Original subtitles

THE OLD RANGER: And now,Death Valley Days.

♪♪ [ trumpet ]

Hyah! Yah!

Yah! Yah!

Howdy, folks. I'’m the Old Ranger,

and I have another interesting true story for you

about the historic Death Valley country.

How many of you folks have heard of Edward Fitzgerald Beale?

Not many, I warrant.

Yet he ranks among those great pioneers

who helped to open up the West and forge an empire.

Grandson of Commodore Thomas Truxtun

who captained the Constellation, oldest ship in our navy,

Ned Beale graduated from the United States Naval Academy

in the class of 1842,

served with distinction during the Mexican War

under Commodore Stockton in California.

And now, in March of 1848,

is on shore duty at Monterey,

where the curtain goes up on our story of...

The news of the discovery of gold has just leaked out,

and Lieutenant Beale, like everybody else in this coastal town,

is agog with excitement

as he meets Reverend Colton, the alcalde,

and Lieutenant Loeser of the army.

Hello, Lieutenant, Reverend Colton.

Hi.Well, what do you think of the news?

Well, I'’m thinking I might as well close my church.

By Sunday, the whole congregation

will be on its way to the diggings.

The army'’s deserting right and left, I understand.

And I hear all naval vessels

are ordered offshore, incommunicado,

to keep the crews from jumping ship.

Wait till the news reaches the East.

We'’ll have a rush such as the world has never seen.

The army will carry dispatches and exhibits to Washington at the earliest opportunity.

The army? Why not the navy?

[ chuckles ] Because the army always gets there first.

I hope to have the honor of being the official messenger.

What a coincidence. So do I.

You mean the navy has already secured samples of the gold?

Oh, hasn'’t the army?

Oh, gentlemen, gentlemen. You'’re both good poker players.

But I happen to know that nobody has possession of gold in any quantity yet.

Why, it'’s just beginning to trickle down here to the coast.

[ officers together ] You see?

There'’s some on exhibit down at the customs house.

Customs house?But it'’s not for sale.

My pay'’s all spent anyway.

But if I had any money left, Lieutenant, I'’d make you a little bet.

That the navy will carry the first gold to Washington from California.

I'’d like to take him up on that.

What'’s his name?Ned Beale.

B-E-A-L?B-E-A-L-E.

Distinguished himself during the war by getting through the enemy lines

and bringing aid to General Kearny.

Oh, yes. I seem to remember.

And, in consequence, was selected by Commodore Stockton

to carry dispatches from California to the navy department last year.

So he really knows his stuff.He ought to.

He was accompanied by Kit Carson.

Thanks for tipping me off, Reverend.

The sooner the army gets hold of some gold, the better.

I'’ll recommend to the colonel that a requisition be put through at once.

Reverend.

I was just trying to figure out the quickest route to Washington.

The army'’s got the jump on you, Ned.What do you mean?

They'’ve appropriated $3,000 for the purchase of gold samples.

The navy can certainly match that.

I'’ll go to Commodore Jones.I'’ve already been.

You?Yes. Don'’t forget.

I was a navy chaplain before I became alcalde here.

Well, what did the commodore say?

He can'’t find any authority in the regulations to purchase a specimen of gold.

Confound the regulations!

This is an event of historic importance.

News that will electrify the nation.

And he'’s going to let the army have the honor of delivering it?

Well, they haven'’t actually bought the gold yet.

But they will. Miners are turning up here in Monterey every day now

with nuggets and dust for sale.I know.

Sometimes I wish I could grab a pick and get up to the diggings myself.

I'’ve thought of that. It would take too long.

Hang it all, there must be some way to get hold of some.

Short of robbery, I don'’t know how.

I can just see the grins on those army faces now.

Well, we'’ll just have to swallow our medicine, I'’m afraid.

Reverend, you'’ve hit it. That'’s the answer.

What?

I'’ll swap it for gold.

It'’s worth more in the market today, grain for grain.

I'’ve seen it quoted.What, man? What?

Something Kit Carson taught me never to be without-- quinine.

One more ounce, and you'’ll have your medicine.

Oh, these blasted chills and fever!

$3,000 worth of gold.

Oh, and here'’s your quinine-- 100 grains.

Mister, it'’s worth ten times that much.

Oh, Reverend Colton.

I was just coming to say good-bye.And I was looking for you too.

I had to pick up my dispatches and the commodore'’s blessing.

Now all I need is your prayers for good weather from here down to Panama.

Ned--There, I'’ll cross the isthmus, and...

Reverend, what'’s wrong?

Lieutenant Loeser'’s already shoved off.

When? How?

Night before last, by schooner.

Just found out about it today.

That gives him only two days'’ head start.

We might still be able to overtake him.

The Marybelle has a good skipper.

Hada good skipper.What do you mean?

You'’re ship's not sailing, Ned.

Captain and crew have deserted her.

The gold mines.

I can'’t believe it.

Best I could do is get you passage on a barque

sailing at the end of the week, we hope.

In that case, I'’ll map a different course.

Debark at La Paz

and take a shortcut across Mexico.

Why, that'’s 1,000 miles!

It'’s the only way I can possibly make up for lost time.

The navy is going to deliver the first gold from California.

[ chattering ]

[ laughing ]

This gold is from Alta California?

Yes. And don'’t let any of it stick to your fingers.

I'’m taking it to Washington, P.D.Q.

"P.D.Q."?That means I'’m in a whale of a hurry.

I want to charter a boat to take me down the coast to San Blas.

Well, someone here in Mazatlán must have a boat.

I, Pepe Sanchez, own a goleta pequeña.Good.

A goleta pequeña,she is--A small schooner. I know.

Ah, the señor speaks very good Spanish.

And I also know what boats are worth, so let'’s not waste time bickering.

Oh, I'’m a very reasonable man to do business with.

I will take very good care of you.

Then you'’re sure, Governor, that no American Army officer

has passed through San Blas for the interior?

Nobody but yourself would be so reckless, Lieutenant.

That means that Loeser'’s crossing the isthmus at Panama.

You should do the same, amigo.

This way is suicide.

And yet you provide me with horses and a guide,

for which I am deeply grateful.

I haven'’t dare tell him the whole truth.

He thinks you'’re going only as far as Guadalajara.

Don'’t you think I can pass for a Mexican?

The bandits who infest the roads

will murder any traveler, regardless, for his gold.

I'’m well armed.

With the rainy season just starting,

the roads will be impassable.

I appreciate all your warnings, Governor, but my mind'’s made up.

I'’ll make Veracruz.

Veracruz? Veracruz?

Veracruz? She lay on the Golfo de México,

1,000 mile away.

That'’s right. Over here.

El patrón, you say Guadalajara.

Well, that'’s on the way.

If you'’ll stand aside, I'’ll mark the route for you.

Our first stop, Tepic.

Next stop, Guadalajara.

[ gunshot ]

The capital, Mexico City.

And finally, Veracruz.

!¡Por Dios!

Well, Tobias, are you ready?

Sí, señor.

I am ready.

[ thunderclap ]

[ thunderclap continues ]

Señor, we better find shelter.

Nothing'’s gonna stop us. Keep going.

[ thunderclap ]

!¡Arriba las manos!

Ladrones.

[ gunshot ]

[ gunfire continues ]

[ animal howling ]

The señor write love letter, sí?

The señor is making copies of the dispatches entrusted to him.

Oh.When we get to Tepic,

I'’ll mail them to the American minister in Mexico City.

And then we turn back to San Blas?

Certainly not. We keep going.

But, señor, all along the way,

there are bands of ladrones-- cutthroats, robbers!

That'’s why I'm making sure one set of dispatches is safe.

[ animal howling ]

All right. Saddle up.

[ howling continues ]

[ gunfire ]

[ gunfire continues ]

Hell, we lost '’em at last.

What a chase. Eh?

What a chase.

Sí,yes.

Little did anyone realize when the treaty with Mexico was signed,

there was gold in California.

I wish I could be in Washington when this reaches them.

Well, come along, sir.[ chuckles ]

Thanks. I'’ll content myself with sending dispatches by you.

I shall be happy to carry them, sir.

Give us a few days to draw them up.

A few days? Mr. Clifford, every moment I stand here,

Lieutenant Loeser of the United States Army Engineers

is hightailing it-- is hastening toward Washington

to beat the navy delivering the first gold.

You could do with some rest anyhow, my boy.

A few hours at most, sir.

After eight days'’ hard riding?

If you'’ll pardon my saying so,

you could do with a bath and a shave.

I'’ve had a good many close ones in the past week, sir.

And, uh, I fear

you'’ll have some more ahead of you.

The road between Mexico City and Veracruz is more dangerous than usual

since Paredes'’ army was disbanded.

Don'’t let my guide hear that.

He'’s had about all he can take, poor fella.

You'’ll be our guest here at the Legation, Lieutenant.

Thank you, sir.And, Mr. Beale,

as a member of the diplomatic family,

I must be strictly impartial,

but may I say confidentially,

I hope the navy gets there first.

[ gunfire ]

[ gunfire continues ]

Tobias! !¡Abajo!

!¡Por Dios!

[ gunfire ]

[ gunfire ]

[ gunfire continues ]

Tobias, we made it.

This is Veracruz.

Out there lies the Gulf of Mexico,

and beyond it, the United States of America

and Washington.

Tonight you'’ll sleep in a bed with a roof over your head.

You'’ll drink tequila with your dinner.

!¡Ladrones!

Tobias, are you crazy?

We'’re in Veracruz! We'’re safe!

[ hysterical laughter ]

!¡Ladrones!

!¡Ladrones!

[ yelling ]

Tobias, easy. Let go!

[ yelling ]Easy, Tobias. Easy.

What is going on here?This man has lost his mind.

!¡Ladrones!Tobias!

Stop!Tobias!

!¡Ladrones! !Ladrones!

!¡Ladrones!

Tobias, these men are friends!

There'’s nothing to be afraid of!

Is he drunk?

No. Worn out.

No sleep for the past 60 hours.

Skirmishes with bandits all along the way.

All the way from where?

San Blas.

San Blas?

Two Mexicanosalone?

I'’m not Mexican, señor.

Allow me to introduce myself.

I'’m Lieutenant Beale of the United States Navy.

Oh, about the guide. You'’ll take care of the poor fellow?

I have made arrangements to have him sent back home under guard.

He'’ll be all right, Lieutenant.I hope so.

I feel personally responsible.

You are off now on the next leg of your journey?

Sailing with the tide aboard the sloop-of-war Germantown.

And where will that land you?Mobile, Alabama.

Vaya con Dios, Lieutenant.

Thank you.

[ chattering ]

Well, I think so, too, Senator.

This gold is gonna be a wonderful thing.

And it'’s so heavy.

[ chattering continues ]

This is certainly a mighty proud day for Mobile, Lieutenant,

seeing the first gold from California.

He'’s probably landed in New Orleans.

Who?

The army messenger, Lieutenant Loeser.

Why, I'’m sure his gold isn'’t nearly as pretty as yours.

Did Mama tell you we'’re giving a banquet in your honor at Cypress Grove?

That'’s our plantation.Why--

I'’ve invited all the first families.

I'’m sorry, ma'am, but I'’ll be leaving in the morning.

Tomorrow?Oh, no!

If there'’s a seat on the stage.There is, sir.

I have arranged it.

Permit me to introduce myself.

Henry Foote, the senator from Mississippi.

I have taken it upon myself the honor of escorting you to Washington personally.

Thank you, Senator.

Great guns, the press!

[ clicks ]

Let'’s see it, Lieutenant. Seeing is believing.Yeah.

Show us the gold.How did you find out about this?

Express messenger rode in this morning. Broke the news.

Lieutenant Loeser, Army Engineers.

No. A regular mail carrier.

Got wind of it in Richmond where you stopped.Then I am the first.

Gentlemen, three cheers for Lieutenant Beale!

No. Three cheers for the navy.

My honorable colleagues, members of the United States Senate,

it is my privilege and honor to present to you

the young man who, at the risk of his life,

has brought to the nation'’s capital

the first gold from our far-flung Western empire,

Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale!

[ applause continues ]

I declare, I can'’t think of any further honors

to be accorded you in Washington.

Good, because I'’d like to go home now to Chester, Pennsylvania,

and see my mother.

How proud your father would have been, Ned,

and your grandfather, Commodore Truxtun.

Say nothing of the neighbors. The man of the hour.

Now you'’re making fun of me, Mary.

Oh, no. That'’s what they'’re all calling you.

Do you know that he even received a telegram

over the new wire to New York?

And all these letters which he hasn'’t opened yet.

This one from Philadelphia is marked "urgent."

It'’s from P.T. Barnum.Not theMr. Barnum?

Of Barnum'’s Museum?None other.

He'’s heard about this "lump of gold," as he calls it.

"And as I am always anxious to procure novelties"--

"Novelties," indeed!

..."for public gratification,

"I should be glad to purchase the lump at its valuation for exhibition purposes.

Your obedient servant, P.T. Barnum."

Are you going to do it?Have you the right to dispose of it?

Oh, certainly. I bought it with my own quinine.

Think of the thrill it would give people.

The first gold from California.

I'’ve already presented the government with over half of what I brought.

That'’s on exhibit in the patent office.

This would be a personal honor.

I'’m tired of honors, Mother.

I didn'’t make that trip for my own glory.

By the way, any news of Lieutenant Loeser?No, none that I'’ve heard.

But I'’ll find out when I go back to Washington.

You could loan Mr. Barnum this gold if you don'’t wanna sell it.

No. I'’m keeping it.

I happen to feel very sentimental about this gold.

I got my orders in Washington, Mary.

I'’m to report back to California.

Well, you'’ll have plenty of company.

The Gold Rush is really underway.

What are you going to do with the rest of your gold?

I had it made into a ring in Washington.

Would you like to see it?Mm-hmm.

[ gasps ]

Oh, it'’s beautiful!

Think of having a ring made from California'’s first gold.

Your mother will love it.

Oh, it'’s not for my mother.

It'’s for my future wife.Oh?

I told you I felt sentimental about this gold. I want my girl to have it.

Will you?Will I what?

Will you be my wife and go west with me?

Oh, Ned, I wanted you to say it.

Then you will?Yes.

Oh, Mary!

My ring!The ring?

Mm-hmm.Oh, yes.

The ring.[ gasping ]

There'’s only one ring in the world like it.

Made of the first California gold.

For the benefit of any of you who might'’ve been rooting for the army,

let me say that Lieutenant Loeser

ran into bad weather and couldn'’t land at Panama,

was carried clear down to Peru,

and finally arrived in Washington

two months after Lieutenant Beale.

But the samples he brought

were officially examined by the United States Mint

and settled forever any doubt

as to the existence of gold in California.

♪♪ [ trumpet ]