The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955–1961): Season 2, Episode 14 - Nineteen Notches on His Gun - full transcript

Wyatt, do you really think we're gonna get away with

pretending to be Texas outlaws on the run?

We got no other choice, Mr. Masterson.

Could never blast Butch Henry and his boys out of there with a posse,

so, if you can't lick 'em, join 'em.

Sure, but... what happens when they find out they have

Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson in camp?

And Butch Henry has 19 notches on his gun?

Well, if we get caught, then either Mr. Henry's

gonna be carvin' two more notches or he'll be dead.

At least we got an even chance.



Come on.

♪ Wyatt Earp, Wyatt Earp ♪

♪ Brave, courageous, and bold ♪

♪ Long live his fame and long live his glory ♪

♪ And long may his story be told ♪

The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp,

starring Hugh O'Brian.

Wyatt Earp, as Marshal in Wichita and now in Dodge City,

had met some of the top guns of the western frontier.

He had outfought the notorious Manon Clemens.

He had outfought John Wesley hardin,

in a final showdown.

He had persuaded Clay Allison to run from Dodge City

rather than face a duel with 45s, man to man.



But the case of Butch Henry, cattle thief and killer,

presented a new problem:

Not much was known about him, and he chose to await a battle with the law

on his own fighting ground, in the rocky wilderness

known as the Salt River Bend.

Mr. Birode!

What happened, bill?

That Butch Henry gang...

Th-they attacked us in the brush, and they killed Ranson and Herb,

and then they... We'll take him to Doc McCottie in Dodge.

I'm gonna see Wyatt Earp about this.

And we're small fry in the cattle business, Marshal.

We couldn't take the law into our own hands if we wanted to.

And we're asking you to organize a posse

and go after that gang.

I know you've had trouble with cattlemen from the big outfits, but...

None of our boys.

Well, that's got nothing to do with it, sir. It's just that...

Well, technically Sheriff Bassett has the jurisdiction.

I know he's home sick, but...

Well, his Chief Deputy, Bill Tillman...

He's not here, Marshal.

He rode to the fort this morning to check a Cheyenne outbreak down south.

I guess that leaves it up to me. Good.

So you think that Butch Henry's holed up at the Salt River Bend, uh?

We know he's there, Marshal.

And he's got 300 head of our steers.

Salt River is a good hideout,

and we're going to need quite a few men.

Well, I never like to use a posse,

unless it's a last resort.

Marshal, Butch Henry has killed at least 20 men.

He's on the run from east Texas.

They've got good peace officers in east Texas,

but they didn't take Butch Henry.

I'd like to take a crack at it.

Well, we're in your hands.

I reckon this is one of the few times...

That any cattlemen ever came to you for help.

Yes, it is. And I appreciate it.

I want Butch Henry as much as you do.

And here's another thing, Zach.

We've run off all the beef we can rebrand and sell, right?

Well, a couple of the boys can hold them here.

So why don't the rest of us pull a raid on Dodge?

They tell me them gambling houses are just loaded with cash money. Right?

No. What do you mean, no?

George Morris tried it. He's a big-headed fool.

He tried to take over the whole town. I mean, a quick raid!

Wyatt Earp's in Dodge. Aw, now Zach!

Don't tell me we're scared of that cow town Marshal.

19 notches, and I'll cut me number 20 for Mr. Earp.

Zach. You ain't scared of Earp?

- Never laid eyes on him.
- Well, neither have I!

But that's no reason to be taking him so serious!

Who's he ever killed?

Look, a man don't get an honest reputation

without no notches in his gun, right?

I'll think it over. Where ya going?

Check on the cattle guard.

You think about it some more, Butch.

But I figured on startin' at sunup.

No.

Aren't you going to tell me what this is all about?

No sense in worrying you until it's necessary.

Oh, Marshal Earp. I just got it finished.

It's a good joke, you and Mr. Masterson being wanted

for train robbery in Texas. What?

"$2,000 reward for Morg Pickett and Bill Jepson,

"alias the Amarillo Kid.

"These men held up a Texas & Pacific train,

"killed two county sheriffs, and fled from Texas.

- "Signed, N.B. Avereaux, Captain, Texas Rangers."
- What is this?

Morg Pickett and the Amarillo Kid. That's you and me.

Thanks, Mr. McKay, that's a real good fast job.

Thank you. Remember, keep this to yourself.

- Otherwise you'll spoil the joke.
- I won't say a word, Marshal.

Come on, Mr. Masterson.

So in order to keep from having to take a posse into the Salt River Bend,

I decided to try for an inside job.

A character like Butch Henry...

Being this far north, probably could use a few extra hands.

Couple of characters like Morg Pickett and...

The Amarillo Kid stand a good chance of being hired on.

You be sure and remember those names.

Only one thing wrong with the idea.

What's that? I know Texas, and I can talk the language.

But they'd spot you for a Yankee in two minutes.

Well, Sonny, ain't you never heard me talk Texan?

Well, ah heard so much Texas talk up here in the north

that I'll be dang-goned if I don't seem to be using that accent in my sleep.

Besides, they call me silent Morg Pickett.

- So, Kid, you'll be doin' all the talking.
- All right.

But what if they start asking you about places in El Paso, Fort Worth and San Antone?

Well, it's a long ride to Butch Henry's. You can tell me about 'em on the way.

Well, s'posin' they do let us join him? Then what?

It's not too big of an outfit,

about nine or ten guns, at the most.

Anyway, they'll be busy holdin' those steers in the bin.

I think we stand a pretty good chance of taking

Butch Henry and a couple of his men if the others don't butt in.

Suit yourself.

Well, smokin' 'em out with a posse would be a lot worse.

When do we start?

As soon as we can get the right clothes together, we got to go in there

looking like outlaws.

For gosh sake, don't take that Buntline Special.

They've never seen you, but I've bet they've heard of that gun.

Thank you for reminding me.

I'll feel kind of naked without it, though.

Yeah. Whoa, boy.

Want some water? Yeah.

Yeah, you were telling me about big Kate's place, down in Waco.

What did she look like, and what do you remember about her?

She's not so awful big, just kind of thick-like.

She has blue eyes and dark hair...

But don't get me wrong, she's got a real good figure.

She runs a saloon and dance hall.

The girl's names are Midge, Susie, Anna Mae,

and Dolores.

Well, I'll tell ya, Sonny, that's a mighty heap of remembering.

What about Cattle Annie's, down in Fort Worth?

Well, that's a long story, Morg.

Price of the herd is 4500.

That figures, uh, 12.50 a head.

Well, that's too steep!

Why, a lot of the brands have been messed up, and the changes.

4500 cash, or it's no deal.

Sorry, gentlemen, I can't go above 3,000.

Why, you ain't allowin' for the risk I run.

Hold it. Zach.

- See how much he's got on him.
- What are you doin'?

- Shut up.
- You can't do this to me!

Where do you keep it? Oh, we got visitors.

- You let me alone!
- I said, shut up!

I got friends that'll take care of you.

If I ever get... 500 measly bucks.

- You get out of camp, quick.
- This is just robbery!

- I'll...
- No. Not with stRangers around.

Didn't you hear those warning shots?

Get on your horse and don't look back.

- That's just plain robbery!
- Ah, shut up.

Get up there.

Hyahh!

Who are ya, and what do you want?

You Mr. Butch Henry?

- I ask the questions.
- You answer them.

They seem kind of hostile, Morg.

Reckon we better try our luck with another outfit.

Don't rush off. You boys on the run?

Could be, Mister.

You forget you saw us, and we'll forget we saw you.

- Come on, kid. Let's push on.
- Nope.

Can't see no reason for quarrelling.

You know, it sound like you might be from Texas.

- Yeah, we are.
- Texas Rangers?

- That's a dirty word, Mister.
- Ease it off, Morg.

Morg don't care for Rangers.

Neither does Zach.

Your pal had it right. I'm Butch Henry.

He's Zach Newcomb. Alight down.

I never turn Texas boys away from my camp.

Well, if he's really Butch Henry, I guess it's all right.

You know, you sound pretty big-headed for a trail ghost.

I don't think I like Mr. Newcomb, or whatever his name is.

Ease it off, Morg. You'll have to make allowances, Mr. Henry.

Morg and I, we been traveling far and fast.

That ain't Morg's true nature.

That's just his belly growling.

They're hungry. Go tell Sam to rustle them up some grub.

Pronto.

We sure do thank you kindly.

Reckon we could eat a whole steer.

He's Morg Pickett, and I'm Bill Jepson.

They call me the Amarillo Kid.

- Howdy.
- Howdy.

Reckon we better show Mr. Henry our calling card, uh?

Sure.

Calling card, uh?

Well, that's as good as any with me. Better than most.

You fellas seem to know your way around,

givin' the Rangers a go-by.

Zach, take a look at that.

Guess there ain't no harm in having a friendly little chat

while Sam fixes up your grub.

Come on. Boss.

Yeah? Ain't wanted in Kansas.

Well, what's the diff? They're on the run.

Which one of you is the boss, anyhow? You or him?

I'm Butch Henry! Ain't you never heard of me?

Sure he has! You're the top gun in east Texas.

17 notches. 19!

I got me two more the other day.

19 notches. I invited these boys to eat here.

You making any objection?

Nope. That satisfy you?

Yeah, I reckon so.

Take care of their horses.

Come on over to the fire.

Give me a plain walnut grip on that Colt,

and you can notch it without chippin' it.

Yeah, that's right, Mr. Henry.

Shall we ask him?

Don't make no difference to me, either way.

Ask him what?

We're nobodies, compared to you, Mr. Henry.

But I was wondering if you could use a couple of extra hands.

Well, I don't know.

Either of you any good with a gun?

Well, we got us two sheriffs.

From ambush?

Morg ain't had too much practice,

but I'm a fair hand at shootin'.

Here, let's see you hit that.

Sure.

Not bad. How about your draw and shoot?

Well, I can do a drop the dollar.

You're braggin' a little, ain't ya, kid?

Give me a dollar.

Say, that's pretty good. Got the shot off before it ever hit the ground.

What do you say, Zach?

We can try 'em. But we don't want his pal.

Nothin' doin'. Morg and me left Texas together. We stay together.

Listen to Newcomb.

What does he do, bury the bodies for you?

That's enough. Quiet!

We're friends, Morg.

Look. The kid can handle a gun, and we can use him.

I'll use Morg as one of the cattle guards.

Now blow on your soup. It's too hot.

You fellas are hired. Go catch a nap some place.

- You look beat. - Thanks, Mr. Henry.

Ease off, will ya?

Looks like Butch has called a pow-wow.

What was the idea of getting so tough with Newcomb?

He's the real boss.

How do you figure that?

"Butch does too much talki" to be a fightin' man.

Yeah. Only 19 notches.

I think Zach does his killin' for him.

- Aw, you don't know what you're talkin'...
- shut up and listen to him.

Boys, all we could get from that cow trader was 500 bucks.

Now Zach'll cut it up, share and share alike.

We just couldn't unload them steers.

Quiet! Quiet.

I've got an idea how we can pick up some quick money.

There's plenty of the stuff in Dodge.

All spread out in them gambling joints, just ready to be took.

Now what do you say?

Zach told us it wasn't a good idea!

That right, Zach? That what you said?

- No.
- Why, you dirty, double-crossin' liar!

You said... you...

I run this outfit, and I don't take no backtalk.

And no lies about Newcomb.

Any of you other boys scared to go to Dodge?

All right. Bury him.

Zach got off the first shot!

Yeah, he usually does.

Why does he let Butch take all the credit?

They're watchin' us. Go on to sleep.

I think we ought to hit 'em tonight, while the gambling's going full blast.

Not with those new men in camp.

We can use the kid! Maybe.

Not the big one, though. All right.

I'll leave the big one on cattle guard.

No, I want to talk to him first.

Now look. There's already been one killing in camp.

The kid's gonna stand by his pal. You call the kid over here.

I want to talk to Pickett when he's all by himself.

Now, Zach... you do like I say, real quick.

All right. All right!

Hey, kid!

Kid, come on over here!

You want Morg too?

No, he can work on the fire.

Go on. I'll cover ya.

What part of Texas was you born in?

Part of Texas? Yeah.

Where was you born?

El Paso, why?

That's funny.

I was born in El Paso.

Maybe we're neighbors.

Name me some of the streets.

You lived there. You know their names.

I'm asking you.

No, you're trying to call me a liar.

It's their fight, kid.

I don't like you, Mr. Newcomb. I told you that.

Now you got the gall to ask the questions.

I don't like that.

No?

Sit down, Mr. Newcomb.

Before I'm tempted to break both your legs.

Hold it! Any of you want to pick up his fight?

Mr. Henry's comin', Morg!

I got no quarrel with Mr. Henry.

I ought to finish you off, you polecat.

You don't like Newcomb?

I despise him! None of the men ever liked him, either.

Patch him up. Put him on his horse.

I don't want him around my camp.

I never saw two handier men with guns.

Why, you're almost as good as I am!

Well, that's a big compliment, Mr. Henry.

Sure is! Downright flattering.

No, I mean it. I got a special proposition to make you.

You heard us talking about a raid on Dodge?

Well, if you're game, I'll cut you in on equal shares.

Well, fine! You hear that, Morg? We're in!

Well, I don't know, kid. What's wrong?

Raidin' a big town like that.

Why don't we just round up them steers and point 'em south

toward the Indian nations?

You scared o' Wyatt Earp?

- Earp? Who's that?
- He's the John law in Dodge with the big reputation.

But he ain't as fast as I am.

Well, I'm not threatened about no Earp.

We better think about it.

If I was you, I wouldn't put Mr. Newcomb on a horse.

No, the way he's feelin', he's liable to head straight for Dodge

and rouse up that whole town.

That's right. I'd better see that he's tied up.

And you keep workin' on Morg, kid.

He'll come around, Mr. Henry.

You aimin' to bulldoze that whole outfit into town?

I slipped up on a serious point.

Should have told those cattlemen back in Dodge

what you and I were going to try and do.

You couldn't do that. They'd have talked.

Yeah, but I should have trusted them.

No, I made a big mistake.

If those cattlemen come high-tailing it out here with a posse...

Well, let's grab Butch and Zach.

Make a run for it, like you first planned, huh?

No, Butch has got more men that Mr. Birode figured.

Got nine here in camp.

I figure at least another ten out on cattle guard.

Well then, we'll have to get 'em all started on the raid.

Hmm.

If there's a posse headed this way, some hoodlum is sure to beat 'em here

with the news.

Yeah, that's right. You, uh...

Go tell Butch you won me over. Right.

How much further to the bend? Maybe five miles.

But we're all pretty tired, Hank.

Wyatt was a fool to try an inside job,

but if they haven't killed him and Masterson, we owe them a chance.

I hope it isn't too late!

Now there's just one more thing.

Some of you men been out on cattle guard,

so you ain't met Morg Pickett and the Amarillo Kid.

Morg is the man that crippled Newcomb in a stand-up gunfight.

I was gonna shoot the rat myself, only Morg took the job off my hands.

Now I want you all to do me a favor:

When we pick up them other men,

and we hit Dodge,

you leave Wyatt Earp to me, to Morg, and the kid.

All right, so we ride.

- Hold it!
- Posse comin', Butch. Not more than a mile behind me.

- How many of 'em are there?
I couldn't tell.

Wyatt Earp with 'em? No. Him and Bat Masterson snuck out of town two days ago.

What? Hey! Haw!

Get that gun on that dirty...

- Don't kill 'em, just wing 'em.
- Yeah.

Come on, men! Don't let anybody get away with this!

Hold it, Butch! I want 'em.

Too late. Take cover! Move around 'em!

I want this dirty John law!

We can't stay here.

Quit hidin'! Come on out!

Are you crazy? Come on out, Earp!

And I'll make it twenty notches!

Drop him, Wyatt.

Hold your fire, men!

I want Earp to come out.

I'm a-waitin', Earp!

Aren't you gonna kill him?

No.

It's what I wanted to do to you in the Pollock ambush, but you wouldn't trust me.

Yo, let's go get him, men!

You hit? No. But we're not coming out of this one.

Hold your fire!

Hold it, men!

Come on, drop your guns.

Come on, all of you. Out of there. Drop your guns.

You there. Come on out.

Line 'em up and tie 'em, boys.

A close call, Marshal.

You're right, sir. We'd like to thank you.

That's Butch Henry, but he's not really the tough one.

The tough one is Zach Newcomb.

He's tied up over there.

So Butch Henry isn't really tough.

The cattle thief with 19 notches on his gun.

Well, he's just a big blowhard, sir.

I'll tell you all about it back in town.

I told you. Just got a headache.

♪ Well, he cleaned up the country ♪

♪ The old Wild West country ♪

♪ He made law and order prevail ♪

♪ And none can deny it ♪

♪ The legend of Wyatt ♪

♪ Forever will live on the trail ♪

♪ Oh, Wyatt Earp, Wyatt Earp ♪

♪ Brave, courageous and bold ♪

♪ Long live his fame and long live his glory ♪

♪ And long may his story be told ♪

♪ Long may his story ♪

♪ Be told ♪