Original subtitles

(dramatic music)

(hooves clomping)

(tense dramatic music)

(gunshots blasting)

- [Frame] Are you ready to go back now, Durango?

(dramatic music)

- All right, mister.

I guess you win.

(tense music)

(thudding)

(dramatic music)

(thudding) (grunting)

(cracking) (grunting)

(tense music)

You're pretty good, Marshal.

(dramatic music)

- You wanna try again?

- No.

I had enough.

(melancholy music)

(clanking)

(dramatic music)

Looks like the people around here

are sorta hard to convince.

- [Frame] Some of them couldn't read.

- You shoot 'em all?

- Only those that didn't get hung.

- Don't give a man much choice, does it?

Why didn't you shoot me when you had the chance?

- I'm hired to keep the peace, not kill people.

- Seems like the two of them sorta go hand in hand.

- At least you got the satisfaction of knowin'

you'll get hung legal.

- That might be some satisfaction to you,

but I can't help thinkin'

you wind up dead either way.

- He's bringin' him in!

Frame Johnson's bringin' in the Durango Kid!

He's bringing him in!

(laughing)

Frame Johnson's bringing in the Durango Kid!

- [Man] Hear that, Denver?

Here comes some new business.

- That comes under the headin' of old business.

I been ready and waitin' for days.

- [Man] what about my two dollars?

- I ain't got time now.

I'll be back.

(excited chattering)

Jeannie!

Jeannie, it's Frame.

Frame's back and he's bringing in the Durango Kid!

(excited chattering)

come on you kids, get off of there.

Come on.

Hurry up.

(crowd chuckling)

- [Man] Make sure he's got some money in his pocket, Denver.

- Ha! Hiya!

- [Man] You gonna burn him with his boots on?

- [Man] Get him before he gets cold, Denver!

(chattering)

(hooves clomping)

- where's the Durango Kid?

- That's him.

- You mean to say you brought him back alive?

- Well, for the time being.

- Now, we been friends for a long time, Frame,

but since you cleaned up this town,

I can't hardly make a living.

How do you expect me to make any money off of him?

- Don't worry about it, friend.

You won't have to wait long.

How's the food in your jail?

- Well, we haven't kept anybody there

long enough to die from it.

- Man can't complain about treatment like that.

- Come on.

(tense dramatic music)

(chattering)

(melancholy music)

- Nice lookin' girl.

- Yep.

- Yours?

- I like to think so.

- Big crowd out today.

- We had a better one the day the governor came through.

- Maybe I shoulda gone into politics.

(tense music)

- why didn't Frame kill him?

- Seems to me you're old enough to understand

your own brother.

- Well, maybe I oughta do it for him.

- Put that hogleg away, before I make you eat it.

(tense music)

- [Allie] Have any trouble with him, Frame?

- No more than anybody else.

Take the cuffs off of him and lock him up.

- Well, if it's all right with you,

I'll lock him up first and then take the cuffs off.

- Any way you like it, Allie.

I'm gonna get cleaned up.

(splashing)

- You look about two shades lighter than you did

when you started washin'.

- There wasn't enough water in that desert to drink

let alone wash with.

(splashing)

where's Jimmy?

He isn't in trouble, is he?

- Not any more than usual.

He's not like you and me, Frame.

He was sorta disappointed when you brought

Durango in alive instead of killin' him.

- [Frame] I guess a lot of other people

seem to feel the same way.

- Maybe it's just because he's young.

- Sure, give him time, he'll grow up.

- Have you seen Jeannie yet?

- [Frame] Wanted to get some of the dirt off, first.

- Why don't you two get married?

- She seems to think I'd make a sort of

a poor risk as a husband.

- Well, she could be right about that.

You probably got more people gunnin' for ya

than any other man in the territory.

(knocking)

- [Frame] come in.

Come in, Allie.

- [Allie] You better get down to the jail.

They're formin' a lynch mob.

They're comin' in to get Durango.

- [Frame] Get on down there, I'll be right along.

- Well, if you don't mind, I'll stay

and wait and go with you.

- I'm gonna come with ya.

- No, if one can't handle this, two won't do any good.

- Oh, I'd sure hate to be in Durango's boots.

(mob chattering)

- [Durango] I thought you said I was gonna get hung legal.

- [Frame] You are.

- [Durango] That mob don't sound legal to me.

- [Frame] They aren't gonna hang ya, either.

- [Man] String him up!

(excited chattering)

come on boys, let's get Durango.

- Hey, hey, here, here they come.

Maybe the best thing to do is to let them take him.

- Never had a prisoner lynched yet

and I don't intend to start now.

- [Man] Bring him out here, Frame!

(excited chattering)

(crashing)

- [Allie] We ain't got a chance, Mr. Johnson.

- Allie, why don't you slip out the back way

and get the Kid some meat and potatoes?

He hasn't had anything to eat since sunup.

- Thanks.

(mob chattering)

- Luck.

(mob chattering)

- All right, boys.

That'll be enough.

Hurley, you're the mayor of this town.

Tell 'em to go home.

- They won't pay any attention to me, Frame.

- All we want is Durango.

- [Man] Yeah.

- [Frame] You're not gonna get him.

- Who says we ain't?

- I do.

He's my prisoner.

I brought him in to get a fair trial and he's gonna get it.

You wanted law and order in this town.

You got it, and you're gonna keep on

having it as long as I'm marshal.

(crowd muttering)

I give you my word.

I'll shoot the first man that starts for those steps.

- We got your brother out here with us.

What are you gonna do if he starts?

- Yeah!

(excited chattering)

- I told ya.

I'll shoot the first man that starts for those steps.

(crowd grumbling)

- He's bluffin' boys, let's get him.

(gunshot blasting)

- The next one gets a load of buckshot.

Any takers?

Jimmy, get inside.

The rest of you go on home.

Have Doc Holly take a look at that leg, Sam.

Tell him to put it on my bill.

(door thudding)

(gun clattering)

Tell Lute to start packin' our gear.

We're pullin' out.

- [Jimmy] What about your job?

- I'm all through.

- 'Cause I was in that lynch mob?

- That's part of it.

I been at it too long.

Tired of tryin' to give people something

they don't seem to want anymore.

- Frame.

- [Frame] Yeah.

- Would you have shot me out there?

- [Frame] I don't know.

(uptempo music) - No more bets, boys.

Number 17, black and odd.

Nobody on it.

(chattering)

Your lucky night.

- Could be at that.

- Well, don't press it too far.

- Why not?

- Name ya at least 20 people in the room

that wouldn't mind taking a shot at ya.

- They had a better chance a few hours ago.

- When are you going to give up, Frame?

Or do you wanna die young?

- If it comes up 13, I'll buy a wedding ring.

- [Jeannie] Not while you're still a marshal.

- You'll find the badge down at the Mayor's office.

I turned it in.

I bought a ranch over in Cottonwood.

I need some help with the plowing.

- Do you need a horse or a driver?

- I've got a horse.

- Well, number 13.

The winner.

- I always knew you ran a crooked game in this joint.

(uptempo saloon music)

(tense music)

(dog barking)

(moves into playful music)

- [Allie] Leavin' town, Denver?

- Yep.

Going to Cottonwood with the Johnsons.

Gettin' so in this town, people only die of old age.

- I should think with Frame leaving town,

business might pick up.

- Well, if it gets real good, maybe I'll come back

if it gets real bad in Cottonwood.

(playful music)

(chattering)

- You can always change your mind, Frame.

- No, I'll send for ya when I get settled.

- I'll be here.

(dramatic romantic music)

(clapping)

(hooves clomping)

(wagon clattering)

- This is the hardest ridin' rig I've ever been on.

- Customers I usually carry don't complain.

What kind of a spread did ya buy up there?

- I don't know.

I've never seen it.

- Bought a wife like that once.

Didn't turn out so good.

Understand this Cottonwood's sort of a wild town.

- I don't aim to live in town.

Come on, try to miss some of the holes in the road.

- Maybe you'd be more comfortable ridin' back there.

- That's a ride I been dodgin' for the past 10 years.

(whip cracking)

(wagon clattering) (hooves clomping)

(uptempo saloon music)

- Yes, sir?

- [Frame] Have you got room for 'em?

- I don't know about the stalls.

We got a corral out in back.

- [Frame] That'll do.

Give 'em some feed and water before you turn 'em loose.

- [stablehand] Yes, sir.

(uptempo saloon music)

(footsteps clomping)

- what'll it be, gents?

Frame Johnson!

Don't you remember me, Mr. Johnson?

I'm Ben Wiley.

I used to own the Black Nugget in Dodge city.

- Ben Wiley.

Sure, I remember you.

Kinda of a place you ran, I never figured

you'd live this long.

- Quit drinkin' my own whiskey.

Courtesy of the house.

- Any place we can bed down around here for the night?

- [Ben] I got some fine beds upstairs.

Number 12, the best room in the house.

- Deal me out.

(uptempo saloon music)

- [Kurt] Johnson.

Remember me?

Kurt Durling.

- Sure.

Seven or eight years ago, I ran you

and your whole tribe out of Abilene.

- You left me with this, too.

(crashing)

- Next time, don't try to hide a gun up your sleeve.

- [Kurt] I won't forget it, Johnson.

- Maybe you'da been happier if I killed ya.

- Maybe some day you'll wish you had.

- Whenever you two have your showdown,

you tell your relatives to get in touch with me.

I got a card here that--

- I run this town, Johnson.

You're not wanted here.

- I've been not wanted in a lot of places.

That never kept me from stayin'.

- Well, that's Frame Johnson.

- He don't look so tough to me.

- That's how he looked to a lot of people,

but they're not around any more.

(patrons chattering)

- What's he doin' here?

- I don't know.

Give me a hand.

- Here's the man who can help us, Dixon.

- Frame Johnson.

(thudding)

- Did he say this was the best room in the house?

- You heard him say it.

- I hope I never have to sleep in the worst one.

- Who's your friend downstairs?

- [Frame] Business acquaintance from Kansas.

- Now, what kind of business?

- He dealt in cattle.

Other people's cattle.

- That gives a high margin of profit.

- Yeah, think of the high rate of mortality, too.

(gunshots blasting)

(laughing) (yelling)

(gunshots blasting) (laughing)

- Oh, you can do better than that, Jed.

You ain't even knicked him!

- Oh no, mister, please!

- Well, what's the matter?

What are you afraid of?

'Fraid we can't shoot straight enough to miss ya, huh?

(gunshot blasting)

- All right, Bart

That's enough.

Every time you get tanked up, you pick on the poor kid.

- You go peddle your beer.

(gunshot blasting)

(patrons laughing)

(crashing)

- All right, now you had your fun.

You leave Johnny alone.

I'm tired of you breaking up my place.

- You get outta my way.

(patrons laughing)

- Jed.

- Why don't you come up and get him?

(door clattering)

(patrons chattering)

- Bart!

- What do you want?

- Sit down.

When you start a play, finish it.

I don't want any son of mine showing yellow.

- He run you outta Abilene, didn't he?

(smacking) (crashing)

- Deal.

- Yes, sir.

It's a right lively little town,

for a man of my profession, of course.

- I saw a coupla jokers down there

that'd make nice lookin' corpses.

- Just let me know when the mood comes over you, Lute.

- You get me a job as marshal, Denver

and we'll drum up a little business.

- [Frame] Shut up.

All of ya.

(clattering)

(footsteps clomping)

(thudding)

- Martin.

- [Martin] oh, it's Mr. Durling.

- There's an issue of your paper coming out today.

- Yes, sir.

I've just finished setting the type for it.

- Here's an editorial.

Run it on the front page.

- It has been called to the attention of your editor

that a certain undesirable,

I can't print this, Mr. Durling.

I'd get sued.

- You like running a paper in this town, don't ya?

- [Martin] oh, yes, Mr. Durling.

- Print it.

(footsteps clomping)

- Hello, Frame.

- [Frame] Hi.

- See the paper?

- [Frame] Nah, I just got up.

- Ah, it's got your name in it.

- Well now, that's right thoughtful of somebody.

- Well, it is and then again, it ain't.

Here, read it.

- Notice to the citizens.

It has been called to the attention of your editor

that a certain undesirable character has come to Cottonwood.

He is Frame Johnson, notorious peace officer.

Under the protecting guise of the law,

this man has murdered over 40 men in cold blood.

- Ain't you gonna finish it?

- I've sorta got the general idea already.

- I didn't know that you'd killed 40 of 'em.

- Neither did I.

Mind if I keep this?

- I'm all through with it.

(hooves clomping)

(wagon clattering)

- That's him.

- [Man] well, has anybody talked to him yet?

- Just got in town last night.

Dixon and I thought Judge Williams

was the one to talk to him.

- [Man] Yeah.

(footsteps thudding)

- well, this is a real pleasure, Mr. Johnson.

Come in, have a chair.

We've been expecting you for some time.

Here's the deed to your property

if you care to take a look at it.

- Oh, looks all right to me.

- You got a fine piece of property, Mr. Johnson.

Good grazing land.

It's got a good house on it.

When do you want to take possession?

- As soon as I can find out where it is.

(chuckling)

- I reckon that is kinda important, isn't it?

Now, you're here in the northwest sector, close to town,

right next to the Durlings.

- Did you say the Durlings?

- Yes, sir, and he's a mighty important man

in this community.

- Nothing like having important neighbors.

- That's what I always say.

I'll be glad to introduce you to Mr. Durling anytime.

- Thanks, we've already met.

- Oh well, that makes it nice.

Now, you take the main road west out of town--

(gunshots blasting)

(tense dramatic music)

(thudding) (man yelling)

(footsteps thudding)

- [Man] Hey, there's your killer!

(tense dramatic music)

- Go get him.

(dramatic music)

- They're gonna hang me.

- [Frame] What'd you do?

- I killed him.

I didn't know what else to do.

I been hidin' all night.

- Get him inside, Jimmy.

- It's none of our business, you know.

- [Man] We want Johnny.

- [Man] He killed Bart!

He murdered him!

String him up.

- Now, wait a minute.

- You ain't stoppin' us, mister.

We're gonna take him.

- [Frame] The boy's entitled to a trial.

- Get out of the way, Johnson.

I want Johnny Benton.

- Haven't you got any law in this town?

- I don't need any law.

It was my boy that was killed.

- He was the one who was botherin' the kid last night.

He deserved to be killed.

- Come on.

- Don't come closer, anybody.

(crowd muttering)

- what's all the trouble?

What's going on here?

Oh, howdy Kurt.

What's all the ruckus?

- Johnny Benton killed Bart.

Johnson's holdin' him in there.

- All right boys.

I'll take over.

You got any reason for protecting him, mister?

- I'm not protecting him.

I'm holdin' him for the law.

- Oh, well you can let him go, then.

I'm Fin Elder, Sheriff.

- Bring him out, Jimmy.

- You're a little late getting him, aren't ya, Fin?

- [Fin] I can't be everywhere at once.

- What are gonna do with him?

- Throw him in jail.

- Isn't that sort of inviting a lynching?

Why don't you take him over to Elderville?

Wouldn't he be safe there?

- That sounds like a good suggestion, Sheriff.

- Well, it's all right with me, but it seems like

a lot of trouble to go to.

- Well, you ain't gonna let him take me, are you mister?

- [Frame] Nothin' I can do, Johnny.

(crowd chattering)

- Mr. Johnson.

I'm Judge Williams.

I'd like to talk to you.

- Well, what about?

- I think that's something we should discuss in private.

Let's go inside.

- Get the horses, Jimmy.

- Here's the situation, Mr. Johnson.

This town is a sinkhole of violence and evil.

The Durnings control it completely.

They elected Fin Elder sheriff.

They select the juries in my court, why,

it's reached such a state now

that a decent, honest citizen doesn't dare open his mouth.

I've already seen it.

- Does Durling own the newspaper, too?

- No, but what he can't buy he gets through intimidation.

This is a perfect example of what we're up against.

- Well, if things are that bad, why don't you

form a vigilance committee?

- Eh, except for a few of us, we aren't sure

whom we can trust.

There's another drawback.

If we group as an organization, the result

would be open warfare.

Many innocent people might suffer.

- Looks like they're already suffering.

- We want a man who is big enough

to oppose their organization.

We've decided you're that man.

- I'm sorry, Judge.

I've got other plans.

- But,

we're prepared to pay any price you want.

- [Frame] Money isn't important.

- Aren't peoples' lives important?

- [Frame] Mine's important to me.

That's why I'm turnin' down your offer.

- But, Mr. Johnson.

- Don't waste your time, Judge.

He's not gonna change his mind.

(hooves clomping)

(door crashing)

Looks like it needs a little fixin', don't it?

- You're pretty handy with tools, aren't ya, Denver?

- Well, I hate to brag, but I probably build

the best pine box west of the Mississippi.

- Ever tried your hand at building a house?

- Not that I can recall.

- You're due for a new experience.

- [Denver] Now, look here, Frame.

- The barn and the corral seem to be in pretty good shape.

- I hadn't counted on livin' in the barn.

Let's get back to town.

We can't do anything here 'til we get

something to work with.

(footsteps crunching)

(tense music)

(horse whinnying)

(dramatic music)

- [Jimmy] It's Johnny Benton.

- [Frame] cut him down.

(melancholy music)

- Looks like you got some business, Denver.

- That's the kind of business I ain't lookin' for.

I'd enjoy workin' on that sheriff real good, though.

(tense music)

- [Frame] Here's your prisoner.

- He escaped from me.

I was just going to round up a posse to go after him.

- Yeah, well if he starts to run this time,

maybe you oughta shoot him.

It'll look better.

- Where'd you find him?

- [Frame] Right where you left him.

- [Judge] What happened to him?

- Oh, he got away from me on the way to Elderville.

Johnson, here, found him hanging in an oak tree.

- I didn't say anything about an oak tree, Sheriff.

I just said I found him where you left him.

I'm going over to the land office.

You two give Denver a hand with the supplies.

- Uh, Mr. Johnson.

You can see for yourself what it's like in this town.

This sort of thing takes place entirely too often.

- I'm still not interested.

- But he was just a boy, a poor harmless boy.

If this sort of thing isn't stopped, nobody will be safe.

- He killed a man, didn't he?

- He was at least entitled to a trial.

- Why don't ya speak plain to him, Judge?

Everybody knows who killed Johnny.

- Well, if you know who did it,

why don't you have him arrested?

You've got a sheriff.

- We need somebody here with the authority

to arrest the sheriff.

- When I heard you were coming here, Mr. Johnson,

I felt sure you would be an asset to the community.

It seems I was mistaken.

- I may not be an asset to the community,

but I figure I'll live longer this way.

- Then we can only conclude that you're afraid

to take the job.

- You conclude anything you want to.

- Too bad, Judge.

Next time, pick a candidate with a little guts.

(thudding)

- Jimmy, take it easy.

We don't want any trouble.

- You got trouble already.

Keep that wetnose kid outta town or he'll

wind up like Johnny Benton did.

- You still want a marshal in this town?

- [Judge] Yes--

- You got one.

Where do I go to get sworn in?

- [Judge] Let's go to the office.

- What happened to Lute and Jimmy?

- They're over at the Marshal's office.

- I thought this town didn't have a marshal.

- They have now.

Lute just took the job.

Do you want me to wait here, or go on ahead?

- Well, I guess one Johnson's as good as another.

- Congratulations.

- I'll do my best.

- Maybe we'll get this town fit to live in yet.

- You can depend on us backing you all the way.

- I'm gonna need it.

Oh, excuse me.

- Why'd you do it, Lute?

- I got sort of annoyed with the sheriff.

- Not on account of me?

- Well, it's a private matter.

Our personalities just seem to clash.

- Congratulations, Marshal.

Take care of yourself.

- Don't worry.

I learned from an expert.

- Well, Jim, it looks like we lost a good ranch hand.

Come on, we got a lot of work to do.

All right, Denver.

Coming, Jimmy?

(wagon clattering)

(footsteps clomping)

- Hello, Ben.

- Ah, congratulations, Marshal.

Drinks on the house.

- Thanks.

- Maybe someday you'll learn to keep

that big mouth of yours shut.

- Now, we got a marshal to put up with.

- What are you worried about?

I'll take care of him.

(coin clanking)

- congratulations.

If we can ever do anything to help you, Marshal,

be sure and let us know.

- Yeah, you can call on us any time.

- Real thoughtful characters, aren't they?

- Yeah, if you like that sort of thinking.

Have another drink.

- No.

- Don't let 'em get under your hide, Lute.

That's what they want you to do.

- Maybe I'll have that other drink after all.

- Sure.

(Clem yelling) (cows mooing)

- Denver!

- [Clem] Heya ha!

- Eh!

Them look pretty good.

- Got 'em for a good price, too.

(cows mooing)

All right, Clem, run 'em in.

- [Clem] Yo, hey, ha, ha!

- You got the start of a good herd, there.

- Wait'll you see 'em a year from now.

How's the house coming?

- You're makin' an awful mistake, friend,

fixin' up this place so good.

- Why?

- Jeannie ain't gonna have nothin' to complain about.

- I'm wondering if she's gonna like livin' on a ranch.

- Oh, I reckon she'd like it anyplace,

long as you was around.

- [Frame] Where's Jimmy?

- Went out riding fence like you told him.

(melancholy music)

- Hey!

Hey, wait!

(lively music)

what are you runnin' from?

- [Maria] who are you?

- My name is Johnson.

Who are you?

- I live near here.

- Well, you've got a name, haven't you?

Well, what is it?

- Maria!

Go back to the house!

Stay on your own side of the fence, Johnson,

and keep away from my sister.

(hooves clomping)

- [Man] oh, Lute.

Samuels was in town last night lookin' for you.

- [Lute] Samuels?

- [Man] Yeah, he's got a little spread just south of here.

Rustlers came last night.

Drove off most of his herd.

- [Lute] That so?

- [Man] well, Marshal.

See you got the mules back.

- [Lute] Why'd you tell me these mules were stolen?

- Well, I'll tell ya.

I went down to the barn one mornin',

they wasn't there, so I just figured somebody stole 'em.

(crowd laughing)

- Lopez says you loaned 'em to him.

- By golly, Marshal, I did.

I plum forgot about it!

Hey, that's a good joke on me, ain't it?

(crowd laughing)

- [Man] where's the marshal?

- Right here, what do you want?

- Rustler's in Black Mesa canyon.

It looks like they're runnin' off the Davis herd.

- Hey, might be another wild mule chase, Marshal.

- You can have all that ride for nothin'.

- Don't press your luck too far, Durling.

I don't like to get shoved around.

- I don't know what you're talking about, Marshal.

- Keep pushin' me, maybe you'll find out.

- Hey, you want us to ride with ya?

You might need some help.

(crowd laughing)

well, I guess that'll take care of him

for the rest of the day.

Better start that herd movin' north.

(crowd chattering)

(chickens clucking)

(wagon clattering)

- See Lute?

- [Jimmy] Yeah, I saw him.

- [Frame] well, how was he?

- [Jimmy] They're givin' him a bad time.

That Durling outfit's gangin' up on him.

- [Frame] Eh, Lute'll handle it all right.

- Well, I figured maybe you'd wanna help him.

After all, he is your brother.

- I didn't ask him to take the job.

- [Jimmy] You know what they're sayin' about you in town?

- Yeah, that I'm afraid, gunshy.

- Well, what are you gonna do about it?

- Live to be an old man, I hope.

- He just isn't man enough for it,

that's the size of it.

- [Judge] Maybe so.

- We didn't ask him to take the job.

It was his own idea.

- [Judge] oh Lute.

We were just having a little discussion about you.

- [Lute] I heard it.

- [Judge] No luck this time, either, huh?

- There hasn't been a cow stolen

in Black Mesa in over a year.

Well, who was robbed this time while I was gone?

- McKesson, lost about 100 head.

- That's the third herd that's been run off this week.

- I can only be one place at a time.

- You're beginning to sound like our sheriff.

- Listen, mister, when I took this job,

I wasn't told I had to take any talk from you.

- That's enough, Dixon.

Let's not fight among ourselves.

We all know how the Durlings operate.

Confusion, run you ragged, send you off in every direction.

- [Dixon] While you're chasing rainbows,

they're rustling cattle.

- I've worn out six horses in three days,

and I wasn't ridin' for my health.

There's your badge.

You can have your money back if you want it.

- Mr. Johnson.

I want to apologize for Mr. Dixon.

We appreciate all you've tried to accomplish,

and I want to assure you that this meeting

was not called to ask for your resignation.

- Well, what do you want, then?

- We want you to persuade your brother to help more.

- Well, you already talked to him, Judge.

- That's why I'm asking you to do it this time.

If you could only convince him of the good

he could accomplish.

- I don't think it'll help any, but,

I'll try.

(footsteps thudding)

- I'm sorry you're in trouble, Lute.

It's your play and I don't want in on it.

- Well, I thought between the two of us

we could clean it up in a couple of weeks.

- Clean it up in one day.

All you have to do is kill five or six people.

- [Denver] Just let me know when the shootin' starts.

- I'll help ya, Lute.

- Oh, thanks kid, but I don't think they'd deputize you.

- Well, what difference does that make?

I can still play dog for ya.

- No, Jimmy.

- Just because you quit on 'em is no reason I have to.

- Now, shut up.

Frame knows what he's doing.

- Yeah, he always knows.

I guess what they're saying about him in town is true.

He's gunshy.

- [Denver] Why you impotent young whipper snapper.

- Let it go, Denver.

Kid just doesn't understand.

- I'm sorry, I didn't know this was gonna happen.

- Nothing to be sorry about.

Take care of him, will ya?

- Sure.

He'll be all right.

(hooves clomping)

- You wanna go back, Jimmy?

- No, I'll see ya in town in about an hour.

- Stay out of trouble, kid.

- You're beginning to sound like Frame.

(hooves clomping)

(melancholy music)

♪ I have a true love ♪

♪ Over the mountain ♪

♪ I have a true love ♪ (knocking)

♪ over the hills ♪

Hi.

Well, aren't you gonna ask me in?

- What are you doing here?

- I come over to see you.

Hey, that's one of my favorite songs.

♪ True love ♪

- It's mine, too.

- You're pretty.

- Am I?

- I guess a lot of people have told you that.

- Nuh uh.

You're the only one.

- Well, I guess the rest of 'em around here

must have poor eyesight.

- I don't know anybody else.

- You know me.

♪ Over the mountain ♪

♪ Fueled by my true love ♪

- You shouldn't have come here.

- Why not?

- Frank would kill you if he knew.

- You let me worry about Frank.

- You better go.

- I just got here.

- Please, please go.

They'll be home any minute.

(hissing)

oh!

Oh.

♪ True love ♪

- Your family.

They're usually in town nights, aren't they?

- Yes.

- Well, I'll be back.

- You shouldn't.

- I will.

(romantic music)

(gunshots blasting)

(patrons laughing)

(excited chattering)

- Please, fellas, I had it shipped out here

all the way from Kansas city.

(gunshots blasting)

(excited chattering)

- Give me your gun, Jed.

(chuckling)

- Nothing wrong in a man having some fun, is there?

- Looks to me like you're overdoing it.

Now, would you rather sober up at home or in jail?

- What are you gonna throw me in for?

- [Lute] For creatin' a disturbance.

- Who am I disturbin'?

- Me.

I've got a room upstairs and I don't like loud noises.

Now, do I get the gun, or do I have to take it away from ya?

(chuckling)

- You gotta take it away from me.

- Well, that's all right, too.

(crashing)

(thudding)

Give 'em back to him when he sobers up.

(patrons chattering)

- Now, what you doing, Marshal?

Making your own laws?

- Any objections?

- Yeah.

- Well, you know where to find me

when you wanna make 'em.

- Hey.

I'm makin' 'em right now.

- Any time you say, Frank.

(thudding)

(gunshot booming) (woman screaming)

(chattering)

- [Jimmy] Lute!

- We'd better get him upstairs.

- I'll take him.

You get a doctor.

(chattering)

- [Ben] Get Doc Holly.

I'm gonna get Frame.

(patrons chattering)

- You know what you've done, don't you?

Flushed out Frame Johnson.

- You're the one that kicked the chair over.

(crashing)

- Think I wanna see you get killed, too?

(patrons chattering)

Deal.

- It's Lute, Frame.

Frank Durling shot him.

He's at my place.

- Is he hurt bad?

- I'm afraid so.

- Get the horses, Denver.

(chattering)

- He's right outside.

- It was fair and square.

Ask any man in here.

They all saw it.

(footsteps clomping)

- How is he, Doc?

- I'm sorry, Frame.

I guess I just wasn't as good as you.

- Don't talk crazy, Lute.

You're the best.

Lute.

(dramatic somber music)

- Frame.

Do something.

- Nothin' to do, Jimmy.

(dramatic somber music)

(chattering)

(footsteps clomping)

(patrons chattering)

- Doesn't look like we got much to worry about

from the Johnsons.

- Easy, kid.

(crashing)

what are you gonna do?

- What Frame shoulda done.

- Jimmy's out to get Frank Durling.

- Crazy kid.

Put it on my bill.

Jimmy.

- [Jimmy] What do you want?

- Let Frame take care of it.

He knows what he's doin'.

- Sure, he knows.

He always knows.

Well, you stay outta this, 'cause this is a family affair.

- Well, right now, I feel like family.

(crashing)

- They murdered him, no matter what they call it.

- Eh, perhaps we're at fault, too,

thinking that one man could stand up alone

against a band of thieves and murderers.

- [Frame] Here's Lute's badge.

Have you got somebody for the job?

- After this, I doubt if we can get anybody to take it.

- I'll take it,

providing I can do it my way.

- Anything you say, Mr. Johnson.

- I want an ordinance passed.

- An ordinance?

- I want an ordinance making it illegal

to carry firearms inside the town limits of Cottonwood.

- No guns?

Why, we'll be the laughing stock of the west.

- Those are my terms.

Take it or leave it.

- But how's a man gonna protect himself or his family?

- That's up to the law.

- And you think you can handle it alone?

- I think he can.

If that's what you want, I'll go along with it.

We've got a quorum here, how 'bout it?

- Well, it's worth a try.

- All right, but I hope we aren't making a mistake.

- [Judge] We'll pass your no gun ordinance.

It may cause a lot of trouble.

- I'll take care of the trouble.

(door thudding)

- But he'll have a gun, won't he?

- Of course.

How else is he gonna enforce the peace?

- That isn't what bothers me.

I just hope we haven't legalized a murder.

(chattering) (cards shuffling)

- cards are coming.

Gentleman wins, the gambler loses.

Place your bets, boys.

- What's the limit?

- Anything you happen to be carrying around.

- Now, that could be a real interesting game.

- You'd probably be disappointed.

Place your bet, mister.

(mellow guitar music)

- Hit me.

I'll stand.

- I'll take a hit.

Thought you was located up Cottonwood way.

- I was, but the whole town blew up.

Somebody killed a marshal named Johnson.

Hit me.

I said hit me, miss.

- [Man] That's good.

- [Man] I'll take a card.

That's enough.

- King and queen 20, paying 21.

- That's enough for me.

- Louie.

Take over.

(mellow guitar music)

- Buy ya a drink ma'am?

- Thanks, but I make it a rule never to drink

at my own bar.

- Your health.

- You wouldn't happen to know

that marshal's first name, would you?

The one who got killed?

- Yeah, it was Luther.

His brother, Frame, took over the badge.

Says he's gonna clean up the whole town.

- Thanks.

Give this gentleman a drink on the house.

Mr. Sterling.

Do you still wanna buy the place?

- At my price?

- At your price.

- It's a deal.

- I'll meet you at the bank in the morning.

- Oh, Jeannie.

I'm glad you're selling.

Your father wouldn't have like to see you

running a saloon.

- It's the only thing he left me.

Can't teach school and I can't sew.

Girl has to make a living some way.

(chattering)

- Town council has met in solemn body and decreed

that startin' at noon this date, April the 23rd, 1882,

carryin' a gun in the township of Cottonwood

will be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine

or jail sentence or both.

Signed Judge Williams.

(crowd laughing)

well, that's real sportin' of Mr. Johnson, ain't it?

- First thing you know, we'll have to shave every day.

He won't get away with it.

- Nobody's gonna take my gun.

What Johnson tryin' to do, run this town?

(crowd grumbling)

- Looks like your sign's not very popular.

- No guns, huh Marshal?

Well, in that case, I guess I'll just have to

get rid of my bullets.

(gunshots blasting)

- You're under arrest.

- Me?

What for?

- Breakin' the law.

- Your law don't go into effect until noon.

It says so right there.

- Well, I'm arresting him anyway.

All right, Durling, let's go.

- Somebody get Kurt.

(crowd chattering)

can't hold me.

You're just wasting your time.

- I got lots of time.

- What's the charge?

What was he doing?

- Defacing public property.

- Since when is there a law against that?

- [Judge] Since the inception of the town charter.

Local ordinance 27, which our sheriff

has seen fit to ignore.

- You're getting awful law-minded all of a sudden,

aren't you, Judge?

- I've always been conscious of the law, Mr. Elder.

It so happens that at long last, we've found someone

who is willing to enforce it.

- That's what I'm talking about.

I don't like having someone appointed over me

to interfere in my jurisdiction.

- As chairman of the Cottonwood town council,

I have the right to appoint a marshal.

If you don't like that law, call the council

together and have it changed.

In the meantime, I find you guilty of violating

ordinance 27 and I fine you $50 or 10 days in jail.

- I won't pay it.

- Be reasonable, Judge.

You know no one pays any attention to that old ordinance.

- This time, you got a choice.

Pay the fine or go to jail.

- Ah, he's got it in for--

- Shut up!

A law's a law.

If you break it, you pay the penalty.

(coins clinking)

Go on.

(crowd chattering)

- Jimmy cooled off yet?

- He's so mad, he wouldn't eat any of his food!

Good, too.

- [Frame] changed your mind, kid?

- Do you know of any reason why I should?

- He was my brother, too.

Gunnin' for Frank Durling isn't gonna help matters.

- [Jimmy] Well, that's not the way I see it.

Now, if you'll let me out of this crumb box--

- That's just why you're in there,

and it's just why you're gonna stay there

until you get some sense through your head.

(door slamming)

(chattering)

- craziest darn fool thing I ever heard of.

- Charlie Walsh.

- Is this the place that takes the guns?

- That's right, miss.

Right over there.

- You know, this ain't a bad law at that.

What's the matter with you?

- I never knew she carried a gun.

(laughing)

- Thank you, miss uh...miss--

- Clarissa.

What's the matter, honey?

Got a short memory?

(crowd laughing)

And I'll be seeing you, too, Judge.

(crowd laughing)

- [Frame] Better turn those guns in.

- [Man] we're only waiting for the stage marshal.

- [Frame] You can get 'em back when the stage leaves.

They'll take 'em right in there.

- [Man] But we're leavin' town in a little while.

- [Frame] Well, that's all right.

How 'bout you?

- Shirts is my line, mister.

I don't even know how to shoot a gun.

(crowd chattering)

(thudding)

- we'll be gone as soon as the stage comes in.

(mumbling)

- He was too drunk to know.

Anybody cause any trouble?

- No, but it looks like we're gonna

have to hire somebody for this job.

We've been swamped all morning.

- I'll give ya a hand.

- I'm trying to keep them filed alphabetically.

It'll simply things when we go to give them back.

(thudding)

- what name do I put on it?

- Martin Kohler.

- Martin Kohler, colt .45.

All right, what name on this one?

- Oh, just Jeannie.

- Jeannie.

- Hello, Frame.

- What are you doin' here?

- I got tired of waiting.

- Let's get out of here.

I'll be back.

(melancholy music)

- Nice place, isn't it?

- How did you wind up in a flea bag like this?

- Oh, I had a choice.

I could either stay here or at the livery stable.

- Well, I'm gonna take you out to the ranch.

It isn't fixed up quite the way I wanted it,

but it's a big improvement on this.

- You might at least kiss me first.

- I might, at that.

(melancholy music)

Jeannie.

I have to tell you something.

- I heard about Lute, if that's what you mean.

(melancholy music)

- I took over his job as marshal.

- Why do you think I came up here?

- Oh, but you said once--

- I know.

I said I wouldn't marry you because every time

you went out into the street I'd be afraid

you'd never come back.

- [Frame] The odds haven't improved any.

- The odds never will.

You're big and you're ugly and you're stupid

and I happen to be in love with you.

So, if you insist on being a walking target

for every gunman in Arizona, I guess

I'll have to put up with it.

- Took you a while to find that out.

- I've known it for a long time.

But I kept hoping it was something like measles and

maybe I'd get over it.

- [Frame] You're gonna make a beautiful bride.

(melancholy music)

- [Jimmy] Hey Denver.

Denver!

- [Denver] You want something, Jimmy?

- [Jimmy] Yeah, I want to get out of here.

- [Denver] You know what Frame said.

- [Jimmy] He said he'd turn me loose

if I promised not to go gunnin' for Frank Durling.

- [Denver] I ain't heard you say anything yet.

- [Jimmy] well, I'm promisin' right now.

- [Denver] I don't know, Jimmy.

Frame's goin' on off the ranch.

- [Jimmy] Look, how can I go gunnin' for anybody?

I haven't even got a gun.

- By golly, you're right.

All right, Jimmy.

Now, if I was you, I'd head right on out to the ranch.

- That's just what I figured on doin'.

- [Denver] You made me a promise, Jimmy.

- And I'll keep it.

I'm not goin' lookin' for Frank Durling,

but I got a call to make and I need a gun

just in case anything happens.

All right, you get on back in the cell.

(clanking)

See ya, Denver.

(footsteps clomping)

(hooves clomping)

(melancholy music)

- Jimmy!

I didn't think you were coming back.

- I didn't have a chance.

There was some trouble in town.

- I know, I heard them talk about it.

- Frank killed my brother, Lute.

- You have to leave, Jimmy.

They'll kill you, too.

- Well, that's the reason I came out here.

You're going with me.

- You want me to come with you.

- We can find a preacher in the next town.

- I wouldn't care, Jimmy.

(melancholy music)

- [Jimmy] Get your stuff together.

Let's get out of here.

- It won't take me long.

(tense music)

- That's young Johnson's horse.

Looks like he moved in on your sister.

- Young squirt.

(tense music)

Johnson!

I told you to keep away from her!

- I asked him to come.

- [Frank] Shut up.

(thudding)

(Maria screaming) (gunshot firing)

(dramatic music)

- Drop your guns.

I said drop 'em.

(guns clacking)

Maria, get to the horses.

Go ahead, I'll catch up with you.

Now, back up to that wall.

(tense music)

(gunshots blasting)

(dramatic music)

- You gonna let him get away?

- This time, I'm gonna let the law work for me.

(tense music)

(splashing)

- Do you think it would help if I talked to Jimmy?

- I don't know.

He's got a right to feel the way he does.

I wouldn't help Lute when he asked me to.

- If you wanna blame somebody, blame me.

I'm the one that made you quit.

- No.

I quit because I wanted to,

because I was tired of bein' a hired killer.

My only mistake was in thinking

I could run away from a reputation.

- Maybe you didn't run far enough.

- Maybe I didn't.

I'm goin' into town.

I'll send Denver back to stay with you.

- I'm not afraid to stay alone.

Been alone most of my life.

- You won't be much longer.

- I don't mind waiting, Frame.

Just hurry back, huh?

- I came to tell ya, Frame.

I just killed Frank Durling.

- [Frame] You young fool.

- It wasn't his fault.

Frank was going to kill him, I saw it.

- [Frame] Who's she?

- Maria Durling.

- [Frame] Durling?

- I just wanted you to know I didn't go

gunnin' for him deliberately.

Come on, Maria.

- [Frame] where you goin'?

- We're headed for the border.

- No, you don't.

You're going to stay here and stand trial.

- What chance have I got of getting

a fair trial in this town?

- [Frame] I'll see that you get it.

- You keep your law and order, Frame.

I'll take my chances in Mexico.

- Don't start runnin', kid.

I'll just have to come after ya.

- Well, in that case, maybe I better

give myself a head start.

(thudding) (crashing)

- I'm taking him into town.

You two better come along.

It might not be safe out here.

(hooves clomping)

- [Fin] I've got a warrant for the arrest of James Johnson

for the murder of Frank Durling.

- [Frame] who says it was murder?

- He killed him in cold blood.

Never gave him a chance to draw.

We all saw it.

- That's a lie.

Frank would have killed him.

I was there.

- Were you, Maria?

There are three of us who say you weren't.

- [Maria] Don't let them take him.

- [Kurt] who you gonna believe Marshal?

Girl that's in love with a killer, or three eyewitnesses?

- I'll take the prisoner.

- [Frame] So we can find him hangin' from a tree?

- He's gotta be held for trial.

- [Frame] when's the trial?

- First thing in the mornin'.

It'll be a quick one.

- I'll have the prisoner there.

- [Fin] oh, no you don't.

You'll turn him over to me right now.

- Fin.

Let him keep him.

I knew you hated Frank, Maria,

but I didn't think you'd lie to save his killer.

- You don't think he'll bring the kid up for trial, do you?

- Probably would, but I don't want him to.

You got the keys to the jail, Fin?

- Sure, why?

- Jed, tonight, you go over and let the kid out.

- What are you talking about?

- If a judge thinks Johnson's turned his brother loose,

he won't be marshal much longer.

(tense music)

(thudding)

(tense music)

- [Jimmy] Who's there?

- [Jed] Don't ask questions, kid.

If you don't wanna hang, get outta town.

Got a horse waitin' for ya outside.

(tense music)

(hooves clomping)

(chattering)

- Say Marshal, arresting your brother certainly

convinced the people that you mean business

about law and order.

It's a great day for Cottonwood.

- I take it that ordinance of yours doesn't include me.

After all, I am an officer of the law.

- [Frame] That's a matter of opinion.

- Almost time for the trial.

I suppose the prisoner's here.

- [Frame] He'll be here.

(thudding)

- What happened?

(mumbling)

- Go over to the jail and get him Fin.

We can't stand around here all day.

- [Frame] I said he'd be here.

- He's your brother.

For all we know, you could have turned him loose last night.

Go get him, Fin.

- [Frame] I wouldn't go if I were you, Sheriff.

He might try to escape and then you'd have to shoot him.

- [Denver] Frame!

- [Frame] Where's Jimmy?

- I don't know.

Somebody came in the jail last night,

thugged me over the head and he let him out.

- [Man] You hear that?

The Johnson kid's escaped.

- That's convenient Johnson.

All right, round up a posse.

We'll get our guns back and go get him.

- Don't go any further, Kurt.

Denver, I'm deputizing you to keep peace while I'm away.

Shoot the first man that goes through that door.

(tense music)

- You're gonna defend your brother all the way.

- [Frame] I said I was responsible for the prisoner.

I'm bringing in him.

- You expect us to believe that?

You see what he did?

Fixed it so his brother could escape

after he took our guns away so we couldn't

do anything about it.

- You've still got your gun, Sheriff.

Why don't you do something about it?

(tense music)

- I've got no personal quarrel with you, Johnson.

- I have.

You been ridin' pretty hard, Marshal.

It's about time somebody cut you down to size.

- I'm kinda lookin' forward to it, Kurt.

(gunshot blasting)

(dramatic music)

- Let's both of us stay out of this.

(dramatic music)

(gunshots blasting)

(crashing)

(dramatic music)

(thudding)

(crashing)

(screaming)

(horses whinnying)

(thudding)

(crashing)

(thudding)

(crashing)

(dramatic music)

(yelling)

(woman screaming)

(somber music)

- Frame.

- I'm all right.

Get my horse.

- You're not going after Jimmy now.

- What are you trying to prove, Frame?

Durling's dead, there's nothing to be gained.

- I said get my horse.

(splashing)

- Let him go.

We know he's innocent.

Let him go his own way in peace.

- [Frame] I said I'd bring him in for trial.

- [Jeannie] oh please, Frame.

Must you always think like a marshal?

Can't you think like a human being just this once?

- [Frame] I'm goin' alone.

(chattering)

- Why?

- That's the way he is.

You can't ask a man to change.

- It is finished, senor.

- Well, it took ya long enough.

- I am not a good blacksmith.

The shoe had to be forged.

- Well, I'll take a bottle of this stuff with me.

- Si, senor.

(chickens clucking)

But senor, you forgot to pay.

Senor!

Oh!

(hooves clomping)

- Listen men.

Let's stop this talking.

Get your guns and go after him.

- The Sheriff's right.

What are we waitin' for?

- Nobody gets their guns 'til Frame gets back.

- He's not coming back.

Why should he?

- We want our guns, Judge.

Give us our guns.

- Just a minute, men.

Don't you see what the Sheriff's trying to do?

He's afraid Johnson will come back.

That's what he's trying to prevent.

- That's not true.

I'm just tryin' to do my duty as a law officer.

- Don't listen to Elder.

Now that Durling's dead, he wants the town for himself.

Give Johnson a chance.

- What do you say, miss?

Is your man coming back or ain't he?

- He'll be back.

- I say give Johnson a chance.

Give him until sundown tomorrow.

(crowd grumbling)

- Si, senor.

There was such a man here.

Two, three hours he stay.

His horse lost a shoe.

I had to make a new one.

He bought also bottle of tequila which he forgot to pay for.

(speaking foreign language)

(hooves clomping)

(tense music)

(music crescendos)

(rocks clattering)

(tense music)

- Jimmy!

- Don't come any closer, Frame!

I'm warnin' ya!

(gunshots blasting)

(tense music)

(music crescendos)

- [Frame] You're goin' back, Jimmy.

- [Jimmy] No, I'm not.

(tense music)

You're gonna make me do it, Frame.

- It's no life, Jimmy.

Runnin' all the time, hidin'.

You gotta stand up and face it if there's ever

gonna be anything ahead for ya.

- Don't come any closer, Frame, or I shoot.

- I'm not drawin', Jimmy.

I'll never pull a gun on ya.

- I mean it, Frame, I'll kill ya.

(gunshot blasting) (dramatic music)

Frame!

Frame!

Frame, I didn't mean it.

(crashing)

- Hurry, get those guns out!

(excited chattering)

- [Judge] Put the guns back in!

What are you doing?

(crashing)

(excited chattering)

- Hey, look!

(chattering)

(footsteps rustling)

- Here's your prisoner, Judge.

Call off the dogs.

- [Judge] I'll get Doc Holly.

(footsteps rustling)

- He's lost a lot of blood, but it ain't a gonna kill him.

- I'm still not ridin' in back.

- You think any jury'll convict him now?

- I'm not sticking around to find out.

I'm heading for California.

- It's a long ride to make alone.

You got company.

(melancholy music)

- Frame.

- It's all right, Jeannie.

Everything's all right now.

I'm takin' it off for good, this time.

We got a lot of ranchin' to do.

Doesn't look like he's gonna be much help to us.

Denver, we could use a good ranch hand.

- Sorry.

Ranching's not my line.

Besides, I figure business oughta be pickin' up

back in Tombstone long about now.

Hiya.

(dramatic music)