True Grit (1969) - full transcript

1880 Yell County, Arkansas. With revenge etched on her mind after the murder of her father by a once-trusted, cowardly jackal, plucky Mattie Ross rides to Fort Smith. Now, nothing else matters, and while aching to bring his killer to justice, Mattie enlists the help of the ageing U.S. Marshal Reuben "Rooster" J. Cogburn: a rugged, one-eyed lawman. And, before long, La Boeuf, a young Texas Ranger thirsty for bounty money, joins in. However, as the unlikely trio embarks on a dangerous journey into the heart of Indian Territory, the odds are against them. But, only rabid vengeance keeps determined Mattie going. Is true grit enough to see justice served?

One day, little girl

The sadness will leave your face

As soon as you've won

Your fight to get justice done

Some days, little girl

You'll wonder what life's about

But others have known

Few battles are won alone

So you look around to find

Someone who's kind

Someone who is fearless like you



The pain of it

will ease a bit

When you find a man
with true grit

One day you will rise

And you won't believe your eyes

You'll wake up and see

A world that is fine and free

Though summer seems far

Away

You'll find the sun

One day

Little Frank...

you take care of your mama.

l will.



You're not traveling
very heavy, Tom.

I got all I need.

[Baby Cries]

You should be taking
the train, Frank.

Fort Smith is too long a ride.

On Judy 70 miles will be
just a pleasant outing.

Yarnell, I know you'll take
good care of the place for me,

you and my Mattie.

Where is Mattie?

I'm in here, Papa.

Well, little bookkeeper,

you got my wherewithal ready?

Of course.

How much are you allowing me?

There's right around...

$150 cash money.

Uh-huh.

You better hand me
my good luck gold pieces, too.

Buying Texas mustang ponies,

You'll need more luck

than they put in at the mint.

You'll come around to my plan.

I intend to buy as many
ponies as I can swing.

we'll breed them
for deer hunting.

I don't think much
of Texas ponies.

They're small
and chicken-brained.

I'd say small and tough,

just right for keeping up
with dogs through the brush.

You want my advice, Papa?

I always do.

Buy the ponies cheap.

I expect to.

This Colonel Stonehill,

he's got to get rid of them
before winter sets in.

Papa, that gun's old-fashioned.

Buy a new one at Fort Smith.

It served me Well
at Chickamauga.

It's got a long way to go yet.

[Mattie] Goodbye, Papa.

Tom Chaney--
there's trash for you.

should have stayed and
looked after the place.

It's his job.

Papa took him in
when he was starving,

gave him a house.

Come, Mattie.

It's only an old toolshed.

You can still throw a cat
through the south wall.

It's got a good roof.

This game's crooked.

What do you mean?

You've been dealing me seconds!

God damn crooks!

You've been stacking the decks!

Oh, come on, Tom.

We got our business done.

We want to make
an early start for home.

Them card sharps
was cheating me.

I'm getting my money back.

Not full of whiskey
and with a gun.

A gun says a whole lot.

You work for me.
I won't allow it.

Give me your gun.

I'll give you one end!

Give me that gun.

Give me your gun.

all aboard!

Can you tell me where
the undertaker is?

Around the corner
from the courthouse.

Thank you.

[Train Whistle Blows]

Can't understand
all these people being here.

Man on the train
told me everybody coming here.

I'd like to know why.

They're hanging
three men today at the courthouse.

We'd better go
and see about Papa.

Man out rustling up
business for hisself, looks like.

Well, seem like we have us
a lot of time to waste

before we see anybody much.

I can tell you want
to go to that hanging.

Afraid I can't.

Your mama said
keep an eye on you.

Well, I'll go along.

Don't worry, I won't tell Mama.

[Crowd Singing] A wretch like me

I once was lost

But now am found

Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught
my heart to fear

Warm peanuts!

Fresh!

And grace my fears relieved

How sweet the sound

That man up there
on the porch...

How precious did

That grace appear

That's Judge Parker.

He watches all the hangings.

He says it's his sense of duty.

Who knows what's
in a man's heart?

The hour I first believed

Amen

The hangman's a Yankee.

They say he won't
spring the trap

on a boy that wore the blue.

No. I'm here.
I'll--I'll see it all.

[Crowd Screams]

My goodness.

[Horse Whinnies]

That's not a fainthearted judge.

Chaney would get his due
before such a judge.

ls that the man?

That is my father.

If you would like to kiss him,

it will be all right.

No.

Put the lid on it.

I'm Mattie Ross

of near Dardanelle
in Yell County,

and this is my friend
Yarnell Poindexter.

He works on our place.

Yes, ma'am. State your business.

My father was killed
in Fort Smith

by a coward named Tom Chaney.

I'm here to find out what you're doing
about the murderer.

Well, we do know this much--

his name's Chambers,

he's now in Indian territory.

We think he was with
Lucky Ned Pepper

robbing a mail hack Tuesday
down on the Poteau River.

He's medium height with a black mark
on his cheek.

That's a description
of Tom Chaney.

There's no "Chambers" to it.

He got that black mark when a man
fired a pistol in his face

and the powder
got under the skin.

Why aren't you out
looking for him?

I have no authority
in the Indian nation.

He's now the business
of the U.S. Marshal.

Who's the best
Marshal they have?

Bill Waters is the best tracker.

The meanest one
is Rooster Cogburn--

a pitiless man, double tough.

Fear don't enter
into his thinking.

L.T. Quinn is the straightest.

He brings prisoners in alive.

Where would I find this Rooster?

The federal court
this afternoon.

He's bringing in a load
of prisoners from the territory.

ls Chaney one of them?

I don't know.
That's federal business.

Uh, your father's gun.

You'll want to take
it home, I expect.

His saddle is at
Colonel Stonehill's stock barn,

and the rest of his things

are at the Mornock
boardinghouse.

I won't rest until Tom Chaney's
barking in hell.

Yarnell...

You stay with Papa.

When you get him home,

put him in a better coffin

and bury him in Mason's apron.

Your Mama won't like
you not coming with me.

I can take care of myself.

Tell her not to sign anything
till I get back.

People will take it wrong

that I lleave
this to you, Yarnell,

but l got Papa's business
to attend to.

Tell Mama I'm staying

at the Mornock boardinghouse

and I'm going
to see if Tom Chaney's

one of the prisoners brought in,

and then I'll see this
Rooster Cogburn.

all right, get out of the way.

Back up. Back up.

Stand up.

Come on out.

Move along!

Are those the prisoners
from the Indian territory?

Yes, ma'am.

ls one of them Tom Chaney?

Cogburn ain't turned in
his list yet.

Which one is Rooster Cogburn?

The big fella
with the eye patch.

Go on!

all right, take it away.

Mr. Cogburn!

Wait. You come back here!

Mr. Cogburn!

Mr. Cogburn?

I said you come back here!

all right... come on up.

If Mr. Cogburn thinks
I'm put off by a locked door,

he does not know me.

l will be here when it opens.

The best time for you to
nail Rooster is tomorrow.

He's due to testify
before Judge Parker

in the Wharton case.

Thank you very much.

I appreciate your kindness.

Have some more dumplings, dear?

At the rate of
25 cents per meal,

I might just as Well.

I was hoping you were
enjoying the dumplings.

They're all right.

Can't see 25 cents
in a little flour and grease.

You're late, Mr. La Boof.

The French is La Boeuf.

I call it La Beef.

Oh.

Mr. La Boeuf
came in this evening.

Uh, your spurs, please.

My poor chairs are
scratched enough already.

A right fancy rig, sir.

Watch out for the chicken
and dumplings.

They'll hurt your eyes.

How's that?

They'll hurt your eyes
looking for the chicken.

You squirrel-headed bastard.

Howdy.

What's your name?

I'd like to go to bed now,

but first I'd
like to see my father's traps.

I'll take a guess and say
your name is Mattie Ross.

This Mr. La Boeuf
is a handsome man.

He needs a bath and a shave.

Well, he hails from Texas.

I judge he's right proud
of his cowlick.

How do you suppose
he guessed my name?

He's a good guesser, I guess.

We're short of rooms
on account of the hanging,

but You'll sleep in here
with Grandma Turner.

Don't you worry
about Grandma Turner.

She's used to doubling up.

I take it my rent
will be half, then.

This is your father's traps.

The watch and the knife
are inside.

Chaney stole his money
and his horse.

What is your opinion of a Federal
Marshal called Rooster Cogburn?

Rooster Cogburn?

Lord, I've heard
some terrible things about him.

He loves to pull a cork,
I know that.

His Honor Judge Parker.

all rise.

I'll have a peppermint
to settle my stomach.

Y-Yes, sir. Right, sir.

The United States Court
of the Western District

having criminal jurisdiction in
the Indian territory,

is now in session.

ls that Judge Parker,
the hanging judge?

Yeah.

He's a tough customer.

There's no appeal from his court

except to the President
of the United States.

Call Deputy Marshal Cogburn.

Mr. Reuben J. Cogburn

will take the stand.

You're still sworn in.
Take the stand.

Defense will cross-examine.

Mr. Cogburn, you testified

for the prosecution
this morning.

In order to refresh
our memories,

allow me to summarize
what you said.

According to your story,

C.C. Wharton
grabbed up a shotgun

and killed Marshal Potter,

then he turned the gun
on you, you say,

and you shot him.

Then, you say,

the father swung his ax
and you shot him, too.

The defendant here
tried to run, you say,

and you also shot him.

Just winged him, or he
wouldn't be here to pay up.

The old man and C.C.
hit the ground dead.

How long have you been
a deputy marshal,

Mr. Cogburn?

Four years, come March.

How many men have you
shot in that time?

The prosecution objects!

Overruled.

How many men have you shot

since you became a marshal,
Mr. Cogburn?

I never shot nobody
I didn't have to.

That was not the question.
How many?

Uh...

Shot or killed?

Oh, let's restrict it to kill

so we may have
a manageable figure.

Well, 12 to 15,

stopping men in flight
and defending myself.

12 to 15.

So many that you cannot keep
a specific count.

I have examined
the records, Mr. Cogburn.

A much more accurate figure
is available.

Come now, how many?

Well, counting
them two Whartons,

23.

I felt you would come to it
with a little effort.

23 dead men in 4 years.

That makes about six men a year.

It's a dangerous business.

Oh, how much more dangerous
for those arrested by you?

ls it not true

you sprang upon old man Wharton
and his two sons

with a deadly six-shot revolver
in your hand?

I always try to be ready.

Was this revolver
loaded and cocked?

Well, a gun that's unloaded
and cocked ain't good for nothing.

Just answer my questions,
if you please.

Well, the question
don't make sense.

Don't bandy words
with counsel, Mr. Cogburn.

Yes, sir.

You've testified that you
backed away from old man Wharton.

Yes, sir.

Which direction were you going?

Backward.

I always go backward
when I'm backing away.

I appreciate the humor of
that remark.

Aaron Wharton was standing by a pot
when you arrived?

More like squatting.

He was stirring the fire
under the scalding pot.

How far did you back away?

Six, eight steps.

Meaning Wharton advanced on you
the same distance--

six or eight steps,

say about 16 feet?

Something like that.

Then will you explain why the body
was found by the wash pot,

one arm in the flames,

the sleeve and hand smoldering?

Them hogs.

They was rooting around.

They may have moved the body.

Hogs, indeed.

Mr. Garley, do you have
any more questions for Mr. Cogburn?

None that I'll get
a straight answer to.

I'm finished with him.

You are dismissed, Mr. Cogburn.

Call the next witness.

Cecil Falling Leaf,
take the stand.

Raise your right hand.

Mr. Rooster Cogburn?

What is it?

I'd like to talk
with you a minute.

They tell me you're a man
with true grit.

What do you want? Speak up.

You've already
wrinkled the paper.

It's pretty loose
because your makings are too dry.

I'm looking for Tom Chaney.

Well, who's he?

He's the man that shot and killed
my father, Frank Ross.

He's in the Indian territory.

I need somebody to go after him.

Well, who are you?

Mattie Ross.

My family has 480 acres of
good bottom land

near Dardanelle in Yell County.

My mother's home
looking after my baby sister

and my brother little Frank.

Why don't you go home
and leave me alone?

They'll need help
with the churning.

Mr. Cogburn!

You can get a fugitive warrant
for Tom Chaney,

and the government will give you
$2.00 for bringing him in,

plus 10 cents a mile
for each of you,

and I'll give you $50 reward.

You've looked into this.

Yes, I have. I mean business.

What do you got
there in your poke?

Why, by God, girl,
that's a colt dragoon!

You're no bigger
than a corn nubbin.

What are you doing
with all this pistol?

It belonged to my father.

He carried it
bravely in the war.

I intend to kill
Tom Chaney with it.

Well, this'll sure
get the job done

if you can find a fence post

to rest it on
while you take aim.

I'm afraid nothing will be done
about Chaney

unless I do it myself.

I don't think you got $50.

I've got horse trading to do.

I'll have it by tomorrow.

You know a robber
named Lucky Ned Pepper?

I know him...

Well.

I shot him in the lip last August

over at Winding Stair Mountains.

He was lucky that day,
all right.

My shooting was off.

l think Tom Chaney's
tied up with him.

Yeah?

Yeah.

Huh.

Ned Pepper, huh?

Yeah.

Well, baby sister,

I don't think you can get $50.

But if you're hungry,
I'll give you supper.

we'll talk it over.

Make medicine.
How does that suit you?

Right down to the ground.

I'd like to meet your family.

[Bell Rings]

This is my father, Chen Lee,

and my nephew,
General Sterling Price.

You want more, Missy?

I've had enough,

and enough is good as a feast.

I've never seen
chopsticks work before.

Chopsticks save your fingers.

Give me your cup.

I don't drink coffee, thank you.

Well, now, what do you drink?

I'm partial to cool buttermilk.

We ain't got none of that.

We ain't got
no lemonade, neither.

Let's get to the game.

Ahh.

My deal?

Yes, sir.

What about my proposition?

I'm thinking on it.

Sounds like a mighty easy way

to make $50 to me.

Don't crowd me.

I'm figuring expenses.

Don't see how
you can play cards, drink whiskey,

and think of
this detective business

all at the same time.

If I have to go up
against Ned Pepper,

it'll cost $100.

I figured that much out.

And 50 in advance.

You're taking advantage of me.

I'm giving you
my children's rates.

It isn't going to be easy

smoking old Ned out.

He'll be holed up
down in that Indian nation.

Don't think I'm going
to keep you in whiskey.

I don't buy that.

I confiscate it.

A touch of it
wouldn't do you any harm

against the night air.

No, thank you.

Well, it's the real article.

Genuine double-rectified
busthead.

Aged in the keg.

I would not put
a thief in my mouth

to steal my brains.

Well, Sis, my price is $100.

There it is.

Want to make medicine?

l will think about
your proposition.

I'm going to the Mornock
boardinghouse.

Walk me over there.

You are a lot of trouble.

Wait'll I finish this hand.

You can never tell
what's in a Chinaman's mind.

That's the way
he bests you at cards.

[Bell Rings]

I go.

[Squeak Squeak]

Scat!

Shh. Shh.

Mr. Rat.

I have a writ here

says you're to stop eating
Chen Lee's cornmeal forthwith.

Now, it's a rat writ
writ for a rat,

and this is
lawful service of same.

[Squeak Squeak]

Doesn't pay any attention to me.

Outside is place for shooting!

I'm serving some papers.

That was your job
in the first place.

You can't serve papers
on a rat, baby sister.

You got to kill him

or let him be.

What's your thoughts on it?

You going to drink all of that?

Judge Parker-- old carpetbagger,

but he knows his rats.

We had a good court
going around here

till them pettifogging
lawyers moved in.

A rat catcher's
too tough on the rats.

Give them rats
a fair show, they say.

What kind of fair show

Did they give old man Potter?

Tell me that.

Finer man never lived.

You're useless
in this condition.

I'll walk over there by myself.

You scared of the dark?

I've never been scared
of the dark.

If I had
a horse pistol like that,

I wouldn't be scared
of no boogerman.

I'm not scared of no boogerman.

Sugar?

No, thanks.

Cream?

Please.

Whoa. Just a dab.

Oh, Miss Ross.

I've been waiting

to have some private
words with you.

And you, dear lady,

I find a sweet distraction,

as I suppose most men do.

will you excuse us?

Why, of course, Mr. La Boeuf.

What do you want of me?

Who are you?

Nobody yet,
but I expect to go high.

How?

Well, to begin with,

I expect to marry Well.

Well, you have
the hair combed for it.

How'd you know my name?

I saw your mother yesterday.

What business
did you have with her?

This. Can you identify

the man in this picture?

It's a likeness of Tom Chaney.

There's no black mark
on his face,

but that's him.

I'm looking for him.

I hear you are, too.

I know about your father.

Why didn't you
show me this last night?

I only take one step at a time.

That's why I was given two feet.

His real name
is Therin Chilnsford.

He shot and killed
a state senator named Bibbs.

I've been on his trail
four months.

You some kind of law?

I'm a sergeant
in the Texas Rangers.

I'm working for
Senator Bibbs' family.

Chilnsford or Chaney,

he shot and killed
the senator's bird dog.

Bibbs threatened to whip him,

and Chaney shot him
sitting in a porch swing.

Well, you need not worry
about Chaney anymore.

I aim to have him hanged.

The sheriff informed me
you were looking for somebody

to go after Chaney.

I've already found one.

His name is Rooster Cogburn.

He's a deputy marshal
for the federal court,

toughest one they have.

Maybe I'll throw in
with you and your marshal.

Talk that over
with Rooster Cogburn.

It's to our mutual advantage--

He knows the land,
and I know Chaney.

It's a two-man job
to take him alive,

and I must have him alive
down to Texas.

We're not taking
Chaney to Texas.

we'll take him
to Fort Smith and hang him.

ls it important where he hangs?

It is to me.

More so to me.

There's a Well-placed
young lady in Texas

who'd look with favor on me
for bringing in Chaney.

Wouldn't a Texas hanging
serve you just as Well?

I want Chaney to pay
for killing my father,

not for some Texas bird dog.

It's not for the dog.

It's for the senator,
and your father, too.

Chaney will be just as dead.

If in four months
I could not find Chaney

with a facial mark
like banished Cain,

I would not advise others.

Earlier, I gave some thought

to stealing a kiss from you,

although you are very young

and unattractive to boot.

But now I'm thinking
of giving you

five good licks with my belt.

One would be as
unpleasant as the other.

Touch me, You'll answer for it.

Texans don't
understand our ways.

People here don't go easy

on abusers
of women and children.

The children of Texans
are brought up

to show respect
for their elders.

They also gouge their horses

with great brutal spurs

and cultivate their hair
like lettuce.

You'll push that
saucy line too far.

Mr. La Boeuf, I have
no regard for you,

but you have enough
for yourself to go around.

They are all for sale...

except those four scrubby ones.

And, uh...
who do they belong to?

The heirs
of the late Frank Ross.

I'm Mattie Ross.

I'd like to sell you
those ponies my father bought.

That's out of the question.

My father bought those
ponies for breeding.

I've looked at them, and
they're all geldings.

You cannot breed geldings.

That hardly concerns me.

Your father bought four ponies,

paid $100 for them,
and that's it.

I want $300
for Papa's saddle horse

that was stolen from your barn.

Take that up
with whoever stole it.

It was in your care.
You are responsible.

Ahem.

I admire your sand,

but lam not liable.

l will take it to the law.

Do as you think best.

We will see if a widow
and three children

get fair treatment here.

You have no case.

Lawyer J. Noble Daggett

of Dardanelle in Yell County
may think otherwise.

You are impudent.

I do not wish to be,

but l will not be pushed
about when I'm right.

I'll speak to my attorney.

I'll speak with mine--
lawyer Daggett.

He will make money,
l will make money,

your lawyer will make money,

and you,
Mr. Licensed Auctioneer,

you will foot the bill.

You are a damn nuisance.

Lawyer Daggett?
Who is this famous pleader

whose name I was
happily ignorant of?

Ever heard of the great
Arkansas River,

Vicksburg, and Gulf
and Steamship Company?

I've done business
with the G.A.V. & G., yes.

He was the one that forced them
into receivership.

They tried to mess with him.

all right. Come inside.

Sit down.

l will pay a total of $200

to your father's estate

when I have in my hand a letter

absolving me of all liability

from the beginning
of the world to date.

I want $200 for
Papa's horse Judy,

plus another $100 for the ponies.
That's $300 total.

The ponies aren't part of this.

I won't buy them back.

Then I'll keep the ponies.

The price for Judy
alone will be $300.

I wouldn't pay that
for winged Pegasus.

Now, listen very carefully,

as l will not bargain further.

l will take the ponies back,

keep your father's saddle,

and settle for $200.

My lawyer would not
wish me to consider

anything under $300.

For that, you get everything
except the saddle.

I would like
to have that in writing,

for what it is worth.

When I have it in my hand,

I'll remit the extortion money.

Now, this is your release.

You'll find it in order.

You had that
already written out.

I'll give you a check.

I prefer cash.

100.

200.

300.

I'm sure You'll find a
buyer for those ponies.

I have a tentative offer
of $10 a head

from the soap works
at little Rock.

It's a shame to render
such spirited horseflesh into soap.

I'm confident the deal
will fall through.

You can expect me back
for my saddle.

I'm sure I can.

Do you know a Marshal
Rooster Cogburn?

Most people around here
have heard of Rooster Cogburn,

and some people
live to regret it.

I would not be surprised to learn

that he's a relative of yours.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Where's Rooster Cogburn?

Sleep late.
Very drunk last night.

I've never seen anybody in bed

at 10:00 in the morning
who wasn't sick.

Coffee.

You ain't such an early bird
yourself, baby sister.

I just about give up on you.

Figured you'd gone home.

You need some more slats
in that bed.

Trouble is, there's no slats
in it at all,

except a damn Chinese rope bed
torture contraption.

I'd like to burn it--

God dang, you got it.

How much is there there?

You still game?

Baby sister, I was born game,

and I intend to go out that way.

all right. One understanding--

We leave this afternoon
to get Tom Chaney.

Well, you're not going.

You've misjudged me.

I can't go up against
Ned Pepper's gang

and take care of a baby

all at the same time.

I'm not a baby.

You'll slow me down.

There's no hot grub
or warm beds.

Papa took me
coon hunting before.

This ain't no coon hunt.

It's no place for
a shirt-tailed kid.

They said that
about coon hunting.

First night out, you'd be calling,
"Mama! Mama!"

I've left off crying.

Make up your mind.

If you're not game,

I'll find somebody who is.

I know you can drink whiskey.

I saw you kill a rat.

But the rest has been talk.

I'm not paying for talk.

I ought to paddle your rump.

How can you do that

from the hog wallow
you're sunk into?

If I smelled as bad as you,

I wouldn't live near people.

I've made up a short
agreement between us.

Sign it.

And here's $25.

Oh.

I'll give you another $25
when we leave,

and 50 when the job is done.

Well, I guess we can get started

at first light.

we'll cross the ferry.

I want to talk to an informer

in the Indian nation.

Might know something.

I'll be more than ready.

Well, General...

look what we got.

There's an old saw that says,

"One white foot buy them,

"two white feet try them,

"three white feet be on the sly,

four white feet pass them by."

But I do not hold with that.

[Neigh]

I just received word
that a young girl

fell head first into a 50-foot Well
on the Towsend Road.

I thought perhaps it was you.

No, it was not l.

What do you hear
from the little Rock soap man?

Nothing.

I'll take one of those ponies
off your hands--

the black one with
the white stockings.

l will call him little Blackie.

What is your offer?

l will pay the market price.

The soap man offered
you $10 a head.

That is a lot price.

You recall I paid you $25 a head

only this morning.

That was the market
price at that time.

Tell me this,

do you entertain plans
of ever leaving this city?

Yes. I'm off early tomorrow morning
for the Indian nation.

Marshal Rooster Cogburn and l

are going after
the murderer Tom Chaney.

Cogburn. How did you light
on that greasy vagabond?

They say he has grit.

I wanted a man with grit.

Well, I suppose he has that.

He's a notorious thumper.

He's not a man
I would share a bed with.

Nor would l.

I wouldn't trust him too much.

I have only paid him
a token payment.

The balance will be paid when
the job is done.

It may prove to be
a hard journey.

A good Christian does not flinch
from these difficulties.

Neither does he
rashly court them.

The good Christian
is not willful or presumptuous.

You think I'm wrong?

l think you are wrong-headed.

l will pay you $12
for that pony...

if you shoe him for me.

l will not ride a barefoot pony.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Howdy.

What are you doing here?

I'm having a little conversation
with the marshal.

Sit down, sis. Have some taffy.

This jaybird says
he's on the track

of the same man we're after,

like to throw in with us.

I have already told him
we're not interested.

He's gone behind my back.

Well, a fella that
carries a big boar sharps carbine

might come in handy

if we get jumped by elephants
or buffalo or something.

We don't need him.

Got everything ready?

all but the grub.

I reckon I must have
the wrong man.

Do you let little girls
hurrah you, Cogburn?

Would you mind
repeating that, jaybird?

There's no hurrahing in it.

The marshal's working for me.

How much she paying you?

Enough.

ls she paying you $500?

No.

That's what the Governor of Texas
has put up

for this man she calls Chaney.

$500? Very little for a man
who's killed a senator.

Bibbs was a little senator.

Hmm... Well, I guess
I'll just stick with sis.

The Bibbs family's put up
another $1,500 for Chaney.

Have they now.
What are the terms?

Deliver Chaney.
They don't care if he's alive or dead.

Ah, that's more to my liking.

How you figuring
on splitting up the money?

If we take him alive,

I'll split the $1,500 with you

and keep the state reward
of $500.

If we kill him,
I'll give you $500.

He wants to take Chaney
back to Texas.

That's not what I want.

You both want him
caught and punished.

I want Chaney hanged
for my father's murder.

It's little to me
how many dogs he killed.

Well, you can tell
him to his face,

you can spit in his eye,

you can make him eat sand,

you can shoot him in the foot,

but we got to catch him.

You got to learn
you can't have everything

your own way.

When I bought something,
I'll have it my way.

I don't understand this.
She ain't going, anyhow.

You run along home,
your mama wants you.

I told her she could go.

No. She'll make
nothing but trouble.

Maybe I'll catch
this Chaney by myself

and take all the money.

You might deliver him,

but I'd see to it
you didn't collect a thing.

How'd you go about that?

I'd dispute your claim,
muddy up the water.

Do that and I'll kill you.

I wouldn't count too much
on shading somebody I didn't know.

I ain't never seen nobody
from Texas I couldn't shade.

You get crossways of me,

and You'll think a thousand
of brick have fell on you.

You wished you was
back at the Alamo with Travis.

Knock him down, Rooster.

Stay out of this.

That reward money's
a pig in the poke.

I've given you good cash money.

Look at him grin,
he'll cheat you.

Fella's got to think about himself
once in a while.

we'll get your man,
that's the main thing.

Give me my $25 back.

Hand it over.

I spent it.

You sorry piece of trash.

I'll get it.
I'll send it to you.

That's a big story.
You can't cheat me.

You may Well hear
from my lawyer Daggett.

[Door Opens]

[Door Closes]

Lawyer Daggett?
who's lawyer Daggett?

I wouldn't worry about him.

I'd worry about our
business at hand.

Red.

Good morning.

The river looks kind of high.

Yeah. It's been
raining upcountry.

Who you looking for
this time, Marshal?

Red, if I was to tell you that,

you might tell him.

Well, you're Well enough armed.

I would say Tom Chaney look out.

Can't you get
anything through your head?

You're not going.

Forget about the freight, Paddy,

and take us on across.

You're not getting on
this ferry.

This is open to the public.

I have paid my 10 cents.

Take this girl to the sheriff.

She's a runaway, and
there's a $50 reward.

That's a big story.

Ask the marshal.

Oh, she's a runaway, all right.

Bound to be paper on her.

They're in this story together.

I've got business
across the river.

If you interfere,
You'll land up in court,

which you don't want to be.

I've got a good lawyer
in J. Noble Daggett.

Lawyer Daggett again.

She draws him like a gun.

l will not walk up that hill.

I'm not about to let $50 slide.

Get on that horse, then.

Wait a minute.

l got to fix my hat.

Oh!

Hey! Come back here!

By God!

She reminds me of me.

Then we might just
not get along.

Well, you were
a little slow getting across.

I said you wasn't going.

Go back.

l will do no such thing.

La Boeuf...

Right.

Those horses can't get away
from little Blackie.

They're loaded down
with fat men and iron.

Aah!

Now we'll see
what tune you sing.

Ow!

I'm going to raise welts on you.

See what good it does you!

You're not hurting me!
I'm just mad!

Are you going
to let him do this?

I don't believe l will.

Drop that switch, La Boeuf.

Put it down.

You're enjoying it too much.

I go ahead with what I start.

You do, and it'll be
the biggest mistake

you ever made, you
Texas brush popper.

You've taken her part all along,

but you ain't doing her
no kindness here.

Just leave her alone.

This has given me a plan.

When we locate Chaney,

we can jump him,

knock him insensible,
tie his feet,

and take him back alive.
What do you think?

You wouldn't like to know
what l think.

Get on your horse.

It's not dinnertime by now?

Dinnertime will come
and go without notice.

Get on your horse.

[Rooster Crows]

Presbyterian, huh?

Southern or Cumberland?

Southern.

My folks are Cumberland.
Proud of it.

I was raised in
an Episcopal church.

Figured you
for some kind of kneeler.

Well, what did you learn?

Well, Ned was sighted
at Mcallister's store

about three days ago.

He goes there from time to time

to pay attention
to a lewd woman.

There's an old thief
named Hayes with him

and a Mexican
on a round-bellied pony.

Our man Chaney wasn't seen,

but it's certain he was in

on that mail hijacking
job. Stew?

This is worse than a pig trail.

Shortest way to Mcallister's.

How far is it?

Around 60 miles.

we'll make 15 today,

get an early start tomorrow.

How do you like
this coon hunt, sister?

Don't be looking around for me.

I'll be right here.

You look like a hog on ice.

Bucket is heavy.

I'm stronger than I look.

What did you bring
for us to eat?

Oh, salt,

red pepper,

taffy.

Carry those in your pockets?

Yeah. Along with cartridges
and skinning knife.

What are those things?

Corn dodgers.

Goodness. How many
you got in there?

Oh, must be 17 5.

Can't scarcely credit that.

Yeah. Chen Lee must've thought

it was for a wagonload
of marshals.

That tastes like iron.

You're lucky to be
where water's handy.

I've drunken
out of a filthy hoof print,

and I was glad to get it.

If ever I meet
one of you Texas waddies

who ain't drunk water
from a hoof print,

l think I'll shake their hand

or buy them
a Daniel Webster cigar.

How long you boys down there

been mounted on sheep?

Go ahead and have
your little joke,

but I'll tell you one thing.

That little fella
will still be running

when your big
American stud is collapsed.

Sheep.

Don't you think
that fire's a little big

if we're going
to pass unnoticed?

Small fire's ranger policy.

Aww.

Of all the dumb things--

Listen. I have an idea.

Would you like to hear the story

of the midnight caller?

One of you play the caller,

and I'll play
all the other parts.

Fine. Go ahead and tell it.

I'll tell the story
if you stop drinking.

Let it go.

That, baby sister, is no trade.

[Turkey Gobbles]

[Gunshot]

Least little Blackie
likes the corn dodgers.

It's the salt in them.

We won't get
to Mcallister's by dark,

so we better head
for a dugout I know.

It's empty, and it's shelter.

We can eat your turkey there.

I don't see how.
It's all ripped up.

Yeah. Pretty chewed.

Too much gun.

I thought you said it'd be empty.

Who are ya?

What do ya want?

We're looking
for a place to sleep.

Well, there's
no room for you here.