Cheyenne (1955–1963): Season 1, Episode 7 - Decision - full transcript

Did you hear that?

Just coyotes.

Yeah, red ones.

Do you think
they're going to attack?

Maybe.

But Wilderness is
a good, stout fort.

Yeah, but is Heffler
a good, stout commander?

Look,
I think they ought to-

Wait a minute.

Hold it!

Sounds like
that horse is shod.



Sergeant,
rider coming up.

Rider approaching!

Open the gates!

Them Injuns are thicker'n
fleas on a pine oak's back.

It's a wonder you got through.

Almost didn't.

Hid out in the scrub pine,
waiting for moonset.

War party came along,
and had to make a run for it.

You a government scout?

Temporary.

Got a message
for the commanding officer.

Sergeant.

Yes, sir.
This way.

Say, uh,
those Indians,



were they pretty close
behind you?

I don't know.

I didn't much care
to look back.

A government scout
with a message, sir.

Very well,
sergeant.

Yes?

'Fraid I got
some pretty bad news.

Just a moment please.

You will stand at attention,

and state your business
in a military manner.

Fair enough.

I've come from
17 Miles station,

with a message
for Major Heffler.

Very well.

You're Heffler?

Major Heffler left orders
not to be disturbed.

I'll see that he gets
the message.

Didn't you hear me?

Look, mister, my order
is to put this in the hands

of the commanding officer.

You wanna play soldier,
I'll go along with you.

Maybe I ought to remind you
that as a government scout,

you're subject
to military discipline.

Including a court-martial,
if necessary.

I wouldn't want to put you
into any extra trouble.

You've got enough
as it is.

You,
come back here!

Mister, I wouldn't holler
at a mule like that.

Where did you get
this guidon pennant?

Can't you obey a simple order,
captain?

I told you I didn't want
to be disturbed.

I'm sorry, sir.

The scout just brought this in.

Where did you get this?

At your cavalry outpost
at Big Rock.

Was wiped out.
Not a man left alive.

Over a hundred men.

There's a message too, sir.

From the Seventeen Mile Station.

I can tell you what it says,
major.

The Arapaho
have joined up forces

with the Comanche,
under Black Hawk.

They're north of Seventeen,
making big medicine.

I knew something was happening.

I felt it.

Quinlan,
I want to see my officers.

Yes, sir. And may I give orders
to double the guard, sir?

That won't be necessary.
We're evacuating the fort.

What did you say?

What's that?

Perhaps he didn't hear you
correctly, sir.

For that matter,
I don't think I did, either.

You heard me,
all right,

and I recognize your weasel way
of questioning my orders.

You've been getting mighty close
to the line, captain,

and one of these days,
you're going to step over.

To review gentlemen,

this will be
our general road of march.

Southeasterly
through Helow Pass,

then a northerly swing
to Fort McKay.

Now,
is there any questions?

The junior officer
has a question.

Well, sir, why is it impossible
to hold this position?

It's impossible because-

Because, I say it's impossible,
that's why.

After all, gentlemen,
I have the responsibility

of the women and children
in this garrison.

And I'm certainly not
going to subject them

to the risk of being slaughtered
by those savages.

Couldn't we send a message to
Fort McKay for reinforcements?

I'm sure this scout could-

That'll be all, Rogers.

Sergeant Short.

If we're bound to skedaddle,
major,

why don't we head out the trail
straight to Fort McKay?

Ah.

Because Black Hawk is here.

He'll have war parties
all along here.

But we gonna fool him.

He'll never dream
that we'd go through Helow Pass

at this time of year.

Take over, captain.
Yes, sir.

Gentlemen,
you know what to do.

Well, I hope Black Hawk
won't figure

we'd go through
Helow Pass.

He won't.

He gives us credit
for having more sense.

Load 'em tight.

Can't afford any noise.

Get this water tank filled,
men.

All right,
do what the lieutenant says.

Here, now,
that's no job for you.

Let me take that.

Pretty sly,
lieutenant.

Hiding out in the shadows till
you were sure I was finished,

then offering to help.

Sounds like the right idea,
but I'm innocent of the charge.

And well she knows it, boy.

She's been watching for you
like a hawk.

Papa.

Well?
Were you looking for me?

Does it really matter?

I mean, in a few weeks we'll be
going on our way west again,

and you'll be showing
the North Star

to some other girl,
from another wagon train.

Ann, I-

That's a good job.

You can tell your major

the Arapaho won't hear
no dry axle on this wagon.

I think you better put these
things inside, Mr. Saunders.

I'll do it,
Papa.

All right.
Gotta draw my water ration.

Gallon apiece
for an eight-day trip.

Ann, do you mind
if I come by tomorrow?

See how you making out?

If you'd like,
lieutenant.

Well,
good evening then.

Good evening.

Yes, sir. I'll take care of it
right away, sir.

Bodie, you're scouting
in advance at the column.

Yes, sir.

And I'm riding with you.

That'd be right handy.

In case we have to court-martial
some Arapaho.

Troops lead out.

Stand to horse.

Prepare to mount.

Mount.

Forward ho!

Looks like
an Arapaho hunting party.

How many?

There's never more than seven
or eight in a hunting party.

Think they've seen us?

They've seen us.

We can't take a chance on them
getting back to Black Hawk.

All right,
let's find them.

This way.

Rogers!
Lieutenant Rogers!

What's that firing?

Sounds like the scouts
have run into something.

Shall I take
A Troop forward, sir?

No. No.
We'll lead them here.

Circle your wagons!

Ambush!

Oh!

That remark that I made

back at the fort
about court-martial...

I'd be obliged
if you'd forget it.

I don't know
what remark you mean.

You'd better
get the horses.

And in conclusion,
dear Lord,

we want to thank you
for bringing us this far.

And not meaning to be previous
or nothing,

we want to thank you in advance

for our safe deliverance
to Fort McKay.

But if that ain't to be, Lord,
it ain't to be.

And we ain't gonna hold it
agin ya.

Amen.

Now, come along,
children.

I want to get you home
to bed.

That's right,
we're gonna be starting early.

I'll be along later, Ann.
All right.

Good evening, Ann.

Good evening,
lieutenant.

Could I walk you back
to your wagon?

Couldn't really stop you,
lieutenant.

Why don't you call me Lee?

You did back at Wilderness.

We're not back
at Wilderness now.

It doesn't do
to get too fond of people

you're not going to see again.

Would you repeat that?

The part about getting too fond
of people.

The major's compliments,
sir.

He wants to see you
on the double.

Very well,
sergeant.

Ann?

He said on the double,
sir.

You wanted to see me?

Yes. You're familiar with
the country south of here.

Midland?

All right, gentlemen,
if you'll look at the map,

I'll show you
our route of march.

Now, as you can see,

the north trail leads directly
to Fort McKay.

While this one swings
in a southeasterly direction.

We're making a little change
in plan.

I've decided to stay
on the lower trail.

And if that
doesn't have

Black Hawk running
around in circles,

I'll miss my guess.

Of course,
some of you may say

that I'm being
a little too cautious,

but with women and children
in this command,

I don't think we could be
too careful.

Now,
is there any comments?

I'd say we don't
have one chance in 50

if we take
the lower trail.

Well, that's just where
you're wrong.

We won't see one hostile.

I wasn't talking about Indians.
I'm talking about water.

Well, what about water?
There isn't any.

I thought you knew
this territory.

This trail intersects the bend
of the Big Sandy.

And that'll be the dustiest
river you ever saw.

Well, I crossed the Big Sandy
a year ago at this time,

later, in August,
and the water was saddle-high.

Last year was the wettest
anybody can remember.

The Big Sandy
will have water in it.

You can take my word for it.

Any further discussion,
gentlemen?

No? Then I'm sure we all have
work to do.

Oh.

Rank has its privilege, captain.
Will you have a drink?

No, thank you,
sir.

Well, I will.

What's on your mind,
captain?

With the major's permission,

we should give more thought
to the scout's report

before we take the south trail.

Is that so?

Yes, sir.

I found his opinion
to be extremely reliable.

Maybe you think he should be
in command of this column.

No, sir.

I just felt that it was my duty
to point out-

It's not your duty
to lecture me, captain.

I'm not, major.
It's just that I-

As a matter of fact,
you're not the one

to lecture anybody
on anything.

There's an unhealthy atmosphere
in this command,

and I lay it all
right at your doorstep.

I've heard the men grumbling.

Yes, sir.

I've heard them too.

Meaning exactly what?

Sir, we were discussing
the route of march.

Yes, we were.

And I suppose you'd take
the north trail,

and risk a massacre?

In my opinion,
it's better to risk a fight

than to risk not finding water.

That's the trouble
with you academy men.

You think nobody else knows
anything.

Well,
for your information,

I was soldiering in the field
with the First Michigan

while you were up
at the Point,

learning your tactics
out of a book.

I've seen my share of action
as much as you, if not more.

That's pretty close
to insubordination.

It wasn't meant to be,
sir.

I said you'd cross the line
someday, captain.

Well, you've gone this far.
Why don't you come out

with the rest of it.
What's on your mind?

I think you're making a mistake
that'll end up costing lives.

And I suppose you also think

that you're more fitted
to this command than I am.

Well, answer me.

It's a matter
of personal conviction.

I'm not required to answer.

Well, I'm telling you
to answer now.

That's an order.

Are you going to answer me?

I'm not required to answer,
sir.

Sergeant of the guard!

Captain Quinlan
is under arrest.

Yes, sir.

I'll do it,
sergeant.

Now, children, you gotta be
careful when making hotcakes.

You dance and burn them.

Keep 'em cool.
That's the Army way.

Jeremiah, Lettie.

Now, you and your sister
stop bothering the man.

Oh, they're no bother, ma'am.
Well, that's nice.

Cheyenne, could I have
a word with you?

We was just leaving. Come along,
dear, back to the wagon.

Come along, scoot.
Come on.

A lot of woman, that.

Reminds me of a Pawnee squaw
I used to know

out by the rosebud.

Well, it looks like you'll
be scouting the south trail

alone this morning.
I know.

The sergeant told me
about Captain Quinlan.

The major has marked
our line of march.

Most foolish thing
I ever heard of, heading south.

The Big Sandy'll
be bone dry,

or I don't know a johnnycake
from buffalo chips.

No use arguing
with the Army.

We're buzzard bait.

Every man, woman and child
of us.

Ain't a thing
we can do about it.

Maybe there is.

Lieutenant,
wait a minute.

You'll just get yourself
into trouble,

talking to the major.

I'm going to see
Captain Quinlan.

Well, as long as you're wearing
that uniform,

I think I'd better do
the talking to Quinlan.

All right, children,
want to join me?

That's how they make them
in the Navy.

We'd like to talk
to the captain, corporal.

Yes, sir.

Sorry about what happened
last night.

It's everybody's opinion
you got a misdeal.

Bodie,

the only opinion that matters
in an Army troop

is the opinion
of the commanding officer.

That's right.

But the Army can make
a mistake too.

It might just be that we've got
the wrong commanding officer.

What Bodie means is,
sir,

that if the men would stand
behind you-

Lieutenant,
you've said enough.

You're new in this column

and entitled to make
a few mistakes,

but not the one
you were about to make.

You gotta be in
as long as Heffler

before you're entitled to make
the real big ones, is that it?

What you were about to suggest
could get the both of you shot.

Does it really matter,
sir?

Everybody knows taking
the south trail is suicide.

This is a military unit,
not a debating society.

It's not all military.

There's civilians here,
and that makes a difference.

No, it doesn't.

The discipline and regulations
of the United States Army

are more important
than this column,

and a hundred others
like it.

Don't ever forget that again,
lieutenant.

Prepare to mount!

Now, I'd suggest you get back
to your posts.

Both of you.

Mount!

All right, sir.

Column of fours,
forward ho!

Detail halt!

Who gave orders to halt?

I did.

Sergeant,
move out the column.

We've gotta get
to the Big Sandy.

If you think you can find it.

You're standing in it.

We're here! We're here!
It's the river.

Don't tell me
this is a river.

It can't be.

My map.
Orderly!

Somebody bring me my map.

Oh, Papa,
it's dry.

There's no two ways
about it.

Our only chance is to try
and get through the McKay Trail.

The McKay Trail?

Wouldn't they like for us
to go through the McKay Trail.

Oh, yes, that'd suit
our red brothers

right down to the ground.

No,
we'll fool them again.

We'll continue our march
as planned.

What's that, sir?
You heard me.

That's a six-day march
without water.

I don't care
if it's six weeks.

We're not walking
into any ambush.

Lieutenant, you can break out
the emergency water ration.

There's enough there
for half a canteen per man.

We move out in 15 minutes.

Half a canteen
for a six-day march?

Well, I'll say it
if nobody else will.

Black Hawk's got him
so spooked,

he'd try to march us to Mexico
before he'll risk a fight.

There won't be one of us get
through that desert alive.

How do the men feel?

They sure don't want
to go through the desert

without water.

Cheyenne,
what do you think?

A few of us
would probably get through.

Most of them wouldn't.

Sir.

You ready to move out?

Yes, sir.

There's just one thing, major.
And what's that?

We want you to lead the column
out through the McKay Trail.

You want me to-
Are you out of your mind?

Sir, it's murder to send this
column south of the Chickashays.

Are you questioning my orders?

Yes, sir.

If you want to put it
that way.

Sergeant,
this man is under arrest

for gross insubordination.

Take his weapon and confine him
with Captain Quinlan.

Sergeant!
I gave you an order!

Sergeant Short,
put this man under arrest.

You heard me!

All right,
you're all under arrest.

Every last one of you.

Now, throw down your weapons.
Throw them down!

Sergeant Short,
see that the column is in order.

We'll move out
when you're ready.

Yes, sir.

Sergeant!
Stay where you are.

That's an order!

Sorry, sir.

I think I'd better take this,
sir.

I know how you feel,
sir.

But a man has to do
what he thinks is right.

I'm not going to make you
any speeches, lieutenant.

I tried that once,
and it didn't take.

But I'll tell you one thing,

and you too,
Mr. Bodie.

You'll stand in front of firing
squad for this day's work.

You and your friends.

Say that like a prayer.
Both of you.

It's that true.

Better take your pistol.

You may need it before this is-
Cheyenne.

Something on that hill.

Arapaho.

Looks like we're gonna have
company.

Sergeant,
ride up to A Troop.

Tell Sergeant Comisky to get
back here as fast as he can.

Too late for that.

We'd better circle.

Circle your wagons!

Hyah!
Circle your wagons!

Where's the major?

In the wagon.

Major. Major.
I brought your weapon.

Get out of here.

Take cover, everybody.

I didn't think they could see me
from that distance.

That big one
with the war bonnet.

That was Black Hawk
himself.

Why didn't they attack?

Guess it was just a faint.

Probably wants us
to chase him

so he can separate the soldiers
from the wagon train.

What do you think
we should do?

Sit tight till dark.

Maybe we can cook up
a little surprise for him

when they do attack.

You'd better take this back.

I'd be obliged
if you'd keep it, sir.

We'll need
every gun.

Sit down,
sergeant.

Is your troop
ready to ride?

Uh, yes, sir.

Well, we've all been looking
for action.

Now,
you're gonna get it.

And more than
you've bargained for.

I guess you'd better
explain your idea.

We can expect Black Hawk back
in the morning.

He'll find the cavalry gone.

And this time he'll hit us,

thinking he's attacking
an unprotected wagon train.

What he won't know is,
that these wagons will be filled

with sharpshooters
from the infantry company.

Where will the civilians be?
Right in the middle?

They'll be
with the cavalry

about two miles
from here, in a gully.

Indians ain't stupid.

They'll see there ain't no
civilians around.

That's where you're wrong,
sergeant.

What size dress
do you wear?

Did you say "dress,"
sir?

I think Miss Smallwood's outfit
ought to look real good on you.

Sir?

Somebody has to set
an example.

We need at least five ladies
around here.

Eighteen years in the cavalry,
and I got a guy in a petticoat.

It ain't military.

Lee.

Hello, Ann.

Lee, is it true
what they're saying?

What is it they're saying?

That you're going to be...

That when we get to McKay,

that you're going to be
court-martialed and shot.

Now, where'd you hear
a silly thing like that?

Everybody says so.

You don't really think
the Army would shoot

a valuable fellow
like me?

Please, you've got to tell me
the truth.

Well, they might give me
a little court-martial, or...

Well, I might have to spend
a little time

in the Army prison.

But maybe I won't.

Lee, I know it's not proper
for me to say this,

but I'd be proud
to wait for you,

no matter how long
it was.

Nothing in the world would
make me any happier, Ann.

But I think you better keep
going west with you pa.

Well, lieutenant,
we're all ready to leave.

That's fine,
Mr. Saunders.

Ann...

remember one thing:

no matter what happens,
I love you.

All right, sergeant,

move out the civilians.

All right you girls,
come on.

These Indians are gonna think
I'm Betsy Ross.

I wonder
what's keeping them.

They'll be along.

All ready, sir.

All the soldiers,
and the wagon?

Yes, sir.
And the howitzer?

In the last wagon.
It's loaded with grape.

But if you ask me,
it'll be no good to us there.

You ever hear
of a mobile cannon?

Mobile?
No.

You will.

You better take this.

Here they come.

All right,
this ain't no sewing bee.

Oh!

Think it's about time,
lieutenant.

Sergeant.

We're moving out.

Yes, sir.

Move out!

Move out the wagons!

Come on, mount up.

Let me help you,
captain.

I'm all right, lieutenant.
Yes, sir.

Soldier.

Yes, sir?

Tell the lieutenant
that Major Heffler is dead.

Move out the wagons!

Lead out.

Wagons out.

Lieutenant...

give 'em a taste
of the howitzer.

Right.

Prepare to fire.

Let them have it!

I hope they keep following.

Here they come.

They're trying to outflank us.

Good.

Raise those flaps.

Hold on, ho!

Black Hawk.

They won't be
bothering us again.

Not for a long while.

Then we got nothing
to worry about...

except what's waiting for us
at Fort McKay.

We'll be ready to move out
in five minutes, sir.

The doc's patching up
the last of the wounded.

We ought to be in McKay
by dinnertime.

Yeah, bread and water
in the stockade.

Are you going to turn over
the command, sir?

Captain Quinlan,
if he'll take it.

Why don't we just slide out?

Right now.
All of us.

And be on the run
for the rest of our lives?

Well, I can't tell you men
what to do,

but I'm going into Fort McKay
with the column.

I'm ready to stand up
for what I did,

win, lose or draw.

That's good enough for me.

Well, sergeant?

I guess the troop's about ready
to move out, sir.

Well,
who wants to live forever?

Lieutenant.

Mind if I come along?

If you'd like.
I would.

There's a few things
I'd like to get off my chest.

Thank you,
doctor.

Sir.

I'd like to turn command over
to you.

Are you sure you know
what you're doing?

Yes, sir.

I want you to understand
that this- This gesture

isn't going to make it
any easier on either one of you.

I'm not going to rest

till you all answer
to a general court-martial.

You still want
to turn over command?

Yes, sir.

All right.

Consider yourselves
under open arrest

till formal charges
can be brought against you.

Get back to your posts.

Captain.

I was just wondering,
do you do much gambling?

What?

Gambling.
You ought to.

You're shot with luck.

What do you mean?
You're still alive.

Any one of us could've killed
you during the fight,

and we'd all be in the clear.

You hit a pretty big
four-to-one shot.

You had your chance.

Why didn't you take it?

If you don't know,
I can't tell you.

But I want you to get one thing
straight.

You're the only man
in this troop

that wasn't behind
the lieutenant

when he took over command.

You think Rogers did it
for his own sake?

There isn't a man here
that wouldn't march

through that desert till he
dropped, if it was only him.

But look around you,
mister.

There's women
in this wagon train,

and children.

And they got a right to live

no matter what it says
in your book.

Seems to me
it's a pretty sorry man

that uses a book of regulations
for a conscience.

Bodie, we're moving out.

Troop, attention!

Garrison from Fort Wilderness
reporting, sir.

Where's Major Heffler?

We ran into Black Hawk
on the McKay Trail, sir.

The major was killed...

in defense of his command.

He was a fine soldier.

Anything else to report?

No, sir.

Nothing else of importance.

Come in, captain.

We'll need a detailed report
of Black Hawk's attack.

Yes, sir.

Lieutenant,
dismiss your men.

Yes, sir.

Sergeant,
dismiss your troops.

Yes, sir.

Troop dismissed.

Oh, Lee.