Original subtitles

Wait for me.

Who's gonna hold up my railroad?

My name's Charlie Duke.

Why? He's under indictment for murder.

Your train's bringing in a witness who can hang him.

She used to be a girlfriend of his.

A woman called, uh, Lil' Kane.

That's ridiculous.

Why do you think she's coming in on my train?

She has no choice.

She's one of those female convicts you're transporting for the army.

Where is this Charlie Duke?

Downstairs.

Welcome, Lieutenant.

And who might you be?

Ben Calhoun, president of the Buffalo Pass Scalp Lock and Defiance Railroad.

Well, I'd be honored if I'd ever heard of it. We're bringing in a friend of

yours on our train, Lil' King.

You have heard of her. She saw you murder two men.

Her testimony is going to hang you as a duke.

I don't think we'll ever find that out, Mr.

Calhoun.

Leave it alone.

Here they come.

I don't like transporting prisoners.

Well, it pays the bills.

The Army's closing down a territorial jail.

All those prisoners have to be shot, freed, or shipped to Kansas City.

And we're shipping this one.

Lieutenant? That's right.

I'm Lieutenant Shelby.

I have the orders here.

Three prisoners and two guards, and they're all yours.

You sound happy to be rid of them, Lieutenant.

What bad things they do?

Theft, robbery with violence, and, uh, accessory to murder.

Very well, Sergeant.

All right, let's go. Come on.

It is a woman.

Thank you, son.

That's right, honey.

It is a woman.

Mr. Tarrant. Yes, ma 'am. Those criminals, how far will they be

All the way to Kansas City, Miss Simpson.

Are they dangerous?

Just don't you worry. I'll be right here. I was only concerned because

lady present.

They'll be under guard all the way, and I'm sure Sergeant Greer can handle them.

Sergeant, we open the door?

Sorry, Terran, no visitors until they're in Kansas City.

They're your prisoners, but they're my passengers, Sergeant, and they are

That earns them nothing.

Now, I know you've got a tough job, but I can put you and those prisoners off at

the next stop.

All right.

Purple Waddell's on the other side on the platform.

If they jump you, just yell.

Only if I'm desperate, Sergeant.

all right?

Well, you run this hunk of junk?

Yes, I'm in charge of the train. My name is Dave Tarrant.

Pretty, isn't he?

No.

She's very tough.

Some squaw.

Don't like riding the same car with Indians.

Them junk.

Sandwiches and coffee will be served in a half an hour, ladies.

If you need any more trouble, I'll tie you to your seats, ladies.

Well, everything's all right.

You're not going to let him be mean to us?

He will not hurt you.

Oh, right you are.

And you know why?

Because I got friends.

Charlie Duke?

Mr. Duke.

Very important man in KC, and very concerned about me.

He'll be waiting for me with a lawyer, and I better arrive in first -class

condition. So just, uh, hurry that food up, huh?

All right, though. We'll feed you right away.

Sounds a little sympathetic in there, Sergeant.

Does she have influential friends?

Charlie Duke's influential, all right, but he's not the kind I'd pick for a

friend. Lil' Kane was his girlfriend until he was thrown in jail.

But before he'd go to jail?

Murder. Twice.

She was a witness.

She was the only witness.

Well, that would make her important, wouldn't it?

Makes me feel sorry for her.

Charlie Duke wants her dead.

The Kansas City police warned us that he'd hired a gunman to kill her. Should

make for an interesting trip.

Does she know she's a target?

Well, sure.

She's just whistling in the dark. And the nearer we get to Kansas City, the

darker it gets.

Being in the insurance business, I'll bet you appreciate large families.

Naturally.

This is my daughter's family. They're the ones I'm going to visit in Kansas

City. Sweet face, don't you think? Charming.

And this is baby Sally. She's the youngest.

Of course, she won't be the youngest for long.

My daughter is due any moment now.

That's why I'm going to her.

She likes to have me around.

Of course.

Sandwiches?

Sandwich, ma 'am? Coffee? Maybe later, thank you.

How about you, mister?

I have a... Delicate stomach.

There's nothing wrong with my chicken sandwiches, sir.

Nothing wrong, but definitely quite different.

No, thank you.

Now, how about you, sir? You want a sandwich?

You want to eat food, maybe?

My boy, a sandwich is to food as a handshake is to love.

No more than a hint of reality.

Starvation, however, adds savor.

You'd like some coffee, maybe?

You speak Swedish?

Only slightly, I'm afraid.

Oh, tastes good.

You speak Chinese, huh?

Where are you going to speak that?

I'm Jimmy Ling, foreman of the track gang.

Yeah, I guess you pick up all kinds of things on the railroad.

Yes, we do.

Have one.

Oh, thanks.

Well, well, feeding time at the zoo.

I'm starving.

Wait your turn.

Take it.

Not after you touch it.

What's the matter with you, Gypsy?

I don't like being caged.

Especially with her. An Indian.

I don't like it either, so stop digging at me.

Come on, come on. Break it up, break it up, break it up. You'll

scare off the zookeepers.

Not big ones, sort of cute.

Here.

You ought to eat something. There won't be another chance until after Dade's

meal.

I'm not that hungry.

I understand.

Do you?

Do you want to know something funny?

I'm half Pawnee and I don't much like Indians either.

Including me.

Right about here at this height

Very neat.

It's an easy shot.

It'll be just as easy.

Right through the window.

Yeah?

But there's three women in that car.

You'll be able to pick out a little cane.

Good -looking woman.

All wrapped up in a bright red dress.

Two hours, maybe.

The Dade's Mill.

And Buffalo Pass, the UP tracks.

All the way into Kansas City.

And another jail.

What is it that threatens you so much?

Nothing. Just nervous.

Happens to even us hardened criminals.

I do not believe that.

What? That two dead men could bother me a little?

No. I used to not believe you so tough.

Like you pretend to be.

No?

Well, I didn't do much except bruise my hand.

If it will make you feel better, do it again.

Oh, Nell.

In a funny way, you are a comfort.

It's all fake, Dave.

That Miss Kane, she's so frightened.

I won't relax much either until we get to Kansas City.

We'll highball it straight through, Sergeant. We won't make any of these

You hear anything?

Were you talking shit?

It's almost here

Go ahead, Bonner.

What's going on? What's happening? Nothing, nothing.

Somebody threw a signing switch.

Leave it open till we move.

Clear.

Keep down.

It's tight, Vic.

Give me a hand with these blinds.

Hey, some place.

I never even saw a private railroad car before.

Planning to take it home with you, sweetie?

Give me five of my people. One night clear.

And we good.

Hey, stay out of there.

Well, it's still in there.

How are you with the knife?

Good, but not so good for this.

I just checked on the other passengers. They're all a little shaky, but no one

was hurt except you.

It's not too bad, Dave, but that bullet should come out.

I'm not complaining.

At least it's better than the baggage car.

I can hold out to the next town.

Well, we won't get in there until the middle of the night. Well, I'm trying to

find you a doctor.

I know. Another one of Charlie's friends will come by.

Charlie has lots and lots of friends.

Nice fellow, your Charlie.

Rich, handsome, well -built, for a hanging.

Oh, I guess you're right, Mr. Tarrant. Let's not stop.

No, sit tight.

Best put some water on the boil in the galley.

I'll help you. And, Gypsy, there's some medical supplies underneath the desk.

I'll be right back.

Let me help you. It will be all right.

Ms. Emerson. Yes?

Do you know anything about nursing?

Oh, yes.

I have seven grandchildren, three boys and four girls. Care to see their

pictures? No, it's Lil' Kane, the girl prisoner that was shot. I need some help

to get a bullet out of her shoulder.

Oh, dear.

Now, please, she's in great pain.

Mrs. Emerson, didn't you hear me? Yes, I heard you. I heard you, but you don't

understand. I know everything about caring for babies, but I know nothing

surgery.

I can't stand blood.

I always get too nervous.

I'll help.

I'm no nurse, but I can stand the sight of blood.

All right, Sergeant. We'll give it a try.

Excuse me, Mr. Terrence.

Is she bleeding badly?

I mean, was an artery severed?

I don't know.

I'd better have a look. You? What do you know about bullet wounds?

A good deal, Sergeant.

I'm embarrassed to admit.

And I have picked up a fair knowledge of medicine.

I don't trust him.

There's no one else we can trust right now, so I... Come on.

Move away from her, please.

Who are you, a doctor?

It's all right, Lily's here to help.

I'll need hot water, boiling hot.

There's hot water on the stove in the galley.

I'll get it, please.

Tell me how lucky I am.

You are.

It's superficial.

No bones shattered.

Not very serious at all.

You're right.

He's a doctor.

Tear one of those sheets into long strips.

You believe in Lister's theory of sterilization?

Why not?

Germs may well exist.

Besides, we Chinese are very respectful to all possible evil spirits.

Now, which of you has had any nursing experience?

Not me.

It's bad luck to get in somebody else's trouble.

I've seen a bullet wound before.

Okay, then you stay.

And you, the rest of you out.

We'll make beds ready for her.

Can I get her some food?

Hold her, friend.

Now, this is going to be quite painful.

Very good.

I have to go on, please.

Open your mouth.

Oh, that'll be easy.

And I wonder how long they're going to keep those women in the private car.

It's a long trip, Mrs. Emerson.

What difference does it make?

I have a tidy mind, Mr. Dinsmore.

I like everything in this place.

Well, they'll probably lock them back up again when we...

Stopped for water.

Water?

Somewhere between Doane's Crossing and Pikesville.

The boy told me so.

Oh.

That will be nice.

Yes.

Now. I know.

This is going to be quite painful.

Hold on.

Think how disappointed Charlie's going to be.

Hold on. Hold her tightly.

My mother wanted me to be a doctor.

It's quite simple. You receive credit for all your successes and bury your

mistakes.

I hate to sound sentimental, but...

Thank you.

Olaf.

What about Lil?

I missed.

How?

Sands thinks they hit her, but she's still alive.

When she arrives in Kansas City.

Blake, I'm a very careful man.

Lil isn't going to arrive in Kansas City.

I've got someone on that train just for her.

Let a couple of messages here I

want you to send

women back in here now.

We can leave a little cane in the private car.

All right.

Probably safe in there. That way a bigger account can travel and watch for

Mr.

Terrence. Yes.

I would like to ask a question.

No. I want to make an apology.

I am thoroughly ashamed of myself.

I would like to offer my services to help care for the prisoner.

Well, that's very thoughtful of you.

But a trifle late, huh?

I am frightened of blood, but I am also a very capable nurse.

Please, let me make amends.

Of course.

I'm going back to keep watch now.

Have a good trip.

We are moving very fast.

So please do not try to jump out, huh? Where would I go?

What are you doing?

We have saying.

The lack is Romany's true lover.

It always yields.

Ah. No.

Hey, you crazy?

He can break out of here. By killing somebody. I don't care as long as it's

somebody else.

Nice fight.

Well, that's all of it.

Wait.

Next time.

Next time I'll kill you.

This gun was empty.

Come on, back to the baggage car.

And you.

Now, wait a minute, Sergeant. I want to talk to her. Come here.

How are you feeling now?

Oh, blooming.

But you do need rest here.

I'll get you something to eat.

You just rest.

Yeah, if they'll do you much good.

Oh, Nils, Nils.

You ought to get married and be some lucky girl's devoted slave.

Hey, as a matter of fact, if you don't mind a small delay, I'll marry you

in about ten years.

Always you are laughing, but inside you are so frightened.

I consider myself spanked.

Thank you, Nils.

What were you planning to do with the gun, Bess? Nothing.

Gypsy was trying to escape.

And take the chance of being killed or killing somebody?

She'd take a chance rather than be caged. And you wouldn't?

That's odd.

I would have thought an Indian would feel the same way.

I'm not an Indian. I'm a half -breed. And a thief.

Tried and convicted.

What'd you steal?

Money.

Food. A rifle.

Why? Because I needed money, food, and a rifle.

Do you still need money, Bess?

Do you need it badly enough to kill Lil' Kane for Charlie Duke?

Who?

You never heard of him?

That's curious.

You mentioned his name in there when we pulled that bullet out of Lil ''s

shoulder.

I've heard of him.

Where? Tribal councils?

Reservations? In Kansas City.

I said I was half Pawnee. I never said I was raised an Indian.

I was raised in Kansas City, gateway to the West, land of opportunity.

But not for me.

What's Halligan?

In my part of town, he was a big name.

A crook.

Oh, no.

A rich crook.

A winner.

My father was Irish and shiftless and a loser.

Went out for gold and ended up with an Indian squaw wife and me.

Two more losers.

But Lil' Kay now... She was Charlie Duke's girl.

That's something.

The end of the line if he catches her.

Why should you care?

She's a passenger on my train.

And there's a strange coincidence here.

You and Lil' King, both of you from Kansas City.

And both of you are arrested in the territory.

I had a right.

My blood.

I wanted to better myself.

With the right man.

But he was the wrong man, so I ran.

Back to my mother's people.

But they wouldn't have me either.

Do you believe me or... Do you still think I'm here to

kill Lil' Kane?

Do you care what I think?

I'm a passenger on your train.

I believe you.

Morning, Sergeant.

Morning.

Morning.

We'll make a water stop in about ten minutes. You'll get a chance to stretch.

Good. When do we reach Buffalo Pass?

Shortly. You can get a hot breakfast and wash up.

Morning, ladies.

Morning.

Sure, beautiful.

When we get something, Dave?

Soon, soon. We'll be in Buffalo past the conflower.

If we're coming to a water

stop, I presume I'll be able to wash there.

The water's very cold.

I'm not fussy.

Mind. Careful, don't fall off.

What's that?

Let's see.

Eternity, Sergeant.

Eternity.

I hate to admit it, but I feel fine everywhere.

What say we go boil some coffee?

Can you cook?

Why, when I'm not killing people, I'm a first -class, low -class chef.

Good morning, ladies.

Sergeant Greer?

He'll get his medal posthumously.

And now me.

Charlie Duke sent you.

Me among others.

Mr. Duke has placed a high price on you.

But not living.

Only dead.

You sound so greedy, Mr. Densmore.

Maybe that's because I can taste it, Mrs. Emerson.

Heaven, what are you, a Pinkerton detective?

No, dear.

No.

I am in Mr. Duke's employ also.

And I'm even greedier than Mr. Dinsmore.

I want the entire reward.

Now if you'll just stand over there by the wall.

With your hands up, please.

Quietly.

He'll make a very conspicuous fugitive.

Not at all.

You will be shot with this gun.

Mr. Dinsmore's gun.

And when they all rush in, I shall have shot Mr. Dinsmore.

You'll be dead.

He will be dead.

She'll be a heroine

That

shot

will make an awful noise Everybody's edgy they could all come in before you

time to arrange the bodies

So, why don't you just give up quietly?

Let's be a whiner, shall we?

Turn around there.

And we'll wait.

All right, Lucas, we highball it. We won't be able to pick up another

crew but Nils and Al's failure.

We'll be fine.

I'll sure be happy to see Kansas City.

Right.

Nervous?

What if someone comes in?

Then I shall be forced to shoot you, my dear.

And faint at once.

Although I would much rather do it quietly.

Now let's continue facing the wall, shall we?

Against the door.

Your hands up.

Where's Densmore?

He went out back.

Miss Emerson.

I surrender.

How much did you pay for this?

I gave the office manager $100 for copies of all Calhoun's messages.

And an extra $20 for that one.

A thousand years ago, a messenger carrying bad news was killed.

Then some more debt.

Mrs. Emerson caught.

And Lil' Kane on her way.

We planned for just such a possibility.

Did you bring it?

In here.

What?

Now go somewhere.

Build yourself an alibi.

Call him.

Get out.

Mr. Blake forgot that.

It's important.

Send a telegraph for my train to stand still. And what happens?

That walking target of yours gets on board. Now she's hurt and three men are

dead, including the guard.

I can't find the superintendent. Nobody knows what's going to happen next.

Mr. Calhoun, I've wired every time along the route there'll be no more attacks.

Well, that's your opinion. Now I want to hear Charlie Duke's.

Lonely? I am.

Lonely trip unless you're going somewhere.

Besides jail.

Bess, have you got a lawyer?

The best.

And money?

As much as I need.

There's not much I can do except promise to visit you.

I'm not going to jump.

I know. That was just an excuse.

What? No police waiting alertly?

We're not here. We're just letting you off. The police are waiting for us in

another part of the city where we hope nobody else will be expecting us.

Very wise.

Well, I wish you all good fortune, my friend.

Thanks.

Not at all.

Thank you.

Thank you all for a truly memorable journey.

Mr. Cairns?

Good luck, Mr. Lee.

Yes. Merci, sir.

Merci, sir.

Sure. What have we got to lose?

Except me.

That's it.

That?

Police don't know about it. I've kept it quiet.

Private.

It'll do. It's a good neighborhood. Nobody's curious.

You're taking a very big risk.

I'm a very big man.

First time in eight months.

Stunning. We come for the sights?

We're trying to avoid any trouble from your friend, Charlie Duke.

This way.

Are you from the railroad?

Yes, I'm Dave Tarrant.

Is this Lil' Kane in red? Yeah. You like it?

Sassy, isn't she?

Get in, Kay.

Not you four.

Well, what about the others?

She'll go straight to headquarters.

There'll be another wagon along for the rest.

Well, I'm honored, sir.

And I hereby dedicate this vehicle to Charlie Duke.

Much obliged, Mr. Turner.

We make it, Dave.

Yes, we made it.

What's this?

Home, Lil.

You're not police.

That's right.

And you're not going to testify.

It's the end.

Hello, Charlie, darling.

You knothead. This isn't Lil' Kane. I've never seen this girl before in my life.

Who are you, girl?

And where's Lil?

I've told you 20 times, I'm Lil Kane.

The girl you call Lil is a policewoman.

Then why did the police take her?

Because Charlie might be waiting somewhere between here and police

I don't get it.

They set her up in my place to protect me.

Playing the part of Lil Kane.

In that red dress.

Charlie always kept me private.

None of his men would know me except by that dress.

He always liked me in red.

So she puts on red dress and takes your name just to be shot for you. A target

is supposed to be conspicuous.

I'm not very proud of myself, but I agreed to the plan.

And it got me here.

Well?

Well, you're now early. The police are on their way. They've already been here.

They took Miss Kane.

The policewoman who posed as Lil.

I'm Lil Kane.

I imagine you're Ben Calhoun.

How could the police have gotten here? They were still hitching up when I left.

Those were Charlie's men.

Charlie Duke.

How could he arrange something like this from a jail cell?

He broke out of jail and he's on the loose and he's desperate.

He will kill her, Ben.

He has a hideaway down near the riverfront on Weaver Street.

All right, gypsy.

How do we get to this place? I'll show you.

Now, when the police come, you tell them what happened.

Why?

Were you all right?

Because I like the way you fight.

You're stalling.

Your mouth keeps moving, but there's only sounds coming out.

Now talk.

And I want details.

Who you are. Where Lil is.

All right.

It's late enough.

As a matter of fact, Charlie, darling, it's too late.

I'm a policewoman, and Lil Kane is in police headquarters right now.

And you, my friend, are a dead man.

Dead, Sergeant Wilson?

Yes, sir. Very dead.

The whole trip back here was worthless.

Scarcely. We did drive Charlie Duke into a corner.

Certainly cleared your record, Miss Kane.

And there'll be no charges placed against you.

We're all very grateful to you and to Sergeant Wilson.

Thank you, sir.

Well, what do you think about the idea of my being a policewoman?

That is good.

I was afraid I'd not be able to see you again.

Oh? Yeah.

I think we're going to be very good friends.

Oh. All right, what do you say we have that breakfast that I've been waiting

since the break, Judge?

Afraid we can't do that, Dave.

Pull out of here in half an hour.

Out where?

Got a whole load of immigrants wanting to go out there and help settle the

frontier.

Immigrants?

All right partner.

Make that 32.