Bonanza (1959–1973): Season 12, Episode 25 - A Time to Die - full transcript

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Well, here's another one for you.

She won't be able to lay another one
for a week.

Oh, that one will. Her fuss
and bother don't mean a thing.

Do you always have to hunt them down
like this?

Well, no, most of them
use the chicken house,

like respectable birds ought to.

Come on, I'll show you.
It's right over there.

You gonna raise chickens
at your new place, Mrs. Christopher?

Yes, of course I am,



provided somebody who knows
about that sort of thing

is around to advise me.

I wouldn't mind.

- It's settled.
- All right.

Go on, get... get out of here!

Yah, yah!

April.

Mr. Cartwright, it was a wolf.
It was over by the water trough.

We scared it, I guess. It got away.

Oh.

Sorry.

Do you know,
that's the first time in my life

I've ever fainted?

Oh, I've fainted two or three times
in my lifetime.



Always at the sight
of the doctor's bills.

Well, thank heaven
you had presence of mind

to protect your throat,
Mrs. Christopher.

If it hadn't been for Jamie...

Tell me about
my homecoming party, Ben.

How many people will be invited?

All of your old friends
and some new ones.

And, uh, women will be
in their finest finery,

and the men will be
in their tight collars and tight pants.

And music?

Oh, yes. The best in Nevada.

I'll need a new dress for that.

I'll need a new dress
with long sleeves.

There.
Feeling steadier now?

Yes, steady as a rock, thank you.

Do I have time to go shopping
for that new dress?

I still think you should get some rest.

Oh, no, no, I'm fine. Truly, I am.

Oh, I think the doctor's right.
You should.

Ben, I'm fine.

Well, I'll come along with you.

No, no.

Then the new dress
won't be a surprise, will it?

All right, Mrs. Christopher.

But you've had a bad shock,

and I think you ought to lie down
for a while.

I'll just think beautiful thoughts
and overcome it.

- Well, I'll... I'll see you later, then.
- All right.

What do you think?

It's a bad wound, Ben.

- We'll just have to wait and see.
- How's Sam?

Come along. See for yourself.

Thank you.

Hello, Sam.

He can't hear you, Ben.

Give me a hand, will you?

Hold his arm out, please,
and roll his sleeve up.

- Sam, Sam...
- That's it.

Give me your hand. Easy.

Hold him tight now, Ben.

- Got him?
- Yeah.

That'll help ease the pain a little.

That's about all we can do for him,
God help him.

Doctor, the thought of...

the thought of April
ending up like that...

well, it's unthinkable.

Now, hold on, Ben.

We know that the dog that bit Sam
had rabies.

We don't know that the wolf does.

Salivating could be
from some kind of poison bait,

strychnine, for instance.

Well, there's gotta be some way
of finding out to be certain.

The only way we can be certain
is to ship the animal's body

back to the medical laboratory
in San Francisco.

Well, we'll track that wolf down.

Somehow we'll track him down,

and we'll send the carcass
to the laboratory in San Francisco.

I'll send a ranch hand along
to make sure it doesn't go astray.

Once it's there,

how long before we get the report?

A week.

And if the worst...

If the worst comes to the worst,

how long before the...
The symptoms begin to appear?

Two weeks, a month.

Oh.

Then there's no reason
to say anything to April,

one way or the other,

all right?

All right, Ben.

Okay. Thank you.

Ben!

Look what I found.

It has absolutely no use
except that it makes me happy.

Yes, very beautiful.

Oh, and you found yourself a dress?

Oh, no, I don't wanna find that
too quickly.

That'll spoil all the fun.

I just want to see
that one more shop over there.

Oh, well, uh, don't be too long now.
I really have to get back to the ranch.

- Here, I'll keep these for you.
- Oh, thank you.

Thank you.

What for?

For being my friend.

I won't be long.

Hey, Pa!

Looks like we picked up
his track again.

Fresh blood on the pine needles.

Joe.

I haven't had so much fun in years.

And new china, just for you.

Oh, Hop Sing.

New china, new dress,
new shoes, new gloves.

This summer, a new house
and a whole new life.

Oh, I have the plans,
if you'd like to look at them now.

I think this would be a very good time.

I wouldn't think of building them
without you.

Jamie's volunteered
for the chicken house.

Mr. Cartwright,
may I please be excused?

Yes, of course.

Here they are.

Where'd Jamie go?

He had a few chores to do.

- Oh, I'll show him later.
- Hey.

- Well...
- Looks good.

Paul and I had these plans drawn up.

When he died, I was going
to burn them. I'm glad I didn't.

I'm going to build it now
for Lori and me.

Well, what does Lori think about it?

Oh, she'll be joining me here
as soon as school is out.

Good.

Well, it's a fine looking set of plans.

- Good-looking house.
- Mm-hmm.

Do I have enough money?

I think we should be able to
fit it into your budget.

And April,
if I'm gonna ramrod this project,

I've gotta know
where I'm gonna build it.

If you have time tomorrow,
I'll show you the exact spot.

Sure. Of course. Good.

Is your arm hurting?

Oh, a little.

As much as I hate to say it,

I'm afraid
I'll have to go get some rest.

Hmm.

Here.

- Good night.
- Good night. Good night.

We had an old house
in San Francisco.

It always seemed to be
listening to its own past.

I'm looking forward to a new house

and listening to my own words,

give the future something of mine
to listen to.

- Oh.
- What?

We forgot to plan the party.

The decorations, the buffet...
We only have a few days.

There's plenty of time
for that tomorrow, really.

You know,
it's like going back to the beginning.

Not many people get that chance.

You're a very special person.

Am I?

Mm-hmm.

Very special.

Good night.

What are you doing in that outfit?

- None of your...
- Helping me decorate.

He's cleaned the curtains
and he's helped dust and...

I hope I didn't take him away
from anything important.

- If I did...
- Oh, no, no. No, no, ma'am.

I just never did see him
in an apron before, that's all.

- Me neither.
- Well, it wasn't my idea!

Of course, it wasn't.

If you'll just put that bow up there,
you'll be all finished, Jamie.

Yes'm.

- Uh, if you're sure.
- Yes, I'm sure.

I, uh... I hope I didn't spoil
any of your plans, ma'am.

No, as a matter of fact,
you've just made my day.

Yeah.

Well, I'll... I'll see you later.

Hey, what's that for?

To stand on.

Oh, if you look around the kitchen
in there,

you might find an apron that fits you.

Oh.

Well, Hoss,
why don't you look around the barn?

You might find an apron to fit you.

You've been at this all morning.
Why don't you ease up?

Oh, no.
You're not pulling a Jamie on me.

I need your help with this.

If you will help me...
Oh, put the ladder down.

Get up here,
then I can place that on that nail.

All right.

Now, would you go over to that side

and drape your end on the other nail?

We need... Oh, shorten it up
just a little bit, Ben.

- That's fine.
- How's that?

That's good. Now, all you have to do
is get the middle.

Ah.

Thank you.

How's this?

Oh.

- Oh, Ben.
- What's the matter?

Ah.

Ah.

Ah.

Ben, what's wrong with me?

Whoa, whoa.

Careful now.

The doctor's gone to the jail
to see a patient.

- You'd better wait inside here.
- Oh, Ben, what a lot of bother.

You let the doctor decide
what's bother and what isn't.

Now you get inside.

Hold him, hold him.

Ben, give us a hand.
He's gotten worse.

That's it.

Don't let him bite or scratch.
He can transmit it.

Put him on the cot.

Hold him down.

There you go.

How long does this go on?

Another day or two.
Then, it'll get worse.

Sure looks bad.

He, uh...
He asked to be locked up, you know.

- He knew what was coming.
- Yeah.

April's waiting in your office.

Oh, has something happened?

Well, she's come close to fainting
a time or two.

Oh, let's take a look.

Now, this might sting just a little bit.

Hold on to that for a moment, please.

What's wrong with it, Doctor?

It doesn't seem
to be getting any better.

Well, there still is
a little infection there, you know.

Ben?

I'd like you to see
that April conserves her strength,

and gets more rest.

April, why don't we just
postpone the party until...

Oh, Ben, no, please.

Oh, I don't think
there's any need for that, Ben,

considering the fact
that I'm gonna be there, and all.

But I don't want you to use that arm.

- But I have so much to do.
- Do as I say.

And tomorrow night, I'll show you
how to dance the Virginia City Reel.

Dr. Phelps,
I invented the Virginia City Reel.

- Thank you.
- Oh, Ben?

I, uh, want you to take
something along with you.

I'll be right with you.

This is only sugar water,

but from now on, I want you
to keep a close watch on her.

Notice whether or not
she becomes extra thirsty,

or whether she has any difficulty
in drinking water.

Whether she has an unusual reaction
to the mere sight of water.

There would be
other reactions, too, probably.

Hysteria, sudden anger.

What if there are?

Let's just hope there aren't.

Doctor says a teaspoonful a day
keeps the miseries away.

- I like the apple version better.
- Yeah.

What was that?

Oh, just a dog, I guess.

Giddy-up.

- Hard to figure, ain't it?
- What's that?

A thin little mare like that

kicking her stall
into splinters like this.

Your pa's back.
They went in the house.

- What'd he say?
- He said he'd be here in a minute.

What'd the doctor say?

Well...

Doing as well as can be expected
at the moment.

He won't risk a guess about the future.

I don't guess
we'll know anything for sure

'til we get that lab report, huh?

That's right.

And that's the problem.

'Cause if the report is bad,

there's so many things
she should be doing, you know.

Arranging her affairs,
making plans for her daughter.

Yeah.

She's been happy as a meadowlark.

Wouldn't be right to change that
unless we knew for sure, would it?

Well, that was my thought.

So, let's not say anything
'til we have to.

Oh, Jamie.

We're gonna need the buggy
in the morning.

Be real nice
if it was cleaned up and polished.

- I was gonna do that.
- Good.

And keep the top down.
April likes the sunshine.

Yes, sir.

Whoa, whoa-whoa, whoa.

This is where Paul and I
were going to build our house.

Isn't it beautiful?

Yes, very beautiful.

It hasn't changed.

No.

There's no sense of time here.

Do you feel it?

Mm-hmm.

You said something to me once
I'll never forget.

Oh?

You said the longest and the shortest
distance between people

is time.

Hmm.

Do you still believe that?

Yes, I do.

I'd like to believe that, too.

But I'm going to die, aren't I, Ben?

Don't even think that.

You and Joe and Hoss hide it well,

but I see it in Jamie's face
every time I look at him.

The wolf was rabid, wasn't it?

We don't know that.

Don't we?

Good morning.

It's so warm in here.

Well, Ben, the fact that
she even touched water,

used it like that,
at least that's encouraging.

Well, is it hopeful?

I don't know, Ben. It's too soon.

Where the devil is that report?

As soon as it gets here,
I'll let you know.

Yeah. I'm sorry.

I know, Ben. It's, uh... it's not easy
to stand by helpless, when...

What about the party?

We're gonna
have that party tonight, Doctor.

And we'll make it the best party
that April Christopher ever had.

Whoo!

May I say, Mrs. Christopher,
you look lovely.

Why, thank you, kind sir.

And you, my friend, you've never
looked more distinguished.

Well, thank you, thank you.

Grab your partner
for the Virginia City Reel!

Why don't you two go ahead
and dance. I'll take that.

Dr. Phelps, you promised me a lesson
in the Virginia City Reel.

- Ah-ha-ha, yes, you did.
- Oh, me and my big mouth.

Well, I guess
I literally put my foot in it, didn't I?

- Show us, Doctor.
- Here we go.

Hey, we need four more couples.

Come on! Hey, four more!

One, two, three...

- Hi, Mr. Cartwright.
- Having a good time, Jamie?

- Yes, nice party.
- Yeah, it sure is.

Jamie, I haven't seen you dancing.

No, sir,
and you're not about to, either.

Excuse me, Mr. Cartwright.
Jamie, would you like to dance?

No, thanks, that's...

Come here, come on!

All right!

Now all join hands and circle south,
and let a little sunshine in your mouth.

Now, the first old couple,
rip and snort,

down that center,
and you cut 'em off short.

Ladies go right and the gents go left.

Now, join your hands,
and circle the eight.

Circle eight 'til you get straight.

Now, the first couple bow,
and the first couple swing.

Now, face the outside on the ring.

Side fall in behind.

- She's sure having a wonderful time.
- Yes.

Now, sashay down and form a line.

Now, sashay down,
and you're doing fine.

And you back away.

Hands and foot, lady, with a do-si-do.

And lady foot gent with a do-si-do.

And lady with a foot, gent, right elbow.

And gent, with a foot, lady, left elbow.

Now, reel a line with a right elbow,
and here we go.

Now, on to the next with a left elbow.
A teeny meenie miney moe.

And don't you step on my big toe.

Keep on going on down the line.
And keep on going, you're doing fine.

Now, make a line, that's what you do.

You duck right under, all through.

Well, you were absolutely marvelous.

Ah-ha-ha, this woman can dance.

Yes, I know.

How she put up
with your footwork, Doctor,

I'll never understand.

It's a lovely party, isn't it?

- Oh, I think this is our dance, Ben.
- This is ours.

Make tonight last forever.

- I will.
- Promise?

Oh, yes, I promise.

You know, it's funny. I...

I've only been back three weeks,

and it feels like
I've never really been gone.

It feels as if I belong here.

Do you know what I mean?

You do belong.

It's a whole new bright, shiny life.

Down at the end
of a very long corridor,

I see a very small door.

I want very desperately
to go through that door.

Mmm.

I think I need a drink.

All this soberness is going to my head.

- You all right?
- Ah, yes.

Oh.

Dr. Phelps!

Then, all of a sudden,
I felt so strange.

Strange, how?

Well, sort of hollow and cold and...

Then the room started spinning.

Hmm.

Well, you do still have a little fever.

I feel much better now.

How about the arm?
Has there been any pain?

That's odd. I haven't thought about that
all evening.

Well, that's something, isn't it?

I'm terribly thirsty, though.

- I'll get you a glass of water.
- Thank you.

Fine time for me
to start acting like a woman.

I don't think your acting
like a woman

is going to come
as any surprise to Ben.

Am I that obvious?

Well, let's say your feelings for Ben
are not so obvious

as the depth of the well
or the width of a church door,

but they'll do.

Are you quoting
Shakespeare again, badly?

Thank you.

Mmm, that's good.

I'm sorry I spoiled your party, Ben.

Oh, you didn't spoil it.

You made it a success.

Uh, Doctor, I think that's your buggy.

Yes, well, I guess I know
when I'm not wanted.

Now, you get some rest.

- Good night.
- Good night, and thank you.

- Good night, Ben.
- Good night.

Mr. Cartwright.

Yes?

Have I changed that much?

I'm Lori. Lori Christopher.

Lori!

Lori!

Oh!

What on earth!

- Surprised, Mother?
- Yes, I am.

Dr. Phelps.

This is my daughter, Lori.

- How do you do?
- Hello, Lori.

I thought
you had two more weeks of school.

The dumbbells do,
but not your daughter.

Hoss, hello.

Oh, Lori.

My, my, my, my.
Look who's all grown up.

Oh, have I?

Yeah.

I miss the pigtails, though.

Hmm, you would.

- I'll take your bags up.
- Thank you.

Uh, probably give Lori the room
next door to April.

- All right.
- The trip was so beautiful.

I've got so much to tell you,
I don't know where to begin.

It all sounds very exciting.

I got a message for you, Doc.

That fella back in jail's getting worse,

and the deputy,
he don't know what to do.

Oh.

Ben?

Why don't you begin at the beginning?

It's Sam. He's taken a turn
for the worse,

so I'm going back to town.

- I'll come with you.
- No, no, Ben.

I'll come with you.

Excuse me.
Dr. Phelps is going into town.

Something's come up,
and I'll go with him.

I'll be back a little later,
and Hoss will look after things.

- Thank you, Ben.
- It's marvelous seeing you.

Thank you.

Oh, now the real reason I'm here.

Charles and I are going to get married
right away.

Right away?

Oh, he has a wonderful position
in Boston with a shipping firm.

And we want to get married
right away because,

well, it'll be two years
before he can come back.

Oh, two years, Mother.
We don't want to wait that long.

Oh, I see.

Oh, I knew you'd understand.

I'm so happy.

Oh, golly, and there's so much to do.

We've got to make my dress,

and send out
invitations and everything.

Yes.

I've had a very long day.

Why don't we go upstairs
and talk about that?

Hold him! Hold him down now!

- I'm trying.
- Let me get in there.

Watch it.

That's it.

No, wait. On his back.

There we go.

Let me get a quick crack at him.

Is it taking effect already?

No, Ben. He's asphyxiating.

Do they all end that way?

All the ones I've seen.

The actual cause of death
may be asphyxiation,

as in Sam's case, but...

sometimes the bodily functions
just give up.

And April?

I'm afraid, Ben.

Everything that's happened
increases the probability.

We can't wait any longer.
She must be told.

She knows.

But at the party, she was...

She knows.

She's known for a couple days now.

Good morning,
and it is a beautiful morning.

- Yes, it is.
- Hop Sing remembered me.

Thank you.

Let me fix your breakfast tray.

I was coming down.

I know. That's why I fixed the tray.

Men are very nice, Charles especially,

but sometimes they get in the way.

- Time for woman talk.
- Oh, talk and plans and...

Oh, I want you to be as happy
about my marriage as I am,

but you're not.

As long as you brought the coffee,
why don't you pour it?

Okay.

I'm very happy about your marriage.

Of all the young men
who've ever come courting,

Charles would be my choice for you.

I won't tell him you said that.

He'd be vain as a peacock.

I doubt that.

Have you set the date?

No. That's why I'm here.

Charles has to leave for Boston
the first of next month,

and he can delay that
for a week or ten days,

but that still doesn't give us
very much time.

The sooner, the better.

The reason I'm very happy

is I know you'll always be loved
and protected,

as I was by your father.

You sound
as if you're going away or something.

I am,

but before I go,
I want you to do something for me.

Anything, but I don't understand.

I want you
to go back to San Francisco today.

I want you and Charles to be married.

Without you?

I want you to stop back here
on your way east.

There'll still be time.

Lori, listen to me.

Do you remember
when your father died?

We were together when he died.

How it helped the three of us,
to be together.

This time, when I go,

I want you to be
by your husband's side.

That's the way it should be.

Oh, I don't believe it.

It's true. I'm going to die.

The verdict isn't in, but I know.
In every way possible, I know.

Oh, I want to be with you!

Oh, my dear.

You'll be with me when it counts.

April?

April, it's Ben.

April?

I just wanted to let you know that
Joe's taking Lori into town

to catch the noon stage.

April?

April, you're burning up.

I know.

I don't know why.

My arm doesn't hurt at all.

Well, it's a pretty parasol, but...

what's this about?

I'm defending my honor, of course.

Well?

I... I didn't know
you were such a brazen woman.

Now that that's set...

Oh! Oh! Oh, Ben!

Oh, I'm so thirsty.

A glass of water, please.

Okay.

Here you go.

Oh! Oh!

April?

Oh...

Ben...

I can't even hope now.

Oh, hold me.

Oh!

I did the right thing with Lori,
didn't I?

Yes. Yes, yes, you did.

Oh, why?

Why me?

Why now?

If I could make it me instead, I would.

You've done so much
to make me happy.

Woman's vanity.

I thought you were in love with me.

- Oh, April...
- Don't.

Don't say anything.

Compassion, when it comes,

is the greatest form of love.

I'm very grateful.

- Hello, Doctor.
- Hello, Ben.

I'm sorry.

One telegram, two faces of despair.

The wolf was rabid.

One question, where do I go?

I can't stay here.

Virginia City Hospital.

I've made the arrangements.

I'll be a few minutes.

April...

- I'll go with you.
- No, Ben.

I've read and heard enough
to know that I don't want you there.

I know.

But no power on earth can keep me
from being there with you.

Did you notice
what a beautiful morning it was?

Remember that. Don't let that change.

Take good care of my chickens.

Giddy-up.