Original subtitles

[theme music]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[horn blares]

[music continues]

[guitar music]

[music continues]

I'm out.

Well... biggest pot of the evening, Mr. Skeet.

Trampas: It's up to you.

How much you got left there, boy?

Hm, about, uh, $300.

- I sure hate to do it. - Hate to do what?

Put the Nancy Bell on the line for three hundred.

- Nancy who? - The Nancy Bell.

That's a river boat.

Just like the one we're on.

Well, not just exactly like the one we're on.

She's a mite bit older but a proud vessel, son.

A mighty proud vessel.

And she's in Bristol-shape.

And as much as I hate to risk a-parting with her...

I don't see how I have any other choice.

An entire river boat on one hand of poker?

Son, there must be several thousand dollars in that pot.

I'd like to take it home with me.

And with this hand, it ain't exactly a gamble.

- Show a good one, huh? - Try me.

Well, seeing as, uh, most of the money that's in front of me

belongs to you gentleman that started the evening,

I feel kind of an obligation to give you all

a chance to win it back.

You figure I'm bluffin', huh?

Well, let's just say I'd hate to think you'd top that pot

into your pocket.

I'll call.

Skeet: Well, that makes two of us that figure

on takin' that pot home to bed with us.

Anymore?

Three hundred to me, huh?

You callin' or stallin'?

Ah, don't go get in a hurry, Pop.

Pop?

Believe I'd like to stay in this,

if you give me a minute or two.

A minute or two for what?

To go get the money I'm gonna need to win this pot.

You mean you ain't got the money on ya?

I didn't exactly see that river boat tied up to the table, Pop.

You afraid I got the cards to do it?

- It's alright with me. - Why not?

More the merrier.

[instrumental music]

Hoy...

[knocking on door]

- Who is it? - It's me, Billy.

How we doin'? You get the deep?

It's on the table, just like you said it would be.

That old river skunk.

He's a bigger crook than either on of us.

Not for long.

You caught a hand?

Ten, jack, queen, king and ace.

Just a straight?

Of hearts.

How much do you need?

Three hundred.

Oh... that's a lot.

Especially when they're looking for this stuff.

No one's gonna see it but me, Hoy.

That pot and that boat are as good as ours right now.

I hope so, 'cause one thing is plain.

What's that?

Time is runnin' out for you and me.

Don't worry, Hoy. Ain't nothing can beat a royal flush.

[instrumental music]

Hey, you sure you took your time about it.

Take it easy, Pop.

Where do you get off callin' me Pop?

Uh, look, you two can swap insults all evenin', but, uh,

I'd like to finish this game and stretch my legs.

I think we're stoppin'.

Uh, we weren't due to stop till we hit Billstown.

Well, if we ain't stoppin', we sure slowin' up for somethin'.

Quite, now.

Slow and orderly, and fan out all around the deck.

Anybody tries to get off the boat, shoot.

Uh, let's finish the hand, gentleman.

Got plenty of time to go outside and see what's goin' on.

I'm, uh, I'm calling it, Pop.

Well, you can just stop callin' me "Pop."

I'll call you anything you like, if you just tell me

what you're holdin' in your hand.

Full house. Aces over jacks.

That's a mighty fine hand, Mr. Skeet, but, uh...

not quite fine enough.

Four nines.

Four nines?

Well, I can see why you gentleman were so confident.

I'd have felt pretty good myself if I'd have been holdin'

either one of those hands.

Not good enough however, to go upstairs

for the three hundred dollars.

Well, there ain't much that can beat four nines

except four of somethin' better, friend.

And aces and jacks are already taken.

Well, I, I don't exactly have four of anything...

So, I, uh... I guess you win, son.

We're lookin' for some men.

Hoy and Billy Valentine.

Man: You take the doors on this side,

I'll take them on that side.

Man: Open up in there, open up!

[indistinct chatter]

[knocking]

- These yours? - Uh, yeah, my lucky night.

Maybe not.

- Huh? - Let's go.

- Let's go? - Move it!

- Yeah, but what... - Leave it!

Rest stays there.

Alright, you can carry on now, folks.

But I wouldn't recommend any of you leavin' this room.

Let's go.

Ain't that just a way?

Looked like such an honest fellow.

Ah.

What's this?

Where'd you get this, son?

The deed or the money?

Not interested in the deed.

Where'd you get this money?

- Won most of it. - On this boat?

Mainly, but I had a streak of luck in El Paso, too. Whoo.

It's gonna be hard to prove.

Why should I have to prove it?

'Cause a good part of this money is stolen, that's why.

Stolen?

He didn't have any of those in his bill fold.

Fact is, he didn't have anything in it.

Well, I will as soon as you gentleman return me my money.

Afraid we can't do that, boy. This is evidence.

Evidence? Well, I won that money. I'll be needin' it.

Oh, you'll be needin' a lot more unless you cooperate.

Uh, just what did you all have in mind?

We're gonna walk back into the gaming room

and you're gonna try hard to remember just which of those

particular gentlemen gave you any of this money.

We were playin' for hours. Men have been comin'

and goin' out of that game.

You're a long way from home, son.

If you wanna get back to Wyoming,

you better try real hard to remember.

Man: Let's go.

Let's go.

[indistinct chatter]

Hoy?

[gunshot]

Billy: Hold your glasses on a steed.

They found them! Let's go!

Hey, what about my money?

Dang you, Hoy, it's me.

We ain't got much time.

[banging]

Go! That's it!

[gunshot]

[gunshots]

[gunshots]

[gunshot]

We'll never be able to pick up their trail in the dark.

We're right back where we started.

No photograph, no description, no nothin'.

Wait a minute, we got somethin'. One of 'em is hit.

Get up to the wheelhouse and tell them to head to shore.

- We're goin' after 'em. - Right!

What happened?

They went in.

They get 'em?

I don't know.

[groans]

How ba-- how bad is it?

I don't feel like dancin'.

[groans]

Take this.

[groans]

[horn blares]

[horn blares]

We got two choices, Hoy.

What's the other one?

Oh, we-- we could give up.

Hoy, we've been at this for close to 45 years.

Billy: And the percentages are all against us.

You said yourself. We're running out of places to hide.

But we got a plan.

Hoy: And if we make it good,

we can call it quits.

Retire.

Hoy...

I-- I didn't get the boat.

Billy... nobody... nobody

could lose a pot with a royal flush.

Nobody.

But Hoy, the Plimptons were coming...

and I didn't want to get caught with those worthless notes.

Who got it?

A fellow with the name of Trampas.

From up North.

They'll stop to look for us.

If we can make the train down to Haughton...

we can almost beat the river boat in.

Hoy... you didn't hear me.

Won't do us no good to go to Haughton.

I-- I didn't get the deed.

- This fellow Trampas got it? - Right.

Well, we just have to take it away from him.

[instrumental music]

[horn blares]

Grandpa, I'm over here!

Corey.

- I have a surprise for you. - Oh?

Look who I brought with me.

Oh, Jason.

Not just Jason, grandfather. Show him, Jason.

You, Sheriff?

Well, it's only temporary, but...

But Sheriff Wilcox had enough confidence in Jason to leave him

in full charge while he's away at the county seat.

I always thought Sheriff Wilcox was a man of unusual vision.

Most unusual.

Well, let me take your bag, sir.

Thank you, Jason.

Dear.

Hey, Mr. Skeet! [whistles]

Hey!

Let's be on our way, Jason.

Uh, well, isn't that man calling you, sir?

No, that looks like one of those riverboat type gamblers.

I'd rather not have Corey exposed to a man of his ilk.

Oh, I couldn't agree with you more, sir.

- Hyah! - Let's be on our way.

[whistles] Hey, Mr. Skeet! Hey!

[whistles] Hey! Hey...

Four days includin' feed, that comes to, uh...

Four dollars even.

Ah, well, tell you what.

Why don't I give you

three dollars forty two cents cash...

and we can wipe out the bill

and settle it all at once.

- Settle it all at once? - Yeah.

How else you gonna pay a four dollar bill?

I'll tell you what, I'll give you

three dollars and forty two cents and you can put

the rest in my bill.

- Wait a minute! - Hm?

You don't have a bill.

Oh. Guess I do now.

You tryin' to tell me something, mister?

I guess you get that feeling, don't you?

I might as well spit it put.

I ran into a little bad luck on the riverboat.

Here, three dollars and forty two cents.

Gambling, huh?

Yeah, in a way, but that's not how I lost all my money.

Young fella...

A man can't pay what he owes. He deserves what comes to him.

Wha-- Now-- now, hold on a minute.

I only owe you 58 cents, you can't take my whole horse.

Well, what do you expect me to do, section him?

Well, no, but I got somebody comin'.

As soon as I go get it, I'll pay you the bill.

Fine, fine, your horse will be here.

Oh, hey. [chuckles]

Why, can't we work this thing out?

I mean, uh, see I'll need my...

my old horse here to collect the money.

Alright, we'll do it your way.

Oh, that's just fine, it's fine. I appreciate that.

- You're a good man. - I know I am.

[horse nickers]

[indistinct muttering]

[instrumental music]

Nice to see you again, Jason.

Well, it's nice to have you back, Mr. Skeet.

Don't be long, Corey, I'm half starved.

I'll be right along, grandfather.

Corey, this, uh, this ridiculous

way of living has just got to stop.

Now, are you gonna tell him, or am I?

Jason, until he's back on his feet, there's nothing to tell.

Back on his feet? Corey, do you have any idea

how much money that old man squanders on the poker table?

He could've fixed this old tub up 10 times over

and made a wonderful place for himself.

Look, Jason, I am the only thing grandfather has.

And I've just got to see to his needs.

See to his needs? What about my needs?

I know, Jason.

And I have just the notion

that'll straighten you right out.

- What's that? - A nice, big lunch.

Oh... I'd like to, Corey, but, uh...

You know, I think I better get back to town.

- There may be trouble. - Trouble?

Yes, Hoy and Billy Valentine might be headed this way.

- Hoy and Billy Valentine? - Mm-hmm.

- I never heard of them. - Well, I never did either.

But the Plimpton detective agency

doesn't go chasing after one time horse thieves.

These fellas must be pretty important.

Now, Jason, you be careful.

Don't go getting involved with them.

Don't go getting involved?

Corey, I am the acting Sheriff.

Now, if I happen to catch outlaws, that would mean--

Yes, but Jason, if the Plimptons can't catch them,

then what makes you think you can?

Well, I have... natural instincts for detective work,

Corey, I have natural instincts.

Well, just you watch that you don't get those

natural instincts shot off fooling around

with those fellas.

Okay.

Corey... I'm a lawman.

Like it or not, there are some risks

that just have to be taken.

I'll see you Friday night for dinner.

Bye, Jason.

Corey: Grandfather, do you know what you are?

You're a disgrace.

Now, what'd I do?

You've been gambling again, haven't you?

Well, Corey, a man has to pass the time.

Well, you could pass the time trying to earn an honest wage.

Oh, Corey, dear, that's why I was down on the river.

It was business.

Grandfather, I know what you do on that river.

You do?

You sell the Nancy Bell to strangers

who don't know any better.

And then after they've seen it, while they're still stricken,

you buy it back for practically nothing.

Now, Corey, who ever told you an outlandish story like that?

Who hasn't told me?

You don't seem to realize that everybody knows

that my grandfather is simply dishonest.

Corey, there is nothing simply dishonest

about your grandfather.

Well, who was that young man on the dock today?

Young man?

The one that called out after you.

Oh, oh, oh, that young man.

Why did he want to see you?

I don't know.

No guests. Good...

Uh, Corey, why don't you get lunch?

There's a couple of things I have to tend to.

[instrumental music]

Don't you start by getting yourself

all riled up, young fella.

I can explain.

What happened to your saddle?

Well, now that you bring it up, Mr. Skeet

that's one of the reasons I stopped by.

For the return of your saddle?

No, more on account of its absence.

I don't know a thing about it. Cross my heart.

Uh-huh.

Well, a unfortunate thing happened

to my winnings on the boat last night.

Those detectives helped themselves to all my cash.

And it seems those notes were stolen.

- No. - Yeah.

Well-- well, you don't think that I had

anything to do with a thing like that, do you?

Oh, I'm not here to accuse anyone, Mr. Skeet.

Well, I sure hope not.

What are you here for, anyway?

[sighs] Well...

Mr. Skeet, I'm gonna need a small estate

to get back to Wyoming, and it seems

the only thing that I have of any value

is a... riverboat.

Well, why don't you let me show you around

your new property?

Oh, now, I'm sure she's in the fine, Bristol-shape...

Oh, you-- you remember. Bristol-shape, yes.

She's in Bristol-shape.

Uh-huh, yeah.

And I'm sure you wouldn't wanna lose her

for a paltry $300.

So if you're in the mind of givin' me my money back,

I'll return the deed and we can call it square.

I'd like to do that.

Seeing as how I--

I do love the old Nancy Belle myself.

But recently, I-- I've-- I've suffered several...

pretty severe, financial setbacks.

- Mm. - Couple of weeks ago--

So what you're trying to tell me is this, uh...

beautiful vessel is all mine.

- Beautiful vessel? - Mm-hmm.

You know, I used to wonder what it would be like

to be a real-life captain of a boat like this.

But I hardly know where to begin.

Well, I suggest you begin by... following me and...

looking her over, very careful.

[instrumental music]

Skeet: Now, yesterday...

I-- I'll get it.

I was gonna do that this morning.

Go straight ahead, right in there.

[instrumental music]

- Huh. - Oh.

Excuse me.

You just go on about what you're doing, ma'am.

Trampas: I won't be in the way.

Oh, by the way, I'm Trampas.

Grandfather?

Uh, I'll explain everything later, dear.

Say...

Now, that's a nice painting.

Thank you.

Prints are nice, too.

Of course, it'll have to come down.

Come down? Grandfather...

You should push that wall back.

Then you make that into a bar.

Grandfather.

Uh, don't pay him no mind, dear.

You just get lunch.

I don't feel like getting lunch.

Not with some perfect stranger wandering around here,

like he owns the pl--

[instrumental music]

Oh, Grandfather.

You stuck him with the boat and he is going to keep it.

It's not funny. It's not funny, one bit.

This is our home, we live here.

What you mean is, you may have to go out and get an honest job.

Mr. Skeet...

You should be shot.

Lettin' a fine boat get in this kinda condition.

- That's terrible, isn't it? - Disgraceful.

Well, I guess you wanna be on your way.

Well, I'd like to, but, uh, just like I told you,

I'm temporarily without funds.

Uh... would you excuse us for a moment, Corey?

Skeet: We have some business to talk over.

- Grandfather, I think-- - Now, Corey...

Yes, grandfather.

Mr. Trampas, be careful.

Yes, ma'am.

Eh, Mr. Trampas...

I'll tell you what I might be able to do.

I might be able to take the Nancy Belle

back off your hands say for, uh...

ten cents on the dollar?

Thirty dollars for three hundred?

[scoffs] Well, I'm not a businessman

but, uh... that doesn't sound like much of a deal.

That's the best I can do.

I was afraid that might be the case.

Well...

there is an alternative.

- There is? - Sure.

You and me will just have to fix up

the old girl and sell her.

I'll just take my three hundred dollars out

and you can have the rest.

I'll go get my things

and we'll get right to it.

I, uh...

expect we've got a lot of work ahead of us.

[instrumental music]

Skeet: How do you like that?

I like it fine. Just fine.

Maybe he'll do some of the things

you keep saying you're gonna do.

Who taught you to eavesdrop?

And don't be so naive.

He has no intention of fixing up the boat.

He's up to something.

Grandfather, the trouble with you is

you think everybody thinks the way you do.

- He's nice. - He's devious.

- I know his game. - Oh, you do?

I certainly do.

He's gonna keep me working on this boat

till I have to buy him off to get rid of him.

[instrumental music]

[groaning]

There, I got it, Hoy. It's out.

Oh... you good for nothin' old butcher.

Why I've ever kept you around all these years

I'll never understand.

Oh.

[sighs]

[sighs]

Now, you just rest.

Wait.

And don't try to talk.

I'm alright.

Have to talk.

Make plans.

We have a plan.

And I gotta get it movin'.

You think you can?

Billy: Now you just take it easy.

Two weeks, we'll be in Mexico.

You know, I...

I was thinking maybe...

maybe Canada instead of Mexico.

Billy: Now, we got a lot of time to think about that.

In the meantime, I gotta get started on that boat.

Hoy: Billy, good luck.

Hm.

- Was it alright? - Hm?

Oh, it was fine.

Oh, it's better than fine. It's great.

Well, I... guess I'll take the dishes out.

- I'd be glad to help. - Corey: Oh, no.

Now you're a guest, in a way.

[instrumental music]

You, uh...

care for a cigar?

Yeah. Don't mind if I do. Thank you.

Thanks.

Mm.

[music continues]

[grunts]

Well...

You've looked her over from stem to stern.

Oh, you've been very helpful.

Engine room's a mess.

Blacksmiths can take care of that.

The, uh, the wood's half rotted away from the stern wheel.

Ah, must be an army of good carpenters in town.

Heh. The outside of this boat

will scare off a bunch of pirates.

[laughs]

A little paint, she'll fool anyone.

[laughs]

Layout's old-fashioned.

Hm... I'd call it more, uh, traditional.

Furniture's all worn and shabby.

Gives you that comfortable... down home feeling.

You mean to tell me that after spending two hours

looking this scow over, you're still not sore.

- Not a bit. - Ain't disgusted?

Not in the least.

You still think it-- it can be sold?

Absolutely.

Alright, Mr. Trampas.

Let's talk turkey.

How much will you take to call it square?

- Three hundred dollars. - One hundred.

- Three hundred. - Two hundred.

- Three. Then I stay. - I can't afford it.

[instrumental music]

Oh come on, you are a bigger story-teller than I am.

Tell me what you really think of this boat.

Well, all things considered,

good and bad, I think the old gal is a...

[whistles] in a real mess.

Well, do me a favor, take the hundred dollars for it

and leave me alone.

- Couldn't do that. - Why not?

Trampas: Wouldn't be fair to you.

How do you figure that?

If I let you take advantage of me,

then you'd lose all respect for yourself.

No, I won't.

I just couldn't take that chance.

I wouldn't want it on my conscience.

Look, you know you can't sell this boat.

That piece of paper I gave you is worthless.

Now take my advice. I'm offering you fifty dollars cash for it.

Take it, grab it and run.

Afraid I just can't do that.

Why not?

[knocks on door]

Now who'd be coming way out here at this hour?

Well, there's one way to find out.

Evenin', Pop.

What brings you around here this time of night?

Well, I, uh...

I guess any fella who's fool enough to play cards

on s riverboat is just about capable of anything.

Uh, howdy.

Trampas.

- Met you last night. - Yes.

Uh, this is Corey Ann Skeet,

Mr. Skeet's granddaughter.

This is Mister, uh...

Eh...

Uh, Moose.

Uh, that's my name.

Well, is that your first name or last name?

Eh, both.

Eh, that's what most people call me.

Just plain Moose.

Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Moose.

Would you care for a cup of coffee or a little brandy?

Uh, no, thank you, ma'am.

Moose: I have to get back to town.

So maybe I better come

to the reason for my visit.

I, uh...

I'd like to buy the Nancy Belle.

[instrumental music]

Are you out of your mind?

Hoy, it was the only way.

That riverboat's in worse shape

than the two of us put together.

Older, too, I expect.

We're gonna need a lot of help.

That boat ain't gonna be ready in two days.

That old crook and his daughter don't worry me so much.

Hoy: But what about this Trampas?

Exactly what did you tell him?

Well, I told him I wanted to buy the boat.

But he'd have to get it out of Colton

where my own people could finish the repairs she needed.

- You think he went for it? - Why not?

It even sounded good to me.

I don't know...

All he's got to lose is

a couple a day's work.

I'll go get the rest of the boys.

Be back soon as I can.

Are you sure you can ride?

I can ride fine.

Just can't shoot too good.

Alright. You take it real careful now.

The town's full of them Plimpton men.

[instrumental music]

You get the feelin' the whole country

is gettin' smaller.

Closin' in on us, like.

Well..

I ain't got no complaints.

Billy: If this is the finish we're lookin' at

it's gonna be big and excitin'.

If we're gonna go out...

it's gonna be in true Valentine style.

[instrumental music]

[Trampas sighs]

[Skeet grunts]

[grunts]

[sighs]

Ow!

Something wrong?

Uh, no, no, it'll be okay.

I-- it just ain't normally done that way.

How would you know? Hasn't been done on this boat for years.

Normally otherwise.

Trampas: Wait a minute.

Why am I lyin' flat on my back

workin' out this sweat while you're lookin' over me

like-- like some trail boss?

Oh, I'm sorry.

In that case, I'll just get out of your way, so you...

Hold it. Hold it.

Skeet...

this is your boat, your engine, and your engine room.

Oh, you're doin' fine, just fine.

Those fellas are gonna pay you $5000

for this boat when they get to Colton.

- And you're gonna pay me $300. - So?

So, I think I've just done about $300 worth of work.

Well, we ain't close to finish yet.

Skeet...

I think I've been patient long enough.

Now you give me my $300 and I'll... be on my way.

Well, you just can't... go on your way.

I-- I-- I'll never finish her alone.

Skeet, I want my money.

Trampas, even if I had the money I think it'd be bad business

for me to pay you before I get mine.

Uh, presuming I had the $300 to begin with.

What are you gonna do with that?

What I'm gonna do with this?

[laughing]

I'll tell you what I'm gonna do with this.

I'm gonna give it you, Skeet.

- Gonna give it to me? - Mm-hmm.

- Oh! - Now, get busy.

Yeah. Let me see if I can...

[instrumental music]

[indistinct muttering]

[grunts] Now I see what it is.

- You see what it is? - Oh!

Gee.

[whistles]

Yes?

One of you better get up here, fast.

Uh, I'll be right there.

[instrumental music]

I can see we're gonna have a little trouble

gettin' this boat ready to move downriver

by tomorrow, so I, uh...

I had a little help sent up from the ranch.

Oh, that's-- that's just fine.

Fine.

[instrumental music]

Billy: Miss Skeet, Trampas,

this is my-- my partner.

Pleased to make your acquaintance.

Just tell the boys what you want done

it'll be done.

[instrumental music]

Oh, well, that's, uh, that's...

I'll, uh... well, I'll see what we can find.

Fine, alright, boys.

Let's go. We got work to do.

[instrumental music]

Uh, why don't you go on inside, Miss Skeet?

What is it? Who are they?

Uh, it's nothing to worry about. You just go on inside.

Well, uh...

Uh, well, I guess you can start

on the paddle wheel, she needs work.

Oh, fine.

No, no, the,

the paddle wheel's at the aft of the ship.

Back, back there.

- Oh. - Yeah.

Uh, did your partner say, uh,

these fellows worked for you on your ranch?

He may have said that.

I think he did.

Uh-huh.

[instrumental music]

- Uh, Skeet. - Yeah.

Skeet, I'm kinda worried.

I'm a little worried myself.

I think this valve is beyond help.

No, no, no, I'm talking about the men Moose sent to help us.

What about 'em?

We need all the help we can get.

Yeah, I know, but there's...

Somethin' about those ranch hands

just doesn't sit right.

Like what?

Uh, they're...

For one thing, they're all too old to do the,

the hard work a ranch hand has to do.

Too old?

How would you know? That's the trouble with you young squirts.

You think a man's froze up for the winter

just as soon as he shows a touch of snow on his feet.

I'm not talkin' about a touch of snow.

There's a full blown blizzard just rolled in' up there.

And then, you know, ever-- everyone of 'em

must be pushing 70.

Well, I'm pushin' seventy, I'm the one

down here that's fixing the boilers

and you're up there supervising.

Alright, there's another thing.

They're all packing guns.

A lot of men wear guns. Or haven't you heard?

There's outlaws runnin' around this part of the country.

That's what's worrying me.

Alright, Trampas, have it your way.

These old men you're telling me about aren't ranch hands.

What do you reckon they are?

The James gang come back

from the dead, maybe?

James...

I-- I'm not, uh, that's-- I'm not saying that.

- Well, what are you sayin'? - I don't know.

It's just the idea of seven old men

payin' $5,000 for a run-down riverboat

just strikes me a might peculiar, that's all.

Trampas.

You ever hear the one about the gift horse?

Yeah, I heard it.

And I think that's exactly

what we should be considering.

Come again?

I think we should find out just who's on

the receiving end of that gift horse.

Us or them?

[instrumental music]

I don't know what you're talkin' about.

[valve squeaks]

Come on, you.

Wait till you see the faces on them. Phew.

[instrumental music]

Jason: Came this morning.

This is what they're after?

Is it anything you'd care to share

with the local authorities?

Yes, if you promise to keep out of the way.

Mr. Plimpton, I'm aware of your...

reputation.

I'm also aware

that your work for the railroad gives you

full authority from our state capital.

But I know my job

and I've been given authority over this town

and I intend to uphold it.

Oh, that's a very nice speech, deputy.

Are you sure you want full responsibility for this?

[intense music]

A million dollars in silver?

[clattering]

Boys do good work.

Huh? Yeah.

Something wrong?

Well, I was just thinkin' you're putting an awful lot

of time and lumber on this front part of the deck.

Cabin needs work, too,

and the roof over the main salon

is over for rain.

I want a boat with a good strong deck.

It's strong enough now to take on a wagon load of lead.

[clattering]

Trampas: Hey, Moose. How you doing?

Billy: Huh, just fine, fine.

Uh, hello, Trampas.

How's that old engine comin' along?

It's coming along fine, too. Just fine. I'll be ready soon.

- How soon? - Oh, tonight.

Tomorrow night, for sure.

Well, if it isn't by tonight, the whole deal is off

and that's a fact.

Well, it hasn't been run a long time, Moose.

Take a little time to put it right.

- Within a day, more or less. - More or less?

We gotta be downriver by tomorrow morning.

And that's the way it is, Trampas.

Yeah, we do...

[foghorn blaring]

I think it started, Moose.

She works, boys. She works.

[instrumental music]

- Trampas. - Hm?

Who are they?

Why won't grandfather tell me anything about them?

There's nothing to worry about, Miss Skeet.

Both you and grandfather are treating me like a child.

At least Jason thinks of me as a woman.

Well, I think of you as a woman, too, believe me.

Who's Jason?

If you don't mind, that chair's taken.

Well, I don't see nobody takin' it.

Well, that's because he's not here yet.

Who isn't here yet?

Why, it's Friday night.

Sheriff Jason Wilkes is coming for dinner.

[dramatic music]

Jason : Well, I don't know when I've enjoyed a meal more.

Delicious food.

Warm inviting atmosphere,

company of a beautiful lady

and nice pleasant folk to be with.

Would you like some more wine, Jason?

Oh, thank you, Corey, yes. I...

I do feel like celebrating a bit.

It has been a long time coming, hm?

[clears throat] Uh, gentlemen.

May I propose a toast?

To the new owner of the Nancy Belle.

I'll drink to that.

I hope you take possession soon.

Corey Ann: Tomorrow morning, Jason.

Which means I'll be looking

for a place to stay by tomorrow night.

Downriver, Colton.

No, grandfather.

I think I'll stay here in Haughton.

Haughton?

Why? We've got $5,000.

We can go anyplace. [chuckles]

Well, grandfather, Jason needs me.

Especially with his new responsibility.

I'm under a great deal of pressure, Mr. Skeet.

Great deal of pressure.

Your pressure's in your mind.

Take a nice cold swim in the river.

You'll be fine.

[scoffs] Well, I wouldn't call

the Valentine gang a state of mind, Mr. Skeet.

- Skeet: Never heard of 'em. - Trampas: Valentine gang?

Was that the bunch you were looking for

in the river last night?

Mm-hm. That's right.

We believe they're headed this way.

Jason: And we're ready for 'em.

Hm, seem kind of foolish for 'em to stopped here.

Those Plimptons are right on their trail.

And that's exactly why the Valentine gang would stop here.

It's the unexpected thing to do.

Harv Plimpton himself was telling me about these fellows.

Jason: He figures they may be the smartest gang

in the history of the Plimpton files.

And that covers a lot of ground.

But if they were so great

how come nobody ever heard of 'em?

Uh, well, that's the secret of their success.

You see, they-- they've always managed

to blame their work on other gangs.

The Plimptons are working on one theory

that this gang has been in existence

since 1849.

Of course, that's ridiculous.

They'd all be old men by now.

Jason: But the technique of the gang has survived.

Probably passed down

from one generation of Valentine to the next.

You know, Jason's working on a plan

to capture the whole Valentine gang single-handedly

and put them exactly where they belong.

Behind bars.

In the ground.

That's a fact. You can't cuddle outlaws.

Jason: Some people figure you treat them

like wayward children.

How do you figure, sheriff?

Corey, maybe Jason would like more chicken.

Oh, no, I could use a little more wine now.

Thank you, dear.

Uh, where was I?

In the ground.

Oh, oh.

Yes, thank you, I was-- I was-- I was about to make a point

about, uh, handling today's criminal element.

Yes, sheriff.

I'd be mighty interested in hearing that.

It's really very simple, I-- I just suggest

we make an example of the Valentine gang.

Throw the book at them.

No mercy, no leniency.

Just give them the full measure of the law and then some.

That would go a long way toward discouraging other outlaw gangs.

You happen to mention to anyone

you're be out here tonight, sheriff?

Just the Plimptons.

It's kind of, uh, kind of like being a doctor, you know?

I'm on call around the clock.

What with that train of silver

coming in tomorrow and the, uh, Valentines about.

Uh, Jase, is it kind a late?

Why don't I ride back into t--

Hey, sheriff?

Have you got any idea how this gang is gonna take that train?

Well, I don't know, that's the hard part.

But even if they do come up with a pretty good plan, I--

they won't be able to do it.

Oh, why is that, sheriff?

Well, because there isn't gonna be one train tomorrow morning.

There's gonna be two.

Jason: Now, the first train will be carrying the silver

but right behind it, ten minutes up the track will be

the train loaded with Plimpton detectives.

[chuckles] I'd like to see the faces

of those Valentines when they swallow that little surprise.

[laughing]

I'd enjoy hearing more about your plans, sheriff.

Have some more wine.

Oh, well, thank you.

[instrumental music]

Whoo.

Uh...

What am I supposed to do in all this?

Well, there are some things

our boys just won't be able

to handle as well as you, Trampas.

You'll see.

Come on.

[instrumental music]

Billy: Just remember, those guns you fellas are wearing

they ain't loaded.

You know how far you're gonna get with this?

Yup.

[train chugging]

[instrumental music]

Right there.

Well, now what?

Now, we relax.

[dramatic music]

[horses snort]

[music continues]

[train chugging]

[train whistling]

Let's go, sheriff.

You drive.

Pull her up.

[train whistling]

[dramatic music]

[train whistling]

I admire your courage, Moose.

But... isn't this plain crazy

to try and stick up a train

right in the center of town?

Mm, you don't see it done that way too much.

Billy: That's the trouble with today's young outlaws.

No originality.

Uh, not with a train load of detectives

ten minutes up the track.

That is gonna make it interesting.

Hold it.

How long do you think it'll take to unload the silver?

Oh, I guess we're gonna handle it in time.

Uh-huh.

[instrumental music]

They're all yours, Billy.

Well, you make it look all

nice and legal-like, eh, sheriff?

And what if I don't?

I just remembered.

Those guns you fellows are wearin'...

They ain't loaded.

They can't get away with this, you know that, Trampas.

That's what you keep on sayin'.

Well, the Plimpton detectives

are only ten minutes up the track, maybe less.

I know that.

So do they now.

[train chugging]

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

Alright, drop the guns.

Sit down!

Alright, fellas, let's see

how cooperative you can be.

You got exactly eight minutes

to get that wagon loaded.

I told you you'd be real useful.

Well, it's nice to be needed.

Alright, fellas, get started.

[horn blaring]

[dramatic music]

[instrumental music]

[train chugging]

Had their best chance through that hill country.

Valentine gang never does the expected.

Probably been riding close to

a hundred miles in a cattle car.

[grunting] What do you think they'll do

with Corey and her grandfather?

We've got a more pressing problem.

Slow it down, will ya?

Let's all wait for the other train.

I'm not worried about losing the silver.

Well, then, start worrying about something else.

- You and me. - Let's get going on the double.

[sighs]

[bell ringing]

Hoy, we got two minutes left.

Grab that last box and let's get going.

Now we should just about be pulling to Haughton.

Hey! Get out of here and fast!

[train whistling]

Sure is strange that they have--

Quiet, boys, shh.

Quiet down and listen.

[train whistling]

This close to town? Can't be.

Not close to town, right in town.

That's exactly the kind of stunt they'd try and pull.

But this time, we got 'em cold.

Alright, boys. Get ready to mount up.

Somebody ought to take the whistle away from that boy.

He's liable to wake the dead.

Too late now.

I'll handle it. You get going.

Where are you fellas heading?

Uh, the job's done, isn't it?

Yeah, but you boys know where we're going.

Ralph, put the sheriff on a horse.

Lock this fella in the office.

And Trampas, you get up in the wagon.

[train chugging]

[dramatic music]

Alright, boys. We're slowing down.

This is it.

Mount up.

Alright, get 'em out of here.

[Trampas whistles] Hyah!

Hyah! Hyah!

[dramatic music]

Let's go get 'em, boys! Open her up!

I said open her up.

It must be locked from the outside.

Better stand back, folks.

They're coming out of there on a dead run.

Break it down!

[dramatic music]

[music continues]

[horses galloping]

[music continues]

[horses galloping]

[whistles] Hyah!

Hoy: Alright, Billy, get her moving.

Hurry! Up the ladder! Come on!

- Hoy: Get up there! Hurry! - Billy: Push off!

[gunshot]

[dramatic music]

[horses galloping]

[gunshots]

[music continues]

[gunshots]

Forget it. Stop firing.

- Let's go. - Downriver?

No.

The nearest telegraph.

Let's move.

[instrumental music]

[horn blaring]

Well, sorry it has to end this way, folks.

In the old days, we'd be partying by now.

Well, I guess this country has got just too darn organized.

Either that or you've been pushing your luck too long.

Ah, luck has nothing to do

with running a successful business.

We're the victims of high-speed communication.

You realize you can send a newspaper

from California to New York in eight days?

Now, that ain't healthy for fellas

who wanna shy away from publicity.

You outlaws all like publicity

more than the money, if you ask me.

Billy: Ah, no, no, no.

Me and Hoy got a special formula

for longevity in this highly competitive business.

Yeah. A fast horse and a fast gun.

No, it's a matter of ego.

You see, we take the money

and don't mind giving the other fellows all the glory.

Yeah, we made a folk hero out of them James boys.

You made heroes out of the James boys?

Why, sure.

You see, Me and Hoy live by one simple rule.

Never try to be top gun.

As far as we're concerned,

we'd rather be number two.

Well, so long, folks.

Sheriff, Trampas, Captain, Ms. Skeet.

I wanna thank you, you've been a big help.

If you ever need any references, why, uh...

Alright, boys. Let's go.

- Skeet. - Yeah.

How far down the river is the next town?

Uh, Colton, about an hour. Why?

I get the feeling we've stopped.

Doesn't make much sense.

Nothin' around here.

They're not gonna sail in the Colton

with the whole town waiting for 'em.

Mr. Skeet?

Can you see if you can get these knots?

What for?

They left us here, all tied up safe and sound.

I'm willing to go along with 'em.

Trampas.

I think he's right, Jason.

Mr. Skeet, Trampas, we've got to try and stop them.

- We? - Well, yes.

They took round one, but the next one's ours.

Alright, Corey, here.

See if you can get this for me.

[hooves clomping]

- What's that? - Round two.

Skeet: Why, those dirty crooks.

They're leavin' us.

Didn't even pay me my $5,000.

- I can't do it, Jason. - Just keep trying.

Now we're moving again.

That's a short stop.

What do you suppose that was all about?

Well, if I had to guess,

I'd say we've been left holdin' an empty bag.

That's another good reason to stay tied up until we're found.

What do you mean by that?

I mean those Plimpton detectives

must be awful sore right about now.

And we'd have a mighty rough time

trying to convince them we had

nothin' to do with this operation.

Now Sheriff Wilcox wouldn't believe that.

Well, he's not around. The Plimptons are.

[dramatic music]

[grunting] Yeah, yeah, that's got it.

Trampas, Mr. Skeet, we're in business.

There he goes with that "we" again.

I think he's got a "we" complex.

Ah.

Now what?

Now we turn this thing around and go after them.

No, now we head for Colton

and tell them what happened.

Trampas, I don't like to

force a man to duty.

You're gonna force me? [chuckles]

On the behalf of the people of Haughton,

I deputize, you, Trampas and you, Mr. Skeet.

Now, let's get down to business.

Deputy or not, you're never gonna find any trace of them.

There are no roads to follow, nothing along here

but riverbanks and trees.

Right.

Mr. Skeet, is that clock the same as the one down below?

Exactly, the only things in the boat that do work.

Maritime clocks. Why?

Because we've been moving

fourteen minutes since they left the boat.

Now how far do you think we've come?

Uh, it's about 12 knots.

About three and a half miles, but it's gonna take

three times that long to go back upriver.

Alright, alright, then we'll turn around

and hit upriver for 43 minutes,

then pull in to see what we come up with.

Don't look at me, you're the captain.

Trampas...

it ought might just work at that.

Nancy Belle, do your stuff.

[dramatic music]

[horn blaring]

Well, men. That's it.

It's over.

Forty-three years in the saddle and we're going out winners.

We got the big one.

Hard to believe it's over, Hoy.

And we're splittin' up the old gang.

Couldn't last forever. Nothin' ever does.

I'd say we had a pretty good run of luck.

Now let's pack up and get out while we can.

The silver'll be safe here.

Nobody's gonna trace us to this place in a hundred years.

Jason: Just hold it right there, boys.

Skeet: That means you too, Pop.

Don't call me Pop.

[dramatic music]

[horn blaring]

Well, it won't be long now.

I know I should be happy for Jason.

But they seem like such nice old men.

What's gonna happen to 'em?

Well, if they did everything the Plimptons say they did,

it'll be kinda hard.

Well, what if they had a real good lawyer?

Good lawyers cost a lot of money, Ms. Skeet.

[sighs]

[sighs]

Well, Jason.

Looks like you're gonna be a big hero

for bringing all that silver in.

And the Valentine gang.

Yeah, but the silver.

Silver's really the important thing.

- Trampas. - Huh?

- Forget it. - Forget what?

You and Corey and those crafty old critters

have been trying to work on my sympathy

for the last two hours.

Now I'm not gonna do it.

- Do what? - Turn 'em loose.

[Trampas chuckles] That thought never occurred to me.

[Jason laughs]

Uh, still, it's not a bad idea, Jason.

Now you turn them loose and you're still a hero

for bringing the silver in.

Uh-huh.

But if you turn the Valentine gang in...

well, someone liable to mention that

it was you that made it possible

for them to steal the silver in the first place, see?

[Trampas chuckles]

Well...

- That's true. - Yeah.

But I'm still a law man, Trampas

and-- and I have to abide by the law, too.

Even if it does...

make me appear a mite stupid.

- Mm-hmm. - Uh.

Thanks for trying.

Billy: You're a good man, Trampas.

You'd have made a fine outlaw.

[instrumental music]

[horn blaring]

[instrumental music]

Boat's in, the prisoners are on their way.

That's fine, Leroy, that's fine.

Oh, Leroy.

Maybe you could see to it that the deputy sheriff,

that local boy... is occupied.

There's no sense in cluttering up this press conference.

Let's keep the attention where it belongs.

I think that can be arranged, Harv.

Gentlemen...

I appreciate you gathering here

to bring to the American people

the news of one of the most significant captures

in the history of American law enforcement.

Now it has been my duty and obligation

as founder of the Plimpton Detective Agency

of St. Louis, Missouri...

It has been my duty and obligation

to fight crime wherever it exists.

And furthermore--

They're here.

Alright, would you, would you please stand back?

[clamoring]

Jason: Come on, you just keep on, let them through, please.

Jason: Right on over there by the cells.

- Man: There he is. - Jason: Right on.

Right on over to the cell. Just get right in.

Would you excuse me, please? Get right in--

[indistinct muttering]

You--

Hah! Did you ever see so many reporters in all your life?

- I'll be famous. - Uh-huh.

Valentine gang will be famous.

For all the good it'll get 'em.

- Then you're Billy Valentine? - Who wants to know?

Harold Thatcher, "The St. Louis Dispatch."

- Hey, Jason. - Hm?

What? What's the matter?

Hey, you know, Jason, I've been willing

to pay $5,000

for the Valentines own personal story.

What?

Mr. Valentine, if you'll hold back

making any official comment

I'm prepared to offer you $20,000

for the exclusive rights to the inside story

of the Valentine gang.

Twenty thousand dollars?

Maybe $25,000.

Trampas, are you crazy?

You don't have that kind of--

Man : Thirty thousand dollars.

Man : Exclusive rights for the Chicago Tribune.

That would be enough to get you the best lawyers

in the country, Mr. Valentine.

You can come out of this with more money

than you've ever made in your whole life.

I'll make you the most famous gang of outlaws

in the history of the country.

And you're the one that brought the Valentines in?

Yes, you could say that.

Trampas, do you know what you're doing?

You...

you just bought those boys a lawyer.

Uh, I-- I always say those things, uh...

have a way are working out for the best.

People usually get what's coming to 'em.

And you're putting in for the reward?

Reward?

Customary reward for stolen money is five percent.

Sometimes people get a little more than what's coming to 'em.

Five percent of a million dollars?

Hoo-hoo!

[instrumental music]

[theme music]

[music continues]