Original subtitles

[ theme music playing ]

Carl Crandall was a good man.

He was also a lonely man.

He did not make friends easily,

nor did he seek to.

He was content to live quietly on his ranch,

harming no one...

conducting his life on Earth

in peace and dignity.

We comment the soul of Thy servant Carl Crandall

to the Heavenly Father.

Amen.

This woman Crandall left his ranch to--

contacted her yet?

The only address the will mentioned

was Wichita, Kansas.

I sent a telegram to Lorna Marshall,

care of the postmaster. Hope it reaches her.

No mention of what relation she was to him?

No, just the name.

Lorna Marshall, Wichita.

Crook! Double-dealin', no-good--

You're asking for it, friend.

Nobody cheats Earl Hawkins. Nobody!

Don't come any nearer, mister.

[ gunshot ]

I won't miss next time.

I'm warning you, old man.

All right, everybody just stay calm.

What is this? He came after me first.

Give me that.

I'll kill him. So help me, Lorna, I'll kill him.

I said, give it to me!

He cheated!

He palmed an ace on the last hand. I saw him!

I was only having a little fun with him, that's all.

How much did you lose?

That pot. Over $30.

Take it and go.

Go home and sleep it off.

You're a little free with my money.

Get out of here, cowboy, and stay out.

[ chuckles ] Nobody's gonna run me out of a joint like this.

Oh, no?

All right, everybody. The fun's over.

Let's have some music, Phil.

♪♪

Sorry for the delay, boys.

That's all right, Lorna.

It was worth it to watch you cool him off.

Oh, drunks are easy.

It's the sober ones you gotta watch out for.

Ante up, gentlemen, we have a lot of damage to pay for.

[ crowing ]

How many bottles did Charlie say?

Six.

That's $12.

What did we pay for that mirror?

Hmm...90, wasn't it?

90.

Heh. And you were talkin' about showing a profit this month?

So we borrow another hundred.

Where?

Of course, there's always Clem Davies. Heh heh.

As long as it's you who asks him.

Clem's interest rate doesn't interest me.

You could do worse.

He's got all we need and more, plenty more.

He also has a wife.

He's willing to forget that if you are.

Sorry. Just an idea.

It's for you, Lorna.

Just come in.

Oh, thanks, Jake.

From Medicine Bow.Where's that?

Someplace in Wyoming.

Have a drink before you leave.

Well, if you insist.

Who's it from?

Come on, honey! What does it say?

Somebody's made a mistake.

What kind of a mistake?

Here, read it.

"This is to advise you that Carl Crandall died

"in Medicine Bow on April 7.

"By the terms of his will, his entire estate

"is bequeathed to Lorna Marie Marshall.

"Said estate consists of $4,000 in case

"and the nearby Bar C Ranch

"with an approximate value of $20,000.

"Suggest you come here as soon as possible

"to settle matters on the spot.

Sincerely yours, Judge Paul Craig."

Oh, Lorna, you're rich!

Don't be silly. It's either a mistake

or somebody's idea of a joke.

It's signed by a judge. "Judge Paul Craig--

Estate Administrator Medicine Bow, Wyoming Territory."

Nobody would sign a judge's name to anything for a joke.

You're sure?

Well, there's one way to find out.

We'll send a telegram to this Judge Craig.

Lorna, I never heard you mention Carl Crandall.

Who was he?

I haven't the faintest idea.

Where are we?

Wyoming. At least that's what the last sound said.

Sure made Wichita look good.

And that's hard to do.

Ah...

Wichita wasn't so bad.

Ah, they're all alike.

Saddle tramps, sodbusters,

cheap, no-good drifters. I'm through with the lot of them.

I suppose you think that Medicine Bow

is gonna be different.

Forget Medicine Bow.

Listen, Lorna-- I've been thinkin'.

With the money you'll get from this ranch,

we'll have a real place in San Francisco.

Red velvet on the walls,

big mahogany bar--

just like the one I saw once in Chicago.

And it'll be strictly for the carriage trade.

No drunken cowhands allowed in the Lornabelle.

You've got it named already.

Yeah, I thought of that, too, while you were asleep.

And, in Frisco, there'll be none of this business

over living over the saloon.

We'll have a house...

up on one of the hills.

Up with the swells.

All on $20,000?

Maybe we can sell it for more.

Listen to me talkin' about our money...

like it had been left to me.

I still can't figure out

why it was left to either of us.

Are you sure you don't remember him?

I'm not in the habit of forgetting rich ranchers.

Not that I ever knew that many.

Medicine Bow. All out for Medicine Bow.

Aunt Belle?Who?

Oh. Yes, what is it?

Just getting you used to it.

Put on your hat, Aunt Belle,

and your gloves, dear.

Yes, Lorna dear.

And, Belle...

if there are any questions about Carl Crandall--

anything--

You'll answer them.

Of course, dear.

Sure she'll be on it, Judge?

That's what her telegram said.

You think she intends to sell it?

I have no idea.

How come Shorty left this place to a woman?

He didn't confide in me.

I assume she must've been his closest or favorite relative.

Whoa.

Well...

I see the word's already gotten around.

yes.

Miss Marshall?

I'm Miss Marshall.

Oh, I'm Judge Craig.

Oh, pleasure, Your Honor.

This is my aunt-- Mrs. Stevens.

Mrs. Stevens. May I welcome you both to Medicine Bow.

Thank you.

Miss Marshall, I'm Joe Stewart--

best land agent west of the Mississippi.

If you'd planned to sell the Bar C,

I'd be happy to handle it for you.

Thank you, Mr. Stewart. I'll bear that in mind.

Fred Jenkins, ma'am. I'm a cattle buyer.

If you figure to sell your herd, or add to it,

either way, I'm your man.

Oh. I'll let you know.

All right, boys. You've made yourselves known to Miss Marshall.

Now I'm afraid I need her.

I'll have the rest of your luggage sent over to the hotel.

If you come to my office, we can settle the business details.

Fine.

Judge.Hello, John.

Miss Marshall, Mrs. Stevens,

this is your neighbor John Grainger.

And Trampas.Hello.

How do you do?

If there's anything I can do to help,

please don't hesitate to call on me.

That's very kind of you.

Not at all.

Carl was not only my neighbor,

he was my very good friend.

I'll try to carry on the tradition.

This way, ladies.

Good-bye.Good-bye.

I'd judge from that last remark

that she intends to work the ranch.

That's all right by me.

I thought it would be.

You'll find this a nice town.

We don't tolerate any rowdy elements.

Oh, that's good. If there's one thing I hate,

it's rowdy elements.

Giddyap!

Well, it was a hot, dusty ride into town, wasn't it?

I didn't notice it.

I thought maybe something nice and cool and refreshing

would go real good right now.

How about a sarsaparilla?

Sarsaparilla?

All right, I'll buy you a sarsaparilla.

The hotel's at the end of the street.

Around the corner.

The church is just beyond that.

There's the doctor's office.

Hey, good location.

Uh...the doctor's office, I mean.

[ laughs ]

And, as you can see, the terms of the will itself

are just what I said in my telegram.

Everything is left to you.

I see.

You'll notice on the back page...

a codicil written by Carl himself.

It's a little unusual, but perfectly legal.

"I've left everything to Lorna,

"like it says in here.

"But it's my hope she'll see her way clear

"to give $500 to the orphanage outside of town,

"a couple of hundred to Reverend Nichols

"to make up for the times I didn't go to church.

"and another couple of hundred to Trampas

for his help to me during rough times."

You realize, of course, there's nothing binding about those requests.

But, on the other hand...

Of course, it will be as Carl wished.

Wait a minute, Lorna. He said it--

It will be as he wished, Aunt Belle.

Oh, sure. Heh. Naturally.

Whatever Carl wished... naturally.

From the moment I met you, Miss Marshall,

I was virtually certain that would be your decision.

I shall so inform the others.

They know nothing about the codicil.

I didn't want to get their hopes up

in case you decided against them.

Is there anything else I should know about?

No, I think that takes care of everything.

Naturally, you're anxious to see your ranch.

Unfortunately, I'm tied up this afternoon.

Would early tomorrow morning be satisfactory?

Whatever is convenient for you, Judge.

We'll be at the hotel.

Miss Marshall.

When I greeted you at the station,

I was merely being polite.

Now may I say with complete sincerity--

welcome to Medicine Bow.

Thank you.

Ladies. Good day.Good day.

Thank you.

$900 out the window. Whoosh. Just like that.

"Of course, it'll be as Carl wished it."

You know what we could've done with that 900?

That could've paid for the bar-- the Lornabelle.

And there was no need!

It said right in the will. It said--

Belle, so far there have been no questions.

They've treated us like ladies,

and I intend to keep it that way.

That's fine.

But $900 is still $900.

What's at stake is over 20,000,

and don't you forget it.

I'll take those odds any day, and so will you.

We'll play it their way--

ladylike and cooperative--

and we're in no hurry to sell.

Says who?

Look, we agreed that--

I know what we agreed.

But just let the word get out that we intend to sell everything

and get out of town fast,

and what do you think happens to our price?

This isn't some run-down saloon in Wichita that we're selling.

This is big money.

And I intend to get every penny.

Just the same--

When I first came to work for you,

who was it that got the men to buy more drinks

than any other gal in the place?

You did. But--

How do you think I did that?

By chasing after them?

Not on your life.

I just sat back, looking uninterested,

and they fell all over themselves

getting me to sit with them.

That was different.

We're talkin' about a ranch.

We're talking about men, Belle,

and it's the same principle. Believe me, I know.

All right.

After all, it's your ranch.

How long are we gonna have to hang around this place?

Until we get the right deal.

Excuse me. Anything to drink?

Oh, I'll have a pot of tea, please.

Yes, and I'd like a nice, big--

Pot of tea for my aunt, too.

Yes, ma'am.

Tea?

You mean I can't even have a glass of beer?

Not here, Aunt Belle.

Yes, Your Ladyship.

But it better be worth it.

Ladies.Hello.

I don't mean to interrupt your meal,

but Judge Craig just told me about Mr. Crandall's will,

and I wanted to let you know

I don't think he owed me anything for helping him.

It's very nice of you to put it that way,

but apparently Carl felt differently.

Yes, ma'am, but I--

You wouldn't want to put me in the position

of overruling his last wishes, would you?

Oh, no, ma'am. But I just--

Please. It was what Carl wanted.

Well, I guess if you put it that way,

there's not much left for me to say but... thank you.

Won't you join us?

I'd like to, but Mr. Grainger wants to get back to Shiloh.

Oh. Well, we're going out to the ranch tomorrow.

Perhaps we'll see each other.

I hope so.

Good-bye.

Good-bye.Good-bye.

You call that acting uninterested?

I call that... ladylike politeness.

In a saloon, it's chasing.

In a hotel dining room, it's ladylike politeness.

You're learning.

You ladies ever been in Wyoming before?

Never. But, as my aunt was saying on the train,

it's wonderful country.

Yes, indeed. So open.

A couple of months before we're gonna be able to use this part of the range.

Yeah, unless we were to get some early rains.

Looks like our new neighbors are moving.

Whoa.

Good morning.Good morning.

Coming for a look at your new home?

Yes. It's very exciting.

If you should decide to sell, I'd like to make an offer.

Oh?

I'm particularly interested in the land

between your place and Shiloh.

It would shorten our road to town considerably.

Carl and I discussed it several times.

Well, I haven't really given it any thought yet.

Well, naturally you'd like to think it over.

Yes, well, you can be sure that if I do decide to sell,

you'll have the first chance,

if only because you and Carl were such good friends.

Thank you.

[ coughs ]

After you get settled in,

my granddaughter and I would like very much

to have you both to dinner with us in Shiloh.

Thank you.

We'd be delighted.

Thank you.

Good-bye.Good-bye.

Bye-bye.

DRIVER: Giddyap! Giddyap!

I suppose I could persuade you

to join us for that dinner?

Hmm?

[ chuckles ] No, I, uh--

I guess you could.

Well, let's go.

She's a pretty woman, isn't she?

Whoa.

What do you think of it?

It looks just like Carl described it.

Oh, Sam. This is the new owner-- Miss Marshall.

her aunt, Mrs. Stevens.

Your foreman, Sam Harding.

Glad to know you, Mr. Harding.

As soon as I've seen the house,

I'd like you to show me around.

Yes, ma'am.

Ladies.

Well, you won't need me anymore.

Sam will bring in the rest of your luggage.

You've been very kind.

One thing more.

Carl left this with me to give to you.

I don't know what's in it.

Thank you.

It's been a pleasure, Miss Marshall,

Mrs. Stevens.Likewise.

Thank you.

Bye-bye.

Well, what do you think of it?

I think you'd better sell quick and head for San Francisco

before somebody walks through that door

and says it's all been a big mistake.

They got the wrong Lorna Marshall.

There was only one Lorna Marshall in Wichita,

and that was me.

But why? People just don't--

Maybe this will tell us.

What's the key for?

"This will open the bedroom door,

"which you will find at the end of the upstairs hall.

You will find a safe there."

A safe.

Come on.

Well, I'll be.

Quick. What about the safe?

Oh, um...

"You will find a safe there,

behind the mirror on the dresser."

That one. Uh-huh.

Uhh!

Give me.

"The combination is left 20."

Okay, left 20.

"Right 5."

Right 5.

"And left to 30."

Left to 30.

Give it to me.

Come on. The suspense is killing me.

"Dearest Lorna,

"at last your room is finished.

All it needs now is you."

"Maybe soon I'll have the nerve

"to really send one of these letters at last.

"Since that night I left Wichita,

"after you had saved my life,

I've told myself a thousand--"

"All my love--Shorty."

Shorty?

It can't be.

Can't be who?

Do you remember, about four or five years ago,

just when we were about to close up?

That little fella that was bushwhacked when he left our place.

The one you took care of.

Yeah!

That's the one--Shorty!

His name was Crandall.

And remember what he said when he left?

He said he'd never forget you,

that somehow he'd find a way to repay you.

I remember.

And I thought he was just talking.

Well, I'll be.

"Dearest, Lorna--

"today I bought a fine pair of matched bays for you.

"I can see you now, driving them into town,

"and people saying,

"There goes Carl Crandall's wife--

the prettiest girl in the whole territory."

Listen to this one. "Dearest Lorna--

"I promised myself this is one letter I'm going to send.

"You don't belong there in that saloon--

"not you, not my Lorna.

"Where you belong is here with a man

"who loves and respects you for what you really are,

"and I've got the place now so it's worthy of you.

In fact--"

Those are my letters, Belle.

Yes, but--

And I think I'll read them alone.

Pardon me.

CARL: If I could only get up the nerve

to tell you how I feel about you.

In the week that you nursed me back to health,

I saw things in you

those barflies in that saloon never see.

I see the lady that's really there--

warm, understanding,

beautiful in every way.

I see the you that's true, Lorna--

the you that belongs here.

Mr. Harding?

If you're free now, I'd like you to show me around.

I was coming to see you

as soon as I finished getting my gear together.

You mean, you're leaving?That's right.

Why?

Well, it's nothin' against you, ma'am.

But I never worked for a woman.

I figure I'm too old to start.

Well, I don't know what you expected, Mr. Harding,

but I don't plan on making any changes around here.

I may even sell the ranch.

Most probably to a man.

Well, I'm sorry, ma'am,

but I've already got another job lined up.

You didn't waste any time, did you?

I only stayed on till you got here as a favor.

I suppose I should thank you for that.

No, ma'am. I figured I owed it to Mr. Crandall.

I see.Good luck, ma'am.

Thanks.

I thought you were going with him.

He had other ideas.

Mr. Harding just quit.

Didn't want to work for a woman.

Oh, fine. That's all they need to find out in town--

that you're in trouble already.

That's the way to get a big price, all right.

You take my advice and grab the first offer you get

before the news gets around.

The other alternative is to hire another foreman.

Like who?

You just don't put an ad in the paper.

It's like running a saloon.

The wrong kind of help can rob you blind.

Besides, who do you know around here you can trust?

Thanks, Belle.

I knew you'd solve it for me.

I did?

I did?

Borrow Trampas?

Well, now...

I'm afraid I'll have to give that some thought.

Just for a little while, until I decide what to do.

I know it's a lot to ask,

but, after what you said that day

about calling on you if I needed any help...

Well, I'm sorry.

I guess I shouldn't have taken you so literally.

Now, just wait a minute.

I didn't say I wouldn't do it.

You just took me by surprise.

I understand. I didn't mean to embarrass you.

Well, I'm not that easily embarrassed.

And I meant what I said at the station.

You mean, you would let him come?

If it's all right with him.

Come on, let's find out.

Hi, Granddad.

Oh, excuse me.

That's all right. This is my grandson Stacey.

This is our new neighbor Miss Marshall.

How do you do?Pleased to meet you.

You happen to know-- is Trampas around?

Just rode in with him.

Good. Miss Marshall wants to borrow him,

to help her get settled in at the Bar C.

Think he'll mind?

I'd be pretty surprised if he did.

And delighted if you'd accept me as his substitute.

Well, that's real kind of you.

Anything for a neighbor.

Thank you.

Trampas.

Good afternoon.Hello.

Miss Marshall has a problem.

Sam Harding quit this morning.

Well, I'm not surprised.

He was grumbling about not wanting to work for a--

a woman boss.

What are your feelings on the subject?

Hmm?

[ chuckles ]

Well, I haven't given it much thought. Why?

She wants you to take over the job...

for the time being, anyway.

I've given her my permission...

if it's all right with you.

I just didn't know who I could trust.

I really just need a little time to get organized.

I'll pay you extra.

A bonus, above and beyond your regular salary.

Heh. No, you already have.

Oh, no. That was Carl's idea.

This is different.

What do you say?

Oh, well...

I guess Belden can handle things around here for a while.

I've very grateful... to both of you.

Hello, Liz.Hi.

Libby.

This is our new neighbor-- Miss Marshall.

My granddaughter Elizabeth.

Hello, Elizabeth.Hello.

Granddad's told me all about you.

I was looking forward to meeting you and your aunt

in church tomorrow.

Oh. Oh, yes, of course.

Well, I guess I'd better be getting back. Bye.

Good day.Bye-bye.

She's pretty, isn't she?

Mm-hmm.

Did they say she was Mr. Crandall's niece?

They didn't say.

I'll send him over tomorrow.

I just don't know what I'd have done

without your help, Mr. Grainger.

I'll see you at the church.

Bye.

Church? Me?

That's what I said. Tomorrow morning.

I haven't been in a church since Horace's funeral,

and that was 20 years ago-- make that 30.

Then it's about time you got caught up with it.

You'll put on your best ladylike dress

and your little hat and your gloves,

and we will ride up to that church behind my matched bays

in dignity and style.

Now, wait just a minute.

You've made up your mind

to hang around this godforsaken end of the world

and play nursemaid to a bunch of steers,

while the both of us pretend that we're the grand ladies of who-knows-where.

Fine. And I've gone along.

But somewhere I've got to draw the line,

and church is it.

Very well. I shall go alone.

My aunt is ill.

What about next Sunday?

She's probably left town.

What?!

I'm serious, Belle. You were right.

This isn't for you. I had no right to ask you.

So, if you want to go to San Francisco ahead of me,

I'll understand.

You would, wouldn't you?

You'd throw me out!

Who's throwing you out?

It was you that made the decision.

Sometimes I wish you were my niece,

so I could hit you with an easy conscience.

Oh, you know darn well I'll stay.

And go to church?

That, too, Lord help me.

And he'll have to.

♪ Abide with me

♪ Fast falls the eventide

♪ The darkness deepens

♪ Lord, with me abide

♪ When other helpers

♪ Fail and comforts flee

[ loudly ] ♪ Help of the helpless

♪ O Abide with me

♪ Swift to its close ebbs

♪ Out life's little day

♪ Earth's joys grow dim

♪ Its glories pass away

♪ Change and decay

♪ In all around I see

[ loudly ] ♪ O, Thou who changest not ♪

♪ Abide with me

ALL: We have offended against Thy holy laws.

We have left undone those things

which we ought to have done,

and we have done those things

which we ought not to have done,

and there is no health in us.

But Thou, O Lord, have mercy on us,

miserable offenders.

Spare thou those, O God,

who confess their faults.

Restore thou those who are penitent.

According to thy promises declared unto mankind

in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And grant, O merciful Father, for his sake,

that we may hereafter live a godly,

righteous, and sober life,

to the glory of thy holy name. Amen.

And the battle, my good brethren,

is one that never ends--

this battle with the forces of sin.

We in Medicine Bow are more fortunate than most.

There are town-- and you know of them--

where the houses of the Lord are fewer than the saloons.

Where men are tempted from the ways of righteousness

on all sides.

Where lawlessness and sin prevail.

We must not let this happen in Medicine Bow.

So, I ask you, each and every one of you,

to join forces against those who might try to turn this town

into a place like Dodge City... or Wichita.

[ bell tolling ]

Good morning, Reverend. It was lovely.

Thank you.

Very nice, Reverend.

Thank you so much.

Reverend, I'd like you to meet Miss Marshall

and her aunt, Mrs. Stevens.

Hello.

I believe you've heard about them from Judge Craig.

Oh, yes, indeed. We're indebted to you

for your generous donation to the church.

Thank you. It was Mr. Crandall's donation.

I was just carrying out his wishes.

For which we are grateful.

Well, do you like our church?

Oh, heh heh. Best I've ever been in.

I'll be over as soon as I change into my working clothes.

Do you generally work on Sunday?

Cattle don't seem to know the difference.

Besides, I'd like to look over your stock.

I'd like to look at my inheritance. Mind if I go with you?

Not at all.

Miss Marshall? I'm Ed Finney,

director of the orphanage you made the donation to.

Oh, yes.

These boys have been selected

as a committee of four to thank you.

Go ahead, Tommy.

These are for you.

Thank you.

I'm not finished yet.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

and you're welcome at the orphanage anytime,

'cause Mr. Finney says from now on,

you're an honorary orphan.

Well, now may I thank you, Tommy?

Yes, ma'am.

What he means is, we'd like to you be

an honorary member on the board of trustees.

I think I'll take Tommy's offer.

You tell the boys that I'm proud

to be an honorary orphan,

and that I'll come and see you real soon.

Yes, ma'am.

All right, come on, fellas.

So long, fellas.Good-bye.

Only in town two days,

and already you're an honorary orphan.

Pretty hard to beat that.

Whoa, son.

I'll see you later. Bye-bye. Good-bye.

Trampas, are you sure Shiloh can get along without you?

It's your grandfather's idea, Stacey.

Granddad, couldn't you spare me easier than you could him?

Too late. The deal's already set.

Story of my life.

Keep handing money out, and the next thing you know,

they'll run you for mayor.

How'd you like church?

Are you supposed to like it?

I thought you'd find the sermon kind of interesting.

You'd better ride that colt I've been breakin'.

And watch him if it's cold in the morning.

He's liable to throw you clean into Medicine Bow.

And check his feed bins. I think they're gettin' low.

"Check...feed...bins."

Anything else?

Nothin' I can think of.

Good, I'm tired of the job already.

Oh, yeah. Check on those two new hired hands.

I got an idea they're not pullin' their weight out on the range.

"Check new...hands."

You do me a favor?What's that?

Get the heck over to the Crandall ranch

before you think anything more?

[ chuckles ] It's all yours, pard.

Boy! Are there gonna be some changes made around here!

Let's see. We'll put the faro table--

ought to go about right there, I guess.

And we'll put the bar right down here.

And, of course, the dancing girls go in between.

And every afternoon we, uh--

Oh.

You still here?

Dancing girls.

I'll see you, Stace.

Trampas, have a good time.

All right.

And, uh...

don't forget. If you get a little homesick--

[ chuckles ] Don't count on it.

So long, pard.

Hi, Belden.

I understand you're the new boss man.

Mr. Belden to you.

And wipe your feet before you come in here next time.

Aye-aye, sir.

What's all that?

Hmm? Oh, nothing. Heh.

Uh, listen, you'd better check the feed bins.

I got a feelin' they're runnin' low.

And you might check on them two new men.

I don't think they're pullin' their weight out on the range.

Sure, sure.

And, uh...what else did he tell you to do?

Uh...heh.

[ clears throat ]

Well, there's the main herd.

[ mooing ]

How many are there altogether?

Oh, around 700.

I always thought there was enough grazing land for a lot more.

I think the stock could be upgraded, too.

Why didn't he do it, then?

I don't know.

I guess Mr. Crandall was satisfied with what he had.

Suppose I wasn't. Would you help me build them up?

Heh. That's what I'm here for.

Well, looks like you've got company.

I'll go see who it is.

We'll talk more about the ranch later.

All right.

Oh, there's my niece now.

Excuse me, ladies.Of course.

Am I glad to see you.

Who's buggy is that?

There really is a thing called a Ladies Aid Society.

They just got here.

Come on, before I say the wrong thing.

Ladies.

I'm Ethel Scanlon.

I didn't get a chance to talk to you at church.

And this is Betty Graves. How do you do?

And Edith Howard.How do you do?

How do you do?

I'm sorry I wasn't here when you all arrived.

We know how busy you must be,

but we just wanted to welcome you to Medicine Bow.

Thank you. Won't you sit down?

Thank you.

Would you like a--

May I offer you some refreshment?

Oh, no, thank you.

We really just wanted to meet you and your aunt

and to invite you to join

our Wednesday afternoon sewing circle.

We make things for the orphanage.

They're short of warm covers for their beds.

I hope you're a good quilter, Mrs. Stevens.

Well, I--

Aunt Belle will be a great help.

Oh, yes. You know me when it comes to quilting.

Good. We'll count on you.

We wanted to mention to you

about the Founder's Day Charity Bazaar.

I'm chairman of the concession booths,

and I'm always shorthanded.

What kind of concession booths?

Right now I need someone to run the Wheel of Chance.

It's our most popular concession.

You mean...gambling?

Well, for a worthy cause.

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm afraid I--

I'd be glad to do it.

Oh, thank you.

Perhaps you'd take the fortune-telling booth.

Oh, it's loads of fun, and you couldn't call it gambling.

Well, in that case...

Of course, I'm very clumsy with cards.

We'll show you how. There's nothing to it.

Oh, good.

Well, I know you're busy getting settled,

so we won't keep you any longer...

now that we've got you both signed on.

It was real hospitable of you to ask us.

I was just telling Lorna last night--

I said, "I do hope they have a Ladies Aid Society."

Where did you belong to one before?

St. Louis.Chicago.

Uh, first Chicago, then St. Louis. Yeah.

Oh, I thought Judge Craig said you came from Wichita.

Well, uh... that was later.

They didn't have one there.

Oh.

Well, good-bye.

Bye-bye.So nice to know you.

Nice meeting you.

Bye-bye.Bye.

[ both sigh ]

You know something?

I'm gettin' pretty good at this.

How'd you like that part about no gambling--

even for charity?

Ha! Oh, boy, am I a lady!

Don't overdo it.

If there's one thing I'm hankering for,

it's a good, rousing quilting bee.

Nothing like it on a Saturday night. Ha ha!

Oh, am I gonna have things to tell them in Frisco! Ha ha!

I'm not going to Frisco.

I tell you, half of the--

What'd you say?

I said, I'm not going to San Francisco.

I'm staying here.

You don't mean that.

Yes, I do.

But why?

You know something?

It's nice when men take off their hats

and call me Miss Marshall and ma'am when they talk to me,

and women come calling to make me feel welcome.

I like it.

All right, we'll have the men do that in Frisco.

We'll make it a house rule. No first names.

Belle, you can't get that kind of respect

by making a rule out of it.

Sure, you can, if you have a big enough bouncer.

I know this is a dirty trick on you--

Forget about me. Let's talk about you.

Right now, you think this is great

because it's something different.

But aren't you gonna get tired of it after a while?

Aren't you gonna miss the excitement?

Excitement?

What, of breaking up fights

and throwing out drunks?

Playing cards with men who pretend they don't even see me

when they pass me in the streets the next day.

Oh, no. I'm not gonna miss that kind of excitement.

All right. All right.

What happens to this new high-class life

the first time some traveling salesman or saddle tramp

comes through here that recognizes you?

That's a risk I'll just have to take.

Oh, come on, Lorna. Be sensible. It won't work!

Even if nobody shows up from the old days.

What kind of a life is this for two young, pretty--

Well...one young and one pretty--

I don't know, Belle. I just want to try it.

Okay. That settles that.

Look, I'll sell the estate,

and I'll get all the money I can,

and I'll give it to you for the place in Frisco.

What place in Frisco?You--

You think I'd leave you here all alone?

But you--

Let's not waste any more time arguing.

I gotta get busy learning how to make a quilt

before the next meeting with the Ladies Aid Society.

Belle, you're wonderful!

Mmm!

Well, I've been everything else.

I might as well try being a lady.

[ both laugh ]

300 you say, gentlemen?

300 apiece for these animals?

This is prize stock.

You can count on 100 pounds more

on every steer sired by these animals.

You're buying quality, gentlemen.

Do I hear 350?

325.

325.

50?

350!

350 from the Bar C.

350, I have. Do I hear 4?

350 once. Give me 4.

375.

Thanks, Harry.

Now, there's a man with an eye to the future.

Do I hear 4? Do I hear 4?

What do you think?

It's high, but they're good stock.

Would Carl have bid more?

AUCTIONEER: 375 twice.

Are you all done?

Last call.

400!

400 from Miss Marshall of Bar C.

Is there any more?

Last call.

Sold to Miss Marshall of the Bar C

at 400 apiece.

Hmm. Now I feel like a real rancher.

You're beginning to act like one, too.

Is there anything else we need while I'm in the mood?

No, I think you've spent enough money for one day.

Hey, cowboy.

This Bar C outfit--

that lady own it?That's right.

Used to belong to a man named Crandall.

Penny for your thoughts.

Hmm?

I'd be overcharging you.

That's all right.

This is my day to squander money.

I was just thinking that--

well, the first day you showed up at Medicine Bow,

I was pretty sure you'd sell the Bar C the first chance you got.

You didn't seem the ranch type.

You're right.

I was only gonna stay long enough to make a good sale.

What made you change your mind?

I found out that I like it here.

Well, you're lucky.

Most people just can't pull up stakes

to move into a new life.

I didn't have any stakes to pull up.

[ whistles ]

Hi!

Hi.

Hmm.

Well, how's the quilt coming?

Great! See?

[ sighs ]

Live and learn.

Why don't you sit and visit for a while?

I can't. I have to check some fence with Trampas.

Oh, I'm sure he can run the ranch

without your assistance.

Relax.

This is strictly business.

What kind of business?

[ knock on door ]

Hello, Belle.

What are you doing here?

Well, I came to see Lorna.

She's not here.

Oh, she's here, all right.

I followed her out here from town.

Look, Roy, she's got nothing to talk to you about,

so why don't you just turn around and--

LORNA: Who is it, Belle?

Roy.

Mm-hmm.

So, this is why you two left Wichita all of a sudden.

Well, not bad, not bad at all.

Now that you've seen it, you can get out.

Now, you really don't want me to go back into town

and tell everybody where I first knew you from, do you?

From what I heard in town,

I didn't think you told 'em.

What do you want?A job.

Give him a stake and tell him to move on.

How much do you want?

I don't want a handout. I want a job.

Why?

Let's say I'm tired of drifting around.

I'd like to find a place to settle down-- for a while, anyway.

For old times' sake-- what do you say?

All right.

Thanks, Lorna.

You know, you and me and Belle here--

we're gonna get along just fine.

The name is Mrs. Stevens.

And you never saw me or Miss Marshall before in your life.

Understand?Oh, sure.

That's what I meant... uh, Mrs. Stevens.

[ chuckles ]

[ horse approaching ]

Here he comes.

Remember.

Miss Marshall.

This is Roy Kane. He wants a job here.

This is my foreman.

How are you?How do you do?

Well, we can sure use an extra hand.

Bunkhouse is around back.

Find yourself an empty bunk and stow your gear.

Thanks.

You'd better change.

We can't ride out there in the buggy.

Oh. I'll be right with you.

Fine.

Well?

I knew it'd happen sooner or later.

What do we do?

We just have to trust him, that's all.

You'd better be able to, or it's Frisco, here we come.

[ sighs ]

Well...

Did somebody cut it?

No, the staples pulled loose.

I'll have to come out and fix it tomorrow.

Oh, let me help.

Now, be careful.

Ooh!Ah!

Those barbs will cut you. Let me see.

Oh, it's just a little scratch.

I guess I'm taking this rancher business too seriously.

Well, we can't say you didn't try.

There, how's that?

Can hardly see it.

I suggest next time you want to string wire,

you wear heavy gloves.

I'll remember that.

I guess you'll live.

That's good.

It's gettin' late.

You'd better get back to the ranch.Mm-hmm.

It's really very simple.

They put their dimes on these various numbers.

Then, you turn the wheel,

and whatever number it stop on

is the one that wins.

Oh.

Even though your aunt doesn't approve,

we find this is very popular with the rest of the town.

I'm sure it is.

Is there anything else you should know before we open for business?

No, I think I'm all set.

Now, lots of luck.

[ both laugh ]

Well, all ready for the big night?

I'm just trying to get used to handling the cards.

I seem to be all thumbs.

You'll get used to it in no time.

Oh, and remember-- a blackjack means

that a tall, dark man is coming into their lives.

Young girls like to hear that.

I wouldn't mind that myself.

Oh![ laughs ]

Just like old times, isn't it?

Ten cents. Real live town, isn't it?

Excuse me. I'd like to talk with you.

Oh, what about?

That horse of yours. Where'd you get it?

Why?

A horse with markings like that

was stolen from an outfit over by Laramie

a couple of weeks ago.

Did you look at the brand?

It's the Crandall ranch-- Bar C.

Yeah, I did.

Looks to me like it could've been altered.

Are you accusing me of stealing that horse?

What's the trouble, Sheriff?

Oh.

You know this man, Miss Marshall?

Yes, he's Roy Kane. He works for us. Why?

He thinks I stole that horse I'm riding.

But it's from the Crandall ranch.

My horse went lame,

and she let me cut one out of the remuda.

Isn't that right, Miss Marshall?

Yes. Yes, that's right.

That horse was in the remuda when you took over the ranch?

Well, it must've been.

I didn't buy any others.

Some cowboy could've palmed it off on Crandall.

Or maybe you just made a mistake.

Look, Sheriff, if there's any doubt at all,

I'd be happy to pay the people

whatever they say it's worth.

I wouldn't want to inherit stolen property.

No, it's not your responsibility, Miss Marshall.

Besides, like he says, I could be wrong.

You didn't waste any time getting into trouble, did you?

It sure gives a man a good feeling

to know that his boss will back him up.

Well, don't push me too far.

Don't you try to bluff me, Lorna.

You like it here. You like it just fine.

I heard that your foreman's gonna be leaving soon.

Got anybody in mind for the job?

Think about it, Lorna.

Think about it.

[ sighs ]

Boy, what a night.

You got no idea how hard it is

to deal cards like you haven't handle them before.

Mrs. Graves said that your booth was a big success.

Oh, that was easy.

The more they paid, the better fortune.

How much did they take in?

Oh, about $1,000.

Wait till next year. I got some ideas

that'll double that.

I'll tell them at the next committee meeting.

All right, so I'm getting to like it, too.

Is there any law against that?

None at all.

[ horse approaching ]

What happened to you?

Some drunken cowboy tryin' to show off.

His gun went off, hit me in the arm.

It's just a flesh wound.

Hmm. Too bad.

I'll get something to bandage it with.

Don't bleed on the rug.

This is the best I can do.

Here. Cleaned it for you.

Thanks, Belle.

Don't thank me. It looks bad for the ranch

to have people goin' around with blood all over them.

Lorna...

did you tell Belle about what I said in town?

No.

Don't wait too long, huh?

I probably shouldn't ask, but...

He wants to be our foreman.

I thought you said you didn't want to stay around too long.

I've changed my mind.

I've decided to settle here.

[ horses approaching ]

What's goin' on around here?

Don't they know it's after 1:00?

Is that the horse?

Looks like it.

Lorna, wait.

I'm sorry to trouble you, Miss Marshall, Mrs. Stevens.

There's been some trouble in town.

What kind of trouble?

Somebody bushwhacked Reverend Nichols

when he was taking the receipts from the bazaar home.

Hit him over the head, made off without about $1,100.

Mr. Carter here happened along

about the time the fella was taking off. It was dark.

The fella had a handkerchief around his face.

But Ed here got a good look at the horse.

I couldn't swear to it,

but it looked like the one out front.

You don't drop a thing, do you?

First you accuse me of stealing a horse,

now you're trying to pin a robbery on me.

There was one other thing, Miss Marshall.

Ed got off a shot at the man.

From the way he acted, I thought I might've winged him.

But I could've been wrong.

That's my horse out there, all right,

but you're barkin' up the wrong tree.

I rode all the way out here from town beside their wagon.

We've been talkin' here ever since.

Isn't that so, Miss Marshall?

Tell 'em, Miss Marshall. Go ahead and tell 'em.

I guess it's time for the truth.

Lorna.

I was with you. You'd better tell 'em!

He's lying, Sheriff. He didn't come in with us.

Hold it, Kane.

He came in a few minutes ago with a bullet hole in his arm.

I bandaged it for him.

I told her how it happened. It was an accident.

You can tell me all about it on the way to jail.

You won't get away with this.

I'll tell everyone about you and Belle.

Shut up, Kane. Let's go.

No. There's something else.

I've been lying, too.

To you this afternoon,

and to this whole town.

Miss Marshall, if it doesn't have anything to do with this robbery,

I don't see much point in it.

I'm sorry, but I might as well tell you before he does.

I wasn't related to Carl Crandall.

He left me this ranch because he fell in love with me...

in the saloon that Belle and I used to run.

That'll give you a general idea of my background.

He can fill you in on the details.

Now, if you'll excuse me...

Well, what are you waitin' for? The party's over.

You heard what the lady said.

Well, it was fun while it lasted.

We gave it a good try.

I guess the odds were just too great.

[ sobbing ] Oh, Belle!

I know, honey. I know.

I know.

[ tolling ]

Anybody makes a crack, I'll spit right in their eye.

Good morning, ladies.

Oh, please. Our train will be here in a minute.

I think your neighbors would like to have a word with you.

I must say, we're disappointed in you--

both of you.

You ought to be ashamed of yourselves.

If you think I'm gonna sit here and listen to a lecture--

Ma'am--

We're quite capable of handling this ourselves.

Yes, ma'am.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Scanlon.

We are, too. We thought you liked us.

After we came calling

and invited you to join our sewing circle.

We even gave you the best concessions at the bazaar.

Wait a minute. Maybe you didn't get the word.

About your saloon? Of course we did.

We've got a million questions we want to ask both of you.

You don't mind?

Mind? Indeed! What kind of people do you think we are?

Lovely people.

My goodness, we can't stand here talking all day.

Come on, we'll be late for the service.

Reverend Nichols doesn't like people to be tardy.

Especially with that headache he's got today.

Well come on, Miss Stevens.

Ma'am. Watch your step.

See you in church.

Come on!

Looks like we won't be adding on to Shiloh for a while.

Ma'am.

If that job's still open when he goes back to Shiloh--

Well...I couldn't see workin' for a couple of female dudes,

but I think we'll do fine.

Thanks, Mr. Harding. So do I.

It looks like you're all set, Sam.

As soon as you get back where you belong.

Why don't you take care of your boss' buggy?

Oh, yeah. Okay.

I feel really ashamed.

I really misjudged everyone.

I could've told you that when you first got here,

but...well, you wouldn't have believed me.

You had to find it out for yourself.

Do you mean to say you knew who I was all along?

Carl and I were good friends, Lorna.

He talked about you a lot.

And you let me go on pretending to be a lady.

You weren't pretending.

[ theme music playing ]