Original subtitles

A Warner Bros. Television Production.

This the story of a Sioux chief.

And how I came in contact with him.

That's him. His name, Running Horse.

Gold had been discovered in the Black Hills of the Dakota's.

Naturally, they started something of a stampede.

The Sioux resented the intrusion

and demonstrated their resentment

by sending back prospector after prospector.

All dead.

The army resented the Sioux resentment

and sent several regiments into the territory

to build forts and protect the taxpayers.

Alright, Mr. Maverick, I haven't got all day.

You may be in a hurry to get to McKittridge, sarge.

- But I kinda like it here. - 'Sure you do.'

'Cause ain't no board of inquiry waitin' for you here.

- They gonna hang him, sarge? - Please, I'm a civilian.

This is strictly a case of mistaken identity.

Sure it was.

You mistook a colonel's wife for a gay young thing.

Baines, it was someone who looked like me.

Come on, let's go.

It's shame the colonel didn't come out to say goodbye.

Nothing like to be on friendly terms with the colonels.

Well, Colonel Parkinson ain't feelin' very sociable.

I can't say that I blame him.

Regular complement here is about 140 men.

Just enough to man the fort in case of serious trouble.

Where'd they all go?

Out chasing Runnin' Horse and his Siouxs.

He called a big war parley.

Most of the Sioux nations about ready to jump down

on our throats on account of this gold rush business.

'Open the gates.'

Running Horse aimed to get rid of the military

and so he called for every tribe of the Sioux nation

to combine in one mass effort.

And here they are.

The chiefs of the many tribes

called a council to discuss the war

that Running Horse proposed.

This fire burns brightly.

It warms us as we sit here and remember

the cold winters of our wanderings.

Driven on and on by the long knives and their treaties.

Look into my face, my brothers.

Listen to my words.

And let the fire that burns within me warm your blood

and light your way to one final victory for our nation.

Come.

I will take you to the nearest fort of the long knives.

And you will see with your own eyes that Running Horse

does more than speak with a hot tongue.

There is no need for caution.

Come and see.

'This is the work of a few warriors.'

With the braves who will follow you

we number in the hundreds.

If you abide my decision to war

and call all your fighting men..

Within a few days we will number in a thousand.

We will fight and destroy.

And make the pillaging of our land so costly to the white men

that they will leave.

The long knives are not invincible.

We will drive them out or kill them.

Tear down their banner.

We will drag it in the dust behind us.

Look.

Look familiar? Well, it should.

We're going back to that exact moment when our story began.

You see, I was makin' a little trip with two real sports.

A Sergeant Baines and a Corporal Daggott.

And we had stopped at Fort Burnside

to get fresh mounts.

That's Running Horse waiting to attack the fort.

It's all taking place again.

Now we're going to tell the story from my point of view.

We're taking you back to the beginning

because this time you'll see the way it really happened.

Think there are any Sioux around here, sarge?

- Close by, I mean. - Don't you fret, Willie.

My guess is they won't be nosin' around where the soldiers are.

Oh, I ain't worried about myself.

Just I wouldn't want anything to happen to our prisoner.

I'm not your prisoner, Willie. You're just escorting me.

That came from the fort.

I guessed wrong.

They're around. All around.

Aah!

There's nothin' we could do.

Nope.

The colonel, he guessed wrong too.

Sendin' all his men out

not leavin' enough help to mind the store.

He didn't guess wrong about there being trouble in the area.

He just looked for it in the wrong area.

This could be the beginnin'.

For Running Horse, I mean.

Baines. Sergeant Baines.

Phew.

Well, it's over.

'Now, the best approach to the fort's from the East.'

There's a gully.

Wait a minute. The fort?

Do you mean Fort Burnside or Fort McKittridge?

We can't ride off and leave 'em. There might be survivors.

You know, I know, the corporal knows and the Sioux know.

There aren't any survivors.

- Sarge, I don't think... - Shut up.

Some of 'em could've hid.

- Come on, sarge. - Well, it's possible.

- Sarge, I don't... - Shut up and get the horses.

He's green.

That's why I've gotta keep him calm.

Because, Mr. Maverick, we are in a pickle.

That's why I need your help.

We're going back to the fort, look around, see what we can do.

You go ahead and start arguing with me

and get it over with because I wanna get movin'.

Alright, I'll turn my cards face up.

You're an army man. The Indians are your job.

Me? I'm just an ordinary civilian-type citizen.

I just don't feel...

I know I can't force you to go back to the fort with us.

Because as you say, you're not a prisoner.

You're under escort to Fort McKittridge.

Dag and I are along to see that you get there

before you change your mind.

If you give me your word

that you'll go directly to McKittridge, well..

I'll take it.

I give you my word. I'll go to McKittridge.

I, uh..

Don't envy you your journey, Mr. Maverick.

You don't think you'll have it any better at the fort?

Sure, if the Indians don't come back.

Of course, if they do..

I'll think about that when the time comes.

At least we'll be able to see 'em comin'.

That's more than you'll be able to do.

Corporal, give Mr. Maverick his horse.

You and me are going back to the fort without him.

When and if you get to McKittridge

request an interview with the general.

You tell him exactly what you saw here.

That Fort Burnside was wiped out.

'At least, 20 officers and men were killed.'

The rest of the regiment under Major Harrington

is off to the South on patrol.

Good luck, Maverick.

On second thought, sergeant, I decided to put off

facing that board of inquiry.

We'll make our way to the barracks. Keep your eyes open.

Don't get nervous and let them fly.

'you know what you're shootin' at.'

You fool.

I'll go and look around if any Indian heard that.

Honest, sarge, I thought it was somebody, an Indian, I mean.

I know, Willie, I know.

Go see if you can find some mattresses.

We'll bed down in here.

No, Willie.

I'm not gonna put it on your report.

Thanks, sarge, only a month and a half to go.

I sure wouldn't want anything to mess up my discharge.

Golly day, I sure wouldn't.

No, Willie.

Don't worry, there's nothing in this world that I'd do

to keep you in this army one day longer than need be.

Thanks, sarge.

I didn't wanna come bustin' in unannounced.

It's nice and quiet and still out there.

I think they just hit and run.

I'm guessing they'll be coming back soon with a whole bunch

of Sioux brass to show what a big man he is.

Yeah. He could've been spyin' and watchin'.

He knew the fort was short-handed.

'I'm also guessin' he'll be comin' back tonight'

or tomorrow morning at the latest

while everything's still fresh.

Well, then, I am leaving.

Corporal.

Remove Mr. Maverick's side arm and take his rifle.

I hereby declare a state of emergency and martial law.

On roaming around those hills out there

you constitute a danger to this fort

because you know that corporal and me are here.

Now, why don't you stick around, Mr. Maverick

and be my prisoner?

Yeah, it's too bad we can't defend this fort

if and when those Sioux come back.

If worst comes to worst, we can put a few rounds

into Runnin' Horse before he gets us.

Corporal.

'Station yourself near the blockhouse.'

'If you hear any noise at all, you come runnin' back here.'

Uh, sergeant.

You don't mean for us to..

How do you say it?

Sell our lives as dearly as possible?

If that bloody Sioux chief gets his nation into war

a lot of good people, white and red, are gonna suffer.

'Now, it's my job.'

It's our job to do everything we can to stop it.

Dealer's choice.

We can't fight 'em, we won't run.

We can't hide if they burn the place down.

All we can do is just sit here..

Hey, wait a minute.

All we've to do is keep them away

until the regiment gets back, right?

That's all.

How'd you like to celebrate a holiday early this year?

Just for them?

- A holiday? - 'Yeah.'

They're out there, sarge, about half mile away.

Uh, Mr. Maverick had an idea.

You're gonna have to be very brave and calm.

When I get out in the yard, I'll explain everything to you.

But you're gonna have to do exactly as I say, understand?

- Okay, let's go. - Wait, Maverick, now listen.

If anything goes wrong, we both try for Runnin' Horse.

- Only way I'll go along. - Alright, it's a deal.

This wheel closes the gate, see. Now, you're gonna hide here.

When you hear a shot, count three and then start turning.

Don't worry, kid. You'll be alright.

Just do what I say.

This is the work of a few warriors.

When the braves will follow you

we number in the hundreds.

You abide my decision to war and call all your fighting men.

Within a few days, we will number in the thousands.

We will fight and destroy.

And make the pillaging of our land so costly

to the white men that they will leave.

The long knives are not invincible.

'We will drive them out or kill them.'

Tear down their banner.

We will drag it in the dust behind us.

Look.

Beautiful rendition, sergeant, and very effective.

Hey, what happened? Who shot the Indian?

Where did the music come from?

Ghosts, corporal. Ghosts and evil spirits.

Come on, let's take a look.

I bet that's Runnin' Horse himself

wondering what the devil happened.

I hope you can think up some more tricks

in case they come back for another look in the mornin'.

I've already thought of something, sarge.

We cannot fight devils and spirits.

Silence!

Since when do the Sioux run like children

at the shadows of the night?

A shot is not a shadow.

And the wind did not close the gates.

And only the long knives blow the bugles.

It is true. We cannot fight spirits.

But those were men.

And dead men do not fire rifles or make noises.

Tomorrow with the sun, we shall return

and see what there is to see.

Tomorrow with the sun, I'm taking my warriors

and returning to our women and children.

- I too will leave. - Wait.

I called this council for three days and you all agreed.

Two days remain.

If in that time I've not explained

what we've seen tonight..

Then you are free to go.

We did agree. Three days.

Then, tomorrow with the sun we will return.

You can begin, maestro.

'If we wait any longer'

'they might decide to take a closer look.'

You want me to play another chorus?

'I even know another tune.'

'Mess call.'

'They're turnin' and leavin', sergeant.'

'Anymore of that magnificent playing'

might attract them back, ghosts or not.

Besides, this whitewash is hard on my delicate complexion.

Council is over, Running Horse.

No. We have one more day.

But you have no words to speak about the ghost soldiers.

No one here to listen Is this council?

Let them come out of their lodges.

Let them hear me speak.

They have no heart for your words. Let them go.

No. I have one day left.

They will spend that day also in their lodges.

They wish to hear no more.

The soldiers do not die.

They fall to the ground and rest.

Then, they ride again.

We cannot conquer such spirits.

Spirits?

When I rode to the fort with my braves

and I ran my lance through the heart of soldier after soldier

do you not think they died?

I know they did.

I felt them die at my hands.

And I do not fear them.

Then you have more courage than your brother.

We will stay another day as agreed.

But we are all ready now

to leave this land to the soldiers who will not die.

Before you is a white man spirit soldier.

One of the invincible long knives who dies

and comes alive again.

A true spirit would not cry out. Do you agree?

A true spirit would not bleed. Do you agree?

Let us see what I've brought

from the long knives' stronghold.

Let us examine this spirit who shows fear on his face.

No!

No! No! No!

Maverick, Daggott's gone.

- You mean he took off? - No. He wouldn't run away.

He would've taken this. This is his rifle.

If he wouldn't leave, what do you think?

I think one of 'em Indians caught himself a ghost.

Now, Halloween's almost over, Maverick.

You have decided?

We will ride behind you, Running Horse.

His medicine was not strong enough

to free him during the night.

Or to heal his bleeding body. He is not a ghost.

Then, prepare your men for battle against the others

who dared to trick the Sioux.

We will take him with us.

Let them all die within the fort.

Cut him down.

Another day, another dollar.

I keep wondering what happened to Daggott.

- My guess is... - Try not to think about it.

Yeah, that's the best way, I suppose.

Well, I asked for this life.

All in all, I suppose I'm better off and happier

than I would've been in the New Jersey fish market.

'Ever been to New Jersey, Maverick?'

'On the waterfront, I mean?'

Nope, never have.

You'd have joined the army too.

The army's full of folks from the Jersey waterfront.

Just somethin' about that place.

I was fixin' to get Daggott a job

workin' in my old man's fish market.

Just to show him how much better off he was here.

Now they know.

They know they've been tricked.

Why don't we just light out?

If we make it to the brush, we might have a chance.

'I knew a fellow who walked through the Cherokee Nation'

stark naked and never even saw so much as an Indian.

Well, we got guns, clothes, everything you need.

- Too late now. - What?

Look.

Hey, Indians don't ride like that. That's cavalry.

Oh, I wish I had my bugle here. I'd toot 'em in.

We saved it just like I said. We saved the fort.

- Wonder where the rest are? - They're in the back someplace.

I better get down and open that gate.

Can't leave our rescuers waitin' out in the cold.

Sargent Baines, Fourth Cavalry. For escort duty, sir.

Lieutenant Jennings from the Sixth.

And we're glad to see you.

'How long before the regiment's expected to arrive?'

Where is Colonel Parkinson? Who's in charge here?

Well, sir, Colonel Parkinson's dead and..

I guess I'm in charge.

Sergeant Watts, take two men and inspect the fort.

Alright, sergeant. Explain the situation.

Yes, sir.

And that's when Mr. Maverick and myself saw

your squad comin' out of the woods.

That's all, sergeant. Thank you.

Oh, say, lieutenant.

You didn't say when the rest were comin'.

Captain Harriman and all the soldiers.

Major Harrington and the regiment are not in the area.

I do not expect them for at least three days.

Um... he's kinda young.

Yeah.

'Lieutenant?'

Could I have a word with you, please... sir?

Yes, Mr. Maverick, but please be brief.

Uh, sir, did you understand everything

that Sergeant Baines told you?

Uh, described to you the situation, that is?

Certainly.

Did you understand that Running Horse

and several hundred Sioux are likely

to be back here any moment mad as can be?

Did you understand that, lieutenant?

Certainly.

Oh!

Sergeant, have the bugler sound assembly.

He doesn't understand English.

He's an army officer.

Men, you've seen the disaster here at Fort Burnside.

The enemy's rumored to be in the area

and capable of another attack.

Because of Fort Burnside's strategic position

it must be held at all costs.

You're also aware of the impending conflict

with the Sioux.

Therefore, we must set an example.

Show them the stuff the United States Army is made of.

I'm depending on you.

Sergeant, deploy the troops..

Squad about the fort and the best defensive positions.

Use your own discretion. I'll be in my quarters.

There, that house over there.

Lieutenant, that's the stable, sir.

Oh, very well, then. The one with the beige door.

Well, Sergeant Baines?

It takes all kinds to make a world.

Since we're about to leave said world, shall we go

through that beige door and make one last try

to pound some sense into that greenhead?

Lead on, Mr. Maverick.

Don't you know how to knock, sergeant?

Uh, talk to me, lieutenant. I'm a civilian.

And you're right, we should be knocking.

We should be knockin' your stubborn head in.

Close the door, Baines.

Are you threatening me, Mr. Maverick?

Oh, I don't have to threaten you, sonny.

Those hills are full of Indians. They're threatening you.

And me and everybody else in the fort.

Now, normally I don't like to fight.

I've tried to go through life without fighting

but if that life is about to end and I don't want it to end..

Then I'm willin' to fight

so I can go on living without having to fight.

Do you follow that?

And just who do you propose to fight? Me?

Oh, you'd do for a start unless you change your mind

about trying to defend this fort with 10 or 12 men.

You see, I deal in odds and the odds are about 1000 to 1.

I think we ought to throw our cards and try another game.

So now you suggest we run?

We're soldiers, Mr. Maverick, and it's our duty to remain...

Let me phrase it another way.

Why don't we just blow recall and have a strategic withdrawal?

- Is that better? - No.

I've given that plan consideration.

Undoubtedly, the fort is under surveillance.

Any attempted running would be disastrous.

To be caught in the open against a force so powerful

well, it would be suicide.

Well, you just suit yourself.

Me, I'd rather have a run for my money.

If you just let me leave, give me a horse

or rather, Sargent Baines and myself.

'He's escorting me to Fort McKittridge'

and we'd just be following orders, sort of.

Thanks, Maverick, but I'll stay. I mean it.

Thank you for the try.

Sir, Indians, there's hundreds of them out there in the plain.

'They're just sittin' there.'

They must still be a little spooked

or they'd ride right on end.

Bring up the prisoner.

I will return him to his companions myself.

They will see what happens to enemies of the Sioux Nation.

If we could scare them again.

If we could let 'em see 12 ghost soldiers instead of three.

What do you suggest, Mr. Maverick?

Painting my men with whitewash.

That won't work again. Not now.

Let us now make sport with these men

who pretend to be ghosts.

Hear, spirits. Here is one of your kind.

One who cries out like a woman.

This is what will happen to all long knives in the Sioux Nation.

'We will attack!'

Yeah, I'd been elected.

The sight of all these Indians made the lieutenant

more agreeable to any plan I might have.

As long as he didn't have to order one of his men

to carry out that plan. So that left me.

After all, if some whitewash and a bugle scared them

this should frighten 'em to death.

Why shouldn't they be scared? It even scares me.

Come, attack!

That's it, boys. Don't listen to him.

Go on, shoo.

Maybe one last clincher.

Wait. Wait and watch.

This time I will cut the body into pieces.

More tricks. Another man.

Hey, what-what?

What the..

You fainted.

- Did they leave? - Every last one of them.

Except Runnin' Horse. You struck him dead center.

Even his own tribe wouldn't pick him up.

I'd like to shake your hand, Mr. Maverick.

You've saved our lives, this fort

and the whole territory from a terrible and bloody war.

Well, that was nothing, lieutenant.

I always try to help matters wherever I go.

Yeah, speaking of goin', if you'd just loan me a horse

I promised my brother, I'd pay him a visit.

Sargent Baines has already requested two horses.

- You may leave any time. - Well, thank you, lieutenant.

Thank you, Mr. Maverick.

- You goin' my way, Baine? - Or vice versa.

I think we could get to McKittridge

in about two days now.

McKittridge and the board of inquiry?

Hmm-mmm. Seeing what a tricky man you are, Mr. Maverick

why, you just might get away from me.

Oh, Baines. I wouldn't think of such a thing.

Oh, I know you wouldn't think about it, Mr. Maverick.

Just comes sorta naturally.

I was right glad lieutenant was gonna let it go

at a mere handshake.

I mean, if I was to get a medal out of this ruckus

my pappy would never speak to me again.

♪ 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 a 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 ♪

♪ Fair 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 ♪

♪ Fair 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 ♪♪