Original subtitles

[drums beating]

Ready...

aim...

fire!

[man coughing]

Summers.

My God, man.

Asa McCoy...

I thought I heard someone over there.

No! Don'’t move me.

Whatever them Rebs did to me, they hurt me real bad.

I need a sawbones, I figure.

Maybe so.

Supposin'’ they's coming back for us, right?

They'’re not gonna leave us here.

Yeah. Yeah, they'’re coming back for us.

Doctor'’s wagon oughta pull through here in an hour or so,

then we'’ll get outta here.

You really think so?

Yeah. Ain'’t no other way to it.

It'’s getting awful cold out here, McCoy.

Awful cold.

This is the winter.

Winter'’s coming down hard.

You ain'’t leaving, are you, McCoy?

I'’ll go when you do.

It sure is cold.

It surely is.

Sure is.

[whinnies]

I think it'’s time we be heading home, huh, pal?

Valentine! Ellison!

Look what we got here!

Jim.

Boys.

Asa McCoy.

I'’m surprised to see you on this side of the river.

You ain'’t supposed to be here.

And in Yankee blue? Hmm.

I'’m just passing through on my way back to Pike County.

What'’s old Ran'l have to say about his son in all this Yankee mess?

My father ain'’t got no stomach for it, as well you know.

Nobody around here is willing to fight for anything,

except the patch of ground they stand on.

Gents, Asa McCoy here,

he went off to get educated at one of their fancy universities.

where they teach all them highfalutin ideas

like preservation of the Union,

God bless Lincoln,

abolishing slavery.

Hell, Asa.

Your daddy never even owned a slave in his life.

You don'’t have to hold slaves to know that it'’s wrong.

I chose my side, and I stand by it.

That may be so,

but today you have run afoul of the Logan Wildcats,

duly sworn defenders of the Bonnie Blue

and, just so happens,

this side of the river.

The Logan Wildcats ain'’t no part of the real Confederacy.

Y'’all ain't nothing but vigilantes in gray coats.

Ellison, you hear that? I hear it.

Comin'’ from a Yank, I can hardly believe my ears.

Everything a Yank says is a lie.

Clear the path, boys.

I ain'’t tryin' to dig up old wounds.

Well, I reckon that'’s so.

But there is a war goin'’ on, Mr. McCoy.

And today...

you happen to be on the losin'’ side.

Let'’s go, boys!

The state of Kentucky lies, at this moment,

under the rule of martial law,

as decreed by President Lincoln himself.

To that end, I am, respectfully,

assuming command of all military forces within the Commonwealth.

Now, you may continue to run the day-to-day affairs of the state,

inasmuch as you do not interfere with my duties.

Why does Mr. Lincoln feel that such an action is necessary at this late date?

Kentucky,

while remaining neutral during this great conflict,

has allowed Confederate guerillas

like the Logan Wildcats of West Virginia

to wage a campaign of terror on both sides of the border.

A campaign which you have been unable to stop.

Now, the president feels that some action is necessary.

What kind of action, General Burbridge?

Exiling our leaders?

Denying our citizens their legal rights under the law?

How many of my top officials have you already arrested under trumped-up charges,

held without trial?

Kentucky is rife with traitors, Governor.

This isn'’t martial law. It'’s a witch hunt.

Witch hunt? You test me, sir!

I am charged with the duty of protecting the citizens of this state,

and I shall do so unerringly.

And to that end, I'’m enacting order number 59.

It is effective immediately.

Order number 59?

Yes. For every unarmed citizen that is killed

by a Confederate guerilla,

I will take four Rebels from the prison,

and I will hang them publicly.

And if that doesn'’t work, I shall hang them all!

That is murder, sir!

That is a solution, sir!

Now, you will abide by President Lincoln'’s decree,

and I will help you. And together,

we can restore this state to its righteous order.

But those killers must be stopped.

Good day, sir.

You can tally this stuff up for me, Mr. Curtis.

Yes, ma'’am, Mrs. McCoy. Thank you.

Howdy, Johnse.

Mr. Curtis, ladies.

Mr. Hatfield.

Oh, dear!

Oh.

Here, let me help you.

Oh, no, it'’s no bother, Mr. Hatfield.

Please. My name is Johnson.

Johnson.

Well, most folks call me Johnse. I see.

Johnse.

Roseanna McCoy, fetch your things to the counter

so Mr. Curtis can tally '’em up.

Yes, Ma.

Roseanna. That'’s a pretty name.

Thank you.

And what'’s your name?

Her name'’s Alifair.

Alifair?

That'’s a pretty name, too.

You know, they say the way to the big sister'’s through the little sister.

She don'’t talk, Mr. Hatfield. She never has.

Oh. I'’m sorry. I-I didn'’t know.

Now, if you don'’t mind.

God! [crying]

[crying]

Easy now, Mother.

No use in crying.

Asa can'’t hear you now.

War is a terrible thing.

It ain'’t war done this, Roseanna.

It was men what done this.

Them wounds are fresh, Ma.

Asa was shot right where we found him,

laying on the other side of Tug Fork.

I know where he was found. We all do.

And we all know who shot him.

[Roseanna] We don'’t know.

Not for certain.

Of course we do. It was the Logan Wildcats.

Devil Anse Hatfield'’s gang of Confederates.

Why would Devil Anse want to shoot Asa?

He never had no trouble with them.

Asa...

God help him.

At least he chose to wear Yankee Blue

when he was on the West Virginia side of the river.

That made him a target.

I reckon that'’s all Hatfield needed.

An excuse to kill him.

What are we gonna do about it, Pa?

Grab your guns, boys.

Junior, you stay here with your mother. But, Pa!

Don'’t even!

Sarry, you stop your crying now.

We'’re gonna be wantin'’ supper when we get back.

It won'’t do no good to get yourself killed.

Sarry, I ain'’t gonna get myself killed.

And if I do, I do.

But what about our boys?

You want to get our sons killed, too?

Asa was murdered. Something'’s gotta be done.

Let the law take its course.

Fetch the sheriff.

The sheriff?

Naw. This is Kentucky.

Asa was killed in West Virginia.

He was Union. That gang of Hatfield'’s is Rebel.

Sheriff won'’t get involved. He can'’t.

Now hand me that rifle.

I don'’t want you to go.

You have supper waitin'’ for me when I get back.

Now hand me that rifle.

I love you.

I hope Pa'’s gonna be all right.

It'’s dangerous, the other side of Tug Fork.

For such a small river, it'’s filled with so much blood.

Hyah! Come on.

All right, then.

I want everybody to keep a cool head when we get there.

Won'’t do no good to start shooting with women and children around.

Wrong person might get shot.

Devil Anse may be laying up there waitin'’ for us.

You think it'’s wise that we just ride up to his front door?

Ain'’t no other way.

I'’ll be damned if I'm gonna sneak up on my boy'’s killers.

They'’re gonna face me one way or t'’other.

Understood?

Understood.

You got somethin'’ you wanna say?

No, sir.

Then let'’s go. Come on!

Hyah! Come on! Hyah! Hyah! Hyah!

Get going. Hyah!

Devil!

Devil Anse!

Mr. McCoy.

Wanna see Devil Anse. I heard you.

Most folks just knock on the door.

Yeah, but we ain'’t interested in getting a belly full of lead.

Like Asa did.

I heard about that.

I'’m awful sorry for you folks.

Is your daddy at home, boy?

Yes, sir, he is.

I would have a word with him.

Why are we all being so fired civil, Pa?

Ease down, son.

Pa, Devil Anse killed Asa.

We need to root out the truth here, boys,

or we'’re no better than they are.

Truth? You can'’t get the truth out of a Hatfield. Don'’t run in their blood.

Just the same, we'’re gonna hear it.

Ran'’l.

Anderson.

'’Stand you wanna speak with me.

I take it this ain'’t no social visit.

We came about Asa.

You looking for a fight, McCoy?

We come prepared.

For what, more killing?

Uncle Jim tells me you done lost one son already, Ran'’l.

Ain'’t that enough?

Reckon you had a hand in Asa'’s killing, Mr. Hatfield.

Pharmer, shut!

What about it, Anse?

I don'’t know nothin' about what happened to your boy.

He was a soldier. Soldiers get shot.

That'’s the chance they take once they put on that uniform. Any uniform.

We figure maybe he run into you and your Wildcats on the road.

Wildcats was disbanded back in November.

And me, I'’ve been holed up, ain'’t left the house near two week now.

Bum leg. Hog rolled over on it. Damn near killed me.

You ask the doc. He'’ll tell ya.

I might just do that.

Anybody know what happened to young Asa?

Not me, Pa.

Uncle Jim? I ain'’t seen that boy

since he went off to that damn fancy school.

Well, now, Ran'’l, looks like you'’re treein'’ the wrong coon.

Can'’t say as I blame you. I'’d be looking for some answers, too,

if somebody killed one of my boys.

But it ain'’t me.

Reckon maybe it'’s like you say, Anse.

I reckon so.

You'’re welcome to water your horses before you head back.

Go on, boys.

Evening.

Hyah! Come on!

Come on! Hyah!

That'’s too bad about Asa.

He got what he was askin'’ for.

We don'’t have to answer to them, Anse.

This is Hatfield land.

McCoy ain'’t the law.

That don'’t matter, Vicey. A man'’s son's been killed.

He got to do something.

I can'’t imagine one of your own children lying dead in the road.

It'’s a terrible thing.

Asa McCoy wanted to fight.

It was his decision to put that damn uniform on.

Mm-hmm.

Maybe it was the book learning,

all that professor preaching.

I don'’t know.

Hell of a decision, but he made it.

And who knows how many good folks that Yankee done already killed.

Uncle Jim,

you sure you don'’t know nothin'’ about this?

I shot him, Anse.

I shot him, but it was self-defense.

He drew first.

Damn boy riding through Logan County,

proud as can be in his Yankee Blue, armed to the teeth.

And you had to kill him? Johnse, we told that boy

we'’d see him safely to Tug Fork

so he could cross back into his daddy'’s property,

but he wasn'’t havin' none of it, Anse.

Called us a few unneighborly things

and then went for his gun.

And that is the God'’s honest truth.

You tell '’em, Ell. That'’s what happened, Anse.

And how many times was he shot?

Folks say at least four times.

Four times.

It was... intense.

Yeah. Hmm.

Well, I reckon it'’s best to let this situation rest as it is.

Ain'’t no reason to get old Ran'’l McCoy all riled up.

What'’s done is done and cannot be undone.

Amen to that. Supper'’s waiting.

You go and wash up, son.

Yes, Pa.

"I am the resurrection and the life," saith the Lord.

"He that believeth in me, yea, though he were dead, yet shall he live.

And whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall not die forever.

I know that my redeemer liveth,

and that I shall rise out of the earth in the last day

and shall be covered again with my skin

and shall see God in my flesh.

Yea, and I myself shall behold him,

not with other, but with these same eyes.

We brought nothing into this world,

neither may we carry anything out of this world.

The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away.

Even as it hath pleased the Lord,

so cometh things to pass.

Blessed be the name of the Lord."

These are difficult times, Mr. Phillips.

There are two wars being waged right now.

I agree, Governor. There'’s more killing going on

in the hills surrounding Big Sandy River

than just about any other place in the country, war or no war.

I would suggest swift military action.

But Governor Bramlette believes that this trouble

falls into a slightly different civilian category.

Well, it is my call, General,

and it must be handled within the confines of the law.

The Hatfields have dug in on the West Virginia side of Tug Fork.

The McCoys are settled here in Kentucky.

Our jurisdiction extends only so far.

Legally.

Legally, our authority does not extend into West Virginia.

Legally.

What you'’re suggesting, Frank, is unlawful.

You cannot lead a raiding party into West Virginia

and snatch the Hatfields out of their beds.

It would never hold up in court.

You'’d find yourself on trial, and you would lose.

Don'’t be so sure about that, Governor.

The state of West Virginia has no love

for this sort of thing either,

and they are bona fide Unionists.

Now, Anderson Hatfield'’s Rebel gang

is a black eye on Governor Boreman'’s legacy.

I'’m not so sure he'’d take their side.

True, but state'’s rights are the issue here,

and I don'’t believe that Boreman would stand for Frank crossing the river

and kidnapping our suspects.

What do you have me to do, sir?

Ask them politely to turn themselves in?

I'’m assigning you a special agent to bring this matter to a close,

and I expect you to do that.

You head into Pike County, try to talk some sense into the McCoys.

If everybody stays on their side of Tug Fork,

we oughta be able to bring this matter to a quick end.

And if they do not? There are other means.

You will get an arrest warrant.

Governor.

General.

Are you almost done with your chores?

Almost. Why?

How would you like to make some money?

What I gotta do?

I want you to run this note over to Mr. McCoy'’s house.

McCoy'’s house? Why me?

Mr.McCoy would never tolerate me on his property, but I think you can do it.

Sure could. They'’d never even know I was there.

I want you to give it to their oldest daughter Roseanna.

I know her. I seen her in town before.

Here'’s a dollar. Now take off.

And hurry back.

Psst.

Over here. Who'’s that?

It'’s me, Tennyson.

Tennis? What are you doing here?

I got a message for you.

You do?

Johnse asked me to bring you this.

You may tell him I received it.

You'’d better get before your daddy misses you. Yes, ma'’am.

I'’m gettin'.

If it wasn'’t Devil Anse what done in Asa,

it was one of them others.

I reckon Jim Vance had a hand in this.

You think? More like it as not.

He'’s always hated us.

Asa being a Union soldier just give him the excuse he was looking for.

There were others there, too, Pa.

Asa was shot in the chest and the head,

so he wasn'’t an ambush from behind.

He faced his killers.

His gun had been fired.

There were tracks from three men.

It might not have been Devil Anse,

but it surely was some of them boys from his Wildcats.

Well, I'’m not one for standing around and waiting.

[muffled yelp]

Johnse.

Tennis says he gave you my note.

He did.

Well, what do you think?

I'’ve been waiting for you.

It'’s Friday night.

I know what day it is.

This is the night that that tavern over in Ransom'’s open late.

So? So...

a fella could use a drink after a long day like this.

I think I'’ll pass tonight.

Junior? Hell, yeah.

What was that? Pa?

Don'’t you be drinkin', Junior.

Oh, n-no, sir.

I'’m just gonna make sure Pharmer makes it back okay.

You gotta believe I never visited no harm to Asa or your folks.

I believe you, but it'’s not safe for you to come around here no more.

You must let me see you.

If we'’re discovered-- We won'’t be.

[twig breaks]

Alifair, get back to the house.

Well, thank you.

It'’s better than my ma's.

Alifair!

Alifair, where are you?

Roseanna!

I gotta go.

Stay out of sight.

I'’m here, Ma.

What are you doing?

I seen the shed door was open, and I feared something was wrong.

What was it?

It'’s nothing, Ma.

Nothing at all.

I guess Junior just didn'’t latch it proper.

Where y'’all headed?

Out.

Where'’s them off to at this hour?

They'’s off to take a drink in town.

With Junior?

He knows better. So do you.

Pa...

Leave me to my thoughts, daughter.

Mr. Hatfield!

Who'’s that?

We wanna talk to you.

You boys been waiting long?

Long enough.

My apologies.

The Hatfields don'’t run on your time schedule.

Baby brother'’s out kinda late, don'’t you think?

I ain'’t no baby, you rotten Hatfield bastard!

Got his daddy'’s manners, too, I see.

We know what happened between you and Asa.

The hell you do, McCoy.

What y'’all is looking to do is hang your Yankee shame on a body.

Anybody, as long as their name ain'’t McCoy.

You killed my brother.

Prove it.

You'’re gonna get what Asa got.

Gonna take all one and a half of you?

Shut up, Hatfield!

Just like a McCoy.

You'’re all a big man when a fella'’s got his back turned.

Hold him down! Hold him down!

That'’s enough!

[panting]

Let'’s get!

It'’s Ellison Hatfield! Somebody fetch a doctor quick!

He'’s still alive!

Whoa.

Elias, Valentine.

We came as soon as we heard.

How is he?

Tavern owner said it was Ran'’l's boys.

Pharmer and Ran'’l Junior.

Junior? He was the one with the knife.

How is Ellison still alive?

Oh, I reckon he'’s holding on long enough

to find out what his brothers are gonna do about this mess.

What are we gonna do, Anse?

Mr. McCoy!

Ran'’l McCoy!

Easy, folks.

You just stay right where you are.

I'’m Deputy Frank Phillips,

and I'’m duly appointed by the governor of Kentucky as a special agent.

Am I addressing Randall McCoy?

You are. What is your business?

I heard about what happened at the tavern last night.

I'’m here to tell you that it ain'’t over.

And how'’s that concern you?

The governor wants to put an end to all this bloodshed

between you and the Hatfields.

And it is my sworn task to see that this happens.

Y'’all stay in here.

You come with me.

Speak your peace.

Mr. McCoy,

the tavern owner and several eyewitnesses

have positively identified two of your boys

as bein'’ the men that attacked Ellison Hatfield last night.

He dead?

That I do not know, sir,

and I do not believe that I will be crossing state lines to find out.

What do you intend to do?

I'’m appealing to you.

Let me take your boys into the jail at Pikeville.

It will be safer, and it'’ll be safer for your family.

Safer?

How do you figure that?

Do you really want a war here?

Can you give me one good reason why my boys would want to go with you?

Because if they do not, you will all be killed.

Well...

maybe it is as you say.

For right now, anyway.

But you better be right, Mr. Phillips.

You can trust me.

I don'’t put no trust in the government.

Hold up there, Deputy. [cocks gun]

Don'’t even flinch.

Uncle Jim?

[laughs]

Yeah, I feel better now.

You are interfering in the official business of Kentucky.

I strongly suggest that you reconsider your actions.

Official business of Kentucky.

Well, boys, I guess we'’re in big trouble now.

You Hatfields?

Ask them. They know.

Enough of this jawin'’ and yappin'.

My leg'’s paining me.

Hog laid up on my leg, damn near killed me.

You have my sympathies.

Thank you.

Listen here, Mr. Lawman, we'’re gonna take these boys back to Logan County,

to the jail where they belong,

where true justice will be served.

What? I'’m sorry, but I have to disagree.

No need to apologize, mister.

Folks don'’t always have to agree.

We'’ll be leaving now.

You gonna let them do this, Deputy?

They'’s gonna kill us for sure!

Shut up, Junior.

Don'’t worry, boys.

We'’ll work this out.

You understand that I will reclaim my prisoners.

One way or another.

Let'’s go, McCoy! Move it up there, boy!

Governor ain'’t gonna like this one little bit.

Hyah! Hyah!

How'’s he doin'?

[sighs]

Doc says it would take the hand of God hisself to save him.

Mr. Phillips.

There was a problem.

A problem?

We ran into the Hatfields on the road,

and there were more of them than there were of us.

You let the Hatfields take my boys?

I didn'’t have a choice, Mr. McCoy.

My boys are as good as dead, thanks to you!

The governor has given me full authority--

You tell the governor to go to hell!

I'’ll do that, sir.

Dear God.

Dear God.

How long we gonna keep those killers tied up?

Till we get word about Ellison.

How long is that gonna be?

Don'’t rush your brother to the grave, boys.

He'’s a strong one.

If I was you boys,

I'’d be praying mighty hard that my brother pulls through.

Mighty hard.

[spits]

Devil Anse ought to be back at the house by now.

He don'’t ride so fast since he got that game leg.

You blame him, boy?

No, sir.

Poor ol'’ Ellison.

No wife to cry over him.

No young'’uns.

He'’s got family,

and that'’s honest-to-God blood.

And blood don'’t run.

Seems you'’ve made a right mess of things, Mr. Phillips.

I understand that, Governor,

but this is not a situation easily handled by a single man.

These families back in the hills,

they are not families as much as they are small armies.

Well, if you cannot handle this,

then General Burbridge will step in,

and then I really will have a war on my hands.

Well, perhaps, Governor, you--

Damn it, Frank, something needs to be done!

And it starts with getting the McCoys to the jail in Pikeville safely.

Easier said than done. Stop arguing with me!

I can'’t believe it. How could you let those Hatfields take your prisoners?

Is that what I pay you for?

No, sir.

Do something about this, Frank.

I don'’t care what it takes.

But, by God, do something.

Aye.

You'’re home.

How is he?

Not good.

He say anything?

He ain'’t never woke up.

I don'’t reckon he ever will.

Where'’s Uncle Jim and the others?

They'’s over at the Pliant farm.

How'’s your leg?

Ah, it held up.

Put Major in the barn.

Yes, sir.

Johnse.

Sir?

Thanks for asking about my leg.

I love you boys.

More than anything.

We know, Pa.

Doctor stop by?

He did.

And what'’d he say?

He asked how your leg was.

Anything else?

Not much else to say.

We got them McCoys that done this to you, Ellison.

Justice will be served,

and they will pay.

What are you gonna do, Anse?

Nothing more than what the law would'’ve done.

Brother Ellison,

if you can hear me,

you have my word, by God, these boys will pay.

He don'’t hear you, Anse.

He dead.

What'’s happened, Pa?

Your Uncle Ellison has died.

You go on over to the Pliant farm

and tell your uncles what'’s happened.

But-- You go on, son.

They'’re waiting for word.

Yes, sir.

Johnse.

Roseanna, what are you doing here?

Get back.

How'’s your Uncle Ell?

He'’s dead.

You can'’t let them kill my brothers, Johnse.

This is a matter for the law.

Which law? Kentucky law or West Virginia law?

What you Hatfields are doing is wrong.

It'’s murder.

I have to go tell my Uncle Jim. They'’re waitin' on me.

I gotta go tell '’em. Junior'’s not right in the head, and you know it.

You know it.

They killed my Uncle Ellison. It was two against one.

Barkeeper said Junior struck the first blow.

In the back.

Johnse, if you love me,

please just have mercy.

Just get '’em to Pikeville Jail.

Roseanna, I can'’t help you.

Please, please.

All right. I'’ll do what I can.

I take it Anse ain'’t up to riding any more today.

His heart is deeply saddened.

I imagine it is.

How'’s Ell?

Dead.

All right, then.

Uncle Jim, I know everyone'’s riled up,

for surely it was a cowardly act that killed Uncle Ell,

but stringing up them boys up ain'’t gonna help anything.

I'’m not quite sure I understand what it is you'’re trying to tell me.

I saying that maybe we should be breaking this chain of bloodshed

instead of adding to it.

And do what, Johnse?

Let '’em go? Set these killers loose?

No. Take '’em to the jail in Pikeville.

They'’ll try 'em and hang '’em if that'’s what they got comin'.

Pikeville.

Johnse, we dare show our faces in Pikeville,

we'’d be the ones they'’d be hanging, and you know that.

What is the matter with you, Johnse?

You sound more like a McCoy than a Hatfield.

Those boys killed your uncle, my brother.

Don'’t that mean nothin'’ to you?

Of course it does. It'’s just--

It'’s just nothing. Go get them boys.

Go on.

Uncle Jim...

Nephew,

you stay out of this for your own good.

I do not want to forget for one second that your Anse'’s boy.

Let'’s go for a walk, boys.

You can'’t do this, Vance! Least let Junior go!

Nephew...

stay here and tend the horses.

Cut '’em loose.

Go.

Cut '’em loose.

Boys, my nephew Johnse seems to think that breaking with tradition

might bring peace to this unhappy situation.

I can'’t say as I totally agree with him,

but...

on the other side of that creek

lies the great state of Kentucky.

If I was you...

I'’d get a move on before I change my mind.

Go on.

[screams]

I have been very fickle lately.

That'’s Roseanna McCoy.

Explains that gutless nephew of mine.

We can'’t tolerate any witnesses, brother.

Reckon it'’s as you say, Val.

We seen your girlfriend, Johnse.

Trouble is she seen us, too.

She won'’t tell.

The hell you say!

She won'’t! She won'’t...

if you go fetch her, bring her back here and talk to her.

Now go on. All right.

What you thinking, Uncle Jim?

I'’m thinking it's either her or us, boys.

Whoa.

I'’m sorry, Roseanna.

I thought I could change their minds.

Now they'’re gonna kill me, too.

That'’s not gonna happen. I won'’t let it.

[sobs]

I'’m a witness, Johnse.

That makes me good as dead.

You know I'’d never let anything happen to you.

I hardly have any family left.

We'’ve got to go.

We'’ve got to get away from here,

someplace where it doesn'’t matter what your name is,

doesn'’t matter who you are.

I can'’t.

I can'’t leave my folks now.

Roseanna, you'’re in danger. You said so yourself.

And if you wait any longer, you'’ll be a danger to your whole family.

Okay.

I'’m gonna pack my things and meet you out back later tonight.

Okay.

I love you, Roseanna McCoy.

I love you, Johnse Hatfield.

Howdy, Johnse.

Can you fill this for me?

You goin'’ somewhere, son?

Can you fill it for me or not?

Yeah, of course I can.

I didn'’t realize you were in such a hurry. Give me a minute.

Thank you.

Here you go, son.

Thank you, Mr. Curtis. Put it on my tab.

All right, Johnse. Sign here.

You sure she saw you?

Ain'’t no doubt about it, Anse.

And you'’re sure it was Ran'’l McCoy's girl.

She was a ways off, but it was her, all right.

Roseanna McCoy.

And your boy Johnse, he gone all sweet on her.

That ain'’t a good relationship, Anse.

This ain'’t right, a Hatfield and a McCoy.

Poor choice of romance.

Johnse home yet?

No. He was supposed to...

go after that McCoy girl,

see if he could talk some sense into her.

That is, if he could.

Wonder where he is.

You don'’t, uh...

You don'’t think he's siding with the McCoys, do you?

What kind of talk is that, Uncle Jim?

Ain'’t no way he'd go against his own kin.

I don'’t mean to imply nothin'’, Anse.

It'’s just that when affairs of the heart come into play,

a young buck like Johnse is likely to get confused.

And then loyalties can be divided.

The boy'’s not here, is he?

Johnse'’ll be home soon. You'’ll see.

You sit quiet, son.

Yes, Pa, but Johnse will be back. I know it.

So, what is to be done?

I reckon we'’re gonna have to pay old Ran'’l a visit,

finish this business off once and for all.

I'’m sure he's heard about his sons by now.

He gonna be blood crazy.

Best we get him first.

They'’ll be rounding up all their relatives. Mm-hmm.

Could be quite a gang of them.

That'’s right.

Them McCoys will breed with anything.

Which is why we have to hit them before they have time to sound the alarm.

Yeah.

But by God, if any of you shoot my son Johnse...

Like you said, Anse,

Johnse would never side with the McCoys.

So you got nothing to worry about.

You can'’t outgun 'em.

There'’s too many of 'em.

I don'’t plan to outgun them, Sarry.

I plan to out-kill '’em.

And how you gonna do that?

You gonna sneak up on '’em in the dark?

I don'’t think you understand.

The Hatfields are coming for us.

We'’re gonna have to hit '’em on the road.

Catch '’em off guard if we can.

It'’s the only hope we got.

I put the word out.

Cousins Jeff and Paris are rounding up a few boys.

We should meet up with them directly.

That'’s good.

We gotta even up the score for your brothers.

I would kill every one of those Hatfields if I could.

God willing.

God willing.

Whoa.

Goin'’ somewhere, Johnse?

Yes, Ma, I am.

You runnin'’ off with that McCoy gal?

Yeah.

Better that than dead, I reckon.

I gotta get away from all this killing.

And I got to get Roseanna away, too.

Soon one of these feuding families won'’t even exist anymore.

Just be an foundation where a house used to sit

and a graveyard full of crosses.

I won'’t let us become those crosses.

Then you better hurry, boy, because...

Pa and his brothers are headed over to the McCoy farm.

Take it.

Take care. Okay.

Pa'’s leg will keep 'em off the wagon roads.

I might can catch '’em if I cut over the hill.

Good-bye, Ma.

[sobs]

God bless you, Johnse.

[twig snaps]

[gunshot]

[screaming]

Alifair!

Ran'’l! Tolbert!

Come on, honey. Come on, come on.

[gunshot]

Jim!

Alifair.

Mmm... Ma...

Ma...

Mama.

Mama'’s here.

[gunshot]

[gunshots continue]

Elias, torch '’em!

[thud] Damn.

That oughta burn '’em out!

Anse, I'’m gonna flank 'em! Y'’all cover me!

Don'’t let no one get away!

Thank God, you'’re safe. Johnse, they'’re aiming to kill everybody!

You know I can'’t stop it.

They hate each other too much to back down now.

They won'’t be happy till they'’re all dead.

We can'’t run away now. What else can we do?

You can stand up and fight like a man, boy.

That'’s what you can do.

Stand aside, Uncle Jim. We'’re leaving.

We won'’t be a part of this killing.

I'’m sorry, nephew,

but I cannot allow you and your little witness there

to go off telling folks what you done seen.

You gonna stop us?

Hell, boy, you'’re a traitor.

You'’re a disgrace to me and to your entire damn family.

Your daddy would be a whole lot better off

without a traitorous coward like you around.

I reckon one of them rotten McCoys near done found you back here

and, uh... shot you both dead.

Now that'’s what I reckon.

[click] Hell.

[click] God damn! Damn! Damn!

Run!

Go on, get out.

[groans] Go to hell!

Aagh!

Johnse!

Damn, boy. I did not think

you would actually go and shoot your old Uncle Jim.

Damn.

This little lady of yours here,

can'’t allow her to go birthin'’ no more of them little McCoy bastards,

so we'’re gonna have to finish this right here...

and now.

[Anse] It is finished.

Devil.

Where'’s ol' Ran'’l?

Ran'’l and Tolbert got out the back.

You were supposed to stop them.

What are you doing here?

Well...

You know how it is, Anse.

You remember what I told you?

Hmm.

Where was you goin'’, son?

Away.

As far as I could.

Away from the McCoys.

Away from the Hatfields.

Are you sure you want to cut out on your family like that?

I have to.

All right.

Pa!

Yeah?

Take care of that leg.

I will.

Let'’s get out of here.

Where'’s Uncle Jim?

Ran'’l must've shot him when he snuck out the back.

Got Elias, too.

We better fetch '’em out.

Can'’t leave anybody behind.

Bring '’em back to the house.

So, this feud with the families has finally come to a head.

Yes, sir, and it was a massacre.

McCoy'’s house was burnt to the ground,

his wife and his daughter was shot dead,

and two of his boys were executed on the banks of Tug Fork.

How many McCoys are there left?

Just Ran'’l and his son Tolbert,

but they got a slew of relatives.

Enough to keepthis thing going? More than enough.

Frank, we need to bring these people to trial.

That'’s not the answer, Governor.

We need to form a troop of soldiers

and take '’em out by force.

There has to be another way. This is not a military matter.

It is now.

I'’m gonna assemble the men,

and we'’ll move out in the morning.

I forbid it.

You what?

There are some men at the door. Soldiers.

Thank you.

[scoffs]

General Burbridge,

it seems that you have been relieved of your command.

What?

This is preposterous! They can'’t do this!

I believe you have an army escort waiting for you at the door.

Good day, sir.

You'’ll be sorry for this.

Good day, sir.

Congratulations, Governor.

Well, it had to happen sooner or later.

Now, as far as this other matter goes,

I want it taken care of as soon as possible.

Well, that, sir, is gonna require me crossing into West Virginia.

I don'’t care anymore. Just do whatever it takes.

Thank you.

Frank...

you bring '’em in one way or another.

One way or another.

Well! [chuckles]

You must be hungry, child.

Let me fix you something to eat.

Thank you, ma'’am.

Come this way.

Tennis, help me in the kitchen.

Watch your step, child.

Ssst! Ssst!

"Train up a child in the way he should go when he is young,

and even when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Welcome home, son.