Original subtitles

The boys will be around to see that you do stay.

Don't forget it.

Alright, boys, turn him loose.

You have lots of time to think this over, Maverick.

'It's a long walk back into town.'

Just a second.

Give our friend here a little example

of what will happen, in case he decides

'not to take our advice.'

A Warner Bros. television production.

Howdy, stranger. Welcome.

Oh. Beg your pardon, sir. My apologies.

Well, think nothing of it, friend.

Accidents will happen.

You are Wellington Cosgrove, aren't you?

Seems that I have bumped into

one of the more prominent members

of the community. You must be a politician, sir.

I prefer to look upon myself

as a defender of those unalienable rights

that are the heritage of our founding fathers.

Really? Well, I reckon somebody's got to do it.

Don't scoff, friend.

The trust of the public is not to be taken lightly.

Just so long as the public isn't taken.

You have a sense of humor, young man. I like that.

Have a cigar.

Finest Havana. Made it specially for me.

Oh, thank you, Mr. Cosgrove.

That indeed is a fine cigar, sir.

Quality, son, quality. I insist on it in everything, I do.

Keep that in mind when you go to the polls next Tuesday.

- Hmm. - Now, if you'll excuse me.

Hmm, of course.

Oh, hello, my friend, have a cigar.

Raise you to a 50 and a 100.

Take a 200.

There's your 200.

And I'll just raise 300 more.

Beat.

Thank you, gentlemen. Thank you.

Excuse me, uh, you boys mind a stranger sitting in

or is this private contest?

Why, not at all. Not at all. Make yourself at home.

Thank you.

It's only fair to warn you. We play a pretty rough game.

Stakes aren't low.

From the looks of things, I wouldn't say

you're playing penny ante.

'Getting back to what you were talking'

about a minute ago, I disagree.

I say Cosgrove is the right man for the state senate.

'After all, he has more experience than Greely.'

Oh, Cosgrove is experienced, alright.

'Cosgrove is experienced in every cheap'

'political trick in the book.'

'Ah, it's never been proved.'

Cosgrove might've pulled a shady deal now and again.

'But what do you expect from a politician.'

Now hold on. Most politicians do a pretty good job.

'I think Cosgrove is another rotten apple in the barrel.'

Gentlemen, should we play poker?

'Well, this is gonna be a pretty close thing.'

I wouldn't wanna make odds on either one's chance

of winning the election.

- Can we finish the deal? - Oh, I'm sorry. Sure.

You care to open, young man?

Uh, well, um, just to test the brand of poker

you gentlemen play, I'll open for 200.

I-I just opened the pot.

Sorry, young man. You can keep the ante.

No one's gonna miss the big debate.

- Debate? I... - Between Cosgrove and Greely.

This oughta be a real ring-tail doozy.

- You better come out and hear. - Yeah, but..

'Alright, folks. Quiet, quiet, please.'

Thank you.

As your mayor, it gives me a great pleasure

to introduce the main speakers for our debate tonight.

First, there's Wellington Cosgrove.

Then his honorable opponent for the exalted position

of state senator, Ellsworth Greeley.

Well, folks it's time for our debate to begin.

And it's really gonna be a battle of wits.

So, without further ado, I'll turn over the speech making

to Mr. Wellington Cosgrove.

You've got 15 minutes, Mr. Cosgrove

for your opening address.

And then Mr. Greely will be allowed

the same amount of time.

And after that, the rebuttal. Please.

Thank you, friends.

And I mean that, friends.

I'd much rather talk to you of a friendship that wells up

in me for each and every one of you.

But your good mayor has allowed me only 15 minutes.

And 15 minutes is not enough time

to tell you of the graft, the corruption.

Yes, the evil that permeates

the very core of our state government.

And it is this very corruption that impels me to seek

'the esteemed office of state senator.'

'Not for personal glory.'

'Nay, my very nature quails at the thought of it.'

But I have heard the clarion..

[crowd clamoring

That was a very brave thing, sir. I saw it all.

Oh, I did too, Miss Bentley and you're right.

This young man acted just in time.

If he'd had stopped even for a second to think about it

the assassin might've accomplished his foul deed.

If I had stopped to think about it

I don't think I would've done it.

Your modesty is refreshing, sir, as well as your ready wit.

This town owes this fine young man

a vote of thanks for his courage.

- Yeah, but... - I don't understand it.

Who would wanna kill Ellsworth Greely?

I'd say, he did.

'Don't jump to conclusions, friend.'

- What do you mean? - Well, just this.

What makes you think that bullet was meant for Greely?

Oh, it hit him, didn't it?

Only because you deflected the shot, my friend.

Actually, you saved my life, young man.

I was the one standing in front on the platform.

Are you implying, Cosgrove, that somebody wanted you killed?

Well, I can't prove it, of course.

But my guess is someone hired this gunman

to kill me, not Greely.

Why?

Well, isn't it obvious?

With me out of the way, Ellsworth Greely

would end up as state senator.

You think that Greely would stoop so low

as to have you shot to win?

No, no, no, not Greely.

Isn't it possible that some of the boys

who want special favors from Greely in the senate

might have done it?

Don't you give out special favors, Mr. Cosgrove?

'Or just different favors to different boys?'

Well, we can tell who he was really after.

Here comes Sheriff Burke.

When this gunman comes to, Burke will sweat

the truth out of him.

This the fella who tried to pick off Greely?

I'd say he's shooting at me, sheriff.

Until you revive the man who did the shooting

and ring him out, you'll never know who he was shooting at.

My sign!

Who knocked it down?

I paid $50 for it.

Thank goodness, it doesn't seem to be damaged much.

Well, I don't know about your sign being damaged, Smyth

but this man sure is. He's dead.

Pretty sneaky way to shake up new business, Mr. Smyth.

Dead? Now, we'll never know who he was shooting at.

No, we won't, will we?

I appreciate all this attention but all I did

was knock a man down.

A potential killer, Mr. Maverick.

- Oh... - Another John Wilkes Booth.

We haven't had a shooting in town for years.

Anyway, we've got ourselves a real live hero.

- He's just my type. - Yeah, a man.

Oh, well, I..

- 'Raise you 200.' - Ahem, if you'll excuse me.

Uh, you don't go too far away. Thank you, darling.

- Are you Mr. Maverick? - Yes, that's right.

Mr. Greely has asked that you come to see him immediately.

I was gonna sit down in a friendly game...

It's a very urgent matter. Mr. Greely is in great pain

as a result of a bullet wound.

- But I... - It is the least you can do.

Looks like I'm never gonna enjoy a game with you gentlemen.

- If you'll excuse me. - We'll be here.

- Good of you to come. - My pleasure, sir.

Let me introduce around. Mr. Gantry.

- How do you do? - Mr. Maverick.

- Briggs, you already know. - Of course.

- Mr. Clayton. Mr. Osborne. - How do you do, sir?

- Mr. Forbes. - Mr. Forbes.

These men are all members of my campaign committee.

Oh, yes and my daughter, Penelope.

Well, Miss Greely, had I known

there was such nursing aid available

I almost rather would have gotten shot myself.

It's nice of you to say, Mr. Maverick.

'I understand that Wellington Cosgrove'

is claiming that the bullet that hit me

was really intended for him.

He was just making political hay out of an unfortunate incident.

I go further.

I say he was actually behind an attempt

to assassinate Mr. Greely.

Only Mr. Maverick's timely action

'prevented a real tragedy.'

'But we have no proof that Cosgrove hired the gunman.'

If he did, he accomplished his purpose.

Now, what do you mean by that, sir?

The doctor says Mr. Greely is too seriously injured

to continue with his campaign.

And that means that Cosgrove is a cinch to win the election.

Unless, we can find someone to take my place.

We need someone popular with the people.

Some hail fellow, well-met type.

In short, Mr. Maverick, someone like yourself.

Gentlemen, you must be joking.

I-I'm not a politician.

We never jest about such matters, sir.

We've given it careful thought.

You're our man.

Well, I-I-I'm sorry, sir, I-I just can't do it.

Oh, but you must.

If you don't, a man we know to be a double-dealing grafter

will be sent to the state senate.

Don't you wanna work on the side of law and order?

Well, I-I... Mr. Maverick, my father has worked

long and hard to bring good government to this area.

It would be a shame to see all of his efforts go for nothing.

But why me?

What makes you think I could win the election?

Because you're a popular hero. You're young and energetic.

And you're also quiet handsome.

Oh, I'm speaking impersonally, Mr. Maverick.

I gather too that you're clever with words.

I'm very flattered, Miss Greely, but nonetheless

I do not choose to run.

That remark will not go down in history.

'I appeal to you, sir.'

If our government is to remain strong

it must be led by strong men.

Men like yourself

'who've not been led astray by desires for tainted money.'

'Why, do you know, sir, that many of our state senators'

instead of paying attention to their duties

while the legislature is in session

waste their time in hotel rooms playing poker.

They do? Uh, I mean, they do?

And I understand they play for very high stakes.

It's disgraceful.

Uh, yes, it is indeed, sir.

It's certain that if Maverick were at the state capital

that some of those wastrels

might lose their interest in poker playing.

Well, I-I'd do my best.

Then you'll run?

I'll need help.

I don't know much about politics.

Well, first of, you're with an honest group.

We don't lie, we don't make false promises.

'Course there are times when a little bluffing is permissible.

Bluffing, I should be able to handle that, sir.

Uh, if I take it easy, at first.

Well, gentlemen, while we're speaking about your group

uh, what party am I with? It might prove helpful.

- Don't you know? - 'The Reform Party, of course.'

Well, good morning.

Gentlemen.

Thank you.

Oh, Maverick. The state senator, huh?

- Right. - Well, good luck.

I bet you even write poetry on walls.

Looks like you kinda caught me red-handed, sheriff.

But don't you think it add something.

You don't?

Well, I thought it added an interesting effect.

Mr. Maverick... seems to me that a man in your position

oughta be able to put his time for better use.

I oughta run you in

for vandalism you know that, don't you?

Oh, come now, sheriff. Just a prank.

Why won't you understand?

People around here might accuse me of trying

to influence the election.

But I'm gonna keep this poster just for evidence..

In case you try it again.

You don't have to worry, sheriff.

I'm only good for one mustache job a month.

- Then you won't need this. - Well, I..

You're Mr. Maverick?

I just wish I had been in town last night

to see you bring that dreadful assassin to justice.

- Everybody is talking about it. - Well, ma'am...

I was just telling my husband this morning.

"Henry," I said, "you just better vote for Mr. Maverick

if you know what's good for you. No ifs, ands or buts about it."

- Well, that's very good... - Mr. Cosgrove's nice too.

But we need someone like you.

Young and brave.

Would you like to kiss little Eustace?

- Well, I... - Mr. Cosgrove kissed my baby.

He's really a precious.

Cosgrove?

No, the baby!

Well, alright, Eustace

if, uh, you can stand it, so can I.

Oh, what a lovely, lovely baby.

And what a handsome young man too.

And that's a big dog you have there, son.

'She looks like she's smart too.'

You ain't got much of an eye for dogs, mister.

It's a he. And you think he's smart?

'Listen, mister, I gotta keep this rope on him'

'or he'd be lost in five minutes.'

He's real stupid.

Don't bother Mr. Maverick now, son.

He's a very busy man.

I understand, Mr. Maverick, you're giving a speech tonight.

You can count on Mr. McCoy and myself to be there.

I'll be on guard. I-I-I mean I'll be watching for you.

Well, toodaloo, then, until tonight.

Hurry up, Bastarville.

Thank you, thank you.

It's my privilege tonight

to bring you a most unusual figure.

Now, not too long ago, he was a stranger in our midst.

But his heroic action of last night

catapulted him to a degree of popularity

seldom seen in these parts.

I give you a young man who consented to step

into the shoes of the unfortunate Ellsworth Greely.

A young man who's endeared himself

to all of us. Bart Maverick.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Well, I, uh..

Reckon the first thing I should do in asking

all you wonderful people to vote for me is make promises.

'I understand anyone running for Senator'

'is supposed to do this.'

And I'd be only too happy to make promises.

Except for the dirty trick that my most..

Worthy opponent pulled on me.

He used up all the promises, he didn't leave me a single one.

'Well, the only qualification that I have for political office

'is that I am not..

'...a politician.'

I've been told that the difference between

a statesman and a politician..

Is that the statesman keeps his eye

on the next generation..

And a politician has his eye..

On the next election.

'Well, I'm neither a politician nor a statesman.

'I'm just people like all of you.'

But I can tell you this..

I'll keep my eye on those politicians

down at the state capitol and if I find

any of them in under-handed deals..

'...I will scream like a scalded cougar.'

And I'm pretty good at spotting under-handed deals.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Have a cigar. Maverick's a nice young man, isn't he?

But hardly experienced in the matters of politics, how 'bout..

Thank you very much, Mr. Cosgrove.

If you're intending to bribe me

it'll take a bit more than a cigar.

Well, early to bed early to rise, Mr. Maverick.

Yes, of course, goodnight, Mr. Gantry.

Goodnight, I've..

Mr. Maverick, the cigar.

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

All play and no work makes Jack..

Count 'em again.

- Gentlemen. - Hello, Maverick, how are you?

'Mr. Maverick!'

Come on in, you only have so many.

Miss Greeley..

You wanted me for something?

I certainly do.

Are you trying to ruin everything?

Ruin everything? What was I doing?

It isn't what you're doing, it's what you were about to do.

Well, it's lucky I saw you going into that horrible place.

I was just about to sit and play some poker, that's all.

That's all? That's enough.

Don't you realize you're running for state senator

on the Reform party ticket?

Yes, but, uh...

And that the word reform means just that.

No gambling.

Why, if I hadn't caught you

you might have lost any number of votes.

You mean I have to give up card playing?

Well, of course not.

Why, there's always solitaire and an old maid.

Old maid?

I'm sorry, Mr. Maverick, but that's the way it has to be.

The voters in this town will be keeping a close check on you..

And they don't mind the other men gambling and drinking

but the man they'll choose for their state senator

simply must be above such things.

Especially a Reform party candidate.

Uh-huh.

- What... - And that goes for smoking too.

That's an expensive handmade Havana.

That didn't seem to improve its smell.

But, it..

I promised your father I'd see this thing through

but, uh, I have a distinct feeling

I'm not gonna like it.

After you're elected you'll find that it has its compensations.

I'm counting on that.

Even the Reform Party doesn't expect

a young man to be blinded in charms

of a lovely young girl, does it?

Wh-what do you mean?

Well, I, uh..

I said no vices, Mr. Maverick.

You're a strong-minded young woman, Penelope.

I think I'd better go now.

- People might talk. - Talk?

Of what?

Goodnight, Mr. Maverick.

Goodnight.

Hello, Maverick.

You turnin' in?

Yeah, unless you know where there is

a floating tiddlywinks game.

Halloween, already?

Don't get funny, Mister.

Keep your fat lip buttoned and get in that wagon.

- I think that's a good idea. - We ain't foolin'.

Now, do as your told.

Get in the back.

Ah.

'Well, Mr. Maverick..

'...nice of you to come.'

I couldn't resist your invitation.

You should have resisted another invitation.

I should have?

'The one to run for state senator.'

What's more unfortunate..

It would appear you have a good chance of winning.

Unfortunate?

If you are elected, Maverick..

You'll never live to reach the state capitol.

Well, that seems obvious, uh..

But it didn't work on Ellsworth Greeley.

Only because you blundered into something

that was no concern of yours.

Now, you're in too deep.

Win the election, lose your life.

- 'Take your choice.' - Take my choice?

How can I control the way people will vote?

Quit gettin' around town, for one thing.

'You might even hide out until after the election.'

But a better way is seeing as you are running

on the Simon Pure Reform ticket

'is do things that'll ruin your reputation.'

'Hang around saloons.'

'Gamble, that sort of a thing.'

'You'd be surprised how easy it is to lose votes.'

As I said if you don't lose votes you lose your life.

Why don't I just leave town?

Oh, no, you don't.

'There's a lot of talk about your opponent'

'and what people claim he tried to do to Greeley.'

We're not gonna have you disappear..

Not and stay alive.

This election is going to be lost by you

fair and square.

Fair and what?

The boys will be around to see that you do stay.

Don't forget it.

Alright, boys, turn him lose.

You'll have lots of time to think this over, Maverick.

It's a long walk back into town.

Just a second.

Give our friend here a little example of what'll happen..

'...in case he decides not to take our advice.'

Have a nice walk.

Maverick, what on earth are you doin' here

at this time of the night?

Hope you realize you got me out of bed.

I didn't know you were Queen of the May, sheriff.

I wouldn't have been disturbing you

if it wasn't important.

Well, alright.

I know you're not gonna believe this

but two men with hoods over their faces..

Whacked me on the side of the head, tied me up

dragged me to a cavern five miles outta town.

In the cavern there was another man

who had a hood over his face.

He told me that unless I lost the election

they were gonna kill me. I'm not sure..

But his voice certainly sounded

like Wellington Cosgrove.

You sure go all out to get publicity

for your campaign, don't you?

Now, do you expect me to believe this, uh, cock and bull story?

Hooded men, hogwash!

Oh, but sheriff, listen, that's the truth.

Listen to me, Maverick.

I wouldn't believe that yarn if it came

from somebody I trusted.

But you-you run around town drawing mustaches on pictures.

I ran across you, few hours ago and you were mumbling

about... tiddlywinks.

Now, you're trying to get Cosgrove in trouble.

Now, listen to me, sheriff.

Would I wake you up just for publicity?

Now, what kind of a man do you think I am?

What kind of a man do I think you are?

If I stop to think about that I'd run you out of town.

And if I'm gonna listen anymore it's gonna be the jail.

Now, will you leave and let me get some sleep?

Ah, good morning, Mr. Maverick.

Morning.

Or should I say good afternoon?

I'd have thought you've been up hours.

You know, gettin' votes for yourself.

Wellington Cosgrove has been up and around

for a long time.

He was here, not an hour ago.

But don't worry, Mr. Maverick, it'll take

more than a cigar to sway my vote.

I'm votin' for you.

You don't wanna be hasty, those are pretty good cigars.

You wouldn't wanna cut off your supply.

Doesn't matter, I don't smoke.

I'm sorry, sir, you'll have to leave, it's closing time.

Yes, ma'am.

I must say, you are certainly the studious type.

You've been sitting here reading since early this afternoon.

You know I'm so happy to see a man enjoy good literature.

It's a wonderful way to escape reality

even for a little while, isn't it?

Uh, yes, ma'am, particularly the escape part.

- Yes. - Excuse me.

Oh, Mr. Maverick..

You might be interested in knowing..

I was gonna vote for Mr. Cosgrove but..

Well, when I saw how interested you were in books..

I've decided to vote for you.

Hmm.

Thank you.

Uh, you're welcome.

- 'Goodnight.' - Goodnight.

Good evening, gentlemen.

Where have you been, Mr. Maverick?

I had to make excuses when you didn't show up

at the league for the suppression of liquor

gambling, smoking and dancing.

Oh, I don't mean to be critical, but..

I'm afraid we lost a few votes.

We did? Oh, what a shame.

With the election only two days from now

you're going to have to watch yourself most carefully.

However, as I said earlier I think you're running

ahead of Cosgrove, so don't do anything

to make people lose confidence in you.

The word to the wise, you know.

Particularly stay away from that Balor Saloon.

That place the most unsavory reputation.

I suspected that.

- Goodnight, Mr. Maverick. - Goodnight, gentlemen.

- Well, good evening. - Hello, Lani.

Hi, Suzanne.

Care to join us, Maverick?

Well, that's what I had in mind.

Maybe you can change our luck.

- Mr. Crenshaw, Mr. Maverick. - Hello.

Crenshaw has really been taking us.

'Oh, he sure has.'

Fortunes of the game, gentlemen.

I must agree with him.

Lou.

I can't understand it.

A Reform candidate playing poker.

That just about decides my vote.

Uh, Mr. Crenshaw.

When I play poker it's with the understanding

that the cards'll be dealt off the top of the deck.

You've been dealin 'em

from just about every other place but the top.

'And quite well too, I might add.'

Are you accusin' me of cheatin', mister?

I'd call it that, yes.

Hold it.

No wonder you're so lucky. Doggone card cheat.

Give me his gun, Al.

You've done your part, Maverick.

'I'll escort this no-good skunk over to the sheriff's office.'

Come on, Crenshaw.

Put 'em up.

Come on.

I'll be darned.

That Maverick..

And I thought he'd come in here to play poker.

- Well, didn't he? - Don't you get it?

He knew that Crenshaw was a card cheat.

The only way he could expose him

was by pretending to get into the game.

By George, he's got my vote, after all.

By golly, you're right.

Maverick doesn't just talk about corruption..

He takes action.

Why don't you divvy that up and start a fresh game?

Oh, Suzanne, you try to dig us up a couple of customers?

Mr. Maverick!

Make it three.

I guess you know what I'm thinking?

I have a pretty good idea.

I just don't understand it.

You deliberately went back into that horrible saloon.

Well, it's as if you were going out of your way

to try and lose the election.

- That's right. - What's right?

I don't want to win the election.

- You don't? - No.

- Why? You promised my father... - Now, listen, Penelope.

It might be all very well to be a state senator.

In order to do it I've had to give up smoking and gambling.

And I don't intend to give up my life.

Your life? Are you serious?

Very. You probably won't believe this either

the sheriff didn't.

But I've been beaten up, tied up

forced to walk five miles and on top of that

I was told that if I win the election..

I'm gonna get shot in the back.

Why, that's terrible.

Who did it?

Now, that's just the trouble.

The men who jumped me wore hoods over their heads.

I think one of them was Wellington Cosgrove, though.

And the sheriff didn't do anything?

Nope. As a matter of fact he told me

I was making it all up for publicity.

And he's right on one point.

I can't even prove it happened.

Alright, so you were threatened.

Are you going to let a little thing like that

stand in the way of your civic duty?

A little thing like that?

The little thing you happen to be talking

about, Miss Greeley, is my life.

That maybe very little to you, dear girl

but to me it's mighty big.

That isn't what I mean.

They're just bluffing.

They weren't buffing when they hired a man

to take a shot at your father.

They had to shoot my father.

They knew he wouldn't let mere threats stand in his way.

My father, Mr. Maverick, is a man.

What would this country amount to

if all its leaders were cowards?

What about those who fought for our freedom?

Men like... men like Nathan Hale.

You could think of a better example.

They hanged him, you know?

Alright. Be a quitter.

Let Cosgrove and his grafters take over the senate.

Why should you care?

I didn't say, I didn't care, I just said

I didn't want to be killed, is that unreasonable?

I didn't say I was gonna quit, either.

I just don't want to push my luck, that's all.

Then you'll keep on?

You'll really try to win the election?

Yeah, I'll try.

And you will win too.

I know.

I guess I have been a little rough on you.

You've had to change your way of life so much.

No smoking, no gambling.

Maybe I..

Maybe I can allow you one vice, Bart.

You know, next time I think I'll run for vice president.

Well, this election sure has attracted a lot of excitement.

Looks like just about everybody has turned up.

It does.

Is anything wrong?

No, no. I'm..

Dad, you're supposed to be home in bed.

I gotta get my vote in, don't I?

This election is gonna be very close.

Might depend on one vote.

Don't think I'm gonna take any chances, do you?

- I'm glad to see you. - Ah, Mr. Maverick.

My daughter tells me you wound up your campaign in great style.

I must admit you had me worried there for a while.

Oh, your daughter, sir, has some very convincing arguments.

She should. I taught her everything she knows.

Not quite everything, Mr. Greeley.

- I beg your pardon. - Oh, not at all.

Well, if I'd known I was recover so fast

I might have continued in the campaign.

The doctor says I'm coming along very well.

Oh, well enough of this chit-chat.

Let's get on to the voting.

You're attention, please.

I know it's only 5 o'clock.

And the polls will be officially open

for two more hours.

But nobody has gone in to vote..

In the past half hour.

And as near as we can tell..

There's nobody left who hasn't voted.

'So, we went ahead and counted the ballots.

'Oh, we can't make it legal for another two hours.'

But would you like to know the..

Unofficial results right now?

'Hold on.'

Very well then, here goes.

Now, you'll be surprised, I think, to know that..

Right now, we haven't elected a new state senator.

No, no, no. Just hold on, men.

What I mean is it's a dead heat.

'Both Maverick and Cosgrove got exactly..

Two hundred and nineteen votes apiece.

It's a tie.

'Now, wait a minute, wait a minute.'

Now, all we need is one vote to break

that tie and decide the winner.

'Now the polls are still legally open'

'for another two hours.'

'So, let's find someone who hasn't voted.'

Now, is there anyone..

Anyone at all, who hasn't voted.

Well, now, surely there must be one man.

Bart, you! You haven't voted!

Yeah, I guess you're right. I, uh..

With all the excitement I must've forgotten.

Then we're a cinch to win.

You can vote yourself right into office.

Mr. Mayor, here's your man.

I've got one who hasn't voted

and it's none other than Bart Maverick himself.

Well..

..there's not much doubt about who he'll vote for, is there?

But we have to make it official.

Now, go in and cast your ballot, Mr. Maverick.

'Or should I say, uh..'

'...Senator Maverick.'

'Yeah.'

- Mr. Maverick. - Yeah, that's right.

I guess we know how Maverick is gonna vote, alright.

'Hey, Maverick, hold it.'

I wanna talk to you before you vote.

Thanks very much, sheriff.

My friends..

I really don't know what to say..

But Maverick has done something completely unorthodox.

'It's a tremendous surprise.'

He didn't vote for himself, after all.

He voted for Ellsworth Greeley.

- You didn't. - I did.

Excuse me, Mr. Mayor.

Alright, simmer down, folks, simmer down.

Most of you know I'm not a political talker.

But I got somethin' mighty important to say to you.

Couple of days ago I caught Mav..

I, uh, I caught somebody

drawing mustaches on campaign posters.

'Well, you know me.'

'I don't stand for any nonsense'

'so I bawled this sidewalk artist out pretty good.'

I even saved the poster for evidence and here it is.

You know somethin'?

I shouldn't have bawled that man out

I should have thanked him.

Because this morning when I was cleaning out my desk

I ran across this poster.

I never would have caught it if that mustache hadn't been put

on Cosgrove's face on that poster.

'Because Cosgrove is none other than Handlebar Joe Jeffers.'

'Wanted in three states for extortion and confidence gains.'

Come on. To the saloon out the back door, quick.

Hey, he's trying to get away! Head him off over there!

Take him down to jail for me. I'll be along in a minute.

Mr. Maverick, I think the good people of Silverdale

deserve an explanation as to why you voted the way you did.

I also think it'd be better if you did the explaining yourself.

Yeah.

Mr. Maverick.

Thank you, sheriff.

Well, I guess I should start, uh, telling you

what you already know.

Now, the sheriff told me a few minutes ago

that Mr. Cosgrove was a crook.

He's been in and out of at least a dozen jails

and he's now wanted in three states.

But even if he was not wanted

he could not run for state senator

because according to the law

a man who has served time cannot hold public office.

Your sheriff here is a very thorough lawman.

'Because after he found about Cosgrove'

'he thought it was only fair to check up on me.'

So, he sent out a few telegrams and..

Well, he discovered that when I was a very young man

'you all know how kids are'

'he discovered that I had been involved'

'in a minor scrape.'

Minor scrape as a kid?

As I said, it didn't amount to anything

but according to the letter of the law

it makes it illegal for me to hold public office.

So, I voted for the man who should really have been your

state senator anyway. Mr. Ellsworth Greeley.

- Hello? - Hi, hello.

Mr. 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 ♪♪