Original subtitles

TOEI, Ltd.

Killing people just to rob them -

only scum would do such a thing.

Aren't there thieves in Japan, too?

There are, yes, but...

but a samurai would rather starve...

than resort to stealing.

I came to the States 20 years ago,

on the SS Kanrin, with Katsu Kaishu.

It was the first time Japanese people had crossed the Pacific Ocean by themselves.

I got sick and I was the only one who stayed in this country.

I gave up being a samurai, in order to work the land,

but in my heart, I am still a samurai.

A samurai will gladly give his life...

in the name of justice or honour.

The sword is never drawn, except for justice or honour.

You try.

You're learning.

Don't ever lose that intensity. You're the son of a samurai.

He's been shot.

You're all covered in dust... you must have come a long distance.

In cooperation with Pan-American Airlines

IN CO-OPERATION WITH ATLANZA INC.

Cast:

Directed by Junya Sato

Don't move, Marvin!

Marvin?

I'm not Marvin!

You're not?

I don't know him!

In that case, come out in the open.

Why did you shoot at me?

We thought you were someone else.

Wait! Give me a horse.

- Why should I? - You killed mine.

We don't have any spare horses.

I told you to give me a horse.

You can have my horse.

Go fetch it... I'll wait.

Why did you butt in?

What! But I....

That's my pigeon...

Is this yours also?

My name's Marvin.

Will you eat it with me?

It's not much of a horse... but it beats walking.

Sorry - I don't have any money.

I guessed not.

You won't take it?

I appreciate the gesture... but I don't take handouts.

I'll work at your ranch, till I've paid it off.

You're not there yet...

What are you trying to do, shoot off your own foot?

You'll never be a gunfighter if you can't concentrate when you're being watched.

It's a decent weapon... but its balance is poor.

- It's my gun, I know that. - It has to be like a part of your own body.

- Hey, Jake - What?

Stop, Ken.

No, we'll go on...

Those men are dangerous.

The old one is faster than lightning.

Keep out of this.

You're not ready for it yet.

Let me go. That's my business.

Hey, cowboy - when I'm hungry, I eat.

If you want to live, you'll forget about the calf.

Don't you remember me?

Take a good look at me.

It's been three years, but I haven't forgetten you.

So you're still alive, but you're shit out of luck now, pal.

Are you still alive?

I won't die until my mother and father are avenged.

Stop, Ken, stop!

Get out of here!

Let them go, Ken.

Why did you stop me?

They'd have dropped you.

They killed my parents!

You shouldn't fight when you know from the start you're going to lose.

Fight when you have a chance of winning.

Depend on no one but yourself.

If you're looking for revenge...

you have to learn to use your gun.

That's the only secret to being a truly dangerous man.

If you can't do that...

you'd better forget about revenge.

You ain't got the makings of a gunman.

A sword?

It's a strange thing to have.

It's the soul of a samurai. It belonged to my father.

Breathe the same way when you use your pistola.

I did it!

Don't be so pleased with yourself...

there's more to fighting than a quick draw.

Wait...

That's better.

Take stock of the situation before the fight.

Don't start until you know what you're up against.

Don't count on anyone else.

Be strong, and remember...

fear is your own worst enemy.

You can sleep here.

It's hard and rocky over there.

You aren't so young any more.

Stay where you are. I'm comfortable here.

Don't move, Marvin!

Drop your gun!

Or I'll kill him like a dog.

On your feet, old timer!

Come on, get up!

Stop there.

Put your hands up. Higher!

Drop your gun belts... with your left hand!

Throw them over here.

Hurry up!

What are you doing?

Don't kill me... The other fella hired me for this job.

Let him go!

I didn't know they meant to kill you.

Beat it!

Don't ever point a gun at me again.

Why did you kill him?

If I'd have let him go...

he'd have been back for blood, sooner or later.

You shot him in the back.

He came from behind too.

I was wrong about you...

This is where you and me part ways.

As you like.

What will you have?

Whisky.

I lost again!

- I'm left without a cent. - So am I. - Are you you a card sharp?

Get your hands off me!

I'm interested in that scar.

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

You know it perfectly well.

Get up.

Give me back my gun... it's right there!

Look, he's a cheat!

Let's teach him a lesson!

String him up!

- Stop this! - Are you his pal?

He murdered my folks. I want to avenge them.

- A likely story! - Mind your own business!

Wait!

Thanks, old man. I won't forget this.

Pa?!

You crook! You louse!

Who are you to talk? You abandoned me as a child.

Now you want to start rearing me!

Many men lead honourable lives, even without a father.

I stole, killed, cheated... so what?

I'm still alive...

It's better than dying like an animal.

Take it, Billy... Try to be a man for once in your life.

Come out!

Forgive me!

Come out!

I surrender!

Come out!

I've been waiting for this moment for three long years.

I'm sorry.

Please don't kill me!

I'm sorry for what I done.

Then fight me like a man.

Pick it up!

Shoot!

I don't want to die!

I'll fight you!

Marvin!

That's my son.

Your son?!

Even if he is a desperado,

I can't just stand by and watch him die.

Not with you.

Beat it, Marvin!

Draw!

When he was 15, his mother died...

soiled by the hands of a drifter.

I left him with a friend, and went after the killer.

After years of chasing him over the open plains...

I got my revenge.

Now, there's nothing left.

I'm sorry.

To save me, you shot...

No, it had nothing to do with you.

It was between a man and his son.

Only four of the killers are left now...

one of them lives on a ranch not far from here...

His name is Franco.

Franco?

Thanks.

Stick 'em up!

This isn't a toy - it's real.

Be careful, son.

Who did you get it from?

From my father - he taught me how to use it.

- What's his name? - Franco.

He only has one arm, but there's nobody stronger than him.

Is that so?

Is he at home?

He's gone to town to get a rifle.

- Will he be long? - I don't know.

Do you have any work?

You're a friend of the boss?

No, the boy tried to bushwhack me at the gate.

If you make trouble with the kid, you'll find yourself in hot water.

I don't have any money.

I'm looking for two or three days' work.

There's work for ya... If ya' kin break that horse.

Don't let him throw ya!

Hold the reins tight!

Grip with your knees!

Hold it!

Let me ride too.

Mike!

Ma, this guy is swell!

Howdy, ma'am.

Hello.

Show her how you shoot.

That gun is no toy.

- My dad always says the same thing. - Mike!

He's right; that gun is not a toy.

- Did you come here to find work? - That's right...

- You don't mind, do you? - Not at all.

You'd better get out of here...

- or you may be sorry. - "Sorry"?

We already saw your handiwork?

I don't follow you...

Don't play dumb, cattle rustler!

- Cattle rustler?! - Don't move!

Lookey what we got here!

Where's Franco?

He went off to town, to sell the cattle.

- Why? - You sent this guy to steal my cattle.

I've never seen him before. Do any of you know him?

No.

Then I'll finish him off.

Be my guest.

Take the gun, stranger.

Draw, prairie trash!

Wait! Hold it!

He's not guilty!

Then who is?

I can guess his name, but I've got to be sure.

I'm sick and tired of this stealing.

I can explain...

Franco is behind this. If you don't admit it, I'm going to kill that man.

I can take care of myself.

Ma! Pa's back!

Look at the new rifle.

- What's going on here? - Rogers is accusing us.

He's beginning to tire me.

- Franco, this time I've caught you red-handed. - What do you mean?

You all saw: Rogers drew first.

Put him on his horse and take him away.

I'm the fastest gun in the West. And you'll be like me.

Ken! What's wrong?

Sorry - I tried to warn you...

Listen to me...

Get out of here, as soon as you're well.

- But I... - What?

- He's wounded. - Leave us alone.

- What do you want? - Keep out of my business. Get out!

You were faster than me... I advise you to fight fair.

- It's a deal. - Idiot!

- Marvin! - What happened to you?

- But... - Don't let him...

Kill him. Shoot him, Ken.

Shoot him, Ken!

Where do you want to do it?

I don't want my wife and son to see. We'll slap leather at the saloon in town?

- Ken... - I'll do this my own way!

I don't take orders.

When will you fight?

- What happened, dad? - Nothing.

- Ken! - What was that about?

You keep out of this!

Where are you going?

- Home again. - Why are you leaving?

- Are you all right? - I'm fine.

You're injured, you can't win.

You'd be handing your life over to him.

Your parents won't be able to rest in peace.

- I'm the son of a samurai. - Horsefeathers!

Honour over life - that is the spirit of a Japanese samurai.

Life or death is no matter. I learned that from my father.

What good will that do you?

- Say it's from me, he'll understand. - I got it.

Take the mountain road. You'll get to town before they do.

- Tell me, what's wrong? - Nothing's wrong.

Why did Ken leave?

- What happened between you two? - That's none of your business.

- You know that Mike loved him. - I'll raise my son as I like!

Mike sees only you, but what if he knew what you did?

Shut up! I do as I see fit!

Are you the Duncan brothers?

That depends... what do you want?

It's from Franco.

This is where we part ways.

I appreciate the sentiment, but this is my affair.

This has nothing to do with you.

Think so?

You've been good to me, but he has nothing to do with you.

You lost your father, and I lost my son...

Blood isn't the only tie that binds men.

Marvin...

Ken, wait for me here... I'll go in first.

- Why? - I don't like being shot in the back.

Then, I'll go in first...

I smell a trap.

- But... - Why are you so eager to die?

Marvin!

Out of the way!

Dad, answer me! Dad!

Why did you shoot my Pa?

- You'll pay for this! - Mike, hold it!

I'm sorry...

Mike, stop it! Listen to me!

He killed father.

Ma, let him die.

Let him die, I tell you!

Beat it, Mike!

- Go in the other room. - Leave me alone!

Why did you murder my husband?

I know he was a bad man, but...

why did you kill him like an animal?

I know you had a reason.

I have to tell Mike...

or else he'll hate you for the rest of his life.

It's the sheriff... I called him.

Come in.

Put him on a horse.

- Go, murderer! - Mike, no! - Get going.

Oh, deary me...

It must hurt terribly. I know I'm not being particularly gentle,

but then, you are a murderer.

- A murderer? - Why did you kill Franco?

If you had just cause, they might not hang you.

Don't you want to live?

If I tell you...

it would... hurt the boy's feelings.

You mean Mike? I know him.

I delivered him when he was born.

- You can go now, Doc. - I haven't finished yet.

What are you doing?!

Sorry to interrupt, but the situation has changed.

What kind of behavior is this? The man is seriously injured!

Hello, Doc. Thanks for coming.

You'll get me into trouble.

I made you sheriff - don't you forget that.

Carson!

I see you still remember me.

- I'll never forget you. - I'm apparently the last man left,

it's a pity you're in no position to take your revenge.

With that wound, you won't last long.

Take a good look at me one last time...

so you can remember me in hell!

Hey, you!

Why don't you answer me?

Turn around.

Who's there?

- Where's Mike? - He's asleep.

Wake him up.

I haven't got much longer to live.

Shoot me.

No, Mike - don't do it! Don't kill him!

What are you waiting for? Take your revenge!

You want my son to be a murderer?

- Hurry, Mike! - Don't do it, mike!

You damn fool!

Why did you let him get away?

- He pulled a gun on me. - He should have killed you.

Rosa insists that the trial should be fair and just.

In accordance with the Law?

She wants the whole truth to be told.

I want to see the man who killed the Ducan brothers.

Who are you?

I'm just a drifter. I'd like to test his skill.

Sorry, but he escaped.

Think you could beat him?

Not bad...

If you manage to kill Ken, I'll pay you $1,000.

1,000 bucks? You mean it?

Where's the boy?

He hasn't spoken since last night.

You must hate me.

- What are you doing? - I'm leaving.

You have to go to trial.

Please, I want the boy to understand...

that his father's death was inevitable.

I know you had your reasons. Please tell me...

For Mike's sake...

I can see he's already consumed with hate.

He used to be such a happy boy.

This is nothing to tell a child.

You killed his father before his very eyes.

I reckon he's a bit jaded to be surprised by anything you have to say.

My father was killed, along with my mother.

By Franco?

Since that time, I have lived for my revenge.

Now it's the same for Mike.

You should've let him kill me last night.

It's still not too late.

You said yourself he'd hate me for the rest of his life.

For the last three years,

the only things that've kept me going...

are my hate and my pistol.

I don't want Mike to end up the same way.

It has to end with me.

What are you doing?

Stop it!

Stop it, you cowards!

You're protecting this murderer?

Don't argue, just cut him loose.

If you're aiming to keep him here, you're dead wrong. What do you expect?

We refuse to work alongside a murderer.

Send him away - it's best for you and us.

Tell him to get lost... or else, we'll get out.

Mother, Laker's right. Why let him stay among us?

- Listen to me, Mike... Your father was... - Stop!

- Don't say it. - If it's necessary...

Your father was a murderer.

He killed Ken's folks in front of him.

Dad wouldn't do such a thing!

Mike, I'm telling you the truth,

may his soul rest in peace.

We both loved him very much, but praying is all we can do now.

I don't want to see you any more!

We'd better get out of here.

Come on, boys...

All of the ranch hands have left.

Are you leaving too?

Are you Ken?

Yes... why?

I'm here for a showdown...

Bring your gun with you.

No, I've had enough killing.

A guy named Carson promised me $1000 to kill you.

That's a lot of cash.

I'm ready!

Well?

Didn't you hear what I said? I have a feeling you're afraid.

Ha! Are you running away? Coward!

Turn and face me, or I'll shoot you in the back.

Ken, where are you going?

I don't know.

Don't go, stay with us.

I have to.

Wait, Ken!

How can we go on without you?

The hands have upped and left us.

I see, but it's not possible.

Ken, I can't run the ranch by myself.

Hatred has got into my bones...

I can no longer live like other people.

That's not true.

You must forget your anger.

I'll leave this with you.

I don't ever want to pick it up again.

Ken, you must leave here. I'm sorry.

I hoped that Mike would forgive you, but he hasn't.

He hates you more and more. A blind, illogical hate.

I know, but who will take care of the ranch?

Mike is more important to me.

He's all I have left.

I know how to fix him...

He can slake his vengeance by killing me.

You think killing you will fix him, that it will clear away the anger.

What a wonderful world it would be without hate or regret.

- He needs the doc. I'll go fetch him. - Wait!

- Stay with Mike. I'll call him. - You stay here.

Listen to me, please: I'll call the doctor.

You can't leave here without a gun, but you promised you'd never use it again.

Take care of Mike.

It's good to see you, Doc.

I heard you almost gave up the ghost.

I wanted to have a talk with you.

Why don't you have a seat, Dr. Thompson? Give him a drink.

No thanks. I'm rather busy. I have no time for stories...

How is he?

Where's the doctor?

Where is he?

What's with the doctor?

- He wasn't at home. - Where was he?

Wouldn't they tell you?

- I'll look for him. - You won't find him.

Why not?

Why?

You're keeping something from me.

Tell me what happened.

Spit it out!

Mike's life is in danger!

Carson locked the doctor up.

Carson?!

Give me my gun.

- They're waiting for you. - My gun.

I won't do it.

Don't go, you'll be killed.

If I don't go, the boy will die.

If you go, you'll be killed.

I tried to forget my rage...

but it brought me no happiness.

If I fight now, I'll win.

It's the road I must walk.

Want to use me as a decoy?

- What's this all about? - Not so fast, Dr Thompson. You'll soon see.

- Are you sure he'll come? - Positive.

A shotgun...

- A coward's weapon of choice. - Watch your tongue!

Let him speak. He'll soon stop.

Well then, in that case...

I could do with that drink.

It's all set.

It's him! Look alive!

Doctor...

How is he, Doc?

Tonight we'll know whether he'll make it.

He'll make it, won't he?

I've done what I can.

He'll regain consciousness by morning.

The rest is in God's hands.

- I'm so grateful to you, doctor. - The boy is out of danger.

- Thank you, doc. God bless you. - So long.

Mike, how do you feel?

Ken risked his life to get the doctor.

He saved your life.

- Listen, Mike... - Never mind.

Why won't you understand? He did it for your sake.

Come, Mike, you must forgive him.

Why won't you answer me?

Do it for my sake.

Mike... He's leaving.

Ken, don't leave us! Come back!

Subtitles by Lord Retsudo & Scannon

The End

Special Report!

Drifting Avenger

Now in Production!

We would like to announce the commencement of the filming of 'The Drifting Avenger',

our first picture to be filmed in Australia.

Starring Ken Takakura

Produced by Hiroshi Okawa

Filming will be done in Australia.

We wanted to make a Western with a Japanese feel for foreign audiences.

On the Australian Plains

Australia

We have been scounting filming locations for the last three months...

Expansive locations!

With Gusto!

Ken Takakura's

Samurai Spirit

Blasts Apart The Open Range

Director Junya Sato

TOEI Challenges the World with a Samurai Western

Drifting Avenger

Filming Underway

In Co-operation with PanAmerican Airines

TOEI Special Report

The TOEI location scouts arrive in Sidney, Australia, on a Pan American jet

The Drifting Avenger

Ken Seto, the descendant of Japanese blood

In the vast landscape of the Australian plains

A tale of love and revenge

Starring Ken Takakura

Produced by Hiroshi Okawa

Directed by Junya Sato

With an all-star Australian cast

A worldwide TOEI release

A breakthrough samurai Western

The Drifting Avenger

Currently in production!

TOEI preview

The Drifting Avenger

Produced by Hiroshi Okawa

A lone wolf running across the open plain

Galloping across fields

A lawless land of swirling dust

Blind determination to be a gunslinger

The blood of a samurai screams

Starring Ken Takakura

Desperate showdowns

Rosa

Mike

Marvin

Franco

Carson

Pa! Pa! Why did you shoot him? Why?

I'll avenge his death!

I'm sorry...

Forgive me.

Will he ride off into the sunset?

A gunfighter's destiny

is to endure misery

Directed by Junya Sato

A breakthrough samurai Western

Ken Takakura takes them all on!

The Drifting Avenger

The Drifting Avenger

Coming soon to a theater near you