Original subtitles

That's far enough. Don't move.

- What do you want? - To see you dead.

Here's how it's going to look, gentlemen.

You got into an argument, drew your guns..

And it was a tie.

You both lost.

Listen, Spain, Coleman knows the whole story.

You kill us and you'll hang.

A Warner Bros. television production.

Well, I'll be fried for bacon!

Mr. Maverick. Small world, eh?

That's my complaint exactly, Smiley.

How are things in St. Louis?

Warm, very warm.

You talkin' about the weather?

What are you doin' in..

Spearhead?

I'm stoppin' to get a hot bath and food.

I don't wanna know why you're here.

What kinda talk is that from a friend?

I'm just passin' through, headed for Abilene.

Kind of a pleasure trip.

You just talkin', or want somethin'?

Oats and a rubdown. Go easy on the water.

We don't want foundered horses.

Mister, I was takin' care of horses

when you were still wearing dighties.

Let's you and me head up the town cafe.

Low card foots the bill.

Now, I reckon I'll be movin' on.

Anybody in Abilene you'd like me to say howdy to?

I just as soon you wouldn't, Smiley.

I might wanna get there myself one day.

That's what I like about you, Maverick.

Anything for a laugh. Well, so long.

Yeah, I'll be seein' you, Smiley.

Livery!

- My horse, please. - Yes, sir.

Here you are, sir. All watered and rubbed down.

- Thank you. - Yes, sir.

Put away your gun, young fella. You won't need it now.

Who is he?

The only name I ever heard him called was Smiley.

He was fixin' to put a bullet in your back.

Why, Smiley?

Why me?

Sorry, pal... nothin' personal.

Had a job to do in Spearhead.

'Couldn't risk you comin' back and..'

Smiley is a professional killer.

And he was after somebody in Spearhead.

Who hired ya?

Come on, who hired ya?

Got a rule, sheriff.

Never talk to sheriffs.

Smiley, this is me, Maverick. Now, who were you after?

'Tell me who hired ya.'

Get... get Blauvelt.

Get Blauvelt?

Tom Blauvelt. It figures.

- Let's get him back to town. - You don't need me, sheriff.

I'm just an innocent bystander.

Well, we'll talk about that at my office.

I was afraid of that.

'It's funny, even dyin"

'he can't wipe that smile off his face.'

And it seemed to me that he was actin' like a man

who was up to somethin', sneaky like.

So, I just trailed him.

That point's fine, sheriff. Don't think I'm not grateful..

But why'd you have to bring me back here?

What I can't figure out is why he went out after you.

With you outta town, he was in no trouble.

Hired killers can't afford to take even the smallest chance.

Smiley was probably afraid my conscience

would make me come back here and warn the local law.

Where'd you know him from?

Gambling hall in St. Louis, place called Kelly's.

Yeah, I've heard about Kelly's. Hangout for gunmen.

Yeah.

You know, Mr. Maverick, I'm beginning to wonder about you.

Maybe you're not such a good moral risk yourself.

You know, you're right, sheriff.

If I were you, I'd run me outta town, right now.

Not so fast, Maverick. I've got plans for you.

Got a problem in Spearhead. I'll try and straighten it out..

- Oh, that'll be Ez Gouch. - Ez Gouch?

Ezra Gouch's the undertaker.

Johnson Boyd said you wanted to see me.

The one time I didn't want you liquored up.

I resent that. I'm reasonably sober.

Alright, Ezra. Now listen to me.

There's a dead man out beside the cemetery tool shack.

I want him buried, I want him buried right now.

I want you to keep your mouth shut about it.

- Now, is that clear? - If you say so, Lou.

I wouldn't wanna get into trouble with you.

- Then get started. - Shh!

I've been the law here in Spearhead

for eight years, Mr. Maverick. That's eight years of no trouble

because I make it a point to stop trouble before it starts.

'Now, we've got two big saloons here in Spearhead.'

Golden Eagle, Tom Blauvelt's place..

And the Spearhead, which was opened up

about three months ago by a man named Clete Spain.

'There's just one hitch, there isn't business enough for both.'

Clete Spain?

Who ever hung a name like that on him?

Oh, he comes by it honest enough. His mother was Irish

and his father was a real Spanish grandee.

You figure that he or Blauvelt sent for Smiley

to get rid of the competition.

Smiley said Blauvelt, and it figures.

Tom's a hothead, he's got a family to support

and he's not as well-fixed as Clete Spain.

Been losin' money hand over fist, thanks to some fancy

tricks that Spain's been pullin' to hurt his business.

What kinda tricks, sheriff?

Oh, you'll find out when you go to work for Blauvelt.

When I go to work for Blauvelt?

Maverick, you told me your business was cards.

Now, every dealer that Tom hires either ends up workin' for Spain

or leaves town suddenly. He'd be glad to hire you.

Fine. Maybe you'd like to hear how I feel about that.

You owe me somethin', Maverick, your life.

You'd be just doing exactly what your job calls for, sheriff.

I don't owe you a thing.

Maybe I'm wrong... about the whole thing.

Maybe you and Smiley came to town to rob the bank.

'Only you got cold feet, tried to leave'

'and Smiley went out after ya.'

- Oh, sheriff, that's nonsense. - You can't be positive.

I'd have to lock you up, make sure you weren't wanted

'somewhere else. Have it not take'

'more than a month or two to find that out.'

Oh.

My apologies, sheriff. I can see that you're the kinda man

who upholds the law, even if he has to bend it.

Kind of a funny way to put it, Maverick

but you got the idea.

Yeah. Well, what do you want me to do?

I already told you what to do.

You talk Tom into hiring ya. The first chance you get

tell him you're the man he sent for.

What then?

When he tells you to kill Spain, you let me know.

I'll take it from there. And just one more thing.

As far as the town's concerned, we're strangers.

Ah.

I can see I'd better get a good night's sleep.

I'll need the rest.

Workin' for Tom will have its good points.

He pays his help top dollar, and his wife's got a pretty sister.

What do they call you for short? Cupid?

Better take the back way.

Oh, yeah, strangers.

Morning, sheriff.

Who was that, Lou?

I don't know, Mr. Spain. He rode into town yesterday.

And rode right out again, I'd thought.

Must've changed his mind.

Now, why didn't I think of that?

Looked like a professional gambler to me.

You're the man who oughta know.

Thanks.

Blauvelt?

I'm Tom Blauvelt.

I'm Bart Maverick.

Bart Maverick? That supposed to mean something to me?

I thought Kelly might've mentioned me.

Kelly?

I know three men named Kelly, one here in town.

This one runs a place in St. Louis.

Never been to St. Louis. What's on your mind?

I thought you might be needing a houseman.

I play a reasonable game of poker, and I've handled

a croupier's side of a roulette table.

Let's talk about poker.

How are you at dealing the right hand at the wrong time?

The wrong time for who?

Oh, I can cheat at cards, Mr. Blauvelt.

But not for a living.

It's been nice meeting you.

Maverick..

Twenty-five a week, and two percent.

You're allowed a $1000 loss your first month.

After that, well, we'll see if you're still here.

Deal?

Yeah, that's a deal.

'I'm sorry if I'm interrupting'

but didn't we have something planned for this afternoon?

Oh, I'm afraid we'll have to postpone it, dear.

Mr. Maverick... my wife.

Pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Blauvelt.

Mr. Maverick's from St. Louis, dear. He's gonna work for me.

How nice.

I suppose you realize this is the third time this week

you've broken your promise to me?

Greta, please.

Excuse me, one more question, and I'll be on my way.

- When do I start work? - 8:00 tonight.

I'll be here. Pleasure meeting you, ma'am.

Just how well do you know this man, Tom?

I don't know him at all. He asked for a job at the tables

and I need a man. If he doesn't know his work, I'll fire him.

And if he does, Clete Spain will probably hire him

away from you.

- Do I know you? - You do now.

My name is Bart Maverick.

Well, good morning, Mr. Maverick.

I'm Constance Malone.

Good morning, Miss Malone.

The least you could do is pick up my packages.

The very least.

Thank you.

'No more bets.'

'Twenty-five red, odd.'

Here you are.

'Place your bets, gentlemen.'

- Business always this good? - Only on Saturday nights.

Rest of the week, I don't even make expenses.

At least not since Clete Spain opened the Spearhead house

three months ago.

- Clete Spain.. - Oh, you'll be seeing him.

Tall, dark, slender fella. Slick as a greased pig on ice.

Fancies himself as a ladies man. And I guess he's right.

Half the women in town pant after him.

Not just the single ones either.

Not enough business in this town for the two of us.

Tried to tell him so, but he's a real bullhead.

Gave me that smart aleck grin of his.

Said if the going got too tough, I could sell always out. To him.

- Might be your best bet. - I'll see him dead first.

He's pulled every trick in the book. Cut prices on drinks

ran in a crooked dealer to give my place a bad name.

Even hired some of my best boys away from me.

But I'm still here, and I'm gonna stay here.

I'll have to go to his funeral to do it.

Who's the bookkeeper down there?

Number 34 red, even.

That's Malcolm Quint, teller at the bank.

He's been hangin' on that same wheel for three months now.

Working out a system, he calls it.

Wouldn't do him any good if he did.

What the bank pays him, well, he couldn't afford

to match pennies.

Number 19 red, odd.

I don't see how you can bear it. Out there in front of those men

every night, dressed like that.

I'd be ashamed to death.

It's not as though you had to do it.

I'm sure Tom hates it as much as I do.

Well, I have to do something useful, darling.

After all, if my very sweet, and very handsome brother-in-law

is willing to support me, the least I can do

is sing for my supper.

You were supposed to come here on a visit.

Not to spend your life singing in a saloon.

Why, with the schooling you've had

you could've stayed in the east.

Made something of yourself. The way papa intended.

Then papa shouldn't have died.

You know, this Mr. Maverick that Tom hired

he's very handsome. I'd like to impress him properly.

Don't lie to me anymore, Connie.

It's not Mr. Maverick you're trying to impress

'it's Tom.'

Well, now, this is something new, isn't it, sister of mine?

- Do go on. - Well, it's always been Tom.

Even before we were married.

That's why you came out here, and why you stay.

But you're wasting your time.

He doesn't even like you. He's in love with me

and he'll stay in love with me till the day he dies.

Oh, darling!

♪ Who's gonna walk me home tonight? ♪

♪ Home tonight, treat me right ♪

♪ Who's gonna walk me home tonight? ♪

♪ There's a wonderful moon ♪

♪ I'm a very cautious maiden ♪

♪ And I hate to lose my way ♪

♪ With a great big man beside me ♪

♪ I can never go astray ♪

♪ Who's gonna take me to my door? ♪

♪ Say goodnight, nothin' more ♪

♪ That's why I say what I said before ♪

♪ Who's gonna walk me home? ♪

♪ Who's gonna walk me home tonight? ♪

♪ Home tonight, treat me right ♪

♪ Who's gonna walk me home tonight? ♪

♪ There's a wonderful moon ♪

♪ I'm a very cautious maiden ♪

♪ And I hate to lose my way ♪

♪ With a great big man beside me ♪

♪ I can never go astray ♪

♪ Who's gonna take me to my door? ♪

♪ Say goodnight, nothin' more ♪

♪ That's why I say.. ♪

Not bad for a dump like this.

♪ Who's gonna walk me home? ♪

♪ Don't let me walk alone ♪

♪ Who's gonna walk me home? ♪♪♪

Hey, lady.

Let's get outta here.

- You alright? - Thanks, Connie.

You alright, Red?

Yeah, just an egg on my head.

Alright, boys, the fun's over. Drinks are on the house.

This town needs a sheriff who works nights.

Sheriff Coleman's ridin' shotgun on the gold shipment.

He won't be back till mornin'.

Well, that sounds like a real coincidence.

I got another word for it, Maverick.

Clete Spain put those four up to this.

Not that I'll ever be able to prove it.

You're handy to have around, Maverick.

This man you mentioned, Kelly.

Looks like I owe him a vote of thanks.

What's the matter with you?

It's the last time, Clete.

The only reason I came today was to tell you.

Don't talk like that, honey. I love you. You know I do.

And to prove it, you make me sneak out to meet you?

When I love a man, I expect him to be proud of it

not try to hide it like it was something to be ashamed of.

Do you think I like it?

There's a reason, Connie, a good reason.

I'll tell you about it someday, but I can't now.

Well, don't expect me to wait.

You'll wait. You'll wait because I'm the only man

in the world for you, Connie Malone, and you know it.

Trust me a little longer. A week, two at the most.

How do I look, Mr. Blauvelt?

Too good for the customers.

Would you care to suggest anyone, particularly?

Take your pick. The field's wide open.

You know, I might shock you if I told you who I had in mind.

'Too bad I don't have more sisters.'

'You've no reason to say that to me, Greta.'

You're my wife. There's never been anyone else.

Don't bother lying to me.

Tell me, why'd you ever marry me anyway? To be near Connie?

I married you because I loved you.

'And I don't want to stop loving you.'

Well, can't you understand that?

What I saw between you two, that's what I understand.

Oh, it didn't mean a thing, Greta. Not a thing.

Don't tell me about my own sister.

As long as I can remember, every boy I ever liked

she took away from me! The same way she's taking you.

I'd like to think you're jealous, Greta.

I suppose every man wants to believe

his wife feels that way about him.

But with you it's different.

'You're like a child, a child with a toy.'

'Even though you have no use for it yourself'

you can't stand to have anyone else even touch it.

Place your bets, men, place your bets.

No more bets.

Twelve red, even.

'Place your bets, please.'

What's gotten into him?

First night he's walked outta here this early.

I need some fresh air.

Now, we can't take chances like this, Greta.

You realize what would happen if we were seen together?

- You do love me? - Of course I do.

What's gotten into you? I've never seen you like this.

He's gotta die, Clete. We're gonna kill him.

You outta your mind? They'll hang us.

I don't care what happens. She can't have him, do you hear?

I'd rather die than let him go to my.. Oh!

Now, we're gonna talk sense, Greta, both of us.

What we are to each other, we went into with our eyes open.

Of course I have no use for Tom Blauvelt, he knows it.

But if you think I'll get mixed up in killing him...

You're not listening to me.

He's gonna leave me, leave me for Connie, for my own sister.

You're lying. Connie's not in..

- You're imagining things. - Do you think I'm a fool?

I caught them together, she was kissing him!

It'll work out, darling. No one will ever suspect

that we had anything to do with his death.

I've already taken care of that.

You've taken care of that? What does that mean?

- I've sent for someone. - Sent for whom?

A killer, a professional killer.

- When? - About a month ago.

You had this planned all along?

For us, Clete. That's why I did it, for us!

And how did you go about getting a killer?

Through a man I know in St. Louis.

He's already here, Clete. His name is Bart Maverick.

Maverick? He's working for Tom.

Is there a better way

to get close to the man you're supposed to kill?

- Has he said anything to you? - Why should he?

He's waiting for me to tell him when I want it done.

Hmm.

I'm don't need a killer, Greta. I'm gonna break Tom.

'I'm gonna take him for every dime he's got.'

Then whatever's between Connie and him... that'll end it.

What about me?

Just because Tom Blauvelt's going to leave town

doesn't mean that you have to go with him.

- Good evening. - What'd you find out?

Not a thing.

Come on now, you had five days.

I've dropped Kelly's name at least half-a-dozen times

and Blauvelt couldn't be less interested.

Well, I've learned a few things, of course.

He's got a mixed-up woman for a wife

a sister-in-law who's worth any man's undivided attention

and a bartender with his fingers in the till.

But that's all I've learned.

Oh, what's he being so cagey about?

Man hires a killer, you'd think he'd want action.

Tom Blauvelt didn't hire a killer.

You can bet your badge on it.

You heard what Smiley said, "Get Blauvelt."

That could go two ways. I'm afraid we picked the wrong way.

Well, if you're right, that means Spain sent for the killer.

Never figured he'd go that far.

I don't have the answer for it, sheriff.

Maybe Smiley lied, maybe Blauvelt changed his mind.

Maybe there's something going on that we haven't even thought of.

At any rate, as far as I'm concerned

I'm ready to leave your fair city right now.

All I know is that something's gonna happen

I can feel it in my bones.

Well, we'll give it two, maybe three more days.

I got real confidence in you, Maverick.

Don't let anyone tell you you're a good judge of character.

If you're not too busy, drop by the Golden Eagle tonight.

Why?

You're not the only one with sensitive bones.

Goodnight.

♪ I want a man, man, man, man, man ♪

♪ I've got a plan, plan, plan, plan, plan ♪

♪ There's nothin' better than, than, than ♪

♪ A good-for-nothin' man, man, man ♪

♪ I wanna meet him now, now, now ♪

♪ And I don't care just how, how, how ♪

♪ I'll give him all the love I can ♪

♪ I want a man, man, man, man ♪

♪ Man ♪♪♪

How's business, Tom?

Always room for another customer.

Now, that's exactly what I wanted to hear.

You've got yourself another customer, me.

I feel a real storm coming on, Tom.

'When that happens, I go for the big money.'

What's your house limit on, uh... roulette?

'Ten dollars on the numbers, hundred on the colors.'

'You wouldn't care to lift that a little, would you?'

Say to, uh, no limit?

At the Golden Eagle, the customer's always right.

Mr. Maverick, no house limit for Mr. Spain.

Suppose we make those ten-dollar black chips worth fifty apiece?

Just to simplify things. Two thousand.

Spin it.

Eleven black.

Once again, Mr. Maverick.

Number 7 red.

- Twenty-nine black. - Twenty-nine.

- 'Place your bets, please.' - Hold it.

Spin it!

Number 27.

You rigged that wheel!

Sheriff Coleman..

You'd be so kind as to inspect this wheel, please.

Forget it!

Poor Clete.

Poor Clete? Just who are you pulling for?

I'm sorry, Tom.

Well, how much did he drop?

- A little over 11,000. - Hmm!

Well, I'll say this for him. He sure backs his hunches.

It goes deeper than that. Spain thought he had a sure thing.

When a wheel gets a lotta use, the spindle begins to wear.

If you can guess which way and bet those numbers

your odds go way up for ya.

But how could Clete Spain know which shot..

Oh, not Malcolm Quince system?

Spain put him up to it.

Earlier this evening, I took the liberty of switching the wheels.

It's a little trick an old riverboat gambler taught me.

Well, like I said before, Mr. Maverick

you're a mighty handy man to have around.

But I'm afraid you've made an enemy tonight.

Yeah.

And a friend.

Thanks. My old pappy once said

"Never make friends with a man who has no enemies."

Clete, how much do I owe you for last month?

Twelve dollars.

- Settle for ten? - Twelve.

I was afraid of that.

Oh, you're not supposed to see this.

I gotta give this to the sheriff.

Here you are. Ten, eleven, twelve.

I'll save this for the widow's flowers.

May she rest in peace. Take it easy, Clete old boy.

'Oh, sheriff?'

Well, you got somethin' to say, say it.

About this fellow I buried for ya..

I told you to be quiet about that.

Now, you know you can trust me.

Only I found out who he is.

- Well? - His name's Wilbur Drake.

Except his friends call him Smiley.

He comes from St. Louis. At least he got his mail there.

Place called Kelly's Saloon.

Who told you that?

Well, I, uh, took this off from him.

From a friend of his in Dodge.

You forget about Drake until I tell you different.

Oh, I won't say a word, Lou.

How about Maverick?

'He was with you that night. He must know what's goin' on.'

You forget you ever heard about Maverick, too.

But we can't do it now. They know all about it.

- We'll be caught. - It's got to be now.

Coleman's on his way outta town

he won't be back until late tonight.

But they know, Clete.

They've known all along I sent for that killer.

That's where you're wrong.

If they knew that, they would've sprung the trap before this.

And even if they do know, it's still alright.

With your husband and Maverick both dead

Coleman won't be able to prove a thing.

I tell ya, it's tight, Greta. Tight as a drum.

I don't know. I don't know, Clete.

- If anything goes wrong... - Then forget it!

Let your sister take him, so they'll laugh at you.

- It's happened before. - Stop it! Stop it!

Alright.

Give me the note.

I was wondering when you were gonna get around to me.

My time costs money.

You'll be paid, Mr. Maverick.

You bet I'll be paid. It's gonna cost you $2500.

Seems high? I always charge more when I kill a friend.

See, I was beginning to like your husband.

My husband, Tom? Who said anything about him?

Don't fool with me, lady. Just who do you want killed?

I don't want anybody killed, least of all my husband.

You better tell me the rest of the story.

Someone asked me to send for you.

Someone who-who couldn't take the chance

of sending for you himself. Now, that's all I know.

Who is he?

He'll tell you that himself. He's expecting you in an hour.

Where?

At the old Morrison place, three miles from town.

You wouldn't be tryin' to set me up, would you?

Why should I try to trap you?

- You say the Morrison place? - Yes.

You'll be there?

Yeah, I'll be there.

- Goodbye, Mr. Maverick. - Goodbye.

Found this on one of the tables, boss.

It's got your name on it.

Somethin' the matter, boss?

Greta!

Tom, for heaven's sake, what's the matter?

Greta?

I know what it says.

Greta, what's the matter with you? How could you do it?

Don't play little Miss Innocent with me.

You know why there's another man.

Because you took Tom away from me.

No, that isn't true! There's been nothing between Tom and me.

Do you think I'm blind?

I've seen the way you've looked at him, threw yourself...

Oh, will you please listen to me, for heaven's sake?

Tom is not the reason that I spend my time here.

It's Clete Spain.

Honey, I love him, he loves me.

I wanted to tell you all along, but Tom hates Clete.

- We were afraid that... - No, Connie, no.

No, don't lie to me, please. Not like that.

I've never lied to you in all these years.

No!

If you're lookin' for Coleman, he's outta town.

Left early this mornin'.

Any idea when he'll be back?

Late tonight. 10:00 or 11:00.

Anything wrong?

Yeah, everything's wrong.

Bart?

Ha! Ha!

- You seen Tom? - No, I haven't.

Tom!

Where is he going?

The Morrison place, he thinks Greta's there.

- What do you want? - Get outta here quick, Tom.

'Freeze, both of you.'

Now, gentlemen, lift your hands nice and high.

Mr. Blauvelt, drop your gun.

Now you, Mr. Maverick.

Now dismount, gentlemen, and step over here.

Where is she, Spain? Where's my wife?

Well, she's home where she belongs.

This is one time I didn't want her around.

Inside.

That's far enough. Don't move.

It's been a long time coming, Blauvelt.

- I'd rather hate to see it end. - What do you want?

What do I want? The same thing your wife wants

to see you dead.

You felt that one, huh?

Well, she even sent for a killer to do the job.

You can't make me believe that.

No? Tell him, card sharp.

No, not me, Tom.

The man your wife sent for is dead.

'You heard that. Now go ahead and tell me I lied.'

Here's how it's going to look, gentlemen.

You got into an argument, drew your guns..

And it was a tie.

You both lost.

Now listen, Spain.

Coleman knows the whole story, you kill us and you'll hang.

'I told you to stay in town.'

She told me, Clete.

Connie told me the truth about you and her.

Get outta here, you fool.

- Get out! - Do what he says, Greta.

You kept telling me you loved me.

I believed you, Clete.

I did everything you wanted me to.

'Everything you said.'

I don't have anything left, do I?

You never had anything to begin with.

Greta.

Tell..

I'm... sorry.

Now, let me know how you're getting along, Connie.

Of course, stop worrying. I'll be fine.

- Alright, take it away. - Alright, boss.

Well, Bart, like I said before

you're a handy man to have around.

Are you sure you won't change your mind?

I'm afraid not.

I'd just be a reminder of something you want to forget.

Tom, thanks for everything.

- Sheriff - Maverick.

♪ Who is the tall, dark, stranger there ♪

♪ Maverick is the name ♪

♪ Ridin' the trail to who knows where ♪

♪ Luck is his companion ♪

♪ Gamblin' is his game ♪

♪ Smooth as the handle on a gun ♪

♪ Maverick is the name ♪

♪ Wild as the wind in Oregon, blowin' up a canyon ♪

♪ Easier to tame ♪

♪ Riverboat, ring your bell ♪

♪ Fare thee well, Annabel ♪

♪ Luck is the lady that he loves the best ♪

♪ Natchez to New Orleans ♪

♪ Livin' on jacks and queens ♪

♪ Maverick is a legend of the west ♪

♪ Riverboat, ring your bell ♪

♪ Fare thee well, Annabel ♪

♪ Luck is the lady that he loves the best ♪

♪ Natchez to New Orleans ♪

♪ Livin' on jacks and queens ♪

♪ Maverick is a legend of the west ♪

♪ Maverick is a legend of the west ♪♪