Original subtitles

♪

We can leave our luggage here, can't we? Yes, sir.

Fine. I guess you know, Major,

my father will certainly be pleased you're taking this trip with us.

Here's the receipt for your passage, Major. Thank you very much.

Come on, Major, we can still cover a lot of San Francisco

before eight o'clock tomorrow morning.

Charlie, the less we cover of San Francisco tonight,

the better we'll feel tomorrow morning.

I don't suppose by any chance you've talked that pal of yours McCullough

into taking this trip with us, have you?

No, sir. Flint's got some big plans of his own.

We'll see you in the morning. Yes, sir.

Thank you. Bye. See ya, Jamison.

I sent my things to the boat this afternoon.

So did I.

Here's to a nice, long sea voyage.

Here's to us. To us.

Senor, she is at table 14 with the scout McCullough.

Tell her the plans have been changed.

I've had the lovers taken off the boat.

She is to leave at eight in the morning on the Jamison coach.

Si, senor.

♪

My partner and I want to thank you.

Now I know why we are told so often that

once you have been to San Francisco,

part of your heart will always remain behind the Golden Gate.

I hope that we will meet again. Thank you.

If I had company like that on a boat to New Orleans,

you wouldn't be able to get me on a coach, either.

Listen, Flint, with this keen appreciation

you've always shown for the opportunity sex,

how have you been able to escape marriage all this time?

I haven't always wanted to escape it.

I guess I just never stay in the same place long enough.

Why don't you just give up the trail?

No... no, I'm a restless man.

You wouldn't like to have your old job back, by any chance?

I mean, Dad sure would like to have you drive for us again.

Nope. I'm had my fill of coaching.

Yeah, I know.

Major Adams should have seen you in your coaching days.

You remember that? Your high-polish black boots,

your black trousers, your black shirt,

your handkerchief knotted just so...

Even among the drivers, you cut quite a figure.

Oh, I enjoyed coaching. I guess I just outgrew it.

Yeah.

You really intend to drive this whole route by yourself?

Oh, yeah, yeah. We're carrying our first load of mail.

You see, if we can make this run in anything less than 24 days,

we've been promised a government contract.

And boy, if we land that, we're in business... I mean business.

Of course, if we don't, well, that's the end of the Jamison Stagecoach Lines.

I didn't realize you were in that deep.

Yeah, we had to mortgage everything we had.

I had to buy some of these special coaches,

and then I had to set up way stations for meals and fresh teams,

and then I had to buy several hundred head of horses and mules.

Then I had to hire a lot of men to man these stations and be relief drivers,

and you know something, Flint?

You just can't carry enough passengers

to make back that kind of money,

you just can't do it.

But you know the old man.

I guess he's had his heart set on this ever since he bought his first coach.

Caleb, I wish you the best of luck.

Come here, honey. Por favor, no!

I just want to kiss you goodbye!

Give him a little kiss!

Just a little kiss. Go on.

Why, you...

Oh, it's my arm!

We gotta get you to a doctor.

Don Felipe Alvarado? Si, senor.

You may choose any seat, Don Alvarado. Gracias.

Good morning, Father Giuseppo. Good morning, my son.

God has given us a beautiful day to begin our journey.

Buenos dias, Senorita De Varga.

Buenos dias.

Uh, just put the trunk on top.

Morning, Major.

You don't have to yell.

Yes, sir.

Well, she's all loaded.

Let her roll, and good luck. Thanks.

Let's roll.

Heeyah, ho!

What...?!

Hey! Slow down up there!

What are you trying to do?!

Give me that. Con permisso, sir.

Hey!

Slow down up there! Hey! Hey!!!

Hey!

Ohh! Where's my gun? Topside, packed in your bag.

Heeyah, team!

It's a runaway! I want to get out of here!

Go ahead. I'll open the door. No, no!

SETH: Hey, you fool!

Whoa. Ho.

Ho. SETH: I want to talk to that chowder-headed driver!

You blithering nincompoop! What are you trying to do...

- You have 20 minutes, folks. - Dinner served inside.

Hello, Major Adams. You were driving?!

You got 20 minutes to get your dinner. He was driving?!

Do you realize what could happen traveling at that rate of speed

on such a trail?! I think so.

I was in the driver's seat. But you have no right in the driver's seat...

Major Adams, this is not the wagon train.

This is a stagecoach, and you know as well as I do, the driver's in charge.

McCullough, I... Major Adams,

I hope it won't be necessary for me to put you off the coach.

How dare you put that fella in the driver's box!

Sorry you were uncomfortable, Major,

but we did pick up two hours in time. Two hours my foot!

We're lucky we aren't all in kingdom come!

An inexperienced driver like McCullough...

Wait a minute. Flint's far from inexperienced.

He and I drove stage together right after the war.

McCullough drove stage? That's right,

and he was a great driver. I was lucky to get him.

As you can see, I'm in no condition to drive.

McCullough drove sta... Well, I'll be.

What did we do last night, Bill?

Charles, my boy, we did San Fran-cisco.

Did I have a good time?

Well, you cried a lot. I did?

Oh!

Oh, Major Adams, would you care to join me?

No, thank you. I'm a passenger this trip, remember?

No, it couldn't be. Nah.

Angela!

No siento, senor. No hablo ingles.

But Angela...

May I be of some assistance, senor?

The senorita De Varga does not speak English.

Evidently, you have mistaken her for someone else.

Yes, evidently I have.

What's the matter, you got the brush-off?

When did you take Senorita De Vargas's reservations?

Jim took 'em late last night. Why?

Why? Have you taken a good look at her?

No, can't say I have. Well, look.

She remind you of somebody?

Yeah. She looks a little like, uh...

That doesn't make sense.

Whether that makes sense or not, that's Angela.

You told her you were driving today.

No, I didn't have a chance.

After I left you at the doctor's,

I want back to tell her, she'd already left.

Well, maybe it isn't Angela. You made a mistake.

I haven't made a mistake. That's Angela.

Ten minutes.

Ten minutes, folks.

Come on, eat up. Let's go.

Whew.

No good either.

You know I'll never get used to riding inside one of these things.

It's like riding in a dusty old coffin.

Don't be so cheerful, Charlie.

Well, we have over 180 miles now straight out in the desert.

How far is the next way station?

It's about 53 miles.

That's a long way. We'll have to go easy on these horses.

Ho, Topper! Ho, Topper, ho!

We had more trouble setting up this next station

than any stop on the route.

This is lonely country, boy.

Yeah, it belongs to coyotes and tumbleweeds.

That's right. Won't see a living soul now for miles.

Well, we have about 15 miles to the next way station.

You see right there? So we can rest there a few hours.

Sounds good.

You've been doing yourself pretty good, son.

I'm sorry I blew up at you the other day.

Forget it. How come you never told me you used to drive stagecoach?

I don't know. I guess I just thought it had

nothing to do with my qualifications as a scout.

I suppose not.

I figured you had your mind set on going back by boat.

I did.

But then Caleb broke his arm,

and it was too late for him to get another driver.

Bit yourself off quite a chunk, didn't you?

I must say you're chewing it pretty good.

Thanks. Coming from you, that means a whole lot.

You know, you're looking kind of tired.

Why don't you let Bill and me take over for a while?

No, thanks. It's my responsibility.

Don't be so goldarn stubborn, will ya?

You got a long ways to go.

Why don't you accept help where you can get it?

I can drive, Bill rides shotgun. How about it?

Well, it's 15 miles to the next way station.

If you'll take it that far, I'll be mighty grateful.

All right. I'll go tell Bill.

Angela, I went back to the cafe to explain all this to you,

but you'd already left.

Now, if you're angry, let's talk about it. Don't play games with me.

No entiendo, senor.

You know who I am and I know who you are.

Now, what's the good of this?

The senorita says you are making a mistake.

Tell the senorita I won't make the mistake again.

Pete! Jackie! Git on there, boy!

Major, there's a little curve up ahead there. I can see, Charlie.

Why don't you slow down, then? Charlie, I'm doing the driving.

I know that. That's why I'm so nervous.

Well, you're gonna make me nervous.

Why don't you relax, like Bill here?

Relax? He ain't relaxed. He's petrified.

Come on, Petey, get over there, boy!

Man, it sure is a beautiful night.

I don't like it. It's too big and empty. I know what you mean.

It's just like we were the last ones left on earth.

That's it. Lonesome.

We'll be at our way station by daybreak, boys.

Good. I'll be glad to see some people.

Good cup of coffee and a fresh team

and a few friendly faces will do us all good.

Come on, Jackie! Heeyah, boy!

Come on, Jackie boy.

Pete, come on, you can make it.

Flint, you better get up.

We're just about there.

Major, over that hill. Must be the way station.

Look at the smoke.

Nothing like a good cup of coffee made over a wood fire.

Heeyah. Come on, boy.

Come on!

Heeyah!

Heeyah! Heeyah!

Get on the floor! You too, padre!

Charlie!

Bill! Get on that team!

Keep 'em straightened out! I got 'em.

Aaah!

You're a lady of many talents.

Whoa...

Padre, what is she saying?

In ingles.

Is he able to travel?

Yes, senor. Lady remove the bullet. Only a flesh wound.

- Gracias, senorita. - De nada.

How do you feel? I'm all right. Let's get out of here.

No, we're gonna stop here for a couple of hours.

No need to hold up on account of me.

I can rest just as well with the coach moving.

I know you can, but we can't.

We must not delay the journey.

Father, we try to continue now,

the horses will die in the harness.

Well...

we are in your hands, my son.

We're gonna stop here until the heat of the day passes.

You say your destination is Fort Filmore? Yes, my son.

We'll try to get you there on time. Gracias.

No, I don't need anything.

How we doin'?

We're almost there.

Still five hours ahead of schedule.

See how important it is to pick up time?

You never know what's gonna happen from one mile to the next.

We'll get a fresh team at Filmore. We're gonna need 'em.

Are you thinking about Angela again?

Ah... I just can't figure her out.

You still think Senorita De Varga is your Spanish dancer?

Well, you've had a good look at her, haven't you?

I was never fortunate enough to know her as well as you.

What I can't figure out is why. Huh?

Why.

Keep going straight ahead.

Don't move, Major Adams, or you will die.

What is this? Where's the priest?

What happened to the old lady?

I assure you, Major Adams,

if you move, I will shoot if necessary.

We're turning.

We must beg your indulgence, gentlemen.

Beg? Huh!

Demand, if you prefer.

Our direction lies southbound.

South? What is this?

We are on our way to Mexico.

Heeyah!

You're gonna get yourself in some serious trouble.

You're interfering with the United States mail, you know.

Senorita...

Heeyah!

Whoa! Whoa.

Gentlemen, some food.

I wonder how long it'll be before anyone finds out we're missing.

You know, Major, we're ruined,

and my father isn't even aware of it yet.

We still got 19 days to go before you're ruined.

I wouldn't give up yet if I was you.

Where are you taking us?

Why are you doing this?

You will be told at the proper time.

Listen, if it's money you want...

Oh, no, senor. We have money.

We want what money cannot buy.

SETH: What's that supposed to mean?

MAN: You will be told.

Flint.

Oh, we're back to first names, are we?

Flint, may I try to explain?

With a gun in your hand?

I don't blame you for hating me.

That's very broad-minded of you.

Flint, before you judge me,

at least hear what I have to say.

You got something to say, you can say it to everybody.

What I have to say right now concerns only you and me.

Nothing concerns only you and me anymore.

Flint, please.

You said you didn't speak my language, remember?

You were right.

They must not see your tears.

There is always a price.

Why did he have to be the one driving the stage?

I assure you, if I had known,

we would not have been on it.

I thought I was so strong.

I thought I could face anything.

You can...

and you will.

I'll try, Father.

No man could wish for a braver daughter.

Senor, I must trouble you for the keys to the mail compartment.

You better leave that mail alone!

Your mail will not be disturbed, senor.

Senores,

you and your coach have been temporarily enlisted

in the cause of Mexican independence.

Mexican independence?

Then you're all revolutionists, huh?

Si. We follow Porfirio Diaz, the hope of Mexico.

That coach is carrying United States mail.

I don't think you want our government mixed up in your revolution.

We ask only a few hours of your time and the use of this coach.

You haven't asked for anything.

It was the only way.

Please believe that it was the only way.

The only way to what? To get your help.

You don't really expect us to help you?

We have not harmed you. We don't intend to.

But these next few hours may mean the lives of many men,

including my brother and my father.

Please help us.

FLINT: If you'd asked for my help in San Francisco,

just asked for it... No tricks, no lies...

I'd have done anything for you.

The decision to ask or tell you was not mine to make.

You got any idea what you've done to the Jamisons here?

If this coach doesn't get to St. Louis on time,

they lose everything they've got.

If this coach does not cross the border on time,

we will lose everything.

But you are speaking of money, senor. I am speaking of lives.

You know this coach is carrying United States mail?

This coach is also carrying guns and ammunition.

And you expect to get it across the border? You haven't got a chance.

That's exactly what we do have, and all we have, a chance.

Our government is trying to keep peace with your country.

The soldiers have been ordered to avoid all border incidents.

We are gambling that they will not search an American mail coach

that has lost its way.

That's what you're gonna tell 'em?

No, senor. That is what you are going to tell them.

Is that what you think?

That'll be the day.

You said it was late for us, and I accept that.

But it is not too late for bargaining.

If you help us at the border,

you will save the coach and the mail.

You will be free of us and back on your way again by midnight tomorrow.

And if we don't?

Then there will be a fight at the border.

We will have to shoot our way through,

and you may lose the coach.

You've thought of everything, haven't you?

It seems inconceivable to me that we should be so far apart,

so completely unable to even communicate.

Our language is different,

but I have learned yours; you can learn mine.

Our customs, our daily lives, are different,

but surely these are inconsequential.

We are warmed by the same sun.

We look up at the same stars.

And no one, neither you nor I,

can tell by the soil where America ends or Mexico begins.

Are we, then, so far apart?

We laugh when we are happy...

we have the same longings,

the same hopes and heartbreaks.

We are born...

we grow old, and we die.

Surely you must realize none of us are wholly free of one another.

The freedom which was purchased in blood by your father,

it was given you as a birthright.

We must fight and die for ours.

But even yours is not completely secure

as long as we or any other people live in bondage.

When tyranny threatens or triumphs anywhere,

then freedom is threatened everywhere.

There is only a line between our countries,

but human dignity and freedom meet oppression and bondage

at that line head-on.

Think of that.

Think of that and...

clear your conscience of it if you can.

It's your coach, Caleb. What do you want to do?

You're the driver, Flint.

I'll go by your judgment.

Major, what would you do?

It's like he says... you're the driver.

How ironical and sad

that I should be the messenger of my people,

and that a decision which means life or death to us

must come from you...

who hate me so bitterly.

We are coming to the town.

Bill, if we get out of this alive, I'm swearin' off.

Riding in coaches, that is.

Charlie, you've already sworn off boats.

How you gonna get back East next time? I'll walk.

Buenos noches, senor.

I'm afraid I've lost my bearings.

This is a United States mail coach bound for New Orleans.

You have cross the border into Mexico, senor. Mexico?!

I told you you took the wrong turn back at Filmore!

But no, you always know better than anybody else.

Well, if you aren't the cutest thing, honey!

I've heard about you Latin men,

but you're the first one I've seen runnin' around loose.

Magnolia blossom,

I'm not gonna warn you again about that flirtin'.

I can't can't have no fun at all!

Much obliged for straightening me out.

Is there a place we might get a bite to eat before we head back?

Si, senor. There is an inn at the end of the street, to the right.

You cannot miss it. You don't know this driver!

Gracias, mi amor.

Come on, let's get outta here!

Get up there, will ya? Go on.

Major.

Yeah, sure.

Adios.

Adios.

Heeyah! Heeyah!

I'll tell ya one thing...

I'm really glad to be back on American soil.

If we were at Fort Filmore right now, we'd still be 36 hours behind schedule.

We just can't do it.

We're sure gonna give it a try.

Bill or Charlie can spell you if you get tired. So could I.

Now what? Are those De Varga's men?

I'm getting to the point where I'm not gonna guess who anybody is.

Whoa. Whoa there.

Gentlemen, may I present my son, Benito De Varga.

Major Adams, Mr. Jamison. Mucho gusto.

My daughter, I think you have already met.

Mr. McCullough, my son, Benito De Varga.

Senor, we are forever in your debt. Forget it.

We can never forget what you have done for us.

Seems to me if you owe anybody a debt, it's Jamison here.

They stand to lose their stagecoach line.

ANGELA: We are going to help you. How?

We know a shortcut to St. Louis.

Is it through pretty rough country, part of it Apache country.

There are four of us here who have driven it often, and we are at your service.

We have brought extra horses, as you can see.

We will have to rotate the teams.

My son feels by driving night and day

he can make up the time you have lost

and put you back on schedule.

Please, senor... let us try.

Flint, what do you say? Let's hook 'em up.

Wooster, Hawks, give me a hand with these horses.

Vaya con Dios, mija.

Adios. Adios.

The team, Senor McCullough...

Or we'll be late for St. Louis.

Relax. We're almost through the Indian country.

We are not through it until we are through Apache Pass.

I've heard about that pass.

I've ridden through it twice. It's terrifying.

There are cliffs on both sides.

Give me some more line on the leaders.

I'll shorten the tugs on the swing.

All right, Charlie, hook it up.

What a fine time to change teams.

We could be ambushed here, you know.

Not here... the pass is the danger spot.

Turn the horses loose!

Heeyah!

Heeyah, heeyah!

Major! Los Indios!

I wonder why they don't come on? Well, they got a reason.

Major, there it is!

Stay down behind us! We're gonna have to break through!

Heeyah!

Heeyah! Heeyah!

Heeyah! Heeyah! Heeyah!

Heeyah! Heeyah!

In the morning, St. Louis?

Yep, in the morning.

And this time we shall not meet again.

If my life were my own to give...

I would come to you and I would say...

"Let me be all things to you.

"Let me honor and respect you

and follow you all the days of my life."

Angela, I'd give anything to hear you say that now.

If I did not have a mission to fulfill, if I...

"If"... is that the only word between us?

Yes, it is. It is the only word.

It is the preface for so much that has happened between us

and the reason for so much that has not happened.

Did you really intend to be on the boat to New Orleans?

Yes!

Yes, we planned to take the guns by sea,

but then someone found out.

We have to quickly change our...

And you just didn't trust me enough to tell me.

Oh, no, no!

Flint, I would trust you with my life...

but I did not have the right to put the lives of others in your hands.

Angela, can't I persuade you to stay?

No.

If I stayed, I would despise myself,

and that would be as bad for you as for me.

Are you sure?

Mexico means more to me than any man will ever mean...

and no man will ever mean as much as you.

You said the border between us was only a line

that anybody could cross with a single step.

It seems impassable enough now.

If it was a man, I'd know what to do,

but how do you fight a whole country?

We knew each other such a few short days.

Too short.

I read somewhere that parting is...

all we know of heaven and all we need to know of hell.

In my language we say...

That means that...

That means...

That means to part is to die a little.

You speak my language?

I realize now I always have.

Adios. Adios.

Adios.

I know how you feel, boy,

but it's not the end of the world, you know.

No... just the end of a dream.

22 days, 12 hours, and 17 minutes.

Well, we made it. Yeah, we made it all right.

St. Louis, Missouri, via Tucson, Arizona, Mexico, and Apache Pass.

There's a space here for "Unusual events occurring in transit."

What shall I put there?

Well, what's your problem?

I think you're right.

"Trip... routine."

Ha ha! Couldn't have put it better myself, son,

"trip routine." Caleb, we'll be seein' ya.

Caleb.

SETH: As we stepped out into the streets of St. Louis,

the wagons passing by looked mighty good to us,

and I found myself looking forward to getting a train on the trail again

and calling out those old familiar words...

"Wagons, ho!"

♪