Original subtitles

[instrumental music]

[cheerful music]

[music continues]

[cheerful music]

There you are.

One dollar.

Big oil strike in California. Read all about it.

Read all about it for two bits.

Big oil strike in California.

There's a plenty big one here, bub.

(male #1) If I only get a string of tools and equipment

I got a piece of ground that's a honey.

You got ground? You got ground.

Here, take a look at the core from my lease.

Smell it. Down 800 feet and run out of pipe.

If it's pipe and tools you need, there's Luther Aldrich now.

A-ah, that tightwad.

Luther Aldrich? Where? Where is he? Wh..

Hey, six bits please. Thanks.

[whistles]

Get around the side of me fella, will you?

- Come on, I'm getting out here. - Get outta here.

Come on.

[whistles]

Hello, Luther, old boy. Well, I haven't seen you

since the Kansas boom.

I don't think I--

We made lot of money there, didn't we?

Sand. John Sand? You remember me?

Sand? I don't think I--

I'm spudding in my first well down here.

I'm going down about 1700 feet

so I'll need quite a lot of equipment.

Oh, equipment? Ha ha.

Yes! Mr. Sand, of course.

Well, come right over here. Heh.

What section are you thinking of drilling?

My lease is in a new section about 30 miles south of here.

Oh. Thirty miles. A wildcat, heh?

Some fellas might call it that but..

Eh, casing tools and lumber will cost you about $7000 in cash.

That's fine. That's fine, fine.

We'll carry that in an open account against my name.

When the well comes in--

I thought so, another deadbeat.

These boomtowns reek with larceny.

I may be left with little money.

Do you think I'd have sunk everything I got

if I didn't think there was oil?

You're an oil man. All oil men are crazy.

I've been swindled, hoodwinked and hijacked

and I'm practically naked. I've been--

Mr. Aldrich, there's a million dollars in this.

Now, you know me--

I don't know you. I don't know why I said I did.

What do people think I am, a good fairy?

[chattering]

Brother. Four bits if you want to cross.

Or take it the hard way.

That's the way I take everything else.

Shorty, do you mind backing up and letting me by?

Yeah, I do mind. Suppose you back up.

And don't call me Shorty.

Shorty or sonny, what difference does it make?

You're liable to get all muddy if you don't put it in reverse.

Move over, bud.

I'm wearing Justin Boots with 4-inch heels.

They'll sure make big dents in that little frame of yours.

[gunshots]

Stop, or I'll shoot.

[gunshots continue]

Put that six-shooter down.

[indistinct shouting]

I'm John McMasters.

I never heard of you, and I got no time to start now.

(male #2) Nice shooting, Harmony.

Right above the nose.

Sorry his nose was so close to you.

What did he do to you? Talk back?

No, no, nothing personal. Just, he's been around

hijacking tools and equipment.

Hijacking? Yeah, that's bad business.

Ain't it awful? I was just trying to arrest him.

Why can't folks be more law abiding?

I'll go home and won't sleep good again tonight.

I guess he will.

["After You've Gone" by Ella Fitzgerald]

* Can't you see my tears *

* Listen while I sing *

* After you've gone *

Hey, what do you th..

John.

Hi, Evie. How's my barrel of sweet Spanish crude, huh?

Where you been hiding, honey?

Hey, what happened? You jump out a window?

You know I wouldn't turn my back on ladies.

- Hi, Larry. - Hi, John.

* Dearest pal you've ever had *

* There'll come a time *

- You been holding out on me. - You ain't been around.

She just come over from New Orleans.

Lots of laughs. Never been away from home.

* When you'll grow lonely *

* You're heart will break like mine *

* And you want me only *

* After you've gone *

Hey, 50 bucks? You'll spoil the kid.

You can't spoil baby lamb. Besides, I got 800 in my poke.

Just running a gusher for old man Wilson.

I'm here for laughs. Leaving in the morning train.

You darn prairie jack. Where you hopping to now?

I hear they brought in a big wildcat in California.

Wildcats. Wildcats! Always looking for wildcats.

When you gonna settle down, darling?

What the heck, Evie? Travel and brag. Brag and travel.

Maybe I'll hit oil where there ain't.

Throw a steak on the fire. With all the fixes.

I'm gonna wash up.

* There'll come a time *

* When you'll regret it *

* Some day when you'll grow lonely *

* Your heart will break like mine *

* And you'll want me only *

* After you've gone *

* After you've gone away *

[crowd applauds]

Hey, Whitey. I'll be back down like a spring breeze.

Don't let those apes steal all your peanuts.

They say that with diamonds where I come from.

Yes, sir, Whitey.

A brass band in a bathtub.

[all laughing]

- 'Oh!' - Oh, excuse me.

Whip those mules, brother, there's a run on the bank.

Hey, listen fella.

Well, well, it's Shorty again.

A man can get pretty sick of running into a guy like you.

Yeah, you don't wanna get sick, though.

I might have to hold your head, Shorty.

Guess you didn't hear me before?

- Don't call me Shorty. - Why not, Shorty?

Ha ha ha. Okay.

Why should we have an argument?

- One of us might get hurt. - Yeah, that's right.

One of us might.

You wanna use the bowl now?

Wait a minute, I'll fix it up for ya.

- Well, thanks, Shorty. - There you are.

Put a little gin in it. Cut right through that oil.

- Cheaper than water, anyway. - Yeah.

Yeah. Not bad.

Quite a roll of scratch you got there.

How much is it? Six or seven grand?

Supposing it is.

You think you're gonna pull a gun outta your rudder?

Ah, ha ha. No, no. I just thought you might be

interested in spudding in a well.

- 'Run it up to a million.' - Oh, no. Nothing doing, Shorty.

I'm heading west. California. I like them wild.

I hear guys do alright for themselves out there.

You don't want them any wilder than this.

Look at this. All unproven, virgin lease.

Thirty miles south of here.

So you think there's oil there, huh?

Put up money for the rig and tools

and you'll get half.

And there's oil as sure as gin.

How do you know, Shorty?

You don't get that dealing cards.

Oh, the old bunion, huh?

- You're a driller, too? - That's it.

What do you say, fifty-fifty?

Nope. I've been planted here too long, anyway.

Me for over the Rockies.

Stick around, though, and I'll buy you a drink just for luck.

Okay, Whitey. Diamonds or doughnuts?

Hey, wait a minute. Where you going?

Let go of me. I pick my own posies, jughead.

Eat your steak, John, while it's hot.

Come on, Whitey, honey.

Throw your little jelly cup right here and happy days.

Who's your cheerful friend, John?

Him? That's Shorty.

- Name is Sand. John Sand. - Well, John. Two Johns.

Oh, we gotta do something about that. Get all mixed up.

First, let's find you a nice girl for you.

No thanks, I'll stick to whiskey.

- I'll bet he's got a girl. - Maybe, he's married.

You got an Oregon Boot back home?

Who, me? No. No, not exactly.

You mean you got a girl, eh, Shorty?

Sure. And he's on the square, and I like him.

That's your name. Square John.

Square John, Big John. That fixes everything.

Well, blood on the moon.

Whitey, if I was to tell you that I was the Mississippi river

at high tide, what would you think, huh?

Hey. We thought this over. You was with us first.

- She was? - Yeah.

Well, I didn't..

Looks like we got company, Shorty.

You got company.

That's what I thought.

[crowd shouting]

I beat you by four feet, Shorty.

Oh-oh.

Wait a minute. I got another chance.

I give you a tie.

(female #1) Ed, break it up!

Say, John, stop it! You're giving the place a bad name.

Shorty, you sure can go.

Here I am thinking you are all gab.

Yeah, he pulled a cutting knife on me. Makes you mad.

Hey, where'd you say that lease of yours was?

- Thirty miles south of here. - Well, okay, okay.

We'll drive out and take a look at her..

...in the morning.

So you think you got a field here, huh?

I know it. Take a look.

[water bubbling]

The big-headed geologists in town say it's only surface gas

but I say it's oil.

Shorty, I think we got something.

I know we have.

And we're plumb center on the structure, here.

Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute!

I think moreover by that old steer skull

will hit the peak of the dome.

Don't be fooled by any false jogs.

If there's pay structure, It's right under here.

Listen, you're gonna fool yourself down to salt water--

Hey, look, I'm an oil man too you know.

I haven't been drilling all my life for gophers.

I was pulling oil out of the ground when your mom

was giving it to you for your health. If you think--

Alright, alright, take it easy.

Somebody's gotta be the boss.

You got a hard dollar on you?

Kinda light, ain't it?

Yeah, it's counterfeit, my pocket piece.

It's the only kind I can hold on to.

- Call it! - Heads.

Okay, you are the boss. We'll spud in by the skull.

Now listen, Shorty.

My betting on you is just as good as betting on that skull.

- We'll spud it here. - Okay, boss.

Hey, now, how-how about that dough?

How-how much is in that bankroll of yours anyway?

Well, let's see, I had 800 when I went in the joint last night.

That Whitey she's alright, isn't she?

Well, you told me you had 7 grand.

No.

You told me, Shorty.

Well, that'll only put up the derrick.

I'm the boss. Getting the equipment is up to me.

Just put yourself in my hand.

(male #3) Hey, wait a minute, John.

You better keep them eyes peeled for hijackers.

I lost two loads last week.

You hired me when I was broke, Mr. Aldrich.

'I won't let you down.'

I'll look after your merchandise like it was my very own.

Yeah, well, I think we better not take any chances.

Come on. Get on out there, Eddie.

Hey, Harmony.

'Come away from that cookbook. Come on!'

Comin' a-runnin'.

Now look, Mr.Aldrich, I don't need any--

Oh, no, no. If any hijackers start anything

Harmony will take care of them. Go ahead.

Come on. Yay!

[whistles]

Well, it's the big feller. I didn't recognize you at first.

Nice day for the race, ain't it?

- What race? - The human race.

[chuckling]

[shouting]

You add a pinch of salt to taste and serve piping hot

to the delight of your family and friends.

Eh, don't that sound pretty?

If you're so interested in cooking

why do you wanna go around killing people?

I hate shooting folks. I had a fine job one time

cooking over at Parson's ranch.

A bunch of horse rustlers popped in and when the sheriff come

he kind of liked the way they was laid out

and he deputized me for this here business.

Say, here's a reskipe for lemon meringoo pie.

That's just plain old lemon pie for foreigners, don't you..

[gunshot]

Danged if I like them big hawks.

All the time killing little turtledoves.

(male #4) 'Put them up. Come on, pull up there.'

No monkey business, now. Climb down!

Climb down in front of me, son.

But don't worry. I'll plug him right between the eyes.

No, no, no. I-I can't. I'm shaking all over.

Come on, you guys. Quit stallin'.

No, no. Don't shoot. Maybe he'll shoot back.

Alright, keep walking now and keep reaching.

Yes, sir.

Get up there.

Please don't say anything to anybody, will you?

I'm not used to guns.

My knees just turned to water.

I nearly passed out I guess.

Just simmer down, big fella. Think of something else.

[engine chugging]

* Fare thee well fare thee well *

* Fare thee well * fare thee well my fairy fey *

* For I'm going to Louisiana For to see my Susyanna *

* Singing polly wolly doodle all the day *

* Fare thee well fare thee well *

* Fare thee well my fairy fey *

* For I'm going to Louisiana for to see my Susyanna *

* Signing polly wolly doodle all the day.. *

Hey, we're getting close. Try that last stuff.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

Who wanted to spud by that steer skull?

We'll be reaching for her tail in a few feet.

We sure had a break with Luther.

I thought he'd have spotted us.

No. We'll pay Luther back double.

Come on, you wild kitty. Spit.

Begins to get to you about now, don't it?

Yeah, like sparking around some dame.

Oh, I forgot about the gal of yours, Shorty.

Well, don't worry. She'll bewalking around

in platinum garters over..

Hey, listen.

Get back, she's coming in now.

Come on, honey. Come to us, baby.

- Let's cap her in. - No. Let her flow.

Let her open up her mouth and holler.

Look out!

[water gushing]

Salt water.

The Gulf of Mexico.

Well, at least we can smoke now.

Take it easy, Shorty.

They say you get rich if you drill enough holes.

Would have been alright if we'd spudded in by that skull.

Must be the water from the side structure.

Well, I guess that's that.

You're thinking about that dame, huh?

Hey, what's her name? What's she like?

She's nuts about you, huh?

I wish I could be sure. She likes me I guess.

We've known each other quite a piece.

You know it ain't exactly set yet

but I figured if this well came in

why, she'd come out here and we could..

Ah, forget it.

Aah, pick up your chin.

We'll spud in over there someday. Somehow.

Who's that comin'?

That's Luther's car. We'd better travel.

(both) Travel or jail.

They're getting away. They're getting away.

[gunshot]

Hey, hold it.

Okay.

Take it easy, I'm gonna get me a pigeon.

[gunshot]

[air whooshing]

For heaven's sake, they're escaping.

Come on, you're the sheriff. Do something.

I wonder what they done with my Barbara Fritchie cookbook.

Oh, shut up, you blithering seagull.

Thousands of dollars worth of equipment lost

and in a dry hole.

If they ever come back here, I'll have them boiled in oil.

In their own oil.

They didn't strike any.

[water gushing]

[cheerful music]

[music continues]

Once more won't hurt them. Seven, dice.

There she is.

Seven out of the field and pay the line.

Oh, six-one, babies. Right back at them.

- That's it, babies. - Eleven. Pay the line.

'Ten passes.'

I can't lose. I'm knee-deep in clover.

Just for luck, Shorty.

Come on, babies, once more. Oh, yeah.

'Pay the line.'

There you are, sir.

Two thousand, Shorty. Watch me double it.

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

That's enough.

Those dice got snake eyes, you know.

Okay, Shorty. Shorty here, he's the warden.

That's right, you tell him, Shorty.

Make him take..

Don't call me Shorty.

But Holy Moses, he called you Shorty.

That's alright. That's him, not you.

Here, buy him seven or eight drinks.

Come on, Shorty, let's go.

Hey, where are we going with all this fancy scratch, little man?

Right back to Burkburnett.

We're gonna spud in that well right by the old steer skull

where a fella tried to get me to do it before. Remember?

Ho ho. Wahoo!

Hey, wait a minute, chump.

Do you think Luther is foolish enough

to take $2000 for all we owe him?

You just act like I said. Do as the boss tells you.

Just check over that balance. It was wrong again yesterday.

Hi, Luther. Long time no see.

Ha ha. Well, gentlemen, what can I..

It's them. It's them.

Oh, do something, quick. Get Harmony.

Wait a minute. Take it easy.

We're just here on a little business.

Don't stand there trembling like a pen-wiper. What business?

We just wanna pay our bill. If you don't want the money.

You wanna pay me? Well, why didn't you say..

Come in, gentlemen. Sit down.

I was only saying yesterday

I wonder what happened to Mr. Sand

and let go of Mr. McMasters, you idiot.

- Well, it's the big feller. - Hi, Harmony.

It's alright, Harmony, there's no need--

- Here you are, Luther. - Well.

- Two thousand on account. - Two thousand?

- But you owe me $7000. - That's for good faith.

We still got our lease.

We'll pay the rest when our new well comes in.

- Your new well? - Yeah, sure.

You're gonna give us tools and equipment.

I give you what? Harmony, get the sheriff.

- I'll give you jail sentences-- - Wait a minute, take it easy.

Alright, he's got us where it hurts.

We gotta give him a sixteenth of the well.

What? We'll do no such thing.

Certainly not. I-I.. What's that?

A sixteenth?

Well, I-I.. No, I run a strictly cash business here.

Alright, alright. Then we'll give you an eighth.

Why give an eighth of a million dollars away?

A million dollars? Are you.. You mean, ten million dollars.

(Sand) 'We can afford a measly eighth.'

- Come on, Luther. What-- - No, no, no. Over my dead body.

Where do you get off mooching your way for an eighth?

You old cow thief. I'm going to the bank on my own.

Wait a minute. Wait.

I don't know what to say.

You said enough, trying to let this crook in on a sure thing.

I worked my hands raw to earn that money.

Now, wait a minute. I might consider an eighth.

But an eighth of what?

What makes you maniacs think you're gonna find oil this time?

Say, do you think we'd be sticking our necks in a noose

if we didn't know there was oil? Come on..

No, no, I still think an eighth is--

Well, alright. Alright. I'll do it.

But it's got to be an eighth.

And we'll sign the papers right now.

Harmony goes out with you to see there's no monkey business.

If you two don't bring in a well this time you, you go to jail.

Both of you. I'm not gonna.. I'm..

For heaven.. I'm stuck again.

* Fare thee well *

* Fare thee well *

* Fare thee well my fairy fey *

* For I'm going to Louisiana For to see my Susyanna *

Hot groceries.

Hey, Big John, come and get it.

Okay. I'm ready for it.

Here she is, boys. Another Barbara Fritchie special.

Hey, what's that for?

We gotta have a name for the well.

You mind if we call it that?

"Beautiful Darling Betsy."

Well, I'll be doggoned.

Okay, Shorty. Say, when are we gonna get a load of this gal?

Maybe you'll see her some day if the well comes in.

We're due, alright.

Take a look at the sand from that last bailing.

What's that? Rabbit again?

Rabbit stew a la mode.

Shot two nice fat ones this morning.

Couldn't go out and shoot a can of beans for a change?

Let's drive to Eva's for a steak.

We got 13 or a dozen bucks left.

No. Rabbit's okay by me.

We're due for a bust. Five weeks of this ain't natural.

I got the jumps.

You and Harmony go in. I can make a few more feet of hole.

Besides, I got some letters to write.

Oh, okay, okay. Me for town.

'You work out your nightlife with water on the side.'

But that gal may stand you up.

So just don't turn out to be Henry the Hermit.

I'll pick up the groceries and meet you over at Eva's.

Hey.

Careful, my dear. Let the deacon help you.

Thank you.

Looks like Aunt Molly's got a new visitor.

Yeah. Kind of looks that way

but I'm not sure.

You'll like the other place better, my dear.

Not a hotel, more like a boarding house.

More homelike for a girl like you, dearie.

We have evening get-togethers, and the nicest Southern cooking.

You're very kind, but I..

Ma'am, I'm about to speak a piece.

You're new here, so you don't know Aunt Molly and the deacon.

Molly's done a little time.

And the deacon...well, he can squirm

under a water moccasin with a high hat on.

And you, Auntie, keep that knife in your corset.

Might not look nice if I'd have to kick you in the stomach.

Now, get.

Well, thank you very much.

You see, where they wanted to take you..

Well, a girl like you might not have liked it.

You mean I'd wake up in a gilded palace

- and be afraid to go home? - Oh, you were wise, huh?

Well, he looked pretty obvious. You know the first time I voted

my mother broke down and told me all about the big bad world.

- Thanks anyway. - You know, uh..

I still think you need somebody to keep an eye on you.

- This is a pretty rough town. - Oh, dear.

- What? - I thought it was Galahad.

Galahad in boots and a Stetson

come to rescue the fair Elaine from the dragons.

But underneath you're just Modred, aren't you?

What do you mean, Modred?

Sir Modred. Of all the knights, he was the wicked one.

I'm very sorry.

She kind of rustled her bustle, didn't she?

Modred! Say, what do you know about those guys

Modred and Galahad?

Let me see. I know Pete Galahad. Sheriff over in Whizbang.

No, no. Two different guys.

Could you tell me where I might find Mr. Jonathan Sand?

Jonathan Sand, he's drilling out in the south section

about a 30 mile ride.

I could get you a jitney, ma'am.

Oh, no, not tonight. Thank you.

I'll have supper, go in the morning.

Yes, ma'am.

- Well, I take your order now? - Let's see. How's the chicken?

Don't order fried chicken, it's three-year-old jackrabbit.

Well, saved again from a fate worse than death.

Come on, Lena. Tell her, John McMasters

'is just a babe in the woods.'

I bring your soup but don't go in no woods.

Lena's dizzy from dollar tips.

- Are you Big John McMasters? - Yeah.

Oh, you've heard about me, huh?

Well, I certainly have.

Doesn't that surprise you?

Well, I'm pretty well known around these parts.

I heard about you long before I arrived here.

Oh, on the bus, huh?

Yes. That's right. They were saying

"Big John McMasters, there's a fellow to be heard from."

Really?

Come on, now, stop kidding me into a bear trap.

[carnival music] A lot's going on tonight.

What, ah, what am I going to call you

for the rest of the evening?

Ah, the rest of the evening?

Yeah. All I know now is Elaine.

What am I going to call you when I take you to that rodeo?

Maybe I just better be the Lady Elaine for a while.

I don't want to give you sudden surprises.

You look too delicate.

Lady Elaine, nothing you could tell me would surprise me.

Wait and see, Sir Modred.

You want to order?

Sure. What are you doing here at that?

Are you one of those lady drummers?

No, I'm much more important than that.

If I like it here, I might open a shop.

- What kind of a shop? - Lingerie.

- Come again? - Underwear. Ladies underwear.

Oh, ladies underwear? Well, I don't know. Now, you see

the girls in this town..

'Well, what I mean is there's not much call for--'

- You'd better order. - Yeah.

'Now, Lena, my love, I want a steak, 32 ounce, rare''

Same racket. Hasn't changed since I was a kid.

Knock down the milk bottles, and they give you St. Vitus.

Stop it, you'll wear him out.

Mr. Summers, just a minute. I want you to meet Lady Elaine.

- And Mrs. Summers. - How do you do?

Mr. Summers runs the Emporium, the biggest store in town.

Lady Elaine is down here selling women's underwear.

I want you to buy till it hurts.

Don't pay any attention to him, Mr. Summers. He's crazy.

Yes, I'm Sir Modred, the wicked knight.

Wicked knight? You're a drunk.

[both laughing]

Oh, look, it started.

[music]

Wa-hoo, ride him, Henry.

Sit still and sing to him.

I guess Henry can't sing.

Why, that's just like sitting in a rocking chair.

Alright, folks. Who else will ride the Missouri Angel?

That's a cinch. All you have to do is wrap your legs around him.

Alright, go ahead.

Who, me?

Here's your next rider, Big John McMasters.

Hey, wait a minute. I was just..

Big John McMasters is our next rider.

You see how happy you've made them?

Yes, yes. Sir Modred is stuck.

Here, take the colors of the fair Elaine

and wear them bravely in the joust, Sir Modred.

I don't know what she's talking about, St. Vitus

but look after her.

She's something pretty special.

- Whoa, mule. - He's just looking you over.

(McMasters) Yeah.

Sir Modred is up.

[music]

Hey, what do you got the balloon for, Big John?

Going up in the air?

Everybody likes Big John, don't they?

Yeah. He's high test, ma'am.

Hey, Big John!

[music continues]

Sir Modred is still up.

Wa-hoo.

[whistling and cheering]

[crowd laughing]

Modred is down.

You know, I've never had so much fun all my life.

What do we do now?

I guess there's not much more you can do in this town.

- Hiya, Big John. - Oh, hi, Tom. Hi, Ed.

Well, we'll be seeing you next summer.

Yeah? Hey, where are you headed?

To Arizona for a little wildcatting.

Yes, sir.

When we come back, we'll be driving a Rolls Royce.

Attaboy. I hope you bring in a cat that'll really howl.

- Happy days. Wa-hoo. - Wa-hoo.

Tom and Ed Murphy. I hope they get lucky and strike it.

They've been knocking at the gate a long time.

Say, this sounds very gay. What's in here?

Don't go in there. That's just a dancehall.

A bad dance hall?

Well, no, but it's a place where fellas go on payday.

- Have you been in there? - Sure, but--

Well, then, you can take me.

No, no, it's liable to be kind of rough.

Now, look, I'm not really Little Red Riding Hood.

I came down here because I wanted to see if..

Well, I want to see all the sights.

Now, please.

Well, I'm agin it. So holler when you've had enough.

Hello, Big John. Whitey was just asking me where..

I beg your pardon.

Hi, Hank. Good old Hank.

Well, look at all the pretty girls. Do you know them?

Yes. That is, I mean, not all of them, but..

There's the dance floor. Do you dance?

Look-look, here's roulette over here.

- Well, I'd rather-- - Did you ever play roulette?

Say, which one is Spanish Eva?

She's home, taking care of the kids.

Hi, Ike. Five bucks on 17.

Me, too. A quarter. Two bits on 17.

Sorry, ma'am, but the limit here is--

Just this once, Ike.

Hey, where you been, you big bag of sugar?

I've been cooling my lily-white heels

for three hours waiting for you.

(McMasters) 'Seventeen odd.'

That means we won, doesn't it?

- Yeah. - Who's that?

- Why.. - You new here?

Yes, I arrived this evening.

She with you?

Whitey, this is the fair Elaine, Lady Elaine.

How are you?

Oh, yeah? And I'm Lady Astorbilt.

(female #1) 'Ah, she's just a sister, kid.'

- Give it to her, blondie. - Come on.

[cheering]

Holler when you've had enough.

Come on.

After that it was just bumming around.

Logging a bit up in Alberta.

A few years mining here and there, then France.

Now, I'm in the oil game for good I guess.

A woman always gets a chump to blow his own horn, doesn't she?

Not unless she wants to hear it.

I've never been very close-hitched to people.

That is, until I met my partner. Right down the street there--

Say, isn't that a wonderful moon?

Yeah. That's moon enough for everybody.

- Say, what's this? - That?

That's just oil being pulled up out of the ground.

Here? But it looks like a church.

Sure, used to be. Look.

When the boom came, the congregation all got excited

and spudded in a wildcat right under the pulpit.

Now, there are churches all over the state

spreading happy days and hallelujah out of these holes.

And ye shall rise out of the earth.

(male #5) 'Well, why, who's there?'

- Why, glory be, it's Big John. - Hello, Springtime.

You're out late. I was just finishing my supper.

- How are they pumping? - Deep and sure, John.

They'll be pumping long after I'm spudded in

and part of the flow.

- Well, goodnight to you. - Goodnight.

You know, funny guy, Springtime.

Two times a millionaire.

Once in the Pennsylvania field and once in Louisiana.

Hired the whole top deck of an ocean liner just to go to Paris.

Now, he's here in Texas, broke.

But he might hit it again tomorrow.

- He seems happy, though. - Yeah. It's a funny business.

You get away from it for a while, go on a bust.

'Then one night, you try to sleep.'

Those darn pumps start pounding in your ears.

I don't know.

Like a heartbeat.

Yeah. Sounds kind of silly, doesn't it?

Nothing is silly in church.

You sure can talk straight to a fella

and ball him up at the same time.

I'll have to sic you on my partner.

You'll like Shorty. Everybody calls him Square John

and he's as square as the Constitution.

But, you know, Elaine, he's been mooning around about some dame.

Keeps writing her letters, won't talk about her

like it was a 20 to 1 shot.

If I thought that much about a girl, I'd..

But it'd have to be a girl like you.

I'd want her right where I could take ahold of her and tell her.

Right here, for instance.

I'd like to go back to the hotel.

What's the matter? What's wrong?

If you don't mind, please, it's getting a little chilly.

Yes, it is a little at that I guess.

Alright, come on.

- Well, good morning. - Good morning.

Well. Thank you. It's been awfully nice.

I'll see you tomorrow, won't I?

No, um, I'm afraid not.

I-I just realized I had to take the bus in the morning.

Hey, wait a minute.

Is there another guy?

Yes.

You love him, huh?

No, not this..

Not that way. But..

Then what are you leaving for?

Because.. Goodbye.

Hey.

Come down here.

I make up my mind quick.

I made it up when I first saw you, I guess.

You aren't ever gonna leave.

[deep rumbling]

[whooshing]

[oil gushing]

Wa-hoo! She drilled herself in.

Yeah!

You're rich, mister. There's yeast in the buckwheat.

[gushing continues]

Boy, ain't that a beautiful black cloud.

[gushing continues]

Let's cap her, or she'll run all over the state.

Boy, listen to her. She's just a-puffin' and a-blowin'.

[gushing continues]

Hey, wait!

[hen clucking]

[crowd screaming]

Hey, alright, go and dig up Big John and then find Luther.

(McMasters) 'Hey, Shorty!'

- What's up? Did she-- - She blew herself in.

Five thousand barrels is a cinch.

Wa-hoo! Come on up here.

I'll be right back. I gotta go down and send a telegram.

Honey, did you hear that? That was Shorty.

You married a millionaire.

John...please sit down.

What? What is it? What's the matter?

Please.

I was going to tell you later, before we went out to the well.

I can't put it off any longer.

What is it?

I'm the girl he's been writing to, John.

What?

Betsy.

The beautiful Betsy.

Elizabeth Bartlet, sure.

'This is no good.'

Why didn't you tell me?

Oh, darling. When you came to that table last night

you were so fresh and sure of yourself.

I-I thought it would be a surprise..

A big joke when you found out.

You see, later, it wasn't a joke anymore.

I tried to leave knowing what you two meant to each other.

I would have gone to him and explained.

No, you wouldn't have, John.

Oh, darling, I was so afraid.

I-I was afraid I'd lose you.

But you told him you were going to marry him.

No, I didn't. Oh, no. I haven't been that unfair.

Listen, I've known Jonathan a long time.

I-I knew that he wanted to marry me

but that he felt that he should have more to offer and..

Oh, John.

You see, back home, life was piling up on me.

I...teaching poetry to a lot of high school kids

that didn't like it and didn't like me

because I made them learn it.

Furnished rooms, cafeterias

and men you wouldn't shake a stick at.

Don't you see, like any other girl

I-I wanted a new life and a home of my own, too

so...when Jonathan wrote me about the life out here

and the excitement, I-I just packed up

and took the first train.

I like Jonathan. I admire him.

I came out to see if perhaps we could find a life together.

It's still no good.

Well, I've knifed him in the back.

Oh, no, John. Please believe me.

If I'd left you last night

I never would have married Jonathan.

I'd have gone away without seeing him

because I knew I'd love only one man forever.

[knocking on door]

(male #6) 'Hey! Open up.'

'It's Cornelius Vanderfeller. Come on, open up.'

I love you, John.

And I love you.

[knocking on door]

'Come on, hurry up. Open up. Open up.'

Boy, did you miss it. We were pounding the only..

...Bet.

Jonathan.

We were married last night, Shorty.

Wait a minute. I don't get this.

He never knew about us. I just told him.

She wanted to leave, but I couldn't let her go.

I couldn't let her go, see, Shorty.

It happened just that way, so I dug up Judge Martin.

Well, say something, Shorty. Take a sock at me or something.

You sure this is the way you want it.

Yes, Jonathan. You see when I came out here last night..

Okay, Betsy.

Thank you, Jonathan.

Well, I guess that's the way it is.

I gotta get out to the well. I got a lot of things to do.

No need you comin' out. I'll see you both out there later.

Honey, that's a guy.

[dramatic music]

[cheerful music]

Wa-hoo! [laughing]

Okay, everybody. Come on in, have a drink

with the Murphy boys from Arizona.

A Rolls Royce. You must be in the money.

- We are. - Welcome home.

- Lucky, Ed. - Hey, Big John.

Big John! Pull over with that horse.

Come on over, we are settin' 'em up.

Tom, Ed, you long lost Comanches. I heard you hit it.

Yeah, we hit it. And we're spending it.

Tom, Ed. Oh, am I glad to see you.

Well, I see you brought a stranger.

- Hi, honey. - Stay away from him, baby.

He's an old married man now.

I never hurt you, did I?

How's the fireplace and slippers?

Fine, everything's fine. How you been?

- Just dandy. - That's swell.

Hey, two wildcats, they tell me.

How deep did you have to go?

Wouldn't mean nothin' to a big producer like you.

I should've been with you.

- Is there any good looking-- - Million acres of it.

Come on, let's all have a drink.

I can't. My wife called and wants me home early, but--

We heard you got lassoed.

Yeah, for life.

She wants me home, something about the new house.

Don't go away. I'll be right back.

- We'll be waiting for you. - Not for long, brother.

[dog barking]

Hey, honey.

[scatting "Here Comes The Bride"]

Behold the bridegroom.

Here, congratulations, my boy. Have a drink.

One year married, and he can't believe it himself.

Used 14 eggs. Angel grub, they call it.

Honey, I forgot. [chuckles]

Well, that proves I really got a husband.

But I ought to have a present or something.

I got my present right here, all around me.

(Harmony) 'Darn it, we ain't got much time for that sparkin'.'

We'll be ready, Harmony.

Hey, hey, come on, everybody. To Betsy.

Yes, to Beautiful Darling Betsy number 1.

Hey, who do you thinks in town? Tom and Ed Murphy.

Just brought in two wildcats up in Arizona.

Let's all go down and meet 'em after dinner

and talk to them at the hotel, huh?

(Betsy) 'Sure we can go.'

If you think they'll be interested

in a couple of old married people.

Honey, I'm sorry. To heck with 'em.

Say, I gotta wash up. [snapping fingers]

That must've been something though, right outta nothing.

A new wildcat and the big moose goes right into high gear.

- Doesn't he? - Yeah.

I am set to carry on our cutthroat heart game

after dinner. Boy, will I give you the black queen.

Oh, no, you won't.

There's gonna be no heart game tonight.

You two boys are eating and then running.

But I ain't got anything to do. I thought we were--

Well, Luther, you see, uh, it's this way, uh..

Why-why don't you just stop thinking and go pour me a drink?

(Luther) I'm always mixing drinks or something.

Oh, they're such lovely flowers, Jonathan. Thank you.

Place sure looks high toned.

I guess that's the woman's hands does that.

Well, it's not exactly the way I planned it

but he took such an interest in it.

The horns from your well over the mantel and...the guns.

Oh, and that armor over there, he calls it his Sir Modred suit.

Well, that's the way it is.

That's the way I want it to be.

It's where I want to live forever and ever

and never move away.

- That was a good dinner, Betsy. - Thanks.

See you in the morning.

Shorty, why don't you stop by and see Tom and Ed?

Maybe we might--

I better run to the field.

I wanna take a last look at number 5.

- She's close. Goodnight. - Goodnight.

It's an invitation every year for you two.

- Ah, thanks. - Goodnight. Bye.

I still don't see why we couldn't have had

one hour's heart game.

Now, I know you're over 60.

Aah well, you do want to hear all about it, don't you?

- What? - Those Arizona wildcats.

No, no honey, really.

You're about as convincing as a boy refusing a chocolate soda.

Alright, come on.

I've got some things to do around here anyway.

Only, it'll take about an hour for your information.

- Sure you don't mind? - No.

You go see the Murphy boys, and you all sit around

and lie a little bit to each other and have a good time.

Only, just remember, you've got another wildcat

waiting for you at home.

Oh, will I.

- I won't be more than a hour. - Right.

- John. John. Betsy. - What's happened?

Number five came in, then caught fire. Where's John?

Well, he went into town. You wake Harmony, I'll get a coat.

Harmony, go over to the firehouse.

Get Wilson and his nitro truck. Tell him to bring 100 quarts.

(McMasters) 'Swing that wildcat.'

Everybody's a wildcat in Arizona, huh, Ed?

Wa-hoo!

Betsy, honey.

Get out, Betsy. You don't belong in here.

- The Murphy boys. - Do you hear what I say?

- You don't belong. - Wait a minute.

- Why did you bring her here? - I'm not spying on you.

You're free to go on with it.

We just came to tell you that number five is on fire.

- Number five on fire? - Yeah, you coming?

Harmony, take the missus home, then come right out.

- How did it start? - Who cares? It started.

[indistinct shouting]

[explosion]

You get a hose on that tank.

If it goes, the whole field will go.

'Everybody get back.'

Hurry up with that shield.

[explosion]

- Where's that nitro truck? - Listen, boss.

This is too dangerous for you two fellas.

Two or three cans of nitro will blow her like a birthday cake.

But that's wild oil and gas.

Let's wait for them firedogs from Ranger.

We haven't got time to wait for them.

This baby's way ahead of us.

[car honking]

She's too hot.

You can't get the nitro in close enough to blow her out.

You just unload it.

We'll get her close enough. We're taking a shield in first.

'We'll take in the nitro on the next trip.'

Alright, hit the water.

[explosion]

The top casing's split.

You can't tell where she'll shoot now.

[explosion]

Put more pressure on those lines.

If it was my well, I'd let her burn herself out.

Stop yapping.

Tell Jim to put another hose on that tank.

- Hot work, huh, Shorty? - Lay off the Shorty.

Oh, behave. What did I do?

I just met Tom and Ed, got a little high, that's all.

I saw enough and heard enough I didn't like.

Okay.

If you see anything or hear anything you don't like

don't go running to Betsy with it.

Just keep your nose--

What's the matter with you two fellas?

Never mind about this. Get that battery ready.

Boys. Who's responsible for this catastrophe?

Watch where you're going, buddy.

You kick that can of nitro, and you'll blow us to Alaska.

We'll touch it off after this trip. Get the truck out of here.

Hang that wire on me.

Somebody must have fallen asleep on the job.

Get the water!

They're using too much nitro.

They'll blow up the whole field. I'll lose a fortune.

Give me the wire!

If that oil gets there first, the two Johns will blow back

on us like fried hamburger.

- Hug the ground back there. - Get back.

[explosion]

She's out!

Wonderful, boys. Marvelous!

I knew we'd do it. Look at her.

Here, come on, fellas. Do something, will you?

We're wasting a lot of oil!

It's the biggest gusher yet.

Isn't big enough.

Call it. For the works.

- Okay, the whole outfit. - Call it.

Tails.

You're on my land.

- Now, listen, Big John.. - Come on, everyone.

Look, big feller.

I'll fix you some nice fresh coffee.

Forget it. All I need is some sleep.

Did you put out the fire?

So you're calling it quits, huh?

No, I'm afraid you did that.

You've always been straightforward

and direct about things, and this like everything else.

Oh, don't worry. There isn't going to be a scene.

I'm just no good at picking wildcats, I guess.

The land was attractive, but the structure fooled me.

Now, I'm down to clay and saltwater.

Not that I blame the clay and saltwater.

Some people might like it, but I don't.

You sure got in way over your head, didn't you?

I'll be out of here in a minute.

Harmony can take me to the early train if you don't mind.

Unless, of course, there's some explanation.

No.

You got it all figured out.

You do it the way you want to.

Harmony, will you come and get my bags, please?

My God. God, did old Square John sure give him what he deserved.

He broke him flatter than a can on a railroad track.

You mean they had a fight?

Fight? They flipped for the whole field, Miss Betsy.

And now, that big, dumb pit dog you're leaving

ain't worth much more than that lead dollar

that they tossed with.

Yes, sir.

Long as you're gonna go, uh..

...you sure picked a nice morning for it.

[whistling]

[dog barking]

Oh, my darling. You and Jonathan mustn't fight about this.

- You've been such good friends. - He and I have our own fight.

That's my business.

You and me, well, that's your business and mine.

So what about it?

I don't want to leave you.

All the time I was in here packing like an idiot.

I was wanting you to come and put your arms around me

and tell me nothing happened.

Nothing did.

Oh, I'm such a fool.

Oh, you're my gal.

But we're broke. Gotta start in all over again.

- We'll go wildcatting, huh? - It means selling this house.

Oh, who cares about this house?

You know, I was just thinking this afternoon

here we are, tied down to it.

It's a millstone.

We're just buried under a lot of plaster and two by fours.

- Honest? Do you feel that way? - Sure I do.

Oh, you are my gal.

Well, wildcatting it is.

Our house will be wherever we are.

If there's oil at the North Pole, we'll live in an igloo.

And you won't freeze to death either.

[humming]

Harmony, Harmony. Come on.

There's a big ruckus over at Eva's.

Alright. Come on, come on, come on.

Does anybody else wanna say anything about McMasters?

Oh. Disturbing the peace, huh?

Let's go to the calaboose.

Two agin one, it ain't manly.

Look, sonny boy. Two weeks of this bust is about enough.

You're getting to be Huckleberry Finn.

You don't understand.

Big Moose's no good, but I'm the only one's got a right to say.

Why don't you start traveling and hunt him up?

- No good. - Oh, I thought so.

Here again. Now, look here, my boy.

You've got to sober up and get back to the field.

I've got my business. I can't handle your work and mine too.

- I've got a-- - Do you wanna buy me out?

I couldn't. I'd..

- For what price? - Wait a minute, honey.

Any price you say.

Well, now, that might be arranged, John.

That's a good idea.

'I'll have the papers in my office in half an hour.'

Alright. I'll be there.

You can't go into a deal with this vulture when---

I'm through. I'm gonna go away.

I never wanna see another oil derrick as long as I live.

Evie, you're a good kid but keep all your teeth.

Oh, Square John.

I'll see you on the slab, Evie.

Listen, Square John, I've been trying to tell you all the--

Why, I..

Yeah.

It wasn't your fault, was it? You were just doing your job.

You're probably stuck on him, too.

[cheerful music]

Alright, here's your percentage for this month.

Good American dollars. Business is getting a little better, see

but look..

[knocking on door] What is it?

That new batch off the boat are signing up now.

Alright, I'll be right out.

General, tell your boss I gotta have a little cooperation.

These lollipop guards of yours are drunk half the time.

What happens if that other crowd decides to throw you out?

Ah, cockroaches.

Mr. Sand, everything is in the bag.

Good day, my friend.

What's good about it?

Sign there, Fadden.

Sign there, McMasters. That's at 50 bucks a day.

Hello, big man. Long time no see.

- He run this outfit? - He's the owner, pal.

Mr. Sand.

Well, tell Mr. Sand, he can ram his 50 bucks a day up his nose.

I don't need the work.

Hey, you..

Why don't you let me bust him, boss?

I'd rather have you keep your health.

Come here. Hello. Hello.

- Why, Jonathan. - Hello, Betsy.

I kind of thought you'd be here.

Oh, come on in, Jonathan.

I guess you heard about me being here too, huh?

Yes. John's down at the wharf seeing about..

He's getting the tickets, you know, we're going on south.

- How's everything, Betsy? - Oh, fine.

You'll have to excuse the way we look, you know.

What with repacking and everything.

Oh, you look well, Jonathan.

Oh, yeah, sure. I'll last till the rains come, I guess.

[baby crying]

- No. - What?

You mean you didn't know?

Well, of course you didn't. Come and look.

- Look. - Holy suffering water lilies.

- When did this happen? - Ten months ago in Oklahoma.

We just made it to the hospital. Little Jack.

[babbling]

Don't you think he looks like his pop?

'He does around here.'

Oh. I don't know.

We'd better leave him. He wants to be picked up.

He has to be asleep when we start for the boat.

So long, partner.

Well, I've got to get on with my packing, Jonathan. Sit down.

You must be doing big things down here.

Oh, okay, I guess.

I could use somebody to smoosh these candy politicians though.

Can't you get that ornery, no-good--

I'd give anything if I could, he won't even talk about it.

You know, you're still up, and he's..

Well, it's pride I guess.

This place you're going to is worse than this layout.

It's double wages though.

He's got his eye on a wildcat in Oklahoma.

We're saving every nickel.

It's no good dragging you around. You having to--

But, Jonathan, I'm the happiest woman there is.

Don't you see? He needs me.

But now, with Little Jackie and all..

...we really need each other for the first time. It's a struggle.

Happiness comes out of struggle, Jonathan. I found that out.

Still no reason why you and the kid should.

I never would have taken you on a merry-go-round like that.

You aren't taking her anywhere.

John.

John, we've got to stop this. We aren't children.

Get out.

- Good luck, Betsy. - Goodbye, Jonathan.

You haven't finished your packing yet, have you?

I'll see what the guy in the back room will have.

[whistles]

Here, here, here.

Shh! Shh! Hold it, pal, hold it.

Here, here, here. Take it easy.

Yeah, yeah. There.

Everything's gonna be alright.

[explosions]

The Indian I leased the land from

gave a pow wow dance last night. They all took a bath in it.

You know, McMasters. We've been talking about you in New York.

With the other fields falling off fast

we can give you quite a nice deal for next year.

Mr. Compton, I'm not ready to sign for next year yet.

- No? - No.

The refining and distributing end sounds like quite a game.

I was thinking maybe that I, uh, might move into New York myself.

- What? - Sure, why not?

But...but you have a perfect setup here.

What do you want to step into our end for?

Oh, I don't know.

From where I'm standing, your end looks like the big leagues.

- Daddy. - Hi.

Daddy, I steered it all the way myself.

You did, huh?

- Hi, honey. - Hello.

Mr. Compton, meet the president.

- How do you do? - How do you do, Mr. Compton?

I'm sorry to interrupt, darling.

But Mr. Smith and I want you to look over the plans.

Our new house. You know those last minute mix-ups.

When you've planned for so long, you want to be sure.

A new house, Mrs. McMasters?

Your husband was just saying you were moving to New York.

New York? What?

Oh, pipe dreams, honey. Pay no attention.

Now, let's see. It's this end of the living room.

I want to stop off at the car first.

Expecting a long-distance call.

See you at the convention. Goodbye, Mrs. McMasters.

- Goodbye, Mr. Compton. - Wait. I'll be right with you.

All you've got to do is to bring the study wall

right out to here, and you've got it.

Honey, I gotta beat it.

- See you tonight. - Yes.

So long. So long, speedy.

- No, no. No hurry. - Well, here we are.

Look. Your name plastered over every other tank.

What more do you want?

It'd look just as good on a pipeline.

Well, well, well. So you build your own pipeline. Come in.

Well, where would your pipelines go? To whose refineries?

I guess I'll have to put up my own refineries.

'Your own refineries? Sit down.'

But then, how would you sell your gasoline?

Where's your distribution?

Looks like I'll have to put up my own filling stations.

'All over the East, eh? Right kitty-corner from mine, maybe?'

'Maybe.'

Why, that almost sounds like competition.

Yeah, it does, if I did it.

New York office calling, Mr. Compton.

I'll take it in there. Karen.

Come here, old man.

Karen. I want you to meet McMasters. Miss Vanmeer.

- How do you do? - Big John McMasters.

You may have heard me speak of him.

Thinking of moving into New York.

Get him a drink or something. He's a big oil man out here.

Don't mind Harry. He likes to insult people he respects.

What kind of a drink will it be?

No. Nothing, thanks. Little too early in the day for me.

You know, you're much younger than I thought you'd be.

What'd you expect, stranger? A bald head and a breadbasket?

Well, stranger, they told me you were an oil baron.

Is that the way they grow them back east?

In spite of all their steam baths.

Say, this is quite a caboose he's got here.

- 'This one of his nags?' - Yes.

Interested in horses?

Oh, sure. Everybody goes for a good horse.

Harry's just bringing back a string from Tijuana.

They're in the next car. Would you like to see them?

- Sure, fine. - Alright.

And this is Green Devil by Blue Star.

You've heard of him, haven't you?

Oh, yeah, yeah, sure.

Yeah, yeah. Where did you go all of a sudden?

- Sorry. - Wasn't New York, was it?

Yeah, I'm afraid you got me.

You look happy right here. Why do you want to go to New York?

Oh, I don't know.

I remember when I was in short pants

a big redheaded kid had two apples

and dared me to take one away from him.

- Did you do it? - Yeah. It was fun.

Harry's not a redheaded kid.

He's grown up.

In New York, you'd be running right into his backyard.

Sounds good.

I don't like to stay in one place too long anyhow.

Well, partner?

New York's a rough town, partner.

I guess you've never been in Burkburnett

or Whizbang or Ranger.

Oh, no, I mean quietly rough. No shooting from the hip.

Just stab in the back with white kid gloves.

Take it from one who knows oil, Big John.

What does a girl like you know about oil?

I know the men that control it.

I hear things at dinner parties, nightclubs.

Anywhere where men are off guard, and wives talk.

Hm. You're sort of Harry's private-detective agency, huh?

- Sort of. - Well, thanks for the tip.

But I still think that Harry's my redheaded boy.

Alright, don't start crying when they put you against the wall.

Without even a blindfold.

Well, at least they'd know they'd been in a scrap.

I guess they would at that.

- What's the matter? - You in New York.

Did you buy that yourself?

Sure, 5000 bucks worth. Why?

I thought it might have been your mother's or something

and you were wearing it for sentimental reasons.

I don't get you.

That's alright.

Well, Big John, I may be a little crazy.

But if you move to New York, I'll be cheering for you.

'Will you save me a ringside seat?'

Well, come along, man. We'd better go up to the meeting.

How did he like my gee-gees, Karen?

I hope he thought they were nice.

- Goodbye. - So long.

Be back this afternoon, Karen.

Clever girl, isn't she?

Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah, sure.

I met her in the Dutch West Indies, the Maracaibo field.

She was married to a young geologist.

She didn't like it down there.

Hey. Hey.

- Going to town? - Sure. Hop on in.

Nice car you got here.

You bet, chum. Got three more, same kind, red, yellow, green.

Sometime one run out of gas.

You know this fella, John McMasters?

Yeah. Him fine man.

We shoot crap together. Him like me very much.

- Yes, sir? - Corner room.

Yes, sir.

(McMasters) 'Well. So long, Mr. Compton. Glad to have had you.'

Fine. A very informative meeting, gentlemen.

I've to pull out this afternoon.

If I were you, I'd forget that New York idea.

Yeah? Well, who can tell?

Well, so long, Big John.

Yeah, so long.

Your, uh, your luggage, Mr. Sand?

Oh, no, no luggage. I came in my private car.

I won't go up right now, son.

But have the chef fix up a nice dinner for six tonight.

- Yes, sir, Mr. Sand. - Hey, Shorty.

Didn't you forget the wine?

Well, well, well, how are you?

Oh, fine, fine.

I was sorry to hear they took you to the cleaners down there.

Oh, well, the other side took over, but you know me.

I came out with twice what I put in.

Oh, well, that's fine. I might have known it.

Oh, sure. I was way ahead of 'em all the time.

If that's so, I got a big proposition for you.

Lotta dough in it for us. What do you say?

- I don't know. - You don't have to invest cash.

For a long time, I've been looking for a guy--

Oh, no, no, I don't think so.

I got too many things in the fire right now.

Ah, well, how are things around the convention?

- Anything interesting? - No, no, nothing much.

Harry Compton and the crowd just dropped in from the East.

- Oh, is Harry in town? - Yeah.

Like to see the old boy. Might have a big deal on.

Well, there he is. Right over there.

The guy on the phone.

Oh, yes. I didn't see him.

- Well, I'll be seeing you. - Yeah, so long.

Yes, that sounds alright to me.

Only one Corona Perfecto, darling. Darn that doctor.

(Sand) 'There you are. The four bits is yours.'

- 'Hiya, John Sand.' - John Sand, you old maverick.

- Well, Tom and Ed. - How are you, John?

(Sand) 'Well, how goes it, boys?'

We're lucky we run into you.

Real oil men in this town are scarcer than poor Indians.

You and us have gotta have a deal right off, John.

Look, we got us a cinch wildcat lease here.

It ain't near any proven stuff but, uh, sit down here a minute.

(Tom) 'The anticline runs right through here.'

'Now, we know there's oil five miles over here.'

And we know there's oil five miles in this other direction.

Now, John if you'll just take us to the tools and equipment

you'll be in it for half. Now, don't that sound good?

Sure does. All you need is some tools and a string of pipe, huh?

We've been over to see Luther Aldrich.

- But the guy just sat there-- - Luther Aldrich in town?

(Tom) 'Yeah, moved his main office up here.'

'He's got the money in the world.'

But you couldn't blast a cent outta him with nitro.

I got so many things in the fire, but, uh..

Tell you what, give me 24 hours to think it over.

- Oh, well, my boy, my boy. - Luther, old boy.

Good to see you again. You haven't changed a bit.

Ah, thanks, it's like old times.

I've been following your sensational career

with great interest.

Well, Luther, I came in to get me a string of tools.

Of course. Well, here it is. Take your pick.

The trouble is, it'd be a couple of months..

My money's tied up in the foreign banks.

You know, politics--

Don't give it a thought. All you want and all the time to pay.

Sky's the limit, up to 50,000, if you want it.

Wait a minute. I'll get my order blank.

I take it all back, Luther. You have changed.

Oh, well, you know, a fella mellows with age.

Why, even back in Burkburnett, I wasn't really sore.

Remember when you two fellas stole that pipe?

No, no, you and Harmony and the sheriff

were just out hunting quail that day.

Yeah, quail. Yes.

Well, Big John's doing fine now, huh?

- Yeah. I'm glad to hear it. - Yeah, you are?

Why don't you two fellas bury the hatchet.

Oh, we'll bump into one another one of these days.

No time like the present. He's in my office right now.

Why, we were just talking about you. He isn't sore.

- He said that he-- - Oh, I get it. I..

No wonder I thought you'd gone nuts.

How would you like to take that pipe and eat it?

- You slaphappy windbag. - 'What?'

Okay, Shorty, I was trying to stake you.

But stop being like a mule ready to kick himself when--

I don't need any handouts from you.

Here, now, wait a minute. Wait a minute, my boy.

To err is human, to forgive, divine.

- Ow, that's sharp. - Now, just a minute, Shorty.

Simmer down, will you, Shorty. You always did better with me.

- Besides-- - Oh, so that's it.

Who was smart enough to grab off that first lease?

Who was smart enough to get the tools?

What happened when I left? You turned up your toes, went loco.

You let those tin soldiers take you for everything

but your drawers. Come on back in with me, Shorty.

Let's make it happy days again.

Don't need you, never did. Don't hold your breath until I do.

- Don't call me Shorty. - Okay, okay, little man.

If you wanna play hard to get, just don't change your mind.

I'm moving East. I'm walking in on New York, on a real show.

When you whistle for me, I'll whistle back with a blowpipe.

[orchestral music]

[whistling]

Boy, who said the big city is no place in the spring?

[sniffs] Mm.

Isn't it great? Smell that fresh air.

Hm-m, carbon monoxide. I'd rather smell fresh oil.

Why? You're in the consumers end of the business now.

Oh, jokes, huh?

Feeling pretty chipper for a man

who got home at three o'clock in the morning.

That's the way they do business in this town, 24 hours a day.

Looks like you're taking the town by storm.

Compton and his gang know I'm here, I guess.

Honey, you're happy, aren't you?

Yes, if you are.

- Hey, of course I am. - Are you sure?

- Hey, what's the matter? - Oh, nothing.

I'm just kidding. Well, go on up and slave.

Only let's have dinner together tonight for a change, hm?

I'll try, honey.

Oh, look, I thought I'd have a few people in Sunday night

and I need an extra girl. Whom do you suggest?

Oh, search me. I don't know.

Well, I thought, perhaps, what about Karen Vanmeer?

We haven't seen her for ages

and she was so nice to us when we first came here.

- Still works for you right? - Oh, sure, sure.

But she changes from one crowd to another.

You better get somebody else.

- Bye. - Bye.

- Good morning. - Good morning, Mr. McMasters.

- Good morning, JM. - Morning.

- Morning, Mr. McMasters. - Morning.

(female #2) 'Girls, I want you to understand--'

Girls, the boss is here.

Good morning, Mr. McMasters. That will be all.

- 'Yes?' - He's here, Mr. McCreery.

- You can come in now. - What's that?

'Uh, Mr. Felton with Mr. McCreery'

'and Mr. Ward about the Lynbrook refinery.'

Great day for the race, isn't it, Miss Barnes?

- What race? - The human race.

- Oh, yes, of course. - Good morning, JM.

- Morning. - Hi, fellas.

We took the plans and went through the entire plant

with both Mr. Laughlin and their engineers.

What did you find? Everything come up to specifications?

(McCreery) 'Yes, we think it's a great buy, JM.'

Get me Miss Vanmeer.

Here are the final purchase contracts.

What's the hole in that?

Refinery and cracking plant together about 500,000--

[intercom buzzes]

Hello? Oh, hello, Miss Vanmeer. How are you?

Oh, I'm fine and half asleep and wonderful.

And just hoping you'd call.

Oh, so formal.

Why don't you call when you're not in a crowd?

I'll bet McCreery's peering at you

over his glasses like an owl.

(McMasters) 'Yes, you're very right about that.'

And I can see from here that you have got your coat off

and your vest unbuttoned and shame on you.

Okay, okay.

Say, we've got a chance to buy Henderson's Lynbrook plant

for 500,000. Wanted to know if you've heard anything?

Careful, now.

I had Willie Henderson at the Bromley's the other night

through about two quarts of champagne.

Halfway through the second, he dropped a hint.

Those Lynbrook gentlemen are facing bankruptcy.

Thanks, Miss Vanmeer. I thought as much.

Say, on second thought I think you better meet

that gentleman for dinner tonight.

Uh, is this gentleman tall and dark

and with a Texas accent?

Oh, he is.

Well, then startallover again and ask me nicer than that.

I'm sorry, but that's an order.

Darling, you give the nicest orders.

Goodbye, Miss Vanmeer.

Well, boys, I..

- Shorty's in town. - Shorty?

Yeah, yeah. My old partner, John Sand.

Oh, yes? He certainly struck it big in Oklahoma, didn't he?

What did Miss Vanmeer say, JM?

Huh? Oh, yes, yes.

Well, we'll wait. We'll be able to pick it up a lot cheaper.

Wait a minute, JM, Miss Vanmeer may be right.

But there's a possibility of losing this. I think--

No, her tips are right from the barn, Mac.

She's never failed yet.

Alright. After all, it's your money.

You've quite a lot of mail to answer.

I haven't had a phone call this morning from a Mr. Sand

you know, John Sand from Oklahoma, have I?

No, you haven't.

Get him for me, will you? He's at the Waldorf.

A Mr. Sand is registered here

but he won't be back until this evening.

What? Why, he said he was going to the races.

[bugle call]

(male announcer) 'A huge crowd is out here today'

'to view another running of this classic under ideal conditions.'

'As I look over this line of some of the nation's..'

Say, I like that number three.

- Three? - Yes.

He's got a little age on him.

Nine years.

- Well, well. Hiya. - Well, how are you?

- Fine. - John!

- What do you know about that. - Luther, old man.

Well, we were just saying on the train yesterday

we'd probably run into the big moose in New York.

- Weren't we? - Yeah.

I heard about you stumbling onto that big field out there.

I was pretty lucky, I guess. Biggest field in Oklahoma now.

- I bought out the Murphys. - Oh, yeah?

I guess I was always supposed to play the lone wolf.

One head is better than two I always say.

Yeah. You know, I find it that way here.

'Sun Helmet's going to the front.'

Well, I made the bets. Moonray to win, number nine.

Why, if it isn't my old friend McMasters.

'Moonray is moving up fast between horses.'

'It's Moonray and Sun Helmet, neck and neck.'

'Moonray is going away. It's gonna be Moonray..'

Well, gentlemen, that's us. Come on, come on.

So, you're going in with Compton, huh?

Hey, he's liable to make you a big guy.

I've been doing pretty well on my own if anybody should ask ya.

Just because you and I are going in with Harry against him--

What? Hey, is he in with you?

Well, I'm interested in a small way.

Luther finally broke down

and staked me to the first string of tools.

'I only had to give him ten percent of the field.'

What? He staked you? Why, you dirty double-cro--

Now, wait a minute. Don't fly off half-cocked.

I'll fly a kite down your windpipe.

- Well-- - Wait a minute. Wait a minute.

Did you guarantee that equipment for me?

Well, he didn't have to put up any money. Our oil well came in.

- Everything's perfectly-- - Sure, sure.

If it hadn't you'd be inside my checkbook like a pressed pansy.

Are you insinuating that I'm an unethical character?

No. You're just a crooked old jerk.

Jerk? Why, back in Burkburnett you two fellas stole half--

[bugle call]

- Scotch. - Hey, Shorty.

Back in my office, I got me two quarts of red liquor.

- Bourbon. What do you say? - Let's go.

Well, that's fine. I'll wait for Harry and he'll--

- No, no, no, no. - What? Why?

Here, now, wait a minute. What are you doing?

You can't rustle me around like those horses.

I didn't come here to be insulted.

Get back, or I'll have the warden

take away your candy allowance.

I'm gonna have this settled, once and for all.

When I first met you two thugs, you were over here--

I'm sorry, Mr. McMasters, but Mr. Compton is on the phone

again for Mr. Sand and Mr. Aldrich.

Oh, tell--

Tell him Aldrich's having a baby.

(Luther) 'Oh, but this is outrageous.'

I've got a huge office next door waiting for your name on it.

I knew that when we left the racetrack.

But wait a minute. We told Compton that..

- Where's my office? - Right underneath the warden's.

Mr. McMasters, your tailor is here.

Oh, tell him to go away. Come back next year when I..

No, wait a minute. Bring him in. We got work to do.

When you sober up you can call me at my hotel.

- Go to jail. - Go to jail.

- 'Go to jail.' - 'Go to jail.'

You better fit them both for straitjackets.

Ah, Bonjour, Monsieur McMasters.

Hi, Ferdie, never mind my stuff

you got a new customer, Mr. Sand.

- Au chaunte, Monsieur. - What goes on here?

You're buying yourself a couple dozen suits.

- I got two suits. - Two suits?

This is New York. You look like a Houston house detective.

You got anything there, Ferdie, that you think he might like?

[speaking French]

That wonderful, new, striking Harris tweed you ordered.

Oh, yes, yes. Say, that ought to look alright on you, Shorty.

Ah, don't you think so, Ferdie?

Mm-hm, let me see...yes.

The buff brings out the ruddiness in his complexion, ah?

Wait a minute. Is this guy on the level?

That's imported stuff.

Old women weave it in cottages over in Scotland.

Ah, let Mr. Sand smell it, Ferdie.

Get that intriguing aroma from the peat fires?

- Smells a little gamy. - Oh, you fellows kill me.

Yeah, get a load of those shoulders, Ferdie.

Don't you think you could do something with them?

Let me see.

What a nice modeling? We should get a perfect drape.

Would you mind stepping over here?

You know, I'm gonna let this guy--

Yes, yes.

Alright, alright. Just a moment.

Just a moment, please.

Tape.

- Forty-four. - 'Forty-four.'

Am I interrupting? Or are ladies allowed?

Oh, hello, hello, Karen.

Come in, come in, ah, Shorty, this is Karen Vanmeer.

John Sand, Karen.

- Pleased to know you, I'm sure. - Oh, so you're Square John.

I've heard a lot about you.

Yeah? Running me down again, huh, pal?

I was just passing by and took a chance my boss might be in.

Can you talk to me for a moment?

Oh, sure. Ah, excuse us, will you, Shorty?

Sure.

(Ferdie) 'Eighteen. Hold out your arm. Bend it, please.'

- 'Thirty-one.' - 'Thirty-one.'

(Ferdie) 'Turn around, please.'

Looks as if I'm going to be a very lonely girl tonight.

Shorty and I have got a lot to talk over.

Oh, but you mustn't forget there are new times too.

Look, you've got to learn to take

nofor an answer once in a while.

I wouldn't let you give me that answer.

- 'Thirty-two.' - 'Thirty-two.'

Turn around, please. Now we take the trouser length.

I'll be running along. Nice to have met you, Square John.

And I'm happy to hear we're going to see more of you.

- Sure. Thanks. - Goodbye.

- Goodbye. - You like them snug?

Yes, come on, get on with it, buddy.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

[door closes]

Get me Mrs. McMasters.

Hey, who is this Vanmeer dame?

She'd stop a stampede, if you ask me.

Yeah, smart girl. She works for me.

- Here in the office? - No, no.

She knows everybody here in New York.

Gets around and hears everything worth hearing.

That's the way you work in this town.

- Ah, Ah. - Shh, Betsy.

Hello? Yeah, hello, honey. Yeah, I'll be home for dinner.

Yeah, yeah, and I'm bringing a guy with me.

Yeah. Oh, yes, yes, business.

Yes, John, alright.

Goodbye, dear.

(Harmony) 'Now, Jack, play like this is an Apache Indian'

'and he's sneaking up on you.'

[glass chatters]

Uh-uh, you done broke one of your pappy's thingamabobs.

Another vase.

Mr. McMasters will hear about this.

Mr. McMasters. Mr. McMasters.

This sort of thing goes on all the time.

It'll toughen you up, Parker.

Cans of catfish and dang my tired eyes.

Harmony, Harmony, how are you? How are..

What are you doing with your pajama top on?

Oh, I don't know. It's his idea.

- 'Daddy.' - Jackie.

Pal, this is your uncle Square John.

- Hello, sport. - Hello, Uncle Square John.

Do you wanna play Shooting Indians with me?

You and your old uncle are gonna play plenty from now on.

I'm sorry, dear. I didn't expect you so..

Well, well, well. Just as I knew her.

Still much too pretty to walk and talk.

Jonathan.

Betsy.

Oh, Jonathan.

Well, if I cry now, don't blame me.

Oh, you two idiots. All this time.

Yeah, yeah, we buried it in a bottle of bourbon.

(female #3) 'Pardon me, Mrs. McMasters.'

It's time for Jackie's supper now.

- Oh, mom. - No, no, now, darling.

- You can come down later. - Yeah, yeah. Come on, son.

He looks exactly like you.

Think I'll buy him a football helmet.

He's much too young for a football helmet.

Oh, I don't mean to play in, I mean to sleep in.

Okay, okay.

[laughs]

Oh, Jonathan.

Oh, come on in.

Jackie's a great kid. They're both great kids.

And this is a swell layout, it's you all over, Betsy.

Class.

You and the big moose must really be happy here, hm?

Yes, of course we are, Jonathan.

Betsy, everything is going great guns, isn't it?

Oh, Jonathan.

Betsy, something's the matter. Wha-what is it?

Oh, nothing. It's..

It's just now that I'm so happy to see you two together again.

I'm so happy that you're here.

Well, I-I'm sorry, I warned you I might cry though.

Please let me a little.

See, this bank of blowers first heats the crude oil

in those coils to about 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

Dante's Inferno has nothing on this.

No. From here it's carried up to that fractionating tower

where it's heated to about 900 degrees.

(McMasters) 'That's what we mean by cracking.'

That's where the crude is condensed and evaporated

into gasoline, kerosene, naphtha and paving asphalt

'medicinal oils. Oh, hundreds of byproducts.

'And all points west.'

All that? Hey, Jonathan, I'll bet you're glad

that I talked you out of going with Compton.

If we buy a couple more of these, we'll run Compton ragged.

That reminds me, you haven't signed that contract yet.

It's been on your desk since yesterday.

- I'll get around to it. - Make it snappy.

Over there is our crude oil storage tank farm.

These, um, these ball-shaped pressure tanks are for butane

and casing-head gas.

- Well, if it isn't the man I-- - Oh, hello, Karen.

Hello there.

Uh, how do you do?

- It's nice to see you again. - Thanks. Hello, you two.

- Hi. - How do you do?

Where have you been hiding all this time?

Here and there. You're looking well.

I feel fine, thank you.

I just heard something frightfully important.

'I couldn't get you at the office, so I dropped by.'

(McMasters) 'What's up?'

(Karen) 'The Independent Operators Convention in Washington'

begins tomorrow. I heard there's something about price-cutting.

I thought you might want to be there.

Those independent operators might come in handy, Shorty.

Do you wanna jump down there see if we're kicked around?

No, you go alone. You know how to smoosh those get-togethers.

Luther and I can get Betsy to show us some of the hot spots.

Okay.

- You'd like that, won't you? - You bet.

- Fine. - I have to hurry back.

- So long, everybody. - Goodbye, Karen.

- Don't be such a stranger. - Oh, thanks.

Couple of things I wanna talk to you about.

I'll be right back.

You know, it is interesting, all that superstructure.

Yeah, yeah. Say, I got an appointment downtown.

I better grab a cab, I'll see you later. Tell him, will you?

Yes. It is, it's interesting.

I know a couple of bootleggers back in Oklahoma

who'd like to have this.

You know, Betsy, bathtub gin?

Children make a lot of difference, don't they, Luther?

Now, listen, Betsy. Don't jump to conclusions.

I wouldn't have stood for this back in Burkburnett.

Darling, I'm a kind of an old fool now and then.

But I love you and John so much

and I've watched fellas like him in my time.

- Don't worry. They'll always-- - You're very sweet, Luther.

Come on, show me around some more, hm?

[doorbell buzzing]

- Is your boss in? - Who will I say is--

That's alright. She knows me.

[door closes]

- Hello, Karen. - Well, for heaven's sake.

I just left you on Long Island.

You're the prettiest gal east of Frisco in that little rig?

Get me a drink of whiskey, will ya?

Why, of course.

Scram, you. I'll buy you a diamond daybed for Christmas.

- Where's John? - I ducked him.

Oh.

Actually, I didn't want him around when I talked to you.

Certainly is a nifty little joint you got here.

Thank you. I'm glad you like it.

- Bourbon, straight. - Thank you.

You know, I always wondered

why John never brought you up here before?

Karen, you're a pretty smart little gal.

I say, you're a smart little gal.

You know, this income-tax thing is really getting

to be a heck of a note.

'Would you believe that I'll pay 220,000 this year?'

Well, I'd say you're very lucky.

You know, Karen, I may not look much like a lady's man

but many a gal has cried when I left.

If I were a man, I'd consider that a great compliment

but why tell me?

Well, I'll get to the real point.

I'll skip my better ones, like my not snoring.

And knowing exactly, when a dame needs a walloping

to be sure that I'm in love with her.

All that and the fact that I've got all the money in the world.

I've got an idea, I'm asking you to marry me.

I don't get it.

I simply don't get it. You don't want to marry me, of course

but you meant what you said.

I'll tell you what I'll do with you.

I'll sign a paper stating I'm in my right mind.

So, you're bound to get most of my dough

if the thing don't work out.

Oh, I see.

Greater love hath no man than to lay down

his life for his..

Why, it's even more than that.

It's Betsy. You're in love with John McMasters wife.

Come on, what do you say?

Let's go down to the Hall of Records and make it legal.

- You obviously dislike me. - Ain't it the truth.

I don't like poachers, male or female.

You know, I rang a little buzzer when I came in here

but as far as I'm concerned, it's still an old-fashioned

brass bell and all these lovely flowered curtains around here

are red plush, for my money.

Besides that you can't horn in on the setup

that the world thinks is a good family.

My, my, all of that.

Yes and a little more, but you get my drift. What do you say?

Would be intriguing, trying to make you change your mind.

The offer still goes.

What's she got to deserve two such men?

What's she got that I..

Square John, she'll be free to marry you soon

because I'm going to marry John McMasters.

- Oh, no, you're not. - 'Has he told you so?'

Has he told you he loves you?

Not in so many words, but there are certain times

being a woman, that I might easily believe he was.

What's more, I'm gonna get him because he needs me.

Must be awfully boring listening to a woman

who knows what she wants.

Well, looks like I brought in a duster.

- Thanks for the drink, anyway. - Not at all.

I'm going down to Washington this evening

and all this will make a very amusing topic of conversation

in case I meet anybody on the train.

I wouldn't say anything to him, Karen.

Well, I certainly--

I wouldn't do that if I were you, Karen.

I wouldn't say a word.

Big John gets back to town on Tuesday, doesn't he?

Mm-hmm.

He should have left Washington before that was taken.

[phone ringing]

Hello. It's Harmony, for you.

[clears throat]

Yes, Harmony?

What?

I'll be right over.

- She gonna be alright? - Yes, I arrived in time.

I can't imagine where she got the prescription

for such a sleeping potion.

- Can I.. - Oh, certainly, Mr. Sand.

But not too long, please.

Trying to get funny, huh?

I feel just like a Swiss tunnel.

Did you ever have to swallow a stomach pump?

Not like our Betsy.

You weren't thinking very much of little Jack, were you?

Yes, the minute after I did it. That's why I changed my mind.

It's a heck of a fuss to make over a Dutch daffodil.

I've lost my pride, I guess.

Why not? I've lost everything else.

John, you don't know how it is to love someone so much.

'When being in love like that is stopped..'

'...it's worse than your breathing being stopped.'

Take it easy, honey.

But it's true because...if you stop breathing you're dead

and you don't have to feel anymore

but...when they stop your love...you're alive

and you keep on feeling.

Oh, Jonathan, it's horrible being in love like that.

Yeah, I guess it is.

But as you say, I wouldn't know about that.

Oh, I'm sorry.

I've never been so sorry.

We gotta do something about you and the moose, huh?

No, I don't think he needs me anymore, Jonathan.

You see, when we left Burkburnett

he needed me then and all those years working and planning.

Here in New York, he's doing it all by himself.

'It's his world and I'm no part of it.'

But I wanna be.

You and him and little Jackie, you're all part of each other.

I don't care if he owns all the oil in Hades.

I got an idea.

Maybe a little rough, but you just leave everything to me

and things will be alright.

I'll leave everything to you.

But don't you peep.

You just go on like nothing had happened, will you?

Whatever you say, Jonathan.

Think she'll be alright by tomorrow?

Oh, yes, I think so.

I don't want anybody to know about this.

Oh, no. Mr. McMasters will pay my bill.

And I assure you, there'll be no gossip.

Mr. McMasters won't pay the bill and there won't be no gossip

and that two grand gives me the right

to break your neck if there is.

But..

I..

Listen, Square John, this ain't no good for us here.

We ought to go back down to Oklahoma or Texas.

You're going back. You and him and her and little Jackie.

- How we gonna pry him loose? - I'll pry him.

I'll bring him back where she can love him

without any complications.

He's gonna suffer like a bull with his legs broke.

He won't have any dough left, he'll be back where he belongs.

I called the Compton offices

Mr. Sand's secretary says he's in conference.

Try him again.

Have some pride, my friend, it's obvious you're being snubbed.

- That double-crossing sump rat. - I don't quite get it all.

But there is one thing certain, he's out to break you.

So he and Compton think they can stretch me over a barrel, huh?

Get my car hooked onto the first train leaving for Tulsa.

They're hanging the wrong boy up to dry.

You probably know what you're doing, but be careful.

They must have been planning this--

This is an old time barroom fight.

The man that hits first wins and that's me.

I'm gonna beat them to every independent operator

left in the West. I got a brand-new idea.

When I'm through telling them, Compton and Sand won't be able

to buy enough oil to lubricate a kiddy car.

I tell you, Frank, it's the only thing.

I'll maintain the price, your well will produce twice as long

and in the end, you'll make more dough.

- Sounds kinda good alright. - It is good.

And here's another reason why you should..

The joker in their setup is this, you sign with them

they'll make you overproduce, then drop the price on you.

Never thought of it that way.

It's time you guys thought about it.

If you sell to Compton and Sand or anybody else

under the old setup, they'll have you

right behind the eight ball and I'll tell you why.

They'll get you to force-pump your wells for quick money

and then you'll lose your gas pressure

and then suddenly one day, you'll find half your oil

still underground, right down there.

And no way on this man's Earth to get it out.

Look what happened to Burkburnett.

Whizbang. Desdemona. Dead holes before their time.

Gentlemen, as a geologist, I agree with Mr. McMasters.

The compound ratio of substrata--

That's high-forehead stuff.

The main thing is, boys, if you stick with me

I'll contract and guarantee you the present price

and you'll make more money in the long run.

Boys, Big John is right.

Oh, you did?

But I understood you were all set to sign with us.

Oh.

McMasters, huh?

Evans has signed with him.

That means the entire Elk Creek crowd will follow.

- What's the matter with us? - Him.

He's got a great line of smoosh, he knows the oil business.

Well, I'm heading for a drink.

I don't know why you got us into this? I'll be ruined.

You can always say you were a big man once.

Big once? That's a bit..

McMasters is likely to sink us, at the rate he's going.

Say, he doesn't know it

but maybe Uncle Sam will be interested in what he's doing.

Get me Senator Grayson in Washington.

What? That's terrible.

Well, unload all my Compton-United.

I'm, I'm-I'm closing out.

- Yes? - 'Mr. Aldrich calling.'

Tell him I'm out of town.

Trying to put me against the wall, huh?

Now, who's asking for a blindfold?

It's nice to see you so happy about it.

Sure, I'm happy. On top of the world.

See what happens when a guy falls in with Compton?

Turned him into a crook.

Everything said, it's a little odd making excuses for Mr. Sand.

What do you mean excuses?

He was a burglar, and I licked him down to his size.

Expensive victory. Selling oil for half what you paid for it.

- Cost you about $5 million. - Ah, we'll make that back.

I'm sorry to interrupt, but Mr. John Sand to see you.

Sand, here?

You fellas clear out.

- Send him in. - Yes, sir.

You think this is wise?

I'd like to see him alone, Karen.

Of course.

- Hi. - Hi.

Well, I see you took a bath. Anything more I can do for you?

Yeah.

You can give your wife a divorce.

- What? - You can give Betsy a divorce.

You almost cleaned me out, but I saved enough to start over.

Oh, yeah, and she wants the boy too.

Have you gone daffy?

That's the best way. That'll leave you free to marry Karen.

Still poking your nose into other people's business?

- She's smart, good-looking-- - 'Wait a minute.'

Do you mean to say that... that Betsy's in love with you?

Well, what do you think I'm doing here?

What do you think happens to a woman, anyway?

She's a little human too, you know.

Prettier than the day you married her.

I've noticed that even if you haven't.

And you don't have to worry about little Jack, you know.

You can drop around and see him once in a while if you get time.

- You got it all fixed, right? - Sure I have.

Back-dooring me, that's what you're doing.

- Sneaking through my back door. - So what?

You're not gonna get away with it.

You and I started a fight once and never finished.

Now, I'm gonna beat your brains out.

Boy, am I gonna enjoy this.

What are you backing away for?

(Barnes) Oh, my goodness. There must be something we can do.

- Can't we do anything? - Call the police.

I wouldn't do that. They might get mad.

Get your hand out of that birdcage.

What is all this? What's going on here?

Are they in conference?

Oh, well, we'd better... they'll-they'll, huh?

Kind of soft, ain't you, big boy?

I'll talk to them. I started them in business.

I thought you looked like a fight promoter.

That door is locked too.

Come on, come on.

- Hey. - Gentlemen, please.

- 'Take it easy.' - 'What are you doing?'

Come on, get out.

Boys, this is disgraceful.

Come on, get out. The bunch of you.

Honey, buy me a ticket for Europe on the first boat.

Yes, Mr. Sand.

What are you laughing at? We've lost a fortune.

Luther, I've just done the best afternoon's work of my life.

If you hadn't pulled this, we might've talked ourselves back.

I wouldn't go back with that bull snake ever.

I wants to eat.

Send the tickets over to the hotel, will you?

- I want to see Mr. McMasters. - He's busy right now.

So are we. I'm Stebbins.

United States Marshal, Federal District Attorney's office.

Feeling clean again?

Yeah. Yeah, I guess I'll live.

A man always worries about his tie when he's in love, right?

Karen, there's something I want to tell you.

You don't have to. I'm a high-class eavesdropper.

Don't you know that's my business?

You never got much outta this, did you?

I got plenty. All I asked for.

Except the frosting.

And I knew in my heart I'll never get that.

A man told me so once.

Yeah, you said it. You're a high-class.

This may not be, but I'm going to do it because I want to.

High-class or not, I'm going out the back way.

Just to begin to see how it feels.

Goodbye, stranger.

Okay, stranger.

Are you John McMasters?

- Yes, but I'm sorry, I got-- - I've got an arrest warrant.

- Arrest? I don't get you. - Federal indictment.

Heard of the Sherman Anti-trust Law, haven't you?

I don't know what this is about but first I have to see my wife.

Why not. A wife's swell when you're in a jam.

That's not the idea.

- Daddy. - Hiya, son.

- How's my boy? - Hey, you got hurt.

Hello, dear--

Look, son, you go upstairs and play, will you?

- I want to talk to mother. - Okay.

- He's a great kid. - Yeah.

Come here, dear.

- You're hurt. Who's that man? - Never mind that.

You're not getting away from me. You know that, don't you?

- What? - I'm not blaming you, maybe.

But you aren't walking with him or anybody else. Understand?

- Him? What are you-- - Sand.

'He told me all about it.'

I had to give him a licking to show him that's out.

You're my girl, see? And you always will be.

Even if I have to lick you to prove it.

I'm your girl.

You can lick me if it'll help.

I'll save it for when you need it.

You mentioned that you got the money to drill the second well

by shooting craps in a Arkansas honky-tonk.

- Right? - I said part of the money.

- And the rest? - It was a deal.

How did you get the money to drill your first well? Wasn't--

- I object on the-- - Naturally he objects.

What is the government's object in this questioning?

'Your Honor, we are trying to prove, and I believe we have'

'that this man was a lawbreaker from the start.'

'That Big John McMasters, in full knowledge'

'willfully conspired to break the laws of the United States.'

That he is typical of the economic royalists

'and bourbon industrialists who, for self-indulgence'

'seek to ride over the laws and commonplace securities'

'of the citizens of this country.'

The people of the US will demand for John McMasters

the maximum penalty of ten years in a federal penitentiary.

For the last time. Spectators will preserve order.

The statement of the attorney is stricken from the record.

Now, Mr. McMasters. Isn't it true that for this first well

you stole $7000 worth of tools from a Mr. Luther Aldrich?

- I took them, but he was paid. - Then you did steal the tools.

You can call it that in your language.

But I borrowed them in mine. Borrowed them like people did.

- We wanted to find oil. - Now, Mr. McMasters.

You have admitted that you set out to break Compton and Sand.

- I did. - What was your reason?

They were trying to break me.

(attorney) 'I see. Self-protection.'

- Wasn't Compton a friend? - Not exactly.

- John Sand was your friend? - He was.

'Isn't it true that Mr. Sand helped you in the oil business?'

It was his lease that started you on to your first fortune?

Right.

You want the jury to believe that a friend and benefactor

tried to break you.

- He did. - Why?

Why did he try to break you?

- I can't answer that. - 'You mean can't or won't?'

'Take your pick.'

'You don't understand my language?'

That's right. I don't understand this man's language at all.

He calls me a bourbon. What's that?

I always thought it was whiskey.

- Then you refuse to answer? - That's right.

- And I'm getting tired of you. - Sit down.

If you refuse to answer, I'll hold you in contempt of court.

I wouldn't want that to happen to Mr. McMasters, Your Honor.

I withdraw my question. That is all.

I have witnesses in rebuttal, Your Honor.

Very well.

Mrs. McMasters, take the stand, please.

(Judge) 'Any objections?'

We waive any objections, Your Honor.

'Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but'

'the truth, so help you God?'

'I do.'

Now, Mrs. McMasters, I won't keep you long.

I only want to ask you a few questions.

How long have you been married to Mr. McMasters?

Seven and a half years.

Are you acquainted with a woman named Karen Vanmeer?

- Yes, I am. - She works for your husband?

- She did. - In what capacity?

- I'm on trial, not my wife. - I object to this.

- What possible connection-- - I'm only trying to prove--

Objection sustained.

They went to Washington, D.C., on May 14th last year.

Do you know whom they visited, and what the purpose was?

Whether I do or I don't, that doesn't matter.

You're trying to blacken my husband's character by trying to

prove there was something between him and Miss Vanmeer.

What I know about that doesn't matter either.

I know I am, and I always will be, in love with my husband.

'That is all, Mrs. McMasters. Thank you.'

Court will adjourn until 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.

- Yeah, Mac? - Stock's down to seven.

We don't have to worry about that now. What about the notes?

I just left the bank. The board took all your collateral.

- I'm terribly sorry, JM. - That's okay, Mac.

Put a wanted ad in the paper. You will be alright.

- Thanks for everything. - Thanks, JM.

Well, honey, we're broke again.

What do we care? We can always go back to..

Forget it, honey. We're not down yet.

- That's a lie. - Order, order. Proceed.

No cross-examination, Your Honor.

- I have one more witness. - Very well. Call your witness.

John Sand.

'Raise your right hand.'

Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and

nothing but the truth, so help you God?

Mr. Sand, you used to be bosom friends with Mr. McMasters?

We were pals, if that's what you mean.

Are you pals now?

- No, we don't get on at all. - Why?

I don't know. I just don't like him, I guess.

'You and Mr. Compton were competitors of Mr. McMasters?'

Not for very long.

You were wiped out because this man turned into an octopus..

- 'I object.' - Sustained.

Prosecution will confine itself to the issues.

You failed in your business because Mr. McMasters formed

a monopoly in defiance of the antitrust laws. Isn't that true?

(attorney) 'Your Honor, please.'

Now, you haven't got that straight either.

- Answer yes or no. - Wait a minute. Take it easy.

You subpoenaed me, but I'm just here to try to straighten out--

Mr. Witness, you're here to answer questions.

Judge, I'm getting as mixed up as anybody in this hot seat.

And he's all balled up, asking a lot of questions.

Would it be alright if I stood up and relaxed?

Maybe I can straighten things out here.

- 'I object to allowing this--' - The court wants the truth.

I'll admit it, subject to a motion to strike.

Proceed, Mr. Sand.

Well, as I get it

McMasters is on the hook 'cause he broke the anti-trust laws.

He signed up a few oil operators and formed a monopoly.

I know that he signed them to make more money.

I know he not original with that, a lotta us know that.

But what he was doing, although he didn't know it

in a way, he was working for United States, too.

- Am I out of line yet, Judge? - 'Proceed, Mr. Sand.'

He wanted these guys to produce less oil.

So that their wells would flow longer and not ruin the fields.

That way they'd get all the oil from the wells.

Don't you get the idea? He was for conservation.

How can he be breaking laws when he's trying to save resources?

He didn't know that he was doing anything noble but being among

the best oil men there is, he's got the right hunch about oil.

He knows that it took billions of years to put it here.

And if we keep taking it at this rate

before long, there won't be any left in the good old U.S.A.

Won't be any left for him or men like him

to break up into lube and fuel and gasoline

so that people can get their stuff moved around in trucks

that you can light furnaces and homes and schoolhouses.

If that time comes, what'll be the good of schoolhouses?

What'll be the good of your two oceans?

What are you gonna run airplanes and battleships on? Tomato soup?

- 'I only got a few more words.' - 'Proceed, Mr. Sand.'

He's got a lot of ham in him, hasn't he?

Well, just this, McMasters is a wildcatter.

If it wasn't for automobiles, he'd be driving a covered wagon.

It's always been his breed that has opened up the country

'and made it what it is.'

So, now I'm wondering... is it out of line here

for a man to make a million with his brains and hands?

If that's true, we'll rewrite this land-of-opportunity stuff.

I admit that he's ornery and he's mean.

But he's an oil man with the right idea for all our oil.

He's always met the payroll, you can put his word in the bank.

Now, that's all I got to say. Now, you talk.

- I move to strike this answer. - Motion denied.

Court adjourned until tomorrow.

We may beat this yet.

Hey.

- Hi. - Hi.

That was quite a speech.

Well, I got kind of wound up, I guess.

Say, I was thinking, if I beat this

I got a section of wildcat stuff left out in California.

I don't know much about it.

But how'd you like to take a whirl at it with me?

No, no, I guess not. I'm through with the oil game for good.

It's too tough. Well, I'll be seeing you.

Yeah.

* Fare thee well Fare thee well *

* Fare thee well my fairy fey *

* For I'm going to Louisiana for to see my Susyanna *

* Singing polly wolly doodle all the day *

Wa-hoo!

Wa-hoo!

[dogs barking]

Welcome to McMasters' camp. Come in here.

I'm sure glad to see you, Miss Betsy. Yes, sir.

- Hi, old boy. - Hi, big fella.

Well, here it is, honey.

This'll be where we'll live. Well, for a while, anyway.

It's beautiful here, darling. I love it.

Luther, you're crazy to sell this. This is great stuff.

There's Jonathan.

I'm gonna spud in right down--

Jonathan.

- Well, my goodness. - Hello.

Fancy meeting you here.

- Hello, uncle. - Hello, sport. How are you?

- Hi, Shorty. - What are you doing here?

This is the half-section I talked about in New York.

You told me you had a whole sec--

I see why you sold me this half for $100. It's a handout, huh?

Now, listen. I thought we could put down one test well

and prove both properties.

What do you say?

Where do you figure on drilling?

Well, I figure the main structure is up here.

No, down by the hollow is the main structure.

- I've been over this-- - So what? If you don't know..

Come and get it. Rabbit a la mode.

Rabbit a la mode, Shorty.

Let's get this straight. I'll give the pipe and equipment.

But I want cash in 90 days.

How about giving Luther an eighth interest instead of cash?

Oh, no, you fellas go broke on your own this time.

There's a dry hole in every foot of this stuff.

What's the name of this sucker's paradise?

- From a guy named Kettleman. - They call it Kettleman Hills.

Kettleman Hills? Doesn't even sound like oil.

[music]