Original subtitles

John, you've got to help Cherokee. She'll never pull through without you.

I stopped being a doctor ten years ago. You know that.

I guess we all stopped being something or other after we came out here.

Except maybe .. flesh and blood.

My dear Duchess.

I thought you and I understood our partnership.

We're out here to help each other.

But at least we have enough humanity left to help one of our own girls?

We're out here to help ourselves.

Each according to his own private taste.

Some do it with picks and shovels, and we ..

We dig too.

Lean profits these days.

There's no time to think of that now.

It's all pretty well dug out around here.

There will be new claims and richer diggings.

We'll soon be on our way again.

Plans can wait.

But not Cherokee's baby.

Babies get born when they've got to get born.

And you're the only one to handle this case.

Excuse me, Mr Oakhurst.

There's an argument at the second table.

The boys claim your dealer is a little partial to the house.

That baby will have to wait, Duchess. Those miners won't.

You ain't going to do it no more.

Complaints here? - Plenty.

What kind of place you running here?

It's a palace of amusement. - Yeah.

As crooked as a ram's horn.

I'll handle this. I don't think my temper is as short as yours.

Just what is your grievance?

Your man here palmed a king on us. We all saw it.

Yes, sir. We did.

That's a pretty serious charge, Mr Dealer.

How about it?

They're lying, Mr Oakhurst.

I prefer to believe my customers.

Get out.

Now let's have your claim. - I won this pot.

Take it.

With my apologies.

It won't happen again. - Thanks, Mr Oakhurst.

Back to your games, everybody. Everything is peaceful.

Play some music, professor.

Do you wish to continue? - Sure. We do.

Cherokee is awful sick. She needs you bad, Mr Oakhurst.

Yeah. Besides.

It ain't respectable for a gal to become a mother without a doctor.

And it ain't good hospitality neither.

If I've got to do it I want some assistance from Stumpy Carter.

He's had a lot more recent experience than I've had.

Where's Stumpy?

There he is.

Stumpy, wake up. Cherokee's baby.

I can't do a thing with him. He's dead drunk.

Kentuck. The persuader.

Give it to me.

Let him have it.

What's the meaning of this? What's going on here?

It's Cherokee Sal's baby. You've got to help her.

Well now.

At your service, ladies.

Always at your service. - Come on.

Gentlemen.

I'm betting it's a female.

If it is, you can have it.

I'll take a hundred on that. Even money.

Same here. - Me too.

Kentuck. Record those bets.

What do we call it?

Trouble.

[ Baby crying sounds ]

It's a boy I swear.

Welcome to Poker Flat.

Blessed.

Well, what is it?

It's a girl.

And no bigger than a derringer.

I win.

Kentuck. Don't forget to collect those bets.

Yes, sir.

What does it weigh? - About six pounds.

Pay me. - I sure will.

What color hair?

Bald.

Bald?

Bald.

How is Cherokee?

Dead.

Gee.

Well, what are we going to do with the kid?

Anybody want it?

Don't all speak at once.

We can get a nurse up from Redbanks.

Nobody would leave a town like Redbanks to come here.

That makes the problem all the simpler. - We'll send the kid down there.

Wait a minute.

It seems I heard somewhere that babies bring good luck.

Yes, sir.

We can stand a little good luck around here.

Pay-dirt is getting thinner than grass.

Yeah. Besides.

What will the folks at Redbanks think if we can't take care of our own kids?

Who's going to be the baby's mother, Kentuck?

You?

No. But I reckon Katie could. Being as how she's already a mother.

Katie?

Yes, ma'am.

She's our best harness mare and right primed for the job.

I'll not waste any more time arguing.

You go down to Redbanks and find a home for that baby right now.

Mr Oakhurst. - That's final.

Well, boys. Who's playing? - I am, Oakhurst.

And for all you got.

Give me ten thousand dollars' worth of chips.

Where did you get it?

Five miles up Roaring Creek. My partner is filing now.

Five miles up Roaring Creek?

We'll call these a thousand dollars a chip.

Put them all on the black.

Spin it.

Kentuck. - Yes, Mr Oakhurst?

The baby stays here. - That's fine. Great.

Go and feed Katie some oats if you can find some.

And treat her with reverence. - Yes, sirree.

Mr Oakhurst, we got to find a name for that kid.

It's red, brother. You lose.

We've got her name.

Nothing I can recollect, sir.

'Luck', you fool. Luck.

Know anything about this game?

Yes, Luck. A little.

How about giving me some action?

Action you'll get, young lady.

Openers?

Opened.

Stay.

How many?

Three.

One for me.

Check.

You know that five cards of the same suit figures pretty high, don't you?

Sure. Got 'em?

That information will just cost you another stack of whites.

Seen and raised.

Bluffing?

Put in another stack and see.

Now you're going to learn something.

You care for that?

Not much.

Care for this?

You win.

Come along, Luck. I've something to say to you.

You'll be interested too, John.

Homer.

Watch my table. - Alright, Luck.

I say it's high time she learned something besides cards.

Make her dry up, will you Oakhurst?

We could send her to school in Frisco.

We certainly can afford it now. - Oh, fiddlesticks.

As far as that goes, we'll soon have a school in Poker Flat.

And a church if the mines keep booming.

And all due to Luck here.

You mean to tell me you're actually superstitious about this kid?

Superstitious?

I'm absolutely convinced the stork that brought her lays golden eggs.

As far as Luck's future is concerned, my plans are already made.

In a year I'll have all I want of this country.

The best won't be good enough for her.

I'll take her back east with me.

Your plans sound rather exclusive.

We're partners, aren't we?

If that means sharing what comes in, we are.

I'm not talking about money.

I know you're not.

If you two are going to fight again, I'm going to work.

Somebody has to attend to business around here.

Remember all this talk about bringing religion and education to Poker Flat?

Well folks.

The stage just pulled up.

Well.

Not every day we see two museum pieces like a minister and a schoolteacher.

Would you ladies join me?

Mrs Tremain, Mrs Parker and Mr Eldridge.

As I was saying, Reverend.

The gold which I purvey does not come out of the ground.

It's the golden California sunshine, sir.

Three hundred and fifty days every year.

That's very interesting.

Thinking of going to school, Oakhurst?

That's an idea, Duchess.

Well folks, now you've met and welcomed our new schoolteacher and minister ..

As a matter of fact I don't believe we have met everybody.

They won't be church members, Parson.

I am Sam Woods.

I am John Oakhurst.

This is Luck.

Well, I'm glad to know you, Luck.

We'll have to see a lot of each other.

Any time you feel lucky, you'll find me at the second table.

I'd like you to meet my friend, Miss ..

Helen Colby, Mr Oakhurst.

Delighted, Miss Colby.

You arrive right at the height of the social season.

Do you think you'll like it? - I intend to.

I'll see to it that you meet all the best people.

Myself of course.

Miss Colby - the Duchess.

The Duchess - the Bishop.

How do you do? - It's a pleasure.

I hope you will be my first pupil, Luck.

Not me. I'm getting along right comfortable without schooling.

But there are so many things to learn.

I'm sure your father would want you to.

Shucks. He ain't nobody's father.

Her folks are dead, Miss Colby. I am her guardian.

Well, I'm looking forward to seeing you all at my first service on Sunday.

I'm afraid we cannot make it.

You see, Bishop. Sunday is our busy day.

What she means to say is, you are sort-of a competitor.

Just where do you intend to hold church?

Well, I really don't know.

Mr Bedford, where is it to be?

Well, sir. You see.

Our building fund is still a little shy.

Some of us haven't prospered as much as Oakhurst has with his gaming hall.

Yes. We figured on holding our meetings in the open.

Suppose it rains?

Now that would be unusual, Miss Colby.

I could donate the use of my place.

Temporarily at least. - Are you out of your mind?

That's very generous of you, Mr Oakhurst.

We don't want it.

Why not?

Because.

It's not orthodox.

Holding a meeting in a place like Oakhurst's.

Do you think it would be large enough?

The biggest in town.

Then I accept .. gladly.

Thank you.

Very kind of you, Mr Oakhurst. But really ..

Helen.

It's sinners I'm after.

And I can't think of a better place to find them.

That's right.

Sunday morning then?

I'll have it ready for you. - Fine.

Good day.

Come on, Luck.

You coming?

I bet she's already saying 'Mr Oakhurst is one of nature's noblemen'.

Don't ruin the illusion.

I can't follow your play, Oakhurst.

He can't either. Because the play he's running isn't in the cards.

We have come into a new land.

With its new problems.

And new opportunities.

We have the courage to know its people.

And to see them for what they are.

Not for what they appear to be.

We pray that they will likewise try to know us.

That they will try to understand our mission here.

And that Thy humble servant.

May accomplish his works through their trust.

And their friendship.

Hey, Oakhurst.

When did you go into the church business?

Sit down and make yourself comfortable, Sonoma.

We'll soon be open for regular business.

You will ..

Pardon the interruption, Parson.

Boys will be boys.

It's us you should be apologizing to. We rode sixty miles to get here.

So we could drink and ..

Gamble and have some fun.

I didn't get saddle sore to watch no sermon.

Silence.

Silence.

It may seem peculiar to most of you to see me lined up on the righteous side.

I'm not exactly known as a religious man.

That you ain't.

But I'm sure you'll all agree I'm a practical man.

Granted.

There is a way you can stop the parson holding services here on Sunday morning.

How's that?

Yeah? How?

Build him a church.

I'll tell you a better way.

Chase that sky pilot back to his own digging.

Shuffle them.

What has that to do with it? - You said you wanted to gamble.

Yeah. But ..

That says the house can beat you. One cut of the cards.

That's a lot of rocks, Oakhurst.

Put up or shut up.

I didn't say that I was ..

Go ahead. Cut them.

The ten of diamonds.

Alright Luck.

The Queen of spades.

Thank you, Sonoma.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Sonoma has set a fine example for you.

As the first contributor to the Oakhurst fund for a church in Poker Flat.

I want you all to give.

The more you give, the sooner the pastor has his church.

And the sooner you have this place back for your regular Sunday entertainment.

Luck will pass the hat.

I warn you, if you don't give freely she'll put a blight on your fortunes.

Alright Luck.

Go get it.

Wider.

There you are, gents. Lady Luck smiling at you.

It looks like a prosperous year.

Maybe the little girl would like a drink, huh?

Go on, Luck. Good.

Alright Luck. You go to your room. - I won't.

The kid stays right here, Oakhurst.

Go to your room. - Better mind him, Luck.

I won't.

Let me go. - Go on.

Alright Jim.

You go out of this place for keeps. - Wait a minute, Oakhurst.

I don't know what's come over you lately.

Something has. And in my private opinion I'm saying I don't like it.

I rode all the way here from Calla Verde to entertain myself.

I judge it was a pretty fast ride.

The gold sack you put in the collection had the Calliberus mill stamp on it.

That's neither here not there in this man's town.

That's nothing to the fast ride you gave me with the cards.

I'm not bellyaching about that.

But when you go so far as to order a partner of mine out of your place.

I'm voting against you.

Gentlemen.

I guess it's my deal.

A measly little pop-gun.

Not so measly at close range.

Go ahead. Get him out of here.

Take him out.

Get out of here.

Looks like the drinks are on me, Oakhurst.

Put that away, Charlie.

What you going to have? - Straight.

Just as man to man.

Do you consider that square poker?

Pulling a derringer out of your sleeve?

As plunderer to pillager, you're using darned poor taste criticising my method.

Maybe you're right.

You most generally are.

Sonoma.

Were you ever a father?

Yeah. I think so.

As I recall .. - I'm one by proxy.

And it's going to give me a very unpleasant duty to perform.

You come here, young lady.

You behave yourself. - I won't go to no school.

You won't, huh?

We'll see about that.

Let me go.

I'm going to warm you if you don't behave yourself. Come on now.

Hello Luck.

I'm glad to see you again.

I guess what the duchess said was right. You sure got your hooks in him.

I hope you'll forgive this child's manners.

It just bears out some of the things you said.

You still want her?

Of course I do.

Come on, Luck.

Come on, Luck. Come on.

Someday you will tell Mr Oakhurst you're glad he brought you here.

I won't even be speaking to him.

She's up to you now.

She's still very young in years.

Maybe it's not too late to teach her to be like other children.

What's he talking about?

All the kids in town wish they were like me.

Of course, Luck.

There are still so many things to be done and Mr Oakhurst is ..

Too busy to take care of them.

Well, I won't stay for school. And you can't make me.

Oakhurst, please. You're bluffing and you know it.

Oakhurst, please. You are going to take me back?

Please.

Please, Oakhurst.

Now am I bluffing?

No.

I guess you ain't.

It was two weeks ago today, wasn't it?

I hope Luck's reading and arithmetic is doing better than we are in this place.

Business is terrible.

You mean you don't know Luck is coming on?

How should I?

You haven't seen the teacher?

No.

I thought when you took the kid over there ..

You'd want to reserve yourself a regular place on her sofa.

I'm sorry. I had you all wrong.

No, Duchess. You had me right.

But I'm inclined to think I'm a lot better off right here on a hard chair.

At least I won't make any plays here that I can't back.

I told you that bluff you started was not in the cards.

Yes. You told me.

Now, would it be too much if I ask you to mind your own business?

I am.

You are my business.

You're bluffing too, Duchess.

Come on, kid.

Coming on over to my house today? - No.

Come on over to my house, Joe. - I can't tonight.

See you later.

Oakhurst.

I know you've come to take me back.

Nothing of the kind.

I thought maybe you kind-of missed me.

You belong here and here you stay.

Then I reckon it was her you came to see.

You'd better run along and play.

If I must grow up to be a schoolmarm so you like me, then you'll never like me.

I told you to run along. - I reckon I can.

Come on, kids.

Are there any hearts not broken because of you, Mr Oakhurst?

A few of the colder ones.

Nice to see you again, Mr Oakhurst. - Thank you, sir.

The plans for the church are coming along fine thanks to your support.

I'm glad to help you drum your business as long as it don't interfere with mine.

Helen, I'll run along now.

If you must.

Good day. - Good day to you, sir.

She'll need books and clothes. Perhaps this will take care of it.

That's far too much. - Buy some knick-knacks for the school.

John Oakhurst. Like most other people in Poker Flat.

You've wasted a lot of things in your life.

Mainly yourself.

But you're not wasting when you make this investment.

If you're going to delve into the moral economics of Poker Flat.

You're being extravagant with our time.

But it's an extravagant subject.

You see.

When you talk about the people in Poker Flat.

You're talking about the hundreds of those in other camps.

And the thousands that will be here someday.

It's all very simple, Mr Oakhurst.

Turn those resources in the right direction.

And you've got an empire.

Presto. Just like that?

Not quite, unfortunately.

But you and others like you are going to build it.

Me?

You.

You wouldn't too sure about that, would you?

As sure as shooting.

You have all the earmarks of an idealist and a very strong-willed young woman.

Weak-willed young women would not come out here, Mr Oakhurst.

Interesting.

Miss Colby.

Come on. I want you.

I enjoyed our little talk very much, Miss Colby.

I do hope you'll be able to do something about your charge's manners.

Good day.

Goodbye.

What did you want with me, Luck?

I forget. It was something.

Uhuh?

What are you doing with those cards?

Let me have them, Miss Colby.

They're all that keeps me from getting downright homesick.

You won't have any use for them now.

We don't teach card-playing in school. - But you ought to.

Cardsharps will be cheating the kids of yours right and left when they grow up.

Come on, dear.

Everybody at the bar.

Kentuck can shoot the eyes out of a grasshopper.

He's the shooting-est man I ever did see.

Right down the groove.

What's your pleasure? - Set it up for everybody.

The drinks are on Jim.

You ornery little scavenger.

My friend, pour.

It's the only brotherly gesture the deceased ever made.

Who accommodated him? - Kentuck.

If I'm away from here you're in charge. Is that your idea of good advertizing?

Well, Don Juan. What do you expect me to do?

Keeping the peace in this establishment is your job.

Not mine.

I know the answer.

If you men had any gumption you'd drive him and all of his kind out of the town.

That's one way to handle it.

In fact that's the only way.

Drive 'em all out.

The gamblers and the murderers.

The thieves, the drunkards and the dancehall girls.

Oakhurst's place is the headquarters for these offenders.

Get rid of him and all the others like him.

Then this town will be a fit place for your wives and families to live in.

Right. It's time we took some action. - Let's string him up.

Gentlemen.

Fighting murder with murder. That won't give you any satisfaction.

Even if you achieve your results.

You're trying to build a church.

I don't think you want a hanging-tree alongside of it.

Our problem is to ..

Establish a definite law enforcement agency.

I saw the vigilantes work in Sacramento and Frisco and it wasn't a pretty sight.

I agree with the reverend.

We don't want any hanging parties here.

It seems to me while we're hiring a parson.

We ought to get one with a snort of ginger to him.

Spoken like a true horse trader, brother Wilkes.

I never expect to get much out of a horse that I buy sight unseen.

I've an idea you get more out of the horse than the horse gets out of you.

And judging from your church offerings.

The hay contribution must be practically invisible.

Now sit down.

What do you mean? - Go on. Sit down there.

This is just a suggestion.

But I think you ought to appoint a committee to go and talk with Oakhurst.

Let him know that even in the absence of ..

Official law agencies.

His business must be run more orderly.

And.

Warn him of what you prepare to do. - That sounds fair enough.

If it's alright with you gentlemen we'll have the reverend as a committee of one.

No. You see, when a layman ..

Sticks his nose into somebody else's business, he is ..

He is merely giving advice. But when a minister does ..

It's the popular supposition that he is meddling.

You've started something, Parson. You got to go through with it.

Well.

I'll do what I can.

Please help Oakhurst to keep on having a lot of good luck.

Because he's usually a square-shooter.

Even if he ain't been very square with me.

Make him like as much as he likes somebody else I know.

And make him want me back.

Because he's a fool to think he don't need me.

Bless him, Lord.

Even if he is a fool.

And bless Miss Colby.

Amen.

Mr Oakhurst's ears must be burning.

I reckon you do some real smart things for him yourself.

In a little different way, Luck.

The Lord helps those who help themselves.

We pray of course.

But most of it is up to John Oakhurst.

'The lord helps those who help themselves'.

Stop wrinkling your forehead.

I'm going to come in here again before I go to bed.

And, young lady. If you're not asleep you'll study twice as hard tomorrow.

I'm plumb asleep already.

Goodnight, dear. - Goodnight.

'The lord helps them that help themselves'.

Take it easy.

Let me have some glasses.

Well, thanks.

I'm sorry about Jim.

Yeah. So am I.

I reckon I'm going to kinda miss him.

Kind-of stupid of him, shooting up my bar.

I guess he's learned his lesson.

No hard feelings?

Lordy, no.

I wouldn't admire you much if you let a fellow like Jim trample on your toes.

Take Sonoma and me for instance. Good friends as we are.

If he jumped on my tootsies I'd let him have it.

And vice-versa.

How about a little game?

Got a couple of customers. - Glad you got some. I didn't.

Give us credit for that.

Weigh it. - Yes, sir.

Make it a hundred apiece.

Like I was saying.

Sonoma and me know about cards.

Having the same ideals, as the saying goes.

We got to stick together.

That's why we came to see you.

Considering this vigilante stir-up, we all got to stick together.

Gentlemen. Your ideals are my ideals.

Shake on it.

Sorry to bother you, Mr Oakhurst. But there's a matter I'd like to ..

For your information, Parson.

The hospitality around here ain't what it used to be.

You'll find Deacon Oakhurst has backslid considerable.

He don't belong to your flock no more.

What's on your mind?

It's a personal matter. I'd like to speak to you alone about it.

I trust the subject is an unpleasant one.

You may find it so.

In that case.

I hope your dignity doesn't bruise too easily.

Sit in, Duchess. Take his hand.

Here, let me help you. - Let me help you.

Thank you, boys. - No problem.

What's up?

What's biting the reverend?

Vigilantitis.

You and your flock are making me the goat for some things I can't control.

I didn't invent these disorders.

They've been happening for centuries.

If they weren't happening you'd be out of a job.

You people can't cure them by taking a shortcut to me.

We'll cure them in time.

With definite law enforcement.

Sheriffs and deputies duly authorized.

But Oakhurst.

I'm asking myself. Where will you be by that time?

I've asked myself the same question off and on for a good many years.

I think you realize that I did not relish this mission.

Suppose maybe you're trying to help me.

But you're wasting your time.

Go back and tell those trained sheep of yours they can go right on bleating.

Tell them I stand shoulder to shoulder against them with my own crowd.

Tell them not to stick their nose through my fence because ..

Goats have horns.

Unlucky at love. Lucky in cards.

Women run from me like I had rattlers. Cards ought to be my meat.

I ain't never been foundered yet on good fortune.

Throw the other one away. Don't hold the king.

Luck. - Luck.

You are luck.

Kid. You're going to play out this game for me.

Oakhurst will give you a whaling if he finds you here.

I figure it's worth it.

Give me three.

A peach.

Things are picking up around here.

Luck.

You ought to be home in bed, Miss Colby.

I am sure.

That this lady and these gentlemen will agree that's where you belong, Luck.

Sit in, Miss. We'll make it whist if you like.

Don't wait around for me, Miss Colby.

This ain't no proper place for you.

For neither of us, Luck.

Beg pardon, ma'am. This ain't no little schoolhouse.

She's winning for me and she stays.

Take her out of this place.

Parson, if you're slapped on one cheek, don't the bible say to turn the other?

Yes. But further than that the bible gives me no instructions.

Oakhurst.

A nice quiet fellow, that parson.

Yeah.

Quiet like a stick of dynamite.

Put your hands in your pockets. All of you.

Of all the prize turn-tails, you win the yellow ribbon, Oakhurst.

I will have the pleasure of pinning it on you one of these days.

Is that a promise?

I got a lot of bad habits.

But more often than not I keep my word.

You're hurt.

Just a scratch compared to the hurt some people's feelings are going to get.

Miss Colby.

You do some high-and-mighty talking around here.

But the first little job you took over seems to be too much for you.

It's my fault, Oakhurst. Honest it is.

She can't help it that I sneaked out tonight.

I think you can take Luck's word for it. - I've heard enough out of you too.

All this chatter about 'disturbing influences'.

Before you burn your fingers on that old chestnut again, I'll do some preaching.

Go ahead. Finish your job if you're able.

I suppose I have failed so far.

And I'll tell you why.

Because your silly imagination is ten times bigger than you are.

You're just a little voice crying in a great big wilderness.

If you had half the sense you claim, you'd go back to where you came from.

Take Luck with you.

I've sense enough to know you're not worth trying to help.

You or any of the others.

I'm sick of you. And of myself for ever having come here.

You've got some poker face, John.

Quiet. You don't want to destroy the illusion, do you?

Alright. Go on back to your games.

Music.

Table 8, Mr Oakhurst?

Stumpy, skedaddle over to the mining office and get their doctor right away.

Shucks. I figured he was only creased.

More than that, Kentuck.

The worst of it all is he doesn't care if it's for love or money.

It's always that way when you start a bluff you can't finish.

Helen.

I don't mind the licking I'm getting. It's my business to keep on taking it.

You.

I'm getting out of this place tomorrow just as fast as the stage will carry us.

The three of us.

You, Luck and me. We'll go someplace where we'll have a decent life together.

Are you proposing to us, Parson?

Yes, Luck. I am.

Well. It's no go.

Miss Colby you can't see past your nose.

You missed the way the wind was blowing when Oakhurst said those things to you.

Me?

Since I was knee high I could call a turn on every play Oakhurst was making.

Out of the mouths of babes.

He acted nasty to get us out tonight.

But I knew it was the same old game.

Only now it's both of us he's trying to get rid of.

Because he has a crazy notion that even this town ain't fit for us.

Then it's a compliment when Oakhurst wants to get rid of someone?

I can't say about that, Miss Colby.

But gosh, he is in love with us.

Don't you see?

And he ain't going to get rid of us.

No, Luck. He ain't.

Helen.

I want you to hear something now from Sam Woods.

Not the Reverend Sam Woods.

Helen, I'd rather see John Oakhurst dead than see you throw yourself away on him.

Goodnight.

Hello Parson.

Better say your prayers for Oakhurst.

Sonoma shot a little straighter than we figured.

Come on, Doc. Let's hurry.

Of course he'll require constant attention.

I'll see to it, Doctor. - I will help you.

Doctor. You'll stop in as often as possible?

As often as necessary.

Frankly, the outcome depends more on the Reverend's department than with mine.

Good day.

Good day, Doctor.

Whatever the doctor means ..

You are to do, Parson.

You'd better do it quick.

I'm not speaking now as the minister of your gospel.

But rather as one of your weaker sons.

Who has known what it is it feel malice and envy.

Toward a fellow man.

As such I stand before you.

Knowing that in your great wisdom.

Prayers of the weak are answered like the prayers of the righteous and strong.

In all humble penitence.

I plead that you spare the life of my friend.

John Oakhurst.

The first on the course of empire.

Takes its way.

Big brave dreams.

A lot of soft heads.

John.

John Oakhurst.

Who used to be a fool for Luck.

A fool to think you could send me away.

That's right.

The first card he ever drew.

And he traded it for the deuce of clubs.

Stupid of her.

John Oakhurst.

That's the first time I've ever heard you talk sense.

You're doing fine. The whole town is talking about it.

Your place is now so respectable they're thinking of holding a town dance there.

Stop scowling. You'll frighten the horse.

Your horse and I understand each other perfectly.

You use a bridle on him and you're trying to use a halter on me.

I don't know what the world is coming to.

Last year a radical in England wrote a pamphlet about letting women vote.

He is in jail of course.

Any woman worth a snap of your fingers does vote nowadays and always has.

Naturally, not at the polls. But she picks a man with possibilities.

If she's clever, she gives him a push the way he ought to go.

And if he does amount to something.

She lets him think he did it.

Of all the female Napoleons.

Well now.

There's a pretty sight.

Doing a little civic advertizing?

'Warning'.

'If you are law abiding, welcome to Poker Flat'.

'If not, keep going'.

'We're prepared to deal quickly with all violators in this town'.

'The citizens' committee'.

Considering recent developments I doubt Mr Oakhurst need be concerned with that.

No. I reckon not.

I've heard it whispered that you talk of closing up that shop of yours.

How about it, Mr Oakhurst?

Whispers are sometimes just whispers, Mr Bedford.

All I know is what Ed Baldwin's wife told my wife ..

That Miss Colby told her.

If you will pardon us, I must be getting back.

Kentuck, where is Oakhurst?

Billy, what you doing with that yellow ribbon?

Mr Oakhurst. Where is he?

A pretty little thing, ain't it?

He told me to give you this.

Who told you?

I met Sonoma on the south east road.

Sonoma says to me. He says:

'Give this to Oakhurst. It's the color of him'.

Is that all he said?

Well .. let me think.

Come on. What did he say?

He said if you care to ride out to the boulders about seven this evening.

Alone.

He would be mighty proud to pin that yellow ribbon on you.

Of course I told him you'd be there. - Let me have a drink, Charlie.

Saddle a horse ready for Mr Oakhurst right away, Dave.

Sonoma must be wearying of life.

Sure hankering for the pearly gates.

Too bad we can't all go out. - Yeah.

We ain't had a good shooting match here since the Turks took over.

Kentuck.

You take this to the citizen's committee.

If Sonoma wants trouble they'll see that he gets it.

If that's an order, you'd better get someone else to do it.

Better speak your native tongue, John.

We don't understand lots you say these days.

Kentuck will understand alright.

You work here, don't you?

I guess maybe I don't.

Come on now. Cool off.

We might as well face it. This law and order business is here to stay.

I knew it had to come. I knew it a long time ago.

We'll build up a prosperous town here and be better off.

More money. Better conditions.

A trained parrot couldn't say it much better.

Kentuck, go back there. Set up drinks for the boys. Give them all they want.

I reckon they've got all they want of you, Mr Oakhurst.

What are you doing?

Think I juggled the accounts?

No. I'm just going to buy you out. That's all.

I'm not selling.

You sold out quite a while ago, John.

This little transaction is only a matter of form.

I can only say I feel sorry for you.

Sure you don't feel a little sorry for yourself?

I've got brains, John.

Enough to know what I really am.

I could not go back to what I was 15 years ago.

Any more than you can.

Whatever we are is in our blood.

It brought you to where you are, didn't it?

And you had a lot more to lose than you've got now.

A lot more to keep you mean.

And this time I'm going to keep it.

Then I pity her too.

She is Woods' kind. You are my kind.

And wherever you end up with her, there will be roulettes whirling in your head.

And cards tugging at your fingers.

Does that mean I have to go out and kill a man or get killed?

No.

That's one of the smaller items.

I guess she can love you even if you've turned yellow clear down to your heels.

I do. - Thank you.

But the question is.

How much is your love for her making you that way?

Everything is hunky dory now alright.

But someday you'll hate her for making you hate yourself.

And she'll hate you because you don't like the cage you live in.

It's a bad bargain any way you look at it, John.

Sonoma would have done you both a favor if he'd drilled you out that night.

I am sorry. - Come right in, dearie.

He needs a lot something and I think you're it.

John.

I just saw Kentuck.

I'm sure you know how I feel about such things.

But I wanted to tell you. You're facing it squarely and sensibly.

I think I am.

You'll not go through with it? Kentuck said ..

That old relic couldn't tell you his right name.

I know what your name will be as far as I'm concerned.

It'll be mud, John Oakhurst. - It will if my aim is bad.

You can't do this. Listen to me. Listen, John.

Even if you get through it safely, I will never see you again.

It will kill everything we talked about.

It will mean ..

The collapse of an empire?

You'd better stick to your story books and quit fooling around with reality.

John.

Know what I'd do? Go straight to the vigilantes. Maybe they can stop it.

Do you mean that? - Sure.

I figured doing the same thing myself if he showed spunk enough to go.

Thanks.

Keep an eye on those horses. Don't let them wander free.

I don't think Oakhurst was quite yellow enough to set the citizens on us.

There's been considerable changes around here lately.

Those horses are the least you got to fret about, Sonoma.

If I was meeting up with a target like Oakhurst ..

I believe I'd want me a sharpshooter up on the belfry somewhere.

Well I don't. You understand?

Seeing as you're a partner of mine I just thought I'd mention it.

You're too hair-triggered to meet up with a cool hombre like Oakhurst.

He just lets them whizz by and draws a bead.

Is that you, Oakhurst?

Yeah. Sonoma?

Yeah.

Remember.

Any pot shooting for me and I'll take it you're trampling on my toes.

I'm walking, Oakhurst.

I'm walking.

Sorry, Sonoma.

I won't need this, Sonoma.

Nope?

I reckon I won't neither.

It belongs to you, pot shooter.

They're both dead, Parson.

I suppose one of you has a court summons.

Take that gun. Where's the rope? - Here it is. Give us a hand.

Are you the judge, Parson? - I'm going to judge this case.

I don't like to see you put yourself out.

No inconvenience at all.

Men.

I can now agree that some of the strong measures you advocate have their values.

I've learned you cannot fight violence with trust or reasoning.

Come on. Let's string him up.

What I offer now is a compromise.

I see, Mr Bedford, you were right to say Oakhurst and others like him must go.

I still say it. - That's too tame.

Listen to the parson.

You once suggested a way to deal with them.

To drive them out wholesale.

Clean up this town.

Look.

I was just wondering.

Did Miss Colby have anything in particular to say about this?

No.

She .. she's in school this morning?

No.

It's a Saturday.

That's right.

I was just wondering.

I suppose you wish you were going with me, huh?

Yeah.

I mean .. no.

I mean.

I reckon the parson thinks I'd be better off here.

With him.

I guess maybe he's right.

I guess maybe he is.

Believe me, Oakhurst. I don't find a personal triumph in this.

Of course, you'll accept my congratulations?

Pass them on to Helen.

I will.

You'll probably agree someday that she more than anyone else benefited by this.

Come on. Vamoose, Oakhurst.

Now folks. You got a long trip ahead.

Start moving.

Oakhurst.

Oakhurst, take me with you.

Well boys, most of us have elected to take the south trail.

You'd better join us.

No thanks. I'm heading over the ridge.

I hear they've made a new strike at Sandy Barr.

It will seem like old times.

It's a hard ride where you're going.

Wintery up there this time of year. - Change your mind. Come along with us.

Thanks, Charlie.

Goodbye. - Bye, Mr Oakhurst.

Goodbye Duchess. - Bye.

Goodbye, Bill. Goodbye, Kentuck.

Everybody going to Angel's Camp follow me.

Goodbye Duchess.

So long, Duchess.

Goodbye boys.

You sticking with me, Kentuck?

You're crazy if you think I ain't.

Me too, Mr Oakhurst.

I'm afraid your loyalty is a rather dubious tribute, Uncle Billy.

Ah, sure.

Alright. Come on.

Did you have to ride in this direction? - Did you?

What are you doing here?

Waiting for you.

That's fine.

I'm afraid you'll have to keep right on waiting.

You'll have a long ride back, sister.

It may strike you funny. But I'm not going back.

No. It don't strike me funny.

I hear tell this is a free country.

Helen, I can't stop you riding along but I warn you it means a return trip back.

You don't know even know how to follow rules, John.

How do you think you can make them?

You drift and you blunder and now and then you manage to do the right thing.

When you do, you're worth all the trouble it takes.

Yes, sir.

I think we will do alright.

Yes, sir. I think she'll do alright.

Ain't nobody home but a few spiders.

If we chase them out the ladies can sleep in there.

Won't that be sweet?

Yes. Like the three bears.

I suppose the big, cross bear will sleep in a cave.

And the bumptious little bear goes back home tomorrow as fast as Kentuck can go.

Mr Oakhurst. You are a chronic wag.

I made a lot of weak plays in my life, Miss Colby.

This is one I'm going to carry through.

Ladies.

You'll find the drawing room down the corridor on the left.

You first, my dear.

We're the soul of hospitality even to those who just .. drop in.

Since you're being so all-fired formal, you had better go first.

Your age entitles you to it, my dear.

Billy.

Snow. Confound it.

That's not the half of it. Billy is gone.

The thieving reptile. - Shush.

We still have the provisions, Mr Oakhurst.

And the horses.

I'd thank heaven if the wolves would only eat him.

It would be a general good riddance.

They'd die straight off of dyspepsia.

Where do you think you're going?

To cut out his gizzard. Darn his eyes.

No you're not. You can't outrun horses.

Maybe.

You might make it back to Poker Flat and get us some more livestock and gear.

You mean start right now?

If you don't we might all be snowed in.

The way the snow is piling in I might not get back through to you.

Why don't you take a little walk?

Because for a fellow who always tries to do his walking alone.

I seem to have acquired a couple of shining responsibilities.

I reckon there's a lot of turns in your fix, Mr Oakhurst.

Goodbye, and if I don't .. - Forget about the 'ifs', Kentuck.

And get back here with some horses and provisions quick.

No hard feelings about anything I ever said to you?

No.

No hard feelings about that push I gave you?

Shucks, no.

I was always right proud to have you push me, Mr Oakhurst.

Alright. Go ahead.

Still partners?

You bet we are.

And always will be.

You mean that?

You couldn't get me to sell out.

The same old poker face.

You just keep on bluffing me.

I kinda like it.

Keep your eyes open. Don't look down for a second.

If you fall asleep like the duchess, it's a longshot against you.

If they come before too long.

There's still a chance for her, isn't there?

Certainly.

Kentuck will see that we get dug out of here alright.

He'll probably be here any minute.

Eyes wide open now.

Promise?

Helen. Helen.

Helen.

John.

You spoiled a perfectly nice dream.

It's not the first one I've spoiled.

It's funny.

I'd rather have you spoil them than someone else make them come true.

The important this is we're going to go on trying, aren't we?

Trying?

I'm afraid I forgot the meaning of that word some time ago.

Believe me, John.

All the empire I ever really wanted was ..

Just a little corner somewhere for us.

You'll find your little corner somewhere.

Some nice chaplain.

Sam Woods for instance.

There would be luck for both of you.

It's in the cards.

I know one way to keep you from trading an Ace like Sam Woods ..

For a Deuce like John Oakhurst.

You can't get rid of me.

You've found that out.

I know you ..

Don't want to ..

Helen. Helen.

Helen.

Get the shovels out, boys. We have to work fast.

Give me one.

Looks like somebody moved out.

I think I'll investigate. - Kentuck.

Helen.

She's dead. - Helen.

Helen.

Helen. - Here.

Drink this, Helen.

John? - He's gone.

Gone? - Yes.

I always knew sometime I would come to take you home.

We must get her on her feet.

And keep her moving.

We have to start her circulation.

Parson.

Parson.

Mr Woods.

Go ahead. We'll take care of her.

Get her there. Turn her around.

We've got to stick together now, Luck.

Helen will need us more than ever.

Yes, but ..

We can't ever like her as much as we did Oakhurst.

Well, maybe.

No.

I guess it don't pay to get stuck on a fellow too much.

They just up and leave you.

Holding the sack.

Well, Luck. I don't think he wanted to leave anybody holding the sack.

He simply whichever way the cards fell.

He didn't have to trust in the turn of cards.

He was.

Strong.

The strongest.

And yet the weakest of all of them.

..s-d..