Under Western Skies (1945) - full transcript

In a film that was closer to being a "sanitized" version of and contained more elements akin to Mae West's and W.C. Fields' "My Little Chickadee" than it did from anything John Ford had done, or was to do, a traveling show arrives in a small Arizona town and finds much opposition from local townspeople. They plan to stage the show in the saloon and the leading lady, Katie (Martha O'Driscoll), gets involved with the local school teacher, Tod (Noah Beery, Jr). and a mysterious masked bandit, King Randall (Leo Carrillo).

[instrumental music]

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[music continues]

[upbeat music]

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Gee but it's great
to be living

Under western skies

Taking whatever
life's giving

Under western skies

Following trials
to the sunset

Where the rainbow lies



Gee it's fun to live under

The wonderful sun
of the western skies

To be or not to be living

Under western skies

Taking whatever
life's giving

Under western skies

Out where
the beautiful flowers

And the stinkweed lies

Gee it's fun to live under

The wonderful sun
of the western skies

Gee it's fun to live under

The wonderful sun

Of the western

Skies



Pop, did you like it?

Katie, your voice is getting
prettier everyday.

I wonder if they'll like me
in New York.

Sure they will.

Folks in New York
are no different

than the ones we've been playing
to in these tank towns.

It's just that there's
more of 'em. [chuckles]

[dramatic music]

[gunshots]

Tally-ho!

- King Carlos.
- Who?

The roughest, toughest hombre
in the whole west.

Give me the reins.

[gunshots]

[music continues]

[gunshots]

[gunshots continue]

[intense music]

[gunshots]

Whoa. Hey, climb down.
Climb down, all of you.

[chuckles] Get down
and hold your hands high.

Get out or would you rather
have me shot you out.

No, I'll come down.

Me smellum something.

Must be actors or buffaloes.

- Actors, huh?
- What do you know about that?

What's the matter with actors?

Hoo-hoo! Right now I can't think
of a thing.

They never have a cent,
that's what.

Hey! Look, there are actors
and actors.

Our troupe's been playing
to full houses

ever since we left
San Francisco.

[chuckles] Daddy likes
to boast a little.

You see, business has really
been awful.

Oh, it's... [chuckles]

[mumbles] It's just my joking.

I'll soon find out.

Carlos: You heard
what the lady said.

- Business has been awful.
- What do you mean?

We ain't gonna get anything
out of this

after all the hard work
we've done?

Oh, I don't know. A little
entertainment might be relaxing.

We open in Rim Rock tonight

we'd be be glad to have you
in the audience.

Yeah, but I'm afraid
Sheriff Wyatt of Rim Rock

uh, wouldn't like to have us
visit his town

Why not, uh, make a few monkey
shines here, huh[chuckles]

- Here?
Carlos: Why not?

You couldn't ask for a more
intelligent audience

than my men.

- Well, I...
- Uh...

[mumbles]

- Ahh. [clears throat]
- Ahem.

I see what you mean. [mumbles]

[both chuckle]

Sure. Let me see,
who's first?

Willie: Neil
- Uh...

Huh?
[sighs] Oh!

Oh, I feel a little...

Ahh... Ugh!

There you go again.

You've hit more roads
than the overland stage.

Come on, Neil,
snap out of it.

May I have the honorAhh.

Is this a dagger
which I see before me?

The handle toward my hand?

Come let me clutch thee.

I have thee not

and yet I see thee still.

[screams] Oh, there's no
such thing.

It is the bloody business
which informs--

Everyone into the coach!

Red: Just a minute!

Get your hands up
and keep 'em up.

And that's a very dangerous
thing for you to do.

We're not afraid of you.

We're not just anybody
you're holding up.

Shh. Katie, Katie.

Get into that coach,
all of you.

Get into that coach, I say.

Man 1: Giddy up! Git up!

Say, what's the idea
lettin' them go?

Oh, maybe, you're figuring
on seeing that show in Rim Rock.

Who knows.

[horses galloping]

So this is Rim Rock, eh?

Well, it doesn't look any
different than any other

cow-catcher town we've played.

Yeah, you should be glad
you're alive to see this one.

I thought for a while there
those bandits

would shoot us all up.

[scoffs] They wouldn't dare.

I was just getting mad enough
to, uh--

To what?

Well, to give them a piece
of my mind

- Yeah, that's what I thought.
- [scoffs]

Well. Could have put my name
in bigger type.

Remind me to speak
to the manager. I...

What's going on?
What is thisUh...

"Jim Wyatt. Jim Wyatt.
Jim Wyatt."

Never heard of him.
Must be a medicine show.

He ain't no actor, mister.
He's our sheriff.

YeahWhat did he ever do
to rate such billing?

Ooh, nothing much. Except clean
up the whole town single handed.

- You don't say?
- Yes, sir.

He's the greatest hero
in this part of the state.

And the best shot
in the whole West.

Why, he can split a blade
of grass

in a cow's mouth
at a 100 yards.

- See this?
- Yeah.

That's for getting Rip Conroy
and his gang.

- Hm.
- See that one over there?

That's for plugging Jim Henry
out in front of the saloon.

One shot and it was all over.

This is for running King Carlos
and his gang out of town.

King Carlos?

The toughest hombre
in these parts.

But he didn't scare
Jim Wyatt none.

He didn't scare us either.

Say, I'd sure like to shake
that sheriff by the hand.

Well, it looks like you might
be doing that right quick.

I've peered down
a 1000 gun barrels in my life

but this is the first time
I ever felt like turning tail.

Sure you won't be changing
your mind, Mrs. Simms.

Not on your tintype.

Sheriff, do your duty.

Which one of you folks answers
to the name of Willie Wells?

Right here in the flesh,
sheriff.

And I am mighty proud
to be meetin' up with you.

Well, I reckon you won't be
in a minute or so.

I'm sorry, Mr. Wells,

but the opera house
won't be available to you

What?

The opera house's
is civic property.

The Rim Rock Women's Clubs
successfully

petitioned
to have your show banned.

Your name
was on that petition, Hank.

Well, I have to do
what the missus says.

But whyWhat's the matter
with our show?

[sighs] The last time
a show like yours played here

my husband ran away
with a dyed blonde.

But our shows isn't like that.

If you'd care to see
a rehearsal we--

Mrs. Simms: The matter
is closed.

Come along, Charity, Prudence.

I'm sorry, folks.
It's their opera house.

I'm just plain hog-tied.

Jim: Get out of there,
you thieving rabbit.

[gunshots]

Looks like you're losing
your aim, sheriff.

Well, uh, I, uh...

I didn't wanna hurt
the poor little bunny

I-- I, uh, I-- I thought
he might be yours.

Uh. [clears throat]
Goodbye, Faith.

Never knew Sheriff Wyatt had
such a big heart.

Or has he?

[chuckles] Well, where do we go
from hereHeh.

That's alright, Rim Rock
isn't the only town

between here and New York.

There's lots of other places

that'd like to show our play.

I still say we should've
took off around the Horn.

Where's the professor?

- Go to it, Macbeth.
- Huh?

Moffat: Why does he suffer
this rude knave?

To know him about the sconce
with a dirty shovel

and will not tell me of his
action of battery. HuhHa-ha.

[barking]

Macbeth found him alright.

Wait here, pop.
I will be right back.

Katie, are you going
in there alone?

Why notThis is business.

Well, what's this world
coming to?

My own daughter going into
a place where they serve liquor.

Please believe me,
our shows different.

Now, lookie here. That's what
they said the last time.

And what happened?

The audience busted up
all the glass wear

in the Silver Dollar.

No. Ain't taking
no more chances.

But surely people in Rim Rock
like to see real entertainment

just like they do
every place else.

Well, what's the matter
with Maybelle here?

The best bustle tossin'
nightingale in the West.

I'm sure she's very capable.

But if you just let me give you
an example of our show.

Uh, do you know
"Don't go making speeches?"

[mellow music]

Don't go making speeches

Don't go singing songs

Don't insist it's me alone

To whom
your affection belongs

Don't say
you'll cross rivers

You might catch a cold

All those words sound
very sweet

But dear they're so old

Don't say
you'll climb mountains

They come awfully steep

Don't go making foolish vows

You might unable to keep

So unnecessary

Trying like you do

You don't have to make

Those speeches darling

Just say I love you

- There you are, miss.
- Thank you.

Ain't you afraid going out
delivering

those papers all by yourself?

- Why should I be?
- Why this is a wild country.

And somebody's liable
to get fresh.

Might touch you ankle
or somethin', who knows.

And someone might lose
one of their arms, who knows?

Show folk sure ain't
what they used to be.

Argh!

[Faith laughs]

Faith, I'm surprised at you.

That's no way
for a young lady to act.

I can't help it.

I've never seen anybody get out
of buckboard that way.

- Uh, may I help you?
- No, thank you.

I'm perfectly capable
of taking care of myself.

Well, I'm quite sure of that,
but you might have

a little difficulty
repairing your buckboard.

Buckboard?

I, uh, believe that wheel

does belong with the others.

Oh. Uh... I don't wanna put you
to too much trouble.

But, well, I haven't had much
experience with buckboards--

Oh, it's no trouble at all,
I'll have it fixed in no time.

A remarkable contribution
to progress, the wheel.

Few people realize the fact,
but its invention

practically marked the start
of our civilization.

That is civilization
as we know it.

You don't say.

Uh, some scholars think that

it started with the invention
of the alphabet,

but I don't agree
with that school of thought.

With the wheel came Travel and
man began to learn new things.

He discover new worlds.
It broadened his view-point.

I'm sure he did.

He can't help talking that way.

- He's a school teacher.
- A school teacher?

But don't let that bother you.
He's very nice, really.

Oh, I'm afraid Faith is just
a little bit prejudiced.

You see, I'm the only teacher
in Rim Rock.

I don't know how to show
my appreciation,

but if you and Faith
would like to come

to the Variety show tonight--

Gosh!

I'd like to give you
some passes.

Oh, I'd like to see
your show very much

but I'm afraid it's impossible.

- Why?
- Well...

After all,
the town has entrusted

the care of its youngsters
into my hands

and it's only natural

that they should expect
my conduct to be above reproach.

What kind of a show do you think
we're putting on?

All we wanna do is make people
laugh a little

and cry a little,
enjoy themselves.

I'm not trying to moralize,

or preach or anything like that,
it's just that I--

Mr. High and Mighty School
Teacher, so you said.

With the wheel, man began
to better himself,

learn new things,
discover new worlds,

broadened his view-point.

Why don't you go on
and get yourself a wheel?

What did I do?

[sighs] You don't know
much about women, do you?

Good afternoon, Mr. Johnathan.

Well, everyone in town
knows about our show tonight.

You know, Ms. Katie,
I've been thinking it over

and I've decided
I'm plum teched

letting you talk me
into puttin' on this burlesque.

It's no burlesque.

I assure you our show
will be a great success.

[sighs] Now remember,
no refreshments served

during the performance tonight,
as you agreed.

but between acts, it's, uh,
your privilege

to invite the patrons
to the bar.

I'm sure you'll double
your business.

Oh, alright, but I think
I'll see my doctor

and tell him I'm crazy.

[chuckles]

Oh, pop.

Oh, this no time to bother me,
Katie.

I'm trying to get this darned
old machine fixed.

Whoever call this a magic lamp
must have been loco.

- How do?
- How do you do?

My name's Mayfield.
I'm the mayor of Rim Rock.

- Huh?
- Yeah

Uh, who's a proprietor
of this here Turkey here?

- Uh... Turkey?
- Yeah.

I am the impresario
and this is no turkey!

- This is a production.
- Alright.

Well, it don't make no
difference what you call it.

There's a little matter
of a license

to be taken care of here.

LicenseOh, yes, yes, yes, yes.
The dog.

Dogs are not in my department.

- No?
- No.

It'll cost you folks
exactly $100

if you want to perform
here in Rim Rock.

A $100?

A hold up, that's what it is!

Hey, now listen here,
young lady.

You ain't got
the proper respect.

I represent the law here!

And unless you folks
pay up the $100

you might just as well move on.

- Ahh.
- Ahem.

Of course we...we might come

to some little arrangement,

I mean just between
the three of us.

So, you're still up to your
old shenanigans, eh, Dave?

Eh, well,
now don't get riled, Jim.

Why, I was just explaining
to the folks here

[clears throat],
the Rim Rock law. That's all.

That law ain't been
on the books in years

and you know it.
[Dave clears throat]

I'm giving you fair warning,
Dave,

if you get mixed up in anything
that even the smell shady

this town'll give me
a new plaque,

and a mighty small one

for getting rid
of a mighty small weasel.

[chuckles] Oh,
that-- that's fine.

I... [clears throat] Well, I...

Guess I'd better
be getting along

I've, [clears throat], got some
business to take care of.

Now... Oh, now, now,
don't get no worried, Jim, no.

It's-- it's got nothing to do
with the law. [sniffs]

[clears throat]
Well, folks,

[clears throat] welcome
to the Rim Rock. Bye.

Well, guess that took care that.

Well, I guess we must had you
all wrong

when we first met you
Mr. Wyatt.

I hope you like our performance,
sheriff.

You're coming, of course?

Oh, I reckon I'll like it fine.

I'm kind of an easy mark.

But this town is kind of fussy.

If they don't like
a performance,

they got a heap of ways
of showin' it.

I know, but you can
take care of that.

You know, just like you did
with the mayor, hm?

Well, I can keep law and order.

But you just can't go around

steppin' on people's
high spirits.

Get them all riled up
the wrong way.

- Then they really get ornery.
- Ah.

Then I gotta start using these.

[blabbers]

Please. Thank you.
[clears throat]

[instrumental music]

- How many?
- Uh, one please. In the back.

[indistinct chatter]

[music continues]

Man 2: Hello, professor.

Hiya, Mr. Schoolteacher.
What's the lesson for tonight?

Look out for those purty girls.

They're liable
to keep you after school.

[laughter]

The town's having fun
With the school teacher.

- The who?
- The school teacher.

Let me see.

[laughter]

Well, what do you know.

Say, Katie, it's show time

and I can't find
Professor Moffat.

What's the mater?
What are you gonna do?

Go to work Macbeth.
[whistling]

[music continues]

Moffat: ...most discreet.

[Macbeth barking]

It is a fowl thing when a cur

cannot keep himself
in all company.

[Macbeth barks]

[barking continues]

Farewell, my cus.

What did that scarecrow call me?

You got me.

[sighs] Set 'em up, Charlie.
Three Bourbons.

How does it feel being
on this side

of the footlights, Maybelle?

I'll tell you more
about that later.

Come on, Charlie.
How about those drinks?

Sorry, Maybelle, the show's
about to start.

We can't serve no liquor
during the pre-formance.

Oh, what a night.

[crowd applauds]

[instrumental music]

[tap dancing]

[crowd laughing]

[laughter continues]

[music continues]

[laughter]

[laughter]

[tap dancing]

[laughter]

[laughter]

[music continues]

[laughter]

[laughter continues]

[music continues]

[laughter]

[blows raspberries]

[laughter]

[music continues]

[laughter]

[music continues]

[laughter]

[music continues]

[crowd applauds]

Ladies and gentlemen,
your attention please.

I take great pleasure
in introducing to you

a voice, oh, and what a voice.

The sensation
of the Barbary Coast

none other than the one
and only Neil Mathews.

- Boo.
- You have him.

- We don't want him.
- Uh-- uh, huh?

You want to see some real
talent, we'll show it to you.

Go on, Maybelle get up there.

No, wait a moment,
the performance isn't over yet.

There's still more to come!

You don't think
we have any talent, eh?

What's wrong with Rim Rock?

Go ahead, Maybelle,
don't let them bluff you.

Man 3: We want Maybelle.
Man 4: Yeah, we want Maybelle.

Now, wait a minute. Listen,
listen to me, just a minute--

Ladies and gentlemen.

It gives me great pleasure

to present a little lady

you all know and love.

Maybelle Watkins,
the pride of Silver Dollar!

[crowd cheering]

[upbeat music]

Gents cry out
when I go by

Oh you kid

Tip their hats
and wink their eye

Oh you kid

Don't think
that I encourage them

Of course I never did

But still they say

I love my wife
but oh you kid

I'm the belle
of all the town

Oh you kid

In my new Parisian gown

Oh you kid

The girl of whom
the other girls

Would like to be well rid

The men all say

I love my wife
but oh you kid?

[cheering]

What will you have next, folks?

[scoffs] Some professional
entertainment, that's what.

Listen, dearie,
I ain't no amateur.

[laughter]

[gasps]

Man 5: Come on you had
your turn.

Let me at her, I'll scratch
her eyes out.

- Oh, give her a chance.
- Who does she think she is.

What do you wanna do,
hog it all?

[mellow music]

An old fashioned girl

Is lovely and sweet
as the best are

She's not coy
as the rest are

She's always loyal and true

A new fashioned girl

Is fickle as winds
from the West are

She'll leave your head
in a whirl

You'll come back

To an old fashioned girl

An old fashioned girl

Is lovely and sweet
as the best are

She's not coy
as the rest are

She's always loyal and true

A new fashioned girl

Is fickle as winds...

- Carlos?
- Carlos.

Carlos, we ran your kind
out of Rim Rock

and we don't want 'em back.

That ain't no way to treat
a visitor, Jim,

after all these years.

Go right ahead, don't let me
interrupt your show.

[indistinct chatter]

What's the matter, Carlos?
You hard of hearing.

I'm giving you ten seconds

to go through them swinging
doors, and get out of Rim Rock.

[gunshot]

[clamoring]

[upbeat music]

Bust my glassware, will yaOh!

You shouldn't do
a thing like...

If you gentlemen just quiet down
and talk things over.

I think, I think...

[clamoring]

[music continues]

[clamoring continues]

[laughs]

[music continues]

[clamoring continues]

[upbeat music]

[music continues]

Ms. Wells! Ms. Wells!

Ms. Wells!

[clamoring]

[girls screaming]

[crashing]

[instrumental music]

Oh.

Ms. WellsMs. Wells?

Oh, now,
I'm really in a pickle.

I didn't mean
to hit you so hard.

Ms. Wells, you know,

you're the most beautiful girl
I've ever seen in my life.

So, you wanna fight?
I'll show you...

Ms. Wells, Ms. Wells, Ms. Wells.

We're not in the Silver Dollar
any longer.

The fight's over?

Well, we weren't doing too good,

so I didn't think it was wise

to wait around and see.

Wait, you just
turn right around.

We're going back.

Nobody's gonna break up my act

and get away with it.

[groans]

Who hit me?

Well, people very often

do strange things,

things that they'd never do

under ordinary circumstances.

No. It couldn't be.

[chuckles]

You-- you're not angry?

I think it's wonderful for you.

Oh, you think I'm pretty stuffy,
don't you?

Well, after the way
you acted this afternoon, I...

Well, my job
is very important to me.

In this cow-catcher town?

We're just using
it as a way stop.

We're headed for New York.

Well, I'm afraid that
theater and teaching

are very different professions.

Whatever you do,
you've got to try

for the top spot on the bill.

You sounded like a pretty
fine teacher this afternoon.

You know, I bet nobody
ever thought of those things

you said about the wheel.

You could probably get a job
teaching in a big city.

Oh, I wouldn't like that,
I wanna stay here

and teach where I'm really need.

This part of the country
is still young,

it's gone through some
pretty violent growing pains,

gun battles, lawlessness,
vigilantes.

But somehow it's managed
to weather all of 'em.

Now, it's time for it
to grow up,

to be strong and healthy.

I don't see what teaching
and reading and writing

has to do with being strong
and healthy.

Well, it has everything
to do with it.

If people learn to read
and write, they think.

And when they think, no one
can put anything over on 'em.

Not for very long.

You know, what you say
sounds like it's very important.

Oh, it is important.

To a very beautiful part
of our country.

[chuckles]
I've been talking too much.

[instrumental music]

[church bell tolling]

You still haven't
explained satisfactory

why you're wearing
that court plaster.

Well, it was a very unusual type
of accident.

Did everybody had the same
unusual type of accident?

I suggest you find
a better explanation as to how.

Well, I didn't want you
to become upset.

That's why I didn't tell you.

You see, last night,
King Carlos and his men

came back to town and there was

an awful brawl
in the Silver Dollar.

That's why
they're guarding everything.

Just what were you doing
in the Silver Dollar?

You had an invitation
to my party

if I my remember correctly.

Well, it wasn't something

I had planned.

It was just one of those

unpredictable...

Carlos has been spotted
near the Fuller place.

There's no telling
where he'll strike next.

And remember, he ain't giving
no warning like a rattler.

Yeah, there wouldn't have been
all this fuss today if Carlos

had been took last night
like he should've been.

Yeah, I never had no chance
to get near him.

Ah, shucks, it seems to me, Jim,

that you had plenty of chances.

- Meaning what?
- Oh, well, nothing.

Except that sometimes a man
just can't handle his job

he, uh,
just gets a little too old.

Don't say that again!

Oh, now, I didn't mean you, Jim.

I was talking about,
well, any old man.

Don't scare so easy, Dave,
or you'll never grow old.

Ah, I was just trying
to teach you

to back up what you say.

Come on, let's be going
to the meeting.

Yeah.

I have one announcement to make.

The annual church social will be
held in the church parlors

next Friday afternoon
from 2:00 to 4:00.

Everybody is cordially invited.

Now, for the reading
of the Scriptures.

Book of Matthew,
Chapter 19, 13th verse.

Excuse me, Parson.
I, I hate to interrupt.

Last thing I want to be guilty
of is sacrilege.

But I want to warn every man
to be on his guard.

I know you can't
carry your guns in here,

but I, I want you
to be able to get 'em fast.

Well, just say the word,
sheriff.

We can put back
the service a mite

until this thing is settled.

I'd take it as a blot
on my record

if the Lords' work
was held up one minute

for a man like King Carlos.

I ain't afraid of him.

And I know you ain't.

Go right on reading books,
Parson.

Ah, Katie, haven't I always been
a good father to you?

Haven't I always done
what you told me?

What do you say we turn around
and go right back?

You didn't say anything
about this

when we first signed up
with the troupe.

No, it ain't in our contracts.

There's no use talking.

We're all going to church.

Oh!

No, look, Katie,
I don't do much complaining

but this is the darndest idea.

It's important that we go.

People have funny ideas
about actors.

They don't think
we're respectable.

Well, I don't care
what they think.

I am not going in this church.

How about you, professor?

Our ranks are broke,

and ruin follows us.

What council give you?

Whither shall we fly?

You're all gonna fly
in this church,

every last one of you.

Except Macbeth.

Parting is such sweet sorrow.

Pastor: "Then were there brought
unto Him little children.

That he should put his hands
on them and pray

and the disciples rebukes Him.

But Jesus said...

Suffer little children

And forbid them
not to come unto me

for of such is
the Kingdom of Heaven.."

[clears throat]

We're as popular here
as a mule act.

Shh!

It might interest
some of you folks know that

the service is going on
at the front

of the church as usual.

The congregation will now sing
hymn number 51.

[organ music]

Out here in the West

We sometimes forget

To stop and to count

Our blessings

So maybe it would do

All of us good

To remember

A cowboy's prayer

One night on the range

Before turning in

This cowboy began

His praying

His pal name of Jim

Says scornful to him

What have you

To be thankful for?

For stars says he

And air that's free

For good green lands

And friendly hands

And plains a man

Can ride on

Says he that's why I

Be saying this prayer

As for Jim

He just says

Amen

Amen

That was a mighty fine rendering

of that hymn, ma'am,
and we thank you.

Show folks don't come here
as often as we'd like.

Guess maybe we seem
kind of standoffish,

but we don't mean to be.

In this church,
everybody's welcome.

Well, thanks a lot, Parson.

We're not used to being
so popular.

Well, you won't get very far.

The whole street's covered.

Yes, so I noticed.

We didn't come here
to cause any trouble,

and there won't be any unless...

Parson: Then what did
you come for?

Carlos sends us to pick up
Ms. Katie Wells.

Just a moment.

I don't see
what all the fuss is about.

I made an appointment
with Mr. Carlos last night

before the show.

It just seems to sent an escort,
that's all.

Katie.

[sighs] I don't know why

everyone so shocked.

Don't people in Rim Rock
make appointments?

I'll be back later, pop.

Get 'em, Jim.

Why, wh-- what's the matter?

Why didn't you shoot?

I was afraid
of hitting the girl.

Why, at that distance
we could of shot

the buttons off them bandits.

Well, I just wasn't
taking any chances.

Well, I think it's Rim Rock
that's taking the chance of

keeping you on as sheriff.

You've just outlived your job,
that's all.

Oh, maybe he's got a little
touch of buck fever.

Well, he never had before.

I'm asking you for your badge,
Jim Wyatt.

We're electing
a new sheriff tomorrow.

There's no reason
to go to all that trouble.

If you want to get rid of Carlos
all you have to do is get rid

of that actress,
that's why he's here.

Yes, we haven't had a bit
of trouble with Carlos' men

until these show folks
came to town

Guess maybe we've never had
anybody pretty enough

around here to attract
some attention.

Well, what's all the bellowing?

If you're going to stand out
here we might just as well

finish the service.

We ain't taken up
the collection yet.

Aren't you staying
for the service, Mr. Howell?

Oh, I gotta get off
some place alone.

Where I can do some thinking.

Mind if I tag along?

She couldn't have wanted
to go with King Carlos.

It-- it doesn't seem possible.

Of course not and pardon me
for saying so, Mr. Howell,

but as far as women
are concerned,

you don't know
your P's and Q's.

You don't even know your ABC.

Aw, it appears like you're
right, Faith, but what can I do?

I don't know, Mr. Howell,

but if I was
a smart school teacher,

I wouldn't be asking
a pupil of mine what to do.

- And another thing, Mr. Howell.
- Yes, Faith?

While you're deciding
what to do,

for a little while anyway,
I forget that

the pen is mightier
than the sword.

[sighs]

King Carlos,
the big, bad man of the West.

I wasn't afraid of you before
and I'm not afraid of you now.

Oh, rather
a spirited young lady, eh?

Maybe that's why I thought it
was worthwhile going after you.

Going afterDo you call sending

that mangy-looking
group of mongrels

to drag me out of church
going after a girl?

Well, to tell the truth, it was
Sheriff Wyatt I was after.

A little trick of mine.

But when me and my men decided
to leave this place,

I thought it was about time to
let him know who was the boss.

I'm not a bit interested in you
or your plans, Mr. Carlos,

but I'm sure the people
of Rim Rock will be

glad to know
they've seen the last of you.

Well, perhaps when you find out

that I'm getting
on your side of the fence

you will think differently.

You know the West used to be,
"Each man for himself.

"Take what you could, and then

hope that you live
long enough to enjoy it."

But now with these trains
snorting across the country

and the nice people like you
traveling back and forth,

the West has a chance
to put on its Sunday clothes

and really go places.

So, I thought the boys and I
would go along too. Right, boys?

That might be your aim, King,

but we're looking at things
a lot different.

What do you mean?

All those trains
you're talking about

coming from California.

They're packing a lot of gold,
you know.

So we're figuring on
getting our share of it.

I still give the orders
around here.

I'm sorry I got you mixed up
in this, Ms. Wells.

Better be getting back to town.

[dramatic music]

[gunshots]

[gunshots]

[gunshots]

- Where's Ms. Wells?
- I sent her back to town.

That's the healthiest thing
you ever did.

[gunshot]

Say, if you haven't got nothing
to do for the next five minutes,

I could welcome your company.

[gunshots]

[intense music]

[gunshots]

Well, for a schoolteacher

you are pretty handy
with those guns, eh?

Oh! [chuckles]

That ought to make you

a very important man
in Rim Rock.

Well, goodbye amigo and thanks
so much for the help.

Oh, you're not gonna leave me.

Now you've taken care of my men,

there's nothing else
for me to do.

- Oh, but...
- Adios.

Uh...

Seven of 'em.

Oh, gosh, now I am in a pickle.

[instrumental music]

Gosh. Seven of 'em.

[cat squalling]

What happened?
How did you make out?

Shh.

- K-- King Carlos' men are here.
- Where?

Now, now, don't get excited.
Don't worry.

They-- they won't cause
any more trouble.

I got 'em all right here
in the wagon.

In the wagon?

This will make you the
biggest hero Rim Rock ever had.

They'll give you a plague,
erect a monument and everything.

Oh, that's just the trouble,
all this time

I've been telling folks
they should put away their guns

and take to reading books
and now when they find out

about this, they-- they won't
believe anything I tell them.

We can't let that happen.

Faith, y-- you got me into this.
You got to figure a way out.

Well, how many of them
are there?

- Seven.
- Seven?

Well, maybe, we can lay them
out on the desert

and pray for a sandstorm
to cover them up.

Oh, Faith.

If they were only one

or two of them, but seven.

Sorry, Mr. Howell,
but I'm stumped.

I suppose the correct thing to
do is take 'em to Sheriff Wyatt.

You mean, ex-Sheriff Wyatt.

- Of course.
- Of course, what?

Well, they took Sheriff Wyatt's
badge away from him

because he couldn't shoot.

Now's our chance
to get his badge back

and make him a bigger hero
than ever.

- Come on.
- Okay, let's go.

[instrumental music]

These are the last two.
Where do you want them?

Faith, will you please
make up your mind?

This one is getting awful heavy.

Drape Red over the banister

and let the Indian
lean against the bar.

I sure feel funny taking credit
for something I didn't do.

But this is the best thing in
the whole world for Mr. Howell,

you and the whole community.

Well, if you put it that way.

And I'm mighty thankful to you,
Tod for what you're doing.

Oh, sheriff, it's me
that should thank you.

But remember, don't ever let
a word of this get out please.

- It would ruin me.
- Oh, not a word ever.

Well, Faith and I
got to be getting along.

Remember, give us time
to make a clean getaway.

- Sure.
- Be sure and make it seem real.

Oh, you can count on me.

Oh, what a night. Giddy up.

[gunshots]

Hey! Hey!

Hey!

[gunshots]

Hey!

[gunshots]

[clamoring]

Oh, oh, oh!

[indistinct chatter]

Quiet!

Carlos' men tried to pull
one too many jobs.

- I just cornered 'em in here.
- Yeah, there they are.

Looks like they've
been dead for hours.

Huh?

Well, cart 'em off
to the burying grounds.

Are you hurt, Jim?

Oh, one of 'em plugged me
in the foot.

[indistinct chatter]

[instrumental music]

Mathildy, I still say we're
lowering our social position.

Sara, you don't understand.

The whole country is talking
about the Silver Dollar.

It's an historic shrine.

Well, it's still a saloon to me.

But it's the place to go.

Anybody who is anybody
will be here at the unveiling.

Oh, alright, Mathildy.

But I think we should
leave the girls outside.

But all the men are inside.

Come along, Charity, Prudence.

[indistinct chatter]

Step right up the bar, ladies.

The best is none too good.

And the drinks is on the house.

I beg your pardon?

[chuckles]

That's what really happened.

But if Mr. Howell ever finds out
I told you,

he'll keep me after school
for the next ten years.

I won't tell,
I promise, Faith.

- Honor bright?
- Honor bright.

Say, Katie, please look
for the last time

will you change your mind?

The wagon's all loaded
and with hard riding,

we'll be able to put on our show
in Valley Springs tonight.

And they'll just love us
in Valley Springs.

No, pop, we're going
in the Silver Dollar.

Oh, you're only
inviting trouble.

You know what
they think of us here.

And they'll insult you
every chance they get.

Pop, my mind's made up.

Uh...

That daughter of mine is getting
more like me every day.

Come on.

[indistinct chatter]

Mr. Howell, look.
Look who's here.

Oh, thanks, Faith.

- Mr. Mayor.
- Oh, how do you do, ma'am?

Those show people
are still in town.

I thought you were going to do
something about that.

Oh, well,
now, I can't allow anything

to interfere
with the unveiling, ma'am.

But I will take care of 'em
afterwards.

Well, I certainly hope so.

They've caused Rim Rock
enough trouble as it is.

Yes.
[clears throat] Excuse me.

[indistinct chatter]

Ah, ladies and gentleman.

Could I have your attention

just a minute please?

Thank you.

Now, folks, as you know,
we're here today

to pay homage

to the outstanding citizen
of Rim Rock.

And one of the great heroes
of the West.

Now, I'm talking about

our own Sheriff Jim Wyatt.

[crowd cheering]

[indistinct chatter]

The Rostrum's all yours.
Go ahead.

Thank you, Mayor.
[clears throat]

Well, I'm mighty grateful

to all you folks

for the honor you heaped on me.

But, uh, I feel mighty guilty
accepting it.

Yes, I do.

Because, uh,
there's someone else's

that should be
up here in my place.

Strange enough, the person
I'm referring to is not a man

but a girl.

And the girl I'm referring to
is none other

than that stage lady
Ms. Katie Wells.

[crowd cheering]

- Explain yourself, Jim.
- Hmm?

Mrs. Bassett: Explain yourself.
- Oh.

Oh, uh, if Ms. Wells,
unknown to you folks

hadn't cooperated with me

and, uh, lured Carlos' men
into my trap

I'd never got a shot at 'em.

So, my hat's off
to Ms. Katie Wells.

[crowd cheering]

I'm-- I'm not very good at words

but I'd like to show
my appreciation in my own way.

Maestro.

[piano music]

Don't go making speeches

Don't go singing songs

Don't insist it's me alone

To whom
your affection belongs

Don't say
you'll cross rivers

You might catch a cold

All those words
sound very sweet

But dear they're so old

Don't say
you'll climb mountains

They come awfully steep

Don't go making foolish vows

You might be unable to keep

So unnecessary

Trying like you do

You don't have to
make those speeches darling

Just say

I love you

Gee but it's great
to be living

Under western skies

Taking whatever
life's giving

Under western skies

Following trails
to the sunset

Where the rainbow lies

Gee it's fun to live

Under the wonderful sun

Of the western skies

[instrumental music]