Run for Cover (1955) Movie Script

# Run for

cover Run for cover, I-ay #

# Head for the hills

Hit the trail #

# When trouble's on the run #

# Run for cover #

# Don't find yourself

Locked in jail #

# For something

You ain't done #

# Run for cover

Run for cover #

# Run for cover

I-ay #

# If your love has been blessed

With an angel face #

# But the devil

Has roped her soul #

# Better ride for the plains

And the open space #

# And forget every kiss

You stole #

# Run for cover #

# Run for cover

I-ay, I-ay #

# Men who are slow on the draw

When bullets start to fly #

# Run for cover #

# Men who have broken the law

But still don't wanna die #

# Run for cover

Run for cover #

# Run for cover, I-ay #

# Though a man thinks he's born

With a hero's heart #

# He's afraid

When he's on his own #

# Just a fool takes a chance

In a hero's part #

# When he's facing

The odds alone #

# You must run for your life

Like the wind #

# To live another day #

# Run for cover #

# Run for cover ##

Take it easy, mister.

You want to announce yourself

When you come up

behind somebody.

Didn't know there was anybody

in here.

You see my tracks?

Wasn't looking for any.

Just came to water my horse.

Go ahead.

I know most of the people

around here,

And they're friendly.

So am I.

But I don't like surprises.

You might have shot me

for doing nothing at all.

Sorry.

Wouldn't have done you

much good to be sorry

If you'd plugged me.

How old are you?

20.

Well, let's put it this way.

You stand a whole lot

better chance

Of being able to vote someday

Now that you've learned

not to sneak up on people.

I can take care of myself.

I don't need no lessons

from you or anybody else.

All right.

All right what?

You're not sore

because I pointed a gun at you.

You're sore

because you got scared.

Anybody who don't get scared

Looking down the wrong end of

a gun barrel ain't very bright.

But if you wanna feel

like Billy the Kid

And get tough about it,

go ahead.

That is, unless you happen

to be Billy the Kid.

In which case,

I withdraw my offer.

No, I ain't Billy the Kid.

I didn't think you were.

We wouldn't be

standing here talking.

My name's Dow.

Matthew Dow.

Davey Bishop.

Glad to know you, Davey.

I guess I was acting

like a kid at that.

Don't know when you got

a better right.

20, huh?

Yes, sir.

Where you headed?

Madison,

just over the pass.

We can ride together.

You going there?

Going that way.

Not much doing there.

Good.

You know somebody

in Madison?

No.

Can't figure

why'd anybody

Wanna go to

a dead place like that

Unless they had to.

You have to?

I live there.

What do you do

for a living?

Most anything

that comes up.

Odd jobs, mostly.

Look like you'd make

a good ranch hand.

$20 a month and keep?

No, thanks.

Been around much?

Some.

That's for me. I'm gonna

light outta here pretty soon.

See what's going on

in the rest of the world.

Lookin' for excitement, huh?

Sure, why not?

No reason. Felt the same way

myself when I was your age.

Just about makes it

every time.

Got held up last month.

Right along here

when she was barely moving.

Lost all the payroll money.

Thought you said nothing ever

happened around here.

That sure lit the fuse.

Had posses out

all over the place.

Never did find 'em.

You ask me, the sheriff

wasn't too anxious to.

Talk was, it might have been

the Gentry gang.

There's two fellas up ahead,

right at that same spot.

We can handle

two of 'em.

If they're holdup men,

they won't be alone.

There'll be plenty of others

hiding around the brush

Where they can

throw down on us.

I only see two.

That hawk's been

following me all day.

In case you thought

I didn't draw on you

'Cause I couldn't

handle a gun...

That's the signal. That's what

they did the last time.

Sometimes it don't matter

so much how fast you are.

It's where you put

the first bullet that counts.

Put that gun down,

or they'll kill us.

I got a wife and family.

I don't wanna get killed

for somebody else's money,

No matter how much it is.

Holy smokes.

How do you like that?

They thought we were bandits.

How far is it to town?

'Bout ten miles.

We'd better get there quick.

Awful lotta money

to have dumped into your lap.

Man wouldn't have to work

the rest of his life.

Here.

Let's get going.

You carry it.

I'll follow you.

What's the matter?

Don't you trust me?

Like you said,

that's an awful lot of money.

Since you brought it up,

how do I know

You won't plug me in the back

and make off with it yourself?

One of us

has to take that chance.

What are you trying...

Where's the sheriff?

Over in his office, I

guess. Why? We got held up.

Hey, Scottie!

The whole gang

woulda jumped us.

There wasn't anything else

we could do.

Round up some horses.

What happened?

Somebody held up the

train again. Anybody hurt?

No, we didn't

give 'em a chance this time.

Soon as we seen they had us,

we... well, we threw out the money

And told Sam

to pour on the coal.

How many of them

was there?

We couldn't tell

for sure.

When the first two

fired on us,

I knocked Larry back

out of the way.

Did you get

a good look at 'em?

One of 'em

was riding a pinto.

I didn't stare

too hard.

Last time,

they give me this

Just for being a little slow

getting my hands up.

Let's grab a rifle, boys!

We gonna ride around

in circles again,

Like we did last time?

No, we ain't. They had

a bigger start before.

This time's

gonna be different.

Better be.

There they are, boys.

Where's the rest

of 'em?

Maybe they split up.

Why would they

be riding toward town?

I don't know

what tricks they're up to,

But one of 'em's

riding on a pinto.

Looks like that one

in front's

Got a money bag

tied to his saddle.

Yes, sir.

That's them, all right.

Pass the word. Don't fire

until I give the signal.

I don't wanna scare 'em off

before they get into range.

Ain't you gonna give 'em

a chance to give up?

They're gonna get

the same chance

The train crew got

last time.

Hey, son! Son!

This one's

still alive.

Grab him, boys!

Here's his gun.

Drag him up.

I told you we'd get 'em

this time.

Wait, you got us wrong.

Here's the money!

We were bringing it

to town.

The messenger threw it

off the train.

He threw it off, all right.

After you took a shot at him.

Why would we be bringing

the money into town

If we were holdup men?

You probably got a hideout

around here, that's why.

Get him up to that tree!

Come on!

What kind of a sheriff

are you?

Hanging a man

without a trial?

We got you and the money.

That's good enough for me.

Come on!

Wait a minute!

The other one

is Davey Bishop.

Davey Bishop?

Aye.

Is he dead? No, he's still

breathing, but that's about all.

He's in pretty bad shape.

Well, uh... well...

Take him over

to Swenson's place.

We'll send a doc out

from town.

Aye.

I'll ride ahead

and get him.

All right, come on!

Get him into town!

All right, boys.

Now get ahold of

them baggage men.

They're waitin' inside.

Good.

Now we'll find

out whose story holds water.

I'm just as anxious as you are.

That's him.

That's one of 'em.

What did you tell

these people?

Let me hear

what you said to them.

Well, I told them

what happened.

All right,

let's hear it again.

Just exactly

what did happen?

Go on.

Like I said, we were

right near the top of the grade,

Where we got held up before,

and we heard these shots.

Two shots.

Did they come at you?

We figured

that was a signal.

What made you

figure that?

Last time...

Never mind about last time.

Did we make

any move at you?

I wasn't taking no chances.

Tell the truth!

Did we or didn't we?

Maybe...

Maybe we did

act a little hasty.

You sure did.

Then you made up

a great big story about it.

And then these butchers

did the rest.

Now, just a minute,

mister.

Where'd they take the kid?

Swenson's farm.

Couple miles south of town.

You ain't told us what you was

doin' here to begin with.

I was comin' in

to look your town over

To see if it was the kinda place

I'd wanna live in.

Well, you sure answered

that question.

Here's your gun.

It'd be a good idea

if you wore yours that way.

Mister, we...

We owe you

an apology.

I'll tell the boy.

He'll be real touched.

Well, how was I to know

from what these two fellas...

We didn't ask you

to shoot nobody down

Without giving 'em

a chance.

You'd think I done it

all by myself.

You was there, too.

All of you.

You were wearin'

the badge.

Yes?

Ma'am.

I'm looking

for Davey Bishop.

They said

they were gonna bring him here.

This is the Swenson place,

isn't it?

It is.

I... I was with him

when the law jumped him.

The sheriff just admitted

he made a mistake.

The boy's here, isn't he? Yeah.

The doctor's

just with him.

One moment, please.

Your name Swenson?

Ja.

Helga Swenson.

You will come in?

Thank you.

How is he?

You hurt, too?

Oh, it's nothing.

A crease.

What?

A crease.

Just the skin.

What about Davey?

He's in here.

That's all I can do

for him.

How is he?

Three bullet holes

and a leg all busted up.

Is he gonna make it?

I can't work miracles.

If he's still alive tomorrow,

I'll take a look at him.

What about his family?

They been told?

His parents died

years back.

He's been a ward of the town

since, you might say,

Living with one family

or the other.

Too bad.

He was a nice kid.

Kinda wild,

but he'd got over it.

You talk

like he was dead already.

Mister, I can't

work miracles.

I know.

You said that.

Bye.

Father...

This is my father, mister...

Oh, Dow.

Matthew Dow.

I'm pleased

to know you.

Say, do you mind if

I hang around here awhile,

Kinda look after him?

You're welcome to.

Thanks.

There's work to do.

Farms do not run themselves.

In a minute, father.

In the old country,

Children do not say

"In a minute"

When the father speaks.

That's why I like America.

Sit down.

I'll fix your head.

That's all right.

Yes, I know.

It's just a crease?

Never mind with any of that.

Just a little water will do.

You sit here.

How did this happen,

That they shoot at you

and the other?

'Cause you got

a sheriff in this town

Who ought to be

behind a butcher's counter.

I don't understand if

you've done nothing wrong.

He didn't wait to find out.

They just blasted away.

You lucky they didn't hurt you

more badly, too.

I'd made the boy

ride up in front.

And, eh, you feel

sort of responsible?

That's part of it.

Thank you.

Perhaps there's more?

Yes, there's more.

My boy had lived to be

just about his age.

This doesn't look good.

Kid's gonna die,

he should be able to wake up

And see a friendly face.

Have somebody around

when he wakes up scared.

If you need anything,

I'm in here.

Thanks.

Here's your breakfast.

He's burning up.

Where's that doctor?

He said he'd be here today.

It's only 7:00.

Listen, you eat your breakfast

before it gets cold.

I'll do this.

You've been very nice.

And thanks

for this, too.

You eat now.

The doc says Davey's

coming along fine.

He'll make it.

We're getting up a kitty

to pay the doc.

The boys was wonderin' if there

was anything else they could do.

Have they got

any books in town?

Books?

I guess

I could round some up.

But I never figured Davey

for much of a reader.

Well, maybe he never had

so much time before.

Aye.

I'll see what I can do.

He ate everything.

Anybody who doesn't

like your cooking

Doesn't want to get well.

He's all right.

He went right back to sleep.

Well, then I'll... I'll

finish this.

You said the other night

that you had a son.

Died ten years ago.

Do you have a wife, too?

She divorced me.

She must have been bad.

No.

Just hated the sight of me.

That's hard to understand.

She did very well with it.

Does it hurt you

to talk about it?

Not anymore.

You mind

if I ask you something?

This is as far

as our ticket would take us.

Well, you were

going to ask that.

Weren't you?

What two Swedes are doing

in a place like this?

That's right.

We didn't know

we were coming here.

My father has an uncle

who lives in California,

And he used to write us

about his place.

So we decided

that's where we wanted to go,

But we didn't know

the country was so big.

So when we got this far

on the train,

We had no more money.

So here we are.

My father says that

when we make enough money,

We shall go to California

and buy land next to my uncle.

Only it's two years now, and

we still haven't made any money.

How's that?

Well, without help, we cannot

farm enough to make money.

And without money,

we cannot hire anyone to help.

Isn't there something

I can do around here

To kinda work off what

I owe you for all this?

You owe us nothing.

Sure I do.

I haven't got any money...

You are a guest.

Father would think

you had very bad manners

If he heard you

talk like that.

It is late.

Yes, father.

He doesn't think

very much of me.

It isn't you. It's our custom

he's thinking of.

What's the custom?

In Sweden, a girl is not

supposed to be alone with a man

Unless he's...

Well, unless they're...

It's a very silly

custom, anyhow.

Good night.

Soon the boy will be

well enough to be moved.

He's still

very weak, father.

He's young.

He will get stronger.

Morning.

Good morning.

He's sleeping like a baby.

I wanna ask a favor,

Mr. Swenson.

Ja?

You've been very kind

to Davey and me,

And now that he

won't be needing somebody

To watch over him

every minute,

I was wondering if there isn't

something I can do around here

To kinda pass the time away.

A man gets logy

sitting around all day.

You're right.

It's not good for a man

to stay in the house.

A fella needs exercise.

Without it, the man

has no appetite.

Besides, Helga and you,

I would not let you do it

any other way.

I sure fooled him.

Whoa!

How 'bout it, doc?

When you gonna let me up?

Pretty soon now.

I feel great.

What more do you want?

Enjoy it while you can, son.

Couple of days behind a plow,

And you'll wish you were back

in a nice, soft bed.

When I get outta here,

It won't be to end up

behind a plow.

Best way in the world

to build up your strength.

Great for the legs.

May I see you a minute?

Well, how you doing

with the new batch?

Take a look.

What do they think I am?

"A Romance of Flowers... How

to Grow Them in Your Garden."

"A Young Girl's Dilemma...

Should She Marry for Money,

Or Listen to the Dictates

of Her Heart?"

I forgot to tell you,

these were sent over

With the compliments

of the ladies' sewing circle.

You'll probably get

"Five Little Peppers and

How They Grew in the Morning."

Matt...

What's the matter?

I just told her that,

That leg isn't going to be

any good to him.

You mean it's going to take

a little while.

It'll never be right.

How bad is it?

Might be able to get around some after

he gets stronger... Get around some?

He's a kid,

not an old man.

What kind of a doctor are you?

Can't even fix a broken leg.

Not the way

that one was broken.

Why didn't you

say so before?

Why'd you lead him to believe

he was gonna get well?

I wasn't sure

till I took the splints off.

What makes you so sure now?

You were wrong once before.

Not this time.

It's a miracle

he lived at all.

Miracles don't come in pairs.

What does he know about it?

He's been ready

to call in the buzzards

Ever since he got here.

Think nobody ever had

a broken leg before.

Matt!

My leg!

I can't walk!

Oh, you poor boy.

Get up.

I can't.

Get up!

Matt, leave him alone.

Get out.

Matt, you can't force him.

Matt!

Why didn't you let me die?

I'd rather be dead.

You're not dead.

So get up.

Grab hold of that.

Pull yourself up.

Leave me alone.

I'll leave you alone,

when you're on your feet.

Get up!

You heard me, get up!

There's nothing wrong

with your arms. Pull!

That's the last time

I wanna see you crawl.

What am I supposed to do,

Carry a chair around with me

the rest of my life?

Lots of fellas live and die

without ever having to find out

How much of a man they are.

You could be as good a man

as anybody in town.

If you are, you'll know it

and take pride in it.

And they'll know it, too.

You all through?

Then you get out.

Get away from me.

You and your big talk.

Get outta here

on your two good legs!

Get out!

You better go help him.

I heard what he said

to you.

He didn't mean it.

You were right,

and he was right.

I shouldn't

have bullied him.

You were only

trying to help.

I was a big help.

Matt! Quick!

Watch.

How was that?

Fine, son.

Just fine.

Let's see you try

by yourself today.

Come on, cowboy.

How does it feel?

Don't ache as much.

Ever hear of a cowhand

walking when he could ride?

If you've got a horse

and a saddle, you'll get around.

Glad to see you

up and around, Davey.

We all know how you both feel

about what happened.

That's why we're here.

Yes, we realize this town

owes you a debt, Dave,

And as mayor, the folks want me

to do what we can to pay it off.

Now, we're not rich people,

Dave, you know that.

If we were, we'd make

a settlement on you.

We've talked it over

and decided

The next best thing to do

is to give you

The security of a good job

with good pay

As long as you want it.

I'm not asking

for any job.

I'm not asking

for any more handouts.

You shot me up good,

but you didn't kill me.

So from now on, I think

I'll take care of myself.

We were just trying

to make it up to ya, Davey.

Give me back one good leg,

and we'll call it square.

That's the only settlement

I want from any of you.

Maybe you can talk to

him. We know how the kid feels.

He's not a kid.

He's a man.

We've got something

to say to you, too,

If you'd hear us out.

Yes, we figure this town

could do with a new sheriff.

It'll pay $1,000 a year

and all fines.

That's a little high for

a slight scalp wound, isn't it?

This isn't charity.

We need a sheriff.

Why me? You don't know

anything about me.

You were the only one

that kept his head that day.

And we know what you've been

doing for Davey, too.

We've had enough gunslingers

wearing badges.

We figured it's about time

we had a man

With some character

in the job.

I'll take it

on one condition.

That I run the job

and name my own deputies.

I approve.

And you can put lynching down

as part of your past history

And turn all of your nervous

posse-men out to pasture.

Congratulations, sheriff.

Here's your badge.

And a little advance

on your salary.

We've got a room for you

in town, too.

I'll be in tonight.

So you're the new sheriff.

Yep.

What's that for?

A decent burial.

Where I come from,

all the peace officers

Carry around

their own burial money.

Custom of the country.

Suppose you need that chamber?

I'm not that fast.

If I haven't hit

what I'm aiming at

By the time I squeeze off

the first five,

I'll be needing a pine box

instead of another bullet.

What did you take the job for

if you're not fast enough?

'Cause you'll be

my deputy.

Remember the time

you drew on that hawk

Down by the railroad tracks?

Yeah.

You hit it.

Oh, well, I can generally hit

what I'm shooting at.

But I'm not likely

to get in the first shot.

You beat me by,

oh, I would say,

A full three seconds.

Yeah, but you said...

Look, the way I figure it

is this.

It doesn't matter how slow I am.

You'll be with me.

Do you really think...

Oh, you don't think

I'd be fool enough

To take this job alone,

do you?

In fact, I am pretty fast.

I used to practice a lot.

Well, start practicing

some more,

'Cause we're in business.

Take care of the horse,

deputy.

I heard

you and the men outside.

Too bad

this had to come up,

Just when I was getting the hang

of being a dirt farmer.

Perhaps you didn't like it.

I didn't think I would.

At first I was doing it

just to pay my keep.

Then I got kind of

interested in it.

Working the land and getting

something useful out of it.

Most peace I've had

in a long time.

If you feel that way

about it, why...

Too good an offer

to pass up.

Besides, I couldn't go on

living here.

Not with Davey

up and around.

What's going

to become of him?

He's going to be my deputy.

So that's why

you're doing it.

$1,000 a year and fines?

That's reason enough.

And Davey?

He's fast with a gun.

I can use him.

You're a very bad liar.

You're kinda tough

to lie to.

Let's keep it

in the family, huh?

Don't live his life

for him, Matt.

Not even if he were

your own son.

I'm not trying to.

All I wanna do

is give him a chance.

Make him feel like he's doing

a man's job.

You think putting a gun

in his hand

Will cure

what is in his heart?

What do you mean?

The way he talked to them

when they came out here.

I was watching him.

It wasn't just

the anger of the words.

There was a look

in his eyes.

It frightened me.

I've never seen a man

look like that before.

I have.

Did he get over it?

Took him a long time.

There was nobody around

to help him.

Maybe it's better that way,

to do it on your own.

Davey's too young.

I can't cut him loose.

He'd never make it.

He's gotta get over it,

or it's gonna get worse.

It's gonna go

one way or the other.

That's where old Dr. Dow

comes in.

Give him something to do

Before he gets

feeling sorry for himself.

Make him feel

he's still a man.

That's what he needs.

You're awfully sure,

aren't you?

I'll tell father

you're leaving.

Oh, I, uh...

I wanted to say good-bye

to you first.

Now, is there anything

in the Swedish rules

That says

I can't see you in town?

We go in only on Sundays

to go to church.

That's what this town needs,

a church-going sheriff.

Speaking of customs,

we have one here in America.

When a man and woman

like each other,

And they're not gonna see

each other for a while...

Except in church, or with

a lot of people around, they...

We have that custom

in Sweden, too.

I should have taken

one of those store jobs

For all the action

there is around here.

Good afternoon, Matt, Dave.

Mr. Mayor.

Two drunks and one fight

in all this time.

Well...

The quieter it is,

the better I like it.

I don't see

where you need me

To help you handle

stuff like that.

Sometimes a deputy

doesn't earn his pay

For months on end.

Comes trouble...

You get caught up

quick and fast.

About the length of time

it takes somebody

To empty a gun at you.

Howdy.

How 'bout change for these,

Blazer?

Yes, sir.

How do you want it?

Fives and tens

will do.

Sure enough, mister.

Pretty good, huh?

That reminds me.

Something I been meaning

to tell you.

Remember when they threw

that money off the train at us?

Most money I've seen

before or since.

Me, too.

Matter of fact,

for a minute there,

When you were picking it up,

I came awful close

to wanting it all for myself.

Darn near drew on you.

Yeah?

Why didn't you?

Just about then you tossed

the money up at me.

That kinda broke it up.

Pretty lucky throw, wasn't it? Yeah.

Why you grinnin'

like that?

Did you know

all the time?

Yes, sir.

Mighty good job.

The quieter it is,

the better I like it.

Pete!

Come here, son.

For you.

Think you can handle it?

Yeah.

I'll have to get

some more cash.

What's wrong

with that?

There isn't enough.

Just give me what you have.

I'm in a hurry.

Take care of him.

Somebody get the doctor.

All right.

Get up.

We didn't steal nothin'.

We just come in

to change some bills.

A fella

pulled a gun on us.

Man's got a right

to defend himself.

We'll find out about that

when we get back in town.

Well, you draw pretty good.

Too bad nobody's

gonna see it.

Something else

in there, friend.

$500 that says

you lost my trail.

Another hour, I'd have

made it anyway.

Nobody'll know

the difference.

Nobody but me.

That's a lotta money

to turn down, friend.

Turn around.

Get mounted.

Will Andrews and me

be safe in your town?

You'll go to trial.

What are they celebratin'?

I don't know.

Andrews!

This your idea

of a trial?

What's gonna happen

to me?

You'll get a trial,

just like I said.

I tried, Matt.

Honest I did.

I'm sure you did.

Let me see your gun.

I had it out.

I told them I'd shoot

the first man

That came through the door.

They were drunk.

They didn't pay

any attention to me.

Just kept coming

and I was backing up,

When all of a sudden...

My leg gave out on me.

There was nothing

I could do.

You still had this.

I couldn't just

shoot into a crowd.

Crowds don't lynch people.

That was a mob.

You oughtta know the difference.

Yeah, but this man

was an outlaw.

Wasn't your job

to judge him.

We have courts and juries

for that.

What did you want me to do,

be a hero? Shoot somebody?

Maybe get shot myself?

That was the job, son.

I don't want it, then.

I don't want

any part of it.

What about me?

What happens

when that crazy bunch of drunks

Finds out I'm here?

You won't be here.

By the time they get tired

of telling each other

How brave they are,

You'll be halfway

to the county seat.

I'll turn you over

to the marshal there.

Keep an eye on him.

I'll get some grub together.

How come they let a kid like you

be deputy?

Takes a man to hold off a mob. Shut up!

Don't take it out on me,

just 'cause you lost your nerve.

I wasn't

afraid of 'em.

He thinks you were.

He thinks a lot of things.

My partner out there.

He get it quick?

I seen a fellow dangle once

for 20 minutes.

Flopped around

like a fish out of water.

I didn't watch.

I don't blame you.

Ain't a pretty sight.

No matter how they do it.

You.

We better get going.

Sorry I let you down

before.

Another chance?

Sure you want it?

He's your prisoner.

Get him there.

Thanks, Matt.

Don't thank me.

Get him there.

Guess we showed 'em how to treat

outlaws around here.

I believe in law and order.

But there's times you gotta

make exceptions.

Outlaws.

They're all alike.

They're big and tough

Until you slip a knot

around their neck.

You're all under arrest.

Look, sheriff,

I know you take

your job serious,

But you're not gonna

put me in no jail.

That's to cut him down with.

Pick it up.

Put your guns on the table.

We didn't hire you

to pull stuff like this.

Tell it to the mayor.

I... I wasn't in on it.

Close up.

Yes, sir.

I hereby sentence you to be fined

The sum of $5.00 each

for malicious mischief

And another five

for disturbing the peace.

Court's adjourned.

No hard feelings, Matt.

Morning.

Sorry I gave you trouble

last night.

Next time I talk up to you,

just bust me over the head.

I'll keep that in mind.

Yeah, here you are, sheriff.

Pretty fair day's work.

That the established price

for lynching?

There ain't

no established price.

No one's ever got arrested

for a thing like that before.

You think I let him off

pretty easy, don't ya?

Well, I wouldn't exactly say

you made an example of him.

Law and order's an awful lot

like hard liquor.

Too big a dose the first time

Is liable to put a man

off of it for life.

He gotta get

used to it, gradual.

Maybe that isn't what it says

in Blackstone,

But he didn't

live out west.

Maybe you got a point.

This still belongs to you.

You can do an awful lot

with $70.

You do it.

Where's the sheriff?

Judge is giving him

a lecture.

He's sure getting an earful!

Get over to Doc Ridgeway's.

They just brought Davey in.

What happened to him?

I don't know.

Somebody found him on the trail,

a couple of miles out.

Hurt bad?

Leg again.

Gives me a perfect record.

You handed two men over to me,

And I couldn't hold

either of them.

How'd it happen?

We were crossing a stream.

Gotten off to fill my canteen,

and he asked for a drink.

When I gave it to him,

He brought he handcuffs

down on my head.

I saw it coming, but

I couldn't get out of the way.

You shouldn't have

let me do it.

Just trying to show you

I wasn't yellow.

I never thought you were.

That whole job is a phony.

I'm no deputy and never was.

Good for wrapping packages

behind a counter,

And that's all.

We'll talk about that later.

Nothing to talk about.

I'm through trying

to fool myself.

Can't let you go on

doing it, either.

If that job's still open,

I'm gonna take it.

I've given him some pills.

If you two will quit gabbing,

he oughta get some rest.

He's right.

Get some rest.

Wearing a star ain't all

it's cracked up to be, anyway.

Oh, yes.

Papa is just fine.

Here he comes.

Dave isn't with him?

It'll take the doc time

to do the stitching.

Matt, how is he?

He'll be all right.

Just a little knock on the head.

The other one got away?

Yeah.

I told you we shoulda

hung 'em both.

Old Doctor Dow,

sees all, knows all.

I certainly

fixed things up fine.

It wasn't your fault.

Nobody else's.

I thought it was like

the first time

You get thrown from a bronc.

You gotta get right up

on his back again

Or the chances are,

you never will.

Didn't work out that way.

You were right all along.

You can't live

somebody's life for them.

Maybe you feel free

now to...

Well, to start living

your own life now.

Maybe it's about time I did.

As a matter of fact,

I've been thinking

This'd be a pretty good town

to live in for a long time.

Why...

I thought you were staying

only because of Davey.

I was at first.

And then I got to figuring that

with $1,000 a year and fines

A man could do all right

for himself.

Well, I-I'd better

be going now.

I have some shopping to do.

I know I shouldn't even

be thinking this.

And this is certainly

not the time or the place

To talk about it.

There should be moonlight,

And I should be able

to say it a lot better...

I'd like very much

to marry you.

I'm not very good at...

Well, if that's what you were

going to ask me.

That's what I was

gonna ask you.

You better speak

to my father.

He's very old-fashioned

about those things.

Bring him on.

Be patient with him.

He's not used to the ways

of this country.

We'll get along.

What is the matter with you?

There's only one move

to make.

Oh, excuse me.

Nay, that is not it.

Oh, excuse me.

Come in, Matthew.

Mr. Swenson.

Hello, Matt.

It is good you are here.

Sit down.

Papa, Matthew didn't

come here to play chess.

Matthew can talk

for himself.

Well, I...

This is fine.

Fine.

Mr. Swenson...

It is my move.

It is more rude

to correct one's elders.

It is your move.

Uhh.

Well, I should go in the kitchen

and make some coffee.

Hmm.

Oh!

Ja da.

Checkmate.

Well, you're just

too good for me.

You're a smart man.

You know better than to win

before I give my consent.

Helga told you?

Ever since you leave,

she go round like lost heifer.

Then you come here,

all dressed up.

What is there to tell?

Well, how do you

feel about it?

You will be good to her.

She will be happy with you.

Besides, you two

had decided anyway.

When is it to be?

I've had my eye on a place

I'd like to buy into.

Nice house, plenty of land.

Only trouble is, they're

kinda short-handed.

I figured I might

save enough to swing it

In the next

couple of months.

That so?

Where is this place?

Right here.

That can be arranged.

Helga!

It is late.

Say good night to your man.

Night, pa.

Good night.

I will be a very good wife,

I promise.

Whatever unhappiness

you've had before,

I will make it up to you.

You don't have to make up

for anything.

Just be you, that's all

I'll ever ask.

Happy Easter, you two.

Hmm, mighty pretty Easter, too.

The Martins brought me in.

My father had to mend

the harness.

He'll be along soon.

He said not to wait.

Davey, I haven't seen you

in a long time.

Workin' man.

Walsh is keeping him busy

at the store.

That's good.

# Christ our lord

Is risen today #

# Alleluia #

# Sons of men

And angels sing #

# Alleluia #

# Lives again

Our glorious king #

# Alleluia #

# Where, O death,

Is now thy sting? #

# Alleluia #

# Dying once

He all doth save #

# Alleluia #

# Where thy victory, O grave? #

# Ah... ##

Now, everybody sit down

nice like,

And nobody'll get hurt.

How dare you profane

a house of worship?

Bringing in guns.

Begging your pardon, parson.

We'll be out of here

in a few minutes.

What do you want with us?

Who runs the bank?

I do.

Some of my friends

are over there now.

They figure there's about

$80,000 in that vault.

That right?

You got a nice little

family there, banker.

I asked you a question.

Eight... Eighty-five thousand

in gold and in notes.

Notes negotiable?

Anywhere.

That's good.

Now where's your sheriff?

I got some suggestions

for him.

Matt Dow.

Hello, Gentry.

I didn't know you was

in these parts.

Woulda cut you in,

for old time's sake.

I wouldn't have taken it.

You mean you're really

the sheriff?

Mm-hmm.

And in church.

Heh heh heh.

This yours?

Yes.

Yeah.

Now, listen, it's gonna take

some powder

To blow that vault.

We're gonna need

about five minutes

After you hear the explosion.

I don't want nobody making

any sudden moves.

Know what I mean?

No heroes.

Tell 'em what's

good for 'em, sheriff.

Just do what he says.

Everybody keep quiet.

Matt.

Here they come!

Don't try anything funny, Matt.

Hey! Hey, there!

Oh. Papa! Papa!

He's dead.

Round up a posse.

I'd say you had a few questions

to answer first.

How come you to know

this Gentry?

I spent six years

in the same cell with him.

Listen to who's been giving us

Lectures on law and order...

A jailbird.

Probably in cahoots with him.

That's right.

I was a jailbird.

Six years in a stinking cell.

Because I happen to look

like another man.

Six years out of my life.

Because men made up

their minds too fast.

Men like you... so righteous,

so willing to condemn.

The law gave me a full pardon.

If that's not

good enough for you,

You can have this back.

How do we know

he's telling the truth?

Yeah.

What kind of people are you...

That don't know the truth

when you hear it?

I learned all about Gentry.

How he thinks, how he acts.

And now we can make it pay.

Now, anybody wants

to ride with me,

Get a fresh horse

and plenty of ammunition.

And you better stay in town

till I get back.

She'll stay with us.

Thanks.

Be careful, Matt,

please.

Let's understand each other.

You can head this posse

As long as we think

you're leading it right.

Start taking us

in circles, Matt,

And you won't

come back alive.

Let's ride.

This time you can use

a deputy.

Thanks.

Find any trail?

Nothing up that way.

Must've stayed in the water

to throw us off.

They have to come out

sooner or later.

Why don't we split up,

follow the stream both ways

Till one of us

picks up the track.

Lose too much time.

How close

are the nearest towns?

Kirby's about 20 miles

north of here.

And there's another place

called Summerville

Around the same distance south.

How about telegraph...

They both got it?

Kirby has, but I ain't heard

of none in Summerville.

Ah. We'll head south.

Comanche territory?

Here they are.

Pretty good at thinking

like an outlaw, aren't you?

I'm a jailbird, remember?

Trail or no trail,

they wouldn't cross that.

It's four days without water

in Comanche territory.

They'd have to be

crazy to do it.

Maybe they are, but I'm not.

Count me out.

Didn't figure on

this kind of a deal.

What about the rest of you?

Come on, make up your minds.

Once you get out there,

there'll be no choice.

I'll take my chances

with Gentry, not this.

I didn't sign

up to take on no Comanches.

I'm sorry, Matt.

I've got a wife and kids.

It don't sound right to me.

I ain't riding

into no trap out there.

Not with just

a handful of men.

What about you, Matt?

I'm still sheriff.

You done your job.

We don't expect you

to go it alone.

Let's ride, son.

Gentry would know better

than to leave a trail like that.

What happens when

we catch up with him?

A fair question,

but don't worry.

I didn't come out here

to commit suicide.

You better save that.

My mouth's so dry

I can't even swallow.

Here, put this penny

in your mouth.

It'll keep your tongue wet.

How long are we

gonna keep going?

Till we get there.

It's no use, Matt, there won't

be any tracks left to follow.

Then we're going

straight south.

We can pick up their trail

when this blows itself out.

Come on!

Why did you do that?

Tell me why.

You wouldn't quit.

There was no other way

of stopping you.

Stop me from what?

From catching Gentry...

Finding out I was in on it.

You... with them?

Yeah, I was with 'em.

Ever since you gave me

that prisoner to take in.

Remember?

He offered me a deal

and I took it.

Even took that rap on the head

to make it look good.

Working with them.

All this time.

They needed somebody in town

to set it up for them.

I gave them the idea of Easter.

When everybody'd be

in church.

All except Pa Swenson.

I couldn't help that.

Why shouldn't I throw in

with them?

What was I supposed to do,

hobble up and down

Behind a hardware counter

the rest of my life?

For $8.00 a week?

I figured they owed me

a lot more than that.

How are you figuring on me?

Kept hoping you'd give up.

You didn't leave me

any choice.

It was either you

or a rope around my neck.

I figure I still got

a pretty good chance.

You know, if you were smart,

you'd do away with me right now.

But you're not that kind.

So you're stuck with me.

Only, when we

catch up with 'em,

I won't be on your side.

It'll be one gun against ten.

But they'll all be

in front of me.

Go pick up your gear.

There goes your last card.

One more day,

and they'd have made it.

Go down and take a look.

They didn't take the money.

Bring it up.

No use straining your eyes.

If they're still around,

we'll know soon enough.

Let's make some time, then.

We keep on pushing these horses,

we'll wind up walking.

We will anyhow, if we don't

give 'em a rest soon.

We better hole up

around here.

Stake them out.

Coyotes making a meal

off your friends.

So you were a jailbird.

That why your wife

left ya?

Heard you talking to Helga

on the porch one night.

You thought I was asleep.

I know about your son, too.

That's why the fuss over me.

Not 'cause you liked me.

Just looking for somebody

to take his place.

Figured this out

all by yourself, didn't you?

I've had a lot of practice

for a long time.

Why don't you stop

feeling sorry for yourself?

You think you're

the only one in the world

Ever got a raw deal.

I know, you spent

six years in jail.

Yes.

And do you know something else?

There's a lot of people

in this world

Who've had a tougher time

than either you or me.

It comes with the ticket.

Nobody guarantees you

a free ride.

The only difference is,

most people don't run for cover.

They keep right on going,

Picking up the pieces

the best way they can.

But you never hear of them.

And the ones who

can't take it, like you...

The ones who're looking

for the free ride,

Who cause all the trouble

everywhere.

You wouldn't talk so tough

If this had happened

to your own kid.

Oh, get some sleep.

You didn't have much luck

with either one of us.

Did you?

We better get going.

I was thinking

during the night.

I'm the only one

that knows about you.

It only takes one.

Very few men get

a second chance.

You mean that?

Let's get outta here.

Stay here.

We can get to the horses.

They'd ride us down

in an hour.

Stay down.

Maybe they'll go on by.

If they don't spot us

before dark,

Maybe we can

get across the river.

It's gonna be a long day.

Everything set down there?

Everything except the money.

Give it to me.

If we get separated,

Be sure and get downstream

as far as you can.

I can't make it.

Help me back.

You never saw

what happened to him, huh?

I was busy enough

taking care of myself.

Musta swallowed

20 gallons of water.

You think the money'll

still be there?

Why not?

You sure you can

find it again?

All we have to do

is backtrack up the river.

Suppose the Indians

are still around?

I could be mighty curious

for $85,000.

You know, this figured out

better than I thought it would.

All set?

Almost.

I'll get the horses ready.

Put out the fire.

Go on.

Go for it.

How did you...

Just too ornery to die

Before you got

what was coming to you.

Go ahead, then.

Get it over with.

That's what I'm here for.

Go on, shoot!

What are you waiting for?

To see me beg?

Is that it?

Save your breath.

You're gonna need it

When they put that rope

around your neck.

You haven't got the guts

to do it yourself.

That'd be easy, kid.

But it might do somebody good

to watch you hang.

It might keep some other kid

From turning out

the way you did.

That's all you're good for.

You preach real good.

With a gun in your hand.

I'm not trying to preach.

Preacher's gotta think

there's something good

About everybody.

But there's no more good in you

than in a rattlesnake.

Don't try to blame it

on your leg.

If it hadn't been that,

it woulda been something else.

You'd have gone bad

sooner or later,

No matter what happened.

First time the pressure

got big enough.

You just didn't have it

in you.

Helga tried to tell me,

but I wouldn't listen.

I was too smart.

I was so smart, I thought there

was still a chance for you.

Still believing,

right up to the very last.

Even broke the law myself

to give it to you.

Maybe somebody else

coulda found a way

To get to you

before it was too late.

You had the whole town

pulling for you.

But you didn't care

who you hurt...

Swenson, Helga, anybody.

You're just no good.

Let's go.

I thought you were

drawing on me.

Hold up, there.

With Davey's compliments.

And Davey?

Davey did fine.

Run for Cover (1955) - full transcript