You think she'll get over this a way? Might. Best bed them down. C'mon Tige. There she goes. Looks like we're in for it. You see 'em? Can't see him can him, can't hear him. You ever seen one this bad? Not since Noah and the Flood. Well, you should know Boss, since you was there. What What you say? He said you should know since you was there. Well at least even that one wasn't this damn wet. One thing certain - Noah never shoveled as much bull from them he had aboard. Let's rustle up some grub. Mose Hey!! That hurt? Yes... Mose - still got them cards? Yeah I got 'em. Well, get 'em out and let's have us a game after breakfast. Button! Move them plates under here. You gonna' play them cards, Mose, or stare a hole 'em? Don't rush me. I'll pick four. Oh, for pity's sake. Take four. Allright. That's it. I'm out. A man's trust is a valuable thing, Button. You don't want to lose it for a handful of cards. Well, at least it ain't raining Get yourself dressed Button, help Mose get things cleaned up around here, then you walk out and look for them horses. Looks like you could use a little muscle there Charlie You just keep on like you are - you'll get your chance soon enough. No need to ask for more chores, no? Every man's got to pull his weight, Button. Yeah, but my weight is half of yours. You know, it's hard to figure Charlie sometimes. I ain't even sure if he likes me. He likes you. You know Boss had some pause about hiring me on. Too big to get around on horses and work them cows. Afraid I'd eat too much It was Charlie there that talked him into it. And I ain't one to take a man's confidence lightly. You know, I didn't... I know you ain't but it's best to keep remembering it If you want your fair share of respect when you're riding with men like Charlie and Boss Button, pull... Pull! Button? Button! Quit playing with that dog and pull the wagon. Pull it! Hey, look at that! Old Boss sure can cowboy, can't he? Yeah ... broke the mold after him. Main bunch is working their way towards water. We'll go up country find the rest of them and push them out. Damn kids Anyway, once we get them together, we can start driving them back closer to camp. It'll be awhile before we see another town. Could use some supplies coffee and such. Mose. Mose! You'll have to ride back to that town we passed aways back. When do you want me to go? Tonight. I'll go I can go. How long you figure, Charlie? Without cows slowing things, maybe one day there, one back. Sounds about right. Come on, Boss, I can do it. Sure, you can boy Just don't know if that town's ready to have you turn loose on them just yet, (laughs). (Spanish) English! Damn, shit! Bullshit! By God, if you're gonna pick your feet like a monkey, you do it downwind! Swear to god, old Tig takes better care of herself. I'm starting to think it was a mistake not getting you on some town and learn a trade. I don't like towns. I don't ike them. Oh, you're just saying that cuz you heard me say it. Get yourself a trade and set up in a town You'll always have a roof over your head a bed up off the ground and food no further away than a cafe'. Ain't that's so, Charlie? That's a big goddamn help. Might as well be talking to this horse. Put your boots on, Button and lets go to work. Of course, if you was to live in a town... You'd have to clean up some. Otherwise no one could stand the stink! What'd you do that for? Cheating at cards. I apologize to you for that! Hey Boss, I apologized to him him for that! Evidently he ain't over it yet. It's getting dark, Boss. He could have got hurt between the town and the camp. Well, he's just taking his time. (Softly) You don't suppose he got into a poker game, do you? He wouldn't gamble your money, Boss. What if he's lying out there just waiting for us to come along We'll never find him at night, anyway, Button. Now come on down from there. He's worried You worried? Yeah, I'm worried. Been worried since yesterday. You should have sent me. Yeah, Mose can look out for himself Then why ain't he sittin' here with us? Well, you never was wanting to go to town - this or any other. Well, I don't want to go now neither. But we better find him wherever he is All right You and me strike out early. Button can watch the outfit. Button - come on down for there. Get supper working. Most likely, we'll be back before suppertime. But three sets of eyes is better than two. You stay with the wagon C'mon Boss, no one is going to bother it. We haven't seen a single person since we set up the camp I always feel better about leaving the wagon if someone's closer around. You've been working hard. Deserve a little loafin' time. Stay right here. Stay, Tig. She wants to go. She acts like she does, but she don't. Still got the heart not the legs, You keep that rifle close Always like me a side arm with some heft. Got this off a man who couldn't pay all he owed for some cows. Damn fine weapon. Alway knew you favor something light, don't you? Hello Howdy! Howdy - could you feed and water them. Curry them down with saddles on. OK - that'll be four bits each. You all plan on staying long? As long as it takes to find who we're looking for. Oh, maybe I can help you gents I've been here since I've been here since Harmonville was Fort Harmon and we still had soldiers chasing off Indians. I know everybody in town from my....on. Big man needing a haircut... about 30. Ah... That's his rig right there Oh yeah... I know who you're talking about. Very friendly young fella looks like he's been living out of saddlebags most of his life. He's got his horse in the corral. Ride with you, does he? Know where we can find him? Yeah, he's up in the jailhouse. He got into it with some With some cattlemen over at the general store. Cattlemen? Yeah. Busted him up pretty bad too befor Marshal Poole came up back of him. Hit him over the head with his gun barrel Yeah, he's lucky he didn't get shot in the back, if you know what I mean. You might want to keep that in mind when you're talking to Marshal Poole. Saddle his horse Will this cover what he owes? Oh yeah. The name's Percy. If you should need anything else... Much obliged. Hold on. (Harmon) How long have you had him here then? (Poole)I brought them in here yesterday afternoon. I tell you, it wasn't easy gettin' him in his cell. Goddam bear. Evening. The name's Boss Spearman... This here is Charlie Waite. Evening. I believe you have a friend of ours in your jail - name's Mose Harrison. Yeah, I got him here. He, uh, started a fight in the general store. Mose don't start fights - just finishes 'em. I just said he started it. You said he didn't . Maybe you're calling me a liar. You got a charge against him? I got plenty. Inciting to fight, disturbing the peace, Creating a public nuisance. Take your pick I heard tell he got hit over the head He'll be fine. Well, I come to get him. Well You pay the fines and you can have him How does...uh... $50 each offense sound. Like robbery. Lot of money. Oh, yes, a lot of money... I've been waiting for you. Mr. Spearman My name is Denton Baxter Be your man Mose tussled with? That's right. You know folks in Fort Harmon country Don't take to free grazers or free grazing. They hate them more than they used to hate the Indians. I expect that by folks, you mean ranchers like yourself? I got the biggest spread around these parts, bigger than any other three or four put together. Building up my own two hands piece by piece, along with this town Ain't no free raise cattle gonna take the feed off my cattle on this range. Free grazing is legal. Times change, Mr. Spearman. Most folks change with them. A few holdouts never do. You know, a few years back a free graze outfit came through One night... the cattle got stampeded the wagons caught on fire And one of those boys was shot off his horse in the middle of it all. Shot in the back was he? Your man's horse and rig are at the livery barn. You can take him with you when you leave tonight and come sunrise you hitch up your wagon You get your damn free graze cattle moving and keep moving till your out of Fort Harmon country! You let Mr. Spearman fetch his man so he can be on his way Charlie... (Wincing in pain) Ch.... (Tenderly) Mose... Mose... (groaning) It looks like someone's put to boots to him after he was down. Does it? Mose....you gotta get up. Charlie... Glad to see you. I don't much like this town. Here you go... Boy they really lit into him You got a doctor in this town? Yeah, Doc Barlow. It's the house up behind the barn by the church. Look for a picket fence. He's got a sign out front Oh my. Bring him right in. Lay him down in there. I'll fetch the doctor Get his legs, Boss. Easy...easy (Groaning in pain) Ohhhhhhh Good. I'm Dr. Barlow. Boss Spearman Charley Waite. Patient there's Mose Harrison. He works for me. These wounds are a couple days old. Easier to treat if you bring him in right away. Yeah, your Marshall had him. He don't keep a friendly jail. This is the man who was in the fight with Denton Baxter's men? That's right. He certainly gave as good as he got. broke the arm of one Knowing them, they had him coming I expect. Lets see what we got here... (Groans in agony) Easy Mose Easy Mr. Harrison. Nobody's trying to hurt you on purpose here Mose. I'd say you got a couple of broken ribs. We need to get this shirt off. Sue I'm gonna need some soap, some water, some alcohol. I want you to drink this Mr. Harrison. That's it. (Chokes on it) Let's clean up these cuts on his face. He's got a nice gash on his scalp there. I'd say to good health gentlemen, but then I'd probably be out of business now wouldn't I. We'll drink to good health... ...for them that have it coming. The two of you can wait in the parlor. Better he didn't travel Well, he'll have to. How much I owe you, doctor? We're even. I figured I made enough off the damage he did to Baxter's men. He should have made you wealthy Ma'am (Boss) Doc Barlow's got him a pretty wife. (Charlie) Notice that did you? Well, I ain't dead. Glad to hear it. Sweet too. Treated as good as anybody. Is a real lady Woman like that makes a man think about setting down roots Hey Doc looks like a real hard-working feller probably working away on making some little ones too Creates quite a picture now, don't it? Yeah heard they're worth a thousand words. Where do you suppose he is God damn kid! Buttons alright Boss. Anyone done him harm, they'd have gone through the wagon. Reckon you're right. They're he is. If you're awake Mose, you might want to see this. (Boss) Where you been? I seen it before Charlie Out with the herd. Thought I told you to stay with the wagon What happened to Mose? Did you hear what I said? Yeah, but what happened? Ran into a little trouble in that town. Looks like more than a little. Are we moving on? We always do, don't we once we grazed off a place? Did I do something wrong, Charlie? Just leave him be for a while. You got some coffee -made fresh for a change. There was three riders coming up the hill this morning. Where? Maybe half a mile out? Just sitting there looking at the cattle Same ones? Four, this time. The country's filling up. Maybe we should push on. It'll do no good, Button. I've seen men like Baxter before. He means to have this herd. Or scatter it to the wind If he was gonna take the hair why not just keep you in that town The marshal already had Mose. He wants us all in one place, Far from there when it happens. It make no sense him telling us to move on and all, It weren't the only thing he said. Most time a man will tell you his bad intentions if you listen. Let yourself hear. Few years back, a free graze outfit come through... ...that we're no idle story. Let's find out for certain. Beautiful country Man can get lost out here Forget there's people and things that ain't so simple as this. How long we've been riding together, Charlie? Nine or ten years? You know what they call it - they call it a decade. A long time. Been a lot of change since then. What''s on your mind, Boss? Way I figure it, we can leave the cattle behind and run, or you and me can go out in the dark and stop them.. before they scatter the herd. You reckon them... ...cows are worth getting killed over The cows was one thing but one man telling another man where he can go in this country something else That rancher sat' in that jailhouse, sort of sneering and letting his lawman lay down the law Till he figured it was time to show us that he gave the orders around here Whoah... ...sticks in my craw. Well, we sure as hell owe them for what they've done to Mose. Yeah. I'll saddle the horses. (Boss) You two keep a sharp eye out. Got the scatter gun - we'll be watching for 'em. You want to douse that fire. Button, you keep in the wagon for cover. I don't want to see you out in the open. Okay? I got some sugar in that town - it's in the wagon. (crickets chirping, campfire crackling) (men talking) (man) What the hell's wrong with you, Gus? Twitching all damn night? Damn back is so sore from being flung into that stove. Feel like I've been humped by a 300-pound whore. Well guess I'd say you got off easy. Look at my face. You can bet Butler will square things with that big man, breaking his arm and all. Did you hear it snap? (snaps) I heard it snap. Lucky for him he shoots with either hand. (Rifle being cocked) (Boss, hidden) One twitch and you're in hell. Now get on your feet all of you. Throw them guns on the ground I ain't gonna say it again. Kick them away. Which one of yous got a sore back? Which one? Him. You Gus? Yeah. Ought not gang up on a man, three to one. Wait a minute, mister, wait, wat. It wasn't our idea to jump him. Shut up Riley. Get up, you son of a bitch. What's your name? Vince. Mighty nice tie down you got there. Your're a gun handy, are you? You fast? No. How many riders does he have? I said how many riders? The rest are on their way to your wagon. If you want to smile now, go ahead. It'll be a while before he's of use. Charlie, throwing them saddlebags. Put your spook hats on. The ones in your belt - put them on. Now get your britches off. I'm not taking my britches off for nobody. You listen out of your good ear now. Now get him off! Pretty scary bunch, hey Charlie? Get bellies down. Flat out! Get your peckers in the dirt. If I hear so much as a twig break, I'll come back and kill you all. Charlie... Charlie! No Tige come to meet us... The bastards. They shot the boy, but he's alive. Is that Mose? He's dead. Shot him in the head. Charlie Charlie... Charlie! Get the lantern and the whiskey. (Boss, speaking Spanish, reassuringly) (softly) Come on, wake up. Charlie You shot him here and I give me the head here You done good boss I'm going in and out like that. I Don't know we lost a lot of blood Whack on the head can make a man strange for the rest of your days Well, you done all you can He needs a doctor now You button this new morning you taking him in a wagon and move on Just gonna sit out here waiting with them cows. That's right And I'm gonna kill every son of a bitch come to take them For one man on open ground you sure got a lot of killing in mine You know, I've never gone against your boss Always let you do most of talking But he needs that doctor back in that town, I'm gonna take him If you want to come along fine, we'll go together. Otherwise You do what you have to do. I'll do the same Just let you waltz in there pretty as you please waltz out again Don't figure into it boss Hutton deserves every chance we can give them All right But I aim to kill Baxter and those are done, yes if that Marshall gets in the way I'm gonna kill him too So you best get your mind right about what's got to be done Johnny. I Got no problem with killing boss never have It's real nice charlie Yeah, well man ought to have something to show he was here Be gone another big storm don't matter none. He's got your dog for company you like it you put old TIG with Yeah, well he was more Mo's dog in the end when he was mine You're right to say some words you Want to speak with the man upstairs going to do it I'll stand right here and listen hat in hand Ain't talking. That's the son of a bitch and I'll be holding a grudge for him letting this befall a Sweet kid like Mose Well, he sure as hell wasn't one to complain Woke with a smile seemed like he could keep it there all day Kind of managed say good morning and mean it whether it was or not Tell you the truth Lord if there was two gentler souls in this world, I never seen him Seem like old TIG wouldn't even kill birds in the end Well, you got yourself a good man and Good dog, and I'm inclined to agree with boss here about holding a grudge against you for it Yes, that means amen Are you alright? And fine seems like you was you know, I said I'm fine just It's got some old feelings coming up You know Charlie we never asked each other much songs been okay with me I figure is always okay with you But you said some things last couple of days things that seemed like they had kind of a history do Hey Charlie don't stand behind me boss When I was a kid Bunch of us would go into the woods with our peashooters nothing fancy just enough to Kill a bird or a squirrel maybe something larger if we was lucky Killed my first man in the woods you know the paper on our farm and after my pod died he'd Come around and get payment from my mom in any way he could My children button when I shot him in the throat Knew there'd be more killing so I run off and join the army War was on there's only there's only too happy to have me My first skirmish was pretty much like hunting in the woods with my friends we just Set up with some trees and they came marching right at us It's been a hundred of them lying dead after the smoke cleared Around I shot the rest who weren't Those of us with the knack was made into a special squad so we could travel light and on her own in the enemy territory Orders were pretty simple make trouble wherever we could With room like that. It wasn't long before we was killing men weren't even in uniform Seemed like that went on the rest of the war After that I come west On a call from man with him skills I Put him to work for men just like Baxter Never once in a while, I almost get through a day without thinking about Who I am what I'd done You drifted off again no better but no worse either Your real honest man Charlie Ain't gonna lie to you about button not button. I'm talking about Mr. Spearman, dr. Han no, he's not here boys hurt bad It's not his hearing man he hears real well when he's awake Mr. Spearman, I'm checking to see if there's blood in his ears. It could mean a fractured skull Are you the boy's father no ma'am, his name is button and he works for me diffuse. That's not very healthy Well, you know the way to a parlor sit down I'll be a while Well, I don't think it's a fracture concussions more likely but it's bad I Have to admit we don't see a lot of people shot. I claimed and dressed the wound as best. I could doesn't look infected What about the fever he needs to lay still and let his body do its work No offense man, but we come a long way to see that the boy gets looked after proper by dr. Barlow Now, where's he at? One of dent Baxter's hands came and fetched him out to the ranch Some men there had an accident night before last You must tell me what happened mr. Spearman Baxter sent his men to Stampede the herd and I figured me and Charlie's are stopping before they could do it Surprise him whether it was hiding in some trees when we had at him That was one. Dr. Barlow was putting back together We got back to camp others had shot Mose in a head shot button left him for dead Shot a dog I'll be getting money back. It's not necessary. We pay our way ma'am Please sit, mr. White Button is that his real name, please sit So only one we've known He's just a boy Picked him up in a Texas town few years back living off cafe garbage Couldn't speak a word of English. I Was doing him a favor What about you Hmm, you know that the marshal works for Baxter people saw you right in Well--there's payment to be made by then that dentist don't intend to run We could wire for the federal marshal If you started riding today we wouldn't make it for a week storm coming maybe longer We're obliged to deal with the marshal and Baxter ourselves, well, what about button? He's fighting for his life we're gonna do the same Whatever is needed for but You do it Even if he wakes he's gonna need to stay here a couple of days so we can watch him Whatever's best for him. (unintelligible)...my little paradise, gents? I believe old Satan says the same thing at the gates of hell, old-timer. (Percy laughs) We'd like to put all the horses up. We had a tough trail. I like to set the wagon yonder. Help yourself. Hurry up though - I've seen it like this before - big one is coming. You should have built into another spot It's a dog Charlie You alright, Charlie? Yeah, figuring I've just been swimming. I owe you mister! That' a sweet pup you got there. Remind you anyone, Charlie? Small version Too small to be let out in this weather. belongs to my daughter I Tried to grab them what the water with too fast for me You're going into the cafe I'd be proud to buy you both a cup of coffee Coffee be good about now. This is like the storm that washed away Gunnison, ten or twelve years back here. Water come down from the mountains nowhere to go but straight into town. Killed a lot of folks. Towns been here a long time, Mac. It'll be here a lot longer. That's right papa. Every once in a while, good storm washes through and leaves us as clean as a baby's bottom. Got a look on the bright side, gents. Marshall meets buzz less as always Will this cover our meal? lt's worth a man's life to walk across that road tonight. Thanks for the coffee. Well, appreciate what you done. That'll be two bits. Two bits. I'll be having words with you two. And we'll be having more than that with you, Marshall! No need to make the cafe messy... with folks. I've got a warrant sworn out for your arrest for assaulting Baxter's men. We got a warrant sworn for attempted murder for them that tried to kill the boy.... who's laying over there at the docs, trying to stay alive. (We) swore out another one for them that murdered the big fella you had in your cell Only ours ain't writ by no tin star bought and paid for, Marshall. It's writ by us. And we aim to enforce it. Is that so? We got no quarrel with none of you folks... ...but Baxter's men bushwacked our friend, shot him dead and shot a 16 year old boy too... and clubbed him so hard... ...he might not live. Tried to take our cattle Your marshal here ain't gonna do nothing about it. You don't like free grazers in this town We don't much like bein' here. But a man's got a right to protect his property and his life. And we ain't letting no rancher or his lawman take either We got no intention of harming bystanders Anyone who helps or comforts these goddamn law breaking free grazers is gonna have to deal with me. Your call marshal We don't have to settle this here and now You ain't going nowhere in this weather, but I'll be seeing you gents real soon. You can count on that. That marshal ain't gonna wait. That son of a bitch is gonna get some men looking for us. He's gonna need us locked up nice and tight in that jail by the time Baxter gets down, because if we ain't... Baxter is gonna start to think they maybe Marshal Poole ain't worth what he's paying him. Got some on your mind just spit it out Well, I say we take him right at the jail. Lock him up, til Baxter comes riding in. Well, hell Charlie, why don't we just ride out to Baxter's ranch and go straight at him too? Well, I'll fight where ever you want, Boss, just make the call. (Charlie, to himself) Goddamit! Now hold on Charlie, hold on! Well you asked me, and I told you! Charlie come on in out of the rain, would you? Come on. Just getting testy in my old age - sounds like it's not such a bad idea. Well just roll it around, is all I ask. What you think of my speech in there Liked it. Maybe I ought to run for mayor. Well, I believe officers got to be living, Boss. (Knocking) I come to see about the boy. He's asleep. Please come in. Are you sure ma'am? We're a might rank. We don't want to mess your house (laughs). No, no, please, it's all right. Come in. (softly) Thank you ma'am. There you are. (whispering) I can't get my fingers.... (soft laughter) We can't get our big fat fingers in these holes. (Sue laughs) Too many broke knuckles. Oh, let me get you something bigger. No ma'am we can make do... (laughingly) No...it's alright. It's just nice to be sitting at a table, set with fine china. Those are my mother's. There are the only things of hers that survived the trip out here. I don't know why I bring them out. I can't hold him either. Guess it just makes me feel good (Boss) I say whats on my mind, good or bad. I admire that. Try living with it. See that? No need for a wife or home. We're just like a old married couple. So is it marriage that scares you two, or putting down roots? No, who'd have him, a rangy mange - like a rough little dog? How about I hold your head under water for just a little while? I married once Never know'd that, did you Charlie? Had a wife and child. Sweet little spread too - nothing fancy, when we was young... ..and loved each other. Never had a cross word They caught the typhus and died and after that home didn't seem a place to spend time I believe I've changed my mind on that, now that I'm getting on in years If Button lives and we survive Baxter... I swear I aim to see to it there's a home that he's sleeping in, instead of a cold prairie. Have yourself a last cup of tea, Charlie. I'd like to see Button... Been riding with him 10 years - he never said nothing about being married. Where are you and Mr. Spearman spending the night? Don't rightly know. It depends on circumstances. You mean Marshal Poole? We have a spare room. It's yours if you want it. I couldn't do that ma'am It's putting you in a spot with the Marshall and Baxter And besides it's uh It's a small town wouldn't look right for us to spend a night particularly with the doc away I'll take those. Rainin' like hell ever since we got here. Water washing right down Main Street Charlie saved a pup from being washed away. Looked al little like old Tige. Now if you can, you gotta listen and pay attention Cuz I got something important to say I've been looking after you for you to go out this way There weren't any perfect place, but but you got unfinished business here So you come back - you hear me now? You come back. Kind of dumb talkin' to him like that. No. No.....it's good. You alright mr. Spearman As right as a man could be under the circumstances. Circumstances? That's just what Mr. Waite called them. I asked him to reconsider and I'm asking you. By reconsider, you mean tuck tail and run. I mean save your life and his He'll listen to you Charlie thinks for herself miss Barlow. He's a good man and he knows what has to be done. I'll be paying you now for whatever else Button needs. In case things go badly for Charlie and me maybe you and the Doc can see where he's taken care of properly I'd like to put pen to paper if you have one. Yes, of course Mr. Waite Look at my face. Sorry! Sorry! It's alright Charlie. Okay - it just be us. It's alright, Charlie. It's alright Charlie. It's alright - I'll get it. Jumpy is all... She ought not sneak up like that. She weren't sneaking Scared that woman half to death. Yeah, scared me a little bit too. That's how it is boss - it ain't a pretty picture. Got your wits about you now? Yeah. Yeah? It weren't as bad as it looked. OK. Two whiskeys, barkeep. Barkeep? Two whiskeys. See that sign? Around these parts, free grazers is the first. Now he asked you twice. Ain't gonna ask again! Hey, Bill... It's alright These are the fellas that saved my dog. I couldn't serve them if they saved Jesus himself. Mr. Baxter would have my job. (Is) Baxter the the owner? That's right. Give me a bottle. I'll serve him myself You know I can't do.... Now we'll have our drinks I'll have me another. Well looks like the rains let up a bit. Well, if it don't there'll be trout fishing right on Main Street. I'd like you to meet my boys Ray. Murray. We run freight outfit when the weather cooperates. Boss Spearman. Marksman here is Charlie Waite. Is all that true... ...what you said in the cafe? Yeah. There's a kid over there at Doc's house that was put on death's doorstep by Baxter. Doc's wife's caring for him until he comes back after the storm Doc's wife? Yeah, Miss Barlow. You mean Sue? That's right She'd make somebody a fine wife, but she ain't the Doc's. That's his sister. His sister? Ain't his wife. Evening, Mac. Ralph. Ray, Cory. Whiskey. This is Ralph Peterson runs a general store. And that's where I was when the dog got free. Oh You fellas the free grazers I expect No offense. Personally, I don't stand with others around here about free grazers. There was fight in your store about a week or so back. Some of Baxter's men jumped our friend There's a big fella Yeah, I saw the whole thing. That big feller drubbed the hell out of those other three. Broke one's arm. Wouldn't be a gun hand named Butler would it? That's what they say. I felt bad about your friend - is he all right? He's dead It's too bad. He seemed like a nice young feller. (It's a) shame what this town has come to. You could do something about it. What? We're freighters. Ralph, here's a shopkeeper. You're men ain't ya? I didn't raise my boys... ..just to see 'em killed. Well, you may not know this but there's a Things that gnaw at a man, worse than dying. Hey! Evening, gents. Evening. Better get out of this weather, old timer or your bones are gonna be even stiffer than mine, come morning. Headed into the saloon to do just that. Come looking for you boys. I woulda bought you a drink for you if you were earlier. Well, then turn around and do it now Marshalls got men waiting to waylay you back at livery. Another one's in your wagon, and then there's another in the shed across from it Marshall with him? Nah.... He's setting up there all by his lonesome, in that warm dry jailhouse, with his feet up, waiting for them to bring you in. Or kill you. Well, thanks for the warning. Well, like I told you, never been partial to the marshal's ways. Dent Baxter's neither. You're near the only friend we got in this town. I'll be buying a drink or two You keep it quiet. Times come. How you want to play it? Well I work for you boss. I'll play however you want. Nobody works for anybody here, Charlie. Now the name Butler mean anything to you? You hear names when you're on the other side of things. He's as fast as they say? He's a killer. No, sorry He ain't hard to recognize if you know what you're looking for. Yeah Too bad we'd get shot up tonight before we get a chance to get him and Baxter. Sure as hell is. Tell you what - I'd like to set someplace dry weather While the marshals men sit out in this rain. Won't be so steady come morning A small town's hard to hide even at night in this weather. What you wanna do? Heard me an idea that sounded pretty good. You did, did ya? Well, all right. He's alone. (Door opens and slams). Get your hands up. You must be plumb crazy. Shut up. You're dead men. Didn't he tell you shut up? Oh...Uhhhh!! (winces in pain) What's that? Chloroform. Stole it from the doc's. Gonna arrest me for that, marshal? (Muffled yelling) Jesus! Well looky here. He's asleep! (Door slams) No, looky here Put 'em down. This way (In the background) You like it? (someone struggling in chains) A little bit more.... Little bit more..... more There wasn't no call to leave me setting out like that. There wasn't a lot of time I ain't bait, Charlie! I hear you. Best you remember it. Well, I guess you ain't gonna let me forget it, are you? Starting to enjoy that part, aren't you? (Knocking) Sorry, if we woke you. No, no, you didn't. We come to see the boy. See for yourself. Agh. Hey. Hey, Boss. You gave us a fright, pard. Thought we were gonna lose you. Just taking a little nap, that's all. It's good to have you back. We owe you, Miss Barlow, and we thank you. Best Thank God instead. Yes, ma'am We'll give that a try. Well, I expect you men are hungry. Button just ate, and I thought I'd make myself some breakfast. Two more mouths wouldn't be any bother. I'm just gonna change You, you should try to sleep. He will. You do as she says, now. Yes, Boss. Boss? Yeah? Mose? I'll be along in a minute, Charlie. Be seeing ya', Button. If you don't mind me saying, ma'am, you look... Tired It's been a long night. Why don't you sit? Let an old cowpoke cook up some breakfast. No, I couldn't let you. Sure you could. Thank you Want to apologize for earlier There's no need. You were startled. No....it was more than that... Trying to put some bad times behind me but sometimes they don't stay put Always makes me feel better to let things breathe a little, not bury them. I'm learning that. Trying, anyway. Well, that all any of us can do. Just glad Button is getting better. Can't believe I've ever seen Boss so worried. Well, the doctor will be on his way home as soon as the storms passed By the doctor you mean your brother It's just that we've been thinking that you and the doc was husband and wife You did Didn't find out till last night. I thought you was married, Sue. Why no, .... I... I'm not, Charlie. Well, that's good. I mean that's good to know. Otherwise, we we'd been thinking wrong. We wouldn't want to do that. No, no, of course not. Much obliged to you ma'am. You're very welcome. Mr. Spearman. Thank you, Sue. Take care of yourself, Charlie. Are you just gonna go off like that without saying nothing? Ain't nothing to say. I've seen how you look at that gal. The way she looks at you. It ain't right to walk away without a word. Well, what do you want me to tell her Boss? We probably ain't gonna make it Be a big fat comfort. I don't know what you should tell her Charlie. I mean, I wish I'd have said more to my wife before she passed. This may be the last time she sees you in this world Charlie, oh you her So tell her whatever you can cuz she's entitled more than just your backside walking away Charlie? I'm uh, I'm not sure what's worth saying or not. But you don't have to say anything Charlie, Yeah, I do. Boss is right about that. He's... he's right about a lot of things it's just I'm not who you think I am, Sue. I've been places. I've done things, most of them I'm not proud of. You know, I always hoped somebody gentle and caring might come along Years pass a small town and all and Your hopes begin to fade a little every day until you hardly remember what they were I've seen who you are Charlie. The way you looked after that boy, and the respect you give boss it might be little bits, but they're enough for a woman who looks Men are gonna get killed here today Sue, and I'm gonna kill them. You understand that? Yes I want you to have this it's always brought me luck Can't Take your locket It's not your choice when it's a gift. It's a good likeness of you. It's my mother when she was young She's beautiful I want you to know that if I don't ever see you again That I meant everything I said to you And I appreciate everything you said to me Ain't nothing to happen in this old town been a surprise except you I'll be seeing you Charlie Waite. Happy? (Fiddle screeching badly) Good morning, boys. Brought you breakfast! (Moaning in background) No, no... (whispering) Hey, come away from there... (hammering) What do you suppose this looks like? It don't matter. The whole town knows there's a fight coming. They just hope it don't spill over to them Well, if I'm gonna get killed, I got a hankerin' to sooth my sweet tooth. Morning. Morning What can I do for you fellers? Thinking about some candy Candy? Yes, sir candy Got anything you want. Got jaw breakers, gumdrops, candy canes.. licorice caramel, Honey Crisps, JuJu beans... Lollipops milk chocolate... Looking for something special. Now, what's the most expensive you got? Well, I got just the thing Dark chocolate comes all the way from Switzerland Europe That's near France, see. They call it bittersweet melts in your mouth You tried it? Nah. How do you know that it melts in your mouth? Uh, well, the truth is, we can't afford it ourselves. I'll take two Don't you wanna know how much? No Yes, sir. And three of your finest cigars. My friend and me got a hankering for Switzerland chocolate... ...and a good smoke. Now these come all the way from Havana Cuba. Anything else? No, that'll do it. How much I owe you? it's five dollars Charlie. I believe I'll enjoy these later, Boss. You ought to do yourselves a favor and ride on when you still got time. We tried minding our own business. Hey - this is good. Worth every penny Your gonna get yourselves killed. Try that. Sittin' right here in front of you and you never even tried it. It's a shame to go forever, without taking a taste of something. Charlie , let's go. Percy? Up here. Brought your a cigar. All the way from Havana, Cuba. You don't say. I've heard about them, but I never had one. Much obliged to you. Well, you think? Better than them crappers I usually smoke. So you're gonna make your stand down here. Yeah, around out there near our wagon. Not much choice without getting a lot of innocent folks shot up Like to place some guns and ammo where we can get to it on a short run. Help yourself We'll try to stay out of your barn might not be able to best bring in your livestock I'm wishing you good luck now. (Softly) Thank you. It's a pretty day for making things right. Well enjoy it, because once it starts, it's gonna be messy like nothing you ever seen. Well, I ain't survived my years without being in some fights, Charlie. I ain't doubtin' your grit Boss. You got more than any man ever know and it's just that... I don't mean to be hard about this, it's just the other night them fellas back in them trees we let go It was my call, Charlie. I can see now it was probably a mistake. It's not what a meant.... I... I mean, maybe it was but The fact is, it's what I was respected about you. What I... ...always appreciated... how you treated other people how you... Treated me How you never looked for no trouble, and that kept me from trouble. But it's found us here Boss, and if we're gonna have any chance, you... You go on and talk Charlie, I hear you. I'm almost certain they'll be overly confident their numbers Especially if we're standing right out here in front of them. It's not like we'll have any advantage but if they're out there with us... ...they won't have as much as they might have, otherwise. Now I don't figure all them to be killers. Maybe only two or three like Butler will have done much of it. I'll be looking to him. The others will be hired men, probably saddle tramps, maybe ex-Army. The rest will be cowpunchers. They won't want to line up in front of us It'll happen fast once I start so just keep yourself moving forward. They'll either move or root.. Maybe even freeze up It don't matter which. You just start right in on them with that scattergun When you've done with both barrels, just drop it where you stand... ...pull your pistol and make a run for that building where we stashed them others. I'll be trying to do the same if I can. Sounds like you got it all worked out Yeah, except the part where we don't get killed We best smoke these while we got the chance. I'm thinking about getting out of damn cattle business. You never said nothing except nag me and Button about getting ourselves out. Maybe my own words struck a chord. Thought maybe I sell off the cattle and have enough to Start up a saloon somewhere man could stay cool in the summer and dry in the winter Some dancing girls might be nice. I'll get me some. (Percy) If I die.. Please sell my good horse and my good saddle and my guns to buy a tea set... ...for Miss Barlow. (signed) Charlie Waite. Post script. I like this one. But I don't know. Princess pattern. Oh hell... What's the matter? Looks like you waited too long. kind of like us and free grazing. (laughs) Well good is good melted or not. (Laughs) Looks like your plum chained to your work, Marshall. Get up, Poole! He aint worth a damn. Get 'em all up! Sobered up! I got a feeling there's gonna be a new Marshall in town. (laughs) Right, it's time to settle these free grazers. No, you leave your horses. We're walking down to that wagon, and when we get there, you better empty your guns into them. Or I'll damn well shoot you myself. Right now you three skirt the buildings get into the alleys on the side Go on. Haley! Come away from there. We'll finish these later. I'm not going to my Maker with that knowing your given name My name ain't Waite, it's Postalwaite. Charles Travis Postalwaite. What's yours? Sure ain't Boss! I mean it Boss, I'm asking you straight up. (whispering) It's Bluebonnet. Bluebonnet? Bluebonnet, yeah. No middle name? No, just Bluebonnet Spearman. And don't you tell no one. I wanna hear you swear an oath.Now go on. Hey, I swear Just in case He said eight, I count five. You should have run when you had the chance Spearman. (I'm) not much for running from cowards. (laughs) I see the marshal ain't with you. You won't find it so funny when you're all shot to hell and dying. You the one killed our friend? That's right. I shot the boy too and I enjoyed it You hit? I'm good. You. Get out of this house! You pull that trigger Baxter, and you can forget about me patching you up. You get your bag. You're with me. Go on. You're going out there. we ain't ourselves yet!! I see they hobbled you. Yeah it's been a while since I've been in a fight. I panicked fell back. Likely broke my foot. Ornery old fool (laughs). Well that damn Cuban cigar got me riled up. Charlie... You two wait here. Hold on there, Charlie. Hold on. I ain't looking over my shoulder the rest of my days. Charlie... You said we was gonna kill them all. I aim to do just that. Let's kill them - not murder them. Splitting hairs, ain't your Boss? Mister, I heard what you said. (moaning, softly) I won't come after you. I promise. Now I expect you won't. I couldn't let you do it, Charlie. You do this and you ain't no different than Poole or Baxter or that gunhand of his that murdered Mose. Them killing Mose was how this started. We come for justice not vengeance. Now them is two different things. Not today they aint'. Step aside!! Listen to him, son! You did what you had to here because they give you no choice. Don't go making this into something bad. This ain't the way, pard. Oh (groans in pain) Mister....thank you. Thank you. I didn't do it for you, boy. Just make peace with your bad deeds. Sue! Get in here Oh my god! Get out of the way Button! (gun cocks, shot fired) (shots fired) (indistinct yelling) (distantly) Let him go! (faintly) Let the lady be! (horse neighing) (Harmon) We got your boy, Spearman! You better drop them guns and come walking down the street or I shoot him. You've got ten seconds. We ain't giving up our guns. He's gonna kill Button anyway. (Harmon) One! The only chance for him or us when we walk up there is these guns. (Harmon)Two! Three. Sue! Stop! Stop it! Stop it right now! Four! Sue... You're a disgrace, Marshal Poole. You always have been. I know it. That's just the way it is. Five! Six Have a nice rest did you, Marshall? You'll be having a long one yourself in a minute. Enough killing for you? (Harmon) Enough when you're both dead and buried. Let the woman and boy go - they ain't a part of this. If you want considerations You drop them guns on the ground. You let her take him to the docs. The doc's in jail. He ain't leaving' unless your guns are in the dirt. I'll crush any man who stands with them. When I finish with that, I'll torch your homes and drive your wives and children... ...out into the cold prairie. So you women, you better take hold of your men. If don't, you'll to be raising orphans by winter. MacLangley! Doesn't matter whether you run or stay. You and your boys are already dead. MacLangley is our friend! I didn't come all the way from Ireland to see my land pissed on by free grazers Now I want them guns in that dirt. Him first - the gun hand. Looks like you're losing your army, Marshal! Went through? Is he hit, Sue? Sue, is he hit? (Sue) No, no, but he's bleeding bad again! Goddam it! Well, can you stop it? (Sue)I'm trying... I'm gonna kill you Baxter! Well, come on, if you're coming! Can you cover me? It'd be best to wait him out - he'll probably bleed to death. I ain't waitin'. Button needs that doctor right now. How do you know that doors ain't locked? Well, it won't be when the scattergun hits it. (Baxter)I'm waiting for your, Spearman! I'm coming for you you son of a bitch OK, Charlie... Ready? Yeah. (groans in pain) (Baxter, softly) I'm dying.... And for what, more cows? You killed a good man and maybe that boy out there out yonder. You get no sympathy from me. You're....you're...nothing. Yeah, maybe so but I'll still be breathing in another minute Kill me then. No. I ain't wasting' a good bullet to ease your pain, you son-of-a-bitch. (Baxter wheezing in pain) You man's in the saloon Ordered everybody out Has to see your your sister if she's willing. He's like to speak with you, Miss Barlow, if you ain't offended by entering a saloon Sue... (crowd murmmering) Doc.... Bring him on up. Put him in there, we'll make room. Baxter have any kin? Daughter is all he has left. We'll be right of somebody explain things to her. There never was any love lost between him Even so she's his daughter and kin is funny about such things I didn't mean for do you have to... ...walk into this place and in front all those people. I don't care what anyone out there thinks Charlie. You don't have to stand up for me. Well just the same I wanted to tell you that I'll be leaving in a day or two. I'd like you to stay - I think others would too. Can't say I haven't thought about it. Truth is there wouldn't be a corner here that don't have a bad memory for me. I've been holding my love a long time Charlie. I know you feel something for me, too. I do. But I ain't no more those who come to kill us -you seen that yourself. Maybe you've done some bad things -maybe worse than bad. But what happened here today wasn't one of them. And those killings - they don't give you pause? I'm not afraid of you, Charlie. Brought me luck. Just like said It's yours now - you keep it. I don't have the answers Charlie, but I know that people get confused in this life about... ...what they want and what they've done and what they think they should have because of it. Everything they think they are or did takes hold so hard that it won't let 'em see what they can be. I've got a big idea about us, Charlie... ...and I'm not gonna wait forever. But I am gonna wait and When you're far away, I want you to think about that and Come back to me I'm in love with you, Sue. Been that way since the first laid eyes on you. Just took me a while to see things clear. I know I'm not the kind of man you expected to walk up your front walk and.... ... if I was your brother, I wouldn't choose me for you. Charlie Do you know how old I am? I don't care how old you are. I'm not a girl anymore. You're the handsomest woman I ever saw. I've had my disappointments, Charlie. I'm not gonna be one of them. I never thought I'd live as long as I have, Sue. I guess living the way I have - it never really mattered. But riding away thinking I was never gonna see you again, was maybe... It's maybe the most awful feeling I ever had in my life I know I can be a good husband to you. And I know how I ain't asked you proper but... ...I'm asking you now. Will you marry me, Sue? Charlie... yes... ...I'll marry you. Then can I kiss you? I 'm gonna give you a thousand these... ...before I'm done. Hey, Charlie... Looks like the doc changed his mind about you. Something wrong? No, everything's fine. Just forgot to tell you I'll have word about the saloon by the time to get back. Sounds good. You take care now Charlie. Sue. I'll be along Saloon? I told you I was wanting out of the cattle business. Funny thing. There's a saloon right back there - just had its owner died. Hoping you'll be my partner I can't afford something like that - not even half. Well.... We'll let the brains with the outfit do the thinking. Sue. (Sue laughing) You are coming back, aren't you? Then I'll be waiting for you Charles Postalwaite. Bucket mouth! Ya' can't keep nothing private. Gotta go. Ya' gotta go back now. I don't want you to lose sight of the rooftops. I mean it Sue, ya' gotta go. How's this....how's this gonna work if you don't do what I say? I told you I'm gonna give you a thousand of these before I'm done. I'm gonna make sure you do. Let's go get our cows
One of the top 10 westerns of all time
Such a great movie!
It's Bluebonnet...and don't you go tellin'
Apparently the owner of the kohler company paid to have a guest appearance.
Low, slow, and angry. Watch it.
Effin great movie. Almost as good as Dances with Wolves.
Thanks for posting. Iโve been meaning to watch this.
Open Range (2003)
Action, Drama, Romance, Western [USA:R, 2 h 19 min]
Robert Duvall, Kevin Costner, Annette Bening, Michael Gambon
Director: Kevin Costner
IMDb rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 7.5/10 (57,928 votes)
Critical reception:
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One of the good westerns worth watching. Enjoy.