Original subtitles

There they are, Judge. Thought you'd wanna see this for yourself.

Jim.

Oh.Oh, it's him, all right.

The lord of the manor. [ Chuckles ]

I'd know his kind if I met him on the face of the moon.

Well, what do you want?

Morning. My name is Garth.

And mine is Dolan. James Aloysius Dolan.

Naturalized citizen in good standing with these United States.

Well, Mr. Dolan, as a good citizen,

I'm sure you'll understand when I point out...

that this valley isn't available for homesteading.

[ Dolan ] These are public lands. And whoever said I was homesteading?

This acreage is under lease.

There are a number of ranchers in this area.

You don't tell me.

As far as farming is concerned, I should point out that the soil is unsuitable.

Oh. I suppose you think we'd do better to go back to New York City...

and do our farming on the Bowery maybe?

Probably do just as well there as trying to farm this land.

I see. So it's not for us, but exactly right for your cows, is that it?

I know what I'm talking about, Mr. Dolan.

For the sake of your family, I'd like to advise you.

You'll be looking out for my interests, will you, Mr. Garth,

when there's kingdoms in Europe not half the size of the land...

you've got just for feeding these cattle of yours?

Well, let me tell you something right now.

When those same miserable cows are beefsteak, long gone and forgotten,

I'll still be here protecting the land that God intended for us all.

And now I say this to you just once--

take that hired assassin of yours and get off my land!

I had hoped to discuss this like reasonable people.

Reasonable, is it?Jim. Please. Don't.

When I do come back, Mrs. Dolan,

I'm afraid it'll be with a court order.

Oh. So we own the courts around here as well, I take it.

Well, we'll see about that, Mr. Garth. And I'll be ready for you.

I'll be here and waitin' for you, anytime at all.

Should you have spoken that way to him, Jim?

It's not like we were in New York where we have friends.

What do you mean? We got all the friends we need.

We got Matt Cosgrove, haven't we?

Are you gonna take that fella's word against Honest Matt's?

All of a sudden that whole bunch of 'em in that one spot. Why?

I'd like to know the answer to that myself.

I've got to hand it to you, Judge, for the way you acted back there just now.

Why, 'cause I took that abuse from James Aloysius Dolan?

You can only go so far with a man...

who acts as though he's got the Lord and all his angels on his side.

He sure believes he's got somebody on his side.

When's the last time I had the lease checked on this land?

I don't know. Barney Wingate was handling it for all the outfits.

Well--

Come on, you lazy thing. Get up there. Come on. Go.

Whoa! Whoa!

Oh! [ Sneezes ]

Oh, if you weren't in uniform!

Oh, I-I didn't mean it.

Wait here, Sergeant. Come on. Yes, sir.

My apologies, miss.Thank you.

It was thoughtless of my men and me to ride by so fast.

It's quite all right. There's no harm done.

Well, that's very reassuring.

Good day, miss.Good day.

Looks like the lease on that land expired better than two months ago.

There you are, Judge.

That's supposed to be renewed automatically. It always was before.

I know, but an order come through canceling that kind of renewal.

Right from Washington. I thought you knew.

Oh, how could we know? Nobody informed us.I was away when this happened--

Did you hear anything about this?Not a word.

Who sent that order from Washington?The Federal Land Office, sir.

And just where does the Federal Land Office expect us to graze our herds this winter?

I'm sorry, Mr. Wingate. I'm just a clerk here.

These people out there now-- these settlers--

have they got some kind of leases on the land?Well, I've got no record of it.

I'm afraid your only chance is to contact Washington.

Thanks.

Well, I'm sorry, Henry. I should have kept on top of that renewal.

Well, I never expected, after all these years--

Nobody did. It's not your fault.

Well, I'll check around tomorrow,

see if Evans or the others know anything about it.

Uh, raise yours up a little.

Come on. I'll drive you back to Shiloh.

Wait a minute.

Hold it there. That's fine.

Say, who's paying you to put that up?

Ray Harris. The paper. Why?

I don't know yet.

[ Wingate ] What's that all about? Who's Congressman Cosgrove?

Matt Cosgrove is the biggest windbag this country's produced...

since the hot-air balloon went up at the Saint Louis fair.

Well, what's he coming out here for?

That's what I'm going to find out.

[ Man ] Final total will be around 200.

200 families? Well, that's right, Henry.

On 10,000 acres. Fifty acres apiece.

That's how Cosgrove set it up.

But see for yourself.

Harry, hand me one of those, will you?

Thank you.

"Arrival in town on Friday of Congressman Matthew J. Cosgrove of New York...

"will mark the beginning of a three-day celebration in Medicine Bow.

"Accompanying the congressman will be the second contingent...

"of what'll eventually come to a total of 200 New York families...

who are to settle in this area."

How come nobody knew about this?

Well, I just found out myself this morning.

He certainly knows how to keep the news under wraps until just the right time.

I'll say that for your friend Cosgrove.My friend?

Oh, yes, Henry. Uh, that's in there too.

What?

"Congressman Cosgrove is proud to be a longtime friend...

"of one of Medicine Bow's most distinguished citizens.

"He and Judge Henry Garth read law together...

"in Springfield, Ohio...

"30 years ago.

"In fact, it was during a visit with Judge Garth at Shiloh last year...

"that the congressman conceived the idea...

of resettling worthy families from the crowded city in this"--

- Ray, if you print one word of this-- - It's already printed.

Uh, don't tell me you're censoring news now, Henry.

News? You call this news? I do.

It means that the population around here will increase substantially at one fell swoop.

Now, that's important to this paper, Henry.

It's important to every merchant in this town.

And not only that. This entire project is real copy.

And not just here.

Well, I heard that the United Press is sending a man clear from Denver...

just to cover the story.Ray, those people don't know Matt Cosgrove. I do.

Well, they'll know him a lot better...

when my committee and I get through, believe me.

Oh, uh, by the way,

starting tonight, there'll be free drinks for everyone at the saloon,

compliments of Matthew J. Cosgrove.

Just in case you're interested.

I'll see you there, will I?You--

Oh, come on.

Well, what do you think we can do about it?

I don't know. That's gonna be a problem.

That man believes what he hears himself say.

Unfortunately, so does his constituents.

Sergeant, you and the boys have a beer on me. I'll join you later.

Yes, sir.

Oh. Good day, sir.

Do you have an Ownie Francis registered here?

Yes, sir. Congressman Cosgrove's administrative assistant.

Room 7. Head of the stairs and to your right.

Thanks.Yes, sir.

[ Knocking ]

The door's always open.

Hello, Ownie.David.

Come in. Come in. You got my message.

I would've known you were here the first time I came into town. [ Laughs ]

"Welcome, Congressman Cosgrove."

How is Uncle Matt?

And what the devil is he doing in Medicine Bow anyway?

He's fine. And he's coming out here to officiate at a big resettlement deal.

200 families from the slums of New York...

to the grandeur of Wyoming,

where a man can breathe and take on a new life.

That doesn't sound like Uncle Matt--

transporting 200 voters 2,000 miles from the polls?

Ownie.

Well, we're doing it through the societies.

The Sons of Erin, the Italian-American fellowships and the German turnverein.

So, aside from the nobility of the idea,

for every vote we lose, we gain 20 more back home.I might have thought so.

And I also gather it's not just coincidence...

that I was ordered here from Laramie to repair a bridge...

that's good the way it stands for at least another 30 years--

a bridge over a stream, mind you, that I could just jump my horse across.

Well, I wouldn't be surprised if your uncle pulled a few strings...

to have you here in his hour of glory,

knowing how fond he is of you.

When does he get here? Day after tomorrow.

The leaders of the society came out ahead.

He's coming with part of the group.

Tell me. [ Clears Throat ]

What gave him the idea for this deal anyhow, and why here of all places?

Well, your uncle is a man of great vision, David.

I'm not a voter, Ownie. I'm family.

Well, he stopped by here last year on his way back from San Francisco...

and found out there was a great deal of land around owned by the government,

open to anybody who wanted to buy it.

So--I remember now.

And he stayed with an old friend of his.Judge Garth.

Judge Garth, who had a daughter.

Uh, Bessie. Bessie, I think he said her name was.

Ah, "the fairest flower on this side of Dublin," he called her.

"A girl with the twinkle of the devil in the eyes of an angel.

A girl who"--

Ownie, why am I sitting here quoting Uncle Matt?

Why don't I just go out and see for myself?

I wondered when that thought would occur to you.

After all, it's only polite for me to drop in on my uncle's old friend.

So long, Ownie. I'll see you the day after tomorrow when Uncle Matt gets into town.

So long, David.

[ Door Closes ]

Welcome, Congressman Cosgrove.

Well, hello.

H-Hello.

You're Miss Bessie Garth?Uh, Betsy. [ Laughs ]

Um, can I help you?

I'm Lieutenant O'Mara. David O'Mara.

My uncle, Congressman Cosgrove,

asked me to call to convey his personal respects to you and your father.

Oh, well, thank you.

And I'd also like to add my apologies again for that incident this morning.

Oh, that's all right.

Um, my father isn't home just now.

Oh, well, then perhaps I'd better come back.

We expect him anytime. Won't you come in and wait?

You're very kind. Thank you.

Here. Uh, let me take your hat.Thank you.

Uh, won't you have a seat, Lieutenant?

My uncle spoke most highly of his visit here.

We, uh-- We enjoyed having him. He's a very impressive man.

Yes, he certainly is.

Um, are you, uh-- are you stationed around here, Lieutenant?

Only temporary duty-- repairing a bridge.

Actually, my regular post is at Laramie.Oh.

I've only been there six months. It was my first assignment since I graduated from West Point.

- Oh, you went to West Point? - Yes. Have you ever visited there?

[ Laughs ] I'm afraid the farthest east I've ever been is Chicago.

Chicago. Well, Chicago's all right.

Only all right?

Oh, no. What I actually meant...

is that Chicago's great if you like it.

It just isn't New York.Oh.

Well, what's it like at West Point?

It's beautiful.No. I-I'm serious.

I'm being very serious.

The Hudson Valley in the spring of the year--

[ With Irish Accent ] is as green as Ireland and nearly as beautiful.

At least that's what my uncle says.[ Chuckles ]

But I can tell you for myself...

that when I look down from those great plains,

that river shines like something you've never seen before.

Look downfrom the plains?

Well, the plains of West Point are as flat as carpet, Miss Bessie.

Betsy.Oh. Betsy. I'm sorry.

Oh, that's all right. Bessie's a nice name too.

Oh, yes. Uh, where were we?

Oh. The plains of West Point are flat,

and yet they're high above the Hudson.

And then there are wooded areas...

and crooked paths that lead down to the river...

as steep as a cat's back.

I'd like to show it to you sometime.

I-- I-- I'd like to see it sometime.

[ Carriage Approaching ]

Oh. It's Daddy and Mr. Wingate.

Hello, Daddy.Betsy.

Thanks again, Barney. I'll see you later.

So long, Henry.

Daddy, this is Lieutenant O'Mara.

- Very happy to meet you, Lieutenant. - Thank you, sir.

It just so happens that you're an old, old friend of the lieutenant's uncle.

Oh. Lieutenant O'Mara did you say?

[ Betsy ] Guess who told him to come by and see us.

I haven't the slightest idea.

[ Knocking ]Come in.

Henry, I just thought of something else. See, with--

Oh. Excuse me, Betsy.

- [ Garth ] Lieutenant O'Mara, Barney Wingate. - It is my pleasure, sir.

Henry, if you're right about this fella Cosgrove,

and as you say he's nothing but an opportunist and a carpetbagging demagogue,

why don't we go over his head in Washington?

Now, I think I can get to Senator Bates in Colorado.

Well, I think you've got something there.

We'll talk about it.Good.

[ Clears Throat ]I'll go right to work on it.

Um-- Uh, Daddy, uh,

Lieutenant O'Mara is--

What your daughter is trying to say...

is that the opportunist and carpetbagging demagogue you have referred to...

happens to be my uncle.

Oh, well, uh,

I'm sorry, but, uh--

Well, those weren't the actual words I used.

But they represent, I presume, the spirit of your remarks?

[ Clears Throat ]Good day to you, sir. Miss Garth.

[ Laughing ] [ Horse Departing ]

Daddy, how could you?

Oh, well, I-- I, uh--

I-- [ Sighs ]

[ Door Opens, Closes ]

Daddy?

I thought you'd gone to bed.I couldn't sleep.

Are you busy?No, no. Come on. Sit down.

Um, about this afternoon--

Oh. [ Chuckles ]

Barney and I sure put our foot in it, didn't we?

[ Laughs ] Well, it wasn't your fault.

I guess I should have told you who the lieutenant was right away...

instead of trying to make a big surprise out of it.

Well, I'll try to be more tactful in the future,

even if I'm talking about Matt Cosgrove.

Daddy, is it true what Mr. Wingate said you said about him?

Well, maybe I did express myself a little strongly,

but he's wrong in bringing those people out here.

Won't he listen to you?

Cosgrove listens only to Matt Cosgrove.

Now, don't tell Lieutenant O'Mara I said that, will you?

I doubt if I'll ever see him again to tell him anything.

Oh, I think between the two of you, you'll patch things up.

Incidentally, he seems like an upstanding young man.

Yes, he does.

I'll, uh, let you know if I ever find out.

Good night, Daddy.Good night.

[ Clicking ]

C-O-M-P...

L-E-T-E-D.

"You and troop will join survey party Aspen Ridge when task there completed.

Major Kyle, commanding officer."

Reply: Message received and understood.

Will do. O'Mara.

Here. Send this.Yes, sir.

Oh. And have your men install double cross members...

in this area right here.Right, sir.

Oh. And be sure--

Morning.Good morning.

I'm, uh-- I was on my way from town.

Oh, I was not aware that this bridge was on the route from your father's house.

Is there something my men can do for you?

No, thank you. I--

- Lieutenant. - Yes?

I'm sorry about what happened yesterday.

So am I.

And I can understand your being angry at what you think my father said,

but remember, he didn't actually say it.

Oh? By that, you mean your father approves of my uncle?

And that man was wrong who I talked to in town last night...

that said that Judge Garth was leading the ranchers...

in trying to destroy my uncle's entire plan in Medicine Bow?

I didn't come here to be cross-examined, Lieutenant.

But I'm sure if my father's opposed to your Uncle Matt,

then your Uncle Matt is wrong this time.

That's a detached, impartial judgment if I ever heard one.

You know, it's obvious that they didn't teach you one thing at West Point, Lieutenant--

to be a gentleman.

Come on. [ Clicks Tongue ]

Hyah!

Hyah.

I guess enlisted men ain't supposed to have that kind of fun.

Tell me more about it, Johnson.

David.

Da--

[ Train Whistle Blows ]

Ownie! It's good to see you.

Hello, Matt. This is Mr. Harris, publisher of the local newspaper.

Well, I'm always glad to meet a member of the fourth estate.

Welcome to Medicine Bow, Congressman.Well, thank you, Mr. Harris.

And it's a pleasure to be back in your fair city.

Oh, hold it, please.Yeah. Now, just a minute. Just a minute. Uh--

Come on over here, fellas.

Here, Ownie. Yeah.

And now.

Ah, thank you. Thank you very much.

Well, excuse me, sir. I must go see to me constituents.

Well, folks, this is it--

the land of opportunity.

Now, it's been a long trip, and I know you all must be a little tired,

so I'm gonna turn you right over to me assistant, Mr. Ownie Francis.

He's made all the arrangements for you to have a nice, big supper and a cold stein of beer.

[ Laughs ] Ownie, they're all yours.

Right over there, folks. The wagons will take you out to the camp.

Make sure you have everything now.

Did you have a good trip?[ Man ] Yes, thank you.

[ Ownie ] And make sure you have everything.

All right, hurry up there, folks.

Get those wagons filled so we can get it going.

I must warn you, Congressman.

You're liable to run into some opposition here.

[ Laughs ] Ah, Mr. Harris,

every new and revolutionary idea from the beginning of time...

has been opposed by people of little minds and small vision.

But there's nothing they can do about it.

The land has been legally optioned.

And tomorrow at a gala celebration,

I'll collect the rest of the money from me constituents...

and give them the title to their lands.

You may quote me.I got a suite for you at the hotel, Matt.

Oh. Excuse me, sir.Yes, sir. Nice to have met you, Congressman.

Now maybe you'll tell me why me nephew didn't meet me here as I planned it.

Come along, Matt. They're waiting for you.

Come in.

Ah, with service like this...

and food like this, I don't think I'm ever gonna get well.

[ Sighs ] Is there anything else you need, Lieutenant?

Yes. A smile and a kind word.

[ Sighs ] I'm afraid you should have thought of that...

before you accused my father of behaving in an underhanded way against your uncle.

I never accused your father of being underhanded.

I only said he was in opposition to my uncle.

- Well, it seems to me-- - Look, Bessie--

- Betsy. - Betsy.

Why do I keep calling you Bessie?

You probably had a girl once named Bessie.

I've never gone out with a girl named Bessie or Tessie...

or anybody that even sounded like that.

Well, I'm afraid I'm not the least bit interested in what your girls' names were.

Betsy, please.

How long does it take a girl to forgive a man for losing his temper?

I'm speaking, of course, about a beautiful, intelligent girl...

who's the best cook and the gentlest nurse in all of Wyoming Territory.

[ Sighs ] And one who should feel ashamed for losing her temper?

[ Chuckles ] She said that. I didn't.

Let's make a bargain.

Your father and my uncle are grown-up men.

Let's let 'em fight their own battles. What do you say?

It's a deal. [ Laughs ]

Uh, eat your lunch.

[ Sighs ] [ Door Closes ]

I no sooner get off the train than I find out me nephew has been waylaid.

Now, where is he? What have you done with him? He hasn't been waylaid.

He fell off a horse.Now I know it has been foul play.

That boy wouldn't fall off a horse in a million years.

He tried to jump a fallen log, and the horse went down.

Instead of standing there shouting, you ought to be glad he came out of it...

with nothing worse than a concussion.A concussion you say?

- That's what the doctor says. - Ah, probably some country witch doctor...

I wouldn't trust to put a hot water bottle on the belly of a sick calf.

Now, I wanna see me nephew.Hello, Mr. Cosgrove.

Oh, Betsy, me gal.

You're still the fairest flower this side of Dublin.

Now, you tell me the truth. What happened to me nephew?

- Well, he was chasing me. - Chasing you? [ Chuckles ]

We had a-- a little disagreement.

About what? Oh, just about a difference of opinion.

And I got mad and rode away, and he tried to catch me.

And tried to jump a six-foot wall.

[ Laughs ] No. It was a little log that had fallen,

and his horse just couldn't make it.

Ah, these army horses. I got to talk to the War Department about this.

Hello, Uncle Matt. David.

I heard you yelling clear upstairs.

Well, well. Well, well. How do you feel?

Fine, fine. Just a little bump on the head, that's all.

Let me look at it. You sure you feel all right?

I could have gone back to my post two days ago,

but I wanted to wait around till Betsy got over being mad at me.

- Now you're satisfied? - No. Not till I make sure she's made up with him.

Good.

And I'd like to talk to you in there.

Sure.

Mr. Francis.

Could you, uh, really have gone home two days ago?

Yep. But I would have had a relapse.

As a matter of fact, I feel a little faint right--Uh-- Oh.

Feel faint?[ Chuckles ]

Riding over here, Ownie gave me the word.

Because I'm responsible for you and your rancher friends losing that grazing land,

you're calling me a vote-grabbin' scoundrel and a faithless friend.

You know any better definitions?Oh, I get your point.

I visit you during a cross-country trip,

you treat me royally, you show me your own private empire.

And what do I do? On a technicality, I take something away from you.

This is not my private empire, Matt.

Five other ranchers beside myself have been using this valley for winter grazing...

for the last 10 years.

Now you're gonna have to graze somewhere else.

A little farther away, and it may cost you money. Is that it?

Well, there are other lands available, Henry.

We made sure of that, didn't we, Ownie?

We checked the maps in Washington.

Maps? 2,000 miles away, and you can tell what's good grazing land?

You couldn't tell good grazing land if you rode over it.That's ridiculous.

Is it? This valley where you're planning to resettle those families,

what do you know about that land?

Well, you showed it to me yourself last year.

A great, green sweep of God's providence.

And much better for families to be sharing its richness than your cows.

Matt, this land is handsomely suited for successive crops of grass, suitable for grazing.

I'm sure that's not what your settlers had in mind.

What are you trying to say?

You put a plow to that land, and within two or three years,

every grain of topsoil will have blown away.

That's not true.

Look, Matt, have you gone to the trouble of getting a government report...

proving this land is suitable for farming?

Do you think for one minute we'd risk $40,000...

representing the work and sweat and prayerful hopes of 200 families...

without getting a report?

Who made it? The Agriculture people in Washington.

Who else? Arranged by Ownie here on my orders.

Tell him, Ownie.That's right.

Those experts approved the soil for farming?

A hundred percent, man. A hundred percent.

I suppose you've got copies of that report.

Well, not with me, of course.

Oh, so now it's proof he wants, is it?

Our word isn't good enough.

Look, Matt, I am concerned about losing this grazing land.

It'll work a hardship on all the ranchers,

especially if we have hard winters.

But we've managed to survive before, and we can do it again if we have to.

Well, then what's your problem?

At the moment, I'm more concerned about those families...

you're planning to move into that valley.

Oh, I can see that. Ownie, you hear that?

Proof he wants, and proof he'll get. Now, how long will it take?

Well, I can telegraph Washington.

By sometime tomorrow, we should have an answer.

Now, will that satisfy you and your cattlemen's organization?

I'll be interested in seeing it.

Well, you will. Well, now that we settled that,

are you gonna offer me a drink,

or you gonna keep me standing around here with me tongue hanging out?

Oh, I'm sorry. Mr. Francis?

No, thank you. Ownie doesn't drink, smoke or chase women.

[ Chuckles ] He leaves all the vices to me while he does all the work.

I sometimes wonder what fun he gets out of life.

Well, here's to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

[ Chuckles ] That makes this a patriotic duty.

Well-- [ Coughing ] back to me constituents.

There's a lot to be done.

You won't forget that report?

Don't worry. I'm not trying to fool anyone.

You shall see it.

Oh. Pull up, Matt.

Whoa, boy. Whoa, boy!

I wanna send a wire to Washington to verify that report for your friend Garth.

I'll see you at the hotel.All right.

Come along now. Come along.

That's a boy.

[ Telegraph Clicking ]

Be right with you.

Well, how do you like that?

He's already got 10 words and he put on "Love, love, love."

Now, there's a man that's really in love. What can I do for you?

Any messages for Congressman Cosgrove?

Oh, that's right. You're that man of his.

I've told you before.

I'm his administrative assistant.

That's what I mean. Sure.

Here's three more of them. Three. All from New York.

He sure is a busy man, isn't he?

One could say that.

Do you have a few spare forms?

The congressman prefers to write his own answers.Sure thing.

What time is the big shindig?At 11:00.

Great. That means I can make it. Eastbound is due just at 11:00.

Well, if the train's due at 11:00, how could you possibly--

Due at 11:00, hope for noon and count on 2:00.

[ Laughs ] Real dependable that way.

So long.

[ Door Closes ]

[ Clicking ]

[ Knocking ]

Just a minute.

Come in.

Ah. It's only you, Ownie. Did you get the wire off?

Yes. And these were waiting there for you.

Well, what are they about?

You know, you've done a good job here, Ownie.

Ah, but you always do.

Are they important?

Well, there's two job requests,

and an invitation to speak at a testimonial dinner...

for Senator Fredereici on Columbus Day.

Oh, so it's the Senator Fredereici now, is it?

Well, I'll be happy to say a few well-chosen words about the good senator.

But I'll expect him to repay the compliment on St. Patrick's Day.

How about the jobs? Are they-- Are they registered voters?

I'll check on it.

You know, it makes a man proud, Ownie.

They say pride is a sin, but I think a man has a right to be pleased...

if he's done something good.

Not for himself or his career, but really good.

Ah, we make a great team, Ownie.

How many years has it been now? Fifteen?Eighteen.

Like I always said, you're the man for the details.

[ Laughs ]

Oh, Ownie, we've come a long way.

From precinct captain to Congress.

That's a lot of mileage, Ownie. A lot of mileage.

[ Chuckles ] Well, you better get back to work.

Answer those telegrams be-before I start crying in me beer.

All right. See you later.

[ Door Closes ]

Ah, well.

Daddy? Mr. Wingate is here to see you.

Oh, tell him to come in.Thank you, Betsy.

Henry, I just got hold of something I think will stop 'em. Look at this.

"Go West Wise Men-- Congressman Cosgrove provides a way.

"You can have a farm like this.

Successful Wyoming farmer tells how."

- Where'd you get this? - I got it from one of the new settlers.

An Italian fella. I was trying to tell him about the soil.

He called me a liar and he handed me this. Look at that picture.

"Successful farm of Carl Stoner. Medicine Bow Valley."

Carl Stoner. He had that place above Earl's Crossing.

- Well, he gave up two years ago. - That's what I mean.

Well, this is supposed to be a picture of his farm?

Wait till you hear Stoner's testimonial.

"Richest farmland in America."

Let's go.

Where, to see Cosgrove?Oh, no. That wouldn't do any good.

Cosgrove has something in common with all spellbinders-- they never listen.

Well, we'll go see some people that will. At least I hope they will.

Now, before we go over this rise, I wanna thank you gentlemen...

for coming out here with me.

Never mind the blarney, man. Show us what you're going to show us.

There's no need to make all of this talk. You just show us.

Ja. We have family waiting.

Well, I'm gonna show you the actual farm of Carl Stoner,

after he tried to farm it for three years.

Hyah!

It's a lie.This is not the same place.

I assure you it is.

You don't want us here. For cattle you want land. So you lie.

Now, listen, mister. [ Carriage Approaches ]

Hyah!

Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa.

So it's a truce we have, is it, Henry?

And this is the way you fulfill it.

Trying to ruin me whole project by going behind me back...

instead of coming to me with whatever lie you have to tell.

If I'd come to you, I'd have gone behind their backs, the people most concerned.

I figured they had a right to see what Carl Stoner's place was really like.

Well, that's not the place. It can't be.

It can be, and it is.

I knew Carl Stoner well.

He worked this place hard for three years, and this is the result.

I don't know what kind of grim joke he had in mind,

but if he said his farm was anything like this picture, he lied.

In fact, I don't know of any farm like this within 500 miles of here.

Well, if this is Carl Stoner's farm, which I personally disbelieve,

any farm can go to pot if it's left too long.

Not like this, Matt.

Now, I'm talking to me constituents, Judge Garth, if you please.

What I was about to say is this is not the land we're settling on.

Our land is approved land. Ownie, bring me the telegram.

Dolan, you read it.Right.

"Records indicate tests made by government experts...

"show soil of selected area ideal for farming purposes.

Jameson, the Department of Agriculture."

Now maybe you'll stop interfering.

Come on, gentlemen. Let's get back.

We have business to attend to.

If you don't mind, sir. Thank you.

♪♪ [ Fanfare ]

♪♪ [ Ends ]Ah, that was beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

A fine bunch of lads you are.

Uh, Congressman, may I have a picture, please?

We're always glad to please any members of the press.

Step right along here. We've got to let the folks see at home...

that we're doing our job.All right, hold it, please.

[ Cosgrove Laughs ] Thank you, thank you, thank you.

That was very nice of you, me lad.

Only be sure you spell the names right.

[ All Laughing ]

Here you are, Matt.Ah, thank you, Ownie.

Well, here's to you.

Now, me good friends, old and new,

we come to a glorious occasion--

an event that marks the fulfillment of a thousand dreams...

and a dawn of a magnificent tomorrow.

[ Cheering ]

Oh, Daddy, now you have to admit it is exciting.

[ Cosgrove ] ...owning your own land and reaping the abundance--

Uncle Matt's doing great, isn't he?

I know. We were just discussing it.

Uh, Betsy, I hear there's a street dance later.Yes, I know.

And all your dances are spoken for as of now.

Oh. Thanks for telling me.Anytime.

And, uh, afterwards, we could, uh--Uh-- Uh, David,

your Uncle Matt is making history, and you're not paying any attention to him.

[ Cosgrove ] ...that we all share together this wonderful day.

Come on up, fellas.

Ah, James.

Ah, the money handed me here now by me good friend James Dolan...

of the Sons of Erin--

$10,000.

It marks the final payment to their portion of the new land...

purchased by those worthy sons of Ireland...

from my district in New York who are coming out here to Medicine Bow.

James, me lad, say a few words.

Well, I, uh-- Now, just-just a minute.

That James is a smart one. He came out here early...

so he could get the best land for himself.

[ All Laughing ]All right, all right, now, ladies and gents.

I'm no golden-tongued orator like, uh, Honest Matt here. [ Chuckles ]

But there's a few things I'd like to say to you.

All you Italian and German fellas,

now you can all bring your families over here and welcome to.

But I'd just like to point out to you...

that we Irishers already have a name for that valley.

Yep. New Erin we're going to call it.

That's right. New Erin.

And any man or woman that don't agree had better stay in New York.

[ Cheering ]♪♪ [ Fanfare ]

And now,

representing the sons of the German fatherland from my district,

Mr. Hans Jungman. [ Applause, Cheers ]

[ Crowd Murmuring ]

I am proud to receive the contribution of Hans Jungman.

Oh, Judge Garth?Hmm?

Been lookin' for you. Here's your answer to that telegram you sent to Washington.

Thanks, Joe.

That Cosgrove fellow sure puts on a show, don't he?

That he does.

[ Cosgrove ] Hans says he doesn't want to make a speech.

Well, you can tell that this man will never run for public office.

Joe, you remember the telegram came from Washington yesterday for Mr. Francis?

Yesterday? Mr. Francis?

I don't remember anything coming from Washington for him.

Oh, well, maybe it was addressed to the congressman. I don't remember.

Don't matter. Nothing came from Washington for either of them.

You sure?

Well, I keep carbons of all the messages. Wanna take a look?

Yeah, I'd like to.

Well, this should certainly entitle you to a few words.

We fellas from Italy will raise the grapes...

to make the best wine you ever tasted.

We make these Irish and German fellas drunk with envy.

Anyway, we make them drunk, ah?

[ Laughing ] [ Cheering ]

Here it is, folks--

the hopes and dreams of as fine a bunch of people...

as ever drew the breath of life.

And you know right now where that money's going?

Into the Matthew J. Cosgrove National Bank.

In other words, it'll be turned over to Mr. Ownie Francis who will count it.

That's just in case a few of you fellas overpaid.

And then we'll give you a receipt.

The entire 40,000 blessed American dollars...

will stay right there in the hotel safe...

until the bank opens Monday morning.

Then we will complete the transactions,

and we'll give each and every one of you the deed to your plot of land.

Now, uh, Sheriff.

Would you mind escortin' Ownie up to his room so he can count the money?

Not that we mistrust him, but-- [ Chuckles ]

That's liable to be the last we see of either one of them.

[ All Laughing ]

Well, come on now. Strike up the band and break out the keg.

Come on, everybody. Have a drink. Come on now.

What's he wanna go through all this rigamarole for?

Why doesn't he just put the money in the bank in New York and have a draft made up?

You'd never make a politician, Sheriff.

You do things the easy way-- no flair for publicity.

That's no way to get your picture in the paper.

Nobody takes pictures of a bank draft.

This way you'll see Matt on page one on every paper in the country.

Nope. Still don't like it-- announcing to everybody in town where the money's gonna be.

You know, you can open that safe downstairs with a hammer and a screwdriver.

And I don't feel like sitting up all night...

to see that somebody doesn't try.

No need to. The money won't be in the safe. Here.

The congressman's got big ideas,

but he isn't always the most practical man in the world.

Only you and I will know where the money really is.

So let them get out their little hammers.

The money will be right here in this bag until the bank opens tomorrow.

How about that?

Nope. Just like I said.

No telegram from Washington.

That's funny.

Think he could have gotten hold of a blank form?Sure.

As a matter of fact, he asked me for some the other day.

Said he wanted to take 'em to the congressman to fill out.

I guess Cosgrove was too busy to come here himself.

Thanks, Joe.Sure.

We'll just let the congressman go on talking about the safe.

We'll both sleep better tonight.

Oh, you figured it this way all along.

That's my job.

He does the talking, and I make it work.

Well, that ought to do it.

I'll put these in a suitcase.

There we are.

Oh.

I better put some weight in this.

That's better. Ready, Sheriff?

[ Laughs ] Oh, it's a great day.

Bravo, Matt! Bravo! [ Laughing ]

Now, hold it. Ho-Hold it right where you are.

Now, remember this day, gentlemen.

It shows that the spirit of true pioneering still lives...

in this great country of ours--

pioneering based on the faith of simple people.

Give me the box.

It allchecks.

Now, no one but you knows the combination of this safe, sir?

That's right.Then I suppose we can all sleep tonight.

Here are the receipts, Matt.Oh.

And now here's for your group and for your group.

- And for yours. - Grazie.

[ Laughing ] Now, who besides me can do with a beer?

Well, I can use one.Oh, Henry. You're just in time.

Matt, I've got to talk to you-- you and Ownie.

Oh, what is it now, man? Can't you see there's a celebration going on?

That celebration can wait. This is important.

All right, but don't take long.

I want Ownie there too.Well, there's Ownie.

Now, if this is another scheme to stop--

All right, let's go upstairs.

♪♪ [ March ]

[ Shouting, Indistinct ]

Close the door, Ownie.Sure, Matt.

Henry, would you mind telling me why you insisted on dragging me away from--

No speeches, Matt. This telegram arrived from Washington.

Ah, this is a mistake. You saw the telegram Ownie got.

He never got a telegram.What are you talking about? I read it.

- He wrote it himself. - Now, see here.

I just came from the telegraph office.

No message arrived from Washington for either you or Matt.

But you did take some blank forms.

Ah. Tell him he's lyin', Ownie.

Oh, it's no use, Matt. I can prove it.

Well, aren't you gonna deny it? Aren't you gonna deny it?

Take your hands off me.

Well, now, what is this all about? Tell me what you've done.

[ Ownie ] I saved you from making a fool of yourself.

At least I tried.What are you talking about?

We had the soil checked a long time ago.

Sure we did. Only you couldn't wait for the answer.

By the time it came, you had already been making speeches all over town...

about the bright new future.

Well, you mean--

Th-Th-The land is no good?

Not for farming.

Well, what about Stoner's farm and the affidavit we got from him?

That affidavit cost me $500 when he wrote me...

threatening to expose the whole deal.

Oh. And you just let me go on believin' in it.

You believed whatever you wanted to believe.

By the time I knew better, you were so far out on a limb,

you would have been the laughingstock of New York if you had had to call it off.

Now, just how did you think you were gonna turn bad soil into good...

once they started farming it?

It'd take two or three years to find that out.

And by that time, Matt would have had a dozen other projects going.

So that's what you thought I wanted to do...

was to fool the people and bring 'em out here under false pretenses?

Oh, don't get holy with me, Matt.

I know you too well for that.

Get out of here.

Get out of me sight, you.

Sure.

Sure. I'll go.

You're through anyway. I don't wanna stay hooked up with a loser.

Well, so long, Matt. Take care of yourself.

If you can.

♪♪ [ Continues ]

You know, he's right.

I amthrough.

[ Sighs ] I'm sorry, Matt.

I really did think it was a good thing.

You believe me, don't you?

Yes, I do.

[ Sighs ]

How am I gonna tell them?

- Want me to tell 'em? - No.

I got myself into it. I'll-- I'll take care of it.

You know, Henry,

I made a lot of speeches,

and I used to enjoy it.

I won't enjoy this one.

There's one thing good about it though.

I won't have to make another one--

not after the buzzards get through with me.

Henry, would you mind leaving me alone for a minute...

so I can collect meself?

Besides, it's, uh--

it wouldn't be nice to spoil their fun until the beer is gone.

I'll wait downstairs.

♪♪ [ Ends ]

[ Train Whistle Blows ]

[ Bell Ringing ]

[ Whistle Blowing ]

Thank you. Thank you very much.

[ Breathing Heavily ]

Good afternoon, sir.Good afternoon.

- Do you have a ticket? - I'm sorry. I was in too much of a hurry.

- Well, what's your destination? - Uh, first stop.

Well, that would be, uh, Carbon Junction.

Just a moment, please.

Carbon Junction. Uh, 14.23.

Oh. 14--

[ Breathing Heavily ]

Oh. I must have packed my money in my suitcase. I'll get it out for you.

Here we are.Thank you, sir.

I'll get your change.

Well, I suppose I might as well get it over with.

Give me the money box out of the safe, please.

Now? I thought you didn't want it until--

The plans have been changed.

Yes, sir.

[ Safe Dial Turning ]

Sir?

Oh, thank you.

Would you hold it for me until I get them quieted down?

Excuse me. Congressman, come join the party.

Come on and dance. Make way, everybody.No.

We're going to dance.

Tell them to stop the music.Sure thing, Congressman. All right, friends!

You heard the great man. Stop the music now.

The congressman wants to say a few words.[ Laughing ]

Ladies and gentlemen,

there's something I-I'd like to say to you.

It's been said that Matt Cosgrove likes to hear the sound of his own voice.

You tell 'em, Matt. [ Laughing ]

Well, that may have been true in the past,

but not today.

I wish I didn't,

and I wish you didn't have to hear what I'm about to tell you.

[ Crowd Murmuring ]

I was wrong about the land.

I just learned from the government experts that's it no good for farming,

and that you'd starve within two years.

- No. No. - [ Crowd Murmuring ]

[ Cosgrove ] I brought you out here without knowing all the facts.

Well, the fault is really mine.

But you'll-- you'll all get your money back.

And I'll pay your fare back to New York out of me own pocket.

What are you saying, man?

I'm saying I let you down.

I let you down, all of you!

[ Crowd Murmuring ]

Dolan.

You and Dominic and Hans distribute this money back to your own people.

What kind of an April Fool trick is this?

There was never any money in it.

Ownie Francis left it in his room for safekeeping.

I'll get it.

I-- I don't understand what it's all about.

Me too. I don't understand. First you say come out, and then you say it's no good.

Well, I'm sorry, Dominic. There's nothing else I can tell you except I was wrong.

Uncle Matt?

Ah, David, I-- I'm sorry you were here.

A man hates to look like a fool in front of his family.

Your uncle trusted the wrong man.

That's not the first time something like that's happened.

Ownie. Well, why isn't he here?

I fired him.It's gone. And so is Ownie.

He packed up and left.He's gone?

With our money? That's right.

Where is he? Where did he go?

I don't know.The only way to leave town is by train.

Well, that left an hour ago.We can wire Carbon Junction,

have the sheriff pick him up there.

You better hope we catch him.

Jim.

[ Chattering ]

The line's been dead since the train left. The wires must be down...

somewhere between here and the junction.

You got troubles too, Sheriff?It's a matter of money and Mr. Francis.

He must have cut the wires.

If he makes it to Carbon Junction, he could take a lot of finding.

Well, isn't there anything you can do?

I have to send a crew out, find out what the trouble is and fix it.

That's not good enough.Can you think of something else?

[ Clicking ]

[ Clicking Continues ]

I doubt if he'll stay on the train past the junction.

So what does that prove?Oh, it doesn't prove anything.

I'm just guessing he'll make himself scarce if he gets that far.

How do we know that they're not in it together?

I don't blame you, Dominic.

There's no reason for you to believe me.

What time does the train get into the junction?About 5:00.

Well, uh, couldn't you try it again?

[ Clicking ]

- Sergeant. Corporal. - Yes, sir.

Get on the heliograph. See if you can raise Aspen Ridge.Yes, sir.

What's the trouble, Lieutenant?I'll explain to you later.

He's got it. Send this message.

Dispatch all available men immediately to--Please, Lieutenant. Not so fast.

Dispatch... available men...

immediately--

[ Train Whistle Blowing ]

Hey, conductor?Yes?

What time did you say we'll get to Carbon Junction?

Same as I told you 10 minutes ago. 5:00.

Uh, tell me. Can I get a rig there?

Oh, I guess so. It isn't a big place,

but they've probably got a livery stable.

[ Train Whistle Blowing ]

- What are we slowing down for? - Well, I don't know.

Uh, maybe there's a cow on the tracks.

They sure don't give a hoot for our schedules. [ Chuckles ]

[ Wheels Squeaking ]

[ Clicking ]

That train must be at the junction by now.

He made it.

You wanna let me know when you can get through, Joe?

Sure.

I oughta walk you back to the hotel in case there's any trouble outside.

There won't be. They're good people.

Mm-hmm. Well, I've seen good people turn into mobs before.

[ Crowd Murmuring ]

Folks, the train's reached the junction.

[ Train Whistle Blowing ]

Daddy.

[ Speaking Italian ][ Speaking German ]

At least we've got our money.

[ Dominic ] Hey, Mr. Congressman. Here. Alberto Albertini.

I think he was a cobbler in the old country.

You know. A shoemaker, shoemaker.

You think he was a cobbler in the old country?

A shoemaker, shoemaker. Well, thinking is not enough.

And you fellas too, now, get this straight.

We're not bringing any man or his family out here...

until we're positive there's a job he can do in the town,

or enough of the right kind of land for them to farm.

Matt? Yes, Henry.

Mr. Jungman says that three of his people were originally dairy farmers.

Ja, ja.That is true.

For them, some of the lease land would be practical.

Well, now, what happened to your precious steers?

Everyone is making adjustments around here. I guess we can make some too.

Ah, that's my Henry. Now on Dolan's list here--

What do you say we have a break, Matt?

We've been at this for seven hours.

A break is it? When what we're doing here...

is affecting the lives of hundreds of the finest people the good Lord ever made.

Now, Dolan, when you bring your mother-in-law over here,

don't let her bring the rest of the family.

They'll be after you for cash, cash, cash.

You know, it's still hard for me to believe...

that Mr. Francis, after working all these years with your uncle--

Daddy.Betsy, I think you better go on home.

Lieutenant, that uncle of yours is tireless.I know, sir.

I thought he worked hard when he was wrong. You should see him when he's right.

Could I prevail on you to drive my daughter home?

I think I could make that sacrifice in the line of duty, sir.

Thank you.

Oh, uh, Betsy, uh, before I forget,

if your father does decide...

whether you could come to the dance at Fort Laramie,

well--

If you wanna let me know when the telegraph wires happen to be down--

[ Laughing ]

[ Clicking Tongue ]

[ Male Announcer ] Produced in color in association with the NBC television network.