling myself
you were a good man.
You were my friend.
This is bank money,
not yours.
And what they don't know
won't hurt them--
not them, only me!
Take off your gun belt
and toss it over here.
What are you
going to do?
You always fancied yourself
faster than me.
Go ahead. Draw.
Draw, you damn tinhorn!
That was your
second mistake tonight
and the last chance
you'll ever get from me.
I'm going to put you
behind bars, Gil.
You'll play hell
getting it done.
Move!
My, oh, my.
Will you look who's here?
Howdy. You made
pure fools out of us,
stealing that license
from Tolliver,
but the Judge says
there's another one
on file in Sacramento.
That means
she's still my wife.
Come on, honey.
Let's go home.
She stays
with us.
Looks to me
like you people
been having
some trouble.
Looks to me
like somebody
got their finger caught
in the cookie jar.
You're short-handed,
old-timer,
but she's all we want--
all we want provided
we get her now!
You heard me.
We'll get her
sooner or later.
Like hell you will!
Ha ha ha!
You better cut yourself
a switch, Mr. Longtree.
I don't think you could
handle me barehanded,
but you'll get a chance
to try directly.
Come on.
Heck,
do I have your word
you'll return your gun
when this is over?
Yes, sir.
I reckon you do.
I'll go along.
You bet
you'll go along.
We're moving in
to the rocks.
Steve!
Shut up! Move!
Move out!
[GUN CLICKS]
[GUN CLICKS]
GIL: You're really showing
your age, partner.
Back in the old days,
you'd have checked
those rifles
before we left camp.
I'll get around
behind them.
Don't waste your time.
They're too far away.
Yah!
He's going around
behind us.
Steve, cut me loose
and give me a gun.
I'll get a rifle
for you.
Start shooting.
Sylvus!
Sylvus!
He was carrying
a rifle.
Let's get out of here!
[GUNSHOTS]
Looks like
they got Sylvus!
I know that. Come on!
We're getting out!
You're getting out?
You got
2 brothers dead.
You're talking
about running?
Come on!
[CLANK]
I wonder where
those other 3 went.
All I hope is that they're
not still following us.
GIL: Calm your
fears, honey.
I'd guess
they gave up
and went back
to coarse gold.
Assuming that's so,
I'll have your gun back.
Did you
hear me, boy?
Sorry, Mr. Judd.
I guess I was
showing off.
What happens when
we get back to town?
STEVE: That's up
to the sheriff.
He's turning us in.
You know that.
So do I.
Ever hear of Folsom
Prison, Heck?
No.
Well,
it's solid rock.
During the years
we spend there,
we'll discuss the events
of the past few minutes
at great length.
By the time
you get out,
you won't like them any
better than I do now,
which isn't one hell
of a lot.
Where do I sleep?
STEVE: Up there.
I don't want to see you
till breakfast.
Cut me loose, Steve.
Why?
Because I don't sleep
so good anymore.
HECK: Night.
Night.
My father says there's
only right and wrong,
good and evil--
nothing in-between.
It isn't that simple,
is it?
No, it isn't.
It should be,
but it isn't.
What's going to
happen to him?
The boy?
I'll testify for him.
They shouldn't be
too hard.
Will you testify
for Mr. Westrum?
No, I won't.
Why?
Because he was
my friend.
How come he
don't tie us up?
What for?
No place to go.
He's got the horses,
and he's got the guns,
and it wouldn't
take long
for Steve Judd
to find us.
Wait a minute, kid.
I just had a thought.
Well, keep it to yourself.
I'm fed up with you
and your ideas.
That's all right.
That's all right.
Morning.
HECK: Morning.
STEVE: Where's Gil?
Gone.
ELSA: Why didn't you
go with him?
Because I didn't
see any future
in our partnership.
Come along.
Get up there.
You wait here.
I'll go down
and take a look around.
The old gent's
taken quite a chance.
I don't think so.
Neither does he.
I never figured it
would turn out this way.
Chances are,
I'll be locked up
for quite a while.
I've got no call
to bring it up,
but maybe
when I get out...
I'll be there.
I saw your father.
Everything's
all right.
What are you doing?
That's strange.
What?
He goes to her grave
every day,
but always
in the morning,
never in the afternoon.
We're going
to the ditch.
Now!
I walked right into it.
[GUNSHOTS]
I'll try
for the corral.
Oh!
[BIRD SQUAWKING]
Hey!
I got him.
Well, where's the rifle?
On the horse.
Bad?
Not yet.
[GUNSHOTS]
Partner, what
do you think?
Let's meet them head-on,
halfway,
just like always.
My sentiments
exactly.
You Hammonds!
What do you want,
old man?
He wants a shovel
and 6 feet of dirt!
You redneck
peckerwoods!
You're too chicken-gutted
to finish this thing
out in the open!
Two old men against
all 3 of you boys!
If them odds
ain't enough
for you damn dry-gulchin'
Southern trash,
we'll send out
the girl!
We're coming!
You hear me, Henry?
I hear you.
You don't have
to ask me twice!
Now, you hold on,
Billy.
We'll catch them
when they raise up.
Ain't you got no sense
of family honor?
Start the ball,
old man!
How'd we figure?
$1,000 a shot?
Yeah.
Those boys sure made
me a lot of money.
They put them all
in one spot.
I don't want them
to see this.
I'll go it alone.
Don't worry
about anything.
I'll take care of it
just like
you would have.
Hell, I know that.
I always did.
You just forgot it
for a while,
that's all.
So long, partner.
I'll see you later.