Original subtitles

[ theme music playing ]

I'm just as anxious as you are

to avoid a range war, John,

but I'm not backing away from it, either.

Slow it down, Sy. Let's find out what it's about

before we make a war.

What about it?

There's no question about it.

They're fencing Moosehead Pass...

from here, across the banks of the Sweetwater,

all the way to Cajon Bluff.

Is it possible they just intend

to fence off a section or two?

The wagons are dropping wire and fence posts

every 100 yards across the neck.

They got two crews working, diggin' postholes.

One side and the other.

I told you, John. They're closin' the pass.

They're cutting us off from our summer pasturage up on the hills!

And I say we ought to do somethin' about it!

Hold your horses.Hold your horses?!

That's the same advice you've been givin' us for months.

We knew that Carter was fixin' to cut off the pass.

We knew it and we could've stopped him.

But every time we started to move in,

you said, "Hold your horses, hold your horses.

Take your time. Don't get your bile up."

There was nothing for us to do

until they actually started fencing.

It doesn't make any difference who owns that land,

just as long as we have the easements.

You recognize any of the crew workin' on the fence?

No, I didn't.

It was Carter. Who else would it be?

I don't know.

He's been trying to freeze us out of the hills for years.

He had some nesters file for the land,

and then he bought up their claims.

Do you think otherwise?

No, it's him.

Then what are we gonna do about it?

Can we get to the hill pastures any other way?

I don't think so. To get around the escarpment,

you'd have to detour the herds over 200 miles...

Excuse me a minute.

THE VIRGINIAN: And even so, goin' around...

What is it, Libby? I'm awfully busy.

Ah Sing is leaving.

He's outside.

You say good-bye for me. I can't leave now.

But, Granddad--

Stace, I'll be right back.

Heh. Well...

it looks like there's only one answer, gentlemen.

Well, Ah Sing, I see you're all set.

Yes.

All ready.

I wish you'd change your mind.

No, Mr. Grainger.

It very important I go.

We'll miss you.

I don't know what I'm gonna do around here

for a good meal after you're gone.

Ha.

Within a week,

you'll be crawling around, just screaming for food.

Any time you get hungry,

you come to Ah Sing's new restaurant

in Medicine Bow.

You fill up enough to last whole month.

That doesn't sound so bad.

If you have any problems--

Thank you.

No problem.

Well...

good luck, then.

Very grateful, Mr. Grainger.

And to you, Miss Elizabeth.

All we did was to get fat on your cooking.

You gonna drive him in?

Mm-hmm.Fine.

Well, good luck again.

Thank you, Mr. Grainger.

All set?

And just as fast as they sink those posts,

that's how fast we yank 'em out.

And that'll settle that.

You do that, and we'll wind up

having a full-scale range war on our hands.

That doesn't scare me.

Well, that scares me.

Anytime I find myself on the wrong side of the law,

I'm going to be scared.

Muscle isn't going to win this fight.

Anybody ever know a case where it did?

I think a couple of us ought to ride into Medicine Bow

and talk to Tom Manstead.

Say that again.

We need legal advice.

From Manstead?Yes.

You can't be serious.

Have you see him lately, John?

No, I haven't. Not lately.

How about that new fella in town?

Luke Evers-- kin of Charlie Ralston.

Supposed to be pretty sharp.

Manstead's always done our business.

I'll talk to him.

You may talk, but that's no guarantee he'll hear you.

I say that--We know what you say.

Now, you listen.

I've got more at stake here than all the rest of you put together,

and I'm not being stampeded.

I want to know where I'm going and when I'm going.

Come on, Sy.

We're both on the same side.

It's just that I want some action.

You'll get it, I promise.

You'll see Manstead, huh, John?

It'll be my responsibility.

Is this it?

Rent very low.

I should think so.

Fix it up, make it look all very fine.

But it would take a miracle.

Miss Elizabeth...

you know of Great Wall of China?

Of course.

Big wall.The biggest.

You know how it get started?

No.

Fellow like me--

he come along, move one rock.

Soon this be best restaurant in Medicine Bow.

Everything prosper.

You'll see.

When bride comes from Canton,

she be very proud of husband.

I be big businessman in Medicine Bow!

Hello, Miss Elizabeth.

Hello, Emmett.

I don't believe I'd stay in here if I were you.

That roof looks like it's hangin' by a whisker.

A very thin whisker.

Yeah. Heh.

Oh. Mr. Ryker.

How you like my restaurant?

Ah, well, it's, uh...

fine. It's fine.

Listen, Ah Sing, you know you're gonna need a license

to open up in here.

License?Yeah.

That's a town ordinance.

How do you get license?

You just apply for it at the Justice of the Peace.

That'd be Milo Temple.

He's around the corner and up the main street.

Must have license?That's right.

Fine. I get license.

All right, fine.

Nice to see you, Elizabeth.

Bye-bye.

Ah, Sing, I have to go, too.

You have our best wishes.

That make biggest rock very light.

I call it...

"Ah Sing American Restaurant".

Why not "Ah Sing's Chinese Restaurant"?

No, no. Then people say it run by foreigner.

He's probably at the watering hole.

[ glass clinks ]

What's the matter, Tom?Hmm?

Oh, I dropped my glass.

Are you all right?

No, I'm sick.

I've been sick all week.

It's in my chest.

Like-- [ coughs ]

Like hot coals burning inside.

Have you seen the doctor?

Doctor.

We have a serious problem, Tom.

Hmm.

"The world uncertain comes and goes."

That's what Emerson says.

I'm not interested in your problem.

We need you.

Heaven help you if you do.

Now get out of here.

We were counting on you.

You were?

I can't solve my own problems.

What do I want with yours?

I don't work here anymore.

Let me be.

I'm sorry, Tom.

When you bottle it, let me know.

Well, I guess it'll have to be Luke Evers.

The Cattlemen's Association

has over 85,000 head in the valley.

How many do you suppose they'll have next fall

if Carter fences that pass?

By August, the valley stock will be feeding

on caked mud and rotweed.

That pass has to be kept open

if the herds are to survive.

I told you before, and I'll tell you again, Evers--

I don't think I have jurisdiction in this matter.

I'm sure you do, Mr. Temple.

Just because you say it's so doesn't make it so.

Not that I'm not sympathetic, Mr. Grainger.

But I make it a rule to stick to my own business.

I can't argue with that.

People who try and get high and mighty, put on airs,

cause most of the trouble in the world.

This is a federal matter.

I'm nothing but a Justice of the Peace.

For this whole district?

Yes, sir.

Moosehead Pass is in your district.

Now, look, young man,

I know what I can do,

and I think I know what I can't do.

I can issue licenses.

I can judge minor crimes and misdemeanors.

I can do some marrying when I'm asked.

That I know I can do.

But you're gonna have a tall time convincing me I can do more.

Especially issuing a restraining order

dealing with a federal matter.

The governor the territory has signed your warrant

as Justice of the Peace.

That he did.

How come the word "peace"?

What?

Why the word "peace"

in "Justice of the Peace"?

Must have meaning, or it wouldn't be there.

My clients are decent, hard-working,

law-abiding citizens-- you know that.

For years, they've had an easement

that permits them to get their cattle through the pass

to summer pasture.

Fencing that land is illegal, yet it's happening.

And every rancher in the valley

stands to lose 60% to 70% of his herd.

You expect them just to sit by--

That's for a federal judge to decide.

There won't be a circuit sitting in Medicine Bow for three months!

And we can't wait that long.

And we don't intend to.

Mr. Temple...

if you let that fence go up,

you'll be responsible for as bloody a range war

as ever hit these parts.

Peace. You're a Justice of the Peace.

And the only way there'll be peace

is if you sign the restraining order

preventing that fence from going up.

Suppose I sign the order. Who'll pay any attention to it?

If you sign the paper, Mr. Temple, I'll serve it.

I don't know.

Mr. Temple...

we've come up with a way to keep the lid on things.

Maybe it's a technicality, maybe it's good law,

but it's the only way to keep the peace.

All we're asking is that you grant my clients relief

until it can be settled in court.

It's a temporary injunction.

That's all it is.

You're a mighty persuasive arguer, Mr. Evers.

I'll take that for a compliment.

There's your paper.

I hope it does the trick.

Ah, you did a top-notch job, Evers.

Thanks, but we're not in the clear.

This is only the beginning.

Carter will fight this injunction tooth and nail.

If I'm gonna serve these papers today, I better get started.

Well, Ah Sing...

I thought you were hard at work at your restaurant.

No restaurant.What do you mean?

No license.

Are you coming, John?Just a minute.

What's this about a license?

I go in to get license.

Man said, "You no get license."

Well, that's ridiculous.

Luke!Yeah.

Since when do we have to have a license

to open a restaurant in Medicine Bow?

I wouldn't know.

Well, let's find out.

Forget something, Mr. Grainger? No.

I ran into Ah Sing outside.

He used to work for me.

He said something about being refused a license

to open a restaurant.

That's right.

I don't understand.

There's a local ordinance

that says that no one can operate a restaurant

located in a frame building without a license.

Never heard of it.

Oh, yeah. It was passed about six years ago--

right after that fire that nearly wiped out Main Street.

I see. A fire ordinance.

Exactly. Frame buildings must be inspected

and a license issued.

So, what's the problem?

Who said there was a problem?

Ah Sing. Isn't that building safe?

Mr. Grainger, a public official

doesn't have the freedom of decision

that a private businessman has.

There are certain procedures that need to be followed.

Sometimes it takes a while.

What you're saying is that you haven't gotten around

to inspecting that building yet.

You can put it that way if you want.

Good. Ah Sing will be glad to hear that.

Thank you.Not at all.

There's no problem, Ah Sing.

I get license?Sure you will.

Oh, thank you, Mr. Grainger.

You coming?Right away.

Good luck.

What do you want?

A license. Mr. Grainger said that--

I don't care what he said. You're getting no license.

I told you before, and I'm telling you again.

We don't want your kind doing business in Medicine Bow.

Now get out.

Libby, you ought to be in bed.

I thought you might like some hot coffee and sandwiches.

That sounds good.

Is there any trouble at the pass?

Not yet. But don't count your chickens.

They've stopped digging postholes,

but it's not over till we go to court.

I was worried about a range war.

So was I, a little.

Oh, you had a visitor.Yeah?

Ah Sing.

He's having the grand opening of his restaurant,

and he came out especially to invite us.

Then he got his license?

That's wonderful.

Here that, Stace?

We're all going to the opening of Ah Sing's restaurant.

Great. I could use a good meal for a change.

Really? Well, so much for your coffee and sandwiches...

Mr. Grainger.

[ overlapping chatter ]

Mr. Grainger, don't you love exotic food?

Yes, ma'am. Just as long as there's a big slab of ham on the plate.

[ laughs ]

Mrs. Evers, how do you find Medicine Bow?

Well, in the morning, I just brush away the lilacs,

and there it is.

[ laughter ]

I shouldn't say this in front of your husband.

He might raise his fees.

But he's just done an excellent job for us.

We're very much impressed.

Luke's a fine lawyer.

Thank you, ma'am.

And when Wyoming becomes a state,

he'll be a fine governor.

And then a brilliant senator.

Where does he go from there?

Well, Luke is native born.

And by that time, he'd be over 35. He's qualified.

[ all laugh ]

Ah!

First must say--

very happy all of you come to grand opening.

Hope you come next time, when you pay for meal.

[ laughter ]

Now, must explain dish.

In China, cooking is very ancient

and honorable art.

Father once said to me,

"Belly is nest of happiness."

You all agree?

Now, for grand opening...

Ah Sing say, what is most famous dish?

Peking Ja.

Peking duck.

For Peking duck, must have cinnamon,

ginger, soy sauce,

coconut, and rice wine.

Also need duck.

[ laughter ]

These things pretty hard to find in Medicine Bow.

Ah Sing substitute.

I substitute for cinnamon, ginger, soy sauce,

coconut, rice wine--

I substitute carrots, potatoes, and onions.

[ laughter ]

Find no duck. Substitute nice, big piece of meat.

That's why Ah Sing famous Peking duck

look little bit like good, old-fashioned American...

beef stew.

[ laughter ]

Hello, Emmett.

Come on, sit down.

Have yourself some naturalized Chinese duck.

I'm afraid not.

You never got that license.

Very sorry. No license.

Yeah, well, I'm sorry, too.

You'd better come with me.

You're not serious, Emmett.

I sure am.

What's gotten into you?

Look, Mr. Grainger, don't make me the villain.

I'm just doing my job.

Temple came over to the office not more than ten minutes ago

and handed me this bench warrant for his arrest.

So don't talk to me-- talk to Temple.

It's my duty, as I see it.

And I'm not the one to shirk responsibilities.

The fact of the matter is,

we don't want his kind doing business in Medicine Bow.

His kind?You know what I mean.

No, I don't know what you mean!

Not until you come right out and say it.

Don't you read the west coast papers, Mr. Grainger?

They're full up with accounts of frightening things

happening in San Francisco.

See for yourself.

It isn't right that such things go on in an American city.

Tong wars and opium dens...

bringing in those concubines.

What are you talking about?

Chinese! It's all in there.

What's that got to do with Ah Sing?

He's one.

One what?Chinese.

Well, we understand your concern, Mr. Temple.

Certainly it's a problem, and a serious one.

But, in few of Ah Sing's fine record,

the fact that he's been employed at Shiloh for years

and has caused no trouble--

I can't make exceptions.

You've got to give him his license.

After all, we're not asking that you flood the town with Chinese.

It's one man, one restaurant.

And that opens the gates. Always does.

Opens the gates to what?

A one-man tong war?

It's my duty to protect this community

from the evil these heathens spread wherever they go.

I think we'd better go now.

Go, nothing. I'm going nowhere till this is settled.

I want to talk to you, Mr. Grainger...right now.

Please.

Now, cool down.

That man's an idiot.

You're not going back in there.

As your legal adviser, I'm saying let matters rest.

And let Ah Sing stay in jail?

For the time being.Why?

Because you're all at the mercy of Milo Temple.

Because it's obvious that he's excited

about this Yellow Peril thing--

nonsense or not.

And if you do anything to help Ah Sing,

he's gonna wipe out that restraining order.

And then where will you be?

I want Ah Sing out.

Now, wait a minute, John.

Are we gonna leave a fine human being

sitting there in jail,

being denied the privilege of making a living

by the bias of a stupid bigot?

It's not that important.

What is important?

We're paying Evers for his advice. You just heard it.

It's rotten advice.

It's the best I can offer.

Do you know what's at stake here, John?

You, probably more than all the rest of us.

You said so yourself.

Are you gonna throw it all away just for...

Go on, go on. For one Chinaman!

For one man-- Hindu or High Church.

The fact of the matter is,

that every rancher in this valley can be ruined

if Temple reversed himself on that restraining order.

Don't you agree, Evers?

And he'll do it.

Now, let it be. That's my advice.

You're not off and alone on this, John.

You're carrying us all with you.

Now, we've got something to say.

And you say...

Forget it.

My first pie.

How does it look?Scary.

Aren't you even gonna try it?

Yes, later maybe.

Don't you feel well?I feel fine.

What's wrong, then?

Logic.

That's what's wrong.

Sometimes a man can get himself trapped my logic.

You have to be sensible.

You have to be reasonable.

Oh, yes.

Logic is what separates the man from the beast.

Well, today I separated myself from the beast...

by turning my back on someone who needed help desperately.

It was reasonable. It was logical.

Oh, yes, it was the sensible thing to do.

Scurvy, but sensible.

I don't see what else you could've done.

You don't?

Well, I'll show you.

Get the rig.

What for?

We're going back to town.

Tom, get up.

Huh?

Tom!

Do you hear me? Get on your feet!

Why?

Because you've got work to do.

Go away.

Give me a hand, Stace.

I'll--I'll sue you for this, Grainger.

I'll get you for everything you've got!

Kidnapping, assault--

I'm surprised at you, Tom.

In Europe, people spend fortunes

to get soaked in hot springs.

You're getting the treatment for nothing.

You can't do this!Why not?

Well, because it's, uh... undignified.

Help! Help! Get me out of here!

I'm drowning!

[ splashing ]

Help! Get me out of here!

A man hates what does him best.

Please! Help!

It's a sobering thought.

Let me help you, Tom.

John, I--I've got to have a drink.

You're doing fine.

I'll do anything you tell me to.

You tell me, and I'll do it.

Only--Only I've got to have a drink.

Another 24 hours, you'll have it beat.

Another 24 hours,

I'll be a howling maniac.

I'll get you some coffee.

I'm dying, and you're offering me a lily.

You're doing great, Tom.

Just great.

Thank you.

Good morning.Good morning.

Good morning, Tom.Good morning.

This'll make you feel better.

A man wasn't meant to take so much sobering so fast.

All right, John. You've made your point.

Do we understand each other?

You're gonna get Ah Sing out.

I'm not vindictive, Manstead.

I have nothing against this Ah Sing.

It's nothing personal.

How much bail?Not a cent.

I'll release him into your custody pending trial.

Only just make sure he doesn't try

to open that restaurant. That's all.

All right.

Why don't you give him the license?

Hasn't this thing gone far enough?

Now, I want you to understand--

you're released in my custody.

That means I'm responsible for you.

You can't leave Medicine Bow without permission.

And don't get into any more trouble.

My license.

That'll be up to the judge to decide.

When?

When he gets here.

Meantime, as I said, no trouble.

[ knock on door ]

Would Mr. Evers be in, ma'am?

Yes.

I'm Milo Temple.

How do you do? Please come in.

Hello, Mr. Temple. Nice of you to call.

Come in, sit down.

Thought I'd have a word with you.

I have some things to do in the kitchen.

It's perfectly all right for you to stay, Mrs. Evers.

What's your connection with John Grainger?

My connection?

Is he your client?

No, I'm retained by the Cattlemen's Association.

Good.

Do you think I'm acting wrong

in not giving this Ah Sing a license?

I believe that what I'm doing is right.

That's your privilege.

Grainger's retained Tom Manstead

to represent Ah Sing before the circuit judge.

I want you to represent me--

that is, the district.

Against Ah Sing?

I'll appoint you special prosecutor.

A big title...

to make up for a small fee.

I'm a little surprised.

I think you're a good lawyer.

I think you'll do a good job.

Well, um...

I'd like to think about it.

You do that.

Nice to meet you, ma'am.

My pleasure.

Thank you.

Bye.Good-bye.

Special prosecutor?

I don't know, Lucy.

Well, why not?

It's not going to sit well with John Grainger.

Well, is he so important?

Important enough.

Most people in town agree with Mr. Temple.

Do they?

It's the kind of thing that makes them feel important.

If they don't have a real sinner, they invent one.

Lucy the cynic.

And they have votes.

John Grainger-- as big as he is-- only has one.

You didn't think we were gonna starve him, did you?

Well, I wasn't sure.

Strange things have happened in this town.

Hey, Ah Sing. I brought you something to eat.

Thank you, Miss Elizabeth.

Imagine, putting him in jail for trying to open a restaurant.

I'm surprised he's not in chains

and stretched out on the rack.

[ laughs ]

My chicken's not nearly as good as yours,

but I'm learning.

It very delicious, I'm sure.

How long do you expect to keep him here?

He can leave now if he promises

not to try to open his restaurant. How about it?

Must open restaurant.

Wife come pretty soon.

No business... can't support wife.

Mm-hmm. There you are.

Well, the door's open anytime you want to leave.

You're always welcome back at Shiloh.

Thank you, Miss Elizabeth.

But I promise wife...

I have my own business.

Tell me about her.

Oh. She pretty.

Not too tall.

Small.

Black eyes, long black hair.

Skin...smooth and soft.

Like silk.

She sounds lovely.

Also, she very obedient.

How long has it been since you've seen her?

I never see her.

You've never seen her?

No. I order her from marriage broker

in San Francisco.

But if you've never seen her,

how do you know she's all these things?

Pretty and small

with black eyes and long black hair.

Because marriage broker-- he very reliable.

Ah Sing--

Miss Elizabeth, you come again?

Of course.

Ah Sing, why don't you promise?

Making promise is like making child.

If you make promise, you must honor it.

I'll rule on the motion.

Now, whoever gave these deeds originally

had the right to give them only in accordance

with the intent of the original congressional act.

Such intent is clearly contained

in this official government poster--

"Subject to cattle passage easements now in existence."

It is my decision to uphold the action

of Justice of the Peace Temple,

and make permanent the temporary injunction hitherto granted.

So ordered.

Great job. Great job.

Congratulations.Thank you.

Oh, darling, I'm so happy.

JUDGE: Next case on the calendar.

Whew. It must be 100 degrees in here,

so let's get on with it, shall we?

Oh, yes, it's this Ah Sing matter.

Who represents the defendant?

I do, Your Honor.

Thomas Elliot Manstead for the defendant.

And for the district?

Luke Evers for the district, Your Honor.

Oh.

You're a busy man, Mr. Evers.

Yes, sir.

Bring in the prisoner, please.

Will you gentlemen approach the bench?

Ohh. Must we go through with all this?

I'm about to pass out from this heat.

Why don't you stipulate your client guilty,

and I'll go easy?

Uh, no, sir.

We're entitled to our day in court.

Yeah.

Well...

[ whispers ] Try and make it fast.

TOM: And we contend, Your Honor,

that the ordinance in question--178B--

was originally placed in the books

as a means of reducing the threat of fire in the community--

a wholly laudable and legitimate purpose.

However, nothing in the ordinance

vests in the Justice of the Peace

the discretion to withhold a license

once the premise has passed inspection

by the proper authorities,

and is shown to represent no hazard

to either public or private property.

There is a-- There are a number of--

Uh, there are innumerable citations

I could use to uphold the contention.

I have one right here, Your Honor.

I'll find it in a minute.

Uh, it's-- It's the case of--

JUDGE: Mr. Manstead, you've made your point.

You say the Justice of the Peace has no discretionary power.

All right. Why belabor the point?

Is there anything else?

Well, uh...

no, Your Honor.

I mean, yes. Uh--

Your Honor, I--

The, uh--

The defense rests.

Mr. Evers?

If Your Honor pleases, I'll be very brief.

[ sighs ]

Representing this district of the territory of Wyoming,

I'll be content to recall the defendant to the stand

and ask him three simple questions.

You're still under oath, Mr. Sing.

Mr. Ah.

Sing first name.

Chinese do it backwards.

Oh. Mr. Ah.

Ah Sing, three questions.

One--before you opened your restaurant,

were you told that you were required to have a license?

Yes.

Two--did you get a license?

No.

Three--nevertheless, without a license,

did you open your restaurant to the public?

Yes.

As Your Honor has said, why belabor the point?

We rest.

Very well, Mr... Mr. Ah.

You may step down.

Very nice meeting you, sir.

That Evers is as smooth as silk, isn't he?

[ judge bangs gavel ]

JUDGE: Will the defendant please rise?

Ah Sing, I find you guilty

of violating city ordinance 178B,

and I fine you $50.

However, in view of your previous good record,

I suspend the sentence.

Court's adjourned.

Don't understand.

You're free. You can go.

I get license?

No. No license.

He'll explain.

It means you're free, Ah Sing.

You don't have to go back to jail.

But I get no license.

No restaurant.

You'll come back to Shiloh.

We'll be grateful if you would.

I'm sorry, Mr. Grainger. I didn't enjoy doing that.

I think you did.

[ knock on door ]

I'm not home.

Have a drink with a rotten lawyer.

Will you spare it?

You did all right.

Oh, yeah. Fine.

The cards were stacked.

Yeah. And I was the joker--

oozing words like a punctured sausage.

I was bored listening to myself.

Well, it's over. Plain and simple.

But it's not that simple.

I don't think you know what that decision meant today.

Maybe even Temple doesn't know.

But for now on, he has the right to withhold a license

from anyone he doesn't like,

for any reason he chooses.

Well, I guess he always had that right.

The law is on the books.

Yeah, but it's a bad law.

Discriminatory. No due process.

Violation of the 5th and 14th Amendments.

Why didn't you say that at the trial?

Because that wasn't the case we were trying.

At least I didn't think so at the time.

Granddad, he's back.

Who's back?

Ah Sing-- he's back in jail.

I've done my best to keep you out of trouble.

But this time, I'm afraid you've gone too far.

You're on your own.

Please, Granddad. That's not fair.

Nobody can put himself above the law.

But he doesn't understand.

It's high time he learned.

Mr. Grainger...

very important you understand.

Ah Sing not like you,

Miss Elizabeth,

or Mr. Temple.

You have never been stranger in foreign land.

So, I want house...

family...business.

Ah Sing very willing to work for this.

My hands different from yours, Mr. Temple?

Nothing personal-- I told you that.

But restaurant very personal.

Only chance not to be stranger.

Why can I not have restaurant?

If I do not fight,

I do not deserve restaurant.

There are lots of business in Medicine Bow.

None need license.

Only Ah Sing need license.

Why?

Why, Mr. Temple?

Does law say...

no license to anybody with pigtail?

Does law say no license

to anybody with little silk hat?

Does law say no license

to man with last name first?

Or first name last?

No. Law say give license

to anybody willing to work.

Ah Sing work.

If I could wear my skin

like I wear my shirt,

I'd take it off...

and show you my heart.

Just like yours, Mr. Temple.

I never give up fight, Mr. Grainger.

Can't we make an appeal?

You want to do that?Yes.

You said we had the law.

I said it.

If you want to win, get another lawyer.

I'm not up to it.

I think you are, Tom.

Will you do it?

I'll give it a try.

Ah Sing?

You're going to have your restaurant.

You'll see.

How long?

Not long. Not long at all.

Ah Sing...

you are a great cook.

No, no more. That's enough.

If I had a couple of more prisoners like you,

my middle would just get up and walk away on its own.

[ chuckles ]

What'd you call that stuff?

Very low-class dish.

Called chow mein.

Chow mein, chow mein.

It mean "beggar's hash".

Well, the beggars in China

must be the fattest beggars in the world.

There you are. You're just in time.

Mr. Grainger, pull up a chair and have some beggar's hash.

No, thanks. We have to get over to Temple's office.

We just dropped by to tell Ah Sing the bad news.

We lost our petition.

I'm sorry. I really thought we'd win.

No license?

I'm afraid that's the end of it.

Why?We lost our fight.

Thank you, Mr. Grainger.

But Ah Sing not lost fight.

Be reasonable, Ah Sing.

What are you going to do?

What are you going to fight with?

Old grandfather once said,

"Best fighter is man who overcome enemy without a blow."

Tomorrow I make you Peking duck.

All right, that sounds great.

How you want it?

Beef or ham?

Well, there it is.

What a victory.

The whole majesty of the law.

The judicial might of the territory...

over one little Chinese cook.

Congratulations.

You're not a good loser, Manstead.

And I never want to be.

Well...

guess that finishes it.

Proud of yourself, Temple?

Not all that proud.

In fact, I've been doing some thinking.

This Ah Sing isn't a bad sort.

I mean, he's not like what I read in the papers

about opium smokers and slave runners.

Maybe we ought to write finish to this.

Meaning?

What the devil? Let's give him his license.

That's great.

You're not giving anyone a license.

This has gone too far.

I fought to hold back that license, and I won.

And nothing's changed. If he wasn't fit to operate a restaurant before,

he's not fit now.

That's Temple's decision.

It's out of his hands.

I'm just trying to show a little compassion.

Compassion my eye!

You give Ah Sing a license now,

you're saying that holding it back originally was wrong.

That you were wrong, I was wrong,

Judge Maybury was wrong, the Circuit Court of Appeals was wrong,

and all the people in this town who backed you originally were wrong.

You're not big enough for that, Temple.

You're not making fools out of all of us.

If you try to issue the license now...

I'll get a court order to prevent it.

And I'll make that order stick.

Most people are driven to drink for a reason.

Unhappy childhood,

denied love, business failure.

None of that with me.

Heh. I can think of no good, sensible reason

for my drinking.

And that's what drives me to drink.

Well, John...

it was nice being sober with you.

You put that glass to your lips,

and I'll strangle you.

Why?

Three little words.

The Supreme Court.

Go home.

What about it?

You're crazy.Can we do it?

No.Why?

It's ridiculous.

Tell me why!Because--

Because the Supreme Court--

The Supreme Court of the United States?

I just couldn't do it.

I've fuddled this case twice.

What are you tryin' to do to me, John?

You said we had the law.

The Court of Appeals says we haven't.

What about the constitutional issue?

Forget it.

Discrimination? No due process?

Violation of the 5th and 14th Amendments? Your own words!

You can't take a case like this to the Supreme Court--

a restaurant license.

Forget about the case. What about the principle?

I just couldn't do it. I haven't got it in me.

You tell me this-- do you believe

that Ah Sing has the right to open a restaurant?

A right guaranteed by the Constitution?

Yes.

You believe that in your heart and soul?

Yes!

The fight it through!

Without this!

I'm worn out.

Never knew there were so many places to see in Washington.

I feel as though I've walked my legs to the kneecaps.

I think I'll turn in. How about you?

Oh, when I'm tired, I'll go to sleep.

It's gonna be a long, hard day.

John, stop nursemaiding me.

All right, Tom.

I'll see you for breakfast in the dining room.

Right.

LUCY: Mr. Manstead?

I'm Lucy Evers.

Oh, yes, yes. Good evening.

Are you sitting here alone?Yes.

We can't have that.

Luke and I are having a late supper. Won't you join us?

Well, uh...

thank you. I'm afraid not.

Mr. Manstead, just because you and Luke

are on opposite sides in a lawsuit

doesn't mean you have to be enemies.

I insist.Well, uh--

After all, we Territorials have to stick together...

now, don't we?

Hello, Tom.Hello.

Darling, I asked Mr. Manstead to join us.

By all means.

I don't want to interrupt.

You're not, I assure you.

Waiter, another glass, please.

Please, sit down, Mr. Manstead.

Thank you.

This certainly has Medicine Bow beat to a hollow.

But don't you ever tell anybody I said that.

No.

Tom, you all set for the big day?

Oh...

as ready as I'll ever be.

I wanted to tell you--

I was there when you were both admitted to practice

before the Supreme Court.

I was very proud.

A long step from the Seventh Circuit.

Yes.

I'd like to propose a toast.

To the two shining legal lights

in the territory of Wyoming.

Tom.

Wake up!

Do you know what time it is?

We have less than an hour to get to court.

Let me alone.

Get up.

I'm sick.

You're sick?

I'm the one that's sick.

Sick of playing nursemaid to a witless,

spineless specimen of a man.

Look at you.

I can't make it.

Get up.

I'm over my head, and I know it.

I haven't got the guts for the job, and that's the truth.

Maybe.

But we've come too far to be turning back.

We're lost before we start. Don't you see that?

All I can see is a glob.

A jellyfish.

And if I have to shove a poker down your throat

to give you backbone, I'll do it.

You're going into court.No!

Oh, yes, you are.

I'm not letting you crawl into a hole and disappear.

Now, you get up.

Get up and get dressed!

Ah Sing vs. Wyoming,

in appeal from the Circuit Court,

Territory of Wyoming.

May it please the court...Yes?

Your Honor, Mr. Thomas Manstead,

representing the plaintiff in this action,

is not yet in court.

Might we have a short adjournment?

We have a crowded calendar.

I'm afraid that's not possible.

I'm certain he'll be here shortly.

JUSTICE: Counsel for the petitioner not present.

We will dismiss the action.

GRAINGER: Just a minute, Your Honor, please.

The counsel for the petitioner is here.

Mr. Manstead, how dare you enter this chamber

in such a state?

You are in contempt of this court...

a disgrace to the bar.

And you leave us no choice but to dismiss this action forthwith.

Your Honor--We will hear no more.

You will hear more, sir.

Please, Your Honor.

Censure me, disbar me,

hang me up by the fingernails-- I don't care.

But I beg you-- do not dismiss this case.

We have no alternative.

You're in no condition to argue this action.

I don't have to be. The truth, the morality,

the justice of the issues involved

are beyond argument.

Your Honors, please...

do not judge this case-- or any case--

by its advocate.

Why--Why are we here?

What is this all about?

Why do we take the time of this august tribunal

to plead the case of a little man of Chinese descent--

refused a license to operate a restaurant

in the town of Medicine Bow, territory of Wyoming? Why?

Because it is not his case alone.

It is the case of all people

denied an inalienable right

by willful and arbitrary action

by a public official.

They must be protected,

they must be shielded from such matters.

And--And where can they look...

for such protection, for relief?

Where else but to the Constitution of the United States?

The ethic, the soul, the morality

of the American system.

And to this court,

wherein resides the great responsibility

to see that impartial justice is done.

Your Honors,

it is unlawful to deny a man the right to work

because of the accident of his birth.

The end being unlawful,

it is equally unlawful to use any means

to accomplish that unlawful end.

Your Honors...

this is the supreme truth.

Something that is morally wrong...

can never be legally right.

We won.

What does it say? Read it.

"Ah Sing vs. Wyoming,

an appeal from Circuit--"

Wait a minute, Stace. Let Tom read it.

Now, just give us the meat.

"Though the law on its face be fair,

"it is applied and administered

"with an evil eye and an unequal hand.

"This discrimination is therefore illegal

"and is a denial

"of the equal protection of the law

"and a violation of the 14th Amendment

"to the Constitution.

"To this end, the Circuit Court is reversed,

"the imprisonment of the petitioner is illegal...

and he must be discharged."

We won! We won!

Get license?

You bet you get your license.

Then get restaurant?

Yes.

All right?

Yes.

Thank you. You splendid lawyer.

No more splendid than my client.

Very grateful, Mr. Grainger.

We're all very happy about this, Ah Sing.

EMMETT: I'm not.

I'm gonna miss his cooking.

Wife come soon.

All invited to wedding.

Going to have Peking duck-- with duck!

Small, dark eyes,

long, black hair.

She's just what he ordered.

Isn't she lovely?

[ theme music playing ]