Stagecoach to Dancers' Rock (1962) - full transcript
Six passengers in a stagecoach are abandoned by their driver when he discovers that one of them has smallpox.
[ Man ]
Giddap!
Giddap! Hiyah!
Hiyah! Ha! Giddap!
Hyah! Hyah!
[ Gunshots ]
[ Gunshots Continue ]
[ Gunshot ]
[ Two Gunshots ]
[ Guitars ]
♪ On the stagecoach run
to Dancers' Rock ♪
♪ The passenger list was six ♪
♪ There were two young ladies
and four strong men ♪
♪ And they raced
against the clock ♪
♪ On their way
to Dancers' Rock ♪
♪ The two men drivin'
the stagecoach run ♪
♪ Were killed
by the Indians' bow ♪
♪ The others fought
among themselves ♪
♪ As Apaches
watched from below ♪
♪ The stage to Dancers' Rock ♪
♪ On each new day
a passenger died ♪
♪ By arrow, knife and gun ♪
♪ They buried each other
on the trail ♪
♪ And their graves still burn
in the sun ♪
♪ On the trail
to Dancers' Rock ♪
♪ Now all this happened
years ago ♪
♪ In 1873 ♪
♪ The folks out west
still sing about ♪
♪ The stagecoach mystery ♪
♪ In the "Ballad
of Dancers' Rock" ♪
♪ "The Ballad
of Dancers' Rock"
Whoa!
Now you folks has
15 minutes for grub and such.
You'll find everything you need
in the hotel yonder.
They assured us in Tombstone
that we would have
at least 35 minutes...
to refresh ourselves
here in Tucson.
We're apparently
well behind schedule,
Mr. Best.
I suppose
we'll have to wait
till Fort Yuma.
Odious highway robbers.
Drunken coachmen.
-Wretched land.
-[ Laughs ]
Surely this is
not the sentiment
of a dedicated Indian agent.
The Apache Nation deserves
much more from you, sir.
Notorious breed.
[ Honky-tonk ]
[ Guffawing ]
Mind if
I move in, Whip?
Well, now,
you appear plumb sassy.
I wager
you ran into a real
mean scalpin' party...
and killed off
all your sweet passengers.
By mistake, of course.
It weren't no
sweatin' Apaches.
We met up with
three mean hombres
lookin' for gold.
Got theirselves shot
and scared up good.
High-tailin' it
for Mexico now,
I figure.
I'm wagerin' it's
that stink you're wearin'
that drove 'em off.
What have you got for me?
You got right smart
of two dudes and
one big-eyed female.
Two to Frisco
and one to Fort Yuma.
-Is the filly pretty?
-Well, now, I don't mean nothin.
Anyhow, she's got slit-eyes
for the cavalry major with
the dear yellow bandanna.
He could be tricky.
Well, he ain't
ridin' no horse,
and I ain't gonna
be blowin' no bugle.
That yellow gal out there
ridin' with you?
She paid her hundred gold.
I'm also haulin'
that tinhorn gambler,
Dade Coleman.
Sheriff wants him took
into Apache country.
Further, the better.
Yellow women. Huh!
Only white, full-blooded
United States rides
in my coach.
Now you won't forget
to write, will you,
Loi Yan?
Often, Mai Lei.
And you write too, Ah Ling.
Perhaps one day soon
you come to San Francisco
to visit me, huh?
Would you like that?
Tell Aunt Loi Yan that
would make you very happy, dear.
I don't want you to go,
Aunt Loi Yan. [ Sobs ]
Time's up!
All them that's ridin'
the 4:00 west...
best get himself
out here!
You ridin' shotgun
with me, boss?
Wouldn't be much of a division
agent if I didn't look
things over once in a while.
Besides, these
ain't cigarette papers
I'm takin' to the Yuma Bank.
You sure you ain't
been lookin' over one
of my female passengers?
Lookin' over never did
buckshot a man's backside.
Whilst you round up the strays,
I'll step into Pete's and get me
a travelin' bottle.
Right.
Fifteen minutes. Bah!
We didn't even have time
to shoo the flies away
from that rancid food.
It was bad, wasn't it?
And I haven't had
any fresh fruit
since St. Louis.
[ Chuckles ]
Ah, my zealous warder.
Now what mundane
curiosity fetches you?
Let's go, Coleman.
Deliverin' me
to the mob?
You're leavin' town.
This is to be
a one-way trip, I suppose.
I ordered Whip to see
that you get at least
as far as Fort Yuma.
And from there, I suggest
you just keep on going.
Loaded?
[ Chuckles ]
Not this time, Sheriff.
It wouldn't amuse me.
I'll give you what's left
of your cheatin' money.
Ma'am.
Ho!
[ Guitars ]
♪ Now all this happened
years ago ♪
♪ In 1873 ♪
♪ The folks out west
still sing about ♪
♪ The stagecoach mystery ♪
♪ In the "Ballad
of Dancers' Rock" ♪
♪ "The Ballad
of Dancers' Rock"
I have never been
so grossly abused...
as in the course
of this disgusting transit.
Life is a process
of accommodation,
Mr. Best.
There are times
when we must rise
to an heroic level...
in this chronicle
of wasted time.
Won't you agree,
uh, Miss Thompson?
I'm afraid this is a journey
I wouldn't care to make often,
Mr. Coleman.
An angel
in another's hell.
Yet how fortunate for us.
Both of you charming ladies
have our profound
sympathies.
-Right, Major?
-This is my first trip west.
And 25 days
in this contraption calls
for considerable stamina.
How's
the medical reading
progressing, Doctor?
I'm afraid you're
somewhat premature, John.
My first class doesn't
convene until autumn.
To be a physician--
how proud you must be.
Is it in San Francisco
that you will study?
Why, yes.
Cooper Medical College.
-Are you familiar with it?
-Oh, yes. It is one of the best.
Woman's suffrage.
Female doctors.
Half-castes
with college educations.
I tell you it's immoral,
and it should be condemned.
I'm a full-blooded
Chinese, Mr. Best.
My father is a man
of the sea and proud.
Thus I am proud.
To learn
gives me pride also.
Oh, there's nothing
personal, mind you.
I'm merely interested
in principles, not people.
I'm fully acquainted
with these matters.
In fact, I--
Enough of your recital,
Mr. Best.
What duplicity and hypocritical
class-conscious snobbery.
We will dispense
with your little
hour of wrath.
[ Shouting ] When in the devil
are we gonna have
another rest stop?
Ain't no more.
Dinner in about an hour
at Stone Reservoir.
Get your head
back in there.
Rest stop.
These dudes.
Give me a full load
of Apache squaws compared
to these weak-bellies.
Yeah, that red-lipped girlie
is sure enough fetchin'.
I bet you couldn't check her
with a three-quarter rope
and a snubbin' post.
But I sure aim to try
before we sight Flint Creek.
You better keep your eye
on that Dade Coleman.
He's always got
his brandin' iron ready for
these big, sassy fillies.
Ah, I don't care
if them two is chewin'
tobacco from the same plug.
Me and that gal's
gonna powwow. Ho! Ho!
This is hardly a repast
one might beam over.
I'm not hungry.
Really.
A soft bed
and a good night's sleep
would be heavenly right now.
Who was it once said,
"Most women feel at home
only in bed"?
Just to be able to sleep
is all I could ask for.
I concur. It has been
a shocking experience.
But some of us
must resign ourselves
to sacrifice...
in bringing enlightenment
to the uncivilized,
the untutored.
It has its rewards.
Fortune favors the bold,
eh, Hiram?
It's readily apparent
from your accoutrement, sir,
that you have little
compassion for anything,
much less for the barbarians
who roam this godless plain.
My philosophy
is personal, Mr. Best.
None of it is based
on the illiterate shouts...
of Tucson wood peddlers
nor itinerant politicians.
I am not a politician.
I am an accredited
representative of our
sovereign government...
assigned to bring
godly ways to the savages.
Well, credentials are just
so much paper talk out here
where so few can read.
If the ladies
will excuse me.
[ Laughing ]
[ John ]
You know, there's little
sense in provoking him, Coleman.
He's just a frightened man
with a hatred for anything
he can't understand.
All men are frightened--
sometimes turn coward--
when they come face-to-face
with the thing they fear.
Would you care to join me
in a short walk before
our departure, Miss Wu?
Yes. Thank you.
Oh, I wouldn't worry.
She's probably fawning over some
opium-eater in San Francisco.
That's a disgusting
thing to say.
John is merely
being gracious.
After all,
Loi Yan is so young.
She's-- She's so fragile.
What makes you think
there could ever
be anything...
-between John and Loi Yan?
-Why, I didn't.
What I said was merely
a horseback opinion.
Anyway, it's quite clear
that your major is thinkin'
of sparkin' that girl.
He's probably frightened
to death of medicine
and jackknife surgery.
So many men,
so many minds.
[ Dade ] I'm sure you're not
havin' very much trouble
reading mine.
-Enjoyin' your trip, ma'am?
-Come now, sir.
You can't describe
traveling an enjoyment.
I reckon that depends mostly
on who you're travelin' with.
Some folks just
naturally hightail it
for ornery reasons.
Well, Mr. Coleman has
already explained to us...
that the sheriff at Tucson
isn't much of a gambler.
Did he also tell you how
some hombre's skinnin' knife...
put a hole
in his dealin' hand?
Well, the aristocracy
of frontier justice...
insist upon making me...
a social cripple.
I suppose love is
the last pursuit open to me.
You should take up
the sand and quill.
Your words have
the sting of the poet.
"Shall I compare thee
to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely
and more temperate."
Some dears sure
has pretty speeches.
What a full-blooded gal
needs is a doin' man.
It's a big world,
Mr. Mott,
made up
of all manner of men.
Yeah.
And it sure is
one long dang way
to Fort Yuma.
Them deserts is pretty mean
to a sweet gal travelin'
all alone,
what with Apaches and all.
[ Dade ]
That's why they hire you
unemployed gunmen as drivers.
No, I'm, uh--
I'm afraid Miss Ann needs
a little more subtlety
to amuse her.
Right, Doc?
I, uh-- I never would
have thought you to be
a librarian, Miss Wu.
-In-- In San Francisco?
-At the What Cheer House.
I've been employed there
since my graduation
some two years ago.
Well, Sacramento's
not too far away.
Perhaps I could call on you.
I'm quite an avid reader.
You honor me,
Major Southern.
Are you to remain
in Sacramento long?
Why, yes. I'm on an
extended special assignment
from Fort Larned.
Oh. I see.
Don't get itchy this time.
You make your move
at Apache Pass, not before.
I'll see you, Jess.
Gracias, señora.
Let's skedaddle, Quint.
This weather isn't
gonna wait for us.
See you in four weeks.
Time's up!
It was that atrocious swill
they placed before us
at Stone Reservoir...
that has made her ill.
This trip will be
the death of all of us yet.
You mark my words.
Loi Yan hardly
touched that food.
None of us did.
I'm ashamed.
Forgive me.
It's nothing.
Please don't worry.
Well, perhaps we'd
better have the driver
stop for a few minutes.
-[ Best ] Please, no.
-It will pass.
These Orientals have
a stoic ability to withstand
the most hideous sicknesses.
[ Shouting ]
Don't you ever shut up,
Indian agent?
We should be
in Black Mesa in a while.
If by then she isn't
feeling better,
well, I'll see to it
that we stay there
until she does.
Is it serious, Ann?
I just don't know.
She can't seem
to throw off this lethargy.
I think I'd
better examine her
a little more thoroughly.
-Well?
-Miss Thompson is examining her.
What the devil's
been going on around here
the last three hours anyway?
I'm not holdin' up
any longer.
If that China female
ain't up to travelin',
we're goin' on without her.
We're stayin' right here
until Ann says
different.
-Now just a damn minute.
-That's it, mister. We wait.
I say leave 'em both here.
Let 'em catch
the next coach.
If you aren't
extremely careful,
you aren't gonna make it
to Castle Dome Reservation,
Mr. Government Man.
Is she going
to be all right?
Well, she's running
a temperature.
But I can't seem
to find the reason for it.
I wanted to put her to bed,
but she insists on going on.
Better get them
horses harnessed. We gotta
catch up on our schedule.
Right, Quint.
Hitch up them teams.
We gotta get out of here.
[ Stagecoach Approaching ]
Hiyah!
Pull 'em up, Whip.
We'll give 'em
a rest stop.
Besides, my legs
could use a stretch.
Hell, Quint,
it ain't but a hoot
and a holler to Flint Creek.
Pull 'em up! Besides, them
mustangs are pretty winded.
Whoa.
We're startin'
to pull up.
Thank goodness.
I'm afraid Loi Yan
couldn't stand much more
of this punishment.
I don't like the look
of that rash on her face.
We only have your opinion--
such as it is--
that it ischicken pox.
Ann says it's chicken pox,
and that's good enough
for me.
Well, I don't like it.
After all, she's
hardly qualified--
Arguing isn't going
to solve anything,
gentlemen.
We're sittin' over for a spell.
Don't anybody stray off.
We're in Apache country.
I don't want you
scarin' up any Indians.
And what's them spots
on her face?
Why, that looks like--
What's bitin' you?
It's the pox.
She's got herself smallpox.
The girl has chicken pox.
It's nothing to be
alarmed about.
I'll be damned
if you ain't right.
It's the pox, sure as shootin'.
We gotta get her
out of here quick--
before we're all dead men.
Get that female
out of there now!
And I don't favor
no back talk.
You're mistaken, Mr. Mott.
The young lady obviously has
picked up the chicken pox.
-Probably from her young niece .
-It's the pox.
She's dyin',
and she's gotta get burnt,
or we'll all wind up
with the plague.
Yes, we have
no pesthouse here.
I say dispose of her.
Get her out of there.
I ain't dyin'
for no yellow woman.
-Right?
-[ Man ] Hold it!
Well, mister, we got no money,
but we sure as hell got the pox.
Come on. Come on.
Take my poke.
We been exposed to the pox
for two days.
Well, what are you
waitin' for?
Come on. Get part of it.
[ Blowing ]
You wanna get us
all killed?
Let him go, Whip!
[ Hoofbeats Departing ]
He'll still be runnin'
when he passes
Veracruz.
One could think
that you and that hombre
were cut from the same deck.
You've been livin' a long spell
for a man that runs off
at the mouth so much.
You or somebody's
gonna get that female
out of that coach, pronto.
It's true
I'm not yet a doctor.
But I've been reading
medicine for many years.
And Loi Yan's illness
could be diagnosed
by any mother...
-that just happened to--
-Pox is pox, and we're leavin' .
[ Jess ]
Puttin' her off the coach
ain't gonna solve nothin'.
Not now.
I bow to the lady's opinion.
Leastwise till we can
see a doc.
There's no doc
between Tucson
and Fort Yuma.
By that time,
we'll all be dead.
There's an old padre
at Dancers' Rock
that savvies doctorin'.
Nevertheless,
we've been exposed,
all of us.
I keep trying to tell you
this is not the smallpox.
I, for one,
am not returning
to that vehicle.
Then walk!
There's a lot of desert
between here and Black Mesa.
Ahead are your
uncouth savages.
The sun, the pox,
the Indians--
one or more will kill you.
Fortunately.
Well, I ain't makin'
no more stops
for that female.
Yeah, I seen
a plague of pox
down in New Orleans once.
Them dead bodies,
they stunk up that town
somethin' fierce.
Even those that lived,
ah, they weren't pretty
to see no more,
especially the womenfolk.
There they be.
They's comin', Jude--
hell-bent for leather!
Come on!
Looks like we got us
a welcomin' committee.
Yeah. The teams
are still in the corral.
We're so far behind schedule,
I'm surprised they aren't
all hid away sleepin'.
Just keep
right on travelin', Whip.
What do you mean?
What's going on here?
We ain't looking
for no pox hereabouts.
Now just ride out quick-like.
What the devil
you talkin' about, Jude?
I'm talkin' about
a sweat-scared hombre...
that rode through here
yellin' "Plague!"
-He was nothin' but
a thievin' road agent. He--
-You shut up in there.
[ Rucker ] You serious, Jude?
Are you gonna listen
to a road agent...
who got beat out of his--
You're carryin'
dyin' passengers.
Now there won't be
no more talk.
Throw the whip to 'em.
We got spent horses.
We got no food,
and the water's gettin' low.
[ Rucker ]
Hell, man. It's 65 miles
to Dancers' Rock.
-Open desert.
-Don't shoot. Don't shoot.
It's true.
She's got the pox.
And this one's lying.
She's trying to kill us.
I'm from the United
States government.
Shut up.
Get yourself
back in that there stage.
But I'm an envoy.
I-- I've got credentials.
Look. From the Apache Nation.
Now get in there,
or you're one dead hombre.
Well, I--
Now you git.
Division agent or not.
Git!
Hiyah! Hiyah!
Hiyah!
Hiyah! Hiyah!
Hiyah!
Pull 'em up, Whip.
This spot looks
as good as any.
Sure they won't think
somethin's up?
They'll think we're
just stoppin' to rest
the horses again.
Doesn't matter
what them dudes think.
'Sides, they'll have plenty
of time for thinkin' later.
Whoa! Whoa!
Whoa!
-What is it?
-Well, the horses have probablyd
to move another step.
-I gotta have water.
-Shouldn't we do something abou-
She looks
terribly cramped.
We're restin' the horses.
Take all the time you want.
-Here, Ann. I'll take her.
-Thank you, John.
She'll be all right.
Couple days,
she'll be as good as new.
Wonderful.
What about us?
Now.
Hey!
Hiyah!
-Go! Hey! Hey!
-Ha!
Ha!
Well, this is gonna be
a mighty long rest stop.
-Now what do we do?
-We don't have very much choice.
Well, Major?
Food, water, shelter
and destination.
Well, we can't go back
to Flint Creek.
Even if we made it,
wouldn't be welcome there.
And our scheming friends
will undoubtedly warn them
at Dancers' Rock.
Yet there's
cactus country up ahead.
That means nourishment.
There might even be
water and animal life.
Mostly Apaches.
And they're partial
to white-faced womenfolk.
I say we take the risk--
steer for Dancers' Rock.
Yeah. We-- We'd probably
have a better chance
of meeting up with a stage,
what with the silver rush
to Tombstone.
I wouldn't count
on that.
Could be a week, 10 days,
probably longer.
It's all right, Ann.
Try to hold on
till nightfall,
and we'll get some rest.
[ Chuckles ]
And the dyin' man
relished his final smoke.
What?
A last cigar is like a--
like a condemned man's
last meal.
Doesn't really need it
or want it.
That little light
you're makin' can be seen
a long ways in Apache country.
"'Tis not enough
thy council
still be true.
Blunt truths more mischief
than nice falsehoods do."
[ Chuckles ]
The dark and brooding night,
where nature slumbers not,
and heaven is a vast door
to receive my dust.
With a little luck,
we'll make it.
Oh, certainly.
We'll correct old Brother Time
and regulate the stars. Hmm.
How do you feel, Ann?
Hungry and thirsty.
So thirsty.
She sleeps...
while we're dying.
[ Howling ]
Well, our old friend
the coyote doesn't
figure us to be outcasts.
-[ Howling Continues ]
-That ain't no coyote.
Do you think
they've seen us?
We'll sure enough know
at sunup.
Apaches?
Not more than
a hatchet throw away,
probably.
I hope they're
doin' a rain dance.
[ Chuckles ]
[ Laughs ]
I haven't got my raincoat.
Everything I had
was on that coach.
Yeah.
There are a lot
of valuable things
on that coach.
Including money.
I wonder whatever happened
to your panic-stricken
friend, Dollard.
You know the one I mean--
the fellow with the bandanna
over his face.
Yeah, I figured your play,
at Stone Reservoir.
But I must admit
you had me fooled
for a moment.
I didn't recognize you
without your guns.
You know,
they got an amusing
little, uh, rhyme
in Tucson, Ann.
And I quote:
"Something's pretty
smelly and underhand...
when old Quint Rucker's
a-guardin' your money
on the Overland."
Hey.
How come you boys
didn't go through
with it, huh?
You're dwellin'
powerful heavy
on somethin'...
that ain't none
of your business.
I think we'd better all
try and get some sleep.
[ Wind Howling ]
[ Sobbing ]
[ Coughing ]
[ Coughing Continues ]
[ Coughs ]
[ Spits ]
Isn't that enough
for a while?
Well, it may slake
the thirst, but it doesn't
do much for the appetite.
[ Spits ]
It's kept better men alive,
and for better reasons.
Here.
[ Sighs ]
Has it helped?
I'm beginning to feel
as though I'll see
San Francisco someday.
It was my fault.
My weakness shames me.
Well, now,
that's not true at all.
[ Ann ]
Chicken pox is something that
could happen to any one of us.
Yet misfortunes
never come singly.
Yeah, and we're
having 'em.
Like the echoes
of some eager lovers'
foolish litany.
Tonight in Tombstone,
they'll probably
dance the stars
right out of our sky.
Life is history,
not poetry, Mr. Coleman.
The rest of us are prepared
to face what lies ahead.
Well, with--
with a front quarter
of steer in my stomach--
[ Chuckles ]
I suppose I could rise
to an heroic level.
[ Weakly ]
There it is.
[ Gasping ]
There it is!
There! Look!
[ Panting ] There! Look.
It's-- It's the stagecoach.
Come on. Come on!
Before the horses are--
[ Muttering ]
What is it, Jess?
I don't rightly know.
But them buzzards
ain't just exercising.
Over there.
No need to hurry.
We just ain't soon enough.
Or maybe too soon.
[ Panting, Gasping ]
Hiram! Hiram! Rucker!
Where is everybody?
It's Dade Coleman!
Wait here.
[ Coughs ]
We'll have to bury him
in a sack.
It's bad,
isn't it?
As bad as an Apache
can make it.
Oh, what a stench.
It's shelter.
We'll clean it up.
They were looking
for horses and guns.
Hmm.
Must have been
quite a set-to.
There's a dozen or so
burned Apaches out there.
Burned?
Apaches always
burn their dead.
They haven't been gone long.
It appears they were here
one, two days, maybe.
They?
Will they be back?
Not if we're careful.
They've had their funnin'.
That, uh,
signal smoke yonder...
is doing business
with a fire farther west,
between here
and Dancers' Rock.
Well, then obviously
we can't go on.
I highly advise against it.
I reckon we'll be safe enough
if we set here a spell.
We'll be mighty careful.
But we'll starve
to death.
Without food we can't
exist indefinitely.
I'm told that
roasted mescal leaves
are palatable--
if we can find
any mescal.
There'll be food--
for them that ain't
too particular.
[ Howling ]
Won't those Indians
ever sleep?
Those are coyotes.
Them you heard
a while back was wolves.
They'll be moving in.
I suppose that man
has many faults,
but he's certainly
a godsend to us.
Yes. He is strong.
Is that true
that he is a... robber?
I don't know.
He didn't say.
But good or bad,
I respect him.
Great men never appear
singly, John.
Under the circumstances,
Mr. Coleman appears
to be quite active.
He should.
He's hardly lifted
his hand all day.
He cares only for himself--
and bothering Ann.
Well, John,
if you will excuse me,
I think I'll retire.
I'm suddenly very tired.
Well, perhaps sleep
will ease this pain.
He was just making
big talk.
You weren't really
going to rob the stagecoach.
You seem pretty sure
about things.
I am sure, Jess--
at least about you.
[ Canteen Clatters ]
Why, you underhanded--
- What is it?
- Coleman's been
hiding a canteen!
Easy now.
Not too much.
There.
Drink.
Easy, Ann.
Too much is worse than none.
Small swallow.
[ Water Splashes ]
Enough left
for two days, maybe,
if we're careful.
No wonder he spent so much
time on the top of that coach.
[ Ann ]
Do you mean he's had water
all this time?
What happened?
You're still living.
Now you crawl into that coach
and you stay there.
Oh, no, no, no.
I'm not crawling
into that stinking mess.
[ Rattling ]
[ Rattling Stops ]
[ Panting ]
He's pretty big.
Make right fine eatin'.
Of course,
he'd be better cooked.
Pistol shot's hard to place,
but we can't chance a fire.
You're-- You're not
going to ea--
Raw?
Never.
Well, I'll skin him anyway.
You might change your mind
in a day or so.
You get up there.
I'll tell you
when to come down.
You ladies be careful.
Them snakes like to forage
at night.
[ Clicks ]
[ Rustling ]
[ Screams ]
You-- You've killed him.
It was him or me.
No!
If you want him,
you can have him.
You're two of a kind.
Just keep him out of my way.
Back away from there.
Now!
Get in there.
[ Ann Sobbing ]
[ Ann Gasping ]
[ Dade Laughing ]
Whoa-ho-ho!
[ Laughing ]
[ Rustling ]
[ Snaps ]
Mr. Dollard.
I like my women
to eat well.
You're gonna fix us up
a nice rabbit stew.
I'd ask you to join us,
Dollard,
but as you can see,
there's hardly enough for one.
Your man's
not looking so good.
You got yourself a--
a bad, bad bargain.
Take off his boots.
Now give the boots to Ann.
Now, because you were
so gracious, I--
I have a little surprise
for you.
-Your favorite delicacy.
-[ Rattling ]
[ Grunting ]
[ Laughing ]
Tourniquet!
[ Laughing Continues, Stops ]
Woman, get over here!
Now, look. You--
You stay away from him.
Ow!
Now get over there!
Build a fire
and fix that rabbit!
[ Gasps ]
You must eat, Loi Yan.
Please.
It will only bring you
more trouble, Ann.
He'll never miss it.
Besides, he can't eat.
He's got the chicken pox.
He'll be flat on his back
before another day passes.
Hide it.
How'd you get it?
Never mind, Jess.
How do you feel?
Can you move your leg
all right?
I can move enough
to get to that coach.
Tonight.
Eat it all. I'm sorry
it can't be more, but...
he finished the water
two days ago.
That'll help slow him up.
Where is he?
Right here.
I told you the other day
to keep away from these people.
Now this isn't
gonna happen again.
Now you get back to the coach.
What are you
going to do?
They're gonna die anyway!
Then kill me too!
-[ Dade ] Shut up!
-[ Sobbing ]
And do as you're told!
Get back to the coach!
Okay. Now you'll get
your chance.
Both of you,
up on your feet.
Get up or you'll die
where you are!
Oh, what a touching scene
from one who's responsible
for all this.
Now, look.
Over there is a river.
About a hundred miles.
If you walk fast,
you might make it!
And watch out for snakes.
Go on! Get moving!
Go on!
What will we do
after you--
You understand, Loi Yan,
I have to kill him.
Yes.
We must help Ann.
Is it then so easy to kill?
For some, maybe.
I don't rightly know.
I never killed a man.
Except in the war.
I'm glad, Jess.
Perhaps you don't
have to kill him.
We'll see tonight.
I reckon the answer's
up there.
I lost my knife.
Where's my knife?
You seen it?
No. No!
"No, no!" Liar! Oh--
What's the use?
You're too stupid
to know anything.
I ought to make you
walk to San Francis--
It's the Tucson stage!
Oh, thank you, Lord.
Thank you.
[ Laughs ] Will that
town clown of a sheriff
be surprised to see me!
I just don't believe it.
[ Hoofbeats Approaching ]
Sheriff.
Over here! Here! Here!
Hey! Hey--
Here! Here!
Here! Here! It's me!
Come on! Over here! Here!
Come on! Over here!
Over here!
Here! It's me!
-[ Indians Whooping ]
-[ Shouts ] Here! Here!
-[ Whooping Continues ]
-[ Shouts ] Here!
Here!
[ Shouts ]
[ Groans ]
[ Hoofbeats Fade ]
The game was just
too big for him.
His was a tale
of little meaning.
But the words were strong.
God put his best jewels
in his finest cabinets.
She would have been
such a fine doctor.
You ready?
Yes.
Comfortable?
Yes.
And I'm not afraid,
Jess.
We're just startin'.
It's a long ride
to Dancers' Rock.
Longer still to Fort Yuma.
What's happened
was just the beginning.
Yesterday is done,
and nothing more.
We'll see San Francisco.
I know it.
Best hang on tight.
[ Woman ]
♪ If awful troubles
come your way ♪
♪ And you don't know
what to do ♪
♪ Remember ♪
♪ What Confucius say ♪
♪ Let his wisdom
see you through ♪
♪ Confucius say
you wear a smile ♪
♪ Whatever may befall ♪
♪ Have patience
and in just a while ♪
♪ Your smile ♪
♪ Will conquer all
Giddap!
Giddap! Hiyah!
Hiyah! Ha! Giddap!
Hyah! Hyah!
[ Gunshots ]
[ Gunshots Continue ]
[ Gunshot ]
[ Two Gunshots ]
[ Guitars ]
♪ On the stagecoach run
to Dancers' Rock ♪
♪ The passenger list was six ♪
♪ There were two young ladies
and four strong men ♪
♪ And they raced
against the clock ♪
♪ On their way
to Dancers' Rock ♪
♪ The two men drivin'
the stagecoach run ♪
♪ Were killed
by the Indians' bow ♪
♪ The others fought
among themselves ♪
♪ As Apaches
watched from below ♪
♪ The stage to Dancers' Rock ♪
♪ On each new day
a passenger died ♪
♪ By arrow, knife and gun ♪
♪ They buried each other
on the trail ♪
♪ And their graves still burn
in the sun ♪
♪ On the trail
to Dancers' Rock ♪
♪ Now all this happened
years ago ♪
♪ In 1873 ♪
♪ The folks out west
still sing about ♪
♪ The stagecoach mystery ♪
♪ In the "Ballad
of Dancers' Rock" ♪
♪ "The Ballad
of Dancers' Rock"
Whoa!
Now you folks has
15 minutes for grub and such.
You'll find everything you need
in the hotel yonder.
They assured us in Tombstone
that we would have
at least 35 minutes...
to refresh ourselves
here in Tucson.
We're apparently
well behind schedule,
Mr. Best.
I suppose
we'll have to wait
till Fort Yuma.
Odious highway robbers.
Drunken coachmen.
-Wretched land.
-[ Laughs ]
Surely this is
not the sentiment
of a dedicated Indian agent.
The Apache Nation deserves
much more from you, sir.
Notorious breed.
[ Honky-tonk ]
[ Guffawing ]
Mind if
I move in, Whip?
Well, now,
you appear plumb sassy.
I wager
you ran into a real
mean scalpin' party...
and killed off
all your sweet passengers.
By mistake, of course.
It weren't no
sweatin' Apaches.
We met up with
three mean hombres
lookin' for gold.
Got theirselves shot
and scared up good.
High-tailin' it
for Mexico now,
I figure.
I'm wagerin' it's
that stink you're wearin'
that drove 'em off.
What have you got for me?
You got right smart
of two dudes and
one big-eyed female.
Two to Frisco
and one to Fort Yuma.
-Is the filly pretty?
-Well, now, I don't mean nothin.
Anyhow, she's got slit-eyes
for the cavalry major with
the dear yellow bandanna.
He could be tricky.
Well, he ain't
ridin' no horse,
and I ain't gonna
be blowin' no bugle.
That yellow gal out there
ridin' with you?
She paid her hundred gold.
I'm also haulin'
that tinhorn gambler,
Dade Coleman.
Sheriff wants him took
into Apache country.
Further, the better.
Yellow women. Huh!
Only white, full-blooded
United States rides
in my coach.
Now you won't forget
to write, will you,
Loi Yan?
Often, Mai Lei.
And you write too, Ah Ling.
Perhaps one day soon
you come to San Francisco
to visit me, huh?
Would you like that?
Tell Aunt Loi Yan that
would make you very happy, dear.
I don't want you to go,
Aunt Loi Yan. [ Sobs ]
Time's up!
All them that's ridin'
the 4:00 west...
best get himself
out here!
You ridin' shotgun
with me, boss?
Wouldn't be much of a division
agent if I didn't look
things over once in a while.
Besides, these
ain't cigarette papers
I'm takin' to the Yuma Bank.
You sure you ain't
been lookin' over one
of my female passengers?
Lookin' over never did
buckshot a man's backside.
Whilst you round up the strays,
I'll step into Pete's and get me
a travelin' bottle.
Right.
Fifteen minutes. Bah!
We didn't even have time
to shoo the flies away
from that rancid food.
It was bad, wasn't it?
And I haven't had
any fresh fruit
since St. Louis.
[ Chuckles ]
Ah, my zealous warder.
Now what mundane
curiosity fetches you?
Let's go, Coleman.
Deliverin' me
to the mob?
You're leavin' town.
This is to be
a one-way trip, I suppose.
I ordered Whip to see
that you get at least
as far as Fort Yuma.
And from there, I suggest
you just keep on going.
Loaded?
[ Chuckles ]
Not this time, Sheriff.
It wouldn't amuse me.
I'll give you what's left
of your cheatin' money.
Ma'am.
Ho!
[ Guitars ]
♪ Now all this happened
years ago ♪
♪ In 1873 ♪
♪ The folks out west
still sing about ♪
♪ The stagecoach mystery ♪
♪ In the "Ballad
of Dancers' Rock" ♪
♪ "The Ballad
of Dancers' Rock"
I have never been
so grossly abused...
as in the course
of this disgusting transit.
Life is a process
of accommodation,
Mr. Best.
There are times
when we must rise
to an heroic level...
in this chronicle
of wasted time.
Won't you agree,
uh, Miss Thompson?
I'm afraid this is a journey
I wouldn't care to make often,
Mr. Coleman.
An angel
in another's hell.
Yet how fortunate for us.
Both of you charming ladies
have our profound
sympathies.
-Right, Major?
-This is my first trip west.
And 25 days
in this contraption calls
for considerable stamina.
How's
the medical reading
progressing, Doctor?
I'm afraid you're
somewhat premature, John.
My first class doesn't
convene until autumn.
To be a physician--
how proud you must be.
Is it in San Francisco
that you will study?
Why, yes.
Cooper Medical College.
-Are you familiar with it?
-Oh, yes. It is one of the best.
Woman's suffrage.
Female doctors.
Half-castes
with college educations.
I tell you it's immoral,
and it should be condemned.
I'm a full-blooded
Chinese, Mr. Best.
My father is a man
of the sea and proud.
Thus I am proud.
To learn
gives me pride also.
Oh, there's nothing
personal, mind you.
I'm merely interested
in principles, not people.
I'm fully acquainted
with these matters.
In fact, I--
Enough of your recital,
Mr. Best.
What duplicity and hypocritical
class-conscious snobbery.
We will dispense
with your little
hour of wrath.
[ Shouting ] When in the devil
are we gonna have
another rest stop?
Ain't no more.
Dinner in about an hour
at Stone Reservoir.
Get your head
back in there.
Rest stop.
These dudes.
Give me a full load
of Apache squaws compared
to these weak-bellies.
Yeah, that red-lipped girlie
is sure enough fetchin'.
I bet you couldn't check her
with a three-quarter rope
and a snubbin' post.
But I sure aim to try
before we sight Flint Creek.
You better keep your eye
on that Dade Coleman.
He's always got
his brandin' iron ready for
these big, sassy fillies.
Ah, I don't care
if them two is chewin'
tobacco from the same plug.
Me and that gal's
gonna powwow. Ho! Ho!
This is hardly a repast
one might beam over.
I'm not hungry.
Really.
A soft bed
and a good night's sleep
would be heavenly right now.
Who was it once said,
"Most women feel at home
only in bed"?
Just to be able to sleep
is all I could ask for.
I concur. It has been
a shocking experience.
But some of us
must resign ourselves
to sacrifice...
in bringing enlightenment
to the uncivilized,
the untutored.
It has its rewards.
Fortune favors the bold,
eh, Hiram?
It's readily apparent
from your accoutrement, sir,
that you have little
compassion for anything,
much less for the barbarians
who roam this godless plain.
My philosophy
is personal, Mr. Best.
None of it is based
on the illiterate shouts...
of Tucson wood peddlers
nor itinerant politicians.
I am not a politician.
I am an accredited
representative of our
sovereign government...
assigned to bring
godly ways to the savages.
Well, credentials are just
so much paper talk out here
where so few can read.
If the ladies
will excuse me.
[ Laughing ]
[ John ]
You know, there's little
sense in provoking him, Coleman.
He's just a frightened man
with a hatred for anything
he can't understand.
All men are frightened--
sometimes turn coward--
when they come face-to-face
with the thing they fear.
Would you care to join me
in a short walk before
our departure, Miss Wu?
Yes. Thank you.
Oh, I wouldn't worry.
She's probably fawning over some
opium-eater in San Francisco.
That's a disgusting
thing to say.
John is merely
being gracious.
After all,
Loi Yan is so young.
She's-- She's so fragile.
What makes you think
there could ever
be anything...
-between John and Loi Yan?
-Why, I didn't.
What I said was merely
a horseback opinion.
Anyway, it's quite clear
that your major is thinkin'
of sparkin' that girl.
He's probably frightened
to death of medicine
and jackknife surgery.
So many men,
so many minds.
[ Dade ] I'm sure you're not
havin' very much trouble
reading mine.
-Enjoyin' your trip, ma'am?
-Come now, sir.
You can't describe
traveling an enjoyment.
I reckon that depends mostly
on who you're travelin' with.
Some folks just
naturally hightail it
for ornery reasons.
Well, Mr. Coleman has
already explained to us...
that the sheriff at Tucson
isn't much of a gambler.
Did he also tell you how
some hombre's skinnin' knife...
put a hole
in his dealin' hand?
Well, the aristocracy
of frontier justice...
insist upon making me...
a social cripple.
I suppose love is
the last pursuit open to me.
You should take up
the sand and quill.
Your words have
the sting of the poet.
"Shall I compare thee
to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely
and more temperate."
Some dears sure
has pretty speeches.
What a full-blooded gal
needs is a doin' man.
It's a big world,
Mr. Mott,
made up
of all manner of men.
Yeah.
And it sure is
one long dang way
to Fort Yuma.
Them deserts is pretty mean
to a sweet gal travelin'
all alone,
what with Apaches and all.
[ Dade ]
That's why they hire you
unemployed gunmen as drivers.
No, I'm, uh--
I'm afraid Miss Ann needs
a little more subtlety
to amuse her.
Right, Doc?
I, uh-- I never would
have thought you to be
a librarian, Miss Wu.
-In-- In San Francisco?
-At the What Cheer House.
I've been employed there
since my graduation
some two years ago.
Well, Sacramento's
not too far away.
Perhaps I could call on you.
I'm quite an avid reader.
You honor me,
Major Southern.
Are you to remain
in Sacramento long?
Why, yes. I'm on an
extended special assignment
from Fort Larned.
Oh. I see.
Don't get itchy this time.
You make your move
at Apache Pass, not before.
I'll see you, Jess.
Gracias, señora.
Let's skedaddle, Quint.
This weather isn't
gonna wait for us.
See you in four weeks.
Time's up!
It was that atrocious swill
they placed before us
at Stone Reservoir...
that has made her ill.
This trip will be
the death of all of us yet.
You mark my words.
Loi Yan hardly
touched that food.
None of us did.
I'm ashamed.
Forgive me.
It's nothing.
Please don't worry.
Well, perhaps we'd
better have the driver
stop for a few minutes.
-[ Best ] Please, no.
-It will pass.
These Orientals have
a stoic ability to withstand
the most hideous sicknesses.
[ Shouting ]
Don't you ever shut up,
Indian agent?
We should be
in Black Mesa in a while.
If by then she isn't
feeling better,
well, I'll see to it
that we stay there
until she does.
Is it serious, Ann?
I just don't know.
She can't seem
to throw off this lethargy.
I think I'd
better examine her
a little more thoroughly.
-Well?
-Miss Thompson is examining her.
What the devil's
been going on around here
the last three hours anyway?
I'm not holdin' up
any longer.
If that China female
ain't up to travelin',
we're goin' on without her.
We're stayin' right here
until Ann says
different.
-Now just a damn minute.
-That's it, mister. We wait.
I say leave 'em both here.
Let 'em catch
the next coach.
If you aren't
extremely careful,
you aren't gonna make it
to Castle Dome Reservation,
Mr. Government Man.
Is she going
to be all right?
Well, she's running
a temperature.
But I can't seem
to find the reason for it.
I wanted to put her to bed,
but she insists on going on.
Better get them
horses harnessed. We gotta
catch up on our schedule.
Right, Quint.
Hitch up them teams.
We gotta get out of here.
[ Stagecoach Approaching ]
Hiyah!
Pull 'em up, Whip.
We'll give 'em
a rest stop.
Besides, my legs
could use a stretch.
Hell, Quint,
it ain't but a hoot
and a holler to Flint Creek.
Pull 'em up! Besides, them
mustangs are pretty winded.
Whoa.
We're startin'
to pull up.
Thank goodness.
I'm afraid Loi Yan
couldn't stand much more
of this punishment.
I don't like the look
of that rash on her face.
We only have your opinion--
such as it is--
that it ischicken pox.
Ann says it's chicken pox,
and that's good enough
for me.
Well, I don't like it.
After all, she's
hardly qualified--
Arguing isn't going
to solve anything,
gentlemen.
We're sittin' over for a spell.
Don't anybody stray off.
We're in Apache country.
I don't want you
scarin' up any Indians.
And what's them spots
on her face?
Why, that looks like--
What's bitin' you?
It's the pox.
She's got herself smallpox.
The girl has chicken pox.
It's nothing to be
alarmed about.
I'll be damned
if you ain't right.
It's the pox, sure as shootin'.
We gotta get her
out of here quick--
before we're all dead men.
Get that female
out of there now!
And I don't favor
no back talk.
You're mistaken, Mr. Mott.
The young lady obviously has
picked up the chicken pox.
-Probably from her young niece .
-It's the pox.
She's dyin',
and she's gotta get burnt,
or we'll all wind up
with the plague.
Yes, we have
no pesthouse here.
I say dispose of her.
Get her out of there.
I ain't dyin'
for no yellow woman.
-Right?
-[ Man ] Hold it!
Well, mister, we got no money,
but we sure as hell got the pox.
Come on. Come on.
Take my poke.
We been exposed to the pox
for two days.
Well, what are you
waitin' for?
Come on. Get part of it.
[ Blowing ]
You wanna get us
all killed?
Let him go, Whip!
[ Hoofbeats Departing ]
He'll still be runnin'
when he passes
Veracruz.
One could think
that you and that hombre
were cut from the same deck.
You've been livin' a long spell
for a man that runs off
at the mouth so much.
You or somebody's
gonna get that female
out of that coach, pronto.
It's true
I'm not yet a doctor.
But I've been reading
medicine for many years.
And Loi Yan's illness
could be diagnosed
by any mother...
-that just happened to--
-Pox is pox, and we're leavin' .
[ Jess ]
Puttin' her off the coach
ain't gonna solve nothin'.
Not now.
I bow to the lady's opinion.
Leastwise till we can
see a doc.
There's no doc
between Tucson
and Fort Yuma.
By that time,
we'll all be dead.
There's an old padre
at Dancers' Rock
that savvies doctorin'.
Nevertheless,
we've been exposed,
all of us.
I keep trying to tell you
this is not the smallpox.
I, for one,
am not returning
to that vehicle.
Then walk!
There's a lot of desert
between here and Black Mesa.
Ahead are your
uncouth savages.
The sun, the pox,
the Indians--
one or more will kill you.
Fortunately.
Well, I ain't makin'
no more stops
for that female.
Yeah, I seen
a plague of pox
down in New Orleans once.
Them dead bodies,
they stunk up that town
somethin' fierce.
Even those that lived,
ah, they weren't pretty
to see no more,
especially the womenfolk.
There they be.
They's comin', Jude--
hell-bent for leather!
Come on!
Looks like we got us
a welcomin' committee.
Yeah. The teams
are still in the corral.
We're so far behind schedule,
I'm surprised they aren't
all hid away sleepin'.
Just keep
right on travelin', Whip.
What do you mean?
What's going on here?
We ain't looking
for no pox hereabouts.
Now just ride out quick-like.
What the devil
you talkin' about, Jude?
I'm talkin' about
a sweat-scared hombre...
that rode through here
yellin' "Plague!"
-He was nothin' but
a thievin' road agent. He--
-You shut up in there.
[ Rucker ] You serious, Jude?
Are you gonna listen
to a road agent...
who got beat out of his--
You're carryin'
dyin' passengers.
Now there won't be
no more talk.
Throw the whip to 'em.
We got spent horses.
We got no food,
and the water's gettin' low.
[ Rucker ]
Hell, man. It's 65 miles
to Dancers' Rock.
-Open desert.
-Don't shoot. Don't shoot.
It's true.
She's got the pox.
And this one's lying.
She's trying to kill us.
I'm from the United
States government.
Shut up.
Get yourself
back in that there stage.
But I'm an envoy.
I-- I've got credentials.
Look. From the Apache Nation.
Now get in there,
or you're one dead hombre.
Well, I--
Now you git.
Division agent or not.
Git!
Hiyah! Hiyah!
Hiyah!
Hiyah! Hiyah!
Hiyah!
Pull 'em up, Whip.
This spot looks
as good as any.
Sure they won't think
somethin's up?
They'll think we're
just stoppin' to rest
the horses again.
Doesn't matter
what them dudes think.
'Sides, they'll have plenty
of time for thinkin' later.
Whoa! Whoa!
Whoa!
-What is it?
-Well, the horses have probablyd
to move another step.
-I gotta have water.
-Shouldn't we do something abou-
She looks
terribly cramped.
We're restin' the horses.
Take all the time you want.
-Here, Ann. I'll take her.
-Thank you, John.
She'll be all right.
Couple days,
she'll be as good as new.
Wonderful.
What about us?
Now.
Hey!
Hiyah!
-Go! Hey! Hey!
-Ha!
Ha!
Well, this is gonna be
a mighty long rest stop.
-Now what do we do?
-We don't have very much choice.
Well, Major?
Food, water, shelter
and destination.
Well, we can't go back
to Flint Creek.
Even if we made it,
wouldn't be welcome there.
And our scheming friends
will undoubtedly warn them
at Dancers' Rock.
Yet there's
cactus country up ahead.
That means nourishment.
There might even be
water and animal life.
Mostly Apaches.
And they're partial
to white-faced womenfolk.
I say we take the risk--
steer for Dancers' Rock.
Yeah. We-- We'd probably
have a better chance
of meeting up with a stage,
what with the silver rush
to Tombstone.
I wouldn't count
on that.
Could be a week, 10 days,
probably longer.
It's all right, Ann.
Try to hold on
till nightfall,
and we'll get some rest.
[ Chuckles ]
And the dyin' man
relished his final smoke.
What?
A last cigar is like a--
like a condemned man's
last meal.
Doesn't really need it
or want it.
That little light
you're makin' can be seen
a long ways in Apache country.
"'Tis not enough
thy council
still be true.
Blunt truths more mischief
than nice falsehoods do."
[ Chuckles ]
The dark and brooding night,
where nature slumbers not,
and heaven is a vast door
to receive my dust.
With a little luck,
we'll make it.
Oh, certainly.
We'll correct old Brother Time
and regulate the stars. Hmm.
How do you feel, Ann?
Hungry and thirsty.
So thirsty.
She sleeps...
while we're dying.
[ Howling ]
Well, our old friend
the coyote doesn't
figure us to be outcasts.
-[ Howling Continues ]
-That ain't no coyote.
Do you think
they've seen us?
We'll sure enough know
at sunup.
Apaches?
Not more than
a hatchet throw away,
probably.
I hope they're
doin' a rain dance.
[ Chuckles ]
[ Laughs ]
I haven't got my raincoat.
Everything I had
was on that coach.
Yeah.
There are a lot
of valuable things
on that coach.
Including money.
I wonder whatever happened
to your panic-stricken
friend, Dollard.
You know the one I mean--
the fellow with the bandanna
over his face.
Yeah, I figured your play,
at Stone Reservoir.
But I must admit
you had me fooled
for a moment.
I didn't recognize you
without your guns.
You know,
they got an amusing
little, uh, rhyme
in Tucson, Ann.
And I quote:
"Something's pretty
smelly and underhand...
when old Quint Rucker's
a-guardin' your money
on the Overland."
Hey.
How come you boys
didn't go through
with it, huh?
You're dwellin'
powerful heavy
on somethin'...
that ain't none
of your business.
I think we'd better all
try and get some sleep.
[ Wind Howling ]
[ Sobbing ]
[ Coughing ]
[ Coughing Continues ]
[ Coughs ]
[ Spits ]
Isn't that enough
for a while?
Well, it may slake
the thirst, but it doesn't
do much for the appetite.
[ Spits ]
It's kept better men alive,
and for better reasons.
Here.
[ Sighs ]
Has it helped?
I'm beginning to feel
as though I'll see
San Francisco someday.
It was my fault.
My weakness shames me.
Well, now,
that's not true at all.
[ Ann ]
Chicken pox is something that
could happen to any one of us.
Yet misfortunes
never come singly.
Yeah, and we're
having 'em.
Like the echoes
of some eager lovers'
foolish litany.
Tonight in Tombstone,
they'll probably
dance the stars
right out of our sky.
Life is history,
not poetry, Mr. Coleman.
The rest of us are prepared
to face what lies ahead.
Well, with--
with a front quarter
of steer in my stomach--
[ Chuckles ]
I suppose I could rise
to an heroic level.
[ Weakly ]
There it is.
[ Gasping ]
There it is!
There! Look!
[ Panting ] There! Look.
It's-- It's the stagecoach.
Come on. Come on!
Before the horses are--
[ Muttering ]
What is it, Jess?
I don't rightly know.
But them buzzards
ain't just exercising.
Over there.
No need to hurry.
We just ain't soon enough.
Or maybe too soon.
[ Panting, Gasping ]
Hiram! Hiram! Rucker!
Where is everybody?
It's Dade Coleman!
Wait here.
[ Coughs ]
We'll have to bury him
in a sack.
It's bad,
isn't it?
As bad as an Apache
can make it.
Oh, what a stench.
It's shelter.
We'll clean it up.
They were looking
for horses and guns.
Hmm.
Must have been
quite a set-to.
There's a dozen or so
burned Apaches out there.
Burned?
Apaches always
burn their dead.
They haven't been gone long.
It appears they were here
one, two days, maybe.
They?
Will they be back?
Not if we're careful.
They've had their funnin'.
That, uh,
signal smoke yonder...
is doing business
with a fire farther west,
between here
and Dancers' Rock.
Well, then obviously
we can't go on.
I highly advise against it.
I reckon we'll be safe enough
if we set here a spell.
We'll be mighty careful.
But we'll starve
to death.
Without food we can't
exist indefinitely.
I'm told that
roasted mescal leaves
are palatable--
if we can find
any mescal.
There'll be food--
for them that ain't
too particular.
[ Howling ]
Won't those Indians
ever sleep?
Those are coyotes.
Them you heard
a while back was wolves.
They'll be moving in.
I suppose that man
has many faults,
but he's certainly
a godsend to us.
Yes. He is strong.
Is that true
that he is a... robber?
I don't know.
He didn't say.
But good or bad,
I respect him.
Great men never appear
singly, John.
Under the circumstances,
Mr. Coleman appears
to be quite active.
He should.
He's hardly lifted
his hand all day.
He cares only for himself--
and bothering Ann.
Well, John,
if you will excuse me,
I think I'll retire.
I'm suddenly very tired.
Well, perhaps sleep
will ease this pain.
He was just making
big talk.
You weren't really
going to rob the stagecoach.
You seem pretty sure
about things.
I am sure, Jess--
at least about you.
[ Canteen Clatters ]
Why, you underhanded--
- What is it?
- Coleman's been
hiding a canteen!
Easy now.
Not too much.
There.
Drink.
Easy, Ann.
Too much is worse than none.
Small swallow.
[ Water Splashes ]
Enough left
for two days, maybe,
if we're careful.
No wonder he spent so much
time on the top of that coach.
[ Ann ]
Do you mean he's had water
all this time?
What happened?
You're still living.
Now you crawl into that coach
and you stay there.
Oh, no, no, no.
I'm not crawling
into that stinking mess.
[ Rattling ]
[ Rattling Stops ]
[ Panting ]
He's pretty big.
Make right fine eatin'.
Of course,
he'd be better cooked.
Pistol shot's hard to place,
but we can't chance a fire.
You're-- You're not
going to ea--
Raw?
Never.
Well, I'll skin him anyway.
You might change your mind
in a day or so.
You get up there.
I'll tell you
when to come down.
You ladies be careful.
Them snakes like to forage
at night.
[ Clicks ]
[ Rustling ]
[ Screams ]
You-- You've killed him.
It was him or me.
No!
If you want him,
you can have him.
You're two of a kind.
Just keep him out of my way.
Back away from there.
Now!
Get in there.
[ Ann Sobbing ]
[ Ann Gasping ]
[ Dade Laughing ]
Whoa-ho-ho!
[ Laughing ]
[ Rustling ]
[ Snaps ]
Mr. Dollard.
I like my women
to eat well.
You're gonna fix us up
a nice rabbit stew.
I'd ask you to join us,
Dollard,
but as you can see,
there's hardly enough for one.
Your man's
not looking so good.
You got yourself a--
a bad, bad bargain.
Take off his boots.
Now give the boots to Ann.
Now, because you were
so gracious, I--
I have a little surprise
for you.
-Your favorite delicacy.
-[ Rattling ]
[ Grunting ]
[ Laughing ]
Tourniquet!
[ Laughing Continues, Stops ]
Woman, get over here!
Now, look. You--
You stay away from him.
Ow!
Now get over there!
Build a fire
and fix that rabbit!
[ Gasps ]
You must eat, Loi Yan.
Please.
It will only bring you
more trouble, Ann.
He'll never miss it.
Besides, he can't eat.
He's got the chicken pox.
He'll be flat on his back
before another day passes.
Hide it.
How'd you get it?
Never mind, Jess.
How do you feel?
Can you move your leg
all right?
I can move enough
to get to that coach.
Tonight.
Eat it all. I'm sorry
it can't be more, but...
he finished the water
two days ago.
That'll help slow him up.
Where is he?
Right here.
I told you the other day
to keep away from these people.
Now this isn't
gonna happen again.
Now you get back to the coach.
What are you
going to do?
They're gonna die anyway!
Then kill me too!
-[ Dade ] Shut up!
-[ Sobbing ]
And do as you're told!
Get back to the coach!
Okay. Now you'll get
your chance.
Both of you,
up on your feet.
Get up or you'll die
where you are!
Oh, what a touching scene
from one who's responsible
for all this.
Now, look.
Over there is a river.
About a hundred miles.
If you walk fast,
you might make it!
And watch out for snakes.
Go on! Get moving!
Go on!
What will we do
after you--
You understand, Loi Yan,
I have to kill him.
Yes.
We must help Ann.
Is it then so easy to kill?
For some, maybe.
I don't rightly know.
I never killed a man.
Except in the war.
I'm glad, Jess.
Perhaps you don't
have to kill him.
We'll see tonight.
I reckon the answer's
up there.
I lost my knife.
Where's my knife?
You seen it?
No. No!
"No, no!" Liar! Oh--
What's the use?
You're too stupid
to know anything.
I ought to make you
walk to San Francis--
It's the Tucson stage!
Oh, thank you, Lord.
Thank you.
[ Laughs ] Will that
town clown of a sheriff
be surprised to see me!
I just don't believe it.
[ Hoofbeats Approaching ]
Sheriff.
Over here! Here! Here!
Hey! Hey--
Here! Here!
Here! Here! It's me!
Come on! Over here! Here!
Come on! Over here!
Over here!
Here! It's me!
-[ Indians Whooping ]
-[ Shouts ] Here! Here!
-[ Whooping Continues ]
-[ Shouts ] Here!
Here!
[ Shouts ]
[ Groans ]
[ Hoofbeats Fade ]
The game was just
too big for him.
His was a tale
of little meaning.
But the words were strong.
God put his best jewels
in his finest cabinets.
She would have been
such a fine doctor.
You ready?
Yes.
Comfortable?
Yes.
And I'm not afraid,
Jess.
We're just startin'.
It's a long ride
to Dancers' Rock.
Longer still to Fort Yuma.
What's happened
was just the beginning.
Yesterday is done,
and nothing more.
We'll see San Francisco.
I know it.
Best hang on tight.
[ Woman ]
♪ If awful troubles
come your way ♪
♪ And you don't know
what to do ♪
♪ Remember ♪
♪ What Confucius say ♪
♪ Let his wisdom
see you through ♪
♪ Confucius say
you wear a smile ♪
♪ Whatever may befall ♪
♪ Have patience
and in just a while ♪
♪ Your smile ♪
♪ Will conquer all