Original subtitles

Everything happens, roof falls down, walls fall down...

... bottom falls down there...

Chico falls down.

Don't call me Chico.

I am Johnny Munroe. best engineer in South America.

I'll build a railroad through that mountain.

Hurry up. Come on, dig.

- How about it. Johnny? - Anytime now.

I work all day. I work all night to build a railroad.

Get out of the way, scram.

Me. Johnny Munroe. will now make the blast.

- Everything comes down. - Fire in the hole!

My head! My head!

I'm hurt.

My head. I'm hurt.

- I'm hurt. - Is he hurt?

Oh, a little scratch.

I thought I told you kids not to play around here when we're blasting.

There, it is fixed. I think.

Better take him to medico and make sure.

Come on.

Chico, I ought to take down your breaches and paddle your lump.

- What were you doing? - I am the engineer.

Engineer, eh?

Well, a good engineer doesn't get his men hurt.

If he does, he has to be punished.

Step up here.

Now, get out of here.

All of you.

He hit you on your face.

Yes, he hit me with his fist because I am an engineer.

But you, he will take down your breeches and paddle your lump.

You too.

What's the delay? Where's the second shot?

Waiting on Joe. Slowest blaster in the Andes.

Nobody ain't waiting on me. Just say when and duck your head.

All right, when.

Fire in the hole!

Hey, Joe, eureka!

When the last lock falls. the drinks will be on Johnny Munroe.

- Leave us go, brothers. - Hold everything. Where are you going?

Baby Blue Eyes promised us a weekend in Tenango...

... if we took out the full face.

- There it is, right in your lap. - Tenango?

Oh, not this weekend. No, no. Fog.

That's out.

Oh? Why?

Why? You know why.

I've gotta see Alexander first thing in the morning at the hotel.

And with you guys in town...

Look, Johnny, if we don't get a lining for that tunnel...

... you'll find that mountain on your weary shoulders one afternoon.

Well, why tell me about it?

I'm the fellow that wanted to build a bridge across the liver.

You bid in the tunnel.

I bid in on the tunnel because Alexander wanted a tunnel.

And it's his money. We just follow specifications.

Those are little things that come in your department. Pop.

Specifications, money...

Money, did I say money?

We'll need about...

...one, two, three, four, 500 pesos.

No Tenango this weekend.

No Tenango, no tunnel.

No tunnel, no railroad.

No railroad, no get paid.

No get paid, no Tenango.

And that brings us back right where we started.

That's right and we need about 500 pesos.

Oh, Johnny.

One, two, 250, three...

Look, no more midnight serenades under the mayor's balcony.

Oh, no, of course not. Those are the kinds of things that only happen once.

Three-fifty, four...

And look, stay out of sight while I'm talking to Alexander Sunday morning.

- Sure. Sure. - Four-fifty.

He don't like that stuff. He's plenty tough without your making it worse.

- Yeah, I know. - Five.

Thanks, Pop.

And stay out of sight!

I'll be in Tenango too. you know.

You agree, then.

The specifications do not call for a concrete lining.

Sure, and I can understand your engineer's reasons...

for not including one.

This stuff doesn't start to flake off until the air hits it, and then...

Of course, you couldn't know this. Nobody could.

But now we find that every shot kicks out a section of the roof.

Well, that may be just a temporary condition.

Why not drive another few hundred yards and see if it changes?

Yes.

Yes, that sounds reasonable.

Reasonable but not practical.

If we're gonna put in a lining, we'll have to build a bigger concrete plant.

- And that'll take time. - And money.

My money.

And I might add the...

... stockholders' money too.

What is the meaning oi this?

- This is Sunday morning. - Probably a late party.

Some people up from the coast. Those things happen.

- Mr. Mathews, if this... - Those things don't happen in Tenango.

They never have and I don't intend that they shall.

- Yes, Uncle Frederick. - Go find the manager.

Mister... What's-his-name?

Hernandez. Tell him I don't like it.

You'd like it less if the hotel didn't make money.

It may interest you to know. my deal Ricky...

... the hotel does not make money.

I support it because it's become a habit.

And the same is true of some of my relatives.

Go and find Hernandez.

Can't that wait until we leach a decision on this?

I'll reach my own decisions. Do as you're told.

Before we go any further, Mr. Mathews...

... have you spoken to your partner about his weekends in Tenango?

I have, and I can assure you there will be no more of that nonsense.

Johnny and the boys hit town last night, probably had drinks, went right to bed.

I don't know what you're saying but you must be mad.

So it was not enough.

Go ahead and shoot it.

- What's the matter? Are you loco? - Ricky.

Tell this fellow I promised the boys a party and this is it.

Hey, what happened to the dames?

- VVhere's the music gone? - Listen, my uncle's on the Warpath...

Better get out of sight.

Come to my office, Hernandez. I've something to say to you.

- I've got something to say to you. - Pop, save it.

I've had eight hot towels and a double massage...

... and you still look like a shimmering landscape.

Tell it to them. I need air.

Waiter.

Good morning.

We're gonna take a walk. I wanna talk to you guys.

Hey, look.

It's a habit he picked up when he was a kid.

Come on.

- See you later, Ricky. - Bye, Pop.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

No.

Oh, hello. Ricky.

She's my favorite cousin. Johnny.

- She is? - I thought you ought to know...

...just in case one day I might have to shoot you.

Johnny, this is completely wrong.

It's the custom of the country, isn't it?

Yes, I know it is, but not this way. I'll introduce you at the propel time.

- Swell. What's her name? - Maura.

- But this is not the time. - Why not?

Well, down here. we...

All right. You'll see.

- This the window? - Yeah.

I like this, Ricky. It's a cute idea.

Back home, I'd just walk up and punch that bell.

Not that bell.

What's the matter, Johnny?

- Frederick Alexander? - The Frederick Alexander.

In all of Tenango, less than five families are privileged...

... to walk through that doorway.

Unfortunately, Mr. Munroe, you don't happen to be one of them.

Could have saved me a lot of time and walking by telling that earlier.

I tried to tell you but you wouldn't listen.

Let's get away before my uncle--

Oh, hello, Maura.

Why, Ricky...

Maura, dear, may I present Mr. Munroe.

He's one of the contractors building the railroad for your father.

How do you do?

Well, I...

I...

- Are you staying? - Sure, I've come this far.

I'll be back in 10 minutes.

For your body.

- Hey, Ricky. - What?

Can you use a band?

No.

- Hello. - Hello.

I'm not very good on my feet.

And when you sit down. you can hardly stay awake.

Oh, you remembered.

Maybe I should have kept the guitars.

These balcony scenes kind of contuse me.

Well, next time. why not bring your copy of Shakespeare?

Next time? What happens this time?

I've already used two of those 10 minutes Ricky gave me.

If I let you sit down...

... do you think you can stay awake for the remaining eight?

I think so.

That door.

That door?

Thank you.

- Well, what do you want? - You sent for me.

- Did I? - Yes.

Oh, yes.

I've been considering your suggestion about Maura's studies.

Yes?

I've noticed what she's been leading lately.

I should watch that very carefully if I were you.

Maura is at an age when...

Well, girls are apt to get a little out of hand.

Maura is a woman.

She is also an Alexander.

You don't like this, do you?

- No. - Why not?

Well, it's foolish to paint by artificial light, and...

And what?

You don't do it well.

I've always considered...

... that a man should be allowed to do one thing badly.

Provided, of course, he doesn't inflict his mistakes on others.

I stole my paintings in the vault...

for posterity.

- Along with a lot of other things. - What do you mean?

Your daughter.

My daughter doesn't happen to be one of my mistakes.

Let us say instead that she is my greatest accomplishment.

If his mother were alive. I'm sure she would agree with me.

She was also a sound art critic.

She happened to like my paintings.

- She was in love with you. - Naturally.

But of course. you wouldn't understand that.

I'm sure I wouldn't.

Never having created a daughter...

... many of the things I do must seem strange to you.

I look at the beginnings.

The embryo.

But here...

... I see the finished canvas.

A glorious woman.

Cultured, poised.

Heady to take an important position in the world as the wife of a...

- Well, what shall I say? - You've already picked her husband?

I'm sorry.

What were we discussing?

- Maura's husband. - No, no, I don't mean that. Her studies.

The things that I've laid out for her to do this year.

Oh, I think they can wait.

While, as you say. I have never created a daughter of my own...

... for some strange reason. God made me a woman.

That's why I know that this morning...

... or perhaps it was yesterday morning...

... when Maura woke up and looked in the minor...

... she saw not a girl, but a woman.

A woman whose life for all her 20-odd years has been run...

... as though it were a mine or a railroad.

She resented it.

She still resents it.

If you don't stop trying to live your daughter's life for her...

... you may regret it.

Of course I realize that you believe what you're saying to be true.

In the future, you will please confine your suggestions to Maura's studies.

And you will get my permission before you take up anything new with her.

Good night.

- Mr. Alexander. - Well, what is it?

You do love your daughter, don't you?

Of course. Why do you ask?

Well, it might be nice if she knew it too.

This is a mountain and this is a tin mine...

... and there's a river, runs right along...

Right around here.

That's the liver.

I still think it would be smarter to throw a bridge across it.

But if the stockholders want a...

a tunnel, they'll get a tunnel.

We'll drive right through Mt. Tormento and across the plains...

... and from there on, it's easy going.

Three, four months, we reach the tin mines and that's it, end of track.

And then where?

Oh, wherever they want a railroad.

Alaska, perhaps.

China, Tibet or Brooklyn.

Say, what time is it? It must be the altitude.

This thing says my visit's over and I feel it's hardly begun.

Why hurry away?

Ricky gave me only 10 minutes.

And you've used them all to talk about you.

I'm sorry.

Don't you think Ricky might give us 10 minutes more...

... so I could tell you about me?

Sounds interesting.

Tell me about me.

Well, I was born...

under a lucky star some 20-odd years ago...

... with the most beautiful eyes I've seen in South America.

You got a cute little nose too...

... though you carry it rather high at times.

Go on, tell me more about me.

Oh, I could go on like this for hours.

Your raven black hair...

Oh, that's right, you're the lady who doesn't believe in love at first sight.

- Go up to your loom. Maura. - Please. Father, don't take that attitude.

This is Mr. Munroe, we were simply talking...

Go to your room.

Mr. Alexander, I know this doesn't exactly look...

Good night, Mr. Munroe.

- Good night. - Good night.

I thought that I had bred a gentlewoman, Maura.

I find that I've made a mistake.

I'm surprised to heal you admit you can make a mistake.

Maura.

After tonight, I doubt if I shall ever be surprised again.

I find my daughter...

talking to a man.

In the arms of a drunken, brawling lout...

... who a few hours ago was associating with...

I've heard of such things.

I understand that it was a custom in pagan Rome...

... that woman of bleeding amused themselves with gladiators.

Amused themselves?

Where do you find this boldness?

Finish what you were saying.

Tell me about the man you found in your daughter's arms.

Don't say that again, Maura.

- Why not? - Don't say that again.

Go on, finish what you were saying.

Of course you wouldn't know of such men.

How could I expect you to know of such men?

But you do know better than to ask any man into this house...

... into my home.

I thought perhaps it was my home too.

It is your home. Maura.

It was also the home of your mother.

And as such, I expect you to treat it with respect...

... even though you have so little for yourself.

- Hey, Curly. - Yeah?

- Take a look at the plans? - For the concrete plant?

Yeah.

So Fog's making very cozy with the big blond.

You following me?

Yeah, I'm listening.

Joe's telling me about Fog and the blond.

Women, trouble, trouble, women. They're all the same thing.

And right there under the hammock. I've got an exploder planted.

I've got it rigged up to the light, see?

So when Fog reaches up to turn off the light...

So when Fog reaches up to turn off the light...

And the big blond said. "Fog, you're dynamite."

Yeah.

Hi, Brains.

Hi, Brawn.

All drilled and ready to load. Or do you want me to do that too?

No, I let you fire one shot the other night...

... and look what happened to that hammock.

How many sticks are you using?

Only a hundred. Shooting light on account of the roof.

Let's take a look there.

Kill the lights!

Douse the circuit.

Kill the lights.

This kind of trouble will be over...

... if Pop comes back with that okay from Alexander.

Hold that thing, will you?

Okay, take it away.

How's it look?

Straining plenty, but Fog did a good job of limbering.

She'll hold, I think.

- Wanna do your thinking outside? - What?

How about thinking outside?

You gonna shoot that from in here?

Well, we've gotta start trusting this loot some time.

I wish I had worn my little tin hat.

Pull in your ears.

File in the hole!

Hit the lights!

Boy, oh boy it's great to be alive.

How did it go? You still here?

All right, bring them in.

Hit the whistle!

Johnny, Joe, are you all right in there?

Are you all right back there?

- No, we're both dead. - Wonderful.

Brother, that's a little too close for comfort.

You can't trust that guy with a pistol. let alone dynamite.

All right, get those dump cars in here, get this muck cleared out.

- Pop's gonna love this. - He sure is.

I built you a nice clean tunnel and look what you did.

Why don't you buy a little book on blasting and learn how it's done?

Why don't you put timber under this stuff?

You ain't building a Wigwam, you know.

Sometimes I wonder.

Sometimes I wish we don't have to build this tunnel.

He is a stinker.

That just about covers it.

Did you feed the pigeons?

Yes. And a little bit extra.

Good.

The roof falls down, the walls fall down...

... the bottom falls down. Everything...

Any luck?

Yeah, plenty.

And all bad.

Johnny, I don't know what could have happened.

I'd have sworn last night that that lining was in the bag.

This morning, he turned me down cold.

Guess you'll have to charge this one up to me, Pop.

What've you got to do with it? You mean that stuff in the hotel.

No, it's something more than that. Something else has happened.

Yeah, I'm afraid something else has happened.

- What? - Alexander's daughter.

Oh, no, no.

Pop, I was just sitting there talking.

In her house?

Where would you think we were? In a bar?

Oh, Johnny. not in South America.

- Not in South America. - North America, South America.

I was just sitting there talking. My arm happened to be...

- Don't tell me any more. - There wasn't any more!

- Johnny. we're dead. - We are not.

Alexander has no right to mix personalities with business.

If he doesn't know it, I'll tell him so and right now.

His daughter's one thing. business is another.

You'll only make it worse.

That'd be a good trick.

Take a look at that tunnel.

However, if the downward load is equaled by the active upward pressure...

One moment, Ricky.

Let me make myself perfectly clear...

... to you and to your consulting engineers.

I do not risk men's lives to make money for my stockholders.

Not only is it bad business but I call it murder.

Now, do we or do we not need a concrete lining for that tunnel?

I've been trying to explain for the past...

I am not interested in explanations.

Do we or do we not need a concrete lining for that tunnel?

- Yes or no? - No.

Do you agree. gentlemen?

Yes, Mr. Alexander, we do.

Mr. Munroe is still waiting. sir.

Yes, I know. Let him wait.

Are there any other matters that need discussion while we're all together?

Mr. Alexander is still in conference.

You will have to wait.

Lady, how wrong you can be.

I don't know whether you gentlemen realize it or not...

... but I got a railroad to build.

When I come in here to talk. It's because I've got something to say.

Last Sunday, my partner asked you for a concrete lining.

Today, he tells me it's still under consideration.

Well, for your information...

... while you've been considering. 20 ton of lock decided not to wait.

Fortunately, it missed the gang.

If it were to happen again...

... there'd be a lot oi us in a very embarrassing situation.

That shouldn't worry you particularly, Mr. Munroe.

That is my naive way of telling you that while you're talking...

... a few hundred people are risking their lives unnecessarily.

I know the lining isn't in the contract.

But it isn't a matter of contract, it's a matter of common decency.

That again, Mr. Munroe, should give you little cause for concern.

As one engineer to another, may I ask you a question?

Why not? As an engineer, I respect you.

Then why not take it for granted that only necessity would bring me in here?

I've always been opposed to that tunnel.

A bridge is a better way but you say it can't be done.

And the stockholders agree with you.

Okay, but I won't kill a man for every hundred foot of tunnel.

And I won't drive through El Tormento without concrete.

Won't or can't?

- What do you mean by that? - Just what I said.

If you're afraid of the mountain, say so.

Terminate your contract right now. We'll get somebody else to do the job.

If you'd get out on the job once in a while, you might find out...

... that slide rules don't hold up lock.

Mr. Munroe, for your information, let me tell...

I've heard enough discussion.

The matter will remain under consideration.

I'd suggest you confirm your opinion, Ricky...

... by a further examination of the tunnel.

That will be all, gentlemen.

Please wait a minute, Mr. Munroe.

I'm going to.

Why don't you leave Tenango?

I got a railroad to build.

Do you expect to finish it?

Right on schedule.

You're either a fool or an optimist.

Are we talking about a railroad or Miss Alexander?

That's impertinent.

- It makes a difference, you know. - Does it?

I happen to have a partner named Pop Mathews. Why take it out on him?

You trying to give me a reason why I shouldn't bleak you?

- Bleak me? - Yes.

Bleak you.

Wait. Mr. Munroe.

I'm gonna build your railroad, mister.

When I'm finished with it...

... you can take it and wrap it around your neck for a lavaliere.

Get out of the way, pigeons.

Flowers, mister?

- Hello. - Hello.

That's what we said last time and look what happened.

- I'm sorry. - That I said hello?

This time, no tunnels.

No railroads.

No livers.

- Just you. - Just me and you.

And Miss Blaithwaite.

Does she know about the other night?

Does she approve?

I wouldn't be here if she hadn't helped.

Would she help you again?

I know, in South America, sometimes we wait six months before the first visit.

- But in six months, I might be in... - China, Tibet or Brooklyn.

If I were, I wouldn't be any further away from you than I am right now.

- Why? - Because your father doesn't like me.

And it he doesn't want me to see you, well, that's that.

Don't I have anything to say about it?

Everything.

I can't say it now.

Well, then save it. Save it till next week.

- I'll be here. Same time, same place... - And if I'm not?

Well, then I'll understand that you'd rather not see me.

But I hope you do.

I...

Thank you.

Hey.

- What's this? - From the man in the jeep.

- See what I mean? - Yes.

But I'm afraid your father wouldn't.

Hey, Johnny, I'm still waiting on those 12-by-12s. Do I get them or not?

- Did you call the lumber company? - I did, gave me a quick blush.

Something about a prior older for the Durango mines.

Durango? That Alexander's outfit.

I don't know who owns it but they're getting our timber.

- About that... - I know, you want more roof.

- I can't build something I haven't got. - Why tell me? I'm in no hurry.

- Since when? - Well, I can't blast without dynamite...

... which I ain't got on account of it's all going to Durango.

- The man on the phone says. - They're tying us up in knots.

Timber, powder, three carloads of pipe on a siding at Santa Rosa.

The railroad says we can't have it for three weeks.

And Alexander owns the railroad.

Well, you'll just have to make do with what you've got until...

We ain't got until you get.

All right then, I'll get.

Railroad, pipe, lumber.

Timber. Alexander.

Hello, you big mug.

- I don't get it. - Oh, come on.

Shake anyway, I'm trying to apologize.

For calling yourself an engineer?

No. For not talking things over with Maura...

... before I jumped you at the office last week.

- Come on. They wanna be alone. - Yeah, this is strictly love stuff.

Me, I like love stuff.

Don't forget the timber.

And don't forget to keep squawking for it.

- Does this go on all the time? - Yeah.

Only today it's worse. Alexander's holding up everything.

- Pipe, timber... - Well, you asked for a fight, Johnny.

- You're getting it. - From you too?

No, not since Maura told me she invited you into the house.

Wait a minute. Don't think I ran away.

What's more, I'm gonna see her again today.

- Go ahead. It's your neck. - Where do you stand?

Right in the middle, at present.

I've told you what I think about the lining.

I'll take another look at the tunnel. If I'm wrong, I'll say so.

And to Alexander.

You're wrong.

- Come on, Chico. - Hey, don't forget, I need gumdrops.

Plenty of them, soft.

Okay. Get in.

And that jeep's just about flesh out of gas.

Come on. Get in.

- Can I see a movie? - You're a cinch.

I hope there is no love stuff.

What's the matter with love stuff?

He kisses her. She kisses him. They get married. Kids. Trouble.

Hi, Pop.

Ricky, you're a nice guy.

I just feel sorry for that big mug.

No, Frederick, I wouldn't think of Europe for another year or two.

Why don't you stay here in Las Palmas?

Look what you have here, Frederick.

The mountains, the climate. agreeable companions...

... and yet you are only 30 miles from Tenango.

That's not what I want, seňora.

For five long years, Maura and I have been unable to travel...

... cut off by the war from any way of living other than our own.

It's very confining.

Oh, Maura dear, we were talking about the trip to Europe.

- You're going to Europe? - We're both going.

- Hadn't I talked to you? - No.

I must be getting old.

I think of something. then imagine that I've discussed it.

- You're interested, aren't you? - Not particularly.

I don't blame you, Maura. Unless it is the Riviera.

There is always Paris.

- I've been to Paris. - These blasé young people.

May as well say that you have lead a book.

When Maura was this age. she was easier to amuse.

Travel was an adventure to her then.

Maura, we're waiting.

We're going down to the lake.

Don't wait for me. I'll meet you later.

Aren't you going to ride?

No, we're taking our exercise at the bridge table today.

And don't quote rules to me.

I have my own system.

- I'm not going to Europe. - Aren't you?

And I'm not going to stay here in Las Palmas.

I wish I could understand your attitude this past week.

- It puzzles me. - Does it?

I've gone out of my way to try and please you.

Invited a houseful of guests when I'd much lather be alone.

- Entertained a dozen of your friends. - Your friends, not mine.

There you are, Maura.

Twenty-odd years, they've been our friends.

Now, suddenly they become my friends.

What is it, Maura? What's wrong?

It's simply that I prefer Tenango to Las Palmas.

You used to like Las Palmas.

The trails we rode together.

Do you remember the day when we made time stand still...

... looked out from the top of that mountain and said-

"This is good."

"This is now. Let's enjoy it together."

"Because tomorrow or the next minute. who knows what may happen?"

Has it happened, Maura?

Are we so far apart that we can no longer understand each other?

I want you to understand.

- I want you to understand that... - Yes?

I just want to see him.

That is something I do not propose to discuss.

And I'm to stay in Las Palmas?

Until we leave for Europe, yes. Is that understood?

You handled that very badly. Maura.

I wasn't trying to handle anything.

I told him the truth.

But so have I, often. And found it's a mistake.

Truth to him is...

... something he wants to believe.

Then he'd better start to believe...

... that I'm going to see Johnny Munroe.

When?

I'm supposed to be at the cathedral this afternoon.

I'm afraid you're not going to be.

Ellen, you're dressed for town. You call the garage while I change.

Ask Pablo to have the car ready for us in 20 minutes.

Wait Maura.

Give me the garage, please.

Pablo, have Miss Alexander's car ready in 20 minutes, please.

We're driving to Tenango.

I see. Thank you.

Well?

Your father has just left orders that you're not to have the use of the car...

... without his permission.

Without his permission.

Lock the doors. Close the gates.

Post armed men on the walls. It's ridiculous!

But very effective.

Then suggest something.

I can, but it will sound even more ridiculous.

Well, say it.

First, don't argue with your father now.

You can't win, Maura.

How am I going to get to Tenango? It's 30 miles away.

It's less than 20 if you ride.

You can spend the night at the town house.

Have your argument with your father when he arrives in the morning.

At least, you'll have had your meeting at the cathedral.

And I'll stay in Tenango tonight. and tomorrow. and tomorrow. until...

Oh, Ellen darling. I love you.

Oh, get out of here.

Be careful, darling.

See messages?

- Did you get the gumdrops for Pop? - Yes.

How many of them did you eat?

That's all I got.

What took you so long?

I met a woman.

Well, you're luckier than I am.

Sometimes, they don't show up.

That's right. Sometimes they don't.

Excuse me, seňor.

Will you stand up, please?

- Six-foot-three, four, five? - Four.

You must be the one.

Seňorita Maura had to go to Las Palmas.

If she was my woman. I would go to Las Palmas.

But I would lather go to a movie.

You're going to a movie, Chico. And I'm going to Las Palmas.

But I will have more fun.

- Where's Maura? - I don't know.

- Didn't she come back with you? - We didn't see her.

- She didn't go out to the lake. - That's odd.

I wonder what's keeping her.

- You're sure she's riding? - Yes.

Don't be so mysterious about it. Where did she go?

Tenango.

Rode to Tenango? And you let her?

Give me the town house, please.

Maura is in an adventurous mood today.

She decided to ride to Tenango. Why? I don't know.

Thomas, has Miss Alexander arrived?

No, that's all. Thank you.

She's not at the town house.

Call my house, Frederick.

If she takes the short way. she must ride through my grounds.

Velarde will have to unlock the gate for her.

I've made that ride. And about there, you start getting tired.

Velarde will drive her home for dinner.

Thank you.

Velarde says she has not been through the grounds.

She should be in Tenango by now.

Tell Velarde to mount a dozen men. all that are there.

Have them ride toward Las Palmas. This can be serious.

I would not like to spend the night in those hills. I can tell you.

Emilio. don't stand there looking at me. Tell the grooms to saddle the horses.

Yes, sir.

- With your permission. - Of course.

I'm coming with you.

And Chico says, "If she was my woman, I would go to Las Palmas."

So you went to Las Palmas and found me going to Tenango.

Is that bad?

No. I think it's good.

For everybody except the male.

- What happens to her? - She'll be all right.

She'll eat and visit with some other horses...

... and then when night comes, she'll go back to the barn.

She'd better get back before night or she'll get herself a bad name.

Particularly here in South America.

Why, what's wrong with South America?

What's wrong with it? Nothing's wrong with it.

Some of the nicest people I know come from South America.

You're lucky.

Some of the nicest people I know come from North America.

That is the way little girls with blue eyes get themselves kissed.

And that's how big boys with gray eyes get their faces slapped.

Difficult, huh?

Well, I guess I'll have to buy myself a guitar...

... and give you romance South American fashion.

I give up. Say anything you want to.

Why?

You won't believe me anyway. I've run out of gasoline.

Johnny.

Well, Pop told me about it too and I just forgot.

I had a date with a gill and I guess I got excited.

You got excited?

What do you think will happen when I don't arrive in Tenango?

Well, you'll arrive in Tenango all right.

But you're gonna be awful tired when we get there.

Come on, sad eyes, we're gonna walk.

Romance, North American fashion.

- Where are you going? - Tenango, this way, there's a short cut.

- But we'll get pretty wet. - No, around the lake.

Then we run into a trail.

- How much shorter is it? - About seven miles.

Julio, you and your men take the trail here.

We'll meet you at Rocas.

- At the crest? - At the ruins, the old temple.

Jose, take your men south. We'll circle and meet you.

- At the old temple? - Yes.

This is the longest short cut I ever took.

- Are you sure this is the right way? - Very sure.

You don't have to be very sure. I'm not arguing.

I came this way with my grandfather Manuel.

He made the trail himself.

All due respect to the grandpa Manuel. this isn't exactly a four-lane highway.

Well, you're supposed to be on a horse. I was, anyway.

- When was that? - Ten years.

Ten years? Hold it.

You know, things can happen in ten years.

Hunks of mountain fall down, people get...

Things happen to people.

Is that my fault?

Yes.

No.

What's the matter?

We're on the wrong trail.

Well, when did you decide that?

This is the Inca temple. We should've taken the other way back at the falls.

Back at the falls? That's miles.

And I was so positive.

- Any suggestions? - No.

Well, then I guess I take over from here. Agreed?

Well, what are we going to do?

Park here for a while. Rest our bones and catch a breath.

But we mustn't wait too long.

Oh, no. We'll have a nice quiet dinner.

Then we'll dance a while...

Don't get excited.

Don't get excited. We're paying guests.

Squawk louder next time.

Johnny. I'm worried.

You don't realize what will happen if I don't get to Tenango.

Oh, you'll get there.

There she goes.

Nice.

Nice.

I've gotta get home. I've just got to.

Everything is gonna be all right. Quit worrying.

I can't help it.

- If we could only get back to the road. - Which we can't.

Wouldn't be so good groping around in that jungle in the dark.

Well, what can we do?

Well...

... first, we'll build a fire.

- Yes? - And...

... then we'll sit around and watch it bum.

- Till daylight. - Till daylight?

I couldn't possibly stay here all night.

Well, I'm afraid you're gonna have to.

Then at the first clack of dawn. when we can see...

... I'll rush you home just as fast as I can.

- This is serious. - You bet it's serious.

It you hadn't been raised the lady that you are...

... I'd have you out gathering wood...

... instead of standing there getting panicky.

There's nothing like work to take your mind off your troubles.

I'll help.

Well, don't wear yourself out.

You're not geared for this sort of thing.

Might surprise you.

Well, that would be awfully nice.

But just the same. I'd hate to see you really roughing it.

No offense, understand.

Dinner.

Sit down. Let's eat.

- Eat? - Sure, or aren't you hungry?

- Famished, but... - Have a gumdrop on Pop.

Sorry, there's only one flavor.

Johnny, I'm so...

Close your eyes.

Close them.

Now, what do you see?

Father. And he's perfectly furious.

Well...

... we really won't have to worry about that...

... because if we see Papa, I'll just say-

"Mr. Alexander. I know this doesn't exactly look..."

And he'll say, "Good night, Mr. Munroe."

And that'll be that.

Close your eyes.

There's a file at the old temple.

Seňor Tobar must have ridden fast.

Or perhaps it's Seňor Avila.

We'll find out.

Hey.

I just made a wish.

- For a fact, now? - I wished that...

Yes?

If I tell you, it won't come true.

Was I in it?

Well, yes. I think so.

Well, if I made a wish, you'd be in it for sure.

You see those two stars up there? The ones ever so close together?

- See them? - Yes.

Well, they're called...

You're not looking in the right direction.

Oh, yes. I am.

Oh, Johnny.

Didn't I tell you it'd be all right?

How I dread tomorrow.

You dreaded tonight.

Yes. I did, terribly.

And now I wish it would never end.

I feel kind of like that too.

Making another wish?

Sleepy.

Good night.

What is it?

Pedro, Miguel, give them your horses.

I don't suppose there's any use trying to explain this time either.

Give them your horses.

No rice.

Johnny, I'm sorry it couldn't have happened differently.

I'm glad it happened the way it did.

I thought it would take a month. Dispensations, bands.

I didn't know it was possible to get married so quickly down here.

Oh, Maura.

Hasn't it ever occurred to you that I'm in love with you?

You've only seen me a few times.

Once is enough.

I mean it.

That's the way it happened last time.

You've been in love before?

Sure. I can remember it like it was only yesterday.

I opened my eyes and there I was in her arms.

She put me over her shoulder and burped me.

Bakes wonderful pies.

You'll meet her in a month.

Oh, honey, don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you.

From now on, you're mine. Forever.

What is that?

It comes from my camp.

And it's not good.

They only blow it when there's trouble.

Step on it.

Come on, kick it along.

Where were you? I called the hotel, the yard...

- What happened? - The roof went, the whole mountain fell.

- How many inside? - The night gang, all of them.

Seňor Munroe, Seňor Munroe, my man is in there!

We're gonna do the best we can, Maria. Just be patient, all of you.

Please.

Seňor Johnny. my father. he's...

I know, I forgot you. I'll see your dad and square it with him.

But he's in there.

We'll get him out. Don't worry, kid.

Maura. Take her up to my shack, will you, Chico?

- Stay with him. - But I wanna stay here.

Don't argue, stay with him.

I will take you to his house.

No, Chico. If your father is in there we'll wait.

He will be in there for a long time.

Fire in the hole!

So when the day gang come out, I shot the bench.

An hour, later she went.

- Ricky's in there with Pop? - At the heading.

But that stuff looked good. It'll hold.

- Fog? - He worries me.

It he was on his way out, that fall got him right in the chest.

- Where are you gonna shoot next? - We’re going in over the top.

Mac. get me a tin hat. You got that ail line ready?

It's all set. A 2-inch lead off the main.

Are you gonna shoot that thing...

... or are you gonna let those rocks wear away?

Am I gonna shoot it?

In the cool oi the evening. he arrives and starts giving orders.

- And glad you are that he does. - All clear.

Bring the ail line in.

Did you see what he brought with him?

A case of bourbon. I hope.

- Alexander's daughter. - Alexander's...

I told you to keep out of this powder smoke.

You just bought yourself a cheap jag.

Take a look.

- Hey, out of the way. - Out of the way.

Dames, dames, always it's dames.

Which brings us back to Fog.

Pick it up. pick it up. It won't bite you.

They must be through by now.

If they were through. you would heal the women.

It sometimes takes two days. maybe three.

Three days? They'll all be dead.

Johnny Munroe said he would get them out.

You want another blanket for your bed?

No, no.

I can't stay here. I've got to go to the tunnel.

He'll beat you, and you'll deserve it.

Give me that sledge.

Cut off that air for a minute!

Cut the air!

Tell the women.

Come on, let's dig.

They answered our signals. Your men are alive.

- How long will it be. how long? - An hour, maybe sooner.

I tell you, your men are alive.

Chico, get home and heat up those beans.

Your old man's gonna be hungry.

He will not want beans.

You're Mrs. Munroe, aren't you?

I'm Curly Messinger, master mechanic. You sure got a good guy.

- What's he doing in there? - We hit a pocket, sort of a room.

Some men are there. We don't know how many.

Johnny and Joe are holing through now.

Why don't you go up to his place and wait there?

- I'll send him as soon as he comes up. - Can he get hurt?

Hurt? He's too ugly to get hurt.

He is like that. He laughs.

Always laughs. He is nice.

I think I can get through there.

I know I can get through for sure.

Fog! Fog!

Yeah.

Well. what kept you?

- Touchy little guy. - How about these others?

They conked out right away.

Give me your hand.

- Johnny. - They'll be all right.

They're still alive.

His legs.

Doc.

They're both asleep.

How about Pop and Ricky?

You got me, Johnny.

In there someplace.

Tell Curly to get on the ball and get the lest of that crew in here.

Come on, Joe.

Don't drink all the brandy in the hospital.

They'll be all right.

What is it? What do you want?

Why did you let me sleep?

Excuse me, seňora, but your were tired.

They've found them. They are safe, everyone.

And you let me sleep.

There is time. They just come from the tunnel now.

It is better that you wait here.

See your man alone.

Always they talk. After such things, men talk and drink.

If no one is dead. they are happy.

- Your father? - He's all right, not hurt.

There's coffee and beans on the stove. I'll go out the back way.

Never mind about the tunnel.

I wanna know about Alexander's daughter and right now.

Be a good guy and go get that skull of yours patched up.

- I'll tell you later. - Never mind that skull of mine.

I can still think with ii. more than you can do.

I haven't slept for two days. Give me a break, will you?

Give you a break? I ought to break your nose for you.

Can you imagine anything so stupid?

Marries Alexander's daughter. The guy is nuts.

At least he's original.

My face feels as if somebody stepped on it. Which you did, Pop.

See you all later.

Not if I see you first, you won't.

Hello. baby.

That's what I need.

Tough night.

Ale you hurt?

Just tired.

You're sweet, baby.

Just sweet.

- All ready. seňora. - Thank you.

All that food for just two people?

He is much of a man, this man of yours, seňora.

Yes, he is.

Hey, Maria. What are we gonna have for breakfast?

Eggs, fried.

When are we gonna have something different?

Tomorrow, boiled.

Eggs fried, eggs boiled, eggs scrambled.

Seems like a man could have something else besides eggs.

What, for instance?

You.

Pretty baby.

I... I guess I'm gonna have to learn some new manners.

I'm so used to having the bedroom in the dining loom.

- Dining room in the bedroom. - I don't mind.

You don't?

I'll take four of them.

- Four? - And some bacon.

My lord and master.

Four of them and plenty of bacon.

Hey, Johnny.

Johnny, the blower's gone haywire, I can't use the gas shovel in the tunnel.

- Oh. good morning, Miss... - Good morning.

- Mrs. Munroe. - You had to reach for that one, Pop.

- All right? - Yes, yes, she's very lovely.

We're hung up there. Come take a look.

- I haven't eaten yet. - Eat later.

- Let me have a cup of coffee. - Bring your coffee.

It's important. You don't mind. do you?

- Take your coffee while you walk. - Well, I...

Put a cover on the eggs, will you, honey?

I'll be back in two minutes.

Every morning, it's the same. I cook eggs.

Something happens. He goes away.

I have to eat them. I hate eggs.

All right, Joe. I'll get them.

Don't worry.

Fog, where's the timbers? I'll get timbers.

Don't worry.

I'll get them, Joe.

Maura?

I'm here.

- What time is it? - After 7.

Why didn't you wake me up?

I've asked you not to do this.

You came in late. I let you sleep.

Has Pop been here yet?

I told him he could see you at 8. Not before.

But I told him to be here at 6, honey.

We're stuck for rails. The track foreman will blow his top.

All right. Let him blow his top.

Maria, get me some coffee.

- VVhere's Maria? -S he isn't here today.

- I'm making your breakfast. - Oh, well...

Oh, but you needn't take time to eat it.

I wouldn't know what to do with you around.

I never see you.

- Never? - Almost never.

You're gone before I'm awake in the mornings.

Ten minutes at lunch then 10 minutes again at dinner.

Back into that crazy mountain.

But I do see you a few moments at night.

But at night, you frighten me. You talk, talk, talk in your sleep.

Last night, you sat up in bed and called:

"Curly, look out, look out. The roof is falling."

You talk to Joe, you talk to Fog.

You talk to everybody but me.

Oh, honey. I...

Johnny, it's an insane way to live.

You mean you're sorry we tried it? Don't be.

Just three more months.

- Promise? - Just three more months.

Hello, Ricky.

Hello, Johnny. Hello, Maura.

You're just in time for breakfast. My breakfast.

I gotta hurry.

- See you later. - Bye, Johnny.

What happens in three more months?

This job will be finished and we're going to his country.

In three months?

I'm going to meet his mother.

And there's a barn with...

... a thing that you slide down.

I don't know where you land, but he says it's wonderful.

Come on, sit down. I'll fix you some breakfast.

In three months, huh?

- Want your coffee first? - Yes, please.

I don't know where you two get your figures.

It Johnny gets through with this in a year, he'll be lucky.

You don't know my Johnny. You should come around more.

He's working night and day to finish.

You're father's working to see that he doesn't.

You mean about the deliveries of the timber and pipe and things?

Johnny's fixed that.

We got a whole carload of pipe yesterday.

Want some beans? I made them.

He got one carload. He needed three.

Don't you understand what your father's doing?

If he wanted to. he could close this down tomorrow.

He owns the railroad.

Then why did we get all that pipe yesterday?

Did you ever see a cat play with a mouse?

Stops him, let's him go. Stops him, let's him go.

Little by...

Does he hate me that much?

I don't know, Maura.

I do know this much.

That Johnny will be lucky if he ever gets this job done.

Let alone in three months.

Johnny said three months. Ricky. And I believe him.

Bring the sandwiches, Chico.

I don't like the sandwiches. Only the middle of them.

What good's a picnic without sandwiches? Bring them.

All right. seňora. But you will have to eat the bread...

... while I eat what goes between.

Oh, not today. Nothing must happen today.

We've waited and planned so long.

Maybe it is nothing important.

And there is always tomorrow.

Yes, always tomorrow, never today.

This time. it is Pop Mathews.

- Is Johnny hurt? - No, just Mathews.

Lots of rock fell on him. Oh, it's bad.

Give me the hospital. Yes, the hospital.

This is Chavez at the tunnel. We have a man for the operating room.

- Is he bad? - Bad enough.

He's got a couple of ribs stove in. When you see Alexander...

... tell him to open a bottle of wine, he's out in front today.

He got a good guy.

Why tell me? I'm on your side.

Who said I wanted you on my side?

You or any of the rest of your tribe. For my dough, you're all a bunch of...

I'm sorry. Maura. I... Sometimes I...

I'm sorry.

We gotta get Pop to the hospital.

Doesn't he know that I love Pop too?

He didn't think, Maura.

Sometimes I wonder how he can think at all.

Three months.

Just three more months.

Players, players. You women play too much.

What else is there for us to do?

I don't know. But sometimes, I think you must weary the saints.

Perhaps, but they've kept him alive, Chico.

And it won't be long until we'll be leaving this place.

Always you talk of going away. What is wrong with this?

I hate it.

That is because you're a woman. Women don't understand such things.

Tell Curly both loot valves are plugged solid at the liver.

Hello, Maura. And tell him I'm waiting.

Hop up to the shack and get me some dry clothes, will you?

That river is cold. Bring me some cigarettes.

Thanks.

- What's for supper? - Boiled beef, I suppose.

Good. I'm hungry.

When did you start this?

A month ago. Hadn't you noticed?

You better cut in on that emergency line.

We'll need some water after this shot.

What did Chavez say about that carload of rails?

I've been smoking for a month.

You have?

Pete, they're waiting on that switch and runaround. Catch him up.

With what? I'm stuck for track.

Didn't you tell Chavez to send a truck for those rails?

- I haven't seen Chavez. - But, Maura, this morning at breakfast.

I didn't see you at breakfast.

Well, then yesterday or last night or sometime. Why...

Go on, make do with what you've got.

- I'll get your rails tonight. - Okay.

- Why don't you do what I tell you? - But, Johnny.

It wouldn't have taken five minutes to talk to Chavez.

If you don't wanna do it, why don't you say so?

Hey, that's beautiful.

I like it. New?

No.

I like it.

Right there.

Now, look at you.

I don't mind, Johnny.

I just wanna find out when we're going away from here.

It won't be long, baby.

You don't need these. They'll stunt your growth.

- How long? - Oh, 30, 60 days.

Jose, get down to the river.

Give them a hand with those filters until Curly comes.

- You said that last month. - And I meant it.

Take a couple of men from the power house to help you.

We're over the hump. Maura. Almost through the bad lock.

Tonight. tomorrow. maybe two more blasts.

- And we'll be out in the clear. - What then?

Going all the way through the mountain.

Thirty, 60 days tops.

Thirty days. Sixty days.

You've said all that before.

Three months ago, you promised...

... we'd be on our way to the States this week.

I've waited. I've believed you.

I've tried to make myself live in this crazy world of yours.

- I can't do it, Johnny. I can't. I can't! - Stop it, Maura.

Dirt, noise, men getting killed. It I stay here any longer, I'll go insane!

- Do you heal me? - Stop that.

- I won't, I won't! - Stop that nonsense!

Don't I have enough headaches around here...

... without you blowing your top?

You said three months.

Yes. I said three months, and I meant three months.

That was before your old man started throwing the book at me.

No track, no timber, no pipe.

What do you expect me to build this thing with, spit and chewing gum?

If you told me you could, I'd believe you.

All right, then believe this, Maura.

I'm doing everything I can. I can't do any more.

And if you love me, stop nagging at me.

Leave me alone when I'm working.

Get four cases of powder and a box of exploder. Fast.

- Come on, you guys. - The roof went at the heading.

- What about that shoulder? - It's all right.

- How much came down? - Just enough, we're through.

What? This isn't the first time we've lost a loot.

This isn't the first, this is the last.

We got rock from the heading to Harlem.

- It'll take a year to dig it out. - Then we'll dig for a year.

Don't give me that "through" stuff.

- I'm not kidding. - I'm not either.

I'll drive that tunnel if it takes 50 years.

It the going is getting too tough for you...

... draw your pay and scram? Don't give me that "through" stuff.

- Johnny. - Oh, go away.

- What do you want? - Curly.

What about Curly?

- Nothing. - Let's go.

Get over to the hospital and fix up that shoulder.

Chavez.

What about Curly?

I couldn't tell him.

There's a guy ready to crack, but I mean now.

What happens when he finds Curly under that pile of lock?

- Is Curly dead? - What else could he be...

... with a mountain on his chest?

And that guy is going in to clear it out.

- Joe, he can't. - No, he can't.

But he will.

"Draw your pay and scram."

It I had any sense, that's what I'd do.

It you had any sense, that's what you'd do.

Why don't you take his advice and get out of here?

How is he?

He's through.

That'll give you a little rest, son.

Yeah. Put you to sleep.

When you wake up, you'll be in a nice clean hospital bed.

We'll get you a nice blond nurse like Fog's got, if you want.

Since when did we start telling each other lies?

Leave it where it is, Johnny.

Leave the whole thing where it is.

You can't drive through this crazy mountain.

Nobody can.

Stop trying, as a favor.

What can I say to that?

You don't say anything, Johnny.

You just take those swell plans and build yourself that bridge.

Would it make you happy if I said yes?

Be happy...

You're a great guy, Johnny.

One more favor, while I've still got you on the hook.

Let me stay here, Johnny.

What?

I'm scared of graveyards.

Have been ever since I was a kid.

Curly? Curly?

Mr. Munroe.

- I think we'd... - Leave him alone.

How many cases of dynamite have you got?

Thirty.

That's tunny. That's how old Curly was on his last birthday.

Yeah.

Plant them all.

All clear?

All clear.

That guy could write poetry

... he'd say that mountain was Curly's monument.

Maura?

- Maura? - She went home to her father.

She told me to tell you.

- Joe told me about the tunnel. - He did?

He also told me about the bridge.

- I think I can swing it for you, Johnny. - Can you?

No need to go into the details now.

I'm sure I can talk Alexander into agreeing it's a good...

I listened to you and compromised with Alexander once before.

Because I did, Curly's dead.

From now on, I listen to no one.

I'll build his railroad for him, but I'll do it my own way.

Get out.

All right, Johnny.

I'm sorry, Chico.

You'd better go on home.

What time was it when Maura came home last night?

- Well after midnight. - Why didn't you wake me?

She asked me not to.

So she's left him.

- Come home to stay? - Yes.

Well, that settles that.

- Be sure and say. "I told you so." - I probably shall.

Will you excuse us please, Ellen?

That's all, Clara.

It's good to see you, Maura.

Well...

... you've done just what you set out to do.

Sit down Maura. You're upset, I can understand that.

But, I think, if we discuss this quietly and sensibly for a few moments...

How does it feel to be responsible for the death of a man?

What man?

The man who died in the tunnel yesterday.

You did that. Just as you've done everything.

You marry your daughter off to a man...

... and then put the whole world between them.

And it's so easy for you.

Just pick up a phone. call this one, call that one.

No timber, no rails. You, yes, you killed Curly Messinger.

That is a very serious accusation, Maura.

And untrue.

They asked you for a concrete lining, and you refused to give it to them.

I'm not in the habit of defending my decisions, Maura.

But since you appeal to entertain some ridiculous notions...

... you should know that not only Ricky...

... but six other responsible engineers decided that it was unnecessary.

I agreed with them.

And when he signed the contract, so did the man you married.

But he came to you later and told you that...

Now look here, Maura.

No one forced Munroe and Mathews to build that railroad.

Many other firms wanted the contract but your husband's bid was the lowest.

The work was started.

Then, out of a clear sky, he insisted on a concrete lining.

- But he proved he was right. - After the damage was done.

He could have closed down the work at any time, you know.

You knew he wouldn't do that.

Then what made him think that I would quit?

Does he judge all the Alexanders by the one he married?

- I'm sorry. - Don't be.

I quit. I ran away.

Let us say instead that you've come home.

That Munroe and everything connected with him is a part of yesterday.

Mr. Munroe is in the library.

- What does he want? - He's closed down the tunnel.

Having failed with the tunnel...

... I suppose he's come to ask to try his hand at building a bridge, is that it?

Something like that.

Sony to be so abrupt.

But I'm in a hurry.

Excuse me, please.

Have you been drinking?

Quite steadily. There are the specifications for the bridge.

Look them over tonight and okay them. I wanna get started in the morning.

And you expect me to put my signature on these papers?

- What makes you think that I will? - You have no alternative.

Mountain's come down on your tunnel and every cent you've invested in it.

If there's a railroad to the mines, it will go over a bridge.

Which some other contractor will build.

I doubt it.

I'll build the bridge for the remainder of the funds set aside for the tunnel.

- And in the same time. - You're insane.

Your stockholders won't think so.

As long as I bring in the railroad at the original cost.

Particularly now that your tunnel has proven itself a failure.

Why don't you admit that you're beaten. Munroe?

When do I start the bridge?

Sleep on it.

You look charming, Miss Braithwaite.

I like the way you've done your hair.

- How's it going, Holden? - There's a big beef on down there.

The guys are squawking about lock dust.

Silicosis, miner's consumption.

They want water in the holes to wet it down.

Dry holes drill faster. Tell them no water.

I did. One of those guys went to school.

- He knows the law. - Fire him.

The others won't like it.

- That's your headache, Holden. - Okay.

But how about this traveler?

We're overloading. sooner or later, she's gonna let go.

So we'll lose a little sand and cement.

In the meantime, we'll save a hundred working hours.

Yeah, but who takes the rap for the men we lose?

Does that worry you?

The men, no. But the rap, yes.

I hired you because they told me you were tough.

- And could get the work done. - They didn't tell you wrong.

Well then. get the work out. I'll take care of the laps.

Hey, Joe. What's holding up the shot?

Waiting for your new boss to pull his gang out.

He's not gonna pull them out. Kick it off.

- They're too close. - Not the way I look at it.

Fire in the hole.

Crawl under your tin hats. That's what they're for.

Don't ever do that again, Johnny. Not while I'm blaster.

- Don't you like it? - No.

Why don't you quit?

I'm sticking around to see how rotten a guy can get.

Okay, stick around. But that's the way it's gonna be, Joe.

Maybe a little tougher.

Well, maybe you ought to get closer to the men.

You might see things better.

Come on.

That's popping them kind of close, isn't it?

You too?

I didn't know you were interested in construction.

- Shall I explain a few of the details? - That won't be necessary.

I built the railroad that brought you into Tenango.

- Engineered it too. - I didn't know you were an engineer.

There are many things that you don't know about me.

You'll have to admit that I'm learning last.

How does it strike you?

The bridge is coming along all right.

But you're cheating on each and every factor of safety.

You're cutting some dangerous corners, Munroe.

I'm building you a bridge.

When it's finished, you can decide whether it's good...

... before you pay off.

But the methods I use to build it are my business.

There happen to be one or two other people interested in this venture.

I'm not referring to the board of directors.

- You're worried about them? - Frankly, yes and about you too.

You readily understand, Munroe. It's not easy for me to say this.

I've never been an admirer of yours.

But somehow recently I've come to see you differently.

Strange, you look just the same to me as always.

Don't be a fool, Munroe. I know this country, know it well.

When the rains come, the river rises eight, 10, sometimes 15 feet.

I've seen it roaring down this canyon like a mad thing in flight.

- Don't cheat on your foundations, man. - They'll be good.

Make them better.

Use steel in your span if necessary.

I'll give you a 90-day extension, if you like.

But do a good job.

You'll give me a 90-day extension? You gave me a wedding once.

Since then I've been very careful what I accept from the Alexanders.

Thanks. I'm not interested.

Seňor Fog, you have come back to us.

- It is good to see you again. - It's good to be back, Chavez.

Take my advice and stay out of hospitals.

Seňor Johnny will be happy to see you. You walk good with three legs.

What did they bring that guy back for?

- Who are those guys? Strangers. Holden has brought them.

- This is not a happy camp. - What are you... ?

- Hey, sure been building bridge. - Yeah.

I'd better have a closer look at this.

I hope he will say something to Johnny Munroe.

Maybe things will be better.

- Hi, Pop, remember me? - Well, welcome home, Roughneck.

Hey, you look swell. Positively lady bait.

Yeah, that's what the nurses said.

That all you got to do? Putter with that paper work?

Yeah, I guess that's what you'd call it. Puttering.

Hey, what do you think of it?

Come on, take a look.

Hey, you didn't tell me you were this far along.

Yesterday we weren't.

Hey, Joe.

Look what I've got.

Fog Harris.

Say, isn't there anything I can do to get lid of you?

- What's the idea of the cane? - Trying to get sympathy.

Hey, you think this thing will stay put when the rains come?

That's something we don't talk about in front of the children.

Let's go.

I'm gonna introduce him to Holden.

Hey, keep on that wile. I'll be right back.

I've been taking a gander at the way this camp's being run.

When I see Johnny. I'm gonna ask him some questions.

- Oh. Holden. I want you to meet... - Fog Harris?

Johnny told me about you. Get a number from the timekeeper.

Settle for night watchman, you've got yourself a job.

Night watchman? He was boss before he went to the hospital.

I got a job for him. He's gonna be construction boss across the river.

You got a job for him?

Look, Mathews. I didn't wanna give it to you the hard way.

But you're a nuisance. A pest.

I'd have run you off of the job, only Johnny asked me to keep you.

Johnny asked you too keep me around?

If you want it direct, ask him. Here he is.

Did you ask him to keep me around?

I thought I told you to keep your mouth shut.

- He's always popping off. - I told you to keep your mouth shut!

Well, I opened it, so what?

He didn't late that.

No?

You did. That's from me to you.

For Pop and a lot of swell guys you've stepped on.

I'm building a bridge, Fog. Do you want a job?

With you?

No, Johnny. I'm writing you off.

I can see just what he means.

And on you, it doesn't look good.

Hey, Buzz!

We're getting a new job.

You too, I suppose.

No, I'm still your partner till I tell you different.

Pancho.

Get up, you're not hurt.

Kind of reminds me of Johnny Munroe.

Yeah, the faster they climb. the sooner they fall.

It isn't all his fault. Pressing hard to meet a deadline.

Hey.

Chico.

Down the hatch.

I am saying olé for everybody.

Chico, why don't you go out there and be a bullfighter?

Not me. I am an engineer.

- Hello, Seňor Johnny. - Hello, Chico.

Hello.

- Sorry, sir, you have to have a necktie. - I have one here.

- What's the matter? - Hello. Mr. Munroe.

It's independence day, a very important day.

And the dining room is full.

- We’re going to the bar. - We'll drink our dinner.

Well, the bar is very crowded too.

We'll get along all right.

Good evening, ladies.

- How do you do Mr Alexander? - How do you do Mr Moya?

How do you like this guy Munroe? He's still mooning over that Jane.

- Mister... - Hello, Ricky.

Hello, Johnny.

You haven't been out at the bridge lately, mad at me?

Are these your friends?

- They're part of my crew. - Why inflict them on us?

Are you coaxing around for a clout on the ear?

- Why, are you? - Now, wait a minute.

It anybody's gonna get insulted around here, it'll be me.

Let's just pretend we didn't hear it.

- Seen Johnny? - Yeah, he's in there somewhere.

- Did he say anything? - Yeah, he said "Hello."

- I was talking to Alexander. - Yes.

Offered you plenty of time.

Wanted to give you a 90-day extension and you kick it in the pants.

I'm accepting nothing from Alexander.

No, you'd rather turn the job into a rat race.

You'd rather break with Joe and Fog and bring in slime like this Holden.

Johnny, what are you doing to yourself?

What are you doing?

I've got a fight on my hands, Pop.

Not a nice clean fight where you step up and punch each other on the jaw.

In this one, no holds are barred.

You fight with contracts and telephones and time clauses.

And tomorrow when that last span goes in. I win the first round.

Yeah, you've won a round all right.

And you've lost everything that made you Johnny Munroe.

You used to be a builder. A creator.

Why I've watched those hands dream up roadways...

... dams and tunnels and bridges.

I've watched them take nothing and make it into something.

I've watched you build things.

And now? Now you've lost all that.

Now you're tearing things down. you're tearing people down.

You aren't building, you're destroying.

So you don't want any more of it. Is that it?

Yeah. I guess that's it.

When you get back to the job, take my name off the sign.

From now on, it's just Johnny Munroe.

May I talk to you?

- Talk to me? - Yes.

Well?

It's taken a long time to find the courage to say it, Johnny.

I've wanted to tell you I was wrong.

- I should never have left you. - You weren't wrong, Maura.

I don't know how you stuck it out as long as you did.

All that mud, and noise, and dirt. and people getting killed.

It's your life, Johnny.

- I'll get used to it. - Oh, no, you won't and neither will I.

I found out there's a little thing called money.

And I'm going out after it. Plenty of it.

I'll finish the bridge and I'll keep on working all right.

But it will be for money.

And when I get enough of it, I'll buy you back.

Let me take you home, Maura.

I'll get the car.

- More fireworks. - Yeah, nothing like the real thing.

Well, I'm not gonna get my feet wet. Let's grab a nightcap and hit the hay.

Come on, Chico, we'll buy you a lemonade.

Are you going to see Seňor Johnny?

No.

We should be quite proud of ourselves, shouldn't we?

- Proud? - Yes, proud of what we've done to him.

My dear, let us not take credit for an elemental fact.

Put a man in the jungle and you'll discover what his real nature is.

The veneer wears pretty thin. Munroe had very little to begin with.

He was real.

- And for that I loved him. - Maura.

He was himself then, Johnny.

Not this crazy stranger without friends.

Yes, he stands alone now, doesn't he?

Yes.

All alone.

Yes?

It's Gonzalez at the mine.

He says there's been a cloudburst in the mountains.

A 3-foot wall of water is starting down the river.

Get me the hotel, please.

Thank you, Gonzalez.

- The hotel, please. - The showdown, Maura.

A little sooner than Mr. Munroe expected.

- That pleases you? - Frankly, yes.

It was never a question of could he build a bridge.

Any one of a thousand men could have done that.

The question is, will it still be there after the water hits it.

Hello, I wish to speak with Mr. Vegas.

Yes? Yes, sir. Thank you.

I'll tell Munroe at once.

Yes, in your office. Ten minutes.

- Come on. snap out of it, you big ape. - Snap out of it, snap out of it.

Some more black coffee, Mr. Munroe?

No, it's no use. He's out for the night.

- See if you can find him a... - Johnny.

There's been a cloudburst.

Three feet of water starting down the river.

My uncle thought you ought to know.

Is he worried about his bridge?

Why shouldn't he be? He's got an investment.

It'd be worth more than that to him to see it go out.

But it won't, it'll stand 3 feet.

The wave won't be 3 feet when it gets there.

It'll be 6, 8, 10. I've seen it before.

Without that center span in place you're in trouble.

How long before the water will hit it?

Six hours. The turns in the river slow it till it hits the straightaway, then...

- Hernandez! - Yes, sir.

- What happened to the others? - I don't know.

- They’re in worse condition than he is. - Wait a minute.

Wait a minute, where you going?

My crew.

- Chavez! - Yes, sir.

Break it up, you're gonna get water down this river.

- This is what we've heard. - What are you waiting for?

Get men on this span and run it out. Get it in place in a hurry!

The men refuse to go onto the bridge.

They will not risk being here when the flood hits it.

Tell them I'll give them double pay.

Double.

All right, get on those controls and haul in that tram block.

All right.

All right, take me out slow now.

Watch my signals.

What happened?

Chavez, I'm really stuck. You men have to give me a hand!

Get some crowbars and some heavy chains.

No use. They know the flood is coming.

They know it will knock down the bridge.

That flood won't hit for hours, you know that.

Ten of us can get that thing in place in no time.

Come on, five of you. A hundred pesos a piece for five.

All right, three of you. A thousand a piece for three.

Pepe!

Chago.

It is as I warned. The men have turned away from you.

I am unhappy to tell you this, but perhaps you heard them say it.

If it had been Seňor Mathews, or Fog or Joe, the men...

Well...

... I guess this is it.

The men are stinkers. They will not work.

The bridge will all fall down.

That's right, Chico.

All our work and blood and sweat will be blasted into...

That doesn't matter.

I'm tired, Chico. Awful tired.

Good night Seňor Johnny.

I love you Johnny Munroe.

Don't say it, Maura.

I'm no good.

I've come back to you Johnny.

You want me, don't you?

That's not it, Maura.

I'm not looking for sympathy. It's just I...

I'm gonna get out of here.

Are you?

Are you still "gonna get out of here"?

Don't you think you should get back to work on the bridge?

Oh, the bridge.

Oh, it's not that I mind, but Pop and the boys won't like it.

Pop and the...

Well, you can't expect them to do all the work.

Pop and the boys?

Why didn't you tell me?

Because I knew something like this would happen.

- Keep her in line, watch those bars. - Hey, Fog.

Pop.

Yeah.

- How you... ? What can I... ? - Why don't you suit up?

You're all wet. Get up and help with that derrick.

Yeah.

And stop slowing down the work.

- Is there room for one more? - Yeah, pull up a chair.

Hey, Pop, keep the tourists off here.

Wipe that jam off your face.

Steady now, Joe. Down easy.

More right, more right.

Hello, La Sierra? Has the crest passed you there yet?

It's coming now, seňor! 5 feet, 6, maybe more.

6 feet at La Sierra.

How long would it take before it reaches the bridge?

Four hours, perhaps less.

Now we'll see whether this man is all he pretends to be.

Bring on the rail!

Call Lopez, tell him to report.

Lopez, has the flood reached you yet? The flood.

Yes, Seňor Vegas, it is here.

Eight feet at the bend. Still rising.

Ricky's on the phone. The crest is on its way, coming fast.

- How high? - 10, maybe 15 feet.

It's giving everything a haircut from here to the mine.

It won't take a 15-foot wave.

Well, it might take it...

... it we could get something heavy to weight this down.

Flood will hold off while we go in town and haul out the iron foundry.

- That train is no sack of feathers. - Wait a minute, Johnny.

You wouldn't use a perfectly good work train for ballast?

Tell that crew to get some steam up.

Okay, here goes another slice of Alexander's bankroll.

You'll never get a crew to run her out here.

Well, I can't say as I blame them.

- Hey, get me a good head of steam. - She has plenty now.

Okay, Johnny!

Okay!

Johnny!

- Seňor Johnny. - Hello, kid.

She's standing the gaff, Johnny. She's staying put.

At the risk of repeating myself, gentlemen, I have to tell you...

Johnny, I've been trying to tell him you built a good bridge.

But he just won't listen.

All he talks about is you.

... a reprehensible, headstrong rascal. gentlemen. A blight on the community.

A hard-rock scoundrel...

So we bid fond farewell to beautiful Tenango.

- Well? - Maura wanted to say goodbye to you.

We're leaving Tenango, father.

Goodbye, Maura.

Your happiness means everything to me.

I know now where you will find it.

Goodbye, Munroe.

- You dislike me a lot, don't you? - More than that.

I dislike you too. Quite sincerely.

That's the beauty of our mutual dislike, sincerity.

By the way, what you've made of that bridge is good.

I trust you will finish it.

The board of directors is waiting to discuss it with you.

Is the luggage ready?

- Is my car here? - Yes, Frederico.

- Where are you going? - Where are we going.

Back to a little town in Vermont. I was there once. I like it very much.

Besides a few months among the simple values...

... is good for the soul of man, so I'm told.

Back to the green hills of Vermont.

Utopia, really.

Untouched by the ugly works of greedy men.

He's changed.

I don't believe it.

Well, let's face the music.

He has changed.

That bridge can wait.

What bridge? That's our bridge.

This is my honeymoon.

- That can wait. - The bridge can wait.

Now, wait a minute, Johnny...