Original subtitles

A Warner Bros. Television production.

'One card.'

'Two, please.'

'One.'

'I'm out.'

'Burst.'

It'll cost you $1000 to see that, Mr. Maverick.

I always keep a little in reserve

for just such emergencies, gentlemen.

What do you have, Mr. Mayor?

That is a diamond flush.

Well, it's almost a good hand, sir.

Full house.

It's all yours, Mr. Maverick.

Thank you.

I'd like to cash in now

if it's alright with you gentlemen.

No objection.

It'd be a pleasure to have you out.

For a man spending his first night in town

you're mighty lucky.

Well, it's beginner's luck.

Beginner's?

Well, I haven't played before..

In this town.

How long you intend to stay in this town, Mr. Maverick?

Long enough to give you a chance for revenge, Mr. Mayor.

'Course at this rate

I may decide to become a permanent resident.

Any of you gentlemen recommend a good hotel?

Well, with the size of your roll

I'd say the best hotel is the nearest one.

George here wouldn't say so himself

but he owns the best hotel in town.

It's right down the street.

- The Fairview. - That's fine.

Five thousand dollars.

If you don't mind my saying so, sir

you should've banked this.

I will in the morning.

It seems bankers don't keep poker player's hours.

Well, don't worry, sir, it'll be safe here.

'Good.'

You'll find your room upstairs to the left, sir.

- Number 13. - Thirteen?

We can change it to 12A if you like, sir.

No, this is fine. Just give me a receipt.

- Oh, mornin', Maverick. - 'Mornin'.'

You slept well I trust.

Like a $5,000 winner. And you?

Oh, I stayed up and tried to recoup my losses last night.

Been better off in bed. What can I do for you?

I left my money in your safe last night.

No better place to leave it next to the bank.

That's where I'm heading now.

- There's no money here. - What?

Are you sure you saw Joe put it in here?

You bet I did, in a brown envelope.

I stood here and watched him while he locked the safe.

Let's go ask him about it.

'Joe!'

The money was in this envelope. I put my initials on the back.

Let's start from the beginning. The poker game.

There were three of us at the table with you.

You mean there are three suspects.

I do not mean that.

A winning like yours would be noised around town in no time.

At 1 o'clock in the morning, sheriff?

At any hour.

I guess that makes me about the only one in town

without a motive for the killing.

I'm afraid you're right. All we got to go on is a knife.

And the knife belonged to Joe.

Two people without a motive.

We'll do what we can to get your money back..

But I don't know.

Hmm.

Well, thank you, sheriff.

I wish it weren't so, Mr. Maverick

but it looks like you were last night's big loser.

Seems to me like last night's big loser was your hotel clerk.

Sheriff.

I'm sorry now, but if sheriff recommended my hotel

this wouldn't have happened.

It could've happened anywhere.

I'd like to stake you to some cash

but a good share of that $5,000 was mine.

I don't suppose your clerk's signature is worth much now?

Well, I realize that the hotel should be responsible

but what's the old saying about squeezing blood from a stone?

I'm close to broke.

Well, it's not blood I'm after, Mr. Manton, it's cash.

For what it's worth, boarding room with the hotel is yours

for as long as you want.

Appreciate it, but I still need a stake to get back into a game.

What about the bank over there? Any chance?

Well, you could try.

You'd have to have pretty good collateral.

Who do I see?

Well, try the president. That might be your best bet.

- And use my name if you like. - Thank you very much.

- Mornin'. - May I help you, sir?

I was going to ask to speak to the president

but I'd much rather speak to you.

I'm sure the president will see you.

Go right in.

Thank you.

Shall I wait?

You won't have to.

- I'm the president. - You're..

I can safely say

you're the prettiest president I ever saw.

Thank you.

- Sit down, won't you? - Thank you, Miss, uh..

It's missus.

Oh.

Mrs. Wilma White. They call me the Widow White.

Oh?

Uh, I mean I'm sorry.

My husband ran the bank. He was killed three years ago.

'Accidentally.'

Shall we talk business, Mr. Maverick?

Ye..

How did you know my name?

Anyone who wins $5,000 around here in one night

gets well known in a hurry.

How about somebody who loses $5,000? The same night.

I heard about that too.

Anything can happen in this town.

It only took me a night to find that out.

I assume you're here for money, Mr. Maverick.

Well, I could use $2,000.

What can you offer as collateral?

I'm considered an excellent poker player.

I'm sure you're an expert poker player, Mr. Maverick.

And I'm sure you could probably charm your way into a loan

if you stayed here long enough..

But you won't be here that long.

So, if you'll excuse me..

Oh, allow me.

I shouldn't have been reading this, I suppose.

But is that what you meant by

"Anything can happen in this town?"

I'm sorry you saw this.

It's been a secret I've kept to myself until now.

It looks like something the law would find worth reading.

It was on my desk when I got here this morning.

What about the other people who work here?

There's just one man. My teller.

- Did you ask him about it? - Oh, I can't.

I'm afraid.

And besides, this isn't the first one.

I've been getting them for over a month now.

Here, at home, everywhere.

You must've told the sheriff about them?

No one knows. No one, but you and me.

And whoever is writing them.

Why can't you tell the sheriff?

Because I can't trust anyone.

Was there an envelope with this note? Postmark or anything?

That's just it, Mr. Maverick.

These notes, these-these horrible warnings.

They never come by mail, they just... appear.

Do you know what it is to feel helpless?

On occasion.

Tell me, is there anyone in town with reason for doing you in?

Absolutely no one. I don't have an enemy that I know of.

So, I've to be afraid of everyone.

It's gotten so I only feel safe with strangers.

You know, Mr. Maverick, that gives me an idea.

I'm glad you saw the note.

You are? Why?

Because you can help me.

Well, I'd be only too happy to try.

You're the only one in town who can.

You came in here for money.

That's right.

Here's $2000.

I want you to be my bodyguard.

That's the kind of work I'd be flattered to do for nothing.

I'm not a hired gun.

Well, your job, as-as far as anyone in town is concerned

would be a hired hand at my place outside of town.

The money a loan?

If you don't stick it out, it's a loan.

Payable on demand.

What if I don't have it?

Then I'd call the sheriff.

Hmm. You know, jails never have appealed to me.

But if you stay on the job, see me through.

I'll write off the 2000 as a fee.

Well, as my old pappy used to say

"Son, so long as you stay away from women

and temptation, you're no son of mine".

Bankers certainly do live well.

I just hope they live long.

Your bodyguard will do the best he can.

You know, I feel better just having you in the house.

I hope you won't find it dull.

Well, I have a distinct feeling that I won't.

Excuse me, senora.

Oh, good evening, Pilar.

This is Senor Maverick. He'll be staying with us for a while.

Then I'll make a place at the table.

First show him up to his room.

It'll be the one next to mine.

Pilar would be on the other side of you.

She and I can chaperone each other, Mr. Maverick.

Or uh, hadn't the thought crossed your mind?

Well, it crossed it, ma'am. But it didn't stay.

One thing I don't understand.

With all this, why you don't carry a gun?

- Coffee, senora? - No, thank you, Pilar.

- Senor? - No, thank you, Pilar.

Mr. Maverick doesn't care for any, Pilar.

I... told you my husband died accidentally.

Well, it happened right here. In this room.

Right where you are standing.

He was cleaning a hunting gun and..

Well, since then I haven't been able to touch a gun of any kind.

So there's nothing I can do, but wait.

But at least I don't have to wait alone.

You said that you don't trust anyone in town.

Does that include her?

Who knows.

But she's been with me since my husband died.

I-I couldn't stand being alone out here.

I'll keep an eye on her anyway.

That won't be much of a chore.

You're being paid to keep an eye on me.

So, if you'll see me to my room.

It's just up the stairs.

So is yours. You can drop me off.

I found this on my bed.

"Soon you'll have your last sleep".

Oh, what am I gonna do?

Senora, I heard you scream.

Oh, I beg your pardon, senor, senora.

Pilar.

Pilar could anyone have gotten in while I was gone today?

No one did, senora.

All day long I was here.

Except for short siesta in my room.

How long was that siesta?

Oh, not very long, senor, a half hour perhaps.

That.. That would be long enough.

Alright, Pilar. That would be all.

Senora, will you not tell me what troubles you?

That's all, Pilar.

From now I'll try to have siestas only at night.

You don't trust her, do you?

Bart, the girl can't write English.

How do you know that?

Well, every time she leaves me a note it's in Spanish.

She could be delivering these death notes for someone.

I've never seen her with anyone else.

Her whole life is right here.

I don't distrust her.

You should distrust everyone.

Even you?

It's a little late for that now, isn't it?

Let's just say, it's little late.

Goodnight, Mrs. White.

Wilma.

Goodnight, Wilma.

Something bothering you, Wilma?

Huh, what do you mean, Ben?

Well, you don't seem yourself lately.

Sort of all tensed up.

Probably working too hard.

That's a work a man should be doing.

You know, they say, a woman's place is around the home.

Thanks for your concern, Ben.

And thanks for coming in

so was pleasure doing business with you.

'Speaking of pleasure, Wilma.'

Might I drop by some evening?

We were speaking of business, Mr. Mayor.

Mayor Cosgrove.

Congratulations, Maverick.

I hear you're working for Wilma here.

- Mrs. White tell you that? - She didn't have to.

Word gets around fast in this town.

Yes, I found that out. Remember?

I'm sure you'll, uh..

Enjoy your work.

He didn't sound too friendly.

A disappointed bow.

It's a one way trail. I never could see anything in Ben.

You know, it's just possible that, uh..

It's possible, but..

I don't think Ben has the gumption.

You don't need gumption to do what our friend is doing

just a twisted mind.

A thought just occurred to me and I hope it appeals to you.

What's that?

To get you out of the bank for a while.

Change will do you good.

You might be right. I'll get my bag.

'Like it?'

'It's beautiful.'

It's all mine, Bart. I own it.

You see the sky, and all those clouds in it?

Uh-huh.

They're all mine. I own them.

Shall we get down and have a look at our joint property?

Your property and mine go well together.

'Yeah, they make a good-looking couple.'

Bart..

After this is over, I mean if nothing happens.

Had you ever thought of staying longer?

Sure. At least until I get my money back.

No, I mean longer than that.

I mean settling down here.

Oh, I don't settle too well, I'm afraid.

Give me a horse and saddle under me

and a nice, clean $1000 bill pinned to the inside of my coat

and I'm rich and happy.

But what if something happens to that $1000 bill?

Uh, poor and happy.

I'm not used to being turned down.

Oh, I didn't mean it to sound that way.

Oh, I know you didn't. And I shouldn't have brought it up.

But you know about your $1000 bill is gone

and all you have is the money I loaned you.

That's a fee.

And I'm staying, no matter how long it takes.

I wish it could be forever.

Well, I guess it's the closest I ever came to proposing to a man.

Forgive me.

There's nothing to forgive.

Besides that's the best offer I've ever had..

From a banker.

I don't feel at all like a banker.

But, I, I am one, ain't I?

- I have a bank to get back to. - Whoa!

As one of your clients, I'd like to say

I enjoyed that last transaction.

You think I could negotiate for renewal?

This one's for me.

"Maverick.

Whether you stay around or not, she dies".

Bart, that means whoever wrote this note

knows why you're with me.

Now I'm afraid for you.

Ah, let's save all our worrying for you, shall we?

Giddy-up! Giddy-up! Giddy-up!

Whoever did it is gone.

I better get you back home.

No, take me to the bank.

Bart, not a word of this to anyone.

We better get it on the record. We ought to tell the sheriff.

You might just possibly be reporting it

to the man who fired that shot.

You're the boss.

I have a lot of book-work to do, Bart.

Call for me about 11.

Sure you'll be alright?

I always feel safe around money.

Well, just the same, I'm gonna have a look around.

Evening Mrs. White, Mr. Maverick.

- Evening. - Just closin' up.

I'll take care of that, John.

Everything alright while I was gone?

Oh, fine, fine.

Mayor came by, only for a second though.

He don't stay around when you ain't here.

Well, see you in the morning.

- Goodnight. - 'Goodnight.'

Why don't have your teller do your books?

John's too slow.

Anyway, I've always done them myself.

I like to have first hand information of what I'm doing.

Another one?

No, just a deposit slip this time.

Well, that's a kind of note I like to get.

Well, now you run along. I'll be alright.

I'll lock the door behind you.

Alright, but I still wish you'd keep a gun around.

Then I'd really be frightened.

Eleven o'clock.

Thanks again, gentlemen. I hope to hang on to it this time.

Well, keep it away from my safe, will you?

Oh, don't worry. Mr. Maverick has made a new connection.

A uh... business connection, Mr. Mayor.

Now did I say, "it wasn't"?

No, sir.

The mayor's unlucky at cards.

I don't know whether the rest of the old saying

holds true or not.

Goodnight, gentlemen.

Goodnight sheriff.

Come along, Maverick?

No, uh, I think I'll just stay here a while

and play some solitaire.

Solitaire?

Now, there's a game for a lonely dog.

Sometimes a man likes to sit down and play cards and know

he's not gonna lose his shirt, Mr. Mayor.

Or offend the man he wins from.

'Bart!'

You've been away for a while, my friend.

How did I get here?

I found you on the alley near the bank.

You were, uh, sleeping like a baby.

How did I get in..

I mean, who put me to bed?

We did.

'A small town banker learns to perform many services.'

Even imitating Florence Nightingale.

You really hired yourself top ranking bodyguard.

I came across this last night when I was over the accounts.

We don't get many $1000 bills in the course of a month, Bart.

Well, this is a $1000 bill I had in a poker game.

How do you know?

You see those holes?

Hmm.

I made them with this pin.

They just fit in.

It's the one you told me about.

Yeah.

Where'd that come from? Who brought it in?

I wanted to be sure it was yours

before I did anything about it.

Let's go see what we can find out.

John, you remember this?

Well now, don't get to look at many of these.

Yes, I do remember.

Man came in here, said he wasn't used to

carrying this kinda money around in one hunk

so I gave him ten 100's.

Who was the man?

Well, I don't rightly know.

Wasn't any town feller.

I'd sure remember if I were to see him again though.

Stubby little fella, in a checkered suit

wearing them chin whiskers.

Goatee, they call 'em.

Any help?

I'll look around.

Can I borrow this?

Of course, Bart.

Thank you.

Uh, sign a receipt.

Let me see.

A stubby little fella with a checkered suit and a goatee.

Sounds like something you'd see

after you'd took on one too many.

Yeah.

I remember him.

The drummer, he said he was.

He stood down at the end of the bar.

Just killing time, waitin', he said.

Waiting for what?

Stage, out of town.

Thanks.

Oh, uh... have one yourself.

- Checkered suit and a goatee? - Right.

Took the stage West.

You know what he was doing here in town?

Know what he was during here at the station.

- He was bragging. - Bragging.

He just collected on a shipment of furniture.

Thousand dollars he said it was.

Say who got to the furniture, did he say?

Let me think, he, uh..

He did mention it.

It was George Manton over to the Fairview Hotel.

Thanks very much.

Come in.

Oh, hello, Maverick.

Checking back into the Fairview, I hope.

No, I heard about your new furniture.

Thought I'd dropped over and take a look.

Well, you've to keep up with the town, you know.

Yeah. Beautiful furniture. Must have set you back quite a bit.

O-oh, not too much, everything considered.

I heard a $1000.

You heard just about right.

You know, Manton, I'm kinda proud of that furniture

almost as though they were mine.

I don't know what you're talkin' about.

You paid for it with my $1000.

This is the bill, isn't it?

How should I know?

It was your bad luck to pay the 1000 with my original bill

the one with the holes in it.

Look, Maverick, I have no idea what you're talkin' about.

Well, I'm talkin' about the $5000 you owe me.

You're outta your mind, Maverick!

Pretty handy with that knife, aren't you?

Your night clerk found it out.

You better drop it, 'cause you have used it for the last time.

Alright. Who wants to talk first?

I can make it short, sheriff.

I found the man who stole my poker money.

He's a liar.

Let's start from the beginning.

How do you know George Manton's your man?

I showed him the $1000 bill I had in that pot.

He tried to pass it off a couple of days ago.

The whole thing is a lie, Jim.

How can you be sure it's the same $1000 bill?

'Cause of the holes in it

where I kept it pinned inside my pocket.

Can I see the bill?

It's in there.

In where?

This is ridiculous.

In the stove.

Look, Jim, you've known me for years.

Would I burn up a $1000?

You'd burn up evidence.

You claim George here threw your money in a stove?

- That's right. - Any witnesses?

I'm afraid not.

But, sheriff, I can prove it.

I, never saw the $1000.

I was sitting in my office, minding my own business.

This wild man came and started wrecking all the furniture.

Let's go see Mrs. White.

The bill came into the bank. She loaned it to me.

I'll be glad to hear what the Widow White has to say.

But unless you can produce that $1000 bill with the holes in it

it's gonna be hard to convict

a respected property owner on the word of a..

A roving gambler.

Sheriff, you sound mighty convincing, for the moment.

And I'm gonna be seeing a lot more of you, Manton.

Of course, I'll swear I saw the holes in the $1000 bill.

I'll back everything you said.

But without the bill itself

I don't think they'll do anything about it.

You sound unpleasantly like the sheriff.

I'm sorry, I don't mean to

but I think it's a matter of evidence.

Has it occurred to you that Manton may be our note writer?

Not until now, but..

But if you're right...

If I'm right, it means he murdered his clerk

and stole my $5000.

In my books, that makes him a pretty likely candidate

for what's being worked on you.

I cannot believe George would kill me.

Well, maybe he wouldn't.

But self interests seems to be what makes George tick.

That last note of all maybe asking for a big hunk of money

in return for sparing your life.

Where you going?

Well, knock my head against the stone sheriff, I suppose.

I'm not gonna give up without another talk.

Be careful, darling.

Remember, I need you.

And besides... you owe me $3000 now.

I'm gonna take my kiss back.

Well, I have to agree with you.

Did no good talking to the sheriff.

Senora, I found this.

Another note here by the door just a few minutes ago.

"You have an appointment with death. Tomorrow at midnight".

He's getting definite at last.

Pilar, you said another note. Do you know about these?

I heard you and senora talk about them.

Well, why didn't you tell us before, Pilar?

I was afraid.

Afraid of you, senora.

But also afraid for you.

You said you found this. Are you sure you didn't write it?

Senor, please. I do not write in English.

And I would do nothing ever to hurt the senora.

"Tomorrow at midnight".

What are we gonna do?

Senor, please, whatever it is, let me help.

I beg of you. I'll do anything. Anything you say

to help protect the senora.

Alright, Pilar. I'll take you up on that.

Three hours to go, Pilar.

Now, you wait up in Mrs. White's room.

Lock the door and don't be afraid. I'll be right outside.

I'm afraid only for the senora.

Will she be safe there at the bank?

She'll be alright. And no harm will come to you either.

You go in now.

Wilma, darling.

Well, I hardly see you anymore.

And you're liable to see less and less.

George dear, I always knew you were a scoundrel.

But I never quite believed you were such a colossal fool.

- What are you talking about? - A man named Maverick.

- Oh, I see. And his $1000... - My $1000.

So? I'll see you get it back.

Out of the money you stole from Maverick?

Alright, alright. It was..

Just something that happened. You wouldn't understand.

- I understand stupidity. - Stop it.

- I'll get your $1000... - I don't want it.

Why did you come here?

To ask you one question. Why?

Perhaps it was because I was getting tired of you.

At least tired of being your slave.

You see, you own the hotel. You own me.

I saw a chance to get some money on my own, and uh..

- And I yield into temptation. - And you killed a man to do it.

Doesn't that give us something in common?

Look at him.

The dog, it scared himself by snarling at his master.

George, I wonder what I ever saw in you.

You needed me. You hated your husband.

You were frightened of him, and you said he was too strong.

And I had to pick the weakest man in town.

Now you've got Maverick. Is he weak too?

Nevermind what he is.

I need him for a while.

But he won't be around forever.

And I will?

Forever's a long time, George.

I could kill you.

You only kill for money, George. Remember?

Don't turn your back on me, it's not polite.

Besides, it might be dangerous.

But don't worry, you'll be around

just as long as I need you.

I have a plan, George.

And you're a part of it.

A very important part.

Alright, Manton, come on down over there.

Oh, my leg!

Alright, c'mon.

- Ah, careful! - No!

- Ah! - Alright, into the house.

In the house.

Sit down, now.

The killer?

Made a good try at it, anyway. Get some brandy.

Alright, why'd you try to kill me?

Wilma said, you were coming in town tomorrow to kill me.

- Wilma said that? - That's right.

She said, you'd be alone here with Pilar tonight

this is my chance to get you.

You're lying, Manton, and you know it.

Why should I lie?

That potshot on the road the other morning.

Wilma's orders.

I did it. I didn't ask any questions.

What about the notes?

What notes?

You were trying to kill her tonight at midnight.

Me kill Wilma?

Yeah, sometimes I think I'd like..

Wait a minute.

You were waiting here for someone

to come out and kill Wilma?

You..

She set a trap for me.

She wanted to get rid of me.

She knew you'd be waiting, she knew you'd shoot me.

Here, drink this.

Keep an eye on him.

Where are you going?

I'm going to town.

I'll send a doctor back for him.

Shall we do a little business, Wilma?

Ever since Fred died, every month

you've been around for your handout.

Well, that's the arrangement.

No use being unpleasant over a business transaction.

Correct as usual.

Wilma, no.

Here they are, the notes you've been writing me.

I never wrote you a note in my life.

I have a witness that someone has been writing them.

Mr. Bart Maverick.

'When you're gone, he'd be glad to testify for me.'

'He'll tell how I've been terrorized'

'by your poisoned pen notes.'

'And I'll say how I had to shoot you in self defense.'

'Wilma, I didn't write you.'

'I know you didn't, I wrote them myself.

Wilma, let's talk a new deal.

Forget about tonight.

I'll not ask for another cent.

That's a handsome offer. A real handsome offer!

And what about all the money you've bled me off already?

The money that I had to take from the bank to pay you off?

I'll put it in writing, not one cent more.

Midnight.

Let's see, how're you gonna kill me, Jim?

This won't do you any good. They'll have you for murder.

It'll be self-defense.

Tonight you came here to kill me!

'I'll tell Maverick, I discovered'

'it was you who was sending the notes.'

You do that! Hold it, sheriff!

Back up.

Put your hands up.

Alright, turn around and back up there.

Bart, I can explain.

I doubt that.

I had a reason.

Will it hold up in court?

Your writing knows letters to yourself.

Trying to kill the sheriff here make me think

he was planning to kill you all the time.

And your setting up your friend Manton for me to kill.

That didn't work either.

You've been overdoing it, Wilma.

You need a good, long rest.

Bart, I had to do it.

The sheriff was blackmailing me.

Bleeding me. All because of Fred, my husband.

That gun accident of his was no accident.

She murdered him, so she'd be free to take up with Manton.

That's a lie!

No point in you two telling me all this.

What you both need is a good judge and jury.

- Cosgrove. - 'Hi, good morning.'

Morning, sir.

I just dropped in to say goodbye.

And to get your money.

Well, that is true.

I had him impounded when Manton confessed.

Thank you. Is it all here?

I think you better count it.

Oh, that goes on your vest.

Oh! Thank you.

You seem to be pretty busy.

Yeah. Mayor and acting sheriff so far.

You know, it's quite a town I'm running here.

We have the bank president in jail for embezzling

the sheriff for extortion

and the leading hotel owner for murder.

It's a good town to be from. Far away from.

Thank you very much, Mr. Mayor.

Oh, Maverick.

Yes, Mr. Sheriff.

I wish you'd change your mind

and stay around for a while, see what happens.

I wouldn't dare.

They could use some new blood around here.

I am not bleeding.

♪ 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 ♪♪