Tide of Empire (1929) - full transcript
The discovery of gold in California in 1848 brings a tide of gold seekers to the area, disrupting the lives of the Guerrero family who have owned nearby Rancho Chico for generations. Among these are Dermod D'Arcy, in partners with a jailer, Bejabbers. At a fiesta where horse races are traditionally run, a stranger notices Dermod's exceptionally fast horse, Pathfinder, and urges him to enter the horse in the race. It becomes a three-horse race, with Don José Guerrero betting his ranch that his horse will win. When Pathfinder wins, Dermod takes the ranch as his share of the winnings and gives it to Don José's daughter, Josephita, with whom he had fallen in love earlier, when he met her. Dermod and Bejabbers leave to search for gold, and the town grows rich as more and more gold is amassed. Meanwhile, a bandit chief, Cannon, met Josephita's brother, Romauldo, and forced him to join the gang, which planned to loot the town of its gold before Wells and Fargo shipped it east. As two of the gang set a fire to draw most of the townsmen to put it out, Dermod overhears them discussing the plan and warns the townsmen to stay put. The gang is captured, tried and sentenced to be hung. Dermod is convinced Romauldo is innocent and ponders how to save him.
In 1542, Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo
explored a kindly sea
to where it meets...
a rugged terrestrial paradise - It was
the southern coast of California.
In 1572, Sir Francis Drake
saw it... lazing under a
golden sun - perhaps at Monterey.
Two centuries later Franciscan Friars
built missions... at San Diego,
San Gabriel and at San Fernando...
Under these Holy teachings the Don and
Grandee came... and life moved on
through years of peace and contentment.
Don Jose Fuerrero and his daughter.
You could ride a half day's journey, my
friend, and never leave their land!
In trouble again, Romauldo...
so you comes
it this time?
I sold Father's sheep for him...
and I lost money on a cockfight.
You must help me, Josephita!
Just this once more!
I must get the money to repay Father...
some way!
No, no! It would be dishonest to take
more... and while sleeps, too.
The money for the sheep, Father!
It was difficult to get...
but I got it!
Your brother is a saint for honesty,
Josephita... just like you are.
So life under the Dons drifted on one
long siesta in the kindly sun.
Until... in January 1848 the industry
of a "foreigner" from the United States
shattered the peace and quiet
of Spanish rule.
Janes Marshall had built a
mill race on Sutter's Creek.
It's gold, Captain Sutter!
Sure as you're born... it's gold!
Across valley and mountain the news
echoed...
to San Francisco village!
Gold up Caloma way! The creeks
are lined with!
GOLD IN CALIFORNIA!
The news swept the world!
and with that gold-mad horde rode
thievery and lawlessness.
Do you know what you are doing?
This is the Rancho Chico...
and this stock is ours!
SAN FRANCISCO FOLLOWED THE GOLD CRY!
Ships deserted! Trains abandoned!
Stores closed! Streets emptied!
Stranger, there isn't a shovel left in
tow. Everything's been sold!
Pathfinder, you play nurse maid to our
donkeys. 'm going shovel hunting.
Good morning, Stranger...
and who might you be?
Well, I might be the Queen of Sheba...
but I am not! My name's B. Jabez Harmon.
I'm the jailer here!
Mine is D'Arcy... Dermod D'Arcy. I'm
searching for supplies to go mining...
but no luck.
Me... neither! I want to resign this
jailing jop... but that's nobody
left in town to resign to!
For a pick and shovel I can give you
an idea how to get away.
Wal, sonny, if you've got any ideas
'long that line... I've got the shovels.
Thar's all kinds of shovels!
Right- handed, left-handed...
and back-handed!
And look here... if you don't think I
was all set to go!
But what's keeping me here is my
prisoners...
two hoss thieves and a bigamist!
Well, here's my idea. We'll build
a cage... and take them
along mining with us!
While the newcomers stampeded
toward the gold field...
the Dons were observing the great
fiesta of St. Francis.
El Capitan! He will win today!
Our money is bet on El Capitan!
You will race like never before...
eh, El Capitan?
Come on! I'm getting all tired out
telling you galoots how to do this!
This is our rancho, Senor!
It is not right you come here!
I am sorry, Senorita.
I humbly apologize.
Pequeno hijo de un puerko!
She flatters you! She says you're
a little son of pig!
You see, Senorita...
I understand Spanish.
Do not touch me!
You... you rabbit!
That is a splendid horse you ride, Senor!
Such action... and such speed!
At the fiesta todaym Senor... the two
fastest horses in this country are
racing. Let me enter yours?
The fiesta? Is that where
she is going?
Make your wagers for the xext frog race,
gents! Hop on before they hop off!
Come, Josephita...
dance for us!
Her father owns the Rancho Chico...
a fine place and very rich...
until lately.
She's a proud little devil!
She rejected even me... a Montalvo!
Now my one wish is to humble her!
The rose, Senorita! Throw us
the rose of your love!
Never mind, my friend... the race
first and then romance.
Just ride him, sonny! Point him
for home... and he'll do the rest!
I thought only two horses were
to race, Father. There are three!
I have entered the third horse, Don Jose.
My ranch may be represented believe.
Your pinto is the other entry,
Don Emilio. You agree?
Certainly! We will make it a sweepstake...
five thousand cattle from each!
Five Thousand? A peon's bet!
Is it made so low out of consideration
for Don Jose?
A peon's wager, is it? Then we will
make it twenty thousand!
Father... we have not half
that many cattle left.
On second thought, I fear I cannot
pledge quite that number.
But the wager stands, Senors! Twenty
thousand head from each of you...
against my Rancho Chico!
El Capitan! El Capitan!
Come on, Pathfinder! Stop
picking them daisies!
From you I take 20.000 head of cattle...
...and from you, Don Jose...
the Rancho Chico!
Half the winnings are yours...
the cattle or the Rancho Chico.
Allow me, Senorita... This is Senor
Dermod D'Arcy, the owner of Pathfinder.
It is the same like meeting the devil
when I am meeting you, Senor!
And it's like meeting an angel
to meet you, Senorita.
Only angels are not
quite so mean.
In the words of my sister offend you,
I will give satisfaction.
A lady as lovely as your sister
cannot offend, Senor.
I'll take Rancho Chico for my share
of the winnings.
It is too bad... but we must not
lose faith, my brother.
I like this horse.
Let's change!
No, no, Senor! This horse is all you
Americans have left us!
Take a drink and forget it! We'll show
how to collect what's coming to you!
Why is Romauldo not
here for dinner?
Well, Pathfinder...
we're home!
Never have the Guerreros refused
welcome to any man.
The best wine, Pedro!
The best wine for our last guest.
To me, a fine horse is mare to be
prized than gold. I drink to your
gallant horse, Senor!
Your home is charming, Senor.
What happiness! A place like
this, presided over by a wife...
...as lovely as your daughter.
Again I tell you in English which my
father do not understand...
you are a pig!
Your daughter says... There are never
alone who live with noble thoughts.
A toast in English... to the most
beautiful girl I have ever seen!
Translated into Spanish, Senor,
that means...
M ay each hair on your head be a candle
to light your soul to heaven.
Please don't think too harshly
of the Strangers who are coming
into your California.
It is the strongest who settle new lands.
They are rough, and sometimes ruthless...
but they build Empires!
What you say may be true...
but it will become their
California, hot ours.
Forgive me. I am forgetting my duties
as a host. I have a rare old brandy...
I must see you alone. Meet me
outside the gate after I leave.
It is important... something
about your ranch!
Senor, my apology.
There is no more Brandy.
My Thanks to you, Senor,
for your hospitality.
Du not take sadness to
your sleep, my father.
What iw it you have
to tell me?
I want to talk to you about the new
owner of Rancho Chico.
...but that can wait, Senorita. I have
lots of other things to talk about,
first.
I have not come here to listen
to your silly talk!
I hate you! I wish never
to see you again!
Carlos Montalvo. I pass the ranch to
possession of don Jose and his daughter
Josephite. Dermod Darcy
My father! My father!
Romauldo!
Romauldo! Romauldo!
ONWARD SWEPT THE
TIDE OF EMPIRE!
80.000 in 3 months! Across mountains!
Through valleys! By land! By sea!
GOLD
BOOM TOWNS OF 49!
Built a day!
Some to become derelicts of a wasteland...
others to be foundations for great
cities to come!
Inside you go! I've let you build
this jail... now patronize it!
Don't argue! I am not handing out
no night keys for this hoosegow!
Pathfinder, we're going
back to her.
Say... who's this we what's going
back where... to who?
Just Pathfinder and me.
Give up digging gold count o' a gal?
You're plum loco!
Heck! Getting a wife's like getting
wife's...
and not having finger-nails!
NOTICE! NOTICE!
FIRST SHIPMENT OF GOLD
TWO GENTS NAMED WELLS AND FARGO
HAVE FORMED AN EXPRESS COMPANY.
GOLD WILL BE TAKEN ON THEIR STAGES...
...TO SACRAMENTO, AND THEN BY SHIP
TO THE U.S. MINT AT PHILADELPHIA.
FIRST SHIPMENT LEAVES TONIGHT
AT MIDNIGHT.
Gents, our jail's ready for customers!
At midnight the law stars...
so do your drinking early!
Not a drop, sir, during
business hours.
Me neither, sir.
If is not too much trouble...
I would like me a room.
Go right up and help yourself to
number nine... the royal soote!
Mr. D'Arcy write me is live in the place.
Please tell him I am here, Senor.
Go tell D'Arcy there's a lady to see him.
She's here... at the hotel!
Your little fandango!
Senorita! I was just starting
back to see you!
This was very kind of you, Senor.
But it was... too late.
My poor father died. I think his
heart maybe just break.
Josephita...
how can I tell you how sorry I am?
Do not try. Pity I do not like.
I have not send for you to
insult me again, Senor!
You come to our California for gold...
and for it you give only unhappiness
and make hate!
You! You have take our lands! You have
kill my father! Is this not enough?
I am sorry, Senor. The tongue should
not speak what is in the heart.
Senorita, won't you go back
to your home again?
No, I am go to relatives in San Diego...
then I go to Spain.
But your brother is at the ranch,
isn't he?
Romauldo go way the afternoon
before our father die...
I do not know where.
Wells and Fargo are coming!
They're here, boys!
Wells... Fargo!
On time, gentlemen! On
time to a split second!
There cheers for Wells and Fargo!
Loosen your collars...
and come on!
This express company is going to make
the west and east neighbors...
one great empire!
Now I have gold to
head back east with mine
babies where doctors can treat them.
Don't you see... it isn't hate that gold
is bringing it is happiness...
...and, if you will only understand,
it will bring happiness, to you, too,
Josephita.
We'll burn a cabin on the outskirts.
That will draw the crowd away. Then
we'll move in on Mr.
Wells and Mr. Fargo.
When we see the blaze, we'll come
and come a-shooting!
Senor, I have no heart for this!
Let mh go away!
No, we aren't leaving no evidence like
you... loose!
Fire! Fire!
See them run... They swallowed
the bait easy.
Don't go, boys... it's a trick!
Look out for a raid!
I'm leaving you jail-birds aot...
on condition you come back
when the light's over!
If you kill some bastard...
you needn't mind coming
back to jail!
Listen up! Listen up! This drink bar
now become a justice bar!
We'll give you buzzards a fair trial...
and a quick execution! Are you
guilty or aren't you?
Not guilty!
Well I'll hornswoggled! I give you
a fair trial... and you start
off by lying!
Your honor, you're not conducting
this court with proper decorum
and modus operandi.
I move the skunk be found guilty...
and be sentenced to git hung!
That's right! We can argue case
after that's done.
Any more of you bots got
the same notion?
The notion's general!
Git hung. boys!
D'Arcy just carried one of them
raiders upstairs.
We're after somebody, D'Arcy.
Mind if we look around a bit?
Wait a minute! He's this girl's brother!
I can explain things!
The law's already dealing
with him and his band.
He is not bad! Please, please,
please, Senors...
he is all I have left!
They will hang him, too!
If you got anything to say...
say it! But I warn you...
it won;t do you no good!
I'm with you, bays!
String them all up!
Knock me out of the saddle. Grab
my horse... and ride for it.
Senor... take care of...
my sister.
explored a kindly sea
to where it meets...
a rugged terrestrial paradise - It was
the southern coast of California.
In 1572, Sir Francis Drake
saw it... lazing under a
golden sun - perhaps at Monterey.
Two centuries later Franciscan Friars
built missions... at San Diego,
San Gabriel and at San Fernando...
Under these Holy teachings the Don and
Grandee came... and life moved on
through years of peace and contentment.
Don Jose Fuerrero and his daughter.
You could ride a half day's journey, my
friend, and never leave their land!
In trouble again, Romauldo...
so you comes
it this time?
I sold Father's sheep for him...
and I lost money on a cockfight.
You must help me, Josephita!
Just this once more!
I must get the money to repay Father...
some way!
No, no! It would be dishonest to take
more... and while sleeps, too.
The money for the sheep, Father!
It was difficult to get...
but I got it!
Your brother is a saint for honesty,
Josephita... just like you are.
So life under the Dons drifted on one
long siesta in the kindly sun.
Until... in January 1848 the industry
of a "foreigner" from the United States
shattered the peace and quiet
of Spanish rule.
Janes Marshall had built a
mill race on Sutter's Creek.
It's gold, Captain Sutter!
Sure as you're born... it's gold!
Across valley and mountain the news
echoed...
to San Francisco village!
Gold up Caloma way! The creeks
are lined with!
GOLD IN CALIFORNIA!
The news swept the world!
and with that gold-mad horde rode
thievery and lawlessness.
Do you know what you are doing?
This is the Rancho Chico...
and this stock is ours!
SAN FRANCISCO FOLLOWED THE GOLD CRY!
Ships deserted! Trains abandoned!
Stores closed! Streets emptied!
Stranger, there isn't a shovel left in
tow. Everything's been sold!
Pathfinder, you play nurse maid to our
donkeys. 'm going shovel hunting.
Good morning, Stranger...
and who might you be?
Well, I might be the Queen of Sheba...
but I am not! My name's B. Jabez Harmon.
I'm the jailer here!
Mine is D'Arcy... Dermod D'Arcy. I'm
searching for supplies to go mining...
but no luck.
Me... neither! I want to resign this
jailing jop... but that's nobody
left in town to resign to!
For a pick and shovel I can give you
an idea how to get away.
Wal, sonny, if you've got any ideas
'long that line... I've got the shovels.
Thar's all kinds of shovels!
Right- handed, left-handed...
and back-handed!
And look here... if you don't think I
was all set to go!
But what's keeping me here is my
prisoners...
two hoss thieves and a bigamist!
Well, here's my idea. We'll build
a cage... and take them
along mining with us!
While the newcomers stampeded
toward the gold field...
the Dons were observing the great
fiesta of St. Francis.
El Capitan! He will win today!
Our money is bet on El Capitan!
You will race like never before...
eh, El Capitan?
Come on! I'm getting all tired out
telling you galoots how to do this!
This is our rancho, Senor!
It is not right you come here!
I am sorry, Senorita.
I humbly apologize.
Pequeno hijo de un puerko!
She flatters you! She says you're
a little son of pig!
You see, Senorita...
I understand Spanish.
Do not touch me!
You... you rabbit!
That is a splendid horse you ride, Senor!
Such action... and such speed!
At the fiesta todaym Senor... the two
fastest horses in this country are
racing. Let me enter yours?
The fiesta? Is that where
she is going?
Make your wagers for the xext frog race,
gents! Hop on before they hop off!
Come, Josephita...
dance for us!
Her father owns the Rancho Chico...
a fine place and very rich...
until lately.
She's a proud little devil!
She rejected even me... a Montalvo!
Now my one wish is to humble her!
The rose, Senorita! Throw us
the rose of your love!
Never mind, my friend... the race
first and then romance.
Just ride him, sonny! Point him
for home... and he'll do the rest!
I thought only two horses were
to race, Father. There are three!
I have entered the third horse, Don Jose.
My ranch may be represented believe.
Your pinto is the other entry,
Don Emilio. You agree?
Certainly! We will make it a sweepstake...
five thousand cattle from each!
Five Thousand? A peon's bet!
Is it made so low out of consideration
for Don Jose?
A peon's wager, is it? Then we will
make it twenty thousand!
Father... we have not half
that many cattle left.
On second thought, I fear I cannot
pledge quite that number.
But the wager stands, Senors! Twenty
thousand head from each of you...
against my Rancho Chico!
El Capitan! El Capitan!
Come on, Pathfinder! Stop
picking them daisies!
From you I take 20.000 head of cattle...
...and from you, Don Jose...
the Rancho Chico!
Half the winnings are yours...
the cattle or the Rancho Chico.
Allow me, Senorita... This is Senor
Dermod D'Arcy, the owner of Pathfinder.
It is the same like meeting the devil
when I am meeting you, Senor!
And it's like meeting an angel
to meet you, Senorita.
Only angels are not
quite so mean.
In the words of my sister offend you,
I will give satisfaction.
A lady as lovely as your sister
cannot offend, Senor.
I'll take Rancho Chico for my share
of the winnings.
It is too bad... but we must not
lose faith, my brother.
I like this horse.
Let's change!
No, no, Senor! This horse is all you
Americans have left us!
Take a drink and forget it! We'll show
how to collect what's coming to you!
Why is Romauldo not
here for dinner?
Well, Pathfinder...
we're home!
Never have the Guerreros refused
welcome to any man.
The best wine, Pedro!
The best wine for our last guest.
To me, a fine horse is mare to be
prized than gold. I drink to your
gallant horse, Senor!
Your home is charming, Senor.
What happiness! A place like
this, presided over by a wife...
...as lovely as your daughter.
Again I tell you in English which my
father do not understand...
you are a pig!
Your daughter says... There are never
alone who live with noble thoughts.
A toast in English... to the most
beautiful girl I have ever seen!
Translated into Spanish, Senor,
that means...
M ay each hair on your head be a candle
to light your soul to heaven.
Please don't think too harshly
of the Strangers who are coming
into your California.
It is the strongest who settle new lands.
They are rough, and sometimes ruthless...
but they build Empires!
What you say may be true...
but it will become their
California, hot ours.
Forgive me. I am forgetting my duties
as a host. I have a rare old brandy...
I must see you alone. Meet me
outside the gate after I leave.
It is important... something
about your ranch!
Senor, my apology.
There is no more Brandy.
My Thanks to you, Senor,
for your hospitality.
Du not take sadness to
your sleep, my father.
What iw it you have
to tell me?
I want to talk to you about the new
owner of Rancho Chico.
...but that can wait, Senorita. I have
lots of other things to talk about,
first.
I have not come here to listen
to your silly talk!
I hate you! I wish never
to see you again!
Carlos Montalvo. I pass the ranch to
possession of don Jose and his daughter
Josephite. Dermod Darcy
My father! My father!
Romauldo!
Romauldo! Romauldo!
ONWARD SWEPT THE
TIDE OF EMPIRE!
80.000 in 3 months! Across mountains!
Through valleys! By land! By sea!
GOLD
BOOM TOWNS OF 49!
Built a day!
Some to become derelicts of a wasteland...
others to be foundations for great
cities to come!
Inside you go! I've let you build
this jail... now patronize it!
Don't argue! I am not handing out
no night keys for this hoosegow!
Pathfinder, we're going
back to her.
Say... who's this we what's going
back where... to who?
Just Pathfinder and me.
Give up digging gold count o' a gal?
You're plum loco!
Heck! Getting a wife's like getting
wife's...
and not having finger-nails!
NOTICE! NOTICE!
FIRST SHIPMENT OF GOLD
TWO GENTS NAMED WELLS AND FARGO
HAVE FORMED AN EXPRESS COMPANY.
GOLD WILL BE TAKEN ON THEIR STAGES...
...TO SACRAMENTO, AND THEN BY SHIP
TO THE U.S. MINT AT PHILADELPHIA.
FIRST SHIPMENT LEAVES TONIGHT
AT MIDNIGHT.
Gents, our jail's ready for customers!
At midnight the law stars...
so do your drinking early!
Not a drop, sir, during
business hours.
Me neither, sir.
If is not too much trouble...
I would like me a room.
Go right up and help yourself to
number nine... the royal soote!
Mr. D'Arcy write me is live in the place.
Please tell him I am here, Senor.
Go tell D'Arcy there's a lady to see him.
She's here... at the hotel!
Your little fandango!
Senorita! I was just starting
back to see you!
This was very kind of you, Senor.
But it was... too late.
My poor father died. I think his
heart maybe just break.
Josephita...
how can I tell you how sorry I am?
Do not try. Pity I do not like.
I have not send for you to
insult me again, Senor!
You come to our California for gold...
and for it you give only unhappiness
and make hate!
You! You have take our lands! You have
kill my father! Is this not enough?
I am sorry, Senor. The tongue should
not speak what is in the heart.
Senorita, won't you go back
to your home again?
No, I am go to relatives in San Diego...
then I go to Spain.
But your brother is at the ranch,
isn't he?
Romauldo go way the afternoon
before our father die...
I do not know where.
Wells and Fargo are coming!
They're here, boys!
Wells... Fargo!
On time, gentlemen! On
time to a split second!
There cheers for Wells and Fargo!
Loosen your collars...
and come on!
This express company is going to make
the west and east neighbors...
one great empire!
Now I have gold to
head back east with mine
babies where doctors can treat them.
Don't you see... it isn't hate that gold
is bringing it is happiness...
...and, if you will only understand,
it will bring happiness, to you, too,
Josephita.
We'll burn a cabin on the outskirts.
That will draw the crowd away. Then
we'll move in on Mr.
Wells and Mr. Fargo.
When we see the blaze, we'll come
and come a-shooting!
Senor, I have no heart for this!
Let mh go away!
No, we aren't leaving no evidence like
you... loose!
Fire! Fire!
See them run... They swallowed
the bait easy.
Don't go, boys... it's a trick!
Look out for a raid!
I'm leaving you jail-birds aot...
on condition you come back
when the light's over!
If you kill some bastard...
you needn't mind coming
back to jail!
Listen up! Listen up! This drink bar
now become a justice bar!
We'll give you buzzards a fair trial...
and a quick execution! Are you
guilty or aren't you?
Not guilty!
Well I'll hornswoggled! I give you
a fair trial... and you start
off by lying!
Your honor, you're not conducting
this court with proper decorum
and modus operandi.
I move the skunk be found guilty...
and be sentenced to git hung!
That's right! We can argue case
after that's done.
Any more of you bots got
the same notion?
The notion's general!
Git hung. boys!
D'Arcy just carried one of them
raiders upstairs.
We're after somebody, D'Arcy.
Mind if we look around a bit?
Wait a minute! He's this girl's brother!
I can explain things!
The law's already dealing
with him and his band.
He is not bad! Please, please,
please, Senors...
he is all I have left!
They will hang him, too!
If you got anything to say...
say it! But I warn you...
it won;t do you no good!
I'm with you, bays!
String them all up!
Knock me out of the saddle. Grab
my horse... and ride for it.
Senor... take care of...
my sister.