Original subtitles

[dramatic music]

Don't blame me, Mr. Peters.

I'm outta town a week and the whole saloon disappears.

It's kinda out of the ordinary, but so's the fella who done it.

Why, what happened?

Well, everything was goin' right peacefully other night except

a few friendly fist fights when this fella come in

got the house into a poker game that lasted till morning.

- The house lost. - To put it mildly.

Fella even had the gall to auction off all the fixtures.

He get any bids on you?

It wasn't my fault, Mr. Peters.

Well, who is this man?

Was anybody bright enough to get his name?

Calls himself Maverick. Bret Maverick.

[theme music]

(male narrator) A Warner Bros. Television Production.

[instrumental music]

[whistling]

Unh!

Okay, Malone.

We're takin' you over to the jail, Maverick.

Why, is gettin' robbed a crime in this town?

Stole my saloon, that's crime enough.

- I won it fair and square. - You're still goin' to jail.

We'll see what the sheriff has to say about this.

I can give you the answer to that right now.

I am the sheriff.

You're a free man, Maverick. At least for the time being.

Well, Sheriff Peters..

Did your conscience finally catch up with you?

Ah, nothing like that. It's this lady over here.

I'm a-standin' bail for ya, Mr. Maverick.

Don't look at me. Far as I'm concerned you can rot in here.

Well, I'm much obliged to you, Mrs..

Kate Dawson. And it's Miss.

Never met a man up to changin' it.

Well, I'm pleased to meet you.

- Do I know you? - No.

And I don't know you from Adam, but I heard about ya.

Well, it's a very kind thing you're doing.

I don't go in for charity, Mr. Maverick.

Charley Peters here'll tell you that.

She can read the numbers of a dollar bill at a hundred paces.

Well, do you mind if I ask why?

I got my reasons.

I'll explain 'em to you out at the ranch.

My father put all these stuff in. I would've done it simpler.

Sit down there.

You're sittin' in the direct center of a 100,000 acres

of the best land in Texas.

The Queen Ranch.

I don't know too much about ranchin', ma'am

if that's your proposition.

It's not. And don't call me ma'am.

My name is Kate.

Uh, alright, Kate.

W-what's your deal?

Take a look at this.

'Mousy-lookin' little critter, ain't he?'

I'll admit he ain't what you'd expect

to find on a buffalo hunt.

That's my brother, Mark.

Time was when he'd have run from a jackrabbit.

I want you to chase him back home.

- From where? - In the East.

He's in Saratoga.

Well, there's a woman involved and gamblin'

and between the two he's bein' bled dry.

He goes in for higher livin', does he?

Never used to.

He was the gentlest, most dependable critter

that ever lived the quiet life.

Well, somethin' sure got into him.

And because I know that he's as

as helpless as a six-day old kitten

I'm plain worried and I want him back.

What makes you think I can do the job?

Anybody that could take Charley Peters' saloon away

from him the way you did, could handle anything.

If you'll notice, Charley Peters got this saloon back.

And you're talkin' about a woman.

That's even worse.

All you have to do is pretend you're richer than Mark

take the woman away from him.

Shouldn't take you more than a week.

Well, maybe I might get interested in women

and gamblin' myself.

The fee I'm payin' you won't be that much.

Did I say I was goin'?

You ain't got a choice.

Either you go to Saratoga..

Or you go to jail, boy.

Oh.

Before I go up to my suite, I wonder if you could tell me

where I might find Mr. Mark Dawson.

Oh, certainly. He'd either be with Miss Blake.

Or he'd be in the game room.

And, uh, since that's Miss Blake over there..

'...Mr. Dawson will be in the game room.'

Well, I believe I'd have made the game room my second choice.

- Where is it? - Right across the lobby, sir.

Thank you. I wonder if you'd have my luggage sent up.

Yes, indeed, sir.

"Colonel Bret Maverick, Texas."

Just what town in Texas, colonel?

You just name a town in Texas and I'm from it.

'I've got business interests most everywhere.'

I see.

- Three of a kind. - Well, it beats my pair.

My goodness, you are a very lucky man, Mr. Flannery.

Oh, years of experience, Mr. Dawson.

Have you done much card playing?

Oh, yes, yes, yes. Back home I played whist with my sister.

Do you mind if I sit in?

Well, three is hardly ever a crowd at poker.

My name is Colonel Maverick. I'm from Texas.

Sir, I'm a fellow Texan, colonel. My name is Mark Dawson.

I don't believe that we've ever met before.

That's probably because I never went in much for whist.

I'm John Flannery. Would you like me to deal you in?

Soon as I buy my way in.

'Here's a thousand dollars.'

Wouldn't it save time just to cut cards for it?

It's alright with me. How about you, Mr. Dawson?

Splendid, splendid. Maybe my luck will turn.

Jack.

Uh..

Well, there's nothin' like a good, fast game a poker

I always say.

Well, we'll have to have a nice long talk, Mr. Dawson..

About Texas.

I'm doin' my best to forget Texas, colonel.

I believe it's my deal, sir.

- Oh. - Oh.

- Allow me, ma'am. - Oh, thank you.

So kind.

It's nothin' more than any Texan would do, ma'am.

I really shouldn't be standing here talking to a..

Stranger like this.

Well, it seems to me that if we introduced ourselves

we wouldn't be strangers.

That's very clever of you, Mr..

Uh, Colonel. Colonel Bret Maverick.

I'm Melanie Blake, colonel.

Miss Melanie Blake.

I saw you in the lobby earlier.

I was hopin' we'd meet.

Oh, really? I don't remember seeing you.

I have the kind of a face that people find it easy to forget.

Oh, no, not at all. You Texans are just all modest.

Well, it comes naturally, ownin' so much property

makes a man kinda humble.

Would you care to sit down?

You're a rancher I suppose, hmm?

I do have the biggest spread of land in the whole state.

Well, now, I don't call that modest.

No, but it's the truth.

Your ranch must be enormous, colonel.

Oh, I'd say from one end to the other as the crow flies..

Well, no, I shouldn't say that.

I never found a crow that could fly that far.

[laughing]

Oh, it must be a great responsibility

having a ranch that large.

Well, you get used to it.

Like I got used to my gold mines and my other holdings.

How fascinating.

'And for one so young. How in the world did you do it?'

Oh, there you are my dear.

Well, now, I see you've met Colonel Maverick.

A chance meeting, darling.

Miss Blake dropped her parasol and I picked it up for her.

Oh, my goodness. That is interestin'.

It's the same way I met her.

Oh, really?

Well, what do you know.

Melanie, I trust that you haven't forgotten

our luncheon engagement.

I've been waiting for you.

Colonel, if you'll excuse us, please.

Oh, yes, you go right ahead.

Um, I do hope we'll be seeing each other again... colonel.

Well, I surely do hope so, ma'am.

Sir. Melanie.

Good afternoon, Mr. Dawson.

Oh, Colonel Maverick.

I just thought us fellow Texans should keep in touch.

Kinda keeps a man from gettin' homesick.

Don't you worry about me, sir.

Oh, Texas was never like this.

Cigar?

Oh, thank you, yes.

Colonel, just look around you.

Now, tell me, did you ever see so many beautiful women

in your entire life?

Well, we've got some mighty pretty ones down in Texas too.

I've seen a few of 'em.

Colonel Maverick..

From sunup to sundown

only thing I ever saw were longhorns.

And at sundown the only thing I ever saw was my sister, Kate.

Hate to say it, but it got so that Kate began

to look like a longhorn herself.

Well, I can understand that.

Uh, but your sister, Kate, she must be mighty anxious

to have you back.

I'm not goin' back, sir.

Nothing that anybody can do will ever get me back

to Texas again, sir.

Oh, really?

A man of determination.

Colonel, indeed I am.

Indeed I am.

Well, you can imagine how surprised we were

findin' gold on the property.

After the silver it was sort of an embarrassment of riches.

Excuse me, Miss Blake, but if I'm not...

Oh, I'm so sorry, Mark.

But you were late and I was famished

but Colonel Maverick was kind enough...

I wonder, would you care to join us?

Thank you, colonel. No.

I believe it's only in poker that three is never a crowd.

Miss Blake.

Colonel.

Now, what were we talking about?

Silver, Miss Blake.

Oh, gold... Colonel Maverick.

[band music]

[knock on door]

Come in.

Colonel Maverick, sir..

I've come here to denounce you for what you are, sir.

A cad and a scoundrel.

Well, Mr. Dawson..

You're right.

Now, furthermore..

I am?

I've done the lowest thing one Texan can do to another.

Now, never you fear, colonel.

I do not intend to use fisticuffs.

I'm mighty relieved to hear that.

In fact, I've come to a decision, colonel.

I intend to go back to Texas.

Oh. I'm mighty relieved to hear that.

Women are fickle, colonel.

Longhorns are not.

Well, now that's somethin' worth rememberin'.

Yes.

There's a train leavin' tomorrow and I'm gonna be on it.

Mr. Dawson, I'm gonna be on that train with you.

I'm gettin' mighty homesick for longhorns myself.

Splendid, colonel, splendid.

Will you drink with me to our triumphant return to Texas?

A pleasure, sir.

Oh, but, Johnny dear, I've always wanted to own a goldmine.

You owned a goldmine. You let him slip through your fingers.

Oh, Mark Dawson is a pauper compared to the colonel.

Have you seen any of the colonel's money?

Don't be vulgar. What kind of woman do you think I am?

Well, I have the answer to that, but I don't think you'd like it.

You can get right out of here.

First I'm giving an order.

Dawson leaves tomorrow, I want him in the game room tonight.

You get him there.

And if I say no?

Just remember who pays the rent here.

Alright, Johnny.

Oh. You'd better go now.

It isn't nice for a gentleman to be seen in a ladies' boudoir.

I've never been in a ladies' boudoir.

Well, it's our last night in Saratoga Springs, Mr. Dawson.

I hope you won't miss the place too much.

No, colonel, but then I won't forget it either.

No, I suppose, that from time to time

each of us walks down temptation's path.

Well, I've been known to run down it.

Oh, is it?

But tonight I'm gonna turn in.

And you?

On my last evening here? No, indeed, sir. Goodnight.

Remember, we leave in the mornin'.

[Melanie sobbing]

Miss Blake, may I enquire what it is that ails you?

I didn't know you were here.

Ma'am, you may weep all night

but you'll find me a man of iron.

I realize that, Mr. Dawson. Now, it's too late.

I..

I wonder if you could loan me your handkerchief.

- Ma'am. - Thank you.

N-n-now, Miss Blake, what will people think?

Oh, I don't care what they think.

If you could only find it in you heart to forgive me.

Well, it is my last night.

Our last night... Mark.

Hmm?

Four queens.

That's as far as I go. Mr. Flannery.

Now, if you come to my office, we'll sign the paper.

I just don't know what to say, Mr. Dawson.

There isn't anything to say.

[knock on door]

Come in.

Why, good mornin', Mr. Dawson.

Good, uh, morning, colonel.

Did you all pack?

Well, uh, I'm afraid I'm not goin'.

'You see, uh, after I left you last night'

I ran into Melanie and, uh, then we went into the game room.

And then I lost.

Why, that's all the more reason for you to leave.

What I lost was my half of the Queen Ranch.

Oh, but n-n-now, don't let my misfortune

stop you from returnin' to Texas, colonel.

Your misfortune is my misfortune.

I'm not really a colonel.

Your sister hired me to bring you back home to Texas.

Wh... my sister, Kate?

That's the truth, Mr. Dawson.

Wh... well..

Well, now I... I certainly would like to be able to oblige you

and go back to Texas, but, oh, my goodness

Kate would skin me alive Me too, I'm afraid.

[exhales deeply]

Was Melanie with you in the game room?

Oh, yes, yes. Yes, she sat right there beside me.

That was very friendly of her.

Mr. Dawson, I'm gonna try to win your way back to Texas.

I'll try to bring you luck, colonel.

Why, Miss Melanie, I don't see how a man

could concentrate on cards with you around.

Do you feel like quitting, Mr. Flannery?

Deal.

I'll call.

Full house. Ten's up.

[sighs] They tell me that beats three-of-a-kind.

Uh, congratulations, Mr. Flannery.

Luck of game, colonel.

I just don't see how you do it, Mr. Flannery

that mirror shinin' in your eyes.

You accusin' me of cheatin'?

Did sound like that, didn't it?

I've seen lots of your kind.

One loss and you start whinin'.

I'm not whinin', Mr. Flannery.

I'm complainin'.

There's the door, colonel.

I don't wanna see you around here again.

Well, I won't be back here.

But you'll be seein' me.

Mr. Mason, tell me about Colonel Maverick.

Has he paid his account?

Why, no. We haven't asked him to.

You are going to today.

I believe I'm the manager here, Mr. Flannery.

And I believe I'm a good source of your steady income.

Alright, I'll bring it up.

Why?

Because I don't think he's gonna be able to pay his bill.

[chuckles]

Colonel Maverick, he practically owns Texas.

What I wanna know is what happens

if he can't pay his bill.

I'll just have to ask him to leave, I'm afraid.

Well, don't be afraid. And don't ask.

Tell him.

Oh, Colonel Maverick

I wonder if I might speak to you for a moment, please.

Why, of course, Mr. Mason.

- Check those figures, please. - Yes, sir.

Well, Mr. Mason, what can I do for you?

I-I-I realize this is embarrassing for both of us.

But I wonder if I might trouble you

for payment of your bill up to now, sir?

At the suggestion of big John Flannery?

W-w-what makes you think that, sir?

Your hotel has quite a reputation.

Your Mr. Flannery isn't gonna help it any.

'Uh, Colonel Maverick'

all I'm asking, sir, is that you pay your bill.

I decline, sir.

- You mean you can't pay? - I said I decline.

Your room will be locked, sir.

We'll hold your belongings.

Well, now, Mr. Mason, all I need is time to wire Texas.

You'll have to get out.

Alrighty. I'll get out.

That's the second time I've had that invitation around here.

And you're going to regret it.

Oh, I am? How very interesting.

Uh, tell me how.

You're gonna regret it.

'Big John Flannery is gonna regret it.'

The whole town of Saratoga will regret it.

Oh, I suppose with all your so called wealth, colonel

you intend to buy Saratoga Springs.

[scoffs] I wouldn't own the place on a bet.

Let me tell you this, when I get through with Saratoga Springs

ain't gonna be nothin' but a first-class desert.

A second-class desert.

Bret, listen, are you sure that my money is alright with you?

That's all I've got left.

Mark, it's the best investment you ever made.

Best investment.

- Good morning, sir. - Good morning, colonel.

Uh, can I send some telegrams, please?

Uh, yes, yes, sir.

Uh, can you assure me that the contents of these telegrams

will be kept in complete confidence?

Colonel Maverick, our hotel has a reputation to maintain.

Naturally, we'll respect your confidence.

Alright, then, but remember, not a word to a soul.

- Uh, take this message, please. - Yes, sir.

This one goes to Bart Maverick, the Caledonia Hotel, Houston..

Texas.

Please, sell off three or four of my smaller goldmines.

'Uh... want cash for..'

'...an important investment.'

Yes, sir. Is that all?

No, I'd like to send two more messages, please.

Uh, this one goes to Commodore van der Grift

'Van der Grift Square, New York City.'

'Have speculative deal in Saratoga Springs'

'with promise of huge profit.'

'Uh, details will follow.'

'And just sign that Bret.'

- Just Bret? - Just Bret.

'And, uh, would you send copies of this to DeWitt Clinton'

Simon Baruch, Pierre Lorillard and Augustus Belmont?

And how do you wish them signed, sir?

The same. Just Bret.

Just..

Bret.

- You forgot Lucky Baldwin. - Oh, so I did.

Lucky'd never forgive me if I left him out.

Just add Lucky Baldwin to that, please.

[stammering]

This should cover it.

And the rest is for you.

- Oh. - Remember.

Not a word.

Fifty dollars? Wow. Thank you, sir.

Don't worry. Complete secrecy.

Mr. Mason, I promised to keep that confidential.

I didn't.

Bret, look, look.

Commodore van der Grift, Augustus Belmont..

Don't you think that maybe you went just a might too far?

Mark, my ol' pappy used to say

"If you're gonna drop names, drop 'em hard."

I'll see you later, partner. I'm goin' to town to send telegram.

A real one.

"Sell off three or four of my smaller goldmines."

The telegram says. Now, does that sound to you like a pauper?

What's he up to? Did he say?

No, it's all very mysterious.

But he does say something about the promise of huge profits.

I'm afraid we may have made a mistake, Mr. Flannery.

It was your idea to have him thrown out of the hotel.

Don't forget that.

We still own half of the Queen Ranch.

Don't forget that.

But the Queen Ranch is in Texas.

Colonel Maverick and his money are here.

- Maverick Springs. - Has a ring to it, doesn't it?

It's sheer poetry.

Yes, sir. Even old Kate would've to be proud of us

at this moment, Bret.

At this moment, it isn't old Kate I'm concerned about.

Is it by any chance our friends?

Uh, Miss Melanie.

Melanie.

What sort of nonsense is this Maverick?

Why, no nonsense at all. It's strictly a business venture.

But this is swamp land.

Uh, undeveloped as yet, Miss Melanie

but we do have certain plans for it.

[chuckles] Nothing will come of this foolishness.

You know you may be right

but quite a few well-known gentlemen

happen to disagree with you.

I'll have to have proof.

I'm sorry I never discuss business outside the office.

The office?

It's on Congress Street. Drop by sometime.

Well, actually he'll be wastin' his time.

You see, we're over subscribed as it is.

'Uh, good day, Mr. Flannery. Miss Melanie.'

Alright, amigo.

Uh, be careful as you're goin' through the lobby.

I'm sorry, sir, but I'm afraid we can't take applications

at this time, but I do appreciate your interest.

Now, that you've given me your name, sir

I shall be glad to put you on our waitin' list.

Colonel Maverick

I want to see the proof you talked about.

Oh, I didn't say anything about any proof, you did.

I demand to see it.

Mr. Flannery, why don't you go off someplace and play cards?

I'm calling your bluff.

Oh, colonel, should I file these telegrams?

Uh, Mr. Flannery.

Of course, file them under the pr..

Oh, well.

Go ahead, let him read 'em.

"Put me down for a hundred thousand. Belmont."

"Greatly decided to be a part of Maverick Springs.

Will take as much stock as allowed. Lorillard."

"I'm sending my nephew to look over

"Maverick Springs development.

If he says yes, count me in. Commodore van der Grift."

Van der Grift's nephew.

Those are just a few of the more conservative ones.

Now, would you please file these, Mark?

Thank you, colonel.

I'm still gonna wait and see what young van der Grift

has to say before I put a nickel in this venture.

Colonel Maverick hasn't asked you yet, John.

Come on, Melanie.

Well..

They should be getting here any minute now.

Yes, I'm looking forward to meeting them.

I want to thank you, colonel, for suggesting

young Mr. van der Grift stay here with us.

Oh, well, it's the only hotel here I'd had experience with

even though it was unpleasant.

I feel I owe you an apology for that, sir.

I assure you it was a complete misunderstanding.

Brought on by Mr. Flannery.

Well, I'll see that Mr. Flannery apologizes also, sir.

Uh, don't bother. His time will come.

Bartley van der Grift.

- Good to see you. - My old friend, the colonel.

And the, uh, the commodore sends his regards, of course, sir.

I'm sorry, he couldn't come with you

to see the development himself.

You can believe me, he'll take my word on it.

Allow me. Professor Kronkhite, Colonel Maverick.

Professor. Uh, gentlemen.

Oh, Mr. Dawson, Mr. Mason

my friend, Bartley van der Grift.

Pleasure, gentlemen.

Allow me to introduce Professor Kronkhite.

The geologist.

Wh... not the Professor Kronkhite.

I'm afraid in my field there is only one.

That's correct, professor.

The commodore solicited his services to run a survey

on Maverick Springs.

We're very fortunate to have you, professor.

Yes, now, let me talk about geology.

- There're three kinds of rocks. - Professor.

- The little ones... - A little later, professor.

Right now, I'd like to be shown to our suite.

Oh, if you'll just follow me, Mr. van der Grift.

Thank you, sir.

A lovely country you have here, colonel.

This is the first time I've seen the professor

since he was run outta Abilene for runnin' a shell game.

And he hasn't changed.

He was almost thrown off the train for dealing marked cards.

Our dear old pappy used to say

"If at first you don't succeed, try somethin' else."

Shall we, colonel?

Oh, this way, sir.

Oh.

Allow me.

She's poison, Mr. van der Grift.

I'll do my own sampling, Colonel Maverick.

Not yet, but soon.

I try again.

You think he's overdoin' it?

Trust me, bother Bret.

When I hire a crook, I hire the best.

Eureka, gentlemen! This is it.

The finest spring water I ever heard.

What is your opinion, professor?

Just one moment.

[chuckles] In all my years, nothing like it.

- The news is good? - The news is stupendous.

Below where I stand is the source of

all the natural spring waters of Saratoga.

Professor, are you tryin' to tell us that

when this is tapped Saratoga Springs goes dry?

Dry like a bone, Mr. van der Grift.

Uh, how far down would you say, sir?

Oh, maybe 20 feet Maybe 60.

Maybe even 100.

But it is there, my friend.

Now, in all my years as a geologist...

Thank you very much, professor. Thank you, professor.

Thank you, sir.

Well, gentlemen, this makes my decision a simple one.

You can count my uncle in for a quarter million.

Well, thank you. I know the commodore will never regret it.

I'm certain, colonel. Will you excuse us?

Colonel Maverick, I hope you'll accept my bid for some stocks.

And mine too, sir.

I'm sorry, gentlemen, but we are oversubscribed at the moment.

If you leave your names with my associate, Mr. Dawson, here.

Oh, yes. Mr. Dawson. Yes, please.

'Please, Mr. Dawson. May I, please..'

The answer is no.

Neither Mr. van der Grift nor myself

wish to be associated with you.

Now, you're ignoring one thing, Colonel Maverick.

Local politics.

I have a lot of influence, sir.

You have a lot of nerves.

Just a minute, colonel, I hate to interfere, gentlemen

'but he may have a point.'

I have a feeling that commodore would welcome one strong

local partner in the Maverick Springs development.

- You do? - I most certainly do.

Good. Gentlemen, I'm prepared to become an active partner

and give you the benefit of my vast experience

in smoothing the way for this development.

Well, what do you think, Mr. van der Grift?

Oh, I think we should take Mr. Flannery... in.

Well, personally speakin'

I wish to have no dealings with the man.

Professionally speaking, welcome, Mr. Flannery.

Welcome indeed, sir.

[Professor belching]

You got to excuse me.

New type mineral water.

Strong stuff.

Good. Then, it's all settled except for the price.

Gentlemen, I'm prepared to offer 25,000 cash

for a one-third interest.

You must be joking.

Considering what the commodore has invested

I'll have to agree with Colonel Maverick.

I'm afraid we can't do business.

Wait.

I've got something here. Take a look at this.

John, do you think you should?

Let me see, uh..

Half ownership of the Queen Ranch.

Fifty thousand acres?

It's a mighty small spread, Mr. Flannery.

Still, added to my other holdings..

What's your opinion, Mr. van der Grift?

My uncle has always expressed interest in ranch property.

Well, then, that settles this.

You just sign right there..

[scribbling]

and I'll send the rest over to the hotel.

Good. Now, we want to start drilling for that spring water.

I'll hire a crew and we'll get started right away.

Come, Melanie.

Come. Come on.

Gentlemen, how did we do?

For three country boys from Texas

you're doing just fine.

Oh, I beg to disagree, professor.

What do you mean?

Uh, Mr. Flannery owns one-third of Maverick Springs.

Now, it seems a shame to deprive him of the other two-thirds.

Yeah.

Oh, yes, yes, yes, indeed.

"Your Guatemalan development expanding more rapidly

"than expected. Need all possible cash immediately.

J. Boswell, treasurer, Maverick Enterprises."

"Maverick Holding Company must have cash by tomorrow

"to dominate competitor's market in Chinese imports.

Please advise."

Let me know when he answers them.

"Withdraw 100,000 from local bank immediately."

And this is the reply.

"Sorry, 50,000 is last cent cash I can spare. Colonel Maverick."

Thank you, Mason.

Thank you for coming, gentlemen.

I suppose you're wondering why I asked you here.

Well, it can't be for a friendly game of cards. I don't see any.

Then, let me lay my cards on the table.

I understand, colonel, that you're in the need of cash.

Well, that, sir, is none of your business.

It could be a matter of business between us.

Excuse me. Is that true, Colonel Maverick? Are you short?

Well, I could use 50,000.

If you wait 48 hours, I can get it for you from the commodore.

Oh, but I can get it for you immediately.

And what would you want in return?

The other two-thirds of Maverick Springs.

The other two-thirds?

Fifty thousand, colonel. Care to count it?

Why, no, I trust you but, uh, two-thirds for such an..

'Fifty thousand, colonel.'

I'm afraid you'll have to make

that decision yourself, Colonel Maverick.

It depends on how urgently you need the money.

Mm-hmm. True.

Well, two-thirds in..

Well, I hate to do this, but congratulations, Mr. Flannery.

You're now the sole owner of Maverick Springs.

Uh-uh-uh. Flannery Springs.

Flannery Springs.

Oh, Mr. van der Grift, I have good news

although I'm sure it's no surprise to you.

We've just received a telegram from the commodore.

- Well, that is good news. - Yes.

And what did the commodore have to say?

Oh, he's arriving tomorrow.

I know you'll be glad to see him.

I, I can hardly wait. Thank you very much, Mr. Mason.

Excuse me.

I hear Texas callin'.

Yeah.

But we can't leave Professor Kronkhite

stranded out there.

And I would like one last look at good old Maverick Springs.

Pardon me, Flannery Springs.

(male #1) 'Miss Dawson, the boy will show you to your quarters.'

Well, before I do anything, I wanna find my brother Mark.

And a no-account named Bret Maverick.

(male #1) 'I'm sorry, madam, but Mr. Dawson and Colonel Maverick

'just left the hotel.'

Colonel Maverick?

If he's a colonel, I made him one.

(male #1) 'You can probably find them at Maverick Springs'

'There are carriages for hire outside.'

- Maverick Springs. - 'Yes, ma'am.'

Send my luggage up to my room. I'll be back.

(male #1) 'Room 204.'

Mark Dawson.

Kate, what in the world are you doin' here?

You've got a lot of explainin' to do.

Now, Kate, I can explain everything.

I got back my share of the ranch.

Your share of the ranch?

I lost it to a man called Flannery, but Bret got it back.

(Kate) 'Where is Maverick? I hired him to bring you back to Texas.'

- I ain't heard a word from him. - He's out at Maverick Springs.

What in tarnation is Maverick Springs?

What, it's nothing. It's nothing at all.

It's just somethin' Bret set up to trap Mr. Flannery with.

- Come on, Kate. - What for?

Kate, come on with me now.

We're packin' up, professor.

There's a train back to Texas first thing in the morning.

You are a double crossing thief, Maverick.

I don't know what gives you that impression, Mr. Flannery.

A woman named Kate Dawson just got to town.

Does that give you a clue?

Come on, boys. We got a job to do.

Go get some help. Hire anybody.

Mr. van der Grift had nothin' to do with this.

Any friend of yours is no friend of mine.

Unh!

[all clamoring]

Unh!

Unh!

Argh!

[rumbling]

- What was that? - We just struck sulfuric gas.

Sulfur?

Even the skunks run away from that stuff.

[coughing]

Flannery's fumes, they're calling the place all over town.

It seems that every once in a while

the professor makes a mistake.

I made the mistake. I want out of this deal, Maverick.

I'm afraid I can't get you the deed to the ranch back.

Mr. Dawson's already torn that up.

I'm not interested in that. All I want is my cash back!

- That is a problem. - You know what to do, boys.

Gentlemen! Please, gentlemen.

Stop!

What's the meaning of this?

Mr. Flannery wants to sell out.

So I heard.

Mr. Flannery, I feel this is all my fault.

I sent Mr. Maverick here in the first place.

- I owe you no thanks for that. - I'll make up for it.

- I can offer you 25,000, cash. - I'll take it.

Anything to get the name of Flannery separated

from the fumes. Thank you, Miss Dawson.

You're the only gentleman around here.

Now, how come you'd throw away

25,000 perfectly good dollars for nothin'?

Well, it isn't exactly for nothin'.

I took a look at that property. I hired a real geologist.

We got the finest deposit of natural gas

'in this whole part of the country.'

You know, brother Bart, we could take lessons from her?

He's here. The commodore is here.

Why, Reggie, you old goat.

Kate Dawson. It's been years.

Well, I'm sorry I'm just leavin'.

We'd have a lot to talk about.

Indeed we would. Old times, eh?

Yes. This is my brother Mark.

And these are the Maverick boys. Bret and Bart.

- 'Good to know you.' - 'Commodore.'

And it's good to meet Kate's brother.

- Delighted, sir. - Gentlemen.

Well, it's about time. Come on.

Yes, Kate.

You mean you're not the nephew?

Maverick boys, huh?

Yeah.

And I thought I was a first-class swindler.

Well, you forget there are two of us... sir.

Uh, professor.

- Oh. - Oh, allow me.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

Just poison, Mr. van der Grift. Just poison.

You are so right, colonel, sir.

♪ 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 ♪♪