Rustler's Round-Up (1946) Movie Script

[playing accordion]

I'm tough and rough And I'm ready

On a mustang I'm cool and I'm steady

I can ride, shoot, Rope and tie

Better than any guy

That's the way I am

I'm really just a humdinger

I can lick 20 men

With one finger

I'm content When I'm tusslin'

Or when I'm rustlin'

That's the way I am

I'm a two-fisted

Western pote

With my left and right hand

I can prove it

To any bloke

By getting in a fight

So bad men will never

Affect me

They have learned That they'd better respect me

'Cause I'm rough, tough

And big and strong

I'll always get along

That's the way I am

May I?

[playing]

I hate the hustle

And bustle

And I hate getting into

A tussle

That's because

I'm just a peaceful guy

Watching the world

Go by

That's the way

I am

I like to watch

Shadows falling

And I like bobolink

When they're calling

Never cared much

For acting mean

I like to be serene

That's the way

I am

I like moonlight

And even skies

When the night

Is still

I'm not the kind

Who would pick a fight

Just for a moment's thrill

So I hang my hat

Where it's quiet

And there's others I know

Who should try it

When I get

Feeling good inside

Then I can rope and ride

That's the way

I am

Thank you.

Major, I bet

I can tell you

why you're going

to the town of Rawhide.

All right, tell me.

You aim to start

a cattle ranch there, don't you?

Correct.

And you don't know

much about it, do you?

Correct again.

Say, you're a mind-reader,

my friend.

How do you do it?

Oh, it's just a trick

of the trade.

I'm a detective.

-Pinkerton man?

-[laughs]

Mister,

I'm the Pinkerton man.

Pinkerton J. Pratt.

Named in honor

of the great detective.

Say, that's quite a name

to live up to.

You said it,

and it sure don't help

to have your friends

call you--

-"Pinky"?

-How'd you guess it?

I've got to make that name

feared and respected.

And Rawhide's the last chance

I've got to do it.

Why Rawhide?

Because it's the most lawless

town in the whole frontier.

But after I get her tamed,

the name of Pinkerton Pratt

will be as famous

as Wild Bill Hickok,

or Wyatt Earp,

or Bob Bryan.

Bob Bryan?

You mean you've never

heard of him?

The man that cleaned up

Deadwood.

Ran the killers

out of the badlands,

with a little help

from yours truly, of course.

Then you know him.

Know him?

Why, I was his partner.

Many is a time we stood

side by side,

blazing away at the crooks

and outlaws

until our guns got so hot they

well nigh cooked our fingers.

Is that a fact?

You ain't doubting me?

When a man is sure

of something,

he has no doubts

about it.

Yeah. [laughs]

[gunfire]

Wiggle up, driver!

If this is a holdup,

you're wasting your time.

We're not carrying

anything valuable.

It's him we're after.

What's he done?

What do you

want him for?

He had too many aces

in his deck,

and we're aiming

to teach him a lesson.

That's a lie.

They lost their money to

a better gambler and got sore.

That's the truth,

honest it is.

Well, if he's the man

you say you want,

I reckon there's nothing

we can do about it.

You bet you can't.

Come on out of there,

you tinhorn.

Keep your hands

off those guns.

You're doing a heap,

interfering in other folks'

business.

You aren't this man's judge,

and neither am I.

If you have any complaints,

make them with the sheriff

in Rawhide.

Now, get on your horse

and head for home.

Stranger, I'm one

of the Todd brothers.

Louie Todd.

And the name of Todd means

a lot in the town of Rawhide.

I imagine it does.

You heard

what the judge said.

Now get moving.

All right, driver.

Mister, that was handy

and nifty

as anything

I've ever seen,

and I've seen plenty.

Not even Bob Bryan

could have done it any better.

You flatter me.

You had a close call.

I sure did.

If it hadn't been

for you gents,

this might have been

a rope.

I sure thank you,

and anytime I can

return the favor...

Without a gun,

you wouldn't last long enough

to do anybody a favor.

Well, I had one,

but I lost it

getting away

from those fellas.

How come you beat

them longhorns in a card game?

You sure you wasn't

cheating?

I never cheat.

Don't have to.

As long as I've got

this lucky charm,

Lady Luck is always

smiling on me.

You wouldn't have been

very lucky

if those men had gotten

hold of you.

But I was lucky.

I ran into you boys,

didn't I?

I wish old Lady Luck would smile

at me once in a while,

instead of always

making ugly faces.

[crowd shouting]

Get your ballots out

And vote for Cal Dixon

Let us sing and shout

He's the people's candidate

Don't forget to vote

And vote for Cal Dixon

Will he beat Fin Elder

Before it's too late?

D-I-X, D-I-X-O-N

Dixon is the choice

Get your ballots out

And vote for Cal Dixon

Let us sing and shout

He's the people's candidate

D-I-X, D-I-X-O-N

Dixon is the choice

Get your ballots out

And vote for Cal Dixon

Let us sing and shout

He's the people's candidate

This is quite a reception

in your honor, Pinky.

It sure is, but how'd they know

I was coming?

Good evening.

Are you for law and order,

or decent government?

-Are you?

-Well, of course.

Then I am too.

-You voted yet?

-No, not yet.

You know, I've heard of lady

governors, mayors and things,

but I never realized they were

so young and so pretty.

Are you married?

You know, a man should know

a lot about his candidate.

I'm not a candidate

and I'm not married.

My name is Jo.

Josephine Fremont.

And I'm supporting Cal Dixon,

an honest man, for sheriff.

-Come on, you vote in here.

-Just a minute.

First, don't you think I should

know more about you?

I mean,

about your candidate?

Well,

don't you trust me?

-Yes, but I--

-Well, then come on.

-The polls are over there.

-Let me explain.

We haven't time.

Please hurry.

Polls close

in exactly one minute!

Anybody ain't voted yet?

-He hasn't.

-Well, then he'll sure

have to be quick

about it.

-Here's your ballot.

-Hold it, Fin.

-You registered, stranger?

-Why, no, I'm not.

What?

You're not a voter?

I tried to tell you,

but you wouldn't listen.

Well, I sure am surprised

at you, Miss Fremont.

I didn't expect crooked method

from a reformer.

Yeah, trying to sneak in

a floater.

Why, I could put you

in jail for that.

I'd like to see you

try it, Fin Elder.

Now don't get excited.

I'll overlook it this time.

Like you overlook

everything else.

Polls are closed!

I'm sorry I let that happen,

Miss Fremont.

If apologies

are in order, I--

They certainly are.

If I hadn't wasted my time

with you,

I might have rounded up

a real voter.

Again, I'm sorry.

I take it this is

a very close election.

It could have been.

-[man 1] Elder!

-[man 2] Elder!

-[man 1] Elder.

-[man 2] Elder?

-Elder.

-Dixon.

Elder.

-Elder.

Elder.

-Elder.

-Elder. Elder. Elder.

-Elder.

And that is all.

And that is plenty.

Looks like

you've lost, Cal.

The Todd brothers

are still in the saddle.

[chuckles]

Riding high.

Well, Dixon,

congratulate the winner.

You didn't win

the election, Fin Elder.

Your friends over there

stole it for you.

Elder...

the lawless element

which you represent

is running things now.

But mark my words,

sooner or later, the decent

people of this community

will take government

out of your hands.

Them's pretty harsh words,

Judge Wayne.

They're the truth,

Mr. Todd.

After all, we've got a right

to protect our own interests.

Our ranches,

our cattle.

Your stolen cattle.

Another crack like that,

and I'll load you up

with lead.

Don't argue

with him, Cal.

You'll only get

the worst of it.

No listen here, Dixon.

I aim to keep on running

a peaceful town.

Oh, we know all about that,

sheriff.

So why don't you go ahead

and celebrate your re-election.

Yeah, Fin.

The drinks are on you.

Yeah, that's--

Oh, oh, the drinks.

That's right,

the drinks.

Come on, boys.

Everybody step up to the bar.

-I'm setting them up.

-[indistinct chattering]

[tapping on counter]

You're liable

to insult the sheriff,

paying for your own drink.

Only a tenderfoot

would do that.

Name your poison,

mister.

Well, if it ain't

Bob Bryan.

Remember me?

Jim Walton, from Deadwood.

Sure. Glad to see you again,

Jim.

Why, you--

You ain't really--

Now, don't try to fool

an old friend from Deadwood.

You remember Pinky,

my partner, don't you, Jim?

Sure I do...

I guess.

Many's the time we stood

side by side,

blazing away until our guns

were so hot

they well nigh

cooked our fingers.

Didn't we, partner?

[gasps and coughs]

You're not going

to stand there

and let a man choke to death,

Jim.

Get him a drink...

of milk.

[coughs]

Looks like you got yourself

re-elected just in time, Fin.

That's Bob Bryan

at the end of the bar.

You've heard of him,

haven't you?

Oh, yes.

-Aiming to clean up Rawhide?

-No.

What? You giving up

the law and order business?

There's a better future

in cattle ranching.

You live longer.

[laughs]

-Jim, our private bottle.

-Yes, sir.

So you're Bob Bryan.

That's right.

Whom might you be?

I'm Victor Todd.

This here is my brother,

Jules.

I've already had the pleasure

of meeting your brother Louie.

Oh? Let's have

a friendly drink

before we get down

to business.

Business? I don't recall

having any business with you.

About the future

of Rawhide.

Me and my brothers are

right interested in its welfare.

I imagine you are.

No, thanks.

I don't drink.

Aiming to settle here?

Maybe.

Figure on toting

a marshal's badge?

I hadn't thought about it.

Why?

It's a thankless job.

And besides, this town's already

got a sheriff.

Fin Elder.

Now, see here, Mr. Bryan,

there's just one thing

I want you to understand.

I am the legally elected

peace officer of this county.

Did you say

legally elected?

-Now you see here, young man--

-I beg your pardon.

For the moment, I forgot the

respect due a public officer.

Yeah, well, as long

as I'm sheriff here,

I don't need anybody

to help me enforce the law.

I've been doing my duty

as I seen it,

and everybody

is satisfied.

Well, that is,

most everybody.

Say no more, sheriff.

You're welcome

to your job.

Well, now you're being

sensible.

Jim, you got a couple

rooms for us?

You bet, Bob.

Here, take 4 and 5.

They're the best I got.

Thanks.

Hey, Fin. Come here.

What can I do

for you, Louie?

See that gent in the black suit

at the poker table?

Why, yeah.

I want you to arrest him.

Why, sure.

I'll raise you 50.

You're under arrest.

-What for?

-Why, uh...

for whatever it was

you done to Mr. Louie Todd,

that's what for.

Just a minute

till I finish this hand.

You'll come

right now.

You heard the sheriff's orders.

Get up.

Must take a lot of nerve

to hit a man sitting down.

He needed a lesson.

I taught him respect

for the law.

Respect for your kind

of law.

Your mouth's open

an awful lot, Dixon.

And for the last time,

we're warning you

to keep it shut.

Easy, Cal.

You Todds are riding high,

aren't you?

Don't reach for that gun.

Well, that's no gun.

That's my--

[indistinct chattering]

Stay where you are!

Everybody!

What's going on here?

Sheriff, I demand that you

arrest that man for murder.

Why? Mr. Jules Todd?

Yes, Mr. Jules Todd.

Go ahead, Fin.

Do your duty.

All right, Fin, but mind you,

I ain't admitting murder.

I only shot to protect

my brother.

Dixon pulled

a gun on him.

He did not.

He was reaching

for his tobacco pouch.

You'll find it right there

by his hand.

This here's the only evidence

I found by his hand.

You can't get away

with that.

Everyone knows that Dixon

never carried a gun in his life.

There's at least

a dozen witnesses who--

Now just a minute,

Fremont.

All them witnesses

will get a chance to testify

when the case is tried

in the morning.

Well, what do you know?

The night we hit town,

there's a killing.

I told you Rawhide was a place

to make my reputation.

Go ahead, Pinkerton.

The case is all yours.

[laughs]

Huh?

[man]

Hear ye, hear ye!

By virtue of the laws

of this territory,

a duly constituted court

is now in session.

The Honorable Judge Wayne

presiding.

You may be seated.

Sheriff, have you prepared

a list of the taxpayers

-liable for jury duty?

-Yes, Your Honor.

Names are ready

to be drawn.

Men whose names are drawn

must serve on this jury.

Only legal excuses

will be accepted.

Pete Hanigan.

Judge Robins.

Rocky Rockworth.

Steve Hough.

Luke Anders.

Dirk Dixon.

Duke Thorndike.

Dave Cabry.

Dean Murdock.

Pete Hanigan.

Dick Kildaire.

Rod Gilrocks.

What a collection

of American beauties.

I'll lay you odds there ain't an

honest one in the whole bunch.

I'm surprised at you, Pinky,

wanting to bet on a sure thing.

[Wayne]

Sheriff, call the first case.

All right.

What is your name?

Jefferson King.

"Faro" King,

they call me.

Faro's my favorite game.

Your occupation?

Gamb-- Um, sportsman.

You are charged

with obtaining money

by trickery and fraud

in a card game.

How do you plead?

Not guilty, Your Honor.

Sit down till we hear

the complaining witness.

You swear to tell the truth,

the whole truth

and nothing but the truth,

so help you?

I do.

Mr. Todd, tell us exactly

how this man defrauded you.

First off, he held three

full houses in a row.

And then he filled an inside

straight flush

with a one-card draw.

How does that

prove cheating?

The only way he could do it

is with a marked deck.

Did you bring

the deck with you?

Me?

Me carry a marked deck?

No, sir, I wouldn't

be caught with one.

Then you have no evidence,

no witnesses?

There was two other

honest men in the game,

and they'd tell you the same

if they happen to be here.

That's all.

You're excused.

Mr. King.

You have heard the case

against you.

What is your defense?

I don't use

marked cards.

Never have.

I don't need to.

You see, I'm-- I'm just

naturally a very lucky man.

[jury laughs]

[knocks gavel]

Did you obtain any money

from the complainant?

Did you leave the game

a winner?

Oh, yes Your Honor.

I-I always come out ahead.

Then I can't dismiss

the case against you,

as much as I would

like to do so.

Sit down, please.

Gentlemen of the jury,

you are instructed to disregard

the charge of marked cards,

which was not introduced

in evidence.

You may now retire and decide

upon your verdict.

Retiring won't be necessary,

judge.

I reckon we're all

of the same mind.

Eh, boys?

What is your verdict?

Guilty, of course.

Jefferson King,

you have been found guilty.

Have you anything to say

before I pronounce sentence?

Only that I'd like a fair trial

before an honest jury.

I'm sorry, but the jury

cannot be discharged

unless you can prove they have

been bribed or threatened.

According to law,

I must impose

the minimum sentence.

Thirty days' confinement

in the county jail.

Well, did you ever?

Why, that jury ought to be

sent up for contempt of court.

Next case.

Mr. Todd.

Jules Todd, you are charged

with the murder of Cal Dixon.

-How do you plead?

-Not guilty, Your Honor,

because he was going

to kill my brother.

We'll hear your story later.

Sit down, please.

Call the witness.

Mr. Tom Fremont.

Do you swear to tell the truth,

the whole truth

and nothing but the truth,

so help you?

-I do.

-Mr. Fremont,

please tell the jury what led up

to the shooting last night.

Well, the quarrel began

when Cal Dixon

accused the Todd brothers

of stealing cattle,

and Vic Todd

threatened to kill him.

That's a lie!

It sure is.

Dixon pulled a gun on me.

That's right. The sheriff

found it in Dixon's hand.

Because you put it there,

Louie Todd.

Tell him, Dad.

-[indistinct chattering]

-[gavel bangs]

Order.

Order in the court.

It is for the jury,

not the public,

to decide on the facts.

You're excused, Mr. Fremont.

Thank you.

Sheriff, have you the gun that

was found by Mr. Dixon's hand?

Yes, Your Honor.

Here it is.

Will you show the jury

how Mr. Dixon

could have carried that gun

as a concealed weapon?

Yes, Your Honor.

Gentlemen of the jury,

you're seeing for yourself

it is impossible

to carry a gun of that size

as a concealed weapon.

You are therefore instructed

to disregard any testimony

relating to same

in reaching your verdict.

We've already

reached it, judge.

What is your verdict?

We find Jules Todd

shot Cal Dixon

to protect his brother.

Not guilty.

We demand a new jury!

[all shouting angrily]

-[taps gavel]

-Order.

Order in the court.

There cannot be

another trial.

The law provides that no man

shall be tried twice

for the same offense.

Mr. Todd, you are free.

This court now

stands adjourned.

-And the bar may reopen.

-[bangs gavel]

[indistinct chatter]

Good morning.

That was a pretty raw deal,

wasn't it?

Just about the worst

I've ever seen.

Fine work, men.

Oh, Mr. Bryan.

How do you do?

I'm Judge Wayne.

I'm glad to know you,

judge.

This is Pinky, Pinkerton Pratt.

My partner.

-How do you do?

-Howdy, judge.

I was glad to learn

that you came here.

This town needs a man like you

to clean out the lawless element

like you did in Deadwood.

And we're willing

to pay your price.

Say, that's a lingo

we savvy, judge.

You just name the price,

and in 48 hours me and Bob

will have everybody in town

-sitting up, singing hymns.

-[laughs]

I'm afraid you'll have to be

choirmaster all alone, Pinky.

Sorry, judge,

I'm not interested.

Didn't you hear?

They're willing to pay.

I came here to settle down

and do some peaceful ranching.

My only interest is in locating

some good grazing land.

Very well, Mr. Bryan.

You may think

differently

when you have a stake

in this community.

You'll find some good land

open to homesteading

back at the Fremont place.

-Thank you, judge.

-Good day, gentlemen.

Hey, where are you going?

Buy me a horse,

take a look at that land

the judge spoke about.

-Should I go with you?

-What for?

You came to Rawhide to make

your reputation, didn't you?

Yeah, but I can't work

without my old partner.

-Can I?

-[laughs]

That Fremont, trying to put

a noose around my neck.

It's a defamation

of character.

It sure is, and he ought

to be made to pay for it.

That's not a bad idea.

Today would be

a good collection day

with Tom Fremont

likely to stay in town.

Well, what are we

waiting for?

Five miles of trail washed out

from running water.

[cows lowing]

[cowboy whooping]

Jules, Louie and I

had better go on ahead

and see Andy's got everything

ready at the branding pen.

You better ride on back

and hurry the boys up

so as we can slap our brand

on him before dark.

That's right.

[cows lowing]

It's an easy job, Andy.

Takes only two strokes

with that special iron

to change Fremont's "TF"

into our "TB,"

proving our legal

ownership.

Got a little news item.

Old man Fremont was snooping up

on the ridge

and got an eyeful.

-You sure it was him?

-Positive.

He was riding his favorite

dapple gray.

That guy'll never learn.

Let's toss for it.

Odd man's elected.

-Tails.

-Heads.

Heads.

You fellas hurry up

with your job

while I'm doing mine.

Chuck!

Here are the things you

and the boys wanted from town.

Oh, thank you, Miss Jo.

Here comes your dad,

Miss Jo.

Well, I wonder why

he's in such a hurry.

[gunshot]

Dad!

Here, let's turn him over.

Help me.

Hey, Ralph,

give me a hand with him.

Let's get him

in the house.

Careful with him, boys.

No worry, honey.

I'll be all right.

You look after him, Chuck.

I'm going for the doctor.

That's the kind of setting

I mean.

Yeah, sure is,

ain't it?

Look!

You again.

That's right.

Just in time

to stop your runaway.

Oh, that was no runaway.

I was on my way into town

for a doctor.

My father's been

seriously wounded.

I'm sorry to hear that,

Miss Fremont.

Is there anything

I can do to help?

Yes, put this rig

together

and take it to the first

ranch up the road.

It looks like you had

a smash-up or something.

What do you think?

-Where's the girl?

-Gone to town.

-Where's your horse?

-Gone to town.

-You mean, together?

-That's the general idea.

I don't suppose

you've got anything

we could hook this rig

together with.

Something with holding power.

I sure have.

Best holding power

in the world.

How'd you happen

to have these along?

Rule book says never

to be without them.

I've carried them with me ever

since I've been a detective.

Don't look like

they've ever been used.

They haven't,

except I got myself

locked up in them once.

[laughs]

Went around for two or three

days like that,

coffee and everything.

Well, dear brother,

did you liquidate

our friend Fremont?

Of course I did.

Why such a stupid crack?

Think I'm losing my grip?

Only part of it.

[Victor] Huh, I must have

broke it when I fell up there.

How is he, doctor?

He's very low.

Dad, can you hear me?

Who shot you?

Do you know?

Do you think

it was the Todds?

Oh, Dad.

So it was the Todds.

Mr. Fremont didn't say so.

He merely suspected them.

What's the difference?

We know they did it.

Proving that's

another matter.

With only suspicion

to go on,

Miss Fremont couldn't even

get a warrant,

-much less a conviction.

-Bob's right.

She's got to have circumstantial

evidence at least.

Well, we're going to try

to get it for her.

"We"? I thought you said

you was through with--

Skip it.

Where was Mr. Fremont shot?

Right over here?

They rode in

from that way.

And this is where

he fell.

The bullet went clean

through his back.

Maybe we can find it.

Ouch!

What's the idea having an old,

splintery barn?

Dangerous to man

or beast.

That's the answer.

Ah.

[Bob]

It's a powerful slug to do that

after going through a man.

Got a small stick

or something?

-Yeah, here you are.

-What you want that for?

Tell the direction and angle

the bullet came from.

That proves the shot

was fired from up there.

Yeah, but who fired the shot?

That's the question.

Partner, I figure

we'd better take a ride--

I figure the same way,

Pinky.

Pinky, suppose you would have

fired that shot.

Where would you aim from?

Right here.

That's a natural

ambush shot.

When you snapped out

your empty shell,

where'd it land?

About there.

Look, a .30-30.

Say, partner, we're doing

right well in this case.

Yeah, considering that only

one of us is professional.

Oh, you'll learn.

Say, that reminds me,

the rule book says

never leave the scene of the

crime without reenacting it.

-Go ahead, Sherlock.

-Huh?

Oh.

Well, I'd take aim on the man

as he rides up to the barn.

Bang! I got him.

But I ain't dead sure,

so I'll lever in another shell.

Then I see some people

come a-running.

So I sneak back,

further and further back,

so they can't see me.

Ow! Oh! Doggone it.

Anything broken?

Don't think so.

But I'm sitting on something

awful sharp.

There, look.

Doggone it.

You know what this is?

I don't care, as long

as I got it out of my system.

It's a broken-off

revolver grip.

Could be the killer fell

down here, just like you did.

Well, naturally.

When I reenact a crime,

I go whole hog.

He's our man, all right.

There's no two ways about that.

The rule book says

a murderer...

[both] ...always returns

to the scene of the crime.

Yeah.

Why'd you stop me

from nailing him?

Why'd you let him

get away for?

Because it's pretty

serious business

to accuse a man of murder

unless you got positive proof.

Give a suspect enough rope

and he'll hang himself.

Yeah,

I see what you mean.

[stammers] Just set a trap

for him, like you would a rat.

Right.

Well, howdy, Mr. Todd.

What can I do for you today?

I broke my gun handle.

Can you replace it right away?

Sure thing.

Fix it right up.

How'd you break it?

On a man's head,

for not minding

his own business.

There you are, Mr. Todd.

How much?

Oh, about a dollar

and a half.

-There's two.

-Well, thanks.

Howdy, gents.

What can I do for you?

I'd like to look

at some rifle ammunition.

You have any of those

new .30-30s?

Sure thing. First batch to hit

town arrived last week.

Anybody try them yet?

Only Mr. Vic Todd.

He's the sharpest shooter

in these parts.

Why, he just left here.

Too bad you missed him.

You could have asked him

how they worked.

Maybe I will.

You just changed the grip

on his revolver, didn't you?

How'd you know?

This piece matches

the broken one, doesn't it?

If you don't mind,

I'll keep this.

-I know, but--

-You see, my hobby is collecting

broken gun handles.

[laughs]

There's some of the craziest

people in this world.

According to my deductions,

that just about cooks

Mr. Vic Todd's goose,

feathers and all.

About time to spring that

rat trap, ain't it, partner?

[Bob] This is the bullet

that killed Mr. Fremont.

And this is the shell

it came out of.

Fired from Vic Todd's gun.

I demand his arrest

on the charge of murder.

[scoffs]

I can't arrest him.

You haven't got

any proof.

All that stuff's

just circumstantial evidence.

Highly circumstantial.

You mean you refuse

to make the arrest?

Why, of course.

You can't come in here

without even an eyewitness

and expect me to cause trouble

for my--

-[Faro] My friends.

- My friends.

[man chuckles]

[door opens]

Now what'll we do?

Here's what you do:

get out of town, fast.

But why?

Because there might

be some trouble

around here first thing,

you know.

You mean

you want me to go?

You don't want me

for a partner no more?

I mean I don't want you

to get hurt, Pinky.

There's liable to be

some rough going from now on.

Yeah? Just like

the good old days,

when we stood

shoulder to shoulder.

Didn't we?

[chuckles]

All right, partner.

If that's the way

you want it.

Oh, Judge Wayne.

Good afternoon,

gentlemen.

I suppose you heard

about Mr. Fremont.

The doctor told me.

We have evidence to prove

he was killed by Vic Todd,

but the sheriff has refused

to arrest him.

Well, that doesn't

surprise me.

Maybe this will, judge.

I've changed my mind.

I'm ready to wear that badge.

I'd like to be sworn in

right away.

That is a surprise.

A most pleasant one.

Please come inside.

Oh, Bob.

-Jules and Louie here?

-No, they went to town.

Took off over the hill

from the branding fence.

You're trespassing

on private property, Mr. Bryan.

And what are you doing

toting that badge?

-Coming after you.

-Yeah? For what?

You know the answer

to that.

Are you coming

peacefully?

Get on your horse.

Here you are,

partner.

Remember next time,

it ain't healthy pointing

loaded guns at people.

Especially when you don't know

who you're pointing them at.

Now just pick it up

and hand it to me.

Gently.

So that's why you killed

Tom Fremont.

What are you getting at?

Rustle some of his stock,

didn't you?

That was our own stock

we was branding.

You'll find a "TB" on every

steer roaming our ranch.

No doubt, but didn't it

ever occur to you

that "TB" is a mighty

unhealthy brand?

-[piano music playing]

-Hey, Jules. Louie.

All right, Mr. Todd.

Pinky, you'd better take

the horses to the livery stable.

Right. And you'd better

have these keys

so you can unlock

them handcuffs.

There you are.

After you, Mr. Todd.

Come on, boy.

I have a special

prisoner for you, sheriff.

Say, now you see here,

Mr. Bryan.

You ain't got any right

to arrest this man.

I'm the only one

around these parts

that has a legal right

to arrest anybody.

Then you don't recognize

the authority

of the United States

government.

U.S. marshal?

Oh, well,

that's different.

Uh, what can I do

for you, marshal?

Lock him up.

And you'd better see that

he doesn't accidentally escape,

unless you want

to take his place in there.

Excuse me.

Uh, I mean, come along.

Hello, Faro. Sorry to bring you

such bad company.

This Mr. Todd

is a federal prisoner.

And to save you

any temptation,

I'll keep the key.

Unlock that door

and let Vic out of there.

Why, I can't do it, Louie.

I haven't got the key.

Marshal Bryan took it.

-Did you say Marshal Bryan?

-Yeah.

Vic is now a prisoner

of Uncle Sam,

and I can't do anything about

it, that is, until morning.

There's something I can

do about it, and right now.

Step back, Vic.

I'll blast this door open.

Louie, you can't

do that.

Why, it ain't legal.

And besides, it ain't going

to do Vic a bit of harm

to get a good night's sleep.

Then just let the law

take its course,

if you know what I mean.

I guess Fin's right, boys.

But I demand

a quick trial.

Don't you worry a bit

about that, now, Vic,

because you'll get it.

I'll round up a jury

the first thing in the morning.

-And an acquittal.

[laughs]

Everything's working out

slick as a whistle, partner.

-But one thing bothers me.

-What's that?

The hand-picked plug uglies

that many sheriff will have

sitting on the jury

in that saloon.

You know they're going

to be friends of the Todds,

just like before.

This time the sheriff

is going to be relieved

of that duty

and privilege,

and the trial won't be held

in the saloon.

-What you mean?

-Well, according to the law,

judge can hold court

wherever necessary.

So in order to have

an honest jury,

we're going to visit the judge

and arrange for him

to hold court

elsewhere.

Ah. Funny, I never

thought of that.

Morning, judge.

Is everybody here?

All but the prisoner

and the marshal.

Miss Fremont went to see

what was detaining them.

I see.

Where's Bob Bryan

and the prisoner?

Barricaded in jail

and needing help.

Vic Todd's brothers and friends

have them trapped.

Well, we'll take care

of that.

Come on, men.

You'd better forget the road

and head over the hills,

or it'll be too late.

[indistinct chatter]

[gunfire]

That marshal's going

to pay for this.

Fin, you and some of the boys

get a big wagon

from the feed store.

We're crashing in.

Yes, but Louie, listen--

Do you want

that marshal dead,

or alive to be a witness

against you?

Get going.

[gunfire]

You fellas,

come with me!

Hey, what are they doing coming

up the alley with that wagon?

They're going to try

to crash in.

Hey, Faro, I'm calling on you

to return that favor.

[Faro]

It'll be a pleasure, marshal.

Release him

and give him a gun.

[gunfire]

Hey, pal,

that bird's flown the coop.

[gunshots]

[gunfire]

That's some shooting.

You stopped your friend

Louie Todd right in his tracks.

That's his reward

for putting me in here.

Hold you fire!

Hold it, hold it!

Hold your fire, men.

Fin Elder,

you and your men

come out in the open

with your hands held high.

I knew Rawhide was a place

to make my reputation.

Pinkerton Pratt

gets his man.

-Where's Marshal Bryan?

-Huh? Oh, him?

He's gone out

to lasso Vic Todd.

He made a getaway

during the excitement.

Since I'm the marshal's deputy

and partner,

I'll take charge

of these prisoners,

with the aid of my assistant,

Faro.

Sheriff, I want the folks

to see what you and your friends

look like on the other side

of them bars.

All right, boys,

get walking.

Come on, come on,

hurry up.

After you, sheriff.

[cackles]

With our comrades Beside us

And the bright stars To guide us

We will follow

The western trail

We'll go riding together

In all sorts of weather

While we follow

The western trail

We will ride to the end

Under skies of blue

Man to man Friend to friend

We'll always see Each other through

With the whole world Before us

We'll sing out In chorus

As we follow

The western trail

Rustler's Round-Up (1946) - full transcript