Original subtitles

The Oregon Trail was the longest, hardest, and most dangerous route to the far west.

It stretched from the Missouri River to the Willamette Valley, running 2,000 miles across

plains, deserts, canyons, and mountains.

During the 40 years of its existence, the Oregon Trail claimed more than 34,000 lives,

17 for every mile traveled.

Some died from Indian attacks, some from illness, and others simply from the hardships of the

trail.

This story is about one such crossin' and the people who made it.

Oh, he what?

He pulled my hair.

Ah, we's just plain Oregon Trail, Pa.

Sad, she kicked me after he pulled my hair.

Sounds like he ended up even.

And why don't you leave her to that, huh?

All right.

She can be an Indian, and we'll scout Bobby.

Well, now, who are you?

You live around here?

I don't remember seeing you before.

Ah, it's Rachel.

I didn't recognize you without suspecting her.

You forgot him, didn't you?

Now, you know what Doc Will said.

You wear them glasses, your eyes are going to be as good as new before you know it.

It's not?

You go play.

You play something that don't require scalpel.

I don't.

I tell them kids.

Yeah, them kids, they got more sense than you do, Evan.

At least, why has they got some idea what they're getting into?

George, I never said it was going to be like a trip to the store.

I don't understand you, Evan.

What are you leaving for?

Wallace, will you look around you?

Look at them crops, rotten in the fields, because the markets can't sell what they got.

People get them throwed off land, they've worked all their lives, because they can't

pay the mortgage payments.

That's hard on all of us.

You don't see us running away, do you?

Not running away, George.

I'm going to free land, more you can use.

Earth's so black, it's like the sun never shone on us.

Soil so rich, you can grow into them.

Wish I had the gumption to join you.

Ain't too late, hey?

Too scared, I guess.

Means leaving the only home I ever known.

Only friends I ever had.

You sure your new bride don't be the same way, Evan?

She'd have told me.

One thing I found out so far about Jessie, she speaks in line.

Whether you like it too or not.

Oh, diary!

My Hank went all the way to Greenville to fetch him.

Now you can write down everything that happens to you on your trip.

You can that, can't you?

Yes.

Oh, thank you, Beatrice.

All right, everybody.

All right.

Time to put down the food and lift a glass to my son and his bride a smooth journey,

a long life, and a healthy crop of everything that's worth raising.

Come on, Harvey.

You ain't been invited here because of your good looks.

Put that fiddle under your chin and play something an old man can dance to.

Make a handsome couple, don't they?

The poor's happy, Andy.

You ought to be happy for him.

She might she be, young lady?

Mrs. Evan Thorpe?

Thorpe.

Thorpe.

Maybe that fool's gonna pack up a good organ.

Oh, no, my husband's your fool.

Not if he marries you, he ain't.

Casey.

We both fools.

Ain't got nothing to offer you but a ready-made family.

A few thousand miles of hardship.

Could do worse.

Yeah?

Could've left without.

April 15th.

My wedding night.

They hardly know one another, Evan and I.

We came together practically as strangers.

I hope he wasn't disappointed in me.

We have so much to learn about each other.

I only hope I have the strength to make him a good wife.

Jesse?

Mm-hmm. I'm here.

Whatcha doing?

Just thinking.

We'll make it.

He better come to bed.

It'll be a little day tomorrow.

Evan.

Was everything all right?

Morning.

Easy park at the high end.

Jesse?

I love you dear, leave it. What in the heck you got in here?

Just a few things I wanted to take with me.

One, two, three, help.

Oh, I got it.

You sure if I didn't open that lid your piano wouldn't pop out at me?

It wouldn't fit. I'd try.

Here's your clock.

How do you say that, Evan?

Who? My dolly.

Oh, yeah. There she is.

Now, we're going on a long trip and you've got to be a good little girl.

And don't go anyplace without telling your mom.

This is like we're all set.

What is that, Evan?

Saying goodbye.

Some parts of leaving are harder than others, ain't they?

I knew my marrying again wasn't easy on you, son.

Jessica ain't here to take the place of your mom.

You don't have to tell her I loved your mother very much.

And hold her memory close.

She's been gone two years now.

I had these feelings for Jessie that I just couldn't turn my back on.

You understand more about that, wouldn't you, grow it up?

I don't expect you to love Jessica yet.

But I do expect you to show her some respect.

They'll be gone pretty soon.

Who brought the flowers?

I said my goodbyes this morning before anybody wake up.

May 1st.

We arrived in South Monroe, Missouri, right on schedule.

This has been the easiest part of our trip.

Almost like one long picnic.

Good roads, plenty of places to rest.

Evan says the real journey begins tomorrow.

William and Rachel seem to accept my presence without question.

Andy, I'm afraid, is just the opposite.

He hardly ever speaks.

And when he does, never to me.

Excuse me, friends.

Did you point me to the

Thank you.

Now what the hell is he laughing at?

Morning.

Morning.

You folks part of the Oregon Immigration Society?

Nope.

We are the Oregon Immigration Society.

Three wagons?

Well, we was told there was 250 signatures pledging they'd be here first of May.

Seems like we're the only ones that kept that pledge.

All wagons, don't make a train.

What are you folks going to do?

Turn around and go back home.

There's a dang full notion to start with.

Listen, there's got to be other trains moving out of here.

One's leaving tomorrow.

Are they taking us into Webster's home?

Anyone we can talk to?

Tell them the name of her.

Just look for the biggest wagon.

He'll be in it.

We'll be lording it over everybody.

And Reveley will be at first flight tomorrow.

Now that means that every wagon has got to be loaded and ready to roll by summer.

So if any of you still need supplies, this is your last chance to buy it.

Are there any questions?

Very well.

How do I work?

Mr. Herr.

My name's Evan Fulke.

This here's my father, Eli.

We just come in from Illinois.

And you found out that the wagon trains you signed up for doesn't exist.

So now you won't know.

You can join mine.

That's awful.

Don't you mess down.

You do tricks with carts, too?

It's a familiar story.

There ain't a chance you can fit us in.

I don't know.

We have to be very careful.

How can we take that?

How do you earn your keep?

Farming.

Mr. Kelly's a pilot.

I'm afraid he's not very farce or as far as...

Well, they bring every gem, crack and useless article.

Man can advance.

Pins and needles, brooms and brushes, lasts and leather.

Glass beads and hawksbell, jumping jacks and fuse harps,

pocket mirrors, pocket books, calico vests and boiled shirts.

And then they wonder why their horses can't make 15 miles a day.

We come as fair as we could.

You're a religious man, Mr. Thorpe.

They didn't church as much as I've been out of it.

Would you have any objection to traveling on the Sabbath?

Never thought much about it.

Mr. Kelly told these gentlemen the first rule of the wagon train.

Time is everything.

Yes.

Unfortunately, we have a few people in the company.

Don't seem to realize that yet.

Don't mistake me.

I believe in the Bible as much as any man.

But I don't believe in being a dang fool about it,

and I won't realize the interfere with something important.

What I was thinking about was with the Thorpe's here to fill in the gap,

we could dispense with the Turners.

Who are the Turners?

Missionaries.

Yeah, they're going west to convert to flathead Indians,

with a wagon full of Bibles and a pipe order.

Well, they don't ever make it.

The woman's sick, and she'll die on the trail.

That'll be bad for morale.

Makes folks edgy, too.

You mean you're just going to up and tell them they can't kill them?

Now, you don't have to concern yourself about that.

I was elected captain of the train,

and it's my job to tend to these details.

Well, my part of me wouldn't want to take nobody else's place.

The next train leaves in two weeks.

Well, I ain't come this far to turn back before I get started.

No, I didn't think you would.

Aren't you concerned with me?

Now, what exactly is this?

If you agree to abide by the rules of the country.

Yeah, well, I ain't got time to read all the way through this.

Oh, well, they're just standard rules,

the death penalty for murder,

39 license for three days for rape,

the same for military.

Anything I hear about calling me?

Oh, yeah, anybody can call a meeting.

We've got something important for the country.

Sounds fair enough.

All right, find your name and I'll wait.

Talk to the board, Mr. Thorpe.

Just the kind of man I want on the tailwind.

Thank you.

Well, since we're leaving so early in the morning,

it seems about the best time to call that meeting.

Meeting?

What for?

Like you said, to discuss things of importance to the company.

What?

Their missionaries.

See, I got the feeling you ain't told nobody else

they're not coming with us.

You sure you're just a farmer?

Is that a battle you really want to fight?

No, sir.

Well, it wouldn't have much use in itself if I didn't try it.

That ought to be an interesting meeting when the hat'll come out.

Mr. Thorpe.

I've decided that the Turner's spiritual contribution

outweighs their possible burden.

Mighty Christian on this dinner.

The last year's a good, long look.

It's going to be our home for the next six months.

Six.

Ho, ho.

All right, everybody.

Time's down.

Ho, ho, ho.

Remember?

How long till we see Indians?

Soon enough.

Today?

Not likely.

Tomorrow?

I don't know.

Then when will we see them?

When you least expect it.

Now sit down.

I don't want you jabbering in my ear all the way to Oregon.

How far have we come?

Three or four miles.

Seems longer, don't it?

Just takes getting used to.

Made a crossing like this when I weren't much older than Andy.

Not as far nor as hard, but it was still something.

All the way from Buffalo, New York to Illinois.

Lots happened since, but I can remember every stream,

every hill, every rock along the way.

Wouldn't miss seeing my grandchildren

store the same memories for anything in the world.

Oh, I have a feeling you'd be here even without grandchildren.

Yeah, but they sure make a great excuse.

What happened, son?

I don't know.

What is it?

A busted axle.

Well, can it be fixed?

Nothing you can do for a busted axle,

except cuss it and turn back.

But they just started.

How'd it happen?

I don't know, Pa.

It's because of you. You was daydreaming again, wasn't you?

No, Bob!

Stop it!

Everything lost, but that you, you, your fault.

You.

Mr. Cutler?

Yeah.

That kind of thing won't fix the axle now, will it?

It's all right, son. It wasn't your fault.

Jessica, will you please get back in our wagon?

Pa?

Looks like we need a strong tree limb to brace him.

Help him get back into Saphon Grove, huh?

Right, son.

Let's go get Axie. Help me out.

They're both asleep.

Uh-huh.

Long day.

It's probably been a lot longer for those poor people that have to turn back.

I didn't mean to speak to you about that, Jesse.

It forced me to interfere in another man's business.

Well, you mean that man that was beating his son senseless.

I didn't like it any more than you did.

But a man's family is the most important thing in his life.

It ain't for outsiders to tell him what to do by the womb.

Even when another human being is in trouble, you have to reach out.

You can't cure the ills of the world by buttoning. People get mad.

If you see something wrong, you see that it don't happen in your family, that's all.

Well, is that why we joined this wagon train, so we could mind our own business?

And close our eyes to other people's problems?

I'm just saying, wait until you ask for help. That's all I'm saying.

Well, I can't accept that.

Jessica?

Oh, now it's Jessica.

I like a woman who speaks her mind. Sometimes you do it to her fault.

Because I won't always agree with you.

Because she's stubborn. It's not enough to be her fault.

Well, aren't you going to spank me first?

What?

Well, you're treating me more like a child than a wife.

Well, maybe you're behaving more like a child than a wife.

Evan?

I want to be a good and loving wife to you.

So I'd appreciate it if you'd tell me how you want me to act when you sulk.

I need sulking.

Oh, it's all right.

We're learning new things about each other every day.

I don't want to interfere with your sulking.

So just tell me, do you want silence or can I speak?

Shall I call you for meals or eat without you?

Do you like to sulk alone or can I watch?

Yeah, when you string them words together, you make a man see his foolish side, don't you?

You know, I'd just like to think of it as putting things in their proper place.

Yeah, well, the things left for me to do is put you in your proper place.

Don't you shake a finger at me.

Don't you wake them neighbors.

What was that?

Just them sentries telling us time to get started.

Oh, what an awful way to wake up.

Good way to get your attention, though, ain't it?

Morning, Mrs. Thorpe.

Oh, so after last night, it's not even Jessica.

Now it's Mrs. Thorpe.

Yes, ma'am.

Oh, should I go ahead and hitch up the team?

Now, Andy, you know better than that.

Knock when you come into a room.

I'm sorry.

Evan, this isn't a room, and there is no place to knock.

Well, you ought to have better sense of embarrassment.

But my man and wife, he's got to get used to being up together.

Listen, it's a private thing, Jesse.

I know, but I don't want him to think that we're ashamed of our feelings.

It's not good for him or for us.

I'm going to talk to him anyway.

May 10th, yesterday we crossed into Indian territory.

And when we broke camp this morning, we saw some for the first time.

They've been with us ever since.

Andy's been even more remote since that morning he walked into our tent.

Evan tried to talk to him, but he just mumbled that he understood and turned away.

William is, as usual, more interested in Indians than anything else.

And today, I'm afraid, he has a great deal to hold his interest.

Can I do that, Grandpa?

Well, it wasn't the folks who owned it.

Jesse, have you seen my dolly?

No, I haven't, Rachel.

Do you think there will be more pain?

I could be happy for the rest of my days not knowing that.

I can't find her.

Well, keep looking, Rachel. She's got to be there somewhere.

I sure wish Evan wasn't so far away from the wagon.

His turn to keep point.

Can't circuit just because we have a few traveling companions.

Now, why don't they do something?

They're doing something. They're taking our measure.

Seeing what we've got on the way up Plunder.

Horses and cattle and such.

Them's a wrap-up, ain't they?

For a farmer, you know more than you ought to about this country.

Nor my wife's been reading to me for a book about Indians.

I picked it up in Staffland Grove.

Books. No good never comes from books.

Read and corrupt from mine, weak and dry. It's a known fact.

You want to know about Indians? Ask me.

I know Indians.

I've been with them for my own kind.

Indians give me a lot to remember.

Like those marks on your face?

Well, Brigham, I better hunt up a place to camp.

No, I say forget the new meal. Let's keep going.

What about the horses? If we don't water them, they're going to drop.

Clark, you're here to ride Point, not to give it pass.

Mr. Hearn, I'm here to get to Oregon.

I can't do it without a horse, and either can you or anybody else.

Y'all let me know what you decide. Come on. Come on.

Well, we don't need to call a meeting.

But before this trip's over, I hope one of us doesn't regret signing on.

Mr. Hearn, the only thing I'll regret is not getting where I'm going.

As long as you and I understand that, we'll have no cause for trouble.

You still need that.

Ah, you know, yeah, I got the next washer.

I thought the Indians were going.

Kelly says they're coming back.

What for?

I don't think he knows.

I won't say.

Everything's going to be fine.

Rachel?

You want to help me set the table?

He's still sad about losing Amy.

He's been stalling the whole world.

What about a guessing game?

Guess who's going to be seven in a few days.

Me?

Mm-hmm.

And I was just thinking, wouldn't it be a nice idea if we had a birthday party?

Where?

So here, right here on the trail, when we stop.

We'll have a cake and your favorite meal.

Fried chicken, that's my favorite meal, like my other one I used to make.

Well, fried chicken it is, or the nearest we can get to it.

And maybe even a present or two.

Really, a present?

Done my chores!

Can I go out and have a snowball fight?

Snowball fight?

Buffalo chips?

Josh Mark Starkey.

And we have a birthday party, Will.

Why don't you run to that table?

Will, I want you to do something for me.

Can you draw me a picture of Rachel's doll?

The one she lost?

Now?

Yes, now.

And don't let her see it.

It's a surprise for her birthday.

But all the buffalo chips will be gone by the time I get there.

You know, she sure is a pretty little thing.

Who?

That girl you was staring at?

I wasn't staring.

Well, it wouldn't blame me if she was.

Looks like she's going out to the firewood.

Does anybody fetch our wood?

I wouldn't mind getting it, Paul.

Oh, really?

Oh, I appreciate that.

You getting firewood?

Uh-huh.

Me too.

Well, I started figuring.

What with the wood, you're howling.

I can hold a lot more.

I'm sure you can.

I mean, for you.

I'll be all right.

I can get enough.

Well, I don't mind.

I'll carry it back to your wagon for you.

My name's Andrew.

Mine's Deborah.

Well, that's pretty nice.

Oh, I hate it.

What?

Well, it was my grandma's name.

Somebody gave it to me thinking they were doing a proud name with me after.

But then we found out she always hated it.

But it was too late.

Got stuck with it.

Where are you from?

Ohio.

You?

Illinois.

This ought to be enough for you, Deborah.

Oh, that's Garrett Hatcher.

Andrew Ford.

And Ralph would help me too.

Andrew's from Illinois.

Is that a fact?

Aunt Garrett's from Indiana.

Is that a fact?

Well, I guess we ought to get back now.

Well, they keep on getting closer, but they still don't do anything.

They've begun to rattle, ain't they?

They're beginning to rattle everybody else on the train too.

Maybe that's all they want.

They ain't done nothing yet.

Well, that's a good sign.

Because he missed it.

Because he wants to talk.

They want guns and powder.

Should we give it to them?

That's up to you.

Damn it, Kelly.

You're a guy.

You're supposed to advise us.

First train I followed, did I've done just that.

I advised every step of the way.

By the time we got to the Platte River, half the company wanted to string me up,

and the other half didn't want to waste good money on a rope.

So they had one of their meetings, and they voted.

They voted to shoot me on the spot.

Ever since then, I just tell you the problems and the choices you got,

and you make your own decision.

That way, if anything goes wrong, you only got yourself to blame.

Have you run into this problem before?

Last trip, we bought them off of guns and powder.

What happened then?

We heard that they used them on the train that followed.

Well, if we say no, what will they do?

Well, now, there's the tricky part, Mr. Hearn.

You got to say it to find out.

No guns, no powder.

Kelly just told him it was us that said no.

They don't like it, but they'll take something else.

What?

Blankets, trinkets, cattle, anything you can spare.

I'll tell the country.

Just turn around and go sit in the wagon, son.

Hold your ground, son.

Too late for that.

If he wants to trade, son, take it.

Now give him something back.

What? I ain't got nothing but no pocket knife.

Take it out and open it.

Show him that it's sharp.

How?

Make your thumb bleed on the first pass.

You let your mind. You don't have to do that.

If you don't do it, then you don't trust him.

When Indian don't trust you, he'll usually kill you.

I'll do it for him. Give me that.

His knife. Go ahead, son.

Now close it up and give it to him.

Ain't bad for a farmer's kid.

I'm a little proud of you, sir.

I'm so scared to do anything else.

I'm scared, too.

Sometimes a man does his best work when he's scared.

I'm scared to do anything else.

I'm scared to do anything else.

I'm scared to do anything else.

I'm scared to do anything else.

I'm scared to do anything else.

I'm scared to do anything else.

I'm scared to do anything else.

I'm scared to do anything else.

I'm scared to do anything else.

I'm scared to do anything else.

I'm scared to do anything else.

I'm scared to do anything else.

I'm scared to do anything else.

I'm scared to do anything else.

After my sermon.

That storm is not waiting on the Sabbath.

It's coming our way, and it's coming fast.

Mr. Hearn, please.

Now we owe it to ourselves to be prepared.

That's the reason that the rule against repairing wagons on the Sabbath has got to be set aside.

At least for this one day.

The Lord's Day doesn't bend.

Either it's honored or it's violated.

You can't have both.

No disrespect intended, really.

But out of all of us, you've got the least to lose.

That's why I'm going to ask for a vote.

All those in favor of repairing wagons

and doing light shorts, 065, raising a right hand.

Wish it wasn't him brung it up.

Makes you want to vote no, just so you won't be agreeing with him.

Well, he's right.

The canvas doesn't need fixing.

The axles could use some tar.

Let's hope the Lord's in our understanding mood.

Motion carried.

Thank you for the use of that vote, 11.

Is there anything you need me for a moment?

Yeah, nothing I can think of, sir.

How can I say, Andy?

Andrew.

Who?

Her name's Andrew.

Andrew's a voice man.

Evan?

Uh-huh.

I think it may be time for you to have a talk with Andrew.

About what?

About his feelings, what to do about it.

Oh, well, you know, there's plenty of time for that.

It's just a boy.

I'm afraid he grew up while you weren't looking.

And that old horse starts kicking like a scales on fire, tries to bust right through the gate.

Oh!

It took three days for its eyes uncrossed.

It's the last time we ever gave it our inside.

Oh.

Can I say a spell?

Yeah.

You know, it seems like you're the first person I can talk to with that,

getting my tongue all caught up in my teeth.

Oh, same with me.

I'll talk to my mom sometime.

But she just don't understand how I feel, I mean.

Where are you going to settle when you get to Oregon?

Paul says we're going to settle in the Willamette Valley.

Well, that's where we're going to be.

I'm glad.

Are you?

Well, it means we can still see each other when we get there.

Would you like that?

Wouldn't you?

I sure am glad your folks decide to go to Oregon.

How's that chicken coming, Jessie?

Oh, I think it's done.

Uh-huh.

Getting hungry.

Okay.

Here, take this.

Thank you.

Come on, Jessie, you got to get soaked out there.

Oh, why you?

Jessie, chicken's getting cold.

I'll be right there.

Jessie, when you're getting to Oregon--

I'm coming!

Evan!

Yeah.

Good girl.

Yeah, Paul.

Oh.

Should we start?

What's the trashy stuff in the chicken?

Looks like a piece of dirt.

Well, it'll slide up.

There's ain't anything like Mars chicken.

Nobody's saying it ain't good, Jessie.

I'm different.

Well, why don't we have a cake?

Mm, get out of here.

Open up, open up.

Blow out the candles.

Make a wish.

Blow it again.

Won't count.

Will, too.

What?

Place your blow out the candles.

Now is time for the present.

After you, Rachel.

Happy birthday.

Thank you.

Didn't she remind you of anybody?

Uh-uh.

It's Amy, you dummy.

You know what is it?

Guess you went for a lot of trouble, no one.

Thank her.

Thank you.

I'm sorry it wasn't a better part of it.

Morning.

Yo.

Take the rest of the stock and start to make 'em restless.

You're right there.

Come on in.

Is it gonna stop?

Soon, dear.

It's all right.

Look at my mom, my real mom.

This keeps coming up, both for sure.

We'll head for them wagons and don't tell them what damage you'll get.

You're right.

Here's these for courses.

Now we gotta keep 'em left.

They're soaking old.

They don't stay left.

Nothing will.

Everybody, spread it out.

Move toward the counter.

We're trying to keep 'em from running.

Okay, sir.

Take a minute.

Just stay close to me.

They're breaking!

Get in here or something.

This ain't gonna stop.

Throw it down.

You think we're back inside?

Ahh!

Well, we ain't got most of 'em.

Most maybe 10, 12 head.

Yeah, and a half a day of travel time.

Well, we can move out now.

We can move out.

Devon?

Pa.

He died last night.

Well, we have to face it sooner or later.

Just well be now.

What is it?

Randall, he's had it for three, maybe four days.

What?

The collar.

That's why nobody saw him.

He had him hid in that wagon.

She probably knew what would happen.

Well, who's gonna tell her?

Well, Ernie, you're the captain.

Is that the only way?

If you have a diseased animal,

you separate it from the rest of the herd.

Yes, it's for everyone's protection.

What are they gonna do?

They're telling us she's gotta leave the train.

Why?

You've read me about cholera from that book.

You know as well as I do, it can wipe out a whole wagon train.

I know, but you can't just abandon it.

If they don't come down with it, they can rejoin us.

But you'll never be able to keep up, Evan. You know that.

Ain't our decision, Jessie.

You accepted all the same.

I had to accept it. I had to accept it if it was our wagon.

You've gotta live by rules or there's nothing.

You can't just obey the ones you like and then pass over the rest.

Even when they're wrong. - I don't like it.

When we started out, we knew the trail was gonna be hard.

The most important thing we gotta do is keep from dying.

At what cost?

We may reach Oregon, but what'll we be by the time we get there?

Stronger. - Or harder?

There's a difference, Evan, and that's what frightens me.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.

Amen.

Paul? - Yeah, Andy?

I wanna drive the Randall wagon.

Why on earth would you wanna do a thing like that?

They won't make it without somebody to help them, Paul.

Of course, with a girl.

I just...

I just can't think of her being left behind.

No, it just matters.

It don't matter.

I mean, maybe now I can understand better

what you're telling me about Jesse and feelings you had for her

that she didn't wanna turn you back on.

You know what color it is?

Yes, sir.

Is it more important for you to drive that wagon?

I guess so.

Thank you, Paul.

Mr. Hurd?

We'll take last position on trade.

Suit yourself.

Mom, I wanna thank you for what you're doing.

I like doing things for you.

What's Andrew doing?

He's gonna drive the Randall wagon.

Well, he can't do that. Andrew!

You don't do any good, Jason.

Evan, you've gotta stop him. - I can't stop him, sir.

He's been senseless.

Jesse, darling, a little while ago you were hollering

because they had to leave the train.

Now you won't let Andy anywhere near him.

You can't have it both ways.

Now it is. Why not?

What do you mean?

What do you mean?

It's not a good thing.

I don't know.

What do you mean?

You're gonna drive the Randall wagon.

You're gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

I'm gonna drive the Randall wagon.

When do you think it's gonna catch up to you and beat you?

You gotta fight the hardest.

You wanna go to Oregon?

Well, so does William.

And you don't think a little heady-bitty fever's gonna beat him, do you?

Neither do I.

Now, kiss.

You gonna help guess who it plays?

No.

What? What's terrible? Everything's all right?

No, no, it ain't. I can't find it anywhere.

Looked all over.

What are you talking about?

The arrowhead, the one I traded for.

Oh, well, it just so happens.

I got a ride here for safekeeping.

I don't know what all the fuss was about.

Cam fever, plain and simple.

Knew it all the time, all the time.

Come on, let's get loaded up.

Don't wanna train to leave without us.

May 14th.

The trail has become much more difficult.

It takes all our energy just to make our 15 miles a day.

William is still too weak to leave the wagon,

and I'm afraid that's more painful than any illness.

Andy is taking to his role as provider for the Randalls

as though we're the most natural thing in the world.

I suppose for the first time, he has a chance to act like the man he feels he is.

Poor Rachel has picked up trail lights.

She hasn't stopped scratching for two days.

As soon as we find water, I'll wash her hair.

So why are we stopped?

I don't know.

Old train stuff.

Can't be more than 10.

Uh-huh. I'll go see.

Come on.

We're gonna cross right here and listen here.

We go south, we can get by here.

Sandy, show 'em.

Gentlemen, we're thinking about heading south.

South?

Wait a minute.

So she said we'd be heading north for now.

Well, you see them rains that come in on us the other day come in from the north,

and I figured that they flooded these rivers in here.

Kelly says he thinks we'll have easier crossing further south.

Y'all wanna risk losing your wagons, that's up to you,

but I'm just telling you what's best for the company.

Who's the one who never give advice, Kelly?

I don't know why it is, but I've come to like you folks.

I think it's my duty to not let you make a big mistake.

Well, how much time is that gonna cost us?

Two or three days at the most.

It seems to me we're taking an awful long way around to avoid something

we don't even know's there.

The second? No.

No, it was the third train I piloted.

We tried to cross them rivers in flood season.

It's a sight I don't wanna see again.

Old wagons washed away women and children never found.

But y'all do it any way you want to.

We're paying him to guide us.

We might as well let him.

We'll put it up at the company.

You get used to it for a while and then I'll soak you here.

Jesse!

What do you want?

Leave that alone.

Rachel, come out now.

Put your clothes on.

For you.

Gift?

Yes.

What do they want, Jesse?

I don't know.

Are you ready? Uh-huh.

They gonna scalp us?

Not if we can help it.

Look who's coming.

Huh?

Who's there?

Hey, Jesse.

Stay out of here.

Come here and hold it right there.

Somebody go get Kelly.

He just rode out.

How are we going to talk to him with Kelly not here?

Hey, Pa, Jesse's got a book.

It's got sign language in Indian woods and stuff.

Here, give it to me. I'll talk to him.

Figuring where we are, they must be Pawnee.

Share two-way.

Share two-way.

Either you ain't saying it right or they ain't Pawnee.

They have to be Pawnee.

Tell him that.

Only don't tell him in Pawnee 'cause he can't understand it.

Well, they...

They can't be Sue.

You ain't paid her this, Sue.

Well, the Sue's supposed to be way north of here.

Maybe they're lost.

And Daku.

Ya, team B.

He says they're looking for the man with the painted face.

Kelly?

What do they want Kelly for?

I think he's saying something about Kelly stealing.

Their hides?

No wonder he turned us south.

He wanted to stay away from these fellas.

That's why he quit shaving.

He's trying to cover up those marks.

Sugarcock!

Stop, don't you?

We don't need a guidebook for that.

He wants five horses.

For what?

Pay me for them hides, Kelly's still.

Well, we didn't take his blasted hides.

Look, you tell him we got no spare horse.

No, no, no, no, no horses.

Now, we are not gonna pay for Kelly's thievery with our stock.

Time for talk is over.

Now, you go and get out of here.

Let's go.

Go on, move.

Get out.

All of them.

Easy, easy.

Come on, go on.

Get out.

There ain't no horses here.

Go on.

I think starting right now we'd better post extra guards around the livestock.

Stark, where do you think you're going?

To call in the Randall wagon.

Any objections?

Ain't he afraid of getting sick?

What do you want?

Oh, look.

Now that we've been allowed back on the train,

Garrett's asked permission to court me, and I'm gonna let him.

Why?

Well, with my pa gone, I have to think of the family.

I'm taking care of you all right, ain't I?

Well, I don't mean just here on the train, but when we get to Oregon...

I can do it there, too.

Well, and Garrett's father is well off.

Some folks might call him rich.

What difference does that make?

Andrea, if the truth be known, my pa was running from debts back in Ohio.

That's why we're driving this train.

If we hadn't, well, they would have put him in jail.

He already decided, ain't he?

He'll marry him if he asks you.

Well, there's seven of us, and no way to feed him, sort of me.

Have you got feelings for him?

Do you...

Do you have any feelings for me?

I'm sorry, Andrea.

William, I told you to go call your sister.

A supper's almost ready.

I can't find her.

Would you check the Thompson wagon?

You know she's sometimes pleased with their little girl.

And the hatches, and the molds, and even the mackerelins.

Nobody's seen her.

Have you seen Rachel? - No, you aren't.

Well, nobody has.

When did you last see her?

We were picking wildflowers. I sent her back to get her glasses.

She didn't come to the wagon, and I was with her most of the day.

And those Indians, one of them was looking at her.

Oh, it don't mean nothing.

He was staring at her. - No, nothing's happened.

She just forgot the time is all. She's probably trying to catch up right now.

All right, Aft. I'll find her with a little bunch of wildflowers and a sheepish green.

I never did know such good soup.

We fire three shots if she turns up.

Right, sir.

Rachel!

Rachel!

Come on, fair distance. - Look, she just forgot her time, that's all.

Let's fly this way.

Rachel!

Rachel!

Rachel!

Hey, Thor.

It's good talking to yourselves.

Have you seen a little girl? A little squall?

That is high.

And she's got... She's got her hair in...

No, no, that's all right, that's all right.

Her hair in kind of braids, like this.

And she wears these little glasses like this.

Little itty-bitty girl.

Watch your mouth!

Them's my racial spectacles.

Now, where is she?

He's yours.

Yours. Give him a little girl.

There's your answer, Evan. He doesn't know.

Well, he'd turn over his own mother for that horse.

Where did you get them spectacles?

Well, maybe he found them.

Come on.

We can cover some more ground before it gets dark.

Ah!

I should have thought I would have brought some food.

The train will be pulling out by first light.

We ought to be back by then.

I'm staying here.

Evan, she couldn't have covered more ground than this.

I ain't going back without my daughter.

What is that?

She's going to keep on looking a while longer.

For you to stay with the wagons,

he'll catch up when he finds the little girl.

We wanted to go with him, but we've got families of our own.

We appreciate what you've done.

Mr. Macklin?

What do you think you've done?

I'm going after Paul.

I'll have to stay with the wagons.

He needs somebody with him.

I don't think that's a good idea, son.

Angel, I won't have to worry about you two.

Then don't.

Andrew!

Get your rifle, son.

I'll take them fellas' knives.

You!

Okay, now pick up a rock and break them blades.

Thought I told you to stay with the wagon.

I couldn't, Paul.

Not with you at or by yourself.

Well, I had these fellas staked out.

I figured they'd leave me to Rachel.

You buddy in there go nowhere near her.

I'm sorry, Paul.

Get on your horse and come up here.

Guess you figure you're too grown up to follow orders, is that it?

It won't happen again, Paul.

Well, on second course,

it's kind of nice to have another man along.

Rachel.

Oh, Rachel, darling.

I'm sorry, Paul. I didn't mean to lose my gun.

I didn't do it on purpose. Honest, I didn't.

You didn't?

You gonna tell your pa what happened?

I took him off to play, and I forgot him.

I mean, I really forgot him, and I didn't want you to be mad at me.

So I went back to find him, and I saw those Indians.

And I got scared in my head.

You got scared in your head? Well, look what Paul has got.

I'll never take him off my whole life.

I'll even wear him to bed.

You can't fool your old pa.

You're not gonna get out of your chores this easy.

Just sit up there.

Hold on tight, now.

Wanna see what we found?

Yes, sir.

Seems to me like she kind of missed you.

The horses!

You suck!

We just have to face it.

Almost half our horses are gone.

Did you see any sign at all of Indians?

Must have traveled all night.

Probably back wherever they come from by now.

With our horses.

Morning, everybody.

Watch out!

Found a beautiful place to camp for the moon meal.

I get up, you're gonna hit me again, ain't you?

Mm-hmm.

I think I'll be content to stay right where I'm at.

Where have you been?

Oh, you got to understand something.

I'm a mountain man.

Every once in a while, this humanity gets to crowding in on me.

I got to get off by myself for a while.

Especially when there's a bunch of Indians on your tail.

Engine.

Them hide you stole.

Well, you see, I don't count them hide stolen.

Well, my friend, the Sioux did.

The Sioux's got narrow minds.

They think everything under the sun belongs to them.

Plain fact is, they stole 'em.

How do you know that?

The way they skint.

Mountain men skin animals from front to back.

They skin 'em from back to front so they can save the heads.

They give 'em to the medicine men, that's how you can tell.

It's all in the world I was doing is just taking something back that belonged to another honest fellow like myself.

Kelly, that's pure double talk.

You cost us three travel days and a half on horses.

Well, ain't I used crying over spilled milk, is it?

Why don't you divvy up what horses it's left and get some fresh ones at Fort Laramie.

And that's just how far he's at.

50, 60 miles.

We never make that.

You can make anything if your wagon's light enough.

You mean we gotta leave our things behind?

Anything you can't either wear.

The rest is just man's vanity anyhow.

Won't that just beat everything?

He runs off and he leaves us here for two days by ourself.

And that is by giving orders like nothing ever happened.

We need him, right?

Yeah, I guess we do.

Yep.

Well, let's get started on the wagon, gentlemen.

We'll do the saddle gear and we're moving on.

Kelly says we can make Fort Laramie if we leave everything behind

except in what's absolutely necessary.

Come on.

Go to Cynthia.

Where are you?

Yeah, boss.

Come here.

Now them schoolbooks.

The old schoolbooks.

They don't have a schoolbook.

You know, they don't have a schoolbook.

They don't have a schoolbook.

They don't have a schoolbook.

They don't have a schoolbook.

Now them schoolbooks ain't what I'd call unnecessary.

Let's try and do my share, Pa.

You just do your share and put them back in the wagon.

Oh, Pa.

Jesse?

I don't think this will slow us up any.

Thank you, Andrew.

June 3rd.

Yesterday we made eight miles.

Thank God for every engine.

We're at least a week behind schedule.

If we don't make it up somehow,

we could find ourselves snowed in at the Rockies.

Each night we fall into bed exhausted,

caring only about sleep,

dreaming only about the next day's ordeal.

June 15th.

We're discovering that the free land of Oregon

may cost more than some are willing to pay.

The top goes more each day about turning back when we reach Fort Laramie.

Evan has never mentioned that possibility,

and I don't honestly know what I would say if he did.

We made it!

We made it!

We made it!

Someone, I'm afraid that I have bad news.

There's much for another pilot to be found in.

I guess that means we're stuck with Kelly.

Well, something better turns up.

Kelly's a good man.

We just got to realize we can't trust him, that's all.

You pay good, hard-earned money for somebody to take you to Oregon,

and then you wind up not believing a word he says.

I'm afraid Kelly's your problem from here on out.

You're not planning to go alone, are you?

Oh, no. Macklin here's going with me,

and them mountain men are headed that way.

They're going to Independence with a load of furries.

We're going with 'em.

You mean after all you've been through, you'd go back?

Because of what I've been through.

These miles are supposed to be the easiest.

I'll tell you if this is the easy part.

I don't want to see the rest.

It just ain't fair to my family.

They've been through enough to last a lifetime,

and we're not even a third of the way there.

Tomorrow morning?

Come on.

Let's have a farewell drink.

My golly, I ain't felt so good since I left Saplin Grove.

D'oh!

Jesse?

Huh?

Are you... you awake?

Oh, huh.

I don't want to be.

Can we talk for a minute?

I know it was a luxury, but I sure am glad we got this bid.

Yeah.

Um...

Jesse.

He never once complained the whole time.

I mean about pounding clothes clean with a rock

and cooking with more dust and flour.

And he never complained once about leaving all them things.

He never complained once about leaving all them things.

He never complained once about leaving all them things.

He never complained once about leaving all them things.

He never complained once about leaving all them things.

He never complained once about leaving all them things behind

that you valued most.

You know, felt that sentiment there.

And, uh...

I'm proud of you.

You awake?

Uh-huh.

Well...

I got something to say.

I've been thinking what we've been through,

and I've been thinking what's going to happen ahead of us.

And, uh...

I know my dreams was bigger in my spirit.

Uh-huh.

Now, what I'm going to say is important. You awake?

Uh-huh.

Uh-huh.

I shouldn't know what I put you through all this.

It's best for you.

Jesse, I didn't marry you to make you grow old before your time.

Watch us shrivel like a young tree shut off from the sun.

And, you know, who knows what we're going to find in Oregon

when we get there.

And what the cost's going to be to get there.

And, uh...

I decided we ought to turn back.

Turn back?

I was talking to these fellas, and there's a caravan leaving in the morning,

and I think we should join them.

And, uh...

That's the best for all of us. That's the best thing.

Oh, Evan, I'm too tired. We'll talk about it in the morning.

No, no, no. We're going to settle it now.

Well, is that what you want?

Yes.

All right.

Now, why don't you come to sleep?

Yeah, well...

We'll settle it.

Yeah, that's settled.

Yeah.

What would you do if it were just you going to Oregon?

Ain't a fair question, Jason.

Well, maybe not, but I'm asking it anyway.

Now, you know it's different when you only got yourself to think of.

Don't you?

Now, you know it's different when you only got yourself to think of.

Don't you?

Now, you know it's different when you only got yourself to think of.

Don't you?

Yeah. Go on.

Jesse?

Jesse?

Jesse!

Jesse!

Jesse, where do you think you're going?

Oregon.

I thought last night we decided again.

Like you decided again. I was too tired to argue.

The rest of us didn't even get that chance.

We're going to be a family we should act like once, so we took a vote.

And?

You lost.

You took a vote.

Take it.

This town knocked you out.