California (1977) Movie Script
(bugle playing)
(gunshots)
(sounds of war)
California
Goodbye
California
Goodbye
(jazzy western music)
(thunder)
California
California
Goodbye
(bugle playing)
- [Unknown Voiceover]
First name, last name,
rank, hometown, and state.
- [2nd Unknown Voiceover]
First name, last name,
rank, hometown, and state.
- [1st Unknown Voiceover]
If you don't find a job,
you have a week to get out
of the state.
- If you don't find a job
you have a week to
get out of the state.
- [3rd Unknown Voiceover]
Robert Green, Corporal,
Laredo, Texas.
- This voucher is good
for one meal, but
only one, next?
- This voucher is good for
one meal only, next?
- First name, last name,
rank, hometown and state.
If you don't find a job
you have a week to get out.
- Hey you.
First name and last name
soldier, rank, hometown and state.
- William Preston,
Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant,
Flint River, Georgia.
- You gotta find yourself a job,
or you'll be given a week
to get out of the state.
- How am I?
- Your problem Lieutenant.
- No, it's not unfair,
and I'll be glad to
tell you all just why.
It's because you're
being given a chance
to get back on your
feet again, gentlemen.
Now, I can help you out.
I've got work for
anyone who is interested
in piling up a nice
little bundle of cash
to take back to his family.
- All the hatred and
bloodshed is over.
Now is the time we have to
buckle down and pull together,
to rebuild our great country.
No vanquishers
and no vanquished,
just men who have the
dignity only given by work.
- Those are might
pretty words sir,
only, how much you gonna pay us?
- I've been through what all
you men have been through.
We all have to make sacrifices.
- What ya offerin'?
- Room, board, and
half a dollar a week.
(disgruntled chatter)
- Half a dollar a week?
Back home we give our
slaves more than that
for pocket money.
(dinner bell)
(bugle playing)
(thunder)
(western orchestral music)
- Hey mister, how much
you take for that cat?
We can pay.
Ain't nobody's had
fresh meat since June.
- Go on like that,
it's healthier.
- How's about this for a trade?
You have any idea how
much this is worth?
- Here.
(cat meows)
(cat meows)
- William Preston,
Second Lieutenant.
- I don't need any
seconds, thanks.
- There are gangs of hold
out rebels everywhere,
even as far north as Oregon.
Other gangs have been
captured near Laramie.
They'll be here tomorrow,
along with the Texas
group, Colonel.
- Will you transmit this please?
- Yes, sir.
- Get barracks A,
C, and D, ready.
- Right away, sir.
- This just came in, sir.
(bugle playing)
- [Colonel] Gentlemen,
Richmond has fallen.
General Lee has
surrendered to Grant.
The war is officially over.
- More coffee sir?
- Mm mmm. (negative)
- [Colonel] The conditions
of the south is desperate.
Now we begin the most
arduous task of any war,
reconstruction for
peace and democracy,
the democracy President
Lincoln wanted,
that we won at such cost.
(thunder)
- Rope.
Who do you think's here?
- At least let the
poor bastard adjust.
- Afternoon, Colonel.
May I have a word with you?
- Yes, of course.
Give these to Whittaker.
How's the enlisting going?
- These good-for-nothings
have no desire to work.
- Mr. Whittaker?
- [Businessman] But they'll
wind up giving in...
- These have been
approved by the Colonel.
- [Colonel] Well, there
should be two groups
coming in tomorrow.
- [Unknown Voiceover]
All prisoners who have
completed all formalities are
to leave the camp by sundown.
The sick and wounded must report
to the hospital
tent immediately.
(jazzy western music)
- It stopped rainin'.
- You don't miss a thing, do ya?
- Where did you fight?
- Just about everywhere.
Haven't done much
else since I was born.
- But look, aren't you glad?
It's finished, right?
- Sure I'm glad.
Real glad.
You mean, you can't tell?
- I can't wait to
get home again.
I'm from Georgia.
And you?
- Man, Georgia's a long way out.
I'd get started if I were you.
So long.
- [Unknown Voiceover]
...United States of America.
Your having been in
the confederate army,
will have no bearing
upon your new career.
- Wagons down there.
- Looks like settlers.
(fire crackles)
- Where are the others?
- [Settler] Down at the river.
- That smells damn good.
Steady the horses.
Hurry up with that.
(gunshots)
I'll kill you.
Aaaaa.
- Now this one is worth 300.
He's 500.
This one's a double bounty.
The man's worth 500 in Missouri,
and 250 in Kansas.
Ah, but he'll never
last long enough
for us to collect on both.
We ought to split him in two.
(all laughing)
(upbeat jazz music)
- Hey stop, stop.
He's a friend of mine.
Get in.
- [Driver] No you don't.
Ain't pickin' you up boy.
- But, why don't you?
He's a friend, I said.
He did a lot of
fightin' for the south.
- He got a medal to show too?
- Yeah, but it's a lot
to pay for a buggy ride.
- I ain't takin' you aboard.
- What did you do that for?
- Well, we're pals
now aren't we?
- If you say.
- I don't even know your name.
- You don't?
My name's Random.
Michael Random.
- Random, I've heard
that name before.
- It's the same as
a brand of tobacco.
- Oh yeah, sure,
that's why I knew it.
I got a good memory for names,
and for most
everything else, too.
But you know what I'm best at?
- [Michael] Not yet, but I
have a hunch I will soon.
- [William] Hey, I'm really
great at memorizing dates.
You know when I was on patrol,
the sixth of June, last year?
- [Michael] In a cathouse?
- No, we were surrounded,
without ammunition.
They needed a volunteer to
go down the face of a cliff
that was blocking our retreat.
- Don't tell me, let me guess.
You volunteered, huh?
- Right, they lowered me
on a rope, I lost my grip.
It was the fastest
descent in history.
40 yards down and not a scratch.
I found the rest of
the company all right.
Wait.
Look at this.
- Hey, nobody ever told
me they gave medals
for havin' a rough rump.
Well, with all that luck,
it doesn't make sense.
You fall off a cliff,
not a scratch even.
Does that seem like
it's worth a medal?
Hey,
that's called kidding sonny.
You wanted to save your
company, and you did it.
It's mighty good.
- Well, there it is,
the road to the left
leads to Georgia.
- Oh yeah, I saw it.
- Where you goin'?
- I don't know,
and I don't care.
- You have no home?
- No.
- Do you have no family?
- No.
- So, why don't
you come with me?
Why don't you come to my house?
- Because I'm going that way.
- Okay.
Good luck, Michael.
(smooth orchestral music)
(Dixie playing)
- [Michael] Now what?
- [William] It takes
strategic advantage
of the element of surprise.
- You know what you're sayin'?
- I think so.
- Great, marvelous.
We charge on three.
- Okay, one...
- [Unknown Voiceover]
All right men, charge.
(group shouting)
(upbeat harmonica)
- Willy, Willy.
I've got a good one.
- I'm gonna take you to dinner.
- Okay, you're my guest tonight.
You like breast or leg?
(both laughing)
(harmonica playing)
- You know if we had won,
the northern troops would be
in the same condition
we're in now.
I mean, I guess it
was meant to happen.
So what difference
does it make to who?
- That's right, go to sleep now.
(harmonica playing)
(fire crackling)
(Willy murmurs in his sleep)
- I'll show them.
I'll kill you.
Bastards.
Northern bastards.
- So long, Willy.
(ominous western music)
Hey Willy.
Willy, wake up.
- [Willy] What is it?
- Shhh.
(upbeat jazz music)
(gunshots)
(confused shouting)
- You're gonna find out.
Everybody in line,
and keep it straight
like good little soldiers.
- I am Rope Whittaker.
And you all know
what I'm lookin' for.
Anybody got a price on his head,
he'd better step
forward right now.
I promise I'll spare his life.
Well that's it boys.
How about it boys?
- Don't bother givin'
your word, Whittaker.
It doesn't mean a damn
thing, and you know it.
- There you are, and you get
the biggest price of all.
- Alive or dead.
That's a pretty good business.
You can save yourself
the price of a bullet.
- [Whittaker] So you think
I have fun doing this, huh?
- You got a deal goin' with
the army to get rid of us.
Stealin' an apple's enough for
a price on a head, nowadays.
- That's my business sonny boy.
- Who the hell do you
think you're foolin'?
You know our face, because
your boys saw it at the fort.
And every time they did,
they pretended like they
didn't know who I was,
because they can't
collect, and you can.
So you split it up.
(gunshot)
Oh.
- Mr. Whittaker, don't kill me.
Because, you mustn't kill me.
I'd never steal a horse,
my father, he's a rich man.
- Get out.
Wilson, you stay.
- Beautiful morning, eh?
Well, if you like,
we can do another stretch
of the road together.
- Good morning.
- Morning to you.
- There was a bit of
ruckus here last night.
Bounty hunters, or at least
that's what I heard
in the village.
- We just got here
a few hours ago.
- That's too bad, now.
I'll have to invent something
for all my readers, then.
They go crazy for
that kind of story.
The name is Bayard Nelson,
journalist, is what my
life likes to call me,
but I'm just a reporter.
- So long, Mister Nelson.
(upbeat jazz music)
- Hey, you two.
Use the other trough for
washin' and drinkin'.
Over there.
- Heyah, heyah.
Heyah.
- Excuse me sir.
Could we load those
things for you?
We'd do it for a meal.
Or just a bite of bread.
All right?
- I wouldn't refuse a
hunk of bread to anyone.
So this way you've got no
excuse to steal anything,
and we won't have to go to
the trouble of hanging you.
But go eat it somewheres else.
- Heyah, heyah.
Whoa.
15 minutes to spare.
- Leave it there.
They just want to humiliate us.
You still got your uniform on.
- Well I'll eat this,
and you can eat
the uniform, huh?
- Gentlemen, I'd like
some information.
You ever see this man?
The only they told us,
is he fell in The
Battle of Nashville.
I'm his father,
and these are his brothers.
We want to know
where he's buried.
Can you even tell us?
- No, my job was in the kitchen.
I never fired a shot.
- He was about your
age, more or less.
Could he have been
among the Union soldiers
you killed, boy?
- My duty was to fight,
and kill.
He would have done the same.
War isn't a personal matter.
- Could it be you're the
very one that killed him?
- Could be.
Just like he would
have killed me.
- No, he didn't mean that.
- I meant just what I said.
(horses neighing)
- [Willy] Michael.
(horse neighs loudly)
Let go of him you filthy coward.
(horses neighing)
- [Michael] Run, Willy Run.
Get out of here.
(horse neighs)
(upbeat orchestral music)
(gentle orchestral music)
- Shall we spend the night here?
- Know a better place?
- May I buy you a drink?
- That's very kind.
- After you then.
(piano playing)
Must have been a nice place.
You know this is the first time
I've ever been in a saloon.
- [Michael] Do tell.
And they say wars
serve no purpose.
- Here's something
to start with.
- Good.
Can't imagine anything better.
- What kind of stuff is it?
- Whiskey, my boy,
and a good brand.
- Hey look.
Sure must've been in a hurry.
- Hmm, straight.
- [Willy] Four of a kind.
- Wouldn't you know it?
You're the one that
doesn't even get a scratch
from falling down a cliff.
- [Willy] Hey look, what do
you say we grab ourselves
some fancy headgear.
- That was a fine idea you
had, that little drink.
I'm hungrier than before.
- Oh by the way, I know a
place where we can both eat
till we bust at the seams,
sleep in a real bed,
and take hot baths,
all free of charge.
- In Georgia, by any chance?
- And you can stay as
long as you please.
- No, I'm not cut out
for tilling the soil.
- You could help my mother.
You're a cook, you said.
- That was a whopper.
I was in the engineers.
- Ah, perfect.
You could be a big
help to my father.
The minute he puts a
nail into anything,
it falls on his head.
- I got other plans, Willy.
I'm gonna have fun for a while.
- And you should get along
just fine with my sister.
She's a fun-loving kind.
And when she hears all
about how you saved the life
of that cat, she's gonna
fall madly in love with you.
You can bet on that.
(sudden gunshots)
(horse neighs)
(horse neighs)
(gunshots)
(gunshots)
(gunshots)
(gunshots)
(gunshots)
Where are you Mike?
(wind blowing)
(wind blowing)
- Now how about the other one?
- One man's enough
for one horse.
- Willy.
Willy.
(somber music)
- Helen, Helen.
(horse neighs)
- What are you looking for?
- This farm belong to
a man named Preston?
- What's it to ya?
- I guess you're Willy's sister?
Willy and I, were together.
And when it was all over,
I thought I would
bring you this.
- Willy's dead.
Would you please,
go and tell my Dad and Mother?
I know it's not fair,
but would you, please?
(somber orchestral music)
- From now on, we'll be known
as Willy Preston's family,
the boy who died
a hero in the war.
Only first, we'll
just be a family
that hasn't got a son anymore.
I don't think you can imagine
how much we loved him,
how much we'd have
preferred him,
the best hero, but alive.
We already got, enough metal
rustin' in the barnyard.
I'm sorry,
I'm perfectly sure that
stayin' alive is hard too.
So, Mister Random,
Michael,
I thank you in Willy's name.
(somber orchestral music)
(fire crackling)
(spoon hitting cup)
(soft music)
- Mornin'.
Your breakfast's ready.
What's the matter,
don't you like eggs?
Don't let them get cold.
You'd better get
out of that uniform,
I put out some clothes
for you upstairs.
You see, people around
here want to forget.
(soft flute music)
- You could have stayed.
I'm hungry, not ashamed of it.
- What did you
come out here for?
- Willy.
He deserved it.
Where are your folks?
- Out workin'.
- I'd like to say
goodbye to them.
- Are you leaving?
- Yes.
- Why?
They'd be very happy if
you decided to stay on.
- And you?
- Get out of that uniform,
then I'll answer you.
(birds singing)
(cows mooing)
- Dammit.
Oh, damn it all.
(grunting)
- Maybe if you're lucky, you'll
manage to break everything.
And by the way, just what
exactly is it you're trying to do?
- I'm not quite sure.
The damn sluice gate's
been stuck for months,
and a farm without water
is not a very good thing.
But it rains in my room, because
there's holes in the roof.
Everything's fallin' apart here.
No one cultivates his land, the
harvests are getting poorer.
But the animals keep
makin' little ones,
that have to be branded.
I'm really becoming sick and
tired of this whole place.
Maybe you're right.
I suppose you should go.
No one can stay
young around here.
- Would you like me to try that?
- Why should you?
- Well, could be because
I've walked about enough.
I've slept in enough haystacks,
the lucky times that is.
I've frozen, been
drenched, and famished.
I got a thousand blisters.
Even my bones hurt.
But seems you can't stay
young that way either.
Who can tell?
Maybe, the best idea
is to stay after all.
Well, that's finished.
This is the missing piece.
A block and tackle
in the right place,
we'll get that sluice open.
- Uh huh,
yes, I'm sure it'll work.
I've been thinking about it.
Only I kept putting it off,
without really knowing why.
Now I know why.
I was waitin' for
my son to come back,
to help me do all these things.
So I stopped doing anything,
as though I was
trying to stop time.
Kept telling myself,
he'd be back tomorrow.
Naw, hogwash.
The truth is, my damned lumbago,
it keeps me from
doing any heavy work.
Willy used to like
to go huntin'.
I got this as a gift for him.
He was a good shot.
Me?
I couldn't hit a barn,
if I was standin' in it.
- Good piece.
You don't see many like this.
- Yeah, good for
killin' at a distance.
Dangerous for a bear.
- And men.
- Hmmm.
- You decided what
you want for supper?
- You mean we got a choice?
- Of course you do.
- Flowers.
A menu.
My boy, this is a trap.
- It's one that never misses.
(bright music)
Here, catch.
All right, now pull.
Harder.
- I can't.
- Again.
- Bravo.
(romantic music)
- Here honey.
That's everything we need.
Well, almost everything.
- Helen?
- Yes.
- Now, don't forget
to get the buttons,
and the whiskey for your father,
but not that swamp
juice he wrote down.
Get the kind I like.
- [Helen] All right mother.
(romantic orchestral music)
- [Helen] Don't stop Mike.
- Don't you worry.
Whoa.
Where ya headin'?
- To the village.
- Well, how about a ride?
- Ha, you kiddin' mister?
- Ha, why not?
Go on, get in.
- We walked across three states,
and you're the first
person who's trusted us.
- [Mike] Sorry to hear that.
- How are things in the country?
- Well, this year things have
been hard, all around I guess.
Heyah.
- Heyah.
Heyah.
- Whoa, this all right?
- Couldn't be
better, thanks a lot.
- Thanks mister.
- Boys, looks like someone's
got a hole in their pocket.
These fell out and
you didn't notice it.
- Thanks ma'am.
Happens, we've got
holes all over us.
Thanks again, and good luck.
- Mighty kind of you ma'am.
- Well, I'll go to the shop.
- Here.
I'll be there in a minute.
- All right.
- Mornin' Amy.
- Mornin' to you, Random.
- How are ya?
- Just fine.
I see you've decided to honor us
with another visit, you two.
We don't really see much of
you in the village, do we?
- Anyway, here's a list.
- Well, my word.
I'm gonna need at
least a couple of hours
to get all this ready.
(banjo playing)
- Why Slim, I be lookin' for ya.
How are ya?
Now listen, about
those two heifers
you sold me the other day,
you know the black and tan ones.
- Well, boys, what
should we drink to?
- To the Confederated States
of the South, of course.
What do you say, gentlemen?
- You don't mind
if the three of us
haven't changed flags, do you?
- Yeah.
- Gentlemen, if you feel
like startin' another war,
just call on us, but call loud.
- Here, you might as
well get rich, too.
(gunshot)
(confused shouting)
- Come on, let's
get out of here.
- Come on.
(dramatic jazz music)
(horse neighs)
- Go on back home, folks.
There is nothing to see, here.
You too, sonny boy.
(crash)
- [Helen] What are you doing?
You can't...
(grunting)
(tense jazz music)
- Heyah.
Heyah.
(horse neighing)
Heyah.
(gunshot)
- Isn't there a
sheriff in this burg?
- He'll be here, don't worry.
- Well Nelson, you quit
your career as a reporter?
- In a certain sense,
I really was one.
They asked me for a
report on your activities.
'Fraid, you'd better
stop, Whittaker.
- Who decided that Colonel?
- [Nelson] The people who
have protected you this far.
Certain victories are
exploited in full,
which allows generals
to go into politics.
It could be a bit of an
embarrassment to a future president,
if he continues with
certain friendships.
- How do they think they
can wipe out the past?
And make me lose my memory?
- In one way or
another, Whittaker.
Your choice.
- Generals are all idiots.
Probably because they all
come up from Colonels.
Well, it's better this way.
I won't have to share the money.
Bounty hunters
will always exist.
- So will murderers.
When an order says,
take 'em alive,
there's no way you
can argue with it.
Now without protection,
the only thing you are
is a common murderer.
(soft jazz music)
(wind blowing)
Didn't you want the sheriff?
Here he is.
- I'll kill this girl.
I swear I will.
Let us through.
Gary, get out here.
You hear?
Put away those guns.
Put them away or I'll kill her.
Let's go Rope.
- Let us through, Colonel.
(wind blowing)
(horse neighs)
(western jazz music)
(somber orchestral music)
(cat meows)
(melancholy orchestral music)
- Son, even if you
don't find her,
come back to us, will you?
- I'll come back,
with Helen.
- Don't make us
mourn for you, too.
(upbeat orchestral music)
- As you see,
we're keeping busy.
- So I see.
No trace yet, I suppose.
- No, I'm afraid not.
Oh, Random.
I'm terribly sorry
about the girl.
- You're terribly sorry.
- There's no sense your
going out looking for them.
With that high a price,
somebody sooner or later,
is sure to bring them all in.
- There's dead bodies.
Just the way you like it.
And Helen?
- One of Whittaker's men
is known as Gary Luke,
an ex-gambler, a
skillful cheater,
and that's all I know.
- I'll tell you
right now Nelson,
if I don't find that girl,
there's gonna be a
price on my head,
for having murdered you.
(tense orchestral music)
- How are you California?
- Fine, how are you Paul?
- All right.
Sit down.
- I'd spoil your satin cushions.
- Long time since I've seen you.
Have you come back to stay?
- No.
- Pity.
There's a lot of hot shot
young guns around town,
who'd really like to
know you were here.
They'd be on you
like a pack of dogs.
All one has to do,
is to hear your name.
- The name doesn't last,
if it isn't backed
up with a gun.
That's why I quit.
- I wouldn't think so,
to look at you, my lad.
- [Mike] Did you ever play
cards with any of these men?
- He's the one who'd
never play with me.
- Where can I find him?
- About a hundred miles
north of here, (muffled).
He's now in a rat hole
only he would stay in,
suits him to the ground.
- Thanks.
- Oh, by the way, California,
I heard you fought in the war.
- Yes.
And I was killed.
- You don't say?
(western jazz music)
- Already thinkin'
how to spend it, huh?
- Oh yeah.
What is it divided into, three?
- Seven thou a piece.
But Whittaker will take more.
- Why?
- 'Cause it's his idea.
- I know that, but I
don't have to like it.
(horse clopping outside)
- Go see if that's him,
and then you can tell him.
- [Second Bounty
Hunter] Gary, come here
and take a look at this.
- You're prettier in person.
- For four years I've been
imagining this moment, Gary.
- You can stop imagining
it now, it's here.
(tense jazz music)
- Where's the girl?
- [Gary] What girl?
- Helen where is she?
- I don't know what you're...
- Where is she?
Where is she?
Damn you.
Where is she?
Where is she?
- Plummer, come out.
- I'm worth a thousand
friend, you gotta earn it.
- I don't give a
damn about the money.
Tell me where the girl is.
- If you're lookin' for a girl,
there's a cathouse
in the next town.
Ask for Jasmine.
(loud crash)
- [California] Where's Helen?
- At Whittaker's hideout.
- Where's Whittaker?
- Get me out.
Get me out of here, come on.
- Just talk.
- Whittaker.
He'll come here.
He's the only,
the only,
one who can take you there.
(gunshot)
(dramatic jazz music)
(dramatic orchestral music)
- Don't move Whittaker.
- I'm not movin'.
Do I know you?
- Now you do.
- You're pretty smart.
Those two men were
the best I ever had.
I don't know you.
But I should know someone
who works like you.
To keep away from you.
- You finished?
- No.
Listen,
for months, I've
done this same work.
Sleepin' in the saddle,
not eatin' much,
and that much no good.
I've killed some poor devils
who were already half dead.
And what have I
got to show for it?
- A $2000 price tag.
- Uh huh, the one you
plan on cashing in, right?
But you'll have to kill me.
And it won't be easy.
- But I'm pointing
a rifle at you.
- How much time do you think
that money's gonna last?
When you get to some
decent place to enjoy it,
you'll live like a
king for a few days,
until you spend it all.
Then some bouncer throws
you out of some cathouse
that doesn't give credit.
Now, you and me together,
one job, $20,000.
- Yeah, sure.
And I nice big price
on yours truly.
But it's a lot of money.
Yeah man, $10,000 would
come in mighty handy.
Let's hear the details.
- You think I'd
split even with you?
- I think you got
no other choice.
- I think you're right
mister, it's a deal.
With the two of
us on it, it'll be
candy from a baby.
Afterwards,
we go to my hideout,
and we stay there till they
get tired of lookin' for us.
Okay?
- Okay.
Tell me where it is.
- Well, you don't
need to know that now.
(western music)
- Exchange (muffled).
- Heyah.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
- Split right in half.
I always keep my word, see.
Okay, partner?
- Mm hmm, only I always
keep my word too.
You'll find that
out, sooner or later.
- We'll do a lot of
good things together.
You got a future now,
because you're workin'
with Rope Whittaker.
- All right, where's this
hideaway we're going to?
- Now, what the hell do you
wanna go to that pigsty for?
Everything worked just fine.
We got the money,
let's go have some fun.
Of course, if you've
got plans of your own,
you're free to go.
- Who me?
Hell no.
I'll stick with you.
- You want to know something?
I'm glad. (laughing)
(western jazz music)
- Jasmine.
It's me, Rope.
Jasmine.
I'm here with a
friend you'll like.
Come on out.
I really need to see that
pretty face of yours honey.
Where are you?
Jasmine.
She wants to be coaxed.
Jasmine.
Hey, Jasmine.
- Jasmine, go on.
- I can pick off both of
'em from here, Colonel.
- You know we need
them alive, Evans.
- [Rope] Jasmine.
Honey.
Look what I brought
you, champagne.
Champagne for my honey.
Ha ha, hell with you.
I think I know
what you're doin'.
Hey partner, there she is.
Hi honey.
- Rope.
Will you stop all that?
How much you drunk?
- Nothin' yet.
Look at this, what do you say?
- [Jasmine] I say you'd
better quit screamin'
and carryin' on.
- [Rope] What's
the matter honey?
You got a nervous client?
- [Jasmine] No, I'm alone.
- [Rope] Well, where
the hell were ya?
Open up.
Will you let us in the
front door for a change?
- Yeah, of course.
- Aren't you comin' in?
- In a minute.
You go on ahead.
(gunshots)
- Who is in there, anyway?
- Federals, an old account
I forgot to settle.
- [Nelson] Whittaker,
come out in the open.
- Guess they found
out about the robbery.
- No, they're just after me.
Get out.
I'll cover you.
- Do you hear me?
Whittaker!
You can't escape, so don't try.
- For once, he's right.
- Wait.
Just a minute.
- What do you say, Whittaker?
- [Rope] Nelson.
My friend here's got
nothing to do with all this.
Let him ride away and
I'll give myself up.
- I'll buy that, let's do it.
Now, listen to me, all of you.
Allow the man on the horse
to ride out of the area.
All right Whittaker,
come take your medicine.
You know what you're risking?
- Yes, of course I do.
I've got to get to his hideout.
Helen's there.
- How are you going
to convince Whittaker
that you managed
to escape from us?
- I don't know.
But I've got to.
- He's not to be underestimated.
And the same is also
very true of me.
I'll give you two days.
It's the maximum
time I can offer you.
- It'll have to do then.
- Uh huh, I've got a fair idea
how this whole mess
might turn out.
Well, if I can't have
him, I'll have you.
(suspenseful western music)
(Rope laughing)
- [Rope] I was sure
you'd make it, partner.
- Yeah?
I wasn't.
- They follow you?
- Not as far as I can tell.
Hell, you think I would
have led them here?
- Uh huh, you're right.
You know, the problem
with you is just that.
You're always right.
- What do you mean?
- I don't know.
Well Nelson came out
looking like a stupid man,
and he's not.
How do I know you're
tellin' the truth?
- If we wait around much longer,
you might get a chance to
ask him that in person.
- Dammit boy,
you're right again.
I gotta trust you.
Hands up.
(gunshot)
- Wonderful.
(western orchestral music)
- Here we are.
That's the hideout.
It's not the Ritz Hotel, but
it's still better
than a federal prison.
- See you tomorrow Betty.
- So long.
- [Rope] Betty.
- Rope.
- How's my honey?
- I was really afraid
they got you this time.
- Not me, honey.
- I know, but it takes
a crazy woman like me,
to stay in this hole
and wait for you.
You here for the
girl, too honey?
- [Rope] Oh Betty, you
ruined the surprise.
- [Helen] You're all
the same, aren't you?
- She's half crazy.
Pretty fair lookin' though.
You'll enjoy her.
Now I know who you are,
you were after the girl.
Well it don't matter,
'cause I'm gonna kill ya.
(Rope grunts)
(wind blowing)
- I pay my debts Nelson.
Let me take the girl away.
I'll come to you, then.
- I won't be around.
I have to go look for a man
who robbed a stagecoach,
and helped a wanted man escape.
He's known as Michael Random.
But that's not a name.
It's simply a famous
brand of tobacco.
I guess I'll never find him.
So long.
(ominous jazz music)
- I'm sorry.
I just couldn't manage to die.
- You're going home now, Helen.
Take it.
(romantic orchestral music)
California
California
Goodbye
(gunshots)
(sounds of war)
California
Goodbye
California
Goodbye
(jazzy western music)
(thunder)
California
California
Goodbye
(bugle playing)
- [Unknown Voiceover]
First name, last name,
rank, hometown, and state.
- [2nd Unknown Voiceover]
First name, last name,
rank, hometown, and state.
- [1st Unknown Voiceover]
If you don't find a job,
you have a week to get out
of the state.
- If you don't find a job
you have a week to
get out of the state.
- [3rd Unknown Voiceover]
Robert Green, Corporal,
Laredo, Texas.
- This voucher is good
for one meal, but
only one, next?
- This voucher is good for
one meal only, next?
- First name, last name,
rank, hometown and state.
If you don't find a job
you have a week to get out.
- Hey you.
First name and last name
soldier, rank, hometown and state.
- William Preston,
Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant,
Flint River, Georgia.
- You gotta find yourself a job,
or you'll be given a week
to get out of the state.
- How am I?
- Your problem Lieutenant.
- No, it's not unfair,
and I'll be glad to
tell you all just why.
It's because you're
being given a chance
to get back on your
feet again, gentlemen.
Now, I can help you out.
I've got work for
anyone who is interested
in piling up a nice
little bundle of cash
to take back to his family.
- All the hatred and
bloodshed is over.
Now is the time we have to
buckle down and pull together,
to rebuild our great country.
No vanquishers
and no vanquished,
just men who have the
dignity only given by work.
- Those are might
pretty words sir,
only, how much you gonna pay us?
- I've been through what all
you men have been through.
We all have to make sacrifices.
- What ya offerin'?
- Room, board, and
half a dollar a week.
(disgruntled chatter)
- Half a dollar a week?
Back home we give our
slaves more than that
for pocket money.
(dinner bell)
(bugle playing)
(thunder)
(western orchestral music)
- Hey mister, how much
you take for that cat?
We can pay.
Ain't nobody's had
fresh meat since June.
- Go on like that,
it's healthier.
- How's about this for a trade?
You have any idea how
much this is worth?
- Here.
(cat meows)
(cat meows)
- William Preston,
Second Lieutenant.
- I don't need any
seconds, thanks.
- There are gangs of hold
out rebels everywhere,
even as far north as Oregon.
Other gangs have been
captured near Laramie.
They'll be here tomorrow,
along with the Texas
group, Colonel.
- Will you transmit this please?
- Yes, sir.
- Get barracks A,
C, and D, ready.
- Right away, sir.
- This just came in, sir.
(bugle playing)
- [Colonel] Gentlemen,
Richmond has fallen.
General Lee has
surrendered to Grant.
The war is officially over.
- More coffee sir?
- Mm mmm. (negative)
- [Colonel] The conditions
of the south is desperate.
Now we begin the most
arduous task of any war,
reconstruction for
peace and democracy,
the democracy President
Lincoln wanted,
that we won at such cost.
(thunder)
- Rope.
Who do you think's here?
- At least let the
poor bastard adjust.
- Afternoon, Colonel.
May I have a word with you?
- Yes, of course.
Give these to Whittaker.
How's the enlisting going?
- These good-for-nothings
have no desire to work.
- Mr. Whittaker?
- [Businessman] But they'll
wind up giving in...
- These have been
approved by the Colonel.
- [Colonel] Well, there
should be two groups
coming in tomorrow.
- [Unknown Voiceover]
All prisoners who have
completed all formalities are
to leave the camp by sundown.
The sick and wounded must report
to the hospital
tent immediately.
(jazzy western music)
- It stopped rainin'.
- You don't miss a thing, do ya?
- Where did you fight?
- Just about everywhere.
Haven't done much
else since I was born.
- But look, aren't you glad?
It's finished, right?
- Sure I'm glad.
Real glad.
You mean, you can't tell?
- I can't wait to
get home again.
I'm from Georgia.
And you?
- Man, Georgia's a long way out.
I'd get started if I were you.
So long.
- [Unknown Voiceover]
...United States of America.
Your having been in
the confederate army,
will have no bearing
upon your new career.
- Wagons down there.
- Looks like settlers.
(fire crackles)
- Where are the others?
- [Settler] Down at the river.
- That smells damn good.
Steady the horses.
Hurry up with that.
(gunshots)
I'll kill you.
Aaaaa.
- Now this one is worth 300.
He's 500.
This one's a double bounty.
The man's worth 500 in Missouri,
and 250 in Kansas.
Ah, but he'll never
last long enough
for us to collect on both.
We ought to split him in two.
(all laughing)
(upbeat jazz music)
- Hey stop, stop.
He's a friend of mine.
Get in.
- [Driver] No you don't.
Ain't pickin' you up boy.
- But, why don't you?
He's a friend, I said.
He did a lot of
fightin' for the south.
- He got a medal to show too?
- Yeah, but it's a lot
to pay for a buggy ride.
- I ain't takin' you aboard.
- What did you do that for?
- Well, we're pals
now aren't we?
- If you say.
- I don't even know your name.
- You don't?
My name's Random.
Michael Random.
- Random, I've heard
that name before.
- It's the same as
a brand of tobacco.
- Oh yeah, sure,
that's why I knew it.
I got a good memory for names,
and for most
everything else, too.
But you know what I'm best at?
- [Michael] Not yet, but I
have a hunch I will soon.
- [William] Hey, I'm really
great at memorizing dates.
You know when I was on patrol,
the sixth of June, last year?
- [Michael] In a cathouse?
- No, we were surrounded,
without ammunition.
They needed a volunteer to
go down the face of a cliff
that was blocking our retreat.
- Don't tell me, let me guess.
You volunteered, huh?
- Right, they lowered me
on a rope, I lost my grip.
It was the fastest
descent in history.
40 yards down and not a scratch.
I found the rest of
the company all right.
Wait.
Look at this.
- Hey, nobody ever told
me they gave medals
for havin' a rough rump.
Well, with all that luck,
it doesn't make sense.
You fall off a cliff,
not a scratch even.
Does that seem like
it's worth a medal?
Hey,
that's called kidding sonny.
You wanted to save your
company, and you did it.
It's mighty good.
- Well, there it is,
the road to the left
leads to Georgia.
- Oh yeah, I saw it.
- Where you goin'?
- I don't know,
and I don't care.
- You have no home?
- No.
- Do you have no family?
- No.
- So, why don't
you come with me?
Why don't you come to my house?
- Because I'm going that way.
- Okay.
Good luck, Michael.
(smooth orchestral music)
(Dixie playing)
- [Michael] Now what?
- [William] It takes
strategic advantage
of the element of surprise.
- You know what you're sayin'?
- I think so.
- Great, marvelous.
We charge on three.
- Okay, one...
- [Unknown Voiceover]
All right men, charge.
(group shouting)
(upbeat harmonica)
- Willy, Willy.
I've got a good one.
- I'm gonna take you to dinner.
- Okay, you're my guest tonight.
You like breast or leg?
(both laughing)
(harmonica playing)
- You know if we had won,
the northern troops would be
in the same condition
we're in now.
I mean, I guess it
was meant to happen.
So what difference
does it make to who?
- That's right, go to sleep now.
(harmonica playing)
(fire crackling)
(Willy murmurs in his sleep)
- I'll show them.
I'll kill you.
Bastards.
Northern bastards.
- So long, Willy.
(ominous western music)
Hey Willy.
Willy, wake up.
- [Willy] What is it?
- Shhh.
(upbeat jazz music)
(gunshots)
(confused shouting)
- You're gonna find out.
Everybody in line,
and keep it straight
like good little soldiers.
- I am Rope Whittaker.
And you all know
what I'm lookin' for.
Anybody got a price on his head,
he'd better step
forward right now.
I promise I'll spare his life.
Well that's it boys.
How about it boys?
- Don't bother givin'
your word, Whittaker.
It doesn't mean a damn
thing, and you know it.
- There you are, and you get
the biggest price of all.
- Alive or dead.
That's a pretty good business.
You can save yourself
the price of a bullet.
- [Whittaker] So you think
I have fun doing this, huh?
- You got a deal goin' with
the army to get rid of us.
Stealin' an apple's enough for
a price on a head, nowadays.
- That's my business sonny boy.
- Who the hell do you
think you're foolin'?
You know our face, because
your boys saw it at the fort.
And every time they did,
they pretended like they
didn't know who I was,
because they can't
collect, and you can.
So you split it up.
(gunshot)
Oh.
- Mr. Whittaker, don't kill me.
Because, you mustn't kill me.
I'd never steal a horse,
my father, he's a rich man.
- Get out.
Wilson, you stay.
- Beautiful morning, eh?
Well, if you like,
we can do another stretch
of the road together.
- Good morning.
- Morning to you.
- There was a bit of
ruckus here last night.
Bounty hunters, or at least
that's what I heard
in the village.
- We just got here
a few hours ago.
- That's too bad, now.
I'll have to invent something
for all my readers, then.
They go crazy for
that kind of story.
The name is Bayard Nelson,
journalist, is what my
life likes to call me,
but I'm just a reporter.
- So long, Mister Nelson.
(upbeat jazz music)
- Hey, you two.
Use the other trough for
washin' and drinkin'.
Over there.
- Heyah, heyah.
Heyah.
- Excuse me sir.
Could we load those
things for you?
We'd do it for a meal.
Or just a bite of bread.
All right?
- I wouldn't refuse a
hunk of bread to anyone.
So this way you've got no
excuse to steal anything,
and we won't have to go to
the trouble of hanging you.
But go eat it somewheres else.
- Heyah, heyah.
Whoa.
15 minutes to spare.
- Leave it there.
They just want to humiliate us.
You still got your uniform on.
- Well I'll eat this,
and you can eat
the uniform, huh?
- Gentlemen, I'd like
some information.
You ever see this man?
The only they told us,
is he fell in The
Battle of Nashville.
I'm his father,
and these are his brothers.
We want to know
where he's buried.
Can you even tell us?
- No, my job was in the kitchen.
I never fired a shot.
- He was about your
age, more or less.
Could he have been
among the Union soldiers
you killed, boy?
- My duty was to fight,
and kill.
He would have done the same.
War isn't a personal matter.
- Could it be you're the
very one that killed him?
- Could be.
Just like he would
have killed me.
- No, he didn't mean that.
- I meant just what I said.
(horses neighing)
- [Willy] Michael.
(horse neighs loudly)
Let go of him you filthy coward.
(horses neighing)
- [Michael] Run, Willy Run.
Get out of here.
(horse neighs)
(upbeat orchestral music)
(gentle orchestral music)
- Shall we spend the night here?
- Know a better place?
- May I buy you a drink?
- That's very kind.
- After you then.
(piano playing)
Must have been a nice place.
You know this is the first time
I've ever been in a saloon.
- [Michael] Do tell.
And they say wars
serve no purpose.
- Here's something
to start with.
- Good.
Can't imagine anything better.
- What kind of stuff is it?
- Whiskey, my boy,
and a good brand.
- Hey look.
Sure must've been in a hurry.
- Hmm, straight.
- [Willy] Four of a kind.
- Wouldn't you know it?
You're the one that
doesn't even get a scratch
from falling down a cliff.
- [Willy] Hey look, what do
you say we grab ourselves
some fancy headgear.
- That was a fine idea you
had, that little drink.
I'm hungrier than before.
- Oh by the way, I know a
place where we can both eat
till we bust at the seams,
sleep in a real bed,
and take hot baths,
all free of charge.
- In Georgia, by any chance?
- And you can stay as
long as you please.
- No, I'm not cut out
for tilling the soil.
- You could help my mother.
You're a cook, you said.
- That was a whopper.
I was in the engineers.
- Ah, perfect.
You could be a big
help to my father.
The minute he puts a
nail into anything,
it falls on his head.
- I got other plans, Willy.
I'm gonna have fun for a while.
- And you should get along
just fine with my sister.
She's a fun-loving kind.
And when she hears all
about how you saved the life
of that cat, she's gonna
fall madly in love with you.
You can bet on that.
(sudden gunshots)
(horse neighs)
(horse neighs)
(gunshots)
(gunshots)
(gunshots)
(gunshots)
(gunshots)
Where are you Mike?
(wind blowing)
(wind blowing)
- Now how about the other one?
- One man's enough
for one horse.
- Willy.
Willy.
(somber music)
- Helen, Helen.
(horse neighs)
- What are you looking for?
- This farm belong to
a man named Preston?
- What's it to ya?
- I guess you're Willy's sister?
Willy and I, were together.
And when it was all over,
I thought I would
bring you this.
- Willy's dead.
Would you please,
go and tell my Dad and Mother?
I know it's not fair,
but would you, please?
(somber orchestral music)
- From now on, we'll be known
as Willy Preston's family,
the boy who died
a hero in the war.
Only first, we'll
just be a family
that hasn't got a son anymore.
I don't think you can imagine
how much we loved him,
how much we'd have
preferred him,
the best hero, but alive.
We already got, enough metal
rustin' in the barnyard.
I'm sorry,
I'm perfectly sure that
stayin' alive is hard too.
So, Mister Random,
Michael,
I thank you in Willy's name.
(somber orchestral music)
(fire crackling)
(spoon hitting cup)
(soft music)
- Mornin'.
Your breakfast's ready.
What's the matter,
don't you like eggs?
Don't let them get cold.
You'd better get
out of that uniform,
I put out some clothes
for you upstairs.
You see, people around
here want to forget.
(soft flute music)
- You could have stayed.
I'm hungry, not ashamed of it.
- What did you
come out here for?
- Willy.
He deserved it.
Where are your folks?
- Out workin'.
- I'd like to say
goodbye to them.
- Are you leaving?
- Yes.
- Why?
They'd be very happy if
you decided to stay on.
- And you?
- Get out of that uniform,
then I'll answer you.
(birds singing)
(cows mooing)
- Dammit.
Oh, damn it all.
(grunting)
- Maybe if you're lucky, you'll
manage to break everything.
And by the way, just what
exactly is it you're trying to do?
- I'm not quite sure.
The damn sluice gate's
been stuck for months,
and a farm without water
is not a very good thing.
But it rains in my room, because
there's holes in the roof.
Everything's fallin' apart here.
No one cultivates his land, the
harvests are getting poorer.
But the animals keep
makin' little ones,
that have to be branded.
I'm really becoming sick and
tired of this whole place.
Maybe you're right.
I suppose you should go.
No one can stay
young around here.
- Would you like me to try that?
- Why should you?
- Well, could be because
I've walked about enough.
I've slept in enough haystacks,
the lucky times that is.
I've frozen, been
drenched, and famished.
I got a thousand blisters.
Even my bones hurt.
But seems you can't stay
young that way either.
Who can tell?
Maybe, the best idea
is to stay after all.
Well, that's finished.
This is the missing piece.
A block and tackle
in the right place,
we'll get that sluice open.
- Uh huh,
yes, I'm sure it'll work.
I've been thinking about it.
Only I kept putting it off,
without really knowing why.
Now I know why.
I was waitin' for
my son to come back,
to help me do all these things.
So I stopped doing anything,
as though I was
trying to stop time.
Kept telling myself,
he'd be back tomorrow.
Naw, hogwash.
The truth is, my damned lumbago,
it keeps me from
doing any heavy work.
Willy used to like
to go huntin'.
I got this as a gift for him.
He was a good shot.
Me?
I couldn't hit a barn,
if I was standin' in it.
- Good piece.
You don't see many like this.
- Yeah, good for
killin' at a distance.
Dangerous for a bear.
- And men.
- Hmmm.
- You decided what
you want for supper?
- You mean we got a choice?
- Of course you do.
- Flowers.
A menu.
My boy, this is a trap.
- It's one that never misses.
(bright music)
Here, catch.
All right, now pull.
Harder.
- I can't.
- Again.
- Bravo.
(romantic music)
- Here honey.
That's everything we need.
Well, almost everything.
- Helen?
- Yes.
- Now, don't forget
to get the buttons,
and the whiskey for your father,
but not that swamp
juice he wrote down.
Get the kind I like.
- [Helen] All right mother.
(romantic orchestral music)
- [Helen] Don't stop Mike.
- Don't you worry.
Whoa.
Where ya headin'?
- To the village.
- Well, how about a ride?
- Ha, you kiddin' mister?
- Ha, why not?
Go on, get in.
- We walked across three states,
and you're the first
person who's trusted us.
- [Mike] Sorry to hear that.
- How are things in the country?
- Well, this year things have
been hard, all around I guess.
Heyah.
- Heyah.
Heyah.
- Whoa, this all right?
- Couldn't be
better, thanks a lot.
- Thanks mister.
- Boys, looks like someone's
got a hole in their pocket.
These fell out and
you didn't notice it.
- Thanks ma'am.
Happens, we've got
holes all over us.
Thanks again, and good luck.
- Mighty kind of you ma'am.
- Well, I'll go to the shop.
- Here.
I'll be there in a minute.
- All right.
- Mornin' Amy.
- Mornin' to you, Random.
- How are ya?
- Just fine.
I see you've decided to honor us
with another visit, you two.
We don't really see much of
you in the village, do we?
- Anyway, here's a list.
- Well, my word.
I'm gonna need at
least a couple of hours
to get all this ready.
(banjo playing)
- Why Slim, I be lookin' for ya.
How are ya?
Now listen, about
those two heifers
you sold me the other day,
you know the black and tan ones.
- Well, boys, what
should we drink to?
- To the Confederated States
of the South, of course.
What do you say, gentlemen?
- You don't mind
if the three of us
haven't changed flags, do you?
- Yeah.
- Gentlemen, if you feel
like startin' another war,
just call on us, but call loud.
- Here, you might as
well get rich, too.
(gunshot)
(confused shouting)
- Come on, let's
get out of here.
- Come on.
(dramatic jazz music)
(horse neighs)
- Go on back home, folks.
There is nothing to see, here.
You too, sonny boy.
(crash)
- [Helen] What are you doing?
You can't...
(grunting)
(tense jazz music)
- Heyah.
Heyah.
(horse neighing)
Heyah.
(gunshot)
- Isn't there a
sheriff in this burg?
- He'll be here, don't worry.
- Well Nelson, you quit
your career as a reporter?
- In a certain sense,
I really was one.
They asked me for a
report on your activities.
'Fraid, you'd better
stop, Whittaker.
- Who decided that Colonel?
- [Nelson] The people who
have protected you this far.
Certain victories are
exploited in full,
which allows generals
to go into politics.
It could be a bit of an
embarrassment to a future president,
if he continues with
certain friendships.
- How do they think they
can wipe out the past?
And make me lose my memory?
- In one way or
another, Whittaker.
Your choice.
- Generals are all idiots.
Probably because they all
come up from Colonels.
Well, it's better this way.
I won't have to share the money.
Bounty hunters
will always exist.
- So will murderers.
When an order says,
take 'em alive,
there's no way you
can argue with it.
Now without protection,
the only thing you are
is a common murderer.
(soft jazz music)
(wind blowing)
Didn't you want the sheriff?
Here he is.
- I'll kill this girl.
I swear I will.
Let us through.
Gary, get out here.
You hear?
Put away those guns.
Put them away or I'll kill her.
Let's go Rope.
- Let us through, Colonel.
(wind blowing)
(horse neighs)
(western jazz music)
(somber orchestral music)
(cat meows)
(melancholy orchestral music)
- Son, even if you
don't find her,
come back to us, will you?
- I'll come back,
with Helen.
- Don't make us
mourn for you, too.
(upbeat orchestral music)
- As you see,
we're keeping busy.
- So I see.
No trace yet, I suppose.
- No, I'm afraid not.
Oh, Random.
I'm terribly sorry
about the girl.
- You're terribly sorry.
- There's no sense your
going out looking for them.
With that high a price,
somebody sooner or later,
is sure to bring them all in.
- There's dead bodies.
Just the way you like it.
And Helen?
- One of Whittaker's men
is known as Gary Luke,
an ex-gambler, a
skillful cheater,
and that's all I know.
- I'll tell you
right now Nelson,
if I don't find that girl,
there's gonna be a
price on my head,
for having murdered you.
(tense orchestral music)
- How are you California?
- Fine, how are you Paul?
- All right.
Sit down.
- I'd spoil your satin cushions.
- Long time since I've seen you.
Have you come back to stay?
- No.
- Pity.
There's a lot of hot shot
young guns around town,
who'd really like to
know you were here.
They'd be on you
like a pack of dogs.
All one has to do,
is to hear your name.
- The name doesn't last,
if it isn't backed
up with a gun.
That's why I quit.
- I wouldn't think so,
to look at you, my lad.
- [Mike] Did you ever play
cards with any of these men?
- He's the one who'd
never play with me.
- Where can I find him?
- About a hundred miles
north of here, (muffled).
He's now in a rat hole
only he would stay in,
suits him to the ground.
- Thanks.
- Oh, by the way, California,
I heard you fought in the war.
- Yes.
And I was killed.
- You don't say?
(western jazz music)
- Already thinkin'
how to spend it, huh?
- Oh yeah.
What is it divided into, three?
- Seven thou a piece.
But Whittaker will take more.
- Why?
- 'Cause it's his idea.
- I know that, but I
don't have to like it.
(horse clopping outside)
- Go see if that's him,
and then you can tell him.
- [Second Bounty
Hunter] Gary, come here
and take a look at this.
- You're prettier in person.
- For four years I've been
imagining this moment, Gary.
- You can stop imagining
it now, it's here.
(tense jazz music)
- Where's the girl?
- [Gary] What girl?
- Helen where is she?
- I don't know what you're...
- Where is she?
Where is she?
Damn you.
Where is she?
Where is she?
- Plummer, come out.
- I'm worth a thousand
friend, you gotta earn it.
- I don't give a
damn about the money.
Tell me where the girl is.
- If you're lookin' for a girl,
there's a cathouse
in the next town.
Ask for Jasmine.
(loud crash)
- [California] Where's Helen?
- At Whittaker's hideout.
- Where's Whittaker?
- Get me out.
Get me out of here, come on.
- Just talk.
- Whittaker.
He'll come here.
He's the only,
the only,
one who can take you there.
(gunshot)
(dramatic jazz music)
(dramatic orchestral music)
- Don't move Whittaker.
- I'm not movin'.
Do I know you?
- Now you do.
- You're pretty smart.
Those two men were
the best I ever had.
I don't know you.
But I should know someone
who works like you.
To keep away from you.
- You finished?
- No.
Listen,
for months, I've
done this same work.
Sleepin' in the saddle,
not eatin' much,
and that much no good.
I've killed some poor devils
who were already half dead.
And what have I
got to show for it?
- A $2000 price tag.
- Uh huh, the one you
plan on cashing in, right?
But you'll have to kill me.
And it won't be easy.
- But I'm pointing
a rifle at you.
- How much time do you think
that money's gonna last?
When you get to some
decent place to enjoy it,
you'll live like a
king for a few days,
until you spend it all.
Then some bouncer throws
you out of some cathouse
that doesn't give credit.
Now, you and me together,
one job, $20,000.
- Yeah, sure.
And I nice big price
on yours truly.
But it's a lot of money.
Yeah man, $10,000 would
come in mighty handy.
Let's hear the details.
- You think I'd
split even with you?
- I think you got
no other choice.
- I think you're right
mister, it's a deal.
With the two of
us on it, it'll be
candy from a baby.
Afterwards,
we go to my hideout,
and we stay there till they
get tired of lookin' for us.
Okay?
- Okay.
Tell me where it is.
- Well, you don't
need to know that now.
(western music)
- Exchange (muffled).
- Heyah.
(suspenseful orchestral music)
- Split right in half.
I always keep my word, see.
Okay, partner?
- Mm hmm, only I always
keep my word too.
You'll find that
out, sooner or later.
- We'll do a lot of
good things together.
You got a future now,
because you're workin'
with Rope Whittaker.
- All right, where's this
hideaway we're going to?
- Now, what the hell do you
wanna go to that pigsty for?
Everything worked just fine.
We got the money,
let's go have some fun.
Of course, if you've
got plans of your own,
you're free to go.
- Who me?
Hell no.
I'll stick with you.
- You want to know something?
I'm glad. (laughing)
(western jazz music)
- Jasmine.
It's me, Rope.
Jasmine.
I'm here with a
friend you'll like.
Come on out.
I really need to see that
pretty face of yours honey.
Where are you?
Jasmine.
She wants to be coaxed.
Jasmine.
Hey, Jasmine.
- Jasmine, go on.
- I can pick off both of
'em from here, Colonel.
- You know we need
them alive, Evans.
- [Rope] Jasmine.
Honey.
Look what I brought
you, champagne.
Champagne for my honey.
Ha ha, hell with you.
I think I know
what you're doin'.
Hey partner, there she is.
Hi honey.
- Rope.
Will you stop all that?
How much you drunk?
- Nothin' yet.
Look at this, what do you say?
- [Jasmine] I say you'd
better quit screamin'
and carryin' on.
- [Rope] What's
the matter honey?
You got a nervous client?
- [Jasmine] No, I'm alone.
- [Rope] Well, where
the hell were ya?
Open up.
Will you let us in the
front door for a change?
- Yeah, of course.
- Aren't you comin' in?
- In a minute.
You go on ahead.
(gunshots)
- Who is in there, anyway?
- Federals, an old account
I forgot to settle.
- [Nelson] Whittaker,
come out in the open.
- Guess they found
out about the robbery.
- No, they're just after me.
Get out.
I'll cover you.
- Do you hear me?
Whittaker!
You can't escape, so don't try.
- For once, he's right.
- Wait.
Just a minute.
- What do you say, Whittaker?
- [Rope] Nelson.
My friend here's got
nothing to do with all this.
Let him ride away and
I'll give myself up.
- I'll buy that, let's do it.
Now, listen to me, all of you.
Allow the man on the horse
to ride out of the area.
All right Whittaker,
come take your medicine.
You know what you're risking?
- Yes, of course I do.
I've got to get to his hideout.
Helen's there.
- How are you going
to convince Whittaker
that you managed
to escape from us?
- I don't know.
But I've got to.
- He's not to be underestimated.
And the same is also
very true of me.
I'll give you two days.
It's the maximum
time I can offer you.
- It'll have to do then.
- Uh huh, I've got a fair idea
how this whole mess
might turn out.
Well, if I can't have
him, I'll have you.
(suspenseful western music)
(Rope laughing)
- [Rope] I was sure
you'd make it, partner.
- Yeah?
I wasn't.
- They follow you?
- Not as far as I can tell.
Hell, you think I would
have led them here?
- Uh huh, you're right.
You know, the problem
with you is just that.
You're always right.
- What do you mean?
- I don't know.
Well Nelson came out
looking like a stupid man,
and he's not.
How do I know you're
tellin' the truth?
- If we wait around much longer,
you might get a chance to
ask him that in person.
- Dammit boy,
you're right again.
I gotta trust you.
Hands up.
(gunshot)
- Wonderful.
(western orchestral music)
- Here we are.
That's the hideout.
It's not the Ritz Hotel, but
it's still better
than a federal prison.
- See you tomorrow Betty.
- So long.
- [Rope] Betty.
- Rope.
- How's my honey?
- I was really afraid
they got you this time.
- Not me, honey.
- I know, but it takes
a crazy woman like me,
to stay in this hole
and wait for you.
You here for the
girl, too honey?
- [Rope] Oh Betty, you
ruined the surprise.
- [Helen] You're all
the same, aren't you?
- She's half crazy.
Pretty fair lookin' though.
You'll enjoy her.
Now I know who you are,
you were after the girl.
Well it don't matter,
'cause I'm gonna kill ya.
(Rope grunts)
(wind blowing)
- I pay my debts Nelson.
Let me take the girl away.
I'll come to you, then.
- I won't be around.
I have to go look for a man
who robbed a stagecoach,
and helped a wanted man escape.
He's known as Michael Random.
But that's not a name.
It's simply a famous
brand of tobacco.
I guess I'll never find him.
So long.
(ominous jazz music)
- I'm sorry.
I just couldn't manage to die.
- You're going home now, Helen.
Take it.
(romantic orchestral music)
California
California
Goodbye