Rio Grande (1950) - full transcript

Yay! They're coming!
They're coming!

Sick call!

Corpsman!

"A" troop.

Forward right. Yo-ho!

Forward right. Yo-ho!

Troop, halt!

Halt!

Gentlemen, congratulations.

Thank you, sir.

Indian scouts...



yuh-te.

Yuh-te!

When you're dismissed...

you will walk your horses
for half an hour...

then water and picket them.

The sutler's store
will remain open until twelve o'clock.

Let them have some beer.

We thank the Colonel.

That's a fine idea.

Officers post. Gallop.

Prepare to dismount!

Dismount!

To the left, parade out!

Good evening.



Good evening, sir.

Good evening, sir.

Have a cup of your own coffee, York?

I've been thinking
of nothing else...

for the last two hours.

Tough, huh?

Tough, sir.

I haven't had
a cup of duty coffee with you...

since we rode
down the Shenandoah together.

Fifteen years ago, wasn't it?

Fifteen years,
two months...

seven days.

How did you fare on patrol?

Had a running fight
for 30-odd miles.

We captured Natchez,
their chief...

eight others before the Apaches
reached the Rio Grande...

and crossed into Mexico.

Pursuant to orders...

I halted on our side
of the river.

Men didn't like it very much.

Neither did you.

And neither do I,
but that's the policy...

and soldiers don't make policy.
They merely carry it out.

The State Department
could do something.

Oh, yes. They'll write
a sharp note of protest...

if you care to read
sharp notes of protest.

I'll declaim them over
the graves of the troopers...

who were guarding
the water holes.

Three of them staked face down
on anthills.

You've got the dirtiest job
in the army.

There's no doubt of that, Kirby.

I'm not complaining, sir.
I get paid for it.

Maybe you should complain.

I'll listen.

This coffee isn't as good
as it used to be.

I'll make a note of that.

But maybe, someday it'll get better
and stronger.

I'll drink to that, sir.

Stronger.

Too bad about your son.

I hadn't heard.

Oh, I'm sorry, Kirby.

I thought you knew.

He failed mathematics
at West Point...

and they've dropped him
from the military academy.

Indeed.

Oh, it's no disgrace
failing mathematics.

I just missed it myself
by the skin of my teeth.

I haven't seen my son
in 15 years.

Yes, I know. It's...

Well, Kirby, this coffee is weak,
but it's all we have.

More?

If it's all we have.

♪ You're in the Army now ♪

♪ You're not behind a plow ♪

♪ You'll never get rich
by digging a ditch ♪

♪ You're in the Army now ♪

- Column, by the left. Hut.
- ♪ You're in the Army now ♪

♪ You're not behind a plow ♪

♪ You son of a gun,
You're on the bum ♪

♪ You're in the army now ♪

Knock it off!
Knock it off!

Left face!

Aye, you're a fine body of men.

Now, put your bags down.

This is your home,
so make yourselves comfortable.

Aye...

I bid you all welcome
to Fort Starke...

recruits that you are.

But in no time at all,
you'll be soldiers.

Sure.

Why, in less than six months...

with good behavior
and hard work...

you'll be wearing yellow stripes
on your britches.

Would you mind be putting your cap
back on your head, son?

No, not at all, Doc.

Did any of youse
ever ride a horse?

Yeah, some.

Now, answer the roll call.

- Adams.
- Present.

- Baker.
- Yo!

- Boone.
- Yes, sir?

- Boone.
- Yeah?

Just say "yo".

Yo.

- Carroll.
- Yo!

- Dirks.
- Yo!

- Dudds.
- Yo!

- Eaton.
- Yo!

- Franklin.
- Yo!

- Goodwin.
- Yo!

- Hackenschmidt.
- Yo!

- Heinze.
- Yo!

- Dibbs.
- Yo!

- Murphy.
- Here!

- O'Toole.
- Yo!

- Perkins.
- Yo!

- Selby.
- Present.

- Tyree.
- Yo!

- Yorke.
- Present, sir.

All right.
Pick up your bags.

Left face!

As you were, Sergeant.

I don't want you men to be fooled
about what's coming up for you...

torture.

At least that.

The War Department
promised me 180 men.

They sent me 18, all told.

You are the 18.

So each one of you will have to do
the work of 10 men.

If you fail, I'll...

have you spread-eagled
on a wagon wheel.

If you desert,
you'll be found...

tracked down
and broken into bits.

That is all.

Forward. Hey!

Hut, two, three, four.

Hut, two, three, four.

Trooper Yorke, sir.

I haven't seen you for 15 years.

So I've been told, sir.

I have no clear memory.

You proved that
when you failed at West Point.

Yes, sir.

Where did you enlist?

At Highland Falls, sir.
Next day.

Lied about your age.

Recruit training?

Jefferson Barracks, sir.

Hmm.

On the official records,
you're my son.

But on this post,
you're just another trooper.

You heard me tell the recruits
what I need from them.

Twice that
I will expect from you.

At Chapultepec...

my father, your grandfather...

shot for cowardice the son
of a United States senator.

That was his duty.

I will do mine.

You've chosen my way of life.

I hope you have the guts
to endure it.

But put out of your mind...

any romantic ideas
that it's a way of glory.

It's a life of suffering
and of hardship...

an uncompromising devotion
to your oath and your duty.

Have I the colonel's
permission to speak?

Within proper limits,
yes.

I didn't ask
to come to this regiment, sir...

but I wouldn't have it otherwise
now that I'm here.

May I also
put something straight?

Proceed.

I'm not in this post
to call you Father.

I was ordered here
as Trooper Jefferson Yorke...

of the United States Cavalry.

And that's all I wish to be, sir.

Then we understand each other.

We do, sir.

Sergeant Major?

The recruits are for field duty,
as of now.

Dismissed.

Trooper Yorke.

What are you waiting for?

Trooper Yorke expects his salute
to be returned.

Military regulations, sir.

Quincannon.

Can't you go around faster?

Keep your heads down!
That's it!

Hey, hey!

Keep it coming now!

You got it made!

There we go!

Once again and faster!

Put it up another notch.

Give 'em a good jump.

Now, you see how easy it is?

Why, when I was a young man
like yourselves...

I could jump nine feet tall...

and with an Indian under each arm.

What tribe?

Once again and faster!

Horsemen. Ha ha!

Yaah!

Appears to me
they make a lot of fuss...

jumping a horse
over some sticks.

Yo.

That's a six-foot jump, Travis.

Now, give them their heads.

Now over!

There, you see?

That gives you an idea
what horsemanship is like...

in the United States Cavalry.

Now, after that
comes the Roman teams.

Now that's easy.

It's the way the Romans
used to ride.

The ancient Romans.

Standing up.

Standing up.

Yo.

Slim!

Upsy-daisy!

Mister, what time do you
blow the horn around here...

for folks to eat?

You think you'd
like to try that before you eat?

You mean, ride
like them ancient Romans?

Yes.

Yo!

Let's go, Sandy!

Hyah! Hyah!

Come on, Sandy!

Easy, now! Easy!

Yay!

Yay! Thatta boy!

Horsemen.

Oh, boy-o, horsemen.

Nice team, Corporal.

That the general idea, Doc?

That's the general idea...

but before I'm through
with youse...

you'll be taking them jumps
backwards.

Now, is there another man...

The marshal
wants to make a routine check.

He thinks perhaps this man
might be among our new recruits.

Got anybody the name of
Tyree among your horse thieves?

Horse thieves, is it now?

That's what I said.

And they're all men
wearing the uniform...

of the United States Cavalry.

Fella I'm lookng for
is from Texas...

wanted for questioning
about a killing.

Is there a man
from Texas among youse?

Yes, sir.
I'm from Texas.

Name of Boone. Daniel Boone.

Daniel Boone?

That name's kinda familiar,
ain't it, Mink?

Name's Tyree.

A $50 reward.

Right tidy sum.

Tyree.

Nobody here by that name.

Sergeant, be taking the Marshals
to sutlers, will you?

- Give them a wee drop of comfort.
- Sure, Marshal.

Who's gonna pay for that liquor?

The Sergeant will pay for it.

Heh.

Horse thieves
we don't have here...

but horsemen
I'll make of youse yet.

Yo.

Is there anyone else
who'd like to be trying the jumps...

after the manner
of the ancient Romans?

Yes, sir, I would.

Get it done, Johnny Reb.

Get up on 'em!

You'll get busted
for this, Quincannon.

Get your hat.

You all right, boy?

Yeah, I'm all right.

Now, curry them well
and cool them off, men!

In six months, we'll have
the finest drill team in the world.

Come here, Jeff.
Get in there.

Let them fight!

- Come on!
- Hey, cool it off there!

Break it up!
Break it up!

What are you guys doing?

Break it up!
Break it up!

Come on, break it up!
Break it up, I tell you!

Let them fight.

Now, what started this fight?

I refuse to answer, sir.

Go ahead.
Tell him, Reb.

This fella here spoke real derogatory
about the boy's pappy.

He also said
he was the teacher's pet...

of a chowder-headed
Mick sergeant.

What's that mean, Doc?

Did you say that?

Yes, I did.

You did, did you?

Yes, I did.

Did you mean it, did you?

Yes, I did.

We'll settle this tonight...

behind the picket line,
soldier-fashion.

Marquis of Queensberry rules.

Shouted face chow...
What was it he said?

Chowder-headed Mick sergeant.

Chowdered-headed Mick...

And you meant it, did you?

Yes, I did.

Nine o'clock tonight, boys!

Get it done, Johnny Reb.

That a boy, Jeff! Keep your left up!

Come on. Put him up.
Put some water on him.

You're winning, boy,
just like a mountain lion.

You're doin' real good, Jeff, boy,
but don't forget to keep your left up.

Twist it like this.
Keep your left in his face, Jeff.

You're doing good.

You'll get busted
for this, Quincannon.

You're doin' all right, sonny,
but use that right.

Keep throwing that right in there.
Like that.

Hit him with the right.

It's a lovely fight, Heinze,
but watch them fouls.

None of that, none of that, see?

And when you come out of the clinches,
none of that.

Attention!

Well, Quincannon, talk fast.

Soldiers' fight, sir.

What caused it?

I refuse to answer.
Respectfully, sir.

Heinze?

I refuse to answer, sir.

Yorke?

No, sir.

Soldiers' fight, eh?

Carry on.

You heard what the colonel said.

Carry on with the fight.

Thanks, Heinze.

I'm sorry, soldier.

I apologize.

Now, sonny, let me have a look
at that eye.

You're going to be all right.
Just sit right down.

You little rascal.

It's the left you should have
been watching.

The left.

The left like that.

Good morning, sonny.

Why, that's castor oil.

Supply train
2 hours and 20 minutes late.

Whoa.

That's the colonel's
quarters over there, ma'am.

Well, Trunkett, when did
you take unto yourself a wife?

I ain't yet.

Beggin' your pardon, ma'am...

but unauthorized ladies
are not permitted on this post.

I am not unauthorized.

I am Trooper Jefferson Yorke's mother.

I... I'm afraid
we have no accommodations...

no quarters for mothers
of the enlisted men.

I have a pass
signed by General Sheridan.

May I help you, ma'am?

I'll handle this,
Captain.

Thank you, sir.

Good evening, Kathleen.

Good evening, Kirby.

Sergeant.

Yes, sir?

See that Mrs. Yorke's
bags are unloaded...

and taken to my quarters.

Yes, sir.

Welcome home, darlin'.

I see you still
have that arsonist with you.

You mean Quincannon?

He is a sergeant major
in the United States Army.

Anything he may have done
long ago in the line of duty...

he did in obedience
to my orders.

Reluctantly, I may add.

Oh. The reluctant arsonist.

I suppose the safest way for
us to start our conversation...

would be for you to just say...

"To what do I owe the honor
of your visit?"

I saw the reason
for your visit this morning.

How is he?

He's grown considerably,
I thought.

Right now, he's bruised up
a little.

Had a fight. Not much.

A fight?

With another soldier.

Hardly an officer.

Hardly with an officer?

He's not gentleman enough
for that.

You said the world soldier.
That's enough for me.

Not for me.

Jeff was boyishly ashamed when
he was expelled from West Point.

He shouldn't have enlisted.

I could have sent him
to Lexington.

He could have tutored
in mathematics...

and then got his commission.

But he did enlist,
and he's here.

And here he'll stay,
and here he'll serve.

Ramrod, wreckage, and ruin.

Still the same Kirby.

Special privilege
to special born.

Still the same Kathleen.

Kirby, I've come
to take Jeff home.

He signed enlistment papers.
He took an oath.

Oath.

Jeff can be released
from the Army...

bought off honorably
for the sum of $100.

I brought that amount with me,
in Yankee gold.

You forget
one very important detail, Kathleen.

Such a release requires my signature
as commanding officer.

You've overlooked several other
important details.

Number one...
you're a fine figure of a woman.

Number two...
you probably haven't eaten.

There's a box of flat silver
in that chest.

I'll send someone over
to set the table.

You will dine with me?

Of course.

♪ Yellow stripes
on britches blue... ♪

♪ ridin' along before us ♪

The regimental singers.

♪ ...and gaily sing this chorus ♪

Probably to serenade us.

That is... very gracious of them.

♪ And hope she's gonna stay ♪

♪ Hope she's gonna stay ♪

♪ Hope she's gonna stay ♪

♪ Yellow stripes
on britches blue... ♪

♪ ridin' along before us... ♪

♪ just so we can ride behind... ♪

♪ and gaily sing this chorus ♪

♪ Brand and burn
and mark his hide... ♪

♪ and ride him every day ♪

♪ Kiss your gal
and leave her there... ♪

♪ and hope she's gonna stay ♪

♪ Hope she's gonna stay ♪

♪ Hope she's gonna stay ♪

With Mrs. Yorke's permission.

Thank you.

♪ I'll take you home again... ♪

♪ Kathleen... ♪

♪ across the ocean wild
and wide... ♪

♪ to where your heart
has ever been... ♪

♪ since first
you were my blushing bride ♪

♪ The roses
all have left your cheeks ♪

♪ I watched them fade away
and die ♪

This music
is not of my choosing.

I'm sorry, Kirby.

I wish it had been.

♪ When ere you speak... ♪

♪ And tears bedim
your loving eyes... ♪

♪ Oh, I will take you back... ♪

♪ Kathleen... ♪

♪ to where your heart
will feel no pain ♪

♪ And when the fields
are fresh and green... ♪

♪ I'll take you to your home... ♪

♪ again. ♪

Good night, Kathleen.
Sleep well.

I'm sorry to dispossess you.

I dispossessed you
more forcibly 15 years ago.

You've grown more thoughtful.

Pleasant dreams.

Good night, Kathleen.

Ahem!

Who's that?

It's Sergeant Major Quincannon,
ma'am.

♪ When the cattle are prowlin'... ♪

♪ and the coyotes are howlin'... ♪

♪ under the western sky... ♪

♪ a cowboy is singin'... ♪

♪ his spurs are a-jinglin'... ♪

♪ as down the trail he rides ♪

Johnny horse blanket!

Sergeant, tell them Indians
to stop that yowling!

And make them
put them fires out!

Would you like to have me
carry you across the bridge?

I would not.

♪ I want some black-eyed peas ♪

♪ I want some mustard greens ♪

♪ I want some corn pone
on the side ♪

♪ I want my chicken fried... ♪

♪ with a golden hide ♪

♪ Aha! ♪

♪ San Antone ♪

♪ When I was a kid,
I had a locket... ♪

♪ and inside was a picture... ♪

♪ of Davy Crockett ♪

♪ I know a gal named Ann... ♪

♪ that lives in Texarkana... ♪

♪ loves a boy in Arkansas ♪

♪ But when they take a ride... ♪

♪ it's on the Texas side ♪

♪ Aha! ♪

♪ San Antone ♪

Say, what was that verse...

you used to sing
about the Alamo?

♪ Oh, now I wanna go... ♪

♪ down to the Alamo... ♪

♪ down where my grandpa lived... ♪

Trooper Yorke!

Fellas, this is my mother.

I'm deeply honored, ma'am.

I'm glad to make
your acquaintance, ma'am.

Howdy, ma'am.

You don't have to hide
your bruises, Jeff.

Your father
told me all about them.

What kind of man is he, mother?

He's a lonely man.

He's a very lonely man.

They say he's a great soldier.

I suppose he is, but...

what makes soldiers great
is hateful to me.

I've come
to take you home, Jeff.

I can't leave, mother.

It'd be quitting.

You're stubborn and proud,
Jeff...

just like he is.

Just like you are, Mother.

I'll buy you out.

No!

I failed at West Point.

I'm gonna work this out
my own way.

I'll take you home...

as soon as your father signs
your papers.

Maybe they didn't tell you,
Mother...

but the application requires
my signature, too.

I refuse to sign it.

I'd like to...

Ah, them blasted coyotes.

What coyotes, sir?

Them ain't coyotes, sir.

And how long
have you been out west?

Long enough to know
a coyote when I hear it, sir.

Watch it!

Quayne!

Coyotes?

Jeff!
Jeff, put out that light!

Hey, you!
Blow Call to Arms!

Call to Arms. Y-Yes, sir.

This is an attack,
Prescott.

Order as skirmishers.

Skirmishers!

Follow me!

Uncle Timmy!

Uncle Timmy!

Ladies all right?

Fine, Colonel.

How's Mrs. Yorke?

Mrs. Yorke
is not in her quarters.

Trooper Yorke...

take your mother
back to her quarters.

Yes, sir.

I will see you later,
Captain.

Chiracahua.

Mescalero.

Chiracahua.

Mescalero.

White Mountain.

They've concentrated
three tribes.

This means real trouble,
gentlemen...

unless we can stop them before
they cross the Rio Grande.

Captain St. Jacques,
you will form troop "A".

Two bandoleers of ammunition
per trooper.

Four days' rations.

Is that clear?

Yes, sir.

- Sergeant!
- Yes, sir.

Ready to move out
in 30 minutes.

I suppose I'm under arrest...

for being out of bounds,
as you call it.

No, but we can't have
the colonel's lady fainting...

every time
there's a little shooting.

Kirby.

I'll take them.

Thank you.

Attention!

Column of twos, Captain.

Ride by twos.
Trot!

Yo!

Singers, give us a tune!

♪ We better
get along on our way, old gal ♪

♪ 15 miles on the Erie Canal ♪

♪ 'Cause you bet your life... ♪

♪ I'd never part with Sal ♪

♪ 15 miles on the Erie Canal ♪

♪ Low bridge, everybody down ♪

♪ Low bridge... ♪

♪ for we're comin' to a town... ♪

♪ and you'll always know
your neighbor... ♪

♪ and you'll always know
your pal... ♪

♪ if you've ever navigated... ♪

♪ on the Erie Canal ♪

Water, Sandy.

Hang these up by the feet, Sandy.

Yo.

Good morning, Mrs. Yorke.

Good morning, Doctor.

- Busy woman.
- Oh, yes, indeed.

Can I help you with your wash?

Well, I generally
let one of the other ladies do my things...

but I'm sure
the Sergeant here...

would like to give you
his trade.

As a doctor...

I would diagnose those
as saddle sores.

Trooper Tyree.

Here, sir.

I have a demand
from the Deputy United States Marshal...

to seize you under warrant...

issued by due and legal process
by the District Court...

"Fernando X. Hernandez,
Judge...

"on charges of manslaughter."

The way that language sounds,
I must be arrested.

As the commanding officer
is not present...

you will await his signature
to take your prisoner.

Got any place I can lock
this soldier boy up...

till I get them papers signed?

With a fella like this, sir,
I mean, a desperado...

why don't you leave him
at the hospital?

It's a good idea.
I'll get my feet checked.

They've been bothering me.

You wanna come along
peaceful-like...

or you want me
to use these cuffs on you?

I'm always peaceful,
Marshal.

And there ain't no use doing nothin' else.

Excuse me, ma'am.

Are you arresting
that nice young man for manslaughter?

Not me, Mrs. Yorke.

The United States
Deputy Marshal.

Manslaughter.

Well, what are you going
to do about it?

A nice gentle soul who'd walk
10 miles out of his way...

before he'd step on an ant.

You go to the hospital.

Get him some tobacco,
anything he wants.

And we'll also get him a lawyer
to defend him.

- He's partial to molasses candy.
- Yo.

Well, get some.

Yankee justice.

Arresting a nice young man
like that for manslaughter...

and promoting arsonists
to be sergeant majors!

Uncle Timmy!

Singers, sing out...

so you can forget your thirst.

♪ Yellow stripes
on britches blue... ♪

♪ ridin' on before us... ♪

♪ just so we can ride behind... ♪

♪ and gaily sing this chorus ♪

♪ Ohh ♪

♪ Brand and burn
and mark his hide... ♪

♪ and ride him every day ♪

♪ Kiss your gal
and leave her there... ♪

♪ and hope she's gonna stay ♪

♪ Hope she's gonna stay ♪

- Doctor darling...
- Sergeant.

I have got spots
in front of me eyes...

and me heart is palpitating,
and I'm...

Sitting on it.

Thank you, Doctor.

Ahh.

I feel better now.

It'll kill you or cure you.

Doctor...

with your fine education,
would you be telling me something?

Yeah.

What is an arsonist?

An arsonist is a person
that sets buildings on fire

for profit
or perverse excitement.

Oh, is that what it is?

Why?

It all started when we rode down
the Shenandoah Valley, Doctor.

Every trooper
of General Sheridan's command...

during the late war.

It was me cursed luck...

to be ordered to burn the crops
and the barns at Bridesdale...

with herself
looking daggers at me...

and sables at the Colonel.

He was the captain then.

Silent as death she was,
with a baby in her arms...

little Jeff.

Little Jeff!

Well, it was grim duty
for both you and the Colonel.

That was his wife's plantation,
wasn't it?

Aye.

She said it was
owned by the same family...

ever since that grand Irishman,
Sir Walter Raleigh...

first smoked a pipe.

Seems like I've heard
that story before.

And there's the black hand
that did the dirty deed!

I wish you'd
knock it off with that stick!

Troop, halt!

I make it out
to be a Mexican officer...

approaching to meet you, sir.

Cool off
and water your horses.

Bugler...

honors, please.

Three flourishes.

Welcome to Rio Bravo.

Buenas tardes, el teniente.

And my respect,
Senor Colonel Yorke.

Wish I'd reached
the Rio Grande half an hour sooner.

I wish the same, Senor Colonel.

It would have saved me three
brave men killed...

and two wounded.

Have you medical aid
for your wounded?

Unfortunately, no.

Tell the surgeon's striker...

to bring up the pack mule,
cross the Rio Grande...

with your permission,
Lieutenant...

I grant it with gratitude, Senor Colonel.

And attend
our wounded comrades...

on the Rio Bravo side.

I would suggest,
Lieutenant.

Yes, Senor Colonel?

Natchez and his band
are a scourge...

to both your country and mine.

We can catch them now...

before they reach
their mountain stronghold.

I would gladly place myself
and my men...

under your command,
Lieutenant...

if you would invite us
to join you in pursuit.

Unfortunately, Senor Colonel...

my orders are firm.

I must, above all,
protect the Rio Bravo.

With three men, sir?

That's courage.

And my orders are firm, also.

I must stay
on the Rio Grande side.

My compliments
on your fidelity to duty, sir.

Adiós.

I'm eternally in your debt,
Senor Colonel.

Bueno.

Vámonos!

♪ Wait, I know she will ♪

♪ I can see her still... ♪

♪ with longing in her eyes... ♪

♪ when day is done ♪

♪ My gal... ♪

♪ is purple ♪

♪ Waiting... ♪

♪ there ♪

♪ And I know... ♪

♪ deep inside me... ♪

♪ she is fairest... ♪

♪ of the fair ♪

♪ So if my longing... ♪

♪ wrings my heart... ♪

♪ and tears... ♪

♪ get in my eyes... ♪

♪ I'll hurry back... ♪

♪ again to her... ♪

♪ where purple... ♪

♪ shadows... ♪

♪ die ♪

I'm sorry, Kathleen.

Your sense of duty
again, Kirby?

I'm seeing things that
make my sense of duty important.

I'll take you home.

I'm sorry your duty...

made you destroy
two beautiful things...

Bridesdale and us.

I'm sorry, too,
when it had to be done.

You know that.

But you rebuilt
Bridesdale.

That was easy.

It required
just physical effort.

The other
would require more?

It would be a start
if you'd let Jeff go.

And get you back.

If that were a condition.

I could say yes to you
very easily, Kathleen...

but I owe Jeff something.

He's a fine boy.

But he must learn
that a man's word to anything...

even his own destruction...

must be honored.

Good evening, Yorke.

Good evening, sir.

How about a cup of coffee?

General...

to your very good health, sir.

To the President
of the United States.

Perhaps Mrs. Yorke
will favor us with a sentiment.

To my only rival...

The United States Cavalry.

Sir...

the traditional singers
would like to sing...

The regimental singers.

That's just
what I was going to say, sir.

The regimental singers
would like to sing...

a traditional song, sir,
for himself.

Very good, Quincannon.

Carry on.

Donnelly, sing it, blast you!

♪ 'Twas down... ♪

♪ by the Glenside... ♪

♪ I met an old woman... ♪

♪ a-pluckin' young nettles ♪

♪ She ne'er saw me comin' ♪

♪ I listened a while... ♪

♪ to the song she was hummin' ♪

♪ Glory, oh... ♪

♪ glory, oh... ♪

♪ to the bold Fenian men ♪

♪ 'Tis 50 long years... ♪

♪ since I saw the moon beamin'... ♪

♪ on strong manly farms... ♪

♪ and on eyes with hope gleamin' ♪

♪ I see them again now... ♪

♪ in all my daydreamin' ♪

♪ Glory, oh... ♪

♪ glory, oh... ♪

♪ to the bold Fenian men ♪

♪ I passed on my way ♪

♪ God be praised that I met her ♪

♪ Be my life long or short... ♪

♪ I shall never forget her ♪

♪ We'll maybe have great men... ♪

♪ but we'll never have better ♪

♪ Glory, oh... ♪

♪ glory, oh... ♪

♪ to the bold Fenian men ♪

Thank you, men.

Think suppose the men might be
allowed the privilege...

of the sutler's store
until midnight, Colonel?

We thank the General!

Now, don't abuse the privilege.

Men.

♪ The life we live is royal... ♪

♪ in the U.S. Cavalry ♪

♪ A regiment of horses... ♪

Good night, General.

Why, you're not...

May we walk with you
to your quarters, Mrs. Yorke?

Thank you.

- Good night, Mrs. Yorke.
- Good night.

Good night, sir.

Good night, sir. Good night.

Good night, sir.

Good night, sir. Good night.

Good night.

♪ With bunions big as onions... ♪

♪ we walk for miles and miles ♪

♪ And the horses
that we're leading... ♪

♪ are lookin' on with smiles ♪

If that marshal's here,
I'll sign those papers now.

Did you hear that music?

That sweet, lilting music.

Hey, you blasted policeman!

Get down to the colonel's office
and get your papers signed.

And take this poor boy's soul
with youse.

No hard feelings, son.
No hard feelings.

- Protect my interests, will you, Doc?
- Yeah.

Protect my interests.

Pshaw.

Protect my...

interests.

Hey, son, do you know that man
has a warrant...

charging you with manslaughter?

A lot of people use that word
"manslaughter" pretty freely.

Boy, why don't you tell us
about this?

Maybe we can help you.

Well, it could be...

that a fella had a run-in
with a Yankee down in Texas.

Somethin'
about the fella's... sister.

And it could be that
the Yankee...

drawed a gun
and started shootin'.

Got himself killed.

Mrs. Yorke
wants to get you a lawyer...

to get you out of this scrape.

Thank her kindly for me,
and tell her...

Look, fellas...

my sister's gettin' married
to a man she grew up with...

a Texican.

Fine fella.

They kinda plan on goin' to
California and startin' fresh.

And I don't think
it's quite right...

to start a lot of talk
and scandal in open court...

until their dust is settled
behind them.

Well, it makes sense to me.

Of course, when I hear they're
in California...

I'll be wantin' that lawyer,
wantin' him bad.

To tell you the truth,
I kinda like this man's Army.

Thank you
for your kindness, Doctor.

Yeah.

Let's get her done, Sergeant.

If that boy was one of my troopers...

I wouldn't be so eager
to see him get hung.

I'll just take
a little sup for me cold.

And when I'm finished with it...

I'll take you
to the colonel's tent...

unless you're a blackguard...

steal a horse,
stay away for a few days.

Come in!

"Command from the Deputy
United States Marshal...

"to seize one Travis Tyree...

"under warrant issued by
due legal process..."

Mrs. Yorke, sir...

I believe has become interested
in the case.

She's written a lawyer in Dallas
to represent him.

Well, if a... Dallas lawyer
can't get a man...

off a charge of manslaughter...

Halt! Who's there?

Hey!

Corporal of the guard!

My horse.

Yes, sir.

I sacrificed the happiness
of your home once, Kirby...

to the needs of war.

Now I'll probably
ruin your army career.

I'm gonna issue an order
and give it to you personally.

I want you
to cross the Rio Grande...

hit the Apache,
and burn 'em out.

I'm tired of hit-and-run.

I'm sick of diplomatic
hide-and-seek.

Strip the camp of all women
and children.

Send them to Fort Bliss.

Be prepared to remain
all winter.

All next winter, if necessary.

I've waited a long time
for that order, sir...

which, of course, I didn't hear.

Of course, you didn't hear.

If you fail...

I assure you, the members
of your court-martial...

will be the men who rode with us
down the Shenandoah.

I'll hand-pick 'em myself.

Shenandoah.

I wonder what history will say
about Shenandoah.

I can tell you
what my wife said about it.

What seems to be
the trouble there, Kirby?

Shenandoah Valley...

a place called Bridesdale...

and Philip H. Sheridan.

How about a cup of coffee, sir?

Yeah. Yeah, sure.

You'll find it stronger.

You look very elegant, sir.

Ahem.

Gentlemen...

with the regiment leaving...

for a winter campaign
in the morning...

and the women and children
being sent to Fort Bliss...

I am sure you have many arduous
and difficult tasks to perform.

Please do not let me
keep you from them.

Thank you
for the coffee, madame.

You're welcome.

You're very kind,
Mrs. Yorke.

Thank you.

You do look very elegant, Kirby.

What I said about
the women and children is true.

You're leaving in the morning
for Fort Bliss.

Jeff is going with you.

He'll be one of the escorts.

He'll hate it, Kirby.
He'll think that...

He's my son, our son.

He's too young to...

He'll still hate it, Kirby.

But I love you for it.

I cleaned and ironed
your uniform.

Well, it's a good job.

I'd like to get my hands
on this white jacket sometime.

That'll cost you 4 bits,
as they say out here.

4 bits, huh?

Uh-huh.

10 dollars?

I...

Kathleen, that was meant for us.

There's your change, Kirby.

Been carrying that around
for a long time...

hoping someday
that poor little...

I'll take the flowers now.

Well, I...

Aren't you going to kiss me
goodbye?

I never wanna
kiss you goodbye, Kathleen.

Well, here we are, children.

You're all going
on the choo-choo.

Come here.

There you are. There, now.

There we go.

Ready, Mr. Markham?

Ready, sir.

Carry on.

Goodbye, Mrs. Yorke.

I'm very glad to have met you.

Upsy-daisy.

Uncle Timmy, you're going to be
a good boy now, aren't you?

Ah, darlin', darlin'.

By your leave, sir.

By your leave, sir.

You'll be careful, Trunkett.

Yes, sir.

Prepare to mount!

Mount!

I got this
from the Paymaster.

That's sweet of you, honey.

I'll write you at Fort Bliss.

Be sure not to forget.

I won't forget.

Wagons and escorts,
lead out.

Forward, yo!

Hey, Travis.

I thought you'd show up.

Where's your canteen, Sandy?
This one's dry.

We'll have to report you
to the Sergeant for being late.

Bein' as I'm already
on all the reports that is...

that ain't worryin' me none.

Ahh.

I'm hungry.

Beans?

Nobody ever told the Army they grow beef
round this part of the country?

Not lately.

We'll be on cold rations
for three days.

One of you better ride up ahead
and tell the Lieutenant...

that water hole I come by down there
this morning is all muddied up.

Heap big Injun sign.

We'd better get going.

Thank your pappy
for the loan of his horse.

You thank him.

Hey, hey!

I got you! Jump on!

Giddyap!

Hyah!

Heinze, come on!

Uncle Timmy! Uncle Timmy!

Hide behind the rocks there, ladies.

Back to the post.

Tell the Colonel
what's happened.

Look out, Injun!

Jeff! Jeff!

Hand me your gun, boy.

Go ahead, Jeff!

Troop, halt!

Troop, halt!

Dr. Wilkins.

Report.

Four troopers, sir.

They got away with the children.

Trooper Yorke brought the word.

We came as soon as we could.

Those children, Kirby.

We'll get 'em back.

Well done, men.

Forward, trot! Yo-ho!

Follow me!

La sainto mero.
Les sauvagos barbares.

Get the doctor.

Doctor, sir.

Corporal Bell.

Sorry, son.

May I have permission to go
forward, sir?

Stay here.

But it's my wife!

If it was yours,
wouldn't you wanna go?

Yes, I would, but...

if I had a friend,
he'd keep me here.

Stay with me, boy.

Pack mule!

Troop, halt!

Troop, halt!

Who is that?

The deserter, Tyree, sir,
on your horse.

Arrest him.

You're under arrest, Tyree.

Any liquor in this village?

Mucho tequila.

They were sluggin' it down
copious-like when I left.

Drums? Singing?

Yes, sir.

Vengeance dance.
They'll dance until dawn and then...

Where are the children held?

In an old church, sir.

Is it dark enough
for you to get in there?

With two men I pick, sir.

Two men you pick?

I know that you are an excellent
judge of horse flesh...

Trooper Tyree.

Proved that when
you stole my horse.

How are you as a judge of men
for a dangerous mission?

I consider myself
a good judge of the men I trust, sir.

That's a good answer.

Call your volunteers.

Sandy!

Jeff!

Troopers Boone, Yorke.

- Yo.
- Yo.

Take my horse.

Good swimmer.

Get it done, boy.

Thank you, sir.

Sandy.

Are you scared?

Me?

Yo.

Troop, halt.

Pass the word. Dismount.

Pass the word. Dismount.

Forward, by trooper.

Oh, Sandy! I'm sorry.

I thought you were an Indian.

Shh. Be quiet, Margaret Mary.

- Hi, Jeff!
- Shh!

Thanks very much.

Shh!

Listen, honey.

Where are the children?

They're over there, asleep.

You're gonna have
to be a brave girl...

'cause there's gonna be
lots of shootin'.

- Oh, goody!
- Shh!

Shh!

You youngsters, be quiet.

I can't figure out
which side that kid's on...

them or ours.

Let's go, Alamo!

Margaret Mary!

What the hell's the matter
with you, Jeff?

I'm sorry, Sandy.

Bugler.

Sound Charge.

First platoon.

Second platoon!

Navajo scouts!

Follow me!

Sharpshooters, follow me!

Hyah! Hyah!

Wagon's coming.
Get 'em loaded. Hyah!

Margaret Mary, get out of it!

Come on, lass!

All right, men,
let's end.

Follow me!

Where have you been,
Margaret Mary?

All right. Once more, men.

Hit 'em again.

Pull it out, Jeff.

Go ahead.

Get it done, Reb.

Yo.

Children secured?

Children secure, sir.
Ready to move out.

Son.

Help me to my horse.

Bugler.

Sound Recall.

Our boy did well.

The honor detail is formed, sir.

"For gallantry in action...

"above and beyond
the call of duty...

"on 8th July, in an engagement
against hostile Apache Indians...

"by the U.S. Army...

"by virtue of the power
vested in me...

"by the President
of the United States...

"I hereby commend
the following men...

"Corporal Bell...

"Trooper Boone...

"Trooper Yorke...

"Trooper Tyree...

"Navajo Indian scout,
Son of Many Mules.

"Given unto my hand
this 16th day of..."

Hey, you!

Soldier boy!

And Trooper Tyree
is given a seven-day furlough!

Yo!

Tyree has swiped your horse now,
General.

What?

Well, whatever else
the young man is...

he's a good judge of horse flesh.

An excellent judge, sir.
Excellent.

Pass in review!

First troop, forward!

Yo!

Sheridan.

Eyes right!